Day: July 4, 2024

The Story of Lucca, the Retired Military DogLucca, a brave U.S. Marine Corps dog, served her country with distinction and saved countless lives during her military career. Her story is one of loyalty, courage, and the special bond between a military dog and her handler. Background: Lucca was a German Shepherd/Belgian Malinois mix, trained as a specialized search dog. She began her service in the Marine Corps at the age of two and quickly proved herself to be an invaluable asset in combat zones. Military Service: Lucca served two deployments to Iraq and one to Afghanistan over a six-year career. She was trained to detect explosives and played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of U.S. troops. Heroic Acts: During her deployments, Lucca conducted over 400 missions. Her keen sense of smell and rigorous training allowed her to locate numerous IEDs (improvised explosive devices) and other hidden threats. Her work directly saved the lives of many soldiers by preventing potential ambushes and attacks. The Fateful Day: On March 23, 2012, while on patrol in Afghanistan with her handler, Corporal Juan Rodriguez, Lucca detected an IED. She alerted the patrol and began her search for additional explosives. Tragically, during the… CONTINUE READING…

The Story of Army Specialist Vanessa GuillénOne of the most heart-wrenching stories in recent memory is that of U.S. Army Specialist Vanessa Guillén, whose tragic death brought national attention to issues of sexual harassment and violence within the military. Background: Vanessa Guillén was a 20-year-old soldier stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. She was a dedicated and passionate service member who had dreams of advancing her career in the Army. Vanessa was known for her bright spirit and commitment to her duties. The Disappearance: On April 22, 2020, Vanessa was reported missing. Her disappearance raised alarm among her family and fellow soldiers, especially as her belongings, including her keys and ID, were found at her workplace. The Investigation: The investigation into her disappearance revealed shocking and troubling details. Before her disappearance, Vanessa had confided in her family that she was being sexually harassed by a superior. She had not officially reported the harassment due to fear of retaliation. The Tragic Discovery: After weeks of searching and increasing public outcry, Vanessa’s remains were found on June 30, 2020, near the Leon River in Bell County, Texas. She had been brutally murdered. The investigation revealed that Specialist Aaron Robinson, a fellow soldier, was… CONTINUE READING…

St Conan’s Kirk is an extraordinary early 20th-century church on the shore of Loch Awe, built by Walter Douglas Campbell, brother of the 1st Lord Blythswood, and incorporating fragments of carving from Iona. In the 1870s a new railway line was built along the north shore of Loch Awe, linking Dalmally and Taynuilt. Douglas Campbell took advantage of easy access to the loch to purchase the island of Innischonan and build a mansion for himself, his mother, and his sister Helen. Tradition suggests that Campbell’s mother found the carriage ride to Dalmally church too taxing, so Campbell decided to build a new church on the shore.  Campbell began building a small cruciform church here in 1881, situated where the nave of the current church stands. This was complete by 1886. But it was not long before Campbell decided to create something far more elaborate and grandiose. In 1907 he began a much larger, more ornate building, and entirely rebuilt the earlier structure. Campbell died in 1914 and the work was carried on by his sister Helen. Then she died in 1927, so it was not until 1930 that the building was finally consecrated.  Romanesque entrance doorway Why did it take… CONTINUE READING…