fell off the front page in a few hours

It's a good thing that you, your contributors, and of course, the recipients are doing. Bravo. Bump.

It's a win-win for everyone.

God Bless America!!

A patriotic n00b?:hmmm:

Please remember to thank the soldier that you know who returned from war. A lot of them are having a hard time adjusting to civilian life.

• More soldiers killed themselves last year in Afghanistan than died in battle.
• A veteran from the Iraq/Afghanistan war commits suicide every 65 minutes here in the USA. Every hour of every day, holidays, weekends, nights, every ****ing hour we suffer another casualty of war.

So remember that vet may seem okay and well adjusted but it aint going to hurt anything to tell them you appreciate their service, glad they are back home. Offer to help in any way that they could possibly reach out to you and maybe just save them from a really bad decision.

Just a little reminder that we still have Americans dying in war. You interested in contributing to the packages, let me know. Privately if you wish.

Delta Flight 2255 from Atlanta to Los Angeles seemed to be an ordinary flight with the exception of Candy, who was the most loving flight attendant I’ve ever encountered. Besides using her southern charm to quickly defuse every situation, she began her welcome announcement by thanking the handful of uniformed soldiers on-board for serving our country. Her poignant message was by followed by applause and put into perspective that none of us would be able to do what we do if it wasn’t for these brave men and women

. But this transcontinental flight turned out to be everything but ordinary. We later learned, when the captain got on the PA system about 45 minutes prior to landing, that we were transporting a fallen soldier. The plane went quiet as he explained that there was a military escort on-board and asked that everyone remain seated for a couple of minutes so the soldiers could get off first. He also warned us not to be alarmed if we see fire trucks since Los Angeles greets their fallen military with a water canon salute. See my video below.


A few minutes after touchdown, we did indeed have a water canon salute, which I’d previously only experienced on happy occasions like inaugural flights. This time, the water glistening on the windowpanes looked like tears.


Passengers in the airport must have been worried when they saw our plane pull into gate 69A, as we had a full police and fire escort, front and back.


I was on the left side of the plane and later realized that the family could be seen off to the right, standing with the United States Army Honor Guard. According to Wikipedia, each military branch has its own honor guard, usually military in nature, and is composed of volunteers who are carefully screened. One of the primary roles for honor guards is to provide funeral honors for fallen comrades.
http://johnnyjet.wpengine.netdna-cdn...01-610x344.jpgWhen the jet door opened, another military officer addressed the escort who was standing at attention. He then stepped on the plane and told us passengers “I just addressed the escort. It is a sworn oath to bring home, to the family, the fallen.” He paused and then said, “Today you all did that, you are all escorts, escorts of the heart.” And then thanked us for our time and walked off the plane.


As you can imagine, everyone was silent, no one got up, not even that person from the back row who pretends they don’t speak English so they can be first off the plane. I’m sure most had meteor-sized lumps in their throats and tears in their eyes like I did.
http://johnnyjet.wpengine.netdna-cdn...02-610x319.jpgIt only got more emotional when I deplaned. There was a large number of passengers, who are normally in a hurry to get home or make a connection, standing by the window to witness something truly moving. To see the Honor Guard and family waiting patiently, while LAX baggage handlers and a military loadmaster remove the flag covered casket first from the cargo hold, was humbling to say the least. I’m not sure if it was the fallen soldier’s mother or wife who I watched slowly walk up to the coffin while a few other family members, wrapped in blankets, stood near with a dozen or so of the Honor Guards standing in salute.


As soon as I saw her reach out to put her hand on her baby’s casket, I walked away.


This ordinary flight became extraordinary and is one that I will never forget.


Thank you to all the military who protect our beautiful country and let us live the lives we are able to lead. Without you we would be nothing. And thank you to the Honor Guard for making sure these fallen soldiers, warriors and heroes are not treated like just any piece of luggage as they used to, but rather with the care and respect they so rightly deserve.

Today we buried one of the greatest generation.

Mr. Lewis was in the 3rd troop transport that landed on Omaha beach. He was the only person in his unit to make it off the beach alive. All that rest were mortally wounded and or died later from their wounds. He was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge, He returned to the battlefield and helped take Germany. He won two purple hearts, Silver Star and two Bronze Stars.

He returned from the war and married his high school sweetheart. Was a school teacher for 35 years. Played the trombone. In his late 70's, both him and him wife would got the ocean and swim a 1/2 mile a day, every day.

He was known as Mr. Lewis to everyone not because he was a war hero who saved many American lives but how he conducted his life when he returned from war.

rip mr lewis...

Meh, he was the tool of a bomb dropping, warmongering nation... only man left alive? Maybe he shouldn't have been fighting in the first place...

Either way, our people shouldn't have to honor what he and his men did, its in the past... just let it die already.

He gave of himself selflessly and proudly so you would be able to freely say what you just said. Regardless of personal opinion it's not something I believe I have in myself to do, do you or have you?

I'm not sure that you've read enough of me here, you're either an absolute noob who's almost never here, or just flat out missing some critical human nature decoder, i hope you aren't in sales...

RIP Mr. Lewis

Guess I missed it too. Poorly executed tongue in cheek. Or just wrong place and time, IMO.

If i stepped on my dinger here, it was a huge, unintentional mistake... rest in peace, Mr. Lewis.

I will not out Scot Free's bonafides but he is a friend to vets. He was just attempting some cross thread humor/pun on GoChiefs.

RIP, they are called the greatest generation for a reason and there aren't many left.

Really really bad taste is really really bad taste.

I agree. But, it was just a mistake. We all make them.

It's not bad taste, it was just a misinterpretation.

For those who serve in harms way on Christmas.

Yes!

Wonderful organization providing dogs to vets having a hard time moving on with their life's after what they saw and did over in the sandbox.

http://theilovedogssite.com/first-youll-wonder-why-a-dog-site-posted-this-video-then-you-see-the-end-wow/#0IVPTyoFpX8pBzwz.0

<iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/WIlPFRsseQ8?rel=0" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe>

Most powerful short film I've seen in like forever! Rep to you!

I was outside making a phone call. This guy was out smoking and shaking all over. Didn't know the guy other than seeing him in the halls etc. Asked if he was okay, need some help and he looked at me and he had these eyes that don't belong in an office sitting, and said "I saw a guy that looked like my best friend who died in my arms over in the sandbox...........sometimes that shit comes up and I cant stop it".

My brother is leaving Yemen on the 26th for Iraq. Not happy bout that. he's contract for DOD.

Amen brother. Just be there, that's all, just be there.

Contractor in Yemen? dude he'll be fine... and he'll also come home loaded, hit him up for a loan when he gets back.

He's heading to Iraq. They are in the middle of a civil war. You can get it from all sides.

Well its certainly never "good to go" in that country, but unless the news outlets are completely ignoring the situation (admittedly a distinct possibility)... its not nearly as bad as the true war years.

Ie; all of the logistics have long been in place to ensure the smooth arrival of whatever kind of contracting work his brother does... one of my closest cousins has spent 2+ years there as an airplane mechanic, and while he's in no hurry to go back he admits that they are catered to in every way possible.

Far more than our warriors, that's for sure.

No doubt.

WWII vet was cheering on runners at a race to benefit the Pat Tillman charity. Spontaneously the runners started coming over and thanking him for his service.

The 408K Race in San Jose is already an inspiring event. The annual 8-kilometer run benefits the Pat Tillman Foundation, which funds scholarships for military veterans. This year, runners made it all the more memorable with a spontaneous tribute to a 95-year-old World War II veteran who had come out in his full uniform to cheer them.

San Jose Mercury News reporter Julia Prodis Sulek captured the stirring salute Sunday as runners shook the hand of Joe Bell and thanked him for his service.

Best quote I've heard was from a runner..........He was the greatest generation. We can only hope for 2nd place.
<iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/dp_OiWVcq1Y?rel=0" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe>

Another of the greatest generation is gone. "Wild Bill" from easy company portrayed on "Band of Brothers".

http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/09/us/ban...-veteran-dies/

(CNN) -- William Guarnere, a World War II veteran popularized by the "Band of Brothers" miniseries, has died. He was 90.


Guarnere was rushed to a hospital early Saturday morning and died of a ruptured aneurism that night, his son, William Guarnere Jr., told CNN.
"He lived a good life. He traveled a lot. He pretty much did everything he could have done," the son said Sunday.


During the war, Guarnere earned the nickname "Wild Bill." He lost a leg trying to save a friend on the battlefield.


The HBO miniseries was based on a book by Stephen E. Ambrose.
It told the story of Easy Company, 506th Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, U.S. Army. Guarnere was played by actor Frank John Hughes.
The family is planning a funeral this week in Philadelphia, where Guarnere was born and lived most of his life, his son said.


http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/ass...-story-top.jpg

All the pride in the world for our military!

You got that right. You voluntarily put yourself in harms way for your country, you should feel the pride. Those of us that are fat asses civilians sitting back here in the USA safely while your up on that wall need to make sure its recognized and appreciated.

For those who served their country honorably and gave their lives for their country. We remember and honor those heroes.
<iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/UmCbiibZvX0?rel=0" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe>

Bump for Memorial Day.

I found the following worth reproducing and thought that this would be the perfect place to ask for help on behalf of U.S.M.C. Sgt Andrew Tahmooressi:

Excerpt:
According to an exclusive interview with Fox News, Sgt. Tahmooressi said prison guards tortured and beat him and stripped naked and chained him to a bed. Many other media outlets and multiple international organizations included such coverage in their reports.

Sgt. Tahmooressi served two tours of duty in Afghanistan. In that time, he survived when an IED hit his truck. Now it is time to serve him.

PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION TO THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION TO:

Demand Release of U.S.M.C. Sgt. Tahmooressi

May 31 deadline to file the required petition ends tonight.

https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/pet...nment/qslJk2Xd



FYI: One of America's important ally in the Greater Middle East region asked why President Obama remained silent when it came to one of their own.


We should stop all U.S. mail into Mexico - Then close the border until they free Sgt. Tahmooressi. Imports from Mexico to the U.S. totaled $293 billion in 2012.

Thank you to all who have served our country!

Props to all the Service men who have put themselfs in harms way. Thanks to all who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

Post of the day/week/year........

It should be said more often by more people.

Crazy Coffey served over in the sandbox. His old unit is back over there. Lets put together a care package for them. If you want to conribute to the car package, you can paypal the money to dmor13@yahoo.com or pm me for other options.

Bump

On this Thanksgiving when you give thanks for your family, please take minute to think about our vets who are having a hard time back here in the real world. Or those who lost an arm, leg or were burned.

22 veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan take their lives every single day, including Thanksgiving. Some are struggling to resume their life after being injured in war.

I've started something new. This last Veterans day we had a soldier unable to attend the ceremony at the school due to a flare up from his war injuries. We had the kids make him some get well cards. I've attached some example to this email.

If you are so inclined, I can give you names and addresses for the kids to send get well cards to these vets. You can PM me.

You're a good guy, BRC. I'm a fan.

P.S. Please don't vote. :p

I started talking to and helping a guy with his squat and deadlift form at the gym the other day. He was asking me all sorts of questions after watching me lift. He himself was working back from an injury, one sustained in combat in Afghanistan. Said they told him it would never get better and he told me he was having pain just changing his daughter's diaper. Since he started rehabbing himself (therapy wasn't working and they didn't pay for much of it), he's been able to decrease his pain enough and has started squatting and deadlifting! We spent over an hour squatting together and working on deadlift form. It was very moving having him tell a complete stranger like myself about his troubles and his life. Someone like myself that could never imagine being in combat. I've offered to write him programs when he's ready for his lifting to get stronger.

It was a very good reminder about all the sacrifices that many in this country make. Whether you agree with the war or not, their duty is to serve, and most do it quite well.

Thanks! But, don't post that in DC or the grief will never stop.

What I do for vets has nothing to do with support or non-support of a war. I could care less about their politics. The sacrifice they and their families have made for us deserve our respect. Now, some of these tough soldiers are having issues with war injuries. Dealing with their buddies dying and they lived.

We can't fix their hands or heads. But, we can listen and let them know their sacrifice was not forgotten. Sounds like you were right on the spot for that vet. :clap:

When you are thanking and counting your blessings today, take just a second to think of our vets.

If you would like to do something to help, you can PM me.

:thumb:

For our vets this memorial day weekend. From my friend, CrazyCoffey

Fort Hood has put a boot on the ground for every American life lost in Iraq and Afghanistan. A powerful memorial.



https://scontent-mia1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...79&oe=57CCA564

Pretty telling. Thanks for posting...

Rep applied.

Memorial Day Bump

Thank you to all of our Vets. I appreciate all of you that served!

Remembering my Father on this day. He served from 1939-1945 in WWII with the US Army Air Corps. He was my hero growing up - and still is. RIP, Dad.

God bless to all of you that have served and made our country the great place that it is.

It's that time of the year. Getting a lot of packages out to the troops for Christmas. I havent receive any money from the Planet for awhile so I don't usually post the packages going out.

However, this package is going out to the son of a long time poster on active duty serving our country. If they want to boast about their son in here or keep it private, its up to them.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5540/...f04c58cd_m.jpg

I'll send some money to you. Please PM with the details. Thanks!

I think the serviceman and his unit will love the package. Please PM me your info; I'd like to contribute.

Pm sent

its never been about the jerky and peanuts. It's always been about a fellow citizen showing a little respect and thanks to a fellow citizen for their service.

I use to get kids to write letters to the troops, I can't get any teachers or schools to do it anymore. They worry about it being viewed politically. I had another project of sendind greeting cards and letters to soldiers who returned home but are still having surgery to repair their injuries from war. Even that has scared them off. Wounded soldiers having surgery to fix their bodies from war, that's possibly political now?:facepalm:

PM sent.

This pic from the header, SSGT Easterling is one of my friends and I passed this pic along to him. I can't afford to give this year, but thanks for all you do.

http://i.imgur.com/tvwxyl1.jpg

I've just been informed by my friend that this card was written by Air Force guys and not Army guys so that can't be him. Sorry for the confusion.

there are two Easterlings in the military that are Chief fans, that someone knows on here?:eek:

What a coincidence!

For future reference, here's how you can tell. In the Army, we capitalize the entire abbreviation. Captain is CPT, Sergeant is SGT. In the Air Force, they capitalize the first letter. Captain is Cpt, Sergeant is Sgt. :thumb:

Sorry for the delay. I just sent a donation.

got it. Next one is going out to the old unit of a Planeteer that's being processed into the sandbox.

This package is going to out to a Planeteers former unit. They are currently serving in Iraq to help retake Mosul. This one had a special request for some Copenhagen. Sending them about 10 tins in with the usual snack stuff.

This may be the last package sent out through ChiefsPlanet to the troops. I'd like to thank those who contributed to this package and to all the others who over the years contributed to support the troops serving our country.

Please remember the vets. They all have scars of some kind. Just let them know you appreciate their service. It will mean a lot to someone.


https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2922/...5c557e00_m.jpg

I received an email from one of the recipients of our packages a couple of months ago. Thought I should post the troops thoughts on the Planet.

Sorry cant copy and paste but the summary is......

They thanked the Planet for not just the treats but for sending some part of home. They had had a real bad day and the package couldn't have arrived at a better time and day. Tell them Go Chiefs!

Welcome back, BRC!!

New packages going out to the troops over in the sandbox. Posting here because some Planet members contributed and or will contribute to offset the cost.

https://i.imgur.com/wRIQm5e.jpg

Rep applied..

thanks man. It’s never about politics. It’s about appreciating service to country.

I’m trying to give a thumbs up but it became a thumbs down.

Why can’t I correct this?

Arg.. still can’t change it. Sorry

Thank you for keeping this going, BRC!

I was the one who originally received the package back in 2011/2012. My name on the card in the initial post was SSgt Brandon Weakland and since then, I've become MSgt Brandon Weakland.
Man, time flies...

Keep up the great work and giving deployed troops something to brighten their day!

This is cool af.

^^^^ Doesn’t support the troops. :p

For me it was never about jerky and candy. I know troops like that kind of stuff over in the sandbox but, I've always thought that the most meaningful thing in the box after all the treats are gone, was citizens recognizing your service for country. Not family, friends, politicians etc. Just your fellow regular Joe citizens.

How's my theory from your perspective? Or is it all, wow, jerky and candy in the sandbox, let me at that stuff.