I saw it in her eyes. A fireman's story

Sarah walked out of the front door, locking it behind her, and with a gentle wave saying “See you tonight.” Jumped into her SUV and left for work. It was a fabulous morning, the sun had just crested the trees, shining the morning light across the street as she pulled out of the neighborhood and headed for the freeway. Her mind bounced from little Amy’s Brownie meeting tonight to the papers she had to get ready for her work meeting. She wondered if Jim would grill the steaks for dinner or if he’d bake them as she turned left onto the freeway. She merged into traffic as she felt her unborn baby move around, probably stretching his leg under her ribs. Sarah placed her hand on her head and leaned against the door with her elbow as she noticed traffic backing up once again from the road construction. Just another morning in Pittsburgh.

Traffic lanes split, one for thru traffic, one for local. Sarah eases into the thru traffic just like every morning. As she travels thru the 45 MPH zone at the usual 50, passing the safety green- vested workers without hardly even a notice, the van in front of her chalks up the brakes…POW!!!!! Before she even realizes what has happened the airbag deflates. “Ohhh! Did I hit him?...What? The Baby!!! ………………..


Life is fickle. We never know what the day will bring when we leave for work. Our daily pressures put unrealistic demands on our lives, which skews our priorities. "I wish I had told him I’m sorry. I wish I had spent more time with the kids. I wish I had saved some money."

The above story is a complete product of my imagination based on events that are true. I use them only to paint a mental picture to show how quick life can change. I don’t know who was driving the vehicles in the following pictures, or anything about their lives.



All I do know is this, these are the facts: The van had a couple driving together in it. The SUV, a Mercury Mariner, was driven by a lady 8 months pregnant, and the Semi was apparently the driver at fault. The Semi was probably driving too fast in the construction zone I was working in with my usual crew on I79 just west of downtown Pittsburgh. The Semi couldn’t stop in time to prevent from hitting slowing traffic in front of him. He hit the Mariner scooping it up onto the wall and pushing it into a van in front of it. I have no way of knowing for sure, but I don’t think anyone was seriously injured. The pregnant lady went to the Hospital to get checked out, but she didn’t seem to be in any serious pain.

The ambulance and several fire trucks arrived at the scene to provide care for all involved. One of the firefighters, a volunteer I might add, caught my attention; not just because she was a woman, or even because she was pretty, but because she was ‘doing’. She was right in the middle of everything. She helped the paramedics lift the gurney over a barrier wall with the pregnant driver in tow. She was grabbing gear and shoring up the vehicle on the wall. I did not see the accident happen, but was on scene before the ambulance. Everyone seemed to be fine, except for the pregnant driver, and she was only worried about the baby. As I watched the rescue crews from my side of the barrier wall in the construction zone, I was just in amazement at how eager she and the other emergency responders were to help and care for these total strangers on maybe their worst day of their lives, and to them it’s just another call, just another day on the truck.

I saw it in her eyes as I looked at this picture, the compassion and concern this fireman had for these people. She was actually holding her chiefs turnout gear coat, while the others loaded up their gear to go back to the station.

Everyday these unsung heroes meet us at a time of crisis, without for the most part even a thank you. More likely than not, the victims of this accident will never meet the rescue crews again. Their bravery, although appreciated at the moment, will go unnoticed and unrecognized.

I had the chance to talk with a local fireman recently about some of the types of calls he has gone on. Basically he has seen it all, and as he put it “we all have.” But he still goes to work, he still gets on the truck, and he still comes when we call.

9/11 brought light to these brave heroes in New York, but they aren’t just in NY. They are in our cities and towns alike everyday. Next time you see one of them, give them a pat on the back. Thank them for pulling long shifts, coming out in the rain and the cold, for risking it all to save lives and property. You never know what tomorrow will bring. Like Sarah, don’t wish you had … love your family now. Don’t wait until tomorrow.

A special thanks to the fireman, paramedics, EMTs, Police, and rescue workers that get up every morning to make a difference in someone’s life. Thanks for coming when we call.



May God keep you safe as you watch out for others.


Remember Look Up, Live Life, and be Thankful

Kevin

Fallen but not forgotten

I ran into one of those tragic heart wringing moments last saturday evening. While searching the Internet for another SGT I served with, I came across a web site for Fallen Heros (http://www.fallenheroesmemorial.com/). I searched the list I saw two names that were all too familiar.



Before I get too far into this let me explain a few things for the none military readers: While in the Army I was stationed with B co 214th AVN Regt in Hawaii from '92 - '95 then at 101st AVN Brigade at Ft. Campbell, Ky till '97 when my enlistment was up and I pursued other avenues. Travelling from Post to Post during a stint or career in the military is just part of the Army life. Such was the case when I arrived in Hawaii.


The first day I arrived at my permanent unit (B Co 214) it was about 4pm and it was almost time to go home for the day. My sponser signed me into the unit Pvt. Kevin Hatfield and drove me to the barracks so I could get a room assigned. The CQ took one look at me with all worldly belongings in hand and said "Pvt. you are on latrein detail." I responded just breifly to inform him that I didn't have a room yet and didn't know where the latreen was (of course haven't even had the privilage to use it yet before I get to clean it). He quickly assigned me a room to drop my bags in and escourted me to the facilities.






I walk into my first toilet cleaning vacation in paradise to find two other privates already working things back into shape. Mike Russell greated me with the Virginia version of "What's up?" Mike, my age of 19ish had been in the unit only a few months and was in the Maintenace Platoon and was a CH-47 Chinook mechanic. We immediately hit it off. Mike over the next few years would become a good friend ( by good friend I mean, we talked a lot at work and had him over to the house a few times, including one party involving 'jungle juice' where mike spent a majority of the night on my sidewalk). Mike was the best kind of soldier. He not only was reliable and responsible, but also looked out for others. Later Mike moved to Flight Platoon and became a Crew Cheif under SSG Steve Marietta (Another of our countries finest). Mike took to the new job with enthusiam and poise. We served together till just before I left for Haiti when he was leaving for Ft. Carson Colorado. And as with many military relationships we lost touch shortly after.


I found out Saturday that he had been killed in Afghanistan in Kumar Provine June 28, 2005. At 36 I haven't had very many friends of mine die, so it came kind of sudden, but this I know of the Mike I knew so many years ago, he loved his job. Mike's MH-47 was part of the 160th Nightstalkers, which is the elite of the Aviation world in the Army. Only the best are a part of it, and they have there act together. It only seemed fitting to know that Mike was a part of that group. They were the story behind the movie Black Hawk Down and the pilot Michael Durant that was taked Prisoner in Somalia.


Mike is sadly missed by all who knew him I'm sure, and even my heart is not full knowing he is gone. But to me Mike is a hero. I pray one day in heaven we'll get to catch up on old times. Rest well my friend.

Mike Russell http://www.fallenheroesmemorial.com/oef/profiles/russellmichaell.html








Maj. Curtis D. Feistner "Curt" to those who knew him, was a different kind of soldier to me. I didn't know him the same way I knew Mike. Curt was also in B Co 214 while I was there. He was a 2nd Lieutenant when I first came to Hawaii, but I figured out pretty quick he wasn't the usual officer. Curt wasn't an ROTC kind of officer. And I mean no disrespect by that, but Curt was from West Point. Which means he was a strong leader. Enlisted men and officers don't mingle, so with Curt it was all business. As he moved up the ranks and eventually became a Captian, he became my Platoon leader and Flight Operations Officer.


Curt lead by example, he never asked us to do something he wouldn't do, and several times he was right there with us getting it done. Level headed, common sense, just an all around great guy. He did the Hawaii Iron Man Challenge and finished it. He wasn't the kind of leader to quite. I was on CQ duty at the hanger the day he competed. When it was all over his eyes were swollen and he looked as though he had been through hell. But he was just being himself.


Some of us younger guys used to joke with him about his car. Of course all young men were about there cars. If memory serves it was either a Buick LeSabre or a Chevy Celebrity that used to be his grandmother's, however it was a dull silver or grey. His response "It's paid for and gets me where I'm going." Common Sense! Curt used his head, he thought things through.


Curt left Hawaii while I was in Haiti for the 160th also, at Ft. Campbell. I saw him a couple of times there around post before I got out. He eventually received his command as a Major, and it wasn't just any unit it was E Co in the 160th. They just don't let anyone command there, they only allow the best to lead. I found that quite fitting. If I had served either in Desert Storm or this current campaign on Terrorism I would have wanted Curt at the helm. He was a true leader.


My favorite movie of all time is Band of Brothers, about E Co. 506th PIR 101st Airborne during WWII. The company commander's name was Dick Winters. If you are familiar with the movie, Curt was that kind of leader to me.



Curt was on a mission when his MH-47 went down in the Sea south of the Philippines on Feb 21, 2002. Curt was the kind of leader that if his troops were on a mission he wanted, and usually was, with them.



My fondest memory was a platoon hiking trip we went on with Curt leading the way. We hiked along the island dividing ridge on Oahu, Hawaii. He took a picture of all of us, and made sure we each got a copy. We spent the afternoon just taking about the Army and how great it was to be serving in such a paradise. Curt was very fond of Hawaii, I think it appealled to his outgoing nature.

Maj. Curt Feistner is sorely missed by all that knew him. And I'm sure the Army lost one of the best I ever met.



To all those that greive the loss of a loved one that served our great country, and gave their all for our freedom, no words could express the gratitude that I have. I am thankful to have served with both Mike & Curt, Heros to the core. Their memories and Spirit live one.


To all the Military still fighting: Keep up the good work. And Thanks for serving us back home.


Remember Look Up, Live Life, and Be Thankful

Kevin

Street talk

Have you ever been sitting in a public place and watch people walk by? Checking out their clothes, their mannerisms, hear their conversations, how they talk to each other? I was waiting on my wife and daughter in the mall yesterday, outside of a clothes store. If any man has ever been in this situation, you know I was there a while. So as I sat without a book or anything else to entertain myself, except my Orange Julius that cost me $4.30, so I was watching the people walk by.

Now before I tell you about the people I noticed, let’s discuss a couple of issues: I have spent a considerable amount of time thinking on this subject so if you’ve never heard this point of view don’t close me off till you hear me out.

The American Dream: From the beginning of our country, the Pilgrims came to this new land for a fresh start from England (and the Church of England). They were seeking the opportunity to practice free religion and the rights to decide for themselves how best to live their lives. Then later the Fore Fathers were tired of excessive taxation with out any representation in England’s government, so they declared their independence from their former government. This was finally obtained through the revolutionary war. Since then immigrants from around the world have moved to our country to embrace the freedoms we have here.

Bring this more up to date. As we travelled through the last century and industrialization came to the forefront, manufacturing and assembly lines with mass production made it possible for people to own more things. Then the marketing staffs came up with the idea of financing our purchases and making payments over time. Now this idea is as normal as bottled water today, but at one time being in debt was a shame because it meant you couldn’t afford to pay for the things you needed to buy. A good example of this was Lee Iacocca’s marketing scheme “56 in 56.” Buy a new ’56 Ford and make $56 payment for 36 months. Vehicles had only been financed for 12 months up to that point. Today 72 months and 84 month financing and leasing is a usual practice. Which makes the vehicle at normal driving of 15k miles a year wore out before the financing is over. This keeps the consumer in a negative equity trading pattern, which perpetuates longer financing. Plus the American entitlement mentality of always wanting bigger, better, badder, causes people to trade vehicles earlier continuing the problem. Ever wonder why the auto industry keeps coming out with newer body styles, and more choices each year? To keep you in the trade cycle. To keep the Retail Machine humming.

Now a days it’s not about being in or out of debt it’s more about what you have regardless if it has a payment booklet with it or not. I can say this because I spent over five years in direct sales, both inside and outside sales. During this time I sold well over a millions dollars of product, a majority of it was financed.

The commercialization of our nation has been more like indoctrination to the American Retail Machine that is driving our nation’s economy today. I prove this by saying; listening to any news cast this week and you will hear them talking about the housing market, foreclosures, the economy, and retail sales are down. The big three automakers GM, Ford, and Chrysler (actually this would be the old big three since Toyota is now in 2nd and are poised to take 1st from GM) are at record lows. They have increased sales with traditional gimmicks such as 0% financing, longer warranties, gas cards, huge sales, and such. Don’t miss understand me, I’m not against the auto industry. Everyone deserves to own a vehicle, but buy one that not only suits your needs, but also suites your budget. Do some research and buy the right vehicle at the right time. Cars are a usable commodity. They are not an investment (speaking about normal cars). Cars were never intended as a place to store money. Most vehicles loose a tremendous amount of value in a short period of time. Be careful, where you park your money.

The retail machine is like a thriving animal that has a constant appetite. It’s not important so much as what you buy as long as it’s something that is for sale in the retail market. The Old American Dream of owning a piece of land and having a house, with a family has been replaced with grand suburban homes, IPods, eating out, and American Eagle clothing. When & Why did our social status become linked to our ‘stuff’? Why has stuff taken precedence over character? Why when two men meet in the first few minutes they will find out how each of them make a living? The ruler in which we place social status is measuring the wrong things. Why is a doctor higher than a teacher, and a teacher higher than a janitor? A janitor higher than a garbage man, and so on, when in actuality they could all belong to the same moose lodge? This doesn’t make sense to me. Abraham Lincoln said in a speech “if you are a janitor, be the best janitor you can be.” Everybody is blessed with unique circumstances and opportunities. It’s like poker, you can’t help what you are dealt, but you make the best hand you can with what you get. The only difference is every hand is a winner, if you don’t measure with money.

The earth and everything here was created for the people on it. In other words, people are the most important ‘commodity’. Invest in people.

Let’s venture back to the mall, here’s the picture: I’m standing my post on a bench outside of a national clothing store (no names, copyright infringements, etc.) but let’s just say it’s a popular one with the ‘y’ generation of the teenager age. My daughter had some money given to her by a good friend of mine, and she wanted to buy some clothes (my wife was supervising this because obviously as a father and in my daughter’s opinion, I know zip about clothes, and my wife is making sure she’s being a good steward over her money). So I’m enjoying my over priced Orange Julius (in case you’ve never had one, it’s a mixture of various fruit juices over crushed ice, that taste like it was meant to have a shot of rum in it, although it’s a non alcoholic beverage) just watching America walk by. I saw some of the most interesting people. Now understand I make none of the following statements as derogatory to any particular group or ethnicity. One particular guy walked past me, he was rather large but probably 25ish if I was to guess. He was wearing the long baggy jean that looked like they were dirt faded, red shirt with some tribal logo from a local chopper shop, red hat backwards (of course) and earrings that could double as chain links. Now I mean no disrespect (all though I’m sure it sounds that way) I understand this is a style, I’m not that old. But however his appearance was the grungy slob. I wondered what he was trying to express with those earrings.

Ok, before we drop into a tangent, today I went to church this morning with my family, I wore a baggy pair of jean cargo shorts, a silk shirt, beige with the aloha style print, and a pair of sandals. I’m now wearing a pair of cargo shorts, gray t shirt with a chopper logo, and sandals till I took them off a few minutes ago. No ear rings, although there was a time when a single gold hoop or diamond stud was part of my normal wear. So don’t think I’m just another stuffed shirt. What intrigued me was I want to understand this new ‘style’. What’s on the minds of the ‘y’ generation?

My next recipient of my amazement was an awesome sight. A young girl probably 4 and her mother walked past a gum machine. The little girl dropped in a quarter and gave it a twist. When she opened the cover to retrieve her gum a few pieces fell out onto the floor. She carefully, under mom’s gaze, grabbed the rest of the pieces and as mom walked off, picked up the other three with the precision of a hawk. She gentle gave them a blow as to say ‘5 second rule’ as our eyes met. I couldn’t have helped myself even if I wanted, I gave a hearty laugh as thought to myself I probably wouldn’t have even blew them off. Having girls myself, that’s one of the things you can do, as long as mom doesn’t find out. It’s ok to eat off the floor with Dad.

I watched several people walk past with boxers hanging out the back and still wondered even with the belt how they seem to defy gravity. Numerous teenagers with ear phones hanging out of one ear, walking, and talking to friends, and wondered “Is it cool now? Or is it cool to sport your Ipod as a symbol or status? A group of four girls walked past all engaged to cellys stuck to their ears. A group of young people sitting around a table sending text to others in never ever land. If I had one of their numbers I would have sent a text saying ‘doesn’t anyone ever talk face to face anymore?

As time went by and my social security check gets closer waiting on my girls to finish shopping, I saw butt checks hanging from under shorts that were barely visible, tops that were both too low and to high for my taste. A variety of hair styles and color, numerous tattoos and piercings, and I came to this question; what are we teaching the next generation of this countries leadership. Somewhere here in this great nation the next president is walking in a mall with one ear phone in one ear and texting the first lady. I don’t think this is what our Forefathers had in mind when they wrote in ‘Separation of Church and State’. I pray for the teachers and administrators charged with the education of today’s youth, they need all the help they can get.

Parents, I speak from my own experience, take an inventory of our children. Monitor what they read, what they watch, and what they listen too. If it matches what you believe, great, but if it doesn’t do something about it now. As my daughter came out as proud as a princess could be she informed me she only spent $9.

Don’t let society intrude on your influence; we only get a short period of time to make the proper influence on our children. Live your life as an example they can follow.

This great nation was built of foundational principles, values, and morals. The retail machine is selling, and unfortunately we are still buying.

Just in case you were wondering, I’m only 35.

Remember Look Up, Live Life, and Be Thankful


Kevin