Ralph's Home Page

ATHENA Goddess of War and VETERANS DAY.

I'm not sure when the weather bureau started to name our Winter Nor'easters but they did this week. ATHENA came on the heels of SANDY and while it was no where near the intensity of Sandy, it did pack enough of a wallop to the SAME area that got hit by Sandy. So maybe the weather geniuses thought it appropriate to name this winter storm.

I do know that the name ATHENA "Goddess Of War" coming the week of Veterans Day was pretty ironic. I guess the timing was good for us here in New England, but not for the people in Jersey and NY. We had snow and 70 degree weather in less than a week here in New Hampshire. Crazy.

There are still ways to help should you be so inclined. Click on this Red Cross banner below to find out how you can help.

As I just mentioned it's Veterans Day. November 11th, 2012.

Another Veterans Day has come, and those of us who are active in the community are witness to all the support and thanks bestowed on all Veterans from the schools, to the public gatherings, to social media. It's pretty humbling for a lot of us.

I can't help but think of my late father and father-in-law on this day.

This is my dad "Gus" in the South Pacific in WWII. He was a Fighting SeaBee". He was a proud Veteran his entire life.

This is my late Father-in-Law "Jerry." He was in the US ARMY'S 101st Airborne. Jerry went on to serve his country from 1961 to the day he passed away in 2005. We still miss him every single day. But especially around this time of year.

My dad and my father-in-law are part of the long standing tradition of Veterans in my family. All my uncles served in WWII and the youngest served in Korea. I was brought up with Veterans. I was always around them. It was part of my early childhood. The respect and pride they all had was part of the reason why I enlisted. I wanted to continue that tradition.

So I enlisted in the Marines. Even though I was a surfer, I knew this calling to serve my country was deeply embedded in my heart and soul. It was like a destiny of sorts where I had no control but to follow the sound of the drums and bugles.

I was a very proud Marine. I loved (and still do) my country and wanted to help out in any way I could. When the war in Vietnam was heating up I knew I would be going.

And I went with the same intentions as my forefathers did. To help save a nation of people from the evil that was destroying them. I was naive. But I think any 17yr old is. My parents had to sign for me to enlist. I was fresh out of High School.

War is not what you think. There is nothing pretty about it.

I could not wait to get home and go surfing again. But the friends I made while I was there, and the bond I made with other Marines is still with me today. It is forever.

I guess I was not prepared for the treatment we received when we came home. It was nothing like it is today. There were no Thank you's, no welcome home gatherings...none of that. In fact, on the airplane coming home, they warned us to take off our uniforms once we touched down. They told us people will yell at you and say awful terrible things. It's all true.

I was so confused by it all. My father and uncles all knew what was happening and they too felt embarrassed by it. How could America turn on it's own Military? Well, the protests against the war started to get more intense with each passing year. It became almost a recreation for a lot of college students.

Some of my own civilian friends were joining in.

Meanwhile, we veterans suffered the fallout of this unpopular war. We could not, and would not, talk about our war experiences, nor would we mention that we were veterans.

For me personally, I tried to grow my hair as fast as I could so I could slip into the scene without standing out like a sore thumb. But that only worked part of the time. Once my fellow college students found out I was a vet, I became a target.

The early to late 70's was a terrible time to be a veteran.

After the Vietnam Wall was erected on Veterans Day in 1982 the whole country shifted it's attitude towards the Vietnam Vet. Overnight a transformation had taken place. It was like we all came out of the closet at once.

The positives that came from that moment has quadrupled today. For you see my friends, it was the Vietnam vet who were the ones to stand up and say..."WE WILL NOT STAND BY AND LET ANOTHER GROUP OF VETERANS BE TREATED THE WAY WE WERE!" So it was the Vietnam Veteran who welcomed home the GULF WAR Vets. It was the Vietnam Veteran who said "Thank You" to the returning Iraqi and Afghanistan Veterans.

Today we are all thanked by almost everyone we meet.

I just thought you should know, that it was not always like that. But thank god that is in the past. For me? I love thanking all Veterans for their service, and I am not ashamed or embarrassed to say that I still get choked up when I am thanked by a friend, loved one, or total stranger. And I love thanking the older WWII Vets as well as the younger vets.

So Thank you to all my fellow Veteran friends and relatives. There are NOW too many to name here, but you all know who you are. And I know you know that I love you all and respect each and every one of you.

I thank the lord that we still have "John" Grandpa in our lives. John was a Fighter Pilot in the US AIRFORCE. And we are all so proud of him.

Now for Some Of My Weekly Global Observances:

Well, last week...America got out the Vote and it is 4 more years with our current president. Unlike a lot of people I know, I will support the office of the Presidency with 100% conviction. I hope and pray that things work out for all of us. This country is still worth fighting and dying for.

What the hell happend with CIA Director Petraus? Hello? WTF???

ATHENA hit hard on the heels of Hurricane Sandy last week...and poor KSM down in GITMO is still dealing with the high tides near his cell block. Here he is with an unusual high tide during his recreation hour last week. He was actually protesting the resigning of General Petraus saying that he thinks "every man should have 72 wives..."

Note to self: Must pick up a copy of "72 Virgins" at the used book
section at Home Depot.

Patriots are now in First Place in the AFC East by barely beating the
Bills on Veterans Day...I swear this team is driving me crazy.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY USMC 237years November 10th, 2012!
HAPPY VETERANS DAY All Veterans! November 11th 2012!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jon Gozzo November 12th 2012!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Doug Hendry November 12th 2012!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Daniela Taber November 12th 2012!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mitch Hargraves November 12th 2012!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Tim Bailey November 13th 2012!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Barbara Savastano November 15th 2012!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Ashley Lockwood November 16th 2012!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Joe Gangi November 17th 2012!

Get Well soon Mr Cropper father of Dave and Mike Cropper. Please keep Mr Cropper in your thoughts and prayers.
GET WELL SOON Mike Cropper!

Please Support ALL The photographers who contribute to Ralph's Pic
Of The Week every week for the last 9 years. **Think about BUYING a HIGH RES Photo from any of the weeks on RPOTW. Keep in mind the photos you steal from this site are low RES. You can't blow them up. Order HIGH RES photos that are suitable for framing. It's a GREAT Gift Idea. A nice framed photo of your favorite Surfer or Surf Break!

Remember my friends...Surfing Heals All Wounds....
Pray for Surf. Pray for Peace. Surf For Fun.

Ralph

JUST RELEASED and IN THE SHOPS and Online!!
Don't forget to go back and read the whole DAILY BLOG on My
CATCH A WAVE FOR MOLLY. (Click On the Banner below on this page.)
Started on July 26, 2010 ENDED July 26, 2011. A Wave a day for 365
consecutive days. Just click on the banner ads on this page.

To contact the advertisers below, simply click on the Ad space. Anyone wishing to find out info about advertising here can do so by emailing me directly. Ralph's Email I'll send you a template and other info on how you can become a paid sponsor

We highly recommend the various businesses and artists listed below. Why? Well simply put, each and every one of them is a Surfer, who lives the Surfing Lifestyle, and their business is a reflection of that lifestyle that we all love.

Yesterday- Summer of 1972...somewhere in southern Maine
(Below) Believe it or not this was shot with a damn polaroid camera. Can you believe that? A Polaroid? Not exactly the best gear for the beach. But at least I have proof.
Photo by RALPH /SFOD

Click on the photo above to see the larger version.

TODAY ... all the photos below were taken this week, unless otherwise noted.

Today-ATHENA Goddess Of War. November 8th, 2012.
Photos by RALPH

(Above) This named Nor'easter "ATHENA" hit on the heels of Hurricane Sandy.
Stevie O'Hara could care less what it's name is...he's just glad to surf another
overhead swell. November 8th, 2012. Photo By RALPH
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.

(Above) This Ryan McGill taking a late death drop. November 8th, 2012.
Photo By RALPH* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.

(Above) Ryan McGill ATHENA bottom turn. November 8th, 2012.
Photo By RALPH* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.

(Above) ATHENA had teeth. November 8th, 2012.
Photo By RALPH* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.

(Above) Johnny Meehan. November 8th, 2012. Photo By RALPH
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.

(Above) ATHENA marching in... November 8th, 2012. Photo By RALPH
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.

Today-ATHENA Goddess Of War. Day 2 November 9th, 2012.
Photos by RALPH

(Above) ATHENA cleaned up nicely the next day. November 9th, 2012. Photo By RALPH
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.

Click above to read the entire MOLLY BLOG in Chronological order

(Above) Empty ATHENA peak. November 9th, 2012. Photo By RALPH
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.

(Above) ATHENA soul rider. November 9th, 2012. Photo By RALPH
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.

(Above) Cute ATHENA peak. November 9th, 2012. Photo By RALPH
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.

(Above) ATHENA nose glider. November 9th, 2012. Photo By RALPH
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.

(Above) Mini mutant ATHENA . November 9th, 2012. Photo By RALPH
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.

Today-Veterans Day Week...Nov 9-10-11-2012
Photos by RALPH

(Above) That's me and Chris Nevins on Sunday November 11th, 2012- Veterans Day.
Photo By Cory* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.

(Above) My Rifle squad under the command of my VERY good friend and fellow Marine George Masten. George fought in both Korea and Vietnam. Sunday November 11th, 2012.
Photo By RALPH* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.

(Above) The kids at Marston School. Such a tremendous show of love and respect.
Friday November 9th, 2012 Veterans Day. Photo By RALPH
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.

(Above) That's the senior citizens at a local seacoast nursing home. We saw it all this
day. From the young kids to the elderly. The full cycle of life. November 9th, 2012
Photo By RALPH* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.

Great NEW EP from local surfer/musician
Nick Checo download it for free by clicking on image above.

Today-A VETERAN'S LOVE STORY. November 11th, 2012.
Photos UNKNOWN

(Above) This is very emotional to watch. But YOU NEED to see this. This is a TRUE LOVE
story. This is all about the dedication and commitment between two people who love each other. PLEASE Watch This Clip You will be so glad that you did.
* Click on the play button see the Whole video.

Today-HIC PRO North Shore Hawaii. November 10th, 2012.
Photos By BERNIE BAKER

(Above) There is only one Hawaii. November 10th, 2012. Photo By BERNIE BAKER
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.

(Above) There is only one Sunny Garcia. November 10th, 2012. Photo By BERNIE BAKER
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.

Today-Sometimes You Leave The Boat Behind...Nov. 10th, 2012.
Photos by The PHANTOM

(Above) You longtime readers know that the Phantom is known for his boat adventures out west. Well...sometimes you leave the little boats behind. And you walk to the surf. This is Wally driving on a perfect wave. November 10th, 2012. Photo By The Phantom
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.

Help the victims of Hurricane Sandy

(Above) This is Steve "Wheels" Wheeler heading into the No Tuck Zone.
November 10th, 2012. Photo By The Phantom
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.

We welcome all Surf Related pics from our Readers. Just make sure they are at least 900 pixels wide. If you have any OLD photos of local New England surfers and or of local New England surfing, we would love to see them and share them with our readers.

We can scan them for you. And we get them back to you undamaged. Trust me.We can do this...people love the older stuff. So if you have any, please send 'em along. If you have prints/slides we can scan them for you.

And we don't care if you shoot pics with with your cellphones. I mean it. Most of the images you see on the news and on the
Internet were shot with them Smart Ass Phones. Shoot and ask questions later. Just shoot them and send them along.

(Above) Fish Puddle. Friday November 9th, 2012.
Photo By Lenny Nichols* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.

(Above) ATHENA in Massachusetts. November 8th 2012. Photo By Onree
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.

NEW QWILL Single JUST RELEASED on fathers Day June 17, 2012 GREAT SONG

(Above) Somewhere in Georgia. Is that fire Ed? Dang! November 9th, 2012.
Photo By Ed O'Connell * Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.

(Above) Stan Bocko surfing Cafeterias on . November 9th, 2012. Photo By Mindy Bocko
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.

Local comic Jimmy Dunn has a great NEW book out called...BOAT HACK. JImmy is a local surfer who also happens to be a National Comic and author...check it out.

Click on graphic to order a copy.

(Above) All Rise: 10th Street District Court of Surf Justice is now in session, the
Honorable Judge RALPH presiding. CASE 187 BLATANT DROP IN OF THE WEEK-
Click the photo to see the outcome of this Surf crime and the verdict.
Photo By RALPH

* Click on the photo above to see the OUTCOME.

Click above to follow the entire CATCH A WAVE FOR MOLLY Blog. From start to finish. In chronological order as it happened.

CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON on each clip to view videos

Hurricane Sandy | South Florida from Cavin Brothers on Vimeo.

This is a great clip that is not only well edited and shot, but some great surfing. And...it's all in Florida. Worth watching.

This is the latest trailer for the documentary SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS. It is available at the Local Surf Shops and online. surffreeordie.com Portion of the proceeds will go directly to the Molly Rowlee Fund. Thank you. Surfing, Community, and Love.

Crackie is with his fellow War Veterans this week. If you know any vets in your family ask them about their service and then write it down. Pass it on to the next generation. Meanwhile If you have
a question no matter how stupid, or absurd, please send it here...crackie@adlantic.com

Crackie has his own Face book Page. You should Friend Him...though there are no guarantees that he'll be nice to you.

COMING NEXT WEEK! Another swell!!!

Recorded in 1978. Click on VINNY CD
art to see a larger version and how to
order this CD and others for sale at
GAF Music. www.gafmusic.com
A Division of Adlantic

COMING NEXT WEEK! John Carden Veterans Day images...

Recorded in 1983. Click on VINNY CD art
to see a larger version and how to order this CD and others for sale at GAF Music.
www.gafmusic.com
A Division of Adlantic

(Above) Put the cursor over the images above to see happens when you DROP in
on someone. You become Invisible. Simply put the mouse over the photo to see the
original photo and then marvel at the results of what happens when the criminal
becomes invisible.*Put the cursor over the photo to see the Real image.
Photo by RALPH

Today November 2012 "SUL" Stand Up Ladder Surfing

(Above) It was just a matter of time...God Help Us All.
Photo via the Internet

Click on Wave to return to top of page

This site/blog designed and maintained
by Adlantic copyright 2012