Soldiers' Angels Place in Local Parade...

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

Injured Vets take to the PA Slopes...

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...

The ebb and flow of my Heroes...

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...

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”.

6 Degrees and Counting... Thanks everyone!

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

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...

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...

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...

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

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

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...

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!!!

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

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...

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

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

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...

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

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

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