When I noticed Jeffery Dennings name in a comment field on my good friend Candace Salima's status back in late Dec,early Jan., I wondered if we were cousins, as my maternal grandmother, Sarah's maiden name was Denning and there are tons of Dennings in Idaho and Utah. Well, to make a long story short, Jeff's grandfaher Bert Jones Denning is my grandmother's brother, which makes Jeff and I 1st cousins, twice removed.
Once Jeff found out I was a book reviewer, he asked me if I would be interested in reviewing his new book about the military, and since I have totally supported olur troops since Vietnam, I was onboard and then, I also am proud to share with you that all my male relatives, from my grandfather down to my new son-in-law, have served in a war, and I can't help but be extremely proud of them all.
Grandpa Andy served in the Navy in the China Seas in World War I, Grandpa John (known as Jack) served in World War I in the Cavalry fighting Pancho Villa, Uncle David flying bombers over England and Germany, Uncle Stan on a Navy ship as a Radioman. He was stationed in Pearl Harbor the day of the attack. Uncle Ray was stationed on Guam and Iwa Jima as a Marine. Uncle Gordon served in the Battle of the Bulge. He did get captured and won several prestiguous medals. Uncle Dick served in the Air Force in World War II, Uncle Bruce served at the tail end of World War II in Occupied Japan and his twin brother Bob served in World War II on the ship The USS Boxer. Uncle Norm was in the Naval Air Force, stationed in Northern California during The Korean War. Uncle Herb was in the Navy during World War II. My dad, Gordon, wanted to follow his older brother David into serving Our Country, so he and his friend went to the National Guard to enlist at the age of 13, but my Grandma Jo had to go bail him out. He finally did get into the Navy after the War and was stationed aboard the USS New Jersey as a Gunner's Mate. He got his high school diploma while there. My dad's Uncle Jack served in the Air Force in World War II, yet was just 7 years older than dad.
My cousin Mike served 2-3 tours of Vietnam in the Army. He was in the reserves for years after. And, you know Jeff. My Cousin Herb was at West Point and was in the Navy for some time, not sure how long. My brother-in-law Rick served in the Army guarding the soldiers there, not seeing any action.My other sister's husband, George served in the Army in Vietnam. My husband served in the Air Force from '66-'70 stateside working on the electronics on the F-106. And, for the last but not leastis my new son-in-law Justin, who served in the Army in Bosnia.
Jeff created a blog Warrior SOS to interview former military for purposes of finding out what they each have done while being deployed and what they've each accomplished and how their combat experiences have changed them. We hear from several different men from different Wars and how each of their experiences affected their lives forever.
What with PTSD and TBI that inflicts so many of our courageous men and female soldiers, it's great that they are getting the much-needed help to be able to have better coping skills to live with thse crippling battle injuries, as we're finding out that these are not mental disorders. It's most difficult for them to enter a changed society and fit in. Our military serving now and within the last few years since 911, they have been treated quite well, unlke our vietnam vets.
While reading the horrific stories of comrades being blown up, with faces half gone, is beyond me. One soldier, who lost both legs and an arm, felt so much pain for these men who suffered more than he did. These men woud lie there screaming and cry in agony. This miraculous soldier is close to getting his Architects degree from Harvard.
One mother Jeff interviewed was Terri Reid, who saw two sons go off to War. I totally admire her for her support for her sons, but maybe by having a father and step-father having served, has helped.
Jeff's Uncle's experiences in a POW camp was horrible, yet amazing how Glenn managed to live through it, making him more of a man than before. I believe these types of experienes can bolster a man's true character. It's amazing what the human body can toerate, esp with Heavenly Father and our Savior with us giving us that strength to carry on. Some of Glenn's experiences were somewhat humorous and I'm sure most men found some things to smile about.
Reading about Jeff's brother-in-law John Cloninger was special for me, as my Podiatrist is also LDS and a descendant of Julia Murdock's. John was such a humble man, as was my late husband. John chose the medical field that would take the least amount of time, Podiatry and found time to be a foot doctor on the battlefield, then in his own private practice. When he was diagnosed with a brain tumor, he was miraculously healed, but only temporarily. When he was given a blessing, his family felt peace when he was told he would finish his mission in the spirit world. The peaceful and sure knowledge he and his wife Cindy had that their marriage was for all eternity and not just until death do ye part was wonderful and that their hole family would be together forever just like our Primary song says. "Families Can be together forever through Heavenly Father's Plan, I always want to be with my own family and The Lord has shown me how I can." "While I am in my early years, I'll prepare most carefully, so I can marry in God's Temple for eternity."
Cindy's talk on the Atonement just shows us just how muchOur Heavenly Father and Our SaviorJesus Christ loves us and can help us on our way back to Him. It is profound, yet so simple. One most important thing thateveryone shared with Jeff and all who read this remarkably amazing book is how much they loved God, knowing they would be guided and watched over. These courageous and most honorable men and women have fought and are fighting to defend Our wonderful counry, to defend our freedom and liberties because we do win Wars over evil, as Good will always win over evil and this wonderful country has been specially chosen as the Land of The Free and The Brave. May God Bless America, Our Veterans and Our Statue of Liberty.
I received my Kindle copy from my Cousin Jeffery Denning.
If this miniaturized copy of my review gets copied onto my blog, be aware it was caused by my anti-virus program, I didn't do it, honest. lol
This Kindle Book Sold by Amazon Digital Services
ASIN: BOOD3WO7VK
File Size: 1380
