Flight Pundit

Looking out for each other. Taking care of their own. That’s the Marine Corps way. At Camp Lejeune one man is on a mission that deserves some attention here. Currently there are almost 60 young injured and recovering Marines living at the Wounded Warrior Barracks (aka Maxwell Barracks). An effort is underway to raise enough money to send these guys home for the holidays.

Retired Marine Capt. Jim Casti thinks it makes simple sense for those who traveled across the globe and were injured fighting for their country to be able to travel home for Christmas.

But holiday travel money isn’t a military perk, and many of the 57 military personnel from Cherry Point and Camp Lejeune at the Wounded Warriors Barracks aboard Camp Lejeune base can’t afford the trip.

A member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart himself, Casti, a Vietnam War veteran from Newport, is heading the national group’s North Carolina effort to raise money to make sure that those injured in the service of their country get home for the holidays.

It isn’t a holiday when you’re holed up in some rehab center. It’s quite depressing to be at one of these places on such an important holiday as Christmas.

Money is coming in quickly from far away and close to home, said Tyson, who started an e-mail campaign for the fund-raising reception.

He said the quick response from people has left him awed.

A $5,000 check from the New York City Police Benevolent Association is among the contributions Casti has received thus far.

Tyson said he received two checks for $1,000 each, several for $500, and a $1,000 pledge for help with the reception, leading him to estimate as much as $20,000 will be raised for the effort.

He said 20 more checks came in Friday, and 135 people have committed so far to attend tonight’s event, which costs $50 per person.

When people know there’s a need they will help when they can. It’s the American way. If you want to help, here’s the info:

Send checks to:
Mr.Tyson or Mr. Casti at

Wounded Warriors Leave Fund
P.O. Box 636,
Newport, N.C. 28570.

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‘Twas the month before Christmas when all through our land,
Not a person was praying nor taking a stand.

Why the Diversity Police had taken away,
The reason for Christmas - no one could say.

The children were told by their schools not to sing,
About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.
We’ll hurt people’s feelings, the teachers would say
So December 25th is just a ” Holiday .”

Greedy shoppers were ready with cash, checks, and credit
Knocking folks to the floor, just to be first to get it!
CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod
Something was changing, something quite odd!

Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.
As Targets were hanging their trees upside down
At Lowe’s the word Christmas - was not to be found.

At K-Mart and Staples and Penney’s and Sears
You won’t hear the word Christmas; it won’t touch your ears.
Inclusive and sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty
Are words that they use to intimidate me.

Now Murtha, Now Durbin, Now Biden, Wolf Blitzen
On Boxer, on Schumer,
on Kerry, on Clinton !
At the top of the Congress, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.

And we spoke not a word, as they took away faith
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace.
The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
The reason for the season, stopped before it started.

So as you celebrate “Winter Break” under your “Dream Tree”
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.
Choose your words rightly, choose well what you say
Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, not Happy Holiday!!

Merry Christmas to all, and all who are offended, you have a right to be.

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