OUR AMERICA

THE UNITED STATES ONE DOLLAR BILL

Take out a one dollar bill, and look at it. The one dollar bill
you're looking at first came off the presses in 1957 in its present design. This

so-called paper money is in fact a cotton and linen blend, with red and blue minute silk fibers running through it. It is actually material.. We've all washed it without it falling apart. A special blend of ink is used, the contents we will never know. It is overprinted with symbols and then it is starched to make it water resistant and pressed to give it that nice crisp look.

If you look on the front of the bill, you will see the United States Treasury Seal.

On the top you will see the scales for a balanced budget.

In the center you have a carpenter's square, a tool used for an even cut.

Underneath is the Key to the United States Treasury.

That's all pretty easy to figure out, but what is on the back of that dollar bill is something we should all know.

If you turn the bill over, you will see two circles.

Both circles, together, comprise the Great Seal of the United States .

The First Continental Congress requested that Benjamin Franklin and a group of men come up with a Seal.

It took them four years to accomplish this task and another two years to get it approved.

If you look at the left-hand circle, you will see a Pyramid.

Notice the face is lighted, and the western side is dark. This country was just beginning. We had not begun to explore the West or decided what we could do for Western Civilization.

The Pyramid is uncapped, again signifying that we were not even close to being finished. Inside the capstone you have the all-seeing eye, an ancient symbol for divinity.

It was Franklin 's belief that one man couldn't do it alone, but a group of men, with the help of God, could do anything.

'IN GOD WE TRUST' is on this currency.

The Latin above the pyramid, ANNUIT COEPTIS, means,
'God has favored our undertaking.'

The Latin below the pyramid, NOVUS ORDO SECLORUM, means, 'a new order has begun.'

At the base of the pyramid is the Roman Numeral for 1776.
(MDCCLXXVI)

If you look at the right-hand circle, and check it carefully,

you will learn that it is on every National Cemetery in the United States

It is also on the Parade of Flags Walkway at the Bushnell, Florida National Cemetery, and is the centerpiece of most hero's monuments.

Slightly modified, it is the seal of the President of the United States, and it is always visible whenever he speaks, yet very few people know what the symbols mean.

The Bald Eagle was selected as a symbol for victory for two reasons:

First, he is not afraid of a storm; he is strong, and he is smart enough to soar above it.

Secondly, he wears no material crown. We had just broken from the King of England.

Also, notice the shield is unsupported. This country can now stand on its own.

At the top of that shield you have a white bar signifying congress, a unifying factor.

We were coming together as one nation.

In the Eagle's beak you will read, ' E PLURIBUS UNUM', meaning, 'one nation from many people'.

Above the Eagle, you have thirteen stars, representing the thirteen original colonies, and any clouds of misunderstanding rolling away. Again, we were coming together as one.

Notice what the Eagle holds in his talons. He holds an olive branch and arrows.

This country wants peace, but we will never be afraid to fight to preserve peace.

The Eagle always wants to face the olive branch, but in time of war, his gaze turns toward the arrows.

They say that the number 13 is an unlucky number.   This is almost a worldwide belief.

You will usually never see a room numbered 13, or any hotels or motels with a 13th floor.

But think about this:

13 original colonies,

13 signers of the Declaration of Independence,

13 stripes on our flag,

13 steps on the Pyramid,

13 letters in the Latin above,

13 letters in 'E Pluribus Unum',

13 stars above the Eagle,

13 bars on that shield,

13 leaves on the olive branch,

13 fruits, and if you look closely, 13 arrows.

And, for minorities: the 13th Amendment.

I always ask people, 'Why don't you know this?' Your children don't know this, and their history teachers don't know this.

Too many veterans have given up too much to ever let the meaning fade..

Many veterans remember coming home to an America that didn't care.

Too many veterans never came home at all.

Share this page with everyone, so they can learn what is on the back of the UNITED STATES ONE DOLLAR BILL, and what it stands for... Otherwise, they will probably never know...

SEMPER FI

Leading the fight is Gunnery Sgt. Michael Burghard t, known as "Iron Mike" or just
"Gunny". He is on his third tour in Iraq ... He had become a legend in the bomb
disposal world after winning the Bronze Star for disabling 64 IEDs and destroying
1,548 pieces of ordnance during his second tour. Then, on September 19, he got
blown up. He had arrived at a chaotic scene after a bomb had killed four US soldiers.

He chose not to wear the bulky bomb protection suit. "You can't react to any sniper
fire and you get tunnel-vision," he explains. So, protected by just a helmet and
standard-issue flak jacket, he began what bomb disposal officers term "the longest
walk", stepping gingerly into a 5ft deep and 8ft wide crater.

The earth shifted slightly and he saw a Senao base station with a wire leading from it.
He cut the wire and used his 7inch knife to probe the ground. "I found a piece of red
detonating cord between my legs," he says. "That's when I knew I was screwed"

Realizing he had been sucked into a trap, Sgt Burghardt, 35, yelled at everyone to
stay back. At that moment, an insurgent, probably watching through binoculars,
pressed a button on his mobile phone to detonate the secondary device below the
sergeant's feet. "A chill went up the back of my neck and then the bomb exploded,"
he recalls. "As I was in the air I remember thinking, 'I don't believe they got me.' I was
just ticked off they were able to do it. Then I was lying on the road, not able to feel
anything from the waist down."

His colleagues cut off his trousers to see how badly he was hurt. None could believe
his legs were still there. "My dad is a Vietnam vet who's paralyzed from the waist
down," says Sgt Burghardt. "I was lying there thinking I didn't want to be in a
wheelchair next to my dad and for him to see me like that. They started to cut away
my pants and I felt a real sharp pain and blood trickling down. Then I wiggled my toes
and I thought, 'Good, I'm in business.' "As a stretcher was brought over, adrenaline
and anger kicked in. "I decided to walk to the helicopter. I wasn't going to let my team-
mates see me being carried away on a stretcher." He stood and gave the insurgents
who had blown him up a one-fingered salute. "I flipped them one. It was like, 'OK, I
lost that round but I'll be back next week!"

Copies of a photograph depicting his defiance, taken by Jeff Bundy for the Omaha
World-H erald, adorn the walls of homes across America and that of Col John
Gronski, the brigade commander in Ramadi, who has hailed the image as an
exemplar of the warrior spirit. Sgt Burghardt's injuries - burns and wounds to his legs
and buttocks - kept him off duty for nearly a month and could have earned him a
ticket home. But, like his father - who was awarded a Bronze Star and three Purple
Hearts for being wounded in action in Vietnam - he stayed in Ramadi to engage in the
battle against insurgents who are forever coming up with more ingenious ways of
killing Americans.

Are you proud enough to send this on?

(There was a picture from the Omaha World Hearld showing Iron Mike giving the Insurgents the bird with his pants blown off.)

Wouldn't it be fitting if this went completely around the world!.....

This needs to make headline news...not some of the other junk that makes the news these days!!! L ike the Rosie O'Donell war of words...celeb weddings...who's not wearing undies...etc.

If you agree, please pass this along.

It's a tough, but heartwarming story...with a picture of John Gebhardt in Iraq.

John Gebhardt's wife, Mindy, said that this little girl's entire family was executed. The insurgents intended to execute the little girl also, and shot her in the head...but they failed to kill her. She was cared for in John's hospital and is healing up, but continues to cry and moan. The nurses said John is the only one who seems to calm her down, so John has spent the last four nights holding her while they both slept in that chair. The girl is coming along with her healing.

He is a real Star of the war, and represents what America is trying to do.

This, my friends, is worth sharing with the WORLD! Go for it!! You'll never see things like this in the news. Please keep this going. Nothing will happen if you don't, but the American public needs to see pictures like this and needs to realize that what we're doing over there is making a difference. Even if it is just one little girl at a time.

James Gates U. S. Navy

THIS FROM FRED WYANT ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17TH, 2007

Please read, this story really will make you think of Duty, Honor, Country and the Freedoms that we have. The price that was paid by some, So all may live in Freedom and Peace.

Semper Fi

Chuck Fattig

>FASCINATING!
You Might Not Ever Guess

Captain Kangaroo passed away on January 23, 2004 as age 76 , which is odd, because he always looked to be 76. (DOB: 6/27/27 ) His death reminded me of the following story.

Some people have been a bit offended that the actor, Lee Marvin, is buried in a grave alongside 3 and 4 star generals at Arlington National Cemetery . His marker gives his name, rank (PVT) and service (USMC). Nothing else. Here's a guy who was only a famous movie star who served his time, why the heck does he rate burial with these guys? Well, following is the amazing answer:

I always liked Lee Marvin, but didn't know the extent of his Corps experiences.

In a time when many Hollywood stars served their country in the armed forces often in rear echelon posts where they were carefully protected, only to be trotted out to perform for the cameras in war bond promotions,

Lee Marvin was a genuine hero. He won the Navy Cross at Iwo Jima There is only one higher Naval award... the Medal Of Honor

If that is a surprising comment on the true character of the man, he credits his sergeant with an even greater show of bravery.

Dialog from "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson": His guest was Lee Marvin Johnny said, "Lee, I'll bet a lot of people are unaware that you were a Marine in the initial landing at Iwo Jima ..and that during the course of that action you earned the Navy Cross and were severely wounded."

"Yeah, yeah... I got shot square in the bottom and they gave me the Cross for securing a hot spot about halfway up Suribachi. Bad thing about getting shot up on a mountain is guys getting' shot hauling you down. But Johnny, at Iwo I served under the bravest man I ever knew... We both got the cross the same day, but what he did for his Cross made mine look cheap in comparison. That dumb guy actually stood up on Red beach and directed his troops to move forward and get the hell off the beach. Bullets flying by, with mortar rounds landing everywhere and he stood there as the main target of gunfire so that he could get his men to safety. He did this on more than one occasion because his men's safety was more important than his own life.

That Sergeant and I have been lifelong friends. When they brought me off Suribachi we passed the Sergeant and he lit a smoke and passed it to me, lying on my belly on the litter and said, where'd they get you Lee?' Well Bob.. if you make! it home before me, tell Mom to sell the outhouse!"

The Sergeant's name is Bob Keeshan. You and the world know him as Captain Kangaroo."

On another note, there was this wimpy little man (who just passed away) on PBS, gentle and quiet. Mr. Rogers is another of those you would least suspect of being anything but what he now portrays to our youth. But Mr. Rogers was a U.S. Navy Seal, combat-proven in Vietnam with over twenty-five confirmed kills to his name. He wore a long-sleeved sweater on TV, to cover the many tattoos on his forearm and biceps. He was a master in small arms and hand-to-hand combat, able to disarm or kill in a heartbeat.

After the war Mr. Rogers became an ordained Presbyterian minister and therefore a pacifist. Vowing to never harm another human and also dedicating the rest of his life to trying to help lead children on the right path in life. He hid away the tattoos and his past life and won our hearts with his quiet wit and charm.

America's real heroes don't flaunt what they did; they quietly go about their day-to -day lives, doing what they do best They earned our respect and the freedoms that we all enjoy.

Often, they are the ones you'd least suspect, but would most like to have on your side if anything ever happened.

Take the time to thank anyone that has fought for our freedom. With encouragement they could be the next Captain Kangaroo or Mr. Rogers

Subject: Real Judge

Remember the guy who got on a plane with a bomb built into his shoe and
tried to light it?

   Did you know his trial is over?
   Did you know he was sentenced?

Did you see/hear any of the judge's comments on TV or Radio?
Didn't think so.
Everyone should hear what the judge had to say.

   _ Ruling by Judge William Young, US District Court._

Prior to sentencing, the Judge asked the defendant if he had anything to
say. His response: After admitting his guilt to the court for the
record, Reid also admitted his "allegiance to Osama bin Laden, to Islam,
and to the religion of Allah," defiantly stating, "I think I will not
apologize for my actions," and told the court "I am at war with your
country."

Judge Young then delivered the statement quoted below:

January 30, 2003, United States vs. Reid.

Judge Young:   "Mr. Richard C. Reid, hearken now to the sentence the
Court imposes upon you.

On counts 1, 5 and 6 the Court sentences you to life in prison in the
custody of the United States Attorney General. On counts 2, 3, 4 and 7,
the Court sentences you to 20 years in prison on each count, the
sentence on each count to run consecutively. (That's 80 years.)

On count 8 the Court sentences you to the mandatory 30 years again, to
be served consecutively to the 80 years just imposed. The Court imposes
upon you for each of the eight counts a fine of $250,000 that's an
aggregate fine of $2 million. The Court accepts the government's
recommendation with respect to restitution and orders restitution in the
amount of $298.17 to Andre Bousquet and $5,784 to American Airlines.

The Court imposes upon you an $800 special assessment. The Court imposes
upon you five years supervised release simply because the law requires
it. But the life sentences are real life sentences so I need go no further.

This is the sentence that is provided for by our statutes. It is a fair
and just sentence. It is a righteous sentence.

Now, let me explain this to you. We are not afraid of you or any of
your terrorist co-conspirators, Mr. Reid. We are Americans. We have
been through the fire before. There is too much war talk here and I say
that to everyone with the utmost respect. Here in this court, we deal
with individuals as individuals and care for individuals as individuals.
As human beings, we reach out for justice.

You are not an enemy combatant. You are a terrorist. You are not a
soldier in any war. You are a terrorist. To give you that reference,
to call you a soldier, gives you far too much stature. Whether the
officers of government do it or your attorney does it, or if you think
you are a soldier. You are not----- you are a terrorist. And we do not
negotiate with terrorists. We do not meet with terrorists. We do not
sign documents with terrorists. We hunt them down one by one and bring
them to justice.

So war talk is way out of line in this court. You are a big fellow. But
you are not that big. You're no warrior. I've known warriors. You are
a terrorist. A species of criminal that is guilty of multiple attempted
murders. In a very real sense, State Trooper Santiago had it right when
you first were taken off that plane and into custody and you wondered
where the press and the TV crews were, and he said: "You're no big deal."

You are no big deal.

What your able counsel and what the equally able United States attorneys
have grappled with and what I have as honestly as I know how tried to
grapple with, is why you did something so horrific. What was it that
led you here to this courtroom today?

I have listened respectfully to what you have to say. And I ask you to
search your heart and ask yourself what sort of unfathomable hate led
you to do what you are guilty and admit you are guilty of doing? And, I
have an answer for you. It may not satisfy you, but as I search this
entire record, it comes as close to understanding as I know.

    It seems to me you hate the one thing that to us is most precious.
    You hate our freedom. Our individual freedom. Our individual
    freedom to live as we choose, to come and go as we choose, to
    believe or not believe as we individually choose. Here, in this
    society, the very wind carries freedom. It carries it everywhere
    from sea to shining sea. It is because we prize individual freedom
    so much that you are here in this beautiful courtroom. So that
    everyone can see, truly see, that justice is administered fairly,
    individually, and discretely. It is for freedom's sake that your
    lawyers are striving so vigorously on your behalf, have filed
    appeals, will go on in their representation of you before other judges.

    We Americans are all about freedom. Because we all know that the
    way we treat you, Mr. Reid, is the measure of our own liberties.
     Make no mistake though. It is yet true that we will bare any
    burden; pay any price, to preserve our freedoms. Look around this
    courtroom. Mark it well. The world is not going to long remember
    what you or I say here. The day after tomorrow, it will be
    forgotten, but this, however, will long endure.

    Here in this courtroom and courtrooms all across America, the
    American people will gather to see that justice, individual justice,
    justice, not war, individual justice is in fact being done. The
    very President of the United States through his officers will have
    to come into courtrooms and lay out evidence on which specific
    matters can be judged and juries of citizens will gather to sit and
    judge that evidence democratically, to mold and shape and refine our
    sense of justice.

    See that flag, Mr. Reid? That's the flag of the United States
    of America. That flag will fly there long after this is all
    forgotten. That flag stands for freedom. And it always will.

    Mr. Custody Officer. Stand him down.

    So, how much of this Judge's comments did we hear on our TV sets?
     We need more judges like Judge Young, but that's another subject.
     Pass this around. Everyone should and needs to hear what this fine
    judge had to say. Powerful words that strike home. God bless America

SEABEE BALL 2008

Welcome Home Celebration

July 18-19

Hilton Garden Inn Independence

19677 East Jackson Drive

Independence, Missouri 64057

Phone: 816-350-3000

Room Rates: $82 plus tax ASK for the SEABEE BALL BLOCK

Must have reservation made by May 4^th to receive special rate.

For specials needs contact the Hotel

Friday July 18^th, 2008

Registration Desk opens at 1500

Hospitality Suite opens 1600-2300

Friday Night T-Shirt Dance

1900- 2300

American Legion Post 21

16702 East 40 Hwy. Independence, Mo 64055

Wear any Seabee T-Shirt Proudly

DJ with Dancing and Karaoke

Shuttle Service from Hotel to and from Post Available

Sponsored by: KC Seabee Buzz Det 0215 Family Group and the American Legion

Saturday July 19^th, 2008

Attractions: Truman Presidential Library, Adventure Water Oasis Water Park, Historical Independence Square, Vaile Mansion & Historic Home Tours, Independence Center & Other Shopping Experiences,AmeriStar Casino

Cut out and send check and information to: Checks Payable to: Seabee Ball Meal Ticket Deadline7/7/08

Marie Benz 16415 East 35th Street S. Independence, MO 64055 Phone Number: 816-373-4392

NAME/RANK________________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS __________________________________________________________________________

PHONE# ___________________________________________________________________________

E-MAIL ADDRESS____________________________________________________________________

Hungry Bee Cookbook

Dear Friends & Family of the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Fifteen,

The NMCB15 KC Seabee Buzz Family Group is constructing a Hungry Bee Cookbook. We need your
building materials to make this successful. So put on your hard hats and send us your favorite
recipes. We will also have a section for helpful tips and advise. Please open the attachment and
send your recipes to Susan Freemyer or email them to me at kfree87102004@hotmail.com. Photo
copies of recipes are encouraged because they are easier to scan into format for the book. Deadline
for entries is February 23rd, so get your Buzz on and get those into us as soon as possible.

Who can send in a recipe? Anyone who knows someone serving in the US Military or Retired Military.
That should include just about everyone.

Please make sure you send the recipe, tip or advise along with Name, Rank and Relationship of Military
Member active or retired. e.g. Wife of BU2 Kenneth D. Freemyer, US Navy, NMCB15

Money collected from the sale of this book will be used to purchase food, pay for projects & provide gifts
for upcoming events for the Friends & Family of the NMCB15.

Susan M. Freemyer
President
KC Seabee Buzz Family Group
1207 Ridge Circle Apt D.
Tonganoxie, KS 66086
913-369-8981 home
913-908-3444 cell

NNS080101-03. Seabee Change of Camp on Guam Marks Strategic Realignment

By Kyra Hawn, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Marianas Public
Affairs

CAMP COVINGTON, Guam (NNS) -- In order to provide more robust support to
DOD mission-critical demands in Southwest Asia and Afghanistan, 86
Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 1, turned over
their deployment reins on Dec. 21 to NMCB 5, after only three months on
station in Guam.

The quick turnaround marks a significant shift in alignment of the
deployed Naval Construction Force (NCF).

Historically, Seabee units deployed to Guam retained a main body
component of more than 300 members who served in exercises, operations
and infrastructure support in the Pacific area of responsibility.
Missions were complimented by an additional 500-plus member Seabee
battalion deployed to Okinawa, Japan and surrounding DOD locations.

However, with current operational emphasis rooted in the global war on
terrorism, Seabee deployment strategy is evolving to meet the changing
demand signals for expeditionary construction.

This realignment of NCF assets frees additional personnel and provides
for command element presence forward in support of Marine Expeditionary
Force missions in Iraq.

From the Iraq main body site, Seabees are dispersed to a variety of
geographically distinct detachment locations, employing task-tailored
personnel and equipment teams to provide construction support as
identified by Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine commanders.

The 86 Gulfport, Miss., based Seabees of the NMCB 1 Guam Detachment who
are departing the island will join the remaining 400-plus members of
their unit currently deployed to an array of detachment locations in SWA
and Afghanistan.

During the Dec. 21 change of camp ceremony held on Guam, Lt. Cmdr.
Michael Mihaly, officer in charge of the NMCB 1 Guam detachment,
remarked on the importance of the unit's move to Iraq to supplement
existing Seabee assets in theater.

"Being on Guam was a great experience for us, and we will miss the
people and their warm hospitality. Going to the desert to join the team
that is already forward will give our young Seabees the exposure that
they need to develop their skills and witness expeditionary leadership
and missions in action," said Mihaly.

In addition to running convoy operations and expeditionary construction,
Seabees are also serving integral roles as trainers, teachers and
mentors to the Iraqi military construction force, as well as journeymen
aiding in Iraq's infrastructure development.

Lt. Jim Evans, officer in charge of the incoming NMCB 5 Guam detachment
from Port Hueneme, Calif., expressed his enthusiasm for the unit's
upcoming work.

"This is where we hone our skills and construction competencies in a
non-hostile environment. Most of the Seabees before you have made
multiple deployments in direct support of the global war on terrorism.
This is their chance to train, mentor and pay close attention to quality
control without the constraints that accompany working outside the
wire," said Evans.

The upcoming deployment to theater evoked a little anxiety mixed with
enthusiasm for one NMCB 1 member.

"Our detachment of 86 people on Guam was tight - we were a great team
and a well-oiled machine; everyone really supported each other," said
Gunners Mate 2nd Class Mandi Hung. "My deployments with Navy ships never
took me to the 'sandbox,' and I'm excited for the opportunity to run an
armory in a place where weapons safety and security is important. And
while I'm a little nervous, I feel like I need to see things for myself
and find a positive way to contribute."

NMCB 1 will remain on station in Iraq and Afghanistan through the spring
of 2008. NMCB 5 Guam detachment will complete a six-month deployment at
Camp Covington.

For more news from the Naval Facilities Engineering Command, visit
www.news.navy.mil/local/navfachq/.

Save The Date !!! Save The Date!!!

The NMCB-15 Navy Seabee Ball July 18 & 19, 2008

Theme: Welcome Home Celebration 2008

Host City: Kansas City

Site Hotel:
Hilton Garden Inn Independence
19677 E Jackson Drive, Independence, Missouri, USA 64057
Tel: +1-816-816-350-3000 Fax: +1-816-816-350-3535

More Rooms Reserved in a Block at:
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites
INDEPENDENCE-KANSAS CITY
19901 E VALLEY VIEW PKWY
INDEPENDENCE, MO 64057 UNITED STATES
Hotel Front Desk: 1-816-7958889 | Hotel Fax: 1-816-7951734

When calling hotels request the block for the US Navy Seabee Reunion
to get the best rate!!!

More Details and Website to follow.

Hope to see you there, Navy Seabee Ball Committee 2008

I posted this on the Yahoo Site this morning. So the word is out to Mark Your 2008 Calendars.

Lori will you please Post this as it's own separate page on the Battalion Site Thank You. Libby

Deployed Address for NMCB 15 Det 1
Personnell.
>
>
> > Dan Seaman
> > NMCB-15 DET 1
> > FPO AA 34099-0701
> >
> > Don't use my rate/rank. They don't want us to use our rates/ranks on
our
> snail mail.
Dan Seaman

Jerry Swift and Roger Miner

DON CERNY OBITUARY

EO1 Donald Cerny 78, was born September 9th, 1928 in Wahoo to Otto and Helen Cerny. He went to Grade and High School in Weston and graduated in 1947. After graduation, Don applied to Fisher Body and went to Auto Body School and completed his auto body schooling in 1948. Don served in the United States Navy from 1951 to 1953 aboard the USS Badoeng Strait. In 1953, Don married Mary Ann Cerny and they resided in Weston their entire life. In 1953, Don owned and operated Don Cerny Body and Paint until 2007. He manufactured his own wrecker from a Kenworth Tractor which he extended and carried a third rear axle. With this truck, Don could take on just about everything and he advertised that. He was very proud of that truck and his picture with the truck showed it. He operated out of a building on the corner of Main Street and Hwy. 77 in Wahoo. He also specialized in Auto Body repair and restoration.

Over the years, Don served in many fraternities and service clubs. He served in Masonry in many ways. He was Past Master of Wahoo Lodge #59 A.F. & A.M. A member of Lincoln Valley Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, and a member of Sesostris Temple Nobles of the Mystic Shrine where he served in the Flying Fez Unit as he held a pilots license. Don always enjoyed helping out at Shrine Circus Time where he helped sell tickets to the elephant rides. He was a member of the Weston American Legion #308 where he was a Past Commander. He was also a member of the VFW, Eagles Lodge, Lions Club, and Knights of Aksarben.

He was a member of the National Civil Defense Council, a Past President of the Nebraska Civil Defense Council a member and Director of the Saunders County Civil Defense for 33 years. He was a member of the Weston Fire Department for 41 years.

In 1971, Don joined the Seabees and served in the RMCB - 1515 where he retired in 1989 as a Equipment Operator EO1. Don was also a member of the Seabee Veterans of America, Island X-1, serving in Nebraska.

Don was a member of Wahoo Community Church. He enjoyed Flying, Boating, Camping, Water skiing, Ballroom Dancing, and Gardening.

Don is survived by his daughter, Jenay, sisters Doris and Betty, and brothers Richard, Robert, and Gary Cerny. He was preceded in death by his mother, Helen M. Cerny, father Otto P. Cerny, and wife Mary Ann Cerny.

Services were held at 11:00 a.m Thursday, July 12th, 2007,at Calvary Baptist Church in Wahoo, Nebraska, Pastor Don White officiating. Military graveside services were performed by American Legion Post #308 of Weston and the U. S. Navy Honor Guard. Interment at St. John Cemetery, Weston, Nebraska.

r.w.m.

Seabee Veterans:

Remember our Reunion at Aurora Vets Club on Saturday, July 14th, 2007 commencing at 0900 hrs.

The 2008 Sea Bee Ball will be in Kansas City next year, possibly mid to late June. We will be forming a committee soon. With the battalion leaving for Iraq it will be up to a very small Det 025 and a lot of retirees to pull it off.

My new contact information as of June 1, 2007:

Jim Milam, Project Manager

Integral Construction Services Inc.

303 SW Market

Lee�s Summit, MO 64063

P: 816-246-5655

F: 816-246-8177

Email: milamicslsmo@sbcglobal.net

Twas the night before Christmas, the ship was out steaming,
Sailors stood watch while others were dreaming.

They lived in a crowd with racks tight and small,
In a 80-man berthing, cramped one and all.
I had come down the stack with presents to give,
And to see inside just who might perhaps live.

I looked all about, a strange sight did I see,
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.

No stockings were hung, shined boots close at hand,
On the bulkhead hung pictures of a far distant land.

They had medals and badges and awards of all kind,
And a sober thought came into my mind.

For this place was different, so dark and so dreary,
I had found the house of a Sailor, once I saw clearly.

A Sailor lay sleeping, silent and alone,
Curled up in a rack and dreaming of home.

The face was so gentle, the room squared away,
This was the United States Sailor today.

This was the hero I saw on TV,
Defending our country so we could be free.

I realized the families that I would visit this night,
Owed their lives to these Sailors lay willing to fight.

Soon round the world, the children would play,
And grownups would celebrate on Christmas Day.

They all enjoyed freedom each day of the year,
Because of the Sailor, like the one lying here.

I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone,
On a cold Christmas Eve on a sea, far from home.

The very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees and started to cry.

The Sailor awakened and I heard a calm voice,
"Santa, don't cry, this life is my choice."

"Defending the seas all days of the year,
So others may live and be free with no fear."

I thought for a moment, what a difficult road,
To live a life guided by honor and code.

After all it's Christmas Eve and the ship's underway!
But freedom isn't free and it's sailors who pay.

The Sailor say's to our country "be free and sleep tight,
No harm will come, not on my watch and not on this night.

The Sailor rolled over and drifted to sleep,
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.

I kept watch for hours, so silent, so still,
I watched as the Sailor shivered from the night's cold chill.

I didn't want to leave on that cold dark night,
This guardian of honor so willing to fight.

The Sailor rolled over and with a voice strong and sure,
Commanded, "Carry on Santa, It's Christmas, and All is Secure!"

HONOR, COURAGE AND COMMITMENT

-----------------------------
Happy Holidays from
- VetFriends.com -
-- Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard --

To Kill an American

You probably missed it in the rush of news last week, but there was actually a report that someone in Pakistan had published in a newspaper an offer of a reward to anyone who killed an American, any American.

So an Australian dentist wrote an editorial the following day to let everyone know what an American is . So they would know when they found one. (Good one, mate!!!!)

"An American is English, or French, or Italian, Irish, German, Spanish, Polish, Russian or Greek. An American may also be Canadian, Mexican, African, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Australian, Iranian, Asian, or Arab, or Pakistani or Afghan.

An American may also be a Comanche, Cherokee, Osage, Blackfoot, Navajo, Apache, Seminole or one of the many other tribes known as native Americans.

An American is Christian, or he could be Jewish, or Buddhist, or Muslim.
In fact, there are more Muslims in America than inAfghanistan. The only difference is that in America they are free to worship as each of them chooses.

An American is also free to believe in no religion. For that he will answer only to God, not to the government, or to armed thugs claiming to speak for the government and for God.

An American lives in the most prosperous land in the history of the world. The root of that prosperity can be found in the Declaration of Independence, which recognizes the God-given right of each person to the pursuit of happiness.

An American is generous. Americans have helped out just about every other nation in the world in their time of need, never asking a thing in return.

When Afghanistan was over-run by the Soviet army 20 years ago, Americans came with arms and supplies to enable the people to win back their country!

As of the morning of September 11, Americans had given more than any other nation to the poor in Afghanistan. Americans welcome the best of everything...the best products, the best books, the best music, the best food, the best services. But they also welcome the least.

The national symbol of America, The Statue of Liberty, welcomes your tired and your poor, the wretched refuse of your teeming shores, the homeless, tempest tossed. These in fact are the people who built America.

Some of them were working in the Twin Towers the morning of September 11, 2001, earning a better life for their families. It's been told that the World Trade Center victims were from at least 30 different countries, cultures, and first languages, including those that aided and abetted the terrorists.

So you can try to kill an American if you must. Hitler did. So did General Tojo, and Stalin, and Mao Tse-Tung, and other blood-thirsty tyrants in the world. But, in doing so, you would just be killing yourself. Because Americans are not a particular people from a particular place. They are the embodiment of the human spirit of freedom. Everyone who holds to that spirit, everywhere, is an American.

Please keep this going!
Pass this around the World
Then pass it around again.

It says it all, for all of us ..!

This from a Sesostris Harley Shrine Mason Eldon:

WISH I COULD SEND THIS TO EVERY AMERICAN !!!!!!!
>
>One of my sons serves in the military. He is still stateside, here in
>California.
>
>He called me yesterday to let me know how warm and welcoming  people were to
>him, and his troops, everywhere he goes, telling me how people shake their
>hands, and thank them for being willing to serve, and fight, for not only our
>own freedoms but so that others may have them also.
>
>But he also told me about an incident in the grocery store he stopped at
>yesterday, on his way home from the base. He said that ahead of several
>people in front of him stood a woman dressed in a  burkha.
>
>He said when she got to the cashier she loudly remarked about the U.S.  flag
>lapel pin the cashier wore on her smock. The cashier reached up and touched
>the pin, and said proudly," Yes, I always wear it and probably always will."
>
>The woman in the burkha then asked the cashier when she was going to stop
>bombing her countrymen, explaining that she was Iraqi.
>
>A gentleman standing behind my son stepped forward, putting his arm around my
>son's shoulders, and nodding towards my son, said in a calm and gentle voice
>to the Iraqi woman:
>
>"Lady, hundreds of thousands of men and women like this young man have fought
>and died so that YOU could stand here, in MY country and accuse a check-out
>cashier of bombing YOUR countrymen. It is my belief that had you been this
>outspoken in YOUR own country, we wouldn't need to be there today. But, hey,
>if you have now learned how to speak out so loudly and clearly, I'll  gladly
>buy you a ticket  and pay your way back to Iraq so you can straighten out
>the mess in YOUR country that you are obviously here in MY country to avoid."
>
>Everyone within hearing distance cheered!
>
>IF YOU AGREE____ Pass this on to all your proud American friends.
>
>I just did.

One detail that is not mentioned, in DC, is that there can never be a building of greater height than the Washington Monument.

With all the uproar about removing the ten commandments, etc... This is worth a moment or two of your time. I was not aware of this historical information.

On the aluminum cap, atop the Washington Monument in Washington, DC, are displayed two words: Laus Deo. No one can see these words. In fact, most visitors to the monument are totally unaware they are even there and for that matter, probably couldn't care less.

Once you know Laus Deo's history, you will want to share this with every one you know. But these words have been there for many years; they are 555 feet, 5.125 inches high, perched top the monument, facing skyward to the Father of our nation, overlooking the 69 square miles which comprise the District of Columbia, capital of the United States of America.

Laus Deo! Two seemingly insignificant, un-noticed words. Out of sight and, one might think, out of mind, but very meaningfully placed at the highest point over what is the most powerful city in the most successful nation in the world.

So, what do those two words, in Latin, composed of just four syllables and only seven letters, possibly mean? Very simply, they say "Praise be to God!"

Though construction of this giant obelisk began in 1848, when James Polk was President of the United States, it was not until 1888 that the monument was inaugurated and opened to the public. It took twenty five years to finally cap the memorial with a tribute to the Father of our nation, Laus Deo Praise be to God!"

From atop this magnificent granite and marble structure, visitors may take in the beautiful panoramic view of the city with its division into four major segments. From that vantage point, one can also easily see the original plan of the designer, Pierre Charles l'Enfant ...a perfect cross imposed upon the landscape, with the White House to the north. The Jefferson Memorial is to the south, the Capitol to the east and the Lincoln Memorial to the west.

A cross you ask? Why a cross? What about separation of church and state? Yes, a cross; separation of church and state was not, is not, in the Constitution. So, read on. How interesting and, no doubt, intended to carry a profound meaning for those who bother to notice.

Praise be to God! Within the monument itself are 898 steps and 50 landings. As one climbs the steps and pauses at the landings the memorial stones share a message On the 12th Landing is a prayer offered by the City of Baltimore; on the 20th is a memorial presented by some Chinese Christians; on the 24th a presentation made by Sunday School children from New York and Philadelphia quoting Proverbs 10:7, Luke 18:16 and Proverbs 22:6. Praise be to God!

When the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid on July 4th, 1848 deposited within it were many items including the Holy Bible presented by the Bible Society. Praise be to God! Such was the discipline, the moral direction, and the spiritual mood given by the founder and first President of our unique democracy ."One Nation, Under God."

I am awed by Washington's prayer for America. Have you never read it? Well, now is your unique opportunity, so read on!

"Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United States at large. And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

When one stops to observe the inscriptions found in public places all over our nation's capitol, he or she will easily find the signature of God, as it is unmistakably inscribed everywhere you look. You may forget the width and height of "Laus Deo", its location, or the architects but no one who reads this will be able to forget its meaning, or these words: "Unless the Lord builds the house its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain." (Psalm 127: 1)

It is hoped you will send this to every child you know; to every sister, brother, father, mother or friend. They will not find offense, because you have given them a lesson in history that they probably never learned in school. With that, be not ashamed, or afraid, but have pity on those who will never see this because someone failed to send it on.

This from Our Seabee Veterans of Nebraska Secretary, Jim Miller on Wednesday August 2nd, 2006

A Sailor's Christmas