Book Review - "American Gun: A History of the U.S. in Ten Firearms" by Chris Kyle

Posted By Blackfive The following is a special provided by Elise Cooper for BlackFive readers. You can read all of our book reviews by clicking on the "Books" category on the far right sidebar.

Just before his untimely death the great American hero, Chris Kyle, was working on his second book, American Gun: A History of the US in Ten Firearms, co-authored with William Doyle, and Jim DeFelice as posthumous collaborator. Each chapter of the book offers engaging stories that are associated with a particular gun. Chris discusses American history and how guns helped to influence wars, shootouts, and duels. There is a potent and heart-warming forward and afterword by his wife, Taya Kyle, who is now engaged in keeping Chris’ legacy alive (www.chriskylememorialtrust.org) as well as supporting what meant most to him, helping his fellow Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine.

There are fascinating stories that even gun novices will enjoy; yet, there is enough technology in it for the gun buffs. The ten guns he discusses are: The American Long Rifle (aka as the Kentucky Rifle) used during the American Revolution and in the opening of the western frontier; the Spencer Repeater used during the Civil War; the Colt Single Action Army handgun (aka as Colt 4.5) used to define the old west; the Winchester 1873 Rifle used during the wars with the Indians; the 1903 Springfield used during WWI; the M1911 Army Pistol used by the Army from 1911 to 1985; the American Machine Gun used by gangsters and law enforcement in the 1920s; the M1 Garand Semi-Automatic Rifle used during WWII; the American Police Handgun; and the M16 Assault Rifle the standard US military weapon currently used today.

Taya Kyle told blackfive.net, “Chris did not see this book as political. He wanted to write about his passions, which were American history and guns. He did this by showing how everyday people used their guns as a tool to accomplish justice. He chose the iconic guns from his perspective. This is really a book about people.”

Both Doyle and DeFelice wanted to make sure Chris’ voice is echoed throughout the book. Doyle commented, “Chris was the commanding officer of the book and he wanted to make sure that people understand that the gun is a primary tool of American history.” Everyone who reads this book will probably have their own favorites but below are just a few examples.

DeFelice who became friends with Chris as his co-author of American Sniper knew that Chris enjoyed the Wild West stories. He believes this was reflected in the chapter about Indian tactics. “Chris loved the Texas Rangers (not the baseball team.) He talked about how the Colt changed the Frontier West.” The chapter discusses the Indian tactic of provoking an initial volley of gunfire and then rushing their opponents before they had time to reload. The Colt revolver changed that because it allowed for five shots, five chances to get the Indian opponent. DeFelice said he and Chris in the course of a discussion noted, “This became a really bad tactic for the Indians because of the multiple shots.”

Chris fascinatingly describes the famous battle of the Civil War, Gettysburg, and how guns contributed to it. At the beginning of the Civil War inaccurate muskets were used. As the war progressed the Spencer Repeater, described by DeFelice as an early semi-automatic rifle, made its presence known. In 1863, the rifle was first used at the Hoover’s Gap battle. It became obvious that this multiple-shot infantry gun would eventually dominate the battlefield. In discussing Gettysburg, Chris told how these guns showed up “to help tip the scales in favor of the North,” and that “the volume of fire was one important key to winning a battle that’s been called the turning point of the Civil War.” As DeFelice noted, “This weapon allowed for the ability to aim and fire. It did not decide the war, but it did make a significant difference.”

The book closes with Taya Kyle discussing how this project enabled her to stay connected with Chris through his deep love of American history. Jim DeFelice noted that Chris would take Taya and the children to famous battle sites and talk about the history behind them. She also talks in the book about Chris’ other passion, that of helping other veterans. There is a website mentioned, www.chriskylefrog.com and she told blackfive.net, “The reason for the ‘frog’ was to represent the frogmen of the Navy SEALs. The logo in the book is a representation of everything Chris believed in, G-d, family, and country. If you rearrange the bones of the frog they can be formed into a second tattoo, that of the cross. I want to continue Chris’ work, and to thank all those men and women who have served in law enforcement and in the US military.”

It is obvious in reading this book that Chris felt a deep passion for his fellow combat veterans, past and present. American Gun is an exciting, entertaining, and insightful journey into how US history has been shaped by the gun.

Stolen Valor Tourney Regionals are Up at this ain't Hell

Posted By Blackfive

Voting begins on Monday so make your picks now and choose your 8 "winners" in each regional (TAH will use Survey Monkey to tabulate the results *). Go to these four blog postings, read the hilarious write ups and select a set of victors to vote for on Monday.

North Regional

East Regional

West Regional

South Regional

Check in at This Ain't Hell on Monday.

 

*As of this posting, the Obama Administration has not demanded the handing over of Survey Monkey's data...yet

NRA's Life of Duty: D-Day Tribute

Posted By Blackfive

June 6, 2013 marks the 69th anniversary of "Operation Overlord" - the D-Day invasion where more than 160,000 allied troops landed on a 50-mile stretch of French Coastline to fight Nazi Germany on the beaches of Normandy, France in 1944. The invasion led to the deaths of more than 9,000 allied forces, but the victory resulted in a significant turning point for Europe's history. Today, we would like to honor the allied forces that participated in the invasion by sharing a film created by the U.S. Army in 1969. In this film, the drama and battle action of the landing at Normandy is portrayed along with the fierce combat that took place to overcome "Fortress Europe" (compliments of the National Archives).

Link - http://nralifeofduty.tv/home/video/d-day-june-6-1944

Book Review - The Kill Room by Jeffrey Deaver

Posted By Blackfive

The following book review is a special provided by Elise Cooper for BlackFive readers. You can read all of our book reviews by clicking on the Books category on the far right side bar.

New York Times Best-selling author Jeffery Deaver’s latest book, The Kill Room, is a fascinating exploration of targeted assassination. The emphasis of this political thriller is on the “political.” At the heart of the story is a complex debate where the author brilliantly presents both sides of the case of when and which American citizen should be targeted for assassination, as they are deemed dangerous to the safety of this country. He also delves into the issue of collateral damage, and a brief discussion on gun control.

The novel begins with an assassination, in the Bahamas, of a self-made millionaire, Roberto Moreno and two others who were caught in the crossfire. He is an American citizen who hates the US, campaigning against what he sees as the exploitation of those in Latin America. Deaver has the readers wondering if Moreno was an activist or a terrorist. Is he just vocally opposed to US policy or is planning an attack on the shores of the US?

The plot of The Kill Room centers on a New York assistant district attorney, Nance Laurel who is attempting to prosecute the assassin and the chief of a CIA-style government agency, the National Intelligence and Operations Service (NIOS). She approaches Lincoln Rhyme and his assistant Amelia Sachs to find evidence to use in the prosecution.

Deaver commented to blackfive, “ I wanted to look at this issue where the government takes out US citizens. As you go through the book you see both sides arising, where the debate goes back and forth throughout the whole book. The question readers should think about is should someone be targeted if they present an imminent threat and something horrific can be prevented? I wanted to raise this issue which will resonate in people’s hearts and minds.” He does this very well and at the end of the book there is a powerful discussion, which summarizes both sides.

He presents the issues through his characters with powerful interactions between them. Laurel, a new character, is driven by her desire to succeed and advance, putting that above all else. People could easily describe her as the bleeding heart liberal that never looks at the big picture. She is countered by Shreve Metzger, the director of the NIOS who believes almost anything is justified to make sure Americans are kept safe. Deaver feels that the readers should be the ones to determine if characters will reoccur, “If people like Laurel or Metzger they will probably come back.”

The main characters are Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs. Rhyme is a retired forensic scientist who has been a quadriplegic since a job accident, which almost killed him. Amelia Sachs is an NYPD detective who is Rhyme’s sidekick, and does the actual investigative work. Deaver commented about his characters, “Rhyme became a quadriplegic because I wanted a character that was purely cerebral. All he is able to do is think, but that does not make a very exciting book. I needed someone who would go out into the field and kick butt, a sidekick who can get into the head of the criminal and understand the evidence. Thus, Amelia Sachs was created to compliment Lincoln. She uses her body while he uses his mind. I made them a romantic couple to complete the whole picture.”

The eerie villain is Jacob Swann whose task is to eliminate witnesses and stop Laurel, Rhyme, and Sachs through his weapon of choice, knives. The book shows how a knife can inflict grotesque damage, and in it there is a brief debate on the issue of the 2nd Amendment. Deaver stated to blackfive, “Our friend Jacob Swann can do some really bad things with his carving knife. What is an interesting point is that the story shows the damage that can be done with a weapon other than a gun, and sometimes it is even more horrific. Look at the UK where it is almost impossible to own a gun yet people are slaughtered with knives. Why just the other day, a British soldier was murdered by two men who seemed to be self-professed Islamists, wielding knives and machetes or cleavers. The vicious killing brings home the fact that evil will persist, whatever weapons are at hand. In thinking about this soldier, and being a part of a military family, I have nothing but respect and honor for all those who keep us safe. G-d bless every soldier.”

Deaver is able to incorporate in the plot knives and cooking by presenting clues through Swann’s hobby as an amateur cook. “I know something about cooking since I consider myself an amateur chef. I wanted to have him use some of the cooking techniques for his dastardly deeds, and to give my character an interesting quirk. I also plan on publishing on my website recipes from Jacob Swann.”

He gave a heads up about his next book, The October List, due to come out this fall. It will be written backwards where the beginning of the book is the last chapter. He promises to have many twists and turns, his trademark.

The Kill Room is very powerful in its exploration of current issues. The novel is also entertaining as the reader tries to solve the crime. This book is a page-turner with nothing as it seems to be, culminating in many surprise endings.

Book Review - Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success by Phil Jackson

Posted By Blackfive

The following book review is a special provided by Elise Cooper for BlackFive readers. You can read all of our book reviews by clicking on the Books category on the far right side bar.

Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success by Phil Jackson gets inside the mind of one of the greatest sports coaches of all time. He won more championships than any coach in professional sports and made sure players fit into his style, not the other way around. Tagged as the “Zen Master” by sportswriters he used this philosophy to inspire not goad, awaken not challenge, and talked to the players desire to win, not their egos.

There are a few points in the book that were extremely interesting. He opens the book by comparing a winning sports team to a tight-knit military unit, talking about, “the strong brotherhood the soldiers formed, they were more concerned about what happened to their buddies than about what happened to themselves.” He then puts in an important disclaimer, that basketball players do not risk their lives every day like soldiers in Afghanistan. His point being that both a sports team and a military team need trust, love for each other, an ability to perform at the highest levels, and going beyond the purely technical skill or physical talent to succeed.

Another interesting point is the description he gave of his coaching style. He never believed in forcing his will on his players or thinking for his players. “I’ve always been interested in getting players to think for themselves so that they can make difficult decisions in the heat of battle.” Jackson emphasized throughout the book that “selflessness was the holy grail of basketball,” and that winning has no superstars just great players willing to work together. The real indication of a star is how much better he makes his teammates. Jackson also invoked the cliché that there is no “I” in the word team only in the word win.

He also explained about his trademark triangle offense. “The triangle is a simpler offense than most NBA teams run today. Best of all, it automatically stimulates creativity and teamwork, freeing players from having to memorize dozens of set plays.” He liked the fact that it empowers the players where each one plays a vital role, “All five players must be fully engaged every second-or the whole system will fail. That stimulates an ongoing process of group problem solving in real time.” Michael Jordan had to be convinced of this offense’s value, first calling it “that equal opportunity offense,” until he saw how it helped to win championships.

In the book Jackson discusses the many players he coached, pointing out how he dealt with each personality. He compared and contrasted Michael Jordan with Kobe Bryant, noting that Jordan once commented that “Kobe is the only player who can be compared to him, and I have to agree.” The similarities include their extraordinary competitive drive, disregard of pain, playing some of their best games under crippling conditions, and incredible resilience. The differences include having different playing styles with Jordan using his power and strength while Bryant uses his finesse. Jordan was a more accurate shooter and more inclined to not overplay. Jackson stated, “When his shot is off, Kobe will pound away relentlessly until his luck turns. Michael, on the other hand, would shift his attention to defense or passing or setting screens to help the team win the game.” The big difference according to Jackson is that Jordan was a much better leader and knew how to work with his teammates to make sure they were all on the same page while at times Bryant had a self-serving style.

The book also explores Jackson’s philosophy from humanistic psychology, to the Native American thinking process, to Zen mediation. Unless a reader wants to learn about these techniques they might want to skip over them and concentrate on his anecdotes and descriptions of his championship seasons where he won six times with the Chicago Bulls and five times with the Los Angeles Lakers, not to mention the two he won as a player with the New York Knicks.

Eleven Rings is full of revelations about how he became the greatest coach in professional basketball, the players he coached, and his own motivations to winning. Anyone that enjoys the game of basketball will enjoy this book.

NRA Life of Duty: Memorial Day Tribute - Remembering the Men of the Gambier Bay

Posted By Blackfive

Below is the NRA Life of Duty's Memorial Day Tribute featuring Norman St. Germain – Seaman First Class, USS Gambier Bay who spent 47 hours in the shark-infested waters of Leyte Gulf after his ship was sunk during WWII.

Link - http://nralifeofduty.tv/patriot-profiles/video/the-st-of-gambier-bay-bonus-honoring-the-fallen

Replay: "Angel Flight" by Radney Foster

Posted By Blackfive

All I ever wanted to do was fly
Leave this world and live in the sky
I left the C130 out of Fort Worth town
I go up some days I don't wanna come down

Well I fly that plane called the Angel Flight
Come on brother you're with me tonight
Between Heaven and earth you're never alone
On the Angel Flight
Come on brother I'm taking you home

I love my family and I love this land
But tonight this flight's for another man
We do what we do because we heard the call
Some gave a little, but he gave it all

I fly that plane called the Angel Flight
Come on brother you're with me tonight
(Come on brother you're with me tonight)
Between Heaven and earth you're never alone
On the Angel Flight
Come on brother I'm taking you home
Come on brother I'm taking you home

Well the cockpit's quiet and the stars are bright.
Feels kinda like church in here tonight
It don't matter where we touch down
On the Angel Flight its sacred ground

I fly that plane called the Angel Flight
Gotta hero riding with us tonight
Between Heaven and earth you're never alone
On the Angel Flight
Come on brother I'm taking you home
Come on brother I'm taking you home
Come on brother I'm taking you home
Come on brother I'm taking you home

Ensuring Our Future By the Sacrifice of Their Tomorrows

Posted By Blackfive

On Memorial Day, ten years ago, my friend, Major Mathew Schram, counter-attacked sixteen Iraqi insurgents who tried to kill everyone in Major Schram’s convoy.  Mat rushed up into the ambushers, fighting back and calling for help.
 
Mat died fighting, but not before he did what he set out to do – disrupt the ambush and save his soldiers.

Mat always did everything the right way.  As a brother-in-arms and a competitive peer, I wanted to hate that about him.  But after getting to know Mat, you couldn’t help but like him. 

Everyone did.
 
Mat would never let anyone down. On the last day of his life, he saved everyone but himself.  While shocked and sorrowful at the news of his death, not one of Mat’s friends were surprised that, even in dying, Mat succeeded.

On this Memorial Day, nine years later, while it’s true that I’ll be surrounded by many who won’t appreciate Mat’s sacrifice, there are those that do.  Gold Star families - the parents and families of those who gave all also sacrificed for our country in a tremendous way. To lose a son or daughter, a mother or father, a sister or brother, is a loss so great that no words exist to ease the grief and anguish they feel. To all the Gold Star parents, spouses, and family members “May God Bless You!”
 
Thinking about Mat Schram, I know that he would have been a great husband and father.  Every day, I know that he would have been a better father than me.  And most days, I try to live up to his sacrifice.

On Memorial Day, when not grilling bratwurst or watching a parade, I’ll be making my daughter laugh with my antics on horseback and I’ll be encouraging my son at his swim meet.  Being a good “daddy” is the best way that I know to honor all of my friends who’ve given their lives in our defense.  That’s the best way to honor the sacrifice of so many for our freedom – ensuring that our future is worthy of the sacrifice of their tomorrows.

I know that’s what my friend Mat would have wanted me to do. 

I miss him.

The Gates of Heaven

Posted By Blackfive

What is Memorial Day really about?  While we are busy gearing up for the weekend, I thought I should post this annual reminder about the holiday.  It may surprise some of you.

If you are relatively new to Blackfive, you should read this story about a Memorial Day ten years ago - Mathew Schram's Memorial Day.  And, unfortunately, we've posted many memorials to our Fallen Americans.

The words to "Taps" are:

Day Is Done,
Gone the Sun,
From the Earth,
From the Hill,
From the Sky,
All Is Well,
Safely Rest,
God Is Nigh

When Taps is played at dusk, it has a completely different meaning than when Taps is played during the day.  No soldier really wants to hear it played during daylight.  For when the bugle plays Taps in the daylight...that means a soldier has fallen...There is a belief among some that Taps is the clarion call to open the gates of heaven for the fallen warrior and letting them know to "Safely Rest"...

Of course, Memorial Day is about remembering the sacrifices that our military men and women have made over the last 237 years.    We are still a young nation, but one that has made many sacrifices to remain free.  We should also take time to remember the families who have lost loved ones.

We have focused on just a few of the fallen over the last few years.  I've lost good friends during the War on Terror.  And I write about the others to ensure that we don't forget their sacrifices - I do that for me as much as for anybody.

I can't speak for the friends of the many others who have fallen, but for Mat, Cooter, and Mikey, I can say this:

It is important to remember them, and it is just as important to enjoy yourself this weekend.  To spend time with your family and friends.  Have a beer while grilling Wisconsin brats (Schram-bo!) in the backyard while watching your kids play tag. 

What better assurance to them that they did not die in vain?

Enjoying your freedom and understanding it's value is the best way to honor the sacrifices of my friends.

That's the way they'd want you to spend Memorial Day. 

Remembering them, and being a good friend, father, and an American is the best way that I can honor their memory.

I'll close with this heartfelt letter, written by Rick Kennedy, that I received via the late and great Corporal Seamus about Taylor Prazynski - a Marine who was buried at Arlington eight years ago.

On Saturday morning May 21st I flew to Washington, D.C to meet my daughter Mary with grandchildren Calista and Lindsey, and her husband Joe Teller to drive with them to Chesterfield Virginia to attend a ballet recital for Callie that evening. Joe and Mary were in Washington for the burial services of Lance Corporal Taylor Prazynski USMC the 20 year old son of Joe’s cousin John Prazynski. Taylor was killed by enemy fire in Fallujah on May 9th while serving in combat with the 3rd Battalion, 8th Regiment, and 2nd Marine Division. Mary and Joe, along with 50 other family members attended the burial service for Taylor on Friday at Arlington National Cemetery, and when I met them they remained emotionally overwhelmed and forever moved by the elegant display of military reverence, and efficiency at Arlington. They were deeply saddened by the loss of this young Marine.

Earlier in the week Taylor’s body arrived at the Greater Cincinnati Airport by commercial jet. All passengers were instructed to remain on the plane until Taylor’s body was removed by a contingent of Marines. A military helicopter followed the Marine vehicle as it motored to the funeral parlor. Police and fire trucks were stationed at the overpasses and along the highway and saluted at Taylor passed by. At the funeral parlor no civilian was allowed to touch the body. The Marines prepared the deceased...A Marine color guard followed by a rider less horse accompanied Taylor’s body down Ohio Highway 4 for funeral services at Fairfield High School gym. Over 1500 people were in attendance of the funeral service at the school where the young Marine graduated in 2003, and played football and ran track. Pastor Dave Workman of the Vineyard Community Church presided. He gave a sterling tribute to this fallen hero that gave his life to his country. The pastor praised Taylor for his work with the church’s youth group, and his volunteer work with a multiple-disabilities class while in high school.

At Arlington on May 20th, the seven pall bearers dressed resplendent in the Marine dress blues uniform marched with the flag draped casket with military precision. When they reached the gravesite they abruptly raised the casket above their shoulders for 30 long seconds, giving the fallen Marine salute, and then rested the casket on its conveyor belt support over the grave. The military chaplain in civilian clothes gave the last rites, and presented the family Taylor’s posthumously awarded Purple Heart Medal.

All seven Marines removed the American Flag from the casket. They raised the stars and stripes above the casket pulling the flag rigid like a drum. Then they tightly folded the flag step by step in a triangle with the ends tucked firmly in place. One of the Marines did an about face and presented the flag to the Marine Sergeant standing alone to the rear of the casket, and saluted the flag.. The Marine in charge carrying the flag proceeded to the seat of the father John Prazynski. The Marine knelt down and bowed his head and presented the flag to the grieving father as the final gesture of sympathy and appreciation by the United States Marine Corps for the brave service of this young Marine.

Seven Marines standing away from the proceedings fired their rifles in three volleys representing a 21 gun salute, and you could hear muffled screams of sorrow from the youth in attendance as a lone bugler in Marine dress blues played the sad haunting sound of “Taps’ that echoed across the green rolling plains of Arlington on to the endless stream of white stones in this section called” Iraqi Freedom”. This was the Marines way of sending a signal to God to open the gates of Heaven for the arrival of [Corporal] Prazynski who gave his life for his country and our fight against terror throughout the world.

Soldiers' Angels Germany reminds us of some ways to honor them.

And have a great Memorial Day.

Remember Them.

Photo Essay: Going for the Gold at the Warrior Games

Posted By Blackfive

Army Spc. Elizabeth Wasil wins gold in the 1500-meter wheelchair race during the 2013 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 14, 2013. More than 200 wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans will compete in the games, which run through May 16. The military service with the most medals will win the Chairman's Cup. DOD photo by EJ Hersom

 

The Marine Corps sitting volleyball team celebrates a point and went on to defeat Army, earning the number one seed during the 2013 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 13, 2013. More than 200 wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans will compete in the games, which run through May 16. The military service with the most medals will win the Chairman's Cup. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jimmy D. Shea

Marine Corps Cpl. Kyle Reid wins the men's 200-meters open race during the 2013 Warrior Games track and field competition in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 14, 2013. More than 200 wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans will compete in the games, which run through May 16. The military service with the most medals will win the Chairman's Cup. DOD photo by EJ Hersom

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Jim Castaneda throws the shot put during the 2013 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 14, 2013. More than 200 wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans will compete in the games. The military service with the most medals will win the Commander's Cup. DOD photo by EJ Hersom

Book Review: John Sanford's Silken Prey

Posted By Blackfive

The following book review and exclusive interview with John Sanford is provided as a special by Elise Cooper for BlackFive readers. You can read all of our book reviews by clicking on the Books category on the far right sidebar.

John Sandford’s latest book, Silken Prey, is a fascinating insight into the world of politics. He has the ability to blend strong characterizations with a very powerful plot. His dialogue is very realistic and often times funny. For anyone who is disgusted with politics as usual this is a must read book.

The story begins when Lucas Davenport, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Agent (BAC) is asked by the state’s Governor to investigate a campaign scandal. Senator Porter Smalls is running for re-election and is accused of having child pornography on his office computer. The trail leads to the disappearance of a political fixer, the involvement of the Minneapolis police department, and more troublingly, to the dirty tricks of his opponent, Taryn Grant. She has hired as bodyguards two trained killers who will protect her at any cost. This book is not a “who done it,” but more in the tradition of Colombo, a “how they done it.”

Sandford told blackfive.net that he wrote it because, “In a nut shell I was fed up with both sides, Republican and Democrat. The problem with politicians is that they are stuck with an ideology and can’t get around it, which explains why nothing ever gets done. They can’t seem to compromise for the better good. There is no longer any grey, only black and white. There is a take no prisoner attitude surrounding politics, that it is no longer congenial, with the fighting both political and personal. They have no respect for each other on the other side of the aisle. People are spending a large amount of money and there are no limitations on what they will do to get elected, so I just pushed that to its natural conclusion.”

He wrote the book to entertain but also to get his readers to think about politicians, how they have blind spots and are out of touch with the average working person as they live in their own Washington DC world. This message is emphasized with his powerful character development.

Taryn Grant could give Machiavelli lessons with her ideas about the way the world should work through her use of money, ruthlessness, and desire. Grant has a narcissistic personality with an oversized ego, extravagant plans for her political future, and someone who wants one day to be the first woman elected President. She is a new type of politician: smart, attractive, ambitious, and very wealthy. Sandford is hoping that readers will find “Taryn likeable. I gave her qualities you would want in a politician: tough, independent, and smart; but she is also a killer. I tried to balance readers going from admiring to hating her.”

Her opponent, Senator Porter Smalls is an old-school politician who has a clear agenda. He is more of a supporting character with the main characters being the hero, Lucas Davenport and the antagonist, Grant. Davenport is a cool headed investigative officer that is intelligent, sexy, a family man, someone who takes things to its limits and can connect the dots.

Sandford commented that he is pondering Davenport’s future since he is very dependent on the good graces of Minnesota Governor Elmer Henderson. “I thought about what Davenport might do after he leaves the BAC. Maybe the current Governor will become Vice-President and the new Governor makes Lucas feel uncomfortable so he leaves his position. Thanks to the Vice-President he becomes a free lance US Marshall and is able to just take cases of his choice. He tracks down unsolved cases and can travel anywhere in the world.”

Another character in the book who makes a cameo appearance is Virgil Flowers. Sandford intentionally puts him in the story to remind people of the Flowers series, with a new book due out in the fall. Blackfive.net was given a heads up about the plot. It will be a comedic satire surrounding a Minnesota minister who steals a stone while on an archeological dig in Israel. A number of groups are trying to buy it from the Turkish Government to Hezbollah as Israel attempts to get it back. Lucas Davenport will also have a small role in this next book.

Since Silken Prey is his 23rd thriller featuring Lucas Davenport, how does he continually come up with such fascinating plots? Sandford responded, “Pay attention to the news. For example, the three girls kidnapped in Cleveland allows for a great crime scenario. I enjoy playing off of a story by taking an idea from the news and using it as an inspiration for a plot. Of course, it should not to be too specific so that it interferes with real peoples lives. You don’t want them to think you are writing an entertainment book out of their misery. You put a riff on it which allows for the feeling of the plot being real without really being real.”

Silken Prey is one of those plots that appear realistic. It is a very suspenseful book that combines murder and politicians. A riveting story that anyone, regardless of party affiliation, will want to read if they are disgusted with todays politics and want a thriller with many twists and turns.

Captain Wales' Walk

Posted By Blackfive

RE:  Prince Harry Will Not Go To Iraq (2007)
RE:  Good On Ya Harry (2008)
RE:  Prince Harry: Playboy or Soldier? (2009)
RE:  The Prince and the Marine (2010)
RE:  Captain Henry Charles Albert David Wales Reporting for Duty (2012)

Captain Wales recently took a walk in Section 60 at Arlington National Cemetery.  A friend of mine posted the note below on Facebook, and I asked if I could share it with all of you.  If you read another post today, read the one above about Harry and Todd Nicely ("The Prince and the Marine").

From Maas, second generation paratrooper:

Prince Harry.

I’ve been a fan of his for a long time. They call him the Warrior Prince

After seeing the day at Arlington my gf asked why do you guys like him so much. 

That’s an easy answer but it’s difficult to explain. I told her there were thousands of 28 year old pilots in US military doing the deed everyday through out our history. And not one of them laid a wreath at Arlington. That’s a high honor for a very young CPT.

There is a historical bond in the military between the British and us. We based our ranks, organization off them. We also sent soldiers to fight with them more than once.

If there was any guy in the world who could pick another job, it’s him.

He didn’t become a community activist, he didn't order the Naval Special Operations team to kill OBL, and he didn’t marry a woman who for the first time felt pride in our country was only when her husband got elected. He grew up being proud of his country. Just like every military family.

He served one tour on the ground and another as a pilot. And from a buddy flying MEDEVAC with the Brits covering, I was told that he was deadly serious about his job. 

And while this may make a few of my family cringe...He rated everyday naked in Vegas.

There is a picture of him walking among the graves. Politician’s lay wreaths and family members visit the one grave . Only Warriors do that walk. That’s why we like him.

He’s one of us. And if in 5 years he’s still alive and naked in Vegas we’ll only love him more.

Maas

Big Army Goes Overboard for Political Correctness

Posted By Blackfive

The US Army Soldier of the Year is going to be...

every Soldier.

That's right.  I wish I read it at the Duffel Blog but instead those crazy bastards at the Rhino Den have the scoop and I trust their word over just about anyone's.

It seems almost comical. Perhaps there were a bunch of generals sitting around trying to fluff their OER so they could get another star, maybe it was a PAO prank run amok, or maybe a Duffel Blog writer slipped a note to the Sergeant Major of the Army. Whatever the root cause may be, next year’s Soldier of the Year will be: Everyone. Every single soldier in the United States Army will be Soldier of the Year. The details haven’t been worked out yet how every soldier, to include officers will receive the trophy and commendations that usually go with winning Soldier of the Year, but the basic plan is that everybody’s been doing such a good job, that they want to reward, well pretty much everyone...

Read the whole thing at the Rhino Den.

Update:  best comment so far from the masses has been a lone voice from the lower ranks, "Can I put The US Army Soldier of the Year on my resume?"

What Needs to Be Answered about Benghazi

Posted By Blackfive

Tomorrow, before a House committee on Benghazi, State Department employees are testifying about the battle.  Apparently, these State personnel are whistleblowers who were threatened into silence about the role of their organization and its leaders that resulted in the deaths of 4 and the wounding of dozens of Americans in Benghazi, Libya.  

I think that we'll hear about a STAND DOWN order being given, threats of termination of employment or prison from their superiors if they talked about Benghazi, why we haven't heard ONE WORD from the survivors, and possibly a lot more about the handling of the battle.

Bryan Preston at the PJ Tatler has five questions that must be answered tomorrow.  It's a great piece, a primer really, on what needs to happen tomorrow.

Over at NPR:

...Three State Department employees whom the House Oversight Committee is calling whistle-blowers will testify before that panel Wednesday; one of them, Gregory Hicks, was the No. 2 U.S. diplomat in Tripoli at the time of the attacks.

The issue has become a cause celebre among conservative media outlets. On his radio show Monday, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee said Hicks will testify that four special operations soldiers in Tripoli were not allowed to board a Libyan military cargo plane that was leaving for Benghazi.

"We now know that special forces were poised and ready and had repeatedly asked for permission to go in and try to intervene, and they were told to stand down," Huckabee said. "I know that Mr. Hicks will testify that his jaw dropped when later Hillary Clinton said she did not know of any requests for assistance and that there were no requests for assistance."...

NPR goes on to post speculation that this is really about Hillary Clinton's presidential ambitions and the Republicans attempts to thwart them.  

One interesting piece is how anyone challenging the Benghazi military and State Dept story can avoid challenging Admiral (ret) Mike Mullen, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, who was appointed as head of the investigation into the Benghazi debacle. 

Regardless, Admiral Mullen wasn't appointed to investigate the origins of "the YouTube Video Was the Cause" talking points or why we have not heard from ANY survivors.

What the hell is wrong with you?!

Posted By Blackfive

First, a warning to regulars that this will make you upset, angry, etc. This woman is stuck on stupid.

US Air Force (USAF) veteran Julie Frein said she is willing to give up her burial plot at Arlington National Cemetery to Tamerlan Tsarnaev - the deceased Boston bombing suspect. The Anne Arundel County woman told Fox45 she feels the terrorist suspect should be able to be laid to rest and just wants it to all be over. "I feel sympathy for [his family] in that as long as this issue is open, they can't have closure," Frein told Fox45's Joy Lepola. When asked how she thought Americans would react to the suspect being buried in a national cemetery, Frein replied, "Well the country would just have to get over that, wouldn't they? Because nobody, nobody deserves to rot above ground." Frein has already called the funeral home in Massachusetts where Tsarnaev's body is currently stored and is in the process of contacting the Office of Veteran Affairs to see if she will be able to offer up her plot. Frein served in the USAF for two years. Her husband served in the US Navy for 20 years

Update: And in case you're wondering if this is even possible, got a note from a former Marine who checked with Arlington and got this message:

We have been receiving calls about the interview a veteran did regarding giving up her space at a veteran cemetery to the Boston Bombing suspect so he can be buried. We want to make it clear that this suspect is not eligible to be buried at Arlington -- a veteran can't transfer their eligibility to another person. Please pass this along to those who are concerned!