We Are Vets Cruise

01/18/2024

This week we go back to the war on terror. While many of the people in uniform have made tremendous sacrifices. These citations tell us of the ones documented at the highest level! Reading and sharing these citations inspire me and hope they inspire you as well.

War on Terrorism (Afghanistan) - U.S. Army
SALVATORE AUGUSTINE GIUNTA
DETAILS
RANK: SPECIALIST (HIGHEST RANK: STAFF SERGEANT)
CONFLICT/ERA: WAR ON TERRORISM (AFGHANISTAN)
UNIT/COMMAND:
COMPANY B, 2D BATTALION (AIRBORNE), 503D INFANTRY REGIMENT,
173D AIRBORNE BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM
MILITARY SERVICE BRANCH: U.S. ARMY
MEDAL OF HONOR ACTION DATE: OCTOBER 25, 2007
MEDAL OF HONOR ACTION PLACE: KORENGAL VALLEY, AFGHANISTAN
CITATION
Specialist Salvatore A. Giunta distinguished himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action with an armed enemy in the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan, on October 25, 2007. While conducting a patrol as team leader with Company B, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, Specialist Giunta and his team were navigating through harsh terrain when they were ambushed by a well-armed and well-coordinated insurgent force. While under heavy enemy fire, Specialist Giunta immediately sprinted towards cover and engaged the enemy. Seeing that his squad leader had fallen and believing that he had been injured, Specialist Giunta exposed himself to withering enemy fire and raced towards his squad leader, helped him to cover, and administered medical aid. While administering first aid, enemy fire struck Specialist Giunta’s body armor and his secondary weapon. Without regard to the ongoing fire, Specialist Giunta engaged the enemy before prepping and throwing gr***des, using the explosions for cover in order to conceal his position. Attempting to reach additional wounded fellow soldiers who were separated from the squad, Specialist Giunta and his team encountered a barrage of enemy fire that forced them to the ground. The team continued forward and upon reaching the wounded soldiers, Specialist Giunta realized that another soldier was still separated from the element. Specialist Giunta then advanced forward on his own initiative. As he crested the top of a hill, he observed two insurgents carrying away an American soldier. He immediately engaged the enemy, killing one and wounding the other. Upon reaching the wounded soldier, he began to provide medical aid, as his squad caught up and provided security. Specialist Giunta’s unwavering courage, selflessness, and decisive leadership while under extreme enemy fire were integral to his platoon’s ability to defeat an enemy ambush and recover a fellow American soldier from the enemy. Specialist Salvatore A. Giunta’s extraordinary heroism and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Company B, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, and the United States Army.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS
ACCREDITED TO: CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN COUNTY, IOWA
AWARDED POSTHUMOUSLY: NO
PRESENTATION DATE & DETAILS: NOVEMBER 16, 2010
THE WHITE HOUSE BY PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA

BORN: JANUARY 21, 1985, CLINTON, CLINTON COUNTY, IA, UNITED STATES
LOCATION OF MEDAL: 173RD AIRBORNE BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS, VINCENZA, ITALY

Living History interview with Salvatore "Sal" Giunta, Medal of Honor Recipient for the War on Terrorism (Afghanistan).

01/03/2024

This week I chose a Medal of Honor Recipient from the war on terror. He is one of the ones that put his life at risk for his fellow soldier. These really inspire me.

War on Terrorism (Afghanistan) - U.S. Army
TY MICHAEL CARTER
DETAILS
RANK: SPECIALIST (HIGHEST RANK: STAFF SERGEANT)
CONFLICT/ERA: WAR ON TERRORISM (AFGHANISTAN)
UNIT/COMMAND:
BRAVO TROOP, 3RD SQUADRON, 61ST CAVALRY REGIMENT, 4TH BRIGADE COMBATTEAM,
4TH INFANTRY DIVISION
MILITARY SERVICE BRANCH: U.S. ARMY
MEDAL OF HONOR ACTION DATE: OCTOBER 3, 2009
MEDAL OF HONOR ACTION PLACE: KAMDESH DISTRICT, NURISTAN PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN
CITATION
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty: Specialist Ty M. Carter distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Scout with Bravo Troop, 3d Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, during combat operations against an armed enemy in Kamdesh District, Nuristan Province, Afghanistan on October 3, 2009. On that morning, Specialist Carter and his comrades awakened to an attack of an estimated 300 enemy fighters occupying the high ground on all four sides of Combat Outpost Keating, employing concentrated fire from recoilless rifles, rocket propelled gr***des, anti-aircraft machine guns, mortars and small arms fire. Specialist Carter reinforced a forward battle position, ran twice through a 100 meter gauntlet of enemy fire to resupply ammunition and voluntarily remained there to defend the isolated position. Armed with only an M4 carbine rifle, Specialist Carter placed accurate, deadly fire on the enemy, beating back the assault force and preventing the position from being overrun, over the course of several hours. With complete disregard for his own safety and in spite of his own wounds, he ran through a hail of enemy rocket propelled gr***de and machine gun fire to rescue a critically wounded comrade who had been pinned down in an exposed position. Specialist Carter rendered life extending first aid and carried the Soldier to cover. On his own initiative, Specialist Carter again maneuvered through enemy fire to check on a fallen Soldier and recovered the squad’s radio, which allowed them to coordinate their evacuation with fellow Soldiers. With teammates providing covering fire, Specialist Carter assisted in moving the wounded Soldier 100 meters through withering enemy fire to the aid station and before returning to the fight. Specialist Carter’s heroic actions and tactical skill were critical to the defense of Combat Outpost Keating, preventing the enemy from capturing the position and saving the lives of his fellow Soldiers. Specialist Ty M. Carter’s extraordinary heroism and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Bravo Troop, 3d Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division and the United States Army
USED WITH PERMISSION, COPYRIGHT NICK DELCALZOUSED WITH PERMISSION, COPYRIGHT NICK DELCALZO
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
ACCREDITED TO: ANTIOCH, CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
AWARDED POSTHUMOUSLY: NO
PRESENTATION DATE & DETAILS: AUGUST 26, 2013AT THE WHITE HOUSE BY PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA
BORN: JANUARY 25, 1980, SPOKANE, SPOKANE COUNTY, WA, UNITED STATES
https://vimeo.com/554413716
https://vimeo.com/479032719

Living History interview with Ty M. Carter, Medal of Honor Recipient for the War on Terrorism (Afghanistan).

12/27/2023

I missed last week because I was out of town. This week I am going to do one a little different. I have only been posting the Medal of Honor recipients that were still with us. Their are less than 70 that are still alive. This week I am going to post the only person from the Coast Guard to receive this high honor. Unfortunately, he received the medal posthumously. Every member of the Coast Guard knows who this is,

World War II - U.S. Coast Guard
Douglas Albert Munro
Details

Rank: Signalman First Class
Conflict/Era: World War II
Military Service Branch: U.S. Coast Guard
Medal of Honor Action Date: September 27, 1942
Medal of Honor Action Place: Point Cruz, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands

Citation
For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action above and beyond the call of duty as petty officer in charge of a group of 24 Higgins boats, engaged in the evacuation of a battalion of marines trapped by enemy Japanese forces at Point Cruz, Guadalcanal on 27 September 1942. After making preliminary plans for the evacuation of nearly 500 beleaguered marines, Munro, under constant strafing by enemy machine guns on the island, and at great risk of his life, daringly led five of his small craft toward the shore. As he closed the beach, he signaled the others to land, and then in order to draw the enemy's fire and protect the heavily loaded boats, he valiantly placed his craft with its two small guns as a shield between the beachhead and the Japanese. When the perilous task of evacuation was nearly completed, Munro was instantly killed by enemy fire, but his crew, two of whom were wounded, carried on until the last boat had loaded and cleared the beach. By his outstanding leadership, expert planning, and dauntless devotion to duty, he and his courageous comrades undoubtedly saved the lives of many who otherwise would have perished. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Medal of Honor Recipient Douglas A. Munro Medal of Honor Recipient Douglas A. Munro
Additional Details

Accredited to: Washington
Awarded Posthumously: Yes
Presentation Date & Details: May 24, 1943
The White House (Oval Office), presented by Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt to his mother, Edith Munro
Born: October 11, 1919, Vancouver, Canada
Died: September 27, 1942, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands
Buried: Laurel Hill Memorial Park (MH), Cle Elum, WA, United States
Location of Medal: U.S. Coast Guard Museum, New London, CT

12/25/2023

A Christmas Poem
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS,
HE LIVED ALL ALONE,
IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE MADE OF
PLASTER AND STONE.
I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY
WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE,
AND TO SEE JUST WHO
IN THIS HOME DID LIVE.
I LOOKED ALL ABOUT,
A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE,
NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS,
NOT EVEN A TREE.
NO STOCKING BY MANTLE,
JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND,
ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES
OF FAR DISTANT LANDS.
WITH MEDALS AND BADGES,
AWARDS OF ALL KINDS,
A SOBER THOUGHT
CAME THROUGH MY MIND.
FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT,
IT WAS DARK AND DREARY,
I FOUND THE HOME OF A SOLDIER
ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY.
THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING,
SILENT, ALONE,
CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR
IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME.
THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE,
THE ROOM IN SUCH DISORDER,
NOT HOW I PICTURED
A UNITED STATES SOLDIER.
WAS THIS THE HERO
OF WHOM I'D JUST READ?
CURLED UP ON A PONCHO,
THE FLOOR FOR A BED?
I REALIZED THE FAMILIES
THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT,
OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS
WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT.
SOON ROUND THE WORLD,
THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY,
AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE
A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY
THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM
EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR,
BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS,
LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE.
I COULDN'T HELP WONDER
HOW MANY LAY ALONE,
ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE
IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME.
THE VERY THOUGHT
BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE,
I DROPPED TO MY KNEES
AND STARTED TO CRY.
THE SOLDIER AWAKENED
AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE,
"SANTA DON'T CRY,
THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE;
I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM,
I DON'T ASK FOR MORE,
MY LIFE IS MY GOD,
MY COUNTRY, MY CORPS."
THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER
AND DRIFTED TO SLEEP,
I COULDN'T CONTROL IT,
I CONTINUED TO WEEP.
I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS,
SO SILENT AND STILL
AND WE BOTH SHIVERED
FROM THE COLD NIGHT'S CHILL
I DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE
ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT,
THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOR
SO WILLING TO FIGHT.
THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER,
WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE,
WHISPERED, "CARRY ON SANTA,
IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE."
ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH,
AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT.
"MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND,
AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT."

12/09/2023

12/07/2023

I do not want to bring politics to this page, but this is military/veteran related and pi**es me off.

The Army Navy football game is as traditional as you can get, It is always the last game of the year and something people look forward to. No matter who wins the game, all of the players signed a contract that could mean giving up their life for this great nation.

What is pi***ng me off is that many of the hotels that people normally use to celebrate these young men, have contracts to house the illegal immigrants, May of the people had reservations far in advance that were canceled. Under no circumstance should an illegal immigrant be taken care of before our soldiers and sailors nor the people that support them.

I know this is a strong statement and I will not back down. If you disagree, fell free to comment so we all know who you are!

Sen. Ernst is pressuring Biden after military families with rooms for the Army-Navy Game had reservations canceled due to illegal immigrants.

12/07/2023

This week I am a little late in posting. With the holiday season upon us, I was busy, but did not want to forget. I enjoy reading about these great men and hope you do as well!

Vietnam War - U.S. Army
PATRICK HENRY BRADY
DETAILS
RANK: MAJOR (HIGHEST RANK: MAJOR GENERAL)
CONFLICT/ERA: VIETNAM WAR
UNIT/COMMAND:
MEDICAL SERVICE CORPS, 54TH MEDICAL DETACHMENT, 67TH MEDICAL GROUP,
44TH MEDICAL BRIGADE
MILITARY SERVICE BRANCH: U.S. ARMY
MEDAL OF HONOR ACTION DATE: JANUARY 6, 1968
MEDAL OF HONOR ACTION PLACE: NEAR CHU LAI, REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM
CITATION
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, Maj. Brady distinguished himself while serving in the Republic of Vietnam commanding a UH-1H ambulance helicopter, volunteered to rescue wounded men from a site in enemy-held territory which was reported to be heavily defended and to be blanketed by fog. To reach the site, he descended through heavy fog and smoke and hovered slowly along a valley trail, turning his ship sideward to blow away the fog with the backwash from his rotor blades. Despite the unchallenged, close-range enemy fire, he found the dangerously small site, where he successfully landed and evacuated two badly wounded South Vietnamese soldiers. He was then called to another area completely covered by dense fog where American casualties lay only 50 meters from the enemy. Two aircraft had previously been shot down and others had made unsuccessful attempts to reach this site earlier in the day. With unmatched skill and extraordinary courage, Maj. Brady made four flights to this embattled landing zone and successfully rescued all of the wounded. On his third mission of the day, Maj. Brady once again landed at a site surrounded by the enemy. The friendly ground force, pinned down by enemy fire, had been unable to reach and secure the landing zone. Although his aircraft had been badly damaged and his controls partially shot away during his initial entry into this area, he returned minutes later and rescued the remaining injured. Shortly thereafter obtaining a replacement aircraft, Maj. Brady was requested to land in an enemy mine field where a platoon of American soldiers was trapped. A mine detonated near his helicopter, wounding two crewmembers and damaging his ship. In spite of this, he managed to fly six severely injured patients to medical aid. Throughout that day Maj. Brady utilized three helicopters to evacuate a total of 51 seriously wounded men, many of whom would have perished without prompt medical treatment. Maj. Brady's bravery was in the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.

USED WITH PERMISSION, COPYRIGHT NICK DELCALZO
USED WITH PERMISSION, COPYRIGHT NICK DELCALZO
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
ACCREDITED TO: SEATTLE, KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON
AWARDED POSTHUMOUSLY: NO
PRESENTATION DATE & DETAILS: OCTOBER 9, 1969
THE WHITE HOUSE, PRESENTED BY PRES. RICHARD M. NIXON

BORN: OCTOBER 1, 1936, PHILIP, HAAKON COUNTY, SD, UNITED STATES

[https://vimeo.com/397457858](https://vimeo.com/397457858)

12/04/2023

https://www.facebook.com/stories/122095928060027331/UzpfSVNDOjkxMDk4NjAwMzIwMjcwMA==/?view_single=1&source=shared_permalink&mibextid=Nif5oz

11/16/2023

I want to encourage people to check out https://www.facebook.com/groups/1023872332186244/. This is run by Beth King who has been a caretaker for her disabled Marine husband. It is a great place to connect with other care takers and be part of a great community. Beth will be helping me provide activities on the cruise for caretakers, giving them a chance to be around others th at share the same experience. Check it out, I am certain you will be glad you did.

11/15/2023

Why do we support veterans?

A veteran made the comment that some veterans were downright dirtbags and wanted to know why I support them. The interesting thing is I cannot disagree with him.

Veterans are a cross section of society. Just like society, veterans come in all shapes and sizes. Some veterans will be extremely intelligent, while others are not so bright. Some came from money and others used an outhouse. Some are hard workers and some are lazy. And yes, you have soldiers that were fine upstanding citizens, and some were dirtbags. You do not become an attractive, intelligent well-adjusted fine upstanding person by raising your hand and signing on the dotted line.

What they do is sign a contract that you are willing to give up all rights to your life for not that much money. You are subjected to discipline that most people would not tolerate. You learn respect for people in positions of authority. A soldier must rely on other soldiers on a daily basis. A soldier is put in conditions that would not be accepted under normal circumstances. Yes, a soldier is willing to put their life on the line.

Some soldiers that were not fine upstanding citizens transform when subjected to this life. Some that were fine upstanding citizens break under the pressure. Either way they have earned our respect and deserve our support. I personally will do what I can to support veterans, even though I know I may not like them all. Not only that, I will say that the discipline they were subjected to, does make them better people when compared to society as a whole.

As a veteran, I can say things that is not acceptable to say about veterans by a civilian. Other veterans can make fun of other veterans service and make light of certain situations. We are family, and family can do that. Let someone else say the exact same thing and we will defend them.

That is why a veteran should be supported and why I support veterans and thank them for their service!

11/15/2023

Here is the 6th Medal of Honor posting. Since only 65 are still with this, it means we are already at 10%. It really amazes me when I read these. War on Terrorism (Iraq) - U.S. Army
DAVID G BELLAVIA
DETAILS
RANK: STAFF SERGEANT
CONFLICT/ERA: WAR ON TERRORISM (IRAQ)
UNIT/COMMAND:
3RD PLATOON, ALPHA COMPANY, 2ND BATTALION, 2ND INFANTRY REGIMENT, 3RD BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM,
1ST INFANTRY DIVISION
MILITARY SERVICE BRANCH: U.S. ARMY
MEDAL OF HONOR ACTION DATE: NOVEMBER 10, 2004
MEDAL OF HONOR ACTION PLACE: FALLUJAH, IRAQ
CITATION
Staff Sergeant David G. Bellavia distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty on November 10, 2004, while serving as a squad leader in support of Operation Phantom Fury in Fallujah, Iraq. While clearing a house, a squad from Staff Sergeant Bellavia’s platoon became trapped within a room by intense enemy fire coming from a fortified position under the stairs leading to the second floor. Recognizing the immediate severity of the situation, and with disregard for his own safety, Staff Sergeant Bellavia retrieved an automatic weapon and entered the doorway of the house to engage the insurgents. With enemy rounds impacting around him, Staff Sergeant Bellavia fired at the enemy position at a cyclic rate, providing covering fire that allowed the squad to break contact and exit the house. A Bradley Fighting Vehicle was brought forward to suppress the enemy; however, due to high walls surrounding the house, it could not fire directly at the enemy position. Staff Sergeant Bellavia then re-entered the house and again came under intense enemy fire. He observed an enemy insurgent preparing to launch a rocket-propelled gr***de at his platoon. Recognizing the grave danger the gr***de posed to his fellow soldiers, Staff Sergeant Bellavia assaulted the enemy position, killing one insurgent and wounding another who ran to a different part of the house. Staff Sergeant Bellavia, realizing he had an un-cleared, darkened room to his back, moved to clear it. As he entered, an insurgent came down the stairs firing at him. Simultaneously, the previously wounded insurgent reemerged and engaged Staff Sergeant Bellavia. Staff Sergeant Bellavia, entering further into the darkened room, returned fire and eliminated both insurgents. Staff Sergeant Bellavia then received enemy fire from another insurgent emerging from a closet in the darkened room. Exchanging gunfire, Staff Sergeant Bellavia pursued the enemy up the stairs and eliminated him. Now on the second floor, Staff Sergeant Bellavia moved to a door that opened onto the roof. At this point, a fifth insurgent leapt from the third floor roof onto the second floor roof. Staff Sergeant Bellavia engaged the insurgent through a window, wounding him in the back and legs, and caused him to fall off the roof. Acting on instinct to save the members of his platoon from an imminent threat, Staff Sergeant Bellavia ultimately cleared an entire enemy-filled house, destroyed four insurgents, and badly wounded a fifth. Staff Sergeant Bellavia’s bravery, complete disregard for his own safety, and unselfish and courageous actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States.
https://vimeo.com/528830580
https://vimeo.com/400332937
https://vimeo.com/528837964

Medal of Honor recipient Staff Sergeant David Bellavia recounts his combat experience while deployed to Iraq. To read his Medal of Honor citation, see: https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/david-g-bellavia Video…

11/09/2023

Meet Zander and Verde

U.S. Army veteran Zander was serving as a Blackhawk medevac crew chief during a deployment to Iraq when he was badly injured. He returned home with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and a broken back, and now lives with spinal arthritis and deterioration that makes it painful and difficult to move at times.

After hearing about Freedom Service Dogs from a fellow veteran, Zander was accepted as an FSD client in 2021. He was matched with a service dog named Verde, and at their first meeting, Zander had a realization that he still vividly recalls. “This is real,” he remembers thinking. “Verde was so attentive, and his personality was showing, and it instilled this warmth inside me that I hadn’t felt in a long time.”

Zander attended FSD’s two-week placement class, during which clients and their new service dogs bond with each other, practice basic obedience skills, and learn cues that are customized to meet the unique needs of each dog’s partner. “Placement class was amazing,” says Zander. “It was fast paced with loads of information and, very honestly, nerve racking at first. I was so worried that I would do something wrong during training, but everyone was so kind and helpful that I became very comfortable and started coming out of my shell.”

Zander is a husband, father, and dog dad who works from home for the Department of Veteran Affairs. He recently earned his master’s degree in healthcare administration and plans to pursue a doctoral program. Despite his active life, Zander sometimes feels anxious in crowds and experiences other symptoms of PTSD. To assist in these moments, Verde has been trained to interrupt those symptoms by creating space around Zander in crowds, waking him from nightmares, and accompanying him on family outings, including sailing.

“Verde has helped me significantly reintegrate into society and integrate into crowded areas more easily,” says Zander. “He also allows me to be more independent when I lose the ability to walk or move. He helps me get dressed and picks up items for me on a daily basis.”

Zander says it’s been important to ensure that his wife and son understand that Verde isn’t a pet dog and that he is there to work and to help Zander. But that’s a small challenge compared to the big benefits that Verde brings. “I would definitely tell other veterans to check out FSD,” he says. “This service dog has truly become a huge part of my life, and I can’t imagine being able to do some of the things I have been able to do in such a short amount of time.”

This is just one example of many in how Freedom Service Dogs helps veterans get adjusted to the new norms. We are vets cruise chose Freedom Service Dogs because we not only believe in what they do, but they have been doing this since 1987. Freedom Service Dogs is a 501(c)(3) charity that is rated as a four-star nonprofit organization by [Charity Navigator](https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/841068936). This highest rating indicates that FSD exceeds or meets best practices and industry standards across almost all areas, including Impact & Results, Accountability & Finance, Leadership & Adaptability, and Culture & Community. FSD was also chosen for Charity Navigator’s curated list of [highly rated nonprofits helping veterans and military service members](https://www.charitynavigator.org/discover-charities/where-to-give/veteran-service-member-charities/?gclid=CjwKCAiAjs2bBhACEiwALTBWZfxjHJZF15eA_fVyYHn2wZ_Zr0sUBLLROj456FfrqHlo2gIXZshdkhoCU6gQAvD_BwE -44999bb3d4-item-2687b5e203).

Freedom Service Dogs has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from [GuideStar/Candid](https://www.guidestar.org/profile/84-1068936). The Platinum Participant level requires that we share our financial data and report on our goals, strategies, capabilities, and programs.

The We Are Vets Cruise not only secured a discounted price on the cabins, but $200 per cabin is going towards Freedom Service Dogs. One of the trainers will be attending, along with a recipient. We don know who the recipient will be, but maybe it will be Zander and Verde. Many extras are available on this cruise. Like the free at sea. A couple of the choices will be the alcohol beverage package and up to two premium meals. You just have to pay the gratuities for these.

Make certain to invite other veterans, and you will get a $100 credit per cabin reserved. Oh. And as good as the prices are, the port fees and taxes are included in the price. The dates of this cruise are November 9th through 16th 2024.

Here is an electronic information sheet you can fill out to get started and get more information. [https://traveljoy.com/bookings/NFzVMV5wKGNvdTarQrK1xjMH](https://traveljoy.com/bookings/NFzVMV5wKGNvdTarQrK1xjMH?fbclid=IwAR0SfGqCCPNQQO4HUNRzn4mf9A24eHhBNsxphBu0i4ectKNFutgwglB3138)

And as a veteran, you get a 10% discount [https://www.ncl.com/military...](https://www.ncl.com/military?cid=PS_DIG_NA_PMX_GOO_NA_NA_DESTCAN_NA_NA_NAM&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-pyqBhDmARIsAKd9XINMjyy1BvvnHTBWkff46OFUDWGYhdnTAaIXc8RBoSxl14NU4iDvbJgaAs79EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds&fbclid=IwAR17grMlHz31dunTpJ_H3eub7jsn91RDKRbE8fFfb30ryHIOGRnYXNsN6dU)
“Verde was so attentive, and his personality was showing, and it instilled this warmth inside me that I hadn’t felt in a long time.”

– Zander

10/24/2023

Here is web based quote that ill give you pricing where we are going and when

What's included i...

10/20/2023

I am going to be doing a live event Iater from a cruise I am going on ĺater today. Basicalĺy saying hi and introduce myself

10/10/2023

As promised , I am posting 1 Medal of Honor recepient a week. Only 66 are alive so I will start with them.

Vietnam War - U.S. Army
JOHN PHILIP BACA
DETAILS
RANK: SPECIALIST FOURTH CLASS (HIGHEST RANK: SERGEANT)
CONFLICT/ERA: VIETNAM WAR
UNIT/COMMAND:
4TH PLATOON, COMPANY D, 1ST BATTALION, 12TH CAVALRY,
1ST CAVALRY DIVISION
MILITARY SERVICE BRANCH: U.S. ARMY
MEDAL OF HONOR ACTION DATE: FEBRUARY 10, 1970
MEDAL OF HONOR ACTION PLACE: NEAR QUAN LOI, PHUOC LONG PROVINCE, REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM
CITATION
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. Baca, Company D, distinguished himself while serving on a recoilless-rifle team during a night ambush mission. A platoon from his company was sent to investigate the detonation of an automatic ambush device forward of his unit's main position and soon came under intense enemy fire from concealed positions along the trail. Hearing the heavy firing from the platoon position and realizing that his recoilless-rifle team could assist the members of the besieged patrol, Sp4c. Baca led his team through the hail of enemy fire to a firing position within the patrol's defensive perimeter. As they prepared to engage the enemy, a fragmentation gr***de was thrown into the midst of the patrol. Fully aware of the danger to his comrades, Sp4c. Baca unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his own safety, covered the gr***de with his steel helmet and fell on it as the gr***de exploded, thereby absorbing the lethal fragments and concussion with his body. His gallant action and total disregard for his personal well-being directly saved eight men from certain serious injury or death. The extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by Sp4c. Baca, at the risk of his life, are in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

USED WITH PERMISSION, COPYRIGHT NICK DELCALZO
USED WITH PERMISSION, COPYRIGHT NICK DELCALZO
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
ACCREDITED TO: FORT ORD, MONTEREY COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
AWARDED POSTHUMOUSLY: NO
PRESENTATION DATE & DETAILS: JUNE 15, 1971
THE WHITE HOUSE (EAST BALLROOM), PRESENTED BY PRES. RICHARD M. NIXON

BORN: JANUARY 10, 1949, PROVIDENCE, PROVIDENCE COUNTY, RI, UNITED STATES

10/04/2023

I went to morning colors this morning. It was a great ceremony! m Showing respect while the National Anthem is played does not mean that you agree with everything that is being done. It shows respect for the people that gave it all for this great nation. It shows that you believe that this is a great country and that you truly are glad to be here. While I don't agree with everything this country does, I truly do believe this is the best country there is. I I have a tremendous amount of respect for the men and women who are willing to make the sacrifices to ensure we enjoy the freedoms other countries do not enjoy!
Part of the ceremony was reading the medal of honor recipients award. You learned what they did to get the medal Many times it was awarded posthumously.
I am going to try and do the same thing here. Each week I will post one medal of honor recipient and what they did to receive it.