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.
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
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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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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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.
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......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
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.
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
Fallen soldier's dad, American Airlines team up to ship donated supplies to Iraq
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
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Miss Universe says had "lot of fun" in Guantanamo
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.
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
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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.
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.
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.
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
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?'
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
..... 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
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.
Keela's website:
.
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.
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.
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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
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:
Special Thank you to Doug Lyvere ( SgtMaj, Marine ret.) Director, Western Operations, Eagles Up
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
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.
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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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)
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)
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
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.
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
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
WEBSITE FOR Operation MySpace to Support The Troops
Jessica's MYSpace
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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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
* 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
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 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
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
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)
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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!
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
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.
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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.
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Kid Rock on Entertaining Troops
BALAD, Iraq
Dec. 20, 2007
Kid Rock is devoted to entertaining American troops as part of the USO.
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.”
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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.
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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.
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.... Thank you Bob for telling me about this.
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* 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.
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....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
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
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
Disabled veterans jeered at swimming pool
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
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
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...................
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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, Iraq — Sunday, 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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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 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."
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
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
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)
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.
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:
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."
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 t