Navy News Service - Pictures of the Day (January 5-7 2011)

 (Jan. 7, 2011) 

An EA-6B Prowler and an F/A-18E Super Hornet launch simultaneously from the bow and waist catapults aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70)

 (Jan. 7, 2011)

 An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 81 makes an arrested landing aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70)

(Jan. 6, 2011)

An F/A-18C Hornet launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70)

(Jan. 6, 2011)

 Lt. j.g. Hunter Parden, center, a pilot assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 25, waits for an F/A-18 Hornet to land on the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70)

(Jan. 5, 2011)

 An SH-60F Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 15 takes off from the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70)

I will now cover the remaining 6 - Accounting and Business Questions

#7) What are the alternatives in financing a business?
          First, you need the commitment of your own funds; this will become the indicator of how serious you are about your business.  You may want to seek out investors that also believe in your idea for this business venture.           Banks are an obvious source of funds, but you must be properly prepared with a good business plan before you approach financing institutions. Banks are not in the venture capital risk business; they will not lend funds without sufficient collateral to back up the loan.  Other loan sources: are commercial finance companies, venture capital firms, local development companies, and life insurance companies.

#8) What kind of profits can i expect?
          This is not an easy question.  Profit is the funds left over after all expenses (from cost of goods through all expenses including your salary) are taken care of.  There are standards of comparison called "industry ratios" which can help you estimate the profits you can expect and will need.  These figures are published by several groups, and can be found at your library.  Help is also available through the SBA and the trade associations that serve your industry.

#9) What should i know about accounting and bookkeeping?
          Accounting and bookkeeping are the footprints leading you to what has happened economically to your business.  Therefore, a manager needs to know how to follow these footprints.  A manager needs to know the rules, such as: Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

#10) How do I set up my accounting and bookkeeping system?
          If you supply the input for setting up your accounting system, it will be a much more meaningful and useful program for you, and the financial statements will become management statements.  Some of the things that you should consider before setting up your accounting and bookkeeping systems are the following:
          How will the records be used?
          How important is this information likely to be?
          Is the information available elsewhere?
          Will you need management, or investment, or credit statements?
          What level of detail should be tracked?
          How can the information be of the most use to me?

#11) What Financial Statements will I need?
          You should plan for three kinds of statements:
          Standard Balance Sheet
          Income Statement
          Cash Flow Statement

#12) What does "Cover Your Nut" mean?
          The "Cover Your Nut" principle means that your sales and revenue must cover all of your costs and expenses over a given time frame.  To establish a "Cover Your Nut" or a "Break-Even" report you will need the following information:
          What are your projected sales and revenue?
          What are your fixed expenses?
          What are your variable costs?


We all would like the magic crystal ball that would answer all of ouir questions, but when you get right down to it, the requirements are simple.  You must carefully prepare all of the information about your proposed venture to find the answers.  Will it really work:  You must be diligent in the collection of this information and not expect to have the answers without the input of all of the key information.


I have diligently tried to make Practical Accounting easier for you to understand through my simple, straight-forward guide & reference book - "Cover Your Nut" by RG Bud Phelps.  You will find the book contains - 'Practical Accounting in Plain English for the Real World', and is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and many of your local book stores.  




        


        
      

How would you like this job? I've seen them jump in the net!

 Lt. Nomer Gatchalian, an arresting gear officer assigned to air department's V-2 division, stands a proper watch as an aircraft comes in for a landing aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70).

Now for a change of pace! Accounting 101

I am starting the year 2011 by sharing some Practical Accounting information for you.

Accounting & Business Questions you should ask yourself

#1) Do I have What it takes to own/manage a small business?
          Am I a self-starter?
          How good am I at making decisions?
          How well do I plan and organize?
          Am I willing to make sacrifices?
          How will I handle stress?


#2) Which Business should I choose?
          Usually the best business for you is the one in which you are the most skilled and interested in.
          Remember, you will be the one responsible for these ventures; therefore, make sure that your selection fits your skills and interests.


#3) What is a Business Plan, and why do I need one?
          A Business Plan precisely defines your business, identifies your goals and serves as your firm's resume.
          The Business Plan helps you allocate resources properly, handle unforeseen complications, and make the right decisions.


#4) What do I need to succeed in a business?
          Sound management practices
          Industry experience
          Technical support
          Planning ability
          Investment capital (even pledging you home if necessary)
          Stamina / Endurance


#5) Do I need a computer and telecommunication equipment?
          Computer can assist the small businessman in general accounting and inventory controls, and give managers the tools to better measure the effectiveness of their activities in the company's operations.
          Business and accounting software programs (such as QuickBooks) can be customized to fit the specific needs of any type of business.
          Telecommunication equipment (phones, fax machines and network connections0 are necessary for all common business functions: Sales, Purchasing, Financing, Operations and Administration.


#6) How much money do I need to get started?
          Just the right amount for your start-up costs you have addressed in your Business Plan.
               The building & equipment needs
               The beginning inventory needs
               The money available to cover operating expenses for at least a year (Includes your salary, money to repay loans, and general start up expenses).


The get the details behind the questions you will need to buy the book (a reasonably price reference book - around $15).  "Cover Your Nut" later this week.  "Cover Your Nut" by RG Bud Phelps (me) is a great reference book (if I dare say so myself) that is 'Practical Accounting in Plain English for the Real World'.


I will cover the remaining 6 questions found in Section 1.1 - Accounting and Business Questions with Answers - from Section 1 - Accounting 101 - found in the book "Cover Your Nut".  


My book is available on Amazon, college book stores, AuthorHouse on line book store, can be ordered from Barnes & Noble, or found is some College Bookstores (Southeast Community College is one of them).  

Year Endings - 1941, 1942, 1943 and 1944 + War Ending in 1945

This posting I thought I'd give you how the different "Year Endings" seemed to the people in Gibbon during the 40's.  Information is from my book, "Gibbon's Secrets", available on Amazon + Barnes & Noble to name a few.  Check information about my book @ http://www.budsbooks.com 


Year Ending - 1941
     A tired and beat-up Father Time was ushering out 1941, and the new 1942 Baby was just around the corner - ready to enter the battle for freedom.  Everyone in this small town of Gibbon couldn't imagine the changes that were in store for them in the coming year.  Time will tell...........
     From Reg's Scrapbook-1941
     In 1940, we were involved in helping our allies in Europe.  Now, in 1941, the United States is totally involved in World War II on two fronts - in the Pacific against Japan, and in the Atlantic against Germany and Italy.  All of our attempts to stay out of the war finally ended with the Japanese attaching Pearl Harbor - followed by Germany and Italy declaring war on the United States.
     It's gratifying that young men and women, from all walks of life across the United States, including our yound people here in Gibbon, volunteered to be a part of the US armed forces.  "Patriotism" is very obvious all over the United States, as seen in the newspaper articles that I have added to this scrapbook.  I, for one, believe it will continue until the war is won.  I am anticipating a surge of support here in Gibbon, on our home front, for all our young men and women in the armed services during 1942 and beyond.  Until this war is won!
    
Year Ending - 1942
     The year of 1942 ended with the Japanese troops making advances on Wake Island, Luzon in the Philippines, and many other locations in the Pacific.  Bud and his friends gathered for one last time in 1942 at Mr. Ross's barn on New Year's Eve Day.  They just sat on the hay in a circle reflecting on the past year.
     All the battles had not been won, all the territory had not been retaken, but the American power and strength was starting to show up, even in this small town of Gibbon.  This power and strength came from all corners of this great land, and even as 1942 was coming to a close, their fears were now being replace with hope!
     From Reg's Scrapbook-1942
     It has been a very painful effort for me to continue pu8tting this time-line of news stories together for my scrapbook, as World War II continues through the year of 1942.  I have reached several very low points, with just a few high points recorded.  I am so proud of all our troops, from the sailors involved in the battles at sea, to our soldiers and marines in the battles on land.  I continue to marvel at their patriotism, and have included them in my nightly prayers.  I will continue to do so until this was is won.

Year Ending - 1943
     The "Five Friends Forever" met for one last time in 1943 in the big red barn, even though Bud now lived on the other side of the tracks.  Donny said, "This is so neat!  We're meeting at Mr. Ross's big red barn, like we always have, in our favorite spot.  It seems like we haven't been able to spend as much time together, and now with another move coming up for you, Bud, it'll be worse."  "I know Donny, but mom and I will be staying here in Gibbon until we sell our house, and we probably won't be moving to Curtis till next fall."  Donny said, "I already miss you so much.  It makes me sad."  Bud, Wally, Duncan and Stanley all pulled closer to Donny as they rested in the hay.  It seemed no one wanted to talk, so they just waited quietly, not wanting to be the first to say something.  Wall couldn't wait any longer so he stood up and said, "Come on you guys, stop mopping around!  Let's go freeze in the park."  Everyone laughed, and Duncan said, "I don't really want to go freeze, but the park sounds like more fun than pouting around here - doin nothing."  They all jumped up, ran down the stairs, and went out in the snow toward the park.  They were dressed warmly for this outside activity, and began frolicking around in the snow, throwing snow balls at each other.  Before you knew it, all five were on their backs in the snow making snow angels.  Donny was laughing and having fun, but stopped long enough to say, "All right, guys.  This is much better, even though I'm beginning to feel the big freeze."  Bud said, "You are a fruitcake Donny, and I'm also beginning to feel the big freeze."  Stanley said, "Me too Bud, let's head for a warmer place where we can get some hot chocolate."  Wally said, "Well, let's move out guys; my body tells me it's also feeling the big freeze."  Duncan agreed, "How about your house Donny, it's now the closest one to the park."  Shy Donny said, "I think that it'll be okay, mom's always telling me you guys can come over to our house anytime."
     The five boys left the park and headed for the warmth of Donny's house, with the sugar-plum thoughts of hot chocolate dancing in their heads.  They knew one thing for sure; no matter what happens in 1944, they would always be the "Five Friends Forever".
     From Reg's Scrapbook-1943
     My scrapbook Time-Line for 194. gives you highlights of the events in both the European and Pacific theaters of World War II.  You will note; the brave men and women in our Allied Forces proved to be very capable in meeting the requirements of their tasks.  We, on the home-front tried our best to support our troops, and to contribute where we could toward the war effort right here in Nebraska.  Many of the sacrifices we made during 1943 have been very minor compared to the sacrifices of our brave men and women scattered around the world.

Year Ending - 1944
     Bud was wondering if Tom and Dale were spending Christmas aboard their ships in the Pacific, hopefully under safe conditions.  He would just have to write them a letter wishing them the very best for 1945.  Maybe the war would come to an end in 1945, and they would be able to come home.  Again, time will tell......
    From Reg's Scrapbook-1944
    The war in the Pacific has been progressing, with the US fleet taking more control on their quest toward Japan.  Many of the islands are now under US control, and b ombing runs to Japan are easier and more organized.
     The war in Europe reaches a fever pitch with the German troops launching a counter-offensive called the "Battle of the Bulge".  This battle involves many of our brave troops, and Christmas 1944, found many of them spending a very cold and fearful Christmas, far away from home.
     Again, it is so important for all of us to pray for our loved ones scattered all over the world, from island in the Pacific to the battlefields in Europe.  I pray specifically for Dale and Tom, and ask for their continued protection.

War Ending - 1945
     From Reg's Scrapbook-1945
     From December 7th 1941 'till September 2nd 1945, which is just short of four years, the United States had been involved in World War II.  This won't be the end; occupation forces will be maintained, help to re-build the nations will be brought about, and the war trials will be held.  Unfortunately, this will not stop all evil in the world.  The United States will do its part to rebuild the nations of the world through aid and support programs but...Unfortunately, this also will be forgotten by the same nations that we helped, and evil will still remain in the world.
     Individual families that experienced World War II in their home towns will remember the sacrifices they went through, and their many contributions toward the war effort.  They will remember the ordinary patriots.
     First, they will always remember the young patriots; Bud, Donny, Wally, Duncan and Stanley, who showed their patriotic zeal in Gibbon.  Next, they will never the Gibbon men that either served in the armed forces, or served here at home; Dale, Tom, Jack, and Bob, and all of the servicemen and women who lost their lives in this greatest of all efforts...... to end World War II and to maintain our freedom.


Is this really the end???????????????????

The Sharing of Christmases Past - 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944

Tonight I would like to share Christmases from my past - 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944.  We all can remember a special Christmas from our past but tonight I am just going to share the period of time in the 1940's covered in my book "Gibbon's Secrets".  This was a special time because of World War II, and my boyhood years from 9 to 12 were especially meaningful, making an impact I would feel the rest of my life.

Christmas 1941 (from "Gibbon's Secrets")
     The Christmas of 1941 came during a time of mourning for the many service men and women lost in the attack on Pearl Harbor.  Dale Pitke's ship the "USS Arizona" sustained a loss of 1,100 lives.  Dale lost many friends that tragic day.  He also lost all of his own personal belongings that were left on the ship when he came home on leave.  He was very fortunate to have been home at that time, and the Gibbon townspeople all adopted him as their personal hero.  Bud started writing Dale soon after he returned to active duty.  He pledged that a weekly letter would be sent to Dale, until the day he came home again.  The Five Friends Forever helped Bud with the letters, and a strong bond was developed between this sailor and these five boys.
     Reg and Addie had already bought Bud a Schwinn bike for his Christmas present back in November.  It was probably very fortunate that they had, because with the war production now in full swing, bike production would probably be curtailed.  Christmas Day arrived, and there was a small present under the tree for Bud from his Dad and Mom.  Bud opened that present first, and it contained a note that said, [Go with your Dad - he wants to take you for a special ride].  "I don't know what this is all ab out, but I'm ready for the special ride, Dad."  "Okay son, let's go see what we can see.  Put on your hat and coat though.  It's pretty cold out there."
     Reg drove Bud to a warehouse building he rented to store things for his trucks in.  "Okay, let's go see what's in here.  I'm going to pull your stocking cap down over your eyes and lead you into the warehouse.  Now, don't peek."  Reg opened the door and led Bud by the hand until they got inside - then he said, "You can pull up your cap now."  Bud pulled up his cap, and there stood a brand new red and cream Schwinn bike, with a big tag on it that said - [FOR BUD FROM DAD AND MOM].  His eyes got real big and small tears started to trickle down his cheeks.  He finally found his voice and said, "Oh Dad, I've wanted a bike like this all of my life!"  He ran over to his bike and said, "Can I ride it home?"  Reg said, "You sure can son; I'll follow right behind you in my truck."  Bud rode his new bike all the way and when he go home, he said, "Your know Mom, my hands didn't even get cold.  Boy - 0h boy!  Dad and Mom, I am the luckiest boy in Gibbon, to have this neat bike.  Thank you so much."

Christmas 1942 (from "Gibbon's Secrets")
     Christmas time 1942 was for caring and sharing, and the Phelps family seemed to come together as close as they every had been.  Maybe it was the fear of the war, or maybe it was the fact they were all involved in some way.  The thing is they were trying to make a difference for the individuals serving our country across the globe.  Whatever it was, the Phelps family was bound together as one strong unit.
      It seem that everyone gathered at their home, across from Gibbon's park on the north side of town, during this festive season.  Jack and Lorraine stopped by one evening just before Christmas, bringing Rose and Tom along with them.  Tom was home on leave from his specialty training school, after completing his boot training in San Diego.  He had been rewarded with the rank of Third Class Petty Officer because of the skills and hard work he had shown at the school.
     Addie said, "We are blessed that the four of you chose to visit us during these holidays.  Come on in out of the cold, and I'll put a pot of coffee on for us.  Tom, you sure look sharp in your uniform.  It's good to see you home, and I know Bud will be excited to see you."  Tom replied, "Addie, you and Reg are special people to us, and we just wanted to stop by and say hello."  Rose added, "Tom is so right, you have opened both your home and your hearts, and we appreciate all that you have done for us."
     Bud heard the commotion, and cam running to the door.  He stopped right in front of Tom and gave him a big salute, saying, "Tom you look great in your uniform!  Wow, you even make Petty Officer."  Tom said, "I worked hard in school, Bud.  I'm just proud to be able to serve my country.  Rose told me that you stopped by while I was gone to keep her from becoming too lonely, and I really appreciate that.  She also said that you wanted to be my Pen Pal while I'm in the Navy.  I gratefully accept your offer."  Bud's face was glowing with pride, and he said, "I'll do a good job keeping you informed about the happenings in Gibbon, and make sure that my buddies add a note from time to time.  It is so fun to have you home for Christmas."  Jack had been holding back, so Tom could be recognized for being home from the service.  Finally Jack stepped forward.  "I agree with Tom, Bud.  You also kept Lorraine from getting lonely while I was back east during my training.  You have gained a special place in our hearts."
     In the meantime, Lorraine and Rose had been moving closer to Addie.  Lorraine said, "Can we help you with anything in the kitchen, Addie?"  "Yes, I think it's a good idea for us to head for the kitchen, and let these men talk a bit."  The three adult women and Jean gathered together to get things ready for their evening fellowship.
     It was a different Christmas, with so many of the boys away from home, and so many changes hapening in and around Gibbon.  Christmas Eve found a large crowd at the Baptist Church for the candlelight service.  There was a close-knit group of people with the Phelps family caroling on the South Side of Gibbon, and now had arrived at the church for this special time.  Reg and Addie brought a young man from North Carolina with them for the service, Lt. Jim Jones, along with Jean and Bud.  Lorraine, Jack, Rose and Tom had also been caroling with them, and joined them at the church to continue their Christmas worship.
     After the service, everyone gathered around the young lieutenant, wanting him to feel the warmth of this small town.  Erskine Claar introduced himself to Lt. Jones, and said, "It is good that your are with our family at Christmas.  I have been hold a prayer vigil at our church each Saturday morning, and you are welcome to join us as we pray for the many servicemen and women serving our country."  Lt. Jones said, "Thank you for your prayers and your family support.  These are the things that keep us going while we further our training."  Jean was shy around this young man, but said, "We're glad that you could join us during this special time of the year."  Bud said, "Welcome to Gibbon, Lieutenant Jones, you are now an honorary member of the Phelps family."  Lt. Jones said to the two kids, "Thank you both for the nice welcome.  It is my pleasure to be included as part of your family."
     Jack pulled Tom aside after the service, and said, "Tom, I will be serving my country here in Nebraska, and I promise to keep a special watch on Rose and Jimmy while you are gone."  Tom said, "Jack, I consider you as a brother, and it makes me feel good to know that you will be watching over my loved ones.  I thank you so much for offering your watchful eye."
     Christmas 1942 was one full of hopes and prayers for so many people; the ones scattered all over the globe and the ones here in Gibbon on the home front.  The friendships of friends and families become stronger during times of stress, and this fact was very prevalent here at home.

Christmas 1943 (from "Gibbon's Secrets")
     It was nearing Christmas-time in Nebraska, a time of joy and glad tidings, but in 1943, a world war was still raging.  A festive event was planned at the Cornhusker Army Ordnance Plant, with the hope that it might take away some of the worry of the war, which was affecting the happiness of so many of the children.  The ordnance plant employed thousands of workers in 1943, and Addie was one of them.  Addie arrived home from work, and as the family gathered around the kitchen table ready for supper she said, "I have some good news for everyone.  It was announced today that the Cornhusker Army Ordnance Plant is holding, "The Children's 1943 Christmas Party' next weekend."  Jean and Bud cheered at their mother's announcement, and Jean said, "How fun.  I can hardly wait."  Bud added, "Yeah that sure sounds like lots of fun to me!"  "The committee announced that Jess Blodgett will be performing magic tricks, and some of the plant employees will be dressed as cartoon characters to entertain all of the kids."  Bud said, "Wow!  This is really going to be super, mom."
     On December 18th, the Phelps family went to the party at the ordnance plant, and it was huge.  The administration made sure that every child was treated to a very special time.  For a short period that day, Jean and Bud forgot about the war.  The party ended with Santa Claus and his helpers handing out toys or special gifts to each and every child.  One the way home that night, a very tired Bud said, "I told you it was going to be super, and it really was!  Thanks for taking us to the party."  And Jean chimed in with, "I agree, and even though I'm older than Bud, the girls were treated as good, if not better, than the boys."
     They again counted their blessings for being able to do so many meaningful things together as a family, especially at the real Christmas party, when the "Birth of Christ"  was celebrated, first by the family going to church, and then gathering in their home with Grandpa and Grandma Claar.

Christmas 1944 (from "Gibbon's Secrets")
     Bud still missed his four buddies, and was hopeful that the letter he sent to Duncan would reach Gibbon before Christmas.  The letter contained news of all the boy kind-of adventures he had been having, and he told them of his wish to show his Gibbon friends these neat things.  He knew that bringing all of his friends to Curtis was a pipe-dream, but he really wanted them to know how much he missed them.  He had requested Duncan read the letter to Wally, Donny, and Stanley in Mr. Ross's barn on Christmas Eve Day.  He wanted his friends to know that no matter what happened to each of the, they would always be "best friends'.
     Reg and Addie had both been very busy at the store leading up to Christmas.  Bud thought the funniest thing that happened at the store was when his dad put on a puppet show.  One little four year old boy, Shorty Jessy - whose dad had the Blacksmith Shop across the alley from Reg's store, was watching the show real closely, when Reg reached over with a hand puppet that "bit" Shorty on the nose.  Shorty yelled, "The 'son of a bitch' bit me!"  The store was full of farm ladies on this Saturday night, and you could hear their laughter when little Shorty's exclamation echoed around the store.  Reg wasn't reay for this outburst, but he just laughed and went on with the show.  He always made sure that Shorty was right up front, and able to be part of the fun.  The parents really appreciated the fact that Reg would spend so much time entertaining their children.
     Reg had his first "Employee Christmas Party" at the Phelps' home on Christmas Eve 1944, after the candlelight service at the church.  Reg invited his two employees, Turner and Helen, along with the Phelps family for coffee, hot chocolate, and Christmas cookies; for fellowship they sang Christmas Carols.  Jean and Bud served the cookies after everyone had picked up their drinks, and then they all headed into the living room.  Addie had decorated the house beautifully for the occasion, and even though it was not a long, drawn-out party, everyone seemed to really enjoy the closeness they felt on this Christmas Eve.
     This was the first time Helen had been a part of a Phelps' family gathering.  Addie had invited her to live at the Phelps house while she was going to school at UNSA.  Already, Jean and Bud were treating her as their sister, and a special member of their family.  Helen's folks owned a farm near Moorefield, and they didn't have enough money to cover the expense of the girl's dorm.  Helen had to work to pay for her room and board.  Reg and Addie not only gave her those necessities, but paid her an hourly rate so she could buy her own personal needs.  She was a great help in the store, and Reg and Addie appreciated her very much.  Helen became a lifelong friend of the Phelps family.
     Christmas 1944, in Curtis, was a bit different for the Phelps family, as they were in their new home.  None of the relatives would be joining them for Christmas Dinner this year.  It also seemed strange that Christmas Day was on a Monday.  Reg had decided to stay closed to honor the birth of Christ, and so everyone could spend time with their families.

Christmas 1944 (from "Gibbon's Secrets" - Postscript - from Frank Chamber's Journal)
     December 24, 1944 (Battle of the Bulge)
     Our gun crews have orders to be ready to fire tonight...Christmas Eve.  Parts of our 75th Division are attached to some tank division.  I hauled supplies all day from Liege.  I drove by big stacks of 5 gallon cans of gasoline, much have been millions of gallons.  They were being guarded by our MP's and Belgium soldiers.
     It's still cloudy and snowing.  I have not heard any of our planes overhead; guess they cannot see any ground activity.  All we hear are those buzz bombs that fly right over us every night.  Hard to get some sleep.
     December 25, 1944 (Battle of the Bulge)
     I had a decent Christmas meal from my mess kit.  It go a little cold by the time I ate it.  I have a heater for my truck can...took my steel helmet and placed it on the truck cab floor, then lit my K ration was box...it does not make smoke and can keep warm when I'm driving.  I put the cans of beans and stuff on my truck manifold...that works well until a can of beans exploded and made a real stink.
     Today we had blue sky for the first time.  Our bombers and fighters were really busy.  We say dogfights very near us.  Also saw gliders being towed by planes.  I hear that they are heading for a Belgium city called Bastogne, just east of us a few miles.

In sharing these Christmases from my book, "Gibbon's Secrets", I have related some of my memories in the 40's.  It may be hard for you to realize how different these times were both in the small town in the middle of Nebraska where I grew up; or with Frank Chamber's memories while serving in Belgium during the "Battle of the Bulge"; that is the very reason I wanted to share them with you.  Our family gathered at our oldest daughter's home to celebrate this Christmas Eve, sharing our thoughts, feelings and prayers about this 2010 Christmas.  Tomorrow, Christmas Day, we will be again fellowshipping as a family - at our middle daughters home.  I will be cooking my special treat; Pheasant Wild-Rice Cream soup supplemented with the left-overs from our Christmas Eve Dinner.  I also take this opportunity to ask from prayers for all of your Servicemen & women serving around the world in the defense of freedom.  Merry Christmas to all you readers of my blog, and I wish you the very best for the balance of the year 2010.   



 

Christmas 1941

     The Christmas of 1941 came during a time of mourning for the many service men and women lost in the attack on Pearl Harbor.  Dale Pitke's ship the "USS Arizona" sustained a loss of 1,100 lives.  Dale lost many friends that tragic day.  He also lost all of his own personal belongings that were left on the ship when he came home on leave.  He was very fortunate to have been home at that time, and the Gibbon townspeople all adopted him as their personal hero.  Bud started writing Dale soon after he returned to active duty.  He pledge that a weekly letter would be sent to Dale, until the day he came home again.  The Five Friends Forever helped Bud with the letters, and a strong bond was developed between this sailor and these five boys.

     Reg and Addie had already bought Bud a Schwinn bike for his Christmas present back in November.  It was probably very fortunate that they had, because with the war production now in full swing, bike production would probably be curtailed. Christmas Day arrived, and there was a small present under the tree for Bud from his Dad and Mom.  Bud opened that present first, and it contained a note that said, [Go with your Dad - he wants to take you for a special ride].  "I don't know what this is all about, but I'm ready for the special ride, Dad"  "Okay son, let's go see what we can see.  Put on your hat and coat thought.  It's pretty cold out there."
     Reg drove Bud to a warehouse building he rented to store things for his trucks in.  "Okay, let's go see what's in here. I'm going to pull your stocking cap down over your eyes and lead you into the warehouse.  Now, don't peek."  Reg opened the door and led Bud by the hand until they got inside - then he said, "You can pull up your cap now."  Bud pulled up his cap, and there stood a brand new red and cream Schwinn bike, with a big tag on it that said - [FOR BUD FROM DAD AND MOM].  His eyes got real big and small tears started to trickle down his cheeks.  He finally found his voice and said, "Oh Dad, I've wanted a bike like this all of my life!"  He ran over to his bike and said, "Can I ride it home?"  Reg said, "You sure can son; I'll follow right behind you in my truck."  Bud rode his new bike all the way and when he go home, he said, "You know Mom, my hands didn't even get cold.  Boy - oh - boy!  Dad and Mom, I am the luckiest boy in Gibbon, to have this neat bike.  Thank you so much."

     A tired and beat-up Father Time was ushering out 1941. and the new 1942 Baby was just around the corner - ready to enter the battle for freedom.  Everyone in this small town of Gibbon couldn't imagine the changes that were in store for them in the coming year.  Time will tell.............

These were definitely different times, just look around you this Christmas of 2010 and reflect on all of the changes to our world from that 1941 Christmas.  It would have been very hard to predict all of the changes we would see - not only in our country but in the whole world.  Now we again must pray for our men and women in the armed forces in defense of our freedoms.  I ask that you give them the special gift of prayer during this 2010 Christmas weekend, praying for both their safety while away and their safe passage home to their loved ones.