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Well, good folks, here we are at the end of a somewhat tumultuous year, but we got through it (thank the good Lord) and now we’re on our way to a brand new year – 2025! Yippee! Hopefully we’ll see successes for all of us in our personal lives, especially our health, healing and recovery, careers, finances, relationships with family and friends and especially our faith. I say that from the bottom of my heart because I know the benefit of leaning on our Lord and the comfort He can bring – that’s why my prayers include thanking Him for raising us up off a sick bed, a hurt bed or a broken hearted bed.

We know our prayers are not always answered the way and at the time we hope, but many times we come to realize later that there was a reason and/that sometimes we’ll never know the reason until perhaps when we go to Heaven … if then … and if God even tells us.

Through 2024 we’ve witnessed a lot … chaos in the political world, unbelievable weather patterns, rules and traditions upended and reversed, a “woke” culture, but on the other end of the spectrum, we’ve witnessed the goodness of and in people showing genuine love and care of and for those who suffered unimaginable loss across our country regardless of others’ religion, sexual orientation, age, race, financial status and ability or inability to ever pay it back and most contributors only asked that recipients to “just pay it forward.” God bless the kind hearts, working hands and prayers for comfort and mercy for those so gravely affected.

Perhaps those of us with too much “fluff” around our middle will be open to better scrutiny of what we put in our mouths; adopt better eating plans; adapt to more manageable exercise routines and a better realization within ourselves that we – no one but ourselves – are the answer to helping ourselves do better and be better. Doctors recommend them, yes, but weight loss shots and pills are only temporary fixes, not long term fixes. Been there, done that. I’ve thought about this subject a lot especially in the last few months and there’s really no excuse not to make better choices … how about you? All I know is, I’m gonna try. I used to wonder how awesome it would be to actually apply myself long term; stick with a plan that I know works … high protein, low carb, no sugar or salt for extended periods and see how it goes! Maybe I will be able to see positive results in 2025. I hope so. What are your goals or New Year resolutions?

Another thing I want to do is interview more veterans about their military history and the experiences they are up to talking about. Their (your) stories are important to share with the world because what you learned through your service are valuable lessons that could benefit, encourage and inspire our younger generation and perhaps inspire them to consider a career in the military.

Speaking of learning things … tonight at this writing (the day after Christmas) at my sister’s home, we watched the movie “The Six Triple Eight.” It is a true story written, produced and directed by Tyler Perry (character “Madea” on TV and movies). The incredible story is about Lt. Colonel Charity Adams, the first African-American woman to be an officer in the women’s Army Auxiliary Corps and was the commanding officer of the 6888^th Central Postal Directory Battalion, which was comprised of African-American women serving overseas during World War II. Their assignment was to sort and deliver 17 million pieces of mail that had been backlogged for 10 months. They had been given a timeframe of six months expecting them to fail – however, they accomplished their task in less than 90 days. This story celebrates their tremendous contribution to the countless soldiers and family members who had longed to hear from their loved ones in battle.

Reminder … I take very seriously the movies, documentaries and accounts of our veterans and what they endured serving our great country and as you know I occasionally recommend that you, too, watch them if you haven’t already. Can you imagine not having received correspondence for 10 months from your loved ones who were engaged in battle?

Please, please take the time to sit with your family, significant other or fellow veterans and watch this great movie together. The ingenuity, creativity and determination of these incredible women will astound you, especially given the in-house living conditions they  endured, the challenges they faced and overcame. Because of the major accomplishment the 6888^th Battalion achieved, especially Lt. Col. Charity Adams, the original name of Fort Lee in Virginia was renamed Fort Gregg-Adams in 2023 to honor two pioneer black military officers, Lt. Col. Charity Adams and Lt. Gen. Arthur Gregg for his accomplishments in other areas. The story of the Six Triple Eight went untold until now because the women were afraid they would be shamed as it had been rumored they were sent to be concubines for black American soldiers because white soldiers didn’t want them dating white European women. For nearly 80 years their true contribution to our soldiers and their families was lost. Finally they’re getting the credit and praise they so richly deserve.

Until next time, be healthy, safe and happy! If you would like to contact our Dare County veteran service officer Patty O’Sullivan, please call her office: 252-475-5604, 252-473-7749 and email: Patricia.o’sullivan@darenc.gov. To contact me, please call/text my cell: 252-202-2058 or email: giglineheroes@aol.com … I welcome hearing from you! God bless you in the New Year 2025. Stay tuned!

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