The reader will kindly forgive any tendency to rough language or behavior on the part of the site owner...
TMGlogo2006-2007phs-copy.jpg
"Good people sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."
TMGbloglabel1 copy.gif

TMGbloglabel3 copy.gif
TMGbloglabel10 copy.gif

TMGbloglabel2 copy.gif
The Mudville Gazette Feeds

 

Add to Technorati Favorites
Technorati Profile
add.gif
Add to Google
addtomyyahoo4.gif
ngsub1.gif sub_modern5.gif add2netvibes.gif Add to Plusmo subscribe2.gif myaol_cta1.gif

xml.gif rdf.png atom feed.jpg

digg.jpg

Find the best blogs at Blogs.com.

pl-news.gif

tvc_logo_small.png

Mrsg- Greyhawk's Profile
Mrsg- Greyhawk's Facebook profile
Create Your Badge
TMGbloglabel5 copy.gif

gngrey120x60.gif

TMGbloglabel6 copy.gif
350.jpg
Greetings! You are reading an article from The Mudville Gazette. To reach the front page, with all the latest news and views, click the logo above or "main" below. Thanks for stopping by!
« “There is no jihad. We are just instruments of death,” | Main | Thoughts and prayers ... »

August 1, 2007

greyhawk copy sm.png

Thank You Anheuser-Busch

By Mrs Greyhawk

...and not just for the beer.

For those few that have missed the Dawn Patrol, here's my excuse. My kids come home from work the other day and say "How 'bout we go to Bush Gardens (Tampa)"
It's FREE for military

That's right, those that are not familiar with this program it's called “Here’s to the Heroes”
"Here’s to the Heroes" provides a single day’s free admission once a year to any one SeaWorld or Busch Gardens park, Sesame Place, Adventure Island or Water Country USA, for the service member and as many as three of his or her direct dependents. Any active duty, active reserve, ready reserve service member or National Guardsman is entitled to free admission under the program. He or she need only register, either online here or in the entrance plaza of a participating park, and show a Department of Defense photo ID. Also included in the offer are members of foreign military forces serving in the coalitions in Iraq or Afghanistan or attached to American units in the U.S. for training.

"Here’s to the Heroes" is the fourth tribute to military personnel offered by Anheuser-Busch since Yellow Ribbon Summer welcomed service members home from the Gulf War in 1991.

Anheuser-Busch has supported the military for more than 150 years, and in 2005 launched the "Here’s to the Heroes Tour", which allowed everyday Americans to record video messages of support and thanks for the men and women of the U.S. military. The Heroes Tour traveled more than 29,000 miles to towns and events across America from April through December, collecting messages from more than 11,000 Americans. Working with the America Supports You program, the messages were aired on American Forces Radio and Television Service on U.S. military bases in more than 177 countries and on 150 bases in the United States throughout 2005.

I think that's awesome.

Now, free or not, I'm not normally the kind to go on a trip like this on a moments notice. I like to plan, make lists, so thank God (not Gore) for the internet. Google map made getting there easy. But a quick search for hotel and hotel reviews almost ended it. Hotels close by we're expensive ($150 to $220 a night for 5 people) and the inexpensive ones ($60-$80) were not in the best neighborhood, however I always look for a military base nearby and I found MacDill AFB, home base of US Central Command (CENTCOM), just 30 minutes away on the Bay and I must say, it's a beautiful base. It is located on the southern tip of the Interbay Peninsula.

The MacDill Inn was one of THE best hotels I've ever stayed at, and considering this was also TLF (Temporary Living Facilities) just made this even more surprising. It's a block from the bay, although beautiful not my cup of tea for swimming (don't like bay water). But the Gulf is only 25 minutes away. And the kicker is, it's only $36.00 a night for two bedrooms (1 queen and 2 twin beds), a living room with a queen hide-a-bed and a large chair that was a twin hide-a-bed, (sleeps a total of 7), a TV in each room with cable, a full size kitchen AND a washer and dryer. A hotel closer with all these amenities would have been in the $400 range, so 30 minutes doesn't seem so far anymore, beside I do that everyday to get to the mall.

As for Busch Gardens Tampa, it was AWESOME! The rides were spectacular, only one ride was shut down for maintenance, the 4-D movie theater was fun, Animals were exoctic and well cared for, food was great and reasonably priced. The park, itself, was not overly crowded, the lines for rides were 20 minutes long at THE most, plus each ride had lockers (nice), the rest rooms were really pleasantly clean, and the staff were friendly. Even though this is not a water park, plan on getting plenty wet so dress accordingly (No, see thru when wet tops, girls).

Overall, this is was a great family vacation, it would have been 1000 times better if dad could have been there but wait til next year dad and the kids drag you on the Sheikra with it's 90% drop from 200 ft or their personal favorite, the longest and most intense ride

The Montu

If you can't download the video Dad, kids will be sending their reports soon, with all the details. Wish you could have been there. Love You

Now for everyone else, Anheuser-Busch operates nine U.S. theme parks: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Busch Gardens Williamsburg; SeaWorld Orlando, SeaWorld San Diego and SeaWorld San Antonio; Discovery Cove in Orlando; Sesame Place near Philadelphia; Water Country USA in Williamsburg and Adventure Island in Tampa, so if you're military I highly recommend you register and go and those of you that are not, Busch Gardens offers any two days for the price of one and other deals, definitly worth the trip.

So Thank You Anheuser-Busch for your support of our military!


Bookmark and Share - via email, facebook, twitter, etc.

Posted by Mrs Greyhawk / August 1, 2007 11:20 AM | Permalink

13 Comments

Having been there in mid-June, I concur with Mrs. G's review. I paid for my entry, but it is good thru the end of the year. For $62, that's hard to beat.

And if you get a chance, you should check out Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo.

I'm an AF brat, as well as having served 8 years AF as well. I was 2 years in Wiesbaden, which is and was mainly an Army area. Not to rip on the green, but the accomodations at McDill do not surprise me one bit. The AF has alway had the reputation for taking good care of the troops and their families. Taking into account that McDill is an Air Force Base that see a lot of inter-service traffic, it follows that they would take pride in putting their best face forward for visitors. Hats off to Busch Gardens as well.

I think that it is wonderful that the Busch family extends this to you service folks. It doesn't escape me all that our military does for our great country and the citizens of the world in which we live. You folks are the shining lights of hope for the people of Iraq and Afganhistan and certainly deserve more in recognition than you typically receive.

About twenty five years ago I knew of a man that had fought at Iwo Jima. He had taken gunshot wounds to his knees that although he was able to walk, had permanently affected his mobility and were a constant source of pain to him. I was sixteen years old at the time and remembered expressing him a "Happy Memorial Day" for all he had done.

About five years ago, this man whom I had not seen in quite a few years, pulled me aside. It was just small talk about this and the other when he said that he wanted to tell me something. He is now in his 80's and his health is fragile so I knew how sincere he must have felt when he told me that it had meant an awful lot to him that his own sacrifices, both physical and mental, were recognized and more importantly, were appreciated. My small gesture of thanks had meant that much to him.

This much I do know for certain, you folks deserve and command respect and I for one will never stop appreciating all that so many have done for the cause of freedoms. God Bless you Each...

And Fort DeSoto Park is right nearby with a good beach and 13" seacoast morters.

Mmmmmmmmmm Beer

Yup - I'll go next year. Don't know about that 200-ft drop business though...

Glad to hear you guys had such a great time!! But you didn't really go on that Sheikra thing, did you?

And thanks Anheuser-Busch!

Its to bad they didin't do it for the Vietnam Vets, of course this is the only war they have supported!

MaryAnn,
Hell no, they don't make enough liquid courage and they don't make depends thick enough for that. I wussed out of the super roller coasters. I can handle the smaller ones, the spinning rides and water rides but that is about as far as my heart, stomach and bladder can handle :)

(No, see thru when wet tops, girls).

killjoy

Ahhhh Tampa. The home of my heart.

I love McDill. You're right, just a beautiful base. And I'm so glad you found a decent place to stay. Next time, if you want to know some great inexpensive places let me know. With a little notice I can pull some strings. Especially for the Hawk Family! ;-)

So glad y'all had a good time. BG is about the only amusement park I enjoy anymore!!

Sounds like a great trip. I'm glad you took it. Sometimes it's a nice change of pace to just go on a moment's notice.

You deserved a break, but I'm glad you're back!

So glad to read such nice news. Hope you can do something again before school starts. I don't like beer, but I might drink some A-B beer just because they are nice. Lovya

Mrs G copy.png

March 19, 2010


Dawn Patrol 03/19/2003
[Greyhawk]
Bookmark and Share - via email, facebook, twitter, etc.

"Welcome to the Dawn Patrol, our daily roundup of information on the War on Terror and other topics - from the MilBlogs and various sources around the world."

Mudville was founded in March, 2003. Our efforts to bring the thoughts, words, and deeds of milbloggers to a wider world evolved to become The Dawn Patrol in March, 2005. With today's entry we're going to reset the clock - but not re-write the history - and recreate the world as it was - on a day the world changed...

mar03rmnews.jpg

(More front pages here.)

Updating... more to follow....

MILBOGS

Andrew Olmsted, 19 Mar 2003, Stateside: It would appear that the liberation of Iraq has begun.

Greyhawk, 18 Mar 2003, Germany: A united world could have, just maybe, brought down Saddam without firing a shot. We will never know. 19 Mar: We'll never know what a united world could have achieved... the UN could not agree on anything, the situation degenerated, and here we are. Status quo was not working. The French were too desperate for oil and trade at any cost. Well-intentioned Americans were led into the streets by Communists (and others) with an agenda. The media distorted the split. Many in America and abroad thought they could manipulate the situation to their personal gain. They miscalculated. The fire is lit.

Pontifx ex Machina, 18 Mar, undisclosed location: Rolling out the gate, the guard gets a quick "hook-em, horns" sign as we weave through the barricades. Then we're off, cruising through the desert in a battered-up SUV. On the eve of war, only one thing passes through our minds: is there going to be any appropriate music on the radio?

Lt Smash, 19 Mar, undisclosed location: Read the President's speech today. The clock is ticking.

Chief Wiggles, 22 Mar, Kuwait: The war started Wednesday morning for us right after the president gave a speech to the American people that lasted about 4 minutes. We were all very anxious for this whole thing to be either over or get it on its way.

Will, 22 Mar, en route: I am going to Baghdad to personally shoot that paper hanging son of a bitch!

Lt Smash 20 Mar, undisclosed location:
From: Public Works Department
To: Saddam Hussein
Subj: BLASTING OPERATIONS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Sgt Stryker, 20 Mar, Stateside: Iraq to File U.N. Complaint About Attack

Primary Main Objective, 30 Mar, undisclosed location I Dare Kofi to Come Get Me.

pmomar03.jpg

BruceR, Flit, 19 Mar, Canada: AND SO IT BEGINS. Godspeed, Yanks. Come home safe and soon.

Andrew Olmsted, 20 Mar 2003, Stateside: The most important thing to remember over the next few days is this: the first reports are almost always inaccurate. First reports are generally submitted in the heat of battle before any real analysis can take place. Therefore, they're highly subjective, based on limited information, and rarely hit the mark. So as the first reports of 'surgical strikes' on Iraqi forces come in, it's best to take those reports with a grain of salt...

Iraqi Blogs

Salam Pax, Baghdad: The bombing aould come and go in waves, nothing too heavy and not yet comparable to what was going on in 91. all radio and TV stations are still on and while the air raid began the Iraqi TV was showing patriotic songs and didn't even bother to inform viewers that we are under attack. at the moment they are re-airing yesterday's interview with the minister of interior affairs. THe sounds of the anti-aircarft artillery is still louder than the booms and bangs which means that they are still far from where we live, but the images we saw on Al Arabia news channel showed a building burning near one of my aunts house...

Other Blogs

Andrew Sullivan, The Daily Dish: How much more morally indefensible is appeasement when we also have complete international authority to do what must be done? I think we will look back in the future and not ask, as so many now are, how it was that diplomacy didn't get unanimity on this matter. We will look back and see the moral obtuseness of Chirac and Putin and Schroder and Carter and feel nothing but contempt for them, and their preference for state terror over the responsibilities of the free world. That's why I felt enormous pride tonight in the stand being taken by Blair and Bush. The president's speech was measured, firm, just. Blair's political risks - in order to do what he believes is plainly right - will confirm him in history as a great prime minister, the conscience of his party, and the leader of his country. I say that before this war begins, because the cause is just whatever vicissitudes of conflict await us...

Glenn Reynolds has a ton of links.

Newpapers

mar03cst.jpg

mar03wapo.jpg

mar03usatday.jpg

mar03nyt.jpg

Updating... more to follow....


(The Dawn Patrol's Archives are here.)



Posted 2:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)


Bookmark and Share - via email, facebook, twitter, etc.

TMGbloglabel7copy.gif
The Mudville Gazette is the on-line voice of an American warrior and his wife who stands by him. They prefer to see peaceful change render force of arms unnecessary. Until that day they stand fast with those who struggle for freedom, strike for reason, and pray for a better tomorrow.
TMGrecentcomments.gif
  • Grannylu: So glad to read such nice news. Hope you can read more
  • Andi: Sounds like a great trip. I'm glad you took it. read more
  • Tammi: Ahhhh Tampa. The home of my heart. I love McDill. read more
  • Bruno: (No, see thru when wet tops, girls). killjoy read more
  • Mrs G: MaryAnn, Hell no, they don't make enough liquid courage and read more
  • Jerry Beaudin: Its to bad they didin't do it for the Vietnam read more
  • MaryAnn: Glad to hear you guys had such a great time!! read more
  • Greyhawk: Yup - I'll go next year. Don't know about that read more
  • Joe Mc: Mmmmmmmmmm Beer read more
  • Mikey NTH: And Fort DeSoto Park is right nearby with a good read more

MBC2010.jpg

MilBlog Conference Sponsors

GA_150x253_milblog.jpg

onesource logo.bmp

BAE_BannerAd_MilBlog_0309.jpg

MILBLOGS NEWS

*****

Latest Posts From MilBlogs

*****

milblogsa1.jpg Prev | List | Random | Next
Join
Powered by RingSurf!
TMGbloglabel2 copy.gif
The Dawn Patrol Feeds

 

Add to Google Reader or Homepage Subscribe in NewsGator Online Add to netvibes Add to Plusmo myaol_cta1.gif

xml.gif rdf.png atom feed.jpg

TMGbloglabel8copy.gif

TMGbloglabel9 copy.gif
Blah Blah Blah
me220.JPG

The Mudville Gazette is written and produced by Greyhawk. Unless otherwise credited, the opinions expressed are those of the author, and nothing here is to be taken as representing the official position of or endorsement by the United States Department of Defense or any of its subordinate components. Furthermore, I will occasionally use satire or parody herein. The bottom line: it's my house.

I like having visitors to my house. I hope you are entertained. I fight for your right to free speech, and am thrilled when you exercise said rights here. Comments and e-mails are welcome, but all such communication is to be assumed to be 1)the original work of any who initiate said communication and 2)the property of the Mudville Gazette, with free use granted thereto for publication in electronic or written form. If you do NOT wish to have your message posted, write "CONFIDENTIAL" in the subject line of your email.

Original content copyright © 2003 - 2009 by Greyhawk. Fair, not-for-profit use of said material by others is encouraged, as long as acknowledgement and credit is given, to include the url of the original source post. Other arrangements can be made as needed.

Contact: greyhawk at mudvillegazette dot com

andsm.jpg