HOME OF THE BRAVE

'Twas The Night Before Christmas - Marine Style

2008-12-19T12:28:00.000-08:00

I'll quickly mention that our visit last weekend to WRAMC was fantastic. More to follow when some pictures are ready.

Someone shared this video and anyone reading our blog will certainly enjoy it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zx0smSfwI9Q

DJ Maxx Coming to the Mologne House

2008-12-01T22:10:00.000-08:00

To kick off the holidays, DJ Maxx from Connecticut will be joining our Director of Special Projects, Bob O'Donoghue - as well as other members of OFR, to bring holiday music to our wounded Heroes and their families. This includes karaoke for those brave enough to sing. Rumor has it Bob may have to get the party started and if that's the case; wonder what song he'll select?

In addition to the entertainment, plans are in the works to bring cheer however we'll write about that and post pictures after the event.

Defiance Fight Gear - Supporting The Troops

2008-11-01T13:43:00.000-07:00

Operation First Response (OFR) a 501(c) non-profit supporting our wounded Heroes and their families is one of three charities to benefit from the Defiance Fight Gear's shirts.

Check out this link:
www.defiancefightgear.com/Support%20the%20Troops.html

"Please join Defiance Fight Gear in honoring the memory of the brave men and women who have given their lives in the service of our great country.

Our team has created a design in memory of the fallen and we are going to donate $10 from each sale of this shirt to carefully chosen causes in three categories: those helping active duty personnel, those assisting combat wounded/disabled personnel, and those providing support and assistance to the families of fallen soldiers. In this way we can pay honor to their memory, their service, and their sacrifice by providing assistance to their families and to their comrades who are still serving or have been wounded/disabled in the line of duty."

Please share the link. Thank you.

Very Respectfully,
Bob O'Donoghue
Director of Special Projects
Operation First Response (OFR)
www. OperationFirstResponse. org
operationfirstresponse. blogspot. com

2nd Annual Operation First Response Day (PA)

2008-10-21T15:32:00.000-07:00

Second Annual Operation First Response Day: Warminster, PA

Friday, October 3, 2008: Last year I called this weekend, the “Slingshot” weekend and find it’s not much different this year. My weekend started in East Hartford, CT to see one of my favorite local bands “Road Rage”. It was the last show with Mike as lead guitar. As Mike moves on, Zoltan moves from bass player to lead guitar and Jim joins the group as bass player. You can check out the band at www.roadragerocks.com/ or www.myspace.com/RoadRageRocks e.com/RoadRageRocks I’ll tell you upfront, the folks at Gilo’s that night had a blast. The music was fantastic and lots of laughter shared. One of my friends, Kerrie, was a good sport when the band played “Pour A Little Sugar On Me” and joined the band on stage. Kerrie poured sugar on Zoltan who was lead singer for this song.

Kerrie and Zoltan - "Pour a Little Sugar On Me"

Um, moving along LOL – the band played three sets and the whole night was electrifying.

I was keeping my eye on the time pushing my luck to be there for all three sets knowing I had to get up early the next morning to drive to Warminster, PA for the second annual Operation First Response Day. The toughest part is saying goodbye to everyone I know and not wanting to miss anyone. At one point I was out the door and back in as I knew I forgot someone who I had to hug goodbye. Finally stepping out to head home and hesitated because there was a slight chance I may miss a um, performance worth watching and thought, I really needed to get some sleep. Arrived home at 3am, life of a groupie :) Last year I had this same dilemma as the band “ShovelHead” was playing.

Saturday, October 4, 2008: The alarm went off at 6am and I rolled out of bed shortly after that. I must have, based on my arrival time in PA. Showered, dressed and drove to Dunkin Donuts. To my surprise as I stood there half a sleep, the clerk asked me if I wanted the sausage, egg and cheese on a French roll…I said yes, toasted. Honestly, I don’t eat there that often LOL Two cups of coffee and I’m on my way. Took the usual route out of Connecticut, down I-684, Saw Mill River Parkway (the deer eating right along the shoulder) over the Tappan Zee Bridge (awesome view in the early morning – with no rush hour traffic). Now comes the tricky part, I’m going west on I-287 in New York and then take the exit for I-287 south which takes me into New Jersey. No wonder people need a GPS system. It must have been “State Police” Day in New Jersey because they were out everywhere. I hope they know better than to pull over someone driving a car with OFR license plates :)

Last year I took the boring New Jersey Turnpike to Warminster, PA. For some reason, Google maps sent me down I-287 connecting with US rte. 202, which takes me right into Pennsylvania and within 30 minutes I arrive at St. Andrews’ Church. I did take note of the closest Dunkin Donuts LOL It was a beautiful day in Warminster compared to the rain at last year’s event. I parked the car and strolled through to see everything set up. We had a silent auction, a bake sale, burgers/hot dogs/etc outside for purchase, two bands both with the name “Cross Roads” , an OFR table with quilts to be signed, a sign up to help make Christmas brighter for our wounded Heroes and their families. The local Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 590 joined us again – and a section for kid activities, like a dunking booth.

For this year’s event, Heather (OFR Secretary) was joined by; Peggy Baker (OFR President) and her husband Steve, along with OFR Senior Advisors Nick Constantino and MSG Beverly O’Donnell (RET) as well as myself, Bob (OFR Director of Special Projects). We were honored to have special VIPs join us on Saturday: CPL Andrew Smith (who joined us last year), SSGT Jason Neilson, SGT Jace Badia and Gold Star Parents Joe and Mary Kane.

I set up a video camera on my tripod to record the speeches as well as taking digital pictures of the speakers. Heather took to the podium, like an expert I must add, and we all stood for the National Anthem. Then Heather introduced Peggy and the VIPs. Peggy spoke first. Peggy then presented Heather and I with a recognition award for our dedication and efforts to support our wounded Heroes and their families. I’ve been with OFR for four years and was helping Peggy supporting our wounded Heroes for several months prior to OFR starting. I believe it was only a few short months before Heather joined us. OFR has a small staff, but the difference our small staff makes in the lives of thousands of our wounded Heroes and their families is significant thanks to the wonderful people and companies who provide donations – and I plan to continue my support of our wounded Heroes and their families. Their sacrifices are priceless and it’s the least I can do and I would venture to say the wonderful folks I work with at OFR feel the same way.

Gold Star Parents: Joe and Mary Kane

After Peggy’s speech, Joe and Mary Kane Gold Star parents of “Joey” stepped up to the podium and spoke to the crowd. (see video link part I)

Part I: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0E86sFllpwU&feature=related

CPL Andrew Smith

After the Kane’s, CPL Andrew Smith spoke about his experience with Operation First Response.

Part II: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOfKRlaFVSs&feature=related

A Patriot Guard Rider, Tito Rivera, and his wife were in attendance. As Tito spoke with Heather and Andrew, it was learned that Tito’s son served in Andrew’s unit. Tito called his son from his cell phone so Andrew could speak to him…what a small world indeed.

Tito Rivera and CPL Andrew Smith

The festivities carried on and the event ended around 4pm. I should have hit the road for the 3.5 hour drive home, but decided to hang around and have dinner with Peggy, Steve, Heather, her husband Ed, SGT Jace and his wife Susan. I will say four cups of coffee was NOT enough. I should have asked if they carried espresso LOL Dinner and the company were excellent. Stories were shared and in my case, some things were learned :) See you can teach an old dog, new tricks. Dinner was over and we parted ways. I didn’t need the Dunkin Donuts that I made note of upon my arrival. I drove back to New Jersey and stopped for gas at a Hess station, which had a Dunkin Donuts, what timing. Speaking of timing, as the attendant (yes that’s right, in New Jersey it is illegal to pump your own gas – how I miss those days living in NJ and then I think about the traffic and taxes heh heh) is pumping the gas, two New Jersey State Troopers pull in and one is headed towards me. Naturally I’m thinking “what did I do wrong?” and a young couple come out of the Dunkin Donuts with a little baby in their arms. I was amazed the conversation took place right beside my car and how NOBODY moved an inch as I got in the car and started it. So I had to slowly drive around them and into a spot because I wanted a back up cup of coffee before starting the long drive through New Jersey.

I used the “call a friend” option to help me with the drive through New Jersey. I wanted to hear about her Vegas vacation and I was telling her about Friday night. You, the reader, get the “G” rated version of Friday night…but if you are over 21 looking for some great bands to see in Connecticut, I can be of some assistance :) Check out the blog entry about the Operation First ROCK Response featuring five local CT bands that was held on Oct. 19th in Connecticut (will add a blog entry about the day soon).

Sunday, October 5, 2008: I arrived home at 1am and set the alarms for tomorrow. Yes, I wrote alarms as in plural. I actually was going to get more sleep and yet managed to get up an hour before the alarm. It’s raining outside, not sure why it required I look out the window to “prove” to myself it was raining and I got ready for my next weekend event. I’m part of the core team for Bikers For The Cure http://www.bikersforthecure.com/ and raise awareness and funds to eradicate breast cancer. Our big event is a motorcycle ride on the second Sunday of August, though we participate in other events to sell merchandise to raise funds. I arrived at Gary, the Co-Director's, house on time and we loaded up his truck with our booth gear and off to Hartford, CT. I drive through Hartford on I-84 or I-91 and may stop in Hartford for a concert otherwise there is plenty to do outside of the Capital City. This event was Capital City Bike Night, even though it was from 2pm – 6pm. The original date was rained out and while it was raining, it wasn’t pouring like last weekend.

Gary drinks Rockstar Energy drinks like other people drink water LOL so I decided to try the coffee version this morning since I didn’t have ANY coffee yet. It was a long, chilly day…and we were next to TNT Motorsports, very cool people, so it made the day go by easier. It was a long day and I couldn’t wait to get home to relax. At least the drive was way shorter home this time – the traveling this weekend was still lighter than had I driven to DC and back. When it’s important enough, you find a way to accomplish the tasks at hand.

Links:

“Road Rage” www.roadragerocks.com/ and www.myspace.com/RoadRageRocks
The Back Home Box Foundation: http://www.backhomebox.com/ (supporting the deployed Heroes)
“The Best of US” video by Ryano: musicnation.com/music/ryanorocks/the-best-of-us

Very Respectfully,
Bob O’Donoghue
Director of Special Projects, Operation First Response (OFR)
http://www.operationfirstresponse.org/

Operation First ROCK Response Oct. 19, 2008 in CT

2008-09-29T18:59:00.000-07:00

The following bands are donating their time and talent to help raise awareness and funds for Operation First Response (OFR)

Novus Dae - www.myspace.com/novusdae

LivinTrust - www.myspace.com/livintrust0

Headwrench - www.myspace.com/headwrench

Mad Orchid - www.myspace.com/madorchid

Vining Hill - www.myspace.com/vininghill

- this effort is made possible by the great folks at CubedSquared (a multifaceted company specializing in entertainment services, seminar hosting, special event planning, charitable effort consulting and customized merchandising) www.cubedsquared.com/

Editor's Note: cool people who are experts in entertainment!

and the wonderful folks at Ultimate Billiards in Berlin, CT www.ultimatebilliardsclub.com who are hosting this event!

Easy drive from points in Connecticut, Massachusetts and parts of New York. Come out and show your support for our wounded Heroes and their families.

Bob O'Donoghue, Director of Special Projects, Operation First Response (OFR)

2007 Southern Adventures Part Two

2008-09-29T16:17:00.000-07:00

The second and last part of my 2007 Southern Adventures....

Tuesday, Nov 20th 2007: Augusta to Cameron

Not sure why my cell phone has not melted from over usage, same goes with my American Express card :) It is check out time in Augusta. I could tell when the “storm trooper” came banging loudly on my door early in the morning. The force she used is obvious based on the security latch being loose.

I packed up, loaded the car and off to…yep Starbucks. But wait, what’s this? The traffic light won’t change? I need coffee and I need it NOW heh heh. I grew up in Jersey, so I made a right hand turn, made a u-turn and off to Starbucks for coffee and carbs. Off to the VA hospital to meet with the SGT. Once I arrived I learn that most of my guys are off to a luncheon and also learned that the SGT I was to meet is also at the luncheon. He wanted to reschedule for the next morning, but this was my last day in Augusta. Jason sees me and tells me I should go to the luncheon. I saw Michael in the hallway and he said the same thing. Anyone who knows me; knows I’m not walking into a luncheon uninvited.

I left the VA to get my own lunch. Those morning carbs didn’t last too long. I went in search of a postcard for an elementary school student from Ohio (I sent a few from my travels). I’ve been collecting something else along my travels that I should pack and send.

After lunch, I return to say goodbye to my guys before hitting the road for North Carolina. Not only did I get to say goodbye but the guys arranged for me to visit with the 1st SGT and Major of their company at Ft. Gordon. Okay, that was worth delaying my drive back to NC. Prior to going to Ft. Gordon, I took some friendly badgering for not going to the luncheon :) I think 1st SGT Michael C would have dragged me had he known BEFORE the luncheon that I was around.

I was on my way to Ft. Gordon with Jason and Shane to meet the 1st SGT and Major. We arrive at the entrance and the guard asks me what year the car is and I look at him quizzically and reply, “I think it’s a 2007, it’s a rental”. He asks, “This car doesn’t come with seatbelts in the back?” I slowly turn around to look at Jason. LOL! Never saw someone buckle up so fast.

I explain about OFR to the 1st SGT and the Major as I want them to know about OFR so we may be of assistance. The meeting was quick; I left them my card and brochures. I had to get Jason and Shane back to the VA hospital and get on the way to NC. I have a four hour drive ahead of me, not including any stops.

Wednesday, Nov 21st 2007: Early Morning Shuffle Er, Shuttle

Oh my it’s 6am already? I’m ready in fifteen minutes (it does happen, don’t tell my boss LOL!) I’m updating my notes as I wait the arrival of Carolyn with a wounded soldier from Ft. Bragg. The “baton” is being passed and I will drive him to Raleigh-Durham airport. By the time I leave NC, I should be able to drive back and forth to RDU with my eyes closed. At RDU, I park the car. Chris is on crutches and the plan is to help him as far as I can in the airport – which as it turns out, was right to the gate. We check one bag and the airline representative asked if I wanted to escort Chris to his gate. I didn’t hesitate to say yes.

I told the gate to make sure they board him early since he has crutches. He told me it was no big deal. We had a few minutes, so I got him a bottle of water called “Moonshine”. We walk back to the gate and I see boarding has started. Once they noticed us, they waved to Chris to board. My task complete, I head for the exit. Decide to grab breakfast at the airport. I ordered the “North Carolina Sunshine” and a cup of dark roast coffee. “Almost heaven West Virginia…” oops, wrong state though the coffee was heavenly and just what I needed.

Head back to Cameron. I stopped for gas and when I found a Wachovia branch, I stopped there too. This here is the stix and y’all never know when you would find these places again.

Stopped at Subway for a late lunch and before I could enter the store, my cousin in Florida calls me. He starts telling me he is only eight or nine hours away if I want to drive down for the weekend. Um…more driving, I don’t think so – not that far at least. After lunch I venture into Food Lion to purchase soda and pies for Thanksgiving. The cashier asked me if I had the store card and I replied no. He must have scanned his card because the total dropped by $15. Back to Carolyn’s house, I prepare two chocolate cream pies. I’m exhausted, it’s been a long day and you’d never guess where I’m headed tomorrow morning.

Thursday, Nov 22nd 2007: Thanksgiving Dinner With Heroes

Have you guessed yet? Yep, off to RDU once again. This time to pick up John the camera man who flew down to film parts of Thanksgiving dinner for a documentary. My timing was perfect. John called me as I was heading into the parking lot. Once inside, I see a young man by the carousel. I had described myself to John, but didn’t know what he looked like. I see this young man and I start thinking that it is John. I watch as he looks my way, but no recognition. He pulls out his cell phone and I’m thinking okay, if this is John he’s going to ring my cell phone. Surprise for John, my cell phone is set to vibrate. I pull the phone out while watching John and ask “John?”

Good time to travel, hardly anybody at the airport. Except the bag John checked didn’t arrive with him. We waited and waited. John checked with the baggage office. They would get the bag to his hotel later. It contained tripods so John would have to make do without them.

Using the GPS, we locate a Dunkin Donuts. Dang, they are closed. Can’t blame them though, so off to find Starbucks and fortunately for use they were open. Did I mention I love this GPS? :) John’s hotel turns out to be closer to the airport than Cameron. He checks in and we’re on the road to Cameron. I stop at Carolyn’s to drop off the GPS since she needs it for a family drive and then take John over to Karrie’s house. I stayed for a bit and then went back to Carolyn’s to freshen up though I really needed a nap.

John setting up the camera for when guests arrive. Even though it was a direct flight from Boston, the airline lost his checked bag with the tripods.

Back to Karrie’s as prep work is being done for dinner. Guests started to arrive. Not as many as Karrie had anticipated. Prior to dinner, we gathered in the dining room and Karrie asked everyone to mention what are they thankful for today. Dinner was fantastic and afterwards I thanked our Heroes for their service, dedication and sacrifice. Then they were asked to participate in answering some questions for the documentary. I asked the questions so John could concentrate on filming.

We helped clean up; I had some coffee and then took John back to his hotel and then back to Cameron.

Friday, Nov 23rd 2007: RDU – In My Sleep

Can you hear the song too? “I’m Henry the Eighth I am, second verse same as the first” off to get John at his hotel and get him to the airport. We stop at Dunkin Donuts so John could get breakfast. He gets back in the car and I heard him mutter a nasty word and I asked what was wrong. Turns out the departure he gave me was actually his arrival time at Boston. I asked when the flight was and John says 10am. I look at the dash and it’s 10:20am. We get to the airport and John has luck on his side. If he moves fast, he can catch the flight that leaves in FIVE minutes. I’m thinking no way with security. Good thing I didn’t make a wager. There was nobody on line where they check for ID and boarding passes and then they escorted him right to through the rest of the security check.

I decided to enjoy some dark roast coffee on the outside chance John didn’t make his flight. I also realized that I should have left today. I kept thinking the airports would be crowded.

On the drive back from the airport, I make a visit to the quaint town of Pittsboro, NC. I’m a member of the Motley Fool http://www.fool.com/ and today I’m to meet another online member “Piney” for the first time. Fortunately having a GPS helped me find where I needed to meet Piney, the Pittsboro General Store. We chatted over coffee, I met her son and time was flying. Piney gave me a quick tour of downtown Pittsboro before we parted ways.

As I arrived in Cameron, I stopped at Hardees for lunch. One customer chatted with me saying he couldn’t wait for summer. Um, the weather has been chilly at night but averaging upper 60s to lower 70s…I’ll take it. The customer was eating as another customer recognized him and stopped to say hello. She was getting ready to leave, although she said “I’m fixin’ to go” and I thought hey. I’m fixin’ to go as well :) I went in search of a movie theatre LOL that was an adventure in itself. The GPS helped me locate the nearest movie theatre, however it didn’t know that it’s been closed…for some time. I did find the next “closest” movie theatre thirty miles away in Southern Pine. Okay, a movie was out of the question. After texting with Karrie, I started to make my way over to Fr. Bragg to meet Karrie, Mahkaylah and Alan for dinner at the Texas Roadhouse. It was a nice dinner and we had fun with the staff as the gals would dance for certain songs, but no guys would dance. Convinced Jasmine, our waitress, a guy needs to dance to ensure her tip is nice. Heh heh, one young man helped her out and wouldn’t you know it, he’s a NY Yankees fan proudly wearing his baseball cap.

I returned to Carolyn’s house as the family finished their Thanksgiving dinner. Carolyn has been so hospitable during my stay; I wanted them to enjoy dinner sans Bob. Carina needed help with her iPod and they asked me to help. Um…I won an iPod in September and it’s February 20, 2008 as I write this and it’s STILL in the box. But with the help of another online Motley Fool member, I was able to get the iPod working again – even though she would need to download her songs.

Saturday, Nov 24th 2007: Dinner at Drunken Jack’s in SC

I slept in this morning as Carolyn and the family packed up the cars to head for the Smoky Mountains. It was a bit chilly this morning, so I grabbed my jacket and thought of heading to the NC shoreline. The winning destination became Ocean Isle Beach, NC and I set the GPS for the Silver Coast Winery (http://www.silvercoastwinery.com/) Upon arriving, I check the place out and then decide to do the wine tasting. I inquired about shipping to Connecticut when the gentleman behind the counter asked me where in CT I lived. I told him Waterbury and he asked me how Baldwin St. was doing. Either it was a good guess or he knows about Waterbury. Turns out he’s originally from Danbury, CT and retired to NC. Ordered a case of wine and drove around the area taking pictures.

It was getting late and I had called a coworker who vacations in Myrtle Beach, SC to ask for a restaurant suggestion. He tells me Drunken Jack’s is a great place. I set off for Myrtle Beach and Drunken Jack’s. It’s actually in Murrell’s Inlet, SC and a tad south of Myrtle Beach – but dinner was fantastic. Though I still have a three hour drive back to Cameron which is nothing compared to my drives to Washington, D.C.

Sunday, Nov 25th 2007: WOMAC Visit

You are NOT going to believe this…Sunday was a laid back kind of day. Karrie, Mahkaylah and Alan took me to WOMAC, the medical center on Ft. Bragg. I met a couple of wounded Heroes and had some items for them. The place was relatively quiet due to the holiday weekend. I enjoyed dinner and a trip to Cold Stone Creamery with Karrie, Mahkaylah and Alan.

Monday, Nov 26th 2007: Quick Stop in Raleigh Before the Airport

Can you feel the excitement? The trip is coming to a close; look how long it took me to write about it. I am packed and ready to head to Raleigh. Not quite ready for the airport, that would be too easy. I have one last stop on this long journey and right in Raleigh close to the airport. Another Motley Fool member, Sarah, and her family are involved with sending care packages to our troops overseas. Her Dad, PJ, is the founder of the Back Home Box Foundation – a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. http://www.backhomebox.com/ It was a pleasure to meet some of the folks behind the Back Home Box Foundation and learn more about their organization. If you know someone who needs a box from…back home, check out their website. I highly recommend them.

WRAMC = Walter Reed Army Medical Center
BNH = Bethesda Naval Hospital
OFR = Operation First Response
BHB = the Back Home Box Foundation
GBFBD = God Bless Fort Benning Day

Links:

http://www.godblessfortbenningday.com/ – God Bless Fort Benning Day - Columbus, GA
http://www.portcolumbus.org/ – Port Naval Museum – Columbus, GA
http://www.operationhomefront.net/ – Georgia Chapter, Kim Scofi – President
www.elvaresa.com/tainsh.html - the book “Heart of a Hawk, Eye on an Eagle” – Deborah Tainsh
http://www.dav.org/ – Disabled American Veterans
http://www.backhomebox.com/ – the Back Home Box Foundation – Raleigh, NC
http://www.fool.com/ – The Motley Fool
http://www.silvercoastwinery.com/ – Silver Coast Winery - Ocean Isle Beach, NC
“Best of Us” video by Ryano: http://musicnation.com/music/ryanorocks/the-best-of-us check out Ryano's music www.myspace.com/ryanorocks

Very Respectfully,
Bob O’Donoghue
Director of Special Projects
Operation First Response (OFR)
http://www.operationfirstresponse.org/

2007 Southern Adventures Part One

2008-09-17T19:06:00.000-07:00

Pull up a sofa, get yourself a load of food and drinks, settle in and enjoy the ride! This southern adventure spans eleven days and I’m fixin’ to tell y’all about it.

Thursday, Nov 15th 2007: “Traveling Man” by Ricky Nelson

Oh boy and how. A friend made the traveling man reference as I was telling her about my upcoming trip down south. Before I start I must give credit to my favorite travel agent Sheryl!!! One day I’ll have Sheryl plan a nice relaxing exotic vacation, though it may require someone forcing me to relax. For this trip, Sheryl was extremely helpful as the plans kept changing. I was going to start my trip flying to Florida; then it started bouncing between flying into Atlanta and Raleigh-Durham.

With a long road trip ahead of me there was NO way I was getting up early for a plane ride. Well okay, price and scheduling had more to do with that than my wishes. I wake up to a rainy day here in New England, pouring at times. Oh great what are the odds the plane will be delayed I wonder. I’m a bit anxious about the trip as my first event is God Bless Fort Benning Day (GBFBD) in Columbus, GA (http://www.godblessfortbenning.com/) and I haven’t received the invitation explaining about the event and surrounding events. I kept hearing the words “have faith” playing through my head. So it’s a blind leap of faith at that. Well, I will be making stops in Augusta, GA and Cameron, NC so the odds are I’ll accomplish something on this trip.
I decide to stop in at Starbucks in Windsor Locks, CT which is along side the airport. I intentionally picked a Nicholas Sparks book to read “At First Sight” since his books are based in towns in North Carolina. One would think I was getting coffee at Starbucks, but I wanted some snacks for the plane as well. It took a moment for the song to sink in due to the timing and I haven’t heard it in such a long time, but holy cow it was “Carolina In My Mind” by James Taylor.

Bradley International (BDL) in Hartford, Connecticut (really Windsor Locks) has two terminals “A” for active and “B” for boring LOL! American Eagle flies out of “B” and that was fine with me as less folks to process through security. The plane was a regional jet, maybe 30 seats maximum. Oh boy this should be a cozy ride. It wasn’t too bad. We did hit some turbulence, but I’ve experienced worse on bigger jets.

I land at RDU, Raleigh-Durham airport. Hop in the rental and off I go Cameron, NC. OFR’s Vice President, Carolyn, invited me to stay at her house during my NC stay. This was the first time I met Carolyn, though we’ve spoken numerous times. This was an overnight stay as I was heading to Columbus, GA in the morning.

Friday, Nov 16th 2007: Road Trip to Columbus, GA

I didn’t start out as early as I had wanted, partly because I was dreading the nine hour drive to Columbus and the odds that all I could get on the radio was country music. Okay, country music isn’t that bad. Carolyn offered the use of her GPS and at first I thought nah I don’t need the GPS (c’mon, I am a guy heh heh). Carolyn convinced me to take the GPS…I am so glad she convinced me to take the GPS; you have NO idea. The GPS helped me get to I-95 south and for the most part, I was fine once on I-95 however having a new toy meant having it on ALL the time. I made my way into South Carolina on I-95, then onto I-20. Know how hard it is to find a classic rock station?

Now they either hide the Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks in the Carolinas or simply don’t tell the traveler about them. Once I entered Georgia, I saw signs for both. I took the second exit in, # 199 and how about that both of them next to each other – same parking lot for the most part. Neither company sponsors me, so I’m not saying which one I frequented. They both should, I need all the caffeine I can handle on these trips.

As it turns out, this is the same exit I’ll be staying near when I return to Augusta. Coffee, snacks, lunch at Sonic and gas (for the car of course) and I’m ready to continue on to Columbus, which is located along the Alabama line southeast of Atlanta. Driving along I-20 I drive through highway construction and smile as it is work being done by my company (employer).

I’m looking at the GPS and thinking it doesn’t work too well as the number of hours left on the trip had increased. Granted guys don’t read the instruction manuals normally, but I didn’t have one and finally realized it wasn’t the time left on the trip; it was the estimated time of arrival. Man I hated to see that increase with each stop. I finally arrive in Columbus shortly after 6pm and head straight for the Port Naval Museum (http://www.portcolumbus.org/) where the cocktail reception is being held. I’m in jeans, but needed to find out if I had lodging already set up. It took some time to reach the right folks and then I learned that I needed to find lodging…in a town that sees it’s population swell by large numbers on this, the weekend before Thanksgiving. I did manage to find a room for that one night and had to go check in so I wouldn’t lose it – another bonus point for the GPS as there was no time to waste. I checked in and drove back to the Port Naval Museum still in my jeans; I decide to grab something to eat, lay low and heard pieces of a speech by Dr. Laura and decided I needed to get some sleep after the long ride besides knowing the next day will be a long one. I did check out the new venue for GBFBD since it was moved from the Civic Center. There was an outdoor concert, though it was chilly that evening...even for a New Englander.

Saturday, Nov 17th 2007: God Bless Fort Benning Day 2007

It’s morning already? Yawn! I check out of the hotel not knowing where I’ll be staying tonight. I drive to Broadway, park the car and head over to the Hug-a-Hero section. Within no time I catch up with my friend Kim Scofi (President of Operation Home Front, Georgia chapter www.OperationHomeFront.net) and her mother. It was also a pleasant surprise to see Deborah and Dave Tainsh. Deborah wrote “Heart of a Hawk, Eye of an Eagle” - www.elvaresa.com/tainsh.html - I wrote to Deborah earlier this year as I finally got around to reading my copy. I knew it would be an emotional read and it was indeed. It was a chilly morning in Columbus, but the warmth of everyone around me took the chill away. I had the privilege of posing with Kim and Deborah for a picture to remember this day.

Deborah Tainsh, Bob O'Donoghue (OFR) and Kim Scofi (GA OperationHomeFront) at God Bless Fort Benning Day 2007

Hug-a-Hero also included Gold Star Mothers and the local DAV www.dav.org (Disabled American Veterans) Muscogee Chapter 7. I had the privilege of a quick education on the benefit process for disabled Veterans from DAV Chapter 7’s Commander, Stuart Hansen. I still have the hand written notes from “class” that morning and had already used some of that new found knowledge during my trip.

Shannan Tilson was helping to coordinate a fishing trip/tournament for soldiers from Ft. Gordon as well as some wounded Heroes from the VA hospital in Augusta. Shannan called to tell me they wounded didn’t have transportation for the fishing event. I asked what time they needed to be there and I believe Shannan said 6am (that’s all a blur at this point as my mind heard something before 8am and almost shut down LOL!). Well, I have no place to stay in Columbus and “my” guys do not have a ride to the lake. So I call my hotel in Augusta and move my reservation up by one day because there is NO way these guys are missing out on the fishing trip. Later in the day, Shannan called me to say they found transportation. Partially relieved, I knew I had to head to Augusta tonight.

Did I mention food? Hmmm. BBQ sandwich, funnel cakes, diet Coke for $.50 a can. I was hoping to meet Keni Thomas who performed later in the day, but both of us were so busy. Okay, it’s not like I was high on the list for Keni although I should have been LOL! I’ve met so many local musicians, that I forget some are out of reach. I had listened to my copy of Keni’s CD “Flags of Our Fathers: A Soldier’s Story” before and after my trip.

I was packing my stuff and walking with Kim and her mother to the parking garage. We heard Keni playing on the main stage and as we approached I recognized the song he was performing “Circle on the Cross”. www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4FihRDAvho&feature=related

I couldn’t leave for Augusta just yet. Put my stuff in the car and returned with my camera. I wanted to hear Keni and take some pictures. I take pictures of local bands and wanted to have some shots of Keni for my collection as well as share. I was torn between hearing Keni until the end and the four to four and a half hour drive back to Augusta.

"Not Me" is just one of the songs everyone should listen to: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bkl3NmRuH0

I’m a dreamer and someday I may get to meet Keni however I had to start the trek back to Augusta. Due to my change in departing Columbus on Saturday night, it meant not speaking at breakfast the next morning, although I’m sure they got by without me. It also meant missing a chance to meet a friend on my way through Atlanta. Somewhere between Atlanta and Augusta I attempted to find a Classic Rock Café using the GPS. Either the address was wrong, the place changed or I was extremely tired. No matter, I decided it was best to get back to I-20 and find a fast-food place and Krystal’s won since I’ve never been to a Krystal’s before.

Sunday, Nov 18th 2007: Fishing Tournament and USO Show Augusta, GA

Seeing that I didn’t need to transport anyone to Lake Thurmond, I slept in, went to a Wal-Mart (on a Sunday? What was I thinking?); then stopped at Pollards Corner to make sure I was headed in the right direction. Please NOTE: guys are capable of asking directions :) Across from Pollards Corner was a chicken shack, Maryland Shack or something like that – though it didn’t have that warm “Yankees invited” feel to it heh heh. Continuing up the road and arrived at Lake Thurmond in time to catch the weigh in and awards.

A big THANK YOU to the American Bass Anglers for taking our Heroes out on the lake as they took active and wounded out fishing. A special thanks to Shannan Tilson, Jessica Sanders and Debra Talley who made it possible for me to have a handful of wounded Heroes go on the fishing trip AND providing VIP tickets to the USO show that evening.

Two of the guys on the fishing trip had a blast even though their boat didn’t catch a thing. I told Jason, a bad day of fishing is better than a good day at work. Back in Augusta later that night, I had to find my way to the Veterans Hospital to meet up with Jason and the others who would attend the USO show. I couldn’t afford to rent a van, but we managed to squeeze into the Chevrolet Impala for the ride (did I mention that the GPS was FANTASTIC? LOL). We arrived fashionably late at the Bell Auditorium.

The Bama Girls were already performing on stage. We quietly entered the front of the auditorium and sat down. After the Bama Girls, it was Brad Cutter and then the Wayne Mills Band. I kept an eye on my guests throughout the show. The show was awesome. Afterwards I said we’d wait for the active troops to exit the auditorium. I believe Michael (1st SGT) asked about meeting the performers. I told Michael I was too chicken to walk back stage, then I thought what’s the worst they could do – kick me out now? I went on stage and asked Jessica about the Bama Girls posing with my guests.

By the time we turned around, the Bama Girls were already shaking hands with them.

I exited the stage and asked the Bama Girls if they would pose with our wounded Heroes --->

<--- Then Wayne Mills came down to greet them and another photo op took place.

They will have fond memories of the fishing trip and USO show. A break in the usual routine does wonders for the soul. They didn’t know about the USO show until I told them about it. I was simply the connection to these events, but all those smiles made my entire trip down south worth every penny.

I return to my hotel and attempt to purchase a beer. The hotel clerk, Karen says, “I can’t sell you that”. It’s a Sunday night and I’m not familiar with Georgia laws. I replied, “I didn’t know, I’m not from Georgia.” Karen then says “Do you think I am?” – that’s when it hit’s me – a New Yawker accent without a doubt. Karen is originally from Long Island. Guess you can take the girl out of Long Island, but you can’t take Long Island out of the girl. No beer, so I chatted with Karen until it was time to get more sleep.

Monday, Nov 19th 2007: Dinner On Me

I slept in again WOOHOO! My cell phone rang at least three times. I knew it was time to get a move on so off to Starbucks for a café mocha and a scone. This would be a relaxing day in the peach state. Jason gave me the name of a SGT to contact so I may explain about OFR to him. Made a few calls, checked e-mails, ended up back at Starbucks for more caffeine and off to the VA hospital to meet up with the guys and see who will be joining me for dinner that evening.
Jason, Michael and John were brave enough to have dinner with me and we chose the Olive Garden.We sat at our table and the guys waited to see what drink I was ordering. I told them not to worry about anything; dinner is on me. Jason told our waitress that it was Michael’s birthday and we didn’t need a cake…just the singing. As the group came over to sing, Jason took a picture. We had a fun evening and if I was closer, I would take them out more often. To be continued….

Links:
http://www.godblessfortbenningday.com/ – God Bless Fort Benning Day - Columbus, GA
http://www.portcolumbus.org/ – Port Naval Museum – Columbus, GA
http://www.operationhomefront.net/ – Georgia Chapter, Kim Scofi – President
www.elvaresa.com/tainsh.html - the book “Heart of a Hawk, Eye on an Eagle” – Deborah Tainsh http://www.dav.org/ – Disabled American Veterans
http://www.backhomebox.com/ – the Back Home Box Foundation – Raleigh, NC

“Best of Us” video by Ryano: http://musicnation.com/music/ryanorocks/the-best-of-us check out Ryano's music www.myspace.com/ryanorocks

Very Respectfully,
Bob O’Donoghue
Director of Special Projects

Operation First Response (OFR)

Walk For The Wounded

2008-06-29T18:58:00.000-07:00

As the Director of Special Projects for Operation First Response (OFR), I travel from Connecticut to Washington, D.C. often and write about my trips. At times, my travel takes me to other places such as Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Massachusetts, etc. I offered to share my travels on this blog so others may enjoy my adventures and may share the blog link.

I figured it was best to start with the most current and a very successful event. I do plan to add a few flashbacks starting with a trip in November and roll forward until I catch up. If that’s even possible.

The first annual Walk For The Wounded was on June 15, 2008 in Media, PA. The weekend starts with Friday, which means I have to start with Friday and make my way through the weekend. Okay, I don’t have to, but that hasn’t stopped me before.

Friday June 13, 2008: Windsor, CT: I know quite a few local bands and on this particular evening, I was at a place called Alberts Riverside to see the band ShovelHead perform. Connecticut musician and Air Force Veteran Lonesome Dave O’Hagan at the start of ShovelHead’s second set presented a check to OFR from the Kaman Aerospace Corporation to kick-off the OFR Motorcycle Poker Run on July 13. What a cool way to start the weekend, music on a deck overlooking the Connecticut River. Sweet!

Pictured left to right: Mark Sadler and Lonesome Dave O'Hagan of ShovelHead with Bob O'Donoghue (OFR)

Saturday I dragged myself out of bed after a, um, late night out. I drove to New Jersey to meet two friends for lunch in Newark, NJ at the Adega Grill. I enjoyed awesome food with good friends and setting good vibes for what lies ahead. Except the part where I was wearing jeans since it was cool in Connecticut and hot, hot, hot when I arrived in New Jersey. After lunch, I continued on my way to Pennsylvania. I stopped at one of the rest areas off the NJ Turnpike to call the mother of a wounded Hero to discuss arrangements for her trip to Washington, D.C. and I needed an ice coffee to continue the trip. Needed being the key word since I only started drinking coffee a few years ago to the surprise of my friends.

I arrived at Heather’s house in Warminster, PA. Heather is the Secretary for OFR and was having a graduation party for her oldest child, er, oldest young adult. Carolyn Crossley, OFR Vice President, had arrived earlier that day. Peggy Baker, President/Founder of OFR, and her family had gone straight to their lodging. My visit at Heather’s house was short, as I took Carolyn to check in at her lodging and then we visited with Peggy and crew. It started to rain in Media and OFR Senior Advisor, Nick Constantino, arrived with his family and food, lots of food. One more trip to Heather’s house to pick up CPL Wesley Leon and his wife; then drive to Glen Mills – as we were staying at the same hotel. The drive back to Heather’s house was interesting as lightning filled the sky vertically and at least one bolt going horizontal. I knew the rain would clear out for the walk, had that feeling.

Sunday, Carolyn, Peggy and family joined some of us, including Wes Schubert (a wounded Hero) and his wife at the hotel for breakfast. We then formed a caravan and headed for Rose Tree Park in Media, PA for the walk. Nick spearheaded the Walk and with the help of many appreciated volunteers, the set up was well underway by the time we arrived. For the first walk, things were going very smoothly that morning. As the staff of OFR set up a table and vendors were setting up, walkers were arriving. It was a gorgeous day for a walk. The catch phrase of the morning, heck most of the day was “Where’s Nick?”

Folks were encouraged to gather by the gazebo for the starting ceremonies before the walk started. We had an impressive color guard

and several speakers including; Tracy Davidson of NBC 10 out of Philadelphia and Peggy Baker led by Tore Fiore. CPL Carl Duda gave an emotional, personal account of how OFR made a difference to him. There were others and I’ll apologize for not listing everyone. I didn’t take notes, simply going by memory. We had approximately 1500 walkers at Rose Tree Hill Park and lots of excitement.

Just prior to the evening’s music portion by the Fabulous Grease Band, the crowd had already been claiming their lawn seats in front of the amphitheater and awaiting something special. In the distance you could hear the police sirens approaching. The police and the Patriot Guard Riders escorted PFC Justin Gindhart (a local Hero), who has just returned to the U.S.A. from Iraq, to Media, PA for this event. Justin rode on the back of one of the motorcycles making a grand entrance.

Heather introduced Justin to the crowd and told them how Justin saved CPL Wesley Leon when Wesley was injured in Iraq. Wesley lost both his legs, broke his back and his jaw. Heather then asked Justin what he would say to Wesley if he were present today. Justin spoke a few words when Heather interrupted him and asked him to turn to his right and tell Wesley directly. This was the FIRST time they had seen each other since Wesley was injured. With his prosthetics, Wesley had walked onto the stage for this emotional reunion.

PFC Justin Gindhart meets CPL Wesley Leon for the first time since Justin saved Wesley's life in Iraq.

The walk raised approximately $70,000 as well as the awareness that our wounded Heroes must NOT be forgotten. Support from their families and the community goes a long way to helping them focus on recovery. OFR relies on donations from individuals, families, businesses and fundraisers all across America. We are only able to assist our wounded Heroes through the generosity of others as one big family.

Pictured: Heather (OFR) with Justin and his family along with Wesley and his wife.

I’ve had several people ask what I will do once the war ends. I tell them our wounded Heroes do not go away when the war ends. They will still have needs and OFR and our supporters will be there for them so they are not forgotten.

Very Respectfully,
Bob O'Donoghue
Director of Special Projects
Operation First Response (OFR)

Danny Dudek's Story...

2008-03-10T10:38:00.000-07:00

MAJ Dudek south of Hussainiyah in a Joint Security Station

"I truly didn’t expect anything to happen to me. As an Army Major, I studied the Counter Insurgency (COIN) Fight in Iraq in great detail. At COIN workshops, prior to our deployment, our Brigade’s senior leadership listened to Battalion Commander’s and civilian experts fresh from a year in Iraq’s most dangerous cities. As the Brigade Fire Support Officer in the newly generated Fourth Stryker Brigade Combat Team, I knew I was with the most proficient soldiers on the battlefield fielded with the latest equipment, automated systems and weapons including new wheeled armored vehicle called the Stryker. Nothing was going to happen to me. Anyways, I was on Brigade Staff and we rarely left the Forward Operating Base (FOB).

Well, on July 19th, 2007, I did leave the FOB and that was the last time for me. When we left our FOB in Taji, Iraq I was in the lead Stryker Vehicle in the back left hatch in a convoy of five Strykers that made up the Brigade Commander’s Personal Security Detachment (PSD). I rarely went out with the Colonel and this was the first time in the lead vehicle. I usually rode with the Brigade Operations Officer, about three vehicles back, whose vehicle internal intercom was a little more entertaining. My job that day was to call in artillery, based out of Taji, on dirt patches near locations that had a high frequency of Improved Explosive Device (IED) attacks. We called that type of artillery missions “terrain denial”.

Near the northwest corner of a large Shi’a town called Hussainiyah I called in the first fire mission and waited to hear the words “shot” come over the radio, meaning the guns at Taji fired the rounds and I should expect to see the rounds impact about a kilometer from the stretch of road we slowly moved along. I was facing to the left from my left side hatch with only head and shoulder exposed out of the vehicle waiting for my rounds to come...BOOM!

I really don’t remember hearing it, the new Bose headset fit tightly around and under my helmet cut out the loud noise, but I remember the smell and seeing the smoke and laying flat on the inside of the Stryker. I was relaxed, not much pain at all expect for the needle like sensations from the inside of both my legs. I was listening to M4’s and 50cal main guns firing when I realized I couldn’t move my legs. I told the vehicle commander and waited knowing soon there would be someone to help me.Within the next hour, I’d been on a casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) bird back to Balad, talked to my wife on a phone and had surgery to address the fractures to my lumbar vertebrae (L3 and L4) and sacrum and to stop the swelling of my spinal cord. The IED was an explosively formed projectile (EFP) that came from the right side of the vehicle killing the soldier next to me with molten pieces of copper hitting my back armored plate and lower back below the plate.

Six months later, after a month at Walter Reed Medical Center and four months in the VA Hospital in Seattle, I would still not have sensation in my feet and ankles and muscle strength in my legs was far less than what I need to walk on my own. The care I received was incredible and the support I received from friends, family, the family readiness groups and the unit still in Iraq was even greater. I left the hospital walking with my new crutches with my wife wheeling my new wheelchair. In retrospect, I still see myself as lucky.

By February 2008, I was back in uniform and working with my units Read Detachment back on Fort Lewis. I’m still using my wheelchair to get around and crutches help me with short distances, but I feel I’m getting better every day. It remains my goal to stay in the active Army through my retirement eligibility in 2012. It may not be as an active artilleryman but there are many roles I can fill. There’s been nothing but positive support from friends and fellow soldiers on post. I still love serving in the military.">

MAJ Danny DudekField Artillery4th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division

First Female Since WWII To Receive Silver Star Is A Texas Teen

2008-03-10T10:31:00.000-07:00

Monica - We thank you for your bravery and your service to our country! You go girl!

CAMP SALERNO, Afghanistan
A 19-year-old medic from Texas will become the first woman in Afghanistan and only the second female soldier since World War II to receive the Silver Star, the nation’s third-highest medal for valor.
Army Spc. Monica Lin Brown saved the lives of fellow soldiers after a roadside bomb tore through a convoy of Humvees in the eastern Paktia province in April 2007, the military said.
After the explosion, which wounded five soldiers in her unit, Brown ran through insurgent gunfire and used her body to shield wounded comrades, as mortars fell less than 100 yards away, the military said.
“I did not really think about anything except for getting the guys to a safer location and getting them taken care of and getting them out of there,” Brown told The Associated Press at a U.S. base in the eastern province of Khost.
Brown, from Lake Jackson, Texas, is scheduled to receive the Silver Star later in March. She was part of a four-vehicle convoy patrolling near Jani Kheil in Paktia on April 25, 2007, when a bomb hit one of the Humvees.
We stopped the convoy. I opened up my door and grabbed my aid bag,” Brown said.
Brown, of the 4th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, said ammunition going off inside the burning Humvee was sending shrapnel in all directions. She said they were sitting in a dangerous spot.
She started running toward the burning vehicle as insurgents opened fire. All five wounded soldiers had scrambled out
“So we dragged them for 100 or 200 meters, got them away from the Humvee a little bit,” she said. “I was in a kind of a robot mode, did not think about much but getting the guys taken care of.”
For Brown, who knew all five wounded soldiers, it became a race to get them to a safer location. Eventually, they moved the wounded about 500 yards away and treated them on-site before putting them on a helicopter for eva

Amazing stories of the selfless heroes of Afghanistan

2008-03-07T17:08:00.000-08:00

Amazing stories of the selfless heroes of AfghanistanBy MATTHEW HICKLEY and PAUL HARRIS -

Private Luke Cole: Awarded the Military CrossThey all made a pact before they went to war.
Whatever happened to them in Afghanistan no one - dead or alive - would be left behind.
One night in Helmand Province, that pledge was put to the test.
In a terrifying split second, the close-knit group from one of the Army's most battle-scarred units came under fire from a hail of Taliban bullets and rocket-powered grenades.
Four men were hit and several others temporarily blinded by phosphorus. Their screams of pain cut through the darkness as the ambushed platoon was pinned down by gunfire from two sides.
But the men of 2nd Battalion the Mercian Regiment knew precisely what they had to do.
And today the extraordinary heroism which allowed the young soldiers to keep to their pledge at any cost can be revealed as they are awarded some of the highest military honours.
The men repeatedly braved enemy fire to rescue their injured and fatally wounded comrades from the hands of the Taliban.
Private Luke Cole, 22, carried on fighting after half his thigh bone was blown away.
When another bullet ripped open his stomach, he simply tucked his shirt in tighter "to hold everything in" - and carried on keeping the enemy at bay until back-up arrived.
Sergeant Craig Brelsford, 25, continued to command his men long after he was critically wounded - and right up to the moment he died.
In a singularly selfless act, he ran to put his body between the enemy and his wounded comrades.
It protected them from Taliban gunfire, but cost him his life.
And the 25-year-old platoon commander, Lieutenant Simon Cupples, led a rescue party into the killing zone to carry the injured to safety and recover the dead - again and again and again.
Their astonishing courage - and that of scores of other British servicemen and women serving in Afghanistan and Iraq - is marked today with a raft of 184 awards.
They include the biggest batch of medals since fighting began in Afghanistan nearly seven years ago - a reflection not just of the ferocity of the conflict, but of the conspicuous bravery of British troops.
The ambush near the frontline town of Garmsir underlined the extreme danger that troops face daily in what has turned into a bloody and difficult war.
It played out into a six-hour pitched battle as both sides poured in reinforcements. But true to the pact, Lt Cupples and his men refused to withdraw until the bodies of two fallen comrades were recovered.
Telling their families back home that no one knew what happened to them, he decided, was "simply not an option".
His valour and dedication is recognised with the award of a Conspicuous Gallantry Cross - the highest bravery medal after the Victoria Cross.
Yesterday he told the remarkable story of that night last September.

The young officer, now a captain, recalled how his men were advancing under cover of darkness when they came under devastating fire from a Taliban trench just 20 yards away, and then from other enemy positions.
"I could tell we had taken serious casualties." he said. "There was screaming from the men around me. Because we were so close to the enemy it was very difficult to withdraw and regroup, but we couldn't leave the casualties.
"It was asking a lot for the blokes to run forward into enemy fire like that.
"But they did it because their mates were out there. When you live and serve with your men like that it creates a very special bond. You would do anything for those guys. That's what drove the soldiers forward."
Captain Cupples, from Derbyshire, who married his sweetheart, Louise, shortly before deploying to Afghanistan, is due to return with his unit next year.
Also involved in the September firefight was Private Cole, from Wolverhampton, who is awarded the Military Cross.

A Taliban bullet smashed into his right thigh in the first few seconds of the battle, shattering five inches of bone. As he tried to crawl to safety he was shot through the stomach and left hip.
Not realising how badly hurt he was, he managed to drag himself to a badly-wounded friend and give first aid - saving his life - before grabbing his rifle and firing almost 200 rounds at enemy positions to help cover the withdrawal.
"The pain didn't hit me at the time," he said. "I thought it was a flesh wound. But I looked down and it was a mess, to be honest. I knew it was serious but I thought, 'This can't be the way I go out'. So I carried on.
"I could see muzzle flashes of the enemy weapons in a ditch behind some trees so I kept shooting and gave my mate first aid when I could.
"Then I got shot again. I looked at my stomach and it was cut open, so I tucked my shirt in to keep it together and kept on firing until more lads from the platoon arrived.
"I only realised how bad it was when they finally dragged me off into cover."
Medics dug out the bullet from his thigh and he now keeps it in his bedroom at home. Sergeant Brelsford, from Nottingham, who was only days away from his 26th birthday when he died, is also remembered with a posthumous Military Cross.
He was described as "an extremely professional soldier" who demonstrated calm leadership under pressure and "incredible bravery in the face of the enemy".
He was killed as he led his men through heavy fire in a successful operation to bring back the body of Private Johan Botha.
General David Richards, formerly Britain's top commander in Afghanistan, congratulated the decorated soldiers at a ceremony yesterday.
"It doesn't surprise me that there is such a haul of medals," he said. "It is the toughest fighting we have seen since Korea half a century ago ... a reflection of the tenacity of our soldiers, and of the enemy.
"All these men fully deserve their recognition, but we should remember it is always representative of many others who also showed immense bravery."

Staff Sergeant James Wadsworth
Staff Sergeant James Wadsworth of the Royal Logistics Corps successfully defused the largest roadside bomb ever found in southern Iraq - while his fellow-soldiers fought a gun battle against local insurgents trying to overrun the site.
He is today awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross for his 'extraordinary, selfless courage.'
The massive bomb containing around 120lb of explosives was spotted buried beneath a pavement opposite a hospital in the centre of Basra last July, ready to flatten the area and cause untold carnage when a British convoy passed.
Staff Sgt Wadsworth, 29, from Cambridge, said: "Normally you would spend three or four hours dealing with a device like that but we were under fire in the city centre. The greatest danger is spending time on the ground.
"I made it safe in 27 minutes. We only realised how big it was when we came to move it.
"I remember it was 55 degrees in the shade. Our unit was so busy we hadn't slept for days.
"I haven't really told my wife about what I did. You just get on with the job."

Lance Corporal Donald Campbell
Lance Corporal Donald Campbell, of the Royal Corps of Engineers is awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross for driving an unarmoured and unprotected vehicle into an enemy killing zone "whilst under very intense, accurate fire for a considerable amount of time" - to help bridge a water-filled ditch which was holding up an advance in Helmand Province.
The 26-year-old from the Scottish island of Benbecula, moved his 'front loader' vehicle towards the enemy, offering a huge and vulnerable target, then climbed out of the cab to undo straps so that he could drop a 'fascine' - a huge bundle of pipes - into the ditch allowing armoured vehicles to cross.
He refused to seek cover even when bullets, rocket propelled grenades and mortar fire shattered the windows of the cab and badly damaged the vehicle, missing him by inches.
He said: "My folks are really happy about the award, but I don't think they quite appreciate what the medal means yet."

Private Paul Willmott
Private Paul Willmott, 21, receives the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross for taking command of his unit during a battle when his sergeant was shot dead in Afghanistan last year.
The young private from the Mercian Regiment watched as a Taliban sniper killed Lance Corporal Paul Sandford near the town of Gereshk, leaving the unit leaderless.
Although other soldiers were more senior he assumed command, laying down suppressing fire as they withdrew, and then stayed to drag his fallen comrade's body to safety.
Two weeks later he suffered severe head injuries from a rocket propelled grenade, but insisted on returning to his unit after a week of treatment rather than flying home to Britain.
"We were undermanned," he said. "We were down to 13 blokes in our platoon and needed every soldier available, so I asked to go back."

Captain Ruth Earl

Captain Ruth Earl is awarded an MBE for her dogged determination to keep British troops' vehicles and equipment fit for battle, commanding a dusty workshop in the deserts of Afghanistan.
The 34-year-old Cambridge science graduate, who was a part-time TA reservist before joining up as a regular officer in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, spent six months working 18-hour days in the 'brutal summer heat' of Camp Bastion in Helmand Province, according to her citation.
She commanded 150 men tasked with keeping essential weapons and combat vehicles in working order in the punishing surroundings of the Afghan desert.
"Despite her junior years and experience, she sustained operations in this theatre in a way that few others could match," the citation reads.
Yesterday married officer from Stoke-on-Trent said she was left 'speechless' by news of her award.

Wounded Hero has Valentine's Day Wedding

2008-02-16T18:50:00.001-08:00

Congratulations Wesley!!! You are our Hero! We wish you a lifetime of love and happiness together!

War Hero Honored For Bravery

2008-02-10T15:37:00.000-08:00

I'm honored to know this brave HERO! SFC Bennett...we are so proud of you! Thank you for your sacrifice and service to our great country!

FORT RICHARDSON, Alaska -- It takes a presidential order to award a U.S. soldier the Silver Star, the Army's third-highest honor, which is only given to troops who excel under fire.
Friday, one Fort Richardson soldier received the award, although he says he would gladly trade it in order to have his five brothers-in-arms that lost their lives on a late January day more than a year ago returned to him.
U.S. Army Alaska Commander Maj. Gen. Stephen Layfield said it was a very difficult day.
"It was a tough day," Layfield said. "It was a tough day for the Army. It was a tough day for everybody."
On Jan. 20, 2007, in Karbala, Iraq, five soldiers were resting and relaxing inside a provincial coordination center.
Sgt. 1st Class Sean Bennett is a member of the 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment.
"One soldier just had gotten off duty, one soldier was on duty and one of my (non-commissioned officers) was racked out because he had been on for about 19 hours straight," Bennett said.
Between 20 and 30 highly-trained insurgents wearing U.S. uniforms and speaking English drove through an Iraq police checkpoint and assaulted the compound where Bennett and others were staying, according to military officials.
"The gunshots that were coming through the room -- we were in a concrete room and they were just bouncing off everything," Bennett said.
Bennett was wounded. A bullet ricocheted and tore up his arm.
"Just lost that pretty little muscle that is no longer there," Bennett said.
The events of that day more than one year ago were played out Friday before hundreds on post who came to Bennett's Silver Star award ceremony.
Cpt. Daniel Mainor is a member of the 4th Brigade Airborne, 25th Infantry Division.
"While fighting to keep the door closed, the enemy tossed a hand grenade into the room and sprayed AK-47 gunfire through a small opening in the door, killing one and wounding three soldiers including Sgt. Bennett," Mainor said.
One of the men in that room, Staff Sgt. David Wallace said Bennett saved his life by keeping the Iraqi's out of the room.
"He's a hero," Wallace said. "We consider each other family, so it would be like me grabbing my kid out from the front of a car or something. Sgt. Bennett thinks of us as family. We think of him as family. It's just like saving your family."
Bennett and others were able to drive the attackers away but not before they abducted and later killed four troops who were overtaken in another room.
"When you lose one or two of them, three, four, five, it takes you a while to get back," Bennett said. "You earn things or presented things, sometimes you don't even know what you are doing as you are getting it or how it's going to be looked at by other people. It's more of a conversation piece now and I'd rather just put it behind me now."
Bennett said earning the Silver Star is likely to be a lot easier than wearing it. He is only the third soldier ever from the 4th Brigade, 25th Infantry Division to receive the award.
The others are Master Sgt. Thomas Ballard for his actions in an attack in Najaf, Iraq and Pfc. Jonathon Millican, who was killed in the same attack that injured Sgt. Bennett.

One of Michael Yon's "Photo's of The Year"

2008-02-10T07:49:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite pictures that Michael Yon has captured. To see and read more of his work got to http://www.michaelyon-online.com/

Thanks and Praise: I photographed men and women, both Christians and Muslims, placing a cross atop the St. John’s Church in Baghdad. They had taken the cross from storage and a man washed it before carrying it up to the dome.

Wounded Marine Prepares to Return to Iraq

2008-02-05T18:45:00.000-08:00

Face of Defense: Wounded Marine Prepares to Return to IraqBy Pfc. Casey Jones, USMCSpecial to American Forces Press Service
CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C., Feb. 5, 2008 – Marine Corps Sgt. Jeremy F. Boutwell, 23, knows a thing or two about honor, courage and commitment.

An intelligence specialist with Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, Boutwell is planning for an upcoming deployment to Iraq after recovering from severe injuries suffered during an attack in Iraq’s Anbar province on March 14, 2004.

Boutwell was an MK-19 machine gunner with Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, when the attack occurred during a routine patrol. “We were going on a patrol about to cross the Euphrates River, a spot we crossed about every day, and for some reason we stopped,” Boutwell explained. “I looked to the left, and I heard a loud noise like an explosion, and everything went black after that.” The thunderous explosion caused Boutwell to lose consciousness, but he was able to regain awareness moments later. “It felt kind of weird, but everything came crashing down to reality after a while,” said Boutwell, who was a lance corporal at the time of the attack. “I could feel myself being pulled out of the truck, and I could hear my buddies yelling. I could hear and feel everything; I just couldn’t see anything. The last thing I remember was the wind from the chopper. When I woke up a few days later, I was (at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center) in Germany.” Boutwell said he was transferred from Germany to the National Naval Medical Center, in Bethesda, Md., then to Brooke Army Medical Center, in San Antonio, where he stayed for two years and underwent 18 surgeries.

But despite his physical injuries, Boutwell depicted the pain of no longer being “in the fight” with his Marine brethren as one of the toughest things to overcome in his life. “Honestly, leaving Iraq was the worst time of my life,” he said. “It was nice being around home for about the first month, because I got to see my family and friends, but then it tore me up inside knowing my buddies were still heavily engaged at the time (in Iraq).” Boutwell said he never lost his desire to be a Marine during the surgeries and his ensuing recovery, but quickly found himself in another battle: the fight to re-enlist. “I didn’t want to get out of the Marine Corps, and I wanted to go back to Iraq,” Boutwell said. “Headquarters tried to retire me from the Corps when I was stuck down in Texas for my surgeries. But I didn’t want to get out, so I fought the decision, and they finally let me lateral move to a different (military occupational specialty) and re-enlist.

You just really got to believe in being a Marine and believe in what you’re doing, and that’ll carry you as far as you want to go.” Boutwell is now preparing for a second deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. “I feel good about going back to Iraq,” Boutwell said. “I’ve been trying to go back for almost four years.” Boutwell said he is excited about seeing the positive changes between his last deployment and his upcoming deployment. “I’m going to be happy to see the differences from the way it was (in 2004),” he said. “The last time I was there, we were in the middle of a firefight every day, and now it’s a lot calmer. I know just from my experience from being over there the first time -- we definitely made a difference over there.” With the battalion’s deployment approaching, Boutwell has set a few personal goals to accomplish while in country. “I want to come home without a scratch, try to learn a lot while I am there, go out on patrols and get to see and talk to the (Iraqi people) -- you know, do something interesting,” he said. (Marine Corps Pfc. Casey Jones serves with 2nd Marine Division.)

Remember Fallujah?

2008-01-30T14:54:00.000-08:00

The deadliest city in Iraq is now not so much. Michael J. Totten has an outstanding piece painting a vivid picture of what once was has now become.

School girls walk home by themselves in Fallujah today. Not long ago, no children were out on the streets and schools were not even open.

FALLUJAH – At the end of 2006 there were 3,000 Marines in Fallujah. Despite what you might expect during a surge of troops to Iraq, that number has been reduced by 90 percent. All Iraqi Army soldiers have likewise redeployed from the city. A skeleton crew of a mere 250 Marines is all that remains as the United States wraps up its final mission in what was once Iraq's most violent city.
“The Iraqi Police could almost take over now,” Second Lieutenant Gary Laughlin told me. “Most logistics problems are slowly being resolved. My platoon will probably be the last one out here in the Jolan neighborhood.”
“The Iraqi Police in Jolan are very good,” Second Lieutenant Mike Barefoot added. “Elsewhere in Fallujah they're not as far along yet. Theoretically we could leave the area now and they would be okay, except they would run out of money.”

Read the rest of the article here http://www.michaeltotten.com/archives/2008/01/the-final-missi.php - It's worth it!

2 Ft. Lewis soldiers getting Silver Stars Today

2008-01-30T10:12:00.000-08:00

2 Lewis soldiers getting Silver Stars today
By Michelle Tan - Staff writerPosted : Wednesday Jan 30, 2008 12:59:14 EST

Two soldiers will receive the Silver Star, the nation’s third-highest award for valor, during a ceremony today at Fort Lewis, Wash.
Sgt. 1st Class Ismael Iban and Staff Sgt. Jon Hilliard belong to the 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division. The soldiers returned from Iraq in September.
The ceremony is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Pacific time at Sheridan Gym on post.
Iban, a platoon sergeant in 3rd Platoon, C Company, 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, will be recognized for his actions from Feb. 19, 2007.
On that day, the Tarmiya Joint Security Station near Taji, Iraq, was destroyed by a suicide car bomber, according to the narrative that accompanies the award. Iban and his platoon were on patrol about six miles away when they were called to assist at the JSS.
Iban ordered his platoon to respond, and as the soldiers entered the outskirts of Tarmiya, they immediately were attacked by small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades from nearby alleys and rooftops, according to the narrative. The soldiers pressed on, and as they approached the badly damaged JSS, they saw that it was engulfed in flames and smoke. A huge pile of debris from the explosion blocked the road, so Iban and four of his soldiers got out of their Stryker and moved more than 250 feet while under constant enemy fire to get to the JSS.
When they arrived, Iban established command and control, and he and his men began to prepare for the medical evacuation of 21 wounded American soldiers. While those inside the JSS continued to work, the rest of the platoon worked under enemy fire to clear a path in the road so that they could create a defensive perimeter.
Iban eventually loaded the more seriously wounded soldiers into his Stryker and began moving them to the nearest helicopter landing zone. When they arrived at the landing zone, the soldiers were hit by a complex attack. The enemy fired seven RPGs and multiple machine guns from nearby buildings and a wood line about 985 feet away. Iban ordered his men to establish a perimeter and engage the enemy while he dismounted his Stryker and provided additional suppressive fire as four medevac helicopters approached the landing zone, according to the narrative. Moving under intense fire, the litter teams ran about 330 feet from behind the cover of the Strykers into the open area to load nine critically wounded soldiers onto the helicopters. Enemy rounds impacted within feet of the soldiers.
Iban and his soldiers repeated their actions until all 21 wounded soldiers were safely on the helicopters.
“SFC Iban’s steadfast leadership and dauntless presence was instrumental in leading his 12-man platoon to overcome incredible odds presented by the enemy,” according to the narrative. “With absolute decisiveness, calmness under pressure and personal courage, SFC Iban’s performance on 19 February 2007 directly contributed to saving his fellow soldiers’ lives in Tarmiya, Iraq.”
On March 24, 2007, Hilliard and his soldiers from 3rd Platoon, B Company, 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, were traveling to a clearance operation in a volatile neighborhood in Baqubah when their Stryker was hit by a buried improvised explosive device.
The explosion set the back of the Stryker on fire, disabled the vehicle and wounded seven soldiers.
Hilliard, who was riding in the rear right air guard hatch, was ejected onto the top of the vehicle and he suffered multiple injuries to his left leg, according to the narrative accompanying his award.
However, Hilliard, a squad leader, immediately focused on his soldiers. He looked down and saw the ramp door was blown off and smoke had filled the troop compartment. As other soldiers arrived to help, they came under “sustained volleys of accurate and deadly” machine gun fire, according to the narrative. The explosion had left Hilliard without his weapon, but as he got ready to climb off the Stryker, he saw a M240B machine gun tangled in the sniper camouflage netting. Hilliard used his knife to cut the weapon loose and grabbed the nearest box of ammunition.
“Single handedly, he exposed himself on top of the burning Stryker while under accurate machine gun fire for approximately three minutes while the platoon maneuvered to establish a defensive position for the [casualty evacuation],” according to the narrative.
Hilliard suppressed multiple enemy machine gun positions and provided covering fire while the wounded soldiers were evacuated.
After the platoon established a defensive perimeter, Hilliard climbed off the Stryker to gain control of what was left of his squad and retrieve his weapon, which had blown off the vehicle in the blast. After he fired his M203 at two more enemy positions, he realized the M204B he had been using was now with 1st Platoon.
Hilliard ran 165 feet across an open area to retrieve the machine gun, coming under small-arms fire and an RPG. When he got the machine gun, Hilliard tried to return to his platoon, but he collapsed from his wounds and was no longer able to walk. He was medically evacuated to Forward Operation Base Warhorse for his injuries.
“SSG Hilliard’s bravery in the face of fire, tireless efforts and selfless service were instrumental in the successful recovery and evacuation of men, weapons and equipment, as well as the destruction of numerous [anti-Iraqi forces],” according to the narrative. “His actions and his demeanor were truly inspirational to those present throughout these actions.”

BUSH URGES PROGRAMS to BENEFIT MILITARY FAMILIES, WOUNDED TROOPS

2008-01-29T09:54:00.000-08:00

Hopefully Congress steps up to the plate with this! Our Troops and their families deserve this!!

Bush Urges Programs to Benefit Military Families, Wounded TroopsBy Donna MilesAmerican Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28, 2008 – President Bush called on Congress tonight to reward the contributions servicemembers and their families make every day through better services and laws that let them share unused education benefits and give military spouses hiring preference for federal jobs. (Video)

Addressing both houses of Congress during his seventh annual State of the Union address, the president also urged passage of Dole-Shalala Commission recommendations to ensure wounded warriors receive the services they deserve. The president acknowledged the great sacrifices military families make as their loved ones serve, and announced new proposals to show appreciation. “Our military families also sacrifice for America. They endure sleepless nights and the daily struggle of providing for children while a loved one is serving far from home,” Bush said. “We have a responsibility to provide for them. So I ask you to join me in expanding their access to child care, creating new hiring preferences for military spouses across the federal government, and allowing our troops to transfer their unused education benefits to their spouses or children.”

Bush urged Congress to approve legislation that allows servicemembers to transfer unused Montgomery G.I. Bill benefits to their spouses and children. The G.I. Bill provides up to 36 months of education benefits to eligible veterans for college, technical or vocational courses and other job training. Currently, the Army is the only service that allows its members to transfer those benefits to their children. The president said he wants all veterans to be able to transfer benefits they have earned to their spouses and children.

Bush also asked Congress to pass a bill creating new hiring preferences across the federal government for military spouses. Under current law, only veterans themselves are entitled to preferences over others in competitive hiring for federal government jobs. “Our military families serve our nation, they inspire our nation, and tonight our nation honors them,” he said. The United States owes that same honor to its veterans, Bush said, particularly those wounded in the war on terror. He urged Congress to enact reforms recommended by the President’s Commission on Care for America’s Returning Wounded Warriors to ensure they are able to “build lives of hope, promise and dignity.” The president created the commission in March to conduct a comprehensive review of the services returning wounded warriors receive. The commission, co-chaired by former Sen. Bob Dole and former Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala -- both of whom attended tonight’s address -- released its findings in July. Some of the commission’s recommendations have been put into effect already, but others require legislative action. Measures already taken or in the works include: -- Hiring of the first federal recovery coordinators to help guide wounded servicemembers through their recuperation; -- Establishment of a pilot program establishing a single comprehensive disability exam to replace separate exams in the Defense Department and Department of Veterans Affairs; -- Creation of a new National Center of Excellence for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury in the Washington, D.C., area; -- Efforts to create a single Web portal so wounded servicemembers and veterans can track their medical and recovery records, get information and apply for benefits and services; -- Proposed regulations to update the disability schedule for traumatic brain injury and burns; and -- Use of special authorities to retain the best health professionals working at Walter Reed Army Medical Center until it closes.

The president said he remains committed to the well-being of America’s men and women in uniform and is keeping his commitment to provide for veterans. “America is a force for hope in the world because we are a compassionate people, and some of the most compassionate Americans are those who have stepped forward to protect us,” he said. “We must keep faith with all who have risked life and limb so that we might live in freedom and peace.”

OPERATION AMINA

2008-01-29T09:18:00.000-08:00

God Bless Our Troops! I pray that this precious little girl recovers quickly!

Operation Amina
Marine Corps News LCpl. Shawn Coolman January 25, 2008HADITHA CITY, Iraq - Three-year-old Amina Al'a Thabit has one chance at life.
On a routine meet-and-greet patrol through the city streets of Haditha, Marines with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5 noticed something wasn't quite right with little Amina.

"The first day we saw her, we thought she was the cutest girl," said Sgt. Bryan C. Velasquez, 23, a Company L squad leader from Houston. "We just fell in love with her."
Amina has a congenital heart condition, known as Complex Cyanotic Heart Disease that can't be treated with the current facilities in Iraq.

"She is unable to oxygenate her blood properly," said Navy Capt. John H. Nadeau, the battalion surgeon. "She unfortunately has a number of birth defects; the blood bypasses her lungs and gets pumped around her body without sufficient oxygen."

The battalion raised approximately $30,000 for her safe travel to the U.S. and to have open heart surgery. If not treated, her life expectancy would be dire.
"We needed about $30,000 to fly a U.S. medical team to Jordon and fly Amina and her mom back to the U.S.," said Maj. John K. Jarrard, 35, commanding officer, Company L, who is from Gainesville, Ga. "This is a huge effort; folks back home, private donations, everyone came together to make this happen."

The effort to get Amina and her mother clearance to enter the U.S. was facilitated by the battalion's communications officer, Maj. Jake J. Falcone, through the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security, with whom he is a civilian contractor.
"By word of mouth we hope this act will spread the message that we're not the devil or here for oil," said Falcone.

Amina arrived in the U.S. Wednesday and is now at the Monroe Carell Jr. Childrens' Hospital at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., awaiting her surgery.
"Amina is in the hands of the best surgeons in the America," said Jarrard.
While not with her daughter at the hospital, Amina's mother is staying at a local home of an Iraqi family that Jarrards' wife and aunt found through the hospital.

The future for the Haditha City Hospital looks promising.
Amina was diagnosed with her condition here, but there are not sufficient facilities or equipment to perform these kinds of operations, said Jarrard.
"The doctors can diagnose it now to some degree, but with a year-long 7.5 million dollar upgrade to the hospital starting in March, they will," said Jarrard. "Iraqi doctors are exceptional; it's just a matter of providing them with the facilities and equipment."

The Iraqi government backed the Marines effort with their unconditional support.
"We couldn't have done this without the full support of the Iraqi government from the local to the national level," said Jarrard. "We're making progress to take care of these kinds of problems right here in Iraq," said Jarrard.
"We have done everything we can - all we can do is pray for a successful surgery and rapid recovery," said Jarrard.

One of OPERATION FIRST RESPONSE'S Wounded Heroes Attends State Of The Union

2008-01-28T19:35:00.000-08:00

Looking handsome as ever! We are so proud of you Brian!!

State of The Union

2008-01-28T19:19:00.001-08:00

Thank you Mr. President

Patriotism Not Quite Dead In The Public Schools

2008-01-27T16:28:00.000-08:00

Battle Hymn Of The Republic sung by elementary school choirs along with high school choirs. Follow the link provided. Sit back and relax and enjoy this arrangement by school kids. Very moving indeed! http://www.trdaniel.com/Battle%20Hymn/index.htm

Joint Staff Ops Directer Cites Value of "America Supports You"

2008-01-27T14:45:00.000-08:00

Joint Staff Ops Director Cites Value of ‘America Supports You’By Donna MilesAmerican Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 2008 – The Joint Staff’s operations director told participants in the third annual America Supports You National Summit here today it would be impossible to put a price tag on what they give the country’s men and women in uniform.
Army Lt. Gen. Carter F. Ham told more than 180 representatives of 122 troop-support groups at the Pentagon for the all-day summit that the work they do and the support of the American people provide “the center of gravity for our operations.” Troops rely on equipment, supplies, food and other resources to carry out their mission. But just as important, he said, is knowing the country stands solidly behind them and appreciates the sacrifices they and their families make. “And that’s what you do,” Ham told the group. America Supports You organizations provide “a gentle reminder that somebody cares about them,” he said. “What you do signals to them that we care (and) your country is supportive of you. The message you send is, ‘Thank you, soldiers; thank you, sailors; thank you, airmen; and thank you, Marines; and thank you to your families for what you’re doing.’” Ham recalled his first exposure to the America Supports You program, when he was working as the Joint Staff’s deputy director for regional operations shortly after the Defense Department unveiled the program in November 2004. “I don’t think any of us who saw this at the start thought that America Supports You would turn into what it’s become,” he told the group. “What you do truly does make a difference,” he said. “I don’t know what it would be like if you weren’t here, doing what you do day in and day out. But I do know that it wouldn’t be as good as it is.” Traveling frequently between the Pentagon and forward locations in Iraq and Afghanistan, Ham said, he’s witnessed firsthand the program’s impact on deployed servicemembers. He said he watched troops return to their operating base after a mission, pausing to pick up and read a letter from a stack of thank-yous sent by an America Supports You group. “It’s not uncommon to see them sit down and write a note back to somebody they have no idea who they are, just to say, ‘Thank you for thinking of us. Thank you for thinking of me and my buddies,’” he said. Ham said he’s also seen servicemembers -- particularly those who aren’t married or have no immediate family -- respond to a care package or card expressing appreciation. “You can almost physically see their reaction when their commander or sergeant hands them a little bag or one of the mailings,” he said. “These are tough folks that have been in combat, and they’re moved by that. “So if you ever wonder if what you’re doing matters, if folks appreciate it, let me give you an unequivocal ‘yes,’” Ham told the group. “You see it so many different ways.” Ham said the impact of the America Supports You program expands far beyond each individual care package, letter to the troops or other single show of support. “Collectively, the power you bring to our servicemembers around the world, especially to those who are in harm’s way, simply can’t be overstated,” he said. “It is a little touch of home. It is a little, gentle remember that somebody cares about them. … You can’t put a price tag on that.”

Injured Iraq Veteran Lands Trophy Bull

2008-01-27T10:04:00.000-08:00

Injured Iraq veteran lands trophy bull
By Landon Johnston - Cortez JournalPosted : Saturday Jan 26, 2008 14:14:02 EST

MANCOS, Colo. — It was a day filled with numbers, tears and triumph for retired Army Sgt. Mark Ecker on a recent Saturday at Mesa Verde Elk Ranch.
Twenty-three years old. Two prosthetic legs. Minus 10 degrees.
Telling numbers in themselves, those are not the ones Ecker, an Iraq War veteran who lost both his legs during combat in February, will remember from his first elk hunt. In his words, those would be: A Weatherby .270 rifle; four shots; and a 6-by-6-point, 800-pound bull elk.
“That was cool,” Ecker said after bringing down the trophy bull donated by the 225-acre elk ranch, located off U.S. 160 east of Mancos. “Now, I’m ready to go hunting!”
The hunt was Ecker’s first.
“First elk; first time elk hunting; first time hunting period,” he said before the expedition. “It feels pretty exciting.”
Ecker, who lives in Pueblo, was joined by his former platoon sergeant, Sgt. 1st Class Shawn Farnsworth. The men served together in Iraq until Ecker was wounded in a firefight in Ramadi. While attempting to spread out his four-person fire team, Ecker was hit by a wall-mounted, improvised explosive device on Feb. 24, 2007. He lost both legs in the blast.
One could hardly tell the fire-team leader sustained such serious injuries as he glided around on two prosthetic legs. With temperatures dipping below zero, Ecker rejected all attempts to help him navigate through the knee-deep snow.
“You’re just as stubborn as you always were,” Farnsworth joked as Ecker strapped on a pair of snowshoes. “God, it’s good to see you up here.”
About a dozen people — spotters, friends, community members, and media members — braved the frigid temperatures to support Ecker. Like a watchful father, Farnsworth instructed Ecker how to use his brand-new rifle as the group gathered near the lodge. The National Rifle Association donated the gun for Ecker’s hunt.
Jay Kibel, of Outdoor Connection, loaded Ecker into a custom ATV built for deep snow. After being transported to the shooting area, Ecker sighted-in his rifle from the tailgate of Kibel’s ride. Then, it became a waiting game as several volunteers attempted to push a herd of about 45 elk in his direction.
The hunt was tricky because several animals, like the 15-year-old bull called Braveheart, were off-limits. Some of the bulls also had fractured racks after battling with each other over the past few months. Ranch manager Stacy Hess joined the spotters to ensure Ecker targeted the right one.
The group spotted several large bulls near Ecker’s position around 10 a.m. Finally, he received word to shoot. Once the bull was singled out, he took aim as the group held its breath.
Farnsworth, a seasoned hunter who lives in Canon City, had a hard time containing his excitement.
“Fifteen months in Iraq is all a blur right now,” he whispered with a smile. “This is what it’s all about.”
Ecker’s first shot missed, but the second found its mark, nailing the bull in the midsection. Ecker again hopped in Kibel’s ATV to go inspect his work. The elk, a 6-year-old male, was worth an estimated $5,500, according to Hess. Ecker and his group of spotters had originally been looking for a black-tag bull, one not quite as big as the one he eventually shot.
“He’s a big boy, probably about 800 pounds or so,” Hess said as Ecker posed with his kill. “It’s not quite what we were looking for, but I gave the OK when we spotted him. The look on his face was well worth it.”
Ecker asked Farnsworth to join him as the two sat atop the elk and smiled for photographers.
“That’s my boy, right here,” Farnsworth praised, the emotion apparent on his face. Following several minutes of congratulations, the elder soldier stepped in to show Ecker “the true essence of hunting.”
With Ecker looking on, Farnsworth wielded a hunting knife and began attacking the elk’s carcass. Soon, both were intently working on cleaning and dressing the animal. Ecker later raised the heart and graciously declined the invitation to take a bite.
“That’s something they do to greenhorns,” Farnsworth warned. “Don’t let them talk you into it!”
The day’s events were highlighted by a special open-house dinner at Bob and Terri Lunas’ Dolores hunting lodge. The Lunas, of Colorado Hunting Expeditions, housed Ecker, Farnsworth and four other Iraq veterans for the weekend. The soldiers’ families also attended on the Lunas’ dime.
Food for the event, which attracted more than 100 people, was paid for in part by the Four Corners Chapter of Safari Club International, the American Legion Ute Mountain Post No. 75 and Coca-Cola. Several other local groups also contributed.
After watching a video of Ecker’s hunt — the elk’s head was appropriately placed on the Lunas’ front porch — everyone gathered in the main seating room. It was there that Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis Bergmann, of Fort Carson, addressed the crowd.
He thanked the Lunas and the numerous people involved for allowing them to come down. Bergmann, who said he’s lost 32 soldiers under his command, then touched on what an infantry battalion is and what they are tasked to do.
“We clear the bad guys every day. You talk about combat and you’re talking about an infantry battalion,” he said). “It’s crazy over there. We don’t play any games. We just go out and take care of business.”
After several gifts were presented to the soldiers, Bergmann invited those present to visit with them. In addition to Bergmann, Ecker and Farnsworth, Sgt. 1st Class Robert Digby, 1st Sgt. Scott Davis and Sgt. Darren Irwin hunted over the weekend of Jan. 19-20.
Cow-elk hunting was made available for all the soldiers on Game Management Unit 72 — between Cortez and Dove Creek on the west side of U.S. 491 — through the Colorado Division of Wildlife and landowner Richard McClellan. Colorado Hunting Expedition guides donated time and vehicles to guide the hunts.
Friday, Jan. 18, marked presentation night at the Luna lodge, with the NRA offering Ecker his rifle and the soldiers presenting the Lunas with a commemorative flag that flew in Iraq.
Steve Blackwell of Safari Club International told Ecker, “Losing your legs doesn’t make you a hero. Getting back up does.”

Gates Thanks Troop-Support Groups at Summit

2008-01-27T09:44:00.000-08:00

Gates Thanks Troop-Support Groups at SummitBy Samantha L. QuigleyAmerican Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 2008 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today recognized the volunteers who selflessly support the nation’s servicemembers with care packages and letters, scholarships and myriad other gestures.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates thanks the nearly 200 representatives of 113 troop-support groups gathered at the Pentagon on Jan. 25, 2008, for the third annual America Support You Summit. Gates fielded questions from the audience before concluding his appearance. Defense Dept. photo by Samantha L. Quigley (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.“For those whose lives you have touched, every gesture, no matter how small, has a tangible impact,” Gates said during the third annual America Supports You National Summit at the Pentagon. “Your work plays a vital role in uplifting sprits in the face of dangers and stresses on the battlefield and at home.”America Supports You is a Defense Department program that connects citizens, groups and companies with troops and their families serving at home and abroad. The program is affiliated with almost 350 troop-support groups.Gates acknowledged that the nearly 113 troop-support groups represented at the summit don’t do what they do for recognition or the opportunities their efforts may garner them. “You do it because you feel, like I do, a deep pride in a new generation of Americans who, when faced with extraordinary challenges, have answered a call to duty, honor, and country,” Gates said. The defense secretary recounted some of his experiences since he assumed his position in December 2007, including the opportunities he’s had to travel the world to meet with men and women in uniform. From privates to four-star generals and family members, Gates said he’s both honored to serve alongside them and humbled by their “extraordinary sense of duty.” Gates said America owes these men and women a great debt of gratitude, and he feels the nation’s citizens have stepped forward to support their troops, which did not always happen in the past during controversial conflicts. From simple verbal appreciation to standing ovations in airport terminals, the gratitude is heartfelt and bridges any political divide. “While we are all united in our admiration of those who have volunteered to serve our nation during these challenging times, it takes a special kind of person to devote part of their life to actively making the lives of our troops better, both during their deployments and when they get back,” Gates said. “So from the bottom of my heart, and on behalf of all our men and women in uniform and their families, thank you for everything you have done and will continue to do in the future.”