Terry Longpre 04-19-18

American Patriot’s

Once again, my column is behind the ‘breaking news’ cycle. When I started to write this week’s column last week the lead in sentence was “It is a just a matter of time before the United States reacts to the chemical attacks in Syria.” Well, the ink hadn’t even dried and we did react with support from Great Britain and France.

My question today is, where was the United Nations and the neighboring countries in this matter? After all, this type of activity is against all human common decency and sense.
I am sure we will become the target of those countries in the region who like or fear Assad, along with Russia. I know there is no reason to think the Russians would be interested in keeping their close relationship with Syria just because they have an airbase in Khmeimim or a naval facility in Tartus allowing them immediate access to the Mediterranean Sea or is there?

Memorial Day Flag Placement

With Memorial Day a little over a month away it is time to register as a volunteer to place American Flags at the grave sites of each of those interred at Sarasota National Cemetery.
Flag placement day is May 26th, 2018 and anyone who interested in helping must contact Meshia Richardson (Event Director) for tickets and registration at 941-448-6299 (call or text).

Memorial Day is a day of remembrance of those individuals who fought and died while serving in the armed forces. This day should not be confused with Veterans Day which celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans.

Speaking of flags, during my travels throughout Manatee County I have noticed several flags which have been damaged by high winds which need to be replaced. One of the largest on displayed is at the main entrance to Colony Cove. The trailing ends have been torn. Just a reminder to those folks who live in the Cove, it is time to replace the flag of our country. For more information go to http://www.usflag.org/uscode36.html.

Sadly, we lost a Marine and an excellent actor on April 15th when Ronald Lee Ermey passed away. Ermey was best known for his acting in Full Metal Jacket where he played hardcore Gunny Sergeant Hartman a Marine Drill Instructor as well as his TV series Mail Call, Lock n’ Load and Military Makeover.

In the case of the Military Makeover for a local disabled American Veteran Aaron Cornelius Marcus Luttrell (retired US Navy Seal – ‘Lone Survivor’) stepped up to fill in for the ‘Gunny’.
R. Lee Ermy spent 11 years in the Corps, with 14 months in Vietnam and left the Corps as Sergeant later receiving an honorary promotion to Gunnery Sergeant 2002. Semper Fi ‘Gunny’ and Godspeed.

As a sidebar note, retired Army Sergeant 1st Class Aaron Cornelius was escorted to his home in Bradenton after his release from a southeast Florida rehab center by a large motorcycle contingent. On that day Bradenton Herald photographer Tiffany Tompkins rode on my motorcycle for the escort. It was an emotional event for many involved.

God bless America and those who protect us daily.

 

Terry Longpre