Saturday, May 17, 2008


Don't be a DouChe' (01:32PM)

Img_0303
Dear angry, hate-filled lefties welcome to Blackfive. We aggravate more hippies by 9 am than most people ever do. I guess you are seething because I defaced one of your religious icons. The problem is you picked such a giant DouChe' as your hero. I mean Che got booted out of every country he tried to revolutionize in and the only thing he is really known for is his sick fetish for executing hundreds, maybe thousands of randomly-chosen prisoners in Fidel's paradise with a pistol round to the head. Real compassionate doctor this Che' ministering death to the poor.

Also welcome to any University of Wisconsin parents who were heartened to see the wanker's picture treated properly on graduation day. I decided that he needed a musical anti-homage so I present The many colors of DouChe'. More T-shirt designs after the jump.

Douche_2 Doucchebw

:: Comments left behind ::

Point of interest: the corresponding word douche in an Anglo-Saxon country would be either twat, or wanker.

Yeah, so don't be a twat.

(Marx was cool as a cucumber though)

:: Mr.Sparkle May 17, 2008 2:31:12 PM

Sparks,

I enjoy twat with the at not the ot pronunciation.

My favorite use of wank is in the movie "The odd angry shot" where the Aussies give the Chaplain a gift he proclaims " The most finely-constructed wanking device he has ever seen". I also groove on whinger as an Aussie insult.

Cordially,

Uncle J

:: Uncle Jimbo May 17, 2008 3:01:28 PM

He's a wanker, a douChe, a twat, a whinger, a fuckwit, and an asshat all in one. Hey, I'm an all-in-one dickhead when it comes to thug like, dictator, murderous asshole dipshits like Che......


Ask me how I really feel?????

:: Old Tanker May 17, 2008 5:38:34 PM

There is *nothing* on earth like an Aussie saying "whinging Pommie baaaastard"

Except maybe these t-shirts. Very cool.

:: nextstopmars May 17, 2008 5:39:40 PM

If you accomplish nothing else in your life besides undermining the Che worship, Jimbo, you'll have lived and died well.

:: Grim May 17, 2008 5:49:10 PM

What colors do you need besides yellow??

:: Larry Sheldon May 17, 2008 6:07:19 PM

Saturday, May 17, 2008


The Sisters of Fallujah (01:45AM)
Sisters_of_fallujah_hires_080428m33

An Iraqi woman, a member of "Sisters of Fallujah," practices shooting a weapon under the supervision of International Police Advisor Anna Bailey on a range in Fallujah, Iraq, April 29, 2008. Sisters of Fallujah is a security force comprised of local women that help maintain security in their neighborhoods.    U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Erin A. Kirk.


Sisters_of_fallujah_0804213bn6marly

FALLUJAH, IRAQ -- Sgt. Natalie Cespuglio, a Sisters of Fallujah trainer with Regimental Combat Team-1, assists an Iraqi women in firing an M9 pistol on the firing range here, April 21. The Sisters of Fallujah undergo several days of security training to certify and work alongside Iraqi Police at entry control points (ECP) throughout Fallujah. (OFFICIAL U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Chris Lyttle) (RELEASED)

Story from RCT1 after the Jump...

Sisters of Fallujah break barriers, build security
Story by Cpl. Chris Lyttle

FALLUJAH, Iraq – Entry control points (ECP) throughout Fallujah are designed to protect the city from harm and prevent people from transporting illegal contraband such as weapons and explosive materials. Coalition forces discovered the enemy exploiting the cultural sensitivity precluding the search of females by having females carry contraband into the city.

Coalition forces then employed female search teams from units such as Combat Logistics Battalion-1 to alleviate the threat of women being used to sneak contraband such as electrical devices, wires, and other bomb making material. This still posed a problem as the female Marines could only be pulled away from their primary duties for short periods.

To rebalance the shift in Coalition manpower and further transition the role of security from Coalition forces to Iraqi Police, last year 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment began the Sisters of Fallujah, a program designed to train local Iraqi women in security operations to search other Iraqi women entering the city through ECPs. The trained Iraqi women were employed throughout the city and have proven themselves to be an effective security element in the prevention of dangerous items entering the city.

3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment returned to Iraq this year as part of Regimental Combat Team-1 and continued the program with the help of female Marines from CLB-1 and instructors from the International Police Advisors (IPA) as they recently graduated several new recruits to work at ECPs throughout the city.

“Their main goal is to check the females, check bags and search the children as well,” said Anna Bailey, an IPA who is leading the sisters’ program for her first time. “In (Iraqi culture), the men are not allowed to touch the women (in routine searches). There’s a safety issue there that needs to be addressed, and that’s when the community chose to step up”

Fallujah follows cities such as Baghdad and Ramadi in the societal changes allowing women to serve a law enforcement role. Although the Sisters of Fallujah solely perform their duties at ECPs, the training to become a member covers an array of relevant topics. The women participated in lectures on police ethics, human rights, torture, women’s issues, working in a terrorist environment, small-arms training and first aid.

Bailey said the IPA’s and Marines do not intend to make the women IPs, but to give them the training for their current duties and prepare them if the city were to one day promote women with more responsibilities.

The new sisters came from areas in and away from the city to take part in this program and they are doing their part to restore the security of Iraq.

29-year-old ‘Ruby,’ a newly graduated Sister of Fallujah, said she moved from Baghdad to work here after her mother, who is a fellow sister, told her about this job opportunity.

“She said she was willing to work with Coalition forces after she realized they were not the enemy,” Ruby said through an interpreter. “Her feelings before are opposite from now. She said she feels closer (to Marines), she is very serious about her job and she feels stronger.”

The Marines and IPAs reinforced their new sense of empowerment when the sisters fired AK-47 rifles and pistols on the firing range during training day three. It was weapons training that they may not use at ECPs at the moment, but it instilled a higher level of confidence within the women.

Most of the sisters admitted they had never handled a weapon before. That was evident when they stepped up to the firing line at 25 yards. With hands trembling, and reluctant to be the first to pull the trigger on the line, the sisters each paired up with CLB-1 Marines to ensure the weapons were handled properly and the rounds were landing on the targets, or at least safely in the right direction. Nearing the end of the shoot, the nervousness disappeared along with the rounds as the Marines and Iraqi women opened up and became more at ease with each other.

“I’m scared the first time, but after I feel better,” Ruby said.” “I feel better about everything, the searches and the shooting, everything. I feel different. I’m happy about this job because I feel like I’m important with the people when I search them. I feel important to my family now because I have this job. This is good for me.”

After the shooting, the Iraqi women were tasked with performing on-the-job training at the ECPs. This gave the women the opportunity to see what their duties will entail, to include personal searches, item searches and effective questioning.

Sgt. Natalie Cespuglio, an on-the-job trainer from CLB-1, has worked with the sisters in-classroom and at ECPs for three months and explained why the success of the sisters’ program is not only important for the security of Iraq, but for the women who are standing up in a security role here for the first time.

“We can’t give up on them because if we give up on them, they’ll give up on themselves,” Cespuglio said. “They really do look up to us. They want to know everything about us. They want to know how we live and what we do. They tell us their situations or problems they have at home with their spouse or their kids and ask us for advice. We try to point them in the right direction and tell them the different options that they have and we compare. They say yeah we can do this, we can’t do that. Even though they’re older than us, we’re like their older sisters.”

Cespuglio said the sisters expressed a positive attitude in that they are doing their jobs for a greater cause.

“They’re very happy. They feel like they’re serving their country- they’re very patriotic,” Cespuglio said. “They feel like they’re making a difference because they want to catch the ‘bad people’ too.”

At the end of the training, the new Sisters of Fallujah were honored through a graduation ceremony and given certificates for their training. Lt. Col. James Zientek, the battalion commander of 3rd Bn. 6th Marines, addressed the sisters and thanked them for their willingness to take part in the program.

“I would like to express my heartfelt thanks for your participation in this program and for doing your part to ensure a safe and secure Fallujah,” Zientek said to the new Sisters of Fallujah. “I speak for my Marines and I know (Faisal Isma’il Husayn a L-Zobai, Fallujah chief of police) Colonel Faisal’s police all look forward to working with you for the greater security (of Fallujah).”

Bailey described the overall challenge of teaching through cultural barriers and how, after her first class, the benefit for Iraqi women comes through employing them beyond their conventional occupations.

“The training through an (interpreter) is kind of difficult, but once the concepts were understood it was good,” Bailey said. “Also to see the females open up with the hands-on training, it was good for them get involved and know that they can do the job. This is the beginning, so this is all history in the making. Hopefully over time, the men of the area will catch on and realize that these women are needed for their safety and for the families of this community and hopefully they’ll realize that they can do other jobs as well.”

:: Comments left behind ::

From the looks of the bottom photo, it looks like the SOF needs to get some instructors that know what they're doing...

:: thebronze May 17, 2008 2:52:35 AM

Chill, Bronze. For all we know, that is the first shot she's taking. From the sound of it, technique wasn't an issue until they got over the fear problem and fired a few rounds.

Either way, it's still a good program.

:: douglas May 17, 2008 3:43:33 AM

Ya GOTTA love that!!

:: defendusa May 17, 2008 7:10:21 AM

Original post here: http://fearless1stmarines.vox.com/library/post/sisters-of-fallujah-break-barriers-build-security.html
Good to see MNF-I picking up the blogs. Now if we could just get the enemedia to start reading, maybe the American people will get the truth for a change.

:: concretebob May 17, 2008 9:41:29 AM

I guess "You Go Girls!!" was never more appropriate!

:: Some Soldier's Mom May 17, 2008 10:35:06 AM

This is absolutely awesome. So many things going through one's mind looking at those photos and reading.

I'm proud of our Marine Women and their Iraqi trainees.

:: Mommynator May 17, 2008 11:43:38 AM

Yes Muslims states, beware of the USA and her feminism gone mad!

:: Mr.Sparkle May 17, 2008 2:59:59 PM

Heck yeah Sparky, maybe they'll learn more respect for half their population, just as we (I-?)had to lo these many years since the 70's. It ought to be good for them.

:: justlurkin May 17, 2008 5:52:31 PM


Man I love Dead Tangos (04:59PM)

T-shirt back design #1.
Dtshirt1

An after shot just so you know they got well ventilated.

Picture_10

:: Comments left behind ::

Subject- Observation of Glorious Wocket-God & Scud-Stud, KIM Jong IL

Messagie- Preeze floorgive me four interrupting your
George DoubleWoo Bush-ie loving brogg for an observation by Great Reader
KIM Jong IL. May I suggest songs for those two pictures of Tangos?
Pic #1- In the Danger Zone
Pic #2- I fall to Pieces

BORN IN THE NOT USA!
Great Reader
KIM Jong Springsteen

:: JihadGene May 17, 2008 1:29:32 AM

I say rig the t-shirt with a "press here" musical button that plays the song you choose...Great Reader's or Uncle Jimbo's Fave, "Another one bites the dust"!!

:: defendusa May 17, 2008 7:14:28 AM

Great Reader...
Have yoos breen training the rittle chilren of the norf to sing great songs? I'm breen wondering since I'm seen this bideo...that kid got them "r" plonunceeation pwoblem when spreaking engrish. see for yooself.
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?cl=7848474

:: defendusa May 17, 2008 7:32:48 AM


Friday Links (12:56PM)

Michael Totten reviews Michael Yon's new book in City Journal.

Herschel Smith looks at the Marines in Helmand Province.

Jim C is working on another letters from home project. Once again, the letters can be sent to letters@thinking-right.com.

Tanker's Wife sends along a link to a cool way to show the troops you care.

And if you missed the Freefly BBQ/Grill edition last night, this was dinner, half a ribeye and half a NY Strip, little potato w/ sourcream and an ear of corn. Now that's livin'.

Img_0294


:: Comments left behind ::

Letter on the way to Jim C. Thanks for the "heads up."

For those who haven't brought and read Michael Yon's book - what are you waiting for?

Been following the Marines in Helmand. They are definitely getting the job done.

What? No green veggie? Just how are you and Kev going to keep those girlish figures?

:: tankerbabelc May 16, 2008 2:44:37 PM

UJ,
My pseudo Dad used to say (after a few scotches at the Russian American Club)when grilling and eating out, Now this, THIS is livin' mister!!"
Corn on the Cob, grilled is a favorite!! MMMM-mmmm

:: defendusa May 16, 2008 3:21:23 PM

Gosh. You didn't invite me. Looks yummy! But it really is man food.

:: Deltabravo May 16, 2008 4:00:45 PM

Thanks for the Yon review link.

:: Ken May 16, 2008 7:29:44 PM

roflmao

:: southernman745 May 17, 2008 12:34:26 PM

Kennedy might have just had a sroke thought you guys would be happy to hear that, the comments should tell a lot about this site

:: southernman745 May 17, 2008 12:36:47 PM

stroke

:: southernman745 May 17, 2008 12:37:20 PM

We all will have to account to our Maker for our lives and actions someday. Mr. Kennedy is no exception. I think the Kopechne family has more reason to have an opinion about this than I ever would. I'm more concerned with my own accounting than God's judgment on Mr. Kennedy.

:: Deltabravo May 17, 2008 1:22:19 PM

I will second what DB says. I don't rejoice unless truly evil people die, and I dislike when any human suffers, even a bloated jackass like Ted Kennedy.

Methinks thou art trolling for ammo about the hatefullness of the wingnuts there SouthernMan. That is more the left's cup of ugly.

Cordially,

Uncle J

:: Uncle Jimbo May 17, 2008 2:36:27 PM

Friday, May 16, 2008


Splash (01:15AM)
88163

A Navy SEAL completes a water jump during a Special Boat Team 12 maritime craft air delivery system training exercise. (U.S. Navy photo/Seaman Matthew Syberg)

:: Comments left behind ::

I always loved water jumps. Even the time we jumped into Chiemsee in the dead of winter.

Water jumps are great because you avoid that nasty "delta V" at the end of the jump. Just a nice "splashdown". The packing tray, web gear and rucksack hold a lot more air than one would think, so you hit the water and immediately bob up like a cork.

:: Snakeeater May 16, 2008 3:09:04 AM

Gotta love them SEALS;)

:: mindy1 May 16, 2008 5:07:04 AM

Great picture. I never had the chance to do a water jump back in the day. Back then we used WWII type parachutes.

:: membrain May 16, 2008 11:43:19 AM


The Freefly- BBQ, American Idol & Code Pink/Hezbollah (11:50PM)

I repudiate my BBQing days when I thought that was what you called a group of people grilling and tilting cold ones, nope it is pulled pork, ribs and brisket the actual chow that is BBQ. Fine. Plus Kev cops to a crush on David Archuleta and reports on Iranian Counter-Terror successes.

:: Comments left behind ::

If it's not at least a substantial hunk of a pig in the ground, it's not barbecue.

Not that there's anything wrong with grilling.

:: Grim May 16, 2008 12:02:06 AM

Ummm...I'm sorry to respectfully disagree, Grim. Proper barbecue involves that animal that goes MOO!

:: Deltabravo May 16, 2008 7:17:30 AM

Well, while I prefer pork, I will say that almost any good meat (pig, cow, lamb, goat) slow cooked with lots of smoke makes good barbecue. Favorite ribs are Fresh Air in Jackson, GA; pulled pork is B-B-Cutie in Nashville, TN. Think of barbecue as a good insertion: low and slow. Grilling is fun and nice, but it ain't barbecue. *G*

:: Laughing Wolf May 16, 2008 8:35:50 AM

(With apologies to the Apostle Paul ...)

When I was a child, I spoke and thought that BBQ was parts of a pig, swimming in sauce.

When I became a Texan, I put away childish things ...

... replacing them with animals both clean and unclean -- as brisket, sausage, and quartered chicken -- all purified by hours of natural-wood smoke, an offering that is a pleasing aroma to God and Texans, undefiled by any sauce until they are placed upon the dinner plate.

:: Rich Casebolt May 16, 2008 8:52:35 AM

Grim ~ a man after my own heart! Although, a proper smoker or grill qualifies just as well as the "pig in the pit" method.

Gotta tell ya Uncle J - it's always nice to have converts from the "north" who understand that BBQ is a food and not a preparation. Good to have you and Kev on board.

This weekend I'll be a guest of team "Here for the Beer" at the International Barbeque Cooking Contest (http://memphisinmay.org/wbcc.htm). Nothin' but pork - ribs, shoulders and whole hog!

Life is good!

:: tankerbabelc May 16, 2008 9:05:28 AM

Aggrrrhhh and cotten-pickin'

Jimbo and Tankerbabelc,

I knew we let ya'll outta TEXAS too soon. Remember TENNESSEE can't even turn a bus around.

Rich had it closest. Jimbo STAND YOUR GROUND.

Bar-B-Q is a noun, only if it mooed in a previous life; a verb, as a group of people grilling, smoking, dry rubbing, and even (ugh) saucing a piece of moo, and tilting cold ones; and a state of mind, as long as the pit is hot and there are cold ones, we can Bar-B-Q all day and night (for several days if no one leaves).

Unless you're starving and in a hurry, then we head for guts in Elgin.

:: Haole_Wahine May 16, 2008 11:20:47 AM

Woo AND hoo, Haole! You tell'em, girl! (I'm sure they don't want to know that real chili doesn't have beans either. ;-)

Now I'm hungry just thinking about barbecue.

:: Deltabravo May 16, 2008 11:50:07 AM

Oh, and Jimbo, you're not "going to do" anything. You're "fixin' to" do it. There. It needed to be said.

:: Deltabravo May 16, 2008 11:52:49 AM

AMEN ! ! !

Chili --- beans. Never eaten during the same dinner (eaten around Noon) or supper (eaten after all the work's done.

Jim, send back the card that gave you official rights to anything TEXAS. I think you need some remedial classes. High tail it down to POP's ranch real soon, before this nonsense gets plumb outta hand.

Were you with us in Pflugerville, when ML was "waxing poetic" about the fried okra?

:: Haole_Wahine May 16, 2008 1:39:07 PM

You guys are nuts. I guess that's why we like y'all.

Southernosity? Gotta problem with that? HUH??

:: Snooper May 16, 2008 2:28:25 PM


An Introduction and a Big Thank You (08:10PM)

First, I would like to thank Matt very much for giving me the opportunity to post.

As you already know, Matt is a great American.  As for me, I’ve been basking in the warm rays of mediocrity for over 45 years. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes mediocrity is hard to achieve and I actually broke a sweat a few times.

I spent 24 years active duty Army that included 5 combat tours. I was one of those guys that was enlisted (E-7) and took the OCS route to a commission. I retired a few years back as a field grade Infantry officer.

Maintaining my mediocrity in places like the 1st Ranger Battalion and 1st Special Forces was a chore but I managed it. I actually volunteered for SF to avoid another assignment that I thought would be hard. How’s that for being dedicated to mediocrity?

Currently I have a son in the 82nd Airborne that just returned from his third tour and a newly commissioned daughter in the 4th Infantry Division.

They are both over-achievers; guess mediocrity will skip a generation.

After I retired, I opened a small business and actually wrote a book.

Then it occurred to me; I was losing my mediocrity! That’s why I contacted Matt. Posting in the company of the folks here brings me back to a comfortable level.

Anyway, hopefully I can bring something to the dialogue.

Wish me luck.

A Veteran - whether active duty, retired, National Guard, or Reservist....is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a check payable to "The United States of America" for an amount of "up to and including my life".

That is an honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.          

Author Unknown

:: Comments left behind ::

Danny, Wow what a family!! Thank you all for your service. Doesn't sound mediocre to me. Welcome to the Blackfive family. I've been reading here from practically the beginning. I love it. Again, welcome.

:: Maggie45 May 15, 2008 8:18:09 PM

Welcome and good luck. Sounds like you have a great family there.

:: RichardUSA May 15, 2008 8:31:03 PM

What a wondeful family-good luck.

:: mindy1 May 15, 2008 8:34:30 PM

p.s. love the definition of a vet.

:: mindy1 May 15, 2008 8:35:20 PM

Thanks for all you've done, and to your son. Welcome to the team.

:: Grim May 15, 2008 8:50:21 PM

Welcome aboard from a long time lurker part time poster. Thank you and your family looking forward to see more posts here.

:: troll smasher May 15, 2008 8:52:36 PM

Bite me NG.

Cordially,

Uncle J

:: Uncle Jimbo May 15, 2008 9:02:59 PM

My thanks to you for your service, and to your son and daughter for theirs as well. Welcome to the team, and I look forward to more of your definition of mediocrity.

LW

:: Laughing Wolf May 15, 2008 9:09:04 PM

Hola, Amigo! I'm speaks John McCain talk. Rott's of Numba 1 G.I.'s here and civ-villians too! Stays aways frum Norf Korea and especially stays away froms Uncle JimBlow. Him suffer froms blain (brain) damage, big time.!

Welcome Looong Time!!!
Great Reader KIM Jong IL

:: JihadGene May 15, 2008 9:09:42 PM

Welcome to B5... thank you for your service; your son & daughter, too. all 3 of our sons joined but the daughter opted for medical school -- 'cause she thought it w/b easier than what her brothers were doing ;-) Looking forward to some good posts from a milparent!

:: Some Soldier's Mom May 15, 2008 9:20:02 PM

Welcome, Brother, to our neighborhood. ALWAYS good to see another join in the fun!

Thanks to you and your family for all your service!

-Wolf

:: The Wolf May 15, 2008 9:51:08 PM

Is your daughter out with MND-B?

:: Grim May 16, 2008 12:04:43 AM

Do I detect a Crotchety Old Bastard on deck?
Just a hunch.
Anyhoo,
Welcome.
Willy

:: Willy May 16, 2008 12:42:41 AM

Mr. Strictland:

Welcome to the blog. Here’s hoping you will quickly learn to think and write so you can start to contribute. Sadly, your first post is a disaster.

Why would I say that? Well, I looked at the excerpt you referred us to in your book and I read you think the nomination and confirmation of Justice Stephen Breyer was a “travesty.”

“Travesty” means an exaggerated or grotesque imitation. Agree or disagree with him, but no conservative with even minimal brains would call Stephen Breyer a travesty.

Educated at Stanford, Harvard and Oxford; taught at Harvard; served his country as a Federal Appellate Court judge; then confirmed to the U.S. Supreme Court by the U.S. Senate (87 to 9); a successful long term marriage, 3 grown kids (one is a minister).

So what are your qualifications to label Justice Breyer a travesty?

You were an E7 in the Army and went to OCS? Wow!! And you think being a brown bar in the Army is overachieving? Double Wow!

In the Army you can get some ribbons for just showing up. A blog is different. Here you are judged on whether you use correct words to form interesting and coherent thoughts.

So far, you have a LONG way to go to become even mediocre. But congrats on your brave effort -- in public no less!

BTW, in the future, spare us from any stories about American soldiers paying money to women in Thailand. (Too much information!)

A Patriotic American

:: egibbon May 16, 2008 12:51:24 AM

Hey NG,

Gibbons are monkeys, perhaps this critic can get me a freakin banana.

Write and know that if they are tslkin' smack you are hitting the target.

Cordially,

Uncle J

:: Uncle Jimbo May 16, 2008 1:09:00 AM

Welcome and thank you for the service of you and your children.

:: Ken May 16, 2008 1:54:44 AM

welcome to the land of trouncing moonbats and other anti-Americanists. Our sone has recently returned from Iraq after serving with the 101st.

:: Snooper May 16, 2008 3:58:18 AM

I wake up on a Friday morning and read a fine post about a NG coming in to write for B5, and then I see, somebody needs an attitude check. Another shittbird, no less. Well, you know, of course, Danny,that uncle Jimbo is correct...if there's pissin' and moanin' going on, you hit the target! I love your mediocrity by the way and yesh, you've got tow great kids also extra great at mediocrity. I can only hope that out of four kids, that one of mine will be nearly as mediocre. Welcome! Looking forward to reading more!

:: defendusa May 16, 2008 5:40:45 AM

Welcome, Mr. Strickland, I am looking forward to your posts.

Mr. Justice Breyer would be embarrassed by that discourteous, inept attempt to defend him by egibbon, just above. This is obviously someone far removed from any contact with either the U.S. Supreme Court or the U.S. military.

:: Valerie May 16, 2008 6:24:31 AM

Welcome, Mr. Strickland! Congratulations on your accomplishments and those of your family. I'm always happy to read the viewpoints here.

As for e-gibbon, reminds me of this thought for the day:

"We've all heard that a million monkeys banging on a million typewriters will eventually reproduce the entire works of Shakespeare. Now, thanks to the Internet, we know this is not true."


:: Deltabravo May 16, 2008 7:24:31 AM

Welcome Sir and BTW; Thanks for that definition at the end. As a peacetime soldier(92-97) I have often felt a tad guilty about riding the pine in the GWOT. That ending kinda made my day. God Bless ya.

:: NH Trooper May 16, 2008 7:40:23 AM

egibbon, this is why Breyer is a travesty as an appointed and confirmed Justice:

First and foremost his appointment by Carter to the First Circuit of the United States Court of Appeals and then his appointment to the USSC by Clinton...but I digress...

1. Breyer defends the practice (especially as defined by Ginsburg and Souter) of deferring Constitutional precedent to the reference of international law...last I checked our laws and Constiution were those that governed a soverign nation

2. His tendency to use his philosophy of "pragmatism" in reviewing constitutional issues shows an interest not in interpreting the law in accordance with the Constitution and the supporting writings of our Founders, but more in line with producing consensus and continuity, whether right or wrong. Breyer cares more about "purpose and consequences" (his quote) and argues that considering the impact of legal interpretations is "more prudent and fair" in regard to a law's intended purpose rather than established precedent, historical or literal text and subsequent reading and interpretation of Constitutional law...in other words...he rules by his feelings and emotions.

3. Breyer would rather defer to Congress, especially in regard to liberal legislation, than vote to overturn bad legislation. His rate of overturning legislation supported by Democrats is nearly a fourth...lower than any other Supreme Court justice in recent history...compared to conservative or Republican sponsored laws.

4. His staunch defense of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, akin to "zero tolerance" policies, whose intent is to establish uniform sentencing policy for convicted defendants but ends up reducing the sentencing authority of presiding judges. In short, you can be sent to Federal prison for having a bag of weed for the same sentence as having the same amount of heroin. FSG provides for actual limits determined at the time the sentencing, vice indeterminate sentencing with a maximum or minimum sentence where the final sentence is determined by a parole board or presiding bureau after beginning of the sentence. The fact that FSG was the brainchild of Teddy Kennedy should tell you something.

5. Breyer completely rejects Scalia's (an others) strict interpretation of the Sixth Amendment (that being in all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense) His thoughts of "pragmatic law" sort of makes your judicial rights under the Constitution null and void in his eyes, especially that cumbersome presentation of all facts necessary to criminal punishment being presented to a jury and proved beyond a reasonable doubt part.

:: MajMT May 16, 2008 8:06:14 AM

Welcome. I add my most sincere thanks to you and your family for your selfless service on behalf of this great nation.

Look foward to your posts.

:: tankerbabelc May 16, 2008 9:12:22 AM

DS;

Thank you for your patriotism and that of your family. You are a welcome addition to this fine site. You are among friends/brothers/sisters and assorted comrades.

I particularly enjoy your dry sense of humor which must have caused numerous exciting times during your time in the military.

Thanks again for sharing with us your exploits and observations.

Carry on!

:: vet66 May 16, 2008 11:05:40 AM

Welcome!

:: MaryAnn May 16, 2008 11:20:17 AM

Welcome Sir. And thank you and your son for serving.

:: membrain May 16, 2008 11:40:24 AM

"I spent 24 years active duty Army"

That's OK, we are a very forgiving bunch here. Welcome!

:: exhelodrvr May 16, 2008 1:08:10 PM

Welcome and thank you for all your mediocre work and service.

"A Veteran - whether active duty, retired, National Guard, or Reservist....is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a check payable to "The United States of America" for an amount of "up to and including my life".

That is an honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.

Author Unknown"

I served and I was ready and willing to do my duty for my country and my brothers and sisters in arms. Yes, this was up to and including laying down my life. The threat I was trained to counter was a uniformed soviet military. At my last assignment my unit was given 10 minutes to survive if hostilities actually occurred. While the training was hard and dangerous at times, it all had a feel of a game. It was peace time. I enlisted during peace time and really had fully expected peace to exist throughout my first hitch. Even with all these caveats it was my greatest honor to have served.

Today men and women enlist knowing that we are in a shooting war and that the odds are great that they will be in harms way. They enlist with the knowledge that there are no safe-zones or rear-echelon. These men and women enlist even though they are shown the ravages of war, to enemy, civilian, and friendlies. They enlist knowing that they will be rotated to a combat zone multiple times during one enlistment and, more than likely, will see their active duty service extended through 6-8 years of their enlistment contract. I knew that after 4 years I could get out. I am humbled by these men and women. These men and women are remarkable. These men and women are heroes.

I may have written the check, but I did not really believe that I would be called to pay up. Todays military men and women know the cost that they may pay all too well and yet they still volunteer to serve. They know that the odds are great that they will pay at least a portion of that check during their enlistment. God bless them. I honestly wish I would be worthy to be with them.

:: mekan May 16, 2008 10:43:41 PM


Terrace Report & B5 tagline suggestions (05:04PM)

Ok we need to hammer out a tagline for the Blackfive schwag so we can get it made. We have a new logo and will be making hats and shirts. We will definitely have a "Don't be a Douche" model as well as a "Don't be a DouChe' ", but we need a family friendly one. So.....any suggestions? I always loved the Paratrooper(s) of Love, but that doesn't really help much and is moderately inaccurate. All my favorites seem to fail the A-Dub can I wear this in polite society test. I mean I like "Fact-checking the shit out of the media" or "Annoying the hell out of the left for fun and entertainment" or "Stomping a mudhole in Murtha's ass". Oh well. I found the source for the peace signs the emaciated kids were eating in yesterday's TR and some other funkiness.

:: Comments left behind ::

Possible Tag lines:

1) "Think hard. Be hard."
2) "I hope that anti-war stance gets you laid, son."
3) "Take your Ritalin."
4) "We're winners."

:: Uber Pig May 15, 2008 5:55:31 PM

Pretty much anything from Military Motivators would be good. My favorites are:

The Moral High Ground: A Great Place to Site Your Artillery

Democracy in 500lb. Increments

Super Heroes Wear Capes. Real Heroes Wear Combat Boots

and my favorite: Band of Brothers 2.0. Because not every generation gets called to greatness.


That being said, I'll wear the DouChe shirt to the MilBlogging conference in September proudly!

:: Homefront Six May 15, 2008 6:47:02 PM

Pretty much anything from Military Motivators would be good. My favorites are:

The Moral High Ground: A Great Place to Site Your Artillery

Democracy in 500lb. Increments

Super Heroes Wear Capes. Real Heroes Wear Combat Boots

and my favorite: Band of Brothers 2.0. Because not every generation gets called to greatness.


That being said, I'll wear the DouChe shirt to the MilBlogging conference in September proudly!

:: Homefront Six May 15, 2008 6:47:04 PM

How about:

Don't be Ward Carrol?

or

We're not going to lower our (journalistic) standards, so up yours!

or

The papatroopers of love--and it burns when we pee!

or

Asshattery will not be tolerated.

or

Stomping Hippies/Lefties/Commies since 2003!

or

Bush lied! Saddam Died!

or

The war on terror begins at home.

or

Because every soldier is someone you should know.

or (and my favorite)

Because Chuck Z. said so, and that's good enough for us!

(But then again, I'm biased)

and finally:

It's all fun and games until someone busts a nut.

--Chuck

:: Chuck Ziegenfuss (TCOverride) May 15, 2008 7:58:37 PM

Right-Wing Wingnuts with real Wings and Real Nutz?

:: Gryph May 15, 2008 8:09:56 PM

Family friendly
Standing up for those away.
Standing up for those standing up for you

Or one that has been used to death but I love.
Stand still you will only die tired.

:: troll smasher May 15, 2008 8:59:45 PM

I like Paratrooper of Love.

Hurdy Gurdy Man by Donovan might even be one of the background musical stylings.

:: Cincinnati_Bob May 15, 2008 9:25:09 PM

The road home is through
Clear the road

:: Biff May 15, 2008 10:59:23 PM

Do you have anything tough that dosen't include a womans cleaning product and/or the mention of love and operators in the same sentence?

I do enjoy Jim's references to dead tangos and cordwood.

But anything that has to do with dead tangos and or guns and bombs would suffice.

:D
Willy

:: Willy May 16, 2008 12:48:17 AM

Oh, yes, I forgot. I like the mudhole stomping as well(and walking it dry of course).

Any other Jimbo-isms would doo.

Willy

:: Willy May 16, 2008 12:50:57 AM

Gonna steal an idea from Cain:

"Speaking truth to moonbats since 2003."

:: Deltabravo May 16, 2008 7:30:13 AM

how about " Balckfive:fact checking the left-wing media- so you don`t have to"

:: Tenextom May 16, 2008 7:35:10 AM

No suggestions yet but I had to give you credit for the Sneaker Pimps! I forgot about that tune. Well done Uncle J

:: ST333 May 16, 2008 8:35:17 AM

How about: Nuance Nagasaki-style

:: charliefreak May 16, 2008 10:44:15 AM

Read Blackfive, 'Cause Pomposity Blows

:: LL May 16, 2008 11:53:10 AM

I say do a twofer.
Front: Blackfive...Paratroopers of Love
Back: ...Because the truth hurts and knowing it will keep us free.

A place where fact buries fiction and there's always someone you should know.
Pressing on for Truth and Victory.

Ach! This brainstorming is for the birds...I need a drink to be creative with ttag lines...I'll be bahck!

:: defendusa May 16, 2008 4:42:47 PM


Vets Against the War on Capitol Hell (03:27PM)

IVAW brought a few anti-war vets to capitol hill today to testify, not under oath (but they brought lawyers anyway), about war crimes, racism, tons of harsh language, starchy underwear, and really bad army food...oh, and one guy complaining that the military is racist because his unit referred to local Iraqis as Hadji.

Over at "The Sniper", you have the run down of events, live blogged by Thus Spake Ortner, in hilarious fashion.  The stuff is sad. - Farce in the time of Cholera:  The not so under oath testimony of IVAW

...OK kiddies, here we go. TSO is back in his Attila the Celt chair, ready and eager to listen to the testimony of the heroes of IVAW and give you a blow by blow commentary on the asshattery that will ensue before the Congress. And by "Congress" I of course mean only those Members of the Progressive Caucus that actually go.

So, stand by for good times. It should have all the allure of watching John Tesh conduct an orchestra of homeless people play trashcan lids. It should be as exciting as playing lawn jarts while blindfolded. As dangerous as shaving your arse with Greg Louganis' razor. As soothing as cleaning a scrotal laceration with hydrochloric acid. As sexy as Rosie O'Donnell in a coconut bikini. As (ok, ran out of similes, make up your own.)...

Jonn Lilyea at This Ain't Hell was there at the "testimony" - IVAW takes the Road Show to Congress.  Here is Jonn describing one of the new Winter Soldiers/IVAW/testifiers not under oath:

Kristopher Goldsmith told the committee that he’d only joined the Army because he wanted to kill, that his longing for killing went back to his youth - but we shouldn’t be afraid of him because he’s not a killer or a racist anymore.

Whew.

I'll be in DC soon.  Too bad I missed this circus.  I could have bought Lilyea a beer...

:: Comments left behind ::

"Kristopher Goldsmith told the committee that he’d only joined the Army because he wanted to kill, that his longing for killing went back to his youth - but we shouldn’t be afraid of him because he’s not a killer or a racist anymore."

Well, but what can we expect from a guy who doesn't even know how to spell his own first name?

:: Tom W. May 15, 2008 9:23:16 PM

IVAW = cowardice in the lone of fire that more then likely swore The Oath - if at all served - under false pretenses.

May they all rot in hell.

:: Snooper May 16, 2008 4:00:24 AM

IVAW = cowardice in the line of fire that more then likely swore The Oath - if at all served - under false pretenses.

May they all rot in hell.

:: Snooper May 16, 2008 4:00:46 AM

Well, ya know, there's always time for you to buy me a beer. Thanks for the link.

:: Jonn Lilyea May 16, 2008 4:31:22 AM

I think John needs something stronger than beer for all of the hours he's spent listening to these nut jobs and losers. H O L Y C O W!

No matter how I try to figure it out I will NEVER figure out how Congress is allowed to waste their time on junk like this. ARRRRRRRGH!

Thanks for the report.

:: tankerbabelc May 16, 2008 9:22:25 AM

The Thunder Run has linked to this post in the - Web Reconnaissance for 05/16/2008 A short recon of what’s out there that might draw your attention, updated throughout the day...so check back often.

:: David M May 16, 2008 12:24:28 PM

Still don't understand how it's legal for this group to slander fellow soldiers with unproven allegations and slander, yet not be held accountable for the truth of what they are saying. How is this legal?

Can they make these accusations of atrocities without answering for why they did nothing about it, or without this "Progressive Caucus" not following up on the incidents and what was done about them?

Can't see the difference between what IVAW did in this instance, and the hearsay, gossip and inuendo we see on The View with Barbara Walters. How is this legitimate political action, to blacken the word "soldier"?

Their goal doesn't seem to be stopping the war so much as it is weakening and discrediting the military, and giving it a black eye, all with the "credibility" of having once been in uniform.

Next question, they seem awfully well-heeled. Who pays IVAW's bills?

:: jordan May 16, 2008 12:43:51 PM

Jordan:

That explain why they were not sworn in. Otherwise, they will have perjured themselves as soon as the first one opened his/her mouth.

At least gain some satisfaction with the idea that anyone that saw the show will come out with the impression that tin foils hats will not have been out of the question during the hearing.

:: El Coqui May 16, 2008 11:28:34 PM


12 Meellion (02:54PM)

Crossed the 12,000,000 unique visit threshold this afternoon.

11,999,999th visitor was referred by Ace of Spades.

12,000,000th visitor arrived at Blackfive via Hugh Hewitt's Townhall blog.

12,000,0001st visitor was referred by the Anti-Idiotarian Rottweiller.

Thanks, peeps!

:: Comments left behind ::

Deer Brack Five,

Ways to go Big Daddy! I'm got 13 or 14 and a half hits (total) at mine brogg and I'm had to suck 'em off of B5.
I'm happy-not-crappy for you, looong time!!!

Great Reader KIM Jong IL

:: JihadGene May 15, 2008 3:09:56 PM

CONGRATS!!

:: Snooper May 15, 2008 3:28:00 PM

btw, we are working on 4M!!

:: Snooper May 15, 2008 3:28:53 PM

Congratulations! I love this place. Thanks.

:: Maggie45 May 15, 2008 5:41:40 PM

12 MILLION - WOW, now that is impressive!

Keep up the good work Matt and all contributing here.

:: RichardUSA May 15, 2008 8:29:21 PM

Most excellent!

Thanks for all of the years of great information and, at times, the great entertainment too.

May we never forget the reason behind you starting this blog. Rest in Peace Major Mathew Schram.

:: tankerbabelc May 16, 2008 9:27:54 AM

Hooah! I can't remember how I stumbled across this website in the first place almost two years ago, but I keep coming back. I've told about a dozen worthy friends about Blackfive, and they've told others and so on; I'd like to think I'm responsible for a few of those 12 million hits.

:: septicwad May 16, 2008 10:14:31 AM

Way to go Matt! Keep up the good work!

:: LC 0311 crunchie I.M.H. May 16, 2008 9:05:33 PM


Hit Dog Always Hollers (02:47PM)

Biden: Bush's comments were 'bullshit'

This is bullshit, this is malarkey. This is outrageous, for the President of the United States to go to a foreign country, to sit in the Knesset . . . and make this kind of ridiculous statement.”

Hmmmmmm. Dad always used to say that a "hit dog always hollers". Perhaps the rock hit a little too close to the bulldogs nuts?  I guess a sentence with the terms pot, kettle, black in it would be appropriate here?

Maybe not? Discuss amongst yourselves.

Subsunk

:: Comments left behind ::

Deer Mr Hit Dog Alls Ways
Hollers,

NO SWEAT, G.I.!
That's Joe "Mamma" BIDEN fors you.
Him same-same United Nations... where even their BULLSHIT IS BULLSHIT! You da man SubSkunk!

Ruv You Looong Time!!!
Great Reader KIM Jong IL


:: JihadGene May 15, 2008 3:03:15 PM

Two things come instantly to mind. First, how many times do you need to hear Death to America and Death to Israel before you realize "talking" to the Iran's and Hezbollah's of the world is an exercise in futility? How many irresponsible, hate filled speeches do you need to hear from the last member of 'Members Only' in Iran before you realize his (and the Ayatollah's) intentions? Enlighten us oh wise ones, what exactly will you say to bring about world peace? What will be said to make these types realize their little jihad zealots is misguided and wrong?

Second: That comment about appeasement was directed at far more people then Obama. The Democratic Party, UN and EU for example. The ego on Obama and his lapdogs is larger than life to think that was a single shot across his bow and his bow only....and let me reiterate the President's point with this wonderful quote from the great man the President was referring to

"An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last." ---Sir Winston Churchill

:: ST333 May 15, 2008 3:13:29 PM

"Appeasers believe that if you keep throwing steaks to a tiger, the tiger will become a vegetarian."
-Heywood Broun

"The hottest places in Hell are reserved for those who, in time of moral crisis, maintain their neutrality"
-Dante, "The Inferno"

"The logical outcome of retreat, is surrender."
-Attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte

:: Grimmy May 15, 2008 3:28:57 PM

Didn't Reagan speak to them once?

I mean, in language they understood.

:: bloatboy May 15, 2008 4:30:40 PM

Hearing the good congressman talk reminds me of the clinical definition of Dementia.

:: El Coqui May 15, 2008 4:32:57 PM

Grimmy- Dante quote right on.
Those sorry Congressasshats make me sick. They'll do/say anything as long as Bush is the CIC and pursuing the defeat of terror. Wait. One day, as much as I don't wish it- say, after the election of Hit or Ovomit...when an attack ensues because the leopards waited fro the spot change and talk fails.. Republicans at that point could own "change", but the dems will go under their rocks only after they persecute Bush for not having done enough, while they tied his f-ing hands. Sorry that was a big rant- some things just really frost me!!

:: defendusa May 15, 2008 4:39:17 PM

So let's see, Biden and Obama went ballistic. Hillary didn't like the remarks either. That is three ginormous egos heard from. I would have preferred it if Bush had named names. Then we could have know for sure if he was including Nancy Pelosi and her delegation of foreign policy globe trotters from the US House and/or Jimmah Carter, who will probably never be allowed back into Israes anyway. I would bet that the Prez had Nancy and Jimmah in mind when the remarks were made.

:: Caleb May 15, 2008 5:51:08 PM

Yeah, anytime you get that many lefty noses bent out of shape simultaneously, it's safe to assume that somebody just spoke truth-to-moonbat somewhere.

:: Cain May 15, 2008 5:51:25 PM

Joe Biden is a fecking faggot! And he's stupid, too!

:: thebronze May 15, 2008 7:17:11 PM

Hey Biden, whaddya think about Pelosi going to an enemy country during wartime, and not reporting the minutes of the visit.

Ya stupid tool.

:: Cincinnati_Bob May 15, 2008 9:29:56 PM

Subsunk, my dad always said "Don't go picking up sleeping dogs by their ears."

Biden shoulda' left that one alone.

:: Deltabravo May 16, 2008 11:56:55 AM

Subsunk, my dad always said "Don't go picking up sleeping dogs by their ears." ......

Posted by: Deltabravo | May 16, 2008 at 11:56 AM

ROFLMAO. I gotta remember to use that one more often. Thanks DB.

Subsunk

:: Subsunk May 17, 2008 7:08:17 AM

I like to come hear at least twice a year to see if this circle jerk of fools is still active. If you would stick to military matters you would be okay, but you try to be political but lack the mental capacity to be fair and objective as in this post. You have every right to blindly follow our so-called leaders and I will never question your dedication to right wing conservative ideals (snark). but I vehemently question your loyalty and dedication to this country when you agree with anything these idiots in power say .
You're not objective, just ignorant, but the Republican motto of "Ignorance is Bliss" fits you perfectly.
I'm Marine 67-73 Semper Fi to all military past and present. To fight for and love this country is our honor and duty. I honor your service.
That in no way means I have to ignorantly follow idiots that are elected to run this country(Bush/Cheny/McCain/Liberman/Grahamn). I even voted for McCain in 2000 SC primary and for Grahmn for senate, but I have prayed for forgiveness for my stupidity , just like I will pray for yours lol
Keep up the good work ..You guys are funny in a stupid sort of way,but thats the beauty of rightwingers , we don't have to make up jokes about you all we have to do is just repeat everything you say Ha Ha!... Oh! and have a nice day. Will revisit you Nov. 4 (snark) Obama 08

:: southernman745 May 17, 2008 9:51:31 AM

but I vehemently question your loyalty and dedication to this country when you agree with anything these idiots in power say .

Hey, southernman, thank you for your service. But no thanks for the insults. If I say "Well, bless your heart!" you'll know what I mean? ;-)

That father I quoted is finishing 50 years of service to those "idiots in power" and you might want to consider that many here who comment are making comments from the "inside" of things and may know of which we speak not because we read it in the paper, but because we see things that never get in the paper.

If you have spent the last year listening to Obama, well, we'll just have to forgive your ignorance on the subject. You can't help it.


Have a real nice day.

:: Deltabravo May 17, 2008 10:29:12 AM

Have you been listening to McCain , He can't remember from one day to the next what position he has taken on any subject and yet you think he is qualified to be president..why?
Tell me why he is qualified in the political genre forget his military service. Useless S Grant was a warhero but a fucked up President..We are just completing 8 yrs of a fucked up president I don't believe this country can stand 4 more.

:: southernman745 May 17, 2008 11:42:23 AM

Eisenhower was and still is my favorite Republican, now he's a War Hero and great President...Pander,Pander ...hows that for appeasement lol

:: southernman745 May 17, 2008 11:57:26 AM

W's grandfather Prescott Bush founded the families fortune by collaborating with the industrialists of Nazi Germany before the war began. The right wing of American politics at that time was very supportive of Hitler http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prescott_Bush

:: john Ryan May 17, 2008 12:56:49 PM

Thank You John Ryan that was to be my next comment.Talk about appeasement, Bush /Cheney is talking to North Korea , China ,Pakistan (Ben Ladens homeaway from Saudi Arabia, Sudan(halliburton needs to build Condos in Dafur)why not talk to Iran.
I am tired of this pissing contest the right seems to be in (mines bigger than yours )its time we joined the rest of the world and and from the looks of it a lot of people here agree, Republicans are going to catch hell in Nov. and they deserve every bit of it . We're gonna take back the House and Senate and the Presidency will just be icing on the cake. If you are like McCain and don't mind staying in Iraq for 100 yrs fine, move there, we're bringing our boys and girls home , give them a chance for an education and treat our maimed and wounded with the respect they deserve by giving them the best care we can and clean hospitals to stay in.

:: southernman745 May 17, 2008 4:37:09 PM


The GI Film Festival (02:17PM)

From Andi at the most excellent MilBlogs:

The second annual GI Film Festival will take place in Washington, DC from May 14-18. In addition to film screenings and other fun happenings, the festival will present a series of panel discussions.

The festival has added a panel on milblogging to this year's agenda.

The nation’s military blogging community (Milblogs) prides itself on providing military news and context that you won’t often find in the mainstream media. Join some of the nation’s most popular milbloggers in a spirited discussion on how GIs and military families are portrayed in the media and on film. For more information about Milblogging, see www.milblogging.com, the world’s largest index of military blogs.

Runtime: 01 hr : 30 min

Blackfive, The Donovan and Chuck Ziegenfuss will be sitting on the panel. If you're in the Washington area, get a ticket to attend.

I'll be around the festival and DC.  If you want to meet up for a drink on Saturday afternoon, send an email.

:: Comments left behind ::

Should have just stayed put! Would have been nice to have seen you all and been at the festival. Can't wait to hear how it went!

:: Homefront Six May 12, 2008 6:06:14 PM

Speaking of GIs...ours has JUSt returned from Iraq on Mother's Day on Mothers' Day and we are having a BTR Welcome Home party tomorrow night!

Y'all are welcome to join in!

http://www.anewtone.com/2008/05/welcome-home-screamin-eagle-show-on-atw.html

:: Snooper May 12, 2008 6:59:09 PM

Congrats to Snooper's family for the return of their Warrior!

Great news about you Milbloggers being on panel at the GI Film Festival. I know you will do us proud and share lots of vital information.

:: tankerbabelc May 13, 2008 8:58:57 AM


You Can Pretend To Care, But You Can't Pretend To Be There (11:50AM)

Or: The Neighborhood Watch Is Good People Too

BiilT has a great post on the underlying reason the Surge has had a positive effect on the war. How courtesy and invitations to join the family for food lead to bigger and better things. The words come from an Iraqi Aviator and summarize his life since the invasion. Husayn uses smaller words, so even us dumb Yanks can understand it. (Don't get me wrong, he's not disrespectful of Americans... I am.) Go and read it and smile.

Thanks, Instapundit.

Subsunk

:: Comments left behind ::

We can only hope Husayn advances to a high rank in the IqAF. Clearly, with guys like him, there is great promise in Iraq.

:: douglas May 15, 2008 1:52:16 PM

The two notable incidents people should study on betrayal by Americans of American allies are the Diem Assassination and the overthrow of the Shah of Iran by Jimmy Carter and his Mullah allies.

:: Ymarsakar May 15, 2008 5:23:01 PM


Pics from scenic Baghdad (10:20AM)

Mr. Ardolino keeps us up on the latest info from Baghdad with another excellent slide show.

Miss Ladybug and CJ are helping out some JROTC folks.

LongTabSigO highlights a good cause.

Please take a moment to view the attached flyer.  This appeal, started by a Chesapeake, VA Dad, is an effort to promulgate a nationally sanctioned symbol for the families of Servicemembers killed in action. This would be an adjunct to the POW/MIA flag.

I ask that you review this flyer, and the website "www.honorandremember.org". If you think it worthy of support, please present it on your blog, and share with others who may be interested.

This gentleman is looking for info, ping me if you can help him.

This may possibly be a stretch here, but I'm hitting on anybody who
may have served in the 5th SFGA, MACV-SOG in Vietnam. My brother, SGT
Gary Hartman, served at least two tours there, in 64-65, and in 70-1or
2; he passed away 2 years ago of heart, kidney and diabetes problems,
and I'm trying to find anybody who served with him. I'm attempting to
write his biography for family history, and have little info to go on.
He did say he served with(MAJ-Ret) John Plaster, who wrote the book "
SOG",



:: Comments left behind ::

Uncle J - not sure if it's still possible, but I believe you used to be able to get the service records of deceased veterans if you were family. Since his brother has passed away, he may be able to go to the Veteran's Administration... or better yet, check with genealogy sites to find out how to get these records. Then he would have unit information and actual dates which would be a help in his quest to find people.

Others with more experience in this area may have better info, but it's a start.

:: Teresa May 15, 2008 1:47:14 PM

The Honor and Remember flag sounds like a nice idea. My only problem with it is that I think we should look at Old Glory and see not only the greatness of our nation, but the sacrifice that made it all possible. Our nations flag itself should be the memorial banner. If they are advocating a banner for those who have sacrificed loved ones to fly, the gold star banner (already approved bby congress), or a similar banner based on the Honor and Remember logo would be quite nice.

:: douglas May 15, 2008 1:56:35 PM

He should check out WWW.SPECIALFORCESASSOCIATION.ORG. He can put an ad into the The Drop, which is the quarterly newsletter that goes out to over 10K subscribers from the SF community.

:: bouhammer May 15, 2008 1:57:31 PM

Thanks, UJ, for the link. I'll have to check in with CJ to see how we are doing...

:: Miss Ladybug May 15, 2008 7:22:04 PM

You can go here to request a copy of someone's DD-214 (or equivalent for older records). Veterans and their kin-of-kin can get copies for free. If you are not the vet or their next-of-kin, there may be a fee associated with the research, etc. involved. IIRC, you can't request the records if the vet is still living and you aren't the vet.

:: Miss Ladybug May 15, 2008 7:30:02 PM

Thursday, May 15, 2008


Coasties to the Rescue! (01:34AM)
Coasties_hires_080501g9409h002a

AIRLIFT
A fishing vessel crewmember who sustained an eye injury aboard the vessel Sapphire II 580 miles southwest of Oahu, April 29, 2008, is airlifted aboard an HH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Barbers Point , May 1, 2008.   Photo courtesy of U.S. Coast Guard cutter Walnut.

 

:: Comments left behind ::

lol, a box! You know we have harnesses we can give you guys...

:: Mr.Sparkle May 15, 2008 4:27:43 AM


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