Lance Corporal Juan Garcia-Schill ~ Farewell and Walk with God

LCpl Juan Manuel Garcia-Schill

April 8, 1987 - July 1, 2007

Marine Lance Cpl. Juan Manuel Garcia Schill, 20, of Grants Pass, died July 2, 2007, during combat operations in Anbar province in Iraq. The Marine was killed by small arms fire, officials said. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, based in Twentynine Palms, California.

Manuel was born April 8, 1987, in Klamath Falls, Ore. to Manuel Garcia and Brenda Schill. His parents separated at an early age and Manuel moved to Madras with his father. He lived there until moving to Grants Pass when he was 11 years old. He attended Junior High and High School in Grants Pass. While in high school he participated in football. Manuel also began taking Tae Kwon Do and earned his black belt when he was a junior in high school. From 8th to 10th grade he volunteered with an after school program in Grants Pass where he would teach the children spanish and how to play soccer. Following graduation, Manuel attended one term of college before following in his family's footsteps and enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served from January 23, 2006 until being killed in action on July 1, 2007.

Manuel loved to help children. He had wanted to be an elementary teacher after his military service. When he deployed to Iraq, he told his family that he going for "the honor and protection of my country and my family." After serving in Iraq, he changed his reason to "the honor and protection of my country, my family and the children here."

He also loved Tae Kwon Do and had become very intrigued by Japanese culture. Manuel was very proud of his own Mexican roots and had traveled to Mexico on several different occasions.

Survivors include his father, Manuel Garcia of Grants Pass; his mother, Brenda Ochoa of Chiloquin; his brother, Esteban Garcia-Schill of Grants Pass; his sister, Sandra Garcia-Schill of Chiloquin; his step-brother, Joey Ochoa of Chiloquin; and step sister, Victoria of Chiloquin; grandmothers, Ies Garcia-Placsencia of Mexico and Pamela Speaker of Klamath Falls; grandfather, Richard Schill and his wife, Bev of Klamath Falls; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Adrian Garcia and great-grandparents, Ron and Maxine Schill and Mr. and Mrs. Hernandez.Memorial contributions may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, P.O. Box 29119 Phoenix, AZ 85038-9119.

A celebration of Manuel's life, with full military honors, will be held on Sunday, July 15, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at Eternal Hills Chapel. Interment will follow at Eternal Hills. Visitation will be held at Eternal Hills Funeral Home from 8:00 a.m., Friday, July 13 to 8:00 a.m., Sunday, July 15, around the clock. A memorial mass will be offered for Manuel at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. The Patriot Guard Riders will be providing a Flagline for the Burial Service at Eternal Hills in Klamath Falls, on Sunday morning, July 15.
Eternal Hills Memorial Garden and Funeral Home, 4711 Highway 39, Klamath Falls.

We will be keeping this Marine and his family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

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.”

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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.

A Tribute to LCpl Luke Yepsen from the President

Marine Lance Corporal

Luke Yepsen

Excerpts from President Bush's Radio Address on June 30, 2007:

"On the Fourth of July we celebrate the courage and convictions of America's founders. We remember the spirit of liberty that led men from 13 different colonies to gather in Philadelphia and pen the Declaration of Independence. In that revolutionary document, they proclaimed our independence based on the belief that freedom was God's gift to all mankind.

To defend that freedom, the 56 signers of the Declaration pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor. Their sacrifices built a new Nation and created a future of freedom for millions yet to be born.

Today, a new generation of Americans has stepped forward and volunteered to defend the ideals of our Nation's founding. Around the world, our brave men and women in uniform are facing danger to protect their fellow citizens from harm. In Afghanistan, our military and NATO forces are hunting down the Taliban and al Qaeda, and helping the Afghan people defend their young democracy. And in Iraq, American and Iraqi forces are standing with the nearly 12 million Iraqis who voted for a future of peace, and opposing ruthless enemies who want to bring down Iraq's democracy and turn that nation into a terrorist safe haven.

The fight in Iraq has been tough, and it will remain difficult. We've lost good men and women in this fight. One of those lost was a Marine Lance Corporal named Luke Yepsen. In the spring of 2005, Luke withdrew from his classes at Texas A&M to join the United States Marines. And in October 2006, he deployed to Iraq, where he manned a 50-caliber machine gun on a Humvee. Six months ago, Luke was killed by a sniper while on patrol in Anbar province. Luke's father describes his son's sacrifice this way: "Luke died bringing freedom to an oppressed people. My urgent request is ... finish the mission. Bring freedom to the Iraqi people."

On this Fourth of July, we remember Luke Yepsen and all the men and women in uniform who have given their lives in this struggle. They've helped bring freedom to the Iraqi people. They've helped make Americans more secure. We will not forget their sacrifice. We remember their loved ones in our prayers. And we give thanks for all those from every generation who have defended our Nation and our freedoms."

Sail Virginia 2007

A Sailor salutes a ship from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) during the Sail Virginia 2007 celebration. More than 20 naval vessels participated in the event, with Wasp acting as the viewing platform for special guests and dignitaries. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Toni Burton)

Small sailboats and ships pass by amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) on the Elizabeth River while in transit to the Norfolk Harbor Fest. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Jon Dasbach)

Sailboats pass by amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) as Sailors man the rails during Sail Virginia 2007. More than 20 naval vessels participated in the event with Wasp acting as the viewing platform for special guests and dignitaries. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Brian May)

Sailboats pass by amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) as Sailors man the rails during Sail Virginia 2007. More than 20 naval vessels participated in the event with Wasp acting as the viewing platform for special guests and dignitaries. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Brian May)

Soldiers Sworn In - New Citizens and Reenlistments

So, what did you do on the Fourth of July?

In Baghdad, Soldiers became Citizens,

Reenlisted,

and celebrated Independence Day!

During the Multi-National Force-Iraq Reenlistment, Naturalization and Independence Day Ceremony July 4, 2007, at Camp Victory, Iraq, today 588 troops reenlisted and 161 were naturalized as American citizens.

U.S. Marine Corps photos by Sgt. Jess Kent

Soldiers swear the Oath of Enlistment during the Multi-National Force-Iraq Reenlistment, Naturalization and Independence Day Ceremony July 4, 2007, at Camp Victory, Iraq. During the ceremony, 588 troops reenlisted and 161 were naturalized as American citizens.

Army Gen. David Petraeus, commanding general, Multi-National Force-Iraq, addresses hundreds of troops during the Multi-National Force-Iraq Reenlistment, Naturalization and Independence Day Ceremony July 4, 2007, at Camp Victory, Iraq.

July 4, 2007 was a memorable day for 749 soldiers at Al Faw Palace, Camp Victory, in Baghdad, Iraq ~ 588 reenlisted and 166 were sworn in as citizens of the United States of America. AND, they all celebrated Independence Day!

Army General David Petraeus, commanding General of the Multi-National Forces in Iraq, administered the Oath of Enlistment.

He said, "This morning we pay tribute to the American ideals we all hold so dear in several significant ways. First, by conducting what surely is the largest reenlistment event ever held in Iraq and perhaps in our Armed Forces' history, then by celebrating the granting of American citizenship to a group of troopers who have already pledged their loyalty to our nation by putting their lives on the line for it, and finally by observing the 231st birthday of our great nation."

"No bonus, no matter the size, can adequately compensate you for the contribution each of you has made and continues to make as a custodian of our nation's defenses. Nor can any amount of money compensate you adequately for the sacrifices you make serving here in Iraq or the burdens your loved ones face at home in your absence. And we certainly cannot put a price on the freedoms you defend or those we are trying to help the Iraqis establish and safeguard here in the land of the two rivers." Petraeus reminded us that most of the reenlistees were on second and third deployments to a combat zone, and they made a decision based on far more than any bonus.

Addressing the Soldiers about to become citizens, Petraeus dedicated the ceremonies to two soldiers who died fighting for America before they could be sworn in as citizens: SGT Kimel Watt and SPC Farid Elazzousi. "They were lost giving the last full measure of devotion for a country that would have become fully theirs today."

Petraeus said the deaths are reminders that freedom comes at a very high cost, which must never be forgotten. Like these two soldiers, who fought and died with the American flag on their shoulders, he said the troops being naturalized as U.S. citizens were most deserving.

“When you enlisted into the Armed Forces you swore to support and defend a Constitution that did not yet fully apply to you,” Petraeus said. “You chose to endure the same sacrifices as your fellow comrades in arms to preserve the freedom of a land that was not yet fully yours. You accepted that you might have to pay the ultimate price on behalf of a nation to which you did not fully belong. Now, you will officially become citizens of the United States, a country to which each of you has already borne true faith and allegiance in your hearts and your deeds.”

Based on a story by Marine SGT Jess Kent, American Forces Press Service

Danny Dietz Memorial Dedicated

July 4, 2007, the Memorial Statue of Danny Dietz was dedicated in Littleton, Colorado, two years to the day that his body was found in Afghanistan. Danny Dietz was a Navy SEAL, recipient of the Navy Cross, and a hero lost in the War on Terror.

A wonderful read on the dedication is:
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/local/article/0,1299,DRMN_15_5615783,00.html

Previous Articles on Danny Dietz:

http://gazingattheflag.blogspot.com/2007/02/navy-cross-axelson-dietz-one.html

http://gazingattheflag.blogspot.com/2007/02/hero-to-remember-po2-danny-p-dietz.html

http://gazingattheflag.blogspot.com/2007/04/we-support-troops-unless.html

The Fourth of July

After over a year of war with Great Britain, the Continental Congress approved the resolution for independence on July 2, 1776 and formally adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The war for independence began in 1775, major fighting ended at Yorktown in 1781, but the formal treaty was not signed until 1783. In 1787, the Constitution of the United States of America was ratified. In 1789, the first President was inagurated and the first Congress sworn in. It was a long and difficult struggle lasting over fourteen years. It cost untold lives and fortunes. It was a struggle of men who were willing to sacrifice everything for something greater than themselves. I am so grateful that they did.

So, while you are enjoying all of the things that John Adams hoped for: parades, shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations (fireworks), please remember these patriots who gave us all that we hold dear and so much that we take for granted! And, remember those who have protected those freedoms throughout our history and continue to do so today!

Last year's Fourth of July post:
http://gazingattheflag.blogspot.com/2006/07/independence-day.html

The Long Line of Warriors...

Standing in a direct line

from the Revolutionary War

to today

are all of those who have stood up

for our freedoms

Thank you.

May God Bless you all!

Close your eyes and picture in your mind the soldier at Valley Forge, as he holds his musket in his bloody hands.

He stands barefoot in the snow, starved from lack of food, wounded from months of battle and emotionally scarred from the eternity away from his family surrounded by nothing but death and carnage of war.

He stands tough, with fire in his eyes and victory on his breath. He looks at us now in anger and disgust and tells us this...

I gave you a birthright of freedom born in the Constitution and now your children graduate too illiterate to read it.

I fought in the snow barefoot to give you the freedom to vote and you stay at home because it rains.

I left my family destitute to give you the freedom of speech and you remain silent on critical issues, because it might be bad for business.

I orphaned my children to give you a government to serve you and it has stolen democracy from the people.

Thomas Nelson, Jr - Patriot and Founding Father

Thomas Nelson, Jr.

Farmer,

Statesman,

Military Commander,

Signer of the Declaration of Independence

Patriot

Most of us only know a handful of the names of our Founding Fathers - those brave men that sacrificed everything to create the United States of America, to form an idea into a reality.

On our trip to Yorktown, we 'met' Thomas Nelson, Jr. Nelson was a wealthy farmer who lived in Yorktown, Virginia, in the home shown in its restored splendor.

In 1774, Nelson heard about the Boston Tea Party and, in response, he boarded the ship Virginia in the harbor and dumped two chests of tea into the York River to protest the British Tea Tax. This was an action that could have cost him prison or death.

Nelson became a delegate to the Continental Congress and served from 1775-1777 and, again in 1779. He was one of the first to press for Independence, and urged his fellow congressmen to seek it, as well. He was plagued with ill health and a series of strokes and asthma, which would require periodic withdrawal from public life, but never seemed to halt his quest for Independence and the creation of this country.

In 1781, Nelson was elected Governor of Virginia, to replace Thomas Jefferson who had left the office. At the same time, he was the Commander of the Virginia Militia. At the siege of Yorktown, Nelson led 3,000 men into battle.

General Cornwallis had taken refugee in Nelson's home in Yorktown. Out of respect to General Nelson, the artillery men avoided aiming at his home. Nelson urged Washington to fire upon his home, a necessary sacrifice in his pursuit of Independence. Legend has it that Nelson offered five shillings to the first artillery man to hit his home or that he manned the artillery and fired at his own home. At the end of the battle with the surrender of Cornwallis and the British, his home was all but destroyed.

Thomas Nelson, Jr. died at the age of 50, in 1789. He did not live long enough to see President Washington inaugurated. The inattention to his personal affairs during the war, the state's failure to repay the large loans he made to the war effort, and the debt incurred, coupled with his ill health made it impossible for him to reestablish the family wealth.

Thomas Nelson, Jr. was a man with a dream: a dream that he gave everything to see become a reality. I am grateful to Thomas Nelson, Jr. for all he did to create our country and to fight for its establishment.

Signers of the Declaration of Independence

The Signers of the Declaration of Independence

Massachusetts:

John Hancock, Samuel Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine, Elbridge Gerry

New Hampshire:
Josiah Bartlett, William Whipple, Matthew Thornton

Rhode Island:
Stephen Hopkins, William Ellery

Connecticut:
Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington, William Williams, Oliver Wolcott

New York:
William Floyd, Philip Livingston, Francis Lewis, Lewis Morris

New Jersey:
Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John Hart, Abraham Clark

Pennsylvania:
Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, John Morton, George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, James Wilson, George Ross

Delaware:
Caesar Rodney, George Read, Thomas M'Kean

Maryland:
Samuel Chase, William Paca, Thomas Stone, Charles Carrol

Virginia:
George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson, Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee, Carter Braxton

North Carolina:
William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, John Penn

South Carolina:
Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward, Thomas Lynch, Arthur Middleton

Georgia:
Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, George Walton

July 2, 1776 - Declaration of Independence Approved

The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epocha in the history of America. I am apt to believe it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore.

You will think me transported with enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure that it will cost us to maintain this Declaration and support and defend these states. Yet, through all the gloom, I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is more than worth all the means. And that posterity will triumph in that day's transaction, even although we should rue it, which I trust in God we shall not...

It may be the will of Heaven that America will suffer calamities still more wasting, and distress yet more dreadful. If this is to be the case, it will have this good effect at least. It will inspire us with many virtues which we have not, and correct many errors, follies and vices which threaten to disturb, dishonor and destroy us. The furnace of afflication produces refinement, in States as well as individuals...But I must submit all my hopes and fears to an overruling Providence, in which, unfashionable as the faith may be, I firmly believe.

-- John Adams

In a letter written to his wife Abigail after the Continental Congress approved the resolution for the Declaration of Independence, July 2, 1776 - it would be formally adopted on July 4, 1776.

Illuminations was the eighteen century term for fireworks!!!

Thank You Letter to Soldiers... Past and Present

A reader sent me this letter and asked that I share it with you. I'm sure Marnie speaks for many of us!

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My name is Marnie M. I am the proud wife of a USMC 100% Total & Permanent disabled combat Viet nam Veteran. He served two tours in Nam with the 1/9, also known as ,"The Walking Dead."

I would like to thank the Military men and women that have served and that are serving for my freedom and all you have done and are still doing for our country. I am forever grateful and you will never be forgotten by me. I consider you all my HEROES !!!

I always make it a point to thank a Veteran and tell them how grateful I am for my freedom . Thanks to you all I am able to type this letter.

I consider it an honor to tell people I am married to a USMC Vietnam Veteran. We have a 20 year age difference and he has been my rock for 12 years.

I would like to thank each and everyone of you that have served and are still serving in the Military for my freedom and all you've done and are still doing for our country.

I know you all have sacrificed so much for me and our country . Words will never be able to tell you all how grateful I am.

I know I have taken a lot for granted but I started thinking just how lucky I am to have my freedom thanks to you all.

Please know that you will never be forgotten by me.

I told my husband if he should die before me I am going to dedicate my life to our Military men and women.

I want to be able to give each and everyone of you a hug and bring happiness to your lives.

Since I am not able to hug each and everyone of you , please accept a cyber hug from me and know you are my HEROES !!!

In all sincerity , I can honestly say , "I love you."

God Bless each and everyone of you.

Forever Grateful,
Marnie M.

MAJ Gregory D Young ~ Farewell and Walk with God

Farewell and Walk with God,

Major Gregory D Young

Oregon Air National Guard, 142nd Fighter Wing pilot, Major Gregory D Young, was killed on June 26, 2007 while participating in combat training. Major Young was flying an F-15 Eagle, coordinating with three other Portland based fighter pilots, dogfighting with Texas Marine Corps Reserve pilots, when the crash occured.

The rapid reaction of the Coast Guard had a helicopter on location within 30 minutes and was joined by cutters and a C-130. They recovered Major Young's body in the Pacific Ocean about 35 miles off of the coast of Oregon.

Major Young, 34, was from St Helens, Oregon. Major Young graduated from Oregon State University in 1996 with a degree in civil engineering and a minor in aerospace studies. He was a cadet in the OSU Air Force Reserve Officers' Training Corp and was one of 46 picked to participate in a 55-week Euro-NATO joint jet pilot training program. Major Young had about 700 hours of flying time in F-15s and more than 1,000 hours of flying time in other aircraft.

Statement by Brig. Gen Daniel B. O'Hollaren Commander of the Oregon Air National Guard:

"As you know, the 142d Fighter Wing lost of one of our finest yesterday in an F-15 jet fighter mishap over the Pacific Ocean. It is with my deepest regret that I must announce the loss of Maj. Gregory D. Young, 34, from St Helens, Ore. - a highly respected officer, gifted pilot, father, and friend. We ask that your thoughts and prayers be with him and his family."

Statement by Col. Steven Gregg, commander of the 142nd Fighter Wing:

"He was a very talented young man with many years of dedicated service to the protection of the freedoms we enjoy today."

The loss of this fine young Oregonian reminds us that the pursuit of excellence in the defense of our nation is not without danger, even at home. We mourn his loss and will keep his family and friends in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

To send condolences to his family:
142FW/PA
6801 NE Cornfoot Rd, Box 2
Portland, OR 97218
The group will make sure the letters get to the family promptly

UPDATE: Services will be held July 5, 11 AM, at St Helen's High School.

A Soldier's Prayer

A Soldier's Prayer
(author unknown)

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

SPC Joseph P Kenny ~ Farewell and Walk with God

Farewell and Walk with God,

SPC Joseph P Kenny

December 26, 1986 - June 23, 2007

Specialist Joseph P Kenny, 20, of Veneta, Oregon, died June 23, 2007 in Mosul, Iraq from injuries sustained in a non-combat related incident. He served with the 27th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Bliss, Texas.

SPC Kenny attended Elmira High School. His principal, Karen McKenzie, said, "he was excited about being in the military."

Joe is remembered by his friends and teachers as the 'class clown' - a well liked and bright young man, good at math and at drawing out smiles from others. The tributes from his friends and teachers speak volumes about his spirit and character. Read it here.

SPC Kenny is survived by his mother, Linda Peterson-Phillips Smith of Veneta, father, John Kenny Jr of Escondido, CA, fiance Ashley Brodkotb, brother, Michael of Eugene, sister Jennifer of Issaquah, WA, sister Taylor Krisine of Escondido, CA, sister Mercedes Smith of Veneta.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this most difficult time.

UPDATE: Services for SPC Kenny will be held July 2, at 3 pm, at Elmira High School.

SPC Dominic Rodriguez ~ Farewell and Walk with God

Farewell and Walk with God,

SPC Dominic N Rodriguez

November 11, 1983 - June 22, 2007

Army SPC Dominic N Rodriguez, 23, of Klamath Falls, Oregon, died June 22, 2007 in Baghdad, Iraq from injuries sustained in a non-combat incident. He served with the 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

SPC Rodriguez was born and raised in Klamath Falls and graduated from Klamath Union High School. He was captain of the football team. He played college ball at the College of the Siskiyous in Weed, California. He also enjoyed wrestling, swimming and fishing.

SPC Rodriguez enlisted in the US Army believing that it was where he belonged and he wanted to defend his country.

He is survived by his wife, Jeannette McMackin, stepchildren Husion and Austin, parents Filomeno and Patricia Rodriguez, Sr and Michael and Patricia McMackin.

Requests for memorials are to requested to be made In Honor of Spec. Dominic Rodriquez to the Special Olympics, P.O. Box 221, Klamath Falls, OR 97601, 541-850-5257.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and the community of Klamath Falls at this difficult time.

VFW Veteran's Memorial Wall

The VFW has started a virtual Memorial Wall for Veteran's.

http://donate.vfw.org/site/PageServer?pagename=2007_Memorial_Wall

You can add names of your relatives and friends from the link at the site.

This is a wonderful virtual tribute to our Veterans.

Wednesday Hero ~ SSG Darrell R Griffin, Jr.

Staff Sgt. Darrell R. Griffin Jr.
36 years old from Alhambra, California
2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division
March 21, 2007


"He was a really patriotic young man", said Darrell Griffin Sr. "He said that the people there really needed us and he felt it was the right place to be. He wished we didnâ?Tt have to have wars, but since thatâ?Ts the way mankind is, he felt he was contributing an important part to his country".

SSgt. Griffin lost his life in Balad, Iraq when his unit came under fire as it was returning to base after conducting security operations in the Iraqi capital.

The eldest son of six children, SSgt. Griffin worked as an EMT before joining the California Army National Guard in 1999. He enlisted in the Army two years later, and in July 2001, was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, in Ft. Lewis, Washington. He served with that unit in Iraq from October 2004 to September 2005.

On his second tour of duty, SSgt. Griffin had been awarded the Bronze Star for valor in 2005 when he was credited with saving the lives of three U.S. and two Iraqi Army soldiers injured during battle in Tal Afar. He had also received the Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, Parachute Badge, and the Meritorious Unit Citation.

"Griff was the type of man you want to have by your side in a fight," Maj. Brent Clemmer, his former company commander, wrote from Iraq. "He was the type of squad leader every young soldier wants to have".

"Darrell was my husband, my Soldier, my gift from God who was also the love of my life and always will be." Said his wife, Diana. "He was also 'a Soldier's Soldier of Strength and Honor' whose commitment to duty, honor and loyalty will be forever remembered by all who know and love him. The news of his death saddens us deeply and we ask for your prayers in our time of grief. Please also continue to keep our Soldiers in your prayers."

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.

A Face of Freedom ~ Army SFC Adin Salkanovic

Wounded Soldier Heals,

Returns to Unit in Iraq

Army Sgt. 1st Class Adin Salkanovic points out gunner positions to Army Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno, commander of Multinational Corps Iraq, on the roof of Patrol Base Shakarat in Iraq's Diyala province, June 20, 2007. Salkanovic, of the 1st Cavalry Division's Troop B, 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, volunteered to rejoin his unit in Iraq after recovering from multiple gunshot wounds suffered in March.

BAGHDAD, June 25, 2007 -
Army Sgt. 1st Class Adin Salkanovic won't spend a full 15 months in Iraq like the rest of the soldiers in his unit. Still, he knows all too well about the sacrifices of war.

The platoon sergeant with 1st Cavalry Division's Troop B, 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, volunteered to rejoin his unit in Iraq after recovering from multiple gunshot wounds suffered in Buhriz, Iraq, March 6.

Salkanovic, 27, was leading a dismounted, eight-man reconnaissance team when 15 to 20 insurgents wielding grenades, sniper rifles and AK-47s started attacking from three different directions.

Pinned down on the roof of a building, Salkanovic and his squad returned fire. In a span of 15 minutes, Salkanovic was struck by three enemy bullets: one to his left index finger and shoulder and one apiece to his right shoulder and bicep. Two more enemy rounds nearly struck Salkanovic, but were stopped by his body armor - "the two that would have killed me," he called them.

Salkanovic's team managed to fend off the attack, eventually killing two insurgents. If not for the actions of one of his soldiers, Cpl. Cory Walter, Salkanovic is sure he would have died that day, he said.

"Corporal Walter is pretty much responsible for me being alive right now."

Salkanovic, whose wounds caused him to lose two liters of blood, was evacuated to Germany and later moved to Fort Hood, Texas, to recover. After two months of healing and rehabilitation, he was ready to head back to Iraq. He rejoined his unit, which is based at Forward Operating Base Normandy, May 15.

"As soon as (my doctor) cleared me to come back, I was on the first flight out," said Salkanovic, a native of Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Although returning to Iraq was entirely his choice, Salkanovic said, the decision was not up for debate. Rejoining his unit was his goal from the start.

"It's like a family - especially being a platoon sergeant. You get attached to the soldiers," he said.

(Photo and Story by Army Staff Sgt. Curt Cashour, who is assigned to Multinational Corps Iraq Public Affairs.)

Home, Again!!

We had a great weekend - worked hard, but enjoyed ourselves at the same time. Everything was great until the long drive home, when we hit a torrential downpour. The Cascades need the water, but it was a wild drive through the passes with the rain! As good as it was to go, it is always great to be home!!!

MEGEN, Jr went with us and visited with the Angora goats! The real MEGEN will be here later this summer! Stay tuned!

My 'hit and run' commenters were busy while I was gone - which is why I turned on comment moderation. They always seem to know when I'm gone! Never fear, your poop has been deleted! Why waste your time? You know I will delete it.

Navy Nurse in Iraq

Want to know more about Navy Nurses in Iraq? Please read my friend's blog. Lt Peter DeYoung, blogs at Me Over There. Peter is a Navy Nurse and a flight Nurse in Taqaddum, Iraq. His entires are short and powerful and he has put up some great videos and lots of amazing pictures.

I will be gone for a few days, check back on Monday! Until then, read Peter's great blog!!!

I have turned on Comment Moderation until I return.

SFC Christoper Dale Henderson, Farewell and Walk with God

SFC Christopher Dale Henderson

Farewell and Walk with God

An IED claimed the life of SFC Christopher Dale Henderson, 35, of Hillsboro, Oregon on June 17, 2007 in Panjway, Afghanistan. Henderson was a member of the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division (Transistion Team) of Fort Riley, Kansas, part of the training team for the Afghan soldiers. Also killed were Capt Joshua E Steele, 26, of North Henderson, Illinois, SFC John M Hennen, 26, of Vinton, Louisiana and an Afghan interpreter.

SFC Christopher Dale Henderson is a son of Oregon. He attended Glencoe High School where he competed in track and field events. He enlisted in the Army after high school and made his life and career in the Army. He was based at Fort Lewis prior to his deployment with Task Force Phoenix. He attended Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia, Air Assault School at Fort Campbell, Kentucky and was a drill sergeant at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.

SFC Christopher Henderson is survived by his wife, Jennifer, 8-year-old daughter, Kayley, mother, Cindy, twin sister, Athena Gordon and father, Jim.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and the members of his unit at this difficult time. We will ever be grateful for all you have done to keep us safe and free.

Wednesday Hero ~ LCpl Hatak Yearby

Lance Cpl. Hatak Yuka Keyu M. Yearby
21 years old from Overbrook, Oklahoma
3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division,
III Marine Expeditionary Force
May 14, 2006


Hatak Yuka Keyu Martin Yearby was remembered in funeral services as a small town boy who balanced his Choctaw tribal heritage and his military life.

He did traditional American Indian dances with grace, compassion, discipline and free spirit - "the way he lived his life," the Rev. Timm Emmons said Monday.

"He had a desire to be in the military since he was a young boy. And he believed in what he was doing. He was a warrior, and he was a hero and he finished the course."

Yearby was killed by a roadside bomb, along with fellow Lance Cpl. Jose S. Marin Dominguez Jr., in the Al Anbar province of Iraq, two months after he arrived in that country.

Friends and family, fellow American Indians, teachers and classmates filed past his open casket for an hour after the funeral while a U.S. Marine Corps honor guard stood at attention.

About 1,000 people attended a funeral service meant to celebrate the life of the 21-year-old newlywed from Overbrook in southern Oklahoma's Love County.

Those who spoke in the packed Marietta High School auditorium talked of how he loved to hunt, but never came back with anything. He played tricks, won dancing awards at powwows and appeared on a recruiting magazine for Upward Bound because of a headdress he made from a T-shirt.

Nine of his friends stood on stage to remember Yearby. Jake Barber spoke for them, pausing several times to regain his composure.

"Many great words describe Hatak. The only real word you need to say is 'brother'. He will always be known to us as the ace of spades, the most important card in the deck. He touched us so dearly that words cannot explain,".

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.

A Face of Freedom ~ Army SSG Christian Bagge

I first learned of SSG Christian Bagge in June 2005 when I received an email about an Oregon soldier who was wounded in Iraq and headed back to the United States. Later, I received his address at Brooke Army Medical Center. We packed up a small care package and supportive letters and sent them off, along with our prayers. We never expected to hear of the SSG again, but we kept him in our prayers.

The following year, SSG Christian Bagge was at the White House to go jogging with President Bush. When the President visited him at the hospital, he was newly arrived and had lost both legs to an IED - one above the knee and one below.

"I first met Christian when I went to Walter Reed -- or Brooke Army in San Antonio, Texas. And he said, "I want to run with you." He was in bed -- he had lost both legs. I looked at him, like, you know, there's an optimistic person. But I could tell in his eyes that he meant it. And after a lot of hard work and a lot of compassionate care, this fine man is here on the South Lawn running with the President. And he ran the President into the ground, I might add.

"But I'm proud of you. I'm proud of your strength, proud of your character. Thank you for your service.

"It's an amazing sight for me to be running with a guy who, last time I saw him, was in bed wondering whether or not -- I was wondering whether or not he'd ever get out of bed. There was no doubt in his mind that he would," said President Bush.

Christian Bagge is from Eugene, Oregon. He currently resides in Texas with his wife, Melissa, newlyweds prior to his deployment.

Christian Bagge participates in sports - running, golf, biking. He mows his own lawn and does his own home repairs. He works on the Wounded Soldier Project and is a spokesman for the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial Foundation, which is raising funds for a memorial to wounded veterans. He also speaks at events around the country, but especially enjoys speaking to school children.

Now, SSG Christian Bagge is a finalist for the Energizer "Keep Going" Hall of Fame.

Christian said he could remember the people who spoke to his intermediate school class - and, none of them had prosthetic legs. "I don't expect them to retain everything, but I think I'm memorable. My legs aren't going to grow back. The only thing I can control is my attitude. Everyone's going to go through something hard in life. When it happens I want these kids to remember me, the personality I have and my attitude. I want them to keep going," said Christian.

Feeding Freedom

Outback Steakhouse

Serves Meals to Troops

in Afghanistan, Kuwait, Iraq

Soldiers are treated to food from Outback Steakhouse on June 13 at Forward Operating Base Salerno, Afghanistan.

Mark Moses, owner of Carrabba's Italian Grill in Fayetteville N.C., cooks steaks for soldiers June 13 at Forward Operating Base Salerno, Afghanistan


Army Pfc. Jason McGregor, military policeman, 546th Military Police Company, 385th MP Battalion, Fort Stewart, Ga., decides between chocolate or carrot cake for dessert June 13 at Forward Operating Base Salerno, Afghanistan.

Soldiers enjoy food from Outback Steakhouse June 13 at Forward Operating Base Salerno, Afghanistan.

Restaurant Brings Taste of Home to Deployed Troops
Article and Photos By Sgt. Matthew Clifton, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SALERNO, Afghanistan, June 15, 2007 -

A large line could be seen extending from the chow hall here as the aroma of steak floated across the base June 13.

Soldiers here were treated to a little taste of home when "Feeding Freedom 5" brought the "Down Under" taste of Outback Steakhouse to the base dining facility.

"Feeding Freedom" is the program that brings food from Outback Steakhouse to servicemembers deployed overseas. Thanks to numerous donations and volunteers from the United States, the troops at Salerno enjoyed a vast menu, including rib-eye steaks, calamari, vegetable ravioli, chocolate and carrot cake, and the signature Outback dish -- the "Bloomin' Onion."

"It makes me feel real special to have these guys come over here and risk their own safety just to bring us something good to eat," said Army Spc. Sharice Lidell, a water purification specialist with the 782nd Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team. "I love steak, and it really shows a lot about their character that they come here."

Feeding Freedom 5 has been to Kuwait and is headed to Al Asad Air Base, Iraq.

A reccurring sentiment wherever the people of Feeding Freedom go is gratitude. They are very thankful for what servicemembers are doing, but this sentiment is reciprocated by the enormous appreciation the troops have for the volunteers.

"This is just our way of saying thank you to the troops," said Lisa Ross, a regional service technician with Outback. "We are only here for a couple weeks, but these guys are here for a year."

Most of the volunteers with Feeding Freedom are owners and operators of Outback Steak Houses and Carrabba's Italian Grills. The volunteers of Feeding Freedom worked diligently throughout the meal making sure every table had a fresh Bloomin' Onion, clearing the empty plates for the troops, and having friendly conversations with the soldiers.

"It's such a reality check," said Mandi Cannon, a volunteer and regional service technician for Carrabba's. "Not a lot of people know exactly what goes on over here."

Cannon alluded to a mission she saw where water was being loaded in an aircraft to be dropped to people in the field. "It shows me just how rough some of these guys have it over here," she continued. "And that's why I volunteered -- strictly to say, 'Thank you.'"

During the dinner, laughter could be heard mixed with compliments on the excellence of the food. Volunteers were chatting with soldiers everywhere.

"Everybody is so excited we are here," Cannon said. "When we were in Kuwait, I'll always remember what one of the guys said to me. "He said, 'Today's chow tastes like freedom.' That is something I will never forget."

(Army Sgt. Matthew Clifton is assigned 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.)

***********

I've got to say that this puts Outback Steakhouse on my list of places to eat!

A Face of Freedom ~ Army Sgt Chester Temple

Father's Day in Iraq

Army Sgt. Chester Temple, a supply noncommissioned officer for Battery A, 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, a, restocks his supply room with notebook binders and other items at Camp Taji, Iraq, on June 13. A single father and sole bread winner for his family, Temple is serving his second tour in Iraq while his parents are taking care of his children in Killeen, Texas. While it's hard to be away from his kids, Temple said, he understands the sacrifices he is making for them and for his country.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Jon Cupp, USA

By Staff Sgt. Jon Cupp, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service
CAMP TAJI, Iraq, June 15, 2007 -

Nearly three years ago during his first tour to Iraq, things were a little different for Army Sgt. Chester Temple, a supply specialist for Battery A, 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment.

He had a wife and premature twin babies to worry about -- a boy, Trey, and girl, Abbey, who weighed just a little less than three pounds each and could fit in the palms of his hands.

Shortly after their birth, he had flown home to Fort Hood, Texas, on emergency leave to see them for the first time but then had to return to Iraq. Later, when his tour was over in early 2005, his wife moved far away, leaving him custody of the ailing twins. Eventually, a painful divorce left him a single father raising his children.

For his second deployment to Iraq, Temple had to leave his son and daughter in the care of his parents, who live in Killeen, Texas.

"The kids are doing really well now. They're nearly three years old and healthy," said Temple, who calls Fort Hood his home. "I had no worries leaving them with my parents. I'm glad to know that my babies are being taken care of."

He said he worried more when his children were younger and dealing with health issues. It's easier now.

"My son has become a chunk, getting big," Temple said. "His sister was always bigger than he was, but now he's outgrown her. But they're both healthy and happy."

Temple's father is a retired soldier, and his mother now works at home with her own business, processing physicians' orders for nursing homes via computer. They are able to easily watch Abbey and Trey and take turns doing so, Temple said.

"My parents are great people. I was raised by the best," he said. "I really appreciate what they're doing for me and the sacrifices they're making at home. I've got pretty good kids, and they're not that hard to manage," Temple added. "They're communicating well now and can tell you when they're hungry and thirsty."

Along with Abbey and Trey, who are from his second marriage, Temple has an 8-year-old son, Austin, from his first marriage. Austin lives with his mother in Alabama.

"Whenever I go on leave, I go see him. I really miss him a lot, and I know he misses me, too," said Temple, who said he has a good relationship with his first wife.

Temple said he keeps in touch with his children as often as he can.

"I e-mail Austin a lot, and he has a good understanding of what I'm doing out here," Temple said. "The twins don't really understand; they just think that daddy's at work.

"I also call them on the phone," he added. "They tell me they love me and miss me. Trey will usually tell me what he's watching on TV, and Abbey will look at the phone trying to figure out how I got in there."

To stave off depression and keep his mind off his family, Temple said, he often keeps himself busy so the time goes by quicker.

"The best thing to do is for me to engulf myself in my work," Temple said. "When I can't contain thinking about them, a telephone call always softens things up and makes it easier to cope. It can be lonely (without your family), but I joined the military for a sense of pride, my family heritage."

Temple noted that not only did his father retire from the Army, but both of his grandfathers, most of his uncles, and three brothers have all served in the military.

Temple said he has a lot of things he wants to do with his kids when he gets back home from this deployment. Most of the things the family likes to do together involve being outdoors, but there is one special place he likes to take the kids. "They love to look at the animals at the zoo in Waco," he said. "I plan on taking them first to the zoo and then out to eat."

For Father's Day this year, Temple said, he hopes to convey a simple message to people who ask him why he's in Iraq when he could instead have chosen another career path that would have allowed him to have been home with his kids.

"I love this," he said. "Too often the American people as a whole forget the price that's been paid for freedom. They'll take the freedoms they have for granted and lay them by the wayside.

"People in Iraq have never had true freedom before, but you can see they love the taste of it," Temple said. "We're helping them to get those freedoms. Everybody needs to think about that, especially when so many people have laid their lives on the line for it."

(Army Staff Sgt. Jon Cupp is assigned to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.)

Father's Day - Far, Far Away

Today is Father's Day.

For thousands of Fathers it is a work day - they are deployed to some country far away from their families. Their children won't have a special day with Dad. Dad will be in Djibouti, Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, Korea, Philippines, Kuwait, Qatar, or...

For others, their wives are off in those distant places and they are home playing both Mom and Dad.

For the lucky ones who are home, it is a day they can cherish being together.

Today, I celebrate the Fathers who are part of the military community. I thank them for all of the holidays they have missed, the special events that have been missed, the bedtime stories that have not been read. Thank you for all you sacrifice to keep us all safe and free.

American Flag Project

Begun on Flag Day 2005, the American Flag Project collects pictures of the American Flag shown flying in front of your home. To have your picture included, visit the project page.

For bloggers, there is also a blogroll.

At the very least, visit the American Flag Project - it is beautiful to see!

Buy Coffee and Support the Troops

Brew of Bravery

Purchase Coffee and Support Freedom Alliance

Each summer, there is a series of Freedom Concerts - this year there will be five of them. The Concerts raise funds for the Freedom Alliance.

The Freedom Alliance provides college scholarships to the children of fallen warriors. It also assists our Wounded Warriors and has special troop support projects. This organization was founded by LtCol Oliver North.

Currently, BocaJava, a coffee company has a special blend of coffee - 'Brew of Bravery'. The company is donating $2 to the Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund, from the sale of each package of “Brew of Bravery” sold now through July 4th.

The Scholarship Fund honors the bravery and dedication of our Armed Forces by providing educational scholarships for their children. For more information or to order your brew, visit https://www.bocajava.com/.

Brew of Bravery is $6.95 for 8 oz of whole beans or ground.
The direct link is https://www.bocajava.com/showProductDetail.do?productId=5226&catalogId=345

Army Celebrates 232nd Birthday!!!