Disclaimer

If you do not know me (I mean, really know me) then there is something you need to understand before you read this blog: I value the truth above everything else... except a good laugh. A good laugh will almost always beat the truth as far as I’m concerned. Everything you read on this blog will be true, somewhat true, or something I made up in an effort to get a laugh. Sometimes I will go on a rant that I don’t really mean (or only kind of mean). Sometimes I will mean what I write only to completely change my mind a year, month, or day later. Such is life. By reading this blog you agree not to get offended by anything I write (or, at the very least, you agree not to tell me or anyone else that you are offended). It is worth noting that my employer does not endorse my blog (or even read it, to tell you the truth). The Wife also does not endorse my blog (though she will read it from time to time). I am not paid to write this... it’s just my way of giving back to the community. I have, and will, touch on a wide range of subjects and will give my opinion on these subjects. Again, most of what I say is for laughs but every now and then I will say what I really think and feel (see my views on Westboro Baptist Cult). How will you know when I’m serious and when I’m trying to get a laugh? You’ll know. And if you don’t know, well... maybe this isn’t the best thing for you to be reading. So, sit back, read and enjoy. Leave comments if you want and don’t be afraid to publicly follow me.



Wednesday, June 29, 2016

RIP Buddy Ryan

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Quartermaster Edward Wright (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on April 24-25, 1862, on board the U.S.S. Cayuga. His citation reads:

On board the U.S.S. Cayuga during the capture of Forts St. Philip and Jackson and the taking of New Orleans, 24 and 25 April 1862. As his ship led the advance column toward the barrier and both forts opened fire simultaneously, striking the vessel from stem to stern Wright conscientiously performed his duties throughout the action in which attempts by 3 rebel steamers to butt and board were repelled, and the ships driven off or forced to surrender. Eleven gunboats were successfully engaged and the enemy garrisons captured during this battle in which the Cayuga sustained 46 hits.

Specialist Fourth Class Raymond R. Wright (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 2, 1967, at Ap Bac Zone, Republic of Vietnam. 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 with Company A, Sp4c. Wright distinguished himself during a combat patrol in an area where an enemy ambush had occurred earlier. Sp4c. Wright's unit suddenly came under intense automatic weapons and small-arms fire from an enemy bunker system protected by numerous snipers in nearby trees. Despite the heavy enemy fire, Sp4c. Wright and another soldier leaped to the top of a dike to assault the position. Armed with a rifle and several grenades, he and his comrade exposed themselves to intense fire from the bunkers as they charged the nearest one. Sp4c. Wright raced to the bunker, threw in a grenade, killing its occupant. The 2 soldiers then ran through a hail of fire to the second bunker. While his comrade covered him with his machinegun, Sp4c. Wright charged the bunker and succeeded in killing its occupant with a grenade. A third bunker contained an automatic rifleman who had pinned down much of the friendly platoon. While his comrade again covered him with machinegun fire, Sp4c. Wright charged in and killed the enemy rifleman with a grenade. The 2 soldiers worked their way through the remaining bunkers, knocking out 4 of them. Throughout their furious assault, Sp4c. Wright and his comrade had been almost continuously exposed to intense sniper fire from the treeline as the enemy desperately sought to stop their attack. Overcoming stubborn resistance from the bunker system, the men advanced into the treeline forcing the snipers to retreat, giving immediate chase, and driving the enemy away from the friendly unit so that it advanced across the open area without further casualty. When his ammunition was exhausted, Sp4c. Wright returned to his unit to assist in the evacuation of the wounded. This 2-man assault had driven an enemy platoon from a well prepared position, accounted for numerous enemy casualties, and averted further friendly casualties. Sp4c. Wright's extraordinary heroism, courage, and indomitable fighting spirit saved the lives of many of his comrades and inflicted serious damage on the enemy. His acts were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.

Private Robert Wright (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on October 1, 1864, at Chapel House, Farm, Virginia. His citation reads:

Gallantry in action.


Shortly after going to press yesterday, we at I’m just sayin… were alerted to reports that former NFL coach Buddy Ryan had passed away. He had a long coaching career as an NFL assistant (as well as a number of years as a head coach), but he is most well-known (by me, at least) as the Defensive Coordinator for the ’85 Bears (he was the Bears DC from 1978-1985). That '85 Bears defense was one of the greatest of all time. If you have not seen ESPN films 30 for 30 about the ’85 Bears (called, if you can believe it, The ’85 Bears), you need to find it and watch it (as soon as you get done reading this post). I don’t mind telling you I got choked up at points watching it.

During that show, you will see (pardon my language) grown-ass men who played many years of NFL football (back before they had rules designed to keep the players safe) tear up at points when talking about Buddy Ryan. Men like that don’t go throwing around the word “love”, but they had no problem saying they loved him. Mike Singletary was a scary sonofagun when he played (and even now, if you ask me), but hearing him talk to (and about) his old coach was just incredible. You see how these guys feel about their old coach and you see why people go into coaching. This wasn’t just a guy who called defensive plays and yelled at people, this was a guy who changed lives. RIP Buddy Ryan.

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

RIP Pat Summitt

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Sergeant George G. Wortman (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 William J. Wray (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 12, 1864, at Fort Stevens, D. C. His citation reads:

Rallied the company at a critical moment during a change of position under fire.

Captain Albert D. Wright (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 30, 1864, at Petersburg, Virginia. His citation reads:

Advanced beyond the enemy's lines, capturing a stand of colors and its color guard; was severely wounded.


It is being reported (on here and also on legitimate news sites) that former Tennessee basketball coach Pat Summitt passed away this morning. Her battle with Alzheimer’s is now over. You can read the full obituary here, but I would like to highlight a couple of things:


This is one simple statement that Patricia Sue Head Summitt embodied, lived by and passed on to so many throughout her 64 years of life. She ‘won’ every day of her life because of the relationships she developed, nurtured and cherished. Relationships with her family and friends. Relationships with players, coaches, and fans. And most importantly, a strong relationship with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 
On Tuesday, June 28 2016, Pat passed away peacefully, following a courageous battle with early onset dementia, “Alzheimer’s Type.” This disease attacked a lifetime of precious memories, memories that she has now won back as she rests in her eternal home. Memories that will live on in each and every relationship she developed throughout her life. 
For the next 38 years, the farm girl from Henrietta, Tenn. would impact the game of women’s basketball like no one in the history of the sport. She guided the Lady Vols to eight NCAA championships, 32 combined Southeastern Conference titles and became the winningest NCAA D-1 basketball coach of all time on March 22, 2005. She was named the NCAA Coach of the Year seven times and the Naismith Coach of the Century in 2000.

Pat also excelled internationally, as both a coach and player. As a player, she was a co-captain of the 1976 U.S. women’s team, earning the silver medal during the Olympic Games held in Montreal. She then went on to coach the U.S. Junior National and U.S. National teams to multiple championships and medals, culminating with a magical run as head coach of the 1984 U.S. Women’s Olympic team, leading them to the gold medal during the XXIII Olympiad in Los Angeles.

Of all the records, awards, and stats, Pat would point to one number as the most significant in her career – 161. This is the number of Lady Vols who contributed to the 1,098 wins over the span of her illustrious career. To these 161 student-athletes she was more than a coach – she was a friend, mentor and a loving mother.


You can, of course, donate to the Pat Summitt Foundation (which is what the link up top for the obit will take you to), or you can join Team I’m just sayin… in our Walk to End Alzheimer’s. If you would like to join or donate, just click on the Walk to End Alzheimer’s button above this post (if you are on your computer). Or, if you’re on your phone (or on your computer, but don’t want to scroll up), click here. Thanks!

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Happy Anniversary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

First Lieutenant Ernest Calvin Williams (US Marine Corps) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on November 29, 1916, at San Francisco de Macoris, Dominican Republic. His citation reads:

In action against hostile forces at San Francisco de Macoris, Dominican Republic, 29 November 1916. With only a dozen men available, 1st Lt. Williams rushed the gate of the fortress. With 8 of his party wounded by rifle fire of the defenders, he pressed on with the 4 remaining men, threw himself against the door just as it was being closed by the Dominicans and forced an entry. Despite a narrow escape from death at the hands of a rifleman, he and his men disposed of the guards and within a few minutes had gained control of the fort and the hundred prisoners confined there.

Seaman Frank Williams (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, Williams displayed extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this period.

Quartermaster Sergeant George C. Williams (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on June 27, 1862, at Gaines Mill, Virginia. His citation reads:

While on duty with the wagon train as quartermaster sergeant he voluntarily left his place of safety in the rear, joined a company, and fought with distinguished gallantry through the action.


Today I’d like to wish The Wife a Happy 14th Anniversary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It has been a great 14 years and I’m thankful I have her in my life.

Sunday, June 19, 2016

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

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

AN ACT To authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to the unknown American who lost his life while serving overseas in the armed forces of the United States during the Second World War. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the President is hereby authorized and directed to award, in the name of Congress, a Medal of Honor to the unknown American who lost his life while serving overseas in the armed forces of the United States during the Second World War, and who will lie buried in the Memorial Amphitheater of the National Cemetery at Arlington, Virginia, as authorized by the Act of June 24, 1946, Public Law 429, Seventy-ninth Congress. Approved March 9, 1948. Public Law 438, 80th Congress.

Lance Corporal Kenneth L. Worley (US Marine Corps) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on August 12, 1968, at Bo Ban, Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam. 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 machine gunner with Company L, 3d Battalion, in action against enemy forces. After establishing a night ambush position in a house in the Bo Ban, Hamlet of Quang Nam Province, security was set up and the remainder of the patrol members retired until their respective watch. During the early morning hours the marines were abruptly awakened by the platoon leader's warning that "grenades" had landed in the house. Fully realizing the inevitable result of his actions, L/Cpl. Worley, in a valiant act of heroism, instantly threw himself upon the grenade nearest him and his comrades, absorbing with his body, the full and tremendous force of the explosion. Through his extraordinary initiative and inspiring valor in the face of almost certain death, he saved his comrades from serious injury and possible loss of life although 5 of his fellow marines incurred minor wounds as the other grenades exploded. L/Cpl. Worley's gallant actions upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Private Joseph Wortick (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."


I would like to take a minute today to wish Dad a HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope all of you other fathers out there have a good day as well. I am fortunate to have a great dad. I am also fortunate to know a lot of great dads… but as this is Father’s Day and they aren’t my father… I will simply wish them a good day and tell you one reason my father is great. I’m sure I’ve talked before on here that one of the greatest things Dad did was “be there” when we were growing up… so I won’t go into that right now. What makes Dad so great (and I really just thought of this) is how he was able to raise three different types of children. He was able to raise a functionally-mute son, a sweet (possible gullible… but definitely sweet) daughter and a perfect son. Each, I’m sure, brought challenges and at least one was probably a joy to raise… but he helped raise all of them and (I must say) did a pretty good job. Sure… he still has a son who doesn’t talk a lot and a daughter who believes too much of what her little brother tells her, but he was able to help make his perfect son… umm… perfect-er. So he’s got that going for him, which is nice. I’m just sayin…

Friday, June 10, 2016

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUSTIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Join team I’m just sayin… in our Walk to End Alzheimer’s

The walk this year is September 17th… please donate. If you’re on a computer, you can look above this post and follow my progress. Just click on that box and it will take you to my page. If you are on your phone, click here to get to my page.


Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

First Lieutenant Charles Q. Williams (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on June 9-10, 1965, at Dong Xoai, Republic of Vietnam. His citation reads:

1st Lt. Williams distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while defending the Special Forces Camp against a violent attack by hostile forces that lasted for 14 hours. 1st Lt. Williams was serving as executive officer of a Special Forces Detachment when an estimated Vietcong reinforced regiment struck the camp and threatened to overrun it and the adjacent district headquarters. He awoke personnel, organized them, determined the source of the insurgents' main effort and led the troops to their defensive positions on the south and west walls. Then, after running to the District Headquarters to establish communications, he found that there was no radio operational with which to communicate with his commanding officer in another compound. To reach the other compound, he traveled through darkness but was halted in this effort by a combination of shrapnel in his right leg and the increase of the Vietcong gunfire. Ignoring his wound, he returned to the district headquarters and directed the defense against the first assault. As the insurgents attempted to scale the walls and as some of the Vietnamese defenders began to retreat, he dashed through a barrage of gunfire, succeeded in rallying these defenders, and led them back to their positions. Although wounded in the thigh and left leg during this gallant action, he returned to his position and, upon being told that communications were reestablished and that his commanding officer was seriously wounded, 1st Lt. Williams took charge of actions in both compounds. Then, in an attempt to reach the communications bunker, he sustained wounds in the stomach and right arm from grenade fragments. As the defensive positions on the walls had been held for hours and casualties were mounting, he ordered the consolidation of the American personnel from both compounds to establish a defense in the district building. After radio contact was made with a friendly air controller, he disregarded his wounds and directed the defense from the District building, using descending flares as reference points to adjust air strikes. By his courage, he inspired his team to hold out against the insurgent force that was closing in on them and throwing grenades into the windows of the building. As daylight arrived and the Vietcong continued to besiege the stronghold, firing a machinegun directly south of the district building, he was determined to eliminate this menace that threatened the lives of his men. Taking a 3.5 rocket launcher and a volunteer to load it, he worked his way across open terrain, reached the berm south of the district headquarters, and took aim at the Vietcong machinegun 150 meters away. Although the sight was faulty, he succeeded in hitting the machinegun. While he and the loader were trying to return to the district headquarters, they were both wounded. With a fourth wound, this time in the right arm and leg, and realizing he was unable to carry his wounded comrade back to the district building, 1st Lt. Williams pulled him to a covered position and then made his way back to the district building where he sought the help of others who went out and evacuated the injured soldier. Although seriously wounded and tired, he continued to direct the air strikes closer to the defensive position. As morning turned to afternoon and the Vietcong pressed their effort with direct recoilless rifle fire into the building, he ordered the evacuation of the seriously wounded to the to the safety of the communications bunker. When informed that helicopters would attempt to land as the hostile gunfire had abated, he led his team from the building to the artillery position, making certain of the timely evacuation of the wounded from the communications area, and then on to the pickup point. Despite resurgent Vietcong gunfire, he directed the rapid evacuation of all personnel. Throughout the long battle, he was undaunted by the vicious Vietcong assault and inspired the defenders in decimating the determined insurgents. 1st Lt. Williams' extraordinary heroism, are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.

Private First Class Dewayne T. Williams (US Marine Corps) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on September 18, 1968, at Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam. 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 with the 1st Platoon, Company H, in action against communist insurgent forces. Pfc. Williams was a member of a combat patrol sent out from the platoon with the mission of establishing positions in the company's area of operations, from which it could intercept and destroy enemy sniper teams operating in the area. In the night as the patrol was preparing to move from its daylight position to a preselected night position, it was attacked from ambush by a squad of enemy using small arms and hand grenades. Although severely wounded in the back by the close intense fire, Pfc. Williams, recognizing the danger to the patrol, immediately began to crawl forward toward a good firing position. While he was moving under the continuing intense fire, he heard one of the members of the patrol sound the alert that an enemy grenade had landed in their position. Reacting instantly to the alert, he saw that the grenade had landed close to where he was Lying and without hesitation, in a valiant act of heroism, rolled on top of the grenade as it exploded, absorbing the full and tremendous impact of the explosion with his body. Through his extraordinary initiative and inspiring valor in the face of certain death, he saved the other members of his patrol from serious injury and possible loss of life, and enabled them to successfully defeat the attackers and hold their position until assistance arrived. His personal heroism and devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Private Elwood M. Williams (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on April 6, 1862, at Shiloh, Tennessee. His citation reads:

A box of ammunition having been abandoned between the lines, this soldier voluntarily went forward with one companion, under a heavy fire from both armies, secured the box, and delivered it within the line of his regiment, his companion being mortally wounded.


Happy Birthday to my nephew Austin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He’s a great student-athlete and a good kid. Hopefully his mom and big sister will make this a great birthday for him because I doubt my good-for-nothing “a birthday is just another day” brother is going to do anything.

Sunday, June 5, 2016

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DANNY (YES, THAT DANNY)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Join team I’m just sayin… in our Walk to End Alzheimer’s

The walk this year is September 17th… please donate. If you’re on a computer, you can look above this post and follow my progress. Just click on that box and it will take you to my page. If you are on your phone, click here to get to my page.


Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Sailmaker’s Mate Anthony Williams (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions from December 24, 1864 – February 22, 1865, on board the U.S.S. Pontoosuc. His citation reads:

Served as sailmaker's mate on board the U.S.S. Pontoosuc during the capture of Fort Fisher and Wilmington, 24 December 1864 to 22 February 1865. Carrying out his duties faithfully throughout this period, Williams was recommended for gallantry and skill and for his cool courage while under the fire of the enemy throughout these various actions.

Seaman Antonio Williams (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on November 24, 1877, on board the U.S.S. Huron. His citation reads:

For courage and fidelity displayed in the loss of the U.S.S. Huron, 24 November 1877.

Seaman Augustus Williams (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 by the fleet on Fort Fisher, on 15 January 1865. When the landing party to which he was attached charged on the fort with a cheer, and with determination to plant their colors on the ramparts, Williams remained steadfast when they reached the foot of the fort and more than two_thirds of the marines and sailors fell back in panic. Taking cover when the enemy concentrated his fre on the remainder of the group, he alone remained with his executive officer, subsequently withdrawing from the field after dark.


I would like to wish my good friend Danny a VERY Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope our Favorite Nurse Jen and their sweet girls make it a great day!

Friday, June 3, 2016

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ADRIAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Colonel Orlando B. Willcox (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 21, 1861, at Bull Run, Virginia. His citation reads:

Led repeated charges until wounded and taken prisoner.

Private First Class Louis E. Willett (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on February 15, 1967, at Kontum Province, 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. Willett distinguished himself while serving as a rifleman in Company C, during combat operations. His squad was conducting a security sweep when it made contact with a large enemy force. The squad was immediately engaged with a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire and pinned to the ground. Despite the deadly fusillade, Pfc. Willett rose to his feet firing rapid bursts from his weapon and moved to a position from which he placed highly effective fire on the enemy. His action allowed the remainder of his squad to begin to withdraw from the superior enemy force toward the company perimeter. Pfc. Willett covered the squad's withdrawal, but his position drew heavy enemy machinegun fire, and he received multiple wounds enabling the enemy again to pin down the remainder of the squad. Pfc. Willett struggled to an upright position, and, disregarding his painful wounds, he again engaged the enemy with his rifle to allow his squad to continue its movement and to evacuate several of his comrades who were by now wounded. Moving from position to position, he engaged the enemy at close range until he was mortally wounded. By his unselfish acts of bravery, Pfc. Willett insured the withdrawal of his comrades to the company position, saving their lives at the cost of his life. Pfc. Willett's valorous actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.

Machinist Charles H. Willey (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on August 29, 1916, Off Santo Domingo City, Santo Domingo. His citation reads:

For extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession while serving on board the U.S.S. Memphis, at a time when that vessel was suffering total destruction from a hurricane while anchored off Santo Domingo City, 29 August 1916. Machinist Willey took his station in the engineer's department and remained at his post of duty amidst scalding steam and the rush of thousands of tons of water into his department as long as the engines would turn, leaving only when ordered to leave. When the boilers exploded, he assisted in getting the men out of the fireroom and carrying them into the engineroom, where there was air instead of steam to breathe. Machinist Willey's conduct on this occasion was above and beyond the call of duty.


I would like to take some time today to wish my buddy Adrian a very Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!! I trust that Michael and their 3 sweet boys will make it a great one!

If you want my opinion (and you might not… but it’s my blog, so…) I feel bad for the gorilla that was shot and killed in the zoo. Chances are, he didn’t want to be there in the first place… and he didn’t leave his area… he just did what gorillas do. So I feel bad for the gorilla. BUT, I don’t blame the zoo for shooting it. They did what they had to do. They might want to look at making it harder for children to get into dangerous places, but in this situation they did what they had to do. And thumbs up to whoever took that shot. I’ve never shot a gorilla myself, but I’m guessing you don’t want to just wing that sucker in the arm. I’m pretty sure they get a little ticked off at something like that. As for the parent, it’s easy to say she (I think it was the mom who was there) should have done more to keep the child from going into a dangerous area. It’s even easier to say this if you’ve never had to keep watch of a young child like that. Now, maybe she is a bad mom… I don’t know. Like most topics I talk about on here, I’ve done as little research as humanly possible before sharing my opinion. But, as a parent who has children who don’t always listen… and as a son who had a brother and sister who didn’t always listen to our parents, I can see how something like this could happen to a “good” parent. I’m just sayin…

You may or may not have noticed that I am again raising money for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The walk this year is in September (the 17th)… please donate. If you’re on a computer, you can look above this post and follow my progress (I’ve raised 10% of my goal so far). Just click on that box and it will take you to my page. If you are on your phone, click here to get to my page. I’m just sayin… has a team walking again this year. There is a link on my page if you would like to join our team. So far we have 4 members… it would be great to have a large group. Of course, it would be better to raise a large sum of money. Of course, your donation is tax deductible… so give early and often.