TO PROCRASTINATE, OR NOT TO PROCRASTINATE...THAT IS THE QUESTION

So far this year, little in Congress has been accomplished, by either side. The Republicans are in charge of all three areas of the decision and law making entities of our government. They control the Senate, be it by a very narrow margin. They control the House, and picked up or retained the four seats that were up for special elections. The Republicans have been getting slow basted by the Democrats at pretty much every turn. As they have slowed Trump's appointments to his cabinet as well as his appointees for Judgeships and US Attorney's. The Republicans have passed, though little mention of it is in the news, some 39+ bills. So when one steps back away from the ill-fated Russia/Trump Collusion or Obstruction charges, what exactly have the Democrats done during their first six months under the Trump Administration?

The answer is nothing of notice. Oh sure they will go along with some of the changing of a local post offices' name, or maybe recognizing a special person from their state on the Senate or House floor. But when it comes to doing the work of the people, that have failed on levels never before seen. The Democrats have been hanging on the "hope" that the investigations into Trumps' team or connections with Russia will bring up something to impeach him over, maybe even on the level of Obstruction of an investigation. All of which have been unproven on all levels by the "Intelligence" community thus far.

The legacy of Obama known as "Obamacare" or ACA, is in a death spin that is obvious to all except the Democrats who stand by their failing program. However, as of late there are some members of Congress that are coming to the reality that they will be having elections coming up very soon as the midterms will quickly be upon us. Some of these Democrats, I will not mention their names as some of them have not stepped forward publicly, are more than willing to step up and work with the Republicans to help accomplish certain bills and items that are directly concerning to their constituents. The President has reached out to the Democrats to join them and work together on replacing the failing Obamacare, to wit the Democratic leaders in the House and Senate have said flatly they will not do as long as the repeal to replace terms are in the contract. Little do they realize that they, the Democrats, still own the ACA and everything that goes with it.

Now that we have covered the failing Democrats and their ineptitude to move forward, let's look at the Republicans. Yes, them good ole boys that begged the voters to give them the House, and then the Senate four to six years ago. Then last year, sixteen Republicans took to the field in an attempt to become the

next president. Out of the rubble rose a winner, President Donald Trump. As we all know, if you have followed any social media, there are plenty out there that did not want Trump to get elected, but did. So within the party are those aristocrats that feel they are obliged to obstruct or make every attempt to defame him. You remember, the #NEVERTRUMP folks. The problem is they are, by their own choice, members of the Republican Party. Yes, that includes the ever-rumbling Tea Party Congress members as well. It is an embarrassment to all Republicans that the different factions within the party are at constant odds with each other.

The Tea Party don't agree with the moderates. The moderates don't agree with the hard right, and the charade goes on. Understand this Republicans, you were put there to complete your promises to YOUR constituents. Repeal and Replace Obamacare seems to be your major hurdle. For the last eight years, we have stood by and listened to you want to repeal and replace. For eight years you have had a chance to come together and at least come up with a formidable solution. Sure it would take some tweaking, all bills do. But to have nothing when you come to the table is inexcusable. At one point in the last three years, you actually did come up with a bill for healthcare, which was quickly vetoed by Obama. So at that point, you gave up. But even worse than that, when Trump won the election in November of 2016, you had a solid three months knowing that you had retained the Senate and the House, but again rolled over in your basking in victory forgetting about what you promised. Until after the inauguration.

For three months there was bickering back and forth between the factions about what should be done first. Meanwhile, the President was following through on the promises he made, at least as much as he could without Congressional responsibilities. Then, to everyone's astonishment, Rep. Paul Ryan went behind the back and behind locked doors to come up with his version, not Trumps, of healthcare. To which all kinds of hell broke loose over how it was done. After pulling it from the floor of the House for not having near enough votes, you threw it back out there about a month later. The CBO gave it bad ratings. But then again the CBO has not been right on very much of anything, including Obamacare. Which, by the way, stands up to its normal abilities to look into the future.

So the bill was crammed through with the Vice President breaking the tie (very sad when you have the majority and can't get pass a tie). Then it was thrown to the Senate, where, by the way, almost every Senator said it was dead upon arrival. Not just the Democrats, but Republicans as well. The Senate decided that they would make up their own bill instead of working with the one sent to them by the House. Yesterday, Senate majority leader, Mitch McConnell, said that they were going to have to put off any vote on it until after the 4th of July break. So again, we see that it was done behind doors with limited input and or access. Again, this faction saying one thing and another faction saying another as to why they won't vote in favor of the bill.

I have a direct answer to Obamacare that would take care of all this repeal and replace garbage that no one can agree on. REPEAL it. The government should not be involved in the insurance business. It is not an entitlement, program, or government enrichment. You say, what about preexisting conditions? That could be handled by a simple stroke of the pen. The free market, not government controlled market, is what will bring the premiums down as well as deductibles. The people will determine what level of insurance is right for them by working through or negotiating with the respective insurance companies. It would open up competition among the companies. causing them to look for the lowest rates possible. Prior to the government getting involved, the cost of insurance was not an issue. The cost of drugs was. Here again, the President can establish a regulatory board to watch over the pharmaceutical end of things. Find out why one can go north into Canada and get the same drugs, by the same manufacturer, in the same quantity, for a lot less than what is being charged in the United States. 

Open up the state borders to allow insurance companies to do business across the state lines. This too will allow the costs to come down as it will enhance competition. Leave Medicare and Social Security alone and work the Welfare program a different way. Yes, there are people that will need the assistance of some welfare programs. Supplement the states where assistance is needed, to a certain amount. The government was not established to support all of us as children getting an allowance. The states can still apply for grants for assistance. However, on the Welfare, limit it like you do unemployment. You can get it for "x" number of months and if you are able to work, you must seek out employment. There are too many people that are on the Welfare Program that should not be. They are more than capable of working and should contribute to the betterment of their society. Those that have paid into Medicare and Social Security deserve what they have put in. Most Social Security recipients haven't had a monthly increase in years and when it did come it was swallowed up by the taking away from other benefits.

These are just a few ways that changes could be made. Stop trying to make America a welfare state where the government controls so much of our lives. But, for those that we have elected and placed into Congress to speak for us and do the work of the people. But those that we have elected have to pull their collective heads out and start working together, on both sides of the aisle. There is a movement that is calling for a convention of the states to take action against those in our nation's capital. A movement that is clearly covered and supported in the Constitution. This just might be what needs to be done to get America back from the lobbyists, lifetime politicians and make it clear to them that we the American people are fed up and not willing to accept Washingon D.C.'s inability to accomplish the will of the people.

So, Mr. and Mrs. Politician in Washington D.C., what say you? Do you want to continue to procrastinate or do you want to get off your butts and earn that $100,000+ a year you earn?

 Your choice, our decision. Think about it.

NOT MY PRESIDENT! REALLY?

On Tuesday, November 8th, America went to the polls to elect a new President and Vice President. Throughout the course of the night, millions stayed awake to find out whether Hillary Clinton, the Democrat nominee, or Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, would become the next President of the United States. When the night was over, Donald Trump emerged as the victor and the 45th President of the United States. Millions rejoiced as their candidate had won the election and looked forward to a new direction for our nation. At the same time, millions took to the streets to protest the election, which was held legally and within the manner for which or Constitution set forth.

However, those that took to the streets to protest the election did so as a minority group. They do not speak for the nation. Were there those that were not happy with the results? Yes. But those that are protesting are in the minority. As elections go, there are winners and there are losers. Past elections have always turned out this way, almost all of them never resulted in people taking to the streets to do property damage, interfere with the highway and road system of the nation and most importantly, they never threatened bodily harm to those whose ideas differed from theirs.

Today, across the nation there are people being drug from their cars and are being beaten by groups of, shall we say, miscreants whose only purpose in life is to object to everything and everyone that is of a different color than they are or that they voted for someone other than who they voted for. The one thing I have noticed on this level is that the miscreants always need to travel in groups or gangs, never alone. Why? If you are not man enough to do it as a man, your actions can only be interpreted as that of a gang mentality. Which by the way has no reason or stand when boiled down to the basics of WHY.

I have seen news reports of these people protesting and when they were asked why they would basically dish out the talking points of the losing party. No basis for their thoughts could be proven, they just wanted to protest. Many of them stated they did not like the new President-Elect or what he stood for. Some said that he didn't have the right demeanor to be the president. I would venture to guess that is because his thoughts were different than theirs. Or the way he parted his hair was offensive. But when it is all boiled down to the raw facts, it comes out like this.

We, as a nation, have raised a generation of basically spoiled humans. People that believe their beliefs or "rights" trump yours. Regardless what they are. If you differ from them you are wrong. Since when in the annals of history did we give birth to so many perfect people? People who are always right, even when wrong. People who think they are owed something when they have not worked for it. People who fear words but project worse through their actions. The mantra of the protestors is "He's not my President". Really? He was elected by a political process that has been in place for over 200 years and has worked out pretty good seeing as how we are still one of the leading nations on the face of the earth. You don't agree with him. That is your right under our form of government. Try voicing those opinions in a few other countries that does not allow these simple rights. Your resting place would normally be in a cell as a traitor, or in an unmarked grave somewhere in the vast wilderness of that country.

Celebrities are running around spewing the rest of the world is laughing at us. They are right. But they are laughing at the people doing the protesting. If you do not agree with our way of life and our election methods, you are free to leave and find a country that more suits your needs to feel important. I wish you the best of luck in your pursuit of these things. As you will find in your journey, there is no other place out there that offers up the same opportunities as we do here in America, with the exception of maybe Canada. But I really don't think Canada would take all of you.

There are always going to be winners and losers. Always. The difference between being an adult and accepting defeat and being some ill-informed, uneducated trouble maker is one is an adult and the other is probably someone that has been spoon fed by the government all their lives where they had to really provide nothing for themselves.

What we are seeing in the streets with the rioting and burning is not America. It is not what millions want to come to America for. Except those that wish to destroy her. For it is these few miscreants who want to try and change to world to their personal point of view and not be able to think for themselves. Democracy is but one generation away from failure. Will these individuals be the reason for the loss of that democracy or will civil minds prevail and secure the union to continue to prosper?

Whether we like it or not, Trump is going to be the 45th President of the United States. Be diligent in tracking what he does or does not do. That is your right and privilege to do so. But do not tink that a nation will change for a very small minority of its population. Protesting is great, it is what we were built around with our struggles with England in the beginning. Rioting and infringing on the rights of others is not. Of course there is always the other way out...LEAVE. If we are not good enough for you, perhaps it is time for you to locate another country that is better suited for you. I am sorry my beliefs and thoughts hurt you, not. I am sorry you feel that you are special and do not have to live under the same rules as me. I will not be sorry if you decide to leave. I for one will not change who I am or what I stand for. If that upsets you, get over it. A president is elected. He is the President of the United States, which means he presides over all that chose to live here. Is the hint getting a little stronger?

Well Heck It Only Took Eight Years

The artist behind the iconic ‘Obama Hope’ poster says the president failed to meet expectations.

Shepard Fairey, who’s now a Bernie Sanders supporter, says that after Obama won the presidency, he went “quiet on a lot of things” he promised while running for office.

“I think history will be fairly kind of his presidency but I want things to move further in the direction that he promised as a campaigner,” he said. “He’s been more outspoken in the last 18 months.”

http://www.infowars.com/obama-hope-poster-artist-calls-president-a-failure/

From the Mouths Of Idiots - More Clinton Lies and Distortions

Hillary is Her Own Worst Enemy When It Comes To Flip Flopping

Clinton Doing A Trump in 1996 - No Eyebrows Raised

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2016/05/17/1996_flashback_bill_clinton_talks_like_trump_on_immigration_we_are_a_nation_of_laws.html   

NumbersUSA pulls quotes from Bill Clinton talking illegal immigration and the problem of border control and being a nation of laws from his 1996 State of the Union which shows a striking comparison to what presumptive Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has been saying about the subject. 

From Clinton's 1996 State of the Union address: But there are some areas that the federal government should not leave and should address and address strongly. One of these areas is the problem of illegal immigration. After years of neglect, this administration has taken a strong stand to stiffen the protection of our borders. We are increasing border controls by 50 percent. We are increasing inspections to prevent the hiring of illegal immigrants. And tonight, I announce I will sign an executive order to deny federal contracts to businesses that hire illegal immigrants.

Let me be very clear about this: We are still a nation of immigrants; we should be proud of it. We should honor every legal immigrant here, working hard to become a new citizen. But we are also a nation of laws.

The Choice Is Yours and Yours Alone

Throughout the Primary elections of 2016 for the Office of the President, candidates have been blasting each other with insinuations, dirty politics, and inflammatory rhetoric. This is taking place on the Democrat side as well as the Republican side of the race. Some of the attacks have been fact based while others are something that had to be dreamt up by some two year old that everyone got a chuckle out of. Most of it has been covered in the Main Stream Media with their various slants either for or against it and of course with their bias-isms in full view for all to hear and read.

The voter, you remember him/her, the ones that pull the lever or make their mark are the final say in how a candidate is doing or how he/she is favored. It is you, America, that has to muddle through all the trash and truth that has hit the news and social media to make the decision you feel is best for you. On Social Media this has to be one of the most nasty and contentious election years on record. Yes, even out doing the elections of the 1950's and 1960's. Ads of total destruction, loss of morality, loss of freedoms and especially those that tout who will have their finger on the almighty button. The Democrat party has had a fairly inauspicious race with just two candidates making the run. One is a long time Senator who has been in politics for over 20 years and declares himself a Socialist. The other has served as the First Lady, a Senator, a failed Presidential Candidate and somewhat contested term as Secretary of State. Though both run on the party ticket, their positions on the issues are as far left and right as they could get for that Party. Who would have thought that after 40+ states there would still be two candidates in the race. 

On the other side of the aisle, the Republican side, it started out with 17 candidates. There were Senators, former senators, governors and former governors and one real-estate mogul. Through the debates and the states primaries they started falling to the wayside one by one. Then it came down to four candidates, then three and finally just one. The real-estate mogul. There are a variety of feelings toward the sole runner for the Republican nominee. Some feel he is on the road of destroying the party. Some feel that he is the only one that can bring the party together. All-be-it with a major reconstructing of the party. Some feel that their particular candidate was cheated out of their run for the presidency. Some feel that the difference between the candidates, in the overall perspective, weren't that much apart. But regardless of where their favorite is now is due to the voting of the American populace, one party is on the verge of declaring their nominee and the other party (through what some call dishonest manipulation) is preparing to claim theirs.

Many in both parties have had it with the rank-in-file in Washington D.C. Feeling that they have been rejected by the party elites. And in so many ways rightly so. For the first time in American history, a black man was elected to the highest office in the land eight years ago. He came promising to change the fundamentals that the country was founded on and built on for over two hundred years. Though many will make challenge on which way this president has taken America, both parties are tired of the non effective workings going on in the nations capital. And it has played hard on the voters as to what direction the country needs to go or should go as most feel it is headed in the wrong direction. 

The next four to eight years falls upon the shoulders of the American people. Regardless of your party affiliation or which candidate sounds best to you, you, yes you, will be totally responsible for the future of our country. Will America rise up from the ashes of the last eight years? Will we maintain our military presence around the world, even though we are at the lowest count in military numbers since before World War II? Will the country become the strong nation that it once was; that was respected around the world as the leader in democracy? Or will it continue as many see it as becoming less and less of a leader in the world. The final tally will fall on the shoulders of the American people. Regardless of which party you belong to. Regardless of what you might think of the nominee for your party, failure to vote will negate your right to voice an opinion of the outcome. For those that sit on the sidelines and do nothing have nothing to complain about.

As an American citizen, I will vote. I will vote for the candidate I feel is best for the country. I encourage all Americans to not sit out this election year. As it just could be the final vote of a free society. Does that sound a little dramatic? If it does, I would encourage you to think about it a little harder and take off the blinders of your party and vote with your brain and heart. Right or Left the call is yours and yours alone.

What comes next?

Ya know, I haven't posted on here in a long time. And I have really tried to give President Obama some time to get settled in to see what he is going to do. But, I have really had enough. Here you have a guy that ran on balancing the budget, better health care, safer streets and America, and he is adding TRILLIONS of dollars to the debt, trying to take away health care rights, demoralizing our troops and giving amnesty to millions of illegal aliens. Is this how we fix America? By giving it away!!!

There hasn't been a day go by since he took office that he hasn't put put America down in one form or another. He has declared that we are no longer a Christian Nation, he has or is trying to give government the control over our health care rights, be has "bought" the automobile industry and they now control it, and they have wasted millions of our tax dollars to bail out Banks that have opened their vaults to fraud, bad mishandling of our money there, and loaned out millions of dollars to dead beat immigrants that are here illegally any way. Our military will be feeling the bite soon as the Democrats start their downsizing and disregard for our troops.

Why is the economy so bad...it ain't Bush! It is the new Dems in control of America. Watch out America, piece by piece we are going down the tubes and that is just what our enemies want to hear and see. It is easier that way.

CHARLEY 747

In Memory of Patriot Guard Rider of Oklahoma, Veteran, Husband, Father and Brother

Charles "Charley747" Reno

Ride On Angels Wings
.....
Gone now but not forgotten
Forever in our dreams
Everyday the Sun shines for you
Everyday the roads are dry
The straights go on forever
The bends are as you dream
There are no more pains
There are no more worries
You will be there at every party
You will take part in every race
You will stand there on the podium
You will race with the stars
you will ride upon Gods pillion
And if Angels ride on Harleys
Then you will surely travel far
On Earth You were My Brother
And now you are a Star
so glide on heavens highway
And lead the train up front
One day you will be waiting
And together we will ride
Once more again as Brothers
The white line side by side

~JON~

A MUST READ

An email sent to me contained this:

As I came out of the supermarket that sunny day, pushing my cart of groceries towards my car, I saw an old man with the hood of his car up and a lady sitting inside the car, with the door open.

The old man was looking at the engine. I put my groceries away in my car and continued to watch the old gentleman from about twenty five feet away.

I saw a young man in his early twenties with a grocery bag in his arm, walking towards the old man. The old gentleman saw him coming too, and took a few steps towards him. I saw the old gentleman point to his open hood and say something.

The young man put his grocery bag into what looked like a brand new Cadillac Escalade and then turn back to the old man and I heard him yell at the old gentleman saying, 'You shouldn't even be allowed to drive a car at your age.' And then with a wave of his hand, he got in his car and peeled rubber out of the parking lot.

I saw the old gentleman pull out his handkerchief and mop his brow as he went back to his car and again looked at the engine. He then went to his wife and spoke with her and appeared to tell her it would be okay. I had seen enough and I approached the old man. He saw me coming and stood straight and as I got near him I said, 'Looks like you're having a problem.'

He smiled sheepishly and quietly nodded his head. I looked under the hood myself and knew that whatever the problem was, it was beyond me. Looking around I saw a gas station up the road and told the old man that I would be right back. I drove to the station and went inside and saw three attendants working on cars. I approached one of them and related the problem the old man had with his car and offered to pay them if they could follow me back down and help him.

The old man had pushed the heavy car under the shade of a tree and appeared to be comforting his wife. When he saw us, he straightened up and thanked me for my help. As the mechanics diagnosed the problem (overheated engine) I spoke with the old gentleman.

When I shook hands with him earlier, he had noticed my Marine Corps ring and had commented about it, telling me that he had been a
Marine too. I nodded and asked the usual question, 'What outfit did you serve with?'

He had mentioned that he served with the first Marine Division at Tarawa, Saipan, Iwo Jima and Guadalcanal . He had hit all the big ones and retired from the Corps after the war was over. As we talked we heard the car engine come on and saw the mechanics lower the hood. They came over to us as the old man reached for his wallet, but was stopped by me and I told him I would just put the bill on my AAA card.

He still reached for the wallet and handed me a card that I assumed had his name and address on it and I stuck it in my pocket.. We all shook hands all around again and I said my goodbye's to his wife. I then told the two mechanics that I would follow them back up to the station. Once at the station I told them that they had interrupted their own jobs to come along with me and help the old man. I said I wanted to pay for the help, but they refused to charge me..

One of them pulled out a card from his pocket looking exactly like the card the old man had given to me. Both of the men told me then, that they were Marine Corps Reserves. Once again we shook hands all around and as I was leaving, one of them told me I should look at the card the old man had given to me. I said I would and drove off.

For some reason I had gone about two blocks when I pulled over and took the card out of my pocket and looked at it for a long, long time. The name of the old gentleman was on the card in golden leaf and under his name...... 'Congressional Medal of Honor Society.'

I sat there motionless looking at the card and reading it over and over. I looked up from the card and smiled to no one but myself and marveled that on this day, four Marines had all come together, because one of us needed help. He was an old man all right, but it felt good to have stood next to greatness and courage and an honor to have been in his presence. Remember, OLD men like him gave you FREEDOM for America . Thanks to those who served...& those who supported them. So, when you see an old man salute him as he probably fought for our freedom and if it were not for him and others like him we would be speaking German today!

America is not at war. The U.S. Military is at war. If you don't stand behind our troops, PLEASE feel free to stand in front of them!

Remember, Freedom isn't "Free" -- thousands have paid the price so you can enjoy what you have today.

SAD, BUT TRUE

This is TOO good!
In 2007,
5 million of our older Americans had
not signed up in the given time,
for their Medicare, Part D, drug plan
they are old and confused.
YET they were NOT
granted an extension.

However, the 12 million illegal aliens in our
country were allowed to stay, protest, procreate, receive support monies, attend schools,
avoid paying income taxes,
have our teachers take
300 hours of Spanish as a Second Language
and training at our expense, etc.

THE GOVERNMENT MUST REALLY DISLIKE
OUR OLDER AMERICAN CITIZENS.

OR THEY MUST REALLY LOVE TACOS!!!

Let us see how the government will
handle the program for the 2008
year for our senior citizens.

If it ticks you off, pass it on!!

OH! Don't forget to pay your taxes.
12 million illegal aliens
are depending on you! !!

Thank You

Thank you Stillwater

I can not put into words my amazement at the kindness and generosity that the Hagerty and Drake families have experienced following the death of my husband, Major Scott Hagerty. The 100s of people who came to honor him by attending his funeral or lining the streets during the procession.

The food, cards, flowers, quilts and donations made in his name or to our children have been overwhelming, in a goodway. I have received phone calls and cards from across the entire nation. I have been especially blessed by the communities of Stillwater and Perkins and I have never been more proud to be an Oklahoman. To all the friends and family who ran errands, cared for my young children, and fielded phone calls when Scott’s family and I were overcome with grief, I can never thank you enough.

I know Scott is honored and amazed to know how his life and death affected people and brought out the best in them. My faith in humankind has been completely restored because I know that the worst in humanity that the media focuses on, is not how the large majority of people behave.

I have never been closer to my Lord and Savior — his strength, blessings and mercies have been bountiful and unending.

My special thanks to: All of the servicemen (and women) who continue to protect and defend the United States of America, Casualty Affairs Office (Ft. Sill), First Church of the Nazarene, First United Methodist Church (Stillwater), Honor Guard (Ft. Sill), BancFirst, Patriot Guard Riders, Stillwater Police Department, Stillwater Fire Department, Strode’s Funeral Home, Sunset Memorial Gardens, Ron King, Lou and Wes Watkins, Kenny and Vickie Howerton, Anthony and Holly Hart and Patty Armbruster.

Thank you all


www.sponsorthetroops. org.

Daphne, Jonathan, and Samuel Hagerty
Don and Shirley Hagerty
Mark and Kathy Hagerty
Bruce and Lynne (Hagerty) Farmer
Garry and Nina Drake

A True Honoring of A Hero-Major Scott Hagerty

It has been just one week ago today that Major Scott Hagerty was finally laid to rest. The flowers are all but gone from the funeral, the ground where he is resting has started to return to its normal shape. The Honor Guard is gone, each returning to their respective posts. The Generals and Colonels and others have returned to their duty stations to continue what they do best. The flags have all been taken down and put away, awaiting the next event for which they may be used. The rains finally came and the sun has shown once or twice since that day. There have been many accounts of the proceedings that day, from onlookers, newspapers, and even a few TV stations. But I feel urged to tell the story from a personal perspective. It has taken me this long to gather my thoughts and emotions and try to make sense of what has taken place.

The day that Daphne found out that Scott had been killed in Afghanistan brought the world to a complete stop for her. The plans and dreams that they had made just months before, were now forever on hold. Daphne was at our house that evening when she received the call from the National Guard requesting that they be able to come by and talk to her. The tears ran down her face before the phone call was even compete. I tried to console her, I told her that maybe he was just hurt bad and they needed to tell her, knowing all along that this probably was not the case. You see having grown up in a military family and having been in the military myself, I knew that when that call comes it means only one thing, someone has died. Thirty minutes later, the two officers arrived at our house. A Major and a Captain, their names we can't remember. As my daughter was not in the room at the time, I asked if it was what I thought it was. A deafening silence engulfed the room and the only thing they could do was look down. No more of an answer was necessary.

When Daphne returned to the living room, she sat down on the couch, the Major started slow and very low..."Mrs. Hagerty, it is my duty to inform you ..." This was all any of us could hear. All of us broke down. The Major continued to deliver his message, but none of us really heard anything beyond that. The Captain, a Chaplin came and knelt down on the floor next to Daphne and tried to console her, but the most important words he could tell her were to please go ahead and cry, let it out. After about thirty minutes, the Major advised us that they still had to tell Scott's parents, and asked that if possible, could we lead them to their house. I responded by telling them that I would drive Daphne there and they could follow us.

The drive to Stillwater usually is a very short drive, maybe 20 minutes or so, but that night it seemed to last forever. When we finally reached the house of Scott's parents, the car with the officers pulled up behind us and we got out. I told Daphne that I would wait outside for now, this was a time for her and Scott's parents. As they went inside and the door closed behind them my heart fell to my feet and I began to cry almost uncontrollably. It seemed like forever, but about ten minutes later the officers emerged from the house and I met them to thank them for their help, and told them that I did not envy either one of them the job that the had to do. After they left, Daphne took me inside to wait for their preacher. I will not go into the details of what happened in the house or what was said. Instead I will jump to the next day. From here on out things are really in a blur. The Army sent the CAO (Casualty Assistance Officer) from Ft Sill to meet with Daphne and Scott's parents to help them through the days to come with the paperwork and return of Scott's body.

Most of this time was spent at Scott's parents and I am not at liberty to discuss any details that took place. All I can say is that Major Wuensche deserves a medal for bravery and compassion for the things that he did for my daughter and Scott's parents. We now fast forward to Scott's body returning to Oklahoma for one last time. The day after we found out Scott was killed, I contacted, via email, the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) of Oklahoma. I didn't expect any trouble from outside groups protesting what Scott stood for, but I knew that this organization was there more to pay their respect and provide Scott with the dignity in burial that he deserved. The plane landed from Dover, Delaware around 10:05 am on the Wednesday morning, June 11. The sun was bright and a strong south wind was blowing. The PGR took their positions on the tarmac presenting a flag line for the plane, Scott, the Honor Guard and family. As the plane landed and came to a halt, we were escorted out to where they were preparing to unload Scott. After the casket was lowered and placed on a stand, Daphne and the two boys approached it. The silence was deafening. It seemed like every noise in the world stopped at that moment except for the flags rustling in the wind, and you could have heard a pin drop from downtown Stillwater. As Daphne and the boys moved aside, Scott's parents and siblings drew close to the casket to greet him home one more time. From here the casket was moved by the Honor Guard to the hearse, and from there it would take a journey to the funeral home south of the airport.

As we all loaded back up into the vehicles provided by the funeral home, I looked to our front and one of the most spectacular sites fell before my eyes. There, taking the lead in the procession to the funeral home were some 40 bikers with flags on their bikes as they split with some taking up the rear of the procession. This was the Patriot Guard Riders that I had heard about. As we headed south toward the funeral home, cars would pull over to the side of the road as usual for a funeral procession. However, something I had not seen or ever expected took place. People were getting out of their cars and placing their hands over their hearts as the hearse went by. The only way that they could have possibly known this was for a military person was by the flags on the motorcycles. It was indeed an eye watering experience. Over the next two days hundreds and hundreds of phone calls, emails and cards came wishing to offer their prayers for the families and provide whatever comfort they possibly could. Then the day of the funeral had arrived. A day that many felt would cause the pain of the first night to return for Daphne and Scott's parents.

The services were held at the Methodist Church in Stillwater, the family was brought in with transportation provided for by the funeral home. As we neared the church, another flag line had been presented by the PGR, as well as some of the people of the community. After turning around the block to position the cars for after the funeral services, we exited the vehicles and entered the church. It was one of the most breath taking moments I personally had ever seen. On the right side of the church, it was a sea of green. This section of the church had been reserved for the military, and it was completely packed. The left side was reserved for the family and it to filled up completely. I was told that there were about 1000 people that attended the services, and more that waited outside because they ran out of room. The services lasted for about an hour or so with a final tribute to Scott prepared by one of his close friends. Daphne was presented with Scott's Bronze Star and Purple Heart, along with ones for Scott's parents. Shortly thereafter, Scott started the journey to his final resting place.

As we exited the church, my eyes were fixed on Daphne and Scott's casket. It was not until I looked up did I see something that just completely knocked me to my knees. As I looked to the east, the direction by which the procession would travel, I saw an ocean of flags on the back of these beautiful bikes. Then we heard the roar of the engines from around 100 or so Patriot Guard Riders. Once everyone was placed into their respective vehicles, the procession started to move. As we headed east on 7th St, I noticed a group of construction workers standing along side the road, and a group of four or so were standing on top of a trailer holding a large flag. As the heasre went by they removed their hard hats and placed them above their hearts. Many saluted as the hearse and family car went by. The street became more and more congested along the sidewalks with more people holding flags and homemade signs. As we made the turn onto Main St heading south, a sight fell upon me that I thought would cause an accident. For as far as the eyes could see was nothing but an ocean of flags and people. Hundreds of them, and more flags than you could possibly count. They were lined up on both sides of the street, shoulder to shoulder, and four deep in some spots. Some held up flags, others waved there hand made signs, and those in any kind of uniform, and some not in uniform, presented one of the biggest and longest hand salutes I had ever seen.

The trip to the cemetery was a little over five miles, but there were people everywhere along he route. There were Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, businesses, cars that had been stopped by the funeral, and the people got out to salute the passing of the hearse and family. People were standing beside the road with tears falling down their faces, hands placed over the heart, flags being held sometimes by one, sometimes by two people at a time. As we entered the cemetery, a flag line had been formed by one of the local churches around the drive of the cemetery, as you could see the hearts in hand from each that held the flag tight in their hands. Soon we came to a stop, and exited the car to make our way to the graveside. It was a simple but fitting service. By now the Patriot Guard Riders had formed a semi-circle around the tent area, and the throngs of people made their way to the tent trying to get as close as possible.

After a military Chaplin spoke, the sound of "ATTENSHUN" rang forward from outside the tent. Ready...Fire! the double click of rifles reloading, then another... Ready, Fire...another double click of the rifles reloading, ... Ready, Fire. Order Arms. As two members of the honor guard approached the casket, they positioned themselves at each end. Slowly and delicately they lifted the flag from it and side stepped until they were clear of the casket. At this point the rest of the flag detail approached the others to assume their position. With deliberateness and honor, the flag was folded in half once, then again, and one more time. As the folding of the triangle began, each fold was creased and smoothed all the way to the end of the blue field covered with stars. As the final fold was made, the soldier holding the flag executed an about face to present the flag to the senior NCO of the detail for inspection. Each corner, every fold had to be exact before it could be presented to the next person. Finally, the flag was presented to the two star general who had been patiently standing by. With sharp and distinct movements the General made his way to Daphne and presented her the flag stating the following words, "On behalf of the president of the United States..." Daphne looked straight ahead. A second flag was also presented to Scott's mother and father.

After the graveside service was over, Daphne was approached by an individual in a vest. He looked like one of those bikers you would see on TV. Rough, stout, and weathered. The he presented her with a plaque. After the flag exchange to Daphne and Scott's parents, I immediately approached two individuals dressed in vests, bikers vests to be exact. I knew one of them was one of the individuals that I had contacted from the PGR, who went by the name of Polecat 11, alias "Roy Wells" , the other I found out was Capt'n Crunch alias "Jerry Lakey", the State Captain of the PGR. We exchanged pleasantries and talked for a few minutes. From their mouths echoed the words "it was our honor", "he gave so much", respect and dignity. This was all for Scott and Daphne. These ladies and gentlemen came from all over the state and some from outside Oklahoma to pay tribute to Scott. I was speechless. As I excused myself and returned to the tent area, I thanked them one more time for what they were doing.

As I made my way back over to where Daphne was I noticed the throngs of men in their dress greens waiting in line to offer their condolences to Scott's parents and to Daphne. It took about thirty minutes or so before the line started to dwindle down. Toward the very end of the line stood a young female soldier. What made this soldier stand out from the others is that she was in the desert camouflage BDU's used in Iraq and Afghanistan. My daughter had left her position under the tent and decided to go down the diminishing line to greet those still there. When she came to the young lady in the camo's, she found out that she had been with Scott as part of his team in Afghanistan. She had returned to the states earlier and found out about Scott while at home. She immediately caught the next plane to Oklahoma so she could attend the funeral of her former team leader. Daphne, immediately hugged the young lady and they remained this way for quite some time, crying on each others shoulders.

The next people that Daphne greeted where a man and a woman. Both dressed in bikers vests. They exchanged their pleasantries and presented Daphne with a small pin. It was from the riders of the PGR, it was a "Mission Complete" pin. Daphne stood there speechless for a second then told them, as she glanced to the heavens, that Scott would have been so proud to be honored by them and that she was deeply grateful for their appearance at his funeral, it really meant a lot to her and Scott. It wasn't long after that that the line broke up completely and we all loaded back into our vehicles and left the cemetery.

After having a wonderful lunch prepared by the people of the church that Scott and Daphne attended, my wife and I left to return to Perkins. On our way back home, we decided to stop by the cemetery one more time. As we were pulling in, we noticed a vehicle pulling out. It was Major Wuensche. We did not stop, but he waved to us as we passed. I know if we had, he would have said that he just came back by to make sure everything was in order at the cemetery. Personally, I like to think that he wanted to pay his last respects to Scott, alone and in a personal soldier to soldier fashion. As I said at the beginning, a few days have past since Scott was laid to rest. But the cards and well wishes continue to flood in. On behalf of my daughter and respectfully for Scott's parents, I want to thank everyone for their support during this last three weeks. From the scouts to Mr. Wes Watkins. From Strode Funeral Home to the brave soldiers that carried Scott to his final resting place. But in particular, I want to thank the PGR for what they do to honor our fallen hero's, and the hundreds of people that lined the streets of Stillwater. No greater show of love, respect and honor could be possible in my minds eye.

Major Scott Hagerty Funeral Video

Courtesy of News9 Oklahoma City, the only one that covered the ceremony with video.

Final Inspection

Final Inspection

The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now,soldier.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"
The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep....
Though I worked a lot of overtime.
When the bills just got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here, Lord.
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don’t, I’ll understand.
There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now,soldier
you’ve borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven’s streets;
you’ve done your time in Hell."

- Author Unknown -

Personal Tribute to All the Troops

It is with great pleasure and an honor to Proudly Display Major Scott Hagerty's Medals and Service Ribbons

Scott had a proud and honorable military career as can be seen by his vast list of ribbons and medals:

Scott’s awards and decorations are listed left to right for each row starting at the top left corner, with the definition of what each medal is and how it is achieved.

STAND TALL AMERICA, AN OFFICER AND A HERO IS PASSING IN REVIEW!!

1. Bronze Star Medal. The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the military of the United States after 6 December 1941, distinguished himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

2. Purple Heart. The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to any member of an Armed Force who, while serving with the U.S. Armed Services after 5 April 1917, has been wounded or killed, or who has died or may hereafter die after being wounded. The original Purple Heart, designated as the Badge of Military Merit, was established by General George Washington by order from his headquarters at Newburgh, New York, August 7, 1782.

3. Meritorious Service Medal. Awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who distinguished themselves by outstanding non-combat meritorious achievement or service to the United States subsequent to 16 January 1969. Normally, the acts or services rendered must be comparable to that required for the Legion of Merit but in a duty of lesser though considerable responsibility.

4. Joint Service Commendation Medal. Authorized by the Secretary of Defense, June 25, 1963. The JSCM is awarded only to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, after January 1, 1963, distinguished themselves by meritorious achievement or service.

5. Army Commendation Medal. The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States other than General Officers who, while serving in any capacity with the Army after 6 December 1941, distinguished himself/herself by heroism, meritorious achievement or meritorious service. Award may be made to a member of the Armed Forces of a friendly foreign nation who, after 1 June 1962, distinguishes himself/herself by an act of heroism, extraordinary achievement, or meritorious service which has been of mutual benefit to a friendly nation and the United States.

6. Army Achievement Medal. The Army Achievement Medal is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States, or to any member of the Armed Forces of a friendly foreign nation, who while serving in any capacity with the Army in a non-combat area on or after 1 August 1981, distinguished himself/ herself by meritorious service or achievement of a lesser degree than required for award of the Army Commendation Medal.

7. Army Good Conduct Medal. The Good Conduct Medal is awarded for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity in active Federal Military service. It is awarded on a selective basis to each soldier who distinguishes himself/herself from among his/her fellow soldiers by their exemplary conduct, efficiency, and fidelity throughout a specified period of continuous enlisted active Federal military service. Qualifying periods of service include each three years completed after 27 August 1940 or, for first award only, upon completion of at least one year upon termination of service if separated prior to three years. Also for the first award only, for those individuals who died before completing one year of active Federal military service if the death occurred in the line of duty. The immediate commander must approve the award and the award must be announced in permanent orders.

8. Reserve Components Achievement Medal. The Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal is awarded for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity while serving as a member of an Army National Guard or Army Reserve Troop Program Unit or as an individual mobilization augmentee for each four year period since 3 March 1972. Effective 28 March 1995, the period of qualifying service for the award was reduced from four years to three years; however, this change was not retroactive. Service must have been consecutive and service performed in the Reserve Component of the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard may not be credited for award of this medal. The member must have exhibited honest and faithful service in accordance with the standards of conduct, courage and duty required by law and customs of the service of a member of the same grade as the individual to whom the standard is being applied. A member must be recommended for the award by his/her unit commander.

9. National Defense Service Medal. The National Defense Service Medal was awarded for honorable active service for any period between 27 June 1950 and 27 July 1954; between 1 January 1961 and 14 August 1974; between 2 August 1990 and 30 November 1995 and between 11 September 2001 and a closing date to be determined.

10. Afghanistan Campaign Medal. Authorized to be awarded to soldiers who deploy to Afghanistan in direct support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) on or after 11 September 2001 to a date to be determined or the cessation of OEF.

11. Iraq Campaign Medal. Authorized to be awarded to soldiers who deploy to Iraq in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) on or after 19 March 2003 to a date to be determined or the cessation of OIF. The area of eligibility encompasses all land area of the country of Iraq and the contiguous water area out to 12 nautical miles, and all air spaces above the land area of Iraq and above the contiguous water area out to 12 nautical miles.

12. Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. Authorized to be awarded to soldiers who deploy abroad for service in the Global War on Terrorism Operations on or after 11 September 2001 to a date to be determined. The complete listing of areas of eligibility (AOE) are: Algeria, Bahrain, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria (Bourgas), Chad, Columbia, Crete, Cyprus, Diego Garcia, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Georgia, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Hungary, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo (only specified GWOT operations not associated with operations qualifying for the Kosovo Campaign Medal), Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Romania (Constanta), Saudia Arabia, Somalia, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen, that portion of the Arabian Sea north of 10 degrees north latitude and west of 68 degrees longitude, Bab El Mandeb, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Aqaba, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Suez, that portion of the Mediterranean Sea east of 28 degrees east longitude (“boarding and searching” vessel operations), Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Strait of Hormuz and Suez Canal.

13. Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Authorized to be awarded to soldiers who have participated in or served in support of Global War on Terrorism Operations outside the designated areas of eligibility (AOE) for the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, on or after 11 September 2001 to a date to be determined. Initial award of the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal (GWOTSM) will be limited to airport security operations (from 27 September 2001 through 31 May 2002) and soldiers who supported Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

14. Korean Defense Service Medal. The Korea Defense Service Medal (KDSM) is authorized to members of the Armed Forces who have served on active duty in support of the defense of the Republic of Korea from 28 July 1954 to a date to be determined. The area of eligibility encompasses all land area of the Republic of Korea, and the contiguous water out to 12 nautical miles, and all air spaces above the land and water areas.

15. Armed Forces Reserve Medal. Awarded for honorable and satisfactory service as a member of one or more of the Reserve Components of the Armed Forces of the United States for a period of 10 years within a 12-year period. Upon completion of the fourth 10-year period, a gold hourglass followed by a bronze hourglass shall be awarded. Also awarded for mobilization on or after 1 August 1990, to members called to active duty and served under Title 10, United States Code (USC) (Defense Department) or Title 14 USC (Coast Guard) or the member volunteered and served on active duty in support of US Military operations or contingencies designated by the Secretary of Defense. The “M” device is worn to indicate mobilization. Subsequent mobilizations are denoted by the wear of a number to indicate the number of times mobilized.

16. Army Service Ribbon. The Army Service Ribbon is awarded to members of the Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard for successful completion of initial-entry training.

17. Overseas Service Ribbon. The Overseas Service Ribbon (OSR) is awarded to members of the U.S. Army for successful completion of overseas tours.

18. NATO Medal. Authorized by the Secretary General of NATO for specific NATO operations. In accordance with Executive Order 11446, the Secretary of Defense, with the concurrence of the Secretary of State, may approve acceptance for operations and authorize the wear by US Service members who meet the criteria specified by the Secretary General of NATO. The acceptance of the NATO Medal has been approved for US Military personnel who serve under NATO Command or operational control in direct support of NATO operations in the former Republic of Yugoslavia, or as designated by Supreme Allied Commander, Europe (SACEUR), from 1 July 1992 through a future date to be determined.

Major Scott Hagerty

September 1, 1966 - June 3, 2008

As I'm sure you know, Stillwater native son Army Major Scott Hagerty was killed in action in Afghanistan last Tuesday, June 3,

when a roadside bomb exploded near his vehicle, killing Scott and 20-year-old Pfc Derek Holland of Wind Gap, PA.

Scott's parents Don and Shirley Hagerty are longtime Stillwater residents.

Also living in Stillwater are Scott's wife Daphne and sons Jonathan (age 10) and Samuel (20 months), Samuel is named after a civilian contractor Scott worked with in Iraq who was later killed by an IED.

Scott graduated from Stillwater High School in 1984 and earned a bachelor's degree in 1993

in political science, pre-law, and international relations from Oklahoma State University.

Scott's funeral will be Friday, June 13, at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church (corner of 7th and South Duck streets, Stillwater)

with Strode Funeral Home in charge of local arrangements. Burial will immediately follow the funeral at Sunset Memorial Garden,

6500 South Perkins Road, Stillwater. Since Scott was killed in action, he will be accorded full military honors at his funeral and burial.

Hopefully, many individuals and groups in the Stillwater community and surrounding area

might like to be present on Friday morning to honor Scott and to offer thanks for his ultimate sacrifice for us.

Here are some ways you and others can be a part of a support group to honor Scott:

1. Attend his funeral. The church sanctuary is large but if it is full when you arrive, there will be ushers and additional seating

in the fellowship hall just south of the church, and the service will be transmitted live there on big screen TV.

2. Many officials and military personnel will attend the funeral. If you have an opportunity, let's honor Scott's service by thanking them

for their service to our country.

3. Help us line the route from the church to the cemetery with individuals and groups of caring supporters.

4.

Let Scott's family know that you appreciate the sacrifice Scott made for all of us. Several sites are provided such as the "condolences" link

at www.Strodefh.com, - or search for Scott Hagerty on the Legacy.com link at www.stwnewspress.com

If you can help line the route to the cemetery, the procession will travel east on 7th street to Main Street, and then south on Main Street to Sunset Memorial Garden. Just as folks do for the OSU Homecoming parade, it is OK to park and stand at any safe location. It will be hot, so bring your water bottle. Also, each person might bring an American flag of any size and/or a homemade sign of remembrance or thanks for Scott. If you know of folks who might like to participate as a group, let me know if possible so we can share this information with the Hagerty family. Let's show this grieving family that Stillwater appreciates the freedom we have because of Scott and others who willingly serve with the knowledge they may lose their own lives.

Let me know if you have questions or suggestions.

Please forward this to others who might like to have the information.

Remembering Scott - - - thanking Scott !