Securing the HOMELAND

On September 11, 2001, life as we knew it forever changed. The terrorist attack of the pentagon and the world trade center prompted government officials after intense scrutiny to implement higher security measures in an effort to prevent terrorism. Government officials were alarmed that significant evidence prior to the attacks were never linked and apparently ignored. Concerns that the terrorists involved in the attacks had entered and remained in the United States without raising suspicions sent an eerie chill down the establishment’s spine. On October 1, 2001, to manage counterterrorism efforts President George W. Bush established the office of Homeland Security, which would dwell in the Whitehouse.

Several members of congress held reservations that the newly created office would not be effective and “argued that the office, created by executive order and without budgetary authority, lacked sufficient power to alter the procedures and priorities of other federal agencies involved in fighting terrorism”. Leaders in Congress wanted to make the office a cabinet level agency, but President Bush had initial reservations. The Hart-Rudman commission recommended the creation of the Homeland Security Agency before the attack. President Bush increased his support over time and before the last quarter of 2002; President Bush fully supported the idea. On November 25, 2002, President Bush signed The Homeland Security Act of 2002 creating a law establishing the Department of Homeland Security.
The Homeland Security Agency would merge dozens of federal bureaucracies into one division, the agencies responsible for the security of the nation would be streamlined and have one coordinator. The mission and primary purpose of the Homeland Security Agency is to protect the United States against terrorist attacks, to lessen the country’s susceptibility to terrorism, and to minimize damage and aid recovery in case of attack. The Homeland Security Act encompasses several other acts and commissions as well as agencies. Some of those acts include the Critical Infrastructure Information Act, Freedom of Information Act, Whistle blower protection act, and the Antitrust Civil Process Act to name a few.
There is concern by the media and information gurus that there will be a roadblock placed in front of anyone requesting information from the DHSA that should be public information. Civil Libertarians and advocates of open government opposed the new Security Act testifying that the exemptions held within the act would jeopardize the ability to obtain information about abusive government practices. Their concern was that the agency would have a huge shroud of secrecy surrounding their practices and accountability would be nil.

In my opinion the elevated concerns the media outlets have is somewhat paranoia. The protection of our country should be greater in their mind than the all mighty story that might possibly get them a Pulitzer. It is necessary in the time in which we are living to trust the men and women whom we have elected into office. It is their job to see after the security of our nation keeping us in a non-vulnerable position. If they do not do, their jobs then fire them and elect new leaders who can be trusted. Having confidential information is sometimes vital to the safety of our country it would not be feasible to allow a reporter to have whatever information they requested under those circumstances

Help our Soldiers!

To all Patriotic Americans

When soldiers are wounded in Iraq, they are taken to the hospital where their clothing is removed and they are given a hospital gown. (The kind that is slit up the backside) The trek to the hospital does not include stopping and getting an extra set of clothing ~ so our Heroes are left standing around with their bare bottoms playing peek-a-boo with every step they take.

You yourself know how demeaning hospital gowns can be ~ remember walking down a crowed hallway, feeling a cold draft up your backside then remembering… oops the world is able to see my derrière.

These brave men and women deserve better and with your help, we can give them a little dignity as they recover from injuries sustained fighting in the battle America has sent them to win.

The goal is to collect 10,000 sleep pants and t-shirts. We will package a set in 2 gallon Ziploc bags with a card wishing them rapid recovery and letting them know we got their back.

I know you want to help. You can e-mail me Julie Dermody at jjdermody03@sbcglobal.net or call me at 918-232-3796.

Now here is the real kicker…. We want to accomplish this by March 31, 2008.

How can you help? Organize a pajama party where people can drop off t-shirts and sleep pants and stay and package them their selves or have others willing to do the packing. This is going to be fun and it will be a great opportunity for groups to see how they are able to work together and help accomplish this goal. Can you imagine the possibility of getting more than the 10.000? It is possible.

Please Note
New not used
T-shirts with no writing
Sleep pants with out words printed

I look forward to collaborating with your groups as we set out to accomplish our goal!

Until they All Come HOME!

“You can find a husband at the Man’s Warehouse”

It seems like over a year since I have written about things happening in my life. I have been so very busy with children, church, non-profit organizations and school, that there just does not seem to be enough hours in the day. I continue to see my chiropractor several times a week with my back because of the car accident I had back in August, this also takes my time ~ time that just aggravates me to no end that I am loosing.

My kids are more than ready for school to be totally over for me. What they do not seem to realize is that once I finish school I will have to get a job. They are spoiled I guess and they think they deserve more of my time. I will have to learn how to juggle time with kids and corporate America way to soon. I have told the kids that I either have to get a job when I get finish with school or marry a man that believes I need to raise my children before working outside of the home. They are hoping for the latter but as I continue to tell them it is going to take an act of God because I do not have time to go find a man that meets our list of requirements. (They have some and I have some).

It has been over eight years since Jim died and I will admit that I don’t relish spending the rest of my life with out a mate. I want to have someone to share my life with and enjoy the treasure of love.

I take great pains (tongue in cheek) to point out men that might make a good daddy. I see them sitting in traffic with their Harleys and long beards with tattoos covering every inch of skin. My children however do not seem to appreciate my choices, and have strict guidelines that I must follow.

He must be a Christian one who will be a spiritual leader. (we all agree with this one)
He must be my age or older…. They don’t seem to think I should look at men young enough to be my son.
He must like kids
He must be willing to toss a football or a baseball (required by my son as I am not the greatest ball thrower)
He must like old people
He must have good behavior (no drinking, cussing, yelling or hitting)
He must be a hard worker
He must have a house
He must like dogs
He must like our church ~ as my daughter seems to think it is the only place we can go.

I have a precocious nine-year-old son who seems to think that if I would just follow his advice I would have a husband in no time at all. For the last two years he has been trying to get me to go to the “Men’s Warehouse”. Apparently, at the Men’s Warehouse women can just come in and make their selection. According to my son in order to find a Christian man, I just need to go to the rack where the Christian men are hanging. ~ So simple yet I have not gone, as I do not want to disappoint my child and arrive home empty handed.

Can you imagine a store for women where all they have to do is shop in one place for the mate of their choice? There could even be custom designs. Just place all the criteria in a computer and if your design is not available in the store just wait for a few days as the salesmen scan the five state area to see if there is one close or maybe she’ll have to wait a few weeks for the custom model to be manufactured.

The possibilities are endless. Racks with tall men, short men, skinny models and even the highly desired buff models would surround the showroom floor. Bins with returned men a little used but still in good working order are bargin priced. There are high-end models as well as clearance models but please beware of the glossy men as they only shine on the outside. At this Men’s Warehouse there is even the camo section where women can find a man that will disappear once deer season opens and then re-appear once it closes ~ this could always be advantageous for the woman as she might enjoy the opportunity to go shopping and have the girls over for tea in his absence. There is a rack in each section of the store that carries men who love God.

In all the Men’s Warehouse of my son’s mind is the perfect place for a widowed woman to find herself a husband. Maybe I just need to bite the bullett and head on over ~ I might be surprised!

Welcome Home 245th Eng Co

My Brother is HOME!

The 245th eng. co. arrived back on U.S. soil in Oklahoma and will be officially released in a few days. The welcome back ceremony for the family was held November 7th at Fort Sill. The crowd went wild when they saw their solidier march in to the gymnasium. I still get goose bumps thinking about the roar of the crowd and how proud we are of them! I will write more soon I just have so much home work for school right now I don't have time to keep up with this blog very much.

Campaign Kick off for Cole Butler

Celebrations come to a close this month as Oklahoman’s reflect on the past century. The tenacity and pioneering spirit still fill the hearts of those who call Oklahoma home. Today the time has come to look forward. Looking forward is what Cole Butler is doing, as he takes a huge step, of throwing his hat into the ring for Rogers County Sheriff. On November 3, from 12 noon to 3 at The Nut House’s new event center, residents of Rogers County are encouraged to come have a bite to eat, and sit and visit for a while as Cole kick’s off his official run for Rogers County Sheriff.
Cole chose the Nut House’s event center, because of the location and the rustic atmosphere. “If you pair that with the forward thinking of the new owners in their preparation for the growth of Rogers County, there is no better place,” said Cole. “Besides, they have some of the best homemade treats in the state.”
When Cole was eight, he escaped the big city by reading the stories penned by Laura Ingles Wilder. He was determined to have the pioneering spirit and live in a log cabin. For the last 16 years, Cole and his wife Debbie have been raising their family in a log cabin, situated in the northeastern part of Rogers County. As another demonstration of his pioneering spirit, Cole is running for the Rogers County Sheriff.

Cole has served on the Tulsa police force for over 26 years. His qualifications in law enforcement are extensive and he is highly regarded by his peers on the force. Cole sees a need for some changes in the Rogers County Sheriff’s department. Currently Rogers County is the fastest growing county in Oklahoma. According to Cole “The sheriffs department has to progress as the county progresses”.
The Nut House is on the forefront in progress, with the development of an event center that has a family friendly atmosphere. Weddings receptions, concerts, large family reunions and even watch parties now have an economical venue and a convenient location with a gorgeous setting. The event center boasts a stage, kitchen facilities, plenty of restrooms and ample parking. The Nut House still offers a great selection of antiques, crafts, specialty candies, gourmet coffee, homemade fudge, and jams/jellies on top of the fresh pecans available October through January. Patrons to the Nut House can visit with sales associate, Sharon Daughtery, who is excited about the added features and amenities the Nut House, is offering. “We have a wonderful selection of items that will make great Christmas gifts”.
The route to The Nut House may take a little extra driving when coming from the north on 66 ~ you will have to use the turn around a little further south then head back in the northbound lane. Even with the extra bit of driving that may incur it will be well worth the drive.
Gather the kids up, drive over to the Nut House on November 3, and meet Cole Butler who wants to be your Rogers County Sheriff. “I love to learn and I am excited to bring progressive ideas to the sheriff's office”.
For more information
http://www.colebutler4yoursheriff.com/
The Nut House
26677 S Hwy 66Claremore, OK
918-266-1604

Story for Safenet in Rogers County

The car door slams. “He’s home,” she thinks, as she hurriedly examines the house to make sure every thing is in the right place. The key turns in the lock ~ fear rushes up her spine. She pastes a smile on her face gathering the courage to turn and welcome him home ~ all the while remembering the night before. He greets her with a dozen roses like so many other times. Was it a dream? No ~ she feels her arms under the long sleeve shirt and winces, it was no dream ~ the night before was real.
The resonating voice of anger lingers in the mind of an abuse victim. Fear of another episode keeps them in constant trepidation. They have been told over and over again they are unworthy of love, attention and courtesy, as one blow after another impacts their bodies. An abuser will find one excuse after another to inflict pain and fear and those who live with them suffer both mentally and physically.
There is a way out. Victims of abuse do not have to continue to live in constant fear of another violent explosion. Safenet provides an escape route. They counsel on how, when, where and what to do. They can provide shelter and will help with protective orders to keep the abuser away. According to Susan Wolfenbarger, Safenet volunteer coordinator, domestic abuse spans the spectrum in age, ethnicity, gender and social scale.
She explained, “One of the most difficult tasks of humanity is to become free from the cycle of abuse. Many abuse victims feel stuck because they are afraid of being alone, or out of fear that if the abuser finds them horrible consequences will be reaped.” The sole purpose of Safenet is to make available a safe environment for abuse victims.
The Attorney General recently certified Safenet; this certification takes the abuse program out from under the umbrella of mental health and places them within the realm of the Attorney General’s office. This move further gives credence to this fact ~ Abuse is a Crime. “We now have staff in the courthouse who takes the lead in filing protective orders and other court related issues victims encounter,” said Donna Grabo.
In addition to paid staff, Safenet has a great volunteer base that allows programs like the Victim Advocacy Program, Counseling, Parenting Classes, Supervised Visitation and Exchange Center, Sexual Assault Advocacy, and the Second Impressions Resale Boutique and Outlet to continue. “Our volunteers are the backbone of our organization,” said Susan. .
In October, the staff will honor volunteers like “Betty” who several years ago found herself on the corner with only the clothes on her back. She received help, encouragement and direction from Safenet. Now that she has her feet on the ground, she gives back by volunteering. Cole Butler who has 26 years experience with the Tulsa Police Department, volunteers a couple hours a week, “It’s the right thing to do”.
Susan said, “We have over 150 volunteers and every month utilize fifty or more, there is always something to do”.
Safenet is a United Way Agency. The Safenet organization still needs benefactors and volunteers to raise funds for a new 25-bed facility used as a domestic abuse shelter. Safenet is applying for grants that need matching funds. The funding program is called, “Have a Heart… for Those That Have Broken Ones”.
For More Information Contact
Safenet Services
(918) 341-1424
Crisis Line (918) 341-9400

Accident on HWY

Life as we know it can change in the blink of an eye. The decisions we make at any given moment will often have lasting affects.
Yesterday I left for school and decided to take a different route. I was driving my Mom’s truck as the kids had band practice and they were going to need the car. I went to Sonic in Oologah and got a Cherry Limeade to quench my thirst before school. I had just called my mom and asked her to fax some information for me. It was 11:44 am.
The radio does not work in Mom’s truck and I was thinking about how abundantly God has blessed me. I was just watching the road and the cars passing by. I was watching the three cars up ahead coming towards me and glancing at the truck behind me in the rear view mirror thinking 88 was a well-traveled road this time of day.
Then the middle vehicle from the three that were heading my way drifts right out in front of me totally in my lane with less than 50 feet between us traveling at the speed limit of 55 miles an hour. I saw him, I swiftly moved to the shoulder and he swerved at the same time. Our mirrors clashed, mine was knocked off and went through my window. Glass went everywhere. I closed my eyes and pulled off quickly I don’t remember actually pulling off the road I just know I was on the shoulder when I stopped.
The guy behind me opened the passenger door. I kept my eyes closed because of the glass. He called 911 and then Mom called me on the phone. (phone said it was 11:55 am) I was crying because I was scared. This guy talked to mom and 911. Thinking about it now my hands never left the steering wheel until the highway patrol asked for my license.
It was not my fault he came out of nowhere, I must have said something aloud because the guy who opened the door said, “No it was not your fault he just came out in front of you…. I can’t believe you got out of his way or that you were able to pull over.”
Then there was another voice … It was the driver of the truck who caused the accident. First, I was mad then I listened … he had just had a chemo treatment earlier that morning and was on his way home.
I had to repent for being mad and I started praying for him. His name is Steven. I just thought he must not have anyone since he was taking himself to a Chemo treatment. He was kind he stayed until the ambulance arrived and I think he needed treatment also because the guy said he looked really shook up.
The ambulance arrived put me in a neck brace and back board just for precaution. The right side of my neck was hurting and the right side of my back. I figured it was stress or that I wrenched my body so fast to get away from the impact that my muscles were screaming in retaliation. They flushed my eyes for 5-10 minutes and I opened them.
I was covered with tiny shards of glass everywhere. I cried and I still cry when I think of what did not happen. The thought of why God spared me makes my heart ache because for some reason he thinks I am worth keeping around.
I am still finding glass on my face and arms and I am going to my eye doctor today because I got a cut on my eye that just had surgery. My back and neck as well as my left knee are still screaming but the good thing is that I can silence them for the most part by the pain medication and Ibuprofen.
Only inches separated me from a catastrophic injury. The mirror on the side of the truck was whipped into the cab right through the window and it did not touch my face. The dark tinting screen on the widow kept most of the glass from exploding into the cab. If I had blinked prior to seeing him, I would not have been able to turn the wheel. If I had been on the phone, I would not have reacted as swiftly. If I had been looking at the landscape... So many things could have kept me from seeing him in that split second and it would have been so much worse. God is good and faithful to supply for all my needs. I want to give him praise for taking care of me.

Cole Butler for Rogers County Sheriff

I think Cole Butler is the best candidate for Sheriff that Rogers County has ever had the opportunity to elect.

Oklahoma Native Heritage Kept Alive by Pocahontas Club

The winds of Oklahoma travel over the prairies sweeping through the valleys and vast landscapes whispering with the echoes of a history that cries out to be remembered. This is Oklahoma a native land, the land of the red man, where landscapes of rolling hills and wide-open prairies meet. Nature begins as civilization pauses to breathe in the sights, which surround every essence of life. If we listen closely to the whispers we might hear, the stories passed down from one generation to another keeping Oklahoma’s Native history alive.

As Oklahomans gather to celebrate 100 years of statehood, it is important to remember the heritage that is the foundation of Oklahoma’s history. One such group has been keeping that history alive for over 100 years. Several women, who were all of Cherokee origin, began a Club in 1899. They were students at the Cherokee Seminary School for girls in Tahlequah. When school was not in session, they longed for the social camaraderie they had at school. One weekend they gathered in the Coowee Scoowee district and decided they would begin a club ~ a purely social club.

These were ladies and their education would rival that of any higher education institution back east. Their studies of history lead them in the choice for the name of their club. The name they chose derived from this country’s first Indian heroine, the maiden Pocahontas, whose story they found exciting. Thus began the Pocahontas Club, with the ultimate goal of “preserving the past for the future.” They would meet monthly on the second Saturday and have book reviews and special speakers to enlighten, educate and entertain.

To be a member of the Pocahontas Club you must be female and you must be a card carrying Cherokee. The Pocahontas Club is a virtual who’s who of the Cherokee Nation and at one point in the very early years; they allowed men to be members. During that time, Oklahoma’s Native Son Will Rogers joined their ranks. All to soon the Pocahontas members began seeing opportunities to help their tribe and the club began a tradition of service. Today the Pocahontas Club continues to thrive through their descendants.

In the Pocahontas Club collect, it states, “…The pride of our race we will forever cherish that its history and legends will not perish…this torch we pass to those who come our place to take…” In keeping with those words spoken for the first time so long ago, the members of the Pocahontas Club continue to treasure tribal traditions and keep the past alive for new generations.

The Women of the Pocahontas Club have always been true champions for education ~ teaching, tutoring, mentoring, and financing those students needing an extra hand. The Club has for generations sent clothing and care packages to the mission orphanages, which housed Indian children. Toys, magazines, layettes and other items have been given to the Indian hospital, and scholarships have been made available to many students through the years. Since the beginning, the Club has acquired projects and other purposes all with the goal of preserving their heritage for younger generations.

One of the most active Pocahontas members is Will Rogers’s great niece Doris “Coke” Meyers. At the young age of 87 “Coke” is far from slowing down. She is enjoying life and all it has to offer. One of her most cherished activities is being a member of the Pocahontas Club. “There are a lot of things that are important...” she said. “Keeping our native heritage alive so the children of tomorrow can remember their roots is very important”. “Coke” has lived an exciting life and her stories have much of the same character of her Uncle Will. When asked where the nickname “Coke” came from she’ll lean over a whisper with a sly smile “because I’m the real thing” and the real thing she is, because Doris “Coke” Meyers is the very model of a Pocahontas member.

“Coke” and her friend Ollie Starr are a force to be reckoned with when they get together. Ollie is very busy constantly talking and considered one of the movers and shakers of the Pocahontas Club. “They see me coming sometimes” she grinned. Ollie will tell you she went to Hollywood and became a star. She then will laugh and explain she went to Hollywood, Florida and Married Mr. Star.

Coke and Ollie are an enjoyable pair they have the heart to serve and preserve the traditions of their Cherokee culture. Currently their time is spent with the Pocahontas Club planning an Old Fashioned Family Picnic at the Dog Iron Ranch, the birthplace of Will Rogers. The club has a history of celebrating Oklahoma’s statehood, and with this being a centennial year, they thought this was the best time to revive a Pocahontas tradition of a Picnic for the families and friends of the club.

“This picnic is a time where we will be celebrating and honoring the members of the Pocahontas Club who are 80 years old and older and raising funds for the Pocahontas scholarship that we reward to a deserving student every year”, explained Ollie.

On Saturday May 19, 2007 at 11 a. m. the Club will honor 33 members who have attained Honorary Status (80 + years of age). They will be recognized for their contributions to education. “And we want families to attend and experience a little history first hand” said Ollie. At 11 a. m., the new officers will be installed and the Verdigris High School Jazz Band will escort a parade with the honorees and special guests up to the front porch of the old homestead.

The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. The meal will include cornbread and beans served chuck wagon style, BBQ, and Indian fry bread. Paul Bogart a native from Oologah who currently lives in Nashville will headline the entertainment. “He’s a real cowboy who sings and does rope tricks” said Ollie.

An assortment of activities with native artists demonstrating Indian games, a stomp dance, basket weaving and bead working are scheduled. “The day is not only a celebration of our elders but a celebration of the heritage they all hold dear,” said”, “Coke”.

While it is appropriate to respect all elders, those who are actively involved in giving back to the community are the real role models. The women of the Pocahontas Club have a virtuous history of service to the native and local communities and they make it seem easy! They live by the Pocahontas motto: “Speak kind words and you will hear kind echoes…” Come, show your honor and respect to these ladies who unselfishly continue to give back and carry on a heritage where Oklahoma’s deepest roots reside.

The two are still trying to find sponsors for the event. The cost of this type of celebration has greatly escalated in the last 108 years since the club’s formation. If you are interested in attending or becoming a signature sponsor contact:

Doris “Coke” Meyer 283-8092 or Ollie Starr 283-1588.

Email: jjdermody03@sbcglobal.net

Principal Matrilineal Sponsor - $500 (includes 10 tickets)
Deputy Matrilineal Sponsor - $250 (includes 5 tickets)
Matrilineal Host - $100 – (includes 2 tickets)
Individual Ticket: Adult $10-Children $5(Age 12&under)

Please mail to “Pocahontas Picnic”
C/o M.J. DeLozier
P.O. Box 8,
Chelsea, Ok. 74016.
918.789.2398

Joyce at the Inhofe Fundraiser with Vice President Cheney

We talked with Congresswoman Mary Fallin and Senator Jim Inhofe. Joyce told them she would be visiting D.C. in June with her cousins and they told her to be sure and stop by their offices. The day was full of excitment including the end of the day were we got to drive by the protesters that made up about 18 people. Then we heard on the news where there were 60.... don't know where they got their numbers...