Bush Salutes Mothers' Sacrifices in War on Terror

"American Forces Press Service


WASHINGTON, May 11, 2008 – President Bush praised America’s mothers, especially those who’ve lost sons or daughters during the war on terror and those who gave their lives in service to their country, during his weekly radio address yesterday. An excerpt from the president’s remarks follows:

“On this Mother’s Day weekend, we think of the many mothers who raised the brave men and women serving our country in uniform. And to those mothers, I offer the thanks of a grateful nation."

“Your sons and daughters are defending our freedom with dignity and honor, and America appreciates the sacrifices that your families make in the name of duty. “On this Mother’s Day weekend, we remember the mothers grieving a son or daughter lost in the service to their country, as well as the children who lost a mother in uniform. “We share their pride in these wonderful Americans who have given everything to protect our people from harm. Nothing we say can ever make up for their loss. “But, on this special day, we hold them in our hearts, and we lift them in our prayers. “I wish every mother listening this morning a blessed Mother’s Day, including my own. And I have a message for every son and daughter listening this morning: Remember to tell Mom the first thing tomorrow how much you love her.”

DefenseLink News Article: Bush Salutes Mothers' Sacrifices in War on Terror:

Chrysler Kicks Off Military Appreciation Month

"By John J. Kruzel American Forces Press Service DETROIT, May 5, 2008 – Patriotism was in full gear at the Chrysler headquarters today, as hundreds gathered inside the star-spangled atrium of the automaker’s main hub to honor America’s men and women in uniform.

On the tiered floors of the glass-enclosed plaza here, employees hung over railings to watch while their chief executive kicked off Military Appreciation Month by signing an agreement strengthening Chrysler’s ties to Reserve and National Guard troops, and recognizing past and present servicemembers on the automaker’s roster.

“I just want to thank all the men and women who give of themselves, who are apart from their families, who are enduring tremendous hardship to maintain the freedom the democracy on which this country was founded,” said Robert Nardelli, Chrysler’s chairman and chief executive officer. “We are truly blessed.”

As an expression of Chrysler’s gratitude to servicemembers’ sacrifice, Nardelli today signed a 5-Star Military Support Agreement. The document promises Chrysler’s commitment to continue supporting employees who are called into active military service.

“A lot of times people ask, ‘Gee Bob, isn’t that an expense?’” Nardelli said of the pledge. “But I think it’s an investment. People say, ‘Well, isn’t this a burden?’ I say, ‘It’s a responsibility.’ "

In an event that included remarks from Defense Department and military
officials, local radio personality Paul W. Smith, the master of ceremonies,
listed the names of more than 40 Chrysler employees currently deployed to U.S.
operations abroad.
With each name Smith read, a camo-clad servicemember on
the second story of the circular plaza draped a flag with a blue star over the
railing. A tradition since World War I, the blue flag is a symbol displayed by
family members in remembrance of their loved ones serving in harm’s way. In a
somber postscript to the presentation, the family of Army Master Sgt. William
Balinski accepted a flag embroidered with a gold star.

DefenseLink News Article: America Supports You: Chrysler Kicks Off Military Appreciation Month:

Army OKs $248M in barracks repairs

"but housing still aging
May 7, 2008 (6:39p CDT)
By KRISTIN M. HALL (Associated Press Writer)

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. - Spc. Loren Dauterman, who trained at Fort McCoy in Wisconsin last month with the National Guard, found something good to say about the falling-apart floors and ceilings in her quarters.

Barely."

After a soldier's father posted a video on YouTube last month showing the
dilapidated barracks for paratroopers at Fort Bragg, N.C., Defense Secretary
Robert Gates called those conditions appalling and ordered base commanders to
ensure their troops have proper quarters.

More...Qwest.Live.com News:

Troops in Iraq Kill 22 Suspected Terrorists, Capture 37

"Troops in Iraq Kill 22 Suspected Terrorists, Capture 37
American Forces Press Service


WASHINGTON, April 25, 2008 – Coalition and Iraqi forces killed 22 suspected terrorists, captured 37 others, and seized weapons caches in Iraq over the past three days, military officials said."

...-- Coalition forces found and recovered 12 Iranian-made rocket launchers
south of Baghdad following a tip from a local resident. The rocket launchers,
designed for 107 mm rockets, were discovered near a reported launch site. This
site appeared to be targeting a nearby forward operating base. Initiation wire
attached to the launchers indicated they are of Iranian origin. The same type of
wire has been found at previous launch sites, military officials said.

More...DefenseLink News Article: Troops in Iraq Kill 22 Suspected Terrorists, Capture 37:

Pray instead of Protest

Dear Editor,
A few weeks ago, several groups of people banded together to “protest” the death of 4,000 of our soldiers in the war on terror in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world. For several weeks beforehand they watched as the numbers crept up, looking for the death that would signal the symbolic turn to 4,000.
For their protest march, which actually comprised a number of different grievances all gathered for one rally and parade, they placed little crosses in the ground to symbolize each of those lost protecting our freedom.
We support their right to gather, their right to discuss and their right to disagree; after all, it is our sons and daughters who are fighting in every corner of the globe so that they can have that right. What we find unacceptable is the group’s hijacking of our children’s service and memories to promote their protest, a protest that most of us strongly disagree with. Do they have the permission from each of the families of the fallen to use their child’s name and memory? Do they really believe that those families and those sons and daughters want their sacrifices used for propaganda that cheapens what they have given?
No one grieves more than a mother for a child who has made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, and no one has the right to cheapen or waste that sacrifice by using the deaths of our children for their propaganda. Our children are our blessings, our pride and our joy. We are the Blue Star Mothers, the proud mothers of children who have volunteered to serve our country. We have our shared memories of raising our children, we pray for them daily no matter where they are. We are the ones who wait for phone calls, letters and e-mails, and who rush to locations across the country to welcome them home, whether it is safely into our arms, for healing in a hospital or to lay them gently in the ground.
The men and women who serve are not a tool for protests. They are not a number to be discussed and argued over. They are serving a noble purpose. Those who say they support the troops but disagree with the war should change their tactics. Our children will come home when the job is done. Let’s support them to get the job done. Instead of rallies of protest, why not gather cards and letters of support, simple but necessary supplies that our troops need, food items, etc., and bring them to Blue Star Moms to send overseas. Instead of protesting on a corner, hold a car wash and use the money to purchase needed equipment in a rehab facility. Instead of signs of protest, fly signs reminding people of what you are grateful for that our country offers — that will stop traffic! Look for the similarities, not always the differences, that make us the United States of America.
Fly your flag, celebrate that all of us in America have the freedom to choose, and then, please pray for our children who have chosen to defend the freedom for all of us.

Grand Valley Blue Star Mothers, Colorado Chapter #4
Theresa Bloom,
Wendy Hoffman,
Ricki Gavell,
Karol Feltman,
Julie Dominguez,
Patricia Wheeler,
Anne Marie Boden,
Suzanne Daniels,
Sheila Decocq,
Robin Wade,
Juli Ingram,
Kathy Gosselin


Grand Junction Free Press - Letters to the Editor: "Pray instead of protest"

See also Mothers of Veterans take Exception with War protest

Soldier’s Efforts Bring Fresh Eggs to Troops

"By Army Spc. Aaron Rosencrans
Special to American Forces Press Service


CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq, April 11, 2008 – Through the efforts of a Multinational Division Baghdad soldier, deployed troops can once again enjoy fresh eggs as one of their breakfast options after the nutritious staple was banned from Iraq for a year."

More...DefenseLink News Article: Face of Defense: Soldier’s Efforts Bring Fresh Eggs to Troops:

Major General MacKenzie Interview on the Canadian Military and War on Terror | Mapleleafweb.com

Major General MacKenzie Interview on the Canadian Military and War on Terror Mapleleafweb.com

On the size of the Canadian Armed Forces:
Well, when you’re talking about a military – an Army in particular, which I’m more familiar with – that you can march into the Maple Leaf Gardens and tell it to sit down and there are still 3,000 empty seats. You’re talking about an infantry that is 2,000 smaller than the Toronto Police Services. You’re talking about a minuscule military that requires vision as to how it’s going to be deployed.

This is just a small sampling of what General Mackenzie shared. Make sure to head over and read the full interview.

Major General MacKenzie Interview on the Canadian Military and War on Terror | Mapleleafweb.com

Major General MacKenzie Interview on the Canadian Military and War on Terror Mapleleafweb.com

On the size of the Canadian Armed Forces:
Well, when you’re talking about a military – an Army in particular, which I’m more familiar with – that you can march into the Maple Leaf Gardens and tell it to sit down and there are still 3,000 empty seats. You’re talking about an infantry that is 2,000 smaller than the Toronto Police Services. You’re talking about a minuscule military that requires vision as to how it’s going to be deployed.

This is just a small sampling of what General Mackenzie shared. Make sure to head over and read the full interview.

A show of respect (Montrose, CO)

News : A show of respect (Montrose, CO): "MONTROSE —Military men and women stood proudly at the Montrose Regional Airport Tuesday, knuckles white as they held the American flag. As fellow soldiers walked through the terminal, they cheered and gave thanks, providing them with the welcome many past war service members never received.MONTROSE —Military men and women stood proudly at the Montrose Regional Airport Tuesday, knuckles white as they held the American flag. As fellow soldiers walked through the terminal, they cheered and gave thanks, providing them with the welcome many past war service members never received."

Member of the Blue Star Mothers Anna Boden said she’ll never forget. Her
son joined the military at 20 years old; he was welcomed home just weeks
ago.“It’s my honor to be here for them. It’s the least I can do for what they’ve
seen, been through and will go through,” she said. “There are things they’ll
live with the rest of their life, branded with nightmares. That’s why we should
support them. Whether I agree with President Bush or not, it doesn’t
matter.”

"Service groups from all over the Western Slope including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Blue Star Mothers and the Patriot Guard Riders, came to show their respect Tuesday as the soldiers departed their plane. People cheered and waved American flags; they hugged, thanked and cried."

It looks like trouble...

Right Here in River City!

Hmmmmm....


At the End of the Desert...: Anti-war Protestors take to Grand Junction streets and park

BY CRYSTAL COSTASunday night, about one hundred anti-war protestors marched in Grand Junction. They left Lincoln Park at about 4:00.They made their way to protest in front of the Capco Incorporated Building. That's the company who the protestors say, locally manufactures equipment and supplies being used in the Iraq War. They say they want to shine a light on companies that are "making money while blood flows in Iraq."Before the protestors left to march, they spent the afternoon at Lincoln Park. Over 100 people were there to listen to Iraq War Veterans speak. They say they wanted their message heard loud and clear, demanding an end to the war.KJCT8.com - Grand Junction, Montrose - Weather, News, Sports Anti-war Protestors take to Grand Junction streets and park: