E recycle event

Met with Louis Sarkis from Blue Star Electronics LLC...think we will use them for Warwick's event



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Departing Commander Leonard D. Santiago ... And family

Right now, we are in the middle of Route 46 and I am reflecting on the events from Friday.



After 22 years of service in the US Navy, one of my best friends retired. Len and I have been friends since high school...one of my best buddies who I called throughout college heart-breaks and other hard times. I am surprised he doesn't have permanent dents on the side of his head from falling asleep during some of those phone calls. His beautiful wife, Marsha, and I have been friends since SECOND GRADE!!!! As time goes on, I have come to realize that Marsh and I have always been sisters at heart. It has been very heart-warming to see our families grow and the next generation become good friends.


The Friday ceremonies were held at the Third Fleet Naval headquarters at Point Loma, in San Diego. Upon on our arrival, we were directed to a lookout overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It turned out to be a beautiful day, our friend Brian even got a little sunburnt.



Surrounded by the flags of each of the states, Commander Santiago entered the ceremonies with Rear Admiral John Hines. During the emotional program, Len was awarded with a medal, messages from President Obama, Governor Lingle of Hawaii and the Governator. Marsha and the kids also received messages of appreciation from the Navy. The Navy also presented certificates to Marsha's mother and some of Len's aunts and uncles...they were a huge support to Marsha and the family whenever Len was deployed because both of Len's parents have passed.





Rear Admiral Hines spoke of Len's leadership, dedication to the Navy and the people with whom he was responsible for, the sacrifices of not only Len, but that the whole family has made during the times that he was deployed or had to be at work early/late. But, to anyone who knows Len, this is not a surprise...as PJ said in a speech later that evening, his father loves the Navy...most people talk "story", Len talks "NAVY". During a few recent crises, (the Carnival ship that was stuck without engine power and others), I remember watching the news and thinking, Len will take care of it....and sure enough he was instrumental getting that spam to the ship. BTW: the Navy did not order the food for the ships...

Now that Len is gone, I don't know if I feel as "safe". There is something comforting knowing that he was there....

More to come....

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My Name Is Old Glory

The following poem was read during the flag presentation. Maybe it was the deep commanding voice of the MC or the presence of the so many people who have fought for our country, but, this was a moving part of the program...then again, I can cry at the sight of a flag waving in the sky....

Here are some pictures from the Flag Presentation, followed by the poem...






















------------
I am the flag of the United States of America
My name is Old Glory.

I fly atop the world's tallest buildings.
I stand watch in America's halls of justice.
I fly majestically over great institutes of learning.
I stand guard with the greatest military power in the world.
Look up! And see me!

I stand for peace, honor, truth, and justice.
I stand for freedom.
I am confident . . . I am arrogant.
I am proud.

When I am flown with my fellow banners,
my head is a little higher,
my colors a little truer.

I bow to no one.
I am recognized all over the world.
I am worshipped.
I am saluted.
I am respected.
I am revered. I am loved.
And I am feared.

I have fought every battle of every war for more than 200 years...
Gettysburg, Shilo, Appomatox, San Juan Hill, the trenches of France,
the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome, the beaches of Normandy,
the deserts of Africa, the cane fields of the Philippines,
the rice paddies and jungles of Guam, Okinawa, Japan, Korea, Vietnam,
and a score of places long forgotten by all but those who were with me.

I was there!

I led my soldiers.
I followed them.
I watched over them...
They loved me.
I was on a small hill in Iwo Jima.
I was dirty, battle-worn and tired,
but my soldiers cheered me,
and I was proud.

I have been soiled, burned, torn and trampled on the streets of countries
I have helped set free.
It does not hurt . . . for I am invincible.
I have been soiled, burned, torn and trampled on the streets of my country,
and when it is by those with whom I have served in battle . . . it hurts.
But I shall overcome . . . for I am strong.

I have slipped the bonds of Earth
and stand watch over the uncharted new frontiers of space
from my vantage point on the moon.

I have been a silent witness to all of America's finest hours.
But my finest hour comes
when I am torn into strips to be used for bandages
for my wounded comrades on the field of battle.
when I fly at half mast to honor my soldiers...
and when I lie in the trembling arms
of a grieving mother at the graveside of her fallen son.

I am proud.
My name is Old Glory.
Dear God . . . Long may I wave!



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Da Brothers...and family

Len is the eldest of 5 siblings....three brothers and one sister. Unfortunately, Joy was not able to make it...but, all the brothers were there, flying in from Hawaii, Sacramento and Santee (as Len refers to it, "Santucket")

Here is a pic of Da Brothers




And some of the family, David's wife (2nd from the right) just had their second and Baby Bro Neil (on the far right) is expecting his first in February



At the earlier ceremony, they took a picture with the extended family....and they came from ALL OVER, Molokai, No. Cal included...



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Don't ya love Cyber Monday?

WHOO HOO! I know, I have posted on the blog in AGES...I would make excuses, but, the only excuse I have is that I am busy in Cyber mode....cyber shopping...

I found this great leather iPad case online at HD Accessory.com. It was only $8.36 (30% off their low prices), even with S&H at $5.90 ... it was a great deal. The quality seems really good...so, let's see how long it lasts! The best thing...it still fits in my quilted case that I made to hold the iPad and all of the cables!

Other activities have kept us busy...will chat about that after the weekend. I promise...multiple post next week...we have an EXTREMELY busy weekend.

las Vegas Food!

Ok, so, I know there are some people waiting to see pictures of food..I have most of them except for Pop's Cheesesteaks because we inhaled those! They were majorly good!

So, saimin from the Cal


...then we have Korean chicken and Kalbi...yummmmmy! I didn't know I was in the picture..sorry...





Oh, we have a picture of Pops


And Robertos...once again no food...but we all know what rolled tacos look like...right?



And for dessert....Nielsens Frozen Custard...oh man, I am now an addict...any frozen custard in the Bay Area?



Jeff and I (and Neil) think his was the best...maraschino cherry cement!



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Matsuri!

On Thursday night, we went to see Matsuri at Imperial Palace. It was a small scale Variety show. All of the acrobats/ performers are from Japan. I guess the show is called "Muscle Musical".

Guess who was called onto the stage....NEIL! He played ring toss with the performers....hahaha...


He has a pouty face until the camera snapped his pictures...





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