Posts
I'm Richard Mangonon Bernal, son of Jaime Almoite Bernal & Felicidad Ligaspe Mangonon(her maiden name). Unfortunately I don't speak any Filipino languages like Tagalog, Ilocano or Pangasinan. My sister, Linda Bernal Weidkamp, is doing some genealogy. My mom was born in barrio Babasit, Manaoag, Pangasinan and my dad from Ordaneta City, Pangasinan. My dad was born Irinio Jaime Bernal Almoite and changed his name to Jaime Bernal in Boston, Massachusetts in 1946. Felicidad's(my mom's) dad was Paulino Mangonon who married Alejandra Ligaspe and Paulino's dad was Silvestine Mangonon who married his 2nd wife Tomasa Pascua in 1870. What's fascinating is that Tomasa's dad was Acedo Pascua who married Leonarda Mangonon!! There's that Mangonon again. But Alejandra's parents were Jacinto Ligaspe and Filomena Doriches(spelling?) and her dad Jacinto's parents were Salvador Ligaspe and Rafaela Pascua!! And there's that Pascua again.
Two questions of note: Who was Silvestine's first wife? And who were his parents?
I just contacted another possible relative, James Christopher Nuto Mangonon, whose grandfather, Atty. Fidel Mangonon, was the former mayor of Manaoag, Pangasinan. His dad, Juanito Mangonon, was a fifth child and James is the first of five children.
So our genealogy has some twists and turns and if you have any connection or information(names and dates) to solidify any of that I would be extremely appreciative and of course I'd pass it along to the family because the Mangonon side is of great interest to us. I have a Facebook friend, Melchor Mangonon, whose father is Nimitz(that's right, named after the American Admiral) Mangonon, and he happens to be related to me somehow.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
Wonderful words I've come across
Here is a nice site with apparently nice words of wisdom: http://jlfoundation.net/pebble-in-the-water.html
I just had to interject that before I forgot it. Today I'm mentioning some poems that I've come across that have made me feel good. It goes without saying that I find joy in the psalms and proverbs of the Holy Bible but in this blog I'm mentioning words from mere mortals(though the words verge on the legendary).
Of course there's that "Go placidly..." poem referred to as "Desiderata"
Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.
Take kindly to the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
In fact, there is much discourse as to the origin of that poem. It is said that the poem was found in a Baltimore church in 1692 and is centuries old, of unknown origin. Written around 1920 (although some say as early as 1906), and certainly copyrighted in 1927, by lawyer Max Ehrmann (1872-1945) based in Terre Haute,Indiana. The myth began after Reverend Frederick Kates included the poem in a collection of inspirational works in 1959 on church notepaper. The work was titled: 'The Old St Paul's Church, Baltimore, AD 1692'. The date was the year the church was founded. The myth grew when a copy of the erroneously attributed Desiderata was found at the bedside of deceased politician Aidlai Stevenson in 1965. When I was in college in the early 70's it was on numerous walls in students' residences.
Then there's the start of "Auguries of Innocence" by William Blake.
To see a world in a grain of sand,
And a heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
And eternity in an hour.
And it goes on for four pages then ends:
God appears, and God is light,
To those poor souls who dwell in night;
But does a human form display
To those who dwell in realms of day.
You will note of course that I've used the first two lines in my profile.
And finally, if you didn't already go to the site mentioned at the beginning of this post, here is a poem attributed to John Phillip Meakin although I've seen it said to be from St. Augustine. Here goes:
IF any little word of mine
May make a life the brighter,
If any little song of mine
May make a heart the lighter,
God help me speak the little word
And take my bit of singing,
drop it in some lonely vale
To set the echoes ringing.
If any little love of mine
May make a life the sweeter,
If any little care of mine
May make a friend's the fleeter,
If any lift of mine may ease
The burden of another,
God give me love and care and strength
To help my toiling brother.
Since it's not assured who the author is I don't know it's title. How that got attributed to St. Augustine I don't know but I do remember reading it on a greeting card with a nice nature photo and it did indicate John Phillip Meakin.
So that's it for this Friday. Have a great weekend. Study your Sunday school lesson and be kind to your mother.
I just had to interject that before I forgot it. Today I'm mentioning some poems that I've come across that have made me feel good. It goes without saying that I find joy in the psalms and proverbs of the Holy Bible but in this blog I'm mentioning words from mere mortals(though the words verge on the legendary).
Of course there's that "Go placidly..." poem referred to as "Desiderata"
Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.
Take kindly to the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
In fact, there is much discourse as to the origin of that poem. It is said that the poem was found in a Baltimore church in 1692 and is centuries old, of unknown origin. Written around 1920 (although some say as early as 1906), and certainly copyrighted in 1927, by lawyer Max Ehrmann (1872-1945) based in Terre Haute,Indiana. The myth began after Reverend Frederick Kates included the poem in a collection of inspirational works in 1959 on church notepaper. The work was titled: 'The Old St Paul's Church, Baltimore, AD 1692'. The date was the year the church was founded. The myth grew when a copy of the erroneously attributed Desiderata was found at the bedside of deceased politician Aidlai Stevenson in 1965. When I was in college in the early 70's it was on numerous walls in students' residences.
Then there's the start of "Auguries of Innocence" by William Blake.
To see a world in a grain of sand,
And a heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
And eternity in an hour.
And it goes on for four pages then ends:
God appears, and God is light,
To those poor souls who dwell in night;
But does a human form display
To those who dwell in realms of day.
You will note of course that I've used the first two lines in my profile.
And finally, if you didn't already go to the site mentioned at the beginning of this post, here is a poem attributed to John Phillip Meakin although I've seen it said to be from St. Augustine. Here goes:
IF any little word of mine
May make a life the brighter,
If any little song of mine
May make a heart the lighter,
God help me speak the little word
And take my bit of singing,
drop it in some lonely vale
To set the echoes ringing.
If any little love of mine
May make a life the sweeter,
If any little care of mine
May make a friend's the fleeter,
If any lift of mine may ease
The burden of another,
God give me love and care and strength
To help my toiling brother.
Since it's not assured who the author is I don't know it's title. How that got attributed to St. Augustine I don't know but I do remember reading it on a greeting card with a nice nature photo and it did indicate John Phillip Meakin.
So that's it for this Friday. Have a great weekend. Study your Sunday school lesson and be kind to your mother.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Ghost EVP in recent Rose House Cafe video? What is it?
Wow!!! I was just reviewing a video taken on Monday and I was wondering about some "whispering" sound. I learned that it could be Electronic Voice Phenomena(EVP) which is quite active on the net. I will try to explain what I heard on this video taken during lunch at the Rose House Cafe.
10th second: male - "...and I care, I care. She just got the chill..."
16th second: male(same voice?) - "...she got H I? V(or B)"
19th second: female - "...I'm not in..."
Maybe these are not the exact words but without technical equipment to check this out I can only turn up the volume during playback on my PC. I'm not a believer in ghosts because my faith in Jesus Christ is beyond reproach but I do like explanations to whatever I experience. However, be warned: Leviticus 19:31 and 20:6; Deuteronomy 18: verses 9-14; I Samuel 28th chapter; I Chronicles 10:13; Isaiah 19:3 and 29:4 are all referencing the evil of familiar spirits.
Any findings from any further investigation would be appreciated. But like I said, maybe further research might not be warranted or should not be speculated.
I noticed that if you google "evp investigations, familiar spirits" THIS blog is on the second page! But if you include "EVP video" to that list it's on the first page.
10th second: male - "...and I care, I care. She just got the chill..."
16th second: male(same voice?) - "...she got H I? V(or B)"
19th second: female - "...I'm not in..."
Maybe these are not the exact words but without technical equipment to check this out I can only turn up the volume during playback on my PC. I'm not a believer in ghosts because my faith in Jesus Christ is beyond reproach but I do like explanations to whatever I experience. However, be warned: Leviticus 19:31 and 20:6; Deuteronomy 18: verses 9-14; I Samuel 28th chapter; I Chronicles 10:13; Isaiah 19:3 and 29:4 are all referencing the evil of familiar spirits.
Any findings from any further investigation would be appreciated. But like I said, maybe further research might not be warranted or should not be speculated.
I noticed that if you google "evp investigations, familiar spirits" THIS blog is on the second page! But if you include "EVP video" to that list it's on the first page.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Where I've Lived
I have lived in the Philippines from birth (Aug '54) until '59. Then my dad moved us to Aurora, CO. After Kennedy was assassinated we moved to Frankfurt a.M., Germany in December '63. We traveled all over Europe then moved back to the U.S in June '66. My dad was stationed at Ft. Lewis in Tacoma, WA and he knew he was going to his third war, in Vietnam. After college I moved to Anchorage, AK in '77 then to Honolulu, HI in '80 after a couple months at home(Tacoma) during which time our mountain(St. Helens) blew. After that ash got in my eyes my best friend, Jimmy, and I already had tickets to Hawaii, so off we went on that memorial day monday May 25th.
After a glorious 2 years I returned to Pullman, WA to get my degree out of the way. But after 5 years they had changed the requirements on me. So even though I was about 5 credits short of my degree I had to take 9 upper division Humanities credits to end up with a General Humanities degree - Bachelor of Humanities. But the Navy, looking at an aspiring naval aviator, didn't need a professional degree. Just ANY degree. So off to Pensacola, FL and as an ensign returning from a summer at NAS Barbers Point(in the Commander's Office - Commodore Geck) I ended up in flight training at Milton, FL - Training Wing 3.
No thanks to "An Officer And A Gentleman" coming out that summer, everybody and their brother signed up to go to NASC to see Debra Winger. And with the best of the best on station, even instrument-rated pilots weren't able to keep up with the curve, so little ol' me, who's gotta study super hard as it is - Well, I attrited after my 3rd instrument simulator and never got my wings. So the Navy sent me eventually to NAS Whidbey Island.
After numerous jobs I moved to Las Vegas, NV in January '05. But I returned to Tacoma in November '07. And here I still am. With a passport in my backpack in case the opportunity should arise.
After a glorious 2 years I returned to Pullman, WA to get my degree out of the way. But after 5 years they had changed the requirements on me. So even though I was about 5 credits short of my degree I had to take 9 upper division Humanities credits to end up with a General Humanities degree - Bachelor of Humanities. But the Navy, looking at an aspiring naval aviator, didn't need a professional degree. Just ANY degree. So off to Pensacola, FL and as an ensign returning from a summer at NAS Barbers Point(in the Commander's Office - Commodore Geck) I ended up in flight training at Milton, FL - Training Wing 3.
No thanks to "An Officer And A Gentleman" coming out that summer, everybody and their brother signed up to go to NASC to see Debra Winger. And with the best of the best on station, even instrument-rated pilots weren't able to keep up with the curve, so little ol' me, who's gotta study super hard as it is - Well, I attrited after my 3rd instrument simulator and never got my wings. So the Navy sent me eventually to NAS Whidbey Island.
After numerous jobs I moved to Las Vegas, NV in January '05. But I returned to Tacoma in November '07. And here I still am. With a passport in my backpack in case the opportunity should arise.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Mini- Sermon on Psalms 23
The LORD is my shepherd
I confidently state that I belong to the Lord. That to him I am as a sheep and he is my Shepherd and he cares for, watches over and preserves me.
I shall not want.
The Lord knows what I need and makes sure I receive it. As a simple sheep I don't even know what I need or have a want for anything because I am always cared for.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures
Ezek 34:14 I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel.
He leadeth me
John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
Instead of forcibly, roughly controlling or pushing from behind this is tenderly, gently leading from the front by loving example or encouragement with his voice that I, his sheep, recognize.
Beside the still waters.
Sheep are afraid of the sound of raging waters. They might fall in and be lost. Instead, this water is still and comforting that sheep may refresh contentedly. Again, this is another promise, that Jesus would send the Holy Ghost that we may have comfort.
John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
He restoreth my soul
As sheep who have gone astray or souls who have rotted and become vile with sin we are washed clean.
Isa 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness
Prov 8:20 I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment
Sheep don't know the way. Without the Shepherd all paths lead to death and destruction.
For his name's sake.
Ps 79:9 Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name's sake.
Ezek 20:14 But I wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, in whose sight I brought them out.
For the name of God Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, all things are possible. Because of his grace and mercy his path is the only righteous path. Because he is the Good Shepherd, who loves us as a Father loves his children.
Yea, though I walk
I walk because I follow a Shepherd who knows the only right path. I am in no hurry to move in front and go the wrong way.
Through the valley
A valley is surrounded by higher elevations that prevent one from knowing how far to go or what course to take. This could be the low point of the journey when doubt causes one to stumble because it's hard to see where one is going.
Of the shadow of death
It's dark, hard to be aware of the dangers that are all about me so I feel alone and afraid of all I hear and see and don't see. I am chilled to the bone and shaking so bad I'm my own enemy.
I will fear no evil
Ps 138:7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.
Ps 3:6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.
There is reason to not allow anything to cause me worry or calamity or chaos.
For thou art with me
Acts 18:10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.
Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Lev 27:32 And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD.
With his staff the Shepherd guides his flock to green pastures, and protects them from danger. He corrects them when disobedient, and returns them when they wander.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies
Isa 25:6 And in this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.
Ps 104:15 And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man's heart.
With no rush or chaos or disturbance, though the enemy may be round about, God prepares a table, and Christians are seated and eat in joyful peace.
Thou anointest my head with oil
John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
This is another promise fulfilled. The Holy Ghost is sent to verify the Truth.
My cup runneth over.
Lk 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life
2 Tim 4:18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Ps 103:17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
2 Cor 5:1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
John14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
I confidently state that I belong to the Lord. That to him I am as a sheep and he is my Shepherd and he cares for, watches over and preserves me.
I shall not want.
The Lord knows what I need and makes sure I receive it. As a simple sheep I don't even know what I need or have a want for anything because I am always cared for.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures
Ezek 34:14 I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel.
He leadeth me
John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
Instead of forcibly, roughly controlling or pushing from behind this is tenderly, gently leading from the front by loving example or encouragement with his voice that I, his sheep, recognize.
Beside the still waters.
Sheep are afraid of the sound of raging waters. They might fall in and be lost. Instead, this water is still and comforting that sheep may refresh contentedly. Again, this is another promise, that Jesus would send the Holy Ghost that we may have comfort.
John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
He restoreth my soul
As sheep who have gone astray or souls who have rotted and become vile with sin we are washed clean.
Isa 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness
Prov 8:20 I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment
Sheep don't know the way. Without the Shepherd all paths lead to death and destruction.
For his name's sake.
Ps 79:9 Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name's sake.
Ezek 20:14 But I wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, in whose sight I brought them out.
For the name of God Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, all things are possible. Because of his grace and mercy his path is the only righteous path. Because he is the Good Shepherd, who loves us as a Father loves his children.
Yea, though I walk
I walk because I follow a Shepherd who knows the only right path. I am in no hurry to move in front and go the wrong way.
Through the valley
A valley is surrounded by higher elevations that prevent one from knowing how far to go or what course to take. This could be the low point of the journey when doubt causes one to stumble because it's hard to see where one is going.
Of the shadow of death
It's dark, hard to be aware of the dangers that are all about me so I feel alone and afraid of all I hear and see and don't see. I am chilled to the bone and shaking so bad I'm my own enemy.
I will fear no evil
Ps 138:7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.
Ps 3:6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.
There is reason to not allow anything to cause me worry or calamity or chaos.
For thou art with me
Acts 18:10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.
Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Lev 27:32 And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD.
With his staff the Shepherd guides his flock to green pastures, and protects them from danger. He corrects them when disobedient, and returns them when they wander.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies
Isa 25:6 And in this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.
Ps 104:15 And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man's heart.
With no rush or chaos or disturbance, though the enemy may be round about, God prepares a table, and Christians are seated and eat in joyful peace.
Thou anointest my head with oil
John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
This is another promise fulfilled. The Holy Ghost is sent to verify the Truth.
My cup runneth over.
Lk 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life
2 Tim 4:18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Ps 103:17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
2 Cor 5:1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
John14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
NO, NO, NO!!!
If someone asked you what today's date is and he or she thought you said,"No, no, no" then he or she must be German because that's what 9/9/9 means in German. That's nein, nein, nein. And being it's already the end of the day and I've been so busy running around doing errands... Since I know that if I update a Blog it still keeps the original posting date, I shall finish this off another time.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
My Dad's Obituary
Jaime Almoite Bernal
Fifteen months after suffering a debilitating stroke, Jaime Bernal,
a three war veteran, loving husband and father, teacher and advocate
for the economically challenged, died of respiratory failure at the age
of 87. Born at Pangasinan, Philippine Islands on 12 June 1911, Jaime
left his hometown on his own and immigrated to America when he
was only 18 years old. After completing high school in San Jose, CA.,
he worked his way up from being a farm hand in Oregon and
California to becoming a restaurant owner in New York City. Jaime
hen moved to Bangor, Maine where he worked for the B & A Railroad
Company. In 1943 Jaime joined the U.S. Army. As a member of an
elite commando unit, the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion (Special), he
participated in operations in the enemy occupied Philippine Islands
during World War II. Jaime and his fellow commandos were organized
with guerrilla fighters, passing themselves off as local villagers as they
conducted sabotage and intelligence gathering activities. One of his
units' most significant events of the war included the destruction of
Balete Pass on Highway 4, a choke point in the enemy's route of
retreat as General MacArthur's forces would push towards Manila.
After conducting a clandestine landing by submarine, Jaime and a
crack team of three fellow commandos set up the demolitions and
destroyed the pass while defending against numerically superior
enemy forces. Shortly after the war, Jaime left the Army and returned
to work for the railroad. But after five years he once again enlisted in
the U.S. Army, just in time to experience more combat as a
communications specialist during the Korean Conflict. Before retiring
in 1968 at Ft. Lewis, Jaime again saw more combat action in Vietnam.
Jaime's personal decorations include the Bronze Star, Combat
Infantryman's Badge, eight battle stars, and assorted unit awards and
campaign decorations. Between wars, Jaime earned a Bachelor of Arts
degree from the University of Maryland. After his retirement from the
military, he pursued graduate studies at the University of Puget
Sound and the Universidad de las Americas in Mexico City.
Maintaining a focus on education, Jaime taught at McCarver
Elementary, Laughbon Jr. High School, Dupont High School and Lakes
High School. He concluded his teaching career by establishing the
English as a Second Language curriculum at the Clover Park Voc- Tech
School and publishing a student textbook for the state program. Jaime
was also an exceptionally active member in several community
organizations. He was a member of the Elks Lodge #174 where he
served as the Chairman of the Washington State Elks Scholarship
Program. He was twice elected President of the Filipino-American
League, was on the board of the Tacoma Public Library, served on the
Human Relations Commission and on the Advisory Board of the Pierce
County Aging and Long Term Care Agency. He was an active
participant in several Affirmative Action committees. He also worked
to organize and establish ethnic meal sites for senior citizens through-
out Tacoma. Jaime was married for 43 years to the lovely and late
Felicidad Mangonon, who passed away in 1988. He is survived by
daughter Linda, sons Richard, Ben and Ronnie and eight grandchildren.
Visitation will be Friday (Today) until 9 PM with a family rosary recited
at 7:00pm at Mt. View Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be 11:00 am
Saturday, Dec. 5, 1998, St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, 5505
108th St. S.W. in Lakewood. Burial with full military honors will follow
at Mountain View Memorial Park. Memorial may be sent to the MVS
Scholarship Fund at the Tacoma Elks Lodge #174, 1965 S. Union Ave.
Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home. 584-0252.
Pub Date: 12/4/1998
Tacoma News Tribune
Immediate Family
My dad was Jaime Almoite Bernal, my mom: Felicidad Mangonon Bernal, my sister: Linda Bernal Weidkamp, my brothers: Benjamin Mangonon Bernal and Ronnie Almoite Bernal.
Living in Germany, Part I
One of my nieces, Anna, just asked me when I was in Germany and I thought I would share that here. Just after Kennedy was assassinated on November 22,1966 my family was already in the process(my dad, Jaime Bernal was in the Army) to move there. So in December(brrrrr) we moved from Aurora, CO and flew to New York City where I remember picking up the phone in our hotel and hearing people arguing about getting off the line. Also about not having any change to get into a toilet stall so I crawled underneath. Eventually we got to Ft. Dix, NJ where I practiced hitting a golf ball with an iron in an empty field and catching toads and leaving them in brown bags in the middle of the street. What a mischievous boy I was at 9 years old.
From there we took the HMS Darby (I'm pretty sure this vessel was named after US Army general William O. Darby which makes me wonder why a British ship was named after an American. Couldn't deduce that through a Google search.) across the bounding Atlantic. On this passage I particularly remember getting quite sick. Also, an athletic and amiable black steward elucidated us on his lengthy(Ohio to New York?) swims on the St. Lawrence river.
We landed at the port of Bremerhaven, West Germany. That's right WEST Germany back then. History fanatics know that East and West Germany united late in 1990 when Anna was two. Then we took the train to Bremen. (Why doesn't Google earth have a way of asking for train routes to view on their map?) Then I think we switched trains and continued to Frankfurt a.M. (a.M. means "am Main" - on the Main river versus Frankfurt an der Oder - on the Oder river, about 615km driving to the NE in East Germany, near Berlin.)
First we lived in the Edwards Housing Area for a short while. (Where I have memories of high winds during that time and we each had to have a suitcase packed, in case we had to be rushed to England, since the world was considered in turmoil due to the recent assassination.) Then we moved to Gibbs housing area where I finished my 4th grade schooling(at Frankfurt Elementary school #2).
My father became the building coordinator(due to his rank) where we lived. Specifically, at 426-A3 Gibbs, the building and apartment are evident in the name. I remember James and Peggy Johnson - kids from Alabama who lived across from us. And Maria Sanchez and her brothers - from Texas who lived below us. There was Johnny Lynch from the opposite side of the building - stairwell "C". I remember trading comics, shooting and collecting marbles, Ben & me teaching our brother Ronnie to ride a bike. (Once, he went down this slow, sloping, grassy baseball field; across the street, then bumping over the other curb, onto the grass then banged into an apartment building as we tried valiantly to catch him.) A few times we visited Amsterdam, the Rhine river, Heidelburg, the Black Forest, many castles, Bertchesgaden, Garmisch, Lake Chiemsee. I remember seeing the hills of hops, the quaint villages, the OO(outhouse) signs along the highways and stopping at gasthauses(they were all over) for "wiener schnitzel mit kartofelsalat"(Google it) or whatever else to eat.
To be continued...
From there we took the HMS Darby (I'm pretty sure this vessel was named after US Army general William O. Darby which makes me wonder why a British ship was named after an American. Couldn't deduce that through a Google search.) across the bounding Atlantic. On this passage I particularly remember getting quite sick. Also, an athletic and amiable black steward elucidated us on his lengthy(Ohio to New York?) swims on the St. Lawrence river.
We landed at the port of Bremerhaven, West Germany. That's right WEST Germany back then. History fanatics know that East and West Germany united late in 1990 when Anna was two. Then we took the train to Bremen. (Why doesn't Google earth have a way of asking for train routes to view on their map?) Then I think we switched trains and continued to Frankfurt a.M. (a.M. means "am Main" - on the Main river versus Frankfurt an der Oder - on the Oder river, about 615km driving to the NE in East Germany, near Berlin.)
First we lived in the Edwards Housing Area for a short while. (Where I have memories of high winds during that time and we each had to have a suitcase packed, in case we had to be rushed to England, since the world was considered in turmoil due to the recent assassination.) Then we moved to Gibbs housing area where I finished my 4th grade schooling(at Frankfurt Elementary school #2).
My father became the building coordinator(due to his rank) where we lived. Specifically, at 426-A3 Gibbs, the building and apartment are evident in the name. I remember James and Peggy Johnson - kids from Alabama who lived across from us. And Maria Sanchez and her brothers - from Texas who lived below us. There was Johnny Lynch from the opposite side of the building - stairwell "C". I remember trading comics, shooting and collecting marbles, Ben & me teaching our brother Ronnie to ride a bike. (Once, he went down this slow, sloping, grassy baseball field; across the street, then bumping over the other curb, onto the grass then banged into an apartment building as we tried valiantly to catch him.) A few times we visited Amsterdam, the Rhine river, Heidelburg, the Black Forest, many castles, Bertchesgaden, Garmisch, Lake Chiemsee. I remember seeing the hills of hops, the quaint villages, the OO(outhouse) signs along the highways and stopping at gasthauses(they were all over) for "wiener schnitzel mit kartofelsalat"(Google it) or whatever else to eat.
To be continued...
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Brand spankin' new
Hey, this is my first blog. This social network thing is quite a kick. Let's see how much time this is going to suck out of me.
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