Called Home On Air Force and Angel Wings

On January 31st we lost a great friend, colleague and patriot, Joe Keenan affectionately known as Grumpy. Joe spent his life in service to our great Republic. Joe served with the U.S. Air Force in South Vietnam where he was awarded the Bronze Star and retired after 30 years from the U.S. Air Force as a Chief Master Sergeant. He was a retired U.S. Special Agent from the Defense Security Service. Joe was a thorough and detailed investigator who produced outstanding reports.  I admired Joe and I was proud to have known him and work with him. 


Below is the last military order issued to Joe.

ATTN: All Military Hands and Patriots,

It is with a heavy heart and tears in my eyes, that I must report that a member of the U.S. Air Force, a veteran of the war in Vietnam and the Cold War has been ordered to re-ploy to a new assignment.

Chief Master Sergeant Joe (Grumpy) Keenan is hereby ordered to report to the officer of the day with his duffel bag, Bible and orders for lift off on the next C-141.

Chief Master Sergeant Keenan you are ordered to report to your next duty station without delay. You are furthered ordered to report to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff St. Peter, with orders and latest efficiency report in hand at your next duty station in heaven.

Chief Master Sergeant Keenan, your mission on Earth is complete and the retired commanding general of the Air Force, Curtis LeMay will present your battle ribbons, citations and other awards for your distinguished service and combat against godless communists and satanic evil. Upon receiving your rewards you will place them at the feet of Yeshua.

Joe, we will miss you at the air base and on Earth because we knew you were a dedicated professional. We could depend on you in a stressful and combat situation. Joe, you never quit and you always brightened up our day.

On behalf of the President of the United States and the entire squadron God bless you brother and God bless the Republic of the Unites States of America and the U.S. Air Force.

Your friend, fellow veteran and colleague,

CW4 Alan J. Singler

U.S. Army retired

Special Agent U.S. Defense Security Service retired ©

The above military order was copy righted in 2009 by Alan J. Singler

Those of us who knew Joe know that he is now present with Yeshua and he has no more sorrow, tears and pain. We also know we will see Grumpy again.

Below, is an article about Christmas that Joe wrote about. It was very obvious that Christmas and family were very important to Joe.

Christmas 2009

Christmas brings so many emotions and thoughts to us.  Of the “gathering holidays” it is the one with the most expectations and the one that takes the most preparation and planning.  It would seem that we individually and collectively in groups tend more to have our own ideas as to what makes a “good” Christmas.   People enter this season with hopes and expectations much more pronounced than for Easter or for Thanksgiving.

Christmas is usually about family and family history.  If there is going to be a gathering of the extended family group, Christmas is that designated day.  It may represent the only time many will personally see each other and catch up on events that have affected them over the past year.

Christmas also seems to bring with it a tacit understanding and anticipation of open arms for all.  If there are members who have been at outs with another, the idea is that those present will step back from those hurt or angry emotions, endeavor to see the good in people, and just maybe get a new and different viewpoint.

It is the time of year where much so-called standard visual fare is played again and again until all know the next lines to be uttered and all know how the story ends.  Jimmy Stewart and It’s a Wonderful Life will be played on millions of TVs and video devices, and repeated so often during the season that we come to look forward to the tinkling of the bells as Jimmy’s (George’s) angel Clarence gets his wings.   We will watch numerous versions of Scrooge, until we know that dialogue also and wait for George C. Scott (my own particular favorite Scrooge) to go through his three “visitations” (Christmas Past, Present, Future) and become the man we wanted him to be from the start.  We, and especially the children, will watch countless playings of “A Christmas Story” and watch Ralphie demonstrate his bunny pajamas – and find his Daisy Red Ryder BB gun hidden as the last present in the living room by his father.  We will smile at Ralphie’s “old man” as he unwraps his Major Award and the full sized leg lamp is portrayed for the first time.

There will be varying degrees of hustle and bustle around the designated gathering points as individuals form into groups of similar interests and efforts.  Guys will be off in one area and talking about whatever comes to their minds.  The kids and grand kids will be hunkered down in the basement or in front of a TV or Video device, either watching TV or playing video games, and looking for more cookies or snacks.  The women will be marshaling their efforts on putting together a huge meal from the various bowls, plates and containers that came through the door with family members.  Wondrous smells of many origins will waft through the house and eventually stir movement from the men who will become curious as to when all that food might be presented formally for consumption. Generally, the women will run the men off from the kitchen and dining area because the men would just mainly be in the way (or sneaking pieces of ham or turkey).

It always happens, eventually everything is done and on the table and behind it on sideboards.  People are called together and told to get seated and enjoy while the food is hot. 

And shortly after that initial seating to table is when the aware person notices the looks.  It just seems to happen in most Christmas gatherings, that those present for the formal meal eventually are noticed looking around the table, even while conversations abound and flow across and down it.  Not that it is something written or even personally previously considered – it is just that the family members can be seen looking at each other and having a private moment with each in their mind and heart.  And when that does occur and the family members renew their affection and family ties in that manner, it is a very good thing and worthy of the day and the event.

Merry Christmas, from our house to yours.  May you appreciate what you have, the life given to you, and the people you share it with.

Joe T. Keenan