The Military Advantage : A Comprehensive Guide to Your Military & Veterans Benefits (Paperback)

The President's Plan for Iraq

Speaking at the U.S. Naval Academy, President Bush laid out the plan for victory in Iraq. America's strategy is clear: we will help Iraqis build a stable democracy, a strong economy, and security forces that can defend the Iraqi people and fight the terrorists. And we will never give in to the enemy by cutting and running before the job is done.

Read the President's complete Strategy for Victory in Iraq here, and write a letter to the editor to spread the word about the President's plan.

In Iraq, our troops' heroic work is paying off. Iraqis will soon vote in their third democratic election this year. Groups that boycotted earlier elections are joining the political process. On the security front, Iraqi troops and police are growing stronger and more ready to defend their country. Increasingly, Iraqis are taking the lead in joint operations to root out the terrorists. As Iraqi forces stand up, our troops' mission will shift away from patrolling Iraqi cities and towards hunting down the most dangerous terrorists.

In spite of the incredible progress made by our troops, some in Washington still are proposing artificial deadlines for withdrawal. This is not a plan for victory. Cutting and running would send a message to the terrorists that our will can be broken, inviting more attacks on our troops and on our homeland. It would tell our friends that America is a weak and unsteady ally. So long as George W. Bush is our President, America will never return to the dangerous, pre-September 11th illusion that the terrorists can be appeased by simply turning our backs.

In response to the President's clear plan, Democrats like minority leader Harry Reid offer empty political attacks, calling the President's speech "tired rhetoric" even before it was given. Yet these same Democrats agree with key elements of President Bush's strategy, with Sen. Joe Biden writing that "we must forge a sustainable political compromise between Iraqi factions, strengthen the Iraqi government and bolster reconstruction efforts, and accelerate the training of Iraqi forces." That sounds exactly like what the President is proposing. These Democrats fundamentally agree on what needs to happen in Iraq, but they're attacking for political gain. Are these attacks designed to help us win the war on terror, or help them win the next election?

President Bush offers a way forward on Iraq, not empty political posturing. Read the strategy and spread the word in your community.

Sincerely,

Ken Mehlman
Chairman, Republican National Committee

Wizards of Winter

Wouldn't want to live across the street from this guy!

Powered by Castpost

The Official Site of The Veterans of Foreign Wars

About the VFW

The VFW, with its Auxiliaries, includes 2.4 million members in approximately 9,000 Posts worldwide.

Our accomplishments are many, including lobbying for a GI bill for the 20th century; donating more than $1 million each to the Vietnam, Korean, Women in the Service and World War II memorials; fighting for compensation to veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome; and improving VA medical centers services for women veterans.

In 2001, VFW unveiled its tribute to service and country with its dedication of Centennial Plaza.

Annually, VFW members and its Auxiliary contribute more than 13 million hours of volunteerism in the community, including participation in Make A Difference Day and National Volunteer Week.

From providing $2.5 million in college scholarships to high school students every year to encouraging elevation of the Veterans Administration to the president's cabinet, the VFW is there--honoring the dead by helping the living.

The Which Historic General Are You Test

WTF Is This?

I just don't get how some people make excuses for terrorists, saying that it's our fault, when the terrorists seem to be going to so much trouble to turn children into bombs. Children's Cartoons from Iran:
	#908 - Palestinian Children Clash with an Israeli Soldier in an Iranian Animated Movie IRIB/Jaam-E-Jam1 (Iran) - 10/28/2005 - 00:02:00
	#906 - Iranian Animated Film for Children Promotes Suicide Bombings IRIB/Jaam-E-Jam3 (Iran) - 10/28/2005 - 00:10:19
	#907 - Children Drive Cruel Israeli Soldiers Away Using Eggplant Grenades in an Iranian Animated Movie IRIB/Jaam-E-Jam1 (Iran) - 10/28/2005 - 00:05:35
The above clips are a limited list.
To see other clips, click here:

The Original American Warriors

·American Indians in the U.S. Army

*

" Oh Great Spirit, Whose Voice I Hear
in the wind,
Whose breath gives life to the world,
hear me.
I come to you as one of your many children,
I am small and weak,
I need your strength and wisdom.
May I walk in beauty,
make my eyes behold the red and purple sunset,
make my hands respect the
things that you have made,
and my ears sharp
to hear your voice.
Make me wise so that
I may know the things that you
have taught your children,
the lessons that you have hidden in
every leaf and rock.
Make me strong...
not to be superior to my brothers
but to be able to fight my greatest enemy
.. myself.
Make me ever ready to come to you
with straight eyes
so that when life fades as the faded sunset,
my spirit will come to you
without shame. "

USMC Devil Dogs On-Line

Home USMC T-shirts PT Gear Base Gear Caps/Jackets Embroidery Vets Family Accessories Custom Shirts

Catalog Site Info View Cart

Click on the picture below for complete details

United We Stand

A Message of Inspiration

Saddam Hussein Uniform to be Sold at Auction

The news of the auction of Saddam's uniform goes a long way towards explaing the photograph at the left. And, I thought that Saddam was doing the exhibitionist thing to get attention.

Wednesday, November 23, 2005

andrew turner

Wednesday, November 23, 2005 :: andrew turner :: page views
Saddam Hussein Uniform to be Sold on Kansas City Auction Website
Manion's International Auction House announces Saddam Hussein's dress uniform is to be placed on Internet auction
Kansas City, Mo. - infoZine - Manion's International Auction House has acquired a dress uniform owned by former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. The uniform will be featured in the company's upcoming "gold auction" running thru December 1, 2005."This is the second Hussein uniform we have presented for auction since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom," said John Conway, a representative for Manion's Auction. "The first was brought back by an Army NCO and sold for $24,000."This newest addition to Manion's Auction was obtained by an Army Sergeant during the first night US Troops gained control of Baghdad International Airport. The uniform was located in a tailor shop, and was among many suits and outfits designed for Hussein. The unique insignia of the republic eagle and shoulder cord on the uniform identify it as a match to the former Iraqi President."We have been in the business of selling rare military items to museums and collectors for over three decades," said Conway. "We study every detail of each item to insure authenticity...this is a unique opportunity to own a piece of history while it is happening"Manion's Auction realizes this opportunity to be unique and has accepted a certain responsibility in offering Hussein's uniform up for the highest bid. The company will donate a percentage of the commission from this uniform to a charitable concern."We're excited to offer this piece of history to the collecting community," said company president Jody Tucker, "but we're also looking at it as an opportunity to give something back to the men and women of our Armed Forces."Visit www.manions.com for more information.

Watch Saddam Hussein sing a jihadist version Outkast's "Hey Yeah."

The Home of the Free-Thanks to the Brave

From The Gunn Nutt, give her a visit. Please.

"I Froze My Toes at Walter Reed

It was cold tonight but enough Freepers showed up at Walter Reed to make the point that we won't stop coming until the commie-Pinkos leave. Unfortunately, it wasn't cold enough to keep them away."

Iraq seizes booby-trapped toys

What excuse can the MSM make for these guys? They just want their 'occupiers' out of their country? They seem to be targeting hospitals, children and other civilian targets. I hope that there is a special place in hell for these terrorists.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Baghdad - The Iraqi army said on Thursday it had seized a number of booby-trapped children's dolls, accusing insurgents of using the explosive-filled toys to target children.

The dolls were found in a car, each one containing a grenade or other explosive, said an army statement.

The government said that two men driving the car had been arrested in the western Baghdad district of Abu Ghraib.

"This is the same type of doll as that handed out on several occasions by US soldiers to children," said government spokesperson Leith Kubba.

It was not immediately clear when the find was made or the suspects arrested.

Warning - Mature Marine Corp Language

Would that this were true and that our politicians and senior leaders had the testicular fortitude to tell it like it is!

WARNING! MATURE USMC LANGUAGE - THEY HAVE SUCH A GIFTED WAY WITH WORDS!
USMC PRESS CONFERENCE

For the few of you who missed him, R. Lee Ermey is the host of The History Channel's "Mail Call" and played the Drill Instructor in the movie, "Full Metal Jacket. He is a retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant and a very plain speaker, as you will soon read. So, for your entertainment, here is Retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant R. Lee Ermey at his first press conference. The main topic of discussion is the Marine in Iraq who shot the Iraq insurgent to death. We pick up as the reporter asks about how this potential war crime will affect our image in the world:

Ermey: "What kind of a pansy-assed question is that?"

Reporter 1: "Well I think...."

Ermey: "THINK, Nancy boy! Get this through that septic tank on top of your shoulders, moron: I DON'T GIVE A DAMN WHAT YOU THINK, DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME??? That Marine shot an ENEMY COMBATANT, SHITHEAD; SO GET YOUR HEAD OUT OF YOUR ASS AND DEAL WITH IT BEFORE I MAKE YOU MY OWN PERSONAL PIN CUSHION!!! Next question: You in the blue suit."

Reporter 2: Don't you think that the world's! opinion of our operations is important?

Ermey: "Oh sure! You don't know the times I have cried myself to sleep worrying about what some goddamned French pansy thinks! Oh the days I have had to weep because some shit-eating terrorist might be mad at us, because we went into whatever god-forsaken hole in the pile of shit that he lives in and killed him. WHAT THE HELL KIND OF DUMBASS QUESTION IS THAT YOU PETER-PUFFING JACKASS?? WE ARE THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND WHEN YOU ATTACK US, WE ARE GOING TO COME TO YOUR HOUSE AND BLOW YOUR STINKING CAMEL-LICKING CARCASS INTO PIECES SO SMALL WE WILL BE ABLE TO BURY YOUR SORRY ASS IN A THIMBLE!! YEAH, I KNOW WHAT YOU ARE THINKING. YOU ARE PROBABLY AFRAID, THINKING THAT I HAVE SUCH AN "EXTREME" ATTITUDE AND THAT I NEED TO BE MORE "SENSITIVE" TO OTHER PEOPLE'S FEELINGS. WELL LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING YOU POLE-SMOKING PANSY! I DON'T GIVE A DAMN WHAT YOU OR ANYBODY ELSE THINKS! THIS IS A REAL WAR, AND IF YOU CAN'T HANDLE THAT, THEN YOU SHOULD GO HOME AND SUCK ON MAMMA'S TIT!! DO YOU HEAR ME YOU RUNT?? NOW GET THE HELL OUT OF MY PRESS ROOM BEFORE I GO CRAZY AND BEAT THE LIVING SHIT OUT OF YOU!!! Next question: "you with the ugly-assed tie. Look at that thing! It is hideous."

Reporter: 3: "Aren't you going against the freedom of the press by..."

Ermey: "FREEDOM?? WHAT IN BLUE HELL DO YOU KNOW ABOUT FREEDOM? I HAVE SWEATED MY ASS OFF IN JUNGLES, WHILE BEING SHOT AT FOR THIS NATION!! WHAT IN THE HELL HAVE YOU DONE YOU LITTLE SHIT-SUCKING WEASEL? WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU PUT YOUR SORRY ASS ON THE LINE FOR ANYTHING? AND YET YOU HAVE THE UNMITIGATED TEMERITY TO SHOW U! P HERE AND MONDAY-MORNING QUARTERBACK THE ACTIONS OF A BRAVE MARINE, WHO WAS DEFENDING HIMSELF AND HIS UNIT FROM AN ATTACK BY SOME MURDEROUS AL-QUEDA! SYMPATHIZER!!! YOU WANNA KNOW WHAT I AM CONCERNED ABOUT, NUMBNUTS? I AM CONCERNED ABOUT A BUNCH OF GRABASSTIC, ORGANIZED MORONS WITH CAMERAS AND MICROPHONES DOING THEIR BEST TO PORTRAY OUR BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN AS WAR CRIMINALS! I AM CONCERNED ABOUT CHICKEN-SHIT PANSIES THAT WANT US TO NEGOTIATE WITH TERRORISTS AND WHINE ABOUT THEIR PISS-ANT "FREEDOMS"!!"

Reporter: 3: "I..."

Ermey: "DID YOU HAVE A BIG BOWL OF STUPID FOR BREAKFAST THIS MORNING, NUMBNUTS? I DON'T WANT TO HEAR ANOTHER WORD OUT OF THAT COMMIE CRY-HOLE IN THAT SHIT-PILE YOU CALL A HEAD! AND THAT GOES TRIPLE FOR THE REST OF YOU PANSY-ASSED MORONS! NOW GET THE HELL OUT OF MY PRESS ROOM BEFORE I SHOVE MY BOOT SO FAR UP YOUR ASS THAT YOU CHOKE TO DEATH ON MY SHOELACES!!!!"Dismissed

Everyday that you can wake up free; it's going to be a great day

A hat tip to:
Tony Diana

Supporting Our Troops Through Music!

www.tonydiana.com

A tribute for service members and families

I lifted this post from the blog: Michael Yon: Online Magazine for several reasons.
Michael Yon is a War Correspondent. I mean , a real war correspondent. Not, some guy who who is embedded with the troops for thesole reason of embarrasing the soldiers that he is 'reporting' on, in aneffort to undermine the war effort. And, he can write. That, in itself, sets him apart from a great many of his colleagues.

He is an independent, receiving no support from some editor or pub-lisher, who might expect him to write a certain way if he expects tocontinue his employment. Mr. Yon has come to rely on his readersto fund his efforts. His post below explains that and offers the out-standing photograph of a soldier carrying a wounded Iraqi child, as a gift, that would be entirely suitable as a Christmas gift.

Mr. Yon supports the troops in a most admirable way. I highly suggest that you read his work and especially look at the photographs that follow his post that I am featuring here. He is a friend of BruceWillis, who also is an outstanding supporter of the U.S. Military. I would appreciate any support that we can give those who supportAmerica's sons and daughters.

Finally, it doesn't matter who took this photograph. It is an outstanding example of how compassionate and caring our troops are. May God bless them and Michael Yon.



"Many people say this is the most important photograph of the Iraq war. Some have called it "a national treasure." The image most completely embodies my experience throughout Iraq.
Countless people have asked for reprints, but I wanted to give the matter some thought. I did not want to diminish the symbolism of thisphotograph, and the American soldiers who risked their lives to save this little girl.

I more than espoused this belief, I lived it: I have not accepted advertisements on this site, and my first 7 months of work in Iraq were completely without compensation. When I reached the point where my equipment was ruined and my resources exhausted, I had to choose between stopping the work altogether or rethinking my independence. I solved both problems by accepting reader support.

When these soldiers finally returned to the United States after a year of hard fighting they asked my permission to present a copy of the photograph to Bruce Willis at “The Punishers’ Ball.” Of course, I agreed. I respect these men beyond simple description, and when I saw the photo so tastefully framed, I realized that it made a beautiful gift.

It occurred to me that even national treasures have practical costs associated with them. No one protests the admission fees or government supports that maintain and preserve their legacy. Museums don't diminish the value of art when they sell prints in a gift shop. I'm not claiming to be Picasso, and this blog is hardly the Louvre, but my readers have convinced me that this image inspires them and I've learned to listen to my readers.

I’ve decided to offer a limited number of signed photographs, available intwo formats.
All will be signed and numbered by me.

If you have difficulty with PayPal, or just prefer to send a check, please use the address provided with my profile section."

Paralympics Now Open to Disabled Vets

Disabled veteran athletes can now become eligible to compete in some of the nation's premiere athletic venues due to an agreement between the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Under the terms of the agreement signed last week, participants in VA's National Veterans Wheelchair Games and the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic will now be able to qualify for positions on the prestigious U.S. Paralympic Team and the U.S. Paralympic National Teams. The agreement means the department's marquee sporting events for disabled veterans can now serve as a pipeline in providing competitors for American Paralympic teams engaged in national and international competition. For more information, please contact Richard Olague, Public Affairs Specialist, VA Public Affairs, at 202-273-6000, Darryl Seibel, Chief Communications Officer (719) 866-4531 or Beth Bourgeois, Communications Manager, U.S. Paralympics (719) 866-2039.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Soldier's Angels

Another Thanksgiving Message From the Front

From the blog, Sgt. Hook:

"He meticulously checked his team’s weapons, just as he always did. Two of the seven were pissed off but cleaning their M-4 carbines nonetheless. He wasn’t considered the most poplular, but he was thorough. He then checked the vehicles. Three up-armored hummers riddled with pock marks from IED shrapnel. At his displeasure, two more soldiers scrambled to find a fuel can to top off their vehicle.

Gottdamned complacency was setting in, he thought to himself, a knot forming in his stomach, he spat on the desert floor just before walking to the CP for an update while his team squared away the deficiencies he had found. “Get your shit together gottdammit, I’ll be back in five and you’d better be tight,” he had barked. They were good kids. Kids, he thought, he was only a few years older than them himself at 26.

He stepped into the CP for the brief from the S2. This was their third convoy this week and their 113th since arriving in country some 8 months ago. Three of the seven had been with him from the start. They had lost two to IEDs, one fatal and one bad enough to buy a ticket home. Another of the original seven went and got himself promoted and now had his own team. They often passed each other on the road heading in opposite directions. The fourth left on emergency leave and never came back.

He sat in his seat, staring out the window as the trees went by at a rapid pace. “Mom,” he asked, “when are we gonna get there?”

“In just a few minutes honey,” she answered stealing a glance in the rearview mirror. “Are you excited to pick up your sister from school?”

“Yeah mom, cause I wanna go buy the Turkey for dad for when he comes home for Tanksgiving,” the four year old with sandy blonde hair and bright blue eyes strapped into his car seat matter-of-factly answered.

She smiled, almost unable to contain herself. She too was excited.

He smiled at the sight of his team standing at rigid attention in front of their hummers, weapons at the position of present arms as he approached. OK smart asses, let’s get to the brief. He shared with his team the intel he got from the 2. He went over procedures for contact as he always did, the more seasoned members his team rolling their eyes as they always did. “Let’s go,” he quietly yet firmly said. They climbed into their chariots under the roar of two CH47 Chinook helicopters passing overhead.

She was frustrated with the traffic trying to get on base. The gate guard was checking every driver’s ID causing the line of cars to move at a snail’s pace.

Traffic was unusally light on the road. From the lead vehicle he keyed the mic, “keep your eyes peeled for anything suspicious, my spidey sense is up today.”

“And why should today be different from any other day spidey?” came over the radio in a tinny encrypted voice, followed by a few chuckles. He looked at his driver who was beaming from ear to ear. “You leaving tomorrow on R&R sarge?” the driver asked without taking his eyes off of the road ahead.

“Yeah,” he said wiping the sweat dripping down from beneath his kevlar helmet.

She tipped the commissary bagger two bucks she really couldn’t afford, buckeld the kids into their seats, and slid behind the wheel of their SUV, her skirt hiking up exposing her shapely left thigh. A thigh that longed for his touch. A thigh she missed feeling his hand on as he fell asleep next to her. A thigh she covered pulling her skirt back over while closing the heavy door.

The explosion lifted the right rear of his vehicle into the air, flipping the hummer onto its left side.

The crash slammed her head into the steering wheel. An old red pick-up truck had slammed into the SUV’s rear as she was backing out of the parking spot. She immediately checked on the kids thanking God they were alright, albeit crying loudly. She took a second to collect her thoughts noticing blood trickling down her cheek.

He immediately checked on his driver cursing his death but not pausing a second, struggling to free himself from the half-overturned vehicle as bullets struck the now exposed underbelly. He could taste the salt of his own blood as he began kicking out the windshield. Squeezing through the frame where the windshield had once been, he rolled onto the ground keeping the hood of the truck to his right for cover, his M-4 in hand he immediately started returning fire. His heart and mind were in a horse race as he fought the enemy and the urge to get up and run to his trail vehicles to check on his soldiers.

He yelled, “mommy! mommy! mommy! what happened?” She wiped the blood from her forehead and unbuckled he and his sister, leading them from the SUV to the shade of a nearby tree, comforting her scared children with words of reassurance, “It’s OK babies, just a little accident.”

He low crawled from his upturned hummer to the second vechicle where both occupants had dismounted and taken up defensive positions fiercely engaging the enemy with all they had. He cut off a scream as the burn of a 7.62mm AK47 round struck his left thigh. “You guys alright?” he yelled over the report of automatic weapons fire. He was answered with a quick pair of nods. “Cover me!” he yelled and stood up to run to vehicle number three.

He held tightly to his mom, not understanding what had happened. His 7-year old sister attempted to comfort her little brother with words and a hug.

He fell to the ground partly from the pain in his thigh, and partly from the explosion of vehicle number three as a rocket propelled grenade slammed into it killing three of his men. His heart broke just before a bullet struck his right shoulder shattering the bones within. “Sarge!” he heard from behind him as another explosion sand-blasted his face. Rolling to his right, he winced in pain, desperately trying to pull the trigger. He barely felt yet another hot round hit his left foot as he faded out of consciousness.

She layed in bed with their daughter on her left, their son on her right, all wearing one of daddy’s flannel shirts, each pretending he was hugging them with arms of the shirt. She kept their minds off of the events of earlier with planning daddy’s welcome home Thanksgiving dinner just a few days away. Her heart warmly swelled as their children giggled and smiled and anticipated trading in their flannel shirts for real hugs. As did she.

His eyes closed, drifting off to dream world. His sister had already fallen alseep.

She was dozing herself as David Letterman came to an end when the ring of the doorbell startled her. She nervously walked down the steps wrapped in his flannel shirt and peered out of the peep hole in the locked door. Her legs buckled and she fell to the floor at the sight of an Army officer and a Chaplain standing outside under the porch light dressed in their green class ‘A’ uniforms adorned with medals and such.

The Army officer and Chaplain awash in the porch light could hear her wailing through the door, “but he was supposed to be home for Thanksgiving in just three days.”

What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?

Sgt Hook out. "

A Thanksgiving Message From the Front

From 'One Marine's View':
Tuesday, November 22, 2005

"BE THE
ONE
What are
you
thankful
for? This
time of

year things

get crazy

in the states. Family members come to visit, gifts are
bought, stress, excitement and fun wrapped up in one. But I ask,
what are you thankful for? Before the Thanksgiving holiday gets here,
stop for 2 minutes and try to write down what you’re really thankful
for.

Have you thought about your health, to the point if you’re going to
see your kids graduate high school? How about the shape of your
relationship? How about simple things we overlook everyday like
clean water the lack of death squads taking over our houses and
families and two of great importance, freedom and the greatest
country in the world. They can never take our freedom!
---------------------------------
This holiday season add your service members to your “Thankful”
list. During this holiday season, we will be forwardly deployed to
maintain the fight. We will not stop operations and we will keep the
enemy on the run. "We will not waver. We will not tire. We will not
faulter. We will not fail. Peace and freedom will prevail.

"Happy Thanksgiving!

Semper Fidelis,

Keep Attacking! "

Marine Artist Leaves Fingerprint on World

By U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Heidi E. Loredo 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force (FWD)

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq, Nov. 22, 2005 — Before he found fame as the artist who painted the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo was simply known as Michel. Michelangelo left a mark in the world of creativity that will never be imitated. Cpl. Willie M. Rockward, armorer, 2nd Marine Headquarters Group, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), strives to do the same with his lifelong passion in art. Rockward, 24, beamed with creativity and imagination, became interested in comic books for their artistic styles and drawings as he grew older. “I followed the artists,” said the Houston native. “Some people bought the whole comic book series. If I saw a piece of art in a comic that I liked I’d buy that one comic book, not the whole series.” Inspired by family members and his middle school art teacher, Rockward incorporated art into his daily routine. “I wasn’t a disciplined kid,” said Rockward. “The biggest thing that got me in trouble was drawing in class. I’d be taking a math test, and I would draw on the test papers. It’s the same thing in the armory. There are sketches throughout the entire armory.” As a high school graduate, Rockward was not ready to attend college and instead opted for the discipline the military offered. The Rest of the Story: Cpl. Rockward's interest in art is very similar to mine. I was, also, always in trouble for drawing in class. An interest in art should be a 'vice' that more are guilty of. Keep on with your sketching Cpl. Willie Rockward!

Bitter debate on Iraq 'disturbing': Army general

By Charles Aldinger

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The bitter battle in Washington over whether to withdraw U.S. troops quickly from Iraq is disturbing but has not damaged U.S. military morale, a senior American Army general in Baghdad said on Tuesday.

"A precipitous pullout, I believe, would be destabilizing," Lt. Gen. John Vines, the second-ranking U.S. commander there, told Pentagon reporters in a teleconference from Iraq. He refused to set any timetable.

"Of course the debate and the bitterness is disturbing. But, after all, we are a democracy, and that is what democracy is about ... people will have differences of opinion," Vines said.

"Certainly, soldiers are concerned about whether or not they enjoy the support of not only their elected representatives but the people. And they know that they have their support," Vines replied when pressed about morale among the 155,000 American troops in Iraq.

The above italics are mine. I read many soldiers blogs and e-mails, that I receive. I have yet to read anything that isn't positive about what our troops are doing.

CENTCOM

Send a Holiday Message to the Troops Via Stars and Stripes

Airman’s Bone Marrow Helps Save Baby Girl

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Marilyn Kott
Airman’s Bone Marrow Helps Save Baby Girl

By Capt. Ryan Norman 572nd Global Mobility Squadron

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif., Nov. 21, 2005 — More than a decade ago, then Capt. Marilyn Kott spent a few extra minutes at the end of a mobility processing line to learn about a program that matches Air Force volunteers with persons who need bone marrow transplants.

Three assignments went by and her life went on as usual. Then one day this summer she received a phone call informing her that she was a possible match for 4-month-old baby that needed a bone marrow transplant.

“I almost forgot I had even signed up for the program,” said Kott, a lieutenant colonel with the 572nd Global Mobility Readiness Squadron commander.

A representative from the C.W. Bill Young Donor Center in Kensington, Md., guided Kott through the long process to determine if she was an ideal match.

The Department of Defense donor center supports active-duty military members and their families, department civilians, reservists, Guard and Coast Guard members eligible to donate.

Participation in the program, which is 100 percent voluntary, does not obligate a person to donate. Volunteer can back out at any time.

Kott did not back out. She began the next process of the donor program -- undergoing a telephone interview regarding her health and physical well-being. She also provided updated blood samples, drawn at the David Grant U.S. Air Force Medical Center here and forwarded to the Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C.

“I provided the blood sample, but I still did not really think that I would be a match for someone,” the colonel said.

She was wrong. A month later she found she was the best match for a 4-month old baby with leukemia. This is a disease of the bone marrow in which unrestrained proliferation of white blood cells occurs, usually accompanied by anemia, impaired blood clotting and enlargement of the lymph nodes, liver and spleen.

“When they told me I was the best match, there was no doubt that I would donate,” she said. “The fact the recipient was a baby made it more poignant.”

The Rest of the Story:

This is Good News!!!!

Al-Zarqawi May Be Among Dead in Iraq Fight
By ROBERT H. REID, Associated Press Writer 1 hour, 9 minutes ago

BAGHDAD, Iraq - U.S. forces sealed off a house in the northern city of Mosul where eight suspected al-Qaida members died in a gunfight — some by their own hand to avoid capture. A U.S. official said Sunday that efforts were under way to determine if terror leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was among the dead.

In Washington, a U.S. official said the identities of the terror suspects killed in the Saturday raid was unknown. Asked if they could include al-Zarqawi, the official replied: "There are efforts under way to determine if he was killed."

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the information.

On Saturday, police Brig. Gen. Said Ahmed al-Jubouri said the raid was launched after a tip that top al-Qaida operatives, possibly including al-Zarqawi, were in the house in the northeastern part of the city.

During the intense gunbattle that followed, three insurgents detonated explosives and killed themselves to avoid capture, Iraqi officials said. Eleven Americans were wounded, the U.S. military said. Such intense resistance often suggests an attempt to defend a high-value target.
American soldiers controlled the site Sunday, and residents said helicopters flew over the area throughout the day. Some residents said the tight security was reminiscent of the July 2003 operation in which

Saddam Hussein' sons, Odai and Qusai, were killed in Mosul.

The elusive al-Zarqawi has narrowly escaped capture in the past. U.S. forces said they nearly caught him in a February 2005 raid that recovered his computer.

In May, the group said he was wounded in fighting and was taken out of the country for treatment. Within days, it reported he had returned — though there was never any independent confirmation that he was wounded.

Hooah!

What a Tangled Web We Weave--Decoding the Mystery That is HOOAH

By Sgt. Michael VolkinAuthor,

Ultimate Basic Training Guide Book

One of the most widely used military acronyms of all times, and no one can agree on its spelling,

origin or even on its meaning for that matter.

Undoubtedly it will be the first acronym you will hear as you arrive at Basic Training. You will hear thousands of new soldiers utter the acronym, whisper it, shout it and even sing it. But what exactly does it mean? Heck, is it even an acronym at all?

I have scoured the Internet, referenced books, and asked military scholars. Only one conclusion has become of my research: There is no known origin for the meaning of hooah; many have opinions but there is no single theory.

Personally, when I went through Basic Training, I was taught the acronym HUA stood for I hear you, I understand you, and I acknowledge your statement. Urbandictionary.com claims the term hooah was originally used by the British in the late 1800's in Afghanistan; then, more recently adopted by the United States Army to indicate an affirmative or a pleased response. The book Absolutely American: Culture War at West Point defines huah as " an all-purpose expression"… if you "want to describe a cadet who's very gung-ho, you call them huah"… if you "understand instructions, say huah"… if you "agree with what another cadet just said, murmur huah ". Perhaps the broadest definition I have come across in my research might very well be the best, and even most comical definition. If I had a prize to award, I would give it to The Department of Military Science and Leadership, University of Tennessee who claim HOOAH" refers to or means anything except no."

So while military experts and personnel alike disagree on the term, spelling, origin and meaning of HUA, huah, hooah , etc, it remains to be widely used throughout the military. Regardless of it's meaning, a common aspect encompasses each of the definitions for this term. The term is an expression of high morale, confidence, motivation and spirit.

I welcome all questions and comments at http://www.military.com/Recruiting/Content/mail%20to:%20michaelvolkin@ultimatebasictrainingguidebook.com. SGT Michael Volkin is the author of The Ultimate Basic Training Guidebook. The Ultimate Basic Training Guidebook is available in both book and e-book format at www.ultimatebasictrainingguidebook.com.

Use your GI Bill benefits to get ahead. Get free information from military-friendly schools.

Lag in Iraq: A Wheelchair for Kevin

From 'Lag in Iraq':

A Wheelchair for Kevin
I'm sure you all recall that we have a friend here who happens to be an Iraqi translator that goes by the alias "Kevin." Kevin was nearly killed in a recent VBIED attack and has been maimed for life. I briefly mentioned him yesterday under "They Say Blogging is Contagious." Fellow soldiers and Arkansans Will and David; who are definitely closer friends of Kevin than I, have written sobering accounts about the whole incident in detail.

The Rest of the Story:
Lag in Iraq: A Wheelchair for Kevin

From 'One Marine's View':

This is the TRUTH as soon through the eyes of a Marine who is there.




THE WRONG STORY
The broad Main Steam Media (MSM), mainly news on the internet and some TV last night reported that there were 6 deaths from fighting in Iraq. Can anyone tell me their names, how they died, what state they were from anything besides that they were Marines? Although tragic, because it was a relatively small group surly they could have mentioned any of the above. How much time would that have taken? 5-10 seconds? Its not your fault America, but the MSM………….well.
Their very own embedded reporters aren’t even getting the story straight or at least they are now putting their own spin on things (big surprise)

The Rest of the Story, and please read it!!

The Answered Prayer from God!

Two things to know before you read below: Marines are taught : 1) Keep your priorities in order and 2) Know when to act without hesitation.

A Marine was attending a college course between missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The professor, an avowed atheist, shocked the class one day when he walked in, looked toward the ceiling, and said loudly, "God, if you are real, then I want you to knock me off this platform. I'll give you exactly 15 minutes."

The lecture room fell silent and the professor began his lecture. Ten minutes went by and the professor proclaimed, "Here I am God - still waiting."

It got down to the last minute when the Marine stood up, walked toward the professor and threw his best punch knocking him off the platform and out cold. The Marine went back to his seat and sat down.

The other students were shocked and stunned and sat there looking on in silence. The professor came to, noticeably shaken, looked at the Marine and asked, "What the hell is the matter with you? Why did you did that?"

The Marine calmly replied, "God is busy today protecting America's soldiers who are protecting your right to behave like an idiot and say stupid stuff. So He sent me."

FREEDOM NOW

I love being in on the birth of new things. Introducing a new blog: FREEDOM NOW . The most recent post follows:

"Wednesday, November 16, 2005

An Hour of Soul Searching

11/16/05 - 8:38pm

George Bush is still clinging to power. How much longer can he last?

11/16/05 - 8:46pm

I checked CNN and NYTimes.com, no news… The bastard must be holding on.

11/16/05 - 8:49pm

I’m afraid to look. I don’t understand it. All my friends hate Bush. Hell, I won’t be seen associating with anyone that supports that war monger. I thought our country was a democracy. This is proof that we are living under a dictatorship.

11/16/05 - 9:04pm

I hate middle AmeriKKKa. You have to be an idiot to vote for that chimp monkey goat boy. Why does my country have to be so stupid? They are a bunch of redneck racists, I wish they would all die.

11/16/05 - 9:15pm

I think I will move to Europe. After the 2004 election Eddie Vedder said he would move, but he only made it to Hawaii...maybe I can make it the whole way.

11/16/05 - 9:19pm

Only Hollywood saves us because they are so brave to speak out. Thats a high compliment because normally I don’t like rich people. Well…I mean I’m like, kinda of well off but my parents are totally progressive so it’s not like we embrace capitalism or anything. I think its OK if you recycle, isn’t it?

11/16/05 - 9:25pm

Indymedia had a great article on how NAFTA will exploit poor countries, but there was no news on Bush stepping down. I am so angry. Why is it that it has to be my country that is so full of hate that we go to war for oil, colonialism and religious bigotry? Those Christian fundamentalists are such jerks!

11/16/05 - 9:38pm

Katy called and wants to go the movies. Cool! A nice Frappuccino and Antonio Banderas (what a hunk!) will do the trick. They probably don’t have movies in Iraq because they get bombed so much. Oh well, I’ll think about that later. I have to figure out what to wear."

"Time For a Cigar"

I love this guy. From One Marine's View:

"The Marines moral is good. Tuff and determined they continue their operation for the extended week. When you kick a rock over and find scumbags you keep turning rocks over until you get all of them. There are plenty of scumbags out here to take care of and we are on a roll as young Marines and Iraqi Soldiers build their coordination against the enemy. It’s the young Marines out there kicking in doors and freeing Iraq one terrorist at a time. They are where the rubber meets the road and regardless of age their professionalism and determination is ever present. These are the 17-22 year olds you know back home who might have loaded your grocery’s, cut your grass or been the “kid” next door. Tough, smart and battlefield tested they take on the foreign fighter head on and respond with outstanding results freeing a nation of scum. Its my pleasure to serve with them. They are heroes! May God continue to Bless America! (the bold font is mine)

Semper Fi,
Time for a cigar!"

May God bless you as well, Capt. B.

Marines ain't bullshittin anymore!!!

I got this in an e-mail:

Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon (SMAW)

Primary function: Portable anti-armor rocket launcher.
Length:
To Carry: 29.9 inches (75.95 centimeters)
Ready-to-Fire: 54 inches (137.16 cm)
Weight:
To Carry: 16.6 pounds (7.54 kg)
Ready-to-Fire (HEDP): 29.5 pounds (13.39 kg)
Ready-to-Fire (HEAA): 30.5 pounds (13.85 kg)
Bore diameter: 83mm
Maximum effective range:
1 x 2 Meter Target: 250 meters
Tank-Sized Target: 500 meters
Introduction date: 1984
Unit Replacement Cost: $13,000

Mission: To destroy bunkers and other fortifications during assault operations as well as other designated targets with the dual mode rocket and to destroy main battle tanks with the HEAA rocket.

Features: The SMAW is an 83mm man-portable weapon system consisting of the MK153 Mod 0 launcher, the MK 3 Mod 0 encased HEDP rocket, the MK 6 Mod 0 encased HEAA rocket, and the MK217 Mod 0 spotting rifle cartridge. The launcher consists of a fiberglass launch tube, a 9mm spotting rifle, an electro-mechanical firing mechanism, open battle sights, and a mount for the MK42 Mod 0 optical and AN/PVS-4 night sights. The High Explosive, Dual Purpose (HEDP) rocket is effective against bunkers, masonry and concrete walls, and light armor. The High Explosive Anti-Armor (HEAA) rocket is effective against current tanks without additional armor. The 9mm spotting rounds are ballistically matched to the rockets and increase the gunner's first round hit probability. Training is accomplished with the MK7 Mod 0 encased common practice rocket and the MK213 Mod 0 noise cartridge.
The SMAW MK153 Mod 0 launcher is based on the Israeli B-300 and consists of the launch tube, the spotting rifle, the firing mechanism, and mounting brackets. The launch tube is fiberglass/epoxy with a gel coat on the bore. The spotting rifle is a British design and is mounted on the right side of the launch tube. The firing mechanism mechanically fires the spotting rifle and uses a magneto to fire the rocket. The mounting brackets connect the components and provide the means for boresighting the weapon. The encased rockets are loaded at the rear of the launcher. The spotting cartridges are stored in a magazine in the cap of the encased rocket.

Marine Corps Inventory: 1364

Background: The SMAW system (launcher, ammunition and logistics support) was fielded in 1984 as a Marine Corps unique system. At that time, the SMAW included the MK153 Mod 0 launcher, the MK3 Mod 0 HEDP encased rocket, the MK4 Mod 0 practice rocket and the MK217 Mod 0 9mm spotting cartridge. The MK6 Mod 0 encased HEAA rocket is being added to the inventory. The MOD 0 has demonstrated several shortcomings. A series of modifications is currently planned to address the deficiencies. They include a resleeving process for bubbled launch tubes, rewriting/drafting operator and technical manuals, a kit that will reduce environmental intrusion into the trigger mechanism, and an optical sight modification to allow the new HEAA rocket to be used effectively against moving armor targets. Recently fielded were new boresight bracket kits that, when installed, will solve the loss of boresight problem between launch tube and spotting rifle. During Desert Storm, 150 launchers and 5,000 rockets were provided to the U.S. Army. Since then, the Army has shown increased interest in the system.