As a public service to my fellow military members, especially those called into active service in the National Guard and Reserves, I wanted to pass along some information I found on creditcards.com about the Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act (SCRA).
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“A Look at Military History” is an ongoing feature of the military blog here on You Served, brought to you by VA MortgageCenter.com.
“Peace on Earth, Good will toward men.” It is a difficult concept to have hoped for, in war time. Yet in December of 1914, Good will was so desired that it was achieved among soldiers of Britain, Germany, France and Belgium, despite opposition from some commanding officers.
The winter of 1914 was a particularly harsh one. Along a 27 mile western front through Belgium and France enemies faced each other from as little as 30 to 70 yards away. Soldiers were cold and miserable in muddy frozen trenches. Each side could not help but wonder about the person they were facing. Surely they were miserable too. Could the enemy possibly be as bad as they had been told?
December 1914 was the fifth month of what would turn out to be a 52 month war. Pope Benedict XV had suggested a temporary cease fire to allow for the celebration of Christmas. Many officials were reluctant.
However, soldiers and their families were not. On Christmas Eve, German soldiers began to decorate their trenches with small evergreen trees that had been sent from home. The trees were lit with candles. Initially, British soldiers suspected a trap; however, as they began to hear Christmas Carols being sung, they dared to think otherwise.
With trenches in such close proximity, the soldiers exchanged carols. At one point both sides sang the same carol. Often the two sides would exchange pleasantries such as “Merry Christmas to you.” The unofficial cease fire continued throughout Christmas Eve and Christmas day. Opposing soldiers met in “No Man’s Land” the area between the opposing trenches. There they exchanged gifts of cigarettes and food. If words could not be understood, gestures were used. In one remarkable event German and British soldiers engaged in a game of soccer. The game continued until the ball was popped on barbed wire.
On a more somber note, the truce also allowed for the dead to be buried. In rare instances, joint services were held for the fallen. For the majority, the truce lasted for only the Christmas celebration; however, in some areas along the 27 mile western front the Christmas truce lasted through the New Year. Peace on Earth; Good will toward men had prevailed even in wartime. Inevitably war returned and continued for another 47 months.
You Served presents “A Look at Military History”, an ongoing feature on events in American military history.
Born in southern Mexico, Eduardo Peniche was eager to fight the Axis in WWII. He joined the United States Army, 502 Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. He served as a member of the Anti-Tank squad bazooka team during the battle at Bastogne, Christmas 1944. For Ed this Christmas was special; he had never seen snow or felt bitter cold temperatures before. The winter of 1944 was a particularly harsh one. However Private First Class Eduardo Peniche did not have time to enjoy the snow or complain about the cold. Like all members of his unit, he had a job to do.
Outward Bound Wilderness Excursions for OEF/OIF Veterans Outward Bound, an international non-profit outdoor education program, is offering fully funded outdoor adventure excursions to all OEF/OIF veterans.
It doesn’t matter what your current military status is (active, inactive, discharged, retired) - you’re eligible to attend as long as you deployed in support of OEF/OIF combat operations while in the military. These five-day excursions offer adventure activities such as backpacking, rock climbing, canyoneering, canoeing, and dog sledding in beautiful wilderness areas in Maine, Texas, Colorado, California, and Minnesota. Scheduled courses from Sep 08-Feb 09 are listed below, and future courses will be scheduled soon.
All expedition costs for lodging, equipment, food, and instruction are completely funded by a multi-million dollar Sierra Club grant, including the participants’ round-trip transportation between home and the wilderness site. The excursion is offered at no cost to the participant. To sign up for one of the prescheduled courses, please contact Doug Hayward at 1-866-669-2362, ext. 8387, or simply e-mail him at obvets@outwardbound.org.
To learn more about the OEF/OIF program, visit the website at www.outwardboundwilderness.org/veterans.html. You can also contact two of our retired Judge Advocates, Joe and Amy Frisk, who are working for Outward Bound on this incredible program at vetsor@outwardbound.org, or at (303) 968-4420.
OPEN ENROLLMENT COURSES FOR 2008/2009
OUTWARD BOUND OEF/OIF WAR VETERANS EXPEDITIONS
Leadville, Colorado: Backpacking and Rock Climbing in the Colorado Rockies
* September 3-7, 2008
* October 4-8, 2008
Newry, Maine: Backpacking and Canoeing
* October 7-11, 2008
* October 19-23, 2008
Big Bend, Texas: Back packing and Cayoneering
* November 2-6, 2008
* November 15-19, 2008
Joshua Tree National Monument, California: Backpacking and Rock Climbing
* December 3-7, 2008
* December 14-18, 2008
Ely, Minnesota: Dog Sledding
* February 3-7, 2009
“A Look at Military History” is a new bi-weekly feature hosted on You Served, a leading military blog. It takes an unbiased look at the events of the American armed forces dating back through history.
Harry S. Truman assumed the presidency on April 12,1945, upon the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt from a cerebral hemorrhage. These were difficult times. The Second World War had been waging for years, with the United States involvement lasting already over 3 years. Roosevelt had declared that the United States would only accept the unconditional surrender of its enemies as an end to the war.
Truman was left with the task of securing that surrender. Two weeks into his presidency, Truman learned of the Atomic Bomb. He was now faced with the difficult decision of whether to use such a weapon in the hopes of causing a speedy end to the war.
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Here are the first details of the attack on the outpost and FOB at Wanat in Kunar Province Afghanistan. This story is the result of interviews with survivors of the attack while they are recuperating in Landstuhl, Germany. I had no doubt that there was going to be some great stories of bravery to come out of this terrible attack. This is the first recount I have read of the attack and I am sure there are more to come.
The terrible loss of 173rd Airborne soldiers has been all over the news lately. I encourage you to take 5 minutes and read the following story. Take some time and try to imagine the hell they were going through as they were fighting for their lives.
http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=56237
This is a great story out of Iraq that I have to pass along. The pictures only serve to show the love and patriotism Iraqis feel for their country.
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“Are you pro-war or pro-peace?” was the first question that came out of the mouth of one of the war protesters as I explained that I was there to talk to them about their presence on a major intersection here in Huntsville, AL. I explained that I’m a Soldier, I hate war and love peace. But, I also recognize that peace comes at a price. It went downhill from there.
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We’re busy rolling out a great new section of VA Mortgage Center.com today that we call “Veteran’s Happy Home“. In this ongoing featured section, you will find in depth looks at real customers who have served in the Armed Forces and who used the Specialists here at our company to help secure financing for their home purchase.
We have long-enjoyed working with the men and women who are eligible for VA Loan financing - active duty military, Veterans, reservists, military spouses, etc. - and it is our pleasure to try and provide a ‘peek’ into the joy that the program can bring to their lives. Read about our first featured Vet, Wayne Burris, who recently moved into a new home in his town of Enid, Oklahoma. And be sure to check back for future features as well!
…if they’re anti war. You won’t find this kind of in depth reporting anywhere else.
