July 05, 2020

Lee Greenwood, US soldiers release new version of 'God Bless the USA'



Lee Greenwood, US soldiers release new version of 'God Bless the USA'



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December 21, 2019

EXCLUSIVE! CLINT EASTWOOD visits CAMP PENDLETON very memorable event!





EXCLUSIVE! CLINT EASTWOOD visits CAMP PENDLETON very memorable event!



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November 02, 2019

Canine Heroes: Training combat dogs



Canine Heroes: Training combat dogs


In the wake of the U.S. military raid that led to the death of ISIS leader al-Baghdadi, one furry hero stood out. One America's Caitlin Sinclair spoke with a certified K9 handler to see how combat dogs are trained.


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August 05, 2019

Cheyenne Mountain



Cheyenne Mountain

According to legend, Colorado’s Cheyenne Mountain is a sleeping dragon that many years ago saved the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. In the Native American story, the Great Spirit punished the people by sending a massive flood, but after they repented, it sent a dragon to drink the water away. The dragon, engorged by the massive amount of water, fell asleep, was petrified and then became the mountain.

Unlike the dragon of legend, the Cheyenne Mountain Complex has never slept during 50 years of operations. Since being declared fully operational in April 1966, the installation has played a vital role in the Department of Defense during both peacetime and wartime.

(U.S. Air Force Video shot by Andrew Arthur Breese)


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August 04, 2019

U.S. Marine Sentries - Inside the White House






U.S. Marine Sentries - Inside the White House


A heartfelt, inspiring report about the U.S. Marines who proudly stand sentry outside the West Wing along with comments by some of them including their feelings towards Christmas trees.


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3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)






Behind the Old Guard - Sentinels

The Sentinels at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stand guard 24 hours a day year-round to protect those that gave everything in service of their nation. What does it take to become a Sentinel? In our new series "Behind the Old Guard," we take an in-depth look at some of the specialty units in the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment.


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June 14, 2019

Happy 243rd Birthday to the U.S. Army!





Happy 243rd Birthday to the U.S. Army! Thank you to all our brave soldiers for your service and sacrifice.
The Second Continental Congress formed the Continental Army on June 14, 1775, under the command of George Washington to unify the 13 colonies in their fight against the British.

After the end of the Revolutionary War, the Congress of the Confederation created the U.S. Army to replace the disbanded Continental Army on June 3, 1784.

Army members have played an integral part in the nation’s wars as well as defending the homeland and providing humanitarian assistance across the U.S. and throughout the world.
Today, the U.S. Army’s total force numbers are around 1 million, and approximately 180,000 Soldiers are deployed in more than 140 countries at any given time.



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May 19, 2019

USMC High Price Admission






Retired Vietnam veterans Maj. Gen. Gene Deegan and Sgt. Alex DiGiacomo of 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines discuss the bonds formed upon becoming a United States Marine while visiting Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, April 26, 2019.


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May 18, 2019

Gene Simmons Military Tribute



Gene Simmons Military Tribute


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April 20, 2019

Marines with 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division and Mountain Warfare Training




Marines with 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division conduct cold weather exercises at Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center 2-19 at Bridgeport, CA. Feb. 22 to Mar. 28, 2019. The Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center provides Marines the opportunity to conduct


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December 21, 2018

Colonel Allen West defends decorated Green Beret Major Mathew Golsteyn amidst his murder trial






Colonel Allen West defends decorated Green Beret Major Mathew Golsteyn amidst his murder trial


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'Ripped Apart By His Own Government': Wife of Charged Military Hero Defends Husband




'Ripped Apart By His Own Government': Wife of Charged Military Hero Defends Husband

Soldier charged for killing suspected Taliban bomb maker.

The wife of a former Green Beret facing a murder charge in the killing of a suspected Taliban bomb maker defended her husband Sunday on Fox & Friends.

Maj. Matthew Golsteyn told Fox News two years ago that he killed the suspected bomb maker during combat operations in Afghanistan.

His wife, Julie, said Sunday that her husband has been "ripped apart by his own government."

"It is extremely disappointing and absolutely reprehensible what they have done to him," she said. "For them to charge him with premeditated murder is almost laughable, and it would be laughable if it wasn't so serious and disgusting."

In a statement, Army Special Operations Command spokesman Lt. Col. Loren Bymer said that there was "sufficient evidence" to warrant the charge against Golsteyn.

Maj. Golsteyn had said in an interview with Bret Baier that after the suspect had been detained, there was a limit as to how long he could be held.

"You realize quickly that you make things worse. It is an inevitable outcome that people who are cooperating with coalition forces, when identified, will suffer some terrible torture or be killed," he said.

Mrs. Golsteyn said Sunday that the charges against her husband are "so disgusting."

"I know him. And to think that he killed someone in cold blood ... is absolutely... I don't even have a word for it," she said.

President Trump tweeted on Sunday that he would be reviewing Maj. Golsteyn's case.

"We are waiting for someone to do the right thing," Julie Golsteyn said. "It is time for someone in Army leadership to crawl out from the blanket of anonymity under which they hide and take responsibility for this."

On Monday morning, Golsteyn's father, Jerry, told "Fox & Friends" he hopes President Trump will look at the case and make a decision.

He said his son is "doing real well" and faulted the "rules of engagement" for his son and other service members facing criminal charges.




Chrissie aka Wild Thing's comment..........

This man doesn't deserve to be charged. He defended the country from a barbarian bomb terrorist and avenged our brave patriots who died a tragic death by that devil. He killed a murdering terrorist! He did his job!


Posted by Wild Thing at 02:48 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

November 10, 2018

The Few and the Proud the Marines. Semper Fi and Happy Birthday Devils and Semper Fi!!




Every Marine's journey is different, but we all have one thing in common: the title.


The Few and the Proud the Marines. Semper Fi and Happy Birthday Devils and Semper Fi!! Happy Birthday to the United States Marine Corps. Semper fidelis!


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May 28, 2018

On this Memorial Day, take a moment to remember the dogs who gave their lives in service to our country




On this Memorial Day, take a moment to remember the dogs who gave their lives in service to our country. Our amazing military pups are out there protecting our men and women in the military every day


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A US Marine salutes as participants in the Rolling Thunder annual motorcycle rally ride in Washington, D.C



A US Marine salutes as participants in the Rolling Thunder annual motorcycle rally ride in Washington, D.C


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May 09, 2018

Marines and a Dog Days of Summer


Dog Days of Summer


Wild Thing's comments........

I love these great videos from our troops.


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Awesome Defense Secretary Jim Mad Dog Mattis’ Origins of his Call Sign




Defense Secretary Jim Mad Dog Mattis’ Origins of his Call Sign




Wild Thing's comment............

Love Mad Dog he is the BEST!


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April 29, 2015

Supporting With Sandwiches - Baltimore National Guard Is Fed By Whole Foods





Supporting With Sandwiches - Baltimore National Guard Is Fed By Whole Foods



Wild Thing's comment..........

Good for Whole Foods. How awful people were to criticize this. sheesh.


Posted by Wild Thing at 12:34 PM

November 23, 2014

'America Loves You' Jay Leno Surprises Wounded Veteran







'America Loves You' Jay Leno Surprises Wounded Veteran


'America Loves You' Jay Leno Surprises Wounded Veteran 'America Loves You' Jay Leno Surprises Wounded Veteran 'America Loves You' Jay Leno Surprises Wounded Veteran 'America loves you': Touching moment Jay Leno surprised wounded soldier with brand-new muscle car - as it's revealed former Tonight Show host has pulled out of gun show in response to petition Leno, 64, randomly selected Cpl Ethan LeBerge to receive 2015 Dodge Hellcat, worth at least $59,995 LeBerge, an infantryman, was severely wounded in suicide bombing in Afghanistan, which killed two of his comrades Leno, who has a massive car collection, surprised the soldier at Fort Campbell, Kentucky



Wild Thing's comment.......


I love this and things that happen like this. It warms the heart to see people appreciate our troops.


Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (2)

August 12, 2014

Robin Williams On Tour USO Armed Forces Entertainment Afghanistan & Europe (2002)



Robin Williams On Tour USO Armed Forces Entertainment Afghanistan & Europe
(2002)

Produced and broadcast on the American Forces Network Europe, this is an exclusive half hour interview program with comedian and actor Robin Williams during his first USO tour for the troops serving in the Middle East and Europe. This interview with AFN Europe's Kane Farabaugh, and camera operators Russell Zill, Steve German, and Dan Millbauer, occurred at Rhein Main Air Base in Frankfurt, Germany in 2002 at the end of his USO tour.



Wild Thing's comment............

R.I.P. Robin, thank you for all the many times you were so kind to me. For the wonderful memories and the unforgettable times of your sharing your genius with all of us around the dining room table.


Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (3)

August 28, 2013

Troopathon2013 ....Allen West




Troopathon2013 Allen West



Wild Thing's comment............


Thank you Allen West and thank you to our troops and Veterans.


Posted by Wild Thing at 12:50 AM

August 07, 2013

US Chaplain Alliance Files Brief With U.S. Supreme Court in Support of Chaplains’ Right to Pray



US Chaplain Alliance Files Brief With U.S. Supreme Court in Support of Chaplains’ Right to Pray

It’s really unbelievable that military chaplains have to plead with the Supreme Court for the right to pray at public meetings. What has happened to this great nation?

First Prayer in Congress, September 1774, in Carpenters Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The Chaplain Alliance for Religious Liberty, an organization dedicated to protecting the right of service members to live out their faith as they protect the liberties of all Americans, has filed an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court in support of the right of Americans to pray before public meetings.

The religious liberties case, Town of Greece v. Galloway, provides the U.S. Supreme Court the opportunity to affirm America’s long-standing practice of opening public meetings with prayer.

“We are calling for the Supreme Court to affirm public prayer, which is rooted in our nation’s history and tradition, and to allow chaplains and others to continue to pray in public meetings, just as our founding fathers sought to ensure,” said CH (COL) Ron Crews, executive director for Chaplain Alliance for Religious Liberty. “Our military chaplaincy provides an elegant model, created by the Founders and upheld by the courts, of a respectful accommodation of religious belief–a model whose principles can and should be applied to legislative prayer.”

“Our brief makes the point that a military chaplain, just like a chaplain in a town council meeting, cannot fulfill his or her duties with the federal courts looking over one shoulder and a hypothetical observer looking over the other to assess when a religious activity may make an observer feel like an outsider,” Crews explained.





Wild Thing's comment............

This is shocking that our country has come to this.



Posted by Wild Thing at 12:50 AM

October 08, 2012

Terrific!… Soldier Surprises Family at USC Game (Video)





The Faile family from Kershaw, South Carolina, was the Columbia Metropolitan Airport Military Family of the Game. Their first surprise was a message to them from their dad/husband, Sergeant First Class Scott Faile, playing on the video board, followed by an even bigger surprise.


aturday night at Williams-Brice Stadium gave USC a lot of thrills–but not all of them were from what took place during the game.

The Faile family of Kershaw, SC, got a special surprise when Sergeant First Class Scott Faile (who’s stationed in Korea) surprised them on the field.

Here’s how it played out. The family (his wife two children) were brought onto the field as the Columbia Metropolitan Airport Military Family of the Game. They then saw a videotaped message from Sgt. Faile, explaining how much he loved and appreciated their support. At the end of the message, Faile said how he wished he could be there with them to see the Gamecocks beat up on Georgia.

However, right as that message ended, Faile came out of one of the tunnels of the stadium and walked onto the field. His family raced over to hug him, and the crowd



Wild Thing's comment..............

This is fantastic! God bless our troops and their loved ones.



Posted by Wild Thing at 02:45 AM

June 12, 2012

Great Support For Our Troops!





At the Palazzo hotel in Las Vegas they host this event on Memorial Day weekend for our troops, our woundeded heroes. They have done this 7 times in the last 6 years.


This year marked the seventh time Dr. Miriam and Sheldon Adelson, chairman and chief executive officer of Las Vegas Sands, have hosted wounded veterans as part of The Venetian and The Palazzo's "Salute Our Troops" weekend with the Armed Forces Foundation. Over the past six years, the company has hosted more than 600 veterans and their guests as part of the patriotic celebrations.

The veterans arrived by police motorcade today and were greeted with the cheers of more than 400 Venetian and Palazzo team members before arriving in the resort atrium for a grand welcome ceremony. Students from the Adelson School Campus sung the National Anthem while the Nellis Air Force Base Honor Guard presented the colors. Executives from Las Vegas Sands, Southwest, Armed Forces Foundation and Omaha Steaks addressed the crowd as well as NASCAR driver and local resident Kurt Busch.

The veterans were flown in from San Antonio Military Medical Center on behalf of Southwest Airlines and will enjoy three nights as VIP guests in all-suite accommodations, spa and salon treatments at Canyon Ranch SpaClub, tickets to Blue Man Group and Madame Tussauds and an evening at TAO Nightclub among other over-the-top amenities. Omaha Steaks will host an all-star cookout for the service members and their families and will present them with deluxe Omaha Steaks gourmet gift packages to enjoy at home with family and friends.



Wild Thing's comment..........

I love seeing things like this and to see how many love it too.



Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (3)

April 04, 2011

KISS Donates 500,000 To Wounded Warrior Project







Bandmembers talk about the troop support program tied into their concerts and they invite a Pentagon Channel reporter on stage with them during a concert in Houston.




Wounded Warrior Project is a non-profit organization whose mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors. It serves to raise awareness and enlist the public's aid for the needs of severely injured service men and women, to help severely injured service members aid and assist each other and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. For more information, please call (904) 296-7350 or visit ...

Wounded Warrior Project


The relationship between KISS and the Wounded Warrior project began in October 2009, when the group invited several veterans and service members from the project to a show in Atlanta.

Several days later, three members of the band followed up with a visit to the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center.

"It's awesome because what KISS has been able to do is to activate not only their fan base, which is pretty incredible, but also to activate a nation," said Laurie Ott, the executive director of the project. "They are getting us into a national conversation in a way we couldn't do otherwise."

Ott said the band's support will be used for several projects, including establishing transitional housing, expanding programs to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, and building a retreat center to train more providers to deliver marriage and family workshops for returning service members.

"These are people who have actually been to Augusta and seen the rehab unit," Ott said. "It's pretty personal for them."


Last year, lead singer Paul Stanley told veterans in Augusta that those injured in the line of duty should be recognized for what they have given the country.

"People talk about the ultimate sacrifice," Stanley said. "But isn't it a sacrifice to come back home and discover you no longer have your life? We want everyone home safely and to urge everyone to give these people the respect they deserve."

Gene Simmons has always been a big supporter of the troops.Besides his group KISS, he has privately visited the wounded at various hospitals and bases on his own.


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Wild Thing's comment........

I love stories like this, love hearing when people truly are supportive of our troops and Veterans.



Posted by Wild Thing at 05:47 AM | Comments (2)

March 06, 2011

Marjah, Afghanistan -- A year after Marine Corps impact






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Wild Thing's comment........

Great news and news that the media should be sharing about is not.

Prayers and thanks for our Marines and all our troops!!!



Posted by Wild Thing at 04:48 AM | Comments (2)

February 17, 2011

Mario Andretti Leads IndyCar Contingent to Visit Troops





On a 10-day goodwill tour of Europe and the Middle East with a contingent of IndyCar drivers, Mario Andretti says the group is getting as much out of the experience as the servicemembers they're visiting


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Troops and Drivers talk about the Indy 500 Centennial Tour


Mario Andretti leads IndyCar contingent to Europe, Mideast


USA Today

Mario Andretti, the only driver to win the Daytona 500 (1967), the Indianapolis 500 (1969) and the Formula One World Driving Championship (1978), was on a 10-day goodwill trip visiting U.S. servicemembers in Europe and the Middle East with an IndyCar contingent that also incldues Johnny Rutherford, Al Unser Jr., Sarah Fisher, Davey Hamilton and Larry Foyt.

I'm a perfect example of living 'The American Dream' because I'm an immigrant. I arrived in the States and motor racing was the only thing in my mind — besides school, of course — at the age of 15. I started driving here at 19. I would have never had the opportunity if I would have stayed in Italy.


If I would have been born here, obviously there are a lot of things that I would have taken for granted, which is natural. Coming over, realizing what America could provide as far as opportunities for us, gives us a clear appreciation of what's here. I think maybe I have different values. It gives me just a different viewpoint.


I'm quite happy that I was invited to this tour. The invitation came while I was visiting the last race at Homestead. I happened to be taking a general from the National Guard for a ride in the two-seater car. He mentioned something about it. The fact they said, 'Well, maybe we'll have the two-seater car shipped over there, and you can give some rides there.' I said, 'You know what, this sounds good, sounds like an incredibly good idea.'


I've had the opportunity to visit bases around the world before, and I always welcome that opportunity. These young individuals that obviously are out there and serving our country and sacrificing in many different ways. .. if we can bring a smile to their faces for whatever reason, I think it's a great feeling. I hope we all will be able to relay some funny and interesting stories so they can take away some memories.


I had the opportunity to meet one of my heroes, Eddie Sachs, as a youngster in Trenton, N.J. I was shaking in my boots. He actually talked to me. I asked him a question about how he enjoyed the race in Monza, in Italy, when they went there to run on the high banks. He actually answered it to me. I know how those things work. There could be a day that would impress somebody, and that person could become a fan for life. Those are all the things that are important to remember.

I've signed a lot of things over my career — shirts, posters, toy cars and the like — but signing bottles of Andretti wine brought all the way to Germany from California is a real treat. And it shows he has taste.

Lt. Col. Rich Ciao says he's going to put the bottles in a frame. I say drink them and then put the bottles in a frame.

That was part of a program that concluded our day of visiting with wounded soldiers at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center near Ramstein Air Base. He said that it meant so much to soldiers that are executing the mission in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world to have us come and spend some time with them. I think it means more to us.


Brig. Gen. Mark Dillon, the base commander, welcomed us to Ramstein. I was selected to give the General an Indy 500 Centennial Tour helmet that was signed by all the drivers, and he gave me a coin with the 86th Air Lift Wing emblem on it. It's a military tradition, and if you possess a coin and challenge a friend to see if they have one and they don't they buy your choice of drink. I'll have to try that.







Mario Andretti (right) presents an Indy 500 Centennial Tour helmet signed by all the drivers to Brig. Gen. Mark Dillon Bemidji, Minn. Dillon is commander of the 86th Air Wing at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.



Mario Andretti thanks military for helping him live his dream

I always say how lucky I've been throughout my career. I've lived the American dream, and I have to credit the men and women who have fought for our freedom because I wouldn't have been able to do any of it if I wasn't free.


Clearly, it has been a privilege to make this tour and cover so much ground in a short period of time. Every day was special. Every day I looked back and said it was a good day. Everything that we might have expected happened but even more. We got so many thank yous but it's just the opposite.

We are the ones who have to say thank you. I think finally the military is appreciated by all of America, and rightfully so. I say it all the time and it's true that the military is the most noble of professions.

This entire experience has been extremely rewarding for me and I'm sure I speak for the others. Some of the things we have experienced you have to see to believe, and everybody has been so generous with their time.


There is so much of a parallel between the military and what we do. It's all about trying to be excellent and be right at the edge of the envelope all the time. Motor racing is such a team sport and so is the military. You have to work together and have that passion to get the desired results. When I have talked to the pilots, they say they wouldn't want to do anything else. It's the same way with a race car driver.

Personally, I feel that I haven't worked a day in my life because I always looked forward to getting back in that race car. Mechanics and support crews for planes feel that same thing in their own right because they're all racers. They all want to get it right. We win or lose together, but we fight to win.


"There is a camaraderie about it," Andretti said Wednesday, hours before boarding a KC-135 cargo plane bound for New Jersey. "We've fought a lot of battles together, but we're united about this and it's really nice."


No, it wasn't exactly what organizers envisioned -- bringing longtime rivals Mario Andretti and A.J. Foyt together as part of a legends tour.

But it is the next best thing.

Larry Foyt said his father declined the invitation because racing injuries would make the long flight too difficult to cope with. Instead, the four-time Indy winner made a short video that will be shown to the troops, and his son quickly jumped at the chance to fill in for dad.

In the Foyt household, though, that return ticket comes with an unspoken stipulation.

"I said 'If we go karting, I had better beat Mario or A.J. won't let me come home,'" Larry Foyt joked.

Andretti, Foyt and Unser said they have never been on an overseas goodwill tour, though each has visited military installations in the United States.

The troops, who will get to ride around in a red, white and blue two-seat IndyCar emblazoned with the National Guard logo and Andretti's name just outside the cockpit.


IndyCars' nine-member team is expected to fly from New Jersey to Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany on Thursday before heading to the Middle East. It is also scheduled to board an aircraft carrier, though military officials are keeping details of all installations other than Ramstein a secret.

"I know there's been a Foyt and an Unser who were on the same team, but I don't think that [Andretti, Foyt and Unser on the same team] has ever happened," Unser said with a chuckle. "It's going to be a heck of a lot of fun, a lot of excitement and, hopefully, we'll be able to give some thanks to the men and women who stand on that wall 24/7 to give us our freedoms."


. .


Day 4....Indy Drivers visit troops and give a few lucky troops a ride around the Bahrain International Circuit

Also on this video toward the end you can see where our troops signed the car and put the State where they are from with their name.



Day 5 of Tour to visit troops



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Wild Thing's comment.....


The vidoes according to the person that posted them at YouTube were shot with a personal camera, so I am not sure if that is why the video's sound track is not consistent on them or not. It comes and goes in spots, but the visuals are well worth watching.

I am so happy for our troops that got to ride and the thrill they had to drive the car Andretti took to the bases.


Posted by Wild Thing at 03:50 AM | Comments (8)

January 25, 2011

Old Soldiers Never Die (Airborne Edition)






From the person that made this video:

"This is a music video I edited using Band of Brothers to the song "Until It Sleeps" by Metallica. It's sort of a tribute to the men of the 506th infantry regiment, and the 101st Airborne as a whole (I used to be in the 101st a few years back). I made an earlier version using Saving Private Ryan and U-571, but I like this one considerably better."




Wild Thing's comment......

Thank you to all that have served our beloved country.



Posted by Wild Thing at 03:47 AM | Comments (4)

January 24, 2011

Marine Lance Corporal James Blake Miller



"I ain't no hero. That is one thing I wish could truly be clarified. I'm no more a hero than anyone over there. Every man, every woman that is not in the states, over there doing what they're doing…just to ensure that people here can enjoy their everyday life, and have the freedom that they do. They're all heroes." - Marine Lance Corporal James Blake Miller

Photo By Luis Sinco/ Los Angeles Times





James Blake Miller (born July 10, 1984) is an American Iraq War veteran, who served in the United States Marine Corps and was dubbed "the Marlboro Man"/"Marlboro Marine", after an iconic, close-up photograph of his dirt-smeared, battle-weary face, with a cigarette planted in his mouth, was published on the front page of more than 150 American newspapers in 2004.

Miller grew up in Jonancy, Kentucky. As a boy, he embraced religion, even going so far as to become an ordained minister. Not interested in working in the coal mines, Miller joined the United States Marine Corps with the intention to eventually work in law enforcement..Before shipping off, Miller took his high school sweetheart, Jessica Holbrooks, to the mountains outside Pikeville, Kentucky and asked her to marry him after his return; she agreed.


Fallujah


Miller became part of Charlie Company of the 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, a unit which took part in the November 2004 assault on Fallujah. Entering the city on November 8, 2004, they encountered heavy fire almost immediately, and were pinned down all night at a traffic circle. In the morning, the unit took fire again and had to run into a house for cover. After securing the house, Miller, the platoon's radioman, called in tank fire on a nearby house. In the moments after the tank blasts shook the home they were located in, embedded Los Angeles Times photographer Luis Sinco took a photo of Miller propped against a wall, smoking a cigarette; Miller's face was smeared with war paint, blood trickled from his right ear and bridge of his nose, and he was momentarily deafened by the cannon blasts, staring at the sunrise. In explaining the photograph, Sinco stated that "His expression caught my eye. To me, it said: terrified, exhausted, and glad just to be alive. I recognized that look because that's how I felt too." Miller was 20 at the time

Marlboro Marine

Sinco's photograph of Miller appeared on the front page of over 150 newspapers. CBS Evening News anchor Dan Rather singled out the photo for its excellence, and turned the then-unidentified Marine into a celebrity. Sinco was told to find the Marine for a follow-up story and tracked down Miller four days later in an auditorium near Fallujah's civic center. Miller was embarrassed about the photo's impact, but shared information with Sinco. The two would remain friends thereafter.


After his identity was made public, people sent him care packages, including lots of cigarettes; President George W. Bush sent cigars, candy and memorabilia from the White House. The forward command center soon featured a large blowup of the photo. Then-Major General Richard F. Natonski, head of the 1st Marine Division, made a special trip to see Miller, to Miller's surprise. The general shook Miller's hand and let him know that, because Americans had "connected" with his photo, and nobody wanted to see him wounded or dead, he was offered a trip home. Miller turned down the offer because he did not want to leave his comrades behind.


PTSD

Because of his struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder, Miller is now separated from his wife and lives in a trailer behind his father's house. He is unable to discuss certain things that happened in Fallujah, and has joined the Highwaymen, a motorcycle club under constant scrutiny by law enforcement.



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Wild Thing's comment.......

I pray for James Blake Miller and others that have PTSD, I can promise him and all our Veterans I will never forget and will always remember them in my prayers each day. I pray they will get the help they need, good help and not just some leftie psychologist leading them in the wrong direction and making it worse.

Our Heroes need to know, and own it that they are the reason America has been the greatest country in the world. And that there is a grateful nation so filled with pride and a full heart of thanks for how they had to sacrifice soooooo much each day, each minute of every day.
There are visible wounds and there are the kind that are deep inside that a person passing by does not see. Both kinds need healing and patience and understanding.





....Thank you Mark for sending this to me.


Mark
3rd Mar.Div. 1st Battalion 9th Marine Regiment
1/9 Marines aka The Walking Dead
VN 66-67



Posted by Wild Thing at 06:44 AM

January 18, 2011

Marine Corps Quotes




Source :

Leatherneck




Wild Thing's comment......

Fantastic!!!


....Thank you Mark for sending this to me.


Mark
3rd Mar.Div. 1st Battalion 9th Marine Regiment
1/9 Marines aka The Walking Dead
VN 66-67



Posted by Wild Thing at 04:45 AM | Comments (7)

January 04, 2011

Lance Armstrong, Robin Williams & Lewis Black Bring Laughs to Marines in Afghanistan







Lance Armstrong, Robin Williams & Lewis Black bring laughs to Marines in Afghanistan


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Robin Williams Gets Actus Interuptus at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait


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Wild Thing's comment........

Robin Williams has been to see the troops at least 5 times maybe more. He always gets them laughing so hard which is great.







ARMY, NAVY, AIR FORCE, MARINES, COAST GUARD


Posted by Wild Thing at 05:45 AM

December 25, 2010

Bob Hope Entertains the Troops




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Wild Thing's comment.......

To be able to spend Christmas with our troops is one of the most special things a person can experience in their entire life. Thank God for Bob Hope and his sincere love and respect for our troops serving around the world and his visits to them for so many years.


One of the most memoriable things was to sing Silent Night and many times they would join in. This video shows that toward the end of the tape.

Below is a wonderful and fun roast of Bob Hope. I miss these roasts they did, they were always so great.



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Don Rickles on Dean Martin Roast Bob Hope




....Thank you Mark for sending this to me.

Mark
3rd Mar.Div. 1st Battalion 9th Marine Regiment
1/9 Marines aka The Walking Dead
VN 66-67




Posted by Wild Thing at 05:48 AM | Comments (6)

December 18, 2010

Christmas and Our Troops



Santa and U.S. Marines in front of the only flying B-25H Mitchell bomber




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Nhon Cho, South Vietnam, December 21, 1968: Dispensing with the normal sleigh, Santa Claus taxis along the airstrip in an artistically-modified C7 Caribou cargo plane as he arrives to bring gifts to Detachment 35, B Company, 5th Special Forces Group. The Air Force's 483rd Tactical Aircraft Wing at Cam Ranh Bay decorated seven of the planes for use in Christmas visits to the troops in the field.




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Trace Adkins performs for the men and women serving our country. I love what he says about our military in this video.



Posted by Wild Thing at 06:47 AM | Comments (3)

December 16, 2010

Toys For Tots ~ Thank You Marines!




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As the holiday season draw near for 2010, you can be certain your local Marines are gearing up for their annual Toys for Tots campaign.

Since 1947, Marines have been making Christmas wishes come true for needy children.

Marines believe that ’Every Child deserves a little Christmas” and we are asking for your help. Send a message of hope through the gift of a new toy.

You may drop off a new unwrapped toy at various business locations throughout Sarasota at the Toys for Tots Drop Boxes. Toys will be accepted through December 23rd.

Marine Toys For Tots Foundation


U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program


MISSION:

The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.


GOAL:

The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens.

OBJECTIVES:


The objectives of Toys for Tots are to help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development of one of our nation’s most valuable resources – our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to better communities in the future.


ACTIVITIES:

The principal Toys for Tots activity which takes place each year is the collection and distribution of toys in the communities in which a Marine Corps Reserve Unit is located. In communities without a Reserve Unit, the campaign can be conducted by a Marine Corps League Detachment or group of men and women, generally veteran Marines, authorized by Marine toys for tots Foundation to conduct a local Toys for Tots campaign. Local Toys for Tots Campaign Coordinators conduct an array of activities throughout the year, which include golf tournaments, foot races, bicycle races and other voluntary events designed to increase interest in Toys for Tots, and concurrently generate toys and monetary donations.




If you live in my area, Sarasota, Florida , CLICK THIS LINK FOR LOCAL EVENTS for Toys For Tots.


Posted by Wild Thing at 04:47 AM | Comments (2)

December 12, 2010

Rare View Inside a "Can-O- Whoopass"







Wild Thing's comment........

LOVE IT!


....Thank you Mark for sending this to me.


Mark
3rd Mar.Div. 1st Battalion 9th Marine Regiment
1/9 Marines aka The Walking Dead
VN 66-67



Posted by Wild Thing at 03:55 AM | Comments (3)

November 10, 2010

Happy Birthday Marines!! ~ United States Marine Corps Birthday Message


Celebrating the 235th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps







Join Marines and their supporters worldwide as they wish the Marine Corps a
Happy 235th Birthday on November 10, 2010.



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US Army General John "Black Jack" Pershing, once stated, "The deadliest weapon in the world is a Marine and his rifle!” As our nation continues fighting into its ninth year of war (Oct 2009) our sons and daughters continue to rise to the occasion of our nation’s calling. Of these select and privileged few there remain a group these “deadliest weapons”, whom I am not one of, who are simply called, Marines. They are what our national leaders deploy to problem areas of the world when they need to send a clear signal that we mean business and will fight to a decisive win. Since 9-11 these Marines have faced the toughest and cruelest enemy forces, under the toughest of conditions, and in every case have met and beat them on their own turf. Their actions and contributions to our nation’s security are legendary.


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A Marine’s Creed
I was that which others did not want to be. I went where others feared to go, and did what others failed to do. I asked nothing from those who gave nothing and reluctantly accepted the thought of eternal loneliness should I fail. I have seen the face of terror, felt the stinging cold of fear, and enjoyed the sweet taste of a moment’s love. But most of all I have lived times others would say werebest forgotten. At least some day I will be able to say,
I was proud of what I was and always well be …
A United States Marine




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The Marines Prayer
Almighty Father , whose command is over all and whose love never fails, make me aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and deed and helping me to live so that I can face my fellow Marines, my loved ones and Thee without shame or fear.
Protect my family. Give me the will to do the work of a Marine and to accept my share of responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courage to be proficient in my daily performance. Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors and to the duties my country and the Marine Corps have entrusted to me. Make me considerate of those committed to my leadership. Help me to wear my uniform with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the traditions
which I must uphold. If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again.
Guide me with the light of truth and grant me wisdom by which I may understand the answer to my prayer.




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USMC Marines Hymn Marine Corps Band Halls of Montezuma


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Thank you Marines and Happy Birthday!!


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....Thank you Mark for sending this to me.


Mark
3rd Mar.Div. 1st Battalion 9th Marine Regiment
1/9 Marines aka The Walking Dead
VN 66-67



Posted by Wild Thing at 06:50 AM | Comments (6)

October 13, 2010

Happy 235th Birthday, United States Navy




Establishment of the Navy, 13 October 1775


This resolution of the Continental Congress marked the establishment of what is now the United States Navy.

"Resolved, That a swift sailing vessel, to carry ten carriage guns, and a proportionable number of swivels, with eighty men, be fitted, with all possible despatch, for a cruise of three months, and that the commander be instructed to cruize eastward, for intercepting such transports as may be laden with warlike stores and other supplies for our enemies, and for such other purposes as the Congress shall direct.


That a Committee of three be appointed to prepare an estimate of the expence, and lay the same before the Congress, and to contract with proper persons to fit out the vessel.

Resolved, that another vessel be fitted out for the same purposes, and that the said committee report their opinion of a proper vessel, and also an estimate of the expence."




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Thanks To All Active Duty Navy Personnel And Navy Veterans For Your Service To Our Country


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Posted by Wild Thing at 02:45 AM | Comments (6)

September 15, 2010

"Lucky Me" by Helene Cronin (Thank you to our troops)




"Lucky Me" by Helene Cronin (Thank you to our troops)

"This song is a true story, based on a conversation I had with a soldier in the Nashville airport. Two years later, I wrote the song. People have responded to my simple demo of it so enthusiastically that my sister made a video and we decided to post to YouTube. Help me thank our service men and women, and their families, for all that they do and all that they endure for the sake of freedom. Most of us will NEVER fully understand what it takes to serve our country. (Copyright 2008, Helene K. Cronin)





Wild Thing's comment...........

WOW! Awesome song and her voice is so beautiful .




....Thank you Tom for sending this to me.


Tom
US Army Aviation
Vietnam 1966-68
US Army Special Forces
1970-72


Posted by Wild Thing at 05:55 AM | Comments (5)

August 13, 2010

Casual Friday's and Video of "Lt. Dan Band: For The Common Good " trailer




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Lt. Dan Band: For The Common Good is a moving feature-length documentary that transcends genres and celebrates America's heroes. This uplifting film chronicles the journey of Academy Award® Nominated actor, Gary Sinise who since 9/11, has vowed to never to forget those who are willing to give all.

By following Gary and his Lt. Dan Band around the world for nearly two years, including Kuwait and Iraq, we meet many of our brave men and women in uniform, our heroic first responders, their families and the wonderful citizens that support them. In the process, we are inspired ourselves to actively participate in supporting America's finest, and to also never forget.

Lt. Dan Band: For The Common Good has an amazing soundtrack and special appearances by numerous celebrities, including Academy Award® Winners Jon Voight and Robert Duvall, as well as John Ratzenberger, Melina Kanakaredes, Raquel Welch, Connie Stevens, Mykelti Williamson, Dale Dye and more.

This powerful and emotional film is produced and directed by Hollywood filmmaker and 82nd Airborne Veteran Jonathan Flora.



Wild Thing's comment........

Gary is such a special man, I am grateful I got to know him when we lived in Caifornia.

Also I wanted to let you know that Rush Limbaugh has a page now at Facebook. He is using it to post photos of his wedding and they are really beautifully done.


Rush Limbaugh at Facebook.

Rush has one photo there I love so much. It is of the Honor Guard that he had at their wedding to honor our troops and Veterans.



Posted by Wild Thing at 07:55 AM | Comments (8)

August 04, 2010

Tribute Song "Soldier I Thank You"



Our troops are deployed all over the world and let me stop saying the word "troops", because when I say the word troops it makes them seem like they're somehow different than us. Let me describe these men and women as our brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, aunts, uncles, co-workers, friends, and neighbors. They are the same people who are losing their homes, whose marriages are breaking up, who may have lost an arm or a leg. With our loved ones and families deployed all over the world isn't it a shame that they're sacrifices are not reflected in the music that is heard on the radio? I am all for bringing sexy back and I am also in favor of bringing American Patriotism back.

"What happened to the Red, White and Blue?"

When our troops went overseas, the streets were filled with cars and trucks decorated with red, white and blue. We all were cheering, as if the troops were our favorite sports team. You could see signs across America that read, "Go U.S.A.!" and the American flag was selling out in stores everywhere.
As American citizens, we have to admire the spirit and patriotism that was felt by our service men and women when they made the decision to serve this nation. They are America's finest, and we, as American citizens, are the beneficiaries of their decisions to protect us. We must continue to support them as we did when the war began. These men and women took an oath to be the guardians of some of the greatest words ever written on paper, The Constitution of the United States of America and The Bill of Rights. In this civilized society, which is governed under a democracy, if we want to bring about change, we simply go to the voting booth. We live in a nation where we can enjoy the freedom and the right to have our voices be heard. This comes at a high price, which so many of our fellow Americans have paid, but we have forgotten?
This is a time of great concern for all Americans. The thoughts and opinions of the American people are split about this war. The fact remains that we are at war, and our armed forces are the brave men and women who have answered the call. Remember, our troops don't have the luxury of choosing the wars they will fight in, so we must not take for granted or misuse the American spirit that lives in them, because it is the same American spirit that lives in all of us.

Soldier I Thank You

Please tell a friend Jordan Leigh pays tribute to our soldiers and her brother fallen soldier Kenny J. Schall in a heartfelt music video Soldier I Thank You



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Wild Thing's comment......


This is so wonderful, I love that she did this to pay tribute to her brother and to all that serve our country.


Posted by Wild Thing at 05:49 AM | Comments (3)

August 03, 2010

The Boot Campaign To Benefit The Military Veterans Of Our Country



The Boot Girls Photo page

This is Heather, Sherri, Mariae, Ginger and Leigh Ann, and we are known as the Boot Girls. The five of us are currently leading a grassroots initiative called the Boot Campaign, and our newest announcement is that we have been blessed to have caught the attention of the USO.


The Boot Campaign website

The Boot Campaign on Facebook


They personify the grassroots, “let’s make something happen” spirit that is unique to our country. The Boot Girls are five women from across Texas who were inspired by Marcus Luttrell’s best-selling book Lone Survivor, which paints a very stark reality of the war in the Middle East. The Girls understood that our troops returning from war need our help, so they generated awareness by creating the “Boot Campaign” celebrity photo gallery picturing celebrities in combat boots. That effort became an instant success and gave life to the “Get Your Boots On” opportunity for all Americans to buy combat boots to “Give Back” to our military heroes.

The ultimate goal is selling one million of our signature Altama combat boots to benefit the military veterans of our country.


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The USO heard about the Boot Campaign as the result of a request for permission to capture in a photograph one of their celebrities on a USO tour in Boots. They were interested in what the Boot Campaign was doing and how they could help fulfill its goals. From there, a great partnership was born, and we are thrilled to be working alongside such a noteworthy and hardworking organization.

The USO’s mission, for almost 70 years, is the same as what is in our hearts. They “support U.S. troops and their families wherever they serve” and “show appreciation and gratitude to men and women who defend us.” We’re proud to have the support of this long-standing, reputable organization in selling our boots. (And we are really excited that we have made an impression on them, too!)




BOOT SHOOT: Marcus Luttrell 2010

Music by: Jordyn Shellhart - "I Won't Give Up On You"


Marcus Luttrell, Navy SEAL and lone survivor of Operation Redwing, Afghanistan June 2005, gets his BOOTS ON in support of our fighting men and women still defending our freedom every day there and all over the world.



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Like the USO, the Boot Girls are not politically motivated. We are just five girls who want our friends, our families and everyone we can reach to realize that there are people across the world who are missing their friends and families to keep us free and safe.

The Boot Campaign and the Boot Girls make our national television debut today on Fox & Friends with singer Joe Nichols, and we hope everyone can tune in and find out more information regarding what we’re all about, and how everyone can get involved!

So lose the Redwings, the Nikes and (gasp!) the Manolos and “Get Your Boots On” with us! Let’s show those men and women who protect our freedom that they are the true heroes, earning celebrity status in the hearts of the people they fight for!

Show your support by becoming a fan of the Boot Campaign on Facebook

The Boot Girls are the are five women from across Texas and the creative force behind the Boot Campaign.

Boot Girls MISSION

The Boot Campaign was created to generate American awareness about the needs of our military men and women coming home from combat.
The money raised from boot sales will go to the Lone Survivor Foundation and the USO to support our returning active duty and combat veterans.
Our military heroes volunteered to put themselves in dangerous, life-threatening situations to preserve human freedom. The Boot Campaign motto is simple…“When they come back, we give back.” The Boot Girls want every person within reach of our website to tangibly give back to our troops by buying a pair of combat boots and proudly wearing or displaying them.





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Celebrities and their photos wearing the BOOTS

CLICK HERE to see photos

Due to its patriotic appeal, the “Boots” poster campaign was an instant success throughout the State of Texas and soon became a “can’t miss” opportunity for national stars to show their support for our combat veterans. Music industry stars like Gretchen Wilson, Joe Nichols, Heidi Newfield, Randy Houser and Ted Nugent all donned the boots for posters and appearances. Texas Governor Rick Perry, the Detroit Redwings, Houston Astros, Seaworld and the Miss America Pageant also instantly said “yes” to pledge their involvement in the campaign. And most recently,the Dallas Cowboys.


The cast from the TV series "Sons Of Anarchy"

"We were instantly interested in the idea after Boot Girl Sherri discussed the concept with us and recommended the “Lone Survivor” book by Marcus Luttrell. Since then, Luttrell’s account has inspired all of us to continue creating awareness of the current U.S. soldiers and veterans. Some of us have family military background, and even those who don’t were captivated by the initiative. We expect for the Boot Campaign to benefit military veterans by shaping their image as heroes who are worthy of attention and praise."


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Boot Campaign Official "Give Back" Boot

Show your support by purchasing the official Boot Campaign "Give Back" Boots. These boots feature rugged construction, the official Boot Campaign logo embossed on the heel, and a tag explaining the entire Boot Campaign story. Plus, $45 from every boot sale will go to support the USO and the Lone Survivor Foundation.




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Wild Thing's comment.......

One of my friends at Facebook sent me the link to this. I had never heard of it before. I think it is a wonderful idea so I wanted to show it to you. It alwasy makes my heart so happy when I see legit help for our troops and this one is one of those. They really explain what they do and where the money goes which is important. And that the USO picked up on what they are doing and is working with them as well is an added thing I love about it..

Anyway, I thought this was pretty cool and wanted to share the information with all of you.



Posted by Wild Thing at 06:55 AM | Comments (6)

July 08, 2010

Rush Limbaugh on the Troopathon "Standing for Our Soldiers"




Rush is supporting the Troopathon campaign to send packages to our troops.

Rush gave $300,000. Thanks Rush!


The purpose of the event is to raise funds to send care packages to soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Previous Troopathon events, such as the one held last year at the Reagan Library in Simi Valley, have raised a total of well over two million dollars, enabling the group to send over 168 TONS of care packages overseas.



Posted by Wild Thing at 04:45 AM

June 28, 2010

Move America Forward's Third Annual Troopathon






Move America Forward's third annual Troopathon is a nationwide campaign to send the largest shipment of care packages to our troops in history. The effort centers on an 8 hour live webcast July 1st, 2010 at Troopathon.org with pro-troop celebrities coming together to support our troops.


You can visit http://www.troopathon.org for more details.



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Mark Williams for Troopathon 2010 "Standing for Our Soldiers"
He speaks about our awesome Vietnam Veterans as well as our troops today. ~Wild Thiing




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Mark Levin will Join Troopathon 2010 “Standing for Our Soldiers”

Laura Ingraham and Michael Graham Join Troopathon Cast

Ambassador John Bolton and Frank Gaffney Join Troopathon Guest List

Andrew Breitbart Returns to Repeat Co-Hosting of Troopathon

Dennis Miller, Mancow Muller and Noel Sheppard Joining Troopathon

see more names further down this post.







Kelsey Grammer for the Troopathon


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Dennis Miller for our troops


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Hollywood legend Jane Russell will be featured on Troopathon

Classic movie goddess Jane Russell — at age 89 — will be part of the burgeoning cast for Troopathon 2010, an 8-hour live broadcast from the Richard M. Nixon Presidential Library. The event to raise money for care packages sent to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan was organized by Move America Forward .


Other guests who will join live or via video feed July 1 include Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Dennis Miller, Mark Levin, Laura Ingraham, Michael Graham, Frank Gaffney — broadcasters all — plus actor Gary Sinise, former U.S. ambassador to the U.N. John Bolton .



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Gary Sinise supports the troops


Posted by Wild Thing at 05:45 AM | Comments (2)

May 16, 2010

The Story Behind Who Waves The Flags Over I-5




The story behind who waves the flags over I-5

Passionate military spouse making a difference

Northwest Military.com


If you ask anyone who knows her, Elisa Sukenick is a woman on a mission. Within minutes of a first introduction, you know that patriotism is something she takes very seriously. You also know that she stands behind every word she says - literally.

In 2003, on the day the troops first arrived in Iraq, Sukenick remembers hearing the news on the radio and being so overwhelmed that she needed to pull her car over. At the time she happened to be on the Center Drive Bridge in DuPont, or exit 118 on Interstate 5. As she sat in her car and prayed, she made a solemn promise to support the soldiers every way she could and to remind others to do the same.

On every major holiday (and sometimes just a sunny day), Sukenick heads to that same bridge, which she calls a living memorial for those serving in the military, and waves a flag at the cars passing below. More often than not, drivers honk, flash headlights, and wave back at her in order to show their mutual support of the troops. She often recruits people from her church and office to join her or the spouses of deployed soldiers, but in recent years, as the war has continued, participation has waned. However, for seven years Sukenick has personally upheld her promise to raise awareness and rarely misses a chance to stand on that bridge.

"I do this to support the men and women of the military - not for any political meaning. I never want this to be about politics," Sukenick said. "This is about loving this country and loving the soldiers." A few times, including once last month, soldiers have pulled off the exit to say thank you to her face. Many have a hard time expressing the gratitude they feel; some have just gotten out of their cars to shake her hand or give her a hug.

Sukenick's ties to the military started more than 40 years ago when she served as a nurse during the Vietnam War at Fort Gordon, Ga. Her husband, retired Staff Sgt. Jeff Sukenick, served 23 years in the Army. For more than two decades she was a civilian nurse at Madigan Army Medical Center, and now Sukenick works in the Lakewood office of the Allergy and Asthma Specialty Service, which happens to be run by three retired Army doctors. Needless to say, her employers encourage and appreciate Sukenick's extracurricular activity and often work with her to send care packages overseas and make donations to groups such as Operation Make a Soldier Smile.

"Whenever something positive is going on outside of the base, I can't help but wonder if Elisa has done it," said retired Col. W. Pierre Andrade, M.D. "This is just who she is. She has a big heart and is tireless about helping those in need, like the soldiers."

After each flag waving session, Sukenick gathers her volunteers together to pray. She thanks the Lord for sending her helpers and for keeping the soldiers safe. She asks that everyone come back again, and maybe they will, maybe they won't. Either way, she'll be there, rain or shine, waving her flag and reminding the drivers about the importance of supporting our troops.




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Wild Thing's comment......


There truly are so many wonderful America loving people in our country. People that KNOW why we are able to live in the land of the free and who paid the price for all of us. God bless this woman!!!




....Thank you Jack for sending this to me.

United States Army
1965-1971
Army Combat Engineers
Quang Tri & Chu Lai '68 -'69
67-69

Jack's blog is Conservative Insurgent



Posted by Wild Thing at 05:47 AM | Comments (1)

May 15, 2010

A Message From Major General John K. Singlaub, US. Army (Ret.)



Coalition to Salute America's Heroes


Dear Patriotic American,

My name is Major General John K. Singlaub, U.S. Army (Ret.).

I'm writing to you as Memorial Day approaches because I know, based on the causes you support, that you are a patriotic American. So I'm sure you'll be thinking about all the brave servicemen and women who have lost their lives for our country.

I parachuted into Nazi-occupied France during WWII to prepare French Resistance fighters for the Allied invasion, trained Chinese guerrillas for operations against the Japanese, ran covert operations against the North Koreans and the Chinese, and commanded all U.S. Special Operations Forces in Southeast Asia.

Now I’m working with the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes, an excellent nonprofit organization that provides emergency aid to our troops who have been severely wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Our wounded heroes must often wait 3 to 6 months, sometimes up to year or longer, to receive their first disability checks.


That's where the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes comes in to provide emergency financial assistance.
I'd like to take a moment and tell you about Sgt. James Sides, whose photo appears below.




Sgt. Sides suffered multiple strokes and countless bruises to his brain. His right arm was broken and his right lung collapsed.


James Sides' world was completely turned upside down upon returning home from Iraq.


Because of his injuries, James was unable to work. And the bills quickly piled up making it hard just to put food on the table for his family of five.


James Sides was a chopper pilot flying over the Tigris River in Baghdad...


...Suddenly, he found himself trapped in the helicopter, drowning in the river.


He was under water for nearly six minutes before being rescued.

Financially struggling and unable to work, James had to move in with his parents. The mounting debt and the pain of his injuries were making it extremely difficult for him to care for his three young boys.

This Memorial Day - if only for a day - you can make sure a wounded hero like James doesn't have to worry how he's going to feed his family.


As I've mentioned, the Coalition will be sending as many wounded heroes on our list as possible a $60 card to provide their families with food this Memorial Day.

James was extremely grateful for the support provided...

"The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes is a great organization, and can help when you think it all is over. Every need I had, they were able to help with, and I am so thankful."

As you may have noticed in the news, there has been an uptick in the amount of injuries and fatalities in Afghanistan.

When these wounded soldiers return home, they're going to be calling us for help. I don't want to have to turn anyone down.

The need is great.

Will you hope the Coalition meet the need for our wounded heroes?

Major General John K. Singlaub
U.S. Army (Ret.).



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Throughout the year, Coalition supporters will be providing emergency financial aid to disabled GIs through the following programs:

•Emergency Financial Assistance for severely wounded troops unable to afford groceries, clothes and other necessities, as well as those facing auto repossessions, utility cutoffs and other financial disasters.


•Wounded Troops Foreclosure Fund: Hundreds of burned, paralyzed or brain-damaged soldiers are in danger of losing their homes. These veterans are caught up in the nationwide foreclosure crisis, made worse by the immense financial strain they face because of their severe wounds. The Coalition has already made nearly 200 grants to wounded troops to help give thee heroes a place to lay their heads.

•Annual Road to Recovery Conferences: More than 300 disabled troops and their families have attended these unique, all-expense-paid educational events. Along with their spouses and children, wounded servicemen and women learn how to cope with their injuries, receive counseling and attend educational seminars. Several have even landed jobs at the event’s Career Fair.

•Homes for Heroes: The Coalition's donors have helped to build six new, disability-adapted homes for troops who have been blinded or paralyzed. Many other homes have been renovated to make them handicapped-accessible.


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Wild Thing's comment........


I got this from Jim, it was in an email he received and I wanted to share it with all of you. I am so glad there are organizations like this one that are helping our troops.

This is their webstie if you would like to check it out.
I put part of the email above and also part of what the Major had to say at the website.

https://www.saluteheroesproject.org/

A little about Major General John K. Singlaub:

Poor Leadership in the 1970s handcuffed the CIA for decades to come
By Ilario Pantano ( Pantano is running for Congress in N. Carolina).........

I have known Pantano since his trial when many of us were supporting him at his mothers website. He was amazing and after the trial he wrote to me thanking me for the support and emails etc. ~ Wiild Thing

Ilario Pantano, a former Marine Corps officer, author, and deputy sheriff. Pantano’s service began at age 17 when he enlisted in the Marine Corps and became an elite scout sniper. Pantano returned to the service and led a platoon of infantry Marines in Fallujah through some of the fiercest fighting of the war. During combat operations, Pantano killed two terrorists and was later accused of murder. A military hearing dismissed all charges against him, but after receiving Jihadist death threats to his family, Pantano chose to resign from the Marine Corps. Since 2006 he has protected his local community in North Carolina as a Deputy Sheriff. After his honorable discharge, Pantano authored a book about his experiences.

Here is the artilce about Major General John K. Singlaub that Pantano wrote:

American Legion Magazine, May 2010


He was a living legend in the Special Forces community during VietNam...he was the father of the Studies and Observations Group(MACV-SOG)...they ran recon teams ‘across the wire’ i.e. into Laos and Cambodia along the Ho Chi Mihn trail...and were very effective in gathering NVA intel.

He once parachuted into Nazi-occupied France for Operation Jedburgh, former Office of Strategic Services (OSS) officer John K. Singlaub is eminently qualified to answer questions about the historical precedent of prosecuting intelligence officers during a time of war. If he or his men had been captured by the enemy, they would have been tortured and executed. Many of his friends suffered that fate. NOw a retired Army major general, Singlaub's career in intelligence began before the CIA or many of its officers were even born. Recently questioned about the idea of prosecuting agents during wartime, he paused and said, "If we prosecute anyone, we need to go after Jimmy Carter and his appointee to head (the) CIA, Adm. Stansfield Turner. (No one) has done us more harm. Turner gutted covert-action capabilities when he reduced the Directorate of Operations by a thousand experienced officers in 1977, and exposed the United States to crises which continue to haunt us 30 years later: Afghanistan and Iran."
Singlaub, who helped organize the French resistance in support of the Normandy invasion and ran intelligence operations in Manchuria and, later, special ops in Vietnam. "At the time, Carter wanted to rely on reconnaissance satellites and electronic surveillance. He was looking for white-glove ways to combat Soviet-sponsored subversion of the Third World, which is how we got into trouble in Iran. CIA officers in France actually had agents inside the operation of Ayatollah Ruholla Khomeini. The station chief warned that successful penetration would be compromised and that this was the wrong time to make Turner's drastic cuts. 'We've got operations going!' was the objection. The response from Washington: 'Let the French handle it.'"
Former deputy national counterintelligence executive and current professor of intelligence studies Kenneth deGraffenreid, a retired Navy captain, recounts the 1970s cultural shift that bastardized the uniformed and clandestine services in the wake of Watergate, campus protests and the Church/Pike committees. Carter "ran his '76 campaign against the 'troika of evil' - Watergate, Vietnam, and the CIA," deGraffenreid recalls. "We saw it again in 2008, when Obama ran against Bush, Iraq, and the CIA. I pray the results of that chronic naiveté are better this time around, but with SEALs being prosecuted, terrorists suing federal officials, ringleaders like Kalid Sheik Mohammed being tried in New York instead of (before) tribunals, and CIA officers prosecuted at home and overseas, where 23 were convicted in Italy, I'm just not convinced."
The sense of déjà vu strikes Singlaub as tragic. "Carter favored sterile forms of intelligence like satellites, things that couldn't blow up in his face," he said. "The rest, he chopped. Apologists will tell you Carter's cuts were about cleaning out the bad eggs. Tell that to the Navy SEALs, the Green Berets and all of the other paramilitary forces that Carter wanted to either cut, or in the case of the SEALs, eliminate completely."
Singlaub's 35-year military career included vanguard action and command of various intelligence and special-ops missions in World War II, China, Korea, Vietnam and Latin America. Today, the 88-year old Legionnaire still lectures at the advanced Special Forces course.
Carter was "simply not comfortable with unconventional operations and deemed them too politically risky," Singlaub says. 'Desert One' (the failed mission to rescue hostages from Iran) would prove beyond a doubt the degree to which he let our capabilities atrophy.



.... Thank you Jim for sending this to me.



Posted by Wild Thing at 06:47 AM

First Annual Warrior Games



The Opening of the 2010 Warrior Games!!

Our Wounded Warriors, God Bless them one and all!!



Warrior Games at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.........

Complete story here at DOD



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Members of Team Air Force raise their right hands above their hearts during the national anthem before playing a game of basketball against the Marines May 11, 2010, during the inaugural Warrior Games at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 11, 2010. The competition runs through May 14. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Desiree N. Palacios




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Army Sgt. Daniel Biskey packs up his bow and arrows after a morning practice session for the inaugural Warrior Games at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 11, 2010. Biskey is assigned to the Balboa Warrior Athlete Program at the Naval Medial Center San Diego. U.S. Army photo by Master Sgt. Doug Sample


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Former Air Force Senior Airman Jennifer Stone prepares to shoot a basket in a game against the Navy on the first day of games at the inaugural Warrior Games at the U.S. Olympic Training Facility, Colorado Springs, Colo., May 11, 2010. DoD photo by Fred W. Baker III


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Air Force Tech. Sgt. Israel Del Toro practices shooting at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 11, 2010. Del Toro, assigned to Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, and 16 other Air Force athletes are competing in the inaugural Warrior Games through May 14. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Griffin


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Warrior Games sitting volleyball match




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Posted by Wild Thing at 06:44 AM | Comments (2)

May 07, 2010

North Platte Canteen





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Wild Thing's comment........

What a wonderful video about the first Cantten for our troops.


....Thank you Mark for sending this to me.

Mark
3rd Mar.Div. 1st Battalion 9th Marine Regiment
1/9 Marines aka The Walking Dead
VN 66-67


Posted by Wild Thing at 05:45 AM | Comments (2)

January 08, 2010

Ribbons for Soldiers Banned on the Litchfield Green


View more news videos at: http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/video.



Ribbons for Soldiers Banned on the Litchfield Green

Conn. news


The yellow ribbon controversy in Litchfield is far from over. Even though the ribbons were banned from the town green several months ago, people keep putting them up.

“I’m wondering if anyone really dares to remove them at this point. I’m glad to see they are still there, but I’m confused why there is controversy to begin with,” said Cindy McPhee, of Litchfield.

On Tuesday night, the board that voted to remove them scheduled a public hearing to figure out a more permanent show of support.

“I think it’s impressive so many people are showing support for the yellow ribbons and the only reason I got involved is because I had heard they were taken down,” said Leslie Caron, of Litchfield.


The reason they were taken down, according to the Board of Warden and Burgesses, was that they set a precedent for other causes to hang ribbons. More importantly, the board says the worn and tattered ribbons are a disrespectful display.

“Its become very obvious the yellow ribbons mean a lot to people if they are displayed with honor and dignity that is,” said Victoria Sansing, a board member.

One of the board members is a Vietnam veteran, while at least 2 others are married to veterans. They said their job is to listen to the people requests at a public hearing and maintain the appearance of the town green.

“I feel really hurt sitting on the board and being called a communist when I whole heartedly support the troops,” said Peter Gay, a board member and veteran.

The public hearing to discuss the yellow ribbons is set for February 2nd at the First Congregational Church at 7pm.




Wiild Thing's comment.......

I realy hate this! I am so sick of the left and the way they want this kind of thing and so much of the time get their way. I sure hope they get to keep their ribbons.




....Thank you Mark for sending this to me.


Mark
3rd Mar.Div. 1st Battalion 9th Marine Regiment
1/9 Marines aka The Walking Dead
VN 66-67


Posted by Wild Thing at 04:49 AM | Comments (2)

January 02, 2010

Troops Get Their Own New Year's Bowl Moment




Wild Thing's comment.........

Love it, it is always great when we see people supporting our awesome troops.


Some former college stars played a game of flag football with a group of U.S. soldiers who spent New Year's Day on their base in Baghdad. (Jan. 1)

Posted by Wild Thing at 01:49 AM | Comments (2)

December 27, 2009

WWE Visit Troops For Christmas 2009





WWE Superstars Pay Respect To The Armed Forces Fighting In Iraq To Protect The United States, This Event Only Happens Once A Year. WWE Enjoyed There Time In Iraq And Are Glad To Come Back Next Year. We Wish The Troops A Merry Christmas And A Happy New Year.


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Wild Thing's comment.........

I love how they do this every year for our troops. The troops love it so much and have such a great time.



Posted by Wild Thing at 02:49 AM | Comments (2)

December 11, 2009

'Fort Hood Community Strong' set for Today!




Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band



This Friday there will be a free event for all Soldiers and Families at Hood Stadium. More than 50,000 troops and their families and members of the Fort Hood's local community are expected to participate in "Fort Hood Community Strong," a day for healing, fun and entertainment to uplift the spirits of the Fort Hood Community in the wake of the Nov. 5 shooting incident. Held at Hood Stadium, this event will feature free carnival rides, games, concerts and
food.



'Fort Hood Community Strong' set for Friday

Killeen Daily Herald

Fort Hood and local community members are invited Friday to Fort Hood for a day of reflection, education and fun.

The post, joined by USO; Fort Hood Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation; and the Army and Air Force Exchange Service, is hosting "Fort Hood Community Strong," part of an initiative to help the area move forward from the Nov. 5 mass shooting that left 13 dead and more than 30 wounded.

The day includes activities for families and performances by Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band, comedian Dana Carvey, rapper Chamillionaire and the Zac Brown Band.

It's also a way for soldiers, families and community members to stop and take a break. Fort Hood has been churning because of deployments and busy schedules for the last seven years, Col. (promotable) John Rossi said.

"What can we do to help?" was the most frequently asked question officials heard in the days and weeks following the shooting, Rossi said. Friday includes a ceremony to recognize local community members, organizations and businesses for their contributions to Fort Hood during that time.

Those include H-E-B, which raised more than $280,000 for the Central Texas-Fort Hood Chapter of the Association of the U.S. Army fund for Nov. 5 victims and families.

USO stepped to the plate once officials learned about the post's intentions, said Robin Crouse, USO Fort Hood center.

"This day is meant to bring our community together – soldiers, family members and the greater Fort Hood community to just have fun and relax," Crouse said. "USO is proud to partner with so many to bring this day to the soldiers and families of the Great Place."

The event is set to take place from 1 to 7 p.m. at Hood Stadium, and it is free and open to the public. The day will feature free carnival rides, games and food, including sandwiches, chips, ice cream and drinks served from the H-E-B Mobile Kitchen.

Also scheduled to appear are National Hot Rod Association Army car driver Tony Schumacher, Mallory Lewis and "Lamb Chop," Bonzo Crunch the clown, the Houston Texans Cheerleaders, STAIND lead singer Aaron Lewis and Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers.

Jonas is set to visit Meadows Elementary School and Smith Middle School Friday morning.

For more information on how to support the USO and Fort Hood, go to www.usocommunitystrong.org. Those who attend Fort Hood Community Strong can post photos at www.flickr.com/groups/usocommunitystrong.

Contact Amanda Kim Stairrett at astair@kdhnews.com or (254) 501-7547.

'Fort Hood Community Strong' schedule:

1 p.m.: Opening ceremony. national anthem, recognition of distinguished guests and donors, awards presentation and Tony Schumacher trophy presentation

1:15 p.m.: Aaron Lewis from rock group STAIND performs acoustic set

1:45 p.m.: Chamillionaire

2:55 p.m.: Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band

4:55 p.m.: Dana Carvey

5:10 p.m.: Zac Brown Band

6:30 p.m.: Awards presentation and event conclusion



Wild Thing's comment.........

Fantastic I am so glad they are doing this.




.... Thank you Jim for sending this to me.


Posted by Wild Thing at 04:47 AM | Comments (2)

December 10, 2009

3rd Graders At Tussing Elementary School. Music Thank Our Troops and Veterans





This is the Tussing Elementary 3rd grade class singing a sincere thank you to our brave and strong soldiers, men and women, past and current, for protecting us in times of war and peace. THANK YOU!



I received this email and it brought tears to my eyes. This wonderful teacher has visited Theodore's World and sent me this video. Thank you Michael from not only myself but for all the Veterans that are part of this blog and all Veterans and our troops today. ~ Wild Thing

Here is his email : ( And also be sure to click on his website below it is awesome as well. )


"I LOVE LOVE YOUR SITE! I am an elementary music teacher from Virginia, and was wondering if you would take a moment to look at this beautiful video of our 3rd graders singing "Thank You, Soldiers" and consider posting it on your site. There are still children learning about the GOOD that our troops do, and that they are our real heroes!!
Please consider posting this!! All I want to do is spread the THANK YOU to as many sodiers/vets possible!"

Michael Souders
Tussing Elementary School Music
www.tussingmusic.com




Posted by Wild Thing at 05:49 AM | Comments (6)

November 25, 2009

Gary Sinise Does Special Thanksgiving Concert For Our Troops In Afghanistan




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Marines from Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, from left, LCpl. Brian Challans, of Shakopee, Minnesota, LCpl Alexander Harris, of Wichita, Kansas, Swanson and Cpl. David Roby, of London, Ohio, dance with actress Kristy Swanson atop an MRAP during a USO concert featuring Gary Sinese and The Lt. Dan Band at Camp Leatherneck in the Helmand province in Afghanistan, Tuesday, November 24, 2009.



Singers Rebecca Wolfe (right) and Julie Ditchak get female Marines involved during the show.



Actor Gary Sinese eats with Camp Lejeune Marines Cpl Aaron Beiston, of Camden, New Jersey and (at right) PFC Matthew Phillips, of Larned, Kansas at Camp Leatherneck.



Celebrities thank troops at Thanksgiving concert

by Capt. David Faggard
455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs


BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan

AFNS

Gary Sinise and the Lieutenant Dan Band made their first appearance in Afghanistan performing for hundreds of Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Coast Guard members Nov. 23 here.

This visit is one in a long line of entertainment and celebrity visits to boost morale of servicemembers who are away from home and their loved ones during the holidays, said Col. Edward Shock, the Armed Forces Entertainment director.

That sentiment of thanking the troops during the holidays was echoed by the visitors.
"We understand and appreciate your sacrifice. We do not take you for granted," Mr. Sinise told the crowd. "We're grateful for you and your service and the sacrifice of your loved ones back home. Your families sacrifice so much, so often and we know they miss you. Thank you."






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Mr. Sinise also visited a remote Army outpost near the Pakistan border where he met with Soldiers and distributed humanitarian supplies to more than 50 Afghan children.

While Mr. Sinise visited the remote outpost, other actors visited the Craig Joint Theater Hospital at Bagram Airfield to meet the staff and visit with patients.

"You all have a first-rate facility," said actor Mykelti Williamson, also known as Bubba from the "Forrest Gump" movie. "You're using equipment and techniques that we're not even seeing in the states.
"I am so grateful for their sacrifice," he continued. "I pray to God daily for the men and women who go through there."

Comedian Kevin Farley, actress Kristy Swanson and television personality LeeAnn Tweeden visited troops. The visit was a partnership between AFE, the USO and American Airlines.

"I think it's really good they're here supporting the troops," said Staff Sgt. Henrie Young, from the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Safety Office before a thunderous applause from a cover of Neil Young's "Teenage Wasteland."

The Lieutenant Dan Band has traveled all over the world playing popular music and visiting servicemembers and families, including Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, the Korean Demilitarized Zone and many other remote military bases. The band name was chosen because Mr. Sinise was constantly recognized by a character he played in the movie "Forrest Gump" called Lieutenant Dan.



Wild Thing's comment..........

Gary is great! God bless him and our awesome troops!!


Posted by Wild Thing at 05:40 AM | Comments (2)

November 11, 2009

FOX Sports NFL Crew Broadcasts From Afghanistan




The Fox NFL Sunday team exits a Charleston Air Force Base C-17 Globemaster III at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan


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The friendly crowd was fired up today as the FOX Sports NFL crew broadcast their Sunday show in Afghanistan.
This was great.

The crew decided to air their show from Afghanistan in honor of Veterans Day.


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Terry Bradshaw operates an explosive ordnance disposal robot at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan



FOX Sports NFL Crew Broadcasts From Afghanistan

C-17 Aircrew Scores Touchdown in Mission With NFL Greats

Story by Tech. Sgt. Joseph Kapinos

The lone figure was crouched in his uniform, scanning the field from under his helmet for his intended receivers. But this was no stadium; it was a C-17 Globemaster III flying over the harsh and dangerous terrain that is Afghanistan. And there was no football, but rather, 18 much-needed bundles of food, water and supplies for troops at a forward operating base. The quarterback, in this case a loadmaster, found his targets. Touchdown!

Former Pittsburgh Steelers QB Terry Bradshaw would be proud.

And he was; he was there.

Mr. Bradshaw and the rest of the team from "Fox NFL Sunday" is touring installations throughout Southwest Asia as part of an event with Armed Forces Entertainment. During the visit, they'll meet with deployed troops and sign autographs. The trip concludes with a two-hour broadcast of "Fox NFL Sunday" from Afghanistan, November 8th.

Visiting the Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines are:

- Terry Bradshaw, Pittsburgh Steelers QB, 1970-1983
- Jimmy Johnson, Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins coach, 1989-1999
- Howie Long, Oakland Raiders, Los Angeles Raiders defensive end, 1981-1993
- Michael Strahan, New York Giants defensive end, 1993-2007
- Curt Menefee, sportscaster
- Jay Glazer, sportswriter

To get to Afghanistan, the NFL legends tagged along on an airdrop mission. For the aircrew, it was the chance of a lifetime to meet several NFL legends, but also an opportunity to showcase the efforts of the Air Force supporting the joint fight.

"Terry Bradshaw is a hero of mine and to be able to show him what the Air Force does is really awesome," said Staff Sgt. Matthew Gaffney, an instructor loadmaster with the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron. "It's great to show them how we can take pretty much anything and drop it wherever we want."
According to Mr. Long, seeing the mission up close and personal brought a new sense of appreciation for today's military, something every American should be reminded of, he said.
"When you're on a trip like this, you truly get to see how remarkable this generation of Americans is," Mr. Long said.

Toward the end of the mission, the aircrew presented an American flag, along with a certificate, to the football legends to thank them for visiting the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines.

The visit is a first for the Air Force. In December 2000, "Fox NFL Sunday" broadcast two shows from the flight deck of the USS Harry S. Truman, during a patrol in the Mediterranean Sea.

Armed Forces Entertainment is the lead Department of Defense agency for bringing entertainment to servicemembers overseas.



Senior Airman Nikita Canalin gives Howie Long, "Fox NFL Sunday" show host, a haircut while visiting the Airmen at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. The "Fox NFL Sunday" team of Curt Menefee, Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long, Michael Strahan, Jimmy Johnson and Jay Glazer is scheduled to broadcast live Nov. 8, 2009, from here. The team will do the special just three days before Veterans Day as a tribute to America's service men and women (U.S. Air Force photo/2nd Lt. Holly Hess)




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Wild Thing's comment......

Excellent, brilliant, wonderful idea!!!

Thanks to Fox NFL for visiting our men and women that are serving this great nation.



Posted by Wild Thing at 06:50 AM | Comments (4)

November 10, 2009

Marines Leading the Way with Project Valour IT


One of the traditions we keep to in the Corps is the Commandant's Birthday message - it is played at every Marine Corps Ball and at any place where Marines gather all over the world. This is last year's message from the Commandant and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps. It makes the point that Marines have been at the forefront of the war on terror for over a quarter of a century:





The Marine team is within sight of our 35K goal, but we need your help to get there! I can't think of a better way to celebrate the birth of our Corps than to boost the Marine team to its first victory ever.

Valour IT provides adaptive technology to help severely wounded vets recover faster, establish a support system, and regain their independence. Since the program began, every single dollar raised by Valour IT has been used to provide:

· 4,100+ voice activated laptops

· over 30 Wii systems

· and nearly 100 handheld GPS devices to wounded vets at:

Balboa Naval Hospital
Naval Hospital, Camp Pendleton
Brooke Army Medical Center
Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital
Madigan RMC
Walter Reed AMC
National Naval MC (Bethesda)
and VA centers nationwide.


This is an inspiring story of injured Marine Cpl. Aaron Mankin and his wife and fellow Marine Diana Mankin. Read the whole thing. And watch the video from Maryann at Soldiers Angels Germany:

Support the men and women in uniform who support America and the cause of freedom around the world. And please say a special prayer for those at our awesome UA Army Base too at Fort Hood!! ~ Wild Thing


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The men and women of the United States military have given their all to defend the values we Americans hold dear. For the price of a few sixpacks of beer or some dip and chips, you can tell them that you honor their sacrifices and their service.


Posted by Wild Thing at 04:40 AM | Comments (2)

November 05, 2009

Project Valour-IT Marines Making a Difference!





Marine Corps Field Artillery ..... Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
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Project Valour-IT helps provide voice-controlled/adaptive laptop computers and other technology to support Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines recovering from hand wounds and other severe injuries. Items supplied include:

*Voice-controlled Laptops – Operated by speaking into a microphone or using other adaptive technologies, they allow the wounded to maintain connections with the rest of the world during recovery.

*Wii Video Game Systems – Whole-body game systems increase motivation and speed recovery when used under the guidance of physical therapists in therapy sessions (donated only to medical facilities).

*Personal GPS – Handheld GPS devices build self-confidence and independence by compensating for short-term memory loss and organizational challenges related to severe TBI and severe PTSD.



Posted by Wild Thing at 04:47 AM | Comments (2)

Proclaim Liberty - Ring the Liberty Bell!



The Nation’s only traveling working Liberty Bell carries on in the tradition of the original sacred icon of 1753.

The purpose of this traveling replica Liberty Bell is to carry on the work of America’s most recognizable icon. This is a working Bell, traveling throughout the land, ringing for Liberty and tolling to honor Our American Heroes.Today, the need to motivate men to rise to protect our inalienable freedoms is equally urgent. Sustaining this great nation requires the same dedication of sacrifice. The original Liberty Bell cracked because of the demands of Liberty – another Bell has come to ring the sound of freedom. This exact replica Liberty Bell is carrying on the task and duties of Liberty today. This Bell tolls today for FREEDOM.

It is important to never forget the high price of Liberty and those patriots who have given their lives to protect it.



Wild Thing"s comment.........

Awesome tribute to our warriors and to our freedom and liberty.


Posted by Wild Thing at 04:45 AM | Comments (5)

November 04, 2009

Our Awesome Marines and Vaklour IT....Come and Meet Lava from "From Baghdad With Love"






From Baghdad With Love

When Marines enter an abandoned house in Fallujah, Iraq, and hear a suspicious noise, they clench their weapons, edge around the corner, and prepare to open fire.

What they find during the U.S. led attack on the "most dangerous city on Earth," however, is not an insurgent bent on revenge, but a tiny puppy left behind when most of the city's population fled before the bombing. Despite military law that forbids the keeping of pets, the Marines de-flea the pup with kerosene, de-worm him with chewing tobacco, and fill him up on Meals Ready to Eat.

Thus begins the dramatic rescue attempt of a dog named Lava and Lava's rescue of at least one Marine, Lieutenant Colonel Jay Kopelman, from the emotional ravages of war.

From Marines to war-time journalists to endangered Iraqi citizens, From Baghdad, With Love tells an unforgettable true story of an unlikely band of heroes who learn unexpected lessons about life, death, and war from a mangy little flea-ridden refugee.

The book "From Baghdad With Love" is a wonderful book.



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Special Thanks to Maj. Mike Corrado who wrote this awesome song that perfectly describes why our Marines serve. So many people have asked us why the Marines do what they do...here you are.



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Make a donation PLEASE CLICK HERE


Posted by Wild Thing at 04:49 AM | Comments (6)

November 02, 2009

So Proud of the Marines Team for Valour IT



By Jules Crittenden


In November 2004, while Second Falluja was raging, I went to Walter Reed Army Medical Center to meet some local boys who were recovering from wounds suffered earlier that year in Iraq. Army and Marines. They were inspiring. They did not inspire pity, rather a sense of awe.

WASHINGTON D.C. - It could be an upscale gym anywhere, full of purposeful activity. The good-natured but harsh ribbing among the men working out is relentless.

“Hey, how long has that guy been here?” says one kid, who is practicing with his new titanium alloy leg. He is talking about a man who is working his stump on a leg-press machine.

“About five months,” another man tells him.

“He’s been here three months longer than me, and he can’t walk yet? I can walk already!” the first amputee gloats.

“Hey! He’s above-the-knee! You’re below-the-knee!”

A cellphone rings, and someone says, “I think that’s yours,” to a man who is working his stomach muscles.

“Yeah, let it ring. I don’t feel like getting up right now,” says the man, who is missing both legs.

This is Walter Reed Army Medical Center, where the human cost of America’s war in Iraq is seen in naked stumps and scars. The 46 soldiers hospitalized here are among the more than 8,000 war wounded.

What does it mean to be a Marine when you are one of the maimed at Walter Reed on Veterans Day?

“Everything,” Cpl. Peter Bagarella, 21, of Falmouth said simply.

Theirs is the story of service and sacrifice behind the statistics.

“This place is awesome. They gave me my eyes back,” said Bagarella. A remotely detonated bomb blinded him and vaporized his left leg in a palm grove in Haditha on Aug. 12. As the Iraqi ambushers opened up with machine guns and the Marines returned fire, Bagarella screamed, “Oh God! Oh God!” and used his thumbs to count his fingers. He asked the medics, “What’s gone? What’s gone on my body?”

Army PFC Paul Skarinka’s shattered left leg is caged in a cumbersome brace, with metal pins screwed through the flesh into his calf bone.

“I’m one of those people who likes to be in the middle of things,” said Skarinka, 24, of Whitman. “I knew I could end up being deployed. I had no problem with that.”

He has fond memories of Baghdad - visits with local elders, giving kids candy and being asked to stay for dinner at wedding parties.

Then in late August, they moved into Sadr City against rogue cleric Moqtada al-Sadr’s Mahdi Army.

“After evening prayers is when they would come out,” Skarinka said. In the early morning hours of Sept. 13, the night’s business was mostly done when an RPG came screaming up the alley.

“It looked like an oversized bottle rocket flying at us,” he said. It hit as he dove for cover. “There was debris around me. My ears were ringing. I thought, `This is OK.’ It was kind of normal. It was when I tried to get up that I realized something was wrong.” He couldn’t move his left leg or arm. He felt the blood pouring out of his side.

“I was thinking, `I’ve got to get out of here. I’m still in the kill zone. I’m not dying in this crappy alley in Sadr City.”

Someone dragged him out by his flak vest and threw him on the back of a Humvee. As a former medic, he knew the dryness in his mouth was a sign of massive blood loss. He wondered whether he was going to make it.

Skarinka probably always will walk with a limp and never have full use of his left hand.

“I don’t regret it one bit, what happened to me in Sadr City,” he said. “I signed up for this. I knew the risk. Luck wasn’t on my side.”

For Cpl. Matthew Boisvert, 21, of Tyngsboro, his missing right leg and damaged right arm are obstacles he must conquer to convince a Marine Corps Medical Board to let him go back for a third time.

“I loved it,” Boisvert said. “We enjoyed it.”

He described the transcendental experience of battle, of becoming almost mentally detached from one’s body, watching oneself and one’s friends do unimaginable things. “There is nothing in civilian life like the camaraderie you experience over there. I played sports all my life. You get an adrenaline rush playing sports, but it’s nothing like the rush you get in combat.”

His platoon fought in the initial invasion of March 2003, and went back into the bitter streetfighting of Fallujah a year later.

“It didn’t have that warm and fuzzy feeling the second time,” Boisvert said. But the war-hardened Marines went into battle with the spirit of athletes, a practiced team eager to perform again. They ribbed each other mercilessly when a flesh wound forced one or another temporarily out of the fight. The loss of friends killed in action solidified their already intense bond. Then a bomb placed in an orange traffic cone ripped Boisvert’s body apart on Aug. 17. He admits a sense of guilt that he is here, with his friends once again fiercely engaged in Fallujah.

There is another kind of camaraderie here at Walter Reed, he said.

“It helps to have people with the same injuries around,” Boisvert said.”You’ll be all pissed off because you lost your leg. Then, you see a guy who’s lost two legs. That guy’s worse off than me. I have no right to be pissed off.”

I heard some time ago that Skarinka was back home in Whitman after multiple surgeries, a father, an on-call firefighter working on becoming an EMT again, and that Boisvert was attending UMass Lowell. No word on Bagarella. All of them, as Boisvert indicated in subsequent news reports, no doubt experiencing the rollercoaster ride of adjustment to civilian life, difficult enough coming out of combat, exponentially more so with the physical and psychological challenges of severe injury.





Every cent raised for Project Valour-IT goes directly to the purchase and shipment of laptops and other technology for severely wounded service members. As of October 2009, Valour-IT has distributed over 4100 laptops to severely wounded Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines across the country, and is now expanding its mission to include other technology that supports physical and psychological recovery.


Just to make sure folks understand what Valor IT does, it’s not just laptops as nice gifts to wounded warriors.

It’s laptops with the necessary additions in software and hardware, such as pointers and such, for warriors that have lost those parts of their bodies necessary to use regular laptops or computers or phones or do letter writing.

Lost or damaged hands, lost eyesight, lost jaws/tongues/vocal cords, paralysis, etc. That’s the warriors getting laptops from Valor IT. Men and women who wouldn’t be able to communicate with the outside world, either at all, or with any privacy as they talked with friends and family. That’s who Valor IT supports and assists.



Posted by Wild Thing at 06:45 AM | Comments (2)

October 30, 2009

Showing Thanks to Our Marines! ~ Valour IT


The Marine Bike ...... Tribute from a Father

by Larry Tremblay, Sr.
I shall never forget that day in April of 2005 when two Marines came to my home to inform me of the death of my beloved son Joey in Iraq. During the two to three months that followed Joey's death an idea formed in my mind to build a tribute to Joey that would make him proud and that everyone who saw it would always remember Joey and all the other young men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

It is in this vein that the Marine (Tribute-Memorial) Bike was started. The Marine Bike was built for one, dedicated to a few and in honor of all who have fallen defending our great nation. My son Joey and I used to spend time together watching Jesse James on the Discovery Channel and the Biker Build Offs. We both enjoyed and admired the skill and talent it took to build a motorcycle that I thought would be a great monument to the son I so loved and missed.

There are many people and companies that have helped this idea come to life. This bike could not have been built without the help, talent, and support from the following: Power Tech of New Windsor NY, RPM Choppers Newburgh NY, Hannoush Jewelers Newburgh Mall Newburgh NY, Dino Petrocelli photographer Lathan NY, Moto Insanity Marlboro NY, JB Graffix Newburgh NY, Richard's Military Post Exchange Port Jervis NY, Custom Machinery Newburgh NY, and Stevenson Lumber Co. New Windsor NY

To all those listed above, and to all I may have left out by mistake, my heartfelt thanks. I could not have accomplished this memorial to my son and the many others without you. To my son Joey I know you are looking down from above and smiling. I hope you are proud of the bike, as we are so proud of you. I will hold you in my heart forever.

Until we meet again,
I love you,
Dad




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Marine Tribute "On My Watch Tonight"

A trip to the National Marine Corps Museum set to the song "On My Watch Tonight" by Mike Corrado.

I had a chance to finally see the National Marine Corps Museum in Quantico, VA. I thought Id share some of it with you. What an amazing place.


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Reasons to Join the Marine Team

1. Marines have the best uniforms, hands down. And as everyone knows, chicks really dig a guy in uniform.

2. Marines know how to fight. That's why they're called America's 911 force:

In the true spirit of "jointness" I offer the following as "Everything you need to know about differences in service culture. All in good fun, of course.


US Marine Corps Rules for Gunfighting
1. Be courteous to everyone, friendly to no one.
2. Decide to be aggressive ENOUGH, quickly ENOUGH.
3. Have a plan.
4. Have a back-up plan, because the first one probably won't work.
5. Be polite. Be professional. But, have a plan to kill everyone you meet.
6. Do not attend a gunfight with a handgun whose caliber does not start with a "4."
7. Anything worth shooting is worth shooting twice. Ammo is cheap. Life is expensive.
8. Move away from your attacker. Distance is your friend. (Lateral & diagonal preferred.)
9. Use cover or concealment as much as possible.
10. Flank your adversary when possible. Protect yours.
11. Always cheat; always win. The only unfair fight is the one you lose.
12. In ten years nobody will remember the details of caliber, stance, or tactics. They will only remember who lived.
13. If you are not shooting, you should be communicating your intention to shoot.

Navy SEAL Rules For Gunfighting

1. Look very cool in sunglasses.
2. Kill every living thing within view.
3. Return quickly to looking cool in latest beach wear.
4. Check hair in mirror.

US Army Ranger Rules For Gunfighting

1. Walk in 50 miles wearing 75 pound pack while starving.
2. Locate individuals requiring killing.
3. Request permission via radio from "Higher" to perform killing.
4. Curse bitterly when mission is aborted.
5. Walk out 50 miles wearing a 75 pound rucksack while starving.

Army Rules for Gunfighting

1. Select a new beret to wear.
2. Sew combat patch on right shoulder.
3. Change the color of beret you decide to wear.

US Air Force Rules For Gunfighting

1. Have a cocktail.
2. Adjust temperature on air-conditioner.
3. See what's on HBO.
4. Determine "what is a gunfight."
5. Request more funding from Congress with a "killer" PowerPoint presentation.
6. Wine & dine 'key' Congressmen, invite DOD & defense industry executives.
7. Receive funding, set up new command and assemble assets.
8. Declare the assets "strategic" and never deploy them operationally.
9. Tell the Navy to send the Marines.

US Navy Rules For Gunfighting

1. Go to Sea.
2. Drink Coffee.
3. Watch porn.
4. Send the Marines.

KEITH J. PAVLISCHEK
COLONEL, U.S. MARINES


.


.



.

....Thank you Mark for sending this to me.


Mark
3rd Mar.Div. 1st Battalion 9th Marine Regiment
1/9 Marines aka The Walking Dead
VN 66-67


Posted by Wild Thing at 02:45 AM | Comments (5)

October 28, 2009

Cartoonists Visit Troops on FOB Marez


Sgt. 1st Class Mark Linares, a paralegal with 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division and a native of Dallas, chats with political cartoonist Chip Bok as he draws his caricature on Forward Operating Base Marez Oct. 20.





Randy Mendenhall, a computer specialist with the Army Corp of Engineers, visits with Tom Richmond, the cartoon artist for “MAD Magazine,” while he draws his caricature at the Marez Memorial Dining Facility on Forward Operating Base Marez in Mosul, Iraq, Oct. 20.



US ARMY

By Spc. Sharla Lewis serves with the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs, Multi-National Division-North Public Affairs section.


MOSUL, Iraq

Oct. 21, 2009


Famous cartoonists visited Forward Operating Base Marez in Mosul, Iraq Oct. 20 to meet, greet and sketch the men and women serving there.

Garry Trudeau of the cartoon "Doonesbury," Tom Richmond of "MAD Magazine," Jeff Keane of "Family Circus," Stephan Pastis of "Pearls Before Swine" and Chip Bok, an editorial cartoonist, all sat at a row of tables in the Marez Memorial Dining Facility with blank pads of paper or note cards on which to sketch. Lines formed in front of each artist as a small crowd developed.

The National Cartoonist's Society started in World War II when artists did chalk drawings for the Soldiers. Keane, who is president of the society, said he has wanted to visit the troops in Iraq for some time.

"When I was little, my dad went to Vietnam and drew for the Soldiers in Vietnam, and ever since I became president [of the NCS], that's something I thought would be good if we did," he said.

Keane and a few other artists drew the familiar characters from their cartoons, while some drew the Soldiers seated across the table from them. Troops left the table with exaggerated renditions of themselves as seen through the artist's eyes.

"The one that I met was a political cartoonist and I thought it was awesome that he did a caricature of me. He did a good job, he hit the nail on the head," said Sgt. 1st Class Mark Linares, a paralegal with 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. "He asked what my job was, and I told him I was a paralegal in the U.S. Army, so in the drawing that he did it showed me doing my job."

Visits like these brighten the horizon for Soldiers deployed to combat zones, said Linares, who with other Soldiers of the 3rd HBCT who have been in Iraq for some time and are scheduled to re-deploy to Fort Hood, Texas in the next couple of months.

"This brightens our day, it gives us the motivation we need to drive on," Linares said.



Wild Thing's comment........


What a fun and wonderful idea. These drawings are something our troops can save plus to know the cartoonists went there to thank them makes it a perfect idea.


.... Thank you Jim for sending this to me.


Posted by Wild Thing at 07:47 AM

Valour IT Fundraiser ~ Marines ~ OOHRAH!




Do you have pride in the job the soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen are doing to keep this Country safe? Then I urge you to please take note of this amazing fundraiser. Valour IT Fundraiser.

You all know each year I pick a differenrt Branch and this year it is the Marines. It would be great to do all of them at the same time, but part of the fun in doing this is the competition between each branch. OH yessss we are in a heated race to see which branch can raise the most for our wounded troops.

If you’re not familiar with Valour IT, it’s a non-profit that provides voice activated software and laptops for wounded Marines, soldiers and sailors. Every cent raised goes directly to buy laptops and software. Many of these young men and women have lost the use of one or more limbs, their hands, or their sight. Valour IT gives them a way to keep in touch with their buddies back in the field, with family and friends during what can be a long and grueling convalescence. They also provide Wii’s, which have proven very good during physical therapy and often help them regain flexibility and strength while having fun.

They deserve all we can do for them.


A Little Joke for you.......


A guy is driving around the back woods of Georgia and he sees a sign in front of a broken down shanty house: 'Talking Dog for Sale' He rings the bell and the owner appears and tells him the dog is in the backyard. The guy goes into the back yard and sees a nice looking Beagle sitting there.. 'You talk?' he asks. 'Yep,' the Beagle replies.. After the guy recovers from the shock of hearing a dog talk, he says 'So, what's your story?' The Beagle looks up and says, 'Well, I discovered that I could talk when I was pretty young. I wanted to help the government, so I told the CIA and they had me sworn into the toughest branch of the armed services...the US Marine Corps. You know the reputation of the RECON? In no time at all they had me jetting from country to country, sitting in rooms with spies and world leaders; because no one figured a dog would be eavesdropping.

I was one of their most valuable spies for eight years running, but the jetting around really tired me out, and I knew I wasn't getting any younger. So, I decided to settle down. I retired from the Marine Corps (8 Corps years is 56 dog years) and signed up for a job at the airport to do some undercover security, wandering near suspicious characters and listening in. I uncovered some incredible dealings and was awarded a batch of medals. I got married, had a mess of puppies, and now I'm just retired.' The guy is amazed.. He goes back in and asks the owner what he wants for the dog. 'Ten dollars,' the guy says. 'Ten dollars? This dog is amazing! Why on earth are you selling him so cheap?'

'Cuz he's such a liar. He never did any of that stuff. He was in the Navy'



Posted by Wild Thing at 07:40 AM | Comments (2)

October 26, 2009

Valour IT Fundraiser ~ The Marines



Project Valour-IT - Today through November 11th


In memory of SFC William V. Ziegenfuss


It was the first time I felt whole since I’d woken up wounded in Landstuhl. –Major Charles "Chuck" Ziegenfuss, on using a voice-controlled laptop


Who does America call when something absolutely, positively must be destroyed overnight?


US-Marine-Rat.jpg
U.S. Marine Rat

That's right... America's 911 Force: the Few. The Loud. The Marine team!

We're still looking for a few good blogs to help us raise money for Project Valour IT. The competition starts Monday, October 26th and though the Marines are the smallest service, we're planning to chew through the competition. But to do that, we need your help.

Project Valour IT provides laptops with voice activated software to wounded soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen at Walter Reed and Bethesda. Typically these young men and women spend up to two years recovering and undergoing physical therapy. Their courage, determination, and unfailing esprit de corps are truly inspiring. Most of us, facing the loss of our eyesight, an arm or a leg and repeated surgeries would just crumble up into a ball. Not these guys. They're warriors:

He knows they're going to stare. They always stare.

As soon as Pat Murray steps in the elevator, they'll notice his prosthetic leg and maybe accurately surmise that, yes, he is an Iraq war veteran, and, yes, he got blown up. Then the sadness will sink in, the pity, and they'll give him that look, which he can sense even if he doesn't see, and it will be an uncomfortable few floors up.

So as Murray approaches the elevator and the woman thrusts her hand between the closing doors for him, he says, "Careful, you can lose a limb that way."

"Oooh," the woman says, noticing Murray's metal leg. She's obviously shocked, unsure of what to say or how to act. Murray flashes a smile, lets loose an "it's okay" chuckle, and suddenly the ride up isn't nearly so awkward after all.

It's that type of humor -- spontaneous (he once asked his doctor when his leg would grow back), cunning (he tells children who ask about his "robot" leg that he didn't eat his vegetables) and, at times, gruesome (there are stump jokes that can't be printed here) -- that helped him come to terms with the fact that his right leg is no more.

It was at Walter Reed Army Medical Center that Murray, who was a corporal in the Marine Corps, not only learned to walk again, but to laugh. Although doctors and therapists can patch up the physical wounds of war, it is often the humor -- soldier to soldier, Marine to Marine, patient to patient -- that in the space of a punch line can heal as well as the best medicine.

It's not unusual for these young men and women to take up bungee jumping, skydiving, or participate in marathons or other extreme sports even after losing a limb. But that long period where they're confined to their hospital beds can be the worst of all. Project Valour IT provides them with a way to escape the confines of their rooms and keep in touch with buddies, friends and family members. For many wounded vets, it's a tangible reminder that they're still part of the world outside Bethesda or Walter Reed: that there is life after being wounded.

Valour IT is one of my favorite military charities. I've supported it every year and led the Marine Team to raise over $51,000 in 2006. My co-captain Carrie and I are planning two weeks of fun, jokes, Marine history, culture, heroes and more. Carrie's son is headed over to Afghanistan and my husband is already over there, so we both have good reason to support the great work Valour IT is doing.


Posted by Wild Thing at 05:45 AM | Comments (7)

October 25, 2009

Applebee's To Thank Veterans and Active Duty ~ Free Entree On Veteran's Day!







APPLEBEE's Website giving the information.

Website gives locations in case you have not been to one before in your area.



.




Posted by Wild Thing at 06:55 AM | Comments (6)

October 14, 2009

Bob Barker Donates $3 Million for Brain Injury Center




Bob Barker Donates $3 Million for Brain Injury Center

DOD

The price appears to be right for former game show host and naval aviator Bob Barker, who donated $3 million to help build a premiere Defense Department center for wounded warriors suffering traumatic brain injuries.

The donation brings the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund to its $60 million goal to build the National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bill White, president of the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, announced yesterday.

The 72,000-square-foot, two-story facility is expected to open next year next to the new Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.

The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund will pay to build the center and equip it with the most advanced medical equipment for traumatic brain injury research, diagnosis and treatment, White said. Once construction is completed, the fund will turn the center over to the department to operate.

“This amazing gift puts us over the top,” White said yesterday in announcing Barker’s donation to the effort. “Thousands of Americans have given to this important effort, and Bob Barker has today stepped up to the task. We are immensely grateful for his wonderful generosity and his support for our nation’s servicemen and women.”

Richard T. Santulli, chairman of the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, called reaching the financial milestone to begin construction of the center “a great step forward in our mission.” The group raises money to provide financial help for families of U.S. servicemembers killed in the line of duty, and began raising funds for the new treatment center in 2007.

Barker, a naval aviator during World War II who’s best known as the long-time host of “The Price is Right” game show until his 2007 retirement, called his donation a way to give back to those who serve or have served in the military.

“I am very happy to do whatever I can to support the brave men and women who have given so much in service to our nation," he said. “They have given so much for us. All Americans owe them a debt of gratitude for their tremendous service and sacrifice.”


Wild Thing's comment........

This is great! God bless Bob Barker.


Posted by Wild Thing at 05:48 AM | Comments (8)

September 12, 2009

Woman Complains to Sheriff Because She Was "Inconvenienced" by Soldier's Funeral Procession


Sgt. 1st Class William "Brian" Woods, was a Team Medical Sergeant of Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne). On August 14th, Brian was shot and killed by small arms fire in Ghazni, Afghanistan. At 32 years old, Brian had done multiple tours of duty in the War on Terror. He enlisted in the Marine Corps and served four years before joining the Army and becoming a Special Forces Soldier.

He leaves behind a wife, Elizabeth, and two daughters in Chesapeake, MD.



JEFFERSON COUNTY

The Jefferson County sheriff has offered a stern response to a woman complaining she was inconvenienced by a procession accompanying a soldier's casket.

The woman wrote an e-mail to Jefferson County Sheriff Glenn Boyer after she had a hard time driving around the procession escorting the casket of Sgt. William Woods, who was killed by Taliban fighters in Afghanistan.

In his response, Boyer called the complaint self-serving and noted that her inconvenience was of little consequence considering what America's soldiers go through.

Boyer's response has made its way to the Internet, where it is getting a strong reaction as it is e-mailed around the country by soldiers and military groups.

Boyer is a Vietnam veteran.

Boyer said he sent a copy of his response to the complaint internally to sheriff's department employees so they would know his position should the department receive similar complaints in the future. He assumes some of the employees sent it on to friends and colleagues. From there, it landed on military, police and news websites across the country.



The full email exchange between the POS woman who complained and Sherrif Boyer below :

The original email was sent to Sheriff Glenn Boyer on Thursday, August 27. Below is the citizen's email followed by Sheriff Boyer's response.


I tried to call you earlier this morning, but was unable to obtain your extension from the voice mail system as I was not sure of your first name or correct spelling of your last.

I was inadvertently in this procession as I was leaving work on 270 from Creve Coeur and proceeding on Hwy. 30 West. I have some issues and complaints. I called the Sheriff's office last night, but the officer in charge would not speak with me. His name was Corp. Curtis. I am in no way complaining about your officers. I, however, was not treated very fairly when I called last evening because I wanted a ticket/complaint/or at least a slap on wrist for the people involved. Let me explain:

1) This procession should never have been held during rush hour traffic! Hwy. 270 is dangerous and people drive way too fast and there is too much traffic. This soldier's certainly would not have want his family hurt on the interstate taking him to Cedar Hill. People were dead-stopping on the interstate even though the procession was in the far right lane, the other three lanes just stopped. There were many near accidents and possibly were after I drove through. I was in the 2nd to left lane, no way obstructing the funeral procession.

2) I exited off on Gravois (30 W), far right lane. Your police officers went in the left lane to stop any additional on-coming traffic so the procession could exit off 270 into the LEFT lane of 30. Again, I was in the right lane. The St. Louis County officer stopped and turned around at Weber Hill to return on 270 after the procession passed.

3) The road was not closed. (Only for president as far as I know.) Again, the road was not closed. Your officers only had the left lane blocked/closed for the funeral. All other traffic by MO law can proceed as long as they do not interfere (weave in and out )with funeral procession.

Let me say, that I did not know what was happening. I knew the did not have Kennedy coming to STL, at least not yesterday. I was at work all day. No news. Nothing reported on the traffic on the radio driving home.

Anyway, two of these dirty, nasty, renegade, who knows what motorcycle men that were escorting the procession proceeded to stop in front of me in the right lane on Gravois. I had to stop in the middle of an intersection. They proceeded to scream and yell at me about respecting this soldier, etc. One of them climbed off his motorcycle and came over to me and stuck his head in my car continuing to scream at me. I asked him what this was for and he told me I needed to stop as the officers had the road blocked and show some dang respect.

#1, the road was not blocked, the funeral was in the other lane.

#2, I am proud of our country and sorry for the family, but they had no idea where I was going or anything else. I could have a child at day-care, I could have been sick and racing to the bathroom, I could have a sick parent waiting for me, etc., etc.

#3, They are not law enforcement and had no right to stop in the lane on Gravois and they had no right to scream at me and intimidate and threaten me. If I would have had my pepper spray, I would have used it on this nasty man! He is just a big hoo ha that is not even related to this soldier. The other man did not get off his scooter, but was along side of my passenger window screaming.

I left an abusive husband 1 1/2 years ago and I did not need this intimidation. I was livid and shaking!!

My son is a deputy sheriff in another MO county. I respect police officers. It was not their fault as they were busy with traffic, but I called to make them aware of what was going on during this thing. The St. Louis County officer saw it but of course he was out of jurisdiction.

However, I called last night and your office asked me if I knew about this soldier. Again, I am sorry about him, but I am a taxpayer. I got a speeding ticket a few months ago and paid the fine. I do not deserve to be treated like this. I wanted to let the officer know how these men were acting. Also, they were driving into the turnarounds on Hwy. 30 and then back onto the road. the funeral was much further ahead. One of them nearly got hit by me and other people almost hit him and another as well. I wanted to lodge a complaint about them why they were still there, but no one in your office would take any information or do anything.

This was not a military funeral, even though it was a soldier. There were not military vehicles. It was a funeral and the road was not closed, the lane was closed, I was in the other lane and again, these nasty men had no right to do this and I would have liked them to get a ticket!

I am sorry for the soldier and his family but you cannot let these motorcycle renegades do this. They could have caused several accidents and I really wanted them arrested. If they had any respect for the soldier they would have dressed better and not looked and acted so scuzzy.

Thank you.

From:

Subject: Re: Fw: Re: Funeral Procession - Yesterday p.m.

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

Dear XXXXX:

Yes, you do deserve a response and I am willing to give you one.

I would like to say that I am sorry for the inconvenience we caused you during the funeral procession of Sergeant 1st Class William B. Woods, but I cannot do so. I would ask instead that you take a moment of your time to take into consideration the scope of the event. Your very right to complain was the reason Sgt. Woods fought for his country and ultimately gave his life; thus making the ultimate sacrifice for you and your family.

Let me introduce you to him. After high school, Sergeant Woods entered the Marine Corps. After his contract was up, he joined the Army, where he became a Green Beret. He comes from a long line of military members in his family. His Uncle is a Vietnam Veteran and two of his grandfathers were World War II Veterans. His job in the Army was one of the most dangerous jobs - he was a sniper looking for the bad guys to stop before they killed or injured one of our soldiers. He has numerous decorations to include the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.

He grew up in Catawissa and was best known by his middle name, Brian. He enjoyed the outdoors, playing sports, and skydiving. He had a wife, Elizabeth, and two daughters, whom he loved dearly. He was a soft-spoken, level-headed young man who was proud to serve his country no matter what the risk. Now, I did not know him, but I wish I did. I am quoting from newspaper articles written about him.

At the young age of 31, he was shot during an engagement with Taliban forces in Ghanzi , Afghanistan . He died of his wounds in Germany on August 16, with his family by his side. He did not choose the time of his death, nor did he choose the time his remains would be brought back to his home in Catawissa. He just did his duty. He was quite a young man.

While you were being inconvenienced in your car on your way home, there were soldiers just like Sergeant Woods carrying 100+ pounds of equipment in 120 degree heat, up some mountain or in the middle of some desert.They will shower out of a helmet liner if they get the chance. They will eat a cold meal of MRE's; something most people would consider garbage. They cannot text their family or friends, or go to McDonalds, or watch TV. They can only continue the mission and look out after the guy to the left and right of them. They don't complain because they know they volunteered. The only thing they ask is that we do not forget the sacrifices they have made.

One of the dirty "big hoo ha" bikers, as you call them, was Brian's uncle, a Vietnam Veteran, like myself. We were not treated with a homecoming. We were spit on and called baby killers by a misguided public. Brian's uncle was giving him the respect that he, himself, never received when he came back and I, for one, am proud of him for doing so.

You say that your brother is a deputy in another Missouri county. I am sure he would be proud to escort the casket of a fallen solder, the same as he would that of a fallen officer. I am also sure he would not agree with your complaint about being inconvenienced.

My mother recently passed away. She was a World War II Veteran, serving the U.S. Army. She would say, maybe you should pick up Sergeant Woods' ruck sack and carry on where he left off. Then you could see first hand what it really is to be inconvenienced.

Per your request, I will forward your complaint to the Prosecuting Attorney's Office for his review. It is my personal opinion that your complaint is self-serving and without merit.

Sheriff Oliver "Glenn" Boyer
Glenn Boyer/JEFFCO


.

Wild Thing's comment.........

Bravo Sheriff Oliver "Glenn" Boyer! Thank you also for your servicei to our country!!!


What a self serving bitch this woman is.




......Thank you RAC for sending this to me.

RAC has a website that is awesome. 336th Assault Helicopter Company


13th Combat Aviation Battalion - 1st Aviation Brigade - Soc Trang, Republic of Vietnam


Posted by Wild Thing at 08:49 AM | Comments (7)

September 06, 2009

The Classroom ~ A lesson that should be taught in all schools . . and colleges!



The Classroom

A lesson that should be taught in all schools . . and colleges!

Back in September of 2005, on the first day of school, Martha Cothren, a social studies school teacher at Robinson High School in Little Rock , did something not to be forgotten. On the first day of school, with the permission of the school superintendent, the principal and the building supervisor, she removed all of the desks
out of her classroom.


When the first period kids entered the room they discovered that
there were no desks.. 'Ms. Cothren, where're our desks?'


She replied, 'You can't have a desk until you tell me how you earn
the right to sit at a desk.'


They thought, 'Well, maybe it's our grades.'


'No,' she said.


'Maybe it's our behavior.'


She told them, 'No, it's not even your behavior..'

And so, they came and went, the first period, second period, third period. Still no desks in the classroom.
By early afternoon television news crews had started gathering in Ms.Cothren's classroom to report about this crazy teacher who had taken all the desks out of her room.
The final period of the day came and as the puzzled students found seats on the floor of the deskless classroom, Martha Cothren said, 'Throughout the day no one has been able to tell me just what he/she has done to earn the right to sit at the desks that are ordinarily found in this classroom. Now I am going to tell you.'
At this point, Martha Cothren went over to the door of her classroom and opened it.
Twenty-seven (27) U.S. Veterans, all in uniforms, walked into that classroom, each one carrying a school desk. The Vets began placing the school desks in rows, and then they would walk over and stand along side the wall. By the time the last soldier had set the final desk in place those kids started to understand, perhaps for the first time in their lives, just how the right to sit at those desks had been earned.
Martha said, 'You didn't earn the right to sit at these desks. These heroes did it for you. They placed the desks here for you. Now, it's up to you to sit in them. It is your responsibility to learn, to be good students, to be good citizens. They paid the price so that you could have the freedom to get an education. Don't ever forget it.'


.

This true story was taken from a speech given by former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington, D.C. on March 2, 2007. It describes events in Cothren's Military History class in 2005.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars chose Cothren as a Teacher of the Year in Arkansas for 2005-2006.




.

Wild Thing's comment......

This story gave me goozebumps, what a marvelous way for the teacher to get them to see her point.

Here is a little more about Martha Cothren, I googled her name to try to find out a little more about her. I loved this story about her so much. Thanks again Mark.


"The room was indeed devoid of desks, with the missing furniture borne in at the end of the day by a group of veterans. Each vet carried a desk and set it down, as the teacher gave her lesson on the cost of things taken for granted and the debt owed to those in the forces.

I talked to Martha Cothren about that day and also about her military history class. This daughter of a World War II POW regularly has veterans visit her classroom— it's one of the ways she teaches her course on the history of World War II and the Vietnam War.
Her class doesn't yet have a textbook (she is busy writing one), so she uses less typical methods of imparting knowledge about those events to her students. Part and parcel of what she teaches is an appreciation for members of the armed forces.
In May 2005, she and her class organized a Vietnam Veterans Recognition Week, including an official "Thank You Ceremony" held in the Joe T. Robinson High School auditorium. Veterans from World War II and the Korean War also attended, as did people from all walks of life, to honor those who had served. During that week, students videotaped veterans as they recounted their war memories, thus preserving their stories for later generations.
Cothren and her students have sent numerous care packages to U.S. military personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. They also write letters to soldiers in those theaters, sending off 1,200 missives in 2005-2006.



....Thank you Mark for sending this to me.

Mark
3rd Mar.Div. 1st Battalion 9th Marine Regiment
1/9 Marines aka The Walking Dead
VN 66-67


Posted by Wild Thing at 02:46 AM | Comments (8)

August 25, 2009

Jon Voight at Hannity’s Freedom Concert ~ Video



He promotes patriotism and slams Obama



Actor/Director and Conservative Activist John Voight gives the Obama administration HELL and has advice to go forward -for the patriots in the audeince of Sean Hannity's 2009 Atlanta Freedom Concert.

Jon Voight at Hannity’s Freedom Concert: ‘If we let Obama have his way, he will ruin America’




Wild Thing's comment......

I love it, thank you Jon.

Posted by Wild Thing at 08:47 AM | Comments (3)

August 23, 2009

Hannity's Freedom Concert with Mark Levin in Las Vegas ~ AWESOME Videos!



.

August 8th 2009. Sean Hannity introduces Mark Levin and the 16,000 plus audience in Las Vegas, NV.
Sean talks about us being called the angry Mob, and how Obama told us to shut up.

He introduces Mark Levin and Mark says....." The Liberal bastards have no idea what they are in for."

Then he talks about our troops fighting to protect us. And how we have a duty to watch our troops back HERE AT HOME. and I agree.
OOHRAH!




.

Sean Hannity & Mark Levin (Part 2) Freedom Concert 2009 Las Vegas

Mark says...." NO President has the Constitutional right to change our society..NONE! "
HUGE applause

"The silent majority will NOT be silent any longer."

" I didn't serve and I am not proud of that either. But my Father did he was a WW11 vet . And my granfather was in the 5th Division Marine and he fought at Iwo Jima. and Guam."

"Harry Reid we are coming after your ASS!"

There is more, he is truly awesome!



Posted by Wild Thing at 05:45 AM | Comments (2)

July 23, 2009

Hundreds Ride Bikes for Captured Idaho Soldier


Hundreds of residents paid tribute to Bowe Bergdahl's love of bicycle's by biking to a candlelight vigil in his hometown of Hailey, Idaho. He was recently captured by the Taliban.


HAILEY, Idaho - More than 500 people attended a vigil for an Idaho soldier who was captured in Afghanistan by the Taliban.

The hourlong event Wednesday night was held in held in Pfc. Bowe Bergdahl's hometown of Hailey, in central Idaho. It started at the coffee shop where Bergdahl worked before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 2008, and ended at a nearby park.

The Idaho Statesman reports that family friend Jeff Gunter was one of several speakers at the event. Gunter said that when Bergdahl returns, he wants to take him "to the top of the mountains," so Bergdahl can look down and see all the yellow ribbons and signs hung up around town in his honor.

Bergdahl was serving with an Alaska-based infantry regiment earlier this month when he vanished. The 23-year-old appeared in a video released Saturday by the Taliban.




This undated photo provided by Bergdahl family spokesperson Sue Martin shows Pfc. Bowe Bergdahl during a motorcycle ride through central Idaho's backcountry. Bergdahl was captured on June 30, 2009 in Afghanistan, and appeared in a video released by the Taliban on Saturday, July 18. (AP Photo/Bergdahl family via Sue Martin)


AP's earlier story is below.

HAILEY, Idaho (AP) , To the rest of the world, Pfc. Bowe Bergdahl is the frightened soldier who appeared in a Taliban propaganda video after he was captured in Afghanistan.

The people of this Idaho mountain town have a more complete portrait of Bergdahl , that of a hard-working, mild-mannered, adventurous young man who rode his bicycle everywhere as he searched for a purpose in life before eventually setting his sights on the military.

Bergdahl, 23, dabbled in numerous ventures before joining the Army. He performed with the Sun Valley Ballet School. He was in the Sun Valley Swords fencing club, sparring in 2003 at the local renaissance fair with a buddy. He was a voracious reader who would frequently spend hours at a local library. He once crewed on a sailboat trip from South Carolina to California.

He also bounced between jobs, including two separate stints at a local coffee house, a period on an Alaskan fishing boat in Bristol Bay, and did construction before spending the summer of 2007 cleaning guns and stocking targets at the shooting club just down the road.

Bergdahl signed Army paperwork in June 2008 and went off to basic training in Fort Benning, Ga. He was deployed to Afghanistan in February, and he is now a prisoner of the Taliban.

What exactly happened isn't clear, with conflicting reports of whether he left his base near the Pakistan border willingly, or was taken. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates pledged Monday the military was doing everything it could to bring him home.

Meanwhile, those who knew this young man who traded the long blond hair of his youth for the crew cut of an Army private say he was unfailingly polite and hardworking, but clearly on the lookout for something to define his life.

"It was part of his adventurous spirit that carries on," said Blaine County Sheriff J. Walt Femling, who rented an apartment to Bergdahl in 2006, on why he joined the military. "Not only that, but he wanted to serve."

Bergdahl showed up at the Blaine County Gun Club in 2007, looking for summer work. He and manager Dick Mandeville got along well, with Bergdahl's duties including helping shooters on the trap fields, stocking targets and cleaning racks full of rifles.

"He was good every which way you looked at it," Mandeville said.

Bergdahl grew up about six miles west of Hailey, in a humble home with a weathered metal roof set back from the gravel of Croy Creek Road.

His parents, Bob and Jani Bergdahl, came here about 30 years ago for a reason, neighbors said: The seclusion of the high sage hills that flank their place would help them live in peace and quiet. Bowe and his older sister, Sky, were home-schooled. He received his high-school GED diploma from a local college. His father worked as a local UPS driver.

Bowe eventually got a job with Sue Martin at Zaney's River Street Coffee House. Not surprisingly, he showed up on his ever-present bicycle looking for a job.

"He had the opening shift. He got along really well with the regulars," said Martin, whose voice Monday was hoarse after enduring hours of interviews with out-of-town media. She was one of the few locals to speak on the record, a decision she made, in part, to take pressure off the camera-shy family.

At the cafe, he talked about the prospect of a military future.

His sister had married a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis about eight years earlier.

Consequently, Bergdahl's blond hair went from long to short, a sign he was getting serious. Martin doesn't know exactly why he sought out the Army, but said he was always on the lookout for a new adventure. She spent two hours with the family Tuesday morning, and said they are upbeat.

"They are talking about things in terms of 'When Bowe comes home,'" she said.

In the three weeks since Bergdahl went missing in Afghanistan, much of Hailey tried to keep word of his captivity from leaking out to the broader public.

First, there was the privacy of Bob and Jani Bergdahl to respect.

Friends and acquaintances also feared a media furor could put his life more at risk.

"I was shocked when I found out," said Jim Spinelli, head of the Hailey Chamber of Commerce, who attributes locals' discretion to their longtime respect for the privacy of celebrities such as Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Tom Hanks who call this central Idaho resort region their second home.

The circumstances of Bergdahl's capture on June 30 aren't clear.

As more and more Hailey residents now view the startling 28-minute Taliban video where a shaven-headed Bergdahl tells a captor he fears never being able to hug his family again, many want to do something , anything , to honor him and help speed his return.

Yellow ribbons are tied around trees all over town, and there are signs in virtually every shop window that plead for Bowe's return. A candlelight vigil is planned for Wednesday evening starting at Zaney's.

"We appreciate and take comfort in all the kind words of support we've heard," the family said in a statement Tuesday.



Wild Thing's comment............

Prayers for Bowe and his loved ones and his fellow soldiers.

Hailey, s also a place where residents all know one another, at least to say ‘hi.’ “So when something like this happens, it shakes us all up,” said Rob Beck, a tree-cutter from Hailey who has known Bergdahl’s father, a mild-mannered UPS delivery driver, for 15 years.


If you like you can email a message of support for PFC Bowe Bergdahl through the Blaine County Sheriff’s office.

sheriff@blainecounty.org


Posted by Wild Thing at 05:46 AM | Comments (4)

July 17, 2009

D.B. Sweeney,Don Shula,Warrick Dunn,Leeann Tweeden,Bradley Cooper Entertain Troops in Afghanistan


Sports announcer and model Leeann Tweeden poses with Ronny and Benzzi, patrol detector dogs, outside the Pat Tillman USO on Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, July 15, 2009. U.S. Army photo by Capt. Michael Greenberger




Actor Bradley Cooper greets Ronny, a patrol detector dog and his handler, Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Gina Pronzati, outside the Pat Tillman USO on Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, July 15, 2009. U.S. Army photo by Capt. Michael Greenberger





Former Miami Dolphins head coach Don Shula, center, poses for a photo with a group of servicemembers at the Pat Tillman USO on Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, July 15, 2009. U.S. Army photo by Capt. Michael Greenberger



Former Dolphins head coach Don Shula autographs a football for Army Pvt. John Gentry at the Pat Tillman USO on Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, July 15, 2009. U.S. Army photo by Capt. Michael Greenberger




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Celebrities Entertain Troops in Afghanistan

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan

July 16, 2009

Celebrities stopped by here yesterday to entertain troops as part of the star-studded USO’s Summer Troop Visit.

Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the celebrities are travelling throughout the U.S. Central Command area of operations to thank troops for their service and sacrifice.

The celebrities include actors Bradley Cooper and D.B. Sweeney, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Warrick Dunn, National Football League Hall of Famer Don Shula, and sports commentator and model Leeann Tweeden.

The group’s first stop was aboard the USS Ronald Reagan, an aircraft carrier currently under way in the Gulf of Oman. From the floating airport to the sands of Iraq to the hills of Afghanistan, the stars accompanying Mullen said they were excited about entertaining the troops deployed overseas.

“We feel like we want to give something back,” said Shula, a well-known former Miami Dolphins coach. “We appreciate so much what our troops do, and we wanted to do something in return.”

Travelling to different locations presents logistical challenges. Travel in Afghanistan is dangerous, and some of the outposts are so remote, the only way to reach them is by helicopter.

“The hardest part is getting the talent out to where they have to go,” said Army Capt. Dena De Lucia, deputy chief of quality-of-life programs for U.S. Forces Afghanistan.
“Getting to remote [forward operating bases] means getting helicopters, and we got lucky this time because the 82nd Airborne graciously gave us two to use,” De Lucia said.

Planning these types of trips can be as harrowing as planning an air-assault mission.

“It takes weeks and months in advance to plan something like this,” De Lucia said. “It’s a very arduous process. You have to contact camps and make sure they can support the visit, and make sure you can get to where they need to go.”

Travelling throughout Afghanistan was difficult for the USO tour, but well worth it to both the troops they visited and the stars themselves.

“All of the places we go are really important, but the smaller locations are very austere, where they don’t have hot showers or necessarily a hot meal every day,” said Rachel Tischler, USO entertainment operations vice president. “So it’s very special to bring that touch of home to those people that don’t necessarily have those creature comforts.”

Many of the hundreds that lined up outside the Pat Tillman USO here yesterday were delighted that the stars could break away from busy schedules to visit them.

“It’s great to have the support of celebrities over here,” Army Sgt. Linnea Biniak said. “Them being here and showing support for the troops definitely raises morale.”

Inside the USO building, which is named for Pat Tillman, the ex-NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger killed in Afghanistan in 2004, the visiting celebrities struggled to give adequate attention to the servicemembers who had come to see them.

Rather than stay indoors, the stars decided to “walk the line” outside, where they could meet with more people and make sure everyone who came to see them received an autograph or personal photo.

In addition to the “grip and grins” pictures, ssome soldiers were given the opportunity to talk personally with celebrities. Army Spc. Jonathan Grizzard asked Sweeney about several of his films, including “Fire in the Sky,” a 1993 film in which Sweeney plays a man abducted by aliens.

“That was the sweetest experience I’d ever had,” Grizzard said. “I waited almost an hour, but I would have waited two hours -- it was totally worth it!”
“I’ve got several movies that people really responded to, and it’s very flattering for people to bring up a movie that’s 10 years old and talk about specific scenes,” Sweeney said. “I kind of get to relive the process of making it, and it underscores what I think my role as an entertainer is, to help people forget their jobs for a little while and get through the day a little easier.”

Elsewhere in the line, football fans shook hands and “mugged” with Dunn. Iraqi war veterans swapped stories with Tweeden from her last trip overseas.

Cooper was a big draw following his most recent hit film, “The Hangover.”

Meanwhile, inside the building, Shula shared his most memorable moments with diehard sports fans eager for a glimpse of his Super Bowl ring and to get his autograph on their footballs.

Staying until well after 10 p.m., the stars made sure everyone had gotten what they’d come for before finally packing it in to prepare for another day of travelling to more Afghan locations the following day.

“It’s amazing for them to come out here and represent the United States,” said Air Force Master Sgt. Raymond Stone. “Not many people come out here, and I think it’s great that they do it. They’ve got other things that they have to do, yet they’ve taken the time to come out here and show their support to us.”




Wild Thing's comment........

God bless them for going to see our troops and huge God bless and keep safe for our awesome troops.



Posted by Wild Thing at 06:48 AM | Comments (6)

July 07, 2009

NFL USO Coaches Tour To Iraq To Vist Our Troops


Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden poses for a photo with U.S. Army Capt. Erica Chin of Killeen, TX, who wears Gruden's Super Bowl ring, during a USO meet-and-greet at Forward Operating Base Maraz in Mosul, Iraq, July 2, 2009. Gruden and a host of other NFL coaching legends are in the combat zone as part of a week-long USO tour to bring troops a touch of home during the July 4th holiday, signing autographs, posing for photos and boosting morale. (Photo by Mike Theiler/USO Photo)


Commanding General of Multi-National Force - Iraq, Gen. Raymond Odierno (3rd,L), poses with NFL coaching legends (L-R) John Harbaugh (Baltimore Ravens), Jeff Fisher (Tennessee Titans), Tom Coughlin (NY Giants), Jon Gruden (formerly Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Oakland Raiders) and Bill Cowher (formerly Pittsburgh Steelers) on the airfield at Forward Operating Base Warrior near Kirkuk in Iraq, July 2, 2009. (Photo by Mike Theiler/USO Photo)



Bill Cowher, the former head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, poses with U.S. Air Force SRA Jonathan Echevarria of Milwaukee, Wisc,, who wears Cowher's Super Bowl ring at a USO meet-and-greet at Forward Operating Base Warrior near Kirkuk, Iraq, July 2, 2009. The coaches, wearing the colors of the U.S. Army's First Cavalry Division from Fort Hood, Tex, are stepping off the sideline into the combat zone as part of a week-long USO tour to bring troops a touch of home during the July 4th holiday, signing autographs, posing for photos and boosting morale. (Photo by Mike Theiler/USO Photo)


NFL coaches (L-R) Bill Cowher (formerly Pittsburgh Steelers), Jon Gruden (formerly Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Oakland Raiders), Tom Coughlin (NY Giants), John Harbaugh (Baltimore Ravens) and Jeff Fisher (Tennesee Titans) pose with their U.S. Army pilots CW2 Michael Mignogna of Warrington, Penn (L) and CW4 Jonathan Case of Fort Dix, NJ, prior to their departing Kuwait, July 1, 2009, for a flight to Baghdad, Iraq, where they will meet with U.S. troops to boost morale, sign autographs and join in July 4th festivities as part of a USO-sponsored tour. (Photo by Mike Theiler/USO Photo



U.S. Army CSM Larry Wilson (L) joins hands with NFL coaching legends (L-R) Jon Gruden (formerly Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Oakland Raiders), Tom Coughlin (NY Giants), John Harbaugh (Baltimore Ravens), Jeff Fisher (Tennessee Titans) and Bill Cowher (formerly Pittsburgh Steelers) prior to a USO meet-and-greet at Forward Operating Base Warrior near Kirkuk, Iraq, July 2, 2009. The coaches, wearing the colors of the US Army's First Cavalry Division from Fort Hood, Tex, are stepping off the sideline into the combat zone as part of a week-long USO tour to bring troops a touch of home during the July 4th holiday, signing autographs, posing for photos and boosting morale. (Photo by Mike Theiler/USO Photo)



.S. troops, who are fans of former Pittsburgh Steeler head coach Bill Cowher, wait in line with trademark Terrible Towels and autograph sheets for their chance to meet a group of NFL coaching legends at Forward Operating Base Maraz in Mosul, Iraq, July 2, 2009. The NFL coaches are in the region as part of a week-long USO tour to bring troops a touch of home during the July 4th holiday, signing autographs, posing for photos and boosting morale. (Photo by Mike Theiler/USO Photo)



It is clear we have the right team. And we know we have the right mission – meet as many troops as possible and thank them for their service.

The trip to Iraq is never easy, and this tour is no exception. Our group met up from various initial points of departure in Washington, D.C. where we boarded a 13-hour flight to Kuwait City. After clearing customs in Kuwait, we got a ride from the commercial airport to a U.S. military base in order to catch a military flight to Baghdad.

After meeting and greeting the service members in the terminal, the coaches boarded two small C-12 military airplanes to make the final leg of our journey. We landed in Baghdad around midnight local time and made our way to our quarters, not arriving and getting settled until close to 2 a.m. We had been traveling for more 30 hours, and it was time for a few precious hours of sleep.

Our first full day in Iraq began with an 06:00 wake-up call. After breakfast, our first stop was the office of General Ray Odierno.

Odierno is a four-star general who commands the entire coalition war effort in Iraq. That is the first thing you should know about him. The second thing you should know about General Odierno — a former tight end on the Army football team — is that he is a huge Giants fan. A resident of Rockaway, N.J., General Odierno wrote a letter to Coughlin prior to the 2007 season, wishing the Giants good luck in the upcoming campaign. This letter led to a strong friendship between the coach and the general, with General Odierno now having visited and addressed the Giants several times.

In his office on the morning of Day 2 of our trip, General Odierno gave the coaches a briefing of the current situation in Iraq. Now is a time of great transition here, as June 30, 2009, marked the date that U.S. troops withdrew from Iraqi cities. Nevertheless, 130,000 U.S. service members remain in Iraq outside the cities in U.S. bases. General Odierno’s message to the coaches was the same as he has been giving major news outlets in recent days — that tremendous progress has been made in Iraq, but there are still good days and bad days and a need to proceed with caution.

From the general’s office, our group, which included the coaches and General Odierno, boarded Black Hawk helicopters for a quick two-minute flight to the nearby airfield. From there, we boarded C-35 and C-12 airplanes headed north to Mosul.

From Mosul, we flew southeast to Kirkuk, where we visited Forward Operating Base (FOB) Warrior. Upon entering the Dining Facility (DFAC), the coaches were presented with “Infantry One” football jerseys. They then hosted a two-hour meet-and-greet that included a rousing visit from the base football team.

Following the meet-and-greet, the coaches ate with 33 hand-picked troops who had served with great distinction. It was then back to the planes and back to Baghdad.


Trip of a lifetime

Coughlin is one of five current or former head coaches who are in Iraq on the inaugural NFL-USO Coaches Tour

“It’s some trip – unbelievable,” Coughlin said today by phone from Baghdad. “The soldiers were so gracious and they were so anxious to see us. They are truly genuine in their expression of joy that we’re here for them, that we would take the time to come and see them. And that has been very, very meaningful for us. They have treated us extremely well and shown genuine excitement that we’re here. We have expressed to them our thoughts on why we truly believe in what they’re doing and are thankful for why we’re here.”
Coughlin, a fervent admirer of the men and women who serve in the Armed Forces, was originally invited to Iraq by Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, the commanding general of the multi-national force in Iraq. Odierno is a Rockaway, N.J. native and Giants fan who has made several visits to Giants Stadium and the team’s training camp in Albany.
When Coughlin was approached by the NFL about traveling to Iraq, he made it clear he wanted to spend time with Gen. Odierno. That has not yet been an issue, because the general traveled with all of the coaches on Thursday.
Coughlin and Co. came together Tuesday at Dulles International Airport outside Washington, D.C. They took a 13-hour flight to Kuwait.
“It’s a long trip,” Coughlin said. “We were three hours delayed coming out of Dulles and we flew all night. We lost July 1 – we don’t have a clue as to what happened to July 1. You fly up over the top. It seemed like in a very few minutes we were at Albany and we flew over Greenland. It’s a long flight, but we flew United and the first-class accommodations were fabulous, as good as you’re going to get. We were supposed to land at 5:15 (p.m.)and we landed a little after seven.”
After spending a few hours in Kuwait, the group boarded a prop plane for Baghdad. That’s when the journey started to get very interesting.
“When you’re 15 minutes outside of Baghdad you have to shut all the lights off on the plane,” Coughlin said. “The first part of the adventure was going in there; you land in sandstorms and darkness. The airport in Kuwait is a bustling place and then when you get over to Iraq it’s a little bit different.”
The coaches and the rest of the traveling party were met at the airport by Gen. Odierno’s Chief of Staff, perhaps a dozen soldiers and, as Coughlin said, “all kinds of people.” They were driven to their hotel, which is actually one of Saddam Hussein’s former palaces that he had built on a man-made lake. Immediately after checking in at about 1 a.m., the coaches were briefed about the following day’s activities.
"None of us could sleep – we were all wired,” Coughlin said. “We were all up at five – all five of us are in one room.”

After breakfast, the coaches were transported to Gen. Odierno's headquarters at Al Faw, which is another former

Hussein palace. The general briefed the coaches on the recent developments in Iraq, including this week’s American pull back out of Iraqi cities.

At about 8:15 a.m. (1:15 eastern time), the group took a helicopter to the airport, where they boarded three C-35 jets and flew to Mosul, the site of an American military base in northern Iraq.
“It is a hot spot,” Coughlin said, and he wasn’t referring to the temperature. “If there is any terrorist activity, it has occurred more often up there. They lost three soldiers two days ago up there. This is what the general meant when he told me he wanted to take me to the most remote spots in Iraq and talk to the soldiers. General Bob Brown is the commander of the post up there.
“When you get up there, you know you’re in a war zone. The soldiers are all armed, they’re all on combat alert. There are concrete abutments on the outside of the buildings and sandbags on the inside of the windows. It’s hotter than hot. It’s in the 125-degree area. And that was prior to the sandstorms.”
On the base, Coughlin met a former West Point teammate of Mike Sullivan, the Giants’ wide receivers coach. Odierno and the coaches were then driven to the center of the base. The coaches each sat at a table and perhaps a thousand soldiers came through to get autographs signed, take photos or just chat with the visitors.
“This went on for quite a while, but we made sure we accommodated everybody,” Coughlin said.
From Mosul, the coaches were flown to an airbase near Kirkuk, which is not exactly a place for rest and relaxation.
“It is another extremely fortified war zone,” Coughlin said. “We were met at the airport by all the brass, because General Odierno is with us. At this particular spot we went to a huge mess hall. Every place we go we’re introduced and we get a nice response, nice applause. In this place all five of us sat down at a table and they tried to organize it with each person coming through with pictures of us to sign. We signed them and then we stood or sat and took pictures with all the soldiers. That was again a lengthy time, but the soldiers were all very appreciative. The guys are great with the soldiers. They’ve really responded well.
“We had been introduced at Mosul by the commander of the troops and sent right to our tables. At Kirkuk, we were introduced by a guy who would introduce you at a boxing match. It was one of the soldiers (who said), ‘Heeeeere’s Jeff Fisher.’ I spoke at this place. Then we ate with the troops in the mess hall and we sat down and talked to them.”
Coughlin said it’s impossible to ignore the searing heat in Iraq.
“It’s unbelievable,” he said. “We were in a chopper that had its windows open. We got in the helicopter where the hot air poured in on you and it felt like it was 140 degrees. It was hot. Because of the sandstorms we’ve had some sand cover, so the sun is not always beating right down on us.”
In Kirkuk, Coughlin and Odierno did a live interview on FOX and Friends. Coughlin was asked about the similarity in leadership principles between football and the military.
“What the General always talks to me about is team,” Coughlin said. “I remember back in ’07, as we got ready to go to training camp, I received a letter on the eve of training camp from General Odierno. His message was about team. He was very flattering in his comments about the soldiers here in Iraq, the young women and men who represent our country. He talked about their beliefs; their belief in their leaders, but most of all their belief in each other. He talked about team and the way you have to serve each other in order to understand what the team concept is all about. His message has always been one of team and the message the New York Giants preach is always that of team.”
Coughlin was asked if the trip enabled him to gain a different perspective on the men and women serving in Iraq.
“I have been so impressed and so inspired by the attitude,” Coughlin said. “It is always one of attitude, whether we visit the Walter Reed hospital following the Super Bowl and talk to those wounded troops, their attitude to try and get back to serve their country, to rejoin their group. Or whether it is the attitude of these young men and women who are serving our country here, who believe in what they are doing. We are always impressed by that. I know that the troops here think that we inspire them, but believe me, they inspire us as well.”
After the visit in Kirkuk, Coughlin and the other coaches returned to Baghdad, where they attended a reception on a third-floor balcony at Al Faw.
“The balcony was huge,” Coughlin said. “There must have been 500 soldiers on that porch. Bill Cowher spoke for us. We broke off again and did 2½ hours of autograph signings for the soldiers and again the reception was outstanding. Then we returned to where we’re staying and had another meeting in terms of what is planned for tomorrow.”
Coughlin said he hoped to catch up on his sleep Thursday night. But he is excited about visiting many more soldiers and Marines when the coaches visit three more military bases on Friday.
“We spend a lot of time with them,” Coughlin said. “We ask them where they’re from and they tell us about their favorite NFL team. There are lots of guys from New York. And there are a lot of Steelers fans. The Steelers are well-represented everywhere. We have a pretty good representation. The Giants are pretty popular. You’ll meet people from New England who tell you they don’t like you or tell you they’re not from New England and thanks for beating the Patriots.
“When I spoke, I expressed that the NFL and the military has often inspired one another,” Coughlin said. “We want to thank them, because they put their lives in danger every day, so that we can have the freedoms at home that, quite frankly, a majority of the people take for granted. We’re here to tell them that we’re very, very proud to be here with our soldiers.”




.

Wild Thing's comment.........

How wonderful, this is GREAT! I love to see our troops happy like this and it is good for these Coaches to get a chance to thank them. Just a trip like this can make a difference, these guys will remember this forever.


.

....Thank you Mark for sending this to me.

Mark
3rd Mar.Div. 1st Battalion 9th Marine Regiment
1/9 Marines aka The Walking Dead
VN 66-67



Posted by Wild Thing at 05:40 AM | Comments (3)

June 25, 2009

Troopathon 2009 Care Packages For The Troops





The "Honor Their Service" 8-hour pro-toop "web-a-thon" sponsored by Move America Forward runs from 1:00pm - 9:00pm Pacific // 4:00pm - 12:00pm EST, to send the largest shipment of care packages to U.S. troops in history.

You can donate HERE

Care Packages include many varieties of items, always with Coffee, Cookies, Beef Jerky, Gatorade and Jelly Bellys, and could also include any or all of the following:

Boca Java Gourmet Coffee
Oreo Cookies
Chap Stick
Deodorant
Premium Beef Jerky
Planters Trail Mix
Ocean Spray Craisins Trail Mix
Gatorade
Candy Diplomacy Jelly Belly Jelly Beans
For The Troops CDs
Hot Chocolate
Hot Apple Cider
Bug Repellent
Battery Operated Fans
Wet Wipes
Foot Powder
Sunblock
EVERY CARE PACKAGE comes with a personalized letter, note or comment from YOU to the receiving Soldier, Sailor, Marine, Airman or Coast Guardsman


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Posted by Wild Thing at 07:55 PM | Comments (6)

June 19, 2009

Honor Their Service ~ Please Join Me in the Troopathon





We’ve heard from countless members of the Armed Forces serving in the Middle East about items that the military does not provide, are hard to come by and they really appreciate getting . That’s why Move America Forward has responded and compiled care packages that contain these goods as a way of saying “thank you” for their sacrifices and courage. Care packages are packed full of gourmet coffee, Oreo cookies, Jelly Belly jelly beans, high-quality beef jerky, trial mix, Gatorade, deodorant, Chap Stick, sun block, CDs and much more.

Most importantly, each care package will include a personal message written by you where you can express your gratitude to our military. This is done through the order form by putting your message in the Comments box. Along with your message will be included a “self-addressed” envelope for the troops to send you a Thank You note if, and when, they have time. This is done through the order form by putting your address in the Ship To field. Rest assured that all care packages are sent to Afghanistan and Iraq.

 

Move America Forward is a 501(C)3 so all care package donations are tax deductable.

Care Packages include mostly Coffee, Oreo Cookies, lip balm, beef jerky, deodorant, trail mix, Gatorade, CDs and Jelly Beans, CDs, Bug Repellant,Foot Powder, Sunblock, and more.






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You can also go here to SUPPORT THE TROOPS



Wild Thing's comment.......

I am joining with my dear friend at Bare Naked Islam blog on the ROBERT SPENCER’S ANTI-JIHADISTS TEAM.


The competition for a blog team to send the largest amount of care packages to our troops is beginning to heat up, and we’ve still got over a week to go!


IF YOU’RE A BLOGGER, PLEASE JOIN ME ON ROBERT SPENCER’S ANTI-JIHADISTS TEAM: join us on The Anti-Jihadists

The live webcast event brings together talk radio hosts, megastars of film and television, musical guests, journalists, military and Gold-star families, pro-troop groups and many more.

The goal of this charity fundraiser is to send the largest ever shipment of care packages to our brave men and women of the armed forces serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay.

Participation is simple: bloggers will organize into teams which will compete against one another to raise funds for the Troopathon. Each team will pick banner ads from our 'Media Kit' or use a hyperlink and post it to their blogs.

When you sponsor care packages from the Theodore's World blog, orders are recorded and tallied on our scoreboard! Each day we will tally every team's total care package sales and then we will update the current results.



Posted by Wild Thing at 02:27 AM | Comments (2)

June 17, 2009

“Honor their Service"~ 2nd Annual "Troop-a-thon” ~ Reminder



The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library has generously agreed to host Move America Forward’s campaign to send the largest ever shipment of care packages to our troops serving overseas.

“We are extremely privileged and excited that the Reagan Library has agreed let us use their facilities to film the program,” said Ben Mathis, of Mathis Entertainment, who was brought on by MAF to produce “Honor Their Service”. “Not only is it a perfect setting for our incredible line-up of guests, but it is fitting and an honor to be associated with a president that was so strong on national security and cared deeply for our troops.”

“Honor Their Service”, Move America Forward’s 2nd annual “Troopathon”, will be held on June 25th and is a telethon-style broadcast aimed at raising funds for the largest care-package shipment in history to our troops. Participating in the event will be stars such as Rush Limbaugh, Jon Voight, Mark Levin, President George H.W. Bush, Laura Ingraham to name a few.

This venue is also fitting considering the fact that President Reagan’s favorite candy, Jelly Bellys, are included in every care-package sent to the troops. In fact, first lady Nancy Reagan lent her support to Move America Forward’s “Candy Diplomacy” campaign aimed at bringing 100,000 bags of “American goodwill” to the children of Iraq and Afghanistan.

On June 25th, 2009, Move America Forward, the nation’s largest grassroots pro-troop organization, will be hosting its 2nd annual “Troopathon”. The event will be hosted by Melanie Morgan from San Francisco’s KSFO Radio and Andrew Breitbart, who runs Breitbart.TV, and the “Big Hollywood” blog.

The goal of the project is to send care packages to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. During the 8-hour event that will be broadcast on the internet, radio and TV, viewers are encouraged to sponsor care packages for the troops as the guests and hosts discuss various topics related to supporting our troops



Troopathon


Vice President Dick Cheney to Appear on Troopathon!
Move America Forward’s ‘Troopathon’
Web-Based Telethon to Send Care Packages to Troops

Former Vice President Dick Cheney will appear on the Move America Forward telethon-style broadcast to support American troops deployed in the War on Terror. This will be the second annual telethon to provide care packages and personal messages to the troops.

The ‘troopathon’ is an 8-hour program with a telethon format broadcast primarily online via Ustream.tv. Viewers will be encouraged to donate online or by phone for care packages to be shipped to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan with personal messages from the donors. A similar effort last year raised approximately $1.6 million.

“We’re thrilled and honored to have Vice President Cheney join us in support of our fighting men and women,” said Melanie Morgan, who will co-host the program with Hollywood conservative commentator Andrew Breitbart. “We have a golden opportunity here to break last year’s record and produce a huge outpouring of support for our troops, and Vice President Cheney’s assistance will be key to our success.”
Cheney, also a former Secretary of Defense, has been a prominent voice on military and national security topics throughout his career. He recently gave a major address at the American Enterprise Institute which coincided with a speech by President Obama, which many saw as a reaction to Cheney’s recent public appearances.
Other guests already confirmed for the program include talk radio giant Rush Limbaugh, Hollywood star Jon Voight, musician John Ondrasik of Five for Fighting and blogger Michelle Malkin. Many more guests are yet to be announced.

The program will run from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm PST and will be broadcast live from the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.

More information and frequent updates on guests and plans for the event are available at www.Troopathon.org.



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Rush Limbaugh to Participate in MAF’s “Honor Their Service”

Move America Forward

Conservative and talk-radio giant Rush Limbaugh has committed to honor our military troops by participating in Move America Forward’s campaign to send the largest ever shipment of care packages to our troops serving overseas…

...Mr. Limbaugh has been a loyal and committed supporter of our brave military men and women over the years and his continued dedication to Move America Forward speaks to that point.



Wild Thing's comment..........

I posted about this a couple of weeks ago and it is important to remember this date. Thank you Mark for the reminder. I hope they get a totally awesome response to this, they did great last year.


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....Thank you Mark for sending this to me.


Mark
3rd Mar.Div. 1st Battalion 9th Marine Regiment
1/9 Marines aka The Walking Dead
VN 66-67


Posted by Wild Thing at 05:48 AM | Comments (2)

June 15, 2009

Stephen Colbert Visits Our Troops ( Vidoes and Photos)




A clip of Stephen Colbert's first episode of when his show (The Colbert Report) goes on the road to Iraq for a week



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Stephen Colbert takes a photo op with service members at Camp Victory's Al Faw Palace in Baghdad, Iraq, June 5.



Stephen Colbert greets troops and civilians at Al Faw Palace at Camp Victory in Baghdad, Iraq, June 5, as part of his "Operation Iraqi Stephen: Going Command" tour


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LOST LOCKS - Multinational Force Iraq Commanding Gen. Raymond T. Odierno helps Stephen Colbert become more "soldierly" by shaving his trademark hair into a more traditional military "buzz cut" in an episode of "The Colbert Report" broadcast from Baghdad. Colbert filmed a week of episode's from Camp Victory's Al Faw Palace in Baghdad as part of a USO tour. U.S. Army photo by Lee Craker


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CAMP VICTORY, BAGHDAD, Iraq

It is official — Stephen Colbert came, saw and conquered Iraq, claiming victory on day three of his six-day adventure to the Middle East.

Arriving in a C-17 from Kuwait, Colbert landed at the Baghdad International Airport, June 5, and began preparing for his shows at Camp Victory's Al Faw Palace, as part of his tour "Operation Iraqi Stephen: Going Commando."

"We wanted to call it 'Feelin HOT, HOT, HOT: Papa's got a brand new Baghdad', but it was too many words," he said.

In March, Colbert announced his visit the Persian Gulf, but was forced to remain tight-lipped about the event in true operational security style. Since then, he introduced a new segment on his hit night-time talk show, trying to guess which one of the seven Persian Gulf countries occupied by U.S. forces he would visit.



Iraq was the winner.

In order to prepare for the trip, Colbert attended basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C. The training lasted a total of eight hours, although he says he "might have dipped out an hour early."

Now a slightly trained killer, armed with a smile and his "A" bag full of satirical humor, Colbert was ready to take his show live to Baghdad, where it would be recorded, edited and sent back via satellite to the U.S. It is something the United Service Organizations said was a first for any overseas tour they have organized.

Multi-National Force - Iraq Commanding General Ray Odierno asked Colbert to come and perform for the troops. However, Colbert says he came here for the buzz cut President Barack Obama ordered Odierno to give to him during the opening show at the palace, June 7.

"I also want to claim this as my military time if I decide to run for president in 2012," he said.

Colbert filmed four shows, which began airing in the United States the week, of June 8. The reaction from the service members here has been amazing, he said.

"It's been fantastic," he said of his welcoming. "All these people are so nice out here; I don't understand why they want to fight with each other."

Colbert noted that he knows nothing about the country of Iraq, aside from the few days he has been at Camp Victory.

"It's hot, it's sandy, the sun is blazing. It seems like Texas, but with fewer guns," Colbert said of Iraq.

He added that if he were to describe the country to Americans, concrete and blast walls would sum the landscape, and he compared the air quality to that of an exhaust system.

"Who had the idea to build an entire country in the tailpipe of a car?" he asked a crowd of about 400 people during his first show.


Stephen Colbert Greets Soldiers at Al Faw Palace



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Soldiers, Airman, Sailors, and Marines packed the palace's rotunda every night of tapings, their thunderous cheers echoed off of three stories of marble walls. In addition to Odierno, guests included Iraq deputy prime minister Dr. Barham Saleh; Lt. Gen. Charles Jacoby, Jr., Multi-National Corps - Iraq commanding general; Command Sgt. Maj. Frank Grippe, MNC-I command sergeant major; Sgt. Robin Balcom and Spc. Tareq Salha.

Balcom, a native of Houston, Texas, is a military police officer with the 8th MP Brigade, 93rd MP Battalion's 463rd MP Company stationed in Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. Balcom was nominated for the show by her commanders because of the multiple tours she has served in Iraq. Being on the show was an opportunity she was glad she didn't pass up because it only happens once in a life time, she said.

Salha, an interpreter with 3rd Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Light), based in Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, said he enjoyed meeting Colbert because he was such a genuine person.

"He is trying to express what we, as Soldiers, go through in a fun way [on his show], and he succeeded," Salha said. "It was an outstanding experience, and I really enjoyed being able to speak on behalf of myself."

President Obama, Vice-President Joe Biden, John McCain, Sarah Palin and Tom Hanks sent out special thanks to the troops in pre-recorded messages that aired during the show. McCain's comment to "always take the time to remember to clean your musket," grew boisterous laughs, as people shook their heads in amusement. McCain said he learned the importance of a clean weapon during Valley Forge.

Sgt. Jennifer Miller, an awards clerk with Company B, Special Troops Battalion, Task Force Courage, had not seen The Colbert Report before attending the June 7 show.

"His comedy covers all ranges. He is willing to pick on anyone," Miller, a Madison Heights, Mich., native said. "He is very funny!"

Miller said Colbert's antics will definitely keep her watching from now on.

In addition to the night's performances, Colbert spent time meeting and greeting service members on Camp Stryker, another camp located within Baghdad's Victory Base Complex.

Roughly 200 people showed up for a chance at a picture, a laugh and a handshake with the comedian.

"It's a nice break in the day to come in here and meet him," said Staff Sgt. Jason Moldan, an Army Reservist with the 401st Engineer Company out of Oklahoma City, Okla. An avid fan, Moldan said it's been hard to catch Colbert's show since he's been deployed, but he still remains a steadfast member of the Colbert Nation.
"It's really great that celebrities can come over here and see us," said Moldan, a Minneapolis, Minn., native.
When asked if this was a great USO tour or the greatest USO tour, Colbert didn't miss a beat when he answered "the greatest." Camp Victory agrees.


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Wild Thing's comment......

LMAO I hope you all get a chance to watch each of the videos they are really good.

The only icky part is the one for a few second the POS Obama is on it telling him he has to get a hair cut. But If you can just ignore that tiny part all the rest of all of them are well worth it.

Very joyful to know our Troops got a few well derserved laughs.

They have magazines at the gym and the other day I read an article in Newsweek that Colbert guest-edited. He seems to be sincerely troubled at the current lack of coverage given to the war in Iraq and genuinely concerned that the sacrifices of our servicemembers aren't forgotten over there. He has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Yellow Ribbon Fund (a charity that assists injured service members and their families), and he’s a board member of DonorsChoose.org, which benefits the schools of military kids.

I have never seen his show and don't really know that much about him at all. But I am thrilled he went to see and thank our troops.He really has been supporting our troops and that makes me sooooo happy.

There is something else I noticed. When a celeb or anyone else that is well known goes to see our troops, I have noticed the ones that are the most sincere about being there, about their support, when they introduce themselves and give their name. It shows a humble attitude in a certain way that they realize the real Stars are our troops, and how we owe them everything. It isn't the attitude of you all should know who I am and be grateful that I am here, but instead it is HI my name is so an dso and I am honored to meet YOU and thankful for your service, how it is not about the celeb but about the solider, Marine, airman, Sailor etc. Bob Hope did that too and Gary Sinise as well and many others, it is just someting I have noticed.


Posted by Wild Thing at 04:48 AM | Comments (4)

June 13, 2009

NJ National Guard 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Returns Home From Iraq


Sgt. 1st Class Shawnn Frey of Langhorn, PA playing with her 3 year old daughter Liberty


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Crowds line the street as hundreds of New Jersey National Guard soldiers march in a parade through downtown Trenton, N.J., Friday, June 12, 2009, to honor their return from Iraq.




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Hundreds of New Jersey National Guard soldiers fill the street to march in a parade through downtown Trenton, N.J., Friday, June 12, 2009, to honor their return from Iraq


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New York Jets cheerleaders greet some of the hundreds of New Jersey National Guard soldiers waiting to march in a parade through downtown Trenton, N.J., Friday, June 12, 2009, to honor their return from Iraq. The mobilization last year of roughly 2, 900 soldiers- roughly half of the state's entire guard unit-marked the largest deployment of New Jersey National Guard troops to a combat zone since World War II. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)


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NJ National Guard 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team returns home from Iraq

TRENTON, N.J.

Little Jewel Moore thought her daddy lived inside the computer. That's because since she was 3 months old, he did. And Moore, one of the 2,900 New Jersey National Guard soldiers back from Iraq .

This was the largest deployment of New Jersey National Guard troops to a combat zone since World War II.

Soldiers were greeted with cheers Friday as they marched through the streets of the state capital in a welcome home parade. A 19-gun salute signaled the start of a parade through downtown Trenton.

In front of the newly finished World War II memorial outside the Statehouse, soldiers were greeted by Gov. Jon S. Corzine and Maj. Gen. Glenn Rieth, who told them the state would never forget their service or needs going forward.

"We'll make sure your transition back is as successful as your service to us has been," Corzine said.

The parade ended at Sovereign Bank Arena where guardsmen were treated to a USO show that included performances by comedian Joe Piscopo of "Saturday Night Live" fame and other local entertainers.

Also welcoming ithem home, were cheerleaders from three of the areas professional football and basketball teams.

Volunteers from many groups including the USO, The Salvation Army, The Red Cross, and The American Recreational Military Services served free food and beverages during the day long celebration.

"You are the blessing in 'God Bless America,'" Newark Mayor Cory Booker told the troops at the arena. "We welcome you home and tell you that you are not home alone."

Inside the Sovereign Bank Arena since 9:30 a.m., approximately 5,000 parents, girlfriends and children of soldiers gathered and watched the parade on the screens of the sports arena.

And then, finally, the soldiers filed in, vigorously waving the flags of their companies. Booming music, like the theme to the movie Star Wars, blasted over the stadium speakers.

Loved ones in the stands screamed as they recognized husbands, fathers, wives, sons and daughters in the sea of light-brown uniforms. Soldiers waved back. Some in the stands had tears in their eyes as cameras flashed.




VIDEO of yesterday and the Welcome Home


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Wild Thing's comment......


Welcome Home! God bless each one of you! Thank you!


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.....Thank you John G. for sending this to me.


Posted by Wild Thing at 06:48 AM | Comments (5)

June 05, 2009

2nd Annual “Troop-a-thon” titled “Honor their Service"



The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library has generously agreed to host Move America Forward’s campaign to send the largest ever shipment of care packages to our troops serving overseas.

“We are extremely privileged and excited that the Reagan Library has agreed let us use their facilities to film the program,” said Ben Mathis, of Mathis Entertainment, who was brought on by MAF to produce “Honor Their Service”. “Not only is it a perfect setting for our incredible line-up of guests, but it is fitting and an honor to be associated with a president that was so strong on national security and cared deeply for our troops.”

“Honor Their Service”, Move America Forward’s 2nd annual “Troopathon”, will be held on June 25th and is a telethon-style broadcast aimed at raising funds for the largest care-package shipment in history to our troops. Participating in the event will be stars such as Rush Limbaugh, Jon Voight, Mark Levin, President George H.W. Bush, Laura Ingraham to name a few.

This venue is also fitting considering the fact that President Reagan’s favorite candy, Jelly Bellys, are included in every care-package sent to the troops. In fact, first lady Nancy Reagan lent her support to Move America Forward’s “Candy Diplomacy” campaign aimed at bringing 100,000 bags of “American goodwill” to the children of Iraq and Afghanistan.

On June 25th, 2009, Move America Forward, the nation’s largest grassroots pro-troop organization, will be hosting its 2nd annual “Troopathon”. The event will be hosted by Melanie Morgan from San Francisco’s KSFO Radio and Andrew Breitbart, who runs Breitbart.TV, and the “Big Hollywood” blog.

The goal of the project is to send care packages to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. During the 8-hour event that will be broadcast on the internet, radio and TV, viewers are encouraged to sponsor care packages for the troops as the guests and hosts discuss various topics related to supporting our troops



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Troopathon


Vice President Dick Cheney to Appear on Troopathon!

Vice President Cheney Will Appear on
Move America Forward’s ‘Troopathon’
Web-Based Telethon to Send Care Packages to Troops

Former Vice President Dick Cheney will appear on the Move America Forward telethon-style broadcast to support American troops deployed in the War on Terror. This will be the second annual telethon to provide care packages and personal messages to the troops.

The ‘troopathon’ is an 8-hour program with a telethon format broadcast primarily online via Ustream.tv. Viewers will be encouraged to donate online or by phone for care packages to be shipped to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan with personal messages from the donors. A similar effort last year raised approximately $1.6 million.

“We’re thrilled and honored to have Vice President Cheney join us in support of our fighting men and women,” said Melanie Morgan, who will co-host the program with Hollywood conservative commentator Andrew Breitbart. “We have a golden opportunity here to break last year’s record and produce a huge outpouring of support for our troops, and Vice President Cheney’s assistance will be key to our success.”

Cheney, also a former Secretary of Defense, has been a prominent voice on military and national security
topics throughout his career. He recently gave a major address at the American Enterprise Institute which coincided with a speech by President Obama, which many saw as a reaction to Cheney’s recent public appearances.

Other guests already confirmed for the program include talk radio giant Rush Limbaugh, Hollywood star Jon Voight, musician John Ondrasik of Five for Fighting and blogger Michelle Malkin. Many more guests are yet to be announced.

The program will run from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm PST and will be broadcast live from the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.

More information and frequent updates on guests and plans for the event are available at www.Troopathon.org.


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Rush Limbaugh to Participate in MAF’s “Honor Their Service”


Move America Forward


Conservative and talk-radio giant Rush Limbaugh has committed to honor our military troops by participating in Move America Forward’s campaign to send the largest ever shipment of care packages to our troops serving overseas…

...Mr. Limbaugh has been a loyal and committed supporter of our brave military men and women over the years and his continued dedication to Move America Forward speaks to that point.




Wild Thing's comment........

Fantastic! This is such a wonderful thing they did and I am so thrilled they are doing it this year too.


.

......Thank you RAC for sending this to me.

RAC has a website that is awesome. 336th Assault Helicopter Company

13th Combat Aviation Battalion - 1st Aviation Brigade - Soc Trang, Republic of Vietnam


Posted by Wild Thing at 07:54 AM

May 31, 2009

Charlie Daniels Band Performs Concert in Sand Storm at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq



Charlie Daniels continues on...his black cowboy hat turning brown from the sand storm



The Charlie Daniels Band Performs Concert at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq

Coalition forces extended a warm welcome to the Charlie Daniels Band April 16. The performance was one not soon forgotten. The weather had been bright and clear throughout the day. But shortly after the country music icon, dressed in Marine digital camouflage and a big black cowboy hat, stepped on stage, the wind kicked up, causing the band and fans to experience a sand storm that turned the sky orange. The weather did not deter the Charlie Daniels Band from continuing the concert. Only after the rain began to fall, was the event cut short.

Constructionman Erin Huff commented that, " It was very cool that he kept playing after the sand storm first hit."

The event was moved into the Sentinel Theatre where Charlie Daniels spoke to the audience, apologizing for having to shorten the show.

He also stated, "We'll stay until every one in this theatre has a chance to come up and get an autograph and a picture."

True to his word, he and the band, after approximately three hours of shaking hands signing, autographs, and taking a picture with every service member that waited in line, called it a night.

In attendance for the show were personnel from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 24. The deployed Battalion consists of Navy Reservists from the home detachments in the states of Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and West Virginia, as well as Individual Augmentees from many other states from across the country.

Many of the members of NMCB 24 have grown up listening to Charlie Daniels Band on the radio, and watching him perform at other concerts and venues. Several of the Seabees reside and work in Mt. Juliet, Tenn., where Charlie Daniels has his home.

The Seabees of NMCB 24 took a little extra pride in watching the performance. The Builders from Charlie Company had been tasked with constructing and installing the stage for the performance, as well as the stanchions that were used to cordon off the area.

The entire project took the six man team, lead by Builder 1st Class Bobby Bills, approximately 48 man hours to plan, cut, install and disassemble. The workers performed the majority of the work in their off-duty time.

When asked about the project, Bills stated, "It was an honor that the Seabees were chosen to build the stage for such a legendary country artist." He went on to say how proud he was of his team for working so "quickly and efficiently."

The performance and meet and greet were enjoyed by all, regardless of the weather that quickly changed the evening.

Equipment Operator 3rd Class Jacob Hicks described it best when asked what he thought about the performance, "It was awesome."


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Here is one of Charlile Daniels Latest articles he wrote :


Seeds of Dictatorship

by Charlie Daniels

I'm going to shock some of you people, others I will probably anger and some of you will be amused at what I'm going to say in this column, but I don't care if I'm the last man standing I would be less than honest and candid if I didn't say it.

People if we don't get real this country is going to slip right out from under us, or rather be pulled right out from under us by a President bent on socialism and a power mad Democratic Congressional leadership.

The new Treasury Secretary can't even keep up with his income taxes and he is asking for powers that nobody but kings and people like Hugo Chavez have. He wants to be able to take over American companies that aren't toeing the Obama line. That is a downright abomination to the Constitution.

Nancy Pelosi changes the procedures of the House of Representatives so the Democratic majority can rush legislation thorough. Is this what the Congress is supposed to be about? Ms. Pelosi and Harry Reid, her counterpart in the Senate, are a clear and present danger to the republic.

Can't you see what's happening, America? They're going to try to force you to join unions, screw up your healthcare, invade every facet of your life, and you can believe it now or you can believe it later…they will raise your taxes, a lot.

And yet even with raising taxes they're not going to be able to raise enough to service the debt they're making. The only way out is to inflate the currency and folks when that begins in earnest, Katie bar the door.

The American dollar, once the standard for the planet Earth will become like green wallpaper and the price of goods and services will rise exponentially.

Do you think this can't happen, America? Well the sorry truth is that it is happening; in fact it's accelerating on a daily basis as a socialist President and a panicked Congress flounder around with no idea except to throw more money at it. After all, it's only paper, they can always print some more.

Things are moving so fast now; things once thought unthinkable are becoming commonplace as Obama, Pelosi, Reid and company consolidate their power over America.

This may sound far-fetched, but Hugo Chavez was democratically elected, and then started sowing the seeds of socialism in Venezuela. He was recently successful in eliminating term limits for the presidency, and is now essentially President for Life, as long as the people keep voting him in. There's an old quote by a British historian named Lord Acton, "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely."

I don't like the role of alarmist, I love this country and always believed in it, always thought that we could work out of any problem. I've seen wars, recessions and national tragedy and the thought never entered my mind that America wouldn't pull out of the problem, but America is in a tailspin and if somebody doesn't grab the controls soon it's going to crash.

And do you know what happens then?

Total government control. It's called dictatorship.

What do you think?

Pray for our troops

God Bless America

Charlie Daniels


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Wild Thing's comment...........

I sure am glad Charlie is on our side! What a big lovable bear of a man and I like the way he thinks too. Also I love how he did't let the sand strom stop him. He played as long as he could for our troops.



Posted by Wild Thing at 04:40 AM | Comments (5)

May 20, 2009

Lowe’s, Home Depot Offer Military Discount to Active Duty and Veterans



Lowe’s, Home Depot offer military deals

Army Times

The nation’s two largest home improvement stores, Lowe’s and Home Depot, are again offering a 10-percent military discount for Memorial Day, starting Thursday.

Active-duty personnel, National Guard and reserve members, retirees, honorably discharged veterans and immediate family members of all those groups are eligible. Customers who request the discount should show a valid military ID card or other proof of service.

The stores differ in their offers:

• Lowe’s discount is offered from Thursday through May 25 on purchases up to $5,000. That means the maximum discount will be $500. The offer is good for in-store purchases only and it does not apply to online sales, previous sales, purchase of services or gift cards.

• The Home Depot’s discount is offered in stores from Thursday through May 27 on purchases up to $2,000, for a $200 maximum discount.




Wild Thing's comment.........

I like that they make it for several days, so that the actual Memorial Day can be observed.


Here is the Lowes Coupon


Posted by Wild Thing at 04:45 AM | Comments (2)

May 16, 2009

~ Armed Forces Day ~


President Harry S. Truman led the effort to establish a single holiday for citizens to come together and thank our military members for their patriotic service in support of our country.







ARMY, NAVY, AIR FORCE, MARINES, COAST GUARD


We celebrate our Armed Forces, in the work they do, the tasks they accomplish, the hope and freedom they bring to the world, and the outstanding people who comprise our military services. Join us on Saturday May 16th, in honoring those tremendous individuals: The Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and Guards [Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard] in their efforts to safeguard our freedoms, the world and our future!


Posted by Wild Thing at 07:50 AM | Comments (8)

May 01, 2009

Toby Keith Entertains Troops in Afghanistan


Country music performer Toby Keith, right, grabs the outstretched hand of U.S. Air Force 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron Senior Airman Brent Contratto during a concert for U.S. military service members at Balad Air Base, Iraq, April 28, 2008, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Julianne Showalter




Country singer/songwriter Toby Keith salutes more than 1,000 service members who came to see his concert at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, April 27. This was Keith’s seventh tour with the United Service Organizations. U.S. Army photo by Capt. Michael Greenberger



BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan

by Capt. Michael Greenberger


Country singer and troop supporter Toby Keith finished up a 15-show tour in Afghanistan yesterday as he drew near the end of his seventh tour with the United Service Organizations.

Keith spent five days criss-crossing the war-torn country visiting bases large and small in a whirlwind of handshakes, autographs, photo-ops and of course – country music shows.

Whether it’s hundreds of Marines at Camp Bastion or a crowd of thousands at Kandahar Air Field, countless hours of preparation and manpower go into making each show special.

“It’s a three-pronged attack,” said Rachel Tischler, USO vice president of entertainment operations. “The crews get to work setting everything up for the larger shows as most of the band goes to see people at the larger bases. While they are doing that, [Toby] and a few others visit the more remote locations.”

Keith’s tour visited Forward Operating Bases Tillman and Boris, near the Pakistan border, in addition to the larger bases, like FOBs Sharana and Salerno.

“It was important to Toby and the crew to visit as many of the smaller, remote locations as possible,” said Tischler. “Never mind getting entertainers – some of them don’t have running water!”

Keith, was taught early on to respect the military and those who serve in it.

“My father was a soldier. He taught his kids to respect veterans,” said Keith. “It’s that respect and the thank-you that we have a military that’s in place and ready to defend our nation; our freedom.”

Since 2002, Keith and company have visited war zones, military bases and ships at sea to bring a little levity and light into the lives of those in harm’s way. He loves his job, he said.

“It’s a break from the monotony in their life,” Keith said of his duty to the troops. “They’re under fire and tremendous workloads trying to accomplish their goals, so when we show up, it changes that for a little while. We try to put smiles on their faces.”

According to the roaring crowd in the “clamshell tent” on Bagram, he succeeded.

“The energy level was so high,” said Army Spc. Jennifer Cook. “It brought all the soldiers in, no matter what kind of music they liked.”

Keith’s forte is playing country music. He’s been doing it for more than 23 years. Some of the hits he poured into the night sky over Afghanistan have been staples of country music for years – as well as favorites of those in uniform, such as “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue” and “American Soldier.”

Written after his first visit to Iraq, “American Soldier” is a tribute to service members everywhere. Keith salutes military mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters -- ordinary people all over who volunteer to serve their country and give their lives for it if necessary. Keith took many of his first interactions with the military in Iraq, such as a remembrance ceremony for a fallen service member, and turned it into something many could understand.

“Those kinds of things just bore into your soul,” Keith said. “I would have never been able to complete ‘American Soldier’ if it weren’t for the experiences I had.”

The troops appreciate Keith just as much as he appreciated them.

“This show was awesome,” said Air Force Senior Airman Patrick McGuire. “I saw Toby Keith stateside and it was smoky and the crowd was just different. Here, it’s like he was here for us, not just a show. It just felt like he was here for us.”

Keith doesn’t just raise spirits though, he raises awareness too.

“It’s great to be supported by someone in the music business,” Cook said. “It also keeps us on people’s minds back home.”
Keith ended more than an hour of guitar whompin’, foot stompin’ music with a promise he’s echoed over 150 times: “I’ll see you next year.”



Wild Thing's comment......

More good feeling spreading around and lots of thank you's and appreciation for our awesome troops! Yesss that makes me so happy!!!



Posted by Wild Thing at 05:40 AM | Comments (4)

April 23, 2009

Actors from "The Unit" TV Show and Others Visit The Troops in Afghanistan


Actor Robert Patrick from the CBS television series "The Unit" cheers on fellow cast member Max Martini in a race with soldiers assigned to Combat Outpost Deysie, Afghanistan, April 22, 2009. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is on a six-day tour of the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility escorting a USO tour, meeting with counterparts and visiting troops. DoD photo by Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley


Chairman Brings USO Show to Remote Afghan Bases

CAMP EGGERS, Afghanistan, April 22, 2009 – Max Martini, who plays Army Master Sgt. Mack Gerhardt in the CBS show “The Unit,” raced up a steep hill at a combat outpost in 28 seconds.


“I can’t be beat by an actor,” said one real soldier, who raced up the same course in 24 seconds. Cheers resounded.

The good-hearted race was part of a USO show that Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, brought to Afghanistan today.

On what’s known as a “handshake tour,” Mullen brought long-time Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda, basketball hall of famer David Robinson, as well as Martini and fellow cast members of “The Unit,” Dennis Haysbert and Robert Patrick to meet, speak to -- and compete with -- U.S. servicemembers at out-of-the way bases.

“They bring a little bit of America to the troops,” Mullen said. “I try to bring USO entertainers on as many of the trips as I can, because they do brighten everybody’s day.”
Mullen praised the USO troupe for its commitment to servicemembers. “I’m delighted that they would take their personal time to do this,” Mullen said.
Lasorda praised the young men and women he met, saying they “are what America is all about.”
Robinson, who graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and served as a naval officer before his professional basketball career with the San Antonio Spurs, said he is impressed by the commitment the servicemembers show. “These are men and women who walk our streets, but understand why it is important to serve,” he said.

In addition to its visit here, the troupe visited Forward Operating Base Airborne and Combat Outpost Deysie today



Wild Thing's comment......

I love the TV show " The Unit", and they visited the troops last July too.

Cast From TV Show "The Unit" Visit The Troops

They may have gone other times too, I hope so . I know the troops really love to see them.



Posted by Wild Thing at 07:55 AM | Comments (2)

April 13, 2009

Star Trek Cast Visits Service Members at CAMP ARIJAN, Kuwait



The cast of "Star Trek" with director J.J. Abrams pose for a photo at the world premiere showing at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait


U.S. service members holding up their tickets to the "Star Trek" world premiere at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait



Cast members of "Star Trek" take questions from U.S. service members at the "Star Trek" world premiere at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait






Star Trek Cast Visits Service Members in Theater for World Premiere

by Spc. Howard Ketter

CAMP ARIJAN, Kuwait

"We feel priviledged to be here and to meet the people who are working hard on our behalf," said John Cho, who starred as Hikaru Sulu in "Star Trek" the movie.

Service members were excited as the cast of the new J.J. Abrams produced and directed film visited Camp Arifjan, Kuwait for a premiere of the movie.

Actors Zoe Saldana, Bryan Burk, Karl Urban, Zachary Quinto, Chris Pine and Eric Bana were also present with director/producer J.J. Abrams.

"It's so easy for people to take for granted, the fact that [service members] are here doing work that makes this possible," said Abrams.

The crew stopped and visited service members in the U.S. Army Central Headquarters building before heading to the theater. They exchanged friendly conversation with Brig. Gen. James T. Walton and several other leaders amongst the headquarters staff. Then they took time out to greet several service members, sign autographs and take photos.

"It struck us that there was an opportunity to not just have it be about the movie, but to have it be about something that's more important than all that stuff," Abrams commented.

Once it was time to show the movie, which is due to release in the U.S. May 8, the stars went to the Zone 1 movie theater for the premiere. Once the showing was over, service members asked questions and commented on the film to the actual cast.

Chief Warrant Officer Earl Hemminger, Regional Computer Emergency Response team, Virginia National guard, asked actor Zachary Quinto, who played Spock in the film, to speak to his daughter Katherine, who is a very big fan.

"Your dad told me to say this was hotness," laughed Quinto as he greeted Katherine via cell phone.

Abrams talked about how he and the writers came up with the concept of the new film and Eric Bana, who portrayed the evil character Nero, talked to service members on how he prepared for his role and shot his parts separate from most of the cast.

After the Q & A service members got opportunities to get photos and autographs with the stars before they headed off to the LSA, Kuwait to continue to promote the movie.

"It's an honor to come here to say hi and shake hands with the people who protect us," said Abrams.

Cho said having the warm reception for this film by the service members was really moving.

"We had fun making the movie and we hope the [service members had] fun watching it."




Posted by Wild Thing at 06:55 AM | Comments (2)

April 10, 2009

Fallen Soldier's Dad, American Airlines Team Up to Ship Donated Supplies to Iraq


American Airlines


Alan Burks , father or fallen soldier


Patriot Guard Riders



Fallen soldier's dad, American Airlines team up to ship donated supplies to Iraq

Dallas Star Telegram

D/FW AIRPORT

Alan Burks invited himself on this flight, the one that took off in the early afternoon Wednesday bound for the Middle East.

On board the American Airlines 767 were 2 tons of supplies from the nonprofit he started in memory of his son Pete, an Army platoon leader from Dallas killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq in 2007. No way would Burks miss the chance to go and mingle with the troops. He took Pete’s younger brother, Zac, with him to share in the experience.

"He’s more than ready," Zac Burks said. "This has been his job basically since Pete was killed — raising money to support the troops and Iraqi children. This opportunity was a dream come true."

It is an unusual journey for American Airlines, which had never devoted an entire plane to donated supplies for a war zone. But the airline has increasingly been providing air support to related causes through its 2-year-old Veterans Initiatives program.

This just happened to be the biggest yet.

The 767, with a crew of four pilots and six flight attendants, all of whom donated their time, carried more than 20 tons of supplies for Iraqi children and several dozen entertainers from Dallas-Fort Worth to Kuwait City.

From there, the cargo and passengers were taken by Air Force aircraft into Iraq, where soldiers and Marines can take the notebooks, pencils, white boards and soccer balls to schools. Also packed on board were more than 6,000 pairs of Crocs donated by the shoemaker.

"You know the old joke about having to walk five miles to school uphill and barefoot?" said American Airlines captain Jim Palmersheim, who served in the Army and is director of Veterans Initiatives. "The truth is that a lot of these kids in Iraq actually do that."

A majority of the cargo came from Operation Iraqi Children, an organization established by actor Gary Sinise and author Laura Hillenbrand to provide basic school supplies. Palmersheim met Sinise not long ago, and the idea for the flight took shape.

The airline also contacted Alan Burks, who with Pete Burks’ fiancee established the Unsung Hero Fund in the weeks after his son’s death. That organization has since shipped 4 tons of goodies for the troops and aid for Iraqis, every bit of it handed across a post office counter.

"Most of our expenses are postage," Burks said. "That’s why it was like Christmas when they said we could get all these supplies over there for free."



Wild Thing's comment.......

Beautiful story about noble efforts in remembrance of our heroes. And to generous and honorable contribution by American Airlines too.

Alan Burks son Army 2nd Lt. Peter H. Burks


A Dallas soldier killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq is being remembered as a dedicated team player who felt the call to serve.

Army 2nd Lt. Peter H. Burks, 26, died Nov. 14 when his vehicle was hit just outside the Green Zone in Baghdad. He was assigned to the 4th Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment

Throughout his life, 2nd Lt. Peter Haskell Burks was known as a dedicated team player, a trait he maintained as an Army troop leader in Iraq.

On Wednesday he was commanding a unit just outside the Green Zone in Baghdad when his vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb. Lt. Burks received shrapnel wounds to his head, and five of his men were injured.

"Peter's first words when the explosion happened ... he asked his men, 'Are you OK?' " said his father, Alan Burks of Celina. "Then he said, 'I'm OK.' From what we've learned from the officers who were there, he was conscious for a short period of time."

Lt. Burks, 26, died at the scene Wednesday. His body arrived Friday in Dover, Del., en route to Dallas from Iraq.

Lt. Burks' last actions were no surprise to his father.

"He told me, over and over and over again, he said: 'Dad, my job is to get my 17 guys home safe. ... Then after that I'll get myself home safe.' "



Posted by Wild Thing at 04:47 AM | Comments (8)

April 08, 2009

Miss Universe Says Had "lot of fun" in Guantanamo


Dayana Mendoza of Venezuela



Miss Universe 2008 Dayana Mendoza


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Miss Universe says had "lot of fun" in Guantanamo

Reuters

A "relaxing, calm, beautiful place" may not be everyone's description of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where the United States holds about 240 prisoners in a detention center that has drawn condemnation from around the world.

But this was the opinion of reigning Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza of Venezuela, who visited the U.S. naval facility in eastern Cuba this month on a trip organized by the United Service Organizations (USO) which supports U.S. troops.

The Guantanamo Bay base, whose presence Cuba's government has contested as illegal for years, is used by U.S. authorities as a prison camp for foreign terrorism suspects. Critics have condemned it as a symbol of abuses in Washington's war on terrorism launched after the September 11, 2001, attacks.

Miss USA Crystle Stewart

Caracas-born Mendoza, 22, who visited the facility March 20-25 along with Miss USA Crystle Stewart, 27, enthused about her Guantanamo trip as an "incredible experience" in a blog entry posted on the Miss Universe website dated March 27, 2009.

"It was a loooot of fun!," Mendoza wrote, describing how she and Stewart met U.S. military personnel and took rides around the camp, which is encircled by a barbed-wire fenced, minefields and watchtowers. She said they also visited a bar on the base and the "unbelievable" beach there.
"We visited the Detainees camps and we saw the jails, where they shower, how the(y) recreate themselves with movies, classes of art, books. It was very interesting," she wrote.
"I didn't want to leave, it was such a relaxing place, so calm and beautiful," she added.

Former detainees and human rights groups have alleged the use of torture, including "waterboarding" (simulated drowning) and other physical abuses, at the Guantanamo prison.

In a statement, the Miss Universe Organization said Mendoza and Stewart's trip to Guantanamo was part of a longstanding relationship with the USO and its entertainment program "which boosts the morale of U.S. troops."

"Dayana Mendoza's comments on her blog were in reference to the hospitality she received while meeting the members of the U.S. military and their families who are stationed in Guantanamo," Miss Universe Organization President Paula M. Shugart said in the statement.
"We will continue to show our appreciation and express our gratitude to the military personnel who serve our nation," Shugart said.
Recounting her "memorable" trip, Mendoza, who was crowned Miss Universe 2008 in Vietnam, said: "We also met the Military dogs, and they did a very nice demonstration of their skills. All the guys from the Army were amazing with us."


Wild Thing's comment.........

God bless our troops, I am so glad the USO does these things.




....Thank you Ben for sending this to me.


Posted by Wild Thing at 06:50 AM | Comments (6)

April 06, 2009

Lt. Andrew Kinard, Trace Adkins, the West Point Cadet Glee Club at the Academy of Country Music Awards



Trace Adkins and the West Point Cadet Glee Club at the Academy of Country Music Awards




Las Vegas, 5 April 2009. Trace Adkins sings ...."Till the Last Shot's Fired"....with the West Point Cadet Glee Club

"Somebody from the ACM asked if I'd perform that song" he says. "They'd heard the performance on the new record and they were looking for a way to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project and they called and asked if I'd do it."

He said yes, of course, and recently spent a few hours one afternoon at West Point practicing with the glee club. "It was a thrill," Adkins said of visiting the military academy.

"It's the least I can do," said Trace, who has performed on some USO tours and visited injured soldiers at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center



Wounded Warrior Project


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Wild Thing's comment.......

Last night Nicholas and watched the Academy of Country Music Awards. It was done
in Las Vegas and the music was wonderful, there were some really special songs that won awards.
One in particular that was sung not for an award but for a cause, the Wounded Warrior Project and for our troops. Country awards shows have always been pretty special but last nights was beyond special.

I was so hoping there would be a video of it and there was, God was good to me. Because I wanted so much to share this part of the night with all of you.

Below I have put information about Lt. Andrew Kinard a warrior and an American hero. He was on the stage with Trace Atkins and introduced the song. Thank you Lt. Andrew Kinard, words cannot be enough for my gratitude that you loved America too and served our country. To say thank you to our wounded troops seems so small for all they have sacrificed and for all our Veterans and our troops active today. But it is a start, that first acknowledgment that America has been great and free because of each one of them. Never will we forget one single warrior, one single Veteran or service member..... Never.


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Marine Lieutenant Andrew Kinard was on patrol in Iraq and was hit by an IED (three other Marines were hit, too). Apparently, before shock set in, Kinard established security and asked about his men, then passed out. The damage to his body was extremely severe. I don't know who the hospital corpsman was who assisted Lt. Kinard, but I know that Kinard went into cardiac arrest twice and lost most of his blood - whoever that corpsman is, he is a miracle worker. Andrew was flown to Al Asad (by that time had used 67 units of blood), then Germany and now Bethesda. He has lost his right leg above the knee, the left leg at his pelvis, and he has lots of internal damage to his intestines, kidneys, etc. He's on a ventalator. He is fighting infections. He's been awake only a few times since his injury...


Marine 2nd Lt. Andrew Kinard of Spartanburg received a hero's welcome Sunday at Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Wounded Marine to meet fellow warriors

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C.

from April of 2007

"Welcome home, Lieutenant."

There was something victorious about the way Marine 2nd Lt. Andrew Kinard exited the beige minivan that brought him here from Ellis Airport Sunday.

It wasn't arrogance. Andrew often said he felt "honored" by the support he'd received. He regularly took the attention off himself, turning instead to his fellow Marines who kept fighting in Iraq when he was unable to.

"I just represent one person, out of all these Marines that really were willing to give their all," Andrew said. "I want to make sure to emphasize those who couldn't make it, the Marines who paid the ultimate price."

The nonprofit Hope for the Warriors foundation made possible the trip from Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and gave Andrew a $22,000 all-terrain wheelchair that can easily plow through snow and accommodate any hunting he might like to do.

He will spend most of this week at the Warrior House I, an on-base home fitted with a handicapped-accessible ramp and amenities. He'll have dinner with a general, and maybe get to play X-Box on a big-screen television with his buddies.

But the highlight of the week comes today, when Alpha Company -- Andrew's company -- gets home from a seven-month deployment.

In all, about 270 Marines and sailors from various arms of the 2nd Marine Division's 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion will roll into

Camp Lejeune today.

It's a moment Andrew has been waiting for since fully waking up in a hospital a month after the blast.

And, it's a moment that almost didn't happen.

Andrew had emergency surgery for an intestinal blockage just two weeks ago, a surgery his family wasn't sure he'd recover from in time to make it here.

But for months, the young Marine has been saying that "even if they had to push him down in a hospital bed, he was going to be here," his father, Dr. Harry Kinard said.

"This homecoming helped him get where he is today," said Cpl. Patrick Elswick, who has been with Andrew throughout his recovery.

"All the little details, and the struggles he had, this was his main focus. Even when he had setbacks, he'd work extra hard to get here."


Posted by Wild Thing at 07:55 AM | Comments (9)

April 02, 2009

Wrestling Divas Visit Troops in Afghanistan




Story by Spc. Opal Hood

Wide grins could be seen as troops from different branches and different countries eagerly got into a line that wrapped around the inside of the tent.

For more than two hours, Terry Runnels, Nora “Molly Holly” Greenwald, Christy Hemme and Shelly Martinez - former World Wrestling Entertainment Divas - signed autographs and posed for photos with service members and civilians at Bagram Air Field’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation gym, March 24.

“Events like having the divas here give the troops a break,” said Air Force Capt. Carey Caudell, Task Force Warrior. “When you work seven days a week, you need something to take your mind off the day to day and just relax.”

For three of the four divas, this is their first trip to deployed troops, only Runnels had made a trip to Kuwait to visit troops before.

They were invited as part of the MWR’s effort to keep the morale of deployed troops high.

“The morale of troops is important because we are away from family and friends,” said Army Pvt. Nathan Brown, 101st Airborne Division Special Troops Battalion Headquarters and Headquarters Company.

“Things like this helps remind us that we are still supported.”

Hemme wanted to do the tour because she didn’t want the “filtered version of the war.” She wanted to see how things were for herself.

“People back home will never really understand how things are here without actually having ever been here,” said Martinez.

In addition to Bagram, the divas also visited a couple of forward operating bases. Due to weather issues, some planned visits to the smaller forward operating bases were cancelled.

“It felt as if my heart was ripped out when we realized we were going to miss a few stops”, said Hemme.


Christy Hemme, former wrestler for the World Wrestling Entertainment, signs an autograph for a Soldier. The WWE Divas of Wrestling signed autographs and took pictures for the troops of Bagram Air Field, March 24, at the Morale Welfare and Recreation Clamshell.



The women made every moment count by visiting with the troops as often as possible while touring the FOBs. Aside from meals, sleeping and an hour of shopping, the majority of their time was spent with troops.

Even during meals, they were happy to take a break for photos and autographs. Their goal was to show their appreciation to the troops and remind them that people from the States support them.

“It makes us happy to see [troops] happy,” said Runnels, who added she felt honored and humbled by her experience here.

The divas never said “you’re welcome” when troops thank them for being here, said Kevin Dessart, the diva’s tour manager. Their response was always “No! Thank you.”

From the looks on the troops faces during the meet and greet with the divas, the morale of a decent number of troops was uplifted by their presence here.

“The divas are the best tour we have had so far because of their genuine concern, curiosity and overall love for the troops,” said Air Force Master Sgt. Mark Gore, an MWR planner.




Troops from different branches and nations wait in line to recieve autographs from the WWE Divas of Wrestling, March 24, at the Morale Welfare and Recreation Clamshell on Bagram Air Field.



Wild Thing's comment.......

Big thank you to these girls. It is such an honor to be able to go to be able to thank our troops in person.


Posted by Wild Thing at 05:50 AM | Comments (6)

March 08, 2009

In Country As NFL Players Visit Troops




Will Witherspoon, Danny Clark, Jared Allen and Larry Fitzgerald started their week-long tour in Kuwait.

NFL webstie


Touchdown "Welcome to Kuwait" flashed the neon lights as we exited Kuwait International Airport. And with that, the 43rd annual NFL-USO tour had finally begun.

Will Witherspoon is a self-described "Air Force Brat." His dad served 20 years in the Air Force, stationed at various bases across the country and around the globe. Will spent eight years of his childhood living in Germany when his father was stationed there and speaks fluent German.

Danny Clark of the Giants has two twin brothers. They will soon turn 24. Danny's brother Joshua, who is a Marine, will deploy in April for his third tour in Iraq. Danny's other brother, Jason, is in the Air Force. He recently reenlisted after having served a tour in Afghanistan and he is currently doing a one-year tour in Korea. Danny spent the day before departing for the USO tour with his brother Joshua, listening to all of his war stories and making sure to pay particular attention to Joshua's list of dos and don'ts while overseas.

Jared Allen's military roots run deep as well. His grandfather, Ray Allen, was a Marine for 23 years, rising from the rank of private to captain and serving in World War II. Jared's uncle just returned from a tour of duty in Iraq where he served as a medic. And perhaps closest to home for Jared, his younger brother Ronald Allen, Jr. recently enlisted in the Marine Corps. He is currently in boot camp at Camp Pendleton in California. Jared told me that "the only reason I'm not a Marine is because I could play football. Same with my dad -- he played football rather than becoming a Marine. But my brother decided to quit football in order to serve."

Larry Fitzgerald. The fourth and final player on this year's tour is Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals. Larry’s grandfather was a Lieutenant in the Army who won a purple heart for his service in Korea. In addition, his aunt and uncle, Paul and Sam Jones, are both Lieutenant Colonels in the Army. Larry even received a military-style education when he attended Valley Forge (Pa.) Military Academy for one year after high school. Larry's commitment to the troops, as with the other players, runs deep. One of his goals for the trip is to make sure that our men and women overseas know that "we haven't forgotten about them back home."



Day Two

Our first stop on day two was Camp Arifjan in Kuwait, which is the largest military base in the Middle East. It serves as a major staging point for all troops and supplies going into Iraq for OIF (Operation Iraqi Freedom) as well as many supplies going into Afghanistan for OEF (Operation Enduring Freedom). Arifjan is a small town in itself -- up to 8,000 troops are on the base at any time and over 57,000 troops pass through it per year. It is also a lucrative "town" for the U.S. Kuwait pays our government $500 million per year to maintain a military presence at Arifjan and at other locations in the country to deter potential enemies from invading the oil-rich nation.

At Arifjan, we first visited and received a briefing from Lieutenant Colonel Luis Jones, the chief of staff on the base and one of the most honest and generous officers around.

Running a bit late on our schedule, our group opted to skip lunch and go directly to a pre-arranged meet-and-greet at the Arifjan Zone 1 MWR (morale, welfare, and recreation) Center.

Adrenaline rush
After receiving a briefing about KNB, the players were able to get a ride on one of the Navy's smaller, quick strike boats. This vessel, a 34-foot CR-Sea Ark with a special jet motor, was captained by E5 Rob Kohl, a Broncos fan from Los Angeles. E5 Kohl first gently piloted the boat out of the harbor for us and then revved up the engine to perform a few training tactics which included accelerating the boat to top speed (40 knots) and making sharp turns in either direction. E5 Kohl also gave the players a chance to pilot the boat, an opportunity that Will Witherspoon and Jared Allen jumped at. Jared was a natural in the cockpit right away, and Will only needed a few tries to figure out how to maneuver the vessel.

Our group signed autographs and took pictures with the entire crew and dock staff before departing. The boat ride was a definite highlight of the day.

From the dock it was over to the DFAC (dining facility) for a quick dinner and then off to our evening meet and greet. Dinner tonight was the group's first meal at a DFAC.

The day ended with a meet and greet at Camp Patriot . The evening started with autographs and photos but ended with our players throwing long passes to troops.

These sort of unscripted interactions are really what the USO tours are all about. The NFL recognizes that our games provide a great deal of entertainment and diversion for troops during the season. Srg. Christopher Cleighorn said of Camp Arifjan earlier today, "Football is how we get through the fall and winter. It's how we relax and have fun. When the games come on, it's how we mark that another week has passed."

Our USO tours during the offseason attempt to serve as a personal extension of that, but I think our troops on the frontline know that we support them throughout the year and that we'll be there to support them until the mission is done.




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New York Giants LB Danny Clark wrote his own blog post about the trip so far, and explains why teamwork in the desert means so much more than on the gridiron

This trip is truly humbling. To see how many people it takes to make this machine work is truly astonishing. Lt. Colonel Jones spoke of “18,000 points of failure,” meaning there are over 18,000 troops in Kuwait at one time working together as one. You need every man and woman to get their job done at any cost.
We often draw many parallels in the game of football to the military and war mentality. While there are similarities, the difference can be fatal. If a running back misses a guy in pass protection, the worst thing that can happen is your QB gets blindsided for a 7-yard loss. If a pilot forgets to lock the hull of his vessel or a member of an infantry squad fails to do his job, every member of the team can lose their life. It’s amazing to see kids just 19 or 20 years old pay painstaking attention to detail.
At Camp Arifjan, we came in contact with more than 2,000 soldiers, Marines, sailors and airmen. Whether it was signing autographs, taking pictures, shaking hands or even giving hugs, it was truly exhilarating for me at the rest of the guys. We also had an opportunity to have some fun by going out on a 34-foot Naval speedboat. Jared Allen jumped behind the wheel and performed some big donuts port side as well as starboard. Will Witherspoon (nicknamed Chestnut) took a turn next and did an impressive job behind the wheel.
Now today we just landed in Iraq, and I’m excited as ever. My brothers have touched this soil in the last few years, and I’m anxious to see how they lived. We all come from the same household, but we’ve had different experiences so far. I look to uplift every serviceman or woman I can and express my sincere gratitude for what they are doing for us back at home. Talk to you soon~ Danny Clark



Standing behind two Marines, NFL stars Danny Clark, Jared Allen, Will Witherspoon and Larry Fitzgerald donned Kevlar vests for the second leg of their trip to the Persian Gulf.






Flying from one camp to another was done aboard the US Marine Corp V-22 aircraft that incorporates the best features of a heavy lift helicopter and by rotating the props - the best features and speed of a fixed wing aircraft.


Up in the cockpit of the C-130J, are Danny Clark - Linebacker New York Giants and Will Witherspoon - Linebacker St. Louis Rams, to see what it takes to fly and navigate these workhorses of air cargo.


The U.S. Navy demonstrates the high manueverability of their jet-drive patrol boat as NFL players (L-R) Danny Clark, Jared Allen, Larry Fitzgerald and Will Witherspoon look on and wave Mar. 5, 2009.


shown here in body armor, and the Air Force flight crew, as they prepare to fly into the combat zone on a new C-130J (USAF)


Catching a ride in a C-130 is not like travel in a commercial aircraft - with web and canvas seats to make the long trips



L to R) NFL players Will Witherspoon, Larry Fitzgerald, Jared Allen and Danny Clark visit SFC Letizia Payne of Landover, MD, as she receives care at an EMF Hospital in the Persian Gulf Mar. 5, 2009. A staple in USO entertainment, the NFL teamed up with the USO more than 40 years ago and has continued its long-standing tradition of bringing celebrity sports figures to service members year-round. (Photo by Dave Gatley/USO)



L-R) Jared Allen - Defensive End Minnesota Vikings; Larry Fitzgerald - Wide Receiver Arizona Cardinals; Danny Clark - Linebacker New York Giants; Will Witherspoon - Linebacker St. Louis Rams all making the "Gunfighter's Solute" as they pose for photos with US Navy Corpsman Jose(which is copied from the their symbolized pair of striking Cobra snakes on their unit patches (the air crew fly the USMC Cobra helicopters (AH-1W)). (Photo by Dave Gatley/USO)


Posing for photos alongside a U.S. Navy patrol boat crew are (L-R) St. Louis Rams linebacker Will Witherspoon, Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen, New York Giants linebacker Danny Clark and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald Mar. 5, 2009



USO Tour blog: Planes, helicopters and automobiles

The NFL is continuing this March its legacy of more than 40 years of sending players overseas to visit with U.S. military troops. The NFL's Director of Community Affairs, David Krichavsky, is accompanying four NFL players -- Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen, New York Giants linebacker Danny Clark, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, and St. Louis Rams linebacker Will Witherspoon -- on a week-long tour to U.S. military bases in Iraq and Kuwait.

Following is Krichavsky's Day 3 blog:

Day 3 of the NFL-USO Tour began with a 5:30 a.m. wakeup call, as our goal was to travel from Kuwait to Iraq and still have a full day with the troops in-country. We accomplished our mission and then some, but more on that to follow.

After a short ride to a military airbase outside Kuwait City, our group was fitted with body armor. Fortunately, the military makes XXL Kevlar vests that fit the players. We then headed to the flight line to board a C130 airplane to Iraq. At the flight line, the players signed autographs and took pictures with the crew before boarding the plane. Jared Allen found himself in a conversation with Cpl. Matt Van Ens (Call sign: Cashmere) of Lowell, Mich., a Detroit Lions fan, and Cpl. Steven Glenn (Call sign: Most Def) of Brooklyn Center, Minn., a fan of Allen's Minnesota Vikings. The three were soon discussing the now-infamous play from a Lions-Vikings game this past season when an Allen pass rush helped cause Lions quarterback Dan Orlovsky to run out the back of the end zone. Van Ens, the Lions fan, continues to have faith in his hometown team.

The players had been briefed regarding the C130, but they didn't fully grasp what it is like to ride in one until they entered the plane and were airborne. First, flying a C130 is loud. The four propellers cause a constant drone; it is for this reason that the crew hands you earplugs upon boarding. Riding in a C130 isn't particularly comfortable. The "seats" are vinyl benches that are suspended from the side walls of the plane. Nevertheless, the C130 has remained the workhorse of the U.S. Military for 50 years, transporting troops and supplies wherever they are needed.

After getting settled, Larry jokingly asked Staff Sgt. Rob Hurley, one of the very hospitable crew members, about the in-flight food and beverage service, adding that he would prefer the beef entrée to the fish option. Staff Sgt. Hurley was up to the challenge, though. He came back with a handful of MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) ranging from beef and broccoli to chicken pot pie to vegetable lasagna. Larry passed on the MRE, but Jared (as always) was game.

Following the direction on the MRE package, Jared added water to the entrée and waited a few minutes for the dehydrated food to constitute itself. Soon thereafter, Jared had a "breakfast" of Cajun rice, beans and sausage. "It's awesome!" Jared explained. "If I had these [MREs], when I was in college, I would have been all set. I'm going to grab a chicken and noodle one for my dad for later."

While Jared was enjoying the culinary delights of the U.S. military back in the hull of the C130, Danny Clark and Will Witherspoon had been invited to the cockpit to experience takeoff from the front of the plane. Will ended up staying in the cockpit for the entire 1½-hour flight. When I popped my head up there to check on him, I saw him sitting in the co-pilot's seat. When I asked him after we deplaned if he flew the plane at all, his response was "Can't tell you. I don't want to get anyone in trouble."

One thing I failed to mention about a C130 is that it is a painfully slow aircraft. Because our trip had us traveling the entire width of the country of Iraq, from the eastern border with Kuwait to our destination on the far western boarder with Syria and Jordan, we thankfully only took the C130 halfway to our destination. We made our "connecting flight" at Al Asad Airfield in central Iraq, just west of Baghdad. There, we picked up a CD Osprey Marine helicopter that zipped us to our destination, Camp Korean Village.

In the suburbs of nowhere
Camp Korean Village (CKV) is pretty close to the middle of nowhere. It sits at the far western edge of Iraq, at the country's three-point border with Syria and Jordan. In every direction you look from CKV, sand colors the horizon.

The one landmark at CKV is a major highway that cuts through the landscape. This highway is a very strategic thoroughfare because it serves as a major transportation route for commercial goods and sometimes arms and other black-market goods. In fact, the reason CKV got its name is because Saddam Hussein brought in indentured Korean workers early during his rule to work on the highway construction project. Those Korean workers lived in the same modest cement structures that now house our Marines.

Upon landing at CKV, our group was very graciously welcomed by the base command and escorted to lunch. The DFAC staff had reserved a large table for us in the center of the room, hung football pictures and figures from the ceiling, and designed an impressive model Lombardi Trophy as our table's centerpiece. The festive decorations were matched by the excellent chow (Mexican day: fajitas and tacos) that was declared our best DFAC food yet.

After lunch, we held a meet-and-greet for the 500 or so Marines on base. About 150 to 200 turned out to get an autograph and a photo with the players. This had to be almost every Marine who wasn't on patrol and was free to stop by and say hello. In fact, even the battalion chaplain, the inspirational Lt. Cmdr. Kobena Arthur, stopped by to thank Jared, Danny, Larry and Will for making the trip, and he offered a prayer for their safe travels. Even the chaplain, though, didn't leave before getting autographs and a photo with the players.

One final note on Camp Korean Village: The 2007 NFL-USO Tour actually visited this remote outpost with Tennessee Titans tight end Alge Crumpler, New England Patriots tight end Ben Watson, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shelton Quarles and former Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Will Shields. I also was part of that tour, as was USO tour manager Jeff Anthony, who is with us again this year. Jeff -- a former Marine who is not only great at his job of managing the logistics and operation of this tour but also has a deep reservoir of knowledge that he is willing to share -- is a veteran of more than 50 USO tours, including at least four NFL tours.

Returning to CKV two years later and listening to the Marines' description of their jobs made it clear to Jeff and I how much progress the U.S. has made in this region of Iraq. Our Marines are no longer participating in combat missions in most of Anbar province. The work that the Marines are doing is primarily helping the Iraqis find "Iraqi solutions to Iraqi problems," as Maj. Byron Duke told me at CKV.

As an example, our Marines have helped the Iraqis develop local police forces, established school systems to help educate both boys and girls, worked on civil-engineering projects and helped establish government Web sites. When U.S. combat forces pull out of Iraq in August of 2010, as President Obama has indicated, these elements of civil society will be needed to support Iraq.

Morale, welfare and recreation
From Korean Village, it was back to the osprey helicopters for a wild ride back east to Camp Al Taqaddum (TQ). I'm not sure if the chopper was practicing training with us or trying to show us a good time, but the dips and twists on this flight brought both stomach discomfort and calls for more from the players.

We eventually landed at TQ (no air-sickness bags needed) and were escorted to the command center, where we met with Gen. Juan Ayala, the top-ranking officer on base. The players not only received traditional military coins from the general but also American flags that had previously been flown on the base. Our group reciprocated by giving the general a limited-edition Super Bowl XLIII game coin, a replica of the one that General Petraeus used before the game in Tampa, Fla. We also presented Gen. Ayala with an NFL football autographed by our four USO stars.

Our day ended at TQ with a meet-and-greet and the MWR (Morale, Welfare and Recreation) center on base. After dinner, we saw a line of at least 100 people deep waiting for our players. By the end, this evening's session attracted well over 250 Marines, each one getting time to chat with the players, take pictures and just hang out.

As the last five or so Marines came through for autographs, I looked at Larry, Jared, Will and Danny -- still shaking hands, smiling and chatting away with the same enthusiasm as they had this morning. They had been up since 5:30 a.m. They were still jet-lagged. They had signed hundreds of autographs today and thousands in the past few days. They haven't said no to a single autograph request, and I feel like they have said hello to every single service member whom they have walked past. I couldn't be more proud of them. These guys have demonstrated over the past few days the commitment, dedication and passion for which the NFL stands.



Wild Thing's comment........

Awesome! A big thank you to these football players and to the USO. And a tremendously HUGE thank you to our troops every second of every day!


....Thank you Mark for sending this to me.

Mark
3rd Mar.Div. 1st Battalion 9th Marine Regiment
1/9 Marines aka The Walking Dead
VN 66-67


Posted by Wild Thing at 07:40 AM | Comments (6)

March 05, 2009

The Sack Lunch



The Sack Lunches

I put my carry-on in the luggage compartment and sat down in my assigned seat. It was going to be a long flight. 'I'm glad I have a good book to read Perhaps I will get a short nap,' I thought.

Just before take-off, a line of soldiers came down the aisle and filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me. I decided to start a conversation. 'Where are you headed?' I asked the soldier seated nearest to me.


'Petawawa. We'll be there for two weeks for special training, and then we're being deployed to Afghanistan


After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made that sack lunches were available for five dollars. It would be several hours before we reached the east, and I quickly decided a lunch would help pass the time..

As I reached for my wallet, I overheard soldier ask his buddy if he planned to buy lunch. 'No, that seems like a lot of money for just a sack lunch. Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks. I'll wait till we get to base'

His friend agreed.

I looked around at the other soldiers. None were buying lunch. I walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant a fifty dollar bill. 'Take a lunch to all those soldiers.' She grabbed my arms and squeezed tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me. 'My son was a soldier in Iraq ; it's almost like you are doing it for him.'
Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers were seated. She stopped at my seat and asked, 'Which do you like best -beef or chicken?'
'Chicken,' I replied, wondering why she asked. She turned and went to the front of plane, returning a minute later with a dinner plate from first class. 'This is your thanks.'
After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane, heading for the rest room. A man stopped me. 'I saw what you did. I want to be part of it. Here, take this.' He handed me twenty-five dollars.
Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain coming down the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked, I hoped he was not looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers only on my side of the plane.
When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out his hand, an said, 'I want to shake your hand.'
Quickly unfastening my seatbelt I stood and took the Captain's hand. With a booming voice he said, 'I was a soldier and I was a military pilot.

Once, someone bought me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I never forgot.' I was embarrassed when applause was heard from all of the passengers.

Later I walked to the front of the plane so I could stretch my legs.

A man who was seated about six rows in front of me reached out his hand, wanting to shake mine. He left another twenty-five dollars in my palm.

When we landed I gathered my belongings and started to deplane.

Waiting just inside the airplane door was a man who stopped me, put something in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a word.

Another twenty-five dollars!

Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip to the base. I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five dollars. 'It will take you some time to reach the base. It will be about time for a sandwich. God Bless You.'


Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and respect of their fellow travelers. As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe return. These soldiers were giving their all for our country. I could only give them a couple of meals.

It seemed so little...

A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life,wrote a blank check made payable to 'America for an amount of 'up to and including my life.'


That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.'



Wild Thing's comment......

This is wonderfull, I just love stories like this. God bless our Veterans, our troops and I pray more people do things like this.


.... Thank you John for sending this to me.

John
US Navy
62-68


Posted by Wild Thing at 05:44 AM | Comments (6)

February 16, 2009

New England Patriots Running Back Sammy Morris Visits Troops in Iraq



The soldiers wouldn't let Morris fire their weapons, but they at least let him pose like "Rambro."




Back row: Sammy Morris, Willie Roaf, Josh Wilson

Front row: Raiderettes Jovann Walker, Ariel Ogilvie, Meena Shams


New England Patriots Running Back Sammy Morris Visits the Troops in Iraq

Sammy Morris with a small group of NFL players and cheerleaders visited the troops and watched the Super Bowl XLIII with them.

Our group consists of Jody Pucello, the tour leader, Josh Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks, retired offensive lineman Willie Roaf, and three Oakland Raiderettes: Ariel Ogilvie, Jovann Canada, and Meena Shams.

Blog notes

It is great to be part of such a trip with a group of guys/gals that are down to earth and fun to be around -- even though Willie is terrible at dominoes!
We arrived in Kuwait after a long flight, got our bags and headed to our base. We pretty much laid low at that point, resting up for our first day of meet-and-greets with the troops.
Our first day had us going to two bases to sign autographs, take pictures and just hang out with the men and women serving there. Just walking around here is enough to make one appreciate what we have in the U.S. as well as what the troops do to ensure that. My brother is in the Air Force and I've talked to him while on various deployments. I've spoken with troops stateside, but being here is a remarkable experience and one I will always cherish.

"A large part of the day was spent traveling along the dusty, barren, camel-ridden highways of Kuwait. It's kind of funny driving along these roads and seeing absolutely nothing but the sandiest sand (if that even means anything) and then, out of nowhere, you see a Burger King! Then for another stretch of several quizillion dusty miles, you see not one single thing, then all of a sudden there's a strip mall adjacent to a large condo complex, and some guy selling beaded necklaces. Very different from what I'm used to (and by the way, "quizillion" is actually an ancient term which, in English, literally translates to "Damn, that's a lot of dirt!")
What I really found interesting was that among all this dirt, you would occassionally see these tents scattered around or sometimes in clusters varying in size and color. When we asked what they were, our security escort said they were basically families choosing to live in the desert to sort of "get back to their roots." I'm unsure of how long each family does so, but I found it amazing that people chose to bring their families out into basically nothing. "
The meet-and-greets put on by the people from Pro Sports MVP are a fun and relaxed way to meet the troops. Although I'm quite sure they enjoy meeting, greeting and taking pictures with the cheerleaders more than Willie Roaf, Josh Wilson and myself, I still get a kick out of it when the troops ask to take pictures with me holding their guns! I'm always like, "Man, I was hoping you would ask! Can I shoot a couple rounds too?!" ... negative. Oh well, once again I took the opportunity to play tough and actually somehow managed to take a Rambo-type picture, minus the bandana, while holding two guns at the same time! I call it 'Rambro'-ridiculous. I know, but it was just too tempting and easy! To give you an idea of how small the world is, while visiting the soldiers at "The Rock", I actually met not one but two people who knew my dad back in Texas.
The drive back to our base was probably highlighted by our attempts to feed the camels while driving by. It basically turned into Josh throwing fruit at the camels while they stared at us like "stupid Americans."
We were also invited to a naval base and were allowed to not only take a boat ride, but drive one as well!
Getting to drive it was an experience in itself. The water was a bit choppy, so probably not the ideal learning situation, but going about 35 m.p.h. in these boats feels a lot faster than doing 35 in a car. I imagine driving on a still surface has something to do with that as well!
As our first day came to a close, I realized a few similarities in how the troops operate as a team and the way I do as an athlete. We both rely on others to ensure success and we both practice in anticipation of the "real thing."


"On a personal level, coming here is an example of the things I try to teach my kids. Gratitude, humbleness, etc., are all things I've experienced in my short time here."

I got to sit and chat with a soldier who happened to be a life-long Patriots fan, and he explained how he would watch our games before departing on a mission and how watching us play would brighten his day. That's just one of the humbling conversations I've had, where a soldier tells me that what I do helps him when he willfully goes into harm's way! Unbelievable."



Aside from an armed soldier at the table, this picture could have been taken anywhere. Who knew they had Subway shops in Kuwait?




Close-up view of an Apache helicopter





Gunner's view from a Blackhawk chopper.




Blackhawk in flight.


Blackhawks on the tarmac.



This trip marked the first time Sammy had ever seen a camel in person, so he documented the experience with a photo.


General Raymond Odierno, the Commanding General of the Multi-National Force in Iraq.



Apache pilot Mr. Freeze gives Sammy a firsthand look at the helicopter's cockpit.




General Jeffery Hammond briefed Sammy on some of the locations of heavy combat n Iraq.



Wild Thing's comment......

It is always interesting to me when someone goes to visit our troops and what they say about it. What stands out to them and it also tells a lot about the person that they will take home in their hearts forever.


....Thank you Mark for sending this to me.

Mark
3rd Mar.Div. 1st Battalion 9th Marine Regiment
1/9 Marines aka The Walking Dead
VN 66-67


Posted by Wild Thing at 04:48 AM | Comments (2)

January 27, 2009

173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team


HOOAH!




Posted by Wild Thing at 03:48 AM | Comments (4)

January 26, 2009

Lonestar Rocks Joint Base Balad



Nothing seemed out of the ordinary at the Sustainer Theater Jan. 21. Outside, the mission continued, a pair of F-16s could be heard taking off in the background. Inside was anything but the same as Joint Base Balad members danced in the aisles, laughed, sang and even cried during a special morale event.


332nd Air Expeditionary Wing

By Staff Sgt. Dilia Ayala
332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq

Nothing seemed out of the ordinary at the Sustainer Theater Jan. 21. Outside, the mission continued, a pair of F-16s could be heard taking off in the background. Inside was anything but the same as Joint Base Balad members danced in the aisles, laughed, sang and even cried during a special morale event.

Country music group Lonestar and comedian Greg Vaccariello performed for more than 750 service members and civilians as part of “Inaugural Tour January 2009,” sponsored by Stars for Stripes; Morale, Welfare and Recreation; U.S. Army Europe; and Armed Forces Entertainment.

Opening for Lonestar, Vaccariello got the night started by setting an upbeat mood. The audience was all smiles as the show began.

“Greg was extremely funny. He really got things going, and most importantly, he did it without being vulgar,” said Staff Sgt. Michelle Stocker, 332nd AEW protocol non-commissioned, deployed from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas.
“I was really excited that Lonestar took time out of what they normally do to come and visit us,” continued the Sweetwater, Texas, native. “It really helped increase morale. What made it even better is that they are from Texas.”

During the performance, Lonestar keyboardist Dean Sams shared his appreciation for service members in attendance on behalf of the band.

“Let us share with each and every single one of y’all that we have the utmost respect for the manner in which you handle such an awesome, awesome task over here,” Sams said. “You are all truly amazing people. We have these little rubber wrist bands that were give to us by Stars for Stripes and they read, ‘Entertaining our Heroes’ and that is exactly what each and every one of you are. We just want to say, ‘thank you.’”

After sharing his admiration, the band played “I’m already there,” a song about missing the ones you love back home, which Lonestar dedicated to all those serving at JBB and throughout the area of operation.

“We’ve had a lot of hits over the years, but this song really ranks on top as one of the songs that means the most to us,” Sams said. “It’s not because of how many records we’ve sold, but because of all the letters and e-mails you all have sent to us telling us how much it means to you.”
“I want to tell you, we dedicate this song to [all service members] and [their] families every time,” he continued. “Thank you for the sacrifices you make. God bless each and every one of you.”

As the band played the song, service members and civilians alike listened, some cried and others sang along softly.

“When they played ‘I’m Already There,’ my eyes welled up,” Stocker said. “It meant a lot that they dedicated that song to us. It had the perfect meaning to how each and every one of us feel. Especially those who have been here for a while and are days from going home.”

The night continued with the band playing several well-known rock favorites and a few surprises as some service members were invited on stage to take impromptu group photos with Lonestar.

After all was said and done, the band and Vaccariello stayed for a few hours to meet, greet and take photos with those in attendance. By midnight, Sustainer Theater stood quietly in the night sky, both on the outside and the inside.



Brig. Gen. Brian Bishop, 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing commander, speaks with the members of the country music group, Lonestar, before their performance at Sustainer Theater Jan. 21. Bishop thanked the group for their time and support of deployed service members.


Cody Collins of the country music group Lonestar sneaks up behind two Soldiers as they pose for a photo in front of the stage during a performance, Jan. 21. Lonestar held a meet-and-greet following the concert. The group is touring Iraq and Kuwait as part of a morale, welfare and recreation event.




Dean Sams of the country music band, Lonestar, plays harmonica during a performance at the base theater, Jan. 21. Sams also provides keyboard and background vocals for the band. The theater was filled with more than 750 military personnel from the Air Force, Army, Marines and Navy.


Posted by Wild Thing at 04:40 AM | Comments (9)

January 12, 2009

California Woman Raises Troop Morale With 'Pin-Ups for Vets' Calendar



California Woman Raises Troop Morale, Funds With 'Pin-Ups for Vets' Calendar

FOX news

Pin-up art — a morale-booster for troops fighting overseas during World War II — is making a comeback, or will be if a California woman has anything to say about it.

Gina Elise, 26, is bringing retro back with her third annual "Pin-Ups for Vets" calendar, which features herself in costumes and poses that were popular among America's fighting men in the 1940s. Profits from the sales of the calendars provide assistance to U.S. military hospitals.

About two years ago, I started hearing stories of wounded soldiers that were coming back to underfunded hospitals, so I just decided that I really wanted to do something to help out,” Elise told FOXNews.com. “I‘ve always been a huge fan of the pin-up era, so I figured I can sort of combine my love for this era to not only use the money for the hospitals but also help boost morale with the calendars themselves.”

The UCLA grad started spreading the word about the project in hopes of enlisting some help.

“Some people thought I was nuts," she said. "But I have a lot of friends that are artists and photographers and costume designers that actually donated their time and services. Wal-Mart also gave me a community grant to help get the project off the ground.”

And it soared right to the Web. At Pinupsforvets.com, with a donation of $22 or more, anyone can purchase a calendar for themselves, a hospitalized veteran or a deployed service member, along with a personal message of appreciation.

If the calendar is being sent overseas, Elise mails it in a care package. For those recovering in U.S. hospitals, she hand-delivers every calendar.

“I go there and I ask things like their name and their birthday and show them their birth month on the calendar. A lot of these veterans don’t get visitors, so to see their reaction when I show up is really rewarding,” she said.
“At one VA hospital in San Diego, I left the room after talking to a veteran and all the nurses rushed toward me saying they were in shock because he’d suffered a traumatic brain injury and that was the first time he’d spoken in a month!”

Loreleye Winn, director of voluntary resources at San Diego’s Veterans Affairs hospital, recalled one of Elise’s visits.

“She was dressed like a '40s pin-up lady, and she passed out some calendars to the patients and went around to their bedsides,” Winn said. “They really enjoyed it and it just was a pleasure to have someone come in and visit.”

Winn isn’t the only one singing "Pin-Ups'" praises.

“There have been five flags flown over military bases in Iraq in honor of the project, and I also received the 2007 California Junior Chamber of Commerce’s Outstanding Young Californian award,” Elise said.

Thus far, “Pin-Ups for Vets” has raised $20,000, with proceeds from 2007 going to Loma Linda VA Hospital in Loma Linda, Calif., and proceeds from 2008 awarded to San Diego’s Naval Medical Center.

And Elise says she gets back more than she gives.

“It’s really inspiring when you are going into these hospitals, especially Walter Reed, where they have the most severe cases, and you’re seeing double amputees, triple amputees, people with severe illnesses, and yet they’re still so strong,” she said. “They’re some of the bravest people I’ve ever met.”

webiste for her project

http://www.pinupsforvets.com/behindtheproject.html


Wild Thing's comment........


What a great idea, I just love things that make the day better for our Veterans and our troops.



......Thank you Lynn for this story.


Posted by Wild Thing at 03:47 AM | Comments (17)

January 10, 2009

'On the Road in Iraq With Our Troops and Gary Sinise' ~ On FOX Tonight




In this exclusive FOX News documentary, actor and activist Gary Sinise shares the "on the road" experiences he had last summer in Iraq while visiting American troops.

Some 25 hours of his adventure was captured verite style with a handheld camera. Sinise does his best to meet his goal of what he says is "5000 handshakes, 2000 miles in seven days."

The personal footage captures heartfelt meetings between Sinise and the troops in Kuwait and the Iraqi cities of Al Qaim, Al Asad, Ramadi and Baghdad.

Fox News Chanel
Time:Saturday 9 p.m. ET....... Repeats Sun., January 11 at midnight ET


Posted by Wild Thing at 03:55 AM | Comments (7)

December 24, 2008

Thanks To Dan Lauria and Marine Corps the Movie "The Spirit" Will Show In Iraq and Kuwait





'Wonder Years' star works wonder for troops

'I just felt that, why don't we open for the men in harm's way?'

wnd

A top Hollywood star has decided to spend this Christmas taking a copy of the Christmas Day release "The Spirit" to U.S. soldiers in the Middle East.

Actor Dan Lauria, who starred on television's "The Wonder Years," and has been in movies including "Never Say Die" and "Independence Day," told WND he doesn't understand why more special efforts aren't being made to provide soldiers relief from the intensity of fighting the war on terror.
"We have a number of films opening during the Christmas week," he told WND, "and I just felt that, why don't we open them for the men in harm's way?"
"I don't understand why every film is not sending one, at a least a copy over," he said. "I understand we're in a lot of trouble right now, especially the economy, but the war is page 20 in the newspaper. The nightly news hardly reports anything about what's going on."

The issue, he said, is that without the military's work to protect the basic freedoms Americans enjoy, even the economy's difficulties wouldn't matter a great deal.

Lauria said he decided he wanted to do something for the soldiers.

"The USO said it was too late (to make arrangements), so I just went through the Marine Corps," he said. "We have two different types of discs. I'll see five different bases in the three days."
"I just want to make sure that over the holidays, they're not forgotten," he said.

Lauria will be in both Iraq and Kuwait to screen the movie. Plans have been made to show it in Kuwait Christmas Eve and then move into Iraq Christmas Day.

A release to soldiers in combat zones at the same time a movie is released in the U.S. is rare, according to promoters.

But because of the "invaluable service that our troops give to this country, they above anyone deserve a special gift this holiday season and, while they can't be with their loved ones, we can at least give them a touch of home to enjoy and a break from the rigors of fighting," Lauria said.

The movie decidedly is entertainment, he said.

"''The Spirit' is very hard to explain," he said. "It's more like a comic book. It's where the future lies. It's sending a message it's the next step in what film and creativeness will go to.
"I hope it really inspires," he said. "I hope it sparks their creativeness, makes them feel like when they come back from this ordeal, almost anything is possible.
"If you can imagine it, it can be created," he said.

Lauria is joined in "The Spirit" by Gabriel Macht, Eva Mendes, Paz Vega, Scarlett Johansson and Samuel L. Jackson.

Lauria plays Commissioner Dolan in the feature about police officer Denny Colt, who is killed but returns to continue fighting crime.

The role allowed Lauria to explore his interest in 1940s movies.

"The actors in those films, particularly in film noir, speak at a very rapid pace. … I would just fly through my dialogue, which gave it an edge that I love," he said.

Lauria, whose own duty in the Marines included a tour in Vietnam and the rank of captain, worked with "300" creator Frank Miller on the new project. It is being released by Lionsgate.

The film was adapted from the writings of Will Eisner and uses storytelling and graphics to create a stylized world of adventure, danger and romance.

The PG-13 project tells the story of Colt, a murdered officer who is reborn mysteriously as the masked crime fighter. He is determined to keep his beloved Central City safe and pursues villains from the shadows. His ultimate target is the "psychotic megalomaniac" Octopus.




Wild Thing's comment..........

Fantastic! I agree, more people should do this kind of thing with their films. Our troops LOVE movies, the list of things to send them always included vidoes especially action films. I am so glad Lauria is doing this and did not stop his idea when the USO was unable to do it. The USO is great but they plan very far ahead. And Lauria did not give up.

YESssssssssss good one!!!

HERE IS THE TRAILER FOR THE MOVIE....JUST CLICK TO SEE IT.


....Thank you Mark for sending this to me.


Posted by Wild Thing at 04:55 AM | Comments (5)

December 22, 2008

Honoring Heroes at the Holidays ~ MAF Heads To GITMO







Honoring Heroes at the Holidays

Move America Forward

The Honoring Heroes at the Holidays Tour is now officially complete, but the MAF team has one more little stop...Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

MAF (Move America Forward ) will be sending Chairman Melanie Morgan, Gold Star mom Debbie Lee, Executive Director Cat Moy, Ryan Gill and Danny Gonzalez with Kylie Williams off to Guantanamo Bay to visit the troops there and bring them special tidings of comfort and joy for Christmas!






Kylie was Ms. Florida 2007 and went on to compete in the Miss America Pageant. She has her own non-profit organization called Realistic Support for the Troops and is also designated Official Ambassador for Veteran’s Advocacy for the State of Florida. Kylie helped to make our trip to GITMO happen by using her contacts in Florida and GITMO to help facilitate our visit.

How You Get in Without Chains on Your Wrists

It was 10 AM this morning, we were all set to go in Ft. Lauderdale but there was a slight mix up when we didn’t know, and the pilots for the Navy didn’t know, whether we were supposed to go fly out of Miami or Ft. Lauderdale. We were waiting in Ft. Lauderdale at a private hangar waiting for the military to show up, but then we got a call saying they were waiting for US in Miami (with Kylie) so they said they would come pick us up in Ft. Lauderdale and about 40 minutes later a prop plane showed up in Ft. Lauderdale with Kylie Williams and 3 U.S. Navy pilots on board ready to pick up the MAF team.

In just a few minutes we were up in the air and on our way to Cuba. It’s a three hour flight out of Ft. Lauderdale because you usually take a route around the eastern edge of the country and then turn westward and loop around the island into Guantanamo Bay. This is because we usually do not have access to Cuban airspace but Joe from the Navy told me that even if you cut across the country it only saves you thirty minutes.




THEY’RE HERE—The US Navy arrives to pick us up!!

The us navy has brought their c-12 prop plane here with Kylie Williams direct from Miami international airport!

it was a tenuous situation here at the FBO office (a private part of ft. lauderdale airport) and were not sure if we were going to make it because of a mixup on where the plane was supposed to be and where we were supposed to be but it turned out the US Navy came through for us!

Kylie is here, Mel and Cat and Debbie are here and we’re all ready to go in about five minutes!!! we had JUST BARELY enough time to shoot this little video…


MAF going to GITMO -- waiting to take off!





OK. The secret’s out. I am headed to one of the most dreaded, brutal, bloody spots in the world – if you’re a liberal.
Gitmo. The word sends lefties running to the bong for another hit of weed to ease their misery. I’m looking forward to seeing with my own eyes the base where we cage beasts that want to cut our throats because we aren’t radical Muslims.

I have to admit – I also want to warm myself. Despite what Al Gore-ites say, we in Northern California haven’t experienced global warming. In fact, I have to crank up the heat – bless me Algore, for I have sinned – to defrost my bones in the morning.

Anyway, my nonprofit, Move America Forward, thought it was high-tim e to travel to Guantanamo Bay to thank our troops for their steadfast work with some of the most vicious beings to walk this earth (aside from Code Pink freaks I’ve met on the streets of Berkeley).

Over the past couple of weeks, MAF has traveled the country to hold rallies for our troops. Patriots have come out to the rallies and g one to our Website at www.moveamericaforward.org and sponsored care packages for our troops.

Yes, we actually love our troops and respect them for their work keeping us safe. We are also aware that the left in this country wants to close Gitmo.

Important safety tip to you whiney liberals: If you want to close Guantanamo Bay like your leader, Barack Obama, you need to make your home their home. That’s right. But make sure that you don’t offend them. Call them to prayer five times a day. Feed them culturally appropriate food. Give them prayer caps, prayer rugs and prayer beads and a brand new Koran. They’re used to all of these items, thanks to the dreaded Americans who run Gitmo.

But make sure to put away the kitchen knives, or you may wake up in the morning without your head.

Tune in later when I give you the lowdown on club Gitmo. I plan to eat well, relax, and kick back in the 80-degree weather after some afternoon waterboarding!!

Mostly, though, I’m going to thank our troops for keeping us safe from the real live monsters that are foaming at the mouth to get at us.



Guantanamo Bay: First Impressions

We landed softly and taxied in quickly, loaded up into two trucks with all our gear and went down to a little harbor that is right next to the airstrip. We boarded a boat called the GITMO Queen and took a short ride across the bay where the Navy pilots were pointing out all the local landmarks. Guantanamo Bay has lots of manatees in the water and there are a whole mess of old and historical buildings. For example, in testament to the fact that GTMO has been in use as a military installation for decades, there are a couple old forts situated in the outskirts of the bay.

There is also an old hospital where the Cubans used to quarantine patients when they had an outbreak of some sickness they did not want to spread. We also saw lots and lots of old warehouses that used to house sea planes and other things but have since been converted. From the boat we were also able to see the base HQ, a power plant that supplies energy for the whole base, and “the skipper’s house” which is now under renovations so the skipper lives in the BEQ where we are staying.

The MWR (which stands for Morale, Welfare and Recreation) treated us to some of the excellent local dining, a fast food-type joint called The Jerk House which had some AWESOME food! I got me some jerked pork and rice and it was delicious. Tomorrow morning we have an early start and a full day’s schedule of stops and tours where we will explore everything that goes on down here in Guantanamo Bay. Keep emailing the MAF account and keep up with us on our journey!




Wild Thing's comment.........

I love reading about the support of our troops. There are so many organizations and so many they do a lot of good. This one Move America Forward is excellent and has done a lot to support our troops. Not only that but they also have been active in the protests to counter the protests of the Code Pink at the Marine recruiting offices in San Francisco and other places.

God bless our troops and all those that support them and their mission.


Posted by Wild Thing at 03:50 AM | Comments (8)

December 12, 2008

Patriot Guard Riders and Snowball Express California


The Patriot Guard Riders have been invited to attend the SNOWBALL EXPRESS arrival and departure at Sacramento International Airport on December 16, 2008 . It arrives at 11:08 am and departs at 11:48 am. Terminal B American Airlines.

Patriot Guard Riders to arrive at 09:00 HRS and greet the Children of those Military Fallen Heroes who will be boarding the "Snowball Express".

The PGR will be escorting the children from the curbside to the gate. If you plan on attending this event you MUST let me know asap. American Airlines will be issuing special passes to riders to enter the restricted areas to escort the Children to the gates.

Bill Hawkins

Patriot Guard Riders - Regional Ride Captain, Sacramento - NorCal

Email



Wild Thing's comment.........

This is so awesome what they are doing. I love the Patriot Guard Riders and the Snowball Express really does a lot of good too. Thank God for these that know how important it is NEVER to Forget.


The "Snowball Express" was created so that Americans and businesses could honor and pay tribute to the children (and parents) of those military fallen heroes who have died while honorably serving since 9/11. The program started in December of 2006 when nearly 900 family members from all across America and the world gathered in Southern California for an unforgettable holiday gathering. In Nov 2007, over 1,100 children and surviving parents attended (as guests of Americans, corporations, and service groups who donated their time, money and resources) yet another healing event. Kids, parents, and widows discovered they weren't alone. And they found they weren't forgotten.

The Snowball Express flight on the West coast will originate in Seattle (45 people will board), make a stop at PDX (23 people will board), and another stop in Sacramento (35 people will board) before arriving in Southern California. This flight is one of six in the U.S. all destined for the same place (Disneyland/Universal Studios).

At Sacramento the Sacramento Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker (soldiers, mice, party children, and the Nutcracker) will be costumed at the theater and transported to the airport to offer a festive atmosphere. The soldiers will “Stand Guard” at the gate as the passengers board. The Sacramento Ballet is also bringing equipment to play Holiday Music. This is an event that we all will never forget and what a wonderful way to help the children celebrate the Holiday Season. We will never forget the fallen!

Snowball Express is dedicated to helping the children of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces since 9/11.

On December 16th through December 20th of this year, Snowball Express will host 2000 children and surviving spouses in Southern California, from all across America, for an all-expense paid holiday gathering none of them will ever forget.

The price of freedom for these families is paid every day with the loss of a loved one.

Their heroes died as Americans. Let's step up as Americans and help their families


....Thank you Cuchieddie for sending this to me.


Posted by Wild Thing at 05:47 AM | Comments (4)

December 07, 2008

Wrestle Mania Rocks Camp Victory




WWE's sixth annual Tribute to the Troops program airs Dec. 20 at 9/8 CT on NBC, featuring exciting matches from Raw, SmackDown and ECW Superstars' live performance in the Middle East. WWE's mission to bring its unique form of entertainment to the U.S. servicemen and women in Iraq also bridges the American public with those who continue to fight in the name of freedom. Tune in to NBC at 9/8 CT on Dec. 20 for this poignant holiday special.

WWE website




World Wrestling Entertainment Divas Kelly Kelly and Eve, leave the ring after their fight as part of the WWE's Tribute to the Troops Tour Dec. 5 in front of the Al Faw Palaceon.



World Wrestling Entertainment's wrestler, John Cena, holds up the United States flag while paying a tribute to the troops in Iraq





Troops from all over the Victory Base Complex gathered to cheer for their favorite World Wrestling Entertainment wrestlers at the Tribute to the Troops Tour held in front of the Al Faw Palace on Dec. 5.





Multi-National Division-Baghdad Soldiers gather around the World Wrestling Entertainment ring, raise their right hand and re-enlist to serve their country before the WWE wrestlers took the ring during the Tribute to the Troops Tour held in front of the Al Faw Palace on Dec. 5.


(From left to right) John Morrison, Jeff Hardy and R Truth, World Wrestling Entertainment wrestlers, pose with Soldiers after their fight during the Tribute to the Troops Tour, held in front of the Al Faw Palace Dec. 5.


Soldiers from 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division-Baghdad, cheer as World Wrestling Entertainment wrestler R Truth climbs out of their mine resistant ambush protective vehicle and takes the ring during the Tribute to the Troops Tour held in front of the Al Faw Palace on Dec. 5.


Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond, a Hattisburg, Miss. native, commanding general, Multi-National Division-Baghdad, poses with Vince McMahon, World Wrestling Entertainments chairman, before the WWE wrestlers took the ring during the Tribute to the Troops Tour



Wrestle Mania Rocks Camp Victory


By Spc. Benjamin Crane and Pfc. Lyndsey Dransfield

Multi-National Division-Baghdad Public Affairs Office

CAMP VICTORY, Iraq

Hundreds of service members gathered in front of Al Faw Palace Dec. 5, to watch World Wrestling Entertainment wrestlers lay the smack down.

John Cena, Chris Jericho, the Big Show and the WWE Divas headlined the Tribute to the Troops Tour.

Troops from all of the Victory Base Complex came out to cheer on their favorite stars. Some even waited in line for three hours before the barriers were opened so they could get a ringside view of the action.

“I was extremely excited when I heard about this because I grew up watching wrestling with my dad and my friends back home,” said Spc. Scott Snow, a Garland, Texas, native, with Company B, Special Troops Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad. “I got here at 8:15 a.m. and there was already a line”

The troops stormed toward the ring when the gates opened at 10 a.m. for a day to enjoy and boost their morale.

“I really appreciate it because they realize we do so much for the country. Then by them coming out here, they support us. It raises a lot of morale for a lot of people and I really enjoy watching,” said Sgt. Molly Stoklosa, a native of Ely, Minn., and part of the 4th Inf. Div. Band.

Before the fights began, Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond, commanding general of MND-B re-enlisted one hundred Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers.

Spc. Jerry Ewell was one of the soldiers that decided it was a good opportunity to rededicate his service to his county and see his favorite wrestlers at the same time.

“I want to make the Army a career,” said Ewell, an Idaho native, who serves with the Special Troops Battalion 2nd Brigade, 1st Inf. Div., MND-B. He talked to his retention non-commissioned officer and was told he could be ringside when he was sworn in.
“My favorite wrestler is John Cena and I really hope to meet him,” said Ewell. “He knows what the troops are like because his dad was a Marine.”

Whether or not Ewell got the chance to meet Cena is a mystery, but most likely he was thrilled when at the end of the show Cena proudly held his championship belt over his head and paid a special tribute to the service members.

“This vacation means a lot to me and it means a lot to spend it with you guys. I am surrounded by the most disciplined, courageous unbelievable bunch in the universe and I am proud of each and every one of you,” he yelled to the crowd as they threw their hands in the air and cheered in unison.

This is the sixth year the WWE wrestlers have volunteered to perform for the troops in Iraq and according to Vince McMahon, chairman and promoter of the WWE, it certainly won’t be the last.

“All of our performers want to come year after year. It’s an extraordinary personal experience for them to be able to interact with our Armed Forces,” McMahon said. “It’s the biggest event we do all year, bigger than Wrestle Mania. We get more out of it than any other event. It’s the least we can do as patriots; to come over here and show some appreciation for all of the good work these men and women do.”

Wrestler and entertainer, the Big Show, has been coming to Iraq since 2003 and personally continues to come back each year because of the feeling he gets when he’s around Soldiers.

“I know we are supposed to be a big morale booster for the Soldiers, but I find myself being inspired when we come over here,” said the Big Show. “I love everything about the Armed Forces and I’m a proud American.”

Over two months ago Maj. Michael McGregor, a Roaring Springs, Pa. native, deputy of personnel office with 4th Inf. Div, MND-B, was appointed as officer in-charge of coordination and planning for the event.

“We met with the set design staff, who came over before time and gave us a layout of how the venue would work,” said McGregor. “When the staff landed they just needed to add the finishing touch.”

But McGregor said, it’s not the set design or the venue layout that make the event so significant each year. It’s the unique opportunity service members in theater have to meet and see people they may not otherwise have the opportunity to see.

“WWE wrestlers are larger than life to most of our Soldiers, so they carry a certain amount of mystery or amazement for people,” said McGregor.
“When you go to a concert in the United States the entertainers don’t do a meet and great after the show where everyone gets an autograph, but they do here because they are appreciative of what the Soldiers do for them and our country, he said. “I don’t think these entertainers realize that for some, this is a dream come true.”






Posted by Wild Thing at 06:48 AM | Comments (10)

December 05, 2008

The Marine Corps Toys for Tots




The Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation kicked off its annual toy drive with a ceremony in Virginia. Country music star Aaron Tippin was the featured guest.


Marines Toys for Tots website

About The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation

The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a not for profit organization authorized by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Department of Defense to provide fundraising and other necessary support for the annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. Now in its 61st year, Toys for Tots provides joy and a message of hope to economically disadvantaged children through the gift of a new toy during the Christmas holiday season. Our gifts offer these children hope, recognition and a positive memory they will cherish for a lifetime. Many of the gifts we provide, such as books, games and sports equipment, make a significant contribution to the educational, social and recreational development of these children. In 2007, Marines distributed gifts to 7.5 million children in over 600 communities nationwide. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation relies on individual donations from the American public as well as support from corporate sponsors.




Wild Thing's comment.........

Several years ago I had the opportunity to work with Toys for Tots with the Marine Corps. We had a Television marathon over the weekend that year and it was so wonderful to see so many people responding.


Posted by Wild Thing at 03:45 AM | Comments (6)

December 03, 2008

Let's Say Thanks To Our Troops



Let's Give Thanks website by Xerox





You can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq.

Let's Give Thanks website

The postcards, depicting patriotic scenes and hometown images, were selected from a pool of entries from children across the country.

All you have to do is click on your favorite design and either select the message that best expresses your sentiment or draft a personal note. The postcards are then printed on the Xerox , and mailed in care packages by military support organization Give2TheTroops®.

Xerox is committed to helping people across the nation express their gratitude to our troops overseas. The launch of this program is aimed at reminding them how much Americans appreciate their service.



Wild Thing's comment......

They had this last year and I am so glad they are doing it again. It is a wonderful idea and it is so worth it.



......Thank you RAC for sending this to me.

RAC has a website that is awesome. 336th Assault Helicopter Company

13th Combat Aviation Battalion - 1st Aviation Brigade - Soc Trang, Republic of Vietnam


Posted by Wild Thing at 05:45 AM | Comments (4)

November 18, 2008

Operation Project Valour-IT




Every year I pick a different branch of the service, since all were represented in my family and we have to pick only one. I wish we could do all of them but it is a competition between the service branches competition to see who can raise the most for the Soldier’s Angels project to get adaptive laptops to wounded warriors. -- Wild Thing


The Valour-IT Veterans Day fundraiser, a friendly competition among blogs, will run through
November 27, 2008 (Thanksgiving).

Project Valour-IT, in memory of SFC William V. Ziegenfuss (Captain Chuck Ziegenfuss' father), provides voice-controlled software and laptop computers to wounded Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines recovering from hand and arm injuries or amputations at major military medical centers. Operating laptops by speaking into a microphone, our wounded heroes are able to send and receive messages from friends and loved ones, surf the 'Net, and communicate with buddies still in the field without having to press a key or move a mouse.


For DONATIONS

Just click the button for the branch you prefer or join me in clicking the one for the ARMY.


The snail mail address for those who'd rather donate that way . Be sure to put which branch ( ARMY, NAVY, AIR FORCE, MARINES, COAST GUARD) on the check. - Thank you Wild Thing

Soldiers' Angels
Project Valour-IT Fund - ARMY TEAM
1792 E. Washington Blvd
Pasadena, Ca 91104




All funds received go directly to our wounded troops; 100% of your donation to Project Valour-IT will be used to purchase laptops and other technology that will support recovery and provide independence and freedom to wounded Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines.


Posted by Wild Thing at 04:48 AM | Comments (2)

November 17, 2008

Give Thanks To A Recovering American Soldier - CORRECTION



Now is the time we can send Christmas/Hannukah/holiday greeting cards to the troops .

When you are making out your Christmas card list this year......this is an important announcement.

There is an email going around and so many of us thought it was correct. It is not. I just heard from Walter Reed and they want to let us all know about sending Christmas and holiday cards and what to do. There are changes that were not in the email.

VERY Important!!

Walter Reed Army Medical Center officials want to remind those individuals who want to show their appreciation through holiday cards addressed to 'Any Wounded Soldier' or 'A Recovering American Soldier' that Walter Reed cannot accept these !!!!!

This decision was made to ensure the safety and well being of patients and staff at medical centers throughout the Department of Defense. In addition, the U.S. Postal Service is no longer accepting "Any Service Member" or "A Recovering American Soldier" cards/mail.

As Walter Reed continues to enhance the medical care and processes for our returning service members, it must also must keep our patients and staff members safe while following Department of Defense policy. The outpouring of encouragement from the general public, corporate America and civic groups throughout the past year has been incredible. Our Warriors in Transition are amazed at the thanks and support they receive from their countrymen.


For the 2008 holiday season, the Red Cross is sponsoring a "Holiday Mail for Heroes" program to distribute holiday cards to service members, a program that encompasses not just troops who are recovering in military hospitals but also service members stationed throughout the U.S. and abroad, as well as veterans and their families:

The American Red Cross will sponsor a national "Holiday Mail for Heroes" campaign to receive and distribute holiday cards to service members and veterans both in the US and aboard. Holiday Mail for Heroes, which begins on Nov. 11, Veteran's Day, is a follow-up to the successful 2007 effort that resulted in the collection and distribution of over 600,000 cards to hospitalized service members. This year's program will expand its reach to not only wounded servicemembers but also veterans and their families. The goal is to collect and distribute 1 million pieces of holiday mail.

"As we enter this holiday season — a time to celebrate with family and friends — it's important to remember the thousands of men and women who serve our nation in harm's way and those who are recovering in military and veterans hospitals," said Army Col. Norvell V. Coots, commander, Walter Reed Health Care System. "The Holiday Mail for Heroes program is a wonderful outreach effort and a great way to acknowledge the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform."


Please send cards to this address, following the guidelines listed below:

Holiday Mail for Heroes
PO Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456


Please note that the referenced guidelines are important — many contributors have been disappointed in the past to find that they missed the mailing deadline or sent gifts and other types of materials that could not be delivered:


* All cards must be postmarked no later than Wednesday, December 10, 2008. Cards sent after this date will be returned to sender.

* Please ensure that all cards are signed.

* Please send cards as opposed to long letters which delay a quick review process.

* Please do not include email or home addresses on the cards, as the program is not meant to foster pen pal relationships.

* Please do not include inserts of any kind, including photos, as these items will be removed during the reviewing process.

* Participants should limit the number of cards they submit to 25 from any one person or 50 from any one class or group.


Also please note that the "Holiday Mail for Heroes" program is for the delivery of holiday cards only.


Posted by Wild Thing at 04:40 AM | Comments (2)

September 07, 2008

America United To Support Our Troops ~ Highlight Reel




TONIGHT

Where : ABC

Time: 2000 EST






You can go HERE to their website and see a short Video of what they will show tonight.

CLICK HERE



..... Thank you Jack for leltting me know about this.


Posted by Wild Thing at 06:24 PM | Comments (5)

August 12, 2008

The Vandals at PB Volunteer, Baghdad, Iraq


The Vandals at PB Volunteer, Baghdad, Iraq 2004

Check out the Vandals playing "America, Fuck Yeah!" in Sadr City, Baghdad for our troops. Shhhh! Please don't tell our guys that you think they're bullshit troops fighting a bullshit war against bullshit terror, they might not appreciate that too much. And they have really big guns. Heh heh I love our troops!! -- Wild Thing



"This video was shot by a fellow soldier at Patrol Base Volunter, Baghdad, Iraq. Unsure if he wants his name published, thanks, CPT. The Vandals played around 5-6 shows in the Iraqi country side, dodging mortar fire and ambush risk like anyone else. Of their set at PB Volunteer, this video was the perfect song to play, as Team America was a big thing at the time. Mad high props to The Vandals! -Med Plt, 2/162 INF BN. "



Posted by Wild Thing at 02:45 AM | Comments (4)

August 09, 2008

Woman Walks 2,700 Miles To Thank Troops


"Through the course of our lives, we are fortunate enough to receive a multitude of amazing gifts; gifts which, though through another’s’ hard won sacrifice, we freely call our own. The majority of the time we fail to express our gratitude to these selfless heroes, and it is for that reason that generations of men and women serving our armed forces go unnoticed. Yet these men and women have given life, limb and all the creature comforts of home to ensure that liberty and all its freedoms should never fail for You . . . for Me."
"My name is Keela Carr and I AM an American; a proud daughter of my fore fathers; a grateful recipient of the precious gift of freedom. "


Keela Carr began her Journey of 1,000 Thanks in Barstow, California on Memorial Day, and is scheduled to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington, Virginia on August 8, 2008.


A Journey of 1,000 Thanks spans thousands of miles

Mountain Statesman

On Memorial Day, Keela Carr began a journey. A journey that would take her across the United States on foot in an effort to give thanks to those who have defended her freedom to do so. The goal of her journey was to give 1,000 thanks to 1,000 United States service men and women for the sacrifices and efforts they have given to keep this nation safe and free.

Starting in Barstow, California, this 35-year-old personal trainer from Central Florida, has crossed 12 states thus far in her quest to reach Arlington, Virginia.

Keela is scheduled to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington on August 8, 2008. Her journey has taken her through California, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and West Virginia. Through blisters, rain, nearly unbearable heat, and the occasional critter, (she stepped on a copperhead while traveling through Kansas, and met a very friendly squirrel at the Grand Canyon) Keela has pressed on with what has become a monumental journey of gratitude brought forth through the love of her country. Fourteen pairs of shoes and hundreds of socks later, she is now approaching the last leg of her journey to Arlington.

A life changing visit to Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, DC, helped to inspire her patriotic trek to give thanks to those who serve.

Throughout her long walk, she has been privileged to meet with and thank veterans from all of the branches of the armed services. West Virginia has become one of her more difficult states to walk across. With the absence of a shoulder alongside the road in many areas, she finds herself walking through the weeds and grass in order to remain safe. She left the Mountain Statesman office Monday heading toward Route 50 East and the remainder of her journey.

This is a truly inspirational effort on the part of one woman who has been blessed with the freedoms and liberties afforded her through the efforts of veterans across the United States. Inspired by the commitment these men and women have made over the years, Keela is happy to dedicate this time in her life in showing her appreciation.

Miss Carr snapped pictures and took video along the way and documented her journey on AThousandThanks.us.

She stayed at hotels during the beginning of her walk, but said she began making connections with strangers who heard about her mission. Many of them took her into their homes and fed her.


Fox News video

Keela's website:

A Thousand Thanks


.


Wild Thing's comment.........

God belss her!

What a difference in this woman and the likes of Barack and Michelle Obama and anyone else on the left.


Posted by Wild Thing at 04:45 AM | Comments (6)

July 26, 2008

Showing We Appreciate Our Troops




This was in Sgt. Grit's


..."I must tell you a story that just happened to me. I was in Shannon airport on May 21st, early afternoon, waiting for a flight to U.S. As often happens in Shannon a U.S. Troop Transport plane came in - full of Marines this time - and off they came. I have seen U.S. Troops there so often - it is the refueling spot on their trips in and out of Kuwait. I have been there and seen those young men walk up to the bar and order a pint and have seen men - U.S. and other citizens, and women, too, walk over and say - No U.S. solder pays for a drink here - there are enough of us in this airport to buy them a pint - and they do. I have rarely seen a soldier remove money from his pocket. As they get off the plane and walk in and it happens all the time - the entire waiting room area in the airport stands up and claps. The first time I saw it I melted in tears as I clapped - and I have melted again each time.

Those young men whether coming in from Iraq or wherever or going to Iraq are always moved and sincerely appreciative of the support. As I was sitting there watching them I noticed several of them going up to the Eircom (the Irish version of Ma Bell) boxes trying to make calls home to the states and I sat there with our Irish phone with about 25 Euro still left on it - and so I walked over and handed it to the young Marine and said - here - call your momma. He looked stunned and then thanked me and did call his momma. He finished and I checked the time left on the phone - 23 Euro - I said, just take it and pass it to your friends til it runs out. Jim and I were sitting there in tears - but knew that those 25 Euro were well worth the price to think someone's momma or wife would hear from her son again. Another man asked what I was doing and Jim told him and he was an Irish citizen and he whipped out his cell and handed it to another Marine. By the time our phone ran out of Euro there were about 15 phones being passed around.
As wewere boarding our flight for the states another troop transport was unloading and they were Air Force men. They, too, got the standing ovation and someone started handing them their cell phones. It was just a very emotional experience for us and for everyone there. It made me proud, once again, to be an American to see the reaction of the U. S. Citizens, the Irish and the many other nationalities there in the airport. I think the press downplays the support, love and loyalty that we all feel toward our military. Becky Kent "


Wild Thing's comment........

I love things like this to happen so much. It just makes my heart feel like bursting.


<

....Thank you Mark.

Posted by Wild Thing at 03:45 AM | Comments (8)

July 16, 2008

USO Tour,Cheerleaders, Drew Brees, Osi Umenyiora,Jack Lengyel, Roger Goodell, Milo Ventimiglia Visit Rakkasan


Sgt. Richard High, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), poses for a picture with Drew Brees, Osi Umenyiora, Roger Goodell, Jack Lengyel, Milo Ventimiglia and two Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders during an USO tour at Camp Striker on July 8.



Capt. Holly Brewer, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT), poses for a picture with Milo Ventimiglia, star of the television show “Heroes,” during an USO trip at Camp Striker on July 8.


USO Tour Visits Rakkasan Soldiers

By Spc. Justin Snyder
3rd Brigade Combat Team,
101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq

Celebrities paid a visit to Soldiers from 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Camp Striker as part of a United Service Organizations tour on July 8.

The group included National Football League stars Drew Brees and Osi Umenyiora, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, former college football coach Jack Lengyel, actor Milo Ventimiglia and two Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders.

The stars posed for pictures and answered questions with all of the Soldiers before sitting down to sign autographs.

The NFL has a long-standing reputation of supporting the troops, working with the USO for the past 40 years, and was the first sports organization to send athletes overseas when they visited Vietnam in 1966. With Goodell joining in on this trip, it marks the first time that a commissioner from any sport has ever visited the troops.

“I am inspired by the many NFL players that, over the decades, have volunteered to visit our troops overseas and have talked about it being a life-changing experience,” Goodell said in a recent interview with the Pegasus News. “I want to do my part and emphasize that the entire NFL appreciates and supports the work that our military does to protect our country."

Brees, quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, was making his third USO tour. He traveled to Kuwait in 2007 and Okinawa, Japan, earlier this year. He joked with Soldiers and said he was glad that he could show his support for the service members overseas.

“I do these trips for these men and women,” said Brees. “Whatever I can do to show my support – whether it’s signing footballs or just talking to them – is worth it.”

This was the first tour for Umenyiora, defensive end from the Super Bowl-champion New York Giants. A few Soldiers got the opportunity to wear his championship ring that he received following the Giants victory in Super Bowl XLII.

The Cowboys cheerleaders, often known as “America’s Sweethearts,” have made 66 USO trips over the years in support of the troops. The two cheerleaders smiled, posed for pictures and talked to the Soldiers.

“It’s always good to see high-profile people like that over here,” said Capt. Seth Palmer, personnel officer for 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT). “It’s a very good morale booster.”

Ventimiglia, who plays Peter Petrelli on the hit show “Heroes”, said he has wanted to do something for the troops for the last three years and was glad to finally get the opportunity to come over and show his support.

His family has a long legacy of military service, with his father serving twice in Vietnam and his grandfather serving in World War II. Before turning to acting, he had an appointment scheduled at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.; however, he never went.

“The tendency is for people to just read the news and talk about the war. That wasn’t enough for me,” Ventimiglia said. “To be able to come out here and say ‘thank you’ was important to me. It made me really happy to see smiling faces. That’s what it is all about, knowing I made their day.”

For some Soldiers, meeting Ventimiglia helped make what can be a long day at work a little easier.

“It really made the females in our office’s day. He plays our favorite character on ‘Heroes,’” said Capt. Holly Brewer, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT) executive officer. “All of us are big ‘Heroes’ fans and we are always talking about the show. It was really cool to meet him and take pictures.”

Lengyel is most notably known as the coach who succeeded Rich Tolley at Marshall University in 1971 following a plane crash that killed a majority of the team and the inspiration for Matthew McConaughey’s role in the movie, “We Are Marshall,” said he was glad to be a part of this special trip in honor of our troops. He also spent 14 years working as the athletic director at the U.S. Naval Academy.

Ventimiglia, who has also been on the popular sitcom “Gilmore Girls” and played Rocky’s son in “Rocky Balboa,” said he was glad to make some Soldiers’ day. He added, unlike the character on television, he wasn’t the real hero.
“The sacrifices these guys make over here is way more than anything I could ever do on television or in the movies,” he said. “These Soldiers are the real heroes and I respect them a lot for what they do for our country.”


Posted by Wild Thing at 05:47 AM | Comments (9)

WWE Tribute to the Troops -- On Tour



WWE Superstars take a tour of Iraq to hang out with the men and women serving in the US armed forces.

This special Tribute to the Troops episode of Monday Night Raw aired in December on TV. I was waiting for it to be on video so I could show it to you, and just now found it. I showed you some of the others ones last Christmas.

A BIG thank you to WWE for all you do for our troops. You are all awesome! This is the way it should be, people going to see our troops and thanking them for all they do.



.




.




Posted by Wild Thing at 04:44 AM | Comments (4)

Sevendust Performs for Bagram Service Members


Soldiers stationed at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan pose with members of the band Sevendust, July 12, after a performance by the band. The performance completed Sevendust's first USO tour.




Sevendust Performs for Bagram Service Members

By Pfc. Scott Davis
Combined Joint Task Force-101

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan

Modern rock band Sevendust put on a performance like no other for service members stationed at Bagram Air Field, July 12, at the final stop on their first United Service Organization tour.

Although the band was not known for playing an acoustic set, they still managed to put out a diverse sound that left rock fans wanting more.

“I just got done watching Sevendust in concert,” said Army Sgt. Mark Decker, B Company, 101st Airborne Division Special Troop Battalion. “I never thought anybody could ‘jam out’ acoustically like they did.”

After the performance, Sevendust let a Soldier from the crowd come up on stage and smash a guitar. They also gave him one of their guitars and gave other service members a set of bongos and another guitar, practically giving away their entire set of instruments.

“I think they were awesome,” said Air Force Capt. Vanessa Mahan, 455th Aerial Expeditionary Wing. “It’s been a while since we’ve had a hardcore band here so it’s kind of refreshing. “

The band gave thanks and saluted the service members for serving in the military.

“If it wasn’t for you guys over here, the Taliban would be over there, [in the United States],” said Lajon “LJ” Witherspoon, Sevendust’s lead singer during the performance.

The band stuck around to ensure everyone who wanted an autograph, a free copy of their new CD and/or a picture with the band got one.

Sevendust said they plan on doing another USO tour in the future.

“This, to us, has been the best thing that’s ever happened in our lives,” said LJ. “As soon as you guys will have us back, we’ll be back.”


Posted by Wild Thing at 04:40 AM | Comments (4)

July 07, 2008

Colorado's Basketball Coach Jeff Bzdelik Visits Troops in Iraq and Kuwait



Jeff Bzdelik, Colorado's head basketball coach,
recently joined other hoops coaches on a USO tour through Iraq and Kuwait.




Wild Thing's comment..........

This is a moving video on what the Coach has taken back with him from visiting the troops. If I met him I could tell him this kind of thing will live in his heart and soul forever.

The most amazing thing of going to visit the troops is that what you bring back inside your soul is a thousand times more then anything a person can do for them. Their smiles and the look in their faces, and the moments shared together, well it lives on and on into forever.

40 years later you can be sitting watching TV and your mind will go back there as if it was happening right now, live. And that there are no real words for what your feeling, it is one of those private moments of a cherised memory kept alive in your very soul.

Posted by Wild Thing at 02:50 AM | Comments (2)

July 06, 2008

Cast From TV Show "The Unit" Visit The Troops




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Dennis Haysbert, Robert Patrick and Max Martini, three of the stars of CBS' The Unit, went on a tour of American troops stationed in Kuwait and Iraq . They went to Kuwait and Iraq, where they got to mix it up a bit with airmen, soldiers, sailors and Marines based there.

CBS 46 News reported that Dennis Haysbert, who stars as Jonas Blaine on The Unit, said it was wonderful to be able to spend time with the real men and women their characters are based on. Aside from his character on The Unit, Haysbert also gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Senator-turned-President David Palmer on several seasons of FOX's hit drama, 24.

For his part, Robert Patrick (Colonel Tom Ryan on The Unit), who is an active member of the United Service Organizations or USO, reportedly remarked that he was glad for the opportunity to meet the real-life soldiers. Patrick first caught the public's attention for going toe-to-toe with Arnold Schwarzenegger as a humanoid T-1000, a souped up version of a Terminator, on Terminator 2: Judgment Day.


Then the actors descended on Camp Liberty in Iraq, where they held a meet, greet and photo session with the soldiers stationed there.

Inspired by the book “Inside Delta Force: The Story of America’s Elite Counterterrorist Unit” by Eric Haney, “The Unit” follows the undercover missions and personal lives of a covert team of Special Forces operatives that travel around the globe and routinely risk their lives. Headquartered on the fictitious Fort Griffith, the task force is composed of six trustworthy, brave and dependable soldiers whose reliance on each other creates a unique brotherhood. Broadcast worldwide, the highly-watched series is a hit with the general public and the military.

“It’s one thing to portray a member of the U.S. military on television, but it’s another thing to meet and hang out with our service men and women,” says Haysbert. “Not only do we consider it an honor to depict them in the series, but also a privilege to help share their important work with the world. We’re really excited about this USO tour and can’t wait to bring a touch of home to them.”


Wild Thing's comment........

Additional video of LIVE shots...... here is a LINK to the VIDEO of their visit


I am so glad the cast of this TV show "The Unit" went to visit the troops. It is an excellent TV show and one of my favorites.


Posted by Wild Thing at 04:55 AM | Comments (12)

Iron Maidens Rock for The Troops In Iraq



Iron Maidens Rock for Iron Soldiers at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, located near Tikrit, Iraq.



The Iron Maidens World's Only Female Tribute To Iron Maiden performing "The Number Of The Beast" intercut with the original band Iron Maiden.



By Pvt. Alisha Nye
14th Public Affairs Detachment

The Iron Maidens, the world’s only all-female Iron Maiden tribute band, rocked an Independence Day concert held at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, located near Tikrit, Iraq.

The band consists of Aja “Bruce Chickinson” Kim on vocals, Sarah “MiniMurray” Marsh and Heather “Adrienne Smith” Baker of guitars, Wanda “Steph Harris” Ortiz on bass, Linda “Nikki Burrain” on drums and, for a limited time only, Guillermo, who is temporarily filling in for Heather Baker.

The Southern California band started in 2001. However, the band was not always strictly female.

“There was already a tribute band with half women and half men,” Marsh said. “I saw an ad in the paper around the same time Linda was looking for a project and we thought it’d be cool to make it all-female. So, we fired the guys.”

“It was a much more appealing package,” McDonald agreed.

The key was finding the right females for the part.

“We knew the girls in LA that would be able to play this type of music,” explained McDonald. “It’s a very intense music.”

It helps, said Marsh, that the members of the band have all been playing Iron Maiden songs since high school.

“It just feels so natural,” Ortiz said of playing the metal music.

“It’s the only kind of music that really moves me,” Kim added.

Since the band launched in 2001 they have slowly gained international recognition and have won awards in categories such as Best Tribute Band and Best in Category (vocals, guitar, bass, drums) from the Rock City News Awards, the LA Music Awards and All Access Magazine Awards Show.

The Iron Maidens brought, in full force, the talent that helped them with these awards to COB Speicher, July 4.

“We’ve always wanted to come and play in Iraq,” Marsh said. “We weren’t going to let anything stop us.”

That is why they have Guillermo, explained McDonald. He is filling in for Heather Baker, who was unable to make it.

McDonald and Guillermo play in another band together.

“When it came to filling in the position really quickly, I knew he’s really talented,” said McDonald.

With Guillermo filling in, the band was able to perform without missing a beat. An ability, said Kim, that was just as important to the band as it was to the Soldiers in their audience.

“It’s just amazing,” said Kim of performing for the troops. “It’s not like I would have ever dreamed.”

Kim said she didn’t think the band would get so close to the Soldiers and it overwhelmed her how excited the Soldiers were to see the Iron Maidens.

“As we encounter all of these wonderful people, it makes me want to stay longer and make them happier,” she said.

With the diligence and determination put forth to perform, the Iron Maidens gave Soldiers 90 minutes of time to have fun, rock out and forget where they are for a little while. With all the rocking out going on, the Soldiers gave the Iron Maidens something in return - a sense of thanks.

“Seeing their faces, seeing how excited they were to see us and them thanking us – there’s really no thanks necessary,” Kim said. “They’re the ones that need to be thanked.”



Posted by Wild Thing at 03:45 AM | Comments (6)

July 03, 2008

Vets For Freedom Pete Hegseth Good One!




Pete Hegseth , of Vets For Freedom, slammed the Marxist founder of Code Pink, Medea Benjamin, for the socialist organization's attacks on the military.

Pete Hegseth, who served in Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division, is the the executive director of "Vets For Freedom".


Wild Thing's comment........

God bless you Pete! I am so sorry these code pink people even exist.


Posted by Wild Thing at 02:45 AM | Comments (12)

June 23, 2008

Berkeley Support The troops Rally At Marine Recruiting Center



Supporters and detractors of the United States military battled it out in Berkeley for at least the sixth time this year: the latest in a relentless series of protests and counter-protests to seize the upper hand in the controversy over the "Marine Corps Officer Selection Office" on Shattuck Square.

Summer Solstice showdown featured Move America Forward, the Marines Motorcycle Club, EAGLES UP, the Patriot Guard Riders and other veterans' and pro-America groups facing off against their traditional adversaries: World Can't Wait, Code Pink, the Revolutionary Communist Party, assorted 9/11 Truthers, far-left activists and their fellow travelers.

Source:

KCBS

Zombie Time photos

SF Gate

Melanie Morgan

Special Thank you to Doug Lyvere ( SgtMaj, Marine ret.) Director, Western Operations, Eagles Up

Eagles Up


This video shows about a minute's worth of Nazi saluting, screaming and booing during the playing of the Star Spangled Banner.



They directed their Nazi salutes toward a group of flag-waving patriots across the street.


Note the paper she is trying to hand out says: The Barack Obama Campaign


Melanie Morgan then took the mike and fired back by triumphantly announcing the news that the City of Berkeley had just revoked Code Pink's controversial free parking space in front of the Marine Corps recruiting office .


Marine Corps veteran. Code Pink and World Can't Wait would have a lot of convincing to do if they wanted to convert this Hero!


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Wild Thing's comment........

God bless all that showed up to counter the America and military hating lefties. And God bless our troops!!

Posted by Wild Thing at 03:50 AM | Comments (11)

June 14, 2008

Eagles Cheerleaders In Iraq, Kuwait


Five of the Eagles Cheerleaders - Kjersti, Laura, Madeline, Nikki and Rachel - left for a 12-day tour of Iraq and Kuwait where they are visiting troops at different U.S. military bases.

Petty Officer First Class Jeff Peasley of the U.S. Navy enjoyed his visit from Eagles Cheerleaders Laura, Rachel, Madeline, Nikki and Kjersti


The five were chosen from among the 38 members of the cheerleading squad and spent 12 days taking part in what they call a "life changing experience."

Cheerleader Rachel Washburn says, "Morale as a whole seems really high" and the troops were happy to see them. She says the cheerleaders "got a really good perspective of what life is like over there."

The cheerleaders prepared a special routine for the troops, which they performed over a dozen times at bases in Iraq and Kuwait.

Cheerleader Madeline Kane says the cheerleaders "actually got to sit down and know these guys" and ask them about their families and their children.





Their Blog website


From Nikki's

"First of all, wow, this has been the experience of a lifetime. The men and women keep thanking us for coming, but really we should be the ones thanking them. I am learning so much, this has been a life-changing experience for me. What an amazing team this is, our country is so lucky to have these men and women out here and they work so well together. Everyone has a job they are given and without any one of them nothing would get done, so it is incredible to see how everything is intertwined.
We have been flying to around three bases per day, depending on the weather. I don't mean rain or shine, out here it's more sand or shine. When the wind picks up, it takes the sand with it. If the helicopters or planes don't have a good view that means we are staying put.
We had a chance to sit in a Cobra, which is an attack helicopter, and also in a Huey, which is a bit larger. The guys were great showing us around. We had a ton of fun with them. We got some great pics and went to the area where they spend most of their time which they call Dark Town. It looks exactly like you would imagine. A long, winding staircase can be found inside and it's pretty high up with a great view of the camp, probably the best I've seen. I'll talk to you all again soon, I'm over and out for now.
They say you have to work on your toes over here. It is only our second day and the entire schedule changed because of a "sandstorm" or so they say but we will never really know. We spent our first day at two bases an hour out of Kuwait City, which by the way is amazing. Saddam Hussein destroyed the city and now the people are rebuilding it. In terms of structure, this city really is one of the most unique places I have seen. We first went off to see Camp Freedom.
To get there, we drove down a highway surrounded by nothing except the sandy desert and camels. I found that funny because back home there are plenty of deer and cows, but camel? When we arrived, the place looked like it was abandoned except for some barb wire on the outside. But everyone who lived here were sooo upbeat and friendly. But reality set in when you look up in what was a small treehouse to find a man covered in green mesh with a rifle keeping an eye on unwanted visitors. All things considered, the camp had a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere and the men and women were so grateful we could be there.
After our trip to Freedom, we left for Arifjan. Both Freedom and Arifjan are considered "luxury" bases. Arifjan, however, was much larger than Freedom. The other amenities were the same.
Arifjan in size put freedom to shame, The base was huge, but all other aspect were the same. We met Col. Johnson which was wonderful. I learned so much about what Kuwait has done for us over the years. Things that has gone unnoticed. He, too, was very grateful for us coming over to visit. On Arifjan, we spent time at the hospital visiting the sick. It felt amazing to make them smile. Thankfully, most of them were only there with minor injuries. The visit inspired me as I prepared for our show in the evening. After our performance, we spent a few hours with the soldiers talking and getting to know them. I truly wish we could have stayed longer because I enjoyed hearing all of their fascinating stories.
I can't express how I am soo happy to be a part of this. I have learned so much and can't wait to learn more. This is and unforgettable experience and I'm so glad to share it with all of you. Oh, and just in case if you're wondering, Philadelphia holds its own out here! Talk to you again soon!"



From Laura

Saturday was quite a day. We visited a couple of smaller bases before heading to the one where we slept. We went to one that was an old train station, Al Quaim. The soldiers were stoked that they could meet us and I even had the chance to save a Marine. We were taking pictures on a stage that wasn't against the wall and he was about to fall off when I grabbed his arm and leaned back to pull him back up. I felt pretty heroic. ;) I always hate leaving the bases we visit because we literally are there for pictures and autographs and don't really have time to sit and socialize before we are whisked away in the helicopter. I think they really liked us visiting though and they take great care of us.
Another base we visited was the Korean Village. This one was much different than the others in the sense that it was dirtier. There was sand everywhere: dusty, red sand. There were little shacks and a smaller DEFAC (dining hall). They always give us special treatment though, and we had an exceptional lunch in the "chow hall." Afterwards, they let us check out one of their tanks and take pictures with it. I love learning about what they do over here and how things work, it's probably one of my favorite parts of the tour.
On the way to our last base that we were staying at for the night, we were given the opportunity to sit out the back of the Chinook. At first I was a little timid, but then once I was strapped in and sitting with my legs flying off it was beautiful. We went from looking at sand and a Grand Canyon-like landscape to patches of green and rivers of teal blue. I never knew how many different landscapes Iraq had and it was a great opportunity to see that from this perspective. I just have to say that all the troops out here are amazing, and everything they do is just as important as the next guy's job. They take such pride in their work, and I respect them for that. I truly appreciate everything they are doing over here, and respect them so much more. Thank you guys!"


From Kjersti

" I can't believe I am sitting in Kuwait typing a blog. It's so exciting to be here, and it's all so surreal. We left Philadelphia on June 1st and arrived in Kuwait late night of the 2nd. We pretty much lost a day due to the seven-hour time difference here in Kuwait. On Tuesday, we woke up at 7 AM and didn't get back until 11 PM at night. I don't think we were expecting such a long day, but we felt it around 2 PM. The lack of sleep and the heat made us a little tired, but we were so happy to be on the bases visiting everyone that we managed to keep a happy face and wide eyes.
During our day we were able to visit two bases: Camp Patriot (KNB) and Camp Arafjan. The servicemen and women were amazing. It was so heartwarming to hear them tell us how much they appreciate us for what we were doing, when we are there to tell them the exact same thing. We took a lot of pictures and signed a lot of autographs. We also had our fair share of Eagles fans, and of course some local Philadelphians. We even received certificates and coins from some of the high-ranking officers. I think those things will be some of the most treasured items I take back home with me along with the experience.
It was about 120 degrees, luckily most of our signings and visits were indoors where there was air conditioning and we were escorted around the bases in vehicles with air. It wasn't until we started prepping for our outside performance that we felt the heat. Our show went great! We got a great response from the audience, and they were so welcoming and happy to see us. I've never in my life danced in such heat, but we made it happen and we lost our voices a bit at the end of the show. Will I do it again? Yes, it was well worth it.
I think I've drank more water here in the past day than I have in the past month back in Philly. This day was long and hot, but I loved every minute of it. Just to see how happy we make the troops makes me feel like I'm doing the best thing in the world. They work so hard out here and it was nice to be able to see it first-hand and show them my appreciation. I definitely passed out that night as soon as my head hit the pillow. I'm still a little messed up from the time change, but we'll be well rested eventually. Drink your water! Till next time."




CLICK link below and there is a video there you can click on as well.

6abc.com has more coverage of the Eagles Cheerleaders trip to Iraq and Kuwait.


Posted by Wild Thing at 03:45 AM | Comments (6)

May 24, 2008

Wynonna and Our Warriors



Country music artist Wynonna Judd performs with the U.S. Army Band at the Wagner Sports Center, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C., May 22, 2008. The concert for staff and patients was held in conjunction with a Morale, Welfare and Recreation picnic that featured a local blues band, barbecue and steaks. Defense Dept. photo by Fred W. Baker III



Wynonna Rocks Inspirational Performance at Walter Reed
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
DOD

WASHINGTON, May 23, 2008 – When country music star Wynonna Judd stepped on stage in the Wagner Sports Center at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here yesterday, it was all about the love.

Over a year ago, she said, ‘What can I do for the Army, and in particular what can I do for Walter Reed?’” said Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Richard A. Cody as he was introducing the megastar known across the industry as simply “Wynonna.”
“I said, ‘Just come up and tell them you love them,’” he said.

And so she did, in song and in speech.

Half the songs Wynonna performed had the word ‘love’ penned in their titles. In the others, love was a staple of their prose.

“Out of all the flags I've flown, one flies high and stands alone,” sang the Grammy-award-winning artist. “Only love.”

She spent the hours before the concert meeting with staff and wounded warriors. Then to the hundreds who packed into the auditorium, Wynonna belted out in powerful, bluesy vocals, “I Want to Know What Love Is,” and proclaimed “Love Can Build a Bridge,” and later transformed into a “Hunk of Hunk of Burning Love.”

It was just the inspirational ticket the appreciative audience was looking for. The staff of the hospital has spent more than a year in the nation’s hot spotlight after reports surfaced of poor outpatient conditions at the center. Morale also has suffered as the closing of the historical hospital also nears under the base realignment and closure plan, and many staff members are uncertain about their future. And the wounded warriors there spend days, months and even years recovering from horrific wounds rendered by the hands of hate.

“Thanks to you all, … my mother and my sister, we live on a farm together and we sleep at night [because] we know that you all are putting your butts on the line for us,” Wynonna told the crowd. “And I just want you to know that today is just a very small composite of how I feel about you.
“We love you, and we support you,” she said.

And the crowd loved her back.

“We love you too, Wynonna,” they screamed repeatedly between songs amid the whistling and cheers.

Some, however, less familiar with the star, couldn’t get her name right.

“You talking to me?” Wynonna called out to Army Spc. Chauncy Clayton, a patient administrator.
The star summoned him to the stage to correct his misplaced syllable. He had improperly put the emphasis on “nona.”
“It’s WHY-nona,” the star playfully chastised in her country accent, drawing a roar of laughter and applause from the crowd.

In Wynonna’s 24-year career that started with a string of hits she performed with her mother as The Judds, she has garnered more than 21 No. 1 hits, sold 20 million records, six of which turned to platinum and four to gold. She’s won five Grammy awards, nine Country Music Association awards. She has sung for the pope, four presidents and before millions at the Super Bowl.

But yesterday, it was a free tribute to Walter Reed’s staff and patients, with the U.S. Army band serving as her orchestra. Admittedly, though, it was not her typical concert crowd.

“Raise your hand if you’ve ever seen a show of mine before,” Wynonna requested of the audience.

Only a few hands shot up.

Wynonna feigned a shocked look.

“What have you been doing?” she asked and laughed.

But once the show started, the star’s familiar tunes such as “Grandpa (Tell Me 'Bout The Good Old Days)” warmed the crowd.

Wynonna dedicated her classic “Mama He’s Crazy,” to Cody, who she called a father figure. She met the general during his command at Fort Campbell, Ky. He introduced her to the Army and its soldiers.

“Every artist who ever gets a record deal should have to do community service for the Army. It’s sort of my philosophy these days,” Wynonna said.
This met with several enthusiastic “hooahs.”
“Yeah, hooah,” she responded.

Now, Wynonna calls herself an ambassador for the military.

“There are a lot of us, especially in the country music community, who absolutely support you, and everywhere we go we give the message loud and clear that freedom ain’t free,” she said.

Wynonna gave credit to her mother for raising her with a grateful attitude. Her mother raised Wynonna and her sister, actor Ashley Judd, while living on welfare. But even in the early years of the stars’ rise to fame, she sang with her mother, alongside Bob Hope as part of the USO.

“I’m just wanting you to know today that you are really loved. Not just because of what you do, but because of who you are,” she said. “If you all ever need a parade waiver, you know who to call.”

Wynonna joked with the crowd about their motives for coming to the concert.

“I know it got some of you out of work. And that’s a good thing,” she said, and her words were met by the cheers of the crowd.

But for others it was therapy.

“It got some of you out of bed, and that’s a good thing,” she said. “For those of you who I didn’t get to meet today, I’ll be back.”



During a powerful performance of the religious hit “I Can Only Imagine,” in which the singer imagines her response to meeting Jesus, photos of soldiers on their knees praying in combat zones flashed on the large screen on stage.

At the end, the typically fiery redhead had to break. She turned from the crowd, grabbed a tissue, and after a few moments, faced them again, attempting to recompose.

Wynonna talked of taking chances, and risks, and life’s trials. She referred to her own past, spotted with troubles and heartaches.

“You learn so much about yourself when you go to hell and back. You really do,” she told the crowd. “People don’t understand while they’re sitting at home on their … butts complaining about the state of the union. I’m like, ‘Well then get off your butt and go do something about it.’”

For more than an hour, Wynonna commanded the stage, singing, joking and paying tribute to those who serve, both in and out of uniform. She said she felt connected to the crowd.

“I love you,” she told the audience at the end of what should have been her last song.

But the roar of the cheers and a standing ovation brought her back to the stage one more time.

“No One Can Love Me Like You,” Wynonna sang in her encore.

And the crowd believed it.

A tearful Army retiree, now working as a health technician, Christine Engle said the concert was a shot in the arm for the staff and patients there.
“I think it’s great that she’s … out here, with all the things that have happened here at Walter Reed in the past year,” she said. “The care is excellent here, and the [media] have given it such a bad name. With her coming here, it just shows that she appreciates what these soldiers have done … and the staff that works at the hospital. It’s positive thing, and it’s very important.
“It’s a great day,” Engle said.


Posted by Wild Thing at 01:45 AM | Comments (10)

May 22, 2008

GI Film Festival





Great video......Please CLICK THIS LINK to see some awesome things about it and what our Veterans and supporters of our military are saying about the GI film festival.

The GI Film Festival, is the first film festival in the nation to exclusively celebrate the successes and sacrifices of the American military through the medium of film. The four-day festival will be held on May 14-18, 2008 in Washington DC.

The GIFF will present films from new and established international and domestic filmmakers that honor the heroic stories of the American Armed Forces and the worldwide struggle for freedom and liberty. Some of the films screened will be fan favorites. Others will be screened for the first time. All will in some way express the courage and selflessness of our fighting men and women and the value of their work.


What if one day.....The World Without Us
Click title to see film clip
In a futuristic scenario, a fictitious presidential candidate is proposing a complete withdrawal of all US troops from around the world. This triggers an journalistic investigation that spans across three continents in search of 'What would happen?' should the US might and involvement be absent one day.
Would the world a better place, or worse without the US?
Filled with personal stories, the film switches from macro to the micro picture delivering a heart touching experience while staying true to the journalistic integrity. The presidential candidate is played by Roy Werner, veteran actor, (CSI Miami and many other TV shows).


The Last 600 Meters
no film clip available
The two deadliest battles of the Iraq War occurred in 2004. The Battle of Najaf was fought in the South against the Shiite Mahdi militia. The Battle of Falluja was fought in the West against Sunni insurgents. These brutal urban conflicts were not the high-tech battles the military had prepared for after the first Gulf War in 1991--but they are the face of modern warfare. This film tells the story of these battles, not through narration, but through the words and deeds of those who fought there.


Vietnam - REMEMBERED
click title to see film clip

Vietnam Remembered, reveals the pride, honor and camaraderie these men
shared with each other on the battlefield and off. It truly is a moving tribute towards
those who have served our country and those currently serving.


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Outside the Wire: Danger Close World Premier

On March 26th, 2007 Al Qaida in Iraq attacked O.P. Omar, a small outpost in Al Anbar province manned by Army paratroopers from Blackfoot Company, 1-501st.
Al Qaida brought two suicide truck bombs, and more than 40 gunmen to the 20 minute battle.
Documentary filmmaker JD Johannes was embedded with Blackfoot Company and was nearly killed twice while filming the action.
From the combat footage, interviews with the soldiers who manned the walls and digital animations comes a in-depth look at the firefight and the paratroopers who fought it.


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Gods and Generals
Click title to see film clip

""Gods and Generals is not only the finest movie ever made about the Civil War, it is also the best American historical film. Period." --Bill Kauffman, American Enterprise Magazine

Synopsis: This epic film from writer-director Ron Maxwell chronicles the early events of the American Civil War. It's a prequel to his earlier GETTYSBURG, with some of the same cast, and is part of a planned trilogy. Stephen Lang plays Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, the famous (and deeply religious) Confederate general who, along with fellow General Robert E. Lee (Robert Duvall), must weigh the mighty consequences of his actions, as each battle costs the lives of thousands of men.


Wild Thing's comment........

With Hollywood making so many horrible unforgivable films lately negative about our military. I was so happy when I saw this, thrilled. Because they talk to our troops, their experiences and speak the truth in these films and NOT lies and slander of our troops and the war. So I just wanted to share what I found with all of you.

There are some good people in Hollywood, but it is like a needle in a haystack to know about them.

Posted by Wild Thing at 03:47 AM | Comments (12)

What Do Vikings and Afghanistan Have In Common?


Col. Jon Sutterfield, 455th Expeditionary Maintenance Group commander, shows his Viking pride during the Viking cheerleaders' tour at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, May 19. Sutterfield is a St. Cloud, Minn., native and deployed to BAF from Langley Air Force Base, Va. (U.S. Army photo/Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace)



Sarah and Bailey, two of five Minnesota Viking cheerleaders who toured and performed at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, May 19, display their Army t-shirts as they share words of encouragement to a standing-room-only crowd of servicemembers. In addition to performing cheer and dance routines, the cheerleaders challenged service members to a pushup contest, a "touchdown dance" contest and a game of "Cheerleader Says," modelled after the classic children's game "Simon Says." (U.S. Army photo/Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace)


Minnesota Viking cheerleader Bailey performs a dance routine during the Viking cheerleaders' tour at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, May 19. Bailey and four other cheerleaders visited BAF with a promise to give their all and to help pump up the spirits of deployed service members. (U.S. Army photo/Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace)


Sergeant 1st Class Timothy Winger, Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Billy Grant and Peyton, a Minnesota Viking cheerleader gather on stage during the Viking cheerleaders' tour at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, May 19. The Soldier and Sailor tied for first place in a game of "Cheerleader Says," modelled after the classic children's game "Simon Says." (U.S. Army photo/Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace)


Jessie, Sarah, Amanda, Peyton and Bailey perform a dance routine


Cpl. Murray Kinnell, New Zealand Army, holds up "#1" as Minnesota Viking cheerleaders Amanda and Sarah cheer him on. Kinnell competed, and was unanimously voted best, in a "touchdown dance" competition during the Viking cheerleaders' tour at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, May 19. (U.S. Army photo/Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace)




By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan

Historically speaking, what do Vikings and Afghanistan have in common?

Not much … but all that changed today, when five weapon-bearing Vikings landed their ‘long ship’ here.

They did not bear the 8th century axes and swords that one would imagine. Instead, they clutched pom-poms, microphones and enough spirit to pump up the standing-room-only crowd of service members who came to bare witness.

The event started with songs, dancing and cheers; efforts to vitalize the troops spirits, said Viking cheerleader Ms. Payton.

“We are all very glad to be here and we are going to put on a great show,” said Payton, as she warmed up prior to the event. “This is our last show in Afghanistan and we want to make this a night the troops will remember.”

With a promise to give the night their all, the cheerleaders went backstage and the event coordinators began letting in the men and women who were anxiously waiting outside.

First through the door was Senior Airman Oscar Bruck, 455th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron phase crew chief.

“I’ve been waiting here since 6:20 (p.m.),” said Bruck, a Marlett, Mich., native deployed from Royal Air Force Lakenheith, England.

The event did not start until 8 p.m., but waiting nearly two hours didn’t bother Bruck, who said, “I wanted a front-row seat to make sure I got good photos.”

Good photos were not all Bruck received. He also got picked to come onstage and meet the Minnesota Viking cheerleaders and challenge 19 other service members to a push-up contest.

Bruck did not win the contest as his skills were no match for rival Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Gilbert Corpuz, who knocked out 103 regulation push-ups in a minute. For his victory, Corpuz was rewarded with a Vikings calendar, autographed by all the cheerleaders.

After the pushup contest was finished, the cheerleaders performed another routine, then they picked 10 service members to join them on stage for a game of ‘Cheerleader Says,’ modelled after the classic children’s game Simon Says.

Once again, the stage was speckled with an array of U.S. uniforms. As a colorful addition, one Polish soldier also joined the ranks.

The Polish and two U.S. Soldiers were eliminated in the first round. Two Airmen and two more Soldiers fell in the second round.

Four rounds later, a tie was called as Sergeant 1st Class Timothy Winger, 70th Engineer Company, and Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Billy Grant refused to be outsmarted.

A fair mix of rivalry and camaraderie added to the evening’s excitement, said one Coalition NCO.
“I like American Football – it is tough, yet fun. This is like the feeling of the people here – keyed up and still having fun,” said Sgt. Domera Phelippon, French Army.

Though football is not his favorite sport, Phelippon does like to watch it, he said.

“I know the Minnesota Vikings because I saw them on T.V.,” explained Phelippon. “Still, I didn’t imagine the cheerleaders would be this pretty. I am glad I came.”

What Phelippon may or may not have known was that the cheerleaders were equally as pleased to meet him and the other men and women in attendance.

“My favorite part of the tour is meeting so many people from so many places and hearing all their different stories,” said Payton, whose brother currently serves as a hull technician aboard the world’s first nuclear powered aircraft carrier, the U.S.S. Enterprise.

Other cheerleaders also had military ties.

One fellow cheerleader, Amanda, said her father retired from the Air Force.

The team’s captain, Sarah, said she did not have immediate family in the military but she has spent a great deal of time with service members lately.

Sarah volunteered for a similar tour in Iraq in February, during the Super Sunday Tour. She feels blessed to have the opportunity to travel to military bases through the Vikings, she said.

With the devotion the cheerleaders expressed for the attending service members, it was no wonder a line of men and women stretched around the Morale, Welfare and Recreation clamshell after the performance was completed and the cheerleaders volunteered to stick around, take one-on-one photos and sign autographs.

One Soldier was fortunate to be in front of the line, which only compounded the morale boost he got from the event, he said.
“I had a blast here,” explained Pfc. Ryan Clement, a route-clearance Soldier and Earlham, Iowa native. “Not only did I get to see a fine performance, I got to come up on stage and embarrass myself in the ‘Cheerleader Says’ competition.”

Clement only made it to the third round, but that did not abate his mood at all.

“I’ve been out at the (forward operating bases) and on patrols outside the wire since I came here,” said Clement. “To see this event and the energy these ladies put in on our behalf, helps out a lot – it really boosts our morale.”

After their visit to BAF, their final visit on the tour, the Vikings boarded their ‘long ship’ and again set sail – destined for home, and leaving memories and a boost of morale for those left behind.


Posted by Wild Thing at 03:45 AM | Comments (11)

May 17, 2008

Armed Forces Day



This is the day on which we have the welcome opportunity to pay special tribute to the men and women of the Armed Forces ... to all the individuals who are in the service of their country all over the world. Armed Forces Day won't be a matter of parades and receptions for a good many of them. They will all be in line of duty and some of them may give their lives in that duty.



Gene Simmons Leads a Military Tribute in Song





Posted by Wild Thing at 02:45 AM | Comments (14)

May 16, 2008

Actor Bradley Cooper Comes to GITMO


Actor Bradley Cooper chats with some Marines during a bus tour of Guantanamo Bay as part of his visit May 2-4.
Joint Task Force Guantanamo conducts interrogation operations to collect strategic intelligence in support of the Global War on Terror and supports law enforcement and war crimes investigations. JTF Guantanamo is committed to the safety and security of American service members and civilians working inside its detention facilities.


By Megan Burnham
Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba

Some people may know him as Will Tippin, the best friend to Sydney Bristow on the TV show “Alias.” Others may know him as the villainous boyfriend in “Wedding Crashers.” However, when he visited the U.S. Naval Station in Guantanamo Bay May 2-4, he introduced himself with his real name and identity: Bradley Cooper.

Cooper, a Philadelphia native, currently resides in Venice, Calif. where he works and owns a little house with a couple of dogs. He moved from New York to Los Angeles, in 2001 to take the job for the Alias series.

Due to positive feedback from friends who went on tour in Afghanistan six months ago, Cooper requested to participate in a similar tour with the United Services Organization, an association that helps the American public show support to service members.

The actor had some free time and when USO asked if he wanted to go to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, he jumped at the chance. This was his first visit to a U.S. Naval Station; in fact, this was his first visit to any military base.

“I’m here to show my support, say hello and learn more about the military and what they’re doing, especially here in Guantanamo Bay,” said Cooper.

The event, sponsored by the USO and Morale Welfare and Recreation, provided troopers (especially Bradley Cooper fans) the opportunity to meet with the star, take photos with him as well as acquire signed photographs.

Traveling with the celebrity was his buddy Dave Bugliari, USO Entertainment producer Tracy Thede, and Liberty Coordinator Jeffrey Shaw.

The “Handshake Tour” consisted of three busy days around the base, including a visit to Camp Delta, Camp 6, the Northeast Gate and Water Gate, and the Port Security Unit, as well as recreational activities.

“I am absolutely blown away; it’s very educational,” said Cooper. “Going into the camps definitely took it out of the TV and put it into real life.”

Troopers and civilians attended scheduled site visits at the Marine Hill Liberty Center, the Navy Exchange Atrium, and the Deer Point Liberty Center to meet the actor.

“It’s cool that he’s taking the time out of his day to come down here,” remarked Andrew Kolbek at the NEX visit. “It shows that he cares what we are doing and why we’re doing it.”
“He is setting the morale for the whole base,” added Micah Howard, also in attendance. “It’s a good thing he’s doing – we really appreciate it.”

The meet-and-greet event ran smoothly largely due to Thede’s efforts, as well as Craig Basel and Jeffrey Shaw from MWR.

“The MWR folks, they’re phenomenal,” Thede said about Basel and Shaw. “They go above and beyond to make sure that as many creature comforts as possible are here for the service members.”

Before Cooper left the island, he shared some parting words to everyone he came in contact with this past weekend.

“Thank you all so much for how generous you’ve been with your gratitude, and being able to talk to us,” he said. “We’re so happy to support you, and I hope that you all feel that from us and that anything we can do, we’re willing to do it.”



Wild Thing's comment........

I hope Cooper shared about his trip with others when he got back and told them to go visit our troops as well. Spread the word and show the support. Our military are America's true stars and heroes.

Posted by Wild Thing at 05:45 AM | Comments (4)

May 06, 2008

God Bless Harrisburg, Pa.




A Few Good Men .... And Women

Blackanthem Military News

By 109th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

May 5,2008

HARRISBURG, PA. - At a troop support rally Saturday at the Capital Building in Harrisburg, Pa., many local citizens were in attendance to show their respect for service members of the past, present and future. Radio personalities, musicians, members of the faith community as well as retired and current military officers spoke, prayed and sang to convey the value of freedom.

Brigadier General Jerry G. Beck, a National Guard Commanding General, noted, "I think it's important to continue to show support for the troops as we serve overseas. You often hear the negative effects that are going on in the media. But this is an opportunity for all of us to know we have the support of the people behind us. And I truly believe we do."

More than 100 people attended Saturday's rally.

In that same spirit, a representative from a local grocery chain handed a check for $200,000 to the United Service Organization from collections made in their stores earmarked for troop morale. It was one of five events engineered to reaffirm both to those serving in the war and Americans enjoying democracy at home that, indeed, ‘freedom is not free.'

An unpopular war brought out many military advocates from all backgrounds and creeds that day. Most were from the Harrisburg area, but they were different in many ways. The biggest difference among the crowd, which likely reflects the population of the United States, was the various personal definitions for loyalty and patriotism.

Many participants remember their own service in the Vietnam War, and liken today's experiences to those that occurred in the ‘60s. A former Navy Seabee from 1968-1974, Tom Marone of Lewisberry said:

"it is incumbent upon us to support our troops and the mission equally, whether we completely agree with it or not. When individuals separate the two, a situation similar to Vietnam arises, and unfortunately it seems like that's what we're looking at right now."
A brother-in-arms, Taps Lauford of Mt. Holly said "I love these people here, the former GI's, their supporters, and those who love America. I didn't want another Vietnam, but that's what we got ourselves into." Lauford continued, "regardless of the bad politics and dishonest media, our men and women in uniform are doing good things and getting the job done."

Those policies do not push everyone away from reverence to their flag, as Rick Nunemacher of Harrisburg affirms. With a son on his third tour to the Middle East as a Captain in the active-duty Marine Corps, and the memory of his father's service in World War II, his beliefs hit close to home.

"I wouldn't feel any differently about my country if we found out the war was a mistake, that's what makes me a patriot." Nunemacher continued, "a patriot is loyal to his or her country; they put God, country and family first, and more importantly, they support the freedoms this country offers in spite of personal views."


Wild Thing's comment.......

I love stories like this and seeing how strongly wonderful American's are supporting our awesome troops.

Posted by Wild Thing at 03:55 AM | Comments (9)

April 06, 2008

U.S. Army Day April 6th TODAY




Tribute to Men & Women of the US Army



Military Order of the World War under Colonel Thatcher Luquer established Army Day. Army Day was first celebrated on May 1, 1928. That date was chosen in hopes of dampening Communists' celebration of Workers' Day, which also occurs on May 1. But, starting in 1929, Army Day was changed to April 6, the anniversary date of the United States' entry into World War I.

Army Day was established as a nationwide observance to draw public attention to national defense and to acquaint the public with Army activities. In addition, the day was used to stress the need for military preparedness, which the nation had lacked as it entered earlier major conflicts. "The failure to make adequate preparation for the inevitable struggle, the consequent suffering from disease and death entailed upon the armies which were hastily raised, the prolongation of the conflict far beyond the time which sufficient and equipped forces would have required for victory, and the heavy costs of reconstruction" were caused by the lack of preparation of the nation.


THANK YOU to all of you that served in the U.S. Army! Thank you with all my heart. I am so sorry I am late posting this.


....Thank you SSgt.Steve for letting me know about this very special day.

Posted by Wild Thing at 07:18 PM | Comments (16)

Monday in Washington:GOE and Others Support Rally for Gen. David Petraeus



Gathering of Eagles to hold press conference supporting Iraq mission and U.S. military


Monday, April 7, 2008 at 10:00 am, members of Gathering of Eagles will hold a press conference at the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

This rally will showcase patriots from all over the country standing up in support of our military and their missions in Iraq and the War on Terror.

The conference is timed to coincide with Gen. David Petraeus’ return to Capitol Hill. Chris Hill, National Director of Operations, said:

“The purpose of our actions on April 7th is to encourage our elected officials to provide full funding for the military’s current mission in Iraq, and to continue to support the current mission of stabilization there.”

After the conference, Gathering of Eagles will hold meetings with Representatives and Senators. Larry Bailey, the organization’s chairman and cofounder, will be available for interviews along with Mr. Hill. Headquartered in North Carolina, Gathering of Eagles is a non-profit organization of everyday Americans united by a common love and respect for the United States and her military.

For more information, visit their website at www.gatheringofeagles.org. For more information, contact: Coby W. Dillard Assistant to the National Director Gathering of Eagles

The Band of Mothers will be on the corner of the Cannon Bldg in Washington, DC (Where Nancy Pelosi supposedly works) from April 7th, 8th and 9th to remind her and the Congress to support our Soldiers and the General. We will be among other supporters with Support our Troops signs.


Wild Thing's comment........

How sad that in the United States of America that anyone has to remind our elected officials to support our Soldiers and Gen. Petraeus, the mission and the war. It is an outrage!

Thank God for Gathering of Eaglels, our Veterans, Band of Mothers and other groups that will be there to let them know how the rest of us feel about our awesome troops.

Posted by Wild Thing at 04:48 AM | Comments (3)

March 23, 2008

Motorcycle-riding Supporters of Marines Roar Into Berkeley



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Singer Dana Nagy, right, joins hundreds of supporters of the Marines gathered in front of the Marine Recruiting office in downtown Berkeley and sang the “Star Spangled Banner”.



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This is a video of Diana Nagy singing ...."Where Freedom Flies"


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Hundreds gathered in front of the US Marine recruiting office in Berkeley.



Mike Anderson, left, of Modesto, and Scott Conover, of Tracy, join hands during a prayer as hundreds gathered in front of the US Marine recruiting center in Berkeley.


Babs and Jim Alexander of Lafayette, Calif., ride into Berkeley


Motorcycle riders with the group Eagles Up rode in Berkeley to show their support for the US Marines.





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Motorcycle-riding supporters of Marines roar into Berkeley

SFGate

Berkeley is hosting a decidedly different kind of protest today. A couple hundred flag-waving leather-clad pro-troop bikers have roared into town to show their support for the often besieged Marines recruiting center in the city.

"I'm here because I support my Marines," said Steve Bosshard, a retired San Francisco police officer who came from Santa Rosa. "I don't like what Berkeley's done. They don't realize the effect it has on the troops."

The center was criticized by the Berkeley city council and is often the target of protests.

Today's demonstrators, most of whom are military veterans, said they were protesting the Berkeley city council decision in February to waive the amplified-sound permit fees and provide reserved parking in front of the Marines' office for Code Pink, an anti-war group that stages protests at the recruiting center.

Saturday's demonstrators said they plan to boycott Berkeley businesses until the council is recalled, apologizes or grants free permits to a pro-troop group.

The group that organized today's protest, Eagles Up, had to pay for their permit.

More pro-Marines demonstrators were arriving shortly before noon, when a rally with speakers was scheduled.



These Heroes stood in front of the Office for quite some time. Brave warriors from wars past.



Marines, Marines and more Marines. I Love it!


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From Eagles Up website

Grassroots group Eagles Up will muster Saturday in Berkeley to pushback against the anti-American antics of the City of Berkeley and its anti-military minions, while showing overwhelming support for U.S. Marines.

Hundreds of patriots on motorcycles are expected to roar into town from around the western United States, while other true Americans roll into Berkeley to stand with the bikers at the Marine Recruiting center on Shattuck Avenue.

"We expect a massive crowd to send a message to the city of Berkeley, Code Pink and any other anti-military group that Americans are sick and tired of their hateful, dangerous behavior,” said Doug Lyvere, Eagles Up

The mayor has expressed a willingness to extend similar rights to other organizations, but only for recurring protests of the Marine office.

Move America Forward’s request for similar rights to protest the city council were denied, and EaglesUp is paying for the permits for Saturday’s events.

Many patriotic motorcycle groups are expected to attend and stage formal rides to and from the event, which will feature speakers at noon.


WHO: EaglesUp, Patriot Guard, MAF’s Melanie Morgan, Catherine Moy, and an assembled crowd
WHAT: A patriotic rally with prominent speakers WHEN: This Saturday 3/22/08 with a crowd starting to form around 10 a.m. and speakers at noon
WHEN: This Saturday 3/22/08 with a crowd starting to form around 10 a.m. and speakers at noon
WHERE: the Marine officer selection office at 64 Shattuck Square in Berkeley
WHY: to support the Marines and their right to operate in Berkeley


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Wild Thing's comment........

For a brief shining moment today, Berkeley became part of America. What an awesome sight to see all those patriots with their American flags. God Bless everyone who showed up and made a difference for our Marines and for our country.



From someone that was at this event :

"An interesting event happened early on. I was talking with a guy running the sound system before the event. They were twirling dials, doing microphone checks and running wires from the back bed of a pick-up, parked just one spot up from the Marine station. Geek wires all over the place. Tie-downs and a soundboard, with a wireless system also. Flags and signs all over the truck. An event permit clearly on the front dashboard. A cop comes over and asks, “Is this your truck”? Oh-oh!

The truck owner gulps, says “yes” in a hesitant, quizzical tone to the officer. We both were wondering what this was all about???? GULP!!!!

The officer nicely asks if he had any tie-downs so he could attach some American flags to his bike! We both broke into large grins, and handed the office some tie-downs. LOL"

Posted by Wild Thing at 02:48 AM | Comments (10)

Thumps Up From Berkeley Commie For Anti-war Groups


The head of the Chamber of Commerce of Berkeley facing lady with the camera.


This is about the above photo, it was sent to me and written by someone that was at the Suppot the Troops Rally:


"I was standing across the street from the Marine Office and he started talking to me. About how these kind of events are ruining the businesses in Berkeley. And that they are very damaging to the city.

I asked him if he lived in Berkeley, and he said no.

It was then that he told me he was head of the Chamber of Commerce of Berkeley. He kept pretty much saying the same thing over and over while I tried to tell him why we came today.

And told him it wasn't us, but the code pink, ANSWER, World Can't Wait and various other commie groups that have disrupted his (his?) little town.

When I tried to impress upon him that it was the antagonizers of the Marine Office that he needs to have stop their subersive actions, he would interrupt me every time.

He would not entertain the thought of stopping code pink, etc, but was very negative about a Positive Support Rally for the Marine Office.

He would have none of it, and would only focus on our very Positive Troop Support Rally that is and has been ruining business in Berkeley. A true slimy politician.

When I mentioned that the news is out that he and the Mayor have mended fences and are united in purpose, he said Oh, that's what the media says, not what is really true.

So I asked him (he had that camera pointed at him all this time) what is the truth then, and he waffled and said that he had talked to the leaders of the rally a little earlier and I could ask them.

I told him, why not tell me with this camera here so we can know the truth.

He didn't want to go on record with any statement at all.

I backed away, and he did start talking to the camerawoman and I watched for a minute of so, and then the speakers started so I left him with the lady with the camera."




Wild Thing's comment.......

What a total worthless jerk, he only minds if it is a group of supporters for our troops that are on the sidewalks and not if it is CODE PINKO's, ANSWER, or the other anti-war groups. The anti-war groups are there every Wednesday and sometimes all week long and that is ok with this mentally challenged person.


Posted by Wild Thing at 02:47 AM | Comments (8)

March 20, 2008

What True Ameircan's Say To Our Troops ~ Thank you!



A wonderful ad for the US Army



U.S. Marine Corps aviators in a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter


Posted by Wild Thing at 02:55 AM | Comments (5)

Operation MySpace Brings Entertainment to Deployed Troops


Jessica Simpson




WEBSITE FOR Operation MySpace to Support The Troops


Jessica's MYSpace


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The Pussycat Dolls


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Operation MySpace Brings Entertainment to Deployed Troops

By Pfc. Christopher Grammer
50th Public Affairs Detachment

KUWAIT

The show included performances by Disturbed, The Pussycat Dolls, Filter, DJ Z-Trip as well as Carlos Mencia and Metal Sanaz as the Masters of Ceremony.

“It took us about five months to set up,” said Tom Anderson, president of myspace.com. “It’s the biggest thing we’ve ever done.”

The entertainers arrived two days before the concert to meet with troops and tour the post.

The members of the band Disturbed and Carlos Mencia toured the training village at Camp Buehring and experienced the capabilities of the training facilities for deployed troops first hand.

Following the tour the entertainers attended an autograph signing at the post exchange were troops lined up to meet the entertainers.

The purpose of the concert was to bring a little bit of home to the troops, boost morale and show the troops that America supports them, said Anderson.

“Seeing the celebrities out here showing that they do support us has lifted my spirits,” said Spc. Kayla Guffin, a radar repair technician with 76th Brigade Combat Team. “I’ve been looking forward to this since I heard about it.”

Troops deployed to Kuwait or awaiting deployment north to Iraq got to relax and take their minds off the stresses of deployed life during the more than five hour show that took a crew of more than 80 personnel to set up.

It’s an honor to play for the troops and it’s an honor to be here,” said Richard Patrick, the vocalist for the band Filter.

Prior to the start of the concert, myspace.com personality Metal Sanaz interviewed servicemembers in the crowd to get their views on the upcoming show.

Comedian Carlos Mencia, the master of ceremonies started out the show by introducing DJ Z-Trip who plays more than 100 shows a year many of which are sold out. His eclectic tastes and non-conventional style draws a large fan base.

Following up after Z-Trip was the metal band Disturbed who played many of their hits including “Down with the Sickness,” “Stupify” and “Liberate.”

The Pussycat Dolls performed many of their hit songs for the troops and shared their support for the service members who are deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Adding to the mostly metal line-up was the band Filter who have been around since 1993. Sgt. Frank Cavanagh, the original bassist for the band was able to rejoin them and perform the song “Hey, Man, Nice Shot.” Cavanagh will be deploying to Iraq in April for his first tour.

Topping off the motley line-up was a performance by Jessica Simpson. Simpson sang for the crowd despite health issues just prior to the concert.

Twice as many service members showed up for the concert as originally expected.



Wild Thing's comment........


Giggle, I love the last line of the article......

"Twice as many service members showed up for the concert as originally expected."

There is such a great feeling when a person goes to thank our troops in person, and the estimated number of service men and women that might be able to come to a concert or show is increased. It really makes a person even happier to know you can thank even more of our troops then were expected.

You can also go to their website promoting this and click on the various entertainers to go to see thier MySpace, hear their music etc.

I think this is a great idea. MySpace is fun and a great way to support the troops in a unique way. Just my little MySpace that I have I hear back from a lot of Vietnam Vets and other Vets as well as troops serving today.

I just found out about this and I see there will be a repeat of the show that has aired one time before. I have no idea how it is presented but I am sure the troops must have loved it and had a good time. And I am even more sure that those entertainers that went were touched by meeting and seeing the troops 10 fold to what they gave.

With so many protesting the war, protesting our troops and recruiting Stations, it feels good to be able to show you something on the positive side of people that care about our troops and the sacrifices they make daily.

God bless our Troops and keep them safe.

Posted by Wild Thing at 02:48 AM | Comments (8)

March 19, 2008

Before You Go ~ Awesome Video




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Please CLICK HERE TO SEE THE VIDEO


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Wild Thing's comment..........

There is such a special video I would love to show all of you. It is called Before I Go. There is no way in this world I can thank all you Veterans and our troops today equally to what you have all given to me, to America and to the world. You are my heroes and I thank you with all my heart and soul!



....Thank you John 5 (VN 69/70)

Posted by Wild Thing at 02:40 AM | Comments (10)

March 16, 2008

Seattle Diners Have Sweet Surprise for Christopher Yanez a Machine-gunner and His Girlfriend



Diners have sweet surprise for soldier, girlfriend

The Seattle Times

When Chris Yanez wanted to take his girlfriend out for a special dinner to celebrate their one-year anniversary, he chose the venerable restaurant Canlis, perched high above Lake Union.

Yanez, a soldier returning from Iraq, knew the dinner would be pricey. What he didn't expect is that it would be free. And he also didn't expect that when he walked out, the place would be in tears.

Before going to dinner Wednesday night, Yanez, a reservist who spent a year in Iraq as a machine-gunner, put on his green dress Army uniform, the one he was proud to wear. With his girlfriend, Liz Coleman, on his arm, he walked into Canlis, where owner Mark Canlis found the couple a special table with a panoramic view of the lake and the city.

"I was a captain in the Air Force, so I have a soft spot there," Canlis said.

A few minutes later, a man at a nearby table — who wanted to remain anonymous — walked up to the restaurant owner. "I was noticing the young soldier and saw them looking at the menu," he told Canlis. "I know he was looking at prices and I know this is a special thing, so I would like to take care of part of their bill."

Then another family, the Greenbergs, said they, too, wanted to help pay for the meal. By the end of the night several patrons had, unknown to Yanez, offered to pay for the young couple's meal. With Canlis also sharing the costs, the $150 bill evaporated.

Yanez and Coleman were sharing a peach-cobbler dessert when Canlis walked up with a piece of molten chocolate lava cake.

"There's folks in this restaurant who don't think you should have to share a dessert," Canlis told the couple. "And they don't think you should pay the bill."

Coleman burst into in tears. Tana Greenberg, whose family helped pay the bill, said she, like several other patrons, was wiping her eyes.

"This brought out the patriotism in all of us," she said. "It was just the right thing to do. We're sending our kids over there and they're dying to uphold our beliefs. We just said this couple should not have to buy their meals. It was showing our belief in the uniform and what it stands for."

Yanez, 20, a student from Renton, said he was stunned by the gesture.

"I knew Canlis was expensive, but this is a one-of-a-kind restaurant and this was a special occasion," he said. "It was the greatest thing ever. It makes me feel like people appreciate the troops and they care about people in the community. I was in shock and my girlfriend started to cry. It was really emotional."

Canlis said his grandfather, who spent 39 years in the Marines, once told him that he should never let a soldier in uniform into his restaurant without being taken care of.

He said it's not the first time in recent months that returning troops have been honored at Canlis. Several months ago a man came in with his wife to treat her to a special dinner to make up for the two years he had spent in Iraq. The entire Canlis crew decided to pay the bill.

"That's what makes it fun for us," Canlis said, "being able to take care of people in a special way."


Wild Thing's comment........

I love stories like this sooooo much! People like this are why America has a chance to survive the left and the enemy within. God bless Christopher Yanez and his girlfrieind and all those that support our troops.

Posted by Wild Thing at 02:50 AM | Comments (18)

Demonstrators Face Off Outside Tacoma Mall ~ For The Troops Outnumber Hippies



Demonstrators face off outside Tacoma mall

King5.com

TACOMA, Wash.

About 150 people -- those opposed to the Iraq War and those supporting it -- gathered noisily outside a Tacoma Mall office building on Saturday.

A group known as World Can't Wait had organized an anti-war protest to mark the coming fifth anniversary of the Iraq War. But long before their protest was scheduled to begin, counter-protesters arrived.

The counter-protesters surrounded an office building that houses military recruiting offices, which anti-war protesters had said they planned to "shut down." They shouted "God bless our troops" and waved American flags.

As the two groups faced off, dozens of police officers, including some in full SWAT gear, served as a buffer zone. They formed a human line to divide the groups.

But there were no arrests or injuries.

The demonstrators shouted insults at each other and each side attempted to out-yell the other side.

"They don’t appreciate our soldiers and what they do for our freedom," said Cheryl Ames.
"I am on this side because I do not agree with the way the war started," said Tommie CeBrun.

Protesters held up photos of Iraq detainees tortured at Abu Ghraib prison in Baghad. They also laid out 281 pairs of shoes on the sidewalk in front of the building, including 81 pairs of combat boots that carried tags bearing the name of a U.S. military member killed in Iraq who listed Washington as his or her home state.

The protesters said the 200 pairs of shoes represented the 200-to-1 ratio of the Iraqi-to-American death rate. But the act was met with a volley of insults.

Warnings for military families to avoid the mall had been circulating for days, since some recent protests, including one at the Port of Olympia, have seen increased violence.

Meghan Tellez and her children planned to avoid the mall. Her husband is in the Navy Reserve.

"I love that mall, but I don’t want my children around that," she said.


From KOMO TV

Dozens of police officers, including some in full SWAT gear, served as a buffer zone separating the two sides.

The protest targeted the office building because of U.S. military recruiting stations located in it and because of its proximity to Fort Lewis, wihch has sent thousands of troops to fight in Iraq.

Protesters held anti-war signs and banners, while counter-protesters waved American flags.

Shelley Weber, a counter-protester who supports the military, wasn't persuaded.

"We're not going to put up with this (anti-war protest)," she said. "We see what they're doing around the nation in recruiters' offices down in Berkeley, New York and elsewhere. It's a disgrace to our military."

There is a VIDEO HERE YOU CAN WATCH


And this was from a one of the comments sent in about what happened in Tacoma:

" I was with the Support the Troops people today. What a pathetic turnout the anti-military protesters had. They at best had 50 people, all college age punks, probably from Evergreen State Col the most liberal campus on the west coast. The Support the Troops side had at least 3 or 4 times their number, including about 25-30 of the coolest leather clad bikers I ever saw. At The mall it was business as usual, full of shoppers stimulating the economy with their hard earned dollars. If the protesters goal was to interrupt commerce, they failed miserably. They also failed to shut down the recruiting office. The office they were in front of was closed anyway. The Army recruiter around the corner of the building was open for business, and even gave out donuts and coffee for the Support the Troops people. And for the military being ordered to stay away? No Way! There were many many young men walking around with military haircuts, many of who walked over and thanked us for what we were doing, several even staying with us. Many more of their families honked as they drove by our line of flags. And the Police did a fantastic job keeping the ant-war goons confined to a small area near the recruiting station, making sure they could not block access to the opened office or cross onto Mall property. My message the anti-military punks is this: Tacoma is a Military town, and damn proud of them. Go protest some place else you losers. Be sure to watch the King5 video on the link. The news did a fair job, except when they said there was no real difference between the two groups - That was BS. Few of them looked like normal decent people. Many went for the anarchist look, with scarves over their faces and black hooded sweater shirts, that sort of thing."


Wild Thing's comment........

I wish I could fly acorss our country and go to every pro troops rally there is. It would be impossible for many reasons but in my heart I sure would love to show support by being there.

It is so wonderful how so many showed up to show support for our military.

Posted by Wild Thing at 02:48 AM | Comments (12)

March 10, 2008

He Wore Feelings On His T-shirt


Donald Miller III, a freshman at Penn Manor School, and his mother, Tina, decided to take action after school officials told him to turn his shirt inside out or face detention.




Counterclockwise from top: Attorney Leonard G. Brown III speaks with Donald Miller III and his mother, Tina; Donald Miller III in the controversial shirt; the photo on the front of the shirt, as well as the back, depicts a military sidearm.



Parents believe son’s wearing of anti-terrorist message was patriotic; Penn Manor saw images of guns and thought of school violence. Family sues on First Amendment grounds.


Lancaster news

One day in December, Donald Miller III wore a gun to school. As you might imagine, it got him in trouble.

But the gun wasn't loaded; indeed, it wasn't a real gun at all. It was the image of a gun, printed on the front and back of a T-shirt — a shirt the Penn Manor freshman wore to honor his uncle, a soldier in the U.S. Army fighting in Iraq.

On the front pocket, in addition to the picture of the military sidearm, were the words: "Volunteer Homeland Security." On the back, superimposed over another image of the weapon, the words "Special issue — Resident — Lifetime License — United States Terrorist Hunting Permit — Permit No. 91101 Gun Owner — No Bag Limit."

They are, said Miller, 14, patriotic sentiments in a time of war. He feels pretty strongly about these things.

So do officials at the Penn Manor School District, who wanted him to turn his shirt inside out. When Miller refused, he got two days of detention.

His parents, Donald and Tina Miller of Holtwood, got angry and called a lawyer.

And now a lawsuit has been filed in federal court, accusing Penn Manor of violating Miller's First Amendment rights. The Millers and their attorney, Leonard G. Brown III of the Lancaster firm Clymer & Musser, accuse the school district of following a "vague Orwellian policy" that throttles both patriotism and free speech.

Penn Manor says the case has less to do with free speech than it does guns.

In the post-Columbine era, said Kevin French, an attorney for Penn Manor, school districts are duty-bound to create a safe environment for students, a place where intimations of violence aren't permitted. District officials aren't trying to impugn Miller's patriotism, said French. But when someone brings even the image of a gun to school, he says, that violates school policy.

And the district, he said, will fight to keep it intact.

The start

The incident happened Dec. 4, according to the federal complaint. But the story actually begins last spring.

That's when Miller's uncle, Brian Souders, shipped out to Iraq. He had been stationed at Fort Benning, Ga., and bought the shirt at the base post exchange, or PX, and gave it to Donald as a gift.

With his uncle on the front lines of the "War on Terror," Donald said he wanted to show his support. And so one day toward the end of eighth grade, he wore the shirt to school — and was admonished by Penn Manor Middle School officials. Donald didn't want to get in trouble, so he turned the shirt inside out.

But he didn't think that was right. In early December, he wore the shirt to Penn Manor High School. No one said a word about it all day, he said, until his final period, when a classmate complained to the teacher.

The teacher asked him to turn the shirt inside out, but he refused. Miller was sent to the principal's office. Once there, he said he was again told to turn the shirt inside out.

"I told them to call my parents," said Miller. And his refusal to comply resulted in detention.

Three days later attorney Brown sent a letter to Penn Manor Superintendent Donald Stewart asserting that the "strong-arm censorship by school officials amounts to content discrimination and is unconstitutional."

But, wrote Brown, the Millers wished to "resolve this issue amicably" and "avoid unnecessary litigation and media attention." Brown asked that the district rescind the detention, allow Miller to wear the shirt, provide training to district employees on the subject of students' constitutional rights — and pay attorney fees, about $2,500.

Initially, the district decided to make a concession: It agreed to drop a line from its "student expression policy" that prohibited speech seeking "to establish the supremacy of a particular religious denomination, sect or point of view." And in a Jan. 8 letter to Brown, district solicitor Robert J. Frankhouser, of the Lancaster law firm of Hartman Underhill & Brubaker, said Penn Manor might be willing to consider tinkering with other, similar policies.

But on the issue of guns, and the advocating of violence, the district vowed to "vigorously defend its policy and the application of policy in this instance," wrote Frankhouser. Students, he wrote, "may not wear clothing to school that advocates the use of force or urges the violation of law or school regulations.
"The shirt in question contains the image of a firearm and clearly advocates illegal behavior," he wrote.

That, he concluded, should be the end of the matter.

It wasn't. A week later Brown filed the lawsuit, asking the federal courts to declare Penn Manor's policies unconstitutional and to grant a permanent injunction forcing Penn Manor to let Miller to wear his shirt. The suit also seeks "nominal damages and compensatory damages," attorneys fees and costs, and "further relief as it is just and proper."

"Donald Miller wears the T-shirt to make the political and emotional statement that he supports his uncle, and all our armed forces, as they bravely exercise their duty to defend this great nation," Brown wrote in the federal complaint.
"The message that Mr. Miller's shirt conveyed was simply that the United States military and law enforcement personnel are actively engaged in a war against terrorists who seek to destroy this country. … Mr. Miller's shirt makes a political statement that he agrees with and supports the efforts of his uncle and the rest of our military," Brown wrote.
"Such a viewpoint may not be politically correct in Mr. Miller's classrooms, but his right to express his viewpoint is constitutionally protected."

A federal judge will hold a conference on the case March 31, to either reach a settlement or proceed.

The case is beginning to generate interest online, where the conservative news site WorldNetDaily.com published an article on the lawsuit last week. That story, like the federal complaint itself, focused on the alleged attempt to censor political, patriotic speech.

Contacted by the Sunday News, Penn Manor Superintendent Stewart said he had "nothing to add to the comments of our solicitor." He did, however, tell WorldNet Daily that, "It's the district's position the wording on the T-shirt advocated violation of the law and acts of violence.

"The district," he told WorldNet Daily, "feels it's taken an appropriate stance in terms of T-shirts or anything a student would wear that advocates acts of violence."
But Brown countered last week: "If you believe something is going to create violence, you have to show a history of that in Penn Manor," Brown said. "If this shirt was truly something creating a [dangerous] environment in school, it should have been picked up first thing."

School board president C. Willis Herr did not respond to a message seeking comment.

This would not be the first incident in which T-shirts at Penn Manor provoked controversy — in 1997, a group of about 30 Penn Manor students wore white T-shirts to school to proclaim white supremacy.

Still, attorney French, speaking on behalf of the district, said the Millers and Penn Manor "are talking about two different things." The Millers, and Brown, want this issue to be about freedom of speech, he said.

Penn Manor is talking about guns.

"In light of incidents of violence in schools," said French, both district officials and district parents tend to come down on the side of caution. "Students who come to school enjoy limited First Amendment rights," French said, "but the school district has the right to enforce policies that protect students. And all this has to be understood in the context of what's happening today — Columbine, Virginia Tech, Northern Illinois University."
"There's a much higher level of sensitivity these days," admits French.
"But it's based on reality."


Wild Thing's comment........

When parents and schools make guns the enemy, when they teach liberal thinking in the reason why our country is free and how some phony miraculous way peace exists and not because of the power of our military, and how there is a right way to fight for peace to keep peace through military strength and not from some fear of guns or chanting make love not war on a sign held on a street corner, well then this kind of stupid thinking will abound.

This story is a good example of how out of control the liberal mindset has gone in controlling the minds of young Americans. This boy meant no harm, his shirt sent a message of support for those fighting terrorism and also a message to terrorists as well with the "United States hunting permit" logo. He wore it because he was proud of his Uncle was serving our country and fighting terrorists.

He was not wearing a shirt that demanded anarchy, or violence against citizens of the USA. His shirt said nothing even close to the t-shirts worn at the same school in "1997, a group of about 30 Penn Manor students wore white T-shirts to school to proclaim white supremacy."

We say to ourselves how the hell did we get people thinking like the anti-war jerks, how do they not see why we are free, who paid the price for our freedom and why we can live in peace. Well schools like this, that instill fear of wearing something that supports our troops, speaks out against terrorism is just one of the reasons why we are more and more living in the land of oz where the liberal socialist agenda spreads like a virus across our land.


....Thank you Mark for sending me this article.

Posted by Wild Thing at 01:50 AM | Comments (14)

March 09, 2008

Support The Troops Report At Bombed Recruiting Station at Times Square NY


It poured rain, there were 100 Patriotic Americans that showed up to support our military. These are just a few of the photos from yesterday at the bombed recruiting Station at Times Square in New York.







Urban Infidel has a wonderful slide show of the support the troops rally.



.

Wild Thing's comment.......

America will answer back when things like this happen and that is something that makes me so proud to be an American, one of the many reasons we live in an awesome country. When it comes to our military and supporting our troops we totally out number the anti-American military loathing jerks.

It was a wonderful turn out and I am very proud of those that lived close enough to attend. I didn't see any coverage on TV at all. Which is typical of the media, it is more important to them to show the left filled with hate then to show true Americans, Veterans and civilians that appreciate our troops and Vets.


* LGF

* Urban Infidel

Posted by Wild Thing at 04:55 AM | Comments (12)

March 07, 2008

Police Give Permission for Rally at Times Square Recruiting Station Island




The Police have allowed a rally to be held at the Times Square Recruiting Station Island, 43rd Street and Broadway, to show of encouragement and support for our troops and our recruiters.


Date : Saturday March 8, 2008

Time: from 1300 to 1600

There should be a big turnout, Partriot Guard Riders and Gathering of Eagles, and all Veteran’s groups and any of you that wish to attend to show support of our troops, our Veterans and our recruiters are most welcome too.

Here is a Times Square Cam and they might be on here on Saturday where you can also see the rally, not positive how the cam thing works.

Times Square CAM


Posted by Wild Thing at 02:50 AM | Comments (10)

February 12, 2008

More From Berkley Protest ~ OOHRAH!



If you run into Weston, give him a Hi 5 for me!




Marine Corps supporter Weston Hoover straightens his tie Friday after knocking a protester from World Can't Wait to the ground at the Berkeley Marine Corps recruiting center. Three protesters who chained themselves to the front door were arrested by Berkeley police. The protest came three days after the Berkeley City Council declared the Marines "uninvited and unwelcome intruders" in the city. (Doug Oakley / Bay Area News Group)



Hey Barack Hussein Obama , this guy from the Caribbean gets it, why don’t you!:


Posted by Wild Thing at 07:05 PM | Comments (6)

Berkley Commies Vs. The Good Guys



Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates, participating in the siege



The pinko communist citizens of Berklky and what they had to say about our Marines and our troops. In this shocking video, code pink calls all United States Marines war criminals. They also claim al qaeda is not a threat to the United States and that World War two was "wrong."



CNN
Military supporters descended on Berkeley early Tuesday, demanding the famously liberal California college town rescind its vote that says Marine recruiters are "not welcome in this city."

The pro-military demonstrators were met by anti-war protesters who had camped out overnight, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown late in the day when the City Council is to discuss whether to revoke its previous vote.

"Their treasonous action, especially at this time of war right now, is not acceptable," said Mary Pearson, a spokeswoman for the group Move America Forward



Wild Thing's comment........

If you would like to you can POST MESSAGE TO BERKELEY COUNCIL MEMEBERS - HERE

Vietnam veteran interviewed: "Code Pink and ANSWER are together out here doing this and it reminds me of the horrible reception I got when returning from Vietnam!" (voice breaking with emotion)

Loud chanting "NO FEDERAL FUNDS FOR BERKELY!" Signs are GREAT!

This is from one of our lurkers here at TW that reads this blog every day.

"I'm in Berkeley. I just came back from my lunch break -- while walking outside, I saw a plane flying overhead towing a big sign that stated clearly, in red letters, "Semper Fidelis."


And this...........

HERE is a video that shows how the pinko communists at the entrance demonstration outside the Marine Corps recruiting office in Berkeley.


VIDEO a must see


More this and this is about the Democrats and of course vile Harry Reid! dfrom The Hill Harry Reid’s move delayed rap on Berkeley:

Senate Democrats left two days of legislative business officially open last week, hobbling GOP efforts to bring up a bill punishing a liberal California city for scolding Marine Corps recruiters.

Republicans said Democrats clearly wanted to avoid being forced to choose between the Marine Corps or Berkeley, Calif., known for its liberalism and fervent anti-war positions.

Instead of adjourning at the end of a day as usual, the Senate “recessed” twice, a move that, under Senate rules, slows the process of adding new bills to the calendar. Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) did not adjourn until last Friday, effectively pushing back floor consideration on the GOP bill until Tuesday — the same day that the city council is likely to tone down its call for Marine Corps recruiters to leave town.

“The only reason to recess is to block something, and the thing that got blocked by Reid’s stall tactic was the Semper Fi Act,” said spokesman Wesley Denton, referring to the bill introduced by his boss, Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.).
“Democrats have chosen not to defend the Marine Corps, but to pander to anti-war protesters and Berkeley officials that are actively trying to impede military recruitment.”

That tactic effectively delayed an effort by DeMint and five other conservatives to bring forward a bill, introduced on Feb. 6, that would strip Berkeley of $2 million worth of earmarks inserted into the $516 billion omnibus spending bill Bush signed into law at the end of 2007. According to three GOP aides, DeMint signaled on Feb. 6 that he would request that the bill be placed on the legislative calendar before the decision was made to recess, rather than adjourn, for the night.

“Berkeley needs to learn that their actions have consequences,” DeMint said.

The California Democrats who sponsored the earmarks, Sen. Barbara Boxer and Rep. Barbara Lee, say they will fight for the funding, which includes a lunch program at a Berkeley school district, ferry service and a new endowment at the University of California-Berkeley.

“Senator DeMint may not like what the Berkeley City Council has to say, but to punish the children, police, first responders and university for something they had nothing to do with is just plain wrong,” said Natalie Ravitz, a spokeswoman for Boxer.

Republicans introduced the bill to reprimand the city for its decision to tell the Marine Corps in a letter that a recruiting office was “not welcome” in the city and that the recruiters were “uninvited and unwelcome intruders.”

The council also voted to make it easier for the anti-war group Code Pink to protest against the recruiters, assigning a parking space once a week for six months in front of the office and relaxing noise restrictions so that the activists can more easily interrupt the Marines’ activities.


This from Berkley:

BERKELEY, Calif
KTVU.com in Berkley

Hundreds of demonstrators representing both sides of the Iraq War debate squared off in Berkeley early Tuesday, exchanging verbal taunts and angry insults as police stood nearby while the hours counted down to a controversial City Council vote over the future of Marine recruiting in the Bay Area college town.

"We're delighted. We're excited about the whole thing. It just shines a much needed light on the issue of the war," said peace activist and Code Pink cofounder Medea Benjamin.

"It would be very very challenging for us to try to separate the groups. Certainly, if there's any volatility, if there's anything physical that happens, we are going to manage that," said Berkeley police officer Mary Kusmiss.

The Marine Corps says it has no plans on abandoning its recruiting station. Berkeley is still facing the threat of having federal and state funds cut off if it tries to get the Marines out. Medea Benjamin says that threat shouldn't be taken seriously.

"Then give Berkeley back the $56 million that it will spend this year alone on the war so we can invest it in what we want here, which would be schools and health care and green jobs and solar panels for our homes. That would make us a lot more secure than a war in Iraq," argued Benjamin.


LOVE it thank you ! God bless our Marines!!!!!




....Thank you Mark for the headsup for link at Michelle's. I really appreictae it. And thank you John 5 (VN 69/70) for the top graphic.


* Moonbattery

* Little Green Footballs
* Michelle Malkin
* News sources I used as well

Posted by Wild Thing at 06:55 PM | Comments (6)

January 27, 2008

Outback's ' bloomin onion' Favorite Of Troops



Leatherneck.com

Smells of secret sauces and spices filled the inside of the dining facility as employees from Outback Steakhouse prepared Bloomin’ Onions, calamari, and pasta. Outside, the scent of sizzling steaks rose from the grill and wafted throughout the base.

A task force of 22 employees from Outback Steakhouse and its sister company Carrabba’s Italian Grill fed the troops of Al Asad during Feeding Freedom Five.

To complete their mission they had to reach one goal: give the service members the best meal of their deployment.

“We came to show our support and it’s a way for us to say thank you from Carrabba’s and Outback,” said Josh Upton, a national food technician for Carrabba’s Italian Grill and the team leader for the operation. “One of our philosophies is to give for the sake of giving, not to get something back.”

Outback Steakhouse began arranging Feeding Freedom Five in November of 2006. The tours, which are semi-annual, are designed to feed deployed service members throughout the Middle East, feeding troops in Afghanistan, Kuwait, Salerno and Iraq.

According to Shanda Breedlove, a service technician at Outback Steakhouse in Atlanta, Ga., the point of the tour was to bring service members a taste of home and give them a good meal.

“It’s been very exciting, it’s nice to see their faces, they really appreciate this and it’s not enough thanks for what they do for us,” said Breedlove. “It’s very simple, but I’m glad it means a lot to them.”

To achieve the same freshness and food quality as a steakhouse from home, the company donated all of the food. The rib eye steaks, potatoes, onions, and calamari we’re flown over to provide the highest degree of freshness and satisfaction for the troops.

In order to produce a meal for approximately 13,000 service members and contractors on Al Asad, the Outback employees took a lesson from the troops; they learned to adapt and overcome.

The biggest challenge the Outback employees faced was making sure everything came together including preparation time and ingredients, added Matt Bregner, a food quality control technician for Outback restaurants in the Penn. region.

The team spent the night before the dinner preparing the Bloomin’ Onions, Bloomin’ Onion sauce and potatoes at all three base dining facilities. They cut the fresh onions with a special press and then made the Bloomin’ Onion sauce by mixing secret ingredients. Finally, they rinsed the potatoes in salt and butter before baking them.

“Preparation wise, it takes about eight hours for this many people,” said Upton. “We cook the steaks non-stop from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. to get them all done. We have 14,000 steaks. The last feeding we had, we served fillets and every Marine came up for two steaks and a potato.”

The Outback employees had mixed predictions on what the troops would like the most, but they had it cornered to either the Bloomin’ Onion or the steak. The votes weren’t quite unanimous among the service members, but the two most popular menu items were the Bloomin’ Onion and the rib eye steak.

“The bloomin onion was the best part of the meal,” commented Lance Cpl. Jeff Harris, a data network specialist with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163.

After reflecting on the meal with a full belly, service members found they appreciated more than just the steak.

“The steak is juicy, it’s tender and it’s not overcooked,” said Lance Cpl. Arthur Watson, a Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 29 avionics technician. “It reminds me of back home and this shows us that there are actually people out there who care.”



Wild Thing's comment........

I absolutely love when business's do things for the troops. It sets them above the others in so many ways. And our soldiers appreciate it so much.

Posted by Wild Thing at 04:40 AM | Comments (12)

January 13, 2008

Robin Williams in Kuwait



Footage of comedian and actor, Robin Williams, in Kuwait




Wild Thing's comment.......

Since his last visit to see the troops little by little video's are bein released. LMAO this was so funny, apparently in all the timwes Robin has been to see our troops this trip had a new experience for him. hahaha



And this one he talks about the troops.

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:45 AM | Comments (4)

Aaron Tippin Supporting Our Troops


Country music star Aaron Tippin poses with Marines serving in the global war on terrorism. The country music singer spent his third straight Thanksgiving entertaining servicemembers serving in Iraq and Kuwait. Stars for Stripes photo






Country Musician Comes by Patriotism Naturally

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Growing up as part of a military family, country music star Aaron Tippin learned a crucial lesson early in life: Freedom isn't free.

"That might be a corny old saying, but you know what?" he asked. "It is still true. Freedom is not free."

Tippin, who was in Washington for some publicity appearances, said his father, Willis, served in the military. The senior Tippin always was deeply patriotic, even after he left the service, his son added.

"That really bled into me," he said. "So I have a great appreciation for my freedom and have a deep understanding that (servicemembers) are the people that are directly responsible for it."

The musician has expressed that appreciation many times through his music. One of his first hit songs, the 1991 single "You've Got to Stand for Something," earned him a spot entertaining the troops with comedian Bob Hope in the Persian Gulf region.

Since then, Tippin has entertained the troops numerous times, including the past three Thanksgiving holidays. Each visit gives him new perspective and renews his admiration for those serving the United States, he said.

What strikes him most is the progress being made and the troops' role in that growth. One Iraqi boy in particular made it clear that U.S. troops are making a difference during Tippin's 2007 trip.

After suffering serious facial injuries in a roadside bombing, the boy had undergone many surgeries and was still in the hospital recovering. He caught Tippin's attention as the singer visited the hospital, which just two years before had been filled with wounded American troops.

Tippin autographed a picture for the boy while a translator explained who the singer was and what he was doing.

"He got up off his little mat and he came over to me and he took the picture," the singer said. "He looked up at me and then looked at it again, and he walked over and gave me a great big hug and a kiss.
"That floored me," Tippin added.

The child's simple act was powerful enough, but it was more than just simple human emotion to Tippin.

"What I realized (through) the touch of that child (is), our troops know how to be great soldiers, great Marines, great airmen, great sailors," he said. "They do battle the way it should be done, and that was just so inspiring.
"If that would have been our enemy (that found the boy), they'd have left that little kid to die right there in the street," Tippin added.

The Nashville-based musician doesn't have to be oceans from home to be "wowed" by the troops, though. He frequently plays for military audiences in the states as well.

He considers it his reward when, while meeting fans at the end of a show, a servicemember shows him a photo from an overseas performance. It never fails that the photo strikes a familiar chord.

"It's me and them on the battlefield," Tippin said. "That's a cool moment because ... I've been waiting for the chance to see them here in our country and go, 'Thanks, Man. Glad to see you're home. Glad to see you're safe. Thanks so much; we appreciate what you do for us.'"


Wild Thing's comment........

I knew Aaron Tippin supported our troops and have posted about him before and also video's of his music. But I never knew about his Dad being a Veteran before. I was so glad to read about that.

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:44 AM | Comments (4)

January 10, 2008

Johnny Grant Honorary Mayor Of Hollywood Dies ~ RIP


Victoria's Secret Angel Heidi Klum receives a star from honorary mayor of Hollywood Johnny Grant on Nov. 13, 2007


Johnny Grant, Honorary Mayor Of Hollywood, Dies

Johnny Grant, Hollywood's honorary mayor, died Wednesday, according to Los Angeles police.


Information about Johnny Grant's life taken from HERE....there is much more then I am posting and also lots of photos.


Grant, 84, has been one of Hollywood's most enthusiastic supporters for more than 50 years.

He was the creator and producer of the "Welcome Home Desert Storm" parade, the largest single-day event in L.A.'s history. Television audiences around the world regularly see him dedicating stars on Hollywood's Walk of Fame and helping immortalize the world's greatest motion picture personalities in cement in the forecourt of the fabled Grauman's Chinese Theatre. Johnny Grant is Hollywood's most recognized spokesman.

The Hollywood Christmas Parade is another recurring example of Grant's dedication to the revitalization of Hollywood. When the town's annual Santa Claus Lane Parade lost its luster, the parade's organizer, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, called Johnny Grant. When he signed on as parade producer in 1978, it was a reasonably popular, but strictly local, event. Grant rounded up 100 of Hollywood's most popular stars, the committee changed the name to The Hollywood Christmas Parade, and with the drive of Johnny's talent and personality, his 20-year tenure transformed the Parade into a nationally-televised festivity that has become one of the world's largest celebrity events.

He was one of the television medium's earliest pioneers and stars. Beginning in 1946, he was host of the game show "Stop the Clock."

During World War II, while serving in the Army Air Corps, he broadcast from Seymour Johnson Field, N.C. and was aired on his "alma mater" station WGBR. He also was heard over New York's WINS Radio, where he hosted a special daily show for the millions of servicemen and women stationed, living, and simply passing through New York City on military duty. The show was called "Strictly GI," and featured not only news of interest to the troops, but interviews with some of the greatest and most popular entertainment stars of the day.

He was on the scene in 1945, shortly after a B-25 bomber crashed into the Empire State Building and was the only radio reporter on the air March 18, 1946, when Andrei Gromyko angrily walked out of the United Nations Security Council Chamber.

Grant also recalls his chats with the legendary Babe Ruth, Jack Dempsey, Ty Cobb, Eleanor Roosevelt, Great Britain's Sir Anthony Eden, Captain Eddie Rickenbacker, Admiral William F. Halsey and more.

Grant also served as producer and host of the United States Marine Corps Reserve's "Toys For Tots" Telethon for ten years.

Johnny has also produced hundreds of these events, raising millions of dollars for the USO, Boy Scouts of America, the Arthritis Foundation, police and fire services, veterans organizations, etc.

Johnny Grant is one of America's most enthusiastic, energetic and vocal supporters of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. His service to his country includes 15 trips to Korea and 14 gut-wrenching tours to combat bases throughout Vietnam... in all, a monumental 55 USO and personally-organized visits to bring laughter, encouragement and the spirit of America to GIs overseas.

During the Korean War, Grant's "GI Phone Fund" provided wounded servicemen with free telephone calls home when they arrived at California's Travis Air Force Base hospital.

Johnny's 12th trip to Vietnam brought high praise from General Creighton Abrams, Commanding General of U.S. Forces there, as he pinned Grant with the Army's Outstanding Civilian Service Medal. Since then, his amazing dedication to our armed forces personnel has been recognized with The Army's Legion of Merit, two awards of the Meritorious Service Medal, an Army Commendation Medal and Distinguished Civilian Service Medals from the Department of Defense, Department of Army and Department of Navy on behalf of the Marine Corps.

Johnny spent Christmas of 1982 and '83 entertaining U.S. Marines in Beirut, Lebanon, and was the only Hollywood personality to make two trips to visit our troops in Saudi Arabia during Desert Shield/Storm.

To date, he has made five visits to the Balkan countries of Kosovo, Bosnia and Macedonia. During these trips, he took the opportunity to re-establish a longtime association with the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS) by appearing on Christmas Day Specials on the AFN in Frankfurt, Germany, whose radio signal covers almost half the world. During both the Korean and Vietnam wars, Johnny hosted daily hour-long disc jockey shows for AFRTS.



Wild Thing's comment........

It is always sad to say goodbye to a friend. Hollywood even though extremely liberal does have some awesome people that have real substance and truly love our troops and know why we live in a free land. Johnny was one of them.

I met Johnny Grant through Bob Hope and trips to Vietnam. He was a jolly, fun and lovable man and very kind. Over the years of knowing Johnny Grant I was honoered to work with him and with the Marines Toys for Tots TV show with Angie Dickinson and Henry Winkler and others.

One Christmas Johnny called and asked if I wanted to ride in the Hollywood Christmas Parade and I was thrilled. I love Christmas and the Hollywood Christmas Parade was always fun. So I asked him if Nick could come too and he was wonderful and said absolutely. Johnny Grant did a lot to support the troops over the years and he will be missed.


His last trip to see our troops
November 29, 2007

Hollywood's honorary mayor, Johnny Grant, plans to leave Friday for Guantanamo Bay to entertain and honor American troops.

Grant said the trip will be his final USO tour.

"Their applause is thunderous, and their laugh has a certain spark that you don't hear anywhere else," Grant said.

Grant, who's performed with Bob Hope, Betty Grable and a long list of celebrities, has entertained troops for the last 65 years.

Grant said he bringing Victoria's Secret models on this tour.

"I've got a lot of beautiful ladies for the men," Grant said. "I'm afraid we're going to disappoint the women soldiers, because I'm their sex symbol."

On Thursday, Grant emceed The Recording Academy's "Award of Excellence" star on Hollywood's Walk Of Fame. During the ceremony, he shared a joke he plans on telling the troops.

"I say, 'You know, I have a lot of problems in Hollywood. You'd be amazed at how many people mistake me for Brad Pitt,'" Grant said.

This isn't the first time Grant has said his USO touring days are over. During a KNBC interview in 2001, he said that his 2001 tour would be his last.

While he stands by his remarks that this trip is the last, he hasn't closed any doors.

"I say this is definitely the final tour, but if they called me the day I got back and asked me to go to Baghdad, I'd go," Grant said.

Posted by Wild Thing at 03:44 AM | Comments (7)

Car Dealer Helps Deployed Military




Car dealer helps deployed military

kvoa.com


A Tucson car dealer is reaching out to help military men and women deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

This morning Hailey Peck picked up her car at Jim Click Nissan.

She's glad to be back on the road again. Last month her car quit running outside her church.

Peck says she had to leave it parked there for months. She says, "We didn't really have the money to repair the car yet. We just needed a few extra paychecks."

This mother of two says money's been tight since her husband got deployed to Afghanistan 22 months ago.

Enter Click Nissan. Click car dealerships have a program to help deployed military with routine car repairs.

Owner Jim Click says, "If you're defending our country, we want to take care of your car. We'll do the lube, oil, filter, any of the regularly scheduled maintenance for free."

In Peck's case, the dealership fixed everything. It did roughly $2,500 worth of work for free.

Scott Jones, the dealership's service manager, says, "We replaced the radiator. Because of the overheating, it had damaged the catalytic converter. So we went ahead and replaced the catalytic converter."

Arizona National Guard Sergeant Aaron Peck is expected to return from Afghanistan next month. Now his wife says he'll have a dependable car to drive to work.

Peck tells Click, "It was such a blessing. I mean, thank you guys so much."
Click tells her, "We sure appreciate what he's doing. God bless him. And God bless your family."

Click dealerships have offered free routine maintenance to deployed military since 2003.


Wild Thing's comment........

God love you, Jim Click and God bless our troops.

Posted by Wild Thing at 03:40 AM | Comments (4)

January 08, 2008

California Girls Entertain The Troops At Striker Base In Iraq


Lisa Haze and the California Girls (all-girl band) entertain the troops at Striker Base in Iraq! Another bombed out soccer stadium and the fun never stops. Check out the soldier dancing on stage at the end




And here they play for the troops in Iraq at Anaconda Base. The show is at night in a bombed out soccer stadium and the soldiers said it was one of the worst dust storms ever.



Posted by Wild Thing at 12:45 AM | Comments (2)

January 05, 2008

Flag Gift From 1 Group Of Patriots To Another


Soldiers of Bravo Company, 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) from Fort Campbell, Ky., stand in front of an American flag sent to a member of the unit …Spc. Matthew Brustien …from the New England Patriots. The team signed the national banner, and the unit’s soldiers will be signing an American flag to send to the team.



Sierra Vista Herald

PATROL BASE CORREGIDOR, Iraq — OK, Spc. Matthew Brustien admits he is a New York Giants fan.

But it was the New England Patriots who sent the 26-year-old soldier an American flag signed by the team members.

On Wednesday, fellow soldiers of Bravo Company, 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) posed for a photo with the signed flag.

Brustien said he is going to have the troop sign an American flag to send to the Patriots, along with a serious and funny photo from the recent photo taking, along with pictures of the entire troop in Kuwait and his platoon, the 2nd.

Brustien’s connection to the Patriots came through his father’s friendship with Tom Brady, with whom he played golf.

The Great Neck, N.Y., resident said most of his family work on Wall Street and were at their jobs when the terrorist attacks hit New York on Sept. 11, 2001.

The three-year Army veteran is reluctant to talk about that day, except to say no one in his family was hurt, although “a few friends were killed.”

His interest in football and the Army began when his grandfather took him to games at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

He has been taking some ribbing from many of the unit’s soldiers, most of whom at Indianapolis Colts fans, Brustien said.

After the photo session, during which the soldiers wore unit shirts, shorts and shower slippers, the signed flag was removed. “I’m going to fold it up and send it home,” Brustien said.

As for the Patriots, the soldier said he is not going to say much as he doesn’t want to jinx the team’s perfect record this season — the Patriots clinched a perfect 16-0 regular season and head to the playoffs in two weeks.


Posted by Wild Thing at 12:45 AM | Comments (3)

January 03, 2008

Tribute To Patriot Guard Riders



Before Patriot Guard Riders was formed it was hard to get people to meet a moron named Phelps who likes to protest the funerals of our fallen warriors and block him visually so the family would not have to endure. Then PGR was formed the rest is hsitory.


Wild Thing's comment........

Thank you PGR for all you do. I sure do appreciate PGR! The end of the clip says it all, "Thanks from those of us who can't be there!" Way cool.

Posted by Wild Thing at 02:44 AM | Comments (6)

December 31, 2007

Lawyer Damages Marine's Car on Eve of Deployment



Anti-Military Lawyer Damages Marine's Car on Eve of Deployment

This ought to make your blood boil. And this Marine should receive a commendation for not kicking the living crap out of the guy...seriously.

Marine Sgt Mike McNulty is on activation orders to Iraq (second tour). On December 1st, 2007, Mike went to visit a friend in Chicago before deploying to say goodbye. In order to get to his friend's residence, and keep in mind that Chicago is a myriad of diagonal and one-way streets, the front entrance (right way) to the one-way street was blocked. Mike, being a Marine, overcame and adapted by driving around the block to the other end of the street and backing up all the way to his friend's place.

While saying goodbye, at about 11am, he noticed a man leaning up against his car. Mike left his friend's apartment and caught the man keying his car on multiple sides.

After caught in the process, the man told Mike, "you think you can do whatever you want with Department of Defense license plates and tags". (In Illinois you can purchase veteran, Marine, or medal plates. Mike has Illinois Marine Corps license plates.) During the exchange, he made additional anti-military comments.

Mike called the Chicago police and had the man arrested. A citation against the man was issued for misdemeanor criminal damage to private property.

The police report (and I have copies if needed) states:

Victim related to P/O that as he walked back to his vehicle, he observed the offender leaning up against his vehicle and rubbed/dragged his left arm and hand across the passenger side. As offender walked away from victim's vehicle, victim observed a scratch along the rear trunk and passenger's door area where offender dragged his arm and hand over. Victim and witness stopped offender and confronted him. Victim has military plates and decals on his vehicle and offender made anti war and military comments to victim. Upon P/O's arrival to scene, offender denied scratch victim's vehicle, but did admit to rubbing past it. Victim at this time did not sign complaint, because he is leaving tour for military duty. Offender said they accused him of scratching the car because he is Jewish. Offender's statements/responses to P/O's questions unreasonable.

As it turns out, the man is Chicago lawyer Jay R. Grodner, who owns a law firm in the city and has offices in the suburbs.

After sending the car to the body shop, it was determined there is $2400 in damage, making this a felony. Mike went to court Friday morning to collect the damages against Mr. Grodner and file felony charges. Though the damages are over $300 (the amount which determines felony or misdemeanor) Grodner offered Mike to pay his deductible, $100, and have Mike's insurance pay for it.

The Illinois States Attorneys tried to coerce Mike into accepting the offer. Appalled, Mike said he wanted this to be a felony. The state told Mike that it was not worth pursuing felony damage against Grodner because they don't have the time. In addition, the state prosecutors told him that he would never it 'would be difficult to recover the damages' from Grodner because he is a lawyer.

Instead, the State asked Mike if he would accept probation for Grodner. Mike accepted, probation was offered to Grodner, and Grodner declined the offer, saying within ear shot of Mike, "I'm not going to make it easy on this kid". Mike's next court date is tomorrow, Monday, December 31st, to pursue misdemeanor charges against Grodner.

Mike's leave is over on January 2nd when he reports to Camp Pendleton before heading to Iraq.

Jay Grodner knows this and is going to file for a continuance until Mike is gone and cannot appear in court.

By account of the Illinois State's Attorneys, Grodner is likely to get away with defacing Mike's car with no penalty because, 1) Mike is about to deploy to Iraq and will not be available to appear in court, and 2) Grodner is a lawyer and can get out of this very easily.

So, does anyone have any ideas about how to proceed? All peaceful and rational ideas are welcomed. We are contacting the media about this, too.

Please pass this story on to anyone you know that might be able to help. Contact me [Blackfive] if you have any information or ideas.

Thanks!
Matt (Blackfive)



.


Wild Thing's comment........

What a world that this kind of thing would happen to one of our soldiers. That lawyer could so easily have been appreciative of this soldier and thanked him for his service. But NO way, not for a low life like this lawyer. This is so horrible!


* Blackfive


UPDATE


Information on the Lawyer

Lawyer name: Jay R Grodner and Assoc
Jay R. Grodner
Law Offices of Jay R. Grodner
Principal Office-Deerfield
625 Deerfield Road –Suite 406
Deerfield, IL 60015
Phone: (847) 444-1500
Fax: (847) 444-0663
Downtown Chicago
30 N. LaSalle St. - Suite 1210
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: (312) 236-1142
Fax: (312) 236-6036
Email: jayrg8@aol.com


Posted by Wild Thing at 12:50 AM | Comments (22)

December 29, 2007

Texas Town Plays Santa For Kunsan Air Base Troops



Texas town plays Santa for Kunsan troops

Stars and Stripes

Servicemembers at Kunsan Air Base awoke Christmas morning to find gifts left not by Santa, but by the people of Lubbock, Texas.

Volunteers from the city made, filled and shipped about 3,000 Christmas stockings for the airmen and soldiers in an effort to spread holiday cheer.

Spearheaded by the mother of a Kunsan-based Air Force officer, the donation began as a church project then ballooned into something much larger.

“The amazing thing about this project is that after hearing about it, so many people wanted to become a part of it,” project coordinator Dona Nussbaum said during a phone interview Thursday.

She said the project began as part of Westminster Presbyterian Church’s missionary outreach program, but businesses and people statewide quickly became involved.

One business donated 100 yards of denim. Another, she said, donated 100 yards of felt.

Others donated candy, promotional items, compact discs and sundry items. Local schools and World War II veterans made Christmas cards.

Lubbock mayor David Miller and Congressman Randy Neugebauer also sent letters to be included in the stockings.

“Once it started getting that big it’s hard to say how many people were involved or how much it costs,” Nussbaum said. “We had so many people praying for the project or donating candy, donating money or helping to make stockings.”

She said 300 people showed up at the Lubbock Volunteer Center on Nov. 17 to begin putting stockings together. After about 3½ weeks of work, Nussbaum said, her group had 606 boxes ready to ship, for about $6,000 in postage.

The bulk of it was paid with donations after she gave an interview on a local radio station asking people to “adopt a box” by contributing $8.95 to buy a flat-rate box at the post office.

Nussbaum’s daughter, 1st Lt. Rachael Nussbaum, 8th Civil Engineering Squadron, hid the stockings in an empty dorm to keep them secret.

On Christmas Eve, she and 20 to 30 volunteers, including unit first sergeants and chief master sergeants, hung the stockings on dorm room doors.

The gifts were appreciated, she said.

"We’re really grateful to Lubbock for sending this stuff,” she said. “There are a lot of kids here that are away from home at Christmas for the first time. This lets them know that someone is thinking of them.”


Wild Thing's comment........

God bless America and the people that appreciate our troops and our awesome men and women in the service to our country.

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:44 AM | Comments (8)

December 21, 2007

USO Holiday Show Travels Throughout Combat Theater




CAMP STRIKER, Iraq
Army News Service

Dec. 17, 2007

The band "Downrange" performs their final song with other tour members and Soldiers during the Sergeant Major of the Army Hope and Freedom tour, Dec. 16, at Camp Striker, Baghdad.



Singer Darryl Worley performs with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders during the Sergeant Major of the Army Hope and Freedom tour, Dec. 16, at Camp Striker, Baghdad.



The show began with opening remarks from Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth O. Preston, who introduced everyone on the tour, including all of the band members and the stage crew.

"During the holidays, the USO tour is a piece of home to all the Soldiers," SMA Preston said. "It's also an opportunity to say thanks for the sacrifices they make."



Kicking the show off was the U.S. Army Band "Down Range" singing "I live in America." Other featured acts were Keni Thomas, a former Army Ranger; country star Darryl Worley, four members of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders; singer and comedian Sheryl Underwood; Leeann Tweeden, a sports correspondent for Fox; and Vince Morris, who was greeted as newbie from the crowd because of his inaugural performance.

LeeAnn Tweeden said this is her 8th USO tour, and she just wants to be able to go back and tell everyone first-hand what she's seen and experienced.


.

Miss USA Rachel Smith signs an autograph for Staff Sgt. Christopher Queen


American Forces Press Service reporter Jim Garamone is traveling with Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen and the holiday United Service Organizations show.

Following are three more vignettes on the group’s recent experiences.

Show in the Snow

CAMP PHOENIX, Afghanistan

Dec. 20, 2007

It was the “Show in the Snow” for the USO performers here today.

Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen brought the Chairman’s USO Holiday Tour to Afghanistan today. A C-17 carrying Robin Williams, Kid Rock, Lewis Black, Lance Armstrong and Miss USA Rachel Smith landed in snow at Kabul International Airport.

The temperature was right around freezing, and snow was falling. After shows in Kuwait and Iraq, the change in the weather came as something of a shock to all.

The show was sticking to cars and the grass, but not to the road as the motorcade moved to Camp Phoenix. More than 2,000 servicemembers from all U.S. services and many of the 14 countries that mentor and train the Afghan National Army and Afghan police gathered in the snow to see the performers.

Armstrong, who said that while many look at him and call him a hero for all that he has been through and accomplished, the real heroes are military servicemembers.

"We are all so excited to be here," Mr. Armstrong said. "I am personally excited to be here to share my appreciation and not just on behalf of myself, but on behalf of my family, my children, my community and the state of Texas. Thank you all. You're the real heroes."

Tour de France winner Armstrong handed the floor over to Mr. Williams who drew even more laughter from the already ecstatic crowd with his own brand of stand-up comedy.

"We send a lot of love from people back home," Mr. Williams said.

Mr. Williams then handed the stage to Kid Rock, who played several songs for the crowd and finished the USO show with his rendition of "Sweet Home Alabama."

Two sailors sitting in the crowd were singing along with Kid Rock as the Detroit rocker belted out "Sweet Home Alabama." One turned to the other and said, "All that karaoke is paying off, huh?" They "high-fived" each other and kept on singing.

“This crowd is up,” Williams said as he watched Black perform. The snow and the wet didn’t dampen anyone’s enthusiasm, and the show was one of the best so far in the trip.



.

Kid Rock on Entertaining Troops

BALAD, Iraq

Dec. 20, 2007

Kid Rock is devoted to entertaining American troops as part of the USO.

Kid Rock performs at the USO Holiday Tour stop at Logistics Support Area Anaconda, in Balad, Iraq, Dec. 20, 2007. The tour also included seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong and comedians Robin Williams and Lewis Black. Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley, USN


The Detroit-based singer makes an immediate connection to American servicemembers. When he sings, the young servicemen and women sing along with “Cowboy,” “Sweet Home Alabama” and many other anthemic hits.

Rock said the question is not why he does it, “but how can you not?”

He said that every second with the troops is overwhelming. “They give their best every day, … and we absolutely must give them our best,” he said.

Being with the troops puts life in perspective, the rocker said, adding that he is proud of what the servicemembers do and wants to pay them back for their sacrifices. “The whole experience has been incredible,” he said. “I’ll do it to the day I die, so long as I am needed.”


.


Dust-up at COB Speicher

CAMP VICTORY, Iraq

Dec. 19, 2007

The Chairman’s USO Holiday Show has a grueling schedule, and it’s at the mercy of the weather.

Today was a good example. The performers woke up in Taqqadum, moved to Ramadi for a show, then to Contingency Operating Base Speicher, and were scheduled to perform at night at Contingency Operating Base Liberty near Baghdad.

Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen broke off form the group to tour downtown Ramadi to see progress with his own eyes and then flew to Baghdad for meetings with Multinational Force Iraq Commander Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan C. Crocker and Army Lt. Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, Multinational Corps Iraq commander.

The USO performers made it to Contingency Operating Base Speicher and performed, but a sandstorm moved in and grounded all aircraft.

At the same time, more than 750 servicemembers had gathered at Camp Liberty to see the show. Once it became clear that the troupe could not make it to Baghdad, Mullen rushed to the stage to deliver the news personally.

He broke the bad news, conveyed the performers’ regrets and stayed to pass out his chairman’s coin to every one of the young men and women who came. His staff also distributed gifts that the USO had collected -- movies, video games, etc. -- from companies and individuals. No one went away empty-handed.

The next morning, the weather cleared, and the troupe reunited at Balad Air Base, northeast of Baghdad. Robin Williams went up to Mullen and thanked him for standing in for the performers. “I tried to convey to them how disappointed you were to not be there and how much they mean to all of you,” Mullen told Williams.




Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (12)

December 14, 2007

Never Forget Our Injured Marines Fighting On





Injured Marines fighting on
By Ralph Peters

FORT SAM HOUSTON, SAN ANTONIO

The best way to capture the spirit of the severely wounded Marines who pass through the Center for the In trepid is just to tell their stories and let them speak for themselves:

Sgt. Eric Morante, a squad leader in Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines stood watch in a sandbagged observation post atop a bridge west of Fallujah. Visibility was great - five miles in each direction - preventing terrorists from planting roadside bombs.

But the bridge served a crucial highway, and traffic had to flow. Risk was unavoidable. The best the Marines could do was to keep vehicles moving. On April 20, a suicide bomber detonated 3,000 pounds of explosives underneath the Marine OP. The bridge collapsed.

Sgt. Morante landed hard, blacking out as debris covered him. When he came to a few minutes later, he was pinned under concrete shards. Struggling, he shoved the wreckage off him - then saw that his right leg had snapped back behind his body.

The leg was amputated by surgeons in Balad. Morante woke up in a military hospital in Germany. Next stop: San Antonio and rehab.

His chief ambition is still to become a drill sergeant. Missing a leg, he arranged for the Marine Corps logo to be painted on his prosthesis. “I was back on my feet in three months,” he says proudly - but he still faces all-day therapy.

It’s been a tough year: His father died, and his mother’s been sick. And some jerk stole the sergeant’s truck, which had been parked back home in Houston.

So what does he worry about? The other Marines wounded in the blast - and, especially, his Navy corpsman. The medic’s still in a coma down in Tampa Bay and may never come out of it. He’s never seen the child his wife delivered a few months ago.

* Then there’s Gunnery Sgt. Blaine Scott, 35, and a “lifer.” The gunny served with the 3rd Light Armored Recon Co. of the 1st Marine Division in Anbar Province. He was 6½ months into his second Iraq tour when an IED detonated under his vehicle.

Gunny Scott was burned over 40 percent of his body. He’s been in rehab for 16 months, with “too many operations to count.” Despite reconstructive surgery, his face still tells of wounds. But this Marine’s Marine is 1,000 miles away from self-pity: “Hey, this is what I do for a living, this is what I chose.”

It helps that Marines stay close and support each other. And that this Iowa native has a strong marriage and three great kids.

Gunny Scott praises the “awesome” quality of care he’s received. And he’s grateful for the Fisher House room in which his family spent three months before being assigned on-post housing.

When you first meet Gunny Scott, your eyes go to the burn scars on his face. That’s the plain truth of it. But he projects so much fortitude and pride that a strange thing happens: After a little while, it strikes you that he’s still a handsome man - a man you’re privileged to know.

His priority now? Working with new Marine patients to bolster their spirits.

* Lt. Col. Grant Olbrich, a Marine aviator, heads the local Patient Affairs Team from the Marines’ Wounded Warrior Regiment. He calls the Center for the Intrepid “wonderful” and the Army hospital “very supportive of Marines.”

But he also notes that Marines do miss their own culture. Part of that culture is the Corps Commandant’s position on severely wounded Marines: “If you want to stay in the Corps, we’re going to find a way to keep you.”

And Marines want to stay in. “They do not feel sorry for themselves,” Lt. Col. Olbrich says.

* Lance Cpl. Chris Traxson is on a high: He just got engaged to his high-school sweetheart.

He’d been on a Humvee patrol in the black heart of Fallujah - before the city “flipped” and turned on al Qaeda - when a bomb struck the underside of his Humvee. It wasn’t even his regular Humvee - that had been hit by another IED two days earlier.

Fire shot through the vehicle. He suffered third-degree burns over 56 percent of his body, along with bone exposure. He looks fine now - but, under his garments, he has to keep his skin moisturized at all times.

He’s come a long way, though. His parents had been at his bedside for two weeks before he “really” woke up in the burn center. Now he’s determined to move on: “For a long time, I was pretty depressed . . . for four or five months . . . but over time I came to grips with it: This is my new body.”

He was a police officer back home in Arkansas (the chief and his fellow officers came down to visit). That’s over now - but Traxson, who holds a degree in criminal justice, intends to go to law school. And he’s really looking forward to going home for Christmas.

His buddies avenged him, by the way: “They caught the guy who planted the IED, and he rolled over. He gave up the bombmaker.”

* When Sgt. Jose Martinez arrived for our interview at the ad hoc Warrior and Family Support Center, the room was so crowded and noisy that we had to move out to the hallway for the interview. He had to step carefully, skirting dangling decorations and the Christmas tree.

Sgt. Martinez is fighting blindness.

The movie-star handsome sergeant describes himself as a “Navy brat.” A brother’s in the Army - in Iraq.

Martinez is a Force Recon Marine, the elite of the elite. He’d been working with a sniper team in the city of Hit. The team pulled out of an infiltration mission to “act on intel” about insurgents planting a bomb - and a running gun battle developed. The Marines kept up the pressure, dueling with the insurgents. Wrapping things up, the team called for extraction by a Bradley combat vehicle.

But the insurgents had lured the Marines into a prepared site. As the team approached its ride back to safety, a buried bomb went off. Three Marines and a translator were killed. The three remaining Marines were gravely wounded.

Sgt. Martinez took shrapnel in his eyes. The retinal damage to his left eye limits him to three inches of vision. The right eye’s stronger, but his peripheral vision is gone and the discrepancy between his eyes prevents him from wearing corrective lenses as he walks. He’s at a point where further operations would only risk the vision that remains.

The sergeant calls himself lucky: Others died. He’s alive, with a girlfriend he adores and college ahead. “Whatever I decide to do, I’ll get it done,” the Marine said.

We joke about how close he has to be to recognize a pretty girl (the answer is very close). Then Sgt. Martinez grows wistful and adds a holiday message to us all, “Be grateful for what you have. Nothing is ever that bad.”

What you can do

You can donate to the Warrior and Family Support Center project via credit card by phone at 1-888-343-HERO or on the Web at ReturningHeroesHome.org.

To give by mail, send donations to: Returning Heroes Home, P.O. Box 202194, Dallas, TX 75320-2194. Checks should be made out to Returning Heroes Home, Inc. This is a nonprofit 501c3 endeavor; all donations are tax-deductible.

All contributions, in any amount, will help our wounded warriors. Please give to those who gave so much.


.

Wild Thing's comment........

This post has been copied completely from Pat Dollards blog. Pat is an awesome person and also is a huge supporter of our troops. You all know about him too so I will just say a big Thank you to Pat for this information.

Regarding our wounded, to the left they are numbers, to you and I they are Heroes. Our troops are not expendable, not to you and I and each one receives our respect and grateful hearts so filled that even words are hard to come by sometimes.


.

.... Thank you Bob for telling me about this.


.

* Pat Dollard's blog

* Also posted at The Anti-Idoltarian Rottweiler

Posted by Wild Thing at 02:02 PM | Comments (4)

December 13, 2007

The Gratitude Campaign




This is a wonderful video, just click on the link.

http://www.gratitudecampaign.org/fullmovie.php


Wild Thing's comment........
I would love to see more people doing something like this. I know sometimes a person will say, they can't just walk up to a service member, maybe out of shyness or even tremendous respect. But if they even did what this video shows it would mean a lot.

Over the years I have so many special experiences in meeting our soldiers just seeing them out and about and telling them thank you. It is like an opportunity of a moment in time that says everything to take that chance to just say thank you. Without them, our troops and our Veterans, our country is nothing.


.

....Thank you Mark for sending this to me.


Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (10)

December 11, 2007

Tree Shipments To Troops Take Root



By DAVID DISHNEAU

WESTMINSTER, Md.

Sprawled in his recliner, tired and achy after three days of nearly nonstop work, James Ward hardly looks like Santa Claus.

But this laid-off truck driver has just made Christmas brighter for thousands of U.S. Service members overseas by mailing them miniature, live spruce trees with all the holiday trimmings.

A year after Ward started Operation Christmas Tree to cheer up his deployed stepdaughter and a few dozen of her fellow soldiers in Iraq, the project has blossomed into a national campaign that shipped 5,000 potted trees this season.

About 2,200 of the 2-foot trees — packed along with bags of colorful ornaments and battery-powered lights — were mailed Dec. 3 to individual service members, mostly in Afghanistan and Iraq, whose families paid $20 to Ward's nonprofit organization.



Some of those service members also received a batch of 50 or 60 extra trees to share with others. Other batches were sent to chaplains in the war zone to hand out to anyone in uniform who wants one.

The $80,000 balance not paid by donations was covered by the Armed Forces Foundation, a Washington-based nonprofit that helps the families of deployed troops. Local businesses also collected donations.

For Ward, 34, Operation Christmas Tree is an expression of the code he was taught by a firefighter uncle: "I was always brought up that if somebody's in need of something, you help them."

The same principle prompted Ward to lead a convoy of donated goods to Gulf Coast hurricane victims in 2005.

"If you can get seven tractor-trailer loads down to Katrina with all that going on, you can ship 5,000 trees," he said.

But not without a lot of help. About 350 volunteers from as far away as Phoenix helped the Ward family pack the trees for shipment Dec. 1, working close together in a 40-by-60-foot rented tent at the nearby Carroll County Agriculture Center. Donated barbecued beef fed the volunteers. The trees, purchased from a North Carolina grower, had been parked there for a month, kept alive with regular waterings by the Westminster Fire Department.

The president of the Armed Forces Foundation, Patricia Driscoll, said Operation Christmas Tree is a joy for her staff members, who spend most of their time arranging housing, counseling and other services for families of injured warriors.

"When you're dealing with the sick and wounded all the time, it can get depressing. This was really fun," she said
.

This year's 5,000 trees were a huge increase over the 75 that Operation Christmas Tree shipped last year — half to Ward's Army medic stepdaughter, Spc. Luisa Gonzalez, and members of her unit. Gonzalez, 23, now stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, while awaiting discharge early next year, came home to help with the tree packing.

"I've been that person on the other end and it just meant a lot to be there to see the next wave," she said. "In Iraq, every day's the same — no holiday — so that little piece of home gives that holiday season something special."

Ward's wife, Betty; stepdaughter Elizabeth, 20, and daughter, Marie, 2, also worked on Operation Christmas Tree.

Photographs of Ward and his wife meeting first lady Laura Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice are displayed on the living room wall, and a scrapbook is filled with thank-you notes from service members and their families.

But Ward said there's one reward he's missing: seeing the trees as they're received by the troops.

"I'd love to be a fly on the wall to watch them open them," he said. "Trust me, it's satisfying doing it, but it would be so cool to see these guys open some of them."


Wild Thing's comment.........
The media of course never tells stories of the tremendous support for our troops. Hell would have to freeze over first.

Well hell doesn't have to freeze over for all of us to know how much WE all love, respect and appreciate our troops and the same with all these various organizations that love to say thank you soldier we know you sacrifice for us.

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:44 AM | Comments (6)

Memorial Run For Slain Soldier Raises $23K



Memorial Run For Slain Soldier Raises $23K

Army Times.com

The afternoon 477 people showed up to run 10 miles in memory of Capt. Chris Cash, gray skies threatened to make it a soggy slog.

But it never ended up raining, and organizers were pleased that as the day came to a close, they had raised more than $23,000 for the Capt. Christopher S. Cash Memorial Scholarship fund at North Carolina Wesleyan College in Rocky Mount, N.C. The fallen infantryman earned his undergraduate degree in physical education from the college.

The third annual “Reindeer Dash for Cash” charity race took place Dec. 2 at the Town Commons in Greenville.

The North Carolina National Guard topped the list of more than 40 sponsors, and at least 85 soldiers, including 25 from the 514th Military Police Company, donated their time off to help with the event.

“It’s a great honor to be able to come out and participate in something for someone who made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Sgt. Errick Morris of the North Carolina National Guard Recruiting and Retention Command, who volunteered his time on a Sunday “because Captain Cash was a member of the North Carolina National Guard and so am I.”

Cash, 36, was killed in battle June 24, 2004, in Baqubah, Iraq. He was commander of Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment, the day he and one of his soldiers, Spc. Daniel Desens, died in an ambush by more than 150 fighters.

The enemy had infiltrated and set up firing positions overnight as part of a coordinated multi-city attack that claimed many lives all over the country.

Cash and Desens would become the only U.S. Service members killed in eight hours of violence in the city 35 miles north of Baghdad. Six U.S. Soldiers were wounded in the same battle.

The Dash for Cash events, a 5-kilometer run/walk and 10-mile run, drew 100 people more than last year and 300 more than the first race in 2005.

A sister run took place at 6 a.m. At Forward Operating Base Warhorse in Baqubah, where Cash was stationed during part of his company’s deployment to Iraq.

Lt. Col. Steve Delvaux, ROTC battalion commander at Eastern Carolina University in Greenville, lead a team of eight students known as “Team No Mercy.”

“When you get out there and start feeling sorry for yourself I just think of Captain Cash as representative of all the soldiers we serve with and those who didn’t make it back,” said Delvaux, who spent the last four years with 3rd Brigade Combat Team “Rakkasans,” 101st Airborne Division, including two rotations in Iraq.

“It’s guys like Captain Cash who make our way of life and these kinds of things possible,” he said of the race.

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:40 AM | Comments (4)

December 10, 2007

Wreaths Across America and a Must See Video




Here's the incredible Worcester Wreath Company, who undertake such a noble pursuit, ... and the wonderful folks from Patriot Guard units also get involved by escorting the deliveries of these special tributes to honor and remember our brave heroes.


Excerpt from Worcester Wreath Company info

* For the first time in 2007, ceremonial wreaths will also be donated to 24 veterans cemeteries on foreign soil, and aboard U.S. ships sailing in all seven seas.

* All wreath-laying ceremonies will be held concurrently on Saturday, December 15th, at 12:00 noon EST.

Today, December 10th, 51 wreaths will be donated for a special wreath-laying ceremony at each State Capital and 36" ceremonial wreath for our Nation's Capital.

Needless to say Worcester Wreath Co. is by far the largest donor to the Wreaths Across America project and they are dedicated to this project for many years to come. It is a vision that we will one day honor every veterans' memory for the holidays, as a way to show our gratitude and appreciation for the sacrifices made to preserve our freedoms.

Wreaths Across America was formed as a non-profit organization (501-C3 status - EIN 20-8362270) in 2007, in direct response to the many letters and requests from supporters all around the Country, about how they too could get involved and bring the Arlington Wreath Project experience to their local communities.

Everyone is invited to come and participate in this year's wreath-laying ceremonies on Saturday, December 15th, at 12:00 noon EST. Click here for a complete list of participating locations.


Morrill Worcester sat down to talk with Robert Coles - a survivor of the attack at Pearl Harbor. In his own genuine style, Mr. Coles shares both his first-hand account of how he returned fire on the Japanese attack, as well as the importance of knowing our heritage.

This is an important and oft-forgotten part of the Wreaths Across America mission to Remember; Honor; and Teach.


Wild Thing's comment........

The video is so wonderful!!!!
I love talking to Veternas, listening to what they have to say, their experiences. I am so thrilled that Wreaths Across America has added this "Remember; Honor; and Teach" to the many things they do.

Thank you Robert Coles, your words have meant a lot and your service to our country will not be forgotten. Thank you!

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (9)

December 08, 2007

Operation Gratitude Honors LTG Moore and Sends Off 300,000 Packages


Lt. General Moore joined the Volunteers on the Assembly Line as an additional 8,500 packages were prepared and shipped to the troops



Operation Gratitude Honors LTG Moore and Plans 300,000th Package

Blackanthem.com news

VAN NUYS, CA.

Operation Gratitude presented the first annual NATIONAL FREEDOM AWARD to retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General Hal Moore at the National Guard Armory in Van Nuys, California on December 1, 2007. Joined by We Were Soldiers Once and Young co-author Joe Galloway and the movie adaptation's director Randy Wallace, hundreds of Military personnel and volunteers gathered to pay tribute to the General's renowned career. Several Cavalry Veterans who served under Moore's command surprised the General, and arrived wearing their revered Stetsons, the hallmark of the Cavalry.

"This experience was a most moving and sincere gathering of Americans, drawn together out of deep love and respect for each other, for our troops and for our nation," said Lt. General Moore. "I accepted the National Freedom Award on behalf of all those in harm's way who ensure our continued freedom and to whom we pay great tribute."

Serving as the ceremony's distinguished speaker, Lt. General Moore deeply touched the crowd as he recounted his dramatic return to the scene of the 1965 Battle of Ia Drang in Vietnam.

Eric Weider, publisher of the Armchair General and Operation Gratitude Magazines relayed part of General Moore's moving speech in his online forum that night:

"General Moore became overcome with emotion and tears as he recalled visiting LZ Xray with Joe Galloway and others of his troopers in 1993.

At night he walked the perimeter and recalled the men in their foxholes and trenches..."Don't worry Colonel they won't get through us" he heard them say. Painfully, now in 1993, Moore knew which of those brave young men would be killed in the next morning's assault by the North Vietnamese Army.

As Moore stood by the ant hill that marked his command post he vividly recalled the dead men laying under their ponchos with only their boots poking out...awaiting evacuation.

Lt. General Moore stood on that hallowed field for a minute of silence to remember all the dead of the conflict on both sides.

That night a meteor shower of several hundred shooting stars went on for about 10 minutes. Moore and Galloway believe those stars were the souls of all those lost at Ia Drang."

Throughout the day at Operation Gratitude , General Moore met and spoke with hundreds of soldiers, Marines, airmen, and volunteers.

One soldier's response typified the sentiments of most attendees. "I read We Were Soldiers in Boot Camp. I just couldn't wait to meet Lt. General Moore." While shaking hands, another soldier excitedly told the General, "I have read every history book that exists about you. I would serve under you any day!"

General Moore joined Operation Gratitude volunteers on the Assembly Line as they continued their Holiday Drive to ship 70,000 care packages by year-end to troops deployed in combat zones.

"I will be forever moved by the greatness of Americans," states Moore. "It was very uplifting to stand shoulder to shoulder with more than 800 volunteers to assemble care packages for our troops. For all the ugliness that comes at times, there are great examples of genuine goodness - and Operation Gratitude is that many times over."

A special gift was included in every care package this year-General Moore's new book,A General's Spiritual Journey, a compelling treatise describing his spiritual journey from childhood to his golden years. Moore also autographed copies of the "Journey" for the volunteers to take home.

"This day changed my life," said one volunteer. "I am so inspired to do whatever I can to show my admiration and respect to the members of our military."

Marine Staff Sergeant Scott Richardson, who has served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, flew in from Michigan for the opportunity to meet General Moore.

"While deployed, I received an Operation Gratitude gift box, as did many of the soldiers here today. Opening that box felt like I had a little piece of home with me out there in the desert," Richardson stated. "After spending the day with Lt. General Moore and so many hundreds of energized volunteers, I am motivated to go back to Iraq or Afghanistan to do my part-again-to do whatever it takes to defend our freedom. These Americans are the reason I love serving my country," he said.
300,000th Care Package to be Shipped December 15!

On December 15, 2007, Operation Gratitude will celebrate another milestone: the shipment of it's 300,000th care package since its inception! Several Military and political dignitaries, celebrities and corporate sponsors will be in attendance as the Volunteers assemble the 300,000th package and learn of the special gift to be included. The 200,000th and 250,000th packages contained the keys to new vehicles.


Operation Gratitude is the California- based 501 (c) (3) non-profit, all-volunteer organization that sends care packages of snacks, entertainment items and personal letters of appreciation addressed to individually named U.S. Service Members deployed in hostile regions such as Iraq and Afghanistan, and on military ships at sea. Its mission is to lift morale, bring a smile to a service member's face and to express to all troops the appreciation and support of the American people. Operation Gratitude receives the names of troops from commanders in the field who see the positive impact of care packages on their troops' morale; the organization sends more than 100,000 care packages every year. For safety and security, all assembling of packages occurs at the Army National Guard armory in Van Nuys, California. Since its inception in March, 2003, Operation Gratitude has shipped more than 295,000 packages to American troops deployed overseas. For more information about Operation Gratitude, please visit: www.operationgratitude.com or call: 818.909.0039



Wild Thing's comment........

I absolutely love hearing about the various things being done to honor those that have served, our awesome Veterans and our fantastic troops serving now. Each person deserves our thanks and to show them our appreciation.

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (7)

November 29, 2007

Disabled Veterans Jeered At Swimming Pool



The disabled men were injured during tours of Iraq and Afghanistan


Disabled veterans jeered at swimming pool

Telegraph.co.uk

Injured soldiers who lost their limbs fighting for their country have been driven from a swimming pool training session by jeering members of the public.

The men, injured during tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, were taking part in a rehabilitation session at a leisure centre, when two women demanded they be removed from the pool. They claimed that the soldiers "hadn't paid" and might scare the children.

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation. Adml Lord Boyce, a former head of the Armed Forces, said last night the women should be "named and shamed".

"These people are beneath contempt and everything should be done to get their names and publish them in the press," he said. "It is contemptible that people who have given up their limbs for their country should be so abused when they are trying to get fit again."

It comes after calls for the public to do more to welcome home troops back from tours of duty and to recognise the bravery of those fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The unpleasant scenes broke out at Leatherhead Leisure Centre in Surrey when the wounded veterans, who are at Headley Court Military Hospital, had to use the 25-metre public pool because the hydro-pool at the defence rehabilitation centre is not big enough for swimming.

The servicemen were about to begin their weekly swimming therapy in closed-off lanes when they were verbally abused by the swimmers.

One woman in her 30s was said to be infuriated by the lane closures saying the soldiers did not deserve to be there when she had paid.

It was also reported that others complained that limbless servicemen were scaring children at the centre.

The atmosphere was said to be so tense that the soldiers' instructors removed them.

Charles Murrin, 79, a Navy veteran who saw the incident, said: "The woman said the men do not deserve to be in there and that she pays to come in the pool and they don't. I spoke to the instructor in the changing room afterwards and he was livid."

It is not the first time that Headley Court neighbours have been accused of poor behaviour.

There was uproar earlier this year after residents objected to planning permission to convert a home into a six-suite hostel for injured soldiers' families to stay in. The local council later approved the building work.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "We are disappointed that a small number of people objected to the closure of swimming lanes so that patients of Headley Court could use them."

The incident comes weeks after the Help For Heroes appeal was launched to raise £5 million to build a full-size pool and gym at the centre.

Labour will today aim to repair its battered reputation with the Armed Forces by offering all military veterans priority NHS treatment, The Daily Telegraph has learned.

The concession, ordered by the Health Secretary, Alan Johnson, will be available to the estimated 4.8 million ex-servicemen and women, sources said last night.



Wild Thing's comment........

OK I am so angry about this I can hardly type. My hands are shaking I am so outraged.

The people that did this are a total waste of the air they breath. I would say it to their faces if I could!!!!!!

There are certain things that send me over the edge and this is one of them. Treating our troops badly, our Veterans badly and our disabled troops and Vets badly. It is a top priority with me that every single Veteran and our troops today know they are cared about, appreciated and respected. This is a total outrage beyond the pale and there is NO DAMN EXCUSE FOR WHAT THESE PEOPLE DID AND SAID.

The kind of person that can be like these people have been are not worth spit! Their lives are insignificant! The world is NOT a better place because they exist! They are selfish, self absorbed, POS, that walk the earth like brain dead zombies, using the freedom's they have to spew their vile attitudes and should never be allowed to get away with it. Telling them off is not enough, there should be some kind of punishment delivered to this kind of person. Something that will cause them to remember how evil they are. I hope they burn in hell! And THAT is letting them off easy!


....Thank you Jack ( Conservative Insurgent Blog ) for sending this to me.

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:45 AM | Comments (12)

November 28, 2007

Trace Adkins: Kill them radical Muslims!



Country Star Tells TV Station That America Must "Crack Skulls" of Islamists and Kill Radical Muslims

Music City TV

Country singer Trace Adkins isn’t shy, and talk radio and political-talk TV has reached out to him time and again for his conservative point of view.

Now, Trace offers a bunch of those points of view is a new book, A Personal Stand: Observations and Opinions from a Freethinking Roughneck.

And as you can imagine, he’s not timid. Trace repeats what he told Bill Maher, that Trace thinks we need to beat on radical Muslims.

“We’re going to have to fight it out till it’s over and until they don’ do this anymore. We’re going to have to go in to Afghanistan and take care of this, and if Pakistan doesn’t like it, we thump their (butt) too,” he writes.

On the next page, Trace says: “I still believe the only way to fight Islamic terrorism is to crack skulls.”

If yer going to Sunday’s Titans game, you can ask him all about it: Trace is singing the national anthem.


Wild Thing's comment........

This is great. Thank you Trace!


Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 PM | Comments (7)

November 17, 2007

Americans Can Text ‘Thanks’ to Troops



America Supports You: Americans Can Text ‘Thanks’ to Troops

DOD

For those seeking a quick way to show appreciation for the troops' service far from home this holiday season, look no further than “Giving Thanks,” a new initiative from the Defense Department’s America Supports You program.

America Supports You connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.

“This is a simple way to connect our citizens to our soldiers using modern technology,” Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for internal communications and public liaison, said of the text messaging program.

The program, which already has received nearly 4,000 messages, officially kicks off at 6 a.m. EST Nov. 17 and concludes at midnight PST Nov. 22.

Between those times, people wishing to express gratitude to the troops for their service can text a brief message to 89279. Each text message sent will receive a response from an active-duty servicemember in return.

Major mobile wireless providers, including AT&T, Verizon, Sprint Nextel, and T-Mobile, will provide access to the Giving Thanks text messaging program.

“We know that thousands of families will be sitting down for Thanksgiving dinner and thinking about loved ones who are far away from home serving their country,” Barber said. “We are counting on other American families to take a moment during their holiday celebration to think of those families and their family members who are serving and say, ‘Thanks.’

“The reassurance that others are thinking about them will mean a lot to our troops,” Barber added.

Those who send a message during the six days of the Giving Thanks program also will be directed to the America Supports You Web site. There, they’ll find a sampling of messages from the public and a running tally of how many messages have been received. They’ll also be able to read messages from the troops.

Some servicemembers in Iraq and Afghanistan already have sent messages thanking the public for the support. Angie, an airman serving in Iraq, wrote: “Your support means so much, especially during the holidays. God Bless.”

Troops of Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan also wrote to express their appreciation for the continued support they receive: “To all the great Americans who go out of their way to support all the Soldiers of the Combined Security Transition Command in Afghanistan -- Thank You.”


Click here for more information...................




.

Wild Thing's comment.......

I have no idea how to Text message, but I think this is an awesome idea. I wanted to make sure the word got out about this. God bless our Troops and keep them safe.

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:40 AM

November 06, 2007

Valour-IT Fundraiser ~ Giving Back To Our Wounded



Chesty would want us to


3rd annual Valour-IT Fundraiser


Project Valour-IT, in memory of SFC William V. Ziegenfuss, helps provide voice-controlled and adaptive laptop computers to wounded Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines recovering from hand wounds and other severe injuries at major military medical centers. Operating laptops by speaking into a microphone or using other adaptive technologies, our wounded heroes are able to send and receive messages from friends and loved ones, surf the ‘Net, and communicate with buddies still in the field. The experience of MAJ Charles “Chuck” Ziegenfuss, a partner in the project who suffered serious hand wounds while serving in Iraq, illustrates how important these laptops can be to a wounded service member’s recovery.

WHAT: Friendly fundraising competition for Valour-IT.
WHEN: October 29th through Veterans Day, November 11th .
WHERE: Based in the blogosphere, spreading everywhere else.
WHY: Because giving wounded warriors with hand and arm injuries access to a computer supports their healing and puts them back in touch with the world.
HOW: Blogger teams will be divided along military branches, with civilians "up for grabs."


The various teams are below:
Marines will be led by Holly Aho
Air Force will be led by Mrs. Greyhawk at Mudville Gazette
Navy will be led by Chaotic Synaptic Activity.
Army led by Matt and Jim of Blackfive


Posted by Wild Thing at 12:44 AM | Comments (3)

Military Family In Need Of Help


Please see UPDATE further down this post:


This is from Amy Palmer with Operation Homefront:

Hello all,

I don’t often send out requests like this. We usually just provide the assistance and move on, but this family has a lot of needs that won’t just end by Operation Homefront paying a couple of bills and moving on. This family will probably need some long term financial assistance and we’ll need some help to make that happen.

Specialist John Austin Johnson was injured in Baghdad, Iraq, with Traumatic Brain Injury and has been at Brooke Army Medical Center for the last 5 weeks recuperating.

His wife, Lisa and their three children, Logan (2), Ashley (5), and Tyler (9) left Ft. Bliss (El Paso, TX), last Saturday, Oct 13, to drive to San Antonio to be with him. Around 10:30 AM, Lisa somehow veered into another lane and the vehicle rolled over several times. Logan and Ashley were killed. Lisa sustained injuries that were not life threatening. Tyler was taken to Children’s Medical Center in Dallas and is in critical condition with a head injury and is currently in a coma. Unfortunately, he is not expected to live.

This family is in desperately in need of financial help. They have funeral expenses that are adding up quickly, travel expenses for family members, food and lodging near the Dallas hospital, and of course, rent, utilities and other expenses that need to be paid at home.

To donate to assist this family, please visit the Operation Homefront – Texas chapter website at www.operationhomefront.net/texas. You can enter “Johnson Family” in the comments section of any online donations and we’ll ensure the family receives the assistance.

If you have any questions about this donation, please contact the Texas chapter directly at 210-324-0427.

Thank you for your continued support of our troops!

Amy Palmer
Operation Homefront


Wild Thing's comment........

This has been researched and unfortunately is very true. I thought I would share it with all of you in case you wanted to help or would like to forward it to others that might be interested.


UPDATE:

This update is from Amber she sent it to me. Her husband was serving with Army Spc. Johnson, and is based at Ft. Bliss.


Army Spc. John Austin Johnson and wife Lisa's children Ashley, 5, and Logan, 2, died in a car wreck last week. Tyler, 9, was on life support Saturday.

Three weeks after his siblings died in an Oct. 13 accident on the gusty West Texas plains, 9-year-old Tyler Johnson died Saturday at Children's Medical Center Dallas.

Sgt. 1st Class Eugene Schmidt, a family spokesman, said Tyler survived longer than expected.

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:40 AM | Comments (7)

November 05, 2007

A Friends Tribute to Her Husband A Hero




Near Fallujah, IraqSunday, November 2, 2003
Two CH-47 Chinook helicopter's were attacked, probably with Soviet designed SA-7 shoulder fired missiles, one helicopter was struck by a missile and crashed. The passengers included several U.S. soldiers headed out of Iraq for rest and recreation trips. According to successive reports released by the Pentagon, the death toll showed 10, then 13, then 15, and then 16 soldiers had died, but on Tuesday the Army revised the number to 15 killed, (according to the Associated Press, Tuesday, November 4, 2003 15:38 PST).

On Thursday, November 6, one Sergeant severely injured in the crash of the Chinook died in a German hospital bringing the toll back to 16 dead and 26 wounded.


Staff Sgt. Daniel Bader, 28, of Colorado Springs, Colo. Assigned to Air Defense Artillery Battery, 1st Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colo.

Sgt. Ernest G. Bucklew, 33, of Enon Valley, Pa. Assigned to Support Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colo.

Sgt. Steven D. Conover, 21, of Wilmington, Ohio. Assigned to 2nd Battalion, 5th Field Artillery Regiment, Fort Sill, Okla.

Pfc. Anthony D. D'Agostino, 20, of Waterbury, Conn. Assigned to the 16th Signal Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas.

Sgt. Paul F. Fisher, 39, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died November 6, at the Homburg University Klinikum, Homberg, Germany. Sgt. Fisher was very seriously injured on Nov. 2 in Al Fallujah, Iraq, when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter in which he was riding went down.

Spc. Darius T. Jennings, 22, of Cordova, S.C. Assigned to 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colo.

Pfc. Karina S. Lau, 20, of Livingston, Calif. Assigned to the 16th Signal Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas. DoD Report — Central Valley woman killed in Iraq attack She was headed home to Livingston for surprise visit when helicopter crashed.

Sgt. Keelan L. Moss, 23, of Houston. Assigned to 2nd Battalion, 5th Field Artillery Regiment, Fort Sill, Okla.

Spc. Brian Penisten, 28, of Fort Wayne, Ind. Assigned to Air Defense Artillery Battery, 1st Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colo.

Sgt. Ross A. Pennanen, 36, of Shawnee, Okla. Assigned to 2nd Battalion, 5th Field Artillery Regiment, Fort Sill, Okla.

Sgt. Joel Perez, 25, of Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. Assigned to 2nd Battalion, 5th Field Artillery Unit, Fort Sill, Okla.

First Lt. Brian D. Slavenas, 30, of Genoa, Ill. Assigned to F Company, 106th Aviation Battalion, Army National Guard, Peoria, Ill.

Chief Warrant Officer Bruce A. Smith, 41, of West Liberty, Iowa. Assigned to Detachment 1, Company F, 106th Aviation Battalion, Army National Guard, Davenport, Iowa.

Staff Sgt. Paul A. Velazquez, 29, of San Diego. Assigned to 2nd Battalion, 5th Field Artillery Regiment, Fort Sill, Okla.

Spc. Frances M. Vega, 20, of Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico. Assigned to the 151st Adjutant General Postal Detachment 3, Fort Hood, Texas.

Staff Sgt. Joe N. Wilson, 30, of Crystal Springs, Miss. Assigned to 2nd Battalion, 5th Field Artillery Regiment, Fort Sill, Okla.


U.S. Army troops search the site where a Chinook helicopter crashed into a field near the restive town of Falluja on Sunday, 2 November 2003. Guerrillas shot down the U.S. Chinook helicopter as it flew toward Baghdad airport.

Witnesses said they saw two missiles fired at the heavy transport copter, the biggest U.S. target yet shot from the skies by Iraq's insurgents. It had been ferrying soldiers to Baghdad International Airport for flights out of the country for rest and relaxation.

The aircraft was hit at about 9 a.m. (06:00 GMT) and crashed amid corn fields near the village of Hasi, about 40 miles (64 km) southwest of Baghdad and 1 mile (1.6 km) south of Fallujah, a center of Sunni Muslim resistance to the U.S. occupation.

The missiles apparently flashed toward the helicopter from behind, as usual with heat-seeking missiles such as the Russian-made SA-7. The old Iraqi army had a large inventory of SA-7s, also known as the "Strela" shoulder fired missile.

Villagers said the copters took off from the air base at Habbaniyah, about 10 miles northwest of the crash site. At the scene, villager Thaer Ali, 21, said someone fired two missiles from the area of a date palm grove about 500 yards from where the stricken copter crashed.

"I saw two helicopters coming from (the US military airport in) Habbaniyah. Two missiles were fired; one of them missed one of the helicopters and the other hit the tail of the other aircraft," said taxi-driver Rauf Suleiman Abed, 35.
Farmer Mohamad al-Issawi told the Agence France-Presse (AFP) that "a projectile struck the tail of the helicopter at around 9:00 am. I saw fire coming out of the front of the aircraft which then crashed." Issawi said the owner of the land where the helicopter crashed "fled the area with his family of some 15 people, immediately after the explosion." "Human remains were found 500 yards away," he said.

Witnesses said the second copter hovered over the downed craft for some minutes and then set down, apparently to try to help extinguish a fire. The downed copter was already destroyed. At least a half-dozen Black Hawk helicopters later hovered over the area, and dozens of soldiers swarmed over the site.

Fort Carson, Colorado, officials confirmed at least some of their own were injured in the crash, but would not give an exact number or confirm whether any from the post were among the dead until all the relatives had been notified, said Lt. Col. Thomas Budzyna.

On Monday, 3 November 2003, President Bush said that some of the best Americans have fallen in defense of freedom and liberty. "We mourn every loss. We honor every name. We grieve with every family. And we will always be grateful that liberty has found such brave defenders," he said during a speech in Birmingham, Alabama.

The Army helicopter shot down apparently had a last-second warning of an approaching missile and managed to launch flares designed to draw the heat-seeking missile away, a senior Army official said Thursday.

It is not clear why the defensive moves did not work, but the official, who discussed the attack investigation on condition he not be identified, said U.S. officials believe the shooter simply got in a "lucky shot."

This is Dawn's husband. Dawn is a dear friend of mine and she did a tribute to her husband and the rest of the soldiers from the tragic day, November 2, 2003. I wanted to share this with you as you are getting to know her, she is the girl that helped me make the pinups for football.

Her husband is still on the mend and doing great. He just got his teeth this last month that had to be replaced. He has had many operations on various injuries he had.

Last week Dawn and Ray found out he might be going back to Iraq. They were not sure he would even be able to do anything at first, the injuries were so severe. It has taken this many years for the operations, healing and physical therapy etc. Not sure when but I am asking if you could please put both of them in your prayers.

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:44 AM | Comments (4)

November 03, 2007

Never Forgetting Our Wounded Heroes



Patriot Fest Lakeway, Texas




The Patriot Fest is on the 19th and 20th of October in Lakeway, TX.

What is the iBot : It is a special type of wheelchair that costs about $26,000.00 and gives handicapped people more mobility and feeling of worth than any other wheelchair made.

You can visit www.ibotnow.com if you want to learn more about the iBot and its capabilities.

This is so wonderfiul, I love learning about this kind of thing happening.

....Thank you SSGT Steve for sending this to me and thank you to both you SSGT Steve, USMC and TomR...the "75043 Boys".

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (9)

October 31, 2007

3rd annual Valour-IT Fundraiser



All of us here at Theodore's World support our troops. Each branch of the service is represented in my family, and I am so very proud of each one that served. It is very hard to pick just one so I went with the Marines since we have been proudly honored with the name Team Theodore by LPCL Alex who is in Iraq on his 2nd Tour. I have not heard from him in awhile so extra prayers he is doing ok and just really busy killing the bad guys. God be with you Alex.


3rd annual Valour-IT Fundraiser


Project Valour-IT, in memory of SFC William V. Ziegenfuss, helps provide voice-controlled and adaptive laptop computers to wounded Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines recovering from hand wounds and other severe injuries at major military medical centers. Operating laptops by speaking into a microphone or using other adaptive technologies, our wounded heroes are able to send and receive messages from friends and loved ones, surf the ‘Net, and communicate with buddies still in the field. The experience of MAJ Charles “Chuck” Ziegenfuss, a partner in the project who suffered serious hand wounds while serving in Iraq, illustrates how important these laptops can be to a wounded service member’s recovery.

WHAT: Friendly fundraising competition for Valour-IT.
WHEN: October 29th through Veterans Day, November 11th .
WHERE: Based in the blogosphere, spreading everywhere else.
WHY: Because giving wounded warriors with hand and arm injuries access to a computer supports their healing and puts them back in touch with the world.
HOW: Blogger teams will be divided along military branches, with civilians "up for grabs."


The various teams are below:
Marines will be led by Holly Aho
Air Force will be led by Mrs. Greyhawk at Mudville Gazette
Navy will be led by Chaotic Synaptic Activity.
Army led by Matt and Jim of Blackfive


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Posted by Wild Thing at 05:40 PM | Comments (4)

October 26, 2007

Christmas Cards For The Wounded Troops



When you are making out your Christmas card list this year, please include the following:




A Recovering American soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue,NW
Washington,D.C. 20307-5001

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:45 AM | Comments (7)

October 19, 2007

The Veterans and Troops Supporters Answer The Call




Code Pink vandalized the Marine Recruiting Center in Berkeley, California and is harrassing the landlord to cancel the lease for the 'illegal, immoral, unjust' war machine--calling our military men and women 'TRAITORS.'

The police took one knife from the “peaceful” commies.






Lt Col. Patterson was there as well.

Robert "Buzz" Patterson, two-time New York Times best selling author, radio show host, popular speaker and retired United States Air Force pilot. Since his military retirement in 2001, Buzz has emerged as a vitally important voice for the American military and national security. As the author of New York Times best sellers, Dereliction of Duty: How Bill Clinton Compromised America's National Security, and his recent release, Reckless Disregard: How Liberal Democrats Undercut Our Military, Endanger Our Soldiers, and Jeopardize Our Security.





CLOSE UP OF that great sign! heh heh


Wild Thing's comment........

This is a coalition of groups including Gathering of Eagles, Eagles Up, Move America Forward, Protest Warriors, and many many other Veterans Groups and others that support the troops. Many were also family members of those serving now as well.

I loved this and wanted to show it to all of you. God bless our Veterans and our troops today.

Posted by Wild Thing at 03:47 AM | Comments (12)

October 15, 2007

Three Pitchers Visit The Troops



Turk Wendell, a former major league baseball pitcher, autographs a squishy ball to give out during his visit to Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Oct. 9. The tour allowed Soldiers to interact with professional sports players, get their autographs and share stories. Photo by Sgt. Kevin Stabinsky, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs.


FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU

Three diamond heroes, baseball pitchers Mike Remlinger, Turk Wendell and Adam Bernero, recently visited heroes of the battlefield stationed here as part of a morale boosting tour.

The three pitchers were the latest professional athletes to visit Soldiers here this year. Earlier visits have included basketball players and professional golfers.

Pro Sports MVP tours, organized by a Colorado Springs-based sports and marketing firm, provide Soldiers a chance to get autographs, pictures, and swap stories with the pros.

“Lots of baseball stories, fun times we had on the field, off the field,” said Bernero of the stories commonly told. “We talk about home, baseball stories; tell a bunch of lies about what we do back home,” he added with a laugh.

While the Soldiers enjoyed the stories, the players were impressed by the Soldiers’ daily sacrifices.

“In the big scheme of things, I was just a baseball player; what have I done with my life?” Wendell asked. “You guys are putting your life on the line everyday just so we can do what we do back in the States. All I did was throw a baseball.”

Such admiration prompted Wendell, a pitcher best known for his time with the Mets, which included pitching in the 2000 World Series, to make the trip here.

Bernero said a desire to see the sacrifices of the troops prompted him to visit.

“You hear a lot in the news and you read a lot but you don’t really know what is going on until you see it firsthand,” Bernero added. “I wanted to look people in the eye and hear what they had to say. That is more truthful than anything you read (in the newspapers).”

Wendell said he sees a lot of determination in the Soldiers he meets. In the same spirit as professional athletes, Soldiers want to win, he said.

“Keep up the battle. Everyone who I know believes in you,” said Wendell.

Pfc. Brandon Gilley, Battery B, 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, said he was glad to see the players.

As a baseball fan, Gilley said he probably has many of the players’ cards in his baseball card collection at home. In addition to getting autographed pictures of the trio, he also added a signed Texas state flag to his baseball memorabilia.

“I brought it along to get it signed by famous people who visited,” he said. “I wanted to represent my state.”
Likewise, the players said they wanted to represent the regard American people have for service members fighting to protect freedom back home.

Bernero also brought along a message to the troops to keep their head up and continue to persevere.

Bernero, who last pitched in 2006 with the Philadelphia Phillies and Kansas City Royals, missed 2007 due to injury; he is currently preparing to get back on the mound in 2008, having been signed by the Boston Red Sox minor league team.

While he admits that his sacrifices are minor compared to the ones Soldiers are making everyday, he hopes that he can leave them with inspiration to continue to work hard and do their country proud.

“Some things are a little bigger in life and this is one of them,” Wendell said. “You really got to believe in yourself. You can’t settle for second. It is not an option.”

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:40 AM | Comments (6)

October 10, 2007

Polish Model Going To Afghanistan To Support Polish Troops




Polish sex-bomb to support Polish soldiers in Afghanistan
Polish news

Poland’s Ministry of National Defence is preparing a visit to Afghanistan by singer Dorota ‘Doda’ Rabczewska, to rally the troops and improve morale of the 1100 soldiers stationed there.

The date of 23 year old Doda’s ‘field concert’ remains top secret military information.

“We held a meeting with Doda and all that’s left to do is to determine the details of the concert,” Ministry’s spokesman Jarosław Rybak said.


I never heard of her before so in case you haven't either here is a video of her.



Wild Thing's comment........

The Taliban will be wishing they had a different poster babe then Helen Thomas, Nancy Pelosi, the Code Pinko's. heh heh

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:44 AM | Comments (7)

October 08, 2007

Kid Rock Rips Sean Penn: Be Careful Ripping on the US Soldier



Kid Rock Rips Sean Penn: Be Careful Ripping on the US Soldier
National Ledger

By Josh Hart
Oct 7, 2007

Kid Rock is none too happy with Sean Penn. The angry left-wing actor never seems to take a break from ripping on America and the US Troops and apparently Bob Ritchie (aka Kid Rock) has tired of the whole mess.

Rock has made several trips to Iraq to entertain and support the troops and let his anger towards Penn known front and center in an interview set for Penthouse magazine. The New York Post speculates that he is referring to Sean Penn.

It's not exactly apparent that it is Sean Penn, one could pick any of the Hollywood's left anti-war crowd, but the Detroit rocker spares no words when lighting up those that challenge American troops.

Rock gives this: "These kids U.S. soldiers are very young and a lot of them think people who oppose the war are against them. You have to be very careful with what you talk about - especially when you are some Hollywood (expletive). Just because you made a great movie doesn't make you are an expert on foreign policy."

Kid Rock spent Christmas with the troops and met then-Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, whom he defends as well. "I was at the White House drinking a Beam and Coke, shooting the shit with Rumsfeld, when President Bush came by and gave me five like we were on Seven Mile and Van Dyke in Detroit," he told Penthouse. It didn't stop there either.

Bob Ritchie even dabbled into a bit of history and the second amendment in the interview. Kid Rock made it known that he is a big proponent of firearms: "If it weren't for guns and people who know how to use them in America, we'd all be sitting around with swastikas saying, 'Heil Hitler!'"


.

From one of Kid Rock's trips to visit the troops.




Serving meals to the troops


U..S. troops in Kuwait and Iraq got an all-American treat this Christmas: A visit from Kid Rock.

"This year for Christmas I wanted to make sure somebody was thanking our troops for their service" said Kid Rock.
"I I could be spending Christmas with my family, but in my heart I know this is the right thing to do – not only for our men and women in service, but also to set an unselfish example for my son and send a strong message to the world to be thankful and think of others at Christmas time," said Rock (real name: Robert Ritchie), whose son, Robert Jr., is 13.

He arrived in Kuwait from his Detroit hometown on Dec. 23 and from there flew to Iraq. On Christmas Eve, he writes in his online blog, he sang and signed autographs for 16 hours on visits to three separate camps. "Met lots of troops," he writes. "Played my guitar and sang some songs for 'em, old school style … no mic stand (so people had to hold the mic while I sang!!)."

Another highlight: "Had one of the most thrilling rides of my life in a Blackhawk today with some real 'rock n roll cowboy pilots'!! I never knew you could do things like we did in a helicopter!!"

But things turned grim on Christmas when the troops learned one of their Hummers had been hit with in improvised explosive device while on a mission. "I went with the captain immediately to the hospital in Baghdad and hung with two soldiers who were injured," Rock writes. "One of the other soldiers I do not think made it. I said a prayer for him."


Wild Thing's comment........
Thanks to Kid Rock, you have done a good thing. There is absolutely NO excuse why every single one of our entertainers cannot go to Iraq, support the troops and be for this war. They should and I will never forgive those that don't do this.

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:45 AM | Comments (8)

September 28, 2007

Robert Duvall Visits Troops at Walter Reed Army Medical Center


Retired Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Dan Cordell shakes hands with actor Robert Duvall, who spent time visiting wounded servicemembers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington on Sept. 25, 2007. Cordell was injured Sept. 13 while working as a contractor in Iraq. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Molly A. Burgess, USN



Actor Robert Duvall talks with Army Lt. Col. Gregory Gadson on Sept. 25, 2007, during a visit to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington. Gadson, who is recovering at the facility after losing both legs above the knee fighting in the global war on terrorism.


Duval with Army Spc. Brent Hendrix on Sept. 25, 2007, during a visit to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington. Hendrix, an outpatient at the facility, lost his right leg below the knee when his Stryker hit a roadside bomb near Iraq’s Anbar province.


Duvall crosses paths with Army Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington on Sept. 25, 2007. Duvall was on his way into the facility to visit with wounded servicemembers. The commander of 3rd Infantry Division and Multinational Division Center in Iraq was just on his way out after visiting about 50 of his wounded soldiers and their families before returning to Iraq.



WASHINGTON
Sept. 26, 2007

Award-winning actor Robert Duvall certainly wasn’t gone in 60 seconds when he stopped at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here yesterday to visit wounded servicemembers.

He did discover, however, that his 2000 movie “Gone in 60 Seconds,” was a favorite with those he talked to. “What is it with that movie?” he asked after talking with several troops who said they loved the film.
“I think ‘Gone in 60 Seconds’ was on (Turner Network Television) the other day, so I just watched it,” Army Spc. Brent Hendrix, a Walter Reed outpatient, said in providing a possible explanation.

Duvall’s visit was a welcome surprise, said Hendrix, whose right leg was amputated below the knee after his Stryker combat vehicle hit a roadside bomb in Iraq’s Anbar province on June 27, 2006.

“I’m all about him,” he said. “Most times you sit there, and you think about celebrities, … and you wouldn’t ever think they’d come by here and see us. They really do appreciate what we do and what we continue to do.”

That sentiment was echoed throughout the physical therapy room as Duvall worked his way around amid the hubbub of on-going rehabilitation sessions.

Duvall was sincere and heartfelt, said Marine Cpl. Kenny Lyon, also a Walter Reed outpatient, who lost his left leg above the knee when his operating post north of Fallujah, Iraq, was hit by a mortar May 1, 2006.

“I really enjoy it when people visit,” he said. “It’s just good for the patients and other people who have been here less time than me. Some of them think this really sucks and they see people come in. It really puts a sparkle in their eye, and it’s nice to see.”

Despite repeatedly being stopped in the halls by those wanting to meet the screen legend, Duvall also managed to visit servicemembers in the occupational therapy rooms and in Ward 57, an in patient ward housing mostly orthopedic patients. Most of the amputees are treated there.

“We have so many people coming to visit – VIPs, general officers – it just seems like sometimes people walking in off the streets to say, ‘Hi,’” said Retired Army Chief Warrant Officer Dan Cordell after visiting with Duvall in his Ward 57 room. “It’s nice that people care.”

Cordell was injured while working as a contractor in Iraq.

Duvall played down the significance of his visit, saying it was an “honor and a privilege” to be able to talk with these “wonderful young people,” and that he’s impressed with the care they’re receiving.
“I’m just a layman. I don’t really understand the specifics of what you have here, but it seems wonderful what’s being done and the treatment these people are getting,” the actor said. “It’s very thorough and scientific, specific, and loving at the same time.”
The son of a career Navy officer, Duvall marveled at the persistence the wounded warriors displayed. “So many of these young men and women, they want to go back,” he said. “They want to go back to the fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. It’s amazing.”

Amazing perhaps, but very telling, said Alan Geoffrion, who accompanied Duvall and his wife, Luciana Pedraza.

Geoffrion, who wrote the western novel “Broken Trail,” said he and his father-in-law, both Vietnam veterans, once had doubts about an all-volunteer military.

“Last night we both … agreed that this is probably -- well, not even probably -- this is the best military our country has ever fielded,” he said. “They’re brighter, smarter (and) more skilled. They need to keep them back in active duty. I think it’s terrific that the services are willing to do that.”

The former Navy signalman also wrote the screenplay for the television movie version of his book, which recently garnered Duvall an Emmy award for outstanding leading actor.

“I wanted to come and do this,” Geoffrion said. “You come here thinking you’re going to help them, and you wind up they help you a lot more.”

Celebrity visits really do help the servicemembers and their families, though, Army Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch said.

Lynch spent yesterday at the hospital visiting about 50 of his wounded soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division, which he commands out of Fort Stewart, Ga. He’ll soon head back to his other position as commander of Multinational Division Center in Iraq.

“I think -- and I’m a fan of Robert Duvall, as well -- when they see him on the screen and see him in person they can relate, because he’s always doing action adventures,” Lynch said. “At least on the screen, he’s doing what we do in life. To me, it’s personally inspirational that he takes the time to come and visit these great soldiers.”

Duvall wrapped up his visit with a tour of the new Military Advanced Training Center, which was officially opened during a Sept. 13 ceremony.



Wild Thing's comment........

At "Hold Their Feet To The Fire" event that was held a benefit dinner for agents Ramos and Compean and Deputy Gilmer. Duncan Hunter was there and spoke and also Robert Duvall came to support the agents wives, Robert Duval is also in favor of secure borders

Here is a scene from one of his films:

Lonesome Dove: Some Old Men Get Respect

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (15)

September 16, 2007

Support Our Troops Gathering of Eagles





Duncan Hunter was there


The LEFT had been organized by the ANSWER Coalition, which stands for Act Now to Stop War and End Racism. It formally began at noon at Lafayette Park, on the north side of the White House, with speeches from at least two dozen speakers ranging from former U.S. Attorney General Ramsey Clark and Ralph Nader to Washington Wizards player Etan Thomas and Michael Berg, whose son Nicolas was a contractor killed in Iraq.


A costumed protester stands on the steps of the Cannon House office building


At the U.S. Navy Memorial, members of the Gathering of Eagles set up a command post in anticipation of counter protesters who planned to line Pennsylvania Avenue near 7th St. NW.

1,000 counter-protesters gathered near the Washington Monument, frequently erupting in chants of “U-S-A” and waving American flags.

They planned to line both sides of Pennsylvania Avenue to confront anti-war protesters as they marched by and follow them to the Capitol.

Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Robert “Buzz” Patterson, speaking from a stage to crowds clad in camouflage, American flag bandanas and Harley Davidson jackets, said he wanted to send three messages.

“Congress, quit playing games with our troops. Terrorists, we will find you and kill you,” he said. “And to our troops, we’re here for you, and we support you.”

Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., made a surprise visit to the counter-protest, which was organized by the group Gathering of Eagles. The group was created this year by veterans who wanted to challenge war protesters.

“We’re a people of faith, courage and fidelity,” said Hunter, a 2008 presidential candidate. “It’s for this generation that we will win this war on terror.”

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (18)

KC Chiefs Cheerleaders Visit



Ashley, Katie, and Kristin, cheerleaders with the Kansas City Chiefs, listen as Sgt. Supriya Vidic, of the 40th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, briefs them on the Joint Network Node and its capabilities. (Photo by Spc. Anthony Blagg)


Football team’s cheerleaders visit with soldiers on the fort

The Herald

FORT HUACHUCA

The 11th Signal Brigade got a taste of football fever last Friday when four of the Kansas City Chiefs cheerleaders visited them.

Prior to coming to the brigade area, the cheerleaders went out to the 40th Expeditionary Signal Battalion field exercise-training site.

While out there, the unit showed the cheerleaders their signal capabilities and what soldiers do on a daily basis. The cheerleaders also had the opportunity to try on some of the soldiers tactical gear.

“I could not believe how heavy the gear is!” said Ashley, who is in her second year with the Kansas City squad. “I feel I am in really good shape, but don’t think I could wear that around all the time.”

Soldiers were able to have their pictures taken with the cheerleaders and receive autographed pictures.

After they were finished in the field, the cheerleaders went to brigade area of operations, and more than 20 soldiers greeted them.

Soldiers filed in the Cpl. Victor Langarica Conference Room so they could have a chance to have their pictures taken with the women and receive an autographed picture.

The cheerleaders expressed their gratitude for the soldiers.

“We want you to know how proud of you we are,” said Katie, who is currently in her first year with the Chiefs.



Wild Thing's comment.......

I love to see people going to see our troops, and thanking them. It can never happen enough and it should happen more often.

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:40 AM | Comments (10)

September 15, 2007

Travel Agents To Allah



This is very well done, awesome photos and great music too.

Freedom is not Free video. Just CLICK HERE to watch video.

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:45 AM | Comments (10)

September 12, 2007

"Freedom isn't Free but Membership Is" ~ Patriot Guard Riders






I have had this in my sidebar since last year. They are such a wonderful group. I joined and I don't have a motorcycle but anyone can join and it is great to be a part of it.

The Patriot Guard Riders


"The Patriot Guard Riders is a diverse amalgamation of riders from across the nation. We have one thing in common besides motorcycles. We have an unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security. If you share this respect, please join us.

We don’t care what you ride or if you ride, what your political views are, or whether you’re a hawk or a dove. It is not a requirement that you be a veteran. It doesn't matter where you’re from or what your income is; you don’t even have to ride. The only prerequisite is Respect.

Our main mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family. Each mission we undertake has two basic objectives.

1. Show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities.

2. Shield the mourning family and their friends from interruptions created by any protestor or group of protestors.

We accomplish the latter through strictly legal and non-violent means.

To those of you who are currently serving and fighting for the freedoms of others, at home and abroad, please know that we are backing you. We honor and support you with every mission we carry out, and we are praying for a safe return home for all."

Freedom isn't Free but Membership Is

To join.....http://www.patriotguard.org/Home/tabid/53/ctl/Register/Default.aspx


When you join you will get announcements in your email of events they are doing in your area. I get these annoncements in mine and have been able to go to a couple of them here in the Sarasota and Tampa area.

This one below is an example of what they send. Thank you soooo much Tom for sending me one of yours so people can see what they look like. The PRG do not send spam in your email and notices only are sent when they are going to be attending one of the funerals for our soldiers that was killed.

Friends, Venus, TX is a small town south of Mansfield and they have lost their first son in the Global War on Terrorism. The CPL Thomas L. Hilbert Mission is going to be a difficult one for many of us. Glen Carlisle, who grew up in Venus, will serve as the overall Mission Ride Captain. He and I were at the parent's home today, assisting them with the details of his memorial.

The whole town wants to make sure that the family knows that the sacrifice that
Thomas made was appreciated. So on Wednesday, September 12th, there will
be a tribute to him on the town square and the PGR has been invited to be
there. We will stage at the David's Supermarket, on the SW corner of Hwy 67
and FM 157, from 6:30-7:00, KSU at 7:15.

The program will last about an hour. CPL Hilbert arrived at Dover AFB Saturday,
so he could be landing at any time.

Probably by tomorrow night we'll have the details of his arrival,
visitation, funeral and internment. Right now, the only thing we know for
sure is that he will arrive at Spinks Airport, 450 Alsbury Ct Burleson, TX
76028. Bill "RotorHead" Holcomb is RCing that portion of the Mission.
Visitation will be held at Midlothian Funeral Home, 200 E Avenue E
Midlothian, TX. Internment will be at Venus Memorial Park, East 5th Street,
Venus, TX.

The location of the funeral and all the dates and times are
pending. The family wants us there for every moment and we will do our best
to fulfill this request. If you have not attended a Mission in a small
town, brace yourself, as it is a very emotional event. We ask for your
support and prayers, this one hurts more as it is "family" for us.

God bless all as we ride to Stand Tall and Silent,

Rick
Deputy State Captain
North Texas



.....Thank you Tom for sending this to me. I really appreciate it.

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (5)

July 05, 2007

It Was Golf or Special Ops for Tiger Woods


Ty Boley, 12, receives hands-on instruction on his golf swing from Tiger Woods during an April 16 golf clinic at Stryker Golf Course at Fort Bragg, N.C. Tiger Woods spent his time instructing the children of the military.




It Was Golf or Special Ops for Tiger Woods
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service


WASHINGTON, July 3, 2007 – If Tiger Woods weren't a professional golfer, he'd probably be a member of the military's special operations community, Woods told reporters today at the Congressional Country Club here today.

"I told Dad if I didn't make it (as a golfer) in the first few years, that's probably where I'd go," he said. "I'd probably end up going into the military - and I don't know what branch - but I'd certainly want to be in the special operations community."

Indeed, Woods underwent four days of Army special operations training at Fort Bragg, N.C., in conjunction with a golf clinic he hosted there in April 2004. Woods' late father, Earl Woods, wore the Green Beret for 12 years as a Special Forces soldier during his 20-year Army career.

"That just seems to be more of a fit considering what I grew up with, and I certainly understand it and can relate to it," Tiger said. "But somehow I ended up here. I made a couple putts in those years."

Woods is hosting the AT&T National golf tournament here July 3-8. Besides "getting a W" - or winning the tournament - Woods said honoring the men and women serving America was one of his overarching goals as the event's host.

Tomorrow morning, the world's top-rated professional golfer will play a practice round, called the Earl Woods Memorial Pro-Am, with pairings that include Army Sgt. Maj. Mia Kelly and Air Force Master Sgt. Andrew Amor.

Woods said he is excited about playing alongside the servicemembers.

"I'm really looking forward to it," he said. "I've seen their bios, but I haven't met anyone yet, so I'm really looking forward to that, and hopefully I won't get beat too bad."
The golfer said that when he turned 10 years old, he began to play on military golf courses, using his status as a "military dependent."
"I had my little card, and I could flash that and get on the golf course," he said. "The only frustrating thing was a lot of military bases had an age limit of 10. I thought I could play before that."

Woods has since hit the links on many of America's military courses, and he especially likes the Air Force Academy's course in Colorado Springs, Colo., he said.

As a tribute to golf fans in the military, Woods has arranged for tournament sponsors to distribute 30,000 free tickets to active U.S. military personnel. Those attending will be able to enjoy the view from a special seating gallery, and snack on discounted concessions after showing military identification.

"I know I can't serve with them, but I just want to say, 'Thank you' in some way, and this is our way of being able to do that," he said.
"Even though my dad was retired, I basically grew up on a military base, and just understanding the commitment that it takes each and every day, for the service men and women, what they do for us, I just think that it was something that should be honored," Woods said.

America Supports You: Tiger Woods to Honor Soldiers, Families

America Supports You: Tiger Woods to Honor Servicemembers

Tiger Woods Trains, Hosts Golf Clinic at Fort Bragg



Wild Thing's comment.............

I was so glad to see this story. I don't watch Golf but I am always thrilled when our athletes appreciate our military. Heck when anyone does I love it!

I have always thought it would be awesome to gather together athletes from across our country and schedule trips to visit the troops. Similar to what the USO does only make this specifically athletes in all sports including swimmers, baseball, football, soccer, basketball, hockey, boxing, wrestling, extreme fighting etc. Every sport and take them to Iraq and Afghanistan and all the places around the world our troops are stationed, and deployed to.

Also schedule events at VA hospitals and Veterans groups. And classrooms of the children on our bases.

Sports have off seasons for some of them and the others have breaks that the athlete has to take, so scheduling would not be that hard once a commitment is made and funding is provided.

Many of our athletes are the same age as those serving in the military and let's face it, the freedom our athletes have to do what they do is brought to them with the high price of our service men and women and our Veterans.

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (11)

June 28, 2007

Join Me in Sending Some Marines Emails




US Marine Colonel Simcock, the commander of USMC Regimental Combat Team 6 in Iraq, is asking for 6,000 positive emails to his Marines.

That's one email for each Marine in his RCT command. COL Simcock is concerned about the effect of the negative barrage that those Marines are getting through the electronic media. I've attached an excerpt from an interview with him. So far, they've only mustered 2,000 emails. That's a crying shame compared to the amount of crap I get daily in email.

Here's the address:

RCT-6lettersfromh@gcemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil

"If you're reading this email, then you can probably click on the
address, type a few words, and then hit "send" to be all done.
It doesn't have to be the Gettysburg Address.

Something as simple as "Hello, Marine. We thank you for what you're doing.
You are in a noble task. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
Best wishes &get home soon" is more than sufficient.

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (10)

June 26, 2007

Pentagon Presents Charlie Daniels With Highest Civilian Award


U.S. Department of Defense

Charlie Daniels receives the Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal for exceptional public service in support of armed troops from Michael L. Dominguez, principal deputy under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness, during a visit to the Pentagon June 25, 2007. Dominguez said Daniels has performed for the troops in more than 20 different installations in countries across the globe.



Perhaps best known for his chart-topping platinum single, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” Daniels has played concerts for servicemembers at military installations around the world. The musician, who has been entertaining troops with his genre-blending style of country, blues and jazz for more than 35 years, says his life-long patriotism was born during World War II.

“I remember the day that Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, and I have taken patriotism into my heart, I have taken the military into my heart, and it has been there ever since,” Daniels said. “The more I go among the military, the more I am convinced that you folks are the best America’s got.
“It is an honor and a privilege to be able to come to wherever the military is, in whatever part of the world they happen to be in, to entertain them,” he said.

The two Pentagon officials who presented the framed award citation and medal to Daniels took turns thanking him for his decades of steadfast support for U.S. troops.

“This is an important opportunity for us to say ‘Thank You’ to Charlie Daniels for his very long service to the men and women in uniform,” Michael L. Dominguez, principal deputy under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness, said. “He’s performed for them in more than 20 different installations in countries across the globe, volunteering his time to do what he does best, and to bring them a little bit of America and a little bit of ‘Thank You’ from the people of America for the service they provide for our country.”

In addition to visiting troops at bases in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, Kosovo, Korea and elsewhere, Daniels started Operation Heartstrings in November 2005. The program to date has donated 100 Gibson guitars, as well as drums, keyboards, microphones, and more than 13,000 pieces of musical accessories to deployed servicemembers.

Brig. Gen. Mari Kaye Eder, deputy chief of Army Public Affairs, was elated to finally talk to the man who she’s been listening to since childhood.

“I’m thrilled to be here with Charlie Daniels; I grew up with him, though he doesn’t know that,” she said. “Every Sunday after church, my dad would play his records.”
Wherever Daniels goes, he has friends in uniform and throughout the vast network of armed service personnel and family members, Eder said. “It’s my honor to be here to represent just a few of them today,” she added.

Daniels’ multimedia CD and DVD offering titled “Live From Iraq” is set for release tomorrow. The Charlie Daniels Band recorded the music portion during the group’s 2006 visit to bases around Iraq, and the bonus DVD features concert footage and video of the band interacting with military members serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Addressing servicemembers gathered here, Daniels thanked the men and women in uniform for their service to their country. “I want to thank you for making America free,” he said. “Without you there would be no America.”



Wild Thing's comment.........

Well deserved! God Bless you Charlie Daniels ! You are a patriot. Something this country is getting shorter of each day.


Posted by Wild Thing at 12:50 AM | Comments (12)

June 13, 2007

LeAnn Rimes Surprises Injured Iraq Vet with Wheelchair-accessible Van




LeAnn Rimes hands the keys to a brand new Chevrolet to Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Peter Reid on June 7, 2007, in Nashville, Tenn. His wife, Michele Reid, right, and his full-time caregiver, Brian Kroen, look on. Chevrolet and Rimes teamed up at the Country Music Association Music Festival to present the vehicle to Reid, who was selected by the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes, a nonprofit organization providing assistance to wounded and disabled veterans from the war on terror. The Chevrolet Uplander was modified to accommodate Reid’s wheelchair.


Iraq veteran Peter Reid has gotten a boost from LeAnn Rimes.

A 2004 mortar attack in Iraq's Anbar province left Reid, a Navy Seabee, partially paralyzed, blind in one eye and dependent on a motorized wheelchair. He also suffered a brain injury, and bits of shrapnel remain in his head and body.

Reid hadn't left his Palm Bay house for months because it took two people to lift him into and out of his van.

Now he's looking forward to shopping trips with his wife, Michele, because of a gift from Rimes.

Last week in Nashville, Tenn., the 24-year-old country singer who grew up in Garland, Texas, handed Reid the keys to a new wheelchair-accessible van.

Chevrolet, the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes and Rimes, a supporter of the veterans group, teamed up to present the van to Reid.

"She's wonderful," Reid said of Rimes after returning Monday to Florida. "She walked up to me like I was part of her family. She said, 'Pete, come with me. I have something for you.' I went out and there was the van. It was quite a surprise."

The Chevrolet Uplander is equipped with an automatic door and wheelchair ramp, allowing Reid to maneuver his wheelchair into and out of the van.

While in Nashville, Reid and his wife attended a Rimes concert and her fan-club breakfast.



Wild Thing's comment.........

I am not positive but I think she did this last year as well. I love hearing about stories like this happening. God Bless her and Navy Seabee Peter Reid.

God bless our troops and a huge thank you for all you do.

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (25)

May 27, 2007

Country Star Toby Keith Tips Hat To Troops



Country music star, Toby Keith, speaks on-air during an interview on Armed Forces Network Iraq’s Freedom Radio at the Combined Press Information Center Tuesday. Keith’s visit to Baghdad is part of his fifth United Service Organizations (USO) tour. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Carl N. Hudson, Combined Press Information Center.


By Sgt. Sky M. Laron
Combined Press Information Center

BAGHDAD — Country music star, Toby Keith, visited troops stationed in Baghdad Tuesday.

Singing songs and playing guitar are a few things Keith, an Oklahoma native, does quite well. Visiting troops in combat is another activity he takes pride in.

Keith’s visit to Baghdad is part of his fifth United Service Organizations (USO) tour.

"If you are going to talk the talk, then you’ve got to walk the walk"... and that is why he is back in Iraq and performing for the Soldiers, he said.

USO celebrity entertainment tours bring volunteer celebrities to entertain, lift morale and express the gratitude and support of the American people, according to the USO website.

A strong supporter of the military, Keith has always respected the sacrifice and dedication to duty that Soldiers display when they are far from home and their families.

Keith says that it is easy for him to come over to Iraq for a few weeks every year because he does not have to stay the entire year. The Soldiers are the ones making a huge sacrifice with their long deployments.

Keith has seen some of the same Soldiers several times, sometimes two or three years in a row, he said.

“It’s a huge sacrifice for the families too,” he said.

The high opinion he has for the troops started early in life and serves him well today.

“My father was a Soldier, and I was raised in a family where if your dad was a Soldier, you’ve got to respect your veterans,” he said.

Having sold more than 30 million records, success is something that Keith knows a little something about, but performing for the military and shaking hands with Soldiers is what motivates him.

Keith will continue his USO tour throughout the Persian Gulf and later into Germany.

“It doesn’t matter where in the world our Soldiers are, I’ll be there,” said Keith.


God bless Toby Keith for all his trips to thank the Troops. And God bless the USO too for all they do to bring it all together.

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (12)

May 24, 2007

A Friend of mine that Supports the Troops ~ Gary Sinise



ANZER KASERNE, Germany — Actor and musician Gary Sinise prepares to fire a M-24 sniper rifle with Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) during a firepower demonstration here May 11. Sinise is visiting the Stuttgart area with his band, the Lt. Dan Band, as part of a USO tour to perform concerts for service members stationed overseas. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Lt. Cmdr. Corey Barker)


In this picture supplied by the USO, US actor Gary Sinise (R) listens to US Army CW 4 Leif Neely (L) of Woodbridge, Virginia, tell about how he was wounded while flying his Kiowa Warrior helicopter on a mission over Mosul, Iraq during a visit by Sinise to the hospital at Forward Operating Base Mazur, Iraq, 20 May 2007. Sinise, famous for his role as Lt. Dan in the movie Forrest Gump and currently starring in the TV series CSI:NY, is on a USO-sponsored meet-and-greet tour to boost morale among US forces in the area.



US Actor Gary Sinise, famous for his role as Lt. Dan in the movie Forrest Gump and currently starring in the TV series CSI:NY, sits in a US Army Apache helicopter during a tour of the flight line, at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, 21 May 2007. Sinise is on a USO-sponsored meet-and-greet tour to boost morale among US forces in the area.


Actor Gary Sinise with the staff of the Navy Medical Hospital at Camp Arifjan.



Wild Thing's comment...........

Gary is a friend of mine. I met him years ago when we lived in Malibu, Calif. and working in films. He is a truly wonderful man and sincere in what he does. He truly supports the troops. He has traveled to Iraq and all over the world to entertain and meet the troops and thank them in person. I lost count how many times he has been to Iraq, but it has been many times.

I am honored to know him and grateful for all he does for our troops to let them know how thankful we all are to them for all they do for us and for America and for the world.


Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (15)

May 17, 2007

17th: National "Surrender is Not an Option" Day



From: Move America Forward

"On Thursday, May 17th at 10:30 AM Pacific Time, we will be conducting “Surrender is Not an Option” protest rallies outside of Speaker Pelosi’s San Francisco office ( 450 Golden Gate Ave. 14th Floor - San Francisco) and Senator Reid’s Las Vegas office. We have just added a 3rd protest location - outside of Senator Harry Reid's Carson City office located at: 600 East William St., Carson City, NV 89701)."
"We're sick and tired of watching Congressional leaders like Pelosi and Reid deliberately undermining support for the missions of our troops serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom & Operation Enduring Freedom. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!"



Wild Thing's comment.........

I am glad they are doing this. I agree enough is enough!! Reid, Pelosi and the rest of their ilk need to be taught a lesson.

I would only add this, I would love to see Americans sending these vile people a list of the attacks on Americans
(civilian's and our military) and show them how these attacks were done by Muslims. The list is huge and has been happening for many years.

Just scroll down ( terrorists ) and you can see dates and explanations of attacks and attempted attacks. And those are just the ones we know about, there likely are more then we were never told about.


Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (10)

May 03, 2007

Bush Signs Veto With Pen From Father of Marine Killed In Iraq




Marine's father gives Bush pen, support
Washington Times

It was just a regular, black-inked ballpoint pen that President Bush used to sign his veto yesterday, instead of his usual personalized Cross pen.

The pen was a gift from the father of a U.S. Marine killed in Iraq, who asked Mr. Bush last month to use it when he vetoed a timeline for withdrawal from Iraq.

Robert Derga, of Uniontown, Ohio, gave Mr. Bush the pen after an April 16 speech by the president at the White House.

Mr. Bush invited a number of "Gold Star Families" -- families who have lost a U.S. military member in Iraq -- to the speech, and met with them afterwards in the Oval Office. Mr. Derga, 53, had brought the pen with him. It was the pen he had used to write letters to his son, Marine Cpl. Dustin A. Derga.

"It was just a common run of the mill ... I don't even remember the brand name," Mr. Derga said, in a phone interview last night. "It was just a $2 pen. Nothing special."

Mr. Bush met with the Dergas and other families for about 45 minutes, and spoke directly with each family.

"I looked the president square in the eye," Mr. Derga said. "I looked at him and said, 'Mr. President, if this Iraq supplemental comes down to a veto I want you to use my pen to do it."

Mr. Bush "kind of looked at me funny for a moment and then said, 'Absolutely,' and then handed the pen to his assistant," Mr. Derga said.

"He assured me he would use it," Mr. Derga said.

Dustin was killed in Iraq on May 8, 2005, while leading house-to-house searches in Ubaydi, Iraq. He was 24. Dustin was the first Marine killed in Lima Company, with the Marine Force Reserve's 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, out of Columbus, Ohio.

But Lima Company, a group of 160 reservists, suffered the highest casualty rate of any company so far in the Iraq war. They lost 23 Marines during their seven-month deployment in 2005.

Yesterday afternoon, Mr. Derga was shutting off his computer at work, around 5:30, when he received a call from Jared Weinstein, Mr. Bush's personal aide.

Mr. Weinstein was calling "to tell me that the president had signed the veto with my pen."

"They wanted to again give their heartfelt condolences on our loss of Dustin," Mr. Derga said. "I was pretty blown away is one way of putting it. I couldn't believe he actually did it."

Mr. Derga, a manager for Diebold, Inc., said that it was gratifying to be able to show his support for Mr. Bush and for the war, even if it has not always been easy to support the U.S. mission in Iraq.

"It's been painful for this nation and me personally but I still feel strongly about getting the job done over there and getting it done right," said Mr. Derga. "It meant a lot to us that we were able to make our position known, that we continue to support him."

But Mr. Derga said he is frustrated that many Americans do not believe Iraq is part of the U.S. fight against terrorism.

"I really feel strongly that this nation needs to wake up and understand what's at risk here and what's in the balance," he said.

As for Dustin, his son, Mr. Derga visits his grave in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, about two hours away, every few weeks, he said.

"He had a wonderful smile and a great dimple. He was a great kid. He loved to play baseball. He just loved working with his hands. And he was always interested in military service and public service," Mr. Derga said.

Dustin was a volunteer firefighter and steel worker. He was working toward a degree in EMS and fire science from Columbus State University.

"Probably his smile I miss more than anything," Mr. Derga said. "I think about him every day. I know I'll see him again, so it's just a matter of time."

Mr. Derga said that about 80 percent of the other Gold Star Families he knows agree with the president's decision to send more troops to Iraq to try to stabilize the country.

"We have given the ultimate sacrifice in terms of our sons, and if we can still stand in the trenches with the president and support him, why can't the rest of the nation do it?" Mr. Derga said.


Wild Thing's comment........

This Father is an awesome man and so was his son. Thank you President Bush for doing this and thank you for the Veto.



For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
White House
May 2, 2007
Finally, this legislation is unconstitutional because it purports to direct the conduct of the operations of the war in a way that infringes upon the powers vested in the Presidency by the Constitution, including as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces. For these reasons, I must veto this bill.

“Good evening. Twelve weeks ago, I asked the Congress to pass an emergency war spending bill that would provide our brave men and women in uniform with the funds and flexibility they need. Instead, members of the House and the Senate passed a bill that substitutes the opinions of politicians for the judgment of our military commanders. So a few minutes ago, I vetoed this bill.”

GEORGE W. BUSH
THE WHITE HOUSE,
May 1, 2007.

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (13)

April 23, 2007

Basketball Team Miami Heat Greet Soldiers Back from Iraq


Miami Heat guard Chris Quinn, left, and center Michael Doleac, right, stand with U.S. Army Sgt. First Class Brian Stovall, second from left, and Private First Class Joshua Langley as they are honored before a basketball game Sunday. The Heat are trying to recognize the military by honoring soldiers who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan before every home game.


Heat Greet Soldiers Back from Iraq

MIAMI(AP)

Pfc. Joshua Langley stood at midcourt in Army camouflage, waving and urging Miami Heat fans to cheer louder.

So they did. Not for the Heat, but for him.

And for a few seconds, Langley could think about something besides war.

All season, the Heat have honored soldiers just back from Iraq or Afghanistan before every home game, introducing them to fans immediately after "The Star-Spangled Banner.'' Heat coach Pat Riley came up with the idea, and several NBA teams have similar tributes.

"Those guys, they're not paid like us,'' Miami forward Udonis Haslem said. "But their job is probably one of the most important jobs anyone can do. They defend freedom. It's a privilege to shake their hands and meet them.''

Some soldiers honored at these Heat games are Purple Heart winners. Many received other awards and commendations. Some, like Langley, were back for only a brief time between stints. Langley, an honoree at Sunday's game, was on a 15-day leave from Iraq and is set to return there later this week.

"His uncle is a season-ticket holder and called and said he'd like to go to a game before he goes back to war,'' Riley said. "He's a gunner with the Delta Infantry, riding there supporting the ground troops in live fire. ... That's who this is for. That's what this is about.''

Heat players present the honorees with a wrapped gift box, containing items commemorating the team's ൗ Strong'' mantra used during last season's run to the NBA championship, along with Heat dog tags with the soldier's name engraved.

Most players take a minute during warmups to introduce themselves to the military honorees. Some soldiers spend the entire time snapping photos, marking the night they met Shaquille O'Neal and the NBA champions.

"They're very appreciative of it,'' Riley said.

So, too, are the Heat coaches and players.

Alonzo Mourning always approaches the honorees just after the ceremony, and always delivers the same message: "I appreciate you,'' the center tells each one.
"I've got a military family,'' Mourning said. "My father was in the military. I had two uncles in the military. My dad's uncle was in the military. My uncle fought in Vietnam. People just fail to realize how good we have it over here. Those guys fighting in Iraq, I'm very sympathetic to what they have to do because most of them, deep down inside, don't want to be there. But it's their job.''

Riley, who said he voted for President Bush when the Heat visited the White House a couple weeks ago, insists his motivation behind this program is anything but political. He wants politicians of all stripes to give the soldiers their due.

"They will say they care about the soldiers, but they're not doing anything for them,'' he said.

The Heat, he said, will do something for them.

Riley appears well-educated on the issue. He said the unemployment rate for Americans is around 5 percent, while noting the unemployment rate for disabled returning veterans is 17 percent. And that makes him seethe.

"I have my beliefs,'' Riley said. "I'm very proud, so much, to be an American. I am pro-government. I am for who I elected, all of those things. I am an advocate now for our troops, period. It's something I feel very strongly about. ... I just cannot stand the blame game.''

This has become a personal issue for Riley, who a generation ago was disturbed when soldiers returned from Vietnam often without any sort of welcome.

It's personal for Mourning, too.

During an earlier visit to Washington this season, the Heat had the chance to tour Walter Reed Medical Center, one of the nation's premier facilities for treating those wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. After hearing recent disclosures of roach-infested conditions and shoddy outpatient care, Mourning was angered.

"Ridiculous, man. ... It makes no sense to me,'' he said. "We've got to do more for these guys.''

Doing something as simple as bringing soldiers to midcourt and shaking their hand, Mourning said, is a start.

"It's more than appreciating them. It's more than honoring them. It's more than thanking them,'' Riley said. "It's simply making sure that they understand there's people who really care about what they do.''



Wild Thing's comment......

I am not a basketball fan, I love baseball, football and hockey. But I LOVE this story and just had to post it. I love how they feel about out troops and that makes my heart smile!


Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (10)

April 07, 2007

A New Day Dawned in America


Gathering of Eagles Photo Slideshow

A montage of photos from the Gathering of Eagles March 17, 2007



Wild Thing's comment.........

Bursting with pride! What an honor it is for me to know even one Veteran and to be able to say I know so many has my heart bursting with such pride and gratitude. I love you all!!

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (7)

April 04, 2007

Austin Girl Scouts Send Morale-building Cookies



Pfc. Karla Hiquiana (left), Specialist Alex Teesdale (center) and Chaplain (Capt.) Ben Clark, read messages on boxes of Girl Scout cookies sent by troops from the greater Austin, Texas, area. The three, from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, separated 1,100 boxes of the cookies that would be distributed to the battalion’s Soldiers. Each Soldier in the battalion got two boxes and extras were handed out to other Soldiers in the 1st ACB.


Story by Sgt. 1st Class Rick Emert

By Sgt. 1st Class Rick Emert
1st ACB, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs

TAJI, Iraq – It’s a yearly tradition that 4th Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade Soldiers would have missed out on – Girl Scout cookie season.

Instead, Girl Scout troops from the greater Austin, Texas, area sent about 650 pounds of the treats, that many crave this time of year, to the Soldiers from 4-227th stationed at Taji, Iraq.

The battalion has received about 1,100 boxes of the treats with more on the way, according to Chaplain (Capt.) Ben Clark, the chaplain for 4-227th.

“It was an outstanding effort for them to collect and put a message on all of these boxes of cookies,” Clark said. “I can picture in my mind the effort that the person who put this all together had to put forth.”

Clark and his chaplain assistants, Spc. Alex Teesdale and Pfc. Karla Hiquiana – both from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4-227th – separated the cookies into boxes to go to each of the battalion’s companies. Each Soldier in the battalion gets two boxes, and the excess will be handed out to other Soldiers from the 1st ACB at such events as the Bunker 182 group meeting, which takes place every Sunday at Camp Taji.

Most Soldiers have picked up their boxes, and were not so patient about getting their Girl Scout cookie fix.

“I had Soldiers coming up to me for a week asking: ‘When are we going to get those Girl Scout cookies?’” Teesdale said.
“People in my office have been looking forward to getting them,” said Spc. Misha Argall, HHC, 4-227th. “I thought it was great they sent these; it’s not something you would associate with a deployment. It’s nice to know that people at home are still thinking about us.”

Clark said he has received other donations, such as items to set up a coffee bar in his building, but not on a scale like this.

“Before we knew what was in them, we saw all these boxes for the chaplain, and I thought, wow, his family really does love him,” Hiquiana said.

Clark is planning to send flags that will be flown over Iraq by the 1st ACB’s helicopters to show his gratitude to the Texas-based Girl Scouts.

The shipment of cookies coincided with a playful request from the1st ACB commander Col. Dan Shanahan for Girl Scout cookies to be sent to his Soldiers during a live town hall meeting that he attended via the Digital Video Imagery Distribution System on Feb. 27. Clark said the troops had been preparing the cookies for shipment before Shanahan’s request. But the brigade soon found itself inundated with cookies – not necessarily a bad thing.

“Who doesn’t love Girl Scout cookies?” Teesdale said.
“And, who doesn’t have a favorite Girl Scout cookie?” added Clark.

Certainly not Clark (Peanut Butter Patties), Hiquiana (Thin Mints), Teesdale (Thin Mints) or Argall (Caramel delights).


Wild Thing's comment..........

Wouldn't it be awesome if our POS Media had done this story. American chilidren supporting the troops, American children realizing more why they are living in the land of the free then our Congress.

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (7)

'Good luck' Sent To Soldiers In Iraq



Ryan Rahe, with mom Jayne, holds the flag that soldiers sent him after he sent his medals to them for good luck. (DARYL SULLIVAN / THE DAILY TIMES)


MARYVILLE, Tenn. — A generous donation of "good luck" sent to soldiers in Iraq was returned to a Blount County man after the recipients' safe return home.

Ryan Rahe, an active participant in Special Olympics since middle school, has won numerous medals in several sports, especially bowling and swimming. The 25-year-old man has shared his medals with soldiers several times, with his most recent gifts going to soldiers in the Virginia Army National Guard in Iraq.

"He sent the medals and said they were for good luck, and thank you for fighting for our country," said Ryan's mother, Jayne Rahe.
"I put a little note in there and said since Ryan is not going to be able to protect our country, I really appreciated the work they were doing for that."

Jayne said earlier recipients had acknowledged Ryan's gifts, but this time, the young man received a special surprise. The soldiers sent him a package containing an American flag that had accompanied the crew of UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter 26849 on a combat sortie in Iraq, a certificate of appreciation of Ryan's continued friendship and support, and a photograph of the men holding the flag and Ryan's medals — which had accompanied them on this mission — in front of their helicopter.

'Courage' remembered

The letter written by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Anthony W. Grillett on Jan. 10 thanked Ryan for sending the medals.

"I and the Battalion can never thank you enough for sending us your medals," Grillett wrote. "They have brought us luck and good fortune, and now as we prepare to deploy home we send them back to you with our eternal gratitude.

"That you would send us something so precious is a reflection of your character. As you called us heroes; to me you are the hero. For I believe it is not who you are, or what you are that makes you a hero, it is the ability to give all especially when it is never asked.

"Your courage to face the challenges required earning those medals and then so freely send them to us here in Iraq will forever make you a hero to me. I will never be able to truly express in words how honored I was when I read the letter from your Mother. It truly humbles me and shows me that what I fight for in our country will always be worth the small sacrifices asked of me. Thank you again."

The letter was signed, "Your friend always."

Jayne Rahe said the idea of sending support to the soldiers in harm's way came about when she and Ryan were talking about news coverage of the war in Iraq. Jayne visited a www.anysoldier.com online and discovered how she and Ryan could let the men and women in Iraq know their efforts are appreciated.

Ryan, named 2006 Special Olympics Athlete of the Year for the Blount County Sports Hall of Fame, said he felt good when he received the box from the soldiers. He said if he could talk with them face to face, he would say, "Thank you."

The Rahes plan to continue sending care packages to soldiers, including the medals.


Wild Thing's comment..........

I love stories that show appreciation of our troops and Veterans. I think this one was special.

When we lived in California, the stuntmen's organization my husband is with worked with the Special Olympics for several years. It was something that all the guys say even today, was a time that touched their hearts.

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:44 AM | Comments (14)

March 19, 2007

Miracle in Washington ~ GOE Part Two Photos and Article




Miracle in Washington
Gathering of Eagles warm graves of fallen soldiers:

Canada Free Press

By Judi McLeod ( founder of Canada Free Press)

Sunday, March 18, 2007

Yesterday, St. Patrick's Day 2007, a group of ordinary patriots, known nobly as The Gathering of Eagles, achieved something no one else ever could.

Ragtag by nature, Gathering of Eagles' membership includes the wounded, both walking and in wheelchairs, the gratefully and proudly ageing and the living-with-the-memory-of-lost- loved ones, brokenhearted. Some lie awake nights worrying about loved ones still in harm's way, but the one human emotion missing from Gathering of Eagle members is disillusion. All because if there was any chance the touted anti-war protesters were going to desecrate war memorials, then The Gathering of Eagles members were going to be there--no matter from how far away they had to come, no matter in what shape March 17 was to find them in.

When they came to the call of Move America Forward, they knew in their hearts that they would be up against it. March 17 was not only the 40th anniversary of the Mother of all anti-war protests, when a decades-ago massive march to the Pentagon demanded an end to the war in Vietnam, it was also being marked as the 4th Anniversary of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Capitalizing on the past, and gathering at a time when the Nancy Pelosi Democrats control the White House, the anti-war movement was flooding Washington, D.C. this weekend with a once-and-for-all demand for America to surrender the War on Terrorism.

Veterans joining up with the Gathering of Eagles from as far away as Hawaii, knew from the outstart they could be vastly outnumbered in body, but never in spirit.

From a heralding media, hundreds of thousands were said to be descending upon Washington. Jane Fonda would be there to meet them. The mainstream media, so many sadly in sync with the "U.S. Out of Iraq Now" crowd, would ensure that the other side would get little network attention.

Mother Nature brought the dawning of a cold day with proof from the age-old adage that "March wind (is) colder than snow."

Even though the counter protest was to be resoundingly successful, only snippets of what took place in Washington was to flicker briefly from yesterday's suppertime news.

But 'These Colors Don't Run', and this is what the troop-loving Move America Forward and the Gathering of Eagles accomplished against all odds.

The hundreds of thousands the anti-war movement promised did not descend on the nation's capital to mark a 40th anniversary destined never be forgotten. They numbered only in the thousands--and part of those thousands included the less protest savvy Other Side! Indeed, Fox News reported that the crowd totaled several thousand with as many from The Gathering of Eagles as from the anti-war crowd.

Jane Fonda was a no show. Not being able to count on Al Gore's global warming, perhaps she thought she'd get her tinted feathers wet.

Big-talking Hollywood celebrities left Cindy Sheehan out in the cold on her own.

Yesterday's sea change was bound to usher in a new chapter in history. The anti-war protesters were in Washington trying to sustain a 40-year-old memory with tired, old chants like the standby "Impeach Bush" one.

The Gathering of Eagles was in Washington to protect war memorials erected to honor the fallen and in a symbolic show of love for all living troops in harm's way.

One thing for anti-war protesters to hint at desecrating war memorials. One thing for a media to remain silent when soldiers are spit upon. Quite another to meet from the distance of right across the street, the steely-eyed glint of the veterans of real wars.

Yesterday was a televised pageant of play soldiers fighting war from the safety of a world away, meeting face on, the real McCoys, a sort of underplayed Gathering of Eagles vs. the Moonbats.

As the event played out, not all of the teared over eyes from the faces in the crowd were the result of whipping Washington winds.

There was an unforgettable reason.

For the week leading up to yesterday's anniversary protest, a caravan of families who lost children in the war on terrorism, families who still have loved ones serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, and veterans of Vietnam, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom had crossed the nation hoping to get a single message across: "Surrender is not an option."

Melanie Morgan's Move America Forward caravan must have hit the road with niggling worry laced in with hope as it left San Francisco.

Anyone following the progress of the Caravan of Hope must have been misty eyed when reading about what happened within only hours of that departure. The caravan with its 10,000 flags to be sent as proof to troops fighting for freedom was mobbed along the way! Patient school children, holding homemade flags waited curbside for the caravan to pass by. Veterans wearing medals, school choirs sounding like singing angels and Americans from all walks of life left their kitchens to be there when the Move America Forward caravan was passing through Small Town America. By Texas, enthused crowds were so large, a police escort led the caravan along its way.

Little wonder why Washington winds couldn't extinguish heart warmth the caravan reached its final destination.

When history is written, March 17th, 2007 will at long last eclipse March 17, 1967, as the day when soldiers in faraway Iraq and Afghanistan knew for certain, no matter what real time saw them doing, love and respect await their safe return. The day when it was proven to a watching world that Washington war memorials stand for what they always stood for, time immemorial, the day when the graves of fallen American soldiers the world were warmer.

God Blessed The Gathering of Eagles. They did it!











Wild Thing's comment.......

GREAT write up from Canada. I posted the entire article, it deserved it and so do each one of you that attended and those of you too that gave such great support that could not go.

I added more photos of GOE to share with you.

Thank you all, I love our Veterans and our troops so much.

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (6)

March 18, 2007

Gathering of Eagles ~ God Bless You !


This is a great video clip.

The National Parks Service notified GOE with their 

official estimate of the Eagle turn-out today…...
.

30,000!



Fox News reported today that the anti-war protesters had significantly less than they expected. However, they are erroneously reporting that the Eagles were there in “equal numbers”. The truth is that we outnumbered them by at least three to one!

Consider…ANSWER had a year to plan their well-publicized event and were hoping for around 100,000. They actually drew about 5,000-10,000, according to various news reports today. The Gathering of Eagles, on the other hand, had about six weeks to plan an unprecedented response - and with no advertising, no publicity, no celebrity or political endorsement, no news coverage, and no big money, we had about 30,000 boots on the ground!

And this from the Washington Post......

"This is sacred ground to us," said Rick De Marco, 62, a Vietnam veteran from Cleveland.

K.C. O'Brien, 65, a Vietnam vet from Fairfield, Calif., said: "We believe in freedom of speech. We're here to defend the right of people to say whatever they want. But we will not allow any desecration."

"That was the real catalyst, right there," said Navy veteran Larry Bailey. "They showed they were willing to desecrate something that's sacred to the American soul."









War supporter Bill Carter of North Carolina watches as protesters against the war in Iraq gather to participate in the March on the Pentagon in Washington, March 17, 2007. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst (UNITED STATES)








A group of Iraq veterans standing up to the unwashed and drugged up loonies



An Account from a Vietnam Vet that was there...................


"The GEO folks were continuous all the way down Constitution Avenue from about 19th street to the 21 st street. Down in that region, all the interior walkways toward the Vietnam Wall and the Lincoln Memorial were crammed and slow as the two way stream was greater than the paths could carry.

The primary goal, was the wall. There were at least three very long lines several people wide waiting to pass the electronic machines to enter the wall area. The screening was intense. It apppeared the actual number at the wall was being controlled because the number there was exceedded many, many time by the number patiently waiting. This was a very important event by its self because waiting meant getting aquainted with others near by in the lines. The waiting in very long lines on the cold windy morning will be the stuff stories are made of.

The crowd was positivelyt amazing. There were literally thousands of good guys there in knots of ten ot twelve. They were mostly military and they were in full voice.

There was a bottleneck to the Wall, there were two or three very long and 4 or 5 deeop lines to pass the metal detectors to get in. You can be assured that given the mood of the morning, any one who tried to destroy the good feelings, camaraderie and deface the wall would have been crucified on the spot.

All the sidewalks and paths anywhere near the Lincoln Memorial were packed.

We had permits for the inner circle of the lincoln Memorial. It was solid and 4 or 5 deep on street level and many many more on an elevated wall behind them. There were still more in the grass behind all that. The marchers were presented with jeers and chants from a literal stack of people all the way round the arc of the Lincoln Memorial.

Having attended one or two other moonbat parades where we were truly outnumbered by a very very large margin, I was flabbergasted at the GOE turnout. Awesome is not a term I use, but the Gathering of Eagles was AWRSOME.

I noted above that it seemesd as if people did not know where to go or perhaps what to do. The fact is, it didn't matter. It was cold, but it was sunny and nice. It didn't matter where they went because they were there in a massive show of bodies dedicated to sending a message and it was obvious beyond any doubt they were suceeding.

The opportunity to gather with buddies and other groups of like minded knots of people may be with out precedent. The opportuntity to put on the stuff, the black leathers or camo adorned with riotus color of patches and medals and insignia, and to see thousands of others similarly dressed must be an important life time event. This is especiallly true when the individuals in the mass can vocally vent against the miserable yellow sign carrying moonbats.

It is dangerous to overestimate the significance of one day's events, but today may have been a tipping point. Thousands came out on a blustery day, probably for the very first time, to protest the antiwar types. They had a very good time. They met plenty of likeminded souls. They waved flags, they prayed, they cried.

Next year? Wouldn't miss it....... that will be the thoughts in thousands of minds. "




Wild Thing's comment.......
God bless you! And, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, a million times THANK YOU for ONCE AGAIN defending us and standing up for our great country! Welcome home and please know that you and all veterans and military now serving are appreciated by millions of Americans.

GOE not only protected The Wall, but also other Monuments including the Vietnam Nurses Memorial.

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (19)

March 17, 2007

C-SPAN Washington Journal Says No to Gathering of Eagles and Yes To Anti Groups


Important Message

 

 


CSPAN decided: a) not to cover the Gathering of Eagles rally, and b) to cover the Workers World Party's rally against America.


02:00 PM EDT
2:30 (est.) LIVE
Rally
Anti-War Rally
Act Now to Stop War & End Racism (A.N.S.W.E.R.)
Ramsey Clark , Department of Justice
Cynthia McKinney , D, Georgia (State)
The beginning and end of this live program may be earlier or later than the scheduled times.


With this deplorable decision, CSPAN has spit on the American military veteran. How can CSPAN make such a blatantly biased decision?

And what about the military veterans who support our troops and our country? Doesn't their voice also deserve to be heard tomorrow?

Every one of us who pays for cable television service pays to fund CSPAN's "balanced" public interest coverage, and our voices are just as relevant and just as deserving to be heard as those on the radical left who despise our country and our troops.

Our Vietnam veterans were spit on forty years ago. Today, CSPAN is spitting on all of our veterans by giving coverage to the Workers World Party/International ANSWER rally and ignoring the opposing point of view.

If you want to, I am going to call and when you do call on whatever line you can get in on.

Washington Journal begins at 7am on Saturday, and it runs at least two hours, maybe three.

Call-In Numbers

Support Democrats:

(202) 737-0002

Support Republicans:

(202) 737-0001

Support Independents:

(202) 628-0205

Outside U.S.:

(202) 628-0184

Email: journal@c-span.org



Posted by Wild Thing at 12:48 AM | Comments (10)

Berlin, Conn.Travel To Join Gathering of Eagles






Berlin Residents to Protect Monuments (Connecticut Vets Travel to Join Gathering of Eagles)
new britain herald

Berlin, Conn.

In recent years, veterans have felt disrespected as war and recognition monuments in Washington, D.C., have been defaced by individuals who have joined in the Act Now to Stop War and End Racism (ANSWER) annual March, but several residents have said they won't let it happen again.

This Saturday, a group of individuals led by former Marine and Berlin resident Salvatore Sena will go to Washington to protect the monuments and protest any attempts to deface the property by forming a human wall, joining hand in hand with others from across the nation and even Canada.

"Word has come around that a group of extremists has plans to exercise their freedom of speech and protest the war by defacing national monuments," Sena said in an e-mail correspondence with The Herald. "I feel that enough is enough and that's why I will be joining my fellow Americans in guarding and protecting our national monuments in D.C."

The decision to provide a protective human shield around the monuments came after several individuals who had marched in the anti-war protests held in March 2006 turned to vandalism during the event, causing damage to the Vietnam Memorial through what they have said was "an act of freedom of speech" in opposition to war efforts.

Sena said he and other participants from the Berlin area, several being members of the Marine Corps League, are traveling to the site to take part in a peaceful protest of their march with a group known as the Gathering of Eagles.

The group will include individuals from across the United States and veteran soldiers currently residing in Canada. These participants come from all walks of life including organizations such as the Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Riders, Patriot Guard Riders, National Order of the Purple Heart, Gold Star and Blue Star Mothers, and various veterans' groups and POW organizations.

According to Sena, the extremists involved with ANSWER and Code Pink, a second group that will join in the march, represent only 17 percent of society. He said with a joint effort from many in the other 83 percent, he is confident they can protect the monument from a destructive fate in 2007.

Once ANSWER was made aware that there would be a peaceful standoff at the Vietnam Memorial in Constitution Park, it rescheduled its rally to be held at the Henry Beacon Drive Park. This was later named a starting point for its march toward the Pentagon.

The Gathering of Eagles will use Constitution Park as its gathering point and Sena said they will protect several area monuments, not just the Vietnam Memorial. Leaders also encourage participants to arrive early and stay aware as they believe extremists may still attempt to sneak through lines to deface the property.

"As an American veteran, I cannot and will not stand for this type of behavior from any extremist," said Sena in the e-mail. "I hold too much respect for the soldier who gave up his or her life for our country."



Wild Thing's comment.......

God and the spirits of American patriots walk with the Gathering of Eagles.

I got this article from a cousin of mine that lives in Conn. So I wanted to share it with all of you.

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:44 AM | Comments (3)

March 16, 2007

Please Call C-Span About Gathering of Eagles




This is from the Gathering of Eagles website.

We need hundreds of calls and faxes to C-Span urging them, politely, to cover the Gathering of Eagles event at Constitution Gardens on Saturday, 17 March……urge them gently, but firmly by calling C-SPAN TELEPHONE NUMBER.

Main Number: (202) 737-3220

FAX number 202-737-6226 (Assignment Desk)


This is a song I have loved for a long time. I never have listened to it without shedding tears, tears of sadness but also tears of such pride in our Veterans and for those serving now. I would like to share it with you.

Please click HERE to hear the song. Thank you so much. It is by Billy Ray Cyrus called " Some Gave All.


Also a BIG thank you to Old War Dogs blogfor all the awesome things they have done to get the word out.

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (11)

March 14, 2007

Gathering of Eagles






Gathering of Eagles website

Veterans Groups
101st Airborne, 327th Infantry Regiment

169th Engineering Battalion, C Co.

1st Battalion 9th Marines Network

2/502nd Strike Force Widow Makers

3rd Recon Bn/ Vietnam Harborsite

604th Transportation Co.

American Legion MANNY BACON POST 1758

Army Divers

AX2USN

Charlie Co, 2nd/28th INF

Charlie Co, 6th/31st, 9th Infantry

Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association

Delaware Valley Vietnam Veterans

Docs of the 3/26 Marines

Fox Co, 2nd BN, 9th Marines

Gunners Net Old Comrades Association

K Troop, 11th ACR Vietnam

Massachusetts Vets 4 Victory

Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally, Washington DC

Screaming Eagles 326 ~ 101st AIRBORNE

Special Forces Association, Chapter 67

Swift Boat Sailors Association

The Virtual Wall Vietnam Memorial

U.S. Veteran's Dispatch Eagle's Nest Message Board

United American Patriots

USAF Redhorse CES

Veterans Wives and Families

Vietnam Veteran's 9th Infantry Division, 6-31st

Vietnam Veterans of America, Western Mass. Chapter One-Eleven

Warrior Brotherhood Veterans Motorcycle Club, Maryland Chapter

Yankee Air Pirates


Wild Thing's comment.........

200 hippies against 10 Vets protecting the memorial would be an unfair fight. In favor of the Vets!!!

It's a sad indictment, however, that they have to rise up again to protect a precious memorial dedicated to them because there are so many idiots and traitors in this country that threaten that same memorial and said idiots ARE NOT WORTH DEFENDING! Suchh as the likes of Cindy Sheehan and her worthless cohorts, among others!! God bless our Viet Nam Veterans and God bless 'em for their support of our Iraq war veterans!

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (4)

March 12, 2007

Gene Simmons and Tommy Thayer at Camp Pendleton



Gene Simmons and Tommy Thayer at Camp Pendleton

Gene Simmons website

GENE SIMMONS FAMILY JEWELS tv crew filmed us at Camp Pendleton over a few days. Sophie and I first visited there and went through (one day's worth) of Basic Training.

Sophie, as the Marines like to say got and "Git Some"....ask a Marine what it means.

Then, Tommy Thayer and Darren Leader and Fran on fabulous bass got up and performed for a combine Military Force of Navy, Army, Air Force and Marines....

It was a very emotional experience and would make anyone proud of the men and women who risk their lives -- without asking for anything...without getting fame or recognition...without much pay (a few hundred dollars)...all they want to know is that they are risking their lives and 'IT MATTERS".... IT DOES.

Here we are with America's Pride and Joy. One of them (and he asked NOT to be singled out) is a PURPLE HEART Award recipient. He survived. Most Purple Heart Awards are sent to families. I'm sure you understand the implication.

Be Proud. Be Aware. You are protected by the World's Finest Fighting Force. And, they are protecting the Greatest Country In The World.

In this day and age, people find it hard to admit. It's not politically correct. Other countries don't want to hear this kind of sentiment. Tough.

Learn how to spell it, Baby. It's spelled A-M-E-R-I-C-A!!!!!




Wild Thing's comment......

Just wanted to share this with you.

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (2)

March 11, 2007

Gathering Of Eagles Caravan Heads Out For March 17th Rally


Pictures of Gathering Of Eagles Caravan & Rally Pictures


Caravan Route - “THESE COLORS DON’T RUN”

Map is the route for Move America Forward and also the photos below.



San Francisco, California


Lafayette, California



Vacaville, California


Sacramento, California


Stockton, California


Bakersfield, California


Phoenix, Arizona



Gathering of Eagles website



God bless all our troops, our Veterans and their families and loved ones. I love you all so much.


Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (14)

Caravan For U.S. Troops Shows Colors


Military families and supporters in Move Forward America speak at Griffith Park en route to a rally next weekend in Washington, D.C.
LATimes




Kyle Crowley, an 18-year-old Marine, died in Iraq nearly three years ago. Stricken by stress and grief, his father, Mark Crowley, suffered a near-fatal heart attack about 17 months later, on the fourth anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.

The elder Crowley, now 48, a sheet metal worker from the Northern California town of Tracy, wasn't healthy enough to return to work. He's been searching for meaning in his life ever since.

The one thing he's sure of, however, is that he doesn't want his son's life to have been lost in vain. That's why he joined a cross-country caravan of military families and supporters urging the U.S. to support the troops and criticizing politicians and antiwar activists for calling for troop withdrawal from Iraq before the job is done.

"Many have died for these colors," Crowley told supporters at Griffith Park on Friday as he held a U.S. flag. "If you don't support these colors, get the hell out."

The Los Angeles stop was one of two dozen rallies Crowley and others in the Move America Forward caravan will hold as they make their way to Washington, D.C., over the next eight days under the motto "These colors don't run."



About 100 supporters — including many veterans — added several dozen flags of all sizes to the caravan's collection, which the group plans to display in "a giant flag city of red, white and blue patriotism" on the National Mall next weekend.

Move America Forward is protesting the antiwar rallies planned for the fourth anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq. The caravan includes two other California parents — Debra Argel Bastian of Lompoc, whose son died in Iraq, and Debbie Johns of Granite Bay, whose son is serving his third tour there.

Crowley in his view, it's us or them.

"If we don't finish it, they will. If we pull out or can't win, [the terrorists] will make Sept. 11 look like a bar fight. They're radical, and their only meaning is killing innocent people " said Crowley.

A former Army ranger, Crowley said he could shoot an elk at 600 yards with a single shot. He wishes he could trade his own life for his son's — or any of the other 3,000-plus troops who have died.

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM

March 10, 2007

Gathering of Eagles Petition and Video


Gathering Of Eagles Video. GREAT!



Gathering of Eagles is trying to gage the number of folks who are going to be Showing up in Washington on March 17th.


To all of the bloggers and websites that are listed in our sidebar as Participating Websites, we need your help and support now. Please post the following information on your blogs and websites. It is imperative that we get this word out as quickly as possible.

Security : When you go to sign the petition, it defaults to rendering your e-mail address private, even to the organizers of the petition.

There are two petitions now up online.

One for people to sign only if they WILL be at the Gathering of Eagles on March 17th:

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

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

http://www.PetitionOnline.com/GOE317/petition.html

This will be very helpful in giving us some idea of how many Eagles will be in attendance on the 17th and how many will be supporting us from home.

If you plan to be there, sign in. Those who just can’t attend but stand with us in spirit are asked to sign the second petition.

755 so far have signed in as attending.

940 have signed is an with us in spirit.

(as of 1214 CST, March9th)

This number is a fraction of what we know to be true, but we need ALL BLOGGERS and WEBMASTERS to get this word out!!


Gathering of Eagles website

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (9)

March 09, 2007

Not This Time



Not This Time (poem about Gathering of Eagles)


written by .......E.M. Cooper, USMC 3/1/07


They gathered in the 60s And Ol' Glory burned and tore With all their hollow slogans such as "Let's make love, not war."

They took for granted freedoms Struggled for in every clime. But as their sequel gathers steam We're saying "Not this time."


Peaceniks still don't grasp the irony As they demand free speech. Atop soapboxes, with bullhorns They curse and mock and preach.

And in our country that's their right 'Twas earned in blood and grime. Secured by men they tried to shame But not now, not this time.

Perhaps someone can tell me why When marching on for "peace" These protesters bring cans of paint And beat upon police?

Their anti-war activities Bought and paid by foreign dime, They used to go unchallenged, But we promise - not this time.

They assaulted soldiers coming home With curse words, spit and worse. All done, it's claimed, in search of peace No matter how perverse.

With Fonda, Kerry, Ramsey Clark, And others past their prime, They hope to relive "glory" days. But hold on, not this time.

Their signs laced with profanity, With swastikas and threats. Parading by with coffins Showing no signs of regret.

Demonstrating outside hospitals With signs like "Maimed for Lies." Well, free speech is a two-way street You've got company this time.

Outside the Capitol, perhaps Is where these types belong. But treading on such sacred ground Is insolent and wrong.

They won't disturb memorials, Or other spots sublime. They've damaged several in the past, But trust me, not this time.

So on March 17th around The Wall we will be lined. Ensuring reverence does prevail, No monuments maligned.

We'll peacefully assemble, And we'll tolerate no crime. Forty years ago they marched alone, Forget it - not this time.


Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (8)

March 07, 2007

The Enemy Within Bringing Spray Paint on March 17th




Well the vile, horrible POS people on the left are talking about brining spray paint to their protest on March 17 at the Vietnam War Memorial....The Wall. Read it here.
Damn them!


From ANSWER

On March 17, 2007, the 4th anniversary of the start of the criminal invasion of Iraq, tens of thousands of people from around the country will descend on the Pentagon in a mass demonstration to demand: U.S. Out of Iraq Now! 2007 is the 40th anniversary of the historic 1967 anti-war march to the Pentagon during the Vietnam War. The message of the 1967 march was "From Protest to Resistance," and marked a turning point in the development of a countrywide mass movement.

And HERE is their list of Anti-American PRO Terrorists LOVERS AND haters of our Veterans and Troops

Initial endorsers include:

Ramsey Clark, former U.S. Attorney General
Maxine Waters, Congresswoman
Alice Walker, Pulitzer prize winning author
Cynthia McKinney, Congresswoman
Cindy Sheehan, co-founder Gold Star Families for Peace, author
Ron Kovic, Vietnam Veteran, author, Born on the 4th of July
Malik Rahim, Founder, Common Ground Collective, New Orleans
Bishop Thomas Gumbleton, Catholic Archdiocese of Detroit
Paul Haggis, Director of Crash, 2005 Academy Award for Best Picture
Elias Rashmawi, National Coordinator, National Council of Arab Americans (NCA)
Howard Zinn, Author, A People's History of the United States
Rev. Luis Barrios, Iglesia de San Romero de las Americas, UCC
Heidi Boghosian, Executive Director, National Lawyers Guild
Chaplain James Yee, former Army chaplain, Guantánamo Detention Center
Mahdi Bray, Executive Director, Muslim American Society Freedom Foundation
Father Roy Bourgeois, Founder, School of the Americas Watch
Leonard Weinglass, Attorney for the Cuban Five
Eric LeCompte, National Office, School of the Americas Watch
Mara Verheyden-Hilliard, Co-founder, Partnership for Civil Justice
Brian Becker, National Coordinator, ANSWER Coalition
Mounzer Sleiman, TV commentator and Vice Chair, National Council of Arab Americans
Waleed Bader, Vice chair of the National Council of Arab American, Chair of NCA NY/NJ Chapter, Former President of Arab Muslim American Federation - NY
Ben Dupuy, Co-Director, Haiti Progres
Juan Jose Gutierrez, Executive Director, Latino Movement USA
Calvin Gipson, Former President, San Francisco LGBT Pride Committee
Rev. Graylan Hagler, Senior Pastor, Plymouth Congregational Church, Washington D.C
Kay Lucas, Director, Crawford Peace House, Crawford, TX
Iglesia de San Romero - United Church of Christ
Claudia de la Cruz, Director, Dominican Women’s Youth Development Center
Chuck Kaufman, Co-coordinator of the Nicaragua Network
Al Garcia, Alliance for a Just & Lasting Peace in the Philippines
Macrina Cardenas, Mexico Solidarity Network
Eugene Puryear, Howard University, student leader
Gloria La Riva, Coordinator, National Committee to Free the Cuban Five
CAAAV: Organizing Asian Communities
Nodutdol for Korean Community Development
Iglesia de San Romero - United Church of Christ
Da Urban Butterflies
KAWAN: Korean Americans Against War and Neoliberalism
Justice Committee
Ed Asner, Actor
Shirley Knight, Actor
Debra Sweet, National Coordinator, World Can't Wait -- Drive Out the Bush Regime
Jennifer Harbury, Human Rights Lawyer, author
United Teachers of Los Angeles (UTLA)
Jim Lafferty, Director, National Lawyers Guild - Los Angeles
James Petras, Professor Emeritus, SUNY Binghamton (State University of New York)
Mimi Kennedy, Actor (Dharma & Greg)

They have 1,500+ endorsers on their complete list HERE


.

Our Response, America's response to these traitors to our country.


Please go to GATHERING OF EAGLES to read more about March 17th. And also they have buses and links there to get people together to be able to attend. This is such an important day to try and be there if a person can in any way attend.

We owe EVERYTHING to our Veterans and our troops, we cannot let them down, not ever.


Wild Thing's comment......

">......Thank you Mark for the heads up on the lastest on this.

I don't think I have ever been this angry in many years.Actually I think the last time I was this angry it was also about war and what they did during the Vietnam War to our troops.


Posted by Wild Thing at 09:42 AM | Comments (17)

February 23, 2007

Fly High You Eagles, Soar



Fly High you Eagles, soar

On you we all depend.
To serve, to stand, support our war,
Our fallen to defend.
Stand firm, stand brave before our Wall;
Deal those a sorry fate,
Who answer Fonda's hateful call:
Our nation they must hate.

Fly high you Eagles, soar,
Your keen eyes see below,
The leftist fools oppose this war,
To them no low's too low.
They seek our Wall to desecrate,
To enhance their losing cause;
They seek to doom our nation's fate;
They see nothing but our flaws.

Fly high you Eagles, soar,
Above those who seek defeat,
Who seek submission, nothing more,
To a terror they can't meet.
They falter when the course is long;
They're weak-willed, failed and bitter;
Got it all entirely wrong,
So typical of a quitter.

Fly high you Eagles, soar,
Stand proud before our Wall;
You are the nation's heart, the core,
The essence of us all.
Know that we stand there with you,
In spirit and in soul,
America's not lost, not through,
We've a long, long way to go.

Russ Vaughn

Vietnam Veteran



The enemy within will be there and led by Cindy Sheehan, Jane Fonda, Ed Asner and their ilk, plan to gather March 17 at the Vietnam Memorial Wall to begin a march to protest America's involvement in the Iraq war. It is so important for us to counter their horrible protest and be there to defend the Wal. Washington will see a Gathering of Eagles - Americans determined to stand up against leftist propagandists who denigrate U.S. troops and the mission for which they sometimes sacrifice their lives.

For those that cannot make it, let us join to gether to offer our support and cheer on the good guys. We, that suppoprt our troops and Veterans are all a team and in this together. Some of us can be on the field and others of us will be cheering our team on from the stands. God bless you all. Thank you - Wild Thing


Interesting in attending please click HERE to find out more about it, at the Gathering of Eagles website.

And HERE is their forum, it is awesome, once you log in there is a ton of information there and other Veterans posting there, rides, planes, t-shirt ideas etc.


* Something......and Half of Something

* Old War Dogs

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (8)

February 15, 2007

A Gathering Of Eagles ~ March 17 ~ Vietnam Veterans Wall




Leftist activists who march to the Pentagon next month will discover that their path won't be as clear as it has been in the past.

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

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

Click the image to learn more, then check out the new Gathering of Eagles blog here and the forum here. It's time to get involved, people. If you can't make it to Washington that day, won't you at least help spread the word?


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rolling Thunder ® will also be joining "Gathering of Eagles"


The ENEMY
The movement is well-financed. Its sponsor list is lengthy and contains highly recognizable names, as well as those of Fonda and Sheehan:
· Former U.S. Attorney General Ramsey Clark (who offered his services to defend Saddam Hussein)

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

On 27 January 2007 Law Enforcement Officers Allowed Anti War protesters to Spray slogans on the U.S, Capitol steps.

On 27 January 2007 Law Enforcement Officers Allowed Code Pink to desecrate the Lone Sailor

POS Cindy Sheehans response to Gathering of Eagles.




THE SPIRIT OF THE WALL
The Viet Nam Veteran's Memorial


I STOOD BEFORE THE WALL TODAY ...
COMPLETELY UNPREPARED
FOR THE BITTERSWEET EMOTIONS
THAT RAINED DOWN UPON MY HEAD.

MORE THAN THIRTY YEARS HAVE COME ... AND GONE
SINCE THAT AWFUL WAR WAS FOUGHT ...
I THOUGHT THE PAIN HAD 'GONE AWAY'
I WAS SURPRISED THAT IT HAD NOT.

WE SENT OUR BEST AND BRIGHTEST LIGHTS
TO A JUNGLE FAR AWAY ...
WHERE FOR A CAUSE SO GOOD AND NOBLE,
WE COMMITTED TO THE FRAY.

I CANNOT BEGIN TO TELL YOU
OF ALL THE PAIN WITHIN THE WALL ...
OR HOW IT WAS 'WE, THE PEOPLE'
WHO SCORNED OUR SOLDIERS, ONE AND ALL.

AS I LOOKED AT ALL THE MANY NAMES 
ENGRAVED UPON THIS WALL
I REACHED OUT WITH A TREMBLING HAND,
AS IF ... TO CATCH THEM ... AS THEY'D FALL.

MY HEART, I THOUGHT, IS BREAKING
FOR THE LIVES THEY'D NEVER KNOW ...
AND, AS I HEARD THAT LONELY BUGLE PLAY.
I THOUGHT OF THOSE WHO'D LOVED THEM SO ...

AND THEN ...
I SAW A MAN - NO LONGER YOUNG
KNEELING AT THE WALL...
HIS FINGERS TOUCHED BUT JUST ONE NAME ...
I HEARD HIM WHISPER ...'THROUGH IT ALL'

OUR SOLDIERS NEVER FALTERED ...
NEVER SAID THEY WOULDN'T GO ...
AND , AGAIN, THIS DAY, THEY FIGHT FOR ME
IN SPITE OF 'EVERYTHING THEY KNOW'.

I STOOD BEFORE THE WALL TODAY ...
AND REMEMBERED.

from: In The Spirit of Things
(All Rights Reserved)

Wild Thing's comment.....

At the anti-war protest in Washington , D.C. 2 weeks ago there was A LOT of damage done at the Capitol steps. We cannot and will not allow this to happen at The Wall or to any of our memorials.

I hope and pray I will be able to go. I fell back in November on our kitchen floor after stubbing my toe on a hutch at the entrance of the kitchen. The floor is tile ( very hard) and I really messed myself up. My left thumb they told me has the bone ripped away from the knuckle. My right knee is numb I guess I messed up my nerve endings in my kneecap. And my left deltoid and humus has been in pain now for 3 months. I go today to get an MRI done to see if something is needing to be fixed like the bone or the muscle might be torn. I pray it can be something I won't need a stupid operation, because it if is I can't go. And I want to go so badly. I put off the MRI because I kept thinking it would get better. augh! No such luck and it is killing me. haha sheesh what a mess. I still feel like a Mac truck hit me. And all because I stubbed my toe, how stupid is that.

I am only mentioning these things because if there is anyway to be there I truly feel this is so important. I want to go. If I can't go of course I will be there in spirit and in my heart and soul. If not it would only be due to surgery and needing to stay away from long trips for awhile. My fingers are crossed and I am filled with hope and a prayer that I can make it.


To those of you new to this blog please feel free to visit my Tribute to Vietnam Vets page at my website.


We just can't let vile groups like this do what they are going to do without fighting back. .......ANSWER Coalition: Free Speech Victory! Permits Secured for Pentagon Demonstration ( Party for Socialism and Liberation)

This is not only a Hat Tip to some other blogs but also a thank you to others that have sent this to me that do not have blogs.

Thank you to Cuchieddie

Thank you to John 5 VN 69-70

* Conservative Insurgent blog (Jack)

* Old War Dogs

* GRUNTS Forum

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (25)

February 07, 2007

Soldier's Mother Told She Cannot Fly American Flag or Blue Star Flag


TERESA RICHARD, whose son, Cpl. Tony Donihee, is serving in Afghanistan, says that when Donihee was leaving her East Windsor home after his last visit, he saluted the flags she had flying. The condo association where Richard lives says she must take down her flags. Her response: No way.




Cpl. Tony Donihee is serving with the Connecticut National Guard in Afghanistan. His mother, Teresa Richard, flies two flags in his honor outside her East Windsor condominum.


Woman Flies Flags In Her Son's Honor, Despite Condo Group's Rule Against Them
February 6, 2007
Courant.com

EAST WINDSOR -- Cpl. Tony Donihee came home from Afghanistan to the sight of the American flag waving outside his mother's condominium.

And he beamed.

His mother, Teresa Richard, said he was so moved by her gesture that he saluted the flag at the end of his several-week visit in August.

Now back in Afghanistan, Donihee, a member of the Connecticut National Guard, calls his mother about once every two weeks to talk, and to ask if the flag is still there. But since his visit, Richard has received several warnings from her condominium association that the flag, hanging from a pole in her front lawn, is in violation of "common area" rules.

The last letter from the Stoughton Ridge Condominium Association arrived in January, notifying her that the American flag, along with her Blue Star flag hung by mothers of soldiers, will be tolerated until Labor Day weekend. Every day after that, she will be subject to a $25 fine.

But Richard is standing firm and vows not to lower her flags after Labor Day, or any other day.

The flags, an acknowledgement of her son fighting for freedom, will remain just outside her kitchen window, where she leans over to watch them flutter every morning while making coffee and every night before heading to bed.

"I haven't heard from Tony for a week, and I don't know when I'll hear from him again. People don't know what that's like," she said, leaning across her kitchen sink to get a better view of her flags. "Right now, that's my son. That's my connection."

Richard has been trying to gain the support of residents, veterans and politicians, with limited success.

The East Windsor Veterans Commission sent a letter Friday to Richard's condo association urging it not to destroy an "honorable and long tradition."
"We feel the American flag should be flown any place, any time, without any restrictions," commission Chairman Warren Wenz said. "This isn't Nazi Germany or Japan during World War II. This is America."

Richard is waiting for other heavy hitters to weigh in, hopefully on her side. Richard has contacted the offices of U.S. Rep. John Larson, D-1st District, U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., and state Rep. Ted Graziani, D-Ellington. They have yet to respond, she said.

"They said they'd get back to me, but I never heard from them," she said.

Meanwhile, the veterans commission letter has prompted little reaction from the association. Mark Kubera, the complex's property manager, and Kevin Carson, president of the association's board of directors, did not return several telephone calls from The Courant seeking comment.

A letter signed by Kubera in late August notifies Richard that "no flags, including the American flag, may be displayed from poles in planting beds or any common or limited common areas." The rule was adopted into the association's rules and regulations in October 2004, according to the letter.

Two years before the rule was adopted, the association had a similar run-in with some residents who had pitched and hung flags outside their condos. A few received letters from the property manager at the time, requesting the flags be removed.

One resident, Gene Doering, refused and hired an attorney, threatening to sue. He said he hasn't heard from the association since.

An American flag still hangs from a pole on his front lawn.

"I was surprised that [the association] even wanted to tackle the issue," Doering said. "I mean, what is wrong with these people?"

So Richard continues her personal crusade.

Her voice cracks and she takes a minute to wipe away tears as she pulls out a letter she has written to President Bush. She said she's still relying on her elected officials to step up.

Meanwhile, she said, at least she can enjoy a seven-month reprieve.

Richard received a call from her son last week. He asked: "Mom, are my flags still up?"
She replied: "Yes, they are."


Wild Thing's comment.....

You know what, Mrs. Richards request to hear from U.S. Rep. John Larson, U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., and state Rep. Ted Graziani, D-Ellington is a dead end. Because those three are dead ends!

I am so sick of people that do NOT support our troops and their families ( Blue Star flag hung by mothers of soldier) and don't support our very own country in war time or not .....why should it make any difference. It should be acceptable any time to be able to fly our Flag the American Flag. This kind of shit makes me furious! And to not even be able to fly her BLue Star Flag either after the time limit they gave her. Damn, double damn those not allowing this. I don't care what BS rule they made, this is WRONG on all counts.

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (17)

January 25, 2007

I Am Taking The Pledge For Our Troops



I am taking the Pledge!


From Hugh Hewitt:

If the United States Senate passes a resolution, non-binding or otherwise, that criticizes the commitment of additional troops to Iraq that General Petraeus has asked for and that the president has pledged, and if the Senate does so after the testimony of General Petraeus on January 23 that such a resolution will be an encouragement to the enemy, I will not contribute to any Republican senator who voted for the resolution. Further, if any Republican senator who votes for such a resolution is a candidate for re-election in 2008, I will not contribute to the National Republican Senatorial Committee unless the Chairman of that Committee, Senator Ensign, commits in writing that none of the funds of the NRSC will go to support the re-election of any senator supporting the non-binding resolution.

Send It Here:
NRSC
Ronald Reagan Republican Center
425 2nd Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
webmaster@gopsenators.com

Then e-mail Senator McConnell and Senator Ensign, and tell them too. Senator McConnell's phone number is (202) 224-2541. Senator Ensign's phone number is (202) 224-6244.

GOP activists and donors built the GOP senate delegation, as well as the majority that was punted away. They can disassemble it as well, and GOP support for a neoappeasement resolution is exactly the way to start that process.

The Congressional GOP has to realize it cannot have it both ways --you can't be for victory after you were against it.

And GOP senators --alone or as a group-- definitely cannot count on the support of the base if any of them vote for appeasement.

Take action by taking this pledge; fire off a few emails and perhaps make a couple phone calls. It will take about 15 minutes of your time.

NZ BEAR’S PETITION. SIGN IT!!
Here is is the Website for the Pledge


Others who have taken the pledge:

* Something.....and Half of Something ( LindaSoG

* MVRWC (Beth)

* And Rightly So (Raven)

* Alabama Proper (Carol)

* 762 Justice ( Sniper One)

* Conservative Insurgent (Jack)

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (6)

January 01, 2007

Heather Martin Sings A Song For Her Brother Serving In Iraq


Heather Martin is 6 years old and sings a song that her mother wrote for her brother Shaun who is serving in Iraq. The song is written from Heather's point of view.

This little girl is absolutely adorable and you can tell she is singing it straight from her heart. God bless little Heather, her family and a special prayer for her brother Shaun and keep him safe.



Lyrics

You were almost sixteen when I came into the world.
Mom and Dad had you first then 3 more boys I'm the baby girl.
I sure have a lot to look up to in you, you're really smart and funny with a big heart too.
After one year of college you knew what you had to do.
It's just like you wanting to help with the war.
So you joined the army when I was only 4.
This time of year we talk of big plans but you're over seas in some distant land.
You can't be here for Christmas, I don't understand.

Chorus:
When are you coming home, Shaun?
When are you coming home?!
We lit up the house like we always do but it doesn't seem bright 'cause we can't have you.
In my prayers I ask God to keep you safe.
And I'm trying to be really brave.
Tell me that the fighting's through.
Come home!
I really miss you.

It's hard to enjoy the holidays without you.
But we're so proud of you and all the red white and blue.
Remember that Jesus is your best friend,
And someday our families will be together again.
Wow! You know we'll have a great big party then.

Chorus

I want to show you how tall I've grown and introduce you to my new friends at school.
Maybe we could go and get some ice cream together but I really don't care what we do.

Chorus



This is a news story about Heather with photos of her brother as well.


* Billy O'Blog Thank you so much Billy for sending this to me. It is so touching, and so very special.

Posted by Wild Thing at 02:55 AM | Comments (10)

December 31, 2006

SPC J.R. Salzman, 1/34 BCT We Thank you!




SPC J.R. Salzman, 1/34 BCT has been injured by an IED in Iraq. His right arm has been amputated below the elbow, his left arm and hand are injured. He is at Walter Reed now. Soldiers' Angels are working on getting him a Project Valour-IT laptop and a visit soon.

SPC J.R. Salzman, also posted at LGF with the name “Logboy". He also writes at Lumberjack in a Desert. Please stop by Lumberjack in a Desert and leave a comment for him. He is giving updates when he can with his wife's help. She has been helping him with the typing of his posts.


Thank you J.R. and my prayers are with you and your recovery. I am forever grateful for all you have done and for your service to our country.


* Blackfive

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (2)

December 26, 2006

Our Troops At Gitmo Need Our Support



Guess who receives the Christmas and holiday greetings here in Guantanamo?
Human Events

Last year Guantanamo detainees received more than 14,000 cards, the vast majority from muddle-headed well-wishers and sympathizers. This year local authorities estimate the number may exceed 16,000! Some are addressed to the detainees by name or by their detainee number, available on the Pentagon website. Most are simply addressed to “Any Detainee at Guantanamo.”

Like the other 40,000 or so pieces of detainee mail that transit the post office on the base, the cards are distributed into the cells. The cards are passed out to the detainees by troopers who may themselves not have received any sort of greeting from home in a long time.

These troops have been called terrible names by Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin and by Senators Teddy Kennedy and John Kerry of Massachusetts. On the House side, Representatives Nancy Pelosi (D.-Calif.) and Jack Murtha (D.-Pa.) act as if the troops are the problem and not the terrorists.

You can send cards, letters, or gifts if you choose to:

Any Trooper
c/o COL Wade Dennis
JTF GTMO
APO AE 09360

I know Christmas is over now, but cards, letters, care packages etc. can be sent year round.


Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (3)

December 17, 2006

Wreaths Across America




Wreaths Across America honor's America's vets in over 230 state and national cemeteries, and veteran monuments.

Their mission:
Remember - Honor - and Teach

Remember the fallen

Honor those who serve

Teach our children the value of freedom.


2006 will mark the 15th anniversary of holiday wreaths being sent from the State of Maine to Arlington National Cemetery.

Each year the folks at Worcester Wreath Company make and decorate wreaths that will adorn over 5000 headstones of our Nation’s fallen heroes - in what has become an annual event coordinated with the Cemetery Administration and the Maine State Society.

Morrill and Karen Worcester, of Worcester Wreaths have donated wreaths for the last 15 years. They go to schools all over the country to let them know who gives us freedom, and to teach them to honor the troops..

Spurred by the tremendous outpouring of letters and interest, and to celebrate the 15 years of giving, Worcester Wreath Company solicited Civil Air Patrol and its members to help expand the reaches of the Arlington Wreath Project with Wreaths Across America – the placing of memorial wreaths during a special ceremony at each of the over 230 State and National Cemeteries, and Veterans Monuments across the country.

Morrill Worcester - President of Worcester Wreath Company explains his desire to develop the Wreaths Across America project:

"Our goal is to expand the recognition of those who serve our country, both past, present, and future, as well as their families who deserve our support. Without the sacrifices of our veterans, there would be no opportunity to enjoy the freedoms, the life we live today."



Wild Thing's comment.....

I think this is wonderful that they do this. America has so many very special citizens that truly love America and know who to thank, and to never forget why we live in the land of the free. Good people that want to thank our troops, their families, our Veterans that have lead the way.


Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (2)

December 03, 2006

107th Army-Navy Football Game


A midshipman from the United States Naval Academy holds a cut-out of President Bush before the start of the 107th Army-Navy football game in Philadelphia today. (Navy beat Army 26-14)




In a funny parody of Kerry's and Conyers' slurs on the intelligence and education of military members, West Point cadets hold up a self-explanatory sign before the start of the game.




And then over in Iraq, they were cheering on the game as well. I thought this was an interesting photo. I love it, and can't you just bet that Saddam never had a dream or a nightmare that he would be in jail, and we would have our awesome troops hanging out around his (Saddam's) old haunts. heh heh

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (12)

November 25, 2006

Merry Christmas My Friend



Most of you probably have read "Merry Christmas, My Friend" before, but have you heard it with the backdrop of Silent Night?

It was originally title "Merry Christmas, My Friend", and was an instant success that reportedly brought tears to the eyes of the barrracks Commander who ordered it distributed to everyone he knew. It appeared in the barracks publication Pass in Review in December 1987 and Leatherneck Magazine in December 1991.

Written by former Marine Corporal James M. Schmidt, in 1987 when stationed in Washington D.C., it was pounded out on a typewriter while awaiting the commading officer's Christmas holiday decoration inspection.

The poem was recorded as a tribute by Father Ted Berndt, a former Marine and Purple Heart recipient during World War II, currently residing in Dousman, Wisconsin for his daughter Ellen Stout, a Clear Channel radio personality.

Here is the link to the MP3 audio version of "Merry Christmas, My Friend", titled "Soldier's Silent Night" -


* Blackfive

Posted by Wild Thing at 02:44 AM | Comments (2)

November 24, 2006

U.S. Army NASCAR driver Joe Nemechek



U.S. Army NASCAR driver Joe Nemechek was presented a copy of A Million Thanks by Shauna Fleming, the 16-year-old founder of A Million Thanks, prior to Sunday's (Feb. 26) Auto Club 500 Nextel Cup race in Fontana, Calif.




What began as a community school project for Shauna at Orange Lutheran High School in Orange, Calif., has turned out to be national in scope. Since she began the letter writing campaign two years ago, Shauna has received more than two million letters of thanks for the American men and women in uniform who are stationed overseas.

She presented the one millionth letter to President George W. Bush at the White House in November, 2004.


TomR mentioned in a comment about NASCAR's Joe Nemechek's US Army Chevy. I had not heard about it so I looked it up and found this totally cool story. Gosh I love things like this happening. Americans loving and appreciating our troops.

Thank you Tom



Posted by Wild Thing at 02:04 PM | Comments (7)

November 21, 2006

Christmas For Our Wounded Heroes




Holiday season is here, Thanksgiving and Christmas and spending time with loved ones.

Many of our troops are going to be spending the holidays in Iraq or Afghanistan or deployed to other hostile locations, without their families. Still others will have left there already via medevac. It is for them that Operation Santa was born, and specifically, Operation Santa/Bethesda-Walter Reed:

Our troops give so much every day, we owe them more then we can ever repay. Please join me in thanking them and making sure they have a Christmas.

I know that they'd rather be back with their units in Iraq or Afghanistan AND at home with their loved ones but they can't be either place. They must be there to heal.

I am pleased to announce the newest Operation Santa venture: Operation Santa/Bethesda and Walter Reed. It will work mostly the same was as the other Operation Santas. We want to bring them a stuffed stocking and a little bit of home. Candy canes, cookies, crackers, ornaments, cards, books, dvds, cd's, batteries, new socks.

You can help us do this. You can send some Christmas cheer to a wounded servicemember at Bethesda or Walter Reed. You can donate money, you can donate gift cards from Sam's, Walmart, Target, etc. You can donate material goods.You can make a difference in a servicemember's holiday away from home.

All this is being organized by Carrie, whom you've probably seen around the blogs in comments, and Andi of Andi's World.

From Andi:

You can make a tax-deductible donation here. Please be sure to note that your donation is specifically for Operation Santa/Bethesda and Walter Reed, otherwise your donation will go to the general fund for Operation Santa.

Donations by mail can be sent to:

Marine Corps Family Foundation
4000 Lancaster Drive- Suite 57
Salem, OR 97309

Thanks in advance for your help. It's hard to describe the joy these troops feel when strangers work to ensure that their Christmas is as good as it possibly can be.

If you use Pay Pal - send your donations to donations@marinecorpsfamilyfoundation.org--again, make sure you note that the donation is for Operation Santa--Bethesda/Walter Reed.



Hat tip to:

* Andi's World

* MVRWC

* The Cotillion

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:44 AM | Comments (2)

November 09, 2006

Marines Think of Everything in War! Support Project Valour IT



If a Muslim sees a naked woman --- 


they are supposed to kill themselves !!




Ya got to love the Marines!







Project Valour IT is a charity that purchases laptops with microphones and speakers for our injured troops. The voice controlled software would help the injured troops still write letters/emails to family as well as read email and surf the web while recuperating.

From their site:

Every cent raised for Project Valour-IT goes directly to the purchase and shipment of voice-activated laptops for wounded servicemembers. As of October 2006, Valour-IT has distributed nearly 600 laptops to severely wounded Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines across the country.

During its initial phase, Valour-IT created "libraries" of laptops equipped with voice-controlled software for the severely wounded staying at major military medical centers. In many cases a laptop was provided to a wounded hero for permanent use.

Because some of you have sons and daughters serving now, I want to give you an opportunity as well to donate to their branch with Project Valour IT.

Dates: From October 30th until November 10th (a day rich with significance for many reasons, not the least of which is that on that day in 1775 the United States Marine Corps was founded by the Continental Congress) Theodore's World or also known as PC Free Zone will carry the battle colors for the Project Valour IT Marine Corps fundraising team.

If you're a blogger, you can sign up and join a team here. You will get button code so your readers can make a donation (see below) that will be credited to your team.

If you wish to donate, you can use the button below or the one in my sidebar, or send a check (with MARINES in all caps on it!) to:

Soldiers' Angels
1150 N Loop 1604 W, Suite 108-493
San Antonio, TX 78248

Other ways to promote:

* Blog and email your friends about Valour-IT and the competition
* Tell your friends, family and neighbors about Valour-IT
* Challenge your co-workers or employer to match donations
* Consider involving clubs, churches, or charitable organizations you are involved with. Maybe your church would designate all or part of a Sunday collection. How about Scouts?
* Post flyers around your neighborhood
* If you have any contacts in the media (local or national newspapers, radio, TV, PLEASE spread the word! Point them to the Project Valour IT site

Project Valour IT offers a way for us to tell them we have not forgotten their sacrifices, and that is truly priceless.





Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (2)

October 27, 2006

Our Military Takes A Stand and Fights Back!


Wild Thing's comment.......Enough is enough! After all the bad press and slanderous news, untrue news the U.S. Department of Defense is standing tall and has created a website called For The Record.............................




October 27, 2006: The U.S. Department of Defense is now taking its requests for corrections public through a website known as For the Record. Here, the Department of Defense is openly calling for corrections from major media outlets, and even noting when they refuse to publish letters to the editor.

The Defense Department has been dealing with a number of misleading stories. From Newsweek's misreporting of a Koran-flushing incident (caused by a detainee, not guards as reported by Newsweek), to claims of prisoner mistreatment (often without context, including one instance where a detainee spat on an interrogator), to a massive rewriting of an embedded reporter's report on the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment's efforts in Tal Afar, by editors of Time magazine, to the revelations about NSA efforts, the DOD has been barraged by numerous stories, many of which were followed by angry editorials.
The DOD is pushing back, not only putting out requests to correct the record (with the refusals published as well), but also citing stories of heroes that the media has failed to cover – usually two or three a week. Among these are accounts of those who have been awarded medals for battlefield bravery, like Navy Cross recipients Robert J. Mitchell Jr. and Bradley A. Kasal, as well as Silver Star recipients Juan M. Rubio, Sarun Sar, Jeremy Church, and Leigh Ann Hester. The DOD has also followed CENTCOM's lead in running pieces on what terrorists actually say – another item largely ignored by the mainstream media.
The Department of Defense is acting in an effort to avoid a repeat of the aftermath of the 1968 Tet Offensive. On the battlefield, American and South Vietnamese forces won a victory – effectively destroying the Viet Cong and crippling North Vietnamese forces in South Vietnam. However, media misreporting, including Walter Cronkite's famous mischaracterization of the war as a "stalemate", took away the victory that had been won on the battlefield. Such a scenario is less likely now, largely due to the presence of the internet (including blogs), talk radio, and other news networks – and the Department of Defense is taking advantage of alternative ways to get around the mainstream media.



Wild Thing's comment.......

I am so excited about this, and so proud of our military for doing this......

Posted by Wild Thing at 04:57 PM | Comments (2)

October 24, 2006

CNN Totaly In Bed With Islamic Terrorists ~ DESPICABLE!!


Saturday October 21, 2006


Please scroll down for update to this post.


CNN aired a terrorist sniper killing a US soldier. They blacked out the screen when the bullet hit, but that did not stop the sound or description that they went on to share.

According to CNN, “The graphic video of 10 sniper attacks was obtained by CNN -- through intermediaries --from the Islamic Army of Iraq, one of the most active insurgent organizations in Iraq.”



Video on CNN shows snipers' chilling work in Iraq


(CNN) -- Chilling scenes from a videotape made by insurgents show the work of snipers in Iraq, targeting and killing American troops, taking them down with a single bullet from a high-powered rifle.

The graphic video of 10 sniper attacks was obtained by CNN -- through intermediaries -- from the Islamic Army of Iraq, one of the most active insurgent organizations in Iraq.

In one scene, U.S. soldiers mingle among Iraqi civilians on a city street as a U.S. Humvee with a gunner in its turret stands guard nearby.

From a distance, possibly hundreds of yards away, a sniper watches for his opportunity to strike as a fellow insurgent operates a camera to capture the video for propaganda purposes.

In the video, street sounds mix with male Arabic voices as the sniper and his spotter talk off-camera.

"People are around them," warns the spotter, who seems to be operating the video camera. "Want me to find another place?"
"No, no," comes the reply, "give me a moment."

And then, the crack of gunfire is heard and the soldier in the turret slumps forward.

"Allahu Akbar (God is Great)!" is the exclamation as the sniper's vehicle starts and they slip away.

The deadly tactic is one the U.S. military also uses to take out insurgents.

Retired Gunnery Sgt. Jack Coughlin was one of the top U.S. Marine Corps snipers in Iraq and has written a book about his experiences -- "Shooter: The Autobiography of the Top-Ranked Marine Sniper."

"I have over 60 kills," he told CNN's Gary Tuchman. "We seek out the enemy and eliminate them with precision fire."

Tuchman used Coughlin's critical eye to analyze the Islamic Army of Iraq video.

Coughlin said the time lapse between the sound of the shot and the man getting hit indicates the gunfire is coming from about 300 to 500 yards away and probably from a higher angle.

But Couglin said he's sure this team of at least three people has been trained well because they're so calm.

"They have their stuff wired," he said. "They know what they're doing." (Watch the ex-Marine describe snipers' deadly work -- 2:46)

The 20-year Marine veteran said the kind of body armor worn by troops in combat can be effective against a sniper's bullet, and he added that there are other ways to defend against the horrifying attacks.

"The worst enemy of a sniper is another sniper," Coughlin said. "Our snipers are hunting these guys -- I guarantee you this is happening as we speak."

Coughlin added that, in many cases, the best defense is a good offense.



UPDATE:
Lawmaker Outraged by Sniper Footage on CNN
SAN DIEGO — CNN has become "the publicist for an enemy propaganda film" by broadcasting a video showing an insurgent sniper in Iraq apparently killing an American soldier, the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee said here Friday.

Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-El Cajon) called for the Pentagon to oust any CNN reporter embedded with U.S. troops in Iraq.

"I think Americans like to think we're all in this together," Hunter said. "The average American Marine or soldier has concluded after seeing that film that CNN is not on their side."


Another UPDATE:
Armed Services Committee Chairman Calls For Removal of CNN’s Embedded Reporters

CNN recently aired videos supplied by terrorists inside Iraq showing snipers attacking American soldiers. As a result of this outrageous behavior, Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-California), chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, has asked for all of CNN’s reporters currently embedded with U.S. military units be removed.

The chairman of the House Armed Services Committee asked the Pentagon on Friday to remove CNN reporters embedded with U.S. combat troops, saying the network's broadcast of a video showing insurgent snipers targeting U.S. soldiers was tantamount to airing an enemy propaganda film.

The tape, which came to the network through contact with an insurgent leader, was aired Wednesday night on "Anderson Cooper 360" and repeated Thursday.

The article continued:

In a letter to Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., wrote: "CNN has now served as the publicist for an enemy propaganda film featuring the killing of an American soldier."

The letter was also signed by San Diego-area Republican congressmen Darrell Issa and Brian Bilbray.

"This is nothing short of a terrorist snuff film," Bilbray said at a press conference held in San Diego.


CNN officials defended their decision to air the footage. ( GRRRRRRRRRRRRR)

"Our responsibility is to report the news," said Laurie Goldberg, a CNN spokeswoman. "As an organization we stand by our decision and respect the rights of others to disagree with it."


Wild Thing's comment.......

Oust them is the least they should do, charge them with aiding and abetting the enemy with use of known propaganda, they have always been the terrorist sympathizer. In WW2 if if there had been a cable news services like CNN we might all be speaking German today.


Democrat mind set.......Americans too sensitive to see videos of 911 but not to see Muslims pigs shoots soldiers. These cowards were afraid to show the Danish cartoons, even though it was the biggest story in that news cycle. Even though the story was HUGE!

The terrorists went and created that video for the whole purpose of propagandizing their viewpoint. So what do the total dopes at CNN do, they BROADCAST it! One of CNN’s analysts called the sniper attacks the most effective thing they have seen. “The deadly tactic is one the U.S. military also uses to take out insurgents”, according to CNN. They seem be telling them how good they are at using our strategies to kill our men.

I haven't been this angry in a very long time. An American soldier died for these bastards' "news value." What "value" is that, precisely? What does CNN "value" that can excuse this utter moral degeneracy? Is it the sort of moral equivalency that sees no difference between the son of a bitch driving a car bomb into a crowd and the Marine who dies to try to stop him? Is it "all the same thing" when looked at from the lofty heights of an editorial desk in Atlanta? What sort of a sordid, miserable excuse for a human being could manage to justify this outrageous glorification of murder and have the spit-shined brass balls to try to pass it off as "news value"?

This is from one of the soldiers that is in country right now regarding the CNN embedded reporters.......

"I hated those weasly little bastards. They were a huge hindrence on patrol. One more unarmed idiot to have to look out for. They would do incredibly stupid stuff to get footage in a firefight. I finally told my guys not to provide covering fire for then any more. Just let the f***er get his ass shot. One of them had an AK round go clean through his camera. He could not stop shaking for about an hour. Inside, we were lauging our asses off at him."



Update: October 24, 2006


Some of our awesome snipers in country in today's war with Islam. Faces blurred out for their protection.


Legendary snipers became the role models. Snipers such as Gunnery Sgt. Carlos Hathcock, a Marine sniper in Vietnam with 98 confirmed kills, Sgt. 1st Class. Randy Shugart and Master Sgt. Gary Gordon, two Delta Force snipers, who died in Somalia in 1993 trying to rescue a downed crew of a MH-60 Black Hawk during the battle of Mogadishu.


As you know I am a big supporter of our military and when I started this blog one of the links I wanted to make sure I had in my sidebar was a place online called Americansnipers.org. It has been there since this blog began on September 21, 2005.

I am so pleased to see others supporting the efforts of the Americansnipers.org especially now after what CNN has done in their aiding the enemy with their showing of the video snuff film sent to them by the enemy. They just had to show it and not once but over and over again. We all wrote letters to CNN, phoned CNN (404-827-2600) and showed our disgust for what they have done and the stand they have taken to side with the enemy.

Here are some places at their site:

About

Items needed

Letters and photos from our snipers

Donations

Two years ago I ordered this dog tag from Americansnipers.org. I keep it on my key chain. I loved it so much I ordered more to give as gifts to the troops in their care packages. I have ordered other things and donated, this is just one of the items they have.



Those also suggesting to check out Americansnipers.org

* Blackfive

* Michelle Malkin


Posted by Wild Thing at 01:55 AM | Comments (21)

September 23, 2006

Strikeout For The Troops



Barry's teammates present him with a check for $54,815.00. To benefit Strikeouts For Troops and help our wounded soldiers and their families.

Pitchers:
Barry Zito, Oakland A's
Dontrelle Willis , Florida Marlins
Jake Peavy, San Diego Padres
Shawn Estes, San Diego Padres
Curt Schilling, Boston Red Sox
CC Sabathia, Cleveland Indians
Danny Haren, Oakland A's
Matt Miller, Cleveland Indians
Tim Hudson, Atlanta Braves
Horacio Ramirez, Atlanta Braves
Chad Cordero, Washington Nationals
Rich Harden, Oakland A's
Kirk Saarloos, Oakland A's
Huston Street, Oakland A's
Joe Blanton, Oakland A's
Justin Duchscherer, Oakland A's
Brad Lidge, Houston Astros
Chad Qualls, Houston Astros
Russ Springer, Houston Astros
Dan Wheeler, Houston Astros
Trevor Miller, Houston Astros
Jason Hirsh, Houston Astros

Minor League Pitchers:
Errol Simonitsch, New Britain Rock Cats
Trevor Bell, Angels Rookie Team

Position players:
Alex Rodriguez , 3B
Chipper Jones, 3B, Atlanta Braves
Manny Ramirez, LF, Boston Red Sox
Jermaine Dye, RF, Chicago White Sox
Jason Kendall, C, Oakland A's
Nick Swisher, RF, Oakland A's
Mark Kotsay, CF, Oakland A's
Eric Chavez, 3B, Oakland A's
Mark Ellis, 2B, Oakland A's
Eric Byrnes, CF, Arizona Diamondbacks



Wild Thing's comment....

This is great! I wish ALL the ballplayers would sign up for this. I am not sure if the list they have at their website is updated or not.

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (8)

August 27, 2006

Dancers Arrive In Iraq



Dancers Land in Iraq. Marines Offer No Resistance


HADITHA DAM, Iraq

One by one, the marines took the stage for one of the most coveted photo opportunities of the war. Tanea sat on a knee of an eager marine while Laurie rested on the other.

Hands on their miniskirted hips, Amber and Renee posed at each side. Dani stood behind and held the marine’s rifle as the camera snapped the photo. Some of the young marines who lined up for the memento were so mesmerized by the experience that they had to be reminded not to leave their weapons behind.

The Haditha Dam is in a hostile stretch of the Euphrates River 140 miles northwest of Baghdad where the marines do battle with insurgents in the oppressive heat. But for a few hours this summer, the chow hall inside the dam was transformed into a theater for five shapely dancers who seemed to embody many a young marine’s fantasy.

It was all part of a program to keep up morale in a war that is more dangerous than ever. There is a long history of providing entertainment for troops in war zones, including performances by attractive starlets. Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell toured with Bob Hope in Korea, who delighted troops during four conflicts. Raquel Welch and Ann-Margret performed in Vietnam.

But at Haditha Dam, the marines have the Purrfect Angelz, as the dancers are known. Their tours, which organizers say are paid for by the military, have occasionally stirred some controversy. During the group’s 2005 visit to Baghdad, a female Air Force officer complained that the dancers’ wardrobes and routines encouraged insensitive attitudes toward women in the military.

On the group’s third tour of Iraq, there were no complaints from the boisterous crowd of male marines at the dam or the solitary soldier in the audience from Azerbaijan, who mistook the Oklahoma-born Tanea for a Russian. A small group of Iraqi Army officers who are being trained by the marines were so enthusiastic they all but rushed the stage and filled their digital cameras with this sampling of American culture.

Sgt. Dale Gooden, 31, a Marine reservist from Jacksonville, Fla., who is assigned to the dam security unit, saw the show as a sign that the American public had not forgotten about the troops. The most impressive part of the show, he said, was “just the fact that they came out here to see us.”

Certainly, Haditha Dam seems an unlikely venue. The 10-story hydroelectric dam, which was built in the 1980’s, was captured in the opening weeks of the American-led invasion. The secret Delta Force destroyed much of the Iraqi defenses near the dam, while Army Rangers swooped in later to seize the structure.

The Americans said the dam had to be taken to prevent Saddam Hussein from destroying it as part of a scorched-earth policy, though there is no indication that Mr. Hussein ever had such a plan. It was a firefight at the dam, in fact, that initially put it at risk. After discovering that the poorly maintained dam was damaged in the fighting, a sergeant in an Army civil affairs unit flew to the site and worked with the Iraqi engineers to keep the dam functioning.

During a multimillion-dollar repair project by the Army Corps of Engineers, the dam’s turbines were rehabilitated. In addition to generating electricity, the dam also serves as a headquarters for the Marine battalion that is charged with securing the Haditha area and is home to a small contingent of troops from Azerbaijan who are helping the marines guard the structure.

For the Purrfect Angelz, it was a stop on a tour that also took them to bases like Al Qaim and Taji. The dancers, former cheerleaders, calendar models and aspiring actresses, have an active schedule in the United States, much of which consists of events for motorcycle riders. By design, the routines at Haditha are a bit tamer than the biker fare.

“We want to make it more about talent than being risqué,” Tanea Brooks said. “We are not going to boost every part of the morale.” Her credits include a three-year stint as a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, a role in a country music video, “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” by Trace Adkins, and a turn as quarterback for the New York Euphoria, one of the teams that established the Lingerie Football League, in which models played football dressed in underwear.

But for marines who deploy for seven months at a stretch, are forbidden to consume alcohol, have no real opportunities for social interaction with the Iraqi population and routinely travel down roads seeded by roadside bombs, the performance was exciting enough. “Servicemen are our best audience,” said Ms. Brooks, who gave her age as “21 forever.” “They are so appreciative. We love touring for them. They always get excited.”

David Chavez, the president of Pro Sports MVP, which organized the tour, said that it was paid for by the military and that the expenses consisted of travel costs and small stipends. A Pentagon spokesman said he had no immediate information on what the tour cost or the financial arrangements.

A recent show began with an entreaty by a diligent sergeant who saw the event as an opportunity to appeal to the marines to re-enlist. He was loudly shouted down. An announcer who was traveling with the dance group told the marines not to pay attention to news media reports that the American public did not support the war. The nation, she said, was solidly behind them.

Then the dancers, in revealing outfits, energetically performed dance routines that were more rousing than most Super Bowl halftime acts — wardrobe malfunctions notwithstanding — but far less provocative than Las Vegas shows. At one point, one of the Angelz sang Lee Greenwood’s song “God Bless the USA,” a veritable anthem for many of the troops.

The event wound up with the photo and autograph session. Then it was on to the next stop.

The troops’ verdict on the tour seemed to be summed up by an e-mail message that an Army captain later sent the dancers from the base at Taji. He thanked them for helping to “make us forget about our jobs for a little while.”

Click HERE to see their website


Wild Thing's comment.......

Bob Hope used to say on a tour "Let me show you what you guys are out here fighting for".

I love it when people go and entertain the troops.

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (7)

August 11, 2006

Say Thank You To Our Troops


Here is a chance to send a postcard to our service men and women serving overseas. I have posted 3 samples and there are more at this website called Let's Say Thanks.
The mission of Let's Say Thanks is to provide a way for individuals across the country to recognize U.S. troops stationed overseas. By submitting a message through this site you will send a free personalized postcard greeting to deployed servicemen and women.

To date, more than 12,000 postcards have been mailed to soldiers. Xerox is committed to helping people across the nation express their gratitude to our troops overseas. The launch of this program is aimed at reminding them how much Americans appreciate their service.







Wild Thing's comments......
I am so proud of Xerox, thank you so much for what you are doing. And thank you Beth at MVRWC for telling me about this.


Posted by Wild Thing at 10:47 AM | Comments (6)

August 09, 2006

Demand a Ban on Exploitation of Fallen Soldiers



Remember last year, when RightMarch.com traveled to Crawford, Texas to confront all of the left-wing loonies led by Cindy Sheehan, who were there to protest President Bush and the War on Terror?

One of the great men I got to know there was Gary Qualls, the father of Marine LCPL Louis W. Qualls, who saved the lives of 21 Marines and 37 Iraqi National Guard troops before falling to insurgent fire in the Battle of Fallujah. This father of a fallen hero was outraged that Cindy Sheehan's cohorts had put his son's name on one of their crosses and stuck it in a ditch to protest the war, at what they called "Camp Casey".

Gary Qualls went to Sheehan's site, yanked up his son's cross, and took it to his own site. When they put up another one, he yanked that up too, and another, and another. As a result, parents came from around the country and followed his example, and all of those crosses were put together at what came to be called "Fort Qualls". It was a magnificent sight to behold.

But the fact is, none of these parents should have had to go through what they did. Their fallen heroes should have been protected from that kind of exploitation by the radical leftists like Cindy Sheehan.

Now, they can be -- with your help.

U.S. Representative Charles W. Boustany, Jr. (R-LA) and U.S. Representative Geoff Davis (R-KY) have introduced legislation that would ban the unauthorized use of a deceased soldier's name or image for commercial or political purpose. The "Military Fallen Heroes Protection Act" (H.R. 5772) comes in response to recent commercial and political use of names and images of fallen soldiers without the expressed consent from their families.

"America's fallen soldiers, and the families they leave behind, deserve to know that their names and images will be protected from this shameful exploitation," said Boustany. "While there is no way to ever express in words the significance of their sacrifice, we have a duty to honor and protect their memories."

Boustany introduced the measure at the request of several families who have lost loved ones in Iraq, particularly the mothers of Pfc. David Burridge (U.S. Marine Corps) and Corporal Joseph Thibodeaux (U.S. Army), both of Lafayette, LA. Pfc. Burridge and Cpl. Thibodeaux were both killed in Iraq in September of 2004.

Their families were shocked and appalled to discover that the names of their sons had been printed on the back of anti-war t-shirts being sold for profit. They subsequently called on their state and federal lawmakers to prevent this unauthorized business practice. Similar legislation has been signed into law in Louisiana which makes the unauthorized use of the identity of a deceased soldier a crime.

It's about time. We need to PUSH HARD to make sure this bill is quickly made into law when Congress returns from their recess.


TAKE ACTION: It's unfortunate that the "anti-war" leftists have sunk to a new low by choosing to use the images of our fallen soldiers for their political gain. No one who is shameless enough to dishonor the memories of these brave men and women should ever be allowed to benefit from such an act, either by commercial or political means.

Please CLICK HERE to send a free message to your Representative, telling him or her to pass the "Military Fallen Heroes Protection Act"



Thank you Jack ( Conservative Insurgent) for sending this Alert to me.


* Basil's Blog...thank you Basil

Posted by Wild Thing at 11:47 AM

July 20, 2006

Broncos Cheerleaders Rally Troops in Iraq


Kelsey Vernon, a Denver Broncos Cheerleader, leads the way into a packed auditorium of soldiers July 18 at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, near Tikrit, Iraq. Photo by Sgt. Waine D. Haley, USA


By Sgt. Waine D. Haley, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service
DOD

TIKRIT, Iraq, July 20, 2006 – The Denver Broncos Cheerleaders came halfway around the globe to show that the troops mean the world to them. The cheerleaders performed for hundreds of soldiers July 18 at Contingency Operating Base Speicher here.

"I think the fact that you have red, white and blue pumping through your veins is awesome," said Keela Harris, a Broncos cheerleader.

Another Broncos cheerleader, Kelsey Vernon, added that the troops deserve so much more, but the squad was glad to offer what they could.

The 12 ladies performed for two hours wearing different themed outfits and performing many energetic dance routines and skits for the appreciative troops.

"This is wonderful for them to come and perform for us. To let us know that people care, that's what it's all about," said Colorado native Army Sgt. William Rodgers, 501st Special Troops Battalion, 101st Airborne Division.

Vernon said this is the cheerleaders' fourth show of 10 scheduled as part of the group's Middle East tour. They have already performed twice in Kuwait and twice in Iraq. The tour in Iraq will continue throughout July.

(Army Sgt. Waine D. Haley is assigned to the 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.)


Wild Thing's comment.....
I LOVE my Broncos! And when I saw this news......well TWO favorite teams.....US Troops all Branches of the service and the Bronco's cheerleaders. Now how perfect is that!


Posted by Wild Thing at 05:08 PM | Comments (2)

June 12, 2006

Fox News Julie Banderas Takes On Phelps-Cult Hatemonger!


.

Fox News host to guest: 'You're going to hell!'

"You are the devil!" Banderas exclaimed to Shirley Phelps-Roper. "If you believe in the Bible, miss, you're going to hell!"

Phelps-Roper, who believes America's sinful behavior has resulted in God's cursings rather than blessings, was appearing on "The Big Story" last night to talk about why members of her Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., protest at funerals for slain U.S. troops with slogans such as "Thank God for 9-11," "Thank God for IEDs (improvised explosive devices)," and "God Hates Fags."

"What would you do if you had a son in the military?" an outraged Banderas asked. "Would you damn him to hell as well? Because you're gonna join him there if you had a son!"

"I have eight sons and I have three daughters," responded Phelps-Roper, "and none of them would dare, dare fight for a nation who has made God their No. 1 enemy."

Banderas engaged in a heated, rapid-fire, name-calling exchange with Phelps-Roper, which included:


Banderas: "The Bible says 'the fear of the Lord is hatred of evil,' [from the Book of] Proverbs. 'Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.' Perverted speech like yours: 'God hates fags.' You are preaching absolute B.-., and you know the final letter."
Phelps-Roper: "If you don't tell them that this nation is full of idolatry, full of adulteries ...

Banderas: "Full of insane people like yourself, ma'am."

Phelps-Roper: "You're proud. You're proud of your sins. You can't do enough sinning. You think 'gay' pride, bimbo. You have sinned away your day of grace."

Banderas: "OK, you are an abomination."

Phelps-Roper: "America is doomed. America is doomed. ... Before your eyes, missy, you're gonna see the destruction of America."

Banderas: "If America is doomed, then why don't you get out? Why are you in this country? Why are you an American? Are you an American?"

Phelps-Roper: "I am exactly where my God put me to tell you plainly, that you are going to hell, and there's nothing you can do about it."

Banderas: "Why don't you take your church to another country, then, ma'am? Thank you so much. You should not be proud to be an American, and thank you. Good-bye."

Last week, a Pennsylvania man filed a lawsuit against WBC for its "intentional and outrageous" conduct during and since services were held for his son, Lance Cpl. Matthew A. Snyder, who killed in a noncombat vehicle accident in Iraq.

The WBC is planning another protest tomorrow in New Castle, Del., at the funeral of Army Staff Sgt. Darren Harmon, who was killed by an IED.


Wild Thing's comment......

Thank you Julie, you did GREAT! And thank you Patriot Guard Riders for all the work you do to counter this evil group of military haters.

* Michelle Mallkin
* Stop the ACLU

Posted by Wild Thing at 08:55 AM | Comments (7)

June 08, 2006

Cher Supports Operation Helmet For Our Troops


Cher's War: Helmet Safety for Troops

Memorial Day weekend, Cher was fighting for American troops on C-SPAN. The legendary singer called into "Washington Journal" early Sunday morning -- 4:20 a.m. her time, to be exact.

"Hello? This is Malibu, California. I'm going to try to be really calm while I'm talking about this . . ." and she launched into a passionate argument for helmet safety upgrades for troops and her frustration with the government for not providing them to every soldier. Host Steve Scully recognized her famously husky voice.
"Is this Cher?" he asked.
"Yeah," she answered. "I know that I am an entertainer and from Hollywood and should have no conscience, but I am an American and I just cannot bear these people for another moment."

Her new cause is Operation Helmet, which has donated 6,850 of the liners to troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan since it was founded two years ago. Bob Meaders , a former Navy doctor, was asked by his Marine grandson to research the liners. He founded the nonprofit because he believes the liners offer better protection against brain injuries. The Army uses them, he says, but other branches of the military do not.

Meaders, 71, was sitting on his back porch in Texas earlier this year when Cher first called. She donated $25,000 to the organization last month and told C-SPAN she'll join Meaders on June 14 in Washington when he testifies about the helmet liners for the House Armed Services Committee.

"She has been a great supporter and good friend," he says. "I said, 'If you could stand behind and sing in case I get nervous, I'd feel more comfortable.' "

Doc Bob's Blog

Letter from Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld

Interview with Lou Dobbs, CNN, 18 May 2006

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM

June 02, 2006

Toby Keith USO Tour FOB Marez



Famous country music star Toby Keith performs a free concert for Soldiers at Freedom Rest in central Baghdad on Memorial Day. Hundreds of Soldiers turned out to watch the performance and to remember the legacy of the nation's fallen heroes.

June 01, 2006

By Master Sgt. Denise Slater - 138th MPAD

MOSUL, IRAQ (May 28, 2006) --Soldiers from Forward Operating Base Marez started lining up three hours in advance to get a good seat for the appearance by Toby Keith on his yearly United Service Organizations tour.

As the temperatures neared 100 degrees, Morale, Welfare and Recreation personnel passed out water to cool the crowd, and pulled out as many folding chairs as they could to make room in the MWR tent.

Contests that were held during the month afforded a lucky few front-row seats for the event. Sgt. Wayne Morey and Staff Sgt. James Sullivan from the 511th Military Police Company, Fort Drum, N.Y., won their front row seats during a volleyball tournament.

“It shows his support for us.” Morey said.

Keith arrived by helicopter, and after taking a short break was whisked away for a ride on a Stryker vehicle. Meanwhile, the doors were opened to hundreds of fans who were happy to come inside and take a break from the rising temperatures. Seats filled quickly and isles were taken up by a standing crowd anxiously awaiting his return.

Keith came back to a packed house, and was a big hit with the audience. He played songs new and old but, the biggest hit was the song “American Soldier.”

“This is a salute to every one of you sitting here today,” he said before he started playing.

The song was interrupted several times by applause from the crowd and ended in a standing ovation.

“This is a labor of love for us, we really appreciate what you guys do over here,” Keith said.

Between songs Keith talked about making time in his schedule every year to perform for Soldiers. This tour had Keith performing six concerts at six bases in two days. It was a short engagement at FOB Marez, but there was a big impact on the Soldiers.

“It’s a big moral booster,” said Spc. Renee McFarland, 47th Combat Support Hospital out of Fort Lewis, Wash.

At the end of the show, Keith was awarded several plaques for his support. It was then announced that he would be sticking around to take some photos with Soldiers. Long lines again formed to wait to see the performer and get some one-on-one time.

“It was awesome of him to come and support the troops,” said Spc. Jamie Guillen, 47th CSH out of Fort Lewis, Wash.

Country singer Toby Keith stands in an air gunners hatch of a Stryker Brigade Combat Vehicle. Keith performs for Soldiers and civilians on Forward Operating base Marez, Mosul, Iraq.

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:50 AM

May 31, 2006

Lawyer: Haditha Marines Were Fired On


Lawyer: Haditha Marines Were Fired On

Tuesday, May 30, 2006 11:38 p.m. EDT

Contrary to claims from Rep. John Murtha, Marines accused of executing 24 innocent Iraqis in the village of Haditha last November were indeed fired upon after their convoy was hit by a roadside bomb - according to a lawyer involved in the case.

"There's a ton of information that isn't out there yet," the lawyer said Monday, speaking on condition of anonymity to the Washington Post.

He said contemporaneous radio messages reviewed by military investigators will show that Marines accused of unprovoked retaliation after the blast had, in fact, come under small-arms fire.

Rest of story HERE

Posted by Wild Thing at 03:27 AM | Comments (5)

More Are Speaking Out For Marines


A CNN reporter who traveled with these accused Marines and just can’t believe what they are being accused of.

A reporter's shock at the Haditha allegations

"I was with them in Husayba as they went house to house in an area where insurgents would booby-trap doors, or lie in wait behind closed doors with an AK-47, basically on suicide missions, just waiting for the Marines to come through and open fire. There were civilians in the city as well, and the Marines were always keenly aware of that fact. How they didn’t fire at shadows, not knowing what was waiting in each house, I don’t know. But they didn’t."


And then there is this.......

Drone's Video May Aid Marine Inquiry
Footage Shot on Day of Iraq Incident

A Drone drone recording and recordings of radio contacts show the Marines were under small arms fire at the time of the incident that Congressman Murtha calls ‘cold-blooded murder.

This is from the article.......

There's a ton of information that isn't out there yet," said one lawyer, who, like the others, would speak only on the condition of anonymity because a potential client has not been charged. The radio message traffic, he said, will provide a different view of the incident than has been presented by Rep. John P. Murtha (D-Pa.) and other members of Congress. For example, he said, contrary to Murtha's account, it will show that the Marines came under small-arms fire after the roadside explosion.


Also this...........

War In Iraq Duncan Hunter To Murtha

But Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, also a Vietnam Veteran, who served in the 173rd Airborne and 75th Army Rangers, who got all the briefings on the matter Murtha got, says the "in cold blood" allegations by Murtha are all wet.

In early May, the Marine Corps announced that a Marine charged with shooting an apparently injured and unarmed Iraqi in a Fallujah mosque that had been used as a sanctuary and an armory for jihadists would not face court-martial. The Marine was found to be justified in perceiving a threat and using deadly force.

The next time you surf the Internet, do a Google search on Rafael Peralta. In that same November 2004 battle for Fallujah, Marine Sgt. Peralta was shot in the head and chest at close range as they went house to house clearing the town of jihadists. As he lay dying on the floor of a terrorist hideout, he saw a yellow, foreign-made grenade that if it had detonated would have taken out his entire squad. To save his fellow Marines, he reached out, grabbed the grenade and tucked it under his abdomen, where it exploded.

Lt. Pantano and Marines such as those at Haditha face a death sentence every day in a war with an enemy that obeys no rules. They are heroes, not war criminals. Yet there are some who think their reward for putting their lives on the line for their country and doing their duty to the best of their ability should be a murder charge, just because they don't like the policy that put them there.

There's one thing these men are that many in the media and Congress are not — and it is shown in the Marine motto. Semper fi.


Posted by Wild Thing at 01:55 AM

May 29, 2006

Thank You Blue Star Chronicles ~ Prayers for Our Troops


This weekend we learned that two of our nephews have sons that are serving now. One has enlisted in the Marines and the other in the Army. We call them our nephews as well, but I suppose the correct way to say it would be great nephews. I really am not sure of the exact wording on that.

We are very proud of them and will be praying for their safety along with the very special family members of those here at Theodore's World that have loved ones serving now and all the rest of our troops as well.

There was no further information at this time as to where they will be but I just wanted to let you know.

Blue Star Chronicles it is a wonderful blog that supports our troops. They have a Blue Star Banner and the Carnival of Blue Stars. They are for those with family members serving now and also for those that support the families of those serving now and our troops. I am using the Blue Star Friend logo because not only do we have family members serving now but there are so many friends of our serving now as well. And there are sons of those of you here that are a big part of the team at Theodore's World serving now too. We are all in this together and I love you all.


Blue Star Blogroll is to facilitate a network of bloggers who have a special and sincere interest in the well-being of soldiers serving as part of the United States Armed Forces.

* Blue Star Chronicles

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (2)

May 23, 2006

Commission Maintains U.S. Military Cemeteries Overseas


The U.S. cemetery in Cambridge, England, contains the remains of 3,812 of American war dead from World War II. (Courtesy photo)


The American Battle Monuments Commission maintains the U.S. cemetery in Normandy, France. The cemetery is situated on a cliff overlooking the English Channel. The 172-acre cemetery contains the graves of 9,387 U.S. servicemembers, most of whom died on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Courtesy photo


By Steven Donald Smith American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 23, 2006 – Recognizing the need for a federal agency to take the lead in honoring U.S. servicemembers who died on foreign soil, Congress enacted legislation in 1923 to create the American Battle Monuments Commission.

The American Battle Monuments Commission maintains and oversees American cemeteries and monuments around the world. They are commemorative sites honoring our nation's war heroes," retired Army Brig. Gen. John "Jack" Nicholson, secretary and chief executive officer of the commission, said.

The commission directs the administration and operation of 24 American military cemeteries and 25 monuments and memorials located in 15 countries, including three memorials in the United States. The commission is an agency of the executive branch of the federal government.

The commission maintains the sites with appropriated funds, Nicholson said, and employs about 300 foreign nationals.

"We sort of live by the motto of our first chairman, Gen. John J. Pershing, who said, 'Time will not dim the glory of their deeds,'" Charles A. Krohn, deputy chief of public affairs, said.

Its mission also includes designing and constructing new cemeteries and monuments. For instance, the commission designed, planned and raised money for the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., which was turned over to the National Park Service shortly after it opened on April 29, 2004.

The primary focus of the commission is World War I and World War II, but it also maintains a cemetery in Mexico City from the Mexican-American War (1846-48) and a cemetery in Panama that includes many U.S. troops and civilians who died of yellow fever while building the Panama Canal, Krohn said.

There are 124,917 American war dead interred in ABMC cemeteries: 30,921 from World War I, 93,246 from World War II, and 750 from the Mexican-American War, commission officials said.

The families of those killed during World War I and World War II had the option of bringing the bodies of their loved ones back to the United States for burial. But 39 percent allowed the remains to be buried overseas at American cemeteries. In 1949, the next of kin again had the option of repatriating the remains or leaving them overseas. Sixty-five percent opted to move the remains back to the U.S., Krohn said.

The American cemetery in Normandy, France, is the commission's most famous and most visited site, Nicholson said.

He said the Normandy cemetery, along with all the other sites, are a reminder to all people of what the U.S. has done for the cause of freedom.

"The United States has willingly sent its young men and women to these foreign countries when asked to restore their freedom," Nicholson said. "We encourage people to visit them to be reminded of the sacrifice and courage of the Americans buried there."
Krohn said that on a visit to a commission cemetery in Tunisia in February, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld became a "legend" with the folks who work at the commission.

"As he was being escorted through he saw a cigarette butt on the ground and, without saying anything, he bent down, picked up the cigarette butt and put it in his pocket," Krohn said. "He may not have made much of it, but it was watched by a lot of people who were exceptionally moved by the thoughtfulness of that act."

The biggest challenge faced by the commission is getting people to visit some of its more obscure cemeteries and monuments, Krohn said. "We have cemeteries near Paris and Rome, but nobody knows about them. Spreading the word is our biggest challenge," he said.

Nicholson said visiting the sites is an educational experience, and everyone he has talked to has been glad they made the trip.

"I think there has never been an American or a person from any other country that has visited one of our cemeteries or memorials that regretted it," Nicholson said. "Go see them. You'll be glad you did."

A full list of American Battle Monuments Commission cemeteries and memorials is available on the commission's Web


Wild Thing's comment......
Just a thought and maybe I am wrong, but wouldn't it be respectful and show gratitude if the countries that we saved their glutes would keep up the Cemeteries as a way of saying thank you into eternity?

Posted by Wild Thing at 03:55 PM | Comments (1)

May 19, 2006

Puppy's Are So Cute



We were at Brawler command post when this little puppy came wandering in. A lot of vehicles were moving around, so Sgt. Huber put the puppy on the hood of a humvee. Sgt. Alexander was lying down on the hood having a smoke and the pup crawled up on him. The pup lived with Brawler for a few days then the Marines found him a home with an Iraqi family.

Posted by Wild Thing at 02:17 AM | Comments (10)

Riders Across America Thanking Our Wounded Soldiers


Tom Donegan, foreground, Bob Loy, rear left, and Joe Kurnos start out from Fairfax, Va., Monday morning on their “Ride for America’s Patriots” to San Antonio, Texas.

By Leo Shane III -
Stars and Stripes Pacific edition
Thursday, May 18, 2006

WASHINGTON — Tom Donegan wants to send the wounded soldiers at Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas a big, loud “thank you.”

So he and a handful of friends will come roaring into San Antonio later this week on a fleet of noisy motorcycles flying a banner praising the patriots recovering there.

“We just want to thank them for their service,” said Donegan, who owns a Virginia real estate firm. “They need to know that their sacrifice hasn’t been forgotten.”

The 3,200-mile, 10-day round-trip began Monday outside of Washington and will wind through Tennessee, Arkansas and Louisiana. The riders are hoping to raise more than $20,000 for the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes, which funds grants and programs to help wounded veterans move on with their lives.

Donegan said he was inspired to help the injured soldiers after meeting with coalition spokesman J.R. Martinez, a former soldier who was wounded in an IED attack in Iraq in April 2005.

The group will visit Martinez — and the other patients at the medical center — from May 19 to May 22, delivering souvenirs from the ride and grateful handshakes.

Donegan said he expects other riders to join the convoy for at least part of the ride. One confirmed day tripper is Josh Forbess, a soldier wounded in a Black Hawk helicopter crash in 2003.

Forbess said shows of support like this are crucial during the recovery process. “It’s just you and your thoughts when the lights go out,” he said. “It’s good to see that, to know there is support.”


A webcam mounted on the front of Tom Donegan’s motorcycle will allow the public to follow the progress of the “Ride for America’s Patriots.” Connected to a laptop powered by the engine, the cam will send an image every 10 seconds. At the end of the ride, the images will be combined into a video. (Joe Gromelski / S&S)


The bikers have set up Web cams on the motorcycles and will be giving daily updates of the ride through their Web site.....Ride For America's Patriots

Left to right, Bob Loy, Tom Donegan and Joe Kurnos, before leaving for San Antonio on the “Ride for America’s Patriots.”

Wild Thing's comment......

I love hearing about stories and people like this. God bless them everyone of them! And God bless and protect our troops and keep them safe.
Thank you to all our Veterans and wounded in the military. My heart is full of respect and appreciation for all you have done.

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:14 AM | Comments (1)

May 14, 2006

Our Troops ~ Bless The and Keep Them Safe



Posted by Wild Thing at 02:07 AM | Comments (4)

May 05, 2006

Theodore's World Celebrates Military Appreciation Month


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Website for NMAM .....HERE

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Legislation in the U.S. Senate in 1999 designated May as National Military Appreciation Month. This legislation tells our service members that their country has set aside an entire month to honor, remember and appreciate them. More comprehensive legislation – House Concurrent Resolution 328 – was passed by unanimous consent of both Houses of Congress in April 2004.


Lt. Dan Band to Perform at Pentagon

Gary Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band Help Deptartment of Defense Kick Off Military Appreciation Month

Actor and director Gary Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band will perform during an afternoon concert at the Pentagon beginning at noon, Friday, May 5, helping the Departement of Defense’s “America Supports You” program kick off Military Appreciation Month.

Renowned for his role as Lt. Dan in the movie “Forrest Gump,” Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band have performed USO concerts for military men and women at American military bases across the United States and throughout Europe. Gary Sinise recently returned from a trip visiting the troops in Afghanistan.

Most Soldiers know him as "Lt. Dan." CSI: New York actor Gary Sinise has taken that label to heart as he leads the Lt. Dan Band, a rock group he uses to support and entertain service members around the world.

When Military Appreciation Month wraps up on Memorial Day, Sinise's band will reappear among various artists at a Memorial Day Concert on the West Lawn of the Capitol building in Washington May 28 from 8 to 9:30 p.m. EST.

Sinise has been an active supporter of the well-being of military service members and their families since the onset of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. His band has played for Soldiers in both operations for the past two years, and has also performed for service members in places like Germany, Britain and the Netherlands.

A troop morale visit he made to Iraq in late 2003 inspired Sinise to also reach out to the future citizens of Iraq. In March the following year, Sinise teamed up with best-selling author Laura Hillenbrand to co-found Operation Iraqi Children - an organization that enables Americans to help Iraqi children by supporting the Army's overall efforts to improve the quality of life for Iraqis.

While Sinise's efforts through the Lt. Dan Band performances have improved public awareness of the OIC program, they have also raised money for the Wounded Warrior Project. The WWP provides free services and counseling for severely wounded troops from the time they arrive at the hospital through their recovery and rehabilitation stages.

Sinise received an Oscar-nomination for his role as Lt. Dan, a disabled veteran in the Oscar-winning 1994 movie "Forrest Gump.


Other Military Appreciation Month events “America Supports You” will be highlighting are the Joint Open House at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., May 19-20; New York City Fleet Week in New York City, N.Y., May 23-29; and the Indianapolis 500 in Indianapolis, Ind., May 29.

And more days as well for National Military Appreciation Month includes Loyalty Day, May 1, VE Day, May 8, Military Spouse Day, May 12, Armed Forces Day, May 20, and Memorial Day, May 29.


Wild Thing's comment.....

A huge thank you to all our military and to all our Veterans! Thank you with all my heart. In my family so far there have been three Marines, two AirForce, three Army and 4 Navy (my husband is one of the Navy Veterans). Plus two Aunts that were Army nurses. In my husbands family, 1 Air Force, 2 Navy, and 5 Army.


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A special thank you to all of you here at Theodore's World that have family members serving now. Please tell them thank you from all of us!!

Posted by Wild Thing at 02:27 AM

May 03, 2006

The War Tapes



Straight from the front lines in Iraq, The War Tapes is dedicated to the men of Charlie Company, 3/172nd Mountain Infantry, AND to the troops who have served, or are serving, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

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Director Deborah Scranton has ramped the idea of citizen journalism up a few notches with her film, The War Tapes. Rather than embed with a unit, Deborah went outside the box and came up with the idea of supplying soldiers with video cameras, a revolutionary concept.

Soldiers from a New Hampshire National Guard Unit agreed to work with Deborah. During their deployment to Iraq, they captured the war in all its glory, and all its horror. What you see is what you get and one can hardly refute raw footage from the front lines, something which lends great legitimacy to this film.

The War Tapes is a film about war, soldiers and the women they left behind when they deployed to Fallujah -- once the armpit of hell -- in 2004. The viewer follows three soldiers from their departure for Iraq to their return home, and beyond.

This is NOT a political film. The main characters in this film; Sgt. Steve Pink, Specialist Mike Moriarty and Sgt. Zack Bazzi do not shy away from their political views. But for the most part, to its credit, the film leaves the political world far behind.

The War Tapes takes us to the front lines. It's a film everyone should see, especially military members and their families.

Funnier, spicier, and more gut wrenching than any news report, this is Operation Iraqi Freedom as filmed by Sergeant Steve Pink, Sergeant Zack Bazzi and Specialist Mike Moriarty. Steve is a wisecracking carpenter who aspires to be a writer. Zack is a Lebanese-American university student who loves to travel and is fluent in Arabic. Mike is a father who seeks honor and redemption. Each leaves a woman behind – a girlfriend, a mother and a wife.

These soldiers are hysterically funny, articulate, intelligent, compassionate and loyal to their mission and their brothers-in-arms. Some may not agree with our premise for being in Iraq, but that doesn't stop them from doing their jobs with great integrity and courage.

This is not Hollywood's version of war - this IS war. Raw, unedited, painful and truthful. Through their candid footage, these men open their hearts and take us on an unforgettable journey, capturing camaraderie and humor along with the brutal and terrifying experiences they face.

These soldiers got the story that 2,700 embedded reporters never could.

Click HERE to see Video clips

* The War Tapes

* Andi's World

God bless our troops and keep them all safe......Wild Thing

Posted by Wild Thing at 02:07 AM | Comments (4)

April 25, 2006

U.S. Air Force Reply To UC Santa Cruz Students Against War


On my other post about Santa Cruz I had commented back to someone that had commented about this subject as the person said my mentioning Veterans along with our troops today and the recruiters was not accurate. That what the protesters did was only directed at the recruiters.

My reply was:
"There is a Brotherhood of those that served and those that serve today and cannot be separated. It is a Brotherhood that ONLY those that have served can be a part of.
So when you see protest toward our military of today you damn well better know it is not selective at just those now....."

The a Major in the U.S. Air Force also has something to say to UC Santa Cruz Students Against War, who organized the counter-recruiting protest and their attacks on Michelle Malkin.

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In defense of Malkin vs. UC Santa Cruz
Before I manned the jet and flew yet another mission over Afghanistan (20.7hrs) I was able to write a few names on one of the 12 2000# face melting JDAM's we carry. I'm sending this your way from a real e-mail address before I send it "their" way from a fake one. Something tells me they won't like the picture.


Wild Thing's comment.....
God Bless our troops! You guys ROCK!


* Anti-Idiotarian Rottweiler

* The Dread Pundit Bluto


Posted by Wild Thing at 02:07 AM | Comments (2)

April 24, 2006

Santa Cruz, Calif. Loathes Our Military



Bringing this to the top because it is still a hot topic.

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Military recruiters left a campus job fair when about 60 student and faculty anti-war demonstrators showed up outside the event at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Four recruiters from the Army and Army National Guard left after an hour-long standoff Tuesday at the College 8 West Field House.

“The recruiters thought the crowd was getting out of control,” campus vice chancellor David Kliger said.

One student protester was arrested as the recruiters were departing in a van. While a campus police officer was videotaping a person throwing rocks at the van, a student blocked the camera and was cited for interfering with police duties, campus spokesman Jim Burns.

Anti-war protesters at university block doors to building.

Members of Students Against War, who organized the counter-recruiting protest, loudly chanted "Don't come back. Don't come back" as the recruiters left the hilltop campus, escorted by several university police officers.

"The situation had degraded to the point where there was a possibility of injury to either a student or law enforcement officer. We certainly didn't want that to happen,'' said Capt. Will Griffin, one of the Army recruiters.

University officials had been aware for weeks that Students Against War planned a protest to prevent military personnel from participating in the school's biannual job fair held for students.

The student organization has become a bit of a cause celebre of the national anti-war movement ever since it was discovered that the group's protest of the same job fair last April landed it in a Pentagon surveillance file, which listed the protest as a "credible threat" to military facilities or personnel.

Universities that receive federal funds are required to allow military recruiters on campus. But campus officials had worried that Tuesday's protest would get out of hand as it had last April, when Students Against War protesters surrounded the table where military personnel sat, and hundreds of other demonstrators engaged in an angry protest outside. Some of the recruiters reported that their tires had been slashed and one employee at the career center was injured.

Chancellor, UC Santa Cruz

Denice D. Denton
Office of Chancellor
200 Clark Kerr Hall
University of California
Santa Cruz, California 95064

Assistant to the Chancellor:
Jessica Fiske Bailey
Phone: (831) 459-2058
Email: jfbailey@ucsc.edu

Wild Thing's comment.......

This crap really makes my blood boil! They may be students but they are ignorant, stupid, users, communists, traitors to America and to our troops. They are worthless human beings and to call them human beings is even too kind.
They will NEVER know the pride in ones heart for those that have served our country and for those that serve today. That feeling that I get as though my heart will burst from the pride I have in our military and our Veterans. They will go through life never really living only existing and wasted lives each and every one of them. They are my enemy and the enemy of this country.

BUT..................
Watch this video if you likeTHESE people are unlike my enemy. These are my Heroes......our troops. They know what freedom cost, they know what it tastes like and what it smells like and what it feels like. Some of My Heroes!


* Michelle Malkin


Posted by Wild Thing at 07:07 PM | Comments (73)

April 13, 2006

Special Request ~ Please Help Show SGT Downs Support


I am asking everyone to please help with your prayers, and by sending a card or letter to show your support to SGT Kevin Downs. He is a discouraged hero right now and just as he served our country he needs us now more then ever to show him we are grateful and that we care. Thank you. Wild Thing

On 13 August 2005, near the city of Tuz in northeastern Iraq, the Humvee that Sgt. James K. (Kevin) Downs and three others were traveling in was struck by four explosive devices. The four men were members of a National Guard unit, the 278th Regimental Combat Team, a Knoxville-based unit of 3,200 soldiers deployed to Iraq in late 2004. The three other National Guardsmen in the Humvee were killed in the attack. They were 22-year- old Sgt. Gary Lee Reese of Ashland City, 35-year-old Staff Sgt. Asbury F. Hawn Jr. of Lebanon, and 30-year-old Sgt. Shannon D. Taylor of Smithville. Sgt. Downs was blown into the air by the blast.

The young soldier (a 23 year old Tennessee National Guardsman) named Sgt. Kevin Downs needs our support. He was blown out of his tank and left with no feet, two broken legs, a broken arm and pelvis, and second- and third-degree burns over 60% of his body, including burns to his eyes, throat and lungs.

He was first evacuated to a hospital in Germany, then transferred to a burn unit at a hospital in San Antonio, Texas, where he is now recuperating at the Brooke Army Medical Center in Fort Sam Houston.

He is a Tennessee boy. Everyone else in the tank was killed. His condition is not good. A surgery to improve the use of fingers on one hand inadvertently caused previous skin grafts to break down, and the grafts on his legs are cracking as well and may require beginning over at square one. Kevin is tired and low in spirits. He needs our prayers and support through cards. Would you please send him a note or card to let him know you are thinking about him? Remember him in your prayers as well.

His address is:
Sgt. Kevin Downs
Brooke Army Medical Center
3851 Roger Brooke Drive
Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234

In spite of all the progress we have made and the good things that are happening in Iraq the bad guys are still out there and occasionally they get lucky. We lost three soldiers on the night of August 13 to an IED. As has been the pattern, we received rocket fire from near the village of Zagalbania a few of miles west of the FOB. We dispatched the quick reaction force (QRF) to locate the launch point and possibly intercept the perpetrators in the wadi system they use for cover. The QRF hit the IED on a dirt road about two miles from the front gate. It was triggered by homemade pressure switch made from a garden hose. As the HMMWV drove over the hose the pressure closed the switch detonating the IED under the vehicle.

SSG Asbury Hawn, SGT Shannon Taylor, and SPC Gary Reese, were killed in the blast.

Fortunately, SGT Kevin Downs was blown from the gunner’s hatch and survived. He received a broken arm, badly traumatized legs, and burns over most of his body. CPT Don Spradlin, the PA on the ambulance that responded, and the medics did a heroic job just to save SGT Downs. In the dark amid explosions from grenades and rounds cooking-off in the burning HMMWV they were able to find SGT Downs lying in a ditch where he had been blown and stabilize him.

CPT Spradlin repeatedly braved the explosions to go up and assess and then recover the other three soldiers lying near the burning vehicle.

Because of the excellent work of our doctors and medics SGT Downs will make it despite the devastating injuries that he received. I have enclosed an update on his recovery sent out by our family support groups. I believe it will show you what great people we have serving in Iraq.

I hope that you draw some inspiration from Kevin’s struggle and remember him as works towards recovery. This young man is particularly memorable to me because I carried him off of the ambulance and into the aid station that terrible night. Despite his extensive burns and injuries he was upbeat. As I helped pull his stretcher off of the ambulance he reminded me to unhook his IV bag from the stand in the back of the vehicle. In the urgency and chaos of the situation he remained calm enough to check the details that we were forgetting. He smiled through his burned and cracked skin as we carried him into the medic bunker and said in a jovial voice "Hi, what brings you guys here?”

His ability to deal with the horrific events of that night made me extremely proud and humble.
It also made me understand that we too must deal with the horrors that the insurgents try to inflict on us and not abandon the great work we are doing in Iraq. Like SGT Downs we have a long, difficult task yet ahead of us. However, the vast majority of Iraqis are with us and even leading the way now.

Please remember SGT Downs and perhaps send a card or letter.
He is a great young man that could probably use a little encouragement right now. Take care and I hope to see you soon.
Sincerely,
Miles C. Smith
LTC, Cavalry
Executive Officer

9 October 18, 2005
Enclosure
All:
I spoke with Mr. JD Downs yesterday for approx 30 minutes. He and Catherine are doing OK but are wearing
down as we can imagine. Their confidence and faith in Kevin's recovery is enormous. Here are the highlights of
our conversation:

Kevin is doing pretty good but has developed traces of pneumonia and the doctors are keeping a very close eye
on this. The doctors have completed his temporary prosthetic devices and his stumps are completely closed.
Last Friday the nurses placed him on a "tilt table" so he can start to improve his equilibrium.

His arms are still wrapped in a soft cast and the dressing is changed daily. He has begun exercising his right arm and the wound in his left arm is closing slowly but surely - the hole is shrunk to the size of a straw. His trach hole has completely closed and he is talking, but with great difficulty. Because he has to be on his back all of the time he
has lots of pain and hurt on his back and bottom.

The other day the nurses placed him in a wheelchair and he cried and screamed out the pain was too much to take so as you would imagine his spirits and morale were down. He is still taking his meds and quite often receives double doses because the meds take too long to take effect. JD said the right side of Kevin's face is healing fairly good and said it now looks like a real bad sun burn but the left side looked somewhat raw. He did lose a portion of his left upper ear but the docs said that was not a concern - they would build him a new ear if they had to. His hands are improving as his fingers have begun to get some color in them. They are still in wound bags and the pins are still in his fingers but the docs are more optimistic than ever. JD said in the next few weeks he may be required to use his right hand more but he still can not feed himself.

Kevin is still in ICU but JD described it as a "step down" from the typical ICU. Prior to this he had one nurse
monitoring him 24/7 but in his new room one nurse monitors 2 to 3 patients. It is still a sterile environment so
they wear suits and masks before going in and anything taken in the room must remain in the room. He is still
behind locked doors and a nurse has to let them in to visit. JD said the doctors want to try and let him come
home for a visit during Christmas.

The hospital will give the mail to JD and Catherine. In closing JD asked that each of us keep Kevin and all of the
service members in our prayers.
Mike Goodrich

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (2)

April 04, 2006

Armed Forces Week on Wheel of Fortune ~ TV Game Show


"Wheel of Fortune" host Pat Sajak chats with contestants during the popular game show's Armed Forces Week, which airs April 3-7 in most U.S. markets.

WASHINGTON, April 3, 2006 – It's Armed Forces Week on "Wheel of Fortune."

In an effort to highlight the U.S. military, one of the world's most popular television game shows is featuring 15 members of the armed forces in this week's competition.

"The episodes, taped in February in Culver City, Calif., are a way for the show to express its appreciation for the military, said Amy Prenner, the senior unit publicist for Sony Pictures, which produces the show.
"We've done a week like this once before in San Diego," Prenner said. But this week features servicemembers from all over the United States.

This should make the host Pat Sajak feel right at home. Sajak was an Army broadcaster in Vietnam. He continued Adrian Cronauer's "Good Morning, Vietnam" greeting from 1968 through 1970.

"This is a tough time for our men and women, and they are doing some tough work, and not always with universal appreciation for what they are doing," Sajak said in an interview with the Pentagon Channel. "This is our way of reminding Americans of the great work they do and our way of showing a little appreciation and, hopefully, spreading a little money their way."
Harry Friedman, the show's producer, said he appreciates the sacrifices U.S. servicemembers make. "We're a game show; we're all about having fun," Friedman said. "But we also have great respect for our armed forces, the men and women who serve in every single branch."

The show listed participating servicemembers :

Beran Young, U.S. Navy, Naval Medical Center San Diego

Vince Boncich, U.S. Army, Ft. Bragg, N.C.

Diana Aragon, U.S. Marine Corps, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Paul Cemanec III, U.S. Navy ROTC at San Diego State University

Mindy Freeman, U.S. Air Force, March Air Reserve Base, Calif.

Daniel Norton, U.S. Marine Corps, Camp Pendelton, Calif.

Rashad McKinney, U.S. Army, Los Alamitos, Calif.

Charri Witucki, U.S. Air Force, Hurlbert Field, Fla.

Kevin Hunter, U.S. Marine Corps, Naval Air Station Miramar, Calif.

Jack Landreth, U.S. Marine Corps, Naval Air Station Meridan, Miss.

Rick Hawkins, U.S. Coast Guard, Long Beach, Calif.

Victoria Dourgherty, U.S. Air Force, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.

Shawn Purvis, U.S. Air Force, Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo.

Joe Stager, U.S. Marine Corps, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

Helen Knight, U.S. Army, Fort Irwin, Calif.

Posted by Wild Thing at 01:27 AM | Comments (10)

March 23, 2006

Blogger Annoying Little Twerp aka Barb Doing A Great Thing for the Troops



Annoying Little Twerp is doing something very special for the Troops

On April 9 she is walking the St. Louis half-marathon to raise money for the USO.
" I'm not working through any group I just decided to put my feet to good use. If you could mention what I'm doing and/or link my post on your respective blogs, I would be so appreciative. I'm just a silly little blogger trying to giving something back to those who guard our freedom and I thank you for all you help!"....Barb aka Annoying Little Twerp


Barb aka Annoying Little Twerp, you are NOT a silly little blogger at all. You are wonderful and I am so proud of you my friend! .........((hugs)) , Wild Thing

This is from her site

I'm walking the St. Louis half-marathon(13.3 miles) on Sunday, April 9 2006.

I'm walking in memory of the late Robert "StinKerr" Kerr-a wonderful gentleman I met through BMEWS and to raise money for the USO.

My goal is to raise $500 by April 9.

I KNOW you want to help-and here's how you do it:

1. Click on the USO link then click on the donate link on the main page.You can donate online, by phone, and there's even a handy-dandy form that you can print out and mail in for those of you that prefer to donate by check.

2. e-mail me at mollymarine@sbcglobal.net so that I can know who you are-I'm listing donors on a "Post of Honor". If you'd like to do things "anonymously' just let me know and I'll list you that way. you can also leave a comment for this post

3.Sit back and pat yourself on the back for doing a good thing for our men and women in uniform.

I decided that since I walk so much anyway, well I might as well put my feet to good use.

I'm hoping to walk several other "long" walks between now and labor day-and raise funds for a different pro-troops organization each time.

Right now my goal is raise at least $500 for the USO.

Please help me make that goal!

Posted by Wild Thing at 04:57 PM

March 18, 2006

Army National Guard Recreate Photo Before Going To Iraq


This photo was taken at Camp Shelby, Miss., on March 14, 2006. The approximate 4,000 Soldiers are from the 1st Brigade Combat Team of the Minnesota Army National Guard's 34th Infantry Division en route to Iraq this spring. The major states that the soldiers are from Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska and New Jersey. They formed their patch, the Red Bull. This was a recreation of a photo taken of the division on Aug. 18, 1918, at Camp Cody.

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:04 AM

G. Gordon Liddy and Other Talk Show Host Visit Iraq




G. Gordon Liddy chats with MAJ John Hudson of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Gulf Region Central as Erich Langer and Joe McClammy of the Gulf Region Division/Project and Contracting Office Public Affairs Office enjoy the exchange.

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- National Talk Show host, G. Gordon Liddy and five other regionally well known, stateside, radio talk show hosts are presently in Iraq visiting with Soldiers and Civilians in Iraq.

One of the sites visited by this group was the Alwaiya Children’s Hospital in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Gulf Region South (USACE-GRC) Karada District. When completed, this 155 bed facility will provide full spectrum medical care for newborn to six year old children from a population of more than a million Iraqis. Additionally, the hospital will provide limited adult emergency support as well as being used by three medical schools for medical internships.

The resident officer-in-charge for this project has been MAJ John Hudson from Colorado Springs, CO, with Jana Tanner, from Jacksonville, FL, serving as the resident engineer. The project engineering and quality assurance has been effectively handled by Iraqi engineers - a superlative example of Capacity Development teamsmanship in the turning over of such work to Iraqis themselves.

In addition, the group visited the recently completed Hay Al Amel Youth Center comprised of various recreational support functions, wrestling/gymnastics mats, basketball court and soccer facilities, where they talked with numerous young Iraqis enjoying the facility - and clearly appreciative of the faiclity.

While in the area, each of the journalists received one-on-one interview time with several of the USACE-Gulf Region Division leadership. Among those visited with were the Commanding General, BG(P) William McCoy, retired Marine colonel and now Director of Logistic Jack Holly, and David Leach, Director of Capacity Development.

In addition to Liddy, the visiting broadcast journalists included: Jon Grayson of KMOX in St. Louis who is listened to by not only those in his home community but in audience markets in 44 other states;

~ Steffan Tubbs - co-host of Colorado’s Morning News" - of KOA in Denver CO
~ Jack Rice from WCCO in Minneapolis/St. Paul MN
~ Bill LuMaye of WPTF in Raleigh, NC
~ Monica Delta who hosts "Speaking Seriously" for the Washington, D.C. Maryland and Virginia markets.

Following the visit with USACE-GRD personnel, the journalists traveled further around the country visiting Multi-National Forces- Iraq activities.

Tom Clarkson is a member of the U.S. Corps of Engineers, Gulf Region Division/Project and Contracting Office public affairs team in Iraq.

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:01 AM

March 15, 2006

Dichotomies


INCOMING

Received this tonight from a friend, Jack at Conservative Insurgent, who asked "Remember this?" I never saw this before. This was my first time and it is excellent.

Do you remember this as an e-mail circulating in 2002 before MSM spread the misleading poison that eventually tainted some of the patriotic enthusiasm of some Americans. That the fervor of patriotism and pride in being an American has been eroded since 2002 is evidenced by the popular emails that circulated then and those that are being forwarded today. I haven't seen enough of this ethos lately. A revival could begin by forwarding this one to your mailing list.

DICHOTOMIES


Your alarm goes off; you hit the snooze and
sleep for another 10 minutes.
He stays up for days on end.

You take a warm shower to help you wake up.
He goes days or weeks without running water.

You complain of a "headache", and call in sick.
He gets shot at, as others are hit, and keeps
moving forward.


You put on your anti war/don't support the
troops shirt, and go meet up with your friends.
He still fights for your right to wear that shirt.

You make sure your cell phone is in your pocket.
He clutches the cross hanging on his chain next
to his dog tags.


You talk trash on your "buddies" that aren't with you.
He knows he may not see some of his buddies again.

You don't feel like helping out your dad today, so you don't.
He does what he is told.

You walk down the beach, staring at all the pretty girls.
He walks the streets, searching for insurgents and terrorists.

You complain about how hot it is.
He wears his heavy gear, not daring to take off his helmet to
wipe his brow.


You go out to lunch and complain because the restaurant got
your order wrong.
He does not get to eat today.

Your maid makes your bed and washes your clothes.
He wears the same things for months, but makes sure his
weapons are clean.


You go to the mall and get your hair redone.
He doesn't have time to brush his teeth today.

You are angry because your class ran 5 minutes over.
He is told he will be held an extra 2 months. He does as
he is told.


You call your girlfriend and set a date for that night.
He waits for the mail to see if there is a letter from home.

You hug and kiss your girlfriend, like you do everyday.
He holds his letter close and smells his love's perfume.

You ditch class to go to a movie.
He goes where he is told.

You roll your eyes as a baby cries.
He gets a letter with pictures of his new child, and wonders
if they'll ever meet.


You criticize your government and say that war never solves
anything.
He sees the innocent tortured and killed by their own
government and remembers why he is fighting.


You hear the jokes about the war and make fun of the
men like him.
He hears the gun fire and bombs.

You see only what the media wants you to see.
He sees the bodies lying around him.

You are asked to go to the store by your parents. You don't.
He does what he is told.

You stay at home and watch tv.
He takes whatever time he is given to call and write home,
sleep, and eat.


You crawl into your bed, with down pillows, and try to
get comfortable.
He crawls under a tank for shade and a 5 minute nap,
only to be woken by gun fire.


You sit there and judge him, saying the world is a worse
place because of men like him.

If only there were more men like him!



* Conservative Insurgent
* Indigo Insights

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM

March 14, 2006

Free Turbo Tax Filing For Military



This year, the Department of Defense is providing free access to the popular TurboTax filing program to all active duty guard and reserves (regardless of their activation status) and their family members via the Web site http://www.militaryonesource.com.

This free program serves as an online “tax mentor” and helps in the preparation and filing of both federal and state taxes. Military OneSource can also refer you to certified financial counselors, tax experts and public accountants who can answer questions, also at no charge, by calling toll-free: (800) 342-9647. (To access the numbers for overseas, Spanish language and hearing-imparied tax fliers log unto http://www.militaryonesource.com)


Please pass this information on, thank you.

Thank you Sondra for this.

* Knowledge Is Power / SondraK

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:12 PM | Comments (2)

Miss USA Visits The Marines


MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Miss USA, Chelsea Cooley, wore a Marine desert cover, shared personal stories and laughed with wounded warriors to show her support for Marines at the Injured Support Barracks Monday. Cooley, who is from Charlotte, N.C., said she has always wanted to come back to North Carolina and visit with the troops. Although it is not part of Miss USA obligations, Cooley volunteers regularly with the United Service Organizations and speaks with service members all over the world.
Photo by: Lance Cpl. Ryan M. Blaich

Wild Thing's comment.....
I am so glad she did this and I hope she does this a lot. Our troops could use a lot of this kind of support and from many others as well.

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:27 AM | Comments (2)

March 06, 2006

Vail Opens Slopes To Wounded Troops



Department of Defense

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld poses with wounded troops participating in the Vail Veterans Program just before they begin their third and final day of skiing in the program at Vail, Colo. (Photo by Donna Miles)

Twenty-four servicemembers who lost limbs in Iraq and Afghanistan are here reaping the hospitality of a community first established by returning World War II veterans and to schuss down the slopes of this world-class ski resort.

The guests, all patients at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., along with their spouses or guests, are participating in the third annual Vail Veterans Program that kicked off March 1 and continues through March 5.

The all-expenses-paid program is hosted by Vail Mountain and the Vail community and gives wounded war veterans an opportunity to learn how to ski and snowboard, event organizer Cheryl Jensen said.

"For many of these veterans, the trip to Vail is their first adventure outside the hospital," Jensen said. "This program is all about providing an inspirational experience that focuses on the abilities versus disabilities."

Jensen said the experience is a huge confidence builder for young, athletic troops who are now learning to live with disabilities.

The event includes three all-day private ski and snowboard lessons through Vail's Adaptive Ski Program. The program specializes in providing ski and snowboard classes for people with disabilities. Using specially modified ski equipment, including "outriggers" -- poles with miniature skis attached to them for balance -- the skiers are learning to maneuver through Vail's slopes and trails.

"These servicemembers have been through a lot of trials and tribulations together, but this gives them the opportunity to experience something positive together as well," Jensen said. "They're a really wonderful group and have been tremendously supportive of each other."

Countless volunteers and 25 local businesses and organizations are donating lodging, meals, lift tickets, ski equipment and personal time to make the grassroots effort a success. "Without the community, it just couldn't happen," Jensen said.

Participants arrived in Vail to a hero's welcome from local elementary school children and are getting the red-carpet treatment during their stay. Tonight, guests will ride the gondola to the top of Vail Mountain for dinner at the Eagle's Nest Restaurant, and tomorrow night, the Vail Fire Department will treat them to a homemade lasagna meal at the fire station.

"There is an unsaid promise to protect their families while they protect our freedom serving abroad," said Craig Davis, president of the Vail Professional Firefighters Association. "Inviting the veterans to dinner at our home is the least we can do to pay tribute."

Jensen introduced the Vail Veterans Program because she recognized the value it could bring to wounded veterans. "I knew what adaptive skiing can do for people with disabilities, especially people like these who are healthy and athletic," she said. "Skiing can change their lives."

One former participant told Jensen it had done just that for him. "That's the inspiration for this program, to see that it can make a difference," Jensen said.
Jensen called the program just one small way to show support for the troops. "They've all made tremendous sacrifices for us, and this is an opportunity to thank them," she said.

Rumsfeld and his wife Joyce appeared unannounced last night, joining 24 servicemembers who lost limbs in Iraq and Afghanistan at the top of Vail Mountain for dinner at the Eagle's Nest Restaurant. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld arrived to cheer them on and congratulate them for their accomplishments.

He chatted one-on-one with the troops, posed for photos around the room and offered up encouragement and thanks to all.

"I'm having a blast!" said Army 1st Lt. Frank Washburn, a New York National Guardsman who lost the front half of his foot to an improvised explosive device near Samarra, Iraq, last May.
"This is the most fun I've had since I've been injured," agreed Army Staff Sgt. Joe Kapacziewski. "It was awesome!" Kapacziewski received extensive leg and arm injuries in Northern Iraq while serving with the 3rd Ranger Battalion. While doctors were able to save his leg, 18 pins are holding it together as it heals.
"Completely exhilarating" was how Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Joseph Worley, a corpsman who lost most of his left leg in Fallujah, Iraq in September 2004 and has a fused right ankle, summed up his skiing experience through the program.
Army 1st Lt. Ryan Hollin, a below-the-knee amputee who was wounded in Balad, Iraq, agreed. "His coming here to support us physically shows that he appreciates our sacrifices," he said. "It's one thing to say you support the troops. But his actions show that he really means it."


Wild Thing's comment.......
I love it so much when things like this happen for your troops. They deserve to be thanked and appreciated so much.

Posted by Wild Thing at 01:45 AM

March 05, 2006

Letter Writing Request


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SGT. Ricky Jones

Many of you have read about the "brave dissenters" who expressed their "support for our Troops" by vandalizing the home of Army SGT Rickey Jones.
The story about it is here........Dead soldier's home vandalized


He was killed in action Feb. 22 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee during patrol operations in Hawijah, Iraq. These "patriots" have actually called SGT Jones' family to tell them ‘I’m glad your son is dead.” If that wasn't enough for SGT Jones' family to deal with, Fred Phelps and his hatemongers will probably picket the funeral.


Army Sgt Rickey Jones, 21, Kokomo, Indiana
Died February 22, 2006 with three other soldiers when their vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb north of Baghdad. Assigned to the 101st Airborne Division based in Fort Campbell, KY.

Ronnie Jones, the soldier’s grandfather, said his grandson was a loving person and the pride of his family. He said the family received few details of the soldier’s death.

The four soldiers assigned to the division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team were killed on patrol Wednesday near Hawijah, 150 miles north of Baghdad, the military said in a statement.

Jones, a 2002 graduate of Kokomo High School, was serving his second tour in Iraq and recently had been promoted to sergeant. He is survived by his mother, Tenia Rogers, and grandparents Ronnie and Margaret Jones, all of Kokomo.

A Soldier's Perspective, is trying to help organize a letter writing campaign to the family of SGT Rickey Jones.

If you are as disgusted as I am and would like to write a letter to have delivered to this family, please email Lauren (MyWay716@aol.com) for more information. The good people over at Operation Military Pride are helping facilitate the delivery of these letters.

Thank you

Posted by Wild Thing at 01:20 AM | Comments (1)

February 09, 2006

Local Marine Designs Facial Armor for Troops in Iraq


........

There's nothing else like it on the market currently. A local Marine who served in Iraq has designed a new facial armor system that could save lives. The equipment is already being tested in combat.

"There are a lot of facial injuries. I've had friends currently over there who have been injured in the face," said Ben Mahan, Mtek Weapon Systems.

Mahan is a Marine who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. "After I got back from Iraq in 2003 I noticed we were lacking face protection. So I went out and tried to find facial armor or something I could take because I had to return back with my unit. I wasn't able to find anything," he said.

Since Mahan returned home, he's been working to design a facial armor system that would protect servicemen and women in combat. "I want to save lives. That's my goal," he said.

The "Predator" is a facial armor system made of Kevlar, the same material used in bulletproof vests. Mahan has spent the better part of two years perfecting it.



Wild Thing's comment.....
In VN I was told men would wear a flak jacket sometimes with ceramic plates.It was heavy as heck,but it was always possible it could save your butt. Kevlar,must be a tremendous improvement over steel. Most tank drivers drive with their head popped out of the tank. An M1 and it's crew was lost in Bagdad when it's driver was shot dead -- the tank drove off of a bridge an the other crew members died.

I am for anythig that will protect our troops and they do get a lot of head injuries. I wonder about wearing them in the tremendous heat in Iraq.It gets to 120 there in the wrm months.

He went to the manufacturer of the helmet. They wanted an exorbitant amount of money to even make molds and lay it up and stuff like that," said Vanch Mahan, Ben's dad and business manager at Mtek.

Mahan took the idea to Mark Scott at Prototype Development, a company that concentrates on developing ideas, not for the military, but for racecars.

"We get a lot of e-mails, a lot of ideas, and this one really jumped out as being something special," said Mark Scott, Prototype Development.

"Of course our background is in motor sports so we have years of experience crashing cars into the wall at Indianapolis and other places. So we've tried to take our motor sports approach into the body armor field with some very different ideas," said Scott.

"It's not saying that you're totally protected and aren't going to get injured but it's going to keep a lot of shrapnel from tearing off the lower extremities of your face," said Vance Mahan. "We've shot this with a 12-gauge shot gun from point-blank range which is about a meter or three feet. It stopped that. We've shot it with a 44-magnum point-blank range. It stopped that. We shot it with a .357 at point blank range and it stopped all of it."

The mask will attach to any existing government-issued military helmet. Mtek has already sent one over to Iraq. They’ve also designed a bulletproof visor. Now the trick is getting the government to see the same need they do.

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:45 AM | Comments (2)

February 08, 2006

Don't Let a Bunch of Whiny, Marxist Sycophants Lose This Thing


From NewsBusters......


U.S. Soldier to America: "Don't Let a Bunch of Whiny, Marxist Sycophants Lose This Thing"

Popular radio talk-show host Laura Ingraham is broadcasting from Iraq this week, and she has spent quite a bit of time talking with our fine troops.

On today's show (Tuesday, February 7, 2006), Laura talked with Major Doug Anderson, from Fairbanks, Alaska, and he had some words for those of us back home (audiotape on file):

"To the American people, I just wanted to say: Don't let a bunch of whiny, Marxist sycophants back home lose this thing."

Laura (in addition to countless listeners also, I'm sure) let out a loud "Yes!"

Amen! Thank you, Major Anderson! As we've seen in the past....remember this.....

Today Show: US Soldier in Iraq Zaps Media - "I'd Be Depressed Too If I Got my News from the Newspapers"

An unannounced trip to Iraq by Matt Lauer of Today Show -- one US soldier had a little surprise of his own for Today and the media at large.

Lauer interviewed a group of soldiers at Camp Liberty in Baghdad, and at one point asked about the state of morale. After getting two responses to the effect that morale was good, Lauer had this to say:

Don't get me wrong, I think you're probably telling the truth, but there might be a lot of people at home wondering how that could be possible with the conditions you're facing and with the insurgent attacks you're facing. "

Captain Sherman Powell nailed Lauer, the MSM and the anti-war crowd with this beauty:

"Well sir, I'd tell you, if I got my news from the newspapers also I'd be pretty depressed as well!"

Bada-bing!

God bless our brave men and women.

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:12 AM | Comments (9)

February 07, 2006

Operation Iraqi Freedom Watches Super Bowl XL



U.S. Air Force airmen deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom watch Super Bowl XL, which aired at Ali Base, Iraq, Feb. 6, 2006. The airmen are assigned to the 407th Air Expeditionary Group. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Valerie Smith


A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker crew at Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, disagrees with the referees after the Pittsburgh Steeler's first touchdown during Super Bowl XL, in which the Steelers played against the Seattle Seahawks. Airmen here said they were disappointed to miss the Super Bowl parties at home, but glad to be on the ground for the game. The crew is assigned to the 4th Airlift Squadron, McChord Air Force Base, Wash. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Lara Gale




U..S. Air Force airmen and U.S. Army soldiers deployed to Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, take turns in a football toss contest during Super Bowl XL halftime, Feb. 6, 2006, racking up points for the big prize -- a portable DVD player. The airmen are assigned to the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing. U.S. Air Force photo Staff Sgt. Lara Gale




Deployed U.S. Air Force Reservists assigned to the 911th Airlift Wing, Pittsburgh, celebrate the Pittsburgh Steelers victory over the Seattle Seahawks during Super Bowl XL, Feb. 6, 2006, at Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Lara Gale




U.S. Army Spc. Andrea Hicks (front), a member of the Maine Army National Guard and currently attached to the 152nd Maintenance Company, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, cheers her team on as the Pittsburgh Steelers roll to a 21-20 victory over the Seattle Seahawks at Super Bowl XL in Detroit, Mich. Soldiers gathered at 2:30 a.m. Feb 6, 2006, to watch the live telecast at the 4th Infantry Division's dining facility at Camp Liberty, Iraq. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Mary Mott




As the clock ticks a few minutes past 4 a.m. in Iraq, Feb 6, 2006, dedicated football fan U.S. Army Spc. John Danko cheers on the Pittsburgh Steelers as they wear down the Seattle Seahawks on their way to a 21-10 victory in Superbowl XL in Detroit, Mich. Danko, a native of Uniontown, Pa., is serving in Iraq with the 4th Infantry Division's Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Special Troops Battalion. Troops were able to view the game from the Camp Liberty dining facility. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Mary Mott


Wild Thing's comment......
I love these photos and I am thrilled that some of our troops got to see the Superbowl! I was disappointed though because I thought that maybe, just maybe during half time someone would say something like HI we are linked to Iraq and Thank you Troops!!! So we can do it here.

Thank you Troops and all our Military! We owe you big time!
Stay safe and know there are millions of us that appreciate all you do!....
from everyone here at Theodore's World blog
and all that are here too.

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:04 AM | Comments (2)

February 04, 2006

Brothers Re-enlist on Mom’s Birthday



Brothers, Brandon and Jeff Lloyd, both staff sergeants in the U.S. Army, re-enlist on their mother’s birthday in Baghdad, Iraq

BAGHDAD, Iraq, Feb. 2, 2006 — On a bright winter’s day in eastern Baghdad, two brothers re-enlisted for love of country, love of the Army … and love of their mom back home in Alabama.

Staff Sgt. Brandon Lloyd, two years older than Staff Sgt. Jeff Lloyd, hosted his brother at Forward Operating Base Rustamiyah at the 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 506th Regimental Combat Team headquarters Jan. 28.
Jeff’s commander, platoon leader, and platoon sergeant traveled with him from Camp Liberty to witness the joint oath of office.

While Brandon is the older brother, Jeff enlisted in the Alabama National Guard before his brother joined the military. Jeff later enlisted in the active duty Army.

Subsequently Jeff sustained serious injuries in Operation Iraqi Freedom while serving with 1st Cavalry Division in the Baghdad area more than a year ago.

With the love of his family, Jeff recovered and returned to the freedom fight.

The brothers stood together proudly, as 1st Lt. Sangdo Choi, Brandon’s platoon leader, led them in the re-enlistment oath.
“It is nice to see my brother and hard to describe how much it means to me to re-enlist with Brandon,” said Jeff.

Brandon went on to describe how they remain close from growing up together in the small town of Semmes, Ala., near Mobile. They relied upon and supported each other then and they still do, the brothers said.


Just two weeks ago, Brandon volunteered to provide medical coverage so he could visit his brother at the convoy’s turn-around point.

Jeff serves as a mechanic supervisor for 10th Brigade Support Battalion, 10th Mountain Division, based at Fort Drum, N.Y. His unit is currently stationed at Camp Victory near the international airport, while Brandon is based out of Fort Campbell, Ky. and currently deployed to the Currahee Cav.

Brandon re-enlisted for five years and Jeff for six, and each received a sizable bonus. Brandon also received current station stabilization money, which he says helped him and his wife, Deanna, decide on future plans.

“I’m saving to buy a house with my wife,” said Brandon. “My mom is in real estate, and we hope she can help us find the right place.”

Single brother Jeff said, “I’ll pay a few debts and fix up my ’79 Dodge hot rod truck.”

The brothers know that their mother back home has mixed feelings about them being in Iraq together. “We re-enlisted on Mom’s birthday on purpose,” said Brandon.

“She understands that as noncommissioned officers, we want and need to be here. She knows we both love the military and our country.”The Lloyds hope to see each other a few more times while serving in Iraq. They know that trust as brothers, and their oath as noncommissioned officers in the Army, will keep them going strong.

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:17 AM | Comments (8)

F-35 Joint Strike Fighter


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Maj. Don Borchelt flies the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft simulator here. The simulator demonstrates the advanced capabilities of the F-35 -- the joint fighter of the 21st century. Major Borchelt is from the Headquarters Pacific Air Force advanced programs office.
(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo)

HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii -- While the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is still in development, Airmen are getting a "sneak peek" at the future of air superiority thanks to a unique simulator.

The Lockheed Martin Corporation’s F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, or JSF, pilot interface simulator is demonstrating the fighter’s capabilities to some pilots here.

"It is very close (to the real thing). The system that we are showing right now has already been tested on different platforms," said Clyde Bellinger, Joint Strike Fighter pilot interface representative for Lockheed Martin. "It’s going to have fantastic capabilities. What we are showing, as far as the demonstrator is concerned, should be very close to what’s going to be on the actual aircraft."

The new fighter is expected to deliver unmatched advantages to U.S. and coalition forces.

The Air Force expects to purchase 1,763 F-35s to complement the F-22A Raptor and replace the F-16 Fighting Falcon as an air-to-ground strike aircraft. The fighter has a large internal weapons bay and gun. It also has an improved internal fuel capability, infrared sensors and a laser designator. It also carries larger payloads for greater distances and it is capable of better thrust and 9-G maneuvering.

The F-35’s design includes specific advances and combinations of leading-edge technologies never before incorporated in a single aircraft, which the simulator demonstrates to the pilots. For example, pilots can select interchangeable windows on the flat panel cockpit display to provide unprecedented pilot tactical situation awareness.

Maj. Don Borchelt flies the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter simulator here. The simulator demonstrates the advanced capabilities of the F-35 -- the joint fighter of the 21st century. Major Borchelt is from the Headquarters Pacific Air Force advanced programs office.
(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo)

All these advances are designed for one purpose -- improving the pilot’s capabilities.

"The main thing the JSF does is decrease the pilot's workload. It presents all the information into one easily digestible format that the pilot can know exactly what is going on without having to do a lot of switch actuations," Major Borchelt said.

And while the joint fighter of tomorrow is still in production, today’s pilots now have a chance to experience the Air Force’s future transformation into a more agile, streamlined and lethal force thanks to an F-35 simulator.

"It is obviously a new airplane," Major Borchelt said. The major is one of the pilots who flew the simulator here. "It brings together a bunch of things that weren’t available previously. All these things are going to make a fighter more survivable -- all of that is good."

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:01 AM | Comments (2)

February 03, 2006

Wounded Vets Super Bowl-bound


A hand full of Super Bowl XL tickets, with a street-value close to $250,000, will be given to injured Marines who served in operations Enduring Freedom or Iraqi Freedom who are now recovering in hospitals or working in the National Capitol Region. The tickets were donated by the Cleveland Browns. Photo by: Cpl. Justin P. Lago

A few dozen combat-wounded leathernecks recovering in National Capital Region hospitals are bound for Detroit to attend the biggest sports event of the year.

The Cleveland Browns organization, in unity with the National Football League, has donated 50 Super Bowl tickets to Marine veterans who received combat injuries while serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.

The block of tickets, which has a street value of nearly $250,000, was given to Manpower and Reserve Affairs to be disseminated to the Marines in the region who meet the medical criteria for attending to the game.

“Our biggest challenge was to remain faithful to the specifics of the Cleveland Browns organization criteria for choosing who can go,” said Maj. Francis Piccoli, Marine 4 Life public affairs officer. “We narrowed it down to 33 injured Marines who are on an in-patient status in the National Capital Region who met all the specific requirements. We have to give the tickets to those folks who can physically go and don’t require constant medical attention.”

The NFL will officially recognizing the Marines’ presence with an announcement during the nationally broadcast football championship.

Anyone watching the Super Bowl during that first break will see the United States Marine Corps,” said Piccoli. “The community relations tie-in gives us the opportunity to inform a worldwide audience of Marines who have served their country and served it well.”

“It’s exciting to be able to go to the Super Bowl,” said Cpl. Alexander Sidles, an administration clerk with Marine Corps Combat Development Com-mand. Sidles is one of two Marine veterans recovering aboard Quantico who has been nominated for a seat at the game, which will feature the American Football Conference champion Pittsburg Steelers squaring off with the National Football Conference champions Seattle Seahawks.

“I know that we will all be well taken care of while we are traveling to the game and while we are there,” Sidles added. “I know there are 50 of us going to the game but there are many more people working behind the scenes to make this happen for us. We just don’t see that, and I appreciate it.”

Each Marine attending the trip will be provided with $50 spending money and will also receive a per diem payment for the Detroit area. The funds were provided through the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Agency via the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund.

After the Marines in the National Capitol Region receive their tickets, remaining tickets will go to Marines stationed near the Detroit metro area assigned to support the logistics of the trip.

“The Marines deserve this trip,” said Piccoli. “It is their day to just sit back and enjoy their day of recognition and a day at the game.”


* Mudville Gazette

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:07 AM

February 02, 2006

Cougar On Prowl For IEDs


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MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. (Feb. 2, 2006)

A new vehicle is revving up to defend America’s troops against the threat of improvised explosive devices in Iraq.

The Cougar and Joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal Rapid Response Vehicle (JERRV) are new tools at Marines’ disposal to combat transportation threats. The vehicles feature a South African-inspired V-shaped hull, which is designed to distribute the impact of an IED or mine blast outward away from the crew compartment.

The hull has already proven its worth in combat mission in Iraq. The RG-31, a similar but smaller vehicle than the Cougar, recently took an IED hit in Iraq. Marines with Security Detachment, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, encountered an IED Jan. 6. The IED exploded underneath the RG-31. The V-shaped hull sent the blast outward instead of directly up, saving the lives of the crew.

First Lt. Brandon S. Davis, the 8th ESB assistant Security Detachment commander, described the scene in an interview with a 2nd Marine Logistics Group combat correspondent in Iraq. The blast briefly threw the vehicle into the air. Everyone survived with few, minor injuries.

Five service members were aboard the vehicle; two received concussions and two others suffered only minor burns.

The Cougar and JERRV, both of which are larger than the RG-31, are armored vehicles that provide survivability for Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians and combat engineers. Both provide protection for them to do their mission and each have proven their worth in Iraq.

“What really separates these vehicles is their level of survivability and ability to provide protection to the occupants in the vehicle against IED and mine blasts,” said Lt. Col. Mike Micucci, project manager for the Cougar and JERRV. “They can survive a larger blast from an IED or mine than your typical humvee.”

“They [South Africa] understood that manpower was precious, and wanted to build a vehicle that provided protection against mines” Micucci said. “The armored V-shaped hull helps to deflect the blast away from the crew compartment.”

The Cougar and JERRV are not just troop transport vehicles. They are force multipliers that EOD and combat engineers units utilize to accomplish their mission.

“These vehicles provide them protection to patrol areas prone to IEDs and to safely check out situations where you need EOD and combat engineers to go,” Micucci said.

Micucci said three variants of each vehicle are being produced. There is a 4x4 EOD vehicle, a 6x6 EOD vehicle, and a 6x6 engineer vehicle. EOD vehicles usually carry four troops while the engineer vehicles carry 10. The EOD vehicles also can carry an assortment of EOD equipment, such as bomb disposal robots.

There are a few differences between the Cougar and the JERRV. The Cougar has firing ports while the JERRV does not. Instead, it has a ring mount for crew serve weapons.

Micucci said the Marine Corps purchased 27 Cougars for use in operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. The Pentagon’s Joint IED Defeat Task Force appointed the Marine Corps as the lead procurement agency to buy 122 JERRVs to be distributed among the Marine Corps, Army, Navy and Air Force. The Corps is receiving 38 vehicles.

The contract to produce the vehicles was awarded to Force Protection Industries of Charleston, S.C. Production of the vehicles is ongoing and will run through June.

At roughly 52,000 pounds and about $600,000 per vehicle, the Cougar and JERRV have neither the transportability nor the cost effectiveness to serve as a replacement for the humvee, Micucci said. However, he said, the vehicle’s armored, V-shaped undercarriage could find its way onto future warfighting vehicles.

“The Marines love the vehicle,” Micucci said. “They have survived IED hits in Iraq and the Marines have sustained only minor injuries. I think the future is towards the V-shaped hull. And if it’s not V-shaped, it’s definitely under-body protection that can help deflect or absorb blast from mines and IEDs.”

The Cougar, a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle, is also built to rollover and is equipped with multi-point, racing style harnesses, so if the vehicle rolled 360 degrees, the passengers inside would avoid injury.

.

Our troops ROCK! Thank you for serving our coutry and for all you do!

Posted by Wild Thing at 07:30 PM | Comments (2)

Troops in Iraq Prepare For Super Bowl Gridiron Battle



CAMP TAQADDUM, Iraq (Jan. 31, 2006) – Lance Cpl. Benjamin R. Sigloh stands with his motivational Super Bowl poster Jan. 31. In Iraq, fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks hope their schedules will allow an opportunity to watch the game and support their team. They may not be home with their immediate family to watch the game, but from thousands of miles away a few die hard fans hope for the victory of their gridiron favorite. Sigloh is a field radio operator with Combat Logistics Regiment 25, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward). Photo by: Lance Cpl. Wayne Edmiston

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CAMP TAQADDUM, Iraq (Feb. 1, 2006) -- Every day, service members in Iraq put on their gear and prepare for battle in the war on terror, but one day a year the two top teams in the National Football League suit up and battle to see who will be the next Super Bowl champion.

In Iraq, fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks hope their schedules will allow an opportunity to watch the game and support their team. They may not be home with their immediate family to watch the game, but from thousands of miles away a few die hard fans hope for the victory of their gridiron favorite.

Whether they are swinging their “Terrible Towel” or playing as the “12th man,” servicemembers in Iraq are cheering for their squad.

Gunnery Sgt. Stephen B. Johnson, administrative chief for Combat Logistics Regiment-25, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) will be watching the game in his normal ritualistic fashion-alone.

He is hopeful for his team and expects their tough defense, which has only allowed six touchdowns in the post season, to get them through the game, said the 30-year Steeler fan.

“Our defense is much stronger than theirs,” said the Washington, Pa., native . “Lately, Pittsburgh’s offense has been rolling, so I think they will win 24-10.”

Johnson especially cheers for his favorite player, Jerome “The Bus” Bettis, whom in his 13 years in the NFL has 13, 662 career rushing yards.

Another Steelers fan of 33 years, Lt. Col. Timothy B. Seamon, executive officer of Combat Logistics Regiment-25 had some words of advice for Coach Bill Cower before the big game.

“Keep doing what got them there: Aggressive, creative, smash-mouth football,” said the Baden, Pa., native . “Don’t go into the prevent defense when you get ahead, that makes me more nervous than indirect fire.”

Seamon will be watching the game with his fellow headquarters Marines and doesn’t want to break the luck that this custom has brought them.

“Bring the trophy back for us Pittsburghers in Iraq,” Seamon said.

Many Pittsburgh area natives can be seen around Taqaddum with their Steelers memorabilia spread around their desks with hopes of their fifth Super Bowl victory.

Sgt. Jeremy M. Frick, II Marine Expeditionary Force liaison noncommissioned officer-in-charge, will have his grandparents tape the game and mail it to him.

He recollects watching the Seahawks at the feet of his grandparents as a young child and the tradition continues even thousands of miles away.

“I have been a Seahawks fan forever,” said the Issaquah, Wash., native . “My whole family is Seahawks fans.”

His favorite player is Shaun Alexander, who has rushed for 1,880 yards and scored 27 touchdowns this season for the National Football Conference champions.

Frick is excited about Seattle’s first trip to the championship and thinks they will walk away with a big win.

“I think it will be a really good game,” Frick said. “But the Seahawks will go all the way.”

Frick said if he could be in Detroit standing in front of the team, he would have some words of motivation for the players.

“Prove everyone wrong and take it for all your boys in Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Frick.

He also suggested a strategy for Coach Mike Holmgren on how to defeat the hardened Steelers defense.

“Pound it through the middle,” Frick said. “Catch them off guard, then throw it right through them.”

He feels the key will be the Seattle offense which has generated more than 720 yards in the post season.

Seahawks fan Cpl. Casey J. Burk, the patient’s effects noncommissioned officer for Surgical Shock Trauma Platoon, Combat Logistics Regiment-25, 2nd MLG (Fwd.) feels the tenacity of the defense will be a huge deciding factor.

“I honestly feel the Seahawks will come from behind and win by three,” said the Auburn, Wash., native.

He urges the members of the Seahawks to play from the heart for the service members overseas. When in the United States, Burk attended many Seahawks games with his father.

“They need to hand the ball to Shaun Alexander as much as possible,” Burk said.

Frick and Burk are one of many “12th men” here in Iraq, who will filling the stands from afar supporting the Seahawks on Sunday.

Whether a troop’s loyalties lie with the black and gold or the blue and silver, from thousands of miles away in the fight against the global war on terror they will be encouraging their home team to win one for them.

.




CAMP TAQADDUM, Iraq (Jan. 31, 2006) – Lieutenant Col. Timothy B. Seamon, Capt. Trent Morrow, Gunnery Sgt. Stephen B. Johnson, Chief Petty Officer Mark F. Bryan, Capt. Charles T. Atwood stand posed with their Steelers memorabilia here Jan. 31. In Iraq, fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks hope their schedules will allow an opportunity to watch the game and support their team. These 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) Marines may not be home with their immediate family to watch the game, but from thousands of miles away a few die hard fans hope for the victory of their gridiron favorite. Seamon (left) is the executive officer for Combat Logistics Regiment 25, and Baden, Pa. native, Morrow is Headquarters and Service company commander and his wife is a native of Mt. Lebanon, Pa., Johnson is the administration chief for CLR-25 and Washington, Pa. native, Atwood is a communications officer with CLR-25 and Monroeville, Pa. native, and Bryan is the regimental aid station for CLR-25, and Oil City, Pa. native.
Photo by: Lance Cpl. Wayne Edmiston




CAMP TAQADDUM, Iraq (Jan. 31, 2006) – Corporal Casey J. Burk and Sgt. Jeremy M. Frick, both Seattle area natives, will be watching the game and cheering for their Seahawks Sunday. In Iraq, fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks hope their schedules will allow an opportunity to watch the game and support their team. They may not be home with their immediate family to watch the game, but from thousands of miles away a few die hard fans hope for the victory of their gridiron favorite. Burk is the Surgical Shock Trauma Platoon patient’s effects noncommissioned officer and Frick is the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force liaison noncommissioned officer.
Photo by: Lance Cpl. Wayne Edmiston

.


CAMP TAQADDUM, Iraq (Feb. 1, 2006) – A Johnstown, Pa. native stands with a “good luck cookie” that was sent from home here Feb. 1. In Iraq, fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks hope their schedules will allow an opportunity to watch the game and support their team. They may not be home with their immediate family to watch the game, but from thousands of miles away a few die hard fans hope for the victory of their gridiron favorite.

.


CAMP TAQADDUM, Iraq (Jan. 31, 2006) -- First Sgt. Timothy C. Tackett, an Upper St. Clair, Pa., native and Steelers fan shows off a Terrible Towel outside of his work space aboard Camp Taqaddum, Iraq. Tackett is the 2nd Marine Logstics Group (Forward), Headquarters Company, company 1st Sgt and is currently deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Tackett's parents, Larry E. and Sharon A. Atkins still reside in Upper St. Clair. (Official United States Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Josh H. Hauser)(released) Photo by: Sgt. Josh H. Hauser


* Argghhh!
* The Mudville Gazette


Wild Thing's comment........
If you want to do a really nice thing for your military person....tape the game, including the commercials, and send it to them. The guys would have a second game showing just for the commercials.

Posted by Wild Thing at 01:55 AM

February 01, 2006

New Boat Offers Military Smoother Ride & Versatility



The experimental "Stiletto" is a shallow-water transport boat. More than 80 feet in length, the carbon-composite hull can move at more than 50 knots on the cushion of air its "M-hull" creates.



WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2006 – Speed and flexibility make a new military high-speed vessel especially valuable for shallow-water operations, a Defense Department official said.

The "Stiletto," a shallow-water craft made of a tough, lightweight carbon composite material, offers a safer, more comfortable ride and is easily reconfigured to accommodate technological advances and the military's needs, said Navy Cmdr. Greg E. Glaros, a transformation strategist in the Office of Force Transformation.

"We can't predict the future," Glaros said. "Therefore, . . . we better design systems that are . . . flexible. "

Stiletto was initiated in the DoD transformation office in association with U. S. Special Operations Command, he said. When fielded, the boat will be available for use my all services. It's meant to get special operations forces to their missions quickly with a top speed of more than 50 knots, Glaros said. Those forces, a total of 15 per boat, also could benefit from its unusual hull design.

Described as an "M-hull" because of its resemblance to the letter "M," the water Stiletto displaces is pulled through tunnels under the boat. The water mixes with incoming air from the forward movement of the craft and creates an air cushion that the boat rides on, he said.

Glaros said this cushion could be a back-saving benefit for those using Stiletto for transport. The vertical impact to the neck and the spine from riding on a traditional small transport craft have been likened to a "10-G shock," or the body suddenly weighing 10 times its own weight, at least twice an hour, he said. If a seat fails, that shock can spike to 20 Gs.

"At any given time, . . . 30 percent of (small boat-operating teams) are 'medically down' because of injuries sustained while driving their boats," Glaros said. After about 10 years, most small-boat drivers are eligible for 100 percent disability by Department of Veterans Affairs standards, Glaros said.

Stiletto's other purposes include what Glaros describes as "techno exploration. " Basically, he said, the boat is a floating experiment. The office wanted to understand the uses and the limits of composite materials in this type of application.

The boat's design also anticipates advances in technology, he said. "In our world today, the most powerful element is information," Glaros said. "For us, it would be folly to build anything that didn't have the means with which to connect to the outer world. "

Stiletto's "electronic keel" provides that connection, he said. The system offers open access to its network for various uses by all services, Glaros said. Its plug-and-play nature makes it adaptable to advancing technologies.

"It'll (reduce) dramatically the cost of upgrades and, more importantly, it gives us options in the future so that we can change the mission and the configurations in the boat," he said.

While any force can customize the hull for a specific purpose, Glaros said, it was designed with servicemembers in mind. "They're at the heart of this," he said. "Give them something that they can change and manipulate on their own and doesn't damage them more than the enemy. "

Fifteen months after the contract to build Stiletto was signed, the boat is considered "operational experimental," Glaros said, though he is uncertain when it will be fielded. The boat will be put through its paces with Naval Special Clearance Team 1 in early May.

To date, the ship has cost about $12. 5 million, Glaros said. About one-fourth of that went to building computer-aided models and more operational testing.


.


Posted by Wild Thing at 03:47 PM | Comments (6)

January 23, 2006

Actor Discusses Support for Troops & Iraqi Children




Actor Gary Sinise

Many American troops have taken it upon themselves to reconstruct schools and gather learning tools for the children of Iraq.

Their efforts have been met with immense gratitude from the local Iraqis and their children.

Actor Discusses Support for Troops, Iraqi Children
By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 22, 2006 – When not appearing on the CBS show "CSI: New York" as Detective Mac Taylor, actor Gary Sinise devotes much of his time to raising support for U. S. troops. Sinise, who is planning his third trip to Iraq with the United Service Organizations, appeared on ABC's "This Week" today to talk about his new venture to help the children who have felt the effects of the war in Iraq.

On his last trip to Iraq, Sinise accompanied a U. S. military unit that remodeled an Iraqi school. He watched the troops transform what had been a cinder-block, dirt-floor structure into a building with concrete floors, windows and fans, he said.

"It was not much, but to these kids and those Iraqis who had been living there with this school, it seemed like a brand new place," he said.

Sinise said seeing the school being remodeled and witnessing the gratitude of the Iraqi children at the school and when he rode with troops on convoys motivated him to come home and found the program, Operation Iraqi Children.

Operation Iraqi Children provides a way for Americans to send school supply kits to Iraqi children. Sinise and author Laura Hillenbrand founded the program in March 2004.

"It's a way for you to support the children by sending pencils, beanie babies or soccer balls," Sinise said. "That all started because of one of those convoys I was on. "

Sinise said his experience playing Lt. Dan, an injured Vietnam veteran, in the movie, "Forrest Gump," helped him identify with the troops he met with in Iraq.

Servicemembers today have much more support than during the Vietnam War, he said, noting that it's important to maintain that support because military service is a sacrifice that should not be taken lightly.

"It's an honorable thing to serve your country," he said. "We need those volunteers; we need those defenders. "

Operation Iraqi Children is a partner in the Defense Department's America Supports You program that showcases America's support for the men and women of the armed forces and the myriad ways the country is expressing that support.










Lt. Col. Nicholas Zoeller, commander of 13th Corps Support Command Civil Affairs, poses with an Iraqi girl. (US Army photo by Spc. Blanka Stratford)

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Maj. Tracy Fong, officer for the 13th Corps Support Command Civil Affairs, plays with an Iraqi boy. (US Army photo by Spc. Blanka Stratford)

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:07 AM | Comments (8)

January 18, 2006

Blue Angels Fly By



They embrace the Sun and dance in the rain upon the winds of time.
In the places this side of Heaven that call to them.
Time runs the table, and yet.....

in one small moment,
the sky rests,
and the clouds open into blue.

Silence falls in circles
and the Sunlight carries a soft
dream

..down..down beside me
....drifting from a scream
of freedom, high above.

A bright moment...

.... Time falling.
..... upon the wind

A gift from the sky.
..gift of a Hawk!
.......the feather in my hand,
as I smile.

I touch the gift...
and walk away.

It has been a good day.
~ by Wild Thing

.

Wild Thing's comment..................
Thank you Sparks for sending me this email from TomR.
TomR I love the Blue Angels and have been able to see them about 11 times. Before moving to Florida three years ago, we lived in Las Vegas for 6 years after living in Calif. for many years. So while living in Vegas we were invited several times to Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. and got to see them. It was such an honor to meet some of the men that flew and be able to welcome others home from serving in Iraq.
Thank you again for these awesome photos, I just had to share them on here because they are so special.

Posted by Wild Thing at 01:04 AM | Comments (6)

January 12, 2006

F-16 Pilots Get New Ear Piece



Master Sgt. Crystal Martin, 75th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, makes a mold of Capt. Dax Cornelius' inner ear. The mold will be used to make a new earplug system for the 4th Fighter Squadron Demo Team member. (Air Force photo by Shad West)

From Blackanthem Military News
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah, January 11, 2006

A new earpiece is set to be implemented among Hill's F-16 pilots affording them better hearing protection and an improved mission focus.

The 4th Fighter Squadron's "Fighting Fuujins" will receive the new Attenuating Custom Communication Earpiece System this month. The earpiece was developed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base by the Battle Space Acoustics Department. The Department is part of the Air Force Research Laboratory's Human Effectiveness Directorate.

"The new system should increase communication intelligibility for our pilots," said Capt. Eydin Hansen, Aerospace physiologist with the 75th Aerospace Medicine Squadron. "Currently the pilots are using foam earplugs and headsets with speakers that offer 8-12 decibels of protection, while sacrificing communication intelligibility."

Currently, pilots are having a hard time hearing tones, many associated with air traffic controllers and ground-based controllers. The new earplug system costs less than $600 per person and is made from deep ear canal impressions from the pilots. It has a speaker system giving the pilots something similar to that used with an iPod, ultimately providing better clarity while giving them 25 to 30 decibels of protection.

This technology was initially designed for the ground crews and then adapted for the state-of-the-art F-22A Raptor. Hill pilots are excited to be using the next generation of hearing protection and communications device in the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Capt. Dax Cornelius, 4th Fighter Squadron Demo Team member, said that while performing he experiences violent negative and positive G-forces and most of the time his earplugs tend to fall out.

"We'll be flying with one plug in and one out," he said. "It can be very distracting to have the radio blast in one ear and not in the other," said Captain Cornelius. "This new system is really going to allow us to focus on the mission rather than the peripherals."

By Shad West
75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:15 AM | Comments (8)

January 09, 2006

Military Wife Speaks Out To Cindy Sheehan



Taken from National Military Family Association Please look further down in this post at "Continued" for the entire writing or go to the link to read the entire statement.


The fact that my husband is on military deployment in Iraq does not make me unfortunate........ there is a misconception that having my husband away on a military deployment makes me unfortunate. Please do not consider me unfortunate! Consider, just for a moment, that I might be incredibly blessed.

..........I'm on a journey that is unveiling a beautiful level of self-confidence. I believe that I am at a time in my life where God has my full attention to teach me what he feels I need to learn.

My circumstances may be demanding from time to time, yet I have never fallen from grace into a forgotten, subpar state of being. I, most definitely, am not unfortunate.

Wild Thing's comments............
There are wives and there are a-hem wives, and there are mothers and then there are breeders. Cindy Sheehan is a breeder. She shows no respect for her son. And I would bet she did not show him respect when he was alive.

This is so wonderful what this Military wife wrote. A woman like this stands along side her husband and knows he is making a difference in this world. He is a part of history, and she in being supportive makes the hardship of sacrifice a little bit easier for her husband. Cindy Sheehan will never understand that. She USES our Military to get her 15 minutes of fame. She uses her son's service and death to draw attention to herself. Cindy is aiding the enemy with each breath she takes and every word she utters. What a difference in these two women.

Compassion's OK, but please hold the pity
By Emily J. Bari

The fact that my husband is on military deployment in Iraq does not make me unfortunate. I don't enjoy being the poster child for pity.

When my husband, Dan, left for a deployment to Iraq with the Minnesota Army National Guard 10 weeks ago, I became a bit of a celebrity. As the wife of a deployed soldier, I experienced an outpouring of handshakes, hugs, e-mails and phone calls.

Yet as the first couple of weeks passed, I felt physically drained as I was emotionally adjusting to Dan not being around. My fatigue forced me to slow down the pace of life, and my senses heightened as my mind began to relax. I would write to Dan about every drop in temperature; the multiple shades of red, orange, and gold that appeared with autumn; and my delight in the season's first tasty cup of rich hot chocolate. But there was something else I noticed.

Pity.

If you've ever been through tough circumstances, perhaps you've also noticed that compassion and pity are two emotions that evoke very different facial expressions, motivations and actions.

Although my closest friends, family members, and brothers and sisters at church continue to support me as they always have, it's become apparent that some people relate to me as if I were a crippled wife and an unfortunate woman.

When people ask me how I'm doing, some expect a conversation dripping with despair. They even seem disappointed when, instead of sharing depressing stories of unimaginable loneliness, I simply tell them I made two big pancakes for dinner last night and I figured out how to fix the squeaky dryer.

A military deployment is indeed a very difficult lifestyle adjustment. I cried my heart out when I realized the bed sheets no longer smelt like Dan. I turn on radios and televisions in multiple rooms because sometimes it's too heartbreaking to listen to the silence. Without my husband next to me, I often feel exposed.

Yet there is a misconception that having my husband away on a military deployment makes me unfortunate. Please do not consider me unfortunate! Consider, just for a moment, that I might be incredibly blessed.

First, I married a man with extraordinary courage and dedication, a man who loves me so well while so far away, and a man I can wholeheartedly flaunt to my future children as a hero.

Secondly, personal character is tested in mediocre amounts when driving in rush hour or waiting in the urgent care clinic lobby. While every circumstance is a test of character, my situation has thrown me into the deep end of the character pool. I'm on a journey that is unveiling a beautiful level of self-confidence. I believe that I am at a time in my life where God has my full attention to teach me what he feels I need to learn.

So do not pity me. Have compassion for me, encourage me and help me if you want. I will do the same for you. My circumstances may be demanding from time to time, yet I have never fallen from grace into a forgotten, subpar state of being. I, most definitely, am not unfortunate.

Emily J. Bari, a communications contractor, lives in Plymouth.

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:45 AM | Comments (4)

January 07, 2006

Largest Troop Deployment from CT to Head to Afghanistan


from Eyewitness News

NEW HAVEN (AP) -- The largest troop deployment from Connecticut is scheduled for this weekend as 500 Connecticut National Guardsmen head out.

On Saturday, they will be bused to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where they will spend three to five weeks in training. From there, they will be deployed to help rebuild Afghanistan.

The 500 soldiers and members of their families were given a send-off last night at Yale University's Payne-Whitney Gymnasium.

The Connecticut National Guard says it's represents the largest deployment of Connecticut guardsmen since the start of the war on terrorism in 2001.

The 500 troops come from 135 of Connecticut's 169 municipalities. No Connecticut National Guardsmen are currently in Afghanistan, but 46 are serving in Iraq.

Wild Thing's comment.............. God Bless each and every one of them and keep them safe.

Posted by Wild Thing at 01:27 AM | Comments (4)

December 20, 2005

"Let's Get Ready To Rumble".....For The Troops!"



WWE with a tribute to the troops in Afghanistan. World Wrestling Entertainment RAW TV show will featured a special "Tribute to the Troops"


Entertainment is something our troops need. And the show was great and even though it was wrestling it had a tremendous amount of moments that brought tears to my eyes. Watching the troops having such fun, laughing and really enjoying themselves.

Apache helicopters and A-10 Warthogs with soldiers perched on top formed the backdrop.

As the show opened Vince McMahon ripped the media and commended the troops. Before anyone decides to make a comment about Vince McMahon I want to say how I feel about this................I don't care whether Vince said it for ratings or said it because he truly means it--the point is IT WAS SAID, directly and pointedly at the media, with all the spite and vinegar he could muster.

They met with thousands of men and women in the U.S. military carrying the message "America Supports You."


Monday Night RAW emanated from Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan as RAW presented a special Tribute to the Troops.

The show also profiled U.S. servicemembers talking about their experiences in Afghanistan and sending messages to loved ones back home. This is the third straight year that the WWE has entertained U.S. servicemembers stationed abroad.

WWE, a member of the Defense Department's America Supports You program, wanted to do this tour to give something back to the troops overseas, Gary Davis, a WWE spokesman, said.

"WWE has a tremendous fan base within the U.S. military, and it seemed fitting that we do something out of the ordinary for that fan base, as our men and women in the military are being deployed around the world to fight for our freedom," Davis said. He went on to say, "We were just overwhelmed by the appreciation shown by the troops for having us come over to entertain them, and yet we were so humbled by the devotion, the morale and the dedication of the troops," he said. "Anything anyone can do for those troops, we should be doing."


An addition to this year's tour was the attendance of MSNBC correspondent Rita Cosby, Cosby covered the tour for MSNBC, hosting two live shows from Afghanistan that featured most of the WWE RAW superstars on the tour and discussed the U.S. military's accomplishments in Afghanistan.

Rita Cosby, "I will always be thankful to have had such a powerful and meaningful opportunity. I hope by sharing it with all of you, you too will think about our soldiers in Afghanistan and throughout the globe this holiday season. They have given us the greatest gift -- the gift of freedom, and it's something we can never repay."

Cena: "These are the heros ... without you, we ain't got nothin'".

Another nice montage to finish up with Creed's Scott Strapps's, "The Great Divide" playing, "... You set me free to live my life, you became my reason to survive the great divide.”
Very Nice!
I thought the whole show was awesome. I think the sentiment was genuine from all the wrestling superstars. Quite an uplifting Christmas present to our troops.

Trish Stratus, Mick Foley and JBL, Shawn Michaels took on Triple H., WWE Champion John Cena defeated Chris Masters in a non-title match, Intercontinental Champion Ric Flair defeated Coach in an impromptu challenge match for the Intercontinental Championship, Big Show defeated Carlito and Snitsky defeated Shelton Benjamin.

Trish Stratus

Maria

Candice Michelle

Here are photos

Here are Videos

Wild Thing's comment........
I received an email about this today, from the Dept. of Defense, and that it was going to be on TV tonight. My husband and I watched it, and it was really awesome. We never watch wrestling, but this really did justice to our troops. The whole thing was well done and all about our service members. It showed the wrestlers visiting the injured, and the rest of the troops. Goofing around with them, dancing with them and just having tons of fun with them. It gave many of the service men and women a chance to say Hi and a message back home to their families as well. I was very impressed and it brought tears to our eyes to watch the show. I hope they show it again. It was on USA channel at 9:00 Monday night.

The entire feel of the show was how much the troops are appreciated and how we owe them so very much. I thought it would be neat to share about this since there is so much, way too much negative out there and this is such a feel good happening to be shared. The performers were sincere and it could be felt strongly in all they did and said.

Posted by Wild Thing at 01:45 AM

November 30, 2005

The Vile Left Still Attacking Grey Eagle!

Wild Thing commnet.......She is a wife, a mother, a soldier. She is fighting for you, for me, for America, for the Iraq's to know freedom too, and God help us she is even fighting for the low life scum the LEFTIES that are attacking her. She is one of America's Heroes and I feel so fortunate that I can go to her blog and post to her that I am grateful to her. The left should be hung for what they are dolng to her, to so many of our troops. It angers me so much I can hardly type this. I will never forget what the left has been doing to our troops and has always done to our Military. Every death of one of our Military I blame also on the left. They are helping the enemy and they have always helped the enemy.


Thank you to Mr. Right, Cao and others that are making sure everyone knows about this horror being done to one of our own.


I HAVE HAD IT!

It was brought to my attention that my polls had been changed. When I went there, I was completely shocked by all the questions. Once again, it was originally designed to offer a voice in things. And once again it was abused. Do you people think that this is cute, or just hell-bent on trying to get me into trouble? Did I do something so offensive to you personally that you feel the need to attack me in such a personal way? Currently someone has offered to completely redesign this website with built in security. I cannot tell you how happy I am with that. To finally have a website where I can post my stories, and have visitors who do not have to contend with your hacks on soldier's tributes, insulting people with changing the polls, and the many other things you have done to this website. I know that this isn't the most secure website, I didn't realize that it was going be such a requirement when I designed it. I was obviously wrong. I wish to personally say I am sorry to anyone who has had to read or endure the messages or polls that may have been offensive on this website. You will note that the units have been removed from the menu in addition to the polls for the same security reasons. As upset and humilitaed as I am, I am not going to quit. I am not going to abandon this project, or terminate the website. I will learn, improve, adapt, and overcome your childish attacks. I should have known as soon as I saw that you were coming back out of hiding to resume posting your hateful and spiteful comments that something like this would occur.

I will hope and pray this will be the last time I have to post another message like this. But if not, know that I will not be defeated. I will not let your emails refering to me as a "baby killer", your calls for me to walk away from my duties, your questioning of my loyality to this county discourage me. I will not let your small minded attacks to my website deny me my voice, I have earned that right. And I will not continue to allow you to insult the visitors who come to this website to read or learn about life here. This is not a political website so please refrain from making it one. I will begin to delete your comments, I will backup this website so as to overcome your attacks, and I will await the completion of the new website.

Grey Eagle
"Air Assault"

Wild Thing's comment...................
Thank you 101st Airborne Division and Grey Eagle!! Please everyone, before you do anything else today, go tell Gray Eagle hi and post to her.

Posted by Wild Thing at 10:14 AM

November 28, 2005

To My Heroes - You Live In My Heart- I Will Never Forget!



The Chosin


With winter coming and maybe even already here in some States. With winter coming to Iraq and Afghanistan where so many of our troops are located. I was thinking of the well-known campaigns in the Korean War that took place in the Chosin Reservoir area of North Korea. Of all the wars where our Military had to fight in cold, unbearable cold weather, and then the sizzling humid heat of that our Vietnam Vets had to endure.

Today I received a letter from one of our solders in Baghdad. It was as though I had received a Christmas present early to get this letter today. His note inside was very kind and thanking me from his heart for my support. Can you imagine he was thanking me, I am no one special, he is the one that is over there and I am the one thanking him and all of our troops. I honestly can't remember one day that has gone by that I do not think about our Veterans or our Troops. In war time or peace I can never forget.

I would like to share these two videos with you. They are both very special. One is about Thanking our Troops.

Thank you Troops

And this one is about thanking not only our troops but our Veterans as well. In the song it says, "take a pittance, a pittance of time to never forget".........

Pittance of Time


They BOTH are awesome and I needed a lot of Kleenex for each of them. Turn up the volume and watch the videos. The music is great too!!!!

Posted by Wild Thing at 11:42 PM

November 24, 2005

You da Man, Charlie!





Musician Charlie Daniels Mission To Help Iraq Troops Takes Off

11/23/2005 9:30:13 AM

A morale-boosting project for troops in Iraq has reached a crescendo of giving.

When singer Charlie Daniels learned that soldiers lacked guitars for church services, he sent one of his own. He followed that by asking guitar manufacturers to follow his example.

The Mount Juliet (Tennessee) resident says only one company that he refuses to name turned down his request. Otherwise, he says the response has been more generous than he would have thought.

Nashville-based Gibson Guitar, one of the nation's top instrument makers, surprised Daniels by offering 100 guitars worth 35-thousand dollars, and thousands of dollars worth of accessories. Other companies have followed Gibson's example, donating hundreds more electric and acoustic guitars, as well as dozens of keyboards, drum kits, microphones and amplifiers. Contributions to the effort called "Operation Heartstrings" have included laptop computers and thousands of D-V-Ds and C-Ds.

Wild Thing Comment.............
Isn't is fabulous to see Charlie Daniels and the things, thw many things he does for our Troops and always has. He has never wavered in it either.

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:20 AM | Comments (3)

November 18, 2005

A Letter From A Soldier Serving In Iraq


Those of you that have been reading my blog know my passion for supporting our Military. I was visiting Mudville Gazette and saw this.............

I received an email from a mother whose son is currently fighting in Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division. He and his platoon have penned a message to the American public that is a little different from the message we are getting via the MSM. He asked his mom to help get this message out and she asked me. Here it from the soldiers on the ground.....

The letter is HERE

Thank you Greyhawk where I saw the link in a post at Mudville Gazette
and
Thank you SGT. Hook for sharing this powerful letter.

.


This letter is so awesome I want to share it with as many as I can........


Trackbacked at these wonderful Blogs:
Cao's Blog
Big Dog's Blog
TMH's Bacon Bits
The Blue State Conservatives
Jo's Cafe
NIF
Don Surber
Stuck on Stupid

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:50 AM | Comments (2)

November 10, 2005

**** Happy Birthday Devil Dogs! ****



.

"No Marine was ever honored for what they received.
Honor was the reward for what they gave."
(Anonymous)
.





This is the 2005 Marine Birthday Bronze Coin

For more information go HERE


Thank You Marines!

Love,

Wild Thing

Posted by Wild Thing at 12:58 AM | Comments (6)

Celebrate the Marines Birthday and Give Something Back - Project Valour-IT




A friendly fundraising competition for Project Valour-IT is happening in the blogging world.
Dates for this: November 2nd through Veterans Day (the 11th).
Why do you ask?:Because giving wounded warriors with hand and arm injuries access to a computer supports their healing and puts them back in touch with the world.
How it works: Blogger teams will be divided along military branches.

Additional information: every donor during this time will receive a Soldiers' Angels Coin. And they are beautiful!



Thank you Cox and Forkum

Holly Aho stepped up to the challenge of being the leader of the Marine Branch of the fundraising.

.

Here's how....
If you are a blogger:
Join my team!!! Put a post up on your blog letting people know about the Project Valour-IT Fundraising Competition. Leave a trackback to this post or leave a comment below to let me know you are officially on the Marine Team. [Or e-mail Holly at holly@sablogs.com]

If you are not a blogger, but a blog reader:

You can also help by spreading the word with flyers and word of mouth.
Starting November 2nd donate to Project Valour-IT to help us win the competition. Tell everyone you know about the competition. Details on how to do just that will be provided in the next day or so.

This will tell you exactly what this worthwhile project is all about and remember to sign up over at Holly's site

Flyers are over at Argghhh!!!


The Valour-IT blog is located at www.valour-it.blogspot.com where there's more information on the program and the competition.

If you wish you may mail donations to:
Soldiers Angels
Valour-IT Fund
1792 East Washington Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91104







Wild Things Comment......
Please donate to this worthy cause that will ensure our Warriors who have been injured to receive voice controlled software and laptop computers. They had our six and this is a great way we can say thank you and show them our support.


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Posted by Wild Thing at 12:32 AM | Comments (8)

November 06, 2005

Stamps Honoring Marines


Postal service to release exclusive USMC Stamps
Submitted by: MCRD San Diego

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Oct. 28, 2005) -- In honor of the 230th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps, the U.S. Postal Service is scheduled to release the U.S. Marine Corps Heritage Collection of four distinguished Corps postage stamps.

Purchase of the stamps will be available exclusively on Marine Corps installations Nov. 10 at $7.40 for a book of 20 stamps. Other post offices will begin sale of the stamps on Nov. 11.

Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., and Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., are scheduled to host the unveiling ceremonies Nov. 10. Brig. Gen. Michael Lehnert, Commanding General Marine Corps Installations West, is scheduled to speak at the West Coast event.

Each of the stamps features a picture of the respective Marine Corps hero and the military insignia of the unit with which he is most identified.

The John Basilone stamp features a detail of a 1943 photograph of Basilone and the insignia of the 5th Marine Division. Basilone served and died with the 1st Battalion, 27th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division during the invasion of Iwo Jima in February 1945.

The Daniel J. Daly stamp features a detail from a circa 1919 photograph of Daly and the insignia of the 73rd Machine Gun Company, which is a variation on the Army's 2nd Infantry Division insignia. During World War I, Daly served as a Marine with the 73rd Machine Gun Company in the 2nd Infantry Division.

The John A. Lejeune stamp features a detail from a circa 1924 photograph of Lejeune. The stamp also depicts the insignia of the Army's 2nd Infantry Division, which Lejeune commanded during World War I.

The Lewis B. Puller stamp features a photograph of Puller at Koto-ri, Korea, in 1950, and the insignia of the 1st Marine Division. Puller was a battalion commander and regimental commander with the 1st Marine Division during World War II and the Korean War.

Basilone, also known as "Manila John," fought on Guadalcanal with the 1st Marine Division in 1942 and received the Medal of Honor for his heroism.

Daly is one of only two Marines in history to receive the Medal of Honor twice for separate acts of heroism.

Lt. Gen. Lejuene was the first Marine to command an Army Division and later became the 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps.

Lt. Gen. Puller was a battalion and regimental commander with 1st Marine Division during World War II and the Korean War, and he earned five Navy Crosses.

The commemorative stamps will be printed only once and will be available for one year after being issued, according to USPS officials.

The Marine Corps specially produced two postmarks of the 1st Marine Division Fleet Marine Force unit insignia and the Camp Pendleton base insignia for the stamps. The postmarks are specific to Camp Pendleton and will only be available there and Washington, D.C.

"The special postmarks will be available on base for 30 days after the event and never again," said Mike Cannone, a USPS public affairs representative.

Also available for purchase is a U.S. Marine Corps silver dollar with a memorial of the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima on one side and the Corp's emblem on the other side.

"We are honored to be the first military service to receive a commemorative coin issued by the United States Mint. And we are particularly pleased that proceeds from this coin will help build the Marine Corps National Museum in Quantico (Va.)," said Marine Corps Assistant Commandant, Gen. William L. Nyland.

Posted by Wild Thing at 06:05 PM | Comments (6)

October 21, 2005

Let Our Troops Know We Are Here For Them


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Christmas will be here soon and Soldiers Angels founder Patti Bader, is requesting help. I read about this over at Mudville Gazette.Soldiers Angels is a non-profit organization. As you can see on the right side of my Blog I have a logo and link to her site.

I'm not sure I could ever give the full picture - but let's just say that this is one organization that meets every need of our military members and their families:
From airplane tickets to hotel bills
clothing and furniture to diapers
holiday presents and cards
letters and carepackages
moral support and round the clock sit-by-your-side in the hospital until your family gets here support
blankets
thermals and socks to providing armored blankets for army vehicles
babysitting
food for military families with employment struggles
computers for the wounded.

That's not even the half of it! This is a powerful organization dedicated to meeting needs - no BS to get in the way.

She also has a "cool stuff designed by Patti" and you know how we girls love to shop, just give us an excuse. Well this time we can shop till we drop and at the same time show our pride in supporting our troops.

What else can you do to help Soldiers' Angels and Valour-IT?


* Donate to Both if that is possible

* In the work place, how about telling your co-workers about it. I know where I work there are several people that truly support our troops and want to help.

* Donate while also giving to your favorite Charity.
Check out Buy for Charity, which gives a percentage of your online purchases to your favorite charity. You must register at Buy for Charity just once, selecting Soldiers' Angels under the category "miscellaneous" or entering "angels" in the search box. Then when you purchase online from over 350 affiliated companies (like The Gap, Dell Computers, Overstock.com, and many military equipment sites), a portion of your purchase price is donated to Soldiers' Angels!

* I listen to a lot of Talk Radio while at work and on the way home. What about calling into one of the shows and telling them about Sodliers Angels.


Driving around I see a lot of stickers on vehicles of supporting our troops. I have them on mine too. That is great, but this is even more action taken then a sticker on a car.

This gets things done, it is walking the walk and talking the talk.

And a Merry Christmas to all and to all a safe night!

Posted by Wild Thing at 10:33 PM

October 17, 2005

Blackfive Vists Walter Reed Hospital

Blackfive visited our wounded at Walter Reed Hospital. Read about our awesome Heroes at his Blog.

Thank you Blackfive and thank you Troops for all you do and the sacrifices you make. Our Troops Rock!

Posted by Wild Thing at 08:10 PM

October 08, 2005

To Any Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine

I am just one of hundreds of thousands that are so very proud of you. Thank you for protecting my Freedom,for all your hard work and dedication to this country. America is the best country to live and you are the reason why.

You are giving the most valuable gift you have, yourself, to ensure that everyone here in the U.S. can be safe. I pray for you each day and your families.

I know that you are making a lot of sacrifices and I think of this so often. Your service to our country fills me with such pride and love of our Freedom that does not come cheap.

Stay safe and know you are thought of each and every day.

Wild Thing
wildbronco at comcast.net

Please write a letter to the troops. It does make a difference for them to get letters from back home. Details how to do this can be found at SlagleRock's


Many of you may remember my original Letters To The Troops campaign.

Twice here at the Slaughterhouse I have hosted a drive to generate letters of support for the troops serving abroad.

The first letter project generated 328 letters of support by the deadline, and has generated more letters since then.

This last drive was an attempt to generate 500 or more letters of support for the troops for the holidays.

I am proud to say that the holiday letter project also exceeded its goal of 500. I received 50 letters hosted via the TrackBack to other great blogs. I received 130 letters in the comments of that post. I found more than 25 letters left on other blogs via TrackBack. I received another 251 letters directly in my email which I printed and forwarded. I also recieved 54 Christmas Cards from the classmates of a BlogFriends children. This post has also picked up a few more letters since the original deadline.

I have comrades in arms who have just recently deployed to such sunny locations as Iraq and others who have been in the sandbox for several months.

Bloggers, I urge each and every one of you to write your own letter to the troops overseas. Make it a general open letter to any Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine. Keep in mind that the people reading these letters will be both male and female of all ages, ethnic origins and religions. Once your letter is posted, please trackback to this post so that I may find and print your letter. Please direct your readers to this effort as well. Non-bloggers, please leave your open letter of support in the comment section of this post. While it is possible for you to email me your letters, I'd like to see them in the comments so that troops overseas can access and read them online.

I've decided to make this an ongoing effort. I have a button posted on the right side of my site for the "Letter Project". Other Bloggers such as Mamamontezz and Delftsman have also posted this button. Any blogger who is interested is welcome to copy the letter project button and put it up on your site.

Anytime you would like to say thank you to the troops in harms way this is one way to ensure your words are read, I have many military readers and all of my friends who are deployed get regular updates from my site.

Please forward the link to this post to as many people as you can, both Bloggers and non-bloggers.

Let's keep the letters coming year round.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far!

SlagleRock Out!


Posted by Wild Thing at 07:31 PM

Café Caters to U.S.Troops in Gulf Region


Army Specialist Joe Cornall buys a hot coffee at the Green Beans Cafe trailer, which is next to the Burger King and Subway sandwiches trailers, at Camp Udairi in the Kuwait desert.


“We had a vision, and we knew that this was the future for the Gulf. There are a lot of Americans overseas, and no one was going out there to serve them,” Jon said. “We have hot bar drinks like espresso, café mocha, cappuccino, hot chocolate and chai, which is an ancient Indian recipe of spices in a warm-milk base. Our cold bar drinks are frappes in chocolate and vanilla, as well as mocha. We have all the hot drinks on ice. We serve fresh-baked daily sweets: muffins, doughnuts and cookies.”


Jon said the idea behind his and his brother’s business was and is to serve only military troops in the Gulf region.

“The mission is to put cafes on U.S. military bases and to support operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. We were the only coffee company that wanted to go where no one else was willing to go. We wanted to provide a service that the troops needed,” he said.

The Green Beans Café now has 10 locations throughout the Gulf region. Jon said he and Jason plan to expand as the needs of the troops dictate.
“It’s a double reward. Definitely it’s rewarding when your company becomes profitable, but it’s also rewarding when you know you’re inspiring people. They come to us and say, ‘Thank God you guys are here,’” he said. “We go where the troops go, and if that means going into Baghdad, we are ready. That’s our job.”

More HERE

Posted by Wild Thing at 11:53 AM

Marines Participate In Martial Arts Training In Qatar


CAMP AS SAYLIYAH, Qatar – The wind is blowing hot and hard. The desert sand pollutes the air. It’s a starry night, but no one seems to notice.

Their eyes are hard and focused. Their camouflage pants are covered in sand, and their foreheads with small beads of sweat. Their concentration is hard to break. It is that of a warrior – that of a United States Marine working diligently to earn a “tan belt” in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. Read more HERE

Posted by Wild Thing at 11:39 AM

October 06, 2005

How Many Countries Should We Invade at Once?


How many countries should the US be allowed to invade at once?
This question was asked to a bunch of strangers on the street.

Check out their answers

Our Troops Rock!

Posted by Wild Thing at 08:45 PM | Comments (4)

October 05, 2005

Charlie Daniels Wows Troops in Tribute


WASHINGTON, Oct. 5, 2005 – The devil may have gone down to Georgia, but the Charlie Daniels Band went to the Association of the U. S. Army convention here Oct. 4 to pay a musical tribute to the troops and thank them for their service.

Daniels, a rock-solid supporter of the U. S. military who's been entertaining troops around the world for some 35 years, dazzled a foot-stomping, hand-clapping crowd in a jam-packed ballroom at a reception hosted by U. S. Army Europe.

Army Gen. B. B. Bell, USAREUR and 7th Army commander, said he invited Daniels to the event after the legendary performer fiddled his way into the hearts of U. S. troops deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Those visits, as well as the Oct. 4 performance, were part of the "Stars for Stripes" program, which brings top entertainment to U. S. troops, particularly those serving in remote locations not typically visited by United Service Organizations tours.

"He went to the most difficult and dangerous places" in the U. S. Central Command area of operations and entertained deployed military members without accepting a penny for his services, Bell said of Daniels and his band during an interview with the American Forces Press Service.

"He gives of himself selflessly," Bell said. "He's got all the qualities of a great soldier. "

As a tribute to Bell, a Tennessee native, Daniels played a rousing rendition of "Rocky Top," then slowed the action down with a solemn delivery of "Amazing Grace," encouraging those in the crowd to sing along.

"You should consider Charlie one of us," Army Brig. Gen. Russell Frutiger, USAREUR's deputy chief of staff for personnel, told the group.

Frutiger called Daniels "a relentless morale booster" who not only goes into harm's way to serenade the troops, but also launched "Operation Heartstrings" in partnership with Stars for Stripes to put musical instruments, recorded music, and DVD and CD players into the hands of deployed troops.

During the concert, retired Army Gen. Gordon Sullivan, former Army chief of staff and now president of AUSA, presented Daniels an award honoring his years of service to the military. "Thank you for what you have given to the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines . . . and the American people," Sullivan said.

Just as during Daniels' overseas tours, when he typically spent hours following his concerts signing autographs for every deployed servicemember who approached him, Daniels wrapped up his Oct. 4 performance meeting the troops, signing autographs and posing for photos.

Army Staff Sgt. Wendy Cooper from the 200th Theater Distribution Brigade, based in Kaiserslautern, Germany, was among those who stood in line for an opportunity to meet and get photographed with Daniels following the performance.

"He truly shows his support, and that means a lot," said Cooper, who stationed herself at the front of the group during the performance for a close-up view of Daniels and his band. "It's great to know that people support us. "

"He's absolutely awesome," agreed Army Capt. Elizabeth Barnaby, an occupational therapist assigned to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, in Germany. "I can't thank him enough for being that supportive. "

While signing autographs, Daniels told the American Forces Press Service he remembers the day Pearl Harbor was bombed in 1941 and has had a love affair with the military ever since.

"Everyone in uniform is a hero to me," he said. "I've felt that way since I was 5 years old, and nothing has ever changed. "

In closing his concert, Daniels expressed his ongoing support and hinted that the Charlie Daniels Band will continue to visit troops when they're deployed.

"Thank you for what you're doing around the world," he said. "And wherever you happen to be, don't be surprised if we show up. "

Posted by Wild Thing at 04:59 PM

October 03, 2005

Video of our Brave Military! They ROCK!

"History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid" - General Dwight D. Eisenhower
"There is a rank due to the United States, among nations, which will be withheld, if not absolutely lost, by the reputation of weakness. If we desire to avoid insult, we must be able to repel it; if we desire to secure peace, one of the most powerful instruments of our rising prosperity, it must be known that we are at all times ready for war." --George Washington

Latest Video Compilation of our Brave Soldiers Fighting for our Freedon. Click HERE


I support our Military I hope you do too. If you do not then get the hell off this Blog!


Those of you that Support our Troops you are invited to visit my Troops Today page

Posted by Wild Thing at 04:41 PM | Comments (2)