A Story of Exceptional Valor and Faith

A Story of Exceptional Valor and Faith 1

An old adage states that you only meet two great people in a lifetime. After visiting Col. John W. Ripley (USMC Ret.), I can say I met my first one. As Col. Ripley politely invited my colleagues from Tradition, Family and Property Student Action and me into his office on October 31, … Read more

“Jesus, Mary, Get Me There!”

Capt. John Ripley Vietnam 1972 Dong Ha bridge

Introduction When a society no longer respects and honors the fighting men willing to shed their blood for its principles, the fault lies not with the fighting men but with society itself. Ingratitude is a subtle vice, but a vice nevertheless. Saint Thomas Aquinas says that a debt of gratitude is a … Read more

The Great Siege: Malta 1565

The Great Siege: Malta 1565 3

The year is 1565. Soleyman the Great, the Ottoman Turk’s greatest leader orders an advance on Malta in an attempt to finish once and for all with the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem (Hospitallers), his greatest enemy. Encouraged by his victory over them at Rhodes 42 years earlier, he is certain … Read more

Soldiers Are Not Terrorists!

Soldiers Are Not Terrorists!

The following letters were sent to President George W. Bush and Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld.   The Honorable George W. Bush President of the United States The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington D.C. 20500 Dear Mr. President: On behalf of the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family … Read more