Category Archives: Random Thoughts

Staying on Track for 2011 – A Video Vision

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My digital 2010 Vision Board

I get very introspective at the end of the year.  I like looking inward at what I achieved from one year to the next. I can get easily lost in my inner thoughts of hopes and dreams for the new year.  As a result of this personal examination, over the last four years I have put together a collage of magazine cut-outs and photos of desires I have for the next year.  I’ve called this assortment of wishes a Vision Board.  You can read more about it here in last year’s post.  But as you can see in the image on the left, a vision board can be words, phrases, photos, drawings or any item that represents what you hope to achieve in the next 365 days. It’s your personal vision for the next year.

A NEW VISION

Each year upon review of my vision board, I have been amazed at how much I have actually achieved. That is until this year.  I’m ending the creation of a personal vision board. Why? I think it’s because I’m matured a bit this year as a result of becoming a small business owner as well as having a deeper faith.  I guess I can say  that I’ve outgrown the board.  Last year, here’s how I explained the board ,”The way I use the vision board isn’t as a religious experience.  I don’t believe that it has magical powers or anything, but it does help me think in advance of the person I would like to be, if possible through the next year.  It helps me set goals and dream about what I hope for in the coming year.”

This year I don’t feel compelled to put down my desires on a board in hopes that by doing so, these things will be attracted to me.  These ideals are in me already and thus, enable their actuality in my life. These accomplishments didn’t occur because I made the board, they were in me the entire time. But, by stopping for a day last year and concentrating on my desires that did help me put together a “vision” or “plan” for the next year of the things I wanted to achieve and the person I wanted to be.  And that’s my main point of this post for the New Year.

How can you best keep yourself moving forward to becoming the best person you can be in 2011? It’s crucial to have a plan for your life.  Just like traveling without a map, your chances of getting lost increase.  So if a vision board helps you create a plan for your life next year…go for it.  Or if you have a plan for your business, read it again. Do something to help you have goals to strive for and accomplish.

ONE STEP AT A TIME

How do I stay on track? I have a business plan to follow. I also have faith in God and if I remain obedient I’ll not stray from my hopes, dreams and desires. I have an amazing set of mentors, both professionally and personally. Family, friends, colleagues and my church keep me in check as well.

But, despite all these measures, it’s still easy to get side-tracked.

My hopes for you are that you ‘stay on track’ in 2011.

And here’s a little message from me to you to help you keep to your vision for the New Year!

Happy New Year Friends.  This is my 2011 Video Vision.

Thank Full

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Loved Google's doodle today

Happy Thanksgiving to all. During this time of thankfulness, I wanted to pause from my normal PR messages to express my gratitude to all of you who have kindly supported me through my blogging and social media efforts.  I’ve truly come alive since I’ve found my voice on the Internet and greatly appreciate your continued comments, readership and how you’ve shared my work.

Overwhelmed

I have so much to be thankful. I could go on and on.  But, what I am most grateful, and one that I must admit I don’t acknowledge enough is my mom, Carol Ronzoni.  I keep telling people that the older she gets the younger she becomes. She truly is a jewel. She just sparkles and lights up everyone’s lives that she is around.  I’ve never met anyone with more energy and zest for life, even at 82.

Mom Lives A Thankful Life

My mom’s life is full. She wants to go as much as she can until she can’t.  And her schedule proves just that.  She is always helping out someone and her generosity is as big as her giant heart.  If you ever have a down day, it’s my mom whom you should call. She’ll get you feeling better for you can’t help but notice that she just loves people.  She doesn’t judge and treats everyone with equal respect. It’s absolutely beautiful to watch.

Mom loving one of her grandkids with her signature big smile.

I love her for her other wonderful attributes too – there’s nothing that she can’t do.  She is talented in a number of  things (i.e. decorating, sewing, painting) and in her knowledge. She loves sports and follows just about every athletic event and that woman can’t get enough of the news.  She’s never at a loss for interesting things to discuss and often is more on top of things politically than I. She is fun to be around and once you meet her, she’s unforgettable. One thing that you will never forget about her is her love for singing. She sings all the time.

The world truly is a better place because she’s a part of it. I do hope you will get to meet her sometime.

She is absolutely wonderful.  And I am so Thankful.

Bing vs Google 9/11 Standoff – Bing Wins

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Google is known for its special logo designs representing major events and holidays. These logo transformations are humorous, thoughtful, unique, eye catching, interesting, entertaining and enjoyable. They are also surprising for you never know when they will feature one on their main search page.

Bing on the other hand features a unique, eye-grabbing photo each day on its main search page. I am sure great thought goes into the selection of these amazing photos. I love these photos.  They’re beautiful.

So, with today being the ninth anniversary of September 11 – I was surprised to notice how Google remembered this tragedy.  They only added the 9/11 remembrance ribbon. This low-key design was classy and did say that they recognized the event of the day.  But, I really felt that they could have done more.

Google went for an understated approach for 9/11

On the other hand, Bing’s image certainly pays a greater homage to the day and its photo revokes great emotion.

Bing choose an appropriate emotional image to honor those fallen on this day.

Bing wins in my vote. Which approach do you like best?

My prayers continue to go out to survivors and families and friends who lost loved ones due to this horrific, evil catastrophe.

I will always remember.

Cindy

Birthday Greetings in a Digital World

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Digital greetings are as sweet as traditional cards

So, yesterday, as many of your are well aware – it was my birthday. I usually like to lay low on my b-day and would rather deny that I’m a year older, but in this day in age of social media….the whole world knew about it thanks to Facebook and there was no way to duck it or run and hide.

My first greeting came when I checked in at my local gym.  After my fingerprint was scanned, the cute, perky trainer behind the counter shouted Happy Birthday. Boy, was that a surprise and it was a nice way to start the day. It totally caught me off guard.

Secondly, I took advantage of a Glen Ivy’s Hot Springs “free” birthday pass.  Yes, for those living near this Corona, Ca. day spa – guests get in free on their actual birthday. I love these promotions and I wish I could see the research on the effectiveness of such promotions.  I mean who attends alone – you always bring friends with you. I normally would not have visited this spa on my b-day, but this free gift was certainly inticing during this tough economy. I had a wonderful time.

Last year I took advantage of “free” admission into Disneyland on your birthday. They no longer have that promotion this season, but that too, was a wonderful marketing ploy.

Yesterday my phone was vibrating all day long due to a number of greetings coming from all parts of the globe from Facebook friends.  The power of Facebook is mind-boggling. And I mean that in a good way.  I must say I enjoyed each message – they were like wrapped gifts themselves. I was always wondering who might appear next.

Facebook Makes Your Birthdays Bigger Than Life

In summary, birthdays in my opinion have gotten better thanks to the digital age.  The celebrations are bigger for the reach now can encompass anyone on Facebook.

I loved getting these messages and I’m sure you’ve had wonderful Facebook examples too.  You don’t need to buy expensive gifts anymore – a 420 worded message is a gift worth giving over and over.

Until next year,

Cindy

Great Business Advice from an Original Mad Man

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Ad Man David Ogilvy had his business heart in the right place.

The Wall St. Journal featured an article today about David Ogilvy (1911-1999), the advertising pioneer and first true “Mad Man” (meaning advertising executives working on Madison Avenue in New York). I didn’t know much about him, but after reading the article I became a fan of his sentiments, work ethic and beliefs.  He was one true visionary who understood his responsibility toward his clients and the public.

Here’s a couple of his aphorisms, which I think are so right on the money.

Apparently, Ogilvy was known to dress in clothes that would capture one’s attention. For a while he wore a cape with red lining and even showed up at black-tie events wearing a kilt.  His reasoning…“If you can’t advertise yourself, how can you hope to advertise for your client?” That is so true, don’t you agree?

He held on to the deep beliefs that one should be honest in advertising and always display respect for the consumer.  Here’s what he said about those key issues…”The consumer is not a moron, she is your wife. You wouldn’t lie to your wife. Don’t lie to mine.” Good words Mr. Ogilvy.

Man, these were so good I went hunting to find more.  These Ogilvy quotes are taken from Brainyquote.com.

  • If each of us hires people who are smaller than we are, we shall become a company of dwarfs. But if each of us hires people who are bigger than we are, we shall become a company of giants.
  • Political advertising ought to be stopped. It’s the only really dishonest kind of advertising that’s left. It’s totally dishonest.
  • First, make yourself a reputation for being a creative genius. Second, surround yourself with partners who are better than you are. Third, leave them to go get on with it.
  • Don’t bunt. Aim out of the ball park. Aim for the company of immortals.

I really loved his words, especially the last one. Are you bunting or you aiming for greatness.

Have a great weekend.

Cindy

Resume Rx

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What Shape is Your Resume In?

How’s your resume?  Is it in tip-top shape and includes your most recent position? Or is it something that needs life support-a document that just overwhelms you at the thought of updating it?

If you are like most, you dread having to work on your resume.  But, today’s the day for those of you who need to give it some attention will do just that.

Yes, I know that I am supposed to be writing about PR and I really am for your resume is an important aspect.  Your resume is a tool that will help keep you sharp, well-defined and on target. It’s your road map…it tells you where you’ve been and points others to your next direction. It is the single most important thing you can do for yourself.

So again, I ask you – how’s your resume?

If the thought of revising it brings a dark cloud of misery your way – ignore it.  If confusion enters your mind because you think you should pay to have someone do it – don’t go that route until you’ve at least tried to update the one you already have. I just want you to start to write it.  Why?

There’s something about thinking about all the past experiences you have had that is good for your soul.  Remembering and recounting all the wonderful things you have done in college or on the job is a great morale booster and who doesn’t need that during these difficult times.

If you think you are alone, you are not. I’m in the same boat.  I just re-tweaked my resume yesterday and will probably again later this week.  For me, I’m not sure if I’m being clear enough describing what I bring to the table. It’s a work in progress, but I’m working on it.  And so should you with yours.

As I’ve mentioned, 97 percent of all jobs are found as a result of someone helping you get that job.  With that being the case, you never know when an opportunity may come around and you need a resume in less than an hour.  That perfect job may be lost because you had to frantically whip together a resume that didn’t characterize your true strengths.

Like any good Boy Scout, please be prepared and have your resume ready at a moment’s notice.  You’ll be glad you did the advance work, believe me.

There are some great resources on the web for resume writing.  However, here are some key points that I would like to leave you with about resume construction.

1) OBJECTIVE STATEMENT – You do not need to include objective statements any longer so don’t fret about writing that section. However, I still like to use a summary statement to start each resume.

2) RESPONSIBILITIES – Drill down on each past position and write out the responsibilities you handled.  Write out each task.  I love this exercise because you often forget the little stuff which is actually the big stuff like the fact that you handled a 3 million budget or that your idea saved the company thousands of dollars.

3) SUCCESS STORIES – After you’ve written your job tasks, pick out the best three to five responsibilities.  These responsibilities should be the ones that set you apart…they are your success stories…how you saved the company money…organized the entire office….etc., etc.

4) CONTACT INFO – Make sure your email address is your name.  Please do not use any vanity email addresses like “fuzzycat1000″ or “lovetoboat”…If you impressed an HR rep and they wanted to find your thank you email…they will search for your name….so be sure to make a new email address for job search using your formal name.

5) PRESS THROUGH – Keep on keeping on.  Don’t become discouraged about this process. Just start it and complete at least one version of your resume. You can subsequently keep enhancing it and changing it as you go a long.

And if that all fails, send me a note. I’ll send you some encouragement and am more than happy to take a look at your resume and offer a few suggestions.  We’re all in this together…but now is the time for you to address your resume.

Happy writing,

Cindy

One More Try

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The Sun Will Rise and This Will Pass

I hope you don’t mind that I’m writing this post to be a source of encouragement, mainly for me today, and if you get some relief from this thought, well, that would be awesome too.  But, you know, with the state of today’s job market and employment trends, it is a bit rough out there for us professionals who are used to working on a daily basis at the same company and performing the tasks that we love.

This economy and new employment structure for consultants/freelancers requires one to have incredible amounts of patience, understanding and fortitude as well as flexibility and humor.  It certainly is character building and I am really learning how to pull up my bootstraps.  At times, its fun and other times, it can be overwhelming as you realize everything is out of your control. (Addendum-Good PR pal Marc Grossman sent me this link to cheer me up…if you need an immediate laugh please check this out. Thanks Marc…it worked.   (Please Fire Me!)

If you are like me you have a routine that you follow – each day hours are spent on job search, networking and/or researching potential clients.  You keep re-working your elevator speech and tweaking your resume.  You talk to friends seeking advice and watch the world trends to find clues as to where the new currency is hiding.

Day after day you follow this procedure.  Then the days turn into weeks and then months. I can’t believe it’s almost July!

I know this feeling well. The days fly by and you feel like you are not making progress.

When I review what I’ve accomplished I can feel that I haven’t achieved much – but, I know that I have.  My growth may not be in tangible items, but I have gained knowledge and connections.  And those carry a currency as well. I have to remember I am making progress.

I don’t know if you’ve noticed that they are playing “Cast Away” a lot this month on cable.  And I’ve been stumbling upon it quite frequently.  In this season of my life, I’m sympathizing with the main character played by Tom Hanks, Chuck Noland.  I mean when I’m working by myself in my home, I sometimes feel like I’m in a cave.  I miss going with co-workers to lunch.  I understand how you have to be as resourceful with what you possess and you must keep a close eye on budgets.  But, it’s the line he says at the tail end on the movie that always provides me with a sense of hope….Chuck Noland says to a friend (I’ve paraphrased it a bit), “I had power over nothing. I knew somehow I had to stay alive. I kept breathing and one day the tide came in and gave me a sail.  And now here I am.  I have ice in my glass.  But, I know what I have to do now.  I have to keep breathing because tomorrow the sun will rise and who knows what the tide could bring.”

Since I have some extra time on my hands I’m leading a job search work team at a local transitional housing center.  And, every meeting we always say, “We’re all going to find jobs, we just don’t know when.”  And this post is for those in-between times, when you feel you have no power over anything and you don’t feel like making one more phone call, or attending one more networking event, or submitting one more resume online or attending one more class to learn a new trade.

So, if that’s you right now…I’m telling you, well really me, try it one more time…for you never know what the tide may bring today. The sun will rise and you have to keep breathing and hoping…you will be employed steadily again.

Here’s the actual clip from the movie. Mr. Hanks does a much better job than I did in communicating this simple, but truthful way of life.

We will be sailing back to civilization.

Everything Now is On-the-Record

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Now the Public Can Capture An Image of You Anytime

Before cell phones became recording or filming devices, an executive or PR person dealing with the media could use the words “off the record” to the press and feel comfortable not having those words re-printed or broadcast.  But, now, EVERYONE needs to realize that potentially every move or word they say can end up “on the record,” because of the public’s use of their cell phones as cameras.

How so?

Play along with me here. I’m your publicist for the moment whether you need me or not.  But, as your publicist, I would like to warn you that wherever you are – whether shopping at WalMart, attending a cousin’s baby shower, walking down the street or speaking in front of class at church, school or conference – your images may have been recorded through someone’s cell phone and uploaded to the web.

The reason for this post is to bring awareness to this “on the record” style of living and that as individuals we need to take it seriously in order to protect our brand and/or personal integrity.

I have to admit I may be going a bit overboard on this matter, but if you could see me at a party you’d think I was behaving crazily. I’m always diving or ducking around any one who appears to be taping or taking my image.  Even though I may know you – I don’t want you to take my photo. Why? Since I don’t have the editing rights to your images, I can’t approve the photo(s) you post about me on your Facebook wall.  Yes, you may not have tagged me, but the photo stays up there forever. And that’s a long time.  I carefully censor and filter everything I ever post online to ensure that I am conveying the right message about me to potential employers, clients and friends. I want to control where my image is posted or transmitted at all times and you should too.

Why? It’s because of sites like these….People of Walmart.com. How many times on a weekend have you left your house with bedhead or mismatched clothes to run errands.  I must admit I may look like a wreak at times, but I’ve never shown any bad “cracks” or dressed in costumes other than Halloween like some visiting WalMart.   People of Walmart.com is intended to be a site that people can post photos of customers at WalMart.  And this site and others are hilarious, when it’s not a photo of you or a family member.

Don't Leave the House Without Looking Yourself Over

More importantly, if you are ever speaking at a conference, seminar or large class setting, you should assume someone in that audience is recording your content and that it will appear online somewhere. With that being the case, be very careful about any assumptions or stereotypes you address without proper backing or this “on the record” recording may back fire upon you.  I promise to blog more about this soon.

So, in the meantime, the next time you venture out to WalMart make sure you look presentable.

A showered and shampooed Cindy

Volunteering on Purpose

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Church was out in the Community This Past Weekend

Please forgive me for being a bit preachy today…but, in addition to presenting posts about the public relations industry I do like from time to time to write about things in my life that make me a better person. And this past weekend was one of those examples.  And it’s best described in the first two paragraphs of the national best-seller by Pastor Rick Warren, “A Purpose Driven Life.”

If you are reading this post and want to stop, please don’t.  I promise that the message will benefit you no matter your religious views or what you think of Pastor Rick.  But, his opening salvo, is right on for everyone.

“It’s not about you.

The purpose of your life if far greater that your own personal fulfillment, your peace of  mind, or even your happiness.  It’s far greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions.  If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God.  You were born by his purpose and for his purpose.”

What really gets me is the first line- “It’s not about me.” And here’s why.

For those of you who personally know me, you are aware that I am in transition.  My career has been interrupted and I believe it has for a reason.  Due to this break in the action, I am becoming a “richer” person by being able to receive additional training and being able to devote more time to others.  I am learning “it’s not about me.”  The stuff that I am learning for me, I now want to share with you, my loyal readers.  I am learning that my education, skills, talents and experiences are not only intended for me, but they are meant to be shared with others who in turn will do the same and continue to help others.

If you happened to catch Bret Michaels (The Celebrity Apprentice, Lead Singer of Poison) on “Oprah” last week you heard him talk about the only things that mattered to him while he was in the hospital with a potentially life threatening brain hemorrhage. He said the only thoughts he had in his mind were of his family and loved ones.  That’s who he wanted nearby.  At that crucial time, he wasn’t focusing on his accolades or how much stuff that he owns or how big a celebrity he is….at the core…all that mattered was his family and that thought became real to me just this morning.

Bret Michaels understands life's true precious gifts. He's holding one in his arms - his daughter Raine.

For you see, for the last five years my church (Whittier Area Community Church ) “kicks” us out – yes it actually closes its doors and offers us volunteer projects to sign-up for to help the community. These projects cover a wide range of objectives from landscaping public playgrounds, feeding the firefighters, painting teacher’s lounges, fixing up a pregnancy clinic, repairing computers to helping single moms with odds and ends.  There’s something for everyone.  And my projects this year were not my typical – it was a great feeling stepping out of my comfort zone.

Thanks to my mom’s prodding I joined her for a project that scares me to death – we visited the neighborhood hospice homes and provided singing to the patients there who literally come to this wonderful home/hospital for their last breaths. Everyday the staff there deals with how to make people’s lives the most comfortable as possible as their lives on earth end.  They are there for the patient and the caretakers. They are angels.  So, a group of volunteers gathered in the living room of this house and we sang.  It’s well documented that the last sense to go is hearing and I know that to be true for I experienced it with my father.  So as we sang songs like “Amazing Grace,” one particular family member of a patient came out and told us that our singing made her unconscious family member smile.  And that smile was the best gift to the caregiver as well for who doesn’t want the best for the people whom you love who are in pain.

The point I really want to make is — I received much more than that patient did in return. That smile made me feel like I was born for a purpose and my life has purpose. All it took was me spending one hour out of  the year when it wasn’t about me.  I shed so many tears during this project for I sensed how precious life really is and at these times, when someone we love is passing that everything else in life is so unimportant.  Things like the economy, unemployment, the oil spill, bills, etc.  What matters is exactly what Bret Michaels said-it’s our loved ones.  You want them close, they are all that matter and if you can bring a smile to their last moments….is there anything better?

After we concluded with visiting those patients we then stopped by a local transitional housing facility and meant some more incredible people.  Although we all come from different walks of life and circumstances, we all face obstacles and hurdles and trials.  And it’s far easier going through them with others by your side offering support than alone.  We sat in a circle and supported one another and we just talked. We shared our concerns and prodded each other on, providing encouragement and a dose of hope.  It was great medicine for everyone.

I’m going to be extremely honest here now and say…my biggest worry about getting my next job is that I don’t want it to consume my life like it has before. I was recently reminded of this when I attended my industry’s convention last week. The entire time I was there I listened to those walking the floor and all I could hear non-stop was everything about work, work, work-I don’t mind talking business, but I also like to talk about things in life too.  Don’t get me wrong-one should put in a the work required for the job….but, for me, in my next job I don’t want to loose the power behind making someone smile alongside the work.  For “it’s not about me.”  It’s about making a difference in others lives…even if I only do it once a year when my church closes its doors.

This weekend was life changing, in a good way.  My hope is that it inspires you to do volunteer as well.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on volunteering.  So many people do remarkable work as volunteers and I’d love for you to share.

Thank you for allowing me to tell you how “Serve Weekend” impacted me, making me a better person.

Cindy

HBO & LA Times Are Heroes for Basilone Coverage

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Episode 8 Was a Tribute to John Basilone

I was simply awe-struck at the manner in which HBO’s episode 8 of “The Pacific” portrayed John Basilone last Sunday.  This episode was remarkable and unforgettable. What stood out, wasn’t the episode’s production value or even Jon Seda’s portrayal of the Congressional Medal of Honor recipient – it was the subject matter.  Since this series is based on true events, I knew that what I was watching really did happen and that this man from the Bronx, deserves the title of hero.

The episode progresses along nicely giving us viewers a glimpse into his life after he tires of selling war bonds.  After being a PR puppet and treated with celebrity status for over a year, he missed home which was The Marines and he wanted to come back. And so he did. He was assigned to train Marines at Camp Pendleton, near San Diego, CA.  In doing so, he started to feel like his old self again by wearing fatigues, eating in the mess tent and being a gunnery sergeant.

Basilone is forever remembered near Camp Pendleton with a Street and Freeway Named After Him

Now, like most soldiers and you could have put me in that category too, I would have run right out of the service as fast as I could when my discharge was up.   But, not Basilone.  When his time was up, he enlisted for a third time even though he just got married.

The scene that brought me to my feet and made my eyes tear up and my jaw drop was his last charge leading his troops in Iwo Jima.  It was an amazing sight of heroism to witness. The battlefield was this man’s playing field.  He was one of the best as he led his Company through heavy artillery falling from the sky and direct shots and he kept going.  Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, the executive producers of “The Pacific,” did him justice.  They re-created the magic that was this man – how different and special he was from the rest.  We were eye-witnesses as viewers and thus, we were able to see this soldier’s courage, determination, persistence and leadership.

I guess Basilone’s courage and heroism made such an impact on me because the world desperately needs heroes.  We don’t have too many walking around at the moment. Sadly, sports celebrities fall under this title from time to time – but, this heroism does not match that of Basilone – that’s entirely something else.

He Deserves A Book Deal

I mean I am just sick and tired of whining financiers who say they’ve got screwed in the meltdown.  Anyone who is angry that they didn’t get their million dollar bonuses…well, that means nothing to me and tells me about their selfish characters.  Our heroes are the men and women who are currently serving our Country everyday and because there’s no cameras on them we can’t see their heroism, but it’s there and they should be applauded.

This Basilone tribute was needed and it came none too soon.  America needed a sobering reminder that we should honor those who overcome great obstacles and make a difference in the world and we should spend less time following those who don’t  (I could name several here.)

I also wanted to recognize the LA Times too. On Monday, they had an article on the front page of its Calendar section written by William Lansford, a fellow marine, who cleared the air about Basilone’s last day in battle. I was so pleased to learn even more about this great man who deserves to be remembered – just like our past leaders.  Heck, based on his life and accomplishments, I think he deserves to have a national holiday named after him.

Be sure to pay honor to our true heroes, our service personnel, and thanks for letting me write about a man that made an impact in my life, some 65 years later.

Only two more episodes left…

Cindy

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