Tag Archives: veterans

Lest We Forget: U.S. Troops and Families were Pioneers of International Adoption

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As we remember our servicemen and women, past and present, on this Memorial Day, it is worth noting how much the landscape of adoption in America was changed by servicemen and women. U.S. soldiers fighting in Europe, participating in the post-war occupations of Germany and Japan, and later serving in Korea, Vietnam and other Asian countries helped to familiarize their families back home with the needs of the many orphans they encountered. Although some of the armed services discouraged their personnel from adopting during their service, there are several stories about units informally taking on the cause of one or … Continue reading →

The Ultimate Gift (2006)

Based on the faith-affirming novel by James Stovall, “The Ultimate Gift” is the story of one young man’s quest for a life of fun and his grandfather’s dreams of a better future for him. Jason Stevens (Drew Fuller) has never had to work for anything in his life. He’s got a trust fund, a mother who doles out money like candy, and he’s living large. His girlfriend loves his easy spending habits, and together they party until dawn with little thought about others. When Jason’s grandfather, Red (James Garner) passes away, the family gathers around like vultures, wanting to know … Continue reading →

Monetary Gifts

More and more these days I am hearing stories of the eldest generation deciding to give monetary gifts to younger generations. People are living longer and generating more wealth into their later years. If you combine this with the fact that getting ahead when you are younger is getting harder, more parents, aunts and uncles, even grandparents are giving a large cash gift to help. Emotionally this can also be helpful for the older generation. Too often, their money and assets are not passed down until their death. Then, they do not even get to see the positive impact this … Continue reading →

Dealing With Sudden Windfalls

When you receive a sudden windfall of money, it is important to use this money wisely. Well, it is important to plan on how to use this money. Often people will receive a large sum of money from bonuses, tax refunds, inheritances or settlements and the money will seem to magically disappear. Often people will spend more than they received and end up worse off than they were before. Here are five tips on how to handle a sudden windfall. 1) Before you do anything with the money you should sit down and plan what you want to do with … Continue reading →

A Memorial Day Thank-You to Those Who Served

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I just watched the National Memorial Day tribute concert on TV. As usual, I cried—for an old classmate, for a friend’s father, for all the mothers who’ve lost sons and children who’ve lost fathers, for women my age who shouldn’t have become widows for another forty-plus years. But this time, I cried for a reason I’d never even thought of before. You may be wondering what this has to do with adoption. Here’s the connection, which I never made before today. Watching the concert reminded me of a dear family friend, almost a grandfather to me, who fought in Korea. … Continue reading →

Writing down your wishes

Everyone should have a will. Sorry if I sound morbid this morning. Even if you are really young, or in great health, or won’t be dying for years and years yet, I still suggest you make up a will. If you have children, it is irresponsible not to have one. If you’ve been re-married and have children outside of your present marriage, you are doubly irresponsible if you don’t have a will. If you die before your spouse, and do not leave a will, it is very likely that your spouse will inherit everything, leaving nothing to your children. Not … Continue reading →

Thoughts on Inherited Money:

First, let me say I’m sorry for your loss. As someone who’s recently been through a death in the family I know how devastating it can be. During this time you may come into some money, but it is not a time you should be making financial decisions. Most experts agree – take your time before spending any inheritance. Make sure that you take all the necessary steps – canceling any social security, turning off the phone, (if you are responsible) and then take a step back. The amount of money you’ve come into doesn’t matter – it could be … Continue reading →

Books for Pearl Harbor Day

Today is December 7th, the day we commemorate the bombing of Pearl Harbor by the Japanese which marked the beginning of the U.S. war in the Pacific. We were already at war in Europe, and suddenly we found ourselves fighting on two fronts, torn in two directions, sending our soldiers all around the world in pursuit of the cause of freedom. Along those lines I would like to recommend some books that take us from the beginning to end of the war in the Pacific. 1. “Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo” by Ted W. Lawson. In March of 1946, four months … Continue reading →

Military: Review of Week ending November 11

This week ends on the official day we celebrate our Veterans. Many people will also celebrate Monday the 13th, because that’s the day they will have off. Here is a rundown of other topics covered here this week. Since there aren’t a lot of articles this week, one from the last week is also included: John Kerry’s “Joke” No Laughing Matter? The first article was on November 2, following a controversial speech given by John Kerry. Everyone has an opinion on the “botched joke” issued by Kerry. At the end of the article, and in the comments section, you’ll find … Continue reading →

Faith of My Fathers — John McCain with Mark Salter

Politics is, and has always been, one of those subjects you either love or you hate, and you either love or hate the key players that are our politicians. One of those lucky persons who brings up these strong emotions in the American public is John McCain, a veteran and a senator who caught the public’s eye most through his run for the Presidency this last time around. Interestingly enough, though, this book isn’t about politics. It’s about service to country and ends before telling the story of McCain’s rise in politics. Most interestingly, McCain uses this media as a … Continue reading →