Keeping the holidays alive for military families...
Just sharing some of my favorite military holiday forwards...
Keep The Home Fires Burning
They were summoned from the hillside,
They were called in from the glen,
And the Country found them ready
At the stir-ring call for men.
Let no tears add to their hardship;
As the Soldiers pass along
And although your heart is breaking,
Make it sing this cheery song.
Chorus:
Keep the Homefires burning,
While your hearts are yearning,
Though your lads are far away
They dream of Home;
There's a silver lining
Through the dark cloud shining,
Turn the dark cloud inside out,
Till the boys come Home.
2. Over seas there came a pleading
Help a Nation in distress,
And we gave our glorious laddies;
Honor made us do no less.
For no gallant Son of Freedom
To a tyrant's yoke should bend,
And a noble heart must answer
To the sacred call of "Friend".
I thought you all might like to know that the, "Keep The Home Fires Burning," song originated back in WWI. Words by Lena Guilbert Ford, ca. 1866-1918 Music by Ivor Novello, 1893-1951 (pseud. for David Ivor Davies) Published in 1914 New York: Chappell & Co., Ltd.
'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS,
THEY LIVED ALL ALONE,
IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE MADE OF
PLASTER AND STONE.
I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY
WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE,
AND TO SEE JUST WHO
IN THIS HOME DID LIVE.
I LOOKED ALL ABOUT,
A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE,
NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS,
NOT EVEN A TREE.
NO STOCKING BY MANTLE,
JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND,
ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES
OF FAR DISTANT LANDS.
WITH MEDALS AND BADGES,
AWARDS OF ALL KINDS,
A SOBER THOUGHT
CAME THROUGH MY MIND.
FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT,
IT WAS DARK AND DREARY,
I FOUND THE HOME OF A SOLDIER,
ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY.
THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING,
SILENT, ALONE,
CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR
IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME.
THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE,
THE ROOM IN SUCH DISORDER,
NOT HOW I PICTURED
A UNITED STATES SOLDIER.
WAS THIS THE HERO
OF WHOM I'D JUST READ?
CURLED UP ON A PONCHO,
THE FLOOR FOR A BED?
I REALIZED THE FAMILIES
THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT,
OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS
WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT.
SOON ROUND THE WORLD,
THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY,
AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE
A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY.
THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM
EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR,
BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS,
LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE.
I COULDN'T HELP WONDER
HOW MANY LAY ALONE,
ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE
IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME.
THE VERY THOUGHT
BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE,
I DROPPED TO MY KNEES
AND STARTED TO CRY.
THE SOLDIER AWAKENED
AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE,
"SANTA DON'T CRY,
THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE;
I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM,
I DON'T ASK FOR MORE,
MY LIFE IS MY GOD,
MY COUNTRY, MY CORPS."
THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER
AND DRIFTED TO SLEEP,
I COULDN'T CONTROL IT,
I CONTINUED TO WEEP.
I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS,
SO SILENT AND STILL
AND WE BOTH SHIVERED
FROM THE COLD NIGHT'S CHILL.
I DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE
ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT,
THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOR
SO WILLING TO FIGHT.
THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER,
WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE,
WHISPERED, "CARRY ON SANTA,
IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE."
ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH,
AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT.
"MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND,
AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT,"
This poem was written by a Marine stationed in Okinawa
Japan.
A Soldier for Cassie
Four-year-old Cassie Carter sat at the kitchen table with her crayons and drawing paper. The radio was playing Christmas music while Mommy was cleaning the oven.
"Cassie, honey, you haven't given us any ideas about what to get you for Christmas," Mommy said.
"Oh," Cassie thought out loud. "I don't know. You can surprise me."
"A lot of help you are," Mom said, giving Cassie a little hug. Finishing with the oven, Mom left the kitchen to go tidy up the living room. The announcer on the radio caught Cassie's attention, and she began writing down some numbers on her paper. Her big brother Joey had taught her how to write her numbers. She listened to the radio announcer some more and then started drawing a picture.
The picture was of a house with a fireplace. She drew smoke coming out of the chimney, and drew heart windows. She worked on the picture for about an hour, and finally satisfied, took it upstairs and put it in her special drawer, where she hid her treasures.
At dinner that night, Cassie blurted out, "I know what I want for Christmas!"
"What, Cassie?" Daddy asked.
"A soldier, that's what," said Cassie with a big smile.
"A soldier," Joey scoffed. "What do you want with a soldier? You're a girl."
"Well!! Girls can like soldiers too!" Cassie fought back. "They're not just for boys you know, you, you 'sho, sho - vist'!"
Mom and Dad burst out laughing. "You mean chauvinist," Mommy offered.
"Yeah, that's what I said," Cassie retorted.
Days passed and nothing more was said, so Cassie's parents figured she'd forgotten about the soldier. But, Cassie had never shown any interest in her brother's toy soldiers. It made them wonder.
Finally Christmas morning arrived. There was no soldier under the tree for Cassie. But, surprisingly, she seemed perfectly happy with her gifts just the same.
When dinner was ready, there was a knock on the door. "I'll get it! I'll get it!" Cassie shouted. The family followed her curiously to the door, and when she opened it, there stood a young man all decked out in a military uniform.
"Hi," he said. "Is this the home of Cassandra Carter?"
"Yes!" shouted Cassie. "We've been waiting for you." And, she gave the soldier a big hug.
"I understand," he said, and added to Cassie's parents, "that I was supposed to be here at 2:00 for dinner?"
"Uh, uh, oh - yes!" said Mom finally understanding. "Welcome, welcome."
"I'm Private First Class Jones. But, call me Tommy. It was so kind of you to invite me to have Christmas dinner with you. My mama down in South Carolina makes a great dinner and so I was feeling pretty lonely until I was notified that Cassandra had called and invited me to dinner. Which one of you is Cassandra?"
"I am!" Cassie said excitedly. "And, I've got something for you." She ran upstairs and carefully took the picture of the house with the heart windows from her secret treasure drawer.
She took Tommy by the hand and led him to the couch where she climbed onto his lap. "See, this is for you. You can put it up, and when you get lonely, you can look at the smoke coming out of the chimney, and feel the warm fire. It's supposed to make you feel like you're at home, and the heart windows are to make you feel loved."
The soldier looked at her and looked like he was going to cry. "Cassie, that's the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me."
Mom and Dad and Joey watched with amazement as the entire scene took place. Finally they understood what the soldier thing was all about. And, Mom and Dad looked at each other and smiled. They were very proud of their giving, little daughter.
A DIFFERENT CHRISTMAS POEM
The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
a lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light.
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam,'
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
"I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."
"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?"
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.
CHRISTMAS WISH
"There's no such thing as Santa," jeered the group of older boys "there isn't any reindeer, any elves or magic toys."
"Oh yes there is" I cried aloud, my little fists curled tight, "He's on his way with loaded sleigh to visit us tonight."
"I made the most important wish a boy could ever make and I've been good for oh so long, been good for goodness sake.
"And though the tears burned in my eyes, I swore I wouldn't cry, I didn't want to be a man, but promised dad I'd try.
That night was spent, just mom and me, like many nights before; the house was never quite the same since dad went off to war.
We had our Christmas dinner and we sang O Holy Night, We read about that meany Grinch and cheered when he did right. But sadness showed within Mom's eyes as she stood by my bed, and tucked the covers to my chin and kissed me on the head.
"Don't worry mom," I whispered "things are gonna be all right."
"We're sure to get our Christmas Wish when Santa comes tonight."
I tried my best to stay awake and listen to the roof, for telltale ring of jingle bells or clop of reindeer hoof. But snug and warm it wasn't long before I gave a yawn, And would have gone to sleep but for the noise out on the lawn. Then came the clump of heavy boots across the hardwood floor, the tread somehow familiar like I'd heard it once before. As quiet as a mouse I crept, my eyes flew wide to see the silhouette that stood alone before the Christmas tree. His frame was lean and fit, he had no belly big and round, the heavy sack a duffle that he placed upon the ground. He didn't wear a stitch of red, the uniform was green, And not a single jingle bell, just medals could be seen. And then the strongest arms on earth wrapped 'round and held me tight, and I knew then that Santa really rode on Christmas night, and Christmas Wishes did come true, just like I knew they had, For Santa came on Christmas night and brought me home my dad.
Subject: DoD's Twelve Days of Christmas
The President has authorized the Department of Defense to assist Santa with the Twelve Days of Christmas.
Status of acquisitions follows:
Day 1- Partridge in a pear tree:
The Army and Air Force are in the process of deciding whose area of responsibility Day 1 falls under. Since the partridge is a bird, the Air Force believes it should have the lead. The Army, however, feels trees are part of the land component command's area of responsibility. After three months of discussion and repeated OpsDepsTank sessions, a $1M study has been commissioned to decide who should lead this joint program.
Day 2 - Two turtle doves:
Since doves are birds, the Air Force claims responsibility. However, turtles are amphibious, so the Navy-Marine Corps team feels it should take the lead. Initial studies have shown that turtles and doves may have inter-operability problems. Terms of reference are being coordinated for a four-year, $10M DARPA study.
Day 3 - Three French Hens:
At State Department instigation, the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs has blocked offshore purchase of hens, from the French or anyone else. A $6M program is being developed to find an acceptable domestic alternative.
Day 4 - Four Calling Birds:
Source selection has been completed, with the contract awarded to AT&T. However, the award is being challenged by a small disadvantaged business.
Day 5 - Five Golden Rings:
No available rings meet MILSPEC for gold plating. A three-year, $5M accelerated development program has been initiated.
Day 6 - Six Geese a-Laying:
The six geese have been acquired. However, the shells of their eggs seem to be very fragile. It might have been a mistake to build the production facility on a nuclear waste dump at former Air Force base that was closed under BRAC.
Day 7 - Seven Swans a-Swimming:
Fourteen swans have been killed trying to get through the Navy SEAL training program. The program has been put on hold while the training procedures are reviewed to determine why the washout rate is so high.
Day 8 - Eight Maids a-Milking:
The entire class of maids a milking training program at Aberdeen is involved in a sexual harassment suit against the Army. The program has been put on hold pending resolution of the lawsuit.
Day 9 - Nine Ladies Dancing:
Recruitment of the ladies dancing has been halted by a lawsuit from the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell Association." Members claim they have a right to dance and wear women's clothing as long as they're off duty.
Day 10 - Ten Lords a-Leaping:
The ten lords have been abducted by terrorists. Congress has approved $2M in funding to conduct a rescue operation. Army
Special Forces and a USMC MEU(SOC) are conducting a "NEO-off" competition for the right to rescue.
Day 11 - Eleven Pipers Piping:
The pipe contractor delivered the pipes on time. However, he thought DoD wanted smoking pipes. DoD lost the claim due to
defective specifications. A $22M dollar retrofit program is in process to bring the pipes into spec.
Day 12 - Twelve Drummers Drumming:
Due to cutbacks only six billets are available for drumming drummers. DoD is in the process of coordinating an RFP to obtain the six additional drummers by outsourcing; however, funds will not be available until FY 05.
As a result of the above-mentioned programmatic delays, and due to a High OPTEMPO that requires diversion of modernization funds to support current readiness, Christmas is hereby postponed until further notice.
Author Unknown
Night Before Christmas - Aviation Style
'Twas the night before Christmas, and out on the ramp,
Not an airplane was stirring, not even a Champ.
The aircraft were fastened to tie downs with care,
In hopes that come morning, they all would be there.
The fuel trucks were nestled, all snug in their spots,
With gusts from two-forty at 39 knots.
I slumped at the fuel desk, now finally caught up,
And settled down comfortably, resting my butt.
When the radio lit up with noise and with chatter,
I turned up the scanner to see what was the matter.
A voice clearly heard over static and snow,
Called for clearance to land at the airport below.
He barked his transmission so lively and quick,
I'd have sworn that the call sign he used was "St. Nick".
I ran to the panel to turn up the lights,
The better to welcome this magical flight.
He called his position, no room for denial,
"St. Nicholas One, turnin' left onto final."
And what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a Rutan-built sleigh, with eight Rotax Reindeer!
With vectors to final, down the glideslope he came,
As he passed all fixes, he called them by name:
"Now Ringo! Now Tolga! Now Trini and Bacun!
On Comet! On Cupid!" What pills was he takin'?
While controllers were sittin', and scratchin' their head,
They phoned to my office, and I heard it with dread,
The message they left was both urgent and dour:
"When Santa pulls in, have him please call the tower."
He landed like silk, with the sled runners sparking,
Then I heard "Left at Charlie," and "Taxi to parking."
He slowed to a taxi, turned off of three-oh
And stopped on the ramp with a "Ho, ho-ho-ho..."
He stepped out of the sleigh, but before he could talk,
I ran out to meet him with my best set of chocks.
His red helmet and goggles were covered with frost
And his beard was all blackened from Reindeer exhaust.
His breath smelled like peppermint, gone slightly stale,
And he puffed on a pipe, but he didn't inhale.
His cheeks were all rosy and jiggled like jelly,
His boots were as black as a cropduster's belly.
He was chubby and plump, in his suit of bright red,
And he asked me to "fill it, with hundred low-lead."
He came dashing in from the snow-covered pump,
I knew he was anxious for drainin' the sump.
I spoke not a word, but went straight to my work,
And I filled up the sleigh, but I spilled like a jerk.
He came out of the restroom, and sighed in relief,
Then he picked up a phone for a Flight Service brief.
And I thought as he silently scribed in his log,
These reindeer could land in an eighth-mile fog.
He completed his pre-flight, from the front to the rear,
Then he put on his headset, and I heard him yell, "Clear!"
And laying a finger on his push-to-talk,
He called up the tower for clearance and squawk.
"Take taxiway Charlie, the southbound direction,
Turn right three-two-zero at pilot's discretion"
He sped down the runway, the best of the best,
"Your traffic's a Grumman, inbound from the west."
Then I heard him proclaim, as he climbed thru the night,
"Merry Christmas to all! I have traffic in sight."
Author Unknown
Keep The Home Fires Burning
They were summoned from the hillside,
They were called in from the glen,
And the Country found them ready
At the stir-ring call for men.
Let no tears add to their hardship;
As the Soldiers pass along
And although your heart is breaking,
Make it sing this cheery song.
Chorus:
Keep the Homefires burning,
While your hearts are yearning,
Though your lads are far away
They dream of Home;
There's a silver lining
Through the dark cloud shining,
Turn the dark cloud inside out,
Till the boys come Home.
2. Over seas there came a pleading
Help a Nation in distress,
And we gave our glorious laddies;
Honor made us do no less.
For no gallant Son of Freedom
To a tyrant's yoke should bend,
And a noble heart must answer
To the sacred call of "Friend".
I thought you all might like to know that the, "Keep The Home Fires Burning," song originated back in WWI. Words by Lena Guilbert Ford, ca. 1866-1918 Music by Ivor Novello, 1893-1951 (pseud. for David Ivor Davies) Published in 1914 New York: Chappell & Co., Ltd.
'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS,
THEY LIVED ALL ALONE,
IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE MADE OF
PLASTER AND STONE.
I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY
WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE,
AND TO SEE JUST WHO
IN THIS HOME DID LIVE.
I LOOKED ALL ABOUT,
A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE,
NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS,
NOT EVEN A TREE.
NO STOCKING BY MANTLE,
JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND,
ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES
OF FAR DISTANT LANDS.
WITH MEDALS AND BADGES,
AWARDS OF ALL KINDS,
A SOBER THOUGHT
CAME THROUGH MY MIND.
FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT,
IT WAS DARK AND DREARY,
I FOUND THE HOME OF A SOLDIER,
ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY.
THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING,
SILENT, ALONE,
CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR
IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME.
THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE,
THE ROOM IN SUCH DISORDER,
NOT HOW I PICTURED
A UNITED STATES SOLDIER.
WAS THIS THE HERO
OF WHOM I'D JUST READ?
CURLED UP ON A PONCHO,
THE FLOOR FOR A BED?
I REALIZED THE FAMILIES
THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT,
OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS
WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT.
SOON ROUND THE WORLD,
THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY,
AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE
A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY.
THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM
EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR,
BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS,
LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE.
I COULDN'T HELP WONDER
HOW MANY LAY ALONE,
ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE
IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME.
THE VERY THOUGHT
BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE,
I DROPPED TO MY KNEES
AND STARTED TO CRY.
THE SOLDIER AWAKENED
AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE,
"SANTA DON'T CRY,
THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE;
I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM,
I DON'T ASK FOR MORE,
MY LIFE IS MY GOD,
MY COUNTRY, MY CORPS."
THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER
AND DRIFTED TO SLEEP,
I COULDN'T CONTROL IT,
I CONTINUED TO WEEP.
I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS,
SO SILENT AND STILL
AND WE BOTH SHIVERED
FROM THE COLD NIGHT'S CHILL.
I DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE
ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT,
THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOR
SO WILLING TO FIGHT.
THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER,
WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE,
WHISPERED, "CARRY ON SANTA,
IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE."
ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH,
AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT.
"MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND,
AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT,"
This poem was written by a Marine stationed in Okinawa
Japan.
A Soldier for Cassie
Four-year-old Cassie Carter sat at the kitchen table with her crayons and drawing paper. The radio was playing Christmas music while Mommy was cleaning the oven.
"Cassie, honey, you haven't given us any ideas about what to get you for Christmas," Mommy said.
"Oh," Cassie thought out loud. "I don't know. You can surprise me."
"A lot of help you are," Mom said, giving Cassie a little hug. Finishing with the oven, Mom left the kitchen to go tidy up the living room. The announcer on the radio caught Cassie's attention, and she began writing down some numbers on her paper. Her big brother Joey had taught her how to write her numbers. She listened to the radio announcer some more and then started drawing a picture.
The picture was of a house with a fireplace. She drew smoke coming out of the chimney, and drew heart windows. She worked on the picture for about an hour, and finally satisfied, took it upstairs and put it in her special drawer, where she hid her treasures.
At dinner that night, Cassie blurted out, "I know what I want for Christmas!"
"What, Cassie?" Daddy asked.
"A soldier, that's what," said Cassie with a big smile.
"A soldier," Joey scoffed. "What do you want with a soldier? You're a girl."
"Well!! Girls can like soldiers too!" Cassie fought back. "They're not just for boys you know, you, you 'sho, sho - vist'!"
Mom and Dad burst out laughing. "You mean chauvinist," Mommy offered.
"Yeah, that's what I said," Cassie retorted.
Days passed and nothing more was said, so Cassie's parents figured she'd forgotten about the soldier. But, Cassie had never shown any interest in her brother's toy soldiers. It made them wonder.
Finally Christmas morning arrived. There was no soldier under the tree for Cassie. But, surprisingly, she seemed perfectly happy with her gifts just the same.
When dinner was ready, there was a knock on the door. "I'll get it! I'll get it!" Cassie shouted. The family followed her curiously to the door, and when she opened it, there stood a young man all decked out in a military uniform.
"Hi," he said. "Is this the home of Cassandra Carter?"
"Yes!" shouted Cassie. "We've been waiting for you." And, she gave the soldier a big hug.
"I understand," he said, and added to Cassie's parents, "that I was supposed to be here at 2:00 for dinner?"
"Uh, uh, oh - yes!" said Mom finally understanding. "Welcome, welcome."
"I'm Private First Class Jones. But, call me Tommy. It was so kind of you to invite me to have Christmas dinner with you. My mama down in South Carolina makes a great dinner and so I was feeling pretty lonely until I was notified that Cassandra had called and invited me to dinner. Which one of you is Cassandra?"
"I am!" Cassie said excitedly. "And, I've got something for you." She ran upstairs and carefully took the picture of the house with the heart windows from her secret treasure drawer.
She took Tommy by the hand and led him to the couch where she climbed onto his lap. "See, this is for you. You can put it up, and when you get lonely, you can look at the smoke coming out of the chimney, and feel the warm fire. It's supposed to make you feel like you're at home, and the heart windows are to make you feel loved."
The soldier looked at her and looked like he was going to cry. "Cassie, that's the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me."
Mom and Dad and Joey watched with amazement as the entire scene took place. Finally they understood what the soldier thing was all about. And, Mom and Dad looked at each other and smiled. They were very proud of their giving, little daughter.
A DIFFERENT CHRISTMAS POEM
The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
a lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light.
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam,'
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
"I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."
"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?"
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.
CHRISTMAS WISH
"There's no such thing as Santa," jeered the group of older boys "there isn't any reindeer, any elves or magic toys."
"Oh yes there is" I cried aloud, my little fists curled tight, "He's on his way with loaded sleigh to visit us tonight."
"I made the most important wish a boy could ever make and I've been good for oh so long, been good for goodness sake.
"And though the tears burned in my eyes, I swore I wouldn't cry, I didn't want to be a man, but promised dad I'd try.
That night was spent, just mom and me, like many nights before; the house was never quite the same since dad went off to war.
We had our Christmas dinner and we sang O Holy Night, We read about that meany Grinch and cheered when he did right. But sadness showed within Mom's eyes as she stood by my bed, and tucked the covers to my chin and kissed me on the head.
"Don't worry mom," I whispered "things are gonna be all right."
"We're sure to get our Christmas Wish when Santa comes tonight."
I tried my best to stay awake and listen to the roof, for telltale ring of jingle bells or clop of reindeer hoof. But snug and warm it wasn't long before I gave a yawn, And would have gone to sleep but for the noise out on the lawn. Then came the clump of heavy boots across the hardwood floor, the tread somehow familiar like I'd heard it once before. As quiet as a mouse I crept, my eyes flew wide to see the silhouette that stood alone before the Christmas tree. His frame was lean and fit, he had no belly big and round, the heavy sack a duffle that he placed upon the ground. He didn't wear a stitch of red, the uniform was green, And not a single jingle bell, just medals could be seen. And then the strongest arms on earth wrapped 'round and held me tight, and I knew then that Santa really rode on Christmas night, and Christmas Wishes did come true, just like I knew they had, For Santa came on Christmas night and brought me home my dad.
Subject: DoD's Twelve Days of Christmas
The President has authorized the Department of Defense to assist Santa with the Twelve Days of Christmas.
Status of acquisitions follows:
Day 1- Partridge in a pear tree:
The Army and Air Force are in the process of deciding whose area of responsibility Day 1 falls under. Since the partridge is a bird, the Air Force believes it should have the lead. The Army, however, feels trees are part of the land component command's area of responsibility. After three months of discussion and repeated OpsDepsTank sessions, a $1M study has been commissioned to decide who should lead this joint program.
Day 2 - Two turtle doves:
Since doves are birds, the Air Force claims responsibility. However, turtles are amphibious, so the Navy-Marine Corps team feels it should take the lead. Initial studies have shown that turtles and doves may have inter-operability problems. Terms of reference are being coordinated for a four-year, $10M DARPA study.
Day 3 - Three French Hens:
At State Department instigation, the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs has blocked offshore purchase of hens, from the French or anyone else. A $6M program is being developed to find an acceptable domestic alternative.
Day 4 - Four Calling Birds:
Source selection has been completed, with the contract awarded to AT&T. However, the award is being challenged by a small disadvantaged business.
Day 5 - Five Golden Rings:
No available rings meet MILSPEC for gold plating. A three-year, $5M accelerated development program has been initiated.
Day 6 - Six Geese a-Laying:
The six geese have been acquired. However, the shells of their eggs seem to be very fragile. It might have been a mistake to build the production facility on a nuclear waste dump at former Air Force base that was closed under BRAC.
Day 7 - Seven Swans a-Swimming:
Fourteen swans have been killed trying to get through the Navy SEAL training program. The program has been put on hold while the training procedures are reviewed to determine why the washout rate is so high.
Day 8 - Eight Maids a-Milking:
The entire class of maids a milking training program at Aberdeen is involved in a sexual harassment suit against the Army. The program has been put on hold pending resolution of the lawsuit.
Day 9 - Nine Ladies Dancing:
Recruitment of the ladies dancing has been halted by a lawsuit from the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell Association." Members claim they have a right to dance and wear women's clothing as long as they're off duty.
Day 10 - Ten Lords a-Leaping:
The ten lords have been abducted by terrorists. Congress has approved $2M in funding to conduct a rescue operation. Army
Special Forces and a USMC MEU(SOC) are conducting a "NEO-off" competition for the right to rescue.
Day 11 - Eleven Pipers Piping:
The pipe contractor delivered the pipes on time. However, he thought DoD wanted smoking pipes. DoD lost the claim due to
defective specifications. A $22M dollar retrofit program is in process to bring the pipes into spec.
Day 12 - Twelve Drummers Drumming:
Due to cutbacks only six billets are available for drumming drummers. DoD is in the process of coordinating an RFP to obtain the six additional drummers by outsourcing; however, funds will not be available until FY 05.
As a result of the above-mentioned programmatic delays, and due to a High OPTEMPO that requires diversion of modernization funds to support current readiness, Christmas is hereby postponed until further notice.
Author Unknown
Night Before Christmas - Aviation Style
'Twas the night before Christmas, and out on the ramp,
Not an airplane was stirring, not even a Champ.
The aircraft were fastened to tie downs with care,
In hopes that come morning, they all would be there.
The fuel trucks were nestled, all snug in their spots,
With gusts from two-forty at 39 knots.
I slumped at the fuel desk, now finally caught up,
And settled down comfortably, resting my butt.
When the radio lit up with noise and with chatter,
I turned up the scanner to see what was the matter.
A voice clearly heard over static and snow,
Called for clearance to land at the airport below.
He barked his transmission so lively and quick,
I'd have sworn that the call sign he used was "St. Nick".
I ran to the panel to turn up the lights,
The better to welcome this magical flight.
He called his position, no room for denial,
"St. Nicholas One, turnin' left onto final."
And what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a Rutan-built sleigh, with eight Rotax Reindeer!
With vectors to final, down the glideslope he came,
As he passed all fixes, he called them by name:
"Now Ringo! Now Tolga! Now Trini and Bacun!
On Comet! On Cupid!" What pills was he takin'?
While controllers were sittin', and scratchin' their head,
They phoned to my office, and I heard it with dread,
The message they left was both urgent and dour:
"When Santa pulls in, have him please call the tower."
He landed like silk, with the sled runners sparking,
Then I heard "Left at Charlie," and "Taxi to parking."
He slowed to a taxi, turned off of three-oh
And stopped on the ramp with a "Ho, ho-ho-ho..."
He stepped out of the sleigh, but before he could talk,
I ran out to meet him with my best set of chocks.
His red helmet and goggles were covered with frost
And his beard was all blackened from Reindeer exhaust.
His breath smelled like peppermint, gone slightly stale,
And he puffed on a pipe, but he didn't inhale.
His cheeks were all rosy and jiggled like jelly,
His boots were as black as a cropduster's belly.
He was chubby and plump, in his suit of bright red,
And he asked me to "fill it, with hundred low-lead."
He came dashing in from the snow-covered pump,
I knew he was anxious for drainin' the sump.
I spoke not a word, but went straight to my work,
And I filled up the sleigh, but I spilled like a jerk.
He came out of the restroom, and sighed in relief,
Then he picked up a phone for a Flight Service brief.
And I thought as he silently scribed in his log,
These reindeer could land in an eighth-mile fog.
He completed his pre-flight, from the front to the rear,
Then he put on his headset, and I heard him yell, "Clear!"
And laying a finger on his push-to-talk,
He called up the tower for clearance and squawk.
"Take taxiway Charlie, the southbound direction,
Turn right three-two-zero at pilot's discretion"
He sped down the runway, the best of the best,
"Your traffic's a Grumman, inbound from the west."
Then I heard him proclaim, as he climbed thru the night,
"Merry Christmas to all! I have traffic in sight."
Author Unknown