HAPPY BIRTHDAY UNCLE KEITH!!!!!!!!!! and Disney Pics (Part 2 of 2)

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private Donald Jack Ruhl (US Marine Corps) received his Medal of Honor for his actions from February 19-21, 1945, on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a rifleman in an assault platoon of Company E, 28th Marines, 5th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 19 to 21 February 1945. Quick to press the advantage after 8 Japanese had been driven from a blockhouse on D-day, Pfc. Ruhl single-handedly attacked the group, killing 1 of the enemy with his bayonet and another by rifle fire in his determined attempt to annihilate the escaping troops. Cool and undaunted as the fury of hostile resistance steadily increased throughout the night, he voluntarily left the shelter of his tank trap early in the morning of D-day plus 1 and moved out under a tremendous volume of mortar and machinegun fire to rescue a wounded marine Iying in an exposed position approximately 40 yards forward of the line. Half pulling and half carrying the wounded man, he removed him to a defiladed position, called for an assistant and a stretcher and, again running the gauntlet of hostile fire, carried the casualty to an aid station some 300 yards distant on the beach. Returning to his platoon, he continued his valiant efforts, volunteering to investigate and apparently abandoned Japanese gun emplacement 75 yards forward of the right flank during consolidation of the front lines, and subsequently occupying the position through the night to prevent the enemy from repossessing the valuable weapon. Pushing forward in the assault against the vast network of fortifications surrounding Mt. Suribachi the following morning, he crawled with his platoon guide to the top of a Japanese bunker to bring fire to bear on enemy troops located on the far side of the bunker. Suddenly a hostile grenade landed between the 2 marines. Instantly Pfc. Ruhl called a warning to his fellow marine and dived on the deadly missile, at-sorbing the full impact of the shattering explosion in his own body and protecting all within range from the danger of flying fragments although he might easily have dropped from his position on the edge of the bunker to the ground below. An indomitable fighter, Pfc. Ruhl rendered heroic service toward the defeat of a ruthless enemy, and his valor, initiative and unfaltering spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of almost certain death sustain and enhance the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Private First Class Alejandro R. Renteria Ruiz (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on April 28, 1945, on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands. His citation reads:

When his unit was stopped by a skillfully camouflaged enemy pillbox, he displayed conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty. His squad, suddenly brought under a hail of machinegun fire and a vicious grenade attack, was pinned down. Jumping to his feet, Pfc. Ruiz seized an automatic rifle and lunged through the flying grenades and rifle and automatic fire for the top of the emplacement. When an enemy soldier charged him, his rifle jammed. Undaunted, Pfc. Ruiz whirled on his assailant and clubbed him down. Then he ran back through bullets and grenades, seized more ammunition and another automatic rifle, and again made for the pillbox. Enemy fire now was concentrated on him, but he charged on, miraculously reaching the position, and in plain view he climbed to the top. Leaping from 1 opening to another, he sent burst after burst into the pillbox, killing 12 of the enemy and completely destroying the position. Pfc. Ruiz's heroic conduct, in the face of overwhelming odds, saved the lives of many comrades and eliminated an obstacle that long would have checked his unit's advance.

Unknown Rumanian Soldier (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions during World War I. His citation reads:

By virtue of the authority vested by law in the President of the United States, the Congressional Medal of Honor, emblem of the highest military ideals and virtues, is bestowed in the name of the Congress of the United States upon the unknown, unidentified Rumanian soldier in a desire to add all that is possible to the imperishable glory won by the soldiers of Rumania who fought as comrades of the American soldiers during the World War, and to commemorate with them the deeds of the nations associated with the United States of America, by paying this tribute to their unknown dead (A.G. 220.52, 17 May 1923) (War Department General Orders, No. 22, 6 June 1923).


Today we’d like to wish my Uncle Keith a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!! We hope he has a GREAT day!


Picture Thursday

What a great life

Susie meeting the gorilla

Susie making a gorilla face

Susie kissing the gorilla

Daniel and the tiger

Daniel pointing to the sea turtle

Daniel making a monkey face

Maybe I got this for Mom and Dad to give me... maybe I didn't.  Ok, I didn't, but I really thought about it.

Me and Bea Arthur

Me and Betty White

Me with Angela Lansbury

Me with Bill Cosby - So, Rebecca now claims that she doesn't hate Bill Cosby, she just doesn't "love the Cosby Show... or his stand up"... which to me means she hates Bill Cosby.

Me with Andy Griffith

Luke 9:1-2

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Captain Euripides Rubio (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on November 8, 1966, at Tay Ninh 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. Capt. Rubio, Infantry, was serving as communications officer, 1st Battalion, when a numerically superior enemy force launched a massive attack against the battalion defense position. Intense enemy machinegun fire raked the area while mortar rounds and rifle grenades exploded within the perimeter. Leaving the relative safety of his post, Capt. Rubio received 2 serious wounds as he braved the withering fire to go to the area of most intense action where he distributed ammunition, re-established positions and rendered aid to the wounded. Disregarding the painful wounds, he unhesitatingly assumed command when a rifle company commander was medically evacuated. Capt. Rubio was wounded a third time as he selflessly exposed himself to the devastating enemy fire to move among his men to encourage them to fight with renewed effort. While aiding the evacuation of wounded personnel, he noted that a smoke grenade which was intended to mark the Viet Cong position for air strike was close to the friendly lines. Capt. Rubio ran to reposition the grenade but was immediately struck to his knees by enemy fire. Despite his several wounds, Capt. Rubio scooped up the grenade, ran through the deadly hail of fire to within 20 meters of the enemy position and hurled the already smoking grenade into the midst of the enemy before he fell for the final time. Using the repositioned grenade as a marker, friendly air strikes were directed to destroy the hostile positions. Capt. Rubio's singularly heroic act turned the tide of battle, and his extraordinary leadership and valor were a magnificent inspiration to his men. His remarkable bravery and selfless concern for his men are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on Capt. Rubio and the U.S. Army.

Chief Machinist’s Mate George William Rud (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on August 29, 1916, on board the U.S.S. Memphis. His citation reads:

For extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession while attached to the U.S.S. Memphis, at a time when that vessel was suffered total destruction from a hurricane while anchored off Santo Domingo City, 29 August 1916. C.M.M. Rud took his station in the engineroom and remained at his post amidst scalding steam and the rushing of thousands of tons of water into his department, receiving serious burns from which he immediately died.

Second Lieutenant Donald E. Rudolph (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on February 5, 1945, at Munoz, Luzon, Philippine Islands. His citation reads:

2d Lt. Rudolph (then T/Sgt.) was acting as platoon leader at Munoz, Luzon, Philippine Islands. While administering first aid on the battlefield, he observed enemy fire issuing from a nearby culvert. Crawling to the culvert with rifle and grenades, he killed 3 of the enemy concealed there. He then worked his way across open terrain toward a line of enemy pillboxes which had immobilized his company. Nearing the first pillbox, he hurled a grenade through its embrasure and charged the position. With his bare hands he tore away the wood and tin covering, then dropped a grenade through the opening, killing the enemy gunners and destroying their machinegun. Ordering several riflemen to cover his further advance, 2d Lt. Rudolph seized a pick mattock and made his way to the second pillbox. Piercing its top with the mattock, he dropped a grenade through the hole, fired several rounds from his rifle into it and smothered any surviving enemy by sealing the hole and the embrasure with earth. In quick succession he attacked and neutralized 6 more pillboxes. Later, when his platoon was attacked by an enemy tank, he advanced under covering fire, climbed to the top of the tank and dropped a white phosphorus grenade through the turret, destroying the crew. Through his outstanding heroism, superb courage, and leadership, and complete disregard for his own safety, 2d Lt. Rudolph cleared a path for an advance which culminated in one of the most decisive victories of the Philippine campaign.


The I’m just sayin… Gospel Verse of the Week
Luke 9:1-2

1 When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

Disney Pics!!!!!!! - Part 1 of 2

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private Henry W. Rowe (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on June 17, 1864, at Petersburg, Virginia. His citation reads:

With 2 companions, he rushed and disarmed 27 enemy pickets, capturing a stand of flags.

Sergeant Stanislaus Roy (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on June 25, 1876, at Little Big Horn, Montana. His citation reads:

Brought water to the wounded at great danger to life and under a most galling fire of the enemy.

Corporal Tibor Rubin (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions from July 23, 1950 – April 20, 1953, in the Republic of Korea. His citation reads:

Corporal Tibor Rubin distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism during the period from July 23, 1950, to April 20, 1953, while serving as a rifleman with Company I, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division in the Republic of Korea. While his unit was retreating to the Pusan Perimeter, Corporal Rubin was assigned to stay behind to keep open the vital Taegu-Pusan Road link used by his withdrawing unit. During the ensuing battle, overwhelming numbers of North Korean troops assaulted a hill defended solely by Corporal Rubin. He inflicted a staggering number of casualties on the attacking force during his personal 24-hour battle, single-handedly slowing the enemy advance and allowing the 8th Cavalry Regiment to complete its withdrawal successfully. Following the breakout from the Pusan Perimeter, the 8th Cavalry Regiment proceeded northward and advanced into North Korea. During the advance, he helped capture several hundred North Korean soldiers. On October 30, 1950, Chinese forces attacked his unit at Unsan, North Korea, during a massive nighttime assault. That night and throughout the next day, he manned a .30 caliber machine gun at the south end of the unit's line after three previous gunners became casualties. He continued to man his machine gun until his ammunition was exhausted. His determined stand slowed the pace of the enemy advance in his sector, permitting the remnants of his unit to retreat southward. As the battle raged, Corporal Rubin was severely wounded and captured by the Chinese. Choosing to remain in the prison camp despite offers from the Chinese to return him to his native Hungary, Corporal Rubin disregarded his own personal safety and immediately began sneaking out of the camp at night in search of food for his comrades. Breaking into enemy food storehouses and gardens, he risked certain torture or death if caught. Corporal Rubin provided not only food to the starving Soldiers, but also desperately needed medical care and moral support for the sick and wounded of the POW camp. His brave, selfless efforts were directly attributed to saving the lives of as many as forty of his fellow prisoners. Corporal Rubin's gallant actions in close contact with the enemy and unyielding courage and bravery while a prisoner of war are in the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.


We made it to Disney World and back without getting divorced or losing/killing any of our children.  This might not sound like much, but if you had been with us the whole trip, you'd be shocked.  I will say, though, that if you go to Disney World and don't hate your family at some point (and have them hate you), then you probably aren't getting the most out of your trip.

For those of you keeping score, I rode the following rides...

It's a Small World
Peter Pan
Splash Mountain
People Movers (2x)

I was worried I'd have to ride others, but I lucked out when Susie hated Splash Mountain.  After that, I was off the hook for the other rides.



Picture Thursday

We're going to Disney World!!!!!!

Our Magic Bands... Guess who had which colors...

Susie started the trip as a 4 year old... but ended as a 5 year old

On our way to Magic Kingdom... Daniel:  "Mommy, I like this ride!"

Getting ready for Magic Kingdom

Daniel's first look at the real Mickey Mouse

Walt and Mick

The girls meeting Anna... Daniel didn't want to meet any of the princesses because "I don't like girls, only my sisters".

The girls meeting Elsa

Daniel drawing a picture for Mickey Mouse... He gave it to Mickey and he (Mickey) was very thankful and put it on his desk.

The Wife and Mary Ruth loved this ride...

Me and Susie on the People Mover while The Wife, Mary Ruth and Daniel went on a Buzz Lightyear ride

Susie... after we got off of Splash Mountain

Daniel... loving life.

Me with Donald Duck (I'm on the right)

Daniel with Lightning McQueen

Susie and Daniel on a 74-Z Imperial Speeder Bike

At the Frozen sing-a-long

Mark 8:38

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private John F. Rowalt (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on October 14, 1869, at Lyry Creek, Arizona. His citation reads:

Gallantry in action with Indians.

Private Archibald H. Rowand, Jr. (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions during the Winter of 1864-1865. His citation reads:

Was 1 of 2 men who succeeded in getting through the enemy's lines with dispatches to Gen. Grant.

Sergeant Rowdy (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on March 7, 1890, in Arizona. His citation reads:

Bravery in action with Apache Indians.


The I’m just sayin… Gospel Verse of the Week
Mark 8:38

If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUSIE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Ordinary Seaman Johannes Rouning (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 7, 1882, on board the US Tug Fortune. His citation reads:

For jumping overboard from the U.S. Tug Fortune, 7 May 1882, at Hampton Roads, Va., and rescuing from drowning James Walters, gunner's mate.

First Class Fireman John Rountry (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on September 21, 1864, on board the U.S.S. Montauk. His citation reads:

Served as first class fireman on board the U.S.S. Montauk, 21 September 1864. During the night of 21 September when fire was discovered in the magazine lightroom of that vessel, causing a panic and demoralizing the crew, Rountry, notwithstanding the cry of "fire in the magazine," forced his way with hose in hand, through the frightened crowd to the lightroom and put out the flames.

Corporal J. Levi Roush (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 2, 1863, at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. His citation reads:

Was 1 of 6 volunteers who charged upon a log house near the Devil's Den, where a squad of the enemy's sharpshooters were sheltered, and compelled their surrender.


Today I would like to wish my little Susie a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can’t believe she is already five years old!!!!! I hope she has a GREAT birthday!!!!!

Just for fun, I’m going to share my 5 favorite pictures of Susie…

Picture time!!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

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

Capture of flag of 13th North Carolina Infantry (C.S.A.).

First Lieutenant Carlton Robert Rouh (US Marine Corps) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on September 15, 1944, at Peleliu Island, Palau group. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while attached to the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu Island, Palau group, 15 September 1944. Before permitting his men to use an enemy dugout as a position for an 81-mm. mortar observation post, 1st Lt. Rouh made a personal reconnaissance of the pillbox and, upon entering, was severely wounded by Japanese rifle fire from within. Emerging from the dugout, he was immediately assisted by 2 marines to a less exposed area but, while receiving first aid, was further endangered by an enemy grenade which was thrown into their midst. Quick to act in spite of his weakened condition, he lurched to a crouching position and thrust both men aside, placing his own body between them and the grenade and taking the full blast of the explosion himself. His exceptional spirit of loyalty and self-sacrifice in the face of almost certain death reflects the highest credit upon 1st Lt. Rouh and the U.S. Naval Service.

Private Lewis A. Rounds (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 12, 1864, at Spotsylvania, Virginia. His citation reads:

Capture of flag.


I will say this about Daniel playing soccer… he’s getting better. If you look back, you’ll see that each week was a little better than the last. Right now, he is up to the point where he will stand on the field and scream/cry when someone else kicks the ball… but that’s a big improvement over where he started. Maybe when he is leading the USA to its first World Cup championship, we can all look back on this time and laugh. Even if he doesn’t do that, I’m sure we’ll all look back and laugh.


Picture Thursday

The Soccer Nijas

GOAL!!!!! (in warm-ups)

Perhaps the biggest issue Coach Cory has to deal with... getting his players to go in the right direction (fyi... Daniel is pointing the wrong way)

Daniel and Lucas

Daniel hitting on the Coach's daughter

Stand here and kick the ball... and please stop crying

Maybe boxing is his sport...

No, we didn't get a 3rd dog... we were just dog sitting

This is all he really wanted to do while at our house

Watching game film... getting ready for the next soccer game

Scooby earning his keep...