No Sissy Crap

None of that sissy crap!  Are you tired of those sissy 'friendship' poems that always sound good,
but never actually come close to reality?

Well, here is a series of promises that actually speak of true friendship.

You will see no cutesy little smiley faces on this card--just the stone cold truth of our great friendship.

1. When you are sad --I will jump on the person who made you sad like a spider monkey jacked up on Mountain Dew!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2. When you are blue -- I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you.

3. When you smile -- I will know you are plotting something that I must be involved in.

4. When you're scared -- we will high tail it out of here.

5. When you are worried -- I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse it could be until you quit whining, ya big baby!!!!

6. When you are confused -- I will use little words.

7. When you are sick --Stay away from me until you are well again. I don't want whatever you have.

8. When you fall -- I'll pick you up and dust you off.

9. This is my oath...I pledge it to the end. 'Why?' you may ask -- because you are my FRIEND!

Friendship is like peeing your pants, everyone can see it, but only you can feel the true warmth.

Submitted by Paul Hickenbottom

Semper Fi

Retired Marine and former Pan Am/Delta Pilot John Lovell is Top Gun at Subway Sandwich Shop Plantation, Florida:

Last week police were called to investigate an armed robbery: The 71-year-old
retired Marine who opened fire on two robbers at a Plantation, Florida, Subway
shop late Wednesday, killing one and critically wounding the other, is described
as John Lovell, a former helicopter pilot for two presidents. He doesn't drink,
he doesn't smoke, and he works out every day. Mr. Lovell was a man of action
Wednesday night.

According to Plantation police, two masked gunmen came into the Subway at
1949 N. Pine Rd. just after 11 p.m. There was a lone diner, Mr. Lovell, who
was finishing his meal. After robbing the cashier, the two men attempted to shove
Mr. Lovell into a bathroom and rob him as well. They got his money, but then
Mr. Lovell pulled his handgun and opened fire. He shot one of the thieves in the
head and chest and the other in the head.

When police arrived, they found one of the men in the shop, K-9 Units found
the other in the bushes of a nearby business. They also found cash strewn around
the front of the sandwich shop according to Detective Robert Rettig of the
Plantation Police Department.

Both men were taken to the Broward General Medical Center , where one,
Donicio Arrindell, 22, of North Lauderdale died. The other, 21-year-old
Frederick Gadson of Fort Lauderdale is in critical but stable condition.

Mr. Lovell was a pilot in the Marine Corps, flying former Presidents
John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. He later worked as a pilot for Pan Am
and Delta Airlines.

He is not expected to be charged authorities said. ''He was in fear for his life,''
Detective Rettig said, "These criminals ought to realize that most men in their
70's have military backgrounds and aren't intimidated by idiots."

Something tells me this old Marine wasn't "in fear for his life", even though his
life was definitely at risk. The only thing he could be charged with is participating
in an unfair fight. One 71- year young Marine against two punks. Two head shots
and one center body mass shot.

Outstanding shooting! That'll teach them not to get between a Marine and his meal.

Florida law allows eligible citizens to carry a concealed weapon.
Don't you just love a story with a happy ending?

Old people don't fight, they just shoot you.

Submitted by Paul Hickenbottom

Cliches and Quotes

How many of these have you heard of?  Can you add some others?

Kick the can down the road.

Lets get the show on the road.

Break a leg.

Thank God and Greyhound you're gone.

Think outside the box.

One bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

Live and learn.

Don't drink and drive.

Don't mess with Texas.

There's no place like home.

We have to take it one game at a time.

I'd do anything for him (her).

What goes around comes around.

A watched pot never boils.

Never count your chickens before they hatch.

Don't judge a book by its cover.

Monkey see monkey do.

You can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink.

Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.

A penny earned is a penny saved.

The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.

Sorry, Charlie.

You give him an inch and he will take a mile.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Actions speak louder than words.

All for one and one for all.

All's fair in love and war.

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.

Bad news travels fast.

Submitted by Paul Hickenbottom

Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory...

I love this arrangement of the Battle Hymn of the Republic.  What do you think?

Battle Hymn of the Republic

Submitted by Paul Hickenbottom

Gratitude

Enjoy this video with an excellent message on being thankful for the day we've been given.  

Graditude

Submitted by Richard Chapman

The Commander and I Agree

From a Retired Navy Commander in San Diego...

“So with all the kindness I can muster, I give this one piece of advice to the next pop star who is asked to sing the national anthem at a sporting event: save the vocal gymnastics and the physical gyrations for your
concerts. Just sing this song the way you were taught to sing it in kindergarten — straight up, no styling.

"Sing it with the constant awareness that there are soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines watching you from bases and outposts all over the world.  Don’t make them cringe with your self-centered ego gratification. Sing it as if you are standing before a row of 86-year-old WWII vets wearing their Purple Hearts, Silver Stars and flag pins on their cardigans and you want them to be proud of you for honoring them and the country they love — not because you want them to think you are a superstar musician. They could see
that from your costume, makeup and your entourage.

Sing 'The Star Spangled Banner' with the courtesy and humility that tells the audience that it is about America, not you. And please remember… not everything has to be sung as a Negro spiritual. We're getting
a little weary of that.  Francis Scott Key does not need any help."

 

The Sinking of the Reuben James

Click on the link to hear a folk song about the first American ship sunk in World War II. 

"The Sinking of the Reuben James" by The Kingston Trio

The USS Reuben James was the first American ship sunk in World War II, on October 31, 1941. Although the United States was officially neutral at the time, President Roosevelt had ordered the Navy to provide support to the United Kingdom in her fight against Nazi Germany. The Reuben James was escorting military material when she was torpedoed by a German submarine. 

Woody Guthrie, at the time singing with Pete Seeger in the Almanac Singers, wrote "The Sinking of the Reuben James" (also known as simply "Reuben James") immediately thereafter. While the song sounds like a rousing patriotic anthem, it's worth noting that both Seeger and Guthrie were pro-Soviet Communists and were opposed to U.S. involvement in World War II, until Hitler's betrayal of Stalin caused them to shift their views 180 degrees and support U.S. intervention. Had the sinking happened prior to the dissolution of the Hitler-Stalin pact, it is quite likely that no song at all would have been written, or, if one had, the sentiments expressed would have been quite different. 

The verses are to the tune of "Wildwood Flower," most famously recorded by the Carter Family, and the chorus is original to Guthrie. This version is by the Kingston Trio. Some folk music fans do not like the Kingston Trio, quite possibly simply a backlash against the massive popularity they enjoyed in the late 1950s to mid-1960s. I'm no expert on folk and no purist--all I know is that they sing great together and that there is a lot of power in those guitars and vocals--"Reuben James" sounds great. I threw this one together myself. 

The song famously asks, "What were their names?" I've answered that.

Submitted by Stephen Lower

New Comment Policy

Hello, Wingers!  Thank you so much for the opportunity to help you guys get organized online.  I know a few of you have had some trouble with your comments being posted and I want to address that.  Some of your comments have been getting hung up in the Spam Folder of the blog which have required separate approval.

The site "helps" by filtering out comments it thinks are spam when the blog has a "post all" comment policy.  That just means that all comments are automatically posted without any moderation.  The site makes the decisions about what comments are "spam" and does not always get it right.

To stop that very frustrating aspect of the blog experience, I have done the only thing we can do at this point and that is to require all comments be moderated.  Instead of the blog site making determinations of what is spam and what is not (and not doing a good job!) I will do that as the blog administrator.

I am not reviewing or editing the comments.  I am only verifying they are not spam.  This ensures that a human is reviewing the comments and making spam determination, not a computer program which will keep your comments from getting stuck in the spam folder.

When you make a comment, I immediately receive an email that there is a comment to be moderated.  I can publish it from the email which is a very easy process.

I know how important it is for everyone to have their comments posted in a timely manner and to get their information quickly.  I want to assure you that I will post comments as quickly as possible.  Thank you for being patient while we work out the kinks of your new website.  Please let me know if there is anything we can do to make it better!

Thanks,
Georgia Welch
Blog Administrator

Question of the Day

Submitted by Paul Hickenbottom

Prayer Request

Please keep Tom and Doris Lewis in your thoughts and prayers, especially on March 27 as he will have a heart procedure in Austin, TX.  We need Tom to get healthy so he and Doris can make it to the reunion!

Your Pictures

It's a tradition in Texas to take pictures in the spring bluebonnets, the state flower, for any non-Texans!  It's a big deal here!  If you have any pictures to share, we'd love to post them here for all the Wingers to see!  Take a picture of you in your green for St. Patty's Day or dressed up for a night on the town!  I know we can't always get together at the reunions, but this helps keep us all connected.

So...share your spring, Easter, anniversary, birthday pictures and we'll post them here.

Hope to "see" you soon!

Weather Wednesday

The weather here in Granbury is just great!  Today we had a low of 45 degrees and had a high of 70 degrees with a whole lot of Texas sunshine.  The weatherman is reporting  that we will have a possible high later in the week of 80 degrees with no rain in the forecast.

We are beginning to see the trees to bud out and boaters returning to the lake.  It seems like spring is here, but I haven't seen any robins yet, which when I was a kid was a sign spring had arrived.  I hope the weather in your area is great and you are able to go out and enjoy it.  According to the calendar, spring is just days away...March 20 to be exact!  Is spring coming your way?

Please share your weather report where you are!

Also...don't forget to wear your green on St. Patty's Day which is this Sunday!  Send us a picture of you and yours in your green and we'll post it here!

Did You Know?

Who Was Thomas Jefferson?

Thomas Jefferson was a very remarkable man who started learning very early in life and never stopped.

At 5, began studying under his cousin's tutor.

At 9, studied Latin, Greek and French.

At 14, studied classical literature and additional languages.

At 16, entered the College of William and Mary.

At 19, studied Law for 5 years starting under George Wythe.

At 23, started his own law practice.

At 25, was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses.

At 31, wrote the widely circulated "Summary View of the Rights of British America" and retired from his law practice.

At 32, was a Delegate to the Second Continental Congress.

At 33, wrote the Declaration of Independence .

At 33, took three years to revise Virginia 's legal code and wrote a Public Education bill and a statute for Religious Freedom.

At 36, was elected the second Governor of Virginia succeeding Patrick Henry.


At 40, served in Congress for two years.

At 41, was the American minister to France and negotiated commercial treaties with European nations along with Ben Franklin and John Adams.

At 46, served as the first Secretary of State under George Washington.

At 53, served as Vice President and was elected president of the American Philosophical Society.

At 55, drafted the Kentucky Resolutions and became the active head of Republican Party.

At 57, was elected the third President of the United States .

At 60, obtained the Louisiana Purchase doubling the nation's size.

At 61, was elected to a second term as President.

At 65, retired to Monticello .

At 80, helped President Monroe shape the Monroe Doctrine.

At 81, almost single-handedly created the University of Virginia and served as its first president.

At 83, died on the 50th anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence along with John Adams.

Thomas Jefferson knew because he himself studied the previous failed attempts at government. He understood actual history, the nature of God, his laws and the nature of man. That happens to be way more than what most understand today. Jefferson really knew his stuff. 

A voice from the past to lead us in the future:

John F. Kennedy held a dinner in the white House for a group of the
brightest minds in the nation at that time. He made this statement: "This is
perhaps the assembly of the most intelligence ever to gather at one time in
the White House with the exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone."

Notable Quotes from Thomas Jefferson

"When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we shall
become as corrupt as Europe ."
-- Thomas Jefferson

"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are
willing to work and give to those who would not."
-- Thomas Jefferson

"It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A
principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world."
-- Thomas Jefferson

"I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government
from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of
them."
-- Thomas Jefferson

"My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from
too much government."
-- Thomas Jefferson

"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms."
-- Thomas Jefferson

"The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear
arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in
government."
-- Thomas Jefferson

"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of
patriots and tyrants."
-- Thomas Jefferson

"To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas which
he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical."
-- Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson said in 1802:

"I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties
than standing armies.

If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of
their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and
corporations that will grow up around the banks will deprive the people of
all property - until their children wake-up homeless on the continent their
fathers conquered."

Submitted by Paul Hickenbottom

What a Mama!

During an early morning response to a house fire, firefighters were amazed...

A mother dog risked her life to save her puppies from the fire surrounding the burning house.  The mother dog, Amanda, raced back and forth between the house, putting her 10 day old puppies in the safest place she could find - a Fire Truck! 

As an onlooker photographed it with his cell phone after she already had a few in one of the truck's equipment compartments. She didn't stop racing back into the smoke and fire until all of her puppies were safely away from the fire.

The firemen on scene could not believe their eyes. Most people have never seen a dog this smart or this brave! Bringing each one out, six trips into the fire and no one could stop her.

All the firemen could do was to try to keep a little water spray on her to keep from singing as she kept making trips running through the open door. You can see some of the singed hair on her back end, forehead and lower legs. After rescuing all of her pups from the blaze, Amanda sat down next to them to nurse, protecting them with her body. Onlookers called an emergency veterinary service, and she and her pups were rushed to the hospital. Aside from one puppy being treated for serious burns, the entire family are alive and well! Thanks to the bravery of Amanda! What a heroic mother! How Great!!

Submitted by Carole Sciotto

Tasty Tuesday!

Welcome back to Tasty Tuesday.  Today, we have new recipe to share, and it looks excellent!  Send us your best dessert recipes for next week!

Blueberry Dessert
Submitted by Pam Chapman

CRUST

3/4 C butter partially melted, 1 1/2 C flour, 1/2  C pecans

Mix all the above and spread in pan

bake at 350 until brown

TOPPING

8 oz cream cheese, large cool whip, add powdered sugar until  spreadable

spread on cooled crust top with blueberry pie filling.

Congratulations!!

We are excited to report some great news happening around here!  If you have good news to share, let us know!

Cancer Free

Congratulations to Richard Chapman for being cancer free for 5 years and to Paul Hickenbottom for 3 years cancer free!  We wish them years of continued good health!

A Wedding!

On Sunday, February 17, 2013 at 7:00 P.M.   Thomas Lewis and Doris Rathjen

were united in holy matrimony at the Snook Assembly  of God Church, Snook,

Texas by the Reverend David Norton, officiating.

The couple chose to have a casual ceremony /  reception in the church where

they met.  The bride wore a sparkling  raspberry evening gown instead of the

traditional white bridal gown for obvious  reasons.  She was given away in

marriage by her son Jeffrey Zboril.  Her  attendants were her daughter Lori Zboril,

and daughter in law Tami Zboril.    Attendants for the groom were his sons Chris

and Stacey Lewis.

As Doris entered the sanctuary the song "From This  Moment" was playing.  As

she was given to the groom she sang the song to  him.  The couple recited

the old traditional wedding vows, and had a double  ring ceremony.  At the closing

of the ceremony they lit the unity candle  signifying their love for one another, and

took Holy Communion.

Following the ceremony all enjoyed a casual  reception in the fellowship hall and

after the toast Thomas had his son,Chris, read an  article he had written to Doris

in her honor.   It was entitled " The  Missing Angel".  The couple will dedicate the

remainder of their lives serving God and  ministering the gospel to others.  They

will make their home on the Lewis property between  Snook and Somerville, Texas.

Mr. and Mrs. Tom Lewis

Submitted by Richard Chapman, Paul Hickenbottom and Tom Lewis

How Great Thou Art

Check out one man's interpretation of the classic hymn "How Great Thou Art".  Bet you're not expecting this!

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=dxCRIF0m79w&feature=related

What's your favorite hymn?

Submitted by Richard Chapman

Rare Footage from the Battle of Iwo Jima

This is rare color film footage of the World War II battle for Iwo Jima February 14, 1945.

http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/qWcDIMrd6eE

Submitted by Richard Chapman

WWII Survival Story

NAVIGATOR - HARRY C. NUESSLE

BOMBARDIER - RALPH BURBRIDGE

ENGINEER - JOE C. JAMES

RADIO OPERATOR - PAUL A. GALLOWAY

BALL TURRET GUNNER - ELTON CONDA

WAIST GUNNER - MICHAEL ZUK

TAIL GUNNER - SAM T. SARPOLUS

GROUND CREW CHIEF - HANK HYLAND

B-17 IN 1943

A MID-AIR COLLISION ON FEBRUARY 1, 1943, BETWEEN A B-17 AND A GERMAN FIGHTER OVER THE TUNIS DOCK AREA, BECAME THE SUBJECT OF ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS PHOTOGRAPHS OF WORLD WAR II. AN ENEMY FIGHTER ATTACKING A 97TH BOMB GROUP FORMATION WENT OUT OF CONTROL, PROBABLY WITH A WOUNDED PILOT THEN CONTINUED ITS CRASHING DESCENT INTO THE REAR OF THE FUSELAGE OF A FORTRESS NAMED "ALL AMERICAN", PILOTED BY LT. KENDRICK R. BRAGG, OF THE 414TH BOMB SQUADRON. WHEN IT STRUCK, THE FIGHTER BROKE APART, BUT LEFT SOME PIECES IN THE B-17. THE LEFT HORIZONTAL STABILIZER OF THE FORTRESS AND LEFT ELEVATOR WERE COMPLETELY TORN AWAY. THE TWO RIGHT ENGINES WERE OUT AND ONE ON THE LEFT HAD A SERIOUS OIL PUMP LEAK. THE VERTICAL FIN AND THE RUDDER HAD BEEN DAMAGED, THE FUSELAGE HAD BEEN CUT ALMOST COMPLETELY THROUGH CONNECTED ONLY AT TWO SMALL PARTS OF THE FRAME AND THE RADIOS, ELECTRICAL AND OXYGEN SYSTEMS WERE DAMAGED. THERE WAS ALSO A HOLE IN THE TOP THAT WAS OVER 16 FEET LONG AND 4 FEET WIDE AT ITS WIDEST AND THE SPLIT IN THE FUSELAGE WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP GUNNERS TURRET.

ALTHOUGH THE TAIL ACTUALLY BOUNCED AND SWAYED IN THE WIND AND TWISTED WHEN THE PLANE TURNED AND ALL THE CONTROL CABLES WERE SEVERED, EXCEPT ONE SINGLE ELEVATOR CABLE STILL WORKED, AND THE AIRCRAFT STILL FLEW - MIRACULOUSLY! THE TAIL GUNNER WAS TRAPPED BECAUSE THERE WAS NO FLOOR CONNECTING THE TAIL TO THE REST OF THE PLANE. THE WAIST AND TAIL GUNNERS USED PARTS OF THE GERMAN FIGHTER AND THEIR OWN PARACHUTE HARNESSES IN AN ATTEMPT TO KEEP THE TAIL FROM RIPPING OFF AND THE TWO SIDES OF THE FUSELAGE FROM SPLITTING APART. WHILE THE CREW WAS TRYING TO KEEP THE BOMBER FROM COMING APART, THE PILOT CONTINUED ON HIS BOMB RUN AND RELEASED HIS BOMBS OVER THE TARGET.

WHEN THE BOMB BAY DOORS WERE OPENED, THE WIND TURBULENCE WAS SO GREAT THAT IT BLEW ONE OF THE WAIST GUNNERS INTO THE BROKEN TAIL SECTION. IT TOOK SEVERAL MINUTES AND FOUR CREW MEMBERS TO PASS HIM ROPES FROM PARACHUTES AND HAUL HIM BACK INTO THE FORWARD PART OF THE PLANE. WHEN THEY TRIED TO DO THE SAME FOR THE TAIL GUNNER, THE TAIL BEGAN FLAPPING SO HARD THAT IT BEGAN TO BREAK OFF. THE WEIGHT OF THE GUNNER WAS ADDING SOME STABILITY TO THE TAIL SECTION, SO HE WENT BACK TO HIS POSITION.

THE TURN BACK TOWARD ENGLAND HAD TO BE VERY SLOW TO KEEP THE TAIL FROM TWISTING OFF. THEY ACTUALLY COVERED ALMOST 70 MILES TO MAKE THE TURN HOME. THE BOMBER WAS SO BADLY DAMAGED THAT IT WAS LOSING ALTITUDE AND SPEED AND WAS SOON ALONE IN THE SKY. FOR A BRIEF TIME, TWO MORE ME-109 GERMAN FIGHTERS ATTACKED THE ALL AMERICAN. DESPITE THE EXTENSIVE DAMAGE, ALL OF THE MACHINE GUNNERS WERE ABLE TO RESPOND TO THESE ATTACKS AND SOON DROVE OFF THE FIGHTERS. THE TWO WAIST GUNNERS STOOD UP WITH THEIR HEADS STICKING OUT THROUGH THE HOLE IN THE TOP OF THE FUSELAGE TO AIM AND FIRE THEIR MACHINE GUNS. THE TAIL GUNNER HAD TO SHOOT IN SHORT BURSTS BECAUSE THE RECOIL WAS ACTUALLY CAUSING THE PLANE TO TURN.

ALLIED P-51 FIGHTERS INTERCEPTED THE ALL AMERICAN AS IT CROSSED OVER THE CHANNEL AND TOOK ONE OF THE PICTURES SHOWN. THEY ALSO RADIOED TO THE BASE DESCRIBING THAT THE EMPENNAGE WAS WAVING LIKE A FISH TAIL AND THAT THE PLANE WOULD NOT MAKE IT AND TO SEND OUT BOATS TO RESCUE THE CREW WHEN THEY BAILED OUT. THE FIGHTERS STAYED WITH THE FORTRESS TAKING HAND SIGNALS FROM LT. BRAGG AND RELAYING THEM TO THE BASE. LT. BRAGG SIGNALED THAT 5 PARACHUTES AND THE SPARE HAD BEEN "USED" SO FIVE OF THE CREW COULD NOT BAIL OUT. HE MADE THE DECISION THAT IF THEY COULD NOT BAIL OUT SAFELY, THEN HE WOULD STAY WITH THE PLANE AND LAND IT.

TWO AND A HALF HOURS AFTER BEING HIT, THE AIRCRAFT MADE ITS FINAL TURN TO LINE UP WITH THE RUNWAY WHILE IT WAS STILL OVER 40 MILES AWAY. IT DESCENDED INTO AN EMERGENCY LANDING AND A NORMAL ROLL-OUT ON ITS LANDING GEAR.

WHEN THE AMBULANCE PULLED ALONGSIDE, IT WAS WAVED OFF BECAUSE NOT A SINGLE MEMBER OF THE CREW HAD BEEN INJURED. NO ONE COULD BELIEVE THAT THE AIRCRAFT COULD STILL FLY IN SUCH A CONDITION. THE FORTRESS SAT PLACIDLY UNTIL THE CREW ALL EXITED THROUGH THE DOOR IN THE FUSELAGE AND THE TAIL GUNNER HAD CLIMBED DOWN A LADDER, AT WHICH TIME THE ENTIRE REAR SECTION OF THE AIRCRAFT COLLAPSED ONTO THE GROUND. THE RUGGED OLD BIRD HAD DONE ITS JOB.

Submitted by Richard Chapman

It's Time to Pay Your Dues

If you  have not paid your dues for 2013, they are due.  Please send your $25 payment to Pam Chapman at 629 Stringtown Road, Ekron, KY 40117.  

Thank you!

Weather Wednesday

Here in Granbury, Texas, Monday it was almost 90 degrees and Tuesday, it was about 50 degrees. This picture is a tree right outside my patio. No that isn't snow on the tree, it is already budding out - spring will be here soon.

Don't forget to reset your clocks this Saturday night - Daylight Savings Time.  We're springin' forward one hour!

Submitted by Paul Hickenbottom

Prayer Request

Please remember Carole Sciotto in your thoughts and prayers as she is dealing with some health issues at this time.

Also, Don Warhurst's wife Mary Ella is also having health-related issues.  Please remember her in your thoughts and prayers as well.

Submitted by Paul Hickenbottom and Don Warhurst

It's Tasty Tuesday!

It's March!  And Tasty Tuesday so we are showcasing desserts.  Mmmmmm, my favorite.

This recipe is so easy it's sinful, it's rich and it ALWAYS gets rave reviews.

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake
2-8oz pkgs of cream cheese
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 t. vanilla
2 eggs
3/4 c. mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 graham cracker crust

Mix cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until well-blended.  Add eggs, mix until blended.  Stir in 1/2 cup of chips.  Pour into crust.  Top with the reaming 1/4 cup of chips.  Bake at 350 degrees 40 minutes or until center is almost set.  Cool.  Refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight.

Send your favorite dessert recipe to phickenbottom@charter.net to be included this month's dessert extravaganza!

Submitted by Paul Hickenbottom

Welcome!!!

Welcome to the new and free website of the Clinton-Sherman Wings!  Check back often for information on our upcoming reunion and other information on your old friends.

You definitely do not want to miss Tasty Tuesdays where we will post and share our favorite recipes.  You know you gotta eat!

On Weather Wednesdays, we will update you with our local weather conditions.  In the comments, tell us where you are and what the weather is in your neck of the woods.  You can see the current temps in Clinton, OK just by checking out the Weather Channel widget on the right.

Also on the right is where you can sign up for blog updates to be emailed to you.  Just enter your email address in the box just to the right there.  All the way at the top of the page.  On the right.  Or you can save this page in your Bookmarks or Favorites.  Either way, you will want to keep an eye on us.  We're going to be busy.  :)

Submitted by Paul Hickenbottom

Weather Wednesday!

It's WeatherWednesday!

How's the weather where you are?

Today in Granbury, it feels great in the sun.  We're still experiencing breezy conditions, but nothing like the other night when we were getting tropical storm force winds.  We're looking for a high of 55 today with a low in the 30's.  No rain headed our way.

What about you?  How's the weather where you are?

Submitted by Paul Hickenbottom

Tasty Tuesday!

It's Tasty Tuesday!  Join us on Tuesdays as we share our favorite recipes.  As the winter (hopefully) begins to wind down, this week we're focusing on our favorite chili recipe.  This recipe has been a staple around our family for many years.  I always knew what was for supper on the first cold day of the season!

In March, we will need your dessert recipes!  We're showcasing Desserts, one of my favorites!  Email Paul (phickenbottom@charter.net) to have your recipe included on Tasty Tuesdays next month.  While you're waiting though, try this one out!

Chili with a Kick!
1.5# hamburger meat
2 cans La Sierra Brand Whole Charro Beans
1 can tomatoes
1/3 c. Gebhardt Brand chili powder
1 t. minced garlic
1 small onion, peeled and chopped

In a 5-6 qt pot, add the ground beef, onions and garlic.  Cook the hamburger meat until brown, then drain.  Add the remaining ingredients, bring to a boil.  Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook approximately one hour.

Note:  Prepared this way, your chili will be pretty spicy.  To tone it down, dial back the chili powder to 1/4 cup or less.

What's your favorite chili recipe?  Leave us a note in the comments below and share your favorite!

Submitted by Paul Hickenbottom

The Ultimate Authority

A Soldier, a Sailor, an Airman, and a Marine got into an argument about which branch of the service was "The Best."  The arguing became so heated the four servicemen failed to see an oncoming truck as they crossed the street.  They were hit by the truck and killed instantly. Soon, the four men found themselves at the Pearly Gates of Heaven.  There, they met St. Peter and decided that only he could be the ultimate source of truth and honesty.  So the four servicemen asked him, "Saint Peter, which branch of the United States Armed Forces is the best?"  St. Peter replied, "I can't answer that.  However, I will ask God what He thinks the next time I see Him.  Meanwhile, thank you for your service on Earth and welcome to Heaven."  

Some time later the four men see St. Peter and remind him of the question they had asked when they first entered Heaven.  The four men asked St. Peter if he was able to find an answer.   Suddenly, a sparkling white dove lands on St. Peter's shoulder.  
In the dove's beak is a note glistening with gold dust.  St. Peter opens the note, trumpets blare, gold dust drifts in the air, harps play crescendos and St. Peter begins to read the note aloud to the four servicemen.  

Memorandum From the Desk of The ALMIGHTY ONE:  

TO: All Former Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines.  

RE:  Which Military Service is "The Best."  

1.)  All branches of the United States Armed Forces are honorable and noble.  

2.)  Each serves America well and with distinction.  

3.)  Serving in the United States military represents a great honor warranting special respect, tribute, and dedication from your fellow man.  

4.)  Always be proud of that.   

Warmest regards,  God  USAF (Retired)

Submitted by Carole Sciotto

Weather Wednesday

It's Weather Wednesday!  Tell us how the weather is in your neck of the woods!

Today, in Granbury, Texas, just southwest of Fort Worth, it is cold and breezy!  We had a high of 52 and our low was in the 30's.

Where are you and how's the weather?

Check out the fun weather application on the right there.  That's the current weather conditions in Clinton,Oklahoma.  Aren't you glad you don't work for Uncle Sam anymore?

Submitted by Paul Hickenbottom

**Reunion Update**

It's not too early to start thinking about what to bring for our auction! This is how we make our big bucks!  The money earned through everyone's auction efforts helps underwrite reunion costs, pays postage for mailings and other incidentals.

When is the auction?  It's held during the reunion!

When is the reunion?  Glad you asked!  October 25-27, 2013

Where is the reunion?  Bill and Mary Moore are hosting us in Tillar, Arkansas.  Check back here for everything you need to know about the reunion.

Submitted by Bill and Mary Moore

Prayers Needed

Please remember these needs in your prayers.

• Jill and Billy K. Allen
• Larrie Caldwell and his wife
• MaryElla and Don Warhurst
• Mary Anne Kinworthy - for continued good health.

Sadly another Winger has gone to rest in the arms of our Lord - Richard Avery. Please pray for the Avery family and all who loved him and will miss him.

Also, congratulations to Gregory Baker, a former CS vet who has been chosen to be city manager of Damascus, Oregon. Pray for strength and faith in his new career. On a sad note, Bake and the Tenderhearts are no more. Boo! :-(

Also, we must bear in mind that no matter who wins this year's election, we must pray for our leaders in government. Prayer can change things. At least believe that.


We thank you, Lord, for your love, grace and mercy, and we ask You please to take special care of those we have mentioned above. We know there are others in our group, Father, that also need Your help and we ask You to please help them also. You have been so good to us dear Lord and we thank You for Your many blessings. We give you the glory for those of us who have gotten together after all those years - it has been so uplifting to us to see old friends and we thank You for the reunions which we so look forward to. We ask that you remove all stumbling blocks to the next reunion so that we can come together once again in peace and good fellowship. We thank You now, dear Lord. We love you with all of our hearts.

Submitted by Carole Sciotto