A Living, Healing Monument
June 29, 2008
Over the past 7 years, many families have lost loved ones to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Each of those families, have handled their grief in their own way. Some have chosen to become vocally active against the Global War on Terror and others have actively become advocates for our Troops and our Wounded Warriors.
Since the attacks of September 11, 2007, there has been an explosion of volunteer based groups across the country who have dedicated themselves to supporting our Troops and our Wounded Warriors. The recurring theme in all of these groups, is giving back to the warriors who have given so much of themselves, by serving our country in it’s Armed Forces.
(The entrance to Chris Neal Farm, near Farmington, Mo., bears the motto of Camp Hope: “Our thank you for serving.”)
One such group, Camp Hope, is a non-profit 501 C 3 organization that was founded in 2007 by a civilian Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command equipment inspector in North Carolina, named Walter “Mike” White. The organization began in tragedy and formed living legacy to White’s son PFC Christopher Neal White, who was a Marine assigned to the First Marine Expeditionary Force. Christopher was killed in Iraq in 2006, when an IED exploded underneath his vehicle in al-Anbar Province.
White and his family wanted to find a way to keep Chris’s memory alive. Chirs was an avid outdoorsman. Chris grew up on a far in Eastview, Kentucky. He loved the outdoors and had a passion for hunting and fishing. According to his father, Chris got his first deer at the age of 7. As a reminder of Chris and his love for the outdoors, the antlers from the very last deer he shot, are hung at Camp Hope. Mike and his family purchased 180 acres land which they’ve named the Chris Neal Farm. It’s located about 70 miles South of Saint Louis, near Farmington, Mo. Their purpose is to provide a place where disabled veterans can come and outdoor activities, such as hunting, fishing, canoeing, skeet shooting, hiking and camping. A completely handicapped accessible lodge in the process of being built and it was named Camp Hope after the camp of the same name in al-Anbar province Iraq.
Currently the lodge is in the planning stages. When completed, it can accommodate up to six veterans at one time. The plans for the building have already been drawn up, by Frederick W. Hill, an architect and retired Army Lt. Colonel. The planned building will boast 4,000 square feet, handicapped accessibility. Mr. Hill donated his service to the organization.
“People do not realize what these veterans are going through when they come home,” White said. “There is self-esteem involved, and no hospital has a tree stand or gets them outdoors. These returning veterans need to enjoy what they used to do. Being here also gives them the opportunity to talk to other veterans who have experienced the same thing.”
White feels that Camp Hope will be a therapeutic place where there will be no judgments or limits placed on the veterans. This will be a place where they can explore their capabilities and deal with some of their challenges. Camp Hope will provide for them a refuge and allow them to realize that they are still capable of enjoying the outdoor activities that they used to enjoy, without pressure. While White lives and works in North Carolina, he grew up near Farmington and has a network of supporters there, who are eager and willing to help ensure that Camp Hope succeeds.
“Camp Hope is supported by all volunteers,” said White. “At some point in the future, I would like to hire a disabled veteran to manage the facility and have year round access,” He said.
He went on to explain that the property is checked often, between hunting seasons. The camp is stocked regularly with supplies and the trails are worked to ensure they are accessible. They also attend fund raisers and participate in various outdoor activities with the veterans. While the visitors who come to Camp Hope are hoping to enjoy the outdoor activities, perhaps bag a deer, catch a mess of fish, hunting is just a backdrop to the real purpose of Camp Hope … the process of healing.
“If you don’t get anything, who cares?” said Jared Feldman, a former US Army Sergeant. Feldman suffered from shrapnel wounds and hearing loss when he was wounded in Iraq. “It’s about the camaraderie. I am glad Will started this program; it’s an incredible place.”
The therapeutic value of being able to talk with someone who has went through a similar situation is as important as the outdoor activities, according to some of the Soldiers who’ve spent time at Camp Hope. They all agree that spending time at Camp Hope helped them in their healing process. The first veteran invited to Camp Hope, 1st Lt. Joe Bogart, an engineer with 5th Engineer Battalion at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo was an avid hunter prior to being injured by an IED, when he was deployed to Iraq. The IED claimed one eye and left him legally blind. With assistance from friends and volunteers, he participated in the 2007 deer hunting season and the 2008 turkey hunting season.
“It’s hard to put into words why I wanted to come back,” Bogart said. “In November, I was sitting on a rock overlooking an open field, hoping a deer would come, and suddenly I didn’t care if I got a deer. A sense that everything is right in the world came over me, similar to my wedding day or when I first held my son. Some things are different, but I am still the same guy I was before I went to Iraq.”
It’s wonderful that the White family has chosen to keep the legacy of their son Chris alive, through helping Wounded Warriors. To me, it’s a fantastic testimony to the spirit of their son. While some will say that they’re “only giving them vacations,” the therapeutic value of nature and being able to relax in such a setting has been proven many times over. If you’d like to find out more about Camp Home and the work the White family is doing at Chris Neal Far, please visit their website.
San Diego Padres & First American Military, Inc Pay Tribute To Fallen Heroes From Operation Red Wing
June 27, 2008
Tomorrow marks the third anniversary of Operation Red Wing, the operation which saw the largest loss of life for the military Special Operations community, since World War II. Many of us are familiar with Operation Red Wing, by reading Marcus Luttrell’s book Lone Survivor. As you know, eleven Navy SEALS and eight Army commandos died on that day three years ago.
The San Diego Padre’s in conjunction with First American Military, Inc. in what is called Operation: Never Forget, will hold a gametime tribute to mark the third anniversary of Operation Red Wing. Marcus will be present and will be throwing out the first pitch of the Padre’s game against the Seattle Mariners. Also scheduled that day are the Navy’s “Leap Frogs” Parachute Demonstration Team will perform a precision jump into Petco park during the game. There will also be an honorary fly-by conducted by four US Navy F18’s, unsigned singer Leland Grant will be singing the National Anthem and a number of dignitaries will be present as well. The Padres have also donated a select number of seats throughout the stadium. As well, they have donated special discount pricing throughout the stadium.
This event is a tribute to our nation’s heroes, NOT a fundraiser. However, these events cost a great deal of time and money. If you would like to donate to help defray the costs of this event you will receive a receipt for your tax-exempt donation. Please write your checks to FAMONLINE, First American Military’s official 501(c)3 tax-exempt fundraising arm. All money raised by FAMONLINE will be used to pay the cost of this tribute!
First American Military Inc. (FAM), a California public benefit nonprofit corporation, has set out to pay respects to the sacrifices made by all of our military members.
For those of you in the San Diego area, Marcus Luttrell will be available to sign copies of his book “Lone Survivor” at Coronado’s “Bay Books”, this Saturday the 28th of June, from 0900 to 1100. If you’re in San Diego and have the opportunity, stop by Bay Books and meet Marcus and have your book signed by Marcus. I’m sure that you’ll be as impressed as I am, with him.
2008 MilBlog Conference Is Just Around The Corner!
June 26, 2008
[UPDATE] If anyone plans to go to the MilBlog conference and hasn’t made motel reservations yet, please let me know. I’ve got a friend who works at one of the major casino/resorts in Vegas who is working on getting us rates even better than what Blog World Expo has arranged. All she needs is a headcount, so that they can set aside a block of rooms for that weekend.
The 2008 MilBlog conference will be held in conjunction with the Blog World Expo conference, to be held in Las Vegas, Nevada on September 20th. I’m excited to say that I will be attending this year’s MilBlog Conference for the first time. I’m really excited about it being held in Las Vegas, because not only have I never been to Vegas, but it will give me the opportunity to spend some time with a good friend of mine who worked closely with me to plan and coordinate a Military Support Rally and Concert that we had in Maryland in 2005.
The MilBlog Registration Package will include admission into the full MilBlog Conference Track, which includes all panels and the exhibit hall. The package is free of charge for milblog attendees. The staff of Blog World Expo is extending the MilBlog Registration Package to all milbloggers, milblog supporters, members of the military community, or to those who work in Troop support and the non-profit community. You must plan to attend the MilBlog Community Track in order to be elgible for the offering. If you chose to attend any of the other events at Blog World Expo, you’ll be required to pay the costs associated with those events.
If you’re a Milblogger or would like to attend the MilBlog track of the expo, you’ll need to send an email with “Request Code” in the subject line. If you’re bringing your spouse or significant other, you’ll need to request two codes. Once you have received your code, then you need to proceed with your registration.
The Blog World Expo has a lot of great information on their site about different motels and hotels that will be providing discounts to Expo attendees. Below are listed the events for the MilBlog portion of the conference: It will be great to be able to meet up with other milbloggers, some whom I’ve met and many others whom I haven’t. Word has it that CJ from A Soldier’s Perspective will be on one of the Panel’s this year. Having met CJ, I’m sure that he’ll do his best to liven up the panel. Below is a list of what will be happening at the conference:
Date: SEPTEMBER 20, 2008
Location: Blog World Expo, Las Vegas
Agenda:
10:30a – 11:00a: Opening Remarks and Presentation of 2007 Milbloggie Awards
11:00a – 12:00p: Are MilBlogs Still Relevant? In the wake of a successful military surge in Iraq, waning media attention and an election year, are MilBlogs as relevant to the national conversation on war as they once were?
12:00p – 12:15p: Break
12:15p – 1:15p: MilBlogging as a Community. A fascinating look at how the milblogging community was built, what it’s achieved and how deep and wide its reach has become. We’ll explore how milblogging gives a voice to supporters, parents and spouses of service members, and how that voice is effectively used to support an entire military community.
1:15p – 2:45p: Lunch Break
2:45 – 3:45p: The New Cadre of War Reporters. Reporting from the Green Zone is not an option for this gritty band of milbloggers. Today’s technology enables milbloggers and embedded reporters to report directly from the battlefield. We’ll talk with some of these milbloggers about their experiences in the combat zone.
3:45 – 5:00p: Free Time (Sit in on other panels or stroll the vendor floor).
5:00 – 6:00p: Panel TBA
6:00p: Closing Remarks
Registration is a bit complicated this year, but for good reason. Milblog attendees will be able to attend the MilBlog Track (and the exhibit hall) free of charge. We’ll be announcing the registration procedure later today or tomorrow (really, we will…..). For now, if you’re planning on attending the MilBlog track, please do not register for BWE until we post registration instructions.
As panelists, guest speakers and moderators are confirmed, we’ll make those announcements right here on the conference blog, so check back often. We’ll be shaking things up a wee bit this year. Always tweaking…. We’re looking forward to another great conference!
We’re also thrilled that JP is back from Iraq and will attend his first MilBlog Conference. JP worked hard on the past two conferences, and helped us quite a bit. Welcome home, JP!
I’m looking forward to attending this event and will try to blog during the conference and keep everyone posted on the happenings as they occur. How many of you will be attending? Hopefully we’ll be able to meet up with several of you there.
First Female Nominated To Become 4 Star General
June 25, 2008
(Lt. Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody)
It was announced on Monday, that President George Bush has nominated the first woman ever in US Military history to become a 4 Star General. Currently, Lt. General Ann E. Dunwoody is serving as the new deputy commanding general of the Army Materiel Command, having served in that position since June 17th.
“Lt. General Dunwoody’s leadership, character and career have best prepared her to lead the Army Materiel Command,” said Secretary of the Army Pete Geren. “She will bring 33 years of experience to over 56 thousand Soldiers, DA Civilians and their Families in 40 states and 50 countries as she serves as the next commanding general of Army Materiel Command.”
For Lt. General Dunwoody, firsts aren’t anything new. She is the first female deputy of AMC. Also, she was the first woman to hold the last job that she had, as the deputy chief of staff of the Army for G-4 (Logistics) and also the first woman to command the US Army Combined Arms Support Command and Fort Lee, Va. In that position, Lt. General was responsible for ensuring that Army warfighters had the supplies that were necessary, that logisticians had the tools and equipment necessary to deliver those supplies and services to Soldiers around the world.
(Gen. Genjamin Griffin, Lt. Gen. Ann Dunwoody & CSM Jeffrey Mellinger salute as the national anthem is played by the AMC band during Dunwoody’s welcome ceremony as the AMC deputy commanding general on June 17th)
In the past, women haven’t been nominated to the rank of 4 star General, because law prevented them from serving in combat roles. Historically, that has been the path to reach the higher ranking positions. While the exclusion from combat still applies today, the Army has chosen to cast aside those customary limitations on promotion. Lt. General Dunwoody is one of only two females who are currently 3 Star Generals. The other is Lt. General Kathleen Gainey, who is the director of logistics, as a member of the Joint Staff.
“Her 33 years of service, highlighted by extraordinary leadership and devotion to duty, make her exceptionally qualified for this senior position,” said Defense Secretary Robert Gates in a statement.
Lt. General Ann Dunwoody is a native of New York. She graduated from the State University of New York in 1975 and then received her Army commission. She holds graduate degrees in national resource strategy and logistics management. There is a long tradition of military service in her family, which includes her great grandfather, grandfather, father, brother, sister, neice and husband.
“I am very honored but also very humbled today with this announcement,” Dunwoody said. “I grew up in a family that didn’t know what glass ceilings were. This nomination only reaffirms what I have known to be true about the military throughout my career … that the doors continue to open for men and women in uniform. My focus right now is to be the best deputy I can be.”
If Lt. General Dunwoody’s nomination is confirmed by the Senate, she will tak over as AMC’s commanding general from General Benjamin S. Griffin, who has served in that position since 2004. She would oversee AMC headquarters’ upcoming move to Huntsville, Alabama, from it’s current location at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. That process is expected to be completed by September 2011.
The very first Army female general officers were promoted in June 1970 when Secretary of the Army Stanley Resor promoted both Colonel Anna Mae Hays, who was chief of the Army Nurse Corps and Colonel Elizabeth P. Hoisington, who was then director of the Women’s Army Corps. They were both promoted to brigadier general. Currently there are 57 active duty women and 47 reservists who are Generals in the Armed Forces. Of all active duty forces, roughly 194,000 of them are women, or about 14 %. Since 9/11 more than 193,400 women have been deployed in support of US operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
It’s great to see that the military is recognizing women in the service for the valuable contributions that they are able to make, especially during a time when our country is at war on two fronts. I’m looking forward to more women being able to be promoted to 4 Star General, now that Lt. General Dunwoody has set the presidence. I’m sure that she’ll perform her new job the way that she always has … with pride, dedication, and exemplary leadership and will set the standard for those who come after her.
Memorial Tells The Story of The Pentagon On 9/11
June 22, 2008
A few days ago, I wrote a book review on the book Firefight: Inside The Battle To Save The Pentagon on 9/11. The book told the account of that day from the perspective of the Firefighters, Police Officers, EMS personnel and Military Members who were there that day. I’d like to now tell you all about a memorial to honor the fallen at the Pentagon, which will be dedicated on the seventh anniversary of 9/11.
The memorial honoring the victims of 9/11 at the Pentagon is nearing completion and will soon be dedicated and open to the public on September 11, 2008 … 7 years following the events that took 184 lives that fateful day. Jim Laychak, the brother of victim Dave Laychak, is the president of the Pentagon Memorial Fund and is finally seeing his dream and hard work turned into reality. Laychak has been involved in almost all facets of the project’s planning. There is only one thing remaining, that he has not done. That is to visit the bench that is dedicated to his brother, who was a passenger on the airplane that was flown into the Pentagon on September 11, 2001.
“I want to hold off and go and see his bench and touch his bench that day,” said Laychak. “I wanted to save something special for me personally on September 11th when we dedicate the memorial, so I can spend some time with it then.”
Mr. Laychak is only one of thousands of people looking forward to the dedication of the memorial. After spending more than 5 years of raising funds, the organizers have almost reached their goal. The $32 million project, was financed entirely by private donations and is moving into it’s final stages. The park itself cost $22 million to build with another $10 million in endowment funds to ensure that the memorial site is always properly maintained. Donations for the project have come in from many diverse sources. Former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld made a donation, as well as NBA star and Navy Veteran David Robinson and the government of Taiwan
“This is hallowed ground for a lot of the family members, and the essence of this place will be about them, those that we lost,” Laychak said.
The park will consist of 184 cantilevered stainless steel benches, each which is built over a small pool of lighted water. The benches are inlaid with black and gold granite that was mined in Spain and cut in Canada. There is a perimeter wall around the park built of the same Spanish Granite. On the end of each bench, will be engraved the name of one of the 184 people who lost their lives onboard flight 77 or inside the Pentagon that day. The benches are arranged by the age of each victim. The bench honoring the youngest victim, 3 year old Dana Falkenberg will be located in the far southeast corner of the park and the bench honoring the oldest victim, 71 year old John Yamnicky will be located in the northwest corner. The benches representing the 59 victims aboard Flight 77 are arranged so that anyone reading the names at the end of the bench, will face the sky where the plane came from. The 125 benches representing the victims who died inside the Pentagon will face the opposite direction, so that a person reading the names will be able to look up and see the south façade of the Pentagon, the place the struck the building that day.
While the park and it’s location, brings a sense of peace and reflection to the families of the victims, for the Pentagon and the officers of the Pentagon Force Protection Agency, it’s location has required some changes in the security processes around the building. Since September 11, 2001, security has been tight. Much effort has been put into even further limiting public access to the building. It has been surrounded by barricades, an elaborate security system and signs posted everywhere, prohibiting the taking of photographs of the building. Traffic congestion makes access extremely difficult during commuter hours as well. Visitors to the memorial park won’t be able to park near the site. Instead visitors will have to park at Pentagon City and walk through a pedestrian tunnel that runs beneath Interstate 395, to reach the site. A walk that will talk them about 5-10 minutes. There will however be some spaces reserved in the Pentagon’s south parking lot for handicapped parking.
Because the memorial park is located next to the Pentagon, not only will the visitors to the park be able to think and contemplate the events that unfolded there on September 11, 2001, but being there might invite them to think about the Pentagon, the Department of Defense and the men and women who work inside. The site should offer a much different vantage point on the attack, as well as what occurs behind the walls of the Pentagon on a daily basis.
Because this will be the first memorial honoring the victims of September 11 to be opened, it is expected that thousands of people will flock to the area. Many are expected to come at night, as it is designed to offer visitors an entirely different experience after sundown, when visitors will be able to see the bottoms of the benches reflected in the pools of lighted water underneath, producing a shimmering glow. The security challenge comes, to create a visible enforcement presence that will discourage vandalism and threats, while not making visitors to the site uncomfortable with an overwhelming police presence. The longstanding policy has been that photographs cannot be taken of the Pentagon. A compromise has been reached that will allow people to take photographs of the site, even if they want pictures of the building from within the memorial site.
“People will want to take pictures of the c rash site, obviously, and we’re going to allow that,” said PFPA Director Steven E. Calvery.
There will be guidelines and restrictions that visitors will have to follow. Signs outside the memorial and along the walkway to it’s entrance, will warn visitors that they can photograph the building from the memorial only. Security personnel will reserve the right to confiscate the cameras of violators of this guideline. Visitors will have no access to the Pentagon itself from the memorial. The wall will separate it from the Pentagon and the roadway that runs alongside the building. Guard booths will be located at each end of the wall. State of the art surveillance equipment will also be in place. Security plans and procedures may change after the memorial is open to the public and they get a better feel for the number of visitors that they might have.
It is expected that the families of the victims will visit the memorial often and that they’ll spend time at their loved one’s memorial bench. At this point, there is just no way to know how many other Americans will visit the site. Until now, there hasn’t been a place where Americans can go to channel the thoughts, feelings and raw emotions that many of us feel even now, seven years after the attacks on September 11th.
“When they rebuilt the Pentagon site, they erased all evidence of the attack in less than a year,” said Julie Beckman, wife and partner of the architect who designed the memorial. “This will be the first of the three sites that were attacked to finally have a place for people to go and deal with their thoughts, anxieties, frustrations and grief.”
I’m looking forward to seeing photographs of the finished memorial park. Hopefully sometime soon, Marty and I will be able to make a trip to Washington DC and be able to visit the memorial and pay our respect to the men and women who lost their lives that day.
Veteran of Iraq War Wants Deployment To Count Towards Jail Time
June 18, 2008
Most of you who know me, are aware that I work as a Victim Advocate. My job consists of providing services and support to victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. You all know how passionate I am about supporting our Troops. The following story is one time that I can definately say I am not in support of a specific Soldier. When I read this article at Military.com, needless to say, I was furious! Most of you have probably had contact with someone in your life who has been a victim of Domestic Violence or Sexual Assault and know how traumatic it can be for a victim. Perhaps you were a victim of one of these crimes yourself. If so, I’m sure that this will make you as angry as it does me.
Apparently in May 2007 Earl D. Werner, who is a member of of the Oregon National Guard, plead guilty of communicating with a minor for immoral purposes (that’s a sex crime) and for furnishing that minor (a 15 year old girl) with alcohol. For these crimes, Werner was sentenced to 365 days in the county jail. Judge Roger Bennett added that Werner was elgible to serve his sentence on work release. Work release is a program that allows convicts continue to work their jobs, but makes them spend their nights, as well as non-working hours at the country work release facility. The judge further ruled that because Werner was a member of the National Guard, if his unit was deployed, he would be allowed to deploy with them, as long as he reported back to the court after he returned from the deployment.
Apparently Werner didn’t qualify for the work release program, becuase his civilian job, which required him to drive a dump truck was rejected because he wouldn’t have adequate supervision. He spent 17 days in the Clark County, Oregon jail and then was released from jail for military service and spent 6 months in jail. Apparently Werner’s sergeant told the judge that he would still be elgible to serve, despite being convicted of a sex crime. Werner then spent 6 months in Iraq.
That’s the first thing that just really ticked me off. Anyone who’s been around the military, knows that the Department of Defense and the military take sex crimes VERY seriously. A person convicted of a sex crime has NO BUSINESS in the military, as that is not compatible with Military Ethos or Military Code of Conduct. It seems to me that the Oregon National Guard unit that Mr. Werner is a part of, is severely lacking in their sexual assault and domestic violence training and could use some serious training on the matter as soon as possible.
Werner returned to Fort Lewis in late April and was released from duty on May 2nd. In June the Senior Deputy Prosecutor Kim Farr asked Judge Bennett to impose the remainder of Werner’s sentence. One person said at the hearing that Werner should not be given any special consideration. I agree! How many people were put at risk in Iraq, when Werner deployed. How many people became victims of this man? Even if no one was assaulted by Mr. Werner, I find it hard to swallow that the Judge AND his chain of command in his National Guard Unit would take the risk of him victimizing more people. Werner’s defense attorney, Jon Mullen argued for the judge to consider Werner’s time in Iraq, as time towards his jail sentence.
“He went over and served the country proudly and did an outstanding job,” Mullen said. “I know he made a horrible mistake to get here in the first place, but the idea was that (going to war) is its own punishment. It’s an honor (serving),” he quickly added, “but also a brutal reality.”
While I respect the fact that Mr. Werner is a veteran and served our country in Iraq, I think that by him making the choice to commit a sex crime, he should pay for his actions. I don’t feel that his service in Iraq, in any way should exonnerate him. The man commited a crime and others are at risk of being a victim, if his time in Iraq is considered as time served.
It’s probably a good thing that I wasn’t present in the court room on June 13th, when Mr. Mullen made that preposterous statement. I don’t think I could have held my tongue and probably would have asked him if he was willing to take the risk that his spouse or his daughter could be sexually assaulted by Mr. Werner, a convicted sex offender. According to Mr. McMullen, Werner’s plans are to resume his job as a dump truck driver, however if Judge Bennett orders him to finish the remaining 348 days of his sentence, it will mean that time will be spent in jail, since his job didn’t qualify for work release. My opinion is, that’s exactly where he should be spending those remaining 348 days (which in my books is a pretty lenient sentence to begin with). Judge Bennett said that he wanted to review earlier court proceedings and would then issue his decision by the end of the week. I encourage each of you, if you feel the same way, to contact Judge Bennett at his office at the Clark County Washington Superior Court and let him know your thoughts about this. You can do so, by calling (360) 397-2315.
Let him know that sex crimes are NOT acceptable in society OR in the military and urge him to do the right thing and make Mr. Werner serve the remainder of his sentence. Serving in Iraq should not excuse him from serving his sentence.
Man Sues Town Because They Fly The U.S. Flag
June 7, 2008
To me and to most Americans, displaying the flag of our country, the Stars and Stripes is a way for us to show our patriotism and our pride in our country. We also display our nations flag, in support of our Troops, to let them know that we are proud of their accomplishments and we appreciate the sacrifices that they make for our country.
The town of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire is a small picturesque town, that is located on the shores of Lake Winnepesaukee, making it a popular tourist destination, as well as a place that attracts retirees. The citizens of Wolfeboro, are well aware of the sacrifices being made daily by the men and women who serve our country in the Military and thus wished to honor those men and women and show their support, by flying around 100 U.S. Flags affixed to downtown utility poles.
Apparently, one man in the town of Wolfeboro, Claude Roessiger, is not a big fan of our Commander in Chief, President George Bush and thinks that the Bush administration has turned the flag into a symbol of what he calls “in-your-face, with-me-or-against-me patriotism.” Because of this, Mr. Roessiger has filed a lawsuit and suing the city, over it’s downtown display of the flags. According to his lawsuit, which was filed in Carroll County Superior Court, Roessiger says the display is excessive, unusual and unlawful. Read more
Meeting The Needs of Iraq’s Children
June 6, 2008
The key to the future of any nation is it’s children. Iraq is no different in that respect. Just like here in the United States, the children of Iraq will be instrumental in ensuring that their nation continues to progress and thrive, making it a better place for their children. That fact isn’t lost on our Troops, as they continue to interact with Iraqis.
On May 31st at the Radwaniyah Palace Complex Civil Military Operations Center at Camp Stryker, Iraq, more than 100 Iraqi families showed up to receive items that will help to ensure that the needs of their children are met. Items such as diapers, formula and cereal were given to the families to meet that need.
“Rakkasan” Soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division’s 3rd Brigade Combat Team distributed 2 packages of disposable diapers, 2 cans of powdered formula and 2 cans of cereal mix for each child who was under the age of 3 years old. All told, more than 180 children received assistance that day. The initiative to reach out to Iraqi women and their children began in February, following a series of meetings with professional Iraqi women and from a series of visits to women in different areas. Their needs were revealed and the Troops were more than willing to ensure that their needs were met. Read more
Soldier For A Day
June 5, 2008
What do you think of when someone mentions military training? For many of us, when we think of the training that Soldiers go through, those of us who’ve not been in the military, often rely on things we’ve seen portrayed in the movies, as our point of reference. Even spouses of military personnel rely on word of mouth, or portrayals in the movies, to shed some light on what their spouses have had to deal with in their training. Unless we’ve experienced that type of training, we really don’t know what it’s like. In Wiesbaden, Germany however, about 54 spouses of deployed Troops were able to experience the training their spouses have to go through, when they spent a day participating in the Iron Combat Spouses Badge challenge. They were able to serve as Soldiers for a day with Task Force Iron Sentinel and the Special Troops Battalion at Wiesbaden Army Airfield. Read more
Game Show Producer Seeking Military Families For Contestants
June 2, 2008
Anytime you turn on the television nowdays, we’re deluged with various game shows and reality shows. The producers of ABC’s newest game show is looking for military families to become contestants on the pilot episode of their show, which according to reports, will offer a huge cash prize. Families who wish to apply must submit their requests by July 3rd.
There hasn’t been a lot of information released about the show, such as the name of the show, the amount of the prizes and what kind of game show it will be, due to proprietary reasons, according to Victor Hurtado, who is the head of Martenvee Media which specializes in military casting. He did say however, that the show will be family friendly and it will involve general knowledge questions. The contestants that the shows’ producers are looking for are families who are “outgoing and fun” and who have children between the ages of 7 and 21. The idea is to have the entire family participate in the show, where the show will come to the family’s home.
According to Hurtado, the show is produced by the same producers of “Extreme Makeover, Home Edition” and “Oprah’s Big Give.” Hurtado said that the producers understand the sacrifices made by military families and that they would like to reach out to this community. Because it’s difficult for them to get onto military bases, they’ve decided to reach out publicly to military families who would like to apply to be contestants.
The following information is required of families who want to be contestants on the show. They need to email the information to tvshowcasting@yahoo.com.
Name
Contact Information
Pictures of your family and your home
Brief biography of each family member and their ages
Any challenge you’d like to include
Wish list of home improvements
A statement of why you want to be on the show
Families are invited to send as much or as little information, as they’re comfortable with. If their entry sparks the producers interest, they will contact the family to get more information through their local military installation’s PAO office.
This sounds like it could be fun for military families and definately a way to highlight to the world, what our military families sometimes have to deal with, especially during deployments. I’ll be checking into this further and will update the information as I get it.
