I recently watched Frontline’s television documentary called The Wounded Platoon, an investigation that researched the lives of infantrymen after returning home from war in Iraq. The soldiers of Ft. Carson’s 3rd Platoon, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry came home from war with psychiatric disorders such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, known as PTSD. The story was more than troubling — it was heartbreaking.
As Memorial Day approaches, thousands will make the pilgrimage to pay honor to loved ones lost to war. Some do not have to travel far. Others will make it an honorable effort to visit many cemeteries that bear the names and are home to our fallen military men and women.
I was watching some of the news coverage on the 35th Anniversary of the fall of Saigon, which marked the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. Ironically, I was changing channels when I saw footage of the American folk trio, Peter, Paul and Mary singing one of their biggest hit songs “Leaving On a Jet Plane” written by another great singer-songwriter, John Denver. It was a No. 1 song for the group in 1969, even though many other music artists had previously recorded their versions of it.
I haven’t met a war veteran yet who has told me he or she has seen a war movie numerous times. Instead, the common response is: “I don’t need a war movie to tell me war is hell. I was lucky to have lived through it and come home.”
The words were from a letter that Mrs. Alleta Sullivan received from President Roosevelt, when it was confirmed that all five of her sons were missing in action after the sinking of the USS Juneau during the Battle of Guadalcanal in November 1942. While most aboard the Juneau perished, a few remained alive including the eldest Sullivan brother George, who would later die at sea. The last remaining survivors lived through of a horrific ordeal of exhaustion, heat, sharks, hunger and thirst.
Postcards, greeting cards and letters have been a vital source of communication for military families during times of war and peacetime. They were essential to help families stay in touch.
If the contents carried good news, they were a great morale booster for troops during difficult times of combat and loss. Cards also were a source of comfort for military families enduring the tragedy of losing a loved one.
By Donna Teresa / Staff Writer Monterey Herald The holidays make me very sentimental and I never want to forget the memories that I have of my grandparents. I am captivated by their stories about life on the homefront during World War II. They were big fans of swing music and one of their favorites [...]
By Donna Teresa Monterey Herald Cindy Stanley and Jerry English have lived on the Central Coast for many years. After the Christmas holiday, we will bid them a very fond farewell as they move to Arizona. Stanley and English have been instrumental in the establishment of the "Cards and Cocoa for the Troops" program. They [...]
By Donna Teresa The Monterey Herald Every holiday season it seems the hearts grow ever bigger and the generosity is stronger, and that is a great feeling. Economically, I know it is tough for so many people; however, I hope you hold our men and women in uniform of past and present ever closer in [...]
By Donna Teresa Monterey Herald On May 13, 1864, the first military service man was interred in Arlington National Cemetery. Ever since, the cemetery has been a symbol of dignity and valor. Presidents, slaves, civilians and other notables have had the privilege of having their final resting place in this sacred ground. However, the majority [...]
By Donna Teresa The Monterey Herald Many of the e-mails I receive are from troops and other military personnel stationed all over the world. Some drop a line just to say hi, others just to say thanks for not forgetting them. I can’t help but be especially touched by the notes I receive from our [...]
By Donna Teresa, Staff Writer There are many wonderful authors who write for young people. And there are those who can magically capture the elementary school and middle school experience. One such author is Andrew Clements. He is the author of those best-selling, thought-provoking books "A Week in the Woods," "The Report Card" and the [...]
by Donna Teresa, Staff Writer One of the most deeply profound things I have done is volunteered with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation, "Teach Vietnam Network" in Washington, D.C. Since 2005, I have been involved with this program that provides educators invaluable resources to help educate young people about the Vietnam War and those who [...]
by Donna Teresa, Staff Writer Everything changed on Sept. 11, 2001. Eight years later, America in its never ending resilience, refuses to quit. Life has not gotten easier; many of us wonder how many more challenges we must continue to face as a nation. The cruelty of that day has left an empty void with [...]
by Donna Teresa, Staff Writer Soap operas have been around since the early 1930s. A source of entertainment that started in radio, soap operas have become a television favorite. I admit, I’ve been a fan of daytime television for many years. It was inevitable I would, after all my grandmother was an avid soap watcher, [...]
by Donna Teresa, Staff Writer Drumming goes back to the beginning of civilization. Drums have been prominent in religious and ceremonial gatherings as a way of communication and self-expression. The beat of a drum conjures up feelings of rejuvenation and provide a calming power. From swing to jazz, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll , it’s [...]
by Donna Teresa, Staff Writer The California International Air Show is coming to Salinas Aug. 7-9 and soon the sky will be filled with the incredible sights and sounds of the many performers that thrill audiences wherever they perform. Monterey County is excited to see the return of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Their visit [...]
by Donna Teresa, Staff Writer News is made every day, this summer is no different. Whether it is politics, entertainment, sports, local, world, national, etc. we all are consumed by it. I do understand the attachments we place on our favorite singers, movie and sports stars etc. I have my favorites as well. We wouldn’t [...]
by Donna Teresa, Staff Writer It is known as the official march of the United States of America, and for generations, "The Stars and Stripes Forever" has remained a traditional, historical piece of American music that renews the spirit, especially on the Fourth of July. John Philip Sousa — the composer, arranger, conductor and military [...]
by Donna Teresa The abundance of quality, classic children’s literature has graced our lives for generations. I am grateful for the authors who today, continue to keep that flame going and remind us that having an imagination is nothing to be ashamed of. Regardless of how old you are, you remember those books and they [...]
by Donna Teresa There are no profound or perfect words fitting to honor those we have lost to war. This Memorial Day, I’d like to remember some of my fellow Californians who have sacrificed their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. I wish I was able to list each and every one of America’s fallen. I [...]
by Donna Teresa, Staff Writer Mother’s Day is a celebration of the extraordinary spirit of the special women who we call "mom." I’m raising a toast to honor these special ladies in our military communities. Their tireless efforts are found not just in America, but all over the world. Let’s recognize their commitment to their [...]
by Donna Teresa, Staff Writer Traditionally, Memorial Day was observed on May 30, but in the early 1970s it was moved to the last Monday in May. That brings up some important questions: Is our need for convenience and own selfishness making us forget the importance of special days such as Memorial Day? Is it [...]
by Donna Teresa, Staff Writer When the United States made the decision to engage in conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, one of my concerns was for the welfare of our men and women in uniform. Would they be given the best possible care and attention? Is someone out there watching out for them to make [...]
by Donna Teresa Women’s History month is very important to me, not just in the month of March, but every day. The stories of ordinary women following their passion and making it a reality are inspiring. Diane Pirzada (dianepirzada.com) will soon be coming out with a book that I hope you will read. In addition [...]
by Donna Teresa, Staff Writer Rick Losoya Sr. has been coaching and teaching in Salinas California schools for many years. Currently, he is a baseball and football coach at Everett Alvarez High School. What many people probably do not know about him is that he is a Vietnam veteran. He served as a Marine attached [...]
by Donna Teresa, Staff Writer She is known to many as that Hollywood blonde bombshell who co-starred in the 1963 movie "Soldier in the Rain" with Steve McQueen and Jackie Gleason and the 1964 movie "Girl Happy" with the legendary Elvis Presley. But to the many veterans she has faithfully served and entertained through the [...]
A Fallen Hero’s Journey Home Comes to HBO by Donna Teresa, Homefront Journal What started as one of many moving accounts of war from the book "Operation Homecoming-Writing the Wartime Experience" by Lt. Col. Mike Strobl comes to HBO on Feb. 21. "Taking Chance" is the personal journey Strobl had written about after accompanying the [...]
by Donna Teresa, Homefront Journal Getting the Central Coast Veterans Cemetery built on Fort Ord property has been a vision for so many years. Despite the delays, obstacles and red tape that have plagued this project, this dream comes ever closer to becoming a reality for veterans who have waited much too long. To others, [...]
by Donna Teresa I have always believed that music has certain healing powers. Music has never failed to help lift me up, even during the darkest of times. I am an avid music listener and a fan of different types of music. I can honestly say that I never paid much attention to Christian music [...]
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