The Roof is Done

Mrs. Betty's roof is done and we have made it safely home. There will surely be many stories to follow from the trip and all our experiences. I could not have had a better group to work with, I just want to thank them all for letting an old Sailor tag along. In what may have been the best pay check I ever got, Mrs. Betty told me as I was leaving "I thank God, I thank Jesus, and I thank you". Nough said.

Old Chief Sends,

Thursday Morning

Dinner By The Pond

Mrs Betty"s New Roof Update

It is hot here! We skipped breakfast this morning to get a jump on the heat, and though it helped some, we are still drained. Also bear in mind we are using a lot of recycled material and making the best with what we have at hand. We are not professional roofers but one thing is for sure this house will be drier than it has been in some time.  Almost everything that has been un-covered has had to be repaired or replaced. We still have not received our metal roofing, hopefully tomorrow, as our days here are becoming short already.

I am proud of this team and they are representing Folkston United Methodist very well. To my liberal friends, this is people  taking care of people and not big government, and I highly encourage anyone who can to spend some time doing this or something else like this. You can make a difference. Thanks to all for the support and prayers.

Old Roofin Chief sends,

Tuesday in Cambell County

10 Followers!

Capt Scotty nows has 10 official followers! Thanks Mandy, for being number 10.

Hoo Ya!
Old Chief Sends,

Roof Rats at Work

We are all very tired, but have had full filling day. I know I will sleep well tonight! By the way it was the hottest day they have had here so far this year. Good night all!


Old Chief Sends,

Work Starts

Today was a very full day of demo and repair of our project houses roof and support structure. It is the single largest ASP project any of our group have under taken. So much water damage and rot that had to be removed. Decking had to be replaced, and hopefully tomorrow we can start putting on the metal roofing.


It is a large house perched on the side of a mountain, owned by a widow lady who shares the home with her disabled son and grandson. She is so very thankful for our help and seems to think we will be able to finish the whole roof this week. That is a tall order, but rest assured we will do our best. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

Old Roof Repairing Chief Sends,

ASP

Night One of ASP

Night one of the Appalachia Service Project. We have settled into our quarters at the Lafollette Middle School. We have had introductions all the way around with every one , had a good meal of pasta , and received our work assignments. Our job will be replacing the roof on a house that was built in 1940. We will have to remove the existing shingles and replace them with metal roofing, making structural repairs as needed. J. P. has gone with the staff member to see the job site and to meet the family that we will be working for. Also he will assess where we need to start in the morning.



Today was Father’s Day and I have been blessed to spend it with both of my sons, who are also here as ASP volunteers. I am very proud of them both. I miss my Dad every day and most especially on this day, but I know he would also be very proud of my sons as well.


I had lots of reasons not to come on this trip, having been deployed for the last nine months, but it seems I have been deployed most of my adult life. My wife is at home recovering from knee surgery and I have plenty to do around my own house, but to be here now with these young people it is impossible to imagine not taking the time to be here to work for good. To those who much is given, much will be asked. I look forward to the rest of the week.

Old Chief sends,

We Made It

We have limited signal strength, will try to post pictures later. Not a bad set up, we are sharing a school with a group from Louisiana, and are waiting for a group from Kansas to get here. For now know all is well.

Tennessee Rocky Top Tennessee Nashville TN Memphis Blues Art Photography...

Lenoir Day 2

We are up and have had our hotel breakfast and are getting packed and ready to contenue on our way. On a side note the weather outlook is not the best, so keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

Old Chief sends,

Lenoir City

Ford tough, and surfer dude Son land-locked in the mountains.

Bimbo's

We have now been to Bimbo's food court and fireworks and fried chicken emporium. All I can say is wow! If you think you have seen it all I can assure you that you haven't, if you have not been to Bimbo's. Now in my world Bimbo refers to something other than firecrackers and fried food, but here in Lenoir City, well let's just say it's entirely different. If you have ever seen the Rob Zombie movies with Captain Spalding, then you might have an idea what we encountered within the walls of this place. My youngest son the want to be surfer dude says "I worry about land- locked people, they just seem a little different." I don't know about that, but once again this old Chief finds himself quite a ways from salt air, we certainly aren't in Florida any more.

Old Chief and Sons send,

Lenoir City Tennessee

We have arrived at the Comfort Inn in Lenoir City Tennessee. This is where we will spend the night, and then continue on tomorrow to our final ASP camp. This is the last real bed for a week, and most likely the last clean shower as well.

We had a fast trip from Folkston today which included stops at Chick-fil-a in Tifton and then Zaxby's in Tennessee, so we have made the chicken tour of fast food, maybe we can hit KFC for dinner and score the hat trick.

We flew though Atlanta Georgia about 10:00 this morning, and I mean flew through on I-75. I am now convinced that Baghdad is safer to drive in than Atlanta. Could not get over the amount of traffic on a Saturday morning, wow. Don't know how you do it V.M., I'd go postal if I had to stay in that town now days. Just kidding, I think.

Anyway Mark and I are going to explore the town of Lenoir, there is a shopping center across the road called Bimbo's, I am not kidding that is the name. Looks like it has fire works and a fast food store. Anyway out for now will post more.

Old Chief and Son sends,

Tifton For Breakfast

Fist stop Tifton Georgia. Heading North

Truck Is Packed

Our truck is packed, we leave in a few hours headed north. It is my understanding we will be working on roofing. Will try to keep everyone updated with pictures.

Old Chief Sends,

Glenn "Tex" Evans And ASP

The Appalachia Service Project was founded by the Rev. Glenn "Tex " Evans. The following is a short bio and story of the founding of ASP from their web site.

In 1969, Rev. Glenn "Tex Evans- a United Methodist minister- became one of the first people to connect the energy of youth with the needs of the poor.

During Tex's 13 years as director at Henderson Settlement in Frakes Kentucky, he witnessed the great need for home repair assistance. So as part of his already - thriving outreach to the people of Appalachia, he recruited 50 teen and adult volunteers to repair homes in Barbourville Kentucky. They worked on - site during the day and worshipped in the evenings. By summer's end, four families had safe, warm houses for the winter, fifty young lives had been changed forever - and a forty year- long legacy was born. 

But Tex was more than a leader,he was a born motivator. A true student of Appalachian culture and a legendary storyteller. He set the tone for what ASP is today: an extended family where laughter is king. Where relationships matter, and where changing the lives of families and volunteers alike is the highest priority of all.

My sons and I will be working for the ASP next week, more to follow.
Old Chief Sends, 

.

Flag Day!

June 14 is Flag Day, but I bet you can't find one in ten U.S. citizens who know that now days. Heck, it does not even show up on my government desk calender. President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation that officially established June 14 as Flag Day back in 1917. We federally approved day off, or a three day weekend for Flag Day, maybe that is why it gets so little attention.

A better reason to remember Flag Day is that it is also the birthday of our United States Army. The very people who brought you the right to wave that flag every day. To those of us who wear a uniform I can't even tell you how much that flag means to us, and when I see people not stand at attention and place their hands over their heart when the Star Spangled Banner is played it makes me very angry.

So today please pause and give a thought to what that flag means to you, and also wish our Army a happy 235th birthday!

Johnny Winter & Dickey Betts - Pistoia Blues 2008

World Cup 2010

While I am not a huge soccer  fan, I must admit that I am excited about the World Cup. The tournament starts this morning in South Africa with the opening game being Mexico vs South Africa. The real excitement for me though comes at  1430 Saturday afternoon, when the USA team will take on England, and I get very excited at the aspect of kicking some Limey butts. Historically, the last time these two teams met was in 1950 with the US winning what is now referred to as the "Miracle on the Green" by a score of 1 to 0.

Every where else in the world soccer is known as football, and I know it will never take the place of our beloved sport here in the states, but we are still a couple of months away from the kick off of our own season, so lets embrace the World Cup and cheer on our team USA. Here in Florida we are not to fond of the English right now with the tragic debacle of Bp in the Gulf of Mexico. I always like to remember why there were two stars on the flap of my Navy cracker uniform, they represent the two wars that we kicked England's butt in to gain our independence.

Back in 1950 the English team was known as the "Kings of Football" and they were in fact considered to be the best team in the world.  The Belfast Ireland Telegraph referred to the USA team as "a band of no-hopers drawn from many lands," ostensibly because some of the men were recent immigrants to the United States. What a great story for our country! With immigration also being such an issue today, could this be a unifier? What ever the out come, in this time of the year when some of us are starting to jones for our own dear form of football, let's get behind our TEAM USA and beat England!

Old Chief Sends,

Gene Hill

When I need to be reminded what things are really so important in life, I read Gene Hill. When it turns hot in summertime Florida, and I start dreaming of hunting season, I read Gene Hill. I read Gene Hill when I need a laugh and sometimes end up with a tear.

Gene Hill was for many years a columnist for Sports Afield magazine, a periodical that read while growing up hunting and fishing in the red dirt country. Gene had a peculiar way of seeing things and his stories always ended up being about so much more than just hunting and fishing tails. He loved bird dogs, guns, fly fishing, and good whiskey, what more could a man want for.

Anyway it is the beginning of that hot time of year here in Florida and the depression of the oil slick looms heavily over us now, so I turn to old Gene to lift my spirits and remind me that in a couple of months I'll be back in the blind and waiting on the birds to fly in.

Old Chief Sends,

Facebook Threads

It amazes me how a simple random status post on Facebook can ignite a fury of response.  One thing that is for sure is people are passionate about what they believe in. No matter what party or system that you back, I think we can all agree the gulf oil leak is tragic. We are all to blame because we all drive cars, some even collect cars owning more than they need, and we all want cheap gasoline.

I have to guard against a lot of political opinion on my part, because I still work for the Commander In Chief, and no matter who that is or what party they hale from. Like it or not he is the boss, and I am under oath to follow his orders. I do have strong convictions of my own and most of my friends know what they are, but I have to be careful about posting my personal opinions on-line.  Also I opt not to become engaged in post to post arguments on Facebook, because I will not be pulled down to the level of the uninformed. I have spent more than my fair share of time in defence of this country, like a lot of my friends have, and I know this we all have the right to say what we want, even if what is said happens to be wrong. Brave men and women have fought and died to give us this right, and we should be ever mindful of that. Just don't post to  me about decorated war veterans being mistreated, because if you have never spent one night of discomfort in your life in defence of our nation, you may not understand who you are addressing.

Old Chief Sends,  

Exile on Main Street

The Rolling Stones have re-released "Exile on Main Street".

Check out this great music with some previously  un-released songs.

Graduation Day

Today is graduation day, for my oldest son Paul. He will wear this cap tonight as he leaves High School behind and heads to college and the adult world. He will graduate with honors and his Mother and I could not be prouder.

I am blessed with a great family, and especially  with two awesome sons, who continue to amaze and inspire me.

Tonight though belongs to Paul. Well Done Son, Keep up the good work. Remimber you High School Motto, "Achievement, Character, Leadership".

Proud Old Dad sends,

Neil Young Old Man live in '71

Now I am the Old Man, great song though!

Buddy Poppy

In Flanders Fields


By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)

Canadian Army

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.



We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.



Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.


In Flanders Fields, was written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, a surgeon attached to the 1st Field Artillery Canadian Army. McCrae wrote the poem while distraught over the death of his former student and fellow surgeon, killed while they were serving together in France in 1915. McCrae himself was killed in action at a later date.

For over 75 years now the Veterans of Foreign Wars has used the red poppy as a memorial flower. Remember if you will, when you see the Veterans seeking donations for their small red flowers, the poppies are all assembled by disabled and needy veterans in VA Hospitals. Any money that is raised through these donations provides compensation to the Veterans who assemble the poppies, provides financial assistance in maintaining state and national veterans' rehabilitation and service programs and partially supports the VFW National Home for orphans and widows of our nations Veterans. That's a lot for a little flower.

So the next time you see my fellow Veterans with their poppies, drop some money in their can and support them. They supported you.

Old Chief Sends, 

Lance Cpl Clark

Lance Corporal  Philip Clark, got a parade today, He got all of NAS Jacksonville lining the street to see his arrival. People lined the sides of the road through all the towns between Jacksonville and Gainesville to show him honor. Lance Corporeal Clark came home today in time for the Memorial day weekend, You see he earned this because he lost his life last week fighting in the Helmand Provence Afghanistan, he was 19 years old and a year out of high school.

This is what Memorial day is all about, to remember these brave Americans who have made the ultimate sacrifice. So don't be like our Commander in Chief and just duck out on the memorial services and go on vacation, try to keep these brave Americans in your thoughts. Remember also the Clark family, this is a memorial day they can never forget.

Old Chief Sends,

John William Finn

At 0545 this morning in San Diego California, we lost John Finn. John Finn was the last surviving medal of honor winner from the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor by Japanese forces.


The Citation reads as follows:


For extraordinary heroism, distinguished service, and devotion above and beyond the call of duty. During the first attack by Japanese airplanes on the Naval Air Station, Kanoehe Bay, on 7 December 1941, Lieutenant Finn promptly secured and manned a 50-caliber machine gun mounted on an instruction stand in a completely exposed section of the parking ramp, which was under heavy enemy machine-gun strafing fire. Although painfully wounded many times, he continued to man this gun and to return the enemy's fire vigorously and with telling effect throughout the enemy strafing and bombing attacks and with complete disregard for his own personal safety. It was only by specific orders that he was persuaded to leave his post to seek medical attention. Following first-aid treatment, although obviously suffering much pain and moving with great difficulty, he returned to the squadron area and actively supervised the rearming of returning planes. His extraordinary heroism and conduct in this action were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.[6]


I was lucky enough to meet John Finn once in Fallon Nevada and remember being in awe of this great American. He earned the medal while serving as a Aviation Ordinance Chief Petty Officer in a PBY Squadron at Kanoehe Bay. He was 101 years old.

Rest in Peace Shipmate, enjoy your new duty station.

Ten Years After live at Woodstock 1969.

Home!

Got home last night, and am so excited I haven't sleep much. Coming home is always exciting as well as an adjustment. Any military member who has ever deployed know this feeling to some extent. I have to adjust to a different things that I have not been used to in a while, but I don't think it is going to be a major problem.

Our family has some busy days ahead, and I am thankful to be home and be a part of it all. I think Robert Louis Stevenson sums it up well in one of my favorite verses.

"Here he lies, where he wants to be.

Home is the Sailor, home from sea, and the hunter home from the hill."

Happy Saturday

Old Chief Sends

1963

May 21,1963 is on of the most important days in my life. I as a young boy, ceased being an only child on that day, and became a big brother as well. My beloved baby sister was born on that day at Crawford W. Long hospital in Atlanta Georgia. That is before they referred to Atlanta as the ATL.

I got to make the trip to Atlanta from our home in Lithia Springs, to pick up our Mother and the brand new baby. A trip to Atlanta in those days was a big deal all in its self, it was something that just didn't happen every day. You had to do things like become a big brother to get to go.I can remember being dressed in Sunday best by my Grandmother, and well briefed on how I was to behave. She also washed my face extra hard least I show signs of jelly from breakfast. She had this way of scubaing my face like the top layer of skin offended her, sometimes she even dampened her handkerchief with spit! Anyway once I had passed Maw Maw's inspection I was loaded into the family car for the long ride into downtown Atlanta, there were no expressways back then. I can remember being amazed by the hospital and even got to see inside the lobby, which seemed like a nice hotel back then, they seem much different now.

My most important memory of that day is when my Mother got into the back seat holding my new sister and sat next to me. I was allowed to hold my new sister in my lap, and in that magical moment it seems I can remember her grinning at me. I guess she knew then she had changed my life. We rode home with mom holding you because there were no car seats for baby's back then.

Sandy, you are the first person I ever got to watch grow up and I have always been very proud of you. I had to learn a lot about life in 1963, but you were the best part of it. From your older brother who has had to make a profession by being the mean one, I love you with all my heart. I hope you have the best birthday ever and many more.

Love,
Scott

Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush - "Johnny B. Goode" 1978

Great White Buffalo

My Blood Brother!

Quicksilver Messenger Service - Fresh Air

Those that I fight I do not hate, those that I guard I do not love.

William Butler Yeats

Funky Times

OK, I have been in a terrible funk as of late and been very neglectful of this blog. I was always told as I was growing up that if you could not say something nice, then don't say any thing at all. Well that's where I am. Depressed by the amazing lack of integrity of some of the people whom I work for. It seems to me that honesty among Naval Officers is no longer a desirable commodity.

Maybe this is how it ends when you have stayed too long. To my retired Brothers, I really miss you guys now, and I can't wait to join you.

I promise to write more, and better posts very soon.

Cheers,

Kent State 1970

40 years ago today, one of the saddest events in our history of a Nation occurred. Members of the Ohio Army National Guard opened fire on a group of Kent State University students, killing four and wounding nine, one who was paralyzed from the chest down.


Students had gathered in a commons area of the campus to protest the United States invasion of Cambodia. Many students and teachers were concerned about being drafted to fight in a war that they strongly opposed.


Varying accounts exist as to why the guardsmen fired their weapons, but the fact remains that 77 Ohio Army National Guard troops from A company, Troop G, fixed bayonets on their weapons and began an advance to disperse the crowd. At some point for what ever reason, the troops faced the crowd of students and fired. 29 of the 77 guardsmen claimed to have fired their weapons, using a total of 67 bullets. The shooting was over in 13 seconds.


One hero of the day was a geology professor Glenn Frank, who pleaded with the students to leave the commons and not give in to violent escalation. He is quoted as saying: "I don't care whether you've never listened to anyone before in your lives. I am begging you right now. If you don't disperse right now, they're going to move in, and it can only be a slaughter. Would you please listen to me? Jesus Christ I don't want to be a part of this." Within twenty minutes the students left the area, the dead and wounded were recovered, and the Guard left the scene. The Nation was forever changed that day.


Once again we have people protesting for what they believe in, but we can never forget the lesson of Kent State 40 years ago. We should not fight ourselves.

Old Chief Sends,

Walking in Memphis

Al Green - Tired Of Being Alone (SoulSchool)

Delta Hwy at Blues Hall Memphis

For all my friends in Millington Tn. Thinking of you, God Speed!

Coral Sea

On 4 May 1942, the Battle of the Coral Sea began, in the waters southwest of the Solomon Islands and eastward from New Guinea. This was the first Naval battle fought at sea where the opposing ships never saw each other. It was also the first battle fought between opposing aircraft carriers.

U.S. Naval forces lost an aircraft carrier USS Lexington, and the USS Yorktown was badly damaged. The U.S. also lost one destroyer, an oilier, 69 aircraft, and 656 American lives.

Tactically, the Japanese claimed victory, but operationally it set them up for failure later the next month at Midway, and also blocked their attempt at invading Port Moresby. Had Port Morseby in New Guinea fell, Australia could have been cut off from the Pacific campaign.

Two months later the Allied forces took advantage of Japan's vulnerability in the South Pacific and launched the Guadalcanal campaign along with the New Guinea campaign. This started our island hopping toward Japan itself, and the end of the Pacific war.

Today we sit and face the battle to save our Gulf of Mexico, from the onset of spreading crude oil. It is heart breaking to see and even harder to stop. My deepest prayers go out to all of you involved in the containment and clean up process. God speed.

Old Chief Sends,

In The Domain Of The Southernmost Moose

It seems like yesterday there were a lot of Moose running around Key West. Not the four legged kind but the fraternal type. I never knew much about the Moose, but as fate would have it sometimes I get surprised by what I learn by coincidence.

This brings us to the point with how the Old Chief gets involved. I was sitting in Schooner Wharf, wasting a hot afternoon after a morning of fishing. Michael McCloud was playing his normal set and I held down my portion of the bar in the shade. A group show up and parks next to me, and after introductions and pleasantries, I learn that they are a Moose lodge from Fort Lauderdale. They had ridden a Greyhound bus of all things down to Key West for the afternoon. The only had about thee hours in town and were making the most of it with their drinking. There was a mistake in their order of a seafood sampler, and they were served a snapper plate instead. I told the lady to let the girls at the bar know there was a mistake and that I was sure they would make things right. They instead took HUGE offence at the mistaken order, the girl at the bar was doing an admirable job of trying to right the situation and I intervened to try and help. It is loud in the bar and with a soft spoken voice sampler did sound a lot like snapper. The dispute was finally resolved and the Moose crew from Lauderdale was content. They finished their food and drink and headed off to Sloppy Joes for their next stop.

Next I was joined by a couple who ordered Mint Juleps in honor of the Kentucky Derby. We struck up a very pleasant conversation, He was ex Navy and we shared experiences. I shared the story of the great seafood sampler altercation, and that is were I learned that my new found friend was a Moose Governor from the great state of North Carolina. He apologised for the behavior of the Moose bus riders, and assured me that was not what they were all about. They then asked me where the Moose lodge was here on the island and I told them, and showed them on their map.

The Key West Moose lodge is right across the street from were I live, so I offered to walk them there. They agreed, so we paid our tabs and off we went to see the Moose. I have never been in a Moose lodge in my life, although I am a life member of the VFW, that is about as close to a fraternal order as I get. What I found inside the Southernmost Moose lodge was friendly people of all backgrounds having fun and fellowship. Cold drinks and food were being served, I must admit it was a pleasant place to hang out and watch the Kentucky Derby. After the race I parted ways with my new found friends, they were off to Mallory square for sun set and I was off to Thai Island for dinner, but I do hope to see them again someday. Here's to you Governor, thanks for my introduction to Moose hospitality.

Widespread Panic - Ribs and Whiskey

And Saigon Fell

On April Saigon fell, and that effectively ended the Viet Nam war for the United States. I was still in High School back home in the red dirt country then, although I am sure some of you think I was there. I was not, but the fall had extreme effects on me, I guess even as a junior in high school. For one, I could assume that I would not be drafted to have to go there, or maybe even then I knew I was destined to spend my life in the military and feared that I would have no war to be a part of. Foolish thoughts of a young man.

I joined the United States Navy in 1979, four years after the fall. To this day I can never forget those who wore the Viet Nam service ribbons on their uniforms. Those were the guys who trained me in the basics of being a sailor, and in how to keep aircraft flying. They were a rough and tumble lot. They smoked like chimneys, and lived off black coffee that came in five pound green cans that was government issue, not foo foo Starbucks. They wore wash khaki uniforms, many were stained, and the expression "cussed like a sailor" was coined because of these men.
We did not have mentorship programs, they would teach you what you needed to know and that is all you needed to know. Questioning one of those guys was out of the question, because you might be picking yourself up off the deck if you did. They had lived and seen things that none of us could imagine.

The Navy and the armed forces were in a low state at that time, but some how we were still at war, be it a cold one. The guys that hung around, saved the Navy back then, and never asked for anything in return. In truth they received very little in return or thanks. Many more returned home from Viet Nam and suffered the rest of their lives because of what they were asked to endure.

Not that every thing was perfect with the Navy back then, a lot of changes have been for the better. Though now as we are once again mired deep in a war it occurs to me that we as a nation have forgotten too much of what these young men and women had to endure. They never had all the feel good people programs that we have today, yet some how a few of us old guys did alright and I am hoping they would think we turned out alright because of what they taught us.

I guess this is my fumbling attempt to that thank all those guys. I am proud to have been trained by them and followed in their foot steps, you truly are "Not Forgotten". So from the generation who followed you from Grenada to Iraq, and all stops in between, thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I belive that when you reach your final duty station, the good Lord will know, you served your time in hell and welcome you aboard.

Old Chief Sends.

Humble Pie - I Don't Need No Doctor - 1971

Friends

Have heard from a lot of great friends today, and am feeling thankful for each and every one of them. When seas get rough, then you truly know which ones will stick by you. I have learned this many times over through the years, and as it seems some times I am forced to re-learn. Even old Master Chiefs can learn things.

You guys in uniform, I am so proud of each and every one of you. My Facebook status was right, so many people don't care, however you continue the fight each and every day no matter what. To my retired friends, I try to do every thing you did and more, I love you guys and never forget you, where ever you are I pray that you are well. Know that I will never quit, no matter what dumb ass leaders are put before me. I learned many years ago, aim true, and shoot straight, and I know no other way to be other than that, like it or not.

To all others in my family and support network God Bless you for being there.

Old Chief Sends,

NAZARETH " Vigilante Man "

Rory Gallagher - A Million Miles Away Irish Tour 1974

Tropical Depression

It's not the weather, that's fine. It's just me, I've got the blues. Normally blues is my favorite style of music, but right now the music is not even helping. I know that I will shake this off and be back to normal pretty soon, but right now it's kicking my butt. It does not help that right now I am working for an  self serving idiot who has totally forgotten what service means, but that topic will be left for another time.


To any of my brothers and sisters in arms, you know that during the course of a deployment when you just want to go home, that's where I am. This starts to make it hard to write and be positive about much right now. I promise to you all I will get pass this and crank out some better pieces soon. Please bear with me.


A good friend gave me a neat line that says, "depression is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign that you have been trying to be strong for too long." I don't know that this is totally true, but I do know that some times when you are standing on your own as a sole voice of reason, it will wear you down. So I hope to be back soon, will sign off now and listen to some blues and try to kick my own.

Old Chief Sends,

KeY West Views