Dear Knots Members,<!—-> <!—-> <!—->
We just published an article in our editors blog about donations from tool companies and woodworkers who are helping a wounded soldier setup shop. <!—-> <!—->
I’m bringing the conversation with Army Staff Sergeant Nathaneal Meadows into Knots too. There was already some talk about it in the Old Tools group. Nate aims to advance his skills and start a furniture making business. Knots is already filled with advice on these topics such as promoting your work, shop rates, advertising, and setting estimates. Any of you remember great discussions that Nate really must see? Or please chime in with any specific advice or questions for Nate.<!—-> <!—->
Are you there Nate? Any information that wasn’t included in the article that you’d like to share here?<!—-> <!—->
<!—-> <!—->
Thanks,<!—-> <!—->
Gina
FineWoodworking.com <!—-> <!—->
Replies
Gina,
Yeah I am here. This is my first forum so I am still learning how this goes. As for the article, you did a great job. Really I want to thank Aria Tools, Rockler, Laguna and all the other individuals that have come to my rescue. They are the true heroes. They reached out and help a stranger.
I have a million questions most that can be answered by reading the last conversations and forums. However I would totally welcome and appreciate any advice anyone has to give.
After I am medically retired, my dream is to set up my own shop and build fine furniture and cabinetry. As Gina stated in here article my problem was that I did not have any tools. Adria and friends, Rockler and Laguna have given me a great start. But the most valuable gift they have given was encouragement.
Edited 2/21/2008 3:59 pm ET by foreverdeployed
Thanks Nate. Welcome to Knots.
Nate,
Could you use any hand tools. I seem to have gathered some extras over the years, and would be glad to send some to you. I'm talking about Stanley bench planes, chisels, and other handy odds and ends.
Let me know,
Sean
Sean,
Totally. I have received some chisels and things from the guys at OldTools forum. (friends of Adria Tools). I literally am starting off with just about zero. I would be totally blessed and honored with any tool, but only if you can. By no means do I want to add stress to anyones life.
Thanks for your support.
Nate
Edited 2/21/2008 4:15 pm ET by foreverdeployed
If you are willing to reply to this post "via e-mail" as opposed to "message board" (look for the toggle at the bottomof the screen on the page as you reply) with your mailing address, I'll send you out a box of a few things.
Nate,
Thank you for your service. I'm sorry about your injuries. How can we help you now?
GRW
Edited 2/21/2008 4:13 pm ET by GRW
GRW,
First, thank you for your time and interest.
This is all happening so fast. I wrote Laguna and the VP, out of the kindness of her heart contacted Fine Woodworking. I am totally not complaining. Everyone has been so awesome. I do want to go on record saying "I joined the service to serve America, not for her to serve me." I truly do appreciate everyone's support.
Sorry, rabbit trail. I really am just starting out as far as my own shop goes. I have been woodworking since I was 5 but I never really collected my own tools because of the army. I think the best thing would be to contact Ms. Helshoj at Laguna Tools unless you had something specific in mind. She asked me for a list of my "dream tools" for my "dream shop". Does that answer your question? Still new to this forum thing;)
Nate
Edited 2/21/2008 4:25 pm ET by foreverdeployed
Nate,
I sent you a E-mail. Please except my offer.
GRW
Sir,
I would be honored to and I really cannot thankyou enough for your support. You all are so amazing.
Respectfully,
Nate
Hi All,
As Nate said, Catherine Helshoj has a list of tools for his dream shop. Helshoj has said that she could collect donations. Checks can be sent to her attention at Laguna. Clearly mark “Nathaneal Meadows” on the memo section.
<!----><!----> <!---->
Laguna Tools
Attention: Catherine Helshoj
<!----><!----><!---->17101 Murphy Avenue<!----><!---->
<!----><!---->Irvine<!---->, <!---->California<!----> <!---->92614<!----><!---->
<!----> <!---->
I know that Helshoj is traveling this week but she said she’d have internet access so she may chime in herself.
Thanks, Gina
Hello Nate,
I would just like to give you a great big thank you for your military service you have freely given to us.
Welcome to Knots and...........what do you need?
Paul
Paul,
Thank you for your support. I am totally starting from scratch. The band saw is my first large machine and am getting assorted hand tools from different people. I think the best thing is to contact Ms. Helshoj at Laguna Tools unless you had something in mind. [email protected] She asked me for a list of my "dream" tools for my "dream shop". I hope this helps.
I really want to thank you for your support. Everyone has been so great. It is funny. For months, all my letters were ignored or turned down. Thank you.
Nate
Hi Nate,
Gina's post just caught my eye, and I wanted to say thank you so much for your service to our great country and the significant sacrifice you have made. God bless, and I wish you all the success with your new endeavor. I think you'll find this message board and its archives to be a treasure chest of information.
It does my heart good to see a veteran (wounded or otherwise) being appreciated for his or her service. I am not a vet, but my father and grandfather were. My father was spit on when he stepped off a plane returning from Vietnam. I think tools and encouragement are a much better way to say thank you!
Welcome,
Chuck Skillman
Mr. Skillman,
Thankyou for your support. My father in law experienced something like your father. I am so saddened by what they went through. America has learned though. You all have been so awesome and supportive. Thankyou and please tell your father Thanks for his service from me. I could never do what they did in Vietnam.
Nate
"My father was spit on when he stepped off a plane returning from Vietnam."
I was in that group...or one just like it. I am 100% disabled and I haven't gotten my new saw yet.
Harry
Following the path of least resistance makes rivers and men crooked.
Harry,
I recognize your frustration, but I won't insult you by saying that I understand it. You're feeling something that no one else really can unless they've been in your shoes. Here is the closest perspective I have on the issue. My father passed away two years ago from a long and VERY painful battle with cancer, but the only time I ever saw him cry was when he touched the names of his friends on that cold black wall. I will NEVER forget that. I know you guys went through hell and rarely (many times never) got a word of thanks for it. I know it's not much, but thank you so much for your service and sacrifice Harry. I mean that from the bottom of my heart.
Having said that, don't you take some heart in the fact that the treatment of our servicemen and women HAS improved in the last 40 years? We're in the middle of a very unpopular war, but the sacrifices made by our troops is still appreciated by the general public.
I don't get the impression that Nate is trying to take undue advantage of his situation. Sure there are people worse off than him, but if you waited to give your dollar to the most unfortunate guy on the planet, you'd grow old looking for him with that dollar still in hand. Compared to the average citizen, I believe that someone who stands up to serve our country, deserves to ask for a little help when he's down. I don't know Nate from Adam, but I'd sure bet he's a better human than the kid sitting on his couch thinking the world owes him something.
God bless ALL our veterans,
Chuck
Edited 2/26/2008 7:12 pm ET by Skillman
Well said!!
Chuck, Very well written,
Harry, Thank you for your service and sacrifice.
Chuck,
I offer my condolences to you in the loss of your father. And I thank you for your kind words of encouragement.
I, like your father, was in the Army during a very dark period of our American government. Unlike now though, the American people in large did not support the troops coming back from combat. As you stated about your father's return - a lot of us were spit upon, called baby killers, etc. by people that were rebelling against the governemnt and anything that rang of establishmentarianism. Most of us did not go to Vietnam, or even join the Army, voluntarily. It was either surender to service or be a fugitive.
I suffer from a form of lung cancer from all the nasty stuff I was subjected to. I have that, pulmonary sarcoidosis and heart related problems. My heart wore out trying to pump oxygen that my lungs were not putting into the blood. I had open heart surgery in December of 2006 to try and repair some of the damage. They found a couple blockages they could repair, sewed my back up and said, "Good luck."
I didn't get out the Army until 1984 when I was forced out on a medical discharge. Even with my disabilities I went out and got a job and worked for another 14 years until my disabilities got to the point that I could continue no longer. I never once stuck my hand out to anyone. My wife and family supported me through the down times and I tried to support them through the good times.
Sure, I'm drawing a pretty decent pension now...100% DAV and Social Security Disability, but that sure doesn't make up for what I and a lot of others have gone through in the last 40 years since our involvement in Vietnam.
I'm sorry if I sound a little bitter. It's just because I am.
Harry 11c4RPFollowing the path of least resistance makes rivers and men crooked.
http://www.slate.com/id/2158608/
Frank,
You can come up with all the articles or whatever you like...I know what I saw and experienced.
Harry
Following the path of least resistance makes rivers and men crooked.
Harry,
As I have said before, I thank you for your sacrifice and service. You have served your country even though you were not supported. That makes you an honorable man in my book. I can not ever understand your suffering and my heart does hurt for what you have had to endure.
I would ask though that you would know my whole story before you pass judgement. I would never claim to understand your suffering, although my story is different there are parallels. Some things are much better for me and some things aren't. We can always think that we have it so much worse than the next guy, but we don't know his whole story, we don't have his family, we don't have his friends, we don't know anything really.
I am sorry that you see me as a beggar with his hand out. That is not my intention. As for asking for help, I do believe that that is the American way. (I am not saying being lazy or taking advantage) I believe this is shown perfectly within the military life. There are very few tasks that a soldier can do on his own. From the beginning in Basic Training we are taught to work as a team and to rely upon each other. If you can't get your rucksack on, you ask a buddy for help. If you just can't quite carry the load you were issued, you ask your buddies to help you out. "Team Work is the Key" is a mantra we were grilled and forced to understand. No soldier can stand alone in combat. The Spartans understood this and became the greatest warriors to walk the face of this earth.
I have had the totally awesome pleasure of becoming friends with the Vietnam Veteran Dave Roever, the inspirational speaker. I believe that if anyone has a right to be bitter it is him, since a phosphorus grenade burned over half his body and face. And yet, he is the kindest man and he reaches out to the wounded vets of this war to teach them not to let bitterness destroy them and to learn to live with what life has to throw at you.
I do not mean any disrespect to you or any veteran. I hope that you can come to understand that. We all need help from time to time. Thank you again for your service and sacrifice and I hope that things turn for the better for you.
Respectfully,
Nate
Based on what I have read quickly in the thread, I am guessing you are at Ft. Belvoir waiting for final discharge. Please confirm that. Is it your intent to stay in this area or do you have a place elsewhere that is 'home'? You may have a great equiped shop when all this is done, but you will need some help with the business side of the equation. I may be able to find some help in that area depending on where you are likely to end up. Dan Carroll
Mr. Carrol,
I am at Ft. Belvoir, assigned to the "Warrior in Transition Unit" at Dewitt Army Hospital. My wife and I live in Prince William County. My mother-in-law is staying with us to give us some help with the boys. We are planning to move back to our home town of Susanville, Ca so we can be close to both set of grandparents for support.
Thank you for your kind thoughts. You are right about the business. I am in the "baby stages" and I have a great start on the shop thanks to the generosity of so many. I still have a long way to go, but don't we all? Any help you can suggest is awesome. Thank you again for your kindness. So how did you know I was at Ft. Belvoir?
Nate
I am just up the road in Frederick Maryland. I have a lot of associates at Ft. Detrick in the Army Medical Corps. You wrote about being south of DC and in another place about waiting for final medical discharge. I did not take a rocket science degree to figure out your were likely at Belvoir assigned to a med unit. I am thinking you will need assistence with business plan, legal set up, and tax issues. YOu will also need some assistance with basic pricing out services so you make a profit. Dan Carroll
Mr. Carroll,
You're right, I guess if you have any knowledge of military posts you could figure it out. You are so right. I will need help with all of that. Thank you for support, really. You all have changed my life.
Nate
Mr. Drackman,
I want to thank you for your thoughts. I would like to share with you mine in response to your posting.
Perhaps there were no news stories about such events because soldiers were so unpopular and it was such a common event. From my experience, the news is very selective in what they want to show. I am young and was not alive during those times but I understand how the news works. Why would they want to show a story of a soldier getting spit on and bring the wrath of the people upon themselves. The real story for them was how the soldiers were "baby killers" and how "corrupt" our government was.
My thoughts are that since the hurt and bitterness is so wide spread and so many veterans have stories of being hated, perhaps there is more truth than myth. Why do we question their credibility. They are men and women of honor and profound courage. They answered the call of the nation, even though they did not want to and they knew they would be hated.
We live in a free country, thank God, and we are all entitled to our freedom of speech. I thank you for your input and I mean no disrespect what so ever. I just thought bringing a different perspective would be helpful.
Nate
"I never once stuck my hand out to anyone."
I respect that, Harry. I'm just saying that I wouldn't begrudge you if had. You would deserve it.
And remember... you (and many other honorable men) fought for Jack Shafer's right to publish that misguided article (as well as Frank Drackman's right to post it here). Personally, my father sits a little higher on my credibility scale than an angry little online-magazine editor.
Chuck
Thanks, Chuck.
Harry
Following the path of least resistance makes rivers and men crooked.
Evening Harry...
I just got through reading the entire thread as I stay somewhat busy even though just retired. Actually I got laid off due to slow sales from a company I was with for 10 years.. so I just turned a negative into a positive and retired. ha.. ha... ha..ha..ha..
Appears you could possibly use some tools? I can't say I saw the "spit on" acts back in the late 60's and early 70's, but I can say I saw receptions that were not overly friendly. I attempted to hitch-hike home from Atlanta International Airport which is about 35 miles from my home on the north-east side of town. Never had any problems hitch-hiking before 1966.
I stood on the side of an On-ramp and put out my thumb. Dressed in Class A's sitting on a 70 lb. duffel bag. Two hours of heavy traffic down that ramp latter.. I realized that things might not quite be the same ever again. I opened the duffel bag and pulled out a set of jungle fatigues. Put them on without regard to who was watching as I ain't modest. Picked up the duffel bag.. threw it over my shoulder and "humped: the 35 miles in 8 hours. Good to be home!
Again.. I turned a positive into a negative with the simple thought of.. everyone can just kiss my southern a*s. From that day forward until today.. I have not relied on anyone for anything. Worked out rather well as I see it. And BTW.. if anyone had of "spat" in my face, they would have gotten their "spitter" re-arranged so it co-incided geographically with their anal canal. ha.. ha... ha..ha..ha..
Now.. to the point.. Harry and Forever-deployed... thanks for both of your services to our country and who needs an almost new Bosch 1276 DVS 4 x 21 belt sander? Who needs a 3/8" drill or do both of you. I have a Bosch and Hitachi.. so what do you prefer?
Send me your names and addresses as I might have find some more goodies I will ship free of charge... And if either one of you are at a VA Hospital or Administration Center... tell them they tagged me for a Purple Heart in June of 1969 4 days before I deployed back home. They said they would send it, but they didn't. I got both my Bronze Stars while I was there. Ask them where my Purple Heart is..
On second thought... just tell them the "Sarge" just said they can kiss my southern a*ss. I finally got it off my chest after all these years of wondering when I would receive it. ha.. ha... ha..ha..ha..
Highest Regards...
Sarge.. john thompson
P' Co. 75th Ranger Regiment VN.. Hunter-Killer Team leader..
Send me some names and addresses.... Bad News 1.. Out....
Edited 2/27/2008 11:26 pm ET by SARGEgrinder47
Edited 2/27/2008 11:27 pm ET by SARGEgrinder47
Sarge,
I wanted to thank you for your support and most of all for your service and sacrifice. Our country owes you and I think you should not let the Purple Hear go un-received. Please let me know if I can help. I am close to Washington DC and HRC. I am just a peon but I can at least start the charge:)
Thank you again.
Nate
NateWhen you reach sunny California, you might contact the local Chamber of Commerce and ask to speak with a SCORE counselor. (Service Corps of Retired Executives) This group of volunteers operates under the umbrella of the Small Business Administration and provides free counseling to persons starting new business - or those already in business and seeking help. They are good people. (I know, I counseled for 10 years. joke)Frosty"I sometimes think we consider the good fortune of the early bird and overlook the bad fortune of the early worm." FDR - 1922
Frosty,
Thank you for the tip. I will definitly write that down as a thing to do in my priorities. Thanks again for your support. (I here counselors are in more need of counseling than the counseled;) )
Nate
Morning Nate...
I was kind of kidding about telling the VA Administration about the Heart. Yep.. they owe me one as evidenced by the fact I still have 3 pieces of Russian steel floating around in me from an RPG. But.. at this stage of the game, I find it of little relevance to what it takes to wake up in the morning with a smile on my face.
I had the government over-pay me $2200 once with a simple key-stroke error at IRS. I called and told them as soon as I got my return check and sent a registered letter to that effect. "They would have to look into it and get back with me"... I called several times over the next few months and I always needed to speak to someone in another building who referred me to someone else in another building.
I cashed the check.. deposited what I should have gotten and put their money in escrow in savings. When I filed my return the following year they sent me a note that I had been over-paid $2200 and this years return would not be issued till I paid them with a penalty. Our government at work which appeared to be the sound of someone filing their finger-nails when they were re-routing me to the other guy or gal.
Finally got a super-visor and they told me to send the $2200 back which I did. A month went by.. then two. Called and there computer showed they had not received the check. I photo-stated the returned check front and back with them depositing into their account bank 5 days after I had sent it.
Finally got a call with apology and they would pay me interest. Got the check two weeks latter with an additional $4.17. They were going to charge me $247 interest on what they originally claimed was over-paid. Go figure....
Thank you graciously for offering.. but I know I earned one and don't need it in my hand to prove it. If I catch a large fish.. I release as I don't need fish to supplement my diet. I release without mounting a trophy. I don't need a trophy to stare at as I know I caught the fish and that's good enough for me.
In lieu.. I would settle for a cup of coffee.. getting the troops out of harms way in Iraq and waking up breathing with a smile on my face each morning as I do. I suppose I don't rattle very easily at this stage of the game and definitely don't intend to create any business with the government other than mailing in a tax form each year. Life should be kept simple and dealing with "Uncle Sam" is not part of my immediate family business now or in the future. ha.. ha... ha..ha..ha..
Again.. thanks kindly for your service.. I will send a personal email in reply to the one you sent me.. And have a good day, sir!
Sarge.. john t
John,
Thanks for your kind words. You are right, the system is definitely "broke":) And I like your analogy of the fish, make perfect sense. But still, should you ever feel the need, just call upon me and I will glad to help. I still believe you should receive your PH, if anything it adds to your legacy you leave behind for your kids, grandkids, and so on. But your contentment is more than commendable, as is your kindness.
Thank you sir,
Nate
Evening Nate...
Harry has graciously put the ball back into your court on the belt sander as he doesn't need it. I've already sent him the drill. So.. ya get a Bosch 1617 DVS 4 x 24 and I might come up with a new 12" SCMS blade as everybody needs spare parts.
Now.. I don't deal with 3rd parties as I prefer one-on-one, so either send the address in Va. or in lieu of dragging it from there to your home when released in CA., let me know that and I will set it aside and ship it directly to you at that time.. regardless of when that is. My e-mail, etc. can be found under my profile here among other places.. so feel free to contact me at any time. Or h*ll.. you can just show up if you get the urge to roam. ha.. ha... ha..ha..ha..
Regards for the day..
Sarge..
John,
Thank you for your kindness and Harry thank you for yours as well. And to both of you, thank you for your service. I am honored to have followed in your footsteps and to have worn the uniform. (I would say "same" but they keep changing them:) )
Sarge, I sent you an email with my address. Thank you so very much.
Nate
My treat Nate.. Got the E and it will ride "Big Brown" tomorrow. Post a track when that happens.
Yeah.. they do keep changing the uniforms. A prime example and sort of a sore spot for old Rangers is that All wear a black beret these days.
That used to be Ranger and SF was green. They changed the Ranger to, ahhhh... I don't want to mention that color. So when you run into whoever was responsible for that up in the Washington area... tell them the Rangers of days of old told you to tell them "you can just kiss our a*ss for that brilliant decision. ha.. ha... ha..ha..ha..
As you might have noticed... I like to laugh a lot, so don't take me too serious. You would know when I'm really serious. ha.. ha... ha..ha..ha..
Highest regards my friend...
Sarge.. jt
Afternoon again, Nate...
UPS ground.. ETA 03/04/08
Track# 1 Zulu 1833 X-ray 70371349260
Bosch belt sander.. two belts.. and new 12" SCMS blade on-board... Any problems shout!
BTW.. remember this: A Bosch BS tracking adjustment takes learning the touch. The slightest turn of the adjuster will move it rapidly. You will over-run one way.. so be prepared to turn back with a touch the other way till you home it in. Once you get used to it and acquire the "touch", no problem and once adjusted.. it won't move from that spot.
Have a good day, young man and highest regards to you and All...
Sarge..
Edited 2/29/2008 1:07 pm ET by SARGEgrinder47
John,
Thank you so much. You are the man. ;) O and just so you know most of us in the "regular army" hate the beret too. I would love to give it back to you rangers. Unfortunately, the general in charge of that was my Corps commander and was responsible for the vehicle that saved my life, the Stryker. The Rangers at Fort Lewis are even using them.
Anyway, thank you so much for your kindness.
Nate
We had "strikers" back in my day to, Nate. They were on our Flint-lock Kentucky long rifles. ha.. ha... ha..ha..ha..
Seriously.. anything that saves a life can't be a bad thing.. not a bad thing at all. That could and would include a cellophane wrapper from a pack of cigarettes stuffed into an open, sucking chest wound before a "dust-off". Life-savers can come in many forms from simple to complicated when need necessitates the call...
Regards...
Sarge..
Edited 2/29/2008 7:17 pm ET by SARGEgrinder47
John,
That is so the truth. Sometimes the most unexpected things have the biggest impact. (Like you all saved my life, seriously. That was very unexpected and yet effective.)
I would have said" Like a bunch of old guys like you saving my life but I didn't want to offend the ladies that have also helped. Ladies are never old, no matter their real age.;)...;)
Nate
Nate,
Box on the way USPS. You should have within the first few days of next week.
For others thinking of donating stuff to Nate (and wanting to avoid duplication), I included a Stanley low angle block plane, a Stanley 4 smoother, a marking/mortising gauge, and some user grade Stanley everlast bench chisels.
Good luck, Nate.
Best,
Sean
Ya da man, Samson. And judging from your picture in your profile you're staying in pretty good shape. ha.. ha... ha..ha..ha..
Regards...
Sarge..
Samsom,
Seriously, you are too kind. Thank you so much for everything. You all have been so awesome. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to return your kindness.
O, you need to share your secret of your fitness.:)
Nate
Edited 2/29/2008 6:57 pm ET by foreverdeployed
O, you need to share your secret of your fitness.
I attribute my physique to my high quality neandethal genes. I hardly even work out.
Edited 2/29/2008 8:43 pm ET by Samson
O, that makes sense. :)
Sarge,Before I get to the meat of this note, let me nominate you for having the "neatest and cleanest shop" in this forum. Congratulations!Now, the crux of my message - my thanks for your efforts, bravery and wound on behalf of mankind and yours truly. You deserve more than I can ever give.I am constantly amazed and confused by those who don't appreciate the sacrifices and commitment of those who fight for their freedoms. (I didn't realize that Neville Chamberlain had so many offspring.) They complain about "wiretapping", when in those oppressive countries they want to "talk with", they wouldn't be allowed to have a wire to tap.I have often wondered what 'they' would say if their son or daughter came home from school with a bloody nose and black eyes. Would they tell 'Johnny' to meat with the bully the next day and tell him that they want to 'be friends' and have a peaceful coexistence? I don't know - maybe they would.Thanks to folks like you, Nate and many others, we are free - and so are millions more around the world. Frosty"I sometimes think we consider the good fortune of the early bird and overlook the bad fortune of the early worm." FDR - 1922
Well thank you, JF. Don't know if I can fit the mold that you painted.. but if opportunity knocks on the door you usually only get one chance to answer. I do find that words are lovely and can be quite poetic if arranged properly... but action has a bigger impact zone... Whatever that means.
Well... the chief of my house-hold says I need to get back on her chest of drawers or else. And if you are married, you know what "or else" really means. But.. even with a late close in the shop to-night... I want you to know that every 3rd hour I will pause and clean up the mess.
You just never know when them "Swat Boys" might show up to check on my basement "still". Hard to hide all them rusty radiators.. even under a pile of saw-dust. ha.. ha... ha..ha..ha..
Regards for the evening, sir...
Sarge..
Thanks, John, and Welcome Home!!
Harry
Following the path of least resistance makes rivers and men crooked.
Good afternoon Harry...
E-mail your last name as I see your physical address in your profile. Nate has sent me a personal e-mail that stated he could use a belt sander and he has already recieved a drill. But... but... he very graciously asked me to give you the belt sander "if you need one" as he would rather see it go to you.
So.. be honest, do you need one?.. and you want a Bosch drill or Hitachi. Frankly, most people's first thought would be Bosch. But, I can tell you the Hitachi has less run-out.. more compact and more torque. So.. let me know along with your last name and it will roll Big Brown ground surface which takes about 3 days from Atlanta to Ms.
Now.. I don't normally offer or give advice to another adult unless they ask for it and you haven't. But.. I am going out on a limb in this case and going to offer it as a "brother in arms" to a "brother in arms". You can call me a SOB if you want and you would probably be correct in doing so. ha.. ha... ha..ha..ha..
It is obvious to me you still have a chip on your shoulder about the Vietnam thing and trust me.. I truly understand that. But... I think you will find that the majority doesn't think of you or me as "baby-killers" or have the guts to spit in our faces. What I have found is the vast majority accepts the circumstances we were put under by our goverment and we did the best we could with them writing the rules with us being on the other end.
I have found that most people (an especially on this site) are very respectful of "any" veteran and show it often in their comments in post. I am not inclined to beat around the bush and I don't hesitate to call a spade a spade.
I think you have some deep bitter-ness bottled inside you generated from the Nam and I personally would like to see you heal from the affliction. You are not going to heal from the physical wounds they have been afflicted so you have to accept that.. but you control the mental ones whether you realize that or not.
I don't feel anyone owes me anything as I have stated. What I do find is if I approach the masses and life with humility.. good will has been be-stowed upon me. Not from asking or demanding, simply from the goodness that resides in the hearts of most Americans that did not serve.
And of course there will be a small pocket of people who believe that anyone that consented to pick up a fire-arm and use it is a "tyrant". We were told we were defending our country. We were young.. we were nieve and we believed that. If we did anything wrong I believe the vast majority does not hold us accountable because they are intelligent enough to realize we were pawns moved on the political chess-board of the "bigger player". You can't fool "all the people" all the time.
So.. as a "brother in arms".. I personally extend a helping hand to you to begin the healing as time is running short for us old-timers. Get busy with these tools I will send and make every day we have left count for those around you that you care about.
I have always been proud of my PRC-25 call sign in VN which was "Bad News 1". Today I'm changing the nomenclature to "GOOD NEWS 1" cause I feel good that I woke up breathing and I could help a veteran.
So.. get busy "grunt" as "when the going gets tough.. the tough just get going' ".. and it's time to roll! For those few who do know hold our former appointed.. young professions in the highest esteem. Well.. they can just "kiss our southern a*ss, Mississippi man. ha.. ha... ha..ha..ha..
Highest regards from the former "Bad News 1"...
Sarge..
john t...
Edited 2/28/2008 1:50 pm ET by SARGEgrinder47
Great post!! Thanks for all of that, Good News 1. But honestly, I don't need a belt sander. I could, however, use a good drill.
Thanks,Harry
Following the path of least resistance makes rivers and men crooked.
No thanks necessary, Harry. Shame.. but I just sold a secondary TS I would put on the back of my pick-up and hauled to Mississippi you free. But.. water under the bridge is water under the bridge and that doesn't contribute much to the existing flow.
SHOT OUT.. 02/28/08 17:45 hrs. ... on the ground with "Big Brown"!
UPS track # 1 Zulu 1833 X-ray 70338010973 ... scan will not show till latter this evening at http://www.ups.com ....
Echo.. Tango.. Alpha... 03/03/08 with slight possibility of 03/01/08 but zone 3 from Atlanta to Ms. is usually 3rd working day from my experience.
Sent the Hitachi 3/8 and a plastic carry box of DW drill bits.. Any problems let me know. And if ya happen over in this neck of the woods.. give a shout as the welcome mat is always out at my shop. If ya show up late.. I'll leave the porch lights on for ya... ha.. ha... ha..ha..ha..
Sarge..
As an Aussie friend of mine would say, "Good on ye, mate!!"
Harry
PS: The invitation goes this way, too.
Following the path of least resistance makes rivers and men crooked.
Thanks, Your posts to Harry have reminded me of what WE will never forget or regret. This is the first year I've put Viet Nam Vet license plates on my Truck. And already had two very good talks with Vets over them and what we did. Thanks again!Work Safe, Count to 10 when your done for the day !!
Bruce S.
You're quite welcome, Bruce. Anytime I can help a Vet in any way I will usually go out of the way to do so. That might be true with anyone actually but keep that quiet as my wife keeps me so busy.. 24 hours a day is sometime just not enough. I just come up from the shop as I generally work each day 2 PM till Mid-night.
We did not create the game.. but I think we played it damn well being recruited by the sources that be. We took care of each other and that is something that those that have never been in that position will never truly understand. You can read.. hear stories.. see documentaries.. but you can't duplicate it mentally without having actually experiencing it.
Funny you mentioned the tags. The State of Georgia gives free driving license to all Vets. I have seen the tags. Vietnam Vet.. Purple Heart.. etc. etc. as they have several. I cannot run a Purple Heart as I got tagged but obviously orders got lost in the shuffle as I went home about 6 days after taking the hit.
But.. I can run the Vietnam Vet and Bronze Star as I have the orders required to get them. I ask about two years ago what I needed to do to get the Vietnam Vet tag with the know-ledge that Georgia drivers licensed are free. I understand other type specialty tags costing more to make but....
No problem Mr. Thompson.. that will be $75.00. Thank you ma'am. I think I will pass on that one today. Maybe Amazon will be running a 20% off sale. ha.. ha... ha..ha..ha..
Have a good night Bruce and if you need to speak at any time.. you know how to reach me...
Sarge..
Seriously John,
I think you should at least try and have your PH record found and awarded to you. You deserve it, rely.
Thanks again for your support. :)
Nate
Hey Nate... at this stage of the game, I have a chest top to take to 320 grit by mid-night so I can crank out over 200 pins and tails on DT's starting tomorrow for drawers. That is important to me as it is something for my wife and family to enjoy for a long time.
As you get older.. you're priorities just change. I have over 200 free-falls sky-diving and the military jumps. I used to love to race dirt bikes and loved both, but at this point I just don't have the desire as priorities took me down another path.
You'll understand some day, trust me...
Regards...
Sarge..
John,
Well if you should ever change your mind, or if any of your family that may read this be interested, just call upon me. (Even if you have to go behind John's back:) ) I will be ready to help as best I can. Sometimes, people take care of you, whether you ask or not. All of this is a perfect example.
If not, John I admire you a lot for your contentment. I hope I do understand one day.
Airborne
(I may not be a Ranger, but I'm no Leg)
Nate
Sarge,I have done a lot of work on our family genealogy. Items from the past are extremely valuable for your descendants. I have a piece of handmade carp from the early 1800s (I have it framed with a description of the history on the back); I have the original diary of my Great Grandmother, written in 1864 when she was 16; I know you know what you did - and deserve - and feel that you don't need the 'mounted fish on the wall'. But in two or three generations a symbol of your sacrifices for them will be very meaningful.Now I'll 'butt out'.Frosty"I sometimes think we consider the good fortune of the early bird and overlook the bad fortune of the early worm." FDR - 1922
Morning Frosty...
They've got two Bronze Stars with V devices to pass along already which is plenty enough. Now.. in lieu of the heart, the government could give me a bottle of fresh glue. The problem with that is by the time it is requisitioned and moves up the paper-work trail until it would finally be OK'ed..... then delivered..... the d*amn glue would be a year and a half out of code and that's a fact. ha.. ha... ha..ha..ha..
They're fine with the situation, Frosty. I think I would rather see my family put more priority on my maintaining everyday health and slapping a band-aid on my everyday shop cuts than worrying about me being rewarded for some very distinguishing scars from long ago.
You can mis-place.. lose or get a Purple Heart stolen.. The scars are a permanent record even the government couldn't lose or mis-place.
Regards as I'm off for fresh, in-code glue. I don't have time to wait on the Army to get it for me. Impatient.. ? Nah.. just in tune to reality, easy to please and I need the glue in about an hour as there's work to be done. :>)
Regards...
Sarge..
Edited 3/2/2008 10:23 am ET by SARGEgrinder47
The VA,The DAV, The Federal Government/State Governments and all the Military forces only recognize one piece of paper when it comes to awards and the information. Either the original or a Military reviewed amended version. In their minds, if isn't on the DD214, it didn't happen and normally, no amount of trying to change it will help.I know first hand of recommendations for one MOH, a Navy Cross, 3 Silver stars and a 1/2 dozen Bronze stars from just one battle in RVN that will never be awarded. The Marine battalion's office in the rear was blown up by sappers a week after the battle and all relative papers were destroyed. There is no way for those men to pursue it further. End of story.Yes, with enough generals and congressmen and press looking into the matter for long enough things may be changed for a single service person, but that is not the norm. We made it happen once. It took 4 years and 12 affidavits and a Commandant's backing. Once.For you, at your age, it may be worthwhile but I believe most people who served then and have any experience with the system would say it's folly to pursue such awards.After 40 year, there are other quests. Let it be.John
John,
You may be right. And I definitely don't want to cause any grief to anyone. But I still believe in doing what is right. True, it is an unfair world, but if I have learned anything through this experience it is that "just once" can change more than one life. Take me, my two sons, my wife: all of our lives were made better because someone took the time and energy to help.
I will always remember what I learn while growing up, "all it takes for evil to succeed is for good people to do nothing." You all have done something and it has blessed me. Obviously, we have be wise and pick our battles, but somethings are worth fighting for. That decision is beyond me, but should someone need assistance, I am willing to put forth the energy to right a wrong on their behalf.
I mean the most absolute respect, and perhaps because of my age I am naive. Perhaps? But I do know how you all have changed my life and I am ready to return your kindness whenever you call.
Nate
Morning John...
You are spot on my friend.. if it didn't make the DD 214 it is not likely. But.. with that said, my second Bronze Star with V device was awarded for the same action and showed up in the mail a month or so after I received my DD 214 and mustered out of the military. The muster-out was about 1 1/2 weeks after I was tagged for both. My DD 214 shows only one Bronze Star. Go figure.. ?
Smooth system, huh..... I suspect the paper-work got turned in by the battalion commander or a general after both showed up in a Huey about an hour after the action. Guess they wanted to see first hand how 6 guys out-numbered and all but one wounded by two companies of the 97th Regiment of the NVA Army eliminated almost two companies of the 97th Regiment of the NVA Army? We just told them Sergeant Houdini was calling the shots but left for lunch just before they arrived.
And I suspect the paper-work for the Heart didn't get turned in as that would have been from the medical source. At this point... as you stated, there is no point as I have enough to do without fighting city hall.
Strangely enough.. I am aware of an incident that someone did get it done. A local from WW II was tagged for a Bronze Star but never received it. He fought them for years until he passed away in the early 90's. His family and our congress-man continued the struggle for several years and finally around 1996 he was officially awarded the Bronze Star.
Hmmm....... 51 years. I have better things to do for the next 51 years and that's a fact. Pass that dove-tail saw, I'll get started on those chest drawers "now". ha.. ha... ha..ha..ha..
Regards...
Sarge..
sent PM
John
Recieved... Doc.. Return shot out...
Sarge..
John,
I received the sander and the blade today. Thank you so much. It is a great tool and will help alot. If I can ever return your kindness, let me know.
Ok! I'll stop buggin you about the PH. :)
Nate
I just wanted to say "Thank You". All of you have been so incredible, from the individuals to the companies. I really cannot express how you have helped my family, not to mention me. :) If any of you should find yourself in need of a friend, please do not hesitate to call upon me. God bless you all.
Nate
I am a 100% disabled vet, got out of the USAF after 20 years, I unfortunately do not have any extra resources that I can send, what I can, and would like to do is to be able to offer any advice I can after my experiences navigating the VA etc. and some of my lessons learned in woodworking. Please e-mail me if I can help in that way. It would be a privilege and an honor. Remember a positive attitude will get you further, faster than a lot of other things. Woodworking, and my learning of it, has brought joy, peace and satisfaction into my life even during those times when I can't go out there and do anything because of operations etc. I know it is waiting for me and it also gives me time to plan.
Alan
Started Learning, Still Learning, and will never know enough!
Alan,
I want to thank you for your service to this awesome country (even if it was in the Air Force :) JK, I love you guys. There is nothing like having the Guardian Angels in the air while we are on the ground. ) I am sorry to here about your condition. I hope you are doing better.
I would be honored to learn from you. I will shoot you an email so we can chat. I have several questions for you.
Thank you again for your service and sacrifice. And thank you for your encouraging support.
Nate
Philip,
I wanted to thank you for your kindness and support. Most importantly I want to thank you for your generousity and sacrifice in giving me a product of your hard work. Your plane is one of the finest I have ever seen and I am honored to have and to use it. Thank you so very much.
For those that may not know who Philip is; he is a plane maker from New Zealand who makes exceptionally beautiful work, both in function and in looks. Here is his website if you wish to see his work. http://www.marcouplanes.com
Thank you again so very much.
Nate
Nate,
Although I have one or two o' them Madcoos, another is always welcome. I am trying to think, now, how to illicit sympathy from The Prisoner of Kiwistan, sufficient to induce his altruistic urges to my benefit (I mean need).
On the other hand, them planes are magic so perhaps I'll just part with the few paltry dollars he charges for them. After all, we cannot have him starving or doing without one or two of his simple pleasures, which are not yet illegal, even over there. Also, he has cats to feed and they do not take lightly to short rations!
Anyway, when you're finished with that plane, send it here where it will receive the necessary care and feeding from an expert in such exotic fauna. Also, it will be lonely in your toolbox and would much rather be socialising with mine, over here.
Lataxe, Madcoo-greedy (I blame Ayn Rand, I should have stopped after the first one - Ayn Rand novel I mean, not Madcoo).
PS What have you made so far with all them tools? I think we must keep an eye on you and offer periodic encouragement, cajoling and so forth. You army lads are off to the bar&grill or asleep in the guardhouse given half a chance, or so my Uncle Cornelius opines (he was RAF). :-)
Hello NateMy name is Henrie Schumacher from the Netherlands, I'm 45 years old, I'm married whit a lovely wife and I have 3 great kids ( 9, 13, 17) and 2 dogs.
I was a police officer for 25 years till 8 years ago, I hate a accident during my policework, I traced a suspect, and after 8 operation and a lot off hospitals I'm now so far that they call my handicapped.
During the operations they said that my right knee was a mace and that the can’t do anything about it and after all the operation the doctors discover that I have also posttraumatic dystrophy, a pain syndrome in my nerve system.
Now I’m lying 85% off the day on my bed because off the pain. I have a lot off pain medication also a lot off morphine.
I can’t walk, I can’t ride a bicycle, I can’t ride a car, but the most I miss is to see playing my buys football.
I hate to say it but there is less or nothing left off my life, I have my wife and my children but else . . . .In the time before my accident i love to work whit wood, only the smell off wood brought me in higher atmosphere. I’m also a tool fanatic, i love tools.
Only is the Netherlands not really a woodworking country, if you now that we don’t have any woodworking magazine.
This country is more if we need something we buy it, we don’t try it to make it our self.
We want to try to make from our garage a woodworking shop, the I can make the little time i have, a little useful.
I’m searching in all the American woodworking toolshops off there is something I can use ( and can afford) and there is a lot.
When I heart that I was handicapped I throw all my handtools away, I was so angry and said. I did not want to see what I so loved to do.I have ride your story and it is terrible to hear, I think that I now a little bit what your going trough. I hope that you can find the straight to go on, I no its very difficult. It is great to hear that a lot off people want to help you. I dit the same as you, I ask also for help, I ask by 15 woodcompanies off the hat some tropical wood for me, some waste wood, wood where I can make some little boxes (whit the tools I have), but I heart nothing.
I want to see how thankful you must be for al those great American people.Nate, it goes you well, sorry I can’t give you anything, but my hart is white you. And when you wane talk, I’m a member off the Lumberjocks, the now my e-mail Thank you for reading my little story. Sorry for my English, Henrie Schumacher
Edited 5/3/2008 8:04 pm ET by schummie
Sir,
I am so sorry to hear about what has happened to you. I am afraid that your condition is much worse than mine. I wish I knew why God allows some to walk away from the most horrific things and others to be devastated. I do hope that you have found some hope and joy in your life since.
I must clarify that many of the people that have helped me are not Americans at all. I have had the honor of meeting many of those people and they come from Germany, England, Australia, Canada, Croatia, Australia, Switzerland, Holland and New Zealand. And now I can say that I have met, via the net a kind person from the Netherlands. And yes, you have helped me. You are very kind and your words have lifted me. (Don't worry about the English, I understood you just fine.)
I want to thank you for your kindness and for your bravery. It takes a lot of guts to post your story here and open your self up. But even more so, it takes a very special courage to keep on "fighting the good fight." I am truly humbled by your strength. Your children are still very blessed to have their father, hang in there. They can still learn so much from you.
I seriously wish you well and I will keep you in my prayers. If there is anything that I have the power to do for you, please do not hesitate to ask.
Very Sincerely and Respectfully,
Nate
Nate, I have not heard from you or seen any post. I would like to know how things are going. I am sure others would like to know how you are doing.
So how things are progressing with you? are you out west in Susanville? I sure hope you are doing well. You have been in my prayers.
Tony Czuleger
Edited 8/3/2008 9:12 pm ET by TonyCz
Mr. Czuleger and to all of my FWW Family,
Sorry about the delay there. When you wrote I was actually in Susanville, but for my oldest brothers wedding. I went out for a weekend and am now back in Virginia. I will be retired (fingers and toes crossed, God and Army willing) Septemberish. I know, it keeps getting bumped back due to health but I cannot complain as they are taking care of me.
Theresa and the boys have moved out to California already and are living with my out-I mean- in:)-laws. They have kindly taken us in for awhile until we can find our own feet, if possible.
I am here continuing medical treatment and therapy. My health is getting there. The headaches still suck but I am adapting to the balance issues rather well I think: not that we can ever be our own best critics:). Its tough being in an empty house but I have no shortage of things to keep me busy (between therapy homework, resting, honey-do-lists on days I feel well, reading when I don't ect,)
I have to say thank you again to all of you that have so amazingly encouraged me, either with a tool or a kind word, or lots of words. And yes even to those that were mean at times, because they help grow thicker skin... but just like sand paper too, they help take some of the rough stuff off. (I am sure if the wood could speak, it would not want to sit, have a beer and develope lasting relations with Mr. 80 or Ms. 60 Grit) But again thats just me and my opinion).
All of you have helped so much. I have been working on projects around the house to get it ready for renters and I have been so thankful that I can now reach out and grab a tool that I need. Heck, being able to even start a project becasue I know I have the tools to get it done has changed my life.
Sometimes, as a result of my "situation" it takes longer but it has been so fun and therapeutic. I have just about finished our front porch which has taken over a year just becuase well, you all know the story. And I am now working on kitchen cabinets.
I tried to attach some pictures of the deck for everyone so I hope it works. (Theresa helped get the dangerous stuff done, she is the woman:) )
I am sorry for the quiet tongue that I have. I watch alot of the conversations and learn alot by what is called "lurking" I think. I will do better at keeping you all updated, you may have to send a reminder sometimes as my brain sometimes disappears and I have to go look for it:).
To all of you, I cannot thank you enough for your kindness and support. I owe you a dept that I fear I will never be able to repay. For now the best I can do is continue to give you my all and best efforts to heal and to wisely use the kindness and hope you have invested in me.
Most Sincerely and Respectfully,
Nate
A hearty hoo-rah on the deck, Nate. And, for your service and courage, as well. Heal well, and quickly.
Sir,
Even though I think Hoo-rah is better, I am bound by loyalty to my Hooah (You know the army always has to be different) And so I say it back to you with gratitude and respect.
Very Respectfully and Sincerely,
Nate
Dear Nate,it is already some time ago that we speak to each other, I want to ask you how you are?
Are you still busy whit your rehabilitation?
I now from myself, that the rehabilitation sometimes where very difficult, again and again you drills,
sometimes it gets so boring.
In my case I field that it was not getting better and all times the pain and after the drills the pain was even heaver.
In the time that I have the rehabilitation I can't ride my car (now still not) therefore my wife must go with me,
sometimes 3 a 4 times a week and the children where to little to let them home.
There we go, whit the hole family (5) to the rehabilitation from dad. That was no live.
And if you see that everything was for nothing, I'm still lying for 85% off the day on my bed.You shell not believe it but a American friend (Al) have sometime ago organist a fund raising for me!
When he first told me I was a little confused, a fund raising for me?
But I told him in the past, that a great dream from me was to go woodworking again. Normal I lying for 85% off the
day on me bed because off the pain and therefore I want to something to forget the terrible pain, all is it for
15 minutes a day. But when I heard I was not healthy again (not on this time) I throw, from grief and pain, all
My (hand) tools away, I was so angry.
And that was what my American friend hearth and therefore he want to help me, see on the website from Lumberjocks.com
Here http://sandal-woodsblog.com/2008/08/16/please-join-me-to-help-a-fellow-woodworker-august-18-to-september-1-2008/
and here http://lumberjocks.com/jocks/msojka/blog/5658#comment-221120Butt........ unfortunately the fund raising was not really a success, 6 woodworkers respond.
I found it disastrous for my friend Al, he did so his best. My dream must wait, I’m still lying on my bed.Nate, I hope to hear from you, I hope that it goes better whit you.God bless you and greetings from the Netherlands.Love Schummie alias Henrie.Sorry for my English
Sir,
I am glad that you are getting are ray of hope beamed your way and don't get discouraged. It does start slow sometimes but it will get there. I will continue to pray for you and keep you in my thoughts as I push through my own pain. You have not been forgotten. (Although, with my brain I have to keep you on a note card:). )
I am continuing to persist, though I am as before humbled by your situation and the strength at which you have grabbed hold of it. You have inspired me. I will be retiring very soon although my care will be transferred. The army feels that it is at a point that it is almost stable enough to no longer be their issue but the VAs, and as much as it breaks my very heart to leave the Service of my Country, these States United and the Freedom they stand for I love so dearly, I must agree. I must make room for the thousands of others that are streaming there way in from the battlefields, my beloved Brothers and Sisters in Uniform.
I look forward to rejoining my beautiful wife and sons that have been absent from here since the beginning of summer. My wife is my right and left hand as well as my brain, not to mention my Best Friend and Confidant. So, even thou this may sound bad, enjoy those rides with your kids and wife. This is the second time I have missed the growing stage of sitting, to crawling to walking as it slices deep through the calluses we build to protect our fragility.
That is about all I can offer you. In almost every way you situation out weighs mine and tips the scales of injustice beyond reckoning. When I do get set up myself and my toes show thru the sand of finding my own feet in this new life, I will help more. For now my friend all I really have is my prayers and the brotherly link that during therapy we share the pain but also the desire to get better. Its not for nothing.
With the Deepest of Respect and Gratitude,
Your Friend,
Nate
My Dearest Friends and Woodworkers, Patriots and Lovers and Believers of Freedom from around the world,
Today you my wake up just like any other morning, sleepy and a little confused, groggy from the remnants of rest. You may shower and shaver, brush your teeth and comb your hair. Then you may move to your room to dress, half mindlessly choosing the uniform for the day, this tie with that shirt or that dress vs. this one, while the rest of your mind thinks about how much you want to go back to bed and so you even avoid looking at it.
You may then move down stairs to get a cup of coffee, tea, milk, or juice, which ever gasoline your body needs to get you jump started for the day. As you head to your car, the smell of the dew in the are, the paper under your arm, the keys in your hands, stop just one second, look up and REMEMBER. Today is September 11. Remember the planes and the terror, let it affect your heart..... but then step onward not forget for the rest of the day, no, no. Rather, keeping within you the sorrow of the loss. However use it to strengthen with in you the love of your country, the taste of your freedom and what small responsibility you may need to take up.
And most applicably here, let it spark in you a creative note so that when you look down at Gods' handy work in the grain of a beautiful piece of cherry, koa or what every your heart desire is, your hands move and your heart soars. Then the sacrifices of our lost are not in vein at all.
With the Greatest of Respect,
Nate
Brother Nate,One of my grandsons was born with Apert Syndrome, a genetic disorder which causes multiple malformations of tissue, bone and muscle. Jude's head was misshapen and his fingers were fused and his toes were webbed at birth, and his trachea was encased in cartilage which required very intricate, very new surgery shortly after his birth. He has now undergone 28 pretty big surgeries with many more to go.
I share this with you not for your pity, but to share with you that Jude is one of the happiest three year old boys you will meet! He continues to take all of the bumps of his young life in stride, and of course he has learned exactly how to "work" the nurses whenever he is in the hospital, and his grandparents when he is with us.
God made Jude and allowed him to live for a reason. Jude has taught us well, and he has brought an untold number together in prayer. Likewise, God made you and allowed you to live for a reason that may not seem entirely clear at the moment, but will become increasingly obvious in the time to come.God bless you, Brother!
Hello friend Nate and all the woodworkers,Please Nate, don’t say sire, I now you learn that in the army, but it gives so a distance.
I want to thank you for your kinds words, it feels so good from somebody hoe knows
how it feel.
I’ am almost 9 years busy to get better, but I know that this is still far away for me. The doctors said
that we must wait for a wonder and there I’m waiting and praying for. The rehabilitation are now over for
me, because everything I do that gives pain and therefore the doctors said that it is better to stop
whit the rehabilitation program. We did everything what was possible and we take all the medicines
that maybe can help, I hat 7 operation to endure the pain, but nothing will help.
But I now that there a worse things in the world, I now that there are people who are far more ill than me.
I’m thankful for everyday that I'm whit my wife and children. I have the same relation whit my wife as you,
see is my everything, I can’t live without here.
When you are chronicle ill you see that friend and the most off your family stay away, the don’t know how
to deal with my illness. And like everybody, there are busy, busy and busy.
I’m glad that I have a computer, that is my connection whit the outside world, it is hard, but true.
I hope one day to some woodworking, that, just for a minute, forget this terrible pain, the pain is there 24 hours a day.
I hat hope for this fund raising, but that is over now, it was for 14 days, and I get 5 donations.
I’m very glad whit this donations and I hope to buy a saw of something like that, but the woodworking dream must wait
for some time.Enough about me, I know how it feel to must stop whit something you love, the day I must sign my resignation (police officer) I will never forget,
but there was no other way. I hope you get the strength to come true this difficult situation.
I hope that you have view for something else, do you now what you will and can do after this?
I hope that you see your family very soon, to by whit your family feels so good and give you so much strength.I wish you all the best off the world and if I can do something for you, say it. I hope we keep in though.
Your always in my prayers and God bless you and your family, in all what you do.It is a rememberell day. 9 – 11, a day we must stand for each other and help the ones in need and late we pray for the girls
and boys on the battlefield, the need our support, God bless them all and bring them all home a live, to there love ones.It goes you well,Henrie alias Schummie.Sorry for my English again, I do my very best.
Edited 9/11/2008 11:32 am ET by schummie
Your English is far superior to my Dutch--you're fine!
My eldest daughter was born in Holland while I was serving in the Army. (She held dual citizenship until she was 21). My Young Bride and I very much enjoyed The Netherlands.
There are always two sides to a story--and many sides to every story if you are a politician. Interestingly, I was stationed just across the border in Germany where the natives were still rather hostile over having lost the war, but the Dutch were still grateful for having been liberated at the same time by the same troops! We were always treated warmly in Holland, and we will never forget that.
I am very sorry to hear of your pain and suffering, especially since you incurred your injuries in the line of duty. My prayers are with you, Brother!
Hello brother heartwould,Thanks for your kind words, you have now idea how good that it feels when people sympathy
with your illness. You must have a beautiful daughter when she is half Dutch.
If have been also in the army in Germany, by the Royal Airforce, i have been by the
220 Squadron in Schöppingen. Schöppingen is also just across the border in Germany.
I have also a army background, first I was by the Royal Airforce and after that I have been
by the Royal Marechaussee, military police. After several years I make the step to the police.
And now I'm 46 years old and I’m lying the hole day on my bed, sorry I begin again, it hearts so much.Thanks again for your nice message, it feels real good.Greeting from the Netherlands and If you ever come again, the coffee is ready.Greetings Henrie alias Schummie
My Dear Friends,
I apologize for the delay in responding to you. My twin brother flew out from Cali, he is a fire fighter in LA to be be with me during the 11th and to spend some time with me.
Thank you for your kind words and your opening the window of into your lives to share just a bit of yourselves. You have again encouraged me, all of you. Jude sounds like a beautiful ray of sunshine on a rainy day!
I am and will remain to you,
Most Respectfully and Gratefully,
Nate
Nate,After 9/11 I called an Army recruiting office to see about returning to service, this time as a chaplain. When the lady on the phone asked my age, I told her . . . and she laughed. My qualifications or desire to be involved didn't matter. It turns out that I was way past the age cutoff, but my heart continues to be with all of you who have willingly served to the point of personal loss.
Thank you Nate, and thank you to all who serve and have served! May God bless you!
and she laughed. My qualifications or desire to be involved didn't matter. It turns out that I was way past the age cutoff..
I insisted in the Army way back in the beginning of the year 1960.. (first year) I LOVED the Army.. Officers.. I had a REAL problem with... I put up with them as best I could... Who ever said a Officer was smarter that we 'Grunts'?
At my age I could PROBABLY (Not sure... but I work with Teens) They are LAZY! . Bet I could still pass at least Basic traning,, AND A WAY BETTER SHOT on the rifle range AND I made the so-called Expert!
I would think the age limit has NOTHING to do.. Or ALL to do with Age..
Young kid will do anything.. (I was one.. I still try, but not as good at it) Us Old folks will ask what?... Military DOES NOT LIKE WHAT! EVEN if a honest question!!! As the big brass sits behind a TV screen 5000 miles away!
No WARS 'IF' the Generals fought it.. As us 'grunts' watched on that TV Screen!
No argument from me. I enlisted way back when, but the poor guys who were drafted had it pretty rough. One guy I was stationed with had been a math teacher, but was drafted shortly after he got a divorce. Another guy was a 34 year old commercial artist who was drafted between wives.
My hat is off to all of the brave soldiers of today who have volunteered to serve our country! Reenlistment is very high from what I understand, which speaks of the commitment our soldiers have to their mission. Maybe we should encourage every candidate for public office to serve at least one tour of duty before they could be elected . . .
but the poor guys who were drafted had it pretty rough..
I was in the same group!
Some inlisted,, Most drafted... Army made us ALL the same pissed on grunts!
Sort of lost on this post on what is wanted..
Not sure I can afford to ship but maybe if I can take it to some Army place here in Chicago and they can get it to you I have a collection of random Incra Jig Fence fixtures. Hardly ever used and in Tip-Top shape. I bet I could find some books for it also.
I could afford to ship but my 6 month house taxes are coming up and me and my dogs go on short rations for a few months!
I'd call it the Wonder Fence.. Thinks that is what it is called. NOTHING wrong with it. Just did not fit into my woodworking style. It CAN do some pretty amazing things!
But take some practice and time... Still a really nice tool! If it fits into what you need..
I 'think' my e-mail address is in my profile.. If not, post a gripe to me here and I'll respond.
Old Army Artillery guy here. (I was just a mechanic and just loved my M88 Tank Retriever) 8 inch (BIG POPPER) , 5 inch, 155 Self propelled guns and that Honest John rocket that never worked that I know of! I saw it burn up a few launch trucks! 1960 or so.. Fort Hood Texas, 16 th. Artillery Second Armored...
I was Lucky.. I missed Nam by a heartbeat! AND I felt bad about it but just a kid then .. thought I was invulnerable! Thinking back I was WRONG!
Edited 8/8/2008 9:56 pm by WillGeorge
Edited 8/8/2008 9:59 pm by WillGeorge
Sir,
I seriously commend you for you patriotic heart and love and past service, even though that is not why you told me about this. I wish they would have let you serve again because we need patriots that will stand for our nation, for what is right. We also need, and I mean this in the upmost of respect; older, wiser men and women in uniform to help guide and direct. Thank you for your courage.
My father tried to do the same thing, unbeknownst to my mother:) after the That Day. But he too has past the age of "army usefulness". My mother was happy but only in the sense that he would not be gone. He was a doctor(Major) during Vietnam. He is still my hero today.
Sir, I really cannot thank you enough for your kindness and most of all for your love for this country. My heart hurts with pride in the Red, White and Blue and for the Freedom they stand for. Thank you. And by the way, as I am still learning, just because the Army thinks you are useless, doesn't mean you are:)
Very Respectfully,
Nate
My Dear Brother,Your heartfelt reply brought tears to my eyes. Thank you so much for your courage and your willingness to serve your fellow citizens. May the Lord truly bless you and your family!EYDITL!
gmg
Harry:Soldiers have always been supported in times of war and treated shabbily in peace. Even the great British Empire was given to this. Rudyard Kipling wrote a poem called Tommy (1892). (Tommy Atkins was slang for the private soldier or GI, in US parlance.) I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o'beer,
The publican 'e up an' sez, "We serve no red-coats here."
The girls be'ind the bar they laughed an' giggled fit to die,
I outs into the street again an' to myself sez I:O it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, go away";
But it's ``Thank you, Mister Atkins,'' when the band begins to play,
The band begins to play, my boys, the band begins to play,
O it's ``Thank you, Mr. Atkins,'' when the band begins to play. I went into a theatre as sober as could be,
They gave a drunk civilian room, but 'adn't none for me;
They sent me to the gallery or round the music-'alls,
But when it comes to fightin', Lord! they'll shove me in the stalls!For it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, wait outside";
But it's "Special train for Atkins" when the trooper's on the tide,
The troopship's on the tide, my boys, the troopship's on the tide,
O it's "Special train for Atkins" when the trooper's on the tide. Yes, makin' mock o' uniforms that guard you while you sleep
Is cheaper than them uniforms, an' they're starvation cheap;
An' hustlin' drunken soldiers when they're goin' large a bit
Is five times better business than paradin' in full kit.Then it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy how's yer soul?"
But it's "Thin red line of 'eroes" when the drums begin to roll,
The drums begin to roll, my boys, the drums begin to roll,
O it's "Thin red line of 'eroes" when the drums begin to roll. We aren't no thin red 'eroes, nor we aren't no blackguards too,
But single men in barricks, most remarkable like you;
An' if sometimes our conduck isn't all your fancy paints:
Why, single men in barricks don't grow into plaster saints;While it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, fall be'ind,"
But it's "Please to walk in front, sir," when there's trouble in the wind,
There's trouble in the wind, my boys, there's trouble in the wind,
O it's "Please to walk in front, sir," when there's trouble in the wind. You talk o' better food for us, an' schools, an' fires an' all:
We'll wait for extry rations if you treat us rational.
Don't mess about the cook-room slops, but prove it to our face
The Widow's Uniform is not the soldier-man's disgrace.For it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Chuck him out, the brute!"
But it's "Saviour of 'is country," when the guns begin to shoot;
An' it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' anything you please;
But Tommy ain't a bloomin' fool - you bet that Tommy sees!
Yep, that's about the way it goes!
Following the path of least resistance makes rivers and men crooked.
Hastings,
Very nice posting. Thank you.
Nate
Hi Nate - Do you have a 10" table saw? If so, which one and how's your inventory of 10" saw blades? How about router bits?
Knotscott,
I do not have a table saw at all. I do have a Craftsman 1/4in router. Sadly though my bit collection counts about 6. Thanks.
Nate
I've got a set of 15 MLCS bits with 1/4" shanks that got me started. Some are well used, some are not, but most still cut well. I've pretty much sorted out those that are NG and even have some replacements that are in good shape.....if they'd be of use to you, I'd be happy to send them your way.
What 10" saw blades have you got for your saw?
Knotscott,
Thanks and I would be happy to accept the bits. Everything helps. As for the blades. I don't have a saw that takes a 10in blade. I have a 12in miter saw, no table saw, sorry. Thanks for your support though.
Nate
Nate,
I have a sinful number of Auger bits. Would you like a selection of them? How can I get them to you? I know that I have some other things "in excess" that I can send your way as well.
For learning about woodworking, I recommend you watch every single video clip on the FWW site, then branch out to some of the things on YouTube from other woodworkers and certainly tune into TheWoodWhisperer.
Alan
Alan,
Thank you for your kindness and thanks for the advice. I have been spending lots of time watching the videos. There are so many great things to learn. I have a very rudimentary knowledge of woodworking and the videos and articles help a lot.
I could use anything really. I am, as you have read before, in the baby stages of setting up my own shop. Thank you so much. I will send you an email.
Nate
Michael,
I received the router yesterday. All I can say is, awesome! Thank you so much. You have fulfilled a dream, I still can't believe it is in my shop:). Thank you for your support and sacrifice. (Any time you spend money or give something away that is not for your self, it is a sacrifice:) Thank you so very much.
Nate
Nate,First, thanks to you and all veterans for your service and sacrifice. You honor our nation.I've got a brad nailer I'd be happy to send you. I realize this may be putting the cart before the horse a bit as I don't think you have a compressor, but eventually you probably will and a brad nailer will be handy. So shoot me an email if you'd like it. I know you're headed to California at some point (I'm in Sacramento), so if you can't use it yet, and would rather I send it to Susanville later (or now) I can do that too. Might be one less thing to schlep across country.Good luck with your woodworking venture and recovery.David
David,
Thanks for your support, really. You know, I had totally forgot about nailers until you emailed me. I could definitely use it. I don't have any. I will shoot you an email. Thank you very much for your kind thought.
Nate
David,
I received your nailer, thank you so very much for your support. If ever I can return the favor please don't hesitate to ask.
Nate
http://nika.frontier.iarc.uaf.edu/~cswingle/archive/get.phtml?message_id=177260&submit_thread=1
You need a bigger router -- one that'll take 1/2" shank bits as well as 1/4". I've got a Bosch 1619EVS plunge router that will spin any bit you'd care (and some you probably shouldn't) to put in it. The router is in excellent condition with all accessories and the manual, only used a handful of times. Drop me an email with your address and it's yours. I've got a few duplicate bits, I'll throw those in as well.
PZAXTL,
Wow, that would be amazing. I seriously have been wanting a larger router for a long time. I would be honored to accept it. I am so blessed by your kindness. If I can ever repay your kindness please let me know. I need your email though becuase it won't let me send this just to you.
Thanks again,
Nate
Edited 2/22/2008 9:06 am ET by foreverdeployed
Edited 2/22/2008 9:06 am ET by foreverdeployed
Nate,First off, thanks for your service. You have my gratitude and respect.As to your dream, you might want to consider some education/training. If you look into Marc Adams School of Woodworking (marcadams.com) located south of Indianapolis. Marc has some scholarships available and a very broad range of instructors.Good luck!Frosty"I sometimes think we consider the good fortune of the early bird and overlook the bad fortune of the early worm." FDR - 1922
Frosty,
Thank you for your kindness. I am in the process of asking the VA to send me through professional vocational training. I will definitely look into Mr. Adams school. Thank you for the tip.
As for the worm. Life is a rollercoaster, full of ups and downs. When you are down, people like Rockler, Laguna and Adria not to mention all the kind people of this forum and the OldTools forum are there to help you up. When you are up, there will always be people or situations that will try and drag you down.
I will continue to be ever so grateful to those that have come to my aid in my time of need and depression. I will also use their encouragement to prepare for the next valley.
For now, I am on the trip up and I want to thank all of you for your kindness. My life is forever changed and blessed because of you all.
Nate
Thank you for serving your country! I appreciate all that our soldiers do to promote freedom and I know how much of yourself you have to give to do your job. I am a Vietnam era vet so I understand a bit of your life.
If you can give a list of what you need in the way of tools I will see what I can do to help supply something. Can you give us your location? It would be helpful in trying to figure what items can be shipped to you economically from where we live.
Bruce
Sir,
Thanks for your service in Vietnam. I could never have done what you all did back then. Fighting in the desert is way different than fighting in the jungle. Also, I came back to a supportive home (for the most part).
I live just south of Washington DC in Virginia. As far as a list of tools, Ms. Helshoj of Laguna Tools asked me to send her a list of the tools I need to complete my shop. My "dream shop". You can reach her at [email protected] . The band saw is the first and only large tool I have at this point. I also know that Eddie of Adria tools has a list of some of the tools that where put together from the OldTools group. His email is [email protected] .
I really am just starting out, I always used my fathers or the armys shop so I never bothered to set up my own. I am not even sure what all has been given yet. I am sorry I could not be more specific. I hope this answers your questions.
Everyone has been so great and more than an answer to prayer. If I can ever repay your kindness please let me know.
Nate
Nate,
I want to thank you for your service and wish I could lend you a hand in-person setting up, but I'm in SoCal. My son is a soldier in the 3/509th Inf-Airborn posted at Ft. Richardson. He just got back their to his family in Nov after 14 months near Fallujah and Kalsu. He's a SAW gunner, did a lot of house to house and thanks be to God - made it home intact except for an unbelievably nasty hole in his arm from a spider bite. It really means a lot to me to see this outpouring and know that people care.John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking
The more things change ...
We trained hard, but it seemed that every time we were beginning to form up into teams, we would be reorganized. I was to learn later in life that we tend to meet any new situation by reorganizing; and a wonderful method it can be for creating the illusion of progress while producing confusion, inefficiency, and demoralization.
Petronious Arbiter, 210 BC
Sir,
Please tell your son thank you on my behalf. I also want to thank you for your sacrifice. You all that have to stay behind have it many times worse in many respects. Worrying everyday for the safety of a loved one is beyond taxing. But it takes a special person to send their loved ones into harms way. You have an amazing sense of bravery and courage. Thank you for your sacrifice.
Nate
Ok guys, this whole ordeal is really irritating the hell outa me. You guys and gals act like you think Nate is the only soldier that ever went off to battle and came back mutilated and/or mained. I mean, where do you get off giving him the royal treatment when so many others have just been swept under the rug so to speak and treated like second class citizens? I've had enough of this.
Sorry Nate, I don't mean to take anything away from you and I thank you for your service to your country, but you are not the only one in your situation.
Edited 2/22/2008 4:20 pm ET by harrycu
This is a well-known phenomenon that occurs whenever we confront difficult problems. We look at the full scope of the problem (e.g., world hunger), and it seems intractable and faceless, so we do nothing. Then something occurs to personalize it: A face becomes attached to the problem, which narrows our focus and reduces the apparent scale to something that we can imagine dealing with, that we have some hope of solving. And that provides the impetus for us to do something, and so we do.
And this is how a little girl stuck in a well in Texas becomes a celebrity and gets showered with gifts--much, much more than she could ever use--while millions of other children in far worse shape receive nothing.
Which is, of course, the problem: There simply isn't enough "good will energy" on the planet to solve all of the problems that are, in principle, soluble via good will. So only a small fraction of them ever do get solved. Sometimes it's a matter of sheer luck, other times it's because somebody consciously makes the effort to draw attention to the problem.
So what is the solution? I don't think there is one, at least not a fair one. It is one of the tragedies of human existence. (Not the answer that anyone wants to hear, but...)
By the way, I have a small set of Japanese chisels (1/2", 3/8", 1/4")that were given to me as a gift, that I don't use. I also have a Record #5 jack plane (1970's vintage) that mostly gathers dust. Interested?
-Steve
Sure, I'm interested, but you don't have to do that.
I know I don't have to. That's sort of the definition of "good will." ;-)
You can click on my username to send me a private email with your address. Whether you decide to take me up on the offer or not is entirely up to you--no pressure, no obligation.
-Steve
Perhaps you could post a list of tools needed for your dream shop. I don't have many spares but I might have something you are in need of, you never know.
Do we have any disabled Iraqi's or Vietnamese on the forum who are in need of tools? It would be nice to spread this goodwill around while we have some momentum.
ThanksFollowing the path of least resistance makes rivers and men crooked.
I agree.Peace to you and yours.
It would be easier to list the tools that I do have and go from there. :)
I have an old emerson made craftsman ras, a 10" Jet bandsaw, a Bosch 1617? router...not very many bits...a crappy B&D table saw, a hammer and a few nails... :)
Thankss,Harry
Following the path of least resistance makes rivers and men crooked.
Harry;I have an extra Makita 6018D drill that I like very much, it is light yet powerful and a perfect size in my opinion. It will drill pilot holes up to 1/4" without straining and drives woodworking screws most admirably. I would be glad to see it go to a good home as I said it is a spare. I have three batteries and a charger that have had good care that I can send with it.
You can e-mail me through my profile and if you can make use of it I would be happy to send it.
Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness. I have sent you an email with my contact information.
Harry
Following the path of least resistance makes rivers and men crooked.
Sir,
I do not take offense and I agree that I am not the only one that is in this situation. If you read through the entire forum you will see that I have made it very clear that I have not and do not mean any disrespect to any of the vets. I simply asked a few people for help and from their kindness I am here.
I do not believe that I am special so I do not take offense at your position. I do believe that many people want to help and simply did not know how or who to help. In their defense, I do not believe they mean any disrespect to any other veterans.
Thanks for your thoughts,
Nate
Edited 2/22/2008 8:23 pm ET by foreverdeployed
Perhaps you will make the effort and take the time to donate any duplicates to others who share the misfortune of being damaged in a conflict. Many of your predecessors did not have the option of volunteering or receiving signing bonuses, many of them were far more grievously wounded than you. Many of the civilian victims of these wars of aggression have no means of achieving recompense for their losses.I must say you are far lower on my priority list for help than those who were drafted against their will and those who were "collateral damage".I am ashamed of you for trying to get others to pay for your "Dream Shop" when there are so many others who have preceeded you and given so much more in sacrifice. This is not the American Way. There are many others from wars past and present including crippled civilians who should be helped first.I also take issue with your moniker "foreverdeployed", it cheapens the loss of the truly forever deployed who never came back to enjoy the love of their family, the simple joy of walking around free and the dignity of being able to wipe their own arse. If you want an example of the truly foreverdeployed, visit one of the many war memorials in most cities or take a trip and visit the Wall.Edited for spelling.
Edited 2/23/2008 2:41 am by rsaunders
I want to thank all of you that have been so kind to me even though you do not know me. I know that many of you say I have earned it but that is not the case. I simply did my job and served my country. You all have served her just as faithfully as I have, just in different ways. I hope that my true spirit can be read through these meager words. I have not and will not ask for help because I think I have earned it. I simply and humbly asked those I thought could help a fellow human being in a time of need.
Because so many of you have asked I will do my best to make a list of things that I need even though I have resisted for so long simply for the reason that I do not want to appear to be a proud and demanding man. These are my dreams that I have shared with you, I do not expect anything in return. Some will laugh in scorn or jealousy, some will ignore them, others will smile and be touched.
You all have given so much, you may not have changed the world but you have changed my life. I have heard but I do not know where it is from "If you save a life you save the world." You all have saved my life. Thank you.
Nate
As a person in need I will help you if I can, as I said in a previous post there are others with needs that take priority over yours.Be well and fend for yourself, it's the right thing to do.
From one Vet to another, Well said. I have something in mind but can't say more about it at this time.
By the way, your humbleness is befitting the Sons of Liberty.Work Safe, Count to 10 when your done for the day !!
Bruce S.
Sir,
Thank you, you have encouraged me.
Nate
Excellent effort! My dad was a disabled Vet from WWII, and I would love to help. Not wanting to duplicate anything, maybe a tool registry (I'm thinking back to the wedding registry from many moons ago) would help. Get me an address to send something to, and I'll either order something and have it delivered or I'll find something in the shop and send it. We all owe this man and all vets a great deal of gratitude.
Sorry, I did not see the last comment about the tool list. I'll get an E-mail out to find out what is left to get. I'm sure we can fix this young man up and get him going!
If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it.
And if it stops moving, subsidize it.
Edited 2/21/2008 5:03 pm by bones
Edited 2/21/2008 5:36 pm by bones
Sir,
Thank you for your kindness. I don't know how to thank you. I did want to say that your caveat at the bottom of your post made me laugh.
Nate
"Sir,
Thank you for your kindness. I don't know how to thank you. I did want to say that your caveat at the bottom of your post made me laugh.
Nate"
That Line is from the great Renaldus Magnus! (Ronald Regan). I dropped you an E-mail. Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.
Bones,
Got it and thanks so much for your support.
Nate
Er...uh...I have a question. What about all the rest of us disabled vererans. I for one am 100 disabled veteran of the Vietnam era and I also love woodworking. I would appreciate any and all donations of woodworking tools and equipment also.
All I ever got when I came back to the "world" was insults and spit in the face.
Sir,
I want to say thank you for your service. I am sorry about how you where treated when you came home. It is one of the lowest times in our nations history. I did not and do not intend any disrespect to any veteran from any war. All have proudly served our country and all deserve the love of our country. When I wrote my letters I did not intend for my story to get published. I definitely did not intend to end up here, but through the kindness of many people I have. And I am ever so grateful and will be forever indebted to them.
If you read the article the Gina so amazingly wrote and not at my request, she asks Ms. Helshoj what makes me different from everyone else. If you read her answer she says "nothing." I am no better. And I am certainly not nearly as wounded as some.
I simply and humbly asked a select few to help. Many ignored me, many said no, and a select few believed in me enough to help. I do not think I deserve any of there help. I did not wear the uniform to have Americans serve me. I joined to serve America. There were no strings attached, and there still aren't. I would send everything back if they asked. They are acting out of the kindness of their hearts from a meager request from a stranger.
I am sorry for your suffering and I thank you for your sacrifice and service. It is heroes like you that inspired my love for my country and for freedom. I don't have an answer for you as far as the fairness of how those who receive and those who don't. I do know that, from the time that I was a child I was taught,"if you believe you deserve it, you don't. If you demand it, you won't get it but if you kindly ask you may." My Mother Linda J. Meadows
Forever,
That last post was just a GREAT and apparently very sincere answer. Would you mind letting us know where you are located (or at least what general part of the country)? It might assist in inspiring the nearby folks even more. Thanks for your service. Gary
Gary,
Thank you for your support. I am located in Viginia just south of Washington DC. I hope that helps. If you have any other questions please do not hesitate to ask. And everything I said before comes from my heart. I will always respect and honor our countries veterans. Thank you again. (Desertmaster? Do you mind if I ask where that comes from?)
Nate
In answer to your asking my location: I am in the High Desert, Southern Calif. I have a good used air compressor I would have provided if you were closer, but shipping something that size seems unreasonable.
By the way, if it means anything, I am a Vietnam vet, and am cheered everytime I hear of the recognition that the Guld Wars vets are receiving. I feel that to finally begin to recognize the sacrifice our soldiers (and all military) are making detracts nothing from the service we provided in the 60's in Southeast Asia, even though we got little recognition. I wish nothing but good on you. Best wishes in your future.
Gary 67N20
Gary,
Thank you for service. I am touched by your words. Thank you. No worries about the compressor, your kindness is more than enough, really. Thank you again. And as Dave Roever taught me how to show appreciation to you Vietnam Veterans, I hope it means something to you. Welcome Home!
Nate
I wanted to take this time to thank all of you for your support and encouragement. You have been a light in this dark world. If in the future I can ever repay your kindness, please do not hesitate to ask. You have been a blessing and a miracle. From the bottom of my heart, Thank You.
Nate
Nate,
I hope the folks at Knots, tool companies, and others have given you a leg up. Thanks again for your sevice. I'm looking forward to seeing your work posted here at Knots. Keep us posted on how things are going for you.
GRW
GRW,
Holy Cow I cannot even begin to thank all of you for your support and kindness. So many of you have blessed me. It sounds rather cheesy but true when I say you all are my heroes. You rescued me from a dark world. And as I described to Laguna, "you all reached out and took the hand of a stranger", my hand. That takes a special kind of courage. Thank you.
Nate
Edited 2/26/2008 7:24 pm ET by foreverdeployed
Nate you are welcome. I have never been to war and as my father has said many time you don't want to. He was in WWII . My hand go's out to all Veterans of all our foreign wars. It's with you all we all can live in peace here in the good old USA.
Now My responce to the other vet out here on FWW Knots. stop crying.
Nate asked for a hand, he wrote a letter and some kind soul picked up the torch and ran with it. That's a great thing. Nate asked, thats all one can do. Please stop complaining and get out and write a nice letter to someone or company and your prayers will be answered.
Often times we all get so caught up in the day to day mill of the road task in life and life as you know can take us for one hell of a ride sometimes, I know first hand.
For example I had a businees that was doing very well in the 80's and when the last resession hit in the late 90's I lost everything. Having people contractor owe me thousands of dollars and the bill collectors calling, having no money to pay my bills. I was forced into BK. It took me over 10 years to recover and I just went back to work and forged my way back. No I did not complain I just did the work and worked my way out of it for 10 years.
Many people ask for help Like Christina Rapotti's family the LAPD officer who was shot and is now disable from the shoulders down she has a young little dauther to take care of as well and now need the help of other to just get through the day.
When the Extream Home make over show came to town. I volunteered and was only going to give one day up to the build. It turned out they really needed the help and I was there working for 4 days. No I did not do it to get on TV, that is not my thing, I live in LA and the Movie business is all around and I did not get on TV.
I was on my own nickel at all hours of the day and night to get it done. Giving is what its all about. Try it some time, it will fill your heart with joy.
I also volunteer my time with California Operation life saver. we also have a volunteer who is in a wheel chair and give her time unselfishly to the organization here in California.
OLI.org
Tony Czuleger
IMC Construction & Development, Inc.
Edited 2/26/2008 9:06 pm ET by TonyCz
Edited 2/26/2008 9:15 pm ET by TonyCz
Tony,
I am not crying...I'm just stating facts.
Harry
Following the path of least resistance makes rivers and men crooked.
Mr. Czuleger,
I really can't thank you enough for your help and your encouraging words. Your giving and kind character is one I hope to learn from. May your kindness be returned ten fold back to you.
Nate
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