The Hat Toss!!! Congratulations Graduates!!!

The United States Air Force Academy

The United States Naval Academy
Marine and Navy Officers

The United States Coast Guard Academy

The United States Military Academy at West Point



Congratulations to all of our new officers!

Oregon National Guard Mobilization

1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry stand in formation during its mobilization ceremony at Bend's Mountain View High School, May 2. The Troops will be leaving for Ft. Steward, Ga., prior to taking part in Operation Iraqi Freedom as part of Task Force Stetson.

U.S. Army photo by Spc. BZ Zeller/115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

The Oregon National Guard is deploying 2,700 soldiers to Iraq. Earlier this month, mobilization ceremonies were held in 4 places to accomodate the vast numbers and geographic diversity of the group and their families and friends. Additionally, five companies of soldiers totaling 700 personnel from Delaware, Massachusetts, Nebraska and New Mexico will join the Oregon group.

They will be spending two months at Camp Stewart, Georgia, then ten months in Iraq.

The Oregon units being deployed are:

Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 141st Brigade Support Battalion of Portland
A Company, 141st Brigade Support Battalion of Portland
B Company, 141st Brigade Support Battalion of Portland
A Battery, 2nd Battalion, 218 Field Artillery of Portland
G Company, Forward Support Battalion, 141st Brigade Support Battalion of Forest Grove Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team of Portland
Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 41st Special Troops Battalion of Clackamas
A Company, 41st Special Troops Battalion of Clackamas
C Company, 41st Special Troops Battalion of Clackamas
Headquarters, Headquarters Troop, 1st Battalion, 82nd Cavalry of Bend
A Troop, 1st Battalion, 82nd Cavalry of Lebanon
B Troop, 1st Battalion, 82nd Cavalry of Woodburn
Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry of Springfield
A Company, 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry of Springfield
B Company, 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry of Corvallis
C Company, 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry of Gresham
D Company, 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry of Hillsboro
A Company, 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry of Ashland
B Company, 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry of Coos Bay
C Company, 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry of Roseburg
D Company, 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry of Grants Pass

Thank you for your service and God Speed on your deployment.

USS George H W Bush

The USS George H W Bush,
the newest aircraft carrier in the Navy and the last of the Nimitz class carriers to be built,
is undergoing sea and flight deck trials.

May 26, 2009 - Former U.S. President George H.W. Bush and Doro Bush Koch (the ship's sponsor) and Capt. Bob Roth, executive officer of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) speak with Sailors assigned to the "Red Rippers" of Fighter Attack Squadron (VFA) 11 aboard George H.W. Bush. The former President visited the Navy's newest aircraft carrier to observe flight operations during the ship's underway period in the Atlantic.
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Dominique J. Moore

May 19, 2009 - An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23 makes one of the first arrested landings aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush
(CVN 77). George H.W. Bush is the tenth and final Nimitz-class aircraft carrier and is underway off the coast of Virginia conducting flight deck certification.
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Dominique J. Moore

May 19, 20009 - Two safety observers onboard USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) the Navy's newest aircraft carrier, give thumbs up for the launch of an F/A-18F Super Hornet of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron TWENTY THREE (VX-23) during the ship's first day of flight deck operations. The ship is underway off the coast of Virginia conducting flight deck certification.
U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Dominique J. Moore.

Inspired by the Wednesday Hero picture this week, I found myself searching out more information about the USS George H W Bush. It is now in the possession of the Navy and is undergoing various trials with her crew.

A few days ago, the ship was visited by her namesake, President George H W Bush, and by her sponsor, Doro Bush Koch.

"I was so happy I got to shake his hand, I've always wanted to do that," said Seaman Derrick Chaves. "It makes me feel special because no other ships get to have their namesake on board. It brought my morale up."

To read more about the USS George H W Bush go here and here.

Face of Freedom ~ Lt. Cdr. William B. Krissoff

Lt. Cdr. William B. Krissoff, orthopedic surgeon with TQ Surgical Company, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), examines the knee of Staff Sgt. Troy D. Wiltshire, TQ Air Boss chief aboard Camp Al Taqaddum, Iraq, May 13. Krissoff commissioned into the Navy Medical Corps at age 61 in honor of his two Marine sons.

The Krissoff Family
Austin, Christine, Nathan, Bill

You may remember this post about the Krissoff Family. Nathan and Austin are both Marine officers. Nathan was killed in Iraq on December 6, 2006. At that time, his father decided to close his Orthopedic practice and join the Navy to deploy and help on the front lines of terror just as his sons have.

Over two years later, Lt Cdr William B Krissoff is serving in Iraq. Here is the follow-up story.

Navy Doctor, 62, Serves on First Deployment to Iraq in Honor of Two Marine Sons

Story by 2nd Lt. Michele Perez, 2nd Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs

CAMP AL TAQADDUM, Iraq - There has been one Medal of Honor, 23 Navy Crosses, and 92 Silver Stars awarded to Marines and Sailors serving with Marine units since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003.

Some of the recipients are alive to tell their story while the legacy of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice will live on through history books and their surviving family members.

For Lt. Cdr. William B. Krissoff, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) orthopedic surgeon and a father of two Marine officers, the inspiration to join the Navy Medical Corps at age 60 stemmed from his sons' bravery and commitment to duty. In particular, his service is a legacy to his oldest son, 1st Lt. Nathan Krissoff, a counterintelligence/human intelligence officer with the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion who was killed in Iraq on Dec. 9, 2006.

Both of Krissoff's sons, Nathan and Austin, were deeply affected by the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Like many Americans, they wanted to show their support for the thousands of lives lost that day, but they didn't simply raise an American flag on their lawn or put a bumper sticker on their car showing support for the troops. Instead, the Krissoff brothers took it one step further when they decided to join the Marine Corps, knowing that going to war may be inevitable. Krissoff knew very little about the Marine Corps then, but he knew that he could not be prouder of their decision to serve their country.

"In the natural order of things, sons are inspired by their dad," Krissoff said. "In our family, I've been inspired by my sons and their commitment and dedication to service and Marines."

Krissoff's final push to join the Navy Medical Corps came from a visit their family received from the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion commanding officer, Lt. Col. William H. Seely, and battalion sergeant major, Sgt. Maj. Kenneth C. Pickering. Both traveled across the country visiting the families of fallen Marines and those recovering from wounds, when they stopped in Nevada to visit the Krissoff family. They discussed the possibility of Krissoff serving as a doctor in a Marine unit and that's when the future Navy doctor was convinced that he wanted to pursue his commission.

"I'd like to do that," Krissoff thought. "That was the moment that I got in my head that was something I could do."

However, the road to earning his Navy Medical Corps commission was not easy.

In order to apply for the Navy Medical Corps commissioning program, Krissoff had to apply for an age waiver to even be considered as a candidate. Prospects of receiving the waiver had appeared to be dwindling until the Krissoff family came across a unique opportunity to speak with then-President George W. Bush during a private meeting with several families of fallen service members in Reno, Nevada, August 2007.

The meeting was nearing its end when the President asked one last question: 'Is there anything else I can do for you?' Not letting this prime opportunity pass him by, Krissoff told the president about his desire to be commissioned as a Naval Officer. Two days later, Krissoff had his age waiver.

Krissoff closed his private practice in Truckee, Calif., and he and his wife made the move to San Diego where he checked into 4th Medical Battalion, Marine Forces Reserve. On arrival, he got started on the standard Navy medical training. He attended the Combat Casualty Care Course, the Navy Trauma Training Course, the Field Medical Service Officer's Course and later attended the Joint Forces Trauma Management Conference, among other schools. In addition, in July 2008 he went on a month-long deployment to Morocco where he served as part of a Forward Resuscitative Surgical System to support a reserve Marine weapons company; they partnered with the local military and became familiar with operating in an austere and remote location.

Following the standard medical training, he had to get ready for a future deployment where he would serve as an augment to Combat Logistics Battalion 4, which was slated for a seven-month deployment to Iraq beginning in March 2009. He temporarily transferred to Camp Schwab, Okinawa to conduct his pre-deployment training - a place that the Krissoff family had a close, emotional tie to.

"Very ironic of all places, that I would be doing my training where Nate trained up with 3rd Recon," Krissoff explained. "It was great to be there because of my many connections with the staff of 3rd Recon."

On the last day of Krissoff's training on Camp Schwab, there was a memorial service for a recon Marine who had been killed while participating in combat operations in OIF August 2008. Krissoff had made prior contact with the Marine's family and was able to meet them when they traveled to Okinawa for their son's memorial service. Krissoff knew too well what the Marine's family was going through and was glad he was able to officially meet them that morning, helping to validate his decision to become a Navy doctor who could help save the lives of future young service members going into harm's way.

Today, he is wearing the Marine Corps' desert digital camouflage uniform while serving as an orthopedic surgeon with Surgical Company, 2nd MLG (Fwd), aboard Camp Al Taqaddum, Iraq.

Initially, Krissoff expected to see Marines, soldiers and sailors with routine orthopedic injuries from work, sports or training exercises. With a slight increase in combat-related injuries, Krissoff and the rest of the medical staff aboard TQ continue to be prepared to handle any medical issue that may arise.

"We have a very capable team of trauma surgeons, anesthesiologists, corpsmen, nurses and support staff available to handle any surgical emergency," Krissoff said. "I am honored to be serving with them [in] taking care of our troops... our goal is to give the best possible care at all times to our soldiers, sailors and Marines."

Aside from seeing patients, Krissoff has also had the opportunity to teach orthopedics to young Navy corpsmen, as well as battalion surgeons and flight surgeons.

"This has been very fulfilling for me to work with the staff at TQ Surgical," Krissoff explained as he nears the halfway point of the deployment.

Krissoff didn't join for the glory. He didn't join for the fame. He did it as a tribute to his son and all of the service members who have and continue to go in harm's way serving their country in forward-deployed environments.

"I'm just a doc doing what I'm trained to do," Krissoff emphasized.

"We're just here to support our Marines and sailors... they put themselves on the line and they deserve our best care, I'm just happy to be able to do it."

Currently Krissoff is working on gaining his active duty status, so that he can lock in future deployments in direct support of U.S. service men and women.

Wednesday Hero ~ Crew of USS George H W Bush

USS George H.W. Bush


Sailors assigned to the Air Department of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) are silhouetted against the setting sun at the conclusion of flight operations. George H.W. is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting flight deck certifications.

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.

Wednesday Hero ~ Sgt Christian Bueno-Galdos

Sgt. Christian E. Bueno-Galdos
25 years old from Paterson, New Jersey
3rd Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 172nd Infantry Brigade
May 11, 2009


On Mother’s Day, Eugenia Gardos made a tabletop shrine to her recently deceased mother — surrounding her photograph with silk roses, a small white rosary cross, two votive candles and a prayer card of Senor de los Milagros, the patron saint of Peru.

The next day, May 11, she added her son's picture to the shrine for the dead.

Sgt. Gardos was killed along with five fellow servicemen; Army Spc. Jacob D. Barton, Army Maj. Matthew P. Houseal, Navy Cmdr. Charles K. Springle and Army Pfc. Michael E. Yates Jr. in the attack on Camp Liberty.

"The first time he left for Iraq, when they would read the lists of the dead on the news, we used to hold our breath, praying he wasn't on it," his mother said. "I don't understand how he could have died this way. I just don't understand it."

Sgt. Galdos had emigrated with his family from Mollendo, Peru, as a child and had been a U.S. citizen since high school. His mother, two older brothers and older sister recalled how he used to hand out candy to children in Iraq the same way he always did in Paterson — never making a trip to the corner bodega without a group of neighborhood children tailing behind, knowing he would buy them candy or a soda.

"We were all here at home," Carlos Bueno, Sgt. Galdos's father, said. "I was getting ready to go to bed when I heard screaming downstairs. I ran downstairs and everyone had thrown themselves to the floor, thrashing around, screaming."

Bueno said he does not feel bitterness toward the man accused in the shootings, whom he described as "mentally ill."

"We want people to know we're proud of our son's Army, but if my son had died in war we would be able to handle that," he said. "But not to die in this manner."

All Information Was Found On And Copied From MilitaryCity.com

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.

Goat Major Retires

Goat Major L/Cpl Ryan Arthur of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Welsh, leads the regiment's goat William Windsor on his retirement parade Wednesday May 20, 2009. The Royal Welsh Regiment is saying so long to a military buddy. After seven years of U.K. Army service, Billy the goat, whose full name is William Windsor, has retired amid pomp and ceremony Wednesday. The battalion has had a goat in its ranks for more than 200 years. To this day, the regimental goat marches in front of the battalion at ceremonies.

When the Blue Star Turns to Gold ~ Memorial Day 2009

When the Blue Star turns to Gold

Someone has given all
to a country that asked them to give
everything they had.

Can we ever repay the gift they gave?
The gift of freedom and safety
that they provided.

Can we ever comfort their loved ones?
Take the pain from the heart
and the loss from their lives.

Can we ever say thank you to them?
As we go about our lives without a thought
for the security we have.

Can we do anything?
We can remember and we can honor
When the Blue Star turns to Gold.

***************************

On Memorial Day, we remember the many who have served us so well, and we remember their families who have lost so much. Most Americans will never know a person who who served and lost their life, nor will they know families and friends of those who have. I have been given the gift and burden of knowing some who have fallen, of knowing Gold Star families, of listening to troops talk about their buddies. However deep the heartbreak, I will always feel priveledged to have known them. Their lives were a gift, a touchstone to freedom. I will remember them. I will carry their faces in my heart forever.

There are many beautiful tributes on the blogs today:
American Ranger writes about those he has lost
Sarge Charlie gives us some memorable images
Exile in Portales shares the Air Force letter on Memorial Day
Conservative Intelligence Report reminds us of those who stand watch
One Loon's Tales gives us The Bivouac of the Dead
Cop the Truth gives us some memorable links
A Soldier's Perspective shares a beautiful poem
Violence Worker has a reminder
Yankeemom has some links for us

For all of my Memorial Day posts:
Memorial Day posts

Whatever you read today, please remember those who gave all.

Remembering the Missing at Punchbowl National Cemetery

IN THESE GARDENS ARE RECORDED
THE NAMES OF AMERICANS
WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES
IN THE SERVICE OF THEIR COUNTRY
AND WHOSE EARTHLY RESTING PLACE
IS KNOWN ONLY TO GOD

The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific - also known as Punchbowl National Cemetery - includes ten "Courts of the Missing". These garden courts are located on both sides of the stairway that leads to the sculpture of Columbia, the chapel and the information walls about WWII Pacific battles.

On the inside and outside of the walls in the 10 courtyard gardens are engraved the names of the 28,788 troops who went missing in the pacific theatre in WWII, Korea and Vietnam.

It is a moving experience to walk into the courts and see all of the names and where they were lost. The majority were sailors lost in WWII, now united in granite with their shipmates.

While these men were never recovered, here they are never forgotten. And, thus, we lift their names to heaven.

To see more pictures of the Punchbowl National Cemetery, go here.

The Poppies ~ Symbol of Memorial Day

The Flanders poppy, also known as red poppy, corn poppy and field poppy (Papaver rhoeas) is native to the Mediterranean and areas of Europe. The tiny seeds can sit in the soil for decades until the soil is disturbed and they come back to life. They are spread on the boots of soldiers and by the winds and birds, by tires on bicycles and cars. It is believed that they were spread to Britian on the boots of Roman soldiers.

During WWI the soils were disturbed around trenches, craters and graves. When Spring came, the poppies grew. John McCrae, an aide station doctor observed the poppies and wrote the touching poem In Flanders Field in 1915. The war raged for three more years, and each Spring where graves had been dug, the poppies bloomed on them.

In Flanders Fields
By John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

When you see the red poppies, remember the fallen that have given so much for each of us.

We have an area of our yard where we have Flanders poppies growing... never forget.

Rolling Thunder XXII

Each Memorial Day weekend, bikers from across the United States ride to Washington, DC. They gather in the Pentagon Parking lot on Sunday morning, then ride in one VERY LONG line to the Mall and gather at the reflecting pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial. They come each year to remember our POW/MIA troops and to stand up for Veteran's Rights.

Rolling Thunder members do many acts of charity for Veteran's - homeless, hospitilized, in need. They stand up for legislation to assist Veterans. They assist in the recovery of remains from SE Asia. To read about their many activities, go here.

Usually, C-SPAN shows the Rolling Thunder ride to the Wall.

Memorial Day from our Troops

"Flags In" at Arlington National Cemetey

U.S. Army Master Sgt. Sandra Quaschnick, right, and U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Jennifer Bailey, left, render salutes during the "Flags In" ceremony to honor fallen heroes at Arlington National Cemetery, Va., May 22, 2008. Quaschnick and Bailey are assigned to the the Fife and Drum Corps of the 3rd U.S. Infantry, "The Old Guard." Defense Dept. photo by Sebastian J. Sciotti Jr.

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Andres Yanez renders a salute during the "Flags In" tribute honoring fallen heroes at Arlington National Cemetery, VA., May 22, 2008. Yanez, who regularly supervises funeral details at the cemetery, said it is an honor to participate in the tribute. Defense Dept. photo by Sebastian J. Sciotti Jr

Sgt. Edward Taylor, Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion 3rd Infantry Regiment placing a flag in the ground during Arlington National Cemetery's annual Flags In.Photo by SGT Parker, US Army, The Old Guard.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Stephen Kuhne, places the fourth flag in front of the Tomb of the Unknowns during the "Flags In" Tribute yesterday evening at Arlington National Cemetery, Va., May 22, 2008. Kuhne is the commander of the relief for the 3rd U.S. Infantry, "The Old Guard." Defense Dept. photo by Sebastian J. Sciotti Jr.

(Click on pictures to enlarge)

Since 1948, the "Flags In" ceremony has taken place at Arlington National Cemetery. This year, it will take place on May 21.

The flags are placed at each headstone and at the Tomb of the Unknowns by the Tomb Sentinels and at the cemetery's Columbarium. Each resting place will have a flag placed upon it, which will be there until the end of Memorial Day.

This year, flags will be placed by soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), Marines from the U.S. Marine Corps Ceremonial and Guard Company, the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard, the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard in placing more than 250,000 grave decorating flags at Arlington National Cemetery.

Warrior Legacy Foundation

Warrior Legacy Foundation

I will never forget that I am an American,
fighting for freedom, responsible for my actions,
and dedicated to the principles which made my country free.

Across every generation, at war and at peace, America has asked her citizens to protect liberty and defend freedom at all costs. No matter the terrain or political climate, America’s Warriors have met every challenge and made every sacrifice that was asked of them in order to defeat our enemies and protect our way of life. The Warrior Legacy Foundation is a passionate advocate for the preservation and elevation of the hallowed legacy of the American Warrior Class.

Join us and stand firm in defense of the heritage of those brave souls who have preserved and protected our sovereignty throughout our great nation’s history.

They have asked for nothing and have given us everything.

***************************

A new Veterans organization is just beginning - yesterday was the first day of the roll out. it is open to all Americans - Veterans and Non-Veterans. It has a mission which the Executive Director, David Bellavia, states most eloquently on the home page at the Warrior Legacy Foundation

An organization that begins with the premise that "Veterans make the community they live in a better place."

Perhaps you will consider joining us. Registration is free at the web site - click here.

Oregon National Guard ~ Armed Forces Day

Armed Forces Day in Oregon

Four F-15 Eagle fighter jets fly over the Oregon State Capitol building in Salem, Ore., May 13. The jets, assigned to 142nd Fighter Wing in Portland, flew over the Capitol Mall in honor of Armed Forces Day.
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Eric A. Rutherford, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs Office

Armed Forces Day in Oregon

More Pictures and Story Here

Fighting the Taliban ~ Come as you are!!!

Specialist Zachary Boyd, from the US Army First Battalion, 26th Infantry, takes defensive position at firebase Restrepo after receiving fire from Taliban positions in the Korengal Valley of Afghanistan's Kunar Province. (May 11, 2009)

Fighting the Taliban - Come as you are!!!

Texan, Zachary Boyd, woken up by an attack on Firebase Restrepo in the Korengal Valley of the Kunar Province, got his helmet, body armor and gun to fight off the Taliban.

Without a thought, he went out in his "I Love NY" boxer shorts (pink), red t-shirt and flip flops.

Read more about it here and a great video of his parents here

I can't help but wonder, did the boxers become pink because he washed it with that red t-shirt?!

Armed Forces Day ~ Then and Now

The 1951 Poster to The 2009 Poster

Whatever year, we honor their service!

Armed Forces Day

This is the day we set aside to remember those who serve our country in the

Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Navy -

whether active duty, National Guard or Reserve.

Our gratitude is a given - our respect is yours.

You exceed our expectations with your service.

Thank you!

Air Force Pararescue

05/09/2009 - A U.S. Air Force pararescueman from the 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron jumps out of a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 during freefall swimmer deployment training over the Gulf of Aden May 9, 2009.

DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph L. Swafford Jr., U.S. Air Force/Released

An Incomprehensible Loss~~~~

Navy Commander Charles "Keith" Springle
Wilmington, North Carolina
Augmentee to the 55th Medical Company

Maj. Matthew P. Houseal

Amarillo, Texas
55^th Medical Company, Indianapolis, Indiana

SGT Christian E Bueno-Galdos
Paterson, New Jersey
3rd Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 172nd Infantry Brigade
Grafenwoehr, Germany

SPC Jacob D Barton

Lenox, Missouri
277^th Engineer Company, 420^th Engineer Brigade
Waco, Texas

PFC Michael E Yates, Jr
of Federalsburg, Maryland
3^rd Battalion, 66^th Armor Regiment, 172nd Infantry Brigade,
Grafenwoehr, Germany.

A tragic shooting in Iraq by an American Soldier has taken the lives of five Americans.
These are their faces. Two doctors who volunteered to be there to help with stress problems.
Three soldiers who got in the way of the rage of a fellow soldier.

Any loss is tragic, but the pain and questions that come with being killed by a member of your own team are not easy to face.

Our thoughts and prayers are with these five men and their units and families and friends at this most difficult time.

Wednesday Hero ~ SPC Robert Hamilton

Spc. Robert Hamilton


Spc. Robert Hamilton, from Corpus Christi, Texas, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, prepares to bandage the thumb of an Iraqi boy in Ula Market in Sadr City, April 19. The boy cut his thumb while preparing meat at a local butcher shop.

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.