bin Landin Bites the Dust, Thx to USA

If you would like the facts about this (in a way they would only write about a democrat), please read MSNBC and/or Fox News. Why? Because all I want to do is celebrate. :)

I haven't been able write much lately, but I will try to post everyday once I have found a place to live. I'm not homeless yet. I have until the 8th of May, and I have a good prospect in hand. I just don't want anyone to think I've stopped writing or died. Nope. :)

I do miss you all. No matter how many friends I've made, not many know my brother died and went to Heaven in November 2010. I was shaken off rocker. I'm trying to come back, but I have over 10,000 unread email messages! Ugh.

Thank you all for your patience. You are the greatest!

PS. Just so you know...I won't really be celebrating his death. Why not? Because we are not supposed to (if you are a Christian). We are not supposed to hate our enemies. Gosh, Jesus is incredible, cuz I'm having a hard time not hating them (islamists, not Muslims). Have a great day.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again.

Former Pres Greets Soldiers

Do you remember those signs that said, 'Do you miss me yet?' This video is musical combined with Former President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush greeting our men and women home from The War. It takes me back. Very heart-warming.

Here is the link in case my computer is out to lunch. ;)

Hat Tip: Michael G. Castle via Twana.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again. Digg!

Video Potpourri 7/10/10

New Videos from RightPunditsMedia.
Lake Pontchartrain: tar balls washing ashore.

New Videos from idfnadesk.
3D al-Khiam Demo: How Hezbollah Uses South Lebanese Villages as Military Bases.

New Videos from unclejimbomadcity.
ITC-Turkey, Allied with who?
Rocky Versace & Vietnam Memorial dedication 2002. (For this one, reading the writings is very important. Keep your hand close to the pause button. God bless our Heroes.)

New Videos from cindeemorgan.
CRI's Elliot Miller's Video Series, "Is Anybody Out There? A Truth Seeker's Guide to the Universe".

New Videos from secularstupidest.
"Stand in Awful Silence" America the Beautiful with Lewis Shaeffer.

New Videos from DraftCain2012.
Tribute to Herman Cain! ATL Tea Party.
Red Skelton The Pledge of Allegiance.
The Gettysburg Address.

News Videos from ReasonTV.
Lessons From LeBron: What Clevelanders Should Really Be Pissed About.
Education Under Obama: A Conversation with Former Assistant Secretary of Education Bill Evers.
Louisiana Superintendent of Education Paul Pastorek on the New Orleans School Choice Revolution.
Katrina's Silver Lining: The School Choice Revolution in New Orleans.
It's The Love Boat...For Ideas! Reason's First-Ever Cruise, Feb. 2011!
Get Reason's iPhone App Right Now!
Adam Bellow on The New Threats to Freedom.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again. Digg!

Gen. McChrystal Awards Four Silver Stars for Valor

Soldiers receive a Silver Star for exceptional valor from U.S. Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, the commander of the International Security Assistance Forces and U.S. Forces in Afghanistan, at Forward Operating Base Fenty in eastern Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province, April 9, 2010.

U.S. Army Capt. Christopher B. Cordova, U.S. Army 1st Lt. Andrew L. Bundermann, Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan G. Hill and U.S. Army Sgt. Thomas C. Rasmussen, all with 3rd Sqdn., 61st Cav. Regt., were awarded the Silver Star by McChrystal during the ceremony.

Hill exemplified the skill and bravery of a Cavalry Scout while leading his platoon in the platoon leader's absence during the battle of Combat Outpost Keating. Hill led and directed his platoon while exposing himself to a heavy barrage of enemy fire, and organized multiple efforts to recover fallen Soldiers under effective, accurate fire.

Bundermann orchestrated the defense of Combat Outpost Keating, preventing it from falling into the hands of a Taliban force of more than 400 fighters.

Rasmussen volunteered to assault the ammunition supply point and establish a stronghold at Combat Outpost Keating after it was overrun by more than 400 insurgent fighters. He was a critical member of the assault team that pushed to a battle position and recovered two American Heroes.

Cordova was recognized for displaying mental endurance and technical competence in treating and evacuating 16 U.S. and Afghan National Security Forces casualties and an additional 27 'walking wounded' during a violent engagement with enemy forces last October.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan G. Hill, from Blacksburg, Va., with Troop B, 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, Task Force Destroyer, receives a Silver Star for exceptional valor from U.S. Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, the commander of the International Security Assistance Forces and U.S. Forces in Afghanistan, at Forward Operating Base Fenty in eastern Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, April 9. Hill exemplified the skill and bravery of a Cavalry Scout while leading his platoon in the platoon leader's absence during the battle of Combat Outpost Keating. Hill led and directed his platoon while exposing himself to a heavy barrage of enemy fire, and organized multiple efforts to recover fallen Soldiers under effective, accurate fire. U.S. Army Capt. Christopher B. Cordova, U.S. Army 1st Lt. Andrew L. Bundermann and U.S. Army Sgt. Thomas C. Rasmussen, all with 3rd Sqdn., 61st Cav. Regt., were also awarded the Silver Star by McChrystal during the ceremony. Photo by Pfc. Elizabeth Raney.


U.S. Army 1st Lt. Andrew L. Bundermann, from Bovey, Minn., with Troop B, 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, Task Force Destroyer, receives a Silver Star for exceptional valor from U.S. Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, the commander of the International Security Assistance Forces and U.S. Forces in Afghanistan, at Forward Operating Base Fenty in eastern Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, April 9. Bundermann orchestrated the defense of Combat Outpost Keating, preventing it from falling into the hands of a Taliban force of more than 400 fighters. U.S. Army Capt. Christopher B. Cordova, Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan G. Hill and U.S. Army Sgt. Thomas C. Rasmussen, all with 3rd Sqdn., 61st Cav. Regt., were also awarded the Silver Star by McChrystal during the ceremony. Photo by Pfc. Elizabeth Raney

U.S. Army Sgt. Thomas C. Rasmussen, from Mound, Minn., with Troop B, 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, Task Force Destroyer, receives a Silver Star for exceptional valor from U.S. Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, the commander of the International Security Assistance Forces and U.S. Forces in Afghanistan, at Forward Operating Base Fenty in eastern Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, April 9. Rasmussen volunteered to assault the ammunition supply point and establish a stronghold at Combat Outpost Keating after it was overrun by more than 400 insurgent fighters. He was a critical member of the assault team that pushed to a battle position and recovered two American Heroes. U.S. Army Capt. Christopher B. Cordova, U.S. Army 1st Lt. Andrew L. Bundermann and Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan G. Hill, all with 3rd Sqdn., 61st Cav. Regt., were also awarded the Silver Star by McChrystal during the ceremony. Photo by Pfc. Elizabeth Raney

U.S. Army Capt. Christopher B. Cordova, from Mechanicsville, Md., with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, Task Force Destroyer, receives a Silver Star for exceptional valor from U.S. Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, the commander of the International Security Assistance Forces and U.S. Forces in Afghanistan, at Forward Operating Base Fenty in eastern Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, April 9. Cordova was recognized for displaying mental endurance and technical competence in treating and evacuating 16 U.S. and Afghan National Security Forces casualties and an additional 27 'walking wounded' during a violent engagement with enemy forces last October. U.S. Army 1st Lt. Andrew L. Bundermann, Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan G. Hill and U.S. Army Sgt. Thomas C. Rasmussen, all with 3rd Sqdn., 61st Cav. Regt., were also awarded the Silver Star by McChrystal during the ceremony.

SOURCE: Posted by MsMarti - on Sunday, April 11, 2010 at 17:30 in Afghanistan News, Hall of Heroes - Stories of Valor, Honoring Our Heroes. | Permalink.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again. Digg!

Afghan commando honored for bravery in Kabul attacks

by Staff Sgt. Sarah Brown
ISAF Public Information Office

KABUL, Afghanistan (Jan. 25, 2010) – Less than five days after he helped stop one of the largest insurgent attacks on Kabul since October, a member of the Afghan National Army 6th Kandak commando unit was recognized for his bravery by the ANA Chief of Staff.

For his bravery and actions that day, General Bismillah Khan Mohammadi presented 1st Lt. Mentaz with a promotion and the Baryal Medal 1st State during the a commando graduation ceremony at Camp Morehead. Mentaz shot and killed a suicide bomber before the bomber could detonate his vest preventing potentially significant loss of life and damage

A company of other commandos, also from the 6th Kandak, were recognized for their efforts in defeating the insurgency attack, which was subdued in five hours.

Speaking to the crowd of more than 1,000 graduates, trainers and trainees, Mohammadi praised the efforts of Mentaz and the commandos with him who responded to the Kabul crisis.

"They were able to overcome these insurgents in a very quick time. The Taliban insurgents were very experienced and they knew what to do, but you know the person who doesn't care about his life, he can do anything, but the reaction of the Afghan security force was in my perspective, excellent, they did a great job," said Mohammadi. The same operation which is happen in other countries would last for two, three days. I see it as a great achievement."

A kandak is the Afghan equivalent to a U.S. Army battalion, and with 929 graduates, the 7th Kandak was the largest class to graduate since the first commando unit completed training July 28, 2007. The next class, the 8th Kandak, begins training Feb. 13, and will have about 1,000 students; the overall goal is to create nine Kandaks.

The 12-week commando course is modeled after U.S. Army Ranger training, and instructors are Special Forces mentors and advisors. According to the Task Force Morehead commander, ANA commandos have one of the lowest attrition rates in the Afghan national security forces, something U.S. Army Lt. Col. Kerry Costello credits to the training and dedication of the students.

"Each Kandak has a special forces embedded with them. I firmly believe the old adage that good teachers make good students and from doing PT [physical training] to marching to shooting and moving drills, these guys are with the trainees every day," said he said. "The ANA commando's have the lowest problem with retention in the ANA service. I believe they are better motivated; the course is very physically demanding, but they get more money, better rations and living conditions. These guys are the best of the best."

Commando positions are a special duty; volunteers are chosen from ANA after they have completed the eight-week basic training course at the Kabul Military Training Center. In addition to the commando benefits, one of the key reasons the American mentors think the training program is so successful is that commandos are now being trained by other commandos. The U.S. Special Forces provide mentorship and technical training, but the vast majority of commandos are being trained by CTE cadre.

Every trainee learns basic rifle marksmanship, individual maneuvering techniques and squad, platoon and company size operations. Afghan Command Sgt. Maj. Mirwais, in charge of the Afghan-led Commando Training Element said that much of the 12-weeks is spent on weapons qualification, including basic and then advanced marksmanship, mounted and dismounted patrol, close-quarters combat techniques, room entry and clearance procedures.

"The training is the best," said Mirwais, and indicating the recent graduates and the commandos from the 6th Kandak, added, "And this is the best Afghanistan has to offer."

PHOTO: Afghan National Army commando 1st Lt. Mumtaz, 6th Kandak, receives congratulations from Gen. Bismillah Khan Mohammadi, for his bravery in helping fight the Taliban who attacked Kabul Jan. 18, 2010.

Source: US CENTCOM.

From VietNam To Afghanistan: A Family Of Heroes

Army Pilot, Retired Marine Father Receive Silver Star Awards During Special Ceremony.

By Spc. George Welcome
101st Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (29 Nov. 2008) — Thirty years separate the conclusion of the Vietnam War and the start of the Global War on Terrorism. While time, tactics and technology have made today’s military vastly different from the one which fought in the jungles of Vietnam, the common denominator in the two conflicts is the American service member, whose bravery and sacrifices secure peace and freedom for America and its allies.

It is a rare occurrence when a Soldier receives a Silver Star for courage under fire. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jonathan Harris became one of the few Soldiers to receive the prestigious award on the evening of Nov. 28, during a ceremony at Combined Joint Task Force-101 Headquarters. But the fact that his father, Retired Staff Sgt. Gary Harris, was also presented with a Silver Star made the event all the more special.

Through the magic of video teleconferencing, the Harris family got to watch as the younger Harris was presented the Silver Star by Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Schloesser, CJTF-101 commanding general, from the conference room at Fort Campbell, Ky. Meanwhile, Soldiers from CJTF-101 watched the video screen, as the elder Harris was pinned with not only the Silver Star, but a Bronze Star he earned as a Marine serving in Vietnam, which were never formally presented to him.

"It's very rare that we present the Silver Star," Schloesser explained to those in attendance at both Fort Campbell and Afghanistan. "We have a very high standard and we make sure that the few who do earn it have done so through selfless sacrifice. It's clear that Mr. Harris did that, and it is also clear that the nation owes a debt to Staff Sgt. (Ret.) Gary Harris, it was almost 40 years ago that he earned it, and I hope in some small way that we can pay back that debt by presenting him his award with his son's today."

Personal courage and selfless service run deep in the Harris family bloodline, as both father and son reacted similarly in their encounters with enemy forces, by risking their lives to ensure the safety of their comrades.

The elder Harris displayed this courage on Aug. 15, 1969 when as a squad leader in Vietnam, his company which was patrolling the outer perimeter near Gol Ree, was attacked with mortar and rocket fire. He quickly directed the members of his squad to return fire on the enemy. As the attack died down, he moved his squad closer to the perimeter, which had been weakened during the barrage. As the enemy resumed its assault, he directed his squad to return fire once again, breaking the enemy attack. During the engagement, he risked his life by helping medics aid wounded Marines and helped bring them to safety.

The younger Harris also displayed bravery in the face of danger by exposing himself to enemy fire. On July 2, 2008, Harris, who is a UH-60 Black Hawk pilot assigned to Company C, 5th Battalion, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, landed his helicopter at a landing zone near Gardez, Afghanistan, to pick up infantry Soldiers for transport, when his aircraft came under attack by enemies using rocket propelled grenades, a heavy machine gun and various assault rifles.

With the aircraft on fire, Harris and crew manage[d] to fly it a short distance before putting it down again. After safely exiting the burning helicopter, the entire crew took up a defensive posture. They managed to contact a CH-47 Chinook, which was in the area to help extract them from the battlefield. As the Chinook landed, the enemy resumed fire. It was then that Harris, who was helping one of his wounded crew chiefs to the helicopter, exposed himself to fire by engaging and killing an approaching enemy combatant. He entered the helicopter only after ensuring that the members of his crew, the ground forces and the quick reaction force were safely aboard.

"Mr. Harris has been great since the incident," said Sgt. DeeJay Norby, a crew chief who was also involved in the action at Gardez. "He didn't get down or anything afterward; he went right back to business doing his job. It's really awesome getting to fly with a great group of pilots and crew chiefs."

This was not the first award that Harris received during the deployment; he was also presented with the Air Medal with Valor device.

In his short address, Harris thanked his flight crew and the crew of the Chinook that performed the rescue operation. "I'm so lucky to serve with so many great heroes," said Harris. "Without them, the outcome might not have been so good."

He also gave a heartfelt thank you to his father, whose life and service set the example for him. "Every time people thank us for our service, I tell them to thank a Vietnam vet; so dad I want to thank you today."

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jonathan Harris receives a handshake from Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Schloesser, after being presented the Silver Star during an award ceremony at Combined Joint Task Force-101 Headquarters on Nov. 28, 2008. Photographer: Spc. George Welcome, 101st Combat Avation Brigade Public Affairs.

Source: DVIDSHub. (You must be registered.)

Simply AWESOME! Thank you both! And thanks to all the other people who helped. Godspeed.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again.

Everyday I have an Open Trackback Linkfest party for all my friends - the ones I know and the ones I will come to know. If you have a post you would like to share, why not trackpost it here? All you have to do is add my Permalink somewhere in your article (usually at the bottom), then trackback to it. You don't have trackbacks available? Why not use Wizbang Stand Alone Trackback? Everyone have a nice day.

Friends I've shared this post with: Pirate's Cove: Pirate Weekend Linkfest Sticky Black Friday Weekend Edition, Cao's Blog: Cao's Blog, The Pink Flamingo - WordPress: Part I: What The Heck Is Going On In This World?, Political Byline: Final Thoughts, Faultline USA: Obama Change Bush Just Might Believe In, L.O.M.A.: WFFOT Fire Sylvester Croom Now, Walls of the City: sensor ping LIII, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

Friends who've shared their posts for your reading pleasure:
1. Rosemary's News and Ideas: From VietNam To Afghanistan: A Family Of Heroes.
This is an amazing family of heroes who have been protecting our country and our lives for generations. They both earned the Silver Star and were presented it today, but Harris' Dad earned his 39 years ago during the VietNam War. It's about time!
2. Faultline USA: Bill Clinton Will Disclose List of Donors.
According to several news sources former President Bill Clinton will attempt to clear the way for Senator Hillary Clinton to be nominated as secretary of state by disclosing the names of over 200,00 donors to his foundation...
3. Conservative Cat: If Momma Ain't Happy, Ain't Nobody Happy.
WARNING!!! Beyond this line lies... The Ellie Zone It's filled with fluffy bunnies and pink decorations! *shudders* Enter at the risk of your sanity. *tears down the pink and fluffiness* Ok. Maybe not fluffiness. *puts fluffiness back* But Pink has...
4. Wall of the City: too easy to fix.
This topic has been raging for a few weeks now, so I guess it is time for me to weigh in. My solution for the "problem" posed by homosexual "marriages" is simple: Get the government out of the marriage business...
5. Beagle Scout: The Real Cost of Government Regulation is Paid With Human Lives.
The US government has set the price of a human life for the purposes of new regulations at 7 million dollars...
6. The World According To Carl: Uncle Jay Explains The News — December 1, 2008.
Uncle Jay's news word for this week is interim...
7. The World According To Carl: College Football — MSU Bulldogs, FSU Seminoles & NO Saints.
Well, this weekend was a major bummer for me in regards to football both college and pro. All three football teams of which I am a fan (Mississippi State Bulldogs, Florida State Seminoles, & New Orleans Saints) all lost this weekend. Of the three,...
8. Leaning Straight Up: Barack Obama bought a ring, e i e i o….
So one of the blog headlines on Drudge and in various email alerts was this story about Obama buying Michelle a 30k Diamond encrusted Rhodium ring to say thanks. Michelle Obama is to receive this $20,000 thank you from her husband for her support duri...
9. Right Voices: AP: Atheists continue to win friends, influence people.
With a nod to the winter solstice - the year's shortest day, occurring in late December - the placard reads, in part, "There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds." Tr...
10. Woman Honor Thyself: Spoiled Kids = Violent Teens.
Observe young adults: They strut around, with their pants near their ankles, walking in front of vehicles travelling 47 mph with some overblown sense of entitlement...

Cross-posted @ Rosemary's News and Ideas. Trackback URI. Digg!

American Hero: Joe Dan 'Doc' Worley

The group of Vets For Freedom is very actively trying to get their message to public so you can know the truth the dinosaur media refuses to tell. They have news reports, actions that you may participate in to help, videos, and a special section for American Patriot Heroes. Today I will share with you one of those Heroes. (The writing below is done by Vets For Freedom.)

Joe Dan "Doc" Worley.

On September 17, 2004, while on patrol with Marines from the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, in Fallujah, Iraq, an IED exploded into a humvee killing a Marine and an Iraqi Interpreter. Not even 10 days prior, his former platoon had seven Marines killed in action when a vehicle borne IED drove into their patrol. The attrition from the blast was so severe that the platoon, known as Pale Rider Three, would be disbanded and the surviving Marines sent to other platoons in Fox Company.

Immediately reacting to the explosion, Doc Worley went into automatic pilot. No one needed to explain to this Corpsman the importance of his job after an enemy attack. Worley grabbed his aid bag and took off toward the thick smoke, preparing himself for the worst-case scenario of this close quarters explosion.

As Worley sprinted across a bridge, a secondary IED exploded only a few feet away from him, ripping off his left leg instantly. Experiencing mind-numbing pain throughout his entire body, Worley began to assess his own condition, something he had done countless times for others. He put himself through the life saving aid procedures as he had so many other times to others, when there were too many injured for one Corpsman to handle. Worley applied a tourniquet just above his own left knee, an extremely painful procedure that was vital in saving his own life. [Continue reading at the Veterans For Freedom.]

Also read more about Doc Worley's story here on CBS News.

For more patriots' stories, please read more at Vets For Freedom: American Patriots. Here is a list of some of them.

Read About Other American Patriots:

1st Sgt Brad Kasal, Brian Chontosh, Chris Neidziocha, Cpl. Carlos Gomez-Perez, JC Matteson, Joe Dan "Doc" Worley, Josh Glover, Juan Rubio, Juanita Wilson, LCpl Ben Gonzalez, Leigh Ann Hester, Nathan and Jared Hubbard, Sean A. Stokes, Sgt. Anthony Viggiani, USMC, Staff Sergeant Michael Dickinson.

American Patriot Profiles are posted frequently. Please check back often for updates. If you know of a patriot you would like to see profiled, please let us know.

These are truly remarkable men and women, and we owe them more than we could ever repay. That is why we must do everything in our power to help by volunteering at the Veterans Administration Hospitals in our area, and we must prevent the wacked out nuts who would rather destroy our country and turn it over to al Qaida than to stand up and fight for their rights themselves. Shameful, but true. We must not fret, however. We must decide to take a stand, and stand. Have a nice day.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again.

Cross-posted @ The Talon and Rosemary's News and Ideas. Digg!

Everyday I have an Open Trackback Linkfest party for all my friends - the ones I know and the ones I will come to know. If you have a post you would like to share, why not trackpost it here? All you have to do is add my Permalink somewhere in your article (usually at the bottom), then trackback to it. You don't have trackbacks available? Why not use Wizbang Stand Alone Trackback? Everyone have a nice day.

Friends I have trackbacked to through Linkfest and others: The Pink Flamingo, The Virtuous Republic, Dumb Ox Daily News, Democrat=Socialist, The World According to Carl, and Shadowscope, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

Friends who have shared their posts for your reading pleasure:
2 Beagle Scout - The CatholicVote Video.
Catholic Vote has a beautiful and moving video essay on what matters most, and what matters less, on what is seen in the media, and what is invisible
3 Beagle Scout - ACORN Agitates to “beat McCain down” and Steal the Election for Obama.
Sister Toldjah found this video of Acorn Workers agitating for Obama outside a McCain-Palin office in Philly...
4 Beagle Scout - Darnell Nash: Fraudulent Voter.
The first identified fraudulent vote in the 2008 elections was cast by Darnell Nash of Cuyahoga County, Ohio...
5 Beagle Scout - How Inflation Happens.
Bart Fuller tells an instructive story at Mises.org.
Items for sale included various candy bars, treats and toys, with a couple of gift cards to ice cream shops and bookstores to make it interesting. Everyone who took part started out with the sam...
6 third world county - "No presence".
“Just another guy peddling his viewpont.”–Joe the Plumber’s reaction to The One...

Trackback URL [Right click, 'Copy Shortcut', paste to trackback.]

Wednesday Hero: Cpt. Kent G. Solheim

It was another hot day in July. Life was being lived as if nothing was happening, nothing was more important than getting to the beach, the barb-e-que, the shopping mall; but not so for an Army Captain and his team on the 27th of July. No, they were geared up for a mission that no one noticed, but one mission that would change the lives of millions of Iraqis. The mission: Operation VOLCANO II.

Operation VOLCANO II was an operation with the desired outcome of capturing (or killing) a senior leader of the Mahdi Army, Mukkie's insurgency which is still run by Iran. This is a bunch of crazy Shi'ites located in Karbala, Iraq. Cpt. Solheim's team and he "fast roped" into their Area of Operation (AO) and quickly set up their position near the target building.

While we were out swimming to relieve the heat, they were faced with a situation where they were three cubed in between some of the meanest insurgents in Iraq. As soon as they hit the ground, they found themselves cubed. A vicious attack against the American Forces persued. Those cretons were using rocketpropelled grenades (RPGs) and AK-47s. It was necessary to call in the air support to eliminate these scumbags, because...well, besides the fact they are the enemy...it was a very fierce fire fight.

Though the air support relieved them of most of the cretons, many did manage to remain hidden beneath the dust from the assault force's helicopter. They were to the north of Captain Solheim and his unit.

MORE OF THIS ARTICLE BELOW:

Hometown: Oregon City, OR.
Awarded: Silver Star.
Interview: June 18, 2008 — ABC (935 KB).
Download this hero's story: Right click and "Save Target As..." to download.

The insurgents started to target one certain area of soldiers, so Captain Solheim swiftly and aggressively managed to move his team over to their area for reinforcements. He did this to protect those soldiers who were deleaguered and trapped.

As he did this, he took note of an armed creton with an RPG less than ten meters from him. Without regard for his own safety, he charged this bastard, shot and killed him. This action alone saved many American Forces just in time.

At this time he turned his sights on the building and realizing his troops were in imminent danger from insurgents, Captain Solheim left himself exposed to the enemy once again so that he get better positioned to act as a cover for his team. Now he was in place to limit the enemy's attacks on his team and himself.

But the fight was still going, they do not give up that easily. The only mistake they made was thinking that Captain Solheim and his team would! One of those creeps tried to sneak up on him with an AK-47. He WAS a Mahdi Army soldier, but that was the last day he would hurt or intimidate anyone else. Captain Solheim made a split second decision as he turned to see him there, and he fired at his weapon at him, killing him. Unfortunatelly, however, this creton did manage to get off one final round of his AK-47 which caught Captain Solheim in his legs and back.

"Thanks to Captain Solheim's selfless and heroic actions, dozens of American lives were saved. His actions demonstrated how he placed the lives of his men over that of his own, earning him the Silver Star."

That's my kind of Hero! Thank God he lived through this. I pray his injuries were not so severe as they sound. Do you like to know more the people who are risking it all so that you can do the things you choose to do? Would you like to become a part a messanger?

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives
so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday.
For that, I am proud to call them Hero.

We Have Every Right To Dream Heroic Dreams.
Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes,
They Just Don't Know Where To Look

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for all that you do. Even the telephone operators who think they are doing nothing, if it were not for you, how would I find anyone? And let us not forget those who are seldom remembered by the public...the families who sacrice too. I have no words to let you know how grateful I am for your selflessness other than a simple 'Thank you'. God bless you all. ;)

Cross-posted @ The Talon.

Update: I have been writing what I thought to be the Wednesday Hero blogburst, but it appears as though I have been mistaken. While it is true that I post my hero articles on Wednesday, they are not the one specified by the blogroll. I would like to offer my sincere apologies, I am wrong. I will continue to write in this fashion, but not under the guise of Wednesday Hero. I will, however, begin to write the proper Wednesday Hero! I don't give up that easy! ;)

Afghan army commander hailed for innovations

by Sgt. Jessica Dahlberg
CJTF-101

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (June 22, 2008) — The Heroes Program, an individual-recognition program for service members who have performed acts of bravery against insurgents and criminals, recently recognized Commander Mohammad Ahsraf, of the Afghan National Army’s 3rd Brigade, 201st Corps. Ashraf started his military career 22 years ago as a second lieutenant. He now controls the ANA in 10 provinces, where his innovative mind has come up with new ideas on how the ANA should work.

One of Ashraf’s ideas was to coordinate missions with the Afghanistan National Police to get them more involved. “I made it part of my standard operating procedure to make the Afghanistan National Police part of my missions,” said Ashraf. Ashraf created a Provincial Coordination Center in Laghman province. It was the first province where he tested his idea about the ANA and ANP working together.

Ashraf’s idea has spread throughout all the provinces he has worked within. In the Kapisa province, Ashraf and his friend of two years, Bakhtyar Padschagul, the Police Chief of the Nijrab District, worked together to make their province safer. “The ANA just helps support the ANP,” said Ashraf. “They have their own chain of command and system in place, we coordinate with the ANP to work together to make our province safer.” The ANP is responsible for the security of the district, and they ensure the safety and well-being of the district and people by holding checkpoints and conducting patrols around the villages, said Padschagul. While conducting these patrols, the ANA will secure the area, and then the ANP will be the ones who actually go in and search the houses.

The ANA and ANP in the Nijrab District meet often to coordinate and plan missions together for their joint team. Along with his innovative ideas, Ashraf shows his bravery just by showing up to work everyday. He has had Taliban leaders try to murder him because of what he is doing for his country. However, Ashraf does not fear the threats on his life because he puts his trust in his soldiers. “They are like my family members, and they take care of me and protect me just as I do for them,” said Ashraf.

The love that Ashraf and his soldiers have for each other is what makes the 201st Corps so successful. “When the enemy comes up against Ashraf and his men, they either run or die,” said Marine Capt. Jesse Melton. Ashraf is a brave and courageous man, and in every province he has worked in, no one has ever been unhappy with his work. He takes care of his soldiers and his people by fighting every day despite Taliban threats.

Bakhtyar Padschagul, left, Nijrab District police cheif, and Commander Mohammad Ashraf, commander, Afghan National Army 3rd Brigade, 201st Corps, shake hands at Forward Operating Base Morales-Frazier in the Nijrab District, Kapisa province, Afghanistan, June 20. Padschagul and Ashraf are known throughout Nijrab for working together to bring stability and security to the people of the district. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jessica R. Dahlberg).

Source: CENTCOM.

Wednesday's Hero: Lt. Scott H. Sparrow

DefenseLink.mil.

Today we are honoring Lt. Scott Sparrow. He is a remarkable young man, and I am proud to share him with you.

Hometown: Layton, UT
Awarded: Bronze Star
External Links: The Martha Zoller Show story.
Interview: Jun. 6, 2008 – ABC (7.7MB).
Download this hero's story: Right click and "Save Target As..." to download.

Please take some time and read the materials provided. It is important that we know not only the number of people who are risking their lives for us, but it is also important that we know who they are. They have families, they came from somewhere, they had lives other than fighting wars. We owe them as least this much respect, especially when it is provided to us. Thank you so much, and God bless you!

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again.

Cross-posted @ Rosemary's Thoughts. Rosemary's News and Ideas.

Wednesday Hero: Sgt. Crystal C. Johnson

Today's Wednesday Hero is a young lady whose life was changed forever on that September 12, 2006, night in Iraq. Her convoy of 17, she was driving in the lead, was somewhere in the quiet of an Iraqi night. Suddenly they were under ambush in all directions, and her truck took the brunt of an explosively formed penetrator (EFP) – the most dangerous kind of improvised explosive device.

After realizing her Commanding Officer, Lt. Emily Perez, was killed in the blast, she realized it was up to her to take charge. She quickly turned to the gunner who had first pulled her from the truck, Specialist Truesdell, to rescue their translator from inside the Humvee. Shortly after they rescued him through the flames, the ammunition caught fire and started firing in every which direction.

She started applying life-saving first aid on this man, and when back-up came, she continued her work. When the back-up did arrive, then Corporal Johnson refused medical attention until everyone else attended to, and she also helped in this area. She had received shrapnel and burns from the VFP.

While they were out there alone, Specialist Truesdell stood fighting the terrorists that were still threatening them. They had only one gun, and as you know, the other ammo had already gone off in the fire.

This was a turning point for then-Colornal Johnson. She discovered something deep within her. She had found her calling. She extended her deployment to become to a full fledged Army Medic! For her actions that day, she earned a Purple Heart and the Army's Commendation Medal with "V".

I thank God everyday for special people such as Sgt. Crystal C. Johnson. What an Honor it is to have people like her in our midst.

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives
so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday.
For that, I am proud to call them Hero.

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Here is some more information:

Hometown: Glendale, CA
Awarded: Army Commendation Medal
External Links: Sgt. Crystal Johnson – Remembers Lt. Emily Perez.
Download this hero's story: Right click and "Save Target As..." to download.

You may also hear her interview on The Martha Zoller Show.

Posts I've trackposted to at Linkfest and other sites:

The Amboy Times: Barak Obama Sr: "Problems Facing Our Socialism".
third world county: A Primer on Global Warming.
Dumb Ox Daily News: She's Not Go-o-o-one Yet!
Adam's Blog: Karate Kid Quote For Wednesday.
Right Voices: Is It The Democratic Delegates Or The Battleground States That Win General Elections.
Thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.
Tel-Chai Nation: Obama's payroll includes Nation of Islam members.

. Digg!
Posts that have trackbacked to this post:

1. Wolf Pangloss: Kerry, Obama, KO: Second Verse, Same as the First.
See-Dubya has a terrific video comparison between John Kerry and Barack Obama with a great Shirley Bassey sound-track behind it. Not as dynamite as the Goldfinger theme, but better than any Bond theme since Diamonds are Forever. The combo is reeeeeal n...
2. Wolf Pangloss: Algerian Government Persecutes Christians and ex-Muslims.
Habiba Kouider used to be a Muslim. Then she converted to Christianity and was baptized. Recently she was pulled off a bus by police who interrogated her in public, rifled through her purse, examining her bibles and other literature, and even performed...

Wednesday Hero: Master Sgt Brendan O'Connor

There are many unsung heroes these days, and that is the shame this press will have to bear. As for us, we shall continue to bring you true Heroes each Wednesday. Trust me, there are way more than I bring to your attention. They are the heroes that everyday go above and beyond the call of duty. It makes one wonder, is the call of duty just to stay alive (to kill the enemy) or be willing to risk or even lay down one's life for the cause of freedom and the life of one's team? I believe most servicepeople would say it is the second.

This week's Hero is Master Sergeant Brendan O'Connor. He is an extraordinary 47 year old man (in 2006) who saved the life of one man while in the attempt to save both men under enemy fire in the hellish lands of Afghanistan. Below is an account of some of that day. I'm quite sure there is much more to it than is being released, but I'll be happy with whatever news I can get about our Heroes.

Here is some background about MSgt Brendan O'Connor:

Hometown: Moorestown, N.J.
Awarded: Distinguished Service Cross.
Download this hero’s story: Right click and "Save Target As..." to download.

There he saw two wounded men – and save wounded comrades in a hellish two-day firefight in a lawless part of Afghanistan. Master Sergeant Brendan O’Connor earned the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions.

Surrounded on all sides by hardened Taliban fighters, a vastly outnumbered force of Americans and Afghans fought nearly to the last bullet. In June 2006, 47-year-old Master Sergeant Brendan O’Connor of the 7th Special Forces Group – the Army’s elite Green Berets – was the team's medic during Operation Kaika. The Taliban believed this isolated group of Americans and Afghans, numbering less than 70, would be an easy target. They were gravely mistaken.

When the terrorists sprang their trap, the sky exploded with the thunder of rifle, machine-gun, and grenade fire from both sides. The main group was separated by more than 100 yards, and the situation at both positions was dire.

O'Connor heard over the radio that several wounded men ahead of a forward position could be overrun at any moment. Leading a team of eight, he quickly traversed the distance between the two positions and took stock of the situation.

Staff Sergeant Matthew Binney and Staff Sergeant Joseph Fuerst – farther ahead and knew he had to reach them. Disregarding three enemy machine-guns, O'Connor dropped to his stomach and began an arduous crawl to the wounded troops. Restricted in his movements by his protective armor, O'Connor paused and removed the only shield he had from the hostile onslaught, his Interceptor bullet proof vest. He traded his armor for a cloth sign that he pinned to his back to alert the close-air support attack helicopters that he was friendly.

The 200 foot crawl was nearly an hour and a half of constant enemy fire directed at the brave American. Reaching a compound to which he could pull the wounded, he singlehandedly moved the two soldiers there and performed emergency first-aid. As night fell, O’Connor made several trips to move the Binney and Fuerst back to the advanced position. From there, they were able to medevac the injured, and begin their own exfiltration to the security of the patrol base.

While Fuerst did not survive his severe injuries, Binney lived because of the bold decision made by a 47-year-old-medic more concerned with the lives of his friends than his own. For his actions, O’Connor was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the first time a member of the 7th Special Forces Group was awarded this honor since July of 1964.

These men and women impress me so much, and I am so very grateful to them. I pray for their families and them to have success and know His Peace.

There is just one last thing I must say. I am very upset with the press. We are winning this war, and there are so many more heroes than I could possibly know about to write their stories. The press, on the other hand, has total access to this information. I can only find the reports that are listed at www.DefenseLink.mil. This leaves me to believe there is only one reason for this. This does not reflect well upon their true agenda. What is their agenda? Surrender at all costs. Shame on you!

I would like to end this post with edification. Many of men have gone before us, many will go after us. What we do with our lives, as it concerns our gratitude them, matters. It matters that we pray for their families and them. It matters that we focus on them, and not on what is wrong with the rest of the world. My God, I'd be writing forever! lol. Please remember them in your thoughts, when you awake, when you lay down your head to sleep, and all the time in between. They ask so little. They just want us to care, to be behind them, to remember them. We do. We love each and every one of you, and we pray for your success and victory so that you may come home when the time is right. Stay safe, sweet friends. God bless you and walk with you.

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives
so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday.
For that, I am proud to call them Hero.

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Source(s): DefenseLink and Profiles of a Hero.

This is an open trackback post. Feel free to put your best, funniest, or misc. work here. Share it with others. Not familiar with trackbacks? First, choose the article you want to promote. Copy/paste my permalink (URL) to your post. Then send a trackback to me. Don't have one? You can use Wizbang Standalone Trackback Pinger. Otherwise, leave a comment for me with the permalink for your post, the name of your blog, and a small excerpt, and I will add it to the list.

Posts I've trackbacked to at 'The Crazy Rantings of Samantha Burns' OTA: Su. The Amboy Times: Bible Verse Coin Offends Muslims, T. Planck's Constant: Writing is also a bomb: The Moderate Muslim Threat, W. Stop the ACLU: Obama Too Scared to Visit Troops in Baghdad, W. Right Truth: PATIENT EVIL - An R.J. Godlewski / Right Truth Blog Exclusive - Chapter Eight. [Thank you!], W. third world county (W, F): Of "Snips and Snails and…" Locusts. [Love it!], W. Maggie's Notebook (W, Wknd): Wizbang's Jay Tea on Why the U.S. Should Scrap the U.N., Right Truth: ISRAEL AT 60 - Parade and Concert Highlight Birthday Bash, F. Woman Honor Thyself: Salute to IsraeL 60th Anniversary Parade in NYC!, F. 123beta (F, Wknd): Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwich, F. 123beta (F, Wknd): Speed Up IE7 tip #2.

Posts I've trackposted to at Linkfest and other sites: Beagle Scout: Home-Schooler Action Alert: Stop DC Restrictive Legislation Against Home Education, A NEWT ONE: War News: The Troop Surge...News Hated By Liars and Anti-Americanists Alike, Big Dogs Weblog: Pelosi the Mediator is Loose with Facts, Right Voices: On Obama's Circle Of Hate: "Funny how these longtime acquaintances of his keep "surprising" him with incendiary racial rhetoric", Leaning Straight Up: WA GOP takes a controversial stance on Anchor Babies, Right Voices: UPDATES ADDED: Jackass of the Week: Scott McClellan UPDATE: McAuliffe doesn’t like McClellan book, either UPDATE II: Trent Duffy: Scott McClellan lied UPDATE III: Scott McClellan Originally Planned to Attack Media, Defend Bush, The So-Called Me: Hello Kitty Shoes For Me!

Posts that have trackbacked to this post:
1. Wolf Pangloss: It is not enough these days to “Question Authority,” you gotta speak with it too.
2. Wolf Pangloss: Fitna Remade and Others. Digg!

Wednesday Hero: 2nd Lt. Philip D. Palmer

Today we honor a wonderful man by the name of 2nd Lt. Philip D. Palmer from Charleston, South Carolina. This Marine earned the Silver Star for exceptional leadership while under fire and the ability to guide his young Soldiers through some very fierce fire fights in Iraq. Here is a little summary of one of them.

******************************
2nd Lieutenant Palmer.

Unshakable leadership under fire and the ability to guide young soldiers through fierce fighting defined Second Lieutenant Philip D. Palmer's mission as a combat advisor to the Iraqi Army.

Days after the “troop surge” was announced, a young second lieutenant would persevere under fire to lead a burgeoning Iraqi Army unit to victory. Second Lieutenant Philip D. Palmer of the United States Marine Corps was assigned to a Military Transition Team working with the 1st battalion of the Iraqi Army during operations in the Ma’Laab district in Ramadi, Iraq. The morning of January 14th, 2007, would serve as a defining moment in his life and the lives of all the Iraqi troops he shepherded through danger.

The Iraqi platoon, led by Iraqi Lieutenant Allah, worked its way through the dangerous city streets, unaware of what was ahead. As the patrol bounded ahead, gunfire erupted from nearby positions hitting Lieutenant Allah squarely in his armor. While the rounds were stopped by his layers of armor, he was shell-shocked and stunned by the near-death experience. With Allah paralyzed by fear and incapable of leading his men under such hectic conditions, Palmer seized the initiative.

Seeing that words alone would not be enough to organize this nascent Iraqi unit, Palmer knew he must act. Standing like a monolith in the face of incoming enemy fire, Palmer took command of the broken unit, rallying them through his bold example. Taking point, he pushed forward towards the attacking insurgents with his newly inspired Iraqi unit who followed close through the chaotic streets.

Palmer kept in mind the mission and the 13 Iraqis he was attached to as he led the fight against the insurgent forces. At the end of the day, he successfully concluded the operation and brought every one of the Iraqi soldiers back to base alive. His heroic assumption of command and leadership under intense attack earned him the Army Commendation Medal with Valor. [Source: DefenseLink.mil. (.pdf)]
******************************

He is amazing, and we all thank him. Especially the families of those 13 Iraqi Soldiers and his own family! Well, we Americans thank you also. We are proud of you, and God bless you.

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives
so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday.
For that, I am proud to call them Hero.

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Correction: I have made an error as to which medal he was honored to receive. He actually received the Army Commendation Medal with Valor, not the Silver Star. You would think I would know that, since it's right there in front of me! D'oh!

My apologies 2nd Lt. Palmer. Maybe it was just me thinking I would have given you a Silver Star. It has been explained to me, however, that this medal is reserved for Marines who do heroic acts. What do you call what you did? I know. Your job. I call it brave and absolutely great. I think no less of you now than I did then. As a matter of fact, I think more of you for correcting me. Godspeed, friend.

Posts I've trackposted to at Linkfest and other sites: Gazing at the Flag: Wednesday Hero ~ Sgt John F Thomas & Sgt Ronnie L Shelley, Right-Wing & Right Minded: Wednesday Heroes, The World According To Carl: McCain’s Weekend Meetings With Potential Running Mates, A Few Shiny Pebbles: Disastrous Democrats, A NEWT ONE: Cultural Jihad: Condoleeza Rice Is Unworthy To Breath American Air, Wolf Pangloss: The Farm of the Future runs on Mule Power Open Trackbacks, Pirate's Cove: Good News! The Mystery Of 9/11 Has Been Solved!, Wolf Pangloss: 200+ Billion Barrels of Oil underneath North Dakota - The Sequel, Conservative Cat: It's Oil-Bashing Time Again. Digg!

Wednesday Hero: MoH Recipient Lt. Michael P. Murphy

This is a very special Hero who is close to many of our hearts. He shall surely be remembered forever. He is one of the four Navy SEAL's who were in that God-foresaken land called Hindu Kush, Afghanistan on June 28, 2005. On this day, he went far above and beyond the call of duty to save his unit. There were four of them, only one survived that deadliest day of the US Forces since Operation Enduring Freedom began.

What this man did was incredible. He was the man on the radio, and they were 10,000 miles high trying to fight the Taliban after being ambushed. Earlier that day, they had accidentally run into a farmer and his son. They had to make a quick decision: Do they let them go so those Afghanis could give away their position, or should they get rid of any witnesses? They let them go, and these ungrateful pieces of trash gave away their position. The fight was a very long one, it lasted for what seemed like forever.

Lt. Murphy knew that if they did not get any help from overhead, they were not going to make it out of there alive. So what did he do? He made sure his unit was covered, and then he made himself a target. He had to go out into the open to get a radio signal, and he did so. He was killed trying to call for help. You can read about this act of heroism in Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (SEAL) Marcus Luttrell's book, "Lone Survivor."

NEOCON EXPRESS. Photo courtesy of DIG Music.

While I cannot find my copy of the book right now (I've been cleaning), it is an incredible book, and I urge you to read it. If you really want to know what it is like to be in the US Armed Forces out there in the middle of nowhere, then this is the book for you.

To learn more about Lt. Michael P. Murphy, please read this:

Hometown: Patchogue, NY
Awarded: Medal of Honor
External Links: Lt. Michael P. Murphy’s Medal of Honor Website.
Download this hero's story: Right click and "Save Target As..." to download.

We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died
We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived.

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

This is an open trackback post. Feel free to put your best, funniest, or misc. work here. Share it with others. Not familiar with trackbacks? First, choose the article you want to promote. Copy/paste my permalink (URL) to your post. Then send a trackback to me. Don't have one? You can use Wizbang Standalone Trackback Pinger. Otherwise, leave a comment for me with the permalink for your post, the name of your blog, and a small excerpt, and I will add it to the list.

There are three trackbacks which I recommend: Open Trackback Alliance, (host an open trackpost) Linkfest Haven Deluxe, and Open TrackBack Provider Blogroll at The Blue State Conservatives for more information.

Posts I've trackbacked to at 'The Crazy Rantings of Samantha Burns' OTA: T. Planck's Constant: British government cracking down on Fake Religion, W. third world county (W, F): Add These to Your "Prayer List", W. Right Truth: Some illegal immigrants sedated before deportation, W. Stop the ACLU: Little Baby Reagan, Th. Diary of the Mad Pigeon: Lost in Space, Catholic Style, F. The World According To Carl: Yet Another Example Of Liberal Hypocrisy, F. Woman Honor Thyself: Kevin Rudd Got this Right, F. 123beta (F, Wknd): Sweet! Google Reader On Your Desktop, D. Yankee Sailor (M, F): Wednesday Open Post, D. Conservative Cat: Laura Ingraham - This is a Serious Web Site With a Lot of Important Information.

Posts I've trackposted to at Linkfest and other sites: Blackfive (Uncle Jimbo): Operation Redwing tribute- Someones You Should Know, Right-Wing & Right Minded: Wednesday Hero.

Posts that have trackbacked to this post:
1. W. Right Truth: PATIENT EVIL - An R.J. Godlewski / Right Truth Blog Exclusive - Chapter Three.
2. M. Faultline USA: It’s Either McCain Or . . .
3. F. Pirate's Cove (M, F): Bush Admin Gets Wonky With Polar Bears.
4. A NEWT ONE: My Letter To My Representatives.
5. Beagle Scout: Reading List: Locke, Montaigne, and Rabelais on Education. Digg!

Wednesday Hero: Tech. Sgt. Shawn D. Foust

This week's Wednesday Hero is Tech. Sgt. Shawn D. Foust, a man who has been to Iraq for two tours so far. He has earned the Bronze Star on this tour for his bravery and composure during an ambush on his convoys. Please read about him below.

Technical Sergeant Shawn D. Foust.

Technical Sergeant Shawn Foust responded to the military’s need to lessen the strain on the country’s traditional ground forces, putting the Tech Sergeant in command of a medium truck detachment from April to October of 2007 in Iraq. TSgt. Foust’s leadership throughout two attacks on his convoy earned him the Bronze Star.

Confronting the challenges presented by the unconventional war in Iraq, Air Force Technical Sergeant Shawn Foust was assigned to Joint Logistic Task Force 1144, becoming a Convoy Commander for the 424th Medium Truck Detachment. In 212 missions during his second tour of duty, Foust encountered various obstacles and challenges while amassing over 507,000 cumulative miles on the dangerous roads of Iraq.

Convoy mission 57-459 would present the greatest challenge, earning Foust praise for his ability to overcome such a daunting task. As his convoy was approaching Forward Operating Base Al Asad, a roadside bomb detonated, wounding the driver and passenger of the third truck, and leaving the vehicle partially disabled. A possible full-scale ambush was upon them as scattered mortar and small arms fire landed on their position. The intermittent insurgent fire raised the threat level for the entire convey and Foust knew he had to remain calm and professional. He immediately moved the convoy past the kill zone and went back for the wounded men.

Foust organized his Airmen into a defensive posture, and prepared to repair the damaged truck. Working tirelessly and on constant guard for six hours, throughout the night, Foust and his fifteen man squad replaced each of the damaged 250 pound tires until the vehicle was operational. Foust successfully completed this mission all those before and all those that followed.

In the six months he spent in Iraq, he exhibited a sense of service, devotion to duty, and commitment to the overall success of his unit that went above and beyond what was expected, earning him the Bronze Star Medal for exceptionally meritorious service.

To learn more about this brave man, here is some information:

Hometown: Gowonda, NY
Awarded: Bronze Star
Download this hero's story: Right click and "Save Target As..." to download.

We Should Not Only Mourn
These Men And Women
Who Died
We Should Also Thank God
That Such People Lived.

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

This is an open trackback post. Feel free to put your best, funniest, or misc. work here. Share it with others. Not familiar with trackbacks? First, choose the article you want to promote. Copy/paste my permalink (URL) to your post. Then send a trackback to me. Don't have one? You can use Wizbang Standalone Trackback Pinger. Otherwise, leave a comment for me with the permalink for your post, the name of your blog, and a small excerpt, and I will add it to the list.

Posts that have trackbacked to this post:
1. 1. The World According To Carl: Final Farewell To The S.S. Hurricane Camille.
2. Right Voices: Democrats think taxing oil companies will fix this problem?
3. Right Truth: YOM HA'ATZMAOUT MARKED BY PROTESTS.
4. 123beta: Inhale The Web.
5. third world county: OS Play Time.
6. The Amboy Times: Muslim Cleric: Every Muslim Should Be a Terrorist.
7. Stageleft:. Life on the left side: If You Redefine It As Something It Ain’t –. Digg!

Flight 93 Blogburst 4.30.08

Congressman Ramstad comes out in opposition to the Flight 93 memorial.

Congressman Jim Ramstad (R-MN) gave a House speech this month supporting Mr. Burnett's opposition to the crescent design. The speech is entered in the Congressional Record here, along with supporting statements from Tom Burnett Sr. (father of murdered Flight 93 hero Tom Burnett Jr.).
<
That makes two Congressmen now who have come out publicly against the crescent memorial. (Tom Tancredo took the lead last November, asking the Park Service to choose a completely new design.)

News coverage revs up confrontation at this Saturday’s public meeting

Ramstad's speech, and our ongoing petition drive, netted a full width banner headline on the front page of the Somerset Daily American, with the story continuing full width on an inside page as well. This high profile local news coverage should make for an interesting Memorial Project meeting at the Somerset County Courthouse this Saturday. Several critics will be speaking during the public comment period, and the first batch of petitions will be delivered in bulk (over 5000 signatures to date, 4700 online and 500 on paper).

The Daily American article includes lots of powerful language from Mr. Burnett and other critics of the crescent design, along with some remarkably disingenuous evasions from the usual defenders. Most egregious is Patrick White, vice president of Families of Flight 93, who tries to pretend that the criticisms of the design are all about Mr. Burnett trying to get an undemocratic "do over" after failing to stop the Crescent of Embrace design when he served on the design competition jury.

While on the jury, Mr. Burnett only complained about the giant Islamic shaped crescent and the minaret-like Tower of Voices . No one on the jury, including Mr. Burnett, knew anything about the Mecca orientation of the giant crescent; or about the placementof the 9/11 date in the exact position of the star on an Islamic crescent and star flag; or about the 44 glass blocks on the flight path; or about the fact that the Tower of Voices turns out to be a year-round accurate Islamic prayer-time sundial.

Not that the jury is beyond reproach. It was bizarre for these family members and design professionals to plant a bare naked crescent and star flag on the graves of our murdered heroes, but given everything that the jurors did NOT know, this configuration at least COULD have been an accident. What came out after the design was selected is absolute proof of terrorist memorializing intent, with every Islamic and terrorist memorializing feature being repeated in the Tower of Voices portion of the memorial.

One example is the 38 Memorial Groves. (There were supposed to be 40.) By itself, it is merely suspicious that the arc of 38 groves can be seen as a set of 19 nested crescents: one for each 9/11 hijacker. But architect Paul Murdoch proves this terrorist memorializing intent by surrounding the Tower of Voices with a second set of 19 nested crescents. And on it goes. EVERYTHING gets repeated in the Tower of Voices , and the 93 foot tall Islamic sundial is itself a very precise structure that could NEVER occur by accident.

Patrick White wants to dodge all this by pretending that the controversy is about the initial jury decision, instead of the ensuing blindness to voluminous evidence of terrorist memorializing intent. No one exemplifies this willful blindness better than Patrick White himself.

Patrick White denies the Mecca orientation in public while admitting it in private.

At the July 2007 Memorial Project meeting, a critic of the crescent design engaged Mr. White in private conversation, asking how he could be unconcerned about the Mecca orientation of the giant crescent. White's reply was to suggest that this orientation cannot be seen as a tribute to Islam because the inexactness of it would be "disrespectful to Islam." (The crescent points 1.8° north of Mecca , ±.1°.)

But this isn't what White was telling the public. That same week, Patrick White told the press that all of the claims about Islamic symbolism had been thoroughly investigated and been found to be untrue and "preposterous." In private, White was acknowledging the almost exact Mecca orientation of the crescent and making excuses for it, while issuing sweeping denials in public.

He is still doing the same thing. He KNOWS that the giant crescent points almost exactly to Mecca , yet claims that such "assumptions," have been "repeatedly shown-to-be-false." In fact, not a single factual claim about what is in the design has ever been rebutted. If the crescent did not point to Mecca , it would be trivially easy to demonstrate. This is a simple geometric claim. But all the Memorial Project has ever offered is unsupported denials, denials that they acknowledge in private to be FALSE.

Patrick White’s dishonest attack on Tom Burnett.

The jury process is irrelevant. No one is criticizing it. The jurors bear no responsibility for hidden Islamic and terrorist-memorializing features that they knew nothing about when they chose the crescent design. If it were not for two ugly bits of misinformation, put forward by Patrick White in his effort to make the jury process the issue, there would be no reason to mention the jury process at all. Both of White’s falsehoods are aimed at discrediting Tom Burnett Sr.

1. In the Daily American article (half way down) White claims that Mr. Burnett: “gave his consent to support what the majority picked.”

Mr. Burnett was incensed in 2005 when the Memorial Project announced that the jurors had united behind the majority choice. Without ever consulting with Mr. Burnett, the Memorial Project wrote in their jury report that: "By consensus the Stage Two jury forwards this section of the Flight 93 memorial to the partner [Paul Murdoch] with the full and unqualified support of each juror." Tom has been trying to correct the record ever since, and Patrick White OUGHT to know it.

2. White also claims that: “No one agreed then with Mr. Burnett’s preferred choice for a final design.”

"To the contrary" says Mr. Burnett, "the vote not unanimous; it was 9 to 6." Five people were with Mr. Burnett in rejecting the crescent design. This on a jury made up of 8 design professionals and 7 family members. It could even be that a majority of family members opposed the Crescent of Embrace. Tom requested the vote tally in a formal letter to the Memorial Project which was never answered. Now Patrick White throws the vote tally in Tom’s face, and completely misrepresents it.

3. Bonus badness. White claims that: “Jurors gave all of Mr. Burnett’s concerns a complete airing.”

In fact, the design professionals on the jury tried to shut Mr. Burnett up. Tom Sokolowski, director of Pittsburgh 's Andy Warhol Museum called Mr. Burnett “asinine” just for noticing that the crescent is a traditional symbol of Islam. This overt hostility to Mr. Burnett’s concerns is not what most of us would call “a complete airing.”

So no, the jury process is not the issue here, but if it were, it couldn't stand up to scrutiny either.

To join our blogbursts, just send your blog's url. In the Subject line, put 'Join Flight 93 Blogburst'. That's all there is to it!

Hat tip: Error Theory.

Digg!