The Night Stalkers Creed

Brothers of the Creed

In dreams at night
I remember flight
With brothers of the creed.

Through blackest night

All-weather flight

The bravest of the breed.

Pilots, crewchiefs,

With warrior's beliefs;

As one we gave our all.

After endless briefs

Oh, what relief,

To finally get the call.

Into the night

We carry the fight

Wherever the Nation's need.

Our friend the night

Will cover our flight

With stealth we do the deed.

At dawns first light

I awake from the night

With a void, a pressing need.

To remember the flights

Through the darkest of nights

With my Brothers of the Creed.

NSDQ

Anthony (Tony) Bizzell, retired Hooter Bro, 1993 - 96.

http://www.nightstalkers.com/home.html

A Soldier's Website

I happened on this website by accident. I'm posting it here in the hopes that others will visit it and see that ours military is composed of many good people with the same hopes and aspirations as all of us have. But, they are willing to risk it all in the defense of freedom and they deserve all of the support that we can give them.

Lainey's Photo Website

http://www.armychic256bde.com/index.html

My name is Lainey and I am currently stationed in Iraq with the Army National Guard out of Louisiana, HHC 256 Inf Bde. I figured this would be a great way to show pictures to my family and friends. I am 23 years old. In civilian life I work as a behavioral manager for a brain injury center. Being in Iraq isn't as bad as I expected. The people here really need our help and I am very proud to be serving my country. The media often portrays this place as being so horrible and that couldn't be farther from the truth. Even the little things we do everyday are making such a big difference. Soldiers are not robots, they are people too. They have feelings and emotions. They, too, are entitled to a little bit of fun every now and then. This website is where you will see soliders trying to make the best of their time through the deployment process. If you came to this site for some negativity, you stopped by the wrong place. I have pictures in here from my deployment process and I also have personal pictures, the total # of pics on this site is up to 1,956. I love listening to live music and I go out and watch a couple of bands play. One is an 80's cover band called The Molly Ringwalds and the second one is more of a cajun style band called Neon Blues. I have pics of them included in here. I also have music on this site, a song that fits each of the pages. Most of them are 80's hits, and they make the picture viewing experience so much more enjoyable! Hope you enjoy my site, feel free to sign my guestbook. If you would like to contact me, my e-mail address is armychic256bde@yahoo.com

Our lives are not determined by what happens to us, but how we react to what happens; not by what life brings to us, but the attitude that we bring to life. A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes. It is a catalyst...a spark that creates extraordinary results.

Friends of Lainey:

http://www.armychic256bde.com/id57.html

"Air Force Fun"

For my friends in the Air Force:

http://funnyjunk.com/movies/52/Air+Force+Fun/stream

Diners have sweet surprise for soldier, girlfriend

By Susan Gilmore

Seattle Times staff reporter

When Chris Yanez wanted to take his girlfriend out for a special dinner to celebrate their one-year anniversary, he chose the venerable restaurant Canlis, perched high above Lake Union.

Yanez, a soldier returning from Iraq, knew the dinner would be pricey. What he didn't expect is that it would be free. And he also didn't expect that when he walked out, the place would be in tears.

Before going to dinner Wednesday night, Yanez, a reservist who spent a year in Iraq as a machine-gunner, put on his green dress Army uniform, the one he was proud to wear. With his girlfriend, Liz Coleman, on his arm, he walked into Canlis, where owner Mark Canlis found the couple a special table with a panoramic view of the lake and the city.

"I was a captain in the Air Force, so I have a soft spot there," Canlis said.

A few minutes later, a man at a nearby table — who wanted to remain anonymous — walked up to the restaurant owner. "I was noticing the young soldier and saw them looking at the menu," he told Canlis. "I know he was looking at prices and I know this is a special thing, so I would like to take care of part of their bill."

Then another family, the Greenbergs, said they, too, wanted to help pay for the meal. By the end of the night several patrons had, unknown to Yanez, offered to pay for the young couple's meal. With Canlis also sharing the costs, the $150 bill evaporated.

Yanez and Coleman were sharing a peach-cobbler dessert when Canlis walked up with a piece of molten chocolate lava cake.

"There's folks in this restaurant who don't think you should have to share a dessert," Canlis told the couple. "And they don't think you should pay the bill."

Coleman burst into in tears. Tana Greenberg, whose family helped pay the bill, said she, like several other patrons, was wiping her eyes.

"This brought out the patriotism in all of us," she said. "It was just the right thing to do. We're sending our kids over there and they're dying to uphold our beliefs. We just said this couple should not have to buy their meals. It was showing our belief in the uniform and what it stands for."

Yanez, 20, a student from Renton, said he was stunned by the gesture.

"I knew Canlis was expensive, but this is a one-of-a-kind restaurant and this was a special occasion," he said. "It was the greatest thing ever. It makes me feel like people appreciate the troops and they care about people in the community. I was in shock and my girlfriend started to cry. It was really emotional."

He said it's not the first time in recent months that returning troops have been honored at Canlis. Several months ago a man came in with his wife to treat her to a special dinner to make up for the two years he had spent in Iraq. The entire Canlis crew decided to pay the bill.

"That's what makes it fun for us," Canlis said, "being able to take care of people in a special way."

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/iraq/2002452810_canlis26m.html

Australians turn school over to Iraqis

Australian Lt. Col. Warren Jolly, a senior adviser to the Iraqi Army Support Services Institute, stands before an Australian flag his training team gave to the school as he thanks Iraqi leaders for a plaque, a replica of the school’s patch, they presented to him during an Aug. 18 ceremony. The Australians turned control of the school over to Iraqi leaders.

TAJI, IRAQ – Less than five months after the Iraqi Army Support Services Institute started its first cycle of classes, the Australian Army Training Team fronting the effort has handed control of the school over to Iraqi leaders.

In an Aug. 18 ceremony at the school, Iraqi Gen. Babikir, chief of staff for Iraqi ground forces, thanked the Australians for helping get the school started.

“It’s a very good start,” Babikir said. “There is still more to do.”

The school trains Iraqi Army supervisors and officers in areas such as combat medicine, vehicle maintenance, transportation, supply and logistics. Courses run between three to five weeks. More than 700 have gone through the school since the first classes started March 21; another 400 are expected to graduate next week.

Babikir noted that the Iraqi Army will not be able to function independently in the future without soldiers and officers who have strong support and service-type skills.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of the Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq, also thanked the Australian team for its work. The team, headed by senior adviser Australian Lt. Col. Warren Jolly, included 42 staff members and 27 who worked in force protection.

“The Australian Army Training Team did an extraordinary job with limited resources in a short period of time,” Petraeus said. “They’ve established a great foundation for the Iraqi Army to build upon.”

Petraeus said plans call for more than 3,000 logistics specialists to be trained by the end of March 2006 to provide the staff for 109 Headquarters and Support Companies, four Motorized Transportation Regiments, 10 Base Support Units and four Strategic Infrastructure Battalions.

The school has 77 Iraqi staff members working under the commandant, Iraqi Col. Warid. That number should double when the school’s equipment and staffing plan is approved, Petraeus said.

Jolly presented Warid and Babikir with an Australian flag to display in the school as a visual reminder of the strong bond of friendship the two countries have forged. Babikir, in turn, presented Jolly with a large replica of the school’s patch. Jolly was moved by the gift, explaining that he and Warid stayed up late together one night designing the patch.

In his remarks, Jolly praised the Iraqi leaders, instructors and students for their hard work and commitment to the school. He also thanked the interpreters, without whom the school would not have succeeded, Jolly said.

Jolly also said that he and his team respect the bravery of Iraqi Army soldiers and leaders, and their determination to defeat insurgents.

“We hope that you will remember with pride what we’ve built together to help you in that fight,” Jolly said.

"All you can do is say they were fighting for what they believed in and their life had purpose and meaning," he said.

http://www.mnstci.iraq.centcom.mil/index.htm

A Firefight

There is a very interesting account of a firefight in The Blog page of Michael Yon, a independent writer. He chronicles day to day events of an infantry unit. The quote below, is taken from today's post (8/25) detailing a firefight. The story is worth reading and the pictures are worth viewing (click on them for a much enlarged view).

http://www.michaelyon.blogspot.com/

CSM Prosser drags the terrorist into the alley ...

"Prosser had beaten the terrorist in the head three times with his fist and was gripping his throat, choking him. But Prosser's gloves were slippery with blood so he couldn't hold on well. At the same time, the terrorist was trying to bite Prosser's wrist, but instead he bit onto the face of Prosser's watch. (Prosser wears his watch with the face turned inward.) The terrorist had a mouthful of watch but he somehow also managed to punch Prosser in the face. When I shot the propane canister, Prosser had nearly strangled the guy, but my shots made Prosser think bad guys were coming, so he released the terrorist's throat and snatched out the pistol from his holster, just as SSG Konkol, Lewis, Devereaux and Muse swarmed the shop. But the shots and the propane fiasco also had brought the terrorist back to life, so Prosser quickly reholstered his pistol and subdued him by smashing his face into the concrete."

Comedians Bring Laughter to Troops in Afghanistan

By John D. BanusiewiczAmerican Forces Press Service

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, Aug. 25, 2005 – The mountains of northern Afghanistan echoed with laughter today, as television comedy star Drew Carey and four other comedians took their act on the road to three forward operating bases. The tour is the first joint endeavor between Armed Forces Entertainment and the Defense Department's "America Supports You" program.
A big show at the "clam shell" tent here is scheduled for Aug. 26.
The troupe performed for soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines at bases in Mahtar Lam, Jalalabad and Asadabad. Shuttling among the sites aboard an Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter, the comics performed in temperatures ranging from the 80s this morning to well in excess of 120 degrees by the day's last show.
Joining Carey on the tour are comedians Steve Byrne, Pedro Hernandez, Dave Mordal and Jimmy Shubert. Each comic performed individually, bringing his own brand of humor to the appreciative audiences. In addition to the comedy, each performer made it a point to thank the troops for the work they do.
"America supports you," Hernandez told the troops. "You are the greatest fighting force on the planet." The other comedians also stayed serious long enough in their performances to remind the troops that the American people are behind them.
"I think it's great that they came out here to perform for us," said Air Force Staff Sgt. Jessica Hildebrand, a radio operator deployed from Scott Air Force Base, Ill., serving with the Army's 44th Signal Battalion. "We really do appreciate it. Things like this show can really do wonders for our morale."
A pair of Marines deployed from Marine Corps Base Hawaii, at Kaneohe Bay, also enjoyed the comedians' visit.
"It sure does break up the monotony," said Lance Cpl. Ryan Recquin, a fire team leader. "I'm glad they came to see us."
Lance Cpl. Jeromey Hooee said he appreciates that the troops serving in Afghanistan aren't being forgotten. "They do this kind of thing in Iraq," he noted, "so it's great that they come here too."
As they have everywhere they've been, whether in dining facilities, work centers or at their shows, the comedians cheerfully talked with the servicemembers, asked about their hometowns and their work, signed autographs, and posed for pictures.
After their tour of the forward operating areas, the comedians returned here soaked with perspiration, exhausted from the heat and lack of sleep -- and ready to meet more troops. They visited with Special Forces troops for dinner before turning in for the first full night's sleep they'll have had since arriving in the region three days ago.
"This was a great day," Shubert said. "I'm glad we're doing this."
Related Sites:America Supports YouArmed Forces EntertainmentRelated Articles:Drew Carey Leads Comic Tour of AfghanistanComedy Star Visits Troops in Southwest Asiahttp://www.defenselink.mil/news/Aug2005/20050825_2531.html

Stars and Stripes

When I was in the Army, this was my main print link to the outside world and. no, I was not in the Civil War!

Stars and Stripes got its start in the Civil War as a one-page newspaper produced for Union troops by four soldiers who used a captured newspaper plant in Bloomfield, Missouri. The paper resumed publication in Paris in 1918, during World War I, as a weekly paper put out by an all military staff, but it ceased publication at the end of the war.

Stars and Stripes assumed its current identity when it was once again reborn during World War II, in London, England. The paper has been published continuously since 1942 in Europe and 1945 in the Pacific. Stripes reporters — at one time all military, but now both civilian and military — have been in the field with American soldiers, sailors and airmen in World War I, World War II, Korea, the Cold War, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Somalia, Bosnia and Kosovo, and are now in the Middle East. Altogether, Stars and Stripes has news bureaus in over 22 different locations serving over 48 countries around the world.

As the hometown newspaper for service members, government civilians and their families, Stars and Stripes strives to keep readers informed about issues in their host countries, local communities, and commands. Stars and Stripes’ European and Pacific editorial operations were consolidated in 1999; Washington, D.C. now hosts the paper’s central offices. There, five different editions are designed and produced daily and then electronically transmitted — via internet or satellite — to printing facilities in Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain and Afghanistan.

http://www.stripes.com/webpages.asp?id=49&nl=2

Brian in Afghanistan

A soldiers website:
http://anysoldier.com/brian/

"Bumper Of My SUV"

This a video worth watching and a song worth hearing!

The Bumper Of My S.U.V---This song is true from beginning to end. The first time I ever performed this song was in the Middle East, 16 months after I wrote it about a true incident that happened to me while driving in Nashville. I recorded it only because so many of the troops asked me to. So…I did. The Marine Corps sticker that I have on my SUV was given to me by my brother, Chris, just days before he was shipped off for duty in Iraq. Chris is a 14 year Gunnery Sergeant.

http://www.chely.com/media/Chely_Wright_Bumper.mov

Marine Corps Videos

http://205.110.170.168/

Freedom Walk

Where will you be this September 11th?

The tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, left an indelible mark on the American consciousness. This September 11th, the nation will gather in Washington, D.C. to remember the victims, honor our veterans, past and present, and celebrate our freedom with the America Supports You Freedom Walk, organized by the Department of Defense. Click here for details.

http://www.asyfreedomwalk.com/index.html

1st Cavalry Division

I was drafted and inducted into the Army on December 14, 1965, twelve days after the battle in the Ia Drang Valley. I clearly remember standing with my fellow inductees, at ease, in formation at Ft. Benning, Georgia. A rumor passed through our ranks that there were already a large number of 1st Cav. widows on post. I had celebrated my 19th birthday ten days before the start of the Division's Vietnam history, which included the Battle of the Ia Drang Valley. The Battle of Ia Drang would become famous in the book, We Were Soldiers Once...and Young. That was a lot to absorb for a nineteen year old kid and that day I stood in formation at Ft. Benning has stayed forever in my memory. I didn't have to go to Vietnam. But, the 1st Cav. did and I have always felt a connection to all of those other 19 year old kids who went and didn't return. I feel like I owe it to them, to mention what they did and who they did it with-brave and honorable men all.

1st Cavalry Division units have served the nation from 1855 to the present; building a history rich in pride with solid ties to the traditions and heritage of the United States Cavalry.

The famed 1st Cavalry Division was baptized by fire and blood on the western plains in an era of horse-mounted cavalry. Dubbed the "First Team" by Major General William C. Chase, the division has always strived not only to be the first, but to be the best.

The division's roots date back to 1855 when the 2nd Cavalry Regiment was organized. Redesignated as the 5th Cavalry in 1861, this unit participated in a number of famous Civil War engagements, including Bullrun, Antietam, Gettysburg, Wilderness, and Appomattox

The division went home in 1965, but only long enough to be reorganized and prepared for a new mission. Within 90 days of becoming the Army's first air mobile division, the First Team was back in combat as the first fully committed division of the Vietnam War.

Their first real combat test came during the Pleiku campaign ; 35 days of continuous air mobile operations beginning October 29, 1965. The troopers destroyed two of the three regiments of a North Vietnamese Division, earning the first Presidential Unit Citation given to a division in Vietnam. (from the 1stCavalry site: ( http://www.hood.army.mil/1stcavdiv/history/vietnam.htm )

IWe Were Soldiers Once ... and Young is a book by Lt. Gen. Harold G. Moore (Ret.) and Joseph L. Galloway.The book is about the Vietnam War and deals mainly with the role of 1st Cavalry Division, 7th Battalion in the Battle of Ia Drang. This battle was the first large-unit battle of the Vietnam War; previous conflicts involved small units and patrols (squad, platoon, and company sized units).

Moore, Harold G.; and Galloway, Joseph L. (1992) We were Soldiers Once...And Young: Ia Drang--The Battle That Changed The War In Vietnam (1^st ed.). Random House. ISBN 0679411585.

The movie We Were Soldiers, directed by Randall Wallace and starring Mel Gibson (as Moore) is based on the book. The book called attention to the fact that, quote: "Every damn hollywood movie got it wrong." This is what led to the brith of the We Were Soldiers movie, where, Randal Wallace was, quote: "Determined to get it right this time."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/We_Were_Soldiers

A la gente de España

Quisiera ampliar mis condolencias a la gente de España y a las
familias de los soldados perdidos en Afghanistán. Realizo que soy solamente uno americano y que no puedo hablar para el resto de mis paisanos. Pero, soy el padre de un soldado y espero que éste permita que diga que una pérdida en su familia sea una pérdida en el míos. El dios esté con las familias de esta gente joven.

Spain holds state funeral for 17 soldiers killed in Afghanistan
(AP)
Updated: 2005-08-20 19:07

King Juan Carlos and other members of Spain's royal family led mourners at a state funeral Saturday for 17 Spanish soldiers killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan, AP reported.

Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, members of his Cabinet and other high-ranking politicians attended the service at the Spanish army's headquarters in Madrid.

Queen Sofia hugged relatives of the dead soldiers. Some were so overcome by grief they had to leave parts of the ceremony.

A poignant moment came when the king assisted soldier Susana Perez Torres in laying a medal on the coffin of her husband, Sgt. Alfredo Francisco Joga.

Representatives of the United States, Britain, France and NATO were present. Spanish state television TVE1 read out condolences sent to the Spanish government by U.S. President George W. Bush.

The crash on Tuesday killed 17 Spanish troops, NATO's largest single loss of life in Afghanistan.

Michael Yon : Online Magazine

A Blog page of note:

Michael Yon : Online Magazine

From MSNBC.com: "There is actually good reporting coming from Iraq -- check out Michael Yon's blog, for example. And it's possible to get a clearer picture of the strategic picture than most big media accounts provide."

Michael Yon's profile:

About Me

Name:Michael Yon

Michael Yon, author of "Danger Close," is currently in Iraq. Email: MichaelYonIraq@hotmail.com Michael Yon is an independent, informed observer chronicling the monumentally important events in the efforts to stabilize Iraq. His dispatches have the benefit of his life experiences without drawbacks based on deadlines or demands of marketplace. The cost of these dispatches is borne solely by Michael. Readers who enjoy these dispatches and want to support Michael's mission in Iraq, can make a contribution using the PayPal links which are activated when the "support the next dispatch" button is clicked. Donations can also be sent to Michael Yon P O Box 416 Westport Pt MA 027

An excerpt from the August 16th entry on Michael Yon's Online Magazine:

"The only martyrs I know about in Iraq are the fathers and brothers who see a better future coming, and so they act on their beliefs and assemble outside police stations whenever recruitment notices are posted. They line up in ever increasing numbers, knowing that insurgents can also read these notices. The men stand in longer and longer lines, making ever bigger targets of themselves. Some volunteer to to earn a living. This, too, is honorable. But others take these risks because they believe that a better future is possible only if Iraqi men of principle stand up for their own values, for their country, for their families. Theses are the true martyrs, the true heroes of Iraq and of Islam. I meet these martyrs frequently. They are brave men, worthy of respect."

http://www.michaelyon.blogspot.com/

The USO

I wanted to mention the USO. It was very important to me when I was in the military. And, no, I did not serve in the Civil War, as is commonly believed. But, it was during a time when the USO was an important link to home. I have included the link to the primary USO website as well as one to the USO location in the airport where I work. One of my co-workers, John, donates a considerable amount of his time to the USO. I would like to thank him for the support that he gives to the military.

USO Background

Since before the United States entered World War II, the USO (United Service Organizations) has been a bridge between the American people and the U.S. military. In times of peace and war, the USO has consistently delivered its special brand of comfort, morale and recreational services to service members and their families. A nonprofit, congressionally chartered, private organization, the USO relies on the generosity of individuals, organizations and corporations to support USO activities. The USO is not part of the U.S. Government but is supported by the President of the United States and the Department of Defense. Each President has been the Honorary Chairman of the USO since its inception.

The USO mission is to provide morale, welfare and recreation-type services to our men and women in uniform. The original intent of Congress—and enduring style of USO delivery—is to represent the American people by extending a touch of home to the military.

http://www.uso.org/pubs/8_14_19.cfm

http://www.uso.org/dfw/

The Royal Marines

This post is honour of my mate, Samuel, who currently resides in Australia. Samuel, who recently retired due to combat injuries, served Her Royal Majesty faithfully and honourably for a number of years. He has no bitterness in his heart for what he has seen and suffered through. He deserves the thanks of his global family for all that he has done in the defense of freedom and a place of honor for being a man among men. God bless you Samuel. It is my honor to have known you.

ROYAL MARINES

The Royal Marines are the Royal Navy's amphibious infantry and are key component of the government's Rapid Reaction Force. As such, they are required to be trained to work in different terrains and environments, from the cold, mountainous conditions in Northern Europe, to the hot arid regions of the Middle East and Africa and to the dense tropical jungles of the Far East.
All Royal Marines, except those in the Royal Marines Band Service, are first and foremost, commando soldiers. They are required to undergo what is recognised as one of the longest and most demanding infantry training regimes in the world.
The Royal Marines can trace their origins back to 1664, when an "Order-in-Council" was issued calling for 1200 soldiers to be recruited for service in the Fleet.

http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/static/pages/141.html

Operation Tribute to Freedom

Welcome Home Photographs

HOMECOMING USS CARL VINSON--U.S. Navy Lt. Brian Masterson embraces his 3-month old son at pier 14 on board Naval Station Norfolk during the homecoming celebration for the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson in Virginia, July 31, 2005. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Arlo k. Abrahamson

The above is from the Defend America website.(http://www.defendamerica.mil/homecoming/archive.html)

They are all very touching and worth looking through.

R.Lee Ermey's Website

I love the intro to this website:
http://www.rleeermey.com/

American Soldier Video

Powered by Castpost

http://www.militaryhonorsalute.com/

Fallen Heroes Memorial: Links

Relevant websites that may be of interest to you.

http://www.fallenheroesmemorial.com/

The United States War Dogs Association

The United States War Dogs Association

http://www.uswardogs.org/

SSG IvyMike's Vietnam 4th Infantry Site

From the website of a very honorable man:

http://mysite.verizon.net/vze4s5h6/ssgwarhogusa/index.html

Welcome to my site which is about my military career and units I served with started in April 1968 being drafted , heading to basic training in Fort Dix, New Jersey, then on to Fort Polk, Louisiana for Advanced Infantry training and then the trip across the Pacific ocean to a land called South Vietnam.

I was assigned to Delta Comapny 3/8th, 4th Infantry Division and walked the valleys and hills of Central Vietnam from October 1968 to October 1969.

I served with some of the best soldiers our country had to offer at the time and will never forget those who never made it home. We are bonded for life.

click on picture

Wounded Warrior Project Mission

The Wounded Warrior Project is dedicated to serving the needs of a new generation of veterans and ensuring that the United States government and the American public live by our motto,

"Putting Veterans first in America."

A Tribute to Vietnam Veterans

A Salute to our Vietnam Veterans

Click on above photo to View and Listen

to Slide Presentation

Once they were young. Now, they are old. But, they will always be heroes who gallantly served. Although I am an Army veteran (1965-1967), I didn't have to go to Vietnam. But, the young people in this movie were of my generation. I was moved to tears, watching it. May God grant them the peace, in their old age, that was unknown to their youth.

http://www.palletmastersworkshop.com/flash3.html

Marines Knock Over a Soldier In Urinal

Marines Knock Over A Soldier In Urinal

This is a pretty funny clip of a bunch of Marines filming a fellow Marine getting knocked over in a urinal.

http://www.big-boys.com/articles/urinalknock.html

Welcome home!

U.S. Identifies Remains of Vietnam MIAs

By MARTHA MENDOZA, AP National Writer 1 hour, 13 minutes ago

The remains of 12 servicemen listed as missing in action during the Vietnam War have been identified and are returning home, 37 years after they died in a fierce battle near the Laos-Vietnam border, the Defense Department announced Tuesday.

The 11 Marines and one Army soldier are the largest group of MIAs identified since the war, according to the military

...........

Marine Lance Cpl. Thomas W. Fritsch and four others will be buried by their families. The other seven will be buried as a group in Arlington National Cemetery in October, said Larry Greer, a spokesman for the Pentagon's missing personnel office

...........

"We really feel very fortunate that we do have some remains coming home to us, and we are welcoming him home," said Brenda Scott, whose brother, Lance Cpl. Donald W. Mitchell, of Princeton, Ky., was among the recovered MIAs.

...........

In addition to Fritsch and Mitchell, the Marines identified were Cpl. Gerald E. King of Knoxville, Tenn.; Lance Cpls. Joseph F. Cook of Foxboro, Mass., and Raymond T. Heyne of Mason, Wis.; and Pfcs. Thomas J. Blackman of Racine, Wis., Paul S. Czerwonka of Stoughton, Mass., Barry L. Hempel of Garden Grove, Calif., Robert C. Lopez of Albuquerque, N.M., William D. McGonigle of Wichita, Kan., and Lance Cpl. James R. Sargent, of Anawalt, W.Va. Also identified was U.S. Army Sgt. Glenn E. Miller of Oakland, Calif.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050810/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/vietnam_remains

Radio America: "Proudly We Hail."

Radio America: 'Proudly We Hail' http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,13319,FL_Proudly_050729,00.html "Proudly We Hail" is a program built to engage, entertain and hold a huge audience of millions of veterans and their network of family and friends in a non-political, non-biased format. This riveting program will present an exciting contemporary web of news, events, tales of individual heroism and vital bulletins on veterans' health, support and organization news. Listener demographics include active and retired military members from all branches of service engaged from WWII through today. Shows will air from military bases, historical sites, warships and other locations, including: Naval Institute, Washington, DC Lone Sailor Museum, Washington, DC World War II Memorial, Washington, DC 8th Air Force Museum, Savannah, GA US Marine Corps Museum, Quantico, VA USS Intrepid, New York City USS Olympia, Philadelphia, PA USS Missouri, Honolulu, HI USS Bowfin, Honolulu, HI USS Midway, San Diego, CA USS Arizona Memorial, Honolulu, HI USS Alabama, Mobile, Alabama USS Yorktown, Charleston, SC

A very good friend in Iraq.

When you go to sleep tonight say a little prayer for my friend in Iraq. It is because of him, and other young people like him, that we can sleep safely; unafraid of those who wish us harm.

I thought that this soldier had a hit! Luke Strickland
Newsweek Aug. 1 issue - Last December, Luke Stricklin, then 21,was a foot soldier in Iraq, far away from his new bride and his birthplace, Arkadelphia, Ark. He hadevery reason to sing the blues—but he wrote a country song instead. Using his friend's laptop and a $10 microphone, he recorded a song about life in Iraq and e-mailed it home. ("I really don't care why Bush went to Iraq/I know what I done there and I'm damn sure proud of that," he twanged.) His mom took the song to a local radio station, which played it on air. Soon it was picked up by another station... and then another,and then another. On a stint in Kuwait, Stricklin heard a familiar song in a bar. "Hey, I wrote that!" he recalls yelling. Seven months later he's back from Iraq—and a rising country star. He professionally recorded his Iraq song, "American by God's Amazing Grace," which is now playing in more than 40 markets (click here to listen). After it was released nationally last week, hits to his Web site jumped 1,000 percent. His album's not out until September, but he's presold the 5,000 copies his label has. It just ordered 50,000 more, giving Stricklin yet another thing to be damn sure proud of. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8681669/site/newsweek/ http://www.lukestricklin.com/

U.S. Forces Provide Medical Aid
A U.S. Army soldier, from the 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, provides cold water to Iraqi civilians as they wait at the checkpoint before entering the school compound to be examined during a Medical Civil Action Program visit to Fenjan Village near Baghdad, Iraq, July 26, 2005.U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Reynaldo Ramon More Photos More Photo Essays