Thanksgiving, 2010 - So Many Reasons To Be Grateful

Even as America struggles through the most challenging times since the Great Depression, there are so many reasons to be grateful.

Here are a few of mine:

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I'm thankful for my family - my wife, my sons, my daughters, my grandchildren, and my countless relatives who are scattered throughout America from the Atlantic to the Pacific;

I'm thankful that my parents, John and Claire Grist, taught me the values that they did. They are no longer with us, but I hope that I did not disappoint them;

I'm thankful that God has given strength to those in my family - and those throughout America - who have suffered great challenges, both financial and medical, during this last year. They have shown strength and resolve in dealing with their difficulties;

I'm thankful that my son, John, survived his near-fatal automobile accident and will share his Thanksgiving with us as he recuperates. He almost lost his right foot and part of his leg, but the air bag saved his life. I am also grateful for the skill of his surgeons;

I'm thankful that I was able to retire this year and spend some quality time with my beloved wife. My own parents were not so fortunate. My mother died before my father retired;

I'm thankful for our founding fathers and for their vision in creating the United States of America;

I'm thankful that Americans, in the form of the Tea Party movement, have risen to the occasion - as their ancestors did - to put the brakes on the decline of our wonderful country. The bad times are not over, but we shall stick together, and America shall remain the greatest, most inspirational country in history;

I'm thankful that I was able to spend many years as both a soldier and a police officer, serving with some of the finest, bravest, most selfless Americans that I have ever known;

I'm thankful that God allowed me to survive the wars in Vietnam and Iraq without so much as a scratch;

And, finally, I shall always remain grateful for the thousands of soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, who continue to fight the good fight on our behalf, who stand guard at scores of posts throughout the world, and without whom we would not be able to enjoy Thanksgiving in peace and safety.

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May all Americans - both at home and abroad - enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving and a safe, joyous holiday season.

Charles M. Grist
http://www.mylastwar.com/

Happy Holidays from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

Check out the video below:



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Government intrusion, unlawful search and seizure....it gets better every day...

Charles M. Grist
http://www.mylastwar.com/

Remember Veterans Day And All Who Served

Thank you to all those who have served America from the American Revolution to this very moment. Even as you continue to serve in Iraq, Afghanistan, or lesser known battlefields throughout the world, know that we are with you in spirit always.

The following video was sent to me by a fellow retired soldier:



Charles M. Grist
http://www.mylastwar.com/

Happy 235th Birthday to The Few, The Proud, The Marines

I have had the distinct pleasure to serve alongside Marines in two separate wars: Vietnam and Operation Iraqi Freedom. I'm an old Army guy, but one of my favorite books in high school was "Battle Cry" by Leon Uris, a novel about Marines in World War II.

I must admit that during one of my in-country R & Rs in Vietnam, I linked up with a Marine in Vung Tau. We tore the town up, and both of us ended up passed out from too much Vietnamese beer. In Baghdad in 2004, a Marine officer signed out an M79 grenade launcher to my Protective Service Detail when I was unable to get an M203 assigned to my team. For this reason alone, I love the Marines...

The Marine Corps is celebrating its 235th birthday, and this old soldier wishes them well for the next 235 years.

Semper fi, Marines. We thank you for your courage and your continued sacrifice on our behalf.

Charles M. Grist
http://www.mylastwar.com/

Message to Congress: We'll Be Watching You

Congratulations to the Republican Party for its success in the mid-term elections. However, this was not an endorsement of you as much as it was a rejection of Barack Obama and the Democratic Party agenda. It is great that the Republicans now control the House of Representatives, but Democratic control of the White House and the Senate will make things very difficult for the next two years.

As you new and returning members of Congress settle into Washington, do not be lulled into a false sense of security. Those of us in the Tea Party movement, the independents, and even a few conservative Democrats will be watching everything you do. If you screw it up or betray us, we will send you home as soon as we can.

To those Congressional representatives who will be coming up for election next time, it is suggested that you learn a few lessons from this mid-term Republican victory. The tax and spend ways of Washington are coming to an end. The Constitution shall reign supreme. The budget will be balanced. America will not give up its position in the world as the greatest nation this planet has ever seen. Barack Obama absolutely must not serve a second term as president.

Remember Congress, get off the backs of the American people and unleash our ability to determine our own destiny. Republicans, begin the selection of Barack Obama's replacement. To all of you, whether Republican or Democrat, shrink this big government, or we'll find the representatives who will....

Charles M. Grist
http://www.mylastwar.com/

Vote on November 2, 2010 - America's Future Depends on YOU

Tomorrow we will go to the polls for what will probably be one of the most historic elections in American history. We have a chance to put the brakes on the Obama/Reid/Pelosi march to socialism. If we can help the Republicans take control of one or both houses of Congress, the tide may very well turn in our favor.

Do not depend on others to fix things; do not depend on your neighbor to cast the deciding vote; that vote may very well be YOURS.

We want a return to the Constitutional republic envisioned by our founders. We want limited government, less taxes, and a renewed confidence in the ability of the individual to keep America the great nation it has always been.

Remember also that victory tomorrow will not mean our efforts are over. We must hold to account all those we elect to office. Don't you new senators and representatives feed me a bunch of bull to get elected only to become another pack of cigar-smoking, back room dealing politicians.

Republican or Democrat, if you betray us, we will make sure the next election makes you feel like you're being tarred and feathered and ridden out of town on a rail....

Vote America, like your life depends on it, because it DOES......

Charles M. Grist
http://www.mylastwar.com/