How Many Flags Is Too Many?

Well, according to this report, its more than 3. BRAVO ZULU and OOOOOOORAHHHH!!! to this Navy mom for Defending the Defenders and Honoring the Sacrifices. The city council needs to re-think its position.

GoE and Warrior Legacy Back At Walter Reed

Thanks to a very generous and thoughtful donation from the Band of Mothers, Gathering of Eagles was able to present a brand new laptop to a Staff Sergeant with 9 (NINE!!) deployments under his helmet. Dedicated Warriors such as this Staff Sergeant are the reason we sleep soundly and can freely express our opinions, no matter how distasteful some of those opinions may be; we need to give them all the support we can muster.

Thanks especially to the GoE Tidewater volunteer for getting the logistics worked out with Best Buy Business and thanks to Best Buy Business for being so damn nice. It was a Charlie Foxtrot for about an hour, but it got solved and the folks at Best Buy Broad Street helped enormously.

We took care of an 82NDABN Trooper with a nice new Toshiba and Dragonspeak.

Thanks to James Hanson, Communications Director for Warrior Legacy Foundation for donating his time this morning. Thanks to Cooking with the Troops CEO Blake Powers for making the trip under extreme weather conditions. (CwtT will have a huge announcement pertaining to our National Advisory Board soon. Stay tuned.)

A couple of SNCO's at WRAMC were instrumental in getting us in and out and for that, we are eternally grateful. HOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks to my BFF SKK and Mini-SKK for being so damn hot. (You really didn't think I could do a post and not mention the hot women, did you?)

Iraqi Vet Back In the Fight

David Bellavia speaking at Vets for Freedom Vets on the Hill

This time, he's doing it at home. Full disclosure, I am an unpaid volunteer for Warrior Legacy Foundation, which was founded by David and Matt Burden from Blackfive, and I have met David and consider him a friend.

We have a rare and immediate opportunity to replace a disgraced politician with an authentic hero of the Iraq War. David Bellavia is running in a special election to fill the vacancy left by disgraced Rep. Chris Lee (R-NY-26) who resigned last week after shirtless photos he sent to a woman surfaced.

Staff Sergeant Bellavia is the real deal! He was nominated for the Medal of Honor and Distinguisehed Service Cross and was awarded the Silver Star for his actions during the Second Battle for Fallujah. He also received the Bronze Star, three Army Commendation Medals and two Army Achievement Medals.

Bellavia's heroics in Fallujah were the subject of a Time Magazine cover story and he was an honored guest of the President at the 2006 State of the Union. He is also the co-founder of Vets for Freedom and the author of the best-selling book House to House.

As a decorated veteran, David Bellavia has demonstrated selfless service to country. As a principled conservative he is right on the issues. The special election will be held in just a few weeks and we need to make sure that this dynamic and honorable man has the resources he needs to win.

So please, no matter the size of your contribution today - be it $10, $25, $50, $100 or more - I know every dollar will make a difference toward victory.

Warmest Regards,

Kieran Michael Lalor

Founder, Iraq Veterans for Congress PAC

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Iraq Veterans for Congress PAC (IVC) is a federally registered political action committee supporting the congressional campaigns of conservative veterans. IVC looks for veterans who are determined to become a voice for our troops, military families and hardworking patriotic Americans who believe that our country, our Constitution and our way of life are worth fighting for. IVC was founded in 2007 by Kieran Michael Lalor, a Marine Corps Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Stuff We Do

I mostly keep a very low profile when it comes to supporting our military and veterans. No one really needs to know what I do and for whom. However, if another related story involving a veteran I have helped are published, I'll call attention to the other story and explain why.

Last month I was asked to play Santa Claus for Gathering of Eagles and by extension, Warrior Legacy Foundation, and give some laptops to some wounded soldiers. The following link is to a story about one of the Warriors who received one of those laptops.

Soldier fights way back from brink
Pieces life together with husband by her side

Major tissue alert, girls.

BZ's and OOOORAHH!!! to Paul Courtier for his allegiance to his fellow Massachuesettians (is that even a word?). He made the laptop happen. I was honored to be able to help.

Giving Back-Rolling Thunder New Jersey Chapter 2

Yesterday, I joined members of Soldiers Angels, Gathering of Eagles, and Warrior Legacy Foundation at Walter Reed Army Medical Center to give a few wounded warriors a small token of our appreciation for their sacrifices.

This mission was made possible in part by a generous donation from Rolling Thunder's New Jersey Chapter 2. There were other generous benefactors, but we respect their privacy.

I met three recently arrived Marines. Their spirit and attitude despite their wounds, was incredible. It was an honor to be asked to help brighten Christmas for these outstanding young Marines. Thanks to the SNCO for rescuing our band of intrepid Elves and especially the Marine liason who assisted in our distribution.

OOOOOOOOORAHHHHHHHH!!!!!

Don't Miss This Movie

Tankerbabe and Uncle Jimbo both asked me to remind everyone about the National Geographic special "Restrepo" previewing in DC on 28 June.

You are invited if you're in the neighborhood.

Also, we have one week until the WNBA Washington Mystics play the Phoenix Mercury at the Verizon Center in DC. I'll be there manning a table, and we should have some "interesting" people dropping by. If you can't make it, please help send a Warrior and his family to the game by clicking the link at the top of the page and buying a ticket for a soldier. You'll be helping Warrior Legacy Foundation and Cooking with the Troops continue our missions of supporting those who gave so much and ask for nothing.

From Cow Pastures To Kosovo: Help Us Raise Money for a Great Cause by Purchasing 173rd Airborne Throws

From Cow Pastures To Kosovo: Help Us Raise Money for a Great Cause by Purchasing 173rd Airborne Throws

Please go to the 173rd, 2-503 Sky Soldiers Fund Raising (Civilian Sponsored) website and order 1, 2 or several. Instructions for ordering either by paypal or check are on the above mentioned website. All purchases are tax deductible thanks to Warrior Legacy Foundation's partnership with us on this project.

Warrior Legacy Foundation on WRVA

This morning at 0635 I was interviewed on Jimmy Barrett's morning show on WRVA, regarding the efforts of Warrior Legacy Foundation to help returning vets find employment. It was an honor to be able to speak for WLF and the men and women who helped create this great organization and I want to thank WRVA and Jimmy Barrett for allowing me the time to tell Richmond and the listening audience about Warrior Legacy.

WLF is committed to helping our veterans in any way possible. The jobs effort, Cooking for the Wounded (with Soldiers Angels) and the newest program, When They Come Back, We Give Back, are just the tip of the iceberg. We have more programs underway and in development.

Meanwhile, if you know of potential employers who need well-trained and disciplined employees, feel free to contact me through this website.

Our veterans deserve nothing less than our full and complete support. They have given much.

VA National Guard Member Needs Help

I know its close to Christmas, but if you have a few extra bucks to spare, there is a VANG soldier who could use some help.
All contributions to Warrior Legacy Foundation are deductible as a charitible donation. You can also buy some of my kick-a$$ BBQ sauce.
Use the Donate button on the left. All donations stay in Virginia.

Warrior Legacy Institute

November 23, 2009

Warrior Legacy Institute releases "Who are we fighting in Afghanistan & Pakistan?"

The Warrior Legacy Institute announces the release of it's third paper "Who are we fighting in Afghanistan & Pakistan?" as well as an accompanying video. This complements the previous papers and videos on " A Population-Centric Counterinsurgency Primer" and "Counterterror as Strategy for the Af/Pak Theater". All of these are written so they can be understood by and educate all Americans regardless of their knowledge about military topics. Our hope is that this will allow them to follow the debate about this vital subject from an informed perspective.

This paper gives a brief history of the rise of the Taliban and al Qaeda following the withdrawal of the Soviet Union from Afghanistan in 1989. It traces the Taliban's origins in the Pashtun regions and their fight to take over the government and impose their strict religious rule country-wide. It follows the ebb and flow on both sides of the border and the eventual entry of al Qaeda to the theater. It focuses on the tribes that make up the insurgency and their leaders, but is not a definitive look at all of these groups. It also takes a look at the current state of Taliban and al Qaeda in both countries and the areas they control.

We hope you will share this paper and video with your friends and family. This is an important issue that affects all of our brave troops and you can use this knowledge to be part of that discussion and decision.

Cooking For the Wounded Phase II

Americas Wounded Heros and Warrior Legacy Foundation teamed up on Saturday at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and prepared BBQ chicken, fried squash, hamburgers, hot dogs and assorted sides for the wounded and anyone else who happened by. Apparently the hotel kitchen was down for renovation, and the timing was perfect.

BRAVO ZULU and OOOOOOOORAHHHH to everyone who helped make it a great day, especially Laughing Wolf from Blackfive, who I'm sure will have a post up soon. LW extended the invitation to WLF to help kickoff Phase II of Cooking For the Wounded World Tour. We were more than pleased to accept.

Special thanks are due to some good people who helped us with the funding.

Dessert was provided courtesey of Soldiers Angels. We had two first class pastry chefs in the house. The young Ladies who make up Yellow Bowl Bakery are sharp. The bakery is located in Lafayette, Indiana. They are also known as "Bakers Without Borders".

Let me tell you what these two young Ladies did this past weekend. They loaded a van in Lafayette, Indiana with pecan pies, blueberry pies, pumpkin pies, Texas Sheet Cake, Red Velvet cupcakes with buttercream frosting so good it should be illegal, and brownies and DROVE to Washington DC to serve the wounded warriors at Walter Reed. Not only are they totally committed to supporting the troops, they are both cuter than two puppies in a pet store window.

BostonMaggie came down with Mary Ripley from USNI and lent a hand.

Warrior Legacy Foundation Southeast Region and Military Ballots

About 30 dedicated Virginia patriots showed up tonight to tell the VA State Board of Elections we don't appreciate the dissing of Warriors.

Without knowing it, these hearty souls were upholding the first tenet of Warrior Legacy Foundation:

Defend the Defenders

Warrior Legacy Institute

For immediate release:October 22, 2009
Warrior Legacy Institute releases layperson's guide to Counterterror strategy for Afghanistan & Pakistan

There is an important debate underway about what strategy we should pursue in Afghanistan. This decision is important for all Americans, but many don't have a very good understanding of both the Population-Centric Counterinsurgency strategy advocated by Gen. McChrystal and a Counterterrorism strategy.

The Warrior Legacy Institute (WLI) releases a paper today on Counterterror that doesn't require a military background to understand. This is a complement to the paper we released last week on Population-Centric Counterinsurgency.

We are also releasing two short videos on these topics. Both the papers and videos are designed for you and anyone you want to share them with. They were produced for you and anyone you want to share them with.

We believe that educating the public about the choices will allow them to make informed decisions about what they think is best.The Warrior Legacy Institute (WLI) is a “people's think tank” designed to take the most important national security issues and explain them in simple language to the American people.

The papers are designed for those who have an interest in what our strategies actually are, but who do not have a deep knowledge of military affairs. The papers and companion videos can be found here.

The debate about what our plan for Afghanistan should be is happening now, WLI believes all Americans should have a clear understanding of the specifics under consideration

Warrior Legacy Institute

Warrior Legacy Institute releases layman's guide to Population-Centric Counterinsurgency

There is an important debate underway about what strategy we should pursue in Afghanistan. This decision is important for all Americans, but many don't have a very good understanding of the Population-Centric Counterinsurgency strategy advocated by Gen. McChrystal, the new commander there. The Warrior Legacy Institute had three of it's fellows write an explanation that doesn't require a military background. It is designed for you and anyone you want to share it with. We have not taken a position advocating one strategy over another and we will be releasing a primer on the Counter-Terror option soon as well. We believe that educating the public about the choices will allow them to make informed decisions about what they think is best.

The Warrior Legacy Institute (WLI) is a “people's think tank” designed to take the most important national security issues and explain them in simple language to the American people.

Our first paper is entitled:

A Primer on Population-Centric Counterinsurgency
Clicking link will open the document in pdf format.

What worked in Iraq, and what can work in Afghanistan

It gives a brief history of how the strategy evolved in Iraq and what made it successful in that theater. It also discusses how it could be implemented in Afghanistan and what specific tactics would be used. The paper is designed for those who have an interest in what the strategy actually is, but who do not have a deep knowledge of military affairs. The debate about what our plan for Afghanistan should be is happening now, WLI believes all Americans should have a clear understanding of the specifics of the plan under consideration. The President is looking at several alternatives and this is the one Gen. McChrystal , the commander in Afghanistan, has suggested is the most likely to succeed. The support of the country as a whole is needed for any plan to work and WLI wants to ensure that information is available to facilitate an informed discussion.

The authors collectively have experience in both Iraq and Afghanistan and in conducting counterinsurgency operations in other countries worldwide.

SFC Jared Monti Memorial Scholarship Fund

As most of you know, SFC Monti is the newest recipient of the Medal of Honor. Unfortunately, as with all of the previous awards of the nation's highest honor for bravery in both Iraq and Afghanistan, it was a posthumous award.
SFC Monti's family has chosen to honor their son and his legacy by creating a scholarship fund for local high school students to attend college. There is no finer way to honor Jared Monti's life and accomplishments and to keep his memory and the memory of what he sacrificed for this country alive than to help worthy young people who may not otherwise have the opportunity continue their education.
In an outstanding display of bi-partisanship, Pundit Review's Kevin Whalen has teamed up with a progressive blog, Blue Mass Group, to help raise money for the fund. Both blogs, who would agree on very little politically, have put that aside and are working together to honor a local hero and raise scholarship funds.
A tip of the hat to both blogs for their commitment to this very worthy cause.
You can go to Kevin's blog and hit the donation button or go to the fund's site to do so.
If you prefer to send a check you can send it to:
"Jared C. Monti Memorial Scholarship Fund, Inc."c/o Bristol County Savings Bank
108 N. Main Street
Raynham, MA 02767.
Tax ID# EIN 56-2599231
Thanks to the Blackfive community in advance for honoring this fine warrior's memory and contributing to his legacy. And if you have a blog, help out and spread the word.

America's Wounded Heros

and Warrior Legacy Foundation teamed up Saturday to feed some deserving young men and women. We had a great time cooking for these Warriors. I'm not a cook and I don't play one on TV, but I know the sense of accomplishment when they come back for seconds and there's nothing left to eat.

They ate all my Italian sausage and all my fried squash. Damn, Son...my grandmother is beaming right now, cause that's who taught me how to cook squash.

Jonn at THA has pics and more.

Warrior Legacy Foundation at Liberty 101

If you watched Glenn Beck today, you had the opportunity to hear one of my heros, and someone who calls me friend.

Matt Burden is a former paratrooper, Army officer, Chairman of Warrior Legacy Foundation, owner of Blackfive.net, and the author of Blogs of War.

He is an amazing individual, which is why I do whatever I can to help him. I am honored to be associated with Warriors such as Matt. I am even more humbled that he knows who I am.