SFC Richard Henkes

Farewell, SFC Richard Henkes

Another soldier from Oregon has passed from this life into the next. Whenever we loose any soldier, I grieve, but I promised myself I would pay tribute to each Oregonian. By doing so, I get a glimpse of who they were, and the grieving is even deeper.

September 3, 2006, in Mosul, Iraq, a roadside bomb claimed the life of SFC Richard Henkes, age 33. He was attached to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Washington. This was his second deployment to Iraq. He had been there in 2003.

SFC Henkes grew up in Boring, Oregon and was a graduate of Clackamas High School, where he ran track and wrestled. His passion was snowboarding.

His sister, Army Captain Linda Bass, said, "He loved what he was doing, and he was very, very good at what he did. It's what he knew and believed in. He believed in serving his country and doing something that would have a positive effect. He believed he was doing something for the greater good." She added that he believed in the mission in Iraq.

Capt. Bass will fly to Dover Air Force Base to accompany her brother's body home as his official military escort.

SFC Henkes is survived by his five year old daughter, Isabel, his parents and four sisters and two brothers.

In searching for information about SFC Richard Henkes, I found this very moving piece here. A brief excerpt:

"I watched brave men and women wage a battle to save a man's life this past Sunday morning. As I stood there, I hoped and prayed that the soldier would somehow pull through. My prayers were futile; the injury to his head was too severe. Not long after he came into the emergency room, he passed into eternity."

Please read it. You will be touched by the warmth and love that surrounds our fallen in the field.

Traveling, and Home Again!

I just had a busy and interesting weekend. I flew to Colorado Springs/Pueblo for a business trip. Then, I had the joy of staying with a friend for a few days. I learned much, experienced much, and enjoyed observing different things.

On the trip out, I had the joy of sitting next to a man who was headed to "Parent's Weekend" at the Air Force Academy. We had a wonderful conversation about his daughter - in her second year at the Academy - and, his pride in her could have powered the plane! I shared some of my experiences with the wonderful people in service to our country. We agreed, 100%, that the young people serving our country are the finest we have. When we deplaned, I asked him to thank his daughter for me for her service to our country, and he got tears in his eyes.

The friend I stayed with was a pen pal during her deployment to Iraq. She was stationed in Mosul in 2003-4. We wrote letters, emailed, and, of course, care packages!!! We became quite close, and last year I was invited to her wedding. This year, her husband is in Iraq. So, I write letters and email and send care packages to him, too! We visited her neighbor and her new baby - Dad is in Afghanistan, and has yet to see the baby. I sat and watched and listened as these ladies held down the home front and lived for the brief communications from the war zone. They are never very far from the cell phone or the computer - waiting for that call or email or chance to chat. When the phone rings, their eyes light up when the display tells them who it is. The joy on their faces is priceless. Many people support the troops, but few know the families that are left at home. It is seemingly endless waiting. It is pride. It is hope. It is pushing worry to the farthest recesses of their minds. I also got to watch the community that they become with one another. My friend needed some help with the lawn, and a neighbor stepped in. A father of a deployed soldier came to fix the toilet. They have created their own support system. It is amazing to watch. They carry the concern and helpfulness that America used to have in its neighborhoods. They haven't forgotten how to care about one another.

On the way home, I got stopped by security for an extra search. I'm 5' tall, fair, blond and 54 years old. Nope, in case you are worried, we aren't profiling!! When they were finally finished with me, I thanked them for doing their job and keeping us all safe. They looked at me like I should be locked up.

The plane was full of parents returning from parents weekend. They were easily identifiable, as they were all carrying bags from the Air Force Academy. It was a joy to watch. New friendships had been formed, enthusiasm and pride filled the air. They were anxious to share their stories and brag about their kids!

After connections were delayed, I finally got home! Waiting for me were several letters from my current pen pals.

I will never serve in the military. I will never be part of their special family. But, I will always be grateful for those I know, who allow me a glimpse of who they are, who allow me to briefly share in their lives. They are our shining stars.

Honor for Medal of Honor Recipient

David Smith displays his father's Medal of Honor as Birgit Smith addresses the audience during a dedication ceremony of the Paul R. Smith Middle School in Holiday, Fla., August 25. Smith died in combat April 4, 2003, as he fought off Iraqi attackers near Baghdad International Airport. He received the Medal of Honor posthumously April 4, 2005.

Photo by Master Sgt. Steve Valley

Middle School dons name of Medal of Honor Recipient
By Master Sgt. Steve Valley August 29, 2006

HOLIDAY, Fla.(Army News Service, Aug. 29, 2006) –

What began last year as a suggestion by retired Maj. Gen Fred Raymond, cam full circle last Friday during a dedication ceremony of the new Paul R. Smith Middle School in Holiday, Florida.
More than 500 family, friends, Soldiers, veterans, legislators, county officials and students were present.

Raymond recommended to the Pasco County School Board in September 2005 that the new school be named after Medal of Honor recipient Sergeant 1st Class Paul R. Smith. Smith’s parents, widow and two children live in Holiday, and his 12-year old son David is now a student at the school that bears his father’s name.

“I told the board members that students could learn a lot about courage, selflessness, and service to country and community from Paul Smith's example,” said Raymond. “Paul Smith is an outstanding role model for Pasco County students.”

Smith died in combat April 4, 2003, as he fought off Iraqi attackers near Baghdad International Airport. His actions saved the lives of at least 100 Soldiers, caused the failure of a deliberate enemy attack hours after Soldiers seized the airport, and resulted in an estimated 20-50 enemy soldiers killed, according to the official Medal of Honor narrative.

Smith received the Medal of Honor posthumously during a White House ceremony April 4, 2005. Smith. He served in B Company, 11th Engineer Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division.U.S.

Representative Michael Bilirakis, R-9th District, presented the school a U.S. flag that flew over the U.S. capitol. Col. Mark McKnight, 3rd Inf. Div. chief of staff, presented a framed plaque of the Smith’s official Medal of Honor narrative.

“I’m hoping students here will want to learn more about the man whose name graces this school,” said Smith’s wife Birgit.

SFC Paul Ray Smith ~ Medal of Honor Recipient

The Medal of Honor

SFC Paul Ray Smith

When I read that a school had been named in honor of SFC Paul Ray Smith, I was overjoyed. While I think this is a relatively small thing, it does assure us that a handful of school children will learn the story of one of the best and the brightest, a true hero, who sacrificed his life to allow them to live in peace and freedom. Perhaps his legacy will inspire these young people to aspire to more.

We are a nation that misuses our language. The word HERO, for instance. How often do we hear that misused? Far too often for me. A football player is not a hero for catching a pass. A movie actor is not a hero for acting in a movie. A singer is not a hero for having an album go gold. They are people who are overpaid and over worshipped, but they are not heroes.

Recently, a friend, and former Marine, was helping his daughter with her homework. She had to read the newspaper every day and write a report on a "hero" of her choice, that she found in the news. Each day they would go through the paper looking for a story about a hero. Each day, they wouldn't find anything. This was because our friend had a totally different definition of hero than the teacher did. His daughter finally wrote her paper on what a hero was to her, and how rare they really were. It was a great paper! Perhaps the children at the Paul Ray Smith School will learn the same lesson. We must celebrate these rare people who are heroes. We must never forget them.

HERO - Any man noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose; especially one who has risked or sacrificed his life. (From the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language)

SFC Paul Ray Smith was a hero. He gave the ultimate sacrifice to rescue and protect his men. He went beyond what most of us would even think of doing. In the process, he sacrificed his life for them. He was a man who had much to live for - a husband, a father, a son, a brother, and a brother in arms.

His awards are many:
Medal of Honor, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal (4OLC), Army Achievement Medal (5OLC), Good Conduct Medal (3d award), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, South West Asia Service Medal(3 bronze stars), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal , Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Army NCO Professional Development Ribbon (2d award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (3d award), NATO Medal (Kosovo), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait), Valorous Unit Award, Army Superior Unit Award, German Marksmanship Badge, French Armed Forces Commando Badge.

There is a wonderful presentation on SFC Paul Ray Smith on the Army site.
If you have not read his Medal of Honor Citation, I would encourage you to.
For a presentation of the battlefield in which he lost his life, go to the Battlescape.
For videos about SFC Paul Ray Smith.


SFC Paul Ray Smith is my hero. I will NEVER forget him. I will never forget what he gave to me. I will never forget to thank him for the freedoms that I enjoy each day. God Bless you, SFC Paul Ray Smith.

Secretary Rumsfeld Visits Operation Give

There are many things that the American people can do to help our military during their deployments. We can write letters and send care packages and let them know we believe in them. We can also assist the organizations who are set up to assist the military while they are doing their jobs. One such organization is Operation Give.

Operation Give was started by Chief Warrant Officer, Paul Horton, known to blog readers as "Chief Wiggles", during the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom. It began as his readers sent boxes of stuffed animals for him to hand out to the Iraqi children. It has grown. It is now a humanitarian organization that ships toys, medicine, and educational supplies to children in war-torn and devastated nations throughout the world. Operation Give provides these items to the military so that they may do more outreach to the local populations. The "Operations" include: Operation Give Second Sight, Operation Clean Teeth, Operation Play Sports, Operation Joys with Toys, Operation Back to School, and more... It is run by volunteers and depends upon donations from Americans.

Paul Horton writes:

"Thousands of sincere, charitable people stepped forward with pure acts of kindness, donating wonderful items and money in order to bring happiness into the lives of thousands of Iraqi and Afghanistan children.

"Our US military men and women, with the help of numerous Iraqi and Afghanistan people, were able to deliver with love your generous gifts. Through these acts of kindness, made possible by all of you, they were able to build bridges of love and understanding. Consequently, our men and women in the military were able to make great strides towards our goal of winning the hearts and minds of the people they are fighting for. Through love and kindness we can all help build these bridges spanning misunderstandings, distrust, and hatred, that permeates the society of that part of the world. Through love we will find a way and the answers to our problems.

"Unfortunately, there are those who chose hatred as their answer and desire all free men and women to be in bondage or killed. There are evil forces that fight against democratic free rule, wanting only for their own power and position. For this reason we must continue to fight back to insure our own freedom. We must not back down or retreat to the safety of our own distant homes, for they are coming and they are relentless. We can only hope that the opportunity to let our true selves shine through will arise, enabling the people of these countries to see who we really are. We ask that all of you do what you can to help us now win the peace through your own acts of love and kindness."

Earlier this week, Secretary Rumsfeld paid a visit to the volunteers at Operation Give.



Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, center, meets with Operation Give volunteers and thanks them for their contributions during a stop in Salt Lake City, Utah, Aug. 29, 2006.
Photo by Staff Sgt. D. Myles Cullen, USAF

America Supports You: Rumsfeld Thanks Utah Volunteer Group

By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA American Forces Press Service

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Aug. 29, 2006 – Wrapping up a trip here that also included stops in Alaska and Reno, Nev., Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld met today with volunteers from “Operation Give,” a nonprofit organization that supports children in war-torn and natural-disaster-affected areas of the world.

“Those of you who volunteer your time are appreciated,” Rumsfeld told thevolunteers assembled in a warehouse. “(Your efforts) are appreciated not only in the countries where they end up helping, … but they’re also appreciated by your fellow citizens. It says a lot about our country. It’s a generous country; it’s probably the most generous country on the face of the earth.”

Operation Give is a member of the Defense Department’s “America Supports You” program, which highlights ways in which the American people and corporations are supporting the nation’s men and women in uniform. Operation Give facilitates the distribution of toys, clothing, medical supplies and other items to children in countries such as Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Iraq.

Before meeting the volunteers, Rumsfeld met privately with the parents of Marine Lance Cpl. Adam Galvez, who was killed in Iraq on Aug. 27. Galvez’s parents are Operation Give volunteers.

Volunteers busily packed boxes with supplies before Rumsfeld’s arrival. Rumsfeld shook hands with each volunteer and was given a tour and an explanation about how Operation Give works.

All the supplies sent by Operation Give are donated by people from across the country, explained Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer Paul Holton, Operation Give founder and president. The warehouse here is used as a sorting facility, and from there the boxes are shipped to the military in countries where they’re needed, he said. The military distributes most of the supplies donated by Operation Give, he said.

“Wherever there are people in crises, our idea is to get this stuff in the hands of the military, so they can build that bridge,”

Holton said. Holton, also known as “Chief Wiggles,” founded Operation Give in 2003. He served in the 1990-91 Gulf War and saw duty in Iraq from February 2003 to March 2004. Since 2003, Operation Give has shipped more than 35 40-foot container loads to Iraq and Afghanistan, five to Sri Lanka, and one to the Gulf Coast following Hurricane Katrina, Holton said.

Rumsfeld said the people in the areas receiving these supplies are always grateful, and the work Operation Give does goes a long way toward improving the U.S. image overseas. He also praised the America Supports You program, calling it a great way for people to learn how they can support the troops.

“So many people get on that Web site and see things other people are doing, and get excited to do things themselves,” he said.

Article from Defense Link

Book Review ~ Saving Babylon

I first met "Chief Wiggles" through his blog - written from the beginning of the war in Iraq. It was an interesting and insightful account of his experiences during the war. "Chief Wiggles" is Paul Horton. Paul, a chief warrant officer in the Utah National Guard, is also the founder of Operation Give, a humanitarian organization that ships toys, medicine, and educational supplies to children in war-torn and devastated nations throughout the world. His book, Saving Babylon, The Heart of an Army Interrogator in Iraq, is a journal of his experiences in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Saving Babylon will make you laugh and make you cry. It is a wonderful journey, and I was quite glad to take it. This is the firsthand account of an Army interrogator who worked hand-in-hand with Iraqis at all levels in building a new nation. Saving Babylon is a must-read for every American. You will learn what the media refuse to report.

I strongly recommend this book.

A Final Farewell from the Marines

These are the pictures from the Memorial Service in Rawah, Iraq for Cpl Adam A Galvez, LCpl Randy Newman and Hospitalman Chadwick T. Kenyon.


Lance Cpl. Daniel J. Martinez, a 20-year-old Marine from Bay City, Mich., pays his final respects to three fallen comrades – two Marines and a Navy corpsman – during a memorial service Aug. 26, 2006, at the Marines’ outpost in Rawah, Iraq. Cpl. Adam A. Galvez, a 21-year-old from Salt Lake City, Utah; Lance Cpl. Randy L. Newman, a 21-year-old from Bend, Ore., and Hospitalman Chadwick T. Kenyon, a 20-year-old from Tucson, Ariz., were all killed in action Aug. 20. All three men were part of the battalion’s Company D, which spent three months living out of their eight-wheeled, armored troop carriers – Light Armored Vehicles – combating insurgents and roadside bombs in Fallujah earlier this year. The deaths of the three men came on the heels of the deaths of four other Marines from the very same platoon within Company D. During all of their exploits in eastern Al Anbar Province, no one from Company D was killed. All six of the battalion’s deaths occurred during combat operations in this region of western Al Anbar Province. “They were Dragoon’s warriors. They were real warriors,” said 1st Sgt. Willie T. Ward III, of Galvez, Kenyon and Newman during the ceremony. “They were Wolf Pack. They were my brothers. I loved them.”
Photo by: Staff Sgt. Jim Goodwin
Photo ID: 200682795938
Submitting Unit: 1st Marine DivisionPhoto
Date:08/26/2006

Sgt. Levi S. Presmyk, a 23-year-old Marine rifleman from Camp Verde, Ariz., pays his final respects to three fallen comrades – two Marines and a Navy corpsman – during a memorial service Aug. 26, 2006, at the Marines’ outpost in Rawah, Iraq. Cpl. Adam A. Galvez, a 21-year-old from Salt Lake City, Utah; Lance Cpl. Randy L. Newman, a 21-year-old from Bend, Ore., and Hospitalman Chadwick T. Kenyon, a 20-year-old from Tucson, Ariz., were all killed in action Aug. 20. All three men were part of the battalion’s Company D, which spent three months living out of their eight-wheeled, armored troop carriers – Light Armored Vehicles – combating insurgents and roadside bombs in Fallujah earlier this year. The deaths of the three men came on the heels of the deaths of four other Marines from the very same platoon within Company D. During all of their exploits in eastern Al Anbar Province, no one from Company D was killed. All six of the battalion’s deaths occurred during combat operations in this region of western Al Anbar Province. “They were Dragoon’s warriors. They were real warriors,” said 1st Sgt. Willie T. Ward III, of Galvez, Kenyon and Newman during the ceremony. “They were Wolf Pack. They were my brothers. I loved them.”

Photo by: Staff Sgt Jim Goodwin

For the entire story of the service and more pictures, go here.

LCpl Randy Newman, Valiant Warrior

LCpl Randy Lee Newman, USMC

May 25, 1985 - August 20, 2006

A strong and valiant warrior

When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said,

"The LORD is with you, mighty warrior."

Judges 6:12 (New International Version)

I had the honor of attending the memorial service for Randy Newman. It was a moving celebration of his life and his love.

The orders were read for his two Purple Hearts, and they were presented to his parents.

We were welcomed into the love and warmth of his family. I did not know Randy, but I have learned so much about him in the past week, that I miss him. He was of the finest among us. His parents shared their photos of him, their stories, their love and some of his letters. Friends shared their fondest memories. His wrestling coaches and JROTC instructors spoke of Randy - his determination, strength, kindness, leadership, citizenship. One of the most touching speeches was from a high school classmate, now a Marine Cpl, who spoke of the friendship he and Randy had in school, and the bond that they had as Marines. This young man has served two tours in Iraq. He thanked the Patriot Guard for being there, then promised them and us that the Marines would always stand between us and our enemies - "we are not leaving" he promised. Randy's best friend is deployed in Afghanistan. He sent a most moving letter to be read.

A Marine color guard presented and retired the colors. The bagpipe and drum corp played. His pastor, Dan LeLaCheur, shared about Randy's faith and his love for family, life, friends, country, Corps and God. We laughed and we cried.

Whatever else we felt, we felt the terrible burden of freedom - it is not free - and, Randy paid the ultimate price for all of us.

My prayers are with the Newman family and friends. May God's Peace be with you.

My eternal gratitude that we have such fine young people in this country who are willing to protect us and defend us, and through living the best life, teach us how to be better people and better Americans.

********************************************
To leave a message for Randy's family, you can visit his Legacy pages.

The Galvez Family Speaks Out

Family Urges War Support
by Matthew D. LaPlante, Salt Lake City Tribune

Many in her country had turned against the war. The mayor of her city was organizing a protest against the president. And the insurgents in Iraq, Amy Galvez feared, were growing bolder by the day.

Galvez decided she had heard enough.

Hoping her words might persuade those who support the president, the war and the troops in Iraq to assemble in a great demonstration of patriotism and support, Galvez sat at her computer and began to type.

"My son, who is a resident of Salt Lake City, is now in Iraq," she wrote in an e-mail to The Salt Lake Tribune on Sunday. "American lives have been lost in this war because the enemy has been emboldened by our own words, actions and lack of support for our own mission."

Galvez was still sitting at her computer when she heard a car door close outside her northwest Salt Lake City home. Peering through the window, she saw two Marines coming up the walk.

Adam Galvez, 21, was killed Sunday in Iraq's volatile Al Anbar province in a roadside bomb attack that claimed the life of two other members of his battalion.

His death, the 2,607th U.S. fatality confirmed by the Department of Defense, comes as his hometown is bracing for the arrival of President Bush, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who are scheduled to address the national convention of the American Legion next week at the Salt Palace Convention Center.

The city's mayor, Rocky Anderson, has pledged to protest the visit and has invited Cindy Sheehan, a prominent war protester who lost her son in Iraq, to speak at an anti-war demonstration.

Inside her home, now adorned by a flag at half-staff, on Tuesday, Amy Galvez said she was more determined than ever to ensure the mission for which her son fought and died is supported back home.

"I don't want Cindy Sheehan and Rocky Anderson to be the only voices the world hears," Galvez said Tuesday evening from the living room of her home in northwest Salt Lake City, not far from the airport where Air Force One is scheduled to touch down next week. "I want our voices to be heard. I want the world to know that our troops are wonderful."

And, she said, she wants people to know that her son made a choice to serve his country and was proud of his mission in Iraq.

The day after Adam Galvez was killed, family members were given a copy of a letter, written to a close friend, in which the Marine confirmed his support for the war in Iraq, Galvez's parents said.

That support remained, they said, even after Adam Galvez - trained as a mechanic but often assigned to patrols of Anbar's dangerous streets - stood above the rubble of a U.S. military post struck by a suicide bomber and listened as, one by one, the voices of several fellow Marines fell silent.

Galvez told his parents he was suffering from nightmares about the July 29 attack, in which he was injured and four others were killed.

Still, the parents said, their son remained confident that his mission was just.

And Tony Galvez said he had remained confident his son, the second of three children in the Galvez family, would return home safely.

"I had no doubt he was coming home," the grieving father said. "It never crossed my mind that he wouldn't come home."

Adam Galvez, who attended West High School and the Horizonte Instruction and Training Center, where he graduated in 2003, was due back from Iraq next month.

But Tony Galvez also believed, as his wife did, that the insurgents his son was fighting were growing more dangerous. And he, too, believes that those who question the justness of the war have gone too far.

"You can't support the troops but be against the war," he said. "It just doesn't work." mlaplante@sltrib.com



The following is the text of an e-mail to The Salt Lake Tribune from Amy Galvez. The letter was written just hours before she learned her son, Adam, had been killed in Iraq. Adam was killed in the same attack that claimed the lives of LCpl Randy Newman of Bend, Oregon, and Hospitalman Chadwick T. Kenyon, 20, of Tucson, Arizona

From: Amy Galvez
To: mlaplante@sltrib.com
Subject: Mayor Anderson and Cindy Sheehan
Date: Sun, 20 Aug 2006 14:00:02 -0700 (PDT)

Once again, it is time for the voices of military families to be heard. As the time approaches for Mayor Rocky Anderson, joined by Cindy Sheehan, to raise their voices and denounce the job my son and other servicemen are doing, I cannot remain silent. I understand that many people do not support the war in Iraq, the global war on terror. Many would rather wait until something happens here at home and deal with it then. That is fine to have that opinion. What is not fine, is an elected official speaking to the world and condemning the job our service men and women are doing. But, it hits closer to home than that. My son, who is a resident of Salt Lake City, is now in Iraq. He was sent there by the United States to do a job. The Mayor of Salt Lake City will grab headlines by speaking out against the job my son, a resident of his city, is doing. I know that Mayor Anderson says he supports the troops but not the war. You cannot say you support the troops and tell the world that what they are doing is wrong. Mayor Anderson's words will play worldwide. This will be seen on Aljazeera TV and throughout the communities where America is hated. I believe that the words of Mayor Anderson, as well as other elected officials who speak out against our military and their mission, in essence, give support and momentum to the enemy. This, in turn, puts the lives or our sons, fighting on our behalf, in greater jeopardy. I heard it appropriately put by Tammy Bruce, who said "when you make the world mad at the Marines, it is easier to kill them." My belief is that American lives have been lost in this war because the enemy has been emboldened by our own words, actions and lack of support for our own mission. America will always be hated by many throughout the world. That won't change. Regardless of your politics, supporting our military, who is mostly made up of very young American volunteers, should be our foremost concern. Mayor Anderson should go before the cameras and say thank you to every American troop, especially those from Salt Lake, for their heroic duty instead of undermining their efforts.

Amy Galvez, Proud American and Very Proud Marine Mom

**************************
Both articles are from the Salt Lake City Tribune

Video Tribute from Mark Lee's Service and the Protest

Oregon Community Says Goodbye to a Hero video

The Salem-News.com filmed the memorial service for Mark Lee, Navy Seal in Hood River. This is a moving tribute to him.

The news article can be found here.

Kansas Hate Group Drowned Out in Oregon video

The Salem-News.com filmed the Phelps Hate-Group prior to the service for Mark Lee. If you have been curious about them, you can see them at the above link.

While they are disgusting, it is quite moving to see the Patriot Guard Riders, the lone Bagpipe player, and to listen to the love coming from MJ Kesterson. She 'is the mom of Blackhawk helicopter pilot Erik Kesterson who was killed in Mosul, Iraq in 2003. She said it was outrageous that anyone would fail to see the sacrifice her son and Marc Lee had made, “They wore those uniforms with pride. I’m extremely proud of my son for serving his country.”'

The news article can be found here.

Soldiers Become Firefighters in the Northwest

In another unique way, the Army and the National Guard have come to protect and defend us. They have traded in their ACU's for the Yellow Shirts of the firefighters, their helmets for yellow hardhats. They are helping all of us in a special way.

I took the above picture of the Black Crater Fire an hour after it started. It went on to burn almost 10,000 acres, barely sparing the small town of Sisters, Oregon. It is now part of the Black Crater Complex of fires that have burned almost 20,000 acres. After several weeks, these fires are still burning.

The West has had a terrible year for fire. Much of it has been in wilderness areas, so the MSM doesn't report it. They only report fires when they threaten homes, and once that is resolved, they leave the impression that the fires are out. But, they aren't. The 10 year average for fires is 56,902 fires over 4,508,285 acres. As of today, there have been 78,505 fires over 7,576,076 acres. This has stressed the wildland firefighting resources. When resources are stressed, the Army and the National Guard are called in to help!

A 550-Soldier unit from Fort Lewis, Washington, was deployed August 14 to fight the Tripod Complex fire near Winthrop, Washington. The Tripod Complex fire has burned nearly 200 square miles of forest since it was sparked by lightning in July. It is only 40% contained.

Steve O'Brien, operations officer, points out the similarities of fighting a fire to military operations. "The fire has flanks, and firefighters use trenches, pincer movements and try to outmaneuver and envelop the fire. The ground force is just one side of it - we have engines, helicopter attack and smoke jumpers (air drop firefighters), so it's very similar to a military operation."

John Bruce, from U.S. Army North headquarters, observes, "It is not just throwing water on a fire. The logistics that go into fighting the fire and the planning that is conducted every night for the next day is very intensive. It's as thorough as any war-gaming I've seen in the Army."

This is the first year since 2003 that the fire center has requested a military battalion. Every year, National Guard aircraft are used for air tankers. Since June 2006, National Guard tankers have completed more than 200 retardant drops on wildfires. Currently, Defense assets supporting wildland firefighting are 550 soldiers from Fort Lewis, Washington and 4 Air National Guard C-130's with MAFFS.

Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns paid a great compliment to the military. "When you call in the military, you get dedication to the mission. It's just outstanding to work with them."

Much gratitude to the Army and the National Guard for protecting us in yet another way! You are all heroes to us! Thank you!!!!!

Soldiers in Task Force Blaze stand at attention during a pre-deployment ceremony at Fort Lewis, Wash., Aug. 13, 2006. About 500 Fort Lewis Soldiers are supporting the National Interagency Fire Center in putting out wildfires in the northern Washington region.
Photo by Spc. Laura M. Bigenho, 28th Public Affairs Detachment

A bus carrying Soldiers from Fort Lewis, Wash., arrives at Fort Tripod, north of Winthrop, Wash. About 500 Fort Lewis Soldiers are supporting the National Interagency Fire Center in putting out wildfires in the northern Washington region in August 2006.
Photo courtesy 28th Public Affairs Detachment

Staff Sgt. Justin Burns (left) and other Soldiers from fire team 9 use Pulaski tools to break up a burning root system during their first day of firefighting. Embers flaring up and causing small hot spot fires are one of many dangers the Soldiers in Northern Washington face on the fireline as they battle the Tripod Complex Fire that has burned through 100,000 acres. About 500 Soldiers from Fort Lewis, Wash., are supporting the National Interagency Fire Center in putting out wildfires in the northern Washington region in August 2006.
Photo by Spc. Abel Trevino, 28th Public Affairs Detachment

MAFFS (Military Airborne Firefighting System) - Drop of retardant by an Air National Guard C-130

For more information: NorthCom Wildfire Page

For more pictures: NorthCom Pictures

Memorial for Navy Seal, Mark Lee

On Saturday, August 26, Petty Officer 2nd, Mark Lee, Navy Seal, was remembered in his hometown of Hood River, Oregon. He is the first from the Navy's elite commando force to die in Iraq. Mark lost his life on August 2, 2006.

Oregonians showed up en masse to celebrate his life and pay their respects. Unfortunately, the dispicable from Westborough showed up to spew their filth. However, the Patriot Guard Riders and other shielded the family and friends from their display.


Mark Lee and the Patriot Guard Riders
-Mike Francis, The Oregonian

I've always admired the Patriot Guard Riders -- the platoons of motorcycle-riding veterans who appear at the funerals of young men and women killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. And it was wonderful to see them today. They did the Lee family a great service, and they were recognized in a way that I haven't seen before.

Marc Lee was a Navy SEAL, killed while saving friends in his platoon while under fire in Ramadi, Iraq. His funeral service in San Diego was well-attended, including by members of his platoon who since have returned to Iraq. But the family wanted to have a memorial service to Marc in Hood River, too.

It was a perfect Gorge day today, with no clouds and just a light wind. The Port of Hood River Expo Center drew hundreds of friends and well-wishers, from Rep. Greg Walden to a pack of Scouts. They were there to honor and remember Marc Lee. And sadly, so were four shrews from Topeka, Kan., where a congregation has decided that the deaths of soldiers are God's punishment on America for tolerating homosexuality.

I don't want to make more of their small protest than it was -- four loud women with offensive signs. It is indecent of them to do what they do -- travel to the funerals of fallen soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines -- but surely, at some level, they understand that.

The Patriot Guard Riders turned out in force. They held flags and stood guard along the sidewalk leading to the Expo Center. They were strong and gentle, showing no anger (at least that I saw) and even saying, as one protester chanted nearby, "Make sure she doesn't get hurt.

"When the service began inside, the protesters packed and left. But the Patriot Guard remained, hearing the tributes and prayers focused on Marc Lee and the Lee family. One speaker, Marc Lee's brother in law, singled them out for praise, saying the family valued their own service in an earlier war, and thanking them for attending today.

The gathered friends erupted in applause, and the ovation was sustained for a long minute, while the Riders hung at the back of the hall and outside the doors.

At the end of the service, I saw nothing I've never seen before: Marc's widow, brother and other members of the family walking the lines of flag-holding Riders, shaking each of their hands and saying thanks.

For the Vietnam vets who came home to indifference and hostility, it was a meaningful show of gratitude. It was a small act of healing that both generations need.

One Marc Lee story from the service: He grew up in Hood River loving soccer. Some of the pictures shown today were from a match between his SEAL platoon and some Iraqi Army soldiers, on a dusty pitch surrounded by Hesco barriers. Marc clearly was an active player. The family pastor, Doug Iverson, told a story from the SEALS, who said they had never beaten the Iraqis in soccer ... until Marc Lee arrived. In a match won by the SEALS, Marc scored three of the five goals. They scheduled a rematch, but Marc didn't live to see it. At the service in San Diego, his soccer shoes and a soccer ball he had ordered were on display.

Read more here - http://gazingattheflag.blogspot.com/2006/08/video-tribute-from-mark-lees-service.html

Talking with Heroes - August 27

Sunday Night Talk Show Time
August 27, 2006
5pm (PST) 6pm (MST) 7pm (CST) 8pm (EST)
http://www.talkingwithheroes.com/

or available to listen to streaming or download for podcast at anytime after the show

Karen Fisher
http://www.familiesunitedmission.com/

Karen Fisher's husband, Sgt. Paul Fisher, died in November 2003 when his Chinook helicopter was shot down by a missile over Fallujah, Iraq. Paul was with the Iowa Army National Guard in Davenport.

Mrs. Fisher says, "We do not get to choose how we leave this world, but we do get to choose how we live our life while we are here. And for the people like my husband Paul, the military was a life he chose. He volunteered to put his life on the line to help secure and protect the freedoms that we enjoy everyday." She thinks a quote from John F. Kennedy should be remembered when we think of the current sacrifices being made for Americans' liberty: "Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and success of liberty."

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Lt Col Jon R. Kerstetter
Medical Corps, ARNGUS

Board certified in emergency medicine (AAPS). Board examiner in emergency medicine (BCEM). Experience as a medical director of a level II Trauma Center ED in Iowa. Over Fourteen years of Emergency Medicine experience including military and international experience. Extensive international clinical and management experience including in-country directorship of the emergency medicine residency in Pristina, Kosovo. ATLS certified. ACLS instructor.

Research experience with four academic papers published. Henry J. Kaiser Merit Scholar (1 of 25 national awards) at Mayo Medical School, 1988. Over eight years experience in business management and marketing. Two years teaching at collegiate level. MS in Human Resource Management from University of Utah, plus two additional years graduate work in organizational behavior and education.

Flight Surgeon for Army National Guard with training in mass casualty and combat medicine. Extensive experience in combat medicine in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom where I served on the CJTF7 headquarters staff as the chief medical integration officer.

Three-Tour combat veteran in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Volunteer physician to Rwandan refugee camps, Bosnian Emergency Medicine Program, Albanian Refugee work, Kosovo Emergency Medicine Program of Johns Hopkins University, and Honduran medical relief for hurricane Mitch. Director of Emergency Medicine Residency Program of Johns Hopkins at the University of Phristina, Kosovo.

U.S. Decorations and Badges
Bronze Star Medal
Joint Service Commendation Medal
Army Commendation Medal
Army Achievement Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M device (2nd Award)
Army Service Ribbon
Combat Medic Badge
Flight Surgeon Badge

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Warrant Officer Al Kakac

He taught Afghanistan farmers how to greatly improve their corn yields.

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Staff Sgt. Mark Matteson

He was an organizer of "Shoes for Kids", a program to provide shoes for children in Afghanistan (more than 1,000 pairs of shoes.

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Capt. Dan Maeder

He spearheaded the Backpack for Kids in Iraq project (more than 1,300 backpacks loaded with school supplies)

Thank You, Joe Rosenthal

Joe Rosenthal, 1911-2006
The photographer who captured one of the most well known images of all time passed away this week. Joe Rosenthal of the Associated Press was on the little Pacific island of Iwo Jima in February 1945 when the U.S. Marines captured the island from the Japanese. As a group of five Marines and a Navy hospital corpsman raised a second and larger flag on Mount Suribachi for all to see on 23 February 1945, Rosenthal took the immortal photo that, 61 years later, still brings a tear to any Patriot’s eye. We thank God for those men who fought for our liberty, just as our Patriot Armed Forces do today.

From the Patriot Post

Another article on Joe Rosenthal at Military.com

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Our photographers and artists are the ones who capture the moments that become our history and give us the visual moment to remember. Thank you, Joe Rosenthal, and thank you to all of those who have and still do, put themselves in harm's way to capture these moments for history.

My Name...Randy Newman

Randy and his Mom

As we come to terms with our loss and our grief here in the High Desert, we remember the good and wonderful things that were Randy Newman. His "My Space" profile reads simply:

"I'm into muscle cars, big trucks, horses, wrestling, hunting, fishing, UFC, and everything violent, but the truth is, I am a sucker for the soft things, as well, like my mamma and how she used to tuck me in and kiss me on the cheek. That is what I am interested in ... and, I love George Bush..."

Walk with God, LCpl Randy Newman

"Some people wonder their whole lives if they made a difference.

The Marines don't have that problem."

-President Ronald Reagan

LCpl Randy Lee Newman

March 25, 1985 - August 20, 2006

Marines, LCpl Randy Lee Newman, of Bend, Oregon, and Cpl Adam A. Galvez, of Salt Lake City, Utah died August 20 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. They were assigned to Company D, 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, California. Their unit worked in Fallujah and Habbaniyah conducting reconnaissance, providing security, launching limited offensive and defensive operations, as well as providing humanitarian aid.

LCpl Randy Lee Newman is from our hometown. His family lives 'down the lane' from us. He is from our community. We mourn with the family and pray for their strength for the difficult days ahead.

Randy was born in Bend. He attended Mountain View High School where he was active in the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, a member of the varsity wrestling team, and graduate in 2003. After high school, he volunteered for the Marine Corps. Randy is survived by his parents, Ramona and Jerry, and two younger brothers, Dan, 18, and Ken, 8.

A family friend, Mike McKee, said of Randy, "He was an all-American kid. He believed firmly in what he was doing. He volunteered for the Marines; he volunteered for reconnaissance duty. I think that speaks volumes about him by itself. The whole family is very God-fearing and believes in America."

Les Combs, his wrestling coach, remembers Randy: "he was a loving, caring person and one of the hardest working kids I've ever coached." A team mate, Casey McCright, says "He was just always dedicated to doing something positive and succeeding." The team had an annual fundraiser, selling Christmas trees, which the team dreaded - except for Randy. "It would be cold and most people would try to get out of it early, but Randy would be there the whole day. He would be the last one to leave, helped clean up and didn't complain," said McCright. Alex Baz remembers Randy, who was three years older, coming to middle school and coaching aspiring wrestlers. Alex remembers Randy as the guy who treated them as equals, rather than underlings.

Randy's mother gave an interview today to our local television station -- By Shaliz Koleini, KTVZ.com (Interview follows)

'The mother of Bend native and Marine Lance Cpl. Randy Lee Newman spoke through her tears of sorrow and pride in front of the family's home Wednesday afternoon, saying the family is proud of their "strong and valiant warrior" and will join him again one day in Heaven. Husband Jerry at her side, Ramona Newman read the following statement.

"When I found out that the news was coming, I felt like I wanted to say something which - I woke up at 4 o'clock in the morning, and God told me what to say.

"Randy was called to be a Marine, just as Gideon was called by God to be a strong and valiant warrior - it says that in Judges 6:12.

"Randy loved his family - he would want you to know wherever he was, God was keeping him safe. He told me that often.

"We're not supposed to understand. God says in Proverbs 3:15, ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.'

"Randy always let me know how much he loved God, his family, and he loved his country. One of my last conversations with Randy was, ‘Randy, are you saying your prayers?' And he said to me, ‘Mom, God and I are so tight right now.'"

"We have comfort in Jesus Christ, and Randy would want that for every one of you.

"So remember my son as a great and valiant warrior, not only for his country, but for something much bigger - a valiant warrior of our God, Lord Jesus Christ.

"Our family is proud to stand before you as a family who believes and has faith, and we are proud to be Marines.

"John 3:16 says - we've all heard this Scripture - ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.'

"We thank each and every one of you for your prayers - I know there are many. Please keep us in your prayers. It's not supposed to be easy. But surely, I will see my family together in Heaven.

"We can all be with Randy again, and Jesus will help us, if we only ask. It's that simple. Thank you so much, for everything." '

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Services for LCpl Randy Newman will be held at the Expo Center at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds on Tuesday, August 29, at 11 am. The public is invited.

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If you would like to send a message to the Newman family, please post it in comments or email me and I will print them off and deliver them to the family. Thank you.

They Have Names....

I get angry each time I see numbers listed for our fallen heroes ...THEY HAVE NAMES! They have families, friends and communities who grieve and honor them. They had lives that were full of honor and respect for our country. Our debt to them is immeasurable. We must always call out their names to God, pray for His blessings of healing for their families and friends, whisper "Thank You" for what they have given for us.

Our community has had a difficult summer.

First, we lost PVT Thomas Tucker.

Now, we have lost LCpl Randy Newman.

Through the Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, our community has also lost two civilians in service to our country: Deborah Klecker and Loren Hammer.

We are a small community.
We value and honor the lives that have been sacrificed for our safety and security.
I will always honor them here.

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Update - Please read CJ's comment. When his site is ready, I will post about it here. If you would like to donate to this wonderful effort to make sure that everyone knows the names, please go to A Soldiers Perspective and there is a donate button.

Pvt. Joseph Blake - God Speed

The flags are at half-staff in Oregon. We have lost one of our young men, Pvt Joseph Blake. He was a short-time resident of Oregon before he joined the Army. His was the ultimate sacrifice for our country. He gave his life to keep us all safe and free.

God Speed, Pvt Joseph Blake.

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Joseph Robert Blake had lived in Portland only a few weeks when, in January 2005, he made a commitment he'd toyed with much of his life. He joined the U.S. Army.

At 34, according to his adoptive father, Douglas Blake of Livonia, Mich., Pvt. Joseph Blake was the oldest guy in his basic training class. Many of his classmates, still teenagers, used to kid around and call him the "old man."

The Department of Defense announced Joseph Blake's death Monday. He died August 17 in Turkalay, Afghanistan, of injuries when his platoon encountered small arms fire, the military said.

"They were ambushed," his father said during a telephone interview.

Born and raised in the Detroit area, Blake spent most of his life there. In 2003, his father said, he moved to Florida to live with his birth family and to find a job. He had trouble finding work in Michigan, and found the same economic problems in Florida.

"He and a buddy went to Portland looking for work," Douglas Blake said.

Looking over some of their son's grade school papers, Douglas and Joann Blake discovered the military was on the top of his list of potential careers for several years.

"He said he had thought about it for many years, and if he didn't do it now, he wouldn't be able to because of his age," his father said.

Although he was older than his comrades, Joseph Blake was proud he could keep up with them. He worked hard to stay in shape, his father said.

Blake was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y. In March, the unit was shipped to Afghanistan -- his first deployment, his father said.

"He was very proud of what he had achieved in the military," Douglas Blake said. "He was proud of his uniform. He felt very good about what he was doing."

On a mid-July home leave, Blake told his parents some things about his duties overseas but was guarded about the dangerous details.

"He didn't want us to worry about what might happen," his father said.

"We're very proud of him," he said. "We're very proud of what he achieved, and we're very proud of his willingness to fight."

MARK LARABEE, Researcher Lynne Palombo contributed to the story. The Oregonian Newspaper.

Troops Helping the Farmers

De-worming sheep in Iraq Deworming Cattle in Afghanistan

As a livestock producer, I know how important the health of the animal is to the success of the livelyhood of the farmer. It is impressive to know that our troops are working with the farmers to ensure the health of their animals in the midst of the wars. More great work from our troops!

PS - These pictures make this look easy, but this is hard, dirty, physical work - just ask any farmer!

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Sgt David Bill
48th Brigade Combat Team PAO
BAGHDAD

Cows and sheep are being used to help develop trust and friendship between local Iraqi farmers and Task Force Baghdad Soldiers.

The Soldiers from C Company, 490th Civil Affairs Battalion, 48th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division conducted a Veterinarian Community Health Outreach Programs mission Aug. 22 southwest of Baghdad.

Under this program, Army veterinarians go into local communities and provide a quick health check on the livestock in the area. If required, they also provide medication to help keep them healthy.

"We try to go out to various areas a couple times per week to check on which animals have been treated recently and which have not," said Maj. Daniel Cardosa, a veterinarian from C Co.

More than 60 sheep and two dozen cows were medicated during the day's mission. 'We were de-worming the sheep with an oral medication.

Cows were being treated with a topical medication. Both medications are used to kill most internal parasites and a good number of external parasites as well," added Cardosa.

The process of medicating the animals is a team effort as the farmer or his children assist in getting the sheep, one by one, in a steady position so the veterinarian can insert a medical injector.

"I think it allows us to put a friendly face on the United States and get a foot in the door to show that we're here to help them not hurt them," explained Cardosa, a West Greenwich, R.I. resident. "Then at another time we can come back and do assessments for electrical and water problems we may be able to solve for them."

Getting Iraqi veterinarians out to work with the farmers has also been a focus of the CA team, so more can be done for the animals.

When asked about what Coalition Forces were doing on a larger scale, Cardosa replied, "In the bigger scheme of things we are working with the Ministry of Agriculture to develop animal health and agricultural programs, so they are not solely dependent on oil for their income. We're trying to develop other economic sectors for the country."

C Co.'s overall mission is to provide more than just the basic services for Iraqis. The unit conducts a wide range of operations to include humanitarian support, coordination with government entities, and community outreach.

Services such as sewage, water, electricity, and trash are important to the local population and are some of the main priorities of the CA Team.