I've never met a veteran I didn't like, and I've never met a veteran whose story wasn't amazing. Personal pages of living history. Our history. Every human life is an important story that needs to be told, and everyone is a hero to someone. However, my passion, and photography focuses primarily on the military, veterans, and WWII historical preservation.. the stories, faces and heroes of the "greatest generation."

One such story is that of Jake McNiece, a name that may sound unfamiliar to most of you, but not to the halls of history and the great Second World War.
I had the great honor of meeting Jake this week when Ken, the kids, and I visited Martha and Jake in their home for about an hour, which in my mind was absolutely too short. I am forever grateful for their willingness to let complete strangers into their home as they greeted us at the door with hugs and handshakes.

So who is Jake and what did he do that was so important? According to Jake he did the same thing every other soldier did. Fought a war. Like many, Jake was just a young man from a small town, lived through the depression and dust bowl, and in his own words "joined the military only to help fight the war, and do his part and put an end to it."

But something interesting happened. Jake made history, in some unimaginable and legendary ways. Let me backtrack a bit. Jake McNiece was a paratrooper in the 506th, 101st Airborne division. He is the founder of the legendary "Filthy Thirteen". The picture above shows Jake (on the right) the day before they made their jump into Normandy on D-Day. That picture immortalized Jake and his unit and spawned inacurate stories from "a band of dirty Indians", "convicts", and even as far as a movie being made titled "Dirty Dozen." For the record, none of that information is correct. The only one who was close to Indian was Jake who has Indian ancestry, and none were convicts. The movie was highly inaccurate mostly because Jake refused to endorse the movie as he didn't want to earn blood money on his dead comrades. Hollywood in its usual manner created an outlandish war story sprinkled with a few facts.

I'll be honest, while reading Jakes book on the Filthy Thirteen, I initially wasn't sold on Jake as a person. He was as rough and tough as they come and unfortunately as many young men do, behaved and did things that any mother would not want her son doing. Yet as I turned the pages into Jake's life and experiences in WWII, I came to find that beneath his wild ways, Jake possessed those great qualities and characteristics typical of that generation, and ultimately Jake was a natural born leader. By the end of the book I found that Jake McNiece was a great man.

A paratrooper (demolition/saboteur) had one of the most dangerous jobs in the Army, in fact so dangerous that initially it was all voluntary. The Army estimated that the average life span of a paratrooper was one and a half jumps, or 50% casualties. That's because for the most part when they were jumping out of those planes, they were being shot at from the ground. Sounds a bit like a demented form of target practice to me. Jake said their unit actually experienced up to 70% casualties. When he was in the Pathfinders they had a casualty rate of 80%. The Army would put ten men in a "stick" as Jake liked to call it, because they figured they would lose 8 of the men which would leave 2 to do the job efficiently. On his first jump over Normandy for D-day, the pilot in his friend Jack's plane had already been shot in the head and killed. Not a great way to start your mission. If you made the jump then you had to stay alive long enough to fight the enemy face to face, all while trying to blow up enemy bridges or targets with only the explosives that you brought along with you.

Without recounting the whole book, Jake made an unheard of 4 combat jumps in 4 major campaigns. During his Army career he was constantly in trouble, so much so that regardless of the fact that he was in charge of men on the ground and technically an acting Sergeant, was pivotal in these campaigns, and earned numerous awards and medals, never made it past Buck Private, something he is actually very proud of. (To understand that you have to understand that Jake believed that a man should earn respect and never joined the Army to salute some higher up, stand in formation or all those intricacies of Army life, he joined to get the job done. The Army was in constant turmoil with Jake but in all reality knew they could not let him go. There wasn't a General out there that could get rid of Jake. In fact, when he volunteered for the Pathfinders he said (with a laugh) "it was about the only place the Army could kill you legally if they had no other way to do it."

We talked candidly and one learns quickly that Jake honors and reveres all those who fought and died in the war. He said plainly "War is hell, there were over 400 thousand who lost their lives and over 80 thousand still missing... when I visit the VA and walk the halls and see all the young vets from Iraq and Afghanistan missing limbs, it's hell, most of the public doesn't see that."

I wondered as I often do, how so many WWII veterans, who saw and experienced such horrible things, were able within reason to live productive successful lives, yet we see soaring numbers of PTSD cases affecting our troops today. Jake agreed and didn't hesitate to answer when he said "I believe that the Great Depression and Dust Bowl was ultimately a gift from God that prepared us and our nation to fight the war that we would be faced with. We learned some hard lessons. The current generation has not lived through extreme rough times which prepare you to face challenges." Martha also reminded us that the whole nation participated whether at home or abroad. Jake makes no excuses though and admits that he still has nightmares, but then again he said that every combat veteran has nightmares, but it doesn't deter him from enjoying life.

In the end Jake McNiece really isn’t about what he did, but stands as a witness of the 1000’s of stories that have gone untold from the war. When I asked Jake to sign my copy of his book, he asked if I had anyone in my family who has served. I explained that my grandfather served in WWII and my dad served in the 60’s. With that, Jake’s signature in the book was simple “Thank you for the service of your family.” That in itself lands Jake in my book of “ultimately cool hero.”

But let me clear something up. Here was a man who despite his wild ways as a young man (he gave that all up shortly after the war) led a successful, happy productive life, is quite soft spoken yet still has that witty blunt sense of humor that I believe helped him face insurmountable odds during the war and who at the young age of 91 devotes much of his time traveling to speak to groups about the paratroopers of the 101st Airborne.

In Jake's book he jokingly says that he survived because he was a trouble maker and the Lord didn't want him causing trouble in Heaven or Hell. As we wrapped up our conversation Martha mentioned that Jake has been living on borrowed time since 1945. I turned to Jake and said "well, maybe the Lord still can't figure out where to put you!" which made all of us laugh.

Jake, who during the war didn’t adhere to really anything, later embraced Christianity, stood as we were about to leave, asked for a word of prayer. There standing in his small simple living room, clasping hands together almost as a family with his wife Martha, Jake offered up one of the most simple humble but powerful prayers I have heard, asking for a blessing on us as we traveled and thanking the Lord Jesus Christ for all that we had. His hands still feel strong.

To end let me tell a bit about the photograph. The Filthy Thirteen photograph above shows Jake on the right, putting paint on one of the men's faces. I think his name was Manie. He never made the Normandy jump but died later in the war. True to Jake's antics and constant wild ideas and behavior, the reason for the Mohawk was simple. If Jake was going to fight in this war he was going to make the best of it, and decided that since he was from Oklahoma and that Indians would paint their faces before going into battle, he shaved his head and put on war paint. This must have also helped with the anxiety of the men who within hours may or may not be alive. It was this shot that immortalized the "Filthy Thirteen."

Thank you Jake for telling your story. Our generation needs to hear it.

Finally, thank you to my husband and children who support me as I chase down these 80+ year old men (and sometimes women) of the greatest generation to capture their faces and stories. I love doing what I do and like Hugh Nibley once said of those who love history "I love to learn something old everyday."

I think that one day Daria and Dustin will be able to look back and realize that they had a front row seat to learn history from those who lived it.

Life and times #2

It seems that December is just a busy month. Besides Dustin's baptism, it was of course, his birthday. We celebrated with a delicious dinner and homemade cake followed by opening a few gifts.

The cake was fun to create and easy to make and was none other than ..... you guessed it .... something to do with military. As I've said before when you enter our house lately you enter the militarized zone.

There were a few things Dustin got for his birthday that he's been waiting with bated breath to get.

The look of excitement from a boy with a new pellet gun

Number one, a pellet gun. This has been sort of a big deal. Big because I would rather have waited until he was like ten or twenty (ok, just kidding), Ken, who was raised on a farm learned to shoot probably before he could walk. Ok, ok, not really but you get what I'm saying. Eight seemed like a good compromise. For Dustin, one of his favorite things to do is head out to Grandpa's farm, put some empty cans out in the middle of a field and shoot them with a .22, and he's pretty good at it too. After Dustin got his pellet gun, he later complained saying "It's like I don't even have one, because I can only use it when you or dad are with me and it stays locked up!" Oh the woes of an eight year old! Duh! Again, if we lived on a farm it might be a bit different, but there's not a man out there that hasn't told me their "adventures" as a young boy with their BB gun which makes any woman wonder how boys even make it alive until their 18th birthday. Don't get me wrong, I am a supporter of the right to own a gun and have a few myself, but of course believe that training, respect, practicing safety, etc are a must. Daria claims she will "never" own a gun but if she did it would be the "pink" one that they advertise on the back of the box! She cracks me up.

Meet Joe, G.I. Joe and his 1964 jeep.

The second thing Dustin got was a 1964 G.I. Joe jeep. Yep, thanks to Celeste and my super savvy e-Bay buying, found that prized possession a while back. They just don't make toys like that any longer, so this was a big treat for Dustin. It actually has a spot light that works, and the headlights work, if we can figure out how to wire the old wires. Of course a few old G.I. Joe's were added to it. These are the "real" G.I. Joe's that came out before the movie, so they are actually modeled after real servicemen.

I had to include this picture, which strangely seems to have something to do with the first picture on this post. You know the one with Daria looking so sweet and kind with Joe. Not sure what happened to him but this picture looks oddly suspicious.

Honor anyway

As the day wore on I couldn't help but think of how disappointed I was not to be able to attend the return of Jeffery Johnson due to Dustin's appointment. Dustin was disappointed too. Then I realized if I picked him up from school just 30 minutes earlier, maybe, just maybe we would have enough time to show our respect and make it to his appointment..... and we did

It's difficult to describe the scene and emotions accurately. Suffice it to say, that from the local airport all the way to where I was standing (next to the funeral home) people were lined up on the streets. Hundreds and hundreds of people. Businesses closed, a few schools came out, a school choir sang for a 5 mile procession, flags waived, and it was quiet. All except the sound of the sirens and the mild hum of the Patriot Guard riders. Local leaders and congressmen attended in respect.

and he returns home

and not a dry eye

I love the Patriot Guard Riders. This is the first time I've seen so many, maybe over 100 or more, they just kept coming and coming.... and they will be at the funeral tomorrow too, standing in a flag line at the request of the family.

Semper Fi

for a view of the plane landing and those lined up on the highway go to this link.

http://www.hcnonline.com/articles/2010/05/19/tomball_magnolia_potpourri/news/052610_po_as_marine_cpl_johnson.txt

Our Nation Remembers...

Have you watched the movie "Taking Chance?" a true story based off of a Marine Chance Phelps who was killed in Iraq in 2004. It is one of my all time favorite movies, one that my whole family was moved by, and in my opinion one of the best movies ever made. I encourage you to watch it, and even watch it with your family when the kids are old enough to discuss the difficult consequences of war and serving. It is absolutely kid friendly, no violence, no sex, but does contain two curse words (I never like to justify cursing in movies so feel to warn you, however the curse words are mild if that makes any sense.)

This movie is moving and will reach the core of the soul. It brings out the depth of human emotions but especially helps us recognize what a family experiences when their loved one is killed in action. (just be careful when you choose to watch it, my mom and I watched it the last time she visited, right before she had to leave for the airport. Uhm .... not a good idea unless you want to go to the airport with big puffy red eyes and a stopped up nose)

The reason I bring this up is because of a poignant scene in the movie. As Chances body is being returned to his hometown, when he arrives, the streets are lined with citizens and Boy Scouts standing in silence holding American flags in honor of Chance's sacrifice.

Today, in our town, at 2pm this scene will become real once again as the body of Lance Corporal Jeffery W. Johnson, age 21, who was killed in Afghanistan on May 11, will be returned home to his family. The city has asked the citizens to come out, and line the streets in support. The Patriot Guard Riders will also attend, as they always do when requested.

I am extremely disappointed that I will not be able to attend to show my support and appreciation, as Dustin has a doctors appointment. But my mind will reflect on this throughout the day and my prayers for comfort and peace for the family and wife he is survived by.



May we always remember that freedom always comes with a cost, and is truly never free.

the Life and Times .... catching up on some important memories part 1

Dustin trying not to be nervous because he will be the center of attention

Well, a late out of date blog is slightly better than no blog at all right?? Thus the beginning of my "catching up on important memories" blog series. There has actually been a lot to blog about in the last 6 months, so I will make an attempt to bring everyone up to date on the happenings in our little family.

I'll start with December 2009. December is a busy memorable month under normal circumstances. However this past December it was even more memorable for Dustin, not just because it was Christmas time, and not just because December is his birthday month, but because he was able to be baptized, and join Cub Scouts.

I suppose we call could have smiled a bit bigger but this just happened to be the best shot we had.

Dustin and the Dad

I love this shot because it reminds me that Dustin just can't be serious about anything. He's always a bundle of excited energy!

Dustin and the Big Sister. Daria actually volunteered to give the talk on the Holy Ghost, although a few days before she experienced a bit of "did I really volunteer for that - nervous - what have I got myself into" emotions. She did a fine job and made a sweet card for Dustin too.

This is Dustin's primary teacher Sister B. Sister B. is the best teacher for the kids who are about to be baptized. I admire her for so many reasons and was so thrilled when Dustin got her for a teacher.

So let's recap. Dustin had a great baptism day. The room was full of well wishers all to celebrate Dustin's big day. Brother L. gave a great talk on baptism. In fact I wish I could have recorded it because I felt that it was one of the best talks on baptism for a child that I've ever heard. I wish I would have been able to record it. Brother L. is a good friend of ours. We've known him since we moved here. What was really cool and I thought inspired was that while Brother L. did not know Dustin's love and infatuation with the military, his talk centered around the Stripling Warriors, David, and "fighting" for the right things. It was very moving and I think explained baptism and the gospel to Dustin in a way that he could relate to, and Brother L. even gave him a sword of his own to remember this special night by. Dustin received his own set of scriptures, a tie tack from Grandma M. and a really neat baptism towel from Grandpa Reed and Grandma Carol.

Some things that made me laugh recently

Earlier this year when Dustin lost a tooth he left a note under his pillow for the Toothfairy asking if she would please leave him a twenty dollar bill. Our Toothfairy is pretty frugal, always leaves a dollar, something to do with your teeth (toothpaste, floss, etc) and a poem. The next time he lost a tooth he left a note wondering if she would leave him a two dollar bill because "he's always wanted one". Again, she left him a dollar, some toothpaste, a poem and then said that the next time he lost a tooth she would bring him a two dollar bill. So Saturday night (note the day and time) we were eating out at a restaurant. Dustin pulls his tooth out and with excitement exclaims "Alright! now I get a two dollar bill because the Toothfairy promised!" I thought I was going to bust out laughing and secretly hoped the Toothfairy could come up with a two dollar bill on a Saturday night ..... and the Toothfairy did not fail us. Dustin left a note under his pillow reminding the Toothfairy that she promised him a two dollar bill and of course was delighted to wake up to find one under his pillow.

I was talking to my sister on the phone yesterday. She spent the morning going through boxes of old items in her garage. Then she said "You are not going to believe what I found!!!!" I tried to imagine what nifty little piece of personal treasure she might have come across when she said "I found my Star Trek the Next Generation Technical Manual!!!" Apparently she hadn't seen it for a long time. This made us both laugh! It's funny the little things that people have as a hobby or are interested in. She still can't find her Klingon dictionary. We both laughed again!

Participated in a mother daughter activity last night at church. Daria was worried that I wouldn't be able to attend because I have Cubs every Wednesday. The activity was fun and what made me laugh was after all the "concern that I might not be able to attend" Daria had the "I really want my mom to be there but I don't want her to know I want her to be there attitude" during the activity. It cracked me up. However afterwords she boasts to Dustin "Mom and I had a great time it was so fun!" Like any good mom I just smiled but could not help but laugh!

Thoughts, Time, Technology ...... self assessment

This is a shot I took of Daria last weekend. Because I've not been blogging much, you may not be aware that I'm doing photography regularly now.

No I haven't given up on blogging. I have however realized how easy it is to let the busyness of daily life or the easiness of technology overshadow some of the things I enjoy that add sustenance to my day. For the record, I love to blog. I love to read my friends blogs. Period. I just absolutely love reading my close friend's blogs, and I like to blog. I love it more than I will ever even remotely like Facebook. In fact I have a like/hate relationship with Facebook. There are only a handful of reasons I like Facebook. 1. Easy to find and catch up on people or acquaintances that we've lost contact with over the years. 2. Get a message or pictures out to a lot of people quickly. 3. Keep up on events or groups of interest. But let's be honest, how is it possible to maintain over 300 friendships? if all those people were close "friends" would we have had to track them down? Or do we just have a fascination of peaking into someone elses life? The reasons I love to hate Facebook are too many to list here. But it boils down to one thing, it takes a lot more to maintain and fortify a relationship than a comment on Facebook will ever do.

Ok, ok, before anyone becomes offended or feels guilty, I am NOT trying to tell people they shouldn't use Facebook or that it's a bad thing. I mean, quite frankly I use Facebook too. It has its usefulness. But I still love to hate it. But for me personally I would rather pick up the phone and hear my friends voice, go to lunch, or read their blog describing life's ups, downs, joys, sorrows, defeats & victories, than to read a one line comment on Facebook that is nothing more than glorified texting. Both share information but I prefer the blogs. Phone calls, time in person, and blogs make me feel connected with my friends. It's the blogs that make me realize that we are all in the same big boat, good days, bad days, etc. For the record I recognize that blogging is not for everyone. I totally get it. But who can't pick up the phone? There's not one shoe that fits all, and sometimes the only way one may know about what is going on in someone elses life is through Facebook. But as I look back on the previous months where my blogging has slowed and where my "checking" Facebook activity has gone up made me think about how I spend my time. How do I put energy into my friendships? Is it good use of time that strengthens my relationship with that person? It's that "good" "better" "best" scenario that each person needs to decide for themselves what is most important to them. As usual, technology can be a blessing but with it always comes the challenge to maintain real one on one contact with another human being. It also challenges the ability to have a "real" thoughtful long conversation. Gone are the days of letter writing where the deep thoughts of one's heart were penned on pages of paper. I'm a hopeless lover of turn of the century letters where loved ones penned endless pages of their life to each other. E-mails and blogs took their place. But I've noticed another trend. Even e-mail writing has almost diminished and seems to be dominated by forwards or news and no longer the electronic way of sending a letter. I'm guilty of that too. Blogs have slowed. But one thing that has continued to rise is Facebook, yet often it lacks depth, substanance and doesn't really tell someone what is REALLY going on in their life. Like anyone else my challenge is to make more phone calls, spend more time, and write a little bit more.

I read a book years ago, titled "In the Company of Women". I don't remember too much about the book accept that it detailed how women are relationship beings. We are happier and even have better marriages when we have friendships. But it showed the statistics where women are so busy that they really are usually surrounded by endless "close acquaintances" and not "good friends" because they have to many acquaintances and not enough time to develop them into strong friendships. I really believe that is true. I don't ever think I've met a woman who has not said at one time "I wish I had a close friend." Like I said earlier, being a mother is a blessing, being a busy mother has it's blessings, technology has it's blessings...... but as with all things, without moderation, without balance and without nurturing what is important we can miss out on what really IS important.

Again, I did not blog this to make anyone feel bad for not blogging, writing, or calling. Quite the opposite, I wrote it because 1. The original reason I started to blog was to keep my family up to date on the day to day details of my life 2. To journal 3. To "keep it real" inspired by my friend Becky H. (from Utah) who at one time mentioned that she enjoyed blogs that "keep it real". 4. When I print my blog into a Blurb book to read later I want my children to see that even adults struggle with over use of technology and have to re-prioritize. 5. To keep myself accountable to what I think is important in my life.... capturing my personal history, one personal experience and sentence at a time even the relentless boring repetitive routine days.

Years down the road my grandchildren and great grandchildren will be able to get to know me by what I've written about my life. Something that Facebook will never be able to capture.