Farm Fresh Marine leaves Amish Roots.

(Image to the right. Pvt. Abner A. Miller, Platoon 1152 a former Amish Order community member)

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO(Jan. 13, 2006) -- The Marine Corps is a cornucopia of people. It's an array of black, white, brown, red and yellow, and its varied folk practice a plethora of religions. In the last year, two recruits, who happen to be brothers, came separately from perhaps the Corps' most uncommon origin - the Amish Order."It's a very small world within the Amish community," said Pvt. Abner A. Miller, Platoon 1152. "Usually it's a 20-mile circle. We go as far as the horse and buggy take us."Miller grew up in a sheltered environment. Born and raised on a farm in Maquoketa, Iowa, he lived a farmer's life."There was a lot of hard work, but it was a good life," said Miller. "(The Amish) abide by laws that regulate the way you dress and the way you work. I don't abide by that anymore."Much like his brother, Roy A. Miller, who graduated with Company K last July, Abner Miller fell away from the traditions of his order and ventured into the world to see something beyond a farm. Roy was the first of his family in at least 200 years to join the military. Abner would be number two. "Basically, I got tired of the old tradition. I wanted something more," said Miller.Working as a farmer until he was 21, Miller left the farm and took up a job in interior carpentry, building cabinets for two years before he became a truck driver. Go to this link for the complete story by Lance Cpl. Dorian Gardner

The Amish Time Machine

(Image to the left. In the spirit of time why not go back and rid yourself and others of a few wrinkles?)

I decided this past weekend to sneek out of the fields and take a trip to the big city with my family. In doing so we decided to vist what the English call a 'mall' and see these things that we hear about often. We were truely amazed att everything there but the thing that caght my boy's and my attention were these two really big shiney doors that would open and close. My son asked me what were these things and I honestly didn't know so I said, "I have not the foggiest idea." since I've never seen such. I decided we should stand a while and see what exactly they were and did so we waited patiently. Not long after an old lady came limping along with a cane and pressed the button on the wall. Shortly, the sliding doors opened up revealing a small room that she entered then the doors closed again. Small circles of light lit up and then reversed themselves all while we watched. The next thing we knew the doors opened again and the most beautiful young woman I've ever seen came walking out. With much awe my son looked at me. Only one thing came to mind to say after seeing this thing...

"Son, go get your mother!"

Happy New Year All!!!

(Image to the right. Time flies when you have no idea what time it really is. Thanks Parson!)

Ordinarily, I take great care in being on time for events and matters of importance. It seems the Parson decided though, we were spending too much time concerning ourselves with the upcoming New Year instead of our daily activities. As such, he took up every time keeping device we had in the entire Ordnung to prove a point. By the time any of us realized the New Year was hear it had passed us with fleeting speed. Just remember one thing if anything this year, spend as much time as you can with your family, loved ones, and friends. Time is fast and before you know we'll have lost another year. For some we may not have a year so it's important to let everyone know as often as possible the love we hold for them. Have a blessed and wonderful new year.

PS- Could someone please send me another digital clock? The Parson found mine hidden in the barn and destroyed it without haste.