FW: Thursday Mission 4/2/2015

 If you understand, Things are just as they are. 

If you do not understand, Things are just as they are.

---

From: akan01@centurylink.net
To: akan01@centurylink.net
Subject: Thursday Mission 4/2/2015
Date: Mon, 30 Mar 2015 21:13:00 -0700

-----Original Message-----
From: Bob Donaghy [mailto:bobdonaghy@me.com]
Sent: Monday, March 30, 2015 6:01 PM
To: Undisclosed recipients:
Subject: Thursday Mission

Hi Everyone

This Thursday, April 2nd, the following interments are scheduled for 8:40 AM at the Southern Nevada Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Veteran's Memorial Drive, Boulder City, 89005.  These interments are for Nevada's fallen veterans who are without family, homeless, indigent or just forgotten by family and friends and remain unclaimed.

This week's interments are:

Army veteran:  James West

Navy veteran:  Freddie Weenan

USAF veteran:  Lester Haugsdal

For anyone interested in riding over together, some of us meet for breakfast at the IHOP ( 4860 Boulder Hwy ) diagonally across the street from Sam's Town at around 6:50 AM.  It will be KSU at 7:45 AM.

Thank you Bob Donaghy=

FW: PLEASE READ: NEW INFORMATION and Request for Volunteers at Smith's Fundraiser

Thank You

Robert Serge

VVA 1076 Member

Blog Master 

Web Master  

 If you understand, Things are just as they are. 

If you do not understand, Things are just as they are.

---

From: chelsa51@gmail.com
To: 1076VVAHNV@GMAIL.COM
Subject: PLEASE READ: NEW INFORMATION and Request for Volunteers at Smith's Fundraiser
Date: Fri, 27 Mar 2015 16:02:50 -0700

The results of today's fundraiser at both Smith's Supermarkets has been so great, that we are going to extend the hours for Saturday and Sunday until 1700 hours both days. 

For members who have not already volunteered:  We need your help.  If anyone is available on Saturday or Sunday from 1500-1700 hours, please e-mail me or call me at the numbers listed below.  If all you can spare is an hour during the day, that is fine as well.  Come and join us.  It is a fun way to get to know your Chapter Brothers and Sisters while helping raise funds to help Chapter 1076 continue its mission.

If you have already volunteered to help, THANK YOU!  If you would like to switch to the later afternoon time period or continue to stay until 1700 either call or email me and let me know.

Don't forget to wear our Chapter 1076 uniform of black pants and black shirt.  Also, don forget to bring sunscreen and food/water (if you don't want to purchase on-site) with you.

SMITH'S @ 1000 North Green Valley Parkway, Henderson (2 doors) MINIMUM of EIGHT people needed per shift

Saturday, March 28 - 0900-1500

0900-1100: Jim Croft, Jimmy Eberhardt, Michael Schwartz

1100-1300: Al Lopez

1300-1500: Donna Green (tentative)

1500-1700:

ALL DAY: Dan Bounds, Lance Ryness, Neil Johnson, Tina Sansouci, John Scaduto

Sunday, March 29 - 0900-1500

0900-1100: Dan Bounds, Jack Constantine, Dave Stickler

1100-1300: Jack Constantine

1300-1500: Lou Rothenstein

1500-1700:

ALL DAY: Neil Johnson, Tina Sansouci, John Scaduto

SMITH'S @ 55 South Valle Verde Drive, Henderson, NV (1 door )  

Saturday, March 28 - 0900-1500

0900-1100: Cal Haggen

1100-1300: Pat Sakurai

1300-1500: Richard Keirn

1500-1700:

ALL DAY: Bob Lough, Dave Hugus, Tony Pinkard, John Scaduto

Sunday, March 29 - 0900-1500

0900-1100:

1100-1300: Pat Sakurai

1300-1500: Richard Keirn

1500-1700:

ALL DAY: Dave Hugus, John Scaduto, Richard Small

Tina Sansouci

Secretary

VVA Chapter 1076

702-294-0402 (Home)

702-635-2695 (Cell)

FW: After Action Report - Fisher House

 If you understand, Things are just as they are. 

If you do not understand, Things are just as they are.

---

From: akan01@centurylink.net
To: akan01@centurylink.net
Subject: After Action Report - Fisher House
Date: Fri, 27 Mar 2015 16:13:04 -0700

Subject: After Action Report - Fisher House

Only a handful of Patriots rode to the VA Hospital in North Las Vegas to observe the groundbreaking ceremony for the first Fisher House in Nevada.  There were plenty of politicians there and a few "real" people who appreciate veterans and their needs. 

FW: POSTPONED: Veterans Treatment Court Presentation

 If you understand, Things are just as they are. 

If you do not understand, Things are just as they are.

---

From: chelsa51@gmail.com
To: 1076VVAHNV@GMAIL.COM
Subject: POSTPONED: Veterans Treatment Court Presentation
Date: Wed, 25 Mar 2015 08:50:06 -0700

The Veterans Treatment Court presentation mentioned in an earlier e-mail (reprinted below) has been rescheduled for April 9.  If there are any changes to the date/time as we get closer to April 9, I will let you know.  Please try to attend on April 9 in support of all the fine work the Veterans Treatment Court is doing.

THIS Thursday, March 26, 2015 at approximately 2:00 p.m. VVA Chapter 1076 will present a donation of $500 to the Veterans Treatment Court located at the Henderson courthouse, 243 South Water Street, Henderson.  All members are invited to attend.  Please wear our standard Chapter 1076 uniform of black pants and black shirt.

Tina Sansouci

Secretary

VVA Chapter 1076

FW: NO Thursday mission scheduled for this week

 If you understand, Things are just as they are. 

If you do not understand, Things are just as they are.

>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Bob Donaghy [mailto:bobdonaghy@me.com]
> Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2015 12:03 PM
> To: Undisclosed recipients:
> Subject: NO thursday mission scheduled for this week
>
> Hi Everyone
>
> This Thursday, March 26th, we have NO Funerals scheduled at this time.
>
> Everyone have a great day off
> Thank you Bob Donaghy
>

FW: Veterans Treatment Court

 If you understand, Things are just as they are. 

If you do not understand, Things are just as they are.

---

From: chelsa51@gmail.com
To: 1076VVAHNV@GMAIL.COM
Subject: Veterans Treatment Court
Date: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 13:02:07 -0700

THIS Thursday, March 26, 2015 at approximately 2:00 p.m. VVA Chapter 1076 will present a donation of $500 to the Veterans Treatment Court located at the Henderson courthouse, 243 South Water Street, Henderson.  All members are invited to attend.  Please wear our standard Chapter 1076 uniform of black pants and black shirt.

Tina Sansouci

Secretary

VVA Chapter 1076

FW: Volunteers Needed for Rocky Mountain Gun Show at South Point

  

 If you understand, Things are just as they are. 

If you do not understand, Things are just as they are.

---

From: chelsa51@gmail.com
To: NEIL_SEE_JOHNSON@YAHOO.COM
Subject: Volunteers Needed for Rocky Mountain Gun Show at South Point
Date: Mon, 23 Mar 2015 22:21:20 -0700

Rocky Mountain Gun Show at South Point on April 4th & 5th, 2015.

If you have never volunteered for a fund raising event before, this is a chance to get to know your fellow VVA members and see some of the weapons, ammo, reloading and weapon accessories that will be for sale.  We normally have two (2) members from Chapter 1076 and our host, Chapter 17, provides two members per time slot.  If we are heavy with volunteers at the booth, you can wander and approach possible members throughout the show.  Remember, we are pro Vietnam-Era Veterans (5 August 1964 – 7 May 1975) as well as in-country Vietnam veterans (28 February 1961 and 7 May 1975).    

We need volunteers for the two time periods below.  Have a good time and "Thank You" for responding in a timely manner.

Sunday, April 5th:
* 0900 - 1100:  
* 1100 - 1300: 

Return all time selections and/or inquiries to Neil Johnson at email address:  neil_see_johnson@yahoo.com

Please feel free to contact Neil Johnson or Lance Ryness (702 813-2723) with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Neil Johnson

VVA Chapter 1076

Life Member, U.S. Army

(510) 913-6611, Cell No.

FW: This weekend Fundraisers

 If you understand, Things are just as they are. 

If you do not understand, Things are just as they are.

> From: 1076vvahnv@gmail.com
> Date: Mon, 23 Mar 2015 19:01:25 -0700
> Subject: This weekend Fundraisers
> To: sundances443@aol.com; tonypin@aol.com; fbeek@aol.com; dipenguini@cox.net; dhugus@aol.com; autumrico@embarqmail.com; chaggen@netzero.com; loumisgm@yahoo.com; jazzhnd@cox.net; danbounds@embarqmail.com
>
>
> Are we ready for this years BIGGEST EVENT ?
>
> TEAMWORK is our greatest asset.
>
> Without teamwork we would not be able to raise funds for our fellow Veterans in need .
>
> Join us this weekend to raise money, meet nice caring people, and have some fun with your fellow VVA Chapter Brothers and Sisters.
>
>
> Tina has put out a volunteer list and will continue to send it out every day until this Friday which is our first day. If you can't commit to a day and time then just show up at your convenience in uniform, with a smile. We need all the help we can get !
>
> Bob Lough and David Hugus will be in charge at the Valley Verde and 215 Smiths Supermarket (see Tina's email for times )
>
> Neal Johnson and Lance Ryness will be in charge at the GREEN VALLEY and 215 Smiths Supermarket ( see Tina's email )
>
>
> Ask yourself "why did I become a VVA Member". If your answer is "I want to help VIETNAM Veterans " than I'll see you this weekend !
>
> John L Scaduto
> President Chapter 1076
> Vietnam Veterans of America
> Henderson NV.
> E- Mail 1076vvahnv@gmail.com

FW: VVA Chapter Dinner at Green Valley Ranch Resort

Thank You

Robert Serge

VVA 1076 Member

Blog Master 

Web Master  

 If you understand, Things are just as they are. 

If you do not understand, Things are just as they are.

---

From: chelsa51@gmail.com
To: 1076VVAHNV@GMAIL.COM
Subject: VVA Chapter Dinner at Green Valley Ranch Resort
Date: Mon, 23 Mar 2015 19:02:56 -0700

The VVA Chapter 1076 dinner is this Sunday, 29 March 2015, at the Green Valley Ranch Resort, 2300 Paseo Verde Parkway, Henderson, from 1900-2100 hours.  Cost is $25.00 per person total (tax and tip included) and needs to be pre-paid.

There is still time to sign up to attend.  Please let me know whether you PLAN TO ATTEND OR NOT as I need to have an accurate headcount.  You can pre-pay by the following methods:

1.      Mail a check to our Chapter 1076 President at:  John L. Scaduto, 300 Modesto Street, Henderson, NV  89014.

2.      Present payment to John at Smith's Supermarket located at 55 South Valle Verde Drive or at 1000 North Green Valley Parkway this coming weekend.

3.      Contact John at 702-236-0825.

If you pay with a check, please make it payable to:  VVA CHAPTER 1076.

Tina Sansouci

Secretary

VVA Chapter 1076

FW: Henderson Vet Center Open House

 If you understand, Things are just as they are. 

If you do not understand, Things are just as they are.

---

From: chelsa51@gmail.com
To: 1076VVAHNV@GMAIL.COM
Subject: Henderson Vet Center Open House
Date: Mon, 23 Mar 2015 18:52:41 -0700

Attached is information on the 2015 Open House at the Henderson Vet Center being held on 1 April 2015  from 1130 – 1630 hours.  Location is 400 North Stephanie Street #180, Henderson.

This is a PDF file. 

Tina Sansouci

Secretary

VVA Chapter 1076

FW: VVA: Fw: FLASH UPDATE

 If you understand, Things are just as they are. 

If you do not understand, Things are just as they are.

---

Date: Mon, 23 Mar 2015 21:34:57 +0000
From: vva@vva2.talklist.com
To: avva@avva.talklist.com; vva@vva2.talklist.com
Subject: VVA: Fw: FLASH UPDATE

On Monday, March 23, 2015 4:30 PM, Jim Doyle <agentorangezone@gmail.com> wrote:

DISTRIBUTE TO ALL LISTS

FLASH UPDATE
http://agentorangezone.blogspot.com/

Monday, March 23, 2015

VA Continues to Deny Justice To C-123 Crews Exposed to Dioxin

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 23,  2015

No. 15-1 Contact: Mokie Porter 301-585-4000, Ext. 146 301-996-0901

VA Continues to Deny Justice To C-123 Crews Exposed to Dioxin

(Washington, D.C.)– "It is an outrage that the VA, in effect, is continuing to deny these veterans justice," said John Rowan, National President of Vietnam Veterans of America. "These VA bureaucrats attempting to delay justice ought to be relieved of their duties so that they can no longer abuse veterans with their tactic of 'delay, deny, until they die.' There is no excuse for why these worthy veterans are still not being treated with the appreciation and the respect their service warrants." Rowan praised Wes Carter, the leader of the C-123 Veterans Association, for his spunk and spirit: "You've got to keep on keeping on," Rowan urged, "and VVA will be at your side to convince the VA hierarchy that to continue to delay justice is to deny justice."

For over five years, retired Air Force Reserve Major Wes Carter has led the fight of his life: to get the Department of Veterans Affairs to acknowledge that the C-123 Provider military cargo planes which transported Agent Orange to and from Vietnam had, in fact, been contaminated with dioxin. A number of reputable scientists and epidemiologists at federal agencies have gone on record, endorsing Carter's stance that these craft remained hazardous to the health of the 2,100 crew members, flight nurses, and maintenance workers who serviced them between 1972 and 1982. "Yet the VA, in all its wisdom, maintained that these men and women who had been exposed to Agent Orange ought not be eligible to receive the same healthcare and disability compensation benefits that boots-on-the-ground veterans of Vietnam receive," Rowan noted.

"VVA has long supported Major Carter in his quest for justice," Rowan said. "When the Institute of Medicine (IOM) concluded, in a study funded by the VA, that the planes were actively contaminated when Air Force Reservists flew them, we were as pleased as Wes Carter, who exulted, 'We won!' The IOM report was released in January 2015, yet Major Carter and those who have been sickened with maladies the VA concedes are associated with exposure to Agent Orange have still not received the justice they deserve. Why? Because a few bad actors in the office of Public Health & Environmental Hazards at the VA continue their attempts to delay justice despite the conclusive report by the IOM.

Posted by AgentOrangeZone at 1:28 PM No comments:

Cancer link to weed killer raises questions over US-backed spraying of Colombia cocaine crops

http://www.greenfieldreporter.com/view/story/e1cd2d16ed0f41bf8dce0fc4b9ce1af8/LT--Colombia-US-Coca-Spraying-Debate
BOGOTA, Colombia — New labeling on the world's most popular weed killer as a likely cause of cancer is raising more questions for an aerial spraying program in Colombia that underpins U.S.-financed efforts to wipe out cocaine crops.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer, a French-based research arm of the World Health Organization, on Thursday reclassified the herbicide glyphosate as a carcinogen that poses a greater potential danger to industrial users than homeowners. The agency cited what it called convincing evidence that the herbicide produces cancer in lab animals and more limited findings that it causes non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in humans.

The glyphosate-based herbicide Roundup is a mainstay of industrial agriculture worldwide, and it's a preferred weapon for killing Colombian cocaine harvests. More than 4 million acres of land have been sprayed over the past two decades to kill coca plants, whose leaves produce cocaine.
The fumigation program, which is partly carried out by American contractors, long has provoked hostility from Colombia's left, which likens it to the U.S. military's use of the Agent Orange herbicide during the Vietnam War. Leftist rebels, currently in negotiations with the government to end a half-century conflict, are demanding an end to the spraying as part of any deal.
Daniel Mejia, a Bogota-based economist who is chairman of an expert panel advising the Colombian government on its drug strategy, said the report is by far the most authoritative and could end up burying the fumigation program.
"Nobody can accuse the WHO of being ideologically biased," Mejia said, noting that questions already had been raised about the effectiveness of the spraying strategy and its potential health risks.
Mejia's own research published last year found higher rates of skin problems and miscarriages in districts targeted by herbicides. It was based on a study of medical records from 2003 to 2007.
Colombia's ombudsman office said it would seek suspension of the spraying program if the WHO results prove convincing.
But U.S. and Colombian government officials argue that cocaine does more health damage than aerial spraying.
"Without a doubt this reopens the debate on fumigation and causes us to worry," Colombia Health Minister Alejandro Gaviria told The Associated Press on Saturday, referring to the WHO findings.
But Gaviria argued that the need to suppress cocaine harvests "transcends" other considerations.
Monsanto and other manufacturers of glyphosate-based products strongly rejected the WHO ruling. They cited a 2012 ruling by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that the herbicide was safe.
Colombia already has scaled back use of aerial herbicides in favor of more labor-intensive manual eradication efforts, partly in response to criticism by farmers.
Colombian officials say aerial spraying last year covered 55,000 hectares (136,000 acres), down from a 2006 peak of 172,000 hectares (425,000 acres).
Critics of the program concede that the government has improved safety standards, such as by avoiding herbicide flights during strong winds, and installing GPS devices on fumigation aircraft that keep records of plane movements and help investigators to determine the validity of farmers' compensation claims.
In 2013, Colombia agreed to pay Ecuador $15 million to settle a lawsuit over economic and human damage linked to spraying along their common border.
Gen. Ricardo Restrepo, commander of the anti-narcotics police, said he had not seen the WHO warning, and Colombia's herbicide spraying was proceeding as usual.
"My job is to carry out the strategy," he said.

RE: Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day at Fort Irwin

Richard I would like to go also

Thank You

Robert Serge

VVA 1076 Member

Blog Master 

Web Master  

 If you understand, Things are just as they are. 

If you do not understand, Things are just as they are.

---

From: rserge1@outlook.com
To: grumpiebob.vva1076@blogger.com
Subject: FW: Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day at Fort Irwin
Date: Sat, 21 Mar 2015 13:23:14 -0700

 If you understand, Things are just as they are. 

If you do not understand, Things are just as they are.

---

From: jazzhnd@cox.net
To: ;
Subject: Fw: Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day at Fort Irwin
Date: Sat, 21 Mar 2015 10:18:17 -0700

Brothers,

The attached flyer is announcing the Vietnam Veterans Day program at Ft. Irwin, CA.  A full day of activities are planned starting with a breakfast in Barstow, CA at 0745 on 18 April 2015, to be followed by a parade at 1050 hours, with other programs thru out the day.

To date the following Brothers, are planning to attend:

John Scaduto

Lance Ryness

Chad Avery

Cal Haggen

Neil Johnson

Richard Walker

If you would like to attend and ride along with other members, please forward me your name, that I can compose a list and we can make plans to go as a Band of Brothers. 

Richard Walker

FW: Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day at Fort Irwin

If you understand, Things are just as they are. 

If you do not understand, Things are just as they are.

---

From: jazzhnd@cox.net
To: ;
Subject: Fw: Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day at Fort Irwin
Date: Sat, 21 Mar 2015 10:18:17 -0700

Brothers,

The attached flyer is announcing the Vietnam Veterans Day program at Ft. Irwin, CA.  A full day of activities are planned starting with a breakfast in Barstow, CA at 0745 on 18 April 2015, to be followed by a parade at 1050 hours, with other programs thru out the day.

To date the following Brothers, are planning to attend:

John Scaduto

Lance Ryness

Chad Avery

Cal Haggen

Neil Johnson

Richard Walker

If you would like to attend and ride along with other members, please forward me your name, that I can compose a list and we can make plans to go as a Band of Brothers. 

Richard Walker

FW: Volunteers Needed for Rocky Mountain Gun Show at South Point on April 4th & 5th, 2015.

Ya' know, every once in a while something comes along that is just perfect!!!

We are here on earth to do good unto others. What the others are here for, I have no idea. 

---

From: chelsa51@gmail.com
To: 1076VVAHNV@GMAIL.COM
Subject: Volunteers Needed for Rocky Mountain Gun Show at South Point on April 4th & 5th, 2015.
Date: Fri, 20 Mar 2015 10:54:52 -0700

Volunteers are needed for Rocky Mountain Gun Show at South Point on April 4th & 5th, 2015. 

If you have never volunteered for a fund raising event before, this is a chance to get to know your fellow VVA members and see some of the weapons, ammo, reloading and weapon accessories that will be for sale.  We normally have two (2) members from Chapter 1076 and our host, Chapter 17, provides two members per time slot.  If we are heavy with volunteers at the booth, you can wander and approach possible members throughout the show.  Remember, we are pro Vietnam-Era Veterans (February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975).  Have a good time and please respond in a timely manner.
  

Saturday, April 4th:
* 0900 - 1200: 
* 1200 - 1500: 
* 1500 - 1700: 
* All day: 

Sunday, April 5th:
* 0900 - 1100: 
* 1100 - 1300: 
* 1300 - 1600: 
* All day: 

Return all time selections and/or inquiries to Neil Johnson at email address:  neil_see_johnson@yahoo.com

Please feel free to contact Neil Johnson (510 913-6611) or Lance Ryness (702 813-2723) with any questions or concerns.

Tina Sansouci

Secretary

VVA Chapter 1076

FW: Army-Navy Game Train

  

Ya' know, every once in a while something comes along that is just perfect!!!

We are here on earth to do good unto others. What the others are here for, I have no idea. 

---

Date: Thu, 19 Mar 2015 17:55:06 +0000
From: loumicsm@yahoo.com
To: loumicsm@yahoo.com
Subject: Fw: Army-Navy Game Train

Some of the really good stories of the work some good people do often do not make it into the mainstream media.

Lou

We have unsigned heros in the good old USAI  Thanks to Mr. and Mrs. LEVIN.   Subject:  Army-Navy Game Train   GREAT STORY AND TO KEEP IT QUIET WAS AMAZING.   Subject:  Army-Navy Game Train (an unpublicized act of generosity and appreciation)       Here's a 'today' story that occurred 3 weeks ago ~ The idea started last Christmas, when Bennett and Vivian Levin were overwhelmed by sadness while listening to radio reports of injured American troops. "We have to let them know we care," Vivian told Bennett. So they organized a trip to bring soldiers from Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Bethesda Naval Hospital to the annual Army-Navy football game in Philly, on Dec. 3. The cool part is, they created their own train line to do it. Yes, there are people in this country who actually own real trains. Bennett Levin - native Philly guy, self-made millionaire and irascible former L&I commish - is one of them. He owns three luxury rail cars. Think mahogany paneling, plush seating and white-linen dining areas. He also has two locomotives, which he stores at his Juniata Park train yard. One car, the elegant Pennsylvania , carried John F. Kennedy to the Army-Navy game in 1961 and '62. Later, it carried his brother Bobby's body to D.C. for burial. "That's a lot of history for one car," says Bennett.  He and Vivian wanted to revive a tradition that endured from 1936 to 1975, during which trains carried Army-Navy spectators, around the country directly to the stadium where the annual game is played. The Levins could think of no better passengers to reinstate the ceremonial ride than the wounded men and women recovering at Walter Reed in D.C. and Bethesda , in Maryland . "We wanted to give them a first-class experience," says Bennett.  "Gourmet meals on board, private transportation from the train to the stadium, perfect seats - real hero treatment." Through the Army War College Foundation, of which he is a trustee, Bennett met with Walter Reed's commanding general, who loved the idea. But Bennett had some ground rules first, all designed to keep the focus on the troops alone: No press on the trip, lest the soldiers' day of pampering devolve into a media circus.  No politicians either, because, says Bennett, "I didn't want some idiot making this trip into a campaign photo op."  And no Pentagon suits on board, otherwise the soldiers would be too busy saluting superiors to relax.  The general agreed to the conditions, and Bennett realized he had a problem on his hands. "I had to actually make this thing happen," he laughs.  Over the next months, he recruited owners of 15 other sumptuous rail cars from around the country - these people tend to know each other - into lending their vehicles for the day. The name of their temporary train? The Liberty Limited.  Amtrak volunteered to transport the cars to D.C. - where they'd be coupled together for the round-trip ride to Philly - then back to their owners later. Conrail offered to service the Liberty while it was in Philly. And SEPTA drivers would bus the disabled soldiers 200 yards from the train track to the football stadium for the game.  A benefactor from the War College ponied up 100 seats to the game - on the 50-yard line - and lunch in a hospitality suite.  And corporate donors filled, for free and without asking for publicity, goodie bags for attendees:  From Woolrich, stadium blankets. From Wal-Mart, digital cameras. From Nikon, field glasses. From GEAR, down jackets. There was booty not just for the soldiers, but for their guests, too, since each was allowed to bring a friend or family member. The Marines declined the offer. "They voted not to take guests with them, so they could take more Marines," says Levin, choking up at the memory.     Bennett's an emotional guy, so he was worried about how he'd react to meeting the 88 troops and guests at D.C.'s Union Station, where the trip originated. Some GIs were missing limbs. Others were wheelchair-bound or accompanied by medical personnel for the day. "They made it easy to be with them," he says. "They were all smiles on the ride to Philly. Not an ounce of self-pity from any of them. They're so full of life and determination."  At the stadium, the troops reveled in the game, recalls Bennett. Not even Army's loss to Navy could deflate the group's rollicking mood.   Afterward, it was back to the train and yet another gourmet meal - heroes get hungry, says Levin - before returning to Walter Reed and Bethesda . "The day was spectacular," says Levin. "It was all about these kids. It was awesome to be part of it." The most poignant moment for the Levins was when 11 Marines hugged them goodbye, then sang them the Marine Hymn on the platform at Union Station. "One of the guys was blind, but he said, 'I can't see you, but man, you must be beautiful!' " says Bennett. "I got a lump so big in my throat, I couldn't even answer him." It's been three weeks, but the Levins and their guests are still feeling the day's love. "My Christmas came early," says Levin, who is Jewish and who loves the Christmas season. "I can't describe the feeling in the air." Maybe it is hope.  As one guest wrote in a thank-you note to Bennett and Vivian, "The fond memories generated last Saturday will sustain us all - whatever the future may bring." God bless the Levins.  And bless the troops!!   True:        http://www.snopes.com/politics/military/train.asp

--

"Our founding fathers detested the idea of a democracy and labored long to prevent America becoming one.  Once again -- the word 'democracy' does not appear in the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, or the constitution of any of the fifty states.  Not once. Furthermore, take a look at State of the Union speeches.  You won't find the 'D' word uttered once until the Wilson years."-- Neal Boortz
"The mobs of the great cities add just so much to the support of pure government as sores do to the strength of the human body. It is the manners and spirit of a people which preserve a republic in vigor. A degeneracy in these is a canker which soon eats to the heart of its laws and constitution."-- Thomas Jefferson

"The United States shall guarantee to every state in this union a republican form of government..."-- U. S. ConstitutionSource: United States Constitution, Article IV, Section 4