WHAT'S SHE WORTH?

It's 7:12 a.m., Junior's out and Patrick's here with me.

Random thoughts

I know why Katie Couric's worth fifteen million a year to the today show--it's that they believe she brings in more than that in advertising revenue because she is responsible for big ratings. What I don't get is why she gets the high ratings...I think she's annoying. Now she's poised to move into the late communist Dan Rather's anchor spot...proving the MSM is devoid of all honour...

Gosh, the Catholic Church is considering eliminating the concept of "Limbo". Shouldn't this be God's decision? Maybe they'll keep Limbo, but just make it a suburb of Heaven...

One of the conservative Talk Show hosts was berating Disney for calling Christians a "niche" market in regards to their selling campaign of their new Chronicles of Narnia movie. He said they wern't a niche, they were the majority. I think that Disney is referring to practicing Born-again Evangelical Christians--certainly NOT a majority.

Let's keep it "Christmas" not "holiday". If you are a Christian, send Christmas Cards with a Nativity Scene on them, not a SNowman and "Happy Holidays".

That crew cut guy, oh BRAD PITT--is he whipped or what? Carrying around Angelina's little black baby, following three steps behind her on her trips to third world hospitals? Don't get me wrong, I'n not denegrating her good works, just commenting on his manly demeaner. Yes, I know, we would all do it to hang out with the worlds sexiest woman...or not.

Any excuse to post a pic of Angelina Jolie...

Sen. Joe Lieberman just got back from Iraq and was adamant in his opinion that we should not cut and run... partial quote:

"I cannot say enough about the U.S. Army and Marines who are carrying most of the fight for us in Iraq. They are courageous, smart, effective, innovative, very honorable and very proud. After a Thanksgiving meal with a great group of Marines at Camp Fallujah in western Iraq, I asked their commander whether the morale of his troops had been hurt by the growing public dissent in America over the war in Iraq. His answer was insightful, instructive and inspirational: "I would guess that if the opposition and division at home go on a lot longer and get a lot deeper it might have some effect, but, Senator, my Marines are motivated by their devotion to each other and the cause, not by political debates."
Thank you, General. That is a powerful, needed message for the rest of America and its political leadership at this critical moment in our nation's history. Semper Fi. "

Mr. Lieberman is a Democratic senator from Connecticut

-30-

NO MORE WAR

It's 7:20 a.m., 37 degrees out, Patrick's still asleep and Junior's at work, a rare first shift.

The spectacle of the California congressman crying in public about the millions of dollars in bribes he took is disgusting. It's also heartbreaking: a fallen brother.

On the war front, it looks like America has had about enough. Americans aren't willing to suffer casualties in war any more. They want Desert Storm wars. So armed conflict may not be an option in the future. We better hope nobody tries to take our freedoms away (besides our government...).

Junior has expressed an interest in the Air Force Reserve and is researching it. I told him to check out all the options, e.g. Indiana Air National Guard, before he takes a step...

The photo is just for fun, for you Donna fans of That 70's Show...

Funeral services for Cpl. Jonathan F. Blair of Fort Wayne have been scheduled for 1 p.m. Thursday at Waynedale Baptist Church, 633 Lower Huntington Road. The visitation is 2-8 p.m. Wednesday at the Elzy Patterson Rodak Home for Funerals, 6810 Old Trail Road. Blair will be buried at Lindenwood Cemetery, 2324 W. Main Street.
Blair, 21, was one of four soldiers who died Nov. 19 in Bayji, Iraq, when a roadside bomb detonated near their Humvees during combat, according to the U.S. Department of Defense. The soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Blair’s memory be sent to the Elmhurst High School History Department or to the Salvation Army.

-30-

MORE TRAITORS

It's 8:02 a.m., 56 degrees out and clear, Junior's asleep and Patricks on my lap.

Ramsey Clark--remember that name? Well, this well known commie is trying to join Saddam's defense team. Why would he do that? I'll tell you why. He hates America and everything America stands for. It's that simple. Now, why does he hate America? Because America is the antithesis of everything he believes in, and has refused to change despite all his efforts over the years. He's frustrated and worn out. His hatred has consumed him and now he's sunk to the lowest level he can -- treason.This might not be what you want to hear, but that's the way it is.

-30-

GATORS CRUSH fsu IN SWAMP!

It's 5:57, 48 degrees out, and Patrick has crawled under the covers with Junior.

The Gators opened up a can of whup-ass on the Seminoles yesterday afternoon. FSU didn't even score until the final five minutes. Thoroughly enjoyable game, final score was 34-7, so UF Football is now 8-3. Bobby Bowden was basically expressionless the whole second half. Oh, my!! One curious thing, tho, was that the Network graphic, the one that up during the whole game with the score and downs, had Florida listed as No. 19, but no ranking for FSU, who was No. 21. Wonder what was up with that? Might havae to go for the forums for that one...

So, now whatbowl do we get?

EARTHDOG UPDATE: Patrick had his staples removed at the vet's yesterday, saturday a.m. They gave me a8 to 9 walk-in appointment, duh, I never should have gone for that, so when I got there, there was a line of 8 folks standing outside, so we had to wait over an hour for a 45 second procedure that was performed by the hot babe vet assistant wannabe. (She is taking a$7,000 Perdue Vet Assistant course thru Perdue on LIne studies...Anyway, on the way in I vowed to Patrick that I would be cordial and sociable and talk to everybody, instead of being my normal morose, withdrawn antisocial asshole self. So I did, but what a bunch of duds, for the most part. I was rewarded for my efforts with one syllable responses from a bunch of dullards. One guy had what he claimed was a pit bull. Poor fool, he was hoodwinked by somebody, it was no more a pit bull than Patrick is an Ostrich. I couldn't understand a word he grunted. The only person worth taliking to was a middle aged hot babe with a black cat and about 40 grand worth of diamonds on her fingers. Guy there with a great Dane. All in all a good day for the doc, with about 20 dos and cats while I was there...

Bizzarre happening for the day, ex sister in law Karen showed up in the p.m. with a real pit bull in her car. We chatted for about an hour. Never did figure out what she wanted, either it was just recon or she sized up the situation and decided not to ask...I was very pleasant to her, as I always have been. Her mom died in July and her loving sisters kicked her all out of the place... The big news is : ex wife-bitch back in town. So it goes.

-30-

THE SHE-VULTURE IS BACK

It is 7:01 a.m., thirteen degrees out and Patrick and Junior are sacked out.

Well, Cindy-I'm-a-brain-dead-Zombie-Sheehan is back at the ranch making a fool of herself. Doesn't she have any friends who can tell her she's doing a horrible thing?

From Itsjuststuffatthisage.blogspot.com:


Scott Zubowski -- Our hearts are heavy...

~Oh, Scott---You were just a little boy interested in dinosaurs it seems when I first met you in Mrs. Varner's 3rd/4th grade Focus class at Sunnyside. Witty and quite funny, you had your serious side too.I was sorry to see another one of my son's friends move away. When graduation came around in 2003, when your former classmates were heading off into the world, I was wondering where you would be going to college and what would be your major.Then, the other day I found out.....Lance Corporal Scott Zubowski, a husband, brother and son, is the 49th person from Indiana to die in the Middle East.I am so, so sorry for you, your family, your young bride. May the Lord bring comfort to those that loved and knew you.

posted by Notekkmom at


-30-

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

It's 8:27 a.m. cold and windy out at 24 degrees, no snow left on ground and light grey out. Junor fell asleep downstairs watching videos, Patrick has joined him.

I am thankful for my son, my dogs, my health, my house, my truck, my memories. I have no regrets. It will just be Junior, Patrick and I for the little dinner I will cook this year.

Some one in the geo forums wrote that they had a degree in : "Outdoor Recreation" and worked for the DNR. What is "Outdoor Recreation"? Playing outside? I was doing that at age four with no degree required and haven't quit since.!!

-30-

ANOTHER FALLEN HERO

iT'S 6:25 a.m., dark out and Patrick and Junior are sacked out.

Heard on the radio this morning that a Ft. Wayne paratrooper died a few days ago in Iraq from an IED. That's the third Indiana Man in a month. God Bless his soul.


IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 22, 2005
DoD Identifies Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died in Bayji, Iraq on Nov. 19, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their HMMWV during combat operations. The soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky.

Killed were:

1st Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, 23, of Freehold, N.J.

Staff Sgt. Edward Karolasz, 25, of Powder Springs, N.J.


Cpl. Jonathan F. Blair, 21, of Fort Wayne, Ind.


Spc. Dominic J. Hinton, 24, of Jacksonville, Texas.



Fort Wayne Soldier Killed In Iraq Nov 23, 2005 - (Fort Wayne, IN 11/23/05)--

A Fort Wayne man is the latest area soldier to die in Iraq.

The army says 21-year old Corporal Jonathan Blair was among 5 soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division who died last Saturday in a roadside bombing in the Iraqi city of Beiji.

Blair had graduated from Elmhurst High School in 2002.

He was part of a unit that has been in Iraq since October.

Blair’s death came one week after North Manchester Marine Scott Zubowski was killed in a bombing in Iraq. (Edited by Paula Hinton)




Cpl. Jonathan F. Blair

Blast kills city soldier in Iraq

Jonathan F. Blair was one of four victims Saturday.A 21-year-old Fort Wayne man was among four soldiers killed Saturday in Bayji, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their Humvees during combat, the Department of Defense announced Tuesday.

Cpl. Jonathan F. Blair was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, of the 101st Airborne Division based in Fort Campbell, Ky.Blair joined the Army in October 2002 and arrived at Fort Campbell in March 2003, according to a written statement from Fort Campbell spokeswoman Kelly Ann Tyler.

He is survived by his mother, Vickie Blair of Fort Wayne, and his father, whose address is unknown.“The family is not prepared to make a statement at this time,” Vickie Blair said Tuesday night.

Also killed in the explosion were 1st Lt. Dennis Zilinski, 23, of Freehold, N.J.; Staff Sgt. Edward Karolasz, 25, of Kearny, N.J.; and Spc. Dominic Hinton, 24, of Jacksonville, Texas.Memorial services for the soldiers will be held in Iraq at a time to be determined. Fort Campbell also has a memorial ceremony monthly for its soldiers; the next is scheduled for Dec. 14....

His death marks the third of a northeast Indiana soldier in less than a month and the fourth this year:

♦On Nov. 12, Lance Cpl. Scott Zubowski, 20, of North Manchester, died after a roadside bomb exploded beneath his military vehicle near Fallujah, in Iraq’s Al Anbar province.


♦On Oct. 25, Sgt. Christopher T. Monroe, 19, of Kendallville, died in Basra, Iraq, after his truck was involved in an accident with a civilian vehicle.

♦On March 26, Bluffton native Master Sgt. Michael T. Hiester died when a mine detonated near his vehicle outside Kabul, Afghanistan.

Blair is the second Fort Wayne native killed in the war on terror.Brian Penisten, 28, was among 16 soldiers killed Nov. 2, 2003, in a missile attack on a helicopter near Fallujah.






-30-

MARINE MOM'S ACCOUNT OF SCOTT ZUBOWSKI FUNERAL

November 21

Life of a Marine Mom, entry 68

Those whom
we have loved
never really leave us.

They live on forever
in our
hearts
and cast their
radiant
light
on our
every
Shadow

by sylvanna rossetti



I had the sad honor today of attending the funeral service of LCpl Scott Zubowski, who died in Iraq on Nov. 12, 2005 while on a combat mission. His funeral was attended by a great crowd that wished to say good bye to Scott.

Although the reason I went was to pay my respects to the young Marine that we lost and his family, as I listened to the touching tributes eloquently delivered by his teachers, family and friends, I caught a bright glimpse of the man behind the uniform. This glimpse of a young man, newly married to the love of his life, intelligent, caring, honorable and full of life, brought emotions far beyond the mourning and grief that I already expected to feel. The young man that I came to know during his service reminds me deeply of my own son who is still serving in Iraq.

The Scott Zubowski that is being remembered by his family and friends, was a loving young man with a great appetite for everything in life (including food according to his family, he frequently cleaned out their fridges!) and possessed of an intellect that would have taken him far in this world. This was a young man that spent the best years of his life bringing laughter and joy to his family. His humorous side and loving nature was very evident in the way his family remembers him. His older brother, Sgt. David Zubowski, remembers him as one of the best Marines he has ever had the privledge to know. They spent time together at 29 Palms where they were both stationed and David is glad he had the opportunity to get to know his little brother as a Marine. His young wife loved him with all her heart as he loved her. Scott told his mother once that he didn't want to live in a world without Klancey by his side and his mother thanked Klancey for making his last few months the best times of his too short life. All in all, the life of this young man, this Marine, touched a great many people as he shared the spark inside him that made him who he was. The world is a sadder place now that his spark is dimmed although an ember of that spark lives on in those that remember and honor LCpl Scott Zubowski.

The Marine Corps paid tribute to LCpl Scott Zubowski's sacrifice to the country he loved with full military honors. His flag-draped coffin never stood alone as there was always a Marine standing at the end of it, and when the Marines changed the guard over him, each would slowly salute Scott both before taking guard position and upon leaving it.

As we stood near his grave on this cold, dreary November day in North Manchester, the minister asked us all to join in singing "America the Beautiful" in honor of this fallen young American hero. Singing this song was probably the hardest, but the most meaningful part of the service to me today. As I tried, through a shaking voice and tears, to sing the words of this song, I had an ephipany. A sudden clear thought that we, as Americans, need to take the words of this simple song to heart and mean them with the prayful intent they were orginally meant to be sung with to bring this country back to what it once was. Thus I leave you with the words of "America the Beautiful" ringing in your ears. Sing it with all your heart in honor of this young Marine we saw buried today for the land he represented needs to hear it.


O beautiful for spacious skies, For amber waves of grain, For purple mountain majesties Above the fruited plain! America! America! God shed his grace on thee And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for pilgrim feet Whose stern impassioned stressA thoroughfare of freedom beat Across the wilderness! America! America! God mend thine every flaw, Confirm thy soul in self-control, Thy liberty in law!

O beautiful for heroes proved In liberating strife. Who more than self their country lovedAnd mercy more than life! America! America! May God thy gold refine Till all success be nobleness And every gain divine!

O beautiful for patriot dream That sees beyond the years Thine alabaster cities gleam Undimmed by human tears! America! America! God shed his grace on thee And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for halcyon skies, For amber waves of grain, For purple mountain majesties Above the enameled plain! America! America! God shed his grace on thee Till souls wax fair as earth and air And music-hearted sea!

O beautiful for pilgrims feet, Whose stem impassioned stress A thoroughfare for freedom beat Across the wilderness! America! America! God shed his grace on thee Till paths be wrought through wilds of thought By pilgrim foot and knee!



Semper Fidelis and God bless you all.
7:44 PM


http://spaces.msn.com/members/faefyre/Blog/cns!1p0MJhS2M79hMvCKLkotBBDQ!1187.entry


Comments

My son and I attended Scott Zubowski's funeral yestserday, in North Manchester. They were high school chums and team mates. I was iimpressed with the Marine Corps honor guard, gun salute and flag presentations at the cemetery. There were about 16 or more Marines in Dress Blues there, more than I would have expected, commanded by a Captain. The American Legion was represented by about 8 honorary pallbearers as well. For myself, I wore steel toed boots in case the devil-worshipers who disrupted the Kendallville soldier's funeral a few weeks back showed up. Thank the Lord they did not. I thank God my only son is safe and sound with me. Scott is a true American Hero.
Published By Trader Rick - November 22 9:29 AM

Hi there, I am also an ex-marine, I feel once a Marine always a Marine. I really love your poem, and my heart goes out to your family. Awesome web page.Its an honor to know someone like you, and to read all of the neat things you have on your page.God Bless you and your family,Linda Cucek
Published By ThefightingMother (http://spaces.msn.com/members/TheFightingMoth...) - November 22 2:45 AM

Tami ~Thank you for sharing this beautiful story about LCpl Scott Zubowski -- and for sharing ALL those verses! I never knew them all, and my heart was touched today.I pray that God continues to watch over and protect your son.Love in Christ,Nae :o)
Published By ShaawatGooch (http://spaces.msn.com/members/AlaskanFrontier...) - November 21 11:23 PM


Bueno en realidad no tengo ni la menor idea que es lo que dice este space... pero con lo poco que enteindo del ingles creo que es muy interesante :)
Published By ЇяMẩ (http://spaces.msn.com/members/byirma/) - November 21 10:34 PM
Tami, this is beautiful. I started crying while I read it. I especially liked the quote from sylvanna rossetti as of course, I'm still getting over the losses in my family. Its so sad to lose such a wonderful person and soldier. I only hope he knows there are many of us out here who appreciate his sacrifice. Semper Fi.
Published By Guinness_Wench (http://spaces.msn.com/members/guinnesswench/) - November 21 8:54 PM

MARINE MOM'S ACCOUNT OF SCOTT ZUBOWSKI FUNERAL

November 21

Life of a Marine Mom, entry 68

Those whom
we have loved
never really leave us.

They live on forever
in our
hearts
and cast their
radiant
light
on our
every
Shadow

by sylvanna rossetti



I had the sad honor today of attending the funeral service of LCpl Scott Zubowski, who died in Iraq on Nov. 12, 2005 while on a combat mission. His funeral was attended by a great crowd that wished to say good bye to Scott.

Although the reason I went was to pay my respects to the young Marine that we lost and his family, as I listened to the touching tributes eloquently delivered by his teachers, family and friends, I caught a bright glimpse of the man behind the uniform. This glimpse of a young man, newly married to the love of his life, intelligent, caring, honorable and full of life, brought emotions far beyond the mourning and grief that I already expected to feel. The young man that I came to know during his service reminds me deeply of my own son who is still serving in Iraq.

The Scott Zubowski that is being remembered by his family and friends, was a loving young man with a great appetite for everything in life (including food according to his family, he frequently cleaned out their fridges!) and possessed of an intellect that would have taken him far in this world. This was a young man that spent the best years of his life bringing laughter and joy to his family. His humorous side and loving nature was very evident in the way his family remembers him. His older brother, Sgt. David Zubowski, remembers him as one of the best Marines he has ever had the privledge to know. They spent time together at 29 Palms where they were both stationed and David is glad he had the opportunity to get to know his little brother as a Marine. His young wife loved him with all her heart as he loved her. Scott told his mother once that he didn't want to live in a world without Klancey by his side and his mother thanked Klancey for making his last few months the best times of his too short life. All in all, the life of this young man, this Marine, touched a great many people as he shared the spark inside him that made him who he was. The world is a sadder place now that his spark is dimmed although an ember of that spark lives on in those that remember and honor LCpl Scott Zubowski.

The Marine Corps paid tribute to LCpl Scott Zubowski's sacrifice to the country he loved with full military honors. His flag-draped coffin never stood alone as there was always a Marine standing at the end of it, and when the Marines changed the guard over him, each would slowly salute Scott both before taking guard position and upon leaving it.

As we stood near his grave on this cold, dreary November day in North Manchester, the minister asked us all to join in singing "America the Beautiful" in honor of this fallen young American hero. Singing this song was probably the hardest, but the most meaningful part of the service to me today. As I tried, through a shaking voice and tears, to sing the words of this song, I had an ephipany. A sudden clear thought that we, as Americans, need to take the words of this simple song to heart and mean them with the prayful intent they were orginally meant to be sung with to bring this country back to what it once was. Thus I leave you with the words of "America the Beautiful" ringing in your ears. Sing it with all your heart in honor of this young Marine we saw buried today for the land he represented needs to hear it.


O beautiful for spacious skies, For amber waves of grain, For purple mountain majesties Above the fruited plain! America! America! God shed his grace on thee And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for pilgrim feet Whose stern impassioned stressA thoroughfare of freedom beat Across the wilderness! America! America! God mend thine every flaw, Confirm thy soul in self-control, Thy liberty in law!

O beautiful for heroes proved In liberating strife. Who more than self their country lovedAnd mercy more than life! America! America! May God thy gold refine Till all success be nobleness And every gain divine!

O beautiful for patriot dream That sees beyond the years Thine alabaster cities gleam Undimmed by human tears! America! America! God shed his grace on thee And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for halcyon skies, For amber waves of grain, For purple mountain majesties Above the enameled plain! America! America! God shed his grace on thee Till souls wax fair as earth and air And music-hearted sea!

O beautiful for pilgrims feet, Whose stem impassioned stress A thoroughfare for freedom beat Across the wilderness! America! America! God shed his grace on thee Till paths be wrought through wilds of thought By pilgrim foot and knee!



Semper Fidelis and God bless you all.
7:44 PM


http://spaces.msn.com/members/faefyre/Blog/cns!1p0MJhS2M79hMvCKLkotBBDQ!1187.entry


Comments

My son and I attended Scott Zubowski's funeral yestserday, in North Manchester. They were high school chums and team mates. I was iimpressed with the Marine Corps honor guard, gun salute and flag presentations at the cemetery. There were about 16 or more Marines in Dress Blues there, more than I would have expected, commanded by a Captain. The American Legion was represented by about 8 honorary pallbearers as well. For myself, I wore steel toed boots in case the devil-worshipers who disrupted the Kendallville soldier's funeral a few weeks back showed up. Thank the Lord they did not. I thank God my only son is safe and sound with me. Scott is a true American Hero.
Published By Trader Rick - November 22 9:29 AM

Hi there, I am also an ex-marine, I feel once a Marine always a Marine. I really love your poem, and my heart goes out to your family. Awesome web page.Its an honor to know someone like you, and to read all of the neat things you have on your page.God Bless you and your family,Linda Cucek
Published By ThefightingMother (http://spaces.msn.com/members/TheFightingMoth...) - November 22 2:45 AM

Tami ~Thank you for sharing this beautiful story about LCpl Scott Zubowski -- and for sharing ALL those verses! I never knew them all, and my heart was touched today.I pray that God continues to watch over and protect your son.Love in Christ,Nae :o)
Published By ShaawatGooch (http://spaces.msn.com/members/AlaskanFrontier...) - November 21 11:23 PM


Bueno en realidad no tengo ni la menor idea que es lo que dice este space... pero con lo poco que enteindo del ingles creo que es muy interesante :)
Published By ЇяMẩ (http://spaces.msn.com/members/byirma/) - November 21 10:34 PM
Tami, this is beautiful. I started crying while I read it. I especially liked the quote from sylvanna rossetti as of course, I'm still getting over the losses in my family. Its so sad to lose such a wonderful person and soldier. I only hope he knows there are many of us out here who appreciate his sacrifice. Semper Fi.
Published By Guinness_Wench (http://spaces.msn.com/members/guinnesswench/) - November 21 8:54 PM

FT. WAYNE NEWSPAPERS ARTICLE ON SCOTT ZUBOWSKI

HERE IS THE TEST OF THE ARTICLE ABOUT SCOTT ZUBOWSKI PUBLISHED IN THE FT. WAYNE NEWSPAPERS THAT JUNIOR AND HIS GRANDMOTHER WERE INTERVIEWED FOR:



Posted on Tue, Nov. 15, 2005

Zubowski: Killed by roadside explosion in Iraq


Family recalls life of slain Marine

Being a soldier was a lifelong goal for Scott Zubowski, 20, of North Manchester.By Becky Manleybmanley@news-sentinel.com


Lance Cpl. Scott Zubowski was a patriot who wanted to be a soldier since he was a child, so he joined the Marines after graduating from North Manchester High School in 2003.


Scott Zubowski’s mother, Barb Weitzel of New Castle, learned of her son’s death Saturday from Marine officials. Her first instinct was to close the door to her home, to refuse to hear the words they would say.

“I knew it would be bad,” Weitzel said.

But she had two sons serving in Iraq, and one question was burning a hole in her heart.
“I said, ‘Which one?’ ”

That’s when Weitzel heard that it was Scott, not his older brother David, who was killed. The 20-year-old died after a roadside bomb exploded beneath his military vehicle near Fallujah, in Iraq’s Al Anbar province.

Weitzel is now eager to speak of Scott, to share those memories that flood her mind.

“He would just talk and laugh and hug. I was just proud to have him as a son,” Weitzel said.
Scott Zubowski was serving his second tour of duty in Iraq. His first lasted from February to October in 2004. Before returning to Iraq, he decided he wanted to marry his high-school sweetheart, Klancey Eberly.

Because her son was still so young, Weitzel asked Scott if he was sure he couldn’t live without Eberly. His response: “I can live without her, Mom, I just don’t want to.”
The couple wed Dec. 18. In July, Zubowski left again for Iraq.

Weitzel had her last conversation with her son about two weeks ago. Zubowski always spoke about generalities — the weather, the food and whether he was bored.
“He was a good mother’s son,” said Weitzel. “He never forgot his mom.”

Scott decided to become a Marine when he was an eighth-grader, after his brother, David, graduated from Marine basic training, said Zubowski’s father, Richard Zubowski of North Manchester. Father and son traveled to San Diego for the graduation ceremony, and the elder Zubowski saw how his son was impressed with the “pomp and circumstance” of the ceremony.
“I’m saddened by the loss, but I know he was doing what he wanted to do,” Zubowski said. “Scott did want to do something to serve his country and the Marine Corps was his only choice.”
Although Scott Zubowski intended to rise in the Marine ranks, he wanted to earn the respect given to enlisted Marines who become officers rather than skipping the grunt work by entering the ROTC program.

“Scott’s goal ... was he was going to be an officer, but he was going to go from the bottom up,” Richard Zubowski said.


Rick Post, Jr., a longtime friend, first met Zubowski in junior high. The two shared similar tastes in movies, TV shows and humor. By their senior year at Manchester High School, they were co-captains on the school’s cross country team. Post remembers that before a meet, Zubowski would lead the team in a prayer.

Post also remembers Zubowski talking about his desire to be a Marine. “As long as I can remember he wanted to follow in his older brother’s footsteps.”


Post’s grandmother, Louise A. Johnson of Fort Wayne, has vivid memories of Zubowski, who was among a group of friends Post would bring to her St. Joe Center Road home for weekend visits during high school.

“Scott was a person that, if you ever met him like I did, you would never forget him,” said Johnson.

One memory in particular remains vivid in Johnson’s mind. It happened one of those weekends when she had served dinner to her grandson and his friends. After dinner, Zubowski remained at the dinner table and talked to Johnson while his friends went off to play video games. Zubowski told Johnson about his friendship with her grandson, their shared interests, and about his life.

“He and I sat here at the table and talked,” said Johnson. She said most of the other boys were shy, but Zubowski seemed more mature.

Johnson heard of Zubowski’s death from a TV newscast Monday.

“I’d give anything to have Scott sitting back at my table,” said a tearful Johnson. “Those memories are just so precious.”

Another older brother, Brian Zubowski of Huntington, survives Scott Zubowski.

Four other Marines were in Zubowski’s vehicle. Of those, one was killed, one was critically injured, and two others were slightly injured.

Funeral arrangements for Zubowski are pending. Services will be held in North Manchester.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.
-30-

WANAE TV-15 FUNERAL COVERAGE -SCOTT ZUBOWSKI

(North Manchester - WANE) Lance Corporal Scott Zubowski was buried today with full military honors, at the Oaklawn Cemetery in North Manchester. The 20 year old marine was married last year between tours of duty in Iraq, and set to celebrate his first wedding anniversary in December.

"He was a wonderful man and a great marine, and I want people to honor him for that, because he died for this country," said Zubowski's squadron leader, Cpl. Timothy Winters. "Scott was a dedicated marine, full of integrity, honorable, very intelligent. Any squad leader would love to have someone like him under his command."

Zubowski joined the marines after graduating from Manchester High School in 2003. He was a member of the National Honor Society and a National Merit Scholar. Randy Self, assistant principal at Manchester High School, says Zubowski was a bright and well-liked student. "He had the potential to do lots of different things and go into different leadership roles and he decided this is what he wanted to do," said Self.


Zubowski died last Saturday, near Fallujah, when the vehicle he was riding in hit a roadside bomb. Many members of the community learned about his death, when his pastor made the sad announcement last Sunday in church. His death has hit this small community hard. "Yesterday during the viewing, the entire community came out. When we picked up Scott in Indianapolis the other night, the Manchester Police organized a police escort back to North Manchester. There has been great support from the community here in Indiana."


That support continued today, as some folks who had never even met Zubowski braved the cold, and stood at the edge of North Manchester's Oaklawn Ceremony, to pay their respects. "He served on my behalf and I feel a great sense of loss," said Mike Beauchamp, "I didn't know the young man, but I feel an obligation to be here on this day."


For going above and beyond the call of duty, an army spokesman says Zubowski will be posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Achievement Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device.

-30-

MORBIDLY OBESE

It's 8:49 a.m. and Junior and Parick are snoring.

Well, Junior wore my best suit to Scott Zubowski's funeral yesterday. It was a little snug, but it worked. Course, he could stand to take a few inches off his waistline. His old man is a different story. I don't have a jcket that will fit me, let alone pants. The vests quityears ago. I've goodwilled a great number of suits because they no longer fit. Now the last dozen or so suits left over from the threepiece suits every day phase of my life are no longer useful to me, since I've ballooned up to 190 pounds. I am starting today a new diet designed to pare down my thirty-pound pregnant stomach, as well as an exercise program, as yet to be determined. My diet is already a very healthy one, I'm just going to add portion control and eliminate snacks. Patrick's getting a little pudgy also, a reflection of my lifestyle, I guess. I think I will start with walks over the corn field back to the woods...

Here are some more entries from the Log Book at Legacy.com for Scott Zubowski:


Guest Book for
Lance Cpl. Scott A. Zubowski
Page 1 of 2



November 21, 2005
To the family of Scott,Our prayers go out to you as Scott gave the ultimate sacrifice defending our country - he is a true hero. God Bless you and your family as Scott continues to watch over you from heaven.Barb Meadows and Howard Cantwell

(Fort Wayne, IN )

November 21, 2005
To the family of Lance Cpl Scott Zubowski, WHAT A HERO HE IS TO ALL!! GOD BLESS YOU ALL AT THIS TIME.VERY PROUD MARINE MOMPFC AARON T LOGAN

Angie Logan (woodburn, IN ) alogan@nephdocs.com

November 21, 2005
To the family of this brave young man I would like you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers in this difficult time!

Haley Wright (Fort Wayne, IN ) plw0072@yahoo.com

November 20, 2005
I send my sincerest condolences to your family. Lee has told me what a wonderful person Scott was. I know that there are no words that could relieve your sadness at such a great loss. Scott and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. As a citizen of our great country, I thank you and wish to honor Scott’s service.

Kevin Johnson (Fort Wayne, IN )

November 20, 2005
He has done one of the bravest things possible by choosing to serve in the military and ultimatly giving his life for our freedom. God Bless your family in this time of loss. You will be in my prayers.

Colleen Lane (Fort Wayne, IN )

November 20, 2005
Thank you for defending us. Your family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers.

Liz Bramel (Fort wayne)



-30-

SCOTT ZUBOWSKI'S FUNERAL TODAY

It's 7:03 a.m. and Juniors is alseep and Patrick's outside.

Today we go to Scott Zubowski's funeral in about three hours. Junior went to Scott's veiwing last night. The casket was closed, with a flag draped over it, Guarded by Marines in dress blues. This is going to be very hard. I pray the protestors from the Devil-Church in Kansas are not there, like they were for the Kendallville soldier's funeral.

Well, it's 4:12 p.m. and Junior and Patrick are sacked out on the couch downstairs while Star Wars II is playing on the TV.

Scott's Memorial Service at the Church was moving. witnessed by several hundreds of people. There were about a dozen U.S. Marines there, the honor guard, in Dress Blues. A white gloved, Blue Jacketed contingent from the American Legion sat behind the Marines. One Marine stood guard at the casket, except during the service. When they changed guards, they executed a slow motion salute to each other, and the new guard saluted the Flag and casket.The Marines have never left him alone since leaving Iraq. Euologies were read by Scott's wife, mother, Brother (In Dress Blues) and several teachers. There were at least 5 patrol cars that I counted doing traffic duty, on the route to the cemetery--which is only a block or two--State Troopers, County Sheriffs and city cops. The Marines gave Scott a three gun salute, then lovingly folded the flag that draped his casket and presented it to his wife. Other flags were presented, by the Marine Corps Captain, to his mom and to his dad. Junior was pretty broken up about all this, as were his friends at the cemetery...

At the cemetery there were about 16 or more Marines.

ZUBOWSKI OBITUARY

From the Ft. Wayne Newspapers:


Scott A. Zubowski

LCPL. SCOTT A. ZUBOWSKI, 20, of North Manchester, died Saturday, Nov. 12, 2005, near Fallujah, Iraq. Born March 18, 1985, in Dyersville, Iowa, he was the son of Richard Zubowski and Barbara (Annen) Weitzel. He graduated from Manchester High School, class of 2003, where he was active in cross country, swim team and track. He was a member of the National Honors Society and National Merit Scholarship.

He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on June 6, 2003. He graduated boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego, Calif., in September of 2003. Shortly thereafter, he attended the Anti-Tank Assaultman Course at the School of Infantry (SOZ), Camp Pendleton, Calif. Upon graduation from SOI, he attained the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) 0351 (Assaultman). In Nov. of 2003, he joined Weapons Company, .2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division located in 29 Palms, Calif.

At the time of his death, he served as TOW Gunner, Team Leader, and Vehicle Commander, Mobile Assault Squad 1 Bravo (MAS 1B), Mobile Assault Platoon l (MAP 1). He was fatally injured while on patrol on Nov. 12, 2005, in Fallujah, Iraq, by an improvised explosive device (IED).

He was deployed twice to Iraq in support of the Global War on Terrorism, His awards include the Combat Action Ribbon, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Purple Heart Medal. He married Klancey M. Eberly on Dec. 18, 2004, and she survives. He is also survived by his father, Richard Zubowski, of North Manchester; mother and stepfather, Barbara (Annen) and Greg Weitzel of New Castle, Ind.; brothers, Brian Zubowski of Huntington and David (Kaycie) Zubowski of Oceanside, Calif.; paternal grandmother, Donna Zubowski of North Manchester; maternal grandparents, Richard and WaIda Annen of Noblesville; father and mother-in-law, Gary and Karen Eberly of North Manchester; brother-in-law, Grant Eberly; and sister-in-law, Britta Eberly.

Service is 10:30 a.m. Monday at Manchester Church of the Brethren, 1306 N. Beckley St., North Manchester. Pastor Kurt Borgmann officiating. Calling is from 1 to 7 p.m. Sunday at DeLaughter-McKee Mortuary, North Manchester Chapel. Burial at Oaklawn Cemetery, North Manchester. Memorials to American Military Spouse Education Foundation, 9912 Great Oaks Way, Fairfax,Va., 22030. Condolences may be emailed to the Zubowski & Eberly families at delaughtermckee.com. Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers from 11/20/2005 - 11/21/2005.

(Edited 7 typographical errors)

SCOTT ZUBOWSKI VIEWING TODAY

iT'S 5:29 a.m. 38 degrees out, dark, Patrick's outside and Junior's on his computer.

Viewing for Scott Zubowski will be today from 1p.m to 7p.m aat the Funeral Home in North Manchester on 114 next to Taco Bell, Funeral Service tomorrow at the Brethren Church at 10:00a.m.


The folks in the MSM and the congress who are calling for an immediate withdrawal from Iraq, and or whine about our teasing of prisoners (whose cause regularly decapitates their hostages), may be well intentioned and merely unbelievably stupid. Pointly headed liberals live in a foggy academic world and many of them can't deal with a world of harsh reality. Or they may actually be on the enemy's side, sometimes it's hard to tell. The end result is the same. Aid and comfort for the enemy. They are not dissenters, they are traitors. We say it here. Out loud. Filthy traitors. Maybe we would pursue this war a little differently, were we in charge. But as long as America's Best are on the ground and in the air in the Middle East, We back the President 100%.From this vantage point, we think it's time to take the global war on terrorism to a new level. Those who have the brains and resources to evaluate, need to determine what it is, if anything that is sacred to the Zombie-suicide bombers and attack THAT. We know it's not the lives of their fellow muslim's children, who they indicrimately kill every day. Maybe it's time to clandestinely start bombing extremist mosques. Maybe it's time to start contract-assasinating the ayatollahs who are perpetuating this Jihad.

War protest is one thing, an honored thing. Helping the enemy is another. And we know its name: TREASON.

-30-

NEW CASTLE COURIER TIMES STORY ON SCOTT ZUBOWSKI

Losing one of our own

By Darrel Radford dradford@thecouriertimes.com Tuesday, November 15, 2005 10:52 AM CST

Sunnyside Elementary School teacher Kathryn Hayes struggled with her emotions Monday afternoon as she pulled out a picture drawn by Scott Zubowski when he was a sixth-grader.The drawing showed a trio of Viking ships going into battle. It was an early indication of what the youngster wanted to do with his life.


But as teachers remembered this fallen soldier, they said his personality was in stark contrast to the horrors he bravely faced in Iraq."He was kind, quiet and cooperative," Hayes said.
"He was quiet and polite, just a model student," Sunnyside Elementary School Principal Linda Kinnett said. "He was a good role model for all students."Zubowski, a son of New Castle resident Barbara Weitzel, was killed when the vehicle he was riding hit a roadside bomb Saturday in Iraq. It was perhaps the first Henry County military death since the Vietnam War.

Zubowski attended both Greenstreet and Sunnyside elementary schools. June Rogers, a veteran teacher at Greenstreet, also remembered Scott."He was very respectful and hard working, a nice young man," she said.

When he was a junior high school student, Zubowski moved to North Manchester with his father, Richard Zubowski, who still resides there."That's where he met his future wife," Mrs. Weitzel said of her son.Zubowski married Klancey Eberly on Dec. 18th."He was happily married, absolutely in love with this amazing woman," said Kaycie E. Zubowski, Scott's sister-in-law and daughter of New Castle residents Eugene and Carolyn Keith. "She made him whole. Klancey is one of the most amazing people I know, and we're all with her in this horrible time."

According to military reports, Zubowski, a lance corporal, was a rear passenger in a multi-purpose military vehicle when it was struck by a bomb. He was one of two soldiers killed in the attack.

Sunnyside Elementary School teacher Mary Jane Dye echoed the sentiments others had about Zubowski."He was very bright," Dye said. "He was really a great team player. He didn't demand a lot of attention for himself. He was just a really good kid and well respected by his classmates."Both Hayes and Dye said that the tragedy has made the all-too-common Iraq war news terribly pertinent now."Especially as a mom with two teen-age boys," Hayes said. "It really hits home.""We almost become a little desensitized to it," Dye added. "Now it's one of our own."

Funeral plans are being made for Zubowski in North Manchester, but a memorial service will be held here at a later date.

TEXT OF NEWS SENTINEL ARTICLE ON SCOT ZUBOWSKI

It's 8:30 a.m. twenty degrees out, Patrick and Junior are have gone to sleep.

Here is the North Manchester News Sentinel article on Scott Zubowski:


Local Marine Killed By Iraqi Roadside Bomb
16 Nov 2005


More than 2,000 Americans have died since the beginning of the war in Iraq. On Saturday, one of those deaths hit close to home as Scott Zubowski, age 20 and a 2003 Manchester High School graduate, was killed in action near Fullujah, Iraq, when a roadside bomb exploded underneath the military vehicle he was riding in.
One other Marine was killed in the explosion and three others were injured.Zubowski is the son of Rick Zubowski and Barbara Weitzel. Scott is also survived by his wife, Klancey (Eberly) Zubowski and two brothers, Brian Zubowski, and David Zubowski, who is serving with the Marines in Iraq.
Scott’s father, Rick, said that his son was doing what he wanted to do with his life and knew the risks involved. “Scott really looked up to his older brother who is serving with the Marines. He also has a lot of friends in different branches of the military. He was planning on being an officer in the Marine Corp(sic), but he wanted to start off from the bottom and work his way up,” said Rick Zubowski.
Scott was serving his second tour of duty in Iraq. His first ran from February to October of 2004.
Manchester High School principal Nancy Alspaugh said that she remembers Scott as being a very bright and well-rounded student, one who had unlimited potential. “He was a very strong student academically. I think he graduated eighth in his class. He was a solid A student, was a National Merit Commended Student, and a member of the National Honor Society,” said Alspaugh.
Zubowski also was known for being a good writer, an artist, and was involved in cross country, track, and swimming at MHS. “There are just a lot of people who thought very highly of Scott,” said Alspaugh. “I did have some concern about his enlisting initially because of the caliber of student he was. He could have gone to the Academy or gone through Officer training, but he felt like enlisting was something he needed to do. We all respected him for that,” Alspaugh continued.

Rick said that his son just had a lot of fun, and was surrounded by a “great crew of friends” in high school. “They had their fun, but they were good kids and never really got into any real trouble,” he said.Alspaugh agreed. “He was not somebody who was in my office,” she said. “Scott was pretty quiet and unassuming, but at the same time, had a great personality and was well liked by all,” she added.
A teacher of Scott’s, Bob Gilbert has fond memories of Scott as well. “He was both extremely bright and gentle. He had as fine an analytical mind as any student we’ve had in our school. He saw beneath the surface and understood things on a much deeper level than most students, but he was determined to go into the Marines because he thought it was important to give service to his country,” said Gilbert.

For Rick, he said that when Scott was in Iraq, he really didn’t worry too much about him. “I didn’t feel like I had to worry because of how tight knit the Marines are. They are a very close group,” he said. “The part that’s frustrating is how cowardly they (the insurgents) are. They don’t even have the guts to face you. They just continuously do cowardly things like this,” he added.Rick said that arrangements are pending, and that Scott’s body was due to arrive in Indianapolis or Ft. Wayne Tuesday.



BE YE KNOWN BY THE COMPANY YE KEEP

In surfing the web for information about Scott Zubowski, i have encountered two distinct types of websites, both types hosted by passionate people--people that HATE and LOVE. If you read my blog you will conclude that I LOVE America and her veterans and HATE Islamic fascist demon-zombies. Some websites I have visited honor our vets, LOVE America and her soldiers; others, the creepy anti-war ones, HATE America, hate the Republicans and President Bush, and LOVE our enemies in the middle east. Nobody loves peace more than the citizen soldiers who have to fight our wars. Nobody loves freedom more than those who have fought for it.

Watch carefully what our "leaders" in congress are saying now -- the revisionist historians--

WHAT SIDE ARE YOU ON?

MAG GUNFIHTERS SEND US FLAGS FLOWN IN COMBAT HOME TO FAMILIES

TAQQADUM, Iraq(Nov. 14, 2005) -- For many, the flag is more than a symbol of the government. It represents the shared values of the people of the United States and their greatest ideal, freedom. The Gunfighters of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369 fly this symbol at Al Taqqadum, Iraq, and proudly take it with them in UH-1 Hueys and AH-1 Cobras during combat missions.

“Our flag represents pride in what we’re doing here,” said Sgt. David Zubowski, a UH-1 Huey crew chief with the Gunfighters and New Castle, Ind., native. “Looking at our flag, it just reminds you and makes you feel good about being here bringing freedom to the Iraqi people.”Zuboswski has taken the flag with him during combat missions and flown it out of the Huey as he successfully returned back to camp each time. “While you’re out on the mission, the flag sits in the back of your mind,” said Zubowski. “Once you come back, it comes to the forefront. When we return from combat missions, I fly our flag out of the Huey and everyone who sees it starts pointing and cheering. It’s a great feeling.”

The flags the Gunfighters fly in Iraq are sent to their families and loved ones in the United States. They get to pick the exact day the flag flies and send home a part of history. “The flag flies into battle with the Marines and is there when the gunfire happens,” said Staff Sgt. Gary P. Huff, the Gunfighters’ support equipment plan maintenance staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge and Troy, Kan., native. “There is a certain amount of pride giving this kind of very personal gift. When we send a flag, we’re sending home a symbol of what we are doing here.”Huff runs the flag program for his section and said he is running out of dates to fly flags.

He said it is a morale booster, and when a person’s flag is flying, he will know it’s his flag going out on a mission. “I think the whole squadron will send a flag home,” said Sgt. Maj. Troy Couron, the Gunfighters’ sergeant major and Nebraska native. “The Marines here sometimes fly two flags in one day. They are also constantly flying missions and taking their flags with them.” Zubowski said the Gunfighters’ morale is high, and this program just adds to it. “As long as we keep the birds flying, our morale will be high,” said Zubowski. “We know we are doing our jobs and supporting the guys on the ground. Our flag represents this mission to us and a great deal more.” Couron said during the Gunfighters first 25 days in Iraq, they flew more than 1,300 combat hours. In the United States, he said it would take them more than two months to accomplish the feat.

“Sometimes, it’s really intense here,” said Cpl. Sean F. Mackall, a crew chief with the Gunfighters. “We work really hard and it can be really frustrating knowing there are Marines on the ground who need our help. But, we don’t shoot until we get a positive identification.”Contrary to the insurgents, the Gunfighters make every attempt to use caution and not kill innocent civilians. They said their flag represents the values and ideals which make the United States the most powerful nation in the world. “I think it’s awesome that I’ll get to send a flag home,” said Mackall. “My parents have a great deal of pride in what I am doing and what the other Marines are doing here. They support us and this flag will serve as a symbol of what we are doing here.”Zubowski said he can’t think of anywhere else on the earth where the U.S. flag is flown out of a Huey and into battle.

“It will be a big thing for my father-in-law to get,” said Zubowski. “He was in the Army and is very patriotic and supportive of what we are doing here. After receiving a flag from Iraq that was flown in combat, he will definitely hang it in a place of honor.”

MARINEMOM'S BLOG RE SCOTT ZUBOWSKI

Here is part of Marine Mom's Blog ( usmcmom.blogspot.com):

This past weekend Indiana lost another young Marine to the Iraqi conflict. Lance Cpl. Scott Zubowski, 20, died after a roadside bomb exploded beneath his military vehicle near Fallujah, in Iraq's Al Anbar province. He is survived by his wife (he was just married December 18, 2004), Klancey, his mother Barb Weitzel of New Castle, his father Richard Zubowski of North Manchester and two older brothers, Brian of Huntington and David who is also with the Marine Corps, serving in Iraq.

The mom had one question when she answered the door to see two uniformed Marines standing there -- "Which one?"

My prayers are with this family and I plan on attending the services for this brave young Marine who died too young.

As the various Marine support groups in Indiana rallied to begin making condolence books for the family, with emails flying, I found out that one of the young wives we had in my local group whose husband is serving in Al Asad, Iraq knew Scott and his wife, Klancey and another of our Marine mom's son who is in the 2/7 was with Scott just before he died. Our local group (most of us live less than an hour from Scott's father) immediately begin making the plans to complete the condolence books and attend the services. We aren't sure yet where they will be held although since his father and his wife both live in the North Manchester area we are assuming they will be held there.

This will be the first such service I have had to attend. I feel the need to be there to support his young man's family and be with my fellow Marine family members. This is one of the sad duties that accompanies having an extended network of friends involved with the Marines one way or another. But we have to support each other and our Marines in the best way that we can.

The young wife in our group, Ashley, sent an email to us all, I wanted to share just a part of it since it emcompasses the feelings that we have when we lose a Marine. I will post it here if I get her permission. Her overwhelming question was though ... what do I say? What do I say to Klancey? She knows Klancey fairly well and when Ashley decided to marry Bryce, Klancey had said to her "Ashley, think it over before you do, you don't know what your getting into!" meaning of course being married to a Marine.

What can we now say to Lance Cpl. Scott Zubowski's family? What do you say, what CAN you say? Sorry most certainly is NOT enough for what this family has to endure now. Most of the Marine moms in our group, including me, responded to Ashley's heartfelt plea and told her that you really can't say anything that is going to make it better. You just have to be there and listen to the family and show your support with hugs if they need them.

I know that I, for one, probably won't be able to say anything because everytime I try to say anything I will start crying too hard to speak. We just have to show them that we do care. It isn't enough ... but its all we can do.

CALIFORNIA CAPITOL FLAG AT HALF MAST FOR SCOTT ZUBOWSKI

GAAS:540:05FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE11/16/2005


Governor Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of Two Twentynine Palms Marines: Lance Cpl. David A. Mendez Ruiz & Lance Cpl. Scott A. Zubowski

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the deaths of Lance Cpl. David A. Mendez Ruiz of Cleveland, OH and Lance Cpl. Scott A. Zubowski of Manchester, IN:

"There is no higher calling than to fight for one's country in the struggle for freedom. Lance Cpl. Ruiz and Lance Cpl. Zubowski served this nation with determination and dignity.

Maria and I send our deepest condolences to these two Marines' families as they mourn them."


Ruiz, 20, and Zubowski, 20, died Nov. 12 as a result of injuries sustained from an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Al Amiriyah, Iraq. Both Marines were assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marines Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, CA. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, their unit was attached to 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force.
In honor of Lance Cpl. Ruiz and Lance Clp. Zubowski, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.


GOVERNOR ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER · SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA 95814 · (916) 445-2841

PALM SPRINGS DESERT SUN ON SCOTT ZUBOWSKI

Pair of Marines killed on duty in IraqTWENTYNINE PALMS --

Two Marines died in combat Saturday when their vehicle was attacked in Al Amiriyah, Iraq.
Lance Cpl. David A. Mendez Ruiz, 20, and Lance Cpl. Scott A. Zubowski, 20, were based at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms. The base announced their deaths Tuesday.

Both were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, and were deployed to Iraq in September.
Mendez Ruiz, an assistant gunner, was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala. He is survived by his parents, who live in Cleveland.

Zubowski was an assaultman born in Dyersville, Iowa. He is survived by his wife, Klancey, who lives in Twentynine Palms, and his parents, of Indiana.

LEGACY DOT COM : GUEST BOOK--REMEMBRANCE OF SCOTT ZUBOWSKI

THIS IS THE GUEST BOOK SO FAR: 6:54 P.M. 17 NOV. 2005 AT LEGACY.COM :


Guest Book for
Lance Cpl. Scott A. Zubowski
Page 1 of 1



November 17, 2005
The family of Staff SGT. Jeremy Doyle wishes to extent our deepest condolences to Scott's family and friends. We lost our son to a IED Aug. 18, 2005 in Samara, Iraq. We know the pain and the terrible sense of loss that you feel. All our soldiers over there are truly Hero's. I know that our young men are guarding the gates of heaven and are waiting to see us again . We want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and that our hearts go out to you.God bless you.

Sandy Doyle (Martinsville, IN ) sdoyle@clarian.org

November 17, 2005
Our sincerest condolences to Scott's family. He was a true Patriot and hero and will live on in the hearts of everyone whose life he touched, and every Veteran of a foreign war. God Bless you Scott and your family.

Richard E. Post, Sr. (Bippus, IN ) postman357@hotmail.com

November 17, 2005
Another Fallen Hero ---- I know how you feel and what you are experiencing. My deepest condolences and prayers go out to your entire family. Scott - I’m thankful for the Service, Courage, Bravery and Determinination to fight for our country, our freedom from you, my son and all the other men & women in our armed forces. You all will not be forgotten. Thank you. Yesterday, Today, Forever – Semper Fi - Marines! Very Proud Marine Mom(Lance Cpl. Nicholas S. Perez – KIA 9-3-04 – Al Anbar Province, Iraq)

Yolanda Valdez (Austin, TX ) yvaldez3176@yahoo.com

November 16, 2005

Wanda Cobb & Family (Jax, FL )

November 16, 2005
" No greater love hath any man that this, that a man lay down his life for a friend"John 15:13Semfer Fi

Randal Kramer (CHINA GROVE, NC )

NORTH MANCHESTER NEWS SENTINEL ON SCOTT ZUBOWSKI

Local Marine Killed By Iraqi Roadside Bomb

16 Nov 2005 - ( Front Page )


More than 2,000 Americans have died since the beginning of the war in Iraq. On Saturday, one of those deaths hit close to home as Scott Zubowski, age 20 and a 2003 Manchester High School graduate, was killed in action near Fullujah, Iraq, when a roadside bomb exploded underneath the military vehicle he was riding in.One other Marine was killed in the explosion and three others were injured.Zubowski is the son of Rick Zubowski and Barbara Weitzel. Scott is also survived by his wife, Klancey (Eberly) Zubowski and two brothers, Brian Zubowski, and David Zubowski, who is serving with the Marines in Iraq.

I CAN'T COPY THE REST OF THE ARTICLE go to www. nmnewspaper.com for quotes from Scott's father Rick.

MOON BATTERY DOT COM ON SCOTT ZUBOWSKI

THIS IS WHAT MOON BATTERY DOT COM HAS TO SAY:

Cindy Sheehan squeezed every second out of the 15 minutes she purchased by exploiting her son's death. In contrast, decent women who honor their sons' sacrifices don't get much attention from the press. Barbara Weitzel is a case in point. Her son, Marine Lance Corporal Scott Zubowski, died at age 20 during combat operations in Fallujah.
"My son, who was a very, very good man, gave his life so that I could have this nice house and live comfortably and fearlessly," said Weitzel. "My boy chose this and if I were to have regrets I would be dishonoring his choices, dishonoring his service, dishonoring the country that he serves."
If Weitzel were looking for media adulation, she would be going about it all wrong. But what she is doing is respecting her son's memory, and she is doing right.
Hat tip: Wiggins

WTHR-TV STORY ON SCOTT ZUBOWSKI (WITH A SLANT)

WTHR-TV
Chris Proffitt/Eyewitness News
New Castle, Nov. 14 - Twenty-year-old Marine Lance Corporal Scott Zubowski died in Iraq the way so many Americans fighting the war are dying. Zubowski was killed when the Humvee he was in hit a roadside bomb.
Another Marine also died Saturday when the bomb exploded during combat operations near Fallujah.
"He did what he wanted to do and did what his country asked of him. I'm very proud of him." Barbara Weitzel says it was her son's second tour of duty in Iraq since joining the Marines out of high school.
She likes to show an early picture of her sons at Grissom Air Force base. Years later Scott and older brother David both served as Marines in Iraq. "My boys were over there making sure that there aren't more planes going into World Trade Centers."
Lance Corporal Zubowski is one of over 2,000 American forces killed in Iraq, a victim of what's now the biggest killer of U.S. troops.
Zubowski's death follows the fourth-deadliest month for U.S. troops since the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. Most of the 96 Americans killed last month were hit by roadside bombs.
"My boy was in the wrong place at the wrong time, but it's where he chose to be."
Barbara spoke to her son for the last time nearly two weeks ago.
Lance Corporal Scott Zubowski, a husband, brother and son, is now the 49th person from Indiana to die in the Middle East.

WANE-TV STORY ON SCOTT ZUBOWSKI

An Indiana Marine died in an attack in Iraq on Saturday. Scott Zubowski of North Manchester was a 2003 graduate of Manchester High School. Teachers say Scott Zubowski is the first Manchester High School student in recent memory to die in the line of duty. They also say Scott was the kind of kid who could do whatever he wanted. He chose to go fight for his country.

To honor the fallen Marine, flags are being flown at half staff at North Manchester Schools. While at Manchester High, Scott was a member of the cross country team, track team and swim team, as well as a member of the National Honors Society. Scott's swim coach says the Marine was a leader, unique, loved to challenge himself, and beleived in doing what's right for everybody.
Scott was married this past December to 2004 Manchester High graduate Klancey Eberly. He's the son of Richard Zubowski and Barbara Whitesell, and has two older brothers - one is currently serving in Iraq. The family is planning to meet with military tomorrow to find out when the body will be returned.

CONGRESSMAN PENCE TRIBUTE TO SCOTT ZUBOWSKI

Washington, Nov 15 - WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Mike Pence made the following speech today on the floor of the House of Representatives in honor of Lance Corporal Scott Zubowski. His remarks follow:

“Marines arrived at Barbara Weitzel’s doorstep this Saturday at 5:30 p.m. in New Castle, Indiana, and she said, ‘My first question was which one?’ “Two of her sons are Marines, both are in Iraq, and she learned in that moment that her brave son, Lance Corporal Scott Zubowski, died in Iraq on 12 November 2005. While fighting to defend America and secure Iraq, he was the rear passenger traveling with four other soldiers near Fallujah when a roadside bomb exploded beneath their vehicle.

“Scott and his family moved to New Castle in 1991 where he attended Greenstreet Elementary School for first and second grade. His teachers quickly recognized his gifts and talents and placed him in an accelerated academic program at Sunnyside Elementary. “Scott did not grow up dreaming of a life in the military. But as is the case with younger brothers, he respected his older brother, David. Sgt. David Zubowski enlisted in the Marines and Scott noticed the growing confidence in his brother. He knew he wanted to enlist as well. “Scott joined the Marines just weeks after graduating from North Manchester High School in 2003. His two tours of duty in Iraq covered about twelve months.

“Lance Cpl. Scott Zubowski is a hero. I offer my deepest condolences to his parents, Barbara Weitzel and Richard Zubowski, his lovely and new wife, Klancey Zubowski, his two brothers, Brian and Sgt. David Zubowski, and all other family and friends who loved and admired this courageous young man. “Scott’s mother recently told the hometown newspaper, ‘He gave himself for us, and we can't forget.’ “He did give himself, Mrs. Weitzel. And no greater love has a man than he should lay down his life for his friends. And we will never forget your brave son.”

STAR PRESS STORY FOR SCOTT ZUBOWSKI

'He gave himself for us, and we can’t forget'By JOY LEIKERjleiker@muncie.gannett.com


NEW CASTLE — Marines arrived on Barbara Weitzel’s doorstep around 5:30 p.m. Saturday.
“My first question was, which one?”Two sons are Marines. Both are in Iraq.
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“They said Scott’s name and I quit listening,” Weitzel said Monday from the home she and her husband Greg share in New Castle.Lance Cpl. Scott Zubowski, 20, was one of two soldiers killed Saturday near Fallujah when a roadside bomb exploded underneath the vehicle he was riding in.

He was a rear passenger in the vehicle that carried five soldiers. Another was killed. One received serious injury, and the two others were slightly injured.It was Zubowski’s second tour of duty in Iraq.His older brother, Sgt. David Zubowski, 26, now is on his way back to Indiana for his younger brother’s funeral.Services will be held in North Manchester, the town where Scott Zubowski got married in December and where he attended school from the eighth grade through high school. His father, Richard Zubowski, lives in North Manchester.
The family will meet tuesday to begin making arrangements. No funeral date has been set.

His wife Klancey (Eberly) Zubowski, 19, a native of North Manchester, survives. The couple lived on a military base in Twentynine Palms, Calif.Weitzel held back tears Monday as members of the media lined up in the street outside her home for interviews. Just inside the front door, framed photographs were on display, one from Scott’s wedding last December and another that showed him in his formal military uniform.She also pulled a snapshot off the refrigerator. Dated Aug. 4, 1990, the photo shows her three sons — David, Brian and Scott — in full military gear at Grissom Air Force Base. At the time the boys were 10, 9 and 5 years old.“I just love it,” she said as she stared at the photograph, ignoring the next television news crew that waited outside. “You know, it was just yesterday I had these kids.”Zubowski didn’t grow up dreaming of becoming a soldier, but his interest turned to the military after his big brother David joined the Marines. The military gave her oldest son confidence, and Weitzel said she knows Scott noticed a change in his big brother.

Despite her son’s death in a war that has brought criticism of President George Bush’s administration, Weitzel said she doesn’t regret her son’s choice to join the Marines during wartime.“He was doing his job. He volunteered. He knew exactly what he was doing,” she said. “I raised my kids to be who they are. I would hope I would never interfere. He served our country honorably.”

The family moved to New Castle in 1991. Zubowski attended Greenstreet Elementary School for his first and second grade years, and then was selected to be part of New Castle Community Schools’ gifted-and-talent program at Sunnyside Elementary. He, along with other top students, was part of a small group that studied together from the third through sixth grades.Linda Kinnett, in her 18th year as principal of Sunnyside, said Monday that Zubowski’s excellence as a student made him stand out from other students who have walked through the school’s doors. Zubowski was the first soldier killed who was a former student, Kinnett said.“He was a fine young student. I definitely remember him,” Kinnett said. “You feel terrible about it. It affects the whole school. Teachers who did have him here, they’re just sick about it. It’s too bad when a fine young man like that is taken when we just can’t understand it.”

Chris Miller was one of Zubowski’s classmates at Sunnyside. He’s now a student at Purdue University.“All the best stories about him revolve around who he was, and it’s impossible to describe him using a bunch of adjectives,” Miller wrote in an e-mail to The Star Press. “Not only was he the smartest guy I’ve ever known, he was unique in a way for which words aren’t good enough to actually describe who he was.“But to those of us who knew him and were his friends, his presence made a profound impact in our lives that still continues to shape us today.”

If it’s up to Brenda Grider, all of New Castle and East Central Indiana will have an opportunity to honor the fallen soldier. Though she doesn’t know Zubowski or his family, the secretary at the Veterans of Foreign Wars in New Castle hopes to coordinate a public memorial service out of respect for his military service.“It’s been like years, probably lots of years since someone here has been killed in the line of duty,” Grider said. “When I heard about it, I just decided I wanted to do something.”Grider said the VFW will schedule a memorial service sometime after the soldier’s funeral in North Manchester.Zubowski joined the Marines weeks after he graduated from Manchester High School in 2003. His two tours of Iraq covered about 12 months total — from February through October of 2004 and from July 4 until his death Saturday.“He gave himself for us, and we can’t forget,” his mother said. “I will never speak badly of the military because that would dishonor him. I will never speak badly of the country because that would dishonor him. He sacrificed. I will never speak badly about Scott and what he did.”

Contact Henry and Randolph county reporter Joy Leiker at 213-5825.
Originally published November 14, 2005

PATRICK BROWNSPOT

It's 7:56, fairly clear out and freezing. Patrick crawled back into bed with Junior. The huskies are enjoying a group howl. There are scattered dustings of snow on the ground.

We are still waiting on info as to when Scott Zubowski's body will be returned to the states. DOD has finally issued the official confirmation press release on his death. (His brother reportedly will be coming home from Iraq for the funeral. Maybe he will accomany the body?) No new information in the DOD document, it is just a restatement of the Central Command press release, with Scott's name included, which is normal. Since then we have suffered more Indiana casualties.

Patrick has been sleeping on top of the covers instead of under them, so apparently it must hurt him to have the blankets resting on his head. He starts his regimen of antibiotics this morning.

WEll so much for Fall, guess winter is here--supposed to get down to 18 degrees tonight...Oh, well.

Last night AnnaLucia killed that "Other" spy with her bare hands...how can anybody bear to go to sleep at night with her around??

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PATRICK'S BRAIN SURGERY

It's 6:58 a.m. dark out, 34 degrees and Patrick went back to bed with Junior.

In less than an hour, Patrick goes to the vet for surgery to have his topknot removed. It is a pink wart or hairy something that has steadily grown over a two year period to the size and shape of a Hershey's Kiss without the pointy part. It's right smack dab on the top of his head, and we decided before it get's any bigger, to have the Vet cut it out. So, this will be a worrisome few hours this morning...

Now it's 8:51, and I'm back from the vet's, having dropped Patrick off. Of all things, who was there, but one of my ex-wive's daughters with a weiner dog puppy. They live in a town 18 miles away, what are the odds? They were in for 2nd puppy shots. I can only assume they came all this way for the cheep prices this country vet charges. Or maybe they owe all the vets in her town and can't go back. I know she owes me over 1500 dollars that I've never asked for and know I will never get. She was "family" then. 1500 to most people is probably not much, but to me it's a small fortune. She told me she had gotten "rid of" ( I didn't ask how) her two adult Rottweillers (these particular dogs were not people friendly, but then again, niether is she) because they had moved to a smaller house (?) Read, bank took house back, probably. I say that because she built up quite a history of renting apartments, then skipping just prior to being evicted, oweing many months rent... all over this part of Indiana--Trailer Trash, you say? No, no self respecting Trailor court would take her. I guess the last straw with her was when she stole some my family (my family, not her mother's) heirlooms from my house when I wasn't there. I don't have any proof, but she had means, motive , opportunity and they showed up missing just after her last visit...I've lived in this house for nine years and never locked the front door, but every since my ex "family" stole from me, I have to now. Anyway I was cordial to her today, even told her how to buy shots at Tractor Supply and save some money. She is the type of person that throws dogs away, they are not a life-time committment to her, as they are to so many good people.

AS a matter of fact, the reason Patrick is with me now is that she threw him away to her mother, who abandoned him with me. I have told him he has a home with me for life, just like my son Junior does, Just like his mom does, should she ever need it, just like the 9 Siberian Huskies outside do, just like the Wolf Hybrid outside does.

People abandoning animals at shelters is a HUGE problem in this country. But why not? Wives and husbands abandon each other to the tune of what, 50% of the marriages? At least the cast off spouses are not killed after three days. But who knows, with the murder of unborn babies and old people going on in this country, that may be next.

Got to say prayer for dear little Patrick now. He is a great little guy.

Come to think of it, I guess God works in mysterious ways in bringing this little dog to me.

Ok, it's 4:26 p.m., snow flurries outside, and Patrick is home, sitting on my lap. He has a HUGE three inch gash on top of his head, pooched together with seven staples, so he has a hairy skin mohaawk on top of his head, and he looks pretty pathetic. He gets the sutures removed in ten days and has antibiotics to take. I asked the Doc why the incision was so LONG and he took the time to demonstrate origame-style using scissors to cut up a napkin. It made sense, but I'm not entirely buying it. Anyway, the little girl wanted to charge me two dollars and fifty cents and she was real serious about it, and so I hurriedly got out three dollars, but one of the other gals stopped her, the doc hadn't rated the surgery yet, anyway I got out of there for sixty bucks and that included the pharmceuticles (sic). Aren't you glad that girl is not working for you? In a few years she'll be voting for president if she's not eligible now. How's that for a scary thought? Had we had gone six miles up the road to the upscale vets, the bill probably would've been closer to $200.00. (I've paid for dog surgery there before. and actually it was worth every penny since they repaired a pretty badly chewed up and mangled dog fight hamburger nose and in six monthes it looked PERFECT)

I remember taking Junior's mother's dog to the Vet in Los Angeles County, before he was born, for something or other, and the prices were outrageous. When we went to pay, our bill was under two hundred bucks, and all the people in the waiting room literally and actually CHEERED us that we got out of there so cheep. (And that was over twenty years ago.) I wonder what Patrick's surgery would've cost in L.A. today? Six hundred bucks? Well, I guess that's one of the perks in living in Fly-Over territory--Location, location, location.

So, Thank the Good Lord our wee liddle doggie is back with us and alright...


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SCOTT

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3rd attempt to upload pic.
OK, here we go, Scott on left, Junior on right.

pic

GOD REST HIS SOUL

It's 5:38 a.m. and Patrick and Junior are on their computer. It's 46 degrees out and dark.

We learned yesterday that Scott Zubowski, a high school friend and team mate of Junior's became the 49th Indianan to die in Iraq. Scott was a Lance Corporal in the Marine Corps and was killed by an enemy explosive device. He leaves behind a young wife he married in January. The high school is flying the flag at half mast. If he has a cemetery funeral service, we will honor the vow we made several blogs ago to do everything we can to ensure that service is not disturbed by the enemy's unwitting agents, the anti-Christ protestors that dishonored the sservices of a Kendalville soldier several weeks ago. So it goes. In the photo, Scott is on the left, the normal looking one in the Marines T-shirt next to Junior...

Scott was Coalition Casualty # 2264 of Operation Enduring Freedom. He was a member of Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division, II MEF (Forward). He was killed in action Nov. 12, 2005. Cause of death was Hostile fire--IED ATTACK. at Al Almiriyah (South of Fallujah) while conducting combat operations against the enemy. Scott and another Marine were killed. Scott was a rear passenger in the military vehicle when it struck the device. When the bomb expoloded, a third Marine was injured and two others slightly injured.

This was Scott's 2nd tour, that began in July 2005. His first tour was from Feb. to Oct. 2004. His wass the 49th Indiana fatality of the war. He has a brother currently surving in Iraq...

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BURN, BABY, BURN !

It's 10:10 a.m. in the Valley and 42 degrees out and grey and Patrick is sleepping with Junior.

Well, France had a great victory yesterday in it's ongoing conflict with the mobs going amuck--Only 300 cars were burned last night by Moslem fanatics, down from a thousand. How quickly some folks forget the lessons of history, that a policy of appeasement will not work...

Anybody that cannot see we are in a global war against Religious fanatics that want to destroy us is blind.

Some of the well-meaning but blind people who have lost their way and forgotten what decency is:

Our region of Indiana buried a hero of the Iraq War last week. Out of Staters showed up at the FUNERAL to protest the war with signs and chants. I reaally wish I'd been there. I vow right now, I will not miss the next funeral in this area, God Forbid there is one, just to confront those ill-advised jerks... Some people lose all prospective of right and wrong, deluded by their own image of self importance.

These protesters travel around the country from funeral to funeral (whose sick idea was that?) to do their thing. Trouble is they are from a "Church" and claim to be Christians. What would Jesus do? If he were at that funeral, would he go and join the noisy protesters? Or go and put his arm around the Mother of the soldier and confort her? WHAT ARE THEY THINKING??? Idiots.

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A TARNISHED IMAGE--FOREVER

It's 7:04 a.m. 59 degrees out, dark, Patrick is still in bed.

Well, the Gators blew it in their first game against Former Coach Steve Spurrier ( AND blew their chance for a Sec Championship). Guess Steve wanted it more than Urban. As we've said before, THE game of the century for the Gators will be when wonder-boy comes the the Swamp next year...

Steve Spurrier used to be the Football Rock God of the Gator Nation--Under his tutelage, UF won their first SEC and only National Championship, and Gator football finally came of age. We will always cherish those eleven years.

However, Even if Steve coaches another twenty years, never loses another game, and takes his charges to 20 straight National Championships, His career will always be tainted, and he will always be known by his one great flaw: A LACK OF HONOR.

Spurrier, a Gator Heisman Trophy winner as UF's Quarterback, who coached a Heisman Quarterback at UF and who led the Gators to a National Championship, squandered the opportunity to return to Florida after his disasterous NFL career ( He thought himself ABOVE the interview process that UF was bound to perform, due to League guidelines regarding colored people getting to be coaches, and since UF did not BEG him to return, like a little boy, took his visor and went home) and then became an SEC coach who would play his own alma mater every year. If he had gone to another conference, it would be another matter. But to coach in the SEC--really bad error in judgement, integrity-wise-- It's like if George Washington, after his Presidency retired to England, and then took command of the British Army in the War of 1812...really. So, the man has no soul, no heart. Not needed I guess, to be a winning coach, but certainly needed to become a beloved folk hero, like Bear Bryant or Ara, oh well, never mind.

Forever tarnished is his legacy, a Man With No Country, his ego was his downfall.

So it goes.

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NEGATIVE PEOPLE

It's 6:16 a.m., dark out, 50 degrees and Patrick crawled back into bed with Junior.

Received this as an email this morning:

This is something to think about when negative people are doing their best to rain on your parade. The next time someone who knows nothing and cares even less makes your life miserable, remember this story.A woman was at her hairdresser's getting her hair styled for an upcoming trip to Rome with her boyfriend. She mentioned the trip to the hairdresser, who responded, "Rome? Why would anyone want to go there?
?
It's crowded and dirty and full of Italians. You're crazy to go to Rome. So, how are you getting there?""We're taking Continental," was the reply. "We got a great rate!""Continental?" exclaimed the hairdresser. "That's a terrible airline. Their planes are old, their flight attendants are ugly, and they're always late. So, where are you staying in Rome?""We'll be at this exclusive little place over on Rome's Tiber River called Teste.""Don't go any further. I know that place. Everybody thinks its gonna be something special and exclusive, but it's really a dump, the worst hotel in the city! The rooms are small, the service is surly and they're overpricedSo, whatcha doing when you get there?""We're going to go to see the Vatican and we hope to see the Pope.""That's rich," laughed the hairdresser. "You and a million other people trying to see him. He'll look the size of an ant. Boy, good luck on this lousy trip of yours. You're going to need it."A month later, the woman again came in for a hairdo. The hairdresser asked her about her trip to Rome. "It was wonderful," explained the woman, "not only were we on time in one of Continental's brand new planes, but it was overbooked and they bumped us up to first class. The food and wine were wonderful, and I had a handsome 28-year-old steward who waited on me hand and foot.
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And the hotel was great! They'd just finished a $5 million modeling job and now it's a jewel, the finest hotel in the city. They, too, were overbooked, so they apologized and gave us their owner's suite at no extra charge!""Well," muttered the hairdresser, "That's all well and good, but I know you didn't get to see the Pope.""Actually, we were quite lucky, because as we toured the Vatican, a Swiss Guard tapped me on the shoulder and explained that the Pope likes to meet some of the visitors and if I'd be so kind as to step into his private room and wait, the Pope would personally greet me. Sure enough, five minutes later, the Pope walked through the door and shook my hand!
I knelt down and he spoke a few words to me.""Oh, really! What'd he say?""He said, 'Where'd you get the shitty hairdo?' "

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