Wednesday Hero ~ Lt. General Lewis B 'Chesty' Puller

This Weeks Solider Was Suggested By Robert

Lt. General Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller
June 26, 1898 - October 11, 1971


Lieutenant General Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller was a colorful veteran of the Korean War, four World War II campaigns, and expeditionary service in China, Nicaragua, and Haiti. He is the only Marine to win the Navy Cross five times for heroism and gallantry in combat earing him the distinction of being the most decorated Marine in the history of the USMC.

A Marine officer and enlisted man for 37 years, General Puller served at sea or overseas for all but ten of those years, including a hitch as commander of the "Horse Marines" in China. Excluding medals from foreign governments, he won a total of 14 personal decorations in combat, plus a long list of campaign medals, unit citation ribbons and other awards. In addition to the Navy Crosses, the highest honor the Navy can bestow, he holds its Army equivalent, the Distinguished Service Cross. A list of his awards can be found here.

Born 26 June 1898, at West Point, Virginia, the general attended Virginia Military Institute until enlisting in the Marine Corps in August 1918. He was appointed a Marine Reserve second lieutenant 16 June 1919, but due to force reductions after World War I, was placed on inactive duty ten days later. He rejoined the Marines as an enlisted man to serve with the Gendarmerie d'Haiti, a military force in that country under a treaty with the United States. Most of its officers were U. S. Marines, while its enlisted personnel were Haitians.

After almost five years in Haiti, where he saw frequent action against the Caco rebels, Puller returned in March 1924 to the United States. He was commissioned a Marine second lieutenant that same month, and during the next two years, served at the Marine Barracks, Norfolk, Virginia, completed the Basic School at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and served with the 10th Marine Regiment at Quantico, Virginia.

In July of 1926, Puller embarked for a two-year tour of duty at the Marine Barracks, Pearl Harbor. Returning in June 1928, he served in San Diego, California, until he joined the Nicaraguan National Guard Detachment that December. After winning his first Navy Cross in Nicaragua, he returned to the United States in July 1931 to enter the Company Officers Course at the Army Infantry School, Fort Benning, Georgia. He completed the course in June 1932 and returned to Nicaragua the following month to begin the tour of duty that brought him a second Navy Cross.

In January 1933, Puller left Nicaragua for the United States. A month later he sailed from San Francisco to join the Marine Detachment of the American Legation at Peiping, China. There, in addition to other duties, he commanded the famed "Horse Marines." Without coming back to the United States, he began a tour of sea duty in USS AUGUSTA of the Asiatic Fleet. In June 1936 he returned to the United States to become an instructor in the Basic School at Philadelphia. He left there in May 1939 to serve another year as commander of the AUGUSTA's Marine Detachment, and from that cruiser, joined the 4th Marine Regiment at Shanghai, China, in May 1940.

After serving as a battalion executive and commanding officer with the 4th Marines, Puller sailed for the United States in August 1941. In September, he took command of the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, at Camp Lejeune. That Regiment was detached from the 1st Division in March 1942 and the following month, as part of the 3rd Marine Brigade, sailed for the Pacific theater. The 7th Regiment rejoined the 1st Marine Division in September 1942, and Puller, still commanding its 1st Battalion, went on to win his third Navy Cross at Guadalcanal.

The action that brought him that medal occurred on the night of October 24-25 1942. For a desperate three hours his battalion, stretched over a mile-long front, was the only defense between vital Henderson Airfield and a regiment of seasoned Japanese troops. In pouring jungle rain the Japanese smashed repeatedly at his thin line, as General Puller moved up and down its length to encourage his men and direct the defense. After reinforcements arrived, he commanded the augmented force until late the next afternoon. The defending Marines suffered less than 70 casualties in the engagement while 1400 of the enemy were killed and 17 truckloads of Japanese equipment were recovered by the Americans.

After Guadalcanal, Puller became executive officer of the 7th Marines. He was fighting in that capacity when he won his fourth Navy Cross at Cape Gloucester in January 1944. There, when the commanders of the two battalions were wounded, he took over their units and moved through heavy machine-gun and mortar fire to reorganize them for attack, then led them in taking a strongly fortified enemy position.

In February 1944, Puller took command of the 1st Marines at Cape Gloucester. After leading that regiment for the remainder of the campaign, he sailed with it for the Russell Islands in April 1944. He went on to command it at Peleliu in September and October 1944. He returned to the United States in November 1944, named executive officer of the Infantry Training Regiment at Camp Lejeune in January 1945, and took command of that regiment the next month.

In August 1946, Puller became Director of the 8th Marine Corps Reserve District, with headquarters at New Orleans, Louisiana. After that assignment, he commanded the Marine Barracks at Pearl Harbor until August 1950, when he arrived at Camp Pendleton, California, to re-establish and take command of the 1st Marines, the same regiment he had led at Cape Gloucester and Peleliu.

Landing with the 1st Marines at Inchon, Korea, in September 1950, he continued to head that regiment until January 1951, when he was promoted to brigadier general and named Assistant Commander of the 1st Marine Division. That May he returned to Camp Pendleton to command the newly reactivated 3rd Marine Division in January 1952. After that, he was assistant at division commander until he took over the Troop Training Unit, Pacific, at Coronado, California, that June. He was promoted to major general in September 1953, and in July 1954, assumed command of the 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune. Despite his illness, he retained that command until February 1955, when he was appointed Deputy Camp Commander. He served in that capacity until August, when he entered the U. S. Naval Hospital at Camp Lejeune prior to retirement.

In 1966, General Puller requested to return to active duty to serve in Vietnam, but was turned down because of his age. He died 11 October 1971 in Hampton, Virginia, after a long illness. He was 73.

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.

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.

Oregon Seniors Carve Walking Canes for the Wounded

1st Lt. Sherri Zimmerman, Executive Officer for Alpha Co., 1st Joint Mobilization Brigade at Fort Lewis, Wash., arranges some of the hand-carved walking canes donated to injured Soldiers by the Capitol Carvers.

Spc. David Lamberson of Charlie Co., 579 Engineers, California Army National Guard, finds the perfect walking cane amongst other hand-carved canes donated by the Capitol Carvers.

The Capitol Carvers, a senior group from Salem, Ore., donated a number of hand-carved walking canes to injured Army National Guard soldiers currently stationed at Madigan Army Medical Center in Fort Lewis, Wash., June 8. The Capitol Carvers, who meet once a week at the North Salem Senior Center to share their hobby of carving wood, bone, and stone, decided to donate their time and love of carving to help injured Soldiers. Photo by Oregon National Guard Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy.

A Salem, Oregon senior group has turned their collective hobby of carving into a philanthropic endeavor.

About ten members of the Capitol Carvers made the three-hour drive to Madigan Army Medical Center in Fort Lewis, Washington, to meet with Oregon National Guard Soldiers who are recovering at MAMC from wounds received while deployed to the Middle East.

The group presented Soldiers with hand-carved walking canes. Each cane came with an accompanying letter thanking the individual Soldier for their sacrifice and service. The letter also highlighted the Capitol Carvers' background and history, and explained the type of wood used in each walking cane.

The Capitol Carvers are comprised primarily of Oregon seniors. The group meets once a week at the North Salem Senior Center in Salem, Oregon, to carve items ranging from animals, people and caricatures, in various mediums, including stone, wood and bone. The group's organizers were inspired by a similar group in North Carolina, which carved a number of walking canes for injured members of a Marine unit who recently returned to that state.

Of the 50 walking canes initially requested by Washington Army National Guard Family Resource Coordinator, Sheryl Obermiller, 43 have been completed. The group intends to complete the the last of the 50 canes, but plans to carve more as they are needed, said Capitol Carver Vice President, Louis K. Wakefield, Sr.

"We wanted to show our support and love of our troops in a very physical, personal way," Wakefield said.Many of the Soldiers who received their walking canes today already had simple canes which could be bought at any store. But according to Spc. David Lamberson of Charlie Co., 579 Engineers, California Army National Guard, his new cane came with something no store-bought cane could ever have -- a personal touch.

"You can tell a lot of time and love was put into these canes," Lamberson said. "This shows that somewhere, somebody cares, and they're willing to take the time to show it," he added.

Oregon National Guard Press Release

Wiley Post ~ First Solo Flight Around the World ~ 74 years ago

First Solo Flight Around the World

July 15-22, 1933

Wiley Post and Gatty

The Winnie Mae


Wiley Post and the first pressurized suit

Wiley Post was part of the lexicon when I was growing up. Now, his name is rarely heard, but his contributions affect our lives everyday.

Today is the 74th Anniversary of the first solo flight around the world. It took 7 days, 19 hours, 49 minutes for Wiley Post to fly around the world - 15,596 miles from July 15 - 22, 1933. He flew in his plane, the Winnie Mae, named after his beloved wife, Mae. He had upgraded his plane with an autopilot device and a radio compass.

This flight followed the first ever flight in a airplane around the world in July 1931. Wiley Post and Harold Charles Gatty covered 15,474 miles in 8 days, 15 hours, 51 minutes, in the same Lockheed Vega monoplane. Previously, this had been done by a Graf Zeppelin in 1929 in 21 days.

Wiley Post was born in Grand Plain, near Grand Saline, Texas November 22, 1898. His short life ended on August 15, 1935 in a plane crash near Point Barrow, Alaska. He lost an eye in the oil fields when he was 25, and used the settlement to purchase his first airplane. Post was known for the eye patch that he sported.

Wiley Post was interested in flying into the stratosphere, and helped to develop the first pressurized flight suit. He then flew the Winnie Mae into the stratosphere, making him the first into 'space' at an altitude of 50,000 feet.

In the 1930's he was a recognized hero in America and celebrated where ever he went. Wiley Post's daring and determination charted a course for American flight. How far we have come in the past 74 years!!!!

The Winnie Mae is part of the collection of the National Air and Space Museum.

More on Wiley Post:

Distinguished Service Cross

Last Flight of Wiley Post

Shrine of the Sun

Wiley Post ~ Distinguished Flying Cross

Distinguished Flying Cross

Wiley Post & Harold Gatty

by President Herbert Hoover, August 18, 1932

"for heroism and extraordinary achievement

while participating in aerial flight"

"Your successful world girdling flight is a striking contribution to aeronautical progress. It is dramatic testimony to the efficiency and reliability of American aircraft. It demonstrates vividly how modern science is making neighbours of all the nations of the world. All America is proud of you in the hour of your extraordinary success. You have enhanced faith in the art of flying and the science of air navigation. I congratulate you most heartily on your achievement."

- President Herbert Hoover at White House dinner July 6, 1931

Wiley Post's Last Flight

Last known picture of Will Rogers and Wiley Post, above

Memorials marking the crash site, below

On August 25, 1935, aviation pioneer Wiley Post and humorist Will Rogers died in a plane crash 16 miles outside of Barrow, Alaska. Post's plane was said to be "experimental" and the true cause of the crash remains unknown, although running on an empty fuel tank is the suspected culprit.

Shrine of the Sun ~ Tribute to Will Rogers and Wiley Post

At the top of Cheyenne Mountain, sits the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun. To get there you drive through the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and up to the top of the mountain.

The Shrine has an entry gate with stone piers, an eighty foot high observation tower, looks like a fortress with a stone turret, and is built of 5,000 cubic yards of native Cheyenne Mountain gray-pink granite quarried from a single boulder. Anchored 28 feet into a solid rock buttress, the entire structure, void of nails or wood, is bound by 200,000 pounds of steel and some 30 wagon loads of cement. The elevation of the Shrine is 8,136 feet on the top deck, and provides spectacular views of Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region.

Spencer Penrose, founder of the Broadmoor and the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, along with a group of his associates from Colorado Springs formed the End of the Trail Association. The End of the Trail Association acquired property for the Shrine and began construction in December of 1934, and finished in 1937. The edifice's design was commissioned by Colorado Springs architect Charles E. Thomas, and at the time construction began the tower had yet to be named.

When his friend, Will Rogers was killed in a plane crash with Wiley Post, Penrose named the tower after Rogers. As you climb the tower, the rooms have photos and newspaper articles about Rogers and Post.

The Penrose's are interred in the chapel on the bottom floor.

This is an incredibly unique place and worth the visit if you are ever in Colorado Springs. The views are amazing and the history is not widely known.

Message from the President.... And, he's not happy

Normally, I start these things out by saying "My Fellow Americans."

Not doing it this time. If the polls are any indication, I don't know who more than half of you are anymore.

I do know something terrible has happened, and that you're really not fellow Americans any longer.

I'll cut right to the chase here: I quit. Now before anyone gets all in a lather about me quitting to avoid impeachment, or to avoid prosecution or something, let me assure you: there's been no breaking of laws or impeachable offenses in this office.

The reason I'm quitting is simple. I'm fed up with you people.

I'm fed up because you have no understanding of what's really going on in the world. Or of what's going on in this once-great nation of ours. And the majority of you are too damned lazy to do your homework and figure it out.

Let's start local. You've been sold a bill of goods by politicians and the news media.

Despite the shock to our economy of 9/11, the stock market has rebounded to record levels and more Americans than ever are participating in these markets. Meanwhile, all you can do is whine about gas prices, and most of you are too damn stupid to realize that gas prices are high because there's increased demand in other parts of the world, and because a small handful of noisy idiots are more worried about polar bears and beachfront property than your economic security.

We face real threats in the world. Don't give me this "blood for oil" thing. If I was trading blood for oil I would've already seized Iraq's oil fields and let the rest of the country go to hell. And don't give me this 'Bush Lied People Died' crap either. If I was the liar you morons take me for, I could've easily had chemical weapons planted in Iraq so they could be 'discovered.' Instead, I owned up to the fact that the intelligence was faulty. Let me remind you that the rest of the world thought Saddam had the goods, same as me. Let me also remind you that regime change in Iraq was official US policy before I came into office. Some guy named 'Clinton' established that policy. Bet you didn't know that, did you?

You idiots need to understand that we face a unique enemy. Back during the cold war, there were two major competing political and economic models squaring off. We won that war, but we did so because fundamentally, the Communists wanted to survive, just as we do. We were simply able to outspend and out-tech them.

That's not the case this time. The soldiers of our new enemy don't care if they survive. In fact, they want to die. That'd be fine, as long as they weren't also committed to taking as many of you with them as they can. But they are. They want to kill you. And the bastards are all over the globe.

You should be grateful that they haven't gotten any more of us here in the United States since September 11. But you're not. That's because you've got no idea how hard a small number of intelligence, military, law enforcement and homeland security people have worked to make sure of that. When this whole mess started, I warned you that this would be a long and difficult fight. I'm disappointed how many of you people think a long and difficult fight amounts to a single season of 'Survivor'.

Instead, you've grown impatient. You're incapable of seeing things through the long lens of history, the way our enemies do. You think that wars should last a few months, a few years, tops.

Making matters worse, you actively support those who help the enemy. Every time you buy the New York Times, every time you send a donation to a cut-and-run Democrat's political campaign, well, dammit, you might just as well Fedex a grenade launcher to a Jihadist. It amounts to the same thing.

In this day and age, it's easy enough to find the truth. It's all over the Internet. It just isn't on the pages of the New York Times or on NBC News. But even if it were, I doubt you'd be any smarter. Most of you would rather watch American Idol.

I could say more about your expectations that the government will always be there to bail you out, even if you're too stupid to leave a city that's below sea level and has a hurricane approaching.

I could say more about your insane belief that government, not your own wallet, is where the money comes from. But I've come to the conclusion that were I to do so, it would sail right over your heads.

So I quit. I'm going back to Crawford. I've got an energy-efficient house down there (Al Gore could only dream) and the capability to be fully self-sufficient. No one ever heard of Crawford before I got elected, and as soon as I'm done here pretty much no one will ever hear of it again. Maybe I'll be lucky enough to die of old age before the last pillars of America fall.

Oh, and by the way, Cheney's quitting too. That means Pelosi is your new President. You asked for it. Watch what she does carefully, because I still have a glimmer of hope that there're just enough of you remaining who are smart enough to turn this thing around in 2008.

So that's it.

God bless what's left of America. Some of you know what I mean.

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

I stole this from Soldier's Angels Germany. Thank you!

To Our K-9 Warriors ~ Guardians of the Night

Guardians of the Night

Trust in me my friend for I am your comrade.
I will protect you with my last breath
When all others have left you
And the loneliness of the night closes in,
I will be at your side.
Together we will conquer all obstacles,
And search out those who might wish harm to others.
All I ask of you is compassion,
The caring touch of your hands.

It is for you that I will unselfishly give my life and
Spend my nights unrested.
Although our days together
May be marked by the passing of the seasons.
Know that each day at your side is my reward.
My days are measured by
The coming and going of your footsteps.
I anticipate them at every opening of the door.
You are the voice of caring when I am ill,
The voice of authority when I've done wrong.

Do not chastise me unduly
For I am your right arm,
The sword at your side.
I attempt to do only what you bid for me.
I seek only to please you and remain in your favor.
Together you and I shall experience
A bond only others like us will understand
When outsiders see us together
Their envy will be measured by their disdain.

I will quietly listen to you
And pass no judgment,
Nor will your spoken words be repeated.
I will remain ever silent, ever vigilant, ever loyal.
And when our time together is done
And when you move up in the world
Remember me with kind thoughts and tales,
For a time we were unbeatable,
Nothing passed among us undetected.

If we should meet again on another street
I will gladly take up your fight.
I am a Military Working Dog and together
We are "Guardians of the Night."

-Author Unknown


In Memory of Cooper (and Kory Wiens) and Dak (who saved his handler Joe Fowler)

At Kory's funeral about three dozen dogs and their handlers
from Oregon agencies and the military attended.
To read a touching piece on Kory and Cooper's funeral, go here:
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/1184811955221090.xml&coll=7

A Special Corner of Hell.....

There has to be a special corner of hell for people who scam off of other people's losses.

I've seen some ugly ones around our fallen warriors and their families. This is the latest - news release from the Oregon National Guard....

The family of Cpl. Kory Wiens has discovered more than one local business in Dallas, Ore. was contacted yesterday by someone asking for monetary donations on their behalf. An individual unknown to the Wiens family has made telephone calls asking for assistance with burial costs for Kory's search dog, Cooper.

The alleged fraudulant activity has been reported to the Charitable Organizations Section of the Oregon Attorney General's Office for a preliminary investigation.

The family is not requesting monetary assistance with Cooper's burial. As a member of an Army unit, Cooper will be rendered proper military funeral honors.

I truly hope that they catch this piece of slime...

VA JOE

Gazing at the Flag has been featured on a GREAT site!

VA JOE is a must visit for milbloggers and the military community!

Besides the blog with featured milbloggers, you will find a forum for discussion, a very funny military humor section - complete with jokes and 'caption this' pictures - and, more...

Please visit!


http://www.vajoe.com/blog/2007/07/17/flag-gazer-of-gazing-at-the-flag/

Thank you, VA JOE!!!!

Wednesday Hero ~ CPL Clinton Warrick

Cpl. Clinton Warrick (Soldier On The Left)
Medic with the 2nd Platoon, 300th Military Police Company


Even after having been thrown several meters, knocked unconscious, set aflame and buried under rubble all as a result of a suicide-vehicle-borne IED, a Fort Riley medic braved small-arms fire to save the lives of fellow Soldiers and Iraqi policemen last year.

Cpl. Clinton Warrick received the Army's third highest award for valor during a June 18, 2007 ceremony at Riverside Park for his actions during a Sept. 18, 2006, insurgent attack at the Al Huryia Iraqi Police Station.

Maj. Gen. Carter Ham (soldier on the right), commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley, present Cpl. Warrick the Silver Star and other awards before his family and friends, and his former 300th MP Co. platoon leader, company commander and first sergeant.

"This is one of Fort Riley's great Soldiers - one of our real, no-kidding heroes," Maj. Gen. Ham said at the ceremony. "It is right and proper that we come here to present you this award for valor. It is heroes like this who make our Army the best in the world and our nation so strong."

You can read the rest of Cpl. Warrick's story here.

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

Keeping the UAV's Flying in Afghanistan

Army Sgt. Christopher Johnson, Bravo Company, 173rd Special Troops Battalion (Airborne) takes the screws out of the nose of a RQ-7 Shadow 200 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle June 19 during “preventive maintenance daily” on Forward Operating Base Fenty in Jalalabad, Afghanistan.

Army Staff Sgt. Pablo Villanueva, Bravo Company, 173rd Special Troops Battalion (Airborne) conducts “preventive maintenance daily” on a RQ-7 Shadow 200 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle June 19 on Forward Operating Base Fenty in Jalalabad, Afghanistan

Army Staff Sgt. Pablo Villanueva, Bravo Company, 173rd Special Troops Battalion (Airborne) takes an engine off a RQ-7 Shadow 200 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle on Forward Operating Base Fenty in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, June 19, while conducting "preventive maintenance daily."

Story and photos by Army Sgt. Brandon Aird
173rd ABCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE FENTY, Afghanistan -

One of the assets commanders in the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team use to view the battlefield is the RQ-7 Shadow 200 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.

The UAV is able to provide the combat team with video coverage of an area of interest for hours at 50 kilometers (31 miles) from the launch and recovery site.

The air vehicle uses a pneumatic launcher and is recovered by a tactical automatic landing system on the runway. The air vehicle is stopped using an arresting hook and cable system.

The first launch of a RQ-7 Shadow UAV in the 173rd was by Army Col. Charles A. Preysler, 173rd ABCT commander, in Germany during the training for preparation to Afghanistan.

The UAV is a new asset to the combat team and keeping it operational is essential.

By the time the Shadow gets into the sky, it gets checked a minimum of six times, said Army Staff Sgt. Pablo Villanueva, maintenance chief for the Shadow, Bravo Company, 173rd Special Troops Battalion (Airborne).

“We take it apart to make sure everything is tightened down, verify all the electronics work and conduct preflight checks,” Villanueva said.

The UAV is also inspected by the flyer and again by the mechanics when on the launcher.

Villanueva’s crew of mechanics performs maintenance, which is called “preventive maintenance daily,” every day.

“I enjoy doing this,” said Army Sgt. Christopher Johnson, a UAV mechanic in Bravo Company, 173rd STB.

The 173rd’s Shadow operation is non-stop mission, which doesn’t end until the deployment is over.

“We work in 12-hour shifts,” explained Villanueva. “Eight hours are spent doing PMD and the other four are doing preflight inspections.”

Once the UAV gets back from a flight the work starts all over again.

“We have to check to make sure no parts fell off or loosened during flight,” Villanueva said.

Villanueva and his crew open the plane up and take it apart to make sure everything is right.

PMD is a daily process, which doesn’t end until the mission is over.

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

I am fascinated by the UAV's. American Ranger has a post up today about the new generation of UAV's - go see the Reaper! http://americanranger.blogspot.com/2007/07/reaper-adds-new-dimension-to-war-on.html

A Reminder from Washington

"There is a rank due to the United States, among nations, which will be withheld, if not absolutely lost, by the reputation of weakness.

If we desire to avoid insult, we must be able to repel it; if we desire to secure peace, one of the most powerful instruments of our rising prosperity, it must be known that we are at all times ready for war."

-- George Washington (Fifth Annual Message, 3 December 1793)

Italian Ambassador Treats Wounded Troops to Mediterranean Hospitality

Wounded troops and their family members load their plates with authentic Italian cuisine July 13 at the Italian Embassy in Washington, D.C., where Ambassador Giovanni Castellaneta hosted them for an evening of dinner and entertainment. Stars and Stripes photo by Joe Gromelski

Marine Reserve Maj. Jamie Browning, who suffered a non-combat injury in Iraq, joins about 70 other wounded servicemembers and their families for an evening filled with fine dining and entertainment July 13 at the Italian Embassy in Washington, D.C. Stars and Stripes photo by Joe Gromelski

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 15, 2007 - A busload of wounded servicemembers brought their appetites to the Italian Embassy here July 13 as the ambassador and his staff transformed the building into Washington's most authentic Italian restaurant.

For nearly 200 Friday evenings since October 2003, about 75 wounded troops recovering at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington and National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., and their families have been treated to a free meal. Fran O'Brien's steakhouse initially was the main venue until the restaurant lost its lease May 2006. The weekly tradition flirted with extinction, but others have stepped up to the plate to ensure it continues.

Among them is Giovanni Castellaneta, Italy's ambassador to the United States, and wife Lila, who caught wind last May that the dinners were approaching an abrupt end. To keep the tradition alive another week, they suggested an alternate venue: the Italian Embassy.

The event was such a big success that for the second year in a row, the embassy opened its gates July 13 and welcomed 34 hungry war veterans and 38 family members.

"I heard about this association, and I think this association is doing a wonderful job," Castellaneta said. "We have respect for these young people and it is our duty to give some personal contribution."

While hosting last year's dinner, the ambassador said he witnessed support that families gave their injured loved ones, and experienced firsthand servicemembers' enduring sense of duty. "First, I saw a great solidarity among the families. They are not alone," he said. "Second, these young men and women have a great sense of duty. They know that they serve for us, and they were unfortunate in being wounded, but they are very proud to have served not only their country, but the entire world."

As the muggy day settled into evening, servicemembers were greeted at the embassy doors by their Italian military counterparts. From there, they were ushered to tables and chairs arranged under the glass rooftop that revealed a watercolor sunset. Some troops arrived on crutches, moving in staccato steps, and others rolled across the marble floor in wheelchairs.

Italian Army Lt. Col. Enrico Rinaldi, assistant attache to the Italian Embassy, was among the soldiers who greeted the troops. Rinaldi, who wears two stars on his shoulder boards, said that despite slight differences in how the Italian and U.S. militaries operate, their similarities are more striking.

Both countries' militaries have sacrificed for their respective nations, he said, noting that he welcomed the chance to show support for the wounded U.S. troops.

"We think that all these people did a great job for their country. We are happy to stay here with them to make them comfortable tonight," Rinaldi said. "I think it's very important for them to receive this kind of hospitality; it's our Italian culture to make all the people comfortable, above all, these kind of people that made a big sacrifice for their country."

Guests dined on world-class Italian cuisine -- lasagna, prosciutto and melon and salami skewers among the offerings-all prepared by the ambassador's personal chef and served buffet-style.

Tenor Sgt. 1st Class Antonio Guiliano, a member of the Army Band, presented a vocal performance in pitch-perfect acoustics. As he sang, musical notes composed by Puccini bounced off embassy walls adorned with Renaissance-era paintings and Etruscan artifacts.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Andrew Lourake, who has accompanied recovering servicemembers to the dinners since December 2003, called them an important step in wounded troops' recovery. Lourake, who underwent an above-the-knee amputation in June 2002 and now wears a computerized artificial leg, is the first and only amputee to return to flight status. As an "amputee peer visitor," he is a role model for young men and women whose spirits have been shattered after losing a limb.

"It's fear of the unknown," he said. "They've been thrust into a world they didn't know existed."

Lourake said he often uses the Friday dinners as a "first outing," easing recent amputees back into public life.

"We do that for two reasons. One is to shelter them a little bit, so they're not amongst the public with everybody staring," he said. "The other (reason) is to have them around other people who are like them. For morale purposes and for families, being able to bond, it's just a huge benefit for them."

Shoshana Bryen is among those who has helped ensure that benefit continues. Special projects director at Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs, she recognized the importance of continuing the weekly dinners when they were about to get the ax. "The soldiers were feeling like what had become a haven for them had been taken away," she said of Fran O'Brien's closing. "And the doctors will tell you that this is a huge boost for them."

About the time the Friday night dinners' end seemed imminent, Bryen received a donation of "a couple thousand dollars"with one simple request : that the money be spent on servicemembers. She immediately handed the money to a friend who used it to revitalize the Friday night dinners.

Since then, other sponsors have stepped in and hosted the dinners. The Capitol Hill Club, Army Navy Club and the Japanese and Taiwanese embassies have hosted Friday night dinners. Because Friday is the Jewish day of rest, the Israeli Embassy hosted a Friday dinner on Sunday.

Marine Reserve Maj. Jamie Browning and his family agree that the dinners have had a major impact on his recovery.

Browning's blood vessel hemorrhaged in his brain without warning while he was deployed to Fallujah, Iraq. With half of his skull now removed, he wears a helmet to cover the inward-sloping side of his head that bears a large scar from repeated surgeries.

The July 13 evening at the Italian Embassy was the second time Browning attended the complimentary dinner, and he said he plans to participate in future events.

The 35-year-old Browning said he's overwhelmed by the network of support that exists for U.S. servicemembers. "You read stories about guys coming back from Vietnam getting spit on, and now it's just the complete opposite of that," he said. "If I had a dollar for every time somebody's come up and shaken my hand and said 'Thank You,' I could be a millionaire.

"It just amazes me how many people are out there doing things for us," he said. "I'm sure it takes a hell of a lot of work and time and money to put these dinners on every Friday night. People are giving up their personal lives to help us. It makes us feel a lot better about ourselves."

Jamie's father, Jim Browning, credits the dinners for helping to bring his son out of the shell he entered after his injury. "He was flat, he was depressed," Jamie's father said. "But he has come out of his depression, he has bucked up. The dinners have been a life-saver for us because they're very important to him."

It has just been sad...

This has been a tough period for me. I am normally able to grieve and go forward, to stand up for what is right and defend it, to be supportive at all times, but the past couple of weeks have taken a toll on me.

I have written far too many obituaries for fallen American soldiers from Oregon the past two weeks, including our first woman and a K-9 team. I take these very seriously. These are people who have made the ultimate sacrifice for us. They chose to be there. They are better Americans than the rest of us for their willingness to endanger their lives for the rest of us and for the larger idea of what America is. Most Americans don't think that deeply.

An Airman I supported on his deployments committed suicide at his home base. This is the second of the hundreds and hundreds, nay, thousands, I have written to that has died. Many have been wounded, but this death is such a horrid one. The first was Captain Alex Funkhouser. He was the soldier killed when a journalist was wounded. We hear much about her, but how odd that his name was not reported. You can read about his wonderful life here: http://www.theyhavenames.com/index.php?item=james.alex.funkhouser

The Minnesota Redbulls, extended last winter are FINALLY coming home. While they are excited to be in the outprocessing phase, they are anxious about the return after close to two years of being away from their homes and families. Their early return group has suffered tragedies at home: Captain Carta was involved in a freak car accident on the way home from the airport, which cost the life of his eight year-old daughter, Stephen Major and his family were victims of an arsonist who set their home on fire on the third night he was home - thankfully, he, his wife, the two year-old and eleven month-old twins escaped, but they are homeless, and SSG Sheda was brutally murdered in his home town. You can read the details at my friends blog, http://www.justicesoldier.com/ You can read in the comments an idiotic commenter who wanted to parse and debate the story in a tribute to a fallen friend.

An Airman fighting for his life who was shot in front of his home by an anti-war activist on Independence Day. The idiot murderer wanted to make a statement - the press has made a statement by failing to report the story. You can read about it here: http://michellemalkin.com/2007/07/09/unhinged-anti-war-zealot-shoots-airman-kills-self/

My Republican Senator is leading the charge for tucking tail and running away in Iraq. Congress, in general, is made up of self-serving people who will say and do anything that they think will keep them in office. Few of them represent their constituents or listen to them. Fewer still are willing to stand up for what they believe in - if they believe in anything at all. They have no long term vision - they think and act in sound bites to immediate impulses. Yet, we vote to return them to office.

Half of Congress is rooting for defeat in Iraq and Afghanistan and starting to root for a major attack on our soil. Why? To embarass the President. To win big in 2008. Damn, you all need to be Americans first!

On top of that, America is far too selfish to care about anything or anyone outside of their own little orb of self-interest. We used to be better than that. We have turned into quitters and defeatists. We have no respect for what is important. Christians will ram their religion down your throat as long as you don't ask them to obey the Golden Rule or to Love Thy Neighbor. No one thinks twice about hating - hate the President, hate the Military, hate those who don't hate. And, they are much too willing to spew their hatred anywhere they can - some of it has ended up on my blog. I am not talking about disagreement. I am talking about vile hatred and vile language and vile thought.

For my anti-war, anti-America 'friend' who recently wrote to me and asked if any of the troops I have written to have died - YES, but for those who haven't died, more often than not, those they loved have. They have been wounded - some critically, some not so badly. Most have come home with scars that can not be seen. I have had a First Sergeant sit in my living room and weep over the death of two of his men. I had a medic who would write to me in detail about her experiences in unedited candor. And, they are volunteering to return to the war zone. In the past couple of weeks, I have been contacted by over a dozen of the troops we have supported who are either back in war zone or are headed back in the next several weeks. Save one, their spirit and outlook is amazingly positive and strong.

For my aunt who thinks the military is beneath her, you should get down on your knees and praise God that men and women are willing to fight and die for the luxury of your life and your arrogance. Isn't it funny that you can be so disrespectful to them, while the opulent luxury you live in was provided by them? And, it more direct ways than most - my uncle was a weapons system designer and aviation designer.

When SPC Tom Tucker was kidnapped and murdered, I swore I would always pay tribute to those without a voice, those who have given so much to our country, to each of us, that they would never be forgotten. The untimely ripping of their lives out of the fabric of America will change us - change us in ways that we may never be able to identify. From some survivors comes a need to do something greater in their lives, for others, it becomes a destiny of destructive despair. We need to remember the full price of freedom. WE OWE THESE PEOPLE - we owe them for everything we take for granted, for our hopes and dreams, for our successes and joys. The returning warriors, the wounded, the fallen, the families of those men and women - WE OWE THEM.

I am past angry. I almost felt a hopelessness seeping into my soul, but then I think of these marvelous young men and women who still believe and it would make me a traitor to them if I loose hope. I was just feeling sad... very sad.

Then, a comment by a father to his son on one of my tribute pages, an announcement of an upcoming birth from a soldier we love and care about, and the circle of life continues and we regain hope, we find joy again, and purpose. I just wish we could all root for America.

Farewell, Lady Bird ~ Bless You for the Gift of Flowers!

Claudia Alta Taylor "Lady Bird" Johnson

December 22, 1912 - July 11. 2007

"Lady Bird" Johnson was laid to rest today in her beloved Texas Hill Country.

My personal admiration for Lady Bird was for her dedication to the beautification of the country. She had a profound effect on the cleaning up of Washington, DC. The beautiful daffodils and tulips that pop up each Spring in the nation's capital and the well-manacured and landscaped mall are thanks to her. The flowers that grown along side of our highways are due to her. The limits on billboards along the highways are due to her.

In 1982, Mrs. Claudia Alta Taylor 'Lady Bird' Johnson and Mrs. Helen Hayes founded the National Wildflower Research Center ( www.wildflower.org ) to help preseve and restore the beauty and biological richness of North America. Later named the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, it is the capstone of Mrs. Johnson's life-long commitment to the nation's enviornment. Since it's founding, the Wildflower Center has become one of the country's most effective voices for protecting native places, native landscapes and ecological health.

Mrs. Johnson helped bring attention to the beauty that we all need to enrich our lives. Thank you for your gift to all of America.

Iraq Veteran Running for Congress

The seat in the 37th Congressional District in California is vacant due to the death of Juanita Millernder-McDonald, who lost her battle with cancer in April. The special election for this seat will take place on August 21. One of the candidates is Iraq War Veteran John Kanaley.

I have heard John Kanaley interviewed several times. If I lived in his district, I would be working and voting for him!!

John is a Sergeant in the Long Beach Police Department with 16 years of service. He is also a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army with 22 years of service - active, National Guard and Reserves. he has served two tours in Iraq - one of them two years long.

Several of his letters from Iraq have been posted on Victor Davis Hansen's site. For links to these great pieces, go to http://www.kanaleyforcongress.com/ - Notes from Iraq.

Good Luck, John... we will be rooting for your victory! We need your voice in Congress!!!

Boy Scouts in Iraq ~ Thanks to the Marine Corps!

The Scouts are participating in Clean-Up Day!

Did you know that there are more than 150,000 Iraqi Boy Scouts and Girl Guides in all 18 Provinces?! The photo above serves as a great reminder that children really are the same everywhere. This effort was funded by your generous contributions to our Marines Fund, read the whole story here at our "Support Iraqi Scouts Project". Thank you!

Spirit of America has been gathering equipment for the reestablishment of Scouting in Iraq. The program has been coordinated by the United States Marine Corps!!!

Vote for a Soldier!!!

Help a Soldier Win Coffee

for Two Years!

Meet Carlos! Carlos is a Soldier in the 4th ID out of Fort Hood, Texas. He has done three tours in Iraq and is currently in Afghanistan. He is in the finals of the Folgers Simply Smooth Coffee contest. The Grand Prize is two years worth of coffee and $2,000. His essay:

I'm a American Soldier who has done 3 tours to IRAQ, and back, and the most valuable thing that, made us stay up and make it thru the day was good old FOLGERS as we did missions it was the coffee in us that made us make it thru the day and stay awake to fight for OUR COUNTRY, Thank the Lord for FOLGERS you are a LIFE SAVER for me and many other American SOLDIERS, HOOAH 2 FOLGERS.

Carlos needs our votes - now through July 16th - and, you can vote once each day.
Click here to vote: http://apps.folgers.com/testimonials/testimonial_view.php?id=1639
You will receive a verification email, which you have to click the link to confirm the vote.

Carlos is trailing - so VOTE NOW - VOTE EVERY DAY

SSG Joshua Brandon Farnsworth ~ Farewell and Walk with God

Josh & Eesau In Iraq

Joshua Brandon Farnsworth

On July 3rd 2007, Staff Sergeant Joshua Brandon Farnsworth, 32, was taken by the angels at his residence. Josh was an explosive military working dog handler in the United States Air Force at Fairchild AFB, Washington and also served in the United States Marine Corps as Military Police at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and Okinawa, Japan.

He served overseas in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qutar, and two tours in Iraq and received over a dozen awards. Josh was born in Medford, Oregon and was a 1992 graduate of North Medford High School.

Josh was somebody you could never forget after meeting once. He had the most amazing ability to make someone laugh. He had a perfect ability to teach people. Josh was a friend to all and a hero to many. The Air Force has lost a valued member, his friends have lost a cherished friend, and his family has lost a piece of their hearts.

Josh is survived by his wife, Laura Farnsworth of Spokane, Washington; his daughter Bryden Farnsworth, of Bend, Oregon; his mother Rhonda Farnsworth, of Bend, Oregon; his father Don Wilson, of Beaverton, Oregon; his step-father Thom Farnsworth, of Bend, Oregon; his sister Sarah Farnsworth, of Medford, Oregon, his sister Vanessa Farnsworth, of Bend, Oregon; his brother, Victor Farnsworth, of Bend, Oregon; his brother Brian Farnsworth, of Bend, Oregon; his nephew Noah, of Medford, Oregon; and his military working dog, Eesau.

Josh's funeral service was held at Fairchild Air Force Base Chapel earlier this week.

************************
We helped support Josh and his team while they were in Iraq. His death is not only a shock, but fills us with great grief. Our prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time.

Faces of Freedom: PFC Kory Wiens and Cooper

Man's Best Friends

Search in Iraq Countryside

Friday, 16 March 2007
By Spc. Laura M. Bigenho
28th Public Affairs Detachment

CAMP VICTORY — They may not carry firearms or communicate as humans do, but specialized search dogs are equipped and trained for battle in ways that make a soldier's job more efficient and the streets of Iraq safer.

SSDs are a unique group of canines "trained for the military operational environment to find firearms, ammunition and explosives during a variety of missions," said 1st Lt. Danielle Roche, 94th Engineer Detachment commander. Roche, SSD supervisor, arrived in Iraq last October and has been working with SSDs for 18 months.

She also said the dogs have become integral members of the team fighting the war on terrorism. Their ability to detect explosives has saved lives and taken countless weapons off Iraq's streets.

"SSDs have excellent mobility and utility over ground not accessible to most mechanical detection tools and are faster than detection sensors or manual probing," Roche added.

Materials commonly found by the dogs include TNT, C4, detonation cord, smokeless powder, mortars, weapons and tools, along with materials containing explosive residue used in IED making. The dogs are the first to deem an area clear of explosives.

Like soldiers, the dogs rely heavily on their battle buddies. An SSD's battle buddy is his trainer, parent and friend. He is the SSD's handler, and their success as a team depends on their ability to work together.

The dogs are fully obedient to their handlers both on and off the leash and under all types of conditions, Roche said. They are steady under gunfire, not distracted by wild or domesticated animals while working, capable of traveling by all types of transportation and react immediately to their handler's commands. Teams are able to search buildings, vehicles roads, open areas, airports, railway stations and household possessions.

"There's really only one limitation," Roche said. "If something happens to the handler, the dog goes back to the states to retrain with another handler."

Pfc. Kory Wiens of the 94th Engineer Detachment has been with his dog, Cooper, for nearly a year. The 20-year-old combat engineer said he's grateful to be a dog handler. When Wiens first met the yellow lab, the pup didn't know simple obedience commands. That's all changed.

"I got to teach him all the things he knows, today," Wiens said. "Seeing him out there working is very rewarding. It's amazing to see how far he's come."

Cooper has become more like a kid than a dog to Wiens. He introduces Cooper to everybody as his son, and said being with him is just like watching a kid grow up.

"It's a lot of fun having him in Iraq," Wiens said. "There's never a dull moment with him."

SSD teams spend 22 weeks training together in the United States and another 30 days getting acclimated and validated in theater. They live together, work together and receive days off. The SSDs are required to have a minimum of six hours rest in every 24-hour period. They work after sunset during the summer months due to extreme weather conditions.

"Dogs needs time to recover, but unlike a soldier, you can't push a dog," Roche said. "If the dog is tired, you need to give him a break."

It is the handler's responsibility to determine if the dog can work and how often he needs a break.

Most of the dogs in Roche's detachment are between two and four years old, which means they are still young and playful. Despite being puppies, they know the difference between work and play, Roche said.

"The harness signifies to the dog that it's time to go to work and search," Roche said. Once the harness goes on and his handler gives proper command, the SSD begins searching. When the dog is "on odor" or has sniffed an explosive scent, he will change his behavior and sit and stare at the source of scent. Once the handler recognizes the signal, the SSD team turns the search over to EOD for clearance procedures.

"We don't clear anything," Wiens said. "We just search then give the search commander our knowledge and recommendations about the area."

"It's just a big game for the dog," Roche said, "but crucial in saving lives. They're just puppies playing around. As long as they have their drive for search and play, they'll work."

"You have to stay motivated and keep yourself in a good mood," Wiens said. "Your main concern is the dog and making sure he does his job so you can do yours."



http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10636&Itemid=128

Kory and Cooper were killed in an IED explosion.

Their tribute continues below.

CPL Kory D Wiens ~ Farewell and Walk with God ~ Cooper, too

CPL Kory D Wiens, 20, of Independence, Oregon and his dog, Cooper, were killed July 6 in Muhammad Sath, Iraq, of wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device. He served with the 94th Mine Dog Detachment, 5th Engineer Battalion, 1st Engineer Brigade, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Also killed in the attack was PFC Bruce C. Salazar Jr., 24, of Tracy, Calif. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia.

The release from the Oregon National Guard:

Kory was born September 6, 1986 in Albany, Oregon. He was the middle son of three boys and an older sister. He was named after his grandfather who was a canine handler during the Korean War.

Kory was a member of the Boy Scouts of America, Pack 38 in Independence, Oregon. He was a wrestler and quarterback of the football team at West Albany High School, where he graduated in 2005.

The Wiens family said Kory was liked by many people and was an easy going kid. As a hobby, Kory liked to customize his vehicles, spending lots of time with all the details. Kory was a good story teller and had a wonderful imagination.

Kory enlisted into the Army to gain experience for pursuing a career in law enforcement. He attended canine school at the 341st Training Squadron, Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, where he met his partner and friend, a yellow Labrador Retriever named Cooper. Cooper was a specialized search dog trained to find firearms, ammunition and explosives.

Kory and Cooper shared a special bond, spending most of their time together. Kory often referred to Cooper as his "son". The two were featured in many news articles.

Kory and Cooper were assigned to the 94th Mine Dog Detachment, 5th Engineer Battalion, 1st Engineer Brigade, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. The two deployed to Iraq together in January. Their abilities to detect TNT, C-4, detonation cords, smokeless powder and mortars saved countless lives by taking explosives and other IED manufacturing materials off the streets of Iraq. Kory and Cooper died alongside each other while performing a search patrol on July 6.

He is survived by his father, Kevin; mother, Judith (also known as Laura); brothers, Kevin and Kyle; sister, Lindsay; and grandmother, Patricia McAlister. He had four nieces and nephews, and was a great uncle to his sister's children. Kory's older brother Kevin is currently serving on a second tour in Iraq as a military police officer for the Army.

Kory and his two brothers, Kevin and Kyle, decided to get tattoos on their upper left shoulders that said "Brotherhood of Wiens" in Korean and the names of their brothers. Kyle was too young at the time to get his tattoo, but plans to have his done as soon as he can.

Kevin Wiens, who is also serving in Iraq, is escorting his brother's body back to Oregon, along with Cooper's.

From Kory's My Space Page: http://www.myspace.com/Kory_K9

"My name is Kory Wiens, I like to work on trucks and cars. Im from Albany Oregon. I live in Missouri because Im in the Army. Stuck in Fort Leonard Wood with nothing to do. I love my dog that I have here, he is the best thing in Ft.Leonard Wood. My job is to play with him all day! The other good thing about this place is that I can go 4x4 when ever I want! Well not in FLW anymore!!! Now Im in Iraq!!!!! Having alot of fun, hard to belive huh? Well I have Cooper with me so everything is alright. Hopefully I will be In Oregon in September! Well if you want to know anything about me then just message me."

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Wiens family and all of Kory's friends at this difficult time.

Funeral Information for Kory Wiens and Cooper:
Monday, July 16 -
Army Corporal Kory Wiens will arrive at Corvallis Municipal Airport on Monday, July 16 at about 11:15 a.m. A procession will follow to Dallas Mortuary Chapel, 287 SW Washington St. Dallas, Ore.

The public is welcome to attend the arrival and participate in the procession. Those who wish to participate should arrive one hour prior, in the event that the flight arrives ahead of schedule.

The Patriot Guard Riders will be in attendance, as well as many dog handlers and dogs.

Wednesday, July 18-

Dallas Tribute Center at 9:00 am - Patriot Guard Riders will have the Missing Man escort to the Church for a service at 10:00 am and then to the Cemetery for final Service.

Faith Evangelical Free Church -2290 E. Ellendale Ave, Dallas, OR. 97338

Salt Creek Cemetery - 15080 Salt Creek Road,Dallas, OR. 97338

CPL Michelle R Ring ~ Farewell and Walk with God

Corporal Michelle R Ring

July 2, 1981 ~ July 5, 2007

Died in Baghdad, Iraq

SPC Michelle R Ring, 24, died in Baghdad, Iraq on July 5, 2007, when mortar fire hit her base, Camp Liberty. She served with the 92d Military Police Battalion, Fort Benning, Georgia. She is the first woman from Oregon to be killed in the War on Terror.

By all news accounts, life had dealt this young woman some difficult blows in her life. SPC Ring joined the Army two years ago, and found a life with meaning. Her goal was to become a military police officer with the Army and to make it her career. She reenlisted two weeks prior to her death as a step to achieve that goal. She also hoped to obtain a college degree and become a U.S. Marshall.

"This was her place in life where she was supposed to be," her sister Karen Harbuck said. "She loved what she did, she was proud of herself, and we were all proud of her, for the first time."

SPC Ring was a single mother of two boys - Marc, 7, and Brandon, 5. She is the daughter of John and Shirley Stearns of McMinnville and the youngest of three sisters. In addition to her sons, parents, she is survived by her sisters Karen Harbuck, 29, of Wasilla, Alaska and Marilyn Haybeck, 28, of McMinnville.

Her funeral is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland. The Patriot Guard Riders will be there to pay tribute.

We will be keeping her family in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time, especially her two young sons.

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

Update from the Oregon National Guard Public Affairs Office:

Funeral services for Army Corporal Michelle R. Ring are scheduled for July 14 at 1:00 p.m. at Willamette National Cemetery.

Family and friends are welcome to attend.

Ring was granted a posthumous, lateral promotion from specialist to corporal. (I have changed the post to reflect her new rank.)

The family requests, for privacy reasons during their grieving process, that media does not attend the services.

Lance Corporal Steven Stacy ~ Farewell and Walk with God

Lance Corporal Steven Stacy

Died July 5, 2007

Al Anbar Province, Iraq

Lance Corporal Steven Stacy, 23, died July 5, 2007 in the Al Anbar Province, Iraq, while conducting combat operations. He served with the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California - "The Thundering Third."

LCpl Stacy was from Coos Bay, Oregon. He graduated from Marshfield High School in Coos Bay. He was known to his friends as 'Scuba Steve' for his love of diving and had hoped to dive in the Gulf waters. He loved deer hunting near Dellwood, fishing for steelhead on the East Fork of the Millicoma River and just being in the outdoors, but, most of all Scuba Diving.

"He always had a passion for his country and our military and he really believed in what he was fighting for,” his friend Chris Stevens said. “He believed in his country.”

"He told us that was the best decision he ever made - even if he never came back from Iraq,” his mother said. “That that was the best thing in the world he ever had done. The Marine Corps really did wonders for him,” she said, noting he was socking away money to go to college and talking of transferring to the U.S. Navy to become a hospitalman (medic).

LCpl Stacy is survived by his mother and step-father, Dana and Robert Potts of Coos Bay, his father, Stanley Stacy of Albany, Oregon, and three sisters, April Smith of Eugene, Crystal McDonald of Coos Bay and 13-year-old Hallie.

LCpl Steven Stacy with be buried with full military honors on Satruday, July 14, at 11 am at Sunset Memorial Gardens. The Patriot Guard Riders will be providing an escort.

The family of LCpl Steven Stacy will be in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

To read more about Stacy: http://www.theworldlink.com/articles/2007/07/09/breaking/tpn01070907.txt

Wednesday Hero ~ Ryan Rahe

This Weeks Hero Was Suggested By Sunni Kay

Ryan Rahe has been active in the Special Olympics since he was in Middle School. The now 25-year-old has won quite a few medals over the years, but not all of his medals are at his Tennessee home. Some of them have been sent, by Ryan, to soldiers fighting the War On Terror for "good luck".

Jayne Rahe, Ryan's mother, said the idea of sending support to the soldiers in harm's way came about when she and Ryan were talking about news coverage of the war in Iraq. Jayne visited http://www.anysoldier.com/ and discovered how she and Ryan could let the men and women in Iraq know their efforts are appreciated.

Ryan, named 2006 Special Olympics Athlete of the Year for the Blount County Sports Hall of Fame, said he felt good when he received the box from the soldiers. He said if he could talk with them face to face, he would say, "Thank you."

The Rahes plan to continue sending care packages to soldiers, including the medals.

"Ryan is a pretty generous fellow," Jayne said. "He doesn't mind giving things to people."

In a letter that Ryan received, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Anthony W. Grillett wrote:
"I and the Battalion can never thank you enough for sending us your medals. They have brought us luck and good fortune, and now as we prepare to deploy home we send them back to you with our eternal gratitude.

That you would send us something so precious is a reflection of your character. As you called us heroes; to me you are the hero. For I believe it is not who you are, or what you are that makes you a hero, it is the ability to give all especially when it is never asked.

Your courage to face the challenges required earning those medals and then so freely send them to us here in Iraq will forever make you a hero to me. I will never be able to truly express in words how honored I was when I read the letter from your Mother. It truly humbles me and shows me that what I fight for in our country will always be worth the small sacrifices asked of me. Thank you again."

Sometimes a hero is one who sacrifices everything in their life to help others.

And sometimes a hero is one who sacrifices nothing more than their time.

A Face of Freedom ~ Army Cpl James Hogan

Soldier Trades Teaching for the Infantry

Cpl. James Hogan (center right, wearing baseball cap), a native of Superior, Wisc., speaks to the Northwestern High School Tigers football team, also of Superior, Wis., during his last season coaching in 2004. Hogan now serves with Company A, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), out of Fort Drum, N.Y., and coaches Iraqi soldiers on infantry skills. Courtesy photo.

Monday, 09 July 2007
By Spc. Chris McCann, 10th Mountain Division Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE YUSUFIYAH — College money, job experience and lack of employment opportunities are usually some of the motivators Soldiers cite for joining the military.

But Cpl. James Hogan left a job he loved, teaching high-school history and economics in Superior, Wis., to enlist in November 2005 to be a part of American history.

“I was teaching history and about the wars, and I felt it was my patriotic duty to serve, like the guys who went before me,” Hogan said. “I don’t want to sit on my deck at 60 years old and tell people I had a chance to serve and didn’t.”

Hogan graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Superior, and began teaching at a Catholic middle school, then at a high school in Maple, Wis. In addition to teaching American history, he taught economics, criminal justice, social science and sociology, and coached football, girls basketball, and track and field.

But he gave it all up to join the Army.

“The students were surprised. Some were sad, and some were probably happy,” he said, laughing. “I always wanted to teach, and I was no good at math, I don’t like science, and my vocabulary is terrible. But I love politics and history, and I love this country.”

Hogan works with Company A, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), out of Fort Drum, N.Y. His unit is the military transition team that has been training 4th Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division.

“I’ve really enjoyed working with them day in and day out,” he said of the Soldiers in his company.

“From the different personalities, meeting people from all over the United States, I’ve learned a lot. I really respect everyone in the Army, whatever they do, but these (infantry troops) are the ones putting in blood, sweat and tears.”

A willingness to be on the ground and on the front lines is a respect-earner. One of his heroes, he said, is Theodore Roosevelt.

“He really solidified my desire to join the Army,” Hogan said. “He quit the Navy to join the Army and then formed the Rough Riders, because it always bugged Teddy Roosevelt that his father didn’t fight in the Civil War when the country needed him.

“I like his maverick spirit, he did what was in his heart, and he sure wouldn’t be making decisions based on poll numbers if he were president today.”

Hogan has a rather maverick spirit himself, which serves him well with Soldiers both older and younger than him.

“I’m 33 years old,” he said. “In civilian life, I would have been teaching some of these guys, but they’re teaching me the ways of the infantry here,” he said. “It’s tough being older, especially as an enlisted Soldier. I didn’t become an officer because that’s not what I wanted. I’ve had responsibility. I just wanted to be a grunt. And it’s tough to get smoked by a guy nine years younger, but that’s when you just have to swallow your pride.”

Hogan plans to return to teaching – and coaching – when his term of enlistment ends, but he’s toying with the idea of going into the chaplaincy.

“I’m a man of faith,” he said. “I want to study scripture more in-depth, and I want to serve Soldiers in a more personal way. Guys have been laying it all on the line here for five years now, and the turmoil and struggle and separation from family is hard. I feel I could help, and give strength to them to hang in there.”

If he doesn’t choose that road, however, he said what he’s learned in the Army will serve him well as a teacher.

“I think I’ll get more respect as a teacher – I can bring in my photos and things from Iraq, and that would be really good. If I go into the chaplaincy, I’d like to be an Army Reserve or National Guard chaplain so I could still teach.

“It’s an honor to serve my country alongside all my fellow Soldiers in uniform,” Hogan said, “and I’m thankful for the opportunity to do it.”

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God Bless You, Cpl Hogan. You are an inspiration to us all.