Obama to service members: We never take you for granted - Chat with us in Facebook Messenger. Find out what's happening in the world as it unfolds.MUST WATCH (18 Videos)President Barack Obama thanked troops and their families for their service during Christmas Day remarks at Marine Corps Base Hawaii"You help keep us free. You help keep us strong. And whatever service you're in, we are extraordinarily grateful for everything you do every single day," Obama saidWashington (CNN)President Barack Obama thanked troops and their families for their service during Christmas Day remarks at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, noting the six service members who died earlier this week after a suicide attack in Afghanistan at Bagram Air Force Base."Even though we have been able to reduce the number of folks who are deployed in places like Iraq and Afghanistan, there are still folks over there every single day and it's still dangerous, as we saw this past week with the outstanding brave Americans who were killed," said Obama, who was joined by first lady Michelle Obama."And so we never take for granted what all of you do for the American people. You help keep us free. You help keep us strong. And whatever service you're in, we are extraordinarily grateful for everything you do every single day. And we hope you guys had a wonderful Christmas."The holiday visit and remarks have become an annual tradition for the President and first lady. There were about 460 people -- service members and their families -- at the event, according to a base spokesman. After the remarks, the Obamas took pictures with the audience."This is one of our favorite things to do every single year, because not only are we in Hawaii for Christmas, but we're also able to say thank you on behalf of the American people," the President said. "So many families here are serving tirelessly. And it's not just those in uniform who serve, it's also the spouses, the kids. There are times when you're missing birthdays, missing soccer games, making sacrifices."Read MoreHe also took the opportunity for some lighthearted comments, joking at the end about his daily workouts on the base and how he pales in comparison to the Marines who are in the gym at the same time."The only problem I've got when I'm here is having to work out with Marines in the gym," he said, generating some laughter. "Because I generally feel like your commander in chief is in pretty good shape, and then I get next to some guy curling 100 pounds and it makes me feel small. But that's OK. It gives me some inspiration. I'm going to work harder so I can keep up with you next year, all right?"On Friday, the President made telephone calls to U.S. service members from each branch of the military who are stationed in various parts of the world. The White House said Obama delivered a message similar to what he would later give in his address at the base, expressing his gratitude on behalf of all Americans for their service and sacrifice.Never Take Things For Granted Again
Hello everyone!
Sorry it's been a few days, but I can barely remember what has happened.....I just wanted to make the wonderful announcement that I was finally able to have a shower today!!&&YAHOO!!&&***CLAP CLAP CLAP***
I vow, before all you wonderful people, that I will never EVER again take for granted the &small& things in life that people do every single day without a second thought....(ie: showers, walking, brushing my teeth, going to bathroom, etc...)
I do know that if I wouldn't have gotten that Solumedrol treatment, things would have been worse, but I absolutely, 100% hated the horrible side affects of that medication.....YUK!
Tammy&&:)
Page 1 of 1
A SHOWER!!!???&&Eeee Haaawww!!
You go, girl!
I'm happy for you....and those around you.
A SHOWER!!!???&&Eeee Haaawww!!
You go, girl!
I'm happy for you....and those around you.
hardy har har......(yes, it was 'that' bad)
Thanks Chris!!
hardy har har......(yes, it was 'that' bad)
Thanks Chris!!
Thank the Lord for indoor plumbing!
Aside from feeling clean, how are you doing?
Thank the Lord for indoor plumbing!
Aside from feeling clean, how are you doing?
LOL on the indoor plumbing thingy........
I'm getting there, thanks for asking......Most of the numbness is gone, but has been replaced with hummmmmmmmmming..I lost like 8 lbs in 3 days and finally was able to stand for more than 5 minutes....(hence, the long shower...)&&My son is VERY happy....
I know I shouldn't whine or complain, but that Solumedrol was horrid!&&I hope it might get easier if I have to do that ever again.....
LOL on the indoor plumbing thingy........
I'm getting there, thanks for asking......Most of the numbness is gone, but has been replaced with hummmmmmmmmming..I lost like 8 lbs in 3 days and finally was able to stand for more than 5 minutes....(hence, the long shower...)&&My son is VERY happy....
I know I shouldn't whine or complain, but that Solumedrol was horrid!&&I hope it might get easier if I have to do that ever again.....
Oy!&&What a time you've had this past week!
It can only get better, right?&&Are you getting used to your diagnosis at all?
Oy!&&What a time you've had this past week!
It can only get better, right?&&Are you getting used to your diagnosis at all?
I realized the appreciation we should all have for indoor plumbing a few years ago when we were travelling the forestry road that is in the foothills of the rocky mountains in Alberta.&&We travelled 15 days (yes, FIFTEEN) without a shower in the back country, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, sitting by a smoky fire every night, travelling on dry, dusty, dirty roads. When we finally had one it was in a hostel in a small town that &caters& to the people that &live& and camp in the back country.&&It was a nice shower...just a little too public for me in that there were only two stalls for women and NO privacy.&&After 15 days without a shower...a little privacy would have been nice.
I am so glad that the Solumedrol is over and you have had positive results!&&I can't believe you lost that much weight...I ballooned and I still haven't lost it!&&Are you going to be on a weaning Prednisone now as well?
I guess we have to be grateful that the Solumedrol is available to us otherwise I don't know what some of us would do?
You are still allowed to whine and complain and rant and rave all you want though...remember, that is what we are here for honey!
Lots of Hugs,
I realized the appreciation we should all have for indoor plumbing a few years ago when we were travelling the forestry road that is in the foothills of the rocky mountains in Alberta.&&We travelled 15 days (yes, FIFTEEN) without a shower in the back country, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, sitting by a smoky fire every night, travelling on dry, dusty, dirty roads. When we finally had one it was in a hostel in a small town that &caters& to the people that &live& and camp in the back country.&&It was a nice shower...just a little too public for me in that there were only two stalls for women and NO privacy.&&After 15 days without a shower...a little privacy would have been nice.
I am so glad that the Solumedrol is over and you have had positive results!&&I can't believe you lost that much weight...I ballooned and I still haven't lost it!&&Are you going to be on a weaning Prednisone now as well?
I guess we have to be grateful that the Solumedrol is available to us otherwise I don't know what some of us would do?
You are still allowed to whine and complain and rant and rave all you want though...remember, that is what we are here for honey!
Lots of Hugs,
You know what, I don't truly believe the diagnosis......Don't know if it's denial, disbelief, knowing it may change again, etc...
I mean, how many times have I heard, in this forum alone, that people have been told it's MS, its not MS, it's MS, it's not MS.....probably, possible, could be, maybe, I don't know....AHHHHHHHHH!&& Sorry....
I am waiting for a call from my Neuro, but I have a feeling it still won't be 'definitive' in his eyes....After all, ER doctors aren't &specialists&, right?
(Am I confused or what???)
Aren't you sorry you asked, Chris?&&hehe&&:)
Tammy
You know what, I don't truly believe the diagnosis......Don't know if it's denial, disbelief, knowing it may change again, etc...
I mean, how many times have I heard, in this forum alone, that people have been told it's MS, its not MS, it's MS, it's not MS.....probably, possible, could be, maybe, I don't know....AHHHHHHHHH!&& Sorry....
I am waiting for a call from my Neuro, but I have a feeling it still won't be 'definitive' in his eyes....After all, ER doctors aren't &specialists&, right?
(Am I confused or what???)
Aren't you sorry you asked, Chris?&&hehe&&:)
Tammy
Did I ask something?
Just kidding!&&I'm sure you're going through very normal emotions.&&And I'm sure you want to hear it from the 'horse's mouth.'....or jack-***, if that is the case.&&We'll have to wait and see, right?
When do you see the neuro next?
Did I ask something?
Just kidding!&&I'm sure you're going through very normal emotions.&&And I'm sure you want to hear it from the 'horse's mouth.'....or jack-***, if that is the case.&&We'll have to wait and see, right?
When do you see the neuro next?
Nice story about that incredible hike you had....YIKES!&&15 days is a LONG time without a shower....wow!
I am not being weaned off the steroids, kinda confused about that, but what else is new these days.....Maybe Quix can provide some input on that....or anyone????
Zilla: How about horse's a**?
I'm not sure how long before going to the Neuro....I was under the impression that it would be &soon&, but I will find out tomorrow.....
Nice story about that incredible hike you had....YIKES!&&15 days is a LONG time without a shower....wow!
I am not being weaned off the steroids, kinda confused about that, but what else is new these days.....Maybe Quix can provide some input on that....or anyone????
Zilla: How about horse's a**?
I'm not sure how long before going to the Neuro....I was under the impression that it would be &soon&, but I will find out tomorrow.....
Yes, horse's a** works, too.
Good luck with the neuro.&&It has got to help that others are already treating you for MS, I should think!&&Keep a good thought!&&And then switch neuros, ifall else fails.&&But it won't, I just know it!
Yes, horse's a** works, too.
Good luck with the neuro.&&It has got to help that others are already treating you for MS, I should think!&&Keep a good thought!&&And then switch neuros, ifall else fails.&&But it won't, I just know it!
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Never Take Things For Granted Again
Hello everyone!
Sorry it's been a few days, but I can barely remember what has happened.....I just wanted to make the wonderful announcement that I was finally able to have a shower today!!&&YAHOO!!&&***CLAP CLAP CLAP***
I vow, before all you wonderful people, that I will never EVER again take for granted the &small& things in life that people do every single day without a second thought....(ie: showers, walking, brushing my teeth, going to bathroom, etc...)
I do know that if I wouldn't have gotten that Solumedrol treatment, things would have been worse, but I absolutely, 100% hated the horrible side affects of that medication.....YUK!
Tammy&&:)
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We have never taken for granted how lucky we are to have the freedom to travel and how lucky we were to have our first opportunity to visit a faraway land in 2000. If it weren’t for travel, we
and we would certainly not be living our dreams.Having the Freedom to Travel is a PrivilegeFreedom to TravelDave and I often talk about how strange life can be. Who decides who has access to opportunity and how were we so lucky to be born where we were born? As a couple of middle class Canadians, we have always had a comfortable and privileged standard of living. Even if we weren’t considered rich in our own country, we could enjoy the luxuries of life. There was always food, clean water, air conditioning and heat, and of course opportunities and freedom to travel. It was those opportunities to travel that helped shaped who we are today.Mark Twain said “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.”We agree with this quote whole-heartedly. We’ve been lucky to have the freedom to travel to places like the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, we were exposed to cultures that we could never understand or comprehend had we stayed in our own little corner of the world in Otterville and Burlington, Ontario. When we come home we have a new perspective on the beliefs and ideals from other walks of life. Travel has helped us appreciate and understand other views on the world and it has helped open our minds. We have often said that travel is the best education. We both studied foreign lands in school, but we never truly understood anything we learned until we visited those foreign lands. Through the past 15 years of travel, we have become more open minded, compassionate, tolerant, and patient.See the beauty and power of having the freedom to Travel in this moving video: I am TravelRead more about the impact of Visa facilitation at the Appreciate and Understand Culture Through Travel FreedomAs Canadians, we’ve always been taught to accept other cultures, but how can one truly understand how another person lives, unless they experience that way of life first hand? We are the lucky ones. Canadians have the privilege and freedom to travel to
without having to obtain a visa. That is a lot of travel freedom that many other citizens around the world don’t have. But times are changing. Travel couple Savi and Vid of have visited more than 250 cities in 40 countries on an Indian Passport. They
on how they have managed to work through the trials and tribulations of traveling on a restrictive passport and have made it work.
More and more people from developing countries are starting to have more freedom to travel and that is exciting.More people are beginning to Travel the WorldPeople are beginning to have opportunities to see our way of living here in North America and they are starting to enjoy the beauty of the world. We have always believed that if more people travelled, there would be less conflict in the world. We have seen first hand through our travels that most people want the same thing out of life. No matter what religion, race, or culture, humans simply want to be happy, safe, and surrounded by friends and family. We are all far more similar than we realize.Dave enjoys visiting a school in the Peruvian AmazonA couple of years ago, we attended the Adventure Travel World Summit and saw just how much the world is changing as more people experience the freedom to travel. According to Taleb Rifai, Secretary General of the UNWTO, “1 billion people are now crossing borders, and instead of fighting it, countries should look at this as an opportunity rather than a crisis.” This statement always stuck with me. That’s a lot of people travelling.Freedom to Travel by fixing Visa RestrictionsI understand countries are worried about security issues, but there has to be better ways to screen threats than to just charge a lot of money.
We have the freedom to travel anywhere as CanadiansA couple of months later we travelled to Turkey. Like many countries that we travel to, Canadians don’t need a Visa before entering, they simply need to obtain a Visa on arrival. But we noticed that Canadians were charged more than US and EU Citizens. When I asked the officer why at the desk, he replied, “You should see what Canada charges us to enter your country.” That really hit home. While we only had to pay $60 to enter, he said Turks must pay $600 to enter Canada. Upon further investigation, we learned that Canada actually charges $500 for a family to enter the country, $100 for an individual and an extra $85 for a biometrics fee. When you consider the average income for a Canadian compared to that of a Turk, the fee is extremely high. So why does Canada shut it’s doors to so many potential tourists and take away their freedom to travel to our country?The WTTC says “Freedom to Travel means ensuring that people have the right to cross international borders safely and efficiently for tourism purposes. It means smarter visa processes, more visa waiver agreements and trusted traveller programmes.“We value our freedom to travel and explore the world and when we learn about what other countries must go through, we realize how lucky we are. Whenever we have to buy a visa in advance, we complain about the complexity and expense. When we took part in the Mongol Rally driving a car from England to Mongolia, we actually rerouted our course based on the cost of Visas. It’s a big world out there, why should we visit countries that charge us an arm and a leg to enter?Expensive Visas for Canadians traveling to RussiaWe understand that Visas have been, and are an important part of immigration policy. They help regulate tourist numbers, they are a
source of revenue for countries, and to a certain extent, they help with security. But, with the technology we have access to today, I know there must
be a better way.
Camel Guide Talks on his Cell phone in the Thar DesertWe have said it before the world is a better place with the freedom to travel. As the earth shrinks due to expanding technology, everyone now has access and freedom to do business across oceans. New jobs are being created each day and prosperity is crossing borders into new lands. Even we have become mobile in our business. I never thought I’d be working regularly with companies on 5 different continents. If we had these restrictions, we couldn’t do our job. It’s an exciting time for travel, let’s open our minds to allow everyone the freedom to travel that we have enjoyed for so many years.Have you run into Visa restrictions that have made you change your travel plans? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below. The WTTC will be watching for compelling stories and may publish your message on their Medium account. Let’s start spreading the message of Freedom to travel for everyoneFor more information regarding Freedom to Travel, visit the
nd if you missed it above, be sure to , above. You can leave your story in the comments there as well.Read Next:
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