This was sent to me by the leader of our FRG.
The Quiet Warriors!
Wikipedia describes Veterans Day as “an annual American holiday honoring military veterans.” It goes on to describe a veteran as “a person who has or is working in the armed forces, or a person who has had long service or experience in an occupation or office.
At the risk of alienating my brothers and sisters in arms with whom I served more than thirty years, and without disrespecting, in any way, those warriors who have sacrificed much more than I could even imagine, there is another group of “veterans” we sometimes forget to honor, even take for granted, but should be honored right along those who have worn a uniform. They too are Warriors. They’re the Quiet Warriors.
We don't have a holiday in their honor. They just go on doing what we expect of them and reap no real benefits from their sacrifices. I've often said, and have always believed, that the folks who truly have the toughest job to do in the military are the families. They’re the Quiet Warriors. Now, don't get me wrong. After more than thirty years of active duty service and seeing all that I saw in those years, I know our warriors have a tough job to do. But, you know, we warriors sign up to do those tough jobs. When we go to battle we know that there's a possibility of not returning. When we get into battle we do what we're trained to do and we know what our responsibilities are. A warrior accepts the fact that, if required, she will give her life for her fellow warriors and her country.
Military families don't sign up for any of that. The really young families don't know that part of their contract is to possibly live a large portion of their lives without their spouse or without their parent. Oh, we tell them, but being told and living it are two different things. I recall, assigned to Ramstein Air Base in Germany not too long ago, I'd take every opportunity I could to go out to the DV (Distinguished Visitor) Hangar as a C-130, C-5, C-17, or some other type of aircraft would make it's turn toward that hangar. I'd stand there at attention and wait. I'd wait until the DVs in the aircraft were taken off. They called this the Missing Soldier Ceremony. The DVs were Warriors. They were taken off in flag-draped coffins. Luckily, Germany is usually wet most of the year, so I often credited the moisture in my eyes to the weather. As I'd stand there at attention, saluting my brothers and sisters in arms who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom, I'd think about that little boy or girl who's daddy or mommy was not coming home as expected. What do you tell a three or four year old son or daughter who asks, "Where's my mommy?" Or, "When's Daddy coming home?" Oh, you tell them the truth as best you can, and you hug them and assure them that all will be well...in time. I'd also think about the spouse who already had twice the work to do for what was supposed to be a short time, but now would have those responsibilities for life. Military families have always had the toughest jobs, and they always will. They're the Quiet Warriors.
We should never forget the sacrifices past warriors have made for us but at the same time we should always remember the service our military families provided those warriors so that they could do what they did. And their work never stops. They continue to be the backbone of the Warrior Spirit.
Veterans Day is a great day to honor all of our Warriors. Let's make this a great day and honor our military families, the Quiet Warriors!
¡HeirPower!
bob vásquez
Monday 10 November 2008
Friday 7 November 2008
Stinkin Deployments!
We have been home for almost two weeks and things have been really good. The baby adjusted better than I could have imagined. The kids started school and are enjoying being back with their friends. I never thought I would say that I liked England, but after being in NM for three months, England has grown on me.
It could just be the time of year. The fall foliage here is breathtaking. I love seeing all of the beautiful colors and seeing all of the leaves on the ground. Every time I see the maintenance people with their leaf blowers I am tempted to stop my car so that I can jump in a pile leaves. I love the fall!
We are about 4 months into this stinkin deployment and things are going as well as can be expected. I think there is a law somewhere that says you can’t complete a deployment until you will have at least one trip to the ER, all of your kids will get a stomach virus at the same time as you, your car will break down and one of your kids will try to see how far they can push you. Since we got all of that accomplished in the first three months, it seems like we are just killing time right now. Gotta love those stinkin deployments!
Since we have been home I have been busting my booty trying to get rid of stuff and make a little bit more room in this house. I have no idea how we acquired everything we have, but man we have A LOT of crap! I am hoping that we can get base housing in the next few months. We are on the list for a brand new 4 bedroom and I can hardly wait!
The reason I am writing this blog is to say sorry to all of my family and friends. I know that I have had a pretty crappy attitude since we moved here, and I am sure all of you have heard way too much griping from me about it. I had postpartum depression after I had Azariah and it wasn’t diagnosed until he was 8 months old. I was so miserable. I feel so bad for my husband and the kids because I was always in a fit about something. I don’t think we went a day without me saying “just another reason why England sucks ass.” With the help of a lot of prayer and Prozac I am doing much better and ready to embrace the once in a lifetime opportunity that my family has been given.
I just have to say that without my husband and kids I would have definitely lost my mind. God has blessed me with the most amazing man in the entire universe. He loved me when I was at my most unlovable. He has been so patient with me and stepped up with the kids. He helped with the housework, went to conferences, dr. appointments, took the kids to Karate, basketball practice, went to school full time and still managed work over forty hours a week!
My kids have been so good. They adjusted to having a new baby and have helped me more than I could have imagined. Sometimes I think they help too much, because Azariah is such a stinker! He is one stubborn little boy. He knows how to get his way and he will do whatever it takes to get what he wants. He has both of his sisters and his brother wrapped around his finger!
I am hoping that now that we have our lives a little more under control I will be able to blog more often. I know I covered A LOT in this blog, but since the baby has given me a few minutes I figured I would write everything that is on my mind.
It could just be the time of year. The fall foliage here is breathtaking. I love seeing all of the beautiful colors and seeing all of the leaves on the ground. Every time I see the maintenance people with their leaf blowers I am tempted to stop my car so that I can jump in a pile leaves. I love the fall!
We are about 4 months into this stinkin deployment and things are going as well as can be expected. I think there is a law somewhere that says you can’t complete a deployment until you will have at least one trip to the ER, all of your kids will get a stomach virus at the same time as you, your car will break down and one of your kids will try to see how far they can push you. Since we got all of that accomplished in the first three months, it seems like we are just killing time right now. Gotta love those stinkin deployments!
Since we have been home I have been busting my booty trying to get rid of stuff and make a little bit more room in this house. I have no idea how we acquired everything we have, but man we have A LOT of crap! I am hoping that we can get base housing in the next few months. We are on the list for a brand new 4 bedroom and I can hardly wait!
The reason I am writing this blog is to say sorry to all of my family and friends. I know that I have had a pretty crappy attitude since we moved here, and I am sure all of you have heard way too much griping from me about it. I had postpartum depression after I had Azariah and it wasn’t diagnosed until he was 8 months old. I was so miserable. I feel so bad for my husband and the kids because I was always in a fit about something. I don’t think we went a day without me saying “just another reason why England sucks ass.” With the help of a lot of prayer and Prozac I am doing much better and ready to embrace the once in a lifetime opportunity that my family has been given.
I just have to say that without my husband and kids I would have definitely lost my mind. God has blessed me with the most amazing man in the entire universe. He loved me when I was at my most unlovable. He has been so patient with me and stepped up with the kids. He helped with the housework, went to conferences, dr. appointments, took the kids to Karate, basketball practice, went to school full time and still managed work over forty hours a week!
My kids have been so good. They adjusted to having a new baby and have helped me more than I could have imagined. Sometimes I think they help too much, because Azariah is such a stinker! He is one stubborn little boy. He knows how to get his way and he will do whatever it takes to get what he wants. He has both of his sisters and his brother wrapped around his finger!
I am hoping that now that we have our lives a little more under control I will be able to blog more often. I know I covered A LOT in this blog, but since the baby has given me a few minutes I figured I would write everything that is on my mind.
Sunday 2 November 2008
Hi I'm Dorothy
A friend of mine wrote this and I wanted to share.
As you all know, the military has a way of uprooting a perfectly fine and happy family at the most inopertune times and placing them in the most unlikely places and situations. Its like the Wizard of Oz. I know, what an anology, but just play along. Its seems as if our entire life gets picked up and slammed down into something so unfamiliar, you’d swear you were dreaming. Or at least you’d wish you were. The military has a way of choosing the oddest variety of people to be neighbors. They place them all together, with the only similar interest being - the military - and make them all get along.(aka Dorothy, the Lion, the Scarecrow and the Tinman) Sometimes it works! I have some great neighbors. They treat you like family and would do anything for you. But you are not always so lucky. They’re some that are heartless, and scared and even some that you swear their brain fell right out of their ears. In every neighborhood their is a " wicked witch" just watching you and stiring up trouble. They’ll get you and your little dog too. I promise! They will send down their "little monkeys"(aka kids) and they will tear up your home and hurt your childrens feelings. Sometimes you just want to pick up your house, slam it on top of them and take their pretty shoes. You can only hope they’re in your size!! But in the end the military( the great and powerful Oz) will grant you your wish. No, the viscious neighbor wont melt( although, that would be nice) but your newly aquired, pretty shoes will take you to a place far far away. They’ll pack up your whole world once again, And all that you’ve been through will be just a memory...lets just hope this time they slam your house down in a much nicer place with much nicer people. Just remember, theres always a "good witch" and a "wicked witch". Watch you back. You never know who is who.
As you all know, the military has a way of uprooting a perfectly fine and happy family at the most inopertune times and placing them in the most unlikely places and situations. Its like the Wizard of Oz. I know, what an anology, but just play along. Its seems as if our entire life gets picked up and slammed down into something so unfamiliar, you’d swear you were dreaming. Or at least you’d wish you were. The military has a way of choosing the oddest variety of people to be neighbors. They place them all together, with the only similar interest being - the military - and make them all get along.(aka Dorothy, the Lion, the Scarecrow and the Tinman) Sometimes it works! I have some great neighbors. They treat you like family and would do anything for you. But you are not always so lucky. They’re some that are heartless, and scared and even some that you swear their brain fell right out of their ears. In every neighborhood their is a " wicked witch" just watching you and stiring up trouble. They’ll get you and your little dog too. I promise! They will send down their "little monkeys"(aka kids) and they will tear up your home and hurt your childrens feelings. Sometimes you just want to pick up your house, slam it on top of them and take their pretty shoes. You can only hope they’re in your size!! But in the end the military( the great and powerful Oz) will grant you your wish. No, the viscious neighbor wont melt( although, that would be nice) but your newly aquired, pretty shoes will take you to a place far far away. They’ll pack up your whole world once again, And all that you’ve been through will be just a memory...lets just hope this time they slam your house down in a much nicer place with much nicer people. Just remember, theres always a "good witch" and a "wicked witch". Watch you back. You never know who is who.
Thursday 30 October 2008
it's been a while
Ahhhhh, I finally have a few minutes to myself. All of the kids are upstairs playing the Wii, so I figured I would post a short blog to let everyone know what has been going on in the world of Horne.
As most of you know Allen left for his 7th deployment in July. He took a team of 13 guys and has been keeping busy in the desert. For a while he had considered applying for a commission in the Army, but THANK GOD that was short lived. He decided that when he gets home he will apply for OTS and try to get a commission in the Air Force. Please keep him and his guys (and their families) in your prayers.
Since Allen was gone, the kids and I decided to go back home for a few months. I decided that I would home school them, and keep them on the same curriculum that they were on in DODDS. I think home schooling was the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life. Getting Ritza to do math was like pulling teeth. Martina has a hard time in math, so spent a lot of time on it. Ricky loves math! He would do his assignment in 15 minutes. But getting him to do anything else was a nightmare. I think I spent over $300 a Barnes and Noble trying to find a book that he would enjoy reading. It was nice Because school only took a couple of hours a day, but those 2 hours were HARD!
While we were in NM Ricky decided that he wanted to play tackle football. I was a little reluctant, but with a little persuasion he convinced me. Man, football is a HUGE commitment. We had practice 5 days a week for 2 hours a day and after games started we had practice 4 days a week and a game on Saturday. Thank GOD I had my dad there to help me. He would go to practice once or twice a week, so that I could get home before 8pm. I don't think I ever missed Allen more than I did during football season. It was hard, but we managed and Ricky had a great time.
Azariah turned a year old and started walking while we were in NM. He is a little terror. He got kicked out of nursery at church every Sunday that we went, because he is so rough. I don't think he was trying to be mean, but he doesn't know how to interact with kids his age. This deployment has been really hard on him. After Allen left he quit eating table food. All he wants to do is nurse and use me as his pacifier. Poor little guy!
The kids and I came back to England on Saturday and we had planned on staying until right before Thanksgiving. Then the girls went to Club Beyond (the youth group at the Chapel) and they saw all of their friends and they came home and told me that they don't want to go back to NM. I asked Ricky how he felt and he said that he wanted to stay here and go to school with his friends too, so yesterday I enrolled them back in school.
Now that I am home I am hoping to have more time to organized the house and maybe work on weaning Azariah. I can't believe he is 13 months old and has never slept in his bed. I used to be so good about keeping the kids on track. The girls and Ricky were sleeping through the night by the time they were 2 months old. I had them weaned by the time they were a year, they always took naps and stayed on schedule. Azariah has a mind of his own and he is just as stubborn as his daddy. I think I have finally met my match, with a 26 pound little man named Azariah Francisco Martina Horne! Wish me luck cause I think it's gonna be a bumpy ride!
As most of you know Allen left for his 7th deployment in July. He took a team of 13 guys and has been keeping busy in the desert. For a while he had considered applying for a commission in the Army, but THANK GOD that was short lived. He decided that when he gets home he will apply for OTS and try to get a commission in the Air Force. Please keep him and his guys (and their families) in your prayers.
Since Allen was gone, the kids and I decided to go back home for a few months. I decided that I would home school them, and keep them on the same curriculum that they were on in DODDS. I think home schooling was the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life. Getting Ritza to do math was like pulling teeth. Martina has a hard time in math, so spent a lot of time on it. Ricky loves math! He would do his assignment in 15 minutes. But getting him to do anything else was a nightmare. I think I spent over $300 a Barnes and Noble trying to find a book that he would enjoy reading. It was nice Because school only took a couple of hours a day, but those 2 hours were HARD!
While we were in NM Ricky decided that he wanted to play tackle football. I was a little reluctant, but with a little persuasion he convinced me. Man, football is a HUGE commitment. We had practice 5 days a week for 2 hours a day and after games started we had practice 4 days a week and a game on Saturday. Thank GOD I had my dad there to help me. He would go to practice once or twice a week, so that I could get home before 8pm. I don't think I ever missed Allen more than I did during football season. It was hard, but we managed and Ricky had a great time.
Azariah turned a year old and started walking while we were in NM. He is a little terror. He got kicked out of nursery at church every Sunday that we went, because he is so rough. I don't think he was trying to be mean, but he doesn't know how to interact with kids his age. This deployment has been really hard on him. After Allen left he quit eating table food. All he wants to do is nurse and use me as his pacifier. Poor little guy!
The kids and I came back to England on Saturday and we had planned on staying until right before Thanksgiving. Then the girls went to Club Beyond (the youth group at the Chapel) and they saw all of their friends and they came home and told me that they don't want to go back to NM. I asked Ricky how he felt and he said that he wanted to stay here and go to school with his friends too, so yesterday I enrolled them back in school.
Now that I am home I am hoping to have more time to organized the house and maybe work on weaning Azariah. I can't believe he is 13 months old and has never slept in his bed. I used to be so good about keeping the kids on track. The girls and Ricky were sleeping through the night by the time they were 2 months old. I had them weaned by the time they were a year, they always took naps and stayed on schedule. Azariah has a mind of his own and he is just as stubborn as his daddy. I think I have finally met my match, with a 26 pound little man named Azariah Francisco Martina Horne! Wish me luck cause I think it's gonna be a bumpy ride!
Saturday 24 May 2008
MIA
It's been quite awhile since I have been on here. Seems like there just aren't enough hours in the day to keep up with everything that I need to do. I will post some pics as soon as I get some free time this weekend....
Update on Dad
I just wanted to write a quick update about my dad. I am not up to talking to anyone so PLEASE don’t call me today. Yesterday my dad had an Angiogram, and we fully expected them to schedule open heart surgery on him. My mom called me about three this morning and told me that the Dr. said that there is nothing else that can be done.
The Dr. found that all of my dad’s arteries are clogged he said that there is nothing that they can do about it. My dad has had 3 heart attacks and after the one he had last May, he just hasn’t been feeling like he normally does. My dad is a cowboy, a hard worker and he has never been one to sit around and do nothing. Since last year he has been feeling sluggish and not had the energy to do everything he normally does.
When I went home last month I took him to his cardiologist. I can honestly say that this is the worst experience I have ever had with a Dr. Dr. Massoud, was aloof, and condescending when spoke to my dad. He told my dad that even though he only has twenty percent of his heart functioning, he is fine, and that his heart sounded fine. My father asked about starting the paperwork so that he could retire, and the Dr. said that there is no need, he said that my father’s heart is fine. He listened to it no more than 10 seconds and this bastard had the nerve to say that my dad is fine. He made my dad feel like everything is all in his head. This dr. is a worthless piece of crap. He has no bedside manner and seems like he is only in the medical profession for the money, because he sure as hell doesn’t care about his patients.
I suppose a big part of the reason that I hate the UK so much is because of the fact that I am so far away from my family right now. Honestly I have never been more homesick, than I am right now. I am praying that Allen can get a humanitarian reassignment and we can get moved closer to home. Allen is torn about this right now, because he is set to deploy and he doesn’t want to be labeled a “dirt bag” who is trying to get out of a deployment. As of right now, the kids are going home as soon as Allen leaves and we will be in Tulie until Allen comes home next spring. When he gets home or towards the end of his deployment he will apply for a humanitarian and hopefully we can PCS to Albuquerque or Tucson.
I will keep everyone updated as to what is going on. Please keep all of my family in your prayers. I don’t think we have ever needed them as bad as we do right now.
The Dr. found that all of my dad’s arteries are clogged he said that there is nothing that they can do about it. My dad has had 3 heart attacks and after the one he had last May, he just hasn’t been feeling like he normally does. My dad is a cowboy, a hard worker and he has never been one to sit around and do nothing. Since last year he has been feeling sluggish and not had the energy to do everything he normally does.
When I went home last month I took him to his cardiologist. I can honestly say that this is the worst experience I have ever had with a Dr. Dr. Massoud, was aloof, and condescending when spoke to my dad. He told my dad that even though he only has twenty percent of his heart functioning, he is fine, and that his heart sounded fine. My father asked about starting the paperwork so that he could retire, and the Dr. said that there is no need, he said that my father’s heart is fine. He listened to it no more than 10 seconds and this bastard had the nerve to say that my dad is fine. He made my dad feel like everything is all in his head. This dr. is a worthless piece of crap. He has no bedside manner and seems like he is only in the medical profession for the money, because he sure as hell doesn’t care about his patients.
I suppose a big part of the reason that I hate the UK so much is because of the fact that I am so far away from my family right now. Honestly I have never been more homesick, than I am right now. I am praying that Allen can get a humanitarian reassignment and we can get moved closer to home. Allen is torn about this right now, because he is set to deploy and he doesn’t want to be labeled a “dirt bag” who is trying to get out of a deployment. As of right now, the kids are going home as soon as Allen leaves and we will be in Tulie until Allen comes home next spring. When he gets home or towards the end of his deployment he will apply for a humanitarian and hopefully we can PCS to Albuquerque or Tucson.
I will keep everyone updated as to what is going on. Please keep all of my family in your prayers. I don’t think we have ever needed them as bad as we do right now.
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