"Soldiers of Today and Yesterday"
" Honor,Dignity & Hope "

a 5.8 percent cost-of-living increase in VA compensation benefits.

The measure increases compensation paid to veterans with

service-connected disabilities, as well as dependency and indemnity

compensation for survivors of deceased veterans.

Last year’s cost of living adjustment was 2.3 percent.

The benefit increase, to take effect Dec. 1, is pegged to changes

in the Consumer Price Index, a key measure of inflation,

and is tied to the annual increase for Social Security recipients.

The increase, which applies to about 2.8 million veterans and survivors,

will first appear in January VA benefit checks.

PLEASE LOG ON WWW.FACEBOOK.COM

LOOK UNDER styveteran@suddenlink.net

under John L. Qualls

log on to be a friend!

Please forward to anyone that may be interested. 
 
Texas Operation Military Kids (OMK) is currently accepting applications 
for the Speak out for military kids (SOMK) ambassador program.  SOMK is 
open to military and non military youth ages 13-17 that are interested 
in partnering to provide community service and leadership to help our 
military youth.  Texas OMK and the Bell County 4-H program are 
co-hosting a training to be held at the OMK headquarters in Temple.  The 
next training will be held November 1-2 at Blackland Research Center. 
Space is limited to 24 youth.  All youth must fill out an application 
before Wednesday October 29 to be considered for this program.  The 
training is FREE and all meals will be provided! 
So you want to be a SOMK ambassador? 
Every SOMK Ambassador has the following responsibilities and must be 
ready, united and willing to make a year-long commitment to community 
service.  Typically the youth will find opportunities in their own 
communities to serve the OMK project in an area of interest to the 
teen. 
●	Youth create speeches/displays and are available to speak or set 
up displays in their local community 
●	Youth write newspaper articles based on their experiences and 
interviews and have those published in local papers or in school 
●	Promote SOMK/OMK to peers 
●	Youth create Public Service Announcements 
●	Youth organize an OMK float for local parade 
●	Youth assist with a military family day in the area 
 
The SOMK  Ambassador program is challenging, educational, and a lot of 
fun.  However, the program is also a lot of work and can be quite time 
consuming.  Before you make the decision to become an SOMK Ambassador, 
please take the time and think about the commitment you will need to 
make.  
 
Are you still interested? 
If so, here are the steps you need to take 
●	Fill out an SOMK application at: 
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=8U_2fxon30Y8pja6i9UP6Ndw_3d_3d 
 
  If this hyperlink does not work please cut and paste the address into 
your browser. 
●	Attend the two-day training lock-in on Saturday November 1 8:30 
am 
 
All youth will be notified by October 30 with further details on the 
lock-in 
 
WE ARE ALSO IN NEED OF ADULT VOLUNTEERS TO ASSIST WITH SESSION ON 
MILITARY CULTURE AND FOR EVENING CHAPERONES 
 
 
Texas Operation Military Kids 
720 East Blackland Road 
Temple, Texas 76502 
254.774.6022 (Cheryl-Program Assistant & SOMK Coordinator) 
254.774.6024 (Marilyn - Texas OMK Project Director) 
 
 

See our link on left side, Our Honor roll

Thanks aunt Ruthie from Midland, TX for forwarding this to us

http://www.greatdanepromilitary.com/Battle%20Hymn/index.htm

********************************************

We are dependent on our BBQ efforts for our income.

Please support our BBQ fundrasing efforts,

so we'll be able to continue to help our fellow Veterans

“S.T.Y. BAR-B-Q”

“THE BEST IN THE BEST” and we also cater.

(Briskets on special order only with a minimum of 20)

For more information, please contact

J.L. Qualls at 432-631-3429

Or email at quallsmgtbbd@suddenlink.net

============================

Well worth sharing and passing around.......*


The elderly parking lot attendant wasn't in a good mood!

Neither was Sam Bierstock. It was around 1 a.m., and Bierstock, a Delray
Beach, Fla. , eye doctor, business consultant, corporate speaker and
musician, was bone tired after appearing at an event.

He pulled up in his car, and the parking attendant began to speak. "I took
two bullets for this country and look what I'm doing," he said bitterly.

At first, Bierstock didn't know what to say to the World War II veteran. But
he rolled down his window and told the man, "Really, from the bottom of my
heart, I want to thank you."

Then the old soldier began to cry.

"That really got to me," Bierstock says.

Cut to today.

Bierstock, 58, and John Melnick, 54, of Pompano Beach - a member of
Bierstock's band, Dr. Sam and the Managed Care Band - have written a song
inspired by that old soldier in the airport parking lot. The mournful
"Before You Go" does more than salute those who fought in WWII. It
encourages people to go out of their way to thank the aging warriors before
they die.

"If we had lost that particular war, our whole way of life would have been
shot," says Bierstock, who plays harmonica. "The WW II soldiers are now
dying at the rate of about 2,000 every day. I thought we needed to thank
them."

The song is striking a chord. Within four days of Bierstock placing it on
the Web*, the song and accompanying photo essay have bounced around nine
countries, producing tears and heartfelt thanks from veterans, their sons
and daughters and grandchildren.

"It made me cry," wrote one veteran's son. Another sent an e-mail saying
that only after his father consumed several glasses of wine would he discuss
"the unspeakable horrors" he and other soldiers had witnessed in places such
as Anzio, Iwo Jima, Bataan and Omaha Beach. "I can never thank them enough,"
the son wrote. "Thank you for thinking about them."

Bierstock and Melnick thought about shipping it off to a professional
singer, maybe a Lee Greenwood type, but because time was running out for so
many veterans, they decided it was best to release it quickly, for free, on
the Web. They've sent the song to Sen. John McCain and others in Washington.
Already they have been invited to perform it in Houston for a Veterans Day
tribute - this after just a few days on the Web. They hope every veteran in
America gets a chance to hear it. *

*GOD BLESS every EVERY veteran... *
*and THANK you to those of you veterans who may receive this ! *

*CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO HEAR THE SONG AND SEE THE PICTURES:*

http://www.managedmusic.com/Music/PlayBeforeYouGo.php

Forwarde by Paz Carrizales, Midland, TX. Thanks, Paz:

One day a teacher asked her students to list the names of the other students in the room 
on two sheets of paper, leaving a space between each name. 
  
Then she told them to think of the nicest thing they could say about each of their 
classmates and write it down. 

It took the remainder of the class period to finish their assignment, and as the students 
left the room, each one handed in the papers. 

That Saturday, the teacher wrote down the name of each student on a separate sheet of 
paper, and listed what everyone else had said about that individual. 

On Monday she gave each student his or her list. Before long, the entire class was 
smiling. 'Really?' she heard whispered. 'I never knew that I meant anything to anyone!' 
and, 'I didn't know others liked me so much,' were most of the comments. 

No one ever mentioned those papers in class again. She never knew if they discussed them 
after class or with their parents, but it didn't matter. The exercise had accomplished its 
purpose. The students were happy with themselves and one another. That group of students 
moved on. 

Several years later, one of the students was killed in 
VietNam and his teacher attended the funeral of that special student. She had never seen a 
serviceman in a military coffin before. He looked so handsome, so mature. 

The church was packed with his friends. One by one those who loved him took a last walk by 
the coffin. The teacher was the last one to bless the coffin. 

As she stood there, one of the soldiers who acted as pallbearer came up to her. 'Were you 
Mark's math teacher?' he asked. She nodded: 'yes.' Then he said: 'Mark talked about you a 
lot.' 

After the funeral, most of Mark's former classmates went together to a luncheon. Mark's 
mother and father were there, obviously waiting to speak with his teacher. 

'We want to show you something,' his father said, taking a wallet out of his pocket 'They 
found this on Mark when he was killed. We thought you might recognize it.' 

Opening the billfold, he carefully removed two worn pieces of notebook paper that had 
obviously been taped, folded and refolded many times. The teacher knew without looking 
that the papers were the ones on which she had listed all the good things each of Mark's 
classmates had said about him. 

'Thank you so much for doing that,' Mark's mother said. 'As you can see, Mark treasured 
it.' 

All of Mark's former classmates started to gather around. Charlie smiled rather sheepishly 
and said, 'I still have my list. It's in the top drawer of my desk at home.' 

Chuck's wife said, 'Chuck asked me to put his in our wedding album.'

'I have mine too,' Marilyn said. 'It's in my diary'

Then Vicki, another classmate, reached into her pocketbook, took out her wallet and showed 
her worn and frazzled list to the group. 'I carry this with me at all times,' Vicki said 
and without batting an eyelash, she continued: 'I think we all saved our lists' 

That's when the teacher finally sat down and cried. She cried for Mark and for all his 
friends who would never see him again. 

The density of people in society is so thick that we forget that life will end one day. 
And we don't know when that one day will be. 

So please, tell the people you love and care for, that they are special and important. 
Tell them, before it is too late.

Thank you Lou Mancil for forwarding this story.....

BILLING:SEA600-01

  I recently attended a showing of "Superman 3," here at LSA Anaconda. We
have a large auditorium we use for movies, as well as memorial services
and other large gatherings.   As is the custom back in the States, we
stood and snapped to attention when the National Anthem began before the
main Feature.

All was going as planned until about three-quarters of the way through
the National Anthem the music stopped.  Now, what would happen if this
occurred with 1,000 18-22 year-olds back in the States?   I imagine
there would be hoots, catcalls, laughter, a few rude Comments; and
everyone would sit down and call for a movie.   Of course, that is, if
they had stood for the
National Anthem in the first place.   Here, the 1,000 Soldiers continued
to stand at attention, eyes fixed forward.   The music started again.
The Soldiers continued to quietly stand at attention.   And again, at
the same point, the music stopped.  What would You expect to happen?
Even here I would imagine laughter, as everyone finally sat down and
expected the movie to start.    But here, you could have heard a pin
drop.   Every Soldier continued to stand at attention.   Suddenly there
was a lone voice, then a dozen, and quickly the room was filled with the
voices of a thousand Soldiers, finishing where the recording left off:

     "And the rockets red glare, the  bombs bursting in air, gave proof
through the night that our flag was still there.

     Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave, O'er the land of
the   free and the home of the brave?".....

It was the most inspiring moment I have had here in Iraq.   I wanted you
to know what kind of Soldiers are serving you here.

Written by Chaplain Jim Higgins on 5/14/07.
  LSA Anaconda is at the Balad Airport in Iraq, north of Bagdad.

  Remember them as they fight for you!  Pass this along as a reminder to
others to be ever in prayer for all our soldiers serving us here at home
and abroad..   For many have already paid the ultimate price....

The story of Specialist Victor Manuel Molinar, Jr – .by grandma Modena

I was asked by Johnnie Lee, founder of Soldiers of Today and Yesterday, and tell a story about Manuel. His inspirations and reason for joining the Military, about his childhood and the man I believe him to be today; my grandson, my hero.

Manuel was eighteen months old, when his parents divorced. The son of Victor Molinar and Kenda McAnally. At that time, Kenda and the children came to live with me. When Manuel was two years old we added a new member to our family; his name was Douglas Ribble.

 As Manuel did not have a relationship with his own father as a child, Doug became his leader, advisor, counselor and his role model. Doug was the type of man that stood for right and not wrong. He stood for honor and these morals were taught to Manuel. At the same time Doug didn’t like war, but knew sometimes that we had to be in war to protect your family, country and the things you love. I see these in Manuel; a person of honor and pride. Someone trusting in leadership of our country and decisions that are made by our leaders that Manuel believe to live and die for. He has bravely and eagerly set out to do what is right, honor, and loyalty to his people, nation and country. To stand for freedom he has chosen to defend, protect and to die for the right for justice, honor and freedom for all.

 Manuel was born Dec. 8, 1987 in Andrews, Texas. He lived there until he was eleven years. Old. Manuel graduated from South Plains Academy in Lubbock when he was eighteen. He calls Andrews his hometown.

 Manuel was sixteen years old when his Buddy, Doug, was diagnosed with cancer and had a short time to live. Manuel called his Buddy in Oct. of 2005; in a long conversation he asked his Buddy his opinion of joining the Military. Manuel was told by Doug that would be his decision; he couldn’t help him with that. Manuel joined in Nov. of 2005. Doug died Jan. 15, 2006. Manuel started his basic training in Georgia in May 2006.

Manuel has received and earned four ranks in a year, from a Private to a Specialist. He is the Escort and Gunner for his platoon on the missions in Iraq. As all parents and grandparents, our prayers are for a safe return, each day for a safe mission. But if God should call him home, I believe his Buddy will be waiting to help him cross over from this world to our heavenly world. When Doug looks down from the heavens above and sees his Buddy, I know he rose to become the man he is today as the rest of Manuel’s family feels.

In memory of his Buddy, Doug Ribble. Thank you, Modena Ribble.

David, who is still in Iraq, asked me in his last email to thank everyone that is keeping him lifted up in prayer.  He indicated that he could really use prayers especially at this time.  Although he doesn’t go into detail about their activities, he did say that they had been awake and busy for 26 hours straight.

I also want to thank everyone for keeping him and the rest of our troops in your prayers.  I mention to him regularly in my emails that he has no idea just how many people are praying for him, and that many of these people he didn’t know personally and would probably never meet them.  I thank you from the bottom of my heart, and I thank the Good Lord for people such as yourself who do such generous  and important acts for others.

God bless each of you,

Anita 

Anita M. Romero

Contract Employee

Scanning Project

DCP MIDSTREAM

432.620-4185 

a social studies school teacher at Robinson High
School in Little Rock, did something not to be forgotten. On the first
day of school, with permission of the school superintendent, the
principal and the building supervisor, she took all of the desks out of
the classroom.

The kids came into first period, they walked in,
there were no desks. They obviously looked around and said, 'Ms.
Cothren, where's our desk?' And she said, 'You can't have a desk until
you tell me how you earn them.'
They thought, 'Well, maybe it's our grades.'
'No,' she said.
'Maybe it's our behavior.'
And she told them, 'No, it's not even your
behavior.'
And so they came and went in the first period,
still no desks in the classroom. Second period, same thing, third
period. By early afternoon television news crews had gathered in Ms.
Cothren's class to find out about this crazy teacher who had taken all
the desks out of the classroom. The last period of the day, Martha
Cothren gathered her class. They were at this time sitting on the floor
around the sides of the room. And she says, 'Throughout the day no one
has really understood how you earn the desks that sit in this classroom
ordinarily.' She said, 'Now I'm going to tell you.'
Martha Cothren went over to the door of her
classroom and opened it, and as she did 27 U.S. veterans, wearing their
uniforms, walked into that classroom, each one carrying a school desk.
And they placed those school desks in rows, and then they stood along
the wall. And by the time they had finished placing those desks, those
kids for the first time I think perhaps in their lives understood how
they earned those desks.
Martha said, 'You don't have to earn those
desks. These guys did it for you. They put them out there for you, but
it's up to you to sit here responsibly to learn, to be good students and
good citizens, because they paid a price for you to have that desk, and
don't ever forget it.'
My friend, I think sometimes we forget that the
freedoms that we have are freedoms not because of celebrities. The
freedoms are because of ordinary people who did extraordinary things,
who loved this country more than life itself, and who not only earned a
school desk for a kid at the Robinson High School in Little Rock, but
who earned a seat for you and me to enjoy this great land we call home,
this wonderful nation that we better love enough to protect and preserve
with the kind of conservative, solid values and principles that made us
a great nation.

'We live in the Land of the Free because of the
brave'
Remember our Troops...

This was very touching

This is pretty cool!

 

Click here: Thank You !!!

Brave New Foundation is putting together an Iraq Veterans Memorial video to commemorate the 4th anniversary of the Iraq War and we would like your help. 

The piece that we want to create will be a tribute to the courageous men and women who have given their lives during this war.  This idea is inspired by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the AIDS Quilt and the New York Times biographies of the 9/11 victims.  This project will be a moving memorial that enables the viewer to better understand the people behind the faces. We are asking that the family, friends or loved ones of these men and women send us a 60 second video about their loved one along with a photo.  60 seconds is not a lot of time to sum up the accomplishments of these heroes. 

We want to be able to hear about every fallen soldier, so we ask that you tell us about the things they most cherished, the things you most cherished about them and how they would like to be remembered.  This video will serve as a reminder to the world about these great men and women.  Our goal is to unveil this video on March 19th, so please have your videos sent in by February 20th.  For more information please go to www.iraqmemorial.org  The video will be made available on the internet for free once completed and will remain on a site devoted to fallen Iraq Veterans.  Thank you.

Click on this website

http://usawakeup.org/America_Wake_Up.htm://usawakeup.org/America_Wake_
Up.htm

You think your life is tough??? Read on and have a hanky ready!!!

A Marine on Duty

I just wanted to get the day over with and go down to Smokey's for a few cold ones. Sneaking a look at my watch, I saw the time, 1655. Five minutes to go. Full dress was hot in the August sun. Oklahoma summertime was as bad as ever -- the heat and humidity at the same level -- both too high.

I saw the car pull into the drive, '69 or '70 model Cadillac Deville, looked factory-new. It pulled into the parking lot at a snail's pace.

An old woman got out so slow I thought she was paralyzed. She had a cane and a sheaf of flowers, about four or five bunches as best I could tell. I couldn't help myself. The thought came unwanted, and left a slightly bitter taste: "She's going to spend an hour, my hip hurts like hell and I'm ready to get out of here right now!"

But my duty was to assist anyone coming in. Kevin would lock the "in" gate and if I could hurry the old biddy along, we might make the last half of happy hour.

I broke Post Attention. My hip made gritty noises when I took the first step and the pain went up a notch. I must have made a real military sight; middle-aged man with a small pot-gut and half a limp, in Marine Full Dress Uniform, which had lost its razor crease about 30 minutes after I began the watch at the cemetery.

I stopped in front of her, halfway up the walk. She looked up at me with an old woman's squint. "Ma'am, may I assist you in any way?"

She took long enough to answer. "Yes, son. Can you carry these flowers? I seem to be moving a tad slow these days."

"My pleasure Ma'am." Well, it wasn't too much of a lie.

She looked again. "Marine, where were you stationed?"

"Vietnam, Ma'am. Ground-pounder. '69 to '71."

She looked at me closer. "Wounded in action, I see. Well done, Marine. I'll be as quick as I can."

I lied a little bigger. "No hurry, Ma'am."

She smiled, and winked at me. "Son, I'm 85-years old and I can tell a lie from a long way off. Let's get this done. Might be the last time I can do this. My name's Joanne Wieserman, and I've a few Marines I'd like to see one more time."

"Yes, Ma'am. At your service."

She headed for the World War I section, stopping at a stone. She picked one of the bunches out of my arm and laid it on top of the stone. She murmured something I couldn't quite make out. The name on the marble was Donald S. Davidson, USMC, France 1918.

She turned away and made a straight line for the World War II section, stopping at one stone. I saw a tear slowly tracking its way down her cheek.

She put a bunch on a stone; the name was Stephen X. Davidson, USMC, 1943.

She went up the row a ways and laid another bunch on a stone, Stanley J. Wieserman USMC, 1944.

She paused for a second, "Two more, son, and we'll be done."

I almost didn't say anything, but, "Yes, Ma'am. Take your time."

She looked confused. "Where's the Vietnam section, son? I seem to have lost my way."

I pointed with my chin. "That way, Ma'am."

"Oh!" she chuckled quietly. "Son, me and old age ain't too friendly."

She headed down the walk I'd pointed at. She stopped at a couple of stones before she found the ones she wanted. She placed a bunch on Larry Wieserman USMC, 1968, and the last on Darrel Wieserman USMC, 1970.

She stood there and murmured a few words I still couldn't make out. "OK, son, I'm finished. Get me back to my car and you can go home."

"Yes, Ma'am. If I may ask, were those your kinfolk?"

She paused. "Yes, Donald Davidson was my father; Stephen was my uncle; Stanley was my husband; Larry and Darrel were our sons. All killed in action, all Marines." She stopped, whether she had finished, or couldn't finish, I don't know. She made her way to her car, slowly, and painfully.

I waited for a polite distance to come between us and then double-timed it over to Kevin waiting by the car. "Get to the out-gate quick. I have something I've got to do."

Kevin started to say something but saw the look I gave him. He broke the rules to get us there down the service road. We beat her. She hadn't made it around the rotunda yet.

"Kevin, stand to attention next to the gate post. Follow my lead." I humped it across the drive to the other post.

When the Cadillac came puttering around from the hedges and began the short straight traverse to the gate, I called in my best gunny's voice: "Tehen Hut! Present Haaaarms!"

I have to hand it to Kevin, he never blinked an eye; full dress attention and a salute that would make his DI proud. She drove through that gate with two old worn-out soldiers giving her a send off she deserved, for service rendered to her country, and for knowing Duty, Honor and Sacrifice.

I am not sure, but I think I saw a salute returned from that Cadillac.

(Instead of "The End"....just think of "Taps".)

Let's all keep those currently serving and those who have gone before, in our thoughts. They are the reason for the many freedoms we enjoy.

Author Jeff Edwards 

This article was written by retired Chief Petty Officer and award winning
novelist, Jeff Edwards. 
 

 America's military can win wars. We've done it in the past, and I have
absolute confidence that we'll continue to do it in the future. We've won
fights in which we possessed overwhelming technological superiority (Desert
Storm) as well as conflicts in which we were the technical underdogs (the American
Revolution) 
 
We've crossed swords with numerically superior foes, and with militaries a
fraction of the size of our own. We've battled on our own soil (Civil War) 

and on the soil of foreign lands(Iwo Jima) 

On the sea 

Under the sea 
 
And in the skies

We've even engaged in a bit of cyber-combat, way out there on the electronic
frontier. 
 
At one time or another, we've done battle under just about every
circumstance imaginable, armed with everything from muskets

to cruise missiles. 

And, somehow, we've managed to do it all with the wrong Army. 
 
 That's right, America has the wrong Army. I don't know how it happened, but
it did. We have the wrong Army. It's too small; it's not deployed properly;
it's inadequately trained, and it doesn't have the right sort of logistical
support. It's a shambles. I have no idea how those guys even manage to
fight. 
 
Now, before my brothers and sisters of the OD green persuasion get their
fur up, I have another revelation for you  We also have the wrong Navy. 
 
  And if you want to get down to brass tacks, we've got the wrong Air Force 
 
  The wrong Marine Corps 

And the wrong Coast Guard 
 
   Don't believe me? Pick up a newspaper or turn on your television.
In the past week, I've watched or read at least a dozen commentaries on the
strength, size, and deployment of our military forces. All of our uniform
services get called on the carpet for different reasons, but our critics
unanimously agree that we're doing pretty much everything wrong 

Ramsey Clark--George Clooney--Richard Gere
I think it's sort of a game. The critics won't tell you what the game is
called, so I've taken the liberty of naming it myself. I call it the 'No
Right Answer' game. It's easy to play, and it must be a lot of fun because
politicos and journalists can't stop playing it.
I'll teach you the rules.

No matter how the U.S. military is organized, it's the wrong force.
Actually, that's the only rule in this game. We don't really need any other
rules, because that one applies in all possible situations. Allow me to
demonstrate... 

Desert Storm Jet Fighter Plane 
 
If the Air Force's fighter jets are showing their age, critics will tell us
that Air Force leaders are mismanaging their assets, and endangering the
safety of their personnel. 
 
If the Air Force attempts to procure new fighter jets, they are shopping for
toys and that money could be spent better elsewhere.

Are you getting the hang of the game yet? It's easy; keeping old planes is
the wrong answer, but getting new planes is also the wrong answer. There is
no right answer, not ever.
Isn't that fun?It works everywhere. 
 
When the Army is small, it's TOO small. Then we start to hear phrases like
'over-extended' or 'spread too thin,' and the integrity of our national
defense is called into question. 
 
When the Army is large, it's TOO large, and it's an unnecessary drain on our
economy. Terms like 'dead weight,' and 'dead wood' get thrown around. 


I know what you're thinking. We could build a medium-sized Army, and
everyone would be happy Think again!!! A medium-sized Army is too small to
deal with large-scale conflicts, and too large to keep military spending
properly muzzled. The nay sayers will attack any middle of the road solution
anyway, on the grounds that it lacks a coherent strategy.
SO SMALL IS WRONG

LARGE IS WRONG

AND MEDIUM SIZE IS WRONG

  Now you're starting to understand the game. Is this fun, or what? No
branch of the military is exempt 

When the Navy builds aircraft carriers, we are told that we really need
small, fast multipurpose ships. 
 

When the Navy builds small, fast multi-mission ships (AKA the Arleigh Burke
class), we're told that blue water ships are poorly suited for littoral
combat, and we really need brown water combat ships. 
 
The Navy's answer, the Littoral Combat, isn't even off the drawing boards
yet, and the critics are already calling it pork barrel politics and
questioning the need.

The fun never stops when we play the 'No Right Answer' game. If we
centralize our military infrastructure, the experts tell us that we are
vulnerable to attack. We're inviting another Pearl Harbor.

If we decentralize our infrastructure, we're sloppy and overbuilt, and the
BRAC experts break out the calculators and start dismantling what they call
our excess physical capacity.

If we leave our infrastructure unchanged, we are accused of becoming
stagnant in a dynamic world environment.

Even the lessons of history are not sacrosanct. When we learn from the
mistakes we made in past wars, we are accused of failing to adapt to
emerging realities. When we shift our eyes toward the future, the critics
quickly tell us that we've forgotten our history and we are therefore doomed
to repeat it.

If we somehow manage to assimilate both past lessons and emerging threats,
we're informed that we lack focus.

Where does it come from: This default assumption that we are doing the
wrong thing, no matter what we happen to be doing? How did our military wind
up in a zero-sum game? 
 
We can prevail on the field of battle, but we can't win a war of words where
the overriding assumption is that we are always in the wrong.

I can't think of a single point in history where our forces were of the
correct size, the correct composition, correctly deployed, and appropriately
trained all at the same time.

Pick a war, any war. (For that matter, pick any period of peace.) Then dig
up as many official and unofficial historical documents, reports,
reconstruction's, and commentaries as you can. For every unbiased account
you uncover, you'll find three commentaries by revisionist historians who
cannot wait to tell you how badly the U.S. military bungled things. 
 
Revisionist Historians 
  
To hear them tell it we could take lessons in organization and leadership
from the Keystone Cops.

We really only have one defense against this sort of mudslinging.  Success.
When we fight, we win, and that's got to count for something.  When asked to
comment on Operation Desert Storm, the U.S. Army's Lieutenant General Tom
Kelly reportedly said, "Iraq went from the fourth-largest army in the world,
to the second-largest army in Iraq in 100 hours." 
 
In my opinion, it's hard to argue with that kind of success, but critics
weren't fazed by it. Because no matter how well we fought, we did it with
the wrong Army.

I'd like to close with an invitation to those journalists, analysts,
experts and politicians who sit up at night dreaming up new ways to
criticize our armed forces. 

The next time you see a man or woman in uniform, stop for ten seconds and
reflect upon how much you owe that person, and his or her fellow Sailors,
Marines, Soldiers, and Airmen.
Then say, "Thank you."
I'm betting you won't even have to explain the reason. Our Service members
are not blind or stupid. 

They know what they're risking. They know what they're sacrificing. They've
weighed their wants, their needs, and their personal safety against the
needs of their nation, and made the decision to serve. They know that they
deserve our gratitude, even if they rarely receive it

Two words -- that's all I ask.

"Thank you."

If that's too hard, if you can't bring yourself to acknowledge the
dedication, sincerity and sacrifice of your defenders, then I have a backup
plan for you.
Put on a uniform and show us how to do it right

Author Jeff Edwards 
 

Subject: Awesome Song by Diamond Rio - video

This has beautiful pictures and a thoughtful message.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,199794,00.html

Tuesday, June 20, 2006
By Capt. Dan Sukman

BAGHDAD — Editor's note: U.S. Army Capt. Dan Sukman is serving a one-year deployment to Iraq. For previous entries and his bio, see the Soldier's Diary archives.

16 June 2006

I received an e-mail the other day from my soldier, whom I will call Specialist "Helmet." We sent Helmet on emergency leave recently to attend his brother's funeral.

SPC Helmet's brother was stationed at Fort Hood, and deployed with an Infantry Battalion, part of the 4th Infantry Division that was placed under operational control of our brigade. SPC Helmet and his brother had not seen each other in nearly two years; they had planned on meeting up sometime but the meeting never came. We broke the news to SPC Helmet that his brother had been killed by an IED in a baited ambush. I would say it was difficult to break that kind of news to someone, but it was easy compared to the job of receiving it.

SPC Helmet made it back to the funeral, and to his surprise, he and his family were greeted at the funeral by protesters from the [Westboro Baptist] "church" in Kansas. Approximately 15 or 20 protesters actually showed up.

I cannot picture or imagine going through that situation. Serving in a foreign land, trying to spread freedom and democracy, having a brother doing the same, and sacrificing everything for the cause — going back to bury your brother and having "members of a church" show up to protest in order to make a political statement.

After the funeral, here's what SPC Helmet wrote to me:

Hey sir, it's "Helmet." I just wanted to drop you an e-mail and I thought this would be the easiest way to do it. Well I buried my brother last week and you know me, if I can prevent someone from doing work that I can well do myself I will, so I handled everything.

One thing that took me a bit by surprise were protesters! Yes, that myopic group of imbeciles from that Baptist Church in Kansas showed up at my little brother's funeral.

They had the antigay signs that had absolutely nothing to do with Bobby. So I had the Patriot Guard show up just to stand in front of them with American flags (they are all Vietnam vets on Harleys). Over 600 of them lined the streets of my hometown at the service.

Now I know you're from New York, sir, but try and picture a small Arkansan community, deeply rooted in God, a place where the embrace of patriotism has lost no potency, and have that town lose one of its sons fighting to spread democracy to another nation. Then throw in 15 to 20 protesters that think God is setting IEDs off to kill soldiers for an America that tolerates homosexuality. If you think that might be a newsworthy event, you'd be correct. I had to deal with every local news network in the state. Thankfully, it went down pretty calmly but you guys have no idea how close I was to seriously committing murder, in front of 50 police officers that might have just watched as I did it.

One of these f***ers actually stepped on the American flag, sir.

Well, other than that, it has been the hardest two weeks of my life trying to come to the realization that I'll never see my little brother again. And knowing that I probably would be of no use to you guys over there but still wanting to fulfill my commitment to the Army. I'll stay at Ft. Campbell and wait for you guys to get back. I'm actually going to try and do a 4187 to work the road but I'll still be waiting for my boys in the 502nd to return.

Tell everyone I said hey and get someone to send my stuff back would you?

Astonishingly, SPC Helmet

Now, I am not an expert on the Bible, or a deeply religious person, and I don't know what Jesus would do in every situation. I do know that he would not show up to a funeral to make a political statement, nor would he celebrate someone's death and a family's pain.

I think the 600 Patriot Guard members who showed up for SPC Helmet's brother's service tell the story. The protesters from the "church" in Kansas made a lot of headlines initially, but their numbers are dwarfed by the actual numbers of Americans who support the service members serving both at home and abroad.

-------------------------------------

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,200310,00.html

'Soldier's Diary' Readers Respond to Protesters at Soldier's Funeral

Here are just a few of the responses FOXNews.com and Capt. Dan Sukman received in response to his June 20 Soldier's Diary entry, entitled "Church' Protesters Show Up at Soldier's Funeral."

On behalf of Christ followers everywhere, please accept my apologies for what some are doing under the guise of the church. They neither reflect the heart of Christ nor His church. The church is people who are followers of Christ. The church is not a building. Thank you for what you are doing for our country. There are millions who are for you compared to the dozens who speak against you. I am proud to be a Christ follower and proud of all who are serving our country in the military. —Pastor David Noel, Columbus, Ohio

Dan,

I was one of the riders in Arkansas to honor Helmut's brother. What an inspiration the town was! For the procession from the church to the cemetery, people came out from their businesses and stood along the street with flags; some of the 'old guys' stood saluting the entire procession, and it was a long one. It was a bit difficult to see at times, with a tear or two affecting my vision. There are approximately 37,000 members in the PGR [Patriot Guard Riders] now. And we will attend any "mission" we are able to, regardless of whether or not the idiots are there. We are there to honor those men who made the ultimate sacrifice, and if necessary, shield the grieving family from the protesters. I have two sons in their 20s; it is just unimaginable to me what the families must be going through. And if we can ease the pain, just temporarily, then we must. Keep up the good work. —Ron

Capt. Dan,

I wanted to respond to your latest column, 'Church' Protesters Show Up at Soldier's Funeral.' I don't know all the details of what transpired. I'm sorry to hear that of your soldiers' loss. It's always terrible to hear of a soldier's death. I wanted you to know that the response from the Westboro Baptist Church is not the response that should have been given. And for that I am sorry. I have no affiliation with that church, but it always pains me to hear when people protest in the name of Jesus. As you stated in your column, none of us are sure what Jesus would have done. I can tell you one thing ... the response should have been one of love and "how can we support your family in this time of need." That's what Jesus called us to do. …I will make a commitment to you that I will pray for you and your men on a daily basis. I hope that you will continue to write and I look forward to your many other insightful words! Keep up the good work. Thanks! — Jeremy

Captain:

[E-mail subject line: I'm the one that stood on the flag (and spit on it), which is the only thing to do with that butcher's apron. Get over it already you damned idolatrous fool!]

We at Westboro Baptist Church (WBC) have incessantly studied the Scripture, and what we did in ***, Ark., is exactly what the Lord Jesus Christ would do. He said, "let the dead bury the dead" (Matthew 8:22 and Luke 9:60). We at WBC (on our own time and money because of our love for our neighbors and the absolute sovereign God who created your weapons of war and holds your breath in his hands, pursuant to Leviticus 19:17-18) did that family a great service in Arkansas by warning them to flee the wrath to come. It's too late for their dead soldier; is it too late for the surviving family and community? If that dead boy could tell them, he would say listen to those preachers from WBC (read the last half of Luke 16 for a reality check).

You cannot fight for a country that hates God and despises all of God's judgments and commandments and expect to have any hope of heaven. (That is the opposite of "fruits meet for repentance" pursuant to Matthew 3:8, which one must present to the church of the Lord Jesus Christ to exhibit you are not going to hell. You have that duty also, Captain!). This country in all its institutions have reprobated themselves and made God their enemy. There is no honor in that. There is no glory in that. That existence is only shame and disgrace of the eternal variety. In that situation, the burial of that soldier is properly described in Jeremiah 22:19: "He shall be buried with the burial of an ass, drawn and cast forth beyond the gates of Jerusalem." Quit pretending that you bloodthirsty beasts are fighting for freedom in Iraq, when the first time someone in ***, Ark., (me) exercises some of that freedom to preach to your fellow hell-bound soldiers you advocate their immediate death sanctioned by the police powers. We know that you simply reflect the attitude of a sodomite nation which has far exceeded the violence of those who surrounded Lot's house in Genesis Chapter 19. —Jonathan B. Phelps

Dear Captain Dan,

Thank you for your diary entries. Your entries confirm my belief that we are truly helping the Iraqi people and also confirm my faith in people. So, when I read your latest entry, June 16, I was shocked to hear about the 'church protesters' attending the soldier's funeral. I had heard of instances such as this from my aunt, who lives in the Midwest. I am a Christian and I know that this is not something that Jesus would do! Jesus was and is a compassionate being. He loves everyone and suffers when we suffer. I pray for the troops daily (my son-in-law is in the Marines and has had two deployments to Iraq. My husband is retired military, so I have experienced the separations and concerns with deployments.) I am sorry that Specialist 'Helmet's' family had to endure the heartlessness of these protesters, who were only seeking notoriety in the papers! I realize that reporters have to report on all sides of the picture, but they should have a heart and refuse to give the protesters the time of day! May God Bless you and your soldiers. You are in our prayers.—Ramona Shinn

Hi Capt. Dan,

We lost a Marine in my son's unit; he died August 1 last year from a checkpoint suicide car bomb in Hit. These same stupid protesters showed up here. They also showed up at our church one day because our church has a ministry to people who are homosexual wanting to come out of the lifestyle.

They are all from the same family; the preacher, his kids, their spouses, and their children, etc. Not much between their ears, or in their hearts. Our state (Oklahoma) is working on banning protesters at private funerals because of this. But let me tell you, to attend one of these funerals and see these protesters 'dwarfed' by the support is a heart wrenching and proud moment. Our barely 15-year-old daughter was moved to tears almost immediately when we attended our guy's funeral. All of today's youth should be made to see what it costs to be free. —TC, Tulsa, Okla.

Capt. Dan,

I just read your entry about the soldier who lost his brother and had to face protesters at the funeral. I hope all of you know that they are a minority, and they don't matter. The rest of the country is so proud and thankful for all you do. I hope you and your men remain safe and I look forward to the day when you can all come home for good. —Michele

Capt. Dan,

I am from Topeka Kan., the home of the infamous Westboro Baptist church, which regularly protests our soldiers' funerals nationwide. I am also an ordained Baptist minister of an extremely conservative nature. I must condemn the actions of Westboro Baptist 'church,' and its wannabe pastor Fred Phelps as intolerable. From a theological standpoint, their beliefs are apprehensible, and anti-scriptural. As an American, there are much worse sins and crimes that should be protested. Although the Scriptural practice of public preaching and public evangelism is a long lost art in America, WBC's actions certainly do not fit within the confines of Scripture. The Christian's command is to preach 'the gospel.' Jesus Christ never commanded any of His followers to protest the funerals of any soldier, regardless of whose side they fought on. The mission of the Christian is strictly spiritual, not political. WBC's actions are blight to our community here in Topeka. Most of us here are 'immune' to their nonsense, but it is an embarrassment to us to be associated with this group of bible perverting heretics. It is a double embarrassment for me, since they claim to be Baptist. They most certainly are not Baptist in word, action, thought, or in any other way. My most sincere apologies to you and your friends. Thank you for defending our freedom. —Pastor Stephen E. Schwenke, Topeka, Kan.

Hi,

My brother was spit on at O'Hare when he came back from Vietnam, those people at that "Baptist" church are no better than the 'spitters' of the 1970's. I am pissed off at those people. Just showing support to your soldier's diary as I read it all the time. —Alex Goloskewitsch, Denver

Dear Sir,

First let me say that my thoughts and prayers are with you and every soldier in Iraq, Afghanistan and all over the globe. I am a Christian man, with a deep-seated faith in God and in his love for people. Those idiots for that so called church are no more followers of Jesus then I am a Kentucky Derby winner. They are a farce and the represent a twisted view of God and His love. I know you state in your column that you aren't a very religious person; well I'm not either, at least not in the sense that the world defines religion. True faith is a relationship with God and it is expressed with a love for others and a love for the things of God. Rest assured that I would have been there with SPC. 'Helmet' in opposition to those pathetic excuses for humanity that bring shame to themselves. Be safe and stay the course, those that truly Love God and proclaim the message of Jesus, are in daily prayer and support for you all. —Jerry Yeager, Shelbyville, Ky.

Captain Dan,

Please reassure SPC 'Helmet' that for every one of those putz protesters, there are thousands upon thousands of Americans who respect, honor and pray for fallen soldiers such as his brother Bobby. We thank God that you, PFC 'Helmet' and your comrades have the courage and conviction to protect our freedom.

Captain Dan,

I read your article regarding SPC "Helmet" and his brother's funeral. I get sick to my stomach every time I think about the people from that "church" in Kansas and their protest vigils at the funerals of our soldiers, sailors and airmen. I'm a native of Kansas and I'm also a Baptist and I know we weren't raised to think like that in Kansas and I know there is NOTHING in the Bible to give them the brain dead approach they are taking. I admire SPC Helmet's forethought in having the Patriot Guard line up in front of the "church" members while holding our flag. I also admire his restraint. I don't know whether I would have had the restraint as a young man had it been my brother being buried and those Neanderthals showed up to mock his funeral. We greatly appreciate for all you and the other servicemen are doing for our country in fighting the battle in the Middle East so it doesn't have to be fought on our shores. May God watch over and keep you and bring you home safely. —Bill Lamb, Goose Creek, S.C.

Capt. Dan,

To PFC 'Helmet,' I hope that you realize in your heart of hearts that your country supports you and all the sacrifices you and your family have made on our behalf. Please don't let the actions of a few pusillanimous protesters and ingrates sully the image of what largely is a grateful nation. May God grant you and your family peace in what must be an incredibly difficult time for you. I pray that you find comfort in the fact that your brother is at peace, and I offer my humble thanks and respect for the sacrifice you all have made. —Jeff Williams

Capt. Dan,

I just wanted to comment on the story regarding the death of PFC Helmet's brother. I am so sorry that he and his family was subjected to the protesters that plant themselves at the funerals of our fallen soldiers. I am also grateful to the Patriot Guard that came to their rescue. Please know that the majority of the country mourns for the loss of his brother as well as the many others who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We also support and salute all of those who are still giving of themselves in order for others to taste the freedoms we take for granted. I am so proud of all of you and want you to know that you are always in my thoughts and prayers. —Sheryl D. Piper

Capt. Dan,

Most Christians, including myself, have been horrified by the actions of this one church in Kansas. They do not represent the views of anyone other than themselves. Anyone who serves our country deserves the utmost respect and gratitude. —Ellen Scoby

Capt. Sukman,

Thank you for sharing your diary with us everyday Americans. Thank you for your service to our country. Relating to your June 16 entry, my opinion of homosexual "acceptance" in the United States is disgusting. It weakens any nation and is evil to the core. However, to use the homosexual issue at a hero's funeral is beyond disgusting! My prayer is that these misguided religious fanatics go back home any study their Bibles much deeper. I am Lutheran and I am here to tell you and your buddies that you are loved, supported, and prayed for every Sunday at our church. —Robert Herridge, Sealy, Texas

Hi Captain Dan,

I'm from Kansas. I wanted to let you know how much we appreciate and thank every single one of you in our armed services, especially you who are in Iraq. I am a Christian, and raised Baptist. This so called church is not a Christian church. They are made up of hateful, bigoted people who are all from the same family. Their 'pastor' is a deranged, pitiful man who has brainwashed his family and their whole lives. They speak only lies, and should not be allowed to speak at, much less attend, these funerals. I'm hoping somehow, someone will make a ruling against these people. Please tell Helmet how sorry we are. I have talked to a lot of people here in my hometown, and no one can comprehend how this 'church' can get by with this type of behavior. We are blessed to have men and women who sacrifice their time, talent, and sometimes their lives to keep America free. Thank you from the depths of our hearts. God bless you! —Cindy

Captain:

I just wanted to let you know this has been addressed: I am not sure where it is in the process, but I'd read where the government is looking to pass a bill restricting ANY type of protesting at funerals. I applaud the Patriot Guard for their efforts in protecting the families of our fallen hero's at their funerals. I do believe these people should be shipped to Iraq for a 'day in the life' before they are permitted to exercise their 'freedom of speech.' Peace to you. You are still my hero. —Ginny, Gun Barrel City, Texas

Dear Sir,

I concur that the hate-filled protesters are reprehensible. It amazes me that they only get called on the carpet when they disrupt military funerals. No one said much when they did the same thing at Matthew Shephard's funeral. They were there too, yelling that Matthew deserved to be killed for being gay. As harmful and destructive as these activities are to the families of fallen soldiers, imagine how gay Americans feel when exposed to it every day of the world. —Tedi Elliott

Dear Capt. Dan,

I just read your story regarding SPC 'Helmet' and am infuriated that people claiming to be part of a church would have the nerve to insult a fallen hero. All of the men and woman servicing on behalf of the United States of America are true heroes! You all should be treated as such! On behalf of my family and many other people, thank you for serving and protecting all of us back home. Please also relay to any and all over there our thank you and let them know that we do support them and believe in the cause. —Bryanee Shearl, Minneapolis, Minn.

Capt. Dan,

I read your article on the funeral and the 'church' from Westboro. As an evangelical Baptist pastor, let me reassure you that that group and their leader do not, I repeat, do not represent the sentiments of the overwhelming majority of evangelical Christians from any denomination you might mention. I served in the military from 1965-1967 at Fort Hood, Texas at the height of the build-up for Vietnam. Most of us as Christians are strongly committed to our country and to those who choose to defend it. Please relay to 'Helmet' that we are 100 percent behind our servicemen and we are 100 percent behind the mission. Do not be deterred from your objective. Ever since the war began, I have been part of a group who have been praying for individual soldiers by name. I am adding you and 'Helmet' to my personal prayer list. —Jerry L. Propst

Capt. Dan,

Sir, I just read your diary on FOXNews.com. I'm currently stationed at Ali Al Salem AB in Kuwait. I hate hearing about those 'church' people showing up at funerals and wish your troop would not have been subjected to the hate that the radicals in the U.S. possess. I'm in the Air Force, so I'm not subjected to the 'action' that you are, but I have a huge respect for what ya'll do upcountry. Let your troop know that I, as well as the rest of my pals here that read the article, pass on our regards to 'Helmet.' Keep your head down and get home safe, sir. —SrA James Demoney

Capt. Dan,

"When are you guys going to learn? This is an illegal war! Period! Your illustrious president and his gang know exactly what buttons to push. In this case it was the patriotic button. Ok, what we are doing is illegal but once we send the boys over the people will get behind it. And they did. Bush and his gang are playing the American people like a cheap violin. And who is paying for it, the lost of life on both sides. Only don't cry about the loss of American life only. Let's talk about the many lives lost in Iraq and Afghanistan. People who never did anything to anyone in America, Britain, Italy, France, and so on. You see, America invaded Iraq not the other way around. So when you bully someone, well. You see, I come from a military family all branches were served in. I still got a brother in the Air Force. So I don't want to hear any red, white, and blue rah, rah, b.s. There is no democracy, when you shove it down peoples' throats at the barrel of a gun. Besides, there is no democracy in Islam. Islam is ruled by Kuran and Sunnah. This is why the fight is so hard. One is fighting for god and the other is fighting for a flag and an elusive patriotism. One more thing I'd like to point out is that I am by no means a pacifist. I will fight, but I will never fight for any country that would use its people for cannon fodder, and so the elite can get richer. You are fighting a war you can't win. You guys should be demanding that Bush bring these guys home. If you are not going to enjoin the good and forbid the evil, then there should be no crying over the loss of American life when you are fighting for a criminal. — Sayfud-deen Tayamullah

Dear Captain Dan,

I am a loyal reader to your column and in reading your most recent post about 'Helmet' and the protesters from Kansas, I feel I must apologize. What is heartbreaking is that this so-called Church has been doing this for years. They protest everything, absolutely everything. It is disgusting, heart breaking, and a disgrace to the State of Kansas. I think it would be fair of me to say that I speak for most Kansans in saying that we do not agree with their beliefs or tactics. I would like to say THANK YOU to everyone fighting and thank you for the sacrifices you have made so that I may sleep soundly at night. —Denise

Capt. Dan,

I was deeply disturbed by your article on FoxNews.com. I have personally seen these 'protesters' before at funerals and I understand how Helmet would want to commit murder. These people are "legal terrorists" because they terrorize emotions. And wonderful good Americans are fighting to build a democracy such as our own that allows these 'protesters' to say anything they want. Sometimes the freedom of speech needs to be considered to how much hate and discord that some 'speech' creates. People who protest our mission in Iraq need but spend one day in the middle of Baghdad carrying their signs. Thank You and all members of the military for what you do. I too, was proud to serve my country during Vietnam. God bless you and your family and God bless Helmet and his fortitude! —David M. Anderson, Casper, Wyo.

Battle of the Bulge WWI - by Saul Reiter, Florida

Subject: EYE VIEW FROM CHARLIE DANIELS Forwarded by Skip Baca - Midland, TX

Tiger Force - Vietnam 1968-1969 - Submitted by TJ McGinley

From doing patrol/watch at the sunny Cocoa Beach in Florida to testing duties at the Alakskan Arctic by Carl Campanaro - Midland, TX

Some of the things I remember about Vietnam - Johnie Lee Qualls - Midland, TX

Tony Diana - Orlando, Florida Supporting our Troops through Music www.tonydiana.com

GOOD MORNING, VIET NAM – THE REAL DEAL……… G.I. JIM: PLAYING THE HITS! Jim Kennedy – Corporate Format Director