Wharf Rat's Home - A Shipmate Who Never Made it to Sea.

'It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.'

Preserving a piece of US Maritime History - invaluable

The USS Olympia is a cruiser that fought in the Spanish American War in 1898 and has been preserved in Philadelphia. She's a one of a kind ship, a national historic monument, and in danger. She needs approximately $10-15 million in repairs to keep her a viable museum for years to come. If you have the resources, or connections to those resources, please consider helping. (full disclosure - there is no financial benefit to me to ask the question - we need to save this ship for posterity). Please contact me at 612-599-1935 or bdskon@fedex.com if you have additional questions.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Story of a Fighter Pilot: The Story of Cadet Matthew Joseph La Porte

http://blog.projectwhitehorse.com/the-intersection/v-sheepdogs-and-white-horses/2-story-of-a-fighter-pilot-the-story-of-cadet-matthew-joseph-la-porte/

"Mathew Joseph La Porte, Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets – Air Force ROTC scholarship – never got the chance to be an Air Force fighter pilot, but if a German Ace – Adolf Galland (104 aerial victories) – is a credible source to correctly define the breed – "the spirit of attack born of a brave heart" – then Cadet La Porte's death on April 16, 2007 was that of a true fighter pilot in every sense."