Christmas 2023 

A very Blessed Christmas for My Bride and I.  Our Children were, are and continue to be a Wonderful Blessing.

It started in Early December when a surprise Package arrived and the doorbell rang and lo and behold a package from Omaha Steak Company arrived.  When it was opened we found out that it was a gift from our Saint Louis Son and His Family!

In continuing our Christmas Tradition we purchased a Tree from Robert's Tree Farm near Bryon, Georgia.  

Once Christmas Morning arrive My Bride and I opened what Santa Claus delivered for us.  Of course these pictures also show the gifts in use.

This Gift from Santa will allow Alan "Me" to keep the walkways, paths and driveway clear of all debris year round!  You can see that it is a Stihl, which is made in the U.S.A.  

The first bottle on the left is Templeton Rye from the Dublin, Georgia Son.  The bottle in the middle is "Field of Dreams" Whiskey and was distilled from corn actually grown at the Field of Dreams in Dyersville, Iowa and was provided by Santa.  The last bottle is from  Family Friends and is Peach Brandy.

The Dublin, Georgia Son and His Family also gifted My Bride with a Komuee set of fifteen Glass Food Containers with associated metal lids.

Santa did one more item for My Bride.  He developed a 2024 Calendar using pictures that I had posted on My Face Book Account.  The good folks at "PastBook" helped Santa produce the calendar!

Prior to the Christmas Season we traveled to Dahlonega. Georgia where we panned for Gold.  Additionally we screened sand for gems and my Bride found an Amyseth Gem which we had made into a pennant.  This was also a gift from Santa!

We did not overlook the reason for the Christmas Celebration.  We worshiped at our Church here in Macon, Georgia. The Church continues a Tradition started in the early 1980s and has a Christmas Tree decorated with Chrismons.

In Summary - Christmas 2023 was a Very Blessed Celebration with our Church Family and our Family!!!!  Thank You!!!

 I recently sent My Letter Number 27 to My Top Six Elected Leaders.  I publish it here:

Alan F. E. Thiese

                                                 22 December 2023

 

The President of the United States of America

The Senate Majority Leader

The House of Representatives Speaker

The Senior Senator for Georgia

The Junior Senator for Georgia

The Eighth District Representative for Georgia

 

Greetings,

 

Number 27 in the Series to You, Honorable Duly Elected Leaders of the Well Blessed United States of America.  Unfortunately there are those among us that do not appreciate the status our U.S.A. enjoys!

 

As I prepared my thoughts for this letter I recalled My service on the USS Ranger (CVA-61) in the 1962-1964 time frame.  Each year when we were inport we observed with proper ceremony the event when a Foreign Country first recognized the American Flag. 

 

“The Continental Navy Ship Ranger, commanded by Captain John Paul Jones, receiving the salute of a French squadron under La Motte Picquet, with his flag on Robuste (1758), at Quiberon Bay, France, 14 February 1778.”

 

With this recollection of History it is proper for our United States of America to once again be the Leader in the Free World and regain our status of the Nation that Serves the World such as we did during World Wars One and Two. 

 

That stated I am also confident that each of you are aware that many nations do not regard our United States of America as a Leader.  This must change and each of you and especially our Commander in Chief who serves as our President must refocus on what needs to be done.  The rest of you are to assist our President within the scope of our Constitution!  

 

To assist each of you in your duties in these trying times, especially the situation in Israel I suggest that you study the work of Nicholas Winton during the 1930 – 1940 time frame.  In summary he helped many Jewish Children escape the wrath of Hitler.  Although these Children found placement in England their Parents were killed!  Mr. Winton asked for assistance in the placement of Jewish Children in the United States but his request was denied.  You can learn more about Mr. Winton by checking “Wikipedia!”  Queen Elizabeth knighted Nicholas Winton which was proper recognition of his efforts to help the Jewish People.

 

Which leads me to ask the question, “What is our United States Military and our Government doing to assist the Nation of Israel today?”  I know that our current focus on telling Israel to defend their County and Citizens by a “Cease Fire” or other concepts I hear about is defective logic and an inappropriate response to the War in Israel and Gaza!  A quick review of history will allow us all to appreciate how the Free World Won World War II!  Yes there was collateral damage and many civilians killed, however as President Truman pointed out, to allow the War to continue would have resulted in even more deaths.  Sometimes reason must suppress “feel good thoughts” that may appease many at the given moment in time without any thought as to the long term consequences!!!  As I learned during my Service in the USS Ranger (CVA-61) where the Operations Department Head – a Naval Aviator – who had survived the “Bataan Death March” reminded us all of these facts:

 

· Freedom is Not Free

· Power For Peace

In fact he developed the idea that we would promote our Love of the U. S. A. with this human flag on the Flight Deck of the USS Ranger as we returned from our Six Month Deployment to the Western Pacific in 1963.  I do not recall where I stood in this Flag, but I do know I was a part of this “We Love our Country!” Display.

 

 

 

 

 

In Conclusion:

 

·        I wish each of You Christmas Blessings!

·        Take the time to view with your respective Families a new release “The Boys in the Boat” which is a powerful story performed by College Boys in the 1930s

·        Take the time to study our U. S. History, especially those portions I have discussed above, and never forget:

 

· Freedom is Not Free

· Power For Peace

Warm regards,

 

 

 

Alan F. E. Thiese

 

Bibb County Education

the 

School Board President's

Presentation

I recently attended an event open to the public where the President of the Bibb County School Board, Juawn Jackson spoke to us about Education in Bibb County, Georgia.  These are my Notes from this event:

Recent Successes in Bibb!!!

• Roll Back of  Property Taxes which was the result of funds received from the CARES Act!
• Students were allowed Electronic Devices prior to Covid - 19.  Consideration being given to Cell Phone restrictions.
• Working hard to insure literacy for All.
• Establishment of a District Finance Advisory Committee - This is focused on obtaining input from the Citizens of Bibb County!
• Always focused on being Financially responsible.
• The entire Board is focused on being responsible to the Community.

He also made the following points which were if special importance to me:

1. Not all Scholars go to College.
2. The System has a goal of motivating our Youth to Serve in the Military of the United States of America.  We even have ROTC in some of the Middle Schools.  All High Schools in Bibb County have an ROTC Unit!
3. Motivate Business Organizations/Firms to establish Entrepreneur relationships/partnerships with the High Schools of Bibb County.
4. Motivate the Scholars to obtain/learn skills to become employable after High School Graduation.

The entire system is motivated to improve the High School Graduation Rate which has now reached 87% which is much improved over just a few years ago.  

As a Macon-Bibb Citizen I appreciated this report concerning our Bibb School System and I look forward to even greater successes in the future.

Posted by:  Alan F. E. Thiese

 Wreaths across

America 

The Eleventh Annual Ceremony was held at Historic Riverside Cemetery today, December 16, 2023 at Noon!

The Mission of Wreaths across America is to Remember, Honor and Teach!!!

The event Remembered the Heroes who are buried at Riverside!

U.S. Army - 171

Confederate States of America - 21

U. S. Army Air Corps - 9

U.S. Coast Guard - 8

U.S. Marine Corps - 6

U. S. Merchant Marines - 2

U. S. Navy - 77

U. S. Air Force 64

There were Wreaths placed in the area where the Ceremony was conducted.

I served in the U. S. Navy, therefore I had to place this Wreath Picture here.

I did not count the people attending, however I think there were at least 80 in attendance.  Many Younger people were present which is appropriate to the Mission of Wreaths across America - Teach!!!!

Interesting Information!!!!!

Just the Other Day I posted this on My Facebook Page: The other day we were told not to eat Meat. Bad for the environment. Then the next day an airplane burning fuel made from Animal Fat flew across the Atlantic Ocean. My, My, What is this all about? We can not have fuel from Animal Fat and not also have the by-product of Steak/s!!!! Make up your Mind, you influencers!!!!

Yesterday I sent this E-Mail to Many, Many People: Good Morning, I understand that Czar John Kerry is making pronouncements at a Global Conference about what we, the USA will do to Maintain a Green Planet. The only one that I am aware that can make vital pronouncements has the initials of “J” “C” meaning Jesus Christ. John Kerry does not have the proper initials. Just My thoughts on this matter!!!!! The USA will eliminate “Coal Fired” electric power generation plants while our “Enemies – specifically “China” is opening Coal Fired Plants at the rate of one or two a month, or even more.” It just depends who you ask/believe. I sincerely know that China and especially the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) does not even have any interest concerning what is in the best interest of the Planet Earth. Just as long as they can focus on their own self-centered objectives!!! This is just so Sad for US ALL who live on Planet Earth. I am proud of My USA. I served from 1961 through 1981. Here are two pictures to validate My Service:

Alan F. E. Thiese 27 November 2023 The President of the United States of America The Senate Majority Leader The House of Representatives Speaker The Senior Senator for Georgia The Junior Senator for Georgia The Eighth District Representative for Georgia Greetings, Good Day Most Honorable Duly Elected Leaders of our Great United States of America. This Letter is Number 26. Number 25 was mailed to you on 27 October 2023 and You will recall that I closed with this statement which is also germane today: “Please perform your appropriate duties and keep the United States of America safe.” One of the consistent themes of My Letters to you has been My concern about the Safety of our Citizens. We have an abundance of illegals in our USA and a terrible number of deaths which are the result of fentanyl poisoning. This is more than just a shame, yet we “We The People!” continue to suffer because of the lack of “Good Government” on the part of our Duly Elected Leaders. For a good number of years now we have also suffered because of the “Sad Situation” in our Education of our future Leaders. Yet our very own Justice Department has considered Parents as “Domestic Terrorist! How stupid does that sound. Fortunately two Wonderful Moms who are properly dedicated to the welfare of their Children and the status of many current trends in the Education of our Future Adult Citizens and Future Leaders have established an organization known as “Moms for Liberty!” You can learn more about this dynamic organization which is focused on our future by conducting a search on the World Wide Web. I would encourage each of you and/or Your Staff to learn about this terrific organization. Additionally regarding the education of our Nation’s Youth I recently was made aware of a special “Movie,” which was filmed in the 2008 time frame with the title of “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.” I viewed this just the other evening and You and Your Staff must certainly take the opportunity to do so. It is available on “On Demand” and the rental cost was a mere $3.99. It focused on the tension of World War II between Normal Jews and the Normal Germans. The thought provoking conclusion simply proves that even the Youth of that era in History had a better understanding of what it means to be a responsible citizen – even at the age of eight years of age. Finally, I am confident that You All are aware of the need for a strong Military to defend the freedoms we all enjoy and appreciate as citizens of the USA. There is an organization known as the “Quilts of Valor Foundation” (OOVF) that makes Quilts for our Heroes. Here is a bit of background about this organization: What is The QOVF Definition of Valor? The dictionary definition of Valor says, “great courage in the face of danger, especially in battle.” Why does QOVF award to those who were not wounded or did not face combat? Our Founder, Catherine Roberts, was a Blue Star Mother. While her son was in service, she wanted to know that someone cared about him; she wanted to tell other Service Members that she cared about them. Quilts of Valor began as way to express gratitude for today’s all volunteer, modern military. You can consider it in this way: for a mother, their child is agreeing to sacrifice their life to protect our freedoms and way of life. We believe that Valor in a volunteer military is giving up your rights to freedom for a term of service in order to ensure the safety of our nation and population. Courage is facing an unknown future, but moving forward anyway. Quilts given as of 31 October 2023: Last Month: 2,837 Year to Date: 26,503 Since the Program started: 362,564 The Foundation is Located in Winterset, Iowa. The History of the Quilts of Valor Program is: “Quilts of Valor Foundation began in 2003 with a dream, literally a dream. Founder Catherine Roberts' son Nat was deployed in Iraq. According to Catherine: The dream was as vivid as real life.” Here is a picture of the Author of this Letter after He received his Quilt.

The Parents of many, many children, my Parents were married in 1939 and both were born and raised on farms in Northeast Iowa. Little did they know that they would be the ancestors of many who would qualify to receive such a Quilt. A count of these Heroes, of which I am included would number at least thirteen (13). In addition to these Heroes who served in defense of our USA there at least two (2) who are now serving in the Medical Profession which is as you know dedicated to keeping us all Healthy. These Sainted Parents had this picture taken on their Wedding Day:

My Dad graduated from High School and My Mom had a sixth grade education. They were farmers and as stated above they never knew what their Children and Grand Children and even Great Grand Children would achieve. Ask any of us and we will quickly inform you that were all Well Blessed. I point this out in this letter to simply allow you to be aware that these achievements were not attributed to any “Woke” thinking which now appears to be the focus of Several of You as you Govern “We the People!” In fact I am troubled by the fact that Many who are “Leaders” in our Defense Organization are too often focused or swayed by the “WOKE” agenda. For Your information there are at least 80 citizens that can claim a direct tie to the Couple shown above. Of course they have passed on, but many, many Great Grand Children are of the age that “Military Service” could be an appropriate option for them. That be the case I as a Retired Navy Veteran cannot suggest or even encourage them to Join our Military simply because of the current ineffective Leadership that I see on a Daily Basis. I am referring to the Sad Withdrawal from Afghanistan a few years and the Current War between Israel and the Hamas which is now happening. I am confident that You, like I am keenly aware of the Military Recruiting Objectives that are not being achieved for the past few years. In conclusion, remember these “Talking Points” I have shared with you today: 1. Moms for Liberty 2. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas 3. The Quilts of Valor Program Again I repeat: Please perform Your Appropriate Duties and Keep the United States of America Safe!!! Warm regards, Alan F. E. Thiese

Veterans Day 2023

Pine Ridge 

Garden Club

Fort Hawkins

Landscape Project 

I , Alan Thiese as a Member of Ridge Garden Club post this Blog Entry containing the information and pictures to assist in the planning for this Project.

The area West of the Sign Project!

Needs top soil and possible Sod!!

The Sign looking East!!  Note that any planting

beneath the sign should not exceed 12 inches in height.

The Sign Looking West toward downtown!

The sign along Emery Highway!

The Planting Project.  The area is 8 feet wide by
22 feet long.  The East side has a curb of concrete.
It is suggested that the ends and the West Side
have a steel edge!  At least an 8 inch edge.

An Eagle Scout did this Project in 2020.  It
needs new pine straw or mulch.  It was reported
that the Scout Troop from Lizella is considering this.

The Macon Federation of Garden Club, Inc.

is considering the placement of a Gold

Star Marker and/or a Blue Star Marker

besides the U.S. Flag which will

be placed on a flagstaff to be

placed directly in front of the

Fort Hawkins Visitor Center

 Number 24

Alan F. E. Thiese

5 October 2023

The President of the United States of America

The Senate Majority Leader

The House of Representatives Speaker (Gender/Name to be determined)

The Senior Senator for Georgia

The Junior Senator for Georgia

The Eighth District Representative for Georgia

Greetings,

I last wrote you on 13 July 2023.  This is My 24th letter and I do not regret sending any of them.  What I do have a lot of sorrow about is the fact that You, our duly elected leaders have ignored the “Will of We the People” for your own personal aggrandizement!  This statement is more true for some of you and you know who you are!!  Unfortunately many of our elected individuals who serve us in Washington, D. C. have forgotten the basic tenet that “This is Our America” and that we elected you to do your job.  There are some of you that think and have even suggested that we need to amend our Constitution to fit your own selfish goals/needs.  I would suggest that many of you need to simply read this document.

As I was formulating this letter in My own mind I recalled the Mantra or some would call it a creed of the many young citizens who serve in our U. S. Military.

A Soldier knows this Creed which is summed up in this statement:  “Duty, Honor and Country!”

A Sailor knows this Creed which is summed up in this statement:  “Honor, Courage and Commitment!”

A Marine knows this Creed which is summed up in either of these two statements:  “Improvise, Adopt and Overcome” or “Always Faithful!”

An Airman knows this Creed which is summed up in this statement:  “Fly, Fight and Win” or “Guardian of Freedom and Justice!”

The Members of the Space Force know this Creed which is summed up in this statement:  “Character, Connection and Commitment!”

Coast Guard Coasties  know this Creed which is summed up on this statement:  “Always be at My station, alert and attending to My duties!”  Coasties also have this Motto: “Always Ready!” which allows them to protect “Our Fame, Our Glory too!”

You each may be asking yourself as you read this letter, “Why is this letter writer telling us their respective Creeds that these Young Citizens learn  in a few short weeks during a process titled “Basic Training” or “Boot Camp.”  These training periods can run from nine weeks to eleven weeks depending on the organization.  These young citizens are usually 18 to 22 years of age.  So Young to grasp these concepts, yet they volunteer to serve our United States of America because they love their Country.  

Now take the opportunity to reflect on why you ran for your respective office!  

Only you know the real reason/s!  I have the impression that some of you are power hungry and feel the need to meet your own selfish needs/desires at the expense of what is Good for the Citizens of America.  Why would many of you simply lie to us?  Some even have staff members who lie to us or the media which fails to investigate the lies and promulgate them as fact/s.  This is a real shame.  “We the People” deserve better!  Such is not the case of our Young Volunteers who serve in our Military!

Today, October 5th we see members of the United Auto Workers Union on strike because they fear for the future of their jobs.  They know that the Auto industry knows that it takes fewer workers to manufacture electric vehicles.  The members of the UAW also know that there is no current program in place to dispose of the worn our batteries.  Who of you can tell me today “What is the impact of disposing of all of these batteries when they are replaced?”

Electric vehicles may very well be the future, but we really need to know what plans, policies and procedures will be in place to insure a safe environment for future generations of us?

Health Care workers are on strike by the thousands.  They really need a pay structure that allows them to earn a decent living.  I understand that what they are asking for is to have a wage level that is decent and not just a few dollars per hour more than an entry level “burger flipper” at a fast food establishment. 

I will not elaborate on our “Border Crisis” or the “Fentanyl Poisoning” that is impacting the daily lives of each of us.  You all know about these situations even though you may now not desire to admit your failure as regards meeting the “Safety and Security” needs of the Citizens of the United States of America!

I am also confident that each of you know that the Suicide rates for our Nation’s Veterans as well as our Active Duty Military are increasing each year.  This is simply not to be tolerated!  Yes expending funds for the treatment of the Mental Illness which causes many of these deaths may be appropriate, however you each must realize that the policies and procedures currently in use by our Military are not appropriate in many cases to insure the “High Morale” necessary to keep our Troops alive and proud of their Service.

In closing, please re-read the Creeds that I have listed above of the Branches of our U. S. Military.  These Young Citizens Volunteered to serve us all and as they graduate from their respective Basic Training or Boot Camp they are proud of their accomplishment/s!  

So ask Your Self Today, and every day as you retire for your daily rest:

“Am I _______________ proud of what I have accomplished for the Citizens of the United States of America?

Warm regards,

Alan F. E. Thiese

 

Number 23 to My Top Six Government Officials that we have elected.  I try to keep them advised on what "We the People" need!  

Alan F. E. Thiese

13 July 2023

The President of the United States of America

The Senate Majority Leader

The House of Representatives Speaker

The Senior Senator for Georgia

The Junior Senator for Georgia

The Eighth District Representative for Georgia

Greetings,  

Since I last wrote on 13 May 2023 in My 22nd letter I as a U. S. Citizen and a U. S. Navy Veteran have been doing a lot of thought on why we as a Nation, the United States of America, has been experiencing such a difficult time here in the 2020s!

During My life I have observed many fellow peoplekind that I would classify as enablers.  I looked the definition of the word “enabler” and this is what I found:

en·a·bler as a Noun:

a person who encourages or enables negative or self-destructive behavior in another.

"being an enabler to an addict does more harm than good"

It is my opinion that anytime you enable an “abuser” you are devaluing your own values and principles.   I have witnessed many of My peers and also Your  peers enable others.  There are some among us, including Myself, that feel that we have a good number of enablers in the Very Highest levels of Government.

Why else do we have a shortage of vital supplies to conduct any potential war/s?  This is just one example.  There are many other concerns and challenges that we as a Nation have not met simply because someone is usually making an excuse for anyone/s or any organization/s poor performance.

I recall watching many “History Channel” programs on what our Nation accomplished in a very short time span to Win World War II.  Yet today we cannot even meet such a simple challenge a producing enough bullets to help Ukraine without depleting our supply should we need bullets to keep our own U.S.A. safe and secure.

In fact I have recently learned that we cannot even keep our own White House secure.  We all know that is the temporary home of our Commander-in-Chief.  This is a shocking development.

I close today, as I also closed My letter of 13 May 2023:

“Wishing You a Safe and Healthy Future as You Serve Us –“We the People.””

Warm regards.

Alan F. E. Thiese

 Macon Bacon

versus

Florence Flamingos

The Fourth of July 2023

at

Luther Williams Ball Park

A great evening for Baseball in Macon, Georgia.  We attended this Game using our Tickets on the All You Can Eat Program.  

After the very filling meal we took the opportunity to pose at the Special Fourth of July Backdrop prior to entering the Stadium.

Pior to the end of the First Inning I took these pictures of the Teams in their respective Dugouts.

The First Inning Batter for the Bacon was Antonio (Tony) Brown a Player who Attends Mercer University here in Macon.  He is a Base Stealer who reminds me of Vince Coleman who played in Macon many years ago and at the Major League Level for the Saint Louis Cardinals.

During the Game Bacon Players closely watched their Teammates.

It was a long game but the Macon Bacon broke the tie in the Ninth Inning and Won 10 to 9.  Many pitching changes and the between the innings family entertainment made for a very fun filled evening.  

The crowning event of the evening was the terrific Fire Works display which was enjoyed by all including the visiting players who assembled on the field to watch!!

My Pictures except for the one above were taken on My Bride's or My Camera.  The Macon Bacon Players shown above was taken from the Bacon Facebook Page.

Conclusion - A perfect Fourth of July Event which was most enjoyable!!!