Pritzker Military Library American Icons Of The Great War

As some of you may or may not know I’m a member of the Pritzker Military Library and the Membership Director for the Library’s Young Professional Association.

On Thursday, April 18th we will be hosting an exhibit opening called “American Icons of the Great War.”

American Icons of the Great War includes some of the United States’ most iconic images that emerged from the propaganda posters created during World War I (1914-1918). Using original posters from the era, the exhibit shows how these artists utilized well known symbols to rally the United States behind the war effort.

The link for the event is here.

 

I’m one of the few Lexicans that lives in Chicago but if you do, I’d be honored if you would attend. If you don’t and know someone that lives in the area please feel free to pass the word along. We also accept donations and those proceeds will to go programs to assist us in veteran outreach.

Thank you.

Where Do We Go From Here?

Apache Scout
by Frank McCarthy

For the first time, virtually ever, there was no “Daily Lex” today. Todd has done a superb job taking care of this for a year now. Yes, others have stepped in from time to time but Todd has really done the heavy lifting. He has laid this burden down, as he said he would. Though I was ready for this, still when I came here today it was, “Uh, oh yeah. Yesterday was it. Well, now what?”

Yes, now what? Does someone else pick up the task or do we say farewell to the “Daily Lex”? I fear that The Lexicans might wither and eventually be neglected, left to gather dust on the virtual bookshelf. Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions as to what we do next?

We knew this day would come. So my brothers and sisters, what’s next?

And thanks Todd. “Ya done good!”

Remembering

One year has passed.

365 days without him.  Without his words, his wisdom, his humor.

Capt. Carroll “Lex” Lefon.  Died in service to his country one year ago today.  He died doing what he loved, what his soul was called to do.

Fly.  Fast.  Really fast.

It was with such joy that he began his 1st career again after trying a 2nd career as a desk jockey.

That did not sit well with Lex, nosiree.

Qualifying the kFIR he would fly adversary for the TOPGUN aviators.  The stuff that legends are made of.

Except that Lex was already a legend.  To those of us who read his blog faithfully – his writing was the stuff of genius.  How many times did someone say “write the damn book”…

Write one he did.  Rhythms will someday be published; and a community left bereft at his passing will likely gather as we always promised we would – someplace “in the middle” so that we could all get a first edition and have it signed by the author whilst plying him with Guinness.

Lots of Guinness.

It is so tragic that a man like Lex – who lived 10 lifetimes in one short one – still had so much living to do.  But then again, adrenaline-junkie that he was, whose to say that he didn’t live all that he was supposed to.  He lived life on the tip of the spear – from fast jets to fast cars to fast motorcycles.

And while I feel the sorrow of his loss keenly, my thoughts turn to his beloved family and I realize that my grief can only pale to insignificance in the face of theirs.

I lost a good friend – no – I lost the brother of my heart one year ago today.  The world changed once when I met Lex and I became a better person for it.  The world changed again when he died – and I like to think that I remain that better person.

Lex showed us all how to live a life made of dreams.  Lex showed us how to live a life of integrity, principles, honor and valor.

He was courageous to the end – landing a stricken jet with no fuel on board in deadly cross winds.  It is a testament to his skill as a pilot and his determination as a human being that he got that kFIR on the ground at all.

Lex had grit – true grit.  He served his country with dignity, he loved his family with passion and he shared so much of himself that I often wondered if he’d break from all the stretching.

When I woke up today – I felt a terrible weight pressing down on me.  In those few precious moments after I opened my eyes, the world was as it should be.  Then my mind engaged and I realized – no, it’s not.  It all became clear and I knew why that weight was there.

And as the day has gone by – as I have read tributes from others – I feel that weight lifting.  Yes, Lex lived a life of possibilities.  And it is those possiblities that we should celebrate – both in his life and to welcome them into ours.

So it will be tonite that I will turn to a private memorial page on Facebook and celebrate the life of this extraordinary man.  We miss him terribly and yet he left us a powerful legacy of focus and dedication to ones dreams.

Lex – you are with the angels, I’m sure of it – showing them how flying is really done.

One Year

It’s coming, we all know it’s coming.  We dread it and we know it’s coming.

Time will pass, it is the one constant in every one of our lives.

In just 26 days it will be one year since our Beloved Lex was taken from his family, his friends and the world.

As with his death – we The Lexicans (via FB) would like to celebrate his life with another virtual party on Wednesday March 6.

We will gather at FB (and here) at 8:00pm EST; we shall toast a great man with Guinness, Jameson, Woodfords Reserve or whatever type of libation suits you best.   We shall toast his family and honor them with our words.

We will honor Our Lex – as he remains, at least for me, a strong guidepost for a good, happy and well-lived life.

Join us – if you aren’t on FB…this is another plea to think about it.  Join 2 days before the party and leave the day after – tis no matter.  But if that isn’t your cup of tea, we’ll be here – perhaps a general post with a running stream of comments (though the pictures that will inevitably shared at FB make things far more fun).

The Lexicans – for strength in our memories.

An Appeal to My Fellow OFs*

Now I know that there are a few Lexicans who “Don’t do Facebook”. I get that. I really do.

However, there is much tomfoolery, youthful hijinks and “golly gee good times” to be had over on the Lexicans Facebook Page. Much of which would be “lost in translation” if we attempted to repost some of that here.

Amongst some of the topics covered lately are:
- Kilts
- Canadians
- Attractive Canadian Ladies
- Aircraft
- Puppies in kilts
- Links to interesting and informative articles (lots and lots of those)

Much of what gets posted is silly, but we get a lot of good old-fashioned interplay in the follow-on comments. Reminds me of some of the comments you’d have seen on the Mothership, especially when the Commentariat was in a particularly frisky mood and in full throat.

So this appeal is addressed to my fellow OFs. The ones who “don’t do Facebook”. Give it a try, at least the Lexican’s page. No need to do the other stuff. And it can be fun. Give it a shot, you’re missing some really funny stuff over there. What’s it gonna be?

 
*OF = Old F@rt (rhymes with “cart”)

*UPDATED* CANCELLED This weekend, Chicago Lexicans Meetup.

With apologizes for the update this close, we’re still on for a Chicago Lexicans meetup. Saturday November 17 @ 1900 @ The Green Lady (located 3328 North Lincoln Avenue Chicago, IL 60657).

Please send me an email: themavf14d@gmail.com if you’re still intersted in attending.

oh and Guinness is on tap.

I’m cancelling this weekend. For various reasons will wait till after the beginning of the year.

Possible gathering of The Lexicans

Kanani Fong, proprietor of the most excellent blog, Kitchen Dispatch has a splendid idea.

A Meet.

Down in So Cal on the Beach  where we can park RVs or tent trailers and such.

We can chat, imbibe, commiserate and bond in person.

What say you?

I am going to personally brow beat Bill “Pinch” Paisley to make it, among others.

We need to do this.

It is on my bucket list.  Remember folks, I have already dodged the Big “C” once. Life is what it is…………………..

For our friend Lex.

I will bring Guinness and Jameson. Got to.

Castra Praetoria: High Ground

Courtesy of America’s Sergeant Major. This is a good one folks.

The Journey Home is an Uphill Battle

Kanani over at the Kitchen Dispatch is one of the lead ninjas getting the word out on this great film (yes I’ve seen it, awesome!). Kanani describes it best:

“High Ground ties in with the warrior resiliency programs used to address combat stress and trauma, as well as the aftermath of war.  But I think there’s a difference: this is showing people doing something, not just a list of things to watch for. I think it could lead to a good discussion about self care, a great discussion about the scientific studies being done that prove movement and breath combined with talk therapy surpass the limiting treatment to the usual two modalities (medication and talk therapy).   We have a chance to help this and future generations of veterans with the aftermath of war in ways that were unimaginable in the past. High Ground is part of it, and it does not mask the very substantial trauma that the men and women went through, while also showing them experience small victories along the way.”