Richard, (my husband), never really talked a lot about his time in Vietnam , other than he had been shot by a sniper. However, he had a rather grainy, 8 x 10 black and white photo he had taken at a USO show of Ann Margret with Bob Hope in the background that was one of his treasures.

A few years ago, Ann Margret was doing a book signing at a local bookstore. Richard wanted to see if he could get her to sign the treasured photo so he arrived at the bookstore at 12 o’clock for the 7:30 signing.

When I got there after work, the line went all the way around the bookstore, circled the parking lot, and disappeared behind a parking garage. Before her appearance, bookstore employees announced that she would sign only her book and no memorabilia would be permitted.

Richard  was disappointed, but wanted to show her the photo and let her know how much those shows meant to lonely GI’s so far from home. Ann Margret came out looking as beautiful as ever and, as second in line, it was soon Richard’s turn.

He presented the book for her signature and then took out the photo. When he did, there were many shouts from the employees that she would not sign it. Richard said, “I understand. I just wanted her to see it.”

She took one look at the photo, tears welled up in her eyes and she said, “This is one of my gentlemen from  Vietnam and I most certainly will sign his photo. I know what these men did for their country and I always have time for ‘my gentlemen.” 

With that, she pulled Richard across the table and planted a big kiss on him. She then made quite a to-do about the bravery of the young men she met over the years, how much she admired them, and how much she appreciated them. There weren’t too many dry eyes among those close enough to hear. She then posed for pictures and acted as if he were the only one there.

Later at dinner, Richard was very quiet. When I asked if he’d like to talk about it, my big, strong husband broke down in tears.. ”That’s the first time anyone ever thanked me for my time in the Army,” he said.

That night was a turning point for him. He walked a little straighter and, for the first time in years, was proud to have been a Vet. I’ll never forget Ann Margret for her graciousness and how much that small act of kindness meant to my husband.

I now make it a point to say ‘Thank you’ to every person I come across who served in our Armed Forces. Freedom does not come cheap and I am grateful for all those who have served their country.

If you’d like to pass on this story, feel free to do so. Perhaps it will help others to become aware of how important it is to acknowledge the contribution our service people make.

A True Patriot Will Pass This On.  A Foreigner In This Country Might Not.

Don’t be too busy today..
Share this inspiring message with friends and family.
On  behalf of those who DO appreciate all that you did for us, ‘THANK YOU!’ to each of you who receive this message who have served or are serving our country in the armed services or any other service.

IF YOU DON’T STAND BEHIND OUR TROOPS, PLEASE,  FEEL FREE TO STAND IN FRONT OF THEM!!!!

Latest Security Update

• MS10-046 – addresses vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows (KB 2286198)

You’re a 19-year-old kid. You’re critically wounded and dying in the jungle somewhere in the Central Highlands of Vietnam.

It’s November 11, 1967. LZ (landing zone) X-ray. Your unit is outnumbered 8-1 and the enemy fire is so intense, from 100 yards away, that your CO (commanding officer) has ordered the MedEvac helicopters to stop coming in.

You’re lying there, listening to the enemy machine guns and you know you’re not getting out. Your family is half way around the world, 12,000 miles away, and you’ll never see them again.

As the world starts to fade in and out, you know this is the day… then – over the machine gun noise – you faintly hear that sound of a helicopter. You look up to see a Huey coming in. But … It doesn’t seem real because no MedEvac markings are on it. Captain Ed Freeman is coming in for you.

He’s not MedEvac so it’s not his job, but he heard the radio call and decided he’s flying his Huey down into the machine gun fire anyway. Even after the MedEvacs were ordered not to come, he’s coming anyway.

And he drops it in and sits there in the machine gun fire, as they load 3 of you at a time on board. Then he flies you up and out through the gunfire to the doctors and nurses and safety. And, he kept coming back!! 13 more times!!

Until all the wounded were out. No one knew until the mission was over that the Captain had been hit 4 times in the legs and left arm. He took 29 of you and your buddies out that day. Some would not have made it without the Captain and his Huey.

Medal of Honor Recipient, Captain Ed Freeman, United States Air Force, died last Wednesday at the age of 70, in Boise, Idaho . May God Bless and Rest His Soul.

I bet you didn’t hear about this hero’s passing, but we’ve sure saw a whole bunch about Jesse James and Tiger Woods.

Don’t forget about the real “reality” stars of this world. The ones who gave their blood, sweat, tears and sometimes their lives for you to enjoy your way of life. Let’s see more of this on TV and less “Dancing with the Stars”.

The poll was balanced, made up of 37% Republicans, 37% Democrats, and 26% Independent voters.  Purgason bested Carnahan in every age group, as well as among men, women, and independent voters.  All the data accumulated indicates that Missouri will be a safe Republican seat in the fall when Purgason moves on to the General Election.
This poll stands in sharp contrast to all recent polling on the Missouri Senate race which shows the state as a toss up.  Just three days ago, Rassmussen released a poll showing Purgason’s main opponent Roy Blunt leading in the race against Carnahan by only 6% with a +/- 4% margin of error and 95% confidence interval. In the Rasmussen Poll Blunt only garnered 49% of the total vote.  This data reveals that if Blunt were to win the Republican nomination, the party would be in danger of losing the seat to Democrat Robin Carnahan.

When asked to respond to the poll, State Senator Purgason responded, “I’m not surprised with the results at all.  Missourians are tired of these political dynasties.  Integrity really does matter.”

http://purgasonforsenate.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=134:national-pollster-shows-chuck-leading-carnahan-by-12-points&catid=36:campaign-news&Itemid=

Frederick  Berry
COL, USA (Retired)
State Volunteer Endorsement Team
Purgason for US Senate
Columbia, MO

Tea Party participants believe the spending in Washington has to STOP.  Roy Blunt voted for TARP and Cash for Clunkers.  For Michele Bachmann to come to Missouri and give the impression that all the Missouri Tea Parties support Roy Blunt is an abomination of everything we have been standing up for.  “Most Tea Party supporters I know will be baffled by Michele Bachmann helping someone with a record like Roy Blunt before the primary vote,” said Jedidiah Smith, a Tea Party leader in Franklin County, Missouri.

“Missouri Tea Party groups are proud of our steadfast position not to endorse candidates and to remain independent of political parties. We encourage all voters to examine the voting records, positions, and values of all candidates, to determine whether they promote the core values of the Tea Party Movement: fiscal responsibility, constitutionally-limited government, and free markets.” said Eric Farris, a Tea Party leader in Branson, Missouri.  There are sixteen candidates running for the Missouri U.S. Senate seat and the consistent message, among Tea Party participants, has been to check each of them out before voting in the August 3rd Primary.

Signed by the following Tea Parties (# of members), Contact Person:

• Branson Tea Party Coalition (246), Eric Farris, eric@farrislawgroup.com
• Buffalo Tea Party (102), Paul Beaird (417) 345-6430
• Callaway Tea Party (52), Jeff Kauffman (573) 823-8725
• Cape County Tea Party (150), Tom Young (573) 450-7330
• Cass County (10), Dan Duckworth  (816) 914-4343
• Cassville Tea Party (100), Judith Mouser, jmouser@centurytel.net
• Cooper County Tea Party (75), Daryl Bowles (660) 537-4199
• Eureka Tea Party (497), Jeannine Huskey (636) 938-9348
• Franklin County Patriots (860), Jedidiah Smith (636) 262-5133
• In God We Trust PAC, Kansas City (500+), Kristi Nichols, pkn@ingodwetrustpac.com
• In God We Trust Tea Party, SW MO (40), Greg Bartlett (417) 689-1468
• Jefferson County Tea Party (600+), Ken Horton (636) 461-0363
• Johnson County Patriots (100+), Jeff Merrick (660) 422-2665
• K & N Patriots (O’Fallon) (650+), Janet Allquist (636) 978-5230
• MID MO 9/12 Patriots (Columbia) (100), Chris O’Conner (573) 639-1621
• Missouri As A Mom (415), Jacquelyn Ehrlich, Missouri ChairMOM, www.asamom.org
• *Missouri Sovereignty Project (1,825), Tom Grady (314) 346-3548
• Patriots of the Constitution (Salem) (167), Jan Abney (573) 729-9220
• St. Joseph Tea Party (185), Maggie Siegmund, teapartystjomo@yahoo.com
• Show Me Patriots, Greater St. Louis Area (360), Cindy McGee, www.showmepatriots.org <http://www.showmepatriots.org>
• Sikeston Tea Party (400), Pam Yant (573) 703-1701
• Springfield 912ers (203), Mike Crites (417) 872-0502
• Springfield MO Tea Party (457), Janice Ellison (417) 234-4427
• Sullivan 912 Group (50), Sandra Davidson (314) 420-8270
• SW MO Conservative Network (Joplin) (280+), John Putnam (417) 674-1946
• We Surround Them 912 Project, Jefferson Cnty & S. St. Louis Cnty (126), Rick Blowers (636) 633-0687
• We The People . . . St. Francois County (55), Tammy Holmes (573) 756-9211
• 912 We The People of Monroe County MO (55), Ron & Martha Staggs (660) 327-1220

Individual  Statements  from  Various  Groups  Follow:

Eureka Tea Party
“Eureka Tea Party believes that for Congresswoman Michele Bachmann to form a “Tea Party Caucus,” and then openly endorse a Missouri candidate (Roy Blunt) before the Primary Election as a candidate believed to be representing the views of the tea party movement, is extremely premature on her part.  She is either working directly for the GOP as an endorser for GOP backed Republican candidates, or she is completely misinformed and/or attempting to mislead the tea party groups.  The Republican Party, or any other political party here in Missouri, should not assume that everyone in this patriot uprising will follow their lead when told to do so, as we are more informed and aware of who we believe will represent the people by adhering to state sovereignty, fiscal conservatism, and the U.S. Constitution.  Candidates should not be promoted based solely on popular endorsement by other politicians and special interests, but by the people reviewing candidates’ past performance in office and their stand on current political issues.

We believe that Michele Bachmann is risking the status of her “Tea Party Caucus” by taking this stand in Missouri before the Primary Election on August 3rd, and respectfully ask her to reconsider by NOT promoting Roy Blunt as the “tea party” choice.”

In God We Trust PAC
“In God We Trust PAC has not endorsed and would never endorse Roy Blunt for the U.S. Senate.  Roy Blunt does not stand for the conservative values and principles the Tea Party movement represents.   He is a career politician and Washington insider who has sold out his constituents for special interest money. Roy Blunt is, in fact, what we are endeavoring to “purge” out of Washington.  Michele Bachman is a woman of integrity, character, and honor.  She needs to remove herself from this venue and gather more details of the “real” tea party groups and candidates.”

Jefferson County Tea Party
“Big spending Republicans that voted to increase the size and scope of Government during the Bush years are part of the problem, not the solution.  During the Bush years Congressman Blunt voted for the Prescription Drug Bill, bloated farm bills, TARP, and many other spending bills that grew the size of the government.  Recently, he voted for Cash For Clunkers (4 Billion Dollars) and then voted a 2nd time to increase the program by another 2 BILLION dollars.  Congressman Blunt and President Obama are two of the top ten recipients of donations from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which were the main cause of the financial meltdown.  If posing as a fiscal conservative were a crime, Roy Blunt would be on top 10 wanted list.  The Tea Party loves Michele Bachman, but we feel she has been seriously misinformed if she thinks the tea party is a supporter of Congressman Blunt.”

K & N Patriots
“K & N Patriots has not endorsed Roy Blunt for the U.S. Senate. Any representation that we have is incorrect. We would view it as engaging in “the same old politics” and an attempt to deliberately mislead our members and Tea Party voters at large. K & N Patriots does NOT endorse or campaign for candidates. In addition it is our opinion that those who believe in Tea Party values do not admire strategies “cooked up” by slick, overpaid political consultants with the objective of misleading or fooling voters. That’s precisely what Tea Party organizations and their supporters are trying to GET RID OF! We would advise Michele Bachmann and all candidates who agree with independent conservative values to avoid being involved in such activities.”

MID MO 9/12 Patriots
“Roy Blunt is not a true Conservative.  He is the Number one taker of donations from Freddie and Fannie, he voted for TARP, and convinced other Republicans to vote for TARP as well. He is not a true Conservative and he has not and will continue to not uphold our Constitution, both State and U.S. We sponsor no candidates but if you were to sponsor someone, (name deleted) is the one to sponsor. The Tea Party is not the Republicans to claim.  This is the citizen’s movement and we will not stand for any politicians to try to use us for their own political gain.”

Missouri As A MOM
“The Missouri As A Mom organization does NOT endorse any candidate nor any political party.

Our Mission Statement includes the 9 Principles and 12 Values of all 9/12 groups.

We support “Boldly speaking out against deficit spending” as stated in our Mission Statement.  Law makers who voted FOR “TARP” and “Cash for Clunkers” are NOT against deficit spending.

It would be in Rep. Bachmann’s best interests to remain NEUTRAL until after the August 3rd Missouri Primary since she herself has a record of voting against deficit spending.”

*Missouri Sovereignty Project
“The Missouri Sovereignty Project supports all candidates who sign its pledge to uphold and support the Bill of Rights’ 10th Amendment.  Both Republican Senate candidates Mr. Blunt and Mr. Purgason have done so.  If a poll of over 720 of our 1,800 members and the voting public (http://www.missourisovereigntyproject.com/us-senate.html) is a testament to which of these gentlemen more closely adheres to constitutional principles, Mr. Purgason, by a 71% to 29% margin, would be their choice.

“We have a tremendous amount of respect for Congresswoman Michele Bachmann and look to her steadfast national leadership in the Tea Party cause.  The Missouri Sovereignty Project is perplexed that she would publically participate in campaign efforts on behalf of Mr. Blunt, thereby rejecting the potential Tea Party credentials of all other candidates.  We join Tea Party groups across the great state of Missouri in asking Ms. Bachmann to reconsider her August 31 fundraising efforts for Mr. Blunt.”

Sikeston Tea Party
“We, in the Sikeston Tea Party, do not endorse or even want Roy Blunt for our next Senator.  We do not appreciate Michelle Bachman coming here as a representative of the Tea Party and making that endorsement and campaigning for him.  She does not represent the views of the Sikeston Tea Party on this issue.”

Springfield 912ers
“We invited Roy Blunt to attend a Missouri U.S. Senatorial Candidate Townhall, along with all other 17 candidates in the race.  Mr. Blunt did not respond.”

SW MO Conservative Network
“We invited Congressman Blunt to several of our meetings over the last year and were told by his scheduler that he would not attend a candidate forum until after the Primary.”

Sullivan 912 Group
“Our word for those who are endorsing others: One should really check out the candidate’s representation of his area and the desire of the constituents before jumping on board to endorse one of their playmates.  That makes grassroots wonder if we should maybe look into our “misplaced” trust a little more thoroughly.  One who uses grassroots tea party groups and our strength, to push forward their own agenda, and to build public support for their cause, is not playing with the standard routine playmates.  We are more knowledgeable of the game and know when we are being hoodwinked. This is not to say that, occasionally your cause may fit with our agenda.  We may like the message, but not support the messenger.  Thanks, but no thanks.”

“Today’s bipartisan vote by the Senate is an important step forward on this critical issue.  This legislation will expand access to treatments and therapies that have been shown to make a lasting difference for children with autism, and it will ease the burden for families struggling to afford these vital services.  I urge legislators from both parties to continue to work together to send this bill to my desk.”

Gov. Nixon announces infrastructure grant to Potosi, helping Red Wing Shoe Company
expand and create 42 new jobs

POTOSI, Mo. - Gov. Jay Nixon today visited Potosi to announce a $261,270 Industrial Infrastructure Grant under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The grant will aid the city of Potosi in completing public infrastructure improvements needed to assist the expansion of the Red Wing Shoe Company’s local facility, creating at least $736,600 in private investment and 42 new full-time jobs within two years.

The Governor made the announcement today while speaking to workers and community leaders at the Red Wing Shoe Company’s manufacturing facility in Potosi.

“It’s a positive sign for the Show-Me State’s economy when a local employer chooses to expand its operations, further invest in our state, and hire more hard-working Missourians,” Gov. Nixon said. “The Red Wing Shoe Company is a well-known, century-old brand that has been a vital part of the economy Potosi and Washington County for more than 15 years. We are pleased that the state has been able to play an important role in paving the way for the company’s expansion and existence in the region for many years to come.”

The state of Missouri awarded the city of Potosi a $261,270 Industrial Infrastructure Grant. The CDBG funding was necessary for the Red Wing Shoe Company to expand its manufacturing facility in Potosi, a publicly owned building, to meet increasing production demands, including construction of card reader access surveillance systems; installing new truck driver entrances; constructing a new roof; re-paving parking lots; and upgrading lighting systems. These improvements will allow the company to significantly increase its production capabilities, while hiring 42 new employees over the next two years. Red Wing Shoes currently employs 187 workers at the Potosi facility.

The CDBG Industrial Infrastructure Grant is designed to assist local governments in the development of public infrastructure that allows employers to locate new facilities, expand existing facilities, or prevent the closing of a facility or the relocation of a facility outside the state. Grant funds may be used for public streets, water or sewer lines, engineering or other public facilities necessary to support the project. The program is administered by the Missouri Department of Economic Development and is restricted to cities under 50,000 in population or counties under 200,000 in population.

Founded in 1905, the Red Wing Shoe Company manufactures durable and comfortable footwear tailored to meet the needs of specific occupational or recreational activities, from farming to hunting to biking. Based in Red Wing, Minnesota, the company added the Potosi manufacturing facility in 1994.

According to a report by Shane Borer, Kentucky Fried Chicken is misleading customers. KFCs sales promotion is that for every pink bucket of chicken purchased, KFC will donate fifty cents to the Susan G. Komen foundation for breast cancer research. Borer states that is not the case and that you can see for yourself by reading the fine print of the sales promotion.

“KFC restaurant operations have contributed 50 cents to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure for each Komen branded bucket purchased by the operators.”

Borer goes on to say that Kentucky Fried Chicken’s promotion misleads customers because the promotion sounds like another $.50 will be donated to the cancer research foundation. In fact, KFC has already donated the $.50 by purchasing the pink buckets and are charging cutomers $.50 more for an order of one of these buckets full of chicken.

So is KFC misleading customers? You decide. However if you would like to make a donation (or read more about the research) and bypass this little controversy, go directly to the Susan G. Komen foundation web site.

JEFFERSON CITY – State Treasurer Clint Zweifel (ZWY-ful) announced MOST – Missouri’s 529 College Savings Plan will be awarding a lucky Missourian $529 to put towards saving for college. The winner will be selected from the pool of applicants who enter online for a chance to win at www.Most529Savings.com. Entries will be accepted from May 1 through May 31, 2010.

 ”This $529 scholarship will provide valuable aid that could grow over time to help pay for a child’s college education,” said Treasurer Zweifel, who sponsors the college savings program. “This contribution, combined with the investments made by MOST 529 account owners on behalf of Missouri’s children, has a real impact on education savings and college affordability.”

The giveaway drawing will coincide with 529 College Savings Day, which corresponds with the date of May 29. The winner will be notified by phone June 1, 2010. College Savings Day is an opportunity to remind Missouri’s families that saving for college is one of most important things they can do for the students in their lives. Saving even just a little bit of money as early as possible is integral to lowering the expense hurdle of a college education.

“If you start investing $50 per month into the MOST 529 account when a child is born, you could accumulate $16,633 by the time the child turns 18,” Treasurer Zweifel said. “Small investments can add up to make a real impact over time on a child’s education.” MOST 529 currently has more than 123,000 owners and more than $1.3 billion in assets, an all time high for the program. To enter the drawing to win the $529 contribution, Missouri residents are encouraged to visit www.Most529Savings.com and click on the “529 Day” button. Missouri taxpayers who are age 18 or older may enter to win on behalf of any beneficiary*. The prize money must be invested in an existing MOST 529 account or in a newly opened account in the plan. Winners will be announced June 4, 2010.

MOST 529 has several features that make it an affordable option when saving for college:

 • Start saving with as little as $25. Additional contributions of $25 may be made at anytime.

• Save on taxes.

Contributions and earnings grow free of federal and Missouri state income taxes, and can be withdrawn tax-free when used for the beneficiary’s qualified higher-education expenses.*** Plus, Missourians who are account owners qualify for a state income tax deduction on their contributions.**** • Choose from a variety of investments. With options from Vanguard and Missouri-based American Century Investments, account owners should be able to find an investment that matches their goals and comfort level. For more information about MOST 529, visit www.Most529CollegeSavings.com or www.treasurer.mo.gov.

Otto Griffin also swore in re-elected alderman Cheryl Carter for her third term as Alderman of Ward 1.

Mayor Glen Sedrick’s first official order of business was to swear in Otto Griffin to his re-elected position as Alderman.

The previous mayor, Gary Long, was unable to attend the ceremony.