I Love A Parade

"Another day in Paradise. Every meal's a banquet, every paycheck's a fortune and every formation is a parade"

Next Saturday, 19 May in Richmond VA there is going to be a parade to welcome home the Iraq and Afghan vets and salute them for their service and sacrifice. I realize we still have troops downrange, and they are likely to stay awhile yet, but its time to do this thing. We tried a few years back, couldn't get anything going. Hard to get funding sometimes. But this time, with the help of the Welcome Home Foundation, the Richmond Times Dispatch, and hundreds of volunteers, the parade is going to happen and we are going to pawwwwtay.

In conjunction with the parade, we are going to set up a Veterans Resource Village on the grounds of The Carillon, Richmond's WWI Memorial. There will be Veterans Service Organizations, (including our very own Cooking with the Troops), Wounded Warrior Project will be on hand, veterans agencies from the state and federal government and a few companies and groups looking to hire veterans, including Wal-Mart Transportation, the largest employer of veterans in the country, and Dupont Spruance Plant will be on hand to talk to vets about oppportunities working for the maker of Kevlar and Nomex, two products our military depend upon every day to keep them safe.

McGuire,Woods LLP will have some legal foks on hand to assist vets with any legal issues they may have, and they stepped up big time for this one.  Capitol One will have a booth to talk to vets about financial issues and do some recruiting. (full disclosure-both of my children work for CapOne, and you could do a lot worse. They love it.) Dept of Motor Vehicles will have their mobile outreach van onsite, along the Veterans Outreach Center van, AUSA Mobile Blood Donation van, and the Hunter-Holmes McGuire VA Hospital van.

I have to give props to a lot of folks who have donated to this effort. City Ice Co, down in Chester, VA is giving us ice to keep the water cold we got from Virginia Artesian Water, Co over in Mechanicsville, VA. Both of these local companies support our military and veterans and we need to return the favor. Thank you Mark from City Ice and Nancy from VA Artesian. Haley Buick GMC is providing tents and transporting veterans for us. Commonwealth Events and PartyPerfect worked with us on getting the rest of the tents and the tables and chairs.

This is just a partial list of the folks who have stepped up for our veterans and we thank them. Its never too late to donate of course, and we will accept most anyone who wants to volunteer to help.

Here are a couple of links that have been up recently:
P Henry Saddleburr <----good pics from St Louis parade here.
PJMedia

Shop SEARS for Christmas

Our troops depend upon us to support them.

And SEARS does wholeheartedly. I plan to go out of my way to shop there because they are supporting employees that are also military members.

How do they do it?

From Michael Ledeen, at PJ Tatler:

I know I needed this reminder, since Sears isn’t always my first choice.
It’s amazing when you think of how long the war has lasted and Sears hasn’t withdrawn from their commitment. Could we each buy at least one thing at Sears this year?

What commitment you say?

How does Sears treat its employees who are serving in our military?
By law, they are required to hold their jobs open and available, but nothing more. Usually, people take a big pay cut and lose benefits as a result of being in active duty.

Sears is voluntarily paying the difference in salaries and maintaining all benefits, including medical insurance and bonus programs, for all employees who are serving.

I submit that Sears is an exemplary corporate citizen and should be recognized for its contribution. I suggest we all shop at Sears at least once.

Be sure to find a manager to tell them why we are there so the
company gets the positive reinforcement & feedback it well deserves.

Pass it on.

Buy something from Sears. Make sure you tell them why.

EDIT: Found another corporation that supports the troops: HOME DEPOT.
http://homedepotfoundation.org/how-we-help/team-depot/celebrationofservice.html

Serving Those Who Served Us All

Celebration of Service is a partnership between The Home Depot Foundation and The Mission Continues to work side-by-side with military veterans across the country. Together, we will complete more than 200 service projects between September 11 and Veterans Day (November 11) that will improve the homes and lives of veterans and their families.

Projects will include work such as renovating and repairing homes of disabled veterans; improving Fisher House locations where loved ones stay while wounded veterans undergo treatment at VA and military hospitals; and landscaping apartments for formerly homeless veterans and their families.

And military members, Active and Vets, with proof...get discounts at their stores.


Hey, OCCUPY! Tell me again how corporations are the problem?

Fisher House Link for WRVA

1140 WRVA The 50,ooo watt voice of conservative Virginia

It costs about $10 a day to provide a room for a soldier or his family at military Fisher Houses. Wouldn't it be great to know that those rooms were already paid for? You can help us provide a wounded veteran with home away from home while they are treated for their injuries and adjust to their new life. Join Jimmy Barrett and Doc Thompson and make your pledge today. Sponsor a room for a day, week, month or year! It's up to you. Every bit you send will make a huge difference in a veterans life. You can help us get to $76,000 with your donation today, this will help fund the rooms for one house for a year.

Sarah Palin on Zero & The Afghani Decision

Palin Supports: "Finally, A Decision for Afghanistan"
Palin posts a statement:

At long last, President Obama decided to give his military commanders much of what they need to accomplish their mission in Afghanistan. In the end, he decided to endorse a “surge” for Afghanistan, applying the counterinsurgency principles of “clear, hold and build” that worked so well in Iraq. Given that he opposed the surge in Iraq, it is even more welcome that he now supports a surge in Afghanistan.
This approach means, as Senator John McCain has noted, that “We now have an opportunity to build a bipartisan consensus in support of a vital national security priority: defeating Al-Qaeda and its violent extremist allies in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and ensuring that these countries never again serve as bases for terrorist attacks against America and our allies.”
We should be clear, however, that fewer troops mean assuming more risk. Talk of an exit date also risks sending the wrong message. We should be in Afghanistan to win, not to set a timetable for withdrawal that signals a lack of resolve to our friends, and lets our enemies believe they can wait us out. As long as we’re in to win, and as long as troop level decisions are based on conditions on the ground and the advice of our military commanders, I support President Obama’s decision.

Washinton Examiner Morning Email Blast

When Zero gives General McChrystal what he needs, Zero is simply performing his duty as CiC and that should be acknowledged; but make no mistake, Zero is out of his league. He is lost, he is dangerous and the greedy dhimmis running him are trying to use it to their advantage.

Washington Examiner Political Digest
Byron York - Obama keeps his Afghan promise, but Dems crumble
At West Point tonight, when Barack Obama formally announces he is sending tens of thousands more American troops to Afghanistan, he'll be doing so against the wishes of an overwhelming majority of the Democratic Party. Sending more troops will fulfill a key Obama campaign pledge, but it will also expose a deep rift in the party — and highlight its habit of dissembling on the war.


Michael O'Hanlon - Four reasons for 40,000 more troops
President Obama has apparently made his difficult decision about the idea of adding four combat brigades and a total of up to 40,000 more American troops to the mission in Afghanistan. Obama has already added about 30,000 troops this year, bringing the U.S. total close to 68,000 and the overall NATO/foreign presence to about 105,000. The corruption in the Karzai government complicates the decision. But there are four main reasons why on balance the president is right to support Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal if, as expected, he promises to provide almost all those added forces when he addresses the nation tonight.

Susan Ferrechio - Dems call for quick passage of health plan, but voters resist
The Senate began debate on an $848 billion bill to overhaul health care in America, with Democrats declaring the nation cannot wait for reform even as poll numbers signal strong opposition to the plan.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said the chamber would work through every weekend this month to get the bill completed, a task that will involve debating hundreds of amendments that will likely bring significant changes to the legislation before it is ready for a final vote.

Mark Hemingway - Is a lawsuit finally forcing transparency at the Department of Labor?
IAfter stonewalling several attempts at transparency, a lawsuit and a some much-deserved public shaming may finally be spurring the Department of Labor to comply with Freedom of Information Act requests. Last week, I noted that the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation had filed a lawsuit with the U.S. District Court because the Department of Labor had been totally unresponsive to their FOIA attempts to get information about any legal and financial relationships, as well as communications Obama administration labor appointees might have had with union groups. Following that post, a well-placed source just passed on this email:

ANNOUNCEMENT REC'D VIA EMAIL for 7 December Norfolk Rally

Links will be available before the end of the day.
If you go, be prepared to stand OUTSIDE the gate.

Date: Monday, December 7, 2009
Time: 8:00am - 6:00pm
Location: Naval Station Norfolk
City/Town: Norfolk, VA

As most of you already know, some of our military’s most elite, the Navy SEALs are under fire from the US Government for none other than bloodying the lip of one of the most wanted terrorists in Iraq, the alleged mastermind of the murder and mutilation of four Blackwater USA security guards in Fallujah in 2004.

Matthew McCabe, Petty Officer Jonathan Keefe & Petty Officer Julio Huertas all face criminal charges for allegedly punching Ahmed Hashim Abed while he was being detained. You can read the full story at: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,576646,00.html

Fox News video interviewing Neal Puckett with Puckett & Faraj, PC, the lawyer representing Matthew McCabe http://video.foxnews.com/12027326/perversion-of-justice?/12027319/act-of-terror/?category_id=949437d0db05ed5f5b9954dc049d70b0c12f2749

On December 7, the three SEALs are set to go before a Judge and plead not guilty. This first court appearance is only the arraignment and the actual trial is set to being sometime in January.

As of right now, unconfirmed reports say that the arraignment will take place at Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, VA on December 7; however, we are still trying to figure out the exact time(s) and location(s).

I’m sure all of you agree that this is a complete outrage and mockery of our US Military. As Americans, we CANNOT stand for this and MUST show our support for our troops who are constantly being put in harms way to protect the country that is now bring them under fire. We must send a message that “political correctness” has reached a boiling point and that these service men will not be hung out to dry.

I put this protest event together in hopes that it would gather locals in the area who would show their support that day. I, myself, am located in Fort Worth, Texas, so chances are slim to none that I will make it out next week. I do not expect to see thousands show up for the arraignment; however, it would be nice to see a decent crowd showing their support that day. The big protests need to come in January when they go on trial. This is when we all need to make the sacrifice of traveling to support them. Don’t get me wrong though, if you want to travel to Norfolk on the 7th, please do so, I just don’t want our efforts to be misused this early in the game.

So, with that said, I ask everyone, within reason, to take to Norfolk, VA Naval Base on the 7 and send a message loud and clear that we stand behind them.

Also, I will update everyone as more information comes to me.

UPDATES:"I received an email from one of their attorneys. It will be on Norfolk Naval Base and he will let me know the building number when he receives it. Are you planning on setting up outside of the main gate?"

“Everyone will be at the main gate...some of us will be in the court room...I will have someone from The Intelligence Report Media Group there....we have applied for passes already!”

“If you can get on base, can anyone be in the courthouse?”

“I think they will only let press and military personnel..sometimes they make the press stay out in the hall..family may get in and they may not..it will be a toss up on that day!”

“Word is from the Navy...."judges decision".....with all the protesting we are hoping we have generated..I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't let anyone in.”

“Mike and I also talked about this..They may not let people on the base..some of us will have to stay outside the main gate. They very well may restrict the base that day.”

“Many have asked about attending the hearing scheduled for December 7th, in Norfolk Virginia. The actual hearing on base IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, as to how many people will fit inside the courtroom I do not as of yet know. To get on Base you will need either a Military ID, active or veteran. If you did not serve in the military you can get on base with an active drivers license and the registration to the vehicle you are driving. The vehicle's registration must be in the driver's or one of the occupant's names for security reasons. If you wish to go to the actual hearing please be advised that the same rules apply as if you were in Federal Court. The Court will
tolerate nothing less than silence and respect for the proceedings. Anything less and I am quite sure all supporters will be removed.”

Come to Norfolk 7 December Defend the Defenders

Folks will have a good chance to show those Navy SEALs how much they are appreciated and supported in their decision to be judged by a jury of their peers.

Scuttlebutt has it that a group of Americans with enough sense to know a rotten deal when they see one are going to be gathering in Norfolk this coming Saturday.

Stay tuned.

I've Been Remiss In My Cross-Linking

My other favorite conservative Lady has been busy. Read this very carefully.

Susan Katz Keating
In the Aftermath of Ft. Hood, Marking Veterans Day With a Message of Thanks

A Blue Star Mom Speaks To The CiC

Mr Obama, Our Troops Are Dying!

Its Two and a half hours til Veteran's Day

But I can't wait. To all my friends who served, Thank You. Not just for your service to our Nation, but for allowing me the honor of working for you and with you.

I have been fortunate over the past 4 years to meet some of the most amazing individuals this country has ever produced, and not all of them are veterans, but all are serving this Nation in some capacity.

From Soldiers Angels to the milbloggers to the extraordinary civilians who sacrifice so much so that deployed Warriors will know they are being thought of.

Your friendship means more to me than you will ever know, and I can ever adequately demonstrate.

Semper Fidelis

and I have to post this video one more time, (well, this week, anyway):

At Last The Long Awaited Announcement

and yes, I have signed on as a reader, so make it interesting. My normal reading fare is Ludlum, Koontz, King and Clancy.


From my buddy Susan Katz Keating:
Announcing the Uniform EnCounters GC3 Writing Competition
Hey, everyone! As promised: We have a writing competition!

As I wrote in my last post, have I got a deal for you! This blog's sister site, UniformEnCounters, is hosting a fundraiser/writing competition designed to benefit three good causes (GC3): wounded troops; soldier morale; and you, the writer.

Here's what you do.

Contest Rules

1. In 700 words or less, write an essay, story, or poem depicting a servicemember or members of the U.S. Armed Forces or their allies (i.e., Australia, Canada, etc.)

2. The subject matter can be any active duty scenario from World War I through the present.

3. Submit your entry in the body of an email to Uniformencounters@gmail.com. In the subject header, use your last name and a slash for category. Example: Obama/Poetry. If you enter more than once in a category, simply add a number in your header (Obama2/Poetry).

4. Submit a $15 entry fee through the UniformEncounters blogsite.

5. Your entry fees will go toward the purchase of voice-activated laptops for wounded troops, in the form of a donation to a remarkably worthy cause, Project Valour-IT.

6. Winning entries will be selected in each of three categories: Fiction, Nonfiction, and Poetry. Winning entrants will receive $50 each, plus publication on the UniformEnCounters site. Runners-up will receive prizes TBD.

7. Entries must be submitted by 8 a.m. EST on 1 December, 2009. Winners will be announced on the UniformEnCounters site on New Year's Day.

Tips and insights: There are no subject rules, but keep in mind that UniformEnCounters exists to raise support for our men and women in uniform. Enter as often as you like, but each entry must be accompanied by its own fee/donation. Fees are processed through PayPal. If you wish to use another method, please email uniformencounters@gmail.com for instructions on how to submit via snail mail.

Thank you in advance to everyone, and in particular to my intrepid squad of reader-volunteers! So now it's time to start writing. GC3 awaits!

The fine print: You retain all rights to your composition/s. By entering the competition, you agree to allow your winning submission to be published on the UniformEnCounters site.

Attention Aspiring Writers

My good friend Susan Katz Keating has something you need to see.

Friday, October 30, 2009

Announcement Forthcoming: A Call to Pen (& Keyboard)

Do you like to write? (doesn't everyone?) Okay, let me rephrase that. Will you write for a good cause? How about a mix of good causes involving wounded troops, veteran/soldier morale, and personal reward? If so: Have I got a deal for you! Stay tuned for a forthcoming announcement on GC3 (Good Causes x 3), and how YOU, O Reader, can participate. Meanwhile, put yourself into writer mode; think GC3; and check back soon for full details.

Sear's Heroes at Home

Sears invites all active military members to register for the Sears Heroes at Home Wish Registry program. The Heroes at Home Wish Registry allows America to thank our military heroes and their families by donating to the program. All donations will be evenly distributed in the form of Sears gift cards amongst all military families and members accepted into the program. Registration will be closing soon so register and review program details at www.Sears.com/wish today.

And if you're not a military member, go buy something at Sears and tell them why. That will encourage them to keep supporting this program.

h/t Doc in the Box, who says "This is a pretty good deal for active duty military, I did it last year and got a Sear's gift card in the mail." Go read his blog. He's a Navy Corpsman.

October 26-Day of the Deployed

From my second family at Soldiers Angels.

Watch What's Coming from SOG Media

I can't tell all I know about this, but when SOG Media decides someone has potential, you know it's going to be good.

Uncle Jimbo will have more. Just pay attention.

Socks Socks Socks The Boys Are Marching

Yeah yeah...lame I know.

But thanks to Mrs Diva out in sunny southwest America, I can tell ya'll about a great company and a great way to support our troops deployed in the Global War on Terror.

Did ya hear me, Napolitano???? I said GLOBAL WAR ON TERROR!!!!! Not man-made disasters.

Socks..Nothing beats a clean, fresh pair of socks. I swear there were times I would have killed for a clean pair of socks. But thanks to Thorlo, our soldiers won't have to that, if you help.

3 pair for 17.85...safe secure transaction. Life is good.

What Your Donations Provide

The election is over, we have a new leader who will take the oath of office in January. America will not dissappear just because half the voters are idiots who refuse to see the socialist tendencies exhibited by the candidate of their choice.

I predict that if we are still here in 2 years, there will be a sweeping takeover of Congress by conservatives who will stand for the values we believe in. 2 years of government interference will be about all most normal people can stand.

Until then, we must continue to promote conservative ideals and cultivate candidates to fill the voids that will be created.

We must also continue to support our deployed troops, especially in Afghanistan.

Our campaign here has ramped up with the help of fellow-bloggers The USO Girls, who have issued a challenge to their team-mates at DFW Airport to raise donations for yours truly by promoting my BBQ sauce. The A-Team demonstrated their good taste and sound judgement by naming me their #1 crush after I swept both of them off their feet at the milblog conference in Cibola, primarily by using my charming personality and rapier wit. (Actually, it was the GHB that did it, I think)

I have sent one shipment to the Assclowns (yes, thats what they call themselves, so who am I to argue?) in the 6/4 and have another one packed and ready to go.

Here are the before and after pictures of the shipment:

Before

After

Yes, I can pack a flat-rate box so tight, it squeals.

Flat-rate, no weight restrictions. Ya gotta love it.

3 Years of Walter Reed Army Medical Center

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

to our members of the US Military,

please accept our sincere thanks for your service.
Never forget that you are always in our thoughts and prayers.

Who's Your Daddy

The title itself should tell you what's coming. Those of you who remember 21 January 2006 will recognize that question.
I have a partial AAR up at my vox site. I'll work on it, expand it and hopefully finish it, today. Meanwhile, enjoy yourselves.

What A Difference A Year Makes

In keeping with my Brother Blogger Cargosqiud's theme of one year anniversaries, I give you Eagles one year later:



What a difference 366 days will make. To all who came out, Thank You!!!
To those who couldn't make it, you missed a great time, and I hpoe you'll consider DC in April. It will be interesting.