Flying the flag or waving the flag doesn’t make one a patriot. The same goes for wearing a miniature flag as a lapel pin. A patriot respects the flag but flag waving doesn’t define a patriot. So what is a patriot? The dictionary states that a patriot is “a person who vigorously supports their country and is prepared to defend it against enemies or detractors.” We understand what it means to “defend” our country – it means to serve in the armed forces. But what does it mean to “support” our country? I can only give you my interpretation.

Supporting our country means to support our form of government – a #democracy. It means voting to elect our leaders and supporting those elected whether they are from our own party of not. You don’t have to agree with them, but if they are elected by a fair vote of the people, support them. It also means paying your taxes and observing the laws. If you disagree with a law, vote to change it, but obey it until it’s changed. Patriots support those who preserve the law -- the police, the National Guard, the FBI and other law enforcement agencies.

Supporting our country means to give an honest day’s work for a fair and honest day’s pay that you and your employer agree on. It means earning a fair profit (10% or less), not an excessive one. It means dealing fairly and honestly with your customers and employees.

Supporting our country means supporting the Constitution and Bill of Rights. A patriot protects freedom of religion regardless of his or her own faith; freedom of speech even though he or she doesn’t agree with the speaker, freedom of the press even though he or she doesn’t agree with what is written; freedom of assemble even if he or she is not part of the assembly; freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures regardless of who is being searched; and due process of law for everyone. No one is free if everyone isn’t free.

Last but not least, patriots -- even though they may not be able to serve in the armed forces – support those that do serve.Such as it is, that’s my opinion. What’s yours?

​For e-books by me, visit http://smashwords.com/profile/view/monteranderson.
Follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/monteranderson
Follow my blog at http://monteranderson-author.com or http://monteranderson.wordpress.com.
​

Okay, I’ve been warning you. If you haven’t removed your fraternity from your resume, you should do it now. Last chance. There are basically two types of fraternities; those who have done something publicly offensive (like rape) and those who haven't...yet. It would be best not to admit to being a member until after you're hired. Even after you get the job, you may not want to confess.
Stanford University -- Kappa Alpha, Brock Turner’s fraternity, joins the list of suspended frats that include:

Cornell University -- Psi Upsilon. Wolfgang Ballinger president of the chapter was arrested after an alleged sexual assault in his fraternity house bedroom.

University of Illinois -- Delta Tau Delta. John Enochs received a light plea bargain for one count of misdemeanor battery, instead of the two charges of felony rape.

Buffalo State College -- Alpha Phi Alpha after pledge dies recently as a result of off-campus fraternity hazing stunt.

University of Florida – Zeta Beta Tau fraternity for obscene behavior.
Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA -- Sigma Nu for posting an offensive sign.
 
University of OK (not to be confused with You Okay) – Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity members sang racial slurs on a bus.
 
Yale -- Delta Kappa Epsilon for offensive chants.
 
University of Arizona – Sigma Alpha Epsilon for racial slurs and off campus behavior. 

Cal State Northridge -- Tau Kappa Epsilon for hazing and sexual misconduct and Pi Kappa Phi for the death of a student.

University of Michigan -- Sigma Alpha Mu and sorority Sigma Delta Tau for trashing rooms at a ski resort.

Clemson University, SC -- Sigma Alpha Epsilon for racism. 

Wesleyan University -- Psi Upsilon for possible rape (law suit)

Georgia Tech -- Phi Kappa Tau for offensive e-mail.

Arizona State University -- Tau Kappa Epsilon's hosting an offensive racial themed party. Also at ASU in 2013 -- a drunk member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon was dumped at an emergency room. In 2012 as student drowned after a frat event.

Do you see the trend? Don’t join any fraternity with the Greek letters of Alpha, Delta, Epsilon, Kappa or Sigma. What the hell – don’t join any fraternity. (The above list isn’t all inclusive.)  
 
For e-books by me, visit http://smashwords.com/profile/view/monteranderson.
Follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/monteranderson
Follow my blog at http://monteranderson-author.com or http://monteranderson.wordpress.com.

I read with interest that the #rapper, #50Cent, was arrested for using a particular bit of profanity during his performance in the #Caribbean island nation of St. #Kitts and #Nevis on June 25. WTF? Apparently, he had been told not to use the term, "mother-----" which is illegal there. Saint Kitts and Nevis is a two-island country in the West Indies and part of the British Commonwealth. Apparently, Freedom of Speech isn’t one of their rights. Paraphrasing the words of Captain Louis Renault (played by Claude Rains) in the movie #Casablanca, I am shocked, shocked to find that there is profanity in the music industry.
 
For e-books by me, visit http://smashwords.com/profile/view/monteranderson.
Follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/monteranderson
Follow my blog at http://monteranderson-author.com or http://monteranderson.wordpress.com.
 

#USI just read on my newsfeed (under money) an article by Craig Warga written for #Bloomberg listing 21 colleges with free tuition. Of course, he missed four major schools that offer free tuition. Some of the schools listed by Warga don’t offer free tuition to every student and many don’t cover all expenses like books, room and board. Some base the amount of free tuition on family income. A few require students to work at least 10 hours per week in campus-approved jobs. Few of these schools offer guaranteed job placement after graduation.
 
There are four schools that offer free tuition, free room and board and don’t require students to work 10 hours per week. They also guarantee employment after graduation. These schools are: The United States Military Academy (#USMA) at #West Point, NY, the United States Naval Academy (#USNA) at Annapolis, MD, the United States Air Force Academy (#USAFA) at Colorado Spring, CO and the School of Hard Knocks (pretty much everywhere).
 
The value of an #education from a military academy is estimated to be $400,000.  The value of an education from the School of Hard Knocks is not available. The academies offer free tuition to 100% of the students, including all expenses like books, room and board, and uniforms without regard to family income. There is no requirement to work. Military service employment is pretty much guaranteed after graduation. The School of Hard Knocks offers the same with the exception of free uniforms, but students may have to endure some hard knocks.
 
For more information, interested students should contact their Congressperson, Senator or the Admission Office at the academy of interest. For the School of Hard Knocks, just get off your butts and get to work. Best wishes and good luck.
 
For e-books by me, visit http://smashwords.com/profile/view/monteranderson.
Follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/monteranderson
Follow my blog at http://monteranderson-author.com or http://monteranderson.wordpress.com.
​

The new FAA rules that govern the use of drones include operators keeping drones in sight at all times, flying drones only in daylight and height and speed restrictions. However, there are several rules that weren’t approved:
1.      Stalking people.
2.      Flights over clothing optional beaches.
3.      Using drones to deliver of beer at barbeques.
4.      Using drones to walk dogs, babies, etc.
5.      Hunting or fishing with drones.
6.      Mowing the lawn, trimming trees and bushes.
7.      Newspaper deliveries.
8.      Pizza deliveries.
9.      Police using drones for traffic violations.

Let’s get real. People will find unique and unusual ways to use drones.

​For e-books by me, visit http://smashwords.com/profile/view/monteranderson.
Follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/monteranderson
Follow my blog at http://monteranderson-author.com or http://monteranderson.wordpress.com.

I didn’t write these and I don’t know the author, but a friend of mine shared them with me and I thought them too good not to share. Enjoy!
 
Man Rules – author unknown.

At last a guy has taken the time to write this all down. Finally, the guys' side of the story. (I must admit, it's pretty good.) We always hear 'the rules' from the female side. Now here are the rules from the male side. These are our rules! Please note.. these are all numbered '1' ON PURPOSE! 
 
1.   Men are NOT mind readers.

1. Learn to work the toilet seat. You're a big girl. If it's up, put it down. We need it up, you need it down. You don't hear us complaining about you leaving it down.

1. Crying is blackmail.

 1. Ask for what you want. Let us be clear on this one: 
Subtle hints do not work!
Strong hints do not work!
Obvious hints do not work!
Just say it!

1. “Yes” and “No” are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.

1. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That's what we do. Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.

1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument. In fact, all comments become null and void after 7 Days. 

1. If you think you're fat, you probably are. Don't ask us.

1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one. 

1. You can either ask us to do something or tell us how you want it done. Not both. If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.

1. Whenever possible, please say whatever you have to say during commercials.

1. Christopher Columbus did NOT need directions and neither do we.

1. ALL men see in only 16 colors, like (Windows default settings). Peach, for example, is a fruit, not a color. Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no idea what mauve is.

1. If we ask what is wrong and you say 'nothing,' We will act like nothing's wrong. We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle.

1. If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, expect an answer you don't want to hear.

1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine. Really. 

1. Don't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as baseball or motor sports. 

1. You have enough clothes.

1. You have too many shoes.

1. I am in shape. Round IS a shape!

Thank you for reading this. Yes, I know, I have to sleep on the couch tonight. But did you know men really don't mind that? It's like camping. Pass this to as many men as you can -- to give them a laugh... Pass this to as many women as you can -- to give them a bigger laugh.
 
For e-books by me, visit http://smashwords.com/profile/view/monteranderson.
Follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/monteranderson
Follow my blog at http://monteranderson-author.com or http://monteranderson.wordpress.com.
​

I wanted to write something about Father’s Day, but the truth is I don’t have any great memories of my biological father from my childhood. My mother and father divorced when I was six. My mother remarried when I was nine and that marriage lasted nine years. I saw my biological father one time when I was sixteen.
 
I was commissioned in the Army at the age of twenty-two and headed off to Fort Bragg, North Carolina. My father was station at Fort Eustis, Virginia at the time. Somehow, and I never figured out how, my wife began to correspond with my father’s wife (his third). The two wives thought it was stupid for the two of us men not to have a father-son relation. After much persuasion and nagging, I finally agreed to visit my father at Fort Eustis.
 
I didn’t know what to expect. Do we hug or shake hands? Do we salute? When we met, we hugged and it felt natural. From that moment on we had an adult relationship as father and son and visited each other often. I was glad that our wives made us reconcile. Soon after, we both went to Vietnam and over lapped by six months. He was able to take a three-day pass and visit me when I was serving with the 1st Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division. Later, I took a pass and visited him in Long Bien where he was the First Sergeant of a tug boat company.
 
Over the years we built up memories as adults. One of my fondest memories was when he and his wife came to visit us when I was teaching at West Point. We went to a wine tasting where a band was playing the big bands sounds. I didn’t know my dad could dance – I can’t. He and his wife started dancing and it was like a scene out of the movies. Everyone else on the dance floor move out to give them room and soon everyone was watching them dance. I was flabbergasted. I also caught hell from my wife, because I couldn’t dance.
 
If you need to reconcile with one of your parents. I recommend you do it sooner than later. You will never regret it.
 
For e-books by me, visit http://smashwords.com/profile/view/monteranderson.
Follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/monteranderson
Follow my blog at http://monteranderson-author.com or http://monteranderson.wordpress.com.
​

The Army has defended out nation for 241 years. It has changed many times trying to keep up with new doctrine, strategy, tactics and technology. It has fought many wars and battles over the years.  The one constancy has been the people: the soldiers, spouses, and families. I was born into the military as an “Army Brat” and went on to serve 22 years myself. I think I know a thing or two about Army people. Let me give you my impression of the people who make up the Army.
 
The American soldier is probably the best soldier in the world. It isn’t the training, the equipment or the skill that makes him so, even though he has the best training, equipment and skills. It’s the other attributes that makes him or her number one:
 
Soldiers are team players. They understand the value of teamwork. It’s rare that a soldier acts alone. Even snipers have a partner. I learned early on never to place a soldier by himself on a guard post. Soldiers always work better as a team.
 
I used to be offended when someone would accuse me of having a “Military Mind Set.” I now realize it really is a compliment. It means knowing how to establish goals and objectives, having self-discipline, understanding the importance of accomplishing the mission. Soldiers are on time. One of the biggest sins a soldier can commit is to be late to cross the Line of Departure. When they return to civilian life, they show up for work on time and usually early.
 
Soldiers are loyal. That loyalty extends first to their buddies, then to their unit, and finally to the Army. It’s the code of the military to never leave a wounded comrade or dead brother behind. They are also loyal to their country. There may be instances of individuals who defect but it is extremely rare for even the smallest unit to defect. Most other countries can’t say that. When they return to civilian life, ex-soldiers become loyal to their employer, fellow employees, and customers.
 
Soldiers have initiative. Initiative is encouraged at all levels in the Army. That is much different than the Russian Army where initiative is discouraged. When American soldiers are cut off and isolated or can’t communicate with higher headquarters, they’ll always take the initiative. Initiative is one attribute that makes former soldiers good employees. It is very difficult to instill initiative in employees who might routinely state, “It’s not my job.” Soldiers take the initiative routinely.
 
A common myth about the military is that soldiers will blindly follow orders. Not true. Soldiers of a democracy must always be told why they must undertake a mission. Every soldier knows that he/she must not follow an illegal order. However, if the order is legal and explained to a soldier, he will do his upmost to do it. I have seen too often in the civilian world employees perform a task that they knew was stupid or wrong because the boss order it done. They would do it without question.
 
Soldier believe in democracy. The Army isn’t a democracy and every soldier understand that. They take an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the US. This is why they joined the Army -- this is what they fight for.
 
Soldiers are generally very friendly. I never saw a soldier who wasn’t willing to share his rations or talk to a child who wanted to practice his English. They are quick to make friends because they know they don’t have much time before they may be redeployed. Soldiers never say, “goodbye” – they say, “until we meet again.” It’s a small world after all. Many friendships forged in the military, especially in combat, become life-time friendships.
 
There are no spouses like Army spouses. They learn to be self-sufficient when their soldier is deployed. They keep the family together during deployments or long absences. They’re quick to help other spouses. Every time my family was relocated, someone would show up with a cake or fresh baked bread to say welcome.
 
It’s the people in the Army that make the Army great. Any employer would be lucky to hire ex-military.
 
For e-books by me, visit http://smashwords.com/profile/view/monteranderson.
Follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/monteranderson
Follow my blog at http://monteranderson-author.com or http://monteranderson.wordpress.com.
​

June 14 is #Flag Day. The following was written by Lynn M. Peterson, an Army Retirement Services Program Manager. I thought it worth repeating on flag day.
 
Do you know the proper conduct when the United States Flag is posted or passes in review, the National Anthem is played or the Pledge of Allegiance is recited? Congress has expanded veterans’ rights in federal law in recent years; the most recent was the 2013 change which affected the Pledge of Allegiance. Respect for the Flag During the raising or lowering of the flag, when the flag is passing in a parade or in review, and also during the Pledge of Allegiance, there are different courses of action depending on your current status. In the instances mentioned above, all uniformed personnel should render the military salute, and members of the Armed Forces and #veterans who are present, but not in uniform, may also salute. All other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over their heart, or if applicable, remove their headgear with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over their heart. Citizens of other countries present should stand at attention. During the National Anthem During the playing or singing of the National Anthem, individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note. Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present, but not in uniform, may also render the military salute. When the flag is not displayed, all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed.
 
Let’s honor our flag on Flag Day
 
For e-books by me, visit http://smashwords.com/profile/view/monteranderson.
Follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/monteranderson
Follow my blog at http://monteranderson-author.com or http://monteranderson.wordpress.com.
​

I just read on my newsfeed an article from Reader’s Digest about the 9 Things You Should Never, Ever Leave in the Car. It mentioned medications, electronics, sunscreen, water bottles, handbags, glasses, important documents, passports and wine. Of course, as usual in these type of articles, they omitted several other things that you should never leave in a car. As a public service, I will list the number 10 through 20 things not to leave in a car:
1.      A child; not sure how they missed this one. Never leave a child in your car – they may drive off without you. Of course, there’s also the heat and cold.
2.      A pet; Just like a child. They might drive off without you.
3.      A hooker; It becomes difficult to explain to your significant other.
4.      Your lover’s underwear; especially if your lover isn’t your significant other.
5.      Marijuana/drugs; the heat in a car can cause marijuana to mold and drugs to go stale.
6.      The car keys; well, duh.
7.      The plans to your next heist; not cool when the police find the plans for your next job during a routine traffic stop.
8.      A dead body; not even in the trunk. The odor will smell up your car.
9.      Chicken salad; You’ll get sick if you do this.
10.  Your in-laws; I know it’s temping but don’t do it.
 
I don’t know how Reader’s Digest missed these important points, but there you go. Maybe you have some too. Let’s hear about them.
 
For e-books by me, visit http://smashwords.com/profile/view/monteranderson.
Follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/monteranderson
Follow my blog at http://monteranderson-author.com or http://monteranderson.wordpress.com.
​