Australias MIA Soldiers From Vietnam...

Possibly one of the most heartbreaking aspects of war is when a loved one becomes MIA - Missing In Action. The fear, the doubt, the need for answers will always remain. The endless nights wondering if your loved one is alive and in the hands of the enemy or dead and may never be returned for final farewells. The gut wrenching realisation that you may never know....

Australian MIAs of the Vietnam War – "missing in action" or "no known grave"? by Ashley Ekins The term "missing in action" has long brought anguish to the families of servicemen lost in war. Of the 60,000 Australians who died in the First World War, over one-third were recorded as "missing". Almost half the Australians who died on Gallipoli have no known grave. Many bereaved families were haunted for a generation by the memories of sons, brothers, fathers and husbands who had disappeared without trace. The scale of the loss made this a shared national experience, starkly recalled today in scores of overseas war cemeteries with headstones inscribed with Kipling's simple words: "An Australian Soldier of the Great War . . . Known unto God". There was no such solace for the next of kin of servicemen listed as missing in action during the Vietnam War. Over 500 Australians died in Vietnam. Among them were six Australian servicemen – four Army soldiers and two RAAF airmen – who were initially recorded as "missing in action" (MIA) in four separate incidents. In all six cases their classification was subsequently amended to either "killed in action" or "missing in action - presumed dead". All six servicemen are perhaps more correctly described as having no known graves. These are their stories. The first Australian combat unit to fight in Vietnam, 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR), was also the first to have soldiers recorded as missing in action. In November 1965 1RAR joined an American battalion of the US 173d Airborne Brigade on Operation Hump, a five-day search-and-destroy operation into the enemy dominated territory of War Zone D, about forty kilometres northeast of Saigon. You can read the rest of their stories Here

But for two of these Australian families some amazing news. Retired Soldiers from 'Operation Aussies Home' who have taken responsibility for returning these men to their families for burial have discovered the final resting place of what is believed to be two of the missing Diggers...

Remains of two Diggers found in Vietnam April 19, 2007 A group of Australian Vietnam veterans are 99 per cent certain remains they have uncovered in southern Vietnam belong to two diggers missing in action for more than 40 years. Lance Corporal Richard Parker and Private Peter Gillson were killed during battle in the Dong Nai province east of Saigon in 1965, but their bodies were never recovered. The group of veterans, known as Operation Aussies Home, have been searching in Vietnam for the two soldiers and another four still missing in other parts of the country. Group leader Retired Infantry Lieutenant Colonel Jim Bourke and Veterans Affairs Minister Bruce Billson are both optimistic the remains will be identified as the missing pair. Lt Col Bourke said the group had researched their likely resting place then used ground-penetrating radar to eliminate much of the half-acre cassava field they were examining. On Monday the group discovered the sole of a boot and began excavating the surrounding area. "(On Wednesday) we had a major breakthrough," Mr Bourke told ABC Radio. "The guys recovered a map that was the same map as we used on that operation in 1965. "It was quite a moving scene, actually. "The men were working in extreme temperatures, and as they were excavating they were talking to their friends, and telling them they were going home." Lt Col Bourke said he had called the men's families to break the news. "I didn't want to do it until I was 99.5 per cent certain that we had the remains of the two men, and I've got that degree of certainty now, based on the recovery of the map," he said. "Obviously identification of the remains will be subject to a formal forensic process. But as I say I'm 99 per cent certain that we're on the money." Mr Billson said if the remains did prove to be Australian they would be treated with dignity. "We've got some optimism but we need to be careful that there's firm (proof of their identity)," he told Southern Cross Broadcasting. "I've got some optimism, if they are who we think they may be, we'll arrange for their repatriation back to Australia and proper burial in consultation with their families." Forensic specialists were preparing to leave for Vietnam within days to help in the identification process, Mr Billson said. The excavation also has uncovered bone fragments, teeth and a button used on Australian Army clothing of the 1960s.

With the assistance of donations the people of Operation Aussies Home will continue to search and bring closure to the families of the 4 remaining MIA Soldiers. We can only hope they find this peace soon..

A_C

Linking .... Past to Present

PFC Jerry Wayne Gentry of B Troop, 1^st Squadron, 1^st Cavalry. Vietnam Hero's family finally honoured.

Jerry Wayne Gentry honored with memorial in Cartersville Rebecca Long Staff Writer Published May 24, 2007 11:23 PM CDT Hero was a word that people who attended a memorial dedication ceremony Thursday for U.S. Army Pfc. Jerry Wayne Gentry heard quite often to describe the fourth of the 15 Bartow County residents to be killed in action during the Vietnam War. The crowd of veterans, family members, friends, classmates and elected officials sat in the warm May sun to hear the stories of those who served with Gentry, who was killed in action Nov. 9, 1967. Gentry is the 21st Georgia veteran to be recognized by the Atlanta Vietnam Veterans Business Association, which honors one of the Atlanta area's 418 veterans killed in action in Vietnam. The event featured personal accounts of those who served with Gentry and a dedication of a new memorial in his honor. "Over 58,200 men and women were killed, but today's ceremony is about one man -- Jerry Wayne Gentry," said Bryan Tate, chairman of the AVVBA. "Yes, it happened 40 years ago, but it is still fitting." Gentry was described by many as a quiet man and a good friend to all. Johnny Roberson, a Bartow County resident and Vietnam veteran, said Gentry was "just like the man in the photograph. No matter what was asked of him, he just smiled." That is how many of those gathered remembered the 1965 Cassville High School graduate, who seemed to have an abundance of friends and supporters. As members of the Albany Marine Band played patriotic selections, the old friends greeted each other on the plaza steps, remembering with laughter and tears the days they had shared with him. "He was hard to get to talk," said one classmate who had sat behind him in an English class. "But once you did, you were in for a treat. He saw everything and knew everything. He could tell the best stories." Around 40 members of Gentry's graduating class attended the event, wearing blue and gold ribbons. Many of the members of the class said class members were still extremely close, having lost more than one member to the war. The class, according to one of the women there, was and still is proud of all their war heroes. (source)

And Deb Tainsh who was there, wrote the following:

Linking Gold Star Families Past to Present Deborah Tainsh, May 31, 2007 From Cartersville, Georgia, PFC Jerry Wayne Gentry of B Troop, 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry, the only uninjured member of his crew, in the face of enemy fire and with complete disregard for his own safety, aided his wounded comrades by carrying them to safety. Then with that which only a soldier is driven, he attempted to mount a vehicle and return fire to the enemy only to be mortally wounded and posthumously awarded the Silver Star for his gallantry and unselfish devotion to duty. Forty years after twenty year old PFC Gentry’s gallantry on November 9, 1967, west of the city of Que Son in South Vietnam, I was privileged to meet Mrs. Doris Gentry, Jerry’s mother, a mother who had never received her Gold Star service flag; that is until this special day, May 24, 2007. With her soft white hair gleaning in the sun as did her gentle face and smile, this petite mom still appeared strong as her two surviving daughters, other family members and several hundred strangers surrounded her. An occasion that would never have occurred without the Atlanta Vietnam Veterans Business Association whose mission statement is to promote patriotism and sponsor activities of a patriotic nature among the business community, to recognize those who served and honor those who gave their lives in the Vietnam war; to promote the positive image of the Vietnam veteran, their dependents and the widows and orphans of deceased Vietnam veterans. Each year since 1987 this organization of great Americans has honored Georgia fallen Vietnam heroes and their families by dedicating memorial sights throughout Atlanta and the surrounding area. The 2007 dedication in memory of PFC Gentry was held at Friendship Plaza, downtown Cartersville, Gentry’s hometown where his mom still resides. In this quaint patriotic community the train still roars through several times each day and beside the train depot stands a cut stone etched with a flag, eagle, and the words God Bless America, In memory of those who serve and protect our country. Near these words Mrs. Gentry, family, and guests sat facing the speaker’s stage and the Albany Marine Band from Marine Corp Logistics Base, Albany, Georgia and the presentation of colors by members of 1st Bn, 108th Armor 121st Infantry Division, Georgia National Guard. After a patriotic concert and opening statements by Cary King, President of AVVBA, comrades from other states who served with and were with Gentry the night he died, but who had never met or spoken with his family, shared their emotional and heart spoken memories, an exercise that the veterans and family said brought a sense of release for them. To the side of the stage sat a group of Gold Star moms from across Georgia who had also experienced the death of a child in service to our nation in past and present wars. I sat with two of my peers, Jan Johnson, mom of U.S. Army Specialist Justin Johnson who gave his life in Iraq, April 2004, and Stacey Holley, mom of U.S. Army Specialist Matthew Holley who gave his life, November, 2005. After the dedication of the memorial monument now at Friendship Plaza in Cartersville, standing below the speaker’s stage, Jan held a Gold Star Service Flag and Stacey held a Gold Star lapel pin as I stood at the podium and read these words: Mrs. Gentry, in honor of your son and hero, U.S. Army PFC Jerry Wayne Gentry, we Gold Star mothers of this new century and new generation want to present you with this Gold Star Flag, the service flag created during WWI for families to hang in their homes in honor of loved ones killed while in service to our great country. As stated in the history of the national organization of American Gold Star Mothers, Incorporated January 5, 1929: “We stand tall and proud by honoring our children, assisting our veterans, supporting our nation, and healing with each other.” And as stated in the preamble to Public Resolution 123, 74th Congress, June 23, 1936 “The American mother does much for the home and the moral and spiritual uplifting of the people of the United States, does good for government and humanity, and the American Gold Star Mothers have suffered the supreme sacrifice of motherhood in the loss of their sons and daughters…” Mrs. Gentry, we Gold Star Mothers of today know the depths of your broken heart and the scar that forever remains. And we are honored to stand in support of you today with pride and thanks to you for your supreme sacrifice made in 1967 on behalf of our great country. Please accept our condolences regarding the death of your son. We now present you with this service flag which holds the blue star that represents hope and pride and the gold star that represents liberty and freedom. We will never forget your son and hero, PFC Jerry Wayne Gentry. We will never forget you. Jan and Stacy then presented the flag and pin to this Vietnam war mom who for forty years believed she, her son, and family had been forgotten; a mom and family that wasn’t sure at first about accepting to have their fallen hero and family honored by the AVVBA; a mom with other children who had never experienced the support of peers as they lived their own “hell.” A mom who said through tears, “I always saw blue and gold star flags in homes during WWII when my daddy served. I always wondered why I never had one during Vietnam.” Then with smiles and tears of gratitude, Mrs. Gentry and family accepted the hugs, love, care, monument, and service flag they had deserved since November 9, 1967. They knew, finally and for sure, that they were no longer alone, thanks to these brave heroes from another era who have felt let down and unappreciated, but who found the strength to carry the flag and memory of their comrades forward. The Atlanta Vietnam Veterans Business Association provided a gift greater than they will ever comprehend as they have now linked the past to the present. And together we moms, dads, and other family members will continue the journey of healing and carrying forward the flag, honor, and love for our children, their comrades, the fallen, wounded, and those heroes continuing to serve this nation on our behalf. May our past and present always remain linked, and may no family ever be forgotten.

PFC Jerry Wayne Gentry: Thank you for your service. Mrs Gentry, to echo Deb Tainsh: NO! We will never forget.

Brat

Rolling Victory Fast Update: 31 May 2007

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Fasting today is PCMom!!

See ya in comments!

~Tracy

VC Tunnels And The 'Tunnel Rats'......

The Viet Cong Tunnels were an amazing story. A few hrs from where I live people live underground to escape the heat, but those are rather basic dwellings. Whole communities, up to 10,000 people lived in the VC Tunnels. It was also one of their strongest tactical moves. The Viet Cong were able to fight Guerilla style warfare from what were virtually underground cities.

Bunkers as shown here were often linked by tunnels to escape holes underground food and supplies storage medical areas kitchens rest areas HQ centres

The image above, left, gives an overall view of a tunnel system. Below are 2 overlapping enlargements to show detail. Images from the book NAM; The Vietnam Experience 1965/75 by Hamlyn ISBN 0 600 563 111
1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, left South Vietnam, having completed almost a full year of combat duty. In leaving, the "diggers" could point with pride to a creditable performance during their stay, highlighted by participation in no fewer than nineteen major operations. Of particular note was an operation conducted in January 1966 which resulted in one of the biggest intelligence coups of the war up to that time. During a sweep of the so-called Iron Triangle, an area near Saigon heavily fortified and controlled by the Viet Cong, the Australian unit discovered a vast complex of tunnels, dug 60 feet deep in some places, which turned out to be a Viet Cong headquarters. In addition to capturing five new Chinese Communist anti-aircraft guns, the Australians discovered 6,000 documents, many revealing names and locations of Viet Cong agents.
Opening to a bunker system, found by Australian soldiers on Operation Coburg.

The tunnel system, built over 25 years starting in the 1940s, let the Viet Minh and, later, the Viet Cong, control a huge rural area. It was an underground city with living areas, kitchens, storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centres. In places, it was several stories deep and housed up to 10,000 people who virtually lived underground for years.... getting married, giving birth, going to school. They only came out at night to furtively tend their crops. The ground here is hard clay, which made this whole thing possible. But even so, the planning and construction was incredible. People dug all this with hand tools, filling reed baskets and dumping the dirt into bomb craters. They installed large vents so they could hear approaching helicopters, smaller vents for air and baffled vents to dissipate cooking smoke. There were also hidden trap doors and gruesomely effective bamboo-stake booby traps. Of course, the U.S. military knew about the tunnels. The tunnels not only allowed guerrilla communication, they allowed surprise attacks, even within the perimeters of U.S. military bases. The U.S. retaliated with bombs, eventually turning the region into what writers Tom Mangold and John Penycate called "the most bombed, shelled, gassed, defoliated and generally devastated area in the history of warfare." (Webmaster's note. With respect, they hadn't seen the Western Front 1914/18)

Source

The Tunnel Rats of Viet Nam
"Bill" an Aussie tunnel rat emerging from a tunnel. Click photo to enlarge. Note the "Australia" badge and the name written on the bush hat. Photo from Vietnam Remembered.

Unofficial motto "Non gratum anus rodentum" "Not worth a rat's arse" or alternatively "Couldn't Give a Rat's Arse"

This diagram is of a smaller local tunnel system. See VC Tunnels for it's big brother

Tools of trade for a Tunnel Rat

Knife of type that would be carried	Flashlight	Colt .45 Auto (above) Smith & Wesson .38 (lower)

HOW IT ALL BEGAN: Friday 7th of January 1966. The 1st Battalion of the 28th Infantry, itself part of the 3rd Brigade of the 1st Inf Div - "The Big Red One"- was engaged in operation "Crimp". The first search and destroy sweep into the VC held area's Northwest of Saigon. Operation "Crimp" was intended to be a massive strike against the VC in South Vietnam; in and around the Ho Bo woods just west of the Iron triangle. Even as the men from the 1st Batt 28th Inf touched down on LZ (landing zone) "Jack" they could see their comrades in the 1st Batt 16th Inf were already in trouble and engaging the enemy in small fire fights. The men quickly de-assed their helicopters and moved into the nearby tree line hoping to find, engage, and destroy the VC that had been harassing the soldiers of the 16th Inf. Just inside the tree line at the edge of a rubber plantation, the men of the 28th discovered a large trench - but no enemy. Where had they gone? How could the VC who had been firing at the men of the 16th Inf just disappear apparently into thin air? As the Batt moved forward it began to find large caches of rice, and enough food to feed a Regiment. As the operation continued, over the next couple of days foxholes, trenches, and caves were discovered. Still no enemy were being engaged in running fire fights, or surrendering, and all the time US casualties were mounting through sustained enemy sniper fire. By the 10th of January the 28th had reached the banks of the Saigon river. So far during the 3 days of the operation only a couple of brief glimpses of the enemy had been seen. Late in the afternoon of the 10th word came through via the radio that elements of the 173rd Airborne Brigade and the Aussies to the north had made contact with the VC and - found tunnels.

These were days that for many turned the tide of the War. The Viet Cong had effectively lost their advantage. Though the extent of the tunnel systems were still unknown they had lost the element of suprise that had been keeping the Aussies and Americans on their toes for so long. They were now in a position to be on the lookout for hatches and fox holes that would indicate openings to the tunnel system. All that remained was for the bravest of men to descend into the tunnel system to investigate.

THE OP ENGINEER (Tunnel Rat) (an underground man) The leading scout raised his arm in the village of Long Phuoc He'd found another tunnel, but who'd go down to look? The corporal passed the word back, it went back far behind To let his platoon commander know of his recent find Then along came this soldier, with mud from head to toe "Where's the tunnel entrance?" was all he wanted to know When they showed the soldier, he quickly looked around And before you could stop him, he'd gone underground Now he'd been searching on his gut, all that day I bet Look out for booby traps that good ol' Charlie sets Then he found the wire, stretched out taut and thin But he deloused that booby trap, with a safety pin Then he found the weapons leaning on the wall There was no disputing he'd found a real big haul When he finally surfaced, wearing a big grin He proudly showed the Diggers what he'd found within Now he'd like to sit down, and roll himself a smoke But he's been called up forward, by another bloke So when you see that hat badge, that's like a bursting shell Remember that this fellow has crawled half way through to hell And if he's in a bar mate, you buy that bloke a beer Because Sir, you're drinking with an Aussie Engineer

Source

A_C

The Battle Of Long Tan - Told By Those Who Fought....

The more I research the Vietnam War, the more it becomes clear that there are strong parallels between Vietnam and Iraq. The one thing we have increasingly seen is the Mainstream Medias portrayal of events that rarely matches that of the Soldiers.

This is the Battle of Long Tan as told by two men who fought in it.

by Major Harry Smith MC, who commanded Delta Six at Long Tan This is Harry Smith's brief account of the Battle: Much has been written about the Battle of Long Tan by others. Many authors have dwelt on the politics of why we were sent to Vietnam; and why we were sent out to locate a small force that had shelled the Base when it was obvious, perhaps in hindsight, that a large VC Force was in the area. Some, motivated by VC propaganda, have said we walked into a deliberate ambush. I have little time for the politics, theories or criticism which detract from the outstanding performance of my Company and all the Supporting Forces involved in the Battle. We were carrying out orders given by our Government to our Senior Commanders of the time. My orders early on the 18th August 1966 were to take D Company out to the Long Tan area, relieve B Company which had gone out the day before and located signs of vacated enemy mortar positions, and try and locate the VC force that had shelled the Base. My Commander indicated a Weapons Platoon and protection, perhaps 50-60 VC, probably long gone. Despite statements made in hindsight by various intelligence people, no indication was given to me of any larger force in the area, other than perhaps odd D445 Local Force Companies. We quickly prepared for the operation and left Base about 1100, moving across the grassy fields to the East, to the music from the Col Joye and Little Pattie Concert. About 1300 we arrived at B Coy area. I went around with Major Noel Ford, a close friend from 1952 OCS days, and we looked at the various VC mortar positions and tracks. B Company had swept the area to the East (to a hut), and North East, and found no sign of VC in the area. They had spent a quiet night, had sent half the Company back to Base earlier, with the rest departing about 1500. There was no indication of any enemy actively in the area since the shelling on the 16th. Link

Address by (Lt) Dave Sabben Long Tan Day, Sunday 14 Aug 2005, Frankston Cenotaph. Address by Dave Sabben (introduced as having fought at Long Tan) Frankston RSL Sub-Branch / Frankston & District Viet Vets Sub-Branch Remembrance Ceremony for Long Tan Day, Sunday 14 August 2005, Frankston Cenotaph. I see the Viet Nam Veteran community in Australia as a pool - of people, if you will. Most of the year, the pool is calm. Okay, there might be churning and thrashing under the surface, but outwardly, they’re calm. At rest. Normal people, going about their normal business. Then, once a year, a pebble is thrown into the pool. There’s a small splash in the centre, and ripples radiate out to the far edges. And the nation – or a part of it at least – stops to remember the Viet Vets. The Viet Vets themselves chose the Battle of Long Tan to be the centre-piece of their day. To be the focal point of their own remembrance of all matters Viet Nam. Long Tan wasn’t the biggest battle the Australians experienced. It didn’t last the longest. Nor did it involve the most troops. But it was perhaps the most desperate, the most critical to the Australian mission, and certainly it was the most decisive in terms of results. So I stand here today to represent to you the people of the Long Tan story. In the centre, the splash if you like, was 105 Australian Infantry soldiers and 3 NZ Artillery men. 108 ANZACs walked into that rubber plantation at Long Tan on 18 August 1966. Within minutes of the first shot, we called for artillery support. 161 Battery, NZ Artillery, were on call – 6 gun crews became the first ripple in the pond. A few dozen men swung into action to support the blokes out there under fire. Along with their HQ men, the gun plotters, the comms men, all their own support crews. Within an hour we called the first Regimental fire mission. Three more Batteries joined in..We now had 24 guns firing for us – 24 gun crews, 4 Battery HQs – the ripples radiating. At Task Force HQ and in the Fire Control Centre, dozens more men swung into action. Command and control. Liaison among units. What’s to be done to help Delta Company? Halfway through the battle, with ammo running low, we called for a resupply. Two RAAF choppers – four-man crews in each – flew to 6RAR to collect the ammo. A dozen men delivered it, loaded it onto the choppers. Two 6RAR men climbed in. The choppers then flew through impossible weather to hover above us, under fire, and kick the ammo out right into the middle of our position. And we can include the blokes who service and supply the choppers and keep them in the air. The ripples around the battle now include a couple of hundred more soldiers. Link

I believe probably one of the most frequently repeated and frustrating aspects of this war is that for all intents and purposes we won it. The Aussies, New Zealanders and Americans working alongside the South Vietnamese Army actually won the battles. Had the governments, the media and the people back home supported their efforts the outcome would, without doubt, have been completely different.

In this particular war, the Anti War Crowd, let by the likes of 'Hanoi' Jane Fonda actually conspired with their countries enemies to undermine the progress being made by the Soldiers. Every battle was misrepresented as a loss, causing serious damage to the morale of the Soldiers. This has been proven to have been a tactic by the North Vietnamese Army, one that would lead to their eventual victory.

The men who fought these wars are the only voices they need to be heard. These are their stories. These are their own pieces of history, those they fought for.

A_C

Veterans Speak Through Poetry.......

Small Pain In My Chest The soldier boy was sitting calmly underneath that tree. As I approached it, I could see him beckoning to me. The battle had been long and hard and lasted through the night And scores of figures on the ground lay still by morning's light. "I wonder if you'd help me, sir", he smiled as best he could. "A sip of water on this morn would surely do me good. We fought all day and fought all night with scarcely any rest - A sip of water for I have a small pain in my chest." As I looked at him, I could see the large stain on his shirt All reddish-brown from his warm blood mixed in with Asian dirt. "Not much", said he. "I count myself more lucky than the rest. They're all gone while I just have a small pain in my chest." "Must be fatigue", he weakly smiled. "I must be getting old. I see the sun is shining bright and yet I'm feeling cold. We climbed the hill, two hundred strong, but as we cleared the crest, The night exploded and I felt this small pain in my chest." "I looked around to get some aid - the only things I found Were big, deep craters in the earth - bodies on the ground. I kept on firing at them, sir. I tried to do my best, But finally sat down with this small pain in my chest." "I'm grateful, sir", he whispered, as I handed my canteen And smiled a smile that was, I think, the brightest that I've seen. "Seems silly that a man my size so full of vim and zest, Could find himself defeated by a small pain in his chest." "What would my wife be thinking of her man so strong and grown, If she could see me sitting here, too weak to stand alone? Could my mother have imagined, as she held me to her breast, That I'd be sitting HERE one day with this pain in my chest?" "Can it be getting dark so soon?" He winced up at the sun. "It's growing dim and I thought that the day had just begun. I think, before I travel on, I'll get a little rest .......... And, quietly, the boy died from that small pain in his chest. I don't recall what happened then. I think I must have cried; I put my arms around him and I pulled him to my side And, as I held him to me, I could feel our wounds were pressed The large one in my heart against the small one in his chest.

Shadows of the Past As I hide in the shadows of the war in my mind I remember things I should have forgotten over time The death, the slaughter, the horrible sights Washing my mind through the days and the nights The photo album of sights which exists inside my head Wont let go of the past nor the dead Its decaying cover and painful memories of the years Dwindling my strength and flooding my tears And as I take a deep, painful breath I see that world, so full of death Those staring back at me from the minds photographs Are black and white visions of faraway hearts I know that the voices that sang to my spirit are dead And I think those voices were my own inside my head As I realise mistakes were made and many lives lost All I can do is search inside and count the cost And now time simply evaporates in my hands Like moving tides and shifting sands I know that there is nothing left I can do or say Because my life was chosen and I have to live it this way But if I could just steal away one moment from my past And trap the guilt and pain from within my heart Maybe I could unravel the regrets woven deep within me And finally let myself go, setting my tormented mind free

REMEMBER THEM Another soldier dies today, we pray and say we really cared He gave his life so we could live and other lives be spared So why do some hate that man for what he believes is right For without his love and sacrifice, our lives would be a constant fight So hate not that man of the military who is willing to die for you Give them your love and support to help them make it through For if he was not there to fight the battles that you would not undertake Your life would be meaningless and your life someone else would take For the military men and woman that risk their lives to keep us safe each day Are the real heroes of this world and for their safety we should pray So ask yourself would you face all the terrible risks that they constantly endure So you can sit in your freedom of place, a place that they secure We the military are not inhuman, not criminals, not people without a heart We ask not for sympathy, just your support while we are far apart And if that is too much to ask for the life they gave and sacrificed painfully Just remember that they died so you could be safe at home with your family

Flames Of Nam There was a whisper in the wind as the nightmares scorched my mind The pain from which was so intense it was killing me in kind As I cried out for help and no one heard my scream I awoke from another nightmare, another realistic dream So I looked within my broken soul to see the damage there The scars left from that war afar, but no one seemed to care And as the thoughts consume my soul and my will to live again I feel those thoughts killing me and grip my body with pain Is this the burning legacy of war, a life we must endure Remembering those that gave their life, and others without a cure And as we travel the fiery path that leads us to our fate Will anyone ever understand or will life be what we hate

For more Poetry check out this site...A Namvets Poems

A_C

Rolling Victory Fast Update: 30 May 2007

Link To Original Post: Here
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Fasting today is Leta!

In keeping with the theme of honoring our Vietnam Veterans this week I dedicate today’s RVF to all of them living among us or who have gone on to a better place. I will never be able to comprehend or understand what it must be like to be a veteran of any war. I struggle every day to do and say the right things to honor all of our military personnel past and present. Their honor, integrity, selflessness and duty are more than an inspiration to me. As we all struggle to find our way to thank and support these brave men and women I pray we will do so with the utmost respect to each of them – that we will never judge or question their service. I’d like to share a couple of stories about 2 Vietnam Veterans that I know personally. I live near a large metropolitan city that is home to one of the biggest cargo airlines in the world. Often pilots for that airline choose to maintain homes for their families in the area of the country where they grew up or settled with their families. They rent rooms from people here in order to have a base from which to fly. I used to rent rooms to some of the pilots. One of the pilots I rented to happened to be the last POW taken by the Vietcong. I remember vividly the day he told me his story. He was flying his last mission over Vietnam before joining his wife in Thailand for R & R. She was already in Thailand waiting for him to arrive. His plane was shot down. He survived the incident and avoided capture for 10 days before the Vietcong found him and took him to the Hanoi Hilton. He didn’t tell me much other than he felt like he was the luckiest man on earth because he was “ONLY” a prisoner for 56 days. Can you believe that? He thought he was lucky after being shot down, hiding in the jungles of Vietnam for 10 days, be captured and ONLY being tortured for 56 days. I suppose when one looks at the big picture – those who were POWs for years I can see where he feels lucky. Quite honestly I cannot imagine being as well adjusted as he if I’d been tortured for even one day. It certainly speaks volumes about his resolve and fortitude. He is a man who loves his country, honors it’s flag and who is PROUD to have worn the uniform of the United States Air Force. He rented from me for over 4 years. From time to time he would mention something about the bond he had with others who were prisoners. On occasion he would discuss things such as how they communicated. I rarely asked any questions and never pressed for an answer he didn’t provide – I listened. It wasn’t a subject that came up often and when it did it was because he brought it up. On 9/11/2001 I was out of town (three states away) working. I was finally able to get a rental car to drive home. It took me hours to get home. I hadn’t seen any film of the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon or about the flight that went down in Pennsylvania. I had only heard the stories from the radio and from friends who I had been talking with on the cell phone as I drove those hundreds of miles. When I pulled in to my driveway late that night the pilot’s car was parked in front and the lights were on in the house. I walked in the door and found this retired career military man sitting in the middle of my living room floor openly weeping as he watched the news reports. Knowing verbally what this man had been through in his life but having no idea what he had endured emotionally or physically I found myself totally at a loss at to what to do or say. I stood near my front door frozen until he got up off of the floor, walked to me, put his arms around me and, while hugging me tight, told me not to be afraid – that our military would protect us. It was one of the most moving and defining moments of my life. At that point he and I formed a bond that will last a lifetime. We sat down on the floor together and for the first time I watched the video of the planes hitting the World Trade Towers. We cried together. Although he has retired from his job with the airline we still email and talk frequently. He rarely mentions anything about his time in Vietnam or as a POW and I never ask. I do, however, make sure he knows how much I appreciate him for the sacrifices he made while serving this great nation. The second story is about a man who, at 17, joined the Marines and by 18 was an Embassy Guard at the US Embassy in Saigon. He was standing guard the day Saigon fell and the Embassy was evacuated. I met this man quite by accident – he was the first of many military personnel I have supported in Iraq and Afghanistan since the spring of 2003. He is currently in the Army Reserves and is assigned to a Civil Affairs Brigade. His Brigade was called up for OIF1. I got his name and address from a friend of a friend of a friend and began writing to him and, eventually, providing care packages for his entire team. He was injured, sent to Landstuhl then on to Walter Reed for treatment. I met him while he was being treated at Walter Reed. One day we were talking about his military career and he mentioned he had originally been a Marine. Then he began to tell about serving in Vietnam. He told about the day they had to evacuate the US Embassy in Saigon – about the chaos, the sea of Vietnamese attempting to gain access to the Embassy in hopes of finding refuge and being evacuated. One of the few times I’ve seen this brave man become emotional was when he talked about the mothers and fathers begging them to take the children to safety – attempting to pass them through or over the fence. I cannot imagine what it must have been like to, in effect, turn one’s back on those innocent children but what else could be done at the time? He told much more about that day but it’s been a while and I don’t remember all of the details in a factual enough way to repeat them here. The bottom line is that day still sticks with him as if it were yesterday and he continues to carry guilt with him for leaving so many of the children behind. So, I guess what I’m trying to say here is that there are tens of thousands of stories to be told by those who served in Vietnam and came home. Stories that may have a “happy ending” but weren’t happy to endure. Or stories that had no happy ending at all. I’d ask you to keep that in mind when you encounter a Vietnam Veteran – any war veteran. We all know that the Vietnam Veterans were NOT treated properly when they returned to this country. That in itself is another subject I choose not to address in this dedication. Let’s not allow history to repeat itself. We MUST choose to learn from the past so that the Vietnam Veterans who are still among us today as well as those who have gone on get the honor, respect and recognition they deserve. Finally, we must support our current military and their missions around the world and welcome each of them home with open arms, gratitude, respect and honor. It is unfortunate that the English language has no word that expresses my appreciation for our veterans past and present.

Great dedication Leta! I don't think any of us could ever adequately express our thanks to our country's veterans.

See ya in comments!

~Tracy

Affects of the Vietnam War on American Soldiers...

Affects of the Vietnam War on American Soldiers written by Lauren Polanski The greatest service one can do for your country is to fight for it and protect it. In the late 1950's, American men and women began to be present in the southeast Asian country of Vietnam to help the South Vietnamese fight off the communist North Vietnam. Almost three million American soldiers fought in Vietnam until April 30, 1975, when South Vietnam surrendered to the communist North Vietnam (Esper 5, 201). The Vietnam War affected many American soldiers both mentally and physically due to their constant presence around violence and exposure to the chemical called Agent Orange. 173rd Airborne chaplain Roy Peters described that he "had never seen [hell]" until being in the war in Vietnam. The hell-like conditions caused many of the soldiers to suffer from post-traumatic-stress disorder (PTSD). The obvious major factor triggering to this stress was not just the constant violence, but the thick jungle environment of Vietnam presented an even more difficult challenge with easily hidden enemies and bases. Even as the Americans rested in their camps at night, there were always the horrifying sound of shell-fire and explosions in the distance (Esper 70). It was common for the North Vietnamese to surprise the Americans with guerilla attacks that could not have been detected; caution and/or fear would not be scarce at the camps. As much as the American soldiers might have tried to prevent it, their Vietnam experience would bring life-long effects. "[The Viet Cong] dragged [a Marine] only about three to four feet away from me... I could hear them go through his pockets and cartridge belt. I heard him moaning and then a second later I heard a shot. They shot him in the face," recalled 23 year-old Navy medical corpsman, Billie Holmes. A few minutes afterward, the enemy snuck towards Holmes. "As [they] reached out to grab hold of my shirt, one of our men shot across me and hit him in the face... The other three or four backed down the slope" (Esper 74, 75). American soldiers in Vietnam dealt with many horrifically violent close calls such as what Holmes had encountered. It did not help that the Viet Cong enemy outnumbered the American soldiers. As Vietnam-veteran-turned-author Tim O'Brien wrote: "A true war story is never moral. [If] you feel uplifted, or you feel that some small bit of rectitude has been salvaged from the larger waste, then you have been made a victim of a very old a terrible lie" (Webster). A disadvantage for the United States was that they did not know the jungle land very well. American soldiers relied on the assistance of their South Vietnamese allies in this way, which was not always reliable. The Viet Cong enemy often camped along roadsides and trails, hidden from plain view. Often times, American soldiers were ambushed unexpectedly when traveling. Staff Sergeant Miguel Seise wrote: We started getting fire all of a sudden. It was coming from everywhere, the ground, the trees. Suddenly, everyone around me was getting hit and dying. I could hear screams all over the place. We fought for what seemed hours. It was no good. [The little remainder of my troops] had a fifty-fifty chance of getting out. We started crawling away under terribly intense fire. We crawled two hundred and fifty yards, then started running. I never ran so fast before. Seise had to leave many of his wounded friends behind. "Someone shouted out, 'Don't leave me!' A lieutenant called out 'Please shoot me!'" (Esper 64). High tensions, stress and exhaustion were common among the cautious Americans: from the thick Vietnamese jungle land and rice paddies, to the urban city of Saigon. But there was yet another disadvantage for the Americans. It was extremely difficult to find the Viet Cong, therefore, American soldiers often had to wait for the attack (Esper 67). A lot of the time, the Viet Cong traveled in small groups and fought guerilla-style warfare. It was not known where exactly the Viet Cong were based a lot of the time. Constantly going on the defensive against North Vietnam was extremely unfavorable for the interest of the safety of Americans. Unexpected attacks could occur at any moment, and often did. It cost too many lives, in too short amount of time, in battles such as the ones at Dak To, Khe Sanh, Hue, and one of the bloodiest battles: Hamburger Hill. The total death toll at the end of the war in 1975 was close to 58,000 American soldiers (Esper 5). But the combination of the South Vietnamese Army, North Vietnamese Army, and the citizens had a higher death toll than the United States. On January 13, 1962, the United States Defense Department's experiment, called Operation Hades, had embarked (Esper 66). Later named Operation Ranch Hand, millions upon millions of gallons of an herbicide called Agent Orange, were sprayed all over the jungles of South Vietnam (Dunnigan 135, 136). Agent Orange's purpose was to kill all of the vegetation the chemical landed upon (Esper 67), thus helping the United States in two ways: denying the enemy a thick jungle to easily keep out of sight , and killing farmland that the enemy used as a food source (Gettleman 467). However, a Food and Drug Administration study in 1969 reported that 2, 4, 5-T, a component in the Agent Orange chemical, caused malformations in test animals (Esper 67). But it was later found that the dioxin found in Agent Orange, TCDD, is the most toxic known substance (Gettleman 465). The United States government made a very poor choice to decide to experiment during war-time; clearly in the presence of their very own fighting Americans, merely being used almost as guinea pigs. Although the good intentions were there, and Agent Orange did accomplish helping the American soldiers in the war, it would later hurt the American soldiers for the rest of their lives and many of their future children. "16,000 Agent Orange related illnesses were filed in the late 1970's" (Esper 67). Some of the effects included difficulty breathing, low blood pressure and optic nerve trouble (Gettleman 465). The Vietnam veterans of the United States, probably America's greatest heroes, attempted to prevent the spread of communism, and the freedom of the South Vietnamese. They unfortunately paid a price that would affect them for the rest of their lives, physically and/or mentally. Some of the veterans went on to have children after returning home, to learn that their child has cancer or a disease, because of the veteran's exposure to Agent Orange. It is an unfortunate and unfair result for trying to do good. But too many of the great American heroes -- almost 58,000 brothers and sisters -- were never able to step back onto American soil again. Works Cited Dunnigan, James F., and Albert a. Nofi. Dirty Little Secrets of the Vietnam War. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1999. Esper, George, and The Associated Press. The Eyewitness History of the Vietnam War: 1961-1975. New York: Random House, Inc., 1983. Gettleman, Marvin E., Jane Franklin, Marilyn B. Young, and H. Bruce Franklin, eds. Vietnam and America. New York: Grove Press, 1995. Webster, Mark. "Vietnam recollections relive the war's surreal horror." The Tech 27 April 1990. 1 April 2006.

Lauren has a site on myspace you can find Here

Please take the time to check it out

A_C

Remember ALL Our Soldiers

At the request of an Aussie Vietnam Veteran I ask you all to take the time to remember those lost in peacetime actions and those who have lost their lives due to their service experiences after returning from their respective wars..

You can see more details by following the link to the page of Rememberance

Corporal David O'Neill

Sergeant Craig Linacre

Corporal Michael McAvoy

Trooper Joshua Porter

Captain Mark Bingley

These are just some of Australias more recent losses. There are many, many more Service Personnel that have given all in the line of peacetime duty. These losses are no less tragic and should be no less honoured.

Since the return of the Vietnam Veterans from the War there has been a shocking amount of losses. These losses are from violent incidents, suicide and illnesses that could be attributed to the effects of war time service. The use of the pesticide known as Agent Orange appears to be a leading cause of terminal illness including cancers and kidney disease, though there has been no formal investigation into a link.

The following site documents the loss of Australian Vietnam Veterans AFTER returning from their term of service.

Vietnam Mortality Figures

One of the most frustrating factors for these Veterans is the lack of acknowledgement from the government and the general population for their sacrifices, both during their service and the ongoing affects. I believe the underlying factor we need to remember is that Vietnam was the first time Australia instituted a draft. Many of the Soldiers who fought for their country were NOT volunteers. Many did not understand the war they were fighting or why they were being forced to fight. Their conditions were appalling. The Soldiers were fighting a war with no tactics. A guerilla style war that they were simply not trained or prepared for.

They returned to an uncaring and unsympathetic population. A population that undoubtedly did not understand the risk of Communism to the world, much as many do not understand the risk of terrorism today. They returned to a nation of Hippies, who were more concerned with drugs, free love and music than what these Soldiers had done for them. The uncaring, unknowing and ignorant that have been replaced by the anti war leftist movements of today.

They returned to a government unwilling to acknowledge their mistakes in the handling of this war. They returned to a country that was convinced they had lost, when infact it was the enforced cutting and running that made it appear that way. The words 'Winning the Battles but not the War', emblazoned everywhere for those living the nightmare of PTSD to see. Told they had 'Wasted their time', that their friends had died or been permaently injured for no good cause. The same outcry and show of blatant disrespect being perpetuated again today. The lasting effects of PTSD are the topic of one Vietnam Veterans tribute to a mate and fellow Veteran Here

It is not too late to honour these Veterans of a war people were all to willing to forget. To show them the respect they more than earned. The best place to start is to acknowledge what they endured, the lasting effects they battle with today and the impact of both on their lives.

It is important for us to recognise that no war, no term of service, no branch of the Military is more important than another. Each war has a purpose and wide reaching effect, it has victims, casualties and enemies. Each term of service is exactly that, a term of service. It is one persons willingness to forgo a period of their life in the defence of their country and each section of the Defence Force has it's purpose and it's place in a well oiled machine that is todays Military.

We can make such a difference simply by acknowledging the tragic mistakes made before, during and after the Vietnam War. It is time for our governments and all grateful citizens to stand together and thank our Vietnam Veterans for their sacrifice.

A_C

Wenesday Hero

This Weeks Soldier Was Suggested By Kathy

Ahmed Qusai al-Taayie
41 years old from Ann-Arbor, Michigan


Specialist Ahmed Qusai al-Taayie is a Iraqi American U.S. Army linguist soldier, from Ann-Arbor, Michigan who was kidnapped on October 23, 2006 in Baghdad and has not been seen since.

al-Taayie joined the Army in 2004 to help not only his country, the United States, but also his birthplace of Iraq and was deployed in 2005. On October 23, 2006 he was visiting his wife in the Karrada Shiite neighborhood in central Baghdad when he and his cousin were kidnapped by a group calling themselves Ahel al-Beit Brigades. His cousin was released shortly after. On November 2, 2006 al-Taayie's uncle received a ransom demand of $250,000 for his return. Along with the ransom came a grainy video that showed a man beaten up who was identified as al-Taayie. No more has been heard from al-Taayie or his captures.

For more information on Ahmed Qusai al-Taayie you can go here

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. To find out more about Wednesday Hero, you can go here.

~Tracy

Australias Involvement In Vietnam....

I have found many sites while researching on Australias involvement in the Vietnam War. I chose to use this one because it is easy to read and easy to follow. Over the next few days I will concentrate on more details of individual battles but this is a brief overview...

Australians in Vietnam When the Australian instructors arrived in Vietnam, they found that they were teaching tactics which often directly contradicted those being taught by the American Instructors. The basic American strategy was to use superior firepower and numbers to overwhelm the enemy. The Australians, on the other hand had come from several years anti-guerrilla jungle warfare in Malaysia and advocated the use of surprise and superior skill to defeat the enemy with minimum cost on lives and material. The Australians also had difficulty working with the South Vietnamese Army whose extremely rigid hierarchical structure conflicted with egalitarian nature of the Australians. Largely as a result of these conflicts, when Australian combat troops arrived in Vietnam, they were assigned an area of Puoc Tuy Province in which they effectively operated autonomously. After the early Battle of Long Tan, the Australians had reasonably good control of their area of responsibility. As a result, they focused much more than the Americans on assisting the local population. Australian Army activities included building over 600 houses and more than 60 classrooms, rebuilding the main north-south highway, constructing a bridge over the Song Rai River, carrying out major repairs to the main hospital and introducing many agricultural improvements in the Province. Unlike the majority of the Australian Task Force, the Army Training Team instructors were spread throughout Vietnam. Initially, they were intended to be non-combatant advisers but their role was soon extended to leading elements of the South Vietnamese Army in battle. Their role was similar to that of the famous American "green berets" and they became the most highly decorated unit in Australian military history. The "Team" served in Vietnam for a total of ten and half years - longer than any Australian unit has ever served in any war. The average Australian soldier in Vietnam was 20 years old and saw 314 days of combat in a period of one year. The average World War 11 soldier in the South Pacific had been 26 years old saw 40 days of combat in a period of four years. Troop levels: South Vietnamese 243,000 American 11,300 Australian 30 Link

Escalation 1963 In 1963, Diem's police (led by his brother) raided a Buddhist pagoda claiming that the monks were harbouring communists and creating political instability. This led to enormous protests against the Diem Government. One Buddhist monk burned himself to death in protest. When Diem's wife referred to this as a "barbecue" it caused so much outrage that the American CIA supported a military coup to oust Diem. Diem and his brother were assassinated. General Duong Van Mingh took over leadership of the Government. Troop levels: South Vietnamese 243,000 American 16,300 Australian 30

1964 Early in 1964, the newly-appointed President Johnson, convinced that if South Vietnam fell to the communists,. the rest of South East Asia would follow, ordered increased aid for South Vietnam, began the planning of air strikes against North Vietnam and requested more assistance from America's allies in the region. A total of 39 nations provided some form of assistance; only five sent combat troops and, of these, only two (Australia and New Zealand) paid their own expenses. The Australian Government responded by increasing the number of instructors in Vietnam to 80. Shortly afterwards, Warrant Officer Kevin Conway became the first Australian to be killed in action in Vietnam. Later in the year, seven Australian Caribou transport aircraft are stationed at Vung Toa. In August, two US ships in the Tonkin Gulf were attacked by North Vietnamese torpedo boats. US aircraft carriers retaliated by attacking four North Vietnamese naval bases and an oil depot. In November 1964, as a result of concern about the situation in Indonesia, Australia introduced National Service for 20-year olds. Troop levels: South Vietnamese 514,000 American 23,300 Australian 80 New Zealand 30 South Korea 200 Philippines 20

1965 In February 1965, the US commenced sustained bombing of North Vietnam and began sending combat troops to Vietnam. In April, the Australian Government announced that it would sent a battalion of combat troops to Vietnam. The bombing of North Vietnam triggered the first significant protests against the war in America when student demonstrators marched on the Oakland Army Terminal which was the point of departure for most of the US troops leaving for Vietnam. Most of these early protests were directed more against the draft than the war itself. It was not until 1968 that large-scale protests against the war itself developed. In June, 1,100 Australians of the 1st Battalion with support elements arrived in Vung Tao. Shortly afterwards, the Battalion suffered its first causalities when 3 soldiers were killed and 11 wounded in a grenade accident. In October, 2 more Australians were killed and 37 wounded in a "search and destroy" operation in the Iron Triangle area. 106 enemy were killed in the operation. In the same month, the first significant anti-war protests were held in Sydney. Troop levels: South Vietnamese 642,500 American 184,300 Australian 1,560 New Zealand 120 South Korea 20,620 Philippines 70 Thailand 20

1966 In March 1966, the new Australian Prime Minister, Harold Holt, announced that its commitment to Vietnam would be increased to 4,500, including conscripts for the first time. In April, 26 Australians were killed securing an area around Nui Dat Protests against conscription and the war were held in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Canberra. In May, Private Errol Wayne Noack became the first Australian conscript killed in action in any war except during the direct defence of Australia in New Guinea. In June, the 1st Battalion returned to Australia to be greeted by a ticket-tape parade through Sydney. The American Commander, General Westmoreland praised the Australian troops saying "I have never seen a finer group of men. I have never fought with a finer group of soldiers.... even men in the ranks might have been leaders in some less capable force." Later in the war, as protest activity increased, the "welcome home" parades were abandoned. The Battle of Long Tan In August, D Company of the Australian 6th Battalion although outnumbered by more than ten to one, repelled an attack by about 2,500 North Vietnamese and Viet Cong (South Vietnamese Communist) troops. 18 Australians were killed and 22 wounded; 245 enemy were killed. D Company received the high honour of a US Presidential Unit Citation. In October, President Johnson visited Australia and reported that Prime Minister Hold had promised to go "all the way with L.B.J. In November, Australian Warrant Officer Kevin Wheatley earned a posthumous Victoria Cross when he refused to desert a wounded comrade in the face of overwhelming enemy forces. In Australia in November, the Harold Holt's Government was re-elected and committed additional troops, a guided-missile destroyer and a squadron of eight Canberra bombers to Vietnam. Troop levels: South Vietnamese 735,900 American 385,300 Australian 4,530 New Zealand 160 South Korea 25,570 Philippines 2,060 Thailand 240

1967 Australian Major Peter Badcoe earned a Victoria Cross for conspicuous gallantry and leadership on three occasions in February, March and April 1967. In October, the Australian Government announced that it would send more troops and helicopters and a squadron of Centurion tanks to Vietnam. In December, the Australian Prime Minister, Harold Holt, was drowned. He was replaced as Prime Minister by John Gorton early in 1969. Guerilla attacks continued throughout the year but the American leaders felt that they were getting the upper hand. In December, the US Commander, General Westmoreland announced "The enemy has been defeated at every turn." and, just as the French commander had done in 1954, began planning to bring the war to an end in a major battle Troop levels: South Vietnamese 798,700 American 485,600 Australian 6,820 New Zealand 530 South Korea 47,830 Philippines 2,020 Thailand 2,200

1968 The Battle of Khe Sahn US General Westmoreland planned to lure the North Vietnamese into a major battle in which superior American firepower would end the war. He chose an isolated American base at Khe Sahn, near the North Vietnamese border. 5,000 US Marines were stationed there. They were surrounded by between 20,000 and 40,000 North Vietnamese. On 21 January, the North Vietnamese began a rocket and mortar attack. One rocket landed in the middle of the Marines' main ammunition dump setting off 11,000 rounds of ammunition, destroying the airstrip's navigational aids and setting off canisters of tear gas which filled the base. The bombardment continued for another 76 days. The Americans made several attempts to destroy the Vietnamese with artillery and air bombardment but had limited success. The Vietnamese made several attempts to overrun the base but were repelled. The Marines had insufficient food and water and were overrun by rats. Eventually, the Vietnamese decided to abandon their attacks. In June, the Americans abandoned the base.

The Tet Offensive The North Vietnamese also planned to bring the war to an end early in 1968. Late in January, 80,000 communist troops attacked cities and towns throughout South Vietnam. The Communists believed that they could humiliate the South Vietnamese and American troops and break the will of the American people to continue the war. Early in the offensive, the communists captured the city of Hue. The South Vietnamese reported that as many as 4,700 civilians had been massacred by the communists. This figure has been much disputed and it has even been claimed that most of the causalities were caused by American air bombardment. However, the effect of the reported "massacre" and other civilian casualties was to galvanise the South Vietnamese Army which fought with new ferocity and courage to inflict severe causalities on the communists. The Americans, on the other hand, had little involvement in the fighting - so much so as to start rumours in South Vietnam that they supported the communist action against the South Vietnamese people. The same was not true of the Australian troops who were involved in heavy fighting in Bien Hoa Province where they killed more than 220 enemy and, in re-taking the town of Baria from the Viet Cong, did much to cement the good relations between the Australians and the South Vietnamese people. The Tet Offensive lasted about a month. After a period of re-grouping, the communists resumed the offensive in May. This time, Americans, as well as the Australians, were heavily involved in the fighting. 26 Australians were killed and 110 wounded during May and June.

The events of early 1968 convinced the American public that their government had been misleading them about the progress of the war and that it was unlikely to end in the near future. This triggered a wave of protests culminating in a march of 500,000 people on Washington in November 1969. In May 1968, American and North Vietnamese officials met in Paris to arrange peace talks. The talks began in January 1969, after President Johnson ordered the cessation of the bombing of North Vietnam in November 1968. Troop levels: South Vietnamese 820,000 American 536,100 Australian 7,660 New Zealand 520 South Korea 50,000 Philippines 1,580 Thailand 6,000

Withdrawal 1969 In January, peace talks began in Paris and Richard Nixon was inaugurated as President of the United States. In February: Communist forces launched another Tet-style offensive attacking 115 bases, towns and cities. The Battle of Binh Ba In June, Australian infantry, tanks and armoured personnel carriers fought an 8-hour battle with North Vietnamese troops at the town of Binh Ba. 1 Australian was killed and 10 wounded; more than 100 enemy were killed. In May, two Australians, Warrant Officers Ray Simpson and Keith Payne, earned Victoria Crosses for exceptional bravery while leading elements of the South Vietnamese Army. In September, Ho Chi Minh died. In November, President Nixon announced his policy of "Vietnamisation", meaning that American ground troops would be gradually withdrawn and South Vietnamese troops would take their place. Troop levels: South Vietnamese 897,000 American 475,200 Australian 7,670 New Zealand 550 South Korea 48,870 Philippines 190 Thailand 11,570

1970 In February, Australian troops conducted major operations in the Long Hai Hills, killing 34 enemy. Later in the month, 9 Australian soldiers were killed and 16 wounded in a landmine explosion. In March, General Lon Nol seized power from Prince Norodom Sihanouk in Cambodia. In April, South Vietnamese and, later, American troops attacked communist positions in Cambodia. News of the invasion of Cambodia brought large demonstrations in both Australia and America. In Australia,120,000 people marched in the first "moratorium " rally. In America, four students were killed and sixteen wounded by National Guardsmen trying to control a protest at Kent State University in Ohio. Shortly afterwards, two more students were killed during protests at Jackson State University in Mississippi. In September, 100,000 people marched in the second Australian Moratorium rally and 300 are arrested, In November, President Nixon announced the withdrawal of 40,000 American troops as part of the "Vietnamisation" process Troop levels: South Vietnamese 968,000 American 334,600 Australian 6,800 New Zealand 470 South Korea 48,450 Philippines 70 Thailand 11,570

1971 In February: South Vietnamese troops with US Air support invaded Laos in an attempt to destroy North Vietnamese bases and supply routes In March: William McMahon became Prime Minister of Australia and announced the withdrawal of 1,000 Australian troops. In April: President Nixon announced the withdrawal of a further 100,000 troops. In June: the New York Times began publication of the "Pentagon Papers' which revealed indiscriminate bombing, political assassinations and drug trafficking by the US military and intelligence services. A new wave of protests broke out in America and Australia. 100,000 Australians marched in the third Moratorium rally. In August: Australia and New Zealand announced the withdrawal of most of their troops. Troop levels: South Vietnamese 1,046,250 American 156,800 Australian 2,000 New Zealand 100 South Korea 45,700 Philippines 70 Thailand 6,000

1972 In January: President Nixon announced that the US forces in Vietnam would be reduced to 69,000. In February: the last Australian combat troops left Vietnam and in August: the last US ground combat troops left. In December: Gough Whitlam was elected Prime Minister of Australia. He immediately abolished conscription and announced the withdrawal of Australian Army instructors from Vietnam, leaving only an Embassy guard. Troop levels: South Vietnamese 1,048,000 American 24,200 Australian 130 New Zealand 50 South Korea 36,790 Philippines 50 Thailand 50

1973 In January 1973: the United States and North Vietnam sign a Peace Agreement in Paris. (Click to hear Nixon's announcement.) In March,: the last US troops (except for a Defence Attache Office) left Vietnam Troop levels: South Vietnamese 1,110,000 American 50

1974 In January 1975: the South Vietnamese Government claimed that the war has not ended and that 13,778 South Vietnamese troops, 2,159 civilians and 45,057 communists have been killed since the Peace Agreement.

1975 In March, North Vietnamese troops captured the Central Highlands of South Vietnam. In April, North Vietnamese troops captured Saigon and took over government.

The Cost An estimated total of 2,122,244 were killed and 3,650,946 wounded. 58,169 Americans were killed (11,465 of them were teenagers) and 304,000 wounded. More than 74,000 French had been killed before the first Americans arrived in 1956. 499 Australian military personnel and 7 civilians were killed; 2 more were missing in action; 2,069 were wounded. The average Australian soldier in Vietnam was 20 years old and saw 314 days of combat in a period of one year. The average World War 11 soldier in the South Pacific had been 26 years old and saw 40 days of combat in a period of four years. 444,000 North Vietnamese and 220,557 South Vietnamese military personnel and 587,000 civilians were killed. 2,590,000 Americans and 59,520 Australians served in Vietnam 6,727,084 tons of bombs were dropped (compared with 2,700,000 tons dropped on Germany during World War 11.) 3,750 fixed wing aircraft and 4,865 helicopters were lost. Australia lost 2 fixed wing aircraft and 10 helicopters. 3,500,000 acres of Vietnam were sprayed with defoliants, the effect of which will last up to 100 years.

A_C

U.S. Timeline in Vietnam

When I started this post, I did not realize how incredibly long it could get! There is so much my education left out of what went on in Vietnam. I am going to try to hit on the major things of the years involving Vietnam. However, a lot will be left out. Unless I turned this post into a book, a lot will have to be left out. However, I will have links at the bottom to where I got my information. You can go to these sites, which are full of information regarding the Vietnam War and what happened there and here in the U.S.

1954

Eisenhower coined what is known as the "Domino Theory".

Referring to communism in Southeast Asia, Eisenhower vocalized the theory: "Finally, you have broader considerations that might follow what you would call the "falling domino" principle. You have a row of dominoes set up, you knock over the first one, and what will happen to the last one is the certainty that it will go over very quickly. So you could have a beginning of a disintegration that would have the most profound influences." -Dwight D. Eisenhower .....Eisenhower first propped up the French in Indochina and then assisted in the creation of South Vietnam to protect what was considered an important "domino".

1955~U.S. troops sent to train South Vietnamese Army
1959~Major Dale R. Buis and MSGT Chester M. Ovnand are the first American casualities in Vietnam
1961~John F. Kennedy is elected President. More troops sent to Vietnam.
1963~South Vietnamese President Diem and his brother are killed in a coup led by the Viet Cong
1964~Viet Cong guerilla warfare increases. They are supported by the Vietnamese National Army (NVA). First bombing of North Vietnam is sanctioned by President Johnson. Polls show that 85% of the American public support the decision to bomb N. Vietnam. August--Gulf of Tonkin Resolution gave President Johnson the authority to use military force in Southeast Asia (without a declaration of war from Congress).
1965~ March--First combat troops sent to Vietnam. 3,500 Marines. President Johnson authorizes the use of Napalm. U.S. embassy in Saigon is bombed.
July--Johnson ups the draft numbers to 35,000/month~doubling the former amount.
1966~October--President meets with U.S. allies (Australia, Philippines, Thailand, New Zealand, South Korea and South Vietnam). All promise to withdraw from Vietnam if North Vietnam will completely withdraw from South Vietnam.
1967~22February-14 May--Operation Junction City~Largest military offensive of the war.
March--$4.5 billion for war is authorized by Congress. November~McNamara resigns as Secretary of Defense as he no longer supports the President's actions in Vietnam.
1968~January--Tet Offensive launched. 84,000 Viet Cong and NVA troops. 31 January-7 March--Battle for Saigon. American troops defeat the Viet Cong. 27 February--Walter Cronkite declares the war unwinnable. 16 March--My Lai Massacre. Hundreds of Vietnamese civilians killed by U.S. troops. March--Johnson not to seek re-election (approval rating at 36%)
May--peace talks begin in Paris. Beginning of 5 years of on and off talks.
November~Nixon Elected. Nixon is the 5th President involved in Vietnam and it's issues.
1969~March--Army investigation into the My Lai Massacre is started. Secret bombing of Cambodia (targeting N. Vietnamese supply routes) starts. June--Nixon announces that troop levels in Vietnam will be reduced. July--withdrawal of troops begins. September--Ho Chi Minh dies. Le Duan takes his place. The will of Ho Chi Minh tells the N. Vietnamese to not give up until all of the Yankees are gone. September--U.S. Army charges Lt. Calley with murder for his part in the My Lai Massacre. December--First Draft Lottery since WWII held in New York City. 50,000 soldiers withdrawn from Vietnam.
1970~February--official peace talks in Paris are at a stalemate. Henry Kissinger meets secretly with N. Vietnam's Le Duc Tho. This goes on for 2 years. March--U.S. Army charges Captain Ernest L. Medina for his involvement in the My Lai Massacre. April--President Nixon promises to withdraw 150,000 more troops from Vietnam within a year. April--Nixon announces military invasion into Cambodia due to the enemy's strenght there. He explains this move is to help end the war in Vietnam. June--Gulf of Tonkin Resolution rescinded by Congress. U.S. troops leave Cambodia. September--last U.S. Troop offensive in Vietnam begins.
1971~30 January-6 April--Operation Lam Son 719, an all South Vietnamese offensive begins. March--China pledges it's support to North Vietnam agains the U.S. Lt. Calley found guilty of Murder for his involvement at My Lai. Of all charged, he is the only officer found guilty. April--Last Marine combat unit leaves Vietnam. June--Senate passes non-binding resolution urging all troops to be withdrawn by end of 1971. July--6,100 troops leave Vietnam. September--Captain Ernest L. Medina is aquitted of charges regarding his involvement at My Lai.
1972~January--Hanoi rejects President Nixon's eight-point peace plan. March--U.S. boycotts the Paris peace talks because Hanoi refuses to negotiate. "March-September - The Eastertide Offensive occurs as 200,000 North Vietnamese soldiers under the command of General Vo Nguyen Giap wage an all-out attempt to conquer South Vietnam. The offensive is a tremendous gamble by Giap and is undertaken as a result of U.S. troop withdrawal, the strength of the anti-war movement in America likely preventing a U.S. retaliatory response, and the poor performance of South Vietnam's Army during Operation Lam Son 719 in 1971."
April--Paris peace talks start up again. August--U.S. withdraws last of it's combat troops. November--President Nixon is re-elected. November--American troop withdrawal is complete. Remaining behind are Army advisors and administrators (16,000) to assist the South Vietnamese Army.
1973~January~Nixon announces that peace is on the horizon. "January 27, 1973 - The Paris Peace Accords are signed by the U.S., North Vietnam, South Vietnam and the Viet Cong. Under the terms, the U.S. agrees to immediately halt all military activities and withdraw all remaining military personnel within 60 days. The North Vietnamese agree to an immediate cease-fire and the release of all American POWs within 60 days. An estimated 150,000 North Vietnamese soldiers presently in South Vietnam are allowed to remain. Vietnam is still divided. South Vietnam is considered to be one country with two governments, one led by President Thieu, the other led by Viet Cong, pending future reconciliation." January--Operation Homecoming. 591 POW's released from Hanoi. March--last American troops withdraw from Vietnam. November--War Powers Resolution is passed. This requires the President to get the approval of Congress within 90 days of sending troops abroad.
1974~August--President Nixon resigns due to the Watergate scandal. September~President Gerald Ford announces a clemency program for military deserters. They were required to take an oath of allegience and perform 2 years of community service. Of the 124,000 men eligible only 22,500 take advantage of the program. November--North Vietnam tests the U.S. by violating the Paris peace treaty. President Ford protest diplomatically but does not take military action due to the Congressional ban on military force in Southeast Asia.
1975~January--Secretary of Defense James Schlesinger says that the U.S. is violating it's promise to South Vietnam to retaliate if North Vietnam violated the peace treaty. President Ford states that the U.S. will not re-enter the war. April--South Vietnam falls to the Viet Cong and the Viet Cong flag flies from the Presidential palace. South Vietnam surrenders. The War is over.

If you would like to look at a more detailed chronicle of the U.S's involvement in the war, you can click on any of the below sites.

The Vietnam War~America's Longest War

The Vietnam War Timeline

I left out the protesters on this timeline on purpose. I will be doing another post regarding the protesters in the U.S. during the Vietnam War.

~Tracy

Rolling Victory Fast Update: 29 May 2007

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Fasting today is Julia!

Thanks again Julia!

~Tracy

Vietnam Week

VIETNAM WEEK

This week, from the 28th of May til the 2nd of June, the Tanker Brothers Team have chosen to support and pay tribute to the Veterans and those lost during the Vietnam War. For each of us this is a personal journey, our reasons for becoming involved are varied, but with one common factor...A deep respect and gratitude to those who fought, were injured and lost in this war.

For some, the Vietnam War is something they struggle each day to put behind them. They need to know their service to the their country was appreciated and that they have the support of many grateful nations.

For others, like the Veterans I met sunday at the local Returned Soldiers League, they are memories they are willing to share with the next generations. There is a sense of pride that they served their country, even though there were some truly ungrateful and undeserving who remained at home and negated their efforts.

Personally, I see no distinction between a Soldier who fought in one War or another. A Digger is a Digger, an ANZAC an ANZAC and a Soldier a Soldier. Whether they serve in peacetime or War they answered the call and they served, therefore they are deserving of our gratitude and respect.

To all our Vietnam Veterans........Thankyou

A_C

ANZAC Day 2007........

Leading up to ANZAC Day 2007 I invited some Aussies to tell me what ANZAC Day meant to them. I had never personally known ANZAC Day to be anything other than a day of Rememberance for our fallen Soldiers, those who have defended our country in the past and those who continue to do so to this day. I recieved the following response from a Vietnam Veteran...

ANZAC Day means nothing to me, because of the fact that we all tend to just remember those that died on the battle fields.... We tend to forget the ones that die or died after coming home, a direct result of their wartime service... Also we forget about those that have given their lives during training... Many have made the ultimate sacrifice without going to war.... Until the Government and the people recognise the sacrifices made by all servicemen and women, whether during or war or peacetime, then they can count me out... I have had relatives in all wars, and have lost some as a direct result, and they would be disgusted if they were still alive and see the treatment dished out to Defence members... In addition, with my brother dying from his involvement in Vietnam, and no one cares, then I am afraid the spirit of ANZAC is lost for me...

This was from someone I spend quite a bit of time chatting to and it broke my heart to see this message. With this still on my mind, I made my way to the ANZAC Day dawn service on April 25th. I saw quite a few familir faces down there, people I see in everyday life in this town and had never realised they had served. They stood quietly many looking at their feet, some watching the young Cadet raise the flag. At the end of the service many just got in their cars and left. As I got in mine I sat in tears, feeling every word of that message. Those men had fought for their country. They had fought to control communism in a far away country before it could spread to our nations, much the same way as our Soldiers fight terrorism to stop it taking control of the world now.

Why didn't they feel like heroes?? Why did they shuffle their feet uncomfortably as the services were given, almost out of place?? Why did many not proudly display their medals. the small tokens to acknowledge what they had endured??

I went home for the couple of hours between services and kind of mulled it over. I returned to the town square for the 3rd Service of the day and made my way up to where the march would be. As the Veterans marched past along with the family of Veterans proudly displaying theirs or their fathers/grandfathers medals I again noticed no Vietnam Veterans amongst the group.

To watch the WW2 Veterans march would do anyone proud. We, as Aussies, love ANZAC Day. We love to honour our Diggers, past and present. But this year, this ANZAC Day I felt a great sadness. Watching the Vietnam Veterans feel so out of place made me feel awful.

I can't change what has happened to the Vietnam Veterans, both during their term of service and since their return. If there was a single thing I could do to reverse the damage, both emotional and physical, I would do it in a heartbeat. If there was a way I could turn back time and change the way they were treated upon returning to their respective countries I would.

All I can do right now is say Thankyou. Thankyou for your service. Thankyou because I understand why you fought. I know many people don't, but now we can draw a comparison between Communism then and Terrorism now. Thankyou for fighting for people who could not fight for themselves. Thankyou for showing the world that we are caring and peaceful nations concerned about the rights and wellbeing of innocent civillians all over the world.

A personal thankyou from me. Yours actions went on to touch the life of someone I love dearly. For that you will always have my gratitude.

As Nations, both Australia and America are thankful for their Soldiers. Whether they serve in times of peace or times of war we are grateful to them. When they lose their lives in defence of their country, in times of war, we honour them.

But we must also remember to honour our Soldiers who are lost in peacetime actions. During training accidents, or in day to day accidents. We need to remember our returning Veterans who need support all year round, not just one or two days a year. We need to unite and remind our governments of the rights we expect for those who served their country. We need to remember that PTSD and the effects of war both physical and emotional don't end when a Soldier returns home.

And each day we need to remember to be grateful to those who have, do and will serve to keep us free.

Let them never be forgotten....

A_C

Rolling Victory Fast Update: 28 May 2007

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MEMORIAL DAY

Fasting today is Mary*Ann!

In Flanders Fields In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields. I think most of us are familiar with this poem. It makes me think of going to the cemetery with my parents when Memorial Day was still called Decoration Day. I also think of the old Soldiers selling red poppies and the aunt of a friend who gave me poppy seeds she brought home from a trip to France. I dedicate my fast today, Memorial Day Observed as it is marked on the calendar, to all those who gave their all that we may live the privileged lives we do. I found this website, http://www.usmemorialday.org/ it's everything you ever wanted to know about Memorial Day, and more. There is also a a link to a petition to restore the traditional date of May 30 as Memorial Day. *Taps* Day is done, gone the sun, From the hills, from the lake, From the sky. All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.

Great dedication Mary*Ann. We must remember why we have this holiday~to honor those that have given all for this country.

See ya in comments!

~Tracy

Rolling Victory Fast Update: 27 May 2007

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Fasting today is Yankeemom!

I'm going to dedicate my fast day to all Soldiers, Marines, Airmen/women, and Sailors, past, present and future. This is a weekend to remember all who have stood up for this country ~ it's more than sales and picnics. Much more. And ~ be sure to check out this link: Soldier Wall Be sure to visit Mark Dakota's MySpace page and listen to his music!!

Great Dedication Yankeemom!! I'll have to be sure to check out those sites!

See ya in comments!

~Tracy

"Memorial Day weekend - not just time off"

From K9 Handler "V":

A lot of people look at this weekend as a chance to let loose, party, get together with family and enjoy their time off during the week. Well, that's what it's there for; it's there for you to remember and enjoy your time off in a free country that others have paid for with their lives protecting. Whatever your political view is currently, put that aside and offer up thanks and prayers for those who have fought and died in keeping this country free and proud. Some were as young as 18 and others as old as 50. What does that mean exactly? One wasn't even old enough to drink a beer like you are going to this weekend and the other could of been your father. I know there are a lot of good people that are proud of this country and the military that's protecting it, but I just want to reflect, that this weekend, be proud and give thanks for the freedoms you have, b/c others gave their lives to protect it. On a personal note, I will be remembering my friend and co-worker Sgt Adam L. Cann/USMC, Camp Pendleton K-9 (Dogs of War) who was killed in action by a suicide bomber in Ramadi, Iraq on January 5th, 2006. He was only 23. He was the LAST person you would have thought could die over here b/c he was so full of life and energy. He lived the good life, fought the good fight and gave the ultimate sacrifice. We shall never forget him or others like him. Sgt Cann tribute

And....if you do NOTHING else this weekend... follow the link to YouTube ( click on the "Sgt Cann tribute" words) and give thanks as you remember all of our "chosen ones".

Rest easy Sgt Cann - I will NEVER forget.

Operation Hero Miles

This Memorial Day weekend you can donate your frequent flyer miles to injured soldiers and their families. Participating airlines will match your miles mile for mile!

Operation Hero Miles was created by Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger in cooperation with close to a dozen United States Airlines in October, 2003. When started, the program allowed troops stationed in Iraq or Afghanistan to fly home on leave for free. It now gives family members of wounded servicemen and women free plane tickets to visit their loved ones recovering at military hospitals across the country. Operation Hero Miles gives ordinary citizens an opportunity to help our troops in a very direct way that makes a real difference in their lives. The program is brilliant in its simplicity. Travelers donate their unused frequent flyer miles to the Fisher House Foundation. Donations are currently being accepted from the following ten airlines: Airtran Airways, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Midwest Airlines, Northwest Airlines, United Air Lines and US Airways.

For more information go to the Operation Hero Miles website.

Since I can count on my fingers the number of times I've flown in my 34 years, I don't have any to donate. Those of you that have miles you don't need, I urge you to take advantage of this program.

~Tracy

Rolling Victory Fast Update: 26 May 2007

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Fasting today is Bets!

Memorial Day weekend seems a fitting time to dedicate a day to my father, William M. Meacham, Jr. A veteran of WWII, he served in the Army Air Corps during 1944 and 1945. He was part of the Troop Carrier Command and was a radio operator on a C-47. The C-47s were originally designed for local airline service in the United States. Their job during WWII was to tow gliders, transport paratroopers, and drop supplies. I recall my father talking about the difficulty of keeping up with the fast-moving armored columns. He joked about Patton moving the troops so fast they could barely keep them supplied with toilet paper. My dad told us about taking gliders in under cover of darkness and how the C-47s would have to cut their engines so they could approach in silence then restart them just in time to lift back into the air. Talk about bravery! My father is now in a nursing home, but his mind is as sharp as ever. He delights in my stories of the Troops I support and holds them all close to his heart. To that fine generation of heroes I say thank you. You served bravely just as your children did in Viet Nam and your grandchildren are now in Iraq, Afghanistan, and all over the world. Thank you for setting the example.

What a beautiful dedication Bets! Thank you Mr. Meacham, for your service.

See ya in comments.

~Tracy

Coalition Country - Estonia

After centuries of Danish, Swedish, German, and Russian rule, Estonia attained independence in 1918. Forcibly incorporated into the USSR in 1940 - an action never recognized by the US - it regained its freedom in 1991, with the collapse of the Soviet Union. Since the last Russian troops left in 1994, Estonia has been free to promote economic and political ties with Western Europe. It joined both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004.[source]

The following comment in support of the coalition made by the Government of Estonia on March 20, 2003, was published on the White House website on March 26, 2003 : "We understand the need for disarming Iraq. The world needs to be convinced that there are no weapons of mass destruction on Iraqi territory. This is important for world security. It is deeply regrettable that Iraq did not make use of the opportunity, which existed, to solve the problem peacefully... Estonia is ready, based upon the needs of the situation and its own capabilities, to help regulate the post-conflict situation and participate in the reconstruction of Iraq." 03/26/03 WHITE HOUSE [source]

Estonia, with a population of about 1.4 million, is a republic with a very checkered history, most recently as part of the USSR. Following the collapse of the Societ Union, Estonia is now a parliamentary republic. With a legal system based on civil law, Estonia declared it's independance from USSR on August 20, 1991. In June 1992 it adopted its own consitution.

As part of eastern Europe, Estonia has Latvia and Russia as it's immediate neighbours. Slightly larger than new Hampshire and Vermont( combined), Estonia lays claim to about 1,500 islands offshore.

Estonia has a modern market-based economy with strong ties to the West. It is a WTO and EU member and pegs its currency to the euro. The economy benefits from strong electronics and telecommunications sectors and is greatly influenced by developments in Finland, Sweden, and Germany, three major trading partners. [source]

Estonia has a thriving military, and yes, they are active partners in the GWOT. The military is by conscription, and according to the CIA World Fact Book (here), as of 2005 Estonia had just under 300,000 males available for military service and just under 305,000 females available.
One interesting fact I found? As of 2004, 51% of the eligible males "were determined to be unfit; main obstacles to conscription were psychiatric and behavioral)". Go figure!
The military consists of: " Estonian Defense Forces: Land Force, Navy, Air Force, Volunteer Defense League (Kaitseliit, KL) (2006)". The Estonian Defence Forces actually has their own site, well worth a read.




I can't read Estonian (now there's a shocker!) but if you go here, you can find some very interesting military pictures.
You can also read up on their military, in English (!), here.

Estonia may be a small country, but it's contribution to the GWOT is integral and significant. According to figures I could find, Estonia officially has 55 troops in Iraq.

Since January 2006 the Estonian Special Forces Platoon has conducted over 300 combat patrols into Baghdad and Western Abu Ghraib. During these patrols the teams have seized weapons, ammunition and detained person’s of interest. In December 2006, Estonia officially extended their mandate thru December 2007. The Estonian forces rotate every June and December. [source]

At that source, on that page, [here] is a very interesting synopsis of what, exactly NATO's role in Iraq is.

The Coalition trains individual soldiers and their units. NATO trains commanders and works on establishing a command and control decision-making structure within the government. NATO military personnel work closely with Iraqi officers to develop the doctrine they'll use in the future. "We are helping them to develop the doctrine and processes for high-level decision-making, particularly in a democratic setting," Brook said. Senior civilian and military leaders need to know how to make decisions, what information they need, where to get it and how this all fits in with a democratic government. [source]

Estonia is in Iraq, kicking **** (British spelling!) and taking names!

Because I am now having tech issues, (surprise.lol) I will direct you to the MNF site where you can find many more stories of the valuable contributions that Estonia is making in the GWOT. You can find them here.

The Estonians are finding weapons caches and detaining suspects, all as part of their daily efforts to make Iraq safer. [source]

President George W. Bush smiles as he joins President Toomas Hendrik Ilves of Estonia, at the National Bank of Estonia in Tallinn Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2006, for a joint press availability. President Bush told his counterpart, "I'm proud to be the first sitting American President to visit Estonia." White House photo by Paul Morse

President Ilves:

One of the main messages today was the message of freedom to those states who, like us, have chosen the way to democracy and freedom...

President Bush:

Estonia is a strong ally in this war on terror. I appreciate so very much the President's understanding of the need to resist tyranny. Of all the people in the world who understand what tyranny can do it's the Estonian people. I appreciate very much the fact that Estonia is helping others resist tyranny and realize their dreams of living in a free society.... I appreciate the troops that you have sent to Iraq. I also understand Estonian soldiers have been wounded and two soldiers have given their lives. We hold their families in our hearts. We lift them up in prayer. And Americans are grateful to be serving alongside such brave allies....[source]

Estonia may be a small country, and may only have a few troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. But, like so many of us, Estonia "gets it". They KNOW what is at stake. Like us, to them it is very simple, and their commitment is strong and steadfast. Thank you, Estonia.

Brat

Rolling Victory Fast Update: 25 May 2007

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Fasting today is Denise!

I dedicated this fast and this poem to SSG. Michael B. and his Unit. They have gone on many missions and have endured many losses. A couple of days ago they were sent on another mission ... You are all so very close in our hearts, thoughts and prayers ... Because of You, I'm Free Each time I see a waving flag, my eyes see so much more, The ones who died to save us from an evil at our door. The Army and the Navy, the Air Force and Marines, Have paid the price so I am free to live and see my dreams. The Army Reserve and Coast Guard, always at the country's call, To serve, protect and help us as they daily give their all. And though this country still is young; we're strong and we have power, Because of those who sacrifice, who'll go at any hour. I call you friend, my soldier, for someone who'd give his or her life, Is more than just a friend to me, for you were there to fight. And fight you have for freedom and the rights we hold so dear, You fought so we can live in peace and not live life in fear. I know there's nothing I can do that can and will repay, The debt of gratitude I owe when I woke up today. For when I leave my home today, I know that I can be, And speak and go where I may want, and that's because I'm free. This country is so blessed to have the soldier brave and true, So I salute you now my friend; my hat is off to you. Because of you I have a choice of where I go to work, Or where I live or go to school or where I go to church. I have the right to speak my mind and freedom of the press, The right to have a weapon or to start a street protest. But rights and freedoms would not be at our foundation's core, If you'd not fought the battles and the long and bloody wars. For those who don't believe in war or going out to fight, Are those who cannot understand the reasons we have rights. And those who think that war's a crime and want to live in peace, Are blinded by the devil's lies, for war has made us free. We're free today because of you; you've suffered, bled and died, Not one has ever died in vain for God is on our side. To thank you seems so incomplete for words cannot contain, The gratitude that's in my heart for wounded limbs and pain The families that you leave at home, the friends you leave behind, Are proud of you and thankful for the sacrifice of time. No matter where you go or fight, where you may live or serve, Please know that there are those at home who mean these grateful words. Because of you this country lives in freedom, peace and wealth, And I don't take for granted every battle war has dealt. Though grateful words are not enough and they can never be I'll say what's truly on my heart - because of you, I'm free. by Norma

What a beautiful poem! Prayers go out to SSG B. and his men.

Update us in comments if you can!

~Tracy

Good News Friday (B*N*S*N) part 1

Flight Lieutenant Christopher Haslar DFC RAF, this week became the first Canadian since the Korean War to be presented with the Distinguished Flying Cross.

On 7 July 2006 Flt Lt Hasler while operating in the Sangin area elected to land in an 'unlikely site' to achieve surprise in an area where the enemy were operating. Delivering stores and troops he landed in a site surrounded on three sides by buildings. To allow another aircraft into the site he was required to position the spinning rotor blades just above a single story rooftop – any error would have almost certainly resulted in catastrophic damage to the aircraft. On 14 July on another sortie Flt Lt Hasler demonstrated tremendous bravery and commitment when skilfully landing his aircraft while under small arms and rocket propelled grenade (RPG) attack thus allowing troops to disembark and reinforce other ground troops already under significant threat from Taliban forces.

Flight Lieutenant Christopher Haslar with his Distinguished Flying Cross DFC RAF
[Picture: Sergeant Mick Howard RLC]

The above piece is from the British MoD site here,
but Flight Lieutenant Hasler's bravery, a good news story, made it all over the Canadian msm. In a week when the msm has been tripping over themselves to share any bad news with us, this was a story I was surprised to find in the msm.

From Halifax (Nova Scotia), - here - to Hamilton, Ontario, - here - this flyboy's heroic actions have gained wide coverage in Canada. And this is as it should be, of course.

My favourite story? The Ottawa Citizen here

Canadian flyboy a British war hero

Once rejected by the Canadian Forces, RAF Flying Officer Christopher Hasler to get military decoration for acts of valour and courage in Afghanistan...

The military decoration is awarded for "acts of valour, courage and devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against the enemy." Go follow any of the links here, and spend a few minutes getting to know a genuine Canadian hero. Thank you for your service Flight Lieutenant Hasler. THIS is Good News..

Brat

Good News Friday (B*N*S*N) part 2

	WASHINGTON - MAY 16: Sen.Russell Feingold (D-WI) (R) answers questions during a news conference with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) about Iraq war spending at the US Capitol May 16, 2007 in Washington, DC. The Senate today voted decisively 67 to 29 to reject a measure cutting off funding for military operations in Iraq by March 31, 2008. 2:10 p.m. ET, 5/16/07
Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images

So that IS good news - and then MSN had another good news story:

WASHINGTON - Bowing to President Bush, the Democratic-controlled House and Senate reluctantly approved fresh billions for the Iraq war on Thursday, minus the troop withdrawal timeline that drew his earlier veto. The Senate vote to send the legislation to the president was 80-14. Less than two hours earlier, the House had cleared the measure, 280-142, with Republicans supplying the bulk of the support. Five months in power on Capitol Hill, Democrats in both houses coupled their concession to the president with pledges to challenge his policies anew. [source]

And the bad news? (When it involves the dems, you knew there would have to be bad news):

“This debate will go on,” vowed House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Would somebody, anybody, please tell her and her conspirators that the time for debate is OVER. Time to put up and "show me the money".

Brat

Do You Appreciate All You Have??

I wonder how much we appreciate all we have. Whatever your thoughts on Global Warming, the message that we are receiving is essentially 'Learn to appreciate what you have before it's gone'. I am often left questioning the naivety of Conservation Groups who believe they can convince people to think globally when many don't realise what they take for granted in their own backyard.

How often does your partner walk through the door at the end of the day and you kinda glance up, then go on with what you're doing?? The kids are watching tv and don't even glance around, you're so preoccupied that it takes you an hour to ask them about their day??

The average person will go about their day without much thought for others. We are such creatures of habit, of routine, that you never really realise you are taking something for granted until something comes along that shakes up your life.

How many of us spare a thought for those who don't have those habits and routines that we so take for granted??

Let me ask you a question.... How many of you have seen The Unit?? How many times have you watched that and thought those wives need to get a life?? How many times did you just want to scream at those women 'You knew what you were getting into, stop complaining'!! I have to admit, I used to be one of those people.

But then, at some stage, you realise you are no longer like your friends who get to see their partners every day. Something in you has changed. The love of your life has answered the call, they have chosen to fight for their country.... And your life will never be the same.

It is something different for each of us. Whether it is when someone who has been your friend for as long as you can remember asks you if you realise that when your partner returns from deployment you will be waking up next to a murderer each day or attending dinners and parties alone, there will always be that one selfish moment where your chest caves and your heart feels like it is physically breaking because you know you will not have a normal life.

Often your friends will never fully grasp what you feel. You will, of course, display the toughest exterior possible. Your partner is a Warrior, the least you can do for them is be strong. So when your friend complains that after 3 months she is still not pregnant, you smile and reassure her. You don't remind her you haven't seen your partner for 3 months and any Baby plans may have to wait another 9 months or so.

Have you ever been in that situation where you have been invited to something that requires an RSVP, but you can't RSVP because you don't actually know if your partner will be able to attend?? How do you explain the nature of your partners job does not always allow for forward planning??

What would you say to your partner if you had half an hour to spend with them before they go away, destination and return unknown?? How long will you have to wonder if it is enough to get them through whatever it is they are enduring?? Were your parting words enough??

Can you imagine what it is like to have someone ask you what your partner does and you tell them they are in the Mil. Feigning interest they ask 'Oh, what does he/she do exactly?' You smile and say "Oh, he's in the Army/Airforce/Navy and that is enough for those not all that interested anyway. But you're grateful because you can't answer that question. Some simply don't know.

Then there is always those moments where you fight to stay calm when you hear the words 'You know I can't answer that'. You know this, you know they can't answer your questions, yet you desperately cling to the idea that some knowledge will fill that huge void left by a lack of answers. You knew going in to the relationship that it would be like this and you thought you were independent enough to deal and yet you find yourself again with that pain in your chest. That is what heartbreak feels like.

Many are able to stay strong as their partners appear and dissappear from their lives, leaving them no clue as to where they have been nor what happened while they were there. Photo's become your lifeline, though after the first week the image is so burned into your mind you really don't need to look at them anymore. The thought of hearing their voice, even for a second, becomes all consuming. You can remember the time, date, what they were wearing and how they smelled the last time you held them. One day you wake up and realise the TShirt you sleep in, theirs that you made them wear for a couple of days so you would have that to remind you of them while they were gone, no longer smells like them. Still, it takes you 2 more days to put it in the wash just in case.

There are many different areas to the Military. Each partner deals with something different. Their experience is unique, the feelings and emotions they have are their own. Whether they are Regular or Special Forces, Officers or Soldiers, every one of their partners will deal with their experiences in their own way. Those of us who choose to make Military Personnel a part of our lives will live the Roller Coaster ride that is being a Military Spouse. We love them implicitly, we have a love/hate relationship with their jobs. Each time they leave us, our hearts break, when they return we get to fall in love all over again.

Some will reach out to supporters and friends, some will not. Those who choose not to reach out will often do so because they feel they just can't share the intense emotion involved, some think people wont understand, others will believe that people don't care. I don't believe there is one of them that will not appreciate the support offered.

But ultimately, underneath the military exterior lies the person they fell in love with. The person that warms their heart, that one moment causes and the next wipes away their tears. That person that stirs feelings of pride that you could never have imagined were buried inside you. It's one thing to feel pride, but has your skin ever tingled, your heart raced and tears come readily to your eyes when you consider all that your partners does??

How often do you hug them just because you can??

Please take that moment to ask them about their day, to hug them, smile at them tell them you love them. It is something we should never take for granted....

A_C

Rolling Victory Fast Update: 24 May 2007

Link To Original Post: Here
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Fasting today is PCMom!

With this being Military Appreciation Month, I would like to dedicate today to our Veterans. There is so much I would like to say about those who served in past wars. Those who received an angry reception when they returned home and those who stood up with pride. May we as a nation never again betray those who fight for our freedoms. With special permission from Gary Jacobs, a Vietnam Veteran, I would like to share a beautiful poem he has written: Memorial by Gary Jacobson © 2002 Remember all the boys who loyal valor wore Just doing their duty in times of direful war Who the mantel of heroes bore. Remember boys who fought humanity’s good fight Who battled, stouthearted and bold, for right. Worship at their alter of liberty That the flower of youth in finest hour’s nobility Will live on in cherished memory... Remember these holy vessels by our father's sanctified Sent to war with pomp and ceremony glorified Bearing terrible sword’s of swiftest lightning A valiant place in annals of history earning For age shall not defeat them Assailing enemies no longer have power to condemn These grandest princes of freedom found Those who honor bring to hallowed ground... Remember boys standing straight and standing tall Who in heed to battle’s raucous call Gave the greatest gift of life, their all... Heroes journeying the dimming pit’s of Hellish strife Who fought for a country they loved more than life. Trumpets now sound plaintive, sad refrains Shedding tears in innocent eyes still feeling pains Grown silent now a protester's blames. As rivers of tears flow from a generation’s eyes A nation for her lost youth cries... Remember loving boys who saw too much Just sons, husbands, fathers, who’ve done too much Contending with bastions of hate in cankered mire To the grandest precepts of manhood inspire Just ordinary boys standing up against despots Lionhearted men, Freedom’s brave zealots. With noble courage still, they silently cry What from our sacrifice have you learned, they sigh? For what meaning did we die Preserving grand liberty for you and me? Standing on the bank of heaven’s river, can’t you see From sea to shining sea? We’ve given up the good times Fallen forever mid discordant rhymes. Will you this day in honor remember Within your heart hold dear this glowing ember Men revered of the highest caliber? Remember warriors who fight for a gallant cause Forevermore without question or pause Who yield this land of milk and honey’s berth Ever defiant of evil to gain peace on earth That God’s precept of brotherhood find new birth! Award us in this hour thy dauntless approbation. Remember always our revered brotherly union. Remember our souls in heroes air rarified. Remember those who for divine precepts died By ragged scars of death purified Men no longer from the season of fear hidden By the world’s cares driven. For those who’ve fallen, no longer weep For in their purest soul cares keep... Grant this soldier’s last prayer...never forget! Now and forever keep fires of freedom lit A pièce de résistance by unflagging perseverance fit! Remember, so our struggle might not have been in vain. Sing our battle cry of freedom’s impassioned strain. Remember, that we may ever in spirit be with you. Remember, to thoughts of loss and death eschew. Remember, to love us now, as we love you... Thank you Gary. Each time I visit your site my eyes fill with tears and my heart swells with gratitude. I ask everyone to take some time to read Gary's other poems. (They are much more moving with the music he has playing in the background.) Take some time to look at the pictures and sign his guest book. http://pzzzz.tripod.com/namtour.html Most of all, take a few moments to thank those who have fought for us over the year

WOW! What an incredible site! I will have to spend some more time there. On the fourth page of the "Vietnam Picture Tour" there is a picture of a Soldier feeding a baby some food with one hand and has a cigarette in the other. Wow. That pictures just got to me. I kept going back to it. I kept looking at how gentle that soldier is being with the baby~a little bit of "normal" in the midst of war.

Gary, if you stop by here, thank you for your service.

Thank you so much for sharing this link with us PCMom!

See ya in comments.

~Tracy

"Mamas like Me"

The following has been sitting in my inbox for a week. Written by Deb Tainsh, Gold Star Mother, today seems like a very good time to dedicate this to the families of the MIA's. My heart and my prayers are with you all.

Mamas Like Me Deborah Tainsh 5/18/07 (Dedicated to our heroes and their parents) On the porch with someone I thought was really someone I knew I learned that friendships are not what they seem When her question stunned me and I found myself staring at the floor. Why, she asked, didn’t you talk and change your child’s decision from joining a force that’ll send him to war leaving you dry and crying. Then with a pride not understood by many prosperous and free and grace’s patience guiding m through I spoke to her with ease: My child believes his calling is higher, one among the few led to serve his country, lay down his life for our children, for folks like me and you Our future to ensure and save from an enemy who swears to destroy the nation our fathers gave us with their own generation’s blood. A sacrifice made to give you the right to sit here free to speak or worship as you see fit without the threat of death. Precious gifts you could very well lose without children of Dads who cry in private and Mama’s just like me. Then with not a word she walked away believing I’d lost my mind that 9/11 was just a dream dust settled and forgotten No grasp that her intellect, Hollywood, nor Wall Street highs could save her precious freedoms and comfortable way of life But only the American Soldiers, Airmen, Navy, & Marines sons and daughters on a higher call battling enemies foreign to domestic The Mama’s child who finally gave all and comrades she’ll never forget whose legacies will never die as long as she has a breath. Yes, my child believed his calling was one among the very few to serve his country, protect, and die for our children, me and you. Our future to ensure and save from an enemy who swears they’ll destroy the life our fathers gave us with their own precious blood. Yes, Mama’s like me and Daddy’s, too give up our children to serve the higher call for freedom and life for our children, for me and you.

Thank YOU Deb - and all the Mamas like you....... Brat

Rolling Victory Fast Update: 23 May 2007

Link To Original Post: Here
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Fasting today is Me!

Today I will be fasting for all of those that have lost a loved one in the war~The Gold Star Families. I have just started helping CJ from A Soldier's Perspective with his site, They Have Names. I am working on my first profile right now. As I work on this, I am struck over and over again with the strength of the family members and friends left behind. They hold their heads high and are proud of their soldier. They want us all to know what a wonderful person their soldier was. I, for one, want to listen. I want to let them talk and share their stories. It's so important for us to listen to what the Gold Star Families have to say. And for those of us reporting what they have to say, it's our responsibility to get it right.

~Tracy

Wednesday Hero

Pfc. Joseph Allen Jeffries
21 years old from Beaverton, Oregon
Army Reserve’s 320th Psychological Operations Company
May 29, 2004


Below is all the information that could be found on Pfc. Joseph Jeffries.

Pfc. Jeffries was killed with two fellow soldiers, Capt. Daniel W. Eggers and Sgt. 1st Class Robert J. Mogensen, and an unnamed sailor, when their vehicle drove over an IED in Kandahar, Afghanistan. All four service members were attached to the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan. He is survived by his wife, Betsy, and his parents Mark and Linda Jeffries.

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. To find out more about Wednesay Hero, you can go here.

~Tracy

Rolling Victory Fast Update: 22 April 2007

Link To Original Post: Here
Sign Up For A Day: Here or send an email to TankerBrothersReconATgmail.com
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Fasting today is Donna, Los Osos!

I dedicate my fast today to MG, CT & ChrisG. My favorite Bob Seger song is Roll Me Away. Maybe it's where I was in my life the first time I heard it, maybe it's the words, maybe because it always makes me smile and escape for a moment...or maybe it's a little of everything. I have been listening to it a lot lately. I pray for the same moments of joy for MG, CT & ChrisG, and all our troops, where ever they are. God bless you. You are never far from our thoughts. My favorite lyrics in the song: Stood alone on a mountain top, Staring out at the Great Divide. I could go East, I could go West, It was all up to me to decide. Just then I saw a young hawk flying, And my soul began to rise, And pretty soon, my heart was singing! I found this video and it made me smile. I don't know anyone in this, but it is America!! I hope it makes you smile too. TURN UP YOUR SOUND AND ENJOY! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2WYa3wV6EI God bless America!! Love, Donna

Great dedication Donna!

See ya in comments!

~Tracy

Letters (3)

Yesterday was Reid's letter to Don. Today, Don's reply to him in which Don addresses what is so wrong about Reid's thinking. And yes, Don and I have discussed Canada's and Britain's involvement in Afghanistan. Thanks for allowing me to share this too, Don. I know you will keep us posted!

Dear Senator Reid, Thank you for finally responding to my email. I appreciate your taking time from your busy schedule to address my concerns over your comments about the war in Iraq. I would like now to express further concerns. First you in your email dated 5/16/2007 you state that the Iraqi government is unwilling to make the compromises necessary to end a "civil war" that cannot be settled simply by U.S. military power. I remind you that there is much work being done by the U.S. and coalition forces to do just that. The expectation that the age old differences between factions within Iraq will be solved in so short a time is unreasonable, and surely does not justify holding our troops hostage to an appropriations bill rife with pork and artificial deadlines for withdrawal. Secondly you state that threats in Afghanistan go unanswered. That must surely come as a surprise to the thousands of our military currently serving all over Afghanistan. As a matter of fact we just returned from a family gathering to send off our own nephew to Afghanistan. I will remind him that the Senate Majority Leader has forgotten that there are people there. The above statement by you ranks right up there with the statement that "the war is lost". Thirdly you propose to telegraph to our enemies a date certain that our troops, "except for those carrying out security, training and counter-terror operations" be withdrawn from Iraq. Who do you propose to be the last out? Surely if your bill succeeds in placing a time line on withdrawal some unit will have to be the last to board the plane. Are you willing to have their blood on your hands? Apparently you are or you would never suggest such a foolhardy thing as leaving before Iraq is secure enough for our troops to withdraw safely. I am horribly disappointed in your insistence on playing political games with the lives of our men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan. Can your political power be that important to you? Obviously so. Sincerely, Don

As you can see Don is far more informed than Mr Reid pretends to be. Don is so eloquent, the points raised need no further commentary from me. Maybe one of these days, Mr. Reid WILL be available in his office to have patriotic, informed Americans like Don educate him about what is REALLY happening around the world.

Brat.

Coalition Country - El Salvador

Thank you for your service, and support. A Salvadoran soldier holds US and Iraqi flags upon his return from Iraq , Feb. 23 , 2006 at the Military Air Force base in Comalapa, El Salvador. 380 soldiers spent six months in Iraq. Photo credit: Luis Romero, AP

El Salvador, the smallest central American country, is the only central American country without a coastline on the Caribbean Sea. Just slightly smaller than Massachusetts, El Salvador gained independance from Spain in the early 1800's. Bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Guatemala and Honduras with a population of approximately 6.9 million people, El Salvador is the most densely populated nation on the American mainland and is undergoing rapid industrialization. [source] There is a very interesting article on the history of El Salvador's road to independance, and you can find that here. El Salvador has also experienced more than a few natural disasters, raning from Hurricane Mitch in 1998 (which left 200 dead and 30, 000 homeless) toJan. and Feb. 2001, when major earthquakes struck El Salvador, damaging about 20% of the nation's housing. An even worse disaster beset the country in the summer when a severe drought destroyed 80% of the country's crops, causing famine in the countryside. [ source]

Hoping to stimulate the sluggish economy, the government is striving to open new export markets, (it's largest trading partner is the US, which accounts for 61% of their exports), encourage foreign investment, and modernize the tax and healthcare systems. In 2001 El Salvador adopted the US dollar as it's currency. [source] This was a logical step, since El Salvador has close ties to America. These ties stem from American aid which started in Carter's era and continued on into Reagan's time. Following a 12 year civil war within the country, El Salvador welcomed aid and support from the U.S. The civil war, a struggle between the government forces and the Sandanistas, and which saw the death of about 75,000, ended in 1992 when the government and leftist forces signed an agreement which heralded political and military reforms.

The following comment in support of the coalition made by the Government of El Salvador on March 19, 2003, was published on the White House website on March 26, 2003 : "The Government of El Salvador laments that the negative and dilatory attitude of Saddam Hussein has brought war to the people of Iraq... In this regard, the Government of El Salvador continues to provide its political and diplomatic support to the coalition headed by the United States and Great Britain as well as its commitment to provided specialized forces for work in postwar Iraq." Additional statement made by Foreign Ministry Communications Director Cesar Martinez on March 19, 2003 : "El Salvador is giving diplomatic support (to the United States) and also is willing to give support in a post-conflict phase, when a possible war is over, in reconstruction or de-mining tasks at which we already have experience." 03/26/03 WHITE HOUSE [source]

El Salvador has a thriving military which was trained with the help of the U.S. With 3 main branches to their military (Army, Navy and Air Force) El Salvador has engaged in military-to-military training with the US. As of 1988 there were 59,000 active members in the military, and the government spending soared to double digits.[source]

According to Global Security, El Salvador commmitted 380 troops to the coalition in Iraq. In 2004, they were stationed in Najaf. This despite threats from Islamist militants:

A string of threats have been posted by Islamic militants on websites warning El Salvador's conservative, pro-US government that it would pay dearly unless it withdrew its forces from Iraq for good. Earlier this week, one group gave El Salvador 20 days to abandon the Iraq coalition or face the consequences. "This is the last chance after which there will not be any more statements, only bloodshed," said the warning issued by Mohammed Atta Brigades - al-Qaeda of Jihad. [source]

El Salvador remains committed to the GWOT, and their troops are highly regarded by their US counterparts.

Cpl. Samuel Toloza of El Salvador's Cuscatlan Battalion displays his bloodstained knife that he used to fend off Iraqi gunmen in Najaf, Iraq, last Saturday.
(AP)

Cpl Toloza is one such Salvadorean warrior, who has gained the respect of his warriors in arms. In a story in the Washington Times, Toloza retells of an attack which left one of his best friends dead, and 12 wounded.

...Toloza said a prayer, whipped out his knife and charged the Iraqi gunmen. In one of the only known instances of hand-to-hand combat in the Iraq conflict, Cpl. Toloza stabbed several attackers swarming around a comrade. The stunned assailants backed away momentarily, just as a relief column came to the unit's rescue. (none) "We never considered surrender. I was trained to fight until the end," said the 25-year-old corporal, one of 380 soldiers from El Salvador whose heroism is being cited just as other members of the multinational force in Iraq are facing criticism. [read the rest of the amazing story here]

They may face criticism and threats from home (sound familiar?!) but the Salvadorean warriors gain high praise from their allies. Then Secretary of State Colin Powell said: ' that the Central American unit has "gained a fantastic reputation among the coalition".'

And it is not just the politicians who respect the Salvadorean unit. Phil Kosnett, who led the Coalition Provisional Authority office in this holy Shi'ite city, [said] he owes his life to Salvadorans who repelled a well-executed insurgent attack on his three-car convoy in March. He has nominated six of them for the U.S. Army's Bronze Star medal.

"You hear this snotty phrase 'coalition of the billing' for some of the smaller contingents," said Mr. Kosnett, referring to the apparent eagerness of some nations to charge their Iraq operations to Washington. "The El Sals? No way. These guys are punching way above their weight. They're probably the bravest and most professional troops I've every worked with." [source]

Not only are they fighters, but this unit has also supplied the basic needs for the Iraqis. The troops, El Salvador's first peacekeepers abroad, have conducted a range of humanitarian missions in Najaf. They have provided books, electricity, playground equipment and other supplies to destitute schools and have helped farmers with irrigation works and fertilizer supplies. The troops from El Salvador are committed to this fight for very simple reasons. They understand what is at stake:

"Our country came out of a similar situation as in Iraq 12 years ago, so people in El Salvador can understand what is happening here," said Col. Calidonio, referring to the civil war between the U.S.-backed government and leftist guerrillas that left about 75,000 dead. The military was held responsible for widespread abuses. "We came here to help and we were helping. Our relationship with the people was excellent. They were happy with what we were doing," Col. Calidonio said. [source]

Again - sound familiar? As with the US, Canada, Britain and Australia to name a few, the naysayers will never admit that the people who have lived through the hell that is the Islamist regimes, WANT US THERE. Imagine that!

El Salvador (one of the original forces in 2003, and still standing strong!) still has approximately 380 troops from the 'Cuscatlan Battalion' under Polish command (Central South Iraq), based at Camp Delta in Kut. This despite the loss of five heroes. In February 2006, the sixth rotation of troops saw the new group of engineers and special forces leave for Iraq where their mission is defined as "build [ing] schools, hospitals and roads and help[ing] with utility supplies."[source]

The Council on Atmospheric Affairs, while an obviously anti-war group, does have an interesting article on the Latin American participation in the GWOT. Noted as the only Latin American country with boots on the ground in Iraq, and despite anti war sentiment at home, further fuelled by losses (which they stress, of course!):

led by the Spanish Plus Ultra Brigade, lost two men during its latest tour: Sgt. José Miguel Perdomo was killed by a roadside bomb in Al Kut, and Sub-sergeant Donald Alberto Ramirez, a nurse who was escorting a Halliburton Co. convoy, likewise perished when his truck came under attack in Diwaniyah. These losses brought the Salvadoran death toll to four since its forces first took to the field in 2003. [source]

This document goes on to say that the Salvadoreans typically are engaged in humanitarian roles.

It is estimated that they have supervised over 130 humanitarian projects since the start of their deployment in August 2003. Troops have been instrumental in the disbursement of food and clothing, and in the reconstruction of much of the country’s infrastructure that was destroyed by sectarian fighting in south-central Iraq. When they are not constructing schools, medical centers, roads, and potable water treatment facilities, the troops are relegated to more perilous duties, such as leading security patrols and escorting convoys that are often targeted by rebel factions. [source]

If you can work your way past the usual negative language, this IS well worth a read!


President George W. Bush reaches out to welcome President Elias Antonio Saca of El Salvador to the Oval Office Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2007. . White House photo by Eric Draper

Back in March 2002, President Bush said of El Salvador:

"El Salvador is one of the really great stories of economic and political transformation of our time. Just over a decade ago, this country was in civil war,...The country has renewed its commitment to democracy and economic reform and trade. It is one of the freest and strongest and most stable countries in our hemisphere." [source]

And so it is. President Bush reaffirmed El Salvador's important role in the GWOT again in 2007:

El Salvador is a close friend of the United States and a strong partner in the War on Terror and the international coalition supporting peace and freedom for the Iraqi people.

So, just as President Bush says "Gracias, Senor" to President Saca, I say "El Salvador, Gracias".

Brat

Rolling Victory Fast Update: 21 May 2007

Link To Original Post: Here
Sign Up For A Day: Here or send an email to TankerBrothersReconATgmail.com
Updated Duty Roster: Here
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Fasting today is Julia!!

I can't wait until she has internet access and can tell us how her 6 days/month went!! :o)

~Tracy

Letters(2)

You may remember a couple of weeks back, I shared a note to Senator Reid with you. A note written by one of Reid's constituents, who had found Reid's office empty and locked on a Wednesday afternoon. (You might have said 'the lights were on, but nobody was home'.lol)

It seems Reid has now answered the note slipped under the locked office door. Don has given me permission to post it here, in its entirety, for your enlightenment. I had to put my coffee down to read this - you may like to also.. But there is an appropriate irony. Don almost missed Reid's email, because it went straight to his spam filter. Even technology assigns Reid to the trash folder. Go figure!

To: Carson City, Nevada 89706 Dear Mr. Thank you for contacting me regarding my recent comments on the situation in Iraq. I appreciate hearing from you. Our troops have battled courageously in Iraq for over four years. They toppled a dictator and have helped to rebuild a war torn nation. But now, they are caught in a civil war between warring Iraqi religious and political factions. As General Petraeus has said, the conflict in Iraq is not one that can be won solely through the application of U.S. military power. It is, by contrast, one that the Iraqis must settle themselves through political reconciliation and through compromises that they have unfortunately been unwilling to make. Meanwhile, the President continues to escalate our military presence in Iraq, but he has not addressed the need for political, economic, regional and diplomatic solutions. The President's path increasingly imperils our long-term national security, as it allows the Iraqi leadership to escape accountability for their actions, while allowing other threats around the world, such as in Afghanistan, to go unaddressed as our military battles on in Iraq. The U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Health, and Iraq Accountability Act (H.R. 1591) fully supports the troops by providing more than $100 billion for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, an increase of $4 billion over President's request. It also recognizes that, in order to responsibly end the war, we must change course. Under this legislation, the phased redeployment of our troops would begin no later than October 1, 2007, with a goal of removing all combat forces by April 1, 2008, except for those carrying out security, training and counter-terror operations. Lastly, this bill ensures our troops are combat-ready before being deployed to Iraq, and provides them with all the resources needed on the battlefield and when they return. I was disappointed the President vetoed this bill, but we are working hard to craft a compromise that gives our troops every resource they need, as well as a strategy worthy of their sacrifice. Please be assured that no one wants to succeed in Iraq and the broader Middle East more than I do, but success will be difficult to achieve under the President's plan. That is why I will continue to fight to change course in Iraq, so we can stabilize that nation and so our troops, including hundreds of Nevadans, can begin to come home. Again, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me. For more information about my work for Nevada, my role in the United States Senate Leadership, or to subscribe to regular e-mail updates on the issues that interest you, please visit my Web site at http://reid.senate.gov. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future. My best wishes to you. Sincerely, A HARRY REID United States Senator

That IS the letter Don forwarded to me, and that IS the large "A" that was on this email. (I wonder if Reid has read Nathanial Hawthorne? Maybe not. Choose your own word that starts with "A".) I have left Don's zip code on the top of this letter. I am still waitng for a reply to my previous email, even though I did use Don's zip code as my own. Harry says right on his site that his first concern is for his own constituents. There are so many things wrong with the content of this letter, but Harry says he looks forward to hearing "in the near future".

I say we don't disappoint him. Feel free to respond to Harry "A" Reid, using the zip code above to establish your resident status. Let's make Harry's day.

Brat

Rolling Victory Fast Update: 20 May 2007

Link To Original Post: Here
Sign Up For A Day: Here or send an email to TankerBrothersReconATgmail.com
Updated Duty Roster: Here
Pick Up Your RVF Tee Shirts (Limited Edition, Only 50 printed, Only $10 each): HERE (All proceeds go to help support Soldiers Angels)

Fasting today is Yankeemom!!

She's still on vacation~I hope she's having a ton of fun!!

~Tracy

ARMY STRONG!

One picture says a thousand words. Chuck and Gabe are a well known warrior team on the frontlines in Iraq. According to Chuck, Gabe has 18 finds - the most of any dog and has taken 37 bombs off the streets.



And after a hard mission? Well, "let sleeping dogs lie" of course!

Thank you Chuck and thank you Gabe... ARMY STRONG indeed!

Brat

Rolling Victory Fast Update: 19 May 2007

Link To Original Post: Here
Sign Up For A Day: Here or send an email to TankerBrothersReconATgmail.com
Updated Duty Roster: Here
Pick Up Your RVF Tee Shirts (Limited Edition, Only 50 printed, Only $10 each): HERE (All proceeds go to help support Soldiers Angels)

Fasting today is Julia!!

Thanks Julia!

~Tracy

"What Americans are made of...."

Beeville, Texas needs our help. Yesterday I heard the news that a war memorial in Beeville has been destroyed. This memorial has names of the fallen from four wars.

In Beeville Texas a war memorial honoring veterans killed in four separate wars, was destroyed. (Hat Tip to Bob for the email) That memorial once stood as five granite panels, with the names of 45 veterans who lost their lives, paying the ultimate sacrifice. But Tuesday, the memorial lies in pieces at the city's maintenance yard. Local veterans said they're not sure when the memorial was vandalized. They say it looks like someone took their car and just rammed into it. The memorial was erected in 1989 and residents there said they're devastated by it's vandalism, because it's more than just rock - it's a symbol of freedom.

Spree, at Wake Up America is putting the word out. Our very own CavMom has created a site specifically for this. Donations are needed to get this memorial back up again. NOBODY will EVER succeed in dishonouring our fallen heroes.

Go over to Wake Up America here
and read the rest of the story. There you will find a PayPal "donate" button, and a link to the site that CavMom has set up. Let's show the people of Beeville "what Americans are [really] made of....."
Brat

Road Trip to Honor a Hero.....

Hello, everyone... life here in Georgia is settling down some, and hopefully I can get back into the swing of things and blog regularly again. I wanted to tell y'all about a trip my hubby and I will be making next week, to honor one of our formerly MIA VietNam veterans. We will be but two of MANY folks embarking on this journey... and I wanted to share with y'all, and invite y'all to follow via blog.....

In just a few days, hubby and I are going to be embarking on a great adventure with the Patriot Guard Riders for a very worthy and noble cause: honoring one of our nations formerly Missing In Action heroes from Vietnam.

To fully explain the trip, we need to step back in time for a moment….. On 10 January, 1970 (three years and one month exactly before I was even born), Capt. Herbert C. Crosby, of Donalsonville, Georgia, was flying somewhere in the jungles of VietNam. Somewhere along the way, he crashed and was never heard from again. Until November of 2006, he was officially listed as Missing in Action… Almost 37 years, his family did not know his fate 'for sure.' His remains were located and thanks to DNA, positively identified and returned to the family in November. They are going to have him buried in Arlington.. and since Capt. Crosby and his family are Georgia natives…they specifically requested that the Georgia Patriot Guard Riders be present at his interment at Arlington. So… several of us are going up there to do just that.

We will leave GA on Tuesday, May 22, and drive to South Carolina, where we will stay the night. We will arrive in DC sometime on Wednesday. On Thursday, the PGR will be visiting patients at Walter Reed Army Medical Center... and I am SO looking forward to that. It's something I've wanted to be able to do, and have prayed for, for such a long, long time. Thursday night, we will stand in honor of Capt. Crosby at the funeral home for the family's visitation… and Friday, we will be at Arlington for this fine Hero's funeral. We'll leave DC sometime Friday and head back for home. It will be an incredible, awesome trip… what an honor to stand for one of our lost heroes, as he finally makes his way to his final resting place. What an honor.

I do not know what, if any, internet access I will have next week while I'm gone (or, if I do have internet access, if I will be too exhausted to post/write). However, I AM taking my laptop and will do my best to keep y'all posted during this amazing journey. Worst case scenario, I will be writing it all down and post after I get home. Either way... stay tuned for an incredible journey... a journey nearly 40 years in the making.

Here are a couple links about Capt. Crosby:

Click Here
And Click Here

Luv,

Kat in GA

Rolling Victory Fast Update: 18 May 2007

Link To Original Post: Here
Sign Up For A Day: Here or send an email to TankerBrothersReconATgmail.com
Updated Duty Roster: Here
Pick Up Your RVF Tee Shirts (Limited Edition, Only 50 printed, Only $10 each): HERE (All proceeds go to help support Soldiers Angels)

Fasting today is Bets!

I want to dedicate today to the 10th Mountain Division out of Fort Drum, NY., to their captured, their fallen, all those bravely serving, whether at home or abroad, and those who love them. Keep them in your prayers. "Climb to Glory"

Definitely praying for those men.

See ya in comments.

~Tracy

To The Families Of Fallen Heroes...

A real tear jerker.... Thanks Deb




A_C

Good News Friday (B*N*S*N)

"Gold Star Parents take to the streets":

"We are going to be out in the streets, with our flags, with our white surrender flags, with monkeys, with people, with energy and dedication and enthusiasm," said protest organizer Melanie Morgan. "Because we have a job to do and that is support our troops."

Morgan and other Gold Star Parents protested outside Pelosi's offices in San Francisco, showing what support of the troops REALLY mean. AP carried the story on local channels ( now there's a shocker!) Gold Star parents are determined to have their voices heard, as they support our troops. One of the parents there? Joseph Williams, whose son was killed on the third day of the war; another? Debra Argel Bastion, whose son Derek was a captain in the Air Force. She has been to Iraq, and met the Iraqi people. She says:

"When I was in Iraq in November, I met a group of very thankful people,......The troops don’t want to pull out, they want to finish their mission,...And I’m just very confused, because none of the politicians I hear in Washington are able to give us any sort of idea what happens when we do pull out, what happens here."

Protest were also held in Vegas outside Reid's office. It seems Gold Star Parents are not prepared to sit quietly by any longer as the politicians play games, play fast and loose with the mission their children gave their lives for. Debbie Lee, whose son was a Navy Seal killed in Ramadi last year, said Democrats' attempts to affect war policy amounted to football players refusing to follow their coach.

"The players don't go, 'wait a minute, we don't want to do what the coach says, we want to go call our own plays,"' Lee said. "Then you've got so much division, things start to fall apart. There's no way you can win anything when that's going on."

Whichever way you look at this story, it IS good news. You can read the rest of this story here.
The fact that msm actually covered this story is ALSO good news (be sure and watch the video footage at this link too).

Maybe if enough Gold Star, and Blue Star, parents, families and loved ones of the troops in the war spoke up, stepped out and demanded to be heard, the 'surrender monkeys' would be forced to listen. The families are ON the move, proving that they are, and WILL continue to be, a force to be reckoned with. Maybe Reid and Pelosi and all the other 'surrender monkeys' will 'get' that ya just don't mess with OUR families. And that is B*N*S*N!

Brat

"Unpopular War, my ass! ; May edition"

You might have thought we are in an unpopular war. You might have, if you only read and watch the msm. You might have thought that nobody in the military believed in the mission, You might have, if you only watch and read the msm! (yes, yes I KNOW Tanker Bros readers know all this!)

The numbers, that are freely available to the public, tell what a 'really' unpopular war this is...(heavy sarcasm there for those who have never heard the brat actually speak.;)

• Active duty recruiting. All services met or exceeded their recruiting goals in April.

	Accessions	Goal	Percent
Army	5,804	5,400	107
Navy	2,718	2,718	100
Marine Corps	1,899	1,345	141
Air Force	2,040	2,040	100

• Active duty retention. The Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force are meeting or exceeding overall retention missions.

Even in the reserves figures, the Marines come in at 124% of their goals for recruiting. Go figure. Where do you suppose these recruits are getting their opinions, their patriotism, their commitment to service of others? NOT from the msm.

You might have thought that the numbers of patriotic Americans signing up to serve their country would be down, given all the negativity in the msm. In the course of looking at these numbers, I found a very interesting article dating back to 2005. In Frontpage.com I found an article called "The Left's War Against the Military At Home". I bring this to your attention because, apart from naming the usual suspects who are determined to see our troops be underfunded and undercut(while they themselves fund the terrorists), another group I was unfamiliar with is mentioned as the motivating force behind discouraging young Americans to enlist. Ruckus even goes so far as to hold training camps for "counter recruiters".

Code Pink for Peace, headed by Castro-loving neo-communist and perennial anti-U.S. activist Medea Benjamin, orchestrates the direct-action segment of the counter recruitment movement with the Ruckus Society, an off-shoot of the eco-terrorism group Earth First!... Benjamin’s history with the Ruckus Society goes back to the late 1990s when she helped it plan and execute the violent riots that occurred during the 1999 World Trade Organization (WTO) meeting in Seattle, Washington. As part of Code Pink’s counter-recruitment drive Benjamin has enlisted the Ruckus Society to provide training camps for potential 18-22 year old counter-recruiters. Ruckus Society training camps provide activists with the tools to organize street protests, shut down recruitment offices and avoid arrest. Those attending the camps are exposed to a constant barrage of anti- capitalist, anti-war, anti-U.S. propaganda.......

The msm media may not pay much attention these people, but their work is surely to be seen in the recent attacks on recruitment offices. The rest of this article is a "must-read", and it can be found here.

To me, this article is a reminder that here - on the home front- our war continues, and that the home team must remain vigilant and strong. And then I read the numbers of Americans stepping up, enlisting, and I KNOW that there is hope for this country, the coalition partners, and for the mission.

HOO-frickin-AAH!

(Yes - I am sure regular readers here know who sent me this one, with THIS title! Thanks Master Gunner!)
Brat

Rolling Victory Fast Update: 17 May 2007

Link To Original Post: Here
Sign Up For A Day: Here or send an email to TankerBrothersReconATgmail.com
Updated Duty Roster: Here
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Fasting today is PCMom!

Today I am sharing the message from the Mom of Marine Corporal Ian Zook. He lost his life in Iraq. I am fasting to honor the Gold Star Families. Spring is time for Dandelions. I am sitting in my front yard under the blossoms of the apple tree contemplating the dandelion army in front of me. Somehow this vast array of yellow started with one lonely dandelion. It stood alone and lonely until the time it matured and then spread its seeds all across my country lawn - a virtual carpet of yellow. That dandelion is no longer alone - and now there appears to be no way to stop it. I felt like that dandelion back in August 2005 when I was so outraged by a Gold Star mother who would dishonor her heroic son's memory and my son's memory as well. I was outraged that the national media would seek to give her continuous attention because of the controversy and antics she displayed. How is one mom who likes her privacy to combat that? That is when I met Chuck Larson, founder of Families United. Families United was organized to support our Troops and Their Mission - shouting loud and clear that America stands beside them! Our voices have banded together and because we are not alone (47,000 members), we are stronger. However, unlike the dandelion whose seeds can be spread for miles by a gentle breeze, somehow our voices are still not heard throughout the silent majority of our country. Each of these lonely dandelions has not yet matured to share their voice and so they feel trampled, like my dandelions that the weed killer has tried to take out - they look sad and tattered - but they'll bloom again! Today I ask you as a member of Families United and as a patriotic American to spread your matured seeds to the wind by doing two things. I ask you to go to the Support America Petition on our website and sign it. When you have done that, I ask you simply to share your voice by sending that petition to two other people you know that support America, our Troops and Their Mission, and our Freedom. Ask them to sign it and pass it on to two others. If we do this together - our petition will cover America with a banner of red, white and blue.

Awesome dedication PCMom! I will be heading over to the Families United website to look around.

See ya in comments!

~Tracy

Memorial Day and John Edwards

First, what is Memorial Day? Wikepedia sums it up very well in one sentence, "This holiday commemorates U.S. men and women who have died in military service to their country." Memorial Day is NOT a day for politics and political posturing. It is a day to honor those that have given all for this country. PERIOD.

I have come across what I am going to talk about in quite a few places. I first saw it on Blackfive and today at The Splatter Zone. What I've read has been rolling around in my brain and I am finally ready to post about it.

John Edwards appears on the site supportthetroppsendthewar.com (I will not be linking to this site!) He babbles on in a video about how President Bush has not listened to what the American people said in November at the polls. Blah, blah, blah.

I'm not going to deal with his video, but what appears under the "Reclaiming Patriotism" banner below the video. "10 Things You Can Do Over Memorial Day Weekend to Support the Troops and End the War" That's a mouthful isn't it?

Okay. This post may get long. I'm going to go over these suggestions. First the ones I have no problem with:

Send our troops a taste of home. Go shopping with your kids, your friends, your neighbors, and buy a whole bunch of stuff that would make a soldier happy to receive (check for restrictions). Then go through a site like Anysoldier.com, OpGratitude.com, or TroopCarePackage.com to send your package to a soldier in Iraq. Take photos and tell us about it. Pray. Organize a prayer vigil for our troops at your house of worship. Honor the fallen. Tell us about it. Greet a vet. Before Memorial Day Weekend gets started, get in touch with the Yellow Ribbon Fund and volunteer to provide welcome-back services and mentorships to injured soldiers returning home. Tell us about it. Say thank you. Send a thank-you note to our troops through organizations like Let's Say Thanks, A Million Thanks, or Operation Care Packages. Better yet - gather folks together to write thank-you notes at a picnic. Tell us about it. Help an injured vet. Before Memorial Day Weekend gets underway, contact your local VA Hospital and learn how you can volunteer. Tell us about it.

On the website, the "Tell us about it's" are links for that site. I took the links out. I will NOT link to them. I left the links for all the other organizations alone. All of these suggestions are excellent. I think these are wonderful ways to get involved. The only thing I would change about how these are framed is that we should be doing these all year round, not just because it's Memorial Day.

Okay. On to the ones I want to really talk about. We'll do these one at a time so I can rant a little on each one.

Gather in public. On Memorial Day weekend, get your friends, kids, co-workers, neighbors, aunts, uncles, grandfathers, grandmothers, and anyone and everyone you know together to publicly support the troops and end the war. Be sure to check with your local authority for any permits you need for public gatherings. Contact local media to publicize your event. Before you get started, please take a moment of silence to honor the fallen. And during your event, make sure you conduct yourself respectfully—both for those serving in Iraq and the memory of the brave servicemen and women that Memorial Day honors. Share your plans here.

(the last sentence should be a link, I took it out. emphasis mine)

If you took out the bolded and italicized portions I emphasized this suggestion would be okay. I'd have no issues with this suggestion except for the adding on of using the time to show support for ending the war. And contacting the media?? Memorial Day is not for media attention. It is to honor the fallen. I could not believe that when I read it. And I won't even go into the joke of anti-war protestors acting respectfully~that's a whole 'nother post.

Make your voice heard in Washington. Call President Bush at (202) 456-1111 or email him at comments@whitehouse.gov. Call your Representative and U.S. Senator and ask them to use their funding power to support our troops and end the war. Tell us about it.

Of course I am all for letting your representatives know your opinion about what they are doing, however, I don't feel Memorial Day weekend is the weekend to do this.

Light up the night. Get your friends and family together and organize a Memorial Day candlelight vigil to support our troops, end the war, and honor the fallen. Share your plans here.

(emphasis mine)

This suggestion sounded really good until I read the emphasized portion. Again, Memorial Day is not the day to focus on politics. Light a candle to show support for the troops and honor the fallen PERIOD.

And on to the one that really got me worked up:

Get vocal. Buy a bunch of poster-board and markers. At a picnic or with family and friends, make signs that say “SUPPORT THE TROOPS - END THE WAR.” Bring them to your local Memorial Day parade. Then take a digital photo of yourself and your family or friends holding up the poster and tell us about it. We’ll include it in a “Democracy Photo Album” on our site.

There are so many things wrong with this I don't even know where to start. First of all, the photos won't get taken because like Ragin'Mom (The Splatter Zone) pointed out, the Veterans won't put up with this and the signs won't be intact for long!!

Again, what is Memorial Day? "This holiday commemorates U.S. men and women who have died in military service to their country." How is this honoring the fallen? This day is to honor those that gave all for us. Those that gave their very lives so we could stay free. Free to do idiotic stuff like this. Yes, it is their right to behave this way, because of a soldier!! But protesting at a parade whose purpose is to honor the fallen is beyong reprehensible.

If I see anyone doing this anywhere around here (Unlike poor Yankeemom, I live in an area where this is very unlikely) I will confront them. And let me tell you for someone who is a wimp about confrontation :o) that tells you how worked up I am about this.

My challenge to you? List in comments ways not mentioned here (or expand on those mentioned here) what we can do to REALLY support the troops and honor the fallen.

My suggestion: When you go to that parade, shake hands with as many veterans as you can. Look them in the eye and say a simple "Thank you." You'll be amazed at the responses you'll get.

I've had two recent experiences~this being Military Appreciation Month there are some vets collecting money outside of stores for various veteran organizations. Two weeks ago there was an elderly gentleman outside the post office collecting money. I gave some, shook his hand, looked him in the eye and thanked him for his service. The shock and surprise I saw in his eyes saddened me. The next week there was a man collecting money for paralyzed veterans outside of Wal-Mart. I shook his hand, looked him in the eye and thanked him for his service. In a loud, proud voice he said "Vietnam: 2 tours" I loved his response.

EDIT: Donna kindly reminded me aboout Leta's Let Freedom Ring Card Drive. How could I forget, I'm working on those cards regularly? Sorry Leta!

~Tracy

Rolling Victory Fast Update: 16 May 2007

Link To Original Post: Here
Sign Up For A Day: Here or send an email to TankerBrothersReconATgmail.com
Updated Duty Roster: Here
Pick Up Your RVF Tee Shirts (Limited Edition, Only 50 printed, Only $10 each): HERE (All proceeds go to help support Soldiers Angels)

Fasting today is Bets!

I want to dedicate today to all our Troops who work behind the scenes. There are so many serving in support roles for those who are outside the wire. They take care of finances and communications, repair and maintain vehicles, and work with supplies and mail, just to name a few. Many of these people work long hours with little acknowledgment or thanks. Without them the morale, safety, and effectiveness of our Troops would be greatly impeded.

Great dedication!! Those outside the wire could not do their job without the troops working behind the scenes inside the wire!

See ya in comments!

~Tracy

Wednesday Hero

This Weeks Soldier Was Suggested By Cindy

Lance Cpl. Steven Chavez
20 years old from Hondo, New Mexico
2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force
March 14, 2007


Tears ran down cheeks and strong men choked back emotion as the city of Hondo, NM payed tribute to fallen Marine, Steven Chavez. LCpl. Chavez lost his life on March 14, 2007 in a non-combat incident in which he was accidentally shot.

Chavez enlisted in the Marine Cops. right after he graduated in 2005. "You pray and you pray that the day never comes, and then it does," said Novelda Chavez, Chavez's mother. "Your emotions are mixed — it’s not true, it’s a bad dream, a bad dream you never wake up from."

In a letter Chavez wrote before he was sent to Iraq, he wrote:
"First of all I would like to thank everyone for your support. When I'm home on leave and when I'm away. That is so important to me. Thank you for your kind, supporting words in your letters and for the packages I've received. Those are awesome.

I've been through some pretty hard times, in the short time I've been in the Marine Corp. None harder then what I'm about to face. Yes I'm scared; nothing is scarier than the uncertainty of what your future holds for you. I'm prepared to face whatever lies ahead.

I put my life in the hands of the Lord. And pray that He guides my fellow soldiers and I down a safe path, that He will calm our fears, and give us the strength to do the job we have been trained to do, and to do that job well.

There are many lonely nights, when you're lying in your bunk thinking of family and friends, wondering what they are doing at that very moment. Wondering what mom is cooking for supper. I can almost taste the tortillas on the griddle.

I want to say to all of you tonight, I wouldn't change one thing about my life.

I've never been more proud of the choices I made in my life than the day I graduated from basic drill instructor placed that Anchor, Globe and Eagle Pin in my hand I knew then I was a UNITED STATES MARINE!

I'm Proud to protect and serve My Country

I'm Proud to protect and serve My Community

I'm Proud to protect and serve you

Thank you so much for your Support. Keep those letters coming. Mail is a precious commodity when you're so far from Home.

YOUR U.S. MARINE

LANCE CORPORAL STEVE CHAVEZ"

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. To find out more about Wednesay Hero, you can go here.

~Tracy

Rolling Victory Fast Update: 15 May 2007

Link To Original Post: Here
Sign Up For A Day: Here or send an email to TankerBrothersReconATgmail.com
Updated Duty Roster: Here
Pick Up Your RVF Tee Shirts (Limited Edition, Only 50 printed, Only $10 each): HERE (All proceeds go to help support Soldiers Angels)

Fasting today is Leta!!

SSG Christopher S. Kiernan KIA 6 May 2007 Today’s RVF is in honor of SSG Christopher Kiernan who gave the ultimate sacrifice for this nation on May 6, 2007. He was killed by sniper fire while on patrol in Baghdad with the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Ft. Hood,TX. According to the DoD he died of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire during combat patrol operations. It has been reported that after he was shot his main concern was for his men and their safety. Reports have stated that he told them to take care of themselves as he lay wounded and dying. Apparently that came as no surprise to those who knew him and those who served with him. While I didn’t know SSG Kiernan personally I know people who serve with him. His loss has been very difficult for them. SSG Kiernan grew up in Virginia Beach, VA. He had served in the Army long enough that he was planning to retire in two years and settle down with his wife Donna, adopt a child or two and live the remainder of their lives sharing with each other whatever life brought their way. According to published remarks from the Virginia Beach Examiner SSG Kiernan had begun his second tour of duty in Iraq in October 2006. He was a Soldier’s Soldier who looked out for his men on the battlefield and who helped all those around him in civilian life. He met his wife Donna at Ft. Hood where she not only worked in a civilian job but also spent tireless hours helping and supporting the deployed, military dependents and visiting the wounded in hospitals and rehabilitation centers throughout the area. They were married in 2001 and shared a love of travel, fishing and animals among other interests. SSG Kiernan had planned to be home in July on R & R in time to celebrate his wife’s birthday. The following is a comment left at www.examiner.com/ following an article on SSG Kiernan: "Christopher Kiernan was my first Platoon Sergeant I had when I joined the Regular Army. He was so knowledgeable about everything that people often teased him by calling him "General." His skills weren't limited to Army doctrine. He knew when to raise his voice and he also knew when to give soldiers counseling when they just needed to talk to someone. He cared so much about the Army that he didn't care about kissing up just to get more rank on his collar. He preferred to tick off the leadership chain above him by following what he knew the Army standard to be. He wasn't a perfect man, but who is? But, he was a soldier's soldier and that's what he wanted to be. I'll let one secret out of the bag on him - he had a bachelor's degree but didn't tell many people below him. He kept it quiet because he didn't want to brag about it. He preferred to brag about the Soldiers he led. SSG Kiernan will be missed, but at least I know he went out the way he should have, as a hero. ~Michael T" The memorial service and burial for this hero will be on Thursday May 17, 2007 Today as I fast it will be in honor of SSG Kiernan. May he be at peace now and forever. May this nation honor him, his life and his sacrifice EVERY day. I will also be thinking about and saying prayers for his wife Donna, his family and his Soldiers who continue to fight without him by their side but with him in their hearts.

Beautiful dedication Leta. We must always remember our fallen. It sounds like SSG Kiernan was a great soldier and wonderful man. Someone who touched many lives and will live on in those he touched.

See ya in comments.

~Tracy

Rolling Victory Fast Update: 14 May 2007

Link To Original Post: Here
Sign Up For A Day: Here or send an email to TankerBrothersReconATgmail.com
Updated Duty Roster: Here
Pick Up Your RVF Tee Shirts (Limited Edition, Only 50 printed, Only $10 each): HERE (All proceeds go to help support Soldiers Angels)

Fasting today is Julia!!

Thanks Julia!!

~Tracy

America Loves Iraqi's

Often, when the Left, the Anti Everything Crowds and the Terrorists Supporters start trying to dazzle the rest of us with their BS we lose sight of the progress being made in places like Iraq and Afghanistan. This is sad and very, very wrong. It is an obvious ploy on their part, just another cog in a well oiled propaganda machine.

So when I come across people like Daniel, it reminds me of what the Soldiers are fighting for. Here is some of Daniels story...

Back in November 2004 I deployed to Iraq as a member of the Utah National Guard to support Operation Iraqi Freedom serving on a document translation team in Baghdad. I spent one year translating documents, going on raids, and interpreting as needed, to fight the terrorists and try to bring some long-desired peace to the Iraqis. I finished the year and wondered what all the hard work had accomplished. I had learned a lot and had enjoyed many once-in-a-lifetime experiences, but not much changed in Iraq. I went home for the holidays and two months later decided to come back as a civilian linguist for another year. I have now been here over two years supporting the operations. Eight months ago I came across a different way to fight terrorism and bring some sort of happiness to at least a part of the Iraqi population. I had the opportunity to visit a medical clinic (run by the U.S.) that serves certain areas of Baghdad. Every week a number of Iraqi families are allowed to enter the base and receive basic medical screenings to see if they require further treatment. Two of my friends (Rich and Rene) and I started going to this clinic once a week to pass out things our friends and families had sent us from back home, and to entertain the children while they waited for their appointments with the doctors. After a while I realized that out of all the things I have done in Iraq to combat terrorism and help the Iraqi people, this was at the top of the list. Not only does my Arabic improve each time I visit with the families, but these wonderful children, mothers, and fathers get to see the “American Muscle” being used in a different way.

Please take the time to visit Daniels site, America Loves Iraqi's


I look at these pictures and I see hope. I see hope for the people of Iraq and I know there are similar things happening in Afghanistan. These Iraqi's are not afraid of the American Soldiers and that is such a beautiful thing to see. Over time, the Soldiers and the Innocent Iraqi Civillians have built a trust and friendship that is evident in these photos. I have spoken to another Soldier involved in this project and I know how much he enjoys these interactions at the Centre.

But Daniel, the staff of the Centre and the Iraqi people need OUR help now. On the site you will see a list of things that the Centre needs donated. I am asking all of you to consider helping Daniel with these requests. It is such an easy way to make such a significant difference. If you can't donate goods you can still help. Encourage others to read this post, link to it, copy and paste it, whatever you have to do to get the word out. The more people who read this, the better the chance of assistance.

All of you have the power to make a difference here!!

This is what we are all working towards, this is what the negators DON'T want you to see. How you and the Soldiers can make a difference. All of us working cohesively CAN help the Iraqi people. They are the innocents who have survived unspeakable horrors, living each day in a war zone and still, they mix freely and comfortably with the Americans at the centre. This shows that they do not all hate the Coalition and that there is a very valid reason for us to be there.

So come on everyone, let's all get on board here!!

A_C

Rolling Victory Fast Update: 13 May 2007

Link To Original Post: Here
Sign Up For A Day: Here or send an email to TankerBrothersReconATgmail.com
Updated Duty Roster: Here
Pick Up Your RVF Tee Shirts (Limited Edition, Only 50 printed, Only $10 each): HERE (All proceeds go to help support Soldiers Angels)

Fasting today is Yankeemom!!

I saw on her blog she is travelling and having computer problems, but hopefully she will be able to pop in today!!

Thank you Yankeemom!!

Also, to all of you Mothers out there:

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

~Tracy

Supporting The Troops...

There is something I feel compelled to make clear before I start.... The following are MY opinions and mine only. This post is NOT representing the views of my co-writers in any way.

As most of you are probably aware, A Soldiers Mind has been running an Essay Writing Competition, asking people to write what their idea of supporting the troops is. I was actually very interested in alot of the reponses to this and recieved alot of feedback from deployed and recently returned Soldiers after reading my essay. This paved the way for some open discussions with the Soldiers about their feelings.

I have been criticised repeatedly for my stand on supporting the Troops. I am here to tell anyone who reads this and doesn't agree, I don't care. I couldn't care less if people believe I am being selfish because I am as inclined to tell the Soldiers about my problems as I am to listen to theirs. I don't care what people think of me refusing to call them heroes after they ask me not to. I don't care what people think of me calling them mates because that's what they are. And I will make no apologies to anyone for not joining drives or groups or anything of the sort.

I believe every contribution helps. Nothing pisses me off more than being told what is and isn't support. I am the first to admit I hate the words "I support the Troops but not the war". Hey to each their own, I just don't get how that is supporting anyone. Just because you send a care package doesn't make it alright to negate what the person who will recieve it is doing. But if that is how they see fit to support someone then so be it.

I recieved this letter this morning from a deployed Soldier...

Well, I can say that there are a lot of people who pay lip service regarding supporting the troops. They go out and buy the car sticker or magnet and put it on their car and say they support the troops. As for me, I'm happy when I'm walking somewhere not near a military base, and someone comes up to me and just says thank you. Some people think that you have to support the troops by sending them packages. Well, not everyone has the money to go out and buy and then send packages over seas to the troops. I can't think of any military member that would want someone to go without, just so they could get a care package from someone they didn't know. There are so many ways for people to support the troops. Everyone likes to laugh. If you send a letter or card to someone thru Soldier's Angels, send them your e-mail address. Soldier's are more likely today to respond to you that way then with a letter. Please think about it. During the little time a Soldier has off, do you think they would rather spend that time writing a letter to someone they know and love, or to someone whom they have never met? I made contact with the two people who sent me their e-mail, and try to make sure that I send them a note telling them how I am doing. I get cards from people I have known my whole life, and I make sure to tell my parents to tell them thank you, and when I go home, I will repay their kindness by singing in church. That is what they will want from me. I know it's not much, but I know my church, and they all want me home safely, and when I come to visit, to sing on one of the sunday's I am home. It doesn't matter how you support the troops, and no one should tell anyone that the way they show support is wrong. My friend Aussie_Chic post blogs on 3 websites regarding what soldier's feel and say to her in conversations. She also surfs the web tirelessly looking for comments regarding the war and the strain it has on soldiers. I hope you note her name, Aussie_Chic. Yes, you guessed it, she is from Australia. She signed up for Soldier's Angels, and that is how we met. Instead of just worrying about the military personnel from Australia that are fighting the war on terror, she is worried about ALL SOLDIERS. Now when I say soldiers, I mean each branch of the military. Thru conversations with her, I know she has corresponded with several US Soldiers, and I'm sure each of us will never forget the effort she puts out to make sure the Soldier's voice is heard. She doesn't ask for anything to do this. It's something she wants to do. But, she has told me that people have told her she's wrong in her way of showing support for the troops, because she doesn't do it the same way everyone else does. I say, SO WHAT!!! I have told her, if what she is doing makes her happy, and helps put a smile on the Soldier's face that she is talking to, then she is supporting the troops. When I was home in Feb, waiting for my plane from Dallas to Ft Hood, I must have had 15 to 20 people stop me and thank me for what I do. While they may not be spending money and sending me packages, they are supporting the troops in their way. There is no set way to support the troops. I have never seen a set of rules or regulations that state you must support the troops in this way, or don't do it at all. When we have that, then we have lost the freedom for which we the troops are fighting. Thank you for taking the time to read this. A Soldier thanking those who thank us, each in their own way.

This Soldier actually asked me to share this letter. While I can't name him, I can pass on messages to him.

I think Tracy says it best when she tells me that she believes there are different Soldiers that fit with different Supporters. No one way is right or wrong, the Soldiers will simply respond to the person that appeals to them. I have been accused of being disrespectful, unpatriotic and selfish amongst other things because I chose to do things my way. I'll let you all in on a little secret. There is another Aussie Chic, otherwise known as Lil Aussie Chica who also supports the troops in the same way I do. She is also dating a member of the ADF and is also outspoken in the same way I am. She literally support THOUSANDS of Coalition Soldiers and their families. She is also one of the most approachable, open and honest people I have ever met. Her approach is the same as mine. We take the Soldiers on as mates, we share our ups and downs, we cry on each others shoulders. We laugh together, we mourn together, we argue and debate and share our lives with each other.

She also recieves the same messages I do.... Thankyou for not putting us on a pedestal, thankyou for being our 'Mate'. Thankyou for remembering we are people too.

There are many ways of finding Soldiers to support, I am happy to pass on ideas to anyone who wants to email me.

I know there are alot of people who can't take on the obligation to send care packages. I'm here to tell you it isn't necessary. It's nice for the Soldiers to recieve them but what they need more than anything is mates. People to listen to them, cheer them up when they need it and to help them forget for as long as they can where they are and what they are doing. So many good people are not getting involved because of the financial obligations people attach to support. There doesn't need to be any. Public libraries everywhere have free internet access. If you can commit to a couple of hrs a week to head down to the local library and send off some emails you can make a difference.

And people, don't ever let anyone tell you putting a magnet or sticker on your car doesn't make a difference. I have an Aussie Flag along the back window of my car behind the seats and wear support and military tshirts quite a bit and you would be amazed at the amount of people who stop me to comment. I also often have Veterans come up to me in the street and introducing themselves and saying thankyou. The smallest things can make a difference if they are done in sincerity.

It's time to change the rules here people. Dictating what is and isn't support is not on. It needs to stop. In the words of many of the Soldiers I correspond with 'The Support Nazi's need to back off'!!

Just a quick update for you...

The same Soldier sent me the following today

I forgot to tell you the real feel good story of my trip home in Feb. While waiting at the airport there was about 7 of us on standby including one civilian who was first on the list. He was not a contractor waiting to get home to his family, just a business man who was trying to catch an earlier flight. Well, when they opened the plane up for standby's this kind man went up and said you put me on last if there is any room. These soldiers have been away long enough, and they deserve to get home before me. 5 of us were able to get on the plane and get home hours before we were supposed to. As for me, while I didn't get on that plane, the same man did the same thing later when a second flight had standby room. He did make that flight, but again, he waited until all the remaining soldiers that were flying to Ft Hood had been put on the plane before he embarked. I would have bet a lot of money that no one would have done something like that. It shows that there are people out there who really do appreciate the fact that we are thousands of miles away from home, and just might miss our families and deserve to get home to them as soon as possible.

I also recieved this from a good friend and fellow Aussie...

I am an ex serviceman and a veteran… I served my country for 21 years, in Australia and overseas, so I think I am qualified to say something on this matter…. Regardless of what everyone thinks, believes or doesn’t believe, wars and conflicts will always be a part of this world we live in. Now we may not agree with why they started or why we get involved, but it happens, it’s a fact of life as we know it. As a serviceman, I worked for my Government and I did what I was asked of them, whether I agreed or not… If I didn’t agree, I went and looked at what good I could do in that foreign land to help people. I kept focus on the good things, not the bad. Now all people might not agree with my being in those places and I respect that, but don’t take that frustration out on the servicemen and women, as they have enough to be concerned about and they are only doing what they are instructed to do. If you disagree with the reasons for troops being sent somewhere, then take that frustration or anger out on the people who started the conflict, and not the general population, as a lot of people have sons, daughters and fathers serving in those places and don’t need the added pressures of protesters…. Now, spare a thought for someone else other than yourself and show some support for those who are in some foreign country fighting and for those that have died trying to give others a better way of life. If you disagree then stand against the foreign powers, but always stand by your servicemen and women.

The message here is simple. Do what you can to show your support. Do what is right for you as long as you show you care and appreciate the efforts of our Service men and women and veterans.


A_C

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