GraniteGrok |
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gran·ite n. 1. A common... hard igneous rock... used in monuments and for building. 2. Unyielding endurance or steadfastness: a will of granite.
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I've put up the original one a couple of times - the last time when the Youngest had earned his Combat Badge in Afghanistan. Well, here's a remake that was made for the Marines:
Got that covered too - the Eldest is a prior Marine.
Semper Fi, Son!
(H/T: BlackFive)
The Corner: Here's a video of this year's Rolling Thunder in D.C. A lone Marine stands at attention for about three hours. His emotion is palpable. As ours should be.
A solitary Marine holds vigil at full attention during the Rolling Thunder motorcycle rally in tribute to fallen comrades.
Thank you, Mac, for your words and for your Air Force Service.
During the deployment of the NH National Guard 2/197th FA MP's to Mosul, Iraq, unit members took time out from their daily patrols to play with, aid, and make friends with the local children. Most of the videos and pictures were taken by Spc. Alan Burgess who was killed by a car bomb on October 15, 2004.
I received an email from my co-worker, Karen, yesterday morning pointing me to this video: The Warrior Song. I played it, and sure enough, I had already posted it up on the 'Grok this past Veterans Day (Nov. 11, 2009). At the time, I wrote the following:
The 'Grok loves our vets and those that are still in uniform. THEY are the ones, at the tip of the spear, that protect us. We appreciate their willingness to sacrifice their lives, and the lives of their families, to keep us safe.
It takes a special type of person to be a Warrior - a special kind of ethos. Some might think War uncouth, unseemly, and a throwback to a time that should be better relegated to the dustbin of history - and I would agree. However, until that time comes when all live to leave others' their freedom and lives, Warriors will be needed.
We are blessed to have them.
Those words take on more significance now that the Youngest is in Afghanistan. I've had the opportunity to talk to him several times so far as he starts his year tour. He's at one of those itty-bitty F.O.B.s (Forward Operating Bases) - and he has now seen and been in combat. He reassures TMEW and I that he has been well trained, the guys he is with are amongst the best possible, and that I should not worry about him. In listening to the tone, in listening to the cadence of his speech, knowing him (perhaps) better than he knows himself, and hearing how he is handling the situations, he has, indeed, become a Warrior.
No, not the bloodthirsty kind - rather, the kind that wants to do his job to the best of his ability, and then return home, safe and sound with his battle buddies around him, to his young family. A Warrior that wishes to fight - but only for as long as he is needed.
I find that acceptable as a citizen of this country and marvel at the courage and willingness to put himself in harm's way. I tremble as a Dad for the danger he will face and I have returned to listening for the noise of strange car that might turn into the driveway (acquired habit from when the Eldest was in Iraq). Yet, even as I never servered, I know that his ethos, this Warrior ethos, will serve him in good stead:
(words and music by Sean Householder)
(H/T: Karen)
Andy Sanborn, candidate for NH Senate District 7, vents his ire concerning Commander-in-Chief Obama's decision to go to Chicago instead of laying the traditional wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC.
No further words are needed or necessary...
(H/T: Mac)
During the First World War, in May 1918, President Woodrow Wilson approved the suggestion of the Women's Committee of National Defenses recommending that American women should wear a black band on the upper left arm adorned with a gold star. Each star representing a family member who had given his or her life for their country. President Woodrow Wilson first used the term "Gold Star Mother" in his Letter to the Women's Committee.
The mothers of New Hampshire’s fallen heroes have made the ultimate sacrifice for human freedom, and we owe them the most profound debt of gratitude. More than anyone, they bear the deep emotional burden and loss of those who have laid down their lives for the cause of liberty. New Hampshire owes these dignified and graceful mothers of freedom our deepest admiration and our promise that the sacrifice of their children will never be forgotten.
To assure that their children would not be forgotten, in 1999, Gov. Jeanne Shaheen signed into law RSA 4:13-h: “Gold Star Mother’s Day” calling for
...the proper observance of the first Sunday after Easter which shall be known as Gold Star Mother's Day recognizing and honoring all mothers who have lost sons or daughters while on duty in the United States armed forces. The governor shall urge the citizens of the state to observe this day with appropriate events...
Each year, this observance is an opportunity to offer our solemn respect to Gold Star Mothers and renew our ongoing pledge that America will always remember those who died while wearing the uniform of the United States and forever honor their families' sacrifice.
In the words of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944:
"There is nothing adequate which anyone in any place can say to those who are entitled to display the gold star in their windows America lives in freedom because of the sacrifices of America's finest citizens and of the mothers who raised them.."
(H/T: Op-For)
I went to the Laconia, NH Town Hall held by Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH) - I think it should have been labeled "Carol's healthcare apology tour" as she is still trying to "sell" this bill to the public. But that is for a later time (videos to come).
A Blue Star Mom (a Mom with a son or daughter in the military) was not a happy camper at that Town Hall meeting. She asks Shea-Porter if she would file a bill that would change the DUSTWIN status (Duty Station Whereabouts Unknown) back to the Geneva Convention terminology of POW/MIA. A filibuster ensues by Shea-Porter, with no answer given ("we'll correspond"). The Mom then berates CSP for lack of help (didn't even return her call) in getting her Navy son home when his grandmother died. She then turned to NH Senator Judd Gregg, whose efforts got the job done. Typical CYA by CSP ensues.
Yes, that was me at the end as I started to ask, as a Blue Star Dad (the Youngest deploys to Afghanistan in a couple / few more weeks for a year tour) to follow up on the Blue Star Mom's unanswered request "Will you file a bill?" when I got cut off (thanks to Bill the Truckdriver for some moral support!).
You are invited to join us on Sunday, April 11, 2010 from Noon to 2:00pm at the Pease Public Library in Plymouth, NH for a luncheon and a memorial service of remembrance. Pease Library is located just off the common and about two miles off I-93. Please park at the upper level and walk down to the lower level side door. The Library is handicap accessible.
The 52 Weeks of Remembrance is a service to remember and honor our fallen military members, no matter the cause of death and to offer support to their families, friends, and all who attend.
Please RSVP no later than 4/6/10 – Susan Peterson email at phil413.susan@gmail.com - we would love to have you join us and learn more about what you can do in your community to host a similar memorial (the goal is to have one every week of the coming years…)
Thank you..
Susan
Proud Blue Star Mom (x's 2)
Printed with permission:
The following message was emailed today to all members of the UDT-SEAL Association:
Members and Friends of the UDT-SEAL Community,
After much internet conversation and concern for our accused Navy SEALs, I would like to let you know what is actually fact and not hearsay. I would also send thanks to those of you who displayed patience and some sanity although very concerned about our accused Navy SEALs. I want you to know that your concerns are the same as mine. With the way this was brought forth by the news media, they once again failed the American people and our community. I was personally outraged the same as all of you.
After speaking with our Naval Special Warfare Senior Leadership I can assure you these are facts not assumptions. This will not provide what exactly happened for two reasons, one, I was not given all the details. Two, due to the sensitivity of information necessary to successfully defend our SEALs.
Here are some facts I can share with you of what I do know and believe:
- The charges or accusations against our Navy SEALs were not made from within our SEAL community. They came from outside our Naval Special Warfare Community.
- When the SEALs were presented with the situation of going to Captains Mast for these charges, they declined NJP. The reason they declined going to Captains Mast is the SEALs did not want to be judged by those outside of our SEAL community.
- Our SEALs made the choice for a Court Marshall instead. The SEALs believe this would assure the representation necessary to prove their innocence.
- At no time did NSW have any control over these accusations or events other than providing advice or guidance to our SEALs.
- Our Naval Special Warfare Community Senior Leadership is determined to protect our SEALs from
- these accusations or charges. Be assured they are extremely committed in supporting our SEALs efforts in proving their innocence.
- This was not the choice of our Naval Special Warfare community, but something that was injected externally and now require them to deal with this situation.
- Now that this Court Marshall is in place it must be followed through to prove our SEALs are in fact cleared of any wrong doing at all. If the Court Marshal were to just go away, there would always be doubt in some folks minds that we are hiding something. This could be a media fiasco no one needs. There is no choice but to go forward.
- Now this is me speaking, I do know from a very reliable investigation source that someone in the Navy's Master-at-Arms community made these accusations, and the integrity of the chain of custody of the prisoner is at question. There are extenuating circumstances that indicate there is questionable evidence in some of the accusations made. This evidence will come out in a Court Marshal that might not have come out in a Captains Mast in favor of our SEALs.
So, the hard side of this is it's going to cost our SEALs money, a large sum of money to prove their innocence. This is something everyone can help with but we need to be smart and make it fool proof prior to establishing any effort to help. There are some unscrupulous individuals that will take advantage of this and say they are raising money for our SEALs and pocket that money. Once this is organized I'll let you know. Our hopes are that we will have only one fund established that will be specifically for this effort alone. More on this later.
If any further information comes my way I will provide this at a later time. I will not send any information forward that is not fact. Please keep the rumors on the grapevine to a minimum.
Let us move forward cautiously in a positive way in support of our SEALs as the TEAM we are and always have been. Let the world know we are the Silent Professionals that get the job done at all costs and we are collectively all in support of our guys in this effort.
Looking forward,
Jack Lynch
President,
UDT-SEAL Association*****All three Sailors have retained civilian attorneys. They are also each provided a military attorney. Military will pay for military counsel but cost of civilian attorney is born by defendant.
U.S. v. Huertas, LT Andrew Carmichael, JACG USN (military)
LT Guy Reschenthaler , JACG USN (military)
Ms. Monica Lombardi, JACG USN (civilian)
Monica L. Lombardi, LLC.
www.militarytrial.com
mlombardi@militarytrial.com
757-309-4764 757-309-4764 or 888-826-5529 888-826-5529
U.S. v. Keefe
LT Paul Threatt , JACG USN (military)
LT Emily Gibbons, JACG USN (military).
Mr. Greg McCormack (civilian)
The Law Firm of Greg D. McCormack, PC.
www.militarylawyers.org
inquiry@mccormackpc.com
757-463-7224 757-463-7224 .
U.S. v. McCabe
LT Kevin Shea, JACG USN (military)
LT Kristen Anastos, JACG USN (military)
Mr. Neil Puckett (civilian)
Mr. Neil Puckett is from the Law Firm of Puckett & Faraj, PC.
www.puckettfaraj.com
neal@puckettfaraj.com
888-970-0005 888-970-0005 .
(H/T: Sue)
A note from Natalie Healy: an update on the three Navy SEALs accused of accosting the (a fat lip) Al Qaeda terrorist that was behind the four Americans hung on that Iraqi bridge:
HAPPY NEW YEAR
I hope and pray that this year proves the return to common sense that out beloved country so needs.
We can start in that direction by insuring that the three young Navy SEALs- Matthew Mccabe, Jonathan Keefe, Julio Huertas - arrested for allegedly abusing a high placed al Queda operative are returned to active duty with this sorry mess wiped from their records. They were charged on the word of their captive- for a fat lip. Most people I've spoken to say that this situation should have never gotten to this stage. My understanding is that with enough of us throughout the country raising our collective voices through the instruments we control, email and regular mail, this matter will get the attention of Secretary of Defense Gates who has the power to dismiss this.
From what I gathered they can be issued admonitions called "Non punitive Letters of Caution" that would dismiss the charges and let them return to their careers and also, BTW, successfully overcome the TERRORIST'S claims and serve notice to his buddies that Americans aren't going to allow them to use our own PC obsessiveness as their weapon- at least not without a fight.
It is simple and free and takes but a minute. We need thousands and thousands to get the word to Congress so please forward this letter to your list in hopes that we can start the New Year off with a nationwide reminder to Washington that we will not tolerate injustice to our warriors and that TERRORISTS need to be treated as such.
Also, write directly to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates at 1400 Defense Pentagon, Washington, D.C. 20301-1400.
This is an AMERICAN cause not a bi partisan cause. Lets show our enemies what America is made of !!!
God Bless America,
Natalie Healy
Gold Star mother
Senior chief Dan Healy
KIA, Operation Redwing,
Afghanistan, June 28, 2005
---------------------------------------------------------
I went, signed the petition, and sent this to Senators Gregg and Shaheen, and my Congresscritter, Shea-Porter:
We send highly trained operatives to carry out a valued mission - to bring a terrorist to justice. What has now happened is a travesty - allowing this same terrorist to use our Rules of Engagement, our regulations, and our laws, to continue his warfare via legalfare - war by other means.
Legal martial arts - using your enemy's strength against him - and now, unless you act, he has won again.
This is just INSANE!
During the course of a day, I go through a LOT of posts from all over the blogosphere. Usually, I end up only commenting on very few - there is just not enough time to touch on all the great stuff that I get to see. However, I do bookmark them and I am reviewing some of those now in my clean up process as this year starts to begin to wind down. This one caught my eye again:
Jeremy is a young man who, faced with the prospect that doctors may soon have to amputate his other leg, replied matter of factly, "If that happens, I'll deal with it, too." Perhaps more than any other institution in America, the military represents values like accountability, resilience, strength under adversity, achievement, and personal responsibility; qualities that used to be thought of as simply "American". It seems strange beyond belief that the President swept into office on the shoulders of voters chanting, "Yes, We Can!" now personifies a philosophy of government based on "No, You Can't" (without my help).
Obama doesn't "get" the military because with every step they take, whether it's on prosthetic legs or the steely sinews of an combat hardened Marine, their strength and independence give the lie to his defeatest rhetoric. All those unbowed shoulders, unbeaten spirits and uplifted heads make him profoundly uncomfortable.
And Obama's message, that life is too hard and is too difficult, that success can only be a "we" experience is just so corrosive! The underlying message is that "you cannot do it alone"; what kind of a message is that?
Fatalistic, in my opinion. When the social outlook was still that of rugged individualism, the sky was the limit; parents told their children that they could go and be anything they wanted. The message was that an individual, through dint of hard work, use of one's intellect, and never giving up, could succeed here in the US. Obama's undertones, amplified by the Left, is that only by the Collective can there be Success - and it should be given to all (and not those that have actually achieved it).
As with all other socialist / Communist societies before it, Obama's push (aided and abetted by the hard Left and the usual Useful Idiots), it will fail here. Success can only come from individual achievement, from an individual striving to better their lives and those of their family.
Socialism strives to change the focus from the individual and a believe in a supreme God (as in Christianity) to that of a supreme secular State.
Interesting, isn't it, that as they decry that triumphalism, patriotic outbursts, and other acts of "jingoism" showing pride in the US and its founding doctrines are the actual problems with today's society, they themselves are doing all they can to build a "super-state".
Instead of inalienable Rights derived from God, the elites of the political class are the true believers in Big Government as the source of all good.
And Rights.
Which basically means that all of our Rights are nothing but whims of the current winds of politics.
Elections matter, people - we are seeing that now.
(H/T: Powerline)
(H/T: Karen)
UPDATE: It seems that some of the national politicians are now putting pressure on Secretary Gates to intervene:
Members of Congress, including House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio), want Defense Secretary Robert Gates to intervene in the court martial of three Navy SEALs, one of whom is charged with punching a terror suspect, while all three are charged with lying about the alleged incident.
Boehner’s name is among 33 other members of Congress in the letter sent to Gates.
Meanwhile, the other members such as Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.) are expressing concern about the case.
“The SEALs were doing what they should do. We’re talking about terrorists,” Inhofe, the number two Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, told CNSNews.com. “Yes there is something that can be done about that. We are encouraging him [Gates] to take some kind of action to intervene in this thing. He can do it through the job description: What are SEALs supposed to do? What are special ops all about? What is their role?”
“The decision to go ahead and prosecute these sailors represents an unusual overreaction,” Joe Kasper, spokesman for Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.), told CNSNews.com.
In a separate letter to Gates, Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) said he does not want to see the careers of the three SEALs cut short “predominantly on the allegation of a murderer and our driving need to be politically correct.”
Locally too, Nat Healy AND Jack Kimball (former head of the Granite State Patriots and, coming out of the NH TEA Party movement, running for the Republican nomination for Governor) have an updated time for a rally for these SEALs:
It is time that we ALL get out and let the country know that we have our Seals backs. In fact, we have the backs or all our brave men and women in uniform. So, with that in mind, I am asking all Patriotic Americans in the area to converge on Market Square (in front of the Old North Church) in Portsmouth, NH at from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, December 16th. Surely we can all dedicate one hour of our time to show everyone that we do not intend to let this abomination continue. So, bring lots of American flags and signs. Lets push to have all charges dropped and bring the Seals home for Christmas. It's the least we can do.
I'll keep bumping this up as more info comes in.
=====================================================================
I had angrily posted about the three Navy SEALs who, after capturing the mastermind behind the mutilation of four American security guards in Iraq, have been accused of prisoner abuse (a fat lip). The SEALs could have gone through either a Captain's or Admiral's Mast for adjudication - perhaps a "slap on the wrist" but injurious to their careers by admitting guilt. These folks, to no great surprise, have decided to fight for their honor - and have demanded a courts martial.
Today, they were arraigned:
Navy SEALs Arraigned on Abuse Charges
Two Men Allegedly Hit and Failed to Protect Suspects in Murder of Blackwater Contractors
Two Navy SEALs accused in the mistreatment of an Iraqi suspect in the 2004 slayings of four U.S. contractors were arraigned in military court Monday, and one SEAL said he was gratified by support from the public and some members of Congress.
Continue reading "Navy SEALs - now the fight goes to court" »
And it fits - I have yet to see a single policy or action, domestic or foreign, that has yet to actually show strength: massive borrowing will cause our financial demise, dithering on Afghanistan causes our military to lose heart, the rising unemployment due to his Stimulus is giving rise to a redeux of the "Carter Malaise", revealing our intelligence secrets causes our most at risk agents to go "I'm not sticking my neck out". Couple that with "Dissing" our long term allies and we'll soon see that we will be on our own (the exact policy that The Won accused Bush of doing) as no one will work with us.
Determined Weakness - what better way to make the US no better than any other nation in the world?
The last few days, the news broke that three Navy SEALs based with SEAL Team 10 out of Virginia, have been threatened with military misconduct in capturing a high value target in "Operation Amber" - Ahmed Hashim Abed, the mastermind behind the killing, multilating, and making a media circus of the Blackwater security guards in Fallujah in 2004 that were ferrying supplies on behalf of our efforts in Iraq. They stalked him, they tracked him, they caught him - and kept him alive for further interrogation and actions. Their misconduct?
Dear 'ole Ahmed is claiming a bloody lip by the SEALs.
In the process of getting him, he could have easily been killed - case closed if that had happened. But in doing the better thing, it looks like these SEALs are going to get the shaft of their own trident for doing their jobs well.
Once again, SEALs, some of the most highly trained Special Ops we have, are being threatened for doing their job. Frankly, this shows the mind set of the Administration - is this action a war or is it simply a law enforcement operation? One doesn't use SpecOps folks for the latter - only the former. Doing so, and threatening to bring them up before an "Admiral's Mast" (usually for less serious misconduct) sends a bad message: do your mission, achieve your goal, and you may end up getting second guessed and political corrected. In other words, you will get in trouble if you do your job - yeah, that would make me real motivated to risk my life...Determined Weakness.
These upper brass fools (from what I have been able to gather from looking around the 'Net), fearing a political backlash from above, decided that they could get away with a handslap - declaration of guilty, a small hand slap, and move on.
Perhaps I'm a bit naive, but I believe that these SEALs are not going to let that quaint notion of "honor" go quietly into that good night.
Further from Fox:
Continue reading "The Three Navy Seals - more of "Determined Weakness"?" »
From an email:
Fort Hood
A man had a TV on in his office when the news of the military base shootings came on. The husband of one of his employees was stationed there.
He called her into his office and the minute he told her what was going on, she got a text message from her husband saying, "I am okay." The cell phone started ringing right after that. It was an ER nurse. She said , "I'm the one who just sent you a text, not your husband." She thought the message would be comforting, but she immediately knew she had to let the wife know what was going on. She said, "I am sorry but your husband has been shot 4 times and he is in surgery."
The wife left Southern Clinic in Dothan and drove all night.
Miraculously, here is the photo I just received from my brother that was taken today in the hospital room. He is awake and will recover. His wife, who lives in Dothan , made it to Ft. Hood about the time he was waking up.
Thought I'd share this great outcome:
Continue reading "So, who went to Ft. Hood when it mattered?" »
Never Forget! Bring them ALL home...
Friday is National POW/MIA Awareness Day. Interesting to note is the FACT that we have an American soldier (PFC Bowe Bergdahl) being held as “POW” in Afghanistan at this time and most Americans are not aware because of simple terminology change. The term POW/MIA was changed 15 years ago and Americans who risk their lives and are captured are NOT granted protection under the Geneva Conventions because of Terminology which is now “Missing-Captured” and where is the outcry from all those who “Support the Troops”?
Are American troops, men and women, now disposable objects not worth negotiating for ? Once captured we Americans are to sit back and wait for Remains ?
You can believe those troops there, those boots on the ground, have done and are doing everything possible for this soldier. The problem is, those in DC who direct the Wars and call for support HIDE these Americans through change of terminology. Faith, Trust and Truth..Lacking !!
Maybe all those who wave the flag and actually support the troops may on Friday the 18th make a call to your Congress Rep. AND Senator and Demand the terminology be changed to the recognized POW/MIA so as to grant any possible protection to this American Soldier. Accept the responsibility on behalf of those we SAY we care about and are grateful for. saying “Thank you for your service” is NOT enough..Do something !!
Guest Post by Sue Peterson...
President Obama, you are the Commander in Chief. Today we have another American Soldier that was capture, Pfc. Bowe R. Bergdahl. He is identified as "Missing-Captured" which is the designation that was established on December 18, 2000. The Department of Defense (DOD) issued Directive 1300.18 which eliminated the status of designation Prisoner of War (POW) for captured American Service Personnel. They replaced it with the ambiguous designation Missing/Captured (MIA-C) or “Duty Station Unknown”. The DOD and Pentagon changed from POW/MIA, a term all Americans understand and the term used under the Geneva Convention – shouldn’t he have the right to be classified as the Convention asks to guarantee him all help and protection possible? The lack of action by Congress to correct this misguided step displays a lack of respect for and provides grievous insult to our service personnel, their families and loved ones who suffer this loss.
Now, this soldier joins the other 2 – Missing/Captured –
CPT Scott Speicher (Desert Storm),
SPC Ahmed K. Altaie
(Last year they found the remains of SSG Matt Maupin, who was not called a POW, but he was awarded the POW medal, how ironic is that? And also the remains of PVT Byron W. Fouty and SPC Alex R. Jimenez.)
As a mother of a soldier who served in Iraq (Baghdad) and another son deploying next year, please remember that we have the above 3 soldiers - please do not forget them ...UNTIL THEY ALL COME HOME.. ...I cannot even imagine being a parent of one of these men....again, please make people aware...we need to help the families of these soldiers.
You will note there is tracking for WWII, Korea, Cold War, Vietnam War, 1991 Gulf War. But, there is no tracking or public dissemination for Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom. The change in nomenclature from POW/MIA to Missing Captured & Missing In Action Where About Unknown does not afford principles or their survivors the same statutory legal benefits as granted to service members in prior conflicts. The missing personal will still be promoted at their normal longevity and allotments will still be paid to dependents but that is about as far as it goes. You can ask the family of Matt Maupin about the level of assistance they received (from the DPMO office). As a Blue Star Mom, I need to know the level of support or non-support my sons would be afforded if they were just listed as missing or captured in this current state of conflict. We demand from you and Congress that our current military personnel and their survivors be afforded the same level rights as prior POW/MIAs were granted.
I am proud of New Hampshire and Governor Lynch (D) for signing SB148 on June 11, 2009. This bill establishes that the state of New Hampshire recognizes the designations of Prisoner of War (POW) and Missing in Action (MIA) as valid descriptions of casualty status and category classification for military personnel. Governor Lynch has made NH the first state in the Union to officially declare that the only term POW/MIA is acceptable!!!
We are asking you, President Obama, to “direct the Department of Defense to recognize and designate as “Prisoner of War” (POW) not Missing/Captured”(MIA-C) any member of the U.S. Armed Forces and any U.S. citizens employed by any U.S. agency, or under U.S. Government contract, who are captured and held against his/her will.”
I am asking you to please write or call The President, your Senator and Representative, radio and papers…Let’s have New Hampshire lead the way in making this change….we can be the rock in the water that causes the ripple to spread across our United States of America.
Thank you,
Susan Peterson
Proud Blue Star Mom (x’s 2)
The Blue Star Families, whose children are or have served in the US Armed Forces and Gold Star Families whose children gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms, along with the deployed New Hampshire Armed Forces Family Support Groups, NH National Guard, US Armed Forces Reserves, The Red Cross and The American Legion are participating in "New Hampshire Supports Our Troops Rally" at the State House Plaza in Concord NH on June 13, 2009 at 11am. The rally is to show our support for the deployed members of our armed forces and their families.
Speakers will include along with Jack Kimball of Granite State Patriots, Gold Star Mother, Lynn Savage, Chaplain Veinotte and Sgt First Class Jon Worrall, of the Chaplain’s Emergency Relief Fund. There will be displays of military vehicles, Military color guards, military displays, The American Defenders of NH Baseball Team, activities for children and much, much more. Come join us in a show of support for the men and women of our armed forces.
For further information contact Holly Haas at navyblu007(at)comcast.net.
The Blue Star Families, whose children are or have served in the US Armed Forces and Gold Star Families whose children gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms, along with the deployed New Hampshire Armed Forces Family Support Groups, NH National Guard, US Armed Forces Reserves, The Red Cross and The American Legion are participating in "New Hampshire Supports Our Troops Rally" at the State House Plaza in Concord NH on June 13, 2009 at 11am. The rally is to show our support for the deployed members of our armed forces and their families.
Speakers will include along with Jack Kimball of Granite State Patriots, Gold Star Mother, Lynn Savage, Chaplain Veinotte and Sgt First Class Jon Worrall, of the Chaplain’s Emergency Relief Fund. There will be displays of military vehicles, Military color guards, military displays, The American Defenders of NH Baseball Team, activities for children and much, much more. Come join us in a show of support for the men and women of our armed forces.
For further information contact Holly Haas at navyblu007(at)comcast.net.
Guest post by Howie Howe
For those who are not familiar with subject, let me tell you about something we need to be concerned about that involves our current serving members.
In Iraq and Afghanistan, we hire outside companies to provide basic living services and provisions for our troops. These contractors determine their own methods of providing those services, which includes the removal and destruction of waste and trash.
It appears that in Iraq the contractors are burning medical and other waste in the proximity of our troops breathing area, and the troops are claiming they are feeling sick and getting adverse reactions to this. We should all remember what many of our troops in the Gulf War claimed, and should make a big stink that we don't allow these contractors to jeopardize the health of our children and grand-children for serving in order to save a buck.
This issue was brought to my attention by Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter, who is very concerned about this, and asked that we get the word out, and put an end to this practice.
Here are some links to the issue (problem):
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/10/military_burnpit_102708w/
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/11/military_burnpit_complaints_111308w/
We need to make a big stink (no pun intended) to Congress, the President, and the DOD over this problem, demanding that the health of our troops not be jeopardized by contractors taking shortcuts in serving them.
I thank NH Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter for bringing this to my attention. I encourage everybody to take note on this, take action on it, and send the word out to everybody and ask them to do the same. Please pass this along to everybody you know - Remember in taking care of and dealing with Vets and our military service members, there is no room for Partisanship.
Howie Howe is the founder/regional coordinator of New Hampshire's Help On The Homefront (NH HOTH)-- a group of Motorcycle Riders, and others, who support Veterans and Miltary members in need of asstance, pay tribute for Veterans service, and help families who have suffered the loss of a loved one in Miltary service.
[H/T pic]
by Karen Thurston
Last year, the Blue Star Mothers of New Hampshire joined forces with New Hampshire Veteran’s groups, as well as other organizations and donors, to build a Reflection Fountain along the Memorial Walkway at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen. This week marked the completion of the fountain. The formal dedication of the Reflection Fountain is scheduled for Saturday, May 30, 2009 at 12:30PM following the traditional Memorial Day services at the cemetery.
To date, the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery has become the final resting place for over 3700 Veterans and their spouses. The cemetery is a place of peace through its natural beauty, and is a source of pride to all the Veterans and their families. It is also the site of many ceremonies held throughout the year designed to acknowledge all Veterans, even those not interred here. These veterans, by virtue of their service, gave the title "Blue Star Family" to their loved ones. Those who died in service to their country bestowed the title of “Gold Star Family” on those they left behind. The title “POW/MIA Family” goes to those families who are still awaiting the return of their loved ones. It is fitting therefore, that the bonds created by their military service will be reflected in this fountain.
The Reflection Fountain has been designed to provide a place for all families, Blue, Gold and POW/MIA, to sit and reflect on the great sacrifice that has been made by all Veterans, past, present and future. You may ask, "Am I part of this family?" ~ The answer is a resounding “YES!” If you have someone in your family who has served, or is currently serving in any branch of our military, you are a Blue Star Family.
The Reflection Fountain belongs to all of us, to the spouse who spends long deployments waiting to hear from his or her loved one, to the mother and father who spends sleepless nights worrying about her child, to the grandchild who is just learning that their grandparent served at Normandy, to the family that is still grieving after the loss of their loved one, to the dad who served his country in Vietnam, yet hides it from those around him, and to the POW/MIA family that waits patiently for answers to their questions. It belongs to all of them. The Reflection Fountain is designed to be a place where fellow veterans can find comfort and peace.
Please come Saturday, May 30, 2009 at 12:30PM and join in the dedication of this beautiful memorial.
They sacrificed their old age for yours...
Comrades showing honor and shared grief.....knowing that if necessary, they would lay down their lives as well for their brothers-in-arms...
Consider: would you do the same as these selfless souls?
(H/T: Blackfive)
...not believe that this is just the beginning of the summer season. Instead, take some time to reflect upon the sacrifices that have been made on our behalf so that we could believe that this is just the beginning of the summer season.
With our thanks, and our gratitude.
(H/T: Blackfive)
Rep. Shea-Porter. Thanks... for nuthin'
From the NRCC:
Washington- Today, Congress passed a critical troop funding bill with overwhelming support from members in the House, but no thanks to any help from Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH) who voted to hamstring our troops in the field, without the critical funding for everything from replacing worn-out equipment to providing healthcare, to keep them safe in the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan (House Roll Call 265).
But just before Shea-Porter voted to cut off funding, she voted in favor of a House Resolution to “state that the House remains committed to supporting the military and encourage Americans to show appreciation on Armed Forces Day 2009.” Her blatant posturing is particularly insulting since she turned right around and denied the troops the very “support” she claimed she was committed to giving them (House Roll Call 263).
This critical war funding bill had the support of Democrats and Republicans in Congress and has the backing of the White House, yet Carol Shea-Porter refused to put her money where her mouth is and actually deliver real support in the form of much-needed funds for our men and women in uniform.
“There is no acceptable explanation for Carol Shea-Porter’s vote to endanger our American troops fighting overseas,” said NRCC Communications Director Ken Spain. “Carol Shea-Porter’s decision to add insult to injury by voting against a critical troop funding bill after claiming she was ‘committed’ to supporting the troops, will not sit well with families in her district who are protected by our brave men and women in uniform every day.”
By voting “no” today, Carol Shea-Porter voted against providing our troops with the following:
(Source: House Committee on Appropriations, Summary: 2009 Supplemental Appropriations for Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Pandemic Flu As Passed by the Full Committee)
Our friends over at Granite State Patriots are having a rally to honor the Fallen - we're happy to spread the word. So, if you don't already have family plans, consider this as an activity!
I saw this over at The Corner - and had to post it here. This article, a first hand accounting, was penned by a Vermont native in the Bennington Banner.
Please - if nothing else, know that our military does not need or want our pity or our protection; they need our support and recognition of their honor in the proper way.
I was humbled when I read this; it explains the look of the Youngest (now with the 101st Airborne Division)as the Eldest (prior Marine) "turned him blue" by pinning the blue cord that identifies him an qualified Infantry soldier.
Sarah Albrycht recounts:
Service itself is our honorIt is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain.A few nights ago, I walked a quiet mile with hundreds of other service members. It was a clear night in Bagram, Afghanistan. Although it was late, the birds were singing, perhaps roused by the unusual occurrence of people walking under their trees at the late hour. Soft voices broke the solemnity, but no words were discernible. Suddenly, as if on cue, soldiers, airmen, seamen, marines, broke off the sidewalk and lined the road, spacing themselves regularly and assuming a position of silent watchfulness. The honor cordon had formed.
— Abraham Lincoln,
Gettysburg Address
Heads began to turn right as flashing blue lights appeared far down the road. As the vehicles neared, one by one, service members assumed the position of attention and rendered the hand salute. In the back of an open truck sat eight military members, and between them, at their feet, was a flag draped casket.
As I rendered my salute, I thought about the fallen soldier. I did not know his name, his unit or his home. I never saw his face or spoke to his family. I did not know why he volunteered for the Army or what he was doing when he was killed. But there was much I did know. I knew he had fought and died in an honorable cause, a cause that had little to do with our policy on Afghanistan. This soldier had volunteered to put his very life on the line in service to his nation and his brothers-in-arms. I see no more honorable cause that that.
In a column, Mr. Putney has again raised the debate about the sacrifice of America's "sons and daughters" in uniform. Some have argued that we must continue the fight to honor their memory "so that they have not died in vain." Others argue we must stop the wars to save soldiers from this fate. I think an essential understanding of what motivates those of us in uniform is missing in this debate.
We are not your sons and daughters, whom you must protect and defend. We are your sword and your shield. We are men and women who volunteer to place our lives on the line so you do not have to. We do not decide when or where we will be sent. We go. You are our advocates, not our parents.
Man, just how many great speeches WERE given on Tea Party Day, anyway? Wow! 
BUMPED and UPDATE: Obama Caves - now, go crawl under a rock for even thinking of floating this plan!
========================================================
Filed under Plain Politics - as this is where it belongs. This is personal - no, not me, but for both my sons - the Eldest served in the Marines and did a tour in Iraq and the Youngest is assigned to the Army's 101st Airborne.
And Obama is willing to use MY tax money to pay for the healthcare for illegal aliens and wants to charge our veterans for the same? AND HE THINKS HE'S SUCH A GRAND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF?!?!?!
I already gave one dose of what the military thinks of Obama here - this ain't going to help things. So what AM I talking about? This!
Obama May Charge Veterans' Private Health Insurance for Service-Related Ailments
The Obama administration is considering a plan to charge the private health insurance of veterans for treatment of service-related ailments that currently are paid for by the Veterans Administration -- a potential change that has veterans’ groups outraged...
...Last week, Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki confirmed to the House and Senate committees on veterans’ affairs that the idea to bill veterans’ private individual insurance was being considered by the administration but was not yet a formal proposal.
That is, former General Shinseki. I never served in the military but it is my understanding that the well being of the enlisted is the highest concern of an officer. So, when is Shinseki going to do the right thing and resign, as I rather doubt that this is in the best interest of our vets! He retired when he was upset with Bush's decision - he's going to go along with this?
Now, this is going to get killed off rather quickly if this is any indication as a number of Senators and Congressmen have already declared it DOA.
Now, did Obama say he was going to do this during the campaign? Er, not so much! In Fact, the word LIAR is coming up large on the insides of my eyeballs, especially when my memories were confirmed:
I presume this proposal will go down in flames in Congress. But it seems to pretty clearly violate Obama's pledges on the campaign trail:
- Barack Obama will restore our sacred trust with our nation's veterans: Obama and Biden are committed to creating a 21st Century Department of Veterans' Affairs that provides the care and benefits our nation's veterans deserve.
- Help returning service members: Obama and Biden will improve the quality of health care for veterans, rebuild the VA's broken benefits system, and combat homelessness among veterans.
- Improve mental health treatment: Obama and Biden will improve mental health treatment for troops and veterans suffering from combat-related psychological injuries.
All statements from Barack Obama come with an expiration date — even the ones that you thought he would never dare let expire.
And this!
Obama, a year ago this week:
"When soldiers return from fighting, they deserve nothing but the best in medical care, he said. More needs to be done, he said, to understand the effects of post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury on soldiers returning from war.
"We'll have to keep our sacred trust with our veterans and fully fund the (Veterans Administration). We'll have to look after our wounded warriors, whether they're suffering from wounds seen or unseen," he said.
Sorry, but making vets shell out more $$ is NOT going to help their mental health (or financial, for that matter) better. And the Veterans organizations are all over this and are THEY MAD!
Continue reading "Obama can give free healthcare to illegals and wants to charge Vets??" »
Every President is the Commander-in-Chief and that office deserves respect. That respect should also translate up and down the chain of command. That said, there are those Presidents that the military genuinely likes, and those...well, not so much.
Guess who has earned the respect, admiration, and hearts of the Marines?
Guess that answer is fairly easy to pick, eh?
Why am I not surprised that he of "Jenghis Kahn" (spelling intentional), he of the history of sliming his fellow vets, he of accusing only the dregs of society end up in Irag, would be one of the first to ask. His intention, in my opinion, is not to honor the fallen...it will be to allow him to spout more of his nonsense.Shortly after Obama took office, Democratic Sens. John Kerry of Massachusetts and Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey also asked the White House to roll back the 1991 ban.
The Obama administration is reversing an 18-year ban on news coverage of the return of war dead, allowing photographs of flag-covered caskets when families of the fallen troops agree, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Thursday.
"My conclusion was we should not presume to make the decision for the families," Gates said in announcing results of a quick review of a ban that had stood through Republican and Democratic administrations.
Although details are being worked out, the new policy will give families a choice of whether to admit the press to ceremonies at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, the entry point to the United States for the caskets of overseas war dead.
As I have stated many times before, I have never served in the military. As I have also said on a number of occasions, knowing what I do now (and perhaps, with a bit more wisdom as well), I wish I that I had. There is a bond, a knowing glance, the fellowship of shared pain and experience, that we civilians can never know. I thank all former military folks for their service no matter what their political stripes are. They made the decision to risk all of life's treasure, talents, and families for their country.
The one thing that I can and DO share with all other military parents and loved ones is the one nightmare that strictly civilian families will never, ever know: the reality that someday I could live my worst nightmare - hearing the sounds of an unknown engine of a unknown car. And then, upon peering out the window and praying to God Himself that it would not be a U.S. Government car and that upon the car door opening, a uniformed officer stepping out. A few years ago, it would have been a Marine officer. Now it would be an Army officer. Either way, the news would be that which a parent should never have to bear - their child is gone.
And that should be a very private moment; not one that I would want to share with the world. Or the media. Or anyone else.
Thus, at Obama's first Presidential Press conference (the one where the questioners were picked ahead of time - and the questions as well?), I first cringed, and then leaped to my feet in sheer anger at the question from CNN's Ed Henry when he asked if the ban on photos of military caskets coming into Dover would be lifted. With all that was going on with Obama's agenda, was I the only one that asked themselves - this is of primary importance?
How DARE he! For all of the talk of "honoring" those that had given their lives, the heart of the matter is this:
And who is going to tell the President of the United States that he cannot do something (provided no laws are broken)? Often times, Protocol says "No can do". In this case, I would do as Obama is starting to do:
When President Obama boarded Marine One for his first flight as commander-in-chief, he decided to break from tradition. Departing from the South Lawn of the White House for a trip to Williamsburg, Va., the new president extended his hand to a U.S. Marine standing in salute at the base of the helicopter's steps.
The unscripted gesture forced the Marine to break his stance and shake the president's hand before he returned to his posed position of hand at brow.
Go read the article - it was interesting. More interesting is the look of shock on the young Marine's face. After listening to the Eldest's stories about his time in the Marines, I'm quite sure that his NCOs and officers have drilled him and drilled him and drilled him within an inch of his life as to how to respond to the POTUS's presence. And then President Obama throw him a curve!
If it were me, I'd be shaking every one of those young soldiers, Marines, sailors, airmen, and Coast Guards.
Return the salute as Commander-in-Chief.
Follow up with a handshake to say "Thank you for your service!".
And tell the Chief of Protocol, ahem, "I won" (albeit, politely)
by Debbie Lee
It is with a heavy heart for my country that I write to you today. I pray that you will be inspired, challenged, and that you will reconsider decisions that you have made in the past week since you took the oath to preserve, protect and defend our constitution.
Many in my family have taken a similar oath in the military including my sons Kristofer & Marc, my son-in-law Chris, my brother Jim and my Father.
"I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."
They along with every other Veteran have paid for my freedoms and the freedoms of every American. They have given and sacrificed so much. Some have paid the ultimate price as my son Marc Alan Lee did on Aug 2, 2006. He was the first Navy SEAL killed in Iraq. He made the choice to stand up into the direct line of fire three times that day fighting for the rights of those who couldn't fight and bravely defending the defenseless. He told me we were making a difference in Iraq and he knew it was the right thing to do. He fought the terrorists over in Iraq so that we would not have to fight them on American soil or fear another attack on our homeland.
We have heard the success stories in Ramadi and the Al-Anbar province where Marc fought. He directly impacted the history of the world. My son successfully completed his mission that day but it required the sacrifice of his life to save other's. He chose to do that, he was a young man who valued others lives more important than his own.
I remember the day I found out I was pregnant with him, just two weeks after a divorce from his abusive Father. I had a 3 year old son and an 18 month old daughter and didn't get support from their Father. How would we ever survive? I could barely afford food for the two little ones I had, let alone another baby. There were those who told me that abortion was the solution. I already had an abortion at 17 and it would have been easy to do that again, but I had learned the hard way that abortion was taking the life of an unborn child and wasn't a solution.
As a single parent for most of their life, I struggled - sometimes working 3 jobs to take care of them. It wasn't easy and there wasn't any light at the end of the tunnel, but by God's grace and mercy I have three amazing children.
Can you imagine how different this world would have been without Marc? I still hear amazing stories of lives that have been inspired and touched by this amazing man who gave his life away so that others may live. It could even be your life that Marc spared as he fought the terrorists and brought them the justice they deserved. Marc and others just like him have fought and given you and me the gift of life by defending us against enemies foreign and domestic.
This past week a nation watched as you signed Executive Orders that have horrific consequences.
You didn't waste any time signing an order to close Guantanamo Detention Camps. My son gave up his life fighting the terrorists so we wouldn't have to face them in America ever again, and now your actions will bring these vile radical terrorist to American soil and give them the same rights as citizens of America have?
Continue reading "Guest Post: A Gold Star Mother writes President Obama" »
This past Saturday, both Natalie Healy and Debbie Lee were on our show, Meet The New Press, along with Jeb Bradley to discuss the slur that Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH) and the NH Democrat Chair, Ray Buckley, in all but calling
Debbie Lee has quite the following in the military / Blue Start / Gold Star community (and those of us that support their work!). Once ensconsed back home in Arizona, she sent the following email out (emphasis mine):
Hey everybody:
I'm back home and trying to catch up on much needed rest after 11 intensive days on the campaign trail with MAF Freedom PAC. While in NH endorsing Jeb Bradley I attended a debate between Bradley and Carol Shea Porter. Congressman Bradley used his opening minutes of the debate to acknowledge Natalie Healey and myself and the sacrifice our sons, Dan and Marc, both Navy SEALs. One of the questions asked the candidates was about the importance of staying in touch with their constituents. The Bradley campaign had released a radio ad that Natalie had made exposing the lack of Carol Shea-Porter to return phone calls to Natalie after numerous attempts requesting to talk with her.
Jeb responded how important his constituents are and referenced staying in touch with Gold Star Mother Natalie Healey. Carol Shea responded that it was important to her and that she had in fact spoken with Natalie. Nat and I both could not believe what we just heard? Carol had just lied publicly on the platform.
Got that! The people around whom the discussion was pointed have called out Carol Shea-Porter.
After the debate we approached the stage and confronted Carol about her bold faced lie. She responded that she had contacted Natalie and had just released a press release to counter the accusations in the radio ad. I told her that our sons had given up their tomorrows so that she could have her today and how dare her that she couldn't use 10 minutes out of her day to return a phone call to a Gold Star Mother. At that point she quickly went back stage.
Heh! Just like in Monty Pyton - "Run away! Run away!"
I turned around and in disgust commented that Carol had just lied. A man in the crowd chanted, "Where's the proof? Prove it. Prove it!" I pointed to Natalie who was speaking with media and said. "She's the proof. That's the Mother who Carol refused to call." I repeated to the man "Our son's gave their tomorrows, their futures, so that she could have her today's and she can't even return a phone call? That's disgraceful.
He then told me he had served in Viet Nam and had friends who were POW-MIA. I compassionately touched his arm thanked him for his service and told him I was sorry for his loss. I told him that no matter where you stood on the politics of the War on Terror that a Congressman or Senator out of respect should return a phone call to a Gold Star family member. He stated his disgust for what we were doing in Iraq and said "We've all lost things." THINGS????? My son is not a thing. He was a hero who stood out in the direct line of fire 3 times that day and gave his life for this man and he has the audacity to compare his sacrifice with a thing???? I was livid!!! How dare him.
At this point the man in charge of the debate came over and said we would need to take this outside. I could not believe what had just taken place. I knew I was wasting my time and started to walk away when the man I had the confrontation with told me "Your just being used by the campaign." Oh my goodness again, I can't believe the antics of this idiot. He obviously doesn't know that nobody uses me. I turn around and tell him "NOBODY uses me!" You don't raise a son to be a Navy SEAL by having a character that is used by people. Unbelievable! As I approached the other Blues Star Moms and campaign staff that was there they asked what had just taken place. I retold the confrontation with the condescending, heartless man. They asked me to point him out. I was informed that his name was Ray Buckley and that he was the Chairman of the Democrat Party in NH. I was even more appalled that the man who had disgraced my son and insulted me was a high ranking official in the Democrat Party.
Decency on the part of Ray "attack Dog" Buckley? Ha! You decide.
I'm calling for back up. This is unacceptable! I am calling for a public apology and Ray Buckley's resignation. If anyone can help set up an on-line petition let me know. I am also including addresses to write letters to the editor of the newspapers in NH letters@unionleader.com and cline@unionleader.com
This is America and we saw the disrespect for our troops who came home from Viet Nam. I know so many of you who are determined that this won't happen to those who are currently serving or the families of our fallen heroes. I am outraged and I won't let this happen to other Gold Star families either.
Standing for our Heroes and their families,
Debbie Lee
Proud Mother of Marc Alan Lee
First Navy SEAL killed in Iraq 8-2-06
Major Kirk Luedeke
[Ed. note: It's been a while, but we are pleased to welcome our milblogger, Major Kirk, back to the pages of GraniteGrok. See his prior dispatches from Iraq here...]
I just reached a small personal milestone- my 180th day home since the 4th Brigade of the 1st Infantry Division- Task Force Dragon- redeployed to Fort Riley from the Rashid District in Southern Baghdad. Life has been great for me, but hit me the other day that I really didn’t have a lot of visibility on what’s been going on in the old Iraqi neighborhoods since we departed in April.
It took a recent 60 Minutes segment by Lesley Stahl on CBS about the March and April battle for Sadr City- one that occurred out of our sector, but happened while we were still in Baghdad and in the process of handing over responsibility for Rashid to our counterparts- the 1st “Raider” Brigade of the 4th Infantry Division. The story is extremely well done and if you haven’t seen it, take a look (I’ve posted the link below).
The segment brought back a lot of memories for me. We saw some spillover in attacks directed at us by renegade Shia special groups criminals as a result of the fighting to our east across the Tigris. In fact, on the very night he arrived by Chinook helicopter my public affairs counterpart was standing next to my desk when a 107mm rocket screamed over the FOB Falcon wall and landed close to our brigade headquarters building. It exploded, violently spraying the structure with lethal shrapnel, shattering windows and shaking the foundation. Nobody was killed that night and there were only a few minor injuries, but the attack served as a wakeup call for all of us- we were short but our tour wasn’t over.
“Wasted away again in Mortaritaville,” I later deadpanned to my fellow PAO Dave (no, I wasn’t calm and collected enough to do it in the heat of the moment), and unfortunately for us, there would be other attacks to come at Falcon. A few days later, we would even get trapped in the Green Zone for several hours, compliments of some of the mortar and rocket attacks from Sadr City which forced the U.S. to take the action depicted on 60 Minutes.
When we left Iraq in late April, the battle had already started to move away from our collective consciousness, so seeing that story some six months later reminded me about how disconnected I’ve become from the events and life that I spent 430 days experiencing in 2007-08.
Being there, I was immersed in a never-ending news cycle. Even if my focus was on monitoring the various events and stories coming out of our area or Iraq/Afghanistan, I had a steady pulse on news from around the world as well. Never in my life have I felt more connected than I did in my job while deployed to Iraq.
So, fast forward to October 2008;
Continue reading "Dragon Soup Blog: Get yourself connected" »
Guest Post by Jeb Bradley, Republican candidate for NH's 1st Congressional District, detailing his 7 Point Plan for Veterans:
"We see these men and know them once again -- and know how much we owe them, how much they've given us, and how much we can never fully repay. And not just as individuals but as a nation, we say we love you."
Those were the words spoken by Ronald Reagan as he delivered a speech at the Vietnam Memorial on V-Day in 1988.
How true the words of President Reagan ring when he says that it is impossible for us to ever fully repay those men and women who have put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms…but that does not mean we should not try has hard as we possibly can to give them everything they are worthy of, after sacrificing so much for us. Our words, no matter how genuine, are not enough. We must provide our troops currently serving and already home the care and benefits they deserve, they need, and they have been promised. That is why today I am proposing a 7 Point Plan for Veterans in order to ensure that we provide them with as much care and assistance as possible.
First, if elected back to Congress in November, I will introduce legislation calling for the POW/MIA Designation to be reinstated for our troops. Currently their status is listed as: Missing-Captured Duty Status Whereabouts Unknown, but it is only the POW/MIA Designation that is recognized by the Geneva Convention. We must reinstate POW/MIA Designation here on the home front. Use of the POW/MIA Designation is a matter of faith and trust for those serving our nation, and their families.
Second, I will work to establish a Full Service VA Hospital for my home state of New Hampshire. We are currently the only state in the Union without a full service Veterans Hospital; with over 130,000 veterans living in our state, this is unacceptable.
I will also introduce legislation to create a Veterans Health Care ID Card so our veterans can receive emergency care at any hospital around the nation when they need it.
During my last tenure in Congress, I worked to pass historic legislation that allowed military retirees to collect both earned retirement pay and disability compensation for injuries that occurred as a result of military service. As a result of legislation I worked to pass, retirees with a 50% or greater disability now receive both disability and retirement benefits. When I return to Congress, I will make it a top priority to finish the job and allow for military retirees to receive full retirement benefits and compensation for all disabilities that occur as a result of military service.
Another issue I plan hard to work for in Congress is expanding the amount of Veterans Outpatient Clinics available.. No veteran should have to travel more than an hour to receive routine care.
More and more of our brave men and women return home from the battlefield with different ailments then we have seen in the past. A top priority of mine will be to insure that veterans who have served our nation receive the health care they have earned – and as I have done in the past, I will fight for the necessary funding.
Finally, I promise to never compromise when it comes to supporting our troops. We owe it to the soldiers, the families of those serving, and the veterans of our nation's armed services to fully fund and support our troops serving in harm's way. We must make sure they have the most up-to-date technology in order to make sure they are safe, protected, and return home victoriously. In Congress, I will not back down even an inch when fighting for the full funding and support of our troops.
To those of you who have so bravely served this country: you have given us the greatest promise and you have kept it. I promise to fight to make sure the promises kept to you are honored and that you and your service are never forgotten.
[Ed. note: Please click here to read the 'Grok endorsement of Jeb back in the primary. Everything we wrote then still stands...]
Once again, I get to put a very special sticker in the window of The Beast - I am now privileged to be able to say:
My Youngest son just called from Fort Benning, GA where he is starting his U.S. Army Basic Combat Training (he left this past Wednesday as Staff Sergeant Jackson picked him up to bring him to the Boston MEPS). We just got the call a couple of hours ago from him that he has arrived safely and is now in that blizzard of paperwork that all new recruits undergo during their orientation. Obviously, it was good to hear from him!
Emotional? Yes - as any Blue Star family can tell you. He has made the decision to put aside his present life and hopefully learn about a better one. Although he may, as the Eldest did, be in harm's way, he has done this of his own free will as a volunteer; John Kerry can go stuff it (his infamous and outrageous statement about our troops here)!
The first time, I did the sticker for my Eldest son, the sticker was a bit different:
It was also a bit more wrenching for TMEW and me as I wrote about that event ("...at the end of the driveway..."), but not just for the reason of his leaving. And I will admit, even though he is now out of the Marines, he is proving that old adage "Once a Marine, always a Marine".
That said, where's that bar of soap? (and Marine parents will understand that little joke).
TILTON, NH – The annual American Legion “Spirit of the Eagle” POW/MIA Vigil will be held in the American Legion Park at the New Hampshire Veterans Home (NHVH) in Tilton from Saturday, September 6 to Sunday, September 7, 2008. The opening ceremony will begin at 11:00 AM on Saturday and the closing ceremony will take place at 11:00 AM on Sunday.
Chuck Lewis, past Department Commander of the American Legion for New Hampshire and a member of the NHVH Therapeutic Recreation staff, says, “The purpose of the POW/MIA Vigil is to honor the commitment and the sacrifices made by this nation's Prisoners of War and those who are still Missing in Action, as well as their families. We have the highest regard for their service and we want to make sure they are never forgotten.”
The American Legion for New Hampshire coordinates the event and seeks volunteers to stand watch throughout the 24 hours of the vigil. “Each watch is only 15 minutes long,” explains Lewis, “but sometimes it is difficult to get people to volunteer for a shift in the middle of the night. It’s pretty impressive to see some of our residents standing out there or sitting in their wheelchairs in honor of their fellow soldiers.” Lewis adds, “This event is open to the public and we would love to have more people attend and stand watch.” People can contact Chuck Lewis at (603) 455-5047 if they have questions or would like to volunteer.
The New Hampshire Veterans Home was established in Tilton in 1890 as the Soldier’s Home for Civil War Veterans. One of just four New Hampshire nursing homes to win the 2007 Quality of Life Award from the NH Department of Health & Human Services, the modern facility is home to 200 men and women who have served their country and fellow New Hampshire citizens. The mission of NHVH is to provide high quality, professional long-term care services to the Granite State’s elderly and disabled veterans. NHVH is the only long-term care facility in the Granite State that is dedicated exclusively to veterans.
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Jackie E. BonafideProgram Information Officer
NH Veterans Home
139 Winter Street
Tilton, NH 03276
(603) 527-4847
From our friend Karen Thurston:
The New Hampshire Blue Stars have recently joined with New Hampshire Veteran’s groups and many other donors to complete the final steps in erecting a Reflection Fountain on the Memorial Walkway at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen. The Reflection Fountain will be dedicated by the generosity of many donors to the NH Blue Star, NH Gold Star and POW/MIA Families.
The Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen is the final resting place for many Veterans and conveys peace through its natural beauty and is the source of pride to all the Veteran's families. Many ceremonies throughout the year are held here to acknowledge all Veterans, even those not interred here. All these veterans, by their service, gave the title of "Blue Star Families" to their loved ones. It is so fitting that the bonds that military service creates will be reflected in this fountain.
The area with the fountain will provide a place for all families, Blue, Gold and POW/MIA, to sit and reflect on the great sacrifice that has been made by our Veterans. You may ask, "Am I part of this family?" ~ Yes, if you have had someone in your family who has served or is currently serving in any branch of our military.
The Reflection Fountain belongs to all of us ~ a place where spouses, parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, aunts and uncles, and fellow veterans will find a source of comfort.
The funding for the first phase of the fountain is complete. The final phase of funding will cover the site preparation for the fountain, the addition of granite benches, granite pavers, a plaque for dedication of the Fountain to New Hampshire Blue Star, Gold Star and POW/MIA Families. Any additional monies will be held for the maintenance of this fountain, as well as offsetting an outstanding balance on the Prisoner of War Monument that is located on the Memorial Walkway.
Marc Alan Lee
First Navy SEAL killed in Iraq 8-2-06
by Debbie Lee
Aug 2, 2006 is a day that changed my life forever. Many of you have those days that you remember that were life changing. For most of us we remember our graduations, the day we married the love of our life, and the birth of our children. These events will always bring a smile to our face and joy to our hearts. Our lives were greatly impacted and the overall impact has been a blessing. Not that our jobs don't bring frustrations and headaches at times, our spouses at times cause us to question our sanity, and our teenage children sometimes cause us to yearn for the empty nest, but overall we reflect and remember the good times especially on the birthdays or anniversaries.
The anniversary that I remember today isn't one that your first response is that of blessings and laughter, trust me I've already shed many tears today. Today I remember 2 years ago when I recieved a visit from a Navy Chaplain bringing me the most dreadful news I have ever recieved. When you have children serving in the military you know that a visit from a Chaplain only means one thing, death. The loss of child's life according to the experts is the hardest death to deal with. I have lost a Father, a husband, and a son and I will agree dealing with the death of my son has been the hardest by far.
I have spent the morning looking back at pictures from Marc's arrival home in his flag draped coffin, his funeral at Fort Rose Crans, his memorial service in Hood River, his pictures in Iraq, and his pictures growing up. While I mourn those two years without his smiling face, his bear hugs, his contagious life and playful antics, I am thankful and remember the 28 years that his life engraved on my heart and left his mark. How many of us can say we left our mark on this world? My Marc left his mark on every life that he met. :O)
As I looked through the pictures this morning I was reminded of all of the people who have touched my life during the past 2 years since Marc's death. God has been soooooooooooooo faithful to me and used so many of you to touch my life in such a special way. I am so grateful for everyone of you whether your impact has been great or small. Whether you are the President, a General or a new born child. I'm not even going to try to list all of you or how you have impacted my life as this letter would go on forever. Some of you have been their daily and others may have been a one time encounter. Many of you have prayed faithfully! I know that the way you have touched my life has helped me get through another day, week, month or year. I am so very thankful!
As we reflect on Marc today lets remember what he gave. Marc gave his laughter, his love, his smile, his faith, his determination, his love for this country, his humor, his love of life, his support, and Marc gave his life.
I know most of you have probably read Marc's last letter home, but I feel it is fitting to include it again today as we reflect on the two year anniversary of his death. There are also several memorial videos on you tube just type in Marc Alan Lee. If any of you have special memories of Marc I would love it if you would email those to me so that I can remember them forever.
We are a blessed nation to have men and women just like Marc who are willing to give it all for you, for me, for this nation. Those are the heroes of our nation that need to be honored. As I remember Marc today I also remember all of those who have served in our military, and those who gave it all. God Bless those mighty warriors, my heroes!
Counting my blessings,
Debbie Lee
PS:Thank you Marc for giving it all! Your are home son, and I will see you when I get there!
Marc's last letter home:
Continue reading "Guest Post: "My Marc left his mark on every life that he met..."" »
As regular readers know, the Eldest Son served in the Marines, making me a proud Semper Fi Dad (although it was hard when he first left for boot camp). Although he exhibited some of the traits graphically shown below, this picture I found over at Blackfive brought it all together (and yes, the Marines "enhanced" those traits!):
God bless'em all!
“Sorry seems to be the hardest word…” Elton John was singing about lovers, but today Rep. John Murtha could take a lesson from the ballad.
As of right now 7 of the 8 Marines facing charges in the Haditha incident have been cleared. One was tried and found to be not guilty and the other six have been completely cleared, charges dropped.
These are the same Marines to whom Murtha referred in these words: “Our troops overreacted because of the pressure on them, and they killed innocent civilians in cold blood."
An elected representative of the people, with no knowledge of the circumstances, publicly denounced the protectors of our freedom as cold-blooded murderers.
He was wrong.
He should apologize.
And where, by the way, is NH Rep. Paul Hodes as these brave Marines are cleared of any wrong doing? Is he fighting to bring a full service Veterans Hospital to New Hampshire? Is he fighting for expanded benefits and easier access to healthcare for veterans and active duty military?
Since taking office Rep. Hodes has disrespected the Moms of Fury, he has denounced General Petraeus without even listening to his testimony, he has voted against funding our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, including soldier pay, armored vehicles, weapons and military health programs, and he used a tax-payer funded trip to Iraq as a campaign photo-op and an opportunity to once again disparage the efforts and progress of our troops.
John Murtha was wrong. So is Paul Hodes. They should both apologize to the men and women who have fought and died to protect and defend our freedom and to their families as well.
Then they should fall to their knees and thank God above for the service and sacrifice of every member of the United Sates military – and hope like hell that Marines don’t hold grudges.
Jennifer Horn is a candidate seeking the Republican nomination for NH's Second Congressional District seat. Visit her website at http://www.jenniferhorn.org/
“Summer’s here and the time is right for dancing in the streets. There’ll be swinging swaying laughing, playing…”
Freedom Rally '07
In addition, there will be some serious business going on as well. Because, as we set about enjoying summer, we can’t forget that the only reason we’re able to do so is due to the efforts and sacrifices on the part of the American soldier and his/her family. Be they past or present, whether at sea, land, or in the air, at the end of it all, it is those who serve that first attained, and now protect and defend, the freedoms we take for granted. Republican or Democrat, there is no denying that quite often during our Nation’s history we were threatened and, whether everyone agreed to the true nature of the threat and the appropriate response or not, there was the American soldier, fulfilling the assigned duty.
Whether the conscripts of days past, or the volunteers of today, we should all be thankful for their service, and, most important of all, must never forget those who did not return. To do otherwise is to dishonor their ultimate sacrifice on behalf of the rest of us. Just imagine… in a way, they died so that we might live. Who else, save for occasional random heroic acts of individuals in some situation and, of course, Christ Himself, has done this?
It is for these men and women that we must take time from swinging, swaying, and laughing. Oh, we should be in the streets, but not dancing. Oh no—it’s time to take to the streets with a clear purpose and cause: remembering those who haven’t come home. And I’m not just talking about those who died… I’m also talking about those who literally have not yet come home—those that are both prisoners of war, and missing in action. While death is hard enough, just imagine being a family member of a soldier who is lost altogether—not knowing whether their loved one is indeed passed on, or maybe out there, somewhere… alive.
It is for these people, both soldier and family, that we take to the streets this summer. For those held prisoner, or missing: known by most people as America’s POW/MIAs.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of America’s longest and oldest continuous weekly POW/MIA vigil, held every Thursday night at New Hampshire’s official memorial at Meredith’s Hesky Park. Additionally, this summer marks the 15th anniversary of the Freedom Ride. Started in 1994 by a local motorcycle club, the ride is held in conjunction with the POW/MIA Vigil as a way of bringing both attention and participation to the issue. It was modeled after “Rolling Thunder” which takes place every Memorial Day in Washington D.C.
Continue reading "Mark your calendar: POW/MIA Freedon Ride Thursday" »
While the man seeking to have the Court force the town of Wolfeboro, NH to remove the American flags adorning the lighted street poles throughout town might have backed down, the legions of enraged military families and veterans have not.
Saturday is Flag Day. Every June 14th since 1916, Americans have commemorated the anniversary of the adoption of the flag of the United States by the Second Continental Congress on that same date in 1777. In his 2001 proclamation (done by the president every year since 1949), President Bush stated,
The Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of our young republic on June 14, 1777. Describing the new flag, the Congress wrote, "White signifies Purity and Innocence; Red, Hardiness and Valor; Blue signifies Vigilance, Perseverance and Justice."
Which, as we learned with a certain cranky Wolfeboro resident named Claude Roessiger, when displayed in an "excessive and unusual" fashion apparently, in his mind, "constitutes the expression of a political opinion on public property and upon public space, and this cannot be supported."
Rubbish!
Additionally, some enthusiastic motorcyclists from the American Legion have decided Flag Day is an appropriate day and time to operate a Patriotic Flag Ride through Wolfeboro, to show support for the town and their Patriotic Spirit. The American Legion Post at the Alton Circle, has offered to host any riders for this event, and the American Legion Riders Post from Rochester has offered to lead the ride through Wolfeboro. The ride will start and end at the American Legion Post. Assembly time is 1 PM.
Got the following email exchange from our friend, Blue Star Mother Sue Peterson, who describes it as "A first-hand account of the situation in Iraq from the son of a friend. The son is a grunt (11B) down in the trenches doing a fantastic job with our other soldiers and marines." We reprint it here with permission.
Hey y'all,
I got a myspace message from Brander last night. As you will read below he is safe and doing well. I send this on to let you all know how he is doing and as an illustration of the strength of character found in our young men and women we are supporting and praying for. May God continue to bless and protect Brander and all of those serving this great nation.
Love
BillJun 3, 2008 2:13 PM
Subject: greetings and sal-u-tay-tionsHey Dad,
All is well. I just wrote a letter to Colleen and Collin thought I should share a portion with ya'll. If you could tell Andy to check his myspace for me too next time you talk to him. I would be thankful. The weather is heating up and things are hectic. Sorry to hear about all the road time. As for me I'm trying to remind myself that life is about the journey not the destination. Well I love you send my best to the rest.
I love you,
BranderThe fighting over here has stopped. We found out just recently that all the bad guys we've been having such a hard time finding fled the country months ago. We spend our time now organizing grants from the Iraqi gov. for local people to create jobs and boost the economy, overseeing public works (that are decades behind) to insure quality and weed out corruption, sitting down for dinners and meeting with the once warring fractions to settle differences, talking to the key leaders to advise them on how to keep corruption and terrorists from coming back into the city and trying to rebuild and reestablish the education system, and sometime I dance and sing with the kids.
As a special project we take it upon ourselves to check up on the child households and widows in are area. I wouldn't recognize the city I showed up in and the one I live in now as the same. The trash is cleaned out of the streets and canals. The streets are full of children laughing, playing, and moving to and from school. The markets, once barren alleys with boarded up shops, are now jam packed with people haggling and shopping. There are even a few soccer teams that started up with uniforms'n'all. I have no idea who started them but we stopped and watch a game with a crowd of fans. Wedding parties fill the now clean court yards on a regular basis with dancing and singing long into the nights. All the once vacant houses have been filled with the happy faces of the former owner.
People are no longer afraid to talk to us in public, but go out of their way to seek us out and offer us there gratitude and hospitality. We have made this city our home and the people in it our friends and neighbors. In doing so, we have changed the lives of those around us forever and given them the tools to dream again. Thank you for supporting me in being apart of this. All of you back home have been the answer to my prayers and that is what gives me the strength to be the answer to theirs.
This is really good news. It seems that things have really changed over there. Brander's first-hand description of the work our fine troops are doing over there and the palpable progress being made further demonstrates the folly of a pullout at this time. I hope Senator Obama and the rest of the naysayers in Congress get to read Brander's message of REAL hope...
Iraqi children playing soccer. (Found on the 'Net)
[UPDATE: Here are more stories straight from the ground. H/T: What Bubba Knows]
As noted in this previous post, The Moving Wall made a stop here in Central NH this Memorial Day weekend. Following up our MTNP radio interview (podcast here) with one of the event's organizers, David Dube, we got to meet him face to face when we paid a visit Sunday evening. During our brief chat, he noted that over 20,000 people will have visited by the time it's all said and done today at 6PM. More importantly, he told us that a large number of vets had made connections with those listed on the memorial which, he said in some cases can bring a degree of healing to decades-long scars. We personally witnessed the outpouring of emotion displayed by one of the visitors while we were there.
Here are a few more pics:
by Debbie Lee
Military helicopters vandalized in Pennsylvania, recruiting offices attacked in over 42 cities, funding denied for our troops, Code Pink sending 600,00.00 to the enemy. How many more treasonous acts need to occur before we stand up and say enough is enough?
Spineless, gutless, Politicians who are using our troops as pawns in their political power struggle playground repulses and disgusts me. They are willing to jeopardize and put our troops in the crosshairs of the terrorists by there lack in funding our troops.
They are more concerned with getting their own way and proving who is in charge of Congress instead of allowing every Senator and Representative to be part of the process on the Hill. They by passed the Appropriations Committee and didn't allow the Republicans to be part of a serious matter like funding our troops. I'm sure you could hear them loudly singing a very prideful rendition of "I did it my way."
I'm sure the troops, including my son who gave up their lives, would love to have done it their way. They knew the attacks on our nation on 9-11 required that the right way was to fight for our freedoms and defend America. In the most unselfish act any American could give they sacrificed their own lives for the freedoms of a nation, for you, for me.
They gave their tomorrows, their futures, so that we could have our today. Everyone of our brave men and women serving know that the same price could be required of them too. What did the leadership on Capitol Hill do with their today? What gratitude did our liberal politicians show them? They yank their funding and play political suicide with the funding bill by attaching the ag amnesty bill to it.
What kind of games are they playing with our the lives of our brave men and women serving? Yet they'll be the first to say they "Support our Troops."
It's time for us to reclaim America and clean house from the self-centered egotistical politicians who have lost there love for America. Our founding Father's would rise up from their graves if they could to smack some sense into these politicians to get them to remember the basic principles this nation was founded on. Certain members of Congress are acting like jealous children fighting to get the most attention.
I have had it with the traitors in America who continue to do acts that are Anti-American and are destroying our Nation. It's time we hold them accountable and prosecute them for their treasonous acts. We have become a nation that is so tolerant of everything, that we stand for nothing. We have become a spineless nation with no moral compass to direct us to make wise and selfless decisions. We are so myopic and "me" focused that we can't see we are handing this nation to our enemies on a platter.
It is time for us as Americans to flood the switchboards of Capitol Hill with our demands to fund our troops. The must prepare a clean bill with the involvement of both parties and through the proper channels.
We also need to demand that strong measures be taken to arrest and prosecute to the fullest extent of the law those who are committing acts of treason during a time of war by inciting lawless actions.
Your today has been paid for by those who gave up their tomorrows. What will you do with your today to honor those who gave it all?
Debbie Lee
Remembering His Sacrifice
Marc Alan Lee
First Navy SEAL killed in Iraq 8-2-06
Come show your support for our troops - Marines, Navy, Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard!
Bring a poster and show off your soldier, airman, guard, marine, or seaman! Bring your Flags, lawn chairs and voices to Support Our Troops!
Also, The Moving Wall is coming to New Hampshire! The dates are May 22 thru May 26th and will be located at Constitution Park On Route 25 East in Center Ossipee.
Since they have limited funding, a donation is sincerely requested.
If you have any questions feel free to contact:
David Dube via e-mail 603-539-7697 (home) or 60539-3340 (work).
Thank you in advance for your support.
Heh!
Since they're in our house, the Marines Recruiting Center, we're coming to their house which is here in Albany," said George Newkirk, Marines Motorcycle Club.
"But they're not here today," said ABC7's Pamela Tom.
"Yeah, I look at that as the enemy always runs when the Marines have landed," said Newkirk.
Background here.
Marines don't retreat.
Liberals hate having their own tactics used against them. Add? Bikes are louder!
Semper Fi, gentlemen!
Update!
My apologies to the Ambassador - it is Crocker; I had his name in the Post headline as Crockett
-------------------------------------------------
I received this from one of our NH Senators - John E. Sununu, concerning his thoughts of Petraeus and Crocker as they walked into the Lions' Den called the Senate. It was good to see that Sununu is behind these folks and the surge and is seeing what I am seeing. Iraq has become better and progress is taking place. No, not from the top down as what was originally thought but from the bottom up. And we all know that bottom up change always lasts longer and the results better than when issued from on high.
Kudoes!
SUNUNU STATEMENT ON PETRAEUS, CROCKER TESTIMONY
WASHINGTON, DC – United States Senator John Sununu (R-NH) today (4/8) released the following statement regarding the testimony of General David Petraeus and U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker on the Iraq War before the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee:
“No American should serve a day longer in Iraq than is absolutely necessary, but an immediate withdrawal of all coalition forces would leave behind an unstable and dangerous environment.
“Over the past year, our men and women serving in Iraq have performed bravely and exceeded every expectation. Security has improved significantly, the Iraqi military has taken on greater responsibilities, and the government has enacted vital legislation for debaathification, reconstruction, and sharing power among the different regions.
“General Petraeus has provided outstanding leadership throughout this time, placing us on a path to bring home 30,000 soldiers and working with Ambassador Crocker to press Iraqi political leaders for more progress.
“Now, we need to let General Patraeus and his commanders on the ground finish the job. They should be given the chance to evaluate the situation, set goals for bringing home the rest of our troops safely, and leave behind a more secure region.”
WASHINGTON – Today the RNC released a new Web video, titled “Politics vs. Petraeus.” The video highlights Senators Clinton and Obama’s politicization of the War on Terror and complete disregard for the facts and the warnings made by General David Petraeus during his last congressional hearing on September 11, 2007.
After consistently promising to “always listen to our commanders on the ground,” Barack Obama has blatantly ignored Gen. Petraeus’ recommendations and pledged to enact an immediate and dangerous withdrawal of U.S. forces in Iraq if elected President. And despite warnings from Gen. Petraeus that “a premature drawdown of our forces would likely have devastating consequences,” Senator Clinton has promised to begin a precipitous withdrawal of American troops within 60 days.
This is very cool. Spread the word!
A new way to say "thanks" to our soldiers, even when you're across the room, or across the street:
According to the website, this is how it started:
For the past several years as I've been traveling around the country, I've been approaching soldiers in the airports and thanking them for serving for us. On several occasions I have noticed that it felt a little awkward for both of us. There are several reasons, some of which I am even just now learning as I produce this film and talk to more soldiers. But they have always appreciated being thanked, and I have always felt better having expressed my gratitude.
I started to think that it would be nice if civilians had a gesture or sign that they could use to say "thank you" quickly and easily without even having to approach. I did some research and found the sign that we are now using.
Is this limited to the military? Not at all. If you look around you I'm sure that you'll find lots of people who are serving their communities, from local to global. If you appreciate their service, give them a sign. Say "thank you."
Click here to learn how...
[H/T The Scamman Family]
As this post announced, I went to SamSphere last weekend. There, I met a wonderful bunch of folks who love this country and love the fact that it has been, and will continue to be, the rugged individualism, free markets, and a belief that people, and not government, that hold the singular key to America's continued success. A country not conceived by ethnicity or religious ties, but one of ideas and ideals - chief of which is that all men are created equal and that all men yearn for freedom. Here, above all others in the world and history, that exceptional idea has made us the shining light on the hill even now.
Many, like us, fight the good fight to keep government to play its correct role (but not more). You'll hear more of that as we kick off our GAB segment on Meet The New Press tomorrow with Maggie Thurber of Thurber’s Thoughts.
In another, more sobering way, was how alike I am to some others. When the Oldest went off to Marine boot camp, it made an impression upon me that really didn't sink in until I saw this over at Op-For. That forced me to write "At the end of the driveway"; my son had grown up and was willingly accepting the call of his country. I then was forced to acknowledge that time had made me older; a chapter had opened for him and another was closing for me.
Well, another new friend from SamSphere, the Blue Collar Muse, mentioned that his Oldest was coming home from Army AIT (Advanced Infantry Training) tonite. He, too, had written a post about his thoughts: In The Company of Men.
Take the time to read it.
Take a hanky with you.
To his Oldest: Thank you for your service, sir. Godspeed.
Thanks to our friend Blue Star Mother Sue Peterson, who wore his POW/MIA bracelet, the story of missing soldier Matt Maupin was known to us. Last April 9th, we noted the third year of his capture with a short letter written by Sue asking readers to remember Matt and his parents in their anxious time of waiting.
Sadly, Sue passed along a note this evening pointing us to this story reporting that Matt's Dad Keith
said at a news conference in suburban Cincinnati that an Army general told him DNA testing had identified the remains of his son, Sgt. Keith Matthew Maupin, or "Matt" as he was commonly known.
We agree with Sue who writes,
May God bless the Maupins and give them peace knowing that Matt dwells in the house of the Lord forever!
Today is NH Gold Star Mothers' Day.
During the First World War, in May 1918, President Woodrow Wilson approved the suggestion of the Women's Committee of National Defenses recommending that American women should wear a black band on the upper left arm adorned with a gold star. Each star representing a family member who had given his or her life for their country. President Woodrow Wilson first used the term "Gold Star Mother" in his Letter to the Women's Committee. Grace D. Seibold, who lost her son, 1st Lieutenant George Seibold, in France, is recognized as the first “Gold Star” mother.
The mothers of New Hampshire’s fallen heroes have made the ultimate sacrifice for human freedom, and we owe them the most profound debt of gratitude. More than anyone, they bear the deep emotional burden and loss of those who have laid down their lives for the cause of liberty. New Hampshire owes these dignified and graceful mothers of freedom our deepest admiration and our promise that the sacrifice of their children will never be forgotten.
The official legislation creating NH Gold Star Mothers' Day provides that the Governor shall "urge the citizens of the state to observe this day with appropriate events."
And that is certainly the case this year. First, earlier this week we saw the official unveiling of NH Gold Star license plates in a special ceremony in Concord. In a moving event, NH Gold Star Mothers received their plates, reminding them that the Granite State honors them, their sacrifice, and the memory of their children who died in service to our Country.
NH Gold Star Mothers License Plates
Slideshow of NH Gold Star Moms receiving their special license plates.
Today at noon, NH's own Gold Star Mothers Chapter becomes a reality as its first slate of officers gets inducted at a ceremony at the New Hampshire National Guard Armory in Manchester. Also happening today, the NH Gold Star Mothers Memorial Association (not affiliated with NHGSM) will break ground for its memorial statue in Manchester's Stanton Plaza.
While certainly no amount of memorials and ceremonies can bring back those who have been lost, at least for those left behind, especially the Mothers, there is solace in the fact that NH's citizens have not forgotten...[UPDATE: Our buddy, 2nd CD candidate Grant Bosse attended both events and has pictures posted at his blog here.]
Blue Star Moms & friends honoring the troops
The following was written by Johanne Duchesne. She is a brand new member of the Blue Star Mothers of NH and attended this past weekend's Gathering of Mothers in Concord in support of the troops in the face of the demonstrating antiwar protesters.
This word PEACE seems to have many meanings these days.
When one hears, “Rest in Peace” you would think that it is something being wished to someone who has passed away – wishing them an eternal rest, in PEACE.
But, then you have these “PEACE” activists who in their efforts to make a point about the casualties of war have stripped our soldiers of their dignity and of their eternal rest in PEACE. I am referring to a recent demonstration on the front walk of our State Capitol on March 15th. A Peace Activist group without permission from the families of our fallen soldiers saw fit to attach their names to pairs of boots and placed them in the walk to the front steps of the Capitol.
As a member of the Blue Star Mothers organization, I was there with other Blue Star Mothers, including two Gold Star Mothers and veterans in a show of support for our troops. The Activist’s demonstration caused the Gold Star Mothers much distress and anguish. One Mom in her grief ripped the tag from the boots and the other took the boots with her son’s name and carried them with her as we walked.
We were told that if the Mothers did not want the names of their sons or daughters included in their demonstrations that they would have to contact the organizer to have the names removed. By what right do these people have to use these names anyway? Oh yes, I guess that would fall under our right to free speech –which by the way is one of the privileges as Americans that our troops have fought and so many have lost their lives to defend. Ironic, isn’t it?
Johanne's son, Jonathan, enlisted into the Army in 1999 and served 3 years with the 82nd Airborne. He is now in civil service as a patrolman with the Manchester Police Department.
Antiwar peaceniks dishonoring their memory (GG file photo)
Imagine my surprise when I flipped on NewsNine WMUR TV Sunday morning to have to watch reporting on the antiwar protesters gathered in Concord, and hear that there were no counterprotesters on the scene because, well, it's just not true. Sorry Newsnine, you really blew this one! Our friend Blue Star Mother Sue Peterson sent the following pics and notes:
Doug - Here are some of the pictures..as soon as I get the rest, I will send them to you. FYI - The one with us behind the flag - shows Denise holding the boots - they are the ones that she picked up from the sidewalk - the sidewalk was lined again with the boots and the soldier's names attached. We had 4 Gold Star Moms with us yesterday....Jeb Bradley...Grant Bosse....and several Blue Star Moms and a few vets...It was a great time - and I am so thankful for those that were there....
Blessings,SueThis was the very last picture - so there were 8 people that had left...Also, the white tag that Lynn is holding is her son Matt Stanley's name - she took it off the boots and threw them out in the snow.
We need to help educate the people of NH as to what these peace people do...they line them with shoes to represent the dead Iraqis - and when I asked "you mean those killed by Saddam," they could not answer me... they just want to make our soldiers look like baby killers.
More pics:
Continue reading "Moms on a mission. Mothers gathered, despite what NewsNine says." »
Remember this?
Today, it's time to do it all over again!
"… 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~
Bring your flags! Join us as we walk around the State House in support of the Eagles in DC.
At home for every man or woman who defends and ensures our liberty and protects the shores of America are the mothers who nurtured them into adulthood. We are mostly the silent majority who just encourage and support our military sons and daughters. We are extended by mothers whose blue stars turned gold when their son or daughter gave the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms ALL Americans enjoy. We are the Blue and Gold Star Mothers of NH. Together we support our troops as they head towards Victory in the battles they encounter to protect the people and the borders of America.
On Saturday, March 15th, from 10:30am to 12:30pm we will assemble in front of the LOB with veterans, past, present and future who have served in the armed forces of these United States of America in support of the Americans Standing Up: CAll to Arms is to stand in solidarity with our armed forces in harm's way today.
In the words of Lt. Col. Steve Russell, USA retired, we should make no apologies. “What shall we say? What more can we give to our nation than the type of sacrifice we have already given? What words can we the soldiers use to convince Americans at home that the biggest mistakes being made in this war are on the home front, not the battlefront? What will be the value of temporary civilian comforts and the illusion of national safety when a giant shadow of Islamic terrorism is casting itself onto our shores? What will be the meaning of the rhetoric and the political debate when we sift through the rubble of a workplace, a shopping mall or public transit—digging out American bodies targeted for no other reason than because of our way of life and who we are as a people? It is a scene that every soldier who has witnessed it abroad will fight with all his might to keep away—but we never thought that our own people would betray our efforts.”
We the Blue and Gold Star Mothers say YES to supporting our troops to Victory.
Frequent readers of the 'Grok know that Doug and I believe in our Troops, are thankful for their sacrifice, and know that their mission is correct and necessary.
We are also thankful to the Blue and Gold Star Mothers that we have met along our blogging way here at the 'Grok and on Meet The New Press. We salute you all.
We also honor those that have completed their service and thank them for it.
One gentleman (and his lovely wife) served his country well, and continues to do so now in civilian life in the Lakes Region fighting the good fight once again to make our democracy fairer for the residents of his town - we thank him doubley for his service! Dr. Col Richard Juve, USMC (Ret.) passed the following along to me; please read it.
My son served in Iraq in the USMC; this lady spoke for me and my son as well.
I was sitting alone in one of those loud, casual steak houses that you find all over the country. You know the type--a bucket of peanuts on every table, shells littering the floor, and a bunch of perky college kids racing around with long neck beers and sizzling platters.
Taking a sip of my iced tea, I studied the crowd over the rim of my glass. My gaze lingered on a group enjoying their meal. They wore no uniform to identify their branch of service, but they were definitely 'military' - clean shaven, cropped haircut, and that 'squared away' look that comes with pride.
Smiling sadly, I glanced across my table to the empty seat where my husband usually sat. It had only been a few months since we sat in this very booth, talking about his upcoming deployment to the Middle East That was when he made me promise to get a sitter for the kids, come back to this restaurant once a month and treat myself to a nice steak. In turn he would treasure the thought of me being here, thinking about him until he returned home.
I fingered the little flag pin I constantly wear and wondered where he was at this very moment. Was he safe and warm? Was his cold any better? Were my letters getting through to him?
As I pondered these thoughts, high pitched female voices from the next booth broke into my thoughts. 'I don't know what Bush is thinking about. Invading Iraq . You'd think that man would learn from his old man's mistakes. Good Lord. What an idiot! I can't believe he is even in office. You do know, he stole the election.'
I cut into my steak and tried to ignore them as they began an endless tirade running down our president.
Continue reading "The battle is always first fought on the home front" »
By now, most people have heard of the despicable actions of the Berkley City Council (California) that had voted to send a letter to the Marines at the recruitement center that said "uninvited and unwelcome intruders". Then they let Code Pink have a parking spot right in front of the Marine Corps office who, being extremely anti-war, have all but created havoc in the area.
Enough so that the businesses in the area are suffering:
People who are angry at city leaders for their anti-military stance are taking it out on businesses — canceling hotel rooms, restaurant reservations and theater tickets.They are writing letters to the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce outlining their plans to boycott the city.
And they are steering clear of downtown shops because of the weekly anti-war protests that in recent weeks have become increasingly volatile.
Two weeks after the Berkeley City Council refused to apologize to the Marine Corps for calling them "uninvited and unwelcome intruders," Berkeley businesses said they are feeling the backlash from people who don't want to spend their money in the city.
Well, why is anyone surprised at this? The Town Fathers decide to politicize and demonize icons of what many of us know and believe to be "American Patriotism" and are proud of the Marines (full disclosure - my son was a Marine). Then Councilors refuse to back down from that stance. Why would people, who support the Marines, want to economically support their actions?
"Folks are upset," he said. "Unfortunately, they are blaming the businesses."
Mo Hallaji, owner of Pollo's at Shattuck Avenue and Addison Street, said his business has declined 10 percent to 15 percent this month because of the traffic jams and fighting associated with the protests.
"They are killing our business," Hallaji said. "Everybody is against the war,but that is not the right way to go about it if you want to accomplish something."
That's their problem - not every one is against the war and to many of us, you don't spit at the Marines - and that is what the City Council did in a literary fashion. Too many still remember vets coming back from 'Nam and the treatment they received - the City Council did it again - "intruders"??? And I'll disagree...
Continue reading "Code Pink's Free Speech against the Marines - it does cost bucks!" »
Every December for the past 15 years, Morrill Worcester, owner of one of the world's largest holiday wreath companies, has taken time in the midst of his busiest season to haul a truckload of wreaths to Arlington from his small Downeast Maine town of Harrington..For years, he and a small band of volunteers laid the wreaths in virtual obscurity. But in the last 12 months that has changed, thanks to a dusting of snow last year at the cemetery, an evocative photograph, a sentimental poem and a chain e-mail. And this year, Worcester went national. A new program, "Wreaths Across America," shipped a total of about 1,300 wreaths to more than 200 national cemeteries and vets' memorials in all 50 states.
I am a pilot (first officer) for Continental Airlines and just recently had an event happen during one of my flights that I felt should be shared. I just had the honor and privilege of flying a fallen soldier flight on Flight 15 from Newark to Honolulu last Wednesday, Nov. 21. I had heard about these fallen soldier flights and knew we did them but I had no idea how intense and emotional it would be when and if it was my turn. Add to the intensity was the fact that one brother was escorting his deceased brother back home. They were from the little island of Pago Pago, and the young man that was killed was just doing the sergeant major a favor when he went on the patrol he was killed on. He was supposed to just be the driver for the top sergeant. I know they probably left their little island paradise to see the world, and likely the only way they could afford to, so they signed up. I'm guessing they still would have done so had they truly suspected the outcome, the perception of immortality as a young man is very powerful as I recall..The deceased soldier, a sergeant, was escorted by his real brother and active duty army specialist 5, and also a fellow Afghanistan campaign veteran. The young man was killed in Afghanistan when he stepped on an IED, probably sometime close to Veterans Day. His remains were non-viewable. The boys were on their way back home to an island wide and well deserved hero's welcome..Captain Mike Montgomery, also a veteran, and I saluted the casket aboard our 767-400 for the 11-hour flight. The ceremony happened at gate C138 and in front of the huge windows of terminal C. There was standing room only in the windows and three people deep as we rode the cargo carrier up the 15 feet to bring the soldier aboard. We rode up the carrier elevator at "present arms" and held the salute until the casket was in the hold. The ceremony of bringing the body aboard was a significant and sobering event for me. I felt pride, honor and a deep sadness at the same time as I reflected on all the guys I knew personally who were killed in this war, the last one, and the one before that. Eleven hours later, my landing in Honolulu was the best I have ever done in the 767-400. I think the airplane knew we had extra precious cargo aboard as well..
I wanted to share something with you that happened to me yesterday.....I was driving to work listening to the radio station I listen to all the time when they started talking about beefs of the world. One of the announcers stated that her beef was that the troops were getting all this money to fight a war when people were starving in the US and that the military could send 18 year olds to war but why couldn't they buy a 6 pack in the states. The other announcer then said...."Yeah, so basically we can send these kids to war but not let them pop a beer to celebrate if they kill someone in a foreign country." Well lemme tell ya, that did NOT sit well with THIS MARINE MOM!.I waited and waited on my hour commute to work and they then said that if people have a beef to post to call them. So I did and LAMBASTED this rather large radio station for not only making derogatory comments about our boys but the fact that they USE their position to make rude comments like that! That our boys DON'T have the best equipment....that they go for weeks without showers and that in an ironic twist of fate our boys are fighting so THEY can make rude comments. I hung up rather quickly and the next thing I knew they stated on the station that they apologized for offending me and if I was still listening they wanted me to call back!!.SOO I did, and they talked to me for about 30 minutes on my way to work, about the troops, what they do, what they stand for, what makes them become a US Marine. It was CRAZY!! When I got to work , I emailed them a couple of pictures of Sean to put a face to the troops of this war, and they emailed back and forth with me all morning!!.Bottom line is that their website NOW has a spot to put pictures up of our boys so that people can SEE the fine young men and women defending us. They told me they wanted me to stay in touch about my son and that they would be in touch down the road. I'm telling ya it was crazy! I promised my son the day he deployed that I would try and reach one person at time and tell them that regardless of their opinion about this war, or this president, people would know that it is because of our boys they have a right to their freedoms. Little did I know it would be on a live , radio station in NH...haha!!! Ya never know what the day will bring ya sometimes!! ( of course Sean is gonna KILL me....haha...oh well...it wont be the first time!!) ....Anyways...I wanted to pass this on so that you in turn could pass it on to your members to email a photo of their son or daughter serving during the holidays to 106.3 Frank FM. Since they will be posting photos of our loved ones on their website I thought it would be nice for as many people as wanted would be able to post them..Thanks so much
Patricia Fickett
Growing up in the small city of Dover, N.H. scarcely ten years after WWII had ended we youngsters saw daily evidence of what happens in war. On the corner of Washington St. and Central Ave. a young man who had lost both legs in the war sat on a wheeled platform barely three inches off the sidewalk and sold pencils for a living. He was part of the landscape of my childhood with the full significance of his sacrifice not understood by my young mind but fifty years later as I recall the overwhelming loss that man endured and how it must have changed the course of his life it hits me. Writing this it chokes me up because now I understand the courage it took him to face his life on a day to day basis. He sacrificed his legs so that kids like me could hula hoop and rock and roll without fear..Back then Veterans Day was marked for us kids by a day off school and a parade. The nuns at St. Mary's taught us the history of the day with the fact about the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month fascinating me. There was a certain calming neatness to those numbers that ended that awful "war to end all wars"..Over the following years with one thing after another effecting it Veterans Day seemed to fade somewhat in significance and I, like so many others, treated it as just another day. Oh, I gave some thought to the men who fought, after all my father was one of them and my son was on active duty but considering the world's makeup at the time , with the military being reduced and all ,the day passed with just a small tilt of the head. If you can think about holidays as colors Veteran's Day would be gray. Maybe because its in the cold, gray month of November but it doesn't have the same pizzazz or the color of, say July 4th or Memorial day, with their cookouts and fireworks..And, maybe, given the solemnity of the day that's just how it should be..The complacency that had returned after 9/11 ended abruptly for my family in June two years ago when my son, Dan Healy was shot down in a helicopter by the Taliban and Al Quada while on a rescue mission. Even writing this today, typing those words, it seems surreal. How did a youngster from a little town in New England like Exeter ever end up in the mountains of an exotic, foreign country like Afghanistan? Simple. He joined the Navy and became a Navy SEAL. Then the bad guys - as he called them-blew up two buildings in NY..
Continue reading "Veterans Day-- A Gold Star Mother's Thoughts..." »
It remains as shocking today as when I first learned that when our National Guard and Reserve members are activated for deployment their families are often forced into the additional sacrifice of trying to maintain their daily routines but on the significantly lower income of military pay. Increased heating cost, emergency repairs for homes or autos - handling such issues alone, absent the support of a deployed spouse is one thing. Attempting to manage on significantly less income because the spouse is fulfilling their military service obligation to our country is a sacrifice our service families should not have to make. It is unconscionable that no form of relief exists except for private donations through private charitable organizations such as the CHAPLAIN EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND.
Continue reading "Mark your calendars! Support our NH troops and their families." »
The men and women of America's Armed Forces selflessly serve to protect our Nation, and they are among our greatest heroes. From the trenches of World War I to the beaches of Normandy, from Korea to Vietnam, from Afghanistan to Iraq, many courageous members of our military have given their lives so that Americans could live in freedom and security. On Gold Star Mother's Day, we recognize and pray for the devoted and patriotic mothers of these men and women in uniform who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our liberty..America's Gold Star Mothers carry a great burden of grief, yet they show a tremendous spirit of generosity in helping their fellow citizens. With kindness and understanding, they support members of our Armed Forces and their families, provide vital services to veterans, help to educate young people about good citizenship and our Nation's founding ideals, and bring comfort to many in need. We commend these proud women for their compassion, commitment, and patriotism, and our Nation will always honor them for their sacrifice and service..The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 115 of June 23, 1936 (49 Stat. 1895 as amended), has designated the last Sunday in September as "Gold Star Mother's Day" and has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in its observance. On this day, we express our deep gratitude to our Nation's Gold Star Mothers, and we ask God's blessings on them and on their families..Karen Thurston
Blue Star Mothers of New Hampshire
President George W. Bush consoles Ronald Klopf and Lisa West-Klopf, both of Aguanga, Calif., during a gathering of military support organizations Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2007. Their son, Lance Cpl. Jeromy West, was killed November of 2006 while serving with the U.S. Marines in Iraq.
Hello All,.
We had the most amazing trip to Washington,DC with the Gold Star and Blue Star families that have come together from all over the US and joined a group called Families United-Supporting our loved ones to victory. Also the Vets for Freedom were there with us. President Bush had us all for breakfast at the White House and then opened it up for a tour. We are wearing the red shirts and the Vets are tan. The visit to Arlington National Cemetery was also very moving with few dry eyes ,even for General Pace..
Just click this link and you can see our visit with the President. He then let us tour the White House (beautiful). He was wonderful to all of us, no matter what you think of him- he is a man of true character and compassion..
Love,
Allison
Continue reading "President Bush: "A man of true character and compassion."" »
Here's a nice letter sent by our friend, Susan Peterson, to the editor of the Concord Monitor today.
I think Shea-Porter should lead the charge on changing the designation back to POW/MIA to afford all of our Armed Forces protection under the Geneva Convention. What do you reader's think?
Before you read Sue's story, did you even know that our missing military aren't designated as POW/MIA?
We should never forget the great sacrifices by those who serve our country and keep us free!
Good morning everyone...
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Well - here is the latest....
Love you all so much for listening to me this past year and all the support you have given to Bill and me - you have been a light during trying times...and someone to share and laugh with...I will still send info on supporting the troops (just because he is home, does not stop my commitment to our troops, etc.)...and blond jokes - LOL!!!!
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Please feel free to pass on this info...
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Blessings,
Susan
1DC
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
The 3643d will be arriving home to NH on Sunday- September 16th!!!.For some this is merely a reminder, for others it might be the first news you have heard. We ask that families and friends try to arrive by 4:00PM at the Flight Facility on Regional Drive, in Concord..The race will be getting out at the same time - so please try and get there - beat that traffic!!!.Don't forget your flags!.See you Sunday!
There is no doubt that here at the 'Grok that we both support our troops and we support their mission. With General Patraeus now telling the results of the surge to Congress, the anti-war and anti-Bush forces are stooping to the usual leftward tactic - smear'em. Ignore them, contradict them.
Even when they have neither visited Iraq or heard the General's testimony. For a group that overwhelmingly voted to let him lead the effort and let the surge begin, they are unable to use the meme of "he lied to us". What's left is indicative of what MoveOn.org did in the NYT.
Sorry, but this is simple kindergarten mentality showmanship - don't bother me with facts from the guy in charge and whose life has been put on the line in service to his country for decades. While I know that Generals do have to do politics, the vitriol leveled at him has been absurd.
Yet, I hear that military progress is now being made. And being made in such a way that the sheiks in Anbar and other places are finally convinced that we have them in their best interest. Which has made security room for the political process to begin. The unfortunate thing is that these political baby steps are not being made in the Iraqi Parliament but at the grassroots level. Frankly, while many a large decision can be made more swiftly at the top IF IT IS MADE, those at the grassroots level (especially in this tribal tradition) may be of longer and more lasting endurance.
This, I ask that you sign this petition from the Victory Caucus imploring our leaders to continue the surge and give the military the time and resources to succeed.
After all, if we surrender, Al Queda will have one. No, we will not have lost the military war, but another example of how to break the American political will, will take its place in the history books.
I have read of Rep. Baird in the news - for someone that is a news/political junkie, how could I have not have? And not have heard of the tremendous flap that it has caused among the MoveOn.org types - those that are advocating for snatching defeat from an impending victory.
War is often a number of many poor decisions intermixed with some good ones and luck. After all, the Battle of Midway during WWII could be said to have been decided, even with massive planning, as we found them when they couldn't find us.
Same thing here in Iraq - some good decisions (the first few weeks of the war leading to the collapse of the Iraqi military) and some terribly bad ones (complete de-Baathification, lack of policing by our forces allow chaos to dig in and take hold, et al).
General Patraus has now shown a winning strategy in dealing with the insurgency and Al-Queda. Yet, the "power above what's good for the country" Democrats continue to keep sticking their heads in the sand, with few exceptions (Joe Liberman immediately comes to mind). Rep. Baird was one who was against the war before he is now promoting it....and is taking unbelievable amount of grief and abuse for it. IMHO - and not just for political purposes.
Just as Doug often posts President Bush's Saturday addresses, here is Rep. Baird's address:
(H/T: Rob)
Our troops have earned more time
By Brian Baird
Special to The Times
The invasion of Iraq may be one of the worst foreign-policy mistakes in the history of our nation. As tragic and costly as that mistake has been, a precipitous or premature withdrawal of our forces now has the potential to turn the initial errors into an even greater problem just as success looks possible.
As a Democrat who voted against the war from the outset and who has been frankly critical of the administration and the post-invasion strategy, I am convinced by the evidence that the situation has at long last begun to change substantially for the better. I believe Iraq could have a positive future. Our diplomatic and military leaders in Iraq, their current strategy, and most importantly, our troops and the Iraqi people themselves, deserve our continued support and more time to succeed.
“I want you to close your eyes and picture in your mind the soldier at Valley Forge, as he holds his musket in his bloody hands. He stands barefoot in the snow, starved from lack of food, wounded from months of battle and emotionally scarred from the eternity away from his family surrounded by nothing but death and carnage of war. He stands though, with fire in his eyes and victory on his breath. He looks at us now in anger and disgust and tells us this....I gave you a birthright of freedom born in the Constitution and now your children graduate too illiterate to read it. I fought in the snow barefoot to give you the freedom to vote and you stay at home because it rains. I left my family destitute to give you the freedom of speech and you remain silent on critical issues, because it might be bad for business. I orphaned my children to give you a government to serve you and it has stolen democracy from the people. It's the soldier, not the reporter who gives you the freedom of the press. It's the soldier, not the poet who gives you the freedom of speech. It's the soldier, not the campus organizer who allows you to demonstrate. It's the soldier, who salutes the flag, serves the flag, whose coffin is draped with the flag that allows the protester to burn the flag!!!”.
“Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. I ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen.”
The surge is working.
After 3 years of not having the right tactics, the present COIN (counter-insurgency) tactics conceived by General Patraeus are working. Switching to an "surround, kill, and hold" strategy is killing a lot of Al Queda - the real reason for the despicable attacks on civilians. The biggest reason why it is working?
Just look at the picture from MilitaryMotivator.com (I am beginning to love that site!). As with many things in life, there are successes, but they did not occur the way that it was planned. Originally it was to have come from the top down once the Iraqi national government was formed. Well, best laid plans and such.
The success, rather from the top, but from the bottom - grass roots. The local sheiks are turning from supporting AQI to supporting and trusting the US forces. This is giving the political process time to start.
Remember that when the professional politicians start yammering - the real reason for success is not them, but the boots on the ground mingling with local population.
Strictly a military solution? No, but the young Marines, soldiers, airmen, and sailors have turned out to be better politicians than the "real" politicians.
God bless them all, and may we all learn the lesson from them and their leaders about honor, duty, pride, and stick-to-itiveness.
The deployed New Hampshire Armed Forces Family Support Groups, NH National Guard, US Armed Forces Reserves, The American Legion, State House Employees Activities and Recreation Committee are sponsoring "New Hampshire Supports Our Troops Rally" at the State House Plaza in Concord NH on 24 August 2007 at Noon. The rally is to show our support for the deployed members of our armed forces and their families..Governor John Lynch will be speaking along with Capt. Trip Bellard of the radio show "Troop Talk". Additionally national recording Country Artist Jackie Cox will perform. There will be displays of military vehicles, military color guards, military displays and much, much more. Come join us in a show of support for the men and women of our armed forces – support them as they protect us!
On August 5, 2007 at 2:00 P.M, Chapter 395, Military Order of the Purple Heart will hold a Purple Heart Day ceremony in the NH State Veterans Cemetery, Boscawen, NH. This program is focused on the losses New Hampshire has had in the War on Terror. Tribute will be made to both those wounded in combat, and those who have given their lives..The Purple Heart medal is a historic special decoration. On August 7, 1782, General George Washington, at his headquarters in Newburgh, New York became aware of the significant contribution being made by his enlisted men. At the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the signers pledged their fortunes, their lives, and their honor to the cause of liberty. Many of those men lost their fortunes and their lives. However, as General Washington reviewed his troops, he saw many enlisted men who had no fortunes, who were making significant personal sacrifice for no other reason than the cause of liberty. He was having a hard time getting them supplies, and paying them was out of the question. He issued orders for the giving of a Badge of Military Merit. It was to be given only to enlisted men for any singularly meritorious action. History has recorded the Badge being given to only three men, all from Connecticut; Sergeants Elijah Churchill, William Brown, and Daniel Bissell, Jr. This was the first decoration ever to honor soldiers in lower ranks. General Washington intended that in a patriot army, the road to glory is open to all..After the Revolutionary War, the decoration was not ever awarded again in the 19th century..World War I was a new type of conflict, both in fighting on foreign soil and dealing with new weapons of technology. Many of our Doughboys suffered from exposure to being gassed. Many of these soldiers came home, were discharged, and later developed health problems and died. These deaths continued into the late 1920's..On October 10, 1927, Army Chief of Staff General Charles P. Summerall directed that a bill be sent to congress "to revive the Badge of Military Merit" so that these soldiers could be honored. The project was delayed. On January 7, 1931 a new bill was submitted for then Chief of Staff, General Douglas MacArthur. On February 22, 1932 (the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth), the War Department issued the following General Order: "By order of the President of the United States, the Purple Heart established by General George Washington at Newburgh, August 7, 1782, during the War of the Revolution, hereby revived out of respect to his memory and military achievements. "
If Majority Leader Harry Reid can't start pulling troops out of Iraq, he doesn't want to start paying them anymore either..After an amendment to begin withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq within 120 days failed to receive the 60 votes needed to proceed, Reid set the entire defense authorization bill aside. By doing so, he shelved a 3.5 percent pay raise for all uniformed service personnel, $4 billion in equipment upgrades and a new program to treat traumatic brain injuries..To increase pressure on Republicans to support the measure, sponsored by Sen. Carl Levin (D.-Mich.) and Sen. Jack Reed (D.-R.I.), Reid threw the Senate into an all night session on Tuesday evening that lasted through Wednesday morning. Levin-Reid fell eight votes short, 52-47..“There are two things that I want to accomplish,” Reid told reporters immediately after the amendment vote. “One is to pass a defense authorization bill, but with a deadline dealing with Iraq. Once we put that together, we'll move forward on it.”
What is wrong with these politicians?? Again, this war on terrorism is not a game - it is for our future and the future of our great America. Why do they want us defeated? Can the hatred for this administration be so strong?? I just cannot comprehend their lack of intelligence and reason.
From a loyal listener and Blue Star Mother (reprinted with permssion):
On Thursday, July 6th, I was at the deployment ceremony for the 34th Rear Area Operations Center (RAOC) that is deploying to Iraq. It brought back memories of a year to the date when my son, along with the rest of the 3643D, had their deployment ceremony. We had honored guests a year ago that spoke of the support of them, their mission and their families.
At this recent deployment, we had those that truly support the troops. From the Chaplain's prayer to the Commander's talk – they know their mission – a mission that can achieve victory. Most of those that were on the stage support our troops to victory and believe it can happen and know that we are in a war – war for our future and war on terrorism. Then you have Paul Hodes and Carol Shea-Porter. Paul Hodes was asked previously if he thought this war could be won and he would not answer, but his wife did – she said "No, it can't be won" and Shea-Porter avoids the families that have tried on several occasions to meet with her. They both make me think of one thing – cockroaches. They, like the cockroach, run away when exposed to the light and if really disturbed – run rapidly. Paul Hodes and Shea-Porter gave lip service, but as they spoke, there was emptiness to their words…because it is hard to sound sincere when you do not believe what you are saying. They have nice exoskeletons – that external feature like the cockroach – the supports and protects their true feelings.
So, the light is on and Hodes and Shea Porter are nowhere to be found. Sorry military families – but at least you know where NOT to go for help!!!
Susan Peterson
Weare, NH
Grab the tissues first and then click for one of the most heart touching videos you will ever watch!
I will be blogging from the left coast starting tomorrow for nine days. I'll let ya'll (for you, Sue) know whasup in Cali dude! Surf's up!
Bon voyage!
So, what were you doing last Saturday? If you didn't attend the Operation America Rising (OAR) event at Greeley Park in Nashua, let me tell you my little rockers, you missed out big time!
Gov. Mike Huckabee and his Capitol Offense band were too cool, dude! Perhaps I particularly enjoyed it because they played some of the oldies but goodies from my era....Elvis, etc., but the classic rock songs played seemed to have universal appeal and most people were stomping their feet and clapping their hands.
I personally could not keep from dancing on the grass, most of the time by myself, but thanks to one of the Blue Star Moms, Mary, I wasn't always alone and it appeared that everyone in attendance had a really great time. Hey, at my age, I dance when I can 'cause who knows when I won't be dancin' again!
I was very impressed with Gov. Huckabee...no, not just his guitar playing either even though he's very good and seemed to be thoroughly enjoying himself as well. Why? He did not seem like a politician at all, but a very sincere man of honesty and integrity. While I hadn't thought about it before, I'm taking a closer look at him and his campaign for President. I liked what I sensed and felt from him......a God fearing man.....someone who will do the right thing regardless of stiff opposition and politics.
But, like I said, I need to study up on his policies, etc. since I have not made up my mind who I'm voting for to run the country....except, DEFINITELY NOT FOR ANY OF THE DEMOCRATS running. And, no, don't blame me for the last election, I didn't vote for the cowardly, follower rather than leader Gov. Lynch or Rep. Hodes or Shea-Porter-Pompous!
And see there were other dancers, so see the pics here from organizer Jennifer Horn's link as she 'splains it all very well. And, yep, as always, I teared up when Maj. Loring sang "God Bless the USA."
I liked what Cmdr. Paul Galanti said who spent seven years at the Hanoi Hilton...something to the tune that any day's a good day when you have a door handle on the inside....he knows the price of freedom for sure.
You peaceniks out there could have learned some very valuable lessons from the event, well maybe not, if you had bothered to attend. Oh yeah, you weren't the only no shows. Carol Shea and Hodes didn't bother to attend either. They were probably busy serving you unpatriotic peaceniks milk and cookies instead of getting behind real Americans.
Hmmm, where's my old 8 tracks or reel-to-reels (ask your parents) 'cause I feel like dancin' again since I have a ton of door handles on the inside of my home. GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS AND FAMILIES AND ESPECIALLY OUR BLUE AND GOLD STAR MOTHERS who, as always, were incredible at the event. They, too, know the true meaning of sacrifice and support the troops and their mission!
Saturday July 7, 2007
12:00Noon
Greeley Park, Concord St, Nashua NH
12:15-1:00pm Live music by
Mike Huckabee & Capitol Offense!
1:00pm - Chick-Fil-A Dancing Cow and the Drama Kids Dancers!
1:15-2:45pm - ceremonies honoring the men and women who serveFeatured Speakers:
Major General Kenneth Clark
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Bring an American flag, bring your friends, bring your family, bring a picnic - join us to show our troops and their families that we stand united behind them, we are grateful for their service, and we will not forget them!
.JPG "Trrop Ralley")
It starts Now!
American Legion
North on Route 106/ N. Main Street
Laconia, NH
Breakfast sponsored by the American Legion
Motorcycle Run
Walk with a Hero
Barbecue
Live Entertainment
Troop Rally
BY DOUG
Just a little insight as to what transpires between a mother, her soldier-child, and God. I stand in awe of such people..."Look to the Lord and his strength; seek His face always" 1 Chronicles 16:11 and the note with it says...."Should we feel at times disheartened and discouraged, a simple movement of heart toward God will renew our powers. Whatever He may demand of us, He will give us at the moment the strength and courage that we need."
I just wanted to share part of what Alex was able to share with me about 12:40am (EST) or 0900 (Baghdad) on Monday ....I was sleeping and heard the familiar and lovely "cash register" sound that indicates that Alex had signed on to AOL Instant Message...
and here is what transpired...
Alex: when u pray, praise God he protected me last night - we went on a Medivac run and the enemy must have seen our helicopter land because as we loaded up the wounded, mortars rained in on us and we had no where to run to because we were in an open area. The mortars landed behind, to the right, to the left, and in front of us. Some were only about 40m's away - but none of us got hurt. T hey hit in a circle around us and not in the middle where we were
Then I told Alex.....
you know...tonight before i went to sleep you were on my mind so much...i just prayed for a hedge of protection around you...so...praise God for His protection. I am so grateful for the prayers of so many...and thankful for this answered prayer. Also...who knows how many are praying for the soldiers you are with....
You know, I thought if I ever heard something like this, I would be so scared, crying, etc....but, I have to say that what it did was give me comfort.....comfort in knowing that no matter what....Alex is in God's hand and nothing can take Alex from Him. Also...I know that nothing is going to touch Alex that does not pass through the loving hand of God. So...praise God for His protection and mercy...and thank ya'll for your continued prayers and support.
BY DOUG
I encourage you to click here to become pro-active in doing something beneficial to show our troops that you really care!
After two days of media saturation about Paris Hilton, certainly this is much more important and worthwhile!
BY JUDY
Here are some photos from last week's Memorial Day of the Blue Star Mothers of NH's "Blessing of the Flags" ceremony remembering NH's fallen heroes of the current war. Each flag, placed in the front of Laconia, NH's WW2 Memorial, has the name of a soldier who will NOT be forgotten...
BY DOUG
A day designated in the United States for honoring dead members of the armed forces.
Cross:
1. "A gibbet or ancient instrument of torture, generally made of two pieces of timber placed across each other, usually with an upright set in the ground and a horizontal crosspiece below the top of the upright. Upon this, criminals were in ancient times nailed or bound and left to die.
2. "the emblem of the Christian religion; a symbol representing the cross on which Jesus died."
Semper fidelis: "always faithful: the motto of the United States Marine Corps."
Faith: "complete trust, confidence, or reliance; as children usually have faith in their parents."
John 15:13: "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends."
Rev. 2:10: "Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life."
Flag: ".....or to indicate membership in an organization"
This untouched photo, I believe, is a devine message (Daniel 6:27: "He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth.") to our country and not only honors our fallen hereos who so bravely and willingly fought for the United States of America to preserve our freedom and save us, but it's also a message of comfort to their surviving families and friends that their death was not in vane. In their death, the faithful have received the crown of life, and the cross illuminated in the flag, while perhaps somewhat mysterious, offers the message that God is with the United States of America whether you believe in Him or not.
Our fallen heroes are, indeed, members in an organization much bigger than our mere mortal minds can possibly understand. However, focus on the picture, quiet yourself and let your heart speak to you it's meaning.........then join me in saying:
"God bless all of our Armed Forces and thank you for your sacrifice. Welcome home to heaven where there is no more sorrow and only peace and joy reign.
Also, welcome home (especially to our Vietnam vets) to all of our surviving veterans.
Often I wonder,Is it really only me?I am a mother whose child has gone to war.I miss him but believe freedom is worth fighting for..It would be best if you don't question me about why he'd ever join.If I need to explain I guess you haven't met the man that he's become.Like those before him that raised their hand to volunteer,It is duty, honor and country that will propel him through any fear..Often I wonder,About what I see on TV,It clearly doesn't show what my son relays to me..So, Who Would You Believe? Often I Wonder.
.Often I wonder,Is it really only me?My husband's fighting... so that small children will be free,They'll know the meaning of things, like liberty,But, often I wonder, shielding my own, from the images they see,Our troops are making such a difference, why only such negativity?.Often I wonder,About when the people say, Don't you miss him?What would they like to hear? Do they really need an accounting of each and every tear?Often I wonder, How am I supposed to make them understand?.He tells me stories of hospitals and schools, running water, rebuilt roads and so much more, so much more; but it's the photos of the children that seems to keep him near,¦the images of their smiles will get me through and dry my eyes, I do miss him! And in the quiet of the night, of one thing I am certain, he and his troops have no choice but to be allowed to win this fight..
Often I wonder,Is it really only me?I love my daddy and now he's far away.I have his t-shirt that I wear most nights to bed.It is a reminder of what my daddy said,Being a soldier is something that I chose,I know you'll miss me but not half as much as I'll miss you,Listen to your mom, try hard in school, and say your prayersNever forget that your daddy loves you but leaves with no regrets..Often I wonder..When I see those people on the street, with posters that say mean things about the war, what would he think? ...I know my dad would tell me if he needed to come home...so until it is their dad why don't they just leave us alone!.So, Who Would You Believe? Often I Wonder.Often I wonder,Is it really only me?I have a banner that hangs on my front door,On it a Gold Star that serves as a stark reminder thatFreedom is Not Free. It comes with a price that too few seem to want to share.Often I wonderWhat this country might have been if not for those willing to defend Her to the end...
Sen. Sununu meets with military families April 16 (GG file photo)
“Support our Troops, Call Congress, Our Troops Need a Clean Bill and Our Troops Need Your Help.”
Senator Reid:.When you say we've lost in Iraq, I don't think you understand the effect of your words. The Iraqis I speak with are the good guys here, fighting to build a stable government. They hear what you say, but they don't understand it. They don't know about the political game, they don't know about a Presidential veto, and they don't know about party politics..But they do know that if they help us, they are noticed by terrorists and extremists. They decide to help us if they think we can protect them from those terrorists. They tell us where caches of weapons are hidden. They call and report small groups of men who are strangers to the neighborhood, men that look the same to us, but are obvious to them as a foreign suicide cell..To be brief, your words are killing us. Your statements make the Iraqis afraid to help us for fear we'll leave them unprotected in the future. They don't report a cache, and its weapons blow up my friends in a convoy. They don't report a foreign fighter, and that fighter sends a mortar onto my base. Your statements are noticed, and they have an effect..Finally, you are mistaken when you say we are losing. We are winning, I see it every day. However, we will win with fewer casualties if you help us. Will you?.Respectfully,.LT Jason Nichols, USN
MNF-I, Baghdad
Political Wisdom….
1. Never, ever, refer to this or any war as “unpopular”. I defy anyone to give one example of a “popular” war, especially among those who have to fight. It is empty and vicious rhetoric used by foolish politicians. War is a cruel, ruthless, ugly endeavor that once committed to, is a life and death struggle for those fighting. War has only three possible outcomes: Victory, Defeat or, Postponement..2. Hold politicians accountable for their decisions. There is no “Do Over” for their decision to commit the lives and futures of our youth to a deadly conflict. Lives sacrificed can never be regained. There is no excuse for them being “misled, uninformed or pressured” to vote “for” war and have regret later. They can “abstain” if unsure in any way. They have a duty to investigate, debate and decide before they vote. Those who play political games with the lives of our citizens are the most despicable among us. There is absolutely no room for error for them on the issue of war. Any politician who regrets their vote to commit to a war should be asked to resign. They obviously have little awareness of the gravity of their decisions or the meaning of the concept of commitment.
