Reality vs. Make believe news

Blackfive has a great link to Greyhawk who hits the nail on its head about Iraq. He sets the record straight between the reality of on-the-ground circumstances in Iraq vs. dinosaur media defeatism. Hey, he's been there and done that, have you? An absolutely must read.

I just have to add this article that I just read to this post. For those of you who actually read what I write, lol, this has the potential to be outstanding:

Colorado Supreme Court Approves Ballot Language for Abortion Amendment.

by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
November 14, 2007.

Denver, CO (LifeNews.com) -- The Colorado Supreme Court has affirmed the ballot language a group wants to place on the 2008 ballot that would restore personhood to human beings from the moment of conception. The measure has already sparked a heated debate over abortion as abortion advocacy groups have filed suit to prevent a vote. [Continue reading.]

Everyone should at least admit that the discussion should move forward. Why are people in groups like NARAL so afraid? All you have to do is understand that they came into existence to get rid of our black brothers and sisters. Yup.

Here is an article to prove to you that the first article, written by Greyhawk, is true. This verifies what we've all known about those who begin a sentence with, "We support the troops, but..."

Boy Scouts Accused of Being Too Pro-War.

In a nutshell, a troop of Boy Scouts tried to raise money for the the U.S. troops. Some moonbat cried that the message was too pro-war and so the city removed the donation boxes. Talk about appeasing the appeasers. Outrageous! [Continue reading.]

If you read this, you will understand why I have not a word to add. At least not one that would make it more clear as to my anger at these beaurocrats...

Most Reverend Shlemon Warduni, Auxiliary Bishop of the St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Diocese for Chaldeans and Assyrians in Iraq officiated standing directly beneath the dome under the Chaldean cross. Speaking in both Arabic and English, Bishop Warduni thanked those American soldiers sitting in the pews for their sacrifices. Again and again, throughout the service, he thanked the Americans.

Update: I just have to share this with you. Michael Yon is a citizen journalist in Iraq, and he recently wrote an article about Christians and Muslims placing the Cross on top of St. John's Church. Today he writes about the phenominon of Muslims and Christians worshipping together so that these Muslims may make a plea to their Christians neighbors and friends: Please come home. This caption belongs with this picture.

Today, Muslims mostly filled the front pews of St John’s. Muslims who want their Christian friends and neighbors to come home. The Christians who might see these photos likely will recognize their friends here. The Muslims in this neighborhood worry that other people will take the homes of their Christian neighbors, and that the Christians will never come back. And so they came to St John’s today in force, and they showed their faces, and they said, “Come back to Iraq. Come home.” They wanted the cameras to catch it. They wanted to spread the word: Come home. Muslims keep telling me to get it on the news. “Tell the Christians to come home to their country Iraq.”

This is open trackback Friday for Linkfest and the Open Trackback Alliance by Samantha Burns. Please remember to link back to this post if you wish to participate in the open trackbacks. Also, I will use my right to pull your post if it is pornography. Fortunately, I have been introduced to a great group of people who also agree with me on this area, so I haven't had any problems. Thank you, LORD. Yes, I can invoke the name of the one and only true God, so there!

My trackbacks: Mudville Gazette.

Posts I've trackbacked to at Linkfest: Blog @ MoreWhat.com: Secure the Borders Linkfest, third world county: Talk about talk, Woman Honor Thyself: Instant Message & TexT Messages eh!, The Populist: Thursday and Friday Open Comment & Open Trackback, Pirate's Cove: TB Friday Featuring The Surrender Monkey: Dem Cattle Call, The Pink Flamingo: There Is a God, and He Loves Baseball!, The Amboy Times: Grim Milestone Ignored, The Bullwinkle Blog: Moosetracks Open Trackbacks, Leaning Straight Up: Hillary denies playing the gender card then plays it anyway, Right Voices: Sen. Chuck Schumer, (D-N.Y.) To Military: "The days of a free lunch are over," and Adeline and Hazel: Happy Belated Birthday to Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo - Links, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

Posts I've trackbacked to at OTA: Pirate's Cove: TB Friday Featuring The Surrender Monkey: Dem Cattle Call, MacBro's Place: We Remember, The World According to Carl: Chattahoochee: The Original Victory Bridge & The Jim Woodruff Dam, Woman Honor Thyself: Instant Message & TexT Messages eh!, Stix Blog: North of Fullujah, and CommonSenseAmerica: The Surge On Our Southern Border.

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11. Woman Honor Thyself: Dr. Phil on: “Palestine”..HuH?
10. Planck's Constant: The Right Questions to Ask Hillary Clinton.
9. Adam's Blog: Debate on Mike Huckabee’s Economic Record.
8. A Blog For All: Hoboken SWATted By Hooters Encounter.
7. Diary of the Mad Pigeon: Help the Pigeon Donate Turkeys to Local Food Bank.
6. Blue Star Chronicles: Matt Damon is Declared People’s Sexiest Man Alive.
5. 123beta: GO INDIANS!
4. The Uncooperative Blogger: The Uncooperative Radio Show! Nov. 16, 17 and 18.
3. Blog @ MoreWhat.com: Appeasers Unnecessarily Target Christmas.
2. Right Truth: Rising inequality and shrinking opportunity, not so fast.
1. The Amboy Times: Jihadists Attack Male Gynaecologists. Digg!

CentCom Cmdr Attends Khost Leadership Conference

Source: GlobalSecurity.org.

05 November 2007
American Forces Press Service.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SALERNO, Afghanistan – Khost Provincial Governor Arsala Jamal and all 12 of his district sub-governors hosted the first Khost Provincial Leadership Conference here Nov. 3, 2007. Also in attendance were Navy Adm. William J. Fallon, commander of U.S Central Command, key leaders of the Afghan national security forces, and leaders from 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division.

Khost province is recognized by Afghan President Hamid Karzai and coalition commanders as the “provincial model of success.” Khost has accomplished more in the past 10 months than in the previous five years, and that is due to the trust and collaborative efforts of all people living in Khost -- Afghans and coalition forces alike, officials said.

Jamal is leading and training his sub-governors and military leaders at the provincial and district levels to work directly with the people of Khost and in concert with the coalition units who train and live with their Afghan counterparts in all district centers in Khost. This arrangement has made it possible to remove the shackles of the Taliban and criminals and allow development, education, and security to flourish once again in Khost, officials said.

Army Lt. Col. Scott Custer, who commands the International Security Assistance Force unit in Khost, said Jamal wanted to meet with all the key players to help shape and develop the future of Khost. “This is a monumental day for Khost. The purpose of today’s meeting is to build upon the strong relations among the central government of Khost province,” Custer said. “Providing a forum for the sub-governors to discuss security matters with Governor Jamal and to create the provincial development and security plan for Khost over the next 12 to 24 months ensures continued growth throughout the province.

“Additionally, it provides the sub-governors the opportunity to share their methods of success with their peers and request any additional resources they may need from the governor to reach their goals. The responsibility is on their shoulders to take Khost into the next two years; the leaders and the people of Khost have ownership of their future.”

Fallon praised Khost provincial and Afghan security forces leaders for their collaborative efforts and commitment toward building a safer province. He encouraged all Afghans to follow this example. “I’ve come here to see Khost for the first time,” said Fallon, who visits Afghanistan frequently. “I see the security situation as very good. I am very happy with the (development) progress that I see. I am very, very pleased to be in the company of the governor.”

When asked why Khost was important to him, Fallon replied, “Khost … is a great example of good leadership with the governor (and) the sub-governors working closely with the ISAF units to provide security and stability for the people of this area, this province.”

The CENTCOM commander added that Khost is the model that all other provinces should aspire to. “I want to encourage the governor and other leaders in the region to continue with the good work because I believe that this is a wonderful example to the whole country of Afghanistan,” Fallon said.

Several government and security force leaders said the admiral’s visit shows the strategic importance of Khost to the overall security of Afghanistan.

(From a Combined Joint Task Force 82 news release.)

Photo - Navy Adm. William J. Fallon, commander of U.S. Central Command, talks with local media after meeting Khost Provincial Governor Jamal sub-governors at Forward Operating Base Salerno, Afghanistan, Nov. 3, 2007. Photo by Spc. Nathan W. Hutchison, USA.

I could not locate this news release. I do believe it is a huge mistake to allow the Taliban to have anything to do with the government or the people of Afghanistan. They are afraid and they have every right to be. The Taliban is murdering them. I have sources from Afghanistani people who live there and here for this information. I offer you this site (without the comment). Digg!

3rd Bn., 2nd Marines hits ground running

07 November 2007
By Cpl. Billy Hall
2nd Marine Division.

AL QA’IM, Iraq -- Henry David Thoreau once wrote, “There are a thousand hacking at the branches of evil to one who is striking at the root.”

Prepared to unearth any remnants of those who intend to plant fear and insecurity in western Iraq, the Betio Bastards stand ready. With the final elements of the battalion arriving to their area of operation, the Marines and sailors of Task Force 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2, are primed and in place to maintain stability and bring prosperity to the region.

The infantry companies are set in motion and have started providing security and orienting themselves with the local populace. The numerous support elements of Headquarters and Support Company have also hit the ground running, providing intelligence, logistical support, communications and transportation, to name a few of their many missions.

Months of intense training have paid off in dividends, allowing the battalion to kick off their deployment without missing a beat. Lt. Col. Peter B. Baumgarten, the battalion commander, met with the mayor, leaders of the Iraqi Police and Army, and numerous sheiks, to publicly assume command of the area of operation from Lt. Col. Jason Q. Bohm, the battalion commander of Task Force 1st Bn., 4th Marines.

“I, like Colonel Bohm, look to fill the shoes of my predecessors in a way that will be very positive to the people of Al Qa’im,” Baumgarten said. “I look forward to meeting each one of you and working together in the future months to be successful.” The atmosphere was optimistic and productive as key leaders discussed several pressing issues and plans for the future, such as reopening the point of entry at the Syrian border in the town of Husaybah.

The sheiks spoke of unity amongst the many tribes within the region and setting a path of success for the rest of Iraq to follow. At the conclusion of the meeting, the local leaders and sheiks treated the Marines to a traditional Iraqi meal. In customary fashion, there were no utensils; everyone ate with their hands from large platters of rice, vegetables and goat. The meeting and luncheon helped to lay the groundwork for the battalion’s transition into their third deployment to Iraq in three years.

During the initial days of operation, the battalion’s progress has been substantial. Cooperation and coordination with the local leaders and forces are proving to be the crucial elements contributing to maintaining the security and bringing prosperity to Iraq. The Betio Bastards will continue working steadily to uproot any instability that remains.

Photo - Lt. Col. Jason Q. Bohm (right), battalion commander of Task Force 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2, and Lt. Col. Peter B. Baumgarten (center), battalion commander of Task Force 3rd Bn., 2nd Marines, speak with a sheik after the meeting where Bohm publicly relinquished command of his area of operations to Baumgarten. The mayor, leaders of the Iraqi police and army, and numerous sheiks attended the meeting to discuss several pressing issues and plans for the future. Digg!

1st Air Cavalry troopers hit their 200th Phase-OTB

05 November 2007
BY Cpl. Nathan Hoskins
1st ACB, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs.

CAMP TAJI, Iraq - When most kids get a new electronic toy, they play with it until it no longer interests them. But a small portion of those kids, when they get bored with the toy, simply grab some screw drivers and take it apart to see what makes it tick.

It's quite possible that the majority of those kids that take apart their toys end up as aircraft maintainers in the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. Aircraft maintainers from Company B, 615th Aviation Support "Cold Steel" Battalion, 1st ACB, 1st Cav. Div., recently hit their 200th phase - a major maintenance mile stone.

There are two different types of phases that most helicopters go through, a preventive maintenance inspection 1 and preventive maintenance inspection 2, said Fajardo.

The difference between them is that in PMI 1 the Soldiers take the aircraft apart and visually inspect it, sometimes replacing a part here and there. For a PMI 2 they take everything apart knowing they'll be replacing certain parts and any others that might need it along the way, Fajardo said.

The Avengers have five platoons that assist with phases. Each platoon plays an integral role in completing a particular phase.

First, there's the Headquarters Platoon which handles the paperwork and scheduling for every phase bird. Next is the Forward Support Platoon which disassembles, inspects, and reassembles the aircraft. The Shops Platoon provides support to engines, hydraulics, rotor heads, and different structural pieces. Then there's the Avionics Platoon which does inspections and repairs on aircraft radios, aviation survivability equipment and more.

Last, but not least, is the Armament Platoon which removes, inspects, repairs and reinstalls all of the Apache weapon and sighting systems, and works on all of the electrical and avionics systems.

It's easy to see that the phase process is no child's play - it's a lot of hard work done by dedicated teams throughout Co. B.

For this maintenance phase team, formed of too many Soldiers to list here, it is not only their 200th phase, but their last phase before they head home, he said.

The Avengers have been working around the clock since they took over the mission from the 4th Infantry Division November 2006. Most of them didn't even know they had done so many phases, said Spokane, Wash., native Capt. Christian Ruddell, a platoon leader for the Avengers.

"When we had been here a while I asked someone ... how many they'd thought we'd done, and they said 35 when we had really done 120," said Ruddell.

Aguadilla, Puerto Rico native, Sgt. Anthony Bermudez, a line shop leader for the Avengers, said the Soldiers don't keep track, they just want to keep the aircraft moving through. "It didn't even seem like 200. When you're out there working on the aircraft, you're not thinking 'this is the tenth aircraft I've done,' you just do it, get it over with and bring in the next one," said Bermudez, whose team works on all things electronic.

For the 200th phase, the Co. B maintainers completed a PMI 1 on a Black Hawk.

Although they aren't flying in Apaches killing the bad guys or flying the Chinooks and Black Hawks moving Soldiers safely through the air, they are still an integral part of the mission in Iraq, said Midwest City, Okla., native Sgt. Patrick McTheny, a technical inspector for Co. B. "Our job is to keep aircrafts flying. We reduce the footprint on the ground; we reduce IED exposure; we're saving lives by keeping them in the air," said McTheny.

And they're doing it at break-neck speeds, he said. "Our turn around time is really good. The standard is 21 days (to complete) a PMI 2, but I'd say we're averaging them in 15 to 18 days. That's because of the experience we have on our phase team and good leadership," said McTheny.

When standing back and looking at their deployment thus far, there is more to be said about hitting the 200th phase than just the large number, said San Antonio native Spc. Jared Rivera, an airframe structural repairer. "It's not that the 200 isn't important, but it's also how far we've come in our jobs," he said.

With all these phases and numerous other jobs that come up along the way, some of the novice
Avengers have matured into experts in their craft, said Milford, Ohio, native 1st Sgt. Timothy Johnson, the senior noncommissioned officer for the Avengers. "When we first deployed in October of 2006, we were undermanned and had a lot of troopers who were going on their first deployment; quite a few were straight out of (Advanced Individual Training) and had never performed a phase inspection before," said Johnson.

"Thanks to the experienced NCOs and officers of our company, the phase teams pushed through the rough times in the beginning of the deployment and became the quality aircraft mechanics and maintenance technicians they are today," he said.

"Rough times" is one way to put it, another way to break it down is to say that Co. B did seven years of work in one year, said Ruddell. "Experience-wise, you'd have to be in the states for six or seven years to get this much experience. We've condensed six or seven year's worth of work down into a one-year time frame," he said.

"I remember my first (sheet metal) job took me about six days. Now that same project would last me two hours, three hours maybe," said San Antonio native Spc. George Ponce, an airframe structural repairer for Co. B. While the phase maintenance keeps the Soldiers busy, they are simultaneously working on other maintenance projects. Like all machines, things tend to wear out, break down, and - sometimes - get shot at, said Ponce.

While working on a phase, if an aircraft comes in that has battle damage it gets special attention to get it fixed and back out on mission, he said.

Contracted civilian maintainers augment the Soldiers during the phases and other maintenance missions. "We assist the Army; that's our main function here is to assist the Army," said Lucky Luciano, a civilian contractor from L3 Vertex Aerospace.

They'll take up tasks just like the Soldiers in a relationship where it's a give and take, Luciano said. "If we don't know about something, we'll ask them. If they don't know something, then they'll ask us. It's 50-50," he said.

Another L3 contractor, Charles Frye, knows the teamwork between the two groups created the right environment for 200 phases to be completed. "To produce that many phases with minimal deficiencies is a testament to the will and the character of the (Co. B and L3) phase teams," said Frye.

"I'd compare our unit to the (National Football League's New England) Patriots right now ... because they've got more power players than they know what to do with. And that's what we're like right now; we look like a Super Bowl football team," said Ashland, Pa., native Staff Sgt. Ron Bolinsky, an Apache technical inspector with the Avengers. [I protest! The NE Pats suck! lol]

Gone are the days of taking apart toys for these Soldiers and civilians. Now are the days of contributing to an important job in Iraq that directly affects the daily aerial missions. They take their job seriously and the 200 phases are a result. So, leave the child be who wants to take that toy apart ... they may have a higher calling some day.

Photo - Soldiers from Company B "Avengers," 615th Aviation Support Battalion, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, pose near the UH-60 Black Hawk that they worked for their 200th major scheduled maintenance task - called a phase. A phase is when Soldiers take apart nearly the entire aircraft and inspect, repair or replace the parts, said San Diego, native Sgt. Justin Fajardo a squad leader for Co. B and the 200th phase team leader. Standing in front of the Black Hawk is a small part of the phase team. From left to right: Phoenix, Ariz., native Spc. James Eldridge, a hydraulics repairer; San Antonio native Spc. Jared Rivera, an airframe structural repairer; San Antonio native Spc. George Ponce, an airframe structural repairer; Fajardo; Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, native Sgt. Anthony Bermudez, a line shop team leader; Lakeland, Fla., native Sgt. Robert Evans, a Black Hawk mechanic; and Midwest City, Okla., native Sgt. Patrick McTheny, a technical inspector. Photo by Cpl. Nathan Hoskins, 1st ACB, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs.

All emphasis is mine. ;)

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9. Truth in Cosmetic Surgery Blog: Many of the TV Docs aren't Board-certified.
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6. Dumb Ox Daily News: Photo Caption Fun! (Hey it's almost the weekend...
5. Blue Star Chronicles: We are Down to Hours now Rather than Days.
4. Right Truth: Counter-intelligence withered on the vine?
3. Blog @ MoreWhat.com: A Little Clinton History Vol 1 No 2.
2. Faultline USA: House Passes Anti-War Bill.
1. Wolf Pangloss: Busting the Iraqi Monopolies … of Violence. Digg!

Air Force Team Builds Hangar at Bagram Air Base

Source: GlobalSecurity.org.

07 November 2007
By Capt. Michael Meridith, USAF
455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs.

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan – A nine-person team deployed from 49th Material Maintenance Group at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., recently completed the largest deployable aircraft shelter in the Air Force.

The team began construction on the 225-by-70-foot aircraft hangar Oct. 22 and completed it Nov. 5. The hangar, which is intended to simultaneously house three of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing’s HH-60 Pave Hawk combat search-and-rescue helicopters, dwarfs the Air Force’s 150-by-70-foot “standard model” hangar.

“Normally, these shelters are designed to hold one aircraft. This is basically two and half shelters grafted together, and is the largest one like it in the Air Force,” said Master Sgt. Samuel Tran, of Salem, Mo., who leads the team.

Tran’s team, which deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in August, is the only one of its kind in the region. As such, it stays in high demand. Because of their busy operations tempo, Tran said accomplishments like the hangar are “just part of the job.”

Prior to its arrival here, the team had already tackled several large projects, including erecting three 6,000-square-foot shelters and one 4,000-square-foot shelter and dismantling one 4,000- and one 8,000-square-foot shelter.

“It’s very exciting, especially being part of a unique team that goes out and does stuff like this,” said team member Staff Sgt. Adam Boubede, of New Orleans. “We go out and get the job done as fast as we can, then move on and do it again. Everywhere we go, it’s something new, whether it’s repairing, reconstitution or building the biggest (deployable aircraft hangar) in Air Force history.”

The four-month deployment is a first for several of the team members, but many are satisfied to put home-station training to use in support of expeditionary missions. “It’s a good feeling,” said Senior Airman Brad Hellberg, of Lancaster, Pa. “Without us, they wouldn’t have the shelter. Back at home we train for this, then we come out here and do the work.”

Tran said the team members have received a tremendous amount of positive feedback for their work, but added that their motivation is something that comes from within the team itself.

“We look at each job as a challenge and see if we can beat our own record. Our motivation is internal; it’s not something that comes from the outside. We don’t compromise safety for speed; it has to be a marriage between the two,” Tran said.

Photo - Airmen deployed to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, from Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., work to build the largest deployable aircraft shelter in the Air Force. U.S. Air Force photo. Digg!

CLC tip leads to massive EFP, explosives cache

24 October 2007
By Staff Sgt. Russell Bassett
4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

KHAN BANI SA’AD, Iraq – Working off a tip from a Concerned Local Citizen, Coalition Forces discovered a massive weapons cache Oct. 23 during the raid of a home in Sa’ada village, Iraq.

The cache marks the largest discovery of explosively formed penetrators ever found in Iraq at one location. The cache included 124 fully-assembled EFPs, 159 copper disks of four different sizes used in making EFPS (including 12-inch disks – one of the largest ever discovered in Iraq), 600-plus pounds of C4 and other explosive materials, 100 mortar rounds of various caliber, 31 107mm rockets, two mortar tubes and 20 claymore-type mines.

Soldiers of Troop B, 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team from Fort Lewis, Wash., detained the cache owner in the raid.

“My first concern was for my Soldiers,” said Capt. Jason Rosenstrauch, B Troop commander. “I was worried that the room was unstable because it smelled like explosives and nitric acid.

"A find like this helps keep my Soldiers morale up because they know they’ve made a difference,” Rosenstrauch continued. “It makes them feel good that they are saving Soldiers lives through their work.”

Sa’ada Village is located approximately five miles south of Khan Bani Sa’ad, a city in Diyala Province with a population of approximately 100,000 – half Sunni and half Shia. Six weeks ago, Iraqi Security Forces planned and executed Operation Justice League, clearing many al-Qaida in Iraq and anti-Coalition militia members out of Khan Bani Sa’ad. Before Justice League, CF, ISF and Iraqi civilians were regularly attacked by enemy insurgents, and local citizens were afraid to work with CF for fear of reprisals.

Rosenstrauch said the citizens of Khan Bani Sa’ad are now working closely with Coalition Forces to keep insurgents out of the city.

“We have a lot of peace in the city center now,” Rosenstrauch said. “We have had a ton of CLCs reporting on enemy activity. The people are turning on the insurgents and telling us where they are.”

Photo - Soldiers carry mortar rounds found in a hidden room in a home in Sa'ada Village, Iraq, Oct. 23. A tip from a concerned local citizen lead Soldiers to a massive weapons cache in the home. (U.S. Air Force phot/Staff Sgt. Dennis J. Henry Jr.)

Source: BlackAnthem.com Military News. Digg!

Almost news from my emails

Family Research Council: Teen Wins Fight for Antiabortion Club at School. (Washington Post, by Theresa Vargas, 11/06/07).

Round-up from the Daily Star (Lebanon):

Libya stands by demand for translations of passports.

TRIPOLI: Libya on Tuesday confirmed it will turn away Western visitors to the North African nation unless they provide Arabic translations of their passports. "Libya will not reverse its decision, nor will it take into consideration the international reaction" and uproar triggered by the new restrictions, a Libyan official told AFP.

"The West demands that we translate our passports into English and therefore we must act in kind. It is only normal," said the official. "Travelers arriving with foreign language passports are perturbing officials at border posts and airports because they don't know foreign languages."

Hmm...where have I heard that before? lol.

FORGET ABOUT IT! I have started this 4 freakin' times, and now I couldn't get back onto blogger for almost 12 hours. I don't care anymore about what is happening out there. I want to know what is happening here! Sheesh. Sorry ya'll. I'll get back to it later. Have a good day.

Thank you for my freedom

Thank you for this beautiful day.
Thank you for the days that are far too glum.
Thank you for the days I smiled.
But most of all, thank you for my freedom.

Thank you for the roof over my head.
Thank you for my comfortable bed.
Thank you for my running water.
But most of all, let us never forget our dead.

Thank you for the fresh air I breathe.
The breath of freedom, I do concede.
Thank you for all your sacrifices.
Just so this stranger may live free.

Thank you for your love of country.
Thank you for the love you share amongst your brothers.
Thank you, families left behind, for enduring the long, lonely nights.
Thank you for fighting for the freedom of others.

Thank you to those who are far from home this day.
I cannot imagine your struggles.
Have faith, my dear friends, hang on.
The day shall come when you receive all your huggles.
(New word.)

You are so special to me, as you may tell.
I cannot find the words of gratitude you are due.
My hope on this day is that ya'll will know,
Yesterday, today and tomorrow I will owe a debt to you.

Not a debt of money, for that would tarnish your honor,
Not a debt of worldly words, for those you've heard before.
Yet I do believe that if it were not for you,
America would exist no more...

Dear Morgan, thank you. It is not my best poem, but it is for you and all the others. Keep the faith, my dear friend. We do appreciate you so very deeply. Our prayers are with you, and 'O' and Maniac. Also your teams. Take care on this and every day. God bless you, and God bless America. In Jesus' precious name. Amen.

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7. Truth in Cosmetic Surgery Blog: Kayne West's Mother Dead after Cosmetic Surgery.
6. Planck's Constant: The Difference Between Jews and Muslims.
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2. CommonSenseAmerica: State of Georgia turns to God.
1. Conservative Cat: It's All My Fault, and I'm Sorry.

Outraged

That is the only word I could think to use to describe my feelings about the news I read at Blackfive's site this morning. On Veterans' Day no less. We all must come together to help this man, Lt Col Chessani, fight the Left bastards who are trying to ruin him. He is the father of five children, with one on the way, and he may lose his pension for a crime that NEVER happened. Thanks a lot Murtha...you scumbag.

Just a little background:

• Two separate investigations by U.S. Army officers, a colonel and a general, found no evidence either of a "massacre" or a "cover-up."
• Chessani traveled to the site of the "massacre" to investigate and reported to every echelon of his chain of command what he did not find there.
• An Article 32 Investigation also found no evidence of a "massacre" or a "cover-up.

Please read this article. Donate if you can. You can skip a cup of coffee, can't you? You say you support the troops, okay. Here's your opportunity to prove it. Help this patriot.

He is on trial because they found everyone else innocent. HUH?

Hat tip: Deebow at Blackfive's.

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7. Right Truth: U.S. and World Politics.
6. Blue Star Chronicles: Veterans Day 2007.
5. Woman Honor Thyself: VeteranS: Booyah!
4. 123beta: Google.
3. Public Domain Clip Art: A Christmas Carol Charles Dickens.
2. Adam's Blog: The IOWA GOP Limits.
1. Faultline USA: Blogging and Political Activism Poll.

Honoring Our Veterans on this special day, Nov. 11

This is Veterans' Day weekend, and I have an e-mail I would like share with you. They, better than I, can voice what and how I feel about this precious and solemn day.

HONORING AMERICA'S VETERANS

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This week, Americans across this great country will join together to honor our military veterans. From the blood-soaked beaches of France to the bombed-out back-alleys of Fallujah, the American G.I. has fought-and died-opposing that which is evil and oppressive, and defending all things good and free.

Veterans Day is about one thing: honoring the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans, and passing their collective story to the next generation. These stories, and the men and women who bear them, are the backbone of this American experiment and must never be forgotten.

As John Stuart Mill once said, “War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things; the decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks nothing [is] worth a war, is worse.” The second we believe our freedoms inevitable, we cease to live in history and sour the soldier's sacrifice. Our freedoms - purchased on the battlefield - are indeed “worthy of war.”

And today, with America still at war, it is fitting that we remember the troops currently serving in harms way. Because, as any veteran can attest, just one moment, one explosion, or one bullet separates Memorial Day from Veterans Day. Soldiers currently in Iraq and Afghanistan are fighting for our freedoms today, knowing it’s possible they may never see tomorrow.

Vets for Freedom beseeches our membership to honor America’s veterans this week. Whether at a ceremony, in a letter to the editor, or with a simple “thank you,” find a way to ensure that every veteran - young and old - feels appreciated.

Please visit Vets for Freedom's website to keep up with news on WWIV. This is a great group who keeps up with the news we never seem to have access to for some reason. Interesting...

I would also like to throw into this special weekend a great big HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARINES! (11/09/07) Time got away from me, but that is no excuse to not say how much I appreciate you. Yes, the Navy sure did make you good. LOL. (No, I won't take that back, so don't bother asking.)

Today is the first time I am going to be doing a double open trackback, Linkfest and Open Trackback Alliance. If you would like to participate, please leave a trackback and a link to this post on your site. Oh, and no porn! ;)

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Posts I've trackbacked to: Stuck On Stupid, A Blog For All, Stop the ACLU, Nuke's, Perri Nelson's Website, 123beta, The Uncooperative Radio Show!, Stix Blog, Right Truth, The Populist, The World According to Carl, Grizzly Groundswell, Big Dog's Weblog, and Adeline and Hazel, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

Trackbacks to this post (most recent tb listed first):

10. Blue Star Chronicles: Veterans Day 2007.

9. The Florida Masochist: The Knucklehead of the Day award.

8. Grizzly Groundswell: Dumb Laws of Illinois.

7. 123beta: Veteran's Day Leftist Blog Watch.

6. 123beta: File Under: Movies To Avoid.

5. Woman Honor Thyself: Weblog AwARDs 2007!

4. third world county: Anarcho-Tyranny in New Haven Connecticut.

3. Potbelly Stove: Paparazzi and Common Sense: Mutually Exclusive?

2. Stix Blog: Dumb Laws of Illinois.

1. A Blog For All The Marine Corps Birthday and Project Valour IT.

OTA: OTA Extended Weekend, S. The Crazy Rants of Samantha Burns, S. Point Five, S. Church and State, S. LyfLines, Wknd. Blue Star Chronicles, Wknd. Leaning Straight Up, Wknd. Stuck On Stupid, Wknd. The Bullwinkle Blog, and (Sorry. Gotta to take a nap. My body is demanding it. lol) (Oh my! I must have needed some sleep, because I just woke up again, and it's almost 9pm. Wow.) Wknd. 123beta (F, Wknd).

Welcome to Samantha's Open Trackback Alliance (OTA)

Samantha has an Open Trackback Alliance which is very classy and is really helpful to those of us who would like to expand our readership while reading others' sites. It is one more way to expand your horizons in this huge new world of technology. You really should give it a chance.

There is a FAQ page, so don't feel intimidated if you have no idea what to do or what I'm talking about. She is there is to help you. If it just so happens she is very busy (which is not unusual for people with lives), feel free to e-mail me. I am making NO promises! ;)

Today I'm going to open up this trackback on the new OTA: Open Trackback Alliance.

Open Trackback Alliance: Pirate's Cove (M, F), The World According To Carl, Woman Honor Thyself, Stix Blog, CommonSenseAmerica and Rosemary's Thoughts (me).

There is supposed to be the day of the week listed next to each person's site, but I forgot and erased them. Oops! My bad, I apologize. *blush* Digg!

Thanks and Praise from Iraq, by Michael Yon

So. They want us out of there, right? Then explain this:

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Thanks and Praise: [I, Michael Yon,] photographed men and women, both Christians and Muslims, placing a cross atop the St. John’s Church in Baghdad. They had taken the cross from storage and a man washed it before carrying it up to the dome.
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I find this quite amazing and encouraging. Do you think we'll ever see this on the evening news? Yes. Sadly, me neither. It does not fit the mold of the sectarian civil war. That is why it is so important that we have people such as Michael Yon on the ground bringing us the truth. [He is over there with only the support we provide for him. If you like hearing the truth and would like to support to support him, you may do so here. Thank you.]

I would like to share with you a couple of paragraphs he also wrote in this post.

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A Muslim man had invited the American soldiers from “Chosen” Company 2-12 Infantry to the church, where I videotaped as Muslims and Christians worked and rejoiced at the reopening of St John’s, an occasion all viewed as a sign of hope.

The Iraqis asked me to convey a message of thanks to the American people. "Thank you, thank you," the people were saying. One man said, "Thank you for peace." [This one made me tear up with pride.] Another man, a Muslim, said "All the people, all the people in Iraq, Muslim and Christian, is brother." The men and women were holding bells, and for the first time in memory freedom rang over the ravaged land between two rivers. (Videotape to follow.) [Continue reading.]
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Actually, the whole article has me beaming. Imagine a city, a state, a country who has finally found freedom after so many years, decades of oppressions.

Our men and women are the best in the world, but they do not like that label. They are so humble. THAT is why I will stand up for them when they are attacked by idiots who know not of what they speak and when they are arrested unjustly. You bet your sweet touchy. God bless you for our freedom, and thank you for all your sacrifices. When you come home, I pray it is a joyous occasion. Godspeed.

Hat tip: Little Green Footballs.

This will be Thursday's Open Trackback. It must be shared. If you are from the press, READ HIS WARNING for this post. There are ways to find you, and he shall not be ripped off again.

If you backtrack from here, all I ask is that you place a link in your article leading back to this article. Oh yes, no porn, also. Other than that, have at it, and have a great day.

Posts I've trackbacked to: Perri Nelson's Website, Dumb Ox Daily News, Nuke's, Right Truth, Pirate's Cove, The Amboy Times, Leaning Straight Up, High Desert Wanderer, Right Voices, and The Yankee Sailor, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

Trackbacks to this post (most recent tb listed first): (Be right back, 12-14. Need to boot-up again. grrr.)
15. Blue Star Chronicles: Joe Lieberman is Right.
14. Right Truth: Culturism - Right Truth Book Club Selection.
13. Blue Star Chronicles: Kellie Pickler's Moving Performance at the Country Music Awards.
12. Blue Star Chronicles: Sameer and Lamiyah Take up Residence at the Baghdad Zoo.
11. Potbelly Stove: Hoo Whee! I'm rich....
10. third world county: Chapping my gizzard.
9. Stageleft: Life on the [lower] left side: People of Britain: Congratulations Are In Order.
8. The Florida Masochist: The Knucklehead of the Day award.
7. Blue Star Chronicles: Foreign Service Officers Don’t Want to Serve at Baghdad Embassy.
6. Blue Star Chronicles: The Lyrical Terrorist.
5. Wolf Pangloss: Laughing Baby.
4. Perri Nelson's Website: A culture of life?
3. The Virtuous Republic: Islamic Militants Destroy 7th Century Buddha Carving in Swat, Pakistan.
2. Wolf Pangloss: The Picture of Antioch College: A Tragedy of Manners.
1. 123beta: Bush's Resignation Speech. Digg!

H.R. 4088 - Secure the borders, go after employers

House bill H.R. 4088 is a bill that we must first read carefully (if they ever put it on the docket) before we throw our whole hearted support behind it. As I understand it as of now, it appears that many freshman to Congress 'got it' when we demanded enforcement instead of amnesty.

I learned about this over at The Pirate's Cove. One of the most amazing things about this bill is that 44 DEMS and 40 REPS are sponsoring this bill. They claim to want bi-partisanship, yes? Yeah right! Just so long as everyone agrees with San Fransisco!

This is exactly where you and I come into the picture. We need to spread the word about this bill. Please go visit this post, because he has more details than I do. I can supply you with committees which this bill has been sent. (This is their way of burying it, that is why we need to keep it alive!)

Committees: House Homeland Security; House Judiciary; House Ways and Means; House Education and Labor; House Oversight and Government Reform; House Armed Services; House Agriculture; House Natural Resources.

Latest Major Action: 11/6/2007 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Ways and Means, Education and Labor, Oversight and Government Reform, Armed Services, Agriculture, and Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

This is a bunch of rotten eggs. We cannot allow this bill to get buried. Thank you, everyone, who helps us to keep our Sovereignty against these elitists who have no clue...

PS. If anyone can remember which blogroll(s) covers anti-illegal aliens amnesty and our Sovereignty, please leave me a comment. I would like to join them. Thanks.

H/t: WashingtonWatch for the link to the bill.

I am opening this post up for trackbacks, because we never get heard by one voice. But one voice+another voice+a few more voices...we can do this! Please remember, if you trackback to me, please add a link to me to on your post. Also, no porn. ;)

Posts I've trackbacked to: The Florida Masochist, Leaning Straight Up, The Virtuous Republic, Big Dog's Weblog, The Populist, Adam's Blog, Right Truth, The Pirate's Cove, Shadowscope, Planck's Constant, Stop the ACLU, and 123beta, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

Trackbacks to this post (most recent tb listed first):
1. The Florida Masochist: Routine but insane.
2. Right Truth: WMD,Soft Targets, Hip-Hop, Cocaine, and Hezbollah.
3. Truth in Cosmetic Surgery Blog: A Breast Lift that Likely Won't.
4. The Amboy Times: Boycott Dubai.
5. The Florida Masochist: The Knuckleheads of the Day award.
6. Wolf Pangloss: On Fabius Maximus’warning concerning the Long War. Digg!

Carrier Landing & Missile Test Video by Blackfive

I have watched both of these videos, and I must say they are thrilling. The missile test I wish was a little longer though. Wait until you see an inflight (plane?) land on a ship!



Digg!

Take 'In God We Trust' out of schools=Westboro

Once again we are confronted by the Marxist leanings of our edu-propagandist system. No wonder. It is alright to have the children mock the Muslim religion by pretending to participate in it, you must, but any mention of our national anthem? OH MY GOD! You really should read this article about the Kern High School District who are taking a vote on whether it is CONSTITUTIONAL or OFFENSIVE or not. Huh?

Hat tip: Stop the ACLU: California School Battles Over "In God We Trust"

When things like this get so bizzarro, we end up with ugliness such as the next article.

Would you consider this child abuse or brainwashing?

Help us to stop this abuse for all of our children. They are entitled to grow up, learn how to discern for themselves, and understand logic. It is only right and fair.

Hat tip: Stop the ACLU: Westboro Baptist Cult's Child Abuse.

Jay would like us spread this news, so I am going to do that by using this post as my open trackback with Linkfest. If you have not joined yet, just hit the picture and go from there.

If you want to trackback to this post, remember to mention my site in the post you have chosen to do so. After all, it is only courteous. ;)

Posts I have trackbacked to: Right Truth, Conservative Cat, Conservative Thoughts, The World According to Carl, Outside the Beltway, The Virtuous Republic, The Populist, Leaning Straight Up, The Amboy Times, The Bullwinkle Blog, Big Dog's Weblog, Pursuing Holiness, Adeline and Hazel, DragonLady's World, Blue Star Chronicles, Pirate's Cove, Interview: Bono, High Desert Wanderer, and Right Voices, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

Other posts I like: Woman Honor Thyself: Muzlims say NO to Huck Finn, 123Beta: "I Wish To See Closer, May I Land My Kinki Machine"?

Trackbacks from other posts:
1. The Florida Masochist: The Knucklehead of the Day award.
2. The Florida Masochist: Angry immigrants.
3. The Florida Masochist: Rowdy Democrats.
4. 123beta: Kerry:.
5. Right Truth: The Volunteer, a book review by Right Truth Book Club.
6. Planck's Constant: Warren Buffet is an Idiot. Yes, you are correct. Even with all that money, I wouldn't want to be him.
7. The Florida Masochist: Bowl madness.
8. Shadowscope: Wednesday Hero.
9. The Florida Masochist: The Knucklehead of the Day award.
10. Pirate's Cove: WTW: A Real Illegal Immigration Bill A ‘Commin!
11. Right Truth: "In League With The Stones...".
12. Adam's Blog: The Unfairness of Social Security. Digg!

Rakkasans Assist Iraqis With Legal Claims

Source: www.Army.mil.

31 October 2007
by Sgt. 1st Class Kerensa Hardy
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division.

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – The nondescript building at the Radwaniyah Palace Complex Civil Military Operations Center appears unassuming, but the Government Information Center represents a beacon of hope for some Iraqis. While the GIC provides several services, one of the most invaluable for local residents is the paying of legal claims.

With the Commandos of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), on their way back home, this is just one of many missions the Rakkasans of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division have taken over.

“(Local Iraqis) come in with all kinds of complaints,” said Huda, the GIC administrator, who also translates between the Iraqis and the U.S. Soldiers processing the claims. Huda and Faik, the Iraqi attorney who works at the GIC, do most of the claim work.

“(People) come in with requests to be paid for damages, and I help (file) new claims,” Huda said. Faik determines whether or not a claim is legitimate. He and Huda prepare the paperwork and collect the evidence required to prove that the claim is valid. The 3rd BCT legal office personnel determine whether or not the United States is actually responsible for damages and whether or not the claimant will be paid.

“Sometimes it is not for the United States to pay; it is the fault of an explosion by terrorists,” Huda explained, adding over the 2.5 years she has worked at the GIC there have been months when less than half the claims are found to be legitimate. When Faik deems the claims valid, the packets are forwarded to the 3rd BCT legal office for a final review and payment.

“By the time it gets to me, it’s already been determined that the claim is legal,” said Sgt. 1st Class Patrick Williams, from Tampa, Fla., senior 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div., paralegal and foreign claims pay agent. He actually makes the payments to the claimants.

“My job is both good and bad,” Williams said. “Obviously, I pay money when the damages were caused by the United States. But at the same time, when a claim is denied, I have to explain that the United States is not going to pay.”

The CMOC is a blessing for some Iraqis, Huda said. She said now the Iraqis feel that they have a means to get assistance. “It’s very great for them and they are grateful for it.” She added, “I like to help; it is good for me because I help the (Iraqi) people and the U.S. Army.”

Photo- Faik, an Iraqi attorney who processes claims at the Radwaniyah Palace Complex Civil Military Operations Center Government Information Center, discusses a new claim with Capt. Jonathan Gross, from New York City, claims adjudicator with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Kerensa Hardy. Digg!

'Witch Doctors' begin journey home

Source: US CentCom.

29 October 2007
BY Cpl. Nathan Hoskins
1st ACB, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs.

CAMP TAJI, Iraq - For the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division's medical evacuation unit, the horrors of war are all too real. But, those missions of transporting hurt and dying patients are over for a few troopers.

About a dozen Soldiers from Company C, 2nd "Lobo" Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, loaded up onto non-MEDEVAC UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters for a change, and began their journey home, Oct. 25. They are the first group of Soldiers from the 1st ACB to redeploy.

"It feels good to be going home after 15 months," said Rochester, N.Y., native, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Bryan Sills, a MEDEVAC pilot for the Co. C "Witch Doctors."

Like most units in Iraq, when the final orders came down, Co. C. was extended to 15 months. This made the deployment more difficult, said Orchard Park, N.Y., native, Sgt. 1st Class Jon Spiller, a flight medic for Co. C and the brigade's senior medical noncommissioned officer. "This was my third deployment and it was probably the roughest one I've been through; mainly because of the extension," Spiller said.

Even after they knew the extension was going to affect them, it didn't really hit the Witch Doctors until the 12-month mark, Spiller said. "Once we heard about it, we all prepared for it, but when you hit that 12-month mark and you know you should be going home, you kind of feel a little different about it," he said.

The extension aside, Spiller felt the Witch Doctors did some good while they flew over Iraq. "I really think we made a difference over here. We helped out the best we could. I'll be happy when everybody gets home," Spiller said.

Day in and day out for 15 months the troops from Co. C saw the horrors of war, but they made it a point to be a part of the change taking place in Iraq - even if that meant making amends with those who seek to kill Coalition Forces, said Spiller.

One patient in particular was an insurgent who had a gun shot wound to the leg, said Spiller. "We seemed to kind of connect. We couldn't really talk because we were in a helicopter and plus he didn't speak English," he said "I just kind of did some hand gestures and helped him out." Spiller, as a sign of kindness, tried to give the wounded enemy fighter a bracelet he was wearing at the time, but the man only gestured as if he didn't deserve such a gift, said Spiller.

"I know a lot of our medics are doing things like that, where they want to make sure these people understand we're here to help them whether they like us or not," he said.

But those times are now memories with which to tell stories to their friends and families - for the most part. Spiller can't wait to see his wife and three kids, he said. After three long deployments, another shorter deployment and basic noncommissioned officer school, he estimates that he has been gone from home almost five years straight, said Spiller.

Although he just got done saving lives in Iraq, Spiller heralds his wife, Kris, as a hero for keeping it together through all of his deployments. "She's tried to keep her sanity. She's definitely kept the household together with me gone. I'm just looking forward to being back at home with my kids and make our family whole again," he said. Spiller plans to spend lots of time with his wife; his son Tyler, 15; and his two daughters, Victorya, 13, and McKellen, 8, when he gets home. That doesn't mean his mind isn't on good 'ole American sustenance.

He is already thinking about the steak he'll eat if he arrives in the evening or that quaint little coffee shop if he arrives in the morning, he said. "If it's dinner, steaks; if it's around breakfast time, we have a couple little places we like to go. I'll have a nice coffee cappuccino, sit down, enjoy the view and be glad to be home," said Spiller.

For some of the Witch Doctors, arriving home means time with the family, for others it's that and the start of a new life altogether. Bay City, Mich., native, Sgt. Robert Witbrodt, a UH-60 Black Hawk crew chief for Co. C, will be joining the civilian ranks soon after his arrival home, he said. With three tours in Iraq complete, Witbrodt will be heading to school to study engineering, he said.

Still, he is proud of what he and his unit accomplished while in Iraq, said Witbrodt. "I like the mission here. Saving lives is pretty (darn) great. Sometimes it's hard on you, but it's rewarding," he said. Other than school, Witbrodt is fairly laid back about what he'll do once stateside. "I don't really have any big plans other than just spending time with my wife and maybe a little snowboarding, but that's about it," he said.

Although each Soldier's plans are varied, all that really matters to them is that they're headed home. The rest of Co. C will soon follow their fellow Witch Doctors, but will first hand over their mission to another MEDEVAC unit taking their place.

Photo - With 15 months of medical evacuation missions behind them, Soldiers from Company C, 2nd "Lobo" Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, load up their gear onto a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter before they start their trip from Camp Taji, north of Baghdad, back to the United States Oct. 25. Photo by Cpl. Nathan Hoskins.

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