USMC: Master Gunner
KIA March 25, 2003
US Army: Master Gunner
KIA May 27, 2003
US Army: Master Gunner
KIA August 9, 2006
Thursday, 21 February 2008 012/2008 |
| A recent article by Elizabeth Rubin in the New York Times painted one Platoon of this Brigade in a less than favorable light. The article sensationalized the facts in a negative way, which served only to cause undue stress on the Soldiers and family members. The author failed to mention successes within the Brigade such as substantial humanitarian aid (tons of food and clothes) delivered to local villages, medical care for local children and adults, road projects, clean water projects, training of Afghan National Army personnel, distribution of school supplies, etc. . . .Historically, spring is a time of heavy fighting in this region as the terrorists and insurgents emerge from their caves after the harsh winter temperatures and snows. Let's show these Soldiers how much support they have from home to help them through the spring and the remainder of this long and dangerous deployment. Our paratroopers are in the fight of their lives and they need to hear that America loves them. |
Please send an email of support to skysoldiers173rd@gmail.com Or you can mail cards to: Leta Carruth |
Labels: Supporting our Troops
24 January 2008 While the Dutch forces and Australian Reconstruction Task Force provide the security, and are involved in trade work and supervision, it’s the local Afghans who are contracted to do the actual building. In this environment the engineers focus on quality control & mentoring as well as bridging capability gaps such as the provision of heavy earth works. The Reconstruction Task Force - 3 (RTF) consists of a combined arms team, located in Oruzgan Province in Southern Afghanistan as part of Operation Slipper. The RTF is in partnership with the Netherlands Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) and forms part of the NATO- led International Security Assistance Force. The RTF has a clearly defined role to work on reconstruction, improvement of provincial infrastructure and community based projects. The RTF also provides trade training to the local population and military engineering training to the Afghan National Army. This type of assistance is designed to benefit the people of Oruzgan Province well into the future and form building blocks of a stable and prosperous community. The RTF contains around 370 ADF personnel from predominately Queensland based units. It includes elements to provide command, security, engineering, and administrative support and is equipped with Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicles (IMV), Australian Light Armoured Vehicles (ASLAVs) and armoured engineer plant equipment. Australia's contribution to ISAF is an important component of the Australian Government's commitment to assist Afghanistan achieve a stable and secure future. |
Reconstruction Task Force - 3 (RTF-3) construction engineer Captain Mick Koen discusses a project underway with a local man in Tarin Kowt, Oruzgan Province, Afghanistan.
Reconstruction Task Force - 3 (RTF-3) soldiers share a meal with locals in Tarin Kowt Southern Afghanistan. 
Reconstruction Task Force - 3 (RTF-3) soldier Lance Corporal Joseph Rears speaks to locals in the Chora Valley Southern Afghanistan. The RTF are helping contstruct a Foward Operating Base (FOB) for the Afghan Army.
Reconstruction Task Force -3 soldiers Sergeant Justin Smith & Lance Corporal Michael Crossley take a break during a patrol in their ASLAV in the Chora Valley Southern Afghanistan.
Reconstruction Task Force - 3 (RTF-3) Soldiers Sapper Scott Ruehland and Sapper Corrie Watson lay wire in the Chora Valley Southern Afghanistan. RTF-3 is helping to contstruct a Foward Operating Base (FOB) for the Afghan Army.
Reconstruction Task Force (RTF) Soldier and works superviser Warrant Officer Matt Daldry oversees construction work at a school in Tarin Kowt Southern Afghanistan.
Reconstruction Task Force (RTF) construction engineer Captain Mick Koen shares a thumbs-up with local children in Tarin Kowt, Oruzgan Province, Afghanistan.
| FORT BLISS, Texas, Feb. 27, 2008 – More than 3,000 Canadian soldiers preparing for a rotation in Afghanistan are wrapping up a pre-deployment training exercise here this week that included U.S.-led instruction in countering improvised explosive devices. The three-week 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group exercise, dubbed Exercise Southern Bear, concludes Feb. 28. Soldiers from Canadian Forces Base Petawawa, in Ontario, arrived here Feb. 7 to train for their deployment to Kandahar in September, Lt. Andrew Hennessy, the 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group spokesman, told American Forces Press Service. Once deployed, the soldiers will serve with the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team and as observer mentor liaison teams that embed with and train Afghan soldiers and national police.  Canadian army Pvt. William Burgess, of Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, attempts to locate an enemy insurgent moments after dismounted soldiers in his unit were engaged during a convoy-training exercise at Fort Bliss, Texas, and McGregor Range, N.M., in preparation for a deployment to Afghanistan. Canadian army photo About 80 percent of the troops will be deploying to Afghanistan for the first time, but they’re no strangers to tough missions far from home in Bosnia, Haiti, Eritrea and other hot spots, Hennessey said. “They’ve had lots of experience in lots of places,” he said. Exercise Southern Bear, spread over a massive area that includes not just Fort Bliss, but also the McGregor Range and White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, is giving the Canadians the opportunity to train for operations with both friendly and hostile civilians, enemy insurgents, media and Afghan national security forces. ... |
Labels: Good News Friday(B*N*S*N1) Canadian train with US in Ft Bliss
This Good News Story comes under 'getting it done". This one is an example of our troops doing their jobs, every day of the year. It also happens to be about one of my favourite K9's (after Bratdog, of course!) From Chuck:| "Today Gabe and I had the honor to do a Vice Presidential mission for VP Dick Chenney. It was an awesome experience to see Air Force 2 and to see the Vice President. Of course Gabe and I were behind the scenes, but Gabe had a huge responsibiity. At the end, we got to take pictures with the Vice Presidents Limo's and the other vehicles and I will have the picture soon. As you can see with this picture, Gabe was posing with a Texas State Trooper that was part of the motorcade and didn't even get arrested or a ticket because I warned him to be on his best behavior because Texas Troopers do not play ha ha...." |
 Vice President Richard B. Cheney speaks to about 9,000 1st Cavalry Division soldiers during a welcome home ceremony on Fort Hood, Texas, Feb. 26, 2008. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Alexis Harrison FORT HOOD, Texas, Feb. 26, 2008 – With secret servicemen scattered in a sea of soldiers and cameras, the 1st Cavalry Division parade field looked like a scene from the next box-office suspense thriller Feb. 26. But it wasn’t a “Hollywood” set. The scene was set for Vice President Richard B. Cheney to welcome home the Fort Hood troopers from a 15-month tour in Iraq. A roaring crowd of about 9,000 soldiers greeted the vice president, in what the division’s commanding general Brig. Gen. Vincent K. Brooks referred to as a welcome so loud that not only would Cheney feel welcomed, but the soldiers’ brothers and sisters in Iraq and Afghanistan would be able to hear them as well. Cheney, who visited prior to the First Team’s deployment in October 2006, started his speech by saying it was an honor to be back at Fort Hood and extending President George W. Bush’s respect and good wishes to his recently redeployed troops.... |
 MSgt. Woodrow Wilson Keeble will be awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously on March 3. Photo by Vets Incorporated, Wahpeton, ND. First Sioux to Receive Medal of HonorFeb 22, 2008BY Carrie McLeroy WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Feb. 22, 2008) -- During the final allied offensive of the Korean War, Master Sergeant Woodrow Wilson Keeble risked his life to save his fellow Soldiers. Almost six decades after his gallant actions and 26 years after his death, Keeble will be the first full-blooded Sioux Indian to receive the Medal of Honor. The White House announced Friday morning that Keeble will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously in a ceremony scheduled for 2:30 p.m. March 3. Keeble is one of the most decorated Soldiers in North Dakota history. A veteran of World War II and the Korean War, he was born in 1917 in Waubay, S.D., on the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Reservation, which extended into North Dakota. He spent most of his life in the Wahpeton, N.D. area, where he attended an Indian school. In 1942 Keeble joined the North Dakota National Guard, and in October that year, found himself embroiled in some of the fiercest hand-to-hand combat of World War II on Guadalcanal...
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Labels: Good news Friday)B*N*S*N3) Master Sergeant Woodrow Wilson Keeble First Sioux MOH
“There are only approximately 2,500 SEALs in the Navy and they really are a brotherhood,” said Naval Special Warfare spokesman Lt. David Luckett. “This is another unfortunate reminder of the risks and sacrifices these amazing warriors and their families make on a daily basis.”
Koch leaves behind his parents and a fiancee. He enlisted in July 1998 and entered SEAL training in January 1999, according to The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk. He received the Bronze Star, Joint Service Commendation Medal and three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals.
Navy SEAL Michael E. Koch died Feb. 4 after being wounded by small-arms fire during combat operations in Iraq alongside fellow SEAL Nathan Hardy, who was profiled last week.
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
There’s more on CPOs Hardy and Koch at Blackfive.
| Cpl Jeremy Cabaniss was in Soldiers Angels Inc. asked the Patriot Guard Riders to help them fix the roof on Jeremy’s house. We asked for a couple of new estimates from roofers that we knew and managed to get a local developer to donate a dehumidifier to help dry out the house in an attempt to contain the mold that was feeding off of the water leaking through the roof. Deanna arranged for someone to meet us at the house to inspect the storm damage. It was a warm muggy afternoon when Bill unlocked the front door and led us inside. We had already looked over the outside of the home while we were waiting for Bill and had seen blue tarps tacked to the roof in two or three places. The house was old and the roof had an odd look to it, we thought at first that it was the blue tarps tacked to it. When we entered the old home we expected some stained sheetrock and maybe a moldy or musty smell. The mold smell inside this home would knock a buzzard off two day old road kill. There were water stains in every room and the entire home was covered in black dust. The headache set in almost immediately. Bill led the way towards the bedroom located just behind the garage. The door to the room was closed and swollen with moisture and had to be shouldered open causing the inside of the room to shudder and pieces of ceiling to rain down. The ceiling in the middle of the room had sagged a couple of feet. Water logged and blistered sheetrock was drooping in several places. Soggy grey dust mixed with green and black mold covered everything in the room and coated the windows on the opposite wall. The sunlight streaming through the window panes was tinted green and gave the room an eerie sick light. The smell was so bad we had to hold our breath while Bill opened the windows and doors to let some fresh air in. The entire room was soggy. The door to the Garage was swollen in its frame and refused to open. We realized that this was going to be more than just a roof project. There was structural damage to this home. We knew some professional builders that we could call to help us out and we set out with a mission to make the house livable again. We weren’t sure what it would take or how much it would cost but we were determined to get it done. The email to Soldiers Angels that started this project: “The roof of the house is in terrible condition. The ceiling in the room behind Soldier’s Angels Inc. had offered $10,000.00 towards the cost of a roof repair but the lowest bid so far was $13,000.00. The Panhandle Crew of the Patriot Guard Riders “Kool and the Gang” knew it would take a lot more and had promised to raise the rest of the money needed to fix the house. Scott Henson “The Admiral” and Dan DeBell “Uncle Dan” were asked to give us guidance on where and how to start fixing this home. They both build complex custom homes in upscale areas of the panhandle and have a lot of knowledge and experience. We called on friends and family and professionals from all of the construction trades and asked them to visit the home and give their opinion on how to fix the home. One builder pointed out that the walls of the severely damaged room were too low to pass the existing building code and not built well enough to support the weight of a proper roof. All of the sheetrock in the entire home would have to be removed and discarded along with the insulation and celotex ceiling materials. Most of the 1960’s era electrical system would have to be removed and replaced. There was one bathroom in the house and there was no way that someone on a cane or walker could get past the sink and bathtub to the commode. The only fix to the plumbing problems would take one of the three bedrooms and convert it to an When the experts had finished and offered assistance and some materials to help out, our $13,000.00 roof leak had jumped to a $120,000.00 remodel. The house would have to be reduced to three walls and no roof and stripped almost bare on the inside. Down to a concrete slab with a few two by fours standing around the edges. While we were speaking to one of the local building inspectors it started to rain. We ducked under the front porch and we watched as rainwater came streaming off of the street, down the driveway and into the garage. Once the garage was full the walkway under the front porch started filling with water and leveled off about a quarter of an inch from the bottom of the front door. The front yard turned into a pond. The room behind the garage had a steady stream of water pouring in. We heard the house creak and moan with the wind. We all agreed that throwing money at some kind of temporary fix or patch up job was the worst thing that could happen. Whatever we did we had to make sure that Jeremy had a safe place to live and not something that would haunt him for the rest of his life. We would be relying on the good will of the people in this community to make this project possible and came to the painful conclusion that the only way to fix this home was to tear it down and start over. One of our friends is also an expert in modular homes. He asked one of the modular home companies that he deals with to help us out. In all honesty we were looking for a donated home but in reality that’s asking too much of one business or company. Most of us involved are small business owners. Donations trickled in a few dollars at a time. Offers of materials and labor started coming in. After a lot of thought and consideration Nationwide Custom Homes decided to build us a home for the least cost possible. They went to their suppliers and asked for donations and offered to donate some of the labor needed to construct the home. On Dec 22cnd a Christmas miracle happened. After 7 months of fundraising, begging and borrowing we handed the keys to a brand new house over to Cpl Jeremy Cabaniss, his wife Deanna, and their two sons. They are moved in the home at this time but the unpacking will have to wait for awhile. Deanna slipped on ice that had formed on the pavers in her new front yard and shattered her knee cap. She had surgery on the same day and should make a full recovery. The Cabaniss family is one of the finest that the PGR has had the pleasure to meet. They are humble and are very appreciative and have offered to “Pay it forward”. We never expected that but life is full of the unexpected. If a few bikers from this community can get a home built for a severely wounded soldier, what can you do? It wasn’t easy but then again anything worth while isn’t. |
Labels: Jeremy's House, PGR
It was Hardy’s fourth deployment in Iraq, according to his father, Stephen Hardy, a professor of kinesiology a the University of New Hampshire. His mother, Donna Hardy, is an administrative assistant in UNH’s psychology department.
Nathan Hardy grew up in Durham and was a 1997 graduate of Oyster River High School. He joined the Navy after graduation.
Other family members include his wife, Mindy, and their 7-month-old son, Parker; and a brother, Ben, of Middlebury, Vt.
Another brother, Josh, died in 1993 while a senior at Oyster River High School.
“Our hearts go out to Steve and Donna Hardy, and their son, Ben, at this incredibly difficult time,” UNH President Mark Huddleston said in a statement. “We know it was Nate’s dream to become a U.S. Navy SEAL when he graduated from high school, and he pursued that dream and excelled at it. His death has stunned all who knew him, and all who know his parents, who both are so much a part of the UNH community.”
Navy SEAL Nathan Hardy died Feb. 4 after being wounded by small-arms fire during combat operations in Iraq.
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 Nathan H Hardy
Labels: Lex gets a Purple Heart
"Dear compatriots,
I promised you on 15 February that in my next reflections I would touch on a subject of interest for many compatriots. This time that reflection takes the form of a message...
I held the honourable position of president for a period of many years... Before that I had held the post of prime minister for nearly 18 years. I always exercised the necessary prerogatives to carry forward our revolutionary work with the support of the vast majority of the people.
Knowing about my critical state of health, many people overseas thought that my provisional resignation from the post of president of the Council of State on 31 July 2006, leaving it in the hands of the First Vice-President, Raul Castro, was definitive. Raul himself, who also holds the post of minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces on his own merit, and my other comrades in the party leadership and the state, were reluctant to think of me removed from my posts despite my precarious state of health...
Preparing the people for my psychological and political absence was my primary obligation after so many years of struggle. I never ceased to say that we were dealing with a recuperation that was "not free from risk". My desire was always to carry out my duties until my final breath. That is what I have to offer.
To my close compatriots, who did me the immense honour in recent days of electing me as a member of parliament, I tell you that I will not aspire to or accept - I repeat - I will not aspire to or accept the post of president of the Council of State and commander-in-chief.
The path will always be difficult and will require the intelligent strength of all of us... Always prepare for the worst scenario. 'Be as prudent in success as you stand firm in adversity' is a principle that must not be forgotten. The adversary we must defeat is extremely strong, but we have kept him at bay for half a century.
I do not bid you farewell. My only wish is to fight as a soldier of ideas. I will continue to write under the title 'Reflections of compadre Fidel'. It will be another weapon in the arsenal on which you will be able to count. Perhaps my voice will be heard. I will be careful."...(here) |
Labels: Castro steps down
Labels: SA promo
| The News ...We drove home... numb, but with things we had to do... The news is this. There are eleven tumors in her brain. If you were to divide her brain into quadrants, then at least two of the tumors would be as large as the quadrant. There are also metastatic tumors in her lungs (again). So, we have breast cancer, lung cancer, and brain cancer. And like the neurologist told us, while the situation is not hopeless, it is extremely serious. If we do nothing at all, she likely has no more than a few months....(here) |
Pain, No More Ellicia died today. 3:20 PM. It was a long day, but the end was... peaceful. And heart-wrenching. She was told it was ok to go... but, she's stubborn you know...She's gone now. No more of the horrible hideous pain... for her.... (read this here) |
Cancer Walk for ElliciaI'd like to announce that I've decided to partake in the Avon - Walk for Breast Cancer. |
Labels: Walk for Ellicia
Labels: welcome home mg
 BERKELEYMarines protest cost $93,000 for police OTBerkeley spent $93,000 on police overtime to control the Marines protest outside City Hall Tuesday, a city official said.About 140 Berkeley police officers worked at the protest, which drew more than 2,000 demonstrators from around the country, said Mary Kay Clunies-Ross, public information officer. There were four arrests, all misdemeanors. The protest was over the City Council's Jan. 29 statement that the Marines, who have a recruitment center downtown, are "unwelcome intruders." After 3 1/2 hours of public comment and debate, the council voted early Wednesday to back down from the statement. To prevent similar controversies in the future, City Councilman Gordon Wozniak has proposed that every item submitted by the Peace and Justice Commission - where the Marines statement originated - undergo two readings by the council. Usually commission items need one reading. Peace and Justice commissioners were not happy with the idea. "It's like he's trying to legislate himself to read what's on his own agenda," said the commission's former president, Steven Freedkin. Meanwhile, protests continue at the recruiting center on Shattuck Square. About 50 people from Code Pink and World Can't Wait blocked the center entrance for several hours Friday and then marched to UC Berkeley, a block away. There were no arrests. (here) |
Berkeley, Sedition, and how to proceed from here
I start this post with this quote for one reason... I hate traitors. (you MUST read the rest here) |
| ...More and more often, those of us in uniform are being shunned....Lately, I wonder if the country is worth defending, let alone saving....I think what bothers me most is the distrust of the defenders. People posit that the military would follow orders to establish some kind of police state. In effect, they believe that we are all brainwashed to follow orders without thought. They believe that we are incapable of free thought, that we will follow any order, regardless of its legality....(my original post here) |
Labels: Berkeley police cost $93K OT
MAYOR: DYING COP A FACTOR IN 'COMMUNICATION BREAKDOWN' By Justin R. Kalmes Toledo Free Press Managing Editor jkalmes@toledofreepress.com A Toledo police officer who died Feb. 2 may have been responsible for the "communication breakdown" that led to a Marine Corps unit being denied a scheduled training exercise Downtown, the city's mayor said. Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner's administration is investigating how a communication lapse occurred between the city and a company of Marine Corps Reservists that led to a recent mayoral controversy. |
Labels: Toledo mayor blames dead man
The 2006 East Timorese crisis began as a conflict between elements of the military of East Timor over discrimination within the military, and expanded to general violence throughout the country, centred in the capital Dili. The crisis prompted a military intervention by several other countries and led to the resignation of the Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri.BackgroundThe crisis arose out of a dispute within the military of East Timor (F-FDTL), when soldiers from the western part of the country claimed that they were being discriminated against, in favour of soldiers from the eastern part of the country. The Lorosae (Tetum for easterners) formed the largest part of Falintil, the guerilla resistance movement which resisted Indonesian authority, and which in turn, after final independence in 2002, formed the largest part of F-FDTL.[1] In contrast the Loromonu (Tetum for westerners) were less prominent in the resistance, and are less favoured in the present military structure. There has also been tension between the military and the police force, comprised of more westerners and even former members of the Indonesian military.[1] Read more here.... |
| Operation Astute is a United Nations-authorised, Australian-led military deployment to East Timor to quell unrest and return stability in the 2006 East Timor crisis. The operation is currently headed by Brigadier John Hutcheson, and commenced on 25 May 2006 under the command of Brigadier Michael Slater. Other countries deploying soldiers or police to East Timor are Malaysia, New Zealand and East Timor's former colonial power Portugal. Read more here..... |
| Soldiers' Angels had the pleasure today to visit the William S. Middleton Memorial VA Hospital in Madison, WI with the one and only Uncle Jimbo from Blackfive. ...We spent the morning handing out blankets, magazines, calendars, Valentines and our SA Challenge Coins. Uncle Jimbo brought his video equipment and even interviewed a couple of the Veterans. A picture is worth a thousand words but a video....WOW!! |
Labels: SA WI and UJ visits VA
 An Iraqi policeman takes roll at the Adil police station in western Baghdad, Feb. 9, 2008, prior to police training. Iraqi police stations officially opened for business in three neighborhoods of Baghdad’s Mansour district the next day. Photo by Sgt. James P. Hunter, USA New Iraqi Police Stations Open for BusinessBy Sgt. James P. Hunter, USASpecial to American Forces Press Service BAGHDAD, Feb. 14, 2008 – Iraqi police stations officially opened for business Feb. 10 in the Adil, Khadra and Jamia neighborhoods in the Iraqi capital’s Mansour district. More than 490 recruits graduated from the Camp Fiji Iraqi Police Training Facility in Baghdad, and more than 260 of them were dedicated to the district. As new policemen learn the ropes of their duties, coalition forces gradually move to an overwatch posture. “The implementation of a home-grown police force in suburbs of Jamia, Adil and Khadra will allow local Arab men to secure their neighborhoods and homes,” said Army Maj. Chris Budihas, executive officer of 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment. “This will ultimately facilitate our effort to destroy al Qaeda once and for all in the Mansour district of Baghdad.” ... |
Labels: Good News Friday(B*N*S*N1) Iraqis run Adil police station
U.S. Department of Defense | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Labels: Good News Friday(B*N*S*N2) January 08 recruitment figures
Reservists in the land of Tom SawyerMonday, February 11, 2008Project Number:07-982CAMP SHELBY, Mississippi — With Quebec up to its neck in winter as the snow kept piling higher and higher, some 1,500 Canadian Forces Reservists from the 34 and 35 Brigade Groups left for the warmer climes of Mississippi for a unique 10-day experience dubbed Exercise NOBLE GUERRIER. "The ongoing objective is to prepare our troops for the Afghan operational theatre," said Captain Daniel Turcotte, Operations Officer for the 35 Brigade Group. But why was Mississippi chosen for this early January exercise? First of all, the survival conditions created by the cold and snow in Quebec would hinder the exercise. Mississippi, meanwhile, has temperature variations similar to those in Afghanistan at the same time of the year. "In Quebec, we would be stuck in snow, focusing mostly on survival, and we would lose a lot of time trying to carry out the training," said Capt Turcotte.... |
Labels: Good News Friday (B*N*S*N*3) Canadians train at Mississippi
| Here is the video of the city council meeting. If you click on the "jump to" and go to item 25, it'll take you to the part of the meeting regarding this issue. And that is me against the wall in the white sweatshirt to the left of the speakers. At 2:48 Debbie Lee speaks. Get your tissues out for that one. I was tearing up listening to her. at 3:26:55 is when I yield my time :) |
| "I have written to all of you, and only one bothered to respond. Mayor, I am appalled at what this city has done...I am demanding an apology... I have 18,000 signatures...you owe our [troops] and apology... I have earned respect... |
| ...It is despicable that I have to come here and educate you people... |
| I am speaking for my Lt. son... I have always supported you but you have done a bad thing here. My son directly saved the life of an Iraqi child, and they liberated a town from the real rapists and murderers... |
| ...I demonstrate on Wednesdays for Code Pink... |
| "...The Marines are not leaving. Not now, not ever..." |
| ...You may run, but we will NOT run... |
| At least 150 Berkeley High School students became involved in yesterday's day-long protests against the Marine Corps recruiting center in Downtown Berkeley-including at least two students who were arrested. Despite attempts to minimize the impact the protest had on students at the nearby high school, Berkeley Unified School District officials estimate at least 50 students cut class to join the protests. Many students put on orange scarves and T-shirts given to them by organizers of The World Can't Wait, a group that aims to "drive out the Bush regime." Some students became involved in verbal and physical confrontations between the two groups protesting, resulting in the arrest of a 13-year-old, a 15-year-old and an 18-year old. School and police officials could not confirm whether the minors arrested were Berkeley High School students. ..(read the rest of this here) |
| Cal Berkeley newspaper: http://www.dailycal.org/ the one about the high schoolers is here. If you click on the blurb an article will come up. The part about the kids being discouraged from attending was not true. I heard teachers on a loud speaker organizing the students to go down to the protest when I walked down to the bathroom. (there was a real bathroom attached to a city building at the opposite end of the park from the protest. The berkeley high school was across the street from this building/park) |
This one's for you, Patrick!Labels: Our source tells it like it is
Labels: Camp Berkeley: It isn't over til
Labels: Wednesday Hero
Code Pink lays bare soft underbelly for easiest attack for those who mean America harmBy Judi McLeod Wednesday, February 13, 2008
“Berkeley erupted in violence Tuesday morning when the Communist, terrorist-supporting anti-war group crossed into Martin Luther King Park and assaulted pro-troop individuals. ( www.MichelleMalkin.com). “Riot police stood by, but did not stop the assaults. Police agencies did not respond to calls for help.” Code Pink suspended public safety in an American city if only for a day. They must have been whooping it up and dancing over at al Jazeera. What encouraging news to pass on to the Brotherhood. “It’s mayhem on here,” Move America Forward communications director Danny Gonzales said from the park early Tuesday morning....(my emphasis)[Go read the rest here] |
The insanity continues. The msm is now 'reporting' - finally! But with this:| BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) — City council members who were criticized for telling Marine recruiters they don't belong here have moderated their position, saying they oppose the Iraq war but support the troops....The council members say they still strongly oppose the war and the recruitment of young people, but "deeply respect and support" the men and women of the armed forces.... |
Doesn't that just warm the cockles of your heart? :) Semper Fi!!!
Brat(H/T Jane, who is also up early!)
| The source is just too tired tonight. I have tons of pictures I will download tomorrow. I didn't make any statements when my minute came up. I yielded my whole one minute they gave us to a Marine. More to come tomorrow so he had two minutes of talk time. |
Labels: Camp Berkeley LATE
| Q: Why are you protesting the Marines Officer Recruiting Station (MRS) in Berkeley? Answer: Our immediate goal is to have clear zoning regulations for military recruiting and to put citizen pressure to shut down the existing recruiting station that is just blocks from Berkeley City College, UC Berkeley, and Berkeley High School. Our overriding goal is to end the war in Iraq now. We are not protesting the marines themselves, but the machine that recruits our youth and sends them off to fight in an illegal and immoral war in Iraq. (My comment - call me confused BUT...not protesting the Marines (not capitalized by them) but the machine that recruits....what they hell is the difference?) Q: Don't the Marines have a right to free speech and to do business? Answer: The Marines don't even allow their own members full rights of free speech. So maybe you need to ask them that question. As far as doing business, cities have the right to regulate the businesses they allow into their community. Our initiative will give the citizens of Berkeley that right. (My comment - Freedom of Speech? You must be kidding me? Cities can regulate the businesses? Hug? If I wanted to open a popcorn shop and they didn't want to have another one cuz, maybe the mayor's wife has one, they could tell me to go away???) Q: The Marines and the rest of the military protect your freedom of speech. Isn't protesting them hypocritical? Answer: No, they do NOT protect our freedom of speech by engaging in an illegal war against a country that never attacked us; WE protect our freedom of speech -- and assembly -- by exercising those rights. Q: Don't you women have better things to do, like take care of your husbands and families? Answer: Caretaking is a traditional womanly value which we continue in the realm of public politics. We work to take care of the world, our country and fellow human beings everyday. We feel our military has better things to do, like protect citizens here at home and not have their own be torn apart by this war/occupation. Q:Does this protest mean that you don't support our troops? Answer: “Support the troops†has become empty rhetoric. We want new recruits to be told the truth and our military to be brought home and no longer be an occupying force. That’s the best way to support the troops. We also vigorously support fully funding health care and family benefits for our returning veterans, who suffer at record-breaking levels from traumatic brain injury, depression and other mental disorders, multiple traumatic injuries, and exposure to Depleted Uranium. (My comment - empty rhetoric? Huh?) Q:What right does the city of Berkeley have to pass such a resolution and consider the initiative? Answer: Any city has the right, through its zoning ordinances, to regulate the place and manner of a commercial establishment. This initiative is grassroots democracy at work, for it gives the people of Berkeley the right to make this decision. Moreover, the Municipal Code of the City of Berkeley says that “Initiatives are needed to reverse the drift toward war and to remove the causes of war.†So this initiative is actually part of the city’s mandate. (My Comment - I didn't look up the municipal code of Berkeley but...surely their municipal code doesn't mention war and causes of war? Don't they have REAL issues to take care of that affect the city and it's citizens. Worse than I even imagined!) Answer: NO. The use of such a threat to withdraw federal funding for schoolchildren’s healthy lunches, for example, just shows the depths to which ill-informed opponents of this campaign, such as Senator DeMint, have sunk. The people of Berkeley will not be intimidated by empty and debasing threats. (My comment - loud peels of laughter! I don't think I need to say more!) Source: http://www.codepinkalert.org/article.php?id=3923 |
Labels: Berkeley update Troop support
Labels: Berkeley update
| Subject: Statement from Mayor Carty Finkbeiner re. Marine Corps. Thank you for your thoughts. Your message will be conveyed to the Mayor. Attached is the Mayor's Statement to the Media and a statement from Lt. Colonel Piccoli, U.S. Marine Corps on this issue. Statement from Mayor Carty Finkbeiner -Regarding U.S. Marine Corps. Frank Szollosi can play politics with anything. It is what he does best. Today, I spoke with Major Jeff Brooks of the United States Marine Corps. I conveyed my sincere regret for the failure to communicate within the administration and any inconvenience that caused the U.S. Marine Corps. I also conveyed, as my staff did on Friday, that we would make available abandoned buildings for Marine training outside of the CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT (CBD). I concluded by reviewing my belief that the CBD, particularly on a weekday afternoon, was not available for military staging operations. 10,000 - 14,000 men and women would have been departing their offices in downtown Toledo on Friday afternoon with a major military training action unfolding - including the use of weapons being discharged with blanks. My interest is not only in supporting the U.S. military wherever and whenever such support is sought, but also protecting the health, peace, and tranquility of Toledoans in every way possible. For those who disagree with my priorities in terms of safeguarding Toledoans, we may disagree, but you have my respect. Statement from Lt. Colonel Piccoli - U.S. Marine Corps Although our planned training event for Company A, 1st Battalion, 24th As the Marine Corps has done in myriad cities in the past, which includes Columbia, S.C. (2003), New Orleans (2004), Savannah, Ga. (2005), and Hampton Roads, Va. (2006), we'll continue to work very closely with community leaders, law enforcement personnel, members of the media and private citizens to ensure our training does not adversely impact them. Such training, coupled with governmental and civic support, enables the U.S. Marine Corps to meet the country's expectations as the nation's premiere force in readiness. The U.S. Marine Corps stands shoulder to shoulder with the people of Toledo as we move forward together well into the future. |
| This is what I received today.. LOL Just thought I would share with you. And believe it or not... I was nice about what I had to say:) |
Labels: Toledo Mayor replies
| Lamentations Berkley. Toledo. Verizon. Hilton. The list goes on endlessly.More and more often, those of us in uniform are being shunned. Reading commentary on news articles, it’s apparent that many view the military as a dreadnaught, bent on the eventual establishment of a military dictatorship. Many feel we should be kept separate from the population—left to train, fight, and live away from civilians. They feel that our training to conduct Stability and Support operations is secretly planned to “desensitize” the population to accept military presence and eventually, military rule. Lately, I wonder if the country is worth defending, let alone saving. People refer to posse commitatus as cause to keep the military away from civilians. PC is really a law that says we can’t be used AGAINST the citizenry and can’t be used to conduct Police action against citizens. Granted, there are times when the military is used for civilian population control—LA, Watts, Chicago—and disaster relief (Katrina, Hugo, Andrew)—and even to fight forest fires. These are extreme conditions that require the use of our specialized abilities. Abilities like manpower, communications, logistical and medical support, and WAY down the list is law enforcement. I think what bothers me most is the distrust of the defenders. People posit that the military would follow orders to establish some kind of police state. In effect, they believe that we are all brainwashed to follow orders without thought. They believe that we are incapable of free thought, that we will follow any order, regardless of its legality.... |
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A dear friend of mine's brother, who is currently serving in Iraq drafted this letter. Feel free to copy and disseminate as widely as you'd like. If you have a dissenting opinion on this one, I suggest you keep it to yourself. I welcome discourse to almost everything I post. There are exceptions. This is one of them. In the early hours on Monday morning, an American Task Force took down a terrorist compound in Iraq. In the ensuing fight, two US Navy SEALs were killed by small arms fire while clearing one of the buildings - Chief Petty Officers Nathan H. Hardy and Michael E. Koch. For any of you out there who are doubting the validity of this war and the evil that resides in our enemy I ask you to study your history again. Over the last 20+ years dating back to the bombing of the Marine Corps Barracks in Lebanon, various factions of radical Islamic Terrorists have been committing heinous acts of terrorism against the free world. We are fighting the same enemy here. The brethren of an evil ideology that spawned the terrorists attacks of September 11, 2001 claiming almost 3,000 innocent lives. Take time to reflect on the type of evil that would put explosive vests on innocent women with Downs Syndrome and use them to kill and maim other innocent people. While the American media strives everyday to rewrite the history of the most generous nation in the free world and cast disparity over all that we do as a Nation men like Mike and Nate are giving their lives to make sure the real history doesn't repeat itself. While the American media strives daily to erase the memory of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and paint this war as an unjust occupation of a sovereign nation men like Mike and Nate are out here hunting down and destroying the enemies of the very freedom that allows our media to try and discredit us. Terrorism is real, evil is real, this war is real and real men and women are in this fight because righteousness and freedom are worth fighting for. If you don't support this war I'm calling you out. I've had enough of people sitting in their living rooms watching the lying media and jumping on the bandwagon against this war. Don't ever say to me, "I support the troops, but not the war."... |
Labels: Required reading for Code Stinkos Chuck Z and Navy Seal
| Via Michelle Malkin, looks like Code Pinko's were allowed to cross the street and began assaulting Move America Forward types in Berkeley. The Berkeley police and the California Highway Patrol refused to help....... http://michellemalkin.com/2008/02/12/showdown-in-berkeley-and-the-harry-reid-chicken-out/#comments |
| My Choice By Sgt. Seth Conner Monday, February 11, 2008
Like my Marine brothers who fought alongside me in the Battle of Fallujah, I know a little something about choices. When the nosecones of 767 passenger jets punched into the Twin Towers, my choice was simple to make. My choice was not, as the patchouli-smelling Berkeley hippies would have you believe, the duplicitous work of “salespeople known to lie to and seduce minors and young adults into contracting themselves into military service with false promises.” By that rationale, car salesmen are responsible for the 40,000 Americans who will die this year on the nation’s highways.   US Army soldiers carry an ill Iraqi Sunni man on a stretcher to a makeshift hospital outside Fallujah, 65 kilometers (40 miles) west of Baghdad, Iraq, Monday, Jan. 28, 2008. About 75 families had to leave their Sunni village because of sectarian violence a year ago and US Army and Iraqi Army are helping them now to return to their homes. (AP Photo/Ahmed al-Husseini) Nice try. No, as shocking as it may be to radical anti-military haters, the overwhelming majority of young soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines like myself are deeply proud of the choice we made. As shocking as it may seem to the Code Pink crowd, we feel blessed to have been given the chance to defend our nation and be steeled and shaped by those charged with leading us. Ironically, for people who claim to be “tolerant,” “open-minded,” and “peace-loving,” theBerkeley protestors and their ilk proved just what a sham their operation truly is. If they were really interested in saving the lives of innocents, they would listen to the countless stories veterans bring back from Iraq about pivotal moments of decision that saved lives—both American and Iraqi.... |
Labels: My Choice by Sgt Seth Conner
Good Morning, America, how are you? I chose this picture of the Betsy Ross flag for a number of reasons. In case you don't know what that flag represents, go here and read. Isn't that beautiful? Mayor kicks Marines out of Toledo1-24th Marines were scheduled for weekend urban warfare training in downtown Toledo, when Carty gave them the boot Toledo police said they knew about the training and had approved the unit’s use of the Madison Building and the Promenade Park area. The training was scheduled to start Friday afternoon and last until Sunday. Police said the unit’s presence would have a minimal impact on the city. Police issued a press release earlier in the week saying the Marines would be wearing green camouflage uniforms, operate military vehicles, carry rifles, perform foot patrols, and fire blank ammunition during the exercise. [Mayor's spokesman] Schwartz said there was a breakdown in communication between police and the Finkbeiner administration that led to the mayor’s action. “The Marines drilled here three times during the Ford administration and once under the Finkbeiner administration. After the last visit, the mayor told then police Chief Jack Smith, that he did not want the marines back. Smith failed to inform the current police administration of the mayor’s feelings,” Schwartz said. NBC24 spoke to Jack Smith who recalled that after the Marines last visit, he and the mayor had a heated exchange about the training. “He told me he did not want them, as he put it, 'playing war in Toledo,'" Smith recalled. "I told him, as a former Marine, that if one young Marine’s life is saved because of training he or she received in Toledo, Ohio, then it was worth the inconvenience.” Smith said if the mayor objected, then he should have been the one to convey those feelings to police. Smith took his run-in with the mayor as an objection to that last visit and not future training in Toledo. As a result, the Toledo police went ahead, granting approval to the 1-24th Marines to conduct the routine exercise. The police notified members of the Finkbeiner administration who were not aware that the mayor objected to units training in Toledo. When the mayor found out, he sent a member of his staff to tell Marines they could not conduct urban operations in Toledo. The unit was notified about 3:30 p.m. after an advance team arrived in Toledo. Five buses carrying some 200 Marines traveled four hours from Grand Rapids, only to find out the training had been shot down. |
| Article published Sunday, February 10, 2008 Finkbeiner taking flak over Marines Mayor defends his decision to cancel urban war games Some compared the flap to the one Mr. Finkbeiner set off during his first term in 1994, with his proposal that the city move its deaf population to land near Toledo Express Airport. |
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Saturday, February 09, 2008MORE "POLITICAL CORRECTNESS" BROUGHT TO YOU BY VERIZON MANAGEMENTWARNING: Reading this could cause your hair to start on fire. You've been warned. John Ruberry at Marathon Pundit just sent an email alert about our good friends at Verizon Wireless. After reading the post, it's clear to me that Verizon just needs a good, old fashioned, blogger beat down. Sometimes corporations simply lose their way and need a little economic slap up-side-the-head to get them back to thinking more clearly. From Marathon Pundit: ***** "A member of the Massachusetts Air National Guard, Terry recently returned from his third tour duty in the Middle East. He is a genuine patriot and has proudly flown his unit's American flag over the sands of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan. When he's not defending our country overseas, Terry Skiest works as a technician for Verizon Business. For three years, Terry displayed his American flag outside his cubicle. But when Terry left his flag hanging outside his cubicle during his last tour in Afghanistan, Verizon Business removed it. A co-worker of Skiest's reported that a local manager said that the American flag 'could be considered to be propaganda' and 'might be offensive to some workers.' Terry isn't trying to organize workers against VZB - he just wants to put the flag back up on his wall. Tell Verizon Business to put up Terry's flag." |
Labels: Berkeley City Council says Marines must go, Good Morning America, Toledo, Verizon
  The Story: A year ago, many people fretted that Iraq’s Anbar province was lost. Yet since then progress has come at an almost unthinkable pace, the results of principled and dangerous work by Marines working with locals. As the top enlisted Marine in his company, 1st Sgt. Archie provided consistent leadership in battle from August 2006 through February 2007, a key period of the turnaround in Anbar. In October of last year, insurgents launched a brazen attack on his company’s base: mortars, rockets, AK-47’s, and a suicide bomber driving a truck. Archie coordinated the defense of the base by setting up fortifications on six rooftops and sending out Humvees to block roads from incoming insurgents. Under constant and heavy fire, he moved throughout the battlefield, making sure his Marines had everything they needed. He also successfully oversaw the evacuation of two wounded Marines from the fight. Archie is largely credited for the defense of the base during the intense hour-long fight. That was not 1st Sgt. Archie’s only encounter with insurgents: His company saw combat all over Anbar during the seven-month deployment. In all, Archie undertook more than 200 combat missions and guided his company through more than 100 engagements with the enemy. Archie estimated that in many areas, there was a 50 percent chance his unit would face an Improvised Explosive Device attack. For his leadership, dedication, and courage, 1st Sgt. Archie received the Bronze Star with the Combat Distinguishing Device at Camp Lejeune on July 30, 2007. (source) |
| CODEPINK Launches 24-hour Emergency Peace-In Vigil outside Berkeley City Hall Contact: Medea Benjamin, (415) 235.6517 Rae Abileah, (415) 994.1723 February 11th, 2008 Responds to Pro-War Attack on Marine Recruiting Station Campaign When: Monday, February 11, 7pm until 7pm on Tuesday February 12th, when the Berkeley City Council meets. Where: Maudelle Shirek City Hall, 2134 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Berkeley. (at Allston Way, 4 blocks from the Downtown Berkeley BART). Members of the women's peace group CODEPINK launched a campaign to close the Berkeley Marine Recruiting Station. The pro-war forces, represented by the group Move America Forward, are mobilizing to descend on Berkeley on Tuesday, February 12, starting at 5am! They plan to spend the day attempting to intimidate the peace-loving City and City Council. "This struggle is not about the Marines as individuals. It's about the occupation of Iraq. It's about recruiting our youth to be those occupying forces in Iraq. It's about the 1.2 million dead Iraqis, the 3,950 dead U.S. soldiers, the trillions of dollars of our taxpayer money," states Medea Benjamin cofounder of CODEPINK. "It's about respecting the right of the people of Berkeley to say no to war!" The peace group will also hold a press conference at 12pm on February 12 with members of the Berkeley City Council. Both pro- and anti-war forces will be at the City Council meeting that starts 7pm (when the peace-in vigil ends). For more information on the Berkeley Marine Recruiting Station visit (http://www.codepinkalert.org/berkeleyrecruiting) |
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Yet Another Mayor Tells Marines to Get Out! |
| Mayor to Marines: Leave downtown He says urban exercises scare people A company of Marine Corps Reservists received a cold send-off from downtown Toledo yesterday by order of Mayor Carty Finkbeiner. |
Labels: Ohio Mayor takes on the Marines who "frighten people"
(picture (c) Knee Deep in the Hooah)A move to strip Berkeley institutions of federal funds is going forward in Congress in retaliation for last week's city council vote telling the Marines their recruiting station is not welcome in the city. Meanwhile, Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates issued an apology Wednesday to those who serve in the military for any personal offense taken by the council declaration. Six Republican senators and an Orange County representative are introducing companion bills called the Semper Fi Act of 2008 that takes away $2 million, including funds from the University of California-Berkeley and a local foundation that provides lunches to the Berkeley Unified School District. The Senate bill was introduced Wednesday by Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C.; Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga.; Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla.; Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas; Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla.; and Sen. David Vitter, R-La. Rep. John Campbell, R-Newport Beach., introduced a companion bill in the House. (go here and read the rest of this article) |
| Senator DeMint: “Berkeley needs to learn that their actions have consequences. Patriotic American taxpayers won’t sit quietly while Berkeley insults our brave Marines and tries to run them out of town. Berkeley City Council members have shown complete ingratitude to our military and their families, and the city doesn’t deserve a single dime of special pet project handouts.” Senator Vitter: “The actions of the City Council of Berkeley are in stark contrast to beliefs of the vast majority of Americans who recognize and honor the service and sacrifice of our U.S. Marines. This is simply unacceptable and those funds could be better utilized by the Marine Corps.” Senator Inhofe: “Unfortunately, those on the Berkeley city council do not seem to understand the sacrifice of the brave men and women of the United States Marine Corps. By interfering with military recruiting, the city of Berkeley is hampering our ability to protect this nation. While the city of Berkeley and the protestors are free to say whatever they like, free speech is not a protection from consequence.” |
| A companion bill entered in the House has the support of 45 Republicans. No Democrats are supporting either bill. (go read the actual article here) |
| To my fellow Americans: As many of you know, I am the mother of the 1st Navy Seal who was killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. I've dedicated my life to giving voice to my fallen hero, Marc Alan Lee, and all those who have served, or are currently serving, in the United States military - so that we may remain a safe and free nation. You can't begin to imagine how horrified and angered I was when I learned that the Berkeley City Council had passed three measures that attacked our troops, and called our military men and women, "uninvited" and "unwelcome intruders" in their own country.For the past few years I had to hear from anti-war liberals about how terrible it was for our troops to be in Iraq or Afghanistan. Now the anti-military radicals have convinced an American government body to say that our troops don't belong here in America.So I was more than committed to take action to fight back, but even I wasn't prepared for what would happen next when I watched Code Pink anti-war protestors defacing the U.S. Marine Recruiting Center in Berkeley, then barricading the entry and harassing those who attempted to enter. What shocked and saddened me most was to see the Berkeley Police Department officers stand there and do nothing. They said they were "trying to remain neutral." We cannot stand for this insanity any longer, my friends.I have just returned from Iraq and have been with these amazing men and women and seen the progress they are making for our nation in the War on Terror. I cannot sit back quietly after seeing the greatness of our troops and allow them to be insulted and attacked in their own nation. They deserve so much more, and I will fight with every last breath in my body to make sure these heroes are properly honored and respected. That is why it is time for us to take action to fight back - to fight in honor of our troops, and to stand in solidarity with them at the very location where they are being insulted and defamed.So next Tuesday, February 12th I will stand in front of the Berkeley City Council Chambers (located at 2134 Martin Luther King Jr. Way in Berkeley, CA) from 5:00 AM until the City Council meets that evening at 7:00 PM. I will demand that the City Council rescind their three anti-military resolutions and issue a formal apology to all U.S. military service men and women in general, and the United States Marine Corps in particular.I am asking you to stand with me on this day, as I would greatly welcome the company and the moral support. And I would also like to show the media and the Berkeley City Council that I am not the only one who feels this way. Last October, when Code Pink first vandalized the U.S. Marine Recruiting Center in Berkeley, Move America Forward organized a rally where hundreds upon hundreds of people showed up with their American flags.But the sins against our troops are much greater this time - we can never stand for an American government body to attack our troops and call on the public not to cooperate with them. So let us have a giant turnout on this day. If you cannot join me for this all-day vigil, then please be there at least by 5:00 PM (so you can secure a seat for the 7:00 PM City Council meeting) |
| PRESS RELEASE BERKELEY PUSHBACK GROWS! Veterans, Pro-Troop & Pro-Military Organizations to Unite In Protest Against Berkeley City Council on Tuesday, February 12th *Protest to include members of: Move America Forward, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Soldier’s Angels, Gathering of Eagles, Eagles Up, Blue Star Mothers of America, Free Republic, Lafayette Flag Brigade, Operation: Care and Comfort (San Jose), Families United (SAN FRANCISCO) – Dozens of pro-military, veterans and pro-troop organizations are uniting for a protest against the Berkeley City Council that will take place this Tuesday, February 12, 2008. The pro-troop demonstration (and protest against the Berkeley City Council) begins at 5:00 AM and will continue through the Berkeley City Council meeting at 7:00 PM. The demonstrations will occur outside the Berkeley City Council chambers at 2134 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way in Berkeley, CA. The “main event” when the maximum number of protestors are expected will be from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. “Our organizations represent a broad cross-section of the pro-troop and pro-veteran community, and we share an equal outrage by the actions of the Berkeley City Council,” said Melanie Morgan, Chairman of Move America Forward (website: www.MoveAmericaForward.org) which is coordinating Tuesday’s pro-troop demonstration. “Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates said he now wants to apologize to the Marines, yet during last week’s City Council meeting he said explicitly that he was working with Code Pink and that he felt ‘the Marines do not belong here in Berkeley’.” Our organizations are asking the Berkeley City Council to rescind all three anti-military resolutions they passed and offer a formal, written apology to the U.S. Marine Corps and the military men and women who they insulted by their recent actions. “While there may be vibrant debate among Americans regarding the war on terror, there should be no debate about whether our American servicemen and women are welcome in all of America’s cities. “These are America’s finest, and their service and sacrifice have protected this nation and our freedoms, including the freedom of speech which we will be exercising on Tuesday,” Morgan concluded. On Tuesday, Move America Forward will also be delivering petitions signed by Americans from across this nation calling on the Berkeley City Council to rescind the recently passed anti-military resolutions. The signatures have been collected online through a combined effort of pro-troop and pro-veteran organizations. For more information about the February 12th pro-troop protest against the Berkeley City Council, contact Mary Pearson at Move America Forward at (916) 441-6197 or at: Mary@MoveAmericaForward.org |
| ALERT: We have learned that CNN and Fox News Channel, along with all local San Francisco Bay area media outlets, will be present on Tuesday, February 12th when we conduct our day-long pro-troop demonstration and protest of the Berkeley City Council. We simply MUST have a big crowd of patriotic Americans out on Tuesday - with your American flags - so that all of America can see the pushback we are waging against the Berkeley City Council. Our pro-troop demonstration begins at 5:00 AM - and you can join us at any time from then on to 7:00 PM when the Berkeley City Council meets and we march inside to make our outrage known, and DEMAND that all three anti-military resolutions be rescinded, and that an apology be issued to the Marines and all military men and women who are serving this nation. Complete details on the protest time and location - and travel information - available here: www.MoveAmericaForward.org WEATHER FORECAST FOR TUESDAY: Sunny with a high near 63 degrees. P.S. We have received feedback that many of you will be traveling long distances to get here - many from out of state. So if you are thinking about coming but aren't sure it will be worth the effort, please realize how many people are making that effort to come. Join us in solidarity for our troops and insure that we have the large numbers we need to show the Berkeley City Council - and the news media - that America will not stand for this disgraceful action! |
Labels: Camp Berkeley update
Isn't that awesome? Claire (aka Mrs Hooah!) made this and I'm thinking the fine folks at Berkeley maybe didn't get the memo yet. Not only are the Marines NOT leaving Berkeley, where they are doing just fine, lol but they apparently have opened a whole new base. Love it, Claire, thank you..
Meanwhile, over at 'politics as usual', we have the following: (warning ...TB barf bags can be found on the back of your seats):
As Leta emailed me with this (thanks, I think, Leta...lol)
| You're gonna need a LOT of restraint to watch this video!...Check out the second guy to speak - the one who identifies himself as an EX Marine. What a bag of s***! |
| Sent: Tuesday, February 05, 2008 6:36 PM Subject: Marines Out? Bravo for the businessmen who stood up.... Thanks to Knox.... Sent: Tuesday, February 05, 2008 1:38 PM Subject: Bravo for the businessmen who stood up.... BERKELEY, Calif. Local officials in this liberal city say it's time for the U.S. Marines to move out. The City Council has voted to tell the Marines their downtown recruiting station is not welcome and 'if recruiters choose to stay, they do so as uninvited and unwelcome guests.' The measure passed this week by a vote of 8-1.
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| Fallujah Park Created in Girl's Memory Stars and Stripes | By Geoff Ziezulewicz | February 06, 2008 FALLUJAH, Iraq — It was Ayah’s first day of school. Her father put the 7-year-old on the bus for her first day in the Iraqi school system, thinking it safer than having her walk the Fallujah streets. The men of Company L, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines had been on the ground for just a few weeks as of Oct. 26, the day Ayah’s school bus passed a Company L convoy. A Humvee gunner repeatedly motioned for the bus driver to stop, according to company commander Capt. Steve Eastin. The driver did not stop, and the gunner fired a warning shot into the ground in front of Ayah’s bus. The bullet ricocheted off the street and into the bus before striking Ayah in the chest. Marines offered aid at the scene, but locals refused and rushed her to a nearby hospital, where she died. Maybe it was improved security or a change of attitude in this city. Perhaps it was the quick action of Marines to make reparations, or some other factor. Regardless, the population of Fallujah — a one-time center of insurgent activity, Sunni militancy and anti-U.S. sentiment — did not erupt when one of their children was killed by a Marine bullet last fall. An investigation found that the Marine had followed escalation-of-force guidelines and that individual is now back at work, Eastin said, declining to name the Marine and opting to speak for the company regarding Ayah. “He’s going to have to live with that every day,” Eastin said of the Marine. Immediately after Ayah’s death, Marines were bracing for the worst. “We didn’t know what was going to happen,” said Cpl. Thomas Weinerzierl, of Milwaukee, a squad leader with the company’s 3rd Platoon.... |
Labels: Good News Friday(B*N*S*N1) Fallujah Park honours Ayah
 ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Staff Sgt. Christopher Barker, 3rd Security Forces Squadron K-9 handler, shows Jack, a military working dog, appreciation during a ceremony here Dec. 4. Sergeant Barker and MWD Jack received the Bronze Star for support they provided while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sergeant Barker and Jack were sweeping for a weapons cache in an Iraqi field in June 2006, when they discovered 2,000 pounds of explosives buried in eight locations. The cache was set as a trap with an armed anti-personnel mine. Finding this mine possibly saved the life of a Soldier. Throughout Sergeant Barker’s and Jack’s deployment, they conducted more than 350 hours of combat patrols, in which they located more than 3,000 pounds of explosives, 76 automatic weapons and 16 cell phones used for IEDs. The Bronze Star is awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. When awarded for bravery, it is the fourth-highest combat award of the U.S. Armed Forces and the ninth highest military award (including both combat and noncombat awards) in the order of precedence of U.S. military decorations. Sergeant Baker and Jack, 3rd Security Forces Squadron, deployed from May 28 through Oct. 30, 2006, provided more than 350 hours of combat patrols in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. They were awarded the Bronze Star for bravery, the fourth-highest combat honor in the U.S. Armed Forces. On June 7, the team located more than 2,000 pounds of explosives in eight buried locations. Six weeks later, Sergeant Barker and his MWD responded to a detonator of timed explosives in one of the third country national's living quarters. On July 30, the team responded to an IED that detonated on IA personnel. The IA had engaged and captured four IED members. Sergeant Barker swept the IED vehicle and located five identification cards. Sergeant Barker scanned the crowd of bystanders and located the fifth member attempting to avoid capture by blending into the crowd. During their deployment, Sergeant Barker and Jack discovered more than 3,000 pounds of explosives, nearly 80 automatic weapons and more than 15 cell phones used to detonate improvised explosive devices. |
Labels: Good News Friday(B*N*S*N2) Staff Sgt. Christopher Barker and MWD Jack
The following is my email to Fox News (http://www.foxnews.com/). Attention Jamie Colby: Please air this video. http://www.bayareanewsgroup.com/multimedia/iba/2008/player/?f=0131_code pink I am worried about those Marines and since the Police there in Berkeley won't assist them in getting into the recruiting station, Federal Marshals should be sent in to assist them! This is despicable. Medea Benjamin and her group of maladjusted miscreants serve no purpose but to disrupt our government. I have been to Washington, DC seven times last year in support of my Son and his mission for victory in the Middle East. I walked into Senator McConnell's office in September to deliver 67,000 signatures of support for our troops and guess who was laying all over his office? Members of Code Pink. I felt sorry for that poor girl in that office trying to do her job. If the American people knew the collaborations going on in Washington between Code Pink and members of our congress, I believe they would throw these traitors out of office. It is disgusting! Ask Medea Benjamin what happened to her when she went to Iran recently to disrupt their government. She was immediately thrown in a car at gunpoint and taken to their airport and told to leave their country. She immediately espoused her rights as an American citizen! She is lucky she got out of their with her head! Please air this video as it is apparent our Marines need Federal Marshals out there to allow them easy access into that recruiting station so they can conduct the affairs of our government. They are our Heroes and they should not have to fight these Code Pink morons to do their job. I'm worried about them and they deserve respect and right now, our unwavering support! Thank You Very Proud Mother of 82nd Airborne Soldier and Bronze Star Recipient Beverly Perlson Founder The Band of Mothers www.thebandofmothers.com (from here) |
| Tuesday, February 5, 2008 
(02-04) 18:52 PST Berkeley -- A week after blasting the Marines as "unwelcome intruders" in Berkeley, two City Council members want the city to back off the declaration that ignited the wrath of the nation's right wing and inspired a Republican senator to try to sever Berkeley's federal funding. Council members Betty Olds and Laurie Capitelli on Monday proposed that Berkeley rescind its letter to the U.S. Marine Corps that stated that the downtown Berkeley recruiting center "is not welcome in our city," and publicly declare that Berkeley is against the war but supports the troops.... |
| CODE PINK LOSES, BERKELEY KISSES ASS...Betcha they were drowning in phone calls, mail, complaints.. Council members Betty Olds and Laurie Capitelli on Monday proposed that Berkeley rescind its letter to the U.S. Marine Corps that stated that the downtown Berkeley recruiting center "is not welcome in our city," and publicly declare that Berkeley is against the war but supports the troops. The City Council will vote on Olds' and Capitelli's two proposals at its meeting next Tuesday. "I think we shouldn't be seen across the country as hating the Marines," said Olds, who voted against last week's proposals. "If you make a mistake, like we did, you should admit it and correct it and move on." The brouhaha started last week when the council passed two items condemning the Marine recruiting center on Shattuck Square, which opened about a year ago. The first called on the city clerk to send a letter to the Marines telling them they're unwelcome, and the second item granted Code Pink a parking space in front of the recruiting office every Wednesday afternoon and allowed the group to operate a loudspeaker. After the items passed, the council was besieged with criticism from right-wing groups and military supporters. Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., proposed that the federal government cut off funds for Berkeley, including lunch programs, ferry service and UC Berkeley.( WAY TO GO) Olds said she heard from hundreds of people angered by the city's action, including many in her Berkeley hills district. "People are so mad about this. They have relatives in the service, and now they think they're not welcome in Berkeley," she said. "My twin brother was a Marine in World War II. He'd be turning in his grave if he saw this." The council appears split on the idea of backing down. Some council members said the original proposals inadvertently insulted veterans and those currently serving in the military. Others said Berkeley should stand by its convictions. "People are used to Berkeley taking a stand for peace, but you have to do it intelligently, Councilwoman Dona Spring said the council should not be cowed by the volume of hate mail and threats. "I still oppose the Marines recruiting in Berkeley because it's one way of protesting this wasteful war," she said. "Our military policy is a shambles. But we're not in opposition to the Marines; we oppose the policy that directs the Marines." Meanwhile, the Code Pink protesters said they were disappointed that Berkeley might rescind its letter to the Marines. "I hope they're not acting out of intimidation, Mayor Tom Bates, a former Army captain, said it probably wouldn't hurt if the council clarified its position. "It's a symbol, but there are consequences to symbols," he said. "A lot of people think we're anti-Marine, but there's a difference between the warriors and the war. This is an attempt to clarify that." E-mail Carolyn Jones at carolynjones@ Looks like Code Pink is not intimidating enough, with a bunch of gooks wearing PINK carrying around hate signs, do you even have to ask ? Maybe they should change colors, wear white hoods, that may work. Gotta love the power of letters and right wing groups when something needs to be changed. (From the SF Chronicle) |
| ...From the wells of disappointment where the women kneel to pray for the grace of God in the desert here and the desert far away: Democracy is coming to the U.S.A. Sail on, sail on O mighty Ship of State! To the Shores of Need Past the Reefs of Greed Through the Squalls of Hate Sail on, sail on, sail on, sail on. It's coming to America first, the cradle of the best and of the worst.... |
Labels: Berkeley update, Colour me ...
| 'Al-Qaeda boys' in training video
The US military said five tapes had been found when coalition forces raided suspected al-Qaeda hideouts north of Baghdad in December. The videos showed boys brandishing guns and grenades during training exercises. The Americans hope the images might persuade Iraqis to turn against the Islamic militants, correspondents say. The footage compiled from the tapes features around 20 young boys running around with pistols, machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades. In one scene, the boys take part in a mock kidnapping, where they force the volunteer to kneel in the dust with a pistol at his head....(read the rest of this report here) |
Labels: Al Qaeda training videos found
Labels: Wednesday Hero
| Mother, Daughter Make Service Family Affair: Pair Enlist and Train as Combat Medics at AMEDD Center and School Story and photo by Minnie Jones
Silverman, 37, was a homemaker taking some courses at the local college who always felt that something was missing from her life. She always wanted to join the Army, but put marriage and children first. Three children and 18 years later, Silverman headed down to the recruiter's office to see if she could make a dream come true. "My husband and I had been talking about it lot, so when he said, 'I think that would be great; I think you can do it,' I called my daughter up and asked her to go down to the Army recruiter's office with us," said Silverman.... |
Canadian General assumes command in AfghanistanTuesday, February 05, 2008Project Number:08-0101OTTAWA, Ontario – Major-General Marc Lessard assumed command of Regional Command (South) RC(S) on 2 February in Kandahar, from Major-General Jacko Page of the United Kingdom. As the commander of NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops in southern Afghanistan, MGen Lessard will be responsible for Canadian and coalition operations in that area until November 2008. MGen Lessard leads a force of approximately 12,000 soldiers from Canada and 11 other nations. During the Transfer of Authority Ceremony at Kandahar Airfield MGen Lessard said that his focus will be to maintain the initiative in the south through an intense series of operations and activities. "I see two priorities; firstly, to increase security within the region in order to ensure the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan exercises its legitimate authority," explained MGen Lessard. "The second priority is to coordinate to the greatest extent, the aspects of governance and development within the overall security framework." RC(S) encompasses six provinces in the southern region of Afghanistan. These include: Day Kondi, Zabul, Kandahar, Uruzgan, Helmand and Nimruz. The role of RC(S) is to conduct military operations in the south to assist the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in the establishment and maintenance of a safe and secure environment...(read the rest here) |
Labels: Canada takes command in Afghanistan, Major-General Lessard
"On September 27, 204 Marines and soldiers who were returning from Iraq were not allowed into the passenger terminal at Oakland International Airport. Instead they had to deplane about 400 yards away from the terminal where the extra baggage trailers were located." This was not a security measure. After going through super-tight security, checking for contraband, ammunition and explosives in Kuwait, the soldiers and Marines had been allowed in the terminal building in Germany and at JFK in New York. But on the far-left coast they were quarantined from civilians. This smacks of the bad old days in the Bay Area when returning Vietnam vets were spat upon. Some high-ranking military person should make sure it never happens again. Our Iraq vets should be welcome anywhere and everywhere.... |
| In short: “On September 27th 204 Marines and soldiers who were returning from Iraq were not allowed into the passenger terminal at Oakland International Airport.Instead they had to deplane about 400 yards away from the terminal where the extra baggage trailers were located. This was the last scheduled stop for fuel and food prior to flying to Hawaii where both were based. The trip started in Kuwait on September 26th with a rigorous search of checked and carry on baggage by US Customs. All baggage was x-rayed with a ‘backscatter’ machine AND each bag was completely emptied and hand searched. After being searched, checked bags were marked and immediately placed in a secure container. Carry on bags were then x rayed again to ensure no contraband items were taken on the plane. While waiting for the bus to the airport, all personnel were in quarantined in a fenced area and were not allowed to leave.” Nevertheless, Oakland forbade them from entering its terminal. According to the Marine, a Lieutenant who served in Afghanistan with the same unit in 2006 noted that Oakland had treated troops the same way before. He “was almost arrested by the TSA for getting belligerent about them not letting the Marines into the terminal,” despite more rigorous screening prior to landing in Oakland. Both JFK airport and in Germany had no problem with the Marines entering their terminals....(here) |
TSA Statement on Incident Involving U.S. Troops at Oakland International AirportOn Thursday, September 27, 2007 North American Airlines flight #1777 carrying soldiers and marines landed at Oakland International Airport from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) where passengers were screened by U.S. Customs upon landing from overseas. At no time were service men and women prohibited from entering the sterile area of Oakland International Airport by TSA personnel or regulations. Airport officials, the airline and ground handling company coordinated the arrival and all services associated with this flight, including refueling, refreshing supplies on the aircraft, maintenance checks and all passenger services. TSA personnel across the country have worked closely with airports to ensure the utmost care when handling flights involving our troops and will continue to facilitate their movement to the greatest extent possible while ensuring a high level of security for all travelers. (here) |
Airport found legitimate in troop treatment By Audrey Hudson The Oakland International Airport did not break any laws or regulations when it denied 200 Marines and soldiers access to the passenger terminal during a layover last year from Iraq to the troops' home base in Hawaii, the Transportation Department says. Calvin L. Scovell III, the department's inspector general, blamed the mix-up on security concerns and a communication failure between the Defense Department and the Homeland Security Department. The contract to allow military layovers at the California airport "did not require that military personnel have access to the airport terminal; it only required that military personnel be allowed to deplane and stretch their legs on stops lasting over one hour," said a report released yesterday to House lawmakers who requested an investigation into the matter. The Sept. 27 layover was the last stop for fuel and food, but the troops, who were returning from a tour in Iraq, were denied access to food and bathroom facilities. A Marine reported the incident to Rep. John L. Mica, Florida Republican and ranking member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and said it "felt like being spit on." Airport officials were concerned that the flight's ground staff could not provide "an adequate level of escort and control of such a large group of military personnel in or around the terminal area," the inspector's report said. The report also said the Homeland Security and Defense departments have no coordinated policy to conduct security screenings or a communications process to allow the Marines and soldiers in passenger terminals. The review also found "miscommunication about the proper storage and safeguarding of weapons carried on board aircraft during the layover" and that the airport "could not confirm that weapons [on the plane] would be secured and safeguarded in accordance with Department of Defense regulations and that the Marines and soldiers would leave their weapons on board."... |
01 February 2008So the TSA has Got This Blog...First caught wind of it while watching the news, but the TSA (the kind folks who do the airport security) has got a blog were you can voice your rage and discontent. The admin person on this blog must've gotten boned with the worst Public Relations job in history since Kramer's PR guy following the Laugh Factory fiasco, so I admire his or her efforts to be nice:Some have been downright mean and cranky but that’s okay too. For most people, this is the first chance to reach out directly to TSA and tell us about your experiences and we very much want to hear from you. Well hell. I wouldn't be a true Navy junior officer if I wasn't a complete bitter wiseass, so I thought I'd drop them a comment concerning their handling us military personnel coming from Kuwait to Atlanta on R&R (a true story). To Whom It May Concern, Recently, I was with a group of military personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan traveling from Kuwait to Atlanta for our 2-week R&R period. I appreciate the Atlanta TSA personnel thanking us for our service when we first stepped foot on American soil. That was a fine example of Southern hospitality! However, I found it a little baffling that we had to take off our combat boots, dogtags, belts, etc. to go through a metal detector. My questions are three-fold: 1) Why would we need to go through security when we just got off a plane that departed from an airport in Kuwait with very strict security measures and customs procedures. 2) In no cases to my knowledge have terrorists been wearing US-issued military uniforms with valid military IDs, why not just let us bypass security, and 3) Having us get undressed in such a fashion while in uniform in front of other civilian passengers was a little embarrassing, and it undermines the professional demeanor that we would like to ensure the American public understands we uphold. Thanks for your time! Very Respectfully, LT Nixon  |
TSA addresses my gripe!...and someone from the TSA responded by the handle of "tsa tos ny": LT Nixon, As a TSA Screening Manager I would 1st like to apologize for the fact that we have to screen you at all and would just like to say that the screening force more than respects the active duty military personel. .. ...You have our utmost respect and I personally want to thank you for your sacrifices. Many of our screening force are retired or reserve military. Unfortunately, the TSA "powers that be" don't see things the same way we floor level employees do. They quote such names as Timothy McVeigh and other "Domestic Terrorists". I just want you to know that there is a blog site type of idea board for TSA personel only and there is MASSIVELY OVERWHELMING criticism of the very policy you are talking about. We (the actual people that work at the checkpoints - not the policy makers) feel that military personel in uniform, traveling on orders should be exempt from screening or at the very least exempt from the liquids/shoes and other more intrusive rules. We are fighting to get those rules changed for military personel....(go read the rest at Lt. Nixon's blog here.) |
Labels: Lt. Nixon, Transportation department report on Oakland Airport Marine incident
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