Face of Freedom ~ Officer Susan Porcello

Officer Susan Porcello
New York City Police Department

My friend, Marcus (A Soldier's Perspective) told me about this amazing American, Officer Susan Porcello. She is a finalist in the AMW All-Star competition and we can vote for her HERE. We can vote once a day now through May 4. Her concern for an elderly and lonely veteran is moving and a reminder that we can all do more. Let's say thank you to her!

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Officer Susan Porcello was responding to a 9-1-1 call regarding an elderly man sick at his home. After assisting him she befriended retired USMC PFC Gasper Musso and for the next six months, she along with her patrol partner provided what he needed to care for himself. He had no other family members alive and so Officer Susan Porcello and her partner took it upon themselves to have the resident honored and received full military burial privileges upon his passing away in November 2008.

In addition, she provided for his wake, the mass and final burial at her own expense. In December 2008 Officer Porcello received the Public Servant of the Year Award from Little Italy Merchant Association (LIMA) and she also received the Rocco Laurie Memorial Award for outstanding police work for the demonstration of compassion and dedication to retired USMC PFC Gasper Musso in Life and Death. She recently received THE SHIELDS of Long Island award for Police Officer of the month for her ability, courage and understanding, which have won the respect, confidence and admiration of her fellow police officers.

Officer Susan Porcello became a member of New York finest as a patrol officer in July 1998. After graduating the academy she was assigned to field training at the 68th precinct. Her trainings include cobra auto and motorcycle crime, CIMS, and is currently assigned to the Truancy Community Affairs Division. She is also a liaison between the public schools, district attorney office and the Board of Education. She has numerous memberships that include NRA, My Soldier Program, National Columbia Association, Policewomen's Endowment Association, Fraternal Order of Police Memorial lodge # 100 and she is a PBA union delegate for the Police Department. She is also a member of the polar bear club of Coney Island and the Society of Val Trebbia and Val Nure.

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Please vote today at http://www.amw.com/allstar/2009/nominee_detail.cfm?id=7061
And while you are there, watch the video of her story.

Bloggers - can you help spread the word about this woman who helped a Marine veteran? Feel free to copy and paste.

Wednesday Hero ~ SGT Kenneth G Ross

Sgt. Kenneth G. Ross
24 years old from Tucson, Arizona
7th Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment
September 25, 2005


"He believed in serving his country," said Ross' father, David C. Ross. Gary Anderson, Ross' best friend and an Army infantry veteran who served nine months in Afghanistan and 11 months in Iraq during his active duty stint, was a classmate of Ross at Marana's Mountain View High School. "You know, I heard this news of Ken and I broke down and cried hysterically," said Anderson, now a firefighter for the Ak-Chin Indian Community in Maricopa. "He loved everyone; everyone who came in contact with him loved him. He'd always help everyone out that he could."

A 1999 graduate of Mountain View, Ross played drums in the marching band and orchestra, his father said. Ross enlisted in the Army right after graduation. "He just wanted to take part in history," Anderson said.

At the time of his death, he was a helicopter mechanic — acting as a door gunner on his last mission, his father said. Sgt. Ross was killed when his helicopter went down southwest of Deh Chopan, Afghanistan. Also killed in the crash were Sgt. Shawn A. Graham, Warrent Officer Adrian B. Stump, Sgt. Tane T. Baum, Chief Warrent Officer 2 John M. Flynn and Sgt. Patrick D. Stewart.

Along with his father, Sgt. Ross is survived by his mother, Mary Ross, 57, and his sister, Stephanie Ross, 30. "I know his last thoughts were for everybody else and not for himself," Anderson said. "I know he wanted to make sure everybody was safe and would go home."

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives
so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday.
For that, I am proud to call them Hero.

This Week's Post Was Suggested & Written By Mary Ann
This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Oregon National Guard Demonstration ~ SGT Eric Rutherford

Tech. Sgt. Derrick Brooks, a pararescue jumper with the 304th Rescue Squadron, Air Force Reserve, back flips from an Oregon Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook helicopter at 7,200 feet, during a joint operation High Altitude-Low Open jump demonstration for the Army Aviation Support Facility No. 2's Community appreciation open house, April 23, in Pendleton, Ore. The air crews with 2nd Battalion, 641st Aviation Regiment, flew the Air Force Reserve pararescue jumpers to high altitude for a parachute drop.

Senior Master Sgt. Tim Lum, a Pararescue jumper with the 304th Rescue Squadron, Air Force Reserve, inspects the landing zone from an Oregon Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook helicopter during a joint operation High Altitude-Low Open jump demonstration for the Army Aviation Support Facility No. 2's Community appreciation open house, April 23, in Pendleton, Ore. The air crews with 2nd Battalion, 641st Aviation Regiment, flew the Air Force Reserve pararescue jumpers to high altitude for a parachute drop.

An Oregon Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook helicopter creates a large dust cloud as it prepares to sling-lift two humvees during at the Army Aviation Support Facility No. 2's Community appreciation open house, April 23, in Pendleton, Ore. The air crews with 2nd Battalion, 641st Aviation Regiment, demonstrated the Chinook's heavy lift capabilities and versatility by sling-loading the two vehicles, then carrying them around the airfield and setting them back down.

An Oregon Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook helicopter fills its firefighting water bucket during at the Army Aviation Support Facility No. 2's Community appreciation open house, April 23, in Pendleton, Ore. The air crews with 2nd Battalion, 641st Aviation Regiment, demonstrated the Chinook's heavy lift and firefighting capabilities by filling the bucket with 2,000 gallons of water and dumping it near the airfield.

Oregon Army National Guard air crews head across the flight line to their CH-47 Chinook helicopter to prepare for flight demonstrations at the Army Aviation Support Facility No. 2's Community appreciation open house, April 23, in Pendleton, Ore. The air crews with 2nd Battalion, 641st Aviation Regiment, demonstrated the Chinook?s heavy lift capabilities and versatility by sling-loading vehicles, firefighting water bucket drills and taking Air Force Reserve pararescue jumpers to high altitude for a parachute drop.

An Oregon Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook helicopter sling-lifts two humvees during at the Army Aviation Support Facility No. 2's Community appreciation open house, April 23, in Pendleton, Ore. The air crews with 2nd Battalion, 641st Aviation Regiment, demonstrated the Chinook's heavy lift capabilities and versatility by sling-loading the two vehicles, then carrying them around the airfield and setting them back down.

An Oregon Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook helicopter demonstrates its firefighting capability during at the Army Aviation Support Facility No. 2's Community appreciation open house, April 23, in Pendleton, Ore. The air crews with 2nd Battalion, 641st Aviation Regiment, demonstrated the Chinook's heavy lift and firefighting capabilities by filling the bucket with 2,000 gallons of water and dumping it near the airfield.

Selah Ann Farley, of Pilot Rock, Ore., enjoys the view from the turret on an Oregon Army National Guard M2A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle during the Army Aviation Support Facility No. 2's Community appreciation open house, April 23, in Pendleton, Ore. The event brought local school children and community members to the facility to become familiar with the Guard and their capabilities in the area.

A Presentation by Sgt. Eric Rutherford
Oregon National Guard Public Affairs Office
(and my friend!)

Afghanistan Storms ~ The Rainy Season

Lightning strikes in the Hindu Kush basin near Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, April 20. The 455th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron, combat weather team, can predict lightning and thunder with the use of a Tactical Meteorological Observing System. This technology allows the weather team to issue a lightning warning on BAF to ensure the security and safety of all personnel. "It is unusual to have lightning strike within five nautical miles within the basin of Bagram, but on average there are 22 recorded strikes throughout the fiscal year," said Master Sgt. James Lee, non-commissioned officer in charge of the CWT.

A storm rolls into Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, April 20. The 455th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron, combat weather team, uses a variety of techniques to predict weather. They use of a Mark IV satellite and visual reference to determine type and severity of storm to better prepare personnel on BAF to maintain mission effectiveness. Rainstorms are frequent this time of year and have the ability to change the landscape to include rivers and streams. With the lack of drainage systems, floods occur regularly throughout the southeast region of Afghanistan. Precipitation in east and southeast regions is about forty centimeters per year.



Photos by Senior Airman Erik Cardenas

455th Air Expeditionary Wing

ANZAC DAY ~ April 25

ANZAC DAY
At dawn, April 25, Australia and New Zealand have their day of remembrance
of the fallen warriors of their countries.
Candlelit ceremonies were held in all places that they have troops serving,
as well as at home.

Above, Anzac Day ceremonies at Operation Slipper,
Oruzgan Province in southern Afghanistan

Below, ANZAC Day ceremonies at Baghdad's North Gate War Ceremony
41 Australians and 7 New Zealanders are buried here.

Iraq ~ Tourism Returns to Resort

A carousel in Habbaniyah's tourist village rests dormant and in a state of disrepair, April 6, but provides testament to better times in the once-popular vacation and honeymoon spot. Families and newlyweds frequented the resort in the 1980s, and tourist village continued to attract tourists throughout the Middle East until the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. Some of the necessary repairs and planning have begun with help from Marines with Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division - deployed to Camp Taqaddum with the 1st Marine Logistics Group - but Marine and Iraqi officials said further improvements to the existing facilities must be made to bring the resort back to its former prominence.

Habbaniyah tourist village, Iraq, has seen a recent influx of vacationers, a huge improvement from last year. Once a popular vacationing area in the 1970's and 1980's, it quickly lost its appeal as it became a refugee camp for Iraqis fleeing the sectarian violence in Baghdad and Fallujah after the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003.

Returning Marine Unit Notes Increased Vacationers in Local Iraqi Tourist Village

2nd Marine Logistic Group Public Affairs

Story by 2nd Lt. Michele Perez
April 23, 2009

HABBANIYAH TOURIST VILLAGE, Iraq - This time last year, the scene at the once popular vacation spot in western Iraq, Habbaniyah Tourist Village, was bleak. The village was nearly empty, and traffic of visitors and vacationers was negligible. Thoughts of the area regaining its luxurious status it once had in the 1970s and 1980s were distant thoughts after it became a haven for refugees fleeing the sectarian violence of Baghdad and Fallujah after the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003.

A March 2008 Reuters news article reported that "after years of war and sanctions, all that remains of the village's once lush gardens is dirt and scrub...rusted carousel horses seem suspended in the air, and eerie headless elephants are all that's left of another fairground ride."

Today, only a year later, Marines and Sailors with a detachment of the 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, the security force for Camp Al Taqaddum, Iraq, have witnessed firsthand a complete turnaround in the Habbaniyah Tourist Village. HTV has seen a recent upward trend of visitors with the numbers racking up to 4,000-5,000 people a weekend.

The 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment last deployed to Ramadi, Iraq from October 2007 to March 2008. Maj. Christian M. Rankin, 1/8 executive officer and the security force detachment commanding officer, says the success in HTV came as no surprise to him and his Marines.

"There was never doubt in our minds that victory over the insurgency would be achieved so long as we persevered, stuck by our Iraqi partners, and stayed true to our principles," Rankin said. "We all understood that at some point, the insurgency would be defeated because they had absolutely nothing to offer the Iraqi people."

According to Rankin, the success in HTV serves as further proof that the people of Al Anbar Province have rejected the goals, aims and ideology of al-Qaida and other terrorist groups. Instead of focusing on dodging attacks and violence, the local populace has shifted their focus to commerce and vacationing, as they travel throughout the province to visit the newly reinstated tourist destination. He has complete confidence that the recent success of HTV will spread to other regions throughout Iraq.

"Where there was once violence and murder, we now have children and their families picnicking and enjoying the beach in a safe, peaceful environment," Rankin said. "People now realize there are alternatives to living in fear... I am supremely confident the success of places like HTV will be replicated everywhere."

HTV has all of the same attractions we would expect to see at any other resort town: its beach front has a boardwalk, food vendors, playground, amusement rides and a hotel overlooking the water.

The HTV Park Store is a staple in the village and is seated snuggly between the shore and the resort. The store is poolside and has several patio tables and umbrellas lining the front window. Recently, the storefront was filled with dozens of children listening to music and taking in the sights.

Fera Mezhir Hamed, the store owner, says his business has increased by at least 30 percent over the past year. Hamed attributes the increase in visitors to better accessibility to the area.

"Last year you need a badge to get through to HTV and we talked to [local authorities]," Hamed said.

He added that an agreement was made to lessen the restrictions on who could get into HTV.

The focal point in the village is the hotel, which stands at five stories high and has approximately 200 rooms.

Hamed Najem Al-Khelefowi, a worker in the food and beverage department, serves guests in the hotel lobby. Al-Khelefowi has been in the area since 2002 and says things are better now than he ever remembers.

"Business has been very good." Al-Khelefowi said. "This year is better... very nice, very beautiful year."

He stood behind the counter with a huge smile on his face as he talked about the improved situation in the area and how a normal flow of visitors has returned to the hotel. Initially, a joint effort led by the Iraqi army, Iraqi police and coalition forces helped increase the safety in the area. But now the IPs are solely responsible for providing security, according to Al-Khelefowi.

"The IPs assist in traffic, make everything more organized," he said. "Some people act up, so they move them."

The constant presence of the Iraqi Police has made the area safer, according to Al-Khelefowi. He is also confident that the local police force will be able to maintain the security once the coalition forces leave.

"Yes, of course, absolutely," said Al-Khelefowi. "They can do the job when the coalition forces leave."

The general manger of HTV, who has a 25-year career working in the village, is very excited about the area's prospects for the future. Hameed A. T. Aladai recently returned to reassume his position after he was ran off November 2005 following insurgent death threats.

"This is my life," Aladai said. "Always my dream to get back."

Now that he's back, he has noticed a dramatic change in tourist activity from what he remembers a few years ago when HTV became a safe haven for refugees from Fallujah and Baghdad.

"2004, 2005 no tourist traffic," Aladai said. "Absolutely nothing ... not a chance for there to be tourist attractions, a lot of military traffic [and tourists] could not get through."

In fact, Aladai explains that the situation was so bad the resort was on the verge of closing over the last three years. He attributes the recent turn of events to the stable security situation in the area and the trust the local populace started to gain in their security forces.

"The security was unstable, especially in '05,'06 and '07. These were very difficult times for us," Aladai said. "The security is the main reason [for the improvement]. People started to trust coalition [forces], trust IPs and the Iraqi army."

Aladai wishes that one day he will see the same traffic as the '80s, but is very happy with the recent turn of events. He recognizes the coalition forces for the part they played in setting the improved conditions in motion.

"I have to thank [the] coalition," Aladai said. "[They] helped provide safety, projects, make things happen...dreams real."

Although the stability and security situation in Al Anbar province is new and still flourishing, the Marines and Sailors of 1/8 who were here during the height of the insurgency in 2007 and are now back in 2009, are confident the success in the region will be long-term as they carry out their new mission from aboard Camp Al Taqaddum, Iraq.

History is Our Stories ~ USS Bonefish (SS-582)

21 years ago, on 24 April 1988, the USS Bonefish (SS-582), a Barbel-class submarine in the US Navy, suffered a fire in the battery well. While the sub was submerged, seawater began leaking onto cables and electrical buses in a battery supply cableway. Electrical arcing between cables caused an explosion which flashed into a fire within minutes. Temperatures in the battery spaces reached 1,200 degrees. The heat melted crewmembers' shoe soles in the spaces above. Bonefish was surfaced and its crew ordered to abandon ship. Eighty-nine crewmembers were rescued by whaleboat and helicopter crews from USS Carr and the USS John F Kennedy (CV-67).

Three sailors — Lt. Ray Everts, 1st Class Petty Officer Bob Bordelon, and 3rd Class Petty Officer Marshal T. Lindgren — were killed -- may they rest in peace.


Blogger friend, Chaotic Synaptic Activity, has been doing a series chronicling the tragic event and the personal stories of those involved. It is a riveting series and I encourage you to go read it. The series has taken a great deal of time and skill to tell.

http://www.chaoticsynapticactivity.com/2009/04/24/a-date-with-destiny-part-viii/

Farewell and Walk with God ~ PFC Richard Dewater

Tyler Hicks/The New York Times

WALKING TOWARD DEATH A minute after he crossed this river, Pfc. Richard A. Dewater, 21, was killed by a Taliban bomb blast.

PFC Richard A. Dewater, 21, of Topeka, Kansas, died April 15, 2009 of wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device, while on a dismounted patrol near Korengal Valley, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 1^st Battalion, 26^th Infantry Regiment, 3^rd Brigade Combat Team, 1^st Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Known as Rick, he joined the Army at age 20, graduated June 6, married June 17 and deployed to Afghanistan on July 27. His father described him "He loved fishing. He loved guns. He loved what he was doing. He dedicated himself to it. He believed in what he was doing."

In his own words, about himself, Rick said, "I like the outdoors. I fish, camp, paintball....all that cool outdoor stuff. I'm into cruisin around with my buddies around town, and gotta throw in some stupid s&%t from time to time, you know? Just stuff for a good laugh from time to time. I like playin my guitars too. been playing on and off a few years."

From Rick's MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/Rick785

I AM THE INFANTRY, I AM MY COUNTRY'S STRENGTH IN WAR, HER DERRENT IN PEACE, I AM THE HEART OF THE FIGHT, WHEREVER, WHENEVER. I CARRY AMERICA'S FAITH AND HONOR AGAINST HER ENEMIES, I AM THE QUEEN OF BATTLE I AM WHAT MY COUNTRY EXPECTS ME TO BE, THE BEST TRAINED SOLDIER IN THE WORLD IN THE RACE FOR VICTORY, I AM SWIFT, DETERMINED, AND COURAGEOUS, ARMED WITH THE FIERCE WILL TO WIN. NEVER WILL I FAIL MY COUNTRY'S TRUST, ALWAYS I FIGHT ON, THROUGH THE FOE, TO THE OBJECTIVE, TO TRIUMPH OVER ALL. IF NECESSARY, I WILL FIGHT TO MY DEATH. BY MY STEADFAST COURAGE, I HAVE WON OVER 200 YEARS OF FREEDOM. I YIELD NOT TO WEAKNESS, TO HUNGER, TO COWARDICE, TO FATIGUE, TO SUPERIOR ODDS, FOR I AM MENTALLY TOUGH, PHYSICALLY STRONG, AND MORALLY STRAIGHT. I FORSAKE NOT MY COUNTRY, MY MISSION, MY COMRADES, MY SACRED DUTY. I AM RELENTLESS, I AM ALWAYS THERE, NOW AND FOREVER I AM THE INFANTRY.... FOLLOW ME

PFC Richard 'Rick' Dewater will be buried at Roseburg National Cemetery, in Oregon. Oregon was a place that Rick loved and he graduated from high school in Grants Pass, Oregon.

He is survived by his wife, his brother and his parents.

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"The first explosion had killed Private Dewater and lifted his body into a tree.

Sgt. Matthew R. Kuhn climbed the branches to free the missing man. In an instant, Second Platoon’s mission had changed. It would carry Private Dewater on the first steps of his journey home.

The soldiers gently rested their friend onto a stretcher, organized into teams of litter bearers and began the long walk back, over the two footbridges, up the Aliabad staircase and past the other soldiers and Marines, who provided security and stood quietly in respect.

He was the fourth member of Second Platoon killed during nine months in the valley."

Read the entire story here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/20/world/asia/20ambush.html

For a multimedia presentation of the day:
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/04/19/world/20090420-aliabad-ambush/index.html

Farewell, Rick, and Walk with God... You will be missed.

Wednesday Hero ~ USS John C Stennis

Operations Specialist 3rd Class Leonel Yanez


Operations Specialist 3rd Class Leonel Yanez (Right), from Huntington Park, Calif., monitors a radar screen in the Combat Direction Center aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis is on a scheduled six-month deployment to the western Pacific Ocean.

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives
so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday.
For that, I am proud to call them Hero.

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Face of Freedom ~ K-9 Kevin & SSG Aaron Meier

A memorial tribute honors a fallen comrade April 13 at Camp Liberty. "Military working dogs are an important part of the military team and sometimes they are taken for granted," said Lt. Col. Barbara Sherer, from Springfield, Mo., 1st Cav. Div. chaplain. "It is appropriate to honor their service."

Staff Sgt. Christopher Jasper, kennel master for Camp Liberty, attached to DSTB, 1st Cav. Div., addresses Soldiers at a ceremony to celebrate the life of one of their own, April 13, at Camp Liberty. "We consider the military working dogs to be Soldiers too," said Jasper, from Everett, Wash. Jasper read the poem, 'I wait by the gate,' in honor of Kevin.

Staff Sgt. Aaron Meier, a military dog handler, sits somberly during a ceremony highlighting the life of his deceased partner, Kevin, April 13 at Camp Liberty. "Kevin was my buddy. He was affectionate, very protective and an excellent worker," said Meier, from Fairmont, Minn., assigned to Division Special Troops Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division

Soldiers and their military working dog partners take time to pray in honor of Kevin, a military dog who succumbed to cancer. "It was a good memorial, they don't happen often for the dogs," said Sgt. Matt McCummins, a military dog handler, attached to DSTB, 1st Cav. Div.

BAGHDAD - Military working dog teams from throughout Victory Base Complex came out April 13 for a ceremony at the division chapel to honor one of their own. Kevin, a military working dog, passed away due to complications from cancer. His death was unexpected and left the other half of his team, Staff Sgt. Aaron Meier, in limbo and in mourning.

While in theater, military working dogs are not replaced, so Meier will be reassigned to other duties for the remainder of his deployment. As Meier now turns his attention to new job responsibilities, most of his focus still remains on the loyal partner and friend he lost.

"Kevin was the highlight of my day," said Meier, a military dog handler, from Fairmont, Minn., assigned to Division Special Troops Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division.

For more than four years, Meier and Kevin built an excellent working relationship together. "Kevin was a great patrol explosive detector dog," said Meier. "I could flip his on and off switch easily because of all the training we did together."

During their course of working together, the relationship developed further and formed a powerful, personal bond between them. "I was planning on adopting Kevin after this deployment," said Meier. "This was his last time deploying because of his age."

Though he never got to adopt him, Meier and Kevin still had many unforgettable moments together. "I pampered him a lot because a happy dog works better." Meier recalled the first time he gave Kevin a pillow to rest his head when they were together in a hotel preparing for a Secret Service mission. "Kevin had many human characteristics," Meier added.

Kevin's traits will always stick out in the minds of those who knew him. "He was very protective of Sgt. Meier," said Staff Sgt. Christopher Jasper, kennel master at Camp Liberty, DSTB, 1st Cav. Div. "Besides being a great detection and patrol dog, he was good for law enforcement purposes."

As one of the first dogs to participate in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Kevin's achievements were acknowledged during the ceremony. There were poems read in his honor, Taps was played by a 1st Cav. Div. trumpeter and military working dog teams left snacks in Kevin's bowl as a tribute to his service. "It is appropriate to honor their service," said Lt. Col. Barbara Sherer, from Springfield, Mo., 1st Cav. Div. command chaplain and co-coordinator of the ceremony. "Military working dogs are an important part of the military team and sometimes they are taken for granted."

That's a sentiment echoed by Staff Sgt. Jasper, "We consider dogs to be Soldiers too, they are constantly working." The ceremony gives credit to all the dogs and all the work they do here and in the United States, he added.

Military working dog teams are called upon often to perform their duties, so there is rarely a chance for teams from the different camps to see each other. Kevin afforded each team the opportunity to see in each other more of the common ground they share.

As Kevin's life, the attachment Meier had with him and the work they accomplished together were celebrated, new bonds formed among the Soldiers. They realized more the value of their military working dog teams and appreciated the chance for one of their own to be recognized.

-by Spc. Howard Alperin, MND-B PAO

Medal of Honor Recipients Visit Soldiers in Baghdad

Medal of Honor recipients retired Army Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Littrell, left, and retired Army Col. Robert Howard, center, sign and hand out copies of their award citations to soldiers serving in Multinational Division Baghdad with the 1st Infantry Division's 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team on Camp Liberty, Iraq, April 14, 2009.
Army Command Sgt. Maj. Donald Battle, who serves in Multinational Division Baghdad as senior enlisted advisor for the 1st Infantry Division's 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, introduces Medal of Honor recipients retired Army Col. Robert Howard, center, and retired Army Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Littrell to the brigade's soldiers on Camp Liberty, Iraq, April 14, 2009.

Medal of Honor Recipients Visit Soldiers in Baghdad

By Army Sgt. Dustin Roberts
Special to American Forces Press Service

BAGHDAD, April 15, 2009 - Two Vietnam War veterans who survived combat and who received the Medal of Honor visited soldiers serving in Multinational Division Baghdad here with the 1st Infantry Division's 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team at Warrior Chapel on Camp Liberty yesterday.

Retired Army Col. Robert Howard and retired Army Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Littrell spoke to the "Dagger Brigade" soldiers about keeping morale high while maintaining a sense of urgency, and they took the opportunity to answer questions from the soldiers.

"We try to visit soldiers here and in Afghanistan every April," said Littrell, who spent four days on a hill in Vietnam fighting enemy mortar and small-arms fire. "It's very important that we visit the men and women who are preserving the same freedom we preserved many years ago."

Littrell and Howard -- who also earned the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star and eight Purple Hearts for his actions in Vietnam -- gave words of encouragement and advice during their visit.

"Many of you have family at home, and because of the technology today, keep them informed and tell them how you are doing," Howard said. "This is good for everyone's morale, and it will help you focus on the mission."

The two recipients of the nation's highest award for conspicuous gallantry in battle took turns speaking to the troops, emphasizing that commitment to mission accomplishment is what motivates leaders to get the job done.

"After reading my citation, I felt that I did deserve the Medal of Honor," Littrell said. "At the time, all I was thinking was I was a noncommissioned officer in the United States Army with a job to do and soldiers to take care of."

Littrell told the soldiers that if they were placed in the same predicament, they would have the same level of integrity and courage to put total effort into the fight, no matter how long it took.

"You are fine young men and women who have outstanding tools and leadership," he said. "We are behind you all the way, and as long as we are able to make the trip, we will continue to visit the servicemembers in Iraq and Afghanistan."

When the time came for soldiers to ask the veterans questions, Army Staff Sgt. Andres Redondo, a native of Overland Park, Kan., asked how they stayed motivated and motivated their soldiers during the time they spent thousands of miles away from their families.

"We had no choice but to stay motivated as leaders," Howard said. "As for our soldiers, we reminded them that God and country came before our needs."

Littrell added that today's Army has more resources in quality of life, weapons systems and medical care to meet the needs of soldiers than were available in the Vietnam War era.

Greenville, N.C., native Army Command Sgt. Maj. Donald Battle, the brigade's senior enlisted advisor, introduced the soldiers' guests and thanked them for sharing their knowledge and support with the Dagger soldiers.

"It's because of Americans like Colonel Howard and Command Sergeant Major Littrell that we can still serve in America's Army," Battle said. "They are heroes, and we owe them great respect and thanks for coming to visit us."

(Photos and Story by Army Sgt. Dustin Roberts, Multinational Division Baghdad with the 1st Infantry Division's 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team.)

The Navy Seals

The Navy Seals are often famous just for their legend and mystery - for their perceived accomplishments, as their actual ones are not usually made public. They are a symbol of the protection that men in shadows provide to our country. They calm our fears. They let us rest well at night. We know they are out there, somewhere, watching out for us.

In recent memory, we have learned about Marcus Luttrell and SEAL Team 10 in Afghanistan. Those of us who read his book were not only astonished by the events in Afghanistan, the bravery of the team, but we were given a glimpse into what it takes to become a Navy SEAL.

Now, we have the story of the Navy SEAL snipers who took out the Somali pirates and saved cargo ship Captain Richard Phillips from his captors.

These are men who put themselves in front of evil and sacrifice for it - sometimes sacrificing all. They are highly trained (read it about it here: http://www.sealswcc.com/Home_Page.htm ) and highly specialized. The training is not easy and it is not cheap. And, the training never stops. They stay alert. They stay ready. They act in the silence of the shadows. Few will ever know what they do for our country.

I am grateful that they received the acclaim they deserved in their recent actions, and hope that more Americans understand the cost of peace and freedom at home. I am proud of them and I am grateful.

Wednesday Hero ~ PFC Alan R Blohm

Pfc. Alan R. Blohm
21 years old from Kenai, Alaska
425th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division
December 31, 2006


Alan R. Blohm enlisted in the Army in 2004 because "He wanted to serve the country," his brother Jeremy said. "His grandfather had been in the Army, and it's just something he wanted to do."

Blohm graduated in 2004 from Bay City Western High School, where he was a 250-pound defensive player for the football team. Blohm's size prompted coach Jim Eurick to nickname him "Biggins Blohm," his brother recalled. "I know he paid the ultimate sacrifice with his life," Mark Boileau, Blohm's former school Principal, said. "We know Alan will be in a better place because of the sacrifice he made, because of his love for our country."

PFC. Blohm died of wounds suffered when an IED detonated near his unit while on combat patrol in Baghdad Besides his brother, he leaves behind his parents and a younger sister.

For more information MilitaryCity.com & The Iraq Page

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives
so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday.
For that, I am proud to call them Hero.

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

The Dream...

Susan Boyle on Britain Got Talent
by dwarthy

Sometimes we need to be reminded not to judge a book by its cover...

(get your tissue before you hit play!)

Capt Phillips Rescued!

SOMALI BASIN (April 12, 2009) Maersk-Alabama Capt. Richard Phillips, right, stands alongside Cmdr. Frank Castellano, commanding officer of USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) after being rescued by U.S Naval Forces off the coast of Somalia. Philips was held hostage for four days by pirates.
(Official U.S. Navy photo/RELEASED)

Commodore William Bainbridge spent 19 months in prison during the Barbary Wars.

Captain Richard Phillips is now standing on the USS Bainbridge after his captivity.

Easter

Wishing you all the blessings of Easter

Bainbridge ~ History and Piracy

The USS Bainbridge is at the scene of the piracy of the Maersk Alabama and the holding of her captain, Capt Richard Phillips, by Muslim Pirates of Africa.

The USS Bainbridge is named for Commodore William Bainbridge (1774-1833). Bainbridge distinguished himself in both Barbary Wars - wars against the Muslim Pirates of Africa and in the War of 1812 as the captain of the USS Constitution.

The story of William Bainbridge is that of great adventure and many of the great moments in US Naval history.

Is it a moment of irony or destiny that brings the name Bainbridge into the modern chapter of piracy upon US ships? If nothing else, I hope his successes are repeated here.

American Held Hostage by Pirates

An American, Captain Richard Phillips, is being held hostage by Somalian pirates after they tried to take his ship the Maersk Alabama (sister ship shown above).

It is believed that Capt. Phillips offered himself as a hostage to ensure the release of his crew. He is being held in one of the Alabama's lifeboats with the pirates.

Capt. Phillips lives in Underhill, Vermont. He is a graduate of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Phillips had flown to the United Arab Emirates about two weeks ago to take command of the 508-foot-long container ship, loaded with USAID humanitarian aid supplies and other cargo destined for Kenya.

The USS Bainbridge is now on sight. The Alabama and her crew are secure. The life boat seems to be dead in the water. We are waiting for updates to the story, thinking about his family and friends and keeping him in our prayers.

From the State Department, Hillary Clinton showed leadership by bursting into giggles about the life boat being out of gas. From the White House, Obama has nothing to say - it's just not on the agenda today.

With this type of leadership, Capt Phillips needs divine intervention - please hold him in your prayers today.

Wednesday Hero ~ Cpl Aaron L Seal

Cpl. Aaron L. Seal
23 years old from Elkhart, Indiana
6th Engineer Support Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group, Marine Forces Reserve
October 1, 2006


With sleet gushing from gunmetal gray clouds, some 30 Marines standing in three trim lines saluted the U.S. flag that four of their brethren used to christen a new pole.

A large engraved stone set at the base of the 38-foot pole explained the occasion: "In memory of Corporal Aaron L. Seal. Who gave his life for our country. 1982-2006."

The Marines from Engineer Company B joined several dozen community residents and well-wishers at a ceremony Wednesday honoring Seal, the 23-year-old Elkhart reservist who died last fall in Iraq. Seal's family also attended the 20-minute tribute at Elkhart Community Schools' administration building adjacent to Memorial High School -- the fallen Marine's alma mater.

Read the rest of the story here.

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives
so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday.
For that, I am proud to call them Hero.

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Airmen Cover the Fallen with Dignity, Honor, Respect

Air Force Staff Sgt. Star Samuels hangs up a freshly pressed U.S. flag March 31, 2009, at the Charles C. Carson Center for Mortuary Affairs, Dover Air Force Base, Del. The flags will be placed over caskets during the dignified transfer of remains.

U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Bennie J. Davis III

Air Force Staff Sgt. Star Samuels, front, and Air Force Tech. Sgt. Willard Rico place a U.S. flag over a casket March 31, 2009, during a dry run of shipping process procedures for the dignified transfer of remains at the Charles C. Carson Center for Mortuary Affairs, Dover Air Force Base, Del. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Bennie J. Davis III

Airmen Cover the Fallen With Dignity, Honor, Respect
By Air Force Capt. Shannon Collins
Special to American Forces Press Service

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del., April 6, 2009 - For some, it means red, white and blue. It means 13 stripes for the original colonies and 50 stars for the states. For the families of the fallen, the American flag means so much more.

Because of this, two airmen assigned to the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Center here take their mission very seriously.

"These men and women who gave their lives for their country for the sake of freedom deserve the utmost dignity, honor and respect," Air Force Tech. Sgt. Willard Rico, a shipping specialist here, said.

"I'm very privileged to be a part of that, especially for the families left behind." Rico is deployed from the 60th Force Support Squadron at Travis Air Force Base, Calif. His co-worker, Air Force Staff Sgt. Star Samuels, a shipping specialist deployed from the 43rd Force Support Squadron, Pope Air Force Base, N.C., echoes his sentiment.

"We're taking care of someone's child, mother, father, husband, wife. They passed away protecting this country; we try to make everything perfect to give them and their families the utmost respect," Samuels said.

The shipping specialists are part of the final process for fallen heroes prior to beginning their journey home to their loved ones. The mortuary staff prepares the remains of fallen U.S. servicemembers, as well as government officials and their families stationed abroad in Europe and Southwest Asia. Since 1955, the remains of more than 50,000 servicemembers have arrived here for identification and funeral preparations.

The shipping specialists, Rico and Samuels, inspect the caskets, as well as perform a final check to make sure the dog tags, ribbons, flag and more are correct and up to standards. They are the final "eyes" before the fallen are sent to their loved ones.

"We make sure everything is perfect," Samuels said. "Our mission is to send them out the way they're remembered, not how they came in."

Before any fallen come through the doors of the mortuary, the airmen prepare the flags. They remove the flags from their protective packaging, unfold them and then slowly feed them into an industrial steamer for pressing. As the airmen gently unfurl the 5-by-9 foot flag and feed it into the steamer, they spray a mist of water on it. The machine folds the flag over as it presses so that the flag never touches the ground.

The airmen slowly take the freshly pressed flag and put it on a frame for later use. The flags will gently caress the caskets of the fallen as they return to their families. Ultimately, these same flags will be folded by an honor guard at the funeral and presented to the family as a final remembrance of their fallen hero's service and ultimate sacrifice.

For Samuels, pressing the flags brings home the experience and importance of what they mean. "When I'm pressing a flag, I'm pressing a flag for someone who hasn't died yet," she said. "Today, we pressed 12 flags. Those flags could be here until next weekend, then all of a sudden, we're pressing 12 more flags."

The flags drape over a rack until needed. Once a flag is needed, the two airmen, standing on either side of the casket, slowly pull the pressed flag off of the rack and onto the casket. One of them stands at the foot, one at the head, working in harmony, making eye contact, as they carefully and delicately drape the flag to embody the casket with the fallen soldier, sailor, Marine or airman.

The movements are slow, deliberate and in sync. Their eyes roam around the casket, making sure everything is perfect.

"I have so much respect for my fallen heroes," Samuels said. "These heroes have families, loved ones, who could've talked to them just a couple of hours ago. Just one mistake, one trip down the road, anything can happen. I take nothing for granted."

The airmen perform this mission day in and day out for the families.

"We're here for the families," Rico said. "I'm privileged to be working here, giving dignity, honor and respect to the fallen for their families. It's the most rewarding job I've ever done so far in my career."

As the red, white and blue is secured around the casket, the stars and stripes drawn taunt, the airmen prepare to send the fallen home. They render the slow salute as the American flag passes by.

(Air Force Capt. Shannon Collins serves with the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Center public affairs office.)