27 posts tagged “marines”
This is 30 minutes of music and pictures memoralizing over three years of continuous
Friday night gatherings at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington DC.
It has been my honor and a privilege to have been a small part of this trubute to our brave
soldiers, Marines, sailors and airmen serving.
Please allow time to view the whole thing and allow as many of your team to see it as possible.
From the DC Chapter of FreeRepublic and the DC Chapter of Protest Warrior please accept our sincere thanks for your service.
Never forget that you are always in our thoughts and prayers.
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Honoring the Honorable
Joseph Kinney | June 30, 2008
We need the best, and that is exactly what Brad Kasal gave us. But we are coming perilously close to dishonoring him by denying the tribute he deserves: the Medal of Honor. "Brad Kasal defines exactly what it is to be a hero," Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Mike Lehnert said recently. "It is hard to see how anyone could rate a Medal of Honor more than Brad." Let me second Lehnert. I, too, am a combat Marine (Vietnam) and testified about this honor before the House Armed Services Committee in 2006. By acknowledging those who serve above and beyond the call of duty, we pay tribute to the military services while putting a human face on the war. If you doubt the importance of courage, consider the counsel of Winston Churchill: "Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities ... because it is the quality which guarantees all others." The short history of Kasal's actions is that he saved numerous Marines in a hellhole called Fallujah, Iraq. He valiantly responded to a distress call from his platoon. He pulled Marines out of the line of fire and was shot seven times in the process. Then an insurgent rolled a grenade toward Kasal, who was badly injured and on the ground. Seeing the grenade, Kasal rolled over another Marine, shielding him from the blast. Kasal absorbed 40 shrapnel wounds. Unfortunately, this Pentagon acts as if it is afraid to honor the most valiant among us. Since the battles in Afghanistan and Iraq began in 2002, we have yet to honor a single living member of the armed forces with the nation's most cherished award. In fairness, President Bush has awarded five Medals of Honor, all to decedents. To place this in context, one can divide the number of fatalities by the number of medals awarded, comparing Vietnam with current engagements. For Afghanistan and Iraq, the ratio is 820 fatalities for each Medal of Honor awarded. For Vietnam, the ratio is 235 fatalities for each medal. The Pentagon has also been slow in preparing documentation. Evidence suggests that a process done with astonishing speed when powered by carrier pigeons in World War II has now decelerated to a slow crawl in an age of e-mail and satellite phones. The statutory requirement for the Medal of Honor has not changed: conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty. Throughout this century, three pieces of paper have been required, a page for each of the two eyewitness accounts, and one for a narrative of the valorous action. To undertake this process, the Pentagon is now averaging more than two years, or eight months a page. By comparison, President Clinton awarded two Medals of Honor for valor in Somalia about six months after the acts of heroism. Kasal has endured 21 operations to repair the injuries that will plague him for life. One leg is 4 inches shorter than the other. But that doesn't stop Kasal, who goes to work every day as a sergeant major at the Des Moines U.S. Marine Corps recruiting command. Kasal doesn't believe he rates the Medal of Honor. He sees his incredible act of heroism as duty, even a privilege. He has his own list of who should receive the Medal of Honor, and his name isn't on it. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates should immediately upgrade Kasal's Navy Cross to the Medal of Honor. He also should replace the current awards committee with combat veterans who understand the importance of valor and of honoring the living. The heroes of this war deserve their day in the sun. Sound Off...What do you think? Join the discussion. |
A Marine wife and mom answers moveon's anti-McCain ad.
This Tuesday, June 17th at 5:00PM EDT, Author and Talon contributor Ronald Winter ("Masters of the Art; A Fighting Marine's Memoir of Vietnam") will be the sole guest for one hour on the top rated program at Global Talk Radio's "Calling All Authors." Valerie Connelly is the host for this popular long running show. You can listen live and call in to ask Ron questions by visiting http://www.globaltalkradio.com/shows/callingallauthors/
Marines come in all shapes, shades, weights, sizes and states of sobriety, misery, and confusion.
A Marine is as sly as a fox, has the nerve of a dope addict, the stories of an old sailor, the sincerity of a politician and the subtly of Mt. Saint Helens.
They are extremely irresistible, totally irrational and completely indestructible.
A Marine is a Marine all their life. They're a magical creature.
You can kick a Marine out of your house, but not out of your heart.
You can take them off your mailing list, but not off your mind.
They are found everywhere. In love, in battle, in lust, in trouble, in debt, in bars... and behind them.
No one can write so seldom and yet think so much of you.
No one else can get so much enjoyment out of a letter or clean clothes or a six pack.
A Marine is a genius with a deck of cards.
A millionaire without a cent and brave without a grain of sense.
They are the PROTECTORS OF AMERICA, with the latest copy of Playboy/Playgirl in their back pocket.
When they want something it's usually 30 days leave, music that hurts the ears, a five dollar bill or someone they can count on.
The other branches envy them, mothers tolerate them, fathers brag about them, the government pays them, the police watch out for them and somehow they all work together.
You can beat their bodies but not their minds.
You can tame their hearts but not their souls.
They love the opposite sex!
A Marine dislikes small checks, working weekends, answering letters, missing chow, waking up, maintaining a uniform and the day before payday.
You may as well give in. They are your long distance lover.
They are your steel eyed, warm smiling, blank minded, hyperactive, over reacting, curious, passive, talented, spontaneous, physically fit, good for nothing bundle of worry... and will always be there for you regardless of how long it's been since you've last talked. -Unknown
Christianity as practised by most requires we spread the Word. That is a precept of Christ's teachings, and it has gotten people hung, drawn and quartered, beheaded or crucified, sometimes upside down. The major difference between Islam and Christianity is the manner in which it is presented to the people the practitioners wish to convert.
Islam leaves the person no choice. Convert or die.
Christianity, on the other hand, simply says that Christ died for our sins, and accepting that on faith will probably get you into Heaven, but there are no garauntees. It comes down to free will. God has given us free will. We have a choice. We can believe or not, and the ministers and pastors and rabbi's and priests will not order the congregation to stone the ones who refuse to accept the invitation.
I can't tell you the number of times I have stood on my porch and talked with Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons and members of local churches who were out spreading the Word and inviting people to come listen and give their particular belief system a chance.
Not one single time did I feel threatend or humiliated by the encounter. Not once did I feel as if I were being forced to convert and I certainly wasn't offended. I admire people who are willing to give of their time and energy to spread the Gospel. It shows a level of faith that surpasses mine.
OK, here are some excerpts from the article on Military.com
FALLUJAH, Iraq - At the western entrance to the Iraqi city of Fallujah on May 27, Muamar Anad handed his residence badge to the U.S. Marines guarding the city. They checked to be sure that he was a city resident, and when they were done, Anad said, a Marine slipped a coin out of his pocket and put it in his hand. Out of fear, he accepted it, Anad said. When he was inside the city, the college student said, he looked at one side of the coin. "Where will you spend eternity?" it asked.
He flipped it over, and on the other side it read, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16."
Now residents of the city are abuzz that some Americans whom they consider occupiers are also acting as Christian missionaries. Residents said some Marines at the western entrance to their city have been passing out the coins for two days in what they call a "humiliating" attempt to convert them to Christianity.
"The occupier is repeatedly trespassing on God and his religion," said Omar Delli, 23. "Now the occupier is planting seeds of strife between the Muslims and Christians. We demand the government in Fallujah have a new demonstration to let the occupier know that these things are humiliating Islam and the Quran."
This is wrong on so many levels I don't even know where to start. First, the writer failed to capitalize "his" when he used it in reference to God. Next, this moooslim is assuming that God only has one religion, and that is where my problem with this begins, but it goes much deeper. This is arrogance of the first order. This borders on pride, and God does not appreciate pridefulness.
Second, "planting the seeds of strife" as this little twit puts it, is just beyond anything I could imagine. The only religion that creates strife is Islam. They are the ones who force conversion, not Christianity, not Judaism, not Bhuddaism. Islam is the ONLY religion unwilling to recognize other religions or allow others to openly practise whatever they believe.
Here's some more:
"Iraq is investigating a report that U.S. military personnel in Fallujah handed-out material that is religious and evangelical in nature," said Rear Adm. Patrick Driscoll, a U.S. military spokesman, in a statement e-mailed to McClatchy Newspapers. "Local commanders are investigating since the military prohibits proselytizing any religion, faith or practices."
In interviews, residents of Fallujah repeated two words - "humiliation" and weakness". "Because we are weak this is happening," said a shop owner who gave his name as Abu Abdullah. "Passing Christianity this way is disrespectful."
Hey, Sparky, here's a little tip:
beheading reporters on You Tube and bombing innocent women and children is dis-respectful. Stoning women in the street is dis-respectful, killing to further a belief in a pedophilic false prophet is dis-respectful.
If you don't want to convert, fine. Throw the coin in the trash and go about your business.
You're the one that will burn in Hell, not me, (although I do have an ass-chewing coming)
One last little tip to any Marine who might be reading this, in spite of the respect I have for you for trying to spread God's message, Christ admonished His disciples on two key points:
Do not cast your pearls before swine, and do not preach to dogs.
"We don't have enough troooops"
"NATO is mad at us."
"We don't have enough translators"
BAWWWWAAHAHAHAHHAAAAAA!!!!!!!!
Well,as a matter of published record, the Army has reported that it has met its' recruiting goals, and the Marine Corps reported yesterday that they had met their recruiting goals, FOR THE YEAR!!!!
We have plenty of troops. They may not be in the right place right now, but we ain't hurting for dedicated men and women willing to make the hard choice and give a portion of their life in defense of their country. In all the whining you never hear B.Hussein Muhammed Obama say how appreciative he is for the men and women we do have serving; and for the love of Pete, will you make up your mind about the flag pin. You don't wear it while (obstenibly) doing the country's business for fear of offending your butt buddies in Congress, but you slap it on when you visit the middle of America because you know damn well if you don't, someone will notice. Well, guess what? We noticed. So is it symbolic patriotism, or is it jingoism, or..... hell, I give up.
NATO has troops in Iraq and Aghanistan. Spain doesn't cause they have no balls and folded when AQ set off some bombs and influenced elections. France doesn't because they have no balls, although Sarkozy is looking more and more like DeGaulle lately, so there still may be hope. I doubt they will ever put troops in Iraq or Afghanistan. NATO is pissed, but it ain't at us.
Translators. Don't know, but for the love of Mike, if thats what you think, stop whining and fix it. Offer some incentives to students to becoame translators. Take the ones you do have and put them where they'll do the most good. You're a sitting Senator, you can write a bill.
Yes America, by all means elect this elitist, whining, Muslim with the jingoistic, elitist, seperationist wife to be CIC and the leader of the free world. You deserve it.
I've been invited to join a stellar lineup of contributers. My first post is in the can and awaiting the tender hand of the editor.
I will be sharing bandwidth with the talents of Cao (Cao's Blog), Rosemary, Rurick, Jonn Lilyea, Ron Winter, Dave Jeffers (father of Eddie Jeffers "Hope Rides Alone), and as yet to be announced special contributors.
Here's the schedule for contributors:
Monday - Rurik
Tuesday - Rosemary and Concrete Bob
Wednesday - Wednesday Hero and John Lilyea
Thursday - Cao and Dave Jeffers
Friday - Ron Winter
I have only one question: WHAT WAS I THINKING?!?!?
Re-posted from Blackfive via MaryAnn SA Germany
Different But Important: Testicular Cancer
Posted By Laughing_WolfUPDATED & BUMPED
MaryAnn asked me if I would do this post, and I am glad to copy her post here so that the information can get downrange to the troops. Her site is often blocked (Blogspot), and while Blackfive is in some places as well, the thought is that it will reach places her's can't. If anyone else wants to copy this, please feel free to do so as caught early this is a very treatable cancer -- just ask Lance Armstrong. Copy for post, copy to mail, just help get the word downrange.
LW
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2008
Important information about testicular cancer and self-exams
Ok, this is an unusual post. But it's really important because we see quite a few cases of testicular cancer at Landstuhl due to the gender/age group of the patients.
Please help raise awareness about the importance of deployed men doing testicular self-exams.
There's very high awareness for breast cancer and the need for women to carry out self-exams.
However, there's much less awareness about testicular cancer (TC), which is the most common type of cancer affecting guys between the ages of 15 and 35.
Most often, TC is found by men themselves. The thing with being deployed is that you don't want to look like you're playing with yourself in the shower or whatever while checking yourself out. Also, back home, it's often found by wives/girlfriends.
But a monthly self-exam of the testicles is the best way of becoming familiar with your body and thus enabling detection of TC at an early - and highly curable - stage.
Information about self-exams. [http://tcrc.acor.org/tcexam.html]
General information about TC. [http://tcrc.acor.org/index.html]
Important to Know:
- TC has a VERY high cure rate.
- Treatment usually involves removal of the affected testicle and follow up.
- Having one testicle is almost always sufficient to keep everything "working".Finally, embarassment is a poor excuse for not having things checked out. If you think there is something wrong or something has changed, get your butt to sick call!
Please help by passing this information on to those you know in the sandbox. Thanks.
Update: In the comments Mrs. G shares this cancer prevention tip ;-)
UPDATE: An example is given below the fold, may not be family friendly (especially if you are this idiot & his moronic co-sponsors), can cause Aunt Minnie to blush, palpitations in the susceptible, etc.
Even the ancients checked for testicular cancer, and here we see one having checked himself is keeping a firm grip on his continued good health. Go thou and do likewise.
Check yourself. In fact, if you have a wife or SO, make it a monthly joint check so that you have a future of good health together. Testicular and breast cancer, caught early, have a good range of treatment options.
Image shamelessly stolen from Roger and I have no idea from whence he may have acquired it.
LW
Desert Christian High School honors Marine alumnus, fallen GI grad
This story appeared in the Antelope Valley Press
Saturday, March 29, 2008.By DENNIS ANDERSON
Valley Press Editor
LANCASTER - The football team at Desert Christian High School rose as one Friday morning, standing at attention to celebrate a Marine alum's return from Iraq and to honor another Desert Christian graduate, an Army soldier killed in action on Easter Sunday."What is a Knight?" the team shouted in unison. "I am my brother's keeper! I am a warrior! I am a champion!"
Each student-athlete was signaling respect, rejoicing and mourning.
