Get Ready, Midland!

Have you been to an Air Show before? I have! Several of them actually. I absolutely love going. Whether it has been with family, friends or even my Cadet buddies, it was always a blast. Maybe that can be attributed to my love of history. World War 2 has been one of the most fascinating history lessons I continually return to. The technological advances, the lessons learned in medical sciences, and the political lessons that we should glean from even today - all tickle my fancy! 

We have lived in this town for enough years to know that there is an annual AirSho here. But this will be the first year that we can actually attend! And yes, I am making the kids go too. I really do hope they will enjoy it. Maybe even learn something while we are there. If nothing else, I know my history-loving husband will! He is as much of a fan as I am. Where do you think I heard of Unit 731 and Dark5? 

But here I am getting distracted again. History does that to me! Let's focus here. AirSho (yes, that is how it is spelled) is coming back to town. This year is a little more special than past years. It marks the 80th anniversary of WW2. Crazy, isn't it? 80 years! So many of those from that time have already passed. The number of veterans dwindles quickly. 

What to know, before you go!

They have quite the list of restrictions. What stands out to me is that we can't bring foods in. No coolers. Now, while they have concessions, this means we might want to plan ahead on having some extra money for food.

They have activities geared more for kids like bouncy houses and games and snow cones, but you better bring more money for those too.  

If I could afford to, I would pay for my husband to live out his dream of being in one of the iconic planes as they fly through the sky above our town! But alas, we don't make that kind of money. Maybe when the kids move out... If you are interested in that, just look HERE.  

Where can you learn more? 

They have a Facebook Page that has updates on the planes included in the show. You can also get a ton more information on their website. We also should note here, there is an additional $10 fee for parking, cash only, unless you get the VIP bundle. There is a handicap lot, it costs the same amount as normal parking, but is accessible. You just need to have the plate or placard ready. And when ordering your tickets online, there are additional fees (you know the kind - pay with card, pay extra!). But I did not see anything about you being able to pay in person. So it just is what it is. 

I promise to share more about the experience once we have attended! Let me know what your thought on air shows is. Do you ever go? Do you enjoy them?  

Something Short and Sweet

 

I recently saw something on a friend's post on Facebook. I recognized it immediately and thought it was so much fun. I even reposted it, but changed it up to make it more interesting. Time consuming? Yes. Worth it? Yes! So, I am sharing my repost here. And I want to see how many read it and actually answer. Here is a hint - Can you speak military? 

India Foxtrot.

Yankee Oscar Uniform.

Charlie Alpha November.

Uniform November Delta Echo Romeo Sierra Tango Alpha November Delta.

Tango Hotel India Sierra.

Charlie Oscar Mike Mike Echo November Tango.

Bravo Echo Lima Oscar Whiskey.

Hotel Oscar Whiskey.

Yankee Oscar Uniform.

Alpha Romeo Echo.

Delta Oscar India November Golf.

Lima Oscar Victor Echo.

Yankee Oscar Uniform.

Alpha Lima Lima.

 

Let me know in the comments below. I really do want to hear from you.  

Wreaths Across America

Its that time of year again. A time when wreaths are purchased by sponsors and donors to lay across the graves of our fallen military heroes. This event is held before Christmas. The Mayport Naval Sea Cadets Corps has been dedicated to this ceremony for several years now. Sadly, the number of wreaths they have been able to provide has been dwindling as the number of graves is on the rise. Our World War 2 veterans have been dying in larger numbers with each passing year. Last year alone the Mayports Cadets had about 1200 more graves than the year before. The only way to ensure that every grave gets a wreath is through sponsorship or donations. Being a former Cadet Instructor for the Mayport group, I plan to direct my own donations to them.

Our heroes, both alive and fallen, are not often celebrated. Some of them gave their limbs or ability to live "normal" lives while others gave their lives. All in the name of American freedoms. I met a Marine veteran who went in search of what places offered discounts or services specific to military personnel. That list wasn't very long. And the discount is often quite small. Or specialized to certain holidays only. Is this how we repay them? Is this what we really think they are worth? Its disheartening to say the least. Especially for one such as I who tried to join and was turned down for medical reasons. Instead, I support our troops. Past, present, and future.

If you are interested in learning more and possibly becoming a donor this year, check out the website and link below.

Also, if you want to recognize a cadet as being your referral, you can enter "Carter boys" in the recognition box. They are offered incentives for being active in the community with events such as these.

 

http://www.mayportnlus.org/index.php Mayport home page

 

Online form for wreaths.