A Veteran

'Whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve- is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America',for an amount of 'up to and including My life'.

That is Honor, and there are way too many people inthis country who no longer understand it.

HT to Tejano

Sign the Holiday Card For Our Troops

(Click on pic to direct you to their page)

As we are in the midst of the holiday season, Freedom's Watch is asking you to take a moment to remember those who cannot be with their families this holiday season as they fight to protect our freedoms.

Respect and Honor to a Fallen Soldier

We have always mourned the blood that has been shed in every war that comes about, we are in the midst of another one, and I've always prayed for all our soldiers and have deep respect for their continuing fight for our freedom, for putting their lives on the line for us and those that can't protect themselves nor have the freedom to fight for their rights.

I have a very close friend that the loss of a loved one has hit very close to home. I know that she won't mind that I have re posted her blog, please take this time to pray for another fallen soldier.

My deep and undying love and prayers to the family and friends of Paul.

NORFOLK, Va. (AP) _ The Pentagon announced Saturday that a Norfolk-based Marine died in Iraq.Captain William Pelletier, a Marine Corps spokesman based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, said Corporal Erik Garoutte of Santee, California, died Friday in Baghdad "as a result of unknown causes."Pelletier said he had no additional information about Garoutte's death. Garoutte was assigned to the 1st Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Company, Marine Corps Security Force Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force, based in Norfolk.Pelletier said Garoutte joined the Marine Corps in November 2005. A release from the Department of Defense said the incident is under investigation.

Since the beginning of the war in Iraq and the events leading up to it.. there has been so much loss for individuals across the globe. For me personally I've lost 4 friends. So my heart goes out to anyone who has had to endure the pain. This morning, that loss for me has hit a little closer to home.

I got an e-mail from my mom this morning telling me that my cousin's son Erik was one of our most recent military deaths in Iraq. I don't have any details of the death other than that it occurred on Sunday in the line of duty. He was a very young 22 and had only been in Iraq since August. He leaves behind two younger brothers who he was very close to.

This is a very difficult time for the family as they deal with this tragic loss they are also keeping their eyes on the hills in San Diego waiting to see if they will have to evacuate from the wild fires to safer ground.

Please keep my cousin Paul and family in your prayers. Pray that for a resolution and end to the war.

Take the time to consider how very important it is to always remember what REALLY matters. It's not money...things...possessions...ti's people. Memories. Take the time to tell the people around you how much you care. Life is short and precious.

If you get a moment stop by Paul's page and leave him a message of prayer and support. If for some reason he's set to private - send the e-mail. He'll be appreciative and so will I.

Love you all!!

"We support our troops and we will never forget that these brave men and women have given their lives for our country and our freedom."

To this date, 4,281 soldiers have died in this war and the casualties are increasing. Please support our troops and spread the word about Project Never Forget.

Stop by Project NEVER FORGET

(click on the jpg)

Project Never Forget would be honored to offer every familywho has lost a soldier in this war one personalized 3-D photo charm memorializing their loved one.

Circle On The Cross

HT to Tejano for sharing this AWESOME Video! This PROUD little sister can even say that, Tejano is shown on here. It's an 8+ minute video but VERY worth the time!

THE VIDEO IS OPEN NOW FOR REVIEW BY A COUPLE PEOPLE.......PLEASE WATCH IT ASAP, SINCE IT COULD BE DELETED THIS TIME TOMORROW. THANKS............AND WATCH IT TWICE, OK?

All my Love and Respect to all the men and women out there fighting for our country and to those that have lost their lives doing so!!!

Love to all the Brothers!

Threats end Harry's Iraq mission

• Britain's Prince Harry will not be sent to Iraq, says the Ministry of Defence
• Top UK general says "specific threats" on prince are behind decision
• Risk to prince and those around him too great, says general
• Harry third in line to throne has said he is serious about an army career

LONDON, England (CNN) -- Britain's Prince Harry will not serve in Iraq as a troop commander because of "a number of specific threats" against him, the UK's top general says.

A spokesperson for the 22-year-old prince says he is "very disappointed" by the decision.

More here

Gathering of Eagles 3-17-07

A Big HT to Bushwack and his family for the following pictures and recap! Great job in keeping those of us, that couldn't make it there in person, well informed! Maybe some day, I can make my way to see this awsome memorial wall to our men and women that gave the ultimate sacrifice for us. My deepest respect to all who have served and those who are serving today.

The Gathering of Eagles Recap and Pictures.

By American and Proud

There have been many accounts of the rally in Washington. I am going to offer a different perspective, “a through the eyes of a patriot” look at what transpired on this day.We were three, my wife was the photographer, and my son was with me every step.

More pictures here:

Gathering of Eagles 3-17-07

We Will Remember - From the children of Vietnam Veterans

Take a minute to watch this one.

http://www.operationmom.org/ToOurParents.html

*HT to Tejano for sharing this tribute

MODEST PROPOSAL

So, I'm late on this one, but it was shared by Tejano this AM... I've been so caught up with the new job that I don't do much of watching news or surfing the Internet and catching up with my favorite blogs. Starting my day at 5 am and getting home at 6:30/7 PM, doesn't give me much time to do much of anything these days. And oddly enough, the week-end doesn't allow any Internet access, but I"m not complaining, I really don't miss it as it gives me time to take care of the things that I don't have time to do between 7 PM to 10 PM, M-F. So... in saying that forgive me if you've already blogged about this, but being a hardcore supporter of all our VETS, and after doing a bit of research, I just had to post the piece and share some view points that were out there in the blogosphere.

Thanks Bro...

Apocalypse again -- call up the Vietnam vets

Where else can Bush get 21,500 trained soldiers for his 'surge'?
By Paul Whitefield, PAUL WHITEFIELD supervises the editorial pages' copy
desk.

January 21, 2007

LISTENING TO President Bush's speech on Iraq earlier this month, my first thought was: "Where the heck are we going to get 21,500 more soldiers to send to Iraq?" Our Reserves are depleted, our National Guard is worn out, our Army and Marine Corps are stretched to the limit.

Then it hit me: Re-up our Vietnam War veterans and send them.

They're trained. They're battle-hardened. Many already have post-traumatic stress disorder. Also, some have their own vehicles — Harleys mostly, which are cheap to run, make small targets and are highly mobile. I'll even bet that lots of these guys still have guns (you know, just in case).

OK, some vets are a bit long in the tooth (or don't have teeth — because of Agent Orange?). Or their eyesight isn't what it was. Or their reflexes have slowed. But with today's modern weaponry, how well do you have to see?

Too out of shape, you say? Listen, if Rocky Balboa can step back into the ring at age 60, all these Vietnam War vets need is a little boot-camp magic and they'll be good to go. I mean, who doesn't want to drop a few pounds?

Don't want geezers fighting for us? Well, let's face it, our young people have greater value right here. Most of us want to retire and collect our hard-earned Social Security, and we need those youngsters here, working and paying taxes — lots of taxes.

Finally, these Vietnam War guys are hungry for revenge. After all, they fought in the only war the U.S. ever lost. And they didn't even get a parade. So this is their chance. We can throw them that big parade when they come marching home.

Just a few responses to this article read the following:

Paul Whitefield's Essay in The Los Angeles Times
Military
The L.A. Times’s Definition of Irony Is Different From Mine
2007-Jan-24 - call up the Vietnam vets?? WOW!!!
Carol Platt Liebau

2 Min. for Veterans

VETERANS DAY

Take a moment on this day (every day) and thank a Veteran!

Visit Military.com they have the following tribute to all our men and women!

A Tribute To Those Who Have Served

Interview with a Veteran:

Violet Hill Gordo

World War II

Serving in the military is a tremendous honor. As a servicemember you have the opportunity to effect social and political change all over the world.

Here's the story of a brave African American veteran, Violet Hill Gordon. In an interview with the Veterans History Project, Gordon talks about how serving in the Women's Army Corp in World War II gave her a sense of purpose, despite the discrimination she had to endure.

Wear Red On Fridays

Support Our Troops

Visit their website and support our troops! They have pictures posted of the two Styles of T-Shirts they offer. Sues diligently did all she could to offer a Polo Shirt for me as I can not wear T-Shirts to work, and I love the Polo Shirt! It looks very professional and has been a hit at my work. They do not have a picture of the Polo Shirt, drop in and email her for cost and information.

ORDERING INFORMATION