Roundtables: Life of the Mind

Posted By Grim

Last week, there were two roundtables on two different projects that both have something in common.  Both point to the way that the US military serves to harness the minds of America's true "best and brightest" to create good in the world.

The first was with Dr. Thomas Mahnken, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Policy Planning,  on the Minerva Project.  This project offers to rebuild some of the ties between the military and academia.  The military would provide funding and access to research materials; in return, they would appreciate aid in understanding the world's cultures, so that counterinsurgency efforts are both more likely to succeed, and better able to reach out to and protect the people among whom terrorists or guerrillas might try to hide. 

The other was on regenerative medicine.  We spoke with COL Robert Vandre, who shows the intense and almost boyish joy of the scientist at the progress his team is making in helping injured soldiers.

He's missing ears and the end of his nose. And, of course, that's -- we really expect to be able to do something about that in a couple of years, you know, because that's -- you saw the picture with the mouse with the ear on his back. And that technology just needs -- I mean, essentially we've just got to refine it a little bit more, and we should be able to give it a go.

Take a look at some of what they've been doing.

This is a point we've made here at BlackFive, and elsewhere, from time to time.  The military, its internal schools, DARPA, the defense contractors' research labs, these have served as a parallel structure to academia for the life of the mind.  It's a place of those who want to put that life into practice, making a difference in defense of their nation and to better the world. 

It makes sense that this should be so.  No matter what good you want to accomplish -- whether disaster relief or to prevent a genocidal war, whether at home or in some faraway land -- the US military is the single greatest instrument for good in the world.  It is the key element in many of the solutions to those problems, worldwide.

I asked Dr. Mahnken about the challenges involved in trying to rejoin the military thinkers with the academics.

Continue reading "Roundtables: Life of the Mind"

Live Blogging America's Favorite Mom

Posted By Laughing_Wolf

Okay, it is off to a very late start because of a golf game (sheesh, how often has that excuse been used!), but here is some live blogging (alas, not drunkblogging as in the best B5 tradition), but here goes:

I hope one and all lived up to the best tradition of the Chicago Democratic Machine and voted early and often. Not saying the dead voted, but I got in a few votes myself...

Donnie and Marie could get old, but...

Wow. First up is miltary moms. What a host of wonderful moms. Convoy, medical, and -- of course -- Patti. Nice job on each so far. The kids get to you. The phone call from the little girl to her mom pulls on the heart strings.

The favorite miltary Mom is Patti!

Wow. What a win, and even better is the video call with her son in Iraq! I noticed that more than one person got dust in their eye at that (always did like Marie).

What can I say about Patti -- I love Marie's line about "you can't walk through the screen, you have to stay here with me" Congratulations Patti! And congratulations SA on the semi-final win ($25k)! If memory serves, Patti is the only Mom to pledge her winnings to charity.

COE section:

Wow. Five two-year-olds? A blind mother. "Motherhood is multitasking at its best." That may well be the quote of the show. Again, amazing Moms. Tragedy and triumph over adversity. The Texas Mom wins. That was one where I would have had a hard time choosing.

Single Moms:

"The biggest challenge is keeping them on a straight path." Isn't that a quote for any Mom (or parent!)! A published Mom who made a difference. I love the hats on the third (and can identify with the eccentric part). Again, adversity overcome and three excellent choices. The hat lady wins! Excellent choice.

The musical interlude isn't too bad. Not the Cruxshadows, but not quite as much treacle as I expected (not to say diabetic coma is not a possibility for all the sugar, but...)

Working Moms:

Of course, am a bit biased by the first as she is a cook. Second one is with Covenant House, a good outfit from all I have heard. Stroller strides, sounds interesting, like the concept. Again, three hard choices. Covenant House wins!

Pseudo-Rap? Sugar Rap? Ahhhhhhh, my ears!

Adopta-Mom

Again, a good group of mothers. Wow, to adopt the meth babies is brave. Each of these women is very special. Adoption is something so very special (one of my nieces is adopted). The Hati mom wins! Some Moms adopt one, some more. All are so very special for giving that gift of love to those who might not otherwise get it.

FINALE APPROACHES

yea, I like Marie...

Patti Wins! Soldier's Angels Wins!

To go back to the above, it takes a special woman, a special family to adopt. I can't put into words what it means to both sides, and there are issues around such that do bother me in terms of making them truly a part of the family (joining organizations), but it is such a wonderful thing.

While some may call it trite (though not in my hearing is strongly recommended), Patti adopted an entire Army with her work, along with an entire Navy, air force, and Marines. Aside from some items that I imagine can't be transferred, the win goes to Soldier's Angels.

Again, my thanks for voting, early, often, and long. It is appreciated, and the troops will benefit.

LW
who remembers his Mom this day. First woman on Mercer University's rifle team, a complex and interesting individual who raised her younger siblings when needed and stopped short of two different Ph.D's. Thanks Mom.

And who apologizes for not drunk blogging, but my liver is not in as good a shape as Steven Green's...

Face of America 2008

Posted By Laughing_Wolf

The warrior was having trouble with the hill, but despite injury he pressed on. Hands reached out to help, and were vigorously rebuffed. As the warrior slowed further, another came along side. Unlike the others, this fellow warrior was also on a recumbent bike, and this time, the hand that came out and helped push his bike along was not rebuffed.

The Face of America 2008 Bicycle Ride from Bethesda to Gettysburg was full of such moments. A mix of wounded or ill service members and "regular" riders, it was a collision of roads, a test of wills, and a testament to courage and tenacity. The "bikes" ranged from advanced racing bikes to specialized recumbents that were adapted to a variety of needs. Indeed, about the only means of motion not seen was through the use of teeth and biting, though I wouldn't put such past some taking part as there was that level of determination present.

That determination showed elsewhere too, with more than $109,000.00 being raised to help fund participation by service menbers. This is much more than just the ride, but also includes accomodations, food, bike use, cycling clinics, outreach, and more. A joint project of World Team Sports, Soldier's Angels, and the Semper Fi Fund and working with Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the National Naval Medical Center, and Brooke Army Medical Center, the ride is designed as both a fun activity for service members and a way to show the wounded and ill that they can still do many things, are a part of the team, and -- most of all -- they do not ride alone.

Continue reading "Face of America 2008 "

Welcome Home "the ROCK!" - A Homecoming that SFC Matthew Blaskowski Would Be Proud Of

Posted By Blackfive

Leta at From Cow Pastures to Kosovo has been working with Cheryl and Terry Blaskowski to set up a Welcome Home Party for the paratroopers of 2/503rd when they return from Afghanistan to their home base in Vicenza, Italy.  Leta posts:

So many of your have been integral in providing literally TONS and TONS of support to the 2-503 while they are deployed for 15 months to eastern Afghanistan. These Warriors and their fellow Battalions in the Brigade have endured so much and still have a few months to go before they redeploy to Europe. As one last "Thank You" and to stamp our seal of appreciation on their deployment we are planning a Fourth of July "style" welcome home party for the 2-503. Of course there is just one tiny little detail or two...1) They are home based in Vicenza, Italy and have no American community to provide a proper welcome home and 2) We need to raise the funds to send over there for some good old American hot dogs, hamburgers, trimmings and BEER!...

I've spoken with Cheryl Blaskowski about this and I'm on board 100%.  Our Paratroopers have given their all and, I believe, Sergeant Ski would have wanted them to come home to one helluva party.

Here's a note from Terry Blaskowski:

We would like to thank the people of Northern Michigan for their support and encouragement during the difficult period of the past six months since the tragedy of Matthew’s death.

The communities that have shown support have been a real blessing to us and our extended families and friends. Words do NO justice for our gratitude.

In the past, when Matthew left for deployment, the only thing to bring peace in our hearts was to think about his safe return. We know that won’t be happening now. However, Matthew and us have an extended family that reaches far beyond this place.

We recently learned that there are no plans for any welcome home celebrations for the 173rd, 2-503 Army Airborne Battalion when they return to their home base at Camp Ederle in Vicenza Italy after at least 15 months in Afghanistan, where they lived and fought in horrendous conditions. There is not a local American community in Italy to step up and put on a Heroes welcome for them, as so many would do here in the states. Very few of the soldiers will be returning to family or loved ones there in Italy. By far the majority of soldiers are single, with no family to welcome them back or home support to assist them in transitioning from war and death to peace and recuperation.

Cheryl and I, together with others, have been supporting the 173rd 2-503 Battalion troops, who continue to endure a tenacious tour of duty in Afghanistan that is not yet over, are asking that you join us in raising funds for a proper WELCOME HOME CELEBRATION when they arrive back in Italy. There will be approximately 2000 troops returning and we believe a GRAND CELEBRATION is well deserved. We would love to have banners flying there to show the support from communities throughout this nation in honor of our Sky Soldiers returning as well in memory of our Sky Angels of the 173rd Airborne Brigade.

If we all pitch in, it is no great sacrifice for a few. A minimum of $125,000, is a small amount to do so much for so many soldiers; when added to other amounts raised by other communities around the U. S. of A.. It is hard to imagine the transition of so many Sky Soldiers who, we are sure, think it is “JUST THEIR JOB”.

Please join us in donating for the WELCOME HOME CELEBRATION for the 173rd 2-503 SKY SOLDIERS.

Checks can also be made payable to: 173rd Sky Angels Fund. The funds (100%) will be reserved for that purpose only (Sky Angels are our fallen soldiers of the 173rd Airborne).

Checks can also be made payable to any of the following Family Readiness Groups at Camp Ederle in Vicenza, Italy:

HHC Co 2-503 FRG
Able Co 2-503 FRG
Battle Co 2-503 FRG
Chosen Co 2-503 FRG
Destin Co 2-503 FRG
Fusion Co 2-503 FRG

The Army has rules, no one person or organization is allowed to donate more than $1,000 to any single FRG. So if a person or organization wants to donate more than $1000, (that would be fantastic) they would have to write one check to one FRG and another to a different FRG. The FRG’s are going to pool all the funds designated for the “WELCOME HOME CELEBRATION”.

Please mail all checks to:

173rd Sky Angels Fund
c/o Terry and Cheryl Blaskowski
PO BOX 164
CHEBOYGAN MI 49721

If you have any questions do not hesitate to call us at 231-627-9732, 231-818-2560 or email us at candtb-at-triton-dot-net .

To read about support that many great Americans have been joining together to provide to these soldiers go to www.tankerbabelc985.vox.com . Leta Carruth (she adopted Matt’s platoon and sent so much support to them) has been a driving force in providing support to our troops in Afghanistan.

With much gratitude,

Terry and Cheryl Blaskowski and family
Parents of SFC Matthew Blaskowski
Platoon Leader, Battle Company 1st Platoon
KIA 23 September 2007, FOB Vegas, Afghanistan

Here is the PayPal link that you can use to donate or you can send a check to the above address. We are looking for corporate sponsors as well (so tell your companies about this effort).

THANK YOU!

[As with all of the requests that I ask you to donate to, I donated to this cause this afternoon.  And I hope to attend the party...once a Paratrooper, always a Paratrooper...]

Please Vote Today

Posted By Blackfive

I know you've seen Laughing Wolf ask you to go and vote for Patti Patton-Bader as America's Favorite Mom.  While today is the only day that you can vote for her, you can vote up to ten times until 9pm EST. 

I voted ten times already.

If you don't know how the Blackfive team feels about Patti and Soldiers' Angels, just Google us.  There's quite a few posts.  Here's one from almost three years ago that sums it up pretty well...

The folks at NRO asked us to write about the women we love for Valentine's Day in 2006, and we wrote about Patti.

For Mother's Day 2006, I talked about Patti with our good friends at Pundit Review Radio (WRKO Boston).

We have contacted Patti a thousand times over the last few years with all kinds of crazy requests - some that needed to happen instantly.  She has NEVER ever let us down.

So please go vote.

Please Vote Today!

Posted By Laughing_Wolf

Chuck Z and I (Team Chuck Z) have just finished the Face of American Bicycle ride, and we did ride and we did survive. Pain is weakness leaving the body.

This ride was done by World Team Sports and Soldier's Angels. What I think was a bit more than 200 riders took part, and regular riders and wounded/ill troops took part. This is just one of the things done by Soldier's Angels. We have a way to help them keep getting family members to the wounded, to help with VALOUR-IT, and to do many of the other things they do, by themselves or in partnership with other groups, like this ride.

Today, and today only, we can vote for Patti as a semi-finalist in the America's Favorite Mom contest. Your votes have already helped win money that went to purchase clothing for our wounded. The vote today will run from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EASTERN(!), and today is the ONLY day you can vote for her. So, please, hit this link (note that it is NOT the same link as before) and vote so that SA has a shot at the grand prize. Please help, for that help DOES go to SA and from there to the troops. Please, take a moment to help make a difference. I can't tell you what this ride meant to the wounded and ill troops, nor can I express how much the other things done mean to the troops and their families.

Vote. Please.

LW
at the airport yet again...

LINKS CORRECTED!

As Blackfive notes, you can vote up to 10 times today. In the best tradition of Chicago, go vote early and often!

Some Thoughts On Soldier's Angels

Posted By Laughing_Wolf

Well, I got distracted the last couple of days (darn work!) and Jimbo beat me to getting up the news that Patti is a finalist in the America's Favorite Mom contest. More on that in a few, because a few days ago, a comment was made in this post which was frankly disturbing. It was disturbing on several levels, being as it could be and was seen as both a slap at an organization as well as at an individual I consider to be a friend. In further discussions both here and offline, some other comments came forward and I found behind this were some thoughts and concerns I've heard elsewhere. What follows below is not aimed at any one person; rather, it is a response to some thoughts I've been hearing for a while now and that need to be addressed. What follows is part polemic and part rant, but if you are interested in Soldier's Angels you should read on.

Continue reading "Some Thoughts On Soldier's Angels"

And they wonder why 73 plus percent of military members are registered as Republicans

Posted By Deebow

I want them to defend this...

I want them to defend using the video of the apparent death of American Soldiers while serving in Iraq to the religious zealot, gun nut, under-employed working class folk that probably have either served before, serve currently or have a family member who faces danger every day in the ITO.

I want them to defend using this video to make the misleading statement that we are "losing in Iraq."

Of course, the cowards respond according to the script:

Calls to the DNC for comment and for information about the footage went unreturned.

I don't want to hear anymore from the pompous gas-bags in the Old Media and the Code Pink turd-burglars about how they "Hate the war but support the troops"....  Where I come from, we say "that dog won't hunt."

But, since the media outlets are not showing it, out of respect for our comrades in arms, I would like to encourage everyone to tell everyone you know to go and see the ad and tell their friends too.

That way, whichever candidate is chosen by the Democrats, the American voters can ensure that the Democrats are headed for a McGovern style beat-down in November....

A beat-down that will sting for a couple generations....

What Did You Do For The Troops Saturday?

Posted By Laughing_Wolf

Well, I spent the day out at a friend's home helping bake (and putting/hiding a funny here that most seemed to miss). The son of some friends of my friend is on his second deployment to Iraq, and she wanted to try to top her previous 30 or so pound box of treats she sent last time. So, between us we alternated mixing and baking two different types of brownies, three different types of mini-cupcakes, almond shortbread, two different types of chocolate chip cookies, two different types of oatmeal cookies, homemade granola bars, and homemade protein bars. Net take was that when all was done, she mailed a 37-pound box of treats for him (and his buddies). In August, we are planning to do this again.

LW

Different But Important: Testicular Cancer

Posted By Laughing_Wolf

UPDATED & BUMPED

MaryAnn asked me if I would do this post, and I am glad to copy her post here so that the information can get downrange to the troops. Her site is often blocked (Blogspot), and while Blackfive is in some places as well, the thought is that it will reach places her's can't. If anyone else wants to copy this, please feel free to do so as caught early this is a very treatable cancer -- just ask Lance Armstrong. Copy for post, copy to mail, just help get the word downrange.

LW

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2008

Important information about testicular cancer and self-exams

Ok, this is an unusual post. But it's really important because we see quite a few cases of testicular cancer at Landstuhl due to the gender/age group of the patients.

Please help raise awareness about the importance of deployed men doing testicular self-exams.

There's very high awareness for breast cancer and the need for women to carry out self-exams.

However, there's much less awareness about testicular cancer (TC), which is the most common type of cancer affecting guys between the ages of 15 and 35.

Most often, TC is found by men themselves. The thing with being deployed is that you don't want to look like you're playing with yourself in the shower or whatever while checking yourself out. Also, back home, it's often found by wives/girlfriends.

But a monthly self-exam of the testicles is the best way of becoming familiar with your body and thus enabling detection of TC at an early - and highly curable - stage.

Information about self-exams. [http://tcrc.acor.org/tcexam.html]

General information about TC. [http://tcrc.acor.org/index.html]

Important to Know:
- TC has a VERY high cure rate.
- Treatment usually involves removal of the affected testicle and follow up.
- Having one testicle is almost always sufficient to keep everything "working".

Finally, embarassment is a poor excuse for not having things checked out. If you think there is something wrong or something has changed, get your butt to sick call!

Please help by passing this information on to those you know in the sandbox. Thanks.

Update: In the comments Mrs. G shares this cancer prevention tip ;-)

UPDATE: An example is given below the fold, may not be family friendly (especially if you are this idiot & his moronic co-sponsors), can cause Aunt Minnie to blush, palpitations in the susceptible, etc.

Continue reading "Different But Important: Testicular Cancer"

ANZAC Day!

Posted By Grim

Just the other day, thanks to this letter from Australia, we were talking about how much we appreciate the folks from Down Under.  Well, today is ANZAC Day, which is similar in many respects to our Memorial Day. 

We'd like to join in the salute to our comrades.  I see that the Castle got started without us:  if anyone else has an appropriate post, add it in the comments here.

Advance Australia Fair!  This rendition begins with a phrase that I've only heard British and Commonwealth units use:  "Ladies and Gentlemen, please be upstanding."  It's a fine way of putting it, joining both the physical and the moral actions that are requested to show due honor to nation and service.

A Better Use of Iwo Jima

Posted By Grim

Here's something that turned up at the local grocery store:  a wine called "Jarhead Red."  It also comes in a bottle with the Marine Corps Emblem, but in honor of Time magazine I got this one:

Why is this acceptable, and the Time cover bad?  Two reasons:

1)  This uses the Iwo Jima image in its proper context:  to honor and celebrate a hard-won victory by the United States Marine Corps.

2)  According to the back:  "The net proceeds from the sale of this wine benefit the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation who provide educational assistance to the children of fallen Marines.  Please consider directly supporting the Foundation at www.mcsf.org."

If you live in one of those states (unlike mine) that lets you order wine through the mail, it appears you can buy it from here.

So is it any good?  Heck if I know -- if it was a beer, I'd hazard a guess, but wine isn't one of my usual interests.  So I'll stick to what I know, and leave writing about wine to wine critics.  Maybe they'll return the favor.

Can I Beat the Hippies Now????

Posted By Deebow

I am starting to get "tired" again....

I think I am really going to have to start punching hippie "peace" fascists when I find them, because this is something that deserves a firm response...

This is from the New York Chapter of a Gathering of Eagles where an Iraq War Veteran and his family were attacked while staging a counter protest in Edinboro PA.  Their 14 year old son went across the street to videotape some of the protest that was going on.

This is a little piece of what happened...

Seeing the escalating tension across the street, the veteran and his wife crossed over, leaving their three youngest children on the other side for safety while they went to retrieve their eldest son. Two of the female ‘peace’ protesters then attacked the veteran’s wife. When the veteran pulled one of those attackers off his wife he was jumped by four or five of the ‘peace’ people and knocked to the ground where they held him while beating him and smashing his eyeglasses.

The son pulled the remaining attacker off his mother, but the attacker managed to get in one last kick to his mother’s head with her boot. She then punched the son in his face while his mother called the police.

But the fun didn't stop there....

Continue reading "Can I Beat the Hippies Now????"

LA Times Staying Classy

Posted By Deebow

Evidently, the LAT ran out of material to run on Hillary lying about sniper fire and Obama and his association with Jeremiah Wright and have stumbled across this HUGE scandal with the McCain Campaign.

Seems that the LAT believes that McCain, as a result of being shot down, severely injured during ejection, and then held prisoner for 5 years, as well as tortured while in captivity is unfit to be the Commander in Chief because he receives a VA Disability Pension.  And it is tax free!!!

Oooohhh!  The Humanity!

Evidently, the big question the LAT thinks this raises is:

The fact that he is legally designated with a disability pension may raise further questions.

And then this waste of skin piped in...

"It is a legitimate question to ask about the commander in chief: Is he fit to serve," said Robert Schriebman, a senior Pentagon tax advisor and tax attorney who recently retired as a judge advocate for a unit of the California National Guard.

I want this lawyer (Shakespeare was right) to come down here and tell me, a disabled veteran who continues to serve that I am not fit to serve, or Captain David Roselle is not fit to serve.  I would put my foot in his, well, you get the picture....

We all know that Senator McCain is entitled to that benefit, regardless of whether or not he is Senator McCain, or Principal McCain at Abraham Lincoln High School, or CEO McCain of ABC MegaCorp. or Janitor McCain.  He receives that as a benefit of his honorable service to this country.  Any man who can survive the situation he found himself in is not only fit to be the CinC, but someone that would bring a unique perspective to the job.

As far as I am concerned these oxygen thieves at the LAT deserve to burn in, after watching their reserve cigar roll, for questioning whether or not McCain's disability pension takes away from his abilities.

But they may have gotten pwned and not even know it....

Paul Galanti, another former POW in the group, said that while McCain's injuries were serious enough to qualify him for disability, it would not affect his performance as president.

"I don't know of any physical requirements to be commander in chief," Galanti said. "He would have a nice car to drive around in and a nice airplane to fly in."

I think next they should check into whether or not Hillary's bad vision would keep her from reading the launch codes properly.  I mean, have you seen those glasses?

Like I said, what a bunch of oxygen thieves....

Want Soldier's Angels To Win More?

Posted By Laughing_Wolf

UPDATED AND BUMPED

As I noted here, Patti Patton-Bader has been nominated as part of the Most Popular Mom competition. It has entered a new phase, and you can still vote for her. Yes, the site is intrusive, but no law that I know requires you to provide marketers with legitimate information. So, please, go vote early and often!

LW

UPDATE: Per a comment, I want to add that the $5,000.00 won in the previous phase of the contest was used to buy 1,000 sweats for use by medevaced service members and veterans. To quote MaryAnn (who I should have linked to in the first place):

The America's Favorite Mom Contest continues in April, and this time the prize money is $25,000.

In the world of Soldiers' Angels, $25,000 can buy 425 Valour-IT laptops for our wounded hereos. It can buy 500 wounded hero backpacks to send to those most in need. It can buy 50 airline tickets for families and soldiers in need to get back and forth in emergency situations.

The money IS going to Soldier's Angels, and your help is needed. Please, continue to vote, vote early, vote often (Hey, we are based in Chicago after all) so that this next prize, the grand prize, can do some very good things for those who serve or have served.

Ohh.... You think that YOU!! are the people out saving the planet....

Posted By Deebow

OOPS!!  My Bad.....

It looks like the Marines (or at least some Marines) have a battle plan...

Face of America Bicycle Ride 2008: Surrender

Posted By Laughing_Wolf

As some of you may remember, I am going to be at the Face of America Bicycle Ride 2008 in a few weeks in DC. I was scheduled to take part but several things have come up. Not only is it bad enough that my own blog-brother Jimbo has thrown his full support behind another, but I must admit I did not reach some milestones on my own. For me to ride the entire distance meant that two weeks ago I needed to be able to do 15 (or more) miles in an hour, plus meet some speed and other goals. I didn't, and also discovered that seats that didn't bother me 35 years ago now make me walk funny after 30 minutes. Add in issues on getting either my bike there or a bike there, that while not insurmountable were more pain that I can deal with right now, and...

Being able to read the writing on the wall, I elected not to ride but to volunteer and support as a part of the Soldier's Angels team. I have also decided to support harass Chuck Z. This had already been decided before the traitor Uncle J jumped in, and it is a true pleasure to do so.

This is something important and fun, so go do what you can. Also, if you are a reader in the DC area, and want to try to meet up, drop me an e-mail and we will see what can happen.

LW

The Continued disrespect of our Armed Forces...

Posted By Deebow

and the perpetuation of a hoax to boot...

The best part of this story may be some of the quotes from some of the veterans of that battle...

Donald Mates, an Iwo Jima veteran, told the Business & Media Institute on April 17 that using that photograph for that cause was a “disgrace.”

“It’s an absolute disgrace,” Mates said. “Whoever did it is going to hell. That’s a mortal sin. God forbid he runs into a Marine that was an Iwo Jima survivor.”

Mates also said making the comparison of World War II to global warming was erroneous and disrespectful.

“The second world war we knew was there,” Mates said. “There’s a big discussion. Some say there is global warming, some say there isn’t. And to stick a tree in place of a flag on the Iwo Jima picture is just sacrilegious.”

But the trifecta for this little journey into libtardedness is the quote from Time managing editor Richard Stengel about what he believes the reporters and the news-room of Time Magazine need to do to be most effective in their jobs;

“I think since I’ve been back at the magazine, I have felt that one of the things that’s needed in journalism is that you have to have a point of view about things,” Stengel said. “You can’t always just say ‘on the one hand, on the other’ and you decide. People trust us to make decisions. We’re experts in what we do. So I thought, you know what, if we really feel strongly about something let's just say so.”

I believe that alcoholics call this "a moment of clarity."  Thanks Richard for admitting what we already knew was there...

And great job on that cover....

Notes on Supporting the Troops

Posted By Grim

Two projects you may not have heard about:

Brigade America is an organization that is trying to find ways to support the troops against slander and abuse -- for example, in working to organizae a boycott of Berkeley, CA.  Many of you are affiliated with similar organizations, and may find here another ally.  If you haven't heard of them before, drop by and see what they're doing.  I gather they'd like to hear from anyone who can help, or who is doing similar things.

Jim Cannon of "Thinking Right" is doing another "letters from home" project, this time in support of the crew of the USS Russell DDG-59.  He'd like to ask you to write a letter (which he will compile and send to the crew, so as not to create strain for them -- remember how we sent tens of thousands of letters to RCT-6, that had to be printed out and distributed, and created a serious strain on their bandwidth?).

Please write to:

letters@thinking-right.com

Jim asks that you put "Letters from Home" in the subject line.

An Aussie's Respect...

Posted By Blackfive

Via Corporal Seamus, I received this email:

Gentlemen

I am an Australian and my son is an Australian - as far as we are concerned there is no place on God's earth better than Australia , and there are no people better than Australians.

That was until the past week or so.

My son is in the Australian Army and he is currently on deployment in Iraq . I can not go into his duties in great depth, but shall we say that he and his fellow army buddies are on a glorified guard duty looking after the Australian Embassy. They don't go out looking for "action", though it is a different story in Afghanistan , there the Aussie troops chase the baddies over the hills and into the valleys..

My son and I just ended a long 'phone conversation and here are some of his comments, believe me this is what he said. We have all seen the bullshit emails written by some clown in his lounge room pretending to be at the coal face, but this is what was said.:

"Before I came over here I thought we (the Australian Army) were pretty shit hot.....  was I ever wrong!....The Yanks (I hope you don't mind me using that word) are so professional from the top to the bottom that it is almost embarrassing to be in their company, and to call yourself a soldier....don't get me wrong, we are good at what we do but the Yanks are so much better.....they are complete at what they do, how they do it and their attitude is awesome....they don't complain they just get on with the job and they do it right.

“I carry a Minimi (SAW) so I am not real worried about a confrontation but I tell you I feel safer just knowing that the US Marines are close by....If we got into trouble I know that our boys would come running and we could deal with it but they would probably be passed by a load of Hummers. No questions asked, no glory sought, the Americans would just fight with us and for us because that is their nature, to protect those in need of protection.

“We use the American Mess so you could say that we are fed by the Americans.....they have every right to be pissed at that but they don't bitch about that they just make us feel as welcome as possible....what gets to me is that the Yanks don't walk around with a "we are better than you attitude" and they could because they are, they treat us as equals and as brothers in arms. If nothing else, coming here has taught me that the Americans are a truly great Nation and a truly great bunch of people.

“Let's face it they don't HAVE to be here, they could stay in America and beat the shit out of anyone who threatened them, BUT THEY ARE HERE because they believe they should be here, and the Iraqis would be screwed if they weren't here.....When I come home, you and I we are going to the US, we will buy some bikes and we are going riding...."

The reason why I am sharing this with you is because I realize that you (as a nation) must get pretty pissed with all the criticism you receive by the so-called "know it alls" who are sitting at home - safe. The reality is that they are safe, just as I am, because of America . If the world went arse up tomorrow there is little we ( Australia ) could do about it, but I know that the Americans would be there putting themselves on the line for others.  That to me is the sign of greatness.

The most precious thing in my life is my son, I look at him and I thank God that I am fortunate enough to be able to spend time in his company. We laugh, we discuss, we argue, we dummy spit, we have the same blood. I am not happy that he is where he is but that is his duty. He joined the Army to protect and to defend, not to play games. I mightn't like it but I accept it.

My reasons for not liking it are selfish and self centered. I felt assured that he would be safe because he is in a well trained army with an excellent record, BUT NOW, I feel a whole lot better knowing that he is with your sons, daughters, brothers and sisters.

Whilst he was growing up, I was always there to look after him, I would not let harm befall him and I would always put myself before him to protect him.  I can't do that now. When it comes to looking after him now he and his mates will do the job, but also THANK GOD FOR AMERICA.

Gentlemen, I have rambled on for too long. But as I finish I say to you, as a foreigner and outsider, a nation is only a collection of its people and its attitude is the attitude of its people, collectively and as individuals. I am really glad you are here on this Earth and I respect you as a nation and as people.

Stand up and feel proud because you deserve it, there is no one else who will do what America does without question. The next time someone howls you down, take some comfort in the fact that America is defending their right to act like an idiot.

Finally, thank you for looking after my son.

Peter Turner

The "Feel Good" Movie of the year...

Posted By Deebow

In direct contravention to the HollyWeird types, and the usual fair that they call "acting," there is a movie out there that premiered not long ago in Los Angeles that might put a positive spin on what kind of sacrifices were made in the War in Iraq.

So, presenting from Lucky Forward Films is This is War: Memories of Iraq. 

This movie is about the men of the 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry and their time fighting in OIF in Najaf and Fallujah in 2004 to 2005.  And they are not some high speed, low drag crack unit out of the SOCOM.

They are National Guardsmen, who serve not only their state, but their nation as well.

I am certain that the Code Pink operatives, the ACLU, ANSWER, and IVAW are probably not going to like the movie, but I know the movie wasn't made for them.

I know a few of these men, having served with them for some years now in the National Guard, both overseas and at home and at the risk of giving away some of my anonymity, they are all from Oregon.

The footage shot from this movie is not something that you are probably going to find in any movie coming out of HollyWeird because it is shot through the cameras and eyes of the men who lived it, at the time they were living it.

Here is some of the write up that came from our Guard Newsletter, The Sentinel:

The special screening of the film documenting their deployment was held during the 2nd Annual Cinema City Film Festival March 9-10, at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles, Calif. According to the event’s organizer, Suzanne DeLaurentiis, the showing was as much business as it was personal.

“After I watched the movie, I just fell in love with the guys,” she said. “They’re a great group of people and we’re so proud to have them here.”

Some of the celebrities who attended the event included Ed McMahon, Cuba Gooding Sr., singer Debora Gibson, Ed Lauder, “Good Times” star, Ja’Net Du Bois, and Christopher McDonald, who is best known for the character of ‘Shooter McGavin’ in the movie “Happy Gilmore”.

The entire article is here.  Additionally, the book The Devil's Sandbox by John R. Bruning, is the companion reader to this movie and is a chronicle of their actions while deployed there, from the rolling ambush after leaving Navistar to the "Card-board Coffins" to the Battle at the Jemalia Power Station (a "3 hour tour" that turned into an 18 hour plus firefight) and more.

Like I was saying, I know some of these men personally, and I have seen their videos uncut and unedited before we left for Afghanistan, as some of them volunteered (yes leftards, volunteered) and there was this one part, where my buddy Joe was wounded by some Mahdi dude and he...

Well, I won't spoil it.  I hope that video made it into the show....

I would encourage everyone to go and get a copy of the movie and see OIF through the eyes of men who lived it, and not from some stringer or Green Zone Ranger.

Vets For Freedom Rally on Capitol Hill

Posted By Blackfive

Over at "This Ain't Hell, But You Can See It From Here", Jonn Lilyea has photos and movies of the VFF rally this morning, complete with the US Senate in attendance...along with a somewhat popular blogger...

Bravery under fire: Remembering Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith 5 years after earning the Medal of Honor

Posted By The Wolf

Folks, I was forwarded this this morning, and thought it was pertinent to get up ASAP. 

God Bless, SFC Smith.

-Wolf

Camp Victory Iraq - He was a husband, father, Soldier and leader, but on April 4 here, Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith, the 3rd Infantry Division’s 51st Medal of Honor recipient was remembered simply as a hero.

A remembrance ceremony was held in the courtyard where five years ago to the day, Smith gave his life in defense of others.

He was setting up a short-term enemy prisoner of war holding area near the Baghdad International Airport when his unit was attacked by enemy soldiers.

Outnumbered, with wounded Soldiers and damaged vehicles, Smith told his men to get back as he manned a .50 caliber machine gun from the exposed turret of an armored personnel carrier damaged by rocket-propelled grenades and mortars. He fired at the enemy and unleashed some 300 rounds allowing his other Soldiers to reorganize and mount an attack. Smith and his men defeated the enemy attack. During the attack Smith fell mortally wounded.

A disciplined, no-nonsense platoon sergeant with Company B, 11th Engineer Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Inf. Div., Smith was bestowed the highest award for bravery in 2005, the Medal of Honor.

“He was a Soldier who took care of Soldiers … he lost his life doing it,” said Brig. Gen. William Grimsley, who at the time of Smith’s death was the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division commander.

Grimsley, now the deputy commander of the 4th Infantry Division, recommended Smith for the Medal of Honor and was one of several leaders who knew Smith and took a pause from operations today in order to attend the ceremony.

In 2003, Capt. Christopher Doerr, of Headquarters and Headquarters Operations Company, Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Inf. Div., was a 23-year-old brand-new second lieutenant.

  “I’ll always treasure the fact I got to serve with and know Sgt. 1st Class Smith,” Doerr said.

  He admired Smith’s expertise, precision and dedication to mission accomplishment.

“He was an expert engineer, the best in the battalion,” Doerr said. “The way he motivated his Soldiers, they didn’t necessarily like him, he wasn’t their friend, but he made them train to standard.

“It all makes sense now, why he pushed us, why we did the things we did. Now we are here because of that,” Doerr said.

Smith had been in combat when he was a young private first class in Desert Storm. In Kuwait, just days before invading Iraq, Doerr asked Smith to tell him what war was going to be like. 

“He said, ‘war is hell,’ and he showed me that first hand,” Doerr said. “He laid it all on the line and that was not a fluke … he was concerned for the safety of his men and others and he put that above his own personal safety, and I think you’ve got to say he’s a hero for that.”

More than 200 people attended the remembrance ceremony, including Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, commander of Multi-National Corps – Iraq, who in 2003 was the deputy commander for maneuver for the 3rd Infantry Division.

Large-scale pictures showed Sgt. 1st Class Smith in desert camouflage uniform days before the battle. Diagrams, mounted on an armored personnel carrier like the one Smith used, detailed his heroic action. Visible from the courtyard was the bullet-riddled tower that the enemy had fought but failed to seize. A bugler played Taps and, after the ceremony, Soldiers walked the site and reflected on the sacrifice he had made for our country. 

Continue reading "Bravery under fire: Remembering Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith 5 years after earning the Medal of Honor "

Heed this, ye of little faith

Posted By The Wolf

Thou shalt not anger the wolf...

This upcoming week will likely be one of the most contentious we will see up until the November election- it may even surpass some of the shenanigans to go on during the conventions later in the summer.  Maybe not as visual, maybe not quite as dramatic, but certainly as important.

As you may remember, a certain General will give a certain report to a certain group of Congressmen this week, in order to report certain progress in Iraq.  Will it be all 'rosey' and full of sunshine?  Hardly.  But it will reflect the ground truth, it will most likely reflect how the Surge has helped conditions, and will help lay out what we will have to do in the upcoming months to further maintain security while the Iraqi government gets its act together.  What more can we really ask for?  Ok- surrender by all the insurgents and an immediate stage-left departure, but Mookie will eat a bacon and egg breakfast long before THAT will happen.

A recent intel estimate came out, giving what some call a 'too rosy a picture' of the situation.  To wit:

One Democratic aide said the latest report "is not inconsistent with public statements on Iraq" made in recent Bush speeches casting the war in a more positive light by highlighting security and political gains in Iraq.

A second Democratic aide criticized the intelligence estimate for not delving much further than recent news reports on Iraq, charging that it is "not a very useful or innovative intelligence analysis overall."

They cannot even decide among themselves what it really says.  I, for one, see this as a sign of things to come this week- these people cannot afford for this effort to look like its working, even when it is...

MUCH MORE HERE >

Continue reading "Heed this, ye of little faith"

The Mike Stokely Foundation in Iraq

Posted By Blackfive

For those of you not familiar with Sergeant Mike Stokely, go to They Have Names to learn more about him and then come back to read this post.

A lot of you have either heard Mike's dad, Robert, speak or have met him.  I swear to you, he's got to be, while easily the strongest man I ever met, the most loving father I have ever heard of...I'll put some background links and a video of Mr. Stokely after the Jump.

While Greyhawk is the founder (some say godfather) of the military blogosphere (coined the term "Milblog"), I would nominate Mr. Stokely as the honorary Father of Military Bloggers.  All of us could learn a few lessons from him. Here is the link to the Mike Stokely Foundation site.  Mr. Stokely is also a contributor at The Thunder Run.

Below is a story about the foundation that came across the DVIDS wire:

Hughes, Ark., native, Staff Sgt. James Robinson, Company C, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, hands out school materials donated by the Mike Stokely Foundation at a school in Mullah Fayad, March 27. (U.S. Army photo/Staff Sgt. Tony M. Lindback)

Mike Stokely Foundation Makes Changes in Yusifiyah
By Staff Sgt. Tony M. Lindback
erd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division

PATROL BASE YUSIFIYAH, Iraq - Students and teachers had looks of joy - and bewilderment - as Soldiers handed out school supplies and toys at the Mullah Fayad school in Yusifiyah, Iraq, March 27.

Children grinned ear-to-ear as they looked over the treasure. When teachers asked who had sent the truckload of goods, they were surprised by the answer. Everything had been donated in the name of Sgt. Michael Stokely, who was killed Aug. 16, 2005, in Mullah Fayad.

Stokely, from Sharpsburg, Ga., served with the 48th Georgia National Guard. After his death, his father began the Mike Stokely Foundation.

The organization put together a shipment of school supplies for citizens of the communities where Stokely lived and died. It took an Army five-ton truck to deliver the supplies to the school.

Pittsburgh native Capt. Michael Starz, commander of Company C, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, coordinated with Stokely's father to ensure the donations reached the most destitute people in Mullah Fayad.

The unit distributed the school supplies along with a sizable donation from Sgt. Nathan Barnes' family and community. Barnes, who also died while serving in the area, served with 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division.

"(Stokely's) dad is just a tremendous individual. He knew how much his son loved the children in the area that he worked with because his son always sent home pictures of him with kids," Starz said. "He thought a lasting tribute to his son would be to do something for the children of the area. That's just remarkable."

"They donated a lot of stuff," said Hughes, Ark., native Staff Sgt.

James Robinson, platoon sergeant for 3rd Platoon, Co. C, 3-187th Inf.

Regt. "It's like the packages just wouldn't stop ... I know a lot of kids in the neighborhood appreciated that."

Teachers received materials as well. Unlike the children, who were happy to get the gifts without asking who they come from, the teachers wanted to know who to thank. They could barely believe their ears when Starz told them.

Soldiers of Company C, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, distribute school materials donated by the Mike Stokely Foundation at a school in Mullah Fayad, March 27. (U.S. Army photo/Staff Sgt. Tony M. Lindback)

"They said it's almost too much to imagine," Starz said. "All the teachers wanted a copy of Sgt. Stokely's picture and the foundation's name so they could frame it and put it up in their school. They say it's something the Quran teaches - the forgiveness of your enemies. But it's so hard to do ... that it's never actually seen."

Changing Iraqis' opinion about Americans is important to winning in insurgent warfare, said Starz. When people in the States, like the Stokely family, donate materials it positively impact the abilities of ground forces, he said.

"People send us care packages and things like that - and that's fantastic - but this is directly relating to our ability." Starz said.

"It's almost the modern Rosie the Riveter. You're not going to the factories and working, but you're doing something to enable and provide another tool for the combat Soldier on the ground."

Continue reading "The Mike Stokely Foundation in Iraq"

To really see it is to really comprehend it...

Posted By The Wolf

And what I saw last week was un-freaking believable.  I was out last week on a Boss Lift with ESGR, and they planned out a fantastic trip.

On this trip, we were taken from Denver to San Diego via a COARNG CH-47, and a US Navy C-9.  The purpose of the trip was to demonstrate to various employers what it is the Guard and Reserve folks do on typical training events.  We got a chance to see how Guard and Reserve units support their active duty brethren, and ready themselves for deployments all over the globe.  To say we were impressed is an understatement of galactic proportion.

From the Marine Indoc center in San Diego, to the SEABEES, to the Coast Guard station on North Island, we were briefed on numerous support elements and missions of the Guard and Reserve.  Although I've been in the military for 26 years, I'd never, ever seen this side of the DoD and DHS.  To be able to see the ''yellow footprints'' of the Marine training center, and understand and witness what EVERY new Marine has to go thru was fantastic.  We got to eat lunch with Marines in training from Colorado, and to a person they were excited about their future.  Oh, and tired, too.  Options?   Yeah, they knew what they signed up for.  College degrees, technical training and degrees: each had opportunity beyond the Dogs but chose service to their country as well.  My hat's off to each and every one.  I'm glad I never had to stand on those yellow footprints.

With the CG station, we got to tour and understand the elements that guard our coastline each and every hour of every day.  To say these guys enjoy their jobs is ANOTHER understatement- they each wake up every day committed to doing their best, and it certainly shows.  What was especially interesting was understanding how the Auxiliary contributes to our efforts, and how the CG Reserve is tasked to back-fill those that are deployed forward.  I gotta say, when its time for my son to look at service, I'm going to strongly recommend the CG for the breadth of work available.  Plus, it'd be nice to have a Sailor in the family again :)

If any of you are fans of Dirty Jobs, we got a look at that part of SEABEE work- they were pulling mobile dock units out of the water for cleanup.  I don't wish that ugly, smelly work on anyone- dirty, smelly, and wet, but necessary!  Mike Rowe, where are you when we need you? 

Captain Mike Argo, commander of Navy Special Warfare Operational Support Group, Coronado, Calif., gave a rousing talk to the participants and thanked them for their support of the Reserves.  Captain Argo oversees all NSW team members.  You would NOT want to run into this guy on a dark beach under the 'wrong' circumstances.  It would be bad for your health. 

Lastly, we had a chance to tour the NSWTC on Coronado to see the new SEALs in training at BUD/s.  I've read, heard, talked about this training, but to see it up-close and personal, well, I just cannot do it justice in words here.  To walk their beach, see the dedication in their eyes, was un-freaking-believable.  Truly, only the most dedicated make it thru.  I believe the class that was going thru was 264; gents, good luck to you all.  You'll CERTAINLY need it.  I hope to have some video over to Jimbo soon of the trip- the SEAL armorer presentation on the 'toys of choice' for the teams was awesome.  These guys are really all-business.

My thanks to the ESGR guys for a great trip!

-Wolf

I fight with the British Pathfinders and the Danes anytime...

Posted By Deebow

We have talked at length about the town of Musa Qala on this blog and how this is a center of gravity for the Taliban in the South of Afghanistan.  Musa Qala is of great importance to the Taliban and the story of the battle there is something I wanted to bring to everyone's attention.

I would highly recommend that you read Lieutenant-Colonel DJ Reynold's account of this battle before you watch the video. 

Here is just a snippet of the good Colonel's story about what took place there.

Musa Qala, a besieged outpost deep in Taliban territory, holds a special place in the battle records of the Pathfinder platoon of 16 Air Assault Brigade – and of the Irishmen, Danes and other soldiers who braved face-to-face fighting to relieve them.

When a column at last got through to Musa Qala it found a band of dirty, skinny, heavily armed and bearded defenders. Thanks to luck and skill, none had been killed; but several men had died trying to bring help.

Yet the British public have heard almost nothing about what happened there more than a year ago, early on in the campaign in Afghanistan. Now the men are telling the story of the hidden siege.

The Pathfinders are a deep reconnaissance force drawn from the elite of the Parachute Regiment. The 24-man platoon was the first British unit to clash with the Taliban in Helmand province when they went to the aid of the Afghan police in Musa Qala in May last year. Within a month they were back in Musa Qala – and what was supposed to be a two-day mission turned into an ordeal lasting more than seven weeks.

And this should give you a sense of the intensity of the fighting...

In four weeks of fighting, the Royal Irish fired a quarter of all the 7.62mm machine gun rounds used by British troops in Afghanistan in the whole of 2006.

Be on your way now....

I am beginning to wonder....

Posted By Deebow

How long it is going to be before we award an MoH to a living recipient?

Now, before everyone gets all crazy about what I am talking about here, let me explain.

I have seen the complaint by many in the blogosphere and elsewhere that based on the number of years at war with the Islamofascists and the number of MoH's awarded (in comparison to the other conflicts we have fought), that we are way behind in recognizing our heroes for their selfless acts of heroism that give of themselves for their country, and for the men and women who are standing next to them on that midnight raid or walking patrol somewhere outside the wire.

And for years, the military has unfortunately suffered from a belief that medal quotas are the way to ensure that medals and awards are fairly awarded, and not cheapened by giving everyone some shiny metal and colored ribbon.  I fail to see how a quota is fair or equitable, that may be a whole other topic though.  I was on a deployment once that the criteria was actually spelled out the break down via rank about who would be awarded what; E1 - E4 got an Achievement medal, E5 - E6 got a Commendation Medal, E7 and Above got a Meritorious Service Medal. 

My problem with that was (and still is), what if an E-3 did something to deserve a Meritorious Service Medal?  Would he get it?  Some sacrifices or actions above and beyond the call are more worthy than any others; and because of some artificial limit on how many medals or awards can be awarded and who they can be awarded to, someone who deserves an award may not be recognized.

Many of us in the military have been the victim of this, and yes, it sucks.  But I don't do it for the ribbons or the medals, and many of the soldiers I have served with feel the same.  Additionally, the sacrifices of Jason L. Dunham, Paul R. Smith, Mike Murphy, and now, Mike Monsoor are not to be in any way minimized or pushed aside based upon the comparison of their actions to the actions of others in combat.  The heroic individual actions that this medal are awarded for cannot be quantified or added up to get a definite answer. 

And that is exactly my point.  You just know what it takes to get the MoH when you see it.

For instance, would something like this merit an MoH? 

Continue reading "I am beginning to wonder...."

Another "We Need More Men Like This Kid"

Posted By Laughing_Wolf

A few days ago, Mr. Wolf brought us the story of a Make A Wish kid who used his one wish to be a soldier. Now, Michelle Malkin brings us the story of another -- a five-year-old cancer patient -- who used his one wish to to be a soldier. Careful, it is easy for dust to get in your eyes reading this one...

LW