Sunday, October 24, 2010

VETERANS DAY 2010 MILITARY TRIBUTE

TunesNorth

Join us now and this Veteran's Day for a tribute to the
Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Wall.
A Military Tribute to the more than 50,000 Fallen Warriors
I do not claim any rights to the lyrics or music.
I only sing this fantastic song written by Jamie O'Hara,
In the style of George Jones.

George's version of this awesome song was one of the very first videos
I ever watched here on the tube.
I was so moved by this fantastic song,
and how this great man and legend used music
To support our Brothers and Sisters of Service

I knew right then that I wanted to make the same type of videos.
I come from a long line of Military Veterans
And I am proud to have served in the Navy.
My Brother-in-Law has two children serving now.
A Son and a Daughter.
Check this out, both of them are graduates of West Point!

Well on Oct, 16th after recording the soundtrack for my Veteran's Day video
I wanted to do something special for the footage we would use.
I thought of several locations, like the Fort Custer National Cemetery here in Michigan.

Although that is indeed a worthy site,
the more I thought about it there was really only one place to go.

The Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Wall in Washington DC.

The idea came to me Friday afternoon, a few hours later we were on our way.

Traveling with my good friend and fellow Navy Veteran Rodney, we were off like the wind.
A mere 15 hours or so later we were there.
We had a tough time navigating through all the busy traffic, construction, and one way streets.
And by the time we found the wall the light was gone, and there we were.

We decided to ride around see the sites, and take a few photos.

What an unbelievable experience. Drove around until about 1 am.

Since we wanted to get up early, we just slept in the car,
This ended up being a little tougher than I remember.

We were at the wall bright and early, and I began to play to get the footage,
Using a small boom box to play the background track,
I actually played, to get a good video.

Several people had gathered around, and I saw the tears on an old fellow Veteran's
face as he stood there and listened. That really moved me.

There was a group of visitors there from Japan. A woman stood close to me
So her friends (about 10 in all) could take her picture.

Then there was a pause, and one of the fella's walked up for a shot.
I thought, what the heck, I stepped closer and put my arm around him.
This was greeted with much laughter and excitement, as I posed there with every single one of them.

It made me feel good to give so much pleasure with such a simple gesture.

We put a lot of effort into this project, and I am very pleased with the results.
Hope you enjoy your visit.

Click here for tribute.

Lyrics to: 50,000 Names on the Wall
by Jamie O'Hara.

There's teddy bear's and high school rings
And old photographs that mama's bring
Of Daddy's with their young boy's
Playing ball

There's combat boots that he used to wear
When he was sent over there
And there's 50,000 names carved in the wall

There's cigarettes and there's cans of beer
And notes that say, I miss you Dear
And children who don't say anything at all.

There's Purple Heart's and packs of gum
Fatherless Daughters and Fatherless Sons
And there's 50,000 names carved in the wall.

They come from all across this land
In pickup trucks and mini vans
Searching for a boy from long ago

They scan the wall and find his name
The tear drops fall like pouring rain
And silently they leave a gift and go

There's Star's of David and Rosary Beads
And crucifix's and figurines
And flowers of all colors large and small

There's a Boy Scout badge and a merit pin
Little American Flags waving in the wind
And there's 50,000 names carved in the wall
And there's 50,000 names carved in the wall

I am very honored to be a participant in the great
Online Veteran's Day Telethon.
This is a huge event, 3rd annual, and will air on the 6th of Nov.
Also again on Veteran's day. The entire program will be recorded to disc
And distributed to our troops in the field.
I have been invited to participate via webcam as well.
I consider this a great honor indeed.

Thank you for the visit, and your time.
Drop by for a howdy, door's always open!

Always ready to meet a new friend.
Have a fantastic day.
Take care.

Tom
TunesNorth

IF I DIE

This video is a tribute and a thank-you to all those who have served our country. The song is "If I Die Before You Wake" by Dustin Evans.

Click here to listen and watch the video.

Say a prayer for all our troops for their safe return to their families and friends.


God Bless the U. S. A.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

In Observance of Veterans Day

Some good discounts coming up for our Veterans to take advantage of!!  Please pass the word and thanks!


 www.Syracusevaea.org
PRESENTS
For our US Veteran Employees
In Observance of Veterans Day
Thank you for your service to our country. Read below for discount and free offerings from the business community. Oorah!

Pay attention to the DATES as they vary…..

Free night's stay at a Bed & Breakfast on November 10th for active duty or prior military. Follow the link below or cut and paste it to your browser:

http://www.bnbsforvets.org/participants.html
ON 11 NOV:
Applebee's is offering a free meal (specific menu) to all military personnel currently serving, who have served (veterans) or who have retired http://www.applebees.com/vetsDay/default.aspx.

UNO Chicago Grill is offering a free entree or individual pizza (with an entrée or pizza purchase of equal or greater value) to all military personnel currently serving, who have served (veterans) or who have retired. www.unos.com/vet1.html.

Salute from Outback Steakhouse:  As an expression of Outback Steakhouse's appreciation to our Country's veterans and active duty military*, a free Bloomin' Onion and beverage of choice (one non-alcoholic drink or one draft Anheuser Busch beer except where prohibited by law) will be available to them at every Outback in the country on Veterans Day. Please visit www.outback.com for locations. * This offer is available to the following Military Personnel who have one of the following forms of identifications on November 11, 2010: U.S Uniform Services Identification Card, U.S Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), DD form 214 Veterans Organization Card (i.e., American Legion and VFW), Photograph in Uniform, Wearing Uniform.

There are more than 100 national parks giving free admissions on Veterans Day; check the web site for a specific park you might be interested in to see who is eligible.  To honor America's service men and women, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced that areas managed by the department will not charge entrance fees.  Visitors to public recreation lands managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation are invited to take a day to honor and reflect on what our service men and women have done to maintain our freedom and keep peace around the world, Salazar said.

Free Hugo® Canes for Veterans:  In honor of Veterans Day, Sam's Club® locations nationwide will distribute 36,000 Hugo® canes free of charge on November 10th, 11th and 12th, 2010 to U.S. military veterans in need of mobility assistance. We salute our veterans for all the incredible contributions made to our country. To all who have served... Thank You!  Limited quantities available only while supplies last. Sam's Club® Membership is not required. Proof of military service may be required. Canes provided by Hugo®. Sam's Club® is a proud sponsor of this program.


The Dollar General is honoring men and women who have served our country in the military with a special discount on Veterans Day. On Nov. 11, all veterans, active duty military, National Guard and Reserve, and their immediate families will receive a 10% discount with a Veterans Day coupon. The coupon may be found in the Nov. 1 advertising circular in stores or by asking a Dollar General sales associate for the coupon.


Home Depot and Lowe's Military Discount:  The 10% military discount is available to Active-duty military members, National Guard and Reserve members, retirees, honorably discharged veterans and immediate family members of all those groups are eligible. Customers requesting a discount must be able to show a valid military ID card or other proof of military service (a DD Form 214 or VFW membership may qualify). Check at the store before purchasing.

There is no endorsement by the VAEA, the Medical Center of the Department of Veterans Affairs of any business listed here.

Contact Paco Valle at ext 52843 if you have any questions.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

HALLOWEEN PARTY - YEAH!


On Saturday the 9th of October, the Legion Family at Post 418 in Phoenix had a Halloween party for children with special needs. Fun was had by all with music supplied by Sully's Karaoke Crew.


There was face-painting, coloring contests, costume judging and much more. There was Karaoke by Sully and his super group of entertainers. 



Food was available, as well as treats of all sorts including brown and orange cupcakes. 

There were skunks, race car drivers, and lots more . . . .


The Cat Lady was there!!! Meeooww!!!


Watch out for that skeleton man!!!

Watch out for ghosts! ! ! We had them ! !


These are the guys protecting our freedoms!!!


Our heroes !!! How can we go wrong ???

No matter what. Everyone had fun and lots of candy and treats. We hope our next one is bigger and better and draws more people. Thanks to all who helped make it a great day for the kids!

NEW LEGION DOCUMENTARY

‘This could be a 10-hour miniseries’
By Laura Edwards - October 10, 2010

Jason Heit (left) and Stephen Grudenic of Blackhorse Productions
discuss the DVD during the 2010 American Legion 
 Spring Meetings. Photo by James V. Carroll






A new documentary tells the story of The American Legion, from its founding in 1919 to today. Filmed by California’s Blackhorse Productions, “History of The American Legion: A National Legacy” is available on DVD from Emblem Sales for $19.95. A portion of the proceeds goes to Legion programs.

There's a great 4+ minute preview of this documentary on youtube... click here.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

76 FREEDOM CAR UPDATE

Jerick Johnson and The American Legion/David Law Firm
76 Freedom Car travels to Rockingham Speedway
for series finale. Photo by James V. Carroll

Jerick Johnson, driver of The American Legion/David Law Firm 76 Freedom Car, is in North Carolina this week preparing for the American 200 at Rockingham Speedway. The 200-lap, 200 mile race is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. (EST) on Saturday and will be televised live on SPEED.

As Johnson prepares for ARCA's final race, he stands in second place for the CGS Imaging Hard Charger Award - a mere three points behind award leader Patrick Sheltra.

"I feel pretty good about our chances to catch the 60 Car for the Hard Charger Award," Johnson said. "I'm glad about the position we are in because we haven't raced all the races this year. I think had we raced all 20 races in the series like the rest of these guys, we'd probably be in the lead."

The driver who advances the most positions during each race will be awarded the CGS Imaging Hard Charger Award for that event, and will receive a $200 product certificate per race. And the driver with the most points at the end of the season will receive the CGS Imaging Hard Charger of the Year award, along with a full racecar wrap valued at $2,500.

Johnson, who is 18th in championship points in the ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards, has competed in 13 of 19 possible starts this year.

"Patrick Sheltra is racing for the ARCA Series points championship," Johnson said. "That puts us in a good position for the Hard Charger Award. We only have to pass four more cars than he does at Rockingham, and we will get the Hard Charger award - just four cars more."

Johnson is coming off 19th place and 16th place finishes at Salem Speedway and Kansas Speedway, respectively. He qualified 25th in both races, earning 15 points to narrow Sheltra's Hard Charger lead to three points.

To watch a video of Jerick Johnson at pitside, click here.