Thanks....CBS7

Christmas For OUR Troops, our organization sending gift boxes to our troops overseas, relies heavily on volunteers and donations. To get large numbers of volunteers and donated items, we have to rely on good media coverage. Probably no media source has been more helpful in the last years as has CBS7, going so far as to send a news crew to San Antonio last May to cover our event at Brooke Army Medical Center.

So it didn't surprise me at all when earlier this week my friend, CBS7 anchor, Catherine Collins called saying they wanted to do a follow up story about the troops receiving our packages. And so the next day we taped a spot which aired on Christmas Day.

So thanks and Merry Christmas to Catherine, Jose, Eddie, Jordan, Beau, Stephanie and all the other folks at CBS7 who help us out!

Remembering my Dad...

My Dad has been gone a little over two years now, the last day of November to be exact. I, of course, thought about the event on that day this year but sometimes, with other events happening at that time, it seems so sad that I'd rather not mention it in public. But tonight for some odd reason I was looking back over old posts on "Streams" and came across what I had written about him on Father's Day of 2002. It is still appropriate even now with him gone......

I'm making meat loaf, for Fathers Day with My Dad, Mom and xxxxx.

I am blessed that my Dad is still here, and living with my Mom only 4 blocks away...in the house I mostly grew up in. My Dad, a child of the "depression", worked from age 12 to help support his family because that's just what people did and he didn't consider himself special, but his Mom and Sister did.

My Dad, the soldier, left for WWII and didn't come home for 3 years. His best Army buddy was killed right beside him on their first day of combat in Italy. My Dad who endured many months of hard combat, and was evacuated only after his feet had frozen in the Vosge Mountains of France. My Dad who came home, and didn't talk about it all for the next 50 years, because it was too hard, and because as an American it was simply his duty to perform.....and that's what everyone did, so he didn't consider himself special. But we do.

My Dad who really worked way too hard to send three sometimes ungrateful kids to the best colleges while forgoing things he had dreamed of all his life. I only suspect this because he never mentioned it and didn't consider himself special....but we do.

My Dad who watched a son descend into the hellish pit of alcohol, but never had a harsh word, only good advice. And had the patience to wait years for this advise to sink in and didn't consider himself special......but I do.

My Dad who has always been there for everyone in the whole family, put everyone else first and always did the very best he could because that's what Dad's do and didn't consider himself special........but we do!!

Letters from Iraq....

Mailed just one week ago, amazingly enough, our gift boxes to Our Troops overseas are starting to arrive! We've received emails of thanks all day long from Iraq. The note below from a contact made through the 25th Infantry Divsion says it all....

Dear Friends,
It is hard to describe the feeling of warmth I have felt the whole day from deep inside. Your packages arrived at our Medical Facility here in COB Speicher today.

As our Soldiers started coming in, our Mail detail urged everyone to pick up their boxes. You should have seen the look of sheer pleasure in our kid's eyes when they saw the big boxes with their names on them. Their broad smiles, the way they wrapped their arms around the packages and showed to each other in amazement the good things you sent us made me realize how young and impressionable they still are.

I want you to know that your extraordinary act of kindness to our brave kids was well received and cannot be thanked enough.

People like you are the reason why we fight with pride. We fight for patriots like you. We fight for those who love and remember their young Troops who serve all around the world.

It has been a good busy day of work in this strange, troubled land. Seeing the progress made by those who go outside the wire risking their lives for a better Iraq and peace in America gives me hope for the future. In many ways you have been here side by side with us. You have reached out and touched our hearts. My prayers tonight will be for you and your loved ones to receive all the blessings you deserve.

May God keep you and your families in his loving hands. Thank you, dear friends. Thank you for giving our Troops a very Merry Christmas.

v/r,

Miguel Benzor-Anaya
CAPT, MS
25th Infantry Division

Smart or Stoopid....?

Hey, I've been trying to tell you!! Take the test yourself

Mission complete....

Over 100 volunteers packed 1,285 Christmas gift boxes for our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan today. A truly amazing group of people for whom I have the highest respect and admiration. Special kudos go to a great group of kids, the Midland High cheerleaders, who came over after school, got right to work and quickly packed over 100 boxes. This in addition to making Christmas For OUR Troops their official non-profit organization and donating the proceeds from their poster sales to our cause. And not an insignificant amount either! Thanks to all. Here are a few images from the day. CFOT Photos

Santa's final push.

A quick reminder that this Wednesday, Dec 3rd, we will be packing Christmas gift boxes to be sent to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. We have a warehouse full of donated items to be packed into almost 1,300 boxes, so we can use a lot of help! If you would like to come for all afternoon, or just an hour or so, we'd love to have you. Santa's elves will be working at the Fellowship Hall of the First Presbyterian Church on W. Texas Ave. in Midland starting at about 1 p.m. on Wed.

Here are some photos of last years workers and also some from a couple of the recepients. CFOT photos

Big Gold Dog....

I like to watch this every now and then...and it still brings a tear to my eye thinking about another Big Gold Dog.

I'm honored.....!

I didn't think I knew much about stamps, but apparently I do. And I didn't know I'd been honored, but apparently I have. At least the Federated Philatelic Clubs of Southern California appreciate my efforts......whatever they were. Thank you so much for the Exemplary Service Award

Upcoming: The Paula Nelson Band

Under the category of "here's something else to do in Midland". On Saturday December 6th, at 10p.m., The Paula Nelson Band will be at Kroc's in Midland. Paula and her band are hot commodities in Austin and around Texas and the USA. They play a mix of Texas rock, blues and hot country. Paula is the daughter of my friend Connie Nelson......her Dad is Willie. Connie at right in photo, Paula on the left and daughter Amy in the middle.

Just a dog.....

A letter by an anonymous author and sent by a friend.....

Just a dog...

From time to time people tell me to "lighten up, it's just a dog" or "that's a lot of money for just a dog". They don't understand the distance traveled, time spent, or costs involved for "just a dog". Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog". Many hours have passed with my only company being "just a dog" and not once have I felt slighted. Some of my saddest moments were brought about by "just a dog". In those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" provided purpose and comfort to overcome the day.

If you too, think that it's "just a dog" you will probably understand phrases like "it's just a friend", "just a sunrise" or "just a promise". "Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust and pure unbridled joy. Because of "just a dog" I will rise early, take long walks, and look longily to the future.

For me, and folks like me, it's not "just a dog". It's the embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment. "Just a dog" brings out what is good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday people can understand that it's not "just a dog". It's the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a man or woman".

So the next time you hear someone say it's "just a dog", smile because they "just don't understand".

Open House Success...!

Our open house at The Springboard Center was a great success. The Mayor, the president of Midland Memorial Hospital, two district judges and 100's of patrons and supporters were in attendance. Guests had a chance to hear what the center and it's programs will mean for Midland and the surrounding areas and to tour the facility which will be officially opening in February 2009. As always, our friend and national spokesperson Jeanne Cooper of The Young and the Restless provided a great treat and and inspirational words.

Here's a photo slideshow of the afternoon: Springboard Open House and take a video walk thru of the new facility! Video Tour

Kiva....a great idea

Some time ago I ran into Kiva and wrote that I found this vehicle to make micro loans to individuals in 3rd world countries to be absolutely the highest and best use of the Internet. I still feel that way. After chunking in some money I invested in a woman, Sharifa Said Seif, and her hopes of expanding her clothing business in Dar es Salaam. Fast foward nine months and the loan was paid back in full. The idea of Kiva is to keep "rolling" your invested dollars into new loans as they are repaid.

Yesterday, on Veteran's Day, I thought that a good way to remember some of my past was to help someone in Southeast Asia. So my credit balance went to Savy Ek a woman on the Mekong River in Cambodia. Mrs. Ek is a silk weaver and needed some funds to buy materials to help her business grow.

The amount of money we might spend, without a thought, on a nice dinner out is a near fortune to someone in the poorer regions of the world. Kiva is a great way to help someone else up!

Kablooey!!

As a kid I always liked blowing stuff up with firecrackers. Today was the ultimate blow up, the implosion of the old Midland Savings Building. Here are my shots from the media viewing area on the 3rd floor terrace of the Hilton Hotel.

Open House........Ya'll come!

The Springboard Center, our home grown non-profit substance abuse treatment center will be having an open house this Friday to show off our new and nearly completed 11,500 square foot facility. We'll have a light Mexican food buffet and you can meet our national spokesperson Jeanne Cooper of The Young and The Restless, the newest Emmy Award winner for best actress in a daytime drama.

Things kick-off at Noon at the Center which is located at 200 Corporate Dr., off N. Big Spring Street behind the 1st National Bank branch. Here's our MRT Ad with info. Hope you can make it.....!

From Sir Charles...

"Poor people have been voting for Democrats for the last fifty years....and they are still poor."

-Charles Barkely-

Christmas For OUR Troops...

Our Christmas For OUR Troops program is once again swinging into high gear. For the past four years we have sent Christmas gift boxes to our troops serving us in harms way in Iraq and Afghanistan. At first the idea was to send a few boxes of neccesities and goodies to some of the troops we knew were overseas, sending probably 40 or 50 boxes the first year. Last year we sent over 600 boxes and this year the plan is to send over 1,000!

The support from individuals, businesses and churches has been overwhelming! People donate items, large and small, they donate services, money and most importantly their time and efforts! This year we have a whole new group of people in New Mexico who are gathering gifts and providing locations for others to drop off their donations. But....we can always use more help, items for our troops and yes sometimes money. Last year the postage bill for sending our boxes exceeded $12,000! So, if you can help in anyway, please look over our website linked above. We are a registered 503 [c] non profit corporation....and every dime goes towards showing our troops they are not forgotten.

And for a reminder of why we do this....read the few of many, many letters we have recieved back from our grateful servicemembers.

Doyle Dykes...

It was another of those nights when I wonder where all the folks in Midland were....the one's who complain about the lack of things to do in town. Guitar virtuoso Doyle Dykes played before 75-80 folks at the First Presbyterian Church. In fairness it was a Sunday night and I suppose since Doyle was appearing at 1st Presby, more secular folks might have had the impression that this was a religous event. Doyle does have a great spiritual message in his music, which is why the church brought him to town, but Doyle played mainly what he's known for....hot lick country guitar! Doyle has played on stage with Les Paul, Chet Atkins, Duane Eddy, Peter Frampton, John Fogerty, Vince Gill, and has been a regular on the Grand Ol' Opry. He is also the national spokesperson for Taylor Guitars and Rivera Amps.

A small crowd, but a great chance to talk with a musical genius!

Mission Accomplished.....

For the last week I have been intending to add an update concerning the success of the 25th Divisions visit to Midland. Luckily, in Sunday's Midland Reporter-Telegram, Mella McEwen has done a good job of summarizing the trip. I had a great time in the week with the 25th Division soldiers and the feedback from them on their experience was very positive. I'll be seeing them again soon. And a big thanks to the Midland oil community for their support and assistance. Here's Mella's take on the trip.....

Soldiers visit Midland for tips on protecting Iraqi oil facilities
by Mella McEwen
Midland Reporter-Telegram
Published: Sunday, October 5, 2008 3:14 AM CDT

Before heading to northern Iraq later this fall, eight members of the U.S. Army's 25th Infantry Division -- who have previously been to both Iraq and Afghanistan -- detoured to Midland to learn about the oil and gas industry. "Our goal was to get a broad overview of the oil industry and better prepare ourselves for going to Iraq," said Lieutenant Colonel Nancy Blacker, adding that another goal was to identify experts who could assist their efforts once they are in Iraq, experts they can call or e-mail after they arrive in Iraq.

The division's 'mentor,' retired four-star General James T. Hill, contacted his close friend Wallace Craig of Midland for help preparing the division to oversee oil operations in Iraq. "When they first contacted me, I envisioned they were more worried about how to secure the equipment, but their main focus is on putting Iraqis back to work, increasing production and growing the economy," he said.

Craig -- who was in the division in the mid-1970s -- said Hill, a close friend and fraternity brother, had asked him to go to Iraq, but he told Hill the soldiers would be better served coming to Midland, visiting actual facilities and talking with industry representatives. "I said they needed to look at getting many involved because the industry is so segmented," he said.

He then enlisted Midland College's Petroleum Professional Development Center to set up three days of training for the soldiers. The first day was a full-day classroom seminar, "Overview of the Oil and Gas Industry" presented by T.E. Gill at the PPDC building in downtown Midland, followed by an update on global markets, sales and prices at Wachovia Securities.

The second day involved a field trip, touring a Pioneer Natural Resources well site, pipeline operations at Plains All American tank farm and control center and compressor systems at Exterran. At the Plains tank farm, Craig said, the soldiers saw how a large-scale storage facility operates and how it is vulnerable. "They needed to know what the red flags were and what the red flags look like," he said.

Lt. Col. Blacker said the group got a good understanding from both the classroom presentation and the trip to actual sites "to see what the equipment looks like and what right looks like."

The second day concluded at the Petroleum Museum with a panel discussion involving experts in various segments of the industry. Nick Taylor, president of Mexco Energy, was among the panelists talking with the soldiers. "What they were most concerned with was creating jobs, boosting the economy and getting people involved," Taylor observed. He said one thing that amazed him was learning that the Iraqis have now buried their pipelines and encased them in concrete. Better securing the pipelines, he said, will let the Iraqis focus on economic development. Participants discussed suggestions such as holding a trade show similar to the upcoming Permian Basin International Oil Show.

"We directed them towards adding revenue, increasing production, recovering gas that's now being flared, capturing the vapors from production facilities," said Taylor. "We talked about generating facilities, using portable generators -- engines or turbines, those microturbines. Some of them thought that might not be feasible at this point but they were glad to hear our ideas. "We also talked about fertilizer, chemicals, value-added products," he continued.

Taylor noted that, since his days in the army, the military has broadened its concerns from combat to dealing with civilian-military affairs, which he found encouraging.

Craig said there is a benefit to Midlanders from the soldiers' visit in that contacts were made "so that when things improve, there will be opportunities in Iraq, especially for service companies. The potential in Iraq is huge. It has the second largest reserves after Saudi Arabia. That region is going to be a major energy center and it needs revitalization and it needs people who know how to revitalize it."

Lt. Col. Blacker said her group "really appreciate being here and welcomed with open arms."

The Army arrives..

After several months of work in the planning stages, my army consulting job got down to business today with the arrival of a number of command and staff officers from the 25th Infantry Division who have come to Midland to learn the basics of the oil business. The 25th Division will be deploying to the oil rich regions of Iraq in the very near future.

On Tuesday we will be having a full day of instruction in oil production systems at the Petroleum Professional Development Center. Wednesday morning will find us touring oil field production and transportation field sites followed by an afternoon panel discussion and question/answer session at the Petroleum Museum. Thursday we will be visiting the Alon/Fina Refinery in Big Spring before the 25th group departs that evening.

Tonight, with the help of The Petroleum Museum, I hosted a welcoming reception attended by many oil business legends who have helped me in putting the seminar together including Mayor Wes Perry, Arlen Edgar and T.B. O'Brien, who was responsible for extinquishing the oil fires in Kuwait after the first Gulf War.

It's an honor to be able to assist my old division as they prepare to deploy to Iraq....and once again I'm amazed at the quality of people we have serving in our armed forces. Like Major Kuhl, from the 25th Division's legal office. Major Kuhl recently graduated with honors with a masters degree in law from the University of Virginia. She could name her ticket in the corporate legal world, but chooses to serve her country. Enough said.

Two Years......

It was two years ago yesterday that Tres, The Big Gold Dog, passed away peacefully at home. Much has happened since then but it seems like only yesterday that he was here.....and at the same time, a lifetime ago. I think of him every day.

A trip east....?

Life really is interesting and sometimes really interesting things just appear out of the blue.

For the last year I've been trying to make arrangements on my own to go to Afghanistan to do photography. I had lined up media crendials and the paper work to become an "embedded" photographer with the army. The problem was securing transportation. To pay for travel out of pocket is extremely expensive and my efforts at securing a ride over on a military aircraft have not panned out...

So it was with a great deal of serendipity that a call came from an old friend several months ago offering me a paid trip with the army, not to Afghanistan but to Iraq. The friend is a recently retired senior army general who now consults for and advises the army. He told me that an infantry division would be deploying to the oil rich sectors of Iraq in January and that they wanted someone on board who knew the oil business...and the army. My name was suggested. Talks ensued in which I told commanders that I'm not really an expert in any one area, but my strong suit is knowing a lot of people who are so why don't we put together a consulting team of many experts from the differing areas of the oil business. The idea was well received.

So after a call received today, I guess I'm officially a US Army consultant for Iraq. The consultant who is hiring other consultants. We will be hosting, in Midland, a large group of the divisions staff officers and commanders for an "oil business 101" seminar after which we will be on call as the situation dictates in Northern Iraq. Trips over are likely, hopefully very short trips.

Interesting to boot in that the division I'm working with, is the very same one I served in all those years ago.

Gone West...

Ed, "Too Tall" Freeman was one of the four Medal of Honor recepients from the battle at LZ Xray portrayed in the film, We Were Soldiers. Today, I received the following sad news from someone who knew him best.

folks:
please be advised that an american hero crossed the river this morning bound for Fiddlers Green:
Maj. Ed (Too Tall to Fly) Freeman (Medal of Honor, Ia Drang Valley) died in a Boise hospital where he had been in intensive care and on life support for a number of days.
Ed was great company in a foxhole or a watering hole, and a great loyal friend of everyone who ever spent time around him.
Ed's best friend for only about 60 years, Bruce (Old Snake) Crandall, and Bruce's wife Arlene spent time with Ed saying their goodbyes--and continuing their long-running argument over which of them was the Second Best Pilot in the World-- last week.
Bruce told Ed that to prove he was the BPITW Bruce would get a chopper for the burial and sling-load Ed's coffin right into the grave.
We all mourn the loss of one of the Cavalry's two best pilots in the world.
Details of funeral home, funeral arrangements etc. are below.
Garry Owen!
Joe Galloway

Sad News....

I remember the sadness at the passing of The Big Gold Dog like it was yesterday. Now....I can share that feeling with Janie and her family on the loss of their dear friend and companion, Zoie.
Sounding Forth....with sadness

Birthday...

Today is my Dad's birthday, he would have been 85 years old. Having spent so many years watching his health decline, I like to look at many of the old photos like the one above to remind me of what a great and active life he had. I miss him immensely.....

Blogging for Fair Havens..

Blogging for Fair Havens organizer and grand master Jimmy Patterson is smiling here because we've just reached our goal of $10,000......just a little more than half way through the 24 hour event!! Thanks to all... and there is still time to donate using the link above!!

Blogging for Fair Havens

Things are going well in the HEB parking lot as local bloggers led by Jimmy Patterson are busy raising money for Midland Fair Havens. Local luminaries like Midland Mayor Wes Perry [above] are stopping by frequently to show their support. With only 8 hours under our belts, as of 3 o'clock, a grand total of $7,800 has been raised towards the total goal of $10,000. You can still make your pledge! Check out Blogging For Fair Havens

Blogging for Fair Havens..

This Saturday, July 26th, I will be in the HEB parking lot high atop some sort of unsafe contraption that Jimmy Patterson has arranged for in order to help a very worthy cause, Midland Fair Havens. We will be blogging for Fair Havens in an effort to raise $10,000 to help with operating costs for this very worthwhile and needed non-profit organization. Along with Jimmy and a host of other famous guests we will blogging around the clock and hopefully we will achieve our goal....and more.

Jimmy will be high atop his own 30 foot high lift and will be the online emcee for the event providing his own brand of wit and wisdom with, I suspect, a load of rewards and gifts for donors. So, tune in and help Midland Fair Havens. If you are in the neighborhood, please stop by and say hell-o or just yell from your car as you drive past. Please don't throw things, unless it's money....we are doing this for charity!

Guitar Guy.......

Some slam down guitar from a friend's son, Ryan Bell.

And the Emmy winner is......

Our good friend and spokesperson for The Springboard Center, Jeanne Cooper of "The Young and the Restless"! Jeanne was awarded the 2008 "best actress" in a daytime drama for her role as Catherine Chancellor, a role she's been playing since 1973.

A legacy of giving.....

Dollye Neal Ballinger was a remarkable, giving woman and one who keeps on giving even after her passing. While she was alive her charities included a lasting music program at the First United Methodist Church and the beautiful chapel on the campus of Midland College.

Upon her death the bulk of her estate was put under the care of the Permian Basin Area Foundation to fund projects and programs to help the people she cared about. One of those was our Springboard Center and today our executive director and board received a check for $250,000 from Mrs. Ballinger's estate through the PBAF. These funds will help us complete our new 11,500 sf substance abuse treatment center now under construction.

Mrs. Ballinger was a supporter of, and believer in, our program and knew what a difference her assistance could make. It sure will....!! Thank you Dollye!

Live onstage with Willie....

Who ever thought I'd be onstage with Willie Nelson? Certainly not me, but courtesy of his ex wife and my friend Connie Nelson....here I am onstage with Willie

Let the fun begin...

It's reunion time! Two classes from Midland High, two classes from Lee High School. I won't devulge what years these are other than to say that I graduated in the last century. Several of us at various points around Texas have been working on this for six months. Sometimes working a whole lot.

But it should be worth the effort with probably 450+ attending. Friday night is an event I organized at the Chaparral Gallery in the Petroleum Museum, Saturday night the big shindig at the Midland Center put together by a professional reunion service out of Houston. Using advanced search engines they found many lost souls. Several of us "googled" up more. I found my class president in the Seattle area. His parents relocated from Midland the year he graduated and he hasn't been back since. He's excited. Many people I've kept up with, many I haven't. I ended up with 90+ classmates on my personal list and most are coming. Too fun.....

I must rest up Sunday after they all depart, because I visit Willie Nelson that night...more fun.

The Hippy Dippy Weatherman....RIP

God Bless George Carlin, 1937-2008

A second chance...

In September of 1995 Willie Nelson performed in Midland at a very nice, relatively small outdoor show on the Courthouse lawn. My Dad was a golfing partner of the father of the show's promoter and so became the recepient of a backstage pass to the show. Graciously, he bestowed the pass on me. Backstage, in this case, meant sitting on the back of the lowrise temporary platform that Willie performed on. For most of the show I sat on the stage right next to Willie's sister, and longtime piano player, Bobbie Nelson. A great show with Willie playing a solid two hours of his greatest hits.

After the show, the pass entitled me to come to the "meet and greet" with Willie. In this case held outside his motor coach, parked on the street right in front of the Petroleum Building, which later became my office. After Willie relaxed for a half an hour or so, he descended from the motor home, shook the hands of we eight or ten fans with passes, brought out some lawn chairs and invited everyone to stay and talk. And that we did until about 2 a.m. when there were just two us left with Willie. As you can imagine it was a rare treat. Except for one thing, which I've regretted ever since...I didn't have a camera with me. I got an autograph, but no pictures.

But now, fate, serendipity or just good fortune is bringing me a second chance. In the past year I've become good friends with Willie's ex wife, Connie Nelson. Connie is a sweetheart of a woman. Kind, caring, talented and very interesting, she was instrumental in the success of our recent Troop Salute in San Antonio, arranging for bands and raising money. Connie also brought her best friend, Phyllis with her to help out. As I was eating dinner with Phyllis the topic of Willie arose. I asked her if she knew him very well. "Well yes," she said, "his sister Bobbie is my step-mother".

So when I found out that Willie will be appearing soon in Odessa, I called Connie. "Hi Connie, Willie is going to be in Odessa on June 29th, I wonder if you could......" That's all I got out before she said, "you want some backstage passes?" And so she called Willie's manager and within a day it was arranged, giving me all the names in Willie's tour group that I need to know and who to talk to about taking photographs onstage. And when I talked to Phyllis this week she added, "I'll see Bobby tonight, I'll tell her about you and ask her to make sure things go OK."

Sometimes we do get second chances in life....and they may even work out better than first chances.

Sam "Steamboat" Mokuahi....

Steamboat, with our two Army Club Tropic Lightning outriggers at Waikiki

Without friends in Hawaii anymore, I hadn't heard the news, two years old, that an old friend of mine had passed away. Sam Mokuahi was a legend in the islands. His dad had been one of the original Waikiki beachboys and Sam Jr. followed in his dad's footsteps. Sam's Newspaper story..

Sam, or just Steamboat, was the guy who introduced me to outrigger canoe racing when I lived in Hawaii. Sam was a nationally known professional wrestler in the '60's and 70's, but his passion was outrigger canoes and keeping the old traditions and customs of their heritage alive. Sam had the idea that the US Army, having a big presence in Hawaii, ought to participate in the local racing events. So he talked the commanding general of the 25th Division into forming a team......and I was chosen to be the commanding officer, such as it was.

Sam spent 6 months of his own time teaching ten novice guys how to get proficient enough to enter the big race of the year, the Aloha Week canoe race from the island of Molokai back to Honolulu. An open ocean race 58 miles in length. We made it, second to last out of 25 boats. Sam kept after us, even providing some of his beachboy paddlers as coaches and the next year, half way through the race, we were in third place out of 35 boats when our rigging snapped in 15 foot swells and we had to withdraw. When the Army withdrew it's support and our team disbanded, Sam asked me to join his private beachboy team.....the only haole [non local] on the team...something I'm still proud of.

Sam was, physically, a huge guy.....but huge also in spirit, gentleness and kindness. I have two canoe paddles from my racing days. One, made of Hawaiian Koa wood, was a gift to me from Sam. A special permit is needed from the state to cut Koa wood and Sam had one to build beautiful paddles and handmade canoes. I'll treasure my paddle all the more now. I loved the last, very fitting, line of his obit article, "A flotilla of canoes will accompany the scattering of ashes beyond the reef". Wish I could have been there.

Memorial Day....

The Greatest Generation.....my greatest hero

Wally Craig, Sgt. 179th Inf. 45 Inf Div
Anzio, Italian Campaign, Invasion of Southern France, Vosge Mountains Campaign

Hero Appreciation Day....WOW!

What do you say to a handsome, and young, 23 year old soldier who has recently lost both legs in Iraq when you are sitting with him and looking him right in the eye? As hard as it was, I said what I had come to say to all these soldiers, "This isn't much but I want you to know that I appreciate the sacrifices you've made for us and your country. And if there's anything I can ever do for you.....here's my phone number". I think he sensed I was about to cry, which honestly I was, so he said to me, "hey sir, it's OK, this is some real shit to deal with, but I have my wife with me, my buddies and the Army is taking great care of me.....I'll get through this. And we appreciate you guys thinking of us and doing this for us". And you think we don't have some great young people in this country!

This occured Wednesday night at our Hero Appreciation Day dinner at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. All the hours that I, and many others, put in to make this happen were made worthwhile in that one short conversation. It was a night that every American should experience to learn just how much thanks and gratitude we do owe these troops.

We fed and entertained close to 500 soldiers and their families, a few VIP's and a lot of just plain folks who also care about these soldiers. Even I'm not sure where they all came from, but we had over 100 volunteers assisting with everything from setting up tent pavillions, packing gift bags and serving the troops at their tables which still more volunteers had decorated at their own expense.

Here's a slideshow that gives only just a feeling of the event. Although many of the wounded troops gave me permission to use their photos, except for two, I decided I'd rather not for personal reasons. Just know that to see so many wounded and maimed young Americans in one spot is heartrending. Hero Appreciation Slideshow.

To thank all those who helped is impossible but here are a few. Recording artists The Lucky Tomblin Band, Roger Creager, Crossroads [who brought their portable stage and sound system]. ESPN who did a live broadcast, CBS7 who will be presenting a special report with interviews they did. Rudy's BBQ for a great feed at cost. Traci Cavender of Cavenders Boot's who picked up the rest of the food costs. Borden's Dairy for scads of ice cream and Union Pacific Railroad for loads of water. To my high school friends who came. For my college friends who lent a hand. For the numerous Ia Drang [We Were Soldiers] Vets who came from all over Texas to lend support. To Luke Green, the Chief of Staff of the 5th Army who took control of the ground logistics providing pavillion tents, chairs, and the manpower to set it all up. To longtime friend Teresa Goforth in Dallas who arranged for free tickets to Texas Rangers and Dallas Starz games. And to her daughter Priscilla, who emceed the program. To Judith Markelz who gives of her time in running the Soldiers and Families Support Center at BAMC. And especially to Connie Nelson, who called out of the blue to offer her help...and who got her ex hubby Willie Nelson to become a sponsor. Connie has become a very good friend and her work was tireless in finding sponsors, coordinating the entertainment and providing autographed photos of some really cool people that were given to the troops. Connie is the blonde in the black and white top in the photos. To all these and the many I didn't have time to meet personally.....THANKS!

Thanks for a great gift...

What other way to show your gratitude to the people who saved your brother's life than to pick up the phone and just say, "Thanks".

That's what I did this afternoon, reaching Dr. Amy Marvin in Houston. Amy gave my brother CPR while her husband assisted and then administered the defibrillator which shocked him back to life. Amy, and I, were close to tears as she recounted the event, "he was gone, just gone", she said, "my husband and I just lost it when later that night we phoned the hospital and talked to Mark and he said he was doing fine".

Amy and her husband Robert, with consent from my sister in law, agreed to a TV interview on the condition that it would highlight the use of defibrillators. Here's the Fox News story.

God watches over us....

My brother, Mark, has had his name in the Houston paper before in his capacity as a deputy director of NASA. But I doubt that he has ever been on the front page of the paper as he is today. And I doubt that he wants to repeat the events that got him there.

The newspaper article tells the story as one of luck, serendipity and good planning. Sometimes though, I think there is no explanation other than God is watching over us. Read the article and see what you think.....

The Tour...

Last week, a blur now, was spent with Michael Peterson and his Real Life Tour, sponsored by the US Army. What a blast getting to know Michael, his band members, tour group and of course some great folks from the Army. The purpose of the tour was for Michael to speak to teenagers about making the right choices in life. And speak he did to over 2,000 kids at six schools, to large teen groups at churchs and other place kids gather. We had lunch one day at El Burrito with six kids from Midland High. When lunch was over we dropped them off in the tour bus at the front door to MHS...greatly improving their social status. Besides being a great singer/songwriter, Michael is a quality guy.

If you missed the finale concert on Saturday night..you missed something special, including guest performer and Sony recording artist Colt Prather. Here's Colt in action....

Michael Peterson....

Some months ago, through old Army contacts, I was asked to help bring Country and Western artist Michael Peterson and his Real Life Tour to Midland. The tour is sponsored, in part, by the Army and is aimed at reaching teenagers with ways to take responsibility and make correct decisions.

I've spent the last three days with Michael and he is the real deal. I don't know that I've ever heard a more effective speaker and one who has a knack of gettng his message across to kids through music, laughter and with his own personal story. We have already had several engagments and today, Friday, he is speaking at Lee Freshman High School, Goddard and Abell Junior Highs in Midland and tonight we travel to Lamesa and the high school there.

And......Michael is a great musician, songwriter and C&W star. Named "CMA newcomer of the year" in 1997 he quickly had five hits in the country charts top 10 and one reached #1. I've heard Michael this week playing accoustically at his speaking engagements. I can't wait to hear him plugged in with his entire band Saturday night. For a little extra fun, Michael has an amazing "illusionist" couple, Ridgeway and Johnson. I've seen a little of what they can do, all I can say is "damn, how did they do that". Kristen is also ranked as one of the top escape artists in the world. Worth seeing.

Michael will be in concert Saturday at 7 p.m. at Midland's Horseshoe, but will be meeting fans and signing autographs from 5 p.m. till the show starts. You should try and come. I'm telling you.....he is really good! Take a look.....

You won't be forgotten....

Faithful readers will recall that last year at this time friends Scott Davis, Terry Johnson and I [along with a lot of help!] staged what we called The West Texas Troop Salute at Rockhounds Stadium. Organized in only 2 months time, the event exceeded our wildest expectations with over 4,000 people showing their gratitude and support for our troops. We had intended to repeat the Troop Salute this year.

But, after a great deal of heartfelt consideration, we decided that the same event might not draw the crowd it did last year, the old "we've seen that" syndrome, which we understand. And we wanted to do something a little more directly appreciative for some troops needing a lot of support.

So...this year we are doing "Hero Appreciation Day" at the rehab unit of Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. The rehab unit is where the most severely wounded troops spend months..even years getting their bodies, minds and spirits healed. We want to give them a break from the hard work of healing by hosting a barbecue on the lawn at the hospital.

What started out as a simple plan to take a "BBQ trailer" down and cook some hot dogs ourselves has turned into a large, but worthwhile, undertaking. And the support, as usual, is phenomenal. Luckily, last year I had met the Chief of Staff of US ArmyNorth at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio and he has been a major boost on the ground there helping us to put this together. He has the Army volunteering tent canopies, chairs, tables and man power. What started as a dog cookout now has Rudy's Famous Barbecue catering the event for what we think will be between 3-400 patients and their families, guests, VIP's and just plain folks.

Support and offers of assistance are coming from all over. Larry Gatlin is on board and this week we were contacted by C&W recording artist Roger Creager...he'll be there. The Lucky Tomblin Band signed on today. A shuttle astronaut I met in Midland last month is flying in from Canada for the event. A major radio station in San Antonio is live broadcasting the proceedings. CBS7 in Odessa is sending a news crew, Borden's is donating all the ice cream we can eat and the list goes on...

Last month my phone rang...."hi this is Connie Nelson, I'm Willie Nelson's ex wife, I heard what you're doing and I'd like to help. I can serve, clean up...whatever". Well Connie is helping now....a lot. I talk to her several times a day. She's still in the music business, knows everyone and is working on several more entertainers. And, of course, she called Willie. Willie is now a major sponsor and started off by sending 300 of his new CD's and 300 special "Willie Bandannas".

Rudy's Barbecue is giving us a large first class barbecue for 400 people at cost, but they have to pay for their overhead so there still was a chunk of change to cover. I told Connie we were looking for a sponsor for the meal, she said don't worry. She called me back an hour later and told me she had a friend who was interested in helping and to email the Rudy's contract to her. I did, and this morning I received a call from one of the family member/owners of a major western wear company. Five minutes later, deal done, the entire meal picked up by Cavender's Boots.

We will have some name entertainment, VIP's, and other notables attending, but the main goal of the whole affair is to have a crowd there to let these troops know how much we appreciate their sacrifices for us and that we won't let them be forgotten. So, if you can be in San Antonio on May 21st we'd love to have you, we kick off the festivities at 6 pm. The link above is our press release.......

I Like Maps...

I've always liked and been interested in maps. I also love PBS' Antiques Roadshow. Tonight the two converged. I've seen some interesting things on AR over the years that are somewhat related to some of the things I own, like the Whistler lithograph that was appraised last year. Thanks to my grandparents I have a Whistler lithograph.

But tonight a 19th century world atlas appeared that was very much like the 1800's atlas that I too possess, once again thanks to my art and book collecting grandfather. The atlas on AR was an 1836 version, mine is a 1852 and German, but the maps in both are hand painted lithographs, both complete and in very good condition and appear quite similar.

Even though I would expect mine to sell at somewhat of a discount to this American version, I was somewhat pleasantly surprised by the appraised value. Take a look at the AR Atlas Appraisal.

The Lost Jimmy Tapes...

It's amazing what shows up and where. Somehow on Spike.Com I ran into the uncut version of an interview with Jimmy Patterson at the MRT and My West Texas done with me right after the passing of The Big Gold Dog. I'm glad to find it saved; it sure brought back some memories.

Another Passing....

The size of my already small family became ever smaller yesterday with the passing of my Mom's older sister. My aunt Kay was a remarkable woman who overcame profound deafness, as a result of a childhood illness, to become a charming Navy wife, a caring mother and grandmother and a professional artist. She read lips so well and spoke so clearly that often we forgot she had almost no hearing. With the vagaries of modern life we saw too little of her, but her kindness and love of family will keep her in our hearts forever...

Native Plant Sale...

We'll be having a large native plant sale/fundraiser at the Sibley Nature Center this Saturday, April 5th. We have a large selection of shrubs, ornamentals, grasses and trees that do well in strong sun with low maintenance and water needs. The sale starts at 9 a.m. We expect that the plants will go quickly.....get there early. Our greenhouse is behind the Sibley Center on E. Wadley, adjacent to Hogan Park [the dog park entrance]. See you there....

Bitter as wormwood...

"For the lips of an immoral woman drip honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil, but in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two edged sword. Her feet go down to death, her steps lay hold of hell".
Proverbs 5:3-5

This passage was quoted by Cal Thomas in his column today. I just love it......"bitter as wormwood". That's great....and from Scripture too!

Spanky...

From the "Captured Moments" hall of fame, Spanky and Our Gang. For some unknown reason I always really liked this song. Now it brings back memories of driving my college roommates car around San Antonio. My roommate and his brother both had brand new 1968 Buick Gran Sports courtesy of their rich grandfather. Luckily my roommate was very generous with it's use. He had loads of 8 track tapes too. Spanky being one.

Elaine "Spanky" McFarland later took over Mama Cass' role in the Mama's and Papa's after Mama Cass' unfortunate cheese sandwich demise. Spanky is still around and sounds great.

Long lost kin......?

Regular readers and friends might look at the photos above and say, "Cute, more pictures of D. Daphne Dog". I don't blame you...but this isn't D. Daphne.

Over the last several years I've gotten linked up informally with other dog owners/lovers in an email network that tries to find homes for needy dogs and the photos above and others came to me this morning. I really couldn't believe my eyes. This dog in need is a clone of D. Daphne Dog. I have never seen two dogs look so much alike....especially dogs of mixed breeds. The coloring, markings, the ears, the size and build, the slight upward curl to the tail are all identical.

From what I know, D. Daphne was found, along with other littermates, abandoned along a highway when she was a puppy. My first conclusion was that this dog in need certainly had to be one of her siblings. But, a reply from the caretaker of this dog informed me that he is only one year old. So much for the littermate theory.....but they have to have come from the same source somewhere not to long ago. My Mom has been hinting about a dog, and she loves D. Daphne, perhaps she'd like her clone?

Reunion '08

Do you know the whereabouts of anyone in the Midland High or Lee High classes of '67 and '68? Send them here..... big doings this summer.

Soccer Season....

The sports folks at Midland High seem to want me busy. I started out last year doing the MHS football website and photos. Earlier in the year I picked up the Lady Dawgs basketball assignment and this week was hired to do the MHS boys soccer coverage. I enjoy helping out the old alma mater, meeting new people and it's nice to get paid for doing something so enjoyable.
MHS Dawgs Soccer

Sibley Center Groundbreaking...

On Tuesday we held the ceremonial groundbreaking for our Million Dollar expansion at the Sibley Nature Center. Thanks to all those who worked hard and/or contributed to make this addition a reality. A special thanks to Texas House Speaker Tom Craddick who thought enough of our plans to work for us in obtaining a matching grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

And now, "Groundbreaking, The Movie"

2001: A Time Odyssey....

Tonight, Turner Classic Movies aired "2001: A Space Odyssey". I've seen this many times over the years and I still like watching the first hour or so, the rest rather drags on after you've seen it so many times and the ending is a tad too '60s psychedelic for me. But what got to me tonight was the realization that this film was made 40 years ago. 40 years! Damn!

I suppose what is so brain fuddling about this is that "2001" still has a modern feel for a film made in 1968. The space ships look like they could have been designed last year as do all the computer screens that control the Saturn probe. I'm sure that the filmmakers thought that quite possibly, we'd be going to Saturn in 2001, 33 years after the film was made and that computers would be thinking entities competing with humans for control.

We've made some progress in this direction but fall woefully short in both of these areas. We landed men on the moon one year after "2001" came out but all we've done since 1972 is have humans circle the planet. The face recognition, reasoning powers and conversation synthesis of anything like the HAL 9000 may be another 40 years away.

Priceless....

Spending all morning flying in a Huey with the doors open, shooting pictures ....two of my favorite things in one. Getting paid to do so........Priceless!

Groundbreaking....

The Springboard Center groundbreaking ceremonies, luncheon and celebrity events were a great success, highly entertaining and very touching. Thanks to all those who made it possible; especially the staff and talent at CBS7 and The Young and the Restless! Here are some photos of the day.

Ya'll Come.....!

The Springboard Center is a community based not for profit substance abuse counseling center. We have been operating out of cramped rented quarters downtown since 1999. As a board member I'm pleased to say that with more than generous financial support from the community we've raised about half of the $3 million+ cost of our new medical detox and treatment facility. And we're ready for the groundbreaking this Friday, snow or not!

The public is invited.....which means you! Our special guests will be soap opera diva Ms. Jeanne Cooper of The Young and the Restless, along with Josh O'Connell, producer of this long running CBS daytime drama. Other cast members in attendance is a distinct possibility. Ms. Cooper is our national spokesperson and Josh has told us that he is looking for ways to incorporate The Springboard Center into the Y&R storyline.

The Springboard Center facility is a long needed resource in Midland offering medical detox and substance abuse treatment to every member of the community no matter of their financial situation or ability to pay. There is no such facility in the area currently.

The groundbreaking will be at 11 a.m. this Friday at our site on Corporate Dr. off of N. Big Spring St., behind the First National Bank branch. Thankfully I ordered a tent....and today I asked them to throw in a heater. Please come say hell-o to Ms. Cooper, she's a captivating, caring and very sweet lady. Her Young and Restless fame not withstanding, I'm equally impressed that she has appeared in many of my favorite old time TV classics like Perry Mason and films like The Kansas City Bombers.

Photo Op's.....

One of the secrets of photography, I've learned, is just to keep plugging away, let people know of your interest and show them your work. Some interesting upcoming opportunities generated this way:

‡While in Boerne last weekend I met some very caring folks who run a weekend camp for severly handicapped kids. They asked if I'd be interested in coming down soon and photographing one of their weekends for use in presentation materials. A privelage!

‡This Friday, The Springboard Center will have the groundbreaking for our new $4 million facility. Attending will be our national spokesperson Jeanne Cooper, star of the CBS soap The Young and the Restless. Associate producer Josh O'Connell, having seen my shots of Ms. Cooper on a previous visit, has asked me to generate a portfolio that they can use in their national promotion of Ms. Cooper's involvement.

‡The best! Last fall I sent some photo samples to my alma mater, Trinity University, as a preliminary to entry in their alumni art show. Today I received a letter from Trinity asking me to be one of several "event" photographers documenting the visit of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair who will speak at Trinity in March. An honor!

Honor Flight.....

In my army career, and during the last several years in Midland, I have 100's of hours flying in helicopters; parachuting out of some of them too. I'm one of those whacko's who really loves flying in them with the doors open at low altitude. Except when getting shot at, it's great fun to me. But I don't think I've ever had as much fun, pleasure really, as I did today while flying in a Huey with my good friend Bruce Crandall. His face lit up like a kid at Christmas when he took over the controls of Gregg Baiano's huey.

Bruce was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery while flying a Huey almost exactly like the restored Vietnam era model we were in today for three hours. Though he has briefly flown a few helicopters since his army days he basically stopped flying Hueys after a serious crash in 1968. Today he flew us all the way back from Iraan, Texas...a 45 minute flight. Like riding a bike, you just never forget how.

Several days ago when my friend Gregg heard that Bruce was in town, he said he would deem it a great honor if Bruce would take a flight in one of Gregg's three restored Hueys. So, today that's what we did, flying to Iraan to eat one of the best barbeque lunches I've had in Texas. Along with us was the new director of the Commmemorative Air Force, a fomer Army chopper pilot himself and Bruce's son Donovan who flew up from Houston today just for the event. Also I had called my friend Jose, the news director at CBS7 News, to see if they might like to send a reporter along. Jose called me back to say that no, he didn't want to send a reporter, he was going along himself and bringing their dirctor of photography to film the trip. So, next Monday, I understand, look for our trip and interviews with Bruce on the news at 6 and 10. And if you are in Iraan, try the barbeque joint, it's better than anything in Midland.

Online interview with Jimmy Patterson [click on icon at right]

Visitations....

It's odd sometimes how things work in life.

It seems like seeing old friends suddenly comes in a torrent. As the New Year approached I was invited to Boerne, Texas to be the guest of my good friends Gen. Tom and Toni Hill. Tom was a fraternity brother and I met Toni my freshman year at Trinity University also. I lived with Tom and Toni for four months when we all were in the army at Ft. Benning and after 40 years they are like family to me. Since our last visit together in 2003, we had a lot to catch up on. And with their extended families, their big gold dog and my Daphne in their large country home, it was a great time for us after a somewhat downsized Christmas.

On New Years Eve several other fraternity brothers who live in San Antonio came out for the day as well as my old high school classmate Bonnie who I haven't seen in decades. Laughter and remembrances were non stop while my friend, the other Pancho, and I took photos. It was tough to leave.

And so today I was pleasantly surprised when I received a phone call from two other dear friends, Bruce and Arlene Crandall. As you may recall Bruce is a recent Medal of Honor recepient, a ceremony I was honored to attend at the White House last February. Bruce and Arlene have been on a whirlwind appearance schedule since then, but are slowing down to spend three days in Midland. I think, perhaps, the invitation from my friend Gregg Baiano to spend two days flying in his restored Huey helicopters may have swayed Bruce to take this break from his rapid paced schedule. More fun will now, undoubtedly, ensue!