I am going back to sharing some military stories. Many are very recent. Some are short and some are very informative.
USS Hornet Found in South Pacific
The wreckage of a U.S. aircraft carrier famous for launching a bombing raid on Japan four months after the Pearl Harbor attack was discovered in January.
B-52 bombers took off from the Hornet took off on April 18th, 1942 to attack the Japanese mainland. The attack was led by Lt Col James H. Doolittle.
Six months later the Hornet was put out of commission after being struck by multiple bombs and torpedoes.
While being towed by the USS Northampton the Hornet was attacked again by 11 Japanese bombers.
To prevent its capture, U.S. ships scuttled the Hornet with 16 torpedoes. When it finally sank It took the bodies of 140 sailors with it.
The estate of Paul Allen, Microsoft co-founder, funded the operation to find it.
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I have another interview to share with you from my upcoming book:
In my book, Signs of Hope for the Military: In and Out of the Trenches of Life,
I have many interviews. Here is part of one of many:
I had the honor of accidentally connecting with a WWII veteran while shopping at my local grocery store. I saw him as I walked down the first aisle. I walked past him and then thought, Why didn’t I say hello and thank him for his service.
Then when I came into the milk aisle I saw him again. I walked over to him and told him thank you for his service. He said he was in Okinawa during the war. That was one of the bloodiest battles of the war.
We said our goodbyes, and went on. Then I wondered why I didn’t ask him if I could interview him. I was very angry with myself.
I got all my groceries and was heading towards a register. They have those dividers between each register so you can’t see the head of the line until you get there.
I came around the divider and there was the WWII veteran right ahead of me. That did it. I quickly asked him if we could meet and let me interview him. He said he would be glad to do it.
He gave me a card with his phone number on it and we parted our ways.
The next day I arranged to meet him at his home.
Here is what happened during the interview
I sat on the couch close to him because his hearing wasn’t good. I found out he was 98 years old. He look great for that age.
I began to ask him questions
DB
What did you do while in Okinawa?
WWII VET
I was a Captain, and in charge of a company of shipping crews. We unloaded the ships as they came into the harbor.
DB
You actually unloaded the supplies, ammo, and equipment for those that were on the front not far from you? That was a pretty vital mission.
WWII VET
Yes it was, and we were being bombed by the Japanese constantly.
DB
What was your worst moment?
WWII Vet
I was on one of the ships and I fell overboard right between a barge and the ship. They were very close together. I had to struggle and swim to the end of the ship to get out.
I also had to keep our men safe from all the bombing.
There is much more to this interview, but you will have to buy the book to find out what else he said. (This is called a hook!)
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As a veteran, if you are struggling with the world as you know it, and having trouble mixing in the civilian world, you certainly are not alone. There thousands of your fellow brothers and sisters struggling along with you.
It is not showing you are weak by getting help. 22 veterans take their own lives every day. Many didn’t even try to seek help.
If you are struggling with PTSD, TBI, anxiety, depression, get help and do it now. There is a 24/7 connection for you to call at:
1-800-273-8255
Remember:
You are never alone.
You are never forsaken.
You are never unloved.
And above all…never ever, give up!