Once in a Blue Moon

New Year's Eve will be marked by a Blue Moon --- as in, "once in a blue moon" --- which actually means about 2.5 years! A Blue Moon is when we have two full moons in one month... this happens on New Year's less often.

As we begin the last year of the first decade of the 21st century, we are finding that we are continuing to be under siege from Islamic terrorists, the country is more divided than ever, and that the troops sent around the world are still fighting and dying, though they receive less recognition than ever before --- even the anti-war figures seem to have lost interest.

For me, I will renew my commitment to support our troops around the world and our wounded warriors and veterans. And, you? Maybe we can all do something special, once in a blue moon!

Here's to the Heroes!

Here's To the Heroes
The Ten Tenors from Australia

Here's to the Heroes
Those few who dare
Heading for Glory
Living a Prayer

Here's to the Heroes
Who Change Our Lives
Thanks to the Heroes
Freedom Survives

Here's to the Heroes
Who Never Rest
They are the Chosen
We are the Blessed

Here's to the Heroes
Who Aim so High
Here's to the Heroes
Who Do or Die

Hat Tip to General Paul Vallely

Failed Bailout

Cartoon by Chris Muir - click to enlarge
follow his work here: http://www.daybydaycartoon.com/
get reminders on Twitter http://twitter.com/daybydaycartoon

General Eric (let's make them all wear Chinese made berets) Shinseki, has made a proposal to President Obama that they both seem quite enthusiastic about. If a soldier is wounded while fighting the wars the President sends them too, they should pay for their war wounds with their private insurance. What private insurance does a government employed soldier have, exactly?

The Commander of the American Legion met with the President on Monday, and left infuriated.

Here is his statement from the American Legion site http://ourvoice.legion.org/story/1448/legion-white-house-dont-bill-our-heroes

WASHINGTON, DC (March 16, 2009) – The leader of the nation’s largest veterans organization says he is “deeply disappointed and concerned” after a meeting with President Obama today to discuss a proposal to force private insurance companies to pay for the treatment of military veterans who have suffered service-connected disabilities and injuries. The Obama administration recently revealed a plan to require private insurance carriers to reimburse the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in such cases.

“It became apparent during our discussion today that the President intends to move forward with this unreasonable plan,” said Commander David K. Rehbein of The American Legion. “He says he is looking to generate $540-million by this method, but refused to hear arguments about the moral and government-avowed obligations that would be compromised by it.”

The Commander, clearly angered as he emerged from the session said, “This reimbursement plan would be inconsistent with the mandate ‘… to care for him who shall have borne the battle…’ given that the United States government sent members of the armed forces into harm’s way, and not private insurance companies. I say again that The American Legion does not and will not support any plan that seeks to bill a veteran for treatment of a service connected disability at the very agency that was created to treat the unique need of America’s veterans!”

Commander Rehbein was among a group of senior officials from veterans service organizations joining the President, White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki and Steven Kosiak, the overseer of defense spending at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The group’s early afternoon conversation at The White House was precipitated by a letter of protest presented to the President earlier this month. The letter, co-signed by Commander Rehbein and the heads of ten colleague organizations, read, in part, “ There is simply no logical explanation for billing a veteran’s personal insurance for care that the VA has a responsibility to provide. While we understand the fiscal difficulties this country faces right now, placing the burden of those fiscal problems on the men and women who have already sacrificed a great deal for this country is unconscionable.”

Commander Rehbein reiterated points made last week in testimony to both House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees. It was stated then that The American Legion believes that the reimbursement plan would be inconsistent with the mandate that VA treat service-connected injuries and disabilities given that the United States government sends members of the armed forces into harm’s way, and not private insurance companies. The proposed requirement for these companies to reimburse the VA would not only be unfair, says the Legion, but would have an adverse impact on service-connected disabled veterans and their families. The Legion argues that, depending on the severity of the medical conditions involved, maximum insurance coverage limits could be reached through treatment of the veteran’s condition alone. That would leave the rest of the family without health care benefits. The Legion also points out that many health insurance companies require deductibles to be paid before any benefits are covered. Additionally, the Legion is concerned that private insurance premiums would be elevated to cover service-connected disabled veterans and their families, especially if the veterans are self-employed or employed in small businesses unable to negotiate more favorable across-the-board insurance policy pricing. The American Legion also believes that some employers, especially small businesses, would be reluctant to hire veterans with service-connected disabilities due to the negative impact their employment might have on obtaining and financing company health care benefits.

“I got the distinct impression that the only hope of this plan not being enacted,” said Commander Rehbein, “is for an alternative plan to be developed that would generate the desired $540-million in revenue. The American Legion has long advocated for Medicare reimbursement to VA for the treatment of veterans. This, we believe, would more easily meet the President’s financial goal. We will present that idea in an anticipated conference call with White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel in the near future.

“I only hope the administration will really listen to us then. This matter has far more serious ramifications than the President is imagining,” concluded the Commander.

A Tale of the Troops and Their Commanders in Chief

A picture is worth a thousand words, and these pictures are worth volumes.

Tribute to a Coalition Partner ~ Australia

Tribute to a Coalition Partner

AUSTRALIA

Australian Forces in Iraq and Afgahnistan

Photos from Australian Defense

"We believe in a free and democratic world, a world where people can pursue their own interests in a free and open way. I think we share the same value set (with the United States), and we stand against the people who want to change that."
-Angus Houston, Chief of the Australian Defence Force



"Just looking at recent history, clearly Australia has been able to operate in Iraq, has been able to operate in Afghanistan at the same time, and provide a peacekeeping force in East Timor and help solve some of the problems of other island nations. I think Australia has clearly demonstrated the ability to lead globally."
-Peter Pace, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff


The Australians are one of our greatest allies in the War on Terror. They are involved in Afghanistan in Operation Enduring Freedom through Operation Slipper. They are invloved in Operation Iraqi Freedom through Operation Catalyst. Australian Special Operations Soldiers are considered to be world-class. I am proud to call them Allies!

To read about their specific contributions:
http://www.centcom.mil/sites/uscentcom2/Coalition%20Fighting%20Terror/CoalitionPages/Australia/Australia.aspx
Links to the military, political and diplomatic sites are there.

Australia has lost soldiers in OIF and in OEF.
Please remember them:

KUWAIT
WO David Nary SASR (Trg prior to deployment) 16 Nov 05

IRAQ
Flt Lt Paul Pardoel RAF (Serving with UK MOD Air Force) C130 crash Baghdad Iraq 1Feb 2005

Private Jake Kovco 3RAR (Para) Regt Shot/Misadventure Baghdad Iraq 21 Apr 2006

Ex-ADF PMC’s killed in Iraq:

Chris Ahmelman Edinburgh Risk Mngt Killed in Ambush Baghdad Iraq 21 Apr 2005

Wayne Schultz Armor Group Killed in Ambush Baghdad Iraq 8 June 2006

Jon Hadaway Armor Group DOW Germany Baghdad Iraq 15 Aug 2006

Steve Gilchrist Armor Group Killed in Ambush Baghdad Iraq 17 Dec 2006

Brendan Hurst BLP Int Killed in Ambush Baghdad Iraq 15 Jul 2007

Justin Saint BLP Int Killed in Ambush Baghdad Iraq 15 Jul 2007


AFGHANISTAN

Sgt Andrew Russell SASR May 2002

Tpr David Pearce 2/14 LHR (QMI) Oct 2007

Sgt Matthew Locke SASR Oct 2007 (Medal of Gall Holder)

Private Luke Worsley SASR. Nov 2007

L/Cpl Jason Marks 4 CDO Regt May 2008

Sig Sean McCarthy SASR July 2008

Lt Michael Fussell 4 CDO Regt 27 Nov 2008 Oruzgan Prov

Rfmn Stuart Nash 1st Bn Rifles (Serving with UK MOD Army) Dec 2008

Pte Greg Sher 4 CDO Regt Jan 2009 Urgzgan Prov


For those of you who would like to write to an Australian soldier:
Messages can be sent via e-mail to:
messagestothetroops@defence.gov.au

Alternatively postcards (not enveloped letters or parcels) can be addressed to:

Messages to the Troops
Department of Defence
R1-5-A056

Russell Offices
Canberra ACT 2600

Australia

I try to drop a few postcards to them from time to time. Standard postcards require 94 cents in postage from the US. I have actually heard back from an Australian soldier - they are quite grateful to receive supportive mail from us. We owe them much and they need to hear that we support them, too!

Updated February 2009, thanks to the Legion of Frontiersmen of Australia who provided current information.

Training Beekeepers in Afghanistan

An Afghan beekeeping student demonstrates the honey-extraction skills his instructor taught him, as his fellow students look on. The Shindand Agricultural Experiment Station provides farmers in the Shindand district of Afghanistan's Herat province with agricultural education and employment.

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Anna Perry,

Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Afghanistan

An Afghan instructor teaches local farmers how to remove bees from a honeycomb during the honey extraction process. The beekeeping course is being held at the Shindand Agricultural Experiment Station in Afghanistan's Herat province.

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Anna Perry,

Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Afghanistan

By Army Spc. Anna Perry
Special to American Forces Press Service

SHINDAND AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, July 3, 2008 - U.S. special operations warriors serving in western Afghanistan's volatile Herat province have a unique security-enhancing capability in their own backyard, and it involves neither bullets nor bombs.

The Shindand Agricultural Experiment Station, located within the perimeter of Shindand Airfield, is an attempt to provide desperately needed agricultural skills to Afghans and an effort to jumpstart agricultural production in the Shindand district.

"The agricultural center has many positive effects for the both the troops and the local population," a U.S. Special Forces civil affairs team leader said. "This allows us to build a rapport with the villagers through education and employment; therefore, they are given a reason to think twice about allowing the anti-Afghan forces to step in and influence their lives in a negative way. The presence of this agricultural center is a security measure in and of itself."

The agricultural center, which officially opened in May, boasts a greenhouse, honey house, four concrete fish ponds, a classroom and living quarters for three scientists. Thousands of pomegranates, grape vines, fruit trees, rose bushes and vegetables grow around the station.

"The station is intended to be used for the development of innovative approaches to agricultural production, the demonstration of new technologies and to teach and support local farmers," said the station's agricultural advisor, a coalition officer who will be the primary mentor to the three Afghan scientists who soon will be hired to operate the station.

Thirty years ago, the advisor said, Afghanistan was an exporter of food, with pomegranates, nuts and vegetables among the major crops. "I believe they have the capacity to once again export food, but they need a better handle on concepts like water conservation and adapting new technologies like drip irrigation," the agricultural advisor said.

The intent is to hire Afghan scientists who have a wide array of specialty skills ranging from vegetable production to fish farming. The scientists will teach classes and conduct research at the station and will go out into the villages and share their knowledge with local farmers, the agricultural advisor added.

Six Afghans who work at the station provide maintenance, crop irrigation, weeding and planting support.

The vast majority of Afghans are employed in some type of agricultural profession, and until a legitimate way to make money is provided, they will continue to use poppy production as a main source of income, the agricultural advisor said. The station provides Shindand-area farmers with a realistic alternative to poppy production.

Roughly two dozen local farmers are taking a three-week-long beekeeping course at the station. The material covered in the class, which is being taught by an Afghan instructor, will enable the farmers to manage beehives and to extract and market honey.

One local farmer said he is grateful to have an opportunity to learn a skill as lucrative as honey production.

A beekeeping student who resides in the village of Changan said his view is the same as that of other villagers at the course. "We came here because this is one of the best ways to make money in Afghanistan," he said. "Honey is the most expensive thing to buy at the bazaar. We are here to support our families, economy and country."

At the end of the course, the graduating students will receive three beehives, bees and the equipment necessary to extract honey.

In the future, the station also will provide courses on agricultural skills such as poultry production and fish farming. In addition, the agricultural advisor will work hand in hand with a U.S. Special Forces civil affairs team in establishing a fruit-drying warehouse and a poultry farm, which will be extensions of the agricultural station.

Through one class at a time and one job at a time, the agricultural station peacefully is creating a more secure Shindand district for both the villagers who live there and the troops who serve there.

"My idea is that we should provide all Afghan people with jobs and there will be peace," the beekeeping student said. "Run this kind of project all over the country. ... You can hold security with weapons and rifles, but if there are enough jobs, people will go to work and not steal or fight to support their families. There is hope, because the economy is improving. The security of this country depends on the jobs."

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

I know - another agriculture story! Successful agriculture is the keep to self-suffciency.

Flags In at Arlington Cemetery

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)

Arlington ‘Flags In’ Tribute Begins Memorial Day Commemoration

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 23, 2008 – More than 3,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines officially kicked off the Memorial Day commemoration last evening as they placed 265,000 miniature flags at every grave at Arlington National Cemetery.

The tradition, known as “Flags In,” dates back to 1948, when soldiers of 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard,” began the annual Memorial Day tribute.

This year marked the fifth year company-size elements of sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen joined about 3,000 soldiers in placing a U.S. flag at the base of the gravestone and columbarium niche of every single servicemember buried or inurned at Arlington.

Yesterday afternoon, the troops fanned out across the cemetery’s hills and valleys, carrying rucksacks bulging with bundles of flags.

They approached each headstone, centering a miniature flag exactly one boot length from the base before sinking it into the rain-softened ground.

“It’s hard to put all this into words,” said Army Sgt. Maj. Russell McCray, The Old Guard’s top noncommissioned officer. “We’re here every day honoring our fallen heroes, and everyone buried here is a hero. But being here for this is something particularly special.

“It’s an honor for everyone who is part of this. If you look at their faces, you can see that,” McCray continued. “This experience out here will humble you, beyond a doubt.”

Even Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Andres Yanez, who regularly supervises funeral details at the cemetery, called it an honor to participate in the Flags In tribute.

“We come here every day, but today is special for us,” he said. “When I look out there and see all those flags, I know that I’ve been a part of it. I’m rendering honors to our fallen, and I hope that someday someone renders those same honors to me.”

Almost five hours after emplacing his first flag of the day -- and admitting he “couldn’t count” how many more he’d positioned -- Navy Seaman Shawn Palaszewski still hadn’t lost his enthusiasm for the mission.

“We’re here rending honors to all our fallen shipmates, and showing them that we care,” said Palaszewski, a U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard member just 10 weeks out of boot camp. “These sailors and all our armed forces [members] have fallen for our freedoms, and we’re here to pay tribute to that.”

“This is such a privilege and an honor for me,” said Army Sgt. Mary Jackson, of The Old Guard’s Headquarters and Headquarters Regiment. “These people gave the ultimate sacrifice. I can only imagine doing that for my country.”

Positioned at the columbarium, Marine Sgt. David Gray from Marine Barracks Washington directed his troops as they moved among the rows of niches. After returning from a deployment to Iraq, Gray called his first time participating in the Flags In tribute particularly meaningful.

“It’s a privilege to be alive and able to support those Marines who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country,” he said. “We can’t bring them back. The only thing we can do is honor them and pay tribute to them.”

Like Gray, Army Staff Sgt. John Diggles, platoon sergeant for The Old Guard’s H Company, said he considers the mission a special calling.

“Friends of mine are here, quite a few, so this is very personal,” Diggles said, looking out over the rows of headstones. “This is a way of showing the remembrance of our fallen soldiers on such a special day.”

As she looked out at the sea of flags fluttering in the wind, Army Sgt. 1st Class Jennifer Bailey from The Old Guard’s Fife and Drum Corps declared the landscape nothing short of “breathtaking.”

“The impact is huge. It’s very dramatic,” said Bailey, who was participating in the Flags In ceremony for the sixth year. “It’s uniform, and it’s simple. And I think it’s the uniformity and the simplicity that makes this so beautiful and so unique.”

2007 Flags In Story - http://gazingattheflag.blogspot.com/2007/05/flags-in-ceremony-at-arlington-cemetery.html

Afghan & Coalition Forces Bring Aid to Remote Village

An Afghan policeman greets a boy during a visit with villagers near Khorma in the Tarin Kowt district of Afghanistan's Oruzgan province

Security forces from the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police help village elders prepare to distribute supplies to villagers near Khorma in the Tarin Kowt district of Afghanistan's Oruzgan province.

A boy carries personal hygiene items provided by Afghan national security forces during a visit to Khorma in the Tarin Kowt district of Afghanistan's Oruzgan province Jan. 6, 2008.

Village elders distribute items delivered by Afghan National Army, Afghan National Police and coalition forces to Khorma in the Tarin Kowt district of Afghanitan's Oruzgan province Jan. 6, 2008. Villagers received food, vitamins, personal hygiene items, and winter clothes, including sweaters, jackets, shoes and boots. Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Afghanistan photo

Afghan, Coalition Forces Bring Checkups, Aid to Remote Village

American Forces Press Service

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, Jan. 10, 2008 - Afghan national security forces and coalition advisors provided medical checkups and humanitarian aid to more than 100 villagers Jan. 6 near Khorma in the Tarin Kowt district of Afghanistan's Oruzgan province.

The project, led by Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police units, was planned to support the Afghan government's effort to improve medical care and distribute supplies in remote areas of the country.

The soldiers met with village elders to discuss the people's needs and see what projects could be planned for future visits. The elders quickly passed word of the aid-delivery mission to residents.

Villagers lined up according to their needs, with some families needing medical care while others simply needing supplies to help get them through the harsh Afghan winter. Village elders prepared to distribute items while the combined force unloaded a trailer full of medicine and medical supplies, food and vitamins. Police brought winter clothes, including sweaters, jackets, shoes and boots. Some families received toothbrushes, toothpaste, bowls, lotion, soap and infant formula according to their needs.

The medics treated several adults and children for minor ailments, but overall, everyone was fairly healthy, officials said. Only a few needed treatment for cold and flu symptoms or minor skin infections. After handing out food and supplies and treating minor ailments, medics conducted preventive medicine classes for many of the residents.

"The village elders were very appreciative for the aid the (Afghan security forces) brought," a coalition soldier said. "They were very grateful that we provided quality medical treatment and supplies."

The Afghan National Police, including Oruzgan Provincial Police Chief Juma Gul, were instrumental in providing security for the mission and the village. The national police also donated radios, pens, pencils, notebooks and rugs as gifts. "The villagers are very happy to have ANP patrol their area," one policeman said. "Village elders said that they now feel safe."

Missions like this greatly improve the health and welfare of villagers in remote locations and helps to build stronger relationships between the Afghan people and their country's security forces, a coalition soldier said.

(From a Combined Joint Task Force 82 news release.)

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

The good news I see in these news releases is that these missions are no longer being done just by soldiers - the coalition soldiers are acting as advisors while the Afghan soldiers and police do the missions. It was not that long ago that we were hoping for this!

A Soldier's Christmas

A Soldier's Christmas

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
my daughter beside me, angelic in rest.

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree, I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep
in perfect contentment, or so it would seem.
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eye when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.

My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
and I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts,
to the window that danced with a warm fire's light
then he sighed and he said "It's really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night"

"Its my duty to stand at the front of the line,
that separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.

My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red white and blue... an American flag.

"I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home,
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat,
I can carry the weight of killing another
or lay down my life with my sisters and brothers
who stand at the front against any and all,
to insure for all time that this flag will not fall."

"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone.
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.

For when we come home, either standing or dead,
to know you remember we fought and we bled
is payment enough, and with that we will trust.
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

-Michael Marks,
December 7, 2000

Author's Note: A Soldier's Christmas was the first in this series of patriotic writings, drafted on Pearl Harbor Day 2000 when in the wake of the 2000 Presidential Election our nation saw the right of US Armed Forces personnel openly questioned and debated. I felt it unconscionable that at the onset of the Christmas season, those serving to defend our nation would hear anything but our love and support. It is our challenge to stand for their rights at home while they stand for our lives and safety overseas. This poem went out and quickly spread around the world in emails, letters, magazines. I received letters from Marines in Bosnia, soldiers in Okinawa, from a submariner who xeroxed a copy for everyone on his sub. Moms wrote, dads, brothers and sisters. I have saved and cherish every letter and set out to continue writing throughout the year.

Merry Christmas, My Friend

"Merry Christmas, My Friend"
By Lance Corporal James M. Schmidt

Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
In a one bedroom house made of plaster & stone.
I had come down the chimney, with presents to give,
And to see just who in this home did live.

As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand,
On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land.

With medals and badges, awards of all kind,
A sobering thought soon came to my mind.
For this house was different, unlike any I'd seen,
This was the home of a U.S. Marine.

I'd heard stories about them, I had to see more,
So I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.
And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home.

He seemed so gentle, his face so serene,
Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine.
Was this the hero, of whom I'd just read,
Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?

His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan,
I soon understood, this was more than a man.
For I realized the families that I saw that night,
Owed their lives to these men, who were willing to fight.

Soon around the Nation, the children would play,
And grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year,
Because of Marines like this one lying here.

I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone,
On a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home.
Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.

He must have awoken, for I heard a rough voice,
"Santa, don't cry, this life is my choice.
I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more,
My life is my God, my country, my Corps."

With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep,
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.
I watched him for hours, so silent and still,
I noticed he shivered from the cold night's chill.

So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,
And covered this Marine from his toes to his head.
Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold,
With eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so bold.

Although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride,
And for one shining moment, I was Marine Corps deep inside.
I didn't want to leave him so quiet in the night,
This guardian of honor so willing to fight.

But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clean and pure,
Said "Carry on, Santa, it's Christmas Day, all's secure."
One look at my watch and I knew he was right,
Merry Christmas, my friend, Semper Fi and goodnight.

****************************
James M. Schmidt wrote this poem back in 1986 while a Lance Corporal stationed in Washington, D.C., serving as Battalion Counter Sniper at the Marine Barracks 8th & I under Commandant P.X. Kelly and Battalion Commander D.J. Myers [in 1986].

Schmidt hung this poem on the door of the Gym in the BEQ. When Colonel Myers came upon it, he read it and immediately had copies sent to each department at the Barracks and promptly dismissed the entire Battalion early for Christmas leave. The poem was placed that day in the Marine Corps Gazette, distributed worldwide, and later submitted to Leatherneck Magazine.

Schmidt's original version, entitled "Merry Christmas, My Friend," was published in Leatherneck (Magazine of the Marines) in December 1991, "Gyrene Gyngles," Page 79. As Leatherneck wrote of the poem's author in 2003:

"Merry Christmas, My Friend" has been a holiday favorite among 'leatherneckphiles' for nearly the time it takes to complete a Marine Corps career. Few, however, know who wrote it and when. Former Corporal James M. Schmidt, stationed at Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., pounded it out 17 years ago on a typewriter while awaiting the commanding officer's Christmas holiday decorations inspection . . . while other leathernecks strung lights for the Barracks' annual Christmas decoration contest, Schmidt contributed his poem to his section."

After leaving the Corps, Schmidt earned a law degree and now serves as an entertainment attorney in Los Angeles and is director of operations for a security consulting firm.

Soldiers Bring Joy to Afghan Students

Coalition Soldiers and Airmen hand out candy to children at a local school, outside Bagram Airfield here, to hand out supplies to the children on Dec. 1.

(U.S. Army photo by SSG Corey Dennis)

Coalition Soldiers and Airmen hand out candy to children at a local school, outside Bagram Airfield here, to hand out supplies to the children Dec. 1.

(U.S. Army photo by PFC Jordan Carter)

A Coalition commander hugs a village elder in a farewell after having chai tea and donating supplies and candy at a school outside of Bagram Airfield here, Dec. 1.
(U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Jordan Carter)


Local children leave school after Soldiers and Airmen came to their school, outside Bagram Airfield here, and handed out supplies to them on Dec. 1.
(U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Jordan Carter)

Afghan children shouted and waved to the Soldiers who visited the Jan Qadam School in Bagram, Afghanistan. The Soldiers handed out school supplies and candy as part of “Operation Sweet Tooth,” December 1.

Early in the morning, Soldiers loaded up several vehicles with boxes full of backpacks, pencils, pens, notepads and candies. Then they headed out to the Jan Qadam School to bring good will.

The Soldiers arrived on a day off for the students, but it didn't take long for the children to start coming in from all directions to greet them.

The children were excited to see the Soldiers and asked for pens by pretending they were writing on paper with their hands. Both the children and the Soldiers made a valiant attempt to communicate in each other’s language and a spirit of good will pervaded the crowd.

“They were open to take whatever we had to give them whether it was a pen, a smile, or better yet, some candy.” said one Soldier.

“One day the Afghan children may remember that a stranger gave them a small gift and they will remember that we are their friends.”

“The Soldiers’ influence on the locals was evident in the way they were greeted with smiles and handshakes.” said a Coalition forces company commander. "We want the Afghan people to be comfortable with us being here, we want them to know that we are here to support the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan’s efforts to bring peace and stability to the Afghan citizens.”

While outside the school, troops unloaded the vehicle and played with the children until it was time to leave. The children gathered around and waved as the Soldiers departed.

“I’m pleased that so many Soldiers have opened their hearts to our school and village,” said a villager elder. "On behalf of our students, and residents of this area, we are grateful for everything the Coalition forces are doing to improve our school and the village."

“Even though the school is operational, we are working on long-term school improvement projects, such as playgrounds, sporting facilities, new class rooms and a viable power source,” said the commander. “We want to show the Afghan citizens that the GIRoA and Coalition forces are committed to develop the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan infrastructure while bringing peace and stability.”

Why They Served....

Heroes stick to their ideals, even in tragedy
By Bill McEwen / The Fresno Bee
08/26/07

Whether you're pro-war or anti-war, whether you know the Hubbards or not, I can imagine only one reaction to the gut-wrenching news from Iraq.

No! No! No!

Not to this dutiful band of brothers. Not to a family that already has sacrificed too much.

Then a pause for thanks. Jason, eldest of the three brothers at 33, wasn't on the Blackhawk helicopter that carried 21-year-old Nathan to his death.

Followed by questions.

With their brother Jared and his friend Jeremiah Baro buried headstone to headstone at Clovis District Cemetery, why did Nathan and Jason enlist in the Army?

How could they put their family through the second-by-second trials and anguish of war?

Then the answers.

You raise children to your standards; the Hubbards' are noble and enduring. You teach the importance of accountability and, with a little luck and a lot of leading by example, the lessons stick.

Then you do what every parent must.

You pull back, offering your counsel but not imposing your will. The swaddled baby you brought home years ago is an adult and must be freed to seek his path. Even a path that leads to a war thousands of miles away.

I don't know Jeff and Peggy Hubbard.

But I know about their sons' choices.

The Hubbard men have strong ideas about right and wrong, freedom and patriotism, purpose and honor.

But unlike many of us who put such notions on a pedestal and merely pay homage, the Hubbards clutched their ideals close to heart and carried them off to Iraq.

The Hubbards are military men. They leap into action, overcoming danger with bravery, pride and skill.

Their mission: protect the country and its freedoms -- and repay all who served before them.
I won't forget what Jason told The Bee two years ago when asked why he and Nathan had joined the Army.

Pointing out that Jared was killed on his second Iraq tour, Jason said: "We felt that if more people did their part and joined and served their country that maybe somebody wouldn't have to go a third time."

He also said, "Our enlistment isn't because we agree or disagree with what is going on over there. Our enlistment is because our country is at war. There are young men being sent to fight this war, and we feel we should be part of that."

Now Jeff and Peggy face the heartache of burying a second child.

Once is tragic. Twice? There aren't words to describe what's ahead for them.

Those who know the Hubbards say they are resilient.

When Jared was killed, they didn't get over it -- who would? -- but they moved forward with their lives.

They'll rebuild again. Not what they had before. But a life and a family underpinned by high standards and service to others, and memories of two departed sons and brothers who made choices that spoke well of them all.

There will be torment, bittersweet get-togethers and questions about losing so much.

They'll need privacy, time and support. Keep them in your prayers.

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

If you don't know the story of the Hubbard Family, you may read it here.

This tribute to the character, the heart and soul of the Hubbard's can be applied to most of those who serve in the military and their families. People often speculate about why people serve, perhaps this will help them understand.

Coalition Engineers Work Together in Afghanistan

Korean Sgt. Chi-Keun Lee interprets for Korean Capt. Bo Geol Choi as he meets with U.S. Army Capt. Eric Parthemore of Task Force Pacemaker, to discuss engineering work.

Korean engineers work on welding K-Spans, metal building systems, as part of expanding Forward Operating Base Sharana, Afghanistan.

Polish soldiers work on a culvert that will keep the Forward Operating Base Sharana, Afghanistan, from flooding during the next rainy season.

Korean soldiers work on a 20-foot K-Span metal building structure that will improve maintenance support for Forward Operating Base Sharana, Afghanistan.

Polish Pvt. Piotr Oparski works on the final touches of a culvert in Forward Operating Base Sharana, Afghanistan, as a scoop loader hauls the rest of the dirt.

Photos by 1st Lt. Kenya Virginia Saenz, USA

International Military Engineers Work Together in Afghanistan

By 1st Lt. Kenya Virginia Saenz, Task Force Pacemaker Public Affairs Office

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SHARANA, Afghanistan, Aug. 27, 2007 - Afghans and multinational forces are working hand in hand on a variety of construction projects here.

Soldiers from the U.S. Army's 864th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy); 1st Construction Company, 100th Republic of Korea Engineering Group; and Polish 1st Engineer Brigade are working together to construct metal building systems, known as K-Spans; roads; ditches; culverts and sewage lagoons.

Task Force Pacemaker Headquarters Support Company soldiers led by Army Capt. Eric Parthemore support the battalion and manage multinational force missions.

Polish engineers provide additional capacity and leadership to multiple construction projects. Polish soldiers led by Polish army 1st Lt. Radoslaw Telezynski are working to improve roads by ensuring that proper drainage and sewage structures are constructed before the rainy season begins. The Polish army has been deployed in places such as Lebanon, Syria, and Africa to support many humanitarian missions since the war on terror began.

"I didn't know what to expect or what missions we would have, but working with American soldiers has been a great experience. They have been very helpful," Telezynski said. "I have been able to learn different training techniques from the American soldiers and compare them to our techniques. I changed our technique to what works best to accomplish the mission successfully."

Polish Pfc. Rafaz Sobon agreed. "This is my first time deployed," he said, "and it has been a new and interesting experience. We learned about different cultures in class, but it is better to learn from first-hand experience."

First Construction Company from the Republic of Korea focuses on K-Span construction. Korean engineers are especially meticulous and bring a "vertical construction" capability to the command that it did not have, Parthemore said. The company is commanded by Korean Capt. Bo Geol Choi.

Once completed, the K-Spans will enhance maintenance operations and provide more space for supply support activity here. Even though K-Spans are not common in Korea, the soldiers were previously trained by civil engineers in their country, Choi said.

"We are very proud to be part of this mission. Our main goal is to bring the proper engineering assets for future coalition forces," he said. "There have been a few challenges over the language gap as well as different working systems, but overall, the construction progress and the relationship with American forces are going well."

Korean soldiers Sgt. Chi-Keun Lee and Cpl. Min-Gi Kim agreed. They said it is fun learning about different cultures, even though sometimes they have to use hand signals to communicate.

"The addition of Polish and Korean engineers along with Afghan contractors gives our task force a tremendous capability that we do not normally have," Parthemore said. "Simply working on a single job site with engineers of four nationalities working together toward a common goal is very satisfactory. Also, our common understanding and respect for safe operations keeps us accident free despite the communication difficulties."

A Care Package a Soldier Will Never Forget!!!

Army Spc. Alfonso Sanchez, of 16th Military Police Brigade, thanks Army Maj. Kristian Sorensen, the brigade's civil affairs officer, July 24 for sending the names of the unit's soldiers to Operation Gratitude, a troop support group. Sanchez, who is currently serving in Iraq, had just received Operation Gratitude's 250,000th care package, which came with a surprise --

Photo by Spc. Beatrice Florescu, USA

A Soldier hears his name called at Mail Call - not expecting anything, he is surprised to be called. But, the real surprise was in the box - keys to a 2007 Jeep Patriot Limited!!!

SPC Alfonso Sanchez was the 250,000 recipient of a care package from Operation Gratitude.

What a great story provided by a great support group!!!


By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17, 2007 - Thousands of servicemembers get care packages with surprises in them every day, thanks to caring folks back home. Some of the surprises, however, are bigger than others.

Operation Gratitude, a nonprofit troop-support group, celebrated the packing of its 250,000th care package by teaming with Tri-State Jeep Dealers Association to put Army Spc. Alfonso Sanchez in the driver's seat of a 2007 Jeep Patriot Limited.

"We were thrilled to give a Jeep Patriot to a true American patriot," said Carolyn Blashek, Operation Gratitude's founder. "It is an honor to be able to recognize him and, through him, all servicemembers in uniform."

Sanchez, who received the package containing keys to the Jeep on July 24, is assigned to the 16th Military Police Brigade, which is serving in Iraq. He will receive the actual vehicle upon his redeployment to the states, hopefully by the end of the year, Blashek said.

Not expecting any packages, Sanchez didn't initially respond when his name was called.

"When they called my name, I was shocked, stunned, and I froze for a second, double-checking that my last name was Sanchez," he said. "The first thing I saw when I opened the box was a Jeep brochure, but they give those at the post exchange.

"I expected anything else but this vehicle," he said. "I don't have enough words, but with all my heart, thank you (Operation Gratitude) for all you do."

Service Crosses - Awards of Honor and Heroism

Distinguished Service Cross

Awarded by the Department of the Army

This is the highest award presented by the United States Army.

The Navy Cross

Awarded by the Department of the Navy

This is the highest award presented by the Department of the Navy.

Air Force Cross

Awarded by the Department of the Air Force
This is the highest award presented by the Department of the Air Force.

These Crosses may be awarded to any member of the armed forces while serving with the Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard or Air Force that distinguishes himself in action by extraordinary heroism not justifying an award of the Medal of Honor. The action must take place under one of three circumstances: while engaged in action against an enemy of the United States, while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force, and while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

To earn a Cross the act to be commended must be performed in the presence of great danger or at great personal risk and must be performed in such a manner as to render the individual highly conspicuous among others of equal grade, rate, experience, or position of responsibility.

In the Great War on Terror, Distinguished Service Crosses, Air Force Crosses and Navy Crosses have been awarded to amazing heroes. Heroes who have fought for us all. I intend to do tribute pages for each of them.

The Hero to Remember Series:

Distinguished Service Cross:

Col James H Coffman, Jr

Navy Cross:

PO2 Matthew G Axelson

PO2 Danny P Dietz

HM Luis E Fonseca, Jr.

Sgt Major Bradley Kasal and here

Unidentified Navy Seal - The One - now known as Marcus Luttrell

Honors to Axelson, Dietz & The One

Air Force Cross:

Not Even a Contest by Russ Vaughn

Not Even a Contest

I’m a soldier; haven’t been in uniform in forty years but the six years of active duty I did serve and the ensuing thirty-plus years I’ve spent working with the U.S. military, instilled in me certain qualities and beliefs that have grown and persisted within me all these decades and provide me with the basis for my stance on the war on terror. I may now be only an armchair warrior, but I’m still a soldier. As such, I understand the value of a rapid counterattack when your enemy has struck and badly hurt you. I say this as a brief, prefatory explanation of why I believe the Bush Administration has done the right thing in carrying the war on terror into the heart of terrorism itself. Yes, I know there are legions of liberals, so blinded by their certainty that the Supreme Court cheated Al Gore out of the presidency that they actually profess to believe that there were no ties between Al Qaeda and Iraq. To them I would say consider this: Syria had ties to Al Qaeda; Jordan had ties to Al Qaeda; Egypt had ties to Al Qaeda; Yemen had ties to Al Qaeda; Somalia had ties to Al Qaeda; Saudi Arabia had ties to Al Qaeda; the various Gulf monarchies had ties to Al Qaeda; Iran had ties to Al Qaeda; Pakistan had ties to Al Qaeda; Indonesia, the Philippines, North Korea and several of the former Soviet satellites under Muslim rule had ties to Al Qaeda.

But not Iraq.

That’s right, according to Democrat politicians and the liberal Left in America and Europe, only one country in the Middle East, Iraq, a country under the iron-fisted control of an absolute dictator who had reason to hate the American government far more bitterly than any of the leaders of the above nations, and yep, sitting smack dab in the middle of all these other terrorist harboring countries, only America-hating Iraq, was lily white clean according to liberal Democrats when it came to affiliation with Al Qaeda.

Excuse me folks, but Old Sarge’s bullshit detector is going off like a Geiger counter at ground zero in Chernobyl.

Now, of all the countries listed above, one of you Democrats, real quick, tell me which of them is absolutely known to have used weapons of mass destruction against a foreign enemy and dissident elements within its own borders. Hmmm, only one? Really? Only Iraq? Imagine that…chemical weapons used in conjunction with modern weapons delivery systems against Iranian forces and rebellious Kurds? Trust me folks, Old Sarge’s specialty in the Army was chemical, biological and radiological warfare and he knows quite well that the use of lethal, disabling and disfiguring gases in bombs, rockets and artillery warheads constitutes the use of weapons of mass destruction under the rules of land warfare. Never mind that Saddam Hussein blew the world a huge raspberry as he was gassing his enemies without and within. Nah…this guy didn’t have any weapons of mass destruction. Ask any Bush-hating Democrat.

So, contrary to all these liberals, whose only chance of seeing the light is when some proctologist’s probing proctoscope finally manages to locate their deeply-embedded eyes, this old grunt sees the value in hitting our enemies smack-dab in the middle of the threat; and that central target, folks, in this war on terror, just happened to be Iraq. And yes, Iraq has become a killing field, but far more so for radical Jihadists than for America and her allies. Potential bombers of Western cities flock like flies to the flypaper of a martyr’s death, not in New York or London, but on the killing field we have created for them. Remember one thing very well, Senators Reid, Durbin and Schumer: every single jihadist who dies in Iraq will never have the opportunity to die in one of our cities taking hundreds if not thousands of your potential voters with him.

And for all you armchair, liberal strategists who continue to throw up that canard that our military efforts should be entirely focused on capturing or killing the Al Qaeda leadership, Osama bin Laden and Zayman Al Zawahiri, in Afghanistan and Pakistan; may I inquire as to where you obtained your advanced degrees in military science? Madam Chair, would perhaps that have been at Berkeley’s famed War College? We know Congressman Murtha obtained his multiple military degrees from a rural Pennsylvania diploma mill, established and funded entirely by earmarks in federal legislation, but that’s a topic for another essay.

So, a simple question: did George Washington seek to capture King George? Did Abraham Lincoln focus all his military strategies on the capture or elimination of Jefferson Davis? In WWI, if we were hell-bent on capturing the Kaiser, why did we spend so many months in the hellish, intransigence of those trenches? Why on earth did MacArthur spend all that time and those American boys’ lives to move systematically up the Pacific archipelago in WWII if all we had to do was focus on capturing Emperor Hirohito? Would modern-day Democrat strategists label Eisenhower a fool and a loser for moving indirectly through Africa, Italy and the soft underbelly of Europe, Southern France, when all he had to do was attack Berlin directly and put Hitler in chains?

The truth is, all you Democrat military geniuses, is that none of those enemy leaders was captured until the fighting was over and the respective war was won; truth is, most of them never suffered any ill effects other than the ignominy of losing. Hell, if we did capture Osama, you liberal turkeys would be clamoring for the Bush administration to give him a fair and speedy trial, afforded all the rights of a U.S. citizen, and the ACLU would be appealing his conviction long beyond his natural death.

So what does this show America about its Democrat leadership? Well, it shows this old combat infantryman that you liberal wienies don’t know jack about fighting wars. It’s a far cry from forging voters’ registration certificates, stuffing ballot boxes and buying minority votes to standing solid under fire and defeating a lethal enemy on the battlefield. But since so very few of you have ever even worn the uniform, much less served in combat, you wouldn’t have any way of knowing that would you, ladies? I’ll make a wager right now: the average, enlisted, American military volunteer has more courage, integrity and patriotism than the U.S. congressman who supposedly represents him.

Hell, forget the bet; that’s not even a contest.

Russ Vaughn
2d Bn, 327th Parachute Infantry Regiment
101st Airborne Division
Vietnam 65-66

Another Contest!

Carlos didn't win the coffee contest,

but he is entered in the K-Mart Best Homecoming Kiss contest.

http://www.kmartbesthomecomingkiss.com

Click the link, then click "Click Here to Vote" - Carlos is on page two 'Your My Hero"

All of the pictures in the contest are worth seeing!!! and some will make you tear up!

The top three places win some very nice prizes.

The Involunteers by Russ Vaughn

The Involunteers

One thing to me rings loud and clear
Through mainstream media sources:
Libs don’t understand, Volunteer,
When it comes to our fighting forces.
Their memories hark to former days,
Dubious deferments due to classes,
Craven cowering in cynical ways,
Just to cover their cowardly asses.

Pony-tailed pundits of treason foregoing,
Now scoff and condemn with derision,
Volunteer warriors, warned and knowing,
Who’ve made a fateful decision,
Foregoing the comforts liberals love,
That very succor to preserve,
A concept Libs are ignorant of:
To reap benefits, one should serve.

Ever fearful, Libs cower in classrooms,
Proclaiming the due of the masses;
On graves of the brave, toxic mushrooms,
Still cravenly covering their asses.
Preaching, protesting, showing their ire,
Cat-box covering all their worst fears,
Cowardly curs afraid of war’s fire,
They’re our nation’s Involunteers.

I know a truth from mankind’s past,
A truth that sure prevails;
Those who fight are those will last,
Throughout all man’s travails.
But those making phony excuses,
As false and fearful disguise,
Will feel history’s worst abuses,
Enslaved by their cowardly lies.

Russ Vaughn
2d Bn, 327th Parachute Infantry Regiment
101st Airborne Division
Vietnam 65-66

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

Russ kindly shared his great poem for me to share with you.

Thank you, Russ.

Polish Soldiers in Afghanistan

A Polish soldier gives out toys and candy to a crowd of children one evening at his field patrol base in Ghazni province, Afghanistan. Polish Battle Group Company B's mission was to travel throughout the district of Andar and make connections and form friendships with the locals there.

Afghan children and a Polish soldier assess each other while the Polish team leaders are talking with the village elders in Ghazni province, Afghanistan, June 23.

Polish Maj. Thomas Stachera, commander of Polish Battle Group Company B, speaks with village elders in Ghazni province, Afghanistan, June 23. He is asking them about their village while his men hand out toys, candy, and school supplies to the local children.

An Afghan soldier searches a vehicle while a Polish soldier stands nearby at a vehicle search checkpoint on a road in Andar Distict, Ghazni province, Afghanistan, June 24. Vehicles are searched to prevent weapons or explosives from being smuggled across the country.

A Polish soldier from 2nd platoon, Combat Team B, Polish Battle Group, fits shoes onto Afghan children from a Koochi family in the remote hills of Andar District in Ghazni province, Afghanistan, June 24. The Koochi people are a nomadic tribe who live in the mountains of Afghanistan.

Polish Sgt. Jack Jedrzejowski, a squad leader in 2nd platoon, Company B of the Polish Battle Group, stands nearby a Polish Rosomak vehicle while approaching a remote village in Andar District June 26. His platoon arrived there to deliver humanitarian aid and assess the area.

Polish 1st Lt. Thomas Novak, platoon leader for 2nd Platoon, Company B, Polish Battle Group, has a discussion with a town elder while in a remote area of Andar District, Ghazni province, Afghanistan June 26. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Micah E. Clare)

By Army Spc. Micah E. Clare

4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs

ANDAR DISTRICT, Afghanistan — Listening to audio books in English, while washing dishes with his wife in Sulecin, Poland, was just one of the opportunities a Polish army officer used to brush up on his self-taught English language proficiency. At the time, Polish Army Maj. Thomas Stachera had no idea that learning English would serve him well in one of his most important military assignments: helping turn over the security of a war-torn Middle Eastern country back to its own people.

Stachera, commander of Combat Team B, Polish Battle Group, assigned to Ghazni province, Afghanistan, found his command of the English language extremely useful in communicating with Afghans, who speak an entirely different language. “There are not many Polish-speaking interpreters in Afghanistan,” he said. “In order to communicate to the locals and work effectively with our Afghan national army counterparts, it is important that I speak English well to my interpreter.”

There are only four interpreters in the entire country that can translate Polish into Pashto and Dari, the two most common Afghan languages, said Abdul Nasir, Stachera’s interpreter. The requirement that all Polish officers must be able to speak English aids in the Polish Battle Group’s mission in Afghanistan.

The Polish Battle Group, which officially took responsibility for the security of several areas in the eastern Afghan provinces of Ghazni and Paktika last month, is the first major Polish infantry unit to participate in international efforts to stabilize the country. It is also the first time Stachera and most of his men have served in Afghanistan.

“It is very different from what we thought it was going to be,” said Polish army 1st Lt. Thomas Novak, platoon leader of 2nd Platoon, Company B. “We trained very hard before we left, but we are finding ourselves adapting to many unforeseen circumstances every day.”

Novak explained that he and his men were trained to fight and take prisoners, but often find they’re doing the complete opposite: making friends and earning trust.

When he led his men into a small, isolated, yet green and terraced village nestled in the Andar district hills of Ghazni province during Operation Maiwand last month, they didn’t find the Taliban they were looking for, just an old man sleeping peacefully under an apricot tree.

After the man’s grandson roused him, he awoke to Novak’s friendly smile and an outstretched hand. “Salam alaikum,” Novak said rendering the traditional Islamic greeting.

Through his interpreter, Novak asked the man how he and the members of his village were doing and if they had been bothered by the Taliban, who, before fleeing the area at the start of Maiwand, had been threatening people not to cooperate with the international security assistance forces.

The old man kindly offered Novak and his men some of his ripe apricots, and proceeded to tell him about how glad the people in his village and surrounding areas were that their main roads were now cleared of roadside bombs. He also gave valuable information regarding rumors he had heard about the possible whereabouts of an escaped Taliban commander in a nearby province.

“This makes the work worth it,” Novak said after the meeting was over and he and his men had left. “I love talking with the locals, but when they return our courtesy with the information we need, it’s especially rewarding.”

The necessity for showing respect and cultural awareness for the residents of an area is something that some of the Polish soldiers with previous combat experience have brought with them to Afghanistan. It is something they teach to their comrades.

“Even though we are the ones carrying the guns, it’s very important to show (locals) that we are their friends, not enemies,” said Polish Sgt. Jack Jedrzejowski, a squad leader in 2nd Platoon, Company B, who has combat experience in both Iraq and Lebanon. “If we don’t show respect to their culture, religion and customs, they won’t have any reason to assist us.”

Of equal importance, showing respect and friendliness to the locals, is working well with the Polish soldier’s newfound allies, the Afghan national army soldiers assigned to them.

“We didn’t expect to be working in such a close partnership with them,” said Novak. “But we find them to be the key to putting the people we visit at ease.”

While an interpreter can’t be everywhere at once, the Poles and Afghans must sometimes be able to understand each other without any words at all, such as situations where vehicles at a traffic control checkpoint need to be searched.

“They point to the area on a truck, and we ask the driver to open it up for searching,” said Mohib-Ullah, an Afghan soldier from the Afghan 203rd Thunder Corps unit attached to 2nd Platoon. “We let the driver know that it’s just a procedure meant for everyone’s safety. We’ve really started working together well with the Polish, and we’re always learning new ways to understand each other.”

Even when the soldiers are taking breaks for lunch in the hot midday sun or setting up camp for the night in a circle of Polish armored personnel carriers, Humvees, and Afghan trucks, the two teams still find ways to interact.

“It is very enjoyable to sit around the campfire at night with them,” said Ullah. “We sit around sipping tea and we cook for each other. We all laugh at each other’s jokes and mannerisms, even though we can’t understand what the other is saying. It doesn’t matter though. We’re all soldiers. We understand that.”

The need for communication has also prompted the Polish to pick up some of the native language, an opportunity some of them are very happy with.“I’ve been able to learn quite a few Pashto phrases,” said Novak. “It’s gotten to the point where I can piece together what some of these village elders are saying to me. When my interpreter tells me what they actually said, more and more I find that I was very close to it.”

From the typically excited speaking style of the elderly men answering questions during key leader engagements, to the happy, laughing children as they are given new shoes, toys or school items on humanitarian aid drops by the Polish and Afghan soldiers, the two Andar-based platoons find building relationships with the residents an everyday thing, which is quite different from what they were expecting to do here.

But this is a good thing, said Stachera.

“The people here are on our side,” he explained. “It is the most encouraging thing about being here in Afghanistan. My biggest concern here is for the safety of my men, but the more we travel this country, I can see that we are really helping. What we are doing here is really working, and the people are earnestly cooperating with us. They see the right thing to do is to work towards unity, and to show the Taliban that they have no place here.”

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

If any of you (that I know) are interested in writing to the members of the Polish battle group, please email me and I will send you their address! They need to know that we support them, too. This group has served in Iraq and Kosovo, prior to their service in Afghanistan.