March 27, 2016

Finally paid off my student loans today!

Thank God...

44k, took about 2 years. Something I never realized was exactly how fast the interest adds up on these things. I borrowed about 39k originally. I understand that's how loans work, but looking at the math when you agree and seeing the proof in the pudding are two quite different feelings.

Anyway, as of today, my wife and I are 100% debt free!

March 14, 2016

Controversial Marine Corps unit recognizes a war hero

http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/story/military/2016/03/14/controversial-marine-corps-unit-recognizes-war-hero-matthew-parker-silver-star/81654822/?=ccc

A Marine infantry battalion that was embroiled in a war-zone scandal will present a former squad leader with the nation's third-highest valor award this week — nearly five years after he led his comrades out of an intense firefight in Afghanistan.

Former Sgt. Matthew Parker, who served as a squad leader with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines, during the unit's 2011 deployment to Afghanistan, will be presented with the Silver Star on Friday during a ceremony at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Marine Corps Times has learned.

Parker is being recognized for stepping up to lead his platoon when his commander and another squad leader were injured in an attack while operating in Helmand province's Musa Qala district, according to his award citation.

While Parker's actions serve as an example of the success 3/2 showed on the battlefield during what was highly held as a successful deployment, much of it was overshadowed when a video surfaced in 2012 showing other Marines with his unit defiling enemy remains.

Parker was not involved, but his award nomination — along with several other personnel matters within the unit — was put on administrative hold, said 1st Lt. Joe Caldwell, a Marine spokesman.

March 11, 2016

Escaped inmate killed by father of family he took hostage.

http://wreg.com/2016/03/10/escaped-mississippi-inmate-killed-by-family-he-took-hostage/

VICKSBURG, Miss. — An escaped murder suspect has been shot and killed by a family he took hostage.

Rafael McCloud escaped from jail in Warren County, Mississippi last week where he was being held on charges of rape and capital murder.

Thursday morning, he approached a man who was starting his car and forced his way into the man’s home.

McCloud tied up the man and his wife and then stabbed the man according to WLBT-TV.

At some point, the man reportedly got free, got his gun and shot McCloud to death.

The man was taken to the hospital, his wife and two children were not injured.




Good work buddy.