From the Executive Editor - We are surrounded by indicators, many of them subtle but some not so much.

From the Publisher - There is no doubting the benefits of hosting FABTECH 2013 in Chicago.

From the Publisher - What does it say about a nation whose very own government denies its war veterans and families, arguably the only real heroes in this country, the privilege to visit the monuments erected in their honor?

From the Editor - As we were completing this issue in mid-September, contractors from more than a score of nations successfully righted the Costa Concordia.

From the Editor - As regular readers know, FFJournal always includes articles from all across the U.S. and sometimes beyond. This month’s issue provides coverage from coast to coast.

From the Associate Editor - Before I wrote this column, I called my grandmother. She travels on more cruise ships than most people, going on two or three a year. She books trips on new ships the way thrill-seekers head to amusement parks to ride new roller coasters.

From the Publisher - I have been drawn to World War II aircraft my entire life. As a boy, I used to love going to the neighborhood hobby shop to check out all the model airplanes.

From the Editor - When I came back to use the computer after dinner, it was not a pretty picture. In fact, there was no picture at all.

In February I relearned a couple good lessons. I’ll identify them later, and I apologize up front for those of you living so far south you can only imagine what I’m talking about.

Pictured on this month’s cover of FFJournal magazine are Workshops for Warriors students USMC Sergeant Paul Filler and Lance Corporal James Moreno Jr. Both Moreno and Filler have been in the Marines for four years, with Moreno having completed two tours in Afghanistan.