Grizzly's Den

California Dreamin'

2006-07-14T17:54:00.000-07:00

Pictures of flowers blooming at LAX Airport.

How I Spent My Fourth of July, 2006

2006-07-04T17:23:00.000-07:00

Hanging out with a few hundred of my closest friends,

welcoming home the troops!

More Fourth of July Pictures

2006-07-04T17:21:00.000-07:00

The Mike Stokely Foundation

2006-05-30T04:42:00.000-07:00

This letter is a followup to Mr. Stokely's letter posted below.

In the first hours after news of Mike's death came to us last August 16, our family put in motion, with the help of friends, the formation of the Mike Stokely Foundation. It was our family's desire to encourage those who wanted to do something to show support for our family and remember Mike to think about contributing to the Foundation rather than sending us flowers or other presents. The generosity of our friends, and so many others who have heard of the Foundation allowed Mike to be remembered and honored these past few weeks with the awarding of $2,100 of book scholarships to five students headed to college, including two at his former high school. Plans are underway to provide funding from the Foundation to help purchase books for underprivileged children, and for various libraries that had some connection to Mike. Flowers would have died; other presents would have soon been forgotten, but the money contributed to the Foundation has helped purchase a lifetime of learning, and hopefully bring a better life to those who will receive books purchased with Foundation funds.

Mike's life was about helping others. Mike's life and memory have become a vehicle to help others, even if only a little and few at a time. The Foundation will not change the world, but it will do what Mike did his whole life and that is do what can be done to make a positive difference in as many lives as possible. For the foreseeable future, the positive difference, in Mike's honor and memory, will continue to be made, thanks to the continued support of so many.

Memorial Day is a day of rememberance. Personally, and for the Mike Stokely Foundation, I thank those who remembered Mike in so many ways, and for those who helped make it financially possible to remember him through helping others, and furthering Mike's passion for reading.

On this Memorial Day, I say this - You can't die for a just cause if you didn't live for one. Mike Stokely is an example of a life lived well and to the fullest. He did not flinch when asked to fight in the service of his country. Throughout his service for his country and with fellow soldiers, even in his final moments, he continued to be a beacon of positive spirit whose big friendly eyes and generous smile were his tradmark. While others debated, he served. Mike Stokely died in the same way he lived - devoted to God, Family, Duty, Honor, Country. No less, he died in the same way he lived, looking out for others, as he watched the back of two friends and fellow soldiers. Mike Stokely lived for such just causes and willing sacrificed his life just because of them. How much more just a cause can there be?

I will remember those who serve in the lineage of service that keeps our country free and safe, for they serve while others debate. Their just cause of service is not found in the politics of debate, but in the answer of the call to Duty, Honor, Country - a duty to honor and obey the lawful orders of their Commander-in-Chief and thereby serve the Country they each love dearly enough to be willing to give their very life. I am thankful for those willing to serve, especially those who gave their life. I am ever thankful that so many return alive. God Bless America. Thank you God for those willing to answer the call of their country and the just cause they serve - Duty, Honor, Country.

thanks,

Robert Stokely
proud dad, SGT Mike Stokely
KIA IED Yusufiyah Iraq 8/16/05

Memorial Day

2006-05-29T01:05:00.000-07:00

Please, take the time today to remember

the Sons and Daughters of America,

who made the ultimate sacrifice for

Freedom and Liberty!

A Father's Letter

2006-05-26T17:43:00.000-07:00

I received this e-mail from a soldiers father and thought that it would be appropriate to post it this Memorial Day weekend as a reminder of the sacrifice paid by the few for the many. I hope that you don't mind Mr. Stokely.

Dear friends in the MilBlog World:

By now, it would be understandable if you and others were tired or hearing from me and what I say. But, I feel a need to talk about my experiences. It makes me feel better to not hold it in. It also is my hope that others can find something in what I say that makes them feel better, cope, or just think of things said from a perspective I now hold.

This weekend is a very traditional time in modern day American culture - it is Memorial Day Weekend whose premise is on remembering those who fell on the field of battle for the cause of freedom and in the service of our great country. Realistically, it is a three day weekend that signals the start of summer fun for friends and family alike. To be very honest with you, I can't claim to have placed the proper focus on this important weekend in so many years in the past. But, this year I have a new perspective, to say the least.

Sadly, it probably took my son Mike dying in Iraq to make this holiday a time to truly focus on what Memorial Day means. No doubt, I'd rather be remembering "someone else's" fallen soldier. But, I also recognize that the lineage of fallen soldiers is one of privilege for the fallen's family members. No soldier wills to die in battle, nor does a family hope such privilege is accorded them. But, as the dad of a fallen soldier, I can say that I recognize such privilege is given me and our family for who else would it be given if we chose not to accept it? SGT Mike Stokely is an example of a life lived well, boldly committed and bravely given. He believed in God, Family, Duty, Honor, Country. He left nothing in reserve when it came to any of those life character traits. How little it is for me and his family to show our love for him, to honor him, and serve in comfort and safety by simply accepting the privilege of service we have been given by his death in Iraq.

Thank you soldiers generations past and present for your sacrifice and giving us reason to have a Memorial Day.

I never got to tell Mike thank you, so I'll say it now - Thank you son for your life, a life well lived, boldly committed, and bravely given. You made a difference, you died for a just cause, you will be remembered, and you are forever loved. John 15:13 - No greater love...

Thank you God for the privilege of being Mike Stokely's dad.

God Bless America and those whose time of privileged committment is yet to come. The Stokely Family stands ready to serve with you.

Robert Stokely
proud dad
SGT Mike Stokely
KIA 8/16/05 Yusufiyah Iraq
E Troop 108th CAV 48th Brigade GA NATL GUARD US ARMY

Taking time to smell the roses.

2006-05-16T14:11:00.000-07:00

I drove home slow today, stopping where I thought there was a view worth noticing and snapped pictures to share what I had seen with others. I hope that you enjoy them. Sometimes, the commute to and from work, isn't so bad.

Another Beautiful Spring Day in North Texas

2006-05-15T13:39:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day

2006-05-14T15:07:00.000-07:00

North Texas Wildbirds

2006-05-02T06:43:00.000-07:00

North Texas Landscapes

2006-05-01T20:03:00.000-07:00

On my drive home from work, today.....

2006-04-24T15:44:00.000-07:00

I noticed these things and thought that I would share.

Poor Lad

2006-04-20T17:23:00.000-07:00

Poor Lad (a poem)

A mother weeps with tears that burn,
From her son’s death will she not learn?
Will she then honor what she lost,
Pay tribute to his personal cost?
Or will she use his death to preach,
Perched on his coffin will she screech,
And damn the cause her dead son served,
Her special spot in hell reserved?

There are those many who agree,
This mother has a voice that’s free,
To vent her anger scream her sorrow,
Remind us all of death’s tomorrow.
But what of those men fighting there?
Must they this mother’s anger bear?
Mad mother questioning what they do,
Who disrespects our valiant few.

I’m tired of her public pass to grieve,
From the media world, she now should leave,
And give her son’s poor soul some rest,
Stop undermining our bravest best,
Who fight to let this woman speak,
To let her scream, to let her shriek,
Her misguided hatred of her nation.
And the very ones give her salvation.

Oh, Cindy please fade into night,
And cease your rage against the light,
That illuminates your dead son’s goal,
The saving grace that guards his soul,
Which sadly you can’t seem to see,
What he sought most is victory;
A victory that his buddies won,
Now they, not you, salute your son.

How tragic that a soldier’s death should be so poorly used;
Poor lad, so sad, so tragically, by his mother so abused.

Russ Vaughn
2d Bn, 327th Parachute Infantry Regiment
101st Airborne Division Vietnam 65-66

Month of the Military Child

2006-04-18T08:44:00.000-07:00

I am ashamed to say, that I wasn't aware that this was the Month of the Military Child. I hope that this post makes up for it, in some small way.

Video Greetings from Troops to Their Children

Organizations for Youth

Chairman's Letter Salutes Military Children

I want to take this opportunity to recognize the extraordinary contributions of our Nation’s military families, who have faced many challenges—from family separations to frequent moves—with great courage. I would especially like to acknowledge a special source of inspiration: children of military families.

You are patient and understanding when duty calls and your Mom or Dad cannot attend a soccer game, music recital, birthday party, or other important family or school activity. You are heroes in a quiet, thoughtful way, and I am grateful for the unconditional love you give your Mom and Dad. Many of you have experienced the sad and sometimes frightening experience of having your Mom or Dad far from home, serving around the globe in places like Iraq and Afghanistan. Through your personal courage and support, you serve this Nation too – and I am proud of you!

Frequent moves are a way of life for the military child. It is never easy to say goodbye to friends and familiar routines, to begin again in a new school, a new neighborhood – and sometimes a new country! But your resilience and self-confidence are strengths that others admire, including your parents.

Growing up in a military family offers some challenges, but it also provides some special rewards. You can be proud of your Mom and Dad for their brave defense of this great country. Your love and support sustains them. So thank you for being there for Mom and Dad. You are American patriots and role models for us all.

PETER PACE
General, United States Marine Corps
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Texas Wildflowers

2006-04-15T16:58:00.000-07:00

The bluebonnets were blooming in North Texas today, joining other wildflowers already in bloom.

Paying Attention to Detail

2006-04-14T14:07:00.000-07:00

All of my life, I've tried to follow a lesson that I learned from observing my father. I try to pay attention to the little details in nature. Not just the broader canvas. But, the brush strokes that God used to paint the scene before us.

So it was, that on my drive home today, I noticed and stopped to photograph a clump of Indian Paintbrush. I'm sure that many of my fellow commuters wondered what must be going through my mind.

I thought about how nice that it would be to saddle up that tall, beautiful bay horse with the white blaze on it's forehead, that I once owned, and ride out with my best friend beside me, through the waving prairie grass blanketed by Texas wildflowers, feeling the spring sun against our faces and the soft breeze at our backs.

I felt warm, good and all because of a clump of flowers that made me think of Dad, my best friend and thoughtful about how sad my life would be without having known them.

I wondered why I was the only one to notice.

DFW Airport Welcomes Soldiers Home

2006-04-06T16:18:00.000-07:00

This short video show soldiers being welcomed home, 4/6/06, at DFW airport. It isn't close to how long or how loud the welcome is. It was the same welcome for a single soldier who walked through the door. It is my priviledge to work where I can be a part of this kind of support for our military.

There was a couple waiting close by. They were flying to Germany to see their son, before he deployed to Iraq. I persuaded them to wait until the first soldiers came through. I didn't tell them this, but, I wanted them to see how this country feels about their son's service. So, that they could tell him. When I left, I said goodbye to the mother. By then, she was standing in line, waiving a small American flag and crying. Do you think that maybe she'll hug her son a little harder? I hope so.

The camera didn't do it justice. These volunteers do this over and over. They never seem to grow weary of it.

The Final Inspection

2006-03-21T06:40:00.000-08:00

Received this in an e-mail. I thought that I would share it.

THE FINAL INSPECTION

The Marine stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, Marine,
How shall I deal with you ?
Have you always turned the other cheek ?
To My Church have you been true?"

The Marine squared his shoulders and said,

"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the Marine waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, Marine,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."

Men of Honor

2006-03-13T10:50:00.000-08:00

Staat, Tillman's ASU teammate, joins Marines

NFL.com wire reports

SAN DIEGO (March 13, 2006) -- A former college teammate of Pat Tillman is following in his footsteps, leaving a career in professional football to join the military.


Jeremy Staat was an 11-game starter for the Steelers in 1999.

Pfc. Jeremy Staat, a former defensive lineman who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the St. Louis Rams, graduated from the San Diego Marine Corps Recruit Depot on March 10.

Enlisting "is probably one of the best decisions I've made in my life," said Staat, 29. Tillman, who played defensive back for the Arizona Cardinals, was killed by friendly fire near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in April 2004.

Staat said he was felt compelled to join the military after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks but Tillman, who was his roommate at Arizona State, advised him to stay with professional football until he qualified for retirement benefits.

"He told me, 'You're a good player, you need to get good play.' Then four months later, at his wedding, I learn he's going to the Army," Staat said.

Tillman's death gave him "more motivation" to enlist, Staat said.

Tillman gave up a $1.2 million pro football contract to join the Army Rangers.

In the Warrior Tradition

2006-03-10T14:51:00.000-08:00

Father and son, Marvin and Dustin Weatherwax, of the Blackfeet Tribe were both honored by the Blackfeet Tribal Veterans. Both men have been Rangers. They have honored the Blackfeet and the United States. I am aware that Native Americans have served in large numbers in every conflict. But, I was still impressed with the statement that there are currently about 100 Blackfeet Tribal members currently serving in the military. They are to be admired and honored by all Americans.

Airborne Rangers Dustin and Marvin Weatherwax honored.
By John McGill, Glacier Reporter Editor
Wednesday, March 8, 2006 6:21 PM MST

Both were Airborne Rangers with the U.S. Army and both were stationed at Ft. Benning, Ga. Dustin Weatherwax, at home on leave before returning to Ft. Benning, and his father Marvin Weatherwax were honored Monday, March 6, at Blackfeet Tribal Headquarters.

The elder Weatherwax noted the difficulty of making Ranger in the Army. “There were 106 in my class, and only 11 completed the training,” said Marvin. “In Dustin's class there were 86 that started, but only six completed the training.”

The Rest of the Story

Governor praises student who taped criticism of Bush

2006-03-08T03:44:00.000-08:00



	Gov. Bill Owens: "This is a high school. You assume that many of these students are fairly naive when it comes to public policy, and they deserve to have both sides pres- ented." (AP)

Gov. Owens, of Colorado said that he was surprised at the backlash against a student, who taped the liberal trash his geography teacher was presenting.

I'm not the least surprised. There is only the liberal point of view. It, after all is correct. Anything else is wrong. So, what the student has to be terribly wrong and he should be driven from proper society. The Governor said it best himself:

For his part, Owens said Bennish should have presented both sides of the
argument on Bush's policies.

"I'll bet that you don't have Mr. Bennish balancing later in the day talking about the good things that the United States is doing in Iraq, discussing why George Bush is not similar to Adolf Hitler," the governor said. "I'll bet there just aren't any tapes from any student of Mr. Bennish giving that other side."
The Rest of the Story

"I shall never surrender or retreat."

2006-03-06T14:14:00.000-08:00

"To the People of Texas & all Americans in the world...I shall never surrender or retreat. Then, I call on you in the name of Liberty, of patriotism, and everything dear to the American character, to come to our aid with all dispatch. ...VICTORY OR DEATH."

These words were written Feb.24, 1836, by William Barrett Travis, in a famous letter, requesting reinforcements for the besieged Alamo. The reinforcements never arrived and the Alamo fell on March 6, 1836, 170 years ago today. The handful of survivors, except for women, children and Joe, Col. Travis' slave, were put to death at the order of Generalissimo Antonio López de Santa Anna Pérez de Lebrón.

The Alamo, has been a symbol of "the American character" that Col. Travis referred to, ever since.

Many liberals like to mock or make fun of Texans. Let them. They will never have, nor understand, the qualities of the Alamo's defenders.

Texas is the only State in the United States to have been it's own nation. It has produced Presidents and heroes. It has "American character." Texans never "surrender or retreat".

I am not a Texan by birth. As the expression goes, I got here as quick as I could.

From the Alamo website:

On February 23, 1836, the arrival of General Antonio López de Santa Anna's army outside San Antonio nearly caught them by surprise. Undaunted, the Texians and Tejanos prepared to defend the Alamo together. The defenders held out for 13 days against Santa Anna's army. William B. Travis, the commander of the Alamo sent forth couriers carrying pleas for help to communities in Texas. On the eighth day of the siege, a band of 32 volunteers from Gonzales arrived, bringing the number of defenders to nearly two hundred. Legend holds that with the possibility of additional help fading, Colonel Travis drew a line on the ground and asked any man willing to stay and fight to step over — all except one did. As the defenders saw it, the Alamo was the key to the defense of Texas, and they were ready to give their lives rather than surrender their position to General Santa Anna. Among the Alamo's garrison were Jim Bowie, renowned knife fighter, and David Crockett, famed frontiersman and former congressman from Tennessee.

The final assault came before daybreak on the morning of March 6, 1836, as columns of Mexican soldiers emerged from the predawn darkness and headed for the Alamo's walls. Cannon and small arms fire from inside the Alamo beat back several attacks. Regrouping, the Mexicans scaled the walls and rushed into the compound. Once inside, they turned a captured cannon on the Long Barrack and church, blasting open the barricaded doors. The desperate struggle continued until the defenders were overwhelmed. By sunrise, the battle had ended and Santa Anna entered the Alamo compound to survey the scene of his victory.

While the facts surrounding the siege of the Alamo continue to be debated, there is no doubt about what the battle has come to symbolize. People worldwide continue to remember the Alamo as a heroic struggle against overwhelming odds — a place where men made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. For this reason the Alamo remains hallowed ground and the Shrine of Texas Liberty.

Dear Soldier

2006-03-03T18:21:00.000-08:00

Dear Soldier

By Angie Falzarano

We asked for a few good men,

We asked for a few good women,

And we got you.

When freedoms were threatened...

You stood to the challenge.

When hope was lost...

You gave your strength.

When lives were at stake...

You sacrificed yours.

In the darkest of days...

Your light shined the way.

So with a tear in our eye,

And pride in our heart,

We want to thank you

For all that you do.

An E-mail Between Friends.

2006-03-01T09:52:00.000-08:00

A very good friend sent me an e-mail the other day. He was asking for advice. I thought about how I should answer it and after writing my response to him, I though that maybe I should share that advice. By all means, if you follow my advice, please keep in mind who is giving it. I have left his name off of the e-mail to protect his privacy.

Barry

I read your blog with some regularity. I can imagine how much time you put into it. Thank You, from myself, my wife, and my and sons. I believe God is working through you, Barry, and I know he will bless you for your efforts.

Please tell me what I can do to help. You, your Son and all of the troops are in my prayers, but other than that (and mandatory weekly federal income tax deductions), I'm basically doing nothing to support our mission in the Middle East, and I'm very ashamed of that.

Please, give me some idea of where to start. Whatever comes to your mind first is what I need to do.

----------------------

M.

I trust that God knows what he is doing. But, are you sure that he is working through me?

You may be right, though. I hope that you are. I may average 40 or so visitors a day. That seems pretty humble. But, if I can count you and God among them, then, I am pleased.

But, the way I look at is, that if I only ever have one visitor and that visitor is a soldier, then I will have been a success. I just want that one soldier to know that I and others support him and his comrades.

I had been sending jokes and amusing pictures to four soldiers. One was an Air Force Security Sgt., one was a Marine captain, one was a National Guard Lt. and the fourth was a National Guard Sgt. They are all home now. I will have to find others to correspond with.

Where I will look, is where you should look. I'll suggest to you that you go to Soldiers Angels. There you will find at the top of the right side bar, Adopt-a-Soldier. You can send letters or whatever you feel that you can do. I can tell you, that the guys I was e-mailing seemed grateful that someone would take the time to think about them. The Sgt. e-mailed me to ask if I would send the same things to his buddy, that I had been sending to him. I told him that I would be delighted to. The buddy turned out to be the NG Lt.

I spend a great deal of time on my blog for 40 visitors a day. As you know, I am computer illiterate. So, many things have been difficult or frustrating. But, I never gave up and I will never quit. I'll feel that I will let that 'one soldier' down, should I give up, because, it is too hard or too time consuming.

How could what I do, be any harder than riding in a Humvee through the streets of Iraq?

The other day, I had to pat down a soldier who had been injured by an IED. He and all of the others, that I have had to search, have said, "Thank you, sir." It should be, and is, the other way around. I thank them.

Barry

First Lieutenant Vernon J. Baker

2006-02-26T18:58:00.000-08:00

I saw Lt. Baker's story on NBC's Olympic coverage tonight. I was impressed with Mr. Baker's quiet dignity, when he himself had suffered so much indignity. A truly heroic man of great honor.

The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to

First Lieutenant Vernon J. Baker
General Order:
Citation:
For extraordinary heroism in action on 5 and 6 April 1945, near Viareggio, Italy. Then Second Lieutenant Baker demonstrated outstanding courage and leadership in destroying enemy installations, personnel and equipment during his company's attack against a strongly entrenched enemy in mountainous terrain. When his company was stopped by the concentration of fire from several machine gun emplacements, he crawled to one position and destroyed it, killing three Germans. Continuing forward, he attacked and enemy observation post and killed two occupants. With the aid of one of his men, Lieutenant Baker attacked two more machine gun nests, killing or wounding the four enemy soldiers occupying these positions. He then covered the evacuation of the wounded personnel of his company by occupying an exposed position and drawing the enemy's fire. On the following night Lieutenant Baker voluntarily led a battalion advance through enemy mine fields and heavy fire toward the division objective. Second Lieutenant Baker's fighting spirit and daring leadership were an inspiration to his men and exemplify the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.

Sniper makes 1250 meter shot.

2006-02-22T07:56:00.000-08:00

Toby Harnden in Ramadi

Gazing through the telescopic sight of his M24 rifle, Staff Sgt Jim Gilliland, leader of Shadow sniper team, fixed his eye on the Iraqi insurgent who had just killed an American soldier.

His quarry stood nonchalantly in the fourth-floor bay window of a hospital in battle-torn Ramadi, still clasping a long-barrelled Kalashnikov. Instinctively allowing for wind speed and bullet drop, Shadow's commander aimed 12 feet high.

A single shot hit the Iraqi in the chest and killed him instantly. It had been fired from a range of 1,250 metres, well beyond the capacity of the powerful Leupold sight, accurate to 1,000 metres.

(The Iraqi sniper had killed SSG. Gilliland's friend minutes before.)

The Rest of the Story

Longer shots have been made. But, they were with a 50 cal. weapon. SSG. Jim Gilliand, was using an M24 7.62 for this shot. From Wikipedia:

Gunnery Sergeant Carlos Hathcock of the United States Marine Corps achieved 93 confirmed kills of North Vietnamese soldiers and Viet Cong guerrillas during the Vietnam war. He held the record of longest confirmed kill at a distance of 2,250 meters for 35 years until a Canadian team broke it in 2003. He is the subject of two biographies, Marine Sniper and Silent Warrior.

The longest-ever recorded and confirmed sniper kill was made by Master Corporal Arron Perry of the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan during combat in 2003. Using a .50-caliber (12.7 mm) McMillan TAC-50 rifle, Perry shot and killed an opposing combatant soldier from a distance of 2,430 metres(1.5 miles).

We don't need to honor any more rich white males.

2006-02-17T11:52:00.000-08:00

From the blog, Paradosis, comes this story of the disgraceful treatment of an American Hero, by the Student Senate of the University of Washington. Pappy Boyington is a true American Hero who deserves better from those ingrates at UW, who don't deserve the freedoms, free speech among them, that Pappy fought to preserve.

We don't need to honor any more rich white males

So says one member of the University of Washington Student Senate. And here is a picture of the rich white male this person was speaking of:

Gregory Pappy Boyington...graduate of the Univeristy of Washington (went to High School in Tacoma), winner of the medal of honor, shot down 28 enemy aircraft, was a prisoner of war for 20 months, and apparently does not - according to the student senate - deserve a memorial on campus. Apparently we are told that he "is not the type of person we want to honor" and some even went so far as to liken his duty in WW2 to murder. One of the biggest antagonists of the proposal was apparently the leader of the student Democratic Party. How sad.

The Rest of the Post.

Commander-in-Chief?

2006-02-15T18:04:00.000-08:00

This photo was on the Drudge Report. I don't think that
Matt Drudge had any hidden agenda. But, I still find it
interesting that the Presidential Seal is featured prominate-
ly over, President wannabe, Hillary's right shoulder. I hope
she has a copy.

HILLARY: CHENEY INFO RELEASE 'TROUBLING'...

It was a nice day in Texas.

2006-02-14T18:12:00.000-08:00

A view of the Trinity River, taken today, near Ft. Worth, Texas. The Trinity has been identified as the stream that the Caddo Indians called Arkikosa in Central Texas and Daycoa nearer the coast, as well as the one that Réne Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, in 1687 called River of the Canoes. The name Trinity (La Santisima Trinidad) is supposed to have first been applied to the present stream by Alonso De León in 1690. Domingo Terán de los Rios in 1691 called the same stream Encarnación de Verbo. Domingo Ramón in 1716 probably applied the name Trinity to the present Brazos, for, when he later reached the Trinity, he was told by the Indians that other Spaniards called the stream the Trinity. The Marqués de Aguayo and other later explorers used the name Trinity consistently.

Happy Valentines Day

2006-02-13T22:55:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day!

Your View

2006-02-12T06:27:00.000-08:00

Stars and Stripes ,the daily military newspaper,

features miltary photos that are worth seeing.

I mean that they are Taken by the military and

not by the MSM. They give a truer view of military

life. A view with no hidden agenda.

Nobody knows better than Stars and Stripes what you go through downrange. Except you. So we want your help in telling your story. E-mail us your digital photos, depicting what life is like wherever you are, whether on the FOB or on a mission somewhere in the wild. It’s “Your View” of your role in the wars, whether Iraq, Afghanistan or somewhere else. Candid (not posed) shots are best, and please include your name, unit, location and a short caption explaining the picture and your thoughts when you took the shot. Selected photos will be used in the paper and here at stripes.com. E-mail your photos to: view@mail.estripes.osd.mil.

Photos published February 6, 2006

Submitted by Staff Sgt. Marcus McDonald, stationed in Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. Senior Airman Christopher Riley salutes Capt. Christy Nelson while a controlled detonation takes place in the background. Riley, an explosive ordnance disposal team member, was being re-enlisted in the Air Force for an additional four years. Nelson is a duty officer for the 455th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron. Riley is from El Paso, Texas.

Submitted by Staff Sgt. Mark Wojciechowski, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment. Sgt. Shawn Snyder of 3rd Infantry Division’s 2/7 Scout Platoon poses with the helmet that saved his life from a sniper in downtown Tikrit, Iraq. “I didn’t get a concussion, didn’t even get a headache,” he said.

Submitted by Tech. Sgt. Jesse Eladjoe, 332 Expeditionary Medical Group/Intensive Care Unit — Air Force Theater Hospital, Balad, Iraq. Pictured is Chief Master Sgt. Bradley, 332 EMDG-Group Superintendent, during a Black Hawk trip to the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. During the flight out of Balad, we all kept an eagle’s eye out for anti-aircraft. Out of all the photos I took in Baghdad, this photograph was really one of my most profound. This says and shows it all — the importance of the trip itself for me, the compassion of the chief to stick with his troops, the nervousness of the passengers on the Black Hawk flight and the attentiveness of the gunner on the chopper.

Submitted by Staff Sgt. Joseph Cappitte. Pfc. Christopher Pickett, a gunner with the 828th Quartermaster Company, takes a quick nap on the hood of his High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle while the rest of his convoy picks up their loads at LSA Diamondback.

The Battle of Guadalcanal

2006-02-09T05:57:00.000-08:00

Today, Feb. 9th, is the anniversary day of the victory

in the Battle of Guadalcanal. The battle was

fought 63 years ago. It was a long and hard fight. I

didn't think that the battle should be forgotten or the

men who fought it.

The Battle of Guadalcanal was one of the most important

battles of World War II, although quite small in comparison

to others. The assault on the Japanese-occupied island of

Guadalcanal by the Allied navies and 16,000 United States

troops on 7 August 1942, was the first offensive by US land

forces in the Pacific Campaign. Additional amphibious attacks

simultaneously assaulted the islands of Florida, Tulagi,

Gavutu and Tanambogo.

More information.

Battle of Guadalcanal

Part of World War II, Pacific War

U.S. Marines rest in the field on Guadalcanal, circa August-December 1942

Date:	August 7, 1942 - February 9, 1943
Location:	Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands
Result:	Allied victory
Casus belli:	{{{casus}}}
Territory changes:	{{{territory}}}

Combatants

United States,
New Zealand,
Australia, Fiji, Tonga,
Solomon Islands

Japan

Commanders

Frank Fletcher (tactical commander)
Alexander Vandegrift (ground force commander)

Hyakutake Haruyoshi (ground forces)
Gunichi Mikawa (naval forces)

Strength

29,000 (November 12)

30,000 (November 12)

Casualties

1,492 killed, 4,500 wounded

15,000 KIA, 9,000 died from malaria

Rough men

2006-01-22T10:17:00.000-08:00

Rough Men

by Russ Vaughn

There’s a character trait that’s decided by fate
Comes “sadly” to many, far too faint, far too late.
They won’t face the aggressor, stand up to his ire
They have not the will to fight his fire with fire.
So they bend over backwards to see all sides as fair,
Till they’re faced with dragon breath fire in their hair.
Like our brethren in France, who’d know better than we,
Yet seem never to learn, seem doomed never to see.

Yes, it seems there are some who’re determined by fate,
To possess not the courage to step up to the plate,
Who shrink from all threat because nothing’s worth war.
But how can they know lest they’ve been there before?
Thank God some have courage, the will, yes, the grace,
To stand for the shirkers, stand strong in their place.
Thank God we have stalwarts who’ll stand for us all,
Who will rise to the challenge at their nation’s call.

The faint-hearted, who fear, whose reaction is flight,
Have no comprehension of those who will fight.
To hide their own trepidation they attempt to demean
The rough men, who defend them, as barbaric, obscene.
Yet these rough men stand ready, hard weapons to hand,
To put placaters behind them, draw a line in the sand,
To preserve for the peaceniks what they won’t defend,
So their own unearned freedom won’t perish, won’t end.

To appeasers, rough men are coarse government tools.
To rough men, appeasers are dumb delusional fools.

Russ Vaughn
2d Bn, 327th Parachute Infantry Regiment
101st Airborne Division
Vietnam 65-66

Send Your Valentine Message to the Troops

2006-01-21T08:11:00.000-08:00

Fort Worth Stockyards

2006-01-18T14:59:00.000-08:00

Edited from a picture that I took today.

God and the Spider

2006-01-17T11:20:00.000-08:00

Received this in an e-mail.

God and the Spider

During World War II, a US marine was separated from his unit on a Pacific island. The fighting had been intense, and in the smoke and
the crossfire he had lost touch with his comrades.

Alone in the jungle, he could hear enemy soldiers coming in his
direction. Scrambling for cover, he found his way up a high ridge to several small caves in the rock. Quickly he crawled inside one of the caves. Although safe for the moment, he realized that once the enemy soldiers looking for him swept up the ridge, they would quickly search all the caves and he would be killed.

As he waited, he prayed, "Lord, if it be your will, please protect me. Whatever your will though, I love you and trust you. Amen."

After praying, he lay quietly listening to the enemy begin to draw
close. He thought, "Well, I guess the Lord isn't going to help me out of this one." Then he saw a spider begin to build a web over the front of his cave.

As he watched, listening to the enemy searching for him all the while, the spider layered strand after strand of web across the opening of the cave.

"Hah, he thought. "What I need is a brick wall and what the Lord has sent me is a spider web. God does have a sense of humor."

As the enemy drew closer he watched from the darkness of his hideout and could see them searching one cave after another. As they came to his, he got ready to make his last stand. To his amazement, however, after glancing in the direction of his cave, they moved on. Suddenly, he realized that with the spider web over the entrance, his cave looked as if no one had entered for quite a while.

"Lord, forgive me," prayed the young man. "I had forgotten that in you a spider's web is stronger than a brick wall."

We all face times of great trouble. When we do, it is so easy to
forget what God can work in our lives, sometimes in the most
surprising ways. And remember with God, a mere spider's web becomes a brick wall of protection.

Lord, I thank you for all our
Military, and their families.
I Pray for your Brick wall of protection,
to protect them everyday!!!
Amen

A Letter From Mom

2006-01-17T10:13:00.000-08:00

"So Often we hear "Pray for our soldiers overseas". The word "Soldier" is so generic. It does not begin to make known the person behind the title. As my son prepares to go to Afghanistan, my mission, as a mom, is to raise the awareness of each American. To make it known that these are soldiers, yes, but more importantly, someone's son or daughter. Someone's child. I wrote this to help you see MY son as more than just a faceless man in uniform. Please SEE my son, please be grateful for my son, and to please pray for my son.

21 years ago, as I began to labor with my child, I realized this was the beginning of our separation. The start of a process of growing for both of us. Never again would I be so literally between him and the world, protecting him. Early in the morning of December 10, the beautiful eyes of a precious soul looked into mine. My heart was overflowing with feelings I had never known before. Would I be a good mom? Will I always be able to keep him safe? I wanted to hold him close forever. I still do.

As he grew, I watch the first tentative steps on pudgy little feet. An unsteady gait, taking him precariously close to the danger of another bump or bruise. I would rush to catch him. Now, those feet march in military confidence. Again, marching precariously close to danger. I cannot catch him if he falls this time.

I remember a little boy standing at my door with a Bert and Ernie book bag hanging loosely off little shoulders. It is the first day of school and he doesn't want to go but knows he has to. He had tears in his eyes. "I'll miss you, mom." he whispered.

The years rush by and bring into reality the young man I want you to see. He loved dinosaurs, lasagna, Indian Jones and peanut butter cookies. He had fish (they all died!), rode a bike, got stitches and went to prom. He set an example, became a member of the National Honor Society and received a scholarship. He forgot to take out the trash, continually lost his mittens and washed his colored clothes and white clothes together. He grew up, trusted God and joined the Army. The little hands full of dirt and dandelions that gave me my first bouquet now hold a weapon that gives you freedom.

Now, there is a young man with strong broad shoulders standing at my door, holding a green duffle bag. He doesn't want to go, but it is his duty. He has tears in his eyes. "I'll miss you, mom." he whispers. I'll miss you, too my son. I'll miss you, too...

So, please when you say your prayers for the "soldiers" overseas, see my son. See someone's daughter. Pray not only for the soldier, but also for the child behind the uniform and the family that loves them.

(This performance and reading was based on a letter written by Ms. Tami M. Ketteman from Ohio whose son is currently based at Fort Richardson in Alaska and is currently deployed to Afghanistan. Through this letter she shares the anxiety, the fear, and the proud patriotic spirit of a mother, of an American soldier fighting for freedom.)

"Dad, if it is God's will for me to die......"

2006-01-04T18:00:00.000-08:00

I lifted this entirely from the blog, Crazy Poltico's Rantings. I agree that strongly with Bob, the blog's author. If the Post, or any other RAG wants to print a letter promoting the "waste" of life, then that same RAG should be willing to post a letter that celebrates a life well lived, a life lived with Honor. Pressure the Washington Post and other 'newspaper' that you might find unworthy of the Freedom of the Press that our young soldiers die to preserve!

Will The Post Print This?

In yesterday's Washington Post, and editorial piece called "A Life Wasted" was printed, written by the father of a Marine who was killed in Iraq. I have no idea what it's like to lose a child in a war, but I have lost shipmates to terror. So while I mourn his loss, I disagree with Mr. Schroeder on Iraq being a waste.

A few weeks ago, the father of Sgt. Stokely wrote an article for Mudville Gazette on the loss of his son. He has expanded that article, and submitted it to the editors of the Washington Post as a rebuttal to Mr. Schoeder.

In hopes of fairness, and equal treatment of both points of view, I hope the Post will print his editorial piece also. He has given me permission to post here what he sent to the editors.

I thought I'd share my thoughts as the dad of an American Soldier killed in action four plus months ago, very near in time to Mr. Schroeder's son. My son was standing cover flank for two buddies checking out a suspicous location in the roadway while on patrol at 2:20 A.M. 16 Aug when an IED exploded. He was the only one killed. Two other soldiers suffered serious injuries and are now home on permanent medical leave and both are expected to make full recoveries after they finish med rehab and surgery.

Life is hard when you lose a child; you have children and you think of them burying you and not the other way around. But war brings a new perspective to the parent child relationship, for the parent is put in a position that they are unable to fulfill a basic parental instinct - protect your child. Losing a child, especially in war and especially with media attention focused on your loss, is difficult. I find myself counting time in weeks - every Monday at 6:20 p.m., I silently remember, maybe with a tear, that X weeks ago Mike died at what was 2:20 a.m. his time on Tuesday; then as the evening goes on, I think, Mike was dead X hours at this time; I then awake on what is my Tuesday mornng, and at 7:00 a.m., I remember the call to my home and the voice saying "Mr. Stokely, this is Maj. Hulsey - please come to the door, your dog won't let us up the driveway and we need to speak to you" and then remembering my fast gait to the driveway and asking, before they can say anything "is my boy dead" and the the words they spoke, with humble sadness in the eyes of Maj. Hulsey and the Chaplin that was with him "we regret to inform you...." But the pain,while there, is more manageable. I think it must be like the rigors and harshness of war - it is always the same, you just adjust.

No pity for me is needed, for as a friend said to me, I am lucky to have a son who has brought such honor to his father and the entire family. My son was a man who had a heart that cared deeply for others, and they likewise cared for him. In all of this, so many stories of his simple kindness have been shared with us and touched us. My favorite is the one where he and his buddies had been on continuous duty for several days (their normal day was 22 hours long). He and one of his fellow soldiers had to pull guard duty after being on missions for that continuous period without any sleep. He told his buddy to take a nap and he would stand watch and then they would swap out. For the next several hours, he let his buddy sleep while he stood the whole watch.

We miss him so much. We hurt inside. But we burst with pride in our son and brother. His memory will not fade nor will our love for him. When Mike was just becoming a teenager, I tried to imagine what he would be one day. I often told people I wasn't sure where life would take him, but I knew he would do something different and be very well known in his chosen field. I never dreamed he would become an American Hero who would serve his country so well.

Mike Stokely joined the Georgia National Guard in the spring of 2000, as a junior in high school, going to boot camp that summer, and then returning to complete his senior year, graduating in 2001. Before joining, he and I discussed that the only guarantee of his six year hitch was that he would be on foriegn soil and fight in a war. We then discussed the real meaning of fighting in war -kill or be killed. In response to his question on what I thought as to whether he should join or not, I asked him two questions, with the admonition that his answers had to be an unequivolcal yes: 1) if called upon by your country to kill, are you prepared to kill another person in war? 2) remembering that it is the other side's job to kill you, are you prepared to be killed for your country? His response to both questions was an unequivocal yes.

A week before Mike Stokely died on August 16, in his last telphone call to me, we again discussed the dangers of the war. In fact, I told him that when he came home on leave in a few weeks, I might carry out what I considered doing before he left - crippling him by hitting him in the shins with a ball bat. He very calmly, and firmly said these words to me "Dad, if it is God's will for me to die, he will take me whereever I am at, whether it be in the safety of my home or in the dangers of war in Iraq. Dad you can't hide me from God and if I have to die, I'd rather die serving my country than anything I can imagine. If my time is now, then I am ready."

For whatever reason, the last few days what Cindy Sheehan said "Casey didn't die for a just cause" has been on my mind. Maybe it is because some people have felt comfortable enough four months out to ask me how I felt about Mike's death and whether I thought the cause was "just" enough to justify his sacrifice.

My response is that Mike didn't die for a "just cause", he died JUST BECAUSE - just because he loved his country enough to want to serve it since the time he was in middle school; just because he loved his family enough to want to protect them; just because he loved his friends enough that he would rather fight a war "there" than here; just because he believed in our order of government whereby the civilian government rules and the military obeys, and when the President, with lawful authority(and the approval of Congress, including Republicans and Democrats), calls upon soldiers to go and fight, he believed it was not only his duty, but his honor to go; just because he wouldn't let his fellow soldiers - his guys - go it alone; and just because he wanted to do for others - the Iraqi people - what he would do for his own country.

A good friend of our family, Charles Carmical, wrote these words in tribute to Mike - “Would I lay down my life for a country to defend? I willing would if it housed my family and friends."

Mike Stokely didn't die for a just cause, he died for a lot of just causes, including the ones I set out above. I wish I were fit to tie his shoe laces but I am fortunate enough to have a son who believed in God, family, duty, honor and country and who certainly turned out to be the better of the two of us.

Robert Stokely, Lucky and Proud to be the Dad of
SGT Michael "Mike" James Stokely, KIA Operation Iraqi Freedom 16 Aug 05
2nd Platoon, E Troop 108th CAV 48h Brigaded GA NATL GUARD
15 miles south / southwest of Baghdad near Yusufiyah / IED

At the suggestion of Lone Pony, here is where you can submit a letter to the Post.

Any blogger reading who would like to help pressure the Post to print the other side's view of this, feel free to reprint this on your blog. While I normally don't do open trackbacks, I'm making an exception for this, and will put all links in the main body of this message later tonight.

Macsmind has already called for balance at the Post on this.
Tracked back at Don Surber

The following Bloggers have done trackbacks, links to, or mentioned this story:
Politics of A Patriot , Knockin' On the Golden Door, Hooah Wife, Tidbits and Treasures,
Peakah's Provocations, Atlas Shrugs, Lone Pony, Some Soldiers Mom, This That And Frog Hair,
The Truth Laid Bear, Camp Katrina, The Educated Shoprat

Many more have linked to those listed above, so I'm sure the word is getting out. I'm working on the e-mail to the Editors and will let you know if I hear anything back from them.

Technorati Tags: Irag,media,war

Hartland couple are model supporters of troops

2006-01-02T00:57:00.000-08:00

By: Jan Rynearson, Features Editor

12/29/2005

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Wes and Donna Nakagiri of Hartland take helping U.S. troops seriously. For more than a year, the couple have been sending items to members of the armed services.

"We have no kids and no pets, we've adopted the armed forces," Donna, said, laughing. "It's very gratifying to know you've touched their (the servicemen's) lives."

The couple have received numerous letters, cards of thanks and e-mails for their endeavors. The servicemen call them heroes and thank them for taking time out of their lives to think of them.

"We are very appreciative for all the thank you's and we have invited many of these men to visit us," Donna said.

She is an Illinois native, and her husband, an engineer, grew up in California, first coming to Flint to attend GMI (General Motors Institute) in Flint, now Kettering University. They have lived in Hartland for 10 years.

Wes said he and his wife have been sending all types of care packages to troops, including, snacks, beef jerky, candy, magazines and personal care items.

"We first got involved when we read about a troop rally that was taking place in Howell," said Donna. "We bought up all the 50-cent paperbacks that they had at the Hartland library and went to the store and filled a cart with items and took them all to the rally. That was the beginning."

"I couldn't find appropriate greeting cards to send to the troops, so had someone do some custom-made ones for a while," she said. "Then I started a home business Cards4heroes.com LLC, which grew out of our troop support efforts."

The Web site is card4heroes.com. So now she creates cards for the troops.

The Nakagiris have been corresponding with Marine Captain Gary Bourland, a native of Denver, who is married and has two children.

"We kid each other about hockey. I keep telling him the Avalanche can't compare with my team (Detroit Red Wings)," said Donna.

One time when asked what the troops needed he wrote jokingly, a red Corvette and some supermodels.

"I kept thinking about this," said Donna. "We couldn't find a model of a red Corvette, but finally purchased one on e-Bay. As for the models, I asked Wes, how about contacting some modeling agencies and finding some autographed photos of top models?"

She went online and contacted top modeling agencies from New York City to California and places in between.

"I was surprised that my wife was able to make a positive contact," said Wes.

"I just happened to contact the right place at the right time," said Donna. "I contacted PLANITm, a modeling agency in New York. The agency's vice president, Patrick St. Thomas had a brother that was going to be deployed to Iraq in mid-January. He wanted this to happen."

They contacted top model Cindy Crawford and Niki Taylor, another well-known model, who agreed to participate. A dozen magazines with Crawford on the front sporting a "dog tag" were autographed by her and sent to the Nakagiris.

Taylor signed 30 photographs saying "Hurry home" to the servicemen.

Marilyn Model Management, Inc., another modeling agency, sent 40 un-autographed photos of different models.

Donna secured as many individual envelopes for the photos and sent them all out.

"We call the captain, Captain B. We I told him that those photos of the models were to go to only the single servicemen and he wasn't to get one. He will be surprised when he gets the red Corvette," said Donna.

The Nakagiris weren't sure the special photos would reach Iraq before Christmas, but the servicemen know they are on the way. Whenever they arrive, they are expected to make an impact.

As long as the need is there, the Nakagiris will continue to supply servicemen with supplies and cards. It's something that they love to do!

©Tri-County Times 2006

Happy New Year!!

2005-12-31T09:58:00.000-08:00

A Holiday Letter

2005-12-28T13:19:00.000-08:00

I found this on Military.com and thought that it was such a good story, having stood the test of time, that I would post it here for others. Christmas, or life, is what you make it. You have the power to determine how positive life will be. Constant negativity undermines all of us, pulls us all down and makes life miserable and depressing. I have this blog, because I was weary of constantly being criticized for being too positive about my country and it's military. I try to be like the sailor in this letter. Someday, I too, will pass quietly into the night. I hope that when the door closes, that I will leave happiness behind me.

Background information and commentary by Andrew Carroll: THE UGLY AMERICAN, published in 1958 by William Lederer and Eugene Burdick, is a fictionalized account of the two men's experiences working in Southeast Asia. Although the book focuses primarily on the deficiencies of America's foreign aid program at the time, it is memorable for its accounts of Americans acting in a boorish and insensitive manner toward the citizens of their host country. While traveling in France almost fifteen years later, however, Lederer witnessed an incident involving an American sailor that touched him so deeply he sent a letter to the Chief of Naval Operations in Washington, D.C, Admiral David L. McDonald. This letter, which I included in an earlier book I edited titled LETTERS OF A NATION, is printed below in its entirety.

Admiral David L. McDonald, USN
Chief of Naval Operations
Washington, D.C.

Dear Admiral McDonald,

Eighteen people asked me to write this letter to you.

Last year at Christmas time, my wife, three boys and I were in France, on our way from Paris to Nice. For five wretched days everything had gone wrong. Our hotels were "tourist traps," our rented car broke down; we were all restless and irritable in the crowded car. On Christmas Eve, when we checked into our hotel in Nice, there was no Christmas spirit in our hearts.

It was raining and cold when we went out to eat. We found a drab little restaurant shoddily decorated for the holiday. Only five tables were occupied. There were two German couples, two French families, and an American sailor, by himself. In the corner a piano player listlessly played Christmas music.

I was too tired and miserable to leave. I noticed that the other customers were eating in stony silence. The only person who seemed happy was the American sailor. While eating, he was writing a letter, and a half-smile lighted his face.

My wife ordered our meal in French. The waiter brought us the wrong thing. I scolded my wife for being stupid. The boys defended her, and I felt even worse.

Then, at the table with the French family on our left, the father slapped one of his children for some minor infraction, and the boy began to cry.

On our right, the German wife began berating her husband.

All of us were interrupted by an unpleasant blast of cold air. Through the front door came an old flower woman. She wore a dripping, tattered overcoat, and shuffled in on wet, rundown shoes. She went from one table to the other.

"Flowers, monsieur? Only one franc."

No one bought any.

Wearily she sat down at a table between the sailor and us. To the waiter she said, "A bowl of soup. I haven't sold a flower all afternoon." To the piano player she said hoarsely, "Can you imagine, Joseph, soup on Christmas Eve?"

He pointed to his empty "tipping plate."

The young sailor finished his meal and got up to leave. Putting on his coat, he walked over to the flower woman's table.

"Happy Christmas," he said, smiling and picking out two corsages. "How much are they?"

"Two francs, monsieur."

Pressing one of the small corsages flat, he put it into the letter he had written, then handed the woman a 20-franc note.

"I don't have change, Monsieur," she said. "I'll get some from the waiter."

"No, ma'am," said the sailor, leaning over and kissing the ancient cheek. "This is my Christmas present to you."

Then he came to our table, holding the other corsage in front of him. "Sir," he said to me, "may I have permission to present these flowers to your beautiful daughter?"

In one quick motion he gave my wife the corsage, wished us a Merry Christmas and departed.

Everyone had stopped eating. Everyone had been watching the sailor. Everyone was silent.

A few seconds later Christmas exploded throughout the restaurant like a bomb.

The old flower woman jumped up, waving the 20-franc note, shouted to the piano player, "Joseph, my Christmas present! And you shall have half so you can have a feast too."

The piano player began to belt out Good King Wencelaus, beating the keys with magic hands.

My wife waved her corsage in time to the music. She appeared 20 years younger. She began to sing, and our three sons joined her, bellowing with enthusiasm.

"Gut! Gut!" shouted the Germans. They began singing in German.

The waiter embraced the flower woman. Waving their arms, they sang in French.

The Frenchman who had slapped the boy beat rhythm with his fork against a bottle. The lad climbed on his lap, singing in a youthful soprano.

A few hours earlier 18 persons had been spending a miserable evening. It ended up being the happiest, the very best Christmas Eve, they had ever experienced.

This, Admiral McDonald, is what I am writing you about. As the top man in the Navy, you should know about the very special gift that the U.S. Navy gave to my family, to me and to the other people in that French restaurant. Because your young sailor had Christmas spirit in his soul, he released the love and joy that had been smothered within us by anger and disappointment. He gave us Christmas.

Thank you, Sir, very much.
Merry Christmas,

The Year in Photos 2005

2005-12-28T07:25:00.000-08:00

This is a very good slide show, worth the time to view it.

This annual year-end special features the best of Army.mil's feature photos,

drawn from a variety of Defense Department sources. These photos capture

the essence of our Soldiers,

living the Warrior Ethos and answering the Call to Duty.

Troops Visit Mosul Orphanage

2005-12-28T06:55:00.000-08:00

U.S. Army Spc. Brent Hendrix, assigned to Alpha Troop, 4th Battalion, 14th Regiment, Mortar Platoon, lets a child touch his face at the Dar Al Zando Kindergarten and Orphanage in Mosul, Iraq, Dec. 22, 2005. The soldiers distributed school supplies and toy stuffed animals during their visit to the kindergarten and orphanage. U.S. Army photo Spc. Clydell Kinchen

Christmas in Iraq

2005-12-25T18:34:00.000-08:00

From the blog, 'One Marine's View' by Capt B (who may be the best military blogger on the planet), comes this funny, poignant story of a soldier's Christmas. Below, is an excerpt.

"We had a couple of Santa’s that conducted a frontal attack on one

location as their fighting spirit rang through like the holidays as they

kicked in doors and delivered their gifts, what a country!
hey opened up the BIG can of whoop ass on one terrorist

but then of course we gave them a medal, some more ammo

and claymore mines and fired our support by fire positions to

let them continue their attacks."

Holiday Messages to the Troops

2005-12-25T07:41:00.000-08:00

Secretary of Defense Holiday Message

Joint Chiefs Chairman Holiday Message

This is one of the many Holiday Messages

to our Troops at Stars and Stripes.

Sgt. Derrick Sablan -
I Love You, Uncle Derrick! Someday When I Am President, I Will Make There Be No More Wars.
Josiah Ali Sablan Me

http://holiday.stripes.osd.mil/

The Glenn Beck Christmas Tour Salute to the Troops

2005-12-21T10:47:00.000-08:00

See the Glenn Beck Christmas Tour Salute to the Troops
Free Video - Requires Windows Media Player

White Trash Christmas

2005-12-20T07:27:00.000-08:00

I hope that no one is offended by this little video.

My family is scattered throughout

South Carolina, Georgia and Florida

and I live in Texas.

I guess that this video appealed

to my 'white trash' roots, y'all.

http://www.toonedin.com/movies/WhiteTrashXmas.html

USO Marine of the Year

2005-12-19T16:51:00.000-08:00

I love a good story and it's even better when it comes

from a worthy organization, like Helmets to Hardhats.

USO Marine of the Year Award

The USO Marine of the Year Award is the highest honor that can be

bestowed upon a regular member of the Marine Corps League. The

candidates for this award are nominated by the people who know

them best; the Marines of their own Battalion. Once these Marines

make a recommendation, they send it to the Commandant of the

Marine Corps. He then chooses who should be given this special

award.

This year, Staff Sergeant Matthew Anderson, husband of Helmets to

Hardhats employee Connie Anderson, won this prestigious award.

Connie is a Marketing Coordinator at Helmets to Hardhats, and has

worked with the company since February 2004. The Marine of the

Year award was introduced and honored at the Hilton Hotel in

Washington DC on September 14th.

According to his platoon, Staff Sergeant Anderson continually puts

himself in a position of danger in order to be the most effective during

combat operations. He is able to quickly anticipate the point of friction

and eliminate any problems that may arise. He is consistently exceeding

what is expected of him.

During one ambush on his platoon he led an assault on a suspected

enemy position, which lead to the discovery of an illegal weapons and

ammunition cache. On another occasion he maneuvered his vehicle

through a cloud of smoke and debris, ensuring that the rest of his convoy

did not become trapped in a kill zone.

Staff Sergeant Anderson participated in a USO program - Operation Care

Package - that makes up care packages and mails them to soldiers serving

overseas.

We congratulate Matthew on this great award and give thanks to all of you

who serve or have served our country!

A Hat tip to Helmets to Hardhats.

Every Day Heroes

2005-12-16T10:13:00.000-08:00

From the Outstanding Milblog, the Mudville Gazette:

Every Day Heroes

Greyhawk

The President:

The work ahead will also require continued sacrifice. Yet we can be confident, because history has shown the power of freedom to overcome tyranny. And we can be confident because we have on our side the greatest force for freedom in human history: the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. (Applause.)

One of these men was a Marine lieutenant named Ryan McGlothlin, from Lebanon, Virginia. Ryan was a bright young man who had everything going for him and he always wanted to serve our nation. He was a valedictorian of his high school class. He graduated from William & Mary with near-perfect grade averages, and he was on a full scholarship at Stanford, where he was working toward a doctorate in chemistry.
Two years after the attacks of September the 11th, the young man who had the world at his feet came home from Stanford for a visit. He told his dad, "I just don't feel like I'm doing something that matters. I want to serve my country. I want to protect our lands from terrorists, so I joined the Marines." When his father asked him if there was some other way to serve, Ryan replied that he felt a special obligation to step up because he had been given so much. Ryan didn't support me in the last election, but he supported our mission in Iraq. And he supported his fellow Marines.
Ryan was killed last month fighting the terrorists near the -- Iraq's Syrian border. In his pocket was a poem that Ryan had read at his high school graduation, and it represented the spirit of this fine Marine. The poem was called "Don't Quit."
The Rest of the Story.

Rangers Given Award for Valor

2005-12-13T06:56:00.000-08:00

Outfit honored with Valorous Unit Award for performance in 2003 Battle of Hadithah Dam

From staff reports

Mention the 2003 Battle of Hadithah Dam to any Ranger and watch him swell with pride.

With good reason.

The Army thinks so highly of the performance by the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment that it recently honored the outfit with the Valorous Unit Award, second in unit awards only to the Presidential Unit Citation.

According to the award citation, the Fort Benning-based Rangers, then part of a joint task force engaged in an intense battle during the opening days of Operation Iraqi Freedom, displayed extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy from March 30 through April 9, 2003.

Their mission: Seize the enemy-occupied Hadithah Dam in Iraq to obtain a communication line across the Euphrates River and to prevent the enemy from destroying the dam.

"It was very dangerous, against a numerically superior enemy, deep into the heart of the country behind enemy lines, with expectations of heavy enemy resistance and the dam itself thought to be rigged to blow," said battalion commander Lt. Col. John G. Castles.

The Hadithah Dam was, and still is, a vital line of communication from Western Iraq leading into Baghdad, he said. "The importance of this site was that, if destroyed, the waters would flood the Euphrates River basin all the way into Baghdad and either destroy or limit the maneuverability of coalition forces moving up into this critical area."

Originally tasked to be there for 24 hours, the force was required to remain at the critical position for several days. "Despite continued contact with the enemy, the force held firm, continuing to take the fight to and destroy the enemy, resulting in coalition forces continued movement north into Iraq," Castles said.

Maj. David S. Doyle, who commanded the Rangers during the mission, recalled the operation from beginning to end. "We infiltrated into the western desert with one plan, and then the circumstances changed during our movement. We received the Hadithah Dam mission and had less than 12 hours to plan and get moving. We planned on the hood of a vehicle in the desert and went through our troop leading procedures just like we were at Ranger School."

The battle damage assessment included 230 enemies killed, and the destruction of 29 tanks, nine S-60 anti-aircraft artillery, 14 anti-aircraft artillery pieces, 28 155mm artillery, 22 82mm mortars, six 60mm mortars, eight ammunition caches, 18 buildings, three heavy cargo trucks, two motorcycles, 10 boats and one kayak.

Previously, four Rangers received the Silver Star, 11 received the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, five received the Purple Heart, 20 received Army Commendation Medals for Valor, 15 received the Bronze Star Medal and 71 received the Army Commendation Medal for this mission.

The Valorous Unit Award is awarded to units of the Armed Forces for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy of the United States while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing armed force. The unit must have performed with marked distinction under difficult and hazardous conditions to accomplish the mission, separating it from other units involved in the conflict.

The 3rd Battalion last received the Valorous Unit Award for actions while deployed to Somalia in 1993

Wizards of Winter

2005-12-12T16:48:00.000-08:00

Wouldn't want to live across the street from this guy!

Powered by Castpost

"THE SOLDIERS NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS"

2005-12-12T14:08:00.000-08:00

"THE SOLDIERS NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS"

“Merry Christmas, My Friend” by LCpl James M Schmidt, USMC, 1986

Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,

In a one bedroom house made of plaster & stone.

I had come down the chimney, with presents to give

and to see just who in this home did live

As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,

no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.

No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand.

On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land.

With medals and badges, awards of all kind,

a sobering thought soon came to my mind.

For this house was different, unlike any I'd seen.

This was the home of a U.S. Marine.

I'd heard stories about them, I had to see more,

so I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.

And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone,

Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home.

He seemed so gentle, his face so serene,

Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine.

Was this the hero, of whom I’d just read?

Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?

His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan.

I soon understood, this was more than a man.

For I realized the families that I saw that night,

owed their lives to these men, who were willing to fight.

Soon around the Nation, the children would play,

And grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.

They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year,

because of Marines like this one lying here.

I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone,

on a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home.

Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye.

I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.

He must have awoken, for I heard a rough voice,

"Santa, don't cry, this life is my choice

I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more.

My life is my God, my country, my Corps."

With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep,

I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.

I watched him for hours, so silent and still.

I noticed he shivered from the cold night's chill.

So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,

and covered this Marine from his toes to his head.

Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold,

with an eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so bold.

And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride,

and for one shining moment, I was Marine Corps deep inside.

I didn't want to leave him so quiet in the night,

this guardian of honor so willing to fight.

But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clean and pure,

said "Carry on, Santa, it's Christmas Day, all secure."

One look at my watch and I knew he was right,

Merry Christmas my friend, Semper Fi and goodnight.

Christmas Gift Ideas

2005-12-08T12:46:00.000-08:00

From the Northwest Territorial Store:

View our selection.

We invite you to browse our large selection of USA minted products, including coins, bars, knives and more. Browse the categories at left, or select a product type. Interested in having your own unique coin minted? Check out our custom minting service.

The President's Plan for Iraq

2005-11-30T12:45:00.000-08:00

Speaking at the U.S. Naval Academy, President Bush laid out the plan for victory in Iraq. America's strategy is clear: we will help Iraqis build a stable democracy, a strong economy, and security forces that can defend the Iraqi people and fight the terrorists. And we will never give in to the enemy by cutting and running before the job is done.

Read the President's complete Strategy for Victory in Iraq here, and write a letter to the editor to spread the word about the President's plan.

In Iraq, our troops' heroic work is paying off. Iraqis will soon vote in their third democratic election this year. Groups that boycotted earlier elections are joining the political process. On the security front, Iraqi troops and police are growing stronger and more ready to defend their country. Increasingly, Iraqis are taking the lead in joint operations to root out the terrorists. As Iraqi forces stand up, our troops' mission will shift away from patrolling Iraqi cities and towards hunting down the most dangerous terrorists.

In spite of the incredible progress made by our troops, some in Washington still are proposing artificial deadlines for withdrawal. This is not a plan for victory. Cutting and running would send a message to the terrorists that our will can be broken, inviting more attacks on our troops and on our homeland. It would tell our friends that America is a weak and unsteady ally. So long as George W. Bush is our President, America will never return to the dangerous, pre-September 11th illusion that the terrorists can be appeased by simply turning our backs.

In response to the President's clear plan, Democrats like minority leader Harry Reid offer empty political attacks, calling the President's speech "tired rhetoric" even before it was given. Yet these same Democrats agree with key elements of President Bush's strategy, with Sen. Joe Biden writing that "we must forge a sustainable political compromise between Iraqi factions, strengthen the Iraqi government and bolster reconstruction efforts, and accelerate the training of Iraqi forces." That sounds exactly like what the President is proposing. These Democrats fundamentally agree on what needs to happen in Iraq, but they're attacking for political gain. Are these attacks designed to help us win the war on terror, or help them win the next election?

President Bush offers a way forward on Iraq, not empty political posturing. Read the strategy and spread the word in your community.

Sincerely,

Ken Mehlman
Chairman, Republican National Committee

United We Stand

2005-11-28T09:51:00.000-08:00

The Which Historic General Are You Test

2005-11-28T07:24:00.000-08:00

A Message of Inspiration

2005-11-28T03:20:00.000-08:00

A tribute for service members and families

2005-11-24T09:37:00.000-08:00

I lifted this post from the blog: Michael Yon: Online Magazine for

several reasons.

Michael Yon is a War Correspondent. I mean a real war correspon-

dent. Not, some guy who who is embedded with the troops for the

sole reason of embarrasing the soldiers that he is 'reporting' on, in an

effort to undermine the war effort. And, he can write. That, in itself,

sets him apart from a great many of his colleagues.

He is an independent, receiving no support from some editor or pub-

lisher, who might expect him to write a certain way if he expects to

continue his employment. Mr. Yon has come to rely on his readers

to fund his efforts. His post below explains that and offers the out-

standing photograph of a soldier carrying a wounded Iraqi child, as

a gift, that would be entirely suitable as a Christmas gift.

Mr. Yon supports the troops in a most admirable way. I highly sug-

gest that you read his work and especially look at the photographs

that follow his post that I am featuring here. He is a friend of Bruce

Willis, who also is an outstanding supporter of the U.S. Military. I

would appreciate any support that we can give those who support

America's sons and daughters.

Finally, it doesn't matter who took this photograph. It is an outstand-

ing example of how compassionate and caring our troops are. May

God bless them and Michael Yon.

Many people say this is the most important photograph of the Iraq war.

Some have called it "a national treasure." The image most completely

embodies my experience throughout Iraq.

Countless people have asked for reprints, but I wanted to give the

matter some thought. I did not want to diminish the symbolism of this

photograph, and the American soldiers who risked their lives to save

this little girl.

I more than espoused this belief, I lived it: I have not accepted

advertisements on this site, and my first 7 months of work in Iraq

were completely without compensation. When I reached the point

where my equipment was ruined and my resources exhausted, I

had to choose between stopping the work altogether or rethinking

my independence. I solved both problems by accepting reader support.

When these soldiers finally returned to the United States after a year

of hard fighting they asked my permission to present a copy of the

photograph to Bruce Willis at “The Punishers’ Ball.” Of course, I

agreed. I respect these men beyond simple description, and when I

saw the photo so tastefully framed, I realized that it made a beautiful gift.

It occurred to me that even national treasures have practical costs

associated with them. No one protests the admission fees or government

supports that maintain and preserve their legacy. Museums don't diminish

the value of art when they sell prints in a gift shop. I'm not claiming to be

Picasso, and this blog is hardly the Louvre, but my readers have convinced

me that this image inspires them and I've learned to listen to my readers.

I’ve decided to offer a limited number of signed photographs, available in

two formats.

All will be signed and numbered by me. If you have difficulty with PayPal,

or just prefer to send a check, please use the address provided with my

profile section.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2005-11-23T18:48:00.000-08:00

Warning - Mature Marine Corp Language

2005-11-23T12:16:00.000-08:00

Would that this were true and that our politicians and senior leaders had the testicular fortitude to tell it like it is!

WARNING! MATURE USMC LANGUAGE - THEY HAVE SUCH A GIFTED WAY WITH WORDS!
USMC PRESS CONFERENCE

For the few of you who missed him, R. Lee Ermey is the host of The History Channel's "Mail Call" and played the Drill Instructor in the movie, "Full Metal Jacket. He is a retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant and a very plain speaker, as you will soon read. So, for your entertainment, here is Retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant R. Lee Ermey at his first press conference. The main topic of discussion is the Marine in Iraq who shot the Iraq insurgent to death. We pick up as the reporter asks about how this potential war crime will affect our image in the world:

Ermey: "What kind of a pansy-assed question is that?"

Reporter 1: "Well I think...."

Ermey: "THINK, Nancy boy! Get this through that septic tank on top of your shoulders, moron: I DON'T GIVE A DAMN WHAT YOU THINK, DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME??? That Marine shot an ENEMY COMBATANT, SHITHEAD; SO GET YOUR HEAD OUT OF YOUR ASS AND DEAL WITH IT BEFORE I MAKE YOU MY OWN PERSONAL PIN CUSHION!!! Next question: You in the blue suit."

Reporter 2: Don't you think that the world's! opinion of our operations is important?

Ermey: "Oh sure! You don't know the times I have cried myself to sleep worrying about what some goddamned French pansy thinks! Oh the days I have had to weep because some shit-eating terrorist might be mad at us, because we went into whatever god-forsaken hole in the pile of shit that he lives in and killed him. WHAT THE HELL KIND OF DUMBASS QUESTION IS THAT YOU PETER-PUFFING JACKASS?? WE ARE THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND WHEN YOU ATTACK US, WE ARE GOING TO COME TO YOUR HOUSE AND BLOW YOUR STINKING CAMEL-LICKING CARCASS INTO PIECES SO SMALL WE WILL BE ABLE TO BURY YOUR SORRY ASS IN A THIMBLE!! YEAH, I KNOW WHAT YOU ARE THINKING. YOU ARE PROBABLY AFRAID, THINKING THAT I HAVE SUCH AN "EXTREME" ATTITUDE AND THAT I NEED TO BE MORE "SENSITIVE" TO OTHER PEOPLE'S FEELINGS. WELL LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING YOU POLE-SMOKING PANSY! I DON'T GIVE A DAMN WHAT YOU OR ANYBODY ELSE THINKS! THIS IS A REAL WAR, AND IF YOU CAN'T HANDLE THAT, THEN YOU SHOULD GO HOME AND SUCK ON MAMMA'S TIT!! DO YOU HEAR ME YOU RUNT?? NOW GET THE HELL OUT OF MY PRESS ROOM BEFORE I GO CRAZY AND BEAT THE LIVING SHIT OUT OF YOU!!! Next question: "you with the ugly-assed tie. Look at that thing! It is hideous."

Reporter: 3: "Aren't you going against the freedom of the press by..."

Ermey: "FREEDOM?? WHAT IN BLUE HELL DO YOU KNOW ABOUT FREEDOM? I HAVE SWEATED MY ASS OFF IN JUNGLES, WHILE BEING SHOT AT FOR THIS NATION!! WHAT IN THE HELL HAVE YOU DONE YOU LITTLE SHIT-SUCKING WEASEL? WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU PUT YOUR SORRY ASS ON THE LINE FOR ANYTHING? AND YET YOU HAVE THE UNMITIGATED TEMERITY TO SHOW U! P HERE AND MONDAY-MORNING QUARTERBACK THE ACTIONS OF A BRAVE MARINE, WHO WAS DEFENDING HIMSELF AND HIS UNIT FROM AN ATTACK BY SOME MURDEROUS AL-QUEDA! SYMPATHIZER!!! YOU WANNA KNOW WHAT I AM CONCERNED ABOUT, NUMBNUTS? I AM CONCERNED ABOUT A BUNCH OF GRABASSTIC, ORGANIZED MORONS WITH CAMERAS AND MICROPHONES DOING THEIR BEST TO PORTRAY OUR BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN AS WAR CRIMINALS! I AM CONCERNED ABOUT CHICKEN-SHIT PANSIES THAT WANT US TO NEGOTIATE WITH TERRORISTS AND WHINE ABOUT THEIR PISS-ANT "FREEDOMS"!!"

Reporter: 3: "I..."

Ermey: "DID YOU HAVE A BIG BOWL OF STUPID FOR BREAKFAST THIS MORNING, NUMBNUTS? I DON'T WANT TO HEAR ANOTHER WORD OUT OF THAT COMMIE CRY-HOLE IN THAT SHIT-PILE YOU CALL A HEAD! AND THAT GOES TRIPLE FOR THE REST OF YOU PANSY-ASSED MORONS! NOW GET THE HELL OUT OF MY PRESS ROOM BEFORE I SHOVE MY BOOT SO FAR UP YOUR ASS THAT YOU CHOKE TO DEATH ON MY SHOELACES!!!!"Dismissed

Everyday that you can wake up free; it's going to be a great day

A hat tip to:
Tony Diana

Supporting Our Troops Through Music!

www.tonydiana.com

Marine Artist Leaves Fingerprint on World

2005-11-23T05:45:00.000-08:00

By U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Heidi E. Loredo
2nd Marine Expeditionary Force (FWD)

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq, Nov. 22, 2005 — Before he found fame as the artist who painted the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo was simply known as Michel.

Michelangelo left a mark in the world of creativity that will never be imitated. Cpl. Willie M. Rockward, armorer, 2nd Marine Headquarters Group, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), strives to do the same with his lifelong passion in art.

Rockward, 24, beamed with creativity and imagination, became interested in comic books for their artistic styles and drawings as he grew older.

“I followed the artists,” said the Houston native. “Some people bought the whole comic book series. If I saw a piece of art in a comic that I liked I’d buy that one comic book, not the whole series.”

Inspired by family members and his middle school art teacher, Rockward incorporated art into his daily routine.

“I wasn’t a disciplined kid,” said Rockward. “The biggest thing that got me in trouble was drawing in class. I’d be taking a math test, and I would draw on the test papers. It’s the same thing in the armory. There are sketches throughout the entire armory.”

As a high school graduate, Rockward was not ready to attend college and instead opted for the discipline the military offered.

The Rest of the Story:

Cpl. Rockward's interest in art is very similar to mine. I was, also, always in trouble for drawing in class. An interest in art should be a 'vice' that more are guilty of. Keep on with your sketching Cpl. Willie Rockward!

A Thanksgiving Message From the Front

2005-11-22T10:11:00.000-08:00

From 'One Marine's View':

Tuesday, November 22, 2005

BE THE

ONE
What are

you

thankful

for? This

time of

year things

get crazy in the states. Family members come to visit, gifts are

bought, stress, excitement and fun wrapped up in one. But I ask,

what are you thankful for? Before the Thanksgiving holiday gets here,

stop for 2 minutes and try to write down what you’re really thankful

for.

Have you thought about your health, to the point if you’re going to

see your kids graduate high school? How about the shape of your

relationship? How about simple things we overlook everyday like

clean water the lack of death squads taking over our houses and

families and two of great importance, freedom and the greatest

country in the world. They can never take our freedom!

---------------------------------

This holiday season add your service members to your “Thankful”

list. During this holiday season, we will be forwardly deployed to

maintain the fight. We will not stop operations and we will keep the

enemy on the run. "We will not waver. We will not tire. We will not

faulter. We will not fail. Peace and freedom will prevail."

Happy Thanksgiving!

Semper Fidelis,
Keep Attacking!

Send a Holiday Message to the Troops Via Stars and Stripes

2005-11-21T11:52:00.000-08:00

From 'One Marine's View':

2005-11-17T19:05:00.000-08:00

This is the TRUTH as soon through the eyes of a Marine who is there.

THE WRONG STORY
The broad Main Steam Media (MSM), mainly news on the internet and some TV last night reported that there were 6 deaths from fighting in Iraq. Can anyone tell me their names, how they died, what state they were from anything besides that they were Marines? Although tragic, because it was a relatively small group surly they could have mentioned any of the above. How much time would that have taken? 5-10 seconds? Its not your fault America, but the MSM………….well.
Their very own embedded reporters aren’t even getting the story straight or at least they are now putting their own spin on things (big surprise)

The Rest of the Story, and please read it!!

An Answered Prayer From God!

2005-11-17T17:39:00.000-08:00

Two things to know before you read below: Marines are taught : 1) Keep your priorities in order and 2) Know when to act without hesitation.

A Marine was attending a college course between missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The professor, an avowed atheist, shocked the class one day when he walked in, looked toward the ceiling, and said loudly, "God, if you are real, then I want you to knock me off this platform. I'll give you exactly 15 minutes."

The lecture room fell silent and the professor began his lecture. Ten minutes went by and the professor proclaimed, "Here I am God - still waiting."

It got down to the last minute when the Marine stood up, walked toward the professor and threw his best punch knocking him off the platform and out cold. The Marine went back to his seat and sat down.

The other students were shocked and stunned and sat there looking on in silence. The professor came to, noticeably shaken, looked at the Marine and asked, "What the hell is the matter with you? Why did you did that?"

The Marine calmly replied, "God is busy today protecting America's soldiers who are protecting your right to behave like an idiot and say stupid stuff. So He sent me."

cards4heroes.com

2005-11-15T23:32:00.000-08:00

Helping Americans Thank Our Troops!

Welcome to cards4heroes.com!

Specializing in greeting cards for American troops and veterans, their military families and patriotic supporters!

By offering these cards, we hope to help Americans thank and support our active and retired military servicemembers, and their families.

To help further support our troops and veterans, we donate at least ten percent of our profits to military-related organizations.

So, not only do you get a wonderful card to give to a soldier or veteran, or a member of their family, but your purchase keeps on giving through the charitable donations we make.

From the 'Gunn Nutt', a Strong Supporter of Our Troops

2005-11-14T23:50:00.000-08:00

The 'Gunn Nutt' is a blog page that supports the U.S. military in a way that is both admirable and patriotic. Please, be a frequent visit to the site.

Veterans' Day at Walter Reed

This shot pretty much says it all.

Every Friday we meet in the same place in front of Walter Reed for the purpose of showing support to our Vets. This Friday was special 'cause it happened to be the official day that the country pays tribute to Veterans. The FReepers and friends celebrated the occasion with enthusiasm.

Happy Birthday to the United States Marine Corps.

2005-11-10T01:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to the United States Marine Corps !

From the Blog: One Marine's View. The following words are those of one of America's finest. They are the thoughts and feelings of a Marine office in Iraq. I could not have said anything as well as he has and it only seemed fitting that a Birthday wish to the Marine's should come from one of their own. God bless the men and women of the United States Military.

THE REAL AMERICAN HERO
The title of veteran is a term of great respect due to the patriotism, willingness to serve, and dedication to a larger cause. As the holiday approaches if nothing else Americans should remember the vets who made this country what it is today. I stand in front of a unit’s memorial board here in Iraq. A wall of warriors killed in action. I stare at the many fallen Marines, Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen, many so young and full of life, determined and brave. I stare at the memorial walls and a silent crowded wall stares back at me holding me accountable to complete the job we were sent here to do. They gave their all. It’s a shame we cant display all of the pictures from all of the battles that show these brave men so people could see who was number 7 and who was number 2001. So people can feel the eyes of men and women looking at them and telling them so much without saying a word.

Their faces wind torn and chapped, uniforms faded from the hot sun, body armor stained with sweat marks, dirt and smoke. Many of them serving multiple tours defending America and freedom, not only in Iraq and Afghanistan but places like Omaha Beach, Iwo Jima and Vietnam. Some people don’t support war for whatever reason but I ask all of you to respect the warriors for the person they are, no the American that they are and always will be. For the fact that which ever war they fought in, they fought bravely. Some are gone now. Some never made it home but many are still with us. Some people on that wall may have wondered what would be said about them once they are gone. As on that wall, many names reside on the black Vietnam memorial wall in DC and the many walls, memorials to come which hold words of gratitude and honor, strength, determination and hope.

Of course nice words were said at their funeral, to their survivors. But why not say those same words to them now when they are there to hear them? Why not feel the pride felt when a spouse is handed an American flag at a military funeral every day. Veterans today will be all around you this holiday, male and female and of all ages. The stories and miracles they hold are priceless to the American history, because they wrote it with their souls. Veterans Day, formerly Armistice Day in commemoration of the signing of the Armistice ending World War I, is the anniversary of the ending of World War I. In the United States it is celebrated as a federal holiday on 11 November. According to the VA website, the major hostilities ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Veterans Day has been observed annually on this date since 1978, except for a brief period when it was celebrated on the fourth Monday of October. Following World War II, the name of the holiday was changed (enacted 1 June 1954) to Veterans Day to honor those who served in all American wars. The day has since evolved to primarily be a time of honoring living veterans who have served in the military during wartime or peacetime, partially due to competition with Memorial Day, which primarily honors the dead.

The Marine Corps Birthday is Nov 10th, 1775. It has been 230 years of kicking ass and taking names to ensure our fellow Americans and freedom continue to be safe. This has become ever so evident today as it was back on Mount Suribachi when Lt Gen Holland said “‘the raising of that flag on Suribachi means a Marine Corps for the next 500 years.” I know this will be true because of our country’s outstanding 24.9 million Veterans and their fierce fight within them.

I close with a story
When I was a Platoon Commander and had about 45 Marines under my command we occasionally had a few that had disciplinary problems. That year I got a little creative and instead of prosecuting them under the Uniform Code Of Military Justice (UCMJ) the military legal system, I decided to offer them another option that wouldn’t reflect on their records. I directed them along with myself to meet me at 0600 in their USMC Service Alpha uniform (Green Coat & Green pants like worn by Jack Nicholson in the movie “Few Good Men”) in front of the barracks. Not going into details, they took the offer. We drove a quite hot hour to a Veteran’s Hospital. Clinching Marine bumper stickers and posters and American flags we had no agenda. We looked each other over and began our mission, No time limit, no schedule. We went in to the first floor and told them “we are here to make sure people know we are thinking about them”. You want to talk about surprising someone. The nurses immediately took us to see some rough and tuff warriors and told us you must see Gen Richardson. As you entered his conservative room there was a tired warrior with oxygen in his nose, family picture of his grandkids on his nightstand and the Stars & Bars on the wall, orientated correctly. The nurse said “General the Marines are here”. He said “you guys here to get me outa here?” I said yip I got your shoes lets GO. He couldn’t move from his bed but he enjoyed the offer. Along with him and several other gentlemen the Marines sat and mainly listened as warriors from Normandy on through the wars told their story but surprisingly were so interested in the young Marines story and reinforced how proud they were of the young men sitting with them in their impeccable uniforms. I could barley sit there and watch as these gentlemen hooked to all kinds of contraptions had a glow in their face and tried to sit up in their beds to shake young warriors hands. I felt pretty dang humble. One gentleman in a wheel chair dressed in his Sundays best asked one of the Marines, “where does a rusty old Marine find one of those Eagle Globe and Anchor tie clasps”? (these are worn with this type of uniform by Marines). The Marine looked down at his own tie clasp and said you mean like this one, as he clasped it on the gentleman’s tie. The guy just through his arms around the Marine and gave him a big bear hug. Money can’t buy you feelings like that.

All of the Marines that day left the hospital a little different that day. It was a quite ride back to the base and no one really said anything but everyone was thinking the same thing. We were all very proud to be associated with the gentlemen we just visited with and very appreciative that “they” did what they did for their country. The other 364 days of the year will probably be the same as any other day as the nurse stated “these guys don’t get many visitors”, but that Memorial Day was different for all of us.

As we continue operations here in Iraq I will light up a cigar in your honor and say Thank you veterans and Happy Birthday Marines!
Semper Fidelis

COMBAT UPDATE
Across the full spectrum of operations, Marines create stability in an unstable world. We continue to do so as Operation Steel Curtain excels with success here in Iraq, especially on our Birthday!

Publicity Stunt

2005-11-08T12:55:00.000-08:00

From the Blog: From My Position...On the Way!

Mkay... I dragged my drugged and temporarily one-handed body out of the hospital bed to tell ya'll about something most important.

Carren is gonna be on national TV (and live national TV at that) to let everyone know about Project Valour-IT. She will represent me (the nerd who thought of this project), and the many people who have made this project a success.

She is going to be on "Connected coast to coast" a show run by MSNBC. Don't know how long she'll be on, but for the love of god, please tune in, put your hands on the top of your TV, and talk to Jebus when the show is over. The show runs from 1200-1300 (noon to one fer ya civlians out there)(and that's eastern time) My beloved is supposed to be on around 1240, but I will rest assured that her looks, personality, and general charm will either get her on early, or the show will go into extra rounds like Rocky and the Big Ruskie in Rocky IV.

Here's how you can help. Send this to every one you know, post it on your blog, get them to post it on theirs. One side will say it's a failure of the gummint to not provide this for the soldiers, others just see it as a way to help our brothers and sisters who have fallen but will be getting up. However they spin it, just get the word out.

There's less than 18 hours to game time, so let's get our blog on!

--Chuck

p.s. I met the Secrtary of the Army a few days ago. I don't remember most of our conversation (because pain killers do that to you, espcially at the level I'm taking them...think chevy chase (or was it Dan Akroyd?) in "Modern Problems". But I brought two things to his attention: 1. It's stupid and a waste of manpower to hold a medical review board for a guy who's lost a finger 2. I pitched Valour-IT to him. He thinks it's a great idea. He was pressed for time, so his aide took the info sheets we gave him and gave us his card...and told us to call if we don't hear anything about it in two weeks!

Cross post the hell out of this.

Defenders of Freedom

2005-11-03T01:25:00.000-08:00

A worthy, local (to me) organization with noble mission.

DEFENDERS OF FREEDOM

"Defenders of Freedom" is a 501 c 3 non profit organization with the purpose of raising money to support our troops who are currently deployed around the world. Because our troops are actively working to keep America safe, "Defenders of Freedom" believe passionately in showing them as much support as possible.

100% of the profits are used to:

Send "support boxes" to our men and women in uniform
Support wounded soldiers with encouragement and needed items, especially those with no support
Support the families of our wounded soldiers both physically and emotionally
Support the USO

Every single day roughly 200 troops arrive at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport to begin their two week R&R leave. A group of "Army Moms" began to gather there daily to greet these soldiers. As an added bonus, these Army Moms have had the honor to greet and bolster the morale of the buddies and fellow soldiers of their own sons and daughters who are involved currently in the war and actively serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. This daily greeting has become an event talked about and anticipated by the troops arriving at DFW on their way home. From this group of "Army Moms" and support from an "Army Families" email support group of one of the moms, evolved the "Defenders of Freedom".

Armed Forces Entertainment

2005-11-01T05:14:00.000-08:00

Please visit Armed Forces Entertaiment.

Four Year Old Ranger Completes Mission

2005-10-31T06:45:00.000-08:00

Parade brings the scaries out

By ROB STROUD, Staff Writer

CHARLESTON -- The wind blew strongly against pint-sized paratrooper Dayton Black’s deployed parachute Saturday afternoon.

Nevertheless, the 4-year-old completed his mission: taking part in Charleston’s annual Halloween costume parade on the square. In fact, he won grand prize with his camouflage outfit topped with a plastic tubing facsimile of a deployed parachute.

Dayton was one of dozens of children who marched in the parade, sponsored by the Charleston Jaycees, Junior Women’s Club and Kiwanis Club.

His mother, Rhonda Black, said the costume was inspired by Dayton’s uncle Mike, who is a paratrooper with the U.S. Army Rangers.

“He loves uncle Mikey,” Black said.

Story

Happy Halloween

2005-10-30T11:32:00.000-08:00

http://www.iconacraft.com/Flash/Haunted-Man.html

God Bless My Soldier Too

2005-10-29T18:21:00.000-07:00

'God Bless My Soldier Too' is a beautifully touching video by Eric Horner.

'The Footsteps of a Hero' is worth a view as well.

SSG George T. Alexander

2005-10-29T13:55:00.000-07:00

My old Army unit, B co. 1st and 15th, 3rd Id, was known for having been Audie Murphy's old unit. It now can add another hero to it's roll.

From Blackfive:

"Not A Number - Godspeed Staff Sergeant George T. Alexander

On Saturday, SSG George T. Alexander, of Killeen, Texas, died at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. On October 17th, Alexander's vehicle was hit by an IED. SSG Alexander was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga. The 1st/15th is a top unit in the Army - Audie Murphy is just one of it's more well-known WWII combat soldiers. Another from the Gulf War is Special Forces MilBlogger Jack Army.

I've done a lot of digging to try to find more about SSG Alexander. I believe that this was his second tour in Iraq and, during his first tour, he was deployed from Fort Hood, Texas, with the 4th ID.

There are two groups that will celebrate and use George Alexander's sacrifice.

The morally bankrupt anti-war movement.

And Al Qaeda.

I found this picture in an old Soldiers magazine from 2003 (US Army photo by SPC Goff). It's a picture of Staff Sergeant Alexander's young son showing support for him.

Remember George Alexander. Because his death was no more terrible, and no more horrible, than any other soldier who gave their life. Remember Staff Sergeant Alexander for those he left behind.

Others will seek to marginalize his sacrifice into a number, a sideline marker.

Don't let them.

Update: This post has offended some on the left. My response is here."

You Think You're Tough?

2005-10-27T11:02:00.000-07:00

From Mens Health Magazine. As I have a son who is a Ranger, I know that what this guy did is exceptional and, yes, that makes him, tough!

Peter Springer lost an eye to an Iraqi suicide bomber -- and then joined the Army Rangers

By: Peter Moore, Photographs by: Lynda Churilla
Posted on 10/06/2005

On the morning of December 9, 2003, Peter Sprenger was 2 weeks from the end of an eventful tour in Iraq. He'd been at the "tip of the spear," in army parlance, spending the preceding 10 months roaring through the invasion of Iraq, occupying Baghdad, securing other restive towns. As a member of the 101st Airborne Division, he had a clear mission: to probe for trouble and take care of it. But on that particular morning, the trouble found him.

Corporal Sprenger drew radio duty that day in company headquarters in Tal Afar, 60 miles southwest of Mosul. He felt relatively safe in the shadow of a two-story guard tower, behind barbed wire and barricades, sheltered by a 12-foot-high cinder-block wall. The front doors of the building were open to the morning air. Sprenger wore no flak jacket, no helmet.

At 4:40 a.m., he heard gunfire and suspected that it issued from neighboring buildings. But, no, it had come from the guard tower, and the bullets and barricades had failed to halt a suicidal insurgent bent on delivering 1,000 pounds of TNT to the 101st's doorstep. The bomb detonated 10 to 15 yards from where Sprenger was standing.

Knocked down and blinded by the explosion, he crawled back to his position and patted himself down for missing parts. He felt warm blood, punctured flesh, and a confused tangle of facial features. He peeled back a tattered eyelid and saw a spiderweb of lines radiating out from a bloodred center. He remembers thinking, Yes, well, we'd better let a professional deal with that one.

The eye that Corporal Sprenger sacrificed that morning, the seven units of blood he left on the walls and floor, are real costs. "Going through all that changes you," he notes, with typical understatement. For a lot of men, it would embitter or destroy them. But in Sprenger's case, it focused his vision of who he is and what he hopes to gain from his life. "People don't look far enough into the future," he says, "and gauge what's realistic for them to accomplish."

But he has. And that vision drove him to rehab his many wounds, turn down the desk job the army offered, and gear up for the most rigorous training any infantryman can endure: Ranger School.

Sprenger not only passed it, but was also singled out as the epitome of the Ranger creed--"Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to . . . complete the mission, though I be the lone survivor"--and asked to recite that creed at his graduation ceremony last July.

Since the army began keeping records a quarter century ago, he is the first man with his kind of physical disability to earn the Ranger patch. And by the time you read this, he will have returned to Iraq. As he puts it, he needs to finish what he started.

Article.

Happy Birthday, Mom. I love you.

2005-10-25T12:16:00.000-07:00

Today is my mother's birthday. It is the first one, in more than half a century that I will celebrate without her.

When you're a child, you think that life goes on forever. As you get older, you learn that sometimes people die. But, it is always other people. It isn't someone that you know. Ever.

So, you're annoyed when they call at an inopportune-for you-moment. Or they 'drop by' when you had other plans. Or, in any way, take up your important time. Why not feel that way? Aren't we all going to live forever?

I urge you to take the time for family or friends or loved ones.

Write someone, far away from you, a letter that lets them know, "I wish that you were here."

Pick up that ringing phone, when your caller ID tells you that you could talk to them later. Don't listen to it. Listen to them.

Don't say, "Daddy's tired" or "Not now. Mommy's busy".

Or, "Can't this wait Dad?" Or, "Mom, let's talk about this some other time."

Hug a friend, as if it is you that needs the hug.

Look in the eyes of your lover, before you kiss them, as if it is, at that very moment, that you realize just how much you love them.

Take the time.

Make the time.

Before, there is

no time.

Still Here!

2005-10-24T11:58:00.000-07:00

Click to view

There are so many strong feelings that run deep in times of war especially with those who suffer great losses. During such times it is easy to lose sight of the end goal. Over 30 years ago, this nation sold a part of it's soul to purchase peace. The hole left behind continues to fester to this day in the hearts of men and women who gave so much for what they felt was a just cause. They returned to an ungrateful nation that had bought into the spin of certain poorly-principled, ill-informed, and perhaps even over-privileged individuals. We have learned our lesson to be supportive of those we send to defend us. But once again the spin begins spouted by strangely familiar voices.

This presentation is dedicated to those who will "stay the course." They know that if we do not, it is our children or their children that will have to finish or even repeat what we have started and those who have sacrificed so much will be all for not.

Courtesy of GCS Distributing. These people have done some wonderful videos is cupport of the United States Military.

http://www.gcsdistributing.com/?pv=tr&amp;tf=TDP&DT=SH

Military Idol Competition

2005-10-22T12:04:00.000-07:00

'Idol' quickly becomes coveted military title

By Leo Shane III, Stars and Stripes
European edition, Saturday, October 22, 2005

Courtesy of Military Idol
Sgt. William Glenn, an Army National Guardsman assigned to Darmstadt, Germany with the 258th MP Company, sings “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” made famous by the Temptations, during Wednesday’s elimination round in the Military Idol competition at Fort Gordon, Georgia.
How to watch

The Military Idol competition will begin at 2 p.m. EDT Oct. 22.

Fans of the Military Idol competition can only watch Saturday’s final rounds on the Internet, through the Army Knowledge Online site, https://www.us.army.mil. Links there are also available through the competition’s main site, www.militaryidol.com.

Video of earlier rounds of the competition is also available online.

All soldiers should have already set up their e-mail and Internet accounts through the site and can access the competition through with that log-in. Non-Army personnel can set up a guest account to view the final competition through the Military Idol site.

In order to watch the live broadcast, viewers will need a fast Internet connection and the latest version of Quicktime, available at www.apple.com/quicktime.

Organizers have also set up a troubleshooting guide and an online help form at the AKO site to deal with technical problems related to the broadcast.

WASHINGTON — Sgt. William Glenn didn’t join the Army to sing, but he keeps finding ways to stretch his vocal cords.

As an active-duty soldier in the 1980’s, he sang at events around the world with the 82nd Airborne Division’s choir. Now, as a guardsman with the 258th MP Company currently assigned to Darmstadt, Germany, he’s competing in the first servicewide singing competition.

And he couldn’t be happier about the mission.

“It’s just been so much fun,” he said between rehearsals at the Military Idol finals on Friday. “I’ve been more nervous than a cat in a dog pound. But just to be able to do it has been great.”

Glenn, 42, is one of five finalists in the competition, which combed the Army for the best singer/soldiers in the world. This week 36 crooners who won regional competitions in the contest descended on Fort Gordon, Ga., to compete with the best.

The final five, who will sing for the title Saturday, include three U.S. soldiers from Germany: Spc. Festus Tobeola of Schweinfurt, Spc. Richard Sianoya of Würzburg and Glenn.

Tobeola is a native of Nigeria who has served with the 177th Armored Battalion since 2001. He said he studied drama and was friends with musicians in college, but his only real vocal experience before the competition was “just singing in the bathroom for kicks.”

Sianoya, a 21-year-old from the Philippines who has served with the 523rd Medical Company for three years, says that although he has performed on stage in the past, “it’s overwhelming and exciting, but this is nerve-wracking as well.”

The five finalists are competing for a $1,000 cash prize and unofficial title of “ambassador for Army entertainment,” with the chance to travel around the world for various MWR events.

The format is based on the popular reality show format, with judges critiquing soldiers on their tone and talent.

When Glenn belted out the Temptations’ “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” during one elimination round on Thursday, country singer Michael Peterson gushed that he wished his voice had Glenn’s soulful sound.

Glenn, a pastor in civilian life, said he didn’t know about the competition until he stumbled upon auditions in a base dining hall on his dinner break. Several of his friends egged him on to show off his voice.

“I didn’t know I had a fan club,” he said, laughing. “But here (in Georgia), my mother drove all the way from Alabama to watch me, and it’s just wonderful to have that support, too. She just keeps yelling, ‘Sing, baby, sing!’”

The winner of the competition will be announced in a special online show on Sunday.

Whiney Terrorist Bastard

2005-10-21T12:26:00.000-07:00

From the blog page: IowaHawk. Thanks.

Stop Questioning My Patriotism

Iowahawk Special July 4 Guest Commentary
by Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi

Americans are famous for their diversity, and nowhere is this diversity more on display than in the various ways we celebrate the Fourth of July. Whether you are a traditional infidel enjoying hot dogs and cold watermelon, a recent immigrant infidel celebrating your new citizenship with a colorful piñata full of sweet treats, or like me, a not-as-yet-arrived-there-American who celebrates our independence through videotaped beheadings, we Americans have an almost infinite variety of ways of ‘lighting up the Fourth.’

Unfortunately, there are some who are angered by this rich Independence Day tapestry of watermelon and piñatas and decapitations, and express their anger through intolerance. Ironically, these angry voices have chosen to ignore the message of the Founding Infidels, and have instead lashed out against their fellow Americans, and aspiring-Americans, by openly questioning our patriotism and threatening our civil liberties with their GPS-guided ‘Bunker Busters.’

Sadly, this chorus of intolerance has grown since America embarked on its disastrous campaign of militarism in the Mideast. Instead of focusing on the real issues that trouble us -- like rampant poverty, Zionist aggression, and our immodestly dressed female cousins who have dishonored our clans -- these ‘neocon’ voices have sought to distract us with a stupid war for oil and empire. Those of us who have stood up in principled, armed opposition to Bush’s misadventure have been branded “unpatriotic.”

This chilling wind should alarm the millions of Americans and future-Americans everywhere who have called for the immediate timed withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, and have expressed their opinion through their local newspapers, peace marches, and rocket-propelled grenades. It sometimes seems that the Administration is more interested in the “rights” of their foreign Iraqi clients than the rights of their own citizens, and their own inevitable invading conquerors.

If nothing else, the Fourth of July should prompt all Americans, whether they are an infidel fornicating whore-woman in a Miami strip club or a fresh-faced enlistee in a secret Prague martyr cell, to reflect on the true meaning of ‘patriotism.’ To me, patriotism is not some empty flag-waving gesture, or spouting jingoistic slogans. To me, dissent is the real patriotism. And what could be more patriotic than the ultimate in dissent – bloody jihad against the kufr and their heretic puppets in Baghdad?

So, on this day when we mark the birth of the Great Satan, let us remember that true patriotism is not a “one-size-fits-all” idea. While there may be precious little to celebrate America as it is, millions of us real patriots will continue to celebrate the idea of America as it could be. Allah willing.

Frozen Body May Be WWII Airman

2005-10-20T11:01:00.000-07:00

A very interesting story.

FRESNO, Calif., Oct. 20, 2005

The mostly ice-encased body found by climbers. (AP)

Quote

"We're not going to go fast. We want to preserve him as much as possible. He's pretty intact."

Kings Canyon National Park spokesperson Alexandra Picavet on the excavation process

(CBS/AP) Rangers in Kings Canyon National Park and a military recovery expert started excavating a glacier-entombed corpse on Wednesday. The body is believed to be a World War II airman who died in a 1942 plane crash.

Two ice climbers reported seeing a frozen head, shoulder and arm while climbing the glacier on the side of 13,710-foot Mount Mendel in the Sierra Nevada on Sunday, park spokesperson Alexandra Picavet said. The body was 80 percent encased in ice, and still wearing an Army-issued parachute.

Officials say the man's torn sweater reveals skin, and parts of his sandy-blonde hair are still intact, reports (video) CBS News correspondent Teri Okita. Several numbers discovered on the icy body could help the Fresno, Calif. coroner's office and the military identify the body.

"I think it's more the mystery that everyone is intrigued by … the fact that here's this plane that crashed more than 63 years ago, and there's still somebody up there," Picavet said.

A crew of rangers and specialists are camped on the mountainside, in subfreezing temperatures, ready to stay there during the entire excavation process, Picavet said. The ice is thick in the area but rangers, trained in high altitude rescue operations, expect to be able to free it by Thursday, Picavet said.

"We're not going to go fast," Picavet said. "We want to preserve him as much as possible. He's pretty intact."

The crew includes an expert from the Joint Prisoner of War Accounting Command, which recovers and identifies missing military personnel.

Park officials believe the serviceman may be a member of the crew of an AT-7 navigational training plane that crashed on the mountain on Nov. 18, 1942 — one of several military planes that have crashed among the craggy peaks.

The wreckage and four bodies were found by a climber in 1947.

This body may be connected to that expedition, although it's hard to tell until the recovery is complete, Picavet said.

The remains were found at the base of the glacier, in remote and stark wilderness that takes days to reach by foot. Park officials don't know exactly where the plane landed. A decades-old file on the crash marked the spot on a map with an "X" but noted that the engine broke off and rolled to the bottom of the glacier, Picavet said.

Rest of the story.

Sheehan thrashing 'war hawk' Hillary

2005-10-19T14:48:00.000-07:00

Is this a trick? Is Sheehan just a stooge, being used to make Hillary look more palatable to the right? Or is she just plain stupid?

THE LEGEND OF CRAWFORD
Sheehan thrashing 'war hawk' Hillary
Cindy tears into Clinton for Iraq support,
compares her to radio's Rush Limbaugh
Posted: October 19, 2005
2:15 p.m. Eastern
By Joe Kovacs
© 2005 WorldNetDaily.com

Cindy Sheehan

Cindy Sheehan, the so-called "peace mom" on a crusade to end U.S. involvement in the Iraq war, is publicly blasting Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., for her continued support of the ongoing conflict.

"I think she is a political animal who believes she has to be a war hawk to keep up with the big boys," Sheehan writes in an open letter posted on anti-Bush filmmaker Michael Moore's website. "I would love to support Hillary for president if she would come out against the travesty in Iraq. But I don't think she can speak out against the occupation, because she supports it. I will not make the mistake of supporting another pro-war Democrat for president again: As I won't support a pro-war Republican."

"I believe that the intelligent thing for Democrats to do for 2006 and 2008 would be to come out strongly and correctly against the botched, bungled, illegal, and immoral occupation of Iraq," Sheehan added.

Oh Mama!

2005-10-19T03:20:00.000-07:00

Funny video of what REALLY goes on in Iraq.

Footage comes courtesy of the Mullet Mafia

"Get a Life"

2005-10-19T00:06:00.000-07:00

Recently I was advised to "get a life". I thought that I would post it today, which is my birthday. I made the appropriate update to reflect my ancient age of 59.

It is annoying for some pup to tell me to get a life. Here's why:

In my lifetime there have been:

11 U.S. Presidents and 6 Popes.
26 military conflicts involving the Unted States.
15 Summer Olympic games, 58 World Series and all 39 Super Bowls.
134 countries were added to the world map.
The Nuremberg Trials were finished and the Berlin Wall was erected and torn down.
The Cuban Missile Crisis was settled and WW III was avoided. (As a first grader in 1952 we were taught to get under our desks in case of a nuclear attack. We should have been learning our ABC's.)
Sputnik as launched and man set foot on the moon.
TV and the Internet were invented.
Churchill, Stalin and Elvis died.
Rock and Roll was born.
Small pox was eliminated, Polio all but erased and Aids has become the new epidemic.

I have survived cancer, 3 marriages and 2 divorces.

I was a single parent.

I have 2 biological sons, 2 adopted daughters, 3 stepdaughters and more than 12 grandchildren.

My country thanks me for my service as a Cold War and Vietnam-era veteran of the Army.

I have attended 3 colleges and have earned 2 degrees.

I have celebrated 59 Christmases, New Years, 4th's of July and birthdays.

I have buried both mother and father.

I was even briefly homeless.

I own a computer because I couldn't reach my oldest son (the Ranger) on the morning of 9/11. I knew that he would be deployed before the second plane hit the Trade Center and I had no way to e-mail him. I bought a copy of Blackhawk Down only because it involved Rangers. I would play it more often if not for a 3 year old grandson. He is often waiting for me when I get home from my job with Homeland Security (which I took to do my part in the war on terror). He prefers to play on the Game Cube for 4-5 hours at a time for 4-5 days a week.

If it wasn't for little Johnny, I might play online even more.

It seems to me that I have earned the right to do whatever I want. Whenever I want. Wherever I want. Even to the annoyance of some kid who has no idea of what anything I have said is all about.

"Get a life", he said. O.K.

Burning Manure Pile in Nebraska Finally Goes Out

2005-10-18T14:35:00.000-07:00

Makes me wonder all long it would take all of the 'liberal' news reports to burn out.

MILFORD, Neb. (AP) — It took nearly four months, but to the relief of neighbors miles around, a burning manure pile has been extinguished.

David Dickinson, owner and manager of Midwest Feeding Co., said Wednesday that several weeks of pulling the 2,000-ton pile apart proved effective by late last week

"We got far enough through it, that it quit," Dickinson said. Dickinson's feedlot, about 20 miles west of Lincoln, takes in as many as 12,000 cows at a time from farmers and ranchers and fattens them for market.

Byproducts from the massive operation resulted in a dung pile measuring 100 feet long, 30 feet high and 50 feet wide. Heat from the decomposing manure deep inside the pile is believed to have eventually ignited the manure.

The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality told Dickinson that his smoldering dung pile violated clean-air laws and it worked with him as tried to extinguish it.

Dickinson said his pile may have been ignited in part because of grass clippings his feedlot had been accepting from the city of Milford. The clippings could be more combustible and he plans to stop accepting them, Dickinson said.

Kevin Sites-unbiased journalism at its worst!

2005-10-17T15:35:00.000-07:00

For some reason, Yahoo has been heavily promoting 'Kevin Sites-in the Hot Zone From Yahoo' . For those of you who don't remember, this is the 'journalist' who taped the much publicized video of the Marine shooting the insurgent in the Falluja Mosque. Sites chose to make it an international incident. He had to have known would inflame the Muslim world and would likely cost the very lives of the young Marines that he was embedded with. I thought that it was wrong for Sites to have done so. I believed that he should have given the Pentagon time to respond.

I wondered why he would choose to release that particular piece of film. After all, he must have shot miles of film. At the time of the incident, I checked Sites out and learned that he maintained a blog page that was tantamount to an anti-war site. To me, that equals anti-military.

The Marine was absolved of all charges. Sites seemed to disappear from the limelight for awhile. But, here he is again. I will have to 'smoke' him with words and he seems want to do to the military. I can't trust a man who protests with words and film against war, yet makes his entire living off of war. As Frank' (portrayed by Henry Fonda, in 'Once Upon a Time In The West', as an evil villain who was totally devoid on any redeeming qualities-a role so much better suited for his daughter) said, "How can you trust a man who wears both a belt and suspenders? The man can't even trust his own pants."

I don't trust Kevin Sites and neither should you. From his blog page 'apology' to the Marines, comes this:

" While I continue to tape, a Marine walks up to the other two bodies about fifteen
feet away, but also lying against the same back wall. Then I hear him say this about one of the men:
"He's fucking faking he's dead -- he's faking he's fucking dead."
Through my viewfinder I can see him raise the muzzle of his rifle in the direction of the wounded Iraqi. There are no sudden movements, no reaching or lunging."

The italics are mine. Why would Sites feel that it was necessary to write that?

More from Sites (written during the Falluja battle and, I think, indicative of his anti-war mindset):

" The Marines I'm embedded with are nearly ebullient. This looks to be a cakewalk.
One jokes they'll be sipping 'Pina Coladas by the Euphrates River by fifteen-hundred.' "

" They are eager "to get some," to pay "haji" back for the car bombs and IED's
(improvised explosive devices) that have killed or maimed so many of their brother 'Devil Dogs.'"

"We're going to let loose the dogs of war," says Staff Sgt. Mortimer, "before the
Falluja offensive begins. "It will be hell," he says, smiling after."

From comes this:

"Smearing Kevin Sites

Warfloggers are busy shooting the messenger. Poor Kevin Sites. All his war reporting in Kosovo and Afghanistan and Iraq, and the fact that he's embedded in the most dangerous place in Iraq isn't enough to save him from Republicans on Auto Smear. As with the Abu Ghraib torture photos, the problem for the pro-war With Us Or Against Us crowd isn't the act that horrifies the world, it's the fact that the pictures came out.

I guess InstaWarPundit won't be recommending Kevin Sites anymore."

And neither will I!!!

Liberalism

2005-10-16T14:52:00.000-07:00

LOOKING GOOD/ FROM THE BLOG PAGE: ONE MARINE'S VIEW

2005-10-15T13:29:00.000-07:00

Saturday, October 15, 2005

LOOKING GOOD
As the sun came up today no one really knew what to expect to happen as Iraq began their democratic elections. One thing for sure Marines & Soldiers were ready to do their job and provide the necessary security required to ensure the scumbags didn’t interfere with our mission at hand.

Across the entire AO (Area of Operations) the tempo was mild although not without fighting. The typical in your face IEDs and RPGs were ever present but your armed services prevailed and insured a safe voting atmosphere for the Iraqi people. Although the news probably wont have much to say about it, it was a success for the country of Iraq, its Army and its people. Unfortunately there were service members wounded and unfortunately paid the ultimate price today in surrounding fighting throughout the AO. We knew it wouldn’t be totally quiet and the few contact (IEDs) today took their toll on some units. Across the board the area was eerie silent as streets and markets were empty. Only polling sites were the busy places. The famous purple finger that voters get when they vote was the popular sign of the day. Unfortunately some service members will receive Purple Heart medals for their actions this day.

Now as the country has made a milestone achievement they have democracy in motion. As Americans we want things done yesterday and have little patience for things not produced now. Patience is what is needed here and the coward left wing bed wetters won’t understand that. Iraq is where the US was 200 yrs ago. Will their constitution change? Yes of course as ours still changes to this day. Will there be continued fighting? Yes, there are plenty of scumbags here that need to be delt with as they recognize that their days are numbered now since they couldnt alter the elections. The fact that there wasn’t a major mass casualty of voters, SBVIED in polling centers or assassinations conducted that the foaming mouth reporters could get in the middle of just reinforces how far the Iraqi forces have come and how they are getting stronger than the scumbags. Reporter’s countrywide saturated the area days prior to the elections to hopefully catch the US forces failing. Well to damn bad it didn’t happen so pound sand! You be the judge on just how much coverage there is of the actual elections on the news tomorrow. My bet is that there won’t be much beside some BS doubters or what if this or what if that negative crap on. I know that if there were an unsuccessful election, it would have been nothing but “Breaking News” shots about how we failed. It’s a good day to be an American, stand tall America we helped a country get on its feet today. Semper Fi-Capt B

American Snipers

2005-10-15T10:47:00.000-07:00

From the AmericanSnipers.org website:

Please help us help working snipers in combat zones around the world.

Snipersonline UA and Sniper's Paradise have several members and Sniper friends actively engaged in the battle against terrorism. Our friends are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the number of snipers deployed around the world right now. These snipers are deployed in the theaters of combat, both in Afghanistan and Iraq as well as other locations overseas. Many of these are full time law enforcement officers that have been activated for regular duty action.
Our memberships have chosen to help support our fellow snipers, and brothers in arms, by helping supply them with items that they need to get the job done better as well as things to make their lives easier while on deployment. This has been everything from the basic hygiene type items such as handy wipes to tactical products such as holsters, high speed rucksacks, new optics, rifle accessories, to mini binoculars and batteries.
Who are We? We are active local, state, and federal police snipers as well as snipers from the various military branches.We are a tight-knit group that believes strongly in supporting our brothers that are deployed to the front lines. In return for that support, they then pass on their gained knowledge upon their return.We work hard and believe in our missions.We train hard so that when the time comes, we can accomplish our missions to the fullest of our abilities.We are snipers that need support in the form of advanced gear as well as "creature comfort" items to help us pass the time while we are away from our jobs and our families.We are the ones putting our lives on the line to help keep this great country safe and free from terrorism. We are your sons, your brothers, your husbands, your fathers, as well as your friends.We invite you to directly support the effort of those that are going in harms way on your behalf.

View the AmericanSnipers.org Flash Movie

AmericanSnipers.org Photos

List of Things Needed

Al Qaeda "barber" arrested in Iraq

2005-10-15T08:18:00.000-07:00

One by one, these terrorist son's-a-bitches go to prison or to see Allah. No virgins for any of these losers.

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - U.S. forces in Iraq said on Saturday that they were holding a man suspected of acting as a barber to senior al Qaeda militants and helping them change their appearance to evade capture.

The man, named as Walid Muhammad Farhan Juwar al-Zubaydi -- "aka 'The Barber,"' the U.S. military statement said -- was arrested in Baghdad on September 24, the day before U.S. troops caught up with and killed a militant they described as the most senior al Qaeda leader in the capital, Abu Azzam.

"'The Barber's' duties included altering senior al Qaeda in Iraq members' appearances by dying hair color, altering hairstyles and changing facial hair in their efforts to evade capture," the military said in the statement.

Also detained on September 24 was Ibrahim Muhammad Subhi Khayri al-Rihawi, the military said, naming him also as Abu Khalil and calling him a "close associate" of Abu Azzam.

"(He) served as an executive assistant for the terrorist emir. He also acted as a banker for Azzam and stored the terrorist organization's funds so they would not be confiscated should Abu Azzam be killed or captured," it added.

Abu Azzam was described by U.S. commanders after his death as second only to Abu Musab al-Zarqawi in the Islamist network's organization in Iraq.

U.S. forces are keen to show progress in tracking down insurgents in Iraq after two and a half years in which the militants have inflicted thousands of casualties on Iraqi civilians and security forces and killed hundreds of Americans.

White House Remembers Sailors Killed in USS Cole Attack

2005-10-13T18:09:00.000-07:00

By Rudi WilliamsAmerican Forces Press Service
ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 13, 2005 – The sailors who died on board the USS Cole in a terrorist attack were remembered Oct. 12 at Arlington National Cemetery on the fifth anniversary of the attack.

Retired Navy Cmdr. John Alexander, director of

communications and public affairs, Navy-Marine

Corps Relief Society, reads the roll call of remem-

brance - the names of the 17 sailors killed in the

Oct. 12, 2000, terrorist attack on the USS Cole.

Ben Barbin (center) strikes the triangle after each

name, as retired Navy Capt. William Perry strums

his guitar honoring the dead sailors.

Photo by Rudi Williams

The White House Commission on Remembrance hosted the ceremony at the site where three of the guided missile destroyer's crewmembers are buried.

As the Cole was refueling in the harbor of Aden, Yemen, a small craft approached the port side of the guided missile destroyer and exploded, blasting a 40-by-40-foot hole in the ship's side. The attack took the lives of 17 crewmembers and 39 others were injured. The repaired ship returned to duty a year later.

Carmella LaSpada, director of the White House Commission on Remembrance, read a message from President Bush.

"On the anniversary of this tragedy, we pay tribute to those who were lost and recognize their courage and determination to fight for freedom," the message read in part. "Each answered a noble call and demonstrated a love of country and a devotion to duty that have inspired countless Americans. Today, the vital work of spreading liberty continues, and our country will persevere until we see freedom's victory.

"We'll always remember those lost aboard the USS Cole, and we honor their bravery by continuing to defend liberty and lay the foundation of peace for our children and grandchildren," the president's message noted.

This year, the commission sponsored the remembrance ceremony with the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.

Rest of the Story.

We should have kicked some al Qaeda ass right there and then. But, we had the wrong guy in the White House.

Syria Says Official Committed Suicide

2005-10-12T13:38:00.000-07:00

Sure he did. I don't think so.

Syria Says Official Committed Suicide

AP - 2 hours, 3 minutes ago

DAMASCUS, Syria - Syria's interior minister, who ran Lebanon for many years and was one of several top officials caught up in the U.N. probe of the slaying of that nation's former prime minister, died Wednesday. The country's official news agency said he committed suicide in his office. The death of Brig. Gen. Ghazi Kenaan - just days before the final U.N. investigation report is due - was a new and startling sign of turmoil in Syria, whose authoritarian regime is girding for the chance that the U.N. report might implicate high-ranking officials in the assassination of former Lebanese premier Rafik Hariri.

STORM SURIVAL KIT

2005-10-12T08:08:00.000-07:00

Red Neck Storm Survival Kit:

Mustard...................................................$0.95

Cheetos..................................................$ 0.75

Toilet Paper........................................ $ 0.45

7UP ................................................... $1.00

Bottled Water ..................................... $2.00

Bud Light........................................... $ 3.75

Keystone Ice........................................ $ 3.75

Budweiser........................................... $3.75

Red Dog............................................. $3.75

Misc. other cans of alcohol......................$ 3.75

Sheet of foam, plywood or door

to float your chick (and supplies) on...priceless

For everything else, there's Master Card.

TO BOTH OF THE al's (Zawahiri and Zarqawi)

2005-10-12T06:25:00.000-07:00

Letter from al-Zawahiri to al-Zarqawi

2005-10-11T19:08:00.000-07:00

October 11, 2005
ODNI News Release No. 2-05

Today the Office of the Director of National Intelligence released a letter between two senior al Qa'ida leaders, Ayman al-Zawahiri and Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, that was obtained during counterterrorism operations in Iraq. This lengthy document provides a comprehensive view of al Qa'ida's strategy in Iraq and globally.

The letter from al-Zawahiri to al-Zarqawi is dated July 9, 2005. The contents were released only after assurances that no ongoing intelligence or military operations would be affected by making this document public.

The document has not been edited in any way and is released in its entirety in both the Arabic and English translated forms. The United States Government has the highest confidence in the letter's authenticity.

Al-Zawahiri's letter offers a strategic vision for al Qa'ida's direction for Iraq and beyond, and portraysal Qa'ida's senior leadership's isolation and dependence.

Among the letter's highlights are discussions indicating:

The centrality of the war in Iraq for the global jihad.
From al Qa'ida's point of view, the war does not end with an American departure.
An acknowledgment of the appeal of democracy to the Iraqis.
The strategic vision of inevitable conflict, with a tacit recognition of current political dynamics in Iraq; with a call by al-Zawahiri for political action equal to military action.
The need to maintain popular support at least until jihadist rule has been established.
Admission that more than half the struggle is taking place "in the battlefield of the media."

Letter in Arabic Letter in English

And, if you think that the 'liberal' media isn't a factor, read this excerpt from the letter:

"However, despite all of this, I say to you: that we are in a battle, and that more than half of this battle is taking place in the battlefield of the media. And that we are in a media battle in a race for the hearts and minds of our Umma. "

http://www.dni.gov/letter_in_english.doc

Just another day at the office for Capt. B.

2005-10-11T09:03:00.000-07:00

MONKEY STOMP AWAITS
Today was a good day. However, one of our convoys was hit by and IED, there were no injuries. That was just one of many IED attacks beginning last night along with a single rocket impact (no factor). A couple detonations went off through the night but I just inched a little closer to the hesco and sandbags as they are the last line of defense for keeping red hot shrapnel giving me a new orifice. Near by, the engineers dropped a building that had been used by dirt bags to sharp shoot at Soldiers. Chalk up one abanded building collapsed and turned to useless rubble. The explosion was different that that of a rocket or IED but the shock wave scared the hell out of us as we knew it was getting demolished but didn’t know exactly when. Curfew begins around here at 2300. But that doesn’t mean Haji wont lob a few rockets on timers or mortars at you at sunset or sneak out late in the night and quickly fire that RPG your way, F’ers. They have to set that crap on timers because they know they are dead if they stick around after they shoot them. If they do stick around or see the fire at us we will have a Plt on them with circling air support so fast their head will swing. Im sure Haji is up to something as the elections approach on the 15th and they don’t have the logistics to maintain a steady fight so they will do their thing then lay low to dig up their resupply and get ready for another attack on us. Its getting harder for them though as we see everything they do…………silly Haji’s we are always ready for a good fight.

From the blog page 'One Marine's View'. The page is maintained by Capt. B.. He is articulate and he is there, in the 'sandbox'. The site is worth the view and be sure to thank a good man for his service to his country.

SYRIANA

2005-10-11T08:21:00.000-07:00

If you go by the trailer, this movie looks very good. It has an outstanding cast and I am a big Chris Cooper fan.

Exclusive - See George Clooney in the trailer for 'Syriana'

Watch the Trailer

Robert Baer (Clooney), a 21-year veteran of the CIA, spent his entire career investigating terrorists around the globe. As the dangers of terrorism increased, Baer watched as the CIA's funding was cut, politics overtook judgment, and warning signs were ignored. But the struggle becomes personal when and oil executive (Damon) an his wife (Peet) are faced with a family tragedy.

Genres: Drama and Thriller

Release Date: November 23rd, 2005 (limited); December 9th, 2005 (wide).

MPAA Rating: R for violence and language.

Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures Distribution

Cast and Credits

Starring:	George Clooney, Matt Damon, Jeffrey Wright, Chris Cooper, Tim Blake Nelson
Directed by:	Stephen Gaghan
Produced by:	Jennifer Fox, Michael Nozik, Georgia Kacandes
	More Cast and Credits...

Production Photos

View All (4) Production Photos...

Cindy Flashing for Peace

2005-10-10T18:23:00.000-07:00

Troop Tribute Spotlights National Guardsman

2005-10-10T15:48:00.000-07:00

By Linda D. Kozaryn

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 9, 2005 – Country music fans phoned WMZQ radio throughout the day Oct. 8 asking one question: would the heavy rains stop the Tribute to the Troops?
Luke Stricklin (above), an Arkansas National Guardsman and Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran, and members of his band perform Oct. 8 at the Tribute to the Troops at Nissan Pavilion in Manassas, Va.

Not to worry, the disc jockeys said. The show would go on. People with tickets for lawn seats at the Nissan Pavilion in Manassas, Va., could now sit inside the open-air concert arena.

One caller vowed the sporadic downpours wouldn't keep her away. "I'll be there," she said. "The troops don't stop fighting just because it rains."

Thousands of other country-music-loving troop supporters showed the same determination.

They coped with the wet weather and dodged local flooding to attend the concert starring country music stars Montgomery Gentry, with special guests Chely Wright and Keith Anderson.
Information Manufacturing Corp. and the United Service Organizations were among the show's sponsors. Proceeds would benefit Paralyzed Veterans of America.
As people filled their seats, a public service video aired on the pavilion's big screens telling fans they could send a message of support to the troops by logging onto http://www.americasupportsyou.mil/AmericaSupportsYou/index.html, a Defense Department Web site that highlights troop support events across America.
A newcomer on the country music scene, Luke Stricklin, an Arkansas National Guard specialist and Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran, opened the show. After singing songs off his debut album, Stricklin sang his hit single "American, by God's Amazing Grace."

Rest of the story.