Category Archives: Civic

Preserve, protect and defend

Posted on January 6, 2021 by Don Watkins

June 1972 I took the oath of enlistment when I volunteered for service in the United States Naval Reserve. The words if you’re unfamiliar are, “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of … Continue reading →

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The wisdom to know the difference

Posted on January 5, 2021 by Don Watkins

Earlier today I saw a post that rang true. In 2008 we elected a black man to be president of the United States. The specter of a black man as the leader of the free world was so terrible to … Continue reading →

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I continue to pray

Posted on June 4, 2020 by Don Watkins

I was up early this morning and following a shower I dressed and went for a walk. I carry the rosary while I walk and begin each day saying at least one complete Franciscan Crown Rosary. Today I prayed for … Continue reading →

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Run Across New York

Posted on May 14, 2020 by Don Watkins

Be part of a once in a lifetime chance to run across New York State. Many races have been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic so this might be your one chance to compete this year with thousands of other … Continue reading →

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International Nurses Day

Posted on May 12, 2020 by Don Watkins

Today is the one day of the year when we intentionally single our nurses who are the front line of our worldwide health care system. Were it not for nurses most of us would lack the essential medical care that … Continue reading →

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Reflecting on the Kent State shootings

Posted on May 4, 2020 by Don Watkins

Reading this piece today brought all the memories back of that day fifty years ago when panicked National Guardsmen fired on protesters at Kent State University. I was seventeen years old in that spring of 1970 and would soon be … Continue reading →

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The Paradox of military service

Posted on January 22, 2019 by Don Watkins

Today’s refusal of the Supreme Court to rule against this administration’s transgender ban got me to thinking about the paradoxes of military service. It wasn’t that long ago that being gay was not allowed in the military. The reasoning was … Continue reading →

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Two Years

Posted on June 30, 2015 by Don Watkins

It’s been two years since I retired or almost that long and in that space of time I’ve found time to do as much or more than I ever did before. Since January I have been writing for Opensource.com and … Continue reading →

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Please Help Us!

Posted on August 6, 2014 by Don Watkins

I’m walking to support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention  in Olean, New York next month. Suicide has touched the lives of many. Perhaps someone you know has struggled with depression. I’m walking because my life has been touched by … Continue reading →

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St. Bonaventure University Basketball Rocks the House

Posted on November 17, 2013 by Don Watkins

Last night our family attended the St. Bonaventure University vs. Canisius College men’s basketball game at The Reilly Center. We sat in Section 10 and had a birdseye view of the court. We participated in a rich tradition that spans … Continue reading →

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