A little perspective
#1
02-28-2001, 08:12 PM
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A little perspective
Received this in my e-mail and thought it was interesting. Unsure of the author.
"Just a little note of something to think about.
Subject: Remember 7 of our own...
Lest we forget...
I think this puts things in perspective as to where our priorities really are as a nation.
On 18 February 2001, while racing for fame and fortune, Dale Earnhardt died in the last lap of the Daytona 500. It was surely a tragedy for his family, friends and fans. He was 49 years old with grown children, one, which was in the race. I am new to the NASCAR culture so much of what I know has come from the newspaper and TV. He was a winner and earned everything he had. This included more than "$41 million in winnings and ten times that from endorsements and souvenir sales". He had a beautiful home and a private jet. He drove the most sophisticated cars allowed and every part was inspected and replaced as soon as there
was any evidence of wear. This is normally fully funded by the car and team sponsors. Today, there is no TV station that does not constantly remind us of his tragic end and the radio already has a song of tribute
to this winning driver. Nothing should be taken away from this man, he was a professional and the best in his profession. He was in a very dangerous business but the rewards were great.
Two weeks ago seven U.S. Army soldiers died in a training accident when two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters collided during night maneuvers in Hawaii. The soldiers were all in their twenties, pilots, crewchiefs and infantrymen. Most of them lived in sub-standard housing. If you add their actual duty hours (in the field, deployed) they probably earn something close to minimum wage. The aircraft they were in were between 15 and 20 years old. Many times parts were not available to keep them in good shape due to funding. They were involved in the extremely dangerous business of flying in the Kuhuku mountains at night. It only gets worse when the weather moves in as it did that night. Most times no one is there with a yellow or red flag to slow things down when it gets critical. Their children where mostly toddlers who will lose all memory of who "Daddy" was as they grow up. They died training to defend our freedom.
I take nothing away from Dale Earnhardt but ask you to perform this simple test. Ask any of your friends if they know who was the NASCAR driver killed on 18 February 2001. Then ask them if they can name one
of the seven soldiers who died in Hawaii two weeks ago.
18 February 2001, Dale Earnhardt died driving for fame and glory at the Daytona 500. The nation mourns. Seven soldiers died training to protect our freedom. No one can remember their names and most don't
even remember the incident.
... as forwarded to me by a career helo pilot, who's flown in the dark in the rain, with distances between your blades and Mother Earth being measured in feet ... a bit sobering if I do say so. Alas, tomorrow we shall continue the mission and launch to meet the sortie count and the training
objectives.
For the record:
The six identified casualties were Maj. Robert L. Olson of Minnesota; Chief Warrant Officer George P. Perry and Chief Warrant Officer Gregory I.Montgomery, both of California; Sgt. Thomas E. Barber of Champlin, Minn.; Specialist Bob D. MacDonald of Alta Loma, Calif.; and Specialist Rafael
Olvera-Rodriguez of El Paso."
"Just a little note of something to think about.
Subject: Remember 7 of our own...
Lest we forget...
I think this puts things in perspective as to where our priorities really are as a nation.
On 18 February 2001, while racing for fame and fortune, Dale Earnhardt died in the last lap of the Daytona 500. It was surely a tragedy for his family, friends and fans. He was 49 years old with grown children, one, which was in the race. I am new to the NASCAR culture so much of what I know has come from the newspaper and TV. He was a winner and earned everything he had. This included more than "$41 million in winnings and ten times that from endorsements and souvenir sales". He had a beautiful home and a private jet. He drove the most sophisticated cars allowed and every part was inspected and replaced as soon as there
was any evidence of wear. This is normally fully funded by the car and team sponsors. Today, there is no TV station that does not constantly remind us of his tragic end and the radio already has a song of tribute
to this winning driver. Nothing should be taken away from this man, he was a professional and the best in his profession. He was in a very dangerous business but the rewards were great.
Two weeks ago seven U.S. Army soldiers died in a training accident when two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters collided during night maneuvers in Hawaii. The soldiers were all in their twenties, pilots, crewchiefs and infantrymen. Most of them lived in sub-standard housing. If you add their actual duty hours (in the field, deployed) they probably earn something close to minimum wage. The aircraft they were in were between 15 and 20 years old. Many times parts were not available to keep them in good shape due to funding. They were involved in the extremely dangerous business of flying in the Kuhuku mountains at night. It only gets worse when the weather moves in as it did that night. Most times no one is there with a yellow or red flag to slow things down when it gets critical. Their children where mostly toddlers who will lose all memory of who "Daddy" was as they grow up. They died training to defend our freedom.
I take nothing away from Dale Earnhardt but ask you to perform this simple test. Ask any of your friends if they know who was the NASCAR driver killed on 18 February 2001. Then ask them if they can name one
of the seven soldiers who died in Hawaii two weeks ago.
18 February 2001, Dale Earnhardt died driving for fame and glory at the Daytona 500. The nation mourns. Seven soldiers died training to protect our freedom. No one can remember their names and most don't
even remember the incident.
... as forwarded to me by a career helo pilot, who's flown in the dark in the rain, with distances between your blades and Mother Earth being measured in feet ... a bit sobering if I do say so. Alas, tomorrow we shall continue the mission and launch to meet the sortie count and the training
objectives.
For the record:
The six identified casualties were Maj. Robert L. Olson of Minnesota; Chief Warrant Officer George P. Perry and Chief Warrant Officer Gregory I.Montgomery, both of California; Sgt. Thomas E. Barber of Champlin, Minn.; Specialist Bob D. MacDonald of Alta Loma, Calif.; and Specialist Rafael
Olvera-Rodriguez of El Paso."
#2
02-28-2001, 08:18 PM
Great point. Unfortunately, most people nowadays take the people that risk their lives to keep us safe for granted. Its sad that these people won't be placed on a pedestal like Earnhardt was.
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1997 XLT Reg. Cab, 4.2L V6, 5spd, Superchipped, K&N Air Filter, Lund Deflector, Dash Mat, MagnaFlow Muffler, Hellwig Rear Sway Bar, Edelbrock Shocks, Duraliner, Extang Saber Tonneau, Painted Tailgate Handle, Bell-Tech 2" Rear Drop, Amer. Rac. Atlas Wheels Clad in 275/60/17 Eagle GTII. Likes straightaways, loves twisties.
1996 Shovie Cavalier (Don't laugh, it can lay down 30' of posi-rubber if you dump the clutch just right!)
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1997 XLT Reg. Cab, 4.2L V6, 5spd, Superchipped, K&N Air Filter, Lund Deflector, Dash Mat, MagnaFlow Muffler, Hellwig Rear Sway Bar, Edelbrock Shocks, Duraliner, Extang Saber Tonneau, Painted Tailgate Handle, Bell-Tech 2" Rear Drop, Amer. Rac. Atlas Wheels Clad in 275/60/17 Eagle GTII. Likes straightaways, loves twisties.
1996 Shovie Cavalier (Don't laugh, it can lay down 30' of posi-rubber if you dump the clutch just right!)
#3
02-28-2001, 08:25 PM
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Outstanding point. There are a lot of people putting their butts on the line every day to protect those who don't.
Many military people die during "routine" training that is far more hazardous than most will ever deal with.
Although I've been out of the Marine Corps over 10 years now, on every Marine Corps birthday and Veterans day I take the time to reflect on those who have made greater sacrifices for their country.
It would be nice to think that someday those who just look at it as another holiday might do the same.
Many military people die during "routine" training that is far more hazardous than most will ever deal with.
Although I've been out of the Marine Corps over 10 years now, on every Marine Corps birthday and Veterans day I take the time to reflect on those who have made greater sacrifices for their country.
It would be nice to think that someday those who just look at it as another holiday might do the same.
#4
02-28-2001, 09:40 PM
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#5
02-28-2001, 10:44 PM
Very good point somebuddy famous gets remembered forever and those that serve thier country get forgotten about within a week or so if not sooner.
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2000 F150 XLT Reg. cab
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2000 F150 XLT Reg. cab
4.6 Triton Engine
4x2 3.55 rear end gear
sliding rear window
automatic keyless entry
white styleside short box
#6
03-01-2001, 02:08 AM
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I have to agree with the entire post. I am saddened by the loss of these brave men - I have the deepest respect for all who serve this country & keep me free. My Dad served in the US Navy, aboard the USS Missouri during the Korean War. I grew up feeling very grateful for anyone who is willing to serve & risk their lives, as well as give up a "normal" family life.
This would include all Emergency workers such as Police, Fire & EMS. If I have the opportunity to say thank you to these people or to a Veteran or active Military I make sure I do. I've gotten some strange looks when I do but I also know they appreciate it.
May all these men Rest in Peace & may their families find the strength to go on & to be proud of the sacrifices they made.
Thanks for posting that 2000Lariat.
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Love my truck & PROUD of it! If you can't beat 'em, you're NOT driving a FORD!
Shovies PROVE that FORD'S are #1!!
'97 Black F150 XLT ORP 4X4 Reg Cab/LB
4.6L/auto/3.55 LS/power EVERYTHING,
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6 CD changer, lumbar support & 3 cow license plates - so far!
[This message has been edited by Cowlady (edited 03-01-2001).]
This would include all Emergency workers such as Police, Fire & EMS. If I have the opportunity to say thank you to these people or to a Veteran or active Military I make sure I do. I've gotten some strange looks when I do but I also know they appreciate it.
May all these men Rest in Peace & may their families find the strength to go on & to be proud of the sacrifices they made.
Thanks for posting that 2000Lariat.
------------------
Love my truck & PROUD of it! If you can't beat 'em, you're NOT driving a FORD!
Shovies PROVE that FORD'S are #1!!
'97 Black F150 XLT ORP 4X4 Reg Cab/LB
4.6L/auto/3.55 LS/power EVERYTHING,
nerf bars, 17" wheels, fog lights, trailer hitch w/electrical connector, front tow hooks, bed rail caps,
6 CD changer, lumbar support & 3 cow license plates - so far!
[This message has been edited by Cowlady (edited 03-01-2001).]
#7
03-01-2001, 08:43 AM
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Brings to mind a poll that was taken about 12 years ago where children (age 6-16) were asked to choose a roll model. The choices were a professional Basketball player who was accused of sleeping with over 10,000 women and had contacted the 'AIDS' virus at some point in the 10,000 women and an un-named fireman who lost his life saving a drug addict whom had set a vacant home on fire while doing drugs. The result sickened me when I read the results and it still sickens me to this day! I was a fireman at that time and after having two children, gave it up so as to be there for them if possible and to not bring anything into the home unknowingly that I was subjected to by some drunk who just crashed his car into some innocent family sedan killing them all.
My children know what it takes to be a good role model and all NASCAR racers we have seen actually are pretty good role models, way above most other professional sports. But the people out saving lives and protecting us from ourselves and others are the truest form of role model that exist!
Thanks for caring!
Harleyrider
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2000 Lariat 4x4 Supercab ORP
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K&N Filter
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Tinted Windows
Vent Visors
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1995 Long Haired Chihuahua (Best security system on the market)
http://www.harleyrider.webprovider.com/index.htm
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[This message has been edited by harleyrider (edited 03-01-2001).]
My children know what it takes to be a good role model and all NASCAR racers we have seen actually are pretty good role models, way above most other professional sports. But the people out saving lives and protecting us from ourselves and others are the truest form of role model that exist!
Thanks for caring!
Harleyrider
------------------
2000 Lariat 4x4 Supercab ORP
Black Clearcoat
Flowmaster 50 series SUV using original tailpipe
K&N Filter
CamLocker Aluminum Toolbox
Tinted Windows
Vent Visors
A.R.E. 'Z' series bed cap
1999 HD Softail Custom
Cobalt Blue
Lowered and Chromed
1995 Long Haired Chihuahua (Best security system on the market)
http://www.harleyrider.webprovider.com/index.htm
http://www.fordharley.com/index.shtml
[This message has been edited by harleyrider (edited 03-01-2001).]
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#8
03-01-2001, 09:57 AM
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2000Lariat-
That is a great post. I give all of my respect to the men, and women that have served our country in the conflicts and wars that we have encountered. My dad for one served (Army) in Vietnam and was one of the few in his platoon that lived to tell about it, and to this day, I can't say enough thanks to him or any of the other Veterans.
Problem is, the men and women that serve the United States Military, aren't in the spot-light like racers, professional athletes, and many business men. To me, that is entirely wrong. It should be the other way around.....They are the ones that gave us our freedom to be where we are today...Without that, I can't imagine what the world would be like. Like wise goes to the Police, Fire and Rescue teams.
There is only one thing though that sticks out in my mind from what my dad has told me...."War is something that everyone tries to forget, but it never goes out of a persons mind if you have encountered it." I can see that is true when I hear him talk about being in Vietnam....and that is what little he is willing to talk about.
All I can say is Thanks for Keeping peace, so that the world is a better place to live.
That is a great post. I give all of my respect to the men, and women that have served our country in the conflicts and wars that we have encountered. My dad for one served (Army) in Vietnam and was one of the few in his platoon that lived to tell about it, and to this day, I can't say enough thanks to him or any of the other Veterans.
Problem is, the men and women that serve the United States Military, aren't in the spot-light like racers, professional athletes, and many business men. To me, that is entirely wrong. It should be the other way around.....They are the ones that gave us our freedom to be where we are today...Without that, I can't imagine what the world would be like. Like wise goes to the Police, Fire and Rescue teams.
There is only one thing though that sticks out in my mind from what my dad has told me...."War is something that everyone tries to forget, but it never goes out of a persons mind if you have encountered it." I can see that is true when I hear him talk about being in Vietnam....and that is what little he is willing to talk about.
All I can say is Thanks for Keeping peace, so that the world is a better place to live.