Lots of good stuff to talk about this week – DO NOT MISS!
Please take time to visit my generous sponsors, ClearedJobs.net. If you have a security clearance and need a job or are looking for employees with security clearances – this is your company!
The Kiss my Gumbo radio show [...]

Staff Sgt. Dennisur Thompson
Staff Sgt. Dennisur Thompson, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, overcompensates a left turn while on a driving simulator as a part of the Save a Life Tour in Kaiserslautern, Germany.
Photo Courtesy of U.S. Army
These brave men and [...]
This true American patriot continues to impress the rest of us who grew seeing on the TV or big screen. Chuck Norris continues to defy the laws of all Hollywierd by actually making sense and using his star power to make a difference. This morning this nice piece he wrote [...]
Update: As per recent comment – not complaining about anything. Just talking out loud on my blog which has always been referred to as my “free therapy.”
Update: Well, this video has over 7,000 hits as I write this. Not too shabby. I knew putting myself out there would not come [...]
Pictures from the day’s events in New Orleans. Pictures from the presentation of the Liberty Bell from France to the National WWII Museum.
In the video below, Sir JJ explains Armistice Day.
Armistice Day from Greta Perry on Vimeo.
[...]The Kiss my Gumbo radio show airs each Saturday morning from 9:00-10:00 (central) Saturday on AM 690 WIST or live on your computer here. Call in numbers are 888-880-WIST or (504)260-0690 @kissmygumbo on twitter or gretaperry @ gmail.com
This Saturday, we will be joined by military expert, Matt [...]
From the bottom of my heart, I thank all those who put on the uniform for this Country.
They Did Their Share
On Veteran’s Day we honor
Soldiers who protect our nation.
For their service as our warriors,
They deserve our admiration.
Some of them were drafted;
Some were volunteers;
For some [...]
I can remember as a child my dad talking, somewhat, about his service during Korea. I never really listened. I was a kid. What did I know? I do remember hearing once that he actually served with Elvis, but I don’t think that was true. He died in ‘96 and [...]
Thoughts and prayers to Staff Sgt Henry DeJean and his family over the untimely loss of 7 year old daughter, Paige DeJean. She was shot by a stray bullet while sleeping early Sunday morning as she slept on an air mattress in the living room of her home in the [...]
I pretty much spent last weekend at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. I feel so at home there, surrounded by people who love their Country. Of course, hanging with Sir JJ Witmeyer, (who is like Norm form Cheers there) helps. Friday was the grand opening [...]
I have felt sick over this since it hit the news and was unable to make myself write about it. We were stationed at Fort Hood from 2000-2002. The community was like no other and even though I did not live on post, the entire off-post community was military and [...]
I really have been ignoring this whole hurricane/storm thing. I already sent 2 kids of to school and just got a call from the Parish that the kids will get out of school 3 hours early. Guess this puts a kink in my plans for today. I better hit the [...]
Thumbs up for being military supporters!
Last year, I was approached by Wizard 101 as a Milblogger. They wanted to initially reach out to the military community with this game and sent me this email (along with a trial subscription):
One of the great things we’ve been seeing since the [...]
I’ll be a little busy this Friday and Saturday, spending my time at the National WWII Museum for the Grand Opening of the new theater. I’ll be picking up Sir JJ at 6:45 in the AM on Friday so we can get there and park for the festivities. Spending [...]
My heart goes out to all of those in the Fort Hood Community right now. This is a true tragedy. Please send thoughts and prayers.
If you would like to offer help, please go to Soldiers’ Angels and see what you can do to help.
[...]Seems it is all the rage to have an armed force Soldiers’ Angels Valour-IT thermometer widget on a blog or website right now! It is not too late to join in, the fundraiser does not end until November 11th.
1.There are a variety of items up for Valour-IT auction. Go [...]
Help get the New Orleans Veteran’s Day Parade back up to pre-Katrina attendance!
When: Friday November 13th
Where: Superdome Plaza Level by Vietnam Memorial Statue
Time: 9:30 ceremony followed by a street parade
Route: Veterans_Day_Parade_2009
The Veteran’s Day National Committee, Department of Veterans Affairs selected New Orleans as a Regional [...]
Enjoy! Congressman Jospeh Cao, local blogger Chris Johnston and Spirit of America with Colonel (R) David Couvillon
[...]
This Week’s Post Was Written By Greta
Col. Henry J. Cook
Past National Commander, Military Order of the Purple Heart, after serving over fifteen years with MOPH, gaining invaluable experience while in the positions of National Aide-de-Camp, Chapter Commander, Region Commander, [...]
If you have leftover Halloween candy, how about sending it to the troops? Not only will deployed heroes enjoy the treats, but often times they pass them out to local children to improve relations.
Our military men and women deployed around the world always enjoy candy in their care packages, and [...]
I’m Sooo excited for the grand opening of the new theater next week at the National WWII Museum. I will be pretty much be there all day and night on Friday November 6th with Sir JJ and then Saturday with my family.
Now – on to this interesting tidbit…. [...]
* RIP Louisiana soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for us. Army PFC Brian Bates and SGT Patrick O. Williamson.
* I’m pissed at Obama for using fallen heroes as photo ops at Dover. Expect his decision to come out soon about Afghanistan and this will be twisted into his reason [...]
We received this letter today:
Dear Brett & Greta,
Last year you sent me a card while I was recovering from wounds I suffered in Afghanistan. Sorry it has taken me so long to write but I want to thank you for the cards and kind words. These cards got me through [...]
Angel Amy sent me this video clip in which her fiance’, Kevin Workman was being discussed. Project Valour-IT helps get technology to heroes like Kevin. The handheld GPS units really help those with TBI as they often have trouble with directions. Please consider donating a little bit today as 100% [...]
The following question & answer are from Bugle Notes (something Silke & my hubby had to memorize while at West Point). I only put it up here because my husband asked me to do so. He is not a blogger, but wanted to trash talk a little this morning!
What do [...]
I’m going to be a bit preoccupied on the web until November 11th, raising money for Soldiers’ Angels Project Valour-IT. Since I’m on the leadership team for this project, I am trying to stay neutral this year. It is a friendly internet competition between the armed forces on-line. Each [...]

Last night, I was finally able to attend the Louisiana Honor Air homecoming at New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport (MSY). Since meeting Larry Jones, who is on the Sub Committee Chairman for this program, I have been trying to attend a homecoming. This was the 3rd [...]
Update: 10/23 3:40 To clarify, the title of this post was in no way suggesting the National World War II Museum intended to change the name of the museum to the Museum of Social Change. The title reflects the teachings and mission statement to the docents as referenced in the [...]
The Kiss My Gumbo Radio show airs each Saturday morning from 9:00-10:00 (central) Saturday on AM 690 WIST or live on your computer here. 888-880-WIST or (504)260-0690
A cant miss show!!! The top of the hour I’ll be joined in studio by Lane Carson, Secretary of the Louisiana [...]

Sailors & Marines Playing Volleyball With Local School Children
Sailors and Marines assigned to the amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46) play volleyball with students from Sangley Point National High School during a lunch break at a community service project. Tortuga, [...]
Not a Country Music fan – but this song sent to me really says so much.
When They Come Back from Derek Sholl on Vimeo.
h/t Amber Lovell
[...]Update 3:45 Saturday – A unanimous vote for our new Interim Mayor Mr. Bubby Lyons. This was the biggest dog and pony show I have ever seen!!!! The council should apologize for wasting all our time and the time of the 2 truly qualified applicants that were there- Mr. Glen [...]
Clearedjobs.net helps people with security clearances find jobs as well as matches companies with qualified employees. They are huge military supporters and Veteran owned. Kiss My Gumbo is proud to have them aboard as sponsors (see sidebar ad).
One hour and 3 amazing guests. My first guest is my [...]
I was voted “Friendliest Girl,” in 8th grade (a few years ago haha). Trying to define myself (mid-life crisis thingy) at 41, I think this title is something I can’t shake (though girl no longer fits). You see, I often spend my days in “hermitude.” My kids leave for school [...]
Had to mix a little Mandeville, LA politics in here. If you did not know, my Mayor FINALLY resigned (pretty sure part of plea bargain with the Feds). Ya, the title is my Dirty Dancing reference (RIP Patrick Swayze). Well, yours truly attended the Mandeville (sly, last minute on [...]
This video was taken on Sunday October 12th in Charleston West Virgina. This was the end of the International Chili Society’s World’s Chili Championship Cookoff. Michael “Mad Mike” Freedman and myself were the ones presenting. First, we presented to the chili cooks who participated with our last “Chili for [...]
Update: pictures click here
For those of you who are totally confused by this intro, let me back up. The Summer of 2007, Soldiers’ Angels put out a call on the internet looking for local teams to help sponsor teams of soldiers in Afghanistan (here and here) [...]
The Mayor of Mandeville, Eddie Price, resigned Friday, October 10th at a 4:30 press conference. There were no apologies as it is not his M.O. I still feel so terribly for the policemen that lost their job as a casualty of him and you would think he would at [...]
Updated:
Louisiana Honor Air takes Louisiana WWII Vets on a one day, all-expense paid trip to DC to visit the WWII Memorial. Everyone is invited to attend the upcoming 3 events for their departure and return to New Orleans Airport. September 26th is the first flight ever for Louisiana Honor [...]
Well, if you saw this article that is now even a great propaganda piece, you would think so. To poke a few holes, if you want to get a slant on any article, you could find willing suspects. Chaplains – well they are battlefield counselors too. You have a [...]
First off, I want to brag about my new sponsors Clearedjobs.net. If you have a security clearance and are in need of a job – this is your one-stop shopping. If you are an employer needing employees with clearance – this is for you too! They support the troops [...]
Contact: Carrie DeVries FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
504.558.1840
cdevries@theehrhardtgroup.com
CITIZENS ENCOURAGED TO LINE THE LEVEES IN SPECIAL SEND-OFF FOR
USS NEW YORK – LPD 21
Ship Incorporates Nearly Eight Tons of Steel Salvaged from World Trade Center Towers in Honor of Victims of 9/11
NEW ORLEANS – Oct. 5, 2009 – The Greater New Orleans [...]

Sgt. Michael Egan
36 years old from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
104th Cavalry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania Army National Guard
September 19, 2005
News of Egan’s death came to Pennsauken shortly after 6 a.m. Tuesday, Krista Egan, Sgt. Egan’s sister-in-law, said. [...]
In case you missed this!
I am very proud to announce that Jared Dowden has chosen to work with Soldiers’ Angels for his Eagle Scout project. Jared will be collecting items and monetary donations for Soldiers’ Angels Holiday for Heroes campaign. He has already distributed over 1,000 fliers and got some publicity. [...]

Thoughts and prayers to the friends and families of the 10 US troops killed this weekend. Please also send out extra ones to our wounded heroes and for the men and women who continue to fight.
[...] Saturday October 3rd 8-2
2215 Cleary Avenue Metairie, LA Elk’s Lodge #30.
This is a huge community yard sale benefiting Soldiers’ Angels. I’ll be there setting up early in the AM, heading to the studio for my show and heading back to work at it the rest [...]
Update: podcast is up
Update: Congessman Cao will not be on. Instead we will be discussing Afghanistan with military expert Mr. Greyhawk of the Mudville Gazette.
Woot woot – I’ve got new sponsors. Clearedjobs.net, a company that focuses on helping people with security clearances find jobs as well as [...]
Yes, the title is a Seinfeld reference – LOL.
This past weekend I spoke to Louisiana National Guard State Family Support Conference and discussed blogging a bit. I’ve been blogging for almost 5 years now and I have ALL kinds of stuff out there. Lord, help me! Now, here is [...]
Can you believe that I entered the first recruiter’s office on August 6th? Now, I’m on the 3rd recruiter and still don’t have the answers necessary to make informed decisions. Information I’m seeking: can I enter the Reserves at 41, get a direct commission and become a Public Affairs Officer. [...]

AP
Movie-maker Polanski arrested in Switzerland Reuters – Polish director Roman Polanski attends a news conference for the film “Chacun son Cinema” at …
* Director Roman Polanski Slideshow:Director Roman Polanski
* Roman Polanski arrested Play Video Video:Roman Polanski arrested Reuters
6 mins ago
OK, can you [...]
Washington DC 24 September 2009
WLF partners with White House and VA to get GI Bill payments expedited
The Warrior Legacy Foundation (WLF) is working with the White House and the VA to assist veterans who have been experiencing delays in GI Bill payments. Recently a number of veterans have not [...]

Yours truly @kissmygumbo will be live tweeting from the Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans this Friday. You are invited to attend! Come on everyone – it will be fun~~~see you there!!!
WHO: The Roosevelt New Orleans, a Waldorf Astoria hotel
WHAT: Re-creation of the famous [...]
* I have not given up on the possibility of joining the Army. For some reason, this whole age “41″ thing is not cut and dry. Is it “by 41″” or “after 41,” can I go direct commission or OCS route? Two recruiters so far could not come up with [...]
Dangit, my Beer Czar position was doing so well. I was really enjoying it! Louisiana’s own Steve Scalise is trying to sack them before it gets out of control anymore. All these positions with no accountability – scary!!!
h/t The Dead Pelican
Covington Holiday Inn: 1-3 U.S. Sen. David Vitter, R-La., and U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise, R-Jefferson & Dr. Daniel “Stormy” Johnson are scheduled to speak.
New Orleans: West End Park 11-4
Funniest comment on NOLA.com regarding Tea Parties
Posted by dubbiewobby on 09/17/09 at 6:37PM
They don’t have tea parties in Livingston Parish, they have [...]
Podcast is up – click here.
Update: Tea parties, Acorn, Health Care and New Orleans Recovery all in one hour!!!!!!
Update: Here is the direct link to the livestream to listen live.
Wow – do I have a jam-packed show for you. Opening the show with Sharon McCullar from Shreveport. She [...]
I have so much going on in my little head these days that sometimes the only way for me to get some peace is to write it down. Remember, blogging has ALWAYS been my free therapy (said that from day 1 -almost 5 years ago).Yes, I do it publicly, but [...]

This Week’s Post Is Via Gazing At The Flag
PFC Thomas Lowell Tucker
24 years old from Madras, Oregon
B Company, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division
June 16, 2006
Over at the Castle, John tells about a true American hero who just left this Earth, his father. Thoughts and prayers to the Donovans during this difficult time.
[...]During Tales of the Cocktail, we were hanging out at Arnault’s French 75. Hubby and his friend found a nice bottle of cognac shoved in the corner by our table (I had no idea they were finishing it until we left & they were very drunk) and found [...]
Yes, for once I caught a little bit of Oprah and saw some of her interview. It was good to hear her sing again!
I’ll address this later, for now…read and talk amongst yourselves!
Pelican Institute for Public Policy
…………
Press Release …..
New Study Details Cost of Proposed Health Care Reforms
Vitter: “State Tax Increases All But Certain” If Proposals Implemented
New Orleans, LA – Sep 14, 2009 Proposed federal health care reform built [...]
Louisiana Honor Air takes Louisiana WWII Vets on a one day, all-expense paid trip to DC to visit the WWII Memorial. Everyone is invited to attend the upcoming 3 events.
WHEN: September 26
October 10
October 24
WHERE: New Orleans International Airport Main Terminal Building, ticketing level between [...]
I was on Laura Kennedy Live discussing #militarymon, Soldiers’ Angels, Project Valour-IT and just about supporting the troops with my wonderful hostess! You can listen to the podcast here.
Scroll down to 9/7 for the link to the podcast. Listen to me, Shelle Michaels, Wounded Warrior Major Charles [...]

Debra Lynn Gibbon (November 27, 1957 – September 11, 2001
Debra Lynn Gibbon, 43 years old, was a senior vice president at Aon Risk Services. She worked on the 105th floor of the south tower.
Aon Exec Stayed Active With 3 Teens
Nov. 9, 2001
Debra Lynn [...]
Update: There are over 1200 deployed heroes waiting to be adopted by you, your office or your group. Please consider adopting a hero today. A letter a week and 1-2 small packages a month is all it takes. Go to Soldiers’ Angels for all the information.
I had permission to [...]
I will be on Laura Kennedy Live discussing honoring our troops and #militarymon
[...]Host: TalkingWithHeroes – bobc9246@yahoo.com
Episode: EPISODE112 – Discussing Soldiers’ Angels Valour-IT Program
LIVE on the air with Shelle Michaels, Greta Perry, MAJ Charles and Carren Ziegenfuss, Mrs. G, Matt Burden, Boston Maggie, and Carrie Constantini talking about Soldiers’ Angels’ (www.soldiersangels.org) Valor IT Program for Wounded Warriors.
For Pictures, links and [...]
Sorry, been out of pocket a bit but still following the case of the appalling decision of the AP to show the photo of a young hero in his final moments. The Mudville Gazette has a great roundup roundup of what the Milblog community has to say about this. [...]
Update – here is the story:
I arrived at the American Legion in Marrero and immediately realized this was going to be a huge deal due to the amount of cars there. JJ joked that AM on the phone that he would be the one with the red carnation [...]
I guess I’m not quite sure, but I do know a couple of parents are not happy about this! I had this exchange with Kristin today.
Contact:
September 4, 2009
Kristin McLaren-Mickal
St. Tammany Republican Parish Executive Committee
Member at Large
STATEMENT REGARDING PRESIDENT OBAMA’S ADDRESS TO ST. TAMMANY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
“As a [...]
Grief is like the wake behind a boat. It starts out as a huge wave that follows close behind you and is big enough to swamp and drown you if you suddenly stop moving forward. But if you do keep moving, the big wake will eventually dissipate. And after a [...]
No rhyme or reason – just not there. Someone give me a swift kick in the ass or dangle a writing paycheck in front of me! FYI went higher up in the Army and also sent my resume out for a couple of jobs. We will see. Until then…Angel Power!
[...]
I have my Google “Greta alert” on because I like to keep up with other Greta’s in the world. Damn those couple of famous ones who will always beat me out on Google search. Anyhoo, for those who know my politics and my thoughts on global warming…this one is sooooo [...]

* This tattoo was too cool not to share. My lunch date (see pic below – tall guy) had this on his leg. He was hit by an RPG and is missing some of the muscles in his leg. He can still press 500 pounds and [...]