Monday, November 17, 2014

11.11.14

The past several days (weeks) have been a blur. My favorite holiday (second only to July 4th) came and went, followed by Veterans Day. I count the 8th of November as a National holiday. Break the mold, disturb the norm and decide for yourself what days matter to you is what I say. I don't even need school and work off to respect that day, I feel it coming every year. I'll admit, I'm still listening to the "8th of November" by Big and Rich once a day.
That's a given though, if your heart raced like mine during that song, you would listen to it often as well. Let's switch over to Veterans Day though, wow! The coverage of that 24 hour period was strong, and inspiring. I was able to take a break from focusing on regular news coverage and remember my American heritage, reflect on the idea that a group of people came together and built a nation. And then defended it ever since.
I was delighted by the kind words regarding Veterans and our nation, the support/recognition spanned many networks and medias. I appreciate seeing and hearing others proudly boast about their military affiliated family members and friends. It happens to be a day that I feel normal for a second, like everyone else is just like me, loving the Armed Forces with all the love in them.

It was a big day for Thearmysdaughter, this blog received some recognition as well. My dad and I were asked to appear on the live show TalkingPoint (associated with the network Southern Utah LIVE).

I'm hoping everyone noticed the italicized live, live shows deserve three hundred "oh brothers" and about ninety "oh shoots". Did anyone's palms start to sweat for me when they read live show? My sympathies go out to all who appear on television in any degree. The behind the scenes, preparation, and sheer brilliance required are nothing short of incredible. Nothing. Weatherman you are my hero. Among others. The life in front of the camera is rough, and I only endured it for an hour. Send me to boot camp, I would much rather face an eternity of push-ups. I'm exaggerating, it was not torture. However, it was not anything like what I imagined it would be, and I cannot stop myself from blurting out great ideas, or points to make after the fact. Shoulda, coulda, woulda. That does not mean that I am not proud of the production, what a piece, I am honored to have been a part of it. Those involved should pat themselves on the back or at the very least drive over to Mcdonalds and devour a large fry.

My dad and I are not particularly fond of attention, we are also over-preparers. So you can imagine the chaos going on in our minds as we try to paint the best picture we can and do justice to a great show. A show that went above and behind and did their homework, their dialogue and guest speakers (soldiers phoned in via Skype) were phenomenal. I don't even know if the hosts realized how comfortable and uncomfortable they made me feel with the presence of soldiers, on one hand I was nostalgic and deeply missing my comfort zone of soldiers all around and on the other it felt like the majority of my life, as routine and regular as it gets. Good Morning America should be envious, the professionalism exhibited on the set really fit well with the topics. First things first, like the show's Facebook page, its guaranteed to hit the hammer on the nail for you at one point or another. And if it doesn't, ask it to. You won't be sorry, being a part of this show was one of the best things I have ever done, and following it has benefited me in countless ways.And it falls right in with my idea of community and participation, get out there show up, even if it means answering the hard questions on a live show. I think my brain has grown, and without a doubt my heart as well.
The link for the page is https://www.facebook.com/TalkingPointSUL/info?tab=page_info .

The link for the live show featuring myself and my dad, and a glimpse or two of my younger sister is http://southernutahlive.com/video/view/Talking-Point-ep-3-2014-11-11.  I was certain that I would show up to my college campus swarmed by people seeking my autograph, no such luck. Yet. Hahah okay, laugh because that was a joke.
This particular show in it's entirety was about communication, TALK. That's what this blog is for, and really, soldiers don't ever endure alone. Create bonds where you feel comfortable and safe to discuss with someone. Pick a person. I'm so proud of all the service members who have voiced their needs and sought comfort. I love humanizing our soldiers, I think it's one of the ways we stand out as a country, be human, feel because you are entitled to that, we all are. Whether you support our military, in war-time or instances of peace, I urge people to recognize when others are struggling and point them in the right direction. I believe in brotherhood and sisterhood. I believe in our Veterans and I believe in our civilians. Jennifer Kohler commented on the show about practicing simple gestures and the importance of outreach. I think she understands that it surpasses simple, love isn't simple. It's huge. Heed her advice phone a friend, ya'll.

Here is an iphone quality photo taken by my momma, as she watched the live show on Veterans Day, watch for yourself to get a idea of what we discussed.


Monday, November 10, 2014

On the 8th of November..

When I introduce myself to people the appropriate thing to say would be,

"Hi, I'm Bette Pauling, and I love the 173rd."

I should start doing that. Because it's true, and I know it will always be true.

The 173rd is a unit in the United States of America's Army, they are airborne which means they jump out of airplanes. This brigade was created in 1917, for any history nut out there, just think of the good this particular unit provides. I'm talking some real nice Vietnam rich history. I mean, the first living African American Medal of Honor recipient was in the 173rd. Does that give it some historical credibility? I know the educational systems insist that everyone run in the opposite direction of Wikipedia, but I say spend a second on there and get the rundown on the 1 7 3.
You'll learn why they are nicknamed "The Rock" and why the insignia is as it is.

You'll learn that the Taiwanese called the 173rd, "Sky Soldiers", an appropriate nickname. I don't say "Sky Soldiers" like a regular person, I say it just like the 173rd. When said outloud, it sounds like one word, SKYSOLDIERS! It is said strongly with conviction, respect and on post in Italy, you'll hear it echo. For an outsider, it would seem strange, but hearing a troop blurt out SKYSOLDIER in line at Taco Bell is absolutely normal for me.

Life has a way ya'll, it's impossible to predict what is going to stick. Maybe I'll always be tied to the hospitality of the South, or love the urban feel of a big city like Albuquerque. Maybe my accent will reflect the many many years in North Carolina, or maybe I'll sound like I'm from Alaska. I don't always know what I am going to take away from a place or person, or ,more importantly, what I am going to fall in love with.

That makes me a hard to follow inconsistant mess.

So for no specific reason, I fell hard for the 173rd.
There were units before 173, and there were units after.
Unexplainably, my roots wrapped themselves around the 173rd.
I'm wildly obsessed with the history of this brigade and in lew of that, have celebrated the eighth of November for years. I believe it is no accident that it falls so closely to Veteran's Day.

Watch this video of a song that is a tribute to the 173rd, written and produced by the singing country duo Big and Rich.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozpdBvB0hek




Here is a link to the documentary of Big and Rich and Niles Harris returning to Vietnam.
It's fifty minutes of footage you will never forget.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gw_UJwwI_Is



Usually, when someone asks me why I love the 8th of November so much I say, "it's an important day to my dad, so it matters to me". That's true. It's not the whole truth, but that's the easy way to put it.
My boyfriend heard me say once that fourth of July and November 8th were my two favorite days.
He put it in his calender on his iphone, reading "Bette's Favorite Day", so this past weekend when November 8th rolled in, he said "Okay, so what's with this day." I immediately responded with it's my  Dad's favorite day, but that's not true. I remember years ago, after my dad had deployed with the 173rd and the song 8th of November by Big and Rich came out, singing my heart out with my dad. I even watched the making of the video and become obessed with the song for no apparent reason. It's possible younger Bette had a clue back then that I would move to Vicenza and fall in love with the 173rd for myself. It's not my dad's favorite day anymore, it's mine.




The 173rd is stationed in Vicenza, Italy on a U.S Army base called Caserma Ederele. They care about November eight, they usually hold a run in honor and remembrance of the men who perished that day. Last year, my parents were still stationed in Vicenza, my dad was not assigned to that particular unit anymore but every military kid knows that once you've been in a unit, you're family and tied for life. My siblings and I got an email November 8th 2013 from my dad, it read
"Girls, 
I'm heading out soon to start the "Running of the Herd" that is going on at Del Din to commemorate the first major battle in Vietnam where 48 Sky Soldiers lost their lives. The run started at 1000 this morning and will go for 24 hours with teams keeping their "bayonets" on the course for the whole period. I plan on showing up after work and running for as long as my legs will carry me. Remember to keep that song in your heart tomorrow and take a walk around the block to join in with me.
              Loveyoumuch!
               dad "



^That's a former 173rd paratrooper for ya'll.
Every November 8th think of this song, I know I always will.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
 (John 15:13)