Good Bull Aggie Story....

Got a little story for ya Ags!

This is a bit long, but please bear with me because it truly highlights why Aggies are such a special group of people. Prior to departing for my first overseas assignment (Syria), my family had a going away party for me in Austin and invited my friends from college. All of us had worked together as medics at Texas A&M EMS and had become quite close over the years.

Little did I know that my mom had e-mailed all of my friends ahead of time and asked each of them to bring a memento or a little something to remember them by. People brought something different and unique and my mom put them all together in an album. There was one item in particular that was too big to go in an album. It was a glass jar covered in milk cows with a clear, glass Christmas ornament in it wrapped in paper towel. It looked a bit dusty on the outside when I went to open it. Too my surprise, the ornament was filled with ashes and on the outside it said “’94 Aggie Bonfire.” I had just been entrusted with the remains of one of the most sacred traditions at Texas A&M. Since the 1999 Bonfire tragedy, which took the lives of 12 students, A&M has not had an officially sanctioned Bonfire. For those that had the opportunity to participate in Bonfire know that it was a monumental undertaking that brought students from all walks of life together for a common cause. No other university event built the kind of camaraderie that Bonfire did.

Knowing that I had such a personal treasure, I did my best to protect it knowing that some day I would return it. I made the decision to take some of the ashes out and put them in something a little smaller and easier to carry. I took 2 little Tabasco bottles from a MRE and replaced the sauce with Bonfire ashes.

Most of you know I have the opportunity to travel quite a bit with my job, sometimes a lot more than I want. Not only did I take these ashes with me to Syria, but these two little bottles have traveled all over the world with me to over 30 different countries.

Jennifer Johnson ‘98, known to most of us as Jenn Carr, was the person who entrusted me with something very special to her and sacred to all of us. I carried two Tabasco bottles with me so I could keep one and give one to Jenn when I returned the ashes back to her. Jenn, I’ve had these ashes for 8 years now and I think its time I give them back to you. Thank you so much for giving me such an extraordinary keepsake that has been with me through thick and thin.

Truly Good Bull. Thanks and Gig’em!!!

 

Asharq Al-Awsat Reveals Details behind the Attack on Arms Smugglers in Sudan

London, Washington, Asharq Al-Awsat- At a time of continued uncertainty surrounding the details of the attacks which targeted an arms-smuggled operation – described as Iranian – to the Palestinian Hamas movement via Sudan, credible sources have revealed new information to Asharq Al-Awsat regarding this attack. The sources revealed that the Sudanese government received a warning from the US prior to the attack; the warning stated that a third-party was monitoring the operation which aimed at smuggling weapons from Sudan to the Gaza Strip through the Sinai Desert, and warned the Sudanese authorities to cease any such operations. One source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that an American official had telephoned a Sudanese official and delivered a warning, stressing the importance of this warning reaching the highest authorities in Khartoum, and stressing that any [arms smuggling] operation cease immediately. According to Asharq Al-Awsat sources, the [smuggled] arms were flown from Khartoum to Port Sudan, where they were transferred onto 4 boats which would smuggle them via sea, while the rest where placed upon the 17 vehicle convoy which would travel by land. The "unknown" aircrafts, which were later described as being Israeli, attacked the boats sinking them; while the convoy of vehicles was attacked by laser-guided missiles destroying them completely. Dozens of people were killed in the attacks. There is still uncertainly regarding the actual death toll of the attacks, with some estimating the death toll at around 39, while others indicating that the number is much larger than this. A Sudanese official last week claimed that the true figure lay at more than 100 dead, although Asharq Al-Awsat sources ruled out the death-toll being more than 100.

Inauguration 2009

Election Reaction

Good Morning Everyone,

Most of you will be waking up to the news that Barack Obama has been elected as the 44th President of the United States. This is a historic moment for our country considering the fact that we have elected the first African American President. People here and elsewhere in Africa are ecstatic, especially in Kenya where Obama still has relatives.

I know that this news is exciting for some of you and disappointing for others. Regardless of how you voted or how you feel about the outcome, one thing that this election did was get Americans involved again in our political process and that's something to be proud of. I remember election day in Iraq when scores of people lined up to vote, many for the first time, at the risk of being killed or seriously injured. Their turn out was far bigger than any election that we've had in recent times, which is pretty sad considering we are supposed to be the role model for democracy in the world.

The American people have been apathetic and uninvolved in our political process for too long. We've allowed our politicians to inflect their will on us and get us into some very troubling situations. I know that it's very easy to go about our daily lives and not worry too much about what the folks are doing in Washington, but people it's about time we start holding our politicians accountable for their actions. We put them there and we can easily oust them only if we stay involved.

Our country is facing some very tough times and no doubt, Senator Obama and his administration have some big challenges ahead. We will be experiencing changes in our country over the next four years. I ask that each of you, regardless of your political party, do the following: Pray for our country and it's leadership. I've seen first hand the toll that running our great country has on its leaders. It's no easy task and our leaders can use all the help that they can get. Get involved and stay involved. If there is something being done in our government that you don't agree with, do something, don't just sit on your butt and whine about it. The beauty of our democracy is that we have the right to speak out against things we disagree with.

We as Americans take so much for granted. We are so fortunate to live in a place where we have the freedom to choose the people that govern us. Sudan is ruled by a military dictator. Syria "elects" their President only because he's the only one on the ballot and jails his opposition. I am just glad to have had the chance to cast my vote for the candidate of my choice. Many in the world aren't afforded such a precious opportunity.

So while some of you are toasting and others are roasting, just remember this is our country and each of us has a duty to stand up for what we believe in and fight for what is right. Even to this day it gives me goose bumps when I see a blue/white airplane with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA land in a foreign place because I know that I live in the greatest country in the world.

Never Forget 9-11-01

I just wanted to share this picture of the stadium at Texas A&M on September 22, 2001. For one game every year, we do a maroon out of the stadium. Someone came up with this idea after 9/11. This entire event was organized by students in just 11 days. They printed over 100,000 t-shirts and raised over $150,000 for the victims of the attacks. I was working EMS and standing on the field most of this game. It was an amazing sight and experience. Never forget!!!

Around town...

My new home....

My bedroom, living room, office, and a view from my bed. So far, only one mosquito has made it past the defenses and lost his life as a result.

Olympics in Beijing.....A BIG mistake

I hope the International Olympic Committee comes to the realization that granting the 2008 Olympic games to China was a big mistake. China pledged in 2001 that the games would promote the development of "democracy and human rights." The Chinese government is miserably failing this pledge and is further abusing the rights of its citizens (if they have any) and those of the international community.

Many are blaming China for the problems in Darfur. Steven Spielberg resigned his advisory position in protest of their role in the crisis in Sudan. I don't blame China for the atrocities that are being committed in Darfur, but they are protecting the Sudanese government from any action by the United Nations. The Chinese government has blocked measures in the security council while it continues to buy oil and provide loads of military weapons to the Sudanese government.

China is, however, directly responsible for the complete disregard of the very principles that the Olympics are supposed to stand for. Rather than show the world that it can adhere to the “fundamental ethical values” outlined in the Olympic Charter, China has chosen to brutally crack down on freedom of expression under the auspice of security. Just recently the Chinese government announced that it would censor the Internet used by foreign media during the games. Par for the course if you ask me. I would expect more things like this to occur as opening day comes closer. It would not surprise me one bit if China was manufacturing this terrorist threat so they have an excuse to further abuse the human rights of its citizens and others. How will we ever know since China censors everything that comes out of their country?

While I hope that nothing bad happens at the Olympics, I do hope that the Chinese government ends up with egg on its face. I hope that athletes, sponsors, and attendees use this opportunity to highlight to the world the atrocities committed and facilitated by China.

No Real Change...Darfur still under siege

The Washington Post is reporting that while Sudanese President Bashir was visiting Darfur calling for peace and unity, his army was bombing villages in Darfur. You can read the whole article here:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/25/AR2008072500627.html?referrer=emailarticle

The article states that "a joint U.N.-African Union peacekeeping mission in Darfur (UNAMID) confirmed reports of daily bombing in the past four or five days but could not give further details."

So is he really calling for peace or was this just a publicity stunt designed to ease the pressure from the international community?

The Greatest Generation...

I just finished reading Tom Brokaw's book "The Greatest Generation." I do have to agree with him and his assertion that this generation truly is the greatest that our country has produced thus far. In the book, he talks about how the great depression and the sacrifices made during that time, helped mold and prepare them for what they faced next, World War II.

The sacrifices made by this generation have far exceeded those made by the successive generations. When the war started, everyone wanted to do their part. Recruiting offices were flooded, women filled roles traditionally held by men, everyone made a sacrifice. These volunteers included those from all classes, including Hollywood actors like Audie Murphy, people from well off families, and others. While they could have stayed here in the states, they felt a sense of duty and chose to serve. How many actors and others have stepped up to the plate today? I had the opportunity to meet a lady who was in the WASPS and flew airplanes during WWII shuttling new planes around and flying old ones to the scrap yard. She told me a story where on one flight she was taking an old plane to the junkyard and crash landed it into a field. It was fascinating to hear her experiences.

Our service members spent years apart from their spouses with only intermittent letters and telegrams updating them on life back here and what things were like over there. I mean nowadays we can't even get our diplomats to serve in places where they are so desperately needed, without making a big stink. And now we have cities like Berkeley, California trying to ban our U.S. Marine Corps recruiters from opening offices and liken them to "unwelcome intruders" How in the hell can you call our men and women that protect the freedoms that we enjoy we enjoy intruders in their own country.

I am not saying that there aren't heroes and people in our time who have answered the call to duty, but I do believe that Western society as a whole has become softer. People aren't willing to make the sacrifices that many made back then.

World War II veterans are dying at alarming rate, about 1000 a day. So the next time you see one of these heroes, please thank them for their service.

Best Christmas Presents.....Ever!

My Christmas presents this year were totally awesome. While getting things like an iPhone, flat screen tv, and so forth is nice, when you get something unique and special to you it makes it that much better.

I got a quilt or whatever you call it from my mom that was made from old t-shirts that I had accumulated in high school, college, jobs, etc. My sister painted a portrait from a picture taken in London by Big Ben. I've attached pictures of both. Thanks guys for these wonderful gifts.

WELCOME!

Welcome to my blog, Agent of Change. This is my first attempt at blogging and I am excited to finally start this thing up. This blog isn't going to focus particularly on one issue or subject, but a wide variety of things that I come across in my travels, research, schooling, and so forth that I think are worth sharing with others. I chose the title because I hope that I can help someone make a positive change in their life through the information I share here.

Any views that I express on this blog are strictly mine and do not reflect the views of my employer or anyone else for that matter, but me. I hope that you enjoy my blog and I encourage you to comment on anything that I post here. Thanks for stopping by!