Coats of Arms from bygone days.
Before delving into the subject of the family crest, we should clarify the rampant misunderstandings about the Coat of Arms, the Achievement and the Crest itself.
There cannot be a Crest without a Coat of Arms. The latter is the Shield and without it, nothing else can exist. It’s called a Coat of Arms, because originally the design on the Shield was duplicated on the surcoat of the knight.

Surrounding the Shield are five other basic parts which may be granted.

These are;

• The Helmet.
• The knight’s helm, usually the great helm.
• The Mantling or Lambrequin.

A cloth cape worn from the back of the helmet to protect it against the sun.

• The Wreath or Torse.

A circle of silk, placed to cover the joint between the Crest and the Mantling.

• The Crest.

The decoration on top of the wreath.

• The Motto.

Anyone may adopt a Motto, and in England the Motto does not form an integral part of the arms.
These five items, together with the Shield, are known as the Achievement. The Achievement is not the Coat of Arms. Only the Shield may be considered so. Indeed, if ever you come across a Shield as the only item in the Achievement, you may be sure that the family is very ancient indeed.

Embroidered Coat of Arms on a Medieval Banner

Now, depending on rank and honour, nine further parts may be added to the Achievement, but matters may become confusing if these are named, and we feel that it’s sufficient to have named the parts of the basic Achievement.
Care must be taken, too, in describing the left and right sides of a Coat of Arms, the Sinister and Dexter respectively. These must always be described from the wearer’s point of view, not from the viewer’s. Here, we feel we should allay a misunderstanding that may have crept in about displaying a Family Crest.
Family Crests may certainly be displayed, and many are shown on plaques, beautifully embroidered on chairs, on family crest rings of course and in many other ways. The point is, though, that there must always be a Coat of Arms to back them up.

The Coat of Arms banner which was hung in entrance halls of stately homes and castles conveyed a message of pride and honor in the family or clan name. It is actually no different today. We are giving a special offer with the banner today, it’s the complimentary family name history.

Family Roots and heraldry is part of our personal heritage, and there is worldwide interest in this topic over the last number of decades. Some say it defines us to some degree and there is constant research into this absorbing subject.

In the dictionary, heraldry is described “as the art of or office of the herald” is this satisfactory?

It is in fact medieval in origin and is concerned with a means of identification. Everybody in the world today would like to know exactly where their origins lie. This is in fact very important from people of European origin, because of the need for emigration in centuries past, you will find family names scattered all over the world, whose family roots hail from some country in Europe.

When Heraldry began an interest in Family Roots began.

There’s a great deal of confusion, too, over when heraldry first began. Arms have been attributed to such diverse figures as Adam and Eve, Pontius Pilate, Noah, Julius Caesar and even the Children of Israel! The truth is that it took form in the second quarter of the twelfth century, at least in Western Europe. There were three basic reasons for it.

Firstly, when the great helm, or totally enclosed helmet, came into fashion, it was very difficult to distinguish between friend and foe. Secondly, literacy was considered a long way down the requirements for knighthood, or indeed for most people, save those of the church, and thirdly the growth in charters and other paperwork which had to be ‘signed.’ When tracing your family roots you will find amazing amounts of history which is quite fascinating to say the least.
Hence, in many cases, the Signet Ring which carried the Crest of the particular knight or office holder. By the beginning of 1300, heraldry had come of age and is widely used still. Millions of family members throughout the world display their heritage by wearing a family crest ring or have a coat of arms hanging somewhere in their home.

The history of the United States Army was born out of necessity in 1775 to have soldiers for the American Revolutionary War. The American people needed to defend themselves against the British Army in order to gain independence. After the Army came many of the other divisions of the military, however it was the Army before any of them.

Throughout history, the Army Reserves has participated in a lot of different battles including the War of 1812, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, and both World Wars, the Korean and Vietnam Wars as well as the most recent ones including the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and North Korea.

During or after serving in the military, many people like to remember their service by purchasing military rings. These rings can include a particular infantry, a specialty as well as the years served. Some people particularly want to remember their military deployment to different bases around the world and can do so with these rings similar to the way that students get class rings.

The United States Army, in 1775, was called the Continental Army and was comprised of troops from each one of the 13 colonies. As the country expanded, so did the number of troops. The US Army not only battled in wars but also helped with Manifest Destiny from 1815 to 1860 in the country’s desire to expand West.

In 1910, the US Army flew their first biplane. The Army National Guard was formed for World War I in 1917. This included the largest draft of able-bodied men that the country had seen to date. The army itself had 286,000 troops while the National Guard expanded to an approximate count of 450,000 troops.

Military deployments, especially in recent years, do not include the Army Reserves and the Army National Guard working on their own accord. In many cases they combine arms with the Air Force, Marines and Navy, as well as Special Ops in order to invade countries, overthrow governments and defend territories so that no attacks are made on American soil.

The United States Army is a constantly changing entity, getting new technology, new formations and even different task forces within the Army in order to deal with particular areas of battle. Those who have served in the Army take on a number of different roles and they become veterans afterward.

One of the best ways to remember the Army as well as what they did in the military to defend their country is purchasing military rings. The styles have changed over the years but many are handed down from generation to generation. It serves as a reminder of what family has served and in what branch of the military.

Fort Benning is a United States Army post that is located in Georgia as well as a portion of Russell County, Alabama. On an average year, there are 120,000 active-military personnel along with their families, retirees, civilian employees and much more on base. It is a self-sustained community that has been the Home of the Infantry since 1918.

Fort Benning Basic Training starts with all of the recruits arriving for their general orientation where they will also receive haircuts and uniforms. Throughout their training they will undergo a number of different training courses as well as participate in a lot of fitness activities.

All of the recruits will go through an Army Physical Fitness test. They will then go through different reaction and obstacle courses to ensure that they are in their top physical condition. These physical tests will be conducted in one form or another throughout the basic training. This includes through drill instructing, marching miles, running obstacles and various other activities outlined by their drill instructors.

Also throughout Fort Benning Basic Training, recruits will go through drill instruction, learn hand to hand combat, land navigation, map reading, First Aid as well as rappelling, Landmine Defense as well as Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defense.

There are a number of tenant units that Fort Benning is home to. This includes the 3rd Brigade – 3rd Infantry, the 75th Ranger Regiment as well as the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation.

The 11th Engineer Battalion is also at Fort Benning. This is part of the 36th Engineer Brigade who will deploy into any area using any means necessary, including by land, air or sea. This Battalion’s history began in 1917 and was one of the three regiments that were activated in World War I to maintain the railroads located in Northern France. They were the first ones to enter the European spotlight for the war.

Fort Benning Georgia basic training is split into three phases: red, white and blue. After the red phase, recruits go into the white phase where they learn combat training, rappel at the Warrior Tower and focus on Marksmanship. This training focuses on soldier skills and gives the recruits more confidence to take the skills that they have learned into the field.

Recruits then advance to the blue phase, which is the final phase of basic training. Here, they learn the use of hand grenades, automatic weapons and test their skills, they go through the Night Infiltration Course. After they have passed all of the tests and challenges, they are then congregated for the Rites of Passage, where they will graduate basic training and move on to specialized training, which may or may not be at Fort Benning Georgia. Military Rings are available for customization with side emblems for all units and divisions.

Texas on of the largest states in the United States is home to the world famous base of Fort Hood. This extremely large base is practically right in the middle of the state and is home to the 1st Cavalry Division, the 4th Mechanized Infantry Division, 13th Corps Support Command, 89th Military Police Brigade, 504th M.I. Group, 3rd Signal Brigade, 3rd Air Support Group and the 21st Cav. Bgde. The base can only be entered by invitation or if you have a valid identification card issued by the military. If you are driving on the I-35 you take the 190 West and head to Killeen after about twelve miles you will see the signs for the base just follow these and you will arrive at the main gate.

On Fort Hood

For recreation there are many activities at all times, such as bowling, hunting, and fishing and of course golf. If you are a swimmer you won’t be disappointed or an avid reader, there are lots of books in the very fine library. All the telephone numbers to arrange these activities are available on base at community services.

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Dining and Retail

The base is very large indeed and home to thousand of soldiers, dependents and visitors that have to be fed, so no matter where you go on base you will find various shoppettes, snack bars, convenience stores and dining halls where you can satisfy
your hunger.

Lodging

You can stay at the Fisher House, Darnall Army Community Hospital 36000 Darnall Loop Phone 254-286-7927 or at one of the many motels and hotels scattered around Killeen.

Rules and Regulations

When on Fort Hood there are very strict rule when driving and in general, these are strictly enforced by the Military Police who are very courteous but stern. Obey the rule and guidelines on the base and you will have a very enjoyable stay on one of the finest bases in the world.
Main installation number is 254-287-1110, DSN is 312-737-1110

It’s the season to be jolly and to go shopping! The question looms what to give the man in your life. Whether it’s family or friend, giving the wrong gift to a man can be embarrassing and disappointing. We all want to give a gift that shows we care and know exactly what our loved one wants.

Remember what may not be a gift you would ever want to receive could be the perfect treasure for the man in your life.

Here are 12 gift ideas to wow your man!

1. Music. Not all men are really into music but everyone has their favorite singer, band or genre. Don’t bother with a CD because it might not be the style he likes (and who really uses them anymore anyway?). Think MP3 player or a good quality and cool looking set of headphones.

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3.Video Game Gear. Most men are into gaming and own an Xbox, PS3 or other platform. Don’t buy games since again you can’t be sure if it’s what he will like. Think accessories. New controllers or specialized equipment for certain games such as Guitar Hero. Also, think to add a personal touch and include gift cards for pizza delivery or wholesale bags of chips and other snacks.

4. Booze. This one is age appropriate of course. Specialty beers from foreign countries or quality liquors. Include books on beers or how to make cocktails as a personal touch. Consider a variety of wines from different countries for an international feel. Match wine and beer with nice wine glasses or beer mugs and liquors with interesting shot glasses.

5.Tickets. You can’t go wrong with tickets to events he enjoys. It could be concert tickets, seasonal sport tickets, movie, theatre or special event tickets. Remember to buy a set of two so that he can take a friend. Give him the gift of a good time and show support of his spending time with friends. He’s bound to be delighted.

6. Cologne. A lot of men won’t spend the money to buy good quality cologne, but they will soon be converted if they’re impressed. Buy quality cologne that isn’t over powering or reminds anyone of their father. His first reaction may not be excitement when he opens the package, but when he starts hearing all the compliments later that day he’ll have retrospective delight for his gift.

7. Boxers. Unless he goes commando, this is part of his daily wardrobe and again he may not deem it worthy to spend much on his underpants. This is how to impress him. Stay away from cheap, cheesy prints and go for a little expense. Comfort and class is the key when giving boxers as a gift. Choose a pair he wouldn’t spend the money on himself. Try silk or if need be cotton, but stay away from lycra and spandex. These two materials will only make him sweat and itch. Buy a pair you know he’ll be impressed by and after one wear he will be reconsidering his undie budget.

8. Nostalgia. Think about his memories, things he mentions with that far away look in his eyes. Some comic book or movie he was into when he was growing up. These things never quite fade from memory. A movie poster or action figure can bring a surprising smile to his face Christmas morning.

9. Sunglasses. Yes its winter, but it won’t be for long and they are always good for driving in the daytime. Fashionable sunglasses are a perfect gift. Think aviators, think James Dean, think super-awesome and cool. Guys like to think they are the coolest guys on the planet, so make them feel that way and give their ego a boost with a pair of so-cool shades.

10. Gloves, Scarves, Hats. These gifts are great especially if he is not fashion minded man. If he is walking around looking like a mismatched Maggie then this gift is the perfect choice. Take some time and match up the gloves, scarves and hats with what you know he always wears. Find some classic pieces to match with his usual attire and show him how good he can look with a little thought, effort and the right woman behind him!

11. Jewelry. Military Rings are fantastic if the man in your life is in the service or has retired from the service. You can personalize rings with the soldier’s name, rank and the dates he served along with emblems of units, divisions and brigades

12. Coat of Arms. These are the most treasured gifts one can send, and can be in the form of family crest rings, an embroidered banner or a painted plaque.

This gift giving season, impress him with a little thoughtfulness. Show him who knows him best and watch the smile spread across his stubbled face Christmas morning or on his birthday! Happy Gift Giving!

Stryker MGS – Mobile Firepower for the 21st Century Army

The Stryker family of vehicles was adopted by the United States Army as a means of air-delivering mobile fighting units to any battlefield on the planet within a short period of time, enhancing the mobility and robustness of the earliest deploying US forces until heavier forces had time to arrive. As part of United States Army Transformation, the Stryker family will eventually comprise the vehicle components of the six Stryker Brigade Combat Teams, the largest brigade formations of the Active Army. Modular and adaptable, there are a number of configurations available for the Stryker vehicle.

One of these is the Stryker Mobile Gun System – Stryker MGS. Stryker brigades lack the heavy armor component of Infantry and Heavy brigades, the M1 Abrams main battle tank. Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan have demonstrated how essential direct fire can be in performing the missions assigned to the Stryker units, and so the Stryker MGS configuration has been added to the modular Stryker family to give Stryker brigades a platform capable of providing fire support in a fast, rapidly deployable package.

Stryker MGS is essentially a remote controlled tank turret installed atop the Stryker vehicle. This turret mounts an auto loaded M168A1E4 105mm cannon, a proven design that has seen service on early versions of the M1 Abrams as well as the old M60 main battle tank. A coaxial mount is included for an M240C 7.62mm machine gun, another common piece of hardware used on M2 Bradley and M1 Abrams fighting vehicles. Two smoke grenade launchers are also provided to allow for manufactured cover when needed. Weighing in at around 15 tons, Stryker MGS is over 20 feet long, nearly 10 feet wide, about 9 feet tall, and is crewed by 3 soldiers.

As with other vehicles in the Stryker family, Stryker MGS is an 8 wheeled, lightly armored vehicle that operates best in an urban environment. It was not designed to engage enemy battle tanks, but to provide close infantry support, and so its light armor is only meant to protect against infantry weapons – machine guns, rocket propelled grenades, and mortar fire. However, the Stryker MGS can be outfitted with additional armor and defensive systems to enhance survivability. The Stryker MGS’ hallmark is its speed, and organic ability to be airlifted by a C 130 Hercules transport aircraft, albeit with the turret removed for transport then reattached upon arrival. Three Stryker MGS vehicles are attached to each infantry company in a Stryker Brigade, and the interoperability with infantry is of paramount importance in its mission.

The Stryker has been deployed with positive results with the Stryker Brigades of the 2nd Infantry Division based in Fort Lewis, Washington, and can be expected to remain a key component of the Stryker Brigade organizations far into this century.

Life in Kuwait is quite different for a soldier than living on a base in the United States or Germany for that matter. The freedom a soldier enjoys in countries outside the Middle East is a whole lot different than that of Arifjan. Arifjan is one of the largest bases in Kuwait and is about 30 miles outside the city down road 30 situated in the desert and one of the hotest places I’ve been during my travels, some days the temperature reaches 40 degrees centigrade. You certainly need a lot of water to keep hydrated. I spent a lot of time there as I was retailing military rings for Family Roots Specialists.

Art in Kuwait.

Kuwait can be experienced of course if your lucky enough to be able to do some tours which are sometimes organized for the troops. The country itself is very rich in tradition and the heritage centres around Islamic art and calligraphy. The art galleries will display modern art and Arabic art and there are many expeditions held throughout the year. The artist are very well know at home in Kuwait but their work is also recognized on the international circut also. There are lots of private collections that have survived the invasion  by Iraq and tell various stories of life in this strategically located country.

Sites in Kuwait

Well its also different than most European countries and the rolling hills of the United States, very little grass and the bit that is seen needs to be watered almost constantly, otherwise it would just burn up. One of the most famous sites that visitors to Kuwait like to see is the settlement named Failaka, which can be reached daily by a public ferry. The Island is about 20km from the coast of Kuwait and has a history that dates back to to the Bronze age. Because of some of the artefacts discovered on the Island during archaeological digs indicates that they date back about 4000 years. The Island was inhabitated right up to 1990 but because of the invasion by Iraq, sadly there are no longer anyone living there only empty shells and ghosts.  You will find sword specialists in Kuwait that will custom make a sword for you with your personal details engraved on the blade.

Order A Deployment Ring to Commemorate your Time in Kuwait.

These beautiful rings are custom made with all your personal details, and will surely become a
great family heirloom from one of the most historic time of the modern day.