Reunion Photos

(Sorry...I could not get this one to straighten up and fly right!)

Reunion Photos

Alan Meyer doing his thing at the auction

Ron & Joyce Hamby

Richard and Pam Chapman

2014 Reunion--On A Camel?!?! (And other photos from the reunion)

The St. Louis Arch 

Jefferson Memorial

Our fun ladies at Grant's Farm

2014 Reunion Photos

Enjoy our great photos from our past reunion!  You won't want to miss next year's reunion in Cullman, AL!

Having a great day at the St. Louis Arch, Gateway to the West.

 Rondal and Joyce Hamby

Ben Raines

Dan Hunt and Bill Moore

Eugene Austin

Gateway to the West

Paul and Mary Hickenbottom

Back Row:  Linda Meyer, Sue Hunt, Mary Hickenbottom, Mary Ann Kinsworthy

Front Row:  Mary Moore, Joyce Hamby, Pam Chapman, Carol Sciotto

Back Row:  Dan Hunt, Ben Raines, Dennis Kinsworthy, Paul Hickenbottom, Alan Meyer, Bill Moore

Front Row:  Eugene Austin, Richard Chapman, Ron Hamby

In Remembrance

DO YOU KNOW WHAT THIS IS? OR WHERE THIS IS? This statue currently stands outside the Iraqi palace, now home to the 4th Infantry Division. It will eventually be shipped home and put in the memorial museum in Fort Hood, Texas. The statue was created by an Iraqi artist named Kalat, who for years was forced by Saddam Hussein to make the many hundreds of bronze busts of Saddam that dotted Baghdad Kalat was so grateful for America's liberation of his country; he melted 3 of the heads of the fallen Saddam and made the statue as a memorial to the American Soldiers and their fallen warriors. Kalat worked on this memorial night and day for several months.  To the left of the kneeling soldier is a small Iraqi girl giving the soldier comfort as he mourns the loss of his comrade in arms.

The Flag-Draped Coffin

Meaning of Flag Draped Coffin All Americans should be given this lesson. Those who think that America is an arrogant nation should really reconsider that thought. Our founding fathers used GOD's word and teachings to establish our Great Nation and I think it's high time Americans get re-educated about this Nation's history. Pass it along and be proud of the country we live in and even more proud of those who serve to protect our 'GOD GIVEN' rights and freedoms. I hope you take the time to read this ... To understand what the flag draped coffin really means ... Here is how to understand the flag that laid upon it and is surrendered to so many widows and widowers. Do you know that at military funerals, the 21-gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776? Have you ever noticed the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the United States of America Flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day! The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life. The 2nd fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life. The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of the country to attain peace throughout the world. The 4th fold represents the weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance. The 5th fold is a tribute to the country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, 'Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.' The 6th fold is for where people's hearts lie. It is with their heart that they pledge allegiance to the flag of theUnited States of America , and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Libertyand Justice for all. The 7th fold is a tribute to its Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that they protect their country and their flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of their republic. The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day. The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded. The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of their country since they were first born. The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit. The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding them of their Nations motto, 'In God We Trust.' After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for them the rights, privileges and freedoms they enjoy today. There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning.

Submitted by Paul Hickenbottom

Editorial

Submitted by Paul Hickenbottom

Baby Jets

Submitted by Don Warhurst

Pumpkin Crunch Cake

Alternative to Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin Crunch Cake

2 cans pumpkin (plus   ingredients for mixing)
1 yellow cake mix, with or without pudding in the mix
1 cup pecan pieces
2 sticks butter, sliced into one teaspoon pats

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 9x13 glass baking dish by spraying with a vegetable or canola spray. Prepare pumpkin per instructions on can. Pour mix into baking dish. Sprinkle DRY cake mix evenly over top of pumpkin mix. Put pecan pieces all over top of cake mix. Put butter pats over top of other ingredients, covering all. Bake for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until golden on top and pumpkin is set. 
Great warm or cold!

The Sacrifice

As I was passing by Florence National Cemetery 2 years ago, Emily, (who was 6 at the time) asked me, "What is that place and why does it (the tombstones) all look the same?"


I explained to her that it was a cemetery for those who served and or died in the military while defending our country and others for what is right and just.


Emily got really quiet and as I watched her deep in thought in the reflection of her window, she whispered to herself in a humble yet solemn hushed tone, "They died for me...the didn't even know me."


I was moved to tears witnessing my daughters understanding of their sacrifice and simply answered just as quietly and humbly, "Yes they did."


God Bless all who have served and thank you for your sacrifice, you will never be forgotten!

The Final Inspection

THE FINAL INSPECTION

The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

'Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?'

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
'No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns
Can't always be a saint.

'I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

'But, I never took a penny
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.

'And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

'I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.

'If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.'

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

'Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell.'

Author Unknown~

Sweet Hawaiian Crock-Pot Chicken

SWEET HAWAIIAN CROCK-POT CHICKEN--EASY AND YUMMMY!!

2 lb. Chicken tenderloin chunks
1 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup soy sauce

Combine all together, cook on low in Crock-pot 6-8 hours...that's it! Done! Serve with brown rice and you have a complete, easy meal!!