God will not look you over for medals, degrees or diplomas, but for scars.
~~~~~Elbert Hubbard
In the never ending quest for new voices to fill the void left by the main stream media as to what's going on in the War on Terror, I've come across a few (new to me) blogs. Of course they are written by some of 'Our Guys' who are boots on the ground. You know, the voice of experience. So if you will, please take a few minutes to check out any/all of the following and let them know how much we appreciate what they are doing. You do, don't ya? Yeah, I thought so...
Afghan Thunder
Embedded In Afghanistan
Afghanistan My Last Tour
Afghani Kush
Life Of An Army Medic
Sgt. Danger
A Year In The Sandbox
There's a boat load of sailors who are deployed or will soon deploy to Afghanistan. Seriously. Sailors dry-docked in a land-locked country. Strange, heh? Not so much...
Afghanistan IA
Highland Sailor
Tracy's Adventures in Afghanisatan
There's Sand In My...
452 Days
Adam- From DC to Afghanistan
Kickin' Through The Sand
My Afghanistan Journal
Afghani-Stanimation
Af-Dan-istan
Through The Sand
And here's a couple blogs from Iraq. What? You think that everyone has left there already? That would be a great big negative... No!
Castra Praetoria
Gen X Inq Ira
And so it goes......
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Sunday Smiles...
Always remember to be happy because you never know who's falling in love with your smile.
~~~~~Author Unknown
The last few days have seen my face without the normal smiling visage more of the day than not. There are factors that have caused me to contemplate some of life's complexities more diligently than ever. Not that I haven't always considered them, just now it troubles me more than before. Must be that getting 'older, but am I better' question that causes me to ponder such things. It has to be that or the changes to my personal life that will occur in the coming year. As always, I know that there are others in my life who love me no matter my mood or bank account status. That's always a good thing, yes?
As my Daddy used to say..."Life is for the living." And I'm still alive and kicking. So I'm trying...
The eldest sister, O'Wise One has been sending me little missives that help with bringing a smile out of hiding. I'd like to share a few about why the American economy has gone to the jackals. Not surprising that they have more than a few bits of wisdom in them.
Why America's Economy fell off the Cliff...
John Smith started the day early having set his alarm clock (Made in Japan) for 6 am.
While his coffee pot (Made in China) was perking, he shaved with his electric razor (Made in Hong Kong).
He put on a dress shirt (Made in Sri Lanka), designer jeans (Made in Singapore) and tennis shoes (Made in Korea).
After cooking his breakfast in his new electric skillet (Made in India), he sat down with his calculator (Made in Mexico) to see how much he could spend today.
After setting his watch (Made in Taiwan) to the radio (Made in India), he got in his car (Made in Germany), filled it with gas (From Saudi Arabia), and continued his search for a good paying AMERICAN JOB.
At the end of yet another discouraging and fruitless day checking his computer (Made in Malaysia), John decided to relax for a while.
He put on his sandals (Made in Brazil), poured himself a glass of wine (Made in France), and turned his TV (Made in Indonesia), and then wondered why he can't find a good paying job in AMERICA.
And now he's hoping he can get help from a President...MADE IN KENYA.
The Economy is SO BAD...
CEO's are now playing miniature golf.
Jewish women are marrying for love.
Even people who have nothing to do with the Obama administration aren't paying their taxes.
Hotwheels and Matchbox stocks are trading higher than GM.
Obama met with small businesses to discuss the Stimulus Package: GE, Phizer and Citigroup.
McDonalds is now selling the 1/4 ouncer.
Parents in Beverly Hills fired their nannies and learned their children's names.
A truckload of Americans got caught sneaking into Mexico.
The most highly-paid job is now Jury Duty.
People in Africa are donating money to Americans.
Motel Six won't leave the light on. (Now, this is serious)
The Mafia is laying off judges.
And finally...
Congress says they are looking into this Bernard Madoff scandal.
Hey, Neat...The guy who made $50 Billion disappear is now being investigated by the people who made $750 Billion disappear.
And so it goes......
~~~~~Author Unknown
The last few days have seen my face without the normal smiling visage more of the day than not. There are factors that have caused me to contemplate some of life's complexities more diligently than ever. Not that I haven't always considered them, just now it troubles me more than before. Must be that getting 'older, but am I better' question that causes me to ponder such things. It has to be that or the changes to my personal life that will occur in the coming year. As always, I know that there are others in my life who love me no matter my mood or bank account status. That's always a good thing, yes?
As my Daddy used to say..."Life is for the living." And I'm still alive and kicking. So I'm trying...
The eldest sister, O'Wise One has been sending me little missives that help with bringing a smile out of hiding. I'd like to share a few about why the American economy has gone to the jackals. Not surprising that they have more than a few bits of wisdom in them.
Why America's Economy fell off the Cliff...
John Smith started the day early having set his alarm clock (Made in Japan) for 6 am.
While his coffee pot (Made in China) was perking, he shaved with his electric razor (Made in Hong Kong).
He put on a dress shirt (Made in Sri Lanka), designer jeans (Made in Singapore) and tennis shoes (Made in Korea).
After cooking his breakfast in his new electric skillet (Made in India), he sat down with his calculator (Made in Mexico) to see how much he could spend today.
After setting his watch (Made in Taiwan) to the radio (Made in India), he got in his car (Made in Germany), filled it with gas (From Saudi Arabia), and continued his search for a good paying AMERICAN JOB.
At the end of yet another discouraging and fruitless day checking his computer (Made in Malaysia), John decided to relax for a while.
He put on his sandals (Made in Brazil), poured himself a glass of wine (Made in France), and turned his TV (Made in Indonesia), and then wondered why he can't find a good paying job in AMERICA.
And now he's hoping he can get help from a President...MADE IN KENYA.
The Economy is SO BAD...
CEO's are now playing miniature golf.
Jewish women are marrying for love.
Even people who have nothing to do with the Obama administration aren't paying their taxes.
Hotwheels and Matchbox stocks are trading higher than GM.
Obama met with small businesses to discuss the Stimulus Package: GE, Phizer and Citigroup.
McDonalds is now selling the 1/4 ouncer.
Parents in Beverly Hills fired their nannies and learned their children's names.
A truckload of Americans got caught sneaking into Mexico.
The most highly-paid job is now Jury Duty.
People in Africa are donating money to Americans.
Motel Six won't leave the light on. (Now, this is serious)
The Mafia is laying off judges.
And finally...
Congress says they are looking into this Bernard Madoff scandal.
Hey, Neat...The guy who made $50 Billion disappear is now being investigated by the people who made $750 Billion disappear.
And so it goes......
Saturday, May 30, 2009
I Try...
The best day of your life is the one on which you decide your life is your own. No apologies or excuses. No one to lean on, rely on, or blame. The gift is yours - it is an amazing journey - and you alone are responsible for the quality of it. This is the day your life really begins.
~~~~~Bob Moawad
Why is it so hard to say "good-bye" even if only for a short time? In the broad scope of life, a year can be considered a short time, can't it?
It's going to hurt. I know it will. Yet, I can't stop the love, nor the pride I feel. I would never even want to.
"Just be supportive."
"Haven't I been supportive?"
"Yes... yes, you have."
Yeah, I can do that. You can count on it. Still, it's going to be so hard to say "good-bye". I think I'll just say...
"Till I see you again, please stay safe, and remember I love you. Always yours with faith and smiles."
And so it goes......
~~~~~Bob Moawad
Why is it so hard to say "good-bye" even if only for a short time? In the broad scope of life, a year can be considered a short time, can't it?
It's going to hurt. I know it will. Yet, I can't stop the love, nor the pride I feel. I would never even want to.
"Just be supportive."
"Haven't I been supportive?"
"Yes... yes, you have."
Yeah, I can do that. You can count on it. Still, it's going to be so hard to say "good-bye". I think I'll just say...
"Till I see you again, please stay safe, and remember I love you. Always yours with faith and smiles."
And so it goes......
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Threats From Afar...
The trouble ain't that there is too many fools, but that the lightning ain't distributed right.
~~~~~Mark Twain
Most everyone knows that the bad guys in Afghanistan are the Taliban, among others. They use night letters, as well as other tactics to threaten the local populace to not cooperate with 'Our Guys', or anyone there in country to help the Afghans turn their country back into a law abiding productive nation. They use fear as mind control as well as action control. Let me tell ya, fear of someone or something is not a good thing to have. I know well how the use of fear to control a person works. I'm divorced, remember?
They use threats of kidnapping, beheading, assassination, hangings, and unimaginable kinds of atrocities. Yes, they make some threats real. It's called psychological warfare. Scare the living be-jeezzus out of people, and the war is half won. Unfortunately they are getting quite good at it.
Even from afar, they are trying to use their scare tactics to underscore a good deed 'Our Guys' undertook some time back. Now, they have made threats against a family of Afghans who brought their daughter to America for medical treatment. Nazia has been at Cincinnati Children's Hospital for some time now. She's almost ready to go home. But... can they take her home knowing that their family lives are in jeopardy?
Here's the story I read from Local12.com webpage.
I hope and pray that there is something 'Our Guys' can do to insure that Nazia's family doesn't bear the brunt of retaliation from the Taliban. Umm, like take 'em all out! I know that there are many of 'Our Guys' working on doing just that, as are many Afghans who are in the fight against tyranny from the Taliban. I hope it's enough to keep Nazia and her family safe so that she has the opportunity to be with all her family growing up.
And so it goes......
~~~~~Mark Twain
Most everyone knows that the bad guys in Afghanistan are the Taliban, among others. They use night letters, as well as other tactics to threaten the local populace to not cooperate with 'Our Guys', or anyone there in country to help the Afghans turn their country back into a law abiding productive nation. They use fear as mind control as well as action control. Let me tell ya, fear of someone or something is not a good thing to have. I know well how the use of fear to control a person works. I'm divorced, remember?
They use threats of kidnapping, beheading, assassination, hangings, and unimaginable kinds of atrocities. Yes, they make some threats real. It's called psychological warfare. Scare the living be-jeezzus out of people, and the war is half won. Unfortunately they are getting quite good at it.
Even from afar, they are trying to use their scare tactics to underscore a good deed 'Our Guys' undertook some time back. Now, they have made threats against a family of Afghans who brought their daughter to America for medical treatment. Nazia has been at Cincinnati Children's Hospital for some time now. She's almost ready to go home. But... can they take her home knowing that their family lives are in jeopardy?
Here's the story I read from Local12.com webpage.
"Nazia and her brother fear returning to Afghanistan because their family faces threats from the Taliban for bringing Nazia to Cincinnati. (WKRC-TV)
Doctors at Children's Hospital have saved the life of a girl from Afghanistan. Now the family is receiving threats from the Taliban for bringing her here.
The girl is just two years old. She's been here for months undergoing surgeries. Only now is her family comfortable telling their story to Local 12's Shawn Ley.
Her name is Nazia - she almost died after swallowing a battery the size of a penny, But once you see the size of her spirit, you'll understand why everyone here is in love with her.
This beautiful little girl barely has a voice. She's starting to speak and eat again, after almost dying from swallowing a watch battery.
Ravi Elluru, MD/Cincinnati Children's Hospital: "She's had a lot of angels, she's very lucky."
Dr. Ravi Elluru has been working to save the little girl's life. Battery chemicals were eating holes in her airway and esophagus. With no doctors in her village to treat her, U.S. forces were nearby. Army surgeons helped stabilize the girl, but she needed reconstructive surgery. A member of the military knew one of our nation's best surgeons for that procedure.. Dr. Elluru. The doctor and soldier had another friend who donated his frequent flyer miles to bring Nazia here.
Dr. Elluru: "If she hadn't found those friends, those angels she would have had a very rocky life, a very short life."
But her life isn't about to get any easier. Through an interpreter, Nazia's brother says his family is being threatened by the Taliban for bringing her to the U.S. Interpreter: "When he spoke to his father he said when you come back the Taliban have told me they are going to kill you. Plain and simple, they're going to kill you. They ask why did you take this girl to America?"
Little Nazia's life has been saved, but her future after leaving here is more at risk than ever."
I hope and pray that there is something 'Our Guys' can do to insure that Nazia's family doesn't bear the brunt of retaliation from the Taliban. Umm, like take 'em all out! I know that there are many of 'Our Guys' working on doing just that, as are many Afghans who are in the fight against tyranny from the Taliban. I hope it's enough to keep Nazia and her family safe so that she has the opportunity to be with all her family growing up.
And so it goes......
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Hometown Hero...
We shall draw from the heart of suffering itself the means of inspiration and survival.
~~~~~Winston Churchill
The weepy skies didn't deter the many local citizens who came out to the Florence Government Complex to pay homage to a hometown son who was critically injured by a roadside blast in Afghanistan back in January of this year.
Y'all do remember me telling you about him, don't ya? The power of prayer is an amazing thing, isn't it? But then again, I'm not surprised.
It was thus proclaimed by Mayor Dianne Whalen that the 25th day of May will forever more be known as "Charles Brandon Bailey Day" in Florence, Kentucky.
A similar proclamation was made by Boone County, and citations were given to him by the State of Kentucky and The Dept. of Veterans Affairs. It was proper that the State of Kentucky recognized his service not only to his home state but also to our country. If only all states and counties would do the same for all of the men and women who have stood and said "Send Me."
Brandon has made rapid progress with his recovery from the wounds he received from that IED blast in Farah province, Afghanistan. He has undergone multiple surgeries, and is now able to commute to his daily rehab activities from home. Several weeks ago, Momma and I had made arrangements to visit Brandon and Kristie at Gateway Rehab Center. The plans weren't fulfilled as Brandon had been released to travel back to Bethesda Medical Center to have his pelvic brace removed. We had missed him by a few hours.
Yesterday, I finally got to meet Charles Brandon Bailey (B.B.) and his wife Kristie. Let me tell y'all, it was AWESOME!!!
I also met his and Kristie's parents and grandparents. What I couldn't understand is why they felt it necessary to thank me. Honestly, I didn't do anything. The "Angel" in Germany deserves all the thanks. I just played Angels' advocate for a few minutes. She did the rest. And I still thank her with all my heart. The tears of thanks that fell from his relatives' eyes yesterday brought tears to my own. Mary Ann, so many said "they wished you could have been here"...
The Florence Government Complex has a memorial to all the local residents who have paid the ultimate price with their lives throughout the many wars our Nation has been involved in, starting with World War I. and ending with the War on Terror. Yes I know it's not politically correct to say that... it is what it is.
Families can purchase commemorative bricks to be placed in the paver filled walkways and different areas that you see in the picture above. Brandon now has 3 brick pavers that were lain into position by his wife, mother, and father. They were then hammered into place by his lifelong friend, Mr. Detheridge who was the 'go to man' for this service. They display the messages of his service as a Marine.
One for his tour of duty in Iraq,
One for his purple heart he received from Sec.Def Gates while at Bethesda Medical Center.
And the third for his tour of duty in Afghanistan.
There were many who remarked during the ceremonies that "they were so very thankful that they weren't engraving his name upon those granite memorials." Let me add my own heartfelt thanks that this was so.
After all the ceremonies were over, a light drizzle continued to fall. No one felt the wetness while waiting to shake Brandon's hand. I stood in line with those who had come to welcome him with open arms.
Momma tried to get me to move up, but I felt that the others deserved to be first in giving and getting hugs and handshakes. I could wait.
I've been saving a bit of good news for the very last... Kristie is "with child". Brandon sounded so proud when he said "their first baby was due to arrive in December." Sweet, isn't it?
Oh, just so y'all know, I did ask permission from Brandon to post these pictures. I'm good to go. Permission was granted. My life has been blessed indeed by getting to meet one of our Nation's Heroes, and his family. They have no idea how grateful I am, nor could words ever convey those feelings I/we have for their service and sacrifices.
And so it goes......
~~~~~Winston Churchill
The weepy skies didn't deter the many local citizens who came out to the Florence Government Complex to pay homage to a hometown son who was critically injured by a roadside blast in Afghanistan back in January of this year.
Y'all do remember me telling you about him, don't ya? The power of prayer is an amazing thing, isn't it? But then again, I'm not surprised.
It was thus proclaimed by Mayor Dianne Whalen that the 25th day of May will forever more be known as "Charles Brandon Bailey Day" in Florence, Kentucky.
A similar proclamation was made by Boone County, and citations were given to him by the State of Kentucky and The Dept. of Veterans Affairs. It was proper that the State of Kentucky recognized his service not only to his home state but also to our country. If only all states and counties would do the same for all of the men and women who have stood and said "Send Me."
Brandon has made rapid progress with his recovery from the wounds he received from that IED blast in Farah province, Afghanistan. He has undergone multiple surgeries, and is now able to commute to his daily rehab activities from home. Several weeks ago, Momma and I had made arrangements to visit Brandon and Kristie at Gateway Rehab Center. The plans weren't fulfilled as Brandon had been released to travel back to Bethesda Medical Center to have his pelvic brace removed. We had missed him by a few hours.
Yesterday, I finally got to meet Charles Brandon Bailey (B.B.) and his wife Kristie. Let me tell y'all, it was AWESOME!!!
I also met his and Kristie's parents and grandparents. What I couldn't understand is why they felt it necessary to thank me. Honestly, I didn't do anything. The "Angel" in Germany deserves all the thanks. I just played Angels' advocate for a few minutes. She did the rest. And I still thank her with all my heart. The tears of thanks that fell from his relatives' eyes yesterday brought tears to my own. Mary Ann, so many said "they wished you could have been here"...
The Florence Government Complex has a memorial to all the local residents who have paid the ultimate price with their lives throughout the many wars our Nation has been involved in, starting with World War I. and ending with the War on Terror. Yes I know it's not politically correct to say that... it is what it is.
Families can purchase commemorative bricks to be placed in the paver filled walkways and different areas that you see in the picture above. Brandon now has 3 brick pavers that were lain into position by his wife, mother, and father. They were then hammered into place by his lifelong friend, Mr. Detheridge who was the 'go to man' for this service. They display the messages of his service as a Marine.
One for his tour of duty in Iraq,
One for his purple heart he received from Sec.Def Gates while at Bethesda Medical Center.
And the third for his tour of duty in Afghanistan. There were many who remarked during the ceremonies that "they were so very thankful that they weren't engraving his name upon those granite memorials." Let me add my own heartfelt thanks that this was so.
After all the ceremonies were over, a light drizzle continued to fall. No one felt the wetness while waiting to shake Brandon's hand. I stood in line with those who had come to welcome him with open arms.
Momma tried to get me to move up, but I felt that the others deserved to be first in giving and getting hugs and handshakes. I could wait.
I've been saving a bit of good news for the very last... Kristie is "with child". Brandon sounded so proud when he said "their first baby was due to arrive in December." Sweet, isn't it? Oh, just so y'all know, I did ask permission from Brandon to post these pictures. I'm good to go. Permission was granted. My life has been blessed indeed by getting to meet one of our Nation's Heroes, and his family. They have no idea how grateful I am, nor could words ever convey those feelings I/we have for their service and sacrifices.
And so it goes......
Monday, May 25, 2009
For Our Fallen Warriors, Memorial Day 2009
Cover them over with beautiful flowers,
Deck them with garlands, those brothers of ours,
Lying so silent by night and by day
Sleeping the years of their manhood away.
Give them the meed they have won in the past;
Give them the honors their future forcast;
Give them the chaplets they won in the strife;
Give them the laurels they lost with their life.
~Will Carleton
Deck them with garlands, those brothers of ours,
Lying so silent by night and by day
Sleeping the years of their manhood away.
Give them the meed they have won in the past;
Give them the honors their future forcast;
Give them the chaplets they won in the strife;
Give them the laurels they lost with their life.
~Will Carleton
WE WILL REMEMBER......
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Parlez-vous Français?
Knights of the spirit; warriors in the cause
Of justice absolute 'twixt man and man.
~Richard Watson Gilder
While perusing my daily addictions this morning, I received a comment on a post I had put up back in April about Kapisa province. You know where that is, right? Umm, Kapisa is in Afghanistan. Actually, it's not that far from Kabul; the capital of Afghanistan. Just a bit north east and about 40 miles or so... The road conditions just make it seem much farther away. The Tagab valley is quite the hot spot as are the Alasay and Nijrab valleys. Seems like the taliban don't like foreign fighters being there as they are doing their best to force them to leave. Guess what? IT AINT WORKING!!
Anywhoo, there are French troops at the FOB who replaced 'Our Guys' last year. And they've been getting into some heavy firefights with some taliban bad guys. My anonymous commenter this morning had left me a link to a few videos. Yep, I had to check them out. I wanted to know what was going on in that little valley I had started watching and needing to know about a little less than two years ago.
Holy Crap Batman! And I've always heard that the French don't like to fight. That's certainly a misconception. Unfortunately the video's are in french which I don't speak a word of. There are a few english subtitles. Just not enough.
So, without further adieu... wait, that's a french word I know.
The Battle of Alasay Valley March 14, 2009. There is a complete series of video's, 1-9. They start with the families of some of those French fighters... Please be sure that you check all of them out. If you speak french, could you and would you care to translate for me?
Joshua Foust who writes Registan also has a few short clips of some air support to the French fighters in those areas.
If y'all will excuse me for a bit, I've got to get out in the garden. It's a good time to plant those seeds that will feed us this winter.
And so it goes......
Of justice absolute 'twixt man and man.
~Richard Watson Gilder
While perusing my daily addictions this morning, I received a comment on a post I had put up back in April about Kapisa province. You know where that is, right? Umm, Kapisa is in Afghanistan. Actually, it's not that far from Kabul; the capital of Afghanistan. Just a bit north east and about 40 miles or so... The road conditions just make it seem much farther away. The Tagab valley is quite the hot spot as are the Alasay and Nijrab valleys. Seems like the taliban don't like foreign fighters being there as they are doing their best to force them to leave. Guess what? IT AINT WORKING!!
Anywhoo, there are French troops at the FOB who replaced 'Our Guys' last year. And they've been getting into some heavy firefights with some taliban bad guys. My anonymous commenter this morning had left me a link to a few videos. Yep, I had to check them out. I wanted to know what was going on in that little valley I had started watching and needing to know about a little less than two years ago.
Holy Crap Batman! And I've always heard that the French don't like to fight. That's certainly a misconception. Unfortunately the video's are in french which I don't speak a word of. There are a few english subtitles. Just not enough.
So, without further adieu... wait, that's a french word I know.
The Battle of Alasay Valley March 14, 2009. There is a complete series of video's, 1-9. They start with the families of some of those French fighters... Please be sure that you check all of them out. If you speak french, could you and would you care to translate for me?
Joshua Foust who writes Registan also has a few short clips of some air support to the French fighters in those areas.
If y'all will excuse me for a bit, I've got to get out in the garden. It's a good time to plant those seeds that will feed us this winter.
And so it goes......
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Why Memorial Day? Over 300,000 and Counting...
On thy grave the rain shall fall from the eyes of a mighty nation!
~~~~~Thomas William Parsons
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, May 22, 2009 - More than 3,000 servicemembers officially kicked off the Memorial Day commemoration last evening as they placed more than 250,000 miniature flags at every grave at Arlington National Cemetery.
The tradition, known as "Flags In," dates back to 1948, when soldiers of 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as "The Old Guard," began the annual Memorial Day tribute.
This year marked the sixth year company-size elements of sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen joined about 3,000 soldiers in placing a U.S. flag at the base of the gravestone and columbarium niche of every servicemember buried or inurned at Arlington.
Yesterday afternoon, the troops fanned out across the cemetery's hills and valleys, carrying rucksacks bulging with bundles of flags. They approached each headstone, centering a miniature flag exactly one boot length from the base before sinking it into the ground.
"I can't say how lucky I feel to have the opportunity to do this," said Army Sgt. Daniel Sonntag, a member of the Old Guard's Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion.
~~~~~
Please click the title link as there's more to read about the many volunteers who remember those who have gone before them by placing a small flag at the base of each grave marker.
A reminder that they will "Never be forgotten". Nor should we allow their fallen comrades to be forgotten by the rest of America.
And so it goes......
~~~~~Thomas William Parsons
Arlington 'Flags In' Tribute Begins Memorial Day Commemoration
By Donna MilesAmerican Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, May 22, 2009 - More than 3,000 servicemembers officially kicked off the Memorial Day commemoration last evening as they placed more than 250,000 miniature flags at every grave at Arlington National Cemetery.
|
This year marked the sixth year company-size elements of sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen joined about 3,000 soldiers in placing a U.S. flag at the base of the gravestone and columbarium niche of every servicemember buried or inurned at Arlington.
Yesterday afternoon, the troops fanned out across the cemetery's hills and valleys, carrying rucksacks bulging with bundles of flags. They approached each headstone, centering a miniature flag exactly one boot length from the base before sinking it into the ground.
"I can't say how lucky I feel to have the opportunity to do this," said Army Sgt. Daniel Sonntag, a member of the Old Guard's Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion.
~~~~~
Please click the title link as there's more to read about the many volunteers who remember those who have gone before them by placing a small flag at the base of each grave marker.
A reminder that they will "Never be forgotten". Nor should we allow their fallen comrades to be forgotten by the rest of America.
And so it goes......
Friday, May 22, 2009
Why Memorial Day? Reason #1
Perform, then, this one act of remembrance before this Day passes - Remember there is an army of defense and advance that never dies and never surrenders, but is increasingly recruited from the eternal sources of the American spirit and from the generations of American youth.
~~~~~W.J. Cameron
My number 1 reason for remembering the sacrifices of those men and women who have been willing to stand guard against the power of evil... My Daddy.
David Brooks Pierce 1/14/27 - 6/19/05
He will always live forever in my memory and in my heart... Always.
And so it goes......
~~~~~W.J. Cameron
My number 1 reason for remembering the sacrifices of those men and women who have been willing to stand guard against the power of evil... My Daddy.
David Brooks Pierce 1/14/27 - 6/19/05302nd Combat Engineers Battalion 1945-1952
He will always live forever in my memory and in my heart... Always.
And so it goes......
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Noah's Ark In Afghanistan...
Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.
~~~~~Robert Brault
By Cpl. Aaron Rooks, 2nd MEB
May 20, 2009 - 6:38:27 PM
Blackanthem Military News
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - In the rugged desert of southern Afghanistan sit hundreds of tents occupied by Marines for as far as the eye can see. Rising above the dust and grit that blow across the Helmand plains, one object stands out majestically amongst Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan's sprawling tent city at the unit's base of operations at Camp Leatherneck.
The Marines affectionately call the structure "Noah's Ark," for its similarities to the vessel built before flood waters covered the earth in biblical times.
This modern-day ark, built for Marines in less than three months by sailors of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5, looms over all other structures across the desert camp.
Do the clicky click thing here to continue reading how the Seabee's are building like crazy to house the upcoming "surge" of troops due to arrive in country over the next year or so.
~~~~~
And so it goes......
~~~~~Robert Brault
By Cpl. Aaron Rooks, 2nd MEB
May 20, 2009 - 6:38:27 PM
Blackanthem Military News
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - In the rugged desert of southern Afghanistan sit hundreds of tents occupied by Marines for as far as the eye can see. Rising above the dust and grit that blow across the Helmand plains, one object stands out majestically amongst Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan's sprawling tent city at the unit's base of operations at Camp Leatherneck.
The Marines affectionately call the structure "Noah's Ark," for its similarities to the vessel built before flood waters covered the earth in biblical times.
This modern-day ark, built for Marines in less than three months by sailors of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5, looms over all other structures across the desert camp.
Do the clicky click thing here to continue reading how the Seabee's are building like crazy to house the upcoming "surge" of troops due to arrive in country over the next year or so.
~~~~~
And so it goes......
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
BlackFive Steps Up To The Plate...
Never apologize for showing feeling. When you do so, you apologize for the truth.
~~~~~Benjamin Disraeli
I met some of the most amazing men and women while attending the Mil-Blog Conference last month. Matt Currier Burden; creator of Blackfive being one of them. Blackfive Matt and his cohorts do many many good things for our Warriors. So it doesn't surprise me that once again they've stepped into the gap to take care of ALL of our Warriors. David Bellavia; author of the book "House to House" and Matt have created a new foundation for just that reason.
But the most impressive thing, is that anyone who supports the men and women we call our Armed Forces can join. You don't have to be a military member, you don't have to have a relative in one of the branches... ANYONE CAN JOIN. As long as you're supportive. Yeah, that would be me. Thankfully, I have members of my family past and present who are and were participants in keeping our country safe.
Please click on the logo above to see for yourself what these great bunch of 'Our Guys' have done. Do yourself another favor after you've checked out their information, Register to JOIN!
And so it goes......
~~~~~Benjamin Disraeli
I met some of the most amazing men and women while attending the Mil-Blog Conference last month. Matt Currier Burden; creator of Blackfive being one of them. Blackfive Matt and his cohorts do many many good things for our Warriors. So it doesn't surprise me that once again they've stepped into the gap to take care of ALL of our Warriors. David Bellavia; author of the book "House to House" and Matt have created a new foundation for just that reason. But the most impressive thing, is that anyone who supports the men and women we call our Armed Forces can join. You don't have to be a military member, you don't have to have a relative in one of the branches... ANYONE CAN JOIN. As long as you're supportive. Yeah, that would be me. Thankfully, I have members of my family past and present who are and were participants in keeping our country safe.
Please click on the logo above to see for yourself what these great bunch of 'Our Guys' have done. Do yourself another favor after you've checked out their information, Register to JOIN!
And so it goes......
Sunday, May 17, 2009
A Marine's Request Honored...
It's better to fight for something than against something.
~~~~~Author Unknown
Early this morning, I received the following in my emails. Roger had posted this on one of the Multiply groups that we're both members of. Since I've got several family members in the Marines, and more as friends, there was little doubt that it had to be re-posted.
Speaking of Marines, I'd like to request that all who read this, please keep B.B. in your prayers. He returned to Bethesda last week for more surgeries. If you remember, he was involved in a roadside IED in the Farah province of Afghanistan back in January. I had gone over to Momma's so that we could go visit him. He had some news he wanted to tell me in person. Unfortunately for me, he had been released to travel back to Maryland. I missed him by a few short hours. That's okay, I know he's coming home soon. I'll be waiting to hug B.B and his wife.
As for the rest of this post, feel free to copy and paste to your hearts content. Aaron did say that he would like to see this roll across the USA! So...Let's Roll!
~~~~~Author Unknown
Early this morning, I received the following in my emails. Roger had posted this on one of the Multiply groups that we're both members of. Since I've got several family members in the Marines, and more as friends, there was little doubt that it had to be re-posted.
Speaking of Marines, I'd like to request that all who read this, please keep B.B. in your prayers. He returned to Bethesda last week for more surgeries. If you remember, he was involved in a roadside IED in the Farah province of Afghanistan back in January. I had gone over to Momma's so that we could go visit him. He had some news he wanted to tell me in person. Unfortunately for me, he had been released to travel back to Maryland. I missed him by a few short hours. That's okay, I know he's coming home soon. I'll be waiting to hug B.B and his wife.
As for the rest of this post, feel free to copy and paste to your hearts content. Aaron did say that he would like to see this roll across the USA! So...Let's Roll!
FRIENDS ARE BORN, NOT MADE
This is a poem being sent from a Marine to his Dad.
For those who take the time to read it, you'll see a letter from him
to his Dad at the bottom. It makes you truly thankful for not only the
Marines, but ALL of our troops.
THE MARINE
We all came together,
Both young and old
To fight for our freedom,
To stand and be bold.
In the midst of all evil,
We stand our ground,
And we protect our country
From all terror around.
Peace and not war,
Is what some people say.
But I'll give my life,
So you can live the American way.
I give you the right
To talk of your peace.
To stand in your groups,
and protest in our streets.
But still I fight on,
I don't bitch, I don't whine.
I'm just one of the people
Who is doing your time.
I'm harder than nails,
Stronger than any machine.
I'm the immortal soldier,
I'm a U.S. MARINE!
So stand in my shoes,
And leave from your home.
Fight for the people who hate you,
With the protests they've shown.
Fight for the stranger,
Fight for the young.
So they all may have,
The greatest freedom you've won.
Fight for the sick,
Fight for the poor,
Fight for the cripple,
Who lives next door.
But when your time comes,
Do what I've done.
For if you stand up for freedom,
You'll stand till the fight's done ....
By: Corporal Aaron M. Gilbert, U S Marine Corps
USS SAIPAN, PERSIAN GULF
This is a poem being sent from a Marine to his Dad.
For those who take the time to read it, you'll see a letter from him
to his Dad at the bottom. It makes you truly thankful for not only the
Marines, but ALL of our troops.
THE MARINE
We all came together,
Both young and old
To fight for our freedom,
To stand and be bold.
In the midst of all evil,
We stand our ground,
And we protect our country
From all terror around.
Peace and not war,
Is what some people say.
But I'll give my life,
So you can live the American way.
I give you the right
To talk of your peace.
To stand in your groups,
and protest in our streets.
But still I fight on,
I don't bitch, I don't whine.
I'm just one of the people
Who is doing your time.
I'm harder than nails,
Stronger than any machine.
I'm the immortal soldier,
I'm a U.S. MARINE!
So stand in my shoes,
And leave from your home.
Fight for the people who hate you,
With the protests they've shown.
Fight for the stranger,
Fight for the young.
So they all may have,
The greatest freedom you've won.
Fight for the sick,
Fight for the poor,
Fight for the cripple,
Who lives next door.
But when your time comes,
Do what I've done.
For if you stand up for freedom,
You'll stand till the fight's done ....
By: Corporal Aaron M. Gilbert, U S Marine Corps
USS SAIPAN, PERSIAN GULF
Hey Dad,
Do me a favor and label this 'The Marine' and send it to everybody on
your email list. Even leave this letter in it. I want this rolling all over the US ; I
want every home reading it. Every eye seeing it. And every heart to feel it. So can you please send this for me?
I would but my email time isn't that long and I don't have much time anyway.
You know what Dad? I wondered what it would be like to truly understand what JFK said in his inaugural speech. 'When the time comes to lay down my life for my country,I do not cower from this responsibility. I welcome it.'
Well, now I know.
And I do. Dad, I welcome the opportunity to do what I do. Even though
I have left behind a beautiful wife, and I will miss the birth of our first born child, I would do it 70 times over to fight for the place that God has made for my home.
I love you all and I miss you very much.
I wish I could be there when Sandi has our baby, but tell her that I
love her, and Lord willing, I will be coming home soon. Give Mom a
great big hug from me and give one to yourself too.
Aaron
Please let this marine (and all our military) know we care by passing
his poem onto your friends even if you don't usually take time to forward mail.
do it this time!
Thanks,
If this touched you as much as it touched me, please forward it on.
Let's help Aaron's dad spread the word ..
FREEDOM isn't FREE Someone
pays for you and me.
God bless you !
JAMES A BROWN CPO USN RET
And so it goes......
Do me a favor and label this 'The Marine' and send it to everybody on
your email list. Even leave this letter in it. I want this rolling all over the US ; I
want every home reading it. Every eye seeing it. And every heart to feel it. So can you please send this for me?
I would but my email time isn't that long and I don't have much time anyway.
You know what Dad? I wondered what it would be like to truly understand what JFK said in his inaugural speech. 'When the time comes to lay down my life for my country,I do not cower from this responsibility. I welcome it.'
Well, now I know.
And I do. Dad, I welcome the opportunity to do what I do. Even though
I have left behind a beautiful wife, and I will miss the birth of our first born child, I would do it 70 times over to fight for the place that God has made for my home.
I love you all and I miss you very much.
I wish I could be there when Sandi has our baby, but tell her that I
love her, and Lord willing, I will be coming home soon. Give Mom a
great big hug from me and give one to yourself too.
Aaron
Please let this marine (and all our military) know we care by passing
his poem onto your friends even if you don't usually take time to forward mail.
do it this time!
Thanks,
If this touched you as much as it touched me, please forward it on.
Let's help Aaron's dad spread the word ..
FREEDOM isn't FREE Someone
pays for you and me.
God bless you !
JAMES A BROWN CPO USN RET
And so it goes......
Saturday, May 16, 2009
I'll Be Fine...
Never part without loving words to think of during your absence. It may be that you will not meet again in this life.
~~~~~Jean Paul Richter
And so it goes......
~~~~~Jean Paul Richter
And so it goes......
Friday, May 15, 2009
Friday Funnies...
We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the vitriolic words and actions of the bad people, but for the appalling silence of the good people.
~~~~~Martin Luther King, Jr.
The working week is over for a few days. Yet, I'm 'fraid that there is more work to be done here in my little corner of the world. If only Mother Nature would cooperate so I could get my garden planted, I'd feel much better. The ground has been plowed and tilled. Several weeks ago in fact. Yet the rains have continued to prevent me from playing in the dirt. Ahh well, I reckon I'll use my free time to do other things. I've been catching up on all my book reading. Keeping a book handy for those times I wake in the middle of the night, unable to drift back to the land of slumber. Which means I've read 3 complete books so far.
Anywhoo, this being Friday, 'tis time for a few funnies. Hope that they bring a smile to your lips that spreads to all of your face.
A Blonde's Diary on a Cruise Ship...
Dear Diary- Day 1
All packed for the cruise ship-- all my sexiest dresses and make-up. Really excited.
Dear Diary- Day 2
Entire day at sea, beautiful and saw whales and dolphins. Met the Captain today -- seems like a very nice man.
Dear Diary- Day 3
At the pool today. Also some shuffle boarding and hit golf balls off the deck. Captain invited me to join him at his table for dinner. Felt honored and had a wonderful time. He is very attractive and attentive.
Dear Diary- Day 4
Won $800.00 in ship's casino. Captain asked me to have dinner with him in his own cabin. Had a luxurious meal complete with caviar and champagne. He asked me to stay the night but I declined. Told him I could not be unfaithful to my husband.
Dear Diary- Day 5
Pool again today. Got sunburnt, and went inside to drink at piano-bar for rest of day. Captain saw me, bought me several large drinks. Really is charming. Again asked me to visit his cabin for the night. Again I declined. He told me, if I did not let him have his way with me, he would sink the ship. I was shocked.
Dear Diary- Day 6
Today I saved 1600 lives.
Twice.
~~~~~
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof...
A man left his cat with his brother while he went on vacation for a week.
When he came back, the man called his brother to see when he could pick the cat up.
The brother hesitated, then said, "I'm so sorry, but while you were away, the cat died."
The man was very upset and yelled, ''You know, you could have broken the news to me better than that.
When I called today, you could have said he was on the roof and wouldn't come down.
Then when I called the next day, you could have said that he had fallen off and the vet was working on patching him up.
Then when I called the third day, you could have said he had passed away.''
The brother thought about it and apologized.
"So how's Mom?" asked the man.
"She's on the roof and won't come down."
~~~~~
The Shirt says it all...
And so it goes......
~~~~~Martin Luther King, Jr.
The working week is over for a few days. Yet, I'm 'fraid that there is more work to be done here in my little corner of the world. If only Mother Nature would cooperate so I could get my garden planted, I'd feel much better. The ground has been plowed and tilled. Several weeks ago in fact. Yet the rains have continued to prevent me from playing in the dirt. Ahh well, I reckon I'll use my free time to do other things. I've been catching up on all my book reading. Keeping a book handy for those times I wake in the middle of the night, unable to drift back to the land of slumber. Which means I've read 3 complete books so far.
Anywhoo, this being Friday, 'tis time for a few funnies. Hope that they bring a smile to your lips that spreads to all of your face.
A Blonde's Diary on a Cruise Ship...
Dear Diary- Day 1
All packed for the cruise ship-- all my sexiest dresses and make-up. Really excited.
Dear Diary- Day 2
Entire day at sea, beautiful and saw whales and dolphins. Met the Captain today -- seems like a very nice man.
Dear Diary- Day 3
At the pool today. Also some shuffle boarding and hit golf balls off the deck. Captain invited me to join him at his table for dinner. Felt honored and had a wonderful time. He is very attractive and attentive.
Dear Diary- Day 4
Won $800.00 in ship's casino. Captain asked me to have dinner with him in his own cabin. Had a luxurious meal complete with caviar and champagne. He asked me to stay the night but I declined. Told him I could not be unfaithful to my husband.
Dear Diary- Day 5
Pool again today. Got sunburnt, and went inside to drink at piano-bar for rest of day. Captain saw me, bought me several large drinks. Really is charming. Again asked me to visit his cabin for the night. Again I declined. He told me, if I did not let him have his way with me, he would sink the ship. I was shocked.
Dear Diary- Day 6
Today I saved 1600 lives.
Twice.
~~~~~
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof...
A man left his cat with his brother while he went on vacation for a week.
When he came back, the man called his brother to see when he could pick the cat up.
The brother hesitated, then said, "I'm so sorry, but while you were away, the cat died."
The man was very upset and yelled, ''You know, you could have broken the news to me better than that.
When I called today, you could have said he was on the roof and wouldn't come down.
Then when I called the next day, you could have said that he had fallen off and the vet was working on patching him up.
Then when I called the third day, you could have said he had passed away.''
The brother thought about it and apologized.
"So how's Mom?" asked the man.
"She's on the roof and won't come down."
~~~~~
The Shirt says it all...
And so it goes......
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Kapisa School, Now Inside Tents...
A good teacher is like a candle - it consumes itself to light the way for others.
~~~~~Author Unknown
Special to American Forces Press Service
KAPISA PROVINCE, Afghanistan, May 11, 2009 - More than 1,000 students at a decrepit school in eastern Afghanistan won't have to wait more than a year for their new school to be built to learn in better conditions, thanks to a coalition team here.
Members of Task Force Warrior's Provincial Reconstruction Teams joined forces recently with the local government here to provide temporary shelter for local students whose school is in disrepair.
The Shadhatay School, which would be considered condemned by most western standards, has numerous broken windows, holes in the ceiling and mold infestation throughout. Instructors at the school have been holding classes outside since the building, originally intended for 400 students, will no longer hold the 1,250 students currently enrolled.
"The school is very run down," said Air Force Master Sgt. Todd Davis, an engineer for the Kapisa Province PRT. "There is a new school being built, but that is about a year away from completion, so we wanted to provide some temporary protection from the elements for the students."
Local residents are pleased with the temporary solution: tents, which feature mesh-screened windows to allow greater air-flow, provide shelter from the elements. The temporary shelters also reduce distractions from the outside world – challenges that make being a student in the Alasay district here difficult.
"The tents are very good; they will protect the students from the sun, wind, and rain," said Amrullah, the Shadhatay headmaster. "The teachers are very happy because now they won't have a problem with the students looking around and not paying attention during class. They will [also] be able to teach better, because they'll be more comfortable."
According to Davis, missions like this one are very rewarding and an integral part of the PRT's mission. However, the most rewarding aspect of the project is its implications for the future, the headmaster added.
"Education is the key," Amrullah said. "With education, the future of Alasay and Afghanistan is 100 percent brighter."
(Army Pfc. Derek L. Kuhn serves with the 40th Public Affairs Detachment)
~~~~~
I just love the things that OUR PRT's do for and with the people of Afghanistan. This 'little drop' will do wonders for those children in the Alasay area. Even though the word from Kapisa isn't always good, this bit of news is pretty damn cool!
Way to go, Guys! Y'all done good, real good.
And so it goes......
~~~~~Author Unknown
Coalition Team Gives Temporary Shelter to Afghan Students
By Army Pfc. Derek L. KuhnSpecial to American Forces Press Service
KAPISA PROVINCE, Afghanistan, May 11, 2009 - More than 1,000 students at a decrepit school in eastern Afghanistan won't have to wait more than a year for their new school to be built to learn in better conditions, thanks to a coalition team here.
|
The Shadhatay School, which would be considered condemned by most western standards, has numerous broken windows, holes in the ceiling and mold infestation throughout. Instructors at the school have been holding classes outside since the building, originally intended for 400 students, will no longer hold the 1,250 students currently enrolled.
"The school is very run down," said Air Force Master Sgt. Todd Davis, an engineer for the Kapisa Province PRT. "There is a new school being built, but that is about a year away from completion, so we wanted to provide some temporary protection from the elements for the students."
Local residents are pleased with the temporary solution: tents, which feature mesh-screened windows to allow greater air-flow, provide shelter from the elements. The temporary shelters also reduce distractions from the outside world – challenges that make being a student in the Alasay district here difficult.
"The tents are very good; they will protect the students from the sun, wind, and rain," said Amrullah, the Shadhatay headmaster. "The teachers are very happy because now they won't have a problem with the students looking around and not paying attention during class. They will [also] be able to teach better, because they'll be more comfortable."
According to Davis, missions like this one are very rewarding and an integral part of the PRT's mission. However, the most rewarding aspect of the project is its implications for the future, the headmaster added.
"Education is the key," Amrullah said. "With education, the future of Alasay and Afghanistan is 100 percent brighter."
 | Members of the Task Force Warrior Provincial Reconstruction Team talk to teachers and school officials about tents being used as classrooms while a new school is being built in the area. U.S. Air Force photo by Chief Master Sgt. John Zincone Download screen-resolution Download high-resolution |
(Army Pfc. Derek L. Kuhn serves with the 40th Public Affairs Detachment)
~~~~~
I just love the things that OUR PRT's do for and with the people of Afghanistan. This 'little drop' will do wonders for those children in the Alasay area. Even though the word from Kapisa isn't always good, this bit of news is pretty damn cool!
Way to go, Guys! Y'all done good, real good.
And so it goes......
Monday, May 11, 2009
QRF~ Saving Lives In Helmand...
The purpose of life is not to be happy - but to matter, to be productive, to be useful, to have it make some difference that you have lived at all.
~~~~~Leo Rosten
Coalition medics used any means possible including a flat-bed truck, to transport and treat the more than 20 victims of a double suicide bombing at the Gareshk bazaar in Afghanistan's Helmand province, May 10, 2009. Courtesy photo
American Forces Press Service
KABUL, Afghanistan, May 11, 2009 - As soon as they heard the news of the suicide bombers yesterday, a coalition Special Operations team in southern Afghanistan sprang into action.
The team rescued, treated and medically evacuated 19 civilians after two suicide bombers detonated themselves in the Gereshk bazaar in Helmand province, injuring 20 and killing nine. Six of the victims killed by the suicide bombers were Afghan National Policemen and Afghan soldiers.
"Yesterday afternoon, two suicide [improvised explosive devices] were used against the [Afghan National Police] in Gereshk," said a team leader with Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan. "There was an ambush from a vehicle and motorcycles, coordinated with a suicide IED on the taxi station/ANP checkpoint."
The initial attack occurred on the outskirts of the Gereshk bazaar, the team leader said. An Afghan police Special Weapons and Tactics unit responded to the suicide attack, secured the area and loaded the wounded into their trucks. They began to move the wounded to a local hospital on the opposite side of the bazaar.
"While they slowed down to move through the bazaar, a second suicide bomber stepped out in the middle of the first and second vehicles in the convoy and detonated," the team leader said. "The suicide bomber had posted himself in a mosque downtown in the bazaar."
"While they slowed down to move through the bazaar, a second suicide bomber stepped out in the middle of the first and second vehicles in the convoy and detonated," the team leader said. "The suicide bomber had posted himself in a mosque downtown in the bazaar."
~~~~~
Today being #milmonday on Twitter, I'd like to thank all of 'Our Guys' for everything they do. Not only while they are 'boots on ground', but here at home as well.
Oh, speaking of home... Deployed Teacher has returned to his home shores! Please go give him a big WELCOME and a even bigger THANK YOU!
Lastly, continue praying for each and every one of those Men and Women who stand ready in our defense. They're called our Armed Forces. God's blessings on them all.
And so it goes......
~~~~~Leo Rosten
Coalition medics used any means possible including a flat-bed truck, to transport and treat the more than 20 victims of a double suicide bombing at the Gareshk bazaar in Afghanistan's Helmand province, May 10, 2009. Courtesy photo
American Forces Press Service
KABUL, Afghanistan, May 11, 2009 - As soon as they heard the news of the suicide bombers yesterday, a coalition Special Operations team in southern Afghanistan sprang into action.
The team rescued, treated and medically evacuated 19 civilians after two suicide bombers detonated themselves in the Gereshk bazaar in Helmand province, injuring 20 and killing nine. Six of the victims killed by the suicide bombers were Afghan National Policemen and Afghan soldiers.
"Yesterday afternoon, two suicide [improvised explosive devices] were used against the [Afghan National Police] in Gereshk," said a team leader with Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan. "There was an ambush from a vehicle and motorcycles, coordinated with a suicide IED on the taxi station/ANP checkpoint."
The initial attack occurred on the outskirts of the Gereshk bazaar, the team leader said. An Afghan police Special Weapons and Tactics unit responded to the suicide attack, secured the area and loaded the wounded into their trucks. They began to move the wounded to a local hospital on the opposite side of the bazaar.
"While they slowed down to move through the bazaar, a second suicide bomber stepped out in the middle of the first and second vehicles in the convoy and detonated," the team leader said. "The suicide bomber had posted himself in a mosque downtown in the bazaar."
"While they slowed down to move through the bazaar, a second suicide bomber stepped out in the middle of the first and second vehicles in the convoy and detonated," the team leader said. "The suicide bomber had posted himself in a mosque downtown in the bazaar."
~~~~~
Today being #milmonday on Twitter, I'd like to thank all of 'Our Guys' for everything they do. Not only while they are 'boots on ground', but here at home as well.
Oh, speaking of home... Deployed Teacher has returned to his home shores! Please go give him a big WELCOME and a even bigger THANK YOU!
Lastly, continue praying for each and every one of those Men and Women who stand ready in our defense. They're called our Armed Forces. God's blessings on them all.
And so it goes......
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Mother's Day Wishes...
My mom is a never ending song in my heart of comfort, happiness, and being. I may sometimes forget the words but I always remember the tune.
~~~~~Graycie Harmon
I believe that mothers are the glue that hold families together against distance and time. If you are lucky enough to still have your mother here on this earth, give her a hug and remember to say "Thank You!" Not just today on what has been declared a Hallmark's card holiday, but everyday you are blessed with her presence.
Istole borrowed the following from JD's Place. He had posted it on his blog in April of last year. Today is a good day for me to re-post.
I read it and wept. I remember my own Grandma's hands. They were twisted and bent from rheumatoid arthritis. She had several operations to replace joints that had locked. Yet, she never let the pain stop her from doing the things she loved to do. She was an accomplished seamstress, quilter, cook and oh, so many more things to those she loved. Looking at my own hands, they have scars, callouses, and the marks of years spent doing those same things in the labor of love. They show the marks of helping others where I can. They aren't smooth nor soft. It's been said that my hands feel like sandpaper when I've touched bare skin. Yes, years and years taking care of the ones I love have left their mark. They tell the story of my life.
Grandma, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench. She didn't move, just sat with her head down staring at her hands.
When I sat down beside her she didn't acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat I wondered if she was OK. Finally, not really wanting to disturb her but wanting to check on her at the same time, I asked her if she was OK.
She raised her head and looked at me and smiled. "Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking," she said in a strong, clear voice. "
I didn't mean to disturb you, grandma, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK," I explained to her.
"Have you ever looked at your hands," she asked. "I mean really looked at your hand's?"
I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point she was making.
Grandma smiled and related this story:
"Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years.
These hands, though wrinkled shriveled and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life.
They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the floor.
They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child, my mother taught me to fold them in prayer.
They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots. They held my husband and wiped my tears when he went off to war.
They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent. They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son.
Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special.
They wrote my letters to him and trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse.
They have held my children and grandchildren, consoled neighbors, and shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand.
They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body.
They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw.
And to this day when not much of anything else of me works real well these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer.
These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of life. But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home. And with my hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of Christ."
I will never look at my hands the same again. But I remember God reached out and took my grandma's hands and led her home. When my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my children and husband I think of grandma. I know she has been stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God.
I, too, want to touch the face of God and feel His hands upon my face.
When you receive this, say a prayer for the person who sent it to you, and watch God's answer to prayer work in your life. Let's continue praying for one another. Passing this on to anyone you consider a friend will bless you both. Passing this on to one not yet considered a friend is something Christ would do.
Have you really looked at your hands lately?
And so it goes......
~~~~~Graycie Harmon
Happy Mother's Day to all women the world over!
I believe that mothers are the glue that hold families together against distance and time. If you are lucky enough to still have your mother here on this earth, give her a hug and remember to say "Thank You!" Not just today on what has been declared a Hallmark's card holiday, but everyday you are blessed with her presence.
I
I read it and wept. I remember my own Grandma's hands. They were twisted and bent from rheumatoid arthritis. She had several operations to replace joints that had locked. Yet, she never let the pain stop her from doing the things she loved to do. She was an accomplished seamstress, quilter, cook and oh, so many more things to those she loved. Looking at my own hands, they have scars, callouses, and the marks of years spent doing those same things in the labor of love. They show the marks of helping others where I can. They aren't smooth nor soft. It's been said that my hands feel like sandpaper when I've touched bare skin. Yes, years and years taking care of the ones I love have left their mark. They tell the story of my life.
Grandma's Hands
Grandma, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench. She didn't move, just sat with her head down staring at her hands.
When I sat down beside her she didn't acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat I wondered if she was OK. Finally, not really wanting to disturb her but wanting to check on her at the same time, I asked her if she was OK.
She raised her head and looked at me and smiled. "Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking," she said in a strong, clear voice. "
I didn't mean to disturb you, grandma, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK," I explained to her.
"Have you ever looked at your hands," she asked. "I mean really looked at your hand's?"
I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point she was making.
Grandma smiled and related this story:
"Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years.
These hands, though wrinkled shriveled and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life.
They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the floor.
They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child, my mother taught me to fold them in prayer.
They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots. They held my husband and wiped my tears when he went off to war.
They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent. They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son.
Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special.
They wrote my letters to him and trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse.
They have held my children and grandchildren, consoled neighbors, and shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand.
They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body.
They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw.
And to this day when not much of anything else of me works real well these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer.
These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of life. But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home. And with my hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of Christ."
I will never look at my hands the same again. But I remember God reached out and took my grandma's hands and led her home. When my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my children and husband I think of grandma. I know she has been stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God.
I, too, want to touch the face of God and feel His hands upon my face.
When you receive this, say a prayer for the person who sent it to you, and watch God's answer to prayer work in your life. Let's continue praying for one another. Passing this on to anyone you consider a friend will bless you both. Passing this on to one not yet considered a friend is something Christ would do.
-- Author Unknown
~~~~~Have you really looked at your hands lately?
And so it goes......
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Such Beautiful Children...
Every child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged of man.
~~~~~Rabindranath Tagore
The above picture came from this story out of Afghanistan. Please be sure to do the clicky click thing to find out the who, what, when and where of these beautiful children.
And so it goes......
~~~~~Rabindranath Tagore
The above picture came from this story out of Afghanistan. Please be sure to do the clicky click thing to find out the who, what, when and where of these beautiful children.
And so it goes......
Friday, May 8, 2009
Always...
And the night shall be filled with music,
And the cares that infest the day
Shall fold their tents like the Arabs
And as silently steal away.
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
There are times in one's life that music fills the silence and speaks to our hearts. Tonight, this one is mine. I've been a fan of Josh Turner for several years... There's just something about a man's deep voice that sends chills down my spine. As well as tingling in other places. But that's not something I normally talk about here. So, um, Yes, I do love a deep baritone voice speaking and or singing.
Needless to say, I can listen to Josh sing all night long. Who knows, I might just do that while I'm cleaning house. I've got the need for music to keep me motivated and moving.
And so it goes......
And the cares that infest the day
Shall fold their tents like the Arabs
And as silently steal away.
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
There are times in one's life that music fills the silence and speaks to our hearts. Tonight, this one is mine. I've been a fan of Josh Turner for several years... There's just something about a man's deep voice that sends chills down my spine. As well as tingling in other places. But that's not something I normally talk about here. So, um, Yes, I do love a deep baritone voice speaking and or singing.
Needless to say, I can listen to Josh sing all night long. Who knows, I might just do that while I'm cleaning house. I've got the need for music to keep me motivated and moving.
And so it goes......
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Friday Funnies...
Flirtation: attention without intention.
~~~~~Max O'Rell
Yikes! 'Tis been a few weeks without the funnies to lighten the load of all the drama going on in the world. So much that there are days that I'd like to not so much take a look at what all is happening. But then again, I can't stop myself.
So without further adieu...
Jesse, John, and Al...
L.A. Times headlines
"South Los Angeles four-plex destroyed by a fire " .
A Nigerian family of six con artists lived on the first floor, and all
six died in the fire.
An Islamic group of seven welfare cheats, all illegally in the country
from Kenya, lived on the second floor, and they, too, all perished in
the fire.
Six LA, Hispanic, Gang Banger, ex-cons lived on the 3rd floor and they
too, died.
One white couple lived on the top floor. The couple survived the fire.
Jesse Jackson, John Burris and Al Sharpton were furious. They flew
into LA, met with the fire chief, on camera.
They loudly demanded to know why the Blacks, Black Muslims, and
Hispanics all died in the fire and only the white couple lived.
The fire chief said, "Simple--- they were away .... at work."
~~~~~
First Job...
Here's a truly heart warming story about the bond formed between a little
5-year-old girl and some construction workers that will make you believe that
we all can make a difference when we give a child the gift of our time.
A young family moved into a house, next to a vacant lot. One day, a construction crew began to build a house on the empty lot.
The young family's 5-year-old daughter naturally took an interest in the
goings-on and spent much of each day observing the workers.
Eventually the construction crew, all of them 'gems-in-the-rough' more or less,
adopted her as a kind of project mascot. They chatted with her during coffee
and lunch breaks, and gave her little jobs to do here and there to make her feel important.
At the end of the first week, they even presented her with a pay envelope
containing ten dollars. The little girl took this home to her mother who suggested that she take her ten dollars 'pay' she'd received to the bank the next day to start a savings account.
When the girl and her mom got to the bank, the teller was equally impressed
and asked the little girl how she had come by her very own pay check at such a young age.
The little girl proudly replied, 'I worked last week with a real construction crew
building the new house next door to us.'
'Oh my goodness gracious,' said the teller, 'and will you be working on the
house again this week, too'
The little girl replied, 'I will, if those a-holes at Home Depot ever get around
to delivering the f***in’ drywall...'
Kind of brings a tear to the eye - doesn't it?
~~~~~
Best Interview on Radio...
General Cosgrove was interviewed on the radio recently.
Love his reply to the lady who interviewed him concerning guns and children.
Regardless of how you feel about gun laws you gotta love this! This is one of
the best comeback lines of all time. It is a portion of an ABC interview between
a female broadcaster and General Cosgrove who was about to sponsor a Boy Scout Troop visiting his military headquarters.
FEMALE INTERVIEWER:
So, General Cosgrove, what things are you going to teach these young boys when they visit your base?
GENERAL COSGROVE:
We're going to teach them climbing, canoeing, archery and shooting.
FEMALE INTERVIEWER:
Shooting! That's a bit irresponsible, isn't it?
GENERAL COSGROVE:
I don't see why, they'll be properly supervised on the rifle range.
FEMALE INTERVIEWER:
Don't you admit that this is a terribly dangerous activity to be teaching
children?
GENERAL COSGROVE:
I don't see how. We will be teaching them proper rifle discipline before they
even touch a firearm.
FEMALE INTERVIEWER:
But you're equipping them to become violent killers.
GENERAL COSGROVE:
Well, Ma'am, you're equipped to be a prostitute, but you're not one, are you?
The radio went momentarily silent and the interview ended.
~~~~~
And so it goes......
~~~~~Max O'Rell
Yikes! 'Tis been a few weeks without the funnies to lighten the load of all the drama going on in the world. So much that there are days that I'd like to not so much take a look at what all is happening. But then again, I can't stop myself.
So without further adieu...
Jesse, John, and Al...
L.A. Times headlines
"South Los Angeles four-plex destroyed by a fire " .
A Nigerian family of six con artists lived on the first floor, and all
six died in the fire.
An Islamic group of seven welfare cheats, all illegally in the country
from Kenya, lived on the second floor, and they, too, all perished in
the fire.
Six LA, Hispanic, Gang Banger, ex-cons lived on the 3rd floor and they
too, died.
One white couple lived on the top floor. The couple survived the fire.
Jesse Jackson, John Burris and Al Sharpton were furious. They flew
into LA, met with the fire chief, on camera.
They loudly demanded to know why the Blacks, Black Muslims, and
Hispanics all died in the fire and only the white couple lived.
The fire chief said, "Simple--- they were away .... at work."
~~~~~
First Job...
Here's a truly heart warming story about the bond formed between a little
5-year-old girl and some construction workers that will make you believe that
we all can make a difference when we give a child the gift of our time.
A young family moved into a house, next to a vacant lot. One day, a construction crew began to build a house on the empty lot.
The young family's 5-year-old daughter naturally took an interest in the
goings-on and spent much of each day observing the workers.
Eventually the construction crew, all of them 'gems-in-the-rough' more or less,
adopted her as a kind of project mascot. They chatted with her during coffee
and lunch breaks, and gave her little jobs to do here and there to make her feel important.
At the end of the first week, they even presented her with a pay envelope
containing ten dollars. The little girl took this home to her mother who suggested that she take her ten dollars 'pay' she'd received to the bank the next day to start a savings account.
When the girl and her mom got to the bank, the teller was equally impressed
and asked the little girl how she had come by her very own pay check at such a young age.
The little girl proudly replied, 'I worked last week with a real construction crew
building the new house next door to us.'
'Oh my goodness gracious,' said the teller, 'and will you be working on the
house again this week, too'
The little girl replied, 'I will, if those a-holes at Home Depot ever get around
to delivering the f***in’ drywall...'
Kind of brings a tear to the eye - doesn't it?
~~~~~
Best Interview on Radio...
General Cosgrove was interviewed on the radio recently.
Love his reply to the lady who interviewed him concerning guns and children.
Regardless of how you feel about gun laws you gotta love this! This is one of
the best comeback lines of all time. It is a portion of an ABC interview between
a female broadcaster and General Cosgrove who was about to sponsor a Boy Scout Troop visiting his military headquarters.
FEMALE INTERVIEWER:
So, General Cosgrove, what things are you going to teach these young boys when they visit your base?
GENERAL COSGROVE:
We're going to teach them climbing, canoeing, archery and shooting.
FEMALE INTERVIEWER:
Shooting! That's a bit irresponsible, isn't it?
GENERAL COSGROVE:
I don't see why, they'll be properly supervised on the rifle range.
FEMALE INTERVIEWER:
Don't you admit that this is a terribly dangerous activity to be teaching
children?
GENERAL COSGROVE:
I don't see how. We will be teaching them proper rifle discipline before they
even touch a firearm.
FEMALE INTERVIEWER:
But you're equipping them to become violent killers.
GENERAL COSGROVE:
Well, Ma'am, you're equipped to be a prostitute, but you're not one, are you?
The radio went momentarily silent and the interview ended.
~~~~~
And so it goes......
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Prophetic?
All change is not growth, as all movement is not forward.
~~~~~Ellen Glasgow
~~~~~Ellen Glasgow
'Nuff said.
And so it goes......
Monday, May 4, 2009
I Called The Doctor, And The Doctor Said...Come See Me In Herat.
He who has health has hope; and he who has hope has everything.
~~~~~Arabic Proverb
KABUL, May 4, 2009 - Local medical professionals are working hand in hand with Afghan National Army commandos and medical personnel with Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Afghanistan to provide medical assistance for the people of Shindand district in Afghanistan's Herat province.
This melting pot of caregivers from different backgrounds and abilities has come together to operate a medical clinic and provide specialized care for the families of Afghanistan's western border province.
"For a developing country, this is a very good clinic," said a physician's assistant with coalition task force. "Due to the great vision and support of all those involved with the medical clinic and medical activities, we have become very successful here."
The physician's assistant said many different people actively participate in operating the clinic and providing assistance with different types of medical outreach programs. Afghan soldiers, local civilians and coalition medical personnel work together to bring a wide range of medical expertise to residents.
They collaborated to help bridge cultural gaps that can cause difficulties in providing the best possible care. One of the people helping to overcome these barriers is Nadra Barkzai, a nurse and midwife from a nearby village. She assists with children, but primarily works with pregnant women seeking medical assistance.
"I want to do something good for my people," she said. "They have a lot of problems, and I have a little skill. I'd like to help them. The best part is when I see a pregnancy case and I help them. I enjoy this."
~~~~~
There's more to this...Be sure to click on the title of the American Forces Press Release to finish reading the rest of the story.
And so it goes......
~~~~~Arabic Proverb
Afghan, Coalition Medics Help People of Herat District
American Forces Press ServiceKABUL, May 4, 2009 - Local medical professionals are working hand in hand with Afghan National Army commandos and medical personnel with Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Afghanistan to provide medical assistance for the people of Shindand district in Afghanistan's Herat province.
|
"For a developing country, this is a very good clinic," said a physician's assistant with coalition task force. "Due to the great vision and support of all those involved with the medical clinic and medical activities, we have become very successful here."
The physician's assistant said many different people actively participate in operating the clinic and providing assistance with different types of medical outreach programs. Afghan soldiers, local civilians and coalition medical personnel work together to bring a wide range of medical expertise to residents.
They collaborated to help bridge cultural gaps that can cause difficulties in providing the best possible care. One of the people helping to overcome these barriers is Nadra Barkzai, a nurse and midwife from a nearby village. She assists with children, but primarily works with pregnant women seeking medical assistance.
"I want to do something good for my people," she said. "They have a lot of problems, and I have a little skill. I'd like to help them. The best part is when I see a pregnancy case and I help them. I enjoy this."
~~~~~
There's more to this...Be sure to click on the title of the American Forces Press Release to finish reading the rest of the story.
And so it goes......
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Virtual Silk Highway...
The Internet is clearly about more than sports scores and email now. It's a place where we can conduct our democracy and get very large amounts of data to very large numbers of people.
~~~~~Frank James
This is a most definitely a good thing. Another step forward for the Afghans and all the people who are there in a supporting role. Now if only the expansion continues further away from the capital, that would be something to write home about. Still, this is a mark of progress for all involved.
Babatim at Free Range International writes quite often about the FabLab, (located in Jalalabad) who has had volunteers work with the local students to build their own satellites for internet access. Makes me wonder why NATO hasn't worked with them to set up more FabLab's around the country.
And so it goes......
~~~~~Frank James
Named after the Great Silk Road trading route linking Asia and Europe, the NATO Virtual Silk Highway (SILK) provides affordable, high-speed Internet access via satellite to the academic communities of the Caucasus and Central Asia. The SILK project is operational at Kabul University, Afghanistan, since 2006, and is now looking into expanding the network to the provinces.
Credit: ISAF
This is a most definitely a good thing. Another step forward for the Afghans and all the people who are there in a supporting role. Now if only the expansion continues further away from the capital, that would be something to write home about. Still, this is a mark of progress for all involved.
Babatim at Free Range International writes quite often about the FabLab, (located in Jalalabad) who has had volunteers work with the local students to build their own satellites for internet access. Makes me wonder why NATO hasn't worked with them to set up more FabLab's around the country.
And so it goes......
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Afghanistan, Some Interesting Tidbits...
People learn something every day, and a lot of times it's that what they learned the day before was wrong.
~~~~~Bill Vaughan
The last few days have had me catching up on all those interesting things that capture my attention on a regular basis. The news from and about Afghanistan being the main point. So it was with a great deal of curiosity that I watched the following video called "This Week in the Pentagon.". Yes, it's an official video put out by the Department of Defense. It's fairly long, close to 24 minutes.
After watching it, I marked it where the info about Afghanistan (right around the 13:36 minute mark) starts, "Training for the mission in Afghanistan". First is a message from General James Conway; Commandant, United States Marine Corps given on April 29th. Next up is a segment that shows some footage of the 10th Mtn. Division doing what they do best while 'boots on ground'. The last segment is from Ft. Polk, La. and the Joint Readiness Center showing the training that the 4th BCT of the 82nd Airborne are receiving prior to deployment to Afghanistan.
Oh, the first 13 minutes does have the President talking about some issues and one segment showcases a wounded warrior (LTC Greg Gadson) who is learning how his new Power Knees 2 works. Awe inspiring man for sure. A Marine. Sir, I salute you and your dedication. Thank you for your service to a most grateful nation.
There's some really good footage on this video. Please watch it to keep abreast of the latest.
And speaking of ramping up on the pre-deployment issue... if you know a soldier who is preparing to be one of those 30,000+ troops, be sure to tell them about this new blog that has some great information and lessons learned from some of 'Our Guys' who have returned home from there.
A.L.L. = Afghan Lessons Learned has some extremely good pointers for those who need to know this stuff prior to hitting the ground. They also have other points of reference to access. Plus there's the added bonus that any soldier who has questions can email them to either get a direct answer or to have a post written by the "been there, done that" experts. So... pass this word along.
Just in case you are wondering who those guys are, I'll give you a hint... They are all listed over on the side bar of this here 'lil blog. Alphabetically, they are Afghanistan Shrugged(Vampire 06), Bill and Bob's Excellent Afghan Adventure(Afghan Old Blue), Bouhammer;Eye on Afghanistan (Troy), and War on Terror News (Anonymous Warrior).
I can guarantee that each one of these men know of what they speak.
And so it goes......
~~~~~Bill Vaughan
The last few days have had me catching up on all those interesting things that capture my attention on a regular basis. The news from and about Afghanistan being the main point. So it was with a great deal of curiosity that I watched the following video called "This Week in the Pentagon.". Yes, it's an official video put out by the Department of Defense. It's fairly long, close to 24 minutes.
After watching it, I marked it where the info about Afghanistan (right around the 13:36 minute mark) starts, "Training for the mission in Afghanistan". First is a message from General James Conway; Commandant, United States Marine Corps given on April 29th. Next up is a segment that shows some footage of the 10th Mtn. Division doing what they do best while 'boots on ground'. The last segment is from Ft. Polk, La. and the Joint Readiness Center showing the training that the 4th BCT of the 82nd Airborne are receiving prior to deployment to Afghanistan.
Oh, the first 13 minutes does have the President talking about some issues and one segment showcases a wounded warrior (LTC Greg Gadson) who is learning how his new Power Knees 2 works. Awe inspiring man for sure. A Marine. Sir, I salute you and your dedication. Thank you for your service to a most grateful nation.
There's some really good footage on this video. Please watch it to keep abreast of the latest.
And speaking of ramping up on the pre-deployment issue... if you know a soldier who is preparing to be one of those 30,000+ troops, be sure to tell them about this new blog that has some great information and lessons learned from some of 'Our Guys' who have returned home from there.
A.L.L. = Afghan Lessons Learned has some extremely good pointers for those who need to know this stuff prior to hitting the ground. They also have other points of reference to access. Plus there's the added bonus that any soldier who has questions can email them to either get a direct answer or to have a post written by the "been there, done that" experts. So... pass this word along.
Just in case you are wondering who those guys are, I'll give you a hint... They are all listed over on the side bar of this here 'lil blog. Alphabetically, they are Afghanistan Shrugged(Vampire 06), Bill and Bob's Excellent Afghan Adventure(Afghan Old Blue), Bouhammer;Eye on Afghanistan (Troy), and War on Terror News (Anonymous Warrior).
I can guarantee that each one of these men know of what they speak.
And so it goes......
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