HAPPY BIRTHDAY JENN!!!!!!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Lieutenant Colonel Frederic W. Swift (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on November 16, 1863, at Lenoire Station, Tennessee. His citation reads:

Gallantly seized the colors and rallied the regiment after 3 color bearers had been shot and the regiment, having become demoralized, was in imminent danger of capture.

Second Lieutenant Harlan J. Swift (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 30, 1864, at Petersburg, Virginia. His citation reads:

Having advanced with his regiment and captured the enemy's line, saw 4 of the enemy retiring toward their second line of works. He advanced upon them alone, compelled their surrender and regained his regiment with the 4 prisoners.

Principal Musician Peter Sype (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 3, 1863, at Vicksburg, Mississippi. His citation reads:

Was one of a party that volunteered and attempted to run the enemy's batteries with a steam tug and 2 barges loaded with subsistence stores.


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.


Today I’d like to wish my good friend Jenn a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! While I haven’t had a chance to hang out with Jenn much these past few years (she and The Wife had a big falling out leading to a “loser leave town” type wrestling match which The Wife won… causing Jenn to leave our church and start her own. Is any of that true? I don’t know… it was all so long ago that I’m a little fuzzy on the truth right now), I still enjoy the random times she gets to see me around town. I’m sure Clark and her boys will make this a great birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JENN!!!!!!!!!!

When We All Get To Heaven

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private Jacob Swegheimer (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."

Captain William D. Swenson (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on September 8, 2009, at Ganjgal, Kunar Province, Afghanistan. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty: Captain William D. Swenson distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as embedded advisor to the Afghan National Border Police, Task Force Phoenix, Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan in support of 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, during combat operations against an armed enemy in Kunar Province, Afghanistan on September 8, 2009. On that morning, more than 60 well-armed, well-positioned enemy fighters ambushed Captain Swenson's combat team as it moved on foot into the village of Ganjgal for a meeting with village elders. As the enemy unleashed a barrage of rocket-propelled grenade, mortar and machine gun fire, Captain Swenson immediately returned fire and coordinated and directed the response of his Afghan Border Police, while simultaneously calling in suppressive artillery fire and aviation support. After the enemy effectively flanked Coalition Forces, Captain Swenson repeatedly called for smoke to cover the withdrawal of the forward elements. Surrounded on three sides by enemy forces inflicting effective and accurate fire, Captain Swenson coordinated air assets, indirect fire support and medical evacuation helicopter support to allow for the evacuation of the wounded. Captain Swenson ignored enemy radio transmissions demanding surrender and maneuvered uncovered to render medical aid to a wounded fellow soldier. Captain Swenson stopped administering aid long enough to throw a grenade at approaching enemy forces, before assisting with moving the soldier for air evacuation. With complete disregard for his own safety, Captain Swenson unhesitatingly led a team in an unarmored vehicle into the kill zone, exposing himself to enemy fire on at least two occasions, to recover the wounded and search for four missing comrades. After using aviation support to mark locations of fallen and wounded comrades, it became clear that ground recovery of the fallen was required due to heavy enemy fire on helicopter landing zones. Captain Swenson’s team returned to the kill zone another time in a Humvee. Captain Swenson voluntarily exited the vehicle, exposing himself to enemy fire, to locate and recover three fallen Marines and one fallen Navy corpsman. His exceptional leadership and stout resistance against the enemy during six hours of continuous fighting rallied his teammates and effectively disrupted the enemy's assault. Captain William D. Swenson's extraordinary heroism and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Task Force Phoenix, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division and the United States Army.

First Lieutenant James Elms Swett (US Marine Corps) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on April 7, 1943, in the Solomon Islands area. His citation reads:

For extraordinary heroism and personal valor above and beyond the call of duty, as division leader of Marine Fighting Squadron 221 with Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, in action against enemy Japanese aerial forces in the Solomons Islands area, 7 April 1943. In a daring flight to intercept a wave of 150 Japanese planes, 1st Lt. Swett unhesitatingly hurled his 4-plane division into action against a formation of 15 enemy bombers and personally exploded 3 hostile planes in midair with accurate and deadly fire during his dive. Although separated from his division while clearing the heavy concentration of antiaircraft fire, he boldly attacked 6 enemy bombers, engaged the first 4 in turn and, unaided, shot down all in flames. Exhausting his ammunition as he closed the fifth Japanese bomber, he relentlessly drove his attack against terrific opposition which partially disabled his engine, shattered the windscreen and slashed his face. In spite of this, he brought his battered plane down with skillful precision in the water off Tulagi without further injury. The superb airmanship and tenacious fighting spirit which enabled 1st Lt. Swett to destroy 7 enemy bombers in a single flight were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.


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

When We All Get To Heaven


Eliza Hewitt wrote this wonderful song in the late 1800’s while in bed with a painful spinal problem. I love listening to Brad Paisley and Alan Jackson’s versions of this song. It’s a nice reminder, I think, that death is not final.


Sing the wondrous love of Jesus,
Sing His mercy and His grace;
In the mansions bright and blessed
He’ll prepare for us a place.

Refrain:
When we all get to heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory!

While we walk the pilgrim pathway,
Clouds will overspread the sky;
But when trav’ling days are over,
Not a shadow, not a sigh.

Refrain:

Let us then be true and faithful,
Trusting, serving every day;
Just one glimpse of Him in glory
Will the toils of life repay.

Refrain:

Onward to the prize before us!
Soon His beauty we’ll behold;
Soon the pearly gates will open;
We shall tread the streets of gold.

5 years later…

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private James Sweeney (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on October 19, 1864, at Cedar Creek, Virginia. His citation reads:

With one companion captured the State flag of a North Carolina regiment, together with 3 officers and an ambulance with its mules and driver.

Ordinary Seaman Robert Sweeney (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on October 26, 1881, on board the U.S.S. Kearsarge. His citation reads:

Serving on board the U.S.S. Kearsarge, at Hampton Roads, Va., 26 October 1881, Sweeney jumped overboard and assisted in saving from drowning a shipmate who had fallen overboard into a strongly running tide. SECOND AWARD Serving on board the U.S.S. Jamestown, at the Navy Yard New York, 20 December 1883, Sweeney rescued from drowning A. A. George, who had fallen overboard from that vessel.

Landsman William Sweeney (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on June 15, 1880, on board the U.S.S. Jean Sands. His citation reads:

For jumping overboard from the U.S.S. Jean Sands, opposite the Navy Yard, Norfolk, Va., on the night of 15 June 1880, and rescuing from drowning a young girl who had fallen overboard.


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.


It doesn’t really get easier as time goes on. Or maybe it does… I don’t know. I know it doesn’t really hurt as much, so maybe that makes it easier. I am, of course, talking about MaMa’s death five years ago. It’s hard going from talking to someone almost every day to not getting to talk to her at all. For the most part, I have broken the habit of starting to dial her number when I get in my car to leave work… but every now and then I find myself doing it. I know life isn’t fair, but MaMa really wanted me to have a boy. Don’t get me wrong, she loved Mary Ruth and Susie… but she wanted her little boy to have his own little boy. We found out two weeks after MaMa died that The Wife was pregnant with Daniel. I try not to think about it… but it’s hard sometimes not to sit and think “If only she could have lived long enough to know I was having a boy”. But, I suppose, few loved ones ever live as long as we would like. Still, it would have been nice. There’s a saying that if you really want to keep something a secret, you shouldn’t tell it to anyone… but I can tell you that if you told MaMa a secret, you could rest easy knowing she wouldn’t tell anyone. I mean anyone. I still remember the last time I talked on the phone with her and I can still hear her voice. So I’ve got that going for me… which is nice.


Hey! My Labor Day Cousin Sally has started a blog about running! Check it out here. Like me, Sally knows a lot about running… unlike me, she actually likes to run. I don’t really get it, but I’ve learned that there are some things in life I’ll never understand. Anyway, go check out Sally’s blog. I hope it lasts longer than the other blogs I’ve told you about over the years…

Blessed Assurance

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Lieutenant Colonel Wager Swayne (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on October 4, 1862, at Corinth, Mississippi. His citation reads:

Conspicuous gallantry in restoring order at a critical moment and leading his regiment in a charge.

Seaman Benjamin Swearer (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on August 29, 1861, on board the U.S.S. Pawnee. His citation reads:

Embarked in a surfboat from the U.S.S. Pawnee during action against Fort Clark, off Baltimore Inlet, 29 August 1861. Taking part in a mission to land troops and to remain inshore and provide protection, Swearer rendered gallant service throughout the action and had the honor of being the first man to raise the flag on the captured fort.

Private Joseph S. G. Sweatt (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 15, 1863, at Carrsville, Virginia. His citation reads:

When ordered to retreat this soldier turned and rushed back to the front, in the face of heavy fire of the enemy, in an endeavor to rescue his wounded comrades, remaining by them until overpowered and taken prisoner.


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

Blessed Assurance


The lyrics and music were written in 1873… the music by Phoebe P. Knapp and the lyrics were written by blind hymn writer Fanny J. Crosby. Read more about it here.


Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

Refrain:
This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long;
this is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight!
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

Refrain

Perfect submission, all is at rest!
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

Refrain

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JANIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Captain Jon E. Swanson (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on February 26, 1971, in the Kingdom of Cambodia. His citation reads:

Captain Jon E. Swanson distinguished himself by acts of bravery on February 26, 1971, while flying an OH-6A aircraft in support of ARVN Task Force 333 in the Kingdom of Cambodia. With two well-equipped enemy regiments known to be in the area, Captain Swanson was tasked with pinpointing the enemy's precise positions. Captain Swanson flew at treetop level at a slow airspeed, making his aircraft a vulnerable target. The advancing ARVN unit came under heavy automatic weapons fire from enemy bunkers 100 meters to their front. Exposing his aircraft to enemy anti-aircraft fire, Captain Swanson immediately engaged the enemy bunkers with concussion grenades and machine gun fire. After destroying five bunkers and evading intense ground-to-air fire, he observed a .51 caliber machine gun position. With all his heavy ordnance expended on the bunkers, he did not have sufficient explosives to destroy the position. Consequently, he marked the position with a smoke grenade and directed a Cobra gun ship attack. After completion of the attack, Captain Swanson found the weapon still intact and an enemy soldier crawling over to man it. He immediately engaged the individual and killed him. During this time, his aircraft sustained several hits from another .51 caliber machine gun. Captain Swanson engaged the position with his aircraft's weapons, marked the target, and directed a second Cobra gun ship attack. He volunteered to continue the mission, despite the fact that he was now critically low on ammunition and his aircraft was crippled by enemy fire. As Captain Swanson attempted to fly toward another .51 caliber machine gun position, his aircraft exploded in the air and crashed to the ground, causing his death. Captain Swanson's courageous actions resulted in at least eight enemy killed and the destruction of three enemy anti-aircraft weapons. Captain Swanson's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

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

Although assigned to other duty, he voluntarily joined his regiment in a charge and fought with it until severely wounded.

Seaman Edward Swatton (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on January 15, 1865, on board the U.S.S. Santiago de Cuba. His citation reads:

On board the U.S.S. Santiago de Cuba during the assault on Fort Fisher on 15 January 1865. As one of a boat crew detailed to one of the generals on shore, Swatton bravely entered the fort in the assault and accompanied his party in carrying dispatches at the height of the battle. He was 1 of 6 men who entered the fort in the assault from the fleet.


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.


Today I’d like to wish my Labor Day Aunt Janie a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We hope she has a GREAT day!!!! I’m looking forward to seeing my Labor Day family in about 50 days…


Daniel was sick a couple of weeks ago. He had a fever for about a week. The weekend came and The Wife had to go out of town for work (and by “out of town”, I mean to the beach… and by “for work”, I mean to see her college friends), so I let Daniel sleep in the bed with me. We woke up on Sunday and I reached over to feel his head. It felt hot. So, this conversation took place…

Me: “I’m going to have to take your temperature, Buddy”.

Daniel: “Ok”.

(I take his temperature… It was 101.7).

Daniel (in a very pitiful voice): “Daddy… Do I have a fever?”

Me: “Yep, Buddy, you’ve got a fever”.

Daniel (in the same pitiful voice): “Aww, damnit”.


I noticed something the other day… It’s something I’d known for years now, it really hit me the other day. As you know, I have a sister (Teresa Lynn) how loves to talk and a brother (Sonny) who is a functional mute. I, of course, am the glue that binds all of us together (they refuse to talk to each other). Anyway, I try to call each of them from time to time to see how they are doing and to let them know how Mom and Dad are doing (I’m the only one who talks to them, too). Here is the funny thing about calling them… Sonny almost always (99% of the time) answers my call. He could be at baseball practice, a game or in a meeting with his boss (“I said hold on, I’m on the phone with my little brother!”). The rare time he doesn’t answer, he always calls me back. There are even times when he calls me first (let’s not get carried away here… that doesn’t happen a lot, but it does happen).

 Teresa Lynn, on the other hand, almost never answers my call (maybe 1% of the time). Of that 1%, 95% of the time she’s busy talking to someone or watching a neighbor walk by or something like that… so she asks if she can call me right back. I say yes, but she only calls me back about 3% of the time. When she doesn’t answer, I leave her a voice mail to call me back… she almost never does (maybe 1% again). Recently, she might answer to talk to me… but that’s just so she can yell at me about something that happened in the 1980s that she had forgotten about until she found her journals from back then. But that’s ok, I still love her. I just think it’s funny that there is a better chance of Sonny calling me out of the blue than there is of Teresa Lynn answering my phone calls. I’m just sayin…

Happy Birthday Ross and TK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private First Class Henry Svehla (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on June 12, 1952, at Pyongony, Korea. His citation reads:

Private First Class Henry Svehla distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Rifleman with F Company, 32d Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, in connection with combat operations against an armed enemy in Pyongony, Korea, on 12 June 1952. That afternoon while Private First Class Svehla and his platoon were patrolling a strategic hill to determine enemy strength and positions, they were subjected to intense enemy automatic weapons and small arms fire at the top of the hill. Coming under the heavy fire, the platoon's attack began to falter. Realizing the success of the mission and the safety of the remaining troops were in peril, Private First Class Svehla leapt to his feet and charged the enemy positions, firing his weapon and throwing grenades as he advanced. In the face of this courage and determination, the platoon rallied to the attack with renewed vigor. Private First Class Svehla, utterly disregarding his own safety, destroyed enemy positions and inflicted heavy casualties, when suddenly fragments from a mortar round exploding nearby seriously wounded him in the face. Despite his wounds, Private First Class Svehla refused medical treatment and continued to lead the attack. When an enemy grenade landed among a group of his comrades, Private First Class Svehla, without hesitation and undoubtedly aware of the extreme danger, threw himself upon the grenade. During this action, Private First Class Svehla was mortally wounded. Private First Class Svehla's extraordinary heroism and selflessness at the cost of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Private Charles A. Swan (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on April 2, 1865, at Selma, Alabama. His citation reads:

Capture of flag (supposed to be 11th Mississippi, C.S.A., and bearer.

Seaman John Swanson (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on January 15, 1865, on board the U.S.S. Santiago de Cuba. His citation reads:

On board the U.S.S. Santiago de Cuba during the assault on Fort Fisher on 15 January 1865. As one of a boat crew detailed to one of the generals on shore, Swanson bravely entered the fort in the assault and accompanied his party in carrying dispatches at the height of the battle. He was 1 of 6 men who entered the fort in the assault from the fleet.


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 just wanted to wish my good friend Ross a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We hope he has a great day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I’d also like to wish my good friend (my words, not his) Tony Kornheiser a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!


I know this is “old news”, but I don’t think I ever officially congratulated Coach John McKissick on his recent retirement. You, of course, know he’s the long-time Summerville football coach… but have you ever really put any thought into that? His first year was 1952… let’s take a look at what was going on back then.

My Dad turned 10 in December of that year… Mary Ruth will turn 10 in December of this year.

The last living Civil War veteran (Albert Woolson), was still FOUR YEARS away from dying.

Fidel Castro was still about 7 years from taking over Cuba.

King George VI died/Elizabeth II became Queen of England.

Winston Churchill was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

Harry S. Truman was the President of the United States.

Dwight D. Eisenhower started the year as 1st Supreme Allied Commander Europe and ended it as President Elect.

The US Senate ratified a peace treaty with Japan.

The United States B-52 Stratofortress flew for the first time.

The US Army’s Special Forces was created.

Puerto Rico became a self-governing commonwealth of the US.

Television debuted in Canada.

The National Security Agency was founded.

Nearly 58,000 cases of polio were reported in the US.


Needless to say… he saw a lot in his time as coach. We hope he has many good years of retirement.

Oh How I Love Jesus

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private William H. Surles (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on October 8, 1862, at Perryville, Kentucky. His citation reads:

In the hottest part of the fire he stepped in front of his colonel to shield him from the enemy's fire.

Corporal John A. Sutherland (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.

Sergeant Clarence Edwin Sutton (US Marine Corps) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 13, 1900, near Tientsin, China. His citation reads:

In action during the battle near Tientsin, China, 13 July 1900. Although under heavy fire from the enemy, Sutton assisted in carrying a wounded officer from the field of battle.


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

Oh How I Love Jesus


This hymn was written by Frederick Whitfield… that’s about all I know about it. Well, that and that I really like it. Let’s take a look at the lyircs…


There is a name I love to hear,
I love to sing its worth;
it sounds like music in my ear,
the sweetest name on earth.

Refrain:
O how I love Jesus,
O how I love Jesus,
O how I love Jesus,
because he first loved me!

It tells me of a Savior's love,
who died to set me free;
it tells me of his precious blood,
the sinner's perfect plea.

Refrain
It tells of one whose loving heart
can feel my deepest woe;
who in each sorrow bears a part
that none can bear below.

Refrain

RIP Mr. Mayor

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private James Sumner (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on October 20, 1869, at Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona. His citation reads:

Gallantry in action.

Chief Carpenter’s Mate Axel Sundquist (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions from July 26-27, 1898, on board the U.S.S. Marblehead. His citation reads:

On board the U.S.S. Marblehead at the approaches to Caimanera, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, 26 and 27 July 1898. Displaying heroism, Sundquist took part in the perilous work of sweeping for and disabling 27 contact mines during this period.

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


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.


He hasn’t been the mayor of Summerville since 2011, but I think most people around town still consider him the mayor. Mr. Berlin G. Myers died on Wednesday at the age of 98. He was the mayor of Summerville for 39 years (and could have been mayor for over 40 years if he had wanted). I was reading the paper yesterday to see what they had to say about the death of Berlin G. Myers (not sure what the “G” stood for, but I’d like to think it’s “Gangsta”… or “Greg”… but mainly “Gangsta”) and saw this…

“He was among the Allied troops who hit the beach during D-Day”.

My first thought was… “Hitting the beach” now sure means something different from what it did then. My second thought was… How in the world could he stand being mayor for so long after going through something like that? What I mean is this; How could he sit in meetings and listen to someone complain about something without going off on them… “Are you kidding me? Are YOU kidding me?! You’re complaining about this?! I’m sorry for (insert whatever stupid “problem” people usually have), but the boat I was on dropped me off 500 feet from the beach in freezing water… WHILE THE GERMANS WERE SHOOTING AT ME! So until you have a problem that even comes close to that, I kindly ask that you sit down and shut up”. I’m pretty sure that’s how I would have acted.


RIP Mr. Mayor… you will be missed.

Picture time!!!!!!!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Coxswain Timothy Sullivan (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on board the U.S.S. Louisville. His citation reads:

Served on board the U.S.S. Louisville during various actions of that vessel. During the engagements of the Louisville, Sullivan served as first captain of a 9-inch gun and throughout his period of service was "especially commended for his attention to duty, bravery, and coolness in action."

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

Gallantry in charge of the "volunteer storming party."

Chief Quartermaster Robert Summers (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions from January 13-15, 1865, on board the U.S.S. Ticonderoga. His citation reads:

Summers served on board the U.S.S. Ticonderoga in the attacks on Fort Fisher, 13 to 15 January 1865. The ship took position in the line of battle and maintained a well_directed fire upon the batteries to the left of the palisades during the initial phase of the engagement. Although several of the enemy's shots fell over and around the vessel, the Ticonderoga fought her guns gallantly throughout 3 consecutive days of battle until the flag was planted on one of the strongest fortifications possessed by the rebels.


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.


It’s been awhile since I’ve posted some pictures on here so I figured I’d do that today. I don't think I've posted any of these before.  Some are a few months old, but I think you'll like them.  So enjoy…


I’m just sayin… Pictures

These are from Susie's "graduation"

Daniel with his first teach from his day care

Just like her mommy...

I caught her doing what Mommy told her not to do...

This is from when Susie stayed with Nana and Da... because she was too sick to go to day care. 

This was some time before "graduation"... they had "crazy day" (or something like that).  She dressed herself and LOVED it.

USA! USA! USA!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private Thomas Sullivan (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on December 29, 1890, at Wounded Knee Creek, South Dakota. His citation reads:

Conspicuous bravery in action against Indians concealed in a ravine.

Private Thomas Sullivan (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on October 20, 1869, at Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona. His citation reads:

Gallantry in action against Indians concealed in a ravine.

Seaman John Sullivan (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions from June 23-25, 1864, on board the U.S.S. Monticello. His citation reads:

Served as seaman on board the U.S.S. Monticello during the reconnaissance of the harbor and water defenses of Wilmington, N.C. 23 to 25 June 1864. Taking part in a reconnaissance of enemy defenses which covered a period of 2 days and nights, Sullivan courageously carried out his duties during this action, which resulted in the capture of a mail carrier and mail, the cutting of a telegraph wire, and the capture of a large group of prisoners. Although in immediate danger from the enemy at all times, Sullivan showed gallantry and coolness throughout this action which resulted in the gaining of much vital information of the rebel defenses.


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.


Congrats to the U.S. Women’s National Soccer team on their big win yesterday in the 2015 Women’s World Cup Championship!!!!!!!!!!! This is the 3rd World Cup championship for the USA (and the first since 1999). They were a fun team to watch.


I’ve got a new book you have to read. It’s not really “new”… in fact, a movie has already been made about it (I haven’t seen the movie, so I’m not sure how close it is to the book)… anyway, you’ve got to read Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand. This is one of those books that lets you know that whatever “bad day” you think you’re having isn’t nearly as close to being as bad as it could be. It’s an amazing book.

Stand by Me

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private Edward Sullivan (US Marine Corps) 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, Sullivan displayed extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action.

Ordinary Seaman James Sullivan (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on December 2, 1864, on board the U.S.S. Agawam. His citation reads:

On board the U.S.S. Agawam as one of a volunteer crew of a powder boat which was exploded near Fort Fisher, 2 December 1864. The powder boat, towed in by the Wilderness to prevent detection by the enemy, cast off and slowly steamed to within 300 yards of the beach. After fuses and fires had been lit and a second anchor with short scope let go to assure the boat's tailing inshore, the crew boarded the Wilderness and proceeded a distance of 12 miles from shore. Less than 2 hours later the explosion took place, and the following day fires were observed still burning at the forts.

Boatswain’s Mate James F. Sullivan (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on April 21, 1882, on board the U.S. Training Ship New Hampshire. His citation reads:

For jumping overboard from the U.S. Training Ship New Hampshire, at Newport, R.I., 21 April 1882, and rescuing from drowning Francis T. Price, third class boy.


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

Stand By Me


This song was written by the Rev. Charles Albert Tindley. My favorite version of the song is performed by the great Willie Nelson.


When the storms of life are raging
Stand by me (stand by me);
When the storms of life are raging,
Stand by me (stand by me);
When the world is tossing me
Like a ship upon the sea
Thou Who rulest wind and water,
Stand by me (stand by me).

In the midst of tribulation,
Stand by me (stand by me);
In the midst of tribulation,
Stand by me (stand by me);
When the hosts of hell assail,
And my strength begins to fail,
Thou Who never lost a battle,
Stand by me (stand by me).

In the midst of faults and failures,
Stand by me (stand by me);
In the midst of faults and failures,
Stand by me (stand by me);
When I do the best I can,
And my friends misunderstand,
Thou Who knowest all about me,
Stand by me (stand by me).

In the midst of persecution,
Stand by me (stand by me);
In the midst of persecution,
Stand by me (stand by me);
When my foes in battle array
Undertake to stop my way,
Thou Who saved Paul and Silas,
Stand by me (stand by me).

When I'm growing old and feeble,
Stand by me (stand by me);
When I'm growing old and feeble,
Stand by me (stand by me);
When my life becomes a burden,
And I'm nearing chilly Jordan,
O Thou "Lily of the Valley,"
Stand by me (stand by me).