RIP Harold Ramis

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Corporal Jacob G. Orth (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on September 17, 1862, at Antietam, Maryland. His citation reads:

Capture of flag of 7th South Carolina Infantry (C.S.A.), in hand_to_hand encounter, although he was wounded in the shoulder.

Seaman John Osborne (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on August 21, 1876, on board the USS Juniata. His citation reads:

Serving on board the U.S.S. Juniata, Osborne displayed gallant conduct in rescuing from drowning an enlisted boy of that vessel, at Philadelphia, Pa., 21 August 1876.

Lieutenant, Junior Grade Weedon E. Osborne (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on June 6, 1918, in Bouresche, France. His citation reads:

For extraordinary heroism while attached to the 6th Regiment, U.S. Marines, in actual conflict with the enemy and under fire during the advance on Bouresche, France, on 6 June 1918. In the hottest of the fighting when the marines made their famous advance on Bouresche at the southern edge of Belleau Wood, Lt (j.g.). Osborne threw himself zealously into the work of rescuing the wounded. Extremely courageous in the performance of this perilous task, he was killed while carrying a wounded officer to a place of safety.


RIP Harold Ramis… As I’m sure you know, Harold Allen Ramis died this past Monday. Some of you (like me) know him best as Egon Spengler in the classic Ghostbusters. When you look at the 3 main guys in that movie, you might not think of him as a comic genius. I admit, when I look at them and think of humor, he’s not the guy I think of first. It’s not that I didn’t think he was funny, but the other two fellows are Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd… well… it’s easy to overlook Harold. But to do so would be foolish. Along with his role in Ghostbusters, he also played Russell Ziskey in Stripes (he also co-wrote both movies). He was 1 of 3 screenwriters for National Lampoon’s Animal House. He also wrote and directed some other movies that those of us in the business call classics... Caddyshack, National Lampoon’s Vacation, Groundhog Day (which he won the BAFTA Award for Best Original Screenplay for) and Analyze This. To write just one of these would be enough to earn him the title of a great comic. To write all of them is to give him the title of comic genius. The world has lost a very funny man.


Picture Thursday



Luke 2:13-14

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private Moses Orr (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions in the Winter of 1872-1873. His citation reads:

Gallant conduct during cam paigns and engagements with Apaches.

Major Robert L. Orr (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on April 2, 1865, at Petersburg, Virginia. His citation reads:

Carried the colors at the head of the column in the assault after two color bearers had been shot down.

Seaman John Ortega (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on board the USS Saratoga. His citation reads:

Served as seaman on board the U.S.S. Saratoga during actions of that vessel on 2 occasions. Carrying out his duties courageously during these actions, Ortega conducted himself gallantly through both periods. Promoted to acting master's mate.


The I’m just sayin… Gospel Verse of the Week
Luke 2:13-14

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
            and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

There was ice last week?

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Chief Machinist’s Mate Francis Edward Ormsbee, Jr. (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on September 25, 1918, while attached to the Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida. His citation reads:

For extraordinary heroism while attached to the Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Fla., on 25 September 1918. While flying with Ens. J. A. Jova, Ormsbee saw a plane go into a tailspin and crash about three-quarters of a mile to the right. Having landed near by, Ormsbee lost no time in going overboard and made for the wreck, which was all under water except the 2 wing tips. He succeeded in partially extricating the gunner so that his head wa0dGjWE3Djkoa6eg5RlF42 aAtl3yZvhand held him in this position until the speedboat arrived. Ormsbee then made a number of desperate attempts to rescue the pilot, diving into the midst of the tangled wreckage although cut about the hands, but was too late to save his life.

Private Harry Westley Orndoff (US Marine Corps) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on June 13, 20-22, 1900, in China. His citation reads:

In action with the relief expedition of the Allied forces in China, 13, 20, 21, and 22 June 1900. During this period and in the presence of the enemy, Orndoff distinguished himself by meritorious conduct.

Private Charles A. Orr (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on October 27, 1864, at Hatchers Run, Virginia. His citation reads:

This soldier and two others, voluntarily and under fire, rescued several wounded and helpless soldiers.


Can you believe we had ice on the trees and bridges last week? It sure doesn’t feel like it now…

Speaking of ice... The bad weather last week caused me to miss something.  Actor Ralph Waite died last Thursday.  The interweb (if you are to believe such things) said that he is best known for his role as John Walton, Sr. on The Waltons.  I'm just sayin..., however, will tell you he is best known for his role as Jackson Gibbs... the father of the great Leroy Jethro Gibbs on NCIS.  I don't really know anything about Ralph Waite, except that I am really going to miss seeing him in NCIS.  I hope he rests in peace.

Sonny sent me this link to an ESPN article about Mizzou students supporting a fellow student (football player) who recently announced he's gay.  Before I get to the article, let me say I stopped caring if guys were gay or not once I met The Wife.  The only reason I cared before was because I wanted to know if they were competition or not.  In college I lived and worked with gay guys and I learned something very important... I don't care.  I also learned that like most of the girls at Winthrop, these guys had no interest in sleeping with me.  It's not like I had to walk around worrying about them trying to force themselves on me.  Sound silly?  It should... but it's something people seem to worry about (especially when talking about gays in sports).  Bottom line, though, is I don't care and I look forward to the day when it's not a "story" that a player is or isn't gay (by the way, does anyone really think this is the first gay football player?  Really?  This is a sport that has a player bend over while another player places his hands in a place where most men don't put their hands).  So back to this article, it seems the Westboro Baptist Cult decided to protest outside of a basketball game that the football player was going to be at.  So Mizzou students decided to stand outside as a show of support.  It ended up not just being students, but other fans and people in the community.  14 members of the cult showed up... 2,000 good guys (and gals) were there.  I wish I'd been there.  Not so much to support him (as I've said, I don't care), but more as an F*** You to the cult.  I'm not saying everyone has to support this guy.  I don't even think everyone has to agree with my opinion or my views on this subject.  But I know that the cult is wrong in how they deal with this issue.  It's not so much the hate that bothers me... You know I'm all for a little hate in this world.  What bothers me is that they do what they do under the guise of being a "church".  I only wish more people in the media would follow my lead and call them what they really are... a cult.  I know I should probably ignore them, but I can't.  As I told Sonny, the people in that cult are the false prophets the Bible warns us about.  I'm sure there is a good Christian approach to dealing with people like them and maybe Sonny will talk about it on his blog... but for now, we at I'm just sayin... will continue to take the low road and call them jackasses and other names that aren't real nice and hope they hit rush hour traffic every time they leave their little cult area.  And I hope I get the chance one day to stand against them and help show that they can be crushed peacefully... or with my fists... whichever comes first.


Picture Thursday

Bridge over the Knightsville River

Mr. I can do it! climbing over a tree

The front part of the land



Mark 7:20-23

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private John N. Opel (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 5, 1864, at Wilderness, Virginia. His citation reads:

Capture of flag of 50th Virginia Infantry (C.S.A.).

Private David Orbansky (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions in 1862 and 1863, at Shiloh, Tennessee, Vicksburg, Mississippi, etc. His citation reads:

Gallantry in actions.

Master Sergeant Nicholas Oresko (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on January 23, 1945, near Tettington, Germany. His citation reads:

M/Sgt. Oresko was a platoon leader with Company C, in an attack against strong enemy positions. Deadly automatic fire from the flanks pinned down his unit. Realizing that a machinegun in a nearby bunker must be eliminated, he swiftly worked ahead alone, braving bullets which struck about him, until close enough to throw a grenade into the German position. He rushed the bunker and, with pointblank rifle fire, killed all the hostile occupants who survived the grenade blast. Another machinegun opened up on him, knocking him down and seriously wounding him in the hip. Refusing to withdraw from the battle, he placed himself at the head of his platoon to continue the assault. As withering machinegun and rifle fire swept the area, he struck out alone in advance of his men to a second bunker. With a grenade, he crippled the dug-in machinegun defending this position and then wiped out the troops manning it with his rifle, completing his second self-imposed, 1-man attack. Although weak from loss of blood, he refused to be evacuated until assured the mission was successfully accomplished. Through quick thinking, indomitable courage, and unswerving devotion to the attack in the face of bitter resistance and while wounded, M /Sgt. Oresko killed 12 Germans, prevented a delay in the assault, and made it possible for Company C to obtain its objective with minimum casualties.


The I’m just sayin… Gospel Verse of the Week
Mark 7:20-23

20 He went on: “What comes out of a person is what defiles them. 21 For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, 22 adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. 23 All these evils come from inside and defile a person.”

More "Farm" Pics...

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Specialist Fourth Class Kenneth L. Olson (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 13, 1968, in the 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. Olson distinguished himself at the cost of his life while serving as a team leader with Company A. Sp4c. Olson was participating in a mission to reinforce a reconnaissance platoon which was heavily engaged with a well-entrenched Viet Cong force. When his platoon moved into the area of contact and had overrun the first line of enemy bunkers, Sp4c. Olson and a fellow soldier moved forward of the platoon to investigate another suspected line of bunkers. As the 2 men advanced they were pinned down by intense automatic weapons fire from an enemy position 10 meters to their front. With complete disregard for his safety, Sp4c. Olson exposed himself and hurled a hand grenade into the Viet Cong position. Failing to silence the hostile fire, he again exposed himself to the intense fire in preparation to assault the enemy position. As he prepared to hurl the grenade, he was wounded, causing him to drop the activated device within his own position. Realizing that it would explode immediately, Sp4c. Olson threw himself upon the grenade and pulled it in to his body to take the full force of the explosion. By this unselfish action Sp4c. Olson sacrificed his own life to save the lives of his fellow comrades-in-arms. His extraordinary heroism inspired his fellow soldiers to renew their efforts and totally defeat the enemy force. Sp4c. Olson's profound courage and intrepidity were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

Sergeant Truman O. Olson (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on January 30-31, 1944, near Cisterna di Littoria, Italy. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Olson, a light machine gunner, elected to sacrifice his life to save his company from annihilation. On the night of 30 January 1944, after a 16-hour assault on entrenched enemy positions in the course of which over one-third of Company B became casualties, the survivors dug in behind a horseshoe elevation, placing Sgt. Olson and his crew, with the 1 available machinegun, forward of their lines and in an exposed position to bear the brunt of the expected German counterattack. Although he had been fighting without respite, Sgt. Olson stuck grimly to his post all night while his guncrew was cut down, 1 by 1, by accurate and overwhelming enemy fire. Weary from over 24 hours of continuous battle and suffering from an arm wound, received during the night engagement, Sgt. Olson manned his gun alone, meeting the full force of an all-out enemy assault by approximately 200 men supported by mortar and machinegun fire which the Germans launched at daybreak on the morning of 31 January. After 30 minutes of fighting, Sgt. Olson was mortally wounded, yet, knowing that only his weapons stood between his company and complete destruction, he refused evacuation. For an hour and a half after receiving his second and fatal wound he continued to fire his machinegun, killing at least 20 of the enemy, wounding many more, and forcing the assaulting German elements to withdraw.

Private First Class Frank H. Ono (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 4, 1944, near Castellina, Italy. His citation reads:

Private First Class Frank H. Ono distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 4 July 1944, near Castellina, Italy. In attacking a heavily defended hill, Private First Class Ono's squad was caught in a hail of formidable fire from the well-entrenched enemy. Private First Class Ono opened fire with his automatic rifle and silenced one machine gun 300 hundred yards to the right front. Advancing through incessant fire, he killed a sniper with another burst of fire, and while his squad leader reorganized the rest of the platoon in the rear, he alone defended the critical position. His weapon was then wrenched from his grasp by a burst of enemy machine pistol fire as enemy troops attempted to close in on him. Hurling hand grenades, Private First Class Ono forced the enemy to abandon the attempt, resolutely defending the newly won ground until the rest of the platoon moved forward. Taking a wounded comrade's rifle, Private First Class Ono again joined in the assault. After killing two more enemy soldiers, he boldly ran through withering automatic, small arms, and mortar fire to render first aid to his platoon leader and a seriously wounded rifleman. In danger of being encircled, the platoon was ordered to withdraw. Volunteering to cover the platoon, Private First Class Ono occupied virtually unprotected positions near the crest of the hill, engaging an enemy machine gun emplaced on an adjoining ridge and exchanging fire with snipers armed with machine pistols. Completely disregarding his own safety, he made himself the constant target of concentrated enemy fire until the platoon reached the comparative safety of a draw. He then descended the hill in stages, firing his rifle, until he rejoined the platoon. Private First Class Ono's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the United States Army.


I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for the ice to be off the trees and power lines.


Picture Thursday

NCIS - Knightsville was on the scene to get some pics of the blood Scooby left behind.  I'd like to say he learned what happens when he runs into a barb wire fence... but I doubt he did.

Find the blood

Daniel helping NaNa walk

This is where Mom and Aunt Yvonne had to go to bathe when they were growing up...



HAPPY BIRTHDAY REBECCA!!!!!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Captain Paul A. Oliver (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 15, 1864, at Resaca, Georgia. His citation reads:

While acting as aide assisted in preventing a disaster caused by Union troops firing into each other.

Ordinary Seaman Anton Olsen (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 11, 1898, on board the U.S.S. 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, Olsen displayed extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this period.

Captain Arlo L. Olson (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on October 13, 1943, during the crossing of the Volturno River, Italy. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. On 13 October 1943, when the drive across the Volturno River began, Capt. Olson and his company spearheaded the advance of the regiment through 30 miles of mountainous enemy territory in 13 days. Placing himself at the head of his men, Capt. Olson waded into the chest-deep water of the raging Volturno River and despite pointblank machine-gun fire aimed directly at him made his way to the opposite bank and threw 2 handgrenades into the gun position, killing the crew. When an enemy machinegun 150 yards distant opened fire on his company, Capt. Olson advanced upon the position in a slow, deliberate walk. Although 5 German soldiers threw handgrenades at him from a range of 5 yards, Capt. Olson dispatched them all, picked up a machine pistol and continued toward the enemy. Advancing to within 15 yards of the position he shot it out with the foe, killing 9 and seizing the post. Throughout the next 13 days Capt. Olson led combat patrols, acted as company No. 1 scout and maintained unbroken contact with the enemy. On 27 October 1943, Capt. Olson conducted a platoon in attack on a strongpoint, crawling to within 25 yards of the enemy and then charging the position. Despite continuous machinegun fire which barely missed him, Capt. Olson made his way to the gun and killed the crew with his pistol. When the men saw their leader make this desperate attack they followed him and overran the position. Continuing the advance, Capt. Olson led his company to the next objective at the summit of Monte San Nicola. Although the company to his right was forced to take cover from the furious automatic and small arms fire, which was directed upon him and his men with equal intensity, Capt. Olson waved his company into a skirmish line and despite the fire of a machinegun which singled him out as its sole target led the assault which drove the enemy away. While making a reconnaissance for defensive positions, Capt. Olson was fatally wounded. Ignoring his severe pain, this intrepid officer completed his reconnaissance, Supervised the location of his men in the best defense positions, refused medical aid until all of his men had been cared for, and died as he was being carried down the mountain.


I’m pretty sure she doesn’t read my blog, but that won’t stop me from wishing my dear friend Rebecca a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!! We hope she has a great day!


Did you see the end of the OSU/Texas Tech game on Saturday? An OSU player shoved a Texas Tech fan. The player has since been suspended for 3 games and there has been non-stop talk about how players should never hit fans and blah blah blah. I get it, you don’t want to start a riot and one way to not start a riot is to not engage the fans. At the same time, there are two sayings that I hate. 1 – The customer is always right. This saying could have only come from someone who never worked retail, because in all honesty, the customer is hardly ever right. 2 – The fans can yell what they want because they paid for their seat. It’s fine if you want to think that… as long as you realize that an asshole fan might get shoved or hit from time to time. I’ve never seen a player hit a fan, but I’ve seen plenty of times when a player probably should have hit a fan. Heck, there were probably times in college when I was the fan who should have been hit. From what I can tell, every school has a fan (or fans) who should probably be hit every now and then. I saw a large group of CSU football players try to start a fight with the Winthrop basketball team years ago (rumor is Coach Marshall told the football players to go find some help to make it a fair fight)… but nothing ever got out of hand. Anyway, back to this OSU player… the talk from the coach and AD is about how this is a “teaching” moment and all of that. The player apologized to the fan and his teammates and school and me and Jeremy and everyone else and said he accepted the punishment (or something like that)… which is great. BUT… I wouldn’t have done it. I would have stood up and said, “I apologize to my coaches and teammates for putting them in this situation. I accept the punishment given to me and look forward to getting back on the court and helping my team after my suspension is over”. I wouldn’t apologize to the fan. The fan was a grownass man (in his 50s) who should be embarrassed about calling a 18-20 year old kid a “piece of crap” (Which, while we’re talking about it, I’d bet good money that’s not what set the player off. I’m not saying the fan didn’t call him that… I’m just saying I’d bet he called him more than that). Bottom line is players shouldn’t shove fans and fans shouldn’t be shocked when players do shove them.


Sonny had a post last Friday where he talked about Richard Sherman and Peyton Manning. Go to his blog to see what he had to say (I agree with him on both). I know agreeing with Sonny doesn’t exactly make for “good blogging”, but when he’s right I don’t mind letting you know.

Happy Birthday Travis!!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private First Class Milton L. Olive, III (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on October 22, 1965, at Phu Cuong, Republic of Vietnam. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Pfc. Olive was a member of the 3d Platoon of Company B, as it moved through the jungle to find the Viet Cong operating in the area. Although the platoon was subjected to a heavy volume of enemy gunfire and pinned down temporarily, it retaliated by assaulting the Viet Cong positions, causing the enemy to flee. As the platoon pursued the insurgents, Pfc. Olive and 4 other soldiers were moving through the jungle together with a grenade was thrown into their midst. Pfc. Olive saw the grenade, and then saved the lives of his fellow soldiers at the sacrifice of his by grabbing the grenade in his hand and falling on it to absorb the blast with his body. Through his bravery, unhesitating actions, and complete disregard for his safety, he prevented additional loss of life or injury to the members of his platoon. Pfc. Olive's extraordinary heroism, 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.

Sergeant Charles Oliver (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on March 25, 1865, at Petersburg, Virginia. His citation reads:

Capture of flag of 31st Georgia Infantry (C.S.A.).

First Sergeant Francis Oliver (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on October 20, 1869, at Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona. His citation reads:

Bravery in action.


Just wanted to swing by the I’m just sayin… offices to wish my friend Travis a Happy Birthday!!!! We hope he has a great one!


The I’m just sayin… Gospel Verse of the Week
Matthew 8:26

And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

Congrats Ray Guy!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Master-at-Arms August Ohmsen (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on August 21, 1884, on board the USS Tallapoosa. His citation reads:

On board the U.S.S. Tallapoosa at the time of the sinking of that vessel, on the night of 21 August 1884. Clearing the berth deck, Ohmsen remained there until the water was waist deep, wading about with outstretched arms, rousing the men out of their hammocks. Then, going on deck, he assisted in lowering the first cutter and then the dinghy, of which he took charge.

Technician Fifth Grade James K. Okubo (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on October 28-29, 1944 and November 4, 1944, in the Foret Domaniale de Champ, near Biffontaine, eastern France. His citation reads:

Technician Fifth Grade James K. Okubo distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 28 and 29 October and 4 November 1944, in the Foret Domaniale de Champ, near Biffontaine, eastern France. On 28 October, under strong enemy fire coming from behind mine fields and roadblocks, Technician Fifth Grade Okubo, a medic, crawled 150 yards to within 40 yards of the enemy lines. Two grenades were thrown at him while he left his last covered position to carry back wounded comrades. Under constant barrages of enemy small arms and machine gun fire, he treated 17 men on 28 October and 8 more men on 29 October. On 4 November, Technician Fifth Grade Okubo ran 75 yards under grazing machine gun fire and, while exposed to hostile fire directed at him, evacuated and treated a seriously wounded crewman from a burning tank, who otherwise would have died. Technician Fifth Grade James K. Okubo's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the United States Army.

Technical Sergeant Yukio Okutsu (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on April 7, 1945, on Mount Belvedere, Italy. His citation reads:

Technical Sergeant Yukio Okutsu distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 7 April 1945, on Mount Belvedere, Italy. While his platoon was halted by the crossfire of three machine guns, Technical Sergeant Okutsu boldly crawled to within 30 yards of the nearest enemy emplacement through heavy fire. He destroyed the position with two accurately placed hand grenades, killing three machine gunners. Crawling and dashing from cover to cover, he threw another grenade, silencing a second machine gun, wounding two enemy soldiers, and forcing two others to surrender. Seeing a third machine gun, which obstructed his platoon's advance, he moved forward through heavy small arms fire and was stunned momentarily by rifle fire, which glanced off his helmet. Recovering, he bravely charged several enemy riflemen with his submachine gun, forcing them to withdraw from their positions. Then, rushing the machine gun nest, he captured the weapon and its entire crew of four. By these single-handed actions he enabled his platoon to resume its assault on a vital objective. The courageous performance of Technical Sergeant Okutsu against formidable odds was an inspiration to all. Technical Sergeant Okutsu's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the United States Army.


I wanted to take a minute to congratulate Ray Guy for getting into the football Hall of Fame!


Picture Thursday

We all know, of course, that James Island is God's country... but this is God's other country.

Daniel showing me how he can climb over trees

Susie "helping" Nana

HAPPY 60TH (+1 year) BIRTHDAY AUNT YVONNE!!!!!!!!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private First Class Eugene Arnold Obregon (US Marine Corps) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on September 26, 1950, at Seoul, Korea. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company G, in action against enemy aggressor forces. While serving as an ammunition carrier of a machine gun squad in a marine rifle company which was temporarily pinned down by hostile fire, Pfc. Obregon observed a fellow marine fall wounded in the line of fire. Armed only with a pistol, he unhesitating dashed from his covered position to the side of the casualty. Firing his pistol with 1 hand as he ran, he grasped his comrade by the arm with his other hand and, despite the great peril to himself dragged him to the side of the road. Still under enemy fire, he was bandaging the man's wounds when hostile troops of approximately platoon strength began advancing toward his position. Quickly seizing the wounded marine's carbine, he placed his own body as a shield in front of him and lay there firing accurately and effectively into the hostile group until he himself was fatally wounded by enemy machine gun fire. By his courageous fighting spirit, fortitude, and loyal devotion to duty, Pfc. Obregon enabled his fellow marines to rescue the wounded man and aided essentially in repelling the attack, thereby sustaining and enhancing the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

First Lieutenant Carlos C. Ogden (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on June 25, 1944, near Fort du Roule, France. His citation reads:

On the morning of 25 June 1944, near Fort du Roule, guarding the approaches to Cherbourg, France, 1st Lt. Ogden's company was pinned down by fire from a German 88-mm. gun and 2 machineguns. Arming himself with an M-1 rifle, a grenade launcher, and a number of rifle and handgrenades, he left his company in position and advanced alone, under fire, up the slope toward the enemy emplacements. Struck on the head and knocked down by a glancing machinegun bullet, 1st Lt. Ogden, in spite of his painful wound and enemy fire from close range, continued up the hill. Reaching a vantage point, he silenced the 88mm. gun with a well-placed rifle grenade and then, with handgrenades, knocked out the 2 machineguns, again being painfully wounded. 1st Lt. Ogden's heroic leadership and indomitable courage in alone silencing these enemy weapons inspired his men to greater effort and cleared the way for the company to continue the advance and reach its objectives.

Sergeant Allan M. Ohata (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on November 29-30, 1943, near Cerasuolo, Italy. His citation reads:

Sergeant Allan M. Ohata distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 29 and 30 November 1943, near Cerasuolo, Italy. Sergeant Ohata, his squad leader, and three men were ordered to protect his platoon's left flank against an attacking enemy force of 40 men, armed with machine guns, machine pistols, and rifles. He posted one of his men, an automatic rifleman, on the extreme left, 15 yards from his own position. Taking his position, Sergeant Ohata delivered effective fire against the advancing enemy. The man to his left called for assistance when his automatic rifle was shot and damaged. With utter disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant Ohata left his position and advanced 15 yards through heavy machine gun fire. Reaching his comrade's position, he immediately fired upon the enemy, killing 10 enemy soldiers and successfully covering his comrade's withdrawal to replace his damaged weapon. Sergeant Ohata and the automatic rifleman held their position and killed 37 enemy soldiers. Both men then charged the three remaining soldiers and captured them. Later, Sergeant Ohata and the automatic rifleman stopped another attacking force of 14, killing four and wounding three while the others fled. The following day he and the automatic rifleman held their flank with grim determination and staved off all attacks. Staff Sergeant Ohata's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the United States Army.


I wanted to take a minute to wish my great (as in wonderful, not old… well…) Aunt Yvonne a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So, from all of us at I’m just sayin… to all of you (named Aunt Yvonne)… HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

Note - We were going to make a video for Aunt Yvonne, but Maverick is still resting his voice after all of the singing he had to do in January. Sorry!


Word on the street is that the minimum wage for federal employees is going up (to a little over $10/hour, I think). I’ve talked on here before about how I was against raising it to $15/hr (as had been talked about) and I continue to stand by that position. As for this new rate… I still think it might be a little high, but it’s not as bad as $15/hour. Now, let me be clear… I’m not against raising the minimum wage… I’m just against the idea that a minimum wage job should provide a comfortable living. It’s a starting point… a stepping stone. For it to become more than that would, in my opinion, cause more problems than it would solve. I think the minimum wage should be tied in some way to inflation. I’m not sure of the exact formula or the details… but I’m not paid for details… I’m a big picture guy.

Mark 5:36

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Corporal Thomas E. O’Shea (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on September 29, 1918, near Le Catelet, France. His citation reads:

Becoming separated from their platoon by a smoke barrage, Cpl. O'Shea, with 2 other soldiers, took cover in a shell hole well within the enemy's lines. Upon hearing a call for help from an American tank, which had become disabled 30 yards from them, the 3 soldiers left their shelter and started toward the tank under heavy fire from German machineguns and trench mortars. In crossing the fire-swept area Cpl. O'Shea was mortally wounded and died of his wounds shortly afterwards.

Private John O’Sullivan (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on December 8, 1874, at Staked Plains, Texas. His citation reads:

Gallantry in a long chase after Indians.

Gunner’s Mate Second Class William Oakley (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, Oakley displayed extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this period.


The I’m just sayin… Gospel Verse of the Week
Mark 5:36

Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”