On Monday December 22, 2008 I had an appointment at the Veteran's Hospital in Dublin, Georgia.
A slogan we hear all the time, "Freedom is not free.", became a fact as I witnessed the men and women at this facility. On leaving the campus I noticed an inscription on the back of the main entrance sign, "The cost of freedom is visible here." That really drove home just how much many of our men and women pay so we can enjoy what we have. The economic crises and the bail out of the auto makers are not the main concerns of the Veterans there in the hospital and nursing home, rather how are they going to cope with living with out parts of their bodies. Almost every one of the people I talked to there were not depressed or bitter, but have accepted what happened to them as a result of doing their duty for their country. They are amazing people.
While I was there a group of children, probably about ten years old, along with a few adults were getting ready to have a Christmas program for the hospital and nursing home. I know there has been an email going around about sending Christmas cards to Vets at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington DC, which is a good thing. In every state I believe there is a Veterans facility, so why not visit a Vet instead of sending a card.
As a Veteran I was both proud that I could associate with those who are the true heroes, and upset that we treat our wounded warriors with such
insensitivity. If you want a truly rewarding experience, and a way to share the Christmas spirit visit a Veteran's Hospital or Nursing Home, cards are fine but a visit and a prayer are so much more.
We are
- Ben and Patti Maxedon
- Zebulon, Georgia, United States
- Almost empty nesters.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Happy about the season.
Two, two year old cousins waiting for Christmas. Every year Patti, Kris, and Shannon put up the Christmas decorations the day after Thanksgiving, which excites the little ones thinking that it is time for Santa Clause.
Nutcracker 2008
For the second year Ema performed in the Nutcracker ballet.
Of course, she posed for the cameras afterwards, sporting a huge bouquet of flowers befitting a prem
ier ballerina.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Veteran of the Year 2008
On Friday November 7, 2008 Pike County held its third annual Veteran's Day celebration. There was a lot of military service people there past and present. Ed Jones, (Patti's father) was honored as the Veteran of the year. (scroll down for a brief bio on Ed).
The program was amazing and honored all veterans. If you get a chance next year it is a must for every one.
For more information and comments on the program go t0;
http://www.pikecountytimes.com/
The program was amazing and honored all veterans. If you get a chance next year it is a must for every one.
For more information and comments on the program go t0;
http://www.pikecountytimes.com/
DOUGLAS EDWARD JONES, SENIOR (Army Retired)
VETERAN OF THE YEAR
Best known as Ed, Douglas Edward Jones, Senior was born December 23, 1924 in Pike County Georgia. Ed was raised in, and except for his tours of military duty, has lived in Pike County his entire life. Married to Margaret Hester Doan in 1956, they made their home in Pike County with their three children, all of which continue to live in Pike County also. Ed’s family includes twelve grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Ed has the unique distinction of being one of a hand full of veterans that served in three major conflicts, WWII, Korea, and Viet Nam. Even though Ed’s twenty eight years of service took him to many duty stations, both at home and over seas, he always maintained the connection to his roots in Pike County.
During Ed’s service in WWII, he served in the combat infantry division that liberated the Philippians and later was in Tokyo Bay when Japan signed the surrender. Ed earned a Purple Heart for wounds received from a grenade during WWII.
Ed went on to serve in the Korean War under General Douglas McArthur in the 3rd Infantry Division, A Company.
In nineteen sixty seven Ed returned to combat in Viet Nam. Assigned to Headquarters 2nd Battalion 12th Calvary and 1st Calvary Division under Major General George I. Forsyth.
After retiring from the Army in 1972, Ed continued to serve his community. Ed worked various jobs full and part time through the years, but always found time to be the chief cook for all functions at his church, First Baptist Church of Zebulon. Ed gained wide spread notoriety for his baked goods, especially his dinner rolls and cinnamon rolls. For years Ed’s baked goods were sought after and served at almost every function in Pike County and in many homes.
Ed’s life has spanned over eight decades, and his sense of duty and service has included both military and community commitments. You would be hard pressed to find a person more loyal, and who has a greater recorded of servitude than Douglas Edward Jones, Senior. For both his accomplishments and service in the military and to his community, we are proud that he has been honoured as Veteran of the Year 2008.
VETERAN OF THE YEAR
Best known as Ed, Douglas Edward Jones, Senior was born December 23, 1924 in Pike County Georgia. Ed was raised in, and except for his tours of military duty, has lived in Pike County his entire life. Married to Margaret Hester Doan in 1956, they made their home in Pike County with their three children, all of which continue to live in Pike County also. Ed’s family includes twelve grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Ed has the unique distinction of being one of a hand full of veterans that served in three major conflicts, WWII, Korea, and Viet Nam. Even though Ed’s twenty eight years of service took him to many duty stations, both at home and over seas, he always maintained the connection to his roots in Pike County.
During Ed’s service in WWII, he served in the combat infantry division that liberated the Philippians and later was in Tokyo Bay when Japan signed the surrender. Ed earned a Purple Heart for wounds received from a grenade during WWII.
Ed went on to serve in the Korean War under General Douglas McArthur in the 3rd Infantry Division, A Company.
In nineteen sixty seven Ed returned to combat in Viet Nam. Assigned to Headquarters 2nd Battalion 12th Calvary and 1st Calvary Division under Major General George I. Forsyth.
After retiring from the Army in 1972, Ed continued to serve his community. Ed worked various jobs full and part time through the years, but always found time to be the chief cook for all functions at his church, First Baptist Church of Zebulon. Ed gained wide spread notoriety for his baked goods, especially his dinner rolls and cinnamon rolls. For years Ed’s baked goods were sought after and served at almost every function in Pike County and in many homes.
Ed’s life has spanned over eight decades, and his sense of duty and service has included both military and community commitments. You would be hard pressed to find a person more loyal, and who has a greater recorded of servitude than Douglas Edward Jones, Senior. For both his accomplishments and service in the military and to his community, we are proud that he has been honoured as Veteran of the Year 2008.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Halloween 2008
On Halloween we had a ballerina and a monkey show up at our house. Ema will be in the Nutcracker again this year; Tobey loves monkeys, so the costumes were not much of a reach.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Pike County Tax Collectors
We all know that the government can force you to pay your taxes, well in Pike County Georgia the Tax Collectors make no bones about taking your money. Armed and amusing the Tax Collectors showed their true colors on Halloween.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Trip to Jacksonville, FL
We took a long weekend and visited Javier in Jacksonville. Didn't really do much just hung out with Javier and Lori.
On Sunday we went to The Naval Air Station for the air show featuring the Blue Angels. The whether was a little chilly, but we had a great time.
Before leaving Patti had to see the beach. Of course it was too cold for swimming and the ocean was a little rough, but she got to see and smell the beach.
On our way home we stopped at the outlet mall in Valdosta. If you are thinking about going, don't. Most of the stores are closed due to the economy. The stores that are left are either going out of business or their prices aren't any lower than any where else.
We did get gas for $2.11 per gallon.
On Sunday we went to The Naval Air Station for the air show featuring the Blue Angels. The whether was a little chilly, but we had a great time.
Before leaving Patti had to see the beach. Of course it was too cold for swimming and the ocean was a little rough, but she got to see and smell the beach.On our way home we stopped at the outlet mall in Valdosta. If you are thinking about going, don't. Most of the stores are closed due to the economy. The stores that are left are either going out of business or their prices aren't any lower than any where else.
We did get gas for $2.11 per gallon.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Jeri's booth at Concord
This weekend was the Concord Jubilee, our local arts and crafts market. This year our daughter-in-law Jeri had a booth for her "Sweet Bowtique" business. They had a lot of fun and did pretty good in sales also. Check out her link listed on this page.
Good job Jeri, maybe you can support us in our old age.
The class of 1978
This weekend Patti had her thirtieth class reunion, the Pike County High School class of 1978. About thirty class mates showed up for a cook out Saturday afternoon. They enjoyed lots of good food, endless stories, and great fellowship. The whether was rather chilly with a stay breeze, but that didn't cool the spirits of the 1978 Pirates.Friday, October 17, 2008
Vacation 2008
We took a driving vacation this year, going almost 2800 miles. First thing we did was go to Kentucky and joined up with Ben's sister Brenda and her husband Ron. Good people to hang out with.
From Kentucky we went north in to Ohio and Amish country.
We turned west and stopped in Indianapolis,
IN. to see the Indy Raceway.
Continuing west we stopped in Paris, Ill to see family.
Pushing westward on to St. Louis, Mo. where we
went to the top of the Arch (proving it is a small world, we ran in to a friend from Zebulon, our home town in Georgia) and visited several sites of interest before heading back east.
We stopped in Kentucky to see more family.
From Kentucky we went north in to Ohio and Amish country.
We turned west and stopped in Indianapolis,
IN. to see the Indy Raceway.Continuing west we stopped in Paris, Ill to see family.
Pushing westward on to St. Louis, Mo. where we
went to the top of the Arch (proving it is a small world, we ran in to a friend from Zebulon, our home town in Georgia) and visited several sites of interest before heading back east.We took the southern route back stopping at Churchill Downs (ho
me of the Kentucky Derby) and Fort Knox (home of all the gold).
We stopped in Kentucky to see more family.
We went to "The Creation Museum", a very large place that covers Genesis so that kids and adults can understand and enjoy it. Movies, displays, discussions, the true creation. If you can, it is well worth the 8 hours or more it takes to go through it.
We returned Brenda and Ron home.
We headed home by way of Pigeon Forge, TN, Gatlinburg, TN, and over the Smokey Mountains to Cherokee, NC, then back to Georgia. We stopped to see Kris in Athens, GA (he is back at UGA working on a masters degree).
It took us about 12 days and about $500 in gas to make the trip, but it was great.
Shannon and the Gator
Can you believe our young lady Shannon hunted down and killed a gator. Over eight feet long. She says it wont be her last.
Cisco and family
Cisco, Jeri, Ema, TobeyThey live here in Zebulon.
Need to check out the link to the "Sweet Bowtique", Jeri's store. and "Pink and Posh".
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