Operation Thanks for Freedom!

Help collect cards, e-mails, etc, to send to the troops for the Fourth of July. Details at DoD Daily News-2. This will remain up until June 9, 2007. Have a blessed day.

Introducing the Lionesses

The Navy has braved a new frontier (GO NAVY!) when they became the first branch of the Armed Forces (Happy Birthday!) to include women in their Seabees.

Band of sisters plays key role in security.

The Lioness program was born when Marine commanders needed a culturally acceptable way to conduct effective searches of Iraqi women at control points along the Iraqi border and other locations. Because men in Muslim countries are not allowed to touch women they are not related to, it was difficult to stop insurgents from using women to smuggle in arms or money. Lioness trains U.S. servicewomen to conduct searches of females, accomplishing the mission while being sensitive to Muslim women. [Continue reading by clicking on the title.]

I know I'm biased, being a woman and all, but I don't women in combat. If you are going to put us in combat, then by God, do it right! LOL.

Master Sgt. Brinda Kupiec, Someone You Should Know

This is a remarkable woman. She had quit her job to be with her husband for his last few years on earth, and now she is at a crossroads. Without him around anymore, the home feels rather empty and lonely. Being in Iraq has given focus and meaning to her life.

Deployment Provides Direction, Focus
By Sgt. Alexandra Hemmerly-Brown
13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary).

LOGISTICS SUPPORT AREA ANACONDA, Iraq, May 14, 2007 — Two years ago, a wife sat by her husband’s side, comforting him. The woman had quit her job as a school teacher several years earlier to help her ailing spouse through two bouts of cancer. And then the woman, an Army Reserve soldier lost her spouse of 35 years. [Continue reading.]

I pray she finds the comfort that only God can give, and I know she is giving much comfort to others. If only we could all be like that...

Thousands head for Public Square: Support U.S. Troops

(Cleveland) - The roar could be heard all over Cleveland’s downtown. Thousands of motorcyclists descended on Public Square for the 5th annual Rally For The Troops Sunday. The event featured prayer, song, and the comments of those who’ve lost loved ones overseas.

Jim Boskovitch was among those who spoke. His son Jeff was one of the Brook Park Marines killed two years ago in Iraq. Boskovitch says his family has received great support from the community, and he has never felt alone as he’s struggled to cope with the loss of his son.

(More photos at link)
(Copyright 2007 by Clear Channel. All rights reserved.)

Notice: This is reposted from Gathering of Eagles.

ME, Sudan, and Germany News Round-Up

Let's start off with some good news for a change, eh? Iran releases 8 women's rights activists from jail! This is a good start, but we still have to pressure Iran for the other 25 women they are still holding. If that link no longer works, try this one.

Another good news article is this: Iraqi MP: Some lawmakers to lose immunity. This could have something to do with the government official's whose son was stopped at the border while returning from Iran. The news neglected to mention that the official had his office searched on suspicious of ties with death squads. If that link no longer works, try this one.

The situation in Darfur, Sudan, has finally reached the ICC: Impunity for war crimes against women. This article confronts the daily abuses and victimization of women. If that link no longer works, try this one.

Here is an article that could be perceived as either good or bad. It depends on whether you'd like to know before hand if there is a threat to your person. Saudi authorities warn foreigners of attacks. If this link no longer works, try this one. Please be careful if you have any plans on travelling anytime soon. To find out if there is a threat level increase, check here.

Syria is not doing anything uncommon. It amazes me how so many people are surprised when they find them to be bad actors, including the USA. This time, however, it was the Belgian Foreign Minister Karel de Gucht who left the country with his hands in the air and he shaking his head. If the link no longer works, try this one.

"BERLIN: Bomb-building instructions have been found on the deleted hard drive of a computer belonging to one of the suspects in the attempted bombing last summer of two trains in Germany, a newspaper reported on Wednesday."

I found this to be partial good news. I'm still quite upset about the leader of Hizbullah's brother being released some 2 years ago. If that link doesn't work, use this one.

Update: Nathan is having an open-trackback weekend, and you MUST add this URL to your post. It is only proper! He is a very nice Christian man who I met quite a while ago (through the net, not face to face). He has very good articles, and he likes to stay on top the news as we do. You may want to add him to your blogroll, because I guarantee you will read news you may have missed. Thanks, and have a great day.