American Hero Worship

A Veteran's Day Letter to my Heroes...

2007-11-11T07:59:00.000-08:00

I sit in the comfort of my home, watching the leaves fall outside with the rain. I am plotting my next batch of homemade bread and crockpot chili. I get caught up in the noise of the game on the tv. I watch my candles flicker and throw off comforting lights and scents. I am yet surrounded by boxes and an oven that still holds my quesadilla hostage, but I am safe and warm. I am at peace for a moment in the chaos that has been my life the last six weeks.

In this moment, as many others throughout my days and weeks, you are in my thoughts and prayers. The comforts of MRE's; the safety of makeshift housing, the scent of close quarters with many others fill my thoughts. I can only imagine from the stories passed on to me. The long flights in moving home; the chats with co-workers getting ready for deployment to relieve those who have stood fast for a year or more. To those stateside who are standing fast; for those who are home; for those who are still overseas; for those who are transitioning, I send my heartfelt thanks for your services. Words cannot convey my true appreciation for all of you and all you do. Be safe; be well. You are loved.

*hugs*
miss b

Here's one for the fellas

2007-10-29T11:34:00.000-07:00

and the women who love them *wink*

Support our wounded vets... get your pin-up girls Calendar for 2008... buy one for the heroes overseas, your garage, your dorm.

Do it. Now.

That's an order!

The Angels are Crying...

2007-09-11T04:19:00.000-07:00

It's lightly raining, overcast, and just a sad day. I'm on my way to work, listening to a debate on the radio over the happenings of 9/11, and conspiracy theories and disputing opposing positions.

I'm melancholy.

For today, put the madness aside.

Never forget the lost.

Remember those who are still here to protect.

Hug your kids, your parents, your best friend.

Peace for a moment.

*hugs*
Miss B

You are a True American if...

2007-07-11T11:36:00.000-07:00

It never occurred to you to be offended by the phrase, 'One nation, under God.'

You've never protested about seeing the 10 Commandments posted in public places.

You still say Merry Christmas instead of Happy Holidays or 'Winter Festival.

You bow your head when someone prays.

You stand and place your hand over your heart when they play the National Anthem.

You treat Viet Nam vets with great respect, and always have.

You've never burned an American flag.

You know what you believe and you aren't afraid to say so, no matter who is listening.

You respect your elders and expect your kids to do the same.

You'd give your last dollar to a friend.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
God Bless the US of A.
Amen.
And please do not forget to sing the national anthem in English.

How many words is this picture worth?

2007-06-08T11:02:00.000-07:00

This amazing picture has drawn a lot of comments from readers of the Nashville paper, The Tennessean.

Dear Tennessean:
The Tennessean's April 5 photograph of young Christian Golczynski accepting the American flag from Marine Lt. Col. Ric Thompson is one of the most moving and emotion provoking images I have ever seen.

My wife and I attended funeral services for Christian's father, Staff Sergeant Marcus Golczynski, on April 4, along with our six year-old son, dozens of Marines, and several hundred others who came to pay tribute to this fallen hero.

As one would expect, many of your readers were touched by this incredible
picture. Staff Sergeant Golczynski had previously served one full tour in Iraq.
Shortly before his death on March 27 he wrote to his family that he had
volunteered to do this a second time due to our deep desire to finish the job we
started. In his letter he said, "We fight and sometimes die so that our families don't have to." Tragically, Staff Sergeant Golczynski had only two weeks remaining on his second tour. We look at the photograph of Christian every day. It is displayed prominently in our home. Our hearts ache for Christian and for all those who have lost loved ones in this controversial conflict.

When looking at the face of Christian Golczynski I am reminded that doing
what is right is not always easy and doing what is easy is not always right.
Christian's dad knew that too.

James Drescher Franklin, TN

"Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more; you should never wish to do less!"

~General Robert E. Lee

Book Series from Soldiers' Angels

2007-05-25T06:14:00.000-07:00

"May No Soldier Go Unloved" is Book number one in a Series that chronicles the History of Soldiers Angels

$20 Pre-sale available now-

Written by the Founder's (Patti Patton Bader) Husband, Jeff Bader,

Book One Centers Around How Soldiers Angels Started and the Mission it set forth.

The Books Will revolve around Soldiers Angels Motto
May No Soldier Go Unloved
May No Soldier Walk Alone
May No Soldier Be ForGotten
Till they All Come Home.

The First 1000 Books will be signed by the Author and his Wife Patti, Founder of Soldiers' Angels
A portion of these proceeds will go to Welcome Packs for our deployed heroes!

~*~Book One Centers Around How Soldiers Angels Started and the Mission it set forth.

May No Soldier Go Unloved

~*~Book Two Centers Around the Angels and Soldiers' 2003-2006.

May No Soldier Walk Alone

~*~Book Three Centers Around the wounded service members and the work surounding the wounded.

May No Soldier Be ForGotten

~*~Book Four Centers Around the homecomings

'Til they All Come Home.

For details and ordering go:

Fisher House and Best Buy Connecting America's Heroes and their Families

2007-05-24T13:10:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 22 - "Connectivity," helping wounded or injured service members stay connected with their families while hospital patients, is the theme of Best Buy's Memorial Day through Fourth of July campaign to support the nonprofit Fisher House Foundation.

Best Buy, the nation's largest consumer electronics retailer, is partnering with the 38 Fisher Houses - large multi-family comfort homes on the grounds of 18 major military medical centers and nine VA medical centers - to donate lap top computers and other support to make it easier for service men and women at these medical centers stay in touch with their friends and families. The Campaign also gives Best Buy customers an easy way to support Fisher House, the troops and their families through in-store and online donations.

Beginning on Memorial Day Weekend and continuing through the week of July 4th, Best Buy customers can donate to Fisher House at any Best Buy register during check-out, or any time from the Best Buy website, www.bestbuy.com. Best Buy vendor partners, including Nintendo, Samsung, Sony and Toshiba are donating lap top computers, flat screen televisions, Wii gaming systems and other technology to the Campaign. Best Buy employees will volunteer at Fisher Houses and help install and service the new systems. All is part of an effort by Best Buy to provide the Fisher Houses with the most modern technology so the families can remain connected to their loved ones.

The Fisher House program began in 1990 when philanthropists and patriots Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher offered to build and donate to the government comfort homes on the grounds of military medical centers to permit service members to be close to their families during a hospitalization. The program at VA medical centers began later in 1994. Today, there is at least one Fisher House at every major military medical center, and more are planned. Since September 11, 2001, Fisher House Foundation has made support to service men and women hospitalized as a result of their service in Iraq or Afghanistan, and their families, its highest priority. The six Fisher Houses that will start construction in 2007 are being built at locations where the combat casualties will receive long term rehabilitation. The equipment and services being donated by Best Buy will improve the quality of life for these service members and their families, and enable to them to stay connected with their families and friends.

About Fisher House
Fisher House Foundation is best known for the network of 38 comfort homes on the grounds of military and VA major medical centers. The houses are 5,000 to 16,000 square foot homes, with up to 21 suites, donated to the military and VA by the Fisher House Foundation. The program provides support to families of patients receiving care at the nearby medical center and has ensured that families of service men and women wounded or injured in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom do not pay for their stay at a Fisher House or other base facility if they are on a wait list. For more information on the work of Fisher House Foundation, go to www.fisherhouse.org or call toll-free (888) 294-8560.

About Best Buy Co., Inc.
Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY) operates a global portfolio of brands with a commitment to growth and innovation. Best Buy's employees strive to provide customers around the world with superior experiences by responding to their unique needs and aspirations. The company sells consumer electronics, home-office products, entertainment software, appliances and related services through more than 1,150 retail stores across the United States, throughout Canada and in China. Our multi-channel operations include: Best Buy (BestBuy.com, BestBuy.ca and BestBuy.com.cn), Future Shop (FutureShop.ca), Geek Squad (GeekSquad.com and GeekSquad.ca), Pacific Sales Kitchen and Bath Centers (PacificSales.com), Magnolia Audio Video (Magnoliaav.com) and Jiangsu Five Star Appliance Co. (Five-Star.cn). Best Buy supports the communities in which its employees work and live through volunteerism and grants that benefit children and education.

Operation Outreach a success

2007-05-21T12:12:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, we joined a group down in Harrison OH for a 5K Walk/Run. The Air Force and Army were represented (yay heroes) and we had about 150 people show. It was a good time for a great cause. Proceeds went to buy kevlar blankets for the deployed Heroes.

We're thrilled to have gotten word out about Soldiers' Angels, and had some fun in the process.

Congratulations to everyone...

Operation Outreach May 19, 2007 Harrison OH - Come Run/Walk to Support Soldiers' Angels

2007-05-17T06:17:00.000-07:00

I'll be there... come out for a great cause, support those who support our Heroes, and meet some real live Angels. Heroes welcome...
*hugs*
Miss B

5K /3.1 mile Run and Walk
Saturday May 19, 2007 9:00 AM
(Armed Forces Day)
2007 Church On Fire Ministries "Operation Outreach 5K"
Benefitting Soldiers' Angels programs

The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan need your support!

On Armed Forces Day, May 19, 2007 the inaugural Operation Outreach 5K will be run to support SOLDIERS ANGELS.

"Blankets of Hope" is an SA program that provides handmade blankets given to wounded soldiers in hospitals.

"Armor Up ! " is another SA program raising financial support to purchase KEVLAR BOMB BLANKETS. The Kevlar blankets are used in lightly armored Humvees and trucks.

Entry: Go to RunWildRacing.com and choose Operation Outreach
Online Reg. Closes: May 18, 2007 09:00 PM Pacific Time

$20 before May 5th.
$25 after May 5th.
$30 Race Day

Location: Transportation to the start will be from:

Church On Fire, 10544 Harrison Ave.
Harrison OH USA

Race start is at Highlands Shelter @ Miami White-water Park (www.GreatParks.org)
Local Contact
For info &
Donations
Randy Moore
513-708-0585
operationoutreach5k@yahoo.com

Awards:
The top three males/females will receive awards as well as the top three is each age category. Also, there will be an inter-military competition, so who will finish first? The Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force or Coast Guard?

Directions:
Harrison Ohio is west of Cincinnati on I-74.From I-74 take Exit #1, New Haven Rd. and go South. (From westbound I-74 turn left. Eastbound I-74 turn right). Go ¼ mile to SECOND traffic light,and turn left on Harrison Ave. Church On Fire is ½ mile on the left, just past the light at Stone Dr.and will be well marked with mile markers, directional signs and an aid stations.

Course:
This course starts at Highlands Terrace shelter, Miami Whitewater Park and finishes at Church On Fire parking lot. From Highlands Shelter the troop supporters/runners/walkers proceed south to West Road. Turn right, go past Wm. Henry Harrison High School. Continue west to Harrison Avenue. After crossing the bridge over I-74 turn right. Proceed to Finish at Church On Fire parking lot. Course will be well marked with mile markers, directional signs and an aid station. A one-way course that is flat.

Categories:
Awards are based on following categories: 11 - 14, 15 - 19, 20 -24, 25 - 29, 30 - 34, 35 - 39, 40 - 44, 45 - 49, 50 - 54, 55 - 59, 60 - 64, 65 - 69, 70+, Cruiser's (Men over 200lbs / Women over 150lbs), Walkers (MUST walk the entire event)

Teams:
Team Entries: $30.00 Register by check. Send to Church on Fire with list of team members. DO NOT REGISTER TEAMS WITH RUN WILD RACING. Teams must register in teams of 5 members only. No partial teams, please. Teams are not eligible for times or awards. Race T-shirts are available for purchase. Price undetermined at this time.

Transportation to the Starting Line:
IMPORTANT NOTE: Participants will be transported to the start location for the race, which is at the Highlands Shelter @ Miami Whitewater Park (www.GreatParks.org), so please arrive by 8:00 a.m. at the Church On Fire, 10544 Harrison Ave. to be taken to the start.

An Angel Gets Her Wings...

2007-05-03T15:51:00.000-07:00

Carey Barnes was a Soldiers' Angels Letter Writing Team(LWT) Team Leader from Jan 2005 to Jan 2007 when she stepped back to rest for the birth of her child. She developed and distributed the first Soldiers’ Angels “Certificate of Appreciation,” plus did many other things via SA in supporting our troops. She was one of our Team Leaders who was always willing to help any way she could and always there for so many.

Carey Barnes passed away on April 29, 2007 from a rare heart disorder, five days after giving birth to very healthy baby boy named Ethan Charles Barnes.

Her husband let SA know, even while handling the arrangements and a newborn son. Our hearts go out to him and his family. She will be missed. God love you, Carey.

*hugs*
Miss B

Soldiers' Angels May Newsletter is out...

2007-05-03T08:34:00.000-07:00

Contact me jemcelina @ aol . com if you would like a copy...

*hugs*
Miss B

Paging Dr McDreamy...

2007-04-27T05:15:00.000-07:00

To all you fine folks who helped out... Thank You!!! Our Hero won the contest... awesome job everyone! And congratz Major Lipshutz, thanks for being our Hero. Enjoy your moment, and be safe on your journey to the Sandbox...

*hugs*
Miss B
****************************************

Through Soldiers' Angels, we have heard from the wife of one of the Heroes who is in a pretty special situation...

My husband, Major Josh Lipschutz, is one of ten finalists for a Philadelphia contest called "Paging Dr. McDreamy". www.my1061.com . He served in Iraq in 2005 and has orders to redeploy to Afghanistan. I am his wife and we have two young children (5 and 3 1/2).It would mean the world to me to have him win this contest prior to his deployment. He has only 17 votes out of more than 1000! His photo was shot in Iraq.
Please spread the message and ask people to vote by going to www.my1061.com, scrolling through all 10 finalists (he's the only military one), and then enter their email address. They'll then receive an automatic email from the radio station, and their vote won't count unless they click on the link.
So come on out... vote for one of our own... thanks for your help!!!
*hugs*
Miss B

Military Appreciation Month...

2007-04-25T08:24:00.000-07:00

I am humbled...

2007-04-21T19:47:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know it's not the A-list, but to know that someone, somewhere out there in the wide world of blogs has linked my American Hero Worship website to theirs is a beautiful thing... thank you, whoever you are...

*hugs*
miss b

"Soldier" Song and Video Nominated for top video of the year...

2007-04-18T07:15:00.000-07:00

The song and video for Soldiers' Angels "Soldier" by Shawn Hlookoff has been nominated for the top video of the year for Universal Muisc.....

please take a moment to vote and most importantly "leave a comment" .....

If "Soldier" wins the contest... it will get huge exposure around North America.......

By the way over 125,000 downloads so far.....!

http://ca.upyourmusic.yahoo.com/#v=110143

Virginia Tech Army ROTC Cadets Support their Fellow Students- Soldiers' Angels' donates $10,000.00 to Virginia Tech ROTC Cadet Endowment Fund

2007-04-18T06:49:00.000-07:00

Soldiers' Angels Challenges the nation to donate to the Virginia Tech Corp of Cadets

Pasadena, California -- April 17, 2007

The students and faculty of Virginia Tech have experienced an unimaginable horror this week. The slaying of over 30 students has left the campus in a fog of disbelief and given rise to a flood of unanswered questions. The sanctity of the university, an institution of higher learning for our country's young adults, has been breached by the sights and sounds from the deadliest shooting rampage in American history. The stories have been splashed across the televisions and computer screens of America, and Americans have blanketed the survivors and their family and friends with thoughts and prayers. Even though the stories of tragedy and heroism are not fully known, the destruction has been wrought and the process of healing has begun.

The participation of the Virginia Tech Army ROTC in the ceremonies following this tragedy will be integral to the healing process. The Cadet Corp will participate in the convocation, flag raising ceremonies, and will help with student support. The Army ROTC cadets are motivated young men and women who will one day swear an oath to protect our nation. They will take on this obligation knowing that they will be placed in harms way to push the fight in the Global War on Terror forward. However, at the present time they will be called upon to serve their fellow students. They will stand up at a difficult time and represent the proud military institutions of this country.

The Virginia Tech Cadet Corp's history is the history of Virginia Tech. The school was opened as a military academy in 1872 and its corp of cadets have honorably served this country in every war since. During World War II, 7,285 Virginia Tech alumni served in uniform with three hundred and twenty three of them being killed. It is ironic that one of the first stories of heroism coming out of this tragedy is that of Professor Liviu Librescu, 76, a holocaust survivor.

Professor Librescu was an engineering science and mathematics lecturer at Virginia Tech for 20 years. Students in his class have reported that he held the door to his classroom shut to give the students time to escape through a window. He died when the gunman shot through the door to gain entrance to the room. In the 1940's the students of Virginia Tech answered the call to fight Nazi Germany and years later Professor Librescu answered the call to protect the students of Virginia Tech.

In honor of the students and professors who died in this tragic event and the sacrifices made by the Virginia Tech Corp of Cadets for our country, Soldiers' Angels is giving $10, 000.00 to the Virginia Tech Army ROTC Alumni Endowment Fund. Soldiers' Angels challenges the nation todouble this amount by logging onto http://www.armyrotc.vt.edu/ or by sending donations to Virginia Tech Army ROTC, Account # 872289, 226 Military Building, Blacksburg, VA 24061. The donation you make will help the Virginia Tech Cadet Corp continue on so that it may live up to its motto of "UT PROSIM" - That I may move Forward.

In the time honored tradition of civilian support of American soldiers, Soldiers' Angels sponsors programs which provide support to American soldiers and their families. Soldiers' Angels' programs include first responder packs, support, and laptop computers to wounded soldiers who are receiving treatment at American military hospitals; care packages, letters, and support to deployed soldiers; armored blankets to military ambulances; items shipped for deployed soldiers to give children in thewar zone; and memorial trees for the families of soldiers who have died in the service of their country.

# # #If you would like more information about this topic or to schedule an interview with Patti Patton-Bader, please call Don Mackay at(615)676-0239

-- Shelle Michaels, APR Soldiers' Angels
National Public Relations Director
Tri-State Regional Manager
2901 University Ave.
STOP 7026
Grand Forks, ND 58202
(218) 779-7271
shellemichaels@msn.com

soldiersangels.org

Fisher House Fundraiser

2007-04-13T10:21:00.000-07:00

From one of my local ladies who is a tremendous supporter of our troops~

There is going to be a fundraiser for the Wright Patterson Fisher House on April 28th. Information can be found at www.fnhi.org. If anyone is looking for something to do!!

I was thinking for the first project to be.....BOREDOM BUSTERS

Karen, the house manager, was telling me how bored they get. I took up some puzzles that a fellow angel donated and the her eyes lit up and she said, "They are going to enjoy this!"

The only condition of boredom busters are magazines can not be used. The residents being cancer victims are very prone to picking up diseases due to chemo and she requested no books to read. She has an oversupply of books and no storage space.

Ideas::: Sudoku puzzle books
crosswords
search a word
new magazines
simple craft kits
puzzles
DVDs
Computer games
Stationary kits and pens

I am sure that y'all have some great ideas please share them with us. Please email me if you are interested in helping. Thanks for being Wright Patterson Angels
Julie

*hugs*
miss b

USAF Becky Home Safe...

2007-03-29T17:10:00.000-07:00

Another of my "unofficials" home safe and sound. Thanks for your service, Hero... glad to have you back. I'll miss hearin' from ya (maybe da Bears will get it NEXT time!) ;) Wishin' you the best on your journey through life...

*hugs*
Miss B

Last Female WWI Vet Dies at 109

2007-03-29T07:34:00.000-07:00

Rest in Peace, Charlotte... We thank you for your service and will not forget that for you, we rested easier.

*hugs*

Miss B

Associated Press March 29, 2007

BOONSBORO, Md. - The last known surviving American female World War I veteran, a refined Civil War buff who met face-to-face with the Secretary of the Navy to fight for women in the military, has died. She was 109.

Charlotte Winters died Tuesday at a nursing home near Boonsboro in northwest Maryland, the U.S. Naval District in Washington said in a statement. Her death leaves just five known surviving American World War I veterans.

In 1916, Winters met with Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels to persuade him to allow women in the service, said Kelly Auber, who grew up on South Mountain, where Winters and her husband, John Winters, settled.

When the Navy opened support roles to women, Winters and her sister, Sophie, joined immediately in 1917, Auber said. By December 1918, the Naval District said more than 11,000 women had enlisted and were serving in support positions.

Winters served as a secretary and retired in 1953 with the rank of yeoman in the U.S. Naval Reserve.

Friends said she was proud of her role but didn't like to be fussed over as she grew older and there were fewer and fewer WWI veterans alive.

"Why are they doing this for me? I don't deserve all this," Doug Bast of Boonsboro recalled her saying.

Auber said Winters was "an absolutely refined lady" who with her husband was fond of traveling the country looking for burial spots of fallen Civil War generals.

"She was very proud of her accomplishments, and when asked, she'd say it was the thing to do, to be patriotic. And, she was very patriotic," Auber told The Hagerstown Herald-Mail.

Marines Ban Sleeve Tats

2007-03-29T07:31:00.000-07:00

Associated Press March 29, 2007

OCEANSIDE, Calif. - Five tattooed skulls stretch from Marine Cpl. Jeremy Slaton's right elbow to his wrist, spelling out the word "Death." He planned to add a tattoo spelling "Life" on his left arm, but that's on hold because of a Marine policy taking effect Sunday.

The Marines are banning any new, extra-large tattoos below the elbow or the knee, saying such body art is harmful to the Corps' spit-and-polish image.

Slaton and other grunts are not pleased. "I guess I'll get the other half later," grumbled the 24-year-old leatherneck from Eden Prairie, Minn. "It's kind of messed up."

For many Marines, getting a tattoo is a rite of passage. They commonly get their forearms inscribed to remember fallen comrades, combat tours or loved ones, and often ask for exotic designs that incorporate the Marine motto, Semper Fi, or "Always faithful."

Check out Military.com's Tattoo Gallery!

Dozens of Marines from Camp Pendleton, the West Coast's biggest Marine base, made last-minute trips to tattoo parlors in nearby Oceanside before the ban kicked in.

"This is something I love to do," said Cpl. David Nadrchal, 20, of Pomona, who made an appointment to get an Iraqi flag and his deployment dates etched onto his lower leg. "The fact I can't put something on my body that I want - it's a big thing to tell me I can't do that."

Nadrchal said he is unsure whether he will re-enlist: "There's all these little things. They are slowly chipping away at us."

Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James T. Conway announced the policy change last week.
"Some Marines have taken the liberty of tattooing themselves to a point that is contrary to our professional demeanor and the high standards America has come to expect from us," he said. "I believe tattoos of an excessive nature do not represent our traditional values."

The ban is aimed primarily at "sleeve" tattoos, the large and often elaborate designs on the biceps and forearms of many Marines. Similar designs on the lower legs will be forbidden as well. So will very large tattoos on the upper arm, if they are visible when a Marine wears his workout T-shirt. Small, individual tattoos will still be allowed on the arms and legs. (The Marines already ban them on the hands.)

Marines already tattooed are exempt from the ban but cannot add to their designs; anyone caught with fresh ink in the wrong places could be barred from re-enlistment or face disciplinary action. Getting a prohibited tattoo could constitute a violation of a lawful order, punishable by up to two years in prison and a dishonorable discharge, Marine spokesman 1st Lt. Brian Donnolly said.

Unit commanders must photograph and document sleeve tattoos to ensure Marines do not add to their ink.

The Marines and the other branches of the military already ban tattoos that could be offensive or disruptive, such as images that are sexist, vulgar, gang-related or extremist.

The Army, which has been doing most of the fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan and is struggling to fill its ranks, actually relaxed its tattoo restrictions last year. Soldiers can now get ink on the back of their hands and the lower back of the neck.

The Navy last year decreed that tattoos visible while in short-sleeve uniform cannot be larger than the wearer's hand. The Air Force says tattoos should be covered up if they are bigger than one-quarter the size of the exposed body part.

Tattoo artist Jerry Layton at the Body Temple Tattoo Studio in Oceanside said he was booked up with Marines rushing to beat the deadline.

"These are guys that are dying in the war," Layton said. "They can fight, but they can't get a tattoo? It's ridiculous."

Soldiers' Angels 2007 April Newsletter

2007-03-28T11:33:00.000-07:00

Catch up on the latest news from Angel HQ...
(Adobe Acrobat Reader required to view)

http://soldiersangelsforum.com/newsletters/A07.pdf

If you do not have Acrobat Reader and/or would like a copy of this via email or snail mail, please contact me.

Miss B
jemcelina @ aol.com

ITT Fined for Night Vision Exports

2007-03-28T10:57:00.000-07:00

I felt compelled to pass this on... I worked for ITT through a consulting firm years ago in Fort Wayne IN. The security measures we endured just to get IN the building, and sometimes back out, were pretty intense. Even more so that I worked back in their IT department as a programmer. I enjoyed my time there, and am sad to hear that this has happened. Anything that puts our Heroes in jeopardy should not just be fined. The word "Treason" comes to mind. Someone should be held accountable for letting this happen. Personal opinion, this is not enough. The contract should be pulled, a non-compete, non-disclosure should be enforced and someone should see prison over this.

Miss B

Associated Press March 28, 2007

ROANOKE, Virginia - ITT Corp. has agreed to pay a $100 million penalty for illegally sending classified night-vision technology used in military operations to China and other countries, U.S. Attorney John Brownlee announced.

ITT, the leading manufacturer of night-vision equipment for U.S. armed forces, will plead guilty in U.S. District Court on Wednesday to two felony charges, Brownlee said at a news conference. One count is export of defense articles without a license and the other is omission of statements of material facts in arms exports reports.

"The criminal actions of this corporation had threatened to turn on the lights on the modern battlefield for our enemies and expose American soldiers to great harm," Brownlee said on Tuesday.

ITT defense-related technical data was given to contractors in China, Singapore and the United Kingdom in order to cut costs, government investigators said.

"Placing profits ahead of the security of our nation is simply not acceptable for any corporation," Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Julie Myers said in a statement.

ITT, which Brownlee said is the U.S. military's 12th largest systems supplier, is the first major defense contractor convicted of a criminal violation under the Arms Export Control Act that a Brownlee spokesman said was passed in 1976.

ITT chief executive Steven Loranger noted that the case related to the actions of a few individuals in one of 15 business units, but said the company "regrets very much that these serious violations occurred."

"I want to reinforce, however, that the heart of our night vision goggles - the tube - is secure," he said. "No information regarding the tube was ever compromised."

According to the prosecutor, ITT agreed to pay a $2 million criminal fine, forfeit $28 million in illegal proceeds to the U.S. government and pay $20 million to the State Department.
"ITT will pay $50 million in restitution to the victims of their crimes - the American soldier," Brownlee said.

The fine will be suspended for five years and the White Plains, New York-based company can reduce it dollar-for-dollar by investing in the development and production of more advanced night-vision technology so the U.S. military maintains battlefield advantage.

The government will maintain the rights to any technologies ITT develops and can share them with rival defense firms bidding on future contracts, Brownlee said.

No individuals have been charged, but Brownlee said the investigation was continuing.

"The size of the penalty shows how severely the government regards any sale of sensitive military technology to a potential adversary," said Loren Thompson, a defense analyst at the Lexington Institute in Arlington, Virginia "Night-vision goggles greatly enhance the capability of military forces to operate around the clock, which differentiates our force from that of most adversaries."

A criminal investigation began in August 2001 when special agents from the Defense Department's Criminal Investigative Service found that ITT had illegally sent a classified U.S. military document about night-vision technology to foreign nationals in the United Kingdom.

Officials from DCIS, the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Department of Justice later uncovered numerous export law violations, such as ITT allowing a Singapore engineer to work with its engineers at the company's Night Vision manufacturing operation in Roanoke County, and two Chinese optical engineers working on the design of the enhanced night-vision goggle system in Singapore.

Government agents said managers viewed U.S. export laws "as obstacles to getting business done," Brownlee said.

Prosecutors also said that between April 2000 and October 2004, ITT omitted material facts in required arms exports reports that made them misleading.

As part of the agreement, the company is subject to independent monitoring and an extensive remedial action program, Brownlee said.

In a related action, ITT said the State Department had placed restrictions on certain exports of night vision equipment and technical data, and ITT Night Vision will face shipping restrictions for at least a year.

ITT and its corporate attorneys fought the government's investigation for three years, attempting to "run out the clock on the statute of limitations" after law enforcement officials executed a search warrant in October 2002 at the Roanoke operation, Brownlee said.

But when the government informed ITT it would seek an indictment in the fall of 2005, Loranger, then new in his post, hired new attorneys and fully cooperated with the investigation.

The global economy has made compliance with U.S. export laws more difficult for companies, said Jim Wilson, a JPMorgan Chase Vastera vice president.

"They have to understand their entire supply chain," he said. "That's a lot of training and ongoing education because the rules aren't stable."

Shares of ITT, which makes products ranging from wastewater handling systems to electronic warfare technologies for military aircraft, ended Tuesday down 31 cents to $60.89 on the New York Stock Exchange.

Home and Safe...

2007-03-26T10:46:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to USMC Marci... home safe and sound as of Friday night! Thanks so much for your service and dedication. May God bless you in your journey through life. I'm grateful I got to know you for the short time I had.

Spring Fling For Fisher Houses

2007-03-23T12:44:00.000-07:00

We are currently having a Spring Fling for the Fisher Houses. A Fisher House serves as a “home away from home” for the families of military personnel and veterans seeking medical care at major military and VA medical centers. They are designed to accommodate 16 to 42 family members at any time and feature common kitchens, large communal dining rooms and living areas stocked with books and toys for the children. Families can stay free of charge.

The average stay in hospital for a combat-wounded serviceman or woman is 45-60 days, and in many cases can go well into a year or more. Providing the means for families to be with their loved ones is critical in their recovery process. All of the houses are built by the Fisher House Foundation, and Soldiers' Angels works with the House staff to meet their ongoing needs. As the number of combat casualties continues to climb, these facilities will be called upon to serve more and more families. We at Soldiers' Angels are proud of our support to the Fisher Houses across the country.

If you donate a gift card for $20.00 or more to any Fisher House by May 1st, you will receive a $20.00 gift certificate for the Soldiers' Angels Store.

Cards should be to common stores: Sears, JC Penney, Wal-Mart etc., or prepaid Visa or Mastercards. The cards should be sent directly to the Fisher House of your choice - be sure to note that you are with Soldiers' Angels.

Here is a link to the Fisher Houses to choose one for your donation. http://www.fisherhouse.org/aboutUs/3_FHlocations.pdf

After you have made your donation, please email me for the address. Send me your name, address, email, copy of the receipt for the gift card purchased and to which Fisher House it was sent. Please include your email so that I can send you your gift certificate for the Soldiers' Angels Store.

You may just print out this page, fill out the info and send to me, along with the receipt of purchase.

I just know you all are going to be a wonderful help for the Fisher Houses!!! It takes the support from all of us to help those who support all of us.

*hugs*

Miss B

jemcelina@aol.com

*********************************************

Name: __________________

Address: ___________________

City St Zip: __________________

Email: ______________________

Fisher House location: _________________

*Remember the copy of receipt for gift card*

"Soldier" - A Memorial Day Education

2007-03-23T10:59:00.000-07:00

Dear Angels,

My name is John Graham and I manage Shawn Hlookoff. We are working together with all of you to present the song and video "Soldier" to every soldier, school and student in the country for use for Memorial Day (www.soldiersangels.org) To date the work that Shelle and Patti have done along with my group has resulted in e-mails to over 200,000 teachers and on average 30000 downloads of the free DVD a day (and growing).

The purpose is to help students understand the meaning of Memorial Day through contemporary images and song.

We could not imagine being any luckier than we are to have been able to join together with the nations premier soldier support group.....I can't imagine a better group of people to work with. I applaud you.

We also want to thank you for the work you do (outside of our joint effort) it is truly needed in this day and age. If you have not seen the video please take a moment to view it. If you like what you see, feel free to use it or pass it along via e-mail to any local school, overseas and home-based soldier or any friend (we need as much help as there is). We have done this for you and your cause.

If there is anything I can do for you please do not hesitate to ask; you can reach me through Shelle Michaels (shellemichaels@msn.com)

.......I thank you all.

John Graham

Donations Needed at Minnesota Red Cross

2007-03-22T06:47:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

We are VERY short this month, if you have a chance to get out and donate, PLEASE do! You can always email me kundej@usa.redcross.org and I will find you a place and time. Or you can check out our website: www.givebloodgivelife.org and set up a time.

Please try and get out and donate. And encourage your friends and family as well!

Take care,
Jenny

Jenny Kunde
Donor Recruitment Representative
Donor Resources Development Department
American Red Cross
North Central Blood Services
100 South Robert Street
St. Paul, MN 55107
Ph: 651-291-3898 or 1-800-426-2164 X3898
Cell: 651-247-3207
Fax: 651-291-6733

“The American Red Cross North Central Blood Services is committed to making sure no patient goes without the blood he or she needs. North Central Blood Services consistently meets the blood needs of all the hospitals it serves. Blood donated through the Red Cross can also be sent for patients being treated at medical centers across the region and, in times of disaster, can be made available anywhere in the country. Blood donated through the American Red Cross is "blood without borders". "It is the ultimate way to think globally and act locally."

It takes communities to bring soldiers all the way home

2007-03-19T06:18:00.000-07:00

Posted on Sun, Mar. 18, 2007 http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/news/editorial/16920728.htm

I am watching the growing furor over the shortcomings in the Veterans Administration system and the fallout from Walter Reed Army Hospital with growing alarm. I am concerned that we are going to fix the crisis and forget the problem.

The problem is how to help warriors, and their families, successfully reintegrate back into our communities, and their homes, after combat. A portion of that problem is health care related. For a majority of combat vets, however, only a small part of their reintegration challenge has to do with health care for physical injuries. Behavioral and mental health are bigger issues. And for most, the biggest challenge is relational: rebuilding marriages, reconnecting with children, rejoining friends, rejoining the global economy, getting back to the communities of faith we left, etc.

The problem with focusing on the VA is we may well fix the VA only to convince ourselves that the reintegration of our combat veterans is a government program, not a community process. If we expect the government to take care of everything, we will have failed our combat veterans and their families as well as ourselves.

We have sent our precious men and women to war. The VA can't bring them home. Only we can. We have a moral obligation to insure that all of our combat veterans come all the way home to their families, their jobs, their schools and their communities.

A government program can't do that. A community can.

That means each of us needs to roll up our sleeves and do more than castigate the VA. It means the following:

If you are a health care provider, do the right thing: Become a Tricare provider. Tricare is the insurance the government issues to mobilized reservists and guardsmen. Two-thirds of health care providers are not Tricare providers. The result: We do not have an in-patient chemical dependency treatment center in Minnesota that is a Tricare provider. We have a dire shortage of behavioral mental health providers who are Tricare providers. The VA can't fix this we can.

If you are an educator, sign up for an Operation Military Kids workshop and learn about the daunting challenges our 7,000 Minnesota military kids face when their parent marches off to war, and when they return. Help our children while we are at war. Parent educators, we need you to offer classes in every school district in Minnesota, for military families. We need your help in learning how to parent our children again.

If you are a member of the clergy, learn all you can about the toll combat takes on marriages, families, mothers and fathers of military personnel. You don't have to support the foreign policy to pray for us while we are in harm's way and to visit our parents, our spouses and our children while we are gone. When we come home, we need your help in putting our marriages, families and lives back together.

If you are an employer, please give my spouse some grace. She or he is juggling a job, a family, a home and a huge heartache. There are no laws to protect them while we are at war, as there are to protect my job when I come back. They struggle mightily and may need some special attention and some extra time off. Do the right thing - help them.

If you are a social service provider, learn all you can about combat operational stress, the challenges of reintegration for combat veterans and the impact of war on the family system. You are our "first call for help;" don't fail us because you choose not to invest in your professional development.

If you are a politician, don't politicize the shortfalls in the VA or the military medical system. We aren't pawns in an election cycle; we are your constituents, and we are counting on you to fix the problems. Energize the community on our behalf to do right by us. We're not asking for showy programs. We are asking for tangible signs of support in terms of services offered.

If you are our neighbors, and you are, don't "victimize" us. Most combat veterans come home without PTSD, mental disorders, physical wounds or destroyed lives. We generally readjust well and go on to live productive lives. Expect great contributions to society from us. We won't disappoint you. Challenge us to greatness; we know how to serve. Watch over our families while we are gone. Extend a warm welcome home when we return. Walk with us through the months of readjustment, and make a place for us in the community. If we are among the tragic few who come home physically or mentally wounded, help us by connecting us to local, county, state and federal resources.

Certainly, address the problems with the VA, the military medical system and other systemic issues that face us.

But, above all, bring us all the way home. A program can't do that. You can.

Major John Morris is a chaplain in the Minnesota Army National Guard. For more information about his and others' ground-breaking work on reintegrating returning soldiers, go to www.minnesotanationalguard.org and look for the "Beyond the Yellow Ribbon" link.

The Hardest Part of Being an Angel

2007-03-13T05:58:00.000-07:00

It's not the letter writing. It's not the packaging (unless you've ever seen me trying to tape up a box single-handed that has about 1.5 times the "legal" square inch limit of stuff in it). It's not the nights up emailing, chatting and losing sleep, the money spent on morale, support "stuff" to send over and the postage.

It's not even the losses that accompany being involved in war.

I'm a Team Leader for Soldiers' Angels Letter Writing Team. I have a group (or a platoon, as I like to say) of 40+ Angels that I coordinate daily with the Heroes for letter/card support. I see a lot of names. I send out a lot of names. Some are unique enough you remember them. Some send a message in that initial sign-up that touches you in just the right way and they are remembered as well. I'm also a member of the Wounded TLC Team for SA. We send cards of hope, thanks and encouragement to those healing from the wounds of battle. That's a difficult card to send.

In the days that pass, I see the names of our Heroes who have made the greatest sacrifice. In my time with SA, I have seen the number of names I recognize grow. What stops me cold is the name of the Hero that I have physically sent to one of my team, or to whom I personally have written. These folks become like extended family. They laugh, joke, cry, talk, vent and love us. And we love them. Having them come home and lose contact with us through the everyday ebb and flow of life is disheartening, but at least we know they're alright; it's one less worry. Having them lost to the cruelty of war is heartbreaking. And it hurts our hearts when this happens. When an Angel loses her "official" adoptee, it is brutal. We wonder if we'll be able to continue supporting them. It's like making new friends, or finding new love, or having mixed family. You learn about them, you get to know them, you have "relationships" of sorts with them, as a brother, sister, father would. Then they're gone. You grieve for them, their families and loved ones, and yourself.

You've lost a part of yourself. The one that thrived on talking to them (whether online or in letters) and hearing their perspective, their thoughts and feelings; learning as we can't from books. You wonder if you have the internal strength to commit to taking another Hero under your wing. Are you able to make them feel as appreciated and loved as the one who was lost? Can you open up and talk of the same things as you did with your departed Hero, without bringing to the front the death of a comrade? Can you overcome your fears of another loss and move on with the mission at hand?

You'd better, because there are many more out there who need that kind word of encouragement to get them through one more day. More to whom getting that little box of goodies that lets them know they are being thought of when they think they have no one else in the world. More to whom it means the world when they "chat" online and have some sort of contact to the familiar world of American life.

So, step up, gear up and get it together, Angel. Cry for the ones lost - not that they've died, but that they lived to protect us*.

The hardest part is loving them.

Miss B

*paraphrase of the famous quote "It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived."

- General George S. Patton, Jr

Soldiers' Angels Place in Local Parade...

2007-03-12T07:02:00.000-07:00

Soldiers' Angels presented themselves to the public in the Snake Saturday Parade in NKC, MO. They were accompanied by some very special Heroes, riding on the float.

Peggy Harris, Team Leader for the Letter Writing Team division of SA, says,

I am floating with excitement and am happy to say our float won 10th place and $1000.00 for Soldiers' Angels. The parade was awesome as everyone cheered for our soldiers and the response was so cool. We handed out cards and when the annouced us they anounced our website twice! We got the word out about SA, I got to work with a great bunch and winning was the icing on the cake! Thanks for the support!

For more information, visit Soldiers' Angels...

Fabulous work getting the word out Angels! And to our local Heroes who helped us out to make this happen... you rock!

*hugs*
Miss B

Gathering Of Eagles

2007-03-09T11:28:00.000-08:00

There are two petitions now up online. One for people to sign only if they WILL be at the Gathering of Eagles on March 17th:

To: All Interested Parties

We, the undersigned, pledge to attend the March 17th Gathering of Eagles in Washington, D.C. We intend to stand guard at our nation's sacred memorials to honor the memory of our troops who died in service of our great country. We promise to recognize and reflect on the sacrifice of our fallen heroes. Please sign here only IF you WILL be in attendance at the Vietnam War Memorial on March 17th. We are trying to obtain an accurate total so we know how many to expect. http://www.PetitionOnline.com/GOE31707/petition.html

Our troops, current and prior, are true heroes and we will honor each and every one of them by standing side by side, heads held high, defending the sanctity of our nation's monuments to veterans. Our sacred pledge is that our actions will honor those heroes and that we will respect their service and their sacrifice. I WILL be at the Gathering of Eagles on March 17th in Washington, DC.

Sincerely,
http://www.PetitionOnline.com/GOE31707/petition.html

The second petition is for those who will be with us in spirit:

To: The Gathering of Eagles Participants
We, the undersigned, will (IN SPIRIT) be in Washington, DC on March 17th. We can not attend but we want everyone at the "Gathering Of Eagles" to know that we are united with them as they ring the memorials to protect these hallowed monuments from defacement and dishonor. We believe that our troops, current and prior, are true heroes and we will be honoring them all that day with our thoughts, our prayers and our actions. On that day, we intend to recognize and reflect on the sacrifice of our fallen heroes. We also pledge to pray for the safety of those who are able to attend. We thank them for representing all of us who love and respect our great country. May God richly bless America and all those who truly appreciate her. http://www.petitiononline.com/GOE317/petition.html

This will be very helpful in giving us some idea of how many Eagles will be in attendance on the 17th and how many will be supporting us from home. If you plan to be there, sign in. Those who just can’t attend but stand with us in spirit are asked to sign the second petition.

Gathering of Eagles is an act of love by thousands of veterans who choose to honor the sacrifice of the fallen by guarding the memorials from those who would desecrate them on March 17th in a “peaceful” anti-war rally in Washington D.C.

It is also an act of war, a call to action for every American who chooses to stand and say “No more!” to those who would spit on our veterans and ridicule their service to our nation.

We invite you to join us March 17th, as we stand together as one to ensure that the sacrifices of our fallen and the memorials that remember them are not tarnished by the ungrateful.

By C.J. Raven U.S. Veteran DispatchFebruary 07, 2007
Leftist activists who march to the Pentagon next month will discover that their path won’t be as clear as it has been in the past.

The group, led by Cindy Sheehan, Jane Fonda, Ed Asner and their ilk, plan to gather March 17 at the Vietnam Memorial Wall to begin a march to protest America’s involvement in the Iraq war. The date marks the fourth anniversary of the war’s beginning.

This time, however, protestors will see objectors if they spit on Iraqi veterans again, or throw paint on a war memorial. This time, they will encounter a buzz saw of Vietnam veterans and supporters who will gather to protect the Wall, and show their support for U.S. troops. The counter-protestors are calling themselves the Gathering of Eagles.

“… An eagle knows when a storm is approaching long before it breaks. The eagle will fly to some high spot and wait for the winds to come. When the storm hits, it sets its wings so that the wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm. While the storm rages below, the eagle is soaring above it.”

An unknown author wrote that description, but it describes how the veterans see their mission. They are angry that the Wall is being used as a jumping off point for a political protest and they are gathering to protect it from another storm of anti-war activists.

“The anti-war/anti-America group cannot be allowed to use the Vietnam Memorial Wall as a back-drop to their anti-America venom and stain the hallowed ground that virtually cries out with blood at the thought of this proposed desecration … it must not happen,” said veteran Bud Gross. “… All Americans are invited to support our effort, which is intended as a defender of hallowed ground and intended as a non-violent competition between those that would sell out America and those of us who support freedom and keeping the fight with the enemy on distant shores.”

The group defending the Wall will be wearing armbands to identify themselves. Those who are unable to stand with the defenders are being asked to wear armbands with small U.S. flags to show their own communities that they abhor the Fonda-Sheehan tactics.

“We’ll be there to act as a countervailing force against the Cindy Sheehan-Jane Fonda march from the Vietnam Memorial to the Pentagon,” retired Navy Capt. Larry Bailey said. “We will protect the Vietnam Memorial. If they try to deface it, there will be some violence, I guarantee you.”

Bailey and thousands of his fellow Vietnam vets are worried that the anti-war protesters will damage the wall, just as they spray-painted the steps of the Capitol at their last march.

The wall is sacred to the men and women who fought in that war.

“It is our contact with our dead brothers — those who lost their lives in the cause of their country,” Bailey said.

And so it is that Washington will see a Gathering of Eagles - Americans determined to stand up against leftist propagandists who denigrate U.S. troops and the mission for which they sometimes sacrifice their lives.

Retired Col. Harry Riley organized the Gathering of Eagles. Organizers hope thousands will show up in Washington from as far away as Hawaii, and they won’t only be Vietnam veterans. Families, friends and veterans of other wars, including Iraq, and soldiers still on active duty, will be there to defend the Wall.

“When we say a gathering of eagles, that signifies people who support the American way,” Bailey said.

The leftist Web site MarchonPentagon.org describes the anti-war demonstrators this way: “The March on the Pentagon has already attracted more than 1,500 endorsers, including prominent individuals and national and grassroots organizations. Students on college campuses and in high schools will be attending in large numbers. There will be a large turnout from the Muslim and Arab American community, which is organizing throughout the country.”

The movement is well-financed. Its sponsor list is lengthy and contains highly recognizable names, as well as those of Fonda and Sheehan:

· Former U.S. Attorney General Ramsey Clark (who offered his services to defend Saddam Hussein)
· Ultra-liberal Congresswoman Maxine Waters
· Former Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney
· Ron Kovic, Vietnam veteran and author of “Born on the 4th of July”
· Mahdi Bray, executive director, Muslim American Society Freedom Foundation
· Waleed Bader, vice chair of the National Council of Arab Americans and former president of Arab Muslim American Federation
· Medea Benjamin, co-founder, CODEPINK and Global Exchange
· Free Palestine Alliance
· Muslim American Society Freedom Foundation
· Islamic Political Party of America
· FMLN (Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front)
· Islamic-National Congress
· Gay Liberation Network
· Muslim Student Association
· Jibril Hough, chairman, Islamic Political Party of America

Top 25 War Movies...

2007-03-09T08:18:00.000-08:00

As listed by Moviefone... I never had much interest in these when they came out. I was either not yet born :) or too "busy" with the kids and life in general. Now I'm soaking up everything I can. So, my mission is to watch all of these movies by the end of this year. A few I have seen, and they are what initially sparked my interest. I'm sad my favorite didn't make the list. (The Dirty Dozen) Ok, I admit, I liked that one at first only because of Lee Marvin and Charles Bronson *swoon*. But after about the 30th time, I actually LIKED the movie. I think it was more about recognizing the good in wayward people, having them come together and kick some enemy ass. And really, Telly Savalas made a hell of a crazy man.

Moviefone Top 25 War Movies (ranked 25 – 1)
25. 2002 The Pianist
24. 1941 SGT York
23. 1953 Stalag 17
22. 1998 The Thin Red Line
*21. 1951 The African Queen
20. 1970 M*A*S*H
19. 2005 Downfall
18. 1970 Patton
17. 1930 All Quiet on the Western Front
16. 2006 Letters from Iwo Jima
15. 1999 Deer Hunters
14. 1962 The Longest Day
13. 1989 Glory
12. 1957 The Bridge on the River Kwai
11. 1978 The Deer Hunter
10. 1995 Braveheart
9. 1962 Lawrence of Arabia
8. 1963 The Great Escape
7. 1957 Paths of Glory
6. 1981 Das Boot
5. 1987 Full Metal Jacket
4. 1993 Schindler’s List
*3. 1999 Saving Private Ryan
2. 1986 Platoon
1. 1979 Apocolypse Now

* Movies I've actually watched. (yes it's true, I have NOT watched Braveheart or Platoon-I am not worthy.)

Other Military/History/War/Battle related Movies that have caught my attention:

The Last Castle - I like the story line... the reviews weren't great, but it kept my interest. And that's not an easy thing to do.

Men of Honor - Anything with De Niro and Cuba Gooding Jr is good, both is bonus!

Pearl Harbor - Kinda sappy love stuff in it for the gals, but it winds together well. I can only imagine living in that era.

A Few Good Men - Not a huge Cruise fan, but Nicholas ALWAYS plays the wayward villain well.

If you know of any others... tell me tell me tellllll me... Leave a comment, or shoot me an email... jemcelina at aol dot com. I'd love to hear from you...

Injured Vets take to the PA Slopes...

2007-03-06T07:24:00.000-08:00

Sitting on a mono-ski as an instructor straps him on, Spc. Reddi Parker wondered if the designer of the device went a little overboard.

"How many straps do you need to strap over your waist?" asked Parker, 26, of Jonesboro, Ark.

The apparent answer is three.
Parker and seven other injured soldiers and Marines from Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington hit the slopes at Liberty Mountain Resort in Adams County this weekend as part of a program sponsored by the Wounded Warrior Project of Jacksonville, Fla., and Disabled Sports USA of Rockville, Md.

"I just wanted to get out of the hospital and have some fun," Parker said. "I wanted to repay my sister for staying with me while I was injured. Plus, I like to ski."

The Arkansas National Guardsman lost part of his right foot Jan. 2 while serving as the gunner on a RG-31, a heavily armored vehicle that looks like a sport utility vehicle on steroids. His unit was driving through a marketplace about 10 miles north of Baghdad.

"Some children came out, threw some anti-tank grenades at us, and one of them managed to make it down through the gun turret, landed on my foot and took about half of it off," he said.

Parker hopes to hit the slopes next year on regular skis. Doctors at Water Reed Medical Center, Washington, D.C., have told him he should regain full use of his leg and ankle.

Volunteer instructors from Blue Ridge Adaptive Snow Sports, a chapter of Disabled Sports USA, and Marines assigned to Camp David, Md., hit the slopes with the injured veterans. The outing was paid for by donations to the two sponsor organizations.

Parker made his first run down the slope connected by a tether to an instructor behind him. By his third run he was handling the mono-ski on his own, and was ready to move on to a more difficult slope.

Kyleen Davis of Disabled Sports USA organized the trip. The Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project helps injured veterans adapt to their disabilities and participate in sports.

"Most of the men and women in the service are predisposed to be athletic. They led very active lifestyles prior to their injury, so we want to kind of give them that piece of their lifestyle," Davis said.

The program also helps them take part in sports they had never tried. Marine Cpl. Kenny Lyon, 21, of Crisfield, Md., was a big fan of sledding, but he never skied before his injury, so trying out the bi-ski -- a seat with two skis attached -- was a new experience.

"I love the snow. I can't think of anything better to be doing right now," he said.
An armored vehicle mechanic, Lyon was working inside a small, temporary base when his unit was hit by a rocket or mortar attack.

"We were taking a break from doing missions all morning long and were sitting down to rest. I was working on the vehicles and just 'boom,'" he said.

The blast destroyed the knee and lower part of his left leg, the teeth on the lower right side of his jaw and took a piece of his skull about the size of a silver dollar above his right eye. Lyon also suffered nerve damage to his left hand. A titanium bar holds his jaw together.

While skiing in a chair may seem more like sledding, the bi-ski was a challenge that required a lot of finesse, he said.

"You tilt just a hair too much and you're going over. There's no saving you," Lyon said.

When his instructor was strapping him into the chair, Lyon had joked about how he would probably end up "eating snow." That happened several times, particularly as he got more confident.

"The next thing you know, I get cocky and get that one degree off of the tolerance, and I'm in the snow," he said with a laugh.

Liberty Mountain was the second skiing trip for Cpl. Sam Floberg, 29, of Fargo, N.D. A member of the North Dakota Army National Guard, Floberg lost his lower right leg during an ambush in Afghanistan on Nov. 23.

An insurgent fired four rocket-propelled grenades at his crew's Humvee. The fourth one penetrated the armor, destroyed Floberg's lower leg and killed the vehicle's driver, Cpl. Nathan Goodiron, 25, of Mandaree, N.D.

Floberg volunteered to deploy to Afghanistan because he joined just as his unit was returning from a deployment. He didn't want to go another five to six years before seeing combat service. He said he has no regrets.

"Stuff happens, and you just have to step up to the plate and deal with it," he said. A journeyman electrician, Floberg hopes to become proficient enough to just throw a mono-ski in the back of his truck and go skiing whenever he wants.
"Instead of just saying, 'Aw, I'm disabled' and just sit on the sidelines, you can actually get out and play again," he said.

Brian Bowling can be reached at bbowling@tribweb.com or (412) 320-7910

Sam Floberg, 29, of Fargo, N.D., who lost his leg while serving with the North Dakota Army National Guard in Afghanistan, zips down the slope Saturday at Liberty Mountain Resort on a mono-ski. Floberg was at the Adams County resort as part of the Wounded Warrior Project, which teaches soldiers who have been disabled how to participate in athletic activities. Andrew Russell/Tribune-Review

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_496171.html

way to go, Hero! *hugs*
Miss B...

THINK YOU CAN FLY A HELICOPTER ?

2007-03-04T02:45:00.000-08:00

Read directions first before you start....must hold left clicker down to go up...release to go down...MOST DIFFICULT~ Some people have worn their finger out on this. If you are working for a living, do not forward to your co-workers.. The rest of the day will be useless to the company..Think you can fly a helicopter? Click on the link below and give it a whirl!

http://www.hurtwood.demon.co.uk/Fun/copter.swf

Have fun :)
Miss B.

Soldiers' Angels Relief Effort for Ft Rucker

2007-03-02T11:01:00.000-08:00

Soldiers' Angels is currently coordinating EFFORTS WITH FORT RUCKER FOR FAMILY RELIEF. THEY HAVE LOST FAMILY MEMBERS AND many of them have lost THEIR HOMES . We are getting angels on the ground to help.

FT RUCKER FAMILY RELIEF FUND

www.paypal.com

SA-FT. RUCKER FAMILY RELIEFItem #20-0583415

Pass this along to any others.

ENTERPRISE, Ala. - A violent storm system ripped apart an Alabama high school as students hunkered inside and later tore through Georgia, hitting a hospital and raising the death toll to at least 20 across the Midwest and Southeast.

Eight students died when a tornado struck Enterprise High School, Mayor Kenneth Boswell said Friday. The teenage victims were all in a wing of the school that took a direct hit as the tornado blew out the walls and roof.

In parts of Enterprise, "it looks like ground zero, where there's just nothing left," Boswell told NBC's TODAY show. Another person was killed elsewhere in the city.

Read the rest of the story here-
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17397486/

Quest for Knowledge... Pearl Harbor

2007-02-28T09:21:00.000-08:00

I'm watching the movie Pearl Harbor. I've not seen it before tonight and it strikes me in a way that surprises me. I've always been fascinated with WWII in the aspect of Hitler and how so many people could follow the lunacy of the madman. I've read about Pearl Harbor, I've heard talk from my ancestors of the bombing, and read accounts. I soak up every minute of the History channel on this that I can. Oh to be young again and actually LIKE history... *sigh*

My grandfather was a WWII Naval vet. I'm sure that's where the interest and pride comes from. The other end of it, where the US is finally forced to take part in the war, is astounding. The bombing scenes, the carnage are just gut-wrenching and sickening. I know it's not just theatrics, and any of the survivors would tell you that. I hope to make the trip out there to see Pearl Harbor some day. I could only imagine the feeling. *I know how I was from a thousand miles away from the NYC bombings*

I understand the evolution of our society, the forward moving and allowance of foreigners to take part in our wonderful lifestyle. It's watching movies such as this that I can understand the way America felt before the ACLU, the changing of the laws to prevent discrimination, and everyone being painfully politically correct. There was good reason for these, at one time. We're now so obsessed with not pissing anyone off, we're forgetting ourselves. To this I say, I don't give a shit if you're pissed off. This is MY country, MY way of life and MY freedom. If you aren't from America, don't like what we do and what we stand for, and don't like what I have to say, get the hell out of my face and out of our country. I didn't ask you to come in, however, as I'm not the only owner of the house, you are a guest, and as such shall be treated -- until you f*** with my country's Flag.

I no longer apologize for feeling the way I do. After 9/11, I was torn. I'd been raised to be accepting, to a point, of other nationalities. I was taught to be respectful of differences, yet not tolerate ignorance because of them. This was becoming a task in futility. Being in transportation, and running into Canada as I did, I found myself in fuel stops and break areas with many other drivers of Middle Eastern descent, both in America and Canada. Up north, I kept my distance. Not because I feared them, but mostly because I couldn't trust myself not to open my mouth and tell them what I really thought of them. This I did out of respect for my Canadien friends who were usually around me (ready to protect me, should any of "them" start something with me). This was their country. They made me feel welcome. You don't go into someone's home and treat their guests disrespectfully. *and you damn sure don't do it in mine*

Down home, buddy it was even MORE difficult to set a good example. In our private groups, we'd talk, say things that would have offended. Human nature. I did not fear them here, either, whether I was with my buddies or alone. This is America.

In the rest areas, I'd see women of Middle Eastern descent, shrouded and cloaked. I did not hate them, fear them or feel sorry for them. They are who they are, I am who I am. Our eyes would meet, and I saw in their eyes some of the same as I'm sure they saw in mine. Open curiosity, a quest for understanding. A recognition of something far deeper. They are in our country, they have choices. They live with theirs as I live with mine.

In the common areas, I'd run into the ME men. They pissed me off. Although gallantry and chivalry are somewhat lacking in some American men (no offense fellas), it was non-existent in these men. They would openly stare at me, eyes full of scorn. I'm not a flashy person, try to stay out of the limelight. I get a lot of comments on the hair color, my burden, I've learned to deal. Cutting in front of me, actually running into me if I didn't stop short. Sneering at me, f*** you. Now, I'm a courteous person. I expect the same. Treat me like I'm insignificant and second-rate, you will see me bristle up faster than a porcupine. I am an American woman. I may have a license to drive a semi, I may have chosen to raise my children alone rather than continue to be abused, and I may have chosen to educate myself but I am NOT insignificant, second-rate or "tainted". I have the right to make those choices. Old Glory says I do. That piece of paper from 1776 and its various Amendments says I do as well. And I'll be damned if some non-citizen, wrap-around cowboy hat wearing motherf***er treats me like garbage in MY own home.

*intermission* phew. where did THOSE feelings come from??? maybe it's the sense of deja' vu from the Japanese to the Middle Eastern coming in the back door... they both got us once; we'd be the fools to let them do it again. Mess with my country and I am all about kickin' some ass. Total annihilation. Watching war movies can be hazardous to someone's health! *end intermission*

During my early years it was watching out for the "reds", the "japs", the "krauts". Teen years and beyond, it was "don't differentiate, don't hate". What a mixed couple of decades. I've seen the Cold War end, the wall come down, a formal apology made BY US to people WHO ATTACKED US ON OUR OWN SOIL. Peace, love and understanding are all well and good, in moderation. I don't hate races, nationalities or classes. I despise stupidity, intolerance and abuse. I've tried very hard to separate the individuals from the masses. I've not always succeeded. Tell me I'm the only one.

War is a necessary evil for an independent nation. I'm not crazy about being at war. I hate that we've lost ANY lives. I love my country, our Flag, my Heroes. How can I not? It's where I live, what I believe in and who protects me. We have to return to protecting ourselves and take care of the order of business of putting the livelihood of our country first. We're so busy taking care of everyone else we are forgetting who we are, how we got here and what it will take to keep it. What's happened to the pride in country? The fear of treason?

As I sit tonight doing my Angel thing, watching this movie brings to the forefront the types of carnage our Heroes are seeing. It brings to mind the danger they face in another country to keep it from happening in our home. I'm not scared right now. I'm pissed. I'm tired of hearing of the death tolls. I'm drained from the constant reassuring to keep my Team's spirits up, finding the ways to keep my Heroes' morale up. I'm glad I don't have access to "the button". It would take one phone call, 3 days to move the men out and "see ya". Thank God we have greater men in charge. *rethinking blogging after watching any more war-style movies*

I don't have the gift of eloquent speaking, as do some of my favorite bloggers. I'm not a hateful person. Those who truly know me, know that I'm just pretty straight-forward. I've been known to inadvertantly piss people off. Unintentional, yet typical. The words are in there, they don't need any help getting out, I just long for a better way to put them... so I move on to task at hand. "Conserve the fighting strength."

Move it out Miss Behavin'; you have Heroes to support, and Angels to lead.

The ebb and flow of my Heroes...

2007-02-27T16:38:00.000-08:00

Ok... we all know how much I love my Heroes. They are brave, courageous folks that mean the world to me. On top of that, they are some of the most caring, generous and sometimes downright hilarious people I know. I grew up around police officers, so the "charms" of the uniform are familiar. I learned through that, though, that the uniform does not make the man, so the charms of some were quickly not-so-charming. Yet there's something about seeing our Heroes in uniform in person that makes me want to do stupid stuff like salute them. I know, sounds silly, but they just get so squirrely about hugging them. :) LOL. When my "son" Joel comes home to visit he just can't help but cringe when I throw my arms around him. (He just looks so darn cute!!!) He is, however, enough of a gentleman now to not push me away. He was a joy to have around, and I'm so proud of him.

I talk to several Heroes on a regular basis, and I've been introduced to a few new ones in the past couple weeks and all bring me great happiness when I hear from them. I just couldn't help but share some of my stories. I save my emails and snail mails. I don't blog them but I have them tucked away in a special box with my other treasures sent me from my Heroes.

Dante, from whom I've not heard in a couple months. A fellow Buckeye who has a biting sense of humor and a pretty good handle on things for a young guy. Every once in awhile he'll shoot me an email to let me know he's ok. He will never know how much relief I feel from just that one short message. Miss hearin' from ya, hope you're ok.

David, part of a motor pool, who occasionally answers my weekly emails to let me know everyone in his group is ok and they look forward to hearing from me. Great group of guys and that, too, brings me a bit of peace to see that email. Your emails make MY day... who's the Angel?

Gregory, a kind man with reassuring words who helps me without even knowing at times. You're thought of often and prayed for daily.

Becky, a great gal who has lousy taste in football teams... j/k fly girl... always enjoy hearing from ya! She sends me little inspirational messages and I know when I see something from her, it will make me smile. Maybe the Bears will do it NEXT year, hon... ;)

Cpt H, an amazing person with an infectious attitude, with first-person accounts that are fascinating. In the precious little time he gets at a computer, he takes the time to send me a detailed (within reason) letter and share the experiences of he and his men. *A boss knows how; A LEADER shows how* You ARE a Leader Cpt H

Robert, a young fellow who has me in stitches all the time. Yes, I'm sure you ARE the perfect man for me, Hero... too bad I'm old enough to be your... uh... aunt, yea that's it! :) But every day he "talks" to me, just little messages back and forth like chit-chat between two people. Again, another one I look forward to hearing from because he brings a smile to my face. *Muah*

Phillip, a new Hero to my e-pals, kinda quiet, but somehow he's moved into the "I wonder if he's ok" category and sporadically I hear from him. That's ok, the new ones soon become the old favorites. Strong, silent types... my favorites!

KC, another new addition to my epal group... just let me know today that it's down to a month and a half... *psst... the correct phrase is "less than 60 days" - just keep saying that to yourself until the plane touches US Soil, honey* Praying for your safe return to your family... thanks for sharing my space for a short while.

Meeting the new ones helps with the ones who have come home that I don't hear from as much, if at all. I have a select few that I miss talking to terribly. Sometimes the sadness is overwhelming. Our lives ebb and flow, we lose track of old friends, make new ones, have our hearts broken and healed. I know this. It's a painful lesson we learn throughout life. Gone are the days of innocence and being carefree. dammit, I wanna be carefree and hopeful and full of happiness again.

Welcome to my world Heroes. I'm honored to have you as part of mine, even if only for a short while. :) And as always, Thank You for being My Heroes.

Miss Behavin

Things that made me sad today...

2007-02-23T06:50:00.000-08:00

In addition to getting the devastating news about my cousin's 5-year-old Ashley (diagnosis confirmed yesterday- Cystic Fibrosis) I've read and felt compelled to comment on the situation at WRMC as well as one of many (and certainly not the only) missions that have brought the end to our Heroes' lives. Maybe I'm overly sensitive these days, or as one of the guys at work says "hmmm 28 days already?" (butthead) but these just broke my heart and left me so terribly sad today. *sigh* As much as I love my Heroes and what I do for SA, some days it's just damn difficult. As a Medic once shared with me... "Conserve the Fighting Strength". So Buckle up, Miss Behavin'... you have a mission.

http://sgthook.com/2007/02/22/my-organization/ A moving blog entry about the state of affairs at the WRMC... courtesy of Sgt Hook... thanks Hero...

I truly hope this is resolved. These Heroes have scars and injuries, both physical and psychological, because they were upholding their duties and protecting us, including all the caregivers at WRMC. To whom are we most thankful? The “healthy” Heroes currently fighting, who come home to PTSD? The wounded, who come home bearing battle injuries as a physical reminder that they can no longer expect a “normal” life? The Heroes who gave all? Are there varying degrees of gratefulness? Should there be? Lay to rest with all the respect the ones who so richly deserve, and give the absolute best care to all those left to carry on in their wake. It is not a courtesy; it is our duty as American citizens to love and care for those who protect us.

http://badgersforward.blogspot.com/2007/02/badgers-down-8-february-2007.html A heart-rendering recollection of a moment in time that changes a man forever.

In all the work with Soldiers’ Angels, the attachments we form talking, writing and emailing with our Heroes, we sometimes push to the back of our minds the absolute reality of what’s happening over there. It’s easy to do, because we are fortunate enough to not have this happening on our home soil. It’s also sometimes a self-preservation, because if we make it fun for the Heroes for just a moment, maybe it won’t seem so bad; it won’t be real. Yet, every time I see a new Hero reported, every time I see footage that just stops me cold, every report or blog I read I remember why I love this country so much, and all the Heroes who are doing what they do. I’m in tears as I write this; I cannot pretend to understand how those men feel. I did not know any of the men from this team, yet I feel my heart ripped out at the news. I pray the families will find peace through this. And I gear up to write extra letters, send more care packages and try to do something that gives our Heroes something concrete to grasp as they move out on their next mission. It just doesn’t seem “enough”.

New Immigrants... forwarded to me by one of the writers on my Team...

2007-02-21T20:46:00.000-08:00

I think this lady says it all and very well.

Newspapers simply won't publish letters to the editor which they either deem politically incorrect (read below) or which does not agree with the philosophy they're pushing on the public. This woman wrote a great letter to the editor that should have been published but with your help it will get published via cyberspace!

New Immigrants
From: David LaBonte
My wife, Rosemary, wrote a wonderful letter to the editor of the OC Register which, of course, was not printed. So, I decided to "print" it myself by sending it out on the Internet. Pass it along if you feel so inclined.Dave LaBonte (signed)

Written in response to a series of letters to the editor in the Orange County Register:

Dear Editor: So many letter writers have based their arguments on how this land is made up of immigrants. Ernie Lujan for one, suggests we should tear down the Statue of Liberty because the people now in question aren't being treated the same as those who passed through Ellis Island and other ports of entry.

Maybe we should turn to our history books and point out to people like Mr. Lujan why today's American is not willing to accept this new kind of immigrant any longer. Back in 1900 when there was a rush from all areas of Europe to come to the United States, people had to get off a ship and stand in a long line in New York and be documented. Some would even get down on their hands and knees and kiss the ground. They made a pledge to uphold the laws and support their new country in good and bad times. They made learning English a primary rule in their new American households and some even changed their names to blend in with their new home.They had waved good bye to their birth place to give their children a new life and did everything in their power to help their children assimilate into one culture.

Nothing was handed to them. No free lunches, no welfare, no labor laws to protect them. All they had were the skills and craftsmanship they had brought with them to trade for a future of prosperity. Most of their children came of age when World War II broke out. My father fought along side men whose parents had come straight over from Germany, Italy, France and Japan. None of these 1st generation Americans ever gave any thought about what country their parents had come from. They were Americans fighting Hitler, Mussolini and the Emperor of Japan. They were defending the United States of America as one people. When we liberated France, no one in those villages were looking for the French-American or the German American or the Irish American. The people of France saw only Americans. And we carried one flag that represented one country. Not one of those immigrant sons would have thought about picking up another country's flag and waving it to represent who they were. It would have been a disgrace to their parents who had sacrificed so much to be here. These immigrants truly knew what it meant to be an American. They stirred the melting pot into one red, white and blue bowl.

And here we are in 2006 with a new kind of immigrant who wants the same rights and privileges. Only they want to achieve it by playing with a different set of rules, one that includes the entitlement card and a guarantee of being faithful to their mother country. I'm sorry, that's not what being an American is all about. I believe that the immigrants who landed on Ellis Island in the early 1900's deserve better than that for all the toil, hard work and sacrifice in raising future generations to create a land that has become a beacon for those legally searching for a better life. I think they would be appalled that they are being used as an example by those waving foreign country flags.

And for that suggestion about taking down the Statue of Liberty, it happens to mean a lot to the citizens who are voting on the immigration bill. I wouldn't start talking about dismantling the United States just yet.

Rosemary LaBonte (signed)

I'm all for equal opportunity... I'm NOT for EO for someone who trash-talks our country, burns our Flag, uses our resources and gives nothing back. Worse yet are the ones who use those opportunities against us... the day will come, and they WILL get theirs back.
Miss B

6 Degrees and Counting... Thanks everyone!

2007-02-21T15:00:00.000-08:00

I see my numbers climbing steadily... yay!!! more support for our Heroes... double yay!!! You folks rock!!!

Make a one-time donation, or a recurring one, all is appreciated. Help our Heroes... deployed, wounded, they're all the reason we sleep in peace at night.

Want to do more? visit www.soldiersangels.org and check out the teams... join the Letter Writing Team... you may end up on mine! :) Make Blankets of Hope to send to the wounded. Donate a backpack with gear for the wounded who've had their stuff left behind. Adopt a Hero, give some special Angel Lovin' to someone deployed in harm's way...

Want more info? Contact me at jemcelina @ aol.com subject: SA Info

Sincerely... Thanks everyone
Miss Behavin'

Another Proud "Almost" Mom Moment # 14,763

2007-02-20T13:36:00.000-08:00

Joel called... he made Expert Marksman. Way to go Hero! Lookin' forward to seeing you when you come home... *hugs*

Iraqi Muscle - More than iron that makes them strong...

2007-02-16T09:24:00.000-08:00

As always, I'm updating to share the progress of IraqiMuscle - a group of Heroes dedicated to self-improvement during their deployment. Check out the latest at IraqiMuscle.com, get your Muscle Gear, and watch this moving tribute to the folks in the midst.

Thanks Heroes... as always you inspire me and I pray for your safety.

*hugs*

http://www.iraqimuscle.com/PhotoStory2.wmv

Weekly Letter to My Heroes...

2007-02-09T07:51:00.000-08:00

Excerpted from the weekly email I send all my Heroes...

Jeffery made it back from A-stan this week, so I'm headed up to the frozen tundra at Drum for a long weekend. (Not nearly long enough I'm sure!!!) I wanted to touch base with all of you because I'll be out of touch on Sunday, but you will surely be thought of! Looking forward to 70-100 inches of snow in upstate NY... woo hoo! Poor fella's been diggin' himself out a couple times a day. Good thing you Army folk stay in good shape... almost as good as the Marines! (Ok, ok, don't wanna start THAT train of thought!)

Some interesting stuff in the news... I don't often share news because most of it is not pleasant and ya'll have enough unpleasantness as it is, but I thought I'd try something a little different this time...

N Korea is actually talking negotiations for disarming in exchange for aid and security agreements, depending on US's attitude and hostile policy change. hmmm?

Duke lost to UNC(79-73). That was tough, I like both. 3 more weeks til March Madness - yea baby!!! :) who's the pick for the final four??? I'd like to see what ya'll come up with!

Arroyo deals for 2 more years for $25mil... I am WAAAAYY in the wrong business.

Is Wade Phillips going to the Cowboys? - no official word yet. Jones has interviewed 10 people - no offers yet.

Cloned meat coming to the market next year. FDA is supposed to be approving cloned meat for public consumption. Supposedly it looks, smells and tastes the same. NOT genetic engineering, but taking the best part of the animal to reproduce and introduce the "real" offspring into the market. Wouldn't that be genetic engineering? If it's a fake cow, is it a real calf? :) And the biggie, if this isn't "real" meat, does it have real calories? Something to ponder.

Animated film lovers (that was the best part of having kids, I didn't have to explain WHY I wanted to watch them!) Shrek 3 is coming to you!

Astronaut arrested for attempted murder. Female astronaut(married 3 kids) thinking another female counterpart was having affair (she was) with her love interest(male previously married and "more than friends but less than romantic"??? relationship with her helped to end that marriage. ) and drove 900 mi from TX to FL to "talk" to the other woman with ropes, knives, steel mallet, pellet gun and other assorted "chat tools" while wearing a diaper so she wouldn't have to stop for breaks. (Apparently the diaper thing is used for entry/re-entry). NASA is not amused, and taking steps to change both screening policy and monitor ongoing mental health of their astronauts.

Mistrial for Court Martial of Army LT refusing to deploy to Iraq citing War in Iraq is illegal and critizing publicly the war and commenting on the case. Defense thinks he can't be retried for double-jeopardy, JAG says otherwise. LT said he did not mean to admit in signed statement that he's duty bound to go with his unit to Iraq, only that he had not gone. He's still looking at charges of missing movement and conduct unbecoming(4 years and dishon dischg). Personal thoughts here to all you Heroes out and about in the Sandbox doing your thing... Treason-does this qualify? Desertion? I know that being able to go to court is a right we have (thank you) but come on. This would take our service into a completely different level. (Like my teens thinking they don't HAVE to do what I say because they don't like it.) If you disagree, I apologize, not wanting to start an argument. We're just trying so hard to support you folks over there, people like this piss me off. If he wasn't prepared to follow orders, why did he join? And I'm done venting now. :) Did I tell you all how wonderful I think you are????

Good news for all you fellas out there... Jennifer Aniston is single again -although rumor has it her and Brad Pitt have been "talking" again... Mrs Pitt (Angelina Jolie is apparently not very happy about this). So hurry and catch her. :) Brittany Spears has settled with soon to be ex K-Fed for some millions and is being a total skank and partying way too much for a mom of 2 small kids. Justin Timberlake and Cameron Diaz are done and he's not interested in Brittany anymore coz he has some model candy to play with. Blah blah blah. :)

* Update... Anna Nicole Smith dies at 39... shame so young.

And with the great weather we've been having, I've been able to do my favorite activity (besides couch cuddling) Snow drifting!!! Yep, you know what it is... you're moving along about 40-45mph down a back road that's drifting over and WHOOSH - into the drift you go... there's that moment of uncertainty where you don't know if you're going to make it through with just a little sliding, or play "wrap the jeep around the telephone pole" to end the day. C'mon, you know you like it! Little tug on the steering wheel, slidin' sideways and bumpin' around... it's a cool thing! :)

Oh!!! And on the homefront - daughter number 2 is now officially licensed to wreck(I mean drive) a car!!! yay. lol. Just one left (my son) and I'm REALLY looking forward to this...

Just got promoted to helping out with the online Soldiers' Angels Store website. Adding/editing the pics and updating the items on there as we change and grow. Guess that Computer Programming degree came in handy after all huh? :)

I hear things are really stepping up over there and I want you to know this Angel is so very proud of and blessed to have each and every one of you!!! See ya'll next week... Stay Strong -- Be Safe! We love and are praying for you. Thanks for being My Hero!

And My Hero is Stateside...

2007-02-01T19:43:00.000-08:00

Phew! :) For full story... see my personal blog... suffice it to say, it's been a long journey.

And while I'm thrilled beyond words that he's home safe and sound, along with the rest of his group, we're both dealing with some of the after effects.

Happiness - He's out of harm's way.
Relief - He made it home safe, in one piece.
Guilt - He got to come home after a year.
Worry - For all the comrades with whom he parted ways.
Anxiety - So much to do in such little time before the day-to-day regularity can begin.
Adjustment - No air sirens, listening for the sound of choppers, waiting for the next wounded.

My heart goes out to all returning Heroes who are going through the same roller-coaster. I wish I had words of wisdom for ALL of us; I'm learning with him.

For those wounded, thank you so much for your service and may God see you through your difficult recovery.

For those who gave all, words will never be enough. My eternal gratitude is all I offer.

My prayers go out to all those still in harm's way. Stay Strong -- Be Brave!!! I'll still be doing the Angel thing, and Jeffery is looking forward to helping support the other Heroes with me. If you'd like to help, see www.soldiersangels.org and sign up... adopt a Hero, send letters, make Blankets of Hope, donate Backpacks for the Wounded... there's something for everyone to help with!

And Jeff, hon, I thank God you made it back safely and look very forward to being with you soon! Always your Angel...

Dog Tags for Kids

2007-02-01T19:38:00.000-08:00

Here's a cool thing for you Heroes...

Thank you for your interest in the Dog Tags for Kids Project. We are always happy to hear from anyone interested in getting the dog tags for the parent soldiers. We do not send the tags to the children. We send them to the soldiers to send to their children. We have been told they are a great way for the parents to stay connected with their children. It is easy to request the tags. If your soldiers have internet access, they can just click on the place on the home page at www.dogtagsforkids.com where it says soldiers requesting tags click here. They will be taken to a form to fill out requesting their email address, name, address which must include an APO number, the branch of service, the country they are serving in, and the number of Love from Dad tags and Love from Mom tags they will need for the entire unit. If they do not have internet access, you can fill the form out for them with the name of one of the soldiers we can address the packet to. We use the email address to confirm we have received the request and again when we send the packet of tags.We are an all volunteer project working strictly on donation. Our resources are very limited at this time. Currently we are only able to do the dog tags for those members of the military serving in Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan. It upsets us that we have to place these limitations on the project, but we are at the mercy of others.If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us through the website.

Proud Marine "Mom" moment #3

2007-01-27T21:44:00.000-08:00

My little Marine man is down in NC doing some training... he called tonight to let us know how it's going. Says he's doing well, loving it and wanted us to know that he appreciates everything we've done and knows if we hadn't taken him in, he'd still be out on the streets. (He was a stray, just staying anywhere, doing the party scene, kinda blowin' off life.) How many 18 year olds do you ever hear say something like that??? He'll be back to visit for a short while in a couple months before heading to the Sandbox... I can't wait to sign him up for some Angel lovin'! I know he'll need it coz he's Infantry. Just wanted to share...

Joel honey, when you read this, just know how very proud I am of you, kiddo. And you're welcome in my home anytime.

Good News from the Iraqi front...

2007-01-27T19:56:00.000-08:00

IraqiMuscle has done it again... Not only are they buffin' up while they're deployed (as always - lookin' good Heroes! And I want first order on the Calendar!!!) but they now have the IraqiGear good to go. Check it out... awesome knit caps - 3 styles (flames/pink/grey) and the T-Shirts... booya! I haven't shown my kids yet, I know they'll each want one of both! :)

SSG Simon, Sgt Skoczen and all the Heroes at IraqiMuscle... great job! Stay strong -- be safe!!! Your Angels are watching over you!

SGT Hook Rocks!!!

2007-01-27T19:14:00.000-08:00

SGT Hook is once again a Hero... He tells the tale of Soldiers' Angels and encourages others to join the teams to support our Heroes deployed in the fight against terrorism on his site www.sgthook.com .

Without these Heroes we would not be a free nation. With our support they find more strength and will to defend this great country. Come visit us at www.soldiersangels.org and see what you can do to help support our Heroes. They have many teams (Letter writing/Wounded TLC/Living Legends to name a few) and many support projects for the CSH's (Backpacks/Blankets of Hope). If you can't adopt a Hero, you can make a donation (Non-profit Org) to help us help Heroes.

Check out his fictional works as well... the man can write!!! Others dream it, he has achieved it.

Sgt Hook... words cannot express. Thank you Hero is simply insufficient. (As it is for all Heroes.) I sleep in peace at night, and fear little because of great men such as yourself. Your family has every right to be proud. The Angels are humbled to have you and we WILL be supporting you and yours in the Sandbox, rest assured!

For those now active, those who are veterans and those who have fallen, thank you for my freedom.

Quest for Knowledge: Rules of Engagement - Then and Now

2007-01-25T13:38:00.000-08:00

All the fluff floating around about Viet Nam being relived in the Sandbox and of course, my dislike of the person in LA who gave me cause to light my keyboard up last night have me thinking about this...

I've got the Rules of Endangerment (Courtesy of Blackfive via Just the Average Savage - very insightful look). I also have a sample ROE from several operations condensed into one area. This I've been reading; studying, trying to understand and make sense from a civilian significant other view. I grasp the basic concept of trying to keep collateral damage to a minimum. I understand and appreciate the "courtesy" of the American Soldier (Soldier used as a generic term for Sailors, Marines, Airmen and Soldiers - but certainly not meant to imply casuality or offend any Service member from any branch) but I'm not sure I comprehend. How can we be a power Military if we do not use that power to our advantage? We have technology, intelligence, more extensively educated recruits than we did back when it was mostly hand-to-hand, close range skirmishes of young guys yanked right out of high school with no desire to further educate themselves at the time. Do we really want to be known as the "nice guys"? If our hands are so tied that we can't go in and kick some insurgency ass, are they going to know we mean business? Don't get me wrong - I support the Heroes deployed, redeployed, held over and I do it proudly. I do it with the knowledge that I have known some Heroes who've passed on and I'm sadly aware that there may be more. I want to know why we can't prevent a few more Heroes from being killed by creating a little more turmoil from reducing requirements of the ROE?

I want to know what the Rules of Engagement were back when Viet Nam and WWII were going on. I'm not old enough to remember, nor was I a part of it, but I'm pretty sure there is a difference. I know there are certainly discrepancies in the stories I hear from back then to the reports I read and watch today. Has our military changed this much? Is there really that much more red tape holding our Heroes back from doing what they need to win this objective?

I've been searching, (and searching and searching!) and I'm thinking the best place to go for the information is the people who were in during those times.

Do the ROE change with each war? Did WWII have different ones from Viet Nam different from Bosnia different from OIF/OEF? Who decides the ROE? People behind a desk, or the ones on the front lines who KNOW what's out there?

Give me reason to believe why we have this weaponry, technology and these skilled servicemembers. Help me understand the difference between then and now.

L. A. Times Apocalypse again -- call up the Vietnam vets...

2007-01-24T18:19:00.000-08:00

L A Times Apocalypse again -- call up the Vietnam vets Where else can Bush get 21,500 trained soldiers for his 'surge'? By Paul Whitefield, PAUL WHITEFIELD supervises the editorial pages' copy desk.

January 21, 2007

LISTENING TO President Bush's speech on Iraq earlier this month, my first thought was: "Where the heck are we going to get 21,500 more soldiers to send to Iraq?" Our Reserves are depleted, our National Guard is worn out, our Army and Marine Corps are stretched to the limit.

Then it hit me: Re-up our Vietnam War veterans and send them.

They're trained. They're battle-hardened. Many already have post-traumatic stress disorder. Also, some have their own vehicles — Harleys mostly, which are cheap to run, make small targets and are highly mobile. I'll even bet that lots of these guys still have guns (you know, just in case).

OK, some vets are a bit long in the tooth (or don't have teeth — because of Agent Orange?). Or their eyesight isn't what it was. Or their reflexes have slowed. But with today's modern weaponry, how well do you have to see?

Too out of shape, you say? Listen, if Rocky Balboa can step back into the ring at age 60, all these Vietnam War vets need is a little boot-camp magic and they'll be good to go. I mean, who doesn't want to drop a few pounds?

Don't want geezers fighting for us? Well, let's face it, our young people have greater value right here. Most of us want to retire and collect our hard-earned Social Security, and we need those youngsters here, working and paying taxes — lots of taxes.

Finally, these Vietnam War guys are hungry for revenge. After all, they fought in the only war the U.S. ever lost. And they didn't even get a parade. So this is their chance. We can throw them that big parade when they come marching home.

If you would like to make a comment about a specific news article, editorial or commentary and have it considered for publication in the newspaper as a Letter to the Editor, please send it to letters@latimes.com -- send well-written individual letters only; no group e-mails. Do not send attachments. (Letters regarding Orange County issues specifically should be sent to ocletters@latimes.com.) Letters should be brief, and may be edited. They become the property of The Times and may be republished in any format. Please include your full name, mailing address and daytime phone number (your number will not be published). For complete guidelines, call (800) LATIMES, Ext. 74511.

In response to the 21 Jan 2007 editorial piece in the LA Times by Paul Whitefield, all I can say is "Oh HEEELLLLLL No!!!"

First the Pakistani national "man" (I use that term loosely) in WI from Discount-Mats.com, and now this. Unbelievable. And one of our own, even.

I know nothing of Mr Whitefield except that he is affiliated with the LA Times on the editorial page. I've read only one article with his name on it. I shall be hard-pressed to read anything else written by him.

I have no way of knowing whether Mr Whitefield wrote that column in jest. It does not matter. It was inappropriate and condescending, at best. And yes, I'm well aware that he is protected under the First Amendment to write whatever he wishes. (Hey, Whitefield -- guess who protects {protected} that Amendment for you? Yep, those Viet Nam vets, others before/after them and today's Military.)

Here's a thought -- how about exercising the Fifth Amendment? You know, the one that gives us the right to shut the hell up? He may have thought he was being humorous; to the ignorant masses, he probably was. Did the Viet Nam Vets not get enough ignorance and heartbreak the first time around? Must they be knocked down again for doing what they were commissioned? They fought for this country, regardless of their personal feelings, and upheld their commitment to the USA. All gave some, Some gave all. Many were drafted, didn't even WANT to go and STILL performed their duties as required when others ran, hid and dodged.

"'Well, let's face it, our young people have greater value right here. Most of us want to retire and collect our hard-earned Social Security, and we need those youngsters here, working and paying taxes — lots of taxes.'"

Really? Why not just slap every Soldier, Marine, Sailor, Airman, Coastie, Reservist and National Guardsman currently serving or who has ever served right across the face after spitting on them? I'm sure everyone in our Service would love to retire and collect their hard-earned Social Security. So would their families. It's sad that not all of them were or will be able. I could be wrong, but I'd wager that one day in Viet Nam (or the Sandbox, or Normandy or [insert war/incident/operation here]) might be just a tad more difficult than one day behind a keyboard at a newspaper office. Paper cuts can be quite painful; sniper fire, IED's or fallout from Agent Orange-deadly. Just because they are Veterans does NOT mean they are useless. Far from it. Because of previous Vets, I grew up:

-in a country free from fear of happenings such as 9/11
-free to choose a faith different from my neighbor's
-free to say what I want about the government I voted for without fear of tyranny
-free to vote
-free to talk, dress, live as I please
(catchin' a theme here?) Freedom... It's a beautiful thing, brought to us courtesy of:

DA DA DAAAAA --- Veterans. All of them. From every war/incident/operation. Upholding the freedoms the Constitution of this great nation affords us. Including Viet Nam.

Did Mr Whitefield serve in the Military? Did he do his duty beside those Brothers in any branch of the Military? Did he even sign up as a Reservist? Was he a Viet Nam Vet? Only a yes to the final question would earn him the right to even speak of them, much less joke about them. A yes to any of the prior three would surprise me greatly. Even Kerry had being a Veteran to fall back on after insulting our Heroes; that didn't excuse him. I may be reaching here, but without a Military, our country would cease to exist freely. Without a newspaper editorial employee -- ehh, not so much. Man, I LOVE that First Amendment!!! (You know, the one those DA DA DAAAA--- Vets and current Heroes work so hard to protect?)

This country used to take more pride in it's Military. Now, many are laissez faire about it. That's alright. This granddaughter and daughter of Veterans has enough to go around. And there are quite a few more out there just like me. I suspect you'll be hearing from them as well.

We must learn from the Heroes of the past and support the Heroes of the present to remain a free nation in the future. Mr Whitefield, to you I say at least I hope you are grateful to have the freedom (which, by the way-NOT free) to write what you wish, no matter how offensive. To all our Heroes past and present (absolutely including those Viet Nam Veterans), THANK YOU.

Message to the Troops from Ben Stein

2007-01-23T08:31:00.000-08:00

forwarded from a post on Soldiers' Angels... what a great guy!

Open Letter to Our Armed Forces and Their Families From Ben Stein

Greetings From Rancho Mirage By Ben Stein Tuesday, January 23rd

Dear Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, National Guard, Reservists, in Iraq, in the Middle East theater, in Afghanistan, in the area near Afghanistan, in any base anywhere in the world, and your families:

Let me tell you about why you guys own about 90 percent of the backbone in the whole world right now and should be happy with yourselves and proud of whom you are. It was a dazzlingly hot day here in Rancho Mirage today. I did small errands like going to the bank to pay my mortgage, finding a new bed at a price I can afford, practicing driving with my new 5 wood, paying bills for about two hours. I spoke for a long time to a woman who is going through a nasty child custody fight. I got e-mails from a woman who was fired today from her job for not paying attention. I read about multi-billion-dollar mergers in Europe, Asia, and the Mideast I noticed how overweight I am, for the millionth time. In other words, I did a lot of nothing.

Like every other American who is not in the armed forces family, I basically just rearranged the deck chairs on the Titanic in my trivial, self-important, meaningless way. Above all, I talked to a friend of more than forty-three years who told me he thought his life had no meaning because all he did was count his money.

And, friends in the armed forces, this is the story of all of America today. We are doing nothing but treading water while you guys carry on the life or death struggle against worldwide militant Islamic terrorism. Our lives are about nothing: paying bills, going to humdrum jobs, waiting until we can go to sleep and then do it all again. Our most vivid issues are trivia compared with what you do every day, every minute, every second. Oprah Winfrey talks a lot about "meaning" in life. For her, "meaning" is dieting and then having her photo on the cover of her magazine every single month (surely a new world record for egomania ). This is not "meaning."

- Meaning is doing for others.
- Meaning is risking your life for hers.
- Meaning is putting your bodies and families' peace of mind on the line to defeat some of the most evil, sick killers the world has ever known.
- Meaning is leaving the comfort of home to fight to make sure that there still will be a home for your family and for your nation and for free men and women everywhere.

Look, Soldiers and Marines and Sailors and Airmen and Coast Guardsmen, there are eight billion people in this world. The whole fate of this world turns on what you people, 1.4 million, more or less, do every day. The fate of mankind depends on what about 2/100 of one percent of the people in this world do every day and you are those people. And joining you is every policeman, fireman, and Emergency Medical Technician in the country, also holding back the tide of chaos. Do you know how important you are? Do you know how indispensable you are? Do you know how humbly grateful any of us who has a head on his shoulders is to you? Do you know that if you never do another thing in your lives, you will always still be heroes? That we could live without Hollywood or Wall Street or the NFL, but we cannot live for a week without you? We are on our knees to you and we bless and pray for you every moment. And Oprah Winfrey, if she were a size two, would not have one millionth of your importance, and all of the Wall Street billionaires will never mean what the least of you do, and if Barry Bonds hits hundreds of home runs it would not mean as much as you going on one patrol or driving one truck to the Baghdad airport. You are everything to us, as we go through our little days, and you are in the prayers of the nation and of every decent man and woman on the planet. That's who you are and what you mean. I hope you know that.

Love,
Ben Stein

Veeeerrrrryyyy Inta-res-ting

2007-01-23T08:17:00.000-08:00

1. The Garden of Eden was in Iraq.
2. Mesopotamia, which is now Iraq, was the cradle of civilization!
3. Noah built the ark in Iraq.
4. The Tower of Babel was in Iraq
5. Abraham was from Ur, which is in Southern Iraq!
6. Isaac's wife Rebekah is from Nahor, which is in Iraq!
7. Jacob met Rachel in Iraq.
8. Jonah preached in Nineveh - which is in Iraq.
9. Assyria, which is in Iraq, conquered the ten tribes of Israel.
10. Amos cried out in Iraq!
11. Babylon, which is in Iraq, destroyed Jerusalem.
12. Daniel was in the lion's den in Iraq!
13. The three Hebrew children were in the fire in Iraq (Jesus had been in Iraq also as the fourth person in the Fiery Furnace!)
14. Belshazzar, the King of Babylon saw the "writing on the wall" in Iraq.
15. Nebu chadnezzar, King of Babylon, carried the Jews captive into Iraq.
16. Ezekiel preached in Iraq.
17. The wise men were from Iraq.
18. Peter preached in Iraq.
19. The "Empire of Man" described in Revelation is called Babylon, which was a city in Iraq!

And you have probably seen this one: Israel is the nation most often mentioned in the Bible. But do you know which nation is second? It is Iraq! However, that is not the name that is used in the Bible. The names used in the Bible are Babylon, Land of Shinar, and Mesopotamia . The word Mesopotamia means between the two rivers, more exactly between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. The name Iraq, means country with deep roots. Indeed Iraq is a country with deep roots and is a very significant country in the Bible. No other nation, except Israel, has more history and prophecy associated with it than Iraq.

This is something to think about: Since America is typically represented by an eagle. Saddam should have read up on his Muslim passages... The following verse is from the Koran, (the Islamic Bible)

Koran (9:11 ) - For it is written that a son of Arabia would awaken a fearsome Eagle. The wrath of the Eagle would be felt throughout the lands of Allah and lo, while some of the people trembled in despair still more rejoiced; for the wrath of the Eagle cleansed the lands of Allah; and there was peace.

(Note the verse number!) Hmmmmmmm?!

All he wanted was some mats for his men to sleep on...

2007-01-23T05:22:00.000-08:00

What he received was the following response to which, of course, I had to reply... Turns out this "person" is a Middle Eastern national in country on a green card. Well, revoke his f*(&#! green card and send him back if he feels that strongly about his country. He's welcome there.

"SGT Hess, We do not ship to APO addresses, even if we did, we would NEVER ship to Iraq. If you were sensible, you and your troops would pull out of Iraq. Bargain Suppliers Discount-Mats.com"

Dear Bargain Suppliers/Discount-Mats.com~

Unbelievable is the first word that comes to mind. The second is unprintable, but not unthought. Obviously professionalism is neither expected nor practiced at your business.

Not shipping to APO's is not bad in itself; we understand that sometimes it is a difficult process to go through. And quite frankly, you WOULDN'T be shipping to IRAQ, you would be shipping to a Military Post Office and THEY would take care of the actual shipping. Your involvement would end at the packaging and filling out of customs forms.

How dare you tell this Soldier to "pull out of Iraq". That is not his decision to make. He is following orders from someone much higher up than YOU. He was requesting your product, and that would have been a lot of free advertising and quite possibly much more business. Now, however, the response above has been added to many blogs, some news sites and emailed out to everyone we at Soldiers' Angels can think of. A polite "Our apologies, but we do not ship to APO's" would have sufficed.

"'The name of our business is Bargain Suppliers, registered in the State of Wisconsin under our parent company, Capital Renovations LLC. We are an internet based retailer and authorized factory-direct distributor for many manufacturers. Our business model is built on providing the highest value and achieving excellence in customer service.'"

Yep, excellent customer service. Such excellent customer service that if there's any justice, it will soon be the "Out of Business Mats" company. We're all entitled to our opinions on the war; that's what those guys like Sgt Hess choose to protect for ignorant people such as yourselves - your freedom to express those opinions. What is lacking is the tact to express them to the people who actually make those decisions. Sgt Hess may be one of those who is not a supporter of the war, we don't know. He is obviously very much a supporter of our country and the people who live here. Big difference.

As an "authorized factory-direct distributor", I'm quite curious to find out the opinions of and reactions to your response to Sgt Hess of those companies for which you distribute. Maybe they have sons/ daughters/ fathers/ mothers/ brothers/ sisters/ husbands/ wives/ other family members who are in Iraq as we speak, and would not appreciate having their loved ones spoken to in this manner by anyone, much less a company that is working FOR them.

An apology to Sgt Hess would be the least your "business" could do to rectify this. Serious discipline for the author of that email should be considered; THEY should be the one to apologize on behalf of the company and made to sign their name. And know without a doubt Discount Mats, Bargain Suppliers and Capital Renovations LLC will not be used by myself, family or friends who are business owners in the future.

Jackie Mason

Soldiers' Angels-LWT Team Leader/Wounded TLC Member

Proud Marine Mom to Joel

Angel to Hero Sgt Doug/Allen(extended)

Epal to many Heroes

*homebound-Jeffery

www.miss-behavin--behavinasusual.blogspot.com www.americanheroworship.blogspot.com

Quest for Knowledge... the Journey Begins

2007-01-18T15:17:00.000-08:00

I am always in search of knowledge and understanding. This is especially true as it ("it" being the happenings that mold, form and affect our everyday lives) is now somehow more important to me to understand the whats, whys and wherefores of history as it relates to where I am now, and how it will and/or does affect my future.

I admit, I was not one for History in school; it bored me. (I know, how stupid was I?) Now, I sit enthralled by everything on the History channel, wishing I had more hours in the day to soak it all up. I read, I "google", I am so ignorant.

I've heard the saying, "'You must understand the past or you are doomed to repeat it'" or some such similar saying. Only now am I beginning to grasp what truths lie behind this. Unfortunately (and I mean that), I was born in that in-between time where these truths were not relayed to us. Obviously, I was not born in the WWI, WWII, Korean, or Viet Nam eras. I started life out about 1 year before Viet Nam ended. By the time I was old enough to grasp what it was, it was more the subject of sad jokes and whispers. We barely ever made it through WWI in the entire school career of History classes I took. We occasionally touched on WWII, just enough to get you interested, and then the year would be over. I don't remember ever studying anything beyond that. Doesn't say much for our education back then, and I graduated 8th in my class.

So now I'm 29 (laugh if you will) -ish and find myself painfully ignorant of past recent history and seemingly nowhere to learn. In school, Viet Nam was not spoken of, and I was barely into my teens during Beirut and Grenada. Sadly, it was not until just a few days ago that i even had an inkling of what those were even about. And I am just sick to find out about the loss of all those Marines in October of 1983. What I remember of that time was cheering for our Junior High football team, school dances and silly shit that is so meaningless now that I am actually embarrassed. I vaguely remember Desert Storm (i was into my second child and the world was a blur.) I do remember watching the news and seeing the Patriot Missiles take down the SCUD Missiles EVERY TIME and cheering wildly. I still am not entirely sure of the entire story behind that. Now with Saddam executed, I'm gaining a clearer picture.

I am not proud of the fact that I know so little of our Military history. I am less proud that I did not get more involved with supporting our Heroes before this last year. 9/11 rocked my world. I remember vividly where I was, who I was speaking with and being nearly catatonic from shock for roughly 2 days. I was a fortunate one in that I did not lose a loved one, know anyone or even know a friend of a friend in the tragedy. I was sad for all those as I watched in complete disbelief. And then I was REAAAALLLLYYY pissed off.

I grew up in a little 3 light town, hangin' out drinking beer with the gang when the police would just take you home instead of busting you. Cruisin' Main Street, hangin' out at the Dairy Whip or down by the slaw factory when the pool was closed, we'd be out til 2-3am and never think anything of walking around the block at midnight. We could sleep with our doors unlocked and windows open. Mine are now bolted shut soon as I step inside. I live in a small city, normal crime, drugs being the high of the day. But never, ever, once was I ever led to believe that something such as the Twin Towers/Plane/Pentagon would ever take place in America. Other countries, yep, heard about terrorists all the time. This place, hell no. This was the greatest country in the world!!! You can do what you want, go where you want, say as you please, be educated, have all your dreams in this country. I couldn't imagine why anyone WOULDN'T want to be here. It still befuddles me. Thanks mom and dad for giving me such a happy childhood and the thought that the world is a good and kind place. I mean that sincerely. I know now it is not. But I have instilled that in my children along with the knowledge that evil lurks and to be prepared.

I have always known my dad was in the US Navy before I was born. I recently found out my Grandfather was as well. I am fortunate to still have my Dad to be able to ask questions, my Grandfather I am not. I lost him many years ago. I am sad today that I was too young when he was around and able-minded to answer the questions I now have. I guess this is where I initially obtained my sense of country and pride. That and my mother was fanatically patriotic. She was of the hippie era, and such a strange mix of free love, live and let live jive and the Red, White and Blue USA. So here I am. I am not a political whiz. I vote because I am able, and because a lot of people sacrificed so I could. I am not thrilled with the war; however. I know that as an independent nation, it is a necessary evil to remain an independent nation. I will gladly support that. And you can damn sure bet that I will support each and every Hero who defends my rights and freedoms. Always. Each and every one.

So now my quest begins... and I'm enlisting the help of you folks out there. I will post questions, articles I've found, and other items that lead me to questions. I have an inquiring mind. I will have questions, form opinions and ask for clarity. Your mission is to comment on my musings, point out my misunderstandings and bring clarity to all who are interested in any of the past wars, "incidents" and Operations. I look to the older generations for guidance in this. We are fast losing our Veterans of past wars. It is not a political forum, although I'm sure that will play a part in the reasonings. There is no "war protesting". This is just a path to clear understanding.

A Military Wife

2007-01-16T15:51:00.000-08:00

A military wife is mostly girl. But there are times, such as when her husband is away and she is mowing the lawn or fixing a youngster's bike, that she begins to suspect she is also boy. She usually comes in three sizes: petite, plump and pregnant. During the early years of her marriage it is often hard to determine which size is her normal one. She has babies all over the world and measures time in terms of places as other women do in years. "It was in England that the children had the chicken pox...In was in Texas, Paul was promoted..." At least one of her babies was born or a transfer was accomplished while she was alone. This causes her to suspect a secret pact between her husband and the military providing for a man to be overseas or on temporary duty at times such as these. A military wife is international. She may be a Kansas farm girl, a French mademoiselle, a Japanese doll, or a German Fraulein. When discussing service
problems, they all speak the same language. She can be a great actress. To heartbroken children at transfer time, she gives an Academy Award performance: "New Mexico is going to be such fun! I hear they have Indian reservations...and tarantulas...and rattlesnakes." But her heart is breaking with theirs. She wonders if this is worth the sacrifice. An ideal military wife has the patience of an angel, the flexibility of putty, the wisdom of a scholar and the stamina of a horse. If she dislikes money, it helps. She is sentimental, carrying her memories with her in an old footlocker. One might say she is a bigamist, sharing her husband with a demanding entity called "duty." When duty calls, she becomes No. 2 wife. Until she accepts this fact, her life can be miserable. She is above all a woman who married a man who offered her the permanency of a gypsy, the miseries of loneliness, the frustration of conformity and the security of love. Sitting among her packing boxes with squabbling children nearby, she is sometimes willing to chuck it all in until she hears the firm step and cheerful voice of the lug who gave her all this. Then she is happy to be...his military wife.

--Author Unknown

AMEN!

2007-01-16T07:30:00.000-08:00

A United States Marine was attending some college courses between assignments. He had completed missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. One of the courses had a professor who was an avowed atheist and a member of the ACLU.

One day the professor shocked the class when he came in. He looked to the ceiling and flatly stated, "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. You could hear a pin drop. Ten minutes went by and the professor proclaimed, "Here I am God. I'm still waiting."

It got down to the last couple of minutes when the Marine got out of his chair, went up to the professor, and cold-cocked him, knocking him off the platform. The professor was out cold. The Marine went back to his seat and sat there, silently. The other students were shocked and stunned and sat there looking on in silence. The professor eventually came to, noticeably shaken, looked at the Marine and asked, "What the hell is the matter with you? Why did you do that?"

The Marine calmly replied, "God was too busy today protecting America's soldiers who are protecting your right to say stupid shit and act like an asshole. .............So, He sent me."

SGT Hook - The Words behind the Man

2007-01-15T10:10:00.000-08:00

Words cannot describe how I felt reading these... so I'm not even going to try... you must see it for yourself.

Sgt Hook, your way with words is beyond description. Thank you, for both the service, and the words.

No Tears In Heaven...
At the Station...
At the Canteen...

A Mother Asks Why?

2007-01-14T18:03:00.000-08:00

A mother asked President Bush "Why did my son have to die?"

Another mother asked President Kennedy "Why did my son have to die in Vietnam?"

Another mother asked President Truman "Why did my son have to die in Korea?"

Another mother asked President F.D. Roosevelt "Why did my son have to die Iwo Jima?"

Another mother asked President W. Wilson "Why did my son have to die in France?"

Yet another mother asked President Lincoln "Why did my son have to die at Gettysburg?"

Another mother asked President Washington "Why did my son have to die near Valley Forge?"

Long, long ago a mother asked "Heavenly Father, why did my son have to die on a cross outside of Jerusalem?"

The answer to all of them is the same "So others may have life and dwell in peace, happiness and freedom."

Major MIke Mundell (Rest in Peace)

2007-01-14T12:51:00.000-08:00

Today is another sad day in southern Indiana/North central Kentucky.

Our brave Hero Major Mike Mundell is laid to rest today, among family, friends and supporters. Unfortunately, he is also joined by the protesters of the Westboro Baptist Church. They intend to picket this funeral.

Protest what? The passing of a Hero who chose to serve our great country? The war that is showing us how much we stand to lose if our freedoms are not defended? The friends and family who have lost someone dear to them?

I realize that we have the First Amendment. I know we're allowed to say what we choose without fear of reprisal and torment. It's only one of a thousand reasons I love this country so much. With this comes an innate sense of responsibility. We are able to speak freely; this does not mean that we have to do this at the expense of others' feelings and the sacrifice of common decency.

If it weren't so absurdly horrifying, I would go to any Westboro Baptist Church member's family funeral and protest just to show them how awful they would feel; and how terrible the family of the fallen Heroes must feel to have these people disrupting and intruding on such a moment of personal trial and sadness. It's a good thing I was raised better than that. I am not a Saint; I wasn't raised right but I wasn't raised rude, either.

Along with the First Amendment, we also have the Patriot Guard Riders who will be there. They will stand between the family and the protesters, forming a wall of solidarity blocking out the heinous acts and inappropriate words of the WBC. They will bring the dignity of this fallen Hero to the forefront and God willing, leave the hateful, hurtful acts of this "Church" (I'm finding it difficult to call it that) in the dirt where they belong.

My heart goes out to Major Mundell's family and friends. My prayers go to God to take his soul to Heaven's gates where he can be whole and again live in peace.

Patriot Guard Rider
The silence of Death – broken by
Screams of protest.

Screams of Protest
Broken by the thunder of
Pride and Honor of the Guard

We stand side by side to honor
Those who can no longer fight

We stand side by side to comfort
Those whose hearts are broken

We stand side by side as Americans
Once as strangers, now as friends

But now and foremost we stand
Side by side as Patriot Guard Riders

Defenders of America's Patriotism

BY: Gus Pappaeliou NY Ride Captain

Soldiers' Angels Outreach Writer Nominated

2007-01-13T20:02:00.000-08:00

Sent: Sat, 13 Jan 2007 8:26 PM
Subject: Soldiers' Angels "Iraq War News" blog nominated

Hi all,

Please share the following link to the writers on your teams. Doesn’t cost a cent and takes only a couple of minutes to do.

Pam Kasz’s Iraq War News (Iraq War Today [iraqwarnews.net] ) blog has the chance to become one if not the top one Military Blogger and following is message from Pam.

In addition to maintaining this blog, Pam is our SA Outreach Program and SOS Kids Team Leader/Manager.

From: Pam iraqwartoday@sbcglobal.net
To: iraqwartoday@sbcglobal.net
Subject: [Iraq War Today] IWT Nominated in VA Mortgage Center Contest!
Date: Sat, 13 Jan 2007 12:50:31 -0800 (PST)

Check it out:$5,000 Contest for Military BloggersJanuary 8th, 2007 (8:27 pm)Bloggers can win up to $2,500 in our "Best Military Blogâ" Contest.

We are awarding prize money for the top 10 military blogs according to our visitors. Total prize money for the contest is over $5,000.

The Contest: VA Mortgage Center.com is proud to announce our new blog. In our continued efforts of educating veterans and those currently on active duty, we have decided to keep our visitors better informed with updates to their benefits and changes in the industry via a blog.Since the mortgage industry is only so exciting and changes in your benefits only happen periodically we would like to feature guest bloggers from some of the most popular military blogs on the internet. This will allow us to provide a variety of other interesting posts related veterans. In order to find out what type of content our users like and to find the best bloggers, we are running a contest to find the best military blogs online. As a bonus to the bloggers, we are offering prizes as well as the opportunity to be a guest blogger on our site.

The Prizes:We are awarding $250 to the top 10 military related blogs, according to votes from our users. And the top military blog will receive a total of $3,000. All of the top 10 bloggers will be given the option to be a guest blogger (but this will not be required). If you want to Nominate a Blogger, leave a comment with the URL of the blog or check out the nomination and blogger information page. Void where prohibited.

Let the Voting Begin!!!

Now, when the likes of BlackFive, Sgt. Hook, OPFOR, Smash, Froggy, and others are my competition, I'm not suffering delusions of grandeur. But making the top five would be nice. Heck, even being on that list is pretty darned cool!

Matt at BlackFive says that if he wins, the winnings will be donated to Project Valour-IT.
If IWT manages to score in the Top 10, my winnings are also going to Soldiers' Angels.

Please head on over, and if you feel so moved, vote for me. There are a lot of other great blogs there, too, so vote for your favorite, or nominate another. Head there now.

Saddam's Cat is such a playful little thing...

2007-01-11T12:22:00.000-08:00

Sent to me by a fellow American with a sense of humor nearly as warped as mine...

I love my Heroes...

2007-01-11T09:47:00.000-08:00

Below is an email exchange from me to the Angels on my Team started by a reply from one of my Heroes... I love those folks... I was truly humbled. Thanks Dave! :)

Angels~
I thought I would share this with you... this is why SA is just so darn AWESOME!!! I sent a copy of the speech from last night to my epal Heroes because they don't always get to hear this stuff in real-time and I received the following response from one of my Heroes.

Keep up the good work Team, they really do appreciate it, even when you don't hear from them!

*hugs*Jackie MasonSoldiers' Angels-LWT Team Leader
Proud Marine Mom to Joel
Angel to Hero Trenton*
Princess to Hero Jeffery*
Epal to many Heroes
www.miss-behavin--behavinasusual.blogspot.com
www.americanheroworship.blogspot.com
*homeward bound-in transition
God Love our Soldiers... I am here because they were there
-----Original Message-----
To:
Sent: Thu, 11 Jan 2007 1:09 AM
Subject: Re: Transcript: President Bush's Speech on Iraq
Good Morning Jackie,
thanks for keeping us informed we cant tell you how much we appreciate what you do.this may sound strange but you are our night in shining armor. forgive the spelling i think old age is kickin in LOL. Have a wonderful day and give my best
to all those on the LWT.

Sincerly SFC Dave XXX

----- Original Message -----
From:
Date: Thursday, January 11, 2007 5:43 am
Subject: Transcript: President Bush's Speech on Iraq
In case you didn't get a chance to see or hear this...
Wednesday, January 10, 2007

WASHINGTON � Transcript of President Bush's speech to the nation
on a change of course in Iraq:

And Two are Coming Home...

2007-01-10T17:08:00.000-08:00

What a day. Talking with my favorite A-stan Medic while fighting a raging migraine (I am POSITIVE he's the only reason I stopped heaving my insides up) I received word from my Adoption Coordinator through Soldier's Angels that my first "Official" (my Adopted Hero) was scheduled home, and not to send anymore letters or packages. Our mission is complete.

Mission complete??? My Marine is coming home? But who will I write? Who will I send silly little care packages to for holidays and for no reason? Weeellll, you COULD say I could send that stuff to my favorite A-stan Medic (who's an "unofficial" adoptee and has already been getting letters and little packages).

But NNNNOOOOO... he's coming home too at the end of the month. Wahhhh! Wait... I mean YYYAAAAYYY!!!

*sniff* I know it hasn't been easy for any of them. They've seen a lot of stuff I can only read about. Talking and emailing and getting "stuff" ready to send has brought an immense joy to my life and I'm not ready for the mission to be "complete."

Nope, I'm re-upping. Angel Mason reporting for duty. Sign me up for another deployment and hook me up with my next Hero!!! I've already started my next care package! :)

In all seriousness, Allen and Jeff, Congratulations and Welcome Home. Thank you for your brave selflessness and dedication to this great nation. America won't forget you, because I won't let them!!! I'm so very proud of you. You've touched a place in my heart that will always be. Feel free to stay in touch and visit the blog from time to time just to say "hey". Love you guys!

America, we have almost 6,000 Angels nationwide. Let's get the word out. Here's a thought.. 1:1 Angel:Hero ratio.

Adopt a Hero... visit www.soldiersangels.org today. Now! That's an order!

Awesome Heroes becoming even MORE Awesome!!!

2007-01-10T16:43:00.000-08:00

Just got done visiting my favorite buff Heroes' site at IraqiMuscle.com to check out their progress... lookin' good folks!!!

And they've added their first female recruit to the list... way to go!!! With a group like them over there supporting and guiding, how can she go wrong? :)

They're still working on those T-shirts and hats (along with the 6 packs movin' to the 8's) and also still donating to Soldiers' Angels. (Quite an awesome organization in itself! Of course, I'm biased, being a Team Leader for the Letter Writing Team and having many Heroes I support myself!!!)

What a great combination... Heroes and Angels... join the fun, support the morale and well-being of some great people who just happen to have your back for all the freedoms you enjoy. All without asking, and without hesitation. *sniff* pardon me, proud American/Mom/Angel/Hero moment.

SSG Simon, Sgt Skoczen... you guys are the bomb! You've inspired me. I've started walking about 1.5 miles a day and doing 20 pushups. Ok, girlie pushups, but the last time I remember doing anything that resembles that was when I tripped, fell and had to get my sorry butt up off the ground! :) Perfection is not achieved overnight and I can attest to that!!! I'm rootin' for Colleen!

C'mon folks, check out the site, sign the guestbook and show our Heroes you support them in both their professional AND personal endeavors.

Love you guys... Be Safe!

Corporal Jason Dunham to be posthumously awarded MOH 1/11/07 (Thursday)

2007-01-09T10:50:00.000-08:00

This Thursday, Cpl Jason Durham will be posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His brave, selfless action of covering a grenade, thus saving the lives of fellow Marines is to be commended.

Check out the Marine Corps Times for the full story...

And our life is difficult... how?

2007-01-09T10:03:00.000-08:00

Your alarm goes off, you hit the snooze and sleep for another 10 minutes. He stays up for days on end.
_________________________
You take a warm shower to help you wake up. He goes days or weeks without running water.
__________________________
You complain of a "headache", and call in sick. He gets shot at as others are hit, and keeps moving forward.
__________________________
You put on your anti war/don't support the troops shirt, and go meet up with your friends. He still fights for your right to wear that shirt
__________________________
You make sure your cell phone is in your pocket. He clutches the cross hanging on his chain next to his dog tags.
__________________________
You talk trash about your "buddies" that aren't with you. He knows he may not see some of his buddies again.
__________________________
You walk down the beach, staring at all the pretty girls. He walks the streets, searching for insurgents and terrorists.
__________________________
You complain about how hot it is. He wears his heavy gear, not daring to take off his helmet to wipe his brow.
__________________________
You go out to lunch, and complain because the restaurant got your order wrong. He doesn't get to eat today.
__________________________
Your maid makes your bed and washes your clothes. He wears the same things for weeks, but makes sure his weapons are clean.
__________________________
You go to the mall and get your hair redone. He doesn't have time to brush his teeth today.
__________________________
You're angry because your class ran 5 minutes over. He's told he will be held over an extra 2 months.
__________________________
You call your girlfriend and set a date for tonight. He waits for the mail to see if there is a letter from home.
__________________________
You hug and kiss your girlfriend, like you do everyday. He holds his letter close and smells his love's perfume.
__________________________
You roll your eyes as a baby cries. He gets a letter with pictures of his new child, and wonders if they'll ever meet
__________________________
You criticize your government, and say that war never solves anything. He sees the innocent tortured and killed by their own people and remembers why he is fighting.
__________________________
You hear the jokes about the war, and make fun of men like him. He hears the gunfire, bombs and screams of the wounded.
__________________________
You see only what the media wants you to see. He sees the broken bodies lying around him.
__________________________
You are asked to go to the store by your parents. You don't. He does exactly what he is told.
__________________________
You stay at home and watch TV. He takes whatever time he is given to call, write home, sleep, and eat.
__________________________
You crawl into your soft bed, with down pillows, and get comfortable. He crawls under a tank for shade and a 5 minute nap, only to be woken by gunfire.
__________________________
You sit there and judge him, saying the world is probably a worse place because of men like him. If only there were more men like him!
____________________________

IraqiMuscle.com - they're making better progress than I am!

2007-01-09T10:01:00.000-08:00

In doing my Angeling tonight, I received word from my Leader about a couple Buckeye Boys (Woo Hoo!!!) who are on a road to self-improvement while deployed.

They have also donated to Soldiers' Angels by the making of hats and shirts for purchase. Now isn't that the coolest thing to take a year where you're not in the best circumstances and turn it into a positive reinforcement for your life???

Check out their site... sign the GuestBook... contact them about hats and shirts... it's all for a good cause!!! I can't wait to get mine!!! Will update you as I find out more... Great job Heroes!!! We can see a difference already... looking very buff! ;)

Very proud of all of you!!! Stay Strong -- Be Safe!!!
Miss B

Let's Hear it for Australia...

2007-01-08T13:32:00.000-08:00

Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday to get out of Australia, as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks. A day after a group of mainstream Muslim leaders pledged loyalty to Australia and her Queen at a special meeting with Prime Minister John Howard, he and his Ministers made it clear that extremists would face a crackdown. Treasurer Peter Costello, seen as heir apparent to Howard, hinted that some radical clerics could be asked to leave the country if they did not accept that Australia was a secular state, and its laws were made by parliament. "If those are not your values, if you want a country which has Sharia law or a theocratic state, then Australia is not for you", he said on national television.

"I'd be saying to clerics who are teaching that there are two laws governing people in Australia: one the Australian law and another the Islamic law, that is false. If you can't agree with parliamentary law, independent courts, democracy, and would prefer Sharia law and have the opportunity to go to another country, which practices it, perhaps, then, that's a better option", Costello said. Asked whether he meant radical clerics would be forced to leave, he said those with dual citizenship could possibly be asked to move to the other country. Education Minister Brendan Nelson later told reporters that Muslims who did not want to accept local values should "clear off. Basically people who don't want to be Australians, and who don't want to live by Australian values and understand them, well then, they can basically clear off", he said.

Separately, Howard angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday by saying he supported spy agencies monitoring the nation's mosques Quote:

"IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. Take It Or Leave It. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians."

"However, the dust from the attacks had barely settled when the 'politically correct' crowd began complaining about the possibility that our patriotism was offending others. I am not against immigration, nor do I hold a grudge against anyone who is seeking a better life by coming to Australia."

"However, there are a few things that those who have recently come to our country, and apparently some born here, need to understand."

"This idea of Australia being a multicultural community has served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity. As Australians, we have our own culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle."

"This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom"

"We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, Learn the language!"

"Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture."

"We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us."

"If the Southern Cross offends you, or you don't like " A Fair Go", then you should seriously consider a move to another part of this planet. We are happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and we really don't care how you did things where you came from. By all means, keep your culture, but do not force it on others. This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom, 'THE RIGHT TO LEAVE'."

"If you aren't happy here then LEAVE. We didn't force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted."

Maybe if we circulate this amongst ourselves, American citizens will find the backbone to start speaking and voting the same truths!!

SEND THIS TO EVERYBODY YOU KNOW, IF YOU AGREE !!!AMERICA,WHERE IS YOUR BACKBONE? THIS IS REAL

Hell Yea!!! Marine politely tells Kerry to Kiss His Ass...

2007-01-06T09:41:00.000-08:00

I'm having a proud Hero moment here. How wonderful we have these brave men and women to stand up for us so we (being the idiots who do it) can say what we want under the First Amendment... I'm thinking it's time for Kerry to exercise the Fifth Amendment. As I told my favorite Medic Hero, we have both. One to exercise the right to say what we want and one to exercise the right to SHUT THE HELL UP.
******************************************************************************************* This is a letter written by a marine in response to Kerry's insult on them. Enjoy and repost if you feel the notion.

Yesterday John Kerry said, "You know education, if you make the most of it, you study hard, you do your homework, and you make an effort to be smart, you can do well, and if you don't, you get stuck in Iraq."

So I wrote him a letter:

I am a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. I am currently on my second tour in Iraq, a tour in which I volunteered for. I speak Arabic and Spanish and I plan to tackle Persian Farsi soon. I have a Bachelors and an Associates Degree and between deployments I am pursuing an M.B.A. In college. I was a member of several academic honor societies, including the Golden Key Honor Society. I am not unique among the enlisted troops. Many of my enlisted colleagues include lawyers, teachers, mechanics, engineers, musicians and artists just to name a few. You say that your comments were directed towards the President and not us. If we were stupid Senator Kerry, we might have believed you.

I am not a victim of President Bush. I proudly serve him because he is my Commander and Chief. If it was you who was President, I would serve you just as faithfully. I serve America, Senator Kerry, and I am also providing a service to the good people of Iraq. I have not terrorized them in the middle of the night, raped them or murdered them as you have accused me of before. I am doing my part to help them rebuild. My role is a simple one, but important. You see Senator Kerry, like it or not, we came here and removed a tyrant (who terrorized Iraqis in the middle of the night, and raped them and murdered them). And we have a responsibility to see to it that another one doesn't take his place. The people of Iraq are recovering from an abusive relationship with a terrible government and it's going to take some time to help them recover from that. We can't treat this conflict like a microwave dinner and throw a temper tantrum because we feel like it's taking too long.

Senator Kerry, you don't have to agree with this war. You don't have to say nice things about those of us who choose to make sacrifices for the rights of every American rather than sit back and simply feel entitled to it. But please Senator Kerry, if you're going to call me a stupid murdering rapist, stick by what you say. Don't tell me that I misunderstood or that you would never insult a veteran because you're one too. Having been there and done that does not give you a free pass to insult me.

My suggestion for you, Senator Kerry, is to remember that your speeches are recorded, and broadcast to us simpletons over here. You may want to write down what you want to say before you say it, maybe have somebody look at it before you say it and tell you what others might hear. Remember that we can't read your mind. If there are any misinterpretations in what you say, it's because you didn't communicate clearly.

Good luck to you Senator Kerry. If nothing else it's always entertaining to watch you try and climb out of the holes that you constantly dig for yourself.

Sincerely,

Somebody who is watching his daughter grow up in photographs so that you can have the right to say whatever you want about him.

Respect for Funerals of Fallen Heroes Act

2007-01-06T09:30:00.000-08:00

Follow the link to find out the story... fantastic work by Shelle (one of the forum Admins and top PR person for Soldiers' Angels).

http://soldiersangelsforum.com/index.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=13130

Seriously folks, would you want a group of people (doesn't matter what the cause) protesting in any way, shape or form at the funeral of YOUR loved ones?

Armed Forces Tribute

2007-01-06T09:29:00.001-08:00

http://home.insightbb.com/~armedforcestribute/

The Monsters and the Weak

2007-01-06T09:22:00.000-08:00

The sun beat like a hammer,
not a cloud was in the sky.
The mid-day air ran thick with dust,
my throat was parched and dry.
With microphone clutched tight in hand
and cameraman in tow,
I ducked beneath a fallen roof,
surprised to hear "stay low."

My eyes blinked several times
before in shadow I could see,
the figure stretched across the rubble,
steps away from me.
He wore a cloak of burlap strips,
all shades of gray and brown,
that hung in tatters
till he seemed to melt into the ground.
He never turned his head
or took his eye from off the scope,
but pointed through the broken wall
and down the rocky slope.

"About eight hundred yards," he said,
his whispered words concise,
"beneath the baggy jacket
he is wearing a device."
A chill ran up my spine
despite the swelter of the heat,
"You think he's gonna set it off
along the crowded street?"
The sniper gave a weary sigh
and said "I wouldn't doubt it,"
"unless there's something
this old gun and I can do about it."

A thunderclap, a tongue of flame,
the still abruptly shattered;
while citizens that walked the street
were just as quickly scattered.
Till only one remained,
a body crumpled on the ground,
The threat to oh so many
ended by a single round.
And yet the sniper had no cheer,
no hint of any gloat,
instead he pulled a logbook out
and quietly he wrote.

"Hey, I could put you on TV,
that shot was quite a story!"
But he surprised me once again --
"I got no wish for glory."
"Are you for real?" I asked in awe,
"You don't want fame or credit?"
He looked at me with saddened eyes
and said "you just don't get it."
"You see that shot-up length of wall,
the one without a door?
Before a mortar hit,
it used to be a grocery store."
"But don't go thinking that
to bomb a store is all that cruel,
the rubble just across the street --
it used to be a school.
The little kids played soccer
in the field out by the road,"
His head hung low, "They never thought
a car would just explode."
"As bad as all this is though,
it could be a whole lot worse,"
He swallowed hard, the words came
from his mouth just like a curse.
"Today the fight's on foreign land,
on streets that aren't my own,"
"I'm here today 'cause if I fail,
the next fight's back at home."
"And I won't let my Safeway burn,
my neighbors dead inside,
don't wanna get a call from school
that says my daughter died;
I pray that not a one of them w
ill know the things I see,
nor have the work of terrorists
etched in their memory."
"So you can keep your trophies
and your fleeting bit of fame,
I don't care if I make the news,
or if they speak my name."

He glanced toward the camera
and his brow began to knot,
"If you're looking for a story,
why not give this one a shot."
"Just tell the truth of what you see,
without the slant or spin;
that most of us are OK
and we're coming home again.
And why not tell our folks back home
about the good we've done,
how when they see Americans,
the kids come at a run."
You tell 'em what it means to folks here
just to speak their mind,
without the fear that tyranny
is just a step behind;
Describe the desert miles they walk
in their first chance to vote,
or ask a soldier if he's proud,
I'm sure you'll get a quote."

He turned and slid the rifle
in a drag bag thickly padded,
then looked again with eyes of steel
as quietly he added;
"And maybe just remind the few,
if ill of us they speak,
that we are all that stands
between the monsters and the weak."

Michael Marks January 2006

The Final Inspection

2007-01-06T09:16:00.000-08:00

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

"Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"
The soldier 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 soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, you Soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."

Author unknown.

Send a Thank You to the Troops

2007-01-06T09:15:00.000-08:00

http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1024.html

This takes literally about 1.5 minutes....and it's great! They send the card, with your name, to a soldier, thanking them for their service!

Wanna Make a Hero's Day?http://www.soldiersangels.org/Letter_Writing_Team.php

2007-01-06T09:12:00.000-08:00

My fearless leader from Soldiers' Angels has just sent out an updated address for anyone interested in joining the Letter Writing Team at Soldiers' Angels.

You may sign up for 1 name a week, or 3 names a day or anything in between. Who knows? Maybe you'll end up on my team! ;) I now have a Platoon of writers (30 in all) that I coordinate. I can handle a few more!

Check out the link... get involved! Make a difference! Do it or I'll kick your ass. :)
Seriously folks, check it out... no obligation, no spam mail. Just a great organization of people who want to make sure the Heroes doing their job (whether we like it or not) know there are people who care.

If you can't get the link above to work, I've included one you can copy/paste into your browser... have a great day!!!

http://www.soldiersangels.org/Letter_Writing_Team.php