Congrats JI!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

First Sergeant John Shilling (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on August 21, 1864, at Weldon Railroad, Virginia. His citation reads:

Capture of flag.

First Sergeant John H. Shingle (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on June 17, 1876, at Rosebud River, Montana. His citation reads:

Gallantry in action.

Sergeant Robert F. Shipley (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on April 1, 1865, at Five Forks, Virginia. His citation reads:

Captured the flag of the 9th Virginia Infantry (C.S.A.) in hand-to-hand combat.


Help Team I’m just sayin… in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s

To donate to me: Click Here.

To join team I’m just sayin…: Click Here.


The James Island Trojans basketball team is headed to the Lower State finals (tonight I believe). Before the season started, the Trojans were not expected to have this good of a season. Seasons like this are fun. Once you’re expected to win, the actual joy of winning is also mixed with relief. Sure, it’s still fun… but it’s different. The unexpected winning… that’s 100% pure joy. So congrats to the boys on the JI basketball team. I hope they are able to win a couple more games and bring a State Championship back to James Island.

So, I see that the Board of Trustees at SC State has placed the president on administrative leave. Here are some thoughts I have on that…

The president just got there a couple of years ago… The financial troubles of this school started LONG before that. If my memory is correct… The first thing this president did when he got there was find MORE problems than what the public knew about. I’m not sure this president is the right person to fix this problem, but I’m pretty dang sure he’s not the problem.

The school is in (big) financial trouble… so step #1 for the board is to pay the president of the school to NOT work.

I’m sure the politicians in Columbia talking about closing the school for a couple of years also didn’t help the financial troubles (two thoughts about this: Close the school for two years… you still have the debt, but now you’ve lost all income. Also, enrollment is a big/main source of income… so tell people you plan to close the school… that should help get the enrollment numbers up).

I’ve thought for some time that South Carolina has too many public colleges/universities. The state isn’t THAT big… there’s no need to spread the money out as much as we’re doing. So, I do believe there are colleges in this state that need to be closed (or merged with other colleges). I don’t know if SC State is one of those that needs to close… but they aren’t making it easy to keep the doors open. I think they need to find what it is they are great at, and focus on that. Being the public college for blacks isn’t really enough to get the job done these days. It was a great selling point back when Dad was in college… but that isn’t the case now. Personally, I would like to see the college succeed, because it does have a good bit of history (and I like history), but to do that they will need to change (i.e. recruit a more diverse student body). Of course, there might be other (better) ideas…

Congrats Janie!!!!!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private Bernard Shields (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on April 8, 1865, at Appomattox, Virginia. His citation reads:

Capture of flag of the Washington Artillery (C.S.A.).

Construction Mechanic Third Class Marvin G. Shields (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on June 10, 1965, at Dong Xoai, Republic of Vietnam. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Although wounded when the compound of Detachment A342, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces...fire from an estimated reinforced Viet Cong regiment employing machineguns, heavy weapons and small arms, Shields continued to resupply his fellow Americans who needed ammunition and to return the enemy fire for a period of approximately 3 hours, at which time the Viet Cong launched a massive attack at close range with flame-throwers, hand grenades and small-arms fire. Wounded a second time during this attack, Shields nevertheless assisted in carrying a more critically wounded man to safety, and then resumed firing at the enemy for 4 more hours. When the commander asked for a volunteer to accompany him in an attempt to knock out an enemy machinegun emplacement which was endangering the lives of all personnel in the compound because of the accuracy of its fire, Shields unhesitatingly volunteered for this extremely hazardous mission. Proceeding toward their objective with a 3.5-inch rocket launcher, they succeeded in destroying the enemy machinegun emplacement, thus undoubtedly saving the lives of many of their fellow servicemen in the compound. Shields was mortally wounded by hostile fire while returning to his defensive position. His heroic initiative and great personal valor in the face of intense enemy fire sustain and enhance the finest traditions of Naval Service.

Surgeon George F. Shiels (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on March 25, 1899, at Tuliahan River, Philippine Islands. His citation reads:

Voluntarily exposed himself to the fire of the enemy and went with 4 men to the relief of 2 native Filipinos Iying wounded about 150 yards in front of the lines and personally carried one of them to a place of safety.


Help Team I’m just sayin… in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s

To donate to me: Click Here.

To join team I’m just sayin…: Click Here.


I told you a few months ago that my Labor Day Aunt Janie was retiring as the Executive Director of the United Way of Central Carolinas to, rumor (started here) was, make a run for President in 2016. Today, I’m here to congratulate Janie on being named Charlotte’s 2014 Woman of the Year! How great is that?! You can read what the Charlotte Observer had to say about it here.

Congrats, also, for having an endowment named after her (the Jane L. McIntyre Endowment… word is they wanted to name it the “Greg Horres’ Labor Day Aunt Janie Endowment”, but that was too long of a name). You can read more about this cool honor here.

At least one of those articles talked about her ability to take over an organization with money problems and getting them going in the right direction. Maybe SC State should take a shot at trying to get her. I’m just sayin…

Maybe I’ll talk more later on my thoughts about SC State.


I’m just sayin… Pictures

Just a Closer Walk With Thee

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Quartermaster James Sheridan (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on August 5, 1864, on board the U.S.S. Oneida. His citation reads:

Served as quartermaster on board the U.S.S. Oneida in the engagement at Mobile Bay 5 August 1864. Acting as captain of the after 11_inch gun, and wounded in several places, Sheridan remained at his gun until the firing had ceased and then took the place of the signal quartermaster who had been injured by a fall. Recommended for his gallantry and intelligence, Sheridan served courageously throughout this battle which resulted in the capture of the rebel ram Tennessee and the damaging of Fort Morgan.

Private Marshall Sherman (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 3, 1863, at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. His citation reads:

Capture of flag of 28th Virginia Infantry (C.S.A.).

Corporal John Shiel (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on December 13, 1862, at Fredericksburg, Virginia. His citation reads:

Carried a dangerously wounded comrade into the Union lines, thereby preventing his capture by the enemy.


Help Team I’m just sayin… in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s

To donate to me: Click Here.

To join team I’m just sayin…: Click Here.


The I’m just sayin… Hymn of the Week

Just a Closer Walk With Thee

This song (or at least early versions of it) dates back to Southern African-American churches of the 1800’s. Wikipedia has a little bit about it here. If you want to hear some good versions of this song, check out these three… one by John Anderson/Randy Travis, one by George Jones, and one (perhaps the best) by Charley Pride.


Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

I am weak, but Thou art strong,
Jesus, keep me from all wrong,
I’ll be satisfied as long
As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.

Through this world of toil and snares,
If I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares?
None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee.

When my feeble life is o’er,
Time for me will be no more,
Guide me gently, safely o’er
To Thy kingdom's shore, to Thy shore.

Thanks Danny and Jen

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private William Shepherd (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on April 6, 1865, at Sailors Creek, Virginia. His citation reads:

Capture of flag.

Private Charles Sheppard (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions from October 21, 1876 – January 8, 1877, at Cedar Creek, etc., Montana. His citation reads:

Bravery in action with Sioux.

Private First Class Carl V. Sheridan (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on November 26, 1944, at Frenzenberg Castle, Weisweiler, Germany. His citation reads:

Attached to the 2d Battalion of the 47th Infantry on 26 November 1944, for the attack on Frenzenberg Castle, in the vicinity of Weisweiler, Germany, Company K, after an advance of 1,000 yards through a shattering barrage of enemy artillery and mortar fire, had captured 2 buildings in the courtyard of the castle but was left with an effective fighting strength of only 35 men. During the advance, Pfc. Sheridan, acting as a bazooka gunner, had braved the enemy fire to stop and procure the additional rockets carried by his ammunition bearer who was wounded. Upon rejoining his company in the captured buildings, he found it in a furious fight with approximately 70 enemy paratroopers occupying the castle gate house. This was a solidly built stone structure surrounded by a deep water-filled moat 20 feet wide. The only approach to the heavily defended position was across the courtyard and over a drawbridge leading to a barricaded oaken door. Pfc. Sheridan, realizing that his bazooka was the only available weapon with sufficient power to penetrate the heavy oak planking, with complete disregard for his own safety left the protection of the buildings and in the face of heavy and intense small-arms and grenade fire, crossed the courtyard to the drawbridge entrance where he could bring direct fire to bear against the door. Although handicapped by the lack of an assistant, and a constant target for the enemy fire that burst around him, he skillfully and effectively handled his awkward weapon to place two well-aimed rockets into the structure. Observing that the door was only weakened, and realizing that a gap must be made for a successful assault, he loaded his last rocket, took careful aim, and blasted a hole through the heavy planks. Turning to his company he shouted, "Come on, let's get them!" With his .45 pistol blazing, he charged into the gaping entrance and was killed by the withering fire that met him. The final assault on Frezenberg Castle was made through the gap which Pfc. Sheridan gave his life to create.


Help Team I’m just sayin… in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s

To donate to me: Click Here.

To join team I’m just sayin…: Click Here.


A big THANK YOU to my good friends Danny (yes, that Danny) and our Favorite Nurse Jen for giving us tickets to Darius Rucker’s Big Band Concert (to benefit MUSC Children’s Hospital). Sadly, a sick baby girl kept them from being able to go so they asked us if we wanted the tickets. For the record, we offered to babysit for them so they could go (we know how to handle a sick baby who can’t sleep… and by “we” I mean, The Wife). Anyway, they are better parents than us because they decided to miss this event… we would have left a sick child at home and gone to the event without a second thought (and by “we”, I mean me… The Wife would have also done it, but she would have had a second thought). Anyway, so things from the concert (that may or may not have really happened).

*The place (North Charleston Performing Arts Center) was sold out. For the most part, the crowd was great… though there seemed to be some people who didn’t know the difference between a Big Band Concert and a Country Concert, but those people didn’t do enough to ruin the show.

*The Governor was there. So was my good friend (my words, not his) Senator Tim Scott.

*We think Dan Marino was there, but I didn’t want to turn around to see if I could see him.

*All the MUSC big-wigs were there. They were all happy to see me.

*The one or two times I met someone I didn’t know from MUSC, I introduced myself as Danny. That way, there wasn’t any pressure on me to behave the rest of the night.

*They asked me to come up after the concert and say a few words, but The Wife wouldn’t let me. First, she didn’t think I could just say “a few words” and second, she wasn’t sure she’d approve of what I would say. It kind of reminded me of the anxiety Mom and Dad must have felt when I got up to speak at MaMa’s funeral.

*Darius sang a lot of Frank Sinatra songs and told a couple of stories (one about meeting Mr. Sinatra and one about Dan Marino).

*He also sang a few other (more modern) songs that had been arranged for a big band performance. One of these was what I can only assume is his favorite Hootie and The Blowfish song, Let Her Cry. This might be the best version of this song. It’s definitely my favorite version. I wish I could get it on iTunes…

Not a great picture... but I didn't want to hold my phone up for a long time to take it.  Anyway, here's a pic from the concert.

In some sad news, Mrs. Morris passed away. You might not have known her, but I did. She was a very nice lady. I played baseball for many years with her younger son Kevin. Her older son Karl was a mentor to me (though he might not have known it) the two years we played together in high school. Both are great guys. Please say a prayer for the Morris family…


I’m just sayin… Pictures

Me and my buddy EC... she loves me

The Kids with Scooby and mommy at the park

Scooby liked the park, but he didn't want to be far away from his mommy for too long

Susie tried to tickle me... this is how she looked after I was done with her

Daniel ready for a fight

Join me...

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Corporal Irwin Shepard (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on November 20, 1863, at Knoxville, Tennessee. His citation reads:

Having voluntarily accompanied a small party to destroy buildings within the enemy's lines, whence sharpshooters had been firing, disregarded an order to retire, remained and completed the firing of the buildings, thus insuring their total destruction; this at the imminent risk of his life from the fire of the advancing enemy.

Ordinary Seaman Louis C. Shepard (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on January 15, 1865, on board the U.S.S. Wabash. His citation reads:

Served as seaman on board the U.S.S. Wabash in the assault on Fort Fisher, 15 January 1865. Advancing gallantly through severe enemy fire while armed only with a revolver and cutlass which made it impossible to return the fire at that range, Shepard succeeded in reaching the angle of the fort and in going on, to be one of the few who entered the fort. When the rest of the body of men to his rear were forced to retreat under a devastating fire, he was forced to withdraw through lack of support and to seek the shelter of one of the mounds near the stockade from which point he succeeded in regaining the safety of his ship.

Corporal Warren J. Shepherd (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 1, 1898, at El Caney, Cuba. His citation reads:

Gallantly assisted in the rescue of the wounded from in front of the lines under heavy fire from the enemy.


Congrats to my big brother Sonny for being elected Teacher of the Year at his school. I’m going to be nice today, and just say congrats for a job well done. I won’t say anything about questioning how the votes were counted (Is it true there were more votes than voters?) or how many teachers were eligible for the award (Is it true every other teacher had previously won the award, so Sonny was the only one on the ballot?”)… nope, I’m not going to say anything negative here. I’m just going to say that this is a great thing that Sonny should be proud of (I know me and Teresa Lynn are proud of him)… Of course, Mom and Dad are also proud of him (then again, Sonny could literally just take a crap and Mom and Dad would be proud).


Of course, winning Teacher of the Year is something Sonny (and all of the family) is going to want to remember. Which leads me to announce that I have decided to put together a team for the 2015 Walk to End Alzheimer’s. I am asking for you to support me. In a perfect world, all of you will donate and some (a lot) of you would join my team and ask others to donate. The website makes you enter a “Goal”, so I set my team goal at $2,000… but in truth if I raise $2,000 then I’ll raise my goal to $3,000… and if I reach that, it’ll go up and up and up and up until it’s up to $1 million.

 Right now, you’ll notice that I have raised the most money and my team has raised the most money. I would like for my team to stay on top. Now… part of why I’m on top right now is that not many people have started raising money yet. Heck, I don’t usually start until about a month or so before the Walk… but I decided to start early this year. The walk is going to be at 10:00am on Saturday, September 19, 2015 at Riverfront Park. You have time to give… but you also have time to give more than once… or to join and help raise money. As always, I thank you. To donate to me, you can go here. To join team I’m just sayin…, you can go here.

He Lives

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Blacksmith John Sheerin (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 8-11, 1873, near Fort Selden, New Mexico. His citation reads:

Services against hostile Indians.

Corporal John S. Shellenberger (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on August 16, 1864, at Deep Run, Virginia. His citation reads:

Capture of flag.

Private George M. Shelton (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on April 26, 1900, at La Paz, Leyte, Philippine Islands. His citation reads:

Advanced alone under heavy fire of the enemy and rescued a wounded comrade.


The I’m just sayin… Hymn of the Week

He Lives

This song, also known in some hymnals as I Serve a Risen Savior, was composed in 1933 by Alfred Henry Ackley. It might not be as well known as the other songs I’ve posted about so far, but I think it’s a great one. For my money, Alan Jackson sings a pretty good version of this song. I would send you to Wikipedia, but they don’t really have much for this one…


I serve a risen Savior
He’s in the world today.
I know that He is living,
Whatever men may say.
I see His hand of mercy;
I hear His voice of cheer;
And just the time I need Him
He’s always near.

Refrain
He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart.

In all the world around me
I see His loving care,
And though my heart grows weary,
I never will despair;
I know that He is leading,
Through all the stormy blast;
The day of His appearing
Will come at last.

Refrain

Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian,
Lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs
To Jesus Christ the King!
The Hope of all who seek Him,
The Help of all who find,
None other is so loving,
So good and kind.

Refrain

HAPPY BIRTHDAY REBECCA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private First Class Daniel John Shea (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions during the Vietnam War. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Pfc. Shea, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, distinguished himself while serving as a medical aidman with Company C, 3d Battalion, during a combat patrol mission. As the lead platoon of the company was crossing a rice paddy, a large enemy force in ambush positions opened fire with mortars, grenades and automatic weapons. Under heavy crossfire from 3 sides, the platoon withdrew to a small island in the paddy to establish a defensive perimeter. Pfc. Shea, seeing that a number of his comrades had fallen in the initial hail of fire, dashed from the defensive position to assist the wounded. With complete disregard for his safety and braving the intense hostile fire sweeping the open rice paddy, Pfc. Shea made 4 trips to tend wounded soldiers and to carry them to the safety of the platoon position. Seeing a fifth wounded comrade directly in front of one of the enemy strong points, Pfc. Shea ran to his assistance. As he reached the wounded man, Pfc. Shea was grievously wounded. Disregarding his welfare, Pfc. Shea tended his wounded comrade and began to move him back to the safety of the defensive perimeter. As he neared the platoon position, Pfc. Shea was mortally wounded by a burst of enemy fire. By his heroic actions Pfc. Shea saved the lives of several of his fellow soldiers. Pfc. Shea's gallantry in action at the cost of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

Private Joseph H. Shea (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on September 29, 1864, at Chapins Farm, Virginia. His citation reads:

Gallantry in bringing wounded from the field under heavy fire.

1st Lieutenant Richard T. Shea, Jr. (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 6-8, 1953, near Sokkogae, Korea. His citation reads:

1st Lt. Shea, executive officer, Company A, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and indomitable courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. On the night of 6 July, he was supervising the reinforcement of defensive positions when the enemy attacked with great numerical superiority. Voluntarily proceeding to the area most threatened, he organized and led a counterattack and, in the bitter fighting which ensued, closed with and killed 2 hostile soldiers with his trench knife. Calmly moving among the men, checking positions, steadying and urging the troops to hold firm, he fought side by side with them throughout the night. Despite heavy losses, the hostile force pressed the assault with determination, and at dawn made an all-out attempt to overrun friendly elements. Charging forward to meet the challenge, 1st Lt. Shea and his gallant men drove back the hostile troops. Elements of Company G joined the defense on the afternoon of 7 July, having lost key personnel through casualties. Immediately integrating these troops into his unit, 1st Lt. Shea rallied a group of 20 men and again charged the enemy. Although wounded in this action, he refused evacuation and continued to lead the counterattack. When the assaulting element was pinned down by heavy machine gun fire, he personally rushed the emplacement and, firing his carbine and lobbing grenades with deadly accuracy, neutralized the weapon and killed 3 of the enemy. With forceful leadership and by his heroic example, 1st Lt. Shea coordinated and directed a holding action throughout the night and the following morning. On 8 July, the enemy attacked again. Despite additional wounds, he launched a determined counterattack and was last seen in close hand-to-hand combat with the enemy. 1st Lt. Shea's inspirational leadership and unflinching courage set an illustrious example of valor to the men of his regiment, reflecting lasting glory upon himself and upholding the noble traditions of the military service.


Though I’m sure she won’t see it, I would still like to wish my good friend Rebecca a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! All of us at I’m just sayin… hope she has a GREAT day!!!!


I’m just sayin… Pictures

College Football

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

First Lieutenant George C. Shaw (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 4, 1903, at Fort Pitacus, Lake Lanao, Mindanao, Philippine Islands. His citation reads:

For distinguished gallantry in leading the assault and, under a heavy fire from the enemy, maintaining alone his position on the parapet after the first 3 men who followed him there had been killed or wounded, until a foothold was gained by others and the capture of the place assured.

Sergeant Thomas Shaw (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on August 12, 1881, at Carrizo Canyon, New Mexico. His citation reads:

Forced the enemy back after stubbornly holding his ground in an extremely exposed position and prevented the enemy's superior numbers from surrounding his command.

Second Lieutenant Charles W. Shea (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 12, 1944, near Mount Damiano, Italy. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty, on 12 May 1944, near Mount Damiano, Italy. As 2d Lt. Shea and his company were advancing toward a hill occupied by the enemy, 3 enemy machineguns suddenly opened fire, inflicting heavy casualties upon the company and halting its advance. 2d Lt. Shea immediately moved forward to eliminate these machinegun nests in order to enable his company to continue its attack. The deadly hail of machinegun fire at first pinned him down, but, boldly continuing his advance, 2d Lt. Shea crept up to the first nest. Throwing several hand grenades, he forced the 4 enemy soldiers manning this position to surrender, and disarming them, he sent them to the rear. He then crawled to the second machinegun position, and after a short fire fight forced 2 more German soldiers to surrender. At this time, the third machinegun fired at him, and while deadly small arms fire pitted the earth around him, 2d Lt. Shea crawled toward the nest. Suddenly he stood up and rushed the emplacement and with well-directed fire from his rifle, he killed all 3 of the enemy machine gunners. 2d Lt. Shea's display of personal valor was an inspiration to the officers and men of his company.


Congrats to all of the kids last week who signed letters of intent to play sports in college. Football gets most/all of the pub, but I think other sports had their signing too. I try not to pay too much attention to it (because these are just kids… when they do something in college, I’ll notice), but it sounds like Clemson got everyone they wanted. I assume USC got all/most of the guys they wanted, too. I did see that some site named Tony Elliott the ACC Recruiter of The Year, so that’s good. As you know, I always like reading good things about Tony.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TRAVIS!!!!!!!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private John Shapland (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 2, 1863, at Elk River, Tennessee. His citation reads:

Voluntarily joined a small party that, under a heavy fire, captured a stockade and saved the bridge.

Seaman Hendrick Sharp (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on August 5, 1864, on board the U.S.S. Richmond. His citation reads:

As captain of a 100-pounder rifle gun on topgallant forecastle on board the U.S.S. Richmond during action against rebel forts and gunboats and with the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. Despite damage to his ship and the loss of several men on board as enemy fire raked her decks, Sharp fought his gun with skill and courage throughout a furious 2-hour battle which resulted in the surrender of the rebel ram Tennessee and in the damaging and destruction of the batteries at Fort Morgan.

Corporal Edward C. Sharpless (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on September 9-11, 1874, at Upper Washita, Texas. His citation reads:

While carrying dispatches was attacked by 125 hostile Indians, whom he (and a comrade) fought throughout the day.


Just wanted to swing by the I’m just sayin… offices today to wish my good friend Travis a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY! We hope he has a GREAT day!

Jesus Loves Me

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Corporal Charles Shambaugh (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on June 30, 1862, at Charles City Crossroads, Virginia. His citation reads:

Capture of flag.

Chief Boatswain’s Mate Patrick Shanahan (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 28, 1899, on board the U.S.S. Alliance. His citation reads:

On board the U.S.S. Alliance, 28 May 1899. Displaying heroism, Shanahan rescued William Steven, quartermaster, first class, from drowning.

Private John Shanes (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 20, 1864, at Carters Farm, Virginia. His citation reads:

Charged upon a Confederate fieldpiece in advance of his comrades and by his individual exertions silenced the piece.


The I’m just sayin… Hymn of the Week

Jesus Loves Me

This could very well be the first hymn most children learn. I’m pretty sure it was the first one that my children learned. It was written by Anna Bartlett Warner (published in 1860) as a poem. William Batchelder Bradbury added the tune and chorus in 1862. Find out some more at Wikipedia here…


Jesus loves me—this I know,
For the Bible tells me so;
Little ones to Him belong—
They are weak, but He is strong.

Refrain
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.

Jesus loves me—He who died
Heaven’s gate to open wide;
He will wash away my sin,
Let His little child come in.

Refrain

Jesus loves me—loves me still,
Though I’m very weak and ill;
From His shining throne on high
Comes to watch me where I lie.

Refrain

Jesus loves me—He will stay
Close beside me all the way,
Then His little child will take
Up to Heaven for His dear sake.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUNT YVONNE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

First Lieutenant William R. Shafter (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 31, 1862, at Fair Oaks, Virginia. His citation reads:

Lt. Shafter was engaged in bridge construction and not being needed there returned with his men to engage the enemy participating in a charge across an open field that resulted in casualties to 18 of the 22 men. At the close of the battle his horse was shot from under him and he was severely flesh wounded. He remained on the field that day and stayed to fight the next day only by concealing his wounds. In order not to be sent home with the wounded he kept his wounds concealed for another 3 days until other wounded had left the area.

Corporal Emisire Shahan (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on April 6, 1865, at Sailors Creek, Virginia. His citation reads:

Capture of flag of 76th Georgia Infantry (C.S.A.).

Colonel Alexander Shaler (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 3, 1863, at Marye's Heights, Virginia. His citation reads:

At a most critical moment, the head of the charging column being about to be crushed by the severe fire of the enemy's artillery and infantry, he pushed forward with a supporting column, pierced the enemy's works, and turned their flank.


I just wanted to take a minute today to wish my wonderful Aunt Yvonne (The Kids Great-Aunt Yvonne) a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We hope she has a GREAT day! Maybe Uncle George and my cousin Alan will do something sweet for her (like let her watch the WWE Network all day)!


I’m just sayin… Pictures

Scobby with his Mommy

We were going to the park... Scooby called Shotgun

We had to stop on the way, this is what I saw when I got back to the van

"Get in the back, Daddy... I'm going to drive!"

At the dog park... He kind of looks like a super-hero dog here (but he's not one)

Love Lifted Me

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Colonel William J. Sewell (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 3, 1863, at Chancellorsville, Virginia. His citation reads:

Assuming command of a brigade, he rallied around his colors a mass of men from other regiments and fought these troops with great brilliancy through several hours of desperate conflict, remaining in command though wounded and inspiring them by his presence and the gallantry of his personal example.

Hospital Steward William Sidney Shacklette (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 21, 1905, on board the U.S.S. Bennington. His citation reads:

For extraordinary heroism while serving on the U.S.S. Bennington at the time of the explosion of a boiler of that vessel at San Diego, Calif., 21 July 1905.

Private William Shaffer (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.


The I’m just sayin… Hymn of the Week

Love Lifted Me

A story about the song from www.popularhymns.com: The two huddled together, working line by line, bar by bar, composing this hymn in tandem. The words were jotted down by James Rowe, and the music was hammered out at the piano by his friend. Howard E. Smith, whose hands were so twisted from arthritis that his friends wondered how he could play the piano at all. When they finished the world had "Love Lifted Me."

I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more,
But the Master of the sea, heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me, now safe am I.

Refrain
Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help
Love lifted me!

All my heart to Him I give, ever to Him I’ll cling
In His blessed presence live, ever His praises sing,
Love so mighty and so true, merits my soul’s best songs,
Faithful, loving service too, to Him belongs.

Refrain

Souls in danger look above, Jesus completely saves,
He will lift you by His love, out of the angry waves.
He’s the Master of the sea, billows His will obey,
He your Savior wants to be, be saved today.

Refrain