Military Women In Combat

For years, we have been accustomed to women being part of our military, being deployed in dangerous zones, just as our young men are. During the 60's when young girls were considering to go into the various branches, it was believed that they would be clerks and nurses in safe, non-war zones. Throughout the years, women going to war has been and continues to be a hot topic. The main subject of the debate has been should women go to combat. However, our history shows a different story about women and war.

From 1775-1783, women traveled with soldiers during the American Revolution working as nurses, cooks, and laundresses.

Mary Marshall and Mary Allen, during the War of 1812, were nurses on the ship "United States" under Commodore Stephen Decatur.

First Female Soldiers

The first female soldier, although under false pretenses, served in the Mexican War (1846-1848). Elizabeth Newcom enlisted in Company D of the Missouri Volunteer Infantry. After marching for over 600 miles, in Pueblo, Colorado, infantryman Bill Newcomb, was discovered to be, in reality, Elizabeth Newcomb, and was discharged upon the discovery that Bill Newcomb was a female.

During the Civil War (1861-1865), not only did women work taking care of the wounded, women from the south and the north, disguised themselves as men, and enlisted in the army on both sides. Dr. Mary Walker was the first woman to ever receive the Medal of Honor.

20 nurses died during the Spanish American War in 1898. They died taking care of those who had contracted the highly contagious diseases of malaria, yellow fever, and typhoid. Dr. Anita Newcomb McGee was the first woman to be appointed as Assistant Surgeon General. Dr. Newcomb also wrote the legislation for a Permanent Corps of Nurses. In 1901, the first corp of nurses, which was the Army Nurse Corps was established. In 1908, the Navy Nurse Corps was born.

Women P.O.W.'s

During World War I (1917-1918), over 400 nurses died from the Spanish Flu epidemic.

Over 21,480 female, army nurses were deployed overseas, as well as in the U.S.A. 18 African American Army nurses were deployed stateside to care for the German P.O.W's and the injured African American male soldiers.

233 females were trained by the Army to work on the front, in France, as bilingual telephone operators.

11,880 female Yeomen were stationed stateside.

1476 Navy nurses worked caring for soldiers in various military hospitals.

The U.S. Marines trained 305 female reservists as telephone operators, and clerks on the homefront which relieved the men who were going off to the battlefield.

Although women did not receive the same treatment as male officers, the Army Reorganization Act of 1920 allowed female military personnel to receive office status.

During the years of 1941-1945, World War II, 60, 000 nurses served at home and overseas. We often hear stories of the POW's. One fact that is not well-known, is that in 1942, 67 females nurses were captured by the Japanese and held as P.O.W.'s for over 2 years. For 5 months, 5 Navy nurses were captured at Guam, and held as P.O.W.'s. 11 other Navy nurses were held for 37 months, as P.O.W.'s when captured by the Japanese on the Philippine islands.

Branches of Women In The Military

The first group of women in the military was known as the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps or The WAAC. In 1943, the WAAC was changed to what is known today as the Women's Army Corp or WAC'S. More than 1500,000 women served their country in World War II.

Military women were more than nurses, or cooks, or telephone operators. Women also served as ferriers, test pilots, civil service pilots, and as anti-aircraft artillery trainers in the Air Force, known as WASP's or Women's Air Force Service Pilots.

Over 400, 000 military women, during World War II, served their country, at home and overseas, on noncombat missions.

The Navy Women's Reserve also known as the WAVES, had over 80,000 women who worked as nurses, clerks, in administration and who also gathered intelligence.

The Marine Corp Women's Reserve also did their part, working along their peers, taking care of things at home, filling important positions, while our young men went off to war.

During the Korean War from 1950-1953, more than 500 military nurses were in the combat zone alone. Others performed their duties in various Japanese hospitals.

Deaths

Army: In 1950, an Army nurse died in a place crash, while heading for Korea.

Navy: 11 Navy nurses died at the Marshall Islands in a plane crash

Air Force: 3 nurses died, while on duty, in a plane crash.

Between 1955-1965 males were accepted to the Nurse Corps.

The Marine Corp appointed the first female as an attache', who was the first to serve under hostile fire.

Vietnam War: 1965-1975

Over 7000 women served as nurses. Army nurses served well under enemy fire at military style MASH units.

Deaths

While serving in the Air Force, a flight nurse on the C-5A Galaxy transport died on take-off, while transporting Vietnamese orphans. There were at least six more military women who died in the line of duty.

As the story continues, so does the debate as to whether women should enter into combat or not, which according to history, appears to be a mute point.

Linda Smith
A freelance writer as well as an advocate for the disabled and the rights of the disabled.
http:www.michaelmyhero.com

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The Effects of War on the Families of Soldiers

"I'm just trying to be a father, raise a daughter and a son, be a lover to their mother, everything to everyone...yeah, I'm real good under pressure being all that I can be...I just work straight through the holidays, and sometimes all night long...'cause freedom don't come free.. I'm an American, an American Soldier." - Toby Keith, excerpts from his song, "American Soldier."

When the soldier receives his or her orders for going to war, this not only impacts the warrior, but also, the family. As a military spouse, the partner must prepare for being apart from his or her soldier for long periods of time. If the couple has children, care must be taken to ensure the family understands that "daddy" or "mommy" is coming back home after war.

Quite often, it is more up to spouse of the deployed, than anyone else in the family, as to how well the family unit will adjust during the soldier's deployment period. It is vital for the soldier to believe he or she has 100% trust and support from their spouse (assuming he or she is married) before, during, and after deployment.

The following are four suggestions for the spouse to make the complete deployment easier for the soldier and the family:

(1). Maintain the same routines (in life, at home, work, or school) before, during, and after deployment as closely as possible. This is what your soldier is used to, your children are used to, and this provides the soldier comfort knowing all is status quo.

(2). Once the soldier has deployed, join a support group with others, reach out to family members or trusted friends, and just talk about your feelings. There will be some difficult days, but always know people care.

(3). Keep your cell phone on 24/7. There are times the soldier stands in a line and waits three hours just to hear your voice. Things we take for granted every day, are important to a soldier who has a spouse. Keep yourself available for those calls, Skype, and the internet as often as possible. What he or she wants to hear from you are normal, everyday activities. This is comforting to the one who is at war.

(4). Make no major life changes and by no means, vacant the deployment post. The soldier needs to know their spouse is waiting for them during R&R. Again, the soldier needs to be assured the family is right there waiting his or her return.

When the soldier returns from war, there will be an adjustment period for the entire family. If the soldier is married, the spouse has had to maintain the household during the entire deployment period. This has become the norm. The following are four suggestions for a smooth transition for families when the soldier returns from war:

(1). Understand it may take time for sharing of household duties, such as bill-paying, putting children to bed, preparing dinner, and simple things, such as grocery shopping. Your soldier has been fighting a war and has not been doing any of these "normal" things.

(2). Psychologically, your soldier may need counseling or therapy. Your family may also need help in recognizing some of the symptoms from battling in war so you can help cope with your loved one. Furthermore, the family members may need support, either through reading, therapy, or talking with the VA, about how to handle the issues that may arise from their soldier who has endured war and come back home. There are things that should be said and things that should never be said to a warrior, even when that person is your spouse. Education is the key.

(3). Give the soldier space. There is no set time limit on how soon a soldier can reintegrate back into anormal everyday routine, even at home. Your partner may want to make love with you every night for two weeks straight, and then not want intimacy for the next month. Try to remember there may be flashbacks, or numbing, especially if they have been in active combat zones, and what used to be "normal" for you as a couple or family, may take time to be "normal" once again.

(4). Possibly, the most difficult adjustment for the family when the soldier returns from war is the social aspect. If your family is used to attending church services every Sunday, the soldier may not wish to go immediately. If the company you work for is hosting a large company party, your soldier might not want to attend that. If it is normal for you to go to the mall with your children, this may make the soldier uncomfortable, especially if there are crowds. Even going to a bowling alley, movie theater, or things we consider to be "normal" may make your soldier feel uncomfortable at first. Please remember to give your partner some time to readjust to social settings. The soldier is trained to scan people in crowds, look for differences, and notice what we would never notice. The social aspect of reintegration back into society is one many would rarely think of.

I personally, have never been a military spouse or even been in the military. Nonetheless, I have counseled many military wives and numerous soldiers and understand the conflicts faced during war. War is war. There is no need for the home to be a battlefield, also.

With these suggestions, a lot of love, and a little bit of work, the families not only can survive the consequences of war, they can become a more closely knit entity than they were before. It does take work, but who ever said being in the military was easy?

Gayle Joplin Hall, PhD is The Happiness Life Coach™, Author, Keynote Speaker and Expert in DV, PTSD, Crisis Analysis and Behavior Consultation. She is President and Founder of Dr. Hall on Call™ and offers online, phone, and in-person coaching sessions. Sign up for the Weekly Happiness Thought and register for special promotions. To schedule your "Hall-Call" contact Dr. Gayle so she can help you discover your bliss and passion. Grab your complimentary downloadable MP3 recorded interview, jam-packed full of ideas to help you create happiness by visiting http://www.drhalloncall.com/free-audio today!

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Is the World Getting Worse?

Is the world getting worse? Are things going to hell in a handbasket? Here's what Socrates thought in 400B.C.

‎"The children now love luxury. They have bad manners, contempt for authority, they show disrespect to their elders.... They no longer rise when elders enter the room. They contradict their parents, chatter before company, gobble up dainties at the table, cross their legs, and are tyrants over their teachers."

"The young people of today think of nothing but themselves. They have no reverence for parents or old age. They are impatient of all restraint. They talk as if they alone knew everything and what passes for wisdom with us is foolishness with them. As for girls, they are forward, immodest and unwomanly in speech, behaviour and dress."

People are how they've always been. We haven't changed one bit. There are those of us that accept this as the natural way of things... and then there are the alarmists who are so afraid of the world itself that they want to shelter themselves from it and create an artificial world view that has never and can never be realized. As a student of history, the world becomes much clearer when everything can be seen in perspective. Nothing ever changes...

I'd be willing to bet the average person in ancient Egypt, Sumeria, Napoleonic France, the American Old West, and Chin Dynasty China would all recognize the same humor, tell the same jokes we still tell today, have the same day to day problems in their marriages, and hope for the same things in life. Even the gladiatorial games in Rome can still be felt today at an American football match. As much as people want to paint the past as somehow better than the present, it just isn't true. The myth of the "Greatest Generation" that returned home from WWII being the leading culprit in this interpretation of history, we all long for a bygone era but in truth, people are people.

With a constantly rising population, and news channels still stuck in a 24 hour time cycle, more and more only the bad news is reported because there's more of it. The ratio is always the same though. If there is one person murdered per 10,000 people, there are 100,000 per billion. And it all needs to be reported sadly. No, the world isn't getting any worse, it's just becoming more populated and our methods of keeping ourselves informed are creating an illusion that creates fear. Yes, in the 50s people generally didn't lock their doors and trusted their neighbor. But when all you hear about is crime and murder, it does seem like today is worse than yesterday, doesn't it... even though yesterday was exactly the same as today...

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What the Government Should Do With Our Money

As we circle around the notion of complete financial collapse here in the USA - it seems that a good strong dose of innovation that we Americans are so famous for is in order -

I have one idea that seems to be worthy of running up the flag pole -

One of the greatest areas of concern in our country is and should be the concept of migrating away from our dependence on carbon based fuel (Coal, Oil) as a means of producing energy for consumption by the masses.

This will not be achieved in a few short years or even decades - however starting towards that goal NOW should be a rallying point which we all can agree to pursue - prizes could be given out for the most innovative ideas - tax breaks and other means of incentivizing the general public to pursue the concept aggressively could be easy to put into place (a stimulus plan that really has a benefit for all) - it would make great nightly "positive" news - "who wants to be a millionaire" shows could actually contribute something to the whole - good ideas.

So here goes - "Energy parks" for ALL new commercial and residential developments - the concept is not totally new - current developments have green space and water runoff/reclamation ponds; this would be an enhancement on that idea that would help alleviate the new developments need to consume more energy and resources. The "energy Parks" would be a, "set -aside", of land area in the new development that would be used to harvest energy for the new development - how much set-aside and the method used to harvest energy would depend on the geographic area of the country and the size of the project being built.

An example would be a new housing development in the central valley of California - HUGE amounts of potential sun power available to harvest - and maybe some wind power as well - so we take the number of proposed homes being built and their projected annual energy consumption - then set-aside enough land area to "set up" the necessary solar and wind collectors to harvest a supply of - x - amount of the total energy needed for the development. The X in the equation could be the % at or below 100% needed and the tax breaks would run to the individual home owners - unless the cities funded the project as a part of a national energy conservation act - Using a bundled Tax incentive under a government incentive, Innovation Tax Pool, Granted to states for Job Creation.

Pretty simple in concept - difficult or impossible without a financial incentive or Stimulus from the government - better than bucks for clunkers or appliances - energy harvesting would be a long term benefit to all

Author - Todd Thompson
7-14-2011

Todd is the owner of Physician Services Group, LLC PhysicianCVs, "Physician Speak!" and The Physician Speak Insider
He writes blogs and articles about all things Physician and can be found on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and other Ezine sources - he also writes personal interest articles from time to time

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Secrets and Dimensions Under the Earth

Just as there are planes and dimensions which exist beyond our third dimensional reality, so also are there hidden realms which lie deep beneath the surface of the planet.

These realms are a monitor and barometer of what Man, the bridge between the world of spirit and the world of nature, is achieving concerning the raising of consciousness within himself and thence for Gaia. Humanity's challenge is to live and be as spirit in the human form, overcoming the materialistic, self-centred focus which has prevailed for so long: this is best achieved through awareness and control of ego, and good intent.

The process towards the ascension of the planet, in which we play an important role, could be easy if we as a group, understood this aspect of our mission and did something about it. Until we do, the inner planes below our feet will reflect our complacency, our separation, through rumblings and explosions, as we are witnessing now through volcanic eruptions and ash clouds, floods and tornadoes. We are responsible for them.

The choices we make about the exploitation and devastation of inner earth as well as our seas and skies will be pivotal to our future, in every sense, and will affect the Plan of God. You who read these words have the wisdom to know what to do and how to be, and your thoughts, your example and your self do much to lighten the situation, and you help the Plan far more than you know. All is well.

This is the time when all that has been long hidden will be revealed.

With the discovery, through the use of revolutionary infra-red technology, of the existence in Egypt of 17 lost pyramids, 1000 unexcavated tombs and 3000 ancient settlements it is likely that extra-ordinary information will be uncovered. Initial explorations indicate that some of the sites are more important than anything that has been found in Egypt before.

The pharaoic dynasty began with priest-kings, great spiritual beings who came to earth to assist the evolution of man and as such they had innate gifts of wisdom and divine power, and tools of power also, some of which are waiting to be brought back to light and life. It is known in esoteric circles that ancient secrets about spiritual ritual, the use of sound and energy, longevity, healing, astronomy and astrology, and magic as practised by pharaohs and priests are hidden in Egypt, to be made known to the world when the world was ready. That time is now.

My heart stirred when I heard about the scientific findings in Egypt. You like me may find memories returning as you imagine what revelations may be waiting for us. What is even more exciting is that this technology can be used elsewhere, to see what lies beneath the soil in other countries with a great and ancient spiritual history. What next, I wonder?

Claire Montanaro is a skilled and sought after spiritual teacher, speaker, lecturer and author, with a reputation for inspiring and empowering her clients, students and audience. Based in Wales, her heartfelt desire is to assist people to actualise their total connectedness to all that is. Additionally, she offers a global philosophy for living and being in the new age for all seekers of truth. Seven simple yet intensely profound Principles form the core of her teaching, the practice of which embodies the New Consciousness and is a catalyst for One-ness. Her book "Spiritual Wisdom" is published by Piatkus Books. Her website can be found at http://www.inluminoglobal.co.uk where you can read more articles like this in her regularly updated Thoughts for the Day (blog).

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In Celebration of Independence Day

July 4, 1776

While the birth of our nation followed several years later with the signing of the Articles of Confederation (1781), and still later the Constitution of the United States (September 17, 1787), the fourth of July is our country's most coveted day - Independence Day. The day we recognize as the signing date of the Declaration of Independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. With the stroke of the quill, and in John Hancock's case, a flourish, thirteen small colonies declared their separation from the most powerful nation on earth, their former sovereign.

Interestingly, though, it was in fact July 2nd when the Second Continental Congress legally separated from the crown when it approved a resolution of independence. That resolution was brought forth by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia. I lived in Leesburg, Virginia (his namesake) for several years, so I thought I would mention his contribution.

The day after the resolution passed, John Adams wrote a letter to his wife, Abigail, which included this prescient and almost accurate passage,

"The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more."

Think of that statement. These men were about to officially face down the enormous military might of an empire - with a ragtag army, virtually untrained militiamen and scarce resources. It had been just over a year since Congress had appointed George Washington as General and Commander in Chief of the Continental Army (June 15, 1775). And the day before that it had authorized the formation of 10 companies of riflemen from Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia. This was the birthday of the Army and Army Infantry. And now, a year later, on July 3rd, John Adams expresses to his love Abigail, his faith and confidence that they will indeed be victorious - that what was born on July 2nd would live on and prosper. Tell me these men were not extraordinary.

So, this weekend we will, for the 235th time, celebrate this 'most memorable epoch'. Those men pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor to each other and the cause of freedom. They were giants among men. And the seed they planted that day has grown into the greatest, most prosperous nation in the world.

In all the world, over all the time man has walked upright, only 5% of humanity has ever known freedom. And never before had there been a nation that was borne of an idea - of natural rights - and designed from the ground up to protect those rights. To honor the individual. To form a government with the express purpose of insuring the freedom and liberty of its citizens forever.

And now, two hundred and thirty-five years later, we continue to tinker with the gift these men bestowed on us - in the name of progress. Elena Kagan would barely recognize the Declaration of Independence at her confirmation hearings. She didn't recognize the integral nature of the founding document - the explanation of who we are. And now she sits on the highest court of the land. Franklin Delano Roosevelt envisioned a Second Bill of Rights that embodied the antithesis of the American spirit. And last year we crossed a point where the majority of the American people exist, at least partially, on the government dole. We've come a long way, baby.

Next to Washington and Lincoln, my third favorite president is Calvin Coolidge. The last truly anti-progressive president until Ronald Reagan. He was also the last president who wrote all his own speeches. I think he best expressed the legacy we have been given in a speech he delivered on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence:

"About the Declaration there is a finality that is exceedingly restful. It is often asserted that the world has made a great deal of progress since 1776, that we have had new thoughts and new experiences which have given us a great advance over the people of that day, and that we may therefore very well discard their conclusions for something more modern. But that reasoning cannot be applied to this great charter. If all men are created equal, that is final. If they are endowed with inalienable rights, that is final. If governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed, that is final. No advance, no progress can be made beyond these propositions. If anyone wishes to deny their truth or their soundness, the only direction in which he can proceed historically is not forward, but backward toward the time when there was no equality, no rights of the individual, no rule of the people. Those who wish to proceed in that direction can not lay claim to progress. They are reactionary. Their ideas are not more modern, but more ancient, than those of the Revolutionary fathers."

Is Calvin Coolidge your hero now, too? Simple, succinct, to the point - it could almost fit on a tweet, yet speaks volumes.

I hope and pray that as we all enjoy these next few days, at a time when we face a crisis of identity in this country, that we reflect on President Coolidge's sage words and honor the genius of our Founders. Their genius was indeed timeless. We have all been blessed with a divine gift - the freedom to be who we want to be. To live our lives as we see fit.

The Founders pledged and risked all to grant us the freedom we hold. Don't we owe it to them, to ourselves, and to our posterity to preserve that gift 'from this time forward forever more'?

Happy Independence Day!

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