Day 23 and 24

Day 23

MARINES NOTICE THINGS

By Ralph Kinney Bennett
23 Mar 2006
www.Blackfive.com


Hardened by the bitter experience of ambushes,
roadside bombs and snipers, Marines on patrol
in Iraq notice things.

They have to.

When they move through a village they size up
groups congregated at corners or storefront doors.
They scan faces. Are they welcomed? Feared? Ignored?
They make mental notes and tuck away images that
might be helpful on the next patrol.

They notice particular houses or buildings, walls
or clumps of trees, irrigation ditches, junked cars.

They notice things.

Their lives depend on it

The men of Company I, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine
Regiment, are no different. Their personal radars
were scanning, scanning as they patrolled the
dusty little town of Al Hasa back in January.
That's when they noticed something at a particular
house. That's why they showed up at that house
last week.

They roared up in a couple of amphibious assault
vehicles.

But they didn't kick down the door.

They knocked.

The family inside was surprised, but they weren't
frightened. Greetings were exchanged. The small
group of Marines seemed to be holding back smiles
and anxious to get to the point.

While on that patrol back in January they had
noticed this large Iraqi family and particularly
the cute little girl propped awkwardly in a big
old rusty adult wheelchair. So, well... a bunch
of the guys got together back at Camp Smitty and...

The Marines unloaded a shiny new pediatric
wheelchair from one of their vehicles and rolled
it into the house.

The little girl had suffered a severe spinal
injury in a car accident two years ago. The old
wheelchair was the best the family could do for her.

Until the Marines came.

The family's faces lit up with the smiles. The
incredulous father picked up his daughter and
immediately placed her in the new wheelchair. He
shook the Marines' hands, saying "Thank you,"
"Thank you," again and again.

The Marines didn't stay long. There were smiles
and a few tears and then they jumped back into
their assault vehicles and headed back to Camp Smitty.

But this is not a rare event in Iraq. There have
been thousands of such selfless little acts of
humanity on the part of our military in Iraq and
Afghanistan.

I felt great pride when I heard about this little
visit to an Iraqi house. There's something about
these Marines, these infidels, these Americans.

Something special. And good. And right.

A lot of us forget or ignore such acts.

But one Iraqi family won't.

Ralph Kinney Bennett is a TCS contributing editor.

 

Day 24: Story of faith, awareness, and love of a military wife  A Military Wife's Mission-   After a serious injury in Iraq, this soldier needed his wife. Her inspiring story shows the strength it took to help him heal. Sorry I've been behind but these are some great stories!!! Definitely take the time to read this wife's account of her time after her husband was injured.

Day 22: Pictures are Worth a Thousand Words

Day 21: Kids Will Be Kids

KIDS WILL BE KIDS

5th CAG's Experiences in Iraq!
Thursday, August 18, 2005
http://5thcag.blogspot.com/
Name:Stingray
Location:Fallujah, Al Anbar, Iraq


Thoughts and pictures from a Marine engaged
in the reconstruction of Fallujah. I'm assigned
to the 5th Civil Affairs Group, currently
stationed in downtown Fallujah, Iraq.
nelsontom.

This was a recent day in which the chaplain came
out to the CMOC to hand out toys and school supplies
donated by the great citizens of the United States.

The children, seeing the boxes being brought out,
began to rush over ... I was afraid they might mob
poor "Chaps," so I asked them to get in a line
(ladies first, of course!). The line would also ensure
that big kids and little kids got equal shares.

Of course, the moment I walk away to attend to some
other business, the kids make a mad dash for "Chaps,"
nearly bowling him over! It was kind of comical to see,
but all in good fun. One of the young boys couldn't
make his way through the mayhem, so our great
interpreter Ansam picked him up and waded in to the
fray to ensure he was not left out.

When I showed them my digital camera, a cute little
boy was enthralled with seeing himself on the small
digital screen. Chris and his team had gone up to
deliver school supplies (again, donated by generous
Americans) to a little school in Saqlawiyah (a small
town north of Fallujah). The boy's mother, a teacher
at the school, was nearby watching. Chris had this
to say: "I told her I had four sons, and I loved her
little boy. Just as an American mother would speak in
casual conversation she said, 'He's too rotten. You
can have him!' "

Priceless!

Day 20: letter from Iraq to the press

LETTER FROM IRAQ

These Americans do NOT support the troops.

By Anthony Ippoliti
USMC Infantry (letter to The Ridgefield Press)
www.theridgefieldpress.com

Almost every week, I open The (Ridgefield) Press
and find an article or letter to the editors
denouncing the coalition effort in Iraq.
Invariably, the individuals behind these anti-war
letters and rallies mask their political agendas
by asserting that they support the troops but not
the war.

They read off the names of the dead and claim to
show support for our troops while urging lawmakers
to bring them home. They believe that the U.S.-led
coalition should never have entered Iraq. What they
are really doing is using our lives and the issue
of our safety and well-being as a means to achieve
a political end.

This is essentially a slap in the face to those in
the service.

I have never once received a letter from an
individual who claims to support the troops, not
the war. Not a single Marine I know has received
anything that could be considered remotely
supportive from any of these people or the groups
they represent. We have received phone cards,
hygiene supplies, food, etc. from members of
state and local government, radio stations,
schools, private individuals and organizations,
but never once from any group claiming to support
the troops, but not the war.

How can they support us if they are essentially
saying that our blood and sacrifices have all
been given in vain? How can they support us if
they say that our comrades and brothers who have
been wounded or killed in action have done so for
a hopeless and morally questionable cause?
They can't.

I see the Iraqi people every day. The protesters
do not. I speak with the Iraqi people every day.
The protesters do not. I don’t sit behind a desk
and do paperwork or resupply efforts in the
military. I am an Infantry Marine and I walk the
sewage-filled streets of this city every single day.

In Fallujah, the people watch Al Jazeerah.
However, they also watch CNN. A lot of them fear
that the United States will soon cut and run. The
people of Iraq see when our country is divided.
When they see rallies to Bring The Troops Home,
they see that as a sign that we will end our
efforts prematurely.

Furthermore, they know that the insurgents will
not end their efforts early. That leads them to
the conclusion that when we leave, the insurgents
will still be there. Therefore, if they help us,
their lives and the lives of their loved ones will
be in great jeopardy the minute we leave if we
don’t finish the job. Much that they see on
American television leads them to believe that we
intend to abandon our efforts before the new Iraqi
government is capable of defending itself and its
citizens.

The actions of these aforementioned organizations
and the heavy media coverage their rallies often
generate serves as fuel for the insurgency.
Insurgents believe they can drive us out through
the idea of death by a thousand cuts. The longer
they persist in their efforts, the more the American
public becomes disenchanted with the coalition effort.

The insurgents aren't fighting simply to drive
America out of Iraq. They are fighting to destroy
any semblance of the Iraqi government so that they
can impose their will on its people.

Publicly protesting our efforts in Iraq fuels the
insurgency. Doing it under the pretext of supporting
our troops is disgraceful. Using deployed service
members as a mask to serve your purely political
purpose is downright shameful. If your desire is to
protest the war, then protest the war, but don't use
me or any reference to our troops as a tool to bolster
your purpose.

Day 19: Leaving Iraq

At the news of our president's plan to pull our troops out of Iraq, many people say "It's about time!" And 10 years later I would tend to agree. But we have to remember that just because we pack up doesn't mean the fight is over for the Iraqi defense. They may need our support in coming years. Some politicians and military experts are concerned about the future if we pull out too soon--an opinion not really being voiced by the media.
http://ap.stripes.com/dynamic/stories/M/ML_IRAQ_WAR_SECURITY_FORCES?SITE=DCSAS&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2011-12-14-06-36-50

Day 18: No Fail Mission

The before story from yesterday


Sorry this is late!!! I'm in Arizona with the whole family now!!!! We are so excited.

Day 17: Cool-headed medic thrown into trial by fire

This is a great story about how far soldiers will go to be the best at what they do. Our soldiers go through more than we could ever imagine. This is just one example of one woman's composure as she is faced with keeping a soldier alive while in the air.

Here is a blurb, go to the link to view the whole story:

As the crew chief pushed the helicopter door open, debris filled the cabin and the familiar outline of soldiers carrying the wounded appeared from seemingly nowhere in the dust. With a haste that comes only in battle, the wounded soldier was thrust onto the cabin floor between the flight medics.

Though Cpl. Amanda Mosher was new to flying, she was no rookie at medicine, having served a previous tour as a medic in Afghanistan.

Day 16: Military Families-Support

Today feels somber... but the reality is not just soldiers are fighting this war. If you don't support the soldier, you don't support their family. Listen to this song, look at these pictures, if you can't support this woman and families like her, then I don't know what else to say. But for those who are following and do offer support to our troops--not every story is a happy ending. This is a huge place you could make a difference and here is a link to check out:

American Widow Project

Go to Heaven Was Needing a Hero to view the pictures. Thank you military families for supporting your men and women and taking care of the Home Front!

Day 15: Officer receives Distinguished Service Cross

Sorry I was behind the last couple days, things got busy with PK's Birthday over the weekend. Already this little two year old is showing how much he knows. Yesterday he went peepee in the potty standing up, and made it!!! He said "Wow, Cool!" And he says his own name and knows its his! 

How is Day 15 going for those who are reading these posts? Are you enjoying what you are learning? Did anyone watch Fox News last night, it was a positive media night for the military I think. But don't google it, because I tried to find a repeat of the story they ran last night that had some Iraqi individuals thanking us for coming and for leaving and hopeful of the future. BUT if you google something like "fox new military, recent"  the top 20 hits are all negative.... even from FOX! Jeesh. Found a new site today when I searched "Good military stories." Here is an excerpt from the article "In the brutal hours that followed that Mayday transmission on Nov. 27, 2006, Chief Warrant Officer 5 David Cooper of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment — the “Night Stalkers” — would earn a Distinguished Service Cross for his heroic actions to relieve his beleaguered colleagues, while an Air Force F-16 pilot would lose his life." Here is the link to an this riveting and hereoic story "missed by the large media." http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/07/army_dsc_072008/ 
It is a long story, so I decided to post just the link.
The website I found it on is http://www.blackfive.net/main/
A friend has introduced me to a side of the "story" that is the military life, check that out tomorrow!

Day 14: Making a Difference in a Dangerous Place

According to the book I'm reading, A Soldier's Promise, in 2003 Haditha, Iraq was a insurgent hot spot and jumping off point. Near the Syria border-it was the perfect place for the passing of money, information, weapons, etc... because of it's terrain and limited border checkpoints. Haditha is described as an extremely danger place for U.S Soldiers and Coalition Forces. I'm sure this goes without saying but the fighting that happened between 2003 and 2006 was not done outside the city walls... because insurgents are okay with attacking soldiers a block from their home. In 2006 a group of marines become a part of building that community back together and protecting them from radicals.

HADITHA MARINES YOU NEVER HEAR ABOUT

Marines work to improve living conditions,
infrastructure in Iraq’s Haditha Triad region.
HADITHA, Iraq (May 14, 2006)

Maj. Chris K. Mace loves to hand out cash. The
38-year-old leads a handful of Marines who spend
their days rebuilding schools, hospitals and giving
monetary reimbursement to Iraqis whose property has
been damaged during three years worth of combat
operations.

“We have made a lot of progress, but there is still
a lot more to be made,” said Mace, a Pottstown, Pa.,
native who leads one of 17 civil affairs teams
operating throughout Al Anbar Province. “We are going
to make as big an impact on the community as we can.”

Detachment One of the Camp Pendleton, Calif.-based 3rd
Civil Affairs Group, which is comprised of more than 30
Marines, works throughout Al Anbar Province with local
government officials, sheikhs, mayors and other key
leaders to identify and jumpstart various reconstruction
and quality of life projects designed to rebuild damaged
infrastructure in the region.

“As security and stability increase, the willingness of
the local populace to cooperate with us will as well,”
said Mace. Six months ago, insurgents would have intimidated
and threatened any potential local contractors with death or
kidnapping for cooperating with Coalition Forces, said Mace.

But as security in the region continues to improve, so does
the potential for progress for the Marines to freely work
with local engineers and contractors to complete reconstruction
and infrastructure projects, which also help fuel the local
economy by providing jobs to local workers.
That, in turn, helps “honest and hardworking men” support
their families, said Mace.

Most recently, Mace and his Marines went to several schools
in the region and repaired doors and windows which were
damaged by insurgents, said Mace.

A principal at one of the local elementary schools said the
students were in dire need of basic school supplies such as
paper, markers and pencils. The Marines delivered with
hundreds of pencils, markers, backpacks embroidered with
cartoon characters, erasers and paper notebooks.

Staff Sgt. Omar Palaciosreal, a 32-year-old from San
Bernardino, Calif., and a civil affairs team chief, says
small projects such as delivering school and medical supplies
can have just as much of an impact on local infrastructure as
larger reconstruction projects.

“That school had nothing but a chalkboard in it and the
teachers had to give lessons with only that commodity,” said
Palaciosreal. “It was a sad sight and I believe we made it better.”

“Many of the local people realize the Marines are good people
and are concerned with their wellbeing,” said an Iraqi interpreter
assigned to work with Mace and his team of Marines. “The Marines
have begun to build good rapport with the residents and this opens
the door for us to communicate with them.”

According to Mace, these cleanups not only provide paying jobs to
locals, but also prevent health risks that stem from bacteria
generated from excessive garbage and stagnant water, which children
are exposed to when they play in neighborhoods with such conditions.

“You earn a lot of credibility when you show residents you care
about their well-being and their children,” said Palaciosreal.

Day 13: One Man CAN Make A Difference

MARINE KNOWN AS "LION"

Marine known as "Lion" makes a difference
in Iraq.

June 14, 2006
By Lance Cpl. Brian J. Holloran
3rd Marine Aircraft Wing


AL ASAD, Iraq (June 14, 2006)---Town Council 
meetings are held twice a week between local 
Iraqi leaders and Marines from the area, as 
well as the USMC CAG (Civil Affairs Group).

One of the reasons the mood during these 
meetings are so light is because of Gunnery 
Sgt. Erik E. Duane (Gunny), detachment chief, 
Detachment 1, 3rd Civil Affairs Group, 
Regimental Combat Team 7, I Marine Expeditionary 
Force. He is a CAG (Civil Affairs Group) Marine 
with a very unique friendship with the local Iraqis.

Because of Duane's willingness to help the Iraqis 
and his effective projects, the Iraqis have given 
him a nickname and bestowed other honors upon him.

"Gunny is the lion," said Shu'aib. "We call him that 
because he is a great friend and does everything he 
can for us. People throughout the town thank me for 
what I have done, and I tell them, 'Don't thank me, 
thank the Marines. They are the ones who make us able 
to do this.' Gunny is my brother. When I die I hope 
he will mourn for me."

"The relationship Gunny has with the Iraqis is 
exceptional," said Cpl. Jesus O. Luna, civil affairs 
noncommissioned officer, Detachment 1, “the locals 
look to Duane as a champion and liberator.”

When it comes to making Iraq a little better, Duane 
and his CAG Marines are not only ready to do the job, 
but they enjoy it as well."This job is very rewarding," 
said Duane. "I have one of the few jobs that produce 
results that we can see and touch. We assist in gaining 
the trust and confidence of the local Iraqis. The best 
part about the job is when the local Iraqis start to 
take pride in their communities and when they do things 
to better their conditions on their own." 

"The Iraqis love him," said Sweet, a native of Meridan, 
Miss. "They tend to call him Sheik Gunny or Captain Gunny 
since he has improved their life so much already. They go 
to him with every little problem they have, hoping he will 
be able to fix it."

"Gunny has helped improve our lives greatly," said Shu'aib 
Barzan Hamreen Al Aubaidy, Iraqi policeman and manager of 
waste disposal for Baghdadi. "He has started projects to 
pick up our trash and to help give us clean water. He even 
helped deliver us bottled water when there was an attack 
on the water treatment plant."

According to Duane, a native of Westminster, Calif., there 
are a lot of projects planned for the near future for the 
local Iraqi residents.

"We have water and sewage treatment projects planned, as 
well as numerous repairs to the local schools and residences," 
said Duane. "We are also working closely with the local 
leaders to establish a strong governance in this area."

Duane has been made a member of the Aubaidy tribe and is 
now considered the brother and family member of many of 
the local residents.

Wow! via: http://militaryuntoldstoriesfromthetroops.blogspot.com/2006/08/marine-known-as-lion.html

Day 12: First Lady and start Military Family Awareness Campaign

I didn't vote for Obama, but it actually made me cry a little to see people with so much power and influence setting out to support the military family. Michelle Obama and Dr. Biden, thank you for showing families of our military that you care, and showing the rest of the country that they should too!
First lady, Dr. Biden to launch military family awareness campaign

Posted 2/28/2011  

by Tech. Sgt. John Orrell
National Guard Bureau

2/28/2011 - WASHINGTON -- Dr. Jill Biden and first lady Michelle Obama will campaign to raise awareness of military families, the vice president's wife told spouses of National Guard adjutants general Feb. 28.

"In the coming weeks, we are going to be launching a formal campaign," said Dr. Biden, who hosted the spouses for breakfast at the vice president's residence here.

"We're going to reach out to all Americans," she said. "Michelle and I are going to go on a tour around the country to create this mass-media awareness, so that the 99 percent of Americans who are not serving can now serve the one percent who are."

She and the first lady will travel the country encouraging Americans to join these efforts, she said.

"Over the last couple of years, Michelle and I have been traveling all around the country talking to families," she said. "We've brought our stories back to the White House, and now the president and the cabinet are going to act on it."

Dr. Biden, whose son Beau just returned from a year-long deployment to Iraq with the Delaware National Guard, has dedicated herself to bring awareness of "military families' strength and courage, as well as the challenges that they face," she said.

"I am a Blue Star mom," she said.

"I will always remember the mixture of pride and concern that I felt about (Beau's) deployment," Dr. Biden said. I feel like we're all family, all of us together. We share the same concerns, anxieties and sense of duty and pride that comes along with being military family."

With thousands of Citizen-Airmen and -Soldiers serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and other regions of the world and almost half the nation's military strength residing in the National Guard and Reserve it is almost impossible to overstate the importance they both have, she said.

"In this era, when so much is being asked of the Guard and Reserve, you all have been a source of strength, relieving some of the burden of stress on loved ones left behind," Dr. Biden told the spouses.

Vice President Joe Biden made a surprise stop at the breakfast to share his feelings on how state senior leaders make a difference for families during deployments.

"Don't underestimate the impact that you all have," he said. "I watched the impact on Jill when our son was deployed."

Mr. Biden told the spouses about a prayer his wife received from Jane Vavala, wife of Delaware's adjutant general, Army Maj. Gen. Frank Vavala, during Beau's deployment ceremony.

"I would walk in every morning into the kitchen, and I would see Jill mouthing this prayer," he said. "It's truly a personal gift of kindness."

Dr. Biden recalled that prayer and what she has done with it.

"When Jane sat beside me and handed me that prayer, that prayer meant so much to me, it was such a wonderful gesture of kindness," she said.

"When I meet families who are being deployed, I try to pass that along, that act of kindness, because I know as a military mom how much that meant to me."

Dr. Biden encouraged people to visit www.serve.gov or contact her office and share how they're supporting those who serve.

Day 11: A Soldier's Promise

A good book for adults, some military language is included. A first hand account of the war in the very beginning. I'm only about half way through, but this true story winds together the life of Sgt. Hendrix and the life of a young boy forced to fight in the insurgency by his abusive father. From the peaking I did without ruining the story for myself, the young boy helps soldiers in his area and Sgt. Hendrix does his best to protect Jamil (the young boy) and his mother and younger siblings. It is a very strong story. It shows the reality of the kind of people America is fighting right now and how soldiers are doing their very best to make the world better.

Day 10: Iraqi Interpreters

IRAQI INTERPRETERS

IRAQI INTERPRETERS looking to
settle score with Sadam.


It would be difficult to find a more diverse
group -- a former bodybuilder, a budding seminarian,
an engaging fast-talker, an aging scholar -- but
interpreters for the US military in Habbaniyah
are united by a shared sense of mission and a
chance to even scores.

The generous salary doesn't hurt either, but it
takes more than money to make these Iraqis leave
home for months on end, don the uniform of the US
Marines and go on patrol with them in the insurgency-
plagued western province of Al-Anbar.

Each of them has a tale to tell of the past, about
life under the old regime, that gives clues to their
decision to take on one of the most dangerous jobs in
a dangerous country.

"It is an honor to wear the Marine's uniform -- the
devil's dogs as the Germans called them, said the fast-
talking 22-year-old, who's taken the pseudonym "Jaguar".
All the interpreters have taken nicknames to protect their
identities. These men work with the Marines assigned to
train up the local Iraqi army units and accompany their
instructors on patrol.

Since the beginning of the conflict, interpreters have
been targets for insurgents. In Anbar, unlike elsewhere
in the country, interpreters wear US uniforms to help
them blend in and carry weapons to protect themselves.

"My uncle tried to kill Saddam, so Saddam killed my uncle.
He killed my father; he sent my mother to jail," said
Jaguar. "I thank God and George Bush for giving us freedom
and stopping Saddam Hussein."

At 66, grey-haired, bespectacled and well-spoken Jaf,
a distinguished professor, with a degree in English and
Kurdish literature, suffered in his own way under the old
regime.

"I was a teacher in high school, but I was fired because
I refused to be a member of the Baath Party and join the
popular army and then later I was put in jail and tortured
because of my political activities for Kurdish culture,"
he explained calmly. Jaf favors his right ear ever since
he went deaf in his left one due to maltreatment during
his detention.

"The Americans freed us from the dictatorship of Saddam
Hussein, so I like to work with them."

It is not only revenge against the Sunni and Baathist
overlords who once ran this country that motivates these
men -- but it is also a sense of patriotism.

"We are like a bridge between the Iraqis and the
Americans," says Farid, 36, who used to make four
dollars a month as a teacher under the old regime.
"I like to work with the military and I serve my
country in this way."

Ronny, a former body builder, was in the Iraqi army
for two and a half years, until he decided to put his
English skills to use and make twice as much money.

The work is risky, and every interpreter can recite the
names of friends killed on patrol or doing their job.
"Risk is everywhere, but I am more safe here in the camp
than in my house in Baghdad, and God is safeguarding me,"
said Peter, a 32-year-old Christian, who says his pale
skin and Western looks often put him in danger when he's
on leave. Though he has a degree in engineering, Peter
turned to religion and studied at the college of theology,
going to church four days a week.

"I cried and prayed to God to save me from Saddam Hussein
and his regime," he recalled. "After the war, I was so
excited and happy -- like a salvation time."


Thibauld Malterre
Sun Jun 18
www.leatherneck.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31124

Day 9: Until Tuesday

Today, in an effort to mix things up and go from different sources, I refer you to a book called Until Tuesday by Luis Carlos Montalván. I read it a few months ago and it really opened up my eyes to the good and bad of the war and that it is our individual soldiers who really need our support most of all. This man did multiple tours in Afghanistan  before and after being injured with a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). He was released from the Army under less than perfect circumstances and struggled with his disorder, until Tuesday, his service dog! The book is a little ranty, but the great part is that this man LOVES his country and would do it all over again, but he is a disappointed in how the administration handles the War. Now he spends his time advocating for Vets and was even part of raising awareness so more Vets could have the opportunity to have their life changed by a service dog. This book is very heart warming and you see a first hand account of one man's travel through the Army during a time of war, his devotion to his country, and his devotion to those who aided the U.S in Afghanistan, his struggles, and his triumphs as Tuesday helps him to overcome his illnesses. A very REAL book. 

To the soldiers who are no longer in the Armed Forces, keep on trucking, you are appreciated and cared about. Your biggest supporter is God!  The people of this nation DO care about your sacrifice!

Day 8: Point of View

I encourage you to take the time to read this article. It is one British general's opinion of how and when we (coalition of nations that went into Afghanistan) pull out of Afghanistan. I think he has good honest things to say. It made me wonder when we say "America" is tired and weary of the war.... I wonder how many military families have written the President and asked him to bring troops home? I wonder who the weary are. Honestly, I get the impression that the people most "tired" of the war are the ones that have the least to do with it on the home front. I think it is safe to assume that when this group of people think about the war all they see is the strain on American economy and where else the money could be going.... I think we should charge them higher taxes, personally... or ask them to enlist, maybe they can get the job done. ORRR they could decide to be compassionate about human life, foreign and American. Just a thought. (I think that was kind of ranty, sorry)


Anyway here is the link to the article http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/dec/04/top-british-general-afghanistan-warning

Day 7: Reserve Troops Come Home

I chose this story today because it is simple, not super dramatic, just an article celebrating the return of loved ones!

30 Reserve Soldiers Return Home for Holidays

Gov. Dayton welcomes 407th Civil Affairs Battalion

Updated: Sunday, 04 Dec 2011, 1:19 PM CST
Published : Sunday, 04 Dec 2011, 1:19 PM CST

by Jody Ambroz / FOX 9 News

A group of 30 Army Reserve Soldiers say they are looking forward to a memorable holiday season after returning from a year of duty in Afghanistan just in time to celebrate the season with their families.

Santa can put a smile on any child's face, but in the Scharrett family, having the whole family at home is the best gift of all. Twins Aria and Jackson don't want to let go after Lt. Col. Jack Scharrett spent last Christmas overseas.

"It's very nice to have my husband home and to be here with the family and be complete," said Kris Scharette.

The 30 reservists with the 407th Civil Affairs Battalion are getting a second welcome home for the holidays though many of the soldiers returned this summer. The last few months have been spent readjusting to life after war, but now they say they are ready to celebrate.

Gov. Mark Dayton attended a special ceremony that honored the soldiers for their sacrifice and recognized that for many, it's their second or third deployment.

"Thank you for a job well done. Thank you for your patriotism," Dayton said.

The reservationists spent a year in Afghanistan, with many helping to build bridges, roads and schools.

Read more: 30 Reserve Soldiers Return Home for Holidays http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/news/minnesota/30-reserve-soldiers-return-home-for-holidays-dec-4-2011#ixzz1fcjXU3U5

Day 6: A REAL JOB

Not exactly an inspirational story, but I loved what this Senator said so much I had to include it. It shows that some people who don't support the military should go give it a try....


A Real Job 
You know, some people still don't understand why military personnel do what they do for a living.
This exchange between Senators John Glenn and Howard Metzenbaum is worth reading. Not only is it a pretty impressive impromptu speech, but it's also a good example of one man's explanation of why men and women in the Uniformed Services do what they do for a living. And an example of what those who have never served think of the Military.
Senator Metzenbaum to Senator Glenn: "How can you run for Senate when you've never held a real "job"?"
Senator Glenn: "I served 23 years in the United States Marine Corps. I served through two wars. I flew 149 missions. My plane was hit by anti-aircraft fire on 12 different occasions. I was in the space program.
It wasn't my checkbook; it was my Life on the line. It was not a 9 to 5 job where I took time off to take the daily cash receipts to the bank. I ask you to go with me...as I went the other day... to a Veterans Hospital and look at those men with their mangled bodies in the eye and tell them they didn't hold a job. You go with me to the space program and go as I have gone to the widows and orphans of Ed White and Gus Grissom and Roger Chaffee and you look those kids in the eye and tell them that their dad didn't hold a job. You go with me on Memorial Day coming up, and you stand in Arlington National Cemetery, where I have more friends than I'd like to remember - and you watch those waving flags, and you stand there, and you think about this nation, and you tell me that those people didn't have a job.
I'll tell you, Howard Metzenbaum, you should be on your knees every day of your life thanking God that there were some men-SOME MEN- who held a job. And they required a dedication to purpose and a love of country and a dedication to duty that was more important than life itself. And their self-sacrifice is what made this country possible..
I HAVE HELD A JOB, HOWARD! What about you?
Credit to: STUART HIGLEY, SSgt, USAF 43 AW Ground Safety


http://www.nefla.com/military/stories.html

Day 5: Courage on Election Day

Courage on Election Day

Afghanistan held their first legislative elections in over 30 years on September 18, 2005.  I felt honored to be part of this historic occasion.  Although we were located at a small Forward Operating Base far from Kabul and any other semblance of a town, our platoon helped provide security for the locals by eliminating some Taliban who were trying to disrupt the democratic process. 

We knew ahead of time that this date would bring an increased amount of enemy activity and we were well prepared for it.  On this particular day, I was serving as the chief of our howitzer section because our normal chief was on his 2 week leave back home.  I previously served in every other position on the howitzer and was certified to serve as the chief of section.  I was confident in the my ability and that of section to perform our duties.  We were fortunate enough to have some of the best leaders in the Army who trained us and held us to the highest standard.

I was sitting in our B-Hut, which is a building made of wood that we lived in, finishing up a paper for one of the online classes as I was taking when I heard the familiar whistle of an incoming rocket.  I like to compare our job to that of firemen, as we were always on call and knew exactly how to react; except our reaction was not triggered by an alarm or a ringing bell but by the sound of the enemy attempting to take our lives. 

We hurried out of the B-Hut and immediately established communication with our fire direction center.  At the same time, we were also donning our body armor, accounting for all of our personnel and getting our howitzer ready to return fire.  Just like us, our Fire Direction Center is trained by some of the best leaders in the Army and they were very quick in processing the data that tells us exactly where to point our howitzer.

I knew from previous briefings with my leaders that we had a good number of troops that would be outside the wire and I was hoping that they would be able to see where these rockets were being fired from.  As it turned out, a group of guys we had just met (not Americans) were in the area and had eyes on the rocket teams that were firing on us. 

As we received the data for the targets and fired the first round, the familiar whistle of another incoming rocket screamed towards us.  The previous rockets had hit just to our front and I knew that the enemy was possibly adjusting their firing to hit us.  We were just about to fire our 2^nd round when we heard that rocket.  All of us quickly dove in to our personnel bunker to be sheltered by the explosion of hot shrapnel.  The rocket hit a safe distance away and did not cause any damage or casualties.  As I poked my head out of the bunker, I saw that my gunner, Johnny, was bravely still sitting on the gunner’s seat adjusting the howitzer on to target despite the incoming rockets.  I was amazed that Johnny was still out there as he disregarded his own personal safety to get the howitzer ready to fire. 

We all exited the bunker and joined Johnny as we served up volley after volley of high explosive rounds on to the enemy.  We took a few more rockets but continued to fire as we were inspired by the act of courage demonstrated by Johnny.  As soon as the attack was over, the men that were out there that had eyes on the target notified us that our shooting resulted in 5 Taliban KIA and an unknown number of wounded.  This was my first real test as chief and a day that I will never forget.  Once I had my own section, I continued to tell this story to demonstrate the self-less service and courage in the face of danger that was demonstrated that day.

I am so excited about todays post. It is such a real story. I found this at a website that is completely devoted to letting soldiers share their own stories of the war. http://www.realcombatlife.com/

It just shows that war is dangerous and that our men and women are brave and many understand exactly what they are fighting for! Can you imagine living in a country where there hadn't been an election in 30 years??? I can't. Thank you soldiers for making our world a better place.

Day 4: Little Things can mean A Lot

Quote from retired airforce member. Found it on a cool site called beliefnet.com (it's like a place for military members and family and friends to get together and receive inspiration and encouragement from others who know what they are going through). The quote reads:


"When there comes a moment some are lucky to recognize, you make a conscious choice to accept what others may see as folly. All you are given is hope and faith in that hope. I've made that choice but, with it come responsibility that maybe for others is a yoke easy to bear. For me it's a very hard burden to take up. I don't refer to the term as such, for it is a yoke I've chosen. So hard I struggle but, I'm a child of God."


Read more: http://www.beliefnet.com/Inspiration/2008/09/Your-Military-Heroes-and-Stories.aspx?p=11#ixzz1fIcYts8u

 Following story from http://www.militaryuntoldstoriesfromthetroops.blogspot.com/2006/08/little-things-can-mean-lot.html

LITTLE THINGS CAN MEAN A LOT

By T,F. Boggs
Apr 9, 2006
www.boredsoldier.blogspot.com

My name is Tim Boggs and I am a sergeant in the Army.
I’m serving on my second deployment to Iraq. When I
reflect on my experiences in my first deployment, one
particular story sticks out above the rest.

I was stationed in southern Iraq near the port of
Umm Qasr. We purified water, supplied fuel, and did
what we could to help improve the quality of life for
soldiers there. During the summer the temperature was
excruciatingly hot, sometimes reaching upward of 140
degrees.

After I had been there a few weeks, I noticed that several
Iraqi families had moved into tents right next to ours. It
wasn’t long before some of the people in my unit began to
interact with the families. We soon found out why they
were living by us. One of the families had helped the
military and was living there in fear of reprisals from
anti-American forces. Another family, a mother and her
three small children, were living there to escape their
abusive husband and father. Several of the soldiers
including myself became particularly fond of the kids
in this family. We would give them snacks and make sure
they had enough food and water.

The longer they stayed at our base the more they became a
staple in our lives. The oldest kid learned English rapidly,
albeit English taught by a bunch of soldiers. He could
brighten up anyone’s day with his smile and often reminded
us why exactly we were halfway across the world, fighting
in a foreign land, to free an entire nation from an evil
tyrant and also to help the Iraqi people lead a better life.

Their mother appreciated that we played with her kids and
watched them for her from time to time. We spent a lot of
time with the family and began to teach the mother English.
We treated them exactly like we would our own family and
cared deeply about them.

After several months of living in a tent, we were able
to move the family into one of the buildings on our small
camp. The powers that be at the base found a bed for them
and some small amenities, like a television and toiletries.
The rest of the stuff they needed was supplied by the
friends and family back home of one woman in my unit.

All in all, we spent a good ten months with the family.
We were sad to leave them but grateful for the experience
of not only helping them out but also having the opportunity
to form a relationship that crossed over cultural boundaries.
We could see the good changes that we knew we were bringing
to these people who greatly needed and appreciated our help.
I will be forever thankful for the experience and I hope
that one day the kids will grow up to appreciate American
soldiers and all that they did for their country. I honestly
feel like the kids in Iraq will be our greatest asset in
years to come.

Many of our greatest efforts have gone toward helping them
live a better life, whether it is rebuilding their schools,
giving them toys and candy, getting them proper medical
attention, or simply playing games with them. My hope for
Iraq lies in the next generation. Through the efforts of
some amazing soldiers, I believe a seed has been planted
that will one day bloom into a mass of young children
raised on knowing the kindness and gentleness of American
soldiers. When that time comes I believe we will finally
enjoy the fruits of our labor in the Middle East.

Day 3: "We really are one nation under God"

My search has been difficult today, I've been trying to search for different sites (the previous two have many stories) but with little luck. I stumbled upon this "True or False" site which is just cool in general. One "True" caught my eye as I was glancing through the list:

A cross in a flag, picture not doctored. This flag was put up the day after September 11th at a Fry's in Yuma AZ. Via: http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/c/cross-flag.htm

This link is full of Military Devotionals and Resources to encourage the "military home front"
So awesome.
http://www.operationwearehere.com/MilitaryDevotionals.html

Day 2: Soldier Comforts Little Girl

Soldier comforts little girl (click the title to view the story)
This story made me cry. When I think about the things my husband will have to endure one day, I wonder about the greater purpose. Well, this little girl's life is no more important than mine, so if my husband fights for me, for his family, he will fight for this little girl too. And many more. Like the website says, our soldiers have a purpose, they make a difference, even if only one little girl at a time....

Day 1: The Heart of America

THE HEART OF AMERICA

From a Marine Gunnery Sergeant in Iraq. 

On each patrol we take through the city, we 
take as many toys as will fit in our pockets 
and hand them out as we can. The kids take 
the toys and run to show them off as if they 
were worth a million bucks. 

On one such patrol, our lead security vehicle 
stopped in the middle of the street. This is 
not normal and is very unsafe, so the following 
vehicles began to inquire over the radio. The 
lead vehicle reported a little girl sitting in 
the road and said she just would not budge. 
The command vehicle told the lead to simply 
go around her.

As the vehicles went around her, I soon saw her 
sitting there and in her arms she was clutching 
a little bear that we had handed her a few 
patrols back. Feeling an immediate connection 
to the girl, I radioed that we were going to 
stop. The rest of the convoy paused and I got 
out to make sure she was OK. The little girl 
looked scared and concerned, but there was a 
warmth in her eyes toward me. As I knelt down 
to talk to her, she moved over and pointed to 
a mine in the road.

Immediately a cordon was set as the Marine 
convoy assumed a defensive posture around the 
site. The mine was destroyed in place. 

It was the heart of an American that sent that 
toy. It was the heart of an American that gave 
that toy to that little girl. It was the heart 
of a tiny Iraqi girl that protected that convoy 
from that mine. It was a heart of acceptance, 
of tolerance, of peace and grace, even through 
the inconveniences of conflict that saved that 
convoy from hitting that mine. 

She may have no affiliation at all with the 
United States, but she knows what it is to be 
brave. And if we can continue to support her 
and her new government, she will know what it 
is to be free. 



http://www.blackfive.net/main/2004/12/love_is_stronge.html

via: http://militaryuntoldstoriesfromthetroops.blogspot.com/2006/09/heart-of-america.html

Politics

After the Republican debate last night I've been thinking on and searching for answers as to what kind of candidate I should be looking for. What does Christian politics look like?


Here is a link to one site I found http://thebigpicture.homestead.com/XnPltcsC21.html

Ponder....

How Can We Support Our Troops?

We have all heard the phrase "support our troops" but how many of us actually take intentional steps to do that? 


What does support of the troops look like? Well there is Operation Christmas Tree (that allows people to buy a Christmas tree to send over seas). There are groups that get together at airports simply to welcome troops home. Here are some links:
HUGS for HEROS (sends care packages to our men/women over seas)
Alaska's Healing Hearts (an outreach/get away for wounded vets and service members)
Kitchen Table Gang (a group that makes yummy food for wounded soldiers and vets, to make their hospital stays more comfortable)
Operation Shower (serves military families by putting on baby showers for mom's at home, the families of our servicemen need support too)
Operation Welcome Home (welcomes our military members at the airport)
Freedom Alliance (scholarship funds for military kids)
Operation Holiday Stockings (sends filled stockings to troops over seas)


Go HERE to see even MORE ways to support our troops


There is another way, perhaps even more important or more effective than these. Use your voice. Your pen. Your email. 10 years later we still fight terror. 10 years we have heard rumors of foul play that surround the war effort. I've been trying to think how I can personally support my husband, his friends, his brothers. I think this is how I'm going to do it. I'm going to start sharing encouraging stories, real stories, about the good, and maybe even some bad. But the point will always be to show support of our troops. We can talk about wrongs done, we can talk about mistakes that the United States has made, but let's remember that when it comes to what really goes on over seas, it is the individual man or woman who is being affected, who is doing his/her job. Let's talk! But let's talk with support and thankfulness, because someone is fighting for you whether you know them or not.


Let's start being supportive! Beginning Nov. 30th-Dec. 24th  
25 Days of Support
I will share an inspirational story or a political story about our military. To show what they do for us, and to show what some of us "do" for them.... PLEASE do your part this Christmas season by sharing any stories you see on this blog with someone!!! Spread the word! Support your servicemen with your words! Don't let them be slandered! Let's lift up the men and women that risk their lives!!! 


Here is another blog- it's purpose is to show the bright side- to shed light on the GOOD that is being done. Military: Untold Stories from our Troops

And PLEASE join the conversation! Leave comments! Start a blog! Email chain! Whatever it is get involved with this conversation! It's important.