Wednesday Hero ~ HM Travis Youngblood

Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Travis L. Youngblood
26 years old from Surrency, Georgia
Regimental Combat Team 2, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward)
July 21, 2005


Elmer "Mo" Youngblood wasn't sure why his sailor son wanted to leave relatively safe duty aboard a ship to be a combat medic in Iraq.

"For some reason or another, he wanted to be a corpsman," Youngblood said of his son, Petty Officer 3rd Class Travis Levy Youngblood.

He was a medic with a Marine unit in the Iraqi town of Hit when he was hit by an IED.

"I was tickled to death with him being in the Navy," Elmer Youngblood, a former Navy man, said from his home in Surrency, in southeast Georgia. "I wasn’t too happy when he basically volunteered to go over there, but it was his choice."

Travis Youngblood grew up mostly in Virginia. He attended Appling County High School after his father moved there in the 1990s. Surrency is listed as his hometown on his Navy enlistment papers and he and his father enjoyed fishing and hunting together there.

His wife, Laura, also served in the Navy. She left the service and lives in Long Beach, N.Y.

The couple has a four-year-old, now five, son, Hunter Youngblood, and Laura Youngblood was pregnant with the couple's second child at the time of his death.

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 Partcipating In Wednesday Hero

Yankee Mom
Bear Creek Ledger
Mail Call! Supporting The Troops
Yeah, Right, Whatever
CrosSwords
Gazing At The Flag
Gawfer
Ohio Military Reserve
DeMediacratic Nation
My Point
A Day In The Life Of.....
Blue Star Chronicles
Prying1
Pet's Garden Blog
Pictures From My World
Freedom, GUNZ, Glory and EBYJO
Gunz Up
Screw Liberals
Did You Ever Get The Feeling
A Rose By Any Other Name
My Weekly Thoughts
Rightwing Guy
Trying My Best To Support The Troops
American And Proud
Maryannaville
Not Ready For My Burqua
Perry Nelson's Website
A Fresh Start
Right On!
Echo9er
Befuddled
Potpourri
Conservative Cowboy
Hooah Wife & Friends
Right-Wing & Right Minded

History is Our Stories ~ Virginia Hall

Distinguished Service Cross

Awarded to Virginia Hall by

Major General William J. Donovan

November 27, 1945

"My country rewarded my efforts with the Distinguished Service Cross, the only female civilian in the war to receive this nation's highest military honor after the Medal of Honor!"

Today, a long overdue honor will be given to Virginia Hall, who died in 1982 at age 78.

She will be honored by the British and French ambassadors at a ceremony at the home of French Ambassador Jean-David Levitte in Washington, DC. British Ambassador Sir David Manning will present a certificate signed by King George VI to Hall's niece. Hall should have received the document in 1943 when she was made a member of the Order of the British Empire.

Who was Virginia Hall? This remarkable and mysterious woman was a spy! A spy with a wooden leg!!

Virginia Hall, born in 1906 in Baltimore, Maryland, had a talent for languages and studied at Barnard College, Paris and Vienna. She got a job as a clerk at the American Embassy in Vienna. Her goal was to be in the US Foreign Service, but a hunting accident cost her dearly - the loss of her left leg and her chance at a career with the Foreign Service.

She made her way to England and joined the British Special Operations Executive. Her first assignment was to establish a spy network in Vichy, France. She helped prisoners of war escape and kept contact with the French underground. When Germany overran France, she escaped through Spain and returned to England.

In 1943, she joined General William Donovan's Office of Strategic Services - the OSS - precursor to the CIA. Returning to France, she appeared to be a milkmaid, known as 'Marie Monin' or 'Germaine' or 'Diana' or 'Camille' or 'Nicholas.' She stayed in the field for 15 months, coordinating the Resistance Forces in acts of sabotage and guerrilla warfare. She located parachute drop zones where money and weapons were passed to the French Resistance. Her teams destroyed bridges, derailed trains and killed scores of German soldiers.

In 1942, the Gestapo circulated posters offering a reward for the capture of "the woman with a limp. She is the most dangerous of all Allied spies and we must find and destroy her."

After the war, Virginia Hall went to work for the CIA - one of the first female operations officers. "my love for intelligence work and serving my country never ended; there was always something new to learn," she said. "I look back with pride not only at what I have done for my country, but also at the work of those who followed after me."

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I stumbled across this story this morning. I had never heard of Virginia Hall before today. What an amazing woman. She truly inspires me, and reminds us all of the sacrifices required to serve our country fully. "Wolves at the Door: The True Story of America's First Female Spy" is her biography, just published last year. I look forward to reading it.

Secretary Rumsfeld Farewell Visit to Iraq

Secretary Donald Rumsfeld

Farewell Visit to Thank

the Troops in Iraq

Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld addresses service members at a Town Hall meeting with troops assigned to Al Asad Air Base during a surprise visit to Iraq, December 9, 2006

Sec. Rumsfeld thanked troops for their dedicated service to the country.


Sec Rumsfeld meets with troops.

Sec Rumsfeld meets with troops assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242 at Al Asad Airbase.

Sec Rumsfeld thanks crews from the 2/135th General Support Aviation Battalion Medical Evacuation unit for their service to the country.

Sec Rumsfeld meets with Iraqi soldiers at Forward Operating Base Hawk.

Sec Rumsfeld attends a worship service at the base chapel, Camp Libery, Iraq.

Sec Rumsfeld signs the wall outside the Air Force Theatre Hospital at Balad Air Base.

His message read, "You fellows are superstars."

Sec Rumsfeld meets with wounded service members at Balad Air Base.

Sec Rumsfeld boards a C-17 after visitig with troops on his surprise visit to thank the troops and their families for their sacrifice and service to the country.

All photos: Defense Dept, by Cherie Thurlby

Secretary Rumsfeld Says Farewell

Over the weekend, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld paid a surprise visit to Iraq to thank the troops for their dedication, sacrifices and patriotism. Wisely, he did not take a press contingent with him, so his visit and remarks were as they should be - between him and the troops. I found a few articles about his visit at www.defenselink.mil .

As Secretary Rumsfeld met with over 1200 troops, they were able to exchange their warm feelings and respect for one another. When he arrived in Al Asad, he received a standing ovation - filled with Marine OO-RAHs and Army HOOAHs and some Air Force AIRPOWERs. Hundreds lined up for pictures and to offer support to the man who has led them for the past six years. They treated him with the rock-star status he has earned from them.

One Marine said, "It isn't a military problem out here. It's a political problem. No one in this country can challenge us militarily; we'd wipe the floor with them. The Iraqis have to 'cowboy up.'"

A convoy commander at LSA Anaconda said, "This is my second year-long tour. Why am I more patient than someone sitting at home in Fort Livingroom?"

They made it clear that if they have the patience and they haven't lost faith, then the American people shouldn't either.

In his address to the troops, Secretary Rumsfeld passed on some of his observations.

"For the past six years, I have had the opportunity and, I would say, the privilege, to serve with the greatest military on the face of the earth. I leave understanding that the true strength of the United States military is not in Washington, it's not in the Pentagon, it's not in the weapons. It's in the hearts of the men and women who serve. It's your patriotism, it's your professionalism and indeed your determination."

"I wish it were possible for every American to see first hand - even a glimpse - of all you do everyday. The lives you touch and the lives you save."

"I never cease to be amazed at the courage and the resiliency of not only the troops, but of your families as well. You have undergone hardships and endured sacrifices, yet I always leave my meetings with the troops and your families with my feelings lifted - inspired by your hope, your determination and your unfailing good humor."

"...the men and women in uniform believe in what they are doing, they know it is important, they know it's worth the cost and in some cases the tears, and they are convinced they can succeed and that our country can prevail. But only if we don't lose our will."

The Secretary told the troops that history will show that after America was attacked, hundreds of thousands of young men and women stepped forward to wear their nation's uniform. "...talented young people who could have done something else - something easier, something safer, but instead they volunteered to defend out country. You are those men and women. you are the ones who took up the fight against the extremists far from home to prevent them from attacking our families, friends, neighbors and fellow citizens. For your service, your sacrifice and for the professionalism and the dedication you demonstrate every day, you have my profound admiration and my deep and everlasting respect."

"It have been the honor of my life to serve with you, and I will never forget it; I will treasure it always."

Senator Gordon Smith ~ You Lost My Vote

Senator Gordon Smith,

Republican

State of Oregon

Up for Re-election in 2008

This is my Republican Senator. Hopefully, these are his last two years to suckle off of the teat of largess known as the United States Senate. It is an uphill battle for any Republican to hold state wide office in this state. It is amazing that he has been elected twice. I doubt quite strongly that he will be elected again, unless the Democrats continue to enjoy his antics and theatre of the absurd performances on the Senate floor. He has pretty much alienated all conservative voters. I know he slammed the door on my vote.

I was not happy when he voted for the Senate plan of amnesty and citizenship for illegal immigrants. Regardless of the topic, the numerous letters and emails that I have sent to Senator Smith have gone unanswered. My other senator, Senator Ron Wyden, with whom I rarely agree, always answers my letters.

But, Senator Smith's latest stunt on the Senate floor has earned him my complete and utter disdain. It has cost him any hope of me ever voting for him.

On December 7, 2006, Senator Gordon Smith took to the Senate floor "to speak from my heart." What his heart wants us to know is that "I have never worn the uniform of my country. I am not a soldier or a veteran." But, as a "student of military history," he is sure that our fight in Iraq "may even be criminal."

His speech flops all over the place, which is typical for him. One minute he wants to stay and fight better, the next he wants to leave. In spite of quoting an Oregon Soldier who said to him, "Senator, don't tell me you support the troops and not our mission," Senator Smith proceeds to bash the mission and call it criminal.

It is a disgusting speech - regardless of what side you are on, it can reassure and outrage you, which means he is trying to play the ends against the middle.

All I know, for sure, is that you will never get another vote from me, Senator Gordon Smith.

To read his entire speech, http://gsmith.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.Detail&PressRelease_id=254

Sen. Smith Follow-up

It has been fascinating to follow the repercussions of Sen. Smith's babble. It has been discussed on the news shows, it has been glorified in editorials in state newspapers - the same papers that up until a few days ago didn't know we had a Republican senator. I'm wondering if Gordon is trying to posture himself to get Democrat votes two years from now or if he is one of the multitudes of senators that have the delusion that being in the Senate prepares one to be President. Whatever, it is bizarre.

The Oregonian - the state's largest newspaper - has written several editorials. They have the ring of excitement of a child's Christmas morning. I've never seen liberals so happy! Mike Francis runs a column called Oregon at War. He follows Oregonians at War. Mostly he condemns the Afghan-Iraq Memorial, gives all details to all anti-war rallies so we can all attend, makes excuses for Ariel Weinmann who was sentenced to 12 years for espionage - he was disillusioned with the Navy, poor boy, denies that troops are being treated poorly at home by anti-war activists, shows great concern for the court martial of Suzanne Swift who went AWOL. His editorial was down right gleeful at Smith's blathering.

I won't vote for Gordon Smith to do anything but take himself back to running his families frozen food processing plant - or being a lawyer.

Canadian Troops Support Fisher House

Fisher House

Landstuhl, Germany

Fisher House has homes on the grounds of the major military and VA medical centers where families can stay while a loved one is in the facility for treatment. This is one of the two Fisher Houses in Landstuhl, Germany.

Canadian Master Cpl Paul Franklin, a medic, lost both of his legs to a suicide bomber in Kandahar, Afghanistan earlier this year. His wife, Audra, and family were housed at the Fisher House while Paul was undergoing treatment at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. "Their support is invaluable. Without it, our son Simon couldn't have been close to his father after he was injured," Audra said.

Audra Franklin organized a fundraiser for Fisher House with a gala in Edmonton. Her efforts allowed Canadian troops to donate a record $120,000 to the Landstuhl Fisher Houses. The donation is a record.

Additionally, Canada presented Landstuhl Regional Medical Center Staff with one of its highest unit awards - the Canadian Forces' Unit Commendation. This is the first time this award has been given to an allied unit. The Commendation is awarded to a military unit that has "performed a deed or activity considered beyond the demand of normal duty."

Tribute to a Coalition Partner ~ Albania

ALBANIA

Albanian Kommandos at Logistical Support Area Diamondback.

Photo by Army Spc. L. C. Campbell, 138th MPAD

Albania is a small, emerging democracy in the Balkan area. It's entire population is about 3.5 million people - about 70% are Muslim, 20% Orthodox Christian and 10% Catholic. Yet, this small country has contributed troops to assist in the Great War on Terror in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Republic of Albania joined Operation Enduring Freedom on January 10, 2002. They granted overflight rights to all of the NATO aircraft in support of the mission, opened seaports for refueling and maintenance and was one of the nations to contribute troops to the combat operations. It has donated weapons, ammunition, helmuts, and military clothing for a battalion of the Afghanistan Army

The Republic of Albania has contributed troops to Operation Iraqi Freedom. One commando unit was attached to Task Force Olympia on June 6, 2003. Its mission is to undertake and execute security operations: convoy escort, manning checkpoints, guard duty and supporting the new Iraqi police to maintain public order. Today, they are stationed at LSA Diamondback.

From the Albanian troops at LSA Diamondback, Mosul, Iraq:

"We have about 120 soldiers here, but in my country all the people support our guys , and my people like freedom," said Besnik Sokoli, commander, 6th Albanian Contingent.

"In my country, we were not struck by terrorism, but the government and people support Albanian Soldiers fighting terrorism."

"I think now terrorism is the worst sickness and all democratic countries need to put together all their forces to fight the terrorists."

"Albania and the United States have very good relations that started many years ago," said Major Arben Kinji, commander, 7th Albanian Contingent.

"We wanted to do our part and help the Iraqi people become free."

"Most of my soldiers, between 70 and 80 percent, are here for the second time. Their morale is very high and they are very professional." (Albanian soldiers serve six month rotations.)

"They (the Albanian people) don't ask why we support the coalition. Our people back home in Albania are proud that we are here supporting the coalition, and are very proud for what we have."

"I want to be here, not only to support my Soldiers but also the coalition. I want to make my people back home extremely proud of what we have accomplished."

More information on the Albanian Defense Ministry can be found at: www.mod.gov.al/eng/default.asp

With great gratitude for your contribution to the Great War on Terror in Afghanistan and in Iraq. We will ever be grateful for your dedication to freedom for all people. Thank You!

Pearl Harbor Day

December Seventh, 1941

Sixty-five years ago, December 7, 1941, the United States was rocked by the radio announcements that told of Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor. Many historical and remembrance pieces will be written today: stories of history, stories of personal experience, stories of the reaction in the United States, Japan, the world, even a conspiracy theory or two.

Pearl Harbor Day. A Day That Will Live in Infamy.

What I always will remember is growing up in the shadow of Pearl Harbor - the ever present reminder of how ugly war was. There was nothing noble or gleeful about the awful day. I grew up with the stories of those who were there, stories of people I knew.

Each Sunday before Pearl Harbor Day, Puna would take us to the Arizona Memorial. It used to be rather low-key to visit there, and once you got there, quite unusual to have anyone else at the Memorial. There wasn't a Visitor's Center yet. There was no evidence of the Park Service then. Just a guy at the dock that grabbed the shuttle boat, tied it up and helped you off.

We would walk through the Memorial - our steps echoing in the cavern of the Memorial. Halfway through, we would stop and look at the ship resting beneath us, still leaking oil into the lapping sea, and carrying it ever away, like the spirit was still escaping the doomed craft. Eventually, we would end at the Memorial wall, carved with all of the names of the men who died on the Arizona, most of whom were still entombed within.

Puna, this large mountain of a man, would clasp his hands behind him, dip his head in prayer, then focus on the wall and in a hauntingly beautiful, tenor voice would chant the names of the fallen. His voice would echo in the chamber. A more beautiful prayer I have never heard. Once, I looked at his face and saw the tears streaming down, but his voice never wavered. His eyes seemed to be closed, yet he never missed a name.

When the chanting was finished, we would walk back to the overlook on the ship and Puna would tell us about that Sunday morning. He spoke of the noise and the fear and the chaos. He spoke of curfews and rationing. He spoke of the increased military presence on the island. He spoke of the sorrow. And, he spoke of the fear of another attack. Then, he would talk about the uniting and the supporting and the belief in America.

Always, he finished with a warning. America will never be safe from people wanting to take away what we have. They will always want to destroy us, to conquer us, to marginalize us. If you don't believe me, come here and look - open your eyes and look - at what can happen, and will again.

I believe I only saw Puna serious twice a year - Pearl Harbor Day and Memorial Day. On those days, he spoke of bravery and heroism and patriotism. The rest of the year you could depend upon those laughing eyes and the aroma of his pipe. The parents are gone now, but the stories and the emotions remain. I am so grateful for what they shared and what they taught.

I'd like to say that I absorbed it all then, but I didn't. When we used to hike into the mountains and came across some of the crashed Japanese planes, mostly pirated shells, I still didn't get it. When December Seventh was marked at school by people telling their personal experiences, I didn't get it. Oh, I heard it all. I believed it all. I just didn't get it.

It wasn't until I was older and watched the world and global politics that I saw it, that I truly understood the lesson he was trying to teach all those years ago. On September Eleventh, one of the first thoughts I had was of standing in the Arizona Memorial with Puna and hearing his words.

I hope Americans have the resolve to fight for our country as we did in 1941, but I fear for us, now, more than ever.

Wednesday Hero ~ SFC Paul Ray Smith

SFC. Paul Ray Smith
33 years old from Tampa, Florida
Bravo Company, 11th Engineer Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division

April 4, 2003

When you think of the word Hero, SFC. Paul Smith is the person you think about.

On April 4, 2003, Smith was setting up a temporary enemy prisoner of war holding area during the seizure of Saddam International Airport when his unit came under attack.

Smith kept his soldiers focused during the fight while engaging the Iraqi force of around 100 men with his M16, a hand grenade and an AT4 anti-armor weapon.

Smith tossed a grenade over a wall then he climbed atop the armored vehicle. Disregarding personal danger, he sprayed the attacking troops with .50-caliber machine gun fire. According to the Army, he told a soldier who accompanied him to "feed me ammunition whenever you hear the gun get quiet." He fired more than 300 rounds at the enemy before being mortally wounded himself.

For his action on that day, SFC. Smith was posthumously awarded the Medal Of Honor by President Bush,

becoming only the 3,459 serviceman to be awarded the honor since the Civil War.

His "conspicuous gallantry, above and beyond the call of duty," according to his citation, protected the soldiers in his platoon as well as other troops at an aid station nearby.

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 Partcipating In Wednesday Hero

Yankee Mom
Bear Creek Ledger
Mail Call! Supporting The Troops
Yeah, Right, Whatever
CrosSwords
Gazing At The Flag
Gawfer
Ohio Military Reserve
DeMediacratic Nation
My Point
A Day In The Life Of.....
Blue Star Chronicles
Prying1
Pet's Garden Blog
Pictures From My World
Freedom, GUNZ, Glory and EBYJO
Gunz Up
Screw Liberals
Did You Ever Get The Feeling
A Rose By Any Other Name
My Weekly Thoughts
Rightwing Guy
Trying My Best To Support The Troops
American And Proud
Maryannaville
Hooah Wife & Friends
Right-Wing & Right Minded

Previous Posts on SFC Paul Ray Smith

I have posted tributes to SPC Paul Ray Smith in the past. He should never be forgotten.

http://gazingattheflag.blogspot.com/2006/09/sfc-paul-ray-smith-medal-of-honor.html

http://gazingattheflag.blogspot.com/2006/09/honor-for-medal-of-honor-recipient.html

With your help, Merry Christmas to our soldiers!!

You can also leave a written message of support at You Tube!
H/T Yankeemom www.Yankeemom.com

Bringing Music to the Troops!

Operation Happy Note

Operation Happy Note is a vlounteer effort to send musical instruments to our deployed troops around the world.

Steve and Barb Baker from Fergus Music in Minnesota started Operation Happy Note after their son was deployed to Iraq. They had sent him a guitar and then a buddy wanted one. These soldiers were so pleased with having these instruments over there that Steve and Barb wanted to find a way to get more instruments to our troops, hence “Operation Happy Note”. In the last year we have sent 36 guitars, 4 mandolins, a banjo, 3 ukuleles, dozens of harmonicas, tambourines, extra strings, picks, guitar straps and books. “ We can’t stop now!” says Barb just because her son is now back home with his family. There are just too many requests that keep coming in, these soldiers need the joy that music brings to them.


To request an instrument for deployed troops or to donate to the cause, please visit their website.

Ukes for Troops

Ukes for Troops is another organization started by a military Mom, Anita Coyoli-Cullen. She and her partner, Shirley Orlando, send Ukeleles and beginning play books to the deployed troops. To request instruments for troops or donate to their cause, please visit their website.

Harlem Globetrotters Visit the Troops

Harlem Globetrotters

Visit the Troops

Photos: Sgt. Sarah Scully,

40th Public Affairs Detachment

The Harlem Globetrotters, in their signature red, white and blue, are on a 21-day tour of the Middle East, with many 'meet and greets' and games to be played in Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Djibouti, and a game aboard an aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf.

"These brave men and women put their lives on the line daily so that we may enjoy all the freedoms we have," said Globetrotters Chairman and CEO Mannie Jackson. "They embody the American spirit, and we consider it a privilege to provide them with a little taste of home and enjoyment during the holidays."

At their game at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, hundreds of soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines watched the Globetrotters do their famed comedy and basketball at the Zone 1 gym. It was standing room only as the Globetrotters defeated the opposition.

As a child, I had the opportunity to see the Harlem Globetrotters, starring Meadowlark Lemon. It was a memorable event and I have never forgotten the happiness and joy that they share. What a nice gift for them to give to out troops!

A Voice for Iraqi Women

Radio Gives Women

a Voice in Iraq

A woman from Halabja broadcasts a song that blends Spanish flamenco rhythms with Kurdish words. Her first job outside the home gives her independence and a public voice.

After suffering decades of oppression, the Kurdish city of Halabja can now hear the sounds of freedom through a new radio station supported by USAID and operated by local women. The independent radio station, which is devoted to women's programming, has quickly become the most popular in the city. Its founder joked that the station is not popular only because it has the clearest signal in the city. Rather, people like it "because we are independent," she explained. "There are no political parties associated with it and no foreign powers guiding or dictating it." The station has no director: the all-female staff elects a three-person directing committee from among themselves to design the programs.

For Halabja, this new found freedom of expression stands in stark contrast to the past. When Saddam Hussein attacked Kurdish populations with chemical and biological weapons, Halabja was hit especially hard. Those who survived the attacks remember March 16, 1998 as the worst day in the city's history.

Started in June 2005, the station began by playing music, but is increasingly moving towards radio formats that give women a voice in public life. It has obtained a talk show license and the staff is currently writing programs to educate women on political issues such as constitutional rights, as well as subjects that are not usually discussed openly, such as family planning. The station also plans to introduce an off-the-air hot line where women can call in to discuss solutions to their problems.

The 15 or so women who accepted a job outside their homes to work at the radio said their goal is to serve women and address the problems they face. "Before the radio station, I didn't have anything, not even my self-confidence," said a woman in her twenties who serves on the station's directing committee. "I now give my knowledge and experience to other women and help them emerge from their houses and discover themselves."

The radio station is one of nearly 4,000 community development programs that USAID has implemented throughout Iraq.

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Telling Our Story from USAID

Murdered Marine Gives Life After Death

Some stories get ignored when they shouldn't be. This is one of them.

Marine Cpl. Brian Matthews, 21, and his date Jennifer Bower, 24, were murdered by a drunk driver Thanksgiving night. Cpl Matthews was stationed at Camp Pendelton and had served seven months in Ramadi, Iraq. His mother said, "This came at a time when I was least worried."

He was admired by his fellow Marines, "He was a perfectionist Marine."

His fellow Marines are distraught over his senseless death. "It's more anger than anything. A guy goes to war and has no problems with that. He comes back to the United States, and it's supposed to be our safe place," said Cpl. Garrett Farris.

Shortly before Thanksgiving, Cpl. Matthews signed an organ donor form. This final act of selflessness helped six people live better lives.

Remember the honor and the goodness of Cpl. Brian Matthews and the evil of his killer.

The driver, Eduardo Raul Moreles-Soriano, had a blood alcohol level of .32. The legal limit in Maryland is .08. He was uninjured in the crash. He has been charged with two counts of manslaughter while intoxicated, driving while under the influence, and two counts of homicide with a motor vehicle. He is an illegal alien who had a valid driver's license... thank you, South Carolina for the legal driver's license and thank you US Congress for not securing our border and dealing with this problem. Moreles-Soriano was released on a previous drunk driving charge in February... thank you, Maryland - looks like the police and the prosecutors really messed up badly. I hope you get life, but I don't hold out much hope. You stole something precious from all of us.

Blogger Down - Send Good Wishes

Blogger Daniel, at Fight the Good Fight, has been in a pretty serious accident. He is doing better and healing, though it will take some time. To see his x-ray (isn't technology grand) and leave him a get well message, go to http://navytownusa.blogspot.com/

American Heroes

New Series on FOX NEWS

First Episode Airs:

Friday, Special Report, 6pm/3am EST (3pm/Midnight PST)

Saturday, Studio B Weekend, 3pm EST (Noon PST)

To read more: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,233625,00.html

Alaska Stryker Brigade Homecoming!!!!

Welcome Home,

Arctic Wolves!!!!!

After 16 months in Iraq, the 172nd Stryker Brigade is returning to home bases Camp Wainwright and Camp Richardson, Alaska. The flights began arriving after Thanksgiving and will continue through December 5 to bring the 3,720 soldiers home.

Five Silver Stars were awarded to Arctic Wolves soldiers and the unit received the Valorous Unit Award from General George C. Casey. Twenty-six members were lost.

This unit of soldiers went above and beyond for our country. We wish them well and hope that they have a very Merry Christmas at home with their families.

God Bless You and Thank you, all!!!!!

Is It Worth It?

Chaplain (1st Lt) Raymond Leach
Task Force IRON Chaplain
From the November 17, 2006 of Desert Bulls

Sometimes we wonder if this military effort in Iraq is worth it. There's nothing like traveling down the highways and freeways in Iraq in the back of a HUMVEE for ten hours, or twelve hours, or fifteen hours like the trip I took today from CKV (Camp Korean Village) back 'home' at Al Asad Airbase to get a chance to think a lot about why we are here. When we are faced with the tragedy of losing Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen and others supporting our efforts around us, we wonder all the more. Is this really worth the sacrifice?

I met a Turkish man who is working here at Al Asad, and he began telling me his story. His brother and other family members have been killed for no reason at all. He is happy that he has a chance to work here and earn an honest living where things are 'safe.' He doesn't especially relish the idea of having to travel the roads to earn a living, and he doesn't feel safe in the cities. That is because it isn't safe. Pirates roam the highways and byways. Terrorists drag innocent people out of their homes and kill the in the streets of the cities without a second thought. Is our presence here really worth it? Ahmed thinks it is!

Yesterday at Trebil I visited with some men who are driving trucks for us, delivering supplies from Jordan to Al Asad and back. These men are Dominicans, Spanish-speaking mend who wear crosses and are very religious. They are Christians working in an Islamic culture. They told us that they cam right after 9/11 in response to the terrorist attacks. They wanted to help, and this is the only way they could think of doing so. The are persecuted by the other drivers, because they are different. They have things stolen. They are jeered. But they stay, because they are our brothers. Is our presence in Iraq worth all the sacrifice? These men believe it is , and daily put their lives and well-being on the line to join us in our efforts.

I would never say this is a holy war. I couldn't even tell you exactly why we are in Iraq. There are certainly any number of nations across the globe that find themselves terrorized by dictators, held in oppression, in need of a superpower to set them free. Why are we here and not there? I don't have all the answers. I do know this. For we as Americans, living in a very wealthy nation where even our poorest are better off than three-fifths of the rest of the world, where eating out of the dumpster would be considered a feast by over two billion of our human sisters and brothers, it is good for us to be here, making a sacrifice on behalf of the downtrodden and impoverished. I would go so far as to say that it is a godly thing we do, perhaps the most godly thing we have done as a nation for some time. I believe that God gives resources and power to someone with the expectation that he or she will use those gifts to better the lives of others. How would God feel if God looked down on us and saw us hoarding this resources to ourselves, unwilling to step out and risk our personal comfort and safety to help widows and orphans stand up to the bullies and criminals on the block? I think God would be very disappointed, if not angry.

Is it all worth it? YES. Without a doubt. To sacrifice is to find the true meaning of life in this troubled world. Sacrifice brings a new perspective, one that does not take so many things for granted. A time of sacrifice leads one to welcome and embrace the comforts and safety of our great nation with a more grateful heart. Sacrifice develops character, and a greater willingness to help others rather than live a self-serving and ultimately unfulfilling life. This is a good thing we are doing. We are making a positive difference. It is worth it!

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I read the Redbull Newsletter and found this piece to be especially moving as the debate about what we are doing in Iraq escalates. You can visit their site at www.redbullweb.com