On this day in 1874, a child was born in England who would ultimately change the course of world history: Winston Churchill.
Part of my childhood was spent as a resident of the neighbourhood for which Churchill was a Member of Parliament. As I grew up, Churchill was always a fixture, an integral part. Many books have been written about him. He was an officer in the British Army, an artist, a Nobel Prize winning writer (1953). Even though Churchill was part of my history lessons at school, I had no idea what a prolific writer he was:...
HA Luis Fonseca, from the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade’s Task Force Tarawa, was awarded the Navy Cross for bravery during the battle of Al-Nasiriyah, Iraq, on March 23, 2003.
On that day, Fonseca was a hospitalman apprentice on his first combat deployment with the U.S. Marines. His unit, Company A, 1st Platoon, was attached to the 2nd MEB’s 1st Battalion, Company C, 1st Platoon, which was tasked with capturing and holding the northernmost of Al-Nasiriyah’s three main bridges.
As the unit’s corpsman, Fonseca was aboard an amphibious assault vehicle, or amtrack, reserved for evacuating battle casualties quickly to the rear.
“I was supposed to stay back,” away from the fighting, Fonseca said in a telephone interview from Al Asad, Iraq, where he was on his third deployment (Iraq, Afghanistan, Iraq) in three years.
The Marines took the northern bridge at about 11:30 a.m., and almost immediately started taking rocket-propelled grenade and mortar fire, Fonseca said. Within moments, a call came over the radio reporting that an amtrack had received a direct hit with an RPG, wounding five Marines.
Grabbing his bag of medical supplies, Fonseca jumped from his track and raced to assess the condition of wounded Marines who had been pulled from the smoking vehicle and laid out on the ground by their comrades.
Without concern for his own safety, Fonseca calmly and methodically stabilized two casualties with lower limb amputations. He continued to treat and care for others who were wounded and awaiting evacuation until his vehicle was immobilized by enemy direct and indirect fire. Under enemy fire, he directed the movement of four wounded Marines and personally carried one critically wounded Marine over open ground to another location. All five Marines survived.
Fonseca was awarded the Navy Cross August 2004 at Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Excerpts from Stars and Stripes - June 14, 2005
(source) There are also a couple of audio interviews at that link.
The shooting in Mumbai (Bombay) is apparently over, and even as the blood still runs in the streets, political pundits and talking heads rush to declare the "who, what, why, and how".
One local paper says:
"Who's the brain behind the Mumbai attacks?
The prime suspect ...is Abdul Subhan Qureshi a 36 year old computer engineer who is also believed to have masterminded multiple bombings throughout India earlier this year." [here: vancouver.24hrs.ca]
The article and graphics go on to suggest that the group claiming responsibility for the latest attacks is an "offshoot of SIMI - linked to Pakistani Islamist militant group Lashkar-e-Tolba. The group calls itself Deccan Mujahideen."
Britain's Daily Mail loudly trumpets:
Massacre in Mumbai: Up to SEVEN gunmen were British and 'came from same area as 7/7 bombers'
. British-born Pakistanis among arrested militants
And you KNOW I have more to say! Go to NewsBlazehere for the rest....
What? Over? Did you say "over"? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no!
Er, sorry, wrong founder.
The fact is, the fundraiser is now over. Well, no, only a part of it is. The friendly competition between the services is indeed over, with more than $78,000.00 showing right now. That total is not final, however, as I believe a few more checks have come in/are coming in and the final total is still some days away.
No, we didn't make our goal, but we knew we wouldn't from the start. There were a number of factors in play that meant we would not make the $250,000.00 goal. While I wish we could have raised more, I am glad we raised what we did, and I point out cheerfully that Team Army is -- so far -- leading the way. While it would have been nice to make the goal, I think we are all glad for what we did raise and I want to thank each of you that contributed.
Go read the rest, here. And THANK YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!
That is the question being asked today. Why did over 150 people have to die with hundreds more wounded. Why did a group of savages attack 2 hotels, a hospital, a train station and a Jewish Center? Other than instill terror into the nation of India, what did they hope to accomplish? Did they achieve their aims and goals? Were they able to release just one of their compatriots from prison? No! But they killed and maimed just the same.
Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and his wife Rivka
Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg, the beloved directors of Chabad-Lubavitch of Mumbai, were killed during one of the worst terrorist attacks to strike India in recent memory.
Their toddler son, Moshe, managed to escape with his nanny some hours before Indian commandos stormed their building, known as the Nariman House, in the popular touristy neighborhood of Colaba. The Associated Press reported that the boy was unharmed, but was wearing blood-soaked pants.
"Gabi and Rivky Holtzberg made the ultimate sacrifice," said Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, vice chairman of Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch, the educational arm of Chabad-Lubavitch. "As emissaries to Mumbai, Gabi and Rivky gave up the comforts of the West in order to spread Jewish pride in a corner of the world that was a frequent stop for throngs of Israeli tourists. Their Chabad House was popular among the local community, as well as with visiting businesspeople.
"For five years, they ran a synagogue and Torah classes, and helped people dealing with drug addiction and poverty," continued the statement. "Their selfless love will live on with all the people they touched. We will continue the work they started."...
And there is more, plus a way you can make a statement for their little boy. ...
As the world watches the tragic events unfold in Mumbai, Australia is again reminded of the sacrifices made by so many to fight the scourge of Terrorism worldwide.
At 6pm last night we recieved the tragic news that we had lost another Digger in Afghanistan. He was killed by an IED while on a dismounted patrol in the Oruzgan province....
27 November 2008 LT Michael Kenneth Housdan Fussell Age - 25 Born - 17 November 1983, Coffs Harbour, NSW
LT Fussell enlisted in the Australian Army Jan 2002, appointed as a OCDT at The Australian Defence Force Academy. He completed a Bachelor of Arts and was a keen sportsman, with a keen interest in rugby.
He attended Royal Military College, Duntroon in 2005, commissioning in Dec 2005 into the Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery. On graduation he was posted to ‘A’ Field Battery, 4th Field Regiment, where he fulfilled a number of junior officer roles.
During his time at ‘A’ Fd Battery he qualified as a para-trooper. He also deployed to East Timor on Op ASTUTE in 2006 and 2007.
LT Fussell was posted to 4 RAR (Cdo) in Jan 2008 as a Joint Offensive Support Team Commander. He was a Platoon Commander for the Advance Infantry Course at Singleton and completed the Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC) course.
LT Fussell’s military decorations include the Australian Service Medal clasp, Timor- Leste and the Australian Defence Medal.
LT Fussell was not married and had no children.
His brother Daniel is a LT with 1st Field Regiment, RAA in Brisbane.
The events in Mumbai have highlighted the need for our countries to maintain active roles in eradicating the random violence and murder perpetrated by these thugs in the name of religion. They should also serve as reminders of what our brave Service Personnel do day in and day out.
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Lt Fussell.
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
Thanksgiving is a time for families and friends to gather together and express gratitude for all that we have been given, the freedoms we enjoy, and the loved ones who enrich our lives. We recognize that all of these blessings, and life itself, come not from the hand of man but from Almighty God.
Every Thanksgiving, we remember the story of the Pilgrims who came to America in search of religious freedom and a better life. Having arrived in the New World, these early settlers gave thanks to the Author of Life for granting them safe passage to this abundant land and protecting them through a bitter winter. Our Nation's first President, George Washington, stated in the first Thanksgiving proclamation that "It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor." While in the midst of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln revived the tradition of proclaiming a day of thanksgiving, asking God to heal our wounds and restore our country.
Today, as we look back on the beginnings of our democracy, Americans recall that we live in a land of many blessings where every person has the right to live, work, and worship in freedom. Our Nation is especially thankful for the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who protect these rights while setting aside their own comfort and safety. Their courage keeps us free, their sacrifice makes us grateful, and their character makes us proud. Especially during the holidays, our whole country keeps them and their families in our thoughts and prayers.
Americans are also mindful of the need to share our gifts with others, and our Nation is moved to compassionate action. We pay tribute to all caring citizens who reach out a helping hand and serve a cause larger than themselves.
On this day, let us all give thanks to God who blessed our Nation's first days and who blesses us today. May He continue to guide and watch over our families and our country always.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 27, 2008, as a National Day of Thanksgiving. I encourage all Americans to gather together in their homes and places of worship with family, friends, and loved ones to strengthen the ties that bind us and give thanks for the freedoms and many blessings we enjoy.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.
Well, as you can see, there have been some changes, some very nice changes. If you go here to see the Team standings you can get the whole picture (Navy, we do have smelling salts standing by).
There are some people that have come through for both Team Army and -- most of all -- Project Valour-IT. They have a challenge for you, and it is best expressed by malclave:
Just sent another hundred bucks for Team Army... I'd been holding it, figuring I could help out the Coast Guard team if we met our goal soon enough.
Anyway, I was just lower enlisted stationed at a hospital in the late 80s... surely there are plenty of folks who can outdo an REMF like me, right?
Malclave and others have issued challenges. My question to you is, will you rise to the challenge, or slink away and not even give a dollar? Folks, if everyone who comes to this site in a day pitches in a dollar, it puts us roughly ten percent (okay, closer to five) towards the goal. We are only at 27 percent for the year....
Go read the rest of what Laughing Wolf has to say, here.
As the holiday season swings into high gear, there are many of our military families who are now facing new realities. Days that once held joyous celebration with family, now approach with different dynamics. TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) has put together what they are calling "Practical Tips To Help."
Dealing With Grief Over the Holidays: Practical Tips to Help National Organization Comforting Families of the Fallen Offers Advice to Help All Who Are Grieving
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 24, 2008
WASHINGTON – Holiday cheer and merrymaking may be everywhere this time of year, but for thousands of Americans grieving the loss of a loved one, the holiday season can be an emotional minefield. And there’s no roadmap for easy navigation.
“The holiday season can be particularly challenging for families who are grieving the recent loss of a loved one,” said Bonnie Carroll, the founder and chairman of the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, TAPS. “We offer tips to help surviving military families, and they are applicable to anyone who is grieving.”
For more than a decade, TAPS has helped surviving families of those who have died in military service. Carroll and TAPS offer the following tips to help anyone who is grieving during the holiday season.
Take charge of your holiday season. Anticipating the holiday, especially if it’s the first one without a cherished family member, can be worse than the actual holiday. Taking charge of your holiday plans, and mapping out how you will spend that time, can help relieve anxiety.
Make plans. Plan to spend the holidays where you feel nurtured, emotionally safe, and comfortable. An escape plan may be difficult to carry out, because American holidays are celebrated in many places world-wide, and there often is no way to escape all of the reminders of the holidays.
Find sustenance for the soul. Your church, synagogue, mosque, or other faith community may offer services, resources, and support networks to help. You may want to look for a support group for people who are grieving and have suffered a similar loss. Families who have lost a loved one serving in the military may find comfort by connecting with other survivors through our online community, online peer support groups, or care groups.
Don’t be afraid to change your holiday traditions. Some traditions may be a comfort, while others might cause pain. Consider which traditions to keep, and which ones to forego this year. Do not feel like you have to do something because you have always done it that way.
Include your lost loved one in gift-giving. Consider making a donation to a charity in memory of your loved one. Give a gift on behalf of your loved one to someone else.
Create a tribute. Light a candle, display a favorite photograph, or set a place at the dinner table to represent the missing loved one. Consider writing a letter to your loved one about the holidays and your special memories with that person.
Be gentle with yourself. Realize that familiar traditions, sights, smells, and even tastes, may be comforting, or may jolt your emotions. This is the time of year when you need to be careful with your emotions and listen to yourself.
Attend holiday functions if you can. Consider attending holiday parties and events, especially if you’ll be able to spend time with supportive family members and friends. Make an escape plan in case the event is more than you can handle, and trust your hosts to understand if you need to slip out. If you think a holiday gathering might be more than you can handle, it is ok to stay home.
Don’t pretend you haven’t experienced a loss. Imagining that nothing has happened does not make the pain of losing a loved one go away, nor does it make the holidays easier to endure. Even though holiday memories may be painful, they can also be comforting. It is ok to talk with others about what you have lost, and what the holidays mean to you.
Pay attention to your health. It’s often difficult for people who have experienced a recent loss to sleep. Make sure you get regular rest and drink lots of water. Do not over-indulge in sweets or alcohol. If you feel overwhelmed, talk with your medical care provider.
Take stock of both joy and sadness. Give yourself permission to feel joy as well as sadness. Don’t feel like you have to “be a certain way” because of your loss. Just be yourself.
Express your feelings. Bottling up your feelings may add to distress, not lessen it. To express your feelings, use your creativity to write a poem, talk with a supportive friend, create a painting, or pen a journal entry.
Share your holiday season with someone else. There are many lonely people who might like to experience the holiday season with someone else. Consider volunteering with a local charity or soup kitchen, inviting a neighbor for a special holiday meal, or including others in your holiday activities.
For more tips on dealing with grief during the holidays, go to the TAPS website at www.taps.org.
TAPS is the national organization providing compassionate care for the families of America’s fallen military heroes. TAPS provides peer-based emotional support, grief and trauma resources, seminars for adults, Good Grief Camps for children, case work assistance, and 24/7 crisis intervention care for all who have been affected by the death of a loved one serving in the Armed Forces. Services are provided free of charge. For more information go to www.taps.org or call the toll-free crisis line at 800.959.TAPS.
Go to TAPShere to find out more of the many programs they offer.
*cross-posted from Assoluta Tranquillita and also on NewsBlazehere*
Lance Cpl. Samuel Joyce, from Boston, accepts a bagful of toys during the Toys For Tots 5k Run at Fleet Activities Yokosuka. Runners donated new toys to the local Marine's Toys for Tots program.
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 Have Every Right To Dream Heroic Dreams. Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look
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.
Any of my regular readers KNOW I always share the voices of our troops. To me, their views, their experiences, ALWAYS trump the flapping jaws of the home based politicians or naysayers. Every last one of our men and women serving overseas gets to live the difference they are making.
The following was found on A Soldiers Perspective, and it truly IS a must read. Honestly, I know I say that a lot, but read it, print it, share it. THIS we on the home team can do. Read on:
I found this essay, written by the father of a deployed Soldier, on the American Legion website. It was introduced into the Congressional Record by Frank R. Wolf, R-Va, on September 16th. It's a very touching and inspirational story should be required reading by the defeatists in Congress. Here it is:
“Whatever your political take on the war in Iraq, nothing can alter it more than having a loved one in the midst of it. Nor is anyone’s current perspective balanced until they hear at least some things from a soldier’s point of view.
“My wife and I learned these truths when our son, a 2004 Handley graduate, decided to join the Army in 2006. His reasoning was simple: he wasn’t comfortable knowing that thousands of others his age were sacrificing their own freedoms to protect his. When he signed up to join those thousands, it changed our perspective as well.
“Up to that point, it had always been other people’s sons and daughters doing the fighting. Now it would be our own child. Naturally, no one wants their child to volunteer to go in harm’s way for freedom’s sake. It was something of a conviction, though, when my wife and I had to ask ourselves why it shouldn’t be our own son in the Middle East, why we should be spared the rituals of anxiety, prayer, hope and waiting that tens of thousands of other families over here have already endured.
“In early June, we flew to Fort Hood, Texas, to see our son deploy for a 15-month tour in Iraq. Again, one’s perspective is limited until one attends a deploying ceremony for a unit of soldiers. Spouses, children, parents, siblings and friends, all crowding a gym, all clinging closely to their treasures in uniform, accompanied by flags, prayers, cheers and tears. Our son had joined a ‘band of brothers.’ My wife and I had joined the ‘band of others’ who would be waiting at home. Both those going, and those left behind, carry the war on terror in a personal way.
“Still, those of us left behind need to see something of what our soldiers see, and not only what is offered us in the news. To that end, here is one story our son, Luke, shared with us by phone that must be shared with anyone who claims an interest in what our soldiers are doing in the Middle East.
“Stationed outside a city on the Tigris River, Luke had accompanied his colonel into town as part of a security team, while the colonel spoke with a local sheik. While standing guard, Luke noticed a woman approaching from behind and cautiously turned in her direction, his rifle at the ready.
“An interpreter told our son it was OK – the woman just wanted to touch a soldier. Still uneasy, Luke stood still while the woman reached out her hand and touched his face, tears in her eyes....
To read these words is to get some very small glimpse of the reality of what our troops are doing, and what their families face, EVERY SINGLE DAY. Go read the rest of it here - NOW!
A few days ago, the Board of Supervisors of Amelia County, Virginia, authorized the renaming of a bridge in honor of Fallen Hero, SSG Jason Arnette. I wrote about Jason on They Have Names and have become friends with his mother, Mickey. The bridge will be dedicated in April 2009. Here’s the resolution:
Naming the bridge on Patrick Henry Highway over Goodes Bridge Road in Amelia County, Virginia the “Staff Sergeant Jason R. Arnette Memorial Bridge”
WHEREAS, Jason R. Arnette graduated from Amelia County High School in 200l and throughout his years in Amelia County, actively participated in church, school, recreation and community events and activities; and
WHEREAS, In 2004 Jason married Shenandoah Skye Hughes and retained a home address in Amelia County; and
WHEREAS, Jason R. Arnette enlisted and faithfully served in the United States Army (10th Mountain Division) rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant; and
WHEREAS, On April 1, 2007, while serving his third tour of duty in Iraq, Staff Sergeant Jason R. Arnette gave the last frill measure of his devotion to his family, his community and the Country he so loved; and
WHEREAS, The Arnette family has requested the Board of Supervisors to support a request to name the bridge on Patrick Henry Highway over Goodes Bridge Road in Amelia County as the, Staff Sergeant Jason K Arnette Memorial Bridge in honor and respect of the heroic sacrifice made by Jason R. Arnette; and
WHEREAS, The Board of Supervisors of Amelia County, Virginia has agreed to ensure that all costs and expenses associated with the placement of appropriate markers will be completed at no cost to the Commonwealth of Virginia.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Amelia County Board of Supervisors does hereby acknowledge its support for the naming of the bridge on Patrick Henry Highway over Goodes Bridge Road in Amelia County, Virginia.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Amelia County Board of Supervisors does hereby request that the Commonwealth Transportation Board, in accordance with Section 33.1-250 of the Code of Virginia, declare that the Patrick Henry Highway overpass bridge over Goodes Bridge Road in Amelia County, Virginia be named the “Staff Sergeant Jason Arnette Memorial Bridge”.
AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that upon approval of this Resolution, the County Administrator is hereby directed to provide a copy of this Resolution to Mr. Billy Smith (Residency Administrator) for proper disposition, a copy to Mrs. Michelle Arnette, Jason’s Mother and a copy to the Amelia Bulletin Monitor for publication.
APPROVED: November 19, 2008 The Honorable Franklin D. Harris, Chairman
Retired Lt. Gen. Russel L. Honore congratulates former Pfc Douglas W. Kearney after presenting him the Bronze Star Nov. 12 for achievement during combat in World War II. Photo by Alan Kurlan
Better late than never!!!
WWII vet receives Bronze Star 63 years later Nov 20, 2008 BY Isidro Reyna
WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Nov. 20, 2008) - Although the honor was bestowed more than six decades later, for one World War II veteran his service has not been forgotten.
Former Pfc. Douglas W. Kearney, 85, was awarded the Bronze Star Medal Nov. 12 in his hometown of Milford, Conn., by retired Lt. Gen. Russel L. Honoré in a ceremony at the Milford City Hall for meritorious achievement in combat.
"It all started 10 years ago when watching 'Saving Private Ryan,'" said Dr. Sheila Kearney. "My dad said, 'I was there'. I kind of discounted it since the Army was segregated, but he gave a lot of details, so I fact- checked."
During the search, Kearney found that her father served with Headquarters, 17th Armored Infantry Battalion, 12th Armored Division in campaigns throughout northern France, Rhineland and central Europe, including the D-Day invasion of Normandy.
"You rarely saw black Soldiers at that time," she said. "He was a machine gunner and rifle marksman. He did extra training."
Douglas Kearney was drafted into the military through the selective service process and was placed with a black unit out of Massachusetts, said Dr. Kearney. He was transferred to an integrated company with the 17th Armored and later deployed.
"My dad was elated to receive the Bronze Star Medal, first because of the recognition," said Kearney. "...and being black then, and in a foreign country with white troops; it was tough."
The award comes as the Army marks the 60th anniversary of desegregation of the U.S. military this year.
Kearney also received the Connecticut Veterans Service Medal presented by the State of Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs. He also served as grand marshal of the Milford Veterans Day Parade.
The Bronze Star Medal came about thanks to the help of Lt. Gen. Honoré, said Dr. Kearney. She serves as the executive director of corporate responsibility at Gallup. Honoré, who retired as the commanding general of First Army based at Fort Gillem, Ga., now works as a senior scientist with the company. She mentioned her father's service to the retired general and Honoré made the request on her father's behalf....
Kearney said she hopes that more veterans who served with her father during World War II will receive recognition for their service as well.
Milford resident Private First Class (PFC) Douglas W. Kearney remembers landing on the beach at Normandy, France, in 1944, and luckily avoiding gunfire that killed or wounded many of the servicemen who stormed the beach that day.
“We landed with a half-track,” Kearney said this past week at City Hall, where he was honored with a Bronze Star for his military service.
He was a gunner aboard the military vehicle, whose caterpillar tracks propelled it over the sand, and he said he put his faith in God as he and his company made their way through a battleground littered with casualties — 90,000 in one day.
“We drove up through the mine fields,” he said. “There were a lot of casualties.”...
Decorated Retired General Russel L. Honoré,...heaped praise on Kearney and his family — a Bridgeport family that had a history of service to their country in WWII.
The late Mary Frances Kearney, Douglas’ sister, was one of the members of the first all-black Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) and eventually received several ribbons and medals for her military service.
The late William H. Kearney, Douglas’ brother, was a surgeon and captain in the 368th Infantry, honored for bringing aid to survivors of an airplane crash and supervising their movement from a mountainside after administering emergency treatment.
“Here’s a family represented to date by our hero, for which we stand here today as a free country,” Honoré said as he pointed to Kearney. “We’re blessed by their service to this country.
Looking at Kearney, he added, “He did his duty for his country. We came to set the record straight and give him the medal he deserved.” (Go here to read it ALL!)
AND, there is a very cool site about African Americans in the US Army. My long time readers know I have written about these heroes before, but on this site they have a whole section called "Profiles of Bravery." Take the time to go read this site here.
The Kearneys are an amazing family, with many stories of service to share with us. It is NEVER too late to say: Thank you for your service, Pfc Kearney!
THIS is what we are all about. I found this on Soldiers' Angels Germany - one of my favourite places on the internet. Go here to find lots of great stuff, and mark it as a 'fave'. :)
November 22 is officially designated VICTORY IN IRAQ DAY. You may be excused if you haven't heard that screamed from the roof tops by the politicians. However, WE the people have seen that VICTORY is achieved in Iraq.
While we all wait for the politicians to catch up, (or not!), all the indications, statistics, progress in Iraq spell VICTORY!
Week after week, we have been sharing the Good News Stories that show progress in Iraq. Week after week, we have been watching and reporting on the proof that this fledgling democracy in Iraq is working.
In months when the number of killings in Chicago outnumbers the military casualties in Iraq, we have pointed out that this IS victory.
Tired of waiting for the main stream media to declare what we have known for months, we believe what our troops have been telling us. WE WON!
"THE WAR IS OVER AND WE WON:" Michael Yon just phoned from Baghdad, and reports that things are much better than he had expected, and he had expected things to be good. "There's nothing going on. I'm with the 10th Mountain Division, and about half of the guys I'm with haven't fired their weapons on this tour and they've been here eight months. And the place we're at, South Baghdad, used to be one of the worst places in Iraq. And now there's nothing going on. I've been walking my feet off and haven't seen anything."[ here]
Zombie Time
'Victory central' is Zombie Time. There you will find all the information needed to join in the celebration of VICTORY IN IRAQ DAY. After months of sharing boots on the ground stories; after months of giving statistics; after so long sharing vignettes from the Iraqis themselves, WE the people now declare VICTORY in Iraq:
WE WON THE WAR IN IRAQ
But where's the official announcement?
The only reason that the war has not been declared "over" is that the media, which was generally opposed to the war and opposed to any of President Bush's policies, doesn't want to give him and his supporters the satisfaction of having been right. The media wants U.S. troops to return home, but only on condition that they do so with their tails between their legs in defeat - not as victorious liberators, which would invalidate five years of subtle and not-so-subtle anti-war propaganda on the part of the left-leaning media. The Bush administration for its part has not declared victory for two probable reasons: first, because they fear that by so doing they would only increase the call by the media and liberal Democrats to "bring the troops home now"; and also by so doing they might invite some last-ditch spectacular terror attack by the few remaining jihadists in order to embarrass the administration. And the incoming Obama administration will certainly never announce victory, since Obama spent over a year campaigning for the Democratic primary as the anti-war candidate. So both sides refuse to say the war is over. Even though it is, in fact, over.
It is up to the American people to declare victory. Which is exactly what we are doing right now.
There never will be an "official" announcement from the government or the media, so you can stop waiting for it.
This is the official announcement. [link:http://www.zombietime.com/vi_day/]
What are you waiting for? Join the Victory Day in Iraq celebrations. The announcement is all over the blogosphere, so get on board.
BLOGGERS: Real Clear Politics refuses to allow Reader Articles concerning Barack Obama's citizenship. My latest post reports a scheduled Supreme Court conference on this very issue. My post was removed from RCP today. In fact, every post, by most bloggers, covering Barack Obama's citizenship has been scrubbed from RCP.
Most of us think what the Supreme Court does is news worthy. Not the case at RCP. The question is: why does RCP not deem actions by the U.S. Supreme Court important for readers to know about?
PLEASE, if you have not posted about this already, grab this and cross-post at your blog. Let's get the information out and send some letters to the Supreme Court.
*****
Justice Clarence Thomas has placed a discussion of Barack Obama's citizenship on the December 5th docket for conference, meaning a discussion of the merit of this particular case.
A commenter at America's Right, who has been the leading source of excellent information on the various lawsuits, is requesting that we write directly to the Supreme Court:
The Honorable Associate Justice Clarence Thomas United States Supreme Court One First St. N. E. Washington DC 20543
Put docket # on Envelope 08-A407
Ask him UPHOLD our Constitution with Full Disclosure as the only Constitutionally viable answer.
One commenter said he/she was sending a copy of his letter to each of the nine Justices. Good idea!
The Supreme Court's website listed the date for the case brought by Leo C. Donofrio against Nina Wells, the Secretary of State in New Jersey, over not only Obama's name on the 2008 election ballot but those of two others, Sen. John McCain and Roger Calero.
The case, unsuccessful at the state level, had been submitted to Justice David Souter, who rejected it. The case then was resubmitted to Justice Clarence Thomas. The next line on the court's docket says: "DISTRIBUTED for Conference of December 5, 2008."
Jeff Schreiber at America's Right has followed this case closely. His post today reports:
As for New Jersey firebrand and attorney Leo Donofrio, his application for an emergency stay was denied by Justice Souter, Donofrio was able to refile and resubmit it to the Justice of his choosing, and properly did so. Today, the docket for his action shows that after being put before Justice Clarence Thomas, the application will be discussed by the Court in a December 5, 2008 conference.
Normally, during their term, the Supreme Court Justices conference on Wednesday (typically, but not always) and review the various petitions and applications before them, deciding which of the many such proceedings should be heard by the Court. I suspect that we could soon see a similar entry on the docket for Berg's case as well.
Now, this does not mean that the Court has decided to hear either of these matters and, in fact, is fairly typical when it comes to the process. Still, for those hoping to have these cases heard on their merits, for those who feel these issues are more about the United States Constitution than Barack Obama, this is a step in the right direction.
Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody 55 years old from Fort Belvoir, Virginia
Call it breaking the brass ceiling. Ann E. Dunwoody, after 33 years in the Army, ascended Friday to a peak never before reached by a woman in the U.S. military: four-star general.
At an emotional promotion ceremony, Dunwoody looked back on her years in uniform, said it was a credit to the Army—and a great surprise to her—that she would make history in a male-dominated military.
"Thirty-three years after I took the oath as a second lieutenant, I have to tell you this is not exactly how I envisioned my life unfolding," she told a standing-room-only auditorium. "Even as a young kid, all I ever wanted to do was teach physical education and raise a family.
"It was clear to me that my Army experience was just going to be a two-year detour en route to my fitness profession," she added. "So when asked, `Ann, did you ever think you were going to be a general officer, to say nothing about a four-star?' I say, `Not in my wildest dreams.'
"There is no one more surprised than I—except, of course, my husband. You know what they say, `Behind every successful woman there is an astonished man.'"
You can read the rest of Gen. Dunwoody's story here.
These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero. We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived
This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.
The Valour-IT bloggers' fundraising campaign is well underway and, as in previous years, an auction is now being added. The following press release was issued today, so it is a good idea to get your bids in now! Remember, this campaign ends on Thanksgiving Day, but the need and value of these laptops for our precious wounded heroes is year-round:
Soldier's Angels
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Best-Selling Authors Provide Autographed Books to Support Project Valour-IT
Seven noted authors have stepped up to support Project Valour-IT by donating autographed books for auction, and more are anticipated to join them. The books are being auctioned on eBay to help raise money to help Soldier's Angels provide adaptive laptops to wounded or disabled service members.
David Weber, David Drake, John Ringo, David J. Williams, Dean Ing, Mark L. Van Name, and Travis "Doc" Taylor have all agreed to provide works for auction as part of the annual fundraiser, which kicked off on Veterans Day and ends Thanksgiving Day. The works are being auctioned on the eBay Giving Works listings (seller spliffslips) with the money raised going directly and fully to the Project Valour-IT fund.
Currently, there are seven items up for bid on eBay:
Works by David Weber, Dave Williams, and Dean Ing will be posted for auction soon. The end time for each auction is different, so please check each listing to determine its end date.
John Ringo is a New York Times best-selling author with more than a million copies of his works in print. A veteran (Airborne!), he is known for his solo "Posleen" and "Ghost" series, as well as his "Empire of Man" series co-authored with David Weber.
Travis S. "Doc" Taylor is a rising light in the science fiction sky. He's earned not only a Ph.D. in optical science and engineering, but Master's degrees in physics, aerospace engineering, and astronomy and a Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering as well. The author of several books, he may be best known for the "Looking Glass" series co-authored with John Ringo. The start of a series of video interviews with Taylor can be found here.
David Drake is the New York Times best-selling author of the "Hammer's Slammers" series. Having written on a variety of subjects, his Hammer's Slammers work is based on his service in Vietnam and he is known to describe the series as the 11th Armored Cavalry with ray guns. The start of a series of video interviews with Drake can be found at here.
Mark L. Van Name is an author who also runs a technology assessment company in the Research Triangle area of North Carolina. A former Executive Vice President for Ziff Davis Media and national technology columnist, he's published over a thousand computer-related articles in addition to his "Slanted Jack" series and numerous short stories. The start of a series of video interviews with Van Name can be found here.
David Weber is the New York Times best-selling author of the acclaimed "Honor Harrington" series. The author of multiple best-selling books and series, he has seen his works develop a world-wide reach and following. The start of a series of video interviews with him can be found here.
David J. Williams is another rising star in the science fiction universe. Born in Hertfordshire, England, he now resides in Washington, DC. Mirrored Heavens is his first novel.
Dean Ing is the author of multiple science fiction and techno-thriller novels. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, he earned a doctorate in communications and worked in aerospace engineering. He served on the Citizen's Advisory Council on National Space Policy.
Project Valour-IT, in memory of SFC William V. Ziegenfuss, helps provide voice-controlled/adaptive laptop computers and other technology to support Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines recovering from hand wounds and other severe injuries. Technology supplied includes: Voice-controlled Laptops - Operated by speaking into a microphone or using other adaptive technologies, they allow the wounded to maintain connections with the rest of the world during recovery.
Wii Video Game Systems - Whole-body game systems increase motivation and speed recovery when used under the guidance of physical therapists in therapy sessions.
Personal GPS - Handheld GPS devices build self-confidence and independence by compensating for short-term memory loss and organizational challenges related to TBI and severe PTSD.
The experience of Major Chuck Ziegenfuss, a partner in the project who suffered serious hand wounds while serving in Iraq, illustrates how important these laptops and other technologies can be to a wounded service member's recovery.
Established in 2003, Soldiers' Angels is a volunteer-based 501(c)(3) non-profit providing aid and comfort to the men and women of the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, as well as veterans and military families. For more information, see www.soldiersangels.org or call 626-529-5114. Tax ID# 20-0583415
Check out the banner above. This is from an organization called Survivor Corp. Here’s an excerpt from a recent blog entry on their site:
Homecoming Is A Process, Not A Parade Nov 17, 2008 U.S. Army Captain (Retired) Scott Quilty knows first hand about the challenge of recovering from both the wounds of war. On October 1, 2006, Scott was on patrol in Iraq when he was severely injured by an improvised explosive device.
“I lost my arm and my leg in Iraq, but I gained a sense of self. The toughest part for me was answering some of those existential questions, ‘How am I going to go on from here, and how will I take care of my family?’ Now I am working to rise above my circumstance and give back to others.”
Scott joined Survivor Corps in 2008 as the manager of the U.S. Program. The U.S. Program links veterans and service members to each other for support. “I know from personal experience that some of the best help comes from those who have been there too,” explains Quilty.
Of the more than one and a half million Americans who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, an estimated 20% have reported symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or major depression. Roughly 200,000 veterans are homeless, and the suicide rate among service members and veterans is the highest it has been since the Vietnam War. READ MORE
Stop by Survivor Corp when you get a chance and donate if you are able.
Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli presents the Distinguished Service Cross to Staff Sgt. Christopher B. Waiters Oct. 23 during a ceremony at Soldiers Field House. Photo by Phil Sussman
After being struck by an IED in Baqubah, Iraq, a Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle immediately caught fire with its occupants still inside. Spc. Christopher Waiters, a senior medic assigned to 5-20 Inf. attempts to climb into the burning BFV to rescue a Soldier trapped in the vehicle after he had treated and safe-guarded two other casualties back to his Stryker Medical Evacuation Vehicle. Photo by U.S. Army
Meet Staff Sgt. Christopher Waiters:
Soldier earns rare honor for heroic actions in IraqBY Don Kramer Oct 24, 2008
FORT LEWIS, Wash. - The deep boom of an explosion shook the ground and awoke Staff Sgt. Christopher Waiters from sleep on April 5, 2007. The 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division Soldier had bedded down seconds before at the end of a nine-hour guard-duty shift in Old Baqubah.
A vehicle-borne improvised explosive device had detonated on a street nearby, engulfing a Bradley Fighting Vehicle and its crew in flames,
That insurgent attack led to the events that culminated in Waiters' receiving a Distinguished Service Cross, only the 17th awarded since the war on terrorism began and the first to a Fort Lewis-based Soldier.
The DSC is the Army's second highest award given for "extraordinary heroism ... while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing or foreign force," according to the Army regulation that governs military awards, AR 600-8-22. The regulation states, "The act or acts of heroism must have been so notable and have involved risk of life so extraordinary as to set the individual apart from his or her comrades."...
As Waiters dashed into the open street, an insurgent truck came at him through the smoke with its gunner firing. A U.S. .50-caliber machine gun made short work of the vehicle. Waiters dodged the wreckage and sprinted the rest of the 80 meters to the burning Bradley.
"When I got about halfway down the road, you start thinking about things," he said. "What am I doing? I'm not going to lie to you. I was scared as hell. But part of me just said keep going. I thought, 'I'm already in hell, Might as well keep going.'"...
His former XO said he was awed by Waiters actions that day, but not surprised.
"This wasn't the first time Doc Waiters put himself in harm's way to help his boys out," Price said. "He and Doc Miller went on hundreds of patrols. The guys were always glad to have Doc Waiters and Doc Miller along because they knew they'd do whatever it took to get our guys back."
Though he has only a single Purple Heart, Waiters survived a number of near misses.
"He got hit in the head once in Buhriz in the helmet, got nicked in the shoulder on patrol with us one night north of Baqubah, had a water bottle shot out from his face earlier in the deployment, and got nicked in the wrist in Old Baqubah," Price said. "This guy has been in harm's way many times before this happened. He's being modest when he says he was just doing his job. The guy is a true hero for what he did."...
You really MUST go read the rest of this amazing story here.
FORT LEWIS, Wash. - A former 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division commander returned to Fort Lewis Oct. 23 to pin the nation's second-highest award for valor on the chest of one of the brigade's medics.
Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Peter Chiarelli presented the Distinguished Service Cross to Staff Sgt. Christopher B. Waiters, only the 17th awarded since the Vietnam War. The Army medic is now stationed at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, but returned last week to receive the award he earned on April 5, 2007, while assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment as a combat medic.
The ceremony took place at Soldiers Field House, with his entire former brigade filling the bleachers...
Chiarelli said Waiters set an example of "the very best of military values: loyalty, selfless service, personal courage. Something inside Staff Sgt. Waiters led to his pulling wounded comrades out of a Bradley Fighting Vehicle without regard for safety - the sense of duty to follow Soldiers into the crucible of combat that defines who we are."...
Waiters said he had never seen one when he heard about the recommendation in August 2007 as the unit was preparing to redeploy from Iraq.
"I had to go look up the picture of a DSC on the Internet," he said.
The award was finally approved a year later in August 2008.
"It's an honor to receive it," Waiters said. "I was doing what I was trained to do. That's what I was there for."
Amazing! Go - now - and read the rest of this here.
Way back at the beginning of the US election cycle, I made the mistake of writing to the Obama camp to share my opinion on something. Since that day, I have been getting at LEAST three emails a day asking me for money, and I am REALLY sick of it. I was optimistic that once Obama was officially President-elect (or lost the election), that the begging barrage would stop! Not so far.
For many weeks, I have been getting emails in two of my email accounts, thanking me for my contributions, and assuring me that "it is people like you", etc etc..
Apart from chuckling - at first - that it really MIGHT be people like me that helped elect Obama, as every email from them trumpeted, let me assure any and all that the tone of that initial, fateful, email was anything BUT complimentary. I was actually taking them to task for something. No, don't ask what; that was way too long ago, and way too many Obama transgressions ago, for me to remember....
As SOMEONE WHO ASSISTS VETERANS WITH DISABILITY CLAIMS, I UNDERSTAND THE LONG TEDIOUS MEASURES A VETERAN MUST ENDURE TO PROCESS A CLAIM. OFTEN TIMES THE VA HOPES A VETERAN WILL EITHER GET FRUSTRATED AND QUIT, OR ULTIMATELY JUST DIE (AGE RELATED VETERANS WHO FILE LATER IN LIFE). IT IS DIFFICULT FOR A VETERAN TO FILE A CLAIM INITIALLY-SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY ARE INDOCTRINATED TO BELIEVE THAT COMPLAINING ABOUT INJURIES AND ILLNESSES ARE NOT AN OPTION. THEY "SIGNED UP" AND THEREFORE THEY ARE EXCLUDED FROM ANY TREATMENTS OR SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES BY WHICH TO SEEK ASSISTANCE. IT TAKES ADVOCATES FOR VETERANS MONTHS IF NOT YEARS TO CONVINCE THEM OTHERWISE. THEN THE PAPERWORK PROCESS BEGINS, AND THE VETERAN HAS YET ANOTHER FIGHT--ONE WITH THE VERY ENTITY WITH WHOM WITHOUT THE VETERAN, 'JOB SECURITY' WOULD JUST BE TWO FOREIGN WORDS.
Delta Bravo Sierra is a daily comic strip from the brain of Mr Hooah! His wife, Mrs Hooah! (Claire) has her own blog which is where you can find DBS (and I write there, too!)
Today's strip is so wonderful, and relates to Valour-IT, so I HAD to share it with you all:
Be sure to check out Knee Deep in the Hooah!here. And if you have your own blog, why not add DBS in your own sidebar. I proudly have it on mine.:)
The Senate confirmed the promotion of Lt. Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody to four-star general July 23. Dunwoody will take over command of the U.S. Army Materiel Command, Fort Belvoir, Va., Nov. 14. Photo by U.S. Army
First female four-star general to be promoted Friday
FORT BELVOIR, Va. (AMC News Service, Nov. 7, 2008) - Lt. Gen. (promotable) Ann E. Dunwoody will become the first female four-star general in U.S. military history Friday, and later that day will assume command of the U.S. Army Materiel Command from Gen. Benjamin S. Griffin in a 2 p.m. ceremony at the AMC headquarters parade field.
Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. will preside over the ceremony, which will include a 17-gun salute, the AMC Band and the AMC ceremonial color guard.
Dunwoody will be promoted as the first woman four-star general in the U.S. military in a ceremony at the Pentagon earlier in the day....(read more here).
Schools bringing hope to Iraq Thursday, 13 November 2008
By Kendal Smith Gulf Region Central district
Baghdad, Iraq - Themes of hope dominate school openings and ribbon cutting events throughout Iraq. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Gulf Region Division has overseen the renovation or new construction of nearly 1,100 schools, and another 38 are still in construction.
“This ancient civilization of Mesopotamia between the two rivers taught the world how to read and how to write,” said Ahmed Rubayee, director general of Baghdad’s Rusafa secondary education department at Al Neel School, which opened in July. “That is what we are doing here today, establishing a school - and to once again be civilized and concentrate on teaching our children to read and write.”
With the same theme of hope in a stable civilization for education, a new wing of six classrooms for Al Abrar primary school, south of Baghdad, opened for students on Oct. 15. Located in the Mahmoudiyah Qada district, this $496,000 project adds much needed classroom space and facilities for this rural area.
“The ribbon cutting for this school not only signals the completion of a building, it signals one small addition of hope for the Iraqi people,” said Col. Ron Light, Gulf Region Central district commander. “While we are here to celebrate the completion of a school, more importantly, you can see the faces of hope on the children. You see the joy of being at a decent school, and that is exciting.”
The school has more than 650 students, but due to a lack of teachers, can only conduct one crowded session. At the ceremony, Al Abrar’s headmaster, Mahmoud Alewee said, “This new building serves us well since the school was never expanded from its beginning in 1960 until now, but we need more rooms.” ...(read more here)
Soldiers and members of a color guard render honors before a Veterans Day re-enlistment ceremony for 274 servicemembers on Joint Base Balad, Iraq, November 11th, 2008 US Army photo by Kiyoshi Freeman
Hundreds of Servicemembers Re-enlist During Veterans Day Ceremony Thursday, 13 November 2008
JOINT BASE BALAD — Nearly 300 servicemembers stationed across Iraq gathered at Holt Stadium here Tuesday to re-enlist in what officials said is the largest mass re-enlistment in the base's history.
After helicopter and convoy movements and rehearsals, 274 servicemembers swore oaths to defend their country again.
"We gather today to remind ourselves that our mission as fighting men and women must continue," Army Brig. Gen. Michael Lally, commander of 3rd Sustainment Command and the host for the event, said. "To continue, we must have those that are willing, able and are inspired to raise their hands again and again to be counted with those that came before them."
To the re-enlisting servicemembers, the significance of holding the ceremony on Veterans Day was important.
"Every Veterans Day has been big for us in uniform," said Army Sgt. Juan Rojas, a cook with the 297th ITC and a Miami native. "It gives me great pleasure to be here and be part of history."
Army Col. Kevin O'Connell, commander of 1st Sustainment Brigade, said Soldiers stay in the Army for the same reasons they join: training, education, adventure, money. But the most important reason they stay in the military is service to their nation, he added.
"They're patriotic," O'Connell said. "They want to serve in an all-volunteer Army … to give back to a great nation what it's given to them."
While she was not planning to make the Army her career, said Army Sgt. Latasha Myers, a mechanic with the 503rd Maintenance Company, her experiences and the people she works with inspired her to re-enlist.
"I love what I do," she said. "I love fighting for my country."
O'Connell said friends and families should be proud of what their sons and daughters did this day.
"They re-enlisted on a big day, while they're in combat. They continue to serve when their nation needs them -- when we're in conflict," he said. "They're our future."
Lally said the re-enlisting servicemembers are common men and women who always have done, and will continue to do, uncommon things.
"The stories of those in front of you are still being written," he said. "Today another chapter has begun. Wherever they go, whatever they do, each story will be different. Each will contain trials and deployments, and tales from lands yet to be seen. However, the common theme in each will be their selfless service and their universal commitment."
Local Iraqi children pose for the camera while taking part in festivities during a ribbon cutting ceremony for a newly installed micro-power generator in Muhallah 137, Sheikh Umar, eastern Baghdad, Iraq, on Nov. 9, 2008. Photo by Staff Sgt. James Selesnick. (source)
The Valour-IT Veterans Day fundraiser, a friendly competition among blogs, will run through November 27, 2008 (Thanksgiving). See below for info on donating or joining the competition.
To donate, click the Donate button for your favorite team below. Division by service branch is for the purpose of friendly competition; all funds ultimately go into the same account.
As a Soldiers' Angel, I have been priviledged to meet the very first recipient of a Valour-IT laptop. Major Chuck Z is active duty, a blogger, and a returning wounded war hero. (Yes, you are, Chuck!)
This time last year, I wrote a piece on Tanker Bros and profiled just a very few of the wounded heroes whose lives were made a little easier, because of these special laptops. You can check that out on Tanker Bros here. Chuck Z:
"Patti asked me what I wanted," says Ziegenfuss. "I asked her if there was any way I could get my hands on a laptop so I could continue communicating with my soldiers and blogging."
Simply getting his hands on a laptop would not be enough to get him back online. So Soldiers Angels bought a computer for Ziegenfuss, and they located and purchased hands-free voice-activated software that would enable him - and similarly wounded servicemembers - to communicate with friends and family around the world....
The laptop which Ziegenfuss received was the first of many to be given to our wounded, as Soldiers' Angels has given back some small measure of communication. From that first gesture, this program has grown. Testimonials as to what the donation of Voice-Activated Laptops for OUR Injured Troops has meant to our heroes come into Soldiers' Angels on a regular basis.
In August 2005, seven laptops were given out at Bethesda, MD at the Naval Medical Center as a test site. By October, 2006, about 600 laptops had been given. To date, more than 1,800 laptops have given a "voice" to our wounded heroes.
Project Valour-IT is national. From that initial test site, laptops are now found country-wide:
Balboa Naval Hospital, San Diego, CA
Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, TX
Madigan Regional Medical Center, Tacoma, WA
National Naval Medical Center (Bethesda Naval Hospital)
Naval Hospital, Camp Pendleton, CA
Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital (29 Palms), 29 Palms, CA
Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington DC
This all costs money and lots of it.
That was the total last year. By now, over 2,000 laptops have been given out. Soldiers' Angels works closely with the VA facilities nationwide to ensure that we can give back in some small measure for what our wounded have given in service to their country. To read the profiles from last year, check out Tanker Bros post here: http://mikegulf.blogspot.com/2007/11/giving-voice-to-our-wounded_05.html
This IS a friendly competition among all the military branches. I support the Army team, but you can choose your favourite branch and contribute.
From Project Valour-IT:
The Valour-IT Veterans Day fundraiser, a friendly competition among blogs, will run through November 27, 2008 (Thanksgiving). See below for info on donating or joining the competition.
To donate, click the Donate button for your favorite team below. Division by service branch is for the purpose of friendly competition; all funds ultimately go into the same account. To check out the Valour-IT page go here.
It is so easy to do this. Just click on the "Donate" button below, (or on the sidebar.) You can choose which team you want top donate to, even though I am giving you the Army team logo:
We only have until Thanksgiving which means time is short, for each of us to make a lifetime of difference to our heroes.
Spc. Kenneth W. Haines 25 years old from Fulton, New York 2nd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division December 3, 2006
Spc. Kenneth Haines joined the United States Army in September 2000 as a fire support specialist and had been assigned to his unit for just over three years. He deployed to Iraq in October of 2006.
During his time in service, he received several military awards and decorations, including the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and National Defense Service Medal.
Spc. Haines was killed by an IED that was detonated near his vehicle while on patrol in Abu Hishma, 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.
The 29th Battalion, part of the Second Canadian Division, advances into No Man's Land through German barbed wire and heavy fire in the right-centre of the Canadian advance on April 9, 1917. (Courtesy Veterans Affairs Canada).
On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, Canadians are asked to pause and remember the thousands of men and women who sacrificed their lives fighting for freedom and democracy during the First World War, the Second World War, the Korean War, the Afghanistan conflict and during peacekeeping missions.
During the First World War, (1914-1918) more than 600,000 soldiers volunteered to go overseas. As of November 2006, Veterans Affairs Canada is aware of three veterans of the First World War who are still alive: P. Dwight Wilson, 105, and Lloyd Clemett and John Babcock, both 106.
These soldiers fought in a series of costly and bloody battles and by the end of the war, more than 69,000 Canadian soldiers had died and 172,000 were wounded.
A Consolidated VLR Liberator provides air-cover for a transatlantic convoy during the Second World War. (Courtesy Veterans Affairs Canada).
They died fighting at Vimy Ridge, Hill 70, Bourlon Wood, Mons, Passchendaele and Ypres. In Ypres, Canadian soldiers were exposed to German gas attacks, yet continued to fight. They showed amazing tenacity and courage in the face of danger....(here for more)
At this link you will find many other stories about what we here in Canada call Remembrance Day, and in America is called Veterans Day. Different names, same focus: remembering and honouring. What follows is a video my friend Don sent me months ago. (You can find out more here.) Again, it is Canadian, but the sentiments are universal. "A Pittance of Time" - for all time. We remember.
A must read: A piece by Debbie Lee, including her son's last letter home, on NewsBlaze here.
And, more and an expanded Canadian content on NewsBlaze (by me.lol) here.
This Veterans Day in America, Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants will show their appreciation for all our veterans. Disputing the old adage "no such thing as a free lunch", Applebee's is inviting all veterans to lunch or dinner at the restaurant's expense.
Says Mike Archer, Applebee's President:
"It's an honor to host an event that helps the neighborhood come together and say thanks to our veterans and active servicemen and women. We are starting on a small scale to ensure we can best understand how to staff and service these important guests."
The photograph at the right of Marines raising the American flag at the summit of Mt. Suribachi during the battle for Iwo Jima has become an enduring image of bravery and heroism. However, this was actually the second flag raised on the mountain's summit that day. The first flag-raising occurred a couple of hours earlier - shortly after Marines had gained the top of the mountain after hard fighting. This flag was deemed too small to be easily seen from the base of the mountain so a second, larger flag was raised.
The First Flag-Raising
Scott Tank sent us this eyewitness account of Cpl. Charles W. Lindberg, a friend and the last surviving member of the team that raised the first flag on the crest of Mt. Suribachi. Scott asked that we share Mr. Lindberg's story with you - we are honored to do so. Thank you Scott for sending us this account, and thank you Mr. Lindberg for the sacrifices you made during that bloody nightmare called Iwo Jima:
It was the job of the 28th Regiment, 5th Division, to capture Mount Suribachi. They reached the base of the mountain on the afternoon of February 21, and by nightfall the next day the Marines had almost completely surrounded it.
As part of that Marine group, 24-year-old Corporal Charles Lindberg, a combat veteran of the Guadalcanal and the Bougainville campaign, watched the intense bombardment of Iwo Jima and realized that the landing at Red Beach One would be anything but easy. "The Japs had the whole beach zeroed in. Most of the fire was coming from Suribachi," he recalled. Surrounding Mount Suribachi were cliffs, tunnels, mines, booby traps, and ravines. The hostile terrain proved to be as tough an enemy as the Japanese who were firmly entrenched on the mountain.
At 8 a.m. on February 23, a patrol of 40 men from 3rd Platoon, E Company, 2nd Battalion, 28th Marines, led by 1LT Lieutenant Harold G. Schrier, assembled at the base of Mount Suribachi. The platoon's mission was to take the crater of Suribachi's peak and raise the U.S. flag. As a member of the first combat patrol to scale Mount Suribachi, Cpl Lindberg took his 72-pound flamethrower and started the tortuous climb up the rough terrain to the top....(more here)
The Marines' Hymn
From the halls of Montezuma, to the shores of Tripoli, We fight our country's battles in the air, on land and sea. First to fight for right and freedom, and to keep our honor clean; We are proud to claim the title of United States Marine.
Our Flag's unfurled to every breeze from dawn to setting sun. We have fought in every clime and place, where we could take a gun. In the snow of far off northern lands and in sunny tropic scenes, You will find us always on the job, the United States Marines.
Here's health to you and to our Corps, which we are proud to serve. In many a strife we've fought for life and never lost our nerve. If the Army and the Navy ever look on heaven's scenes, they will find the streets are guarded by United States Marines.
These are just two of the pictures that were part of the Welcome Home celebration for Marine Corps Iraq War Vet Ryan Wilno. You can find more pictures of this happy event here.
This GREAT day was to be overshadowed by a family tragedy within days. From War on Terror News comes this:
November 10, 2008
Triumphant Homecoming Turns Tragic For The Wilno Family
On Saturday, November 1, the Warriors' Watch Riders escorted Marine Corps Iraq War Vet Ryan Wilno on his Welcome Home celebration. He rode with us to his home in Marlton, New Jersey. The entire town turned out, it seemed. We had 60 riders, the Yellow Ribbon Club, the Mayor of Marlton along with other dignitaries. It was a glorious homecoming celebration for a local hero. Ryan's mom and dad, Betsy and Ron, in particular, were as proud as proud can be. Ron and Besty had suffered some tragedy with their younger son, Ryan's brother, a couple of years ago and it was only by the grace of God that the younger son is now still living. As a result their fear for Ryan's safety in Iraq was magnified, and they were so very grateful for his safe homecoming now. There was much celebration that day, Warriors' Watch Riders motorcycle escorts, Yellow Ribbon Club cheers and honors, and an official proclamation honoring Ryan. We shook Ryan's hand, hugged Ryan's mom, and slapped the back of Ryan's dad.
Six hours later Ryan's dad was dead.
At the end of this happiest of all days, as Ron was preparing to retire, he suffered a massive heart attack and was gone - at age 43. In the blink of an eye, a day of unbridled joy was turned into a day of stunning, tragic loss and shock and sorrow. USMC Ryan Wilno's happiness was snatched away from him, leaving emptiness. Betsy's relief at the safe return of her son was turned to the mourning of sudden loss.
To me, a true friend is one who is there not only in times of celebration, but also, just as reliably, in times of mourning. The Warriors' Watch Riders who had helped to celebrate Ryan's homecoming could not be kept away from the observance of his darkest time. FIVE short days after escorting Ryan home, we found ourselves escorting his father's funeral procession. The memorial service was held at the Bradley funeral home in Marlton, and the family and we both were given unprecedented support from the Evesham Township police department and local government. The Mayor of Marlton, Randy Brown, was there for the homecoming, and to his everlasting credit he was there for the funeral as well. A good guy, that Mayor, a good friend of the Wilno Family and of the Warriors' Watch Riders. (This proved to me that he is a man who will be there for more than mere photo-ops. That is worth something to me.)
The Wilno family became a part of the Warriors' Watch family that day. The experience of sharing greatest joy and deepest sorrow in so short a time was one that made us family. We will never forget that.
The Wilno family is left without a breadwinner, very suddenly. They do not own their home, and Ron did not have life insurance. Ryan was willing to give his own life for his country, but it's his father's life that was tragically lost. Please help the Warriors' Watch Riders to help them.
There is a call out for help for this family, and you can find all the details on HOW and where by checking out the War on Terror News site here.
Let's do what we can to show this hero veteran - one of our own - who has already given much, that we stand with his family.
Australians have awoken this morning to the long awaited news that the Bali Bombers are dead. Executed at 12:15am local time in jungle clearings on the island where they had been held, their bodies are now being returned to waiting family int heir home towns.
As Prime Minister Rudd asked the nation to remember the families and loved ones of those lost in the 2002 bombings, many of us remember the tragic day that terrorism hit home for Australia.
Kevin Rudd says remember Bali bombing families today
November 09, 2008
PRIME Minister Kevin Rudd said his thoughts and prayers were with the families of victims of the 2002 Bali bombings after three of the terrorists were executed today.
Bombers Mukhlas, Amrozi and Imam Samudra, three of the men responsible for the 2002 attacks which killed 202 people, including 88 Australians, were executed by firing squad in Indonesia just after midnight (4am AEDT).
Mr Rudd said today's long anticipated executions would have reawakened the nightmare of the October 12 attacks for the families, and all Australians should remember that.
“I was thinking, as Therese was, about all those families. Memories come searing back, it's really hard,” Mr Rudd said after attending a church service with his wife Therese Rein in Canberra.
“Today is a time for us all to bear in our thoughts and our prayers the 200 Australian and Indonesian families who were shattered by the Bali bombings six years ago.
“Their lives remain shattered. They've been changed fundamentally by that murder.
“So it's their lives that we think about today.”
Executions bring little relief to club
Lauren Wilson | November 09, 2008
FOR family and friends of the six Coogee Dolphins football club members who died in the 2002 Bali bombings, little relief has accompanied the news that three of the Bali bombers have been executed overnight.
After more than a week of speculation, bombers Amrozi, Mukhlas and Imam Samudra were executed at 12.15am Indonesian time, by separate firing squads.
Eighty-eight Australians were killed in the attack in the tourist district of Kuta on October 12, 2002 including six Dolphins team mates: Shane Foley, Joshua Iliffe, Adam Howard, Clint Thompson, David Mavroudis and Gerard Yeo.
Clint's brother Trent Thompson said he is relieved the circus surrounding their execution is finally over.
"In regards to the circus that's gone on the last few weeks I'm relieved. That's been really difficult,'' he told The Australian this morning.
"In regard to shooting to these guys, they've now faced justice,'' he said.
Mr Thompson added that he would have been just as happy for the Bali bombers to spend the rest of their lives in prison.
"At the end of the day it's a good day that justice has been served, it won't bring the people we lost back but some justice has been done,'' he said.
"This is what the Indonesian people decided they should face and I'm satisfied with that.''
Former Dolphins Club president, Albert Talaric said today marked, "just another page in this long chapter.''
"My thoughts are with the families not the bombers,'' Mr Talaric said.
"And all the people who carry the scars, not just those in this club or area.''
"I never stop thinking about them, they were good friends,'' he said.
"I have become close with all of the families and there is no finish for them - the death of a child is a death sentence for a parent,'' he said.
Mr Talaric said the Bali bombings would always remain the most tragic part of the amateur football club's 14 year history.
"It's our saddest day. We've had many successes since then, winning premierships and so on, but it will never go away,'' he said.
"Some people say, well you should get over it, but they are not the one who had to go to the funerals, or speak to the families. It's a part of our history, a sad part, but it is always with you,'' he said.
Some of family members of the six football players will be meeting at Coogee's Palace Hotel today for a beer in memory of those they lost.
Woman weeps with relief over Bali bomber executions
November 09, 2008
A SYDNEY woman who lost two sisters and two cousins in the 2002 Bali bombings has tearfully told of her relief that the Islamic militants responsible are dead.
"We're very happy ... we've waited a very long time for this and this is our justice," Maria Kotronakis told CNN, struggling at times to speak.
"Finally the moment has come ... we are over the moon."
Ms Kotronakis said the past six years had been a horrific ordeal for her family.
"It's something that's been infesting us every single day," she said.
"We've waited for this every single day and finally now ... nothing could ever compare to this. "We have suffered."
She said the relief among her family was vast.
"I've spoken to my parents, I've spoken to other members of my family and there's big relief that they're not around any more."
Ms Kotronakis said the bombers' lack of remorse for the lives they took on October 12, 2002 meant they had relinquished any rights they themselves had.
"They lost their rights to anything that's human ... they showed no remorse nothing," she said.
"We lost four beautiful girls that did nothing wrong. Normal people that would get up and go to work every day, live life as much as they could and enjoy themselves.
"There was nothing they ever did wrong to have been executed they way they were."
But for many of the families, the executions have brought them little peace. Every day they live with the senseless loss of their loved ones....
Bali bomber executions bring no closure for victim's sister Georgia Lysaght
November 09, 2008
A WOMAN who lost her older brother in the Bali bombings said today the executions of the men responsible had not brought her any sense of closure.
Crack Indonesian soldiers, handpicked for the job, took aim and shot the three Bali bombers through the heart on their prison island just after midnight (4am AEDT) today.
Georgia Lysaght, 27, of Wollongong in New South Wales, lost her older brother Scott Lysaght when bombs tore through Bali nightclubs on October 12, 2002.
She said her family never felt vengeful because nothing would ever bring back Scott, who was living in Jakarta in 2002 and had gone to Bali to play in a rugby match.
If he had lived, he would now be 39.
“The fact that it has happened doesn't bring Scott back, it doesn't change what's happened, it doesn't bring any sense of closure,” she said.
“It doesn't make me feel that justice has been served. The only just thing to do would to be able to see my brother again, and that is not going to happen.”
Deaths bring no joy, says Bali victim Peter Hughes
November 09, 2008
AUSTRALIAN survivor Peter Hughes says the Bali bombers have paid the highest price for mass murder, but their executions have not brought him any joy.
"These guys went to set about mass murder and paid the highest penalty," Hughes told CNN from Perth after hearing the three men had been executed by firing squad in Indonesia.
"It doesn't feel good but they did do the crime and they've paid for it."
Mr Hughes suffered burns to more than 50 per cent of his body in the Paddy's Bar blast on October 12, 2002. He also suffered a serious leg injury and what he called "horrific" cuts to his body.
It took him two years to recover.
Whether we believe justice has been served, I believe it is important for people to realise there is no justification for the senseless carnage we have seen perpetrated through this and similar bombings. When targets are simply people with different beliefs, people from different societies or with different customs, people who are simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, we as a society need to stand up and send the message loud and clear...There will be cosequences to these senseless actions.
Many talk of martyrdom, that these men died heroes to those who believe in their cause. The simple fact is that they are dead and now unable to further spread their poisonous beliefs and plan and execute further bombings that will take the lives of so many others.
This is the news many Australians have waited 6 long years to hear.... Those responsible for the 2002 Bali Bombings will finally face the firing squad. Over recent weeks the mood has become one of impatience as news programs report the pending executions with little details. We have heard of the planned celebrations to remember the three men who took and destroyed the lives of so many by their families and countrymen.
Many believe the firing squad to be to quick an end for those who so willingly maimed and killed innocents in the most horrific of ways. Many who suffered and continue to suffer at their hands are simply relieved that the final chapter of this book can be closed.
This from the BBC...
Execution of Bali bombers 'near'
Amrozi is known as the "smiling bomber"
Speculation is mounting in Indonesia that three men convicted over the 2002 Bali bombings may shortly be executed.
Reports say that the men - sentenced to death five years ago for their roles in the attacks which killed 202 people - have been placed in isolation.
Indonesia's government earlier said the men would be shot in early November.
Imam Samudra, Amrozi Nurhasyim and Ali Ghufron (also known as Mukhlas) have said they hope that their executions will trigger revenge attacks.
Correspondents say the bombers' families are unlikely to receive prior notification, as the authorities seek to avoid an Islamist backlash.
Execution order
They were found guilty of planning the twin attacks on nightclubs at Bali's tourist resort of Kuta. The bombings were said to have been carried out by militant group Jemaah Islamiah.
A source at the Nusakambangan maximum security prison, where the three are being held, was quoted by AFP news agency as saying that an execution order had been issued.
The bombers launched multiple challenges against their sentences
A pledge by the attorney general to see them die by Ramadan - which fell in early September - was not met.
However in a statement several days ago, his office said the executions would be carried out "at the beginning of November".
Last month, Indonesia's Constitutional Court rejected defence arguments that the three should be beheaded instead of being executed by firing squad, which, they argued, did not guarantee instant death and would amount to torture.
The BBC's Lucy Williamson in Jakarta says few Indonesians support the bombers, but the execution of men who say they were defending Islamic values is likely to spark a reaction.
And so we wait for news of the execution. We remember those lost, those that survived and their families.
DIGG THIS
Del.icio.us
I found this essay, written by the father of a deployed Soldier, on the 
The 29th Battalion, part of the Second Canadian Division, advances into No Man's Land through German barbed wire and heavy fire in the right-centre of the Canadian advance on April 9, 1917. (Courtesy Veterans Affairs Canada). 
A Consolidated VLR Liberator provides air-cover for a transatlantic convoy during the Second World War. (Courtesy Veterans Affairs Canada). 
the second flag raised on the mountain's summit that day. The first flag-raising occurred a couple of hours earlier - shortly after Marines had gained the top of the mountain after hard fighting. This flag was deemed too small to be easily seen from the base of the mountain so a second, larger flag was raised. 
