I am still trying to stay informed. Currently I am reading Killing Kennedy, by Bill O'Reilly, Ameritopia , by Mark Levin, The Communist , by Paul Kengor Ph.D. 

Working slowly on Marine  , and  Brute  a book about Victor Kulak.

 Finally a book Called,George Washington's Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior , which includes Washington's Farewell address at the end of his presidency,Army Retirement Address to the Continental Congress, First Inaugural Address,  and his Farewell to the Armies address Nov. 2nd 1783. It is always stressful to stay focused on reading,but I think it is necessary to be reminded of who I am while still living 12 years in a foreign nation with little or no personal feedback on a daily basis. ( By the way this book cost 6.98 )

I have voted by FAX in Orange County California, by special permission for citizens living outside the USA. I voted for a NEW hope and change.

I have written three Haiku to go with three paintings.Some people liked them. Truth be told it was too easy, I can't see how it can be called an art form.

I have been very upset by the Benghazi incident so I have followed every ounce of news available since 9/11/2012. There is much more to be heard and done here.My prayer is for someone it the main news media to run with true inside story.

I am happy for your Vacation . Thanks for sharing that.

Sincerely, 

I

 am still trying to stay informed. Currently reading Killing Kennedy, by Bill O'Reilly, Ameritopia , by Mark Levin, The Communist , by Paul Kengor Ph.D. 

Working slowly on Marine  , and  Brute  a book about Victor Kulak.

 Finally a book Called,George Washington's Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior , which includes Washington's Farewell address at the end of his presidency,Army Retirement Address to the Continental Congress, First Inaugural Address,  and his Farewell to the Armies address Nov. 2nd 1783. It is always stressful to stay focused on reading,but I think it is necessary to be reminded of who I am while still living 12 years in a foreign nation with little or no personal feedback on a daily basis. ( By the way this book cost 6.98 )

I have voted by FAX From Mexico to Orange County California, by special permission for citizens living outside the USA. I voted for a NEW hope and change.

I have written three Haiku to go with three paintings.Some people liked them. Truth be told it was too easy, I can't see how it can be called an art form.

I have been very upset by the Benghazi incident so I have followed every ounce of news available since 9/11/2012. There is much more to be heard and done here.My prayer is for someone it the main news media to run with true inside story.

I am happy for your Vacation . Thanks for sharing that.

Sincerely, 

Dear Steve,

Thank you so much for replying!  As I said before I have for years wondered about you and your well being.  For whatever reason you touched my wee heart when I was a child and I never forgot you. I don't remember the address of our home on Merkle but I do know our house was/is gray and at that time we lived between the Whiteman's and the Crider's..the Jacob's lived directly across the street and your home would have been perhaps a door or two away from the Jacob's.  I recall you coming to our home and swinging on our front porch swing with us..I also recal a time when at the end of the school year for you at Oakland Heights you invited me to go w you to pick up your grade card.  We were walking w my brother when I spotted a boy that had been unkind to me and I turned and ran home crying...you had no idea what had caused me to cry and run home.  I also, in later years (I was 17), saw you when I was working at a resturaunt in Marion called the Royal Buffet.  You were sitting at the little food bar drinking, I think coffee & working on a school (College) assignment. You were practicing, I believe, the writing of Japanese..or another form of asian writing.  We spoke but I don't recall if we acknowledge knowing each other.  But, I knew you..you smiled and said hi.

I do remember after hearing about your grandparent's no longer being able to care for you and you having  to go to a children's home how sad that made me feel...We were no longer living on Merkle but Ann Jacobs and I were friends so I knew a little of what was happening to you.  I am so sorry to now know how sad your childhood was. I did not know your mother had passed away when you were five...such a tender age..  You were and I am sure remain a very sweet person. The very fact you have done a complete turn around in your career, after having such an exciting one, and are now working at an orphanage makes my heart soar...you are doing something I have always dreamed of doing. However, in remembering your smile and the kindness I saw in your eyes, I am very sure the little ones in your charge are experiencing a gentleness they have never known.    

And yes I remember your grandfathers garden!!  If it is the one I am thinking of it was on the corner of our street...and I think I remember him wearing bib overhalls..is that right?

He grew tall beautiful green stalks of corn..  Ye gads it has been a  FEW YEARS..like 57 because I am now 62.

I know this all sounds goofy but it is all true...I have often wondered about you and your well being....my children remember me talking of you as does my brother and mother and of course my husband.  I pray you are happy and well.  I want you to know that you have never been forgotten.  I cannot explain any of this other than to say what I have said thus far.

I hope you stay in touch.  Maybe a few pictures would help..I believe there are are several of you with us... I will check next time I am in Marion...I am over there at least once a week helping my mother remain independent...!  I wish I could recall a Burt Riley but, I do not.   I am glad you two have remained close friends.  I too have a dear school friend that now lives in Arizona and we too have remained close.

Do write back and it's ok if nothing I have written jogs your memory.  I am just happy I found you and that you are OK..!!

Janis Snyder Tangeman

PS...What instruments did you play in the band and orchestra? 

...

---

Dear Janis 

I really don't have a very good memory from those days. Where exactly did you live?

We lived at 790 Merkle Ave.

My childhood was difficult since my mother died when I was 5 then when I was 15 my grandparents got sick and I was sent away to a children's home in Indiana for one year.I later returned to finish school at Harding while living with foster parents on the east side.

The most things I remember is my grandfather 's beautiful gardens. My best friend was Burt Riley, we are still close today. He still lives in Ohio.I also remember playing in the band and orchestra . I also played football for Edison. I was fairly shy in some things and not so much in others.

I am probably the person of whom you are thinking.

Sincerely ,

Steve Dawson

Reply to:

Dear Sgt Bud,

I sent you the last letter because I have been reading facebook about our fellow students and Marionites none of whom I knew. It seems that Marion was a lot bigger than I thought. There was a lot going on in that town that I did not have a clue. Many seemed to have a direct path to education and work. There were whole sub groups of people who were railroad people, Telephone Co. people, business people ,small and large. It seems that undertakers do well in Marion.

There were Tecumseh, Whirlpool, Shovel people. West end people. People who belonged to Demole , Northern Star, and Masons . Tons of people played baseball. and many others bowled.  

And I wanted to be a Cowboy!

Sincerely

Sgt Steve

Dear Sgt Bud,

I was thinking about my time spent as a kid and what I wanted to be. I wanted to be a cowboy , then a Marine as I got a little older. I did not want more! I had no higher aspirations that I can remember.

I was only a "c" student at best. So the Marines was my choice. After several years I realized that a guy could get killed doing that type of work! Then of course the opportunity came along to get out early on the extension to go to school , so I became a student. My goal was to graduate from the school of social and behavioral sciences at Ohio State University, of all things in Sociology, so very practical indeed. Ha Ha!

I attended some graduate courses in statistics and education and then went to law school at Capitol Law School while working at the City Attorneys  land Acquisition Office, then for the County Prosecutor as an investigator in the Special Investigations Unit.Mostly dealing with Organized crime. Then police officer in Colorado.I still did not have a plan for the rest of my life.

I moved to California and sold security systems to the rich people, worked in the movie industry as a location manager which seemed to fit me best and certainly paid the best. I probably worked at this for 17 or 18 years.The movie job had lots of benefits, health dental, travel, lots of it.After heart attacks and earth quakes they wouldn't hire me any more so I went back to criminal law. just to make some money. then as you know a missionary for 8 years. I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up!Pathetic eh?

Sgt Steve  

Dear Sgt Bud,

I was thinking about my time spent as a kid and what I wanted to be. I wanted to be a cowboy , then a Marine as I got a little older. I did not want more! I had no higher aspirations that I can remember.

I was only a "c" student at best. So the Marines was my choice. After several years I realized that a guy could get killed doing that type of work! Then of course the opportunity came along to get out early on the extension to go to school , so I became a student. My goal was to graduate from the school of social and behavioral sciences at Ohio State University, of all things in Sociology, so very practical indeed. Ha Ha!

I attended some graduate courses in statistics and education and then went to law school at Capitol Law School while working at the City Attorneys  land Acquisition Office, then for the County Prosecutor as an investigator in the Special Investigations Unit.Mostly dealing with Organized crime. Then police officer in Colorado.I still did not have a plan for the rest of my life.

I moved to California and sold security systems to the rich people, worked in the movie industry as a location manager which seemed to fit me best and certainly paid the best. I probably worked at this for 17 or 18 years.The movie job had lots of benefits, health dental, travel, lots of it.After heart attacks and earth quakes they wouldn't hire me any more so I went back to criminal law. just to make some money. then as you know a missionary for 8 years. I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up!Pathetic eh?

Sgt Steve  

Dear Cheryl,

Yes That seems much more reasonable 1888 than 1911 for Grandma. I can't wait to see a copy of Their mariage licenseI don't know much about Binau but we often went to visit in UpperSandusky,Her father or her brother was a captain in the city Fire Dept of Upper Sandusky for Like 30 yearsI wish that I could remember his name, Martha had a sister named Geneva who later became Miller living in Marion Ohio.

James F Ralph , his middle name is Fredrick ,is my biological dad , I had some things but not much on him. I never so much as had a picture of him and Henry and Martha would not let me find out anything. However, James's father I believed worked at the shovel the same time as grandpa, and it appears that they came both ,grandpa and James Ralph's dad Dana were both from Grand Prarrie Township and had grew together there, I believe that they were friends untill my mom got preg. My mom burned all pictures of James. The really interesting thing is, I heard that James was adopted, so was Gladys, so was I. So you see it would be next to impossible to trace blood lines much past mom and James.Unles one could get into adoption records if they have them.I would love to know the entire story but I doubt if I ever will. I think that James may have been in the Navy. It was very confusing as a child, as to who to call dad that includes Lew T Gleason. He had two daughters who always called me their brother , but I was not because there was no adoption, untill I went back to live with Martha and Henry. Even after I was sent to the Children's home Wernle Home in Richmond Ind. I got a new set of parents of Harold and Ruby Cook, but they were only foster parents, but remained like parents to me untill they died. What a life eh!

My mom ,Gladys was sick from Kidney disease most of her teen and short adult life  she died of it only five years after I was born. She missed lots of school and graduated in 1943 at 19, I was born in Oct 1944, she died 1950.

Well some of this history may clear the picture a little.
Have a good weekend !

Cousin Steve D
Hi, Steve,

I agree with all the birth years except Martha's.  Everything I have points to her being born 1888.  Henry & Martha were married Aug 3, 1907 per recorded marriage license in Marion County.

Got to tell you that you got me started back into researching "family" again.  Kinda put it on the back burner lately.  Now having fun "running" with your part of the family - Binau [thru adoption] & Ralph.  Havn't found death cert yet for Martha.

Can't find much about your mom's first husband, James S. Ralph, [isn't he your biological dad?] other than they went to same high school, found marriage announcement in Marion paper, & lived in Marion.  Know some "Ralph's" attended the wedding.  Can you help with anything else??

OIL OIL

Dear Sgt. Bud

He is driving up the price of oil, he believes it will force us into accepting his green agenda where we must buy electric cars, where we must accept big government to help us find a better way of life.Anyway by not drilling on federal land which is available, also off shore drilling is has mostly been halted, drives us to alternate energy.The United States is really Like Saudi Arabia in fact some say we have more reserve oil than they have. We just need to drill it. Oh yes the electric car business came from our tax dollar GM (government motors). Now the only people buying Volts are Government fleets contracts, so you are again supporting GM with your tax dollar. This is so stinking Marxist it makes me want to puke!! Remember the government made cars from the eastern block? The Hugo? The Soviets also really made some real beauties!

We are in a movement of change which is re distributing the wealth of our country, it is really quite sickening and very very sad.

We must stop him at the voting box local and state and federal.

Sgt Steve

On Wisdom of Old Men

Sgt Bud

I would say, most important is be a committed Christian . Know why you believe what you believe and know the history behind what you believe. Stand up for what you believe.

Serve your country in the military. Keep peace with as many as possible but not at the sacrifice of your principles.Know the Constitution and the Bill of Rights , I carry a pocket version. Study History Give tribute to the brave men and women who fought for freedom and teach your kids the same.

There are probably a few more. I am sure you can add some wisdom here!
Sgt Steve
Julio and I in Mexico

Dear Mike,




Ok I will try to buy you a Cadillac some day if you are a good boy.I don't know about guns but I have seen you shoot and you are quite good!I am wondering what kind of trash would take a man's weed eater? You do have lots of musical talent and no one can take a picture like you. I really love your photos. I suggest not to hide your talents under the bed.



On the other hand, the end of our lives is drawing near and at this time it would be good for anyone as the primary importance to make sure things are right with God. The bible says all our works will be burnt up like hay. Our righteousness is purchased by Christ through faith not by works that none should boast. The Bible says that to "seek Ye first the kingdom of God and all things will be added to you". I believe that to be true.



I also deliver my wife to places for shopping while waiting I invest in the kingdom by memorizing the below items , I even like to sing to sing or repeat the Doxology which is

Praize God from whom all blessings flow, Praise Him above the heavenly hosts, Praise Father , Son and Holy Ghost, Amen



Well that is all for now God Bless You

Love you as a Brother,Steve



ps Below are those things I believe committing to memory will fill your life.





　

The Ten Commandments

1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

3. Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

4. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

5. Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

6. Thou shalt not kill.

7. Thou shalt not commit adultery.

8. Thou shalt not steal.

9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

10. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.





The Lord's Prayer Words

(traditional)





Our Father, which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy Name.

Thy Kingdom come.

Thy will be done in earth,

As it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

As we forgive them that trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

But deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom,

The power, and the glory,

For ever and ever.

Amen.





Apostle's Creed

I believe in God,

the Father almighty,

Creator of heaven and earth,

and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the Virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died and was buried;

he descended into hell;

on the third day he rose again from the dead;

he ascended into heaven,

and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty;

from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic Church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and life everlasting. Amen.

What I took away from the war?

Dear Sgt. Bud,



The last letter got me to thinking about this subject. I think there were some overall lessons. However first of all is never put your trust in politicians , any of them. They are by nature LIARS.

That being said , I learned that ideology is important, probably in all things.Each human is capable of great acts of selflessness and at any moment can commit atrocities with equal vigor. Bravery is often accomplished without thinking, because if you thought about it you might not do it. Real bravery is where they think and still do it. Saving life seems instinctual as well as snuffing it out when the need arises.

War seems to be making a point at the expense of the young, brightest, and best from your nation. I suspect if the old men had to fight, it would be over much sooner.

Don't get wounded at night when and where the choppers cant get you out.

Always Share c rations with your Corpsman and he will always remember you and find some morphine when you are wounded even slightly.

Smoking outside is best left for daytime.

Never pray for rain

It is very unpleasant to poop while during ground combat.

Leeches will let go if you squirt insect repellent on them.

Your co combatants are you best chance to get out alive.

Always smile and give thumbs up to the helicopter guys because you life depends on them many times in many actions. Always buy them drinks when you encounter them in a bar.



Fox holes should be deep if you have time. Oil and sharpen your bayonet it has so many good uses including killing of course. When the enemy flares go off don't move until it goes out. Check your feet every couple days for rot.

Well that is some of the things that I took away from the war. How about you?



Sgt. E 5 S.C.Dawson USMC

Do you remember my Grandparents basement? First there were  piles of National Geographics on the steps top to bottom. On the right was his work bench where he repaired shoes, sharpened lawn mowers using some kind of oily grit. He had National Geographic  maps on the wall hanging from tubes so you could roll one up and another down. My grandma had a large set of shelves filled with canned jelly, and tomatoes and other stuff. On the left side of the stairs was my Grandma's wash machine , it was round, and on the top were two rollers to squeeze the water out of the finished clothes.
 Grandma hung the clothes outside on lines in the garden. I don't remember what she did in the winter. Also  I think Grandpa had National Geo on the steps to the attic.

It is funny about the roller skating I never thought about it till I saw a skate Key on the internet. Never entered my mind. Funny what words can do. Between when I was born and my mom's death we lived on Park-view lane by Garfield Park, We lived  a block or so north from  the Hi way Roller Rink...you used to take me there when I was two or three and very often after that. So I learned to skate very early.

 At some time when I was a baby one or two we lived right on the corner of West  Center and David streets in a two story duplex. I used to ride my tricycle on that corner. There was a firehouse next to us on the east.The duplex is torn down now.

We also lived out further on west center on the north side of the street. The trains would pass right behind our backyard really close and sparks would fly out when they applied sand to the brakes. That stuff really scared me when I was a baby.I still remember the screeching.