Faces of Patriotism: Women In the Military

In 2010, the Center for Women Veterans, led by the efforts of Dr. Betty Mosley Brown (USMC) took an active role to raise the visibility of women veterans. The Center for Women Veterans started a successful campaign, HERStory, to profile women veterans. The campaign spread to all branches of the military to highlight the contributions of women veterans, active, and reservists who serve in the United States Armed Forces.

With the branches of the military working to honor women of the armed forces, several independent studies were conducted around the same time that gave statically data on women in the military. One that has been quoted often was conducted by the Pew Research Center that was released in 2011. According to the Pew Research Center:

Women in this decade have made up a much greater share of the active-duty military than they have at any time in U.S. history. Among the ranks of the enlisted, 14% are now women (up from 2% in 1973), and among commissioned officers, 16% are now women, compared with 4% in 1973.

As the share of women in the military increases, so does the share of veterans who are women. The 2010 Current Population Survey estimates that there are just over 22 million veterans, almost 1.8 million of whom are women (8%); and among the estimated 2.2 million post-9/11 veterans, more than 400,000 (19%) are women.

Compared with their male counterparts, a greater share of military women are black.  More than three-in-ten (31%) military women are black (including black Hispanics). This is almost twice the share of active-duty men who are black (16%), as well as more than twice the proportion of civilian women ages 18-44 who are black (15%). In addition, more women in the active-duty force than men in the active-duty force and civilian women ages 18-44 are of mixed racial background or some other race. 

With the increased number of women serving in the military and the growing pool of women veterans, here a few women who we salute:

HERstory, Many-Bears Grinder, Commissioner of TN VA

Commissioner in Afghanistan

Pakistan in Background

In January 2011, Governor Bill Haslam selected Colonel Many-Bears Grinder to be the Commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs -- the first female in the State to serve in this capacity. She is responsible for the operation of the Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs' Field Offices, Claims Office, and four State Veterans Cemeteries. She is also an ex-officio voting member of the Tennessee State Veterans Home Board, which controls the three existing State Veterans Homes, and plans for future homes in Tennessee. Commissioner Grinder serves as the Southeast District Vice President for the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs.

In order to accept the State post, Grinder retired from the Tennessee Army National Guard as a Colonel with over 35 years of service. She is an Operation Enduring Freedom combat veteran, having served as the Head of Secretariat for the International Police Coordination Board. She traveled throughout Afghanistan, working with international diplomats and police as well as the Afghan leaders and local police officers, to ensure standardized training and equipment for the Afghan Police.

Grinder was inducted into the Fort Benning Hall of Fame in 2004. She is a graduate of the Command and General Staff College, the U.S. Army War College, and the Joint Forces Staff College. Her military awards include the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star Medal.

Grinder holds a Master's Degree in Strategic Studies from the Army War College and a Master's Degree in Human Resources Development from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Commissioner Grinder is a member of numerous military and Veterans associations, including AMVETS, Vietnam Veterans of America, Women Veterans of America, Military Officers Association, the National Guard Association of the United States and is also a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans.

A native of Salt Lake City, Utah, Grinder moved to Tennessee in 1989 where she met and married Ernie Grinder.

HERstory, Colonel Jacqueline Nave

Colonel Nave's Final Flight

Colonel Jacqueline Nave was the Commander of the 118^th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron (AES) at the 118^th Airlift Wing, Tennessee Air National Guard.  Colonel Nave entered the Tennessee Air National Guard in 1986 with a direct commission as a Flight Nurse. 

She served as a Flight Nurse Instructor and Flight Nurse Examiner while assigned to the 118^th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron.  Her assignments included deployments to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and United Arab Emirates. 

In 1999, Colonel Nave transferred to the 118^th Medical Group as the Administrative Officer.  She was commissioned as a line officer in 2000 assigned as a full time technician to Joint Forces Headquarters. Colonel Nave was selected as Deputy

Commander of the 118^th Medical Group in 2002.

As one of the first three full time Deputy Commanders in the Air National Guard, Colonel Nave was instrumental in the development and implementation of the manpower study and job descriptions for this position.  Col Nave served as the Commander of the 118^th AES from March until December 2007 when she was appointed as the Command Nurse of the Air National Guard and Chief of AE Plans and Operations by the National Guard Bureau.  She maintained oversight for 89 Medical Groups and 10 Aeromedical Evacuation Squadrons during her two year tour in Washington, DC.  Col Nave coordinated patient movement during the most active hurricane season in history, safely moving more than 500 patients from Texas and Louisiana.  She was responsible for planning the Air National Guard Homeland Security medical response for the 2009 Presidential Inauguration.

Colonel Nave returned as the Commander for the 118^th AES in November, 2009 and continued until her retirement April 7, 2012.  Under her leadership, the Squadron earned and “Outstanding” on the 2012 Health Service Inspection and “Mission Ready” on the 2012 ASEV.

HERstory, Lt. Colonel Daphne Ferguson-Young, DDS

Lt. Colonel Ferguson-Young

Lt. Colonel Daphne C. Ferguson-Young, a General Dentist and Academician, is currently the Director of the General Practice Residency Program and an Associate Professor in the Department of Restorative Dentistry at Meharry Medical College where she has been a faculty member for 14 years. Lt. It was at Meharry where Lt. Colonel Ferguson-Young made her decision to join the army in her mid-forties. A recruiter came to speak to her students and she enlisted.

A few years after enlisting in the Army, Lt. Colonel Ferguson-Young was sent to the front lines of the Iraq War with the Army’s 380^th Medical Company based in Millington, Tennessee.  Lt. Colonel traded her classroom at Meharry for the Desert Sands of the Middle East from 2004-2005.

Her deployment to the Middle East encouraged her to stay in the Army while still continuing to train future dentists.  Her leadership training she received from the military  transitioned into professional career. She participates on several college committees and has served in numerous leadership positions. Lt. Colonel Ferguson-Young is also very active in the community. She served for ten years on the Governing Board of Matthew Walker Community Health Center. She was appointed by Dr. Riley, President of Meharry Medical College, as liaison to visit Hawler Medical College, School of Dentistry, Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq to assist with their curriculum committee. Lt. Colonel Ferguson-Young has also completed the prestigious ADEA Leadership Institute as a scholarship Fellow in 2011.

Here are a few of the awards Lt. Ferguson-Young has received during her military career:

National Defense Service Award-2, Global War On Terrorism Service Award, Army Service Ribbon - 2, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device ( Received two of these), Combat Action Badge, Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal

Photo Credits: Commissioner Many-Bears Grinder, 118th Airlift Wing, Genma Holmes

Story Originally Printed in Mocha Market's Faces of Patriotism Edition 

Full Circle: A Marine's Story

Guest Post by: Lance Corporal Roger Cornelius Holmes, II

The reasons why many join the military are varied as the stars above. My reasons for enlisting shook up my family but helped usher me into manhood without me ever looking back.  I was always curious about the military. I inquired about military service often during my high school years. But I also wanted to follow in the footsteps of my dad, Roger Holmes, (88); my uncle, Eric Holmes (90); and my brother, Franz Holmes (2008 and 2010), who are graduates of Tennessee State University (TSU). They also played sports at TSU.

As a freshman in the fall of 2009, my only care was being able to try out for the football team in the spring semester. While dreaming about football, I paid no attention to my grades. I was enrolled in school full time but my heart was not in it. By the second semester, I had lost track of any sense of order. Let me not forget the girls and partying were also part of my problem. Chaos seemed to rule my life.

In a chaotic state at every turn, I eventually got tired of drifting. I had a long conversation with myself. I did not want to be 21 living at home with family with disorder as a way of life. I had squandered my first year of college on everything but getting an education. I wanted to be on my own but I knew I needed structure, discipline, and maturing. My curiosity about the military started to resurfaced again. After weeks of contemplating my future and getting counseling from family members who were in the military, I chose to join the United States Marines Corps.

 The structure, discipline and maturity I craved, I got. And then some.  I was bused to Parris Island with only my tooth brush and my driver license. I left behind my very bad freshmen year and was challenged mentally and physically that only the few, the proud could endure. After graduating from Parris Island, it did not take me long to realize that I chose the right path in life for me. I was doing something I loved and was honored to be a part of Marines. After my first year in the Marines, I began to inquire about becoming an officer. My mentor, Gunnery Sergeant Bryant, sat with me in a meeting to help me chart a military career. My life came full circle after that meeting. In order to become an officer, I needed to finish college.

Instead of the unsure immature person who enrolled in college in 2009, I came back to TSU confident with goals to become an officer, while still serving my country. I felt my life had a purpose and found my calling. I made my decision to join the military over two years ago. I believe that every step I took led me down that path. I have not looked back.  While I am following in my dad, my uncle, and brother's footsteps with an education from the family's Alma Mater, I am also charting my own course as I continue to serve my country as a member of United States Marine Corps. I am one of the few, the proud. I am a Marine. Semper Fi.

Holmes story is printed in the issue of Mocha Market Magazine. (Faces of Patriotism)

Photos: Genma Holmes and John Cross (TSU photo)

Metro Council Thanks Constituents by giving Themselves Lifetime Benefits

Reading a page out of Entitled-Are-R-Us Book of Shame, Nashville's Metro Council voted to give themselves and their family members lifetime healthcare benefits. Lifetime healthcare for eight years of service. Just in time for Thanksgiving, council members, who chose to run for office under no duress from the public, helped themselves to a whole pie that was baked without care for constituents they swore to serve. In the meantime, they cut, chopped, and diced benefits for Metro employees with less than 20 years of service.  How disappointing to realize early on that the promising new council members who were elected to be servant leaders are serving themselves first.

To counter criticism, council members are stating the healthcare benefits are needed as a perk to entice others to run for office. Statements like this are leaving many taxpayers flabbergasted. What happened to the months of non-stop campaigning where the public was bombarded with promises  from the candidates to make Nashville a better place by improving how the city government does business? There were no verbiage about getting health benefits on any of the junk mailers that were sent out for weeks? What happened to demanding fiscal responsibility and accountability of department heads and Metro employees? Are council members not held to that same standard? Why did ALL of the minority council members who were present voted for this bill? Why would part-time volunteers community leaders need such a costly perk? Council member counted the cost to run for office and the cost to serve. Were future personal insurance premiums part of the counting?

It is an honor and privilege to be elected by the people to serve in public office. But let us not be naive, many incentives come with being a  member of the council. Access to decision makers, the ability to network with global leaders while setting the tone for the future of the communities that make up Metropolitan Government of Nashville-Davidson County, and invites to events galore. Many would gladly accept having access and call it a day. The position that the council members voluntarily sought to hold is not being held for free, it pays $15,000 a year. There are no reports to date where a council member quit their job or was fired after becoming a council member. And there are no reports of a council member  becoming destitute because of their duties as an elected official. None.

There are many who serve on the council that I respect greatly. As a volunteer in the community, I have seen first hand many roll up their sleeves and dive in serving heart and soul first throughout our city. I hope and pray this self above service thinking is not going to be the new norm for our council. If so, the community needs to start organizing now to find suitable potential (and insured) candidates who are ready, willing, and able to serve our city in the next council election.

Minutes from the Tuesday, November 13, 2012 meeting can be found here.
Ordinance No. BL2012-266 can be found here.
Council Meeting Broadcast can be found here.

National Diabetes Awareness Month on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

Join Living Your Best Life radio show in partnership with the Center For Foot and Wound Care during National Diabetes Awareness Month in November as we discuss maintenance and prevention of diabetes with Lawrence Burns, DPM .

On Saturday, November 17, 2012, Dr. Burns will share highlights from the annual Head to Toe Seminar held at St. Thomas Hospital. The seminar was a holistic approach to managing diabetes from head to toe. Healthcare professionals from various fields gave advice about topics that affect a person living with diabetes. Topics included heart disease, eating healthy, wearing proper fitting shoes and wound care to name a few.  Dr. Burns also will share about healthcare services that is covered under most medical insurance plans that maybe overlooked by the patient. Tune in for a show that promises to be educational. Calls from listeners will be taken in the second half of the show.

Living Your Best Life, a radio show that empowers, inspires and motivates one to live their BEST life, can heard on 760 AM in the Middle-Tennessee Region, military bases, and streamed live on U-Stream.TV from 9-10AM CST.

More About Center For Foot and Wound Care

Diabetic patients are vulnerable to foot problems, particularly recurring ulcers that can lead to amputation if not treated aggressively. Twenty percent of hospitalized diabetic patients are admitted for foot problems. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that comprehensive foot care, especially prevention and treatment of foot ulcers, can avoid up to 85 percent of lower extremity amputations among diabetic patients. Overall costs associated with amputations-surgery, physical therapy and prosthesis can exceed $40,000. The American Diabetes Association, therefore, recognizes the critical role of podiatric physicians in caring for patients with diabetes.

.The podiatry professionals at the Center For Foot & Wound Care are pleased to welcome you to our practice. The Center For Foot & Wound Care specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of foot disorders. As wound care specialists, we are dedicated to listening and caring for our patients and their podiatric needs.

Our Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, Dr. Lawrence Burns, will take the time to get to know you and will fully educate you on the nature of your particular foot condition. Once you have a clear understanding of your condition, he then will discuss all treatment options available to you. Dr. Burns welcomes and encourages you to ask questions about your condition. As the patient, you have a right to be involved in all decisions regarding what type, where and when your foot care should be provided.

 For questions or to schedule an appointment, please call us today at 615-669-8932. Dr. Burns looks forward to serving you and improving your quality of life!
More About Diabetes Awareness Month

The vision of the American Diabetes Association is a life free of diabetes and all of its burdens. Raising awareness of this ever-growing disease is one of the main efforts behind the mission of the Association. American Diabetes Month® (ADM) is an important element in this effort, with programs designed to focus the nation's attention on the issues surrounding diabetes and the many people who are impacted by the disease.

Here are just a few of the recent statistics on diabetes:

• Nearly 26 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes.
• Another 79 million Americans have prediabetes and are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
• The American Diabetes Association estimates that the total national cost of diagnosed diabetes in the United States is $174 billion.

American Diabetes Month takes place each November and is a time to come together as a community to Stop Diabetes®!


Dr. Burns' January appearance on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes pictures can be found here.

Text questions to INSPIRE to 99000

USMC Vietnam Veteran Bert Watkins on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

 Update: Audio of Bert Watkins' Interview can be found here.
                Photos from Living Your Best Life can be found on Facebook



Join Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes as we profile organizations, leaders, and individuals who lead by example. With acts of kindness and charitable giving that help countless lives daily, these organizations and leaders embody "Be the change you want to see in the world".

On Saturday, November 10, 2012 join us as we celebrate the United States Marine Corps 237th Birthday and show honor to our veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Tune in as we honor the patriotism, service, and sacrifice of men and women who have serve in our armed forces around the world. Listen as we hear from Marine Veteran Bert Watkins who fought in the Operation Swift during the Vietnam War. Hear his first hand account of one of the most hard fought battles during the war. He will also share why the importance of supporting our veterans and active duty military. He will give sage advice to current military families and to the growing Veteran community as he share from chapters of his decorated career.

Living Your Best Life, radio that empowers, inspires, and motivates you to live your BEST life, is heard on 760AM in the Middle Tennessee Region, the Inspirational Network, military bases and live streamed at Ustream.TV from 9-10AM CST.

More about Bert Watkins

Master Sargent Bert N. Watkins ⁽USMC RET.)

During his career^, he served at Camp Lejeune and Viet Nam. After his active tour of duty, he joined the Marine Corps Reserves where he retired from in 1992. During his militray career, he was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal w/v; the purple Heart' Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, President Unit Citation, Viet Nam Service Medal with 2 Stars, and the Viet Nam Campaign Medal w/Device. He is the married to Edwina Watkins and the father of four children. He is serves as an Elder at Living Word Church in Goodlettsville, TN. Tim and Sonyo Slaton are the Pastors.

Operation Swift: September 4-15, 1967

Operation Swift was a military operation that took place in the Vietnam War. The mission, involving forces of the 1st Marine Division, was carried out to rescue two Marine companies which had been previously ambushed by the North Vietnamese Army. Launched on September 4, 1967 the ensuing battles killed 127 Americans and an estimated 600 North Vietnamese. Despite their withdrawal after having suffered much higher losses, the NVA had accomplished their objective of inflicting remarkable American casualties.

Sweep operations were then initiated to shield the local populace from intimidation during upcoming elections. Operation Swift, intended to be the fourth and the last of the 1967 operations in the Que Son Valley, began unofficially the morning of September 4 when Delta Company, 1st Battalion 5th Marines (1/5) was attacked before dawn by a superior PAVN force while setup in a night-time defensive perimeter next to the village of Dong Son.

The local Battalion Commander was Lt.Colonel Peter Hilgartener who sent 1/5's Bravo Company to Delta’s relief, which was all he had at the time. With Bravo and Delta companies heavily engaged, Mike and Kilo companies from the adjacent 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines (3/5) were sent to relieve them. Ambushed and aggressively attacked, these two companies were also pinned down in separate enclaves by the early afternoon. During the fighting Sergeant Lawrence Peters earned a posthumous Medal of Honor for leading his men in repulsing repeated attempts to overrun his position. Navy Chaplain Lieutenant Vincent Capodanno was also awarded a posthumous Medal of Honor for his efforts in pulling wounded men to safety in face of overwhelming enemy fire. Sergeant Thomas C. Panian was also awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism for organizing the defense of India Company, 3 Bn/5 Marines; and holding off subsequent attacks over 8 hours of combat.
Marine artillery fire and Marine jet fighter-bombers prevented the Marine infantry companies from being overrun. A Marine A-6 silenced an anti-aircraft gun emplacement, allowing more air support against PAVN positions, and a fresh Marine company launched a dawn counterattack September 5. This pressed the PAVN into breaking contact. With all engaged companies now relieved Colonel Stanley Davis, commanding the 5th Marines, ordered 1/5 and 3/5 to pursue the withdrawing PAVN. This officially began Operation Swift.

In the early afternoon of September 6 two battalions of the NLF 1st Regiment attacked Bravo company, the lead company of the 1st Battalion. Bravo 1/5 was isolated and nearly overrun but held when Marine artillery rained tear gas around their position. Sergeant Rodney M. Davis, Platoon Guide of 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company, purposely absorbed the force of an NVA grenade to protect the lives of other Marines during that fight. Sergeant Davis was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for this action.

The nearby 3rd Battalion was also heavily engaged a few hours later. India Company, dispatched to attack a hill held by the enemy, was isolated and nearly overrun by the NLF 1st Regiment's previously uncommitted 3rd Battalion. Kilo Company fought through the NLF and relieved India but the two companies were then found to have too many casualties to move. Two determined night assaults by the NLF were repulsed, and Mike Company eventually fought through against weakening opposition as the NLF withdrew.

As the enemy withdrew, the Marine battalions continued to press them in a series of bitter engagements. By September 15, the PAVN 2nd Division and NLF 1st Regiment had largely given up contesting the southern half of the Que Son Valley. The area remained quiet from then until the Marines turned all of southern I Corps over to the U.S. Army at the beginning of 1968. U.S. intelligence agencies later determined that the two enemy regiments that had been most active during Operation Swift were subsequently unfit for combat.

As Operation Swift concluded large U.S. Army units arrived in southern I Corps, allowing the 1st Marine Division to base a substantial force in the Que Son Valley on a permanent basis.

 ^{More About the United States Marine Corps}

The history of the United States Marine Corps began with the founding of the Continental Marines on 10 November 1775 to conduct ship-to-ship fighting, provide shipboard security and discipline enforcement, and assist in landing forces. Its mission evolved with changing military doctrine and foreign policy of the United States. Owing to the availability of Marine forces at sea, the United States Marine Corps has served in nearly every conflict in United States history. It attained prominence when its theories and practice of amphibious warfare proved prescient, and ultimately formed a cornerstone of the Pacific Theater of World War II. By the early 20th century, the Marine Corps would become one of the dominant theorists and practitioners of amphibious warfare. Its ability to rapidly respond on short notice to expeditionary crises has made and continues to make it an important tool for American foreign policy.

^{United States Marine Corps 237th Birthday: Origins and Traditions}
 

Prior to 1921, Marines celebrated the recreation of the Corps on 11 July with little pomp or pagentry.^[ On 21 October 1921, Major Edwin North McClellan, in charge the Corps's fledgling historical section, sent a memorandum to Commandant John A. Lejeune, suggesting the Marines’ original birthday of 10 November be declared a Marine Corps holiday to be celebrated throughout the Corps. Lejeune so ordered in Marine Corps Order 47:

MARINE CORPS ORDERS No. 47 (Series 1921) HEADQUARTERS U.S. MARINE CORPS Washington, November 1, 1921 759. The following will be read to the command on the 10th of November, 1921, and hereafter on the 10th of November of every year. Should the order not be received by the 10th of November, 1921, it will be read upon receipt. On November 10, 1775, a Corps of Marines was created by a resolution of Continental Congress. Since that date many thousand men have borne the name "Marine". In memory of them it is fitting that we who are Marines should commemorate the birthday of our corps by calling to mind the glories of its long and illustrious history. The record of our corps is one which will bear comparison with that of the most famous military organizations in the world's history. During 90 of the 146 years of its existence the Marine Corps has been in action against the Nation's foes. From the Battle of Trenton to the Argonne, Marines have won foremost honors in war, and in the long eras of tranquility at home, generation after generation of Marines have grown gray in war in both hemispheres and in every corner of the seven seas, that our country and its citizens might enjoy peace and security. In every battle and skirmish since the birth of our corps, Marines have acquitted themselves with the greatest distinction, winning new honors on each occasion until the term "Marine" has come to signify all that is highest in military efficiency and soldierly virtue. This high name of distinction and soldierly repute we who are Marines today have received from those who preceded us in the corps. With it we have also received from them the eternal spirit which has animated our corps from generation to generation and has been the distinguishing mark of the Marines in every age. So long as that spirit continues to flourish Marines will be found equal to every emergency in the future as they have been in the past, and the men of our Nation will regard us as worthy successors to the long line of illustrious men who have served as "Soldiers of the Sea" since the founding of the Corps. JOHN A. LEJEUNE, Major General Commandant

The first formal ball was celebrated in 1925, though no records exist that indicate the proceedings of that event. Birthday celebrations would take varied forms, most included dances, though some accounts include mock battles, musical performances, pageants, and sporting events.


The celebrations were formalized and standardized by Commandant Lemuel C. Shepherd, Jr. in 1952, outlining the cake cutting ceremony, which would enter the Marine Drill Manual in 1956. By tradition, the first slice of cake is given to the oldest Marine present, who in turn hands it off to the youngest Marine present, symbolizing the old and experienced Marines passing their knowledge to the new generation of Marines. The celebration also includes a reading of Marine Corps Order 47, republished every year, as well as a message from the current Commandant, and often includes a banquet and dancing if possible. In many cases, the birthday celebration will also include a pageant of current and historical Marine Corps uniforms, as a reminder of the history of the Corps. Marines are reputed to celebrate the birthday, regardless of where they may be in the world, even in austere environments or combat.


Photo Credits: Genma Holmes and Bert Watkins


^{History: USMC and Wikipedia}

The Nashville Scene is Walking Around Naked in a Glass House

The Nashville Scene made the selection of the first African American to the Belle Meade Country Club breaking news on its Pith Blog yesterday. For sometime now,  The Nashville Scene has reported on the lily white makeup of the club so the first person of color joining Belle Meade Country Club is probably breaking news for some of its readers.

The Scene and its commentators have debated in depth the merits of David Ewing, Darrell freeman and others becoming members, or not, of the exclusive club located in West Nashville. What I find more interesting is the lily white makeup of the media outlet that is reporting on the lily white complexion of a social club. I also find it ironic the number of events around town that are sponsored by The Scene and NFocus that caters to the constituents of Belle Meade Country Club. Now compare that to the number of events that have a more diverse, modest income crowds that are not sponsored. Hmm.

There is no beef, just noticing that The Nashville Scene is throwing rocks while walking around naked in a glass house.

Six Reasons to Stay in Line No Matter How Long it Takes to Vote

Today is election day, November 6, 2012. Two years of campaigning and 2 billion dollars worth of ads that have driven us to brink of insanity will come to an end tonight. Hopefully. No matter who you are voting for, the lines are expected to be long today.

Acts of God, Hurricane Sandy, have disrupted the North East. Acts of the devil, Governor Rick Scott, are reeking havoc in the state of Florida. Not to leave out the voting machine rumors running amok. All of this is enough for you to wonder why are you willing to stand in predicted long lines for hours. Is it worth it? Yes, it is!

Come hell or high water, here are 6 reason why you should stay in line today to vote:

6. At one point, women could not vote. We can now. In droves. Do not get out of line when you could not get in line until 1920.

5. Blacks could not vote until 1965. Do not get out of line when you could not get in line until 1965.

4. Many naturalized citizens and their families come from countries where they could not vote.

3. Who you vote for is your business. But having reasonable choices is what makes the United States a democracy. Dictators do not give you choices. Countries who have dictators do not let you get in line. Unless you are in front of a firing squad.

2. Choosing to get out of line or not vote, gives us elected and appointed officials who do not have an understanding of the U.S. Constitution that they claimed to be cloaked in. You have a right to vote today, so we all can work together to help strengthen the laws they are working to demolish. That should concern everyone no matter what your affiliation.

1. Lastly, my grandfather stayed in line for me. And you. He lived to help others have the right to vote. No matter who they were and who they voted for, he believed strongly in human rights. I do too.

Ten Tips For Surviving Long Lines on Election Day 2012

Today is the last official day of the 2012 election cycle. There are many who are predicting November 6, 2012 ballot counts will last another two months, a  Bush-Gore trip to the Supreme Court revisited. Many pundits and pollsters are predicting long lines in states where voters are fighting the elements, agenda driven officials, broken voting equipment, and software with glitches. While pundits duke it out on how you will vote or what will stop you from casting your vote, here are 10 tips to help you make it through a day that maybe eventful and, possibly, very long.

10. Your identification. Do not leave home without proper id. It has been preached relentlessly.

9. Know polling address. A call to your local election commission office or a quick  stroll around the Internet can help find where to vote. If your polling place have been displaced because of Sandy, information on where to vote can be found here.

8. Don't forget your medication. If you take medicine at regular intervals, take your meds with you, especially if you are taking medicine for high blood pressure or diabetes. The stress and strain of a election day can spike your blood pressure. 

7. Water.

6. Light snacks. A hungry person gets angry quicker. A few snacks can help take off the edge.

5. Small folding chair. If the wait time will be for hours, standing for long periods can take its toll, especially on the elderly. A small chair can bring respite.

4. Dress for the weather. If you will be in adverse weather, dress appropriately. Rain coats, umbrellas, blankets, and comfortable shoes are essential keys to surviving a long day in line waiting to vote. Check the forecast for your area here.

3. Extra cell phone batteries. Keeping tabs on family and friends while in line can pass the time faster. Cell phones are also for documenting on the spot confusion at the polls. Tweet pics to me at @bugsact. Also, use your cell to report voting improprieties or trickery at 1-866-My-VOTE-1.

2. A journal, a book, or homework. Nothing like capturing your thoughts, catch up on reading (Warmth of Other Suns) or finish paperwork for home, business, grading papers.

1. A great attitude. With all our problems, Americans have freedoms that many do not have around the world. Reflecting on our freedoms can be worth the wait!

Photo credit: Associated Records

Acceptable Forms of ID for Tennessee Voters

It is 5:00AM on November 5, 2012. I am typing this post with nightmarish visions of voters in long lines that will be seared in the minds of many for eternity if the early voting lines are any indication. With the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, elected and appointed voting officials who were hell bounded and determined to inject Gremlin like antics into the early voting process, and a mire of  legal and civil rights issues that will have us in courts counting ballots for the next four years, Tuesday promises to be an election day like no other. To lessen frustrations that maybe encountered for Tennesseans who did not vote early, below are the acceptable forms of identifications that can be presented on Tuesday, November 6, 2012.

Any of the following IDs may be used, even if expired:

• Tennessee drivers license with your photo
• United States Passport
• Photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security
• Photo ID issued by the federal or any state government
• United States Military photo ID
• State-issued handgun carry permit with your photo
• In Memphis, TN, your library card may be used as ID.

 College student IDs and photo IDs not issued by the federal or a state government are NOT acceptable.

Voting in every election should be of the utmost importance to all Americans. Exercise that right. At one point in our country's history, not everyone could vote. It was against the law. Let's embrace how far we have come and never grow weary of fighting to keep all US citizens' rights to vote at the forefront.

For a copy of Davidson County's Tuesday ballot, click here.

Photos: Genma Holmes

Dr. Sheron Patterson on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

Join Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes as we profile organizations and leaders who lead by example. With extraordinary acts of kindness and charitable giving that help countless lives daily, these organizations and leaders embody "Be the change you want to see in the world".

We will hear from individuals who are global change agents. We will also hear from CEOs of social enterprise businesses who are changing communities and college educators who are taking their students out of the classroom and into surrounding neighborhoods for real world life lessons and to serve others. Listen to young men and women who are energized to help make a differences in their communities and regions by challenging status quo and shattering glass ceilings.

Dr. Sheron C. Patterson

On Saturday, November 3, 2012 tune in to hear Dr. Sheron Patterson.  Dr.Patterson, a breast cancer survivor, will share from latest book, Blessings and Bling: How Faith and Fashion Helped Me Survive Breast Cancer. Blessings and Bling chronicles how Patterson used her deep faith and her love of fashion to help her survive breast cancer. Dr. Patterson will also share how she did not allow a cancer diagnoses discourage her from giving back to her community. She turned despair into determination to fight as she fought for survivor and helped others. She will share about mobilizing other breast cancer survivors to build two Habitat for Humanity houses. The money raised from the build was used to provide funds for mammograms for women in need.

The author of numerous books, Dr. Patterson has been featured in Ebony, JET, Essence magazines, and on CNN and BET. Locally, she is the relationship expert on Good Morning Texas, on Dallas’ ABC affiliate WFAA. Dr. Patterson is a veteran journalist who has hosted local and nationally syndicated radio and television programs.

Living Your Best Life, a radio show that empowers, inspires and motivates one to live their BEST life, can heard on 760 AM in the Middle-Tennessee Region, military bases, and streamed live on U-Stream.TV from 9-10AM CST.

Excerpt from Book:

“Faith and fashion will not keep you from the challenges of breast cancer. I am not writing naïve, fairy tales that will lull you into the false-hoods that your health journey will be trouble free because of your relationship with Jesus or the latest pair of jeans. Reading this book will not guarantee that you will outlive the cancer in your body Your hair may fall out due to the chemo-therapy. The radiation treatments may burn your skin. Your cancer surgery site may become infected and require additional work. The stress and strain of the cancer may chase away family and friends…. I will help you make lemonade from your lemons; make Kool-Aid out of your cancer, and popsicles out of your problems. I am not trying to minimize the severity of your situation” Faith and Fashion are an amazing combination--Blessings and Bling

More About Dr. Sheron Patterson

 Dr. Sheron C. Patterson is a survivor and philanthropist who helps others survive and even thrive on an international basis. In 2006, Dr. Patterson was diagnosed with breast cancer. She turned what could have been a tragedy into a triumph and took the public with her every step through a radio, print and television education/inspiration campaign that helped others face their health issues head on called The Patterson Pledge. She launched Breast Cancer Builds, a program that brings survivors of breast cancer together to build a Habitat for Humanity house. Once Dr. Patterson learned of the disparities in the health care system, she reached out to low income women through a partnership with two Dallas hospitals and provided not only mammograms, but breast health information as well. This project called was Mammograms for the Masses. Dr. Patterson hosted international delegations of breast cancer survivors for informational and inspirational visits in collaboration with the U.S. State Department.

To celebrate surviving breast cancer five years, Dr. Patterson launched two philanthropic projects. In connection with Methodist Health System, she launched A Year of Living and Giving, a fund raising campaign seeking $200,000 to help 1,000 low income women receive free mammograms. Dr. Patterson also penned her survivor testimony in her newest book, Blessings and Bling: How Faith and Fashion Helped Me Survive Breast Cancer. A portion of these proceeds also help low income women receive free mammograms.

Currently, Dr. Patterson is the Communications Officer for the North Texas Region of The United Methodist Church. In this role, she edits a newspaper, directs a website, hosts the video newscast, coordinates social media outreach, and handles all public relations, advertising and marketing. She is active in the Dallas community and serves on numerous boards such as the Board of Trustees of Southern Methodist University and the Board of Directors of Methodist Health System.

A sought after speaker, she has spoken nationally and internationally at events such as “Women Thou Art Loosed” conference with Bishop T. D. Jakes and in Liberia, West Africa. For the past twenty years, she has served as an itinerate elder in The United Methodist Church and has been appointed as senior pastor to four United Methodist churches in Dallas, Texas (Crest-Moore King, Jubilee, St. Paul, and Highland Hills.) She holds the distinction of being the first African-American woman to be ordained in the North Texas region of The United Methodist Church. These extraordinary accomplishments landed Dr. Patterson a place of honor in the National Women’s Museum.

Dr. Patterson holds an undergraduate degree from Spelman College in Atlanta, GA, two Masters Degrees, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Dr. Patterson is married to Robert Patterson, Sr. They have two sons, Robert Jr., and Christian.