USMC: Master Gunner
KIA March 25, 2003
US Army: Master Gunner
KIA May 27, 2003
US Army: Master Gunner
KIA August 9, 2006
Carhartt, Inc. is Sending 750 Pairs of Heavy Weight Thermal Underwear and 5,000 Pairs of Wool Hiking Socks to the Sky Soldiers!!! |
Labels: Carhartt, Sky Soldiers
Labels: Wednesday Hero
| |||||
| Cheers for heroes at homecoming parade
About 3,000 in all turned out to welcome back troops, who recently returned from operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The parade is one of several to be held since the head of the Army, Gen Sir Richard Dannatt, and former senior officers criticised local councils for not doing enough to welcome forces coming home from active duty. More than 300 service personnel from The Rifles, the King's Royal Hussars, the 1st Battalion Irish Guards, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, the frigate HMS Richmond, RAF Odiham and the 4 General Support (Medical) Regiment marched through the Hampshire city......(here) |
Labels: British welcome home parades
| This article was written by a Marine currently deployed in Iraq in response to a Reuters news report that a group of Marines should be put on trial for "double-tapping" an insurgent rather than taking him prisoner. ... I thought you might find this account interesting from someone who is THERE...and use it as a comparison to the 2 minute blurb w/editorial commentary on FOX news or CNN. I have had the opportunity via Soldier's Angels to come into contact with many, many soldiers, airmen, sailors and marines and it just makes me sad when I compare the truths they are telling .vs. the major news sources...so much is left out. This just illustrates to me how we have to be responsible for going out and finding answers ourselves, and not rely on a single news report or source... |
| Welcome to the real world of the combat infantryman - especially the Marine rifleman and his Navy Corpsman. Semper Fi! This makes it very clear... JUDGED BY 12 OR CARRIED BY 6 .............. Regarding the news blurb about the Marine who put two rounds ('double tap') in a wounded insurgent's head in Fallujah, here's a response from a Marine: 'It's a safety issue, pure and simple. After assaulting through a target, we put a security round in everybody's head. Sorry al-Reuters, there's no paddy wagon rolling around Fallujah picking up 'prisoners' and offering them a hot cup o' Joe, falafel, and a blanket. There's no time to dick around on the target. You clear the space, dump the chumps, and move on. Are Corpsmen expected to treat wounded terrorists? Negative. Hey Libs, worried about the defense budget? Well, it would be waste, fraud, and abuse for a Corpsman to expend one man-minute or a battle dressing on a terrorist. It's much cheaper to just spend the $.02 on a 5.56mm FMJ. By the way, in our view, terrorists who chop off civilian's heads are not prisoners, they are carcasses. Chopping off a civilian's head is another reason why these idiots are known as 'unlawful combatants.' It seems that most of the world's journalists have forgotten that fact. Let me be very clear about this issue. I have looked around the web, and many people get this concept, but there are some stragglers. Here is your typical Marine sitrep (situation report): You just took fire from unlawful combatants (no uniform -breaking every Geneva Convention rule there is) shooting from a religious building,attempting to use the sanctuary status of their position as protection. But you're in Fallujah now, and the Marine Corps has decided that they're not playing that game this time. That was Najaf. So you set the mosque on fire and you hose down the terrorists with small arms, launch some AT-4s ( Rockets ), some 40MM grenades into the building and things quiet down. So you run over there, and find some tangos (bad guys) wounded and pretending to be dead. You are aware that suicide martyrdom is like really popular with these idiots, and they think taking some Marines with them would be really cool. So you can risk your life and your fire team's lives by having them cover you while you bend down and search a guy that you think is pretending to be dead for some reason. Most of the time these are the guys with the grenade or a vest made of explosives. Also, you don't know who or what is in the next room. You're already speaking English to the rest of your fire team or squad, which lets the terrorist know you are there and you are his enemy. You are speaking loud because your hearing is poor from shooting people for several days. So you know that there are many other rooms to enter, and that if anyone is still alive in those rooms, they know that Americans are in the mosque. Meanwhile (3 seconds later), you still have this terrorist (that was just shooting at you from a mosque) playing possum. What do you do? You double tap his head, and you go to the next room, that's what! What about the Geneva Convention and all that 'Law of Land Warfare' stuff? What about it? Without even addressing the issues at hand, your first thought should be, 'I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6.' Bear in mind that this tactic of double tapping a fallen terrorist is a perpetual mindset that is reinforced by experience on a minute by minute basis. Secondly, you are fighting an unlawful combatant in a Sanctuary, which is a double No-No on his part. Third, tactically you are in no position to take 'prisoners' because there are more rooms to search and clear, and the behavior of said terrorist indicates that he is up to no good. No good in Fallujah is a very large place and the low e nd of no good and the high end of no good are fundamentally the same ... Marines end up getting hurt or die. So there is no compelling reason for you to do anything but double tap this idiot and get on with the mission. If you are a veteran, then everything I have just written is self evident. If you are not a veteran, at least try to put yourself in the situation. Remember, in Fallujah there is no yesterday, there is no tomorrow, there is only now, Right NOW. Have you ever lived in NOW for a week? It is really, really not easy. If you have never lived in NOW for longer than it takes to finish the big roller coaster at Six Flags, then shut your mouth about putting Marines in jail for 'War Crimes.' Semper fi. From A Marine |
Labels: Day in the Life of a Marine
| Man admits plot to behead soldier
Parviz Khan, 37, an unemployed charity worker from Birmingham, intended to seize and behead the serviceman "like a pig", Leicester Crown Court was told. Three other men, Basiru Gassama, 30, Mohammed Irfan, 31, and Hamid Elasmar, 44, have admitted other offences connected with Khan's plot. The court heard Amjad Mahmood, 32, and Zahoor Iqbal, 30, denied involvement. The jury was told how Khan, of Alum Rock, intended to use drug dealers to kidnap the soldier while on a night out, behead him in a lock-up garage and then release footage of the killing to the public. Nigel Rumfitt QC, prosecuting Mr Mahmood and Mr Iqbal, who both deny two offences relating to the plot, told the court that Khan had planned to seize the serviceman in Birmingham's Broad Street entertainment district. "He would be taken to a lock-up garage and there he would be murdered by having his head cut off like a pig," he said. "This atrocity would be filmed... and the film released to cause panic and fear within the British armed forces and the wider public."... |
Support for our mission increasingJanuary 27th, 2008 It seems that the release of the Manley report has increased support for our mission amongst Canadians. This is an important shift in the debate, and confirms what we have always said - that the more Canadians learn about the mission, the more they support it.The next shift in the debate will have to be with regards to the false distinction between “combat” and “training/peacekeeping”. Mr Manley has been at pains to point out that the two are inextricably linked. As Canadians come to understand this, I think their support for the change the Manley Panel is recommending will be overwhelming.–Mark Graham.. |
The more you know….January 24th, 2008 Something that I have found to hold (almost) always true is that the more people know about the mission in Afghanistan the more they support it. Take for example the soldiers who have seen the mission up close. Many have volunteered to go back to Afghanistan, feeling the need and willing to put their lives behind that support. Not all have been lucky enough to make it home, including another casualty this morning - yet unnamed- who gave their life to see our mission through. Their families and friends have also made a huge sacrifice to the mission by losing a loved one. It’s remarkable that no one seems to note that despite the general public opinion waffling on the mission, those Canadians most affected by the mission - who have lost brothers, husbands, daughters and friends to it–, almost uniformly stand by the mission. Unlike with the Americans’ war in Iraq, there aren’t legions of deserters or movement of mothers camping out on the Hill telling the PM their son died in an unjust war. If those who have taken the time to really understand what we’re doing over there can give so very much, how can the rest of Canada give so little? |
Labels: Let's be frank ssdd
|
Labels: On this day 1945
It's a chess match, back and forth' Bronze Star with "V" He was only a couple of feet from a roadside bomb. Petty Officer 2nd Class Devon P. Bryan had arrived on the scene to take care of a roadside bomb in Baghdad when a soldier told him he had found what looked like another bomb. Bryan said he asked the soldier to walk him over to the secondary bomb, but by the time the soldier finally pointed it out, the two were right on top of it. “Your butt puckers, and you take off running,” said Bryan, 26, of Greenville, Mich. The bomb was eventually taken care of, and Bryan earned the Bronze Star with “V” device along with the rest of his outfit, EOD Mobile Unit 2, Detachment 2, for their work from January to July 2005. EOD is not a job for people who have a problem handling stressful situations, Bryan said. In one incident, Bryan had to hand-carry unexploded mortar shells about a quarter-mile from outside the wire back to base, he said. On the way back, he and other troops got shot at, he said. Once they got back to base, insurgents started lobbing mortars at them right as Bryan was ready to detonate the unexploded shells, he said. Before he could take cover, another servicemember jumped into a nearby Humvee and locked the door, leaving Bryan stuck outside, he said. You have to have a sense of calm to work with things that go bang, Bryan said. When he’s working, Bryan concentrates on other people’s safety. “My personal safety is one of the last things I think about,” he said. Bryan said he has been in the EOD community for more than three years and he intends to re-enlist. He said he got into EOD because he liked the other sailors in the community and he found the job intriguing. “This is more of a direct way of helping,” he said. Bryan said he takes satisfaction in knowing that he is saving lives by taking roadside bombs off the street. U.S. troops who have been to Iraq appreciate what EOD technicians do, although they have varying reactions when the EOD technicians show up, Bryan said. “They’re pissed sometimes [that] it takes us a while to get there,” he said. Defeating roadside bombs is a constant struggle to try to stay ahead of the enemy. “It’s a chess match, back and forth,” Bryan said. He said he returned to Iraq in March 2006 and was “pretty amazed” at how much progress the bad guys had made adapting to coalition procedures and finding new ways to deploy roadside bombs. The back-and-forth between the coalition and bombmakers shows no signs of abating, Bryan said. “It’s not going to end until we leave.”.. (source) |
Labels: Every Day Heroes Petty Officer 2nd Class Devon P. Bryan
I just heard that on my local news...apparently across Canada today protesters are demanding the Canadian government allow US war resisters to stay here in Canada, and avoid penalties in their home country (yes, the United States..lol) According to what I just heard, big unions (CUPE - Canadian Union of Public Employees) and the Dhukabors are supporting the war resisters who have made it to Canada, and are demanding that the Canadian government aid and abet these fugitives:
| The War Resisters Support Campaign has called a pan-Canadian mobilization on Saturday, January 26th, 2008 to ensure : 1) that deportation proceedings against U.S. war resisters currently in Canada cease immediately; and |
| the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration adopted a motion that is a step forward for U.S. War Resisters seeking asylum in Canada. In a vote of 7 to 4, committee members passed a motion recommending that the government immediately implement a program to allow war resisters and their families to stay in Canada. It also calls for an immediate halt to deportation proceedings in these cases. The motion reads as follows: The Committee recommends that the government immediately implement a program to allow conscientious objectors and their immediate family members (partners and dependents), who have refused or left military service related to a war not sanctioned by the United Nations and do not have a criminal record, to apply for permanent resident status and remain in Canada; and that the government should immediately cease any removal or deportation actions that may have already commenced against such individuals.... |
The War Resisters Support Campaign is a broad-based coalition of community, faith, labour and other organizations and individuals that have come together to support U.S. soldiers seeking asylum in Canada because they refuse to fight in the illegal war in Iraq. The Campaign works on two fronts: we support the material needs of war resisters when they arrive in Canada; and we campaign to persuade the Canadian government to provide sanctuary for U.S. war resisters. |
| Demonstrators gathered outside the Canadian Embassy in Washington Friday to demand protection for U.S. soldiers who seek refuge north of the border to avoid deployment to Iraq. A group of about 50 American veterans of the Iraq war and their supporters said they want the Canadian government to provide sanctuary to men and women trying to escape military commitments in the U.S.
"We believe that these war resisters should be allowed a safe haven from persecution on the basis of resisting an illegal and immoral war and occupation," said Max Diorio, an organizer for California-based Courage to Resist. In a letter addressed to Ambassador Michael Wilson, the protesters demanded the government bar the deportation of U.S. soldiers who have fled to Canada to avoid serving in Iraq. Geoff Maillard, president of the Washington, D.C., chapter of Iraq Veterans Against the War, said the refugee board that hears the soldiers' applications has wrongly refused to consider the question of whether the Iraq war is legal — a question central to the soldiers' request for sanctuary....(here) |
| | |
|
| | |
| Col. Rod Coffey honors the fallen
A friend has sent us the eulogy given by Lt. Col Rod Coffey, Commander 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment (Wolfpack), Diyala Province, Iraq, at the January 22, 2008 memorial ceremony for his six soldiers and one Iraqi interpreter killed in a booby-trapped house in Sinsil, Iraq on January 9, 2008 during Operation Raider Harvest. Col. Coffey spoke to honor the soldiers that died in the operation: Specialist Todd E. Davis, 22, of Raymore, Mo.; Col. Coffey spoke as follows: Gen Petraus, LTG Odierno, Major General Hertling, BG Boozer, BG Thomas, COL Riscassi, fellow squadron and battalion commanders and command sergeants major; On behalf of all the soldiers of 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment we thank you for coming to pay tribute to our fallen brothers in arms. We are here to honor the memory and service of seven men, seven of our brothers in arms. There is a story about loss in war where one character comments to another, “We are ready for the occasional empty chair, the fond farewell for comrades lost. But we are never, never ready for so many.” I cannot, as your commander, in anything I say today diminish the impact of losing these men all at once. In fact because we lost them so quickly, it all seems like a bad dream -- that we will wake up tomorrow and they will all be back again. Each of us, whether present at the scene that day or not, will remember when we first found out. We will remember our inner anguish when we got up the nerve to ask, “Who was it?” Others will recall the steeled strength it took to calmly and professionally report and verify the battle roster numbers, knowing full well we owed them this calmness and professionalism, so their families would be taken care of. Others of us will never forget rescuing the four wounded that day and getting them to a helicopter as fast as we could. All these things are true. All these things will be seared in our memories. It was a terrible day and we cannot change that. We are not alone in mere personal grief, or our desire to honor the fallen. The presence of the general officers here is their effort to acknowledge the sacrifice of this unit and the bravery of these men. Although I have not been able to access every news report, the ones I have read indicate the nation supports us, mourns with us and honors the men we have lost in the recon platoon.... |
Labels: 2008, Col. Coffey pays tribute January 22
More, Please, Sir January 23, 2008: The U.S. Army has been able to achieve an extraordinary feat, by sustaining it's strength in a long war (longer than World War II) using only volunteers. The main reason for this success was the willingness of troops already in uniform to stay there. Reenlistments have been higher than before the war on terror began in 2001. The invasion of Iraq resulted in even higher reenlistment rates. The army sets goals each year, for the percentage of troops who will re-enlist when their current enlistment (usually for four years) is up. This past year, about 14 percent of troops in each combat brigade were expected to re-enlist. Nearly all brigades exceeded this figure, with the most spectacular being the 4th brigade of the 25th Infantry division, which had 37 percent of its troops reenlist. The consistently higher re-enlistment rates were the result of several things. First, there was patriotism and a feeling that the wartime service was making a difference. Most of the troops re-enlisting had been to Iraq or Afghanistan one or more times. They had seen for themselves what was going on, and believed in it. Then there was the money. Reenlistment bonuses averaging $10,000 (depending on rank and job) for the 64,000 troops that re-enlisted last year. These bonuses, plus combat pay increases the average soldiers pay by 10-20 percent. It helps. Then there is the fact that the troops are professionals and they like their work. It's challenging, even though only fifteen percent have combat jobs. But the benefits are great (including retirement on half pay after twenty years) and you get respect from those you know and work with. The media snipes a bit, inventing dark fantasies explaining this unexplainable re-enlistment rate. But that's easy to ignore, and the troops just keep signing up for more. (here) |
Labels: B*N*S*N Extra, More please
| Baswaris Set to Benefit from Job Training Initiatives BASRA — British and U.S. troops have been visiting a college in Basra to explore the possibility of reconstructing a facility that could in time lead to the the introduction of newly funded training courses for local Baswaris. The Abu Al Kaseeb college is currently undergoing significant renovation and will have new training equipment installed to give pupils access to a wide range of key tools and machinery. The direct investment for this reconstruction is part of the Multi-National Forces' initiative which is intended to stimulate Vocational Technical Training. The programme will result in thousands of young people from across Basra being trained in crucial trades such as construction, carpentry, electricity and plumbing.... |
Labels: Good News Friday B*N*S*N1) trade schools built in Iraq
U.S. raid south of Baghdad destroys 30 weapons cachesStars and StripesMideast edition, Tuesday, January 22, 2008 U.S. military aircraft dropped 35 bombs on Arab Jabour Sunday night, the third bombing of this community south of Baghdad since the beginning of the month. A total of 99,000 pounds of bombs have been dropped on 99 sites in Arab Jabour during the airstrikes, officials say. In Sunday’s raid, more than 30 sites of weapons caches and explosives were targeted because they prevented coalition forces from entering areas where they hadn’t been before, according to Col. Terry Ferrell, commander of the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division. The bombs, which weighed a total of 19,000 pounds, destroyed seven bombs and one weapons cache, according to Maj. Alayne Conway, 3rd ID spokeswoman.... |
Labels: Good News Friday(B*N*S*N2) 30 weapons caches destroyed
| 1. Two years ago, the now-defunct Western Standard magazine reprinted the Danish cartoons of Mohammed. I was the publisher. 2. In response, a radical Muslim imam named Syed Soharwardy asked the Calgary Police Service to arrest me. They didn't, of course. So Soharwardy complained to the Alberta Human Rights Commission, a government agency. Here's his hand-scrawled complaint; here's my reply. For two years, using government lawyers and taxpayers money, they have been pursuing me, infringing on my natural rights of free speech, freedom of the press and freedom of religion. 3. On January 11th, a government "human rights officer" interrogated me for 90 minutes. Instead of bowing my head, I used the opportunity to challenge the moral and legal basis of the complaint, and the human rights commission itself. 4. I recorded the interrogation and posted video clips to YouTube. In the past week, they have been viewed nearly 400,000 times and were at one point the fifth most watched videos on all of YouTube. Though Canadian talk radio shows and op-ed columnists have covered the story well, I have seen only one newspaper report on the subject. I can't understand why mainstream reporters and editors do not think it's newsworthy that a publisher can be summoned by a government bureaucrat, and grilled as to his political thoughts. I'm pleased, though, that the support from pundits has come not just from the right, but from the enlightened left. 5. I've got some ideas of what people can do. Although my case is being prosecuted by the hapless, lame-duck provincial government of Alberta, it is politically more likely that change will come first to the federal Canadian Human Rights Commission.... |
Saturday, January 5, 2008Britain’s Prosecution of The Blogger Lionheart for Criticism of Islam Freedom of speech is under assault today in Britain. A British blogger whom I have had occasion to read, Lionheart, has posted on his website that he expects to be arrested upon his return to the United Kingdom for things that he has posted on his blog. Likely as a result of his commentary on Islam, he will be charged with "stirring up racial hatred."Lionheart is a modern pamphleteer. He uses his blog to shine a light on the evils of radical Islam, primarily within the borders of the UK. He sees the growth of radical Islam in his country as insidious and a threat to the very existence of British culture, if not Britain itself. (Update) As to the foundation for Lionheart's belief, please see these recent revelations in the British press. The first, from the Telegaph, discusses the existance of Muslim 'no-go' areas in the UK where the indigenous population dare not tread. The day after that article was released, the allegations were confirmed by Manzoor Moghal, chairman of the Muslim Forum in Britain, who, writing in the Daily Mail, expressed his horror at the rise of radical Islam in Britain's Muslim population, and, in a stinging indictment, expressed his judgment that the U.K. socialist's policy of "multiculturalism has backfired spectacularly." Not surprisingly, PM Gordon Brown denied that any major problem exists. And it is telling that all of the major British political parties, including the supposedly conservative Tory party, "have responded with knee-jerk predictability, desperate as ever not to offend Muslim sensibilities." Lastly, there is this from the Times, discussing how multiculturalist policies have fanned the flames of radicalism in Britain to the point where the majority strain of Deobandi Islam now present in Britain is more radical and militant than that to be found in Pakistan. To put that in some perspective, do recall that it is Pakistan's radical Deobandis that form the core of the Taliban. With all of that in mind, do visit Lionhearts blog. Lionheart’s descriptions of what he sees in his own local community are dire. But while his language may be emotional, Lionheart ultimately is no different than thousands of bloggers in the U.S. who similarly note, deconstruct, and critically discuss radical Islam. He just happens to be living in Luton, ground zero for radical Islam in the UK. It is also important to note that Lionheart does not promote violence against Muslims. ... |
| While British troops risk their lives and die defending Democracy in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere, people on the homefront have dropped the ball. One of the world’s champions of Democracy and the rights of free speech has passed a law which is being used to prevent its citizen’s from speaking out about the “Islamic Invasion” of England and Europe! On January 4, 2008, Lionheart, a British blogger, posted on his blog that he is going to be arrested and charged with a “hate crime”:
On the surface this doesn’t sound like an unreasonable bill in any Democracy. In actuality, the bill is being as a means to restrict the rights of every day Britons. Much like CAIR in America, Muslims in Great Britain are successfully following the same policy as those in America under bin Laden’s Islam’s 20 year plan to Conquer America! Britons are also being subjected to threats and intimidation from Muslims when they speak out publicly about legitimate issues involving Muslims! Says Lionheart:
|
| ...It has taken exactly one year from start to finish with my blog for people to now take note about what I am saying about the Holy War that is unfolding upon the streets in my community. I have sacrificed everything to get this message and story out into other peoples realities for the sake of the future of my homeland and now I face arrest, possible prosecution and anything up to 7 years in prison for my actions. All I have done is stood up for myself, my community, my country and my Judeo/Christian way of life in the face of this modern global onslaught by Islam and not only do I now have Pakistani and other nationality Moslems who are aligned to Al Qaeda wanting to kill me for my actions, I also have my Government wanting to arrest and imprison me for telling others the truth... (here) |
| Afghan 'blasphemy' death sentence
Sayed Perwiz Kambakhsh, 23, was arrested in 2007 after downloading material from the internet relating to the role of women in Islamic societies. A primary court in Balkh province said that Kambakhsh had confessed to blasphemy and had to be punished. The court also threatened to arrest any reporters who protested against Kambakhsh's sentence. Kambakhsh, a student at Balkh University and a journalist for Jahan-e Naw (New World), was arrested in October 2007 after material he downloaded was deemed to be offensive to Islam. Shamsur Rahman, the head of the court, told Reuters news agency: "According to... the Islamic law, Sayed Perwiz is sentenced to death at the first court.... |
| Kite Runner banned in Afghanistan
Any shops found selling the film would be closed, the country's culture minister said. The Kite Runner is based on the 2003 best-selling novel by Afghan-American writer Khaled Hosseini. Its four child stars were flown out of Afghanistan last month amid worries for their safety over a homosexual rape scene in the film. The Kite Runner explores Afghan society over three decades, from before the Soviet invasion through the rise of the Taliban. In the story, the main character witnesses the rape of his ethnic Hazara friend by an ethnic Pashtun. The two groups fought bitterly during the country's 1990s civil war. 'Difficulties' "It showed the ethnic groups of Afghanistan in a bad light," deputy culture minister Din Mohammad Rashed Mubarez said. "We respect freedom of speech, we support freedom of speech, but unfortunately we have difficulties in Afghan society, and if this film is shown in the cinemas, it is humiliating for one of our ethnic groups." (here) |
Labels: Freedom of speech not so much
Airmen from the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron at an air base in Southwest Asia prepare a C-17 Globemaster III for an airdrop mission Jan. 14 to deliver humanitarian supplies to coalition forces in Afghanistan
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 site, you can go here.
–
Indian Chris
http://rightwingrightminded.blogspot.com
http://hooahwife.com
Wednesday Hero - Google It
Labels: Wednesday Hero
| Iraq parliament approves new flag Iraq's parliament has voted to change the country's flag. The three stars that represented Saddam Hussein's Baath Party will be removed, to address the concerns of Iraqi Kurds. They have refused to fly the flag since the fall of Saddam Hussein, saying it is too closely associated with a regime that repressed and killed their people. The flag was also changed in 2004, when a line of script, allegedly in Saddam Hussein's own handwriting, was changed to Kufic script. But the latest change - passed by 110 votes to 50 - is only temporary, as a design for a new flag will be sought after one year. (source) |
| "It's a gesture of good intentions and, honestly, it's a positive development," acknowledged Adil Barwari, a Kurdish member of parliament. "When the dictator has changed, the flag has to change."...(here) |
Labels: Iraq gets new flag 2008
| Anti-war groups retreat on funding fight
In recognition of hard political reality, the groups instead will lower their sights and push for legislation to prevent President Bush from entering into a long-term agreement with the Iraqi government that could keep significant numbers of troops in Iraq for years to come.... |
| ..“The consensus was not to keep beating our heads against the wall trying to block every funding bill — not because we don’t agree with it, but because we don’t have the votes.”... |
Labels: Can we say "cut and run?"
(source)| ...I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal." I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood. I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice. I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today....(read the whole speech here) |
Labels: I (also) have a dream, MLK Day
| This is the revised design that was eventually accepted and used:
Why the changes? The sales manager of a Dallas-area billboard company explained: “My boss wouldn’t go along with this type of advertising since we have an international clientele -- some of whom might be on the other side." The other side? On the side of the jihadists? Imagine an American billboard company in 1942 toning down an anti-Nazi billboard because, well, some of their clients are Nazis!.. |
Labels: billboard in TX, Say what
Labels: Bratdog birthday......
Labels: National Anthem
U.N. renews U.S. troop mandate in Iraq for final yearUNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The U.N. Security Council voted on Tuesday to extend the mandate of U.S.-led foreign forces in Iraq for one year, as requested by Iraq for what Baghdad said was the last time. U.S. troops are expected to remain in Iraq after the end of 2008, when the U.N. mandate will expire, but Baghdad wants to change the terms of their presence so that it will be based on bilateral agreements under discussion with Washington. Iraq has said this is the last time it will request an extension of the U.N. mandate for foreign forces and it may ask for the mandate to be ended even sooner than the end of 2008. Ambassador Hamid al-Bayati said Iraq was grateful to friendly countries who helped get rid of Saddam Hussein but "no Iraqi government official, indeed no Iraqi citizen, wants the presence of foreign forces on Iraqi soil one day longer than they are needed." President George W Bush is under pressure to reduce troops in Iraq amid growing U.S. public disappointment in the war, more than 4 1/2 years after the March 2003 invasion. A lull in violence helped by deployment of 30,000 U.S. troops has allowed Washington to plan and begin a gradual drawdown of troops that will see 20,000 leave by July 2008. Bayati said his government had, with the help of multinational forces, succeeded in averting the threat of a sectarian civil war and inflicted defeats on al Qaeda that left militants surrounded in isolated pockets. "The Iraqi government has accomplished enormous steps towards the day when self-sustaining Iraqi security forces will be able to provide security to the Iraqi people," he said. ...(emphasis for the literacy challenged..lol) |
Iraq forces could control all provinces this year: U.S.WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Iraq's army and police could be ready to take over security in all 18 provinces by the end of this year as the U.S. military moves toward a less prominent role in the country, U.S. officials said on Thursday. "We look at it every month. We make recommendations. I think that if we continue along the path we're on now, we'll be able to do that by the end of 2008," Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno, the No. 2 commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, said when asked when Iraqi forces could take the lead in all provinces. He said that a joint operation under way led by Iraqi troops and supported by U.S. troops against al Qaeda militants in the northern city of Mosul was a model for the future. "That's how I see our role frankly in the future here," he told Pentagon reporters via videolink from Baghdad. Iraqi security forces are now in control of nine provinces after assuming control of Iraqi's southern oil hub, Basra, in December. Iraqi forces are also expected to take control in Anbar province, a one-time insurgent stronghold, as early as March....(read the rest here.) |
| Lt. Gen. James Dubik, commander of security transition in Iraq, told the U.S. House of Representatives Armed Services Committee on Thursday that the number of Iraqi security forces, or ISF, could exceed 580,000 by the end of the year, up from the current 500,000.... Odierno said he was confident the withdrawal of the five brigades will occur despite expectations for an upswing in insurgent attacks as militants respond to a new joint offensive known as Operation Phantom Phoenix. The operation has killed or captured 92 "high-value individuals, according to the U.S. military... Gates said the U.S. mission in Iraq has begun its planned transition to a more supportive role that would focus on border security and combating al Qaeda in Iraq. "That's ultimately where we are headed, and we have begun that process of transition," he said.(here) |
Labels: B*N*S*N this just in, UN mandate extended
Marine Combat Team Leaves Anbar After Year of ProgressBy Cpl. Adam Johnston, USMCCAMP RIPPER, Iraq, Jan. 14, 2008 – After more than 12 months of hard work in Iraq’s Anbar province, the Marines and sailors of Regimental Combat Team 2 are finally heading home.
Marine Col. H. Stacy Clardy III, RCT 2 commander, said in a recent news conference that when the team arrived, its area of operations -- known as AO Denver -- was one of the most dangerous places in Iraq. “Now, it’s not,” he said. “If I were to characterize our situation here in western al Anbar, I would simply say that we, the Iraqis and Americans, are now winning. And for us, winning is peace.” (my emphasis) Clardy has more than 6,000 Marines, sailors and soldiers under his command in an area of operation that encompasses 30,000 square miles -- about the size of South Carolina -- and is home to a half million people. Success didn’t happen overnight. Iraqi security forces improved steadily through 2007, inching closer and closer to self-sufficiency, the colonel said. Some 5,200 Iraqi police, several hundred highway patrolmen, and 4,200 Iraqi army soldiers now serve in the area. ... |
Labels: Good News Friday(B*N*S*N1) Marines coming home from Anbar
Baghdad Violence Decreasing with Reconciliation Efforts Northwest Rashid Hayy (community) leaders along with Iraqi Security Forces and government representatives attend a reconciliation meeting Jan. 6. The meeting between local Rashid community leaders discussed problems in their communities and the progress achieved so far. Photo by Spc. Elvyn Nieves The meetings began in September and, due to the progress made with security in the communities, are now being held once a month for the leaders to share ideas on how to tackle violence in their respective areas. "These meetings have been exceptionally helpful in assisting us reduce the amount of violence in West Rashid," said Lt. Col. Patrick Frank, commander of the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment "Black Lions," 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division.... |
Labels: Good News Friday(B*N*S*N2) Reconcilaition meetings decrease violence in Baghdad
BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, Jan. 14, 2008 – The Afghan National Army’s 207th Kandak, advised by coalition forces, provided emergency medical assistance to save the lives of a mother and her newborn infant Jan. 10 in the remote village of Aji Kah, in the Gozara district of Afghanistan’s Herat province.
“Please take the woman to the hospital. She will surely die if she is not taken immediately,” a village elder said. The elders explained the harsh weather and deep snow prevented them from taking the woman to the district hospital themselves. They led the Afghan and coalition soldiers to the home to see how they could assist. What they found surprised the soldiers. When they entered the rural home, crowded with family members and a midwife, they found a young Afghan woman suffering from complications from giving birth. “The baby is still connected,” a male relative said. ... |
Labels: Afghan Troops save mother and child, Good News Friday(B*N*S*N3)
| | |
|
| | |
The soldiers, who died Jan. 9 in Sinsil, Iraq, after entering a booby-trapped home, were Spc. Todd E. Davis, 22, of Raymore, Mo.; Staff Sgt. Jonathan K. Dozier, 30, of Rutherford, Tenn.; Staff Sgt. Sean M. Gaul, 29, of Reno, Nev.; Sgt. Zachary W. McBride, 20, of Bend, Ore.; Sgt. 1st Class Matthew I. Pionk, 30, of Superior, Wis.; and Sgt. Christopher A. Sanders, 22, of Roswell, N.M.
Hundreds honor 6 ‘brave men’ killed in IraqBy Seth Robson, Stars and StripesMideast edition, Thursday, January 17, 2008
VILSECK, Germany — Their families and most of their friends were thousands of miles away, but hundreds of comrades packed Vilseck Chapel on Wednesday for a ceremony to honor six 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry (Stryker) Regiment soldiers killed in a booby-trapped house in Iraq last week. Second Cav Rear Detachment commander Lt. Col. Tom Rickard told those assembled that the soldiers were victims of a desperate act by a retreating enemy blowing up its own safe houses. “The brave men we honor today will be forever remembered for their accomplishments. Iraqis will tell this story to generations. Foreigners who removed a dictator … Americans who never quit month after month … never claimed Iraqi soil for their own … and stood shoulder to shoulder with their Iraqi brothers in arms,” he said....(my emphasis) |
Labels: Farewell to six American heroes
| The “out by year’s end” mantra is really starting to get under my skin so I felt compelled to compose the following letter to the candidates. Dear (circle one) Mrs./Mrs./Senator/Governor/Honorable insert name here:_____________ Thank you for your service and dedication to this great nation of ours and for yor participation in the uniquely democratic process by the people, of the people and for the people in your bid for election to the presidencey of the United States of America. ... |
Labels: Amarillo", Brit SAS video
Labels: Wednesday Hero
| Iran boats 'threatened US ships'
The incident happened in the Strait of Hormuz, a major oil shipping route. The US said their ships were about to open fire when the Iranian boats withdrew. US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice called the Iranian action "provocative and dangerous"....(BBC here) |
10.15am GMT Mischievous 'Filipino Monkey' could have triggered latest US-Iran rowMatthew Weaver Monday January 14, 2008 Guardian Unlimited  Image released by the US Navy purportedly showing an Iranian vessel racing near the wake of the USS Hopper in the Persian Gulf. Photograph: AP A heckling radio ham known as the Filipino Monkey, who has spent years pestering ships in the Persian Gulf, is being blamed today for sparking a major diplomatic row after American warships almost attacked Iranian patrol boats. The US navy came within seconds of firing at the Iranian speedboats in the Strait of Hormuz on January 6 after hearing threats that the boats were attacking and were about to explode. Senior navy officials have admitted that the source of the threats, picked up in international waters, was a mystery....(here) |
‘Filipino Monkey’ behind threats? By Andrew Scutro and David Brown - Staff writers Posted : Sunday Jan 13, 2008 15:38:29 EST The threatening radio transmission heard at the end of a video showing harassing maneuvers by Iranian patrol boats in the Strait of Hormuz may have come from a locally famous heckler known among ship drivers as the “Filipino Monkey.” Since the Jan. 6 incident was announced to the public a day later, the U.S. Navy has said it’s unclear where the voice came from. In the videotape released by the Pentagon on Jan. 8, the screen goes black at the very end and the voice can be heard, distancing it from the scenes on the water. “We don’t know for sure where they came from,” said Cmdr. Lydia Robertson, spokeswoman for 5th Fleet in Bahrain. “It could have been a shore station.” While the threat — “I am coming to you. You will explode in a few minutes” — was picked up during the incident, further jacking up the tension, there’s no proof yet of its origin. And several Navy officials have said it’s difficult to figure out who’s talking.... So with Navy officials unsure and the Iranians accusing the U.S. of fabrications, whose voice was it? In recent years, American ships operating in the Middle East have had to contend with a mysterious but profane voice known by the ethnically insulting handle of “Filipino Monkey,” likely more than one person, who listens in on ship-to-ship radio traffic and then jumps on the net shouting insults and jabbering vile epithets...(here) |
Labels: Filipino Monkey, Iran/US, Routine and ordinary turns bizarre
...says a thousand words. | |
 | |
|
| January 8, 2008 Multi-National Corps – Iraq commences Phantom Phoenix BAGHDAD – Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno, commander of Multi-National Corps – Iraq, today announced the beginning of Operation Phantom Phoenix. The operation is a series of joint Iraqi and Coalition division- and brigade-level operations to pursue and neutralize remaining al-Qaeda in Iraq and other extremist elements. Phantom Phoenix will synchronize lethal and non-lethal effects to exploit recent security gains and disrupt terrorist support zones and enemy command and control. “Working closely with the Iraqi Security Forces, we will continue to pursue al-Qaeda and other extremists wherever they attempt to take sanctuary,” Odierno said. “Iraqi citizens continue to reject extremist elements. We are determined not to allow these brutal elements to have respite anywhere in Iraq.” The Iraqi people have played and will continue to play an important role by standing up against terrorist elements. “Iraqis are not passively allowing extremists to conduct their criminal activities,” Odierno said. “We are continuing to see citizens joining Concerned Local Citizen groups, provide tips for criminals and weapons and ammunition caches, and cooperate with the Government of Iraq. This is another step aimed at providing Iraqis long-term sustainable security.” The non-lethal aspects of this operation are designed to improve delivery of essential services, economic development and local governance capacity. -30- (here) |
| Wednesday, January 9, 2008. Issue 3816. Page 8. U.S. Starts 'Phoenix' Campaign BAGHDAD -- U.S. and Iraqi forces began a series of operations on Tuesday targeting al-Qaida in Iraq after an upsurge in suicide bombings that U.S. commanders say are an attempt by the militant group to reignite sectarian violence. "Working closely with the Iraqi security forces, we will continue to pursue al-Qaida and other extremists wherever they attempt to take sanctuary," said Lieutenant-General Raymond Odierno, in a statement announcing the start of the offensive, dubbed Operation Phantom Phoenix. Odierno gave few details of the new offensive but said it comprised a "series of joint Iraqi and Coalition division- and brigade-level operations to pursue and neutralize remaining al-Qaida in Iraq and other extremist elements." In a later statement, the U.S. military said it had killed three militants and detained 28 suspects in operations in Baghdad, the area just south of the capital and the northern Diyala and Nineveh provinces Monday and Tuesday. Odierno, the day-to-day commander of U.S. troops in Iraq, did not say how Operation Phoenix would differ from current U.S. operations hunting al-Qaida operatives or what areas U.S. and Iraqi forces would target. The U.S. military says al-Qaida has been badly damaged but has the capacity to carry out so-called "spectacular" attacks that cause mass casualties...(here) |
| ...US military commander General David Petraeus said last month that his forces would relentlessly pursue Al-Qaeda, which he called the "most significant enemy that Iraq faces" despite the killing of hundreds of its fighters and leaders. Odierno said Operation Phantom Phoenix would include an economic component "designed to improve delivery of essential services, economic development and local governance capacity". - Reuters... |
U.S. airstrike in Iraq one of largest of the war By Charles Levinson, USA TODAY BAGHDAD — U.S. planes dropped 40,000 pounds of explosives on Baghdad's southern outskirts Thursday in a 10-minute massive strike, attacking what the military said were safe havens for al-Qaeda. The air attack along the Tigris River "was one of the largest airstrikes since the onset of the war" in 2003, said Maj. Alayne Conway, a spokeswoman for troops in the Multi-National Division-Center, which controls the broad swath of territory south of Baghdad. The attack was part of a nationwide campaign launched Tuesday against al-Qaeda in Iraq. Conway said 35 al-Qaeda militants were killed and 25 houses and 13 vehicles were destroyed. The air raid was followed by a ground attack that led to 12 arrests and the discovery of two houses used to torture kidnap victims, according to an Iraqi officer who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak. "What we are doing now is taking the fight to the enemy," said Col. James Adams, the deputy brigade commander for 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division. "Al Qaeda is beginning to lose ground.".. (my emphasis)
| |||||||||
Coalition and Iraqi security forces were active on Thursday and Friday in fighting as part of Operation Phantom Phoenix. Two senior al Qaeda in Iraq operatives were killed along with 32 foot soldiers during fighting in Arab Jabour, Miqdadiyah, and the Samarra region. Another 34 al Qaeda fighters were reported captured. Operation Marne Thunderbolt and Arab Jabour The most high-profile fighting occurred in the Arab Jabour region, which sits just southeast of Baghdad. US and Iraqi forces are conducting Operation Marne Thunderbolt, a subordinate operation to Phantom Phoenix. The US Air Force, in conjunction with 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 3rd Infantry Division launched a massive airstrike on al Qaeda positions in the region.... Jabouri, who goes by the name General Mustafa, established the Arab Jabour Concerned Local Citizens over this past summer in opposition to al Qaeda's terror campaign in the region. "They killed our sons, ruined our infrastructure, displaced families, used sectarian violence against the people," Jabouri said in an interview with The Long War Journal in September 2007. "They killed our electricians, our engineers, the technicians that run our water pumps and [water filtration] plant." Jabouri provided a group of local tribesmen to serve as "bird dogs," or local intelligence agents for US forces. These Iraqi bird dogs likely provided the intelligence used in Friday's air strikes....(here and be sure to watch the video footage there too!) |
| January 9, 2008 -- Washington, DC — Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid made the following statement today ahead of the one-year anniversary of President Bush’s announcement of his escalation in Iraq: “It is unfortunate and undeniable that one year after President Bush announced his ‘surge’ strategy, Iraq has failed to meet the benchmarks he outlined – and his Administration has refused to hold Iraqis accountable for these unacceptable results. No amount of White House spin can hide the fact that the escalation’s chief objective of political reconciliation remains unmet, Iraqis have not demonstrated any readiness to stand up and take responsibility for their own country, and 2007 was the most lethal year yet for American troops. Democrats know Americans cannot afford to continue to pay the heavy price of this war and will continue to fight for a change of course that makes our country more secure. “One year ago, President Bush outlined several important goals. He said the Iraqi government would take responsibility for security in all of Iraq’s provinces by November 2007. He said Iraq would hold provincial elections. He said the Iraqi government would pass legislation to share oil revenues among all Iraqis. And he said Iraq would pass de-Baathification laws and constitutional reforms. Not one of these goals has been met....(here) |
| ...As our own jackals in DC whine, piss and moan about how the Iraqi Political "benchmarks" go undone; as their own benchmarks and earmarks drain the citizenry dry; we find that unbeknownst to them and, rightfully so...God forbid the NYT finds out about it...the Iraqis have been working feverishly behind the scenes, more than likely under the tutelage of those "nasty and mean military people", to undermine the terrorist groups inside Iraq and they have succeeded. (Don't forget to send cards of condolences to the anti-Americanist groups within CONUS up to and including half of our CONgress.) HEADLINE: Iraq: We've Penetrated AQI -- But Apparently Not The American Media Reid: STOP THE WORLD! I WANNA GET OFF! I CAN'T TAKE THIS ANYMORE!! Well, no. He hasn't said that openly but I bet he sure does think it and maybe even whines to his wife...if she can still stand him...and most assuredly to his partner in defeat Nanny Pelosi.... |
| "I'm not going to get into a name calling match with somebody (Vice-President Dick Cheney) who has a nine percent approval rating." - Harry Reid, Senate majority leader and a democrat...(here) |
January 10, 2008 The nobility of three soldiersOur preoccupation with the current political scene caused many of us to overlook a tragic and noble event that took place in Iraq on January 7. According to the most detailed account, in [UK] Times Online,
The names and photos of these three heroes should have been on the front pages of all the newspapers in the world. What could be a more compelling human story? It would have been a welcome change from the too-familiar faces of the candidates. To sink momentarily into politics, these three men, by giving their lives, gave the lie to the canard, common to all the current Democratic candidates, that our involvement in Iraq has been a pointless mistake. To most or all of our politicians, the war in Iraq is merely a bargaining chip for getting votes. But to these three, it was a matter of life and death. We are justifiably proud of the valor and determination of our soldiers in Iraq. But these three Iraqi soldiers, and 135,000 others like them, had even harder choices to make with even more at stake. Unaccustomed to living in a free country, despised by many of their own people as traitors, deceived and betrayed by self-serving leaders, they nonetheless chose to risk their lives and futures for in the hope of winning lasting freedom for their families and their people. If their efforts were to fail, they and their families would become the fugitive targets of reprisals. And when the climactic moment came, they chose to give their lives to save others.... (my emphasis, but you MUST read the rest on American Thinker blog here.) |
 The Story: Perhaps one of the most feared battle situations for any soldier is a well-laid ambush in an urban setting. Then-Pvt. Broadwell and her team came face-to-face with that situation on Oct. 16, 2003, on the mean streets of Karbala, Iraq. Tensions in Karbala had been heating up for some time, and the sense of danger seemed almost palpable. Broadwell’s military police company was patrolling side streets that day to make sure citizens were obeying a weapons ban. Broadwell was a few streets away when gunfire erupted and a call for help went out over the radio. Broadwell’s team rushed to the trapped unit and found themselves in the middle of a concerted attack from multiple directions. Broadwell stood atop her Humvee’s turret, but she was too short to see through the weapon’s eye hole. She instead relied on tracer rounds to target her fire accurately. And accurate she was: without her quick trigger, several U.S. troops would not have made it out of the death trap alive – because, as one lieutenant later told The Washington Post, “She was up there doing what we trained her to do as a gunner… She kept [the enemies’] heads down.” She did so even as explosions landed in front of her vehicle, and constantly threw her back. Each time she got back up and continued firing off quick, methodical, deadly bursts. A number of soldiers were awed by her calm demeanor. The firefight was over nearly as quickly as it had begun. Broadwell and the rest of her MP unit are credited with having eliminated at least 20 enemy fighters. For her actions, Broadwell was awarded the Bronze Star with a “V” for Valor in the fall of 2003. (source) |
| If you met Teresa Broadwell at a dance club, you would probably think the 20-year-old, 5'4" (1.62m), 112-pound (51kg) woman was - well, it is not politically correct to use this term - but you would think she was cute. Perky even. But if you had met her one dark night last October on a nasty little side street in Karbala, Iraq and, if you had been an Iraqi toting an AK-47, well then, quite simply, you would most likely be dead. This young woman with the improbably vivid turquoise contact lenses - who calls herself "Little-bitty-Teresa" - this kid with the girl-next-door charm is a decorated combat hero. When her armoured Humvee came racing to the rescue of fellow military police troops - and let's put special emphasis on fellow - when her Humvee came tearing around the corner, there were already three soldiers sprawled dead in the street. Bullets and rocket-propelled grenades criss-crossed the foggy road, turning it into a vicious killing zone. Broadwell, standing on tiptoes in the open, oh-so-terrifyingly exposed turret of her Humvee, opened up with her light machine gun. Medal She fired off short, controlled bursts, just like she had been trained. The guys whose lives she saved that night say she killed at least 20 Iraqis. But here is the truly startling thing. She was not the only woman hero that night.... |
| The MPs appealed to her, she says, because they get close to the action. And because the training they receive could help her fulfill her ultimate ambition, becoming a homicide detective. |
Snow falls on Baghdad for first time in memoryFri Jan 11, 2008 1:45am EST BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Snow fell on Baghdad on Friday for the first time in memory, and delighted residents declared it an omen of peace. "It is the first time we've seen snow in Baghdad," said 60-year-old Hassan Zahar. "We've seen sleet before, but never snow. I looked at the faces of all the people, they were astonished," he said. "A few minutes ago, I was covered with snowflakes. In my hair, on my shoulders. I invite all the people to enjoy peace, because the snow means peace," he said. Traffic policeman Murtadha Fadhil, huddling under a balcony to keep dry, declared the snow "a new sign of the new Iraq." "It's a sign of hope. We hope Iraqis will purify their hearts and politicians will work for the prosperity of all Iraqis."... |
| Why? Why does a soldier do what he does? That is a question those who seek understanding might ask. The answer varies with the face in front of the thought. Finding uniformity in response is a daunting task. Some served in the past because a judge said so. Others sought it as a refuge from a life needing changed. Many donned a uniform amidst some social harangue. Most have a sense of duty, today found strange. Deep in their core they all have pride. No matter the cost they felt the need to stay free. Patriotism is more than a fashion to deride. It is a need to soar, be more than they can be. A uniform makes them stand taller. The bearing comes naturally with the maturity evolution. They can look anyone in the eye, and never falter. When they step up they are the only solution. In every war they fight to save a nation. It becomes personal when they fight for a friend. Time and life become an endless continuum. They will, and have, stand fast until the end. In the shadow of our flag is a way of life. No matter the dissent, nothing could be if they never went. The end result of their service is unity, not strife. If allowed to do what they must they are heaven sent. No names are needed, no faces are distinct. They stand side by side, lie in the mud and blood if required. Unity of purpose, passion for life is their link. The Constitution is alive and well in their minds. A soldier does what a soldier does. Often they cannot explain the why, or even deny the motive. Peel away the layers and all have the same love. It is for
Michael D. "Moon" Mullins |
Labels: Mike Mullens Why poem
|
Operation Homefront Soldier, wife start anew after tragic crash CIBOLO, Texas -- A former Fort Bliss soldier and his wife on Thursday opened the bright red door to a new home and what they hope will be a fresh start after a tragic car accident claimed the lives of their three children. "It's just more than I could have ever imagined," Lisa Johnson said, smiling, as she and her husband, Army Spc. John Austin Johnson, toured the couple's first home. With the help of Operation Homefront, the PGA Tour and KB Homes, the Johnsons purchased the 2,400-square-foot home and moved from Fort Bliss to a small San Antonio suburb... In October, Lisa Johnson was traveling from the family's home in El Paso to San Antonio with their three children. They were going to visit their father at Brooke Army Medical Center, where he was being treated for a traumatic brain injury he received during his second yearlong tour and fifth roadside bomb attack in Iraq. As Lisa Johnson drove on Interstate 10, she lost control of the car. It rolled over, killing Logan, 2, and Ashley, 5. The couple's oldest child, Tyler, 9, died later from injuries he received in the crash.... |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Iraqi Army finds bomb making facility outside Baghdad (Al Baytara, Abu Ghraib) 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment Public Affairs Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO AL BAYTARA, ABU GHRAIB, Iraq – Iraqi Army Soldiers from 3d Battalion, 3d Brigade, 6th Division and Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldiers found different weapons and explosives caches in a suspected bomb making facility in Al Baytara, Abu Ghraib, just outside of Baghdad Jan 7. Based upon a tip from a local citizen, the Iraqi Army unit found a cache consisting of more than 5,000 rounds of machine gun ammunition, a sniper rifle, rocket propelled grenade launchers, mortar rounds, rockets, rocket tubes, tank rounds, artillery rounds, an artillery round filled with home made explosives, various components for improvised explosive devices, bomb making materials, grenades, and more than 50 galloons of liquid home made explosives and 120 pound of solid home made explosives. “The discovery of this cache by the Iraqi Army demonstrates that Al- Qaeda in Iraq still poses a dangerous threat to the security of the Abu Ghraib area, but it also highlights the increasing competence and effectiveness of the Iraqi Army,” said Maj. Jon Pendell, spokesperson for the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment. The MND-B Soldiers were from Company A, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, ‘Gimlets,’ 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division attached to the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment two. The cache was recovered by explosive ordnance disposal personnel and destroyed on site. -30- |
Labels: Good News Friday (B*N*S*N3) Bomb Factory found Abu Ghraib
| |||||||||||
Labels: Coalition and Afghan soldiers save little girl, Good News Friday B*N*S*N4
...Hillier applauds U.S. troop increaseHillier also said he welcomed the Pentagon's announcement on Wednesday that it would consider bolstering NATO forces in Afghanistan with at least 3,000 more U.S. soldiers in April. Hillier said he hasn't seen a formal commitment from the United States, but he would welcome any extra help from the country. Currently there are about 27,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan, while Canada has about 2,500 soldiers there. Most of Canada's soldiers are stationed in the dangerous southern region of the country, and Canada has pushed for more support from the U.S. Prior to Wednesday's announcement, the U.S. had been saying for months that it wasn't prepared to send more soldiers to Afghanistan and wanted other NATO allies to contribute more instead.... |
Labels: B*N*S*N(early bulletin) 3000 extra US Marines to Afghanistan
A friend sent me the following this morning, ;) and since the timing is another of "God's little miracles" (read my post below...lol) I have to share it with you. I chose this picture with no clue what tank is actually in Iraq, but this looks good to me! Read on:| On the evening of the seventh day the Lord looked over His creation and saw that it was good. He said, Let there be a breed of great warriors to protect the people from evil. They shall ride beasts of iron and steel and speak with breaths of fire and destruction. They shall be feared by all that is evil. The people shall call these warriors who are masters of their beasts Tankers. |
Labels: Tankers from MG
The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
Labels: Kuwait, Robin Williams
Labels: Wednesday Hero
| OTTAWA — Prime Minister Stephen Harper paid tribute to two Canadian soldiers who died in a vehicle accident in Afghanistan on Sunday. In a statement issued Monday, Harper said the contribution that Warrant Officer Hani Massouh and Cpl. Eric Labbe made won't be forgotten. ``They deserve the gratitude of all Canadians for their commitment and the work they performed on our behalf,'' Harper said. ``Warrant Officer Massouh and Corporal Labbe made an important contribution to the lives of the people of Afghanistan.'' (here) [my emphasis] |
| Labbe’s family in Rimouski, Que., was quietly trying to avoid the spotlight as they tried to come to terms with Eric’s death. "There is a lot of emotion right now," Gaetan Labbe, Eric’s uncle, told The Canadian Press. "We’ll get over it, but it’s very difficult," he added, noting the family was also dealing with the recent death of Eric’s aunt. Labbe’s only other overseas posting during a six-year career with the military was a 2002 rotation in the former Yugoslavia. "Eric had the desire and interest to pursue his (military) career," Labbe’s family said in a statement Monday night. "Eric was doing what he loved and we are very proud of him. He always had our support in pursuing his career." (here) |
| He was just a few weeks away from putting the final touches on his military career and his family and friends were impatiently awaiting Massouh’s return. The soldier’s grieving family said in a statement Monday night that they’ve been plunged into consternation as they remember a man who "worked passionately without ever counting the hours." They also recalled Massouh’s work ethic and his jovial, generous character. Massouh was married and had a five-year-old daughter. He was a veteran of several overseas missions. Prior to leaving for Afghanistan earlier this summer, Massouh had previously been deployed to Haiti, Croatia, Somalia and twice more to the former Yugoslavia. |
| "Both soldiers were known for their profound dedication with regards to the well-being of others, ...Warrant Officer Massouh was recognized for his enthusiasm, determination and keen leadership." "As for Corporal Labbe, he was appreciated by all of those who crossed his path and who had the chance to notice his commitment, his perseverance and courage." (here) |
Labels: Cpl Éric Labbé, WO Hani Massouh
  The Story: A secure Iraq requires competent local police and national army. In Iraq, U.S. commanders have helped achieve stability in former hotbeds of violence by building up Iraqi Security Forces, thanks to the creative efforts of soldiers and Marines, such as Marine Corps Col. Juan Ayala. During his third tour in Iraq, from January 2006 to January 2007, Col. Ayala served as the Senior Advisor to the 1st Iraqi Army Division, based at Camp Habbaniyah. Numerous challenges faced Ayala and his 29-man team, as they operated daily in tandem with the Iraqis. The Division lacked soldiers, trained officers and equipment. The surrounding terrain proved hostile as well. In early 2006, Anbar province remained volatile, and the Iraqi Army often found itself engaged in battles with civilians allied with insurgents. Over time, under Ayala’s guidance, the Iraqis increased their areas of responsibility and gained credibility among the population. Specifically, Col. Ayala revamped the staff functions of the Division, drawing up missions that fit its skill set. He collaborated with local imams and sheiks to obtain approval for operations. As a result of the built-up trust, the flow of actionable intelligence to the Division increased, as did the number of formerly hostile Sunnis to the Division’s ranks. So many ended up joining the Iraqi forces that they eventually gained a title: the “sons of Al Anbar.” Ayala helped plan and execute 52 direct action patrols in the area, which yielded 25 captured insurgents. Ayala’s input resulted in the creation of a 24-hour joint Iraqi/Advisor Combat Operations Center, which helped obtain situational awareness on the ground. Other positive developments under Ayala’s tenure included equipment improvements and the purging of hundreds of bogus soldiers from the Division’s ranks. Under Ayala, the implementation of a Unit Tracking Program (UTP) was influential in maintaining accountability among the Iraqi soldiers in the Division. Ayala often went on patrols, serving as a vehicle and convoy commander. He was hit twice by IEDs, but kept going out on missions to assess the Division’s ability in the field. He led 17 teams and 225 advisors at different levels of command, to improve the capabilities of the Division. Today, two of the Division’s Brigades, the 3rd and the 4th, function without coalition assistance. For his efforts in building up the 1st Iraqi Army Division, Col. Ayala earned the Legion of Merit with Combat Distinguishing Device. |
Labels: Every Day Heroes Col. Juan Ayala
ALBUQUERQUE (AP) - A 32-year-old New Mexico soldier is one of two soldiers who were fatally injured during combat operations in Iraq.
The U.S. Defense Department says Captain Thomas J. Casey of Albuquerque died Friday in Sadiyah of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire.
|
Casey graduated from the Albuquerque Academy and the University of New Mexico. He had retired from the Army three years ago after his first tour in Iraq, but his family says he re-enlisted last spring and was deployed to Iraq in the summer. (there is a news clip and more pictures of Captain Casey, his wife, and two young children here) |
Labels: Captain Thomas Casey
Major Andrew Olmsted, who posted a blog since May 2007, was killed in Iraq on Thursday, Jan. 3. Major Olmsted, who had been based at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, began blogging after his unit was sent to Iraq with the mission of helping to train the Iraqi Army. No official details have been released on his death, but reports say that he and a second member of his unit were killed during an enemy ambush in Diyala province, northeast of Baghdad. Olmsted was determined to make a difference in Iraq. "The sooner the Iraqi government doesn't need U.S. support to provide security for its people, the sooner we will probably be asked to leave." (source)| Andrew Olmsted, who also posted here as G'Kar, was killed yesterday in Iraq. Andy gave me a post to publish in the event of his death; the last revisions to it were made in July. Andy was a wonderful person: decent, honorable, generous, principled, courageous, sweet, and very funny. The world has a horrible hole in it that nothing can fill. I'm glad Andy -- generous as always -- wrote something for me to publish now, since I have no words at all. Beyond: Andy, I will miss you. My thoughts are with his wife, his parents, and his brother and sister. What follows is Andy's post:...*** "I am leaving this message for you because it appears I must leave sooner than I intended. I would have preferred to say this in person, but since I cannot, let me say it here." "Only the dead have seen the end of war." This is an entry I would have preferred not to have published, but there are limits to what we can control in life, and apparently I have passed one of those limits. And so, like G'Kar, I must say here what I would much prefer to say in person. I want to thank hilzoy for putting it up for me. It's not easy asking anyone to do something for you in the event of your death, and it is a testament to her quality that she didn't hesitate to accept the charge. As with many bloggers, I have a disgustingly large ego, and so I just couldn't bear the thought of not being able to have the last word if the need arose. Perhaps I take that further than most, I don't know. I hope so. It's frightening to think there are many people as neurotic as I am in the world. In any case, since I won't get another chance to say what I think, I wanted to take advantage of this opportunity. Such as it is....(please read the rest, and leave a comment, here) |
Labels: Major Andrew Olmsted
Operation Puppy Love - Bringing DJ Home[ Updates will be added - be sure to check back. Editor Note: While a bit lengthy, the entire tale of Operation Puppy Love is published with no Jump. These men and the efforts of Blake, Tom, and others need to be told. Feel free to forward, print, post, publish - Blackfive] Operation Puppy Love - Prologue Meet a few heroes. The men of 1st Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, from Fort Hood, Texas, were on patrol in Iraq in 2007.
 First up is Staff Sergeant Christopher Moore who was born 14 June 1978 and raised in Bakersfield, California. He played high school baseball and won a scholarship as a center fielder. After graduating high school, however, Christopher chose to serve his country and enlisted in the Army in May of 1997. During his career SSG Moore served for three years with the 101st Airborne Division, four years with the 82nd Airborne Division, two years with the III Armored Corps and finally a year with the 1st Cavalry Division. He deployed to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom II and later mobilized for the hurricane Katrina relief efforts in Louisiana. SSG Moore arrived to Alpha company in March of 2005 and has served with the "Annihilators" in a variety of positions including Bradley Fighting Vehicle section leader, dismount squad leader, company master driver and company retention NCO. In October of 2006 SSG Moore deployed with Alpha company and the 1-5 CAV "Black Knights" to Operation Iraqi Freedom 06-08. His former wife is Kindell Michelle Moore of Nolanville, TX and they have three children - Ashlyn, 9, Kailyn, 7 and Taylor 4. SSG Moore talks about his little girls all of the time, non-stop. Chris Moore also spent his last weekend on leave before deploying as a volunteer - painting the house of an elderly woman.  Next is Sergeant Jean Medlin was born 26 July 1979 in Alabama. Jean graduated from Hewitt Trussville High School. In October of 1998, Jean enlisted with the Marine Corps and served with honor for several years as an United States Marine. While in the Marine Corps, SGT Medlin served overseas in Kosovo as a member of the NATO peacekeeping forces. After a brief hiatus as a civilian, SGT Medlin enlisted with the Army in January of 2006 and was assigned to A CO 1-5 CAV 1CD. Upon joining Alpha Company SGT Medlin immediately began training with the "Annihilators" as a team leader. In October of 2006 SGT Medlin deployed with Alpha Company and the 1-5 CAV "Black Knights" to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom 06-08. SGT Medlin loves, LOVES, his family and Alabama football.  Third is SPC David Behrle who was born 06 March 1987 and raised in Tipton, Iowa. He played football at Tipton High School. After graduating from high school David joined the Army in June of 2005. Upon completion of basic training at Ft. Benning, GA SPC Behrle was assigned to A CO 1-5 CAV 1CD. He arrived to Alpha Company in October of 2005 and immediately began training as a Bradley Fighting Vehicle Driver with the "Annihilators". SPC Behrle deployed with Alpha Company and the 1-5 CAV "Black Knight" battalion to Operation Iraqi Freedom 06-08 in October of 2006. SPC Behrle, when not in Iraq, loves to find the biggest meal available on a menu and then consume said meal - with a coke.  This is Specialist Joseph Gilmore who was born 8th of August 1980 in Plant City, Florida. SPC Joseph Gilmore joined the Army as a Combat Medic on the 23rd of August, 2005. Joseph attended Basic Training at Fort Benning, GA and AIT at Fort Sam Houston, TX. In April 2006, Joseph was assigned to Headquarter and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, Black Knights. Joseph served as a Line Company Medic for FSC, E co, A Co, and the Scout Platoon. Specialist Gilmore and his wife, Evangeline, have three children - Victoria, Vanessa, and Joseph.  Say hello to PFC Travis Haslip who was born on 21 March 1987 in Pontiac Michigan, and raised in Tennessee. After high school Travis joined the Army in December of 2005. Upon completion of basic training at Ft. Benning, GA PFC Haslip was assigned to A CO 1-5 CAV 1CD. He arrived to Alpha Company in June of 2006 and immediately began training with the "Annihilators" in preparation for deployment to Iraq. In October of 2006 PFC Haslip deployed with Alpha Company and the 1-5 CAV "Black Knights" to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom 06-08. SPC Haslip overcomes and adapts to anything. He, Varela (below), and another soldier dug a trench between their rooms so they could hook up their X-Boxes. During Christmas 2006, it was very muddy and they built a mud "snow" man out of gravel, mud, and candy to celebrate the holiday without snow.  PFC Alexander Varela was born 29 January 1988 and raised in California. Alexander is an avid paintball competitor and turned his passion into commitment. He enlisted in the Army in April of 2006 and upon completion of basic training was assigned to A CO 1-5 CAV. PFC Varela arrived to Alpha company in August of 2006 and immediately began training with the "Annihilators" in preparation for deployment to Iraq. In October 2006 PFC Varela deployed to Iraq with Alpha company and the 1-5 CAV "Black Knights" for Operation Iraqi Freedom 06-08. PFC Varela loves photography and is always playing with the new puppies that had been born at FOB Hawk. To know more about the character of the men in the squad, you should know about one of their patrols in Ameriyah, Iraq. From an official report: ...SSG Christopher Moore noticed local nationals hurrying towards his security position. He alerted the patrol leader. Lieutenant Hickey moved to his position and dismounted. An Iraqi man, Mohammed, was running towards the American patrol holding a small bloody child in his arms. A 7.62 round had fallen out of the sky and struck her right temple. The round had passed along the side of her face and buried itself in her neck. She was blue and her eyes were cloudy. Without any hesitation the soldiers of First Platoon rushed Mohammed, his wife, and the toddler’s grandmother into the back of a Bradley Fighting Vehicle. In less than two minutes the medic SPC Elliot Sibille began rendering medical aid to the child and evacuation. SGT Jason Caudle aided the BFV with immediate support and the two vehicles rushed to Riva Ridge. The Soldiers of First Platoon executed their duties flawlessly. PFC Alexander Varela the Bradley Driver and SPC Andrew Tarasar the M1114 driver merit special recognition for managing the distance to Riva Ridge in three minutes through traffic and serpentine traffic control points. In no more than five minutes the evacuation was complete. The patrol then evacuated the little girl and her family to the CSH in the International Zone where the bullet was surgically removed. The platoon showed maturity and comprehension of the company’s inherent mission to engage the Iraqi citizens in a positive manner. The Soldiers spent the time at the CSH speaking to Mohammed and assuring him that the US would do whatever it could to help his little girl. SSG Moore personally sat with Mohammed and spoke with him not as a soldier but father to father, one of his daughters in the States is also three years old. The platoon followed up with the family three days later. The father, Mohammed came onto the street in order to meet and thank the patrol. Mohammed had tears in his eyes and expressed his thanks to the platoon. He said that he and his family would pray for their safety. 1LT Hickey spoke to Mohammed and told him that all his soldiers were worried about his daughter and hoped that she was well. Mohammed’s mother came into the street holding the little girl. The father introduced her as Saadeya smiled, took her into his arms, and said, “I know you are happy she is safe, but I am much happier than you.” Mohammed quickly explained that he was not questioning the happiness of the platoon, but was overjoyed to be able to enjoy a healthy daughter, thanks to the quick reactions of the Soldiers of First Platoon, Alpha Company 1-5 CAV. Staff Sergeant Moore was positively heartened by saving the little girl. He felt, especially since he had three daughters, that he made a difference in another family's life. While on the base, the soldiers had trained a dog to help with protection of the base. The dog had puppies and the combat soldiers couldn't help but take care of them, as well. The dogs at COP Annihilator were special to Private First Class Alejandro "Alex" Varela; and, to the dogs, Alex and the soldiers of Alpha Company, were special as well. Adopted as a force protection dog, one female would walk with the soldiers as they moved out on foot to observation posts, almost as if she were wanting to be sure that they made it safely. This dog, and others, helped lift the spirits of Alex and other soldiers, as well as improving their security.  SGT Medlin and PFC Varela with puppy A few weeks later, on May 19th, 2007, all six men were killed in Baghdad when a roadside bomb exploded near their vehicle while on patrol. Operation Puppy Love - Bringing DJ Home In going through his possessions, Alex Valera's mother, Rinda Pope of Orangevale, CA, was struck by the photographs of her son with the dogs. She began efforts to get one of the dogs, but was not having any success. Lt. Tom Hickey, Alex's platoon leader, found out about her efforts from another soldier, Specialist Matthew Alford, and began working to get her something much more tangible than a letter or medal: one of the dogs that Alex had enjoyed so much.  While it wasn't possible to send the official force protection dog, that dog, BP for Bradley Position, had recently had puppies. Now old enough to travel, DJ as she is known, needed a sponsor to escort her back on a civilian flight. The platoon's efforts led them to contact Gryphon Airlines.
The result of that contact was a partnership between Gryphon Airlines, BlackFive, Soldiers' Angels, and Prudent Publishing (parent company of The Gallery Collection) to escort DJ to the U.S. C. Blake Powers, who posts at BlackFive as Laughing Wolf and was embedding in Iraq over Christmas, will be DJ's escort to the US. This was made possible by the support of Prudent Publishing. All embeds from Blackfive also serve as representatives of Soldiers' Angels, and Soldiers' Angels purchased an airline approved travel kennel and necessary supplies. The PetSmart in Lafayette, IN, also contributed some chew toys to the effort.  DJ is named for another platoon member, Travis Dowd, in a bit of teasing humor. DJ was the only puppy to survive in her litter, and as a result ate rather well. So well, in fact that she got very large -- too large for her feet. His platoon mates like to kid the well-developed Dowd, so they started calling the puppy Dowd Junior, or DJ for short. She is a typical puppy who chases her own tail, is well into the chewing phase of teething, and in good health. The platoon has been working on housebreaking her, and on spoiling her as much as possible, even though no toe, sock, or boot is safe from DJ. DJ is scheduled to arrive in Washington DC on January 3, 2008, where she will be handed over to Pat Jarrett upon clearing Customs and entry. DJ will be driven to California by a dog rescue group that will give DJ to Rinda Pope.  Private First Class Alejandro "Alex" Varela (l) and Specialist Matthew Alford (r) play with two puppies while stationed in Iraq. In Memoriam: Staff Sgt. Christopher Moore, 28, of Alpaugh, Calif. 1st Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. Godspeed, we'll never forget you. Our BlackFiveTV version with some of the surviving squad members talking about their brothers and DJ is below: (Go to Blackfive here for the YouTube) Update 01-03-07 0700EST: Message From Blake- DJ is here! She arrived early this morning to Dulles, and linked up with Pat Jarrett and Yankee Mom. She weathered the long trip quite well, and is on her way to a short respite in Virginia before traveling on to California. Pictures and more shortly, so watch this space! Many thanks to United and Gryphon and the USAF for their wonderful help getting her here! Thanks to all. |
Operation Patriot Strike Nets AQI Suspects Capt. George Morris, commander of Co. B, 2-502 Infantry, and his Soldiers hit the ground running in the opening salvo of Operation Patriot Strike in Ubaydi, Dec. 29, 2007. The operation netted ten suspected al-Qaeda conspirators, who were detained. Photo by Sgt. Ben Brody...
|
| 30th December From: Robert Stokely To: cynthia@ajc.com; jwooten@ajc.com; jbookman@ajc.com; mdowney@ajc.com ; lharris@ajc.com; mking@ajc.com To the Editorial Board of the Atlanta Journal Constitution: Today, as I read the Sunday (December 30, 2007) edition of the AJC, and as I tried to turn past the two page spread you gave Mike Luckovich, my eye caught his distasteful use (again) of a Flag Draped Casket (year end recap / replay of July 17 cartoon). Worse yet, Mike Luckovich used these descriptive words "..THIS LOUSY COFFIN..." as he refers to the most visible, respectable, and grief evoking symbol of a fallen soldier. You may think me overly sensitive, but then you wouldn't think I was if you had met your fallen son's body as I did at an air cargo hanger at Hartsfield Airport on August 24, 2005. Perhaps you might understand better if you could have been there when the news broke at my home, as I walked in circles in my driveway trying to figure out how to tell my family, including my son's 13 year old sister who adored him. Try figuring out how to cope as a family day to day with the most incredible loss imaginable - the loss of a son and brother, or as some have, a daughter and sister. Try being a 20 year old bride to your high school sweetheart ten days before he went to war, only to be handed the flag off his casket three months later. Sit down and review my son's autopsy report and see for yourself why he was "non-viewable body". Then, perhaps, you and Mike Luckovich might have a glimpse why it is so insensitive and in such poor taste to use a Flag Draped Casket in the manner that Mike Luckovich has now done on two occasions. The Flag Draped Casket is the last visible and demonstrative image so many of us have of our fallen loved ones. God spare you the pain those of us who have welcomed home a Flag Draped Casket have endured, for it is a pain which radiates from a special privilege of sacrifice which costs a life time of love. May you never have to open a paper and see something so dear to your broken heart being trifled with as Mike Luckovich does with the Flag Draped Casket. There are many who profit off war, and in war, one man's loss is another's black ink bottom line. But, would your bottom line run red if you just left the Flag Draped Casket alone? Robert Stokely proudly remembering my son, SGT Mike Stokely KIA 16 AUG 05 near Yusufiyah Iraq USA E 108 CAV 48th BCT GAARNG DUTY HONOR COUNTRY p.s. - Note to file - Mike Luckovich used the word coffin but there is a significant difference between a coffin, which is contoured, being wider at the upper body and narrower at the legs versus a casket which has a uniform dimension. |
Labels: AJC, Luckovich, Mike Stokely, Robert Stokely
(this picture - and lots more! Here.)
| DES MOINES (Reuters) - Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton may have shot herself in the foot trying to get Iowa voters to pledge support to her -- she is encouraging them to go caucus on January 14, 11 days too late. At a rally featuring her husband, former U.S. President Bill Clinton on Saturday, campaign workers asked supporters to sign and mail cards that said "Yes! I'm an Iowan for Hillary" with their contact information as well as other supportive friends. One small problem. In the upper right-hand corner of the card, it says "I, _____, pledge to support Hillary Clinton at my precinct caucus on January 14, 2008." Unfortunately, that's 11 days too late. The Iowa caucuses are January 3 and organization is key to getting voters to go to the events and support their preferred candidate..... |
| The 'Nobody Knows' US election
We are looking at two elections, each with its own dynamic, the nomination battle - the primaries and caucuses - and the general election itself. The landscape often changes dramatically during the course of the battle. John Kerry was not the Democratic frontrunner before the Iowa caucus in 2004. George W Bush was nearly derailed by the New Hampshire primary in 2000. Two candidates bashing each other can allow a third to slip through and capture the affection of the voters. The first hurdle And the voters enjoy their power. A recent poll suggested half of them in New Hampshire are not intending to make up their minds until the week before the contest on 8 January. Both Rudy Giuliani and Hillary Clinton have been waging national campaigns which might blow up in their faces.
|
The race is tight on both sides, and Democrat Senator Hillary Clinton was among those to hit the campaign trail early. (that's from the Beeb too. There are more here)
To highlight my point? As I write this, even CBC radio is interviewing their 'journalist' that is in Des Moines for this event.... His description of the last weeks and months in Iowa? Direct quote: "...like a military campaign..." Heaven help us all! And of course, we don't really KNOW what Hillary thinks about the current military campaign. She voted to send our troops to Iraq as part of a coalition; now she is doing everything in her power to undermine the gains made with her "bring them home" bull. History has showed that Hillary changes her views as often as she changes her socks. (No, I don't know how often that is, and really I don't care! You get the idea?) Fact is, whatever is politically expedient for her, that's the view she will give - today!
The BBC does have extensive coverage on Iowa and the Presidential election. Yes, it IS one of my sources...and I AM educating myself.....lol To see what the Iowans think about their new-found - albeit temporary - stardom, and to get a primer in all things Iowan(lol) go here.
I may not know what day of the week it is (I actually did ask someone early today "what day is it?"....rofl) BUT, my ignorance will not affect world affairs. Hillary's ignorance just might. And that scares the snot out of me. What also scares me is that voters across America will be bamboozled by the razz ma tazz of the various candidates and NOT inform themselves of what really IS at stake here. We really are at that time "when the affairs of men" determine what sort of world we live in. What happens in Iowa these next few days, really WILL set the stage for the rest of our world. Are you informed? I pray so. As for Hillary? I just heard on the radio that she gave an event at which cupcakes were served! No, I am not kidding. Somebody please tell Hillary that cupcakes don't cut it.
| Senator Hillary Clinton ... with a primetime television advertisement in which she said America was at a crossroads and she alone had the experience to take charge from the start. "I'll work my heart out to bring the country we love the new beginning it needs and I will be ready to start on day one," Mrs Clinton said. (here) |
Labels: Hillary Clinton, Iowa.
Labels: Wednesday Hero
As I find myself staring down the end of yet another year, I have spent some considerable time in reflection. It’s been a big year for
Our former Prime Minister, John Howard, took controversial but necessary steps to curb the wave of violence and abuse in remote Aboriginal Communities. David Hicks was first returned to our country, then set free.
We saw and felt on a tremendous scale, the loss of many brave men and women who would fight for their country and the concept of a freedom that is slowly being taken from us. We witnessed the political race begin for the American Presidency, a race we can only hope will end better than the Australian race for Prime Minister.
At the end of any period in ones life there is always time for reflection. We reflect on our successes and failures, the things we wish we could change and the things we plan to. It’s often confronting to look at yourself and recognize that the path you have taken is not always the one that is best suited to you or the one you would necessarily have chosen for yourself. And yet, I look at the past year of my life as one of success. I made a big move from my home of 25 years and landed securely on my feet. I became a part of something important. I met you all, the readers of Tanker Brothers. You became a part of my life, sharing my tirades, my sadness and my sense of loss as we all came together as a community in support of each other and the common bond we share…..The desire to see that no Soldier is forgotten, that no Soldier or their family feels that no one cares and to make every possible attempt to counteract consistently negative news about the War on Terror.
Once again we remembered the significant events that fuelled the desire to fight for our freedoms… Sept 11, Bali,
And so to all of you reading, I wish you all the very best for the New Year. May our successes outweigh any failures, may our resolve stay strong and may we never forget those who answered the call to defend their countries and paid the ultimate price. May their families look to the future with well deserved pride and find strength in the knowledge that their loss allows us to welcome each new day as free nations.
May those who continue to fight and their families know that grateful nations stand behind them, support them and thank them for the sacrifices they make.
And may you all find strength, happiness and prosperity.
Happy New Year!!
A_C
| "Congressmen who willfully take actions during wartime that damage morale, and undermine the military are saboteurs and should be arrested, exiled or hanged." |
| In 1861, after a visit to a Union Army camp, Julia Ward Howe wrote the poem that came to be called "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." It was published in February, 1862, in The Atlantic Monthly. Howe reported in her autobiography that she wrote the verses to meet a challenge by a friend, Rev. James Freeman Clarke. As an unofficial anthem, Union soldiers sang "John Brown's Body." Confederate soldiers sang it with their own version of the words. But Clarke thought that there should be more uplifting words to the tune....(go here to read the rest of this fascinating history!) |
| The strokes of the pen need deliberation as much as the sword needs swiftness. |
Reformer, clubwoman, writer, poet
Julia Ward Howe published poetry, plays and travel books, as well as many articles. A Unitarian, she was part of the larger circle of Transcendentalists, though not a core member. She became active in the women's rights movement later in life, playing a prominent role in several suffrage organizations and in women's clubs....(here) |
| Battle Hymn of the Republic Written by: Julia Ward Howe Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord; He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored; He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword; His truth is marching on. Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His truth is marching on. I have seen Him in the watch fires of a hundred circling camps They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps; I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps; His day is marching on. Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His day is marching on. I have read a fiery Gospel writ in burnished rows of steel; “As ye deal with My contemners, so with you My grace shall deal”; Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with His heel, Since God is marching on. Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Since God is marching on. He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat; He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment seat; Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him! be jubilant, my feet; Our God is marching on. Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Our God is marching on. In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea, With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me: As He died to make men holy, let us live to make men free; While God is marching on. Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! While God is marching on. He is coming like the glory of the morning on the wave, He is wisdom to the mighty, He is honor to the brave; So the world shall be His footstool, and the soul of wrong His slave, Our God is marching on. Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Our God is marching on. (found them here ) |
DIGG THIS
Del.icio.us
He would be taken to a lock-up garage and there he would be murdered by having his head cut off like a pig 
Canada's top court decided not to hear the case of Iraq war deserter Jeremy Hinzman last November.
Casey's family members say he will be remembered as a wonderful husband and father and as a hero. 
about 1860" height="150" width="115">
