When I was getting ready to post this I thought to myself. "Hmmmmmmm, which team should TB support. Air Force? Marines? Navy?" Of course not, we joined TEAM ARMY!!
Valour-IT is a great program. It brings computers to our wounded warriors.
Project Valour-IT, in memory of SFC William V. Ziegenfuss, helps provide voice-controlled and adaptive laptop computers to wounded Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines recovering from hand wounds and other severe injuries at major military medical centers. Operating laptops by speaking into a microphone or using other adaptive technologies, our wounded heroes are able to send and receive messages from friends and loved ones, surf the 'Net, and communicate with buddies still in the field.
From October 29 - November 11 Valour-IT is hosting a fund raising competition between the branches of the military. A fun way to raise money.
Here's how the Army is doing: Click the donation button and help the Army win!!
The Dagger Brigade is almost completely home now... The Dagger Brigade has lost more soldiers than any other in Iraq. They have accomplished a great deal during this deployment, whether it be establishing and operating out of Joint Security Sites to the overall decrease in violence throughout western Baghdad and Ramadi, they have done it all. These accomplishments do not come without a price however.
Thus far, 109 of their Comrades have given their lives to accomplish their Mission in Iraq.
One hundred and nine heroes have given their all, for God and Country, from this one brigade alone, in the sands of Iraq. 109. That is an excerpt of an email I got today. It is from the mother of one of the young Daggers who is - thank God - coming home. She is determined to raise funds for a memorial for the 109 that will never feel the warmth of their mother's arms again. This mother continues:
To honor these fallen Heroes, the Dagger Brigade Combat Team is constructing a Memorial Wall in Schweinfurt, Germany early next year. In order to complete this tribute they must raise $67,000 by January of 08, and so far, thanks to the charity of our great Soldiers, we have raised $40,546, as of 1st October...
They have now raised just over $50,000 and obviously still have a way to go to reach their goal.
The Daggers have a long and proud history. First constituted in May 1917, they fought in WW1 as part of the American Expeditonary Force.
In WW2 they were in North Africa, in 1942, and were part of the defeat of Rommel in the second battle of El Alamein. Then they were based in Wiltshire, England (!) 1943 saw them as part of the invasion of Sicily.
North Africa
Sicily.
The distinguished history of the Daggers is well documented in many places including here.
Today's heroes of the Daggers have served their country with the greatest honour, and this memorial is a very small way of acknowledging the sacrifices they have all made. I found a graduation speech that was given to a class of Chaplain's assistants. The focus of MSG Robin Rankin's address was "Pro Deo Et Patria"...In his speech, he talks about Arlington:
...It is a beautiful place, perhaps one of the most peaceful places you could ever visit. There, at Arlington National Cemetery, you will find thousands upon thousands of white markers placed in the ground for as far as your eye can see. These grave markers represent the final resting place of men and women who wore that uniform, understood the meaning of their heritage as Americans, who believed that this country and their God were worth fighting and dying for.
I started this morning by saying that we were going to ponder our motto, "Pro Deo Et Patria." But those words are more than just a motto. They speak about a calling, a call to higher ideals, a call to higher standards, a call to higher commitment and a call to higher service.
Am I dreaming or maybe idealistic? Perhaps. But I’ve been called worse. We all carry the same motto, "Pro Deo Et Patria." I challenge each of you here today to carry the meaning of that motto deep in your hearts and to live out its meaning as you serve both "God and Country."
This really IS an amazing speech, which encapsulates all the highest motives for any of our men and women who serve in the cause of freedom. Take the time, and go read the rest of it here.
Our Dagger heroes today - the 109 fallen - deserve, at the very least, this memorial. Their families need this place of remembrance and honour as tangible gratitude from "we, the people", for whom their loved ones have selflessly given all. We can help make this happen. The Dagger Guardian Association is the driving force behind the fundraiser for this memorial. They do have a website, and there you will find more pictures; of the groundbreaking of the memorial on September 10, 2007, and of the beautiful location where this memorial will stand, for all times, as testimony, to the 109 Daggers. For the PayPal donation button that works scroll waaaaaaaaaaaay down to the bottom of the screen (the one at the top doesn't seem to be working!) Gohere to donate.
The email I got today? Ends like this:
...On a personal note...[my son] has lost several very good friends. Two of them he was with as they died. Please, please, please....say thank you. Not only thank you to the families of the fallen soldiers, but thank you to the men that served along side them. Men like [my son] who spent 15 months and to his brothers who lost their lives. Please help make this memorial happen...for them.
Thank you.
Not much I can add to that. Thank YOU! God bless our troops and their families.
"Most admired tree on campus" Photo by Roger A. Howden (source)
Congratulations to the students of the University of Victoria! Some of you may remember (!), that a while back I wrote about the idiot minority at UVic student society who voted to ban Canadian Forces military recruiters out of certain areas of campus. Well, commonsense has prevailed. Just this last week, by a vote of 85% in favour, that ban was overturned:
UVIC STUDENTS SOCIETY TO ALLOW D.N.D. INTO JOB FAIR
Oct 25, 2007
THE CANADIAN MILITARY WILL BE INVITED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA JOB FAIR, TO BE HELD EARLY NEXT YEAR.
A HIGH-PROFILE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE U-VIC STUDENT SOCIETY WAS HELD LATE THURSDAY AFTERNOON, AND THE RESULTS OF THE VOTE ON THE ISSUE WERE OVERWHELMINGLY AGAINST BANNING MILITARY RECRUITERS FROM THE JOB FAIR.
A UVIC STUDENT SOCIETY BOARD VOTE OF 75-PERCENT EITHER WAY WAS REQUIRED TO SETTLE THE ISSUE.
THERE WAS A LENGTHY DISCUSSION AT THE MEETING ABOUT WHETHER TO TAKE A VOTE AT ALL.
EARLIER TUESDAY, THOSE OPPOSED TO THE MILITARY'S RECRUITMENT PRESENCE ON CAMPUS STAGED A PROTEST RALLY AT THE STUDENT UNION BUILDING, CALLING FOR THOSE RECRUITERS TO BE BARRED FROM THE JOB FAIR.
THEY WERE ALSO CALLING FOR CANADIAN TROOPS TO BE PULLED OUT OF AFGHANISTAN, HAITI, AND OTHER WORLD HOTSPOTS. (source)
Good on you, UVic students. In a post on the internet, this:
Graham Noyes sends a final update; The Nightmare is Over In a true display of democracy in action, 400 UVic students crammed into the conference room at the Student Union Building (SUB) to vote in the Annual General Meeting. The issue at the forefront of everyone's mind was that motion passed by the Board of Directors last month banning the Canadian Forces from recruiting in the SUB, a motion submitted by the organization Students Against War (SAW) who used lies, paranoia, and unproven allegations of war crimes to push it through without the knowledge of the student body at large. Following the very successful board meeting on the 10th, the ban was rescinded, and moved to a formal vote at the AGM earlier tonight, much to the dismay of SAW, who argued for the "democratic sovereignty" of the board to make decisions for the UVic Student Society as a whole. These are the same people who verbally assaulted an Afghanistan veteran, vandalized university property in their propaganda campaign, and tore down posters from the anti-ban group my friends and I organized.....(here)
Make the time to go read all of this post, and include the comments in your reading. One in particular caught my eye:
As a UVic student who proudly joined the ~80-95% of the student body (I'd peg it at 85%, personally) that voted down this ban, I thought I'd give my own sentiment of this. Just a month ago, I felt so embarassed to even be a part of this school or this students' society. But, we have made a difference, and I can't even begin to tell how great that feels.
SAW went all out yesterday with an anti-war rally in front of the SUB, bringing in hip hop artists and anti-war activists from the mainland. Moreover, the majority of their membership dressed up in orange jumpsuits with black sacks over their heads, apparently a potshot at Guantanamo; what it had anything to do with this particular case, don't ask me, because your guess is as good as mine. All I know is I definitely couldn't do something like that because I have...what's that thing called again....oh right: dignity. Overkill, anyone?
Funny how they complain about the military's $15M recruiting budget, compared to the $200 in UVSS funding they receive. Our group to support the overturning of the ban received $0 in funding, and, in contrast to their concert series complete with guest speakers ferried over, we had four tone deaf guys with a guitar (which broke a string, might I add)...(source)
That clear thinking (with humour.lol) is by "BC Tory". Check out their full comment, as she/he describes the shenanigans the anti-military mob got up to. No surprise to us of course. Something else I found interesting. Looking for their crest, I found the following:
Coat of Arms
“A Note on the College Arms” written in 1961 by Dr. Rodney Poisson, Associate Professor of English, on the occasion of the grant of arms, suggests that the mottoes assert “the article of faith in learning, which is the cornerstone of our educational tradition.”
“Leadership must come from the universities,” Dr. Poisson wrote, “Let us learn our mottoes; let us understand and honour the ideals symbolized in the College arms.”...
The Crest
The crest comprises an arm surmounting a helmet, holding the torch of learning from which seven flames and seven rays emanate. The secondary motto, shown in Hebrew on the banner above the crest, translates to “Let there Be Light,” from the Book of Genesis....
The Shield
On the banner beneath the shield is the Latin motto Multitudo Sapientium Sanitas Orbis, or “A Multitude of the Wise is the Health of the World,” from the Biblical Apocrypha, The Wisdom of Solomon.. (source)
To me, it looks as if the "multitude of the wise" prevailed. There was - indeed - "Light" shining brightly in UVic as the students reclaimed their rights to think and speak for themselves, and welcome our troops' recruiters on campus. Well done! On behalf of all "my" Canadian troops: Thank YOU UVic!
...and nobody came? I spent this past weekend scouring news sites for reports on advertised cross-Canada anti war protests. I heard on CBC radio Saturday evening a brief clip where they said - in part:
...'demonstrators rallied outside the US Embassy to protest the Canadian troops in Afghanistan."...
Truly, that IS what I heard - my emphasis! Huh? Hello???????????? I missed the rest of whatever they said, but tuned in the next morning for any 'breaking news/updates' on what was supposed to be the BIG story of the day. Nada. Zip. Zilch, and I have been digging for "news" on the huge numbers that turned out. Not even on my local news stations was there a mention. I checked the sites for CBC radio, CBC tv and Global..Not even 'the weather meant fewer numbers than anticipated'. Nope - it was an atypical fall day here. The sun was shining. Perfect day for an anti war protest. I don't know who all showed up, but I only found two sources for any mention of protests in Canada:
Protesters march across Canada to denounce Afghan mission
ANDY BLATCHFORD
THE CANADIAN PRESS
October 27, 2007 at 10:45 PM EDT
MONTREAL — Umbrellas outnumbered placards as hundreds of rain-soaked demonstrators hit the streets of Montreal on Saturday to denounce Canada's military mission in Afghanistan.
Close to 300 protesters waving signs scrawled with messages such as “Canada out! Stop killing civilians!” and “War isn't a solution” marched through the downtown core.
“We have been dragged into a war by the Americans and we've lost our role as peacekeepers, which was a very distinguished role for Canadians,” said demonstrator Joseph Baker.
“We have a role to play in Afghanistan and it should be a constructive role.”
Montreal's 10-kilometre march, which unfolded below a relentless downpour, was one of 23 scheduled Saturday in Canadian cities.
The nationwide demonstrations were also geared to coincide with 11 anti-war protests planned in the U.S.
“I am completely in disagreement with the war and the occupation in Afghanistan and Iraq,” said American Karen Reynard, who joined the march in Montreal....(read the rest here, if you must.lol)
Okay, so it WAS raining in Montreal, but "close to 300"???????????? According to 2006 census figures, Montreal has a population of 1.6 million people.. It IS one of the largest cities in Canada. And they found an American to quote? Ohhhhhhhh boy!
Canadians throughout the country marched today in support of a withdrawal of Canadian troops from Afghanistan. Despite this news article I can't seem to find very much about it on the news.
"The people of Canada grow ever more upset with this war and are calling for our troops to be brought home alive," said Bob Ages of the Canadian Peace Alliance, which organized protests in 22 cities.
About 300 people demonstrated in Montreal beginning at mid-day, according to Radio Canada.
Are the "people of Canada" upset about it? I don't know. 300 people showed up in Montreal. Hm. Last time I checked, Montreal had 1,620,693 people in it. Leaving the anti-war protesters a mere 1,620,393 from full consensus.
This blogger, on a site called Unambiguously Ambidextrous A centrist Canadian with right leanings, obviously noticed what I did....check that out here.
He may ask the question "Are the people of Canada upset about it?" But, according to a recent poll, done in Afghanistan, polling the Afghanis themselves, it seems the people there are not upset about us being there. (I know, I know - settle down!) In September 2007, the Environic polling company, in partnership with the CBC, went door to door in Khandahar and asked Afghanis what THEY thought of Canadians being in their country.
Questions ranged from personal security, the role and comfort level with foreign troops, views on terrorist tactics, to their outlook for the future.
Because Canadian troops are stationed in Kandahar province, special questions about Canada's role were asked to people living in that region of Afghanistan.
The complete poll results show that the Afghan people are generally supportive of their national government, generally supportive of the role foreign troops are playing and generally optimistic about the future of their country. Nationally, 79 per cent (81 per cent in Kandahar) think things generally are going in the right direction.
To regular readers here, the numbers will be no surprise, but here goes with just a couple of the questions:
Generally speaking, do you think things in Afghanistan today are going in the right direction?
National (%)
Kandahar province (%)
Good security/feeling safer
17
15
Reconstruction/rebuilding
15
38
Disarmament
10
6
Schools for girls have opened
10
2
Peace/end of war
8
8
Freedom/Free speech
7
10
Democracy/elections/Constitution
7
2
Economic revival/more jobs
4
2
Women have more freedom
4
1
Women can now work
4
3
Refugees return
4
1
Good government
4
8...
Thinking about your own present situation, would you say you personally are better off, worse off, or about the same as you were in 2002?
National (%)
Kandahar province (%)
Better off
60
61
About the same
26
15
Worse off
14
24
Don't know/No Answer
-
-
Now, you all know I am not a statistician, (I can hardly even say the word.lol), but I can figure out with just these two questions what the numbers say! It seems to me that the people of Afghanistan would know better than the 300 on the streets of Montreal, whether their lives are better or worse. As for Canadians, specifically, in Afghanistan? There was this:
Canadian mission
Are you aware that Canada currently has troops in Kandahar province?
Kandahar province (%)
Yes
60
No
29
Don't know/No Answer
10
A Canadian soldier on patrol in Bazar-e-Panjwaii, Afghanistan, Dec. 19, 2006. (Bill Graveland/Canadian Press)
What is your overall opinion of the Canadian troops in Kandahar province? Is it:
You may have noticed that in the report I quoted at the top, there is an American woman quoted. I found that interesting on two levels - well, okay on more than two...lol One, the prevailing ignorance insists that it is the nasty, imperialistic, blah blah blah Americans who are the lead 'invaders', and as I just heard on the radio "Canada is merely the tail of the dog". As soon as someone goes to the rhetoric of 'Canada should not follow the American's lead, but be independant in their foreign policy', I stop listening. As we all know, the Afghanistan mission is NOT American. It is under the auspices of NATO and the UN. It is not just American and Canada there. At last count, there is something like 30 plus countries - and NGO's - on the ground in Afghanistan, helping to rebuild. Guess the protesters don't read Tanker Bros blog!!! Oh, the shock!
In the interest of balance, I will draw your attention to Malalai Joya. This Afghan parliamentarian is in north America right now, and was the subject of a feature interview in one of our local papers this past week. I did go online, and try and find a transcript to share with you all, but couldn't find it. So, instead I will give you this. The article, in 24hours, is titled: "Situation is like hell"...and begins:
.......rattled off the names, barely pausing to punctuate her thoughts
* A five year old child, kidnapped and raped * A grandmother, raped *An 18 yr old who chose to hang herself rather than marry a man 40 years her senior *A woman who locked herself in a barn and lit it on fire. "It should be clear what's going on for the women in Afghanistan, Joya told 24 hours.. the situation is like hell"
There is more, and she goes on to say:
"Foreign troops are not helping...No nation can donate liberation to another nation....Asked what will happen if the foreign military withdrew from Afghanistan, and Joya is sure of her answer. "Civil War," she said.
As anyone who knows me knows, I would be the last woman - never mind Canadian - to dismiss, belittle the rapes, and kidnappings and horrific incidents shared above. No matter which country you are in, those are obscenities. Nobody disputes that at all. But, I would argue that our troops being in Afghanistan is not the cause of these crimes. My heart aches for each of those women, but I would suggest - from the Canadian soldiers I KNOW - that part of our mission in Afghanistan is to prevent such atrocities from happening. Their mission is to improve the lives of the women there. And, not that it makes what happens to the Afghani women right in any way, but even on our own streets, one out of every four women is sexually assaulted before the age of 20 years old. That according to the last statistics I read. So no, it is not the presence of ANY of our troops that is perpetuating these acts against the women of Afghanistan. (That, of course, could be the focus of a whole 'nother post for another day.) But, the Environics survey also addressed the plight of women in Afganistan since the arrival of our troops.
Do you believe that women in Afghanistan today are better off, worse off, or about the same as they were five years ago, in 2002?
National (%)
Kandahar province (%)
Better off
73
70
About the same
15
13
Worse off
10
15
Don't know/No Answer
2
1
Go figure! There are many more questions, all interesting, and I doubt the "protesters" will bother to inform themselves as to what the people of Afghanistan really think.
If they did, there would be no reason to protest. If the protesters bothered to research, they would know that the nasty Canadian troops in Afghanistan ARE rebuilding schools (for boys AND girls), they are rebuilding hospitals and helping the Afghanis who seek medical assistance. The protesters could also listen to the boots on the ground who KNOW what is going on. Above all, they would hear what the Afghani people have to say (and their opinions are not hard to find, even without this poll).
Maybe, just maybe, then the protesters (ya know, all 300 of them.lol) would join the rest of us, and actually HELP, contribute, to the troops' efforts to bring a better future to the Afghan people. I can dream, can't I?!
The unique nature of the War on Terror calls for unconventional approaches to numerous missions. Joint service combat and non-combat operations have become more common over the last several years. While serving as a combat flight medic with the 33rd Expeditionary Combat Rescue Squadron in Afghanistan, Air Force Tech Sgt. Mark DeCorte was at the forefront of a successful Army-Air Force venture to improve rescue operations. DeCorte’s leadership and actions on the battlefield earned him the 2006 Expeditionary Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year award.
In 2005, the Air Force agreed to assist the Army in medevac operations. DeCorte served on the first enlisted team of flight medics in this undertaking. There were many challenges not normally associated with providing care to the wounded on the battlefield. First, the team of airmen had to operate out of a HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter, not the larger C-130 or C-17 the Air Force normally uses. Second, DeCorte and his team were directly involved in combat – unlike many medics who often enter the field after the action subsides. DeCorte even gave up his protected status under the Geneva Convention to provide more urgent care to the wounded.
Two missions in particular from 2006 illustrate DeCorte’s gallantry. DeCorte was called in to rescue a soldier who lost both of his legs. As DeCorte entered the pitch-black battlefield, enemy forces surrounded him on three sides. Wearing night-vision goggles, DeCorte assessed the wounded soldier and applied tourniquets while shielding him from explosions. While taking fire, DeCorte carried the man back to the helicopter and ensured a safe evacuation. On another mission, DeCorte moved in to rescue two wounded soldiers. During the landing, enemy forces fired on the men on the ground, wounding three more. The helicopter landed near a dangerous minefield. DeCorte jumped out, and sprinted 150 yards through the kill zone. He treated all five wounded and directed them back to the chopper – while carrying one of them. DeCorte fit all five soldiers in the helicopter designed to hold two.
Tech Sgt. DeCorte with his HH-60
While based in Kandahar, DeCorte flew on 63 such missions, and is credited with assisting 41 enemy kills and 36 rescues, while constantly resupplying coalition forces with supplies, water and ammunition.
In addition to being named NCO of the Year, DeCorte’s lengthy list of awards and decorations includes: the Air Medal with two devices, the Air Force Commendation Medal with two devices, the Air Force Achievement Medal with five devices, the Combat Readiness Medal, the National Defense Service Medal with one device, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and the Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, among many others.
DeCorte’s record of service long predates his actions in Afghanistan. His 13 years in the Air Force includes a tour in Kosovo. DeCorte’s dedicated commitment to service extends to his family. His wife and brother are Air Force tech sergeants. DeCorte’s father, mother and uncle also served as USAF medical sergeants. DeCorte is currently stationed at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota.
Every hero on these pages has gone above and beyond the call of duty. They are all amazing, and I will always be grateful. Thank you, Sgt DeCorte. Go find more links about this amazing man here.
This story puts the lie to the stories that America is hated by Iraqis. This story shows what WE have known all along: the Iraqis has the biggest hearts. The Iraqis know that we are ALL brothers, part of the one human family.
BAGHDAD, Iraq — Members of the Iraqi Army in Besmaya collected a donation for the San Diego, Calif., fire victims Thursday night at the Besmaya Range Complex in a moving ceremony to support Besmaya's San Diego residents.
Iraqi Army Col. Abbass, the commander of the complex, presented a gift of $1,000 to U.S. Army Col. Darel Maxfield, Besmaya Range Complex officer in charge, Multi-National Security Transition Command Iraq, to send to the fire victims in California.
The money was collected from Iraqi officers and enlisted soldiers in Besmaya...
"A gift..." God knows the Iraqis have enough in their own land to worry about, but they have reached out to Americans to show their support. WE know that the Iraqis want us in Iraq, standing with them as they rebuild their country from the ground up; a country decimated by decades of man made destruction. Now, the Iraqis have proved - by this gesture alone - (yes, WE know they show us every day in other gestures!) that they appreciate Americans. Iraqis know what it feels like to watch your neighbourhoods over-run by larger forces, and they have watched California laid waste by the destruction of the current fires.
So, what do they do? They do what any 'brother' does. They help. Nobody here needs me to spell out the long term implications of this one (of many...lol!) gestures by the Iraqis. WE all know, and are grateful. You won't find this story 'reported' in the msm - I'd bet on that. BUT you can read it here.
"The road is long With many a winding turn That leads us to who knows where Who knows where But I'm strong Strong enough to carry him He ain't heavy, he's my brother...
His welfare is of my concern No burden is he to bear We'll get there...
It's a long, long road From which there is no return While we're on the way to there Why not share
And the load Doesn't weigh me down at all He ain't heavy he's my brother" (thanks to the Hollies.;) )
Yes! That IS the song that goes through my head as I read this story..lol. Iraq: Thank YOU!
We've all heard the name, how can we not as we follow the War on Terror - Ramadi. Most often regarded as a lost cause to the Coalition and the staging ground and headquarters of Al Qaeda operations, many considered this a battle we just couldn't win.
Then came the 'Awakening'.
I found the following articles that relate to this topic and was immersed for hours in the amazing progress happening in Ramadi. The city is proof of what is possible when Iraq and the West unite.
From Michael J Totten...
RAMADI, IRAQ – After spending some time in and around Baghdad with the United States military I visited the city of Ramadi, the capital of Iraq’s notoriously convulsive and violent Anbar Province, and breathed an unlikely sigh of relief. Only a few months ago Ramadi was one of the most dangerous cities in the world. It was another “Fallujah,” and certainly the most dangerous place in Iraq. Today, to the astonishment of everyone – especially the United States Army and Marines – it is perhaps the safest city in all of Iraq outside of Kurdistan.
In August 2006 the Marine Corps, arguably the least defeatist institution in all of America, wrote off Ramadi as irretrievably lost. They weren’t crazy for thinking it. Abu Musab al Zarqawi’s Al Qaeda in Iraq had moved in to fight the Americans, and they were welcomed as liberators by a substantial portion of the local population. Read more here
The following is the blog page of a Marine Chaplain who served in Ramadi......
When we learned last year that our brigade was deploying to Ramadi as part of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force there was a sobered reaction. It's always satisfying to know that you will be in the center of the fight where your skills and training are best put to use, but that normally means not everyone will return. This, of course, is the nature of our profession. Read more here
From Stars and Stripes.....
1st BCT's homecoming: Awakening Ramadi
Troops, tribes find common ground and success
By Matt Millham, Stars and Stripes European edition, Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Click here to get the entire 1st BCT Welcome Home special section, including a tribute to the fallen.
In war, as in life, turning points usually are recognized only in hindsight.
Such is the case in Ramadi, according to Col. Sean B. MacFarland, commander of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, who led U.S. troops there until late last month.
Ramadi, in the southwest corner of the so-called Sunni Triangle, has been one of the deadliest areas for U.S. troops over the nearly four-year war in Iraq. When MacFarland’s brigade, the “Ready First”, arrived there in May 2006, it was Iraq’s most violent city, with attacks there accounting for nearly half of all attacks in Iraq on some days.
MacFarland was given two bits of guidance going in: “Fix Ramadi, and don’t create another Fallujah. In other words, don’t destroy it in the process,” he said Read more here
All tell a story of hope and what the hard work and dedication of the Coalition in Iraq and their counterparts from the Iraqi Security and Police forces are capable of doing. The tide is turning against Al Qaeda, the people of Iraq have a much clearer picture of who their true enemy is and with the 'Awakenings' movements, they are finding the strength to fight back.
An Iraqi Parade Against al-Qaeda
By DARRIN MORTENSON/RAMADI Wed Oct 24, 3:10 PM ET
Osama bin Laden's latest call for Iraqi insurgents to unite against Americans fell on deaf ears this week in Ramadi, the city that al-Qaeda leaders once declared the seat of a new Islamic caliphate and capital of the Iraqi insurgency. Rather than rise up against them, the people of Ramadi Tuesday invited U.S. forces to watch a massive parade - albeit one so tightly secured that no pedestrian traffic got close to it. The almost surreal, two-hour martial procession was led by the city's children to commemorate the martyred leader of a tribal revolt that has virtually silenced al-Qaeda in Anbar Province. It gave the Baghdad government a photo-op to make points about national unity, and so the Shi'a dominated government sent a representative to Sunni Ramadi. "With unity, victory is possible," said Iraqi Defense Adviser Mowaffak al Rubaei, clearly referring to bin Laden's attempt to drum up support for a renewed anti-American uprising. Read more here
It will take time, trust is a hard fought battle and the sweetest of victories and it is happening. The people of Iraq are more aware now than ever of who their true enemies are and they are fighting back. The death of prominent leaders in the 'Awakenings Movement' will only strengthen their resolve.
October 11, 2007
On Patrol in Ramadi
Join me and Army Captain Phil Messer on a walking tour of Ramadi, Iraq, in a 20 minute video shot during a dismounted foot patrol in early August, 2007. See the video here
The video is well worth a look.
Ramadi was the scene of shockingly gruesome deaths and the destruction of not only a city but the people who inhabited it. Al Qaeda showed them tyranny and destruction, the Coalition provided an answer.
This story is not a hard news story, but it is a story you probably won't find in the msm. It features people who, I think, are among some of the most important unsung heroes of this war. I found this on the Canadian Army site, and wanted you all to see it. It is called "Rappelling for God" and highlights a group of chaplains in military training, as they prepare to take on one of their most important missions: ministering to our troops.
CFBBORDEN, Ontario — As one candidate quipped that they were all qualified for field burial, the 11 future chaplains tightly attached their rappel harnesses – also known as swiss seats.
Would they find the courage to climb 35 feet, then step off the side of the rappel tower and slide down a rope to the ground below? And what were these individuals called to serve God doing at a rappel tower on such a sunny autumn day in the first place?
Once they are selected into the Chaplaincy, members serving in the Regular Force must complete the Chaplains Basic Officer Training Course (ChBOTC), which is given by the Canadian ForcesChaplain School and Centre (CFChSC) at Canadian Forces Base Borden. Reserve Force members are also expected to take a four-week BOTC at CFB Borden but since this is a great deal of time for those engaged in full-time ministry, candidates may elect to take this BOTC over two summers. Reserve candidates must complete the ChBOTC conducted during the May/June time frame at the CFChSC....
From some of the soldiers I have talked to, I KNOW how very important these folks are to the wellbeing of our troops. I also know their jobs are rarely acknowledged by most civilians.
This story goes a small way to redressing that, and - in my books - most certainly qualifies this as a Good News Friday (B*N*S*N)story! Go read the rest here.
This story is almost *old* news now, and has been reported on other blogs, but it is GREAT news, so I wanted to be sure you all saw it.
19 tons of explosives found in Iraq
Sat Oct 20, 2007 9:55am EDT
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - U.S. forces in Iraq discovered nearly 19 tons of explosives in a weapons cache north of Baghdad this week, one of the biggest finds of its kind, the U.S. military said on Saturday.
The cache was discovered west of Tarmiya, some 30 km (19 miles) northwest of the capital Baghdad, in Salahuddin province where Sunni Arab militants have a strong presence.
The find was made up of 41,000 lbs of ammonium nitrate and 35 mortar bombs. U.S. forces destroyed the cache.
"It's a crippling blow against the enemy, it's really huge," said Peggy Kageleiry, a spokeswoman for U.S. forces in northern Iraq.
Car and truck bombs are used on almost a daily basis by militants in Iraqis targeting U.S. and Iraqi security forces and civilians.
In the deadliest attack this year, 520 people were killed in August when two suicide bombers drove two garbage trucks packed with explosives into two villages in northwestern Iraq...(my emphasis)
The sheer size of this find makes this GOOD NEWS, and the fact that Reuters is reporting it? Staggering! This is the story in it's entirety, but they also have a couple of other links on related stories there too. Go and read the rest of this B*N*S*N here.
Tanker Brothers was contacted regarding a very interesting website. I will let Joe, who we received the email from, tell you all about Military Uniform Exchange.
Military Uniform Exchange is the end result of a conversation that two recently retired Marines had. Both had serviceable Dress Blue Uniforms, Service Alpha's, Barracks Covers, Desert Boots and Utility uniforms hanging in their closets in Stafford that someone stationed at Camp Lejeune, Camp Pendleton or MCAS Yuma might be able to use.
If you couldn't find what you were looking for at the base thrift shop your only option was to pay full price at the PX or the Uniform Shop. Now you can check online at Military Uniform Exchange. Someone in California or North Carolina may have posted the USMC uniform, Army Uniform, Navy or Air Force Uniform you are looking for online. By bringing Military personnel together from around the world you have a better chance of finding what you need and saving money over the high cost of new Military Uniforms.
Military Uniform Exchange as a worldwide electronic combination of all local base newspaper classified ads and all local base thrift shops. The Military Uniform Exchange exists to serve Solidiers, Sailors, Airman, Marines and Coast Guardsmen by providing a platform where they can come together at one location and defray the high cost of new uniform items. It is one place where military personnel stationed around the world can link-up, help each other and save money on Military Uniforms.
Military Uniform Exchange serves two basic purposes:
-Provides one location where all military personnel can go to find a large selection of quality second hand military uniforms (saving significant money in the process).
-Provides an opportunity for transitioning military personnel to post their serviceable uniforms for sale, help a fellow Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine and make a few dollars in the process. (There is no fee to post a basic ad for a current service uniform. This includes one picture).
The website serves all services which helps cover costs and most importantly to keep all the basic services for posting current service uniforms free.
The Military Uniform Exchange also has a Vintage and Collectible Uniforms category for people interested in pre-2001 Military Uniforms (all types) that are collectible or may be of historical value. This category is a great place to sell those out of service Woodland Utilities, black combat boots and other out of service uniforms. Unlike the other categories a one time fee is charged for this basic service. The fees in this category help fund the website and keep costs down in the Service Uniform Categories.
Additionally, there is aCoins and Collectiblecategory where you can find things like Marine Corps challenge coins, Flags, plaques, coffee mugs, patches and other memorabilia.
There is no cost to create an account. Military personnel looking for a specific uniform can sign up for a free account and elect to receive an email alert . An automatic notification will be sent when a uniform they are interested in is posted online for sale.
My Grandma's nickname is "Bargain Bea" so I know a good deal when I see one! ;o)
Seriously, this is an excellent idea! What a great way for members of the military to connect and either get uniforms for a reasonable price or get rid of the uniforms you no longer need.
Joe requested we put a banner on our sidebar and it is located on the left directly under the They Have Names banner and above the camo. ribbon!
Lt. Michael P. Murphy 29 years old from Patchogue, New York SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 1 June 28, 2005
On Monday, Lt. Michael P. Murphy was posthumously awarded the Medal Of Honor. His father was the one who accepted the award. Lt. Murphy will receive the award for his extraordinary, selfless heroism and steadfast courage while leading a four-man, special reconnaissance mission deep behind enemy lines east of Asadabad in the Hindu Kush of Afghanistan June 27 to 28, 2005
"We are thrilled by the President's announcement today, especially because there is now a public recognition of what we knew all along about Michael's loyalty, devotion and sacrifice to his friends, family, country, and especially his SEAL teammates," the Murphy family said in a statement released earlier in the month. "The honor is not just about Michael, it is about his teammates and those who lost their lives that same day."
Murphy was the officer-in-charge of the SEAL element, which was tasked with locating a high- level Taliban militia leader to provide intelligence for a follow-on mission to capture or destroy the local leadership and disrupt enemy activity. Taliban sympathizers discovered the SEAL unit and immediately revealed their position to Taliban fighters. The element was besieged on a mountaintop by scores of enemy fighters. The firefight that ensued pushed the element farther into enemy territory and left all four SEALs wounded. The SEALs fought with everything they had. despite being at a tactical disadvantage and outnumbered more than four to one. Understanding the gravity of the situation and his responsibility to his men, Murphy, already wounded, deliberately and unhesitatingly moved from cover into the open where he took and returned fire while transmitting a call for help for his beleaguered teammates. Shot through the back while radioing for help, Murphy completed his transmission while returning fire. The call ultimately led to the rescue of one severely wounded team member, Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Marcus Luttrell, and the recovery of the remains of Murphy and Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class (SEAL) Danny Dietz and Sonar Technician 2nd Class (SEAL) Matthew Axelson.
Eight more SEALs and eight Army "Nightstalker" special operations personnel comprising the initial reinforcement also lost their lives when their helicopter was shot down before they could engage the enemy.
Murphy was also inducted into the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon during a ceremony yesterday. His name was engraved beside the names of some 3,400 other service members who have also been awarded the nation’s highest honor.
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. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your blog, you can go here.
Lest I continue My complacent way, Help me to remember that somewhere, Somehow out there A man died for me today. As long as there be war, I then must Ask and answer Am I worth dying for?" (here)
It is said that Eleanor Roosevelt carried this around in her wallet. These words, (also attributed to W.H. Auden btw), were sent to me by Mary*Ann a while back. Since then I have carried these words in my heart. They have stayed with me, a part of me; and every day I have asked myself this question. I have, as I told Mary*Ann when we first talked about these words, also taken them to heart on a spiritual level, as I have pondered the scriptures which tell of the Son of God dying for us all. "Am I worth dying for?"
In this war, every day as I have worked within the Living Legends team at Soldiers' Angels, I have asked myself: Am I worth dying for? Every day, when a soldier in the sandbox writes - or calls - and tells me they have lost one, or two, or even more, of their brothers in arms, again I ask myself this question.
And as I have written posts on the fallen, and their families, again I ask myself: Am I worth dying for?
Today, more than most of these past days, as I have read more about Lt. Michael Murphy and watched the tape of the Pentagon where Lt. Murphy was recognised for his heroism, and given the Medal of Honor he so rightly deserved, the question: Am I worth dying for?
I know that our soldiers would tell me that they go to war, they are AT war right now, so that I might stay free. THEY think I am worth it. My father believed I, and all those he held dear, was worth it. We have seen our own Master Gunner post here of his commitment to our freedom, his reasons for serving. I have spoken to soldiers from America, Canada, England; to a man, they are dedicated to the cause of freedom, my freedom, our countries' freedom. And I am grateful. Grateful to each of them beyond measure.
"I then must Ask and answer Am I worth dying for?"
I then must... answer. But, I cannot answer. Truly, I can't. I DO know that I am never complacent. I do always, always
"... remember that somewhere, Somehow out there A man died for me today..."
Just as Lt Murphy and his SEAL team died in Afghanistan. He, and they, never knew who I am. Just as all the other heroes who have 'died for me' had no clue I even exist. But they did fight for me, die for me, and I am haunted by this question that I cannot answer: "Am I worth dying for?"
Often, when I listen to young children ask the BIG questions, I have no qualms saying to them : "I don't know, but let's see if we can find out together". And usually we go off and have an adventure of discovery. There are some questions, I have told adults who are questioning the ways of their world, that we may never know the answers to. All we can do is keep putting one foot in front of the other, and praying that we give the effort all that we have to give. Having faith, believing that we will be given the reserves to put everything we have - and are - into the effort.
"Am I worth dying for?" is one of those questions to me. I don't know if I will ever know the definitive answer to that question, for myself. I do know that the question inspires me, drives me on, to aspire to give more of me than I think I can.
"As long as there be war...", I try to stop "overthinking" my worthiness and just BE as worthy as I can be, one small step at a time. "There comes a time in the tide of men......" when we have to put aside all the philosophical mind meanderings and BE. This is that time for me. "Am I worth dying for?" will remain with me - always - but will have to stay unanswered for another day.
(source) (There is an indepth look at what SHE did in another war, in another era, here.)
Mark your calendar! Veterans Day Weekend, Washington will be rocking in tribute to our veterans.
Not that any of us need an excuse to honour our veterans, heroes all, but the American Freedom Festival has as it's mandate:
The American Freedom Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)3 public benefit corporation organized to honor veterans of America's armed forces and raise money and awareness for various veterans' organizations with special emphasis directed to welfare and educational issues facing those wounded in action, those disabled and families and children of veterans killed in action during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
American Freedom Festival is a concert event that features country music performers, actors, athletes, dignitaries and other supporters, joining together to help support and fulfill the mission of the American Freedom Foundation, Inc....
This year, they have a great line-up of entertainment:
Country Returns To Our Nation's Capitol
Martina McBride and Darryl Worley headline this years American Freedom Festival
The 2007 Festival is returning to Washington, DC
American Freedom Festival - A Veterans Day Celebration
Saturday, November 10, 2007 DAR Constitution Hall 7:30pm
A Tribute To the Veterans of America's Armed Forces
Celebrating its 4th year, the American Freedom Festival returns to the nation's capitol to honor our veterans. Organized by the American Freedom Foundation, Inc., the event features country music performers, actors, athletes, dignitaries and other supporters, joining together to raise money and awareness for the veterans of America's armed forces and their families whose lives have been affected by
Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Take special note:
In a new initiative, the American Freedom Festival will be awarding
AFF Heroes Supporting Heroes Award....
AFF Heroes Supporting Heroes Awardis a new initiative of the American Freedom Foundation, Inc. to honor current or former military veterans and/or civilians (including family members) who have assisted those wounded in action during Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom or in a peacekeeping capacity in Afghanistan. These individuals must have demonstrated compassion for our military, a spirit of determination to effect a positive change for the well-being of wounded veterans and be committed to fostering ways to enhance their lives. Nominations can be submitted by any military unit or veterans organization; city, county or state government agencies; clergy or employers; individuals.
How To Nominate
Any individuals who falls within the citieria listed above is eligible for the AFF Heroes Supporting Heroes Award. Nominations will be open until November 1, 2007. The Board of Directors of the American Freedom Foundation, Inc. will choose those individuals, who will receive the award at the American Freedom Festival on November 10, 2007 at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, DC. The American Freedom Foundation, Inc. will determine if multiple recipients are awarded each year....(go here to find more details on this inaugural award)
This sounds like it will be the height of awesome to be in Washington on this Veterans Day weekend. If you can get there, you better check out tickets and all the details here.
Two posts I want to draw your attention to this Monday morning. Two different voices, but one goal: support and respect of our troops. I could write a long verbose tribute myself, but these two are far more eloquent than I could ever be. Cav Mom had this post on her site:
I would also like to share an email that was forwarded to me by a Texas Veteran. (Thank you Sir)
Family, friends, and Fellow Marines, As promised, here is my first “update” from this tour in Iraq.
(I have omitted parts)
Here is the million dollar question I have been asked repeatedly since I have arrived, “How is it compared to the last time you were in Iraq?”
Well, I was in Hit, the main city within our AO, last October and daytime operations were limited to tanks and BFVs driving around the outskirts of the city because to venture inside meant a certain attack by an IED, RPG, small arms, or all of the above.
Recently, I went on a 3 hour dismounted patrol through town in the middle of the afternoon and my biggest worry was having enough candy for all the children that came up to me to say hello and shake my hand.
I stopped in stores and talked to the merchants to see how business is doing. They told me business is good and improving everyday. I even went to a few shops to look for a carpet for my office and enjoyed myself as I tried to get the price lowered from “rich” American prices to normal Iraqi prices. I wasn’t successful but will keep trying!
I stopped in one of the police stations in the city so I could make plans with the Station Chief to remove a number of the cement barriers on the street in order to open traffic back up.
Those barriers were a must before as there was a constant threat of a suicide vehicle ramming into the station in an attempt to kill as many of the police officers as possible. While that threat still exists, the security provided by the police and my Marines has allowed us to take risks in certain areas as we try and balance security needs and normalcy.
I spend many hours working with the numerous city counsels and Mayors in my AO to address and solve many issues, problems, and to plan for the future.
A year ago, the city councils would not show up to work because if they did, they were killed as they were seen as “agents” of the Americans by AQI. Now, they look forward to my arrival so issues like schools, rubble removal, water treatment plants, sewage repairs, repairs of the electrical grids, infrastructure modernization, and an assortment of other issues can be worked out, prioritized, and assets allocated for them to begin work....
This is a 'must-read' (isn't everything I steer you to? lol) But this is from a soldier who has been there done that, and is doing it AGAIN! CavMom has it all here.
Thanks CavMom and thank YOU LtCol. Jeffrey J Dill. (Since her original post, CavMom got permission to use the full name).
And then we have PatrioticThunder. One of the regular features on the site is Troop of the Week. This week's troop? Michael Murphy - Medal of Honor hero.
Today, I could just give you the link to Rob and Darby's site, as Rob does his usual great job:
...In June 28, of 2005, Lieutenant Michael Murphy was high atop the Hindu Kush mountains along the Pakistan and Afghanistan border hunting a Taliban leader. In his team were Danny Dietz, Marcus Luttrell, and Matt Axelson, all awarded the Navy Cross for their actions on this day. After setting up a sniper's/observation post to capture or kill this leader they were compromised. A couple of goat herders happened to come across the team of four of the Navy's finest, the SEALS. They weighed every option, kill them and throw their bodies over the cliff would be the most sound tactical decision. However, if the liberal Democrat mainstream media found out that they killed non-combatants', they would have a field day. Imagine the New York Times newspaper headline (U.S. Navy Seals Murder Civilians). Seals are men of integrity, lying wasn't an option, if they were asked they would immediately lay the truth out on the table. Unfortunately, the moral consequence combined with what the mainstream media would do to them was way too much for the SEAL team. They let the goatherders' go knowing that they would run right to the first Taliban fighter they came across and let them know of their position....
Go here to read the rest of PT's Troop of the Week. There is so much more in that post at PT! I could leave it at that, because we in milblog land have recognised the heroism of Michael Murphy where the msm has been mostly silent.
However, please go over to the Navy Times and learn more about this SEAL. There you will learn about this first Navy SEAL since Vietnam to receive the MOH. There is also a whole bunch of links. Take the time to get to know Michael Murphy and his family. Go here.
My gratitude and respect to Lt. Michael P. Murphy and his family.
I was chatting to a Digger the other night and during the course of this conversation his pending deployment came up. He told me I was absolutely not to worry about him while he was gone, that he wanted to be overseas, it was what he had trained for and he was actually very willing to go and fight for his country. I remember thinking how proud I am of him but how it reminded me of another Digger, a Vietnam Vet who had shared a very similar sentiment with me some months ago now. We had sat one night at the local RSL and he had told me how at the time he had deployed overseas to fight in Vietnam it had all seemed like such a big adventure to them. Sure they were scared, but that sense of excitement had overwhelmed them.
This was also one of the most overwhelmingly common messages that had returned from places like Gallipoli, France, Germany, The Middle East, Burma and Kokoda. In the worst of conditions and in daily fear of their lives, fighting in a foreign country with none of the comforts of home, our Diggers stood strong and endured the hardships, ever clinging to their sense of adventure and mateship. This is an ongoing testament to the earliest beginnings of Australia, it's founding and settlement over 200 years ago.
I recently caught an Aussie comedian talking about the new security measures at the airports here in Australia. He said "Security stopped me at the Airport the other day in Sydney and asked me if I had a criminal record. I told them I didn't think you still needed one to get in to Australia" Australia was built on a foundation of rebellion that has endured for over 200 years. When the likes of Sheikh Taj el-Din Al Hilali saw fit to insult us in regards to our heritage he only proved that there is not the tiniest bit of Australian Spirit in him. Even our Prime Minister laughed at the reference to our beginnings being some kind of insult. Australians have and always will embrace this spirit - it is what makes us Australian.
This Spirit was born in the trenches of the Ballarat Minefields in 1854. What is now known as the Eureka Stockade was the first staging point of the rebellion that Aussies would come to be known (and loved) for.
The Eureka Stockade was a gold miners' revolt in 1854 in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia, against the officials supervising the mining of gold in the region of Ballarat. It was prompted by grievances over heavily priced mining items, the expense of a Miner's Licence, and taxation (licence) without representation and the actions of the government and its agents (police, militia).[1][2] While the events which sparked the rebellion were specific to the Ballarat goldfields, the underlying grievances had been the subject of public meetings, civil disobedience and deputations across the various Victorian goldfields for almost three years.[citation needed] The miners' demands included the right to vote and purchase land, and the reduction of Licence fees. Agitation for these demands commenced with the Forest Creek Monster Meeting of December 1851 and included the formation of the Anti-Gold Licence Association at Bendigo in 1853.
Although swiftly and violently put down, the Eureka rebellion was a watershed event in Australian politics. The preceding three years of agitation for the miners' demands, combined with mass public support in Melbourne for the captured 'rebels' when they were placed on trial, resulted in the introduction of full white-male suffrage for elections for the lower house in the Victorian parliament.[3] The role of the Eureka Stockade in generating public support for these demands beyond the goldfields resulted in Eureka being controversially identified with the birth of democracy in Australia. Read more here
In effect, the Eureka Stockade set the scene for many people to begin to question the rights and responsibilities of those in power. These people were not convicts, they were immigrant workers who had come to this new land looking for gold and a better life.
Another of this countries best loved sons is the Bushranger Ned Kelly
Edward "Ned" Kelly (c. January 1855 – 11 November1880) is Australia's most famous bushranger, and, to many, a folk hero for his defiance of the colonial authorities. Born near Melbourne to an Irishconvict father, as a young man he clashed with the police. After an incident at his home, police parties went in search of him. After murdering three policemen, he and his gang were proclaimed outlaws. A final violent confrontation with police at Glenrowan, with Kelly dressed in home-made plate metal armour and helmet, led to his capture and trial. He was executed by hanging at Melbourne Gaol in 1880. His daring and notoriety made him an iconic figure in Australian history, folk lore, literature, art and film. Read more here
I also found this little note towards the end interesting....
Ned Kelly - invoked to fight the Japanese in 1942
During World War II, Clive Turnbull published, Ned Kelly: Being His Own Story of His Life and Crimes. In the introduction Turnbull invoked the Kelly historical memory to urge Australians to adopt the Kelly spirit and resist the oppression of the potential invader.
To a small degree, this Spirit is born of a disregard for authority. It isn't so much about rebelling for rebellions sake, it is about taking the stand and making your voice and your opinion heard. It is about not being afraid to be yourself and find your own way.
This Spirit continued on with a man named Albert Jacka during WWI. His case is now being reviewed post humously to decide if he were robbed of well deserved medals for his actions on the frontlines in Gallipoli and France. Today, Albert Jacka is regarded as Australias Greatest Frontline Soldier.
An uncommon hero
BRAVE but insubordinate, our greatest soldier was robbed of recognition by the superiors he shamed, reports Natasha Robinson.
ALBERT Jacka was robbed of recognition by the superiors he shamed.
ALBERT Jacka was famous for sticking it up the establishment. But this time he had pushed his impertinence to the limit.
On the eve of the battle of Polygon Wood, the first stage of an offensive to drive the Germans north to the Belgian coast in World War I, the Australian Imperial Force's 14th Battalion was locked in an extraordinary showdown with force command, which wanted to send the famed soldiers back into the field despite recent back-to-back battles during the misery of the Somme.
It was not a mutiny but a display of independence, a microcosm of Australia's burgeoning nationhood. The men of the 14th Battalion had enlisted to fight for the mother country but bucked against the rigid class structure that infected Britain's military order.
Jacka was their champion. His demand was simple, says author Michael Lawriwsky in his historical novel Hard Jacka: The Story of a Gallipoli Legend. His boys needed a rest.
Albert Jacka was a man who put his mates first. His goal was to do his job and well while keeping as many of his mates alive as possible.
He did this, he earned the respect of his men and his peers and from all Australians familiar with his story. The sad reality is though, that this is a man who deserved to be honoured for far more than he was and was overlooked due to consistent 'insubordination'. in looking out for his men and his mates he chose to forgo what was rightfully his, what he had earned.
When the Diggers of the AIF (Australian Imperial Force that would later become known as the ADF - Australian Defence Force) first found themselves in Egypt in 1914 there were many stories of their larrikinism and 'Devil May Care' attitudes. In them, the British had a problem. They were the much needed troops that would assist in their attempts to defeat the common enemy, yet there were issues in how they would be controlled. The Diggers fun loving attitudes did not stand up to the scrutiny of the British Officers who were accustomed to more disciplined soldiers. Funnily enough, the original ANZACS simply didn't care. They were young men on the adventure of a lifetime. Right up until the first casualties at ANZAC Cove, they were little more than Peter Pans Lost Boys.
Eighty-six years ago, 15,000 larrikins poured on to a Turkish beach and created a legend. Amid the brutality, they were `like kings in old poems', writes Jonathan King
DESPITE the passing of time since the Anzacs landed at Gallipoli, the legend of their achievement has grown rather than diminished. This week, 86 years after the 15,000 youngsters in uniform scrambled ashore in the dark with their bayonets fixed and eyes straining for the Turkish trenches ahead, another 15,000 will arrive on that same beach for the Dawn Service, where they will bow their heads in prayer, remembering the Anzac heroes.
Mind you, there has been no short age over the years of those who would challenge this hero status, from deserters on the day to dissident academics. But no matter how much criticism is thrown at the diggers, their hard-won reputation comes through unscathed.
It has been claimed that the British considered the Anzacs hopelessly undisciplined and little short of hoodlums. In the British Army, they would have been severely disciplined. But wartime leader General John Monash said it was this very irreverence that made them such good soldiers. The larrikin streak fired their bellies for the mad charges against the enemy. Read more here
These men have become the foundation of the Australian Spirit. Though each would have told you they were just ordinary men doing their part, to us they embody all that it is to be Australian. Not a single Australian would shake their head at the larrikinism displayed by our Diggers, nor do we find it amusing. To us, it's just being an Aussie.
Mateship, diggers and wartime
A group of infantrymen and light horsemen in a trench on the Gallipoli Peninsula, May 1915.
'Mateship' is a concept that can be traced back to early colonial times. The harsh environment in which convicts and new settlers found themselves meant that men and women closely relied on each other for all sorts of help. In Australia, a 'mate' is more than just a friend. It's a term that implies a sense of shared experience, mutual respect and unconditional assistance.
Mateship is a term traditionally used among men, and it is a term frequently used to describe the relationship between men during times of challenge. The popular notion of mateship came to the fore during the First World War.
During this period the word 'mate' became interchangeable with the word 'digger', which had its roots in the gold digging fields of the 1850s. Read more here
As I write this and read it back as I go, I feel so proud to know these brave men and women who continue on the proud legend that is our Diggers. Nobody wants to see someone they love go to war and yet, the more I read, the more I begin to understand. This is not just about fighting for your country, it is about being part of what makes that country so great.
God bless you all for your contributions, not only to this countries defence, but to this countries legend.
The event had all the makings of a celebration: A large crowd of dignitaries, medical personnel, and civilians gathered for the opening of an emergency room at Khost City Hospital in Afghanistan. It was a scene that would not have taken place during the reign of the Taliban – and a scene the enemies of a free Afghanistan try to prevent at all costs. On February 20, 2007, Staff Sgt. Jason Fetty, at great personal risk, thwarted a suicide attack at the hospital, and saved countless people. For his actions, he was given the Silver Star, the first Silver Star earned by an Army Reserve soldier in Afghanistan.
Fetty was serving on assignment with the 364th Civil Affairs Group, Joint Provincial Reconstruction Team in Khost. After the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the hospital, commotion suddenly ensued: Patients, nurses, and doctors sprinted out of the hospital. Fetty recognized many of the faces at the event, having been in Khost for more than ten months. He did not, however, recognize one man in a lab coat, who was moving slowly as the crowd fled. Fetty identified him as a potential “bad guy” and shouted at him to stop. The man, who Fetty said looked “crazy in the eyes,” quickly approached Fetty and tried to grab his rifle. Fetty lured him away from the crowd – even as he realized there was a very real possibility that he had a suicide vest.
None of the options were good: If Fetty fired his weapon, civilians could be caught in the crossfire, or, even worse, the suicide vest could detonate. If he didn’t fire, the attacker might be able to wrestle away his weapon. Fetty continued to struggle with the attacker and was finally able to maneuver so he could safely fire his M-16.
His first shot struck the man in the leg. Another shot hit him in the stomach. Despite the injuries, the attacker was still determined to detonate the bomb strapped to his chest. Realizing what was about to happen, Fetty took three running steps and leapt away just as the man detonated his vest. The blast left Fetty with shrapnel wounds on his face, leg, and ankle.
By leading the attacker from the crowd, Fetty allowed for the evacuation of all medical personnel and dignitaries, which included the governor of the province, the primary target of the bombing. For his gallantry, Fetty received the Silver Star as well as a Purple Heart. The Parkersburg, W.V., native is currently assigned to a combat support hospital in Pennsylvania.
Check out other links on Staff Sgt Jason Fetty - hero - here.
On March 27, 2003 Netherlands was included in the answer to the question: " Who are the current coalition members?" (here for the complete list!) That was from a press release put out by The White House.
“Peace is vulnerable. That is shown when a regime chooses for years the path of threat and terror. The international community must then patiently abide by international agreements and thus try to dispel the threat. That patience can be very great but not endless. Because then the basis of law and peace is itself jeopardized. Saddam Hussein is a great danger to law and peace. Virtually all the countries in the world are in agreement on that... he takes no notice of the agreements which the international community has made time after time with him... Hence the Netherlands gives political support to the action against Saddam Hussein which has been started... The action is now getting under way. But, hopefully, a time will very quickly come when the weapons will fall silent. Then we will have to do everything in our power to help the people in Iraq with their country's reconstruction.” -- Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende, March 20, 2003..(White House here )
Located in western Europe, between Belgium and Germany, the Netherlands knows all too well about living under tyranny. This seafaring nation, - with the North Sea at it's border, and with the BBC saying that Rotterdam is the world's busiest port - although neutral in WWI, was invaded and occupied by Germany during WW2. Considered a modern, industrial nation, Netherlands was a founding member of NATO and the original European Economic Community (EEC), now known as the European Union(EU).
The Dutch are primarily of Germanic stock with some Gallo-Celtic mixture. Their small homeland frequently has been threatened with destruction by the North Sea and has often been invaded by the great European powers.
Julius Caesar found the region which is now the Netherlands inhabited by Germanic tribes in the first century B.C. The western portion was inhabited by the Batavians and became part of a Roman province; the eastern portion was inhabited by the Frisians. Between the fourth and eighth centuries A.D., most of both portions were conquered by the Franks. The area later passed into the hands of the House of Burgundy and the Austrian Habsburgs... (BBC here)
This nation of approximately 16.5 million, in a country slightly less than twice the size of New Jersey, is situated at the mouth of three rivers in Europe. (Rhine, Maas or Meuse, and Schelde). (here)
For another fascinating look at the Netherland's history, both ancient and modern:
Overview
It may sound like a cliché, but the Dutch are passionately liberal and believe that people should be free to do whatever they want so long as it doesn't inconvenience others; a social attitude exemplified by the ready availability of so-called 'soft' drugs. They are also liberal with meat, rich desserts and frothy alcohol when it comes to mealtimes - the word 'diet' is not in common usage. Painting has always been high on the local arts agenda, with famous daubers like Vincent van Gogh and Hieronymus Bosch starting out here...(I had to include this section since rich desserts and frothy alcohol work for me..lol)...
Pre 20th Century History
The Netherland's early history is linked with Belgium and Luxembourg; the three were known as the 'Low Countries' until the 16th century, when the present-day Netherlands' boundaries were roughly drawn....
In the late 16th century the region's northern provinces, inhabited by recent converts to Protestantism, united to fight the Catholic Spanish rulers. Philip II of Spain sent the cruel Inquisition to enforce Catholicism, and war broke out in 1568. The revolt of the Netherlands was led by Prince William of Orange, nicknamed William the Silent for his refusal to enter into religious arguments...
Modern History
The Netherlands' modern history saw the country lapsing from global prominence into comfortable obscurity; it began to put into place innovative social programs, many of which survive today. The Netherlands was able to stay neutral through WWI but couldn't exercise the same privilege in WWII. The Germans invaded in May 1940, obliterating much of the centre of Rotterdam in a bombing blitz four days later. Although a Dutch resistance movement formed, only a small minority of the country's substantial Jewish population survived the war....(this really IS an interesting write-up here)
Netherlands, comprised of 12 provinces, is predominantly Roman Catholic. ( Roman Catholic 31%, Dutch Reformed 13%, Calvinist 7%, Muslim 5.5%, other 2.5%, none 41% (2002)(here)
It seems that there are one million muslims in Netherlands, and I found more than a few interesting articles (and sites) on the muslim presence there. For instance:
...the CBS said more than 95 percent of Muslims in the Netherlands are non-western, which means they originate from Turkey, Africa, Latin America and Asia, with the exception of Japan and Indonesia.
The CBS also said 54 percent of non-western immigrants in the Netherlands are Islamic.
The increase in the number of Muslims is due to both Immigration and natural population growth and the CBS said 38 percent of the non-western Muslims is second generation immigrants. This percentage has increased in the past six years.
Most Muslims live in the Amsterdam region, with 13 percent of the population Islamic....(here)
and then there is this:
Original Title: "Amsterdam’s soft approach to jihadists"
By Simon Kuper
El-Tawheed mosque could only be in Amsterdam. Across the street is a coffee shop serving soft drugs. The facade of a house a few doors down is painted with naked female figures. And while some women passing the mosque wear veils, others cycle by in T-shirts.
El-Tawheed mosque became notorious in 2004 when Mohammed Bouyeri, a young man who had prayed there, murdered the Dutch filmmaker Theo van Gogh. Mr Bouyeri’s friend Samir Azzouz, now serving eight years in jail for planning terrorist attacks, also prayed at El-Tawheed.
The murder of Van Gogh, who had made a film attacking Islam, has been called the “Dutch September 11”...(here - interesting site called Euro-Islam)
From Al-Ahram Weekly comes this:
In the wake of this crime, [murder of Van Gogh]...it seems as though the Netherlands has lost its innocence overnight. Suddenly, there is a widespread conviction that Islam has in general done more harm than any other world religion. The Dutch public is angry, outraged and frightened by the prospect of a society where people are afraid to voice their opinions for fear of their lives. Freedom of expression can no longer be taken for granted.
"It is a shame that opinion-makers have become afraid to voice any criticism of Muslims and Islam, and that Muslim women must fear being molested because of their headscarves," Maurits Berger, senior researcher with the Netherlands Institute of International Affairs, told Al-Ahram Weekly.
Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende went further, telling the country's parliament that extremism was undermining democracy. "We cannot let ourselves be blinded by people who seek to drag us into a spiral of violence," Balkenende warned....(here -and yes! This one is out of Cairo)
A constitutional monarchy, the Netherlands has a long and interesting history around their royal family. The country's contitution was first adopted in 1815, but with many amednments, most recently in 2002. The State Dept. site has a synopsis here. Oh, and I also discovered, on another site, that the Netherland's national anthem has 15 verses! No, I won't include all 15 here..lol, BUT:
The National Anthem.
The Wilhelmus has been the official Dutch national anthem since 10 May 1932, when the Cabinet decided that it was to be played on all official occasions....
The Wilhelmus has 15 verses, the first and sixth of which are usually sung on national occasions. The first letters of all the verses strung together form an acrostic, WILLEM VAN NASSOV. The anthem was written during the Eighty Years' War as a tribute to Prince William I of Orange, the leader of the Dutch revolt against Spanish domination. The writer is generally considered to have been Philip van Marnix, Seigneur of Sint Aldegonde (c. 1538-1598), secretary to the Prince...
The oldest known version of the melody of the Wilhelmus dates from 1574. It originated in France, probably during the siege of Chartres in 1568. The melody as used today was written down by Adriaen Valerius in 1626.
Text of the Wilhelmus:
William of Nassau, scion Of a Dutch and ancient line, I dedicate undying Faith to this land of mine. A prince I am, undaunted, Of Orange, ever free, To the king of Spain I've granted A lifelong loyalty. ...(more here)
Beatrix Wilhelmina Armgard, Princess of the Netherlands, Princess of Orange-Nassau and Princess of Lippe-Biesterfeld, was born on 31 January 1938 at Soestdijk Palace in Baarn....
Education : In Canada, Princess Beatrix attended nursery and primary school. On her return to the Netherlands, she continued her primary education at The Workshop (De Werkplaats), Kees Boeke’s progressive school in Bilthoven.
(I had to include that fact about Canada! Who knew?! ) If you are a Royal watcher, you can read more here.)
In a country that boasts 99% literacy, the main languages spoken are Dutch and Frisian. These are the two official languages.
That sign is in Frisian. Really! Spoken by 500,000 people, only they would know that this sign means: You're now driving through New Koog...If, like me, you have never heard of that language before, you might find this interesting:
...Frisian languages are the most closely related living European languages to Old English, but modern English and Frisian are mostly unintelligible to each other. It has been asserted that fishermen from Great Yarmouth could understand fishers from Harlingen in Friesland....(here)
The Netherlands main industries are: agroindustries, metal and engineering products, electrical machinery and equipment, chemicals, petroleum, construction, microelectronics, fishing, and even though it is noted that the labour force is broken down : agriculture: 2%, industry: 19% services: 79% (2004 est.), with an unemployment rate of 5.5%, their main export partners are Germany 25.5%, Belgium 14%, UK 8.9%, France 8.6%, Italy 5.1%, US 4.4% (2006), and their main exports are: machinery and equipment, chemicals, fuels; foodstuffs. Main import partners? Germany 17.1%, Belgium 9.5%, China 9.4%, US 7.8%, UK 5.9%, Russia 5.1%, France 4.6% (2006) And they import: machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, fuels, foodstuffs, clothing (all these stats from here)
The Netherlands does have a military, which accounts for 1.6% of the GDP.
[]v•d•eNederlandse Strijdkrachten (Military of the Netherlands)
An all volunteer force, Netherlands has a close history with Canada, because of the Canadians who are buried in Netherlands as a result of WW2.
The people of The Netherlands have been especially kind with regard to their respect for Canadian soldiers and airmen who sacrificed that Holland might be free from Germany's invasion and deadly occupation. We have assembled a small album depicting the Canadian veterans who returned to Holland to honor those who never made it back to Canada. On the Memorial in the Canadian War Cemetery at Groesbeek are inscribed the following words: Pro amicis mortui amicis vivimus, "We live in the hearts of friends for whom we died."...
Speaking at the Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery in Netherlands on May 3, 2005, Canada's Governor General Adrienne Clarkson told a crowd of about 8,000:
"With the Dutch people we share blood and we share remembrance .... As a family we stood together against tyranny. As a family we knew and felt each other's sacrifices. As a family we have savored together all the lasting joys of liberation."
That really IS an awesome article, a must read. Find that here.
"... More than 7,600 Canadians gave their lives for freedom (for The Netherlands). ... The foundations of a special relationship between our countries were established during those dark years of the Second World War. ...The evidence may be seen in the tulips which bloom in Ottawa each spring; in the friendships made and maintained over the distance of time and miles; and in the care and attention bestowed by the Dutch people on the burial places of our war dead...."
The Canadian War Cemetery Groesbeek - Le Cemitière de Guerre Canadien Groesbeek. Presented by The Hins WWII Collection, The Netherlands.
Depending on where you look, the Netherlands has (or had) anywhere from 600 to 1,500 to zero troops in Iraq and Afghanistan as part of the Coalition.
Dutch soldier dies in grenade attack in Iraq
11 May 2004
AMSTERDAM — A 36-year-old Dutch sergeant was killed in a hand grenade attack in the Iraqi city As Samawah on Monday. The attack comes as the Dutch Cabinet is due to decide on whether to extend the peacekeeping mission in southern Iraq....
The Defence Ministry said several grenades were thrown at a patrol of Dutch troops on a bridge over the Euphrates River. Two soldiers were injured — one seriously — and were taken to the Dutch field hospital at Camp Smitty, the Dutch base in As Samawah...
There are presently about 1,260 Dutch troops maintaining security in the thinly-populated, desert Iraqi province Al Muthanna. Monday’s attack was the first death of a Dutch soldier in Iraq....(here)
Check this out. There is a site with many pictures of the Netherlands military here
Special Forces in Afghanistan, near Kandahar
Dutch army suffers first combat-related fatality in Afghanistan
The Dutch army suffered its first combat-related death of a soldier in Afghanistan early Friday.
The Netherlands' defence chief, Gen. Dick Berlijn, said the NATO corporal was killed by a suicide bomber in southern Helmand province while taking part in Operation Achilles. Canadians are also involved in that operation.
The soldier was on foot patrol during the NATO mission to flush out militants entrenched in the opium-producing province.
Although five Dutch soldiers have been killed while serving in Afghanistan, this is the country's first military fatality from hostile military action since the Dutch government sent nearly 2,000 troops to neighbouring Uruzgan province last August.
Most of the Dutch troops are stationed in Uruzgan.
Previously, three Dutch soldiers died in flying accidents, one was killed crashing an armoured car and one soldier apparently committed suicide.
And in a very current story reported in a Canadian newspaper:
Last updated at 6:21 AM on 29/09/07 Netherlands to increase troops in Afghanistan AP
The Netherlands announced yesterday it will send 80 more troops to support its own mission in Afghanistan after NATO allies failed to respond to its request for reinforcement.
The additional troops will bring the Dutch military presence in Afghanistan to 1,745.
Wouter Bos, the deputy prime minister who made the announcement after a weekly cabinet meeting, said the deployment is being made on a temporary basis.
"They will be going in order to assist our troops," said Bos, filling in for Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende, who was travelling home after addressing the United Nations in New York on Thursday.
The Netherlands had asked NATO for reinforcements in the southern Afghan province of Uruzgan, but was forced to fill the gap itself when no other allies were willing to come forward with more troops.....(here)
Netherlands is part of the ISAF force, committed to the rebuilding of Afghanistan:
ISAF troops under NATO command.
The initial ISAF headquarters was based on 3rd UK Mechanised Division, which was led at the time by Major General John McCall. Until ISAF expanded beyond Kabul, the Force consisted of a roughly division-level headquarters and one brigade covering this capital, the Kabul Multinational Brigade. The brigade was composed of three battle groups, and was in charge of the tactical command of deployed troops. ISAF headquarters serves as the operational control center of the mission.
This is a very interesting synopsis of all the coalition forces who are operating as part of ISAF in Afghanistan here.
The relationship between the US and the Netherlands extends beyond the boundaries of just this war, though. Long time partners on many fronts, there are signed agreements/ understandings relating to other topics such as HIV/AIDS, education, etc.
Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands and President George W. Bush pause in respect before wreaths at the Netherlands American Cemetery Sunday, May 8, 2005, in Margraten, honoring those who served during World War II. White House photo
There is so much more to read on Netherlands' contribution in this GWOT. I have just scratched the surface here, as always! That Netherlands is an active member of the coalition is beyond dispute. They KNOW the taste, and the price of freedom.
....biased against the war or just against the United States?
THAT is the header on this week's "The Weekly Slant":
The New York Post reported and editorialized on the New York Times’s failure to cover President Bush bestowing the first Medal of Honor of Operation Enduring Freedom on Navy SEAL Lt. Michael Murphy for heroism in Afghanistan:
"The posthumous award of the nation's highest battlefield honor to a Long Island war hero has become another black mark for the Gray Lady. The New York Times carried not a whisper of news yesterday about the bestowal of the Medal of Honor to Navy Lt. Michael Murphy of Patchogue -- the first time the honor has been given for action in Afghanistan.”
"What did the paper of record focus on yesterday? No fewer than three stories reported on how Americans had killed innocent Iraqi civilians."
-- Clay Waters, TimesWatch, October 15...
Imagine that! No surprise to any of us, of course. I used to be surprised at how unsubtle they are in their bias against our troops. Not any more. Good job that the blogs are at least reporting about such heroes (including Tracy right here on TB.) There is more in this week's roundup by the folks at Fight Media Bias Campaign, in the Media Research Center, and you can find the rest here.
From Afghanistan comes word that Canadians have a new weapon which it is predicted will help save lives. It seems that this weapon is already being used by the Americans in Iraq and Afghanistan to detect IED's before they can harm our troops. 'Bout time the Canadians got them too, then!
The Canadian Forces in Afghanistan will deploy RSD Husky armoured vehicles.
'I'm sure we could help reduce some losses with better route-clearance package like this,' Capt. Dave Holsworth, a member of the 5th Combat Engineers Regiment based in Valcartier, Que., told CTV News.
Soldiers think new bomb scanners will save lives
Updated Sun. Oct. 14 2007 10:41 PM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
A new weapon has landed in Afghanistan, one used to protect Canadian soldiers against the ever-present threat of improvised explosive devices (IEDS).
The RSD Husky is hailed as the most advanced metal detector in the world and has been credited with saving the lives of hundreds of U.S. soldiers already using the vehicle in Iraq and Afghanistan....
Soldiers will begin using the multi-million-dollar armoured vehicles within the coming weeks, an addition that is that is a welcome sight for the Canadian military....
This is a very interesting article about these South African built machines, which will do much more to shield the troops.
This is all good news, and the fact that it also appears on a major msm site in Canada makes it a double qualifier for the B*N*S*N label! Go read the rest of this story (and look at some of the links on there too for inside Canadian viewpoint) here!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE RELEASE No. 20071018-10 October 18, 2007
Spartans find EFP cache
Multi-National Division – Center PAO
By Sgt. J.H. French, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division
KALSU, Iraq – Soldiers discovered a large explosively formed projectile cache in North Babil Oct. 17.
Soldiers from Company A, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armored Regiment, attached to the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, discovered more than 100 copper disks used to construct deadly EFPs east of Haswah during a follow-on mission to Operation Seven Mountains.
“This is a great find. It feels awesome to know that these EFPs will never see the streets,” said Staff Sgt. Joseph Lagas, a squad leader from Macedon, N.Y. “It actually feels like we’re making a difference when we capture this much stuff.”
During Operation Seven Mountains, the Soldiers captured a militant suspected of constructing and planting EFPs in North Babil Oct. 16.
They also discovered EFPs, homemade explosives, and blocks of C4 hidden in a drainage ditch and canal.
The two caches combined are one of the largest EFP caches discovered in North Babil in more than a year.
EFPs are a particularly deadly type of roadside bomb used by Shia extremist groups.
2-69th Armored Regt. Is part of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, out of Ft. Benning, Ga.
-30-
(emphasis mine!)
That was good news put out in a press release just yesterday, but don't hold your breath waiting to see a story based on that in msm.. I chose to print it here in it's entirety to make the point that IF msm wanted to share good news with Americans, this press release would not take any space away from their advertisers. Instead of the mega column inches to half truths, innuendoes, "the war is lost" stuff, this story above would be so easy to share; so easy to actually follow through, and get graphics, pics. Hey - then they could share the positive things happening....
Probably not going to happen, but you can find more B*N*S*N, good news here.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region Division is constructing 142 Primary Healthcare Centers - worth more than $132 million – across Iraq. Currently, 73 clinics are completed and 23 are open and seeing upwards of 350 patients a day. The program, which is 96 percent complete, is expected to close out in January 2008.
Go 'figure'!
WE all did know that this is what is happening Iraq. You can find lots more actual news here.
"Our military is doing more than defeating the enemy in Iraq. We are making friends and building lifelong memories for those that will remember our kindness for generations to come. It is these memories that will one day lead to a more America-friendly Arab population who sees us as something other than what the extremist madrasas teach them....."
Here at Tanker Bros, we all know why our troops are in Iraq. The picture above says more than a thousand words could. This little girl, and the millions like her, are the future of Iraq. This picture, however, is one you don't see in msm.
CJ, over at A Soldier's Perspective, has this up. Go read the story behind the picture, about CPT Hardy and this little girl. Thank you CPT Hardy, thank you CJ.
Sgt. Robert M. McDowell 30 years old from Deer Park, Texas 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division April 01, 2007
Sgt. Robert M. McDowell was a military police noncommissioned officer assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion.
Originally from Deer Park, Texas, he joined the Army in February 1998 and completed training at Fort Benning, Georgia.
In June 1998 he was assigned to Fort Hood where he served until being reassigned to 1st Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment at Katterbach Kaserne in Germany in January 2003. While a member of 1st Infantry Division, he served as an AH-64 Apache Attack Helicopter repairman.
McDowell was assigned to Fort Drum in March 2006 after completing military police reclassification training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
He was deployed to Bosnia from February to September 1999.
His awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Valorous Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Action Badge and the Army Aviator Badge.
Sgt. McDowell was killed when and IED struck his vehicle in Baghdad, Iraq. He is survived by his wife and son, of Evans Mills, N.Y., and a daughter, Madison McDowell, of New Mexico.
Also killed in the attack were Staff Sgt. David A. Mejias, Staff Sgt. Eric R. Vick and Sgt. William G. Bowling. You can find more information about them at this site.
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. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your blog, you can go here.
WARNING: Some of the images on the videos presented here will cause your children (or YOU!)to have nightmares!
Let's talk about Muslims and Jihad today, shall we? This last week I have come across all sorts of information on what exactly will happen to all of us if we do not stay the course and WIN this Global War on Terror. Yes! TERROR! Candid confession: there are many days when I would love to pull the covers over my head and wait for this all to be over. Really, as the extent of the intentions of those who wage war on us all becomes clear, I really almost go into brain freeze at the enormity of the threat. But, the consequences of any of us doing that are so dire, that I know none of us can afford to ignore what is right in front of our noses. Suuuuuuuure, the Pelosi and Reid camps would have all us believe that if we have little "chats" with our muslim neighbours, the world will be at peace. Uhuh... Whateverrrrrrrrrrrr...
Exhibit 1:
That is from Rob and Darby over at Patriotic Thunder. Pretty graphic huh? Well, it is not pretty, and it is not nearly as graphic as some of the stuff I have just seen. Patriotic Thunder has been spreading the word for quite some time now, and no matter what, they will go down fighting. Go over there and start reading. Here is a great place to start!
Yes, that video takes a few minutes of your day, but is a great primer in Jihad 101.
Exhibit 2:
"It is the individual duty for every Muslim to kill Americans and their allies - civilian and military." Osama Bin Laden - 1998 "Allah will destroy Israel". Protest placard. "The goal of Jihad is world domination." "Europe is the cancer. Islam is the answer."
Did I make those up? No, if you are at all awake, you KNOW I did not. These are actual quotes in a media presentation from the Terrorism Awareness Project. Yes, this presentation IS graphic, but if you even have a scintilla of doubt as to the intentions of the muslim extremists, you have to go here.
At that link, you will see every quote I just gave - and many more - plus documented, pictorial evidence of some of the places that jihad has already been waged with devastating effect.
Some of the terrorist acts, not in chronological order: Beirut Kuwait Frankfurt Achille Lauro Malta Riyadh USS Cole Phillipines Tanzania London TWA 840 Buenos Aires
In all, twenty eight incidents are highlighted on a map. In this media presentation called "What Every American needs to know about Jihad" - all of 4 minutes long btw - is undeniable evidence that this war IS global. You doubt that? Again:
"The goal of jihad is world domination."
By now, we all know that for a large percentage of the American population (the ignoramuses), there is nothing global about this war, because THEY are still going to the mall, as our troops wage war in a sandbox far, far away. A lot of Americans do not feel the direct impact of 9/11; a lot of Brits do not feel the impact of what happened in the London tubes that terrible day. A new slant on the NIMBY phenomenon. BUT, as this video clearly shows, jihad IS in all our back yards. Seventeen terrorist suspects arrested in Toronto a while back, and let's not forget the terrorist activities in Glasgow. Just this week, New Zealand police got in on the act:
NZ police hold 17 in terror raids
One of those arrested was Maori rights campaigner Tame Iti
New Zealand police have arrested 17 people and seized a number of weapons during a series of anti-terror raids.
More than 300 police were involved in the operation, reportedly targeting Maori sovereignty and environmental activists - not foreign groups.
Police Commissioner Howard Broad said those arrested had used firearms and other weapons at military-style training camps.
"The armies of Jihad are here in the west - are here at home."
Another direct quote from the media presentation noted above. NIMBY? You better believe they ARE in your backyard. Even if anyone has blinkers on, the evidence is overwhelming that, not only are these terrorists in our backyard; often these same terrorists are home grown - they ARE our own citizens, born and raised within our own borders, our own countries.
From England (via our very own Mary*Ann...lol) comes what I shall call:
Exhibit 3:
An articulate Brit (not an oxymoron, honest...lol), Pat Condell details more than a few instances of muslims "taking the piss" (his words - a 'cultural thing'..lol) of our European societies. Condell tells of British supermarkets that now allow muslims who work as checkout staff to refuse to handle customers' alcohol if it offends their muslim sensibilites......errrrrr I mean their faith.;) . Pat Condell says exactly what I believe. Like him, I also take great offence at being "bullied" in the name of political correctness. Muslims in Europe, he says, are crying out that they "...are being denied human rights...", and that we must "...stop linking Islam with terrorism"... (Be sure and check out Patriotic Thunder for Rob's views on THAT one.) Condell tells of muslim dentists in England who refuse to treat female patients who don't have their heads covered (yes! dentists!), and of muslim pharmacists who refuse to handle certain prescriptions - yes - prescribed medicines! This is well worth watching, to see just how far we in the west have apparently slid in our misguided attempts at tolerance of others' religions. And yes, anyone who knows me, KNOWS I absolutely believe in tolerance, 'cept when you insist on ramming your beliefs down my throat.. Then, YOU have a problem. It seems that a HUGE mosque is now under consideration - the largest in all of Europe. As Condell tells it, this is going to be built next to a 2012 Olympic site in central London. . He wonders if the marathon will be interrupted to accomodate a call to prayers. I must admit, I did laugh at some of Condell's turns of phrase, the typical colourful Brit use of the language, BUT the subjects and incidents he addresses are deadly serious.. I did check his site out, because I have no idea who he is. I do not agree with everything I found on his site, but I am betting what he says in this video resonates for a lot of Brits.
One of the things that has long driven me crazy is the west's inability to understand that our concept of time - in a historical sense - is vastly different to the terrorists. Just this week, I heard a radio interview where the "moderator" made some throwaway comment about the American embassy in Tehran. By the way he spoke, 1979 and that whole hostage taking had no relativity, connection to the Iran of today. Excuuuuuuuuuuuse me? ANY student of history, or even someone with minimal connect the dots skills, can see that the actions of 1979 were a precursor to what we face today. To me, it is all part of the same mindset, the same goals: world domination. But here in the west, specifically America and Britain, even the events of 7/7 or 9/11 are seen as 'old news', not as part of the larger world campaign, disease - scourge - which is radical muslim. DUH! Here in the north America, we are so into instant gratification, so all about the now, we cannot even look back in recent history and make the connections, with what is happening today. That also strikes this Brit as ironic, since I was raised on the hundreds of years of history which is my birthplace's heritage (But I digress!) Now we come to:
This is also at the Terrorism Awareness Project (link above). Be prepared to learn some history. This video (which I can't download from that site, hence the links only), is absolutely bonechilling, as it traces the connections of the stated mandate of the Nazis and the stated - widely documented - goals of the Islamic jihads.
"Kill the Jews, and those among the Americans that are like them." October 2000 "America, you are the great Satan." Head of Hezbollah "Death to America, the enemy of the muslims," a rally. "Death to America" (response of the crowd at the same rally.)
"Could these be anymore blunt?" All direct quotes from that video. And this last question is also posed within the movie graphics - which are very blunt!
Not into videos today? Try this on for size. This post definitely is a must read for any who are still doubting what Islamic terrrorists have as their goal for all of us.
We'll call this -
Exhibit 5:
Islam's Plan for America, in case you've never read it
In case you have never taken the time to read through Islam's Plan for America, here it is. Thanks to Always On Watch:
1. Terminate America's freedom of speech by replacing it with hate crime bills state-wide and nation-wide.
2. Wage a war of words using black leaders like Louis Farrakhan, Rev. Jesse Jackson and other visible religious personalities to promote Islam as the original African-American's religion while Christianity is for the whites! Strange enough, no one tells the African-Americans that it was the Arab Muslims who captured them and sold them as slaves, neither the fact that in Arabic the word for black and slave is the same, "Abed."
3. Engage the American public in dialogues, discussions, debates in colleges, universities, public libraries, radio, TV, churches and mosques on the virtues of Islam. Proclaim how it is historically another religion like Judaism and Christianity with the same monotheistic faith.
4. Nominate Muslim sympathizers to political office for favorable legislation to Islam and support potential sympathizers by block voting.
5. Take control of as much of Hollywood, the press, TV, radio and the internet by buying the corporations or a controlling stock.
6. Yield to the fear of imminent shut-off of the lifeblood of America - the black gold. America's economy depends on oil, (1000 products are derived from oil), so does its personal and industrial transportation and manufacturing -41% comes from the Middle East.
7. Yell, "foul, out-of-context, personal interpretation, hate crime, Zionist, un- American, inaccurate interpretation of the Quran" anytime Islam is criticized or the Quran is analyzed in the public arena.
8. Encourage Muslims to penetrate the White House, specifically with Islamists who can articulate a marvelous and peaceful picture of Islam. Acquire government positions, get membership in local school boards. Train Muslims as medical doctors to dominate the medical field, research and pharmaceutical companies. Take over the computer industry. Establish Middle Eastern restaurants throughout the U.S. to connect planners of Islamization in a discreet way. Ever notice how numerous Muslim doctors in America are, when their countries need them more desperately than America?
9. Accelerate Islamic demographic growth via:
a. Massive immigration (100,000 annually since 1961)
b. No birth control whatsoever - every baby of Muslim parents is automatically a Muslim and cannot choose another religion later.
c. Muslim men must marry American women and Islamize them (10,000 annually). Then divorce them and remarry every five years - since one cannot have the Muslim legal permission to marry four at one time. This is a legal solution in America.
d. Convert angry, alienated black inmates and turn them into militants (so far 2000 released inmates have joined Al Qaida world-wide). Only a few have been captured in Afghanistan and on American soil. So far - sleeping cells!...(here)
Found that over at Right Truth, and the list goes on...and on...and ON to 20 items. Check out number 20 on that list. If that is true, that really IS frightening.
The Islamic Mein Kampf media thing ends with a quotation that goes something like this:
'Those who do not learn from history, are doomed to repeat it.'
Well? Any questions? I didn't think so.
Brat(with gratitude to Carol, Mary*Ann, and always - ALWAYS to our troops!)
A dedicated group of Australian entertainers left for the Middle East today on a morale-boosting tour for Australian military personnel.
The tour continues a long tradition of Australian entertainers heading to the frontlines to bring a slice of home to Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel serving overseas.
Angels lead singer Doc Neeson and his new band will perform rock classics along with songs from their new album.
Comedian Gary Bradbury, who is also a former soldier, is confident he can bring a smile to the audience combining “trench humour” with funny insights from life in the Defence Force.
Singer and actress Alexis Fishman has developed a repertoire of songs covering a range of music genres. Alexis begins rehearsals for the female lead role in the Johnny O’Keefe Musical when she returns to Australia.
The Tour de Force will perform at least 13 concerts at a range of venues in the Middle East, including a number of open air concerts at Coalition bases.
The concert will provide a welcome break from the daily routine for soldiers, with some concerts being repeated to enable as many service personnel to attend as possible without interruption to operations. Entertainers say it will be one of the most rewarding assignments they’ve ever undertaken. All are donating their time without charge and have challenged their industry peers to make themselves available for future tours.
Doc Neeson said: “The reward in knowing you are giving something back to the men and women who are living hard and in constant danger on behalf of our country is the best use we could ever make of our talents.”
I have to tell you, it comes as no suprise to me that Doc is heading over there, the man is one bloody fantastic Australian. Over the years he has supported a number of worthy causes that I am aware of and I am sure many he does out of the public eye. I met Doc about 15 years ago after a show. He just stolled out of the foyer of the bar he had been playing at and wandered through the crowd chatting to fans. That's the type of guy Doc Neeson is.
Docs words come at a time where we have seen many Aussie bands refuse to play for the Troops as they believe this leads to the perception that they are supporting the war. They then go on to spew forth garbage and typically left minded statements about the war being unjust. I now check line ups before agreeing to go to shows and refuse to attend any show or concert featuring bands who openly refuse to support our Diggers.
One thing I do know, Doc is a brilliant preformer and our Diggers are in for one hell of a show!!
Thanks to Doc and the Band, Gary and Alexis for proving there are still Aussies out there willing to stand up for our Military.
A Navy SEAL from Long Island who was killed while leading a reconnaissance mission deep behind enemy lines in Afghanistan will receive the nation's highest military award for valor _ the Medal of Honor, President Bush announced Thursday.
Lt. Michael P. Murphy, 29, of Patchogue, is the first armed forces service member to receive the Medal of Honor for combat in Afghanistan, the Navy said Thursday. The medal is the nation's highest military award for valor in action against an enemy force.
LT Murphy was part of the team that included PO2 Danny Dietz, whose memorial was unveiled in Littleton, CO on July 4, 2007 and PO1 Marcus Luttrell, who has written the book Lone Survivor, the story of what happened in those fateful days.
A) Clay model of the “Iraq War Memorial: Death of Prince Harry” by Daniel Edwards. Life Size, 2007
Anyone who knows anything about Britain and us Brits know we have a finely tuned sense of irony. Last week (Friday), irony struck me full force. First, lots of airtime for the above. It is supposed to be art. Not to me , it isn't. Needless to say, this piece of **** has garnered lots of 'ink' as people weigh in. The only words I'll add? Outrageous. Disrespectful and yes, a piece of ****. If you want to read more, and see firsthand the glee with which the 'artist' is revelling in the media attention, go here, or here, for the official site. Be sure and read some of the comments.. Freedom of speech, anyone?
And then:
A new national Armed Forces Memorial has been unveiled in Alrewas, Staffordshire(here for more pictures).
Nine-year-old Georgina Chapman read out a letter for her "daddy up in heaven". Lt Commander Darren Chapman was killed in a helicopter crash in Basra in 2006.
The Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Prince of Wales have attended the dedication of the new national Armed Forces Memorial.
The £6m stone circle in Alrewas, Staffordshire, bears the names of 16,000 service personnel who have died since World War II....
Vice-Admiral Sir John Dunt, chairman of the Armed Forces Memorial Trustees, opened the ceremony with a speech in which he spoke of the sorrow and pride of the families of the deceased.
He said: "I hope that those who have been bereaved and colleagues of those whose names are engraved find this a fitting place to remember and reflect.
"There will be sorrow for family and friends who come here, but I hope they will also be uplifted and proud - proud that these men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice have done so by serving their country."...
Dr Williams [ The Arch Bishop of Canterbury] spoke of the importance of memorials.
He said: "All the service and skill that keeps us secure may be invisible a lot of the time, but if we are not to be dishonest, shallow and unreal, we need to make the invisible visible once in a while.
The names of personnel who have died since WWII are listed
"And that's what today is about. Naming all those who have been ready to risk everything for the good of our national community and, indeed, the good of our world.
"Some of them have died in heroic circumstances, some in tragedy and conflict, some in routine duties but all of them as parts of a single, great and generous enterprise."...
Prince Charles' uncle was killed by IRA terrorists, and his name is on this beautiful memorial. Prince Charles had this to say:
...the people of the UK owed those whose names featured on the memorial "an enormous debt of gratitude".
He said: "The magnificence of this new memorial will, at long last, provide a fitting recognition for all those killed on duty since the end of the Second World War.
"It does not differentiate between those killed in the heat of battle or on a training exercise, by terrorist action or on peace-keeping missions." [read more here]
The creator of the Prince Harry thing should feel a HUGE debt of gratitude to every single name on the memorial just dedicated. He should appreciate the irony that it is precisely because of the life work, and the life blood, of every single name on this wall, and those men and women serving my country today, that HE has the liberty to freely express whatever the hell it is he pretends to feel in his "Death of Prince Harry" crap. He should, but he won't. And it matters not one whit to me if you support the monarchy or not. Whether any of us like it or not ( and yes, I AM a Royalist...lol) they ARE a long-abiding symbol of my country. I don't care if this "artist" supports the current GWOT. (I do hope he didn't get a government grant for this..) Prince Harry, as a serving member of our military - royal or not - deserves better than this disrespectful piece of ****. THIS Brit, sitting over here in the colonies, does acknowledge my own debt of gratitude, and enormous appreciation for all the names on this wall. I also - daily - give thanks for every single one of my fellow countrymen, and their coalition partners, who continue their mission to ensure freedom for "artists" like the waste of oxygen at the top of this post. He is not worthy to shake the hand of any one of our troops. Little Georgina in the picture here, and her daddy, deserve so much better than the symbolism of such disgraceful displays of "art". (Notice I don't give HIS name? I don't care!)
One of these days I will "walk upon England's mountains green" again. You can be sure I won't be visiting the first "art" on here, but I WILL go and to see the Staffordshire memorial for myself.
Prime Minister Howard has visited the Governor General today to officially announce a date for the upcoming elections - Nov 24th.
This date will see an end to what has been some seriously frustrating campaigning, mainly on the part of the Labor Party (Yes, I am a Liberal Girl). Slander campaigns (Labors specialty) are about to hit a fever pitch and whilst many have labelled the tragic death of Trooper David Pearce as the rabbit from John Howards hat, I strongly believe we are more likely to see it used by labor as a means to withdraw our troops from active duty.
So what does a Liberal win mean for Australia??
John Howard will offer "the right leadership" with a mix of experience, stability and balance with new "plans" to be unveiled in the lead up to the November 24 election.
The Prime Minister today laid out his pitch for a fifth term after visiting the Governor-General Michael Jeffery in Canberra this morning to recommend the dissolution of the 41st parliament.
He confronted Labor leader and opinion poll favourite Kevin Rudd’s offer to Australians of “new leadership" with his own message that “right leadership" was the key.
Mr Howard said whether the electorate "loved me or loathe me’’ they knew where he stood and knew the character of the Coalition team.
Labor were an inexperienced and unstable team, dominated by union officials, and offered as their only certainty that there would be "wall to wall" Labor governments across the country, he said.
While Australia was enjoying a remarkable level of prosperity, the Prime Minister said he believed passionately that the best years "can lie ahead of us, in the years immediately ahead".
Mr Howard said he would offer plans for full employment, for addressing living standards and the pressure on those sections of the community who were missing out on prosperity, for more control for local communities on their health services and for re-enforcing national security as well and "balanced" proposals for dealing with climate change. Read more here
Unfortunately, PM Howard has very little going for him in this campaign. Our Diggers are being killed and injured fighting a war nobody cares about anymore. His Workplace Reforms have played a starring role in Kevin Rudds slander campaigns. PM Howard took radical steps to curb sexual and physical abuse in Aboriginal Communities which has drawn severe criticism from the Traditional Owners (they would be the ones living in the city who have nothing to do with the communities) and of course, there is maybe the most popular cause for criticism - PM John Howards friendship and strong ties with President Bush.
It saddens me greatly that our countries need to see the end of our contribution to Iraq and Afghanistan seems to override their need to understand what is actually happening over there. I have asked every single person I have heard make a comment on the war in the last 2 weeks why they think we are there...The most popular answer of course is so PM Howard can kiss President Bush's ass. They have no need for understanding the politics, the very real threat to us as Australians and the amazing work the Coalition are able to contribute to the rebuilding of war torn and corrupt countries. I can only assume that anyone who does not agree with PM Howards radical campaign to stamp out Abuse in the Aboriginal Communities has not seen it first hand. Well, I have. In fact I was only at one of the South Australian Communities last weekend visiting friends and I can assure you, the conditions were appalling. Think of what you see in the pictures from Iraq, raw sewerage in the streets, rubbish everywhere, packs of stray and feral dogs and undernourished, mistreated children running around. Maybe under these plans we can break a cycle that has been perpetuated for more generations than many care to remember.
Now, an Australia under Kevein Rudd however..
Let's start with my major sticking point right now (besides the hipocrasy we have become all to familiar with from Rudd). Kevin Rudd has allowed (though remained detached from) the Labor party campaigning for leniency from the Death Penalty for the Conspirators of the Bali Bombings. Now unlike the bombers who at least had the good grace to kill themselves at the same time, the smiling Amrosi knows it is only a matter of time before he will be released...Thanks to Kevin Rudd. For those of you unfamiliar with the circumstances of this situation, there are hopes that by supporting a stay of execution for the 3 masterminds of the bombings that killed 202 innocent people including 88 Aussies, we can use it as leverage to free the Bali 9. While my heart goes out to a few of the Bali 9, many of whom were young and let's face it, stupid kids at the time do we honestly allow the people who masterminded the deaths of innocents live on the off chance the Balinese Government will allow them the same leniency?? There is not even any guarantee that this will occur. The Balinese have what can only be described as a bizzarre legal system that would allow the murderers of 202 people go free but would kill people for drug smuggling. I'm not sure if you are aware, but each year the Balinese government allows a sentence reduction to 3 of it's prisoners. It was hoped that this year Shappelle Corby would be one of those (she wasn't). Yet the Balinese Government entertained the idea of allowing the ringleader of the bombings, Amrosi, have his sentenced reduced to 3 1/2 years. They believe that by sparing these Islamic Fundamentalists they can set up useful networks to garner information from them and other terror cells. (The sky is blue where I come from btw).
Then of course Kevin 07 is promising the withdrawal of out troops from Iraq, oh no wait no he isn't, oops yes he is, no no another day has passed and he's once again changed his mind (I am beyond keeping up here).
Australians deserved a wider vision for the future, because the greatest risk was the re-election of Coalition government that would make no changes, Kevin Rudd says.
New leadership and plans on education, health, workplace relations, as well as easing the pressure on working families, were critical for the future, the Labor leader said launching his bid for office at the federal election on November 24.
Mr Rudd, who says he is proud to call himself an economic conservative, matched Mr Howard’s promise of full employment with a jobless rate under 4 per cent of the workforce.
But the Labor leader said only he was offering a way to do it through education and boosting productivity.
"What I am offering the Australian people is new leadership,'' he said.
"Our country has a future too full of promise to allow a government that's been in office for 11 years, a government that's lost touch, and a government that's gone stale, just to continue on.
"When it comes to our future, we need better than that.
"The greatest risk for Australia's future is for the Coalition to return and nothing changes.
"Nothing changes on climate change and water, nothing changes for our hospitals nothing changes for our schools, our tech colleges our universities nothing changes when it comes to our workplaces where our work choices will be made worse. Read more here
We wont get into the values thing again will we Kevin?? Or do we mention that little trip to the Strip Club in the US on a Tax Payer funded trip??
The Diggers have a very simple saying here..... Vote for Howard we go overseas, Vote for Rudd we stay home and plant trees.
This is a case where, from my point of view anyway, it's better the Devil we Know.
Another in the series. This one was a no-brainer for me to pick, since I DO have a soft spot in my heart for combat photographers, or as the military calls them: Combat Camera Videographer. This week meet Air Force Staff Sgt. Jessica Kuge.
Chicago, IL Bronze Star recipient
In counterinsurgency campaigns, more so than in other types of warfare, success on the battlefield results from quickly incorporating lessons learned into future operations. To do so, however, requires accurate, up close and personal documentation from the heart of the battle. From September 2006 to January 2007, Air Force Staff Sgt. Jessica Kuge served as a Joint Combat Camera Videographer in the Diyala province, constantly risking her safety over several months to record house-to-house raids, weapons searches, convoy patrols, and other combat and humanitarian operations by coalition forces. Her professionalism and bravery during these diverse missions earned her the Bronze Star.
Her days were often spent hauling 60 pounds of gear, an M-16 in one hand, and a camera in the other. And when bullets started flying, she effortlessly switched to a combat role. “I know how important it is to document what’s happening, but there were times I had to drop the camera and I went for the weapon,” she told the Santa Maria Times. On one occasion, after snipers targeted her unit during a house search, she continued documenting an engagement as she faced direct fire. That operation resulted in coalition forces killing four Al Qaeda terrorists and detaining another seven. Another time, Kuge came to the aid of a wounded Iraqi soldier, making sure he received medical aid and was evacuated from the battlefield. Kuge also recorded an ambush on an Iraqi police checkpoint in its entirety, helping ensure that others know what they might expect to face on the battlefield.
In all, Kuge spent more than 700 hours in the field – more than twice the average time for videographers – on 40 combat and humanitarian missions. She obtained more than 30 hours of footage. In addition to aiding future combat operations, the footage recorded by Kuge also helped counter propaganda from enemy forces and inform the local population and media about coalition actions. Her various “population engagements” took her to local hospitals, meetings with Iraqi women, and soccer games with Iraqi youth.
Kuge received the Bronze Star on September 27, 2007. Having already spent eight years in the military, Kuge recently re-enlisted in the Air Force, and is joining the 1st Combat Camera Squadron in Charleston, S.C., the only active duty combat camera squadron in the Air Force.
In my books, Staff Sgt. Kuge more than qualifies for the title of Hero. If you go here, you can find another link to another story on this amazing soldier. Thank YOU for your service Staff Sgt. Kuge.
( interesting symbolism of this flag for Mongolia: the national emblem on the left "soyombo" - representing fire, sun, moon, earth, water and the ying and yang symbol)
Take a look at this map and you will know what an interesting history Mongolia has had! Surrounded by the powerhouses of China and Russia, Mongolia is a country with a rich history built on battles.
The knights at their tournaments, in their finery, armor and emblems of ancestry, believed they were the foremost warriors in the world, while Mongol warriors thought otherwise. Mongol horses were small, but their riders were lightly clad and they moved with greater speed. These were hardy men who grew up on horses and hunting, making them better warriors than those who grew up in agricultural societies and cities. Their main weapon was the bow and arrow. And the Mongols of the early 1200s were highly disciplined, superbly coordinated and brilliant in tactics.
The Mongols were illiterate, religiously shamanistic and sparsely populated, perhaps no more than around 700,000 in number. Their language today is described as Altaic - derived from the Altay mountain range in western Mongolia - a language unrelated to Chinese. They were herdsmen on the grassy plains north of the Gobi Desert and south of Siberian forests. Before the year 1200, the Mongols were fragmented, moving about in small bands headed by a chief, or khan, and living in portable felt dwellings, called by the Mongols:ger. The Mongols endured frequent deprivations and sparse areas for grazing their animals. They frequently fought over turf, and during hard times they occasionally raided, interested in goods rather than bloodshed.....(more here - go read it all!
A ger, or what is called a yurt elsewhere; a mobile home from the times of Ghengis Khan.
A simulated Mongol army.
This landlocked desert land, slightly smaller than Alaska, goes from a low elevation of 518 m (Hoh Nuur) to a high elevation of 4,374m (Huyten Orgil). With a population of just under 3 million, this land is now a government of "mixed parliamentary/presidential". That short sentence goes nowhere close to telling the fascinating history of Mongolia:
The Mongols gained fame in the 13th century when under Chinggis KHAN they conquered a huge Eurasian empire. After his death the empire was divided into several powerful Mongol states, but these broke apart in the 14th century. The Mongols eventually retired to their original steppe homelands and later came under Chinese rule. Mongolia won its independence in 1921 with Soviet backing. A Communist regime was installed in 1924. The ex-Communist Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP) won elections in 1990 and 1992, but was defeated by the Democratic Union Coalition (DUC) in the 1996 parliamentary election. Since then, parliamentary elections returned the MPRP overwhelmingly to power in 2000 and produced a coalition government in 2004. [source - and yes, says this was updated 4 October 2007!]
I also found another GREAT write up on the history of Mongolia which is well worth a read! (You don't have anything better to do today, do you?! lol)
Pre 20th Century History
Archeological digs have uncovered human remains in the Gobi and other regions of Mongolia dating back nearly 500,000 years. Agriculture has rarely been attempted on the harsh steppes, although there is evidence that some clans grew crops 1200 years ago. Most nomadic tribes in the region followed their herds of sheep, goats, camels, yaks and horses, occasionally engaging in tribal warfare or raiding settled Chinese cities to the south.
The name 'Mongol' was first recorded by the Chinese during the Tang dynasty (618-907 AD). At that time Mongolia was dominated by a Turkic people called the Uighurs. The Uighurs controlled most of Mongolia until 840 AD, when they were defeated by the Kyrgyz, who now live in the Chinese province of Xinjiang.
The Mongols had little inclination to ally with other nomadic peoples of northern Asia. They remained little more than a loose confederation of rival clans until the late 12th century, when a 20-year-old Mongol named Temujin emerged and managed to unite most of the Mongol tribes. In 1189 he was given the honorary name of Genghis Khan, meaning 'universal king'.....
The Genghis Khan imprinted in the memory of the west bears little relation to the Chinggis Khaan revered by Mongolians. Not only the spelling is different: to Europeans, the name epitomises merciless warmongering; to the Mongolians, it embodies strength, unity, law and order. Genghis set up his capital in present-day Kharkhorin, and launched his vital cavalry against China and Russia. By the time of his death in 1227, the Mongol empire extended from Beijing to the Caspian Sea....
Modern History
In 1911 China's Qing dynasty crumbled. The Mongols quickly saw their opportunity and independence from China was declared on 1 December 1911, with a theocratic government under the leadership of the 8th Jebtzun Damba (Living Buddha). On 25 May 1915, the Treaty of Kyakhta, which granted Mongolia limited autonomy, was signed by Mongolia, China and Russia.
The Russian Revolution of 1917 shocked Mongolia's aristocracy. Taking advantage of Russia's weakness, a Chinese warlord sent his troops into Mongolia in 1919 and occupied the capital. In early 1921, retreating White Russian anticommunist troops entered Mongolia and expelled the Chinese. The brutality of both the Chinese and Russian forces inflamed the Mongolians' desire for independence. As the Russian Bolsheviks were steadily advancing against the White Russian forces in Siberia, Mongolian nationalists asked the Bolsheviks for help. Together they recaptured the capiral Urga in July 1921. The country's Buddhist leader was retained as a figurehead and the newly formed Mongolian People's Party (the first political party in the country's history, and the only one for the next 69 years) took over the government. On 26 November 1924, the Mongolian People's Republic (MPR) was declared and Mongolia became the world's second communist country. Urga was renamed Ulaanbaatar (Red Hero) in celebration of the communist triumph....(source) And, if you want a simple chronology of Mongolian history, go here. !
There is, of course, so much written about this man. I found way too many to quote them here - unless you all want to read a book length thing today.lol. Lots of information is readily available for any who look,. What is interesting to me is the widely divergent views on this warrior. As still prevails today, the character of the man depends on who is doing the writing. I'll let you all find your own research and draw your own conclusions! But that Ghengis Khan was, and remains, an important man in Mongolia's history is beyond dispute.
Found an interesting quote attributed to Ghengis Khan which encapsulates some of the traits history ascribes to this "Universal Ruler" :
"Man's greatest joy is to crush his enemies and have them flee before him, to seize his possessions,
hear the wailing of his women, and embrace his wives and daughters." (here - also another fascinating look at the man!)
Although it boasts over 260 sunny days a year and is known as the 'Land of Blue Sky', Mongolia has an extreme continental climate with temperatures that have been known to range over 37°C (99°F) in one day. Only in summer does cloud cover shield the sky. Humidity is usually zilch and sunshine is intense. Gobi summer temperatures hit 40°C (104°F) but winter winds often send the mercury plummeting to -30°C (-22°F) or lower. You can see snow in the Gobi Desert as late as April and some lakes remain frozen until June. There's a short rainy season from mid-July to September, but showers tend to be brief and gentle. Because of the high altitude, evenings are cool even in summer.
Ulaanbaatar is possibly the coldest capital city in the world. Temperatures generally start to drop below 0°C (32°F) in October, sink to -30°C (-22°F) in January and February and remain below freezing until April. Horrific dust storms kick up during the short spring (May to June). July to September is pleasant, but it can still suddenly turn cold, and unfortunately, most of the city's rain falls in this period. Summer daylight lasts until . (source)
Horse racing at Nadaam Festival: a kind of nomad Olympics, held every July (Photographer: Bradley Mayhew)
As Lonely Planet describes Mongolia:
The name 'Mongolia' has always stirred up visions of the untamed - Genghis Khan, camels wandering the Gobi Desert and wild horses galloping across the steppes. Even today, outside of Ulaanbaatar you may get the feeling you've stepped into another century rather than another country.
This land, rich in natural resources( oil, coal, copper, molybdenum, tungsten, phosphates, tin, nickel, zinc, fluorspar, gold, silver, iron) suffers from extreme natural hazards too: dust storms, grassland and forest fires, drought, and "zud," which is harsh winter conditions. ( source)
The religious composition of this nomadic peoples is broken down thus: Buddhist Lamaist 50%, Shamanist and Christian 6%, Muslim 4%, none 40% (2004), - maybe explaining some of the symbolism of their flag. But in a country which claims only 4% muslim and 40% as other, hard to really say what is the prevailing religion. But yes - there is a really interesting article on the history of religion in Mongolia - you knew there would be!:
Shamanism The native religion of Mongolia is, like the language, related to the Turkish tradition and would also have similarities with the Tibetan Bön. In general this religion is referred to as shamanism (Heissig 1980). Rather often shamanism refers to a specific form of this religious phenomena present in Siberia, and although there is a relation with this form it is not the same (Heissig 1980: 6). Above this `shamanism´ implies that a religious specialist is needed and central to it’s faith and practices while in fact it is an animist religion with an arsenal of beliefs and practices in which a shaman not necessarily is involved.
This native religion is not unequivocal, with a unequivocal doctrine, but rather a diversity of local beliefs and practices, which by a number of common characteristics can be lumped together. Central in this belief is the worship of the Blue, Mighty, Eternal Heaven (köke tngri, erketü tngri, möngke tngri) (Heissig 1980: 6, 47-8). There is a total of 99 tngri or heavenly creatures of which Köke Möngke Tngri (Eternal Blue Heaven) is the chief. According to European sources from the thirteenth century this would be one god, from whom it is believed he is the creator of the visible and invisible (Heissig 1980: 48). In Asian Mythologies it is referred to as monotheistic with multiple gods....
Buddhism Larry Moses traces the first contact of the Mongolians with Buddhism back to the 4th century A.D. By that time the T´o-pa Wei dynasty would have some influence on the Juan-juan dynasty which dominated Mongolia at that time (Moses 1977: 23-4). A later Buddhist influence is that of the Kitan in the 10th century, from which at the time of writing a stupa in Kerulen Bars Khota and the remainings of Buddha statue at Khalkhin Gol. In 1125 the Kitan dynasty falls and Mongolia reverts to a disorganized collection of warring tribes in which Nestorianism, Manicheism and shamanism are the main religions. (Moses 1977: 34-9)
It is in the time of the Great Khans that the Tibetan form of Buddhism gains influence in Mongolia. In the beginning of the 13th century Chinggis Khan conquers Tibet. The leader of the biggest empire ever was known for his religious tolerance, having Nestorian Christians, Moslems, Manicheïsts and shamans within his realm....
Twentieth century In the soviet communist Buryatya and People’s Republic of Mongolia both Buddhism and shamanism were suppressed. Ritual sites were destroyed and lamas as well as shamans were killed. Also in China, the religious traditions suffer much from the communist regime.
In the Mongolian People’s Republic the communist purges seem to be the most effective. In 1937 they are started leading to an almost complete wipe out of the Buddhist clergy. All but one monasteries were destroyed and thousands of monks were killed or deported. Moses states:
“The Mongolian People’s Republic is perhaps unique in having successfully eradicated almost all vestiges of religion, from the dogma once taught to the people, to the individual monastic institutions that once existed all across Mongolia. […] Religion…is no longer a social factor in the Mongolian People´s Republic ” (Moses 1977: 2-3)
Seeing the great revival of Buddhism in the present time, we maybe must conclude that the elimination wasn’t as complete as Moses says. Nevertheless it was completely wiped out in public life. Many rituals and festivities were prohibited or tried to be secularized throughout all of Greater Mongolia. An interesting note that in Buryatya the elimination of Buddhism led to a growth of the “decentralized and flexible folk practice of shamanism” (Worden & Savada).
Although freedom of religion is guaranteed by the constitution of 1960 religious activity remains hardly tolerated. In 1989 then liberation sets in with a policy to reaffirm traditional culture (Worden & Savada). In 1990 under influence of the perestroika in the USSR communism falls in Buryatya as well as Mongolia and a revival Buddhism sets in. Monasteries and other religious are restored and inhabited again. People attend services and consult lama's for important events (Hind 2000)....[source - go read all of this - it IS really interesting!]
Mongolia's economy has traditionally been based on herding and agriculture. With all its rich, natural resources and industrialisation, when the Soviet Union collapsed in 1990/91, "the following decade saw Mongolia endure both deep recession due to political inaction and natural disasters, as well as economic growth because of reform-embracing, free-market economics and extensive privatization of the formerly state-run economy." There is a whole interesting history of the interweaving of Mongolia's economic survival here
...Severe winters and summer droughts in 2000-02 resulted in massive livestock die-off and zero or negative GDP growth. This was compounded by falling prices for Mongolia's primary sector exports and widespread opposition to privatization. Growth was 10.6% in 2004, 5.5% in 2005, and 7.5% in 2006, largely because of high copper prices and new gold production. Mongolia's economy continues to be heavily influenced by its neighbors. For example, Mongolia purchases 80% of its petroleum products and a substantial amount of electric power from Russia, leaving it vulnerable to price increases. China is Mongolia's chief export partner and a main source of the "shadow" or "grey" economy. The World Bank and other international financial institutions estimate the grey economy to be at least equal to that of the official economy, but the former's actual size is difficult to calculate since the money does not pass through the hands of tax authorities or the banking sector. Remittances from Mongolians working abroad both legally and illegally are sizable, and money laundering is a growing concern. Mongolia settled its $11 billion debt with Russia at the end of 2003 on favorable terms....[this really IS interesting - go read!]
With main industries listed as :
construction and construction materials; mining (coal, copper, molybdenum, fluorspar, tin, tungsten, and gold); oil; food and beverages; processing of animal products, cashmere and natural fiber manufacturing
Mongolia exports: copper, apparel, livestock, animal products, cashmere, wool, hides, fluorspar, other nonferrous metals. Interesting to see who Mongolia's main export partners are: China 68.4%, Canada 11.2%, US 7%, South Korea 5.1% (2006). I had NO idea that Canada imports anything from there, although a friend brought me back some Mongolian "stuff" from her trip through there years ago.
Mongolia imports: machinery and equipment, fuel, cars, food products, industrial consumer goods, chemicals, building materials, sugar, tea, and the main import partners are: Russia 30.1%, China 29.8%, Japan 12% (2006) (there's a shocker - no Canada!) [source]
A couple of asides..lol Mongolia is really so fascinating in their cultural heritage, and I found a really neat online magazine called Mongolia Today:
Trusted gurd of ghers and herds
Many travelers who visited Mongolia in different periods were impressed with the number of cattle and dogs.
Mongolian nomadic families usually migrate with their cattle, frequently changing pastures. With such lifestyle the service of dogs is essential for alerting about arrival of strangers, guarding and herding sheep flocks. Each nomadic family usually has 2-3 dogs to look after livestock, guard the house and help in hunting.
...
Manai, a proud Kazakh hunter from Bayan Ulgii, Western Mongolia. Photo by Stephen Bodio.
Hunting with Golden Eagles
In the westernmost corner of Mongolia lies the rugged land of Kazakh people. Living in harsh, barren valleys surrounded by Altai mountains, Kazakhs preserved their centuries old traditions and culture almost intact. Among them is the ancient tradition of hunting with Golden Eagles. (that link is here)
Part of that article says:
A local Kazakh eagle hunter proudly displays his mighty bird.
"...The wind of changes in 1990 also touched the lives of Mongolian Kazakhs. As soon as the former Soviet Union collapsed, the first President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazirbyaev faced the problem of the Russian majority who came in the industrialization wave of 60s and70s and comprised some 54% of the total population.
To shift this balance in favor of Kazakhs he appealed to Kazakhs living in other countries to return to their motherland, promising money for resettlement, free housing and jobs.
Some 60,000 or more than half of 120,000 strong community of Mongolian Kazakhs chose to move to Kazakhstan. There they become valued and respected for their knowledge of the old customs. Staying isolated for almost 200 years, they preserved their traditions very well and now steal all the top prizes from literary, poetry and folk arts contests."
You will all know I HAD to go looking for Mongolian literature information, since one of my passions is the literature that comes out of any society in transition! I was not disappointed. There is so much written about Mongolian literaure it is mindboggling. The picture above comes from a site called Lingua Mongolia. Their stated goal is " to provide students and researchers with free unhindered access to first-rate language resources, in the form of digitised books, processed texts and an online dictionary. ... this site will provide for the needs of Mongolists at all levels, from those taking their first tentative steps into the study of this beautiful language, to those who have already beaten a path to the gates of Kharakhorum." It is chock full of both ancient and modern facts on Mongolian literature:
The Mongolian (Uighur) Script
Over the last 800 years Mongolian has been written with a variety of different scripts, but the first of those and the most enduring is the one which the Mongols borrowed from the Uighurs. The Uighurs themselves had acquired this script as a result of their contacts with the Sogdian's, an Old Iranian people who had in turn borrowed their script from Syriac. Those who are already familiar with Syriac will easily see the similarities. However, where Syriac and Sogdian were written horizontally right to left, Uighur and Mongolian are written vertically left to right. According to Mongol tradition, this script was instituted at the order of Chinggis Qaghan in 1204. Many attempts were made to supplant it, with various scripts, mainly under the influence of Tibetan Buddhism and several scripts were adopted as variations of Tibetan and Sanskrit....[here]
I can't download it here, BUT there is also a whole section on that site with poetry. Well worth a look - and it even has the Mongolian National Anthem! You can find that all here. That whole site is a must read for anyone interested in how cultures are reflected by and with the literature. And yes, many many more places to read up on Mongolian literature. One of my faves? Look here.
Classical Mongol script
Notable features
Type of writing system: phonemic alphabet with separate letters for consonants and vowels.
Direction of writing: left to right in vertical columns running from top to bottom.
The letters have a number of different shapes, the choice of which depends on the position of a letter in a word and which letter follows it.
Vowels
Consonants
So, when they are not herding, or exporting to Canada, (lol) or writing great literature, does Mongolia have a military? Yes, it sure does. As briefly mentioned, Mongolia has a looooooong proud history as warriors, and that still holds true today.... and yes, they certainly ARE part of the coalition in this GWOT.
Mongolian soldiers man an observation post in the Polish occupation zone of Iraq. Photo credit: U.S. Defense Attaché, Mongolia (Editor's note: We believe the "blue-out" has been done to proect the identity of the location of this outpost.
Mongolian Soldiers of the 150th Peacekeeping Battalion in Iraq. (both pics courtesy of here)
Mongolia's military is comprised of: Mongolian Armed Forces: Mongolian People's Army (MPA), Mongolian People's Air Force (Agaaryn Dovtolgoonoos Khamgaalakh Tsergiyn Komandial, MPAF); there is no navy (2007) - And no surprise there is no navy! They are landlocked!!
Military service obligations? 18-25 years of age for compulsory military service; conscript service obligation - 12 months in land or air defense forces or police; a small portion of Mongolian land forces (2.5 percent) is comprised of contract soldiers; women cannot be deployed overseas for military operations (2006) [source for both of these? here]
In 2005, President Bush visited Mongolia as part of an Asian junket:
Mr. Bush thanked Mongolian leaders for contributing to American military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.
President Bush and Mongolian President Nambaryn Enkhbayar inspected a military honor guard of soldiers wearing red and blue uniforms with gold pointed helmets, harkening back to the day of the country's most famous warrior, Genghis Khan.
Mongolia's military presence across much of the world continues today; but as peacekeepers not as invaders. The nation is part of peacekeeping operations in Kosovo, Western Sahara, Congo, and Sudan, with 150 soldiers leaving for Sierra Leone next month.
Mongolia has also contributed troops to U.S. military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. President Bush told an audience at Government House that those soldiers are serving with courage and distinction.
"Two Mongolian soldiers here today risked their lives to stop a suicide bomber who was trying to drive a truck full of explosives into a Coalition mess tent in southern Iraq," he said. "As the truck hurtled towards them, they opened fire - killing the terrorist and saving countless lives."
President Bush says Mongolians in Iraq have helped make possible what he calls a stunning transformation as the country is now beginning to elect its own leaders.
Mr. Bush likened the fight against Iraqi insurgents to Mongolia's struggle against Communism, when protesters brought down the Soviet-era government here, 15 years ago.
"Like the ideology of Communism, Islamic radicalism teaches that the innocent can be murdered to serve their brutal aims. Like the ideology of Communism, Islamic radicalism is dismissive of free peoples, claiming that men and women who live in liberty are weak and decadent," said Mr. Bush. "And, like the ideology of Communism, the ideology of Islamic radicalism is destined to fail because the will to power is no match for the universal desire to live in freedom."..............(source)
I also found a site that had a very interesting story about a visit Donald Rumsfeld made to Mongolia:
A Man and His Horse
Donald Rumsfeld and his new horse, Montana, he received as a gift from Mongolia’s Minister of Defense
Donald Rumsfeld payed a visit to Mongolia to thank Mongolian troops for their service in Iraq and Afghanistan and to encourage Monoglia to continue developing the peacekeeping capabilities of its military, one of the three pillars originally set forth by Colonel Wilhelm. The US is helping Mongolia along this path by providing training and plans to help Mongolia modernize its military....
As for Montana, so-named because Mongolia reminds Rumsfeld of his wife’s home state, the horse will be staying in Mongolia... cared for by a herdsman named Bilegerdene (many Mongolians use only one name), never to be ridden by anyone for the rest of the animal’s life.... “Only the wind of the steppes will be on his back,” said Khasbazar Boldbat, a Defense Ministry official. (the rest of that is here). That post is very scathing of a New York Times story on this same visit,:
ULAN BATOR, Mongolia, Oct. 22 - Mongolia has 131 soldiers in Iraq, and on Saturday it received an official American statement of gratitude from Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld....
About 500 Molgolian soldiers have served in Iraq in previous rotations, and 15 others are now in Afghanistan.
Mongolia's military is focusing on developing the expertise to serve in peacekeeping missions, and during his stopover here Mr. Rumsfeld met with 180 soldiers who had served in Iraq or Afghanistan. In the group were two sergeants who prevented a suicide bombing at a logistics base near Hilla, in south-central Iraq, in February of 2004....(the rest here)
This is not the first time in history that Mongolians have been in Iraq. In 1258 they destroyed Baghdad. And their reputation as fierce warriors continues:
Maj. Gen. T. Togoo, chief of the Mongolian army general staff, greets Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Jan. 13. Myers is the first Joint Chiefs chairman to visit Mongolia. Photo by Jim Garamone
....Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, visited Mongolia today to speak with national and defense leaders and to meet with soldiers who are getting ready to go to Iraq. He thanked the Mongolian leaders for their support in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and he said the Mongolian people "should be very proud of the professionalism and discipline of their forces in Iraq."...
the Mongolian military has 173 soldiers of the 150th Elite Peacekeeping Battalion in Hillah, Iraq. All reports, said Myers, are that the unit is doing an excellent job as part of the Multinational Division Central- South. The division is commanded by a Polish general and contains troops from a number of different nationalities. Myers said the Mongolian unit's members have proven themselves as infantrymen, as convoy escorts, as engineers and in providing medical assistance to the Iraqi people....(read the rest here on Defenselink!)
And yes - Mongolian has troops in the Coalition in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
In the photo: Mongolian soldiers in Iraq
In the photo: Mongolian forth Mobile Training Team is taking over the tasks of training of Afghan Army soldiers and the Mongolian trainers in the shooting training
from the beginning of the Iraq war, the Mongolian people and Government have supported the great effort of the Coalition forces led by United States of Americaagainst Iraqi dictatorship by offering training opportunities for coalition forces and over flight clearance.Since that time, Mongoliabecomes a steadfast member of Coalition forces, with troops both in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Support to Operation Iraqi Freedom:
Mongoliahas joined the Multinational Force on April 17, 2003, followed by the decision of Government of Mongolia to contribute a military contingent to the Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The first contingent of 170 personnel, who composed of an infantry company and engineer platoon, was deployed into Iraqfrom mid-August 2003. This contingent completed their tasks successfully, by providing force protection and security for the logistic base “Charley” which is under command of Multinational Division South Central, lead by Polish troops and accomplished some engineering tasks for the base.This was the first oversees deployment of Mongolian military contingent since the end of World War II....
Operation Enduring freedom
By the request of the United States, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Mongolia agreed to take charge of training of artillery units of newly established Afghan National Army.
Initially, the General Staff agreed to dispatch Mobile Training Team of 7 instructors and 5 maintenance specialists to Afghanistanfrom October 2003 till March 2004.
Since that time we have sent 3 Mobile Training Team which were consist of 12 to 20 artillery, mortar and howitzer trainers and maintenance specialists. They trained 40 Afghan officers, other 200 non-commissioned officers, and 360 soldiers who to be considered as the core artillery cadre for the Afghan National Army.
The 4th Mobile Training Team, which includes 21 instructors, maintenance specialists and artillerymen, completed their missions successfully from the February 4, 2005 to July 7, 2005.
In addition, Mongoliahas been sending Military observers to the UN Peacekeeping mission as part of international peace effort around the world. Currently members of the Mongolian Armed Forces are participating in UN missions in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Western Sahara and Sudan... (for the rest go here at CENTCOM)
From all I have read, Mongolia is very much a partner in the GWOT, and in efforts worldwide. Yes, cynics can say that Mongolia benefits from US co-operation in their own efforts to reinforce their own national structural systems, as payment for their contributions to the GWOT, but I think every single country ultimately weighs the checks and balances in any war commitment. And, in my opinion, any country's participation in this GWOT is always based, in part, on self interests. That Mongolia IS on the battle field and sending their warriors to support both the Iraqi people and the Afghan people, speaks more loudly to me than any peripheral gains they may achieve on the homefront. Mongolia, because of it's ancient history, knows better than most what is at stake here.
President's Visit to Mongolia 2005
Mongolian horsemen run with the motocade carrying President George W. Bush and Mrs. Bush to a cultural event in Ikh Tenger, Mongolia Monday, Nov. 21, 2005. The stop in Mongolia was the final one for the Bushes in a 7-day visit to Asia.
November 21, 2005
...President Bush welcomed Mongolia's progress toward becoming a mature and stable democracy, which observes human rights and civil liberties, and a private sector-led free market economy....
President Bush and President Enkhbayar underscored their strong commitment to fight terrorism, which undermines international peace and security. President Bush applauded Mongolia's participation in the stabilization and reconstruction of Afghanistan and Iraq, including its peacekeeping commitment to the Multinational Force in Iraq. The United States and Mongolia agreed to continue working to advance Mongolia's contribution to international peace support efforts.
They also agreed that the establishment of a free, democratic Iraq is important to democracy, peace and stability in the Middle East ...[read the rest of this joint speech here]
Julie Black is interviewed by Dallas News Station WFAA Channel 8 reporter Cynthia Vega about how she lost the weight to qualify to join the Army. Photo by LaShonda Walker
DALLAS (Army News Service, Oct. 8, 2007)_-- Julie Black, wife of Lewisville Station recruiter Sgt. 1st Class John Burton, has spent more than 18 years as a military spouse. She's been the recipient of numerous military Family support and volunteer awards, but she really wanted to experience the military from the other side of the coin.
"I'd planned to join back in 1989 with John, but decided not to because we were newleyweds at the time," said Mrs. Black. "Three weeks after we got married, he shipped off to basic, and three years after that our daughter was born. So at the time, it just made sense for me to not join and focus on being a spouse and raising our daughter instead."
Though the best interest of her Family took priority, she never lost her aspiration to serve in the Army. But as time went by, hope of a military career was dying because of two major constraints - her age and weight. ...
This story DID make it into local msm, but I have to share it here. This is such a good news story on so many levels. Julie Black is the epitome of all that is great about America. Never losing sight of her goal to serve her country by joining the military, Julie Black finally accomplishes her goal. I suggest the US Army is the richer for her presence.
We all know what an honourable mission it is to serve one's country. This patriot, wife, mother, SOLDIER is a shining example. You can read the rest of this B*N*S*N story here.
HOOAAH Pvt. 1st Class Black! Thank YOU for your service.
"You are welcome in my house, and thank you". So many good news stories, so little time! But those words were said to one of our own by a homeowner in Baghdad Gardens area just this last week.
TAJI — Soldiers from Troop C, 1st Squadron, 7th “Garryowen” Cavalry Regiment, who work out of a nearby Coalition outpost, are continuing to reach out in operations to build relationships and trust with the people in the areas they patrol.
In one such effort, Soldiers from Comanche Troop conducted a census to gather an accurate assessment of population size and statistics while at the same time interacting with the local populace, Oct. 6, in the Baghdad Gardens area near Taji.
“We just took over the area about a month ago (from Troop A) and there were a few houses we’ve never visited before because the home owners were not there. So we’re going to get information from those particular homes which we did not get the last time we were there,” said Sgt. 1st Class Michael Fernandez, a platoon sergeant in Troop C, who explained that doing a census serves as an opportunity for the people in the area to become familiarized with Soldiers in his platoon. “Gathering a census also lets us know exactly who’s living in the area and who the local tribal leaders are so we can connect with them on reconciliation issues and other matters.”...
We all know the msm rarely shows the daily success stories happening in either Iraq or Afghanistan. I used to quip: 'If I wasn't there, and if I didn't record it, it didn't happen'. Well, while the msm headlines scream daily about the tragedies and the fights still being fought, our soldiers are quietly continuing to win the hearts and minds of the locals. Good news IS happening. Neighbourhoods are being rebuilt, secured, one heart at a time.
“They can see a big change and understand what we’re doing,” said Fernandez. “But it’s not just about us helping them, it’s all about Iraqis helping Iraqis, especially with recent reconciliation efforts in our area.”
“Before there were (Iraqi security volunteers) initially things were a little rough because the locals wanted to help but wouldn’t give us any information because they were afraid that they would be killed by insurgents,” said [Sgt. 1st Class Michael] Fernandez. “Now they’re happy we’re here and are way too willing to give up the bad guys because there are Iraqi security volunteers working near their neighborhoods.”
"They're happy we are here." Ya think? Go read the rest of this B*N*S*N story here.
I know, I know. Even more good news - this time from Afghanistan! Who'd a thunk it? Every Friday, every DAY, there is GREAT news happening, and I have to choose which ones to share here. It IS a tough job, and usually there is no way I can whittle down what I find into one story. Today, I have to share this one with you too. Over in Afghanistan, our troops are also working far from the msm spotlight, and winning hearts and minds of the locals as they bring security and hope to yet another country with a long history of thugs and despots:
HEALTH-AFGHANISTAN: US Army Medics Win Some Hearts and Minds By Fawzia Sheikh* KANDAHAR, Oct 10 (IPS) - Colourfully-clad Afghan villagers with dirty, barefoot children sit outside a makeshift coalition clinic in a tiny village in Kandahar province, impatiently awaiting their turn to see the medics.
Today, the common ailment medical staff report is children infected with worms, their distended stomachs and diarrhoea are tell-tale signs of a life lacking proper hygiene. Running water is scarce in this impoverished part of the country, which has seen the brunt of fighting in the six-year war.
By the end of the day, Capt. Maureen Sevilla of the South Carolina National Guard and her colleagues have dispensed several boxes of multivitamins to help alleviate the problem, often handing the supplements to children only slightly older than their sick siblings. Sometimes their parents are nowhere to be found.
United States and coalition efforts to win the Afghan people's trust by offering free medical assistance and undertaking reconstruction projects like roads and schools have prompted locals to be more cooperative, revealing roadside bombs and Taliban members, U.S. commanders say. But these attempts have failed to stem some Afghans' views that little progress is being made six years following the country's invasion.
Nonetheless, coalition forces are pleased with their efforts.
Following one medical outreach operation villagers quickly changed their mind about American troops, whom the Taliban had described as "bad", said Maj. Charles Blankman, a U.S. army physician's assistant located at a forward-operating base outside of Kandahar airfield, a small facility of military personnel located beyond the main military base.
"It does a lot of good ... for counterinsurgency operations," Blankman said of the medical services offered to Afghans. "People are very thankful to you". The medical outreach programmes, though limited, convey to civilian Afghans that their government wants to help them, he added.
In all cases, the coalition tries to "put an Afghan face" on the clinics by soliciting the help of Afghan doctors and nurses, he continued. The coalition usually travels with 30 to 40 Afghan police officers who undertake security, searches and hand out humanitarian assistance supplies such as food and even coloring books, while Western troops try to remain in the background, said Blankman....
"When people feel they have security, they're more likely to give up intelligence," Col. Thomas McGrath said in an interview with IPS, echoing a well recognised principle of counterinsurgency.
Again: Ya think?
A note on this story says the writer was recently embedded with the US troops in Afghanistan. Another good news story in my books (except, how come I haven't been offered such an opportunity yet - but I digress..lol)
This story, and all the many others that you won't see in the msm, are sure qualifiers for my B*N*S*N. Read the rest of this one here.
Rare it is that you will find me promoting any msm tv station. But it seems that CBS is broadcasting a show this Friday (October 12) which pays tribute to our heroes.
In this special episode of GHOST WHISPERER, "Haunted Hero," the show pays tribute to the brave men and women serving our country in Iraq. The story begins with a U.S. soldier and Iraqi war veteran who recently returned from combat with a medal in hand only to later be accused of deserting his platoon. The soldier is continuously haunted with nightmares reminding him of his time at war, specifically that night he lost his men, and it's up to Melinda (Jennifer Love Hewitt) to find out the truth. This episode blends fiction with a dose of reality as real-life U.S. Soldier Veterans participated in this historic episode.
That via a friend in Iraq, (lol) but over on Soldiers Angels I found this too:
On Friday, October 12th at 8/7c CBS will air a special episode of Ghost Whisperer called Haunted Hero, which pays tribute to the heroic men and women who have fought and are currently fighting for our country.
Jennifer Love Hewitt plays Melinda Gordon, an antique shop owner who communicates with earthbound spirits, ghosts who cling to the living because they have unfinished business that keeps them from crossing over. In this episode, Melinda must help a soldier who has just returned from Iraq face the ghosts he has brought back with him.
In this episode, real life vets were able to participate in the show including Corporal Mike Siembruzch, E4 Specialist Dustin Senella, Sergeant Tom Kane, and Sergeant Joshua Cannon, which was a true honor to have them on set. In addition, the Ghost Whisperer staff was also able to collect food and supplies for soldiers and vets during this episode. As Ghost Whisperer honors the brave soldiers of our country, we would love to be able to share this episode with you on Friday, October 12th.
This show, executive produced by James Van Praagh, has been a favourite for many since it first aired. I have to think this is a good thing that our heroes and veterans are being shown as real people, with real effects from this war. Take a look (and maybe someone can video tape it for me? lol) and if you think they do a good job maybe drop them a line. If enough people respond, maybe we can effect some change on how the msm does their job? Just a thought!
Brat (with H/T to our own MG and Tiger over at SA)
I read Tim Blairs blog today (thanks OT) and am at a loss. I've done angry, I've done sad and now I just don't know. The Australia I know, the one I grew up in would never treat one of it's own in this way....
They get paid, they aren’t doing it for free, so please forgive me if i don’t get down and kiss their feet, who do you think keeps the country running so they can come back and spend their money?? it’s the average worker.
Mike may have missed the news: Trooper Pearce isn’t coming back. Tiger of Melbourne joins idiot Mike in hailing average workers:
well big deal, i work hard to pay taxes so you people have the resouces to fight, should i pat myself on the back and tell everyone i risk burning myself out at work to equip the Aussies in Afghanstan?
Life’s tough, Tiger. Please don’t keel over on the photocopier on account of anyone facing down the Taliban. Malcolm of Queanbeyan senses a conspiracy:
Hmmmmmm. Four years at war in two countries and not one casualty resulting from enemy action until Johny needs a poll boost weeks before an election. Johnies rabbit from the hat.
JP of Melbourne isn’t buying into any of this “support the troops” deal:
I also am sick to death of every time a soldier dies, it is a national tragedy. They know the risks when they go overseas to recieve a grossly inflated salary to “defend” our country. The mans wife and family will be looked after by the defence force. What about all the other people who die young, leaving their family behind? But because this guy is in the army, he is automatically a hero? Give me a break.
A break? Hey, a few readers here would happily give you a fracture - skull, spine, anywhere you like.
Maybe I'm being a little oversensitive here but the message I am getting from these people is that our Diggers don't do anything special. Just another day at the office. It's just that their office happens to be in the middle of the desert with bombs and bullets (or in their words "Another day of Bombs, Bullets and Bully Beef").
I was just sitting here thinking about ANZAC Day this year. Oh by the way, where were you f#@kwits on April 25th?? Enjoying the public holiday we get to honor our Diggers no doubt, without sparing a thought for all they have and do sacrifice. You do take that day off right?? And where are you when the rest of us are remembering those who gave so much for this country?? In bed or packing up after a weekend away and getting ready to head home.
I was daydreaming, remembering that day and the most awesome sight in the world (well, to us Aussies anyway). This...
Our flag flying like that always makes me pause to think about the sacrifice of so many over the years. This pic was taken on ANZAC Day when some of us had gathered to honor those who serve and those who have lost their lives defending their country. Those of us who believe those sacrifices are still important to remember. Those of us who still believe our country was forged on the blood, sweat and tears of our Diggers.
You don't think their sacrifices are anything special?? Does this look like a typical day at work for you??
Do you face the threat of death every day?? Knowing there are people out there lining you up in their sights, waiting for the shot that will end your life??
Do you have to walk through mud in pouring rain, or stifling humidity being eaten alive by disease carrying insects?? Have you ever faced the realisation that you are one of less than 100 preparing to fight more than 5000??
How often do you crawl through minefields, dodging snipers to complete a simple reconisnace task??
Do you eat meals from rations packs, go days without showering and months without the touch of a loved one??
Do you ever wonder at the end of the day what your workmates say or think about you?? Would THEY say you have done all you can, that you work hard, that you are a good person. Would they remember you like this??
Lieutenant Colonel David Wainwright (Commanding Officer Reconstruction Task Force (RTF-3)
"The soldiers of Reconstruction Task Force Three are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Trooper David Pearce. Our heartfelt condolences go out to David’s family and close friends affected by this tragic incident. He was one of our mates, part of our Regimental family and a true Australian soldier. We feel his loss deeply; this said, the immediate focus and priority of every soldier of the Task Force is to the care and comfort of David’s family. The Task Force asks that the media please respect David’s family’s privacy during this very difficult time.
David was an extremely popular trooper; to his mates he was known as Poppy. David’s dedication and commitment to our mission in southern Afghanistan was typical of his willingness to help others. Words will never go close to express his efforts, his legacy will endure and he will never be forgotten. He has been honoured by a special service here in the Australian Camp in Tarin Kowt. We will not forget his sacrifice.
Our thoughts also go out to our wounded soldier’s family and we are pleased to report that he is recovering well in the excellent medical facilities here on base.
This cowardly attack by terrorists will not slow our efforts to our important mission of helping the people of Afghanistan rebuild their country. We will honour David’s sacrifice through our continued commitment to creating a better life for the Afghan people. Our soldiers remain determined to complete this important mission. They are steadfast. Their work here is making a very important difference. Our team’s strength could not be stronger."
"Trooper David Ronald Pearce, but known as Poppy to his close mates. You could not find any other individual who adequately sums up the legacy of the Australian soldier. A brave, motivated, hardworking and loyal soldier. A true character that could bring a smile to the men during the hardest of times. He will be dearly missed by all who have had the privilege and pleasure of working with him. From the men of the 2/14th Light Horse Regiment, his sacrifice will never be forgotten, his commitment to the job will be carried on, and above all, his love for his family will always be remembered.
This tragic incident will not blur our focus; will not prevent us from helping others nor looking after our mates. Poppy’s drive to do what is good and what is right will ensure the men of the 2/14th Light Horse Regiment will succeed in completing our mission.
My thoughts are with the family and friends of Pops throughout this difficult time. I am proud to have served with such a man."
Major Michael Freeman (Officer Commanding B Squadron 2/14 Light Horse Regiment)
"Trooper David Pearce was a well liked and respected member of the Squadron who, at all times, displayed a positive ‘can-do’ attitude that set the example for seniors and peers alike. Trooper Pearce’s life experience and maturity leant a steadying influence to the entire Squadron and he was a privilege to command. Trooper Pearce certainly stood out amongst the Troopers of B Squadron, although junior in rank he was nearly twice the age of many of his peers – a fact that lead to the affectionate title of ‘Pops’ being bestowed on him very early in the year. However, Trooper Pearce certainly kept the younger members honest and would often out perform them in our regular physical fitness tests and arduous field training exercises.
Trooper Pearce was an asset to B Squadron and greatly enhanced any team that was privileged enough to have him present. He worked tirelessly to ensure his armoured vehicle was ready to fight and, importantly, was fully stocked with the essentials of battle – coffee and a fine selection of food. Amongst his peers David was one of the boys and developed close and binding ties with all. To his seniors, Trooper Pearce was a dependable, honest and hardworking soldier who was well respected for his commitment to the Squadron and Regiment.
I was present in the Command Post throughout the morning of David’s death and can assure you that in the events leading up to the incident the Cavalry Troop were executing their task of securing a route with vigour and professionalism. The Troop’s actions immediately after David’s vehicle struck the explosive device were in accordance with their training and proved decisive in preventing further Taliban action. David’s Crew Commander’s first thoughts and actions were towards ensuring the well being of his crew despite being injured himself.
The enduring image of Trooper Pearce is of a soldier dedicated to pursuing excellence in every field; a compassionate and mature man with a great sense of humour and a good grounding in life. These qualities I observed in David make me certain that he was also a good husband and great father and the thoughts and prayers of all Squadron members go out to his wife, daughters and family."
Sergeant Justin Smith (Troop Sergeant, Cavalry Troop, RTF-3)
"Poppy’s sacrifice will forever be remembered. I personally, as his Troop Sergeant and commander of the patrol that was hit, will never forget that moment when I heard the words “one friendly KIA” and my heart sank as I saw Poppy lying there at the back of his car at peace.
He must never be forgotten, like all Australian soldiers before him who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to better other people’s lives. Poppy you brought wisdom to our Troop.
Your commitment to your buddies and your humour will be sadly missed. I will miss your cheese spread sandwiches and our many conversations we had not as soldiers but as proud fathers of young girls.
I cannot speak any words to ease the pain for your family and friends mate, but be sure to know that we as a Troop will forever honour you and your family as part of our family."
And finally, is this how you will return to your family after a days work??
Trooper David Pearce is farewelled by his comrades from the Reconstruction Task Force (RTF) during a 'Ramp Ceremony' at their base at Tarin Kowt, Southern Afghanistan. A bearer party consisting of his comrades from the 2/14th Light Horse Regiment bore the body of Trooper Pearce onto to the aircraft.
No, I didn't think so. Nobody is asking these idiots to conform to popular opinion, this is merely about respecting the sacrifices these brave men and women, their families and loved ones make on a daily basis.
Trooper Pearce was born in Liverpool, New South Wales, and enlisted in the Australian Army Reserve in 2002.Following a period of Reserve service he transferred to the Australian Regular Army in July 2006.
Trooper Pearce had previous operational experience having deployed to the Solomon Islands with the 9th Battalion of the Royal Queensland Regiment in 2005-2006.
Trooper Pearce is survived by his wife and two daughters.
Trooper Pearce, rest easy knowing your sacrifice will not be forgotten. You are part of this countries proud ANZAC tradition. My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Trooper David Pearce.
Her name is Holly Holeman. Her job is working at a flower shop. And her mission to make sure soldiers are never forgotten. Which is why she's out at Arlington National Cemetery every week putting flowers around the headstones. She usually does this alone, but on a bitter cold day in February of 2007 she was met with family members of fallen soldiers buried in Section 60 of the cemetery who helped her to place the roses.
To read the rest of Holly's story, 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. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your blog, you can go here.
For years now other Coalition Countries have told me how fortunate Australia was not to have lost any Diggers in battle in Iraq and Afghanistan. I guess no one really ever understood that deep down, the one thing that those of us with loved ones over there fighting, or preparing to deploy, dreaded more than anything was them being the first. Now it has happened, our country has lost it's first Digger in combat.
Taliban bomb kills Digger
Dennis Shanahan and Patrick Walters | October 09, 2007
AN Australian soldier was killed yesterday and another wounded after a roadside bomb attack in Afghanistan.
It was the first Australian combat death in Afghanistan since Special Air Service sergeant Andrew Russell was killed when his vehicle hit a landmine in February 2002.
The dead man and his wounded comrade were evacuated to the main Australian base at Tarin Kowt, in southern Oruzgan province.
The soldiers are believed to have been serving with the 380-strong reconstruction taskforce and were on patrol near Tarin Kowt when the attack occurred early yesterday.
Australian Defence Force spokesman Andrew Nikolic confirmed it was an improvised explosive device attack.
In a statement last night, the ADF said the men's families had been informed and the ADF was providing them with assistance.
"This is a tragic day for the Australian Defence Force and our thoughts are with the families and friends of the two soldiers involved," it said.
The wounded soldier was treated at the scene before beingevacuated by a NATO helicopter, possibly from The Netherlands.
"He is undergoing further treatment. His wounds are serious but are not considered life-threatening," it said.
Personal details, including the names of the soldiers, were yet to be released.
Troops from the Townsville-based 1st Combat Engineers, the Melbourne-based Prince of Wales Light Horse Regiment and the Queensland Mounted Rifles from Brisbane make up the security detachment.
The IED attack on the Australians follows a string of bombing strikes by Taliban fighters against the Diggers in Oruzgan. Two weeks ago, three members of the special forces task group were wounded by a roadside bomb while on patrol in a Bushmaster armoured vehicle. The soldiers were evacuated to a nearby hospital run by the ISAF after first aid was given by their colleagues.
Soon after that incident, during a "route clearance task", another roadside bomb killed an army bomb detection dog, Razz, and wounded his handler.
Late last month, Diggers were involved in a major firefight when a Taliban force, estimated to be 50-strong, attacked an Australian patrol, 8km north of their base at Tarin Kowt.
A four-hour battle ensued after the Taliban opened up with automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades. Australian soldiers returned fire with their Steyr rifles, Minimi light machineguns, 40mm grenade launchers and M-72 rockets together with air support from a Dutch Apache attack helicopter.
No Australians were hurt but one young soldier, Private Philip Hodgskiss, was saved by his body armour after being hit twice in the back by AK-47 rounds.
Russell was killed in February 2002 when his vehicle hit an anti-tank mine.
Australia has nearly 1000 troops in Afghanistan, including a 300-strong special operations task group and the 385-member reconstruction task force. Attacks elsewhere claimed another 12 lives while a suicide blast near a NATO convoy wounded two civilians in Lashkar Gah, in southern Helmand province.
The Taliban vowed to step up their use of suicide attacks during the month of Ramadan, which ends this week.
Coming up to an election this is bound to become a media circus. Labor was just handed a tool to manipulate the voters through the media, and they will. But those of us with a heart will mourn the passing of this Digger as we should......As the passing of one of Australias Bravest Sons.
I just caught this on a special news flash on the TV
Digger feared dead in Afghanistan
By Ian McPhedran and wires | October 08, 2007
AN Australian soldier may have been killed in action after a roadside bomb hit an Australian vehicle in Afghanistan.
The bomb exploded on the side of a road as armoured vehicles of Australian security contingent guarding the Reconstruction Task Force based at Tarin Kowt in Oruzgan Province passed by.
ABC radio has reported a number of Australian soldiers have been injured in the blast.
The soldier would be the first Australian to die from direct enemy action in the military commitment in either Afghanistan or Iraq.
Troops from the Townsville based 1st Combat Engineers, the Melbourne based Prince of Wales Light Horse Regiment and the Queensland Mounted Rifles from Brisbane make up the security detachment.
Defence was unable to provide any further details and a spokesman said he was waiting for more information from the task group.
A spokesman for Defence Minister Brendan Nelson was unable to immediately provide any further details of the incident.
An information blackout is normally invoked when casualties occur so the families can be notified.
SAS Sergeant Andrew Russell was killed in 2002 when his Long Range Patrol Vehicle drove over a land mine in western Afghanistan.
Two special forces troops were wounded when their vehicle was hit by a similar device last month.
An army sniffer dog called Razz was killed after he detected an improvised explosive device (IED) beside a road earlier in the month.
Those incidents followed an earlier blast as diggers drove past in a Bushmaster armoured transport vehicle. None was injured.
The government has stepped up warnings about possible casualties in recent weeks after a spate of bomb attacks by resurgent Taliban forces.
Last month, three Australian soldiers were injured during an intense firefight with Taliban forces.
Australia's deployment to Afghanistan is expected to peak at more than 1000 troops by the middle of next year.
- with AAP
Naturally many of us are awaiting news. Please pray for our Diggers in Afghanistan.
Today - this second Monday in October - is Thanksgiving Day in Canada. I have been discussing with some of my American friends why we celebrate earlier than you. One particular wit even asked me if we also celebrate Christmas earlier than Americans! No! We celebrate that the same day as Christians around the world.
But, I, of course, had to go find out why the difference for this day. I found a lot that makes absolute sense.
Thanksgiving Day Celebration in Canada
People of Canada celebrate Thanksgiving on the second Monday in the month of October every year. It is celebrated to thank the Lord Almighty for a bountiful harvest. America however celebrates thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November every year. The reason behind the difference is geographical; autumn season starts earlier in Canada than in America.
History of First Canadian Thanksgiving The first Canadian thanksgiving was celebrated on 15th April 1872 to thank the recovery of King Edward VII from serious illness. The next thanksgiving was celebrated after a few years in 1879 on a Thursday.
Canada later, had a turbulent time deciding the day of national Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving was celebrated on a Thursday in November between 1879 and 1898. It was later celebrated on a Thursday in October between 1899 and 1904. Thereafter, it was celebrated on a Monday in the month of October. This was between the period of 1908-1921.
In later years, thanksgiving came to be celebrated on 'Armistice Day'. This was however, amended in 1931.
Finally on January 31, 1957, Parliament announced the second Monday in the month of October as the official 'Thanksgiving Day'. It was declared as "a day of general Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed."
Canadian Thanksgiving Celebration The thanksgiving celebrations include parades, customary 'family feast' and 'turkey'. It is a time for sharing, loving and family reunions. The central idea behind the celebration is to be thankful for the past harvest and praying for the coming year.(source)
There is also a very neat kids' site with the history of Canada's Thanksgiving Day, here.
As most regular readers here know, I am not a native Canadian, although I am now a Canadian citizen. My childhood saw us all gathering at the our local Church of England in a celebration of thanks for a successful harvest. Vivid memories of going to church on the Sunday designated "Harvest Festival", and finding the altar piled high with all sorts of produce, harvest. I always took that for granted, (but, no, I don't remember that we had turkey! lol) and only when I had a Canadian child did I embrace the Canadian Thanksgiving Day rituals. I continue to this day gathering the harvest for a big family dinner of turkey and all the trimmings. Gathering in our Canadian kitchen and going through the rituals of cooking the meal together, laughing and sharing with those I hold most dear in my Canadian family.
This year, as for the last few, this day holds special poignancy for me. Yes, I absolutely give thanks for all the blessings I have, but my thoughts always stray to Afghanistan where members of our Canadian 'family' are right now. I think about the Canadians who have given their lives so that I and my family might be together, safely celebrating this day. As I hug my now grown child, I give a silent thanks to those families who this year will have an empty chair at their family table.
"Thank you" are two of the most over-used words in the English language, but words that I never get tired of saying. Today especially, and as always, I give thanks to every single one of our Canadian heroes who are far from hearth and home. I give thanks to the families whose loved ones left for Afghanistan to serve their country in the cause for freedom. To all the families, whose precious loved ones will never return home, for this Thanksgiving or any other: I wish I could show each of you the depth of my heart as I "give thanks" to you, today and every day.
Cruising the various official military sites as I do from time to time, I found a subsection on the US DoD site called "Heroes. " Here at Tanker Bros, we know every single one of our troops IS a hero, so I decided (and Master Gunner agrees...lol) it would be a grand idea, long overdue - on a weekly basis -to share the DoD designated "Hero" here on Tanker Bros. From today on, every Sunday I will be sharing a DoD highlighted hero.
This week, meet Staff Sgt. Chad Malmberg:
Minnesota Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Chad Malmberg
St. Paul, MN Silver Star recipient
Outnumbered by almost two to one, an ambush closing in like a vice, more than a thousand rounds raining down for 50 minutes – the chances of success, much less survival, might seem impossible. But for Staff Sgt. Chad Malmberg of the Minnesota Army National Guard’s 34th Infantry Division, the day he and his men faced those odds was also the day they managed to repel a large coordinated attack – without suffering a single casualty. “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight,” he later said in an interview, “but it’s the size of the fight in the dog. That day, we had a lot of fight in us.” For his gallantry in battle, Malmberg became the first Minnesota Guardsman in his division – known as the “Red Bulls” – to receive the Silver Star since World War II.
On January 27, 2007, Malmberg’s convoy, which included more than 20 gun trucks and logistical vehicles, was traveling from Baghdad International Airport late at night when an IED exploded. The convoy stopped to assess the situation; it soon became clear, however, that the IED was only the beginning of the attack – the largest ambush during Malmberg’s 16-month deployment. Hostile forces melted out of the night and fired rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms. In the darkness, it was difficult to pinpoint the exact location of the fire. Malmberg knew he had to get closer, so he moved forward and engaged several enemy positions. He then exited his vehicle and attempted to direct the other trucks out of the kill zone. The concentration of enemy fire made this maneuver too difficult – which meant that Malmberg and the rest of the team would have to stand their ground and fight to the end.
Malmberg saw fire from behind and moved to support the rear elements. He dealt the attackers a blow with an AT-4 anti-tank shot – before calling in air support.
Staff Sgt. Malmberg receives the Silver Star from Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty.
The enemy fire continued relentlessly, and in such close quarters, the aircraft did not have a clear shot. For the next half hour, Malmberg’s team of 15 soldiers continued to fight an enemy force that outnumbered them. The hostile forces eventually drew to within 20 meters. Malmberg, recognizing that the convoy could be overrun, again entered the kill zone and threw a hand grenade into a nearby ditch, killing several insurgents. That action neutralized the offensive, and prevented the convoy from being taken over.
Despite the long odds and the fierce fighting, Malmberg’s leadership as a Convoy Escort Team commander prevented his 35-member team of soldiers and civilians from taking casualties. The St. Paul native is currently enrolled at Minnesota State University as a full-time student, and plans to pursue a career in law enforcement after graduation.....
On the DoD site, they also list links to local media reports about Staff Sgt. Chad Malmberg. If you look over on the right of the site, you can find an MP3 link to an interview he did. Go see and hear more on this hero here.
Macedonian President Trajkovski ...on the White House website on March 26, 2003 :
"As a peace-loving member of the community of democratic nations, Macedonia did not want this war, but the regime of Hussein, despite the commitment of the international community did not leave any option but to be disarmed by force... I would like to take this opportunity to express the support of Macedonia, to the troops of the United States, the United Kingdom and other coalition forces who have put themselves in harm in order to accomplish the crucial task of disarming the regime of Saddam Hussein and bringing democracy to the long-oppressed people of Iraq." 03/26/03 WHITE HOUSE...
The Republic of Macedonia, slightly larger than Vermont, is in Europe, just north of Greece. A landlocked country, Macedonia has as its neighbours Albania, Bulgaria, Greece and Serbia. Originally part of Yugoslavia, Macedonia has had a checkered history.
Macedonia gained its independence peacefully from Yugoslavia in 1991, but Greece's objection to the new state's use of what it considered a Hellenic name and symbols delayed international recognition, which occurred under the provisional designation of "the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia." In 1995, Greece lifted a 20-month trade embargo and the two countries agreed to normalize relations. The United States began referring to Macedonia by its constitutional name, Republic of Macedonia, in 2004 and negotiations continue between Greece and Macedonia to resolve the name issue....(source: CIA World Fact Book, which updated Macedonia's page just 4th October 2007. Can't get much more current than that!)
And another interesting article, talking about Greece's objections, here. With a life expectancy of <>74 years - yes, the women live longer than the men! - this population of just over two million comprises the following ethnic groups: Macedonian 64.2%, Albanian 25.2%, Turkish 3.9%, Roma (Gypsy) 2.7%, Serb 1.8%, other 2.2% (2002 census).
The breakdown of religion in this country is interesting: Macedonian Orthodox 64.7%, Muslim 33.3%, other Christian 0.37%, other and unspecified 1.63%. Yes - 33% muslim!
As with every country, Macedonia's ethnic and religious population reflects the country's history:
Pre 20th Century History
Historical Macedonia (whence Alexander the Great set out to conquer the ancient world in the 4th century BC) is today contained within the boundaries of three countries: Macedonia, Greece and Bulgaria. The Romans subjugated ancient Macedonia in the mid-2nd century BC, and when the empire was divided in the 4th century AD, this region became part of the Eastern Roman Empire ruled from Constantinople. Slav tribes settled here in the 7th century, changing the ethnic character of the area.
In the 9th century, the region was conquered by the Bulgarian tsar Simeon, and later, under Tsar Samuel, Macedonia became a powerful state. Samuel's defeat by Byzantium in 1014 ushered in a long period in which Macedonia passed back and forth between Byzantium, Bulgaria and Serbia. After the crushing defeat of Serbia by the Turks in 1389, the Balkans became part of the Ottoman Empire, and the cultural character of the region again changed.
Modern History
In 1878, Russia defeated Turkey, and Macedonia was ceded to Bulgaria by the Treaty of San Stefano. The Western powers, fearing the creation of a powerful Russian satellite in the heart of the Balkans, forced Bulgaria to give Macedonia back to Turkey. In 1893, Macedonian nationalists formed the Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organisation (IMRO) to fight for independence from Turkey, culminating in the Ilinden uprising of May 1903, which was brutally suppressed three months later. Although nationalist leader Goce Delcev died before the revolt, he became the symbol of Macedonian nationalism.
The First Balkan War in 1912 brought Greece, Serbia and Bulgaria together against Turkey. In the Second Balkan War in 1913, Greece and Serbia ousted the Bulgarians and split Macedonia between themselves. Frustrated by this result, IMRO continued the struggle against royalist Serbia; the interwar government in Belgrade responded by banning the Macedonian language and even the name Macedonia....[there is more in a really interesting article here]
According to that source, it was only in 1992 that Macedonia formally declared it's independance from Yugoslavia, when 74% voted in favour. It is now a parliamentary democracy.
For a really interesting look at Macedonia, go here to the official Macedonia website:
...Macedonians make up 66% of Macedonia's population of 2 million, Albanians 23%, and Turks, Vlach, and Serbs, the rest (1994 census).
Skopje is the capital of Macedonia with over 600,000 inhabitants.
Macedonian is the official language of the country and it is also spoken by the Macedonian minorities in Greece, Bulgaria, and Albania, and by the Macedonian Diaspora around the world.....
A country rich in natural resources ( low-grade iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, chromite, manganese, nickel, tungsten, gold, silver, asbestos, gypsum, timber, arable land - here), Macedonia's labour force is predominantly service oriented.(45%, agriculture: 21.7%
industry: 32.6%). According to World Fact Book, Macedonia in 2006 had an unemployment rate of 36% with 30% living below the poverty line. While those figures may be staggering to us, it occurs to me that this may be all relative. In the section on economic matters, it states:
...GDP subsequently rose each year through 2000. However, the leadership's commitment to economic reform, free trade, and regional integration was undermined by the ethnic Albanian insurgency of 2001. The economy shrank 4.5% because of decreased trade, intermittent border closures, increased deficit spending on security needs, and investor uncertainty. Growth barely recovered in 2002 to 0.9%, then averaged 4% per year during 2003-06. Macedonia has maintained macroeconomic stability with low inflation, but it has lagged the region in attracting foreign investment, and job growth has been anemic. Macedonia has an extensive gray market, estimated to be more than 20 percent of GDP, that falls outside official statistics. (here)
So, as with all statistics, all may not be as it appears. That Macedonia does not have the same standard of living as we do is obvious, but....
Grapes, wine, tobacco, vegetables; milk, eggs are the main agricultural products in Macedonia, and the main industries are: food processing, beverages, textiles, chemicals, iron, steel, cement, energy, pharmaceuticals. Macedonia's main exports? Food, beverages, tobacco; textiles, miscellaneous manufactures, iron and steel, and because I am sure your next question is: Who are the main export partners! (lol): Serbia and Montenegro 23.2%, Germany 15.6%, Greece 15.1%, Italy 9.9%, Bulgaria 5.4%, Croatia 5.2% (2006).....so, then, what are Macedonia's main imports? machinery and equipment, automobiles, chemicals, fuels, food products - and their main import partners are: Russia 15.1%, Germany 9.8%, Greece 8.5%, Serbia and Montenegro 7.5%, Bulgaria 6.7%, Italy 6% (2006).(all that from here)
Given their long and checkered history, yes! Macedonia has it's own military: Army of the Republic of Macedonia (ARM): Joint Operational Command, with subordinate Air Wing (Makedonsko Voeno Vozduhoplovstvo, MVV), Special Operations Regiment (2007). Here military service is voluntary at 18 years old. Military expenditures account for 6% of the country's GDP.
Commander of the U.S. Naval Forces in Europe, Admiral Henry G Ulrich III, left, presents U.S. Army Commendation Medals to Captain Koco Hristovski, right and Captain Esef Cesko, center, both from Macedonian Special Forces Regiment, which is a part of the Multinational Corps Iraq, during an award ceremony in Macedonia's Ministry of Defense in Skopje, Tuesday, March 28, 2006. Captains Cesko and Hristovski are recognized for their meritorious service in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Photo credit: Boris Grdanoski, AP
Macedonian soldiers bound for Iraq take part in a parade in Skopje, in May 2004. Photo credit: Robert Atanasovski, AFP (both pictures courtesy of here)
Since June 2003 Macedonia has provided a total of 259 troops to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Alternating between Ranger and Special Forces the current contingent comes from the Special Forces and consists of three teams. The Macedonian forces have conducted a variety of missions in support of the United States Army unit in which they are embedded. These include, conducting raids, conducting reconnaissance missions, establishing and manning check points, conducting counter-mortar and counter-rocket patrols and training and advising Iraqi Army units.
They rotate their forces every December and June.(MNF here)
An interesting story on another part of the MNF site, about Macedonian SF training Iraqi forces:
Oct. 5, 2006
Iraqis graduate from Macedonian SF boot camp Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
By Spc. C. Terrell Turner 1st BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Iraqi army soldiers from 1st Platoon, 5th Special Troops Company, 3rd Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division, graduated from the Macedonian-led basic combat training course Sunday at Camp Taji.
The course was designed by the Macedonian Special Forces Regiment, which is attached to 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, to supplement the training the soldiers received in basic training and to allow them to better execute their daily missions alongside the Macedonian soldiers.
“For more than 16 days, we assisted the Macedonians in providing the Iraqi soldiers with additional combat training, to include marksmanship training, two ranges, a shoot house, structure clearing procedures and first aid,” said Sgt. 1st Class Russell Coughenour, noncommissioned officer-in-charge, 3rd Bde, 9th IAD Military Transition Team. “We also focused on basic discipline and noncommissioned officer development during the training.”
Six MTT members and 28 Macedonian soldiers trained the platoon of 52 Iraqi soldiers from start to finish. The platoon will return to its area of operations to conduct military operations.
“It was fabulous,” said Coughenour. “They were a refined crew by the time they were done. They’re just a super bunch of guys.”
The training came to fruition after the Macedonian SF Regt. conducted an assessment of the Iraqi forces during some initial missions.
“Our job is to assist and advise the Iraqis,” said Capt. Zoran Ivanov, contingent commander, Macedonian SF Regt. “The training will allow them to be more confident and proficient in their training.” ...(go read the rest of this great story here)
The numbers of how many Macedonian troops are in the coalition seems to vary according to the source, but that they ARE contributing in tangible ways is beyond dispute. From Global Securityhere:
During a news briefing with President Boris Trajkovski, Wolfowitz also thanked Macedonia for supporting the coalition to disarm Iraq, especially Trajkovski's personal support on the issue. "His understanding of what has been accomplished in Iraq is nothing less that the liberation of millions of people from one of the world's worst dictatorships," he said....
Wolfowitz lauded Macedonia for being one of the countries "to stand up early" in support of Iraqi freedom and said its stand "is something that Iraqi people will probably remember for a long time to come. ... I think Macedonians should find themselves very welcome and should be... appreciated."
Every Friday in Douglas County, Nevada, a group of people stage what has become known as Red Shirt Friday Walk. This walk is a family and friends' way of honouring one of their own who gave his all in Afghanistan.
At 5:30 p.m. on most Fridays, the parking lot at Carl's Jr. on South Carson Street serves as a staging area for a dozen or so red-shirted, flag-waving adults and children whose message is simple: Support the troops.
Most of the walkers are family members of Chief Warrant Officer 2 Joshua Robert Rodgers killed May 30 when the Chinook helicopter he was piloting was shot down in Afghanistan.
About a month ago, Rodgers' mother, uncle and aunt, cousins and family friends organized the weekly "red-shirt walk" in honor of the fallen soldier and to show support for American troops.
Rodgers' mother and stepfather, Debbie and Ben Walker, make the short drive to Carson City every week from their home in Sunridge.
"When you lose someone like we lost Josh, you're never going to be the same," Debbie Walker said. "This is how we are dealing with this new part of our life.".....
Amy Beck/RGJ (source) Autumn Rodgers holds the flag that was presented to her at her fathers internment Sunday at Eastside Memorial Park in Minden. Joshua Rodgers was killed on May 30th after his helicopter crashed in Afghanistan.
The numbers have grown since this Friday walk began. Originally begun with maybe five people, this last week's walk saw 45 people walking to honour CWO Joshua Rodgers. These days, even workers in nearby buildings hang out of windows and shout their support for the flag waving, red-shirted patriotic Americans who join weekly to pay homage to one of America's fine heroes.
...Debbie Walker said her son was deeply affected by the terrorist attacks....
"He always had a strong sense of duty," she said. "He delayed entry into the military in the 11th grade. He loved the infantry, ... after 9/11, he just really felt that sense of duty. We never tried to influence him, it was just what was in his heart," she said.
This is a good news story in my books. It is Americans, standing together, telling the world that we support our troops and their families. Honouring one of our own, and telling the naysayers that every single one of our precious our troops matter, now and always. Another family living with grace, dignity and courage every single day. We will always honour them, as they display all that is the best of America. You can read the rest about this awesome family, and their weekly walk, here.
Valour-IT is a great program. It brings computers to our wounded warriors.
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"With the Dutch people we share blood and we share remembrance .... As a family we stood together against tyranny. As a family we knew and felt each other's sacrifices. As a family we have savored together all the lasting joys of liberation." 
![[ full story ]](http://www.mongoliatoday.com/common/images/button.gif){kind=small}
Over the last 800 years Mongolian has been written with a variety of different scripts, but the first of those and the most enduring is the one which the Mongols borrowed from the Uighurs. The Uighurs themselves had acquired this script as a result of their contacts with the Sogdian's, an Old Iranian people who had in turn borrowed their script from Syriac. Those who are already familiar with Syriac will easily see the similarities. However, where Syriac and Sogdian were written horizontally right to left, Uighur and Mongolian are written vertically left to right. According to Mongol tradition, this script was instituted at the order of Chinggis Qaghan in 1204. Many attempts were made to supplant it, with various scripts, mainly under the influence of Tibetan Buddhism and several scripts were adopted as variations of Tibetan and Sanskrit....[
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