" Second star to the right and straight on till morning "

(James T Kirk Star Trek IV The Voyage Home)

(Disney edit for the animated Peter Pan)

 

We have added Art Bell to our line up. Enjoy!

Night Stalker Memorial.

 Uncategorized  No Responses »
Jun 262026
 

via: S.Burke Artwork I was recently inspired by a friends photo to create a painting of the Night Stalker Memorial. Her picture captured it beautifully, here is my painting version. The Night Stalker Prayer came to mind as I was painting this. Especially the second half: “Watch over our families when we can not. May Your presence give them comfort, and Your love lend them the courage to face each day, confident in the knowledge that You will never leave them nor forsake them. Protect them with Your unfailing mercy and grace. Grant that wherever we serve, we may be loyal to our proud heritage. Make us to choose the harder right over the easier wrong, and never to be content with a half truth when the whole can be won. May we ever embody the principles upon which the Night Stalkers are founded and serve proudly with the memory of those who have gone before. Give us the courage to fight to win and the faith to die rather than quit. Because, Night Stalkers Don’t Quit!”

Artwork by S. Burke Artwork. Thank you for a wonderful piece!

NSDQ NSDF1

Publius says:
  1. Night Stalkers Don’t Quit and Night Stalkers Don’t Forget [↩]
So say we all

Field Day 2026

 Great Cause, Radio, traditions  No Responses »
Jun 152026
 

Ham radio operators invite public to explore a hidden world of communication

The crew! T.A.R.C 2026

The crew! T.A.R.C. 2026

What happens when cell towers fail, power goes out and traditional communication systems are unavailable?

Local amateur radio operators will answer that question later this month as they invite the public to experience ARRL Field Day, the largest annual amateur radio event in North America.

The Thibodaux Amateur Radio Club and Bayou Region Amateur Radio Society will host the event from noon to 5 PM on Saturday, June 27, at the Coteau Fire Station, 2325 Coteau Road in Houma.

Often described as “Ham Radio’s Open House,” Field Day brings together licensed amateur radio operators from across the country to demonstrate how radio communications can be established and maintained during emergencies. More than 31,000 amateur radio operators are expected to participate throughout the United States and Canada this year.

During the event, local operators will set up temporary radio stations powered by generators, batteries and solar energy to simulate off-grid communications. Visitors will be able to watch operators make live contacts with stations across the country and around the world while learning how amateur radio supports emergency response efforts.

Organizers say the event highlights the important role amateur radio continues to play during hurricanes, severe weather events and other disasters when conventional communication systems become overloaded or unavailable.

In addition to demonstrations, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about licensing requirements, explore communications equipment and speak with local amateur radio enthusiasts about the hobby and its public service mission.

The 2026 ARRL Field Day theme is “Amateur Radio: A National Resource.”

Admission is free, and the event is open to the public. Families, students, scouts and anyone interested in technology, emergency preparedness or communications are encouraged to attend.

(Credit to the Times Online)

nnn

C.J. Christ

 Aviation, Our Toops, Wounded Warriors  No Responses »
Jun 112026
 

Charles Joseph (CJ) Christ April 19 1929 – May 20th 2026

Every once in a while you happen to be in the right place at the right time. That happened to me about 37 years ago. I was new to the gulf area, as this was where the jobs were and I could still be active in the Reserve.  One of the first people I met was a fellow pilot and Ham Radio operator named Charlie K5FNN. We became good friends and did a lot of things together, mostly Ham Radio related.  It was through Charlie that I met an old friend of his ( They grew up together ) named CJ Christ.1  C.J., I found out was, like me, a WWII enthusiast. But unlike CJ, I was a pure amateur.   CJ had been writing articles for the local paper about the War (WWII) in the Gulf of Mexico. I had been reading them every Sunday when they came out. Turns out Houma was a Navy base that housed some observation Blimps. There are still parts of the Hangers in places on the airfield which is what drew my attention. When I added 2 and 2 and actually came up with 4, I became an instant fan. The articles were finally put in one volume and published. I got a signed copy, of course. CJ was also instrumental in the forming and operating our local Regional Military Museum.  He would hold historical discussions weekly and I enjoyed many of them. It was CJ that talked me into donating a large stash of WWII magazines called “YANK” to the museum. They are on display and some of them are available to peruse through. He was also very active in the various local Vet’s organizations. He was always there when you needed him and he helped many local veterans over the years.  I knew him as a friend and mentor. I found out about my friend Charlie K5FNN death from him and another mutual friend Jeff.  CJ just sat there with me while I processed the loss. Not saying a word, but he was there.

But, as they say, “All good things must come to an end.” I always hated that phrase. With me doing my third and final retirement and am mostly at home these days being  caregiver to the SgtMaj, I haven’t been able to see CJ as often (if at all) as I would like. So this morning I did my usual , coffee, walk, more coffee and taking care of the SgtMaj, when I saw a small bit about CJ. on FB. I didn’t see any fanfare or articles just a small paragraph saying the C.J. Christ died at 97 on the 20th of May 2026. That was a month ago! I hope you will forgive me CJ. I never saw a word about it until today. CJ, you will be missed. You did so much for so many (including me).  I am not sure about anyone else, but I will not forget the good you brought out in everyone around you. Thank you for the talks, the smiles and the writings that helped us see what went on here at home during the war. The world is a better place because of you. God bless your family. We grieve with you.

May the wind be always at your back. May you Rest in Peace old friend.

 

 

Dan June 2026

 

nnn

Publius says:
  1. There is more about Charlie that I had written about when he went to that Big Ham fest in the sky some years back. but this is about CJ.  [↩]
So say we all

Missing Man Table

 Uncategorized  No Responses »
May 252026
 

 

 

Usually displayed on Veterans holidays. Mostly on Memorial Day. So if you see it in a restaurant, Bar, store or someones porch now you will know what it is and what it means.

How-to Retire our American Flag.

 Uncategorized  No Responses »
May 112026
 
     The American flag is a proud and dynamic symbol of our country. I remember doing the Pledge of Allegiance before starting our school day….every morning. Being the first son of a soldier, I was raised to be proud of our flag and to defend it. Things like “never let it hit the ground” and always be reverent around her was instilled in me at a young age.  Every Memorial Day I retire shredded or unserviceable flags as has been the tradition since the end of the Civil War. I do this to to honor our flag and to thank her for her service as a symbol of the greatest country on Earth. I do this for friends and neighbors and those that can’t find a Veterans organization that is doing a ceremony. I also set up outside a Missing Man table in remembrance of those that never came home. Below is a graphic showing how it is done.
     Remember it is a solemn ceremony. Also remember that this isn’t a protest but a retirement of the flag that means so much to so many of us.
The U.S. Flag Code states that an unserviceable American flag should be destroyed in a dignified way—preferably by burning—such as through a respectful flag‑retirement ceremony or by taking it to a disposal box at organizations like the American Legion or VFW.1
Say their names and always remember them
NSDQ NSDF
The Chief USA Retired
nnn
Publius says:
  1. If you have an old and unreparable flag, take to the VFW, DAV, American legion or any other Veterans group or find a Vet that does as I do and know that your flag will be handled with reverence and respect. [↩]
So say we all
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