Pelosi jerks a knot in Murtha's tail

Posted By Uncle Jimbo

Oh it has been too long, but now I have Photoshop again. Mwah ha ha.

So the lummox screws up and actually mouths a few words of truth. It took less than a day for the House Harridan to beat him back into line. We have not and cannot win, SAY IT! SAY IT!.

Silvestre Herrera - Someone You Should Have Known

Posted By Blackfive

Sitting in his home, Nov. 17, Medal of Honor recipient Silvestre Herrera sat down to discuss his actions during his time with the Texas National Guard's 36th Division in World War II. Herrera was the first Arizonian to receive the highest military medal in the United States. Herrera passed away at his home in Phoenix, Nov. 26. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Benjamin Cossel, Operation Jump Start - Arizona Public Affairs). Date Taken: November 17th, 200. Location: Arizona, US. Photographer: Sgt. Benjamin Cossel, Arizona National Guard Public Affairs.

Thought I would share this excellent article by Sergeant Benjamin Cossel:

Profile in Heroism; Medal of Honor Recipient, Silvestre Herrera

By Sgt. Benjamin Cossel
Operation Jump Start - Arizona Public Affairs

PHOENIX, Ariz. -- Combat - the ultimate proving ground where service members put to test their years of training. Fear - the natural reaction to unnatural situations where the mind tells the body to go into survival mode and flee. Courage - the mind ignoring its natural reactions and pushing forward in the face of certain disaster.

On the morning of March 15, 1945, near the village of Mertzwiller, France, a young private first class with the Texas National Guard's 36th Division was faced with all three; combat, fear, and overwhelming courage when his platoon came under a heavy machine-gun attack. Mexican-born Silvestre Herrera faced down his fear and the enemy when he charged the source of the rifle fire, suppressing the German assault, and allowing his platoon to continue.

Later that same day, Herrera would walk through a minefield drawing deadly rounds away from their intended mark. He lost both his legs in the engagement, all the while keeping his M-1 Garand Rifle trained on the source stronghold thereby allowing his brothers-in-arms to flank and overrun the enemy position.

For his actions, Herrera was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. But that is just the beginning of the story...

Continue reading "Silvestre Herrera - Someone You Should Have Known"

Troops Overreact Because of Pressure - Feed Murtha on Thanksgiving

Posted By Blackfive "I swear, Sir, I didn't spit in it."

Representatives John Murtha, Pennsylvania; David Hobson, Ohio; Norm Dicks, Washington; and Sanford Bishop, Georgia, met with Lt. Gen. R. Steven Whitcomb, Third Army/United States Army Central commanding general, and dined with service members from their respective states on Nov. 22.

[Reminder: "Our troops overreacted because of the pressure on them, and they killed innocent civilians in cold blood."]

If any of you in Iraq met with Congressman Murtha, send me an email about it.

High Value Target Nabbed by B 1-15th

Posted By Blackfive

Staff Sgt. Andrew Pearce, from Lewistown, Pa., a squad leader in Company B, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment gives a situation report during a nighttime air assault mission, Nov. 25, in Sayafiyah, a small village southeast of Baghdad. Co. B was able to detain 13 suspects for questioning during the mission. One of the suspects was believed to be a key insurgent on the 3rd Brigade Combat Team’s most wanted list.  Date Taken: November 27th, 2007.  Location: FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, IQ, Photographer: Spc. Ben Hutto, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs.

Move America Forward - Gathering Cards for Troops on 40 city tour

Posted By Blackfive

This comes from Buzz Patterson of Move America Forward:

Beginning November 26, Move America Forward, the nation’s largest pro-troop organization, will launch its most extensive cross-country effort to date. In the span of less of than three weeks, MAF will be holding rallies in 40 cities across the nation, sending more than 100,000 holiday cards to troops in Afghanistan and Iraq and holding a holiday concert in our nation’s capitol to honor wounded warriors and support U.S. troops fighting overseas.

Debbie Lee, mother of the first Navy Seal killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom, is traveling with the MAF caravan and knows all too well the sacrifices made by our men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. She says, “As a way of honoring my son’s service, I am pledging to let soldiers serving overseas know that we support them and recognize their sacrifices. I hope Americans will put aside their political differences and stand united in their support.”

 

MAF invites members of the public to bring holiday cards for the troops to the rallies (city dates and times can be found on the website – www.MoveAmericaForward.org) which will be sent from local post offices along the tour route to help MAF reach its goal of sending more than 100,000 holiday cards to Iraq and Afghanistan. Over 10,000 holiday cards have already flooded into MAF’s headquarters! The rallies will also have card-making stations, live music, speeches, and much more.

<...>

Nearing the conclusion of the tour, MAF will hold “A Song for Their Service” pro-troop holiday concert at 8:00 pm on December 14th at the Lincoln Theatre in DC. Performers include chart-topping country music star Mark Wills, American Idol Finalist Jessica Sierra, Christian singer Russ Lee, singer/songwriter Melanie Dekker, singer/songwriter Christy Ann, inspirational vocalist Lloyd Marcus and singer Diana Nagy. Special guests will include America's wounded warriors from Walter Reed Medical Center and Bethesda Naval Hospital.

Once the tour concludes in New York City on December 16th, a delegation from MAF will travel to Iraq to personally deliver the remaining cards to our troops.  This will mark the 3rd trip to Iraq that MAF has made.

I was able to spend some time with Debbie Lee when the last MAF tour came through Chicago on 9/11.  She is an amazing lady.  If you get the chance, attend one of the pro-troop rallies.

[Here is the link to Blackfive posts about US Navy SEAL, Marc Lee.]

Mike Yon - Men of Valor III

Posted By Blackfive

In the third installment of his series, "Men of Valor", we find the Brits surrounded, in combat, with a brand new lieutenant in command of a platoon in country for just four days...24 against 240.

Don't miss this one.

Chinese govt. jerks on purpose, not accidentally

Posted By Uncle Jimbo

The Weekly Standard's Michael Goldfarb, an interesting dude, weighs in as well. When the Chinese told the USS Kitty Hawk it could not dock on Thanksgiving in Hong Kong, thereby screwing a bunch of sailor's families who spent their own money to meet the ship there, it had to be a mistake, right?

Guess not

                        BEIJING - China's last-minute cancellation of a U.S. Navy visit to Hong Kong was not the result of a misunderstanding, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said Thursday, adding that ties had been "disturbed and harmed" by Congress' honoring of the Dalai Lama and U.S. arms sales to Taiwan.

Spokesman Liu Jianchao denounced an earlier report from Washington that said Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi told President Bush the incident was a misunderstanding.

We need to get our ducks in a line with these guys, because they are starting to cause trouble again. The sheer size of their economy demands it and Wal-Mart can stock it's stores with US products.

OK I love the YouTube debate

Posted By Uncle Jimbo

I have hated every debate I can ever remember watching, except this one.

This is a brawl, Anderson Cooper is no longer in charge, if he ever was. Guiliani and Romney are throwing bombs, Thompson calls them both wankers, and they let the YouTube questioners smack back. Woo Hoo.

I love seeing all the polished, practiced pols thrown completely off guard. More, more more.

Ron Paul admits he loves the nuttahs.

Johnny McCain takes an unscheduled shot at Ron Paul's Iraq stance, let 'em win.

Blackfive- Like Trainspotting for Warmongers

Posted By Uncle Jimbo

I can only take this as a compliment. Some Brit journo goes to a seminar to teach him about blogs and ends up giving us an excellent tagline. I just hope he was reading my drivel when he pegged us.

Alan Moore flashed up some examples of blogs and, stretching my multitasking to the limit, I read some of the texts as he spoke. Bob Lutz, a big cheese at General Motors started by apologising for not writing much lately, while the author of a blog about motorcycle locks agonised about what their first posting should be about.

Black Five looked like trainspotting for extreme warmongers and a Korean website OhMyNews appeared to have no news at all, only comment and opinion. I'm all for comment and opinion, but if OhMyNews has any news on it, it certainly isn't mine.

I think he may have been trying to geek slap us by making a reference to the actual hobby of spotting trains and writing down their numbers which Brit geeks actually do. I will take it as homage to the deranged movie of the same title, and gladly accept it. Please add any taglines you feel we ought to consider and I will promote any that create a ha. Oh and you can decide who of us is who, although I know who I am.

BEWARE!!! Iraq is More Dangerous!!!

Posted By Deebow

Maybe if you are a filthy Wahhabi Al-Qaeda sympathizer.  I guess when the news isn't bad, you just make the story about yourself and how bad you have it.  This from our friends from Al-Reuters;

WASHINGTON, Nov 28 (Reuters) - Nearly 90 percent of U.S. journalists in Iraq say much of Baghdad is still too dangerous to visit, despite a recent drop in violence attributed to the build-up of U.S. forces, a poll released on Wednesday said.  The survey by the Washington-based Pew Research Center showed that many U.S. journalists believe coverage has painted too rosy a picture of the conflict.

I am going to guess that by "poll" they mean, a show of hands of journalists sitting in the Sheraton Hotel bar in the Green Zone.

The Pew people though, managed to pimp slap these cowards for well, the cowards they are.

A separate Pew poll released on Tuesday showed that 48 percent of Americans believe the U.S. military effort in Iraq is going very or fairly well, up from 34 percent in June, amid signs of declining Iraqi civilian casualties and progress against Islamist militants such as al Qaeda in Iraq.

So, average Americans believe things are going better, but reporters believe they are all about to be rounded up and beheaded.  Hmmm.  No bias there....

Al-Reuters was at least truthful about who faces the actual danger in reporting the stories they submit from Iraq.

Much of the danger for journalists is faced by local Iraqis, who often do most of the reporting outside Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone, the data showed.

As part of a sampling I took, let's just see what has been going on lately, as reported by someone who has not been swilling booze and chasing tail while sending out stringers to get you a story about anything that will put the US in a bad light.

• "Baghdad Day" Celebration
• More AQI Asshats caught
• Iraqi SF and US SOF kicking ass
• Iraqi Intel efforts equaling ours

I wonder what Mike Yon, The B5 embeds, and the PAO's of MNF-I think about how dangerous it is?

Continue reading "BEWARE!!! Iraq is More Dangerous!!!"

Obscene Amenities

Posted By Laughing_Wolf

As a tribute to Billy Arkin, I thought I would share photos of some of the Obscene Amenities I found while in Iraq. Are there some plush rear areas, perhaps especially in the civilian administrative areas? I would not doubt it, based on some things I've heard about the State areas. The FOB's (or equivalent) I visited did have nice DFACs, yet some of the photos below were shot there. My take is that the troops on the sharp end deserve anything and everything they can get. That said, here we go...

Continue reading "Obscene Amenities"

In the news

Posted By Uncle Jimbo

Andrew Lubin has a new blog with a very old school look, and a piece up about Marines helping out in Bangladesh.

Jules Crittenden is riding a mood surge.

And Herschel Smith wonders whether the State Dept. will take up the gauntlet thrown by Sec Def Gates.

Here is a LiveJournal where Rachel is discussing her PTSD, they linked my piece about Grim's piece in the comments for a look at what the "macho" mindset thinks on the issue, which I guess is a fair cop.

Five Years At The Parkway Rest Stop

Posted By Laughing_Wolf

It is hard to believe that Jim has been at this for five years. If you haven't read Parkway Rest Stop, you are missing some good stuff. Jim's time in the Army, as well as in law school, take a delightful twist in the MASTER SGT. JOHN “JACK” STEELE, ADJUNCT PROFESSOR OF LAW series. Jim was one of the first blogs I read, and I actually went to one of the Helen Blog Meets to meet him (and Rob). It was good to do so, even if I did have to put up with someone yodelling the Loch Tay Boat Song down by the creek at the time... *G* Jimbo (the original, that is) it's not just the hair -- it's five years of Farookin great posts and thoughts as well as the hair.

LW
who thanks Tammi for the kick under the table to remind me I needed to read some blogs today...

Mormons are weird. Compared to who?

Posted By Uncle Jimbo

Since I am not known for my self-restaint, tolerance and moderation, I will point out that I have written this piece numerous times and not posted it out of respect for the faiths of many readers. I mean respect in a positive light and that their faith makes them better people. I am not arguing against that result or even what it takes to achieve it, simply questioning the rationale for all earthly religions, that's all.

Mitt Romney's candidacy along with some other odd things about the Mormon Church have brought religion into this Presidential election. But as someone without a God in this fight, Mitt's God isn't really any stranger than Jesus, or Mohammed, or Brahma, simply more recently canonized. I have seen quite a few leaders on the Christian team trying to exclude a discussion of Mormonism, as it opens the door to discussion of all religions. Well good idea, let's. Mitt maybe doubling down on no Muslims in Cabinet.

As I sit on this crappy rock in the East Goat Rope of our own galaxy and a miniscule bit in this universe, I have a problem with anyone who claims to know what God wants us to do. It seems the most profound arrogance to even assume that it is knowable, and the thought of a vulgar animal claiming to discern the intentions and desires of a being capable of creating it ex nihilo should remind us snakes don't eat their own tails. And yet we have billions of people all around the world who are convinced that their local guy has a line to the one true God(s). Karl Marx said that “Religion is the opiate of the masses”. I don’t have much else I agree with old Karl about, but to an extent I do on this. It is a darker quote than required though, as most religions offer a hope for better things and addiction is simply escape to oblivion. There has to be a reason religions flourish and it is obvious to all.

Why? That is what it all boils down to. Why? are we here? does it suck so much? did my best friend die? did that baby get molested? don't you smite Paris Hilton? WHY?

It is not possible to avoid the question, so an accommodation must be made. Accept this as the crappiest planet you have ever lived on and try to live your life as well as you are able, hoping that doing unto others outside of a formal God scheme is accepted by the final arbiter, mindful that there is no guarantee either way. OR

Create or join a group with answers to life's biggest mysteries, understanding that this will likely be passed down by tribal or familial ties and also that there are a large number of these belief systems. These disparate religions will have core beliefs about what comprises God and they will be completely irreconcilable.Let's just roll that idea around for a moment.

1.9 Billion Christians
1.1 Billion Muslims
800 Million Hindus

Each one of these groups believes a totally different entity or group of them is God, each has completely different methods and requirements for worship, they can't even agree on which parts of which animals God doesn't like to eat.

Continue reading "Mormons are weird. Compared to who?"

Send a Pin Up Calender to a Hospitalized Vet

Posted By Blackfive During WWII, more than 5 million copies of this poster of Betty Grable (left) were sent to GI's overseas. Now Gina Elise (right) is releasing her second calendar benefiting vets for 2008.

This post is categorized in the Caring for the Defenders index because this is one way you can help those in combat and those in VA hospitals, too.

Gina Elise is a model with a BA from UCLA.  She has spent 2006 and 2007 on her project that combines what she knows (modeling, photography, history) to help a cause dear to her heart (hospitalized veterans and soldiers in need).

So, she created a project called Pin Ups for Vets which is co-sponsored by American Legion Post 360 of Lake Arrowhead, California.  Her 2007 Pin Up Calendar sold out and now she has her 2008 Calendar available.  Gina Elise says this about her project:

Over the past year, I have heard and read incredible stories about the injured soldiers returning from military service. Their hardest battles have just begun, as they attempt to recover in Veterans Hospitals all across America . I was touched by each story, and knew that I had to try to do something to help our hospitalized Vets.

I came up with an idea to recreate a World War II style pin-up calendar that would have the dual purpose of raising money for programs that support hospitalized Veterans, and also serve as a GIFT for each and every Veteran, as they recover in a Veterans Hospital.

I always loved the beautiful pin-up photos and paintings from the World War II era that American soldiers took overseas with them to boost their morale. The troops often carried these “cheesecake” pictures with them into war to help remind them of what they were fighting for back home. One of the most famous pinup shots was taken in the 1940’s of actress Betty Grable, in a bathing suit, looking back over her shoulder.

With these old glamorous pictures as inspiration, I decided to try to recreate the feeling of these nostalgic pin-ups in my own photo shoots, and then assemble my pictures in a calendar for a fund-raiser to benefit the programs that support the hospitalized Veterans, injured in ALL wars, past and present.

Your calendar donation will go towards: eyeglasses for Veterans, the home health program, recreational therapy, spinal cord injury & amputee programs, substance abuse program, women’s Veterans’ program, chapel improvements, homeless program, reading materials and subscriptions for the Veterans, patio improvements, parking lot shuttle, courtesy cart, social relief fund, televisions, wheelchairs, and outreach programs for the visually impaired...

You can purchase a calendar for yourself, one to be sent to a soldier (any soldier or one you give the address for), or one for a hospitalized veteran. Gina will be visiting our Soldiers at Walter Reed in January and needs to bring (at least) 100 calendars with her.  Purchase a calendar to give to a Soldier at Walter Reed here (option #2).

Of course, military bloggers support Gina's efforts.  Here's Major Chuck Ziegenfuss with Gina:

And Major (ret) John Donovan ("The Donovan" is smiling, by the way.  That's his happy face):

And me (working slightly harder at smiling than John):

And one more photo Blackfive-approved photo of Gina from 2007:

Gina Elise's Pin Ups for Vets! (get your 2008 Calendar now and support our hospitalized vets and Soldiers!)

More photos of Gina Elise from the calendar shoots (but not the actual calendar photos) after the Jump:

Continue reading "Send a Pin Up Calender to a Hospitalized Vet"

Anti-war films tank, left baffled

Posted By Uncle Jimbo

The American Prospect features an apologia for the craptastic results of the lefty agit-prop that passes for entertainment from Hollywood these days. Somehow all these portrayals of the evil Bush admin stand ins and their jack-booted thug, storm troopers prison raping the Constitution have failed to catch on. I have an idea why, but let's hear the spin first.

Are audiences suffering from war fatigue, as many have suggested? Do they have little interest in following a war on the big screen when they are surrounded by images and stories of it on the small screens in their home?

Maybe. But it's not like the American news media have been particularly effective at saturating the public with images from Iraq and Afghanistan. And it is tough to argue that the often critical stance these films take on U.S. foreign policy is keeping people away -- it's hardly considered unpatriotic these days to claim the war was a policy failure.

I take the position that the only people even willing to talk to pollsters these days are angry lefties. That and the inherent silliness of polling have led to the conventional wisdom that Americans are sick of the war. Of course they are, war is awful. But what the pollsters and the left leave unexplored is American's natural disgust at losing. They may be sick and tired of the war and the fact that our troops are still dying, but they aren't willing to raise the white flag. And what about this freakin' whopper of a line.

But it's not like the American news media have been particularly effective at saturating the public with images from Iraq and Afghanistan.

You can actually hear a whining that the media have not gotten the bad news out. I really wonder where in the world this clown has spent the last 4 years. We had the first calls of quagmire about 3 days into the invasion, and I can't recall a day since where the carnage, bloodshed, death & destruction hasn't led coverage. I can only assume that this maroon had his brain wiped in about July and he has only been watching coverage since then. Sad news for him and the rest of those who really could have used a US loss to prove that war has never solved anything.

Well sorry chumps you have some major narrative surgery to attempt because we are gonna win in Iraq and that is good news for Iraqis, Iranians, Syrians, Israelis, Palestinians and bad for dictators, petty tyrants, religious fanatics and the American left.

The folks who went all in for defeat just need to get used to the idea of a Victory in Iraq (VI Day) parade in DC this July 5. See ya' there.

Uncle J TV- Hillary visits the troops

Posted By Uncle Jimbo

Sen. Clinton and her lover take a jaunt to commune with some of her biggest fans. Just another sign that politics is an ugly bidness. My apologies to the troops.

Then go here and watch someone funnier than me.

More Good News for the GWOT...

Posted By Deebow

Surprise Taliban Asshats!

The U.S. is shipping laser guided 120mm mortar rounds to Iraq and Afghanistan.  The XM395 Precision Guided Mortar Munition has been in development for twelve years, and was almost canceled at least once because of the delays. The 38 pound XM395 round has a range of seven kilometers, and will land within three feet of where the laser is pointed.

The picture above is of me, firing a charge 4 Illumination round from the 120mm Mortar system I signed for from some of the fellas from an ODA in Gardez.  I figured that since they weren't using it, I would put it to use on my fire-base.  I mean, it can't be that hard to shoot right?

Well, good thing they gave me that range book.  And it was also good that I studied mortar use and theory in training.  I put that knowledge to use in Afghanistan.  It was good to get a mortar team finally, right before I left. 

For those that remember the old four deuce mortar, this is it's replacement.  It works marvelously and is already accurate enough to hit a car at 7000 meters with that really cool computer.

The XM395 completed its testing over the Summer, and will begin arriving in Iraq and Afghanistan early next year.

Thanks Secretary Rumsfeld for not canceling this project on the eve of it being a success.

Quenching our enemy's thirst for vengeance with an inexhaustible rain of fire..... 

A Different Request

Posted By Laughing_Wolf

Two, actually:

1. If anyone knows of a good compendium of grants/grant-giving entities, please drop me a line at the e-mail you can find over there on the right in the sidebars. While online and free is preferred, moderately priced and offline (if well indexed) will do.

2. I know many of you have given to a number of good and worthy causes of late, so I wanted to inquire about the following: if there were a chance to send an embed to spend Christmas with the troops, would you be interested or willing to support such even if donations were not tax deductible? Would it make a difference if it were tax deductible?

LW

Operation Good Shepherd

Posted By Blackfive

Major Dan sends this Top Secret un-redacted video capture of US Army forces conducting Operation Good Shepherd.  Three targets were selected, HVT intelligence was gathered, and exhaustive mission planning preceded the Op.

A lighting strike, our forces performed an expert snatch and grab mission.  Check it out.

Marines Help Deliver Aid To Bangladeshis

Posted By Blackfive

Bangladeshi military personnel take charge of a shipment of bottled water delivered by U.S. Marine helicopter crews from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, embarked with the USS Kearsarge, in Parisol, Bangladesh, Nov. 23, 2007. Photo by Cpl. Peter R. Miller, USMC.

Bangladeshi citizens receive aid in hard to reach areas of southern Bangladesh. The amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge and elements of Amphibious Squadron 8 and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit arrived off the coast of Bangladesh Nov. 23 to support ongoing disaster relief operations following Cyclone Sidr.    U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Ezekiel R. Kitandwe.

Out Of The Darkness

Posted By Laughing_Wolf

While, as Michael Yon notes, there is a need for caution, much of Iraq appears to be coming out of the darkness of more than 17 years of pretty much continual warfare. The enemy helmets that make up monuments and speed bumps at the main Baghdad parade ground didn't get there via E-Bay...

This photo, to me, captures a lot of what I saw while in West Rasheed. A group of people working together to make something new and better out of what was. In this case, a new joint patrol/police station with discussions on what it would take, what would be where, and how it would all get done. I hope the subtle shading shows up here for you. There is more coming, for the tale of West Rasheed is one that needs to be told as it was an integral part of the progress in Baghdad -- and still is. It is also a barometer, IMO, for how things are going. More soon, but meantime, enjoy the photo.

LW

Mike Yon - Men of Valor II

Posted By Blackfive

Mike Yon has posted his second dispatch in the series about the Brits in Basra...this one is about some mechanics who braved bullets and RPGs to deny the enemy a propaganda victory and the soldiers who fought to protect them.  Go read about these allies of ours.  They are soldiers that we should know.

SPC Christopher Hoyt - Someone You Should Know

Posted By Blackfive

"He said he wasn’t finished. He said, ‘I still have a job to do.’ I’ve never seen the like.”  - Lt. Col. Mark Landes talking about Spc. Christopher Hoyt, an infantryman with 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

Soldier Re-enlists Hours After IED Injury
Story and Photo by Staff Sgt. Russell Bassett

A U.S. Soldier re-enlisted in the Army just hours after being seriously wounded in an improvised explosive attack near Zaganiyah, Iraq, Nov. 13.

Spc. Christopher Hoyt, an infantryman with 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division from Fort Lewis, Wash., suffered severe laceration to his legs and torso when an IED went off near him while conducting a dismounted patrol. Two of his fellow Soldiers were killed in the attack.

Hoyt was rushed to the emergency room at Logistical Support Area Anaconda, where he decided to re-enlist for four more years in the Army.

“He said he wasn’t finished,” said Hoyt’s battalion commander Lt. Col. Mark Landes, who re-enlisted the Soldier. “He said, ‘I still have a job to do.’ I’ve never seen the like.”

Command Sgt. Maj. John Troxell, the brigade’s top non-commissioned officer, was also on hand for Hoyt’s re-enlistment.

“It takes a person of very strong character to go through an incident where another Soldier five feet away was killed and he was severally wounded and still say ‘I believe in what we are doing and I want to stay on the team. I want to support the United States Army and my country.’

“Spc. Hoyt is the epitome of what a Soldier should be,” Troxell continued. “He is a model for what all men and women should be, and that is very patriotic and very selfless.”

Hoyt, whose hometown is Clemente, Calif., is currently recovering in an Army hospital in Germany.

The NFL Gods love the Midwest

Posted By Uncle Jimbo

UPDATE: Game Bears in OT, woo hoo for Matty O'. Oh and remember the mantra, "Don't kick to Devin Hester".

Matty wondered why no Favre and Packers glory on Thursday, well I was with Ma and Pa and family and we were just happy to get out of a dome alive. 10-1, yeah I'm OK with that.

But what about today, the Vikes ruled, the Bears are proving me right "Never kick to Devin Hester" and other than the Lions needing to be a victim, the Norris division represented. I pick Favre over Romo for Thursday in a shocka.

Yuletide & Gift-giving

Posted By Grim

Several years ago now, then-Drill Sergeant Rob (now deployed, I believe) posted a piece called "Christmas Ideas for Deployed Soldiers."  I've been reposting a link to it every year for some time at my own blog, because it's a great list.  He divides gifts for soldiers into three price ranges, and then into four categories:  1. Time Savers, 2. Time Wasters, 3. Functional, and 4. Pointy. 

The last category gets special attention:  weapons are always the most honorable of gifts.  No warrior anywhere would be sorry to get a fine fighting knife as a gift.  My favorite custom knifemaker is STEK knives, who seem to sell only on eBay; you can get their selection here.  If you've got other favorites (aside from the ones Sgt. Rob mentioned), feel free to post them.  Myself, I think this entry in 'San Mai III' steel looks good, and can be had on eBay at about the upper range of Rob's category II prices.

For civilians, I had some ideas at my own place; but let's focus on soldiers here.  If you have suggestions, post away.

Holiday Pics- The odd lot

Posted By Uncle Jimbo

Not the usual turkey and cranberry pics, your best of Madison holiday oddness.

1st we have a very nattily dressed brother carrying a beach umbrella to keep the rain off his duds. I had a chat with him and he was quite friendly and I awarded him, my coolest thing I saw on State St. award which he happily accepted. The pantaloons were tailored camo, the boots ostritch, the hat lambs wool, the vest sueded leather, and the sweater merino wool. Sweet.

Next we have the night before Thanksgiving and the pic is not out of focus, it's really snowing that hard. Our first White Thanksgiving in a while. Hope everyone's family and friends are well, mine are.

General Petraeus Addresses Soldiers At 3rd ID 90th Birthday

Posted By Blackfive

"We're making progress across Iraq.  You see it everyday.  You feel it everyday.  And you know it's true...'cause you're the one that's making the difference." - Major General Rick Lynch, Commanding General of the 3rd Infantry Division, addressing 281 Soldiers re-enlisting on the 3rd ID's 90th Birthday.

I grew up in the 82nd, but I became a leader in the 3d Infantry Division.  Happy Birthday, 3rd ID!  Rock of the Marne!!!

The Dog Face Soldier Song

[(Sing it, CJ!) Ohhhhh....]

I Wouldn't Give A Bean
To Be A Fancy Pants Marine
I'd Rather Be A
Dog Face Soldier Like I Am

I Wouldn't Trade My Old OD's
For All The Navy's Dungarees
For I'm The Walking Pride
Of Uncle Sam

On Army Posters That I Read
It Says "Be All That You Can"
So They're Tearing Me Down
To Build Me Over Again

I'm Just A Dog Face Soldier
With A Rifle On My Shoulder
And I Eat Raw Meat
For Breakfast E'V'RY Day

So Feed Me Ammunition
Keep Me In Third Division
Your Dog Face Soldier's A-Okay

[Information about the term and the song "Dog Face Soldier" click here...]

Thank You, John Howard

Posted By Blackfive

A friend when we needed one, John Howard, loses the election in Australia.  Jules Crittenden gets the nod here:

...My take on what it all means?  Nothing good. Howard’s decision to stand with his nation’s allies against undeniable evil ultimately cost him, as Blair’s similar decision cost him. Howard apparently was further hurt by his refusal to set his nation’s interest aside in furtherance of half-baked scientific speculation and worse politics. Then, there was a credit crunch, and the simple fact of being around for 11 years.

All three men, Howard, Blair and Bush, made me proud of my American, Australian and British heritage and relieved that in time of war, we can still produce unselfish, clear-minded leaders of this caliber...

Read the whole post.

GO ARMY, BEAT NAVY!

Posted By Blackfive

On December 1st, 2007, the Cadets of West Point will meet the Midshipmen of Annapolis at M&T Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, for the annual Army-Navy Football Game.

US Army Public Affairs put this clip together of Soldiers around Afghanistan playing catch...

At the end of the day, we're on the same team (just not during the game...).

GO ARMY, BEAT NAVY!!!

Countermeasures

Posted By Blackfive

This MH-53E Sea Dragon, from Helicopter Mine Countermeasure Squadron (HM) 15, performs mine countermeasure training using the MK-105 sled. HM-15 is deployed aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1). Wasp is conducting mine countermeasure exercises to demonstrate the U.S. Navy's ability to defend against mine-laying operations and ensure open access to sea lanes. (U.S. Navy Photo/Lt. Cmdr. John L. Kline).  Date Taken: November 12th, 2007.

Thank You

Posted By Laughing_Wolf

Life is an interesting state of being, sometimes far too much in terms of the ancient curse. Yet, I find it interesting to note those who use such to focus on the negative in the world and life, versus those who use it to focus on the positive. Life has been interesting this year, but thankfully it is possible to look on that bright side with even greater appreciation, and a good part of that comes from you.

Today on Thanksgiving, part of that for which I give thanks includes:

1. Having Blackfive ask me to be a part of a wonderful thing done by a group of outstanding individuals. This is easy company to be in, and it is an honor to work with them.

2. The readers: YOU -- all of you who make a positive contribution here. You make this site so much more by engaging in honest discussion and rational discourse, providing additional insight and perspectives, and making it more. Yes, we do have trolls and similar infestations, but those are minor and, again, you make up for that in so many levels. You have helped send myself and another out on embed, and I will be honest enough to say I hope you will do so again. You have helped raise funds for Valour-IT, Soldier's Angels, and a variety of worthy causes. You talk with others, you share, and you do -- even those of you who never say a word here.

3. Living in a country where we have far more freedom than most will ever be able to fully appreciate. Is my Country perfect? No. It is not, and it is not all I think it can be or should be. Therein lies the beauty of what we have here: we can change it, and should always strive to change it for the better. My Country right or wrong: When right, to be kept right; when wrong, to be made right. Do that which is right, and here at Blackfive (a separate front as it were) we can be a part of fighting that good fight.

4. Living in a Country where we have a military that is great, both in power and in people.

5. The Soldiers of Team Easy and the Marines of the 1st of the 4th who welcomed me, got to know me, and let me go along for part of it; for Maj. Luedeke and Capt. Armistead for their efforts and welcome; and, for Capt. Signore and his team who made it happen.

There is more, much more, for which I will give thanks this day. Take the time, think and give thanks, and know that I thank you all for making my life richer, fuller, and more interesting in all the good ways.

LW

Opsrey Over Anbar

Posted By Blackfive

An MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tilt rotor Squadron-263, flies over the Al Anbar province of Iraq during a mission out of Al Asad Air Base.  Official US Navy Photo.

Clausewitz & Iraq: Three Views on Victory

Posted By Grim

Our friend COL David Maxwell -- who, having commanded a successful COIN effort in the JSOTF-P, deserves to be on Petraeus' list of potential generals -- recently sent us a piece by James Pinkerton called "All he is saying is give war a chance, too."  Pinkerton asserts, using the voice of von Clausewitz, that we aren't close to winning in Iraq; though we are in Sudan. 

COL Maxwell believes, as I do, that while the answers to warfighting problems aren't contained in the classical works like On War or The Art of War, you can find the answers to current problems by learning the principles and then trying to see how they apply to current problems.  The process of thinking it through, in the light of what the wise have written, will help you gain insights you might not come to on your own.  The answers are in your own head, not the books; but the books offer tools that will be of great service.

That said, Pinkerton's view of what Clausewitz would say about Iraq is not mine.  I wrote back with an analysis of how Clausewitz was properly applied to Iraq, which shows that we are in fact very close to the culminating point of victory.  That argument is reproduced in the extended entry.

This morning, I see that retired Major General Robert Scales has a piece in the Wall Street Journal that uses the same "culminating point of victory" language that I used in my email to the Colonel.  I met MG Scales while he was here, though we did not talk about the war; I used the brief moment of introduction to thank him for his long service and remarkable career.  It is good to see, though, that he is also thinking about these problems -- and that his eyes see something similar to what I see myself.

In the extended entry, my own reading is reproduced.  If you have not read much Clausewitz, you might find it helpful to read it before the Scales piece, as it explains the concept of "culminating point of victory."

Continue reading "Clausewitz & Iraq: Three Views on Victory"

My Thanksgiving wishes to one and all

Posted By Deebow

It is tomorrow that I will find myself at home on Thanksgiving; a rare treat in this time we live in.

Last Thanksgiving, I had just returned the week before from the AO around FOB Bermel in Afghanistan after being out on a 13 day operation to rid the border area of terrorists and consolidate our gains before the winter set in.  Much like wars before this one, none of the combatants fights much in the snow, which their is a lot of at a base elevation of about 8,000 feet.

I always go around the table every year and ask everyone in my family what they are thankful for.  Like the Wolf, this year, I will answer that I am thankful for:

1. My Family who supports me, but sometimes hates my chosen profession.
2. My friends, who are always there to help.
3. My country for the opportunities I have been given to be able to give back.
4. The fact that I wasn't wounded in Afghanistan, only to come home and get hit on my motorcycle 1/4 mile from my house (getting a broken leg--4 places and nothing else).
5. The chance that Matty gave me to be someone who can contribute here on BlackFive and be involved, and able to help my fellow soldiers.
6. My Little Guy J.D., from whom I am learning how much fun it is to be a child again.

One of my squad leaders a long time ago when I was just a young pup looking to be part of the pack told me something on one of my first Thankgiving Holidays far from home; "I serve because I can; more importantly though, I serve for those who cannot..."

It has stuck with me since then and I want to wish a Happy Thanksgiving everyone, here and abroad, on duty and on patrol, on guard and resting peacefully.  It is you that I am truly thankful for.

Wounded U.S. Navy Seal Uses Appropriate Commo...

Posted By Blackfive

Another reason to give thanks...that we have men like the SEAL who left this note to warn visitors, doctors, and anyone else *cough reporters* who might have a negative attitude.

Received from a reader tonight (click the image to get a larger version):

To Be Thankful...

Posted By The Wolf

This week, I am taking some time out to be with family for the first thanksgiving in years.  Between military deployments and establishing a new company, I have not had this chance for a long time.  And I am so grateful to be able to.

I wanted to take a moment to share a heartfelt THANKS! to all of my brothers and sisters in arms out there who could NOT be with their families, but are still able to share a wonderful day with their 'second' families, wherever they may be.  I know that they are being well-cared for, and will have at least a few moments of good times together over a good (if not great!) meal.  I know I did when I was deployed.

I am thankful for:
1.  My family
2.  My health
3.  My country and the chance to serve it
4.  My job
5.  My chance to help support my fellow service members by contributing to BlackFive, and my fellow bloggers here.

Share with us your thanks, and send thanks to those overseas.

Thank you ALL!

-Wolf

Remembering Mike Spann - Hallowed Ground at Kala-Jangi

Posted By Blackfive

"I believe in the meaning of honor and integrity.  I am an action person who feels personally responsible for making any changes in this world that are in my power...because if I don't, no one else will." - Mike Spann, A passage from his CIA application

The sixth anniversary of the Battle of Kala-Jangi Fortress (Mazar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan) is on November 25th.  The Fortress, originally built in 1889 by 18,000 workers over 12 years, is where former Marine Captain, and CIA Special Operations Officer, Johnny "Mike" Spann was killed during early operations against the Taliban and Al Qaeda in late 2001.   Mike Spann was the first US casualty in the War on Terror.  US Navy Petty Officer 1st Class David Votroubek wrote about Mike Spann and the anniversary of the Battle of Kala-Jangi from the fortress in Afghanistan: