General James M. Gavin tells the story of the 82d Airborne Division during World War II. Gavin began training at the Airborne School in Fort Benning in July 1941 and graduated in August 1941. After graduating, he served in an experimental unit. His first command was Commanding Officer of C Company of the newly established… Continue reading On to Berlin: Battles of an Airborne Commander 1943-1946 by General James M. Gavin
Month: December 2016
New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve was originally published: Kepler, Jimmie A. “New Year’s Eve,” Poetry & Prose Magazine, January 2012. Volume 3, Issue 15, Moonchild Designs, page 20. http://en.calameo.com/read/000339139f8d88e795466 (January 2012). Jimmie Aaron Kepler is an award-winning short story writer, poet, and indie author. He is the creator of the science fiction with faith series, The Liberator’s Helper.… Continue reading New Year’s Eve
Tumbleweed Forts & Snow Forts
In January 1966, I was digging foxholes and building forts in the desert near the military quarters my family lived in on Biggs Air Force Base located in El Paso, Texas. My friends and I would dig big holes in the sand and surround our fort with tumbleweeds and other desert vegetation. Nature camouflaged the… Continue reading Tumbleweed Forts & Snow Forts
Tumbleweed Snowman
I lived in two desert communities when growing up. The locations were Phoenix, Arizona and El Paso, Texas. In the 1950s and 1960s, both areas had little snow and lots of tumbleweeds. The residents tired of the same old snowless Christmas. There was almost no hope of snowfall. Without the snow, there would be no… Continue reading Tumbleweed Snowman
Devotional: Christmas Bells
Christmas Bells by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow I heard the bells on Christmas Day Their old, familiar carols play, And wild and sweet The words repeat Of peace on earth, good-will to men! And thought how, as the day had come, The belfries of all Christendom Had rolled along The unbroken song Of peace on earth,… Continue reading Devotional: Christmas Bells
One Soldier’s Story: A Memoir by Robert Dole
I found “One Soldier’s Story” by Robert Dole in the new book section of The Colony Public Library. The book tells the story of former US Senator and Republican presidential candidate Robert Dole, of Kansas. It shares tales of his growing up in Russell, Kansas. We learn of his running track, attending high school, working… Continue reading One Soldier’s Story: A Memoir by Robert Dole
Books
Books Books take you places You hope someday to go They transport you to times In the future or long, long ago The words paint the pictures The author’s canvas is your mind Surreal images greet you Where people are not always kind You do not have to dress up to read one They have… Continue reading Books
Christmas – Military Brat Style
The first Christmas I can clearly remember was 1959. I was six years old. My family lived in Glendale, Arizona. Did I ever go to my paternal grandmother’s for Christmas? No. I never did that I can remember. Did I ever go to my maternal grandparent’s for Christmas? No. I did not that I can… Continue reading Christmas – Military Brat Style
Charlie’s Bells by Jimmie Aaron Kepler
Charlie’s Bells by Jimmie Aaron Kepler Jackson Smith lived in the pale-yellow house with the whitewashed picket fence on Second Street. When he first arrived in town, he had already accepted a new position with the First State Bank. He brought with him a small inheritance from his favorite aunt, so he had not hesitated… Continue reading Charlie’s Bells by Jimmie Aaron Kepler
Crusade in Europe by Dwight David Eisenhower
Crusade in Europe is General Dwight David Eisenhower’s memoir from the early days of World War II through the early post-war. His story and observations are crucial to an understanding of the Great Crusade. Among memoirs, this is a gem. General Eisenhower takes the reader along with him through each stage of the Crusade. Having… Continue reading Crusade in Europe by Dwight David Eisenhower