Maj. Gen. Jeanne M. Holm, USAF ret

by Staff Sgt. J.G. BuzanowskiSecretary of the Air Force Public Affairs3/30/2010 -

WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The first female two-star general in both the Air Force and Department of Defense was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery March 29. Retired Maj. Gen. Jeanne M. Holm is credited as the single driving force in achieving equality for military women and making them a viable part of the mainstream military. She was a champion of diversity and advocate for equal rights for women.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and other senior leaders, active and retired, attended the funeral ceremony and internment.After the service and burial, members of the Women in Military Service for America Memorial hosted a wake where friends and family members shared stories about the general."It's fitting that we're here remembering her," said retired Col. Yvonne Schilz in reference to the Women in Airforce Service Pilots display at the memorial. "Where the WASP cracked the glass ceiling, Jeanne blew it open for the rest of us. I was able to attend the Air Force Academy because of what she did."In some way, we just all want to give back to her, so this felt like the right place to be today," Colonel Schilz added.Retired Brig. Gen. Wilma Vaught echoed the colonel's sentiments."She made my career in the Air Force possible," said General Vaught, president of the board of directors of the Women In Military Service For America Memorial Foundation, Inc. "She definitely knew how to get things done and it was amazing to see her work."General Vaught shared several of her memories of her friend Jeanne, who was partially responsible for the creation of the women's memorial. "She wanted to write a book about women in the military," General Vaught said. "In truth, she already had a lot of the work done."General Holm authored two books: "Women in the Military: An Unfinished Revolution," which came out in 1982 and was updated in 1994; and four years later she wrote "In Defense of a Nation: Servicewomen in World War II."During her 31-year career, General Holm accomplished much.The Portland, Ore., native attained the rank of two-star general in 1973 after a career that began in 1942 when she enlisted in the Army. General Holm entered Women's Army Air Corps in January 1943 where she received a commission as third officer, the WAAC equivalent of second lieutenant. General Holm also became the first woman to attend the Air Command and Staff School at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., in 1952.She was promoted to brigadier general July 16, 1971, the first female Airman to be appointed to that grade. She was subsequently promoted to the grade of major general effective June 1, 1973, with date of rank of July 1, 1970, the first woman in the armed forces to serve in that grade.In recognition of General Holm's pioneering career, Air Force officials renamed the Air Force Officer Accession and Training Schools at Maxwell AFB the Jeanne M. Holm Officer Accession and Citizen Development Center in June 2008. Its mission is Air Force officer recruitment and training within the Air University. During World War II, General Holm was assigned to the Women's Army Corps Training Center at Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., where she first commanded a basic training company and then a training regiment. At the end of the war, she commanded the 106th WAC Hospital Company at Newton D. Baker General Hospital, W.Va. She then left active military duty in 1946.In October 1948 during the Berlin crisis, she was recalled to active duty with the Army and went to Camp Lee, Va., as a company commander. The following year she transferred to the Air Force, when a new law integrated women in the regular armed forces.General Holm served in a variety of personnel assignments, including director of Women in the Air Force from 1965 to 1973. She played a significant role in eliminating restrictions on numbers of women serving in all ranks, expanding job and duty station assignments for women, opening ROTC and service academies to women and changing the policies on the status of women in the armed forces. During her tenure, policies affecting women were updated, WAF strength more than doubled, job and assignment opportunities expanded and uniforms modernized.The general retired in 1975. She served three presidential administrations: special assistant on women for President Gerald Ford, policy consultant for President Jimmy Carter and first chairperson of the Veterans Administration's Committee on Women Veterans for President Ronald Reagan.General Holm died Feb. 15.

An Open Letter to Sean PennBy Maria Conchita Alonso
Editor’s Note: The following is an open letter from actress Maria Conchita Alonso, who penned this response to actor Sean Penn’s recent remarks on HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher” in which the left-wing actor defended Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez.
Dear Sean, WHY?
Even though I have great respect for your artistic talent, I was appalled by a recent television interview where you vigorously showed support for the regime of Hugo Chavez. Therefore, I’ve decided to set the record straight for you regarding the Chavez regime, supporting my case based not only on my political ideologies, but on proven facts you choose to ignore. Otherwise, I believe your position would be different.
Being born in Cuba, a country where freedom of speech is non-existent, it’s startling to observe how Venezuela, where I was happily raised, is fast becoming Cuba’s mirror image: Dismantling of fundamental democratic rights deserved by its people and citizens of the world.
For example, you said that all Chavez-winning elections in Venezuela were “transparent.”
Then WHY didn’t the government allow a manual recount of the votes and computer information when doubt set in? After all, how do you explain how these votes that were strongly favoring the opposition mysteriously reflected the opposite results the morning after, thus permitting Chavez to continue on? On what are you basing your conclusions? I strongly recommend that you read a report by the U.S. State Department written in 2009 entitled “The Fraudulent Elections in Venezuela”.
We live in a Republic comprised of three autonomous branches of government: Supreme Court, Congress and Executive, thus, a true democracy.
Then WHY do you accept violations by part of the government of Venezuela to ignore its Constitution whereby one man, military-educated Chavez, controls all branches of government? His military background is revealed by his philosophy: “I order, you obey and if you disagree you’re a traitor to the country.” And your voice is silenced along with the ability of freethinking. Did you know solely the government controls 92% of media communications?
You’ve strongly criticized your own governments’ overspending and corruption, whereby the budget for We the people never ends up in the hands of those who need it most.
Then WHY do you support a government with over $100 million in oil revenue that has 71% poverty? Or don’t you know that corruption is so rampant that the rightfully deserving poor never sees a “red cent”? In addition, the fact is that Chavez gives away millions of dollars; belonging to the Venezuelan people, to other countries in order to build a false sense of philanthropy of a man whose self-proclaiming ego is blinded by power behind a communist Cuban-style revolution, expanding such regime.
We live in the U.S.A., the land of opportunity to do and say what we desire, respecting dissenting points of view, of course and without reprisals.
Then WHY do you defend a government whose stronghold upon its people is so oppressive that a big price is paid for exercising freedom of speech: Persecutions, closing of radio and television stations, jail…and even death?
You are fortunate enough to live in a country where you can buy property and claim it as your own to do whatever you want with it.
Then WHY do you promote the interests of a government that violates the Constitution by hindering the possibility of development: Land, industries, commerce, communications companies, foreign investment opportunities, financial institutions and private property? This is an everyday scenario in Venezuela.
Then WHY haven’t you informed yourself on these facts by reading Venezuelan and international newspapers exposing thousands of cases?
Given your sense of community and respect for all people, I think you would defend the security of the citizens in your country.
Then WHY do you validate a government that has converted Venezuela into the second most dangerous country in the world, where impunity is above 90% and its people live in a constant state of stress and fear of getting killed? Many wonder if this situation isn’t but a diabolic strategy by the part of the government, something to think about. Do you know that the weekend of March 13th there were 67 counted homicides only in Caracas? Furthermore, in the first 50 days of this year, there have been 140 express kidnappings for fast money (a 50% increase in 2009 versus previous years). After 11 years of the Chavez government, more than 16,000 people has been murdered by armed gangs and we’re not even at war like in the Middle East.
In the U.S.A. the arm of the law comes down hard on government or private sector where cases of fraud and corruption are discovered.
Then WHY do you defend a politician who promised to sweep corruption, but has ended up sponsoring illicit enrichment by part of his closest allies and civil servants, placing Venezuela as the most corrupt country in the Americas and in its political history? Corruption has increased 68% and inflation 31% in 2009. What a coincidence, Sean that the majority of those “corruptors” are members of the government you have chosen to embrace.
You’ve demonstrated admirable assistance to those in need, due to natural disasters or poverty, those with desperate pleas to get their misfortune exposed for the whole world to see.
Then WHY do you applaud the efforts of a government that has notoriously increased poverty (65% to 71%), produced scarcity of staple products and created an energy and water shortage crisis never seen in Venezuela? Not to mention the numbers of children begging in the streets. You may have missed it because the government tends to take the scenic routes for its guests. I invite you see the real Venezuela, stay for a couple of weeks without the logistics the government of said country organizes for you and you’ll be amazed with the results in your unaided observations.
Sean, you live in a country where your parents had the freedom to teach you principles and respect for entities and human beings, where education hasn’t been manipulated by political agendas of those in power.
Then WHY are you in favor of a country where day after day education isn’t plural by obligating a single-minded agenda and lack of respect for family structure? Did you know Sean that in Venezuela there is political indoctrination at a very early age, better known as “brainwashing”? And let me tell you that if parents don’t agree, they will lose custody of their children, just like in Cuba, a country you’ve placed on a pedestal.
You are a product of a Jewish father.
Then WHY is your fascination with a government that has overtly stated its hatred against the Jewish community worldwide, to the extent that the State of Israel condemned anti-Semitic attacks in Venezuela? Do you think it’s fair that many Jewish-Venezuelan families have emigrated because the Chavez government robbed their personal files when their temples and offices were under attacked in 2008?
I don’t think so, Sean, that you would support violence as a means to impose your agenda.
Then WHY do you support a government with close relationships with FARC, ETA, Cuban G-2, Government of Iran, Al-Qaeda and Hezbollah, among others, which are the most feared terrorist movements in the world?
You have said that you applaud the actions that Chavez has instituted for his “pueblo”.
Then WHY do you back him up when he himself has recently publicly recognized his failure for effective social programs (missions) in the areas of education, social service and hospitals; where each day the number of the uncared rises for lack of appropriate facilities and respective upkeep, and a country where the mothers give birth in the streets? This you can see on YouTube in investigative programs run on German, Swedish, Italian and Spanish television stations.
Sean, have you considered researching the existence of the growing list of political prisoners, including journalists, on your own? For your information Chile, Peru and Costa Rica has that data. Furthermore, many of these prisoners are tortured and their families persecuted and threatened, just like the Cuba you stand up for.
Is that what you support when you publicly declare that all those that say that Chavez is a dictator should go to jail?
Sean, you have the right to say what you want, but as far as I know, your statements are contradictory to “Freedom of Speech”, the same one you enjoy in this country; by coincidence, “The First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America.”
My intention isn’t to convince you, but to let you know what is truly happening in this beautiful country of noble people, Venezuela. I would encourage you to investigate in depth the “inside story” and realize for yourself the dark side behind the person you choose to idolize.
Agreed, Chavez did win his first elections, but like Hitler, he betrayed what the country gave him: The vote of confidence.

picture from internet

BUTTER

'Davy Crockett' Star Fess Parker Dead at 85

Fess Parker, the actor who helped launch the Davy Crockett craze in the 1950s by playing the famed frontiersman in numerous Disney productions, died Thursday of natural causes, his rep confirms . He was 85. Born in Texas, Parker was perfectly suited to play Crockett, and kids around the country clamored to get their hands on coon skin caps because of him.Parker played the character in a popular TV series and later a pair of feature-length films. He portrayed Crockett from his days as a Tennessee lawmaker to his death at the Battle of the Alamo. He also starred in the beloved film 'Old Yeller' as the father and other Disney hits like 'The Great Locomotive Chase' and 'Westward Ho!'

Later in his career, he even played Crockett's fellow pioneer Daniel Boone.In 1970, Parker retired from acting, but in 1974 re-entered TV land with his own short-lived sitcom, 'The Fess Parker Show.'He later found success in real estate and the wine business, having started the Fess Parker Family Winery and Vineyards in Los Olivos. At the winery, you can also buy coon skin caps.He is survived by Marcella Belle Rinehart, his wife of 60 years, and their two children.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wuOhxyYAP8&feature=player_embedded#

picture from internet

This man has been kicking people square in the head for 70 years ... to the day. That's right, Carlos Ray "Chuck" Norris woke up this morning (actually Chuck Norris doesn't sleep, he waits) at the ripe old age of three score and 10. And there's no question that he could still kick your organs inside-out just for breathing the same air as he does. Anyway, despite our best efforts we could not find an address for Mr. Norris to send him a birthday cake (made of nunchucks), so we've had to settle with a round up of our 70 favorite Chuck Norris facts. One bonus fact first: As decreed by Mr. Norris himself, Norris facts don't have to actually be, uh, true. Keep reading and enjoy ...

1. Since 1940, the year Chuck Norris was born, roundhouse-kick-related deaths have increased 13,000 percent.

2. On his birthday, Chuck Norris randomly selects one lucky child to be thrown into the sun.

3. Chuck Norris mistakenly sent Jesus a birthday card on Dec. 25. Jesus was too scared to correct Chuck Norris and to this day Dec. 25 is known as Jesus's birthday.

4. Chuck Norris was born three months premature, because he had asses to kick.

5. Rather than being birthed like a normal child, Chuck Norris instead decided to punch his way out of his mother's womb.

6. And on the first day Chuck Norris was created ... and he took care of everything else later that afternoon.

7. Chuck Norris once kicked a horse in the chin. Its descendants are known today as giraffes.

8. Chuck Norris can set ants on fire with a magnifying glass. At night.

9. Chuck Norris drives an ice cream truck covered in human skulls.

10. Chuck Norris can touch MC Hammer. 1

1. James Cameron wanted Chuck Norris to play the Terminator. However, upon reflection, he realized that would have turned his movie into a documentary, so he went with Arnold Schwarzenegger.

12. Chuck Norris destroyed the periodic table, because Chuck Norris only recognizes the element of surprise.

13. Chuck Norris is the reason why Waldo is hiding.

14. Chuck Norris once ate a whole cake before his friends could tell him there was a stripper in it.

15. The role of Alf in the hit 80s TV show was played by Chuck Norris's penis.

16. Chuck Norris sleeps with a pillow under his gun.

17. Chuck Norris can slam a revolving door.

18. According to Einstein's theory of relativity, Chuck Norris can actually roundhouse kick you yesterday.

19. Chuck Norris can divide by zero.

20. Chuck Norris doesn't wear a watch. HE decides what time it is.

21. Chuck Norris can win a game of Connect Four in only three moves.

22. They once made a Chuck Norris toilet paper, but there was a problem: It wouldn't take shit from anybody.

23. Police label anyone attacking Chuck Norris as a Code 45-11.... a suicide.

24. The original title for Alien vs. Predator was Alien and Predator vs Chuck Norris.

25. Chuck Norris ordered a Big Mac at Burger King, and got one.

26. There is no theory of evolution. Just a list of animals Chuck Norris allows to live.

27. If you spell Chuck Norris in Scrabble, you win. Forever.

28. Chuck Norris has the greatest Poker-Face of all time. He won the 1983 World Series of Poker, despite holding only a Joker, a Get out of Jail Free Monopoly card, a 2 of clubs, 7 of spades and a green #4 card from the game UNO.

29. Chuck Norris got a blow up doll pregnant.

30. Google won't search for Chuck Norris because it knows you don't find Chuck Norris, he finds you.

31. There is no chin behind Chuck Norris' beard. There is only another fist.

32. In an average living room there are 1,242 objects Chuck Norris could use to kill you, including the room itself.

33. It takes Chuck Norris 20 minutes to watch 60 Minutes.

34. Chuck Norris counted to infinity - twice.

35. Chuck Norris uses a night light. Not because Chuck Norris is afraid of the dark, but the dark is afraid of Chuck Norris.

36. Aliens DO indeed exist. They just know better than to visit a planet that Chuck Norris is on. 37. When you say "no one's perfect", Chuck Norris takes this as a personal insult.

38. Chuck Norris once shot down a German fighter plane with his finger, by yelling, "Bang!"

39. Chuck Norris never wet his bed as a child. The bed wet itself out of fear.

40. If at first you don't succeed, you're not Chuck Norris.

41. Chuck Norris CAN believe it's not butter.

42. We live in an expanding universe. All of it is trying to get away from Chuck Norris.

43. Chuck Norris invented black. In fact he invented the entire spectrum of visible light. Except pink. Tom Cruise invented pink.

44. Chuck Norris played Russian Roulette with a fully loaded gun and won.

45. Chuck Norris' first job was as a paperboy. There were no survivors.

46. When Chuck Norris does a push-up, he isn't lifting himself up -- he's pushing the Earth down. Observe ...
47. A Handicapped parking sign does not signify that this spot is for handicapped people. It is actually in fact a warning, that the spot belongs to Chuck Norris and that you will be handicapped if you park there.

48. Chuck Norris is the only man to ever defeat a brick wall in a game of tennis.

49. The phrase 'dead ringer' refers to someone who sits behind Chuck Norris in a movie theater and forgets to turn their cell phone off.

50. What was going through the minds of all of Chuck Norris' victims before they died? His shoe. 51. Contrary to popular belief, the Titanic didn't hit an iceberg. The ship was off course and accidentally ran into Chuck Norris while he was doing the backstroke across the Atlantic.

52. For some, the left testicle is larger than the right one. For Chuck Norris, each testicle is larger than the other one.

53. Godzilla is a Japanese rendition of Chuck Norris' first visit to Tokyo.

54. When Bruce Banner gets mad, he turns into the Hulk. When the Hulk gets mad, he turns into Chuck Norris.

55. Human cloning is outlawed because if Chuck Norris were cloned, then it would be possible for a Chuck Norris roundhouse kick to meet another chuck Norris roundhouse kick. Physicists theorize that this contact would end the universe.

56. There are no such things as tornadoes. Chuck Norris just hates trailer parks.

57. When the Boogeyman goes to sleep every night, he checks his closet for Chuck Norris.

58. Chuck Norris and Mr. T walked into a bar. The bar was instantly destroyed, as that level of awesome cannot be contained in one building.

59. Chuck Norris does not follow fashion trends, they follow him. But then he turns around and kicks their ass. Nobody follows Chuck Norris.

60. The Great Wall of China was originally created to keep Chuck Norris out. It failed miserably.

61. When Chuck Norris says "More cowbell," he MEANS it.

62. Chuck Norris once sued Burger King after they refused to put razor wire in his Whopper Jr., insisting that that actually is "his" way.

63. Every time someone uses the word "intense", Chuck Norris always replies "you know what else is intense?" followed by a roundhouse kick to the face.

64. If, by some incredible space-time paradox, Chuck Norris would ever fight himself, he'd win. Period.

65. Chuck Norris invented a language that incorporates karate and roundhouse kicks. So next time Chuck Norris is kicking your ass, don't be offended or hurt, he may be just trying to tell you he likes your hat.

66. When an episode of Walker Texas Ranger was aired in France, the French surrendered to Chuck Norris just to be on the safe side.

67. Chuck Norris is so fast, he can run around the world and punch himself in the back of the head.

68. In a fight between Batman and Darth Vader, the winner would be Chuck Norris.

69. The square root of Chuck Norris is pain.

70. Chuck Norris once participated in the running of the bulls. He walked.You can find more Norris facts at the totally awesome, unofficial Norris encyclopedia here.