A Story You Should Read

CJ sent me a link to this lady's site. What a great way to spend the 4th of July.

Makes you appreciate the rain.

Read her story here.

As always, CJ can be found here, here, and here.

A Death in the Family

Via Instapundit.....Go read this. Be saddened. Be proud. Give thanks that our country has men like this.

CHRISTOPHER HITCHENS: A Death in the Family. "If America can spontaneously produce young men like Mark, and occasions like this one, it has a real homeland security instead of a bureaucratic one."

Happy Birthday U.S. Army!

A hearty “thank you” goes to Kilo for reminding me that:

This is the 232nd birthday of the United States Army! Sooo….

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL ARMY SERVICEMEN EVERYWHERE!

Says Kilo:
“My father was Army, along with three uncles and four great uncles. They all learned principles and responsibilities that they practiced throughout their lives. We have many fighting proudly now to protect our freedom. There are many who will never make it back here, but they will go home.”

I don’t know how many of my relatives were in the Army, but I know that I grew up a lot in those days right after high school, and I would still – and do – recommend it to all young men (and women) to enter a branch of service. It will change your life.


Watch some video here.




I salute you from the “BE ALL YOU CAN BE” generation.
First Infantry Division “Duty First”


Check out how the Army Birthday is being celebrated at my old Alma-matter:
Fort Riley, KS.

Leslie Carbone: The Spirit of '76

Leslie Carbone has a post that has helped me a lot today: The Spirit of '76. It helped to blunt the disappointment and sometimes anger towards the party as they leave conservatism behind to chase votes, or whatever their reasons are.

SWAC Girl has a great intro to Leslie and finds the same things I find encouraging.
Quoting SWAC Girl:
“In Spirit of 76, she recounts how Gerald Ford invited Ronald Reagan to address the delegates at the Republican Convention. If we use history as our guide we often find a template to follow and words of wisdom to help us weather the storms. To what could have been a divided Party, Governor Reagan concluded his remarks with:

"We must go forth from here united, determined that what a great general said a few years ago is true: There is no substitute for victory, Mr. President."


I don’t pretend to know who to unite with someone who wants the exact opposite in life of you, but, over time, the job got done. Someone on the conservative side blinked, and we went on for the better. What helped me most? Her it is. I hope it helps you as much as me:

“The next morning, [after the ’76 convention] Gov. Reagan met with the California delegates. "The cause goes on," he reminded them. "It's just one battle in a long war and it will go on as long as we all live." He finished by quoting St. Barton's Ode:
I will lay me down and bleed a whileThough I am wounded, I am not slainI shall rise and fight again.
Next he met with his disappointed campaign volunteers. "Don't get cynical," he cautioned them. "[L]ook at yourselves and what you were willing to do, and recognize that there are millions and millions of Americans out there that want what you want, that want it to be as we do, who want it to be a shining city on a hill."And then he headed back to the ranch, passing, on the way to the airport, a hand-painted sign reading: "GOODBYE REPUBLICANS. YOU PICKED THE WRONG MAN."But, Nancy Reagan later wrote in her autobiography, "Ronnie has always believed what his mother taught him--that whatever happens, happens for a purpose. As he saw it, he lost the nomination in 1976 because God had other plans for him.
"Four years later, we would learn what they were."”

The biggest point I took away was don’t quit. If we quit now, things will be even worse. Ronal Reagan knew the world needed conservatives, and conservatism. And out of his defeat came a brighter future for the U.S. and the world. Somewhere on the other side of our senseless difficulties to move conservatism forward is a brighter future and a brighter day. We just have to earn it first. That man was a leader with vision, and yet today, it still encourages. May God make me a leader of the same caliber one day.

A Tribute To Militrary Wives

Ask any soldier who loves a woman; the most important person is not on the battlefield.

There is a soldier who goes to war 24 hours a day 7 days a week, who wears no uniform, and gets no medals, but without them the war could easily be lost:

Video by: asailorswife06


As a Desert Sheild/Stom vet, I can attest as to how much we really need that support from our ladies. We could carry on with our jobs without it, but it mean SOOOOOO much more to have you supporting us. WE ARE STRONGER INSIDE WHEN WE KNOW WE HAVE YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT. The days are easier, even though the nights aren't. We will never know all that you go through while we are away, but always know that we do care, and when the job is over, to your arms is the first place we're going.

To the wives faithfully holding down "Fort Home-coming" till their soldiers return, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! You too serve this country and we thank you.

"There’s ruling by inspiration, and there’s ruling by fear."

AcademicElephant from RedState.com is on the ground in Iraq. His April 28th post quotes a young army specialist.

The way I see it, there are two ways to rule people. There’s ruling by inspiration, and there’s ruling by fear. It’s harder to achieve inspiration, but if you can get there in the long run it’s easier because you inspire people to take initiative to do things for themselves. Ruling by fear is easier until that day that people stand up to you, and all your power goes away.

We’re trying to help the Iraqis find their inspiration. The insurgents are trying to rule by fear. They want to terrify people into thinking that their children are not safe, so that they stay at home and don’t get used to this new life under democracy. They want to attack the things we build, like schools, so that the people see them as temporary. We can give them, but they want people to believe that they’ll come along and take them away.

I’d rather be on the side of inspiration.

Out of the Long War will come a new generation of great leaders for America. This young soldier may well be one of them.

A Hero recognized

Our friends at Blackfive have discussed Marine Corporal D. J. Emery and his family's trials dealing with his injuries. Now he mentions two developments that are heartwarming.

Bellefonte to mark 'D.J. Emery Day'

Bellefonte Mayor Stanley Goldman issued a proclamation at Monday's council meeting declaring April 21 as "D.J. Emery Day" in Bellefonte to honor a native son and U.S. Marine fighting for his life after being wounded in Iraq.

and

'Good tears' flow after surprise gift

WINGATE -- Leslie Shivery felt guilty leaving the bedside of her critically wounded husband, Marine Cpl. David "D.J." Emery Jr., to accept an award from Centre County's Marine Corps League -- or so she thought -- on her husband's behalf Friday.
She doesn't regret the trip anymore.
Shivery was stunned Friday when she was taken by limousine to a manufactured home in the Blarney Stone development to find dozens of friends and family waiting for her, along with the Nittany Leathernecks Detachment of the Marine Corps League and several active-duty Marines in full dress uniforms.
She cried when she saw the Marines. She cried even harder when she was told the house in front of her now belongs to her and her husband.

This is a story of community. This is a reminder of what Americans represent. Proof that the motto SEMPER FIDELIS can be the motto of any that support these heroes. Semper Fi!!!

Will We Be The Example or Will We Fold?

I wanted to make some comments about Maj. William D. Chesarek Jr. having been awarded the Flying Cross by Queen Elizabeth II, but I wanted to give him a clean billing on his own page. This is his moment in the sun (and justifiably so) without injecting other issues into his time.

Folks, this is the character of the men and women in uniform that are out there risking their lives to fight an enemy that would much rather be attacking us here in the US and in Europe under the cover of anonymity, and our own Constitution when caught.

Much has been said about our “declining popularity” around the world. Apparently the Queen didn’t get the memo. Truth is, the only people who are not happy with us now, are the ones who weren’t happy anyway, and wouldn’t be regardless of what we do. If someone was going to dislike me, I’d rather they did it because I did the right thing, which is what we are doing now. I could care less about what the international community thinks of me, or my country. I don’t care if my critics like me. I am only concerned with doing the right thing each day to protect my family, my country, and my friends and making our country as strong and prosperous as it can be. There is EVERY INDICATION that we ARE doing the right thing, both in Iraq, and Afghanistan.

Men like Major Chesarek are the examples of men that I look up to as examples of “just going out and doing the right thing.” They knew what had to be done, and they went out and did it – regardless of what danger there was to them – because the cause was right. That is the type of person that I always want to be.

I think there are many people in many countries throughout the world who do look up to the United States and its people as examples what to emulate. We are not perfect – no country is – but you don’t look to perfection when you look for a system to model. You look for the best system available, and I believe that system is us.

As long as we continue to produce men like Maj. William Chesarek Jr., SFC Chad M. Stephens, SSgt Kent Padmore and countless others, we WILL be the country that everyone can look up to and admire. But we need to support them. We can’t let those whose ultimate aim is political power and/or the destruction of our republic have their way. We need to stand up to them each time and every time they attack our way of life.

Queen Elizabeth Honors A US Marine with the Flying Cross

In case you didn’t hear this on CNN, ABC, NBC, or CBS last night:

"LONDON, March 23, 2007 – A U.S. Marine appeared before Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace March 21 to receive the United Kingdom's Distinguished Flying Cross for saving lives and in recognition for his bravery during combat operations in Iraq.

Marine Maj. William D. Chesarek Jr., is the first U.S. servicemember to be so honored since World War II. Assigned as an exchange officer with the Royal Air Force's 847th Naval Air Squadron, Commando Helicopter Force, based at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton in Somerset, England, the U.S. Marine flew the RAF’s Lynx Mk7 helicopter -- the aircraft he used to dodge insurgent's bullets and rocket-propelled grenades. "

You should read the story to find out what this brave Marine did to save lives in combat, but what I really want to highlight here is the humble character of this Marine:

"Wearing his ceremonial uniform, Chesarek stood before the queen and hundreds in attendance, including his parents, his wife and their 2-year-old son, William. After Chesarek bowed, the custom when in front of the queen, the British monarch placed her kingdom's level-three award for gallantry in the air while on active operation against the enemy on his chest. Chesarek reflected on his lost comrades and brothers in arms. "I am greatly honored and would like to accept this prestigious award for 847 NAS in memory of Lt. Cmdr. Darren Chapman (Royal Navy), Capt. David Dobson (Army Air Corps), and Marine Paul Collins (Royal Marines), who were killed in action over Basrah in May 2006," Chesarek said. "The awarded actions were only possible due to the combined effort of my combat crew; Lt. David Williams (Royal Navy) and Lance Cpl. Max Carter (Royal Marines). My greatest sense of achievement that day is in knowing the ground troops all made it home." "

Now THAT is character. THIS is true America. How can we not fight here at home for people like this? I AM PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!

Gathering of Eagles '07: The Video

It took a lot longer than I expected, but here are the photos that I took at GOE.

This video is dedicated to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. Thank you for all that you do to keep us safe. I thank your families for all their sacrifices. This day was for you.


The video is large and may take some time to buffer, but it's worth it.

Gathering Of Eagles: S.W.A.C. After Action

SWAC Girl has some great pictures and reports on the Gathering of Eagles Rally they held for the Staunton, Waynesboro, and Augusta County area. They had a great turnout of 150 folks who braved the wind and cold to stand up for America.

Some of the photos are up now and I just couldn't resist stealing this one.



Spank That Donkey posted great video of Gold Star Mom Rhonda Winfield who spoke at the event and a rundown with photos on how they put the rally together.


RightsideVA has a report on the event, also, with lots of photos. Believe it or not a commenter left several negative remarks critical of the event insinuating that new recruits are cripples and felons. You might want to give the spiteful comments a pass, but RightsidesVA's report is a must.

There is a lot to learn from these posts about putting together events in our own communities. It is a lot of work but what a great message to send to our Troops who need the support now more than ever.

2 Comments:

SWAC Girl said...

Thanks, Flora. I'm just getting around to reading all the reports around the blogosphere and the first place I came to was UCV because I knew you would have great coverage of the D.C. event ... not realizing you had given reported about SWAC's rally. Thanks to you and all those who went in our places to stand in D.C. against the angry Leftists. You did a fantastic job and we're proud of you!
March 21, 2007 4:58 PM

USMCPOP said...

I anyone knows how to get in touch with Rhonda, please let me know. Gold Star folks like to keep in touch.
March 21, 2007 5:29 PM

Gathering of Eagles 2007 Video

More photos from the Gathering of Eagles have been posted!

Stop by and tell us what you think!

Gathering Of Eagles: For CargoSquid

nautinurse photo

Gathering Of Eagles: McDonald's After Action 3

There were so many Patriots at The Gathering Of Eagles in D.C. on March 17th that it was very hard to locate friends once the cell phone died.

With the huge turnout, there were enough people to stand guard not only at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, but at other memorials to the Fallen in the area.

There were enough red-blooded Americans to engage the protesters along the route as they left the Lincoln Memorial area (where we stood) and marched across the bridge that leads to Arlington Cemetery.

Braced at the foot of the bridge, like the Spartans at Thermopylae, stood a band of Iraq War Vets, Vietnam Vets, Protest Warriors, FReepers, and Patriots. It got a little hot and heavy down there but the line held and the anti-America protesters were herded off to the Pentagon.

AND THAT IS WHERE WE FOUND CONCRETEBOB!


ap photo
Concretebob and the mighty band of Warriors
in foreground face down the commies


nautinurse photo
The banner that greeted the protesters
coming over the bridge to Arlington


bmwcyle photo
ConcreteBob


nautinurse photo
A new generation of American Veterans and
HEROES!!!!


reuters photo
Preparing for the Meet & Greet at the Pentagon

Gathering Of Eagles: McDonald's After-Action 2

Virginia Mom found this video on YouTube that features a brief clip of us next to the Lincoln Memorial.

Meanwhile, a few more pics from yesterday.



Virginia Mom



USMCpops, USMCobra and Freema



F22strike didn't need a sign. The Bush/Cheney
hat got a rise every time.



This didn't go down too well with the Vets.




The Religion of Peace contingent smirks by


Reuters photo
Ed Asner (?) did some nasty things
with that carrot...



in front of these guys and lived to tell the
tale
BUT WHERE IS CONCRETEBOB????

Gathering Of Eagles: McDonald's After-Action 1

We knew it was going to be a very good day when we got on the Metro at Springfield/Franconia and there were more Veterans than moonbats on board as we headed into D.C.

A little snow still crusted the ground and a driving wind made it bitter cold but when we arrived at LZ Eagle there were nothing but warm smiles and a feeling that we had walked into a reunion of brothers, once separated by years and miles, now delighted to see each other again. I think it is safe to say there were no strangers in that crowd.

Outside of a military base, I have never seen so many MANLY men in one place. It was heady stuff, even for a settled-down-happily-married-type like myself. Most of the Vets wore their colors, some wore baseball caps or stetsons to i.d. their branch of service and I even spotted a couple of men in kilts (no mean feat in that freezing weather). F22strike (Gulf War Vet) wore a Bush/Cheney hat that worked quite well as a moonbat irritant much to our amusement.

It was touching to see the young Afghanistan/Iraq War Vets in the group treated with such respect and heartfelt gratitude by their older counterparts. The Vets also seemed to go out of their way to thank people who didn't have family in the military but who had come from all over to show their support and, well, I better post a few pictures before the screen gets all blurry.



LZ Eagle



LZ Eagle with The Wall at the foot of the hill



Funniest signs at the Rally. The one on the
right says: St. Patrick, drive the democrats
from our land



Setting up bp's



Face off at the Lincoln Memorial
WAIT A MINUTE! WHERE'S CONCRETEBOB????

Gathering of Eagles: 30,000!

This was posted on the web site over at Gathering of the Eagles:

30,000!

"That figure may be adjusted upward as more figure are tallied during the week. Fox News reported today that the anti-war protesters had significantly less than they expected. However, they are erroneously reporting that the Eagles were there in “equal numbers”. The truth is that we outnumbered them by at least three to one!
Consider…ANSWER had a year to plan their well-publicized event and were hoping for around 100,000. They actually drew about 5,000-10,000, according to various news reports today. The Gathering of Eagles, on the other hand, had about six weeks to plan an unprecedented response - and with no advertising, no publicity, no celebrity or political endorsement, no news coverage, and no big money, we had about 30,000 boots on the ground!
The volunteers poured themselves into this historic event, and all of you who attended gave so much to be there. I’ll stop here and let your words speak for themselves."

I can tell you what, I have been in quite a few counter-demonstrations and I have never seen that many people show up for our side before. We felt safe, united, and a part of something major that was on the correct side of the issue.

God Bless All Our Troops! We love you. This day was for you!

Gathering of Eagles; Prologue

Hi Guys and Gals! I am currently uploading the pictures form the Gathering of Eagles Counter-protest on yesterday. I will have the raw photo footage posted in about a half-hour.

In the meantime, here is my favorite photo. Lets just say, justice was served.

The Violent Side of the Left Shows Again

Read this story (courtesy of “smash” at Michelle Malkin’s blog) and you will see how moonbats in Canada treated a 27 year old war hero from Afghanistan; Master Cpl. Collin Fitzgerald. The original story is here. Fitzgerald was at a bar in his hometown of Morrisburg when he was the victim of a “sneak attack” by people he claimed he didn’t even know:

“He says he'd been in the bar only about 20 minutes late Friday, visiting with a childhood friend who introduced him to people as a war hero, when he was suddenly struck from behind with some type of object. Four men jumped him and began beating on him. "They were saying 'What kind of hero are you now?'," Fitzgerald's mother Arlene told CTV News. Bystanders pulled the attackers off Fitzgerald and his friends drove him to hospital.”

Unfortunately, attacks like this are not unheard of here in the United States either. There are far more idiots out there than the four who attack Cpl. Fitzgerald, and some of them feel a need to help the “oppressed” get even. Most leftist rallies are a hodge-podge of political groups, encompassing ideologies like anarchists, communists, socialist groups, environmental and animal “rights” groups, some of them on the extreme radical fringe. Those of us who have come in close contact with the left know that though they give lip service to peace in their signs, chants, and slogans, actual peace is the last thing on their minds. I have personally been to a march in Washington DC some time ago and seen first-hand how physically vicious the left can be to dissenters. In one instance a close friend was attacked by two women who participated in a NOW-sponsored march. The assailants waited for some of us to leave and assaulted her, pushing her into her car and verbally threatening her. All of this, for nothing more than her presenting a counter-view to the left’s side of an issue.

By no means do I use this to discourage anyone from coming out and showing the left that they don’t speak for all Americans with their ridiculous rhetoric about any issue, be it the war, taxation, social issues, or their blind support of political candidates. What I am saying is that you should not trust all the motives and flowery speeches of those who purport to want peace. Some of them are very dangerous people; ones who should not be allowed into the realm of a political debate. I will whole-heartedly participate in the Gathering of Eagles this Saturday in Washington DC. What I would like for everyone to do who does come, is to think seriously about who is around you. Keep a safe distance from those around you who present a “differencing opinion” than yours – especially if they are particularly agitated or verbally abusive. Travel in groups as much as possible and keep security and safety on your mind at all times. Those who have cell phones, keep them charged up, and on your person at all times, and don’t be afraid to use them. If you feel afraid or cornered, escape and/or call for help. I would much rather see you alive in one piece than to let an anarchist or “Black Bloc” terrorist know that they injured a counter-protester in a crime that may never be punished. I want to see everyone back safely on Saturday night with lots of pictures and stories to tell. See you at the memorial.

To MSM: LET FREEDOM RING!

Ladies and Gentlemen, I have tried to be patient. I have tried to be accommodating. I have tried to be “understanding” with those out there who feel that the actions of this country with regard to Iraq and Afghanistan are “illegal,” “immoral,” “imperialistic,” yada, yada, yada. I have been patient with the “Bush lied, kids died crowd,” hoping one day they would grow up and see the truth but, they have not. For two years on this site and others – I have encouraged open debate, and taken time away from my life to try and put a counter point of consideration for those who billed themselves as “open minded” and “looking at ALL of the facts, and making a decision based on…. etc. etc, etc.” Fine. They have had all the time they need to look at facts. I will continue to let them have “paralysis of analysis” and “information constipation” on a lot of other subjects, but this war is different. While they endlessly “examine the facts” people are dieing!
Those in the media who should be supplying facts and both sides of the story aren’t.
Or, even worse, they obscure what is important, with stupidity: moronic idiocy like this made the front “splash” page of Yahoo:

"SEATTLE - Researchers at the University of Washington say all that holiday baking and eating has an environmental impact — Puget Sound is being flavored by cinnamon and vanilla. "Even something as fun as baking for the holiday season has an environmental effect," said Rick Keil, an associate professor of chemical oceanography. "When we bake and change the way we eat, it has an impact on what the environment sees. To me it shows the connectedness."

Well, while they are worried about cake-flavored lakes, did anyone hear this story talked about in the MSM:

“LYERLY, Georgia (AP) -- After her son Justin was killed serving in Iraq, a grieving Jan Johnson resolved to see the place where he died and to better understand why it happened.
Johnson and her husband, Joe, who also served in Iraq, were among a group of seven parents who lost children in the war who were picked to travel to northern Iraq in November as a scout team for a bigger trip next year.
"I wanted to go see where my son died," she said. "You hear in the news how bad Iraq is, that it isn't worth saving. ... I wanted to go find out for myself."
Family members of U.S. casualties of war have made pilgrimages in the past to Vietnam and other war zones where their sons and daughters died.”

Now here’s the important part:

>“There, they said, their sons were treated as liberators and the parents welcomed as heroes. As guests of the Kurdistan Regional Government, the parents visited a parade of politicians and government ministers who thanked them for their visit -- and their sacrifice. Many told the families their sons were martyrs, a term that at first seemed offensive to some. "Until I understood the meaning of what a martyr was, it was kind of a slap in the face," Jan said. "But they weren't comparing them to suicide bombers. I realized they were comparing them to heroes." They traveled to outlying villages and were invited to sip tea with Kurdish dignitaries. One told them of his painstaking efforts to find mass graves and evidence of Iraqi abuse. Another took them on a tour of a prison camp that was transformed into a rose garden after Hussein's grip on the region waned.
Wherever they traveled, fellow mother Debra Argel Bastian of Lompoc, California, handed out wallet-sized photos of her son, Derek Argel, who was killed in a May 2005 plane crash near the Iranian border. One mother tucked the photo into a framed picture of her two sons and husband, who had also been killed during Saddam's rule. "Now your son is my son," the woman told Bastian.
She broke down crying.
"I needed to make that trip," said Bastian, who traveled with her husband, Todd. "All of us were very, very disappointed in the media coverage over the war. I had so many avenues that were telling me different, that there were good things happening in Iraq, that they were just reporting the bomb of the day."
Jan Johnson said she was touched by an unexpected meeting with a soldier who was part of the team that tried to rescue her son. "It brought Justin closer to me," she said.
The group returned home 10 days later, in time for some to attend Veterans Day parades.
Jan says she hopes to help lead another trip, possibly to Baghdad, with a larger contingent of families.
"We're crazy. We suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder," Jan said. "We're allowed to do stupid things."

Answer honestly; when was the last time you heard this or a story like it in ABC, NBC, OR CBS? WHAT WAS THE LAST PATRIOTIC, PRO-AMERICA, FLAG-WAVING, MOM AND APPLE PIE THING TO COME FROM THE MAIN-STREAM MEDIA?
Had you even heard of this before I brought it up? I’m telling you, the left and the MSM here behind the front lines are doing a dis-service to our armed forces. We are hindering their progress and welfare in this war, by “damning with faint praise,” all that they accomplish and strive to do, and at the same time championing every murderer, terrorist, and lunatic 3rd world leader they can find.

I am tired of it! I am sick to death of it. I could just break the computer.
I am not taking this any more. I will no longer entertain casually any more slams at our troops, the president, or this mission. I am a former soldier, and I hurt every time I see someone say or do some of the things that I read and hear. Some of our troops are very young and are out on their own for the first time. They have no concept of other wars to compare this to, and I hurt knowing that they will believe what they are doing is meaningless and the deaths of their friends for naught. I will not take this any more. Anyone who comes here with that attitude, be prepared for a war of your own. You are trespassing. And if you don’t like what you read and it bothers you that much, then GO AWAY! Democrat “Under-ware” will be glad to have you.