We Should All Become Citizens...

Wouldn't it be nice if we all took the Oath of Citizenship sometime in our life...

I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen;

that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic;

that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same;

that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law:

that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law;

that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and

that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, so help me God.

Veterans ~ Now Citizens!!!

US Soldiers Become Citizens

in Veterans Day Ceremony in Iraq

How did you become a citizen? For most of us, it was a gift from our parents - we were born here and given all of the gifts that being an American citizen entails. For others, they immigrated here. They came through hardships and waiting or were brought by their parents and given the gift of a life in America.

For a very special few who immigrated here, they showed their devotion to their new home and joined the military services. Many of them have fought and died for the United States of America - even though they were not citizens.

On Veterans Day, a special ceremony took place in Al Faw Palace, Camp Victory, Iraq. Seventy-five servicemembers from multiple branches of the military and thirty-three countries took the oath of citizenship.

Mehdi Ostadhashemi's mother fled Iraq after the Iran-Iraq war with her young son. Now eighteen years later, in a palace built by Saddam to commemorate the victory over Iran, this US Army Soldier became a citizen of the United States of America.

"Today we honor and remember America's heroes, our nation's veterans," Dr Zalmay Khalilzad, United States Ambassador to Iraq said. "You have assumed the highest responsibility of citizenship, and America is grateful for your courageous service and extraordinary sacrifices. Just like you, I am an American by choice, and I could not be prouder to stand here with you today. Each of you makes our nation a better, stronger country."

"These men and women before us today...have taken on the extraordinary responsibility of maintaining the freedoms for which the United States is so well known," said General George W. Casey. "You have already shown courage and determination in the dangerous and difficult task of bringing freedom to the Iraqi people well before you were citizens of the country you so proudly serve. On this Veterans Day it is my privilege to thank you, and to welcome the most deserving new citizens of the United States of America."

Dr. Emilio Gonzalez, Director of US Citizen and Immigration Services, flew to Baghdad to administer the oath of citizenship and present the certificates and flags to the new citizens. "They so love this country that they are willing to fight for it without being citizens. That says a lot about the character of the person."

I welcome these new citizens - these defenders of freedom and the American way of life - and, I thank them all for their dedication to our country.

Wednesday Hero ~ MAJ Guy Barattieri

Maj. Guy Barattieri
36 years old from Seattle, Washington
National Guard's Alpha Co., 1st Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group
October 4, 2006


Everyone called him "Bear." In fact, many of his colleagues at FOX News learned Guy Barattieri's full name for the first time when they read his obituary.

To FOX News journalists, Bear was a protector. He worked with FOX as a guard in their Baghdad bureau, leading their large security team when that office was attacked with a cement mixer full of explosives last year.

A 1992 West Point graduate, Barattieri first served in the regular Army infantry before becoming a Green Beret and serving with the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Lewis.

After leaving active duty as a captain, Barattieri became a citizen-soldier in August 2000 with the state National Guard's Special Forces outfit in Buckley, which is east of Tacoma. From August 2001 to 2004, he was a Seattle police officer in civilian life, and he was elected president of his police academy class.

Barattieri went on active duty in 2002 as a Special Forces detachment commander in Kuwait. In March 2003, his team led the 101st Infantry Division on its march to Baghdad. Barattieri received a Bronze Star and Combat Infantryman's badge for his role.

He was killed when a roadside bomb while traveling to a power plant near Baghdad. He leaves behind a wife and two children.

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

We Have Every Right To Dream Heroic Dreams.
Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero blogroll. If you would like to participate in honoring the brave men and women who serve this great country, you can find out how by clicking here.

Blogs Participating In Wednesday Hero
Yankee Mom
Bear Creek Ledger
Mail Call! Supporting The Troops
Yeah, Right, Whatever
CrosSwords
Gazing At The Flag
Hooah Wife & Friends
Right-Wing & Right Minded

SPC Douglas Desjardins ~ Farewell and Walk With God

SPC Douglas C Desjardins

December 16, 1982 ~ November 5, 2006

A son of Scio, Oregon - a son of Mesa, Arizona - one of America's finest - a brother of the 2nd Battalion, 37th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division - Spc Douglas Desjardins was all of these, and more. Known as Douglas, Dougie, and DJ, it is evident that he enlivened the world he walked through. He lost his life when an IED detonated near his M1A1 Abrams tank during combat operations.

I learned of his death from a newsletter written by one of his 'brothers' in Iraq. I have linked to the newspaper articles about his death below, but I think it is fitting to allow his 'brother' to tell his story ~ no one could ask for a more loving and beautiful tribute.

"It is with deep sorrow that I now inform you, SPC Douglas Desjardins, was Killed in Action the morning of the 5th. Born December 16th 1981, he was the epitome of a soldier and a friend. I can't say the details of the event and honestly I don't care to recount them even if I were allowed. We take small comfort knowing that his passing was instantaneous, that he did not suffer. He is in a better place, though knowing so doesn't help too greatly. A silence has overcome our entire building, throughout the company of men who knew DJ. A brother to all.

"Everyone gathered around as the Commander informed those in the company who did not already know. My platoon was informed to stand down from current mission and that another platoon would finish what we had begun. We went upstairs and gathered as a platoon to talk amongst ourselves. For hours we all remained in the room, at times saying nothing as we all sat there, other times helping each other, clinging to each other to find strength in our bond. Grown men cried unashamedly.

"We spoke of our times with DJ, reminiscing on the man he was. A steadfast and laid back comedian with a trademark smile only he could pull off. Full of comments such as 'Friends don't let Friends watch Friends'. DJ always motivated people to better themselves. He was the hub of the enlisted members of the platoon, especially for SPC and below. The first guy to put a boot in someones rear when they became complacent. The peacemaker who would step between tow joes quarreling. A Lover of Jim Beam. I could sit here and type for hours of DJ. The most amazing thing was that even though he has passed, he still retained his ability to cheer us up. As we spoke of him he reached out to us and turned our tears to smiles and even laughter as we spoke of times with DJ.

"Sleep eventually came to us all. A troubled and restless sleep for many. When I awoke I lay there wanting to believe that when I got dressed and walked next door that I would find DJ watching an episode of Smallville (we were both Smallville Junkies!) Perhaps if I were to head out to the tank line I'd find him hard at work on his tank. He took pride in all he did.

"Less than a month ago he had suffered an injury to his hand when the loaders hatch slammed onto his fingers. Even stitched up and unable to move his had much at all, he still tried to head out with his crew. When informed he could not got, I lent the LTs crew one of my soldiers to plus them up for mission. DJ informed my joe that there could be only one White 1 Delta (the driver) and not to get too comfy in that spot. It became a running joke in the platoon. In theme with the Highlander movies. There Can Be Only One.

"White 1 Delta is gone. I entered the room to assist in clearing his personal belongings so that they could be inventoried and shipped to his family. A difficult but necessary task. After we finished and his belongings moved out of the once vibrant spot he occupied seemed so barren.

"His memorial service is still being planned out. We are making a slide show with pictures of DJ and will write of the man we all knew. I am going to play Jordan Leighs song Soldier I Thank You as his service to honor my friend.

"So many times I have been to these services. Too many times. The role call announced and the 21 gun salute, the mournful sound of taps played upon a bugle. Standing there looking upon the helmet adorning the rifle, dog tags hanging silently in remembrance. As we march one at a time to pay honors to our fallen brother, a short distance but such a long walk within. Kneeling to say words of farewell and a prayer for him, standing to attention and rendering salute. A Farewell.

"Many days I wonder how I can drive on after so much loss. While there are many reasons both patriotic and personal I think back to DJs words to me that day in the hall. Of how I have his approval. Even with a heavy heart and a hurting soul, I drive on for the men I serve beside and all those who have fallen at my side.

"I ask that you keep DJ and his family in your thoughts and prayers. Remember his and the many others before him who have given the ultimate sacrifice."

The newspaper articles about DJ may be found:

http://www.statesmanjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061112/NEWS/611120324/1001

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/index.php?sty=78490

Leave a Message for DJs Family

To sign the Legacy Book for Douglas Desjarins-

visit this link http://www.legacy.com/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonID=19883379

Afghan-Iraqi Freedom Memorial Dedicated

A place to reflect, a place to pay respect to our fallen and our Veterans....


Located in Salem, Oregon, the first memorial in the country to the fallen in Afghanistan and Iraq has been completed, and was dedicated on Veteran's Day. The memorial is the vision of M.J. and Clay Kesterson who lost their son Chief Warrant Officer Erik Kesterson in Iraq.

The memorial has an American soldier, down on one knee with his hand reaching out. At the bottom of the pool is a map of the world. There is a memorial wall which is engraved with the names of Oregon's fallen.

The northwest has been battered by storms, but the clouds parted and sun shone for the dedication. About 400 people came for the ceremony. A Blackhawk helicopter came in close for a fly over - CWO Kesterson was killed in his Blackhawk in Iraq.

To read more about the dedication, see Salem-News.

To see pictures of the construction and the dedication, go here.

Afghan-Iraqi Freedom Memorial

My previous post on Afghan-Iraqi Freedom Memorial is here.

Veterans Day Expressions

Veterans Day Tribute

The Eleventh Hour,

The Eleventh Day,

The Eleventh Month

The eleventh hour, the eleventh day, the eleventh month - the day the Armistice was signed in the war to end all wars, World War I.


Today, we set it aside as the time to thank and to honor all Veterans who served honorably in the military - in wartime or in peacetime. It is a time to acknowledge their service to our national security, that all those who served have sacrificed and have done their duty.


Please be sure to thank a veteran today. They are around you - your neighbors, your co-workers, your friends. They are young and they are old. They were Airmen, Soldiers, Marines, Seamen or Coast Guardsmen. They are male and female. They come from every state in the union. They even come from other countries. They are the people who have stood watch and kept us safe and free. They have always been there for us. We can never thank them too many times.


Today, we have young men and women stationed around the globe - doing jobs that secure our country and our freedoms. Think of them, too - today's veterans.


We thank you. We honor you for your service. May God Bless you all.


For a beautiful tribute, please go here.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

11 November 1921 -
Dedication of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier


"Here rests in honored glory
an American Soldier
known but to God."

Three years after the end of World War I, the remains of an unknown soldier were intered at this spot in Arlington Cemetery. In 1958, a soldier from World War II and a soldier from the Korean War were interred.


Representative of all who served and died for this country, the tomb is guarded 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by selected members of the Old Guard.

Valour IT Reminder!!

Navy meets its goal!

In honor of the Marine Corps Birthday, please give a gift to ValourIt for the Marines!!!

Don't forget the auctions are still open!

Marine Corps Birthday - 231 years old

Semper Fidelis

Today is the 231st Birthday of the United States Marine Corps.

On November 10, 1775, the Second Continental congress meeting in Philadelphia passed a resolution stating that "two battalions of Marines be raised" for service as landing forces with the fleet. This resolution established the Continental Marines and marked the birth date of the United States Marine Corps.

To all Marines, past and present, we wish you a Happy Birthday, we thank you, and we wish God's blessings for you all.

National Museum of the Marine Corps

These pictures show the new National Museum of the Marine Corps under construction. It will be a lasting tribute to U. S. Marines -- past, present and future. Situated on a 135-acre site adjacent to the Marine Corps base in Quantico, Virginia, the museum's soaring design evokes the image of the flag raisers of Iwo Jima and beckons visitors to its 100,000 square foot structure. World-class, interactive exhibits unsing the most innovative technology will surround visitors with irreplaceable artifacts and immerse them in the sights and sounds of Marines in action. The Museum will be dedicated on November 10, 2006, the Marine Corps 231 Birthday.

Last month, while we were touring Virginia, we were disappointed that we were too early for the opening of the Museum, which opens to the public on November 13, 2006. But, we hoped to catch a glimpse. A friend of ours said, "don't worry, you can't miss it!" Driving up the interstate it towers above you, like a bright, shining beacon of freedom and security!

It will contain the history of the Marine Corps, including the work of Marine Corps Artist Michael D Fay. (Click on his name to see some of his amazing work!)

To learn more about the museum and to see some of the amazing displays, visit the website.

Marine Corps Hymn

From the Halls of Montezuma
to the Shores of Tripoli,
We fight our country's battles
On the land and on the sea.
First to fight for right and freedom,
and to keep our honor clean,
We are proud tto claim the title
of United States Marine.

Our flag's unfurl'd to every breeze
From dawn to setting sun;
We have fought in evey clime and place
Where we could take a gun.
In the snow of far-off northern lands
And in sunny tropic scenes,
You will find us always on the job
The United States Marines.

Here's health to you and to our Corps
Which we are proud to serve;
In many a strife we've fought for life
And never lost our nerve.
If the Army and the Navy
Ever look on Heaven's scenes,
They will find the streets are guarded
By United States Marines.

History is Our Stories - The Yellow Ribbon

Top Photo of Ribbon from the US Library of Congress

Bottom Photo of the Laingen's by Greg Jenkins

We see them everywhere - Yellow ribbons - magnets on cars, tied on mailboxes and posts, tied around trees. But, how did this happen?

During the Iran Hostage Crisis, Penelope Laingen, wife of hostage Bruce Laingen, charge d'affaires of the US Embassy, tied a yellow ribbon around a tree at their home in Maryland. This began a nationwide movement. The Washington Post wrote an article entitled "Penne Laingen's Wait," which announced the yellow ribbon symbol as a banner through which families could express their determination to be reunited. Millions of Americans also tied yellow ribbons around trees and lampposts. They stayed up until the hostages came home - more than a year later. The hostage's families formed a support group and took on the yellow ribbon as their symbol. They began making and distributing yellow ribbon lapel pins.

The Yellow Ribbon is now a national symbol in this country. "A symbol of reaching out, of caring, of caring for our fellow Americans," said Bruce Laingen.

Though Penne may have led the first national response with the yellow ribbon, it is part of the folklore of this coumtry. It can be traced back to the Puritans who used it as a battle symbol, versions of the song "She Wore A Yellow Ribbon" date throughout the late 19th century, and, of course, "Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree." It's use and meaning continue to evolve, but we all know when we see a yellow ribbon that someone is away from home and is missed.

References:

The Yellow Ribbon History

How the Yellow Ribbon Became a National Symbol

Yellow Ribbons: Ties with Tradition

Holiday Mail - Mail Early

Spc. John Souza, mail clerk, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, sorts his unit’s mail every afternoon for later distribution to his company.

Pvt. Rokeisha Washington helps Staff Sgt. Michael Addesso, both of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, with sorting through the mail.

For our troops away from home, there is probably nothing that is cherished more than mail from home. We have been told in numerous ways from the troops we write to how important it is. Many of them have become like family to us.

With the holidays coming up, it is important to know the deadlines for mailing to APO/FPO addresses.

APO/FPO AE Zip 093xx - First Class Letters & Priority Mail - December 4

All other APO/FPO Zips - First Class Letters & Priority Mail - December 11

All Parcel Post - November 13

The best shipping rates are still the Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes which come in two sizes.

If you don't know anyone to send a card or letter to, click on one of troop support links on the left and get involved!

A Gift to Valour IT

This is a picture of Sharon, our shearer, shearing one of our Angora goats. Sharon drives about three hours each way to get to our farm and spends about eight hours here shearing the goats. This is hard work - trust me.

You probably wonder why I have a picture of Sharon on a post about Valour IT. This is my tribute to her generosity and grace for our troops.

When she got here, we were talking about our troop support activities - something she always asks about. When we finished shearing, and I was getting ready to pay her, she said, "I have a proposition for you.... Take my fees and give them to the troop project."

I have donated, in Sharon's name, her fee for an entire day's work. Not many people are willing to give a day's wages to anything, but Sharon did. In my book, she is an extra-special lady!

Thank you, Sharon!!!!

Valour IT Update

Valour IT is a program which provides laptop computers and voice-recognition software to our wounded troops. This program allows those with hand and arm injuries to stay in touch with family and friends. As of this writing, we have earned $115,000 in donations - enough for 143 systems. Our goal is to raise $180,000 by Veteran's Day. A friendly competition is going on between the branches of the service to raise the money.

How to donate:

Click the box on the left and donate to your team of choice.

Visit the Auctions:
Marines in the Garden of Eden by Richard Lowrey
The Gulf War Chronicles by Richard Lowrey
The Navy Auctions which include flight suits, a helmet, challenge coins and books

Please give to help our wounded - even $1.00 will help. They have given so much for us!

Wednesday Heroes - Operation Iraqi Children

"I have seen their smiling faces and their attempts to say 'I love you' in broken English...I saw hope in their eyes and gratitude in their hearts for what was done for them."
-Gary Sinise

No soldier this week. Instead I thought would hightlight the efforts of a great organization doing what they can to help the real victims of this war. Operation Iraqi Children. It's an organization started by author Laura Hillenbrand and actor Gary Sinise. OIC was set up to help Iraqi children get school supplies that they would otherwise be unable to afford. From their mission statement.

During and after Operation Iraqi Freedom, American soldiers passing through Iraqi villages were horrified at the squalor of Iraqi schools, which had been severely neglected under the dictatorship of Saddam Hussein. Corralled in sweltering one-room buildings without air conditioning, fans, windows, solid floors, or even toilets, Iraqi students lack even the rudimentary supplies that American children take for granted. Libraries and books are almost nonexistent. Without these basic tools of education, Iraqi children face an uphill struggle to learn. "Imagine sending your child to a school in which there are virtually no books, no pencils, no paper, no blackboards," says Hillenbrand. "This is the reality for Iraqi children. The future of the Iraqi nation is being squandered for lack of basic school supplies."

Along With The Troops, Organizations Who Help Need To Be Recognized For Their Efforts. For Those Efforts, I Am Proud To Call Them Heroes.

We Have Every Right To Dream Heroic Dreams.
Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes,
They Just Don't Know Where To Look

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero blogroll. If you would like to participate in honoring the brave men and women who serve this great country, you can find out how by clicking here.


Blogs Participating In Wednesday Hero
Yankee Mom
Bear Creek Ledger
Mail Call! Supporting The Troops
Yeah, Right, Whatever
CrosSwords
Gazing At The Flag
Hooah Wife & Friends
Right-Wing & Right Minded

And the Winner Is.....NOT

Well, the election results are in and I am disheartened at Americans... and disgusted at Democrat pundits - in the background I hear one reiterating the mantra - voted against Bush, terrible economy, not enough hand-outs to people, rich should be paying more than 60% of their income in taxes, yadda, yadda, yadda.

In the real win column we have.....

sorry, I'm blank.

In the loss column we have...

Our Troops - abandoned by the people they are fighting for - AGAIN

The Iraqis - we will abandon them - AGAIN

The Economy - watch the stock market the next few weeks

The Safety of this Country - you think Osama is celebrating now?!

Immigration Laws - the let 'em in and we will make them citizens crowd won

Parental Rights - you may be responsible for them, but what they do is none of your business

Intelligence Services - they will take away the tools that have worked

I guess I can think of a winner...

Terrorists and Terrorism

So, while you were asking for change - did you ask yourself a change to what? Did you think about it?