Special Forces soldier dies in Afghanistan

Staff Sgt. Matthew Ammerman, a native of Noblesville, Ind., was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) when he died Dec. 3, 2014, as a result of wounds received in combat. (continue reading here)

Profiles in courage ... purple fingers indicate voting in Taliban-intimidating Afghanistan

The purple-stained finger is the Afghanistan equivalent to Americans' "I Voted" stickers on election day with a huge difference: Afghans take their lives in their hands as they defy the Taliban's threats of election day violence.

Melissa Charbonneau wrote at the George W. Bush Presidential Center blog:

Millions of Afghans witnessed a colorful display of democracy in action as voters flocked to the polls to vote in historic presidential elections. Twitter and Facebook are brimming with images of Afghan women emerging from polling centers cloaked in blue burqas, some wearing headscarves, others carrying  toddlers – but all holding up fingers stained with purple election ink, a gesture of defiance against Taliban intimidation and a return to past oppression.

In a country where women are trying to find their place and are outnumbered 2-to-1 by male voters, a determined lot braved Taliban threats to not only vote in Saturday's elections but also to proudly show off their purple-stained fingers:

Millions of Afghans witnessed a colorful display of democracy in action Saturday as voters flocked to the polls to vote in historic presidential elections. Twitter and Facebook are brimming with images of Afghan women emerging from polling centers cloaked in blue burqas, some wearing headscarves, others carrying toddlers – but all holding up fingers stained with purple election ink, a gesture of defiance against Taliban intimidation and a return to past oppression.

Read more about the women who have been oppressed under Taliban rule but who bravely stepped out to vote for the future of Afghanistan and young women in that country.

Army Ranger Josh Hargis' 'salute seen around the world' ... this is what a hero looks like

 

This is a photo taken by Josh Hargis' wife, originally published in the Cincinnati Enquirer

Army Ranger Josh Hargis was severely wounded by multiple IUDs during a mission in Afghanistan. During the ceremony to award him the Purple Heart prior to his medevac to Germany, though medical staff said he was unconscious, Ranger Hargis rendered honors to his Commander as the citation was read. A GENUINE AMERICAN HERO.

... as the Purple Heart presentation began, Josh Hargis struggled to move his right hand and lift it into a saluting position. Military protocol calls for a soldier to salute when he receives the Purple Heart.

Freedom is not free....

USA Today: Soldier delivers 'salute seen around the world'

H/T to Bill Janis

Update: 'Walking Off the War' ... AT Warrior Hike military vets to be at Devil's Backbone Brewery near Wintergreen on Sunday

Along the Appalachian Trail, there's a group of military veterans "walking off the war," battling the memories of time deployed overseas but grateful to be physically able to hike, well aware that some of their fellow warriors came back with serious injuries. Others paid the ultimate price.

If you've ever wanted to thank a veteran, Sunday is your chance. Buy the Warrior Hikers a beer and make a toast of gratitude for their service to our country. They will gather at Devil's Backbone Brewing Company in Roseland (near Wintergreen) Sunday afternoon at 5:00. (This is a change from my earlier post.)

Reporter David Kaplan with KDBJ TV-7 caught up with the thru-hikers in Craig County earlier this week, and talked with several about their journey. Check out the website and meet the hikers who have been deployed overseas -- Marines, Navy, Air Force, and Army veterans who set out from Georgia in March to follow the Appalachian Trail north.

Father's Day provides a great opportunity to come out and show appreciation for these men and women who have served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan, the Persian Gulf, and Southeast Asia, putting their lives on the line to preserve the freedoms we enjoy here at home.

The Warrior Hikers are our American heroes. The website tells how it began:

In 1948 Earl Shaffer told a friend he was going to “walk off the war” to work out the sights, sounds, and losses of World War II. Four months later, Earl Shaffer became the first person to hike the entire length of the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine.

Recognizing the physical, psychological, and spiritual benefits of hiking the Appalachian Trail, Warrior Hike has partnered with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to create the Walk Off The War Program. The Walk Off The War Program is designed to support combat veterans transitioning from military service by thru hiking the Appalachian Trail.

I was alerted to the Warrior Hike by a reader of my SWAC Girl blog who writes a blog covering the Appalachian Trail from Rockfish Gap to Reeds Gap -- Rockfish to Reeds. She follows many of the hikers on the trail and has watched the Warrior Hikers since their March departure in Georgia.

Merlot describes her blog as, "Rockfish Gap to Reeds Gap ..... that little piece of  'AT heaven' we all love so much. This is a blog for the dedicated volunteers who maintain the 19.1 miles of white-blazed AT and some blue-blazed side trails as well."

So a tip of the hat to Merlot for the hard work that goes into upkeep for the AT, and for the heads-up about the Warrior Hikers. If you can, please join them at Devil's Backbone Brewing Company.

AT Warrior Hikers coming to Waynesboro Sunday

This Sunday at 5:00 at the VFW Post 2424 in Waynesboro, meet the Appalachian Trail Warrior Hikers as they make their way north on their thru-hike.

The Warrior Hikers are our military veterans:

In 1948 Earl Shaffer told a friend he was going to “walk off the war” to work out the sights, sounds, and losses of World War II. Four months later, Earl Shaffer became the first person to hike the entire length of the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine.

Recognizing the physical, psychological, and spiritual benefits of hiking the Appalachian Trail, Warrior Hike has partnered with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to create the Walk Off The War Program. The Walk Off The War Program is designed to support combat veterans transitioning from military service by thru hiking the Appalachian Trail.

I was alerted to the Warrior Hike by a reader of my SWAC Girl blog who writes a blog covering the Appalachian Trail from Rockfish Gap to Reeds Gap -- Rockfish to Reeds. She follows many of the hikers on the trail and has watched the Warrior Hikers since their March departure in Georgia. Merlot describes her blogs as, "Rockfish Gap to Reeds Gap ..... that little piece of  'AT heaven' we all love so much. This is a blog for the dedicated volunteers who maintain the 19.1 miles of white-blazed AT and some blue-blazed side trails as well."

So a tip of the hat to her for her interest in the AT, and for the heads-up about the Warrior Hikers. Sunday offers an opportunity to thank these military veterans who put their lives on hold and on the line to preserve our freedoms. I'll update with more info as I find it but it's this Sunday, June 16, at 5:00 at the VFW in Waynesboro.

Richmond area soldier, 2 others killed in Afghanistan over weekend

This morning comes sad news that three U.S. soldiers, including one from the Richmond area, killed over the weekend in Operation Enduring Freedom.

Spc. Kyle P. Stoeckli, 21, of Moseley, Virginia, was killed in Maiwand, Afghanistan, on Saturday, June 1, from an improvised explosive device (IED). He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, based out of Fort Bliss, Texas.

Spc. Ray A. Ramirez, 20, of Sacramento, Calif., died Saturday in Wardak Province when his unit was attacked by an IED. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, out of Fort Stewart, Ga.

Pfc. Mariano M. Raymundo, 21, of Houston, Texas, died Saturday in Sharan. The Department of Defense said the incident is under investigation. Raymundo was assigned to the 210th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, based out of Fort Drum, N.Y.

The deadly weekend for our Armed Forces is a reminder that our military men and women are still at war far away from home. These young men made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Our prayers go out to their families and friends. Freedom is not free.

'Sidewinder' ... Air Force band members rock YouTube

SIDEWINDER, Air Force military band members home from deployment in Afghanistan, are a YouTube sensation with their cover of Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" with almost 2 million hits so far. It was an impromptu concert for their fellow troops in thanks for cargo-loading their gear but someone filmed it and posted to YouTube where it exploded onto the blogosphere:

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Angie Johnson and Sidewinder perform a cover of Adele's "Rolling in the Deep." Sidewinder is part of the 571st Air Force Band, 131st Bomb Wing, Air National Guard. They are deployed as the U.S. Air Forces Central Command Band.

Band members are: Capt. John Arata - officer in charge, keyboards, fiddle; Tech. Sgt. Kevin Maret - NCO in charge, percussion; Tech. Sgt. John Cavanaugh - operations/logistics, bass; Tech. Sgt. Joseph Castilleja - guitar; Staff Sgt. Tobias Callaway - saxophone; Staff Sgt. Ransom Miller - trumpet; Staff Sgt. Devin LaRue - trombone, guitar, keyboards; Staff Sgt. Brian Owens - vocals; Staff Sgt. Angie Johnson - vocals; Staff Sgt. Sean Navarro - Audio, Trombone.

Enjoy ... salute to my Air Force veteran husband and all the troops....

Media wage war to redefine 9/11

From Move America Forward....

Only one week from now we will mark the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, but rather than honor the memory of civilians and our troops who have died in this war on terror and militant Islamic fundamentalism, the media seems to have undertaken a campaign to change the legacy of 9/11.

Instead of a defiant America fighting back against the evil that threatened us, they're trying to tell us that it's our fault, and that we don't understand the lessons of 9/11!

Just take a look at some of these outrageous headlines from today:

The Worst Mistake America Made After 9/11:
How focusing too much on the war on terror  ...Slate Magazine

The Narcissism of 9/11 Blinds America... ....The Guardian 

Failing to Realise the Promise of 9/11  ....Aljazeera

America Lost the War on Terror ...Moscow Times

Is this what we want our troops to see?

Is this going to motivate them to fight and complete their mission - when they read these papers saying that the mission they're sacrificing for is bad? No, we can't let that happen!

We can tell the troops OURSELVES that we DO SUPPORT THEM!

Sponsor a care package to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and write the note yourself, tell them you support them and what they're sacrificing for! Don't let them be troubled by a bunch of foreigners and ingrates who don't appreciate the freedoms that our troops sacrifice for.


These foreign and some (liberal) domestic media outlets are full of crap! There is no other way to put it, but crudely, they're full of lies and deceit!

Almost all modern western countries have endured some form of attack at the hands of Al Qaeda madmen, and no one questions their right to defend themselves.

But because we are big-bad-America, it's no longer righteous to defend ourselves and avenge our fellow Americans who were murdered.

We can't let these anti-American liberals and foreigners redefine what 9/11 means!

Day of Mourning today for Virginia servicemen killed in Afghanistan helicopter crash

The Commonwealth of Virginia is paying its respects today to the Virginia servicemen killed on August 6, 2011, in the Wardak Province of Afghanistan when their CH-47 Chinook helicopter crashed and killed 30 American military members.

Governor Bob McDonnell, a 21-year U.S. Army veteran who retired in 1997 as a Lieutenant Colonel, declared that all state flags fly at half staff in memory of those American heroes killed in Operation Enduring Freedom. He also encouraged Virginia's citizens to fly flags at half staff and to donate to military service charities.

The tragedy took the lives of Navy SEALs with ties to Virginia. The Governor commented:

“While details surrounding the helicopter tragedy over the weekend are still being investigated, the human impact of the loss of these servicemen upon their families, their units, and the Virginia military community are profound.

“It is with a heavy heart that I ask all Virginians to join me in a day of mourning and remembrance for those who lost their lives defending our country and to offer their support and thanks to the families and military community they left behind. While no show of gratitude can ever replace what was lost during this tragedy, it is in times like these that Virginians need to rally to offer the care and support that can make a difference in the lives of all those touched by the tragedy.”

The Governor called upon citizens who wish to show their support through monetary donations to organizations such as the Navy SEAL Foundation, which provide support and financial assistance above what the U.S. Department of Defense provides, particularly immediate financial support and tragedy assistance to families. Virginians can text SEAL to 90999 to donate $10 or go online to the organization's website to make a donation.

Other support organizations for military families include Armed Forces Relief Trust, Special Operations Warrior Foundation, and Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation.

On Thursday the Department of Defense released the names of those killed in the crash:

Sailors assigned to an East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare Unit
- Lt. Cmdr. (SEAL) Jonas B. Kelsall, 32, of Shreveport, La.
- Special Warfare Operator Master Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Louis J. Langlais, 44, of Santa Barbara, Calif.
- Special Warfare Operator Senior Chief Petty Officer(SEAL) Thomas A. Ratzlaff, 34, of Green Forest, Ark.
- Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician Senior Chief Petty Officer (Expeditionary Warfare Specialist/Freefall Parachutist)Kraig M. Vickers 36, of Kokomo, Hawaii
- Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL)Brian R. Bill, 31, of Stamford, Conn.
- Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) John W. Faas, 31, of Minneapolis, Minn.
- Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Kevin A. Houston, 35, of West Hyannisport, Mass.
- Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Matthew D. Mason, 37, of Kansas City, Mo.
- Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Stephen M. Mills, 35, of Fort Worth, Texas
- Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician Chief Petty Officer (Expeditionary Warfare Specialist/Freefall Parachutist/Diver) Nicholas H. Null, 30, of Washington, W.Va.
- Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Robert J. Reeves, 32, of Shreveport, La.
- Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Heath M. Robinson, 34, of Detroit, Mich.
- Special Warfare Operator Petty Officer 1st Class (SEAL) Darrik C. Benson, 28, of Angwin, Calif
- Special Warfare Operator Petty Officer 1st Class (SEAL/Parachutist) Christopher G. Campbell, 36, of Jacksonville, N.C.
- Information Systems Technician Petty Officer 1st Class (Expeditionary Warfare Specialist/Freefall Parachutist) Jared W. Day, 28, of Taylorsville, Utah
- Master-at-Arms Petty Officer 1st Class (Expeditionary Warfare Specialist) John Douangdara, 26, of South Sioux City, Neb.
- Cryptologist Technician (Collection) Petty Officer 1st Class (Expeditionary Warfare Specialist) Michael J. Strange, 25, of Philadelphia, Pa.
- Special Warfare Operator Petty Officer 1st Class (SEAL/Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist) Jon T. Tumilson, 35, of Rockford, Iowa
- Special Warfare Operator Petty Officer 1st Class (SEAL) Aaron C. Vaughn, 30, of Stuart, Fla.
- Special Warfare Operator Petty Officer 1st Class (SEAL) Jason R. Workman, 32, of Blanding, Utah

Sailors assigned to a West Coast-based Naval Special Warfare Unit
- Special Warfare Operator Petty Officer 1st Class (SEAL) Jesse D. Pittman, 27, of Ukiah, Calif.
- Special Warfare Operator Petty Officer 2nd Class (SEAL) Nicholas P. Spehar, 24, ofSaint Paul, Minn.

Soldiers
- Chief Warrant Officer David R. Carter, 47, of Centennial, Colo. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment (General Support Aviation Battalion), Aurora, Colo.
- Chief Warrant Officer Bryan J. Nichols, 31, of Hays, Kan. He was assigned to the 7th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment (General Support Aviation Battalion), New Century, Kan.
- Sgt. Patrick D. Hamburger, 30, of Lincoln, Neb. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment (General Support Aviation Battalion), Grand Island, Neb.
- Sgt. Alexander J. Bennett, 24, of Tacoma, Wash. He was assigned to the 7th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment (General Support Aviation Battalion), New Century, Kan.
- Spc. Spencer C. Duncan, 21, of Olathe, Kan. He was assigned to the 7th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment (General Support Aviation Battalion), New Century, Kan.

Airmen assigned to 24th Special Tactics Squadron, Pope Field, NC
- Tech. Sgt. John W. Brown, 33, of Tallahassee, Fla.
- Staff Sgt. Andrew W. Harvell, 26, of Long Beach, Calif.
- Tech. Sgt. Daniel L. Zerbe, 28, of York, Pa.

Cross-posted at Bearing Drift

Army medic from Harrisonburg killed in Afghanistan

The Valley has lost another hero with the news that Army medic Spc. Levi E. Nuncio, 24, of Harrisonburg, was killed in action in Afghanistan.

According to the Defense Department, he died of wounds sustained in an attack that took place in Kunar province during his first deployment to Operation Enduring Freedom. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team based at the Schoefield Barracks in Hawaii as part of the 25th Infantry Division.

A fellow soldier, Pfc. Joshua L. Jetton, 21, of Seibring, FL, was also killed on the attack. Our prayers go to both families with eternal thanks for their sacrifice in the war on terrorism.

Freedom is not free.

H/T to Chaz for the heads-up

Commander-in-Chief golfs on Memorial Day while military families mourn

Twenty-eight-year-old Chief Warrant Officer Christopher R. Thibodeau was killed during combat operations in Afghanistan last Thursday.

The New Hampshire native was a decorated AH-64D helicopter pilot with the 1st Battalion, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade out of Fort Hood, Texas.  He had just discovered a few days earlier that his wife was pregnant, a fact that hit The Other McCain blogger Smitty particularly hard considering he is currently serving in Afghanistan with the U.S. Navy and his wife is at home expecting their first child.

Across the country on Monday, millions bowed their heads at memorial services held on a day set aside to honor those who have died while serving this country, protecting the lives and freedoms of Americans. At 3:00 p.m., Americans paused for a National Moment of Remembrance.

Where was President Obama? He reportedly hosted a breakfast for Gold Star families and laid a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, then hit the links, golfing with staffers on Memorial Day,  an activity that some found disgraceful on such a solemn day.

White House reporter Keith Koffler reported the President’s activities on his blog and it was picked up by the British and conservative blogs while the usual mainstream media outlets have remained silent. What’s that you ask? What if President George W. Bush had done that?

Koffler pointed out that President Bush changed his lifestyle while in the White House:

The decision to golf on Memorial Day invites comparison with President George W. Bush, who gave up the game early in his presidency and said he did it out of respect for the families of those killed in Iraq.

“Respect for the families of those killed in Iraq” … it’s the perception that is left with the public on a day when American military families are mourning the loss of their loved ones.

To forgo such a public carefree activity on such a solemn day is to offer the comforting perception of … caring.

Cross-posted at Bearing Drift

6 American soldiers killed in Afghanistan ... 101st Airborne

Freedom is not free.

This is extremely sad news coming out of Afghanistan:

Maj. Gen. John F. Campbell, Commander of the 101st Airborne Division, announced Thursday the deaths of six 1st Brigade Combat Team soldiers killed March 29 during a battalion-sized operation in Kunar Province, Afghanistan.
...
The names of two soldiers were released Wednesday — Staff Sgt. Bryan A. Burgess, 29, of Cleburne, Texas, and Pfc. Dustin J. Feldhaus, 20, of Glendale, Ariz.

On Thursday, the Department of Defense released the names of the other four — Sergeant 1st Class Ofren Arrechaga, 28, of Hialeah, Fla.; Staff Sgt. Frank E. Adamski, 26, of Moosup, Conn.; Specialist Jameson L. Lindskog, 23, of Pleasanton, Calif.; and Private Jeremy P. Faulkner, 23, of Griffin, Ga.

All six were assigned to 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team.

Our prayers and thoughts go out to the families of these American heroes. Freedom is not free.

Staunton Stonewall Brigade prepares to deploy to Afghanistan

"For those who have fought for it,
freedom has a flavor the protected will never know."

The letter arrived in the mail last week alerting the church family that a staff member was being deployed to Afghanistan, most likely in mid-May. A member of the U.S. Army Reserves and National Guard for the past 16 years, he will be one of the group of 170 soldiers heading out with the Staunton-based Stonewall Brigade.

It made the previous day's joyous return of 1st Lt. Phillip Lacey, who had spent the prior year in Afghanistan, bittersweet as the news spread not only throughout the church but throughout the community that Staunton's 116th was preparing to ship out for the next 12-18 months in support of operations in Afghanistan. One soldier comes home ... another leaves.

The historic Stonewall Brigade -- the 116th Brigade Combat Team for the National Guard -- had previously mobilized in 2007 to Iraq. Hundreds of residents from Staunton, Waynesboro, and Augusta County as well as other areas turned out to see them off, and then hundreds again welcomed them home the following year.

As they prepare to leave their families and friends for this latest deployment, we will keep them in our prayers and thoughts. God bless all the soldiers of the Stonewall Brigade whose mobilization reminds us that freedom is not free.

Information will be posted as soon as it is available about when they plan to leave so the SWAC community can again help see them off and thank them for their service.

Coverage of 2011 deployment:
- Waynesboro News Virginian: Staunton-based Guard soldiers prepare for Afghanistan
- Staunton News Leader: 116th to mobilize for Afghanistan
- NBC-29: Staunton National Guard Heading to Afghanistan
- WHSV TV-3: 116th National Guard Brigade to deploy to Afghanistan
- Washington Post: Staunton-based National Guard members mobilized for duty in Afghanistan

Previous posts about the 116th May 2007 deployment ...
- Send-off for the 116th out of Staunton Friday
- They all came to say farewell to the 116th Stonewall Brigade
- A final farewell
- Flags, flags, flags for the 116th Stonewall Brigade
- Farewell 116th -- the Stonewall Brigade
- "We are praying for the 116th"
- Staunton Armory's 116th prepares for Iraq

... and their return in February 2008:
- They're coming home! Stonewall Brigade back from Iraq
- SWAC - join us TODAY to welcome our heroes home from Iraq
- Homecoming for 116th Stonewall Brigade ... thankful for a safe return from Iraq
- Homecoming for 116th Stonewall Brigade ... Grace Christian turns out for classmate's dad
- Homecoming for 116th Stonewall Brigade ... "Daddy's home"
- Homecoming for 116th Stonewall Brigade ... more photos
- Homecoming for 116th Stonewall Brigade ... Congressman Goodlatte welcomes home troops
- Homecoming for 116th Stonewall Brigade ... well-wishers came from other areas
- Homecoming for 116th Stonewall Brigade ... the yellow ribbons
- Homecoming for 116th Stonewall Brigade ... these colors don't run
- Homecoming for 116th Stonewall Brigade ... "Dear American Soldier"
- Homecoming for 116th Stonewall Brigade ... the signs
- Homecoming for 116th Stonewall Brigade ... Westies for the USA!
- Homecoming for 116th Stonewall Brigade ... more photos of Grace Christian students
- Homecoming for 116th Stonewall Brigade ... "you've got to have friends"
- Homecoming for 116th Stonewall Brigade ... even more photos
- Homecoming for 116th Stonewall Brigade ... a sweetheart returns
- Thanks, Gideon at Red State, for recognition of the 116th Stonewall Brigade

Cross-posted at Bearing Drift

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell

Vets for Freedom's Hegseth deploying to Afghanistan

VFF founder & Shenandoah County resident Wade Zirkle to be interim director

In 2011-2012, VFF executive director Pete Hegseth will deploy to Afghanistan with a Stryker battalion from the 25th Infantry Division. During that time, VFF founder and combat Marine Wade Zirkle will serve as VFF's interim executive director. God speed to Pete and all our troops in harm's way. From Vets For Freedom Executive Director Pete Hegseth....

Vets for Freedom members,

I will soon go on active duty in preparation for a combat deployment to Afghanistan later this year. It will be an honor to serve overseas again. As a result, later this month I will step down as executive director of VFF and Wade Zirkle--our organization's founder--will be the interim executive director.

Serving as your executive director for the past three years has been an incredible honor, and I'm very proud of what we've accomplished together. Most recently, VFF helped send 6 pro-victory Iraq and Afghanistan veterans to Congress--our new voices in Washington.

While in Afghanistan, and as the mission permits, I plan to send email updates from the front. If you'd like to receive my emails, sign up today at www.PeteHegseth.com.

2011 will be a critical year for our effort in Afghanistan, and I look forward to joining the long line of warriors who have fought to forge success on this important battlefield.

Moving out to draw fire,

Pete Hegseth
Executive Director, Vets for Freedom

P.S. You will not automatically receive my emails from Afghanistan. Sign up today at www.PeteHegseth.com to ensure you're added to the list.

A look back: 2009 Christmas Wal-Mart commercial thanks the troops

Originally posted December 2009....

"Christmas Anthem -- Thank You to the Troops"

I get a lump in my throat every time I see this commercial ... the music, the snow, the little boy, the message to our troops, and the chance of miracles that happen at Christmas.

Who came up with such a touching commercial? Richmond, Virginia's, own award-winning Martin Agency. If you missed it, here is the video. Be prepared to have a lump in your throat.

The scene is American soldiers in a desert setting with tents ... light snowflakes begin to fall ... they all look up in wonder ... "It's snow!" The camera pulls out for a long shot of the desert covered with snow as the white stuff continues to fall ... and then it fades into a scene in America with a little boy about seven years old who has just visited with Santa. His mom leans down and says, "So what did you ask for?" The little boy looks up at her and says, "Something for Dad."

As it fades back into the snowy desert scene and the American soldiers, the voice-over says, "To all our troops and their families, we thank you. Because of you, we are all living better."

Thanks, Wal-Mart. And thanks to our troops and their families.

Blogosphere bids farewell as "The Other McCain's" Smitty heads to Afghanistan

How many blog posts does it take to send off a conservative blogger who happens to be a Navy reservist going to war in Afghanistan? In the case of "Smitty," Stacy McCain's sidekick over at one of the most-read blogs, The Other McCain, the answer would be 35. At least. And probably more.

Smitty's Veterans Day announcement of his imminent deployment caught some off-guard. After all, these wide-spread eclectic citizen journalists are keyboard jockeys, not camel jockeys. Smitty had confided to a few that he would be shipping out but was firm that he didn't want anyone blogging about it before the 2010 elections. Nothing, he emphasized, should draw attention away from the immediate task at hand: send Democrats packing with pink slips in hand as Americans toiled to begin a correction of their political course on November 2.

Smitty can ship out knowing that task was accomplished and that the blogosphere will be a watch dog to keep the mission on task.

His farewell blog told where he was going and that he would be on hiatus from writing for a while:

Stacy has greased the skids here, but there will be a hiatus in regular blogging activity for the Smitty portion of this blog duo at the close of this post. I hold orders to activate in mid-November and report to Kabul, Afghanistan in time for Christmas. Bandwidth, and latitude for skylarking online will not exist until the end of 2011.

With an outpouring of thanks, good-natured jostling, and bids for safe travels, bloggers responded to the news that "Smitty" aka Chris Smith was deploying to Operation Enduring Freedom by doing what they do best: write.

Familiar blog names such as Fishersville Mike, Yankee Phil, DaTechguy, Little Miss Attila, The Lonely Conservative, No Sheeples Here,  Point of a Gun, Red State Eclectic, Right Wing News, theblogprof, Troglopundit, The Frugal Cafe,  Red State, Pirates Cove, SWAC Girl, and WyBlog and many more hung their hearts on their sleeves to salute this patriotic American. Who says bloggers don't have feelings?

In typical Smitty style, however, he didn't want the attention on him. As he wrote:

But don’t thank me; thank Americans, from the Founding Fathers forward to the Tea Parties, to my electrician brother-in-law who just runs around fixing things all day. The exceptional American dedication to individualism, the ideals of the Constitution, and the courageous soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines in whose bigger footsteps I follow make it all worth it. I’ve benefited so much from the American people, educationally and otherwise. Thus, it’s with a sense of gratitude to you that I depart on this set of orders, finishing out my Navy Reserve career in active duty style.

In a follow-up "thank-you" post, Smitty was appreciative to everyone for the "outpouring of well-wishing concerning the deployment." He added that his mother called him and broke down at the sheer volume of responses from the blogosphere. He deserved it. One blogger called him an officer and a gentleman. He's all that and more.

Thank you, Smitty, for your service ... and Godspeed.

Cross-posted at Free Republic
Cross-posted at StrictlyVA

The unknown soldiers ... may we never forget

President George Bush and Laura welcome home soldiers to Texas in August.

On my sidebar is a link to The Unknown Soldiers written by Tom Sileo and now coming through Vets for Freedom. Please check it on a regular basis to read about our brave American military men and women serving on the front lines and beyond. Please also remember their families who sacrifice so much while their loved ones are away at war. May we never forget....

More sad news out of Afghanistan....

American soldiers killed in Kabul, Afghanistan...

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - Seven U.S. troops have died in weekend attacks in Afghanistan's embattled southern and eastern regions, while officials found the bodies Sunday of five kidnapped campaign aides working for a female candidate in the western province of Herat.

Two servicemen died in bombings Sunday in southern Afghanistan, while two others were killed in a bomb attack in the south on Saturday and three in fighting in the east the same day, NATO said. Their identities and other details were being withheld until relatives could be notified.

The latest deaths bring to 42 the number of American forces who have died this month in Afghanistan after July's high of 66. A total of 62 international forces have died in the country this month, including seven British troops.

Prayers to the families of our American heroes....

"Please remember me ..."

Photo by Pfc. David Hauk, U.S. Army. Kandahar, Afghanistan
November 12, 2009
Support our troops ... please pray for them and their families.

The Unknown Soldiers ... Vets for Freedom

Former President Bush welcomes home troops ... video

George and Laura Bush greet soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport in Texas on August 11, 2010.

It was a welcome that many troops won't forget as they returned home from duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. As they entered the terminal at the Dallas-Fort Worth airport terminal on August 11, not only were their loved ones waiting to greet them but also former President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush, both Texas natives.

The "Welcome Home" project has been a long-standing effort by those in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and coordinated by a man named Bert Brady. About 40 people, among them retirees and veterans, show up daily to welcome home soldiers at the airport as they return to the U.S. from service overseas. Soldiers have asked to be rerouted so they can return home through Dallas-Fort worth.

Here is video of President and Mrs. Bush interacting and welcoming American troops back home to America on August 11, 2010.

The American Family Association wants to send thanks to President Bush for his continued patriotism and leadership, writing:

Please help us send 100,000 "Thank You!" messages to former President George Bush for his patriotism and support of our military! Let's let him know we are grateful for his continued leadership. Please continue to remember our troops and their families in your daily prayers. Watch the video and send your "Thank you!"

President Bush's strong words of encouragement, unity, and leadership led this country through the dark days after 9/11: "We're ready, we're steady, we're resolved."

May we never forget....