Thank You!

Viet Nam Era Veteran. The phrase itself is frowned upon by a vast number of individuals, namely those who still view said veterans as baby killers, war mongers, and so forth. To the families of these veterans, it brings back memories of loved ones lost forever, to the casualties of war. To many of these veterans, it is a constant reminder of the hatred, lack of respect, psychological and physical maladies, and unfathomable insults, they have had to endure through the years. We veterans from that era are not looking for accolades, pats in the back, nor any grandiose recognition. A simple thank you for your service, and welcome home, will suffice. That’s all we are asking for.

A few weeks ago, while searching for the best deals on tires for my car, I contacted a number of dealers. When I asked whether or not they had special deals for veterans, they all had similar answers, “Sorry, we don’t.” A veteran does not give up that easily, therefore, I pressed on. I finally had a positive response from a very amiable young man, whose name is Freddie Montes, Service Manager at Big O Tires. Imagine my surprise when he indicated that they do honor veterans, and do have special rates for them, even on items that are on sale. I was floored!

We scheduled an appointment for the following day. Upon my arrival, Freddie greeted me as a long lost friend, thanked me for serving my country, and welcomed me home! Wow! Is this kid for real? I venture to say, “Yes!” There’s still hope for America. We chatted for a while, and needless to say, Big O hit the jackpot when they hired him.
Not only is he a totally dedicated employee, but one who is currently furthering his education, in order to better serve his employer. Freddie conducted a thorough inspection of the tires, brakes, and the under carriage. Once this was completed, one of his workers proceeded to install the much needed tires. A front end, and rear end alignment was performed, as well.
The vehicle was test driven by the technician who performed the alignments, and results were reported as positive.

Prior to releasing the vehicle to me, Freddie described in detail, what was inspected, and what might be in need of repairs. He went over the total cost, which also entailed the percentage given to veterans. To say how pleased I was, does not begin to describe my elation. As I prepared to leave the premises, Freddie thanked me one more time, and repeatedly told me to bring the vehicle to the shop, should any of the work done, not be up to standard.

If you happen to be in the area, and find yourself in a desperate need with respect to vehicle repairs, do visit this shop, which I highly recommend. They are located at: 1560 Deborah Road SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124. Go and see Freddie, you won’t regret it. Give them a call. (505) 892-6622.

Thank you Big O. The positive treatment I received from you, and Freddie, has said to me in a loud voice, THANK YOU, AND WELCOME HOME! That’s what we veterans want to hear.

Post, 9/11

Well, here we are, September 12, 2013, the day following the anniversary of that heinous attack on the World Trade Center. For a fleeting moment, many were transported back in time, to Sept.11, 2001. Some cried, others fumed, and others chose, for some reason or other, to forgo any participation what so ever, in any of the commemorative services.
Those who chose to observe a moment of silence might wonder what possess a person to behave as such.

Don’t they care about the families of those defenseless victims who were dealt such a horrific blow? Is there no empathy with respect to the endless suffering these families have gone through, day after day, month after month, and year after year? These are legitimate questions that can only be answered by these quiet ones.

These are individuals who have chosen to erase certain “bad” memories from their minds, as they can not cope with trials and/or tribulations. To them, 9/11 is one of those dark areas they would rather block from their memory banks. Events, such as that which was perpetrated on our fellow citizens, could be deemed as destructive to their well being. Therefore, if there is no participation, there is no memory of that day, and no flash backs. Since there are no flashbacks, then it would stand to reason, that all is well. We can not blame them. That is their make up.

In addition to the aforementioned, we have those who still harbor so much resentment, that year after year, all they think about is, “Revenge.” “How can I pay them back for what they did? How can I make their families feel what I still feel?” These ones don’t seem to be at peace. Do I feel for them? Yes I do. No matter what they try, they will never leave that muddled zone which has brought not only hatred, but fear as well. Some are still in that thinking mode which is, “I’ll get you before you get me.” Sad to say, these terrorists have changed the lives of these poor souls forever.

Yesterday I visited several Face Book accounts, and to my dismay, some of the comments were so anti-victims, that it prompted me to chastise some of those involved. These individuals don’t really care, nor do they have any empathy for the victims, nor the families that lost loved ones. Now, these are the ones I would personally love to send to one of these countries. I venture to say, that one day among the terrorists, would have them crying for mercy, and who knows what else. To me, these are cowards.

America is a unique country, and the best one in the world. Each individual is also unique. We think, act, behave, and view the world, differently from one another. We are many cultures meshed into one. That’s what makes us so strong.
My message to those individuals I have described is the following: We are in this together, and we are a huge family. Be more sensible, and aware of the needs of those around you. Never forget what was perpetrated on our way of life. Remain alert at all times, and remember this, the only ones we can count on are God, and each other. God Bless America, and may we never experience such atrocities again.

Where Were You On 9/11?

Do you remember where you were, and/or what you were doing on that day? What went through you mind, and how did the news of this attack affect you?
I do remember where I was on that fateful day. My wife and I were living in Southern California at the time. A few days before 9/11, she and her sister went out of town, and visited their brother, in order to lend a helping hand at his restaurant.

On 9/11, bright and early, I decided to call my wife, and to see how she were doing. My brother-in law’s wife, who always answered the phone in a very sweet manner, sounded quite distressed and very agitated. She asked whether or not I had watched the early news on TV. I told her hat I had not, and asked what was so important. She urged me to turn on my set, and to watch the horror that was unfolding in NY. I did as she asked, and could not believe the horrendous images being splashed all over the news. I could not believe my eyes. My NY was under attack. How could this be? Was the entire state under attack? I thought about my family, and wondered if they were safe, and out of harm’s way. What could I do? I became very angry, and wanted to go after those who had done this. At that moment, I began to pray for my family’s safety.
Attempts to contact them were to no avail, as telecommunication was down. I was finally able to make contact that evening. Thank God all were safe and sound. But, what about the families of those who had perished? My heart went out to them. Their lives would be disrupted forever. I began to pray for them, and asked God to see them through this nightmare.

As an Army Veteran, I felt the need to do something, but what? As I sat there, numb, and in disbelief, I kept asking myself, “Who in their right mind would be compelled to commit such an atrocity!” But then, my mind raced back to the early 90s, and the attempt by terrorists to bring down the Twin Towers. Well, they were successful this time around.

Every 9/11, I sit at the computer, in an attempt to write about this infamous day, but have not been able to focus, as I try to erase the images of what I witnessed that day, on the news. This is the first time how ever, that I have been able to write about this infamous day, when our country was being attacked.

I’m from Brooklyn, and was able to witness the completion of the Twin Towers. They sat on the Manhattan side of the Brooklyn Bridge. They were quite visible from our building, which was located near the Navy Yard. What an awesome sight they were. Every time we visited the city, (Manhattan) we would see these enormous, majestic buildings, as we crossed the bridge. Sadly, they are gone forever. Whenever I see pictures of the NY skyline, I always say, “No more twin towers.”

It took me a while, but I was finally able to forgive the evil individuals, who caused so much suffering.
Life goes on, and the perpetrators of this horrific attack, are no longer around. In spite of what they did, I do pray for their families, in the hopes that they will find the truth, and do repent. Am I wrong? I venture to say, NO! God loves these people too, so who am I to wish them eternal doom? What is your take?