One Loon's Tales

NEVER FORGET

2010-01-01T23:00:00.000-08:00

PLEASE NEVER FORGET.........THERE ARE ONLY 2 LIFE FORCES WHO HAVE OFFERED TO DIE FOR YOU.........JESUS CHRIST AND THE AMERICAN MILITARY.

Please scroll below for newer posts.

INDEPENDENCE DAY, 2009 --- AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL

2009-07-04T00:48:00.000-07:00

On this day in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress and a new Nation was born.

While you are celebrating the freedoms encompassed in the above Declaration, please take the time to honour the men and women in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Guard, and Reserves of the United States' Armed Forces.

On this July 4th, and every day, may God bless America........truly, the greatest friend and ally the world has ever known.

CANADA DAY, 2009 --- THE MAPLE LEAF FOREVER

2009-06-30T22:36:00.000-07:00

Queen Victoria granted Royal assent to the British North America Act on March 29, 1867. This act created the Dominion of Canada, which meant that Canada was no longer merely a colony of the British Empire, and defined the structure for the Government of Canada...including its Federal structure, the House of Commons, the Senate, the Justice system, and the taxation system. The original Provinces at the time of Confederation were New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Quebec, and Ontario; which united the former areas known as Upper and Lower Canada. Today, there are 10 Provinces and the three Territories of Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Nunavut.

The British North America Act came into effect on July 1st, 1867. Although the form of the new Government of Canada was greatly influenced by that of the United States of America, the Fathers of Confederation decided to retain a monarchial form of the Parliamentary system with the reigning Sovereign of the United Kingdom as its' Head of State.

After 142 years, one major rebellion in 1884, a Constitutional Crisis in 1926, the establishment of martial law (under the only peactime usage of the War Measures' Act) during the FLQ crisis in 1970, an ongoing Constitutional Crisis since 1982 due to the Province of Quebec refusing to sign the current Constitution of Canada known as the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and our Military fighting first as part of the British Empire until the establishment of the Canadian Armed Forces.........after all this, and much much more, we celebrate July 1st as Canada Day and take pride in our traditions of being a part of the British Commonwealth of Nations and of our continued close ties with our closest friend and Military, political, and economical ally, the United States of America.

God save the Queen and may God bless Canada!

GOD BLESS THE U.S.A.!

2009-06-27T13:47:00.000-07:00

A lone Thunderbird performs maneuvers to close the 2009 air show on Dover Air Force Base, Del., June 21, 2009.
U.S. Air Force photo by: Tom Randle

"DAWG MEDIC"

2009-06-22T06:48:00.000-07:00

Army Sgt. Laurence Cameron of the North Carolina National Guard’s Battery B, 113th Field Artillery, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, has been known as “Dawg Medic” since the beginning of his deployment. While on patrol south of Baghdad on June 20, 2009, the Rock Hill, S.C., native lived up to his name when he gave intravenous fluids to a Military Working Dog on the mission.
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Mary Phillips

Army Sgt. Laurence Cameron, left, administers intravenous fluids to a Military Working Dog with Army Sgt. James Harrington south of Baghdad, June 20, 2009.
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Mary Phillips

Ryky, a 1st Cavalry Division Working Dog, takes a break at the end of a patrol south of Baghdad, June 20, 2009.
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Mary Phillips

To read the full article, please visit: http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=54854

To learn more about the accomplishments of these Soldiers, Military Working Dogs, and our Troops in Iraq, please visit:

Multinational Corps Iraq: http://www.mnci.centcom.mil/

TWICE A SPECIAL DAY

2009-06-14T07:06:00.000-07:00

Founded on June 14th, 1775, the mission of the United States Army is:

" to "provide necessary forces and capabilities ... in support of the National Security and Defense Strategies."

We say "God bless the men and women who wear the uniform of the United States Army" and pray that the Troops and Veterans know how grateful the Nation is for their service.

Happy 234th Birthday and HOOAH, to the U.S. Army!

Today the design of the Flag of the United States of America was adopted by the Continental Congress, in 1777.

Americans have died to protect the freedoms it represents. Americans have seen it waving and stood proud. Americans wear it with pride on the uniforms of the branches of the Military.........and for that reason, and more, we pay it the respect and honour it deserves.

You're a grand old Flag and long may you wave!

Poor Liberty----We Barely Knew Ye!

2009-06-13T06:38:00.000-07:00

Pentagon Reports Army Mascot 'Liberty' Killed in Iraq

U.S. FORCES---AFGHANISTAN

2009-06-10T02:53:00.000-07:00

The following video is from a Servicemember deployed with U.S. Forces in Afghanistan and is a compilation of their photographs and their Team Members.

You may follow the progress of our Troops in Afghanistan on their You Tube and Twitter accounts at :

You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/user/USFORA

Twitter: http://twitter.com/usfora

Please don't forget to say a prayer of thanks for our Troops and Veterans.

CONGRATULATIONS, SIRS!

2009-06-10T02:10:00.000-07:00

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has nominated:

Army Maj. Gen. Robert W. Cone for appointment to the rank of Lieutenant General and assignment as Commanding General, III Corps and Fort Hood, Fort Hood, Texas. Gen. Cone is currently serving as Special Assistant to the Commanding General, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, Fort Monroe, Va.

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has made the following nomination:

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has nominated:

Army Reserve Col. Robert L. Walter Jr., for appointment to the grade of Brigadier General and assignment to Deputy Commander (Individual Mobilization Augmentee), U.S. Intelligence and Security Command, Fort Belvoir, Va. Gen. Walter is currently serving as the DeputyCcommander, Military Intelligence Readiness Command, Fort Belvoir, Va.

The Army chief of staff, announces the assignment of the following Officers:

Maj. Gen. David B. Lacquement, Commanding General, U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command, Fort Belvoir, Va., to Deputy Director, Signals Intelligence Directorate, National Security Agency, Fort Meade, Md.

Maj. Gen. Raymond V. Mason, Commanding General, 8th Theater Sustainment Command/Commanding General, U.S. Army Hawaii, Fort Shafter, Hawaii, to Deputy Chief of Staff, G-4, U.S. Army Forces Command, Fort McPherson, Ga.

Brig. Gen. Michael J. Terry, Commanding General, U.S. Army Security Assistance Command, Fort Belvoir, Va., to Commanding General, 8th Theater Sustainment Command/Commanding General, U.S. Army Hawaii, Fort Shafter, Hawaii.

Brig. Gen. Christopher Tucker, Program Manager, Saudi Arabian National Guard Modernization Program, Saudi Arabia to Commanding General, U.S. Army Security Assistance Command, Fort Belvoir, Va.

Brig. Gen. Frank D. Turner III, Deputy Commander/Chief of Staff, U.S. Army Accessions Command, Fort Monroe, Va., to Program Manager, Saudi Arabian National Guard Modernization Program, Saudi Arabia.

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has nominated:

Air Force Brig. Gen. Douglas J. Robb for appointment to the rank of Major General while serving as the Command Surgeon, Headquarters Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill.

The Air Force Chief of Staff announces the assignment of the following General Officers:

Maj. Gen. Richard E. Webber, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, operations, Plans and Requirements, Headquarters, U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C., to Commander, 24th Air Force, Air Force Space Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.

Maj. Gen. Johnny A. Weida, Deputy Chief of Staff, U.N. Command and U.S. Forces Korea, U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan, South Korea, to Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations, Plans, and Requirements, Headquarters, U.S. Air Force, Pentagon,Washington, D.C.

Brig. Gen. Lawrence L. Wells, director, who has been selected for the rank of Major General, Warfighter Systems Integration and Deployment, Office of Warfighting Integration and Chief Information Officer, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C., to Deputy Chief of Staff, U.N. Command and U.S. Forces Korea, U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan, South Korea.

Brig. Gen. William J. Bender, Commander, 86th Airlift Wing and Kaiserslautern Military Community Commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, to Director, Warfighter Systems Integration and Deployment, Office of Warfighting Integration and Chief Information Officer, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

Brig. Gen. Jeffrey G. Lofgren, Vice Commander, First Air Force, Air Combat Command, Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., to Deputy Director, Operations, J-3, Headquarters U.S. Northern Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.

Brig. Gen. Thomas J. Trask, Director, Plans, Programs, Requirements, and Assessments, Headquarters Air Force Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field, Fla., to Deputy Director, Theater Plans and Synchronization Element, Headquarters U.S. Central Command, MacDill AFB, Fla.

Col. Mark C. Dillon who has been selected for the rank of Brigadier General, Commander, 60th Air Mobility Wing, Air Mobility Command, Travis Air Force Base, Calif., to Commander, 86th Airlift Wing and Kaiserslautern Military Community Commander, U.S. States Air Forces in Europe, Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

May God bless you, Sirs, with fair skies and much success in your new commands.

JUNE 6th, 1944------NEVER FORGET

2009-06-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

Sixty-five years ago this evening, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt lead the Nation in prayer and to announce that the liberation of Europe, code-named Operation Overlord but known to history as D-Day, had begun in the early morning hours of that day....

It was formally titled "Operation Overlord", but is known to history as "D-Day" because the decision to go had had to be delayed 3 times due to bad weather over the English Channel.

It involved Troops from England, Canada, the United States, free-France, Poland, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, the Netherlands, and Greece.

It officially began late in the night of June 5th, 1944, when some 822 aircraft, carrying Paratroopers and/or towing gliders, left Bases in England for France. This would only be a small part of the more than 13, 000 Allied aircraft, and Flight Crews, that would take part.

It comprised a Naval armada of 500 Naval vessels, including escorts and bombardment ships; 2,500 support ships; and 3, 000 landing craft from: the Royal Navy, which included ships and Sailors from Canada; the U.S. Navy; the Royal Australian Navy; the Royal Navy of Norway; and the Royal New Zealand Navy.

It involved a plan to land these Troops on 5 beaches, code-named: Juno, Gold, Sword, Omaha, and Utah.

It was planned to have all Allied Troops make their landing at their appointed beaches at the appointed times, break German forces, and have all Units meet up at appointed targets by the afternoon......or the early evening of June 6th, at the latest.

It had problems of logistics, egos among Allied Commanders, bad weather, and high numbers of fatalities and wounded.

It began the liberation of Nazi-occupied Europe and didn't end until the German surrender on May 8th, 1945.

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We owe such a debt to those Allied Troops. A debt that ensures that what they endured will never be forgotten. A debt that is repaid whenever we take a moment to say, "Thank You" to men whose step may be slower...whose eyes may take longer to focus......but who ask for nothing EXCEPT for us to never forget them and their fellow Troops.

To all those who fought, who died, and to their families, I say THANK YOU and ask that God may bless you always.......just as he blessed 7 men who fought, recovered from their wounds, and returned home to their grateful families: 2 who fought in the Royal Canadian Army, 1 who fought in the British Army, 1 who fought in the Royal Air Force, 1 who fought in the Royal Canadian Air Force, 1 who fought in the U.S. Army Air Force and later the U.S. Air Force, and 1 who fought in the U.S. Navy.

THE BATTLE OF MIDWAY....JUNE 4TH TO 6TH, 1942

2009-06-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

The location

Commanders: Chester W. Nimitz

Frank J. Fletcher

Raymond A. Spruance

Strength: 3 CV-class carriers: USS Enterprise
USS Hornet
USS Yorktown

25 support ships: destroyers, cruisers, and refueling ships

233 carrier-based aircraft

127 land-based aircraft

Losses: 1 carrier, sunk

1 destroyer, sunk

98 aircraft, destroyed

307, KIA

Commanders: Yamamoto Isoroku

Nagumo Chuichi

Yamaguchi Tamon

Strength: 4 carriers: Akagi, Kaga, Hiryu, Soryu

2 battleships

15 support ships: heavy & light cruisers, destroyers, and refueling ships

248 carrier-based aircraft

16 floatplanes

Losses: 4 carriers, sunk

1 cruiser, sunk

248 aircraft, destroyed

3,057, KIA

Even though, technically, the battle began at dawn on June 4th, 1942, the United States had realized the strategic importance of Midway Atoll from the outset of the war in the Pacific. While Japan knew that America had the industrial strength to defeat them, they firmly believed that the Imperial Japanese Navy had the necessary discipline and will to win combined with what they believed to be their greatest weapon.......surprise attack after surprise attack; which they believed would wear down American resolve. After nearly 6 months of defeat after defeat, the Japanese Imperial Navy had almost succeeded.....................but not quite.

What the Japanese didn't know was that their Naval code had been broken, so that even though they had the greater numbers of carriers and battle groups the U.S. knew where they were headed. Also, after the success of the Doolittle raid on Japan, on April 18th, 1942, the Americans had gained an important psychological advantage by demonstrating that Japan was not impregnable.

Yet, this only outlines the beginning of what was, without question, the most important battle of the Pacific. What we must never forget is the men who fought and died and never gave up or gave in, no matter what they had endured and suffered.

For complete posts on the Battle of Midway, please follow the links on the right side of this blog to the following sites: The Dept. of Defense, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, Neptunus Lex, and Steeljaw Scribe.

June 2nd, 1953----LONG MAY SHE REIGN!

2009-06-02T01:11:00.000-07:00

It was on this day in 1953 that HM Queen Elizabeth II was crowned Queen of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and the Commonwealth.

The Queen came to the throne on February 6th, 1952, upon the death of her Father, HM King George VI, and as Queen Regnant she is also the head of the Military of all the countries of which she is Head of State. That makes the Queen the only living Head of State who served in the Military during World War II.

On this day, as always, I wish HM all of God`s blessings and proudly proclaim.....

GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!

CONGRATULATIONS, MA'AM & SIRS!

2009-06-01T00:09:00.000-07:00

The Chief of Staff, Army announces the assignment of the following Officers:

Maj. Gen. Timothy P. McHale, Director, Security Agreement Secretariat, Multi-National Forces-Iraq, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iraq to Director, Logistics Operations, Defense Logistics Agency, Fort Belvoir, Va.

Brig. Gen. William F. Grimsley, Deputy Commanding General (Operations), 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized), Fort Hood, Texas, to Deputy Commanding General, III Corps and Fort Hood, Fort Hood, Texas.

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has nominated:

Navy Adm. Robert F. Willard for reappointment to the grade of Admiral and assignment as Commander, U.S. Pacific Command, Honolulu, Hawaii. Adm. Willard is currently serving as Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Honolulu, Hawaii.

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead announced today the following assignment:

Navy Capt. Mark L. Tidd, who has been selected for promotion to Rear Admiral (lower half), will be assigned as Chaplain of the Marine Corps/Deputy Chief of Chaplains/Deputy Director of Religious Ministries, Washington, D.C. Capt. Tidd is currently serving as Command Chaplain, U.S. European Command, Vaihingen, Germany.

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has nominated:

Navy Rear Adm. Joseph D. Kernan for appointment to the rank of Vice Admiral and assignment as Senior Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense, Pentagon, Washington, DC. Adm. Kernan is currently serving as Commander, Fourth Fleet/commander, U.S. Naval Forces, U.S. Southern Command, Mayport, Fla.

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead announced today the following assignments:

Rear Adm. (lower half) Frank C. Pandolfe, who has been selected for promotion to Rear Admiral, will be assigned as Director, Surface Warfare Division, N86, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C. Adm. Pandolfe is currently serving as Commander, Carrier Strike Group Two, Norfolk, Va.

Rear Adm. Victor Guillory will be assigned as Commander, Fourth Fleet/Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, U.S. Southern Command, Mayport, Fla. Adm. Guillory is currently serving as Director, Surface Warfare Division, N86, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.

The chief of staff, Air Force announces the assignment of the following General Officers:

Maj. Gen. William N. McCasland, director, Space Acquisition, Office of the Under Secretary of the Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C., to Director, Special Programs, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

Brig. Gen. Susan K. Mashiko, who has been selected for the rank of Major General, Vice Commander, Space and Missile Systems Center, Air Force Space Command, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., to Director, Space Acquisition, Office of the Under Secretary of the Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

Brig. Gen. Samuel A.R. Greaves, Commander, Military Satellite Communications Systems Wing, Space and Missile Systems Center, Air Force Space Command, Los Angeles, Air Force Base, Calif., to Vice Commander, Space and Missile Systems Center, Air Force Space Command, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif.

Maj. Gen. Stanley E. Clarke III, Military Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, Strategic Plans and Programs, Headquarters United States Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C., to Chief, Office of Defense Cooperation, Turkey, U.S. European Command, Ankara, Turkey.

Brig. Gen. Joseph L. Lengyel, Commander, Air National Guard Readiness Center, Andrews Air Force Base, Md., to Military Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, Strategic Plans and Programs, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

Brig. Gen. Michael R. Moeller, who has been selected to the rank of Major General, Commander, 379^th Air Expeditionary Wing, Air Combat Command, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, to Director, Strategy, Plans and Policy, J-5, Headquarters U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.

Brig. Gen. James O. Poss, who has been selected to the rank of Major General, director, Intelligence, Headquarters Air Combat Command, Langley Air Force Base, Va., to Director, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Capabilities, Deputy Chief of Staff, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

Brig. Gen. Leonard A. Patrick, commander, 37^th Training Wing, Air Education and Training Command, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, to Commander, 502^nd Air Base Wing, Air Education and Training Command, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.

The Air Force chief of staff announces the assignment of the following General Officers:

Brig. Gen. Harry D. Polumbo Jr., Commander, 380^th Air Expeditionary Wing, Air Combat Command, Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, to Director, Plans, and Programs, Headquarters Air Combat Command, Langley Air Force Base, Va.

Brig. Gen. Bryan J. Benson, Vice Commander, 618^th Tanker Airlift Control Center, Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., to Commander, 380^th Air Expeditionary Wing, Air Combat Command, Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates.

Brig. Gen. Stephen W. Wilson, Deputy Commander, Canadian North American Aerospace Defense Command Region, North American Aerospace Defense Command, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, to Commander, 379^th Air Expeditionary Wing, Air Combat Command, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar.

May God bless you all, Ma'am and Sirs, in your new commands with fair skies and calm seas.

WE SHALL NEVER FORGET THEIR SACRIFICE

2009-05-24T22:00:00.000-07:00

The Bivouac of the Dead

The muffled drum's sad roll has beat
The soldier's last tattoo;
No more on Life's parade shall meet
That brave and fallen few.
On fame's eternal camping ground
Their silent tents to spread,
And glory guards, with solemn round
The bivouac of the dead.

No rumor of the foe's advance
Now swells upon the wind;
Nor troubled thought at midnight haunts
Of loved ones left behind;
No vision of the morrow's strife
The warrior's dreams alarms;
No braying horn or screaming fife
At dawn shall call to arms.

Their shriveled swords are red with rust,
Their plumed heads are bowed,
Their haughty banner, trailed in dust,
Is now their martial shroud.
And plenteous funeral tears have washed
The red stains from each brow,
And the proud forms, by battle gashed
Are free from anguish now.

The neighing troop, the flashing blade,
The bugle's stirring blast,
The charge, the dreadful cannonade,
The din and shout, are past;
Nor war's wild note, nor glory's peal
Shall thrill with fierce delight
Those breasts that nevermore may feel
The rapture of the fight.

Like the fierce Northern hurricane
That sweeps the great plateau,
Flushed with triumph, yet to gain,
Come down the serried foe,
Who heard the thunder of the fray
Break o'er the field beneath,
Knew the watchword of the day
Was "Victory or death!"

Long had the doubtful conflict raged
O'er all that stricken plain,
For never fiercer fight had waged
The vengeful blood of Spain;
And still the storm of battle blew,
Still swelled the glory tide;
Not long, our stout old Chieftain knew,
Such odds his strength could bide.

Twas in that hour his stern command
Called to a martyr's grave
The flower of his beloved land,
The nation's flag to save.
By rivers of their father's gore
His first-born laurels grew,
And well he deemed the sons would pour
Their lives for glory too.

For many a mother's breath has swept
O'er Angostura's plain --
And long the pitying sky has wept
Above its moldered slain.
The raven's scream, or eagle's flight,
Or shepherd's pensive lay,
Alone awakes each sullen height
That frowned o'er that dread fray.

Sons of the Dark and Bloody Ground
Ye must not slumber there,
Where stranger steps and tongues resound
Along the heedless air.
Your own proud land's heroic soil
Shall be your fitter grave;
She claims from war his richest spoil --
The ashes of her brave.

Thus 'neath their parent turf they rest,
Far from the gory field,
Borne to a Spartan mother's breast
On many a bloody shield;
The sunshine of their native sky
Smiles sadly on them here,
And kindred eyes and hearts watch by
The heroes sepulcher.

Rest on embalmed and sainted dead!
Dear as the blood ye gave;
No impious footstep here shall tread
The herbage of your grave;
Nor shall your glory be forgot
While Fame her record keeps,
For honor points the hallowed spot
Where valor proudly sleeps.

Yon marble minstrel's voiceless stone
In deathless song shall tell,
When many a vanquished ago has flown,
The story how ye fell;
Nor wreck, nor change, nor winter's blight,
Nor time's remorseless doom,
Can dim one ray of glory's light
That gilds your deathless tomb.

by Theodore O'Hara

LET NO ONE BE FORGOTTEN

2009-05-22T08:44:00.000-07:00

"THE MARINE"

2009-05-17T10:13:00.000-07:00

The following is a poem written by Cpl. Aaron M. Gilbert, U.S.M.C., on March 23, 2003, when he was stationed aboard the USS Saipan in the very early days of OIF.

Cpl. Gilbert wrote to his Father requesting that he forward what he wrote to as many people as possible so that everyone would better understand just what this Marine, and all our Troops, are fighting for and what's truly important in this world.

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THE MARINE

We all came together,
Both young and old
To fight for our freedom,
To stand and be bold.

In the midst of all evil,
We stand our ground,
And we protect our country
From all terror around.

Peace and not war,
Is what some people say.
But I'll give my life,
So you can live the American way.

I give you the right
To talk of your peace.
To stand in your groups,
and protest in our streets.

But still I fight on,
I don't bitch, I don't whine.
I'm just one of the people
Who is doing your time.

I'm harder than nails,
Stronger than any machine.
I'm the immortal soldier,
I'm a U.S. MARINE!

So stand in my shoes,
And leave from your home.
Fight for the people who hate you,
With the protests they've shown.
Fight for the stranger,
Fight for the young.
So they all may have,
The greatest freedom you've won.

Fight for the sick,
Fight for the poor,
Fight for the cripple,
Who lives next door.

But when your time comes,
Do what I've done.
For if you stand up for freedom,
You'll stand till the fight's done ....

By: Corporal Aaron M. Gilbert, U S Marine Corps
USS SAIPAN, PERSIAN GULF

Hey Dad,

Do me a favor and label this 'The Marine' and send it to everybody on
your email list. Even leave this letter in it. I want this rolling all over the US ; I
want every home reading it. Every eye seeing it. And every heart to feel it. S o can you please send this for me? I would but my email time isn't that long and I don't have much time anyway.

You know what Dad? I wondered what it would be like to truly understand what JFK said in his inaugural speech. 'When the time comes to lay down my life for my country,I do not cower from this responsibility. I welcome it.' Well, now I know.

And I do. Dad, I welcome the opportunity to do what I do. Even though I have left behind a beautiful wife, and I will miss the birth of our first born child, I would do it 70 times over to fight for the place that God has made for my home. I love you all and I miss you very much.

I wish I could be there when Sandi has our baby, but tell her that I love her, and Lord willing, I will be coming home soon. Give Mom a great big hug from me and give one to yourself too.

Aaron

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The least we at home can do is forward Cpl. Gilbert's heartfelt words along, to ensure that no one...nowhere...forgets that "Freedom Isn't Free".

Thank You to: KyLynnis: http://pebbledrops.blogspot.com/

TIME TO PAUSE AND ENJOY THE DAY

2009-04-18T10:46:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS, SIRS!

2009-04-18T10:18:00.000-07:00

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has made the following nomination:

Air Force Maj. Gen. Charles B. Green for appointment to the grade of Lieutenant General with assignment as Surgeon General of the Air Force, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. Gen. Green is currently serving as Deputy Surgeon General, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C.

The Chief of Staff, Air Force announces the assignment of the following General Officers:

Brig. Gen. Timothy A. Byers, Director, Installations and Mission Support, Headquarters Air Combat Command, Langley Air Force Base, Va., to Civil Engineer, Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics, Installations, and Mission Support, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

Brig. Gen. Dave C. Howe, Director, Logistics, Installations, and Mission Support, Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, to Director, Installations, and Mission Support, Headquarters Air Combat Command, Langley Air Force Base, Va.

Brig. Gen. Mark A. Atkinson, Commander, 402nd Maintenance Wing, Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Air Force Materiel Command, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., to Director, Logistics, Installations, and Mission Support, Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

Brig. Gen. Terrence A. Feehan, Vice Commander, Electronic Systems Center, Air Force Materiel Command, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., to Deputy Program Manager, Ballistic Missile Defense System, Missile Defense Agency, Huntsville, Ala.

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has made the following nomination:

Marine Corps Gen. James E. Cartwright, who is currently serving as the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Washington, D.C., for a second term and for reappointment to the grade of General.

May God bless you, Sirs, in your new commands.

CONGRATULATIONS, MA'AMS & SIRS!

2009-04-16T21:40:00.000-07:00

The Army chief of staff announces the assignment of the following Officers:

Maj. Gen. Daniel B. Allyn, Chief of Staff, XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg N.C., to Deputy Commanding General, XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Brig. Gen. Ralph O. Baker, Deputy Director for Politico-Military Affairs (Middle East), J-5, The Joint Staff, Washington, D.C., to Assistant Division Commander, 1st Armored Division, U.S. Army Europe and Seventh Army, Germany.

Brig. Gen. Jeffrey S. Buchanan, Deputy Commanding General (Operations), 10th Mountain Division (Light)/Multi-National Division-Center, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iraq, to G-3/5/7, U.S. Army Reserve Command, Office of the Chief, Army Reserve, Fort McPherson, Ga.

Brig. Gen. Stephen R. Lanza, Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3, U.S. Army Europe and Seventh Army, Germany, to Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Effects, Multi-National Force-Iraq, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iraq.

Brig. Gen. Mark A. Milley, Deputy Commanding General (Operations), 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)/Combined Joint Task Force-76, Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan, to Deputy Director, Regional Operations, J-3, The Joint Staff, Washington, D.C.

Brig. Gen. Steven L. Salazar, Commanding General, Coalition Military Assistance Training Team, Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq, to Commanding General, Joint Multinational Training Command, U.S. Army Europe and Seventh Army, Germany.

Brig. Gen. Jefforey A. Smith, Deputy Commanding General (Support), 10th Mountain Division (light)/Multi-National Division - Center, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iraq, to Deputy Director for Politico-Military Affairs (Middle East), J-5, The Joint Staff, Washington, D.C.

Brig. Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, Senior Commander, Fort Campbell, Fort Campbell, Ky., to Deputy Commanding General, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

Brig. Gen. Keith C. Walker, Commanding General, Iraqi Assistance Group, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iraq, to Director, Future Force Integration Directorate, Army Capabilities Integration Center, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, Fort Bliss, Texas.

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has nominated:

Navy Rear Adm. Mark D. Harnitchek for appointment to the grade of Vice Admiral and assignment as Deputy Commander, U.S. Transportation Command, Scott Air Forcw Base, Ill. Adm. Harnitchek is currently serving as Director for Strategy, Plans, Policy, and Programs, J4/J5, U.S. Transportation Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill.

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has made the following nominations:

Air Force Lt. Gen. Frank G. Klotz has been nominated for appointment to the grade of Lieutenant General with assignment as Commander, Air Force Global Strike Command. Gen. Klotz is currently serving as Assistant Vice Chief of Staff and Director, Air Staff, U.S Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

Air Force Maj. Gen. Robert R. Allardice has been nominated for appointment to the grade of Lieutenant General with assignment as Commander, Eighteenth Air Force, Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Gen. Allardice is currently serving as Director, Strategy, Plans and Policy, J-5, Headquarters U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Thomas K. Andersen has been nominated to the grade of Major General while serving as the Director, Plans and Programs, Headquarters Air Combat Command, Langley Air Force Base, Va.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Salvatore A. Angelella has been nominated to the grade of Major General while serving as the Vice Commander, Fifth Air Force and Deputy Commander, Thirteenth Air Force, Pacific Air Forces, Yokota Air Base, Japan.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Gregory A. Biscone has been nominated to the grade of Major General while serving as the Deputy Director, Operations, J-3, Headquarters U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Andrew E. Busch has been nominated to the grade of Major General while serving as the Commander, Defense Supply Center Richmond, Defense Logistics Agency, Richmond, Va.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Timothy A. Byers has been nominated to the grade of Major General while serving as the Director, Installations and Mission Support, Headquarters Air Combat Command, Langley Air Force Base, Va.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Susan Y. Desjardins has been nominated to the grade of Major General while serving as the Deputy Director, Strategic Plans, Requirements and Programs, Headquarters Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Richard T. Devereaux has been nominated to the grade of Major General while serving as the Director, Intelligence and Air, space and Information Operations, Headquarters Air Education and Training Command, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Judith A. Fedder has been nominated to the grade of Major General while serving as the Director, Logistics, Headquarters Air Combat Command, Langley, Va.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Eric E. Fiel has been nominated to the grade of Major General while serving as the Director, Center for Force Structure, Requirements, Resources and Strategic Assessments, Headquarters U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Craig A. Franklin has been nominated to the grade of Major General while serving as the Commander, 31st Fighter Wing, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Aviano Air Base, Italy.

Air Force Brig. Gen. David L. Goldfein has been nominated to the grade of Major General while serving as the Deputy Director, Programs, Deputy Chief of Staff, Strategic Plans and Programs, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Blair E. Hansen has been nominated to the grade of Major General while serving as the Director, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Capabilities, Deputy Chief of Staff, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Susan J. Helms has been nominated to the grade of Major General while serving as the Director, Plans and Policy, Headquarters U.S. Strategic Command, J-5, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Mary Kay Hertog has been nominated to the grade of Major General while serving as the Director, Security Forces, Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics, Installations and Mission Support, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

Air Force Brig. Gen. John W. Hesterman III has been nominated to the grade of Major General while serving as the Deputy Director, Politico-Military Affairs (Europe), J-5, Joint Staff, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Darrell D. Jones has been nominated to the grade of Major General while serving as the Director, Force Management Policy, Deputy Chief of Staff, Manpower and Personnel, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Noel T. Jones has been nominated to the grade of Major General while serving as the Deputy Chief, Central Security Service, National Security Agency, Fort George G. Meade, Md.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Jan-Marc Jouas has been nominated to the grade of Major General while serving as the Director, Operations, Plans, Requirements and Programs, Headquarters Pacific Air Forces, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Robert C. Kane has been nominated to the grade of Major General while serving as the Commanding General, Coalition Air Force Transition Team, Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq, U.S. Central Command, Baghdad, Iraq.

Air Force Brig. Gen. James M. Kowalski has been nominated to the grade of Major General while serving as the Commander, Air Force Global Strike Command (Provisional), Bolling Air Force Base, D.C.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Stanley T. Kresge has been nominated to the grade of Major General while serving as the Director, Air, Space and Nuclear Operations, Headquarters Air Force Space Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Susan K. Mashiko has been nominated to the grade of Major General while serving as the Vice Commander, Space and Missile Systems Center, Air Force Space Command, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Michael R. Moeller has been nominated to the grade of Major General while serving as the Commander, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, Air Combat Command, Al Udeid, Qatar.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Clyde D. Moore II has been nominated to the grade of Major General while serving as the Director, Special Programs, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Douglas H. Owens has been nominated to the grade of Major General while serving as the Vice Commander, 13th Air Force, Pacific Air Forces, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii.

Air Force Brig. Gen. James O. Poss has been nominated to the grade of Major General while serving as the Director, Intelligence, Headquarters Air Combat Command, Langley Air Force Base, Va.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Mark F. Ramsay has been nominated to the grade of Major General while serving as the Director, Strategic Planning, Deputy Chief of Staff, Strategic Plans and Programs, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Robin Rand has been nominated to the grade of Major General while serving as the Principal Director to Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Middle East policy, Office of the Secretary of Defense for Policy, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Joseph Reynes Jr., has been nominated to the grade of Major General while serving as Director, Air Component Coordination Element, Multi-National Force – Iraq; Commander, Detachment 2, 9th Air Expeditionary Task Force, Air Combat Command, Baghdad, Iraq

Air Force Brig. Gen. Suzanne M. Vautrinot has been nominated to the grade of Major General while serving as the Deputy Commander, Joint Functional Component Command – Network Warfare, U.S. Strategic Command, Fort George G. Meade, Md.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Lawrence L. Wells has been nominated to the grade of Major General while serving as the Director, Warfighter Systems Integration and Deployment, Office of Warfighting Integration and Chief Information Officer, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Janet C. Wolfenbarger has been nominated to the grade of Major General while serving as the Director, Intelligence and Requirements, Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

May God bless you, Ma'ams and Sirs, in your new commands with calm seas and fair winds to all.

A BLESSED EASTER

2009-04-11T23:08:00.000-07:00

In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. 2 And, behold, there was [1] a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: 4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.

5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. 9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. 10 Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

On this most Holy of days, please remember to pray for our Military, both Active-Duty and Veteran, and their families. It is because of the many sacrifices of such men and women that we are able to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

50 YEARS OF THE ARMY'S GOLDEN KNIGHTS

2009-04-07T13:43:00.000-07:00

In 1959 13 men joined together to form the Strategic Army Corps Sport Parachute Team, to compete in the then communist dominated sport of skydiving. The team performed so well that on June 1, 1961 the Army officially recognized, designated and activated the team as the U.S. Army Parachute Team........

To learn about the U.S. Army Parachute Team's Golden Knights, please take the time to visit their official website:

U.S. Army's Golden Knights: http://www.usarec.army.mil/hq/goldenknights/

ONE PHOTOGRAPH SAYS IT ALL------

2009-04-07T07:06:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS, MA'AM & SIRS!

2009-04-04T19:31:00.000-07:00

The Army Chief of Staff announces the assignment of the following Officers:

Maj. Gen. John F. Campbell, Deputy Director for Regional Operations, J-3, Joint Staff, Washington, D.C., to Commanding General, 101st Airborne Division (air assault) and Fort Campbell, Fort Campbell, Ky.

Brig. Gen. Allison T. Aycock, most recently served as Commanding General, Special Operations Command, Korea, to Deputy Commanding General, Installation Management Command, Arlington, Va.

Brig. Gen. Henry J. Nowak, Defense Attaché, Moscow, Russia, (U.S. European Command), Defense Intelligence Agency, Russia, to Deputy Director for War on Terrorism, J-5, Joint Staff, Washington, D.C.

Brig. Gen. Todd T. Semonite, Commanding General, U.S. Army Engineer Division, North Atlantic, Brooklyn, N.Y., to Commanding General, U.S. Army Engineer Division, South Atlantic, Atlanta, Ga.

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead announced today the following assignments:

Rear Adm. Mark H. Buzby will be assigned as Commander, Military Sealift Command, Washington, D.C. Adm. Buzby is currently serving as Deputy Chief of Staff for Global Force Management and Joint Operations, N3/N5, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Norfolk, Va.

Rear Adm. (lower half) William A. Brown will be assigned to Director, Logistics and Security Assistance, J4, U.S. European Command, Vaihingen, Germany. Adm. Brown is currently serving as Commander, Fleet and Industrial Supply Centers, San Diego, Calif.

Rear Adm. (lower half) Mark F. Heinrich, who has been selected for promotion to Rear Admiral, will be assigned as Commander, Fleet and Industrial Supply Centers, San Diego, Calif. Adm. Heinrich is currently serving as Director, Logistics and Readiness, Defense Logistics Agency, Fort Belvoir, Va.

Rear Adm. (lower half) Joseph P. Mulloy will be assigned to Director, Programming Division, N80, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C. Adm. Mulloy is currently serving as Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans, Policies, and Requirements, N5/N8, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Rear Adm. (lower half) Sean A. Pybus will be assigned to Commander, Special Operations Command, U.S. Pacific Command, Honolulu, Hawaii. Adm. Pybus is currently serving as Director of Operations, Center for Special Operations, U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.

The Chief of Staff, Air Force announces the assignments of the following General Officers:

Maj. Gen. James P. Hunt, Director, Air Force Quadrennial Defense Review, Office of the Assistant Vice Chief of Staff, Headquarters U. S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C., to Deputy Commanding General, Multi-National Corps – Iraq, Baghdad, Iraq.

Maj. Gen. Duane A. Jones, Director, Global Combat Support, Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics, Installations, and Mission Support, Headquarters United States Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C., to Director, Resource Integration, Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics, Installations, and Mission Support, Headquarters U. S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

May God bless you, Ma'am and Sirs, in your new commands.

I CAN HAZ CATURDAY!

2009-04-04T14:12:00.000-07:00

The latest reason to make you all take the time out of your day to smile is not in any way meant to have us forget our Troops or the economy or where President Obama is taking America or the latest deaths of the Police Officers in Pittsburgh or the deaths of anyone in Binghamton, NY.

Rather, dear readers, it is because of these tragic events that we need to remember to take a moment in the day to relax, take a few deep breaths, and allow our minds to relax........................so that we may better deal with current hardships.

May God bless you all.

FRIDAY FUNNIES!

2009-04-03T09:01:00.000-07:00

Time for another installment of "FRIDAY FUNNIES". Why? Well, considering all the threats to our national defense, the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the welfare of our Troops and Veterans.......it's time to have a wee smile: