2nd Lt. Jacob Kazar! Huzzah!

(left to right:  Jacob K, me and Joseph K. 2007)

Dear Jacob,

Congratulations on your recent graduation from the Air Force Academy!

I remember when you made your decision to attend the academy.

I remember how difficult it was adjusting to the regimen that is the AFA and how over the last four years you rose to the challenges that were presented to you.

I remember when you were a baby, a young boy and a teen and I remember hearing all the stories of you growing up and seeing the gleam in your parents' eyes whenever they mentioned their children. How fortunate I have been to be able to peek into your family's life, watching the four of you grow together.

I remember thinking many times, "What great kids those Kazar boys are."

2nd Lt. Jacob Kazar – I am proud of what you've accomplished and excited for you to begin this new journey. I'm fortunate to know a few academy graduates from other branches of the military…what you've accomplished is quite the feat. Moments in life are fleeting – it really is all about "the journey". Enjoy this journey. I do not share this sentiment lightly – but, you know, if I had had a son, I would be perfectly content if he were just like you. I wish you God's speed while in the service of our country.

Most of all though, remember…that I wish you love.

"Aim High" — "Fly-Fight-Win."
Love,
Uncle Irc

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Separated at Birth? U.S. Army PFC Lawrence S. Gordon & Tom Hanks.

U.S. Army PFC Lawrence S. Gordon (top) & Tom Hanks in "Saving Private Ryan". Probably one of the best SAB's I've come up with.

Lawrence Gordon was killed while fighting during WWII. His remains will finally be brought home. Read the story here.

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Pearl Harbor.

 

During this festive season, take a moment to remember those who gave their lives today - December 7, 1941. 2,402 lives lost in sacrifice to our country. 

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TGIW! presents...."Playboy Goes Waterboarding!"

If you read this blog, you're familiar with my weekly feature, "TGIF! presents..." - where I feature a music video (mostly) to help you get your weekend off and runnin'. But it's Wednesday. If I would've played this on Friday, you'd expect it. Gotta switch it up from time to time. That's what interrogation's all about. Surprise.

Anyway, here's a link of a Playboy magazine correspondent undergoing a simulated waterboarding interrogation. We've all heard about it on the news. But do you really know WHAT is consists of? Watch this video.

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"Welcome to Iraq! My cousin, 1st Lt. Mark Weigel.

My first cousin (mom's sister's oldest) - 1st Lt. Mark Weigel - is stationed over in Iraq, half-way through his one-year tour of duty. He's a cavalry officer for a scout platoon in Troop A, 1-105 Cavalry, which is a reserve outfit located in Fort Atkinson, WI.

Mark lives in Irbil, which is the capital of Kurdistan. One of his regular driving routes is through Kirkuk - a city rich in oil reserves, RKG-3 grenades and car bombs. I won't divulge the task assigned to Mark and his platoon - let's just say they're doing their duty to God and their country. God's speed to you, Mark. You've got two boys at home who love you dearly and can't wait to see their daddy.

"Animo et fide" (Courageous And Faithful)," Lt. Mark! I salute you. Click on READ MORE! for more photos from Iraq.

Mark's platoon and the Wisconsin flag given them my Governor Doyle.

"Stop Chick Point". Nice.

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