Tuesday, November 25, 2014

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
https://gracedaysdotcom.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/integrity-1.jpg
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

http://www.self-help-and-self-development.com/images/enthusiasm_quotes_07.jpg 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

http://www.quotehd.com/imagequotes/authors75/tmb/andre-maurois-quote-modesty-and-unselfishness-these-are-the-virtues.jpg 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

http://christianworker.us/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/COURAGE.jpg 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

http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/e3/38/7d/e3387d14101b884ad04bdd3c634b6062.jpg 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

http://www.captainsjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/khanjar_ii.jpg 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


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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

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d9/Burns_oregon.jpg
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

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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



 

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