A Visit And Presentation To The Armed Forces Home

“There is nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer” - James Doolittle

Wonderful Meetings and Lively Conversations

Generally speaking, I can almost always count on some very good meetings/introductions and interesting conversations while hosting book signings at U.S. Military Bases.  On November 11 thru November 14, while sharing my books with the wonderful patrons at the Fort Meade U.S. Military Base in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, our meetings and conversations were both wonderful and lively!

Book Signing at U.S. Marine Base, Quantico, Virginia

On October 16, 17, and 18, the families and associates at The United States Marine Base, Quantico, Virginia, invited me to share my books and the many experiences that have come about from the years of being a part of intergenerational partnerships.  Hosting a book signing at Quantico has always been a positive and uplifting event for me; I hosted my first book signing at Quantico in 2008. 

Courage From The Heart

As a child growing up and learning from America's Greatest Generation, I listened a lot, became an avid reader, and developed into a life-long learner.  It began with my father who served in The United States Marine Corps-he knew how valuable an education was and he knew that good study skills and continually practicing the process of learning would be key to succeeding in life.  I am always reflecting on my father's courage and his wisdom and so very grateful for him.

Reconnecting With The Armed Forces Home, Washington D.C.

This summer, I reconnected with some of the staff members and the residents of The Armed Forces Home located in our nation's capital. The Armed Forces Home is one of America's oldest veteran's retirement homes. The Soldier's Home was established in 1851 as an "asylum for old and disabled veterans. Four of the original buildings still stand and are listed as national historic landmarks. Two of the buildings, Quarters 1 and the Lincoln Retreat served as the summer White House for U.S. Presidents-Chester Arthur, Rutherford B. Hayes, James Buchanan, and most notably, Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln lived at the Soldier's Home, in what is now called Lincoln Cottage during our nation's most turbulent history, the Civil War. Lincoln spent one-fourth of his presidency at the Soldier's Home, and it is believed that Lincoln wrote the last draft of the Emancipation Proclamation there.

Remembering Marjorie Ginsburg

On August 2, 2015, I attended a ceremony, "Celebrating A Long Life" for Marjorie Ginsburg.  Marjorie's family asked if I would join her family and friends in honoring her legacy, and speak about our friendship.  As I reflected on the years that Marjorie and myself worked together, volunteered together, and simply enjoyed spending time together, it was both a joyful and endearing experience to remember all that I had learned from Marjorie Ginsburg.