I’ll bet I didn’t sleep an hour Thursday night. I was so afraid I wouldn’t hear the alarm that was set to go off at 3:00am in the flipn’ morning! Consequently…I did hear the alarm go off because I was ALREADY UP!!!!
Other than being delayed right off the bat, having to detour around thunderstorms and a last minute gate change in Chicago the trip went off without too many problems and I got into DC a few minutes earlier than planned. I grabbed a taxi and headed for my hotel which was right on Capital Hill.
I’ve traveled so much and I’m not one to really be awestruck. But I have to say there was a certain sense of pride being in DC for the first time. Seeing the Washington Monument off in the distance and The Capital Building. I am in the capital of the most amazing country in the world. The Capital of the United States of America. Cool!! As I snapped out of my OMG moment I felt pretty positive that my taxi driver was taking advantage of my unfamiliarity with Washington DC and took the long way$$. Serves me right for not map questing it.
In the hotel lobby I met Cheryl Harris, mother of Staff Sergeant Ryan Maseth and Larraine McGee, mother of Staff Sergeant Christopher Everett. Both soldiers died of electrocution in Iraq. Both mothers would be testifying at the hearing. After the introductions and some chit chat about our trips and the upcoming hearing we decided to go to dinner.
I was amazed at the strength and determination these Mother’s have. Totally focused and hell bent on finding the truth. As I sat at the dinner table and listened to them tell their stories I had to wonder…..how many times have they told this story? How many more times would they have to tell it. Most families have the luxury to grieve in private. These families have chose to fight and therefore they grieve in the public eye. Telling their story to anyone who would listen. Officials patronizing them and down right lying to them. Hoping they will just get tired, give up and go away.
Those officials are in for a long ride. I don’t think they are going to give up….ever. They want answers. They deserve answers.
I am proud to play a small part in helping them find the answers to their questions.
Ms Sparky
Ms Sparky, What a privelage for me to be seated in the presence of that Senate hearing.
To witness the testimonies of 5 true HEROES with the integrity and honor you brought to those senators with your experiences. It was truly emotional at times listening to Larraine and Cheryl and the incredible strength and commitment to the honor and memory of their sons with the stories of how they lost their lives due to carelessness of a big money corporation.
I commend you and the witness panel for your courage to tell the truth about what is happening.
God Bless you and blessings to the families of those who have lost loved ones so needlessly!
Keep up the good work here!
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2008-07-11-3989103774_x.htm?POE=click-refer
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Dot-Thank you for you amazing comments and your support. It was great meeting you!
You tell ‘em, Girlfriend!
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,24007997-401,00.html
One more, then back to “WASH DC”
http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/0QvMq3g0ayJ/Democrats+Hold+Hearing+Electrocution+Soldiers/67AbNG0RCum
I am a soldier’s mother. You nailed it!
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Thanks! Be Strong!
Thank you so much for bringing your blog to my attention. I read all the testimony from the hearing. Usually, I am listening to C-Span 3, which carries hearings, but missed this one.
Please, if you are in touch with the mothers, let them know that we exist at http://non-combat-death.org
We have a private email list for families of military personnel killed in non-combat situations.