I want to tell you a little bit about a conversation I had today. I had the opportunity to sit down and talk with a young lad I recently met. What got the conversation going was, I asked him what he wanted to do with his life. (This young lad is 16 years old). Young lads this age are worried about girls, booze, sports((Oh wait, that was ME when I was 16!!). Anyway his response to me was that he wanted to be a U.S. Marine. He was serious as all get out. Being the Dad of a U.S. Marine (recently retired) and having spent 20 years as an enlisted Sailor in the U.S. Navy, with two tours on LSD's used to carry Marine Landing Teams around I could not help myself. I first asked him if his father dropped him on his head too many times when he was a baby! (That's what I used to say when people asked about my son). He politely smiled at my off-beat sense of humor and said "No Sir. My Dad was a Marine -so I want to be one also". That ended the joking-smart mouthing that I had been prepared to pepper him with.
At our dining room table, I asked him about his educational goals. He wants to go to the Citadel, a renowned military training ground for prospective military officers. (I would have been happier if he had said the Naval Academy, but that's just me.) I talked to him a little about physical standards, educational needs etc.....stuff I knew he would have to be up on if he wanted to succeed. Believe me, he knows.
I then went on to brag about my son---something I have been doing for many, many years. I told him about his career in the Marines; Desert Storm, Afghanistan, Marine One (flying Pres. Bush all over the world). I could see it had an impact on him. I then gave him some extra stuff I had around the house, gathering dust in a drawer: pins, decals, stuff like that. I also showed him some pictures of my son with Pres. Bush and flying his helicopter with Marine One. I also gave him my card with this blog, my e-mail and facebook id on it and told him that if there was ever anything he would like to talk to me about, he was certainly free to contact me. (Don't worry----I checked this out with his Mom and Dad before-hand).
I don't know if he'll contact me or not. I certainly hope so.
The bottom line, America, is that you do not have to worry about our military forces as long as there are young men (and young women) like this to carry on the roles that I, my son, his Dad, and many, many others have fulfilled.
I have purposely left his name out of this blog: I would not want to embarass him in any way.
If he allows, I will publish later.
Also, one last shout-out to his Mom and Dad..........you done good.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Blog nr. 6
Today, 29 June is a Day of Remembrance in our house hold.
On this date, 29 June 1945 our nation was still at war with the Empire of Japan. It was heading toward the end. Germany had surrendered and Japan was reeling from the many battle losses that we had inflicted upon them. Their nation was reeling, both from the battle losses and from the incessant fire-bombing of their cities. Their economy was non-existent; food was scarce.
Although I don't have the historic facts, here is a synopsis of what happened that day that makes it a day WE remember.
Squadrons of bomber aircraft flew over the city of Sasebo, Japan. Why Sasebo? This city on the southern island of Kyushu was a hub of the Imperial Navy with hugh shipyards that were a vital link to the Japanese seapower.
On this day, the B-29's, B-25's and other aircraft dropped thousands of pounds of explosives on the shipyards and the city. Being constructed of mostly wood, it did not take much to turn the structures of this city aflame. I cannot imagine the fear and terror that was felt by the civilian population. Approximately 25,000 civilians died during this fire-bombing.
One 10 year old girl was trying to find an air-raid shelter with her mother, brother and four sisters. As they were running terrified toward the shelter, the fire and explosions engulfed them. This girl's brother pushed this little girl down and tried to protect her from the devastation. Her mother and sisters became seperated from them.
After everything was over, rescuers found the Mother and four sisters dead. The brother was also killed, but his sacrifice saved this little girl. She had been slightly wounded. Rescuers took this little girl to relatives that had survived, to stay with them until her Father and 2 older brothers who had survived could find her and care for her. Her Father was distraught over the loss of his wife, son and 4 daughters-------within a year he had died from alcohol poisoning and an untreated abdominal hernia. The little girl was cared for by her two older brothers and a slew of aunts/uncles who had also survived.
So why is this a day of rememberance for this family???? Because that little girl has been my wife for the past 45 1/2 years. She doesn't talk much of this day, but I think of it often.
One of these days, I will share my thoughts about war. Not today. But I thank GOD she survived and entered my life 20 years after that tragedy and became the mother of our three children and is now "Gramma" to two beautiful little girls. And I thank her 12 year old brother who saved her this day, 29 June.
Tom McLuckie
On this date, 29 June 1945 our nation was still at war with the Empire of Japan. It was heading toward the end. Germany had surrendered and Japan was reeling from the many battle losses that we had inflicted upon them. Their nation was reeling, both from the battle losses and from the incessant fire-bombing of their cities. Their economy was non-existent; food was scarce.
Although I don't have the historic facts, here is a synopsis of what happened that day that makes it a day WE remember.
Squadrons of bomber aircraft flew over the city of Sasebo, Japan. Why Sasebo? This city on the southern island of Kyushu was a hub of the Imperial Navy with hugh shipyards that were a vital link to the Japanese seapower.
On this day, the B-29's, B-25's and other aircraft dropped thousands of pounds of explosives on the shipyards and the city. Being constructed of mostly wood, it did not take much to turn the structures of this city aflame. I cannot imagine the fear and terror that was felt by the civilian population. Approximately 25,000 civilians died during this fire-bombing.
One 10 year old girl was trying to find an air-raid shelter with her mother, brother and four sisters. As they were running terrified toward the shelter, the fire and explosions engulfed them. This girl's brother pushed this little girl down and tried to protect her from the devastation. Her mother and sisters became seperated from them.
After everything was over, rescuers found the Mother and four sisters dead. The brother was also killed, but his sacrifice saved this little girl. She had been slightly wounded. Rescuers took this little girl to relatives that had survived, to stay with them until her Father and 2 older brothers who had survived could find her and care for her. Her Father was distraught over the loss of his wife, son and 4 daughters-------within a year he had died from alcohol poisoning and an untreated abdominal hernia. The little girl was cared for by her two older brothers and a slew of aunts/uncles who had also survived.
So why is this a day of rememberance for this family???? Because that little girl has been my wife for the past 45 1/2 years. She doesn't talk much of this day, but I think of it often.
One of these days, I will share my thoughts about war. Not today. But I thank GOD she survived and entered my life 20 years after that tragedy and became the mother of our three children and is now "Gramma" to two beautiful little girls. And I thank her 12 year old brother who saved her this day, 29 June.
Tom McLuckie
Monday, June 28, 2010
Blog nr. 5
I have been called by many names over the past 70 years......some good, some not so good. Here is a list of names that I have been called:
SON BROTHER GRANDSON NEPHEW COUSIN THOMAS
TOMMY "THE BABY" UNCLE TOM MCLUCKIE SEAMAN CHIEF
HEY YOU MAC UNCLE LUCKIE LUCKIE YOU SOB MISTER
BOY A-HOLE BASTARD MEANIE FRIEND SAILOR
SWABBIE SQUID MCGLUCK BOSS ENEMY CRAZY
BLOCKHEAD STUPID ARROGANT DUMB IDIOT NUTS
HYPOCRITE BUM HONEY TOMODACHI OGI-SAN HONCHO
and I am sure there are many more names, but I can't recall them at this time.
There are two names that I are near and dear to me that I am called, that really gladden my heart.
My grandaughter Caitlin calls me "BOMPA". She has since she learned how to talk. She is now 10 years old, and when she says that word, it brings me a sense of love and pride that are indescrible. My youngest grandaughter, Marina, hasn't learned to talk yet (she does say Blah-BlahBlah a lot), but I assume she will call me the same thing.
There is one name that is not on this list, because it stands alone. When my children say that word, my heart bursts with more feelings than I can ever describe. That word?????????
DAD
SON BROTHER GRANDSON NEPHEW COUSIN THOMAS
TOMMY "THE BABY" UNCLE TOM MCLUCKIE SEAMAN CHIEF
HEY YOU MAC UNCLE LUCKIE LUCKIE YOU SOB MISTER
BOY A-HOLE BASTARD MEANIE FRIEND SAILOR
SWABBIE SQUID MCGLUCK BOSS ENEMY CRAZY
BLOCKHEAD STUPID ARROGANT DUMB IDIOT NUTS
HYPOCRITE BUM HONEY TOMODACHI OGI-SAN HONCHO
and I am sure there are many more names, but I can't recall them at this time.
There are two names that I are near and dear to me that I am called, that really gladden my heart.
My grandaughter Caitlin calls me "BOMPA". She has since she learned how to talk. She is now 10 years old, and when she says that word, it brings me a sense of love and pride that are indescrible. My youngest grandaughter, Marina, hasn't learned to talk yet (she does say Blah-BlahBlah a lot), but I assume she will call me the same thing.
There is one name that is not on this list, because it stands alone. When my children say that word, my heart bursts with more feelings than I can ever describe. That word?????????
DAD
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Blog Nr. 4
This is an important item for me.
If we are fortunate in this life, we have "friends". Some are casual acquaintances, some are more long-lasting, some are ended too soon (due to misfortune, distance), some are too-soon forgotten (if they are, they never did become part of my definition of "friends".
I have had the good fortune of having (and still have) many friends. Where did they come from?? Some are from my childhood years, folks that knew me when I was just a punk kid who grew up thinking he was really something else. Some are co-workers who I met when I returned to the "real" (civilian) world after a 20 year career in the greates NAVY in the entire world. Others are friends of friends. Others I have "met" via this marvel of science called the "Internet". Wherever/however we crossed paths, you are what I consider "a friend".
There is a very special (to me) group of friends that I have been blessed with that I have the honor of calling "SHIPMATES". It may just be a matter of semantics but these folks have a special place in my heart and mind.
In my 20 years of service I served aboard many ships/shore stations where the opportunity to befriend these "Shipmates" was provided to me. They were not all sailors----many were military wives, USAF "flyboys", US Army " grunts," USMC "jarheads", and US Coast Guard "shallow-water" sailors. (I have earned the right to call them that----if you have not earned that right, I strongly suggest you not call them by those nicknames....you might end up with a united smack up alongside your head). To all my "Shipmates", this "squid", "swabbie" (or whatever) thanks you for the honor of just knowing you. God bless you all.
If we are fortunate in this life, we have "friends". Some are casual acquaintances, some are more long-lasting, some are ended too soon (due to misfortune, distance), some are too-soon forgotten (if they are, they never did become part of my definition of "friends".
I have had the good fortune of having (and still have) many friends. Where did they come from?? Some are from my childhood years, folks that knew me when I was just a punk kid who grew up thinking he was really something else. Some are co-workers who I met when I returned to the "real" (civilian) world after a 20 year career in the greates NAVY in the entire world. Others are friends of friends. Others I have "met" via this marvel of science called the "Internet". Wherever/however we crossed paths, you are what I consider "a friend".
There is a very special (to me) group of friends that I have been blessed with that I have the honor of calling "SHIPMATES". It may just be a matter of semantics but these folks have a special place in my heart and mind.
In my 20 years of service I served aboard many ships/shore stations where the opportunity to befriend these "Shipmates" was provided to me. They were not all sailors----many were military wives, USAF "flyboys", US Army " grunts," USMC "jarheads", and US Coast Guard "shallow-water" sailors. (I have earned the right to call them that----if you have not earned that right, I strongly suggest you not call them by those nicknames....you might end up with a united smack up alongside your head). To all my "Shipmates", this "squid", "swabbie" (or whatever) thanks you for the honor of just knowing you. God bless you all.
Blog Nr,. 3
Back again.
The subject of this will be one that is near and dear to my heart. The term "Hero" is so overused in our world. We have military heroes, sports heroes, heroes for everything man does. Well, let me single out a group of people that are, in my humble definition, true "Heroes": that group is "MILITARY WIVES".
I have had the honor of "knowing" a military wife for 45 years: as a matter of fact, she is MY wife. But this blog is about Military Wives in general. There is not enough room on the Internet , nor words in the English language to describe my feelings for that particular Military Wife.
What kind of people would put themselves under such hardship by volunteering to be a Military Wife? It is quite simple, but also most complex.
Military wives volunteer for this position for one main reason: they love a Military man. They endure such hardships as the spouse's deployments to far-off places. In many cases, they have children while their spouse is overseas. They have to maintain a household, raise a family, do all household tasks that normally would be done by the spouse, endure long periods of loneliness, often without nearby family for support. They are both Moms and Dads to their children. They have to respond to "crises" of extreme consequences that would be normally handled by the husband. I could go on and on about the tasks they have to handle alone, while all the time they have the worry about their husband's safety. These Ladies are "TRUE HEROES".
In this new age, where women deploy into dangerous areas just like men, there are many husbands that fill this role. I do not have any experience with military husbands in this role, so I am not in the position to comment, but they must do these same things.
I have had the honor to know many military wives. "Thank You" seems like such a lame comment to make, but from THIS military man, let me say that YOU are one of My HEROES.
The subject of this will be one that is near and dear to my heart. The term "Hero" is so overused in our world. We have military heroes, sports heroes, heroes for everything man does. Well, let me single out a group of people that are, in my humble definition, true "Heroes": that group is "MILITARY WIVES".
I have had the honor of "knowing" a military wife for 45 years: as a matter of fact, she is MY wife. But this blog is about Military Wives in general. There is not enough room on the Internet , nor words in the English language to describe my feelings for that particular Military Wife.
What kind of people would put themselves under such hardship by volunteering to be a Military Wife? It is quite simple, but also most complex.
Military wives volunteer for this position for one main reason: they love a Military man. They endure such hardships as the spouse's deployments to far-off places. In many cases, they have children while their spouse is overseas. They have to maintain a household, raise a family, do all household tasks that normally would be done by the spouse, endure long periods of loneliness, often without nearby family for support. They are both Moms and Dads to their children. They have to respond to "crises" of extreme consequences that would be normally handled by the husband. I could go on and on about the tasks they have to handle alone, while all the time they have the worry about their husband's safety. These Ladies are "TRUE HEROES".
In this new age, where women deploy into dangerous areas just like men, there are many husbands that fill this role. I do not have any experience with military husbands in this role, so I am not in the position to comment, but they must do these same things.
I have had the honor to know many military wives. "Thank You" seems like such a lame comment to make, but from THIS military man, let me say that YOU are one of My HEROES.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Blog nr. 2
I told you I would be back!!!!
Since I created this "monster" I have had 3 followers sign up. Welcome aboard!
This rant will be about the Internet...
As with most inventions/progress/whatever, MAN (or woman) has a remarkable capacity to learn, advance, invent some tremendous things that we (and the next generations) will be able to enjoy, ease our existence, and learn from. Along with each "invention", unfortunately MAN will corrupt, despoil, and ruin for many of us the "benefits" of this advancement. The Internet should be used for learning, communicating with others, finding directions, and a multitude of other, what I consider "good things". Along with this good stuff, if you are so inclined you can learn how to build bombs to destroy/maim/kill innocents throughout the world. You can find hookers, various types of pornography. You can join subversive organizations that plot to destroy civilization as we know it. If you are into those things, KNOCK YOURSELF OUT. You make that choice!..As for me, I will try to learn computers (although at 70, learning is a slow, slow process), communicate with family/friends, keep up with world events and enjoy (vicariously) the goings on with those I am connected with electronically.
While on this subject, I have a few things about Facebook I feel a need to say. There are many applications that I think are funny-----the games people play (Farmville, etc), the lists such as "How Sexy do you feel today), so-and-so answered these 5 questions about you, etc.....you get my drift. Anyway, if you enjoy them, GOOD FOR YOU! I enjoy them by thinking "Wow, he/she must be awful bored, with nothing else to do". Not a knock on anyone, just a thought. And for the folks that send me articles, videos, jokes, etc....PLEASE keep them coming. I enjoy each and everyone of them. Mos of them, I learn from. But most of all, I learn more about YOU and that to me is rewarding.
I have used the Internet to connect with family members that I have never met. Cousins (both near and distant), nieces/nephews that I had never met. WOW!!! That is so cool!!! I have also tracked heritage of my family and found out some great things about my ancestors that emigrated here from Scotland, Ireland and Canada....to me, interesting stuff. What I have deduced from what I have learned (in a short time) is that there is a common bond of goodness within all of us. We are not all aligned politically, spiritually, geographically, but it is there.
My un-learned deduction is that all mankind is "connected" this way. Either that, or I am senile and full of ____!
Have a great day. God Bless You All. (and if that offends you, logoff and don't come back!)
Since I created this "monster" I have had 3 followers sign up. Welcome aboard!
This rant will be about the Internet...
As with most inventions/progress/whatever, MAN (or woman) has a remarkable capacity to learn, advance, invent some tremendous things that we (and the next generations) will be able to enjoy, ease our existence, and learn from. Along with each "invention", unfortunately MAN will corrupt, despoil, and ruin for many of us the "benefits" of this advancement. The Internet should be used for learning, communicating with others, finding directions, and a multitude of other, what I consider "good things". Along with this good stuff, if you are so inclined you can learn how to build bombs to destroy/maim/kill innocents throughout the world. You can find hookers, various types of pornography. You can join subversive organizations that plot to destroy civilization as we know it. If you are into those things, KNOCK YOURSELF OUT. You make that choice!..As for me, I will try to learn computers (although at 70, learning is a slow, slow process), communicate with family/friends, keep up with world events and enjoy (vicariously) the goings on with those I am connected with electronically.
While on this subject, I have a few things about Facebook I feel a need to say. There are many applications that I think are funny-----the games people play (Farmville, etc), the lists such as "How Sexy do you feel today), so-and-so answered these 5 questions about you, etc.....you get my drift. Anyway, if you enjoy them, GOOD FOR YOU! I enjoy them by thinking "Wow, he/she must be awful bored, with nothing else to do". Not a knock on anyone, just a thought. And for the folks that send me articles, videos, jokes, etc....PLEASE keep them coming. I enjoy each and everyone of them. Mos of them, I learn from. But most of all, I learn more about YOU and that to me is rewarding.
I have used the Internet to connect with family members that I have never met. Cousins (both near and distant), nieces/nephews that I had never met. WOW!!! That is so cool!!! I have also tracked heritage of my family and found out some great things about my ancestors that emigrated here from Scotland, Ireland and Canada....to me, interesting stuff. What I have deduced from what I have learned (in a short time) is that there is a common bond of goodness within all of us. We are not all aligned politically, spiritually, geographically, but it is there.
My un-learned deduction is that all mankind is "connected" this way. Either that, or I am senile and full of ____!
Have a great day. God Bless You All. (and if that offends you, logoff and don't come back!)
Blog number 1
I am starting this blog for many reasons.
(1) Facebook does not allow me enough room to rant and vent about many issues that aare sticking in my craw.
(2) As a retired, old man, I find myself with way too much time on my hands and, as I grow older, I find I have way too many things to rant/vent about.
(3) I have one worry in my remaining years: that what I want to say to a lot of people and especially to my family I may just not have that time to do. (Does this make grammatical sense?)
(4) This blog will be receptive to any and all opinions, but I will NOT allow profanity.
(5) I really want to hear from as many people who may want to add opinions, suggest topics, rebutt my statements/opinions/entries or just to tell me I'm full of it!!!!
(6) Do not be afraid of offending me.......my skin is thick, my sense of humor is boundless...I will guarantee you will not hurt my feelings.
(7) A long time ago, I was told never to discuss religion, politics or womens ages.......well, I will and you can too.
(8) Many of my comments/musings/etc., may not make sense to you. This is MY blog..as long as it makes sense to me, I'm happy!!
(9) I am not computer-literate....au contrare.....my daughter is helping me with this set-up. If I decide to post jokes, cartoons, pictures that strike me as interesting, I will (with assistance) do that.
(10) I may add to my blog each day....I may post 10 times a day. Who knows?????
(11) If you enjoy the blog, pass it on to your friends and they may join in the discussions/add their comments, etc. (As long as they don't try to sue me!!!!!!!)
(12) Since I am retired military, I have many friends that shared that life with me. They are sometimes crude, blunt and "don't mince words". In other words, "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen". IT'S MY BLOG!!!!!
In closing, I leave you all with unbridled anticipation....hang in there...I can only type so fast.
Regards, Tom McLuckie
(1) Facebook does not allow me enough room to rant and vent about many issues that aare sticking in my craw.
(2) As a retired, old man, I find myself with way too much time on my hands and, as I grow older, I find I have way too many things to rant/vent about.
(3) I have one worry in my remaining years: that what I want to say to a lot of people and especially to my family I may just not have that time to do. (Does this make grammatical sense?)
(4) This blog will be receptive to any and all opinions, but I will NOT allow profanity.
(5) I really want to hear from as many people who may want to add opinions, suggest topics, rebutt my statements/opinions/entries or just to tell me I'm full of it!!!!
(6) Do not be afraid of offending me.......my skin is thick, my sense of humor is boundless...I will guarantee you will not hurt my feelings.
(7) A long time ago, I was told never to discuss religion, politics or womens ages.......well, I will and you can too.
(8) Many of my comments/musings/etc., may not make sense to you. This is MY blog..as long as it makes sense to me, I'm happy!!
(9) I am not computer-literate....au contrare.....my daughter is helping me with this set-up. If I decide to post jokes, cartoons, pictures that strike me as interesting, I will (with assistance) do that.
(10) I may add to my blog each day....I may post 10 times a day. Who knows?????
(11) If you enjoy the blog, pass it on to your friends and they may join in the discussions/add their comments, etc. (As long as they don't try to sue me!!!!!!!)
(12) Since I am retired military, I have many friends that shared that life with me. They are sometimes crude, blunt and "don't mince words". In other words, "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen". IT'S MY BLOG!!!!!
In closing, I leave you all with unbridled anticipation....hang in there...I can only type so fast.
Regards, Tom McLuckie
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