Military News: 29 May 2007

There are five articles of interest today. As we know, there was a Cedar Revolution after PM Hariri was assassinated. It was a peaceful, for the most part, revolution. The only problem being that once Syria was finally out of there, Hizbullah stepped in to take their place. Now al Qaida has joined in the vacuum. This article will address some things we are doing to help the government: Airmen deliver strategic aid to Lebanese military.

This next article involves two countries trying to become friends; USA and Qatar. The US Navy will visit Qatar for a two day 'friendship' visit: USS Underwood visits Doha, Qatar. This will do well in maritime relations.

This article is one we could have, if not should have, expected. Wherever the fighting is not, the economy is thriving. This attracts many businesses whom want to participate, if only for their own benefit. But isn't that what motivates most businesses? I know it would motivate me! lol. This particular area is northern Iraq: Security in northern Iraq aids economic opportunities.

Here we have another Army paratrooper sharing his thoughts about the surge and how it working or not: Army paratroopers share thoughts on surge.

I have no comment, because I am not sure of my facts. I will just introduce this: Pace Says Iraqis Must Step Up to Governance Challenge.

Everyone have a great day, and stay safe.

With Honor

This is an article written about four men who were awarded medals at different marks in time. They are truly remarkable and honorable. My brother emailed this to me because he knew that I would just grin from ear to ear. I love good news.

The only thing I do not like about this good news is the fact that sometimes they have to give their all. Thank you so very much for being who you are. Thank you also for what you have done. For those of you who made it back, welcome home and well done.

Darn. We need men like these! God, please protect them. Hide them underneath Your wing. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Visiting the Smiles of Orphans in the Horn of Africa

Here is another article about an orphanage in the Horn of Africa. I just love these, because it touches my heart to read about the love from American Soldiers for the littlest of His. The title of this article is, "Joint Task Force Showers Orphans With Supplies and Smiles." Our troops certainly do love those smiles. Have a nice day.

Military News: 17 May 2007

There is no military news for 16, because I presented those seperately. Today I only have two, so this should be okay.

The first one is Admiral Fallon Tours U.S. Army Central Facilities in Kuwait. It isn't very long. It covers his first visit to the US Central Command. He started with Camp Buehring Training Village this past Sunday. When he spoke to his Soldiers, he let them know that he was depending on them to stablize the region. They are the last best hope. [Continue reading.]

The next article is a nice one. The title is, "Qatari finds talent as translator during MNF military exercises." It is about a Qatari man who finds his talents in a place where he was not looking, but he is enjoying his find. He has been chosen as an interpreter. It is a remarkable story, should you choose to read it. lol.

Have a really great day and weekend. Be careful, and keep your heads down. Godspeed.

Military News: 11 May 2007

Today I have some pretty good stories. Please remember, I did not write these, but I do recommend them. Just click the title of whichever article you wish to read.

Iraqi Troops Train for Mass Casualties.
KIRKUK, Iraq, May 9, 2007 — The sound of emergency sirens streaked through the K-1 Iraqi Army Base as fire trucks and ambulances, escorted by military vehicles, rushed outside the base to respond to a simulated catastrophic event with massive casualties.

The recent massive casualty, or MASCAL, training exercise was a joint effort between the Iraqi army and medical personnel along with U.S. Army 25th Infantry Division soldiers from nearby Forward Operating Base Warrior.

Bush Asks for Time, Resources to Allow Success.
WASHINGTON, May 10, 2007 – The new security plan for Baghdad needs a chance to succeed, and troops serving in Iraq deserve the resources they need to make sure it does, President Bush said at the Pentagon today.

Bush spoke to reporters following a two-hour meeting with Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other defense and military leaders.

The president said he considers it ironic that the Senate unanimously approved Army Gen. David H. Petraeus to serve as commander of Multinational Force Iraq after hearing details of his security plan but isn’t showing a willingness to give that plan a chance to work.

Cheney: America Will Stay on Offensive Against Terror.
WASHINGTON, May 10, 2007 – Al Qaeda terrorists have chosen Iraq as the central front in their worldwide campaign against freedom, so America must stay in the fight to prevent them from establishing a safe haven from which to launch more attacks, Vice President Richard B. Cheney said in Iraq today.

Al Qaeda leaders believe they can wear down the United States, force the troops out of Iraq and make the country a launching pad for new attacks in the region and abroad, Cheney said in remarks to members of the Army’s 25th Infantry Division in Tikrit. “The terrorists have stated these ambitions clearly, and this is where they’ve decided to fight,” he said. “The United States also has made a decision. As the prime target of a global war against terror, we will stay on the offensive; we will not sit back and wait to be hit again.”

Gates wants better armor quicker.
WASHINGTON, May 10, 2007 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates is exploring ways to speed up the timetable for getting more Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles to troops in Iraq.

Gates told reporters during yesterday’s Pentagon news conference that he’s impressed by what he’s read about the MRAPs and the improved troop protection they offer over up-armored Humvees.

He cited an article that noted that no Marines had been killed during 300 incidents in which their MRAPs were involved in improvised-explosive-device attacks. “That certainly got my attention,” he said.

The MRAP’s raised, V-shaped underbelly deflects the force of IEDs and other blasts from below.

Commander Sees Success in Iraqi Security Forces.
WASHINGTON, May 10, 2007 – U.S. forces are continuing to see improvements in the abilities of the Iraqi security forces they are training, the commander of the Iraqi Assistance Group today told representatives of veterans service organizations during a conference call from Iraq.

“From the streets of Baghdad to the Iranian border, transition teams are providing high-quality advice and assistance to Iraq security force units,” said Army Brig. Gen. Dana Pittard, commander of the Iraq Assistance Group in charge of helping Iraqi military, police and border enforcement officials.

Local population key in Iraqi, Coalition forces steady progress.
BAGHDAD – The Multi-National Force - Iraq spokesman and the director of Air Component Coordination Element held a press conference at the Combined Press Information Center Wednesday.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. William B. Caldwell IV, the Multi-National Force-Iraq spokesman, and U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. David Edgington, director of the Air Component Coordination Element provided an update on security operations and discussed the contribution of air support to Coalition forces.

Did sKerry & Hairy tell Casey to shut down Milbloggers?

OPSEC ordered Milblogs to be scrutinized by their superiors before being posted for content on April 19, 2007. What happened around 4/19? There are three separate events that took place.

First, Pelosi went to Syria without permission in order to embarrass the president and destroy our foreign policy. I wrote about this on the 5/1 and published a cartoon on 4/16, but Farid Ghadry wrote about this on April 5th. CounterTerrorismBlog beat us all to the punch with this article: Now let's get serious about Syran and Congress. (I wrote that, but I give the link to the article.)

Second, Reid claimed that our troops were losing. USN Lt. Nichols wrote a letter to Reid. This was on the 21 of April. In order to have written that letter and sent it, it must have taken more than two days. Therefore I am concluding that Hairy made that statement that 'We have lost' the war in Iraq before the 19 of April. Crotchety Old Bastard also graced us with his everlasting wit about Reid.

Last but not least, there is the issue of allowing the Islamists to get their word out while shutting down the moderate Muslim with OUR tax dollars. Ask Frank Gaffney how that went over. (This was written 4/10.) I know I was calling, and I made myself perfectly clear that they were standing in the way of progress in this war of ideas.

We must all stand together, no matter what your views on this world wide war. Censorship is wrong no matter it is found.

The troops already know their perimeters, so what they are trying to do is to be politically correct. They are now trying to shut down any debate in the ranks, while it is still popular to call our president Hitler. Maybe if politicians had to live by the same rules they wish to impose on the rest of us...never happen!

I'm sure there are many who can put their words together much better than I when angry, but I must remember, with faith, the power of You and Me! Call your congressperson and senators toll free at 866-340-9281 and POLITELY give them a piece of your mind. Let's get this thing turned around!

UPDATE: OMG! I was so upset I forgot to let you know where I found out about this. Over at Blackfive's, there are many sites that are already commenting and writing about this. Please go over there and see for yourself. I'm sure they did a better job than I.

Gathering of Eagles News 4/29/2007

Army Deserter Gets Award From Lefty Group.
April 25th, 2007

At the GOE event in Greensboro last weekend, Terri Johnson, an 18-year-old woman, received a “People’s Commendation Award” from World Can’t Wait, a Communist, antiwar group.

Web Buttons Now Available.
April 24th, 2007

Do you want to link your site to Gathering of Eagles? Well now you can use this nifty little button instead of a regular old link:


Update on Operation Recruiter Appreciation (24 Apr).
April 24th, 2007

It’s been just over two weeks since we announced Operation Recruiter Appreciation (ORA), and I’m happy to report that the response has been quite impressive! I have fielded hundreds upon hundreds of inquiries. To my knowledge there has been no media coverage on ORA at all. Yet as of today we have 136 commitments covering 40 states.

GI Film Festival.
April 23rd, 2007

Looking for something to do in D.C. after the GOE II rally is over?

In response to Reid's remark: This war is lost

Crotchety Old Bastard has written a scathing, accurate, and concise post which you really should go read. Here is a teaser:

If Senator Reid, based on the information that the Senate Majority Leader has, has determined that this war is lost; there is nothing left to do but come home. The way I see it, if you were to vote for anything less; you would be personally liable for any future wounded or God-Forbid dead soldiers.

Please go read it now and leave a comment. He is going to send them to this crackpot. Thanks.

Iraqi Police Graduates Key to the Future

BAGHDAD - Recruits of the 3rd Battalion, 6th Brigade, 2nd Iraqi National Police Division graduated from training at Forward Operating Base Falcon, March 28. This is the first group of “shurta,” Arabic for police, to come onto a U.S. forward operating base and receive complete, 24-hour-a-day training by a National Police Training Team. [Continue reading.]

RCP Interviews Gen. Caldwell

I found a post of an interview done by Real Clear Politics and copied it over to my other site. It's a very good interview, and I recommend you take a couple minutes to read it. It isn't too long, but it sure packs a punch. Happy Easter, and Happy Passover.

News from CENTCOM: 4/6/2007

There are mostly great articles today, however there is one (I think) that is not so good. Let's get started.

Joint Police Force Works Toward a More Secure Iraq
ISKANDARIYAH, Iraq, March 31, 2007 — The future security of Iraq starts at the ground level with the Iraqi security forces. In order to prepare the Iraqis for thi[s] responsibility, soldiers in transition teams have been working around the clock all over Iraq. [If you'd prefer a larger font and/or a different background, use this link.]

Nondestructive testing keeps Bagram aircraft flying
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (AFNEWS) -- They endure wide swings in temperature and dusty conditions, and they are constantly pushed to their limits. They are the F-15E Strike Eagles stationed here. [If you have trouble using that link, use this link.]

Black Jack Performs Medical Mission in Baghdad
BAGHDAD, March 30, 2007 — As Haifa Street residents begin coming back out into the streets that were once too dangerous to step into, coalition and Iraqi security forces are beginning to lend a much needed hand in many of the basic needs. [If you'd prefer a larger font and/or a different background, use this link.]

Iraqis, Coalition Working Together to Secure Tal Afar
WASHINGTON, March 31, 2007 – Coalition and Iraqi forces are working with city leaders to secure the Iraqi city of Tal Afar after a bombing at a market killed more than 80 people earlier this week, a military official said today in a briefing from the city. [If you'd prefer a larger font and/or a different background, use this link.]

If you'd like, I usually use the other link for longer articles. Here is the name of it: DoD Daily News-2. Not too original, but it gets the job done. lol. Have a great day, and a very Happy Easter.

Admiral Fallon Assumes Command of CENTCOM

16 March 2007
By 1st Sgt. Marvin Baker
US CENTCOM Public Affairs.

MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. - Adm. William J. Fallon took charge of United States Central Command here Friday replacing the retiring Gen. John P. Abizaid.

Fallon, the former chief of the U.S. Pacific Command, now leads more than 200,000 service members deployed in CENTCOM’s area of responsibility, which includes 27 nations throughout Southwest Asia, the Middle East and the Horn of Africa.

Fallon is the first naval officer to assume command of CENTCOM, which began as the Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force in 1980.

Secretary of Defense, Robert M.Gates, presided during the ceremony, paying tribute to both Abizaid and Fallon during his keynote remarks.

He thanked Abizaid and his wife Kathy for the wonderful job they’ve both done for the United States and wished them well in their retirement. Abizaid wraps up 54 months at CENTCOM as both deputy commander and commander.

Following Fallon’s review of the troops, which included members of the CENTCOM component commands, Gates talked about the admiral. He said this is Fallon’s fourth, four-star assignment after being nominated for the CENTCOM post by President George W. Bush in January and getting confirmed by the Senate in February.

“Nobody would begrudge you if you asked for a well-deserved rest but me,” Gates said to Fallon. “We need you again.”

Fallon spoke about the way ahead. He said he puts a premium on good, strong relationships. The admiral added he will work hard to make that happen, especially in the AOR.

“We have been entrusted with a great responsibility in this part of the world,” Fallon said. “And despite the challenges, we have a lot going for us. The five branches serve so well around the world, around the clock. We have the support of the American people who want us to succeed.”

Fallon began his naval career in 1967 and has an impressive list of accomplishments since then. He flew the RA-5C Vigilante with a combat deployment to Vietnam , transitioning to the A-6 Intruder in 1974. He served in flying assignments with attack squadrons and carrier air wings for 24 years, deploying to the Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans embarked in USS Saratoga, USS Ranger, USS Nimitz, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and USS Theodore Roosevelt. He has logged more than 1,300 carrier arrested landings and 4,800 flight hours in tactical jet aircraft.

Fallon’s awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal and the Navy Commendation Medal.

Photo: Gen. John P. Abizaid (right) inspects the troops for a final time during the Change of Command ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Fla., as Col. Shawn Mateer, ceremony commander of troops, and incoming commander Adm. William J. Fallon look on. Photo by Spc. Patrick A Ziegler.

Friday Freefly-03: Bacardi Rum and Little Outrage

This week's Friday Freely was good, but there was apparently nothing to get that upset over. If you ask me, I think they were checking out their new sponsor BEFORE they started taping, but hey? Who am I to say? lol.

Here is a little message with a huge meaning by Uncle Jimbo:

Also for all those heading to DC for the Gathering of Eagles this is my moonbat safety tip video. There will be a freefly every week plus several other video pieces as appropriate. You can subscribe at YouTube here.

Michelle Malkin is headed off to DC to support our troops from Hot Air. Michelle will probably have great videos from the Gathering of Eagles event. I am looking forward to these! Watch her invitation at YouTube. It's really, really good, even if I am late.

I shall be in there in spirit, my friends. I will be praying for you. Take care and don't let the moonbats get you down. :)

PS. You will find the video over at Blackfive's where Uncle Jimbo's link is located at the top of this article.

Calling all Military Dudes and Gals

I have approached to inform you that you are of interest to the Discovery Channel and the Military Channel here at home! Check this out:

My name is Corrie Zielinski, and I’m contacting you because I think your readers/visitors might be interested in a project that I’m working on in conjunction with the Military Channel (which is part of the Discovery Channel networks) – an Open Call for Video Submissions from Military Personnel deployed around the globe (this is in conjunction with the DOD). The Military Channel is accepting all types of video and the selected clips will air on the Military Channel beginning in mid-February. The program will be similar to the concept in My War Diary, but the footage won’t be edited. If you think that this is something your readers might be interested in, please let me know and I will pass along the actual submission information (including a link to the DOD News article).

Thanks so much for your time,

Corrie

Please be nice Corrie and send him/her your very best. We have to let the people know just how great I already know you are. We have to make them understand that this a war for our lives, yours' especially, but you are doing such great things that people at home will not get to see unless you show them. So get busy and show them! Love ya. Have a great day, and Godspeed.

PS. I understand that I am a month late in delivering this message, but I do believe the offer still stands. I actually thought I had already written an article concerning this issue. As soon as I found I had not, I decided to go ahead and write one now. Please forgive my tardiness.

Navy’s First Riverine Squadron Deploys

These men have been in training for about a year, and they are very anxious to put their training to work. They have gone from the ocean to the river, hence the name, "Riverenes" (RIVRON). This is the first time since Viet Nam (which we won on the ground. It was public opinion that was spoon fed to the people WRONGLY that defeated us. Yes, we beat ourselves. Do not allow this to overtake now...) that we have used this tactic.

The difference? The equipment, the men, and the fact that we are to support them until the war is won. To read this article, please go here.

45th MedCo works closely with Marines to save lives

This is an amazing article of how greatly our young men manage to verge two military outfits into almost one, because they work so well together. Maybe not on the football field, but give credit where credit is due. I give this credit to those from ground up.

You would not believe their schedule...um...maybe you would! But most of us would find it hard, if not impossible, to match. Great article. You may read about it here.

PRT Helps Afghanis to Help Themselves

This story is such a heart-warming one. It is one I thought of long ago. It is so good to it implemented.

What is happening in Panjshir Province, and other provinces, is that cement bags, which only cost $5/bag, are being given to the Afghanis to repair, build, restore, ect, and this is one of their favorites. After all, they are getting involved with the activities it is going to take to bring them into a better way of life. You may read about it here.

"Imposing the Law" in Action: Week III

Omar of Iraq The Model has given a wide-ranging overview of what he can see happening in his part of the world. He is a Dentist, therefore he travels through much of Iraq. He has been our strength and a source of information we would lack otherwise. He and his brother, Mohammed, are true treasures.

On with the news...

It is apparent that the Military and the political figures are working together (for a change). PM Maliki has stated that he will be announcing his cabinet reorganization. He realizes that his cabinet, as it stands now, is not operating properly due to divided loyalties that make it impossible to work for the greater good of all of Iraq. This is a welcomed step.

PM Maliki also held a press conference Sunday morning where he announced this:

In his press conference this morning, Maliki also announced that the Supreme Judicial Council will be issuing warrants against a number of politicians and members of parliament who have connections to militant groups that are involved in attacks on civilians and security forces.

It is about time! I hope he also throws all the Iranians (IRG) out of his government, and tells them to go back to Iran and never come back...

Both the USA and Iraqi troops are in Sadr City, and they are being met without resistence. However the Medhi (militia) 'army' is still trying to undermine this effort by spreading rumors about misconduct by US soldiers. What else is new, right? How much you wanna bet they can sell some juicy stories to the USA press? More time wasted on more unnecessary investigations...

Regardless of the reports of violence that we receive on a daily diet of negativity without context, here is a fact that is hard to ignore:

Violent incidents are still decreasing in number and impact in Baghdad. Yesterday for instance the only reported incident was the abduction of an adviser to the minister of defense by gunmen in western Baghdad. It was less than 24 hours until the security forces succeeded in freeing the abducted general and arresting 4 of his captors.

I'd say this is pretty astonishing! I'm grateful that the general was found alive and released.

There is still more to be read at Street Justice. Have a wonderful day.

Ft. Rucker Hit by Tornado; You Can Help

Blackfive has put out the word:

Stay tuned. Ft. Rucker, Alabama, was hit hard by yesterday's tornados and storms. While the fort has been instrumental in helping out the local area, military families have lost loved ones and homes have been destroyed.

Soldiers' Angels is on the job and will be establishing funds to support Ft. Rucker soldiers and families.

As usual, when I ask you to donate, Blackfive.net donates first with an initial $50.

Here is the link to the PayPal account to help Ft. Rucker families.

I would be honored if you would go to this link and give generously. I will also be giving what I can. Thank you so very much for caring about and for our military families and our brave men and women who do the work that is necessary for us to remain a free nation. Godspeed.

Maj. Bruce Crandall Receives Medal of Honor at 74

On Monday, 26 Feb. 2007, Maj. Bruce Crandall received the cherished Medal of Honor after so many years. Mr. Crandall is now 74 years old, and he was serving in the Viet Nam War when his bravery in combat duty was deemed far and above the call of duty. It's about time!

So how did the New York Times handle this great accomplishment? They put the story on page 15. If he would have been against the war...

You may read the transcript of the Honor bestowed upon Mr. Crandall at the White House here. There is also a nice commentary over at the OpinionJournal Online by Daniel Henninger. It is sad, however, that all of the good news in Iraq is being pushed to back pages of history. For shame...