I moved to Rosemary's Thoughts

I will be moving the articles already written here to Rosemary's Thoughts. They will not disappear. When I have moved them, I will leave the title with a link to the article for which you are searching. They will now be at Rosemary's Thoughts.

DoD Daily News-2 will remain the same as it is until I move that one, also, to Rosemary's Thoughts. It carries the full text of articles that are sent to me by CentCom, MNF-I, CJTA-HOA, press releases and news reports, along with any news I come across.

It has truly been an honor serving you, my readers, and I pray for brighter days and a better world. God bless you, and take care. Oh yeah, come visit me over at my new site! :)

Update: Please scroll down to read Bos'un and Debbie's articles. Just because I'm moving, doesn't mean the site is closing. Sorry for that wrong impression! Have a great day. :)

Announcement

If there's not much news here, please go to DoD Daily News-2. I always work there first. Thank you.

Operation 'Appeal for Courage'

Follow this link to learn about this petition and decide if it is for you. Thank you.

Commander Says Iraqi Citizens Turning Against Insurgents

Courtesy of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Multi-National Force Iraq

Saturday, 25 August 2007

Multi-National Division-Baghdad and 1st Cavalry Division commander, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Joseph F. Fil Jr. (front), accompanied by U.S. Army Lt. Col. James W. Phillips (right), commander of the 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, tours the Palestine Market in the Rusafa District of eastern Baghdad. Over 1,800 barriers have been emplaced in the market since May 1, making the area more secure. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. W. Wayne Marlow, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division Public Affairs.

BAGHDAD — Iraqis who once aligned themselves with militants are now taking up arms against al-Qaeda, a top commander in the Iraqi capital said during a conference call Friday.

Likening members of terrorist organizations to “street gangsters,” U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Joseph Fil, commander of Multi-National Division-Baghdad and 1st Cavalry Division, said Iraqis are becoming tired of price gouging on staples such as gasoline and ice when militant groups move in and take over neighborhoods.

“We have found that throughout the city there is increasing distrust, fatigue and disillusionment by the population with al-Qaeda and Jaysh al-Mahdi (militia group),” he said. “There is a strong desire in the neighborhoods to turn away from them.”

Fil said Coalition troops are continuing to take away the enemy’s ability to control neighborhoods and to brutalize the population.

“Every day we’re working with Iraqi Security Forces and the Iraqi government to place power back in the legitimate hands of the average Iraqi civilian,” the general said.

Local citizens are more openly embracing Iraqi Security Forces and are beginning to respect and trust their fellow citizens in uniform, he added.

Now 10 months into their deployment, Fil said troops of the 1st Cavalry Division are fully integrated and “up to speed” with surge operations. “The division continues to excel in this campaign as we try to bring security and stability to the Iraqi capital,” he said, as he described that more than 50 percent of Baghdad is in the “control” or “retain” phase of the overall Baghdad security plan.

In a February briefing, Fil described the mission in Baghdad as “clear, control and retain.” In the “clear” phase of a mission, Iraqi and U.S. forces move into neighborhoods and clear out extremist elements. In the “control” phase, the combined forces maintain a full-time presence on the streets, Fil explained. The forces will man combined security stations, which are being built all over the city, and will work to establish conditions that allow Iraqi forces to take over operations completely.

The “retain” phase comes when Iraqi forces are responsible for day-to-day security operations and Coalition forces can move out of the neighborhoods and into areas where they can respond if assistance is needed.

Fil also said fewer innocent Iraqis are being murdered as a result of sectarian violence, and statistics show murders are at their lowest level since the beginning of surge operations.

“Markets that were once targets by indiscriminant killers are now safer and thriving,” the general said. “And more and more Iraqis are turning from the ‘rule of gun’ to the ‘rule of law.’”

The last several months have been challenging, Fil said. “And I don’t expect things to get any easier in the months ahead, but I do fully expect to see the same steady progress that we and the Iraqi Security Forces have made in bringing stability to neighborhood by neighborhood throughout Baghdad.”

(Story by Carmen L. Gleason, American Forces Press Service)

In other developments throughout Iraq:

•           Iraqi citizens and police fought back against an al-Qaeda attack on two villages near Kana’an early Thursday morning, brought on because the villagers had begun assisting Iraqi Security Forces in pushing the terrorist group out of the area.

•           Multi-National Division-Baghdad troops were engaged with small arms and machine gun fire by illegal militiamen while searching for a cache in a northwestern neighborhood of the Iraqi capital Thursday.

CENTCOM Meets with Saudi King Abdullah

US CENTCOM chief meets Saudi king

Saudi King Abdullah met on Tuesday with the visiting head of the US Central Command, Admiral William Fallon, the official SPA news agency reported.

The United States recently announced it has put together an arms package worth at least 20 billion dollars over 10 years for Saudi Arabia, saying the sale is meant to defend the kingdom against Iran, which Washington believes is working to acquire nuclear weapons.

For the rest of the story, US CENTCOM chief meets Saudi king

Duncan to appear at Freedom Concert in San Diego

Cross-posted at Rosemary's Thoughts.

If you are going to the Freedom Concert in San Diego on the 26th of July, you may run into Congressman Duncan Hunter who will be making a special appearance! If you haven't already, you may get your tickets from here.

It would be great if you could come early and stop by Duncan's San Diego Headquarters. It would very nice if we could show him our gratitude for the fence that he DID get up, and also show support for his campaign. You could also wear a Hunter for President t-shirt! They are only $30 or a cap which is $20.

I hope everyone has a very great time. Remember, the true reason for this concert is to honor our Fallen Angels and their children. Don't let these politics or politicians get in the way of that!

However, for more information about Duncan Hunter, please call the office at 619-463-3896. GO HUNTER!

1st Cav Soldiers Sing Toby Keith's "Beer For My Horses"

Cross-posted at Rosemary's Thoughts.

There is just no way I could let this one slide by! LOL. Blackfive has captured the essense of the fighting spirit in this clip. I love this song by Toby Keith!

Blackfive's Video Potpourri

Cross-posted @ Rosemary's Thoughts.

This first video will last 4:05, and I'm not quite sure if they rescued one of the guys being held or if he was one of the insurgence. Maybe you could help me understand? The name of this clip is "Operation Ithaca - The Fight." (Do not worry. You will not be seeing anything gross.)

In this next clip comes the answer to my question! This clip is 7:59, and the title of it is "Operation Ithaca - Interview." They were successful in this mission, killing 29 and capturing 23 of the enemy. They also rescued 8 hostages who were about to be executed on the day of the mission. Whew! That was close.

This clip is 3:11, and it's title is "AH-64 and C-130 Engage Insurgents." Five insurgents are killed in this one by none other than our USAF! Great job, guys. :)

These next two clips sort of go together, if not by nature then by name. This one is 32 seconds long, and the title is "Crispy Terrorists on the July 14th Menu." It is almost like watching a silent movie, except it is real life...or death to the terrorists as I like to put it. The next clip is titled "Crispy Terrorists on the July 15th Menu" and lasts for 58 seconds.

And to say that the last one is the least one would be an incredibly wrong assumption! This young lady sends it home as to why a Soldier would serve. Here she tells us why she serves. Why I Serve - SSG Shannon Fezer. This clip only lasts for 1:02, yet I wish it were longer. It is people such as she who make me proud to be an American. If you cannot understand this genuine concept, please don't tell me. I don't care if you're a nutjob, just don't prove it on my site! :)

I received these videos through my subscription. You may also subscribe if you wish. You may do so by clicking here. Have a great day, and remember our men and women in uniform who are protecting this freedom for you to have such a day. Maybe you could even send up a prayer or two...

Kites are introduced to Afghani children; loving it!

Cross-posted at Rosemary's Thoughts.

This is one of those stories that touched my heart so warmly. Many people look at our Soldiers and see only brutes or men ready to kill you if you look at them wrongly. This is the furthest from the truth. They do not understand the ROE (Rules of Engagement). Many people have no idea about life in the military, this is the story for you.

Let me see if I find just one paragraph to entice you. This seems like the right one:

"It seems like time stopped here 2,000 years ago," said Polish Pfc. Chris Demko, a gunner on one of the giant Rosomak armored personnel carriers. "We see these kids running around with nothing, not even shoes, and we want to change that." [The Real Kite Runners flying the Afghan Skies.]

Bravo for the Polish Soldiers! It just goes to show that loving children and humanity does not stop at our waters edge. :)

Big guns play big role in E. Afghan

Cross-posted at Rosemary's Thoughts.

This is one cool article. I know. I'm sick for thinking it is cool to know that our men can kill so many of our ENEMIES, right? YOU'RE READING THE WRONG SITE! Go away! lol.

I love it! Check out this paragraph:

"It's not like the previous wars when they lined up and we would mow them down," said Mantle. "Fires have a lot of different effects. When we fire the 155s from here, the enemy doesn't hear the round coming in. It immediately puts the enemy on the defensive and has a tremendous demoralizing effect." [Big guns play big part in eastern Afghanistan.]

Give them all the guns they need, then give them about twice that! Let's kick butt!

Pilots down for 1/2 hour surrounded by insurgents

Cross-posted at Rosemary's Thoughts.

Have you ever read an article that made you just want to know more but knew you couldn't? This is one of those for me. Here we have two pilots that are shot down in Iraq surrounded by insurgents, and it took around half an hour for them to be rescued. For half an hour! What did the rescue team find when they did arrive? Not a single injuring! That is the kind of movie I would pay to see, but I am not quite sure I could stand the vocabulary that may have transpired duing this ordeal. lol. Check it out at Downed Pilots Endure 30 Minutes of Intensity Before Rescue. Have a great day.

Hitting Hillary's letter out of the ballpark again, Uncle Jimbo!

Cross-posted at Rosemary's Thoughts.

Reading all the threats everyday that this country is facing, sure can get to a person. That is why Uncle Jimbo is such a great guy. I can always count on him to lift my spirits. He has the right words at the right time to apply to right people. You just have to read his take on Hillary's question given to the Defense Department. He is spot-on!

Would you like to know the question? Okay, here it is:

Dear Mr. Secretary:

On May 22, 2007, I wrote to you to request that you provide the appropriate oversight committees in Congress - including the Senate Armed Services Committee - with briefings on what current contingency plans exist for the future withdrawal of United States forces from Iraq. Alternatively, if no such plans exist, I asked for an explanation for the decision not to engage in such planning.

I am in receipt of a letter from Eric Edelman, the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy who wrote that he was responding on your behalf. Under Secretary Edelman's response did not address the issues raised in my letter and instead made spurious arguments to avoid addressing contingency planning for the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq.

As I noted in my original letter, "the seeds of many problems that continue to plague our troops and mission in Iraq were planted in the failure to adequately plan for the conflict and properly equip our men and women in uniform. Congress must be sure that we are prepared to withdraw our forces without any unnecessary danger."

Rather than offer to brief the congressional oversight committees on this critical issue, Under Secretary Edelman - writing on your behalf - instead claims that congressional oversight emboldens our enemies. Under Secretary Edelman has his priorities backward. Open and honest debate and congressional oversight strengthens our nation and supports our military. His suggestion to the contrary is outrageous and dangerous. Indeed, you acknowledged the importance of Congress in our Iraq policy at a hearing before the House Armed Services Committee in March, when you stated, "I believe that the debate here on the Hill and the issues that have been raised have been helpful in bringing pressure to bear on the Maliki government and on the Iraqis in knowing that there is a very real limit to American patience in this entire enterprise."

Redeploying out of Iraq will be difficult and requires careful planning. I continue to call on the Bush Administration to immediately provide a redeployment strategy that will keep our brave men and women safe as they leave Iraq - instead of adhering to a political strategy to attack those who rightfully question their competence and preparedness after years of mistakes and misjudgments.

Other members of this Administration have not engaged in political attacks when the prospect of withdrawal planning has been raised. At the June 7 Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing on Lieutenant General Douglas Lute, I asked General Lute "what level of planning has taken place" and "whether the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs have been briefed about the level of planning." I also asked General Lute to determine "what kind of timeline would exist if a decision for either military or political reasons were taken to begin withdrawal" and if he considered this kind of planning to be part of his responsibilities.

General Lute replied, "Thank you Senator. I do think such an adaptation, if the conditions on the ground call for it, will be part of this position."

I renew my request for a briefing, classified if necessary, on current plans for the future withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq or an explanation for the decision not to engage in such planning. I also renew my concern that our troops will be placed in unnecessary danger if the Bush Administration fails to plan for the withdrawal of U.S. Forces. Finally, I request that you describe whether Under Secretary Edelman's letter accurately characterizes your views as Secretary of Defense.

I would appreciate the courtesy of a prompt response directly from you. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely yours,

Hillary Rodham Clinton

(Hat tip: MyDD. Be careful. It's a 'Leftie for Hillary' site I got it from. lol)

If you will notice, her letter to him was released for publication. Was his? I don't know, but I doubt it. (Won't swear to it, though.) Anyway, I thought Uncle Jimbo handled this just fine. Yes, fine indeed. Go over and have a great laugh and a great day!

Delayed, but only a little

Cross-posted at Rosemary's Thoughts.

I have had a few factors that have hindered my writing and bringing you the news that you deserve and need to know. My apologies. I will be getting to it as quickly as I am able. Please stop back in a while if you wish. I am planning to have some links to some of Blackfive's videos and some Military news. Thanks. :)

This is a New Strategy, what more do they want?

Cross-posted at Rosemary's Thoughts.

Opinion Journal has written a tremendous article about the new strategy that went into full effect on June 15, 2007. Today is July 11, 2007, and the Democrats have been decrying that this is a lost war. Have they spoken with the soldiers? No. Have they spoken with the generals who are on the ground? No. Have they read this article? I strongly doubt it. Why do I believe as I do? Because I have seen this movie before, as Sen. John McCain has put it.

This is the Baghdad Security Plan, and its mission is to secure the people of Baghdad. Even so, commanders are not ignoring the outlying areas of Iraq. U.S. forces have killed or captured many important al Qaeda leaders in Mosul recently, and destroyed safe havens throughout northern Iraq. Troops are conducting counterinsurgency operations in Bayji, north of Tikrit. And Iraqi forces have "stepped up" to secure some southern cities. The Eighth Iraqi Army Division has been fighting Shiite militias in Diwaniyah, an important city halfway between Basrah and Baghdad. As commanders stabilize central Iraq, they will undoubtedly conduct successive operations in outlying regions to follow up on their successes and make them lasting. [Read the whole article.]

I am so very proud of our brave men and women who are willing willing to wear the uniform of the USA and fight for our freedoms. They know what they are doing. They know the different between right and wrong, good and evil. Trust me, they have seen things no one should ever see. They know...and they continue to do the jobs that Americans won't do...oh, wait a minute...they ARE Americans! How about that, President Bush? Is this not the most honorable and toughest job? Hmm. Just as I thought, but getting beyond that...

Thank you, Military. All of you. You are in a class of your own, and you deserve to be there. That doesn't mean we will treat you differently, because we know that is not what you want. We just want you know how grateful we are to have men and women such as you. Thank God!

Airman gets shot by anti-war creep, no mention in news

This is a heart-breaking and maddening story. It was sent to me by Sonnabend, and I believe it is originally from Michelle Malkin. Here are her words:

"My son's best friend, Jon, who's in the Air Force stationed in New Jersey at Fort Dix/McGuire Air Force Base was shot by a crazed anti-military white guy on Independence Day and he remains in critical condition. He had been on leave here in Ohio and got back to his home off base and was unpacking stuff from his car when this 22 year old guy walked up to him and asked him if he lived in the house. When Jon said yes, the guy said "not any more" and shot him point blank in the chest. He tried to shoot him again, but his gun jammed. Jonathan made it into the house. The guy then shot himself.

Turns out the guy left a couple of suicide notes stating how much he hated the military and he wanted to go out making a statement, so he chose to make his statement on Independence Day trying to kill a soldier. We are very worried about our Airman. He's the sweetest, nicest, do anything for ya kid and he's like a son to me. He's been to Iraq and Afghanistan on our behalf and then gets shot in his own driveway here in the U.S by an anti-war, anti-American lunatic. This is gut wrenching."

I am posting this tonight. Can we all (I know you decide for yourselves but if we all do this, I think it will matter) put a post on this?

The MSM is pretending it didnt happen,...this is hot on the heels of the man threatening to shoot Rush Limbaugh.

I know what you post is your business, but I think we all need to let this one be known.A US soldeer is in critical condition because some ant war loon shot him IN HIS OWN HOME.

The dinosaur media is anti-American, but do they have to be so flippant about it? I am glad this a**hole shot him. I wouldn't want him to be in a prison and breathe the same air I breathe. (Or that I would have to pay for.)

My request is for anyone and everyone who reads this to please pray for this young man who is the victim of this nut's rage. He can be healed through pray, but only if you so. Believe it. I've seen it happen. So pray, please.

Major Highways Project in Uganda!

If you are not familiar with the area, then allow to fill you in a little. Do you remember all those floods we read about and saw on TV a few years back? Well, many of those people were trapped, because bridges that were built there did not take into consideration the levels of the flood waters. Even with the bridges, they could not pass to higher grounds.

Please remember, I am not sure if this is where the floods occurred. I am just using this as a frame of referrence and a theory. Why? I'm so glad you asked!

Currently, the surface of the road is two meters above the river bed, but during floods the water level rises to nearly four meters high. The new box culvert bridge will accommodate for the flood water levels.

To fix this issue, the Seabees of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 40 will construct a box culvert bridge approximately 20 meters long and five meters wide. The project will consist of backfilling, compacting, reinforcing and re-grading the portion of the road near the culvert that is damaged. On the entrance and exit sides to the new box culvert bridge, the road will be reinforced for approximately five meters to ensure stability of the entire structure. The Seabees will also re-build the Walela Bridge so local villagers have another avenue to travel as well. [Continue reading.]

The Civil Affairs (CA), which is an arm of the CJTF-HOA (Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa), has taken this under their wing. Please read this artice to find out how far they have come and how far they have yet to go. Thank you.

Father and Son meet in an unusual place

This is such a touching article from CentCom. Why? One is in one place that is not near the other on a very important day.

Pfc. Jason Steffen, a mechanic with the 725th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, stationed at Forward Operating Base Kalsu had a special guest at his re-enlistment ceremony June 27 – his father.

Mr. Robert Steffen, Jason’s father, is a mechanic working in the International Zone in Baghdad and was able to get a few days off work to attend his son’s ceremony. [Continue reading.]

I wish everyone could experience something so special. Congratulations Jason, and God bless the both of you so you may stop worrying.

Stop Ahmadinejad badges

You HAVE to go to this site if you really want the Iranian mullocracy regime to fall: Stop Ahmadinejad. You will find a badge that suits your taste. There are many there. Then, don't forget to visit the site! It is StopAhmadinejad (without any further extentions). You can also leave comments. They could use some good, sound encouragement. Okay, get going!

Hat tip: Winston of The Spirit of Man.

Please check for viruses

Cross-posted at Rosemary's Thoughts. (Today is Monday, and I want to keep this on top for a few days, because it is important. Thanks for understanding.)

I have spent most of yesterday and all night getting Spybot Search and Destroy (just hit next when the Wizard tells you to go back because something is not complete--for the free version) and Ad Aware (also free), because Norton did not catch the viruses that infected my computer. I am so sorry to put you through this, but it is better that I tell you now than to have you infecting others. That is, if you are infected.

I became suspicious when I went to sign in at one of the private sites where I write. I typed the first letter of my ID, and there was my whole address book! I got into a heated arguement with the administrator of that site for stealing my info, and he gently pointed me to the possibility that I may be infected. I was sure I was not, because I have Norton. YEAH, RIGHT.

It will take about an hour each for them to scan your computer (if this is your first time), but it is worth it. I do recommend that you read the tutorial for Spybot. Again, I am so very sorry. I hope you find it in your heart to forgive me. Have a day. (I know I left out the 'nice' this time. I do not think this is nice.)

Finally, 3 convicted of war crimes in Sierra Leone

Cross-posted at Rosemary's Thoughts.

Source: CNN.

I have been for many years to hear this news, and they still have not convicted Charles Taylor. Does anyone remember how long it took for them convict Milosovic? (I know I spelled it wrong. Please don't write to tell me. lol) That's right. They never did. He died after 4 years-at least- of waiting.

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone (AP) -- A U.N.-backed court trying those accused of bearing greatest responsibility for the brutality of Sierra Leone's civil war issued its first verdicts Wednesday, convicting three former leaders of a junta that had terrorized the country during a brief reign.

The court found the three defendants guilty of 11 of 14 charges, including terrorism, using child soldiers, enslavement, rape and murder. [Continue reading.]

The crimes they did NOT convicted of were the crimes against the children. There were no sexually charged crimes that these scums were convicted for committed.

I have mixed feelings about this. I'm very glad these terrorists were convicted. This lets the other people know that when you enslave children and force them to take up arms, you will be found guilty of war crimes. This trial has set that precedent. On the other hand, if you only rape this child, then what? That doesn't matter? That is very disheartening.

Charles Taylor's trial began in the ICC a month ago. I guess we have at least 10 years before we get a verdict out of there. That is, if he lives that long...

Australia is transforming their naval forces to stay on top

Cross-posted at Rosemary's Thoughts.

Source: CNN.

I love Australia, and the Aussies are some of the most wonderful people. One thing I can tell you, they are quite independent. Just like we are. Wouldn't it be great if, even though it's for their own interest, they became the super-power in the Asian hemisphere? Yeah, baby!

CANBERRA, Australia (Reuters) -- Australia will build an A$11 billion ($9 billion) fleet of advanced destroyers and amphibious warships, Prime Minister John Howard said, underscoring the country's plan to remain a key Asian military power.

The purchases would transform Australia's navy into one of the most powerful in the Asia region, with two amphibious carriers able to land more than 2,000 troops, 16 attack and transport helicopters and up to 23 Abrams tanks. [Continue reading.]

So, you see that the only country who has stood shoulder to shoulder with us throughout our country's history is finally taking steps to move forward. Welcome! My only question: What took ya'll so long? (lol)

Indo-Pak arms race

Cross-posted at Rosemary's Thoughts.

This does not look good, and the place talking about it is CNN. They were talking of peace a while back, and they still may be. This is not going to help that. No, not at all. Especially since OBL may live in Pakistan!

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) -- Satellite images show that Pakistan is building a nuclear reactor that can produce weapons-grade plutonium, an American watchdog group said Thursday, warning that it could contribute to an atomic arms race with archrival India.

A picture taken June 3 shows work progressing rapidly on the reactor at the Khushab nuclear site, 100 miles southwest of the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, the Institute of Science for International Security said. [Continue reading.]

Let us hope this does not heat up again...

HOA: Medics educate and Seabees complete project

Cross-posted at Rosemary's Thoughts.

For some reason, the Horn of Africa has gotten my heart. I can see it has gotten the hearts of many of our military men and women as well. They are doing such a fantastic job over there.

In this first article, the medical personnel are taking classes so that they can help those people who live in isolated areas. They just don't want them to die if they could prevent it.

CAMP LEMONIER, DJIBOUTI - In deployed locations, corpsmen and medics can’t be everywhere. It’s important for all service members to become Combat Life Savers so they can be trained in how to save a life in a remote location. The first few minutes of a traumatic injury are crucial to the victim’s survival, which is why it’s important to know at least basic life saving skills.
[...]
“It is just no longer plausible for the medics and corpsmen to provide all the initial care in the modern battle field,” said Ingemunsun. “They are limited and can not help everyone at one time. The more service members that get the proper training, the more people that can be saved.” [Continue reading.]

These people are certainly impressive, if not to you, to me. The deserve our Honor. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen of the Armed Services.

This next article is a sweet one. When I think of Seabees, I do not think of them doing anything on land. I know. They are not fish, but I just don't. Wait until you read this!

DJIBOUTI CITY, Djibouti – Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 spent the better part of June 13 cutting down trees at the Djibouti Hospital to make room for a community relations project that will include gazeboes that will improve the quality of life of the community.

The Djiboutians originally started removing the trees, but were unable to complete the project because they didn’t have the right tools. The director of the Djibouti Hospital asked Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa’s Charlie Company, 486th Civil Affairs Battalion for assistance. They in turn coordinated with the Seabees to get manpower and tools. [Continue reading.]

These guys are outstanding in my book, and they should outstanding your book as well!

Afghan: One mission at a time and a new dam

Cross-posted at Rosemary's Thoughts.

I know many people think the only thing Marines, Army persons, Navy personnel, the National Guard, the Air Force crew and the such are only capable of killing. Trash things and kill people. That's all there is to it, right? Hold on! Not so fast here. Here are two articles that could at least pierce your hearts, if only you would read them.

The first article is aboout changing the lives of these destitute people, one mission at a time.

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - The C-130 is one of many different types of aircraft stationed here, but could easily be called one of the most versatile.

The members of the 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron put that versatility to the test every day. The three primary missions of the C-130s here are airdrop, air-land and aeromedical evacuation.

"Our airdrop missions can be anything from dropping pamphlets to the locals to humanitarian drops such as water, blankets, food and firewood in the winter, ammunition and troop re-supplies," said Senior Airman Patrick Keefe, 774th EAS loadmaster. "Air-land missions consist of troop movements or hauling cargo." [Continue reading.]

They are being modest. They also provide food to people who are so idolated that they cannot feed themselves. These people are just trying to stay alive after years and years of war.

The next article is about the necessity of water and the huge impact dams and irrigation will have not only on their crops but also on their economy. Just take one paragraph:

In a country held back by more than 30 years of war, ineffective water use has made life even more difficult in this already-barren country. Managing water is life or death for farmers like Haji Mazdigar Gul, 56, who explained that without a diversion dam, flooding often causes him to lose his fields, jeopardizing his family’s survival. His village of Koza Bokhana is one of 30 that will benefit from dams, which will redirect water from rivers to the fields of more than 80,000 farmers and families. [Continue reading.]

This is a very good thing they are doing, and they are not doing it alone. The Afghan people are actually working side-by-side with them. They are all great and while we empower them, we also are helping ourselves here at home. Read and find out why. I am very proud of you guys and gals! :)

Iraq: Arrowhead 'Ripper' and 2 Compassionate Soldiers

Cross-posted at Rosemary's Thoughts.

These are two great articles. First, we have the ISF (Iraq Security Forces) working along side the Coalition Forces (CF) to put pressure on any al Qaida still left in the neighborhood.

BAQOUBA, Iraq - Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) teamed with Task Force Lightning units, Thursday, to clear Baqouba and surrounding areas as Operation Arrowhead Ripper continued.

“We are shoulder-to-shoulder with Iraqi Security Forces in this fight,” said Brig. Gen. Mick Bednarek, deputy commanding general, operations, and commander of Operation Arrowhead Ripper. “Specifically the 5th Iraqi Army Division led by Maj. Gen. Saleem Kariem Ali Alotbei, along with the provincial director of police, Maj. Gen. Ganim, have provided the Iraqi security forces to the fight.

The weeks ahead are absolutely key in not only holding and retaining the ground that is cleared in partnership with Coalition Forces (CF), but also in building trust and confidence with the citizens of Diyala.” [Continue reading.]

There is also a picture that comes with both of these articles. Well, all of them today, actually. Wait until you read how many AQ they killed! :)

This next article is very moving. Two soldiers who were only doing their job turned the mind of one man (who could in turn change the minds of others) when they took notice of the needs of his son.

KIRKUK, Iraq - The nine-year old boy would most certainly lose his leg. Given the prohibitive cost of medical care and his family’s lack of resources, amputation and a life of pain and dependence seemed inevitable. The Iraqi boy’s father was resigned to that conclusion.

Then two soldiers got involved and hope arrived along with them.

Sgt. Donald R. Campbell and Capt. Geoffrey Dutton, both Georgia natives, brought coalition and Iraqi resources together to give an Iraqi boy hope after a chance encounter during a routine patrol in Kirkuk, Iraq. [Continue reading.]

These guys are very special. It makes me so proud to be an American. Thank you for your service, stay safe, and God bless you.

'A Chance' says PM Olmert

Cross-posted at Rosemary's Thoughts.

I just got through with a conference with Miri Eisin, Foreign Press Spokeswoman for Israeli PM Ehud Olmert' office, and I have more question than answers, I'm sorry to say. I could not hear the questions being asked of her after her initial press conference, so it may just be a misunderstanding.

There was a meeting yesterday with President Mubarak, PM Abbas, King (or President) Abdullah from Jordan and PM Olmert in the efforts of taking an opportunity out of this madness (the civil war in the Gaza Strip) and turning it into a chance to move forward with the 2 state solution. She kept repeating that PM Olmert, she and the others were not going to allow the terrorists to define them, but that the moderates were going to take control and define themselves and their destiny.

They were going to move forward-cautiously of course-with diplomacy. It is going to be a process with a vision of peace at the end of the rainbow. What happened in Gaza was horrific, but this opens the door to opportunity and they are going to walk through it.

There are three main articles that came up. They are:

1. Abbas fired Hamas' elected officials from the government, and now Abbas is working with an emergency government.

2. There will be 250 Arab prisoners, some will be Fatah, released from Israels prisons. The criteria for their release will be that they must not have blood on their hands and they must admit that Israel is NOT the cause of the suffering for the Arabs in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. They had brought it on by themselves by their own actions, their own choices, their own doing (or lack thereof).

3. Abbas has said to the Arabic world, in Arabic (very important because they sometimes say one thing in English and another in Arabic) that he renounced the violence of Hamas, he believed in a 2 state solution living side by side with Israel in peace, and he recognizes Israel. (I'm not sure of the last one. I can hardly read my notes!)

She also talked about the atmosphere produced so the talks could move forward. She stated that it would be a good idea to widen the scope of the dialogue. They are going to meet again next month, since the new emergency government is only around 10 days old.

Then the questions started. I could not hear the questions, but I could hear the answers. Maybe that is where the confusion comes. The first answer was indeed unique. For the first time, there were no, "Yes, BUT's" in their conversation.

Then she said they would give access to the West Bank! This way they could have freedom of movement. (Do you know who else could have freedom of movement, dear?) They also recognize the emergency government as the ruling government. (How long have we been called occupiers, although the government is in Iraq is elected?) However, access and free movement are very important to human beings. (I just pray it is not a mistake.)

There shall never be a compromise with terrorists such as Hamas and others. As to the money that has been held back due to the Hamas government, that shall be released just as soon as they can both agree on a way that is best for the people's humanitarian needs. There are dozens of truckloads per day being delivered everyday, but the Left press will not write about this. (It bothers me that facts are not disclosed, no matter what the situation.) Also, they both want to make sure the money goes to the moderates and not to the terrorists.

Later in the questioning period, they declared there would not be any benchmarks, ultimatums, or the such. This is what people looking in from the outside do not understand. You cannot do such a thing, especially with a government that is only 10 days old!

At the meeting yesterday, Mubarrak said that what Hamas did was create 'a coup'. Abbas agreed, basically, because he said the same thing at a later date. Abbas also declared it was totally unacceptable. However, it is too soon to expect any elections in the West Bank.

There were questions about trust (many questions). The answer was rather usual. Trust must be built, even if it is with your enemies of old. What alternative is there? (Fight back?)

Iran was mentioned, Syria was mentioned, Russia was mentioned, and I have no answers for you. My fault. I was writing as fast as I could! I did happen to catch one comment. Israel has an economy that surpasses that of the EU! I wish I knew those numbers. Now that's something new I could really sink my teeth into.

Let us pray for Israel and her neighbors countrymen and women. (Notice I did not say governments?) Pray for peace, understanding, forgiveness and readiness.Let us also pray that Israel realizes that the more the give, the more the Arabs will consider this weakness. I know most of the Israelis have hearts of peace, and they want the war to stop. Sometimes you have to have take other paths, sometimes you don't. Let us pray this is one of those times you don't, but if it is? Let us pray they have the chutzpah! (Yes, I am an Israel supporter. You can't even sue me! Hahaha.)

H/t: Israel Project.

Iraq: Railroad, Marine and Adm. Fallon

This post is still available at Rosemary's Thoughts blog. Thank you for your patience.

U.S., Iraqi Troops Rescue Malnourished Boys From Baghdad Orphanage

Cross-posted at Rosemary's Thoughts.

News from CentCom:

Jun 21, 2007
BY Multinational Corps Iraq Public Affairs.

BAGHDAD - U.S. and Iraqi army forces found an orphanage housing 24 severely malnourished and abused boys in Baghdad's Fajr neighborhood June 10, military officials reported yesterday.

The 24 boys, ranging in age from 3 to 15, were found naked in a darkened room without any windows. Many of the children were tied to their beds and were too weak to stand, officials said. [Continue reading]

This is a miracle and a travesty. When they found these 24 boys aged 3-15, some of them were chained to their beds, there appeared to be no food because they clearly looked malnourished, yet in the next room (which was locked), there was plenty of food.

They also found the administrator and others who were supposed to be in charge of this orphanage. Some of the Iraqi Army troops went to get the correct people from town to help these boys, since most of them come not even walk.

Allow me one question to the anti-Bush, pro-commie crowd: Would you have preferred we left the boys there to die? They are not the only children we have found. Do you remember the hundreds of children we released from Saddam's prisons? Civil rights my arse. You ought to be ashamed, but you would need an ounce of decency in you for that...

Aeromedical Teams Provide Care, Comfort

Cross-posted at Rosemary's Thoughts.

News from CentCom:

21 Jun 07
By Staff Sgt. Cassandra Locke
379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs.

SOUTHWEST ASIA — The 379th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron has not only made it possible for a speedier recovery by picking up injured and sick servicemembers, but is providing the care and comfort needed to put their patients at ease.

Each time a crew from the 379th flies on a mission to care for patients, they are humbled by those injured in theater. [Continue reading.]

This is a mixture of emotions article, from heart-wretching to proud to grateful. It is heart-wretching for me to hear about even one of our men in pain, let alone murdered. But this is war, and I have to deal with it.

It makes me so proud when I hear stories about our injured men who, to them, the only problem is when can they have their 'gear' back and join their team! Gratitude comes from the knowledge that they are doing this for you and me. Maybe not directly, maybe we'll never meet face to face, maybe...but wow. They know this as well. I am truly humbled.

Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave

Cross-posted at Rosemary's Thoughts.

So, ya wanna burn the American flag and get rid of my God?

Next time, anger someone who won't fight back.

H/t: Wizbang.

Update: Blackfive has a great post explaining about the Vikings who were not afraid of the Muslims either. Go check it out.

Aviation Battalion Reaches 20,000 Flight Hours

News from CentCom:

21 Jun 07
By Sgt. 1st Class Rick Emert
1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs.

CAMP TAJI, Iraq — Unmanned aerial vehicle teams from 1st Air Cavalry Brigade (ACB) have amassed 20,000 flight hours in the skies over Baghdad.

The crews, assigned or attached to the 615th Aviation Support Battalion (ASB) “Cold Steel,” 1st ACB, 1st Cavalry Division, surpassed the deployment total of the unit that previously had the mission in Multinational Division-Baghdad, according to Capt. Joshua Chase, executive officer for Company E, 615th ASB – the unit that conducts the UAV mission for MND-B. [Continue reading.]

Boy, I'll tell ya. If these guys ever stop being competitive, I think it shall be my duty to drop dead! lol. What is the competiton? You'll just have to read the article to find out! Needless to say, these guys are awesome.

Iraqi, Coalition forces move forward despite attacks

News from CentCom:

21 Jun 07
by Spc. Carl N. Hudson
Combined Press Information Center.

BAGHDAD – The Fardh Al-Qanoon spokesman and a Multi-National Force-Iraq spokesman held a press conference at the Combined Press Information Center Wednesday.

Iraqi Army Brig. Gen. Qassim Atta Al-Moussawi, Fardh Al-Qanoon spokesman, and U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Mark Fox, a Multi-National Force-Iraq spokesman, discussed the progress of Fardh Al-Qanoon. [Continue reading.]

All 30,000 troops are finally in place, and the Iraqi Army (IA) is working well with them. Sometimes the IA would take the lead in the missions, while at other times the MNF-I would take the lead.

This was a conference to let the people know that no matter what they were hearing in the press, they were indeed working hand in hand. Literally! It's a good report. Thank you, and have a nice day.

Black Hawk Troops Use More Than Body Armor to Keep Each Other Safe

An article from CentCom:

20 Jun 07
By Spc. Alexis Harrison
2nd BCT, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs.

BAGHDAD – For many of the Soldiers in the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, the current 15-month tour in Iraq isn't their first. For the rest of the Soldiers in the “Black Jack” Brigade, having well-seasoned leaders can make all the difference.

While out on the streets every day, Soldiers from Troop B, 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, rely on much more than just the individual body armor systems they wear. They depend on each other to make it through daily situations and even the entire deployment. [Continue reading.]

This is a great article which tells of young man who learns about leadership by the example he sees all around him. This is one thing we could certainly use a lot more of!

Artillery battalion trades steel rain for hearts and minds

Another article from CentCom:

20 June 2007
Story and photo by Cpl. Rick Nelson
2nd Marine Division.

HADITHAH — The counter-insurgency coalition forces are conducting in Iraq calls for numerous military units to give up their traditional roles and pick up a different weapon. This is nothing new for artillery units, who, since the Battle of Fallujah in November of 2004, have often been called upon to put away their howitzers for rifles, police batons, and claims cards. All around Iraq, artillery batteries and battalions are serving as provisional rifle, military police, and civil military units. In Hadithah, it’s no different.

At the Hadithah Civil Military Operation Center, Marines assigned to 5th Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, an artillery battalion based out of Camp Lejeune, N.C. assist the local populace with their civil matters. [Continue reading.]

This is a good article. We need to know more about the counter-terrorism that is taking place. One place to learn a lot is a site by the name of CounterTerrorismBlog. Visit it often. Have a blessed day.

1132nd Well Drillers increasing Camp Lemonier Water supply1132nd Well Drillers increasing Camp Lemonier Water supply

This is an article from Centcom.

19-Jun-07
Story by U.S. Army Capt. Jerord E. Wilson
CJTF-HOA19-Jun-07.

CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti – In preparation for the increase in personnel arriving to Camp Lemonier, the 1132nd Well Drillers of the North Carolina National Guard are hard at work improving the amount of water available for camp operations.

Within the last month, the 1132nd Well Drillers received a new well drilling rig capable of drilling through the toughest rock formations in Djibouti. The unit wasted no time in learning the intricate details of the new equipment and how to place it effectively into operation. Prior to this drilling event, they conducted a test to ensure the drilling equipment is fully operational before starting any job. [Continue reading.]

This one reminds me of humanitarian acts, but it is also a very important mission they are doing. Not only are they digging wells for water for the people there and themselves, but they are in the Horn of Africa (HOA). What is so important about the HOA?

I'm glad you asked. Do you remember the war between Ethiopia and Somalia? That is also located in the HOA. So is al Qaida. Connect the dots...

Battle Company Makes Presence Known

An article from CentCom:

18-Jun-07
By Army Sgt. Brandon Aird
173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Public Affairs.

KORENGAL VALLEY, Afghanistan — The paratroopers were keen for the mission despite their rough conditions. The difference between a tan line and dirty skin has long since passed. Bites from sand fleas and mosquitoes just add to the problem. Electricity, toilets and running water (a 45 minute patrol away) are long forgotten conveniences.

The paratroopers are Sky soldiers from Battle Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team. [Continue reading.]

This is a pretty gruelling one, probably because it hits so close to home. That's all I will say at this moment. These guys are the best we have, so read about them. If you would like to adopt a Soldier, a Marine, a Platoon, whatever, you just go right here. I am telling you, you will not regret it. You want to know what you can do for the war effort? Try this!

Mission Success Relies on Maintenance Troops

This is an article from CentCom:

18-Jun-07
Multi-National Division-Central Story.

FOB KALSU, Iraq — “In order to have combat power you need to shoot, move and communicate. “We are the move part,” said an auto mechanic with 2nd Brigade Combat Team out of Fort Stewart, Ga.

The mechanics of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 26th Brigade Support Battalion, Fort Stewart, Ga., help ensure vehicles and equipment are combat ready when soldiers go on missions. [Continue reading.]

I will have many more of these, because one of my sites is DoD Daily News. I shall bring everything over here, albeit teasers, so my readers can see what I do all day. Have a nice day.

Iraqi politicians agree deal on sharing oil, says Kurd Minister

I came upon this fantastic article (if it is true) today over at Matt Drudge's site. Here is a portion:

Written by: Michael Howard in Sulaymaniya.
Thursday June 21, 2007
The Guardian.

Iraq's Kurdish leaders said last night they had struck an important deal with the central government in Baghdad over a law to divide up Iraq's oil revenues, which is seen by the Bush administration as one of the benchmarks in attempts to foster national reconciliation.

Ashti Hawrami, the minister for natural resources in the Kurdistan regional government, told the Guardian the text had been finalised late last night after 48 hours of "tough bargaining" with Baghdad. The deal represented "a genuine revenue sharing agreement" that was transparent and would benefit all the people of Iraq and help pull the country together, he said. [Continue reading.]

I have also included many of the other stories links. If you are interested in some of the articles, you may find a link to that story that is no longer on the first page. lol. Have a great day.

Press Release: Group joins others for Military Families

ROTARY JOINS FORCES TO FORM OPERATION ONE FAMILY
SUPPORTING THE FAMILIES OF THE FALLEN

Costa Mesa, CA., June 20, 2007 - Numerous Southern California Rotary Clubs within District 5320 are joining forces with MilitaryConnection.com, TAPS, Homefront America, Soldiers Angels and ThanksUSA in a joint effort to support the families of the fallen by forming Operation One Family. Details of the program and registration information for families in Southern California and Nevada can be found at www.operationonefamily.org. Operation One Family is a proud member organization of America Supports You.

Operation One Family endeavors to help families of the fallen cope with their loss, stabilize their present situation and secure their future. The mission is to help provide life skills, education and continuing support for the families of our fallen military heroes. The goal of Operation One Family is to create a national model that will be used by Rotary Clubs across America to provide ongoing support for these families in their own communities.

The efforts of Operation One Family will culminate in a regional convention-style weekend scheduled August 2 -5 for families in Southern California and Nevada. Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, California will host the families and provide meeting venues. The first day will feature “TAPS Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp” featuring Dr. Darcie Sims. Other events will include a Share Faire providing resources, information and workshops, a California beach party at the Dunes in Newport Beach, visits to Knotts Berry Farm, the Orange County Fair and a few surprises. Limited sponsorship opportunities are available for good corporate citizens.

Rotary International District 5320 has a qualified non-profit 501(c)(3) Charitable Foundation that supports the charitable activities of the clubs within the district including the collaborative effort of Operation One Family at www.operationonefamily.org. Rotary is an organization that exemplifies “Service Above Self”.

MilitaryConnection.com is a portal of all types of military resources and information connecting candidates from the military community with outstanding government and civilian employment opportunities, and assisting numerous military non-profits at www.militaryconnection.com.

TAPS (The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) is a national non-profit Veterans Service Organization providing peer based emotional support services to all those who have lost a loved one serving in the Armed Forces at www.taps.org.

Homefront America is a 100% volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
dedicated to supporting our troops and their families with meaningful assistance in times of need at www.homefrontamerica.org.

Soldiers Angels is a national network of hundreds of thousands of volunteers dedicated to providing hands-on comfort to the members of the military and their families at www.soldiersangels.org.

ThanksUSA is a non-partisan, charitable effort to mobilize Americans of all ages to “thank” the men and women of the United States Armed Forces by providing college, technical and vocational school scholarships for their children and spouses at www.thanksusa.org.

###

Source: Operation One Family e-mailed me.

Michael Yon: Death or Glory Part II of IV

Michael Yon used to be in the service, now he is out reporting the facts about what is really happening in Iraq and Afghanistan. Right now he is in Iraq with the British Queen’s Royal Lancers. He has an amazing story to tell. Anyone who remembers the Brits who were kidnapped by Iran will not recognize these people. Nor will you recognize them by the stories the dinosaur media has giving us due to the fact that they have never actually gone to find the truth. They rely on terrorists or people who don't actually know the truth. Anyway, here is the link. Have a nice day.

The Iranian Tet Offensive

It is 1968 all over again with a weakened presidency and growing public unrest with the direction of the World War III against Islam, so Iran opens the summer vacation season with its own version of the Tet Offensive.

Most commentators on the Hamas takeover of Gaza are missing the real story. They miss it for the same reason that they have missed the real story in Iraq. They miss it because they think they are looking at a civil war—Sunnis versus Shiites in Iraq, Hamas versus Fatah in Gaza—when the real story is a regional war, with Iran at its center.

The Islamist takeover of Gaza is really the first stage in Iran's new summer offensive against the West.

The Hamas takeover was not factional rivalry that spun out of control. It was clearly a deliberate, planned military campaign. In the Gaza town of Khan Yunis, for example, Hamas fighters destroyed the headquarters of the Fatah-controlled security forces by detonating a one-ton bomb buried in a tunnel under the building. This is more than a civil war: it is a carefully planned, well-executed revolutionary putsch against the Palestinian Authority.

What happened after the Hamas military victory is even more telling. Stories have been filtering out about Fatah supporters being rounded up into prison camps, of Fatah fighters being bound and thrown off of high-rise rooftops or subject to summary executions in the street. Having taken power by brute force, Hamas is making it clear that it intends to rule by fear. Summing up all of these events, a spokesman for Hamas declared, "The era of justice and Islamic rule have arrived."

This should all be familiar. The same kind of "justice" and Islamic rule arrived in Iran in 1979—and now Iran has finally managed to export its Islamic Revolution into the Sunni Arab world. Gaza is now an outpost of Iranian-inspired totalitarian Islamic rule.

And there is a good possibility that this won't stop in Gaza. Fatah is a leftover of the old era of the quasi-secular nationalist Arab "strongman." But Fatah's strongman Yasser Arafat is dead, both literally and metaphorically: his type is losing out, in the Muslim world, to the revived Islamist movement represented by Hamas. One side in this conflict is tired and dispirited—while the other is fanatically devoted and believes that it has the forces of history on its side.

While jubilant Hamas fighters stormed the last remaining Fatah redoubts in Gaza, Fatah leader Mahmoud Abbas responded by calling for new elections. The overall sense coming from Fatah spokesmen is not one of defiance or resolve, but a sense of resignation and despair. "There is no future for us," one Fatah supporter told the New York Times, while a Palestinian Authority official concluded, “We Palestinians are writing the final chapters of our national enterprise.” It should be no surprise to hear that hundreds of Fatah officials have already fled to Egypt. Fatah is a sinking ship, and the rats who make up its crew are deserting it. At this rate, Fatah will ultimately lose, not only Gaza, but the West Bank as well.

Seeing Fatah thugs dragged into the streets and shot by a rival gang of terrorists may not cause us to shed any tears—it couldn't happen to a more deserving group of people—but we shouldn't be deceived into thinking of this as a purely internal, factional struggle. During the first Palestinian intifada, in the late 1980s and early 1990s, most of the people killed by Palestinian terrorists were other Palestinians—those who were considered "collaborators" or advocates of peace with Israel. It was necessary for Arafat to eliminate all Palestinian opposition, so that he could take over the Palestinian territories (with our help, alas) and use them as a base from which to attack Israel.

This time, it is Iran—the main financial, military, and ideological sponsor of Hamas—that is seeking to take over. So, too, in Lebanon, where Iran's satellite, Syria, is also using factional fighting as an excuse to liquidate opposition—as in the latest assassination of an anti-Syrian politician. Syria seeks to break Lebanon between a new Sunni Islamist uprising in the north and the Shiite Islamist Hezbollah militia in the south—all with the goal of reasserting Syrian and Iranian control.

Add to this the continuing Iranian support for insurgents in Iraq and new evidence that Iran is providing weapons and training to the Taliban in Afghanistan—an act of war against the United States, not to mention the entire NATO alliance—and we can see the whole regional picture. In Lebanon, Iran has used Hezbollah to establish a base against Israel on the north, which is now matched by Gaza as a base against Israel on the South. Iraq is under siege from both sides, with Syrian and Iranian support pouring in to both Sunni and Shiite terrorist gangs—while Iran has now begun to strike out eastward against the US and NATO in Afghanistan.

In short, Iran is bent on regional domination, and it is advancing on all fronts.

This is exactly the picture that emerged during Iran's last summer offensive: Hezbollah's rocket war against Israel in July and August of last year. The only thing that has changed in our strategic position since then is that things have gotten worse: Iran has been emboldened to make further advances, while a Democratic victory in the US election has reassured Iran and Syria that America will eventually retreat and abandon the region to their control.

If we're not going to surrender to this Iranian onslaught—if we're not going to forget the lessons of September 11 and allow terrorist-sponsoring Islamist regimes to metastasize across the Middle East—we need to start fighting back immediately.

Tired, discredited, and possibly broken by his failures in Iraq, President Bush seems to have given up on providing any leadership against the Iranian threat. Fortunately, we still have Joe Lieberman, who has established himself as the only political figure willing to lead in this crisis by declaring that we should start an air war against Iran in retaliation for its acts of war against US troops in Iraq. What is really new in Lieberman's declaration is that he has proposed the use of military force against Iran, not as potential future measure to pre-empt Iran's nuclear weapons program, but as an immediate act of retaliation in response to the war Iran is already waging against us.

Our enemy in that war is already on the offensive in the farthest-flung corners of its would-be empire, from the Mediterranean to the Himalayas—but it is vulnerable at the center. There is still time for an air war against Iran itself, targeting terrorist training camps, nuclear facilities, assets of the Iranian Revolution Guard, and the gasoline supply lines that keep the Iranian economy moving, all with the aim of bringing down the regime.

It's that—or surrender the greater Middle East to a nuclear-armed Islamist empire headed by Iran.

ANA aviators partner with U.S. counterparts

I received this news on Monday, June 11, 2007. I have been busy trying to set up a new site for someone, read my email that I haven't gotten around to, and so many other things to do. But enough about me. lol.

Our Army is doing fine job training the Afghanistan National Army (ANA) how to deliver supplies in such a way that they will be successful in their efforts. They are training together, and we are teaching them why (and how) it is important to prepare for the mission on the ground. This is very important, because it can save lives. It is very difficult to learn on the job when something goes wrong in the air.

The article was written by Sgt. 1st Class Krishna M. Gamble of the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs, and you can find it here. Have a great day.

President Bush receives heroes welcome in Albania

Imagine that. I will straight with you. I am rather angry at President Bush right now, as I have been for a while. Here are some of the reasons:

1. Amnesty.
2. ROE.
3. What's up with these 'talks' with Iran as they steady murder our own?
4. Isn't that an act of war?
5. Letting General Pace go while fighting for a derelict AG.
6. Not pardoning Libby.
7. And many more...

However, when there is good news, it deserves to be reported. I found very article on this affair, and it is reprinted over at DoD Daily News-2. (I have also put up several really good articles today. Check out the heroes.) Have a great day.

This Week in Guard History: 10 June 2007

June 7, 1968: Tuy Hoa Air Base, Vietnam - New Mexico's 188th Tactical Fighter Squadron (TFS) arrives, becoming the third Air National Guard unit to serve in Vietnam.

Combined with New York's 136th TFS into the 31st Tactical Fighter Wing, both squadrons immediately begin flying close ground support missions for American troops.

The two units are the only Guard units assigned to the same operational headquarters while serving in Vietnam. During the course of its tour, the 188th flies 6,029 sorties and loses three pilots in combat, including two missing in action and later declared killed.

The 136th flies nearly as many sorties and fortunately loses no members to combat, although it did have three pilots killed in stateside training. One member of the 188th, Sgt. Melvyn S. Montano, becomes a commissioned officer after the unit returns home, and in December 1994 he is appointed the adjutant general of New Mexico.

NGAUS History: 10 June 2007

Seven National Guard officers who had roles in the Normandy invasion represented NGAUS at a ceremony in France for the 10th anniversary of D-Day in 1954.

Maj. Gen. Ellard A. Walsh, NGAUS president, assembled the contingent after a resolution was adopted a year earlier at the 75th NGAUS General Conference in San Diego, Calif.

The delegation included Maj. Gen. Milton A. Reckord, Maj. Gen. William H. Harrison Jr., Maj. Gen. Karl F. Hausauer, Maj. Gen. William H. Sands, Maj. Gen. Jim Dan Hill, Maj. Gen. Donald W. McGowan and Brig. Gen. John M. Donalson.

Communication Department Seeks Staff Writer

The National Guard Association has an immediate opening for an experienced staff writer. Selected candidate will contribute to National Guard, the association's monthly magazine, NGAUS Notes and the NGAUS Web site.

Duties include writing short news stories and covering a variety of hearings on Capitol Hill and elsewhere. For the magazine, the successful candidate will contribute at least one substantial feature story each month and assist in editing and producing the final product. Some travel is required.

Candidates must have five years of reporting experience. Familiarity with the military and the National Guard is preferred.

Interest in writing about military/legislative topics a must. Car required. Salary: low- to mid-40s. Excellent benefits include health and dental coverage and a 401K. plan. Convenient Capitol Hill location.

Send cover letter, resume and three writing samples to:

National Guard Association of the United States
Communications Department
One Massachusetts Ave., NW
Washington, D.C., 20001.

Fax: 202-682-9358
E-mail: Chris Prawdzik.

Pentagon Fitness Show Offers Intense 30-minute Workout

Hosts of a new show coming to the Pentagon Channel want to make troops hurt, make them sweat and push them to their limits.

Fit for Duty takes viewers through a high-energy, 30-minute workout led by service members with fitness training expertise. A military sports medicine physician also offers tips for preventing injuries and avoiding career-ending accidents during each episode.

"Fitness is as much a part of the military as the uniform," said retired Master Sgt. Jim Langdon, Pentagon Channel director of operations and programming as well as executive producer of Fit for Duty.

Fitness instructors on the show represent each branch of the military and were selected after a nationwide call for auditions was launched through advertisement on the Pentagon Channel's Web site, e-mails to public affairs officers across the country and word of mouth.

"The most challenging part was trying to come up with routines that will keep someone motivated and are actually enjoyable to do, and are able to be watched and done in less than 30 minutes," said Sgt. Clint Reynolds, a Marine and martial arts expert. "I hope it will show that there are many different ways of working out and staying fit."

Fit for Duty is just one of many lifestyle shows the Pentagon Channel plans to present soon. An upcoming military cooking show, Combat Kitchen, will introduce viewers to the Grill Sergeant.

The show debuts June 18 on the Pentagon Channel, via podcast and video on demand.

More information, is available at Pentagon Channel.

Fallen Hero Exhibit Closes After Extended Run

After an extended two-year run, the Faces of the Fallen exhibit, which features 1,139 portraits of fallen service members, will close Sunday.

The portraits, painted by 200 professional artists from across the country, adorned the walls of the Women in Military Service for America Memorial in Arlington, Va., and will be sent home to the families of the troops to serve as a lasting tribute to their service.

Family members, military leaders and visitors gathered yesterday to pay tribute to those whose memories are honored and to thank those who made the exhibit possible.

Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, called the day a chance to remember that "for some 232 years, incredible men and women have volunteered to serve our nation, all knowing the dangers involved, some giving their lives."

General Pace said the exhibit reminds him of a photo he keeps on his desk of Marine Lance Cpl. Guido Farinaro, the first Marine under his command to die in Vietnam.

"I know how much his picture means to me; I know how much these portraits mean to the families," he said.

Faces of the Fallen opened in March 2005, and the exhibit has welcomed more than 650,000 visitors since. The portraits, produced for free by the artists, honor the memories of the first 1,319 service members to die in Iraq and Afghanistan.

General Pace said he hopes the exhibit has demonstrated that the nation cares, and will always care, about the sacrifices they have made.

Army Contributes Equipment to 2007 Hurricane Season

As a result of chronic equipment shortages in the Guard, the Army announced June 1 it would either issue or loan 2,600 pieces of equipment to some coastal states, Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

The contribution is based on equipment shortages identified by Guard commanders in the given states and territories.

The equipment includes relief necessities, such as generators, trucks, Humvees and radios.

Some of the equipment will be permanently assigned to fill shortages at the states, according to Brig. Gen. David Halverson, an Army spokesman.

Equipment on loan is temporarily assigned and positioned within the state and will be returned at the end of hurricane season in November.

The Army started issuing the equipment in May and expects that all will be in place by mid-June, General Halverson said. Right now, a little more than half of the equipment is in place, he said. Some equipment is in transit to Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

General Halverson said that Army officials asked National Guard commanders in March for equipment assessments. With the supplemental equipping, General Halverson said, commanders reported to senior Army leaders that they can manage storms up to Category 3.

Announced on the opening day of hurricane season, officials hope the equipment support will head off potential problems in a season the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts "above normal," with up to five major hurricanes - Category 3 or above.

Hurricane Katrina, which devastated the Gulf Coast in 2005 was a Category 5 storm.

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.

House Armed Services Committee Holds Hearing on Body Armor

House Armed Services Committee Holds Hearing on Body Armor

On Wednesday, the House Armed Services Committee held a hearing relating to Pinnacle Dragon Skin, a form of body armor that was the subject of a recent investigative report by NBC. Murray Neal, President of Pinnacle Armor, appeared with Phillip Coyle, a former Assistant Secretary of Defense, who observed the testing conducted by NBC, to discuss their claim that Dragon Skin is a superior product to the Interceptor body armor that is currently utilized by U.S. service members in combat.

In his opening statement, Mr. Neal made reference to a history of “anti-Dragon Skin misinformation” coming from the Department of Defense and members of the committee, in turn, accused Mr. Neal of impugning the integrity of the Army, badmouthing Armed Services committee staff, alarming service members and their families, and hyping his company’s product. “Everywhere you go,” said Representative Duncan Hunter, “you leave the implication that everybody is the devil.” While Mr. Neal said it was not his intention to do so, he could not provide an answer as to why the Department of Defense would intentionally seek to mislead the public and the Armed Forces on the issue of Dragon Skin body armor.

Members of the committee also heard testimony from Pentagon officials, who noted discrepancies in the tests performed by NBC. Lt. General Ross Thompson III, Deputy Director of the Army Acquisition Corps, noted that, “body armor that was provided for the NBC test was not from one of the six certified and tested producers of the body armor that is used by the military.” General Brown, commander of the Soldier Systems Center in Natick Massachusetts, stated that, “in Honorable Coyle's own testimony, he said they were using the 7.62-by-54 round, which is not the test round. The 7.62-by-63 APM two round is the test round which we specifically selected to put in a wider margin of safety into the plates.”

Mr. Douglas Thomas, executive director for the Air Force Office of Special Investigations also informed the committee that Pinnacle Armor is currently the subject of a criminal investigation. The Air Force is currently investigating Pinnacle’s claim that its Dragon Skin body armor had been certified by the National Institute of Justice in April 2006. According to a letter read by Chairman Skelton, this certification did not actually occur until December 2006. Pentagon officials noted the seriousness of such a fraudulent claim. “It is my hope,” said Lt. General Thompson, “that the investigation results in the appropriate consequences.''

Despite an admission by Mr. Coyle that the armor was “not ready for prime time”, Rep. Hunter said that the technology “may be of some value” and urged further comparison testing. He was ready, he said, to get “an M-14 and some 7.62 stuff to the Marine Corps lab and try to get some shots off in the next week or so.”

For additional information on military and Congress: NGAUS

British and American Troops help ANA in readiness

The Aghanistan National Army (ANA) are busy training and working towards the day when they may be able to defend Afghanistan on their own. It seems to be going well. The 205th Regional Security Assistance Command are quite capable and are making sure of this. They are making sure that the ANA has the supplies they need and that the British are teaching them the American ways to run an Army. I like this. If you would like to read the whole story, you will find it here. Have a great day, and to those of you who are serving, "THANK YOU, and God bless you!"

Bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb Iran

I say, "Everytime duschbag Ahmadinejad declares the elimination of Israel, we should bomb one of their official buildings. 'Parliamentary', preferably." I am very angry and sick of this bastard. How long are we going to sit back and do nothing?

BTW, isn't this the way WWII started? Anyone?

Another jihadist plot foiled

I have news from Counter Terrorism Blog, Atlas Shrugs, The Drudge Report here and here, and AllahPundit at Hot Air. Everyone is all over this, but...but...but I thought we did not have have any terrorists here? I'm so confused! It must be because I'm a conservative. Yes, that must be it.

If I get blown up, it will only be my imagination. After all, how could I know anything? That is why I give you the links to the people are so much brighter than me. Please read them. They are too scary for me. After all, I'm just a girl.

Psssst: That there is what we here call, "Sarcasm" for those of you do not get it.

Update: Michelle Malkin has written a rather impressive article, as usual, about the capture of three of the four jihadis (or terrorists, whichever you prefer). The entire criminal complaint ("Courtesy of Robert Nardoza at the United States Attorney's Office in the Eastern District of New York) is posted over at Hot Air (same link as above. Just scroll down for the PDF link.) Criminal complaint? What in the world do you have to do be called a terrorist and go straight to Gitmo?

Here is the DOJ's press report (PDF). Ah, now let us see just how long it will take for the dinosaur media and the politicians to blame this Bush...and the timing. And on and on we go.

Will anyone ever realize we are at war not by choice but because they are trying to kill us?

Hajj Hameed, AQ-I's Chief Justice of Shari'ah, DEAD

There has been heavy clashes between AQ-I (al Qaida in Iraq) and the Old Guard (Baathists and nationalists) for the past two day in the Amiriya district of Iraq. We have heard that there were some clashes by the AP, but we were told that the Iraqi people rose up against the terrorists. Unfortunately, this does not appear to be true.

Omar, from Iraq the Model, has the real news about what is happening in his country. I chose to grab a hold of this little (big) tidbit:

One correction to the AP story, Hajj Hameed was the chief of the Sharia courts of al-Qaeda in Amiriyah, not the leader of the network. Only god knows how many innocent people were executed by orders from this terrorist. Whether killed by Baathists, fellow terrorists, good Iraqis or American troops….Good riddance! [Continue reading.]

I could not agree more. Squirm in hell, you bastard.

Military News: 30 May 2007

There are only two articles today. The first one is one that is close to my heart. For some reason, I really like to keep up with the Horn of Africa. This time, the article is about teaching and inspecting foods used in meals and medicines so that we may be able to reduce some of those horrific deaths from something so simple as washing our hands and other cleanliness details. Preventive Medicine Techs Keep Troops Mission-Ready.

This is an amazingly unheard article. Sometimes I get angry writing these, and that is why I mostly just give the first paragraph of an article. These people have done tremendous work, so much so that the terrorists don't even want to go there anymore! Yet, when do you hear about this? On the evening news? HA! Get your news here! :) Khowst PRT Winning the Fight in Afghanistan!

Prayers Requested for Wounded Soldiers

Both picture were taken by Michael Yon and are his property.

These two amazing men were injured (shot) recently while in Iraq. There names are "The Q" aka Victor Quinonez and CSM James Pippin. Please pray for their speedy recovery and their families. Citizen Journalist Michael Yon has written a report on this and other news we do not receive here at home. I highly recommend you take some time his reporting.

Michael is not there by any organization. He has gone on his own dime, because he used to be one of them. He knows what it's like out there, and the e-mails he was receiving were not the same as the news he was seeing on the boob-tube. Therefore he decided to seek the truth for himself. If you like what you read, please feel free to donate whatever amount you can. All of it is appreciated, even the $5 donations. (Please donate more than that! lol)

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.