From Tun's Tavern Go We

My Other Birthday  

This past November 10th was the Birthday of the Marine Corps, it's 239th. I became a Marine after graduating from Boot Camp at Parris Island, SC. I would celebrate the 187th birth of the Corps that November and every November 10th since then. I and those who preceded and followed me have an Esprit de Corps that is something unique and special to each of us. Unless you have been one of us, it is something you would never understand.

In no way do I attempt to diminish those of you who served in our countries other services. Each of your time in service is equally unique unto yourselves. We are all dependent on each other in times of war and our paths cross each other continuously. We are all the one per centers. The other 99% will never, unfortunately, understand the bond we have for each other. That is a shame

I usually get around to posting something or other for the November 10th birth of the Corps. I was obviously distracted by my trip to Oklahoma this year and failed to do so. So, the Leadership Traits expressed below are brought to you by: The Few, The Proud, The Marines.

Marine Corps Leadership Traits

Some time ago I provided the 14 Leadership traits of the Marine Corps to my daughter Kathryn. Kathryn is in a leadership position for her employer in the Health Care field. Something I've always admired in this presentation is the Suggestions for Improvement expressed for each trait. We can only hope that as we age, we improve. I do know Scotch improves with age.

My personal feelings toward these traits is that they are qualities each of us could exhibit in our daily lives. We all are in leadership positions of one sort or another. Should you take the time to read, or just glance over these traits, I'm sure something will enlighten you as it has me, to individual characteristics. 

The 14 leadership traits are qualities of thought and action which, if demonstrated in daily activities, help Marines earn the respect, confidence, and loyal cooperation of other Marines. It is extremely important that you understand the meaning of each leadership trait and how to develop it, so you know what goals to set as you work to become a good leader and a good follower.

JUSTICE
Definition: Justice is defined as the practice of being fair and consistent. A just person gives consideration to each side of a situation and bases rewards or punishments on merit.

Suggestions for Improvement: Be honest with yourself about why you make a particular decision. Avoid favoritism. Try to be fair at all times and treat all things and people in an equal manner.

JUDGMENT
Definition: Judgment is your ability to think about things clearly, calmly, and in an orderly fashion so that you can make good decisions.

Suggestions for Improvement: You can improve your judgment if you avoid making rash decisions. Approach problems with a common sense attitude.

DEPENDABILITY
Definition: Dependability means that you can be relied upon to perform your duties properly. It means that you can be trusted to complete a job. It is the willing and voluntary support of the policies and orders of the chain of command. Dependability also means consistently putting forth your best effort in an attempt to achieve the highest standards of performance.

Suggestions for Improvement: You can increase your dependability by forming the habit of being where you're supposed to be on time, by not making excuses and by carrying out every task to the best of your ability regardless of whether you like it or agree with it.

INITIATIVE
Definition: Initiative is taking action even though you haven't been given orders. It means meeting new and unexpected situations with prompt action. It includes using resourcefulness to get something done without the normal material or methods being available to you.

Suggestions for Improvement: To improve your initiative, work on staying mentally and physically alert. Be aware of things that need to be done and then to do them without having to be told.

DECISIVENESS
Definition: Decisiveness means that you are able to make good decisions without delay. Get all the facts and weight them against each other. By acting calmly and quickly, you should arrive at a sound decision. You announce your decisions in a clear, firm, professional manner.

Suggestions for Improvement: Practice being positive in your actions instead of acting half-heartedly or changing your mind on an issue.

TACT
Definition: Tact means that you can deal with people in a manner that will maintain good relations and avoid problems. It means that you are polite, calm, and firm.

Suggestions for Improvement: Begin to develop your tact by trying to be courteous and cheerful at all times. Treat others as you would like to be treated.

INTEGRITY
Definition: Integrity means that you are honest and truthful in what you say or do. You put honesty, sense of duty, and sound moral principles above all else.

Suggestions for Improvement: Be absolutely honest and truthful at all times. Stand up for what you believe to be right.

ENTHUSIASM
Definition: Enthusiasm is defined as a sincere interest and exuberance in the performance of your duties. If you are enthusiastic, you are optimistic, cheerful, and willing to accept the challenges.

Suggestions for Improvement: Understanding and belief in your mission will add to your enthusiasm for your job. Try to understand why even uninteresting jobs must be done. 
BEARING Definition: Bearing is the way you conduct and carry yourself. Your manner should reflect alertness, competence, confidence, and control.

Suggestions for Improvement: To develop bearing, you should hold yourself to the highest standards of personal conduct. Never be content with meeting only the minimum requirements.

UNSELFISHNESS
Definition: Unselfishness means that you avoid making yourself comfortable at the expense of others. Be considerate of others. Give credit to those who deserve it.

Suggestions for Improvement: Avoid using your position or rank for personal gain, safety, or pleasure at the expensive of others. Be considerate of others.

COURAGE
Definition: Courage is what allows you to remain calm while recognizing fear. Moral courage means having the inner strength to stand up for what is right and to accept blame when something is your fault. Physical courage means that you can continue to function effectively when there is physical danger present.

Suggestions for Improvement: You can begin to control fear by practicing self-discipline and calmness. If you fear doing certain things required in your daily life, force yourself to do them until you can control your reaction.

KNOWLEDGE
Definition: Knowledge is the understanding of a science or art. Knowledge means that you have acquired information and that you understand people. Your knowledge should be broad, and in addition to knowing your job, you should know your unit's policies and keep up with current events.

Suggestions for Improvement:  Increase your knowledge by remaining alert. Listen, observe, and find out about things you don't understand. Study field manuals and other military literature.

LOYALTY
Definition: Loyalty means that you are devoted to your country, the Corps, and to your seniors, peers, and subordinates. The motto of our Corps is Semper Fidelis!, (Always Faithful). You owe unwavering loyalty up and down the chain of command, to seniors, subordinates, and peers.

Suggestions for Improvement: To improve your loyalty you should show your loyalty by never discussing the problems of the Marine Corps or your unit with outsiders. Never talk about seniors unfavorably in front of your subordinates. Once a decision is made and the order is given to execute it, carry out that order willingly as if it were your own.

ENDURANCE
Definition: Endurance is the mental and physical stamina that is measured by your ability to withstand pain, fatigue, stress, and hardship. For example, enduring pain during a conditioning march in order to improve stamina is crucial in the development of leadership.

Suggestions for Improvement: Develop your endurance by engaging in physical training that will strengthen your body. Finish every task to the best of your ability by forcing yourself to continue when you are physically tired and your mind is sluggish.

Because it is important to always be able to remember the basic leadership traits, the acronym "J.J. DID TIE BUCKLE" is used. Each letter in the acronym corresponds to the first letter of one of the traits. By remembering the acronym, you will be better able to recall the traits.

Where in The World is Jeff Berthiaume?

As I'm writing this Jeff is in West Africa, Abuja Nigeria to be exact. With a little help from the airline industry and the weather gods, he should be home for Thanksgiving. 

 The http://usembassynigeria.blogspot.com is a very comprehensive site should any of you readers have an interest to see what your government is doing there. I must tell you, I've learned so much about the world around us since Jeff started this job. On occasion I research watches and warnings for him prior to his travel. It never hurts to check the WHO site before traveling either

http://college.usatoday.com/2014/11/13/taco-bell-creates-college-football-playoff-contest/

My granddaughter Abby Berthiaume was recently captured in a photo article for USA Today. She and her friends are Bell Ringing supporters of the MSU Football Team.

A Long Distance Shout Out

Downtown Burns, Oregon

Our granddaughter's in-laws, the Davies, still have two of their six boys at home and in school. Zed's brothers Jeff and Scott play for the Burns, Oregon Highlanders and are having a spectacular year. The below link will take you to the Semi Final Championship game played Saturday.

Congratulations on a great season everyone and best of luck in the final game next week.

http://highschoolsports.oregonlive.com/news/article/4436924649938465932/burns-builds-big-first-half-lead-and-cruises-past-regis-33-0-in-2a-semifinals-recap/

Burns Highlanders 2014 Football Schedule and Record to date.

Fri 9/5/14 7:00pm @ Sisters Outlaws W 39-6

Fri 9/12/14 7:00pm LAKEVIEW HONKERS W 53-0

Fri 9/19/14 7:00pm @ Cascade Christian Challengers
(LaPine High School) W 46-19 details

Fri 9/26/14 7:00pm @ La Pine Hawks W 54-16

Fri 10/3/14 6:00pm IMBLER PANTHERS * W 56-6

Fri 10/10/14 7:00pm @ Grant Union Prospectors * W 89-0

Fri 10/17/14 6:00pm ENTERPRISE OUTLAWS * W 48-0

Fri 10/24/14 7:00pm @ Union Bobcats *
(Cove High School) W 53-7 Cove Homecoming

Fri 10/31/14 7:00pm NYSSA BULLDOGS W 40-8

Sat 11/8/14 1:00pm KENNEDY TROJANS ##
(2A State Playoffs) W 57-7

Sat 11/15/14 1:00pm UNION BOBCATS ##
(2A State Playoffs) W 47-6

Sat 11/22/14 2:30pm REGIS RAMS ##
(2A State Playoffs) (Hermiston HS) W 33-0 details

Sat 11/29/14 TBA HEPPNER MUSTANGS ##
(2A State Playoffs) (Hermiston HS

Thanksgiving Preparations


This year we are anticipating 26 - 35 guests for Thanksgiving dinner. This past Saturday, Mary Agnes, Kathryn, Sarah and Rachel gathered to plan the events menu. Below is each item and the person responsible to deliver on Thanksgiving day.. Each person shall bring their own beverage of choice. Happy Thanksgiving one and all. If no one is going to feed you, stop on by.

Meat
Turkey Kathy
Ham Mary Agnes
Turkey Breast Mary Agnes Scott's oven
Veggies
Sweet taters Mary Agnes
Mashed Taters Mary Agnes
Green Bean Casserole Rachael
Brussel Sprout Jan
Bean for 18 Jan
Plain stuffing Kathy
Sausage Stuffing Kathy
Tossed Salad Sarah
Cranberry sauce Abby
Carrots Sarah
Gravy Mary Agnes
Turnips Kathryn
Cauliflower Kathryn
Mac and Cheese Samantha Scott's oven
Bread Rolls Barbara
Thanksgiving bread Sarah

Desserts
 Tiramisu Kathy
Pumpkin Pie (2) Mary Agnes
Chocolate Cream Mary Agnes
Apple Cake Mary Agnes
Shoo Fly (2) Mary Agnes
Whipped cream Tommy
Appetizers Relish tray Jeff
Mints Mary Agnes
Puff pastry pesto Mary Agnes
Cheese tray Rachael
Appetizer Kate
Beverages Water
Soda Jeff
Ice Scott and Thomas
Holiday Iced Tea Rachael

 

A Trip Out West

Oklahoma City Here I Come

It was with anticipation that I went to bed at half time of the Eagles football game on Monday 10 November. Tomorrow on wake up I would be heading to Columbus, Ms and assisting my Granddaughter and her husband with their move to Oklahoma City, Ok. My two Great Granddaughters Mia and Ana would also be making the trip. Two young Air Force Lieutenants making the second move of their careers after two years at Columbus, AFB. 

Ana, Sam, Zed and Mia Davies

My trip west began on Tuesday November 11th, 2014. Early AM, 0319 to be exact I started waking up. I never exited the bed until 0350, I had been awake long enough. Mary Agnes was already out of bed and her cup of coffee was sending it's wafting aroma throughout the house. I'd have my usual yogurt, coffee and chit chat once out of bed.

After completing my morning obligations I was in the car and out of the driveway by 0440 on my two hour and a few minutes ride to Baltimore's BWI airport.

 

 After only eleven miles I met one of Salisbury's finest, and this on Veterans Day. After a brief chat about gently rolling through a STOP sign by our local Catholic church, I mentioned that this old Marine never realized he hadn't come to a full stop and apologized and wished for the best.

After a 5 minute delay the ex-Army Sergeant, I was told, handed me a warning, requested I come to a full stop the next time at this intersection, said “ Happy Veterans Day and have a safe trip.” I was thankful, expressed such and continued on my journey without incident.

Once at the airport, parking, shuttle and security went without a hitch. Into the inner sanctum of the Southwest boarding area with a fine cup of Pikes, no cream, no sugar from Starbucks and I was good for the morning. I was on time and my flight was on time to Memphis. I've been flying Southwest for a number of years and have had little to no complaints.

The flight to Memphis was uneventful and 15 minutes early. The weather on landing was grey and smoggy. I'd say Dark and Stormy but then I’d need some Goslings dark rum and Ginger Beer with Lemon. Got to know Bermuda to get that one.

My granddaughter's husband, Zed, arrived in about 15 minutes with great granddaughter Mia asleep in the back seat. We would now be off for the two hour ride to Columbus, AFB, Mississippi, and an uneventful ride it was. Zed and I caught up on all the news and he filled me in on my tasks for the pending move to Oklahoma.

I must add that I'm writing these words at this time from 31,003 feet and 571 mph at this very moment over Indianapolis, IN. I'm using Quip with an iPad and a Zagg keyboard, all of which I've been very pleased with. I've had very few issues copying and pasting to my blog. If there are any writers out there, give Quip a try, send it on to others to proof read without an issue.

So, back to the trip experience. In route to the Sip (short for the whole word) I learned we would be heading out to OK on Thursday morning. I'd be driving a 26 foot Penske box truck with all the worldly belongings of the kids, which was already loaded. We would be spending the next two nights in temporary quarters. My granddaughter Abby, a freshman at Mississippi State University and her roommate Molly would join us for dinner and a sleep over on Wednesday night to say goodbye.

The previous night Sam had hosted her International student pilots and Squadron personnel for a get together and to say goodbye. 55 people in all and a whole lot of Pizzas later, we had leftovers for dinner that night.

Prior to dinner, Zed and I had to return 55 chairs and seven 10 foot tables used for the gathering. This being Veterans day the base facility to return them to was closed. Obviously Zed had prior B & E experience. He backed the truck up to the locked 8 foot chain link fence and climbed into the storage area to begin the off loading process.

With his aged wife’s grandfather on the outside I was to pass the chairs 1x1 over the fence to him. The tables were slid through the locked gate opening (heavy suckers I might add) to complete the task. At the end of the rigorous workout my Medtronic Pace Maker continued to function like the Champion it’s been for the past 11 years. Of course I could no longer lift my arms vertically and had difficulty handling the Pizza we had for dinner. This was to be the beginning of a pattern of Elder Abuse by these youngsters on the move.

I would retire early on the first night of my adventure, having spent a long time traveling and getting a good workout from the tables and chairs. Sleep was not hard to come by.

On Wednesday I went with Sam when the girls went to Day Care for the last time. What a wonderful set up for the children.

Day Care Ctr.

 The kid’s house was to be inspected at 0900 that morning and Sam and I returned to the house to undertake some last minute cleanups and fixes. I would be the paint dab man touching up here and there as needed. The inspector arrived promptly at 0900 and the kids passed without issue.

After the inspection Sam and Zed completed their out-processing and I returned to the temporary quarters and undertook a mountain of laundry to wash. Zed would return and do some pre move maintenance on their trailor while Sam and I went to Walmart for winterizing fluids for all the vehicles. It seems a Polar Vortex would be descending on us momentarily. After all the miscellaneous tasks were completed we picked up the girls from day care and headed to Starkville to pick up Abby and Molly.

I got a tour of the girls dorm and we ventured off to the Zumi restaurant for a fine meal. After dinner we all headed back to Columbus for the kids last night in Mississippi. Tomorrow the journey to Oklahoma would begin.

On Thursday November 13, 2014 the journey west began. Sam would return the girls to Starkville and with Mia and Ana head north to rendezvous with Zed and I somewhere between Tupolo and Memphis. Me and my Arctic Bear companion would be in the truck while Zed piloted the Pickup and camper.

Our first real test of driving prowess would be in Memphis and getting across the Mississippi river into Arkansas. The amount of truck traffic was more than I have ever experienced. Crossing into and through the first few miles of Arkansas we encountered several accidents to slow our pace. It would be many miles into Arkansas before the truck traffic started to thin out.

Sam and the girls would eventually catch up to us as we ventured west to North Little Rock where we would spend our night. I was originally booked to share a room with Zed, Sam and the girls. After a quick call to Social Services and the Ctr. Against Elder Abuse, Samantha called and informed me that I’d have my own room. Praise be to Jesus. Someone was looking out for this old timer.

We would dine at an adjacent Cracker Barrel restaurant, a first time experience for Zed. Dinner was substantial and we said our good nights and headed to our respective rooms. Once again sleep was not hard to come by.

I experienced a great night at the North Little Rock Fairfield Inn and awoke well rested. I was downstairs at 0600 for a breakfast of Yogurt and Hard boiled eggs and coffee. After checking out my truck, I met the kids while they ate their breakfast. We would be on the road and headed west once again in route to Oklahoma City, 6 to 7 hours away.

Rote 40 west heads NW out of Little Rock through some gorgeous rolling hills and the Ozarks. We came upon an interesting sign that said, Toad Suck, really I thought. If interested here are some highlights on Toad Suck, Arkansas. 

 A good portion of Rt. 40 runs adjacent to the Arkansas river and just outside of Russelville, Ar is a nuclear power facility. It surprised me to see the giant cooling tower from many mile away.

We continued west without any adverse incidents and arrived at the new home of the Davies at 1300.

 

The new home

 

 We immediately started emptying the truck and offloading everything into the garage. I would handle mostly light stuff. With the truck 85% empty the prearranged help from their new church arrived and the last heavy items were removed from the truck.

 

Sam had a prearranged meeting to attend with the Day Care facility at Tinker, AFB and Zed had a few things to attend to also and wanted to return the truck. With Mia in hand the three of them departed for the base and left me alone with Ana. On exiting Sam said there was a bottle for Ana and just stick it in the Microwave for a minute, shake it well and feed her if she gets hungry.

Ana fell asleep in my arms and I put her down on some blankets and began to organize their kitchen a bit. After about 2 ½ hours Ana began to stir and fuss. Hunger was setting in. I got the bottle from the fridge, and began to look for the microwave, I checked every outlet in the house, including the garage, guess what, there is no Microwave. Thank goodness the house had hot water to warm the bottle. I fed the starving child and kept her amused until the parents arrived close to 1800. 

Has anyone heard me mention a noon meal on this vigorous moving day? You are so right, seems feeding of the elderly was not a priority on this venture. Once again, after visualizing my shaking and uneven gate, Zed was dispatched to a local fast food establishment to fetch meals for all. Finally 12 hours and 45 minutes after breakfast, nourishment was taken in. This saved another call to Social Services and another incident being recorded. I can only hope the children fare better during their upbringing. The poor displaced Indians of Oklahoma had been treated better than this.

After a good night’s sleep, in a bed I might add, I awoke early. I ventured out to McDonalds and brought breakfast back for all. We would at least start the day with some food. The Winds from the north had started to blow and the Polar Vortex was making its way into Oklahoma. With continually help from Mia the three elders of this house commenced to unpack and organize things. Zed, God bless his soul, fired up the grill at lunch time and made the most delicious hamburgers. How he completed the task in the cold north wind was not a pleasant task. Later in the day we observed the wind moving the grill about the rear porch. Welcome to Oklahoma.

The afternoon brought more organization to the new home and as the sunlight of the day began to fade, Sam made a delicious Lasagna dinner. This would be my last night with the grand and great grandchildren and I was going to miss them. We would watch an old John Wayne movie, “The Big Stampede” a 1932 B movie and head off to bed by 2130. Once again, I would sleep like a rock.

On Sunday I would head off once again early to get breakfast. This would be my last day here, Southwest and I would head East at 1630 for a 2 ½ hour flight to Baltimore. In the meantime the kids would head to church, I’d pack for the trip and tried to organize a bit more. By 1030 it had begun to snow and the winds began to pick up.

The kids returned from church around 1400 and we were immediately off to the airport. It proved to be an interesting ride with several accidents on overpasses. With someone obviously watching over us we arrived safely at the airport. We said our goodbyes and with sadness in my eyes, I watched as they drove off to their new home and adventure. I was going to miss them all, even having come so close to starvation.

As I awaited the flight I would dine at Schlotzsky’s Deli. My first adventure with this facility was in Colorado Springs about four years ago. If you’re ever near one and hungry, I recommend it as a great meal stop. Eventually, after watching the snow continue to fall I would board my plane for the trip to Baltimore. 

After the push from the gate, we would not go far. It seems a significant amount of snow and ice had accumulated and we would have to be deiced. We came to a stop 100 yards from the gate to await the Deicing truck. Twenty minutes later the truck appeared and began the process of eliminating the extra weight. With only one wing done, the truck ran out of fluid. Another twenty minutes lapsed until the truck reappeared and completed his assigned task. It would be 75 minutes late that lift off would finally come and we were in the air and heading east.

 

Getting ready to deice

The flight was a good one, little turbulence would be felt along the route and we landed safely in Baltimore. I retrieved my bag and was in my car headed to the Eastern Shore by 2100.

I drove the two hours home in the rain. I arrived at home to an awake wife, a big hug, a cold glass of wine and a wagging tail dog. Nothing could have put the period to the end of this adventure any better. 

It was a great trip and I’m thankful I was able to lend a hand to the young ones. I now wait to see what my next adventure shall be.