Brother Awarded Purple Heart [posthumously after 43 years]

After 43 years my brother, Capt. Herbert C Crosby has received the Purple Heart, posthumously. His helicopter went down January 10, 1970. He and his Firebird Nine One crew were MIA. His remains along with his crew were all eventually identified, and buried in American soil. It took 37 years for Herby to finally be identified, a long 37 years for our family. However, we are one of the lucky families, a success story for the National League of Families. Many are still MIA, but they are not forgotten. No, not forgotten then, and not now.

The award was presented to Capt. Crosby's 94-year old mother on March 28, 2013. She was happy to know he received the award for his ultimate sacrifice. She said, "I wish it were him instead of this. He deserved it though. Took them [Army] long enough." Yes, he did deserve it. 

The U.S. Army Memorandum stated, 

"We have determined that Captain Crosby is entitled to the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with "60" Device and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm Device."

The family is in the process of obtaining the additional medals he is entitled to. 

Remembering Firebird Nine One and Crew - 2013

Forty-three years. You all are and forever will be in the hearts and memories of those who loved you, knew you. Miss you Herby. 

Ephesians 1:15-17 (NIV)

¹⁶ I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 

Shuttle Discovery at her new home

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Merry Christmas!

May the spirit of the season, the main reason we celebrate Christmas, 

bring peace to you now and in the coming year.

Happy Veterans Day!!!!

THANK YOU VETERANS!

I honor you all today and give my salute to you all. Without your courage, sacrifice, and devotion to our country in your service I would not be here today, nor would we have the right to freedom.

It's all because of you...God bless you and your families.

Nudge a Friend

Have you ever just started crying, uncontrollably and not knowing why? Tonight the flood gates opened and the river gushed from my eyes. Why?

I had just finished watching the movie Nora which is about the wife of James Joyce, one of the greatest writers of all time. It was a good movie which I enjoyed watching. When it was finished I started to put a few things away in getting ready for bed. All of a sudden this uncontrollable crying came over me. I leaned against the wall to help keep me from falling, no it was actually to keep me from sinking to the floor in tears. With my head poised against my arms leaning on that wall, crying, I thought why am I crying so. The movie wasn't sad, yet it did bring memories of stories from years gone by. Slam dunk it hit me in the face. I was grieving once again. I had held it in for some time but with another recent death, well, it just hit me and I let the river flow. Maybe it's all the rain today from Hurricane Sandy. This time though I grieved for many.

The past year I have lost so many family and friends mostly from "the greatest generation." There aren't too many of them left, but in this case all my "greatest generation" is gone except for my mother. I've had death or rather the loss of life on my mind so much recently too. Tomorrow I take her the sad news I received this week to mom that her friend Fran has passed. I loved Fran. She loved me. Everyone loved Fran. We will miss her but one more so than many, my mom, as they were very close friends. Fran wrote to my mom up until just a couple months ago. Mom couldn't write back as she can't write anymore. I would write to Fran for mom, yet that was seldom, sad to say.  Francile's death really brought it all home to all who has passed in the last year. Friends dying. It's so very sad to see them go.

As I was crying my heart out I felt this nudge, no two nudges against my leg. I looked down to see my two dear doxies. They were reaching up to hug me and comfort me. What sweet ones they are. They understood. I was so touched. I bent down to hug and hold them dear as they licked the tears from my face and brought a smile to my heart.

No story here, just a note to help me remember a moment in time. A nudge of love, a moment of sadness, great memories and a moment of realization. Enjoy every day of your life...it could be the last day of your life or more sadly the last day of a friend's life. Maybe it't time to nudge a friend for a hug.

National POW/MIA Recognition Day 2012 - Do They Know?

2012 POW/MIA poster from DPMO

Do they know?
Do they know it's POW/MIA Recognition Day?
Do they know some have not forgotten them?
Do they know some of us still care?
Do they know they were knowingly left behind?
Do they know their family loves and misses them?
Do they know the families still fight for their accounting, for their return home?

Do you know?
Do you care?

I do.

Read An Enormous Crime: The Definitive Account of Americans Abandoned in Southeast Asia to learn the truth. Then, answer the questions above.

My brother was MIA for 37 years before his remains were identified. There is still hope for our Vietnam heroes who could possibly still be alive.

Support the National League of POW/MIA Families and learn what is being done to account for each of our Missing in Action and Prisoners of War from ALL wars.

POWs and MIA families are being recognized and honored this day, this weekend by the Rolling Thunder in Americus, Georgia, at the National POW Museum at the Andersonville National Historic Site (site of the most horrific Civil War Prisoner of War camp).

Take time this day to remember these warriors and their families. Visit one of the websites noted above to read at least just a snippet of information. Teach your young.

Will they care you remember them?
Will they know you care?
Will they give up hope?
Do they miss you?
Do they know?
Do you care?

I care. I care they know I care. I will never give up hope. I will never forget. I will not abandon them.
What about you?