I hate Texas!

Have I mentioned lately how much I hate Texas?

It's hot, humid and muggy, dusty at times, windy at others, an occasional rainfall that washes everything away because the ground can be so dried out from lack of said rainfall.    This rain becomes flash floods washing away houses, cars, buses, and the occasional livestock, or just as importantly, the occasional village idiot that thought he could safely cross a roaring storm filled stream.  And, in the winter, bitterly cold, with a wind from the North that feels like it is straight from Alaska.   Ice storms shut down major cities - primarily because no one has snow removal equipment - after-all, this is Texas.  And the cites, oh my gosh, don't get me started on the big money fat cats driving a million miles an hour to important meetings and dinners with people of their own ilk.  I pity them not when I am reminded of the endless hours they sit in stalled traffic around the hubs of Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, or Austin.  I'm pretty sure most of the big city folks are from somewhere else.   Either way, I'm glad it's them and not me.  

<sigh>

The gentle hills of central Texas, the quiet rivers, mirror finish lakes, the flowing majesty of the mighty rivers, the seemingly endless pasture lands, the quaint communities of small town middle America, the deeply forested areas of east Texas, the bays and bayous of southeast Texas, the endless flat plain of the Permian Basin of the north, and the arid yet remarkably beautiful deserts and reaching mountains of the western plains.  Nights filled with stars so bright under the desert sky that you feel as if you're surrounded by twinkling Christmas lights (You're familiar with the old song lyrics "The Stars Are Bright In Texas"?), while during the Bluebonnet season the ground is covered with colors more vivid than a rainfall.  Fresh air blowing across the Davis Mountains that will refresh you as surely as a new born.  Texas is like no place else in America with its diversity and people.  That quality is what I love about Texas.

The small communities surround themselves with church, local rodeos and fairs, waterside BBQ's, trail rides, honky-tonk bars, ice houses, drive thru beer stores, deer, duck, and dove leases, and football.  Always, and always football.

The history of Texas is full of tall tales of adventure, hardship, exploration, exploitation,       determination, independence, rebellion, and a deep rooted sense of loyalty and greatness.  People speak of Sam Houston, David Crockett (who, it is purported to have said after losing a reelection to Congress in Tennessee, "you may all go to hell, I am going to Texas"), Jim Bowie, William (W.B.) Travis, and Juan Sequin as if they are immortal; and in many ways they are.  The members of the Gonzales Mounted Rangers ("The Immortal 32") and the many memorials that cover the state speak in eloquent terms of the history of its people.  Truly, "Remember the Alamo" and the proud heritage passed down through generations of families, explain the significance of the annual San Jacinto Day holiday within the state.  What was won on April 21st, 1836 was more than freedom from Mexico, it was a manifesto to greatness.

Modern day history is just as rich with tales of wildcat oil rigs, with overnight fortunes made and lost in towns big and small.  Oil platforms dot the gulf coast, while refineries sprang up along the bayous of Baytown & Pasadena, the explosion of the shipping yards of Galveston, and the space industry in Clear Lake.  The Houston Astrodome, once called the 8th wonder of the world, was said to be an impossible dream.  Yet texans built it, and later, built something even bigger right next door.  Texas Rodeo stars and Country and Western performers have become world famous.  Politicians from Johnson to two different Bush's have held the nations highest office, while down home, Anne Richards held the reins of power as Governor and only as a true lady of Texas could have done.  Old money Houston, battled the "Nuevo" rich of Dallas-Fort Worth over who should more greatly influence these same politicians.  Neither group ever truly succeeding, yet with each political cycle, both small and large, they continue.

Modern hero's began or ended their lives as Texans; Audie Murphy, Admiral Nimitz, and Robert (Bob) Howard.  Men, and women, from World War II to Vietnam.  Chris Kyle and Marcus Luttrell, Texans, have fought their own battles in foreign lands, but they never forgot their Texas roots and came home as quickly as they could.  And when these Hero's die, the funeral services have to be held in a stadium to accommodate the crowds that wish to pay homage to their passing and to gently remind the family left behind that they are there for support.

The unique monuments of San Jacinto, La Grange, or the Alamo, stand beside the battleship Texas in places to visit.  The state is covered with more historical roadside markers than most other states will ever manufacture, and for the simple reason that Texans will never tire of being proud of her heritage. 

Country music, blues, jazz, rock & roll, soul, latino, even a touch of reggae, can be found in all corners of the state; from the college crowd of 6th street in Austin, to the tiny ice house's in Brownsville, to the high society clubs in the highest buildings in Houston, or the crystal palaces of Dallas.  The oldest dance hall in Gruene, can readily compete with any place in the state when Willie Nelson or George Straight could, and have, shown up out of nowhere just to sit-in and play.  A former bank on the north side of Houston continues to draw the biggest blues singers of the day, and Pasadena became a landmark of the 80's due to a little honky-tonk named after it's owner, a dancehall called "Gilley's Dance Club".  The down to earth lyrics of Jimmy Buffett could even once be heard in the bars and honky-tonks along the coast from Beaumont to Galveston when he started his career.  Music is alive and well in Texas.

Towns with names like "Cut and Shoot" , "Luckenbach", "La Grange" and "China Grove" really exist, and are not the imagination of some song writers fantasy.  TV personalities have generated major motion pictures, that all true Texans knew was garbage (can you say "Best Little Whore House in Texas"?), but the blown-out-of-proportion story made a narrow minded little bigot of a Houston newscaster into a local star, and shut down one of the states oldest post thanksgiving traditions.  Round Rock Texas became famous not for it's rock and river ford crossing, but for another movie entitled "Texas Chainsaw Massacre".  And although countless Texas girls have ridden the bull at Gilley's, even die hard Texans admit that Debra Wringer did it best in "Urban Cowboy".   Yet there's a reason the movie industry should stay on the west coast in California.  No one has ever captured Texas as she truly is.

The most important ingredient in Texas however, are her people.

The largest ranchers, the oil field families, the small town farmers, the local school teacher, the big city cop, the college professor, the street singers, and music professionals, the loggers of the forests,  the aptly named "rednecks" (a badge of honor) of the eastern most bayous, the single parent college student, the bad ass street bikers, the rig workers, the ship chandlers, the medical professionals, the space engineers, the shrimpers on the bay, the rodeo clowns, the rodeo performers, hell even the rodeo dogs, are all united in one simple fashion.  They are Texans.  They may occasionally set aside that business suit to swagger in cowboy boots and summer or winter stetson, worn out jeans, and button shirts, or they may glide through a club in the latest designer dress for a favorite fundraiser, but underneath they all fantasize about riding their horse next to a chuck wagon on a trail ride to the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.    

Well, maybe not the dog.

Texans are unique.  They may have started as immigrants from Germany, Ireland, Mexico, or northern states at some point, immigrating and settling German communities in the hill country, or Irish settlements on the coast, or Spanish ranch empires in the southwest.  Yet, they are personable, hard working, friendly to strangers, loyal to family and community, and yes, perhaps even god fearing, church going, and with a healthy dose of gun toting individualism.  This is a truism that relates to native born Texans as well as "I-got-here-as-soon-as-I-could" adopted Texans.   You will find no more loyal friend, nor more deadly and wicked an enemy than a Texan. 

Whether severing up ice cold Shiner beer and BBQ, closing a deal on a multi-million dollar oil sale, performing a life saving medical transplant, or planning and coordinating a deep space penetration, Texans will always treat you with dignity and respect.  It's an ingrained part of the culture and community regardless of where you go.  On a deserted Farm and Market road, in the middle of nowhere, it is not uncommon for a slow moving vehicle to pull over to the shoulder to allow another vehicle to pass; and the pulled over driver will wave a thank you for doing so.  Yes, it happens everyday.  Where else but Texas?

The combination of weather, diversity of landscape and culture, and the deep seeded roots of honor and tradition help make this state the unique melting pot that helped shape it's current makeup.

Come to think of it, maybe I don't hate Texas nearly as much as I thought I did.

SWETT Warrior Weekend / Las Vegas Jan/2013

Several people have asked me about my recent trip to Las Vegas, and I admit, I was guilty of posting a bunch of pictures on FaceBook while ignoring this Blog.  So, let me correct that error here and now.

I was invited to attend the SWETT Warrior Foundation weekend held at the Cosmopolitan Hotel from 24 - 29 January.  My friend, Chris, attended with me as my guest (and with permission and encouragement from her husband!).  The event was designed to honor the Service and Sacrifice of our Service men and women wounded in action related to the Global War on Terrorism.  There were about 60 warriors and their guests.

Chris and I upon late (2135) arrival Thursday Night

The obligatory picture upon arrival - this was Chris' first visit to Las Vegas

As part of the trip we had a helicopter tour provided by Sundance Helicopters of LV - awesome despite the weather

Yes, we were guilty of mugging it up for the camera

Chris and I with John Ratzenberger of Cheers fame - great guy and huge supporter of the WIA's. Somewhere around this time frame I started earning the new nickname "Santa."  yeah, don't ask.

Colonel (Ret) Bruce Crandall, US Army, CMOH holder from the Vietnam era posed with us at the Helicopter event - we spent some time talking about our mutual time in Vietnam. A lifetime ago.

As part of our agenda we went to the CirqueDuSleil show Love - there were restrictions on no picture taking anywhere.

Of course, we would n-e-v-e-r violate a request like that

Jennifer P - Managing Director at Swett & Crawford held court in the lobby bar each evening or after an event.  I can't imagine how many shots were ordered (70 at a time, 3-4 times an evening) by the end of the 5 day affair.   You can bet Jennifer won't do that next year!

Group Shot of the attendee's.  Don't bother to check; Yes, I'm there but I tend to hang in the back of these things.  It's more about the younger generation of warriors in my view.

Having survived the first 24 hours we prepared to venture forth on Day 2

At a scheduled pool side event, the WIA's and supporters walk through the hotel hallway lined with a few hundred public supporters.  An awesome experience.

Gary Sinese (Lt Dan or CSI) is a huge supporter of the WIA's and made several remarks at the pool side event.  He left early for a sound check because his band was playing at that evenings Gala black tie party.

Yes, Chris and I clean up well.

My best guess for the attendance at the Gala was about 500 people.  Humbling to say the least.

A couple of my personal Hero's.  Ryan & Laura Keogh and Chris Powell - both these brave Rangers sustained serious injuries in OEF.

Brian, an Air Force Service Member wounded by a rocket in Iraq, is the most seriously injured AF member in the history of the Air Force to survive his wounds.  Despite the loss of both legs, and his right arm, he and his wife Ashley are an inspiration to other WIA's with their active lifestyle.  An incredible couple and role model

The Grog Ceremony at the Gala, SSG Davenport, an Army Special Forces Weapons Sergeant injured in OEF, represents the SOF community and poured a bottle of whiskey into the mix!  (If you don't know about the ceremony I encourage you to look it up on Google)

Lt Dan Band plays at the Gala...up close and personal

Everyone dressed up for the Gala!  Jessica and Todd and their K9 companions Bradley and Toby (aka "The Lush") Note their formal wear

Chris on the dance floor with Mike Thornton, US Navy SEAL, CMOH holder from Vietnam.  They can hold there own on the dance floor!

Shamelessly sucking up!  Gotta luv it.

Mike T and Bobby having a ball. . .or what looks like it anyway.

A Johnny Depp look-a-like showed up and scooped up Chris while I was off at the bar.  Don't tell her husband that I took my eyes off her too long.

Back to the bar.  More shots!  Thanks Jennifer.

Even a blind squirrel gets a nut every once in a while.  Sheryl and Ashley took pity on me while Mike held Chris hostage on the dance floor.  I didn't notice she was gone!

After the Gala we all retired to the lobby bar.  Toby was giving me advice on how to pace myself.

Advice he obviously took seriously.

One of the medics checking Toby to make sure he was still keeping pace with us.

Yeah, now you know why we called him "the lush"
(and he was fine.  Really)

Open Bar, repeat as necessary.

Rachel & Chris with Mike Thornton

Mike asking Chris "whats that good looking woman doing hanging out with a Ranger like you?"

Chris Powell and I agree our two women made us look good.



As you can see, Toby, and the rest of us, were just fine the next morning during our visit to the local AFB.

Our tour of the base included a personal US Air Force Thunderbird air show.  From the middle of the runway it was an awesome display.

The last night included a stop at Treasure Island to watch the "Sirens" show

The mandatory stop at Caesars

The mandatory stop at the Fountains - and note that Full Moon!

Although it comes to the end, we're still standing and already plotting how to do this again.
.

I hope y'all enjoyed the pictures (out of 200+ these were the ones that made the final cut) and our short story for the weekend in Las Vegas.

None of this could have happened without the generosity of Swett & Crawford who flew us out and gave every bit of their collective heart to show us a good time.  We often forget that these types of organizations are putting forth great effort to show their support for wounded warriors of this latest generation.  I'm grateful and humbled that they included me in this event.