Done with the Veteran's Administration

I have tried for over six years to get a VA ID card, so I can get 10% off my purchases at Home Depot and other places. I got the word VETERAN put on my driver's license, but Home Depot says, that don't count. Even showing my DD214 does not help. Today, I went to the VA Regional offices here in the Valley. And I have even gone to the one in Prescott to talk to them. Four times total they have said NOPE. I asked WHY? "You are over the salary cap for your Zip Code", they say. I tell them, I don't care about the medical care, I just want the ID card. Sorry, they say, the card goes with the medical care. Then I hear about a House Bill that was passed in 2015 saying ALL Veterans can go to the VA or any military installation and get an ID Card. So I called Luke Air Force Base. They tell me that the government has not released the funds to print the cards, so the base can not do the cards. I asked the VA the same question and they said the VA does not think it is a good idea to get cards out to ALL veterans and they are not doing it. Are the bills law when passed? So can the VA say no the House and Senate when they are TOLD to do something? How would it go if I told the government I was not going to pay my taxes? Would they let me slide? HELL NO! So Bill H.R. 91 is useless? Three years in the making and it's useless? And my time in the military (6 years total) was useless too? No, I don't believe that, but DAMN IT, give me a stinking ID card. I'll pay for it. It's not the card. It's not the recognition. It's not the medical care. It's the principal that the government can not pay the vets their due for sacrificing their years of time, their separation from family, and sometime their lives. And when they do, there are SO many hurdles to jump over, under, and crawl through, to get that small bit they get and more than deserve. And I will guarantee if Trump gets elected, the Vets will get even a bigger shaft than they do now. My Shell family ancestors served this wonderful nation in every war and/or conflict since the Revolutionary War through every male generation, except one, and we are DAMN proud of it. So now, because I make too much money, the government will not give me a $2 ID card proving I am a Vet, and that I did my time. That's OK, I'll pay that 10% at Home Depot and maybe, just maybe, I'll send the VA a bill at the end of the year for the discounts I DID NOT get because they did not think I deserve to be officially recognized as a Vet. Stuff it VA!

The "Caisson Project" story

As many of you probably already know, I bought a fire truck last August while we were in Idaho on a RV trip. I have wanted one for many years, just for fun. But after attended so many retired firefighter funerals, I began to think, it would be great if we as a brotherhood could pay a final tribute to our brothers. A truck dedicated as a firefighters' hearse. A Caisson. Well then the work started. I sent the word out to other retirees, and told them of my idea. The requests to help came flowing in. I then stopped by stores and booths at car shows telling the same thing. They seemed to all want to be a part of the project. Some people actually started to weeping when I explained the project. I went to get my teeth cleaned, and the dentist asked what I had been doing. When I told him, he went into his office and came out with a check for $100. The donations have been overwhelming at times. It makes me reverse my thoughts about the human race and people's attitudes, especially about firefighters. Now, nearly 7 months later, and hundreds of man-hours, we are getting so close to painting the truck. We have sound deadened and insulated the cab, insulated the turbo, upgraded the fuel system, done a complete tune-up, replaced all the fluids and filters, replaced broken glass, pulled out the water tank, re-fabricated the entire hose bed to accommodate caskets and urns, built bench seating in back for pallbearers or honor guard personnel, rewired the truck, repaired air leaks and SO much more. Now, don't think I come up with this idea. Well, sort of, for the Valley I did. There are many other community departments who have done the same thing. And the trend is growing since 9-11. Tucson Arizona has a beautiful old Mack for their Caisson. Their "Last Alarm Foundation" and us, made an agreement to cover the state of Arizona for ALL firefighters if requested. I donated the truck to the Phoenix Fire Foundation because they are a 501 3-C non-profit organization which I help establish back in 1986. With the Foundation having ownership of the truck, it is easier to get donations from corporations for services and goods. The foundation in return, put me on the board as a member, and made me the Chairperson of the Caisson Project. The Team Fishel construction company donated the use of a huge spray booth for our final preparations on the truck for paint. Pittsburgh Paint donated the paint, a local upholsterer donated his time and materials to re-do the interior and the list goes on. But the real credit goes to the retirees who have come to my shop and to the spray booth spending HUNDREDS of hours working on this project. I am proud to be a part of this project and to associated with these retirees. And lastly, thanks to all who sent their gratitude for our labors. The final photo is the truck we are modeling our after.

Year end greetings

This year has been an emotional roller coaster ride for Nancy and I starting with a great trip to Baja California and then the passing of our oldest son, Tony. A trip to Ohio to visit with old friends and Nancy's late brother's wife and relatives. A fabulous RV trip to the Northwestern states, and breaking down on the way. Life always throws a curve ball when you think things are going well. BUT, we are still thankful for all of our blessings. Family, friends, our health and much, much more. So with that, just a quick note... have yourselves a VERY Merry Christmas and Happy safe New Year.

2015 Northwest States Summer RV trip

We pulled out of the Valley in the middle of June through central California heading North to (hopefully) cooler weather. A few stops before we arrived in McMinnville Oregon to visit with old friend from our Turkey trip.

We went to the Evergreen Air Museum to see the Spruce Goose and the other planes they display. Man is that thing HUGE!Rand and Amy were great to let us camp in the yard, well, driveway, and out of their way. Next stop was to meet-up with some other friends in Washington State. We spent 12 days with our good friends Dick and Linda, who are full-time RVers. Together we saw Mt. St. Helen, Mt. Rainer, went Orca whale watching, hiked through the thick forests,went antiquing, toured the Public Market in Seattle and more. But the best was just hanging out with them, and for a few days, their granddaughter. Cute kid.

From upper central Washington, we head East toward Idaho. The forest fires were everywhere in California, Oregon, Washington and Idaho. You could not escape the smoke. Everything looked hazy in the distances. And the worst part was, not rain in sight. We stopped to see a nighttime laser light show at the Grand Coulee dam, camped next to the Snake River, and hiked on the same trail the Lewis and Clark took in the early 1800s. While at the Idaho and Washington border, a fellow firefighter called and told me about a fire truck for sale on the other side of Idaho. The next day, after we got set-up at another retired firefighters house, him and I drove North to see this fire truck. It was in great shape and the price was right, SO...I bought it. Yep, I bought a full size fire truck. Now to get it home. I could not drive it home and drive the truck and fifth wheel too. Nancy was not going to either. So I found a transporter and it was delivered a few days after we got home.

I did not buy the truck as another vehicle to add to mine others. I bought it for dedicated funeral truck for any fallen firefighter in Arizona. I call it a "Caisson". I will keep you posted on the progress. Heading home now from McCall Idaho, we stopped in Ely Nevada to visit the Northern Nevada Railroad Museum and take a ride on their steam engine train. What a hoot! We have done these before, but never seen the behind the scenes of maintenance shops etc. VERY interesting.

Our last night on the road was at Jacob Lake on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. I love that place and finally, it was cool. But that would stop the next day when we arrived home after 33 days and over 4600 miles, That's OK. We had a ball, visited with good friends, and saw some amazing country. The new fifth wheel we bought in January was wonderful and very comfortable. Thank you friend for letting us stay or camp on your property. It was awesome visiting with you all. Next time, our treat at our place.

Life goes on

The temps are getting higher, the flowers have blossomed, and the birds are singing. Spring is here. Spring is a time of rebirth and rejuvenation for plants or a refreshing of the seasons. People shed their winter clothes and spend more time outdoors. We all just take our activities from indoor to the outdoors. Even in a forest fire, a few days afterwards, plants start pushing through the ashes, and life continues. This is much like losing a family member, your life must move on. It's not easy, it's actually very hard but necessary to move on. Certain things bring back the pain and harsh feelings. You cry and go on. Just remember the good times. I miss you Tony...SO damn much.

We celebrate his life

Today, friends and especially family will meet to celebrate Anthony James Pelopida's (Tony) life. It is suppose to be a day we tell funny stories and remember the good times, but I am sure there will be tears shed.

His family, his dog Chopper, and the Dallas Cowboys was everything to Tony. We will miss your humor, your kidding, and your devilish smile. I will miss our time in the shop working on cars together and the talks we had laying under them. I love you Tony.

Our oldest son

It was 1977 when I married Nancy and took responsibility of raising her children Tony(7)and Tina(6). Tony was a challenge so we butted heads often. He had to do things his way and would not listen to reason most of the time. I thought, well, I was like that sometimes too. Tony loved sports, especially football and quickly fell in love with the Dallas Cowboys. His all time favorite was Emmett Smith. Tony wear the number 80 all through Pop Warner and high school football. He was a tough competitor playing offense and defense in many games. After high school, Tony tried to get on the Phoenix Fire Department, but no luck. He took a job at a small family owned production company and met his future wife Gail. They got married in our backyard in 1999. A few years later in 2004, they adopted and baby daughter and named her Nicole. All was well except Tony's beer drinking habit. We all warned him that excess would cause him a lot of problems, but Tony did not listen. Over the following years, his health started deteriorating. Tony passed away Sunday the 22nd at 11:02AM after fighting a hard battle that was staked against him. It is said, "Children are not suppose to die before their parents". I never realized how true that is. Our hearts are broke, but his humor and joking will live on in our memories forever. Tony loved to joke around with you. He made me laugh and proud of him for his love for his daughter and ever faithful wife. They made him a man, father and husband. Rest in peace son...I love you deeply... sleep now... you are in good company with Uncle John and Charlie. I'll be there later and we'll play catch.