Vote MATT and vote often!

Posted By Mr Wolf

Today, Tuesday, February 2 is THE day.  The day Matt Burden, Candidate, gets to hear your voice.  The day we need EVERY voter in his district to show up and VOTE MATT.  (BOTH of you, hear?).

Help us help Matt.  He needs your support, he needs your vote.  Spread. The. Word.  More men in like Matt is what we need in office.  If you want to see his other posts on this, go here

VOTE!  GO MATT!

 

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Mission: To protect and promote the reputation and dignity of America's Warriors.
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Blackfive Blackout: MilBloggers Supporting CJ Grisham (UPDATED CONSTANTLY)

Posted By Mr Wolf

FOR TODAY,  Wednesday 16 December 2009, many if not most, fellow milblogs -- including This Ain't Hell, From My Position, Miss Ladybug, Boston Maggie, Grim's Hall, and those participating in the Wednesday Hero program -- are going silent for the day.  Some are choosing to go silent for a longer period of time.

The reason for this is two-fold.  First, milblogs are facing an increasingly hostile environment from within the military.  While senior leadership has embraced blogging and social media, many field grade officers and senior NCOs do not embrace the concept.  From general apathy in not wanting to deal with the issue to outright hostility to it, many commands are not only failing to support such activities, but are aggressively acting against active duty milbloggers, milspouses, and others.  The number of such incidents appears to be growing, with milbloggers receiving reprimands, verbal and written, not only for their activities but those of spouses and supporters.

The catalyst has been the treatment of milblogger C.J. Grisham of A Soldier's Perspective (http://www.soldiersperspective.us/).  C.J. has earned accolades and respect, from the White House on down for his honest, and sometimes blunt, discussion of issues -- particularly PTSD.  In the last few months, C.J. has seen an issue with a local school taken to his command who failed to back him, and has even seen his effort to deal with PTSD, and lead his men in same by example, used against him as a part of this.  Ultimately, C.J. has had to sell his blog to help raise funds for his defense in this matter.

An excellent story on the situation with C.J. can be found at Military Times:
http://www.armytimes.com/offduty/technology/offduty_blogger_120809/
While there have been new developments, the core problem remains, and C.J. is having to raise funds to cover legal expenses to protect both his good name and his career. 

One need only look at the number of blogs by active duty military in combat zones and compare it to just a few years ago to see the chilling effect that is taking place. 

Milblogs have been a vital link in getting accurate news and information about the military, and military operations, to the public.  They have provided vital context and analysis on issues critical to operations and to the informed electorate critical to the Republic. 

On Wednesday 16 December, readers will have the chance to imagine a world without milblogs, and to do something about it.  Those participating are urging their readers to contact their elected representatives in Congress, and to let their opinions be known to them and to other leaders in Washington. 

Some milblogs will remain silent for several days; some just for the day.  All have agreed to keep the post about the silence and C.J. at the top of their blogs until Friday 18 December. 

The issues go beyond C.J., and deserve careful consideration and discussion.  We hope that you will cover this event, and explore the issues that lie at the heart of the matter.  Contact the milbloggers in your area or that you know, and hear the story that lies within. 

A Partial List of Participating Blogs:

NOTE: there are more in the comments, so be sure to check there as well!

Confederate Yankee - http://confederateyankee.mu.nu/
This Ain't Hell http://thisainthell.us/blog/
Boston Maggie  http://bostonmaggie.blogspot.com/
Blackfive  http://www.blackfive.net/main/
Miss Ladybug  http://miss-ladybug.blogspot.com
Drunken Wisdom - http://www.beerbrains.com
Grim's Hall  http://grimbeorn.blogspot.com/
Frommyposition  http://frommyposition.com/
CDR Salamander - http://cdrsalamander.blogspot.com
LL - http://chromedcurses.com
Mothax - http://burnpit.legion.org/
Lia - http://homefrontsix.blogspot.com/

http://www.yankeemom.com/
http://assolutatranquillita.blogspot.com/2009/12/wednesday-hero-milblogs-go-silent-today.html
http://wwwwakeupamericans-spree.blogspot.com/2009/12/wednesday-hero-milblogs-go-silent-today.html
http://missbethsvictorydance.blogspot.com/2009/12/wednesday-hero-milblogs-go-silent-today.html
http://www.kneedeepinthehooah.com/2009/12/wednesday-hero-milblogs-go-silent-today
http://soldiersangelsny.blogspot.com/2009/12/wednesday-hero-cj-grisham.html
http://www.soldiersperspective.us/2009/12/16/comm-silen/
http://knottiesniche.com/2009/12/16/silent/
http://xbradtc.wordpress.com/2009/12/16/noise-and-light-discipline/
http://gazingattheflag.blogspot.com/2009/12/bloggers-go-silent.html
http://barbette.blogspot.com/2009/12/milblogs-silent-today.html
http://www.vamortgagecenter.com/blog/2009/12/16/you-served-goes-silent-for-cj/
http://www.neptunuslex.com/
http://www.theatlanticwire.com/opinions/view/opinion/Blog-Blackout-Exposes-Tension-Between-Military-Soldier-Bloggers-1934
http://www.munciefreepress.com/node/21612%22%3E%3Cstrong%3EMuncie
http://op-for.com/
http://www.registeredevil.com/
http://norunnyeggs.com/2009/12/milblog-silence-supporting-cj-grisham/
http://texasfred.net/tags/milbloggers

World Net Daily
AND- this one

Hugh Hewitt - http://www.hughhewitt.com/blog/g/74a9d1ff-e847-40d1-a397-5308dc99f516
Glen Reynolds - http://pajamasmedia.com/instapundit/90141/

Never, EVER forget Mudville Gazette....

Sniper - http://www.thesniper.us/?p=5510
Concrete Bob - http://unitedconservatives.blogspot.com/2009/12/for-cj.html
Tanker Babe - http://tankerbabelc985.vox.com/
Wyatt Earp - http://supportyourlocalgunfighter.com/
Some Soldier's Mom - http://somesoldiersmom.blogspot.com/2009/12/milblogs-go-silent-protest.html
Ace - http://ace.mu.nu/archives/295914.php
United conservatives of Virginia - http://unitedconservatives.blogspot.com/
Great Reader JihadGene - http://jihadgene-greatreader.blogspot.com/
Chuck simmins America's North Shore Journal - http://northshorejournal.org/
Mike St. Jacques The Sniper - http://northshorejournal.org/
WOTN - http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2009/12/milblogs-go-silent.html
Michelle Malkin - www.michellemalkin.com

Two cartoonists join in!

http://www.pvtmurphy.com/
http://www.deltabravosierra.us/

Check them out as well...

If you wish to donate to CJ's defense fund, please use the following address, or click the link below.  He's in a serious battle against a serious foe.  Read the article to find out all about it.

Grisham Legal Fund
c/o Redstone Federal Credit Union
220 Wynn Drive
Huntsville, AL 35893

Please write "Grisham Legal Fund" in the memo line if you use this option.
 
Milblogs have been a vital link in getting accurate news and information about the military, and military operations, to you.  Today, many milblogs are gone and others are under attack from within and without.  Today, you have the chance to imagine a world without milblogs, and to do something about it.  Make your voice heard by writing your congressional representatives and others, and by making donations as you see fit.
 
The battle for freedom of speech and the marketplace of ideas is fought on many fronts and in many ways.   Without your help, the battle may well be lost.

Mr Wolf

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Mission: To protect and promote the reputation and dignity of America's Warriors.
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Challenge Coins (UPDATED!)

Posted By Mr Wolf

I recently ran into some interesting info online, and was wondering what the Blackfive readers had experienced.  All in regards to challenge coins.

For those that are not familiar, challenge coins are coins that are handed out by commanders, sergeants-majors, units, and others as 'mementos'.  But that was not their original usage- while many units have varied histories around challenge coins, most will agree that it originates from WWI when a downed pilot used it to verify his background.  From that point forward, the unit had everyone carrying a coin in a pouch around their neck.

Coins really took off in the Vietnam era, and many from that conflict are quite valuable- ones from MACV-SOG or other specialized unit are especially coveted.  During my trips over there, I was not able to secure a 'real' coin but fakes are readily available.

Coin usage nowadays is not for combat; its for camaraderie.  Any place, ANY time, a person holding a coin can issue a challenge; showers too!  Those not able to reach their coin buys the round; those holding the HIGHEST RANK of coin gets rounds purchased by the others.  IF, in a challenge, everyone comes up with their coin, one of two things can happen- either the LAST person producing the coin buys, or the challenger buys, depending on local/unit tradition.  Personally, I'm never without a 4-star coin, ever.  My most 'valuable' one is a Rumsfeld.  He's known for having been especially strict on giving them out.  Never, EVER challenge Blackfive.  He's known to carry a Presidential one.  Can't.be.trumped.

How do you acquire one?  They are given as a 'reward' in many cases, similar to an award, but much less formality involved.  Presenter places one in their palm, shakes hand of the recipient, and transfers the coin.  This is the only TRUE method.  You can, indeed, buy most if not all coins (even a Rumsfeld, but they are expensive, and fakes are numerous) but only those given and received in this traditional manner are really worth anything.  My favorite coin was given to me by an Admiral in Iraq- his first coin, and his first coining, in theater.

One of my favorite challenge stories was in the summer of '86 in Camp Grayling, MI.  The 101st Airborne provided some companies to act as OPFOR in the training areas, and when we came out of the field phase the usual nuttiness followed at the O' and NCO' clubs on post.  One night, a particularly attractive lieutenant (from my guard HQ) appeared in the O' club on Grayling.  For those who've never been there, to me, this is THE BEST officers club on any facility.  She walked to the bar in the back of the club, slammed down the 101st Commanders Coin, and hilarity ensued when the guys from the 101st, who were mostly in the back of the room, bulldozed their way to the bar to slam their coins down.  Over tables, over people, over everything to get to the bar in time.  The place was PACKED, and damn, no one wanted to be last or without.  No one was expecting HER to coin the 101st.  I don't think the place settled down for the rest of the summer after that little stunt.

You got a good challenge coin story?  Share it in the comments.  I've got dozens of stories of coining in Iraq.  Joint Chiefs chairman GEN Myers dumped an entire SLEEVE of his coins into the cargo pocket of a unit Sergeant Major to give out to troops on his behalf.  I don't know what made that SGM more nervous- watching the Chairman do that to him, or the fact he was carrying 5 pounds of coinage in his pocket.

Drop a story or two into the comments..

Wolf

Some coins that were sent in: (story to follow in the comments)

 

And someone sent in their favorite collection of Air Force coins:

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Mission: To protect and promote the reputation and dignity of America's Warriors.
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Warrior Legacy Foundation adapts new 'Fight Song' -

Posted By Mr Wolf

Blackfive posted up a few weeks ago a song and video that is just too HOOAH! not to listen to.  You can find that post here for The Warrior Song.

Since then, the Warrior Legacy Foundation has worked with the song's creator, Sean, and his team to 'adopt' the song for the Warrior Legacy Foundation.  Now, the WLF and The Warrior Song are one and the same in promoting its use for our Warriors!  The WLF has 'adopted' the song as its 'fight song'.

It's such a perfect fit.  If you haven't seen it, take a look at it now.  Be sure to pick up a copy of it and spread it around! 

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Mission: To protect and promote the reputation and dignity of America's Warriors.
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A New Campaign for the Warrior Legacy Foundation

Posted By Mr Wolf

In honor of this very special Veterans Day, the Warrior Legacy Foundation is letting you all in on a little secret- they are letting out a sneak preview of a new fundraising and awareness campaign- all led by WLF Board Member and Country Singer Derek Sholl.

This is a teaser of what is to come, and what they are working on with his team to accomplish.  Headlined under the banner ''For a moment, put yourself in their shoes..'' and have celebrities, entertainers, leaders and others be photographed in the boots of our Warriors.  Here are some sneak pictures of SOME of those who have already committed to getting photos done (and many more to come...)

Continue reading "A New Campaign for the Warrior Legacy Foundation"

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Mission: To protect and promote the reputation and dignity of America's Warriors.
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Blackfive and Wolf(s) at Blogworld Expo!

Posted By Mr Wolf

UPDATE 10/16:  Successful first day of the BWE, and Laughing Wolf put on a great symposium/Milblog track here.  Blackfive, as usual, did a fantastic job moderating the panel for 'what is next for milblogs'.  While no breakthroughs were developed, it was a consensus that the milblogs will continue to be a factor for the forseeable future- especially with the Afghanistan front. 

BE SURE to listen to Hugh Hewitt's show tonight during the first hour- Blackfive is scheduled to be on LIVE from the Blogworld Expo convention center floor.  Its always fun when he gets a chance at Hugh's show...

Blackfive, Mr Wolf, and Laughing Wolf are attending Blogworld Expo this week here in Vegas.  Yeah, someone has to take it for the team.

We are opening the Milblog track just now, with the Spousebloggers as the first session- Tammy Munson is moderating this panel.

Up later today: Best Milblogs you've never read- moderated by Greyhawk from Mudville Gazette; they are up at 2pm Eastern Time.

Mr Wolf will be moderating Milblogs- not your standard news source, at 4:30 Eastern.

BlackFive will moderate the final session of the day- What's next for milblogs, at 7pm Eastern.

And this is just the first day!

Stay tuned- we'll have more later...

Forgot to add:  you can follow events here:

http://kithbridge.com/blogworld/bw08onsite.htm

http://www.blogworldexpo.com/general-information/yubby

Wolf

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Mission: To protect and promote the reputation and dignity of America's Warriors.
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Want to Attend Milblog Track at Blogworld?

Posted By Laughing_Wolf

Posted this this weekend, but it deserves a repeat.  Also, please help spread the word to all current and former serving members of the Armed Forces as we really want to make it possible for them to attend. 

Rick Calvert, founder and head of Blog World and New Media Expo, has issued a challenge not just to me, but to you too.  It seems Rick is convinced we can get 200 people to the milblog track on 15 October, quite a good number of people.  So, he has challenged me to make it happen, and he has challenged you, our readers, to make it happen as well.  Now, I'm not saying he said anything about us, SO's or anything like that, or that he will call us things if we don't, but I don't plan on giving him any opportunity.  Especially as this is at his generosity, which is greatly appreciated.  So, here's the deal:

1.  If you are currently serving in the Armed Forces, or are a veteran of same (discharged or retired) and want to attend, drop me a line at blake at blakepowers dot n with BWE09 Free Registration in the subject line and a short note introducing yourself within, and you will get a code that gives you a free registration for the milblog track on 15 October, and access to the exhibit hall (and the Milblog Lounge) on the 16th & 17th.

2.  If you are a military spouse, spouse blogger, military supporter, or reader of the milblogs, the same applies. 

3.  If you have a blog or other outlets of your own (Twitter, Facebook, newsgroups, e-mail groups, etc.), please spread the word. 

4.  If you happen to have contacts in blogging or old media in California, Nevada, or Arizona, please reach out to them as well, as we would very much like to be sure that we reach all the different bases in those regions.

I will also note that if you are interested in attending, there are some excellent deals on rooms and such through the Blog World site once you are registered. 

While the registration only covers the milblog track and exhibit hall, if you want to attend parties, other sessions, etc., you can contact BWE after you register and see about the costs of upgrades.  Also, a reminder to those already speaking and attending:  if your spouse, SO, or other is coming with you and you want them to get in, be sure they register with one of the free codes so they can be badged. 

Keep an eye on the grid at Blog World, as we are updating as needed and are still working on trying to make a surprise or two happen. 

LW 

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Mission: To protect and promote the reputation and dignity of America's Warriors.
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A Call to ALL YOU FORMER CHINA POST GUYS!!

Posted By Mr Wolf

                                   

I'm a bit remiss in getting some good posts up, but given where I've been and up to the past few weeks, I hope you'll forgive.

As many of you may recall, I had been blogging/covering the American Legion national convention in Louisville while traveling back east.  It was a fantastic time, and as a result, I had a chance to meet many key individuals within the Legion.  One of these was the Commander of China Post #1, Shanghai, China.

Those of you familiar with the W.E.B. Griffin stories may recall that several characters and scenarios are based on a 'relationship' with men in this Legion Post.  During my coverage of the convention, I was introduced to the Commander of CP#1, and we struck up a conversation about this historic post.  We also had a chance to delve into parts of my background, and the Commander came to the realization that I was a candidate for CP#1. 

Candidate?  Why would you need to be a 'candidate'?  Well, CP#1 is NOT your conventional post within the Legion.  Its one of the very few without a 'real' building as a post, but not because they can't or don't have one- their post is currently 'occupied' by the Communist Government of China, and they are not about to re-occupy that old headquarters anytime soon.  Hence, why the post is considered 'in exile'.

To become a member of this particular post, YOU MUST have some sort of Special Ops, Intel, or 'letter agency' background.  I'm not about to go into how yours truly fits this (most should realize) but suffice it to say, the Commander immediately pulled out a blue card and 'transferred' me into the CP#1 post.

Oh, and we also 'shanghaied' a certain Blackfive into the post as well.  How this affects his campaign has yet to be ascertained.  He, too, fit the background on several criteria.

After being 'indoctrinated' into the post, shown the secret handshake, and told whom to see and where to go to find their secret meeting places,  I then went about meeting others within the Legion at various gatherings at the convention; the introductions would go as follows (almost verbatim):

"Hi there!  I'm Mr Wolf and I'm covering the convention."

"Hello Mr Wolf, I'm (insert name/position here).  Which post are you a member of?"

"Um, I belong, now, to China Post #1"

"Oh shit.  Hey, I had nothing to do with that (incident).  Swear it.  Don't hurt me.  What do you need?  I wasn't there.  Did you find witnesses?"

Then, I would meet various commanders or Past National Commanders, and to a man, most would say ''we worry about members of that post.  They have a predilection towards taking over small countries..."  Then they'd go into the latest Griffin book entry.  Which, til now, I was totally unfamiliar with.

So what does all this have to do with this entry?  Well, this...

ALL YOU KNUCKLE DRAGGERS AND SLACKERS WHO JOINED THIS POST OVERSEAS - JOINED THE LEGION THEN THIS POST- and dropped out of sight...

And you know who you are- GET YOUR DUES AND MEMBERSHIPS BACK UP!  Commander, CP#1, sends.  What do we have to do, come find you?  And you KNOW we can...

See, quite a few joined CP#1 during their 'tours' overseas in order to get access to cheap booze.  Ok, ANY booze, given where most were.  Then, once out of the AO, dropped like it a hot rock.  Now guys, that ain't right.  You signed, you joined, you belong. Come back into the fold now, and all will be forgiven...

Otherwise, those black helos may get re-missioned ... and good luck trying to get back in when you get re-deployed back overseas (and you know you will).

BTW, CP#1 is having its annual reunion in Las Vegas this week- those in-the-know understand where to be and who to see.  Otherwise, contact me and I'll link you up. 

Wolf, out...

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Mission: To protect and promote the reputation and dignity of America's Warriors.
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Uncle Jimbo On The March

Posted By Mr Wolf

Uncle Jimbo is in DC, as per usual, and is attending the march this weekend.  I've just received a phone update from him, and he's telling me that ''by far its the largest crowd I've ever seen- and that includes this year's inauguration.'' 

Jimbo's telling me that the crowd HE'S estimating closing on or surpassing a million.  That's HUGE.  I believe the media is still calling it 'tens of thousands' although when asked, Jimbo states he can see THAT many in just a block or two.  Jimbo calls it 'humans as far as the eye can see'.

He'll be sending me photos soon, and we'll update then.  He's been participating in the WRAMC events, as well as meeting with vets attending the march.

Wolf out, for now...

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Mission: To protect and promote the reputation and dignity of America's Warriors.
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Patriot's Day

Posted By Blackfive

There's an effort to make 9/11 "Patriot's Day".  Over at Ranger Up, they have the perfect shirt.

This shirt commemorates the attack on our nation with the modern New York skyline with the proud members of the NYPD, FDNY, and US Military reflected in the waterline. But the back does not dwell in the past - the back of the shirt reminds us of what is necessary in the future - of the battle our troops have taken over from the police and fire departments in NY and Washington DC.

Violence isn't always the answer, but sometimes it is the only answer...

Front:

 

Back:

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Mission: To protect and promote the reputation and dignity of America's Warriors.
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