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We are thankful for our freedom, But it's not FREE

Happy fourth of July. We celebrate independence day. We are thankful for our freedom.

But FREEDOM is not free. I hope you'll take a moment to read this entire post--

I am running as a part of a community team in the Marine Corps Marathon

in October, 2009,  to raise money for the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund.

You can learn about the work of this fund by going to my web page.

But, before you do, there are some incredible stories about injured Marines and Sailors who haven't allowed their injuries to stop them from living life to the full.  The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund helps them accomplish that.

 Corey Petersen

Corey Petersen is one of those individuals who hasn't let her injury stop her...

Corey has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise and Sports Science with minors in Coaching, Nutrition, and Dietetics with Iowa State University.

She was a runner for 12 years where she ran multiple distances and ran the Marine Corps Marathon in 2004.

Although She was injured in 2007 causing her to become a paraplegic, this has not stopped her from remaining active.

She is a Core Member of Team Semper Fi and participated in the Marine Corps Marathon 10K using a

hand-crank bicycle and plans to continue in many races to come.

To make a donation to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, click on the URL or paste it into your browser...thanks

http://www.active.com/donate/teamsemperfi09

Thank you , God Bless & Semper Fi

John March

The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund: Support for those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom

First, A Memorial Day Thank You:

To our  Marines, Sailors and Soldiers and their families--we can't thank you enough!

We are grateful for all that you have done to keep us SAFE.

You are Our Heroes!

 

"Whether fighting wars or winning the peace Marines, Sailors and Soldiers serve their country with courage and commitment. Sometimes that service results in catastrophic injuries."

"Since April of 2004, The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund has helped Marines, Sailors, Soldiers and their families cope with the unexpected financial hardship that occurs when family members drop everything to be at the bedside of their injured or critically ill loved one." (IMSF website)

 

 

 

The IMSFF’s Mission

The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund provides financial assistance to:

* Marines injured in combat and in training

* To other service members injured while in direct support of Marine units

* To their families to help defray the expenses incurred during hospitalization, rehabilitation, and recovery.

* Cover costs associated with the purchase of specialized equipment, adapted vehicles and home modifications.

The goal is to alleviate the financial burden placed on the family so that their focus can be on their loved one’s recovery. Thanks for supporting the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund!

Raising funds is accomplished through athletic events such as the Marine Corps Marathon.(MCM)

Members of TEAM SEMPER FI will be competing in the MCM. The idea for Team Semper Fi was inspired by those wounded Marines and Sailors who refused to let their physical challenges prevent them from competing in athletic events, and whose drive and determination is inspirational to us all.

Community team members also compete and agree to raise support. In the 2008, MCM 402 athletes running for the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund Team raised over $275,000.

This year I will participate as a community team member and will run the 2009 Marine Corps Marathon (MCM)  on 25 October, along with many other athletes. 

To get more details and make a contribution on line, click here. Also, if you're interested in participating, you'll find links on the site which will get you to the right place to sign on.

Thanks on behalf of all of our injured warriors and their families.

God Bless You and Semper Fi

John March

                                                                                                           

Sgt TJ Edwards was severely burned in Iraq and ran the full 2008 Marine Corps Marathon in "boots and utes" and carries fellow Veteran team mate, Frank Delgado (who had already finished and ran back to run the last miles with TJ) across the finish line with
TJ carrying Frank in a fireman'

Bluffton, South Carolina has it's share of foreclosures but is help on the way?

Unemployment in South Carolina hovers at 11%. Small Businesses struggle and many have closed their doors. Foreclosures or the danger of it affects home owners from all economic strata. Fortunately there are some thoughtful, forward thinking banks that want to help the situation.

First Federal Bank has actually put a moratorium on foreclosures until May 2009. So, all lenders are not without mercy.

First Federal is also stepping up to the plate and offered over 100 homeowners the opportunity to discuss their situation with counselors from the Home ownership Resource Center, a division of Charleston Family Services.

Unemployment, medical bills and bad stuff that happens to people can torpedo a homeowners best intentions to keep current with their mortgage payments. A round of applause for First Federal Bank, and the leadership of its President, A. Thomas Hood is in order.

This past weekend, Counselors discussed ways they could help homeowners negotiate with mortgage lenders and banks to get back on about 100 homers who are facing foreclosure got the opportunity to speak with counselors who were able to give them steps they could take to negotiate with their lender and banks and get back on a path which will lead to some relief fo their financial problems.

Our pace of foreclosures has been about 100 per month (Beaufort County). So, I hope that there will be more of these events because this is a problem that will continue here for some time.

 

 

 

I am fit to be tied!

 

I thought this post was refreshing, just to write about something that didn't involve anymore then the day The Lord makes for each of us--no bad news, just the possibility of spring on the horizon. We are fortunate that we have such great weather all year long here in the Bluffton-Hillton Head S.C. area and it's been a long time since I've shoveled snow.

I hope your day is a great one. that there is joy in your heart and "spring" in your step. Thanks Mike.

 

Via Mike Frazier, Dyersburg Tn Real Estate (Carousel Realty of Dyer County):

Today the sun is shinning and the winds are still. The flowers are blooming and the temperature is about 65 degrees.

We have been getting good news from the stock market the last 4 or 5 trading sessions and this tied with good weather should go a long way to raising people's spirits.

I cannot wait to leave the office and go home and clean the pool and check the garden and then jump on the lawnmower and mow down all the weeds.

I am fit to be tied looking out the window at my office. The sunshine is beautiful indeed!

I know you Florida realtors have been enjoying good weather but now the mid-south is as well!

Show Her You Love Her: Plan A Romantic Valentine's Day Celebration in Your Sunny Hilton Head Home

 

Sun City Hilton Head Valentine FlagHey guys, its not too late! But, it’s almost Valentine’s Day. It is the perfect opportunity to show her you love her and you can go on a Valentine’s Day dinner date without leaving your Sun City Hilton Head Home!  This is not only inexpensive but it is a meaningful way to do something we men don’t do often enough. 

Why Not Put Together A Romantic Valentine’s Day Dinner

I am going to make this real easy—you won’t have to prepare all the food, or even use the over—microwave is all you need. If you want to use the oven, that’s OK. All you’ll need to do is just shop for the best prepared and tasty frozen dishes—but you have to carefully prepare the meal, present it as if you were at a restaurant and  make it look great in the plate (I said this would be inexpensive but it will take some effort-- take a look at some cookbooks to get ideas)

[Photo is one of the many Valentine's Day Flags which can be seen hanging outside of Sun City Hilton Head Homes]

Here are some suggestions that are fast, easy and inexpensive which can make your dinner date a winner:

·         For starters prepared spinach dip with soft Italian bread (cut up the bread into bite size pieces)

·         Prepared Caesar Salad with Crotons and dressing

·         Chicken Parmesan or other prepared main dish

·         Chocolate Ice Cream Sundae Desert—with a heart shaped candy on top

·         Wine or Sparkling Juice

·         Use your best china and tableware

·         Put a clean white table cloth on your dining table

·         Flowers for the centerpiece

·         Wine glasses (even if you don’t drink wine) add a touch of elegance

All you need to do is get out a couple of red candles and place them strategically on the table and you’re almost good to go. Add some dinner music. What kind of music might she enjoy with dinner? Let it play in the background.

After Dinner Go to a Movie at home instead of going out, rent a movie.

If you don’t live here and would like to know more about A Sun City Hilton Head Home I can help.  Call me at 843-368-9146 or email me at john@j-march.com. Maybe next year, you’ll be celebrating Valentine’s Day here.

 

Rose Hill Plantation in Bluffton S.C. is for People who Love Horses And Golfers, Too

Horses at playRose Hill, Bluffton South Carolina,  sits on 2000 acres in Bluffton, South Carolina. It is has two separate security gates, one for each half of the community on either side of Highway 278. One side is commonly called The "golf side" and other the "estate or equestrian side" There are about 1000 homes in Rose Hill.

Both sides are gated with 24 hour security. As you'd  imagine the estate side has larger lots, starting at 1 acre and up to 3. There are some homes that have views of the Colleton River.

Equestrian Amenities: There are 3 Separate paddocks that are directly adjacent to Rose Hill's 7 miles of equestrian trails. There is also a state-of-the-art 32-barn Equestrian Center with polo fields Rose Hill Plantation holds anannual Equestrian Expo which includes  a parade of horse breeds, and various competitions ,barrel racing demonstration, sidesaddle riding and a demonstration polo match. All of the proceeds of the go to charities like Ronald McDonald house, and the American Cancer Society as well as the Bluffton Historical Preservation Society.

Besides Rose Hill, there are other gated communities which offer equestrian centers as an amenity including Moss Creek, Oldfield and Rose Dhu Creek. If you'd be interested in exploring these, I will be happy to chat with about your needs and desires.

Golf ShotGolf: The Country Club side contains the golf courses and the Estates side with the equestrian center and Colleton River as well as many of the larger estate homes. Though Rose Hill has two golf courses, the premium equestrian center is one of its main attractions.

Rose Hill 2 Course
9 hole regulation length course
Public golf course
Bermuda grass

Rose Hill Golf Club
18 total holes

Golf Only facility
16 tees driving range
18 regulation holes

Rose Hill does have a POA fee of $1500 per year.  There is also an initial $3500 Golf assessment plus, $500 per year dues that applies to all residents.

Sun City Veterans and all of those in the Armed Forces : Thank you for our freedom

Armed Forces of the USWith all that's going on in congress, with arguments over money and politics as usual, I thought this post would bring us back to how we remain free...

 

There are more Marine Corps Flags that adorn the front of homes then I can count—and the number of American Flags that wave along so many of our streets is wonderful to see.There are a lot of veterans in Sun City Hilton Head and the surrounding area. The Marine Corps Recruit Training Depot and The Marine Corps Air Station are our neighbors. Each Veterans day, the Marine Corps Band plays for the crowds that gather to honor our Vets.

I think we need to be reminded often, not just on Veterans day that there is a price for our freedom. 

What follows below  was sent to me by my brother-in-law who served in the Navy for 20 years, most of it on a carrier and so many deployments--more than his wife and daughters can count.

He received this from a Marine on active duty. The Marine is recommending a new movie which will be released on 21 February. He says, it really got to him:

Read what he wrote and then watch the movie  trailer. http://www.hbo.com/events/takingchance/

"To My Fellow Service members, Present and Past; your Families and Friends:

 This trailer alone got to me.  That, and considering the studio and Kevin Bacon, this should be a 'home run' movie.  

This movie has to be seen by everyone we can convince or cajole into going to the theater. Not just Marines but family, friends and the general public.  Follow the link to a preview.

This one should be up for awards in 2009 and we can make that happen with outstanding levels of tickets at the box office ... spreading info on the internet and .... well, improvise, adapt and overcome!          

This sequence is certainly not unique to Marines, and God bless all that  have served and given their all.  But here we have a chance to once again renew our pledge of Semper Fidelis, and honor our younger,  very younger, brothers who took up the gauntlet and gave their all so family and friends don't have to.  This Marine and all Marines live on forever.

                            
USMC Bumper StickerAll  Marines die in the red flash of battle or the white cold of the  nursing home. In the vigor of youth or the infirmity of age all will eventually die, but the Marine Corps lives on.  Every Marine who ever  lived is living still, in the Marines who claim the title today.  It is that sense
of belonging to something that will outlive your

own mortality, which gives people a light to live by and a flame to mark their passing.”
                                 

 http://www.hbo.com/events/takingchance/

The enthusiasm and dedication this Marine exudes is examplary and no matter the branch of service, so many of our young men and women in our armed forces serve this way, putting their lives on the line everyday, so we can be free.

Be sure to see this movie.

 Semper Fi

 

 

Proud to Be An American

As the world watches the idiots in Washington D.C. who are on the brink of selling us out and voting us into a socialistic democracy, I can hear people from across the globe saying, "See the American Way doesn't work, more government has always been the answer." Or, "don't they get it?Haven't they seen what has happened to us and that government has never been able to take care of people but only enslaves them?"

There are some who want to make AMERICA, become like other countries (social programs, confiscatory taxes, slaves to welfare, weak, and dependent on Government! I think every single enemy of this country is hoping that the liberals in congress prevail. This is what ever nay-sayer country wants.

They want us to become, weak, goveling, apologetic whimps who should feel shame-- not pride

Story #1

A U.S. Navy Admiral was attending a naval conference that included Admirals from the U.S., English, Canadian, Australian and French Navies. At a cocktail reception, he found himself standing with a large group of Officers that included personnel from most of those countries. Everyone was chatting away in English as they sipped their drinks but a French admiral suddenlycomplained that, whereas Europeans learn many languages, Americans learn only English.' He then asked, 'Why is it that we always have to speak English in these conferences rather than speaking French?' Without hesitating, the American Admiral replied 'Maybe it's because the Brits, Canadians, Aussies and Americans arranged it so you wouldn't have to speak German.'

 

 

Story #2 

Robert Whiting, an elderly gentleman of 83, arrived in Paris by plane. At French Customs, he took a few minutes to locate his passport in his carry on. 'You have been to France before, monsieur?' the customs officer asked sarcastically. Mr. Whiting admitted that he had been to France previously. Then you should know enough to have your passport ready.' The American said,''The last time I was here, I didn't have to show  it. 'Impossible. Americans always have to show your passports on arrival in France!'

 

The American senior gave the Frenchman a long hard look. Then he quietly explained, ''Well, when I came ashore at Omaha Beach on D-Day in 1944 to help liberate this country, I couldn't find a single Frenchmen to show a passport to.'

Call your Senators today, and tell them you don't want this pork-laden, spending bill.


The 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Bill: A Disaster in the Making

THEY ARE VOTING ON THIS MOTHER OF ALL GOVERNMENT SPENDING PACKAGES ON WEDNESDAY JANUARY 28, 2009

I think this so called stimulus package is an outrage and an assault on our freedoms. To me it amounts to taxation with insane representation. Each dollar the government spends comes from where? US.  We are getting yet another "bail out" jammed down our throats.

What we hear from sincere, well-meaning people is that "the economy is in trouble and we need to do something"-but throwing money at the problem is not and has never been the answer.

Both Democrats and Republicans need to be held accountable for their irresponsible handling of our money. They can't even tell you how the financial institution are using  the TARP money. They shouldn't be allowed to do what they did with TARP. Even with accountability features in place, we know how well the government runs things. Just look at the miserable job they did with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Free Markets and private enterprise will lead the way out if we let these operate-free of Government intervention.

I am betting there are at least 1/2 of you who will agree with this post and the other half who'll throw flames. I hope the half that agrees will take action today to protest this bill in its present form.

Fear Mongering 

This is what President Obama said: "I don't believe it's too late to change course, but it will be if we don't take dramatic action as soon as possible,"  "If nothing is done, this recession could linger for yearsThe unemployment rate could reach double digits."

The fear mongering among liberals and the President is an excuse to permit the current administration to have it's way with YOUR money and pave the way for their retention of political power.

They are calling this 865 Billion dollar plan a stimulus package. It is government spending, pure and simple. It has been tried before, and it does not work.

The 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Bill, being pushed by President Barack Obama  and his cohorts is suppose to create 4 million jobs and jump-start the larger economy. We have a civilian labor force of 154,000,000. So, all this spending is going to mean an increase of 2.5% in the labor force. Is that worth 865 Billion dollars?

According to the Wall Street Journal, this approach to stimulating the economy is "based on an old, and largely discredited, economic theory. As Harvard economist Robert Barro pointed out on these pages last Thursday, called the Keynesian multiplier, which is that each $1 of spending the government injects into the economy yields 1.5 times that in greater output." There's little evidence to support this theory...If it were true, the government should spend $10 trillion and we'd all live in paradise. (Source: The Wall Street Journal)

Obama wants to use OUR MONEY to build roads and bridges, make public buildings more energy-efficient, renovate of schools, have computers in every classroom; and get rural areas hooked up to the Internet, create green jobs and put workers to work making wind mills. But, they fail to tell us, about all the more pork barrel spending included in this bill.

For Example:

  • $200 million to rehabilitate the National Mall
  • $276 million to fix the computer systems at the State Department
  • $650 million to repair dilapidated Forest Service facilities
  • 50 million outlay for the National Endowment for the Arts
  • Build 3,000 miles of new electric grid
  • Computerize all Americans' health records in five years
  • Weatherize 2.5 million homes,
  • Provide Pell Grants to 7 million college students
  • Protect the health insurance of 8 million Americans who risk losing coverage during the downturn
  • Oh,  and did I forget that they'll be more money to ACORN!

My question to you is are you going to stand by and let these clowns pass this bill?  This stimulus package is designed to promote liberal, Democrat policies and get these fat cats re-elected in 2010. They'll throw pork out there to anyone who'll receive it for votes, so that they can perpetuate their little fiefdom.

According to the CBO, $26 billion - (3 percent) - will be spent this year. Another $110 billion - or 13 percent - will be spent next year. (2010 --an election year) This means that by the time President Obama's term is halfway through, just 16 percent of the money will have been spent.

Does anyone see a problem with the whole process here? Why are they dragging this out in the first place? Because these people are either very misguided, just plain stupid or are only interested in perpetuating their careers.

We need wisdom. We need leaders with character. We need tax cuts. That's what stimulates the economy. That's been proven to work.

Call your representatives today. Let them know that you are opposed to this bill. Here is how to contact our leaders:

"To find your senators' and representative's phone numbers, you may use our searchable online congressional directory or call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202)224-3121 and ask for your senators' and/or representative's office.

Remember that telephone calls are usually taken by a staff member, not the member of Congress. Ask to speak with the aide who handles the issue about which you wish to comment.

After identifying yourself, tell the aide you would like to leave a brief message, such as: "Please tell Senator/Representative (Name) that I oppose " The 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Bill

You will also want to state reasons for your support or opposition to the bill. Ask for your senators' or representative's position on the bill. You may also request a written response to your telephone call."

(the above is from www.congressman.org)

P.S.--I was on a phone conference call with Rep Joe Wilson of South Carolina, on the 27th of January and he is opposed to this Bill. There were 300 on this call, and there were lots of questions and opposition to this bill. Congressman Wilson told us that the bill which is 670 pages, is being hurried through and most have not had enough time to review it in detail. It contains lots of pork. Congressman Wilson introduced a number of alternatives including tax credits for homeowners, a new tax cuts bill, and elimination all wasteful spending-and he was voted down. He encourages all of us to contact all members of congress and tell them to act responsibly.

So, burn up those phone lines in Washington DC

Managing Money And Your Mind: Things you can do to maintain a "Sunny Attitude" in our current economy

The local news promotes one thing. Bad news. Bad news creates bad attitudes and causes us to fear--if we choose to listen, Now is the time to turn off the news and focus on  What matters most to you.Sunny Disposition

Here are four thought-starters for fighting the negative news and surviving the economic cycle.

1. Manage Money Much Better. Brainstorm ways to save money. What can you cut out. Look for ways to supplement your income--a home based business may be ideal (here's one I recommend)

2. Prioritize how you spend time. spending more time with family, with people who are important to you doesn't have to cost money.You place of worship has activities which can involve the whole family, do that instead of going out to a restaurant ot a movie.

3. If you lost your job, never, ever give up looking. Learn how to do job search. Here is a a book I recommend...and it will lead you into a new direction

What Color Is Your Parachute? 2009: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers

4. Use Prayer and Affirmations. Get a little bible promise book--pray the promises you read and use them as affirmations God's Promises For Your Every Need

Take action. This is the best medicine for overcoming the fears that bad news incites in us. And keep a smile on your face.