Category Archives: Background

Memorial Day: The Ultimate Sacrifice

Background, Year 7

Back in 2007, I had the privilege to play a very minor role in welcoming home a Vietnam MIA who now is at rest in a small southern Minnesota rural cemetery. My journey started years earlier when during a break from a church seminar, I wandered out and read the inscription on the House of Hope’s Freedom Tree. My church had a “Freedom Tree” in honor of Vietnam MIA, Captain Ben Danielson (promoted to Major upon confirmation of his death). When I arrived home from my church seminar, I developed a passion to learn more about this MIA. Who was he? What had happened during his last mission? Why had my church planted a “Freedom Tree” years earlier. The internet was in its infancy, but I was a techie and knew how to search. It was an amazing journey and story.

My research led to the son of Captain Ben Danielson (shot down and killed over Vietnam). On Memorial Day this year (2020), Captain Danielson’s son, retired USN pilot Commander Brian Danielson, will give a free online talk about his family’s story including Boxer-22 (the largest air rescue operation in US Armed Forces history). Spend some time this Memorial Day and remember why we have this holiday … in remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

  • Speaker: Commander Brain Danielson (USN Retired)
  • Sponsor: Museum of Flight
  • Time: Memorial Day (Monday) at 8:30 Central Daylight Time
  • Format: Online / Live
  • Registration Link (free … no charge)

Description: This Memorial Day join us (The Museum of Flight) for a special presentation, featuring retired Naval Aviator Cmdr. Brian Danielson.

Cmdr. Danielson will tell the story of his father, Air Force Capt. Benjamin Franklin Danielson, who was shot down and lost in action over Southeast Asia in 1969, which initiated the largest rescue operation of the Vietnam War, called “Boxer-22,” a dramatic quest to rescue Capt. Danielson’s crew member, who survived the shoot-down. This program will feature special Museum introductory remarks by Museum of Flight President Matt Hayes

Background information from my old blog … NorthstarNerd.Org
(that’s me … the Northstar Nerd)

Here are a few images that I took 13 years ago on Memorial Day when Brian welcomed home his Dad home at Holden Lutheran Church in rural Minnesota.

Memorial Day 2007: The Homecoming Funeral for Vietnam MIA, Captain Ben Danielson

Descent into Darkness … Dawn! Blepharospasm

Background

This post has nothing to do with birding, yet everything to do with birding. Readers who have known me for a period of time understand I have a rare vision disorder called Blepharospasm. In short my brain and eyelid muscles do not communicate properly. Last August I was forced to face the reality that I was becoming functionally blind. During a bicycle tour of the Norwegian Arctic, because of poor vision I crashed my bike and fractured some ribs. It was obvious to both my wife, Molly, and me that I needed help. I had been figuring out ways to deal with my deteriorating vision. I was out of “work arounds”.

This blog post gives everyone access to what was a very private diary I started during the very dark days of last year. In fact, in December I even Googled the terms Blepharospasm and suicide. While I don’t believe I was serious about taking my own life, I did want to learn how others dealt with the deep depression of vision loss. Thankfully, my condition was eventually correctly diagnosed and I am now receiving treatment which has returned my vision. For the rest of my life I will receive Botox injections on a periodic basis in my eyelid muscles. This effectively blocks the bad nerve miscommunication and allows me to keep my eyes open. I am able to see the wonder of nature! Thus, this blog post is about birding.

After a period of time, I decided to first give my children and their spouses the ability to read my diary. Once I knew I would survive this journey, I decided I wanted to make my diary public in the hope that others who have Blepharospasm will be comforted by my experience and know they are not alone.

Thus … my diary (downloadable PDF) … public for the first time.

Descent into Darkness … Dawn!
One man’s journey through vision loss & recovery

Lake Superior at the mouth of the Lester River … Before Dawn One Winter Morning
(800 yards from my house)

Corona Virus Clips!

Background, Year 7

Occasionally during this health crisis I will add light hearted posts about dealing with the everyday chores of life. This is one of those posts … the #CoronaVirusClip

I will admit I was not quick on the pick up in terms of buying toilet paper, but I was all over the rush to purchase a home hair cutting kit! On Amazon the kit I ordered is now out of stock till late April. Both my youngest grandchild (Michael … age 2) and I had our first home hair cuts last week.  Neither of us were happy during the experience! Thus, I present you the Corona Virus Clips.

Michael (and his Mom, my daughter) during his haircut … not happy!

The little guy a bit later on … happy!

Giving myself my first ever “selfie cut” a few days ago … not happy!

One year ago while bike touring in Texas … happy!

Keep faith, friends. We have to laugh to prevent crying.  Staying in touch with family and friends is critical during this crisis.  Like the rest of you , visiting my children and grandchildren is not allowed. Molly and I have learned to live by our virtual tools:

  • Virtual Happy Hours via Zoom
  • Family charades / games nights via Skype
  • An ongoing family group text
  • And much more …