The Africa Series!--Part 2--Rwanda!

Hotel Rwanda--Based on the true story during the Rwanda Genocide

After my summer trip to Senegal, I decided that my son and I would do a Unit Study on Africa this year. I wanted to learn about as many African countries as we could, but I especially wanted to learn about 3 countries in particular: Sudan, Darfur has been a focus of mine, Rwanda because of the genocide in 1994 and Somalia because of Black Hawk Down.

After learning of the genocide in 1994, I also learned that like most African countries, Rwanda has a lot of orphans and street kids. Operation World is a book that has statistics on every single country in the world and how you can pray for them.(I use it all the time, and highly recommend it!) According to OW, Rwanda has up to 900,000 orphans.

It is for this reason, that I picked a 12 year old girl named Beatha from Rwanda to sponsor. The group I went with, Food for the Hungry, had several countries in Africa, but I felt led to Rwanda. My kids are helping with their money as well in this sponsorship. So, it has become a family project.

What made me even prouder, was when my 17 year old daughter went to a Christian concert and decided to sponsor a little boy with AIDS from Rwanda all by herself. She is sponsoring him through Compassion.

I am seriously considering and praying about going back to Africa this coming summer. I am looking at a possible Tanzania trip, and I also found a trip to orphanages in Ethiopia and Rwanda that looks awesome, but praying for God to lead me where He wants me to go.

Previously:
The Africa Series!--Part 1--Senegal ABC's!

The Africa Series!--Part 1--Senegal ABC's!

My passion for Africa started awhile ago, and ever since my trip to Senegal, it has exploded. I am in love with all things Africa.

God got a hold of my heart through politics/current events and through home schooling my son. We are now doing a Unit Study on Africa and making our way through each country. I will be posting about that in this series.

My first post is about my trip to Senegal. I meant to post something right away, but life was crazy and I never got around to it. Below is something I came up with for my church presentation and a letter I sent out. I had to change it a little for safety precautions.

Senegal ABC’s
A-African jewelry-I was given and bought to bring home.
B—Babies I got to love on
C—Charms-many villagers still think they need these to protect them from evil spirits.
D—Dakota, who was one of my teammates on the trip.
E—Ethiopia-One of the men on our team was born in Ethiopia, which gave him a special bond with the people we met.
F—French is spoken by some villagers but most spoke tribal languages.
G—Goats, chickens and other animals roamed freely through the villages, fields and roads.
H—Hands—they eat with the right hand only, the left hand is used for other things.
I—Islam—A lot of the people believe in folk Islam which is a mix of Islam and ATR (African Traditional Religion).
J—Joni was the other woman on our team.
K—Kenya, Sudan and Tanzania were the African countries where my Pastor, Dr. Hadaway had gotten his experience in African Missions.
L—Late—I am notorious for having “issues” with time. So, I adapted to “Africa time” quite well.
M—Mosque—I went with Dr. Hadaway to the mosque one day and was swiftly kicked out.
N—No Problem!—Our driver’s favorite phrase in English!
O—Orphans—the street kids broke my heart and made me want to sweep them all up and start my own orphanage.
P—Pop—I am a Coca-Cola addict, so I was shocked/happy to see that most places had Coke available for pretty cheap.
Q—Quickly, left to go to historical Goree Island. It was one of the main hubs where slaves were picked up and taken in the 1800’s.
R—Rhinos on the safari!
S—Safari that we got to go on!
T—Theater—so many of the experiences would remind me of movies/tv—Roots, Locked up Abroad, The Amazing Race.
U—Unbelievable—how stressful shopping was because of how they descended on you like vultures to pressure you into buying things.
V—Van got stuck in the mud numerous times. We were there in the rainy season.
W—Wife—Dr. Hadaway kept joking that I would become someone’s 3rd wife. I thought this was purely comic humor, but we found out it was all too real for the women who live there.
X—X-rated—I saw lots of naked people in the villages.
Y—Yummy—I wasn’t real excited about the tongue and the liver we prepared in the village, but the 1st week we ate at the retreat and that was great food.
Z—Zebras we saw at the Safari.

Previously:
Laura Bush Honored for her Work in Africa to Beat Malaria!
I am Going to Senegal, West Africa!

Laura Bush Honored for her Work in Africa to Beat Malaria!

Amazingly, George W. Bush did more for Africa while he was president, than any other U.S. president to date, and yet one would never know it. In 2006, he held a White House Malaria Summit and announced the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), which has led efforts in 17 countries in sub-Saharan Africa to end malaria deaths. I found this description by Tim Goeglein of Bush particularly telling:

In my present role with Focus on the Family, I had to be up in South Africa earlier this year. Everywhere I went, whether for business meetings or ministry meetings, I was amazed at how highly regarded George W. Bush is in Africa. That’s a direct result of his compassionate conservatism and his historic work battling AIDS and malaria there. The President’s PEPFAR initiative against AIDS, and his anti-malarial program, stand among his most significant foreign policy achievements, and yet they’re little known or appreciated now, at least in the United States. I hope they will be recognized over time.

The great thing about this "Africa Story" is that it became a family affair. Laura Bush and the Bush daughters also took it on as a cause while in the White House, and the whole family continues to help the people of Africa.

Laura Bush was honored last night for her efforts to beat malaria. I have fallen in love with Africa since my missions trip this summer, so I find the Bush family's efforts very inspirational. Kudos to Laura Bush!

Related Links:
--Analysis: How George W Bush became an African hero
--First Lady Laura Bush Discusses Her Family’s Dedication to Ending Malaria
--President's Malaria Initiative
--Malaria No More

No Higher Honor!--Condi Rice

Condoleeza Rice has now come out with her 2nd book. The 1st book was about her family, and I got an autographed copy when she came to Kansas City. It was entitled, Extraordinary, Ordinary People.

Rice's latest book is entitled, No Higher Honor and it is about her 8 years in the White House. She shares a lot in her interview with Hannity in the above videos.

Previously:
Lunch with Condoleeza Rice!

The Pacific!--Part 1

A little boy asked me, he said, "Mr. Tatum," he said, "are you a hero of Iwo Jima?" I said, "No, son, I'm only a survivor, we buried all the heroes."--Chuck Tatum

Awhile ago, I watched the mini-series Band of Brothers, which was based on a book written about the fighting in Europe during World War II. A companion mini-series was done entitled The Pacific, which I just finished watching. It was based on stories of men who fought in the Pacific. There is an official website dedicated to the real marines whose lives were portrayed in the series.

Several men wrote books on their experiences, Robert Leckie wrote, Helmet for My Pillow. Eugene Sledge wrote With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa. Chuck Tatum wrote many books, one of them being about John Basilone, and one about Iwo Jima entitled, Red Blood Black Sand.

It was amazing, and so well done. It is not for the faint of heart, and not for children. Yet, it gives you, maybe, just a glimpse of the hell that the World War II veterans went through on our behalf. I don't know how we ever thank them enough for what they did. And, to think that when they came back, they were just expected to resume their life in society.

The above video is of one of the real life veterans who was portrayed in the movie. His video touched me the most. I liked a lot about the series, so I will be posting more.

Facebook pages:
Chuck Tatum
R.V. Burgin
Sidney Phillips

10th Anniversary of 9/11--Part 3

A powerful video done by Media Research Center. I found it at NewsBusters. All the more moving when you see our beloved Tony Snow, who is no longer with us.


Rumsfeld weighs in on the attacks on the Pentagon!

The First Annual Jeremy Katzenberger Memorial Triathlon was held yesterday at Weatherby Lake in honor of Jeremy. I did a post on him awhile back. He was killed in action in Afghanistan on June 14 of this year, fighting for our freedom. A friend of mine participated in it, and blogged about it.

Previously:
10th Anniversary of 9/11--Part 2
10th Anniversary of 9/11!

10th Anniversary of 9/11--Part 2

Mike's America...Ten Years Since 9/11: We Will Not Forget the Attacks and the Sacrifice of Those Who Keep Us Safe Today

Gateway Pundit...George W. Bush at Flight 93 Memorial: “One of the Lessons of 9-11 Is That Evil Is Real and So Is Courage” (Video)


Bush quotes:

On 9-11, “The most lives lost on American soil on a single day since the Battle of Antietam.”

“One of the lessons of 9-11 is that evil is real and so is courage.”

“At the moment American democracy was under attack our citizens defied their captors by holding a vote. The choice they made would cost them their lives. And they knew it. Many passengers called their loved ones to say good-bye. Then hung up to perform their final act.”

“The Flight 93 heroes led the first counter attack in the WAR ON TERROR.”

“The temptation of isolation is deadly wrong.”

Previously:
10th Anniversary of 9/11!

10th Anniversary of 9/11!

I've been watching lots of shows commemorating the 10th anniversary of September 11th. National Geographic Channel has especially done a phenomenal job. Below are just some of the programs they have aired, and it looks like they will re-air all of them on September 11th:

--Giuliani's 9/11
--George W. Bush: The 9/11 Interview
--9/11: Where Were You?
--Witness DC 9/11
--Inside 9/11-Zero Hour
--Inside 9/11-War on America
--Inside 9/11-The War Continues
--Inside Al Qaeda

Rich Lowry's A Decade of Heroes:

When there’s a danger — and especially when there’s a war — there’s no substitute for the courage that has been the stuff of legend and of national honors down through the centuries. The brute fact is that most of us aren’t capable of it — for us courage is, in Miller’s words, “a glorious and admonishing phantom.” We can only stand in uncomprehending awe of the acts of the truly courageous.

Why did Jay Jonas and his unit in the North Tower of the World Trade Center, evacuating as it was on the verge of collapse, stop to carry out a distressed woman even though it slowed their escape? Why did a band of passengers on Flight 93 storm the cockpit of their hijacked plane? Why did Jason Dunham, Ross McGinnis, and Michael Monsoor — all Medal of Honor winners from the Iraq War — throw themselves on grenades to save their comrades?

Ask a firefighter such a question and he’s liable to answer, “That’s just what we do.” What we do, in turn, is express our astonishment and gratitude.

Previously:
2010--September 11th --May We Never Forget!!
2009--Remembering 9/11!!
2008--September 11th--May We Never Forget!!
2007--September 11th--My Generation's Pearl Harbor
2006--9/11 Tribute To Christina De Laura
2005--Remembering September 11th

President George W. Bush's 9/11 Interview!

"George W. Bush: The 9/11 Interview" premieres this Sunday, August 28th, at 9:00 PM Central on the National Geographic Channel. Tune in to see the interview and never-before-seen photos and videos from the George W. Bush Presidential Library. The above video is a sneak peek of President Bush's personal account of his experience on September 11th, 2001.

More details at National Geographic!

--George W. Bush's facebook page

--Freedom Alliance is promoting it as well

Remembering Jeremy: A True American Hero!!

 

“Jeremy was the epitome of a Ranger squad leader; he is a hero to our Nation, the Army and his family.”--Col. Michael E. Kurilla, commander, 75th Ranger Regt

My heart is heavy today as I go to the funeral of an Army Ranger!

We went to church with a wonderful family that had 4 sons. My husband and I worked with their boys in the youth group, and I went with their youngest, Jeremy, on a missions trip to Monterrey, Mexico.

Three out of their four sons decided to join the military. I remember talking to Jeremy not long before he left to join the Rangers. Tragically, on June 14th, Jeremy was killed in action.

Special Operations Press Release:

FORT BRAGG, NC – A U.S. Army Ranger was killed in action on June 14 during combat operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Staff Sgt. Jeremy Andrew Katzenberger was assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, at Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.

He was killed by direct fire from enemy forces during a heavy firefight while conducting combat operations in Paktika Province.

A native of Weatherby Lake, Mo., Katzenberger enlisted in the U.S. Army in October 2004. For more than six years, Katzenberger served as a rifleman, automatic rifleman, team leader and Ranger squad leader in 1st Bn., 75th Ranger Regt.
The 75th Ranger Regt. has been continuously deployed to Afghanistan since October 2001.

“Staff Sgt. Katzenberger was a phenomenal Ranger who died while leading his men in an assault against our enemies. He died while protecting our Nation and we will not forget his sacrifice,” said Col. Michael Foster, commander, 1st Bn., 75th Ranger Regt. “He was universally respected by every member of this command and was a devoted, loving husband and proud father. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Katzenberger family.”

Katzenberger previously served on four deployments to Iraq and this was his fourth deployment to Afghanistan.

“I wish the American people could truly understand the dedication and sacrifice that Staff Sgt. Jeremy Katzenberger made for his country. Since early 2005, Jeremy has either been in combat or training for combat. This was his eighth combat deployment,” said Col. Michael E. Kurilla, commander, 75th Ranger Regt. “Jeremy was the epitome of a Ranger squad leader; he is a hero to our Nation, the Army and his family.”

Katzenberger is survived by his wife Colleen A. (Montgomery) Katzenberger, son Everett James both of Richmond Hill, Ga., and his parents Robert and Peggy Katzenberger of Weatherby Lake, Mo.

...Shades of Gray's pictures of Jeremy's processional

...Gov. Nixon orders flags to half-staff in honor of fallen soldier


My thoughts and prayers have been with the Katzenberger family ever since I learned of his death. May God comfort them during this time of tragic loss!

Sites in honor of Jeremy:
Remembering Jeremy
Remembering SSG Jeremy Katzenberger

A Review of A Place of Yes!

The Myth of Normal!
There is no normal. People and families are who they are, and each one is unique. Your childhood was what it was, and your life now can be whatever you want it to be. Don't seek out normal. Seek out functional. Seek out successful. Seek out happy. To do that, you have to find what works for you, never what you think is supposed to work for people in general.

Don't look to others to show you what you are supposed to be. There are no people "in general." It doesn't matter what anybody else thinks of your life. All that matters is what you think of it, and what you decide to make of it.--Bethenny Frankel

The latest book I finished reading was A Place of Yes, by reality star, Bethenny Frankel. The above quote was my favorite from the book, although I highlighted a big portion of it. While, I would've never imagined reading a book by one of the Real Housewives, Frankel is my favorite. She is very real and genuine. She is open, honest and inspirational in a way that others can't be.

I found her personal story compelling and her words of advice motivating. Her Act on it chapter was one of the reasons that I decided to step out in faith and go to Africa! I highly recommend it!

My 2011 Book List!

As you can tell from the lists, I indulged in my criminal justice side at the beginning of the year. Ann Rule is a phenomenal criminal justice writer.

I am now trying to finish Bush's memoir and I have a zillion other books I'd like to get too, as always.

Here are the books that I have read:

1) 365 Ways to Boost Your Metabolism--Rachel Laferriere
2) September 11, 2001--Wilborn Hampton
3) Smoke, Mirrors, and Murder--Ann Rule
4) Praying Successfully--Charles Spurgeon
5) Every Breath You Take--Ann Rule
6) The Pastor's Wife--Diane Fanning
7) Senegal--Elizabeth Berg
8) Senegal--Tanya Mulroy
9) Day by Day with C.H. Spurgeon--Al Bryant
10) A Place of Yes--Bethenny Frankel
11) Mary Slessor--Sam Wellman
12) The Power in Prayer--Charles Spurgeon
13) The Kingdom of God in Africa--Shaw
14) Genocide in Rwanda--Frank Spalding
15) The Attack Against the U.S. Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania--Amanda Ferguson
16) Door of No Return--Steven Barboza
17) The Oklahoma City Bombing--Geraldine Giordano
18) The African-American Slave Trade--R.G. Grant
19) David Livingstone: The Pathfinder--Basil Matthews
20) The Attacks on the World Trade Center--Carolyn Gard
21) Murder at the 1972 Olympics in Munich--Sonneborn
22) The Bombing of Pan Am Flight 103--Doug Wicker
23) Sudan--Charles Piddock
24) John Wesley's Awakening--James Richard Joy
25) Dashing Through the Snow--Mary and Carol Higgins Clark

Here are the books on CD that I've listened too:

1) Green River, Running Red--Ann Rule
2) Kiss Me, Kill Me--Ann Rule
3) The Stranger Beside Me--Ann Rule
4) Too Late to Say Goodbye--Ann Rule
5) Epic--John Eldredge
6) Men in Black--Mark Levin
7) Flags of our Fathers--James Bradley
8) The Skinnygirl Rules--Bethenny Frankel

I am Going to Senegal, West Africa!

I have been horrible about neglecting my blog lately. I have tons of stuff I want to post, its just been hard to find the time. I am hoping I can find a balance between work, writing and everything else and still find a little time to blog.

I am very excited about the subject of this post. For about a year or so, I have felt this nudge from God about going to Africa on a short-term missions trip. I have been studying the countries with my son in school and praying for different countries via Samaritan's Purse's Prayer Points.

An opportunity arose recently for me to go, and the more I checked into it, the more it seemed right up my alley. I prayed about it and talked to my family and stepped out in faith. God has been amazing. I found out about the trip a little late, so I needed to raise $2,100 in a little over a week. I knew that if God wanted me to go, He would provide. And that He did. He waited up until a couple days before, but He provided. The whole amount was $3,500 and I am almost there. Amazing!!

I have been reading and learning a lot about Senegal. Its definitely going to take me out of my comfort zone. I will be in the "bush" a big part of the time. And its a Muslim country, so I will have to wear covered attire.


Yet, I am excited about what an opportunity God has provided. Jeremy Camp's song, Walk by Faith is my theme song for the trip and the summer. Stay tuned for more posts!!

Books:
Senegal--Tanya Mulroy
Senegal--Elizabeth Berg

Memorial Day 2011!

I'm in the middle of watching the mini-series, Band of Brothers by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg. It is the story of Easy Company of the US Army 101st Airborne division and their mission in WWII Europe from Operation Overlord through V-J Day.


I was also excited when I saw that Ridley Scott was making a movie on Gettysburg to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. It aired today and I am looking forward to watching it. Scott did an incredible job on Black Hawk Down and he also works on The Good Wife which is one of my favorite shows right now.

A friend recently compiled a list of all the war movies he had seen into different categories. I am working on my list too, which I will post here in the near future. I often think that after being an historian on the Presidents, I would like to be a war historian as well.

These movies are great ways to remember the great men and women who have sacrificed so much so that we could be free!!

My Visit to the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum!

My Mom was in town this week, so her and I and a friend visited the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum in Atchison, Kansas. My Mom and I watched the movie Amelia the night before we went. Louise Foudray, Caretaker of the Museum had this to say about the movie:

Considering the difficulty in making a movie about Amelia Earhart, I think it was nicely done as far as it went. It showed her determination to defy convention and the emotion of the importance and danger of her flights. The affair with Eugene Vidal is in question. It did not show her depth of character, her skills and ability to the extent which she deserves.

A lot of aspects of her life, her family influence, her intelligence, her business skills, her teaching ability were not shown.

It did introduce us to a beautiful person of whom we need to know more.

The museum was wonderful and we were able to get a lot of questions answered by the woman who was there. She especially pointed out that there really was no evidence of the affair with Eugene Vidal.

Of course, as always, I have a weakness for museum gift shops. So I bought the above book and other items.

More on Osama Bin Laden...

The man who once called the United States “a paper tiger” and issued a fatwa to “kill all Americans” believed that our nation would not strike back if provoked. Today that man, responsible for the deaths of 3,000 Americans on September 11th, Osama bin Laden, is dead. It is an achievement of which our country can be proud.

Credit belongs to the courageous special operators who executed the mission. As America awoke to celebration this morning, these professionals quietly went about their work, for they know as well as any that this fight is not over.

Recognition should also go to the intelligence professionals who have worked tirelessly over the past decade to collect information on al Qaeda. Initial reports indicate that intelligence efforts at Guantanamo Bay may have played an essential role in this success.

All of this was made possible by the relentless, sustained pressure on al Qaeda that the Bush administration initiated after 9/11 and that the Obama administration has wisely chosen to continue.

This is an important victory in the fight against Islamist terrorism, but the struggle will go on. We must not have any illusions that it ends today or that America can afford to let down its guard tomorrow.--Donald Rumsfeld

Rudy Giuliani weighs in with his thoughts while at Ground Zero, an excerpt is below:

"This is a very significant victory," Giuliani said as he stood outside St. Paul's Chapel across the street from where the Twin Towers once stood. "I feel a deep sense of relief and satisfaction."

Meanwhile, supporters gather outside Bush's home to leave patriotic symbols and a sign that said, "President Obama forgot to say, Thank you President Bush."

Osama Bin Laden Killed by U.S. Special Forces!

Earlier this evening, President Obama called to inform me that American forces killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of the al Qaeda network that attacked America on September 11, 2001. I congratulated him and the men and women of our military and intelligence communities who devoted their lives to this mission. They have our everlasting gratitude. This momentous achievement marks a victory for America, for people who seek peace around the world, and for all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001. The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done.--President George W. Bush

The demise of Osama Bin Laden is a tremendous victory for the American
people. Justice has been done and we are all indebted to the American
military and intelligence community for their skill and dedication. Nothing can bring back Bin Laden's innocent victims, but perhaps this can help salve the wounds of their loved ones.

I am overwhelmed with pride in America and in those who protect us.
We are all united tonight in gratitude and love for our country.

God Bless America.--Condi Rice

It was an amazing night in history to witness, the death of Osama Bin Laden by the hands of U.S. Special Forces.

A friend of mine was on an airplane when she heard the news and tweeted this, "9/11 widow on my flight. In tears. Comforted by entire cabin. Life altering event to see."

Americans tonight are united in celebration and gratitude. God bless all the brave men and women in our military and our intelligence services who contributed to carrying out the successful mission to bring bin Laden to justice and who laid the groundwork over the years to make this victory possible. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of these brave Americans who relentlessly hunted down our enemy.

This is a victory for the American people, for the victims who were heartlessly murdered on September 11 and in Al Qaeda’s other numerous attacks, and for all the peace-loving people of the world.

May God bless our troops and our intelligence services, and God bless America!
- Sarah Palin

Michelle Malkin reminds us of all the innocent men, women and children that Osama was responsible for killing.

Congressman Paul Ryan's statement on the death of Bin Laden!

Bringing Ashley Home!

I watched a movie on Lifetime last night entitled, Bringing Ashley Home! It was based on the true life story of Libba Phillips. Libba searched for her sister Ashley who was a bi-polar drug addict. Since, Ashley was an addict, Libba ran into many obstacles, first and foremost, the police refusing to file her as a missing person.

Just like John Walsh and others, Libba used her experience as a platform to help others. She started the organization, Outpost for Hope. Outpost provides resources for those who are looking for the "missing, missing", those that are missing but go unreported.

I am always inspired by those that take a tragic situation, and turn it into something good. Libba Phillips is one of those people!

150th Anniversary of the Civil War!

Today is the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War! It is an amazing part of U.S. history. I have become a Civil War buff over this past year, as I did a Unit Study on it with my son for school. I especially was fascinated by the large number of women actively involved in the war, many disguising themselves as men so they could engage in the fighting.

Recently, I started watching additional movies and documentaries and started reading yet another book, The Blue and The Gray by Thomas B. Allen.


I found this older movie with the same title, The Blue and The Gray. It was filmed in 1982 and I'm sure many wouldn't like the quality, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was done in the same time period as Little House on the Prairie and Roots and had some of the same actors star in it. I was also amazed at how accurate a lot of it was, despite the fact that it wasn't a documentary.

After watching Ken Burns' wonderful Civil War documentary, I ended up purchasing it and plan on watching it again.

Previously:
~Women in the Civil War
~Studying the Civil War

5k Run For Orphans!

My son and I, and a friend of mine and her sons are all running a 5k this Saturday, April 9th! It is for an awesome cause, orphans in the Dominican Republic.

Saying Goodbye to World War I's Last Doughboy!

Photo Credits: KC Star

He didn't seek the spotlight, but when Frank Buckles outlived every other American who'd served in World War I, he became what his biographer called "the humble patriot" and final torchbearer for the memory of that fading conflict.

Frank Buckles enlisted in World War I at the age of 16 and died on February 27th at the age of 110. He was born here in Missouri, but was raised in Oklahoma and died in West Virginia. He went to numerous recruiting stations until he convinced the right person he was old enough to enlist.

There are two other World War I veterans still alive from outside America. The survivors are Florence Green in Britain and Claude Choules in Australia.

Buckles was remembered at a ceremony at Liberty Memorial here in Kansas City this past Saturday, March 12th. Richard Myers, a former Air Force general and the onetime chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said,

"Frank Buckles passing means that there are no more living memories of World War I. So it is important for all of us to keep this memory alive."

President Barack Obama ordered that the day Buckles is buried that all U.S. flags on official buildings be lowered to half-staff. A burial is planned at Arlington National Cemetery.

Kansas City is honored to have the only World War I museum and it was an honor to have a ceremony for him here.

The Donald Rumsfeld Interviews about His Memoirs--Known and Unknown!

If you're not being criticized, you may not be doing much.

The Path you didn't take is always smoother.

Well, you know, I've listened to him (Vice President Joe Biden) for so many years. There's not much he hasn't said from time to time.--Donald Rumsfeld

I will be updating and adding to this post as Rumsfeld does more interviews. He is going to be on Hannity's show tonight, so I will definitely be adding that. I have always had a special place in my heart for Rummy, and I am so glad to see him come out with his memoirs.

The Rumsfeld Papers

Rush's Interview

Rumsfeld Foundation


Diane Sawyer's interview with Donald Rumsfeld

Previously:
Conservative Profile #6--Why I Love Donald Rumsfeld

Remembering Ronald Reagan's 100th Birthday!

Don't You Miss the Authentic and Heartfelt Humor of Ronald Reagan? YES!!

Ronald Reagan holds a special place in so many Americans' hearts. He is also beloved internationally as well. Just recently, I talked to someone who lived in Germany when the Berlin wall came down, and I asked what the German people thought of Reagan. They, of course, had a favorable view of him.

Also, the more time goes by, the kinder history is treating his presidency and legacy. Contrast that to say, Jimmy Carter, where, the more time goes by, the more damage we see he has done.

Mike has been having a Reagan Centennial Celebration celebrating Reagan's 100th birthday. It reminds me of how Mike and I first connected in the blog realm. He was writing about Reagan and linking to everyone else who wanted to as well. That is when I wrote my 3 part series on what Ronald Reagan meant to me.

I was young when Reagan was president and unfortunately I didn't pay much attention at the time. I came to love Reagan much later. Yet, I was amazed at how distraught I was when I learned of his death.

Speechwriter Peter Robinson's book, How Ronald Reagan Changed My Life speaks for a lot of people. He inspired and changed generations of Conservatives and gave them hope.

Dick Cheney and Sarah Palin both spoke at the Reagan Ranch Center in honor of Reagan's birthday! I could not think of two more fitting people to honor Reagan.  Mike recalls the awesome partnership that Thatcher and Reagan had together.

Related Links:
Americans Recall Reagan Legacy on his 100th Birthday
Why I Love Ronald Reagan--Part 1
Why I Love Ronald Reagan--Part 2
Why I Love Ronald Reagan--Part 3

Veronica's Voice Opens Magdalene Manor to Help Women Escape Prostitution!

"I'll never forget the dark pit God reached into and pulled me out of. Even after I was out, my heart still pained for my sisters that were still lost, trapped, tricked, or caught-up in "the life". So I started VERONICA'S Voice to be a light for these wonderful women still surviving in the darkness."

-Kristy Childs - Survivor, Foundress VERONICA'S Voice

The KC Star reported on the opening of Magdalene Manor and I was encouraged to learn of the ministry to women by Veronica's Voice. Below is an excerpt:

The first residents will move into the house, called Magdalene Manor, at an undisclosed location in Kansas City. The home will augment the existing Veronica’s Voice safe center, where clients receive services and support, Childs said.

Childs believes there is only one other similar residential facility in the country for victims of the commercial sex trade, and Veronica’s Voice is only one of a handful of organizations like it in the country.

The persistent perception that prostitution is a victimless crime is belied by the lives of the 8,000 women and girls she has spoken to since founding Veronica’s Voice in 2000, Childs said.

The organization is named for one of those victims — Veronica Neverdusky — a friend of Childs’ who was 21 in 1993 when she was strangled and dumped in Kansas City’s Penn Valley Park.

Kristy Childs is an inspirational woman and its wonderful to know that Kansas City has a place of refuge for victims of sexual abuse and exploitation.

Happy New Year 2011!

Some of my favorite posts from 2010!!

1) A Conversation with President George W. Bush in Kansas City!!

2) Lunch with Condoleeza Rice!

3) 2010 Election Victories!

4) Women in the Civil War!

5) Ronald Reagan's Faith

6) I Heart Paul McRyan!!

7) Two Rock Star Republican Governors!!

8) Inspirational Woman #1--Liz Bohannon!

9) 2010 Clay County Republican Lincoln Days!

10) Winning America Back with Sarah Palin, JC Watts and Fred Thompson!! and the Pics

11) A Review of "I Am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced"

12) Taking Our Country Back w/ Sean Hannity and Karl Rove in KC!

13) Sudan--Global Day of Prayer!

14) Remarkable Women Profile #1--The Iron Lady--Margaret Thatcher!

15) Scott Brown makes history-wins U.S. Senate Seat in MA 52% to 47%


Previous Posts:
2009
2007