Afghanistan @ MindSay 
christianity
http://ajliebling.blogspot.com/2008/03/no-country-for-old-men.html
By Connecting.the.Dotson Afghanistan
To counter all that Democratic talk about fighting the wrong war in Iraq, somebody in the White House brilliantly decided to let a Reuters correspondent sit in on the President's video conference yesterday with Ambassador to Afghanistan William Wood and US military and civilian personnel in Kabul.
Sitting at a conference table, Bush listened to a description of the fighting there and could hardly contain his excitement
"I must say, I'm a little envious," he confessed. "If I were slightly younger and not employed here, I think it would be a fantastic experience to be on the front lines of helping this young democracy succeed.
"It must be exciting for you ... in some ways romantic, in some ways, you know, confronting danger. You're really making history."
Bush's envy is understandable four decades after he missed all the excitement in Viet Nam by serving in the National Air Guard back here. With him at the video conference was Vice President Dick Cheney, who received five deferments and "had other priorities in the '60s than military service."
The Presidential nostalgia is poignant. Sadly Afghanistan now is no country for old men.
Date Line March 27, 2008
John McCain wants the religious vote, and yet has this to say: "It is not the duty of government to bail out and reward those who act irresponsibly, whether they are big banks or small borrowers."
Isn’t it nice that the religious vote he wants is not the one which believes in, or follows, the religious scriptures? For the scriptures demand that the borrower be protected, and their debts forgiven – it demands that those engaged in usury be denounced and forfeit their loans. Scriptures demand debt forgiveness. Conservative Christians demand that the poor and il-used suffer for their profit. So McCain will ensure that all who can be made to shall suffer at the hands of the money lenders and thieves who falsely claim to come in His name – but who He has said He will not know.
Fortunately, that is a Christian problem. For the rest of us? Our function is to do that which is right and proper. Give the lenders the amount they first agreed to accept; void the adjustable rate loan; void interest rates that exceed the interest rates of the pre-neo-con age and so roll all rates back to below eighteen percent. Do away with the fees for discounts which can never match the fee charged. Get a degree of honesty and morality into the system.
Sigh ...
LOL ...
That said. You and I know it will only get worse. McCain is out to murder all he can – the Iraqis, Iranian, or whoever. Does he really care who dies or how much America will suffer in the executing?
ONE HUNDRED YEARS is how long we shall, in McCain’s world, be killing in Iraq.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch – Bush has been providing his boys in Afghanistan ammunition that is 40 years old. Doesn’t he know that stuff misfires? That is to say, in a combat situation the bloody gun can’t shoot. Luck only 4003 have died because of this (Bush, McCain, Clinton) stupidity – but it does explain the extreme casualty rate.
OH WELL ... situation normal – our children are sent out against terrorists and mountain fighters who are better equipped then they are. Isn’t this how the invasion of Iraq began? With no armor on the vehicles? And no body armor for the troops? And then the troops had to use what body armor they had to armor the vehicles. Hum. Seems Bush/McCain et al want our kids to die.
Are we having fun yet?
And did you see the economy growth figures? Nada, nothing .. A decimal point number and that against the worlds highest growth rate – Communist China. Which is followed by most of the third world and Russia. We aren’t even in the game. I’d almost bet that Iraq has a better, more vibrant economy (albeit supported by their funeral industry).
OH – have you heard this one? If the Federal Government screws up, and they can’t match your name and social security number to the ones submitted by your employer ... you get fired. Keep in mind, this is the same Social Security Administration federal government that tells the aged that they are dead because their spouse has died – or because some idiot hit the wrong button in the antiquated computer system. Maybe plugged the wrong wire into the breadboard (the system IS that out of date ... and if you don’t get the allusion, you’re a lot younger than I am, and certainly younger than the computers our government uses.)
YEA BUSH! He is achieving what Toto and Hitler failed to do – he’s destroying the United States ... Now if we can get Mccain into office – or better (as Rush Limbaugh seems to believe) Hillary Clinton. Why. A decade from now, this nation will be speaking Chinese – after all, they own all the debt the GOP administration and Congress have run up.
Ah yes ... aint it great to be alive? OH, you do know the Mayans ended their calendar in 2012 – apparently because they didn’t think there would be anyone around to make use of
By FISNIK ABRASHI, Associated Press Writer
Sun Mar 9, 1:11 PM ET
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080309/ap_on_re_as/afghan_silver_star
CAMP SALERNO, Afghanistan - A 19-year-old medic from Texas will become the first woman in Afghanistan and only the second female soldier since World War II to receive the Silver Star, the nation's third-highest medal for valor.
Army Spc. Monica Lin Brown saved the lives of fellow soldiers after a roadside bomb tore through a convoy of Humvees in the eastern Paktia province in April 2007, the military said.
After the explosion, which wounded five soldiers in her unit, Brown ran through insurgent gunfire and used her body to shield wounded comrades as mortars fell less than 100 yards away, the military said.
"I did not really think about anything except for getting the guys to a safer location and getting them taken care of and getting them out of there," Brown told The Associated Press on Saturday at a U.S. base in the eastern province of Khost.
Brown, of Lake Jackson, Texas, is scheduled to receive the Silver Star later this month. She was part of a four-vehicle convoy patrolling near Jani Kheil in the eastern province of Paktia on April 25, 2007, when a bomb struck one of the Humvees.
"We stopped the convoy. I opened up my door and grabbed my aid bag," Brown said.
She started running toward the burning vehicle as insurgents opened fire. All five wounded soldiers had scrambled out.
"I assessed the patients to see how bad they were. We tried to move them to a safer location because we were still receiving incoming fire," Brown said.
Pentagon policy prohibits women from serving in front-line combat roles — in the infantry, armor or artillery, for example. But the nature of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, with no real front lines, has seen women soldiers take part in close-quarters combat more than previous conflicts.
Four Army nurses in World War II were the first women to receive the Silver Star, though three nurses serving in World War I were awarded the medal posthumously last year, according to the Army's Web site.
Brown, of the 4th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, said ammunition going off inside the burning Humvee was sending shrapnel in all directions. She said they were sitting in a dangerous spot.
"So we dragged them for 100 or 200 meters, got them away from the Humvee a little bit," she said. "I was in a kind of a robot-mode, did not think about much but getting the guys taken care of."
For Brown, who knew all five wounded soldiers, it became a race to get them all to a safer location. Eventually, they moved the wounded some 500 yards away and treated them on site before putting them on a helicopter for evacuation.
"I did not really have time to be scared," Brown said. "Running back to the vehicle, I was nervous (since) I did not know how badly the guys were injured. That was scary."
The military said Brown's "bravery, unselfish actions and medical aid rendered under fire saved the lives of her comrades and represents the finest traditions of heroism in combat."
Sgt. Leigh Ann Hester, of Nashville, Tenn., received the Silver Star in 2005 for gallantry during an insurgent ambush on a convoy in Iraq. Two men from her unit, the 617th Military Police Company of Richmond, Ky., also received the Silver Star for their roles in the same action.
Thank you, again, ketchupownz !
I happened this morning upon the blog above. It is not an easy read, but it touched me deeply. Although I've been around the military a good portion of my adult life, I cannot say that I have had much contact with vets wounded in any of our country's battles. A few, yes, but ... Reading her blog brought the issue to heart.
War is not just about winning and losing or numbers of deaths. It's about people living and dying for something they believe in. Thousands are coming home permanently changed. It is not something we read about often. Just in my few minutes of misc searching this morning, though, I have found some great efforts in support of our wounded servicewomen and men. These are heroes - unwilling, perhaps, but still they have joined the ranks of those who have sacrificed themselves in support of our nation. Beyond a doubt, they should receive the BEST medical and remedial care available. Support also should be available for the families of those in rehab or recovering from their wounds. Much of this support, comes in the way of volunteer organizations like the ones below. Check them out. It doesn't cost anything to read, and maybe your heart will be touched also.
Here are some ... just a few ... of the organizations that help our wounded.
Traumatic brain injury is the signature wound of the Iraq War, we want these heroes to be able to return to a normal life as quickly as possible. This organization provides Brain Injury Recovery Kits to the many, many returning vets who have experienced this injury. The 10 in 10 Project is launching with our initial mission to help every Soldier and Marine returning home from the war with a traumatic brain injury. Less than 2 in 10 people who sustain traumatic brain injury get the help they need to return to a meaningful life. We want to change that statistic to 10 in 10.
Soldiers' Angels was started by a self-described mother of an ordinary young man turned hero, Sgt. Brandon Varn. Brandon was deployed in Iraq and has since honorably completed his mission and has returned back to his proud and loving family. Soldiers' Angels currently supports tens of thousands of American Service Members stationed wherever we raise our nation's flag, and that number continues to grow daily. Soldiers' Angels are dedicated in supporting our military during and after their deployment.
American War Heros is dedicated to improving and enhancing the quality of life for our injured War Heroes by providing them with emotional, financial and career support from our grateful USA citizens. Our Goal is to involve All Americans to assist in rebuilding the shattered lives of our WOUNDED HEROES who have sacrificed so much fighting for our Freedom, and giving our wounded Heroes the faith to carry on and live productive lives!
The purpose of the Thank You Foundation is to implement and administer programs designed to carry out a mission of appreciation for our service members and their families.
FREEDOM IS NOT FREE is an a-political, non-partisan, non-profit organization that labors under the mission "Aiding wounded troops, their families and the families of the fatally wounded." Despite the assistance and aid offered by the military and the government, wounded military personnel and their families confront innumerable obstacles while coping with the burden of care for a wounded service-member or the loss of a loved one while in the service of our country. FREEDOM IS NOT FREE will donate 100% of the money raised to organizations and programs that meet the needs of our heroes and their families.
Now ... I admit that I am newly acquainted with these organizations, but appreciate whatever efforts they make to help those who have served us ... As this year ends and 2008 begins, I expect my appreciation to grow, and I hope to find create ways to Support Our Troops.
Thank you ... those who have served and those who share your loved ones for this noble purpose.
~ B
By Staff Sgt. Luis P. Valdespino Jr., USMC
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 23, 2007 - Military men and women in eastern Kunar province were surprised Dec. 21 by a visit from the Army's top enlisted soldier and several celebrities at the remote Camp Blessing, Afghanistan. Sgt. Major of the Army Kenneth O. Preston is hosting the sixth annual Hope and Freedom USO Tour. As part of the tour, Preston arrived in Kabul late Dec. 20 with four Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders, country music stars Darryl Worley and Keni Thomas, as well as model and TV personality Leann Tweeden. They travelled in helicopters from Kabul to Camp Blessing, in eastern Kunar province.
With a late morning arrival to the camp, the celebrities joined soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines at the dining facility for lunch and conversation before they performed for the troops.
Most troops said they had heard about the sergeant major of the Army and USO visit between a few minutes and a few hours beforehand. Some drove over from forward operating bases several miles away to Camp Blessing.
Upon finding out about the visit, Army Pfc. Chris Floeck, a Waller, Texas, native, said, "Why are you playing with me? Stop messing with me." Floeck is assigned as an infantryman to 2nd Airborne Battalion, 503rd Army Infantry Regiment, deployed to Afghanistan from Vicenza, Italy. "I didn't really believe it until we got in the vehicles and left (for Camp Blessing)," Floeck said as Tweeden sat down at his table.
Daytona Beach, Fla. native, Army Pfc. Ryan D. King said, "They told me (about the visit), and I was doing cartwheels." As Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders walked by he added, "I'm a Texas fan today." King is also an infantryman with 2/503rd.
Preston introduced all the performers as everyone finished their lunches. He said this was the sixth USO tour sponsored by the sergeant major of the Army, and fourth that he has hosted. "I've been very blessed. I've seen all six shows," he told the troops.
Preston said he makes it a point to get the show out to troops at remote locations like Camp Blessing. "Soldiers up here don't get a lot of visitors," he explained.
The show, he said, took about eight months of planning. Most of the performers with this group have toured with the USO before. "I've been told this is the greatest USO show in history, and nobody's told me it's not."
Thomas, an Army veteran and Bronze Star Medal with Valor recipient, performed first, accompanied by a bandsman on an acoustic guitar. They were followed by Worley, also on acoustic guitar with two of his bandmates. They drew the loudest cheers when the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders danced during one of Worley's songs.
"It's nice seeing the cheerleaders," said Dallas Cowboys fan and Fort Smith, Ark., native Marine Cpl. Joel D. Chasteen. Chasteen is an embedded training team mentor and ammunition technician deployed to Afghanistan from Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, in Okinawa, Japan.
After the performances, the guests posed with the military men and women for individual and group pictures and signed autographs. Preston and the USO group left the area later that afternoon to go back to Kabul and hold their second performance of the day at Camp Phoenix.
(Marine Staff Sgt. Luis P. Valdespino Jr. is assigned to Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan Public Affairs.)
Showing 1 - 5. [ Next ]