Often I am mesmerized by the written word of others.
Once again another OIF vet finds my hidden voice.
I loved and recognized the language in this book and did not want it to end.



Matthew Gallagher OIF Veteran nails it.

My thoughts for Veteran's Day 2014

My blog from My Colorado View

I am often asked by friends, family, and coworkers, how they can support the military. But, before I share with those interested how they can support the military, as a member of the armed services, I first want to thank every American citizen for giving me the opportunity to serve my country.

As I approach 26 years of service my heart continues to swell, race, and break for all of the amazing men and women I have served with over the years. Not sure I can put all of that into real tangible words but my heart has grown to a capacity that I cannot even explain.

So, what about you? What can you do to support he military? In the coming week I just encourage you to say, “thank you”. Words matter. And look for opportunities to serve.

Personally, I am putting some extra homeless Ziploc bags in my car and I will consciously look for individuals to give them to and say thanks. Typically, I give granola bars, Kleenex, pretzels, crackers, or dried fruit. One in every five homeless persons is a veteran. According to a recent report, there are about 750 homeless veterans statewide in Colorado and on any given night, with about 325 of those in Denver. Throughout the entire year I look for opportunities to support veterans. You do not have to look very far in Colorado to find real needs.

I think this is a great time of year to reconnect. Call someone that you know has served and just check in. Leave a treat on a co-workers desk or celebrate this Tuesday by bringing a carton of half and half to the coffee station with a note thanking vets. (Nothing says true love like half and half) Small things have big impacts.

I get nostalgic during this time of the year. I watch the movie Jarhead.   It is a family tradition, I know most moms and daughters have different time honored traditions – but this is ours. Forest Gump is another great movie and it is typically on several times throughout the week. This next week is a perfect learning opportunity for families, as there are countless documentaries and movies to watch ranging from WWI, WWII, Vietnam, or current conflicts.

I also caution you about the post and email that gets sent around each year to send cards to “Recovering Soldiers” at Walter Reed. This program is no longer up and running. You can still send cards but I suggest sending them to USO or Fisher House. Better yet, next time you are going through DIA take a few minutes and drop in at the Denver USO in Concourse A. I drop off my magazines, newspapers, or books I have finished on the plane when passing through. Or stop by the Fisher House in Denver near the VA Hospital. The Fisher House provides a place for service member’s families to stay when they have extended treatments at VA hospitals. I liken this the “Ronald McDonald House” for military families, but they provide so much more.

So, fly your flags high this next week. Think about the veteran’s that have served in past, those currently in harm’s way and those that will lead in the future.

2013 End of the years Organizations to support

My post from 2011 is almost exactly what I would post today. Focus on People. We need to help one another...

Blog post from December 2011

With a few small changes. The Mission Continues - I support this organization - The mission just makes sense.Mission Continues
If you are a veteran or know of a veteran share this organization with them it just might change their lives.


Hagar International - Seriously transforming lives. Excited to partner with this organization in 2014. Very interested in the work they are doing in Afghanistan.  Hagar link


Humanitarian Organization for Local Development (HOLD)
HOLD A program near and dear to my heart and you will hear more about them during 2014. Just an honor to work with Zala and Susan. I will stand with the women in Farah, Afghanistan as long as I am able.


And something new Phoenix Mutlisport   Phoenixmultisport- Why? because deep down I wish so many people I know would get sober so that they could enjoy life more. S,o they could be happy more than being unhappy. Their children, family and grandchildren need them.

MAT to mat

Getting back on the MAT.
Last week I left the MAT and one of the most important things I know I needed to do
is get back on to my yoga mat. I got home Friday morning and gazed at the schedule online.
I wanted to go but I was hesitant.
I was ready but not ready.
On Monday morning I checked in for class and found my self situated in the studio.
I felt nervously comfortable. The familiarity of the practice felt great.
But I was wobbly and my knee was sneaking forward in front of the other.
I completely forgot the how to do side twist but the instructor was gracious and loving.
....
no judging as much as I was judging myself no one in the room was judging me.
After class I confessed out loud that this is was my first guided practice in 9 months.
I know this is where I belong and more importantly this is where I find peace.
The other practices this week have been slightly less shakey but the shake is still there.
Thank goodness child pose is always available and the welcoming atmosphere of peace and love.
Glad to be back on the mat.

I could not put this book down but I tried to make it last four days. I am attempting to savor something that it is not something that is hundred percent easy to ingest.

I read memoirs, a lot. Everyone has a story to tell. Brian Castner, (His Personal webpage and blog) an Air Force EOD officer tells his story is uncomfortably familiar.

On page 33 – I did not see it coming. His friend died in country. I read the last few sentences, put the book down and went to yoga.  Only to read later that he find peace in Mountain Pose - tadasana.

Page 47 – I think about this all the time. “Everything about Iraq sucked. I loved it.”
I understand that.

New Yorker Review

Read this book.

Pass this book along.

Support the Brian Castner’s of the world.