One Marine's View

What do the troops need now?

What do troops need now? Although many are going nuts getting up at zero dark thirty to go shopping (not me…I’ll be snoozing) the troops are still keeping the wolf at bay! Although every day seems like the exact same day, day after day, as Americans, they know it was Thanksgiving and they know Christmas is 4 weeks away. How you can help. You need to send them support letters and care packages. I had a couple supporters send support stuff wrapped, very cool. Although it was shampoo and stuff, it didn’t matter because it was like we got our Christmas. Every day is the exact as the one before without maybe an extra convoy or perhaps an attack, otherwise its ground hog day. You can change that up by sending care packages or support letters. For all that is holy, throw them a bone and let them know you care for them. Seriously, it takes a big 45 minutes to put something together and send it off. The pay off, priceless for those kicking ass and taking names! Check out www.anysoldier.com to pick from a couple thousand service members to choose from. Throw em a bone!

Ties to Chevron, Boeing raise concerns on possible NSA pick

Retired Marine Corps Gen. James Jones, a leading contender to become President-elect Barack Obama’s national security adviser, serves on the boards of directors of Boeing and Chevron and advises a number of other businesses that work closely with the military and intelligence community.

A little FYI

Here is some information regarding retailers and future store closings.
This coming holiday season please check with the retailers before you
purchase your holiday gift cards, you need to be sure the cards will be
honored afterwards.

THANKSGIVING!

I KNOW AS I DIG INTO THAT BIRD ON Thanksgiving, I will be remembering the warriors in this video. (before entering the video its going to give you a warning-know that there isnt anything bad or Inappropriate language, in the video)

Know they have the guard force up and ready. God Bless them all!

 

Thanksgiving - Remember

During your hectic Thanksgiving approaching, remember. Remember the warriors spread throughout the deployed regions kicking ass and taking names especially during this holiday season. Most will have somewhat of a “Turkey” dinner, but many will not. Many will continue on and besides someone saying “hey it’s Thanksgiving”, it won’t be like any other day.  So remember as its cold as hell out side, it’s probably raining in Iraq or snowing in Afghanistan.

 Remember those warriors won’t be getting to enjoy the daily awesome items we continue to take for granted. Know, those warriors abroad are the front line troops keeping the wolf at bay and at least we can do is be thankful they are there. Remember them in your prayers-Semper Fi & have a great Turkey Day!

Touching The Face of Grace

(Hat Tip to CJ)

I found this essay, written by the father of a deployed Soldier, on the American Legion website. It was introduced into the Congressional Record by Frank R. Wolf, R-Va, on September 16th. It's a very touching and inspirational story should be required reading by the defeatists in Congress. Here it is:

“Whatever your political take on the war in Iraq, nothing can alter it more than having a loved one in the midst of it. Nor is anyone’s current perspective balanced until they hear at least some things from a soldier’s point of view.

You have to honor them!

  In the below you will read of a Marine who served his country honorably, did his combat tour and began the track home when tragedy struck.  The article focuses on if the Marines names should be added to the Virginia War memorial. The currently regulations state that memorial additions have to have died in “Hostile Combat”.  Perhaps the state officials should review the memorials of the Civil War. These names on the several hundred memorials throughout Gettysburg hold names of all that died including disease and old age during the civil war. Perhaps the state officials should review the federal stipulations of being awarded the Iraqi Campaign Medal for the armed forces as it only requires servicemembers to be in Iraq to receive the award. I think the Mr Schumann could have a valid argument if his son or his sons unit received the combat action ribbon during the deployment that would validate the current memorial stipulations. Otherwise the state officials should review the term “Memorial” and “War Memorial” and perhaps change the name of their structure because by all means those Marines died for their country, regardless if they died in an IED ambush or Helo accident. Last time I checked you don’t get to discriminate when the good lord takes you. The VA statesmen should ask themselves what should we do then tear down Gen Lee's house in Arlington, because he didnt die from the enemy direct bullets? Perhaps the Va statesmen should ask themselves the hard question, would the Marine be alive if he wasnt in Iraq fighting bad guys? Honor their service, they are heroes!

We will find you.

Below refers to yet another great example of why we are currently still in

Iraq

and finishing up professionally. There are few but obvious evil people still in

Iraq.

This scumbag and his followers got what was coming to him as both of his noted attacks occurred on separate deployments of mine. I remember them all very clearly, knew the Battalion command as he was one time my neighbor and had SSgt Maupin’s cousin in my unit.

 

Tell me it doesn’t strike close to home. Its one thing to read about these events, it’s another to know the individuals involved.  A note to this guy, others that emulate him and their followers (which like to check this blog), good riddance dirtbags, we are coming for you.

US raid kills Iraqi blamed in 2004 reservist death By RYAN LUCAS, Associated Press Writer

BAGHDAD 

An al-Qaida in Iraq leader blamed in the 2004 abduction and murder of an Army reservist and other deadly attacks over several years was killed in an American raid in Baghdad, the U.S. military said Thursday.

Something cool that Xerox is doing

If you go to this web site, www.LetsSayThanks.com you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq . You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to a member of the armed services.

How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one!!! This is a great site. Please send a card. It is FREE and it only takes a second.

THEN, get yer butt over to www.AnySoldier.com to pick out a warrior of your choice to support. C'mon gang, they are in the freaking desert!

Heroes Call

Staying Power: Marine Returns to Help Others on Road to Recovery By Fred W. Baker III American Forces Press Service

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Quantico, Va., Nov. 18, 2008 - When Marine Staff Sgt. Daniel Kachmar extends his right hand to greet combat wounded Marines, there is an instant rapport.