Sunday Post

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Ship’s Cook First Class Frank E. Hill (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 21, 1905, on board the USS Bennington. His citation reads:

On board the U.S.S. Bennington, for extraordinary heroism displayed at the time of the explosion of a boiler of that vessel at San Diego, Calif., 21 July 1905.

Chief Quarter Gunner George Hill (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on April 12, 1872, on board the USS Kansas. His citation reads:

Serving on board the U.S.S. Kansas, Hill displayed great coolness and self-possession at the time Comdr. A. F. Crosman and others were drowned, near Greytown, Nicaragua, 12 April 1872, and by extraordinary heroism and personal exertion, prevented greater loss of life.

Corporal Henry Hill (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 6, 1864, at Wilderness, Virginia. His citation reads:

This soldier, with one companion, would not retire when his regiment fell back in confusion after an unsuccessful charge, but instead advanced and continued firing upon the enemy until the regiment re-formed and regained its position.


The I’m just sayin… Bible Verse of the Week
COLOSSIANS 2:8

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.

Home Run Derby

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Chief Boatswain Edwin Joseph Hill (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on December 7, 1941, on the USS Nevada. His citation reads:

For distinguished conduct in the line of his profession, extraordinary courage, and disregard of his own safety during the attack on the Fleet in Pearl Harbor, by Japanese forces on 7 December 1941. During the height of the strafing and bombing, Chief Boatswain Hill led his men of the linehandling details of the U.S.S. Nevada to the quays, cast off the lines and swam back to his ship. Later, while on the forecastle, attempting to let go the anchors, he was blown overboard and killed by the explosion of several bombs.

Sergeant Frank E. Hill (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on September 8, 1872, at Date Creek, Arizona. His citation reads:

Secured the person of a hostile Apache Chief, although while holding the chief he was severely wounded in the back by another Indian.

Private Frank Hill (US Marine Corps) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 11, 1898, on board the USS Nashville. His citation reads:

On board the U.S.S. Nashville during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Hill displayed extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action.


The I’m just sayin… Kid Show of the Week

The Kid Show of the Week this week is the classic show, Home Run Derby. Home Run Derby is a 1960 television show that was held at Wrigley Field in Los Angeles pitting the top sluggers of Major League Baseball against each other in nine-inning home run contests. The show was produced and hosted by actor/broadcaster Mark Scott and distributed by Ziv Television Programs.

The series aired in syndication from January 9 to July 2, 1960 and helped inspire the Home Run Derby event that is now held the day before the annual Major League Baseball All-Star Game. ESPN staged a revival of the show in 2003.

The rules were similar to modern home run derbies, with two notable exceptions. If a batter did not swing at a pitch that was in the strike zone, that also constituted an out. Also, the contests were conducted in a more similar fashion to a baseball game than the modern home run derbies, where a player has a set number of outs before his turn is over.

Batters were given three outs per inning, and the player with the most home runs after nine innings won. The defending champion had the advantage of batting last; his opponent batted first. Any ball not hit for a home run was an out. The player did not have to swing at every pitch, but if he did not swing at it, and the pitch was in the strike zone, that also constituted an out, as did a swing and a miss, but these rarely happened as the pitcher was supposed to be giving the batters good balls to hit. If the players were tied after nine innings, the Derby would go into extra innings as per regular baseball.

While one player was taking his turn at bat, the other player would be at the host's booth and would have a brief conversation, typically unrehearsed "small talk" about the contest itself or the player's performance for that season. Willie Mays, who was a champion later in the run (after losing in the initial contest to Mantle), joked with host Scott during his run that the host should be quiet while he batted for his third consecutive home run (for which Mays would receive a $500 bonus) and Scott took him up on it, speaking into the mike sotto voce, similar to a bowling or golf announcer, whenever Mays would step up to the plate. Sometimes when the batter would hit a ball in the deep outfield, the player in the booth would sometimes comment that it would have gone for extra bases in a real game, which Scott replies that on Home Run Derby it's nothing but an out. Some players wore golf gloves during the show - a noticeable addition because the batting glove was still years away from being a normal part of a player's gear.

Nineteen players, including nine future Hall of Famers, participated in the series, "almost all the power hitters of the era."

The winner received a check for $2,000 and was invited back for the next week's episode against a new opponent (a rarity in that era for syndicated games); the runner-up received a check for $1,000. If a batter hit three home runs in a row, he would receive a $500 bonus check. A fourth home run in a row would be worth another $500 bonus check. Any consecutive home runs hit beyond that would each be worth $1,000. Each show would end with the host presenting each player with their prize checks (beginning with the loser), and would award separate checks for consecutive home run bonuses. These were actual bank checks, not the jumbo "display" checks typically used today. For example, if the winner hit three homers in a row, they would receive one check for $2,000 and another for $500 instead of one check for $2,500. As an incentive for throwing good home-run-hitting balls, the pitcher who threw the most pitches for home runs also received a bonus, according to the host.


Hank Aaron won the most money during the show's run, winning $13,500. His run of six consecutive wins was ended by Wally Post, who was defeated in his next outing by Dick Stuart. This is a GREAT show to watch with your kids.
As always, thanks to Wikipedia for the info.

Athlete of the Week…

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private Frank C. High (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 16, 1899, near San Isidro, Philippine Islands. His citation reads:

With 21 other scouts charged across a burning bridge, under heavy fire, and completely routed 600 of the enemy who were entrenched in a strongly fortified position.

Corporal Patrick Highland (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on April 2, 1865, at Petersburg, Virginia. His citation reads:

Conspicuous gallantry as color bearer in the assault on Fort Gregg.

Captain Edward Hill (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on June 1, 1864, at Cold Harbor, Virginia. His citation reads:

Led the brigade skirmish line in a desperate charge on the enemy's masked batteries to the muzzles of the guns, where he was severely wounded.


The I’m just sayin… Know Your South Carolina Athlete

Our athlete of the week this week is former James Island High School football standout Hank Campbell. I believe he was at JIHS around the same time as Teresa Lynn. Honestly, I couldn’t find much about Hank on the internet (way to let me down, Wikipedia)… but I did find the below video. As you can see, after high school Hank went on to be a star football player for the Revolutionary War Heroes. If you want to know more of his stats and stuff like that, you’ll have to see if your research team can do better than mine… But for now you’ll just have to trust me when I tell you he was a great football player. Enjoy the video:

Thankful Thursday…

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private Charles Higby (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on April 9, 1865, at Appomattox Campaign, Virginia. His citation reads:

Capture of flag.

Sergeant Thomas J. Higgins (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 22, 1863, at Vicksburg, Mississippi. His citation reads:

When his regiment fell back in the assault, repulsed, this soldier continued to advance and planted the flag on the parapet, where he was captured by the enemy.

Private Thomas P. Higgins (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions from August to October 1868, in Arizona. His citation reads:

Bravery in scouts and actions against Indians.


Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for all of the research being done at my place of employment and at other universities and hospitals. Some of it is being paid for by the government… some by foundations and non-profits… and some by drug companies and other corporate entities. There is a ton of research being done for all kinds of diseases. I focus mainly on Alzheimer’s, but research is also being done for heart diseases, all types of cancers, MS, ALS, AIDS… everything. There are some “wins”… some drugs are found that help. But more times than not, the trials that are done “fail”. I put fail in quotation marks because I believe that all results are good in that they at least help researchers cross an idea off the list. It’s not easy, and I doubt it’s fun… but thousands of people (really millions of people, I’d guess) agree to be part of these trials. Without them, we wouldn’t have the drugs that we do have… and without them I dare say we wouldn’t ever find a cure to the diseases that cause families so much pain. So today I am thankful that there are people at all levels who see the need for research. And I look forward to the day when it is no longer needed (at least for the really bad stuff).

Another NCIS Season is underway!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Sergeant Dennis W. Hickey (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on June 29, 1864, at Stony Creek Bridge, Virginia. His citation reads:

With a detachment of 3 men, tore up the bridge at Stony Creek being the last man on the bridge and covering the retreat until he was shot down.

Second Class Fireman John Hickman (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on March 14, 1863, on board the USS Richmond. His citation reads:

Served on board the U.S.S. Richmond in the attack on Port Hudson, 14 March 1863. Damaged by a 6-inch solid rifle shot which shattered the starboard safety-valve chamber and also damaged the port safety-valve, the fireroom of the U.S.S. Richmond immediately became filled with steam to place it in an extremely critical condition. Acting courageously in this crisis, Hickman persisted in penetrating the steam-filled room in order to haul the hot fires of the furnaces and continued this action until the gravity of the situation had been lessened.

Corporal Nathan E. Hickok (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on September 29, 1864, at Chapins Farm, Virginia. His citation reads:

Capture of flag.


It’s a new season, so that means it’s time to update our favorite NCIS Episodes. In honor of a new season of NCIS (Season 10) starting last night, I will give you the I’m just sayin... 10 favorite NCIS episodes (as voted on by the staff at I’m just sayin.... While I really enjoyed last night’s episode, it wasn’t good enough to crack our list. Still, that could change by next season (I sometimes have to watch an episode multiple times to really like it).

*Note: Episode info comes from Wikipedia

The I’m just sayin... 10 Favorite NCIS Episodes

7x01 “Truth or Consequences”
¬Several months have passed since Gibbs left Ziva in Israel, and no one at NCIS has heard from her since. Concerned that something may be wrong, Tony, McGee and Abby track down her last known whereabouts, and discover that she was on a mission to take out terrorist Saleem Ulman in Northern Africa. Tony and McGee track him down to get answers about Ziva’s disappearance, but are quickly taken prisoner by Saleem. Unfamiliar with NCIS and Tony’s mission, Saleem administers a truth serum and questions Tony extensively about the inner workings of the agency, how he was able to find his base of operations and why he traveled so far in his quest. Unable to keep quiet due to the serum's effects, Tony recaps the three months at NCIS since Ziva disappeared, and reveals that NCIS is under the impression that Ziva is dead. He tells Saleem that he traveled to Northern Africa to seek vengeance on the parties responsible. Saleem then demands that Tony reveal the identities of all NCIS agents in the region, and threatens to kill a hostage if he doesn’t speak. To Tony’s surprise, the hostage is Ziva. However, just as Saleem is about to execute Ziva, Tony tells Saleem one last thing: Gibbs is in Northern Africa too, and Saleem is about to die. Gibbs had been lying in wait the entire time, and just then takes a sniper shot and kills Saleem and the other guards watching over Ziva, Tony and McGee, allowing them to escape. After they all return to the office, everyone stands up and welcomes the team back.

5x07 “Requiem”
The episode begins with Tony retrieving Gibbs from the water and trying to revive him. It is revealed that Maddie, a childhood friend of Gibbs' deceased daughter Kelly, comes to him for help after being stalked which leads to the events of Gibbs' car driving into water. While unconscious Gibbs hallucinates that he is visited by his dead wife and daughter and is reassured that everything is fine.

8x22 “Baltimore”
After sending the NCIS team a message in the form of the eye in "Two-Faced" - revealed to belong to a person whose identity is classified - the Port to Port Killer seems to have struck with another victim: Danny Price, formerly DiNozzo's partner in the Baltimore P.D. homicide squad. Believing that the Port to Port Killer may have a connection to DiNozzo, the team begins to concentrate on his time in Baltimore. Inconsistencies in the autopsy reports lead them to suspect there is a copycat killer on the loose, and it is eventually revealed that a mistake caused by Palmer in a report on the Port-to Port Killer by E.J. Barrett to law enforcement agencies is how the copycat killer managed to replicate the Port-to Port Killer with near perfect accuracy. Because of Palmer's mistake, NCIS is able to catch a would-be copycat before he can kill, as well as find Price's murderer. The episode is intercut with flashbacks showing DiNozzo's first meeting with Gibbs in which DiNozzo arrested Gibbs while he was working undercover on a money laundering case. DiNozzo joins NCIS after finding himself unable to work with Price in the Baltimore PD, but unwilling to expose his former partner.

2x22 “SWAK”
All hell breaks loose at the NCIS office when Tony opens a mysterious letter containing a small puff of white powder which may be a deadly bacteria. Kate calls for help and as a precaution, she and Tony are put into a bio-hazard isolation room while McGee and Gibbs are left to discover who sent the envelope and their reasons for doing so while searching for a cure to help their friends before it's too late.

2x07 “Call of Silence”
A former Marine, and Medal of Honor recipient who fought in World War II (played by Charles Durning), confesses to having murdered his friend in battle. Gibbs does not believe this is the whole truth and goes on to prove his innocence. The team become personally involved with the case, with Gibbs using deceptive tactics to pull the truth from the elderly man.

9x24 “Till Death Do Us Part”
After investigating Vance's car, the team locates Vance at a family plot where Vance finds himself next to the body of a sailor killed along with Dearing's son. After picking him up, the team finds another message with a horse jaw that leads them to a retired NCIS agent who handled a case that sent Dearing's son to the destroyer that claimed his life. However, Dearing blows up the agent's house and leaves them a message, soon confronting Dr. Ryan by threatening her son and forcing her to flee when he buys out a judge to release her ex-husband on a technicality. Meanwhile, Jimmy is nervous on whether or not to go through with the marriage with everything going on and with no one else being able to attend, but Ducky tells him to go through with it, and that he will join him. However, Jimmy asks Breena to advance the wedding so he could return to assist with the case and so his friends could be there.

Gibbs decides to recruit Cole based on Ryan's profiling of Dearing to lure him into a trap. It initially seems to have worked when Dearing tells Cole to meet him a cafe retired Navy officers attend, but Dearing doesn't show up to the meeting and instead leaves a phone for Cole. The former calls and tells Cole to relay a message to Gibbs that he was never interested in Director Vance and is really interested in justice. Back at headquarters, analyzing the call makes the team realize there is a bomb in Vance's car, installed when he was abducted, meant to blow up NCIS Headquarters at the Navy Yard and the whole building is evacuated. Cole attempts to defuse the bomb but is killed in the process (assumed) when the bomb detonates, damaging part of the NCIS building with Gibbs and his team still inside. Ziva and Tony are in an elevator with debris falling on them after evacuating people, Abby and Gibbs are stuck in her lab, and Tim is just leaving his desk after securing a backup drive from his computer. Ducky receives a phone call about the attack and is asked to autopsy the bodies, but the shock and stress of the call causes him to have a heart attack and collapse alone on a beach, leaving everyone's fates unknown.

3x09 “Frame-Up”
A pair of legs are found on a Marine base, and the team is dumbfounded and shell shocked when every piece of evidence in a murder points towards Tony as the prime suspect. In an effort to help their colleague, the team compiles a list of people who may have grudges against Tony, providing them with a long list of suspects. Abby is upset that she may have incriminated Tony through the forensic evidence she provided and refuses to give up until she's proved his innocence.

2x23 “Twilight”
While the team investigate a double murder where the victims were shot in their car, Kate kicks Tony onto the ground and he notices a bomb on the car, saving Todd and McGee. Tobias Fornell of the FBI arrives at NCIS and notifies the team that Ari Haswari has returned to the US and may be on a personal vendetta to assassinate Gibbs. While McGee starts attempting to disarm the drone, Gibbs, DiNozzo and Todd take the warehouse and begin searching for Haswari. However it's not an easy approach as they're forced to engage in a vicious and bloody gunfight with members of Ari's terrorist group. All seems to be going well until Todd takes a bullet in the chest for Gibbs. It is soon shown that she's wearing a bullet proof vest but just when it seems to be all over, Kate is brutally murdered, having shot in the head by Ari, who's been waiting on a roof waiting to strike.

6x02 “Agent Afloat”
Now stationed on the aircraft carrier USS Seahawk, DiNozzo finds that a Navy Lieutenant's apparent suicide may be connected to a larger, deadly scheme. His wife is discovered in D.C to be the victim of a fatal beating, before the Lieutenant boarded. Yet it turns out that the Lieutenant was murdered in Cartagena, Colombia within 24 hours of his wife's death, and several days before he was scheduled to board his ship. It seems that someone else took his place, and may have the intentions, it is initially believed, of exposing the ship's crew to anthrax. Gibbs and Officer Ziva David take off for Cartagena to help Tony with the investigation, and in the end DiNozzo is allowed to return to Washington D.C. despite Director Vance's apparent wishes to the contrary.

3x08 “Under Covers”
When it is discovered that two married assassins, who were fatally wounded in a car crash, were planning an assassination at the United States Marine Corps Birthday Ball, Gibbs sends Ziva and Tony to pose as the married assassins in order to find out who the couple had planned to assassinate and who had hired them. After the team finds out that the couple were expecting a baby and may have been planning to retire, they realize that the assassination plot could have been a set-up and that the married assassins were potentially the real targets. Meanwhile, an attraction between Tony and Ziva surfaces.

Honorable Mention:

9x1 “Nature of the Beast”
Set over the course of several months, the episode follows a series of events surrounding the investigation given to Special agent Tony DiNozzo by SECNAV in "Pyramid", culminating in the death of an NCIS agent. Secretary Jarvis assigned Tony to the investigation after a dead Navy Captain was found with an incision in his arm. After Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard discovers security footage of Special agent Erica Jane "EJ" Barrett removing a microchip from the body of Special agent Gayne Levin, suspicion falls on her.

The Major Case Response Team begin to suspect EJ is the target of Tony's investigation, but EJ confides to Tony that Levin asked her to remove the microchip. The team learns that the microchips provide access to a classified Navy fleet, known as the 'Watchers'. Tony is lured to a meeting with EJ and her buyer, revealed to be Barrett's other team member and the target of Tony's investigation, Special Agent Simon Cade, although he claims that he was framed. During the meeting, all three are shot. Cade is killed, Tony is knocked unconscious and Barrett is missing. As Tony recalls the meeting, he realizes they were set up by the shooter, an FBI agent in league with the Office of Naval Intelligence's Director of Special Operations, who places the microchips up for auction.

1x19 “Dead Man Talking”
Special Agent Chris Pacci is brutally murdered while investigating a cold case, prompting a guilt-ridden Gibbs to step in and take over the case while attempting to find Pacci's killer. The team follows the trail of millions of dollars, and is led to a woman with ties to the thief. The agents take shifts conducting a stake-out on the woman's house, until Tony is caught raiding the mailbox. Forced to improvise, he introduces himself as a resident of the neighborhood and strikes up a conversation based on what he had heard via surveillance. This gives him a chance to get close to the suspect in order to find out more, as he goes on a successful date with her. Meanwhile, Abby makes a shocking discovery which leaves Tony horrified and vulnerable to an onslaught of merciless taunts and teasing from Todd: the suspect they've been trailing, Amanda Reed is in fact Lt. Commander Voss, the Petty Officer who faked his own death in a car accident and who's responsible for stealing money from the Navy. Things come to a head in the bar where Voss/Reed attempts to kill Tony in front of witnesses but Gibbs gets there just in time and shoots the former Petty Officer dead, avenging Pacci's death.

9x14 “Life Before His Eyes”
During a routine stop in a diner for his morning coffee, Gibbs finds himself shot. He then suddenly finds himself inside a spectral version of the diner where he sees various characters from the past and present, both living and dead. He meets Mike Franks, who tells him that this is an opportunity for him to reflect on his past actions. He shows him an alternate future where Kate hadn't died, where Kate and DiNozzo are married with a newborn baby, but as a result Ziva stays with Mossad and is eventually arrested by NCIS. Gibbs then meets his mother, and he reaffirms that he had always loved her. Disgraced NCIS Agent Riley McCallister then appears and questions Gibbs' decision to murder Pedro Hernandez. Gibbs has Mike show him the future where he had never killed Hernandez, and it is revealed that he would have left NCIS and become a broken, reclusive alcoholic who pushes away any attempts to reach out to him. Finally, he meets Shannon and Kelly, who show him a future where they had never died. Gibbs would have stayed a Marine, but would have been killed in action overseas. Through this experience, Gibbs learns that he should not regret the choices he has or had not made.

This experience is related to a case one day before the shooting, where a Petty Officer and civilian contractor are found shot aboard a drydocked warship. They were attempting to steal the ship's military hard drives and sell them to the Chinese. However, the third accomplice, Michael Rose, eventually balks and is forced to kill his co-conspirators in self defense. Michael's son, Steven, pleads to Gibbs that his father was trying to do the right thing, and he was just misguided. Gibbs decides not to help Michael. On the day that Gibbs is shot, he draws his pistol but refuses to fire when he realizes that the shooter is Steven. Steven fires, but only hits Gibbs in the shoulder. Steven is subdued by several bystanders and he apologizes for shooting Gibbs. The next day, McGee tells the rest of the team that he turned down Director Vance's offer for a promotion to Okinawa since he feels there is still a lot of good he can do where is right now. Despite being injured, Gibbs returns to work, freshly inspired by his near death experience.

6x25 “Aliyah”
Ziva's homecoming to Israel with Gibbs and the team is not a happy reunion with her father, Eli David, the enigmatic and powerful head of Mossad. As tensions rise, and based on information he gets from McGee and Abby, Gibbs decides to leave Ziva in Tel Aviv. Ziva is later captured by the terrorists in Somalia that Rivkin had been investigating.

8x1 “Spider and the Fly”
Following Jackson Gibbs' (guest star Ralph Waite) confrontation with Paloma Reynosa (guest star Jacqueline Obradors), he is put in NCIS protective custody at his son's house. A few months later, the death of a helicopter pilot leads the team back to the Reynosa Cartel's vendetta with Gibbs, leading team members to become targets. Paloma Reynosa, head of the cartel, plays a game of cat and mouse with NCIS as she makes a wide trail through the US, expanding her cartel's influence. Tensions erupt when Alejandro Rivera (guest star Marco Sanchez), calls Abby on her bluff over the sending of the report on the Pedro Hernandez murder and threatens her in front of Gibbs. Knowing of his involvement in the Reynosa Cartel, NCIS lead Alejandro Rivera into a trap at a safe house by tricking him into thinking his sister is dead and those responsible are in protective custody. Rivera takes the bait and intends to exact revenge, but ends up fatally shooting his own sister. Meanwhile, Leon Vance, whilst putting the report implicating Gibbs in a place no one will find it, receives a mysterious text message from Eli David, Director of Mossad claiming "I found him".

7x02 “Reunion”
¬The team investigates a bachelor party where all three guests are murdered and left in very mysterious circumstances. One of the victims is found hanging, another is found drowned in the toilet, the third suffered from alcohol poisoning and all three are found with their heads shaved, post mortem. After a thorough investigation the team zeros in on a suspect, a police officer that had been bullied by the three victims during high school. The way that all three victims were found corresponds with the way they had tormented the cop, right down to shaving his head. They also discover that the three victims had used their Navy connections to set up the illegal sale of a decommissioned aircraft, and that the bachelor party was actually a front for the deal to go down during. The team figures the police officer had finally taken his revenge and not only killed his tormentors, but also stole their profits from the aircraft heist. However, after the officer turns up dead, the team learns that the real culprit also attended the same high school as the original three victims, and had framed the cop so they could steal the money from the aircraft job. Meanwhile, Ziva deals with her feelings towards Tony and apologizes for ever doubting him.

9x10 “Sins of the Father”
Tony's father is accused of murder and Tony is sidelined during the investigation. After searching for clues, the team discovers that DiNozzo Sr was actually framed for the alleged death as a lawyer had committed the crime with his assistant who had drugged DiNozzo Sr, resulting in temporary memory loss. The episode ends with both DiNozzos spending Thanksgiving at Gibbs' house.

4x01 “Shalom”
After witnessing a Mossad agent perform an assassination, which was not authorized by Mossad, Ziva is suspected by the FBI to be a double agent. Now a fugitive and on the run, Ziva is forced to ask for Gibbs' help, who is in Mexico after retiring from NCIS. Tony finds his leadership skills being tested to the limit as he leads the team to search for Ziva and to prove her innocence before the FBI can arrest her.

7x24 “Rule Fifty-One”
Gibbs' captor is Paloma Reynosa, the daughter of the drug dealer, Pedro Hernandez who Gibbs murdered twenty years previously after Hernandez ordered the deaths of both Kelly and Shannon Gibbs. Paloma wants revenge against Gibbs for robbing her of her father and threatens to kill everyone Gibbs has ever met, starting with Mike Franks and ending with his father if he does not start working on her behalf. It is revealed that Alejandro is Paloma's brother and that he opened the case of his father's murder in an attempt to keep Gibbs out of his sister's reach whilst still delivering justice, but things are complicated by the loss of Abby's report from "Patriot Down" - which has been intercepted by Allison Hart to prevent it from reaching Mexico. Meanwhile, Ziva has passed her citizenship test and is expecting Tony and Gibbs to attend her citizenship ceremony. Tony is forced to break his promise to her when the situation escalates, and he is tasked with shadowing Rivera, meeting Mike Franks during the assignment. The episode ends with Paloma traveling to Pennsylvania and entering the store owned by Jackson Gibbs, leaving his fate unknown.

Note: It is revealed that Gibbs started writing down all his rules after a suggestion by his late wife and in this episode creates a new rule, the eponymous rule 51: "Sometimes - you're wrong". Tony also mentions that all rules "in the 40s" are for emergencies only.


The I’m just sayin… Quote of the Week

Through humor, you can soften some of the worst blows that life delivers. And once you find laughter, no matter how painful your situation might be, you can survive it. - Bill Cosby

Pictures from the Walk…

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Second Lieutenant Charles H. Heyl (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on April 28, 1876, near Fort Hartsuff, Nebraska. His citation reads:

Voluntarily, and with most conspicuous gallantry, charged with 3 men upon 6 Indians who were entrenched upon a hillside.

Second Lieutenant Robert John Hibbs (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on March 5, 1966, at Don Dien Lo Ke, Republic of Vietnam. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. 2d Lt. Hibbs was in command of a 15-man ambush patrol of the 2d Battalion, when his unit observed a company of Viet Cong advancing along the road toward the 2d Battalion's position. Informing his command post by radio of the impending attack, he prepared his men for the oncoming Viet Cong, emplaced 2 mines in their path and, when the insurgents were within 20 feet of the patrol's position, he fired the 2 antipersonnel mines, wounding or killing half of the enemy company. Then, to cover the withdrawal of his patrol, he threw hand grenades, stepped onto the open road, and opened fire on the remainder of the Viet Cong force of approximately 50 men. Having rejoined his men, he was leading them toward the battalion perimeter when the patrol encountered the rear elements of another Viet Cong company deployed to attack the battalion. With the advantage of surprise, he directed a charge against the Viet Cong, which carried the patrol through the insurgent force, completely disrupting its attack. Learning that a wounded patrol member was wandering in the area between the 2 opposing forces and although moments from safety and wounded in the leg himself, he and a sergeant went back to the battlefield to recover the stricken man. After they maneuvered through the withering fire of 2 Viet Cong machine guns, the sergeant grabbed the dazed soldier and dragged him back toward the friendly lines while 2d Lt. Hibbs remained behind to provide covering fire. Armed with only an M-16 rifle and a pistol, but determined to destroy the enemy positions, he then charged the 2 machine gun emplacements and was struck down. Before succumbing to his mortal wounds, he destroyed the starlight telescopic sight attached to his rifle to prevent its capture and use by the Viet Cong. 2d Lt. Hibb's profound concern for his fellow soldiers, and his intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.

Private Joseph C. Hibson (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 13-14, 1863, near Fort Wagner, South Carolina. His citation reads:

While voluntarily performing picket duty under fire on 13 July 1863, was attacked and his surrender demanded, but he killed his assailant. The day following responded to a call for a volunteer to reconnoiter the enemy's position, and went within the enemy's lines under fire and was exposed to great danger. On 18 July voluntarily exposed himself with great gallantry during an assault, and received 3 wounds that permanently disabled him for active service.


I would like to take a minute here to thank all of you who donated to my Walk to End Alzheimer’s. For any of you who would like to donate (again, if you want), you can still Go here to give.  A post walk donation from my dear friend (and Alzheimer’s expert) Dr. Warachel Faison put team I’m just sayin… back in the Top 5! That’s what I’m talking about! This was my first year breaking away from my old office and being the captain of a team… so a Top 5 ranking feels great. Let me start by thanking my team: The Wife and my current co-workers and friends Felecia, Shawanda, and Amanda. Together we were able to raise $2,286! I would also like to thank all of the people who donated (either directly to me or gave to the team… If you donated to The Wife or someone else on my team, read their blog for your thank you). So…

THANK YOU

Mom and Dad

Jeremy

My Labor Day Cousin Jane

My good friend Michael

My friend and former co-worker Stephanie K.

Danny (yes, that Danny)

My cousin Louis

The 2011 I’m just sayin… Fan of the Year Ashley

My dear friend and former co-worker Dr. Faison

KC from Our Life

Sonny and his family
Ok, since I know The Wife won’t start a blog just to say thanks… I’ll also go ahead and thank The In-Laws and Teresa Lynn for their donations.

While I’m at it… A special thanks goes out to Sonny, Danny (yes, that Danny) and Teresa Lynn for using their I’m just sayin… nicknames when donating (though I guess Teresa Lynn just used her actual name… but still).


Picture Tuesday

The family about to walk...

The kids ready for the walk... all 3 are wearing my shirts from past walks.

If you look past The Wife, you'll see some patients from a local nursing home... many of them have Alzheimer's.

People walking in front of me...

People walking behind me... There was a pretty big crowd walking this year.

Again... THANK YOU FOR GIVING!

Happy Birthday Caroline!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Lieutenant Colonel Francis J. Herron (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 7, 1862, at Pea Ridge, Arkansas. His citation reads:

Was foremost in leading his men, rallying them to repeated acts of daring, until himself disabled and taken prisoner.

Corporal Leander Herron (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on September 2, 1868, near Fort Dodge, Kansas. His citation reads:

While detailed as mail courier from the fort, voluntarily went to the assistance of a party of 4 enlisted men, who were attacked by about 50 Indians at some distance from the fort and remained with them until the party was relieved.

Colonel Francis S. Hesseltine (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on December 29-30, 1863, at Matagorda Bay, Texas. His citation reads:

In command of a detachment of 100 men, conducted a reconnaissance for 2 days, baffling and beating back an attacking force of more than a thousand Confederate cavalry, and regained his transport without loss.


RIP to my cousin Jimmy. I’m going to miss you, buddy.



We’d like to take a second here to wish our little friend Caroline a very happy birthday! We hope her mommy and daddy give her everything she wants today. They won’t, of course, but that won’t keep me from hoping.


The I’m just sayin… Weekly Weigh-In

Greg 235

Mary Ruth 49

Susie 27

Daniel 25

Happy Birthday Cory!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Corporal Rodolfo P. Hernandez (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 31, 1951, near Wontong-ni, Korea. His citation reads:

Cpl. Hernandez, a member of Company G, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. His platoon, in defensive positions on Hill 420, came under ruthless attack by a numerically superior and fanatical hostile force, accompanied by heavy artillery, mortar, and machine gun fire which inflicted numerous casualties on the platoon. His comrades were forced to withdraw due to lack of ammunition but Cpl. Hernandez, although wounded in an exchange of grenades, continued to deliver deadly fire into the ranks of the onrushing assailants until a ruptured cartridge rendered his rifle inoperative. Immediately leaving his position, Cpl. Hernandez rushed the enemy armed only with rifle and bayonet. Fearlessly engaging the foe, he killed 6 of the enemy before falling unconscious from grenade, bayonet, and bullet wounds but his heroic action momentarily halted the enemy advance and enabled his unit to counterattack and retake the lost ground. The indomitable fighting spirit, outstanding courage, and tenacious devotion to duty clearly demonstrated by Cpl. Hernandez reflect the highest credit upon himself, the infantry, and the U.S. Army.

Private First Class Silvestre S. Herrera (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on March 15, 1945, near Mertzwiller, France. His citation reads:

He advanced with a platoon along a wooded road until stopped by heavy enemy machinegun fire. As the rest of the unit took cover, he made a 1-man frontal assault on a strongpoint and captured 8 enemy soldiers. When the platoon resumed its advance and was subjected to fire from a second emplacement beyond an extensive minefield, Pvt. Herrera again moved forward, disregarding the danger of exploding mines, to attack the position. He stepped on a mine and had both feet severed but, despite intense pain and unchecked loss of blood, he pinned down the enemy with accurate rifle fire while a friendly squad captured the enemy gun by skirting the minefield and rushing in from the flank. The magnificent courage, extraordinary heroism, and willing self-sacrifice displayed by Pvt. Herrera resulted in the capture of 2 enemy strongpoints and the taking of 8 prisoners.

Lieutenant Rufus G. Herring (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on February 17, 1945, on Iwo Jima. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of LCI (G) 449 operating as a unit of LCI (G) Group 8, during the preinvasion attack on Iwo Jima on 17 February 1945. Boldly closing the strongly fortified shores under the devastating fire of Japanese coastal defense guns, Lt. (then Lt. (j.g.)) Herring directed shattering barrages of 40mm. and 20mm. gunfire against hostile beaches until struck down by the enemy's savage counterfire which blasted the 449's heavy guns and whipped her decks into sheets of flame. Regaining consciousness despite profuse bleeding he was again critically wounded when a Japanese mortar crashed the conning station, instantly killing or fatally wounding most of the officers and leaving the ship wallowing without navigational control. Upon recovering the second time, Lt. Herring resolutely climbed down to the pilothouse and, fighting against his rapidly waning strength, took over the helm, established communication with the engineroom, and carried on valiantly until relief could be obtained. When no longer able to stand, he propped himself against empty shell cases and rallied his men to the aid of the wounded; he maintained position in the firing line with his 20mm. guns in action in the face of sustained enemy fire, and conned his crippled ship to safety. His unwavering fortitude, aggressive perseverance, and indomitable spirit against terrific odds reflect the highest credit upon Lt. Herring and uphold the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.


We’d like to take a second here to wish our good friend Cory (Husband of Ashley) a very happy birthday! Cory jumped from “a guy I know” to “my good friend” the moment I realized The Wife didn’t like him. Any man The Wife doesn’t like is all right in my book. Anyway… Happy Birthday Cory! We hope it’s a good one.


The I’m just sayin… Bible Verse of the Week
EPHESIANS 6:7

Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people…

Walking....

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private First Class Frank A. Herda (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on June 29, 1968, near Dak To, Quang Trang Province, Republic of Vietnam. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. Herda (then Pfc.) distinguished himself while serving as a grenadier with Company A. Company A was part of a battalion-size night defensive perimeter when a large enemy force initiated an attack on the friendly units. While other enemy elements provided diversionary fire and indirect weapons fire to the west, a sapper force of approximately 30 men armed with hand grenades and small charges attacked Company A's perimeter from the east. As the sappers were making a last, violent assault, 5 of them charged the position defended by Sp4c. Herda and 2 comrades, 1 of whom was wounded and lay helpless in the bottom of the foxhole. Sp4c. Herda fired at the aggressors until they were within 10 feet of his position and 1 of their grenades landed in the foxhole. He fired 1 last round from his grenade launcher, hitting 1 of the enemy soldiers in the head, and then, with no concern for his safety, Sp4c. Herda immediately covered the blast of the grenade with his body. The explosion wounded him grievously, but his selfless action prevented his 2 comrades from being seriously injured or killed and enabled the remaining defender to kill the other sappers. By his gallantry at the risk of his life in the highest traditions of the military service, Sp4c. Herda has reflected great credit on himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

Private Pitt B. Herington (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on June 15, 1864, near Kenesaw Mountain, Georgia. His citation reads:

With one companion and under a fierce fire of the enemy at close range, went to the rescue of a wounded comrade who had fallen between the lines and carried him to a place of safety.

Corporal James D. Heriot (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on October 12, 1918, at Vaux-Andigny, France. His citation reads:

Cpl. Heriot, with 4 other soldiers, organized a combat group and attacked an enemy machine-gun nest which had been inflicting heavy casualties on his company. In the advance 2 of his men were killed, and because of the heavy fire from all sides the remaining 2 sought shelter. Unmindful of the hazard attached to his mission, Cpl. Heriot, with fixed bayonet, alone charged the machinegun, making his way through the fire for a distance of 30 yards and forcing the enemy to surrender. During this exploit he received several wounds in the arm, and later in the same day, while charging another nest, he was killed.


The Walk is today. Thanks again to all who donated. If you still haven’t given, go here to give. Don’t forget. I’ll try to get a list up in the next couple of days (probably Tuesday) of everyone who gave.


The I’m just sayin… Kid Show of the Week

The Kid Show of the Week this week is Pac-Man (also known as Pac-Man: The Animated Series). Pac-Man is a cartoon series produced by Hanna-Barbera based on the video game Pac-Man by Namco, which premiered on ABC and ran from 1982 to 1983. It was also the first Hanna-Barbera animated series based on a video game.

The show follows the adventures of the title character, Pac-Man (voiced by Marty Ingels), his wife Pepper (voiced by Barbara Minkus), their child Pac-Baby (voiced by Russi Taylor), their dog Chomp-Chomp (voiced by Frank Welker) and their cat Sour Puss (voiced by Peter Cullen). Just as a side note… I’m pretty sure Frank Welker and Peter Cullen had a pretty solid career doing voice work for cartoons. Anyway, the family lives in Pac-Land, a place in which the geography and architecture seem to revolve primarily around spheres and sphere-like shapes.

Most episodes of the series center around the ongoing battle between the Pac family and their only known enemies, the Ghost Monsters: Blinky (voiced by Chuck McCann), Inky (voiced by Barry Gordon), Pinky (voiced by Chuck McCann), Clyde (voiced by Neil Ross), and Sue (voiced by Susan Silo). They work for Mezmaron (voiced by Allan Lurie), a mysterious figure who resembles Darth Vader and acts similarly to Gargamel from The Smurfs. Mezmaron's sole mission is to locate and control the source of "Power Pellets", which serve as the primary food and power source for the city, and also as the deus ex machina in virtually every episode. The second season later introduces Super-Pac (voiced by Lorenzo Music) and Pac-Man's nephew P.J. (voiced by Darryl Hickman).

There aren’t a ton of episodes out there, but it’s still a great show to watch with your kids.

 

Thanks to Wikipedia for the info and YouTube for the video.

Don’t forget!!!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Sergeant James Henry (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 22, 1863, at Vicksburg, Mississippi. His citation reads:

Gallantry in the charge of the "volunteer storming party."

Private Robert T. Henry (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on December 3, 1944, at Luchem, Germany. His citation reads:

Near Luchem, Germany, he volunteered to attempt the destruction of a nest of 5 enemy machineguns located in a bunker 150 yards to the flank which had stopped the advance of his platoon. Stripping off his pack, overshoes, helmet, and overcoat, he sprinted alone with his rifle and hand grenades across the open terrain toward the enemy emplacement. Before he had gone half the distance he was hit by a burst of machinegun fire. Dropping his rifle, he continued to stagger forward until he fell mortally wounded only 10 yards from the enemy emplacement. His single-handed attack forced the enemy to leave the machineguns. During this break in hostile fire the platoon moved forward and overran the position. Pvt. Henry, by his gallantry and intrepidity and utter disregard for his own life, enabled his company to reach its objective, capturing this key defense and 70 German prisoners.

Colonel William W. Henry (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on October 19, 1864, at Cedar Creek, Virginia. His citation reads:

Though suffering from severe wounds, rejoined his regiment and let it in a brilliant charge, recapturing the guns of an abandoned battery.


Big thanks to my good friend Danny (yes, that Danny) for his donation to my Walk to End Alzheimer’s. He and our Favorite Nurse Jen have always supported me in the past when it comes to this Walk and I am happy they decided to help again. As you know, we don’t believe in threating or pressuring our friends into giving to this great cause.

Things aren’t looking good right now for an "I’m just sayin… Fan of the Year" repeat. Looks like the "2012 I’m just sayin… Fan of the Year" race is wide open.

I’ve posted this before and I’ll post it again. Why? Because, like my 9/11 post, I realize that sometimes I say it right the first time… so why change it?
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Memories, good and bad, are great. They make us who we are. I think it's funny sometimes the things we remember. I remember it poured down rain the day I got married. I remember The Wife and I spent 90% of the next day flying... and in bed... sleeping, because we spent the night before (after the reception) driving from Charleston to Atlanta and then had to get up at 4am to go to the airport for flight #1.

I can’t remember what The Wife’s favorite color is to save my life... but without much thought I can tell you that in 1987 with Georgia beating Clemson 20-16, the Clemson defense was able to come up with a huge safety. Clemson was then able to drive the ball down the field and with time running out (Clemson was out of timeouts) David Treadwell went out and kicked the game winning FG.

I can’t tell you what songs were played at our wedding, but I can hear with perfect clarity the chants of “Rodney! Rodney! Rodney!” that came from a packed Death Valley as Clemson QB Rodney Williams was pulled from the game after leading Clemson to a victory against USC in his final home game.

There are classes that I took in high school and college that I have no memory of, but I can tell you where I was when I saw the Winthrop Eagles beat Notre Dame in the first round of the 2007 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.

I can’t remember what my boss told me to do an hour after she says it... but I remember everything Coach Hatley told me to do when I played baseball for him in high school.

I could go on and on and on... but you get the point. Memories are great. Sure, every now and then there might be a bad one... but good memories can get you through hard times. So how much would life suck if we didn’t have memories? How sad would that be? What if you were a Clemson fan and didn’t have the happy memories of 63-17 or of 1981? What if you were a USC fan and didn’t have the happy memories of... well, you get my point.

Think how hard it would be if you had to take care of someone who had lost their memories. Some days maybe they know you, most days they don’t. They forget how to do simple things that we take for granted. Forget about enjoying the happy memory of David Treadwell kicking a game winning FG at Georgia in 1986, they don’t even remember how to use the bathroom. It’s sad. I saw it a lot at my old office. Think of all the history and happy times lost because of Alzheimer’s. Think of all the stress put on friends and family members of people who have Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Association does a lot of good work for patients with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.

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They are having their Memory Walk this Saturday (tomorrow). In the past, I raised money with my office for this event (and for the past 4 years, I raised the most money at our office). Since I got a new job in December, I decided to break off and start my own team. Right now I am crushing my old office. Like Spurrier in his University of Florida days… I want to run up the score (to be fair, my old office doesn’t even know we are competing). Anyway, the money is for a great cause. Go here to give. Don’t forget.


The I’m just sayin… Know Your South Carolina Athlete

Today we are going to look at James Island’s very own Roddy White. Born November 2, 1981, White was a four-sport letterman and standout in football, baseball, soccer and wrestling while at JI. In football, he was a two-time All-Low Country honoree, a two-time All-State honoree, and was also listed as one of the top receivers in the nation on Rivals.com. In wrestling, he was a two-time state champion. Roddy attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where he was a standout wide receiver. In 2004, White helped UAB to its first and to date, only bowl game. In the 2004 Hawaii Bowl, White caught six passes for 113 yards and a touchdown in a 59-40 defeat of the Blazers by Hawaii.

White was selected by the Atlanta Falcons with the 27th pick overall in the 2005 NFL Draft. White saw instantaneous action in his rookie campaign. He ranked fourth among all rookie receivers in 2005. Although a high ankle sprain caused him to remain on the sidelines for much of the preseason, he recovered by Week 2 of the 2005 season and was put on the team's roster.

Roddy White became the first Falcon WR since 1999 to reach 1,000 single season receiving yards on December 23, 2007. He also finished tied for 8th among all NFL wide receivers in receiving yards in 2007 with 1,202 yards. He had 6 receiving touchdowns. His 2008 performance was even better than the previous year, finishing 4th in the NFL in receiving yards (3rd in the NFC). He finished the year with 1,382 receiving yards (career high and team record), 88 receptions (career high), and 7 touchdowns (career high). He broke Alfred Jenkins team record of 1,358 receiving yards, which stood since 1981.

On December 16, 2008, White was named to the 2009 Pro Bowl along with fellow Falcons RB Michael Turner. He had 1 catch for 26 yards and 1 rush for 7 yards in the 2009 Pro Bowl.

On October 11, 2009 White became the all-time receiving leader in yards in one game in Franchise history in a game against the 49ers. In this game White had 8 receptions for 210 yards, a career-high with a 90 yard touchdown catch and 2 touchdowns. He finished the 2009 season with 85 receptions 1,153 yards and a career high 11 touchdowns. He became only the second Falcon player to record three straight 1,000 yard seasons. On January 26, 2010, White was selected to his 2nd Consecutive Pro Bowl where he led the 2010 Pro Bowl in catches with 8 for 84 yards. In 2011 Roddy White broke the Falcons all time receiving yards record. Here are some of the Falcons franchise records White holds:

Most receiving yards in a single season (1,389 in 2010)

Most receiving yards in a half (185) and Receiving yards in a game (210)

Most career receiving yards (7,374)

Most receptions in a playoff game (11)

Most seasons with 1,000+ receiving yards (5)

As always, thanks to Wikipedia for the info!

HAPPY 3rd ANNIVERSARY!!!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Machinist’s Mate Second Class George Francis Henrechon (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on September 24, 1911, at Mundang, Philippine Islands. His citation reads:

While attached to the U.S.S. Pampang, Henrechon was one of a shore party moving in to capture Mundang, Philippine Islands, on 24 September 1911. Ordered to take station within 100 yards of a group of nipa huts close to the trail, Henrechon advanced and stood guard as the leader and his scout party first searched the surrounding deep grasses, then moved into the open area before the huts. Instantly enemy Moros opened point-blank fire on the exposed men and approximately 20 Moros rushed the small group from inside the huts and from other concealed positions. Henrechon, responding to the calls for help, was one of the first on the scene. When his rifle jammed after the first shot, he closed in with rifle, using it as a club to break the stock over the head of the nearest Moro and then, drawing his pistol, started in pursuit of the fleeing outlaws. Henrechon's aggressive charging of the enemy under heavy fire and in the face of great odds contributed materially to the success of the engagement.

First Lieutenant Frederick F. Henry (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on September 1, 1950, in the vicinity of Am-Dong, Korea. His citation reads:

1st Lt. Henry, Company F, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action. His platoon was holding a strategic ridge near the town when they were attacked by a superior enemy force, supported by heavy mortar and artillery fire. Seeing his platoon disorganized by this fanatical assault, he left his foxhole and moving along the line ordered his men to stay in place and keep firing. Encouraged by this heroic action the platoon reformed a defensive line and rained devastating fire on the enemy, checking its advance. Enemy fire had knocked out all communications and 1st Lt. Henry was unable to determine whether or not the main line of resistance was altered to this heavy attack. On his own initiative, although severely wounded, he decided to hold his position as long as possible and ordered the wounded evacuated and their weapons and ammunition brought to him. Establishing a l-man defensive position, he ordered the platoon's withdrawal and despite his wound and with complete disregard for himself remained behind to cover the movement. When last seen he was single-handedly firing all available weapons so effectively that he caused an estimated 50 enemy casualties. His ammunition was soon expended and his position overrun, but this intrepid action saved the platoon and halted the enemy's advance until the main line of resistance was prepared to throw back the attack. 1st Lt. Henry's outstanding gallantry and noble self-sacrifice above and beyond the call of duty reflect the highest honor on him and are in keeping with the esteemed traditions of the U.S. Army.

Colonel Guy V. Henry (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on June 1, 1864, at Cold Harbor, Virginia. His citation reads:

Led the assaults of his brigade upon the enemy's works, where he had 2 horses shot under him.


I realize I’m a couple of days late with this, but… We at I’m just sayin… would like to wish all of our readers a very Happy 3rd Anniversary! We have had another great year and we look forward to having an even better 4th year. Before we get to our Anniversary stuff, I would like to remind you that if you are a friend of mine you should go here to give. If you don’t like me, then please go here to give. Either way, I thank you. **Special Note: I know some of you who I count on to give have, as of this writing, not yet given. I know it, you know it and there’s a chance your neighbors will know it later tonight. I’m not saying I will come stand outside your house shouting for you to give… I’m just saying you shouldn’t be shocked if you look outside your house late at night and see me standing there. And for any of you laughing right now thinking “Big deal, my neighbors won’t ever hear you because of where I live”, just know it would be a shame if some water were to get on your floors while you are at a football game this weekend. Again, I thank you for donations. And if you’re sick, I hope you feel better soon.

I would like to point out that we’ve managed to hang on to our Medal of Honor segment, making it the longest running segment on any blog that I read. Now let’s look at some stats for the blog.

First Post Ever

1st Post – September 17, 2009
Patrick Swayze, President Obama, & the media

First Post of the Past Season

September 20, 2011
Stories from Columbia

Total Number of Posts

614

Total Post of the Past Season

299

Longest Streak

264

Longest Streak of the Past Season

264

Most Read Posts (Top 5) – All-Time

1. HAPPY “4-OMG No-Name Teri is 40” BIRTHDAY No-Name Teri!!!!!!!! (111)

2. De’Andre Adams (109)

3. Baby Names, USC/Clemson (101)

4. Exclusive Pics... and Ashley’s Favorite Movies (94)

5. RIP Junior Seau and Adam Yauch (90)

Top 3 Referrers (for the 2nd year in a row)

Google

Courtyard

Our Life

Top Keywords

blogspot greg horres
pat kelsey
clemson baby names

Top 10 Pageviews By Country

United States (17,523) – up from 6,777 last season.

Russia (1,881) – up from 530 last season

United Kingdom (959) – up from 221.

Spain (676) – first time on the list.

Denmark (516) – held firm at 516.

Germany (374) – up from 134.

Slovenia (354) – up from 115.

Argentina (267) – first time on the list.

Canada (233) – up from 179.

Japan (191) – first time on the list.

Top 5 Pageviews By Browsers

Internet Explorer (10,235 - 38%)

FireFox (8,584 - 32%)

Safari (3,470 - 13%)

Opera (1,747 - 6%)

Chrome (1,319 - 4%)

Top 5 Operating System

Windows (19,315 - 82%)

iPhone (1908 - 7%)

Macintosh (1,020– 3%

Linux (1,011 - 3%)

Android (981 – 3%)

My Top 5 Favorite Segments (All-Time)

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients

Picture Tuesday

The I’m just sayin… Bible Verse of the Week

Chase Towne Update

The I’m just sayin… Quote of the Week

Top 5 Nicknames on I’m just sayin…

Teresa Lynn - My big sister… the former Doubting Teri (and No-Name Teri)

The Wife - My wife

Sonny - My big brother

Revolutionary War Heroes - University of South Carolina Gamecocks

Danny (yes, that Danny) – My friend Danny

My Top 10 Favorite Posts (All-Time)

An open letter to Trident Medical Center

BREAKING NEWS!!!! A Message from The Wife

Hate what is evil...

HAPPY “4-OMG No-Name Teri is 40” BIRTHDAY No-Name Teri!!!!!!!!

Talkin Baseball

My Funeral....Let’s set a record!

The Empire…err…Hospital Strikes Back

Reactions....

Story Time

Congrats Susan!

I’m not 100% sure right now… but I’m thinking about counting down the greatest books of all time next May. You won’t want to miss it!

Don’t forget… Go here to give.


Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for all of you… the people who humor me by reading this blog. More importantly, I’m thankful for everyone who has raised money with me for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and for all of you who have donated your hard earned money. I have been called a hero, but really you are the hero. Ok, we’re both heroes. The fact is, you people make this blog fun… you also make raising money for the Alzheimer’s Association fun. For that, I am forever grateful. See if Sonny will ever say something like that to you on his blog.

Quote of the Week...

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Sergeant Joseph Henderson (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 2, 1909, at Patian Island, Philippine Islands. His citation reads:

While in action against hostile Moros, voluntarily advanced alone, in the face of a heavy fire, to within about 15 yards of the hostile position and refastened to a tree a block and tackle used in checking the recoil of a mountain gun.

Seaman Henry Hendrickson (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 11, 1898, on board the USS Marblehead. His citation reads:

On board the U.S.S. Marblehead during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Hendrickson displayed extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action.

Private James R. Hendrix (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on December 26, 1944, near Assenois, Belgium. His citation reads:

On the night of 26 December 1944, near Assenois, Belgium, he was with the leading element engaged in the final thrust to break through to the besieged garrison at Bastogne when halted by a fierce combination of artillery and small arms fire. He dismounted from his half-track and advanced against two 88mm. guns, and, by the ferocity of his rifle fire, compelled the guncrews to take cover and then to surrender. Later in the attack he again left his vehicle, voluntarily, to aid 2 wounded soldiers, helpless and exposed to intense machinegun fire. Effectively silencing 2 hostile machineguns, he held off the enemy by his own fire until the wounded men were evacuated. Pvt. Hendrix again distinguished himself when he hastened to the aid of still another soldier who was trapped in a burning half-track. Braving enemy sniper fire and exploding mines and ammunition in the vehicle, he extricated the wounded man and extinguished his flaming clothing, thereby saving the life of his fellow soldier. Pvt. Hendrix, by his superb courage and heroism, exemplified the highest traditions of the military service.


So long Courtyard… Hello Pure Joy.

Danny (yes, that Danny)… Consider this your final warning.

The walk is this coming Saturday… So keep the donations coming! Go here to give.


The I’m just sayin… Quote of the Week

It's what you learn after you know it all that counts. - Coach John Wooden

Oh Columbia…

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Sergeant Henry Heller (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 2, 1863, at Chancellorsville, Virginia. His citation reads:

One of a party of 4 who, under heavy fire, voluntarily brought into the Union lines a wounded Confederate officer from whom was obtained valuable information concerning the position of the enemy.

Private David H. Helms (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 22, 1863, at Vicksburg, Mississippi. His citation reads:

Gallantry in the charge of the "volunteer storming party."

Sergeant John Henry Helms (US Marine Corps) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on January 10, 1901, on board the USS Chicago. His citation reads:

Serving on board the U.S.S. Chicago, for heroism in rescuing Ishi Tomizi, ship's cook, from drowning at Montevideo, Uruguay, 10 January 1901.


Let me start by saying if you want to start a business selling black dresses (especially in children’s sizes), then Columbia during football season is where you want to be. That is the uniform for USC coeds. The shorter, the better it seems. Before I go on, I must say I don’t want you to think that I’m just picking on girls at USC football games… it’s just my research so far has only taken me to the middle of the state. Below you will find some pictures from this past Saturday. I could have taken a lot more if I didn’t have to worry about looking like “that guy”. I feel like I must point out that 2011 I’m just sayin… Fan of the Year Ashley was my main spotter for most of the “girl” pictures below. Danny (yes, that Danny) also pointed some of them out to me. My friend Cory (Husband of Ashley) tried to tell me that Mary Ruth would be like these girls in college… I told him my girls would be going to Charleston Southern and would only wear skirts down to their ankles.

The game itself was fun to watch. Two moments stick out to me. Once, early in the game, UAB got the ball and I told Danny (yes, that Danny) that I had a feeling the USC defense was going to get a turnover. Maybe not on this play, but at some point on this drive. Well, they didn’t get it on that play… or the next… or the next… or the… well, you get the point. BUT, just when it looked like UAB was going to be in position to score at least a FG, the Revolutionary War Heroes Defense not only got the turnover but returned it for a TD. I looked at Danny and said “I believe I had THAT one right!” The next moment was when USC was backed up to about their own 6 yard line. I told Danny (yes, that Danny) that USC needed to run the ball. They’ve got the running backs… give them the dang ball! The back-up Revolutionary War Hero QB then dropped back for a pass and hit Byrd for a 94 yard TD pass. I looked at Danny and said “I believe I had THAT one right!” (Danny had been drinking, so I figured if I said it with confidence, he might buy it).

The walk is this coming Saturday… So keep the donations coming! Go here to give.


Picture Tuesday

Lucas at the bar... He gets that from his daddy

Daniel in jail... He gets that from his mommy

Mary Ruth on the pony

I guess someone didn't get the black dress memo

I told Danny that I was pretty sure my boxers were longer than the skirt the girl in the middle was wearing.  I went on to tell him that if I had enough to drink, I might just go over there and prove it.  I didn't have enough to drink... but I am pretty sure that I'm right.

Girls up on a car... what are the odds alcohol is involved?

Note the girl in the white/tan mini-skirt... I'm pretty sure the shirt I was wearing went down farther than that skirt

That big screen on the other side of the field made me think of the Media Room at the lake house

Pre-game

Half-time

Call me old fashioned, but when I hear 2001 and see people holding up four fingers, I start looking for the Nature Boy (which I did... but I didn't see him)

Random picture of the crowd...

Weigh-in…

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Captain William L. Heermance (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on April 30, 1863, at Chancellorsville, Virginia. His citation reads:

Took command of the regiment as its senior officer when surrounded by Stuart's Cavalry. The regiment cut its way through the enemy's line and escaped but Capt. Heermance was desperately wounded, left for dead on the field and was taken prisoner.

Private Henry William Heisch (US Marine Corps) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on June 20, 1900, at Tientsin, China. His citation reads:

In action against the enemy at Tientsin, China, 20 June 1900. Crossing the river in a small boat while under heavy fire, Heisch assisted in destroying buildings occupied by the enemy.

Private Clamor Heise (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions from August to October 1868, in Arizona. His citation reads:

Bravery in scouts and actions against Indians.


We had a great time yesterday at the Casa de Carter for Aubrey’s 4th Birthday party. I had to go into the office to get some work done yesterday (yes, state employee’s do sometimes work on the weekend) and Aubrey’s party was the perfect excuse for me to not work too late. I will say the Carters know how to throw a great party. I might put them in charge of my 34th birthday party (or at least my 40th). I was late getting to the party, so I guess I missed the time for adult pony rides. Bad for me… but good for the pony.

The walk is this coming Saturday… So keep the donations coming! Go here to give.


The I’m just sayin… Weekly Weigh-In

Greg 236

Mary Ruth 47

Susie 26

Daniel 25