http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2014/07/03/louis-zamperini-olympic-runner-world-war-ii-veteran-dies/12132699/
MU connection is some what of a stretch: competed in the Berlin Olympics with Ralph Metcalfe.
This guy is a genuine American hero. The son of Italian immigrants he didn't speak English until he started school but ended matriculating from USC on a track scholarship. Zamperini ran in the '36 Olympics and his kick so amazed Hitler that Der Fuhrer asked to meet him.
He was a scope dope on B 24's and was imprisoned after his ship went down in the SW Pacific. There is a magnificent book chronicling his life and ordeal as a POW, Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. A compelling story.
Another traditional?
Quote from: keefe on July 03, 2014, 07:44:36 PM
This guy is a genuine American hero. The son of Italian immigrants he didn't speak English until he started school but ended matriculating from USC on a track scholarship. Zamperini ran in the '36 Olympics and his kick so amazed Hitler that Der Fuhrer asked to meet him.
He was a scope dope on B 24's and was imprisoned after his ship went down in the SW Pacific. There is a magnificent book chronicling his life and ordeal as a POW, Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. A compelling story.
Indeed--47 days adrift at sea and then the torture of a series of Japanese prison camps where he became the favorite target of a couple of particlarly sadistic guards. A difficult post war adjustment and life. Tome, the most amazing part of his story may be that he lived to 97 after all that he went through.
Speaking of American heroes, I finally just read Lone Survivor. Made hiking in the Canadian Rockies a much less whiny experience for my family. Hard to complain about sore calves from a 6 hour hike when reading about what Marcus Lutrell survived. Hooyah.
Quote from: LloydMooresLegs on July 03, 2014, 08:57:36 PM
Speaking of American heroes, I finally just read Lone Survivor. Made hiking in the Canadian Rockies a much less whiny experience for my family. Hard to complain about sore calves from a 6 hour hike when reading about what Marcus Lutrell survived. Hooyah.
Those guys are in a league of their own. Truly. I knew Erik Christensen. He was destined for stars. People should reflect on their sacrifice tomorrow.
Quote from: keefe on July 03, 2014, 07:44:36 PM
This guy is a genuine American hero. The son of Italian immigrants he didn't speak English until he started school but ended matriculating from USC on a track scholarship. Zamperini ran in the '36 Olympics and his kick so amazed Hitler that Der Fuhrer asked to meet him.
He was a scope dope on B 24's and was imprisoned after his ship went down in the SW Pacific. There is a magnificent book chronicling his life and ordeal as a POW, Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. A compelling story.
Great book...great man...great life.
This is one of my favorite pics from that book. He was youthful and optimistic until the end. Great lesson for how to live a long, healthy and meaningful life.
http://www.e-reading.ws/illustrations/1008/1008497-_58.jpg
Quote from: The Sultan of Sunshine on July 04, 2014, 07:15:58 AM
Great book...great man...great life.
This is one of my favorite pics from that book. He was youthful and optimistic until the end. Great lesson for how to live a long, healthy and meaningful life.
http://www.e-reading.ws/illustrations/1008/1008497-_58.jpg
That is the perfect image. I would have really loved to have had a beer with that man. Better yet, some single malt, a couple gars, and just letting him speak. A genuine American hero of humble origin whose life articulated valor, honor, service, courage, hope, and forgiveness.
Quote from: keefe on July 04, 2014, 11:55:02 AM
That is the perfect image. I would have really loved to have had a beer with that man. Better yet, some single malt, a couple gars, and just letting him speak. A genuine American hero of humble origin whose life articulated valor, honor, service, courage, hope, and forgiveness.
Yup I'm sure he would have loved hearing how amazing your life has been.
Quote from: keefe on July 04, 2014, 11:55:02 AM
That is the perfect image. I would have really loved to have had a beer with that man. Better yet, some single malt, a couple gars, and just letting him speak. A genuine American hero of humble origin whose life articulated valor, honor, service, courage, hope, and forgiveness.
Amen.
Quote from: keefe on July 04, 2014, 11:55:02 AM
That is the perfect image. I would have really loved to have had a beer with that man. Better yet, some single malt, a couple gars, and just letting him speak. A genuine American hero of humble origin whose life articulated valor, honor, service, courage, hope, and forgiveness.
Keefe, my wife and I do it every year...today was the day. Our town has a big 4th of July deal in the morning and a breakfast for the vets. Not many of the WWII guys around anymore, in fact very few. They come with their VFW caps and the Kiwanis serve them pancakes, coffee, juice. I just enjoy the conversation. Love hearing about this country from them...though it also scares the hell out of me with how they feel the direction it is going. A few of them say things like "this is what we fought for"? Ugh. Pains me.
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on July 04, 2014, 06:02:31 PM
Keefe, my wife and I do it every year...today was the day. Our town has a big 4th of July deal in the morning and a breakfast for the vets. Not many of the WWII guys around anymore, in fact very few. They come with their VFW caps and the Kiwanis serve them pancakes, coffee, juice. I just enjoy the conversation. Love hearing about this country from them...though it also scares the hell out of me with how they feel the direction it is going. A few of them say things like "this is what we fought for"? Ugh. Pains me.
Yeah...I'm sure they do. ::)
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on July 04, 2014, 06:02:31 PM
Not many of the WWII guys around anymore, in fact very few.
It is sad how so few of them are left. Brokaw certainly got it right about that generation of men and women. Like Louie Zamperini, most were raised with little material wealth but were given solid core moral and ethical values that enabled sacrifice and commitment. The world would be very different if not for their courage.
Quote from: keefe on July 04, 2014, 07:47:47 PM
It is sad how so few of them are left. Brokaw certainly got it right about that generation of men and women. Like Louie Zamperini, most were raised with little material wealth but were given solid core moral and ethical values that enabled sacrifice and commitment. The world would be very different if not for their courage.
My dad, father-in-law and my mom were WWII vets. I lost my dad to alzheimers in 2010, he was 92. We fly their burial flags proudly on Memorial Day, the 4th and on Veterans Day.
Quote from: keefe on July 03, 2014, 07:44:36 PM
This guy is a genuine American hero. The son of Italian immigrants he didn't speak English until he started school but ended matriculating from USC on a track scholarship. Zamperini ran in the '36 Olympics and his kick so amazed Hitler that Der Fuhrer asked to meet him.
He was a scope dope on B 24's and was imprisoned after his ship went down in the SW Pacific. There is a magnificent book chronicling his life and ordeal as a POW, Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. A compelling story.
A movie based on the book will be released this December.
Quote from: muwarrior69 on July 04, 2014, 08:20:01 PM
My dad, father-in-law and my mom were WWII vets. I lost my dad to alzheimers in 2010, he was 92. We fly their burial flags proudly on Memorial Day, the 4th and on Veterans Day.
America has not been so fully immersed in a cause of any kind as it was in the Civil War and WW II. I often reflect as I drive around Seattle that my war has little to no impact on the day to day lives of people here. While people express thanks and such the reality of that fight is as alien as Sanskrit to everyday Americans.
WW II was different because an entire nation put down civilian tools and either picked up a weapon or was involved in making them. What is fascinating is that an entire generation did this without protest or question because there was a clear and present danger and ordinary people knew they had to rise to the occasion. Civilians went through rationing and Joes knew that they were signing up for the duration.
We lived in a Microsoft community and people often asked my wife what the Blue Star Flag in the window was for. During WW II there was likely not one block in America that did not have at least one Blue Star and Gold Star flag in a window. In a sad commentary, our local police made a point of keeping an eye on things when I was deployed and the police chief actually suggested to my wife that she remove the Blue Star since burglars nationwide have targeted these homes. She refused and kept it there through six deployments.
This thread reminds me of the dad of former Milwaukee Mayor, John Norquist, who was captured and imprisoned at Camp O'Donnell after surviving the Bataan Death March. He released a memoir of his days at Camp O'Donnell during my years at MU. The book was based on a 550(!) page diary he amazingly kept during his internment.
A quick write-up on him and something precious he carried with him on the March (starts on page 2):
http://philippine-defenders.lib.wv.us/QuanNews/quan1900s/quan1980s/september_1982_quan.pdf
Quote from: 77ncaachamps on July 04, 2014, 10:14:44 PM
This thread reminds me of the dad of former Milwaukee Mayor, John Norquist, who was captured and imprisoned at Camp O'Donnell after surviving the Bataan Death March. He released a memoir of his days at Camp O'Donnell during my years at MU. The book was based on a 550(!) page diary he amazingly kept during his internment.
A quick write-up on him and something precious he carried with him on the March (starts on page 2):
http://philippine-defenders.lib.wv.us/QuanNews/quan1900s/quan1980s/september_1982_quan.pdf
Wow, that's fabulous stuff. A key observation of Norquist's is that he also remembers the good from that experience. In SAR/SERE training it's called 'small victories.' The human spirit is astounding.
Thanks for sharing that.
Quote from: The Sultan of Sunshine on July 04, 2014, 06:41:25 PM
Yeah...I'm sure they do. ::)
Are you calling them liars? WOW
They were upset at the current VA stuff, and who can blame them. Also not happy with the immigration craziness. As one reminded all of us, this is a nation of laws, not of men.
Quote from: keefe on July 04, 2014, 07:47:47 PM
It is sad how so few of them are left. Brokaw certainly got it right about that generation of men and women. Like Louie Zamperini, most were raised with little material wealth but were given solid core moral and ethical values that enabled sacrifice and commitment. The world would be very different if not for their courage.
Yup, that was part of their point each and every year that we go. Entitlement today compared to what it was back then is always a common theme. They worry greatly about the lack of sacrifice and general direction of things. I'm sure some posters here will chalk that up as just old dudes, but I tend to take the words of wisdom from these men with great respect. I certainly don't imply they are liars.
Very similar to these chaps....liars apparently...all of them. :o
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1229643/This-isnt-Britain-fought-say-unknown-warriors-WWII.html
The WW2 Vets are dying at a rate of 555/day now.
If anyone gets to Nawlins it is well worth the time to visit the WW2 Museum there. If I recall correctly, a leading force behind its creation was Stephen Ambrose. New Orleans was chosen as it was where the Higgins boats were created and manufactured - these were the iconic landing craft that symbolized America and Britain going on the offensive and beating back tyranny. A superb choice in my opinion.
http://www.nationalww2museum.org/honor/wwii-veterans-statistics.html
Quote from: muwarrior69 on July 04, 2014, 08:22:32 PM
A movie based on the book will be released this December.
I will be first in line for it when it opens. The writers have a wealth of material to work with.
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on July 05, 2014, 10:47:48 AM
Are you calling them liars? WOW
There is someone I am calling a liar....but it's not them.
Chicos hijacks a patriotic thread in an effort to further his political agenda. Pains me.
Quote from: The Sultan of Sunshine on July 05, 2014, 02:57:20 PM
There is someone I am calling a liar....but it's not them.
I see, so you're calling my wife a liar who was there with me.
Well, we have breakfast with them every year, those that still come around and make it to the breakfasts.
Not highjacking anything Lloyd, I'm telling you exactly what these men said. Some people don't want to hear it, so they lash out and call me a liar. Or my wife. Or worse, these men. Awesome. These men, Zamperini included, did great things for this country. Unfortunately, not all of them think it was worth it anymore.
That, Lloyd, is what PAINS ME.
Turning an effort to praise these great men into a platform for your politicking is what pains me. My point (and I know you understand this) isn't whether you are telling the truth (I don't doubt you); it is that it was a completely unnecessary off topic comment, and you only included it in an effort to score political points.
Quote from: LloydMooresLegs on July 06, 2014, 06:06:53 PM
Turning an effort to praise these great men into a platform for your politicking is what pains me. My point (and I know you understand this) isn't whether you are telling the truth (I don't doubt you); it is that it was a completely unnecessary off topic comment, and you only included it in an effort to score political points.
+ 10,000. He turns a thread honoring Louis Zamperini and the men and women of the greatest generation upside down. First, he interjects himself into the middle of their story (with an implied self pat on the back thrown in). What new. Then he exploits them to further a political agenda and as a bonus plays the victim card for all - (Are you calling them liars, are you calling me a liar, are you calling my wife a liar?,etc.)
I don't know if Chico really knows anyone from that generation or he just has breakfast with a handful of them once a year, but those folks were my parents, aunts, uncles, coaches, mentors, teachers and priests. My Dad was a Captain in the USMC and fought on Iwo Jima and Saipan. My Father-in-law was one of the youngest commissioned officers in the war (19, fresh out of Morgan Park (military) Academy in Chicago. They and most of their brothers-in-arms have passed, but I take serious offense on their behalf at what Chico is doing. It's not "news" that a certain % of folks in their 80s and 90s are nostalgic and long for their past. Nor is it odd if they're a bit confused (or even angry) about the changing world around them. In fact, it's normal. Using them isn't. It's despicable.
And it pains me.
Quote from: Lennys Tap on July 06, 2014, 09:39:33 PM
My Dad was a Captain in the USMC and fought on Iwo Jima and Saipan.
One of my favorite movies is Letters From Iwo Jima, the companion to Flags of Our Fathers. I really enjoyed Brady's book but the film left me feeling somewhat disillusioned which was not the tone of the book in any way.
Eastwood redeemed himself with Letters. What superb cinema.
Quote from: LloydMooresLegs on July 05, 2014, 09:39:32 PM
Chicos hijacks a patriotic thread in an effort to further his political agenda. Pains me.
I believe he mentioned that the Vets he breakfasted with were disappointed in the treatment they and their brothers receive at the VA. Some people Never miss an opportunity to climb all over Chicos but the truth is the truth. These guys and my father, who was at Tarawa and fought hand to hand across chains of atolls in the Marshalls, would be appalled at the lack of respect for the law we see now. If that is political so are the knee jerk attacks on Chicos. Somehow it has become OK to ignore the sins of politicians if they agree with us and lash out with ad hominem attacks at their critics.
I prefer the civility of "The Greatest Generation"
Quote from: elephantraker on July 06, 2014, 11:18:42 PM
I believe he mentioned that the Vets he breakfasted with were disappointed in the treatment they and their brothers receive at the VA.
As a wounded vet I am entitled to care and treatment at the VA which I use over my private sector coverage. While it seems fashionable to criticize VA care my experience has been outstanding. In fact, compared with my forays into private health care I can say that the VA offers a better product in every way.
I think it's amazing that it took this long to have a movie made of his story.
I was reading over the weekend about how him and two others were floating in a life raft and they finally spotted a plane for the first time in weeks and it turned out to be Japanese and he started strafing the lifeboat with fire. Louis was attacked by a shark while hiding in the water during the strafing attack and he had to punch the shark in the nose on three separate times to keep from being eaten.
Quote from: keefe on July 05, 2014, 11:24:51 AM
The WW2 Vets are dying at a rate of 555/day now.
If anyone gets to Nawlins it is well worth the time to visit the WW2 Museum there. If I recall correctly, a leading force behind its creation was Stephen Ambrose. New Orleans was chosen as it was where the Higgins boats were created and manufactured - these were the iconic landing craft that symbolized America and Britain going on the offensive and beating back tyranny. A superb choice in my opinion.
http://www.nationalww2museum.org/honor/wwii-veterans-statistics.html
I agree, a fantastic museum although still a work in progress when we visited the year after Katrina.
Quote from: elephantraker on July 06, 2014, 11:18:42 PM
I believe he mentioned that the Vets he breakfasted with were disappointed in the treatment they and their brothers receive at the VA. Some people Never miss an opportunity to climb all over Chicos but the truth is the truth. These guys and my father, who was at Tarawa and fought hand to hand across chains of atolls in the Marshalls, would be appalled at the lack of respect for the law we see now. If that is political so are the knee jerk attacks on Chicos. Somehow it has become OK to ignore the sins of politicians if they agree with us and lash out with ad hominem attacks at their critics.
I prefer the civility of "The Greatest Generation"
You are mistaken. Here is what he said:
"Love hearing about this country from them...though it also scares the hell out of me with how they feel the direction it is going. A few of them say things like "this is what we fought for"? Ugh. Pains me."
Sorry, but my wife's dad (Marquette med school grad) was a Captain in the Army and served in field hospitals during the Korean War. Her brother was in the Air Force on the air traffic control side of the house. His daughter, currently in the Navy and now teaching air traffic control courses in Pennsacola after serving multiple years on the USS Harry Truman carrier based out of Norfolk.
My wife is a pointed person, loves the military and she isn't afraid to ask questions. She asked them. These gentlemen answered them. Some people will like the answers, some people will not. They are concerned Vets, concerned Americans. They aren't alone.
When I told her yesterday that we didn't have breakfast with any VFW vets on Friday and didn't have several long conversations with them she had the WTF are you talking about look on her face.
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on July 07, 2014, 11:37:47 AM
Sorry, but my wife's dad (Marquette med school grad) was a Captain in the Army and served in field hospitals during the Korean War. Her brother was in the Air Force on the air traffic control side of the house. His daughter, currently in the Navy and now teaching air traffic control courses in Pennsacola after serving multiple years on the USS Harry Truman carrier based out of Norfolk.
My wife is a pointed person, loves the military and she isn't afraid to ask questions. She asked them. These gentlemen answered them. Some people will like the answers, some people will not. They are concerned Vets, concerned Americans. They aren't alone.
When I told her yesterday that we didn't have breakfast with any VFW vets on Friday and didn't have several long conversations with them she had the WTF are you talking about look on her face.
Blah blah blah. Again. Not denying the statements made. We all hear similar things all the time but then don't stuff them into a thread intended to honor Louis Zamperini.
Quote from: MU Fan in Connecticut on July 07, 2014, 07:37:06 AM
I think it's amazing that it took this long to have a movie made of his story.
I was reading over the weekend about how him and two others were floating in a life raft and they finally spotted a plane for the first time in weeks and it turned out to be Japanese and he started strafing the lifeboat with fire. Louis was attacked by a shark while hiding in the water during the strafing attack and he had to punch the shark in the nose on three separate times to keep from being eaten.
What is crazy is that his ordeal on the raft was nothing compared to the fate which awaited as a POW.
Quote from: LloydMooresLegs on July 07, 2014, 12:55:53 PM
Blah blah blah. Again. Not denying the statements made. We all hear similar things all the time but then don't stuff them into a thread intended to honor Louis Zamperini.
I don't like being called a liar, I certainly don't like it when my wife is. That's why I reacted to him the way I did. Don't like my comments, that is fine. Calling me a liar, which two of them did, not going to fly with me.
Thankful for Mr. Zamperini and many others like him, that I and others have the ability to talk and his sacrifices even give others the ability to level charges of lying, even if they they are 100% wrong. Hopefully the sacrifices over the years aren't wasted. To some of those vets, they are, which is a shame as we honor Mr. Zamperini and others.
Quote from: keefe on July 07, 2014, 01:29:53 AM
As a wounded vet I am entitled to care and treatment at the VA which I use over my private sector coverage. While it seems fashionable to criticize VA care my experience has been outstanding. In fact, compared with my forays into private health care I can say that the VA offers a better product in every way.
More than fashionable right now, it is a shame what is happening to too many of them. People may go to jail over this in the end. Not a way to honor vets when almost 100K of them are on waiting lists to get treated. Not the way they should be filling out their days.
Happy you got your treatment and it was quality in nature. Hopefully many of your brothers and sisters will receive the same kind of care.
Quote from: keefe on July 07, 2014, 01:06:39 PM
What is crazy is that his ordeal on the raft was nothing compared to the fate which awaited as a POW.
This.
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on July 07, 2014, 04:48:51 PM
More than fashionable right now, it is a shame what is happening to too many of them. People may go to jail over this in the end. Not a way to honor vets when almost 100K of them are on waiting lists to get treated. Not the way they should be filling out their days.
Happy you got your treatment and it was quality in nature. Hopefully many of your brothers and sisters will receive the same kind of care.
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on July 07, 2014, 04:42:00 PM
I don't like being called a liar, I certainly don't like it when my wife is. That's why I reacted to him the way I did. Don't like my comments, that is fine. Calling me a liar, which two of them did, not going to fly with me.
Thankful for Mr. Zamperini and many others like him, that I and others have the ability to talk and his sacrifices even give others the ability to level charges of lying, even if they they are 100% wrong. Hopefully the sacrifices over the years aren't wasted. To some of those vets, they are, which is a shame as we honor Mr. Zamperini and others.
And you don't like being called out on your inappropriate posts. Which is what I did. For once, just take personal responsibility for your words and the way you use them. Like you rightly often want others to do.
Quote from: LloydMooresLegs on July 07, 2014, 08:30:26 AM
You are mistaken. Here is what he said:
"Love hearing about this country from them...though it also scares the hell out of me with how they feel the direction it is going. A few of them say things like "this is what we fought for"? Ugh. Pains me."
I was referring to a later comment that specifically mentioned their displeasure at the VA scandal.
Quote from: LloydMooresLegs on July 07, 2014, 05:10:03 PM
And you don't like being called out on your inappropriate posts. Which is what I did. For once, just take personal responsibility for your words and the way you use them. Like you rightly often want others to do.
I take responsibility for it 100%. The difference is, I didn't call or imply you are a liar or anything of the kind, unlike the other individuals. That's a huge difference. I respect your opinion, I may not always agree with it, but I respect it. That's not the path they chose to go down. I've done what I tell others to do, if you don't like what I have to say, put me on ignore. I put them on ignore...mostly because I'm not going to carry on conversations with people that weren't there and are questioning the truth of what was said at an event they weren't at.
As I said last week, not going to matter too much. I've got some major life change stuff happening in the next week, so it will be a scant existence anyway.
Quote from: LloydMooresLegs on July 07, 2014, 12:55:53 PM
Blah blah blah. Again. Not denying the statements made. We all hear similar things all the time but then don't stuff them into a thread intended to honor Louis Zamperini.
Legs....well said.
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on July 06, 2014, 03:49:53 PM
I see, so you're calling my wife a liar who was there with me.
Yes.
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on July 07, 2014, 04:42:00 PM
I don't like being called a liar, I certainly don't like it when my wife is. That's why I reacted to him the way I did. Don't like my comments, that is fine. Calling me a liar, which two of them did, not going to fly with me.
Oh well.
Quote from: elephantraker on July 07, 2014, 05:43:28 PM
I was referring to a later comment that specifically mentioned their displeasure at the VA scandal.
As regards VA care, they have a triage system for providing services since there is a very real resource constraint. Anyone Honorably Discharged from the military is authorized care. But access is tiered based on your service and at the very top are those with combat-related wounds.
I still go to the VA for treatment about once a month and the quality of care is exceptional. Also, because of my status, if I want to see a doc I can do so on the same day. I had a spider bite from a night in the Cascades and went straight to the VA Clinic in Bellevue where I had it treated and was given an RX. Total cost to me: $0. Total time: 30 minutes. Try doing that at a private care practitioner. I could have tried going to Swedish where I have my employer-sponsored plan but it would have been days before I would have been seen.
It is fashionable to criticize the VA but I believe they do a great job of caring for our community. The system is overburdened mainly because so many vets lack access to any other sponsored health care. The VA correctly prioritizes care for wounded warriors and they excel at the specialized medicine needed for traumatic injuries.
Edit: not worth it
Anyway, here's the trailer to the movie: http://devour.com/video/unbroken-trailer/
Quote from: jesmu84 on July 14, 2014, 09:23:58 PM
Edit: not worth it
Anyway, here's the trailer to the movie: http://devour.com/video/unbroken-trailer/
Wow, that looks fantastic! Thanks for posting that link.
Quote from: keefe on July 09, 2014, 12:56:42 PM
As regards VA care, they have a triage system for providing services since there is a very real resource constraint. Anyone Honorably Discharged from the military is authorized care. But access is tiered based on your service and at the very top are those with combat-related wounds.
I still go to the VA for treatment about once a month and the quality of care is exceptional. Also, because of my status, if I want to see a doc I can do so on the same day. I had a spider bite from a night in the Cascades and went straight to the VA Clinic in Bellevue where I had it treated and was given an RX. Total cost to me: $0. Total time: 30 minutes. Try doing that at a private care practitioner. I could have tried going to Swedish where I have my employer-sponsored plan but it would have been days before I would have been seen.
It is fashionable to criticize the VA but I believe they do a great job of caring for our community. The system is overburdened mainly because so many vets lack access to any other sponsored health care. The VA correctly prioritizes care for wounded warriors and they excel at the specialized medicine needed for traumatic injuries.
Not sure fashionable is the defense, there's a reason why General Shinseki resigned a few weeks ago. It was rather disgraceful what has been happening. I'm sure for many the care is great, but what a mess.
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on July 15, 2014, 11:42:37 PM
Not sure fashionable is the defense, there's a reason why General Shinseki resigned a few weeks ago. It was rather disgraceful what has been happening. I'm sure for many the care is great, but what a mess.
The VA is superb at treating and rehabilitating combat wounded including mental health issues. The problems are in the care for the general vet population where many simply do not have insurance and are therefore thrown into an overburdened VA system. This could easily be fixed by throwing money at the situation but those monies are non-existent.
Quote from: keefe on July 16, 2014, 02:53:48 AM
The VA is superb at treating and rehabilitating combat wounded including mental health issues. The problems are in the care for the general vet population where many simply do not have insurance and are therefore thrown into an overburdened VA system. This could easily be fixed by throwing money at the situation but those monies are non-existent.
Throwing money at the situation may work, of course we have countless examples where that hasn't worked over the years especially with Uncle Sammy or State govt.
Let's not forget, the VA budget is up 235% since 9/11. Now stands at over $150 billion per year. Lots of money has been spent, it's a matter of how it is spent and how things are managed. As mentioned earlier, I have friends that work at the VA, including a former MU roommate (smart as whip). They do very good work, but they are also receiving the bashing right now for good reason.
http://hotair.com/archives/2014/05/22/is-the-va-scandal-a-funding-issue-or-a-leadership-failure/
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on July 16, 2014, 09:01:06 AM
Let's not forget, the VA budget is up 235% since 9/11.
And the number of veteran's added to system has probably exceeded that 235% percentage since 9/11.
Here is a primer in Lou Zamperini
http://www.artofmanliness.com/2014/06/26/4-lessons-in-manliness-from-louis-zamperini/
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on July 16, 2014, 09:01:06 AM
Throwing money at the situation may work, of course we have countless examples where that hasn't worked over the years especially with Uncle Sammy or State govt.
Let's not forget, the VA budget is up 235% since 9/11. Now stands at over $150 billion per year. Lots of money has been spent, it's a matter of how it is spent and how things are managed. As mentioned earlier, I have friends that work at the VA, including a former MU roommate (smart as whip). They do very good work, but they are also receiving the bashing right now for good reason.
http://hotair.com/archives/2014/05/22/is-the-va-scandal-a-funding-issue-or-a-leadership-failure/
Strong like bull, too?
The film Unbroken depicting Louis Zamperini's life debuts Christmas Day.
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movie/unbroken/review/752885
Quote from: muwarrior69 on December 03, 2014, 09:12:01 PM
The film Unbroken depicting Louis Zamperini's life debuts Christmas Day.
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movie/unbroken/review/752885
Thanks for the reminder. I am looking forward to this movie.
Quote from: keefe on December 03, 2014, 11:47:34 PM
Thanks for the reminder. I am looking forward to this movie.
Why is it that a movie about a real hero does not get the hype that all the Marvel, DC Comics and Star Wars Super Heroes do? Just gets under my skin.
Quote from: muwarrior69 on December 04, 2014, 01:05:37 PM
Why is it that a movie about a real hero does not get the hype that all the Marvel, DC Comics and Star Wars Super Heroes do? Just gets under my skin.
Because people enjoy fantasy more than reality.
Quote from: The Sultan of Sunshine on December 04, 2014, 01:46:55 PM
Because people enjoy fantasy more than reality.
"The masses are asses"
~A. Hamilton
Just saw the movie with Mrs. Legs and the kids (20 and 17). Mrs. L and I had read the book, kids had not. Movie is excellent and true to the book, though it focuses on the running and then the wartime experience - his wife and his born again life are not covered at all. A couple of cheesey moments (kids in particular noted the "Jesus on the cross" unsubtle imagery), but a worthy treatment of the material. And a nice ovation at the end -- sold out theatre too.
Quote from: LloydsLegs on December 26, 2014, 09:47:55 PM
Just saw the movie with Mrs. Legs and the kids (20 and 17). Mrs. L and I had read the book, kids had not. Movie is excellent and true to the book, though it focuses on the running and then the wartime experience - his wife and his born again life are not covered at all. A couple of cheesey moments (kids in particular noted the "Jesus on the cross" unsubtle imagery), but a worthy treatment of the material. And a nice ovation at the end -- sold out theatre too.
Ha, me and Mrs Chili did the same thing tonight with two of our kids.
local couple who knew louis-he actually went back to japan to forgive his captors...
http://www.jrn.com/tmj4/news/Oak-Creek-couple-remembers-man-who-inspired-Unbroken-286813951.html
Enjoyed the movie very much. Our dentist has worked with Zamperini for the last few decades until his death....had some very fine things to say about him which should be of no surprise. After a recent visit to the DDS, my son couldn't't wait to read the book. Tonight the two of us went to the movie. Since he went to Torrance High School it also had a local flavor for many in the audience. The images of Long Beach Airport at themed of the movie were cool....I fly out of their often.