011PatrioticNews

Patriotic News

FCM Paul “Wally” Alvord, who is also known as “Coach,” goes through some stretching at Edgewater American Legion Post 285.

Paul Alvord's philosophy of patriotism is more about service than flag waving. "As Bob Dylan said, you 'gotta serve somebody,' " he loosely quoted while eating breakfast at an Edgewater restaurant on a recent morning. "Patriotism is service."

That can mean serving one's country, as Alvord did as a machinist's mate in the U.S. Navy, or answering the call when people need help.

"Part of the fiber of our country is to give something back," said the 67-year-old retired physical education teacher, who also goes by the name "Wally."

Alvord's giving includes helping the lady members of his American Legion Post shape up through the formation of a race-walking group, teaching mentally handicapped youngsters and serving as his post's chaplain. Alvord said he gets as much out of such acts as do those he is helping. "It builds a positive attitude," Alvord said. "You can't get away from that working with the mentally handicapped because everything they do is a positive step."

Such comments do not discount the more traditional examples of patriotism - belief in country and what it stands for - which he sees regularly among his fellow Legion members whose service for country Alvord believes should not be forgotten. That attitude was re-enforced through the example his grandfather gave by putting up the flag on patriotic holidays.

"That made an impression on me," Alvord said, and he passed on the tradition to some of his students when he would hang the American flag and prisoner of war/missing in action flag outside his PE office while he was teaching at Enterprise Elementary School in Deltona. "That is part of my make-up."

Eddie Ferreira, commander of Edgewater's American Legion Post 285, said Alvord, in his role as the post chaplain, "Wally is low key in his patriotism although he is always there when needed.

"He is very true about attending all the services we have," said Ferreira, and that includes his devotion during veterans' funerals. "Wally takes it upon himself to visit all the sick vets we know about and visit their families."

While Alvord served three tours of duty aboard the USS Intrepid during the Vietnam War, Ferreira said a person does not have to be a veteran to be considered patriotic.

"All we ask is they love God and the country," he said. Alvord qualifies on both counts, saying he has always tried to be a "good soldier" following the directions of those above him, although he does not consider himself any more patriotic than anyone else. However, his brother, Richard Alvord, also of Edgewater, disagrees. "He has always been that quiet guy behind the scenes," Richard Alvord said. "When someone volunteers their time and effort, that is patriotic."

By MARK I. JOHNSON, Staff Writer - July 4, 2011 - The Daytona Beach News-Journal

Here is the short story of Sgt Reckless, a warrior you may never have heard about. Sgt. Reckless was a Korean War veteran of a different kind; a horse so heroic during the Korean war she was promoted to Staff Sergeant by the Commandant of the US Marine Corps. She was a Marine with the 5th Marines Recoilless Rifle Co. She was wounded twice in action and went through some of the toughest campaigns of that war. She is listed alongside George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa and John Wayne as one of our top one hundred all-time heroes.

Reckless was an American icon at the time of the Korean War, but is, sadly, unknown today. There will never be another story like this one. Enjoy and pass it on. For the whole story, go to...

http://www.theveteranssite.com/clickToGive/vet/article/Sgt-Reckless-Korean-War-Horse-Hero398&origin=VET_FACE_FLAG_ADGROUP_BLOG_RECKLESS_0620_CTG

Submitted by FCM Tom Dacey Posted July 5, '11

U.S. Army Does Not Forget Those Who Have Gone Before Us

The First Cavalry Division takes care of its own and even after 60 years, Pfc Joseph Terrell was laid to rest at Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) National Cemetery. Cousin, Lucille Crowder, received a flag and Joseph's medals after providing DNA to identify Terrell’s remains. Pictured are (from left) Sgt.1st Class James Byington from Ft. Hood, TX who made the presentation, Mrs. Crowder and John A. Simonetti of Mabank, who volunteered his services as bugler to play “Taps” for the ceremony. Mr. Simonetti is a past president of the USS Intrepid Association, Inc., an organization of former USS Intrepid crewmembers who served from WWII through three tours in Vietnam aboard the Intrepid. He is also is a volunteer bugler for Bugles Across America.