Friday, September 30, 2011

Canada Goose wears RED: It's Friday!


Support The Troops!

Libya: Up to 20,000 anti-aircraft missiles stolen

What could possibly go wrong?

From JihadWatch:

The Great Libyan Jihadist Garage Sale continues. Of all things, a Human Rights Watch official below is reportedly miffed at Obama's decision not to put ground troops into Libya, blaming it for allowing this situation to materialize. "Free for all: Up to 20,000 anti-aircraft missiles stolen in Libya," by Neal Munro for the Daily Caller, September 27:

A survey of weapon depots in Libya shows that up to 20,000 shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles are now missing, partly because President Barack Obama has refused to send troops to guard the weapons depots, according to a left-of-center advocate.
“We were quite disappointed after talking to administration officials … that nothing more was done, even about the [storage] facilities in Tripoli, which are unsecured now,” said Peter Bouckaert, director of emergencies at left-of-centre group Human Rights Watch.
‘“The major impediment [to action] is that the administration doesn’t want ‘boots on the ground,’” he said.

“If these weapons get into the wrong hands, any civilian aircraft operating in the region will be threatened,” said Bouckaert, who has just returned from a visit to Libya. The missing missiles are Russian-made SA-7s and SA-16s: Shoulder-launched missiles that can home into the hot exhaust trails from civilian and military jets. The SA-16 is only five feet long and weighs just 24 pounds....



And the article ends with this:


The missing missiles and other weaponry has gotten relatively little publicity, despite the danger posed to the U.S. and European and African countries. In October 2004, in contrast, the New York Times ignited a political scandal just days before the 2004 presidential election by publishing a front-page report claiming that a few hundred tons of explosives had been stolen by gunmen from the Iraq’s al Qa’qaa storage facility.
“I was in Iraq in 2003 and the amount of weaponry floating around in Libya is much greater than the anything we saw in Iraq,“ said Bouckaert.


Go read the rest here. Pay attention!

Al Qaeda to Iran: Quit with the 9/11 conspiracy theories already!

From Homeland Security NewsWire:

Al Qaeda to Iranian president: enough with the 9/11 conspiracy theories


September 29, 2011.

Al Qaeda, in the latest edition of their online propaganda magazine Inspire, called on Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to stop spreading conspiracy theories about the 9/11 attacks; the terrorist group called Ahmadinejad’s remarks about 9/11 "ridiculous"; last week in his address to the UN general assembly, Ahmadinejad said the "mysterious September 11 incident" had been used as a pretext to attack Afghanistan and Iraq; he added, "By using their imperialistic media network which is under the influence of colonialism, they threaten anyone who questions the Holocaust and the September 11 event with sanctions and military actions"; in response, al Qaeda wrote, "The Iranian government has professed on the tongue of its president Ahmadinejad that it does not believe that al-Qaida was behind 9/11 but rather, the US government"; "So we may ask the question: why would Iran ascribe to such a ridiculous belief that stands in the face of all logic and evidence?" the group asked...


My long time readers knows what MY response is to this one.

(source)

RAF and USMC work the skies over Afghanistan together

27 September 2011

In the south and south west of Afghanistan, a team from the RAF is working with the US Marine Corps (USMC) on the daunting task of co-ordinating the use of some of the world’s busiest airspace.

Members of the RAF’s Aerospace Battle Management Team and the USMC Air Wing are colocated in a dusty, quiet and benign corner of sprawling Camp Leatherneck, a home from home for the US Marines serving in Helmand province.

UKUSA









Aerospace Battle Managers Corporal Bobby Howard, US Marine Corps, and Corporal Paddy Bonner, Royal Air Force, working together at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, southern Afghanistan. Picture: Sergeant Ross Tilly RAF, Crown Copyright/MOD 2011

The detachment is parented by the RAF’s 903 Expeditionary Air Wing, only a short drive into adjoining Camp Bastion; however, all of the UK’s Air Surveillance and Control System (ASACS) personnel live, work and socialise with their US Marine colleagues at Leatherneck, further enhancing their operational experience.


Men and women of the joint RAF and US Marine Corps Aerospace Battle Management Group at Camp Leatherneck [Picture: Sergeant Ross Tilly RAF, Crown Copyright/MOD 2011]



Read the rest here.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Texas border violence worsening

No! Really??????!!!~ Well, no surprise to many of us, but read on:

Report finds Texas border violence worsening

Published 29 September 2011

A recently released report concludes that violence from the Mexican government's war against the drug cartels is increasingly spreading into the United States; the report found that as the Mexican military cracks down further on drug cartels, these organizations have pushed further north into Texas to create a "sanitary zone".

Mexican violence frequently spills over into U.S. border states // Source: julienews.it


A recently released report concludes that violence from the Mexican government’s war against the drug cartels is increasingly spreading into the United States.

The U.S. border is increasingly insecure and farmers and ranchers are intimidated. Hundreds of people have been murdered on our side of the border,” said retired General Barry McCaffrey, one of the report’s co-authors.

The report, titled “Texas Border Security: A Strategic Military Assessment” and co-authored by retired General Robert Scales, found that as the Mexican military cracks down further on drug cartels, these organizations have pushed further north into Texas to create a “sanitary zone.”...


Yes, there is more here.

Norway: Three Muslims charged in plot

From JihadWatch:


Norway: Three Muslims charged in plot against Motoons paper; they had "acquired bomb components and tried to buy a gun"

A society that accepts death as retribution for cartoons is morally, intellectually and ultimately materially impoverished. That is what is at stake in upholding freedom of speech against violent intimidation. An update on this story. "Norway charges three in terror plot over cartoons," from BBC News, September 27:

Prosecutors in Norway have charged three men with conspiracy to commit terrorism in connection with the 2005 Prophet Muhammad cartoon controversy.
The three are accused of planning to attack Danish cartoonist Kurt Westergaard and the newspaper Jyllands-Posten, which published his cartoons.
The men - of Iraqi Kurdish, Chinese Uighur and Uzbek origin - were arrested in Norway and Germany in 2010....



You just KNOW there is more here.

Pay attention!

Stand Downs for Homeless Veterans

That we have even ONE Veteran in our countries that is homeless is a disgrace.

Here's a release from the National Resource Directory, a rundown of some stand downs around the US for what's left of 2011:

Stand Downs Connect Homeless Veterans with Valuable Services. For some homeless Veterans, a Stand Down means a hot meal and a haircut.

For others, it’s a day that turns their life around. In times of war, a Stand Down means a break from the battles. For some Veterans who fought those battles and came home to fight other conflicts in their private lives, struggles that left them lost and homeless, a Stand Down can be a chance to embark on the road back to their lives. There is a Stand Down almost every week somewhere in America.



October 1, 2011

1

Latham, NY

Donna K. Vaughn

518-626-5150

October 1-2, 2011

2

Libby, MT

John Davis

509-462-2500 ext. 4001

October 7, 2011

1

Bellevue, KY

Sally Hammitt

513-861-3100 ext. 3969

October 7, 2011

1

Billings, MT

Anthony Snell

406-447-6045

October 7, 2011

1

Biloxi, MS

Susan Guillory

228-523-5998

October 11, 2011

1

Charlotte, NC

Joe Rapley

704-900-9337

October 11-13, 2011

3

Dixon, CA

Lori Bowley

925-372-2048

October 12, 2011

1

Fargo, ND

Diana Hall

701-200-1057

October 12-13, 2011

2

Detroit, MI

Linda Jones

313-576-3870

October 13, 2011

1

Mobile, AL

Susan Guillory

228-523-5998

October 13, 2011

1

Colorado Springs, CO

Jack Freeman

719-667-5588

October 13-15, 2011

3

Chico, CA

Lori Bowley

925-372-2048

October 15, 2011

1

Newark, NJ

Victor Carlson

973-676-1000

October 15, 2011

1

Troutdale, OR

Don Weber

503-957-6866

October 18, 2011

1

Farmington, MO

Kristina Bowlby

573-778-4724

October 19, 2011

1

Cape Girardeau, MO

Kristina Bowlby

573-778-4724

October 20, 2011

1

La Crosse, WI

Cindi Groskreutz

608-372-7768

October 20, 2011

1

Sikeston, MO

Kristina Bowlby

573-778-4724

October 20-23, 2011

4

Anderson, CA

Lori Bowley

925-372-2048

October 21, 2011

1

Ft. Walton Beach, FL

Susan Guillory

228-523-5998

October 21, 2011

1

Fayetteville, AR

Brian McAnally

479-444-4004

October 21, 2011

1

Dallas, TX

Tammy Wood

214-467-1863

October 21, 2011

1

Grand Junction, CO

Lisa Strauss

970-263-2824

October 21, 2011

1

Austin, TX

Paula Wood

254-743-1261

October 21, 2011

1

Dayton, OH

Kristina Walker

937-268-6511 ext. 2481

October 21-23, 2011

3

Fruitland, MD

Craig Cook

410-605-7264

October 21-23, 2011

3

Huntsville, AL

Willie Fields

205-933-8101 ext. 6751

October 22, 2011

1

Titusville, FL

Heather Gallager

321-397-6614

October 22, 2011

1

Lubbock, TX

Ginny Sartini

806-355-9703 ext. 7522

October 25, 2011

1

Poplar Bluff, MO

Kristina Bowlby

573-778-4724

October 26, 2011

1

West Plains, MO

Kristina Bowlby

573-778-4724

October 27, 2011

1

Paragould, AR

Kristina Bowlby

573-778-4724

October 28, 2011

1

St. Cloud, MN

Carolyn Ramirez

320-252-1670 ext. 7190

October 29, 2011

1

Augsta, ME

Greg Skillman

207-623-8411 ext. 502

October 28, 2011

1

Pensacola, FL

Susan Guillory

228-523-5998

October 29, 2011

1

Charlotte County, FL

Carrie Meo-Omens

727-398-6661 ext. 4711

*October 2011

1

Louisville, KY

Todd Dedas

502-287-4176

*October 2011

1

Grand Forks, ND

Diana Hall

701-200-1057

*October 2011

1

Rapid City, SD

Linda Chlecq

605-347-7000 ext. 97379

October/November 2011

1

Augusta, ME

Susan Whittington

207-623-8411 ext. 4344

November 4, 2011

1

Columbia, SC

Rebecca H. Barnette

803-776-4000 ext. 7695

November 5, 2011

1

Manatee County, FL

Carrie Meo-Omens

727-398-6661 ext. 4711

November 9, 2011

1

Salem, VA

Debra Swain Elliotte

540-982-2463 ext. 2520

November 10, 2001

1

San Antonio, TX

Jerry Rangel

210-616-9915

November 10, 2011

1

San Francisco, CA

Michael Martin

415-281-5133

November 10, 2011

1

Reidsville, NC

Bob Williamson

919-286-0411 ext. 6045

November 10, 2011

1

Fort Collins, CO

Vanessa Stapert

307-778-7352

November 16, 2011

1

Fort Worth, TX

Linda Saucedo

214-927-4501

November 17, 2011

1

Shreveport, LA

Margaret Griffing

318-990-4402

November 19, 2011

1

Amarillo, TX

Ginny Sartini

806-355-9703 ext. 7522

*November 2011

1

Chicago, IL

William Baxter

708-202-4961

*November 2011

1

Missoula, MT

Anthony Snell

406-447-6045

Fall 2011

1

Pinellas County, FL

Carrie Meo-Omens

727-398-6661 ext. 4711

Janurary 2012

1

Waco, TX

Paula Wood

254-743-1261

TBD

1

Cocoa, FL

Heather Gallager

321-397-6614

TBD

1

Denver, CO

Nicole Vaccavo

303-399-8020 ext. 3151

TBD

1

Omaha, NE

Linda Twomey

402-599-2193

TBD

1

Lincoln, NE

Linda Twomey

402-599-2193

TBD

1

Grand Island, ND

Linda Twomey

402-599-2193

TBD

1

Collier County, FL

Carrie Meo-Omens

727-398-6661 ext. 4711

TBD

1

Native American Tribal Land

Diana Hall

701-200-1057

TBD

1

Lee County, FL

Carrie Meo-Omens

727-398-6661 ext. 4711

* Indicates event planned for that month, exact date not determined. TBD stand down planned, date not yet determined. For additional information on Stand Down dates and locations, please contact the Homeless Veterans Programs Office at (202) 461-1857.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

PSA: Changes to the GI Bill - some effective October 1 2011

Upcoming Changes to The Post-9/11 GI-Bill

The Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Improvements Act of 2010 was recently signed into law. This page lists changes to the GI Bill made by this law.

Effective August 1, 2009, but not payable until October 1, 2011

  • Expands the Post-9/11 GI Bill to include Active Service performed by National Guard members under title 32 U.S.C. for the purpose of organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or training the National Guard; or under section 502(f) for the purpose of responding to a national emergency.

Effective March 5, 2011

  • Limits active duty members to the net cost for tuition and fees prorated based on the eligibility tiers (40%-100%) previously established for Veterans.
    • Same limitations apply to transferee spouses of active duty servicemembers

Effective August 1, 2011

  • For Veterans and their transferees - simplifies the tuition and fee rates for those attending a public school and creates a national maximum for those enrolled in a private or foreign school
    • Pays all public school in-state tuition and fees;
    • Private and foreign school costs are capped at $17,500 annually;
    • The Yellow Ribbon Program still exists for out-of-state fees and costs above the cap.
  • For Active Duty Members and their transferees - creates a national rate for those active duty members enrolled in a private or foreign school pursuing a degree
    • Pays all public school in-state tuition and fees;
    • Private and foreign school costs are capped at $17,500 per academic year (an academic year begins August 1)
  • Allows VA to pay MGIB (chapter 30) and MGIB-SR (chapter 1606) ‘kickers’, or college fund payments, on a monthly basis instead of a lump sum at the beginning of the term
  • Prorates housing allowance by the student’s rate of pursuit (rounded to the nearest tenth)
    • A student training at a rate of pursuit of 75% would receive 80% of the BAH rate
  • Break or interval pay is no longer payable under any VA education benefit program unless under an Executive Order of the President or due to an emergency, such as a natural disaster or strike.
    • This means that when your semester ends (e.g. December 15th), your housing allowance is paid for the first 15 days of December only and begins again when your next semester begins (e.g. January 10th) and is paid for the remaining days of January.
    • Students using other VA education programs are included in this change. Monthly benefits will be pro-rated in the same manner.
    • Entitlement that previously would have been used for break pay will be available for use during a future enrollment.
  • Allows reimbursement for more than one “license or certification” test (previously only one test was allowed).
    • However, entitlement is now charged
  • Allows reimbursement of fees paid to take national exams used for admission to an institution of higher learning (e.g., SAT, ACT, GMAT, LSAT)
  • Allows those who are eligible for both Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (chapter 31) benefits and Post-9/11 GI Bill (chapter 33) benefits to choose the Post-9/11 GI Bill’s monthly housing allowance instead of the chapter 31 subsistence allowance.
  • NOAA and PHS personnel are now eligible to transfer their entitlement to eligible dependents

Effective October 1, 2011

  • Allows students to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill for -
    • Non-college degree (NCD) programs: Non-college degree (NCD) programs offered at non-degree granting schools: Pays the actual net costs for in-state tuition and fees or $17,500, whichever is less. Also pays up to $83 per month for books and supplies.
    • On-the-job and apprenticeship training: Pays a monthly benefit amount prorated based on time in program and up to $83 per month for books and supplies.
    • Flight programs: Per academic year, pays the actual net costs for in-state tuition and fees assessed by the school or $10,000, whichever is less.
    • Correspondence training: Per academic year, pays the actual net costs for in-state tuition and fees assessed by the school or $8,500, whichever is less.
  • Housing allowance is now payable to students (other than those on active duty) enrolled solely in distance learning. The housing allowance payable is equal to ½ the national average BAH for an E-5 with dependents.
    • The full-time rate for an individual eligible at the 100% eligibility tier would be $673.50 for 2011.
  • Allows students on active duty to receive a books and supplies stipend.

For changes that affect schools click here.

More information is forthcoming, please check back or view our Frequently Asked Questions for more information. You can subscribe for updates to the Frequently Asked Questions and will receive an email when changes are posted. Click here to view our FAQ on these changes.


Source.

NASA: Asteroid Caught Marching Across Tadpole Nebula






















Brooke Toner: Life After the Knock on the Door

By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 24, 2011 – Brooke Toner was 28 years old the day she heard the knock on her door.




Brooke Toner, wife of Navy Lt. j.g. Francis L. Toner IV, addresses audience members after being presented the Silver Star in honor of her husband at the at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C., Sept. 23, 2011. DOD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley


That knock brought the news every military spouse dreads: for Brooke, it meant her husband of less than three years was never coming home.

“It was the worst day of my life,” she told the capacity crowd gathered at the Navy Memorial here yesterday for the award ceremony honoring her husband, Navy Lt. j.g. Francis L. Toner IV.

Toner died in Afghanistan while defending fellow service members from an enemy who had infiltrated the Afghan National Army. The Americans were unarmed and on a physical training run when the gunman started shooting. Toner accosted the man and bought time for another service member to seek help.

After Brooke accepted her husband’s posthumous Silver Star from Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, she told American Forces Press Service how she felt about the event, and how her life has changed since that knock on the door in 2009.

Surrounded by hundreds of friends, family, and ‘Frankie’ Toner’s fellow sailors, she said, “I’m just so proud of my husband. It’s as simple as that. I’m just proud that he’s a man who lived the way he did, who loved

That knock brought the news every military spouse dreads: for Brooke, it meant her husband of less than three years was never coming home.

“It was the worst day of my life,” she told the capacity crowd gathered at the Navy Memorial here yesterday for the award ceremony honoring her husband, Navy Lt. j.g. Francis L. Toner IV.

Toner died in Afghanistan while defending fellow service members from an enemy who had infiltrated the Afghan National Army. The Americans were unarmed and on a physical training run when the gunman started shooting. Toner accosted the man and bought time for another service member to seek help.

After Brooke accepted her husband’s posthumous Silver Star from Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, she told American Forces Press Service how she felt about the event, and how her life has changed since that knock on the door in 2009.

Surrounded by hundreds of friends, family, and ‘Frankie’ Toner’s fellow sailors, she said, “I’m just so proud of my husband. It’s as simple as that. I’m just proud that he’s a man who lived the way he did, who loved

That knock brought the news every military spouse dreads: for Brooke, it meant her husband of less than three years was never coming home.

“It was the worst day of my life,” she told the capacity crowd gathered at the Navy Memorial here yesterday for the award ceremony honoring her husband, Navy Lt. j.g. Francis L. Toner IV.

Toner died in Afghanistan while defending fellow service members from an enemy who had infiltrated the Afghan National Army. The Americans were unarmed and on a physical training run when the gunman started shooting. Toner accosted the man and bought time for another service member to seek help.

After Brooke accepted her husband’s posthumous Silver Star from Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, she told American Forces Press Service how she felt about the event, and how her life has changed since that knock on the door in 2009.

Surrounded by hundreds of friends, family, and ‘Frankie’ Toner’s fellow sailors, she said, “I’m just so proud of my husband. It’s as simple as that. I’m just proud that he’s a man who lived the way he did, who loved

That knock brought the news every military spouse dreads: for Brooke, it meant her husband of less than three years was never coming home.

“It was the worst day of my life,” she told the capacity crowd gathered at the Navy Memorial here yesterday for the award ceremony honoring her husband, Navy Lt. j.g. Francis L. Toner IV.

Toner died in Afghanistan while defending fellow service members from an enemy who had infiltrated the Afghan National Army. The Americans were unarmed and on a physical training run when the gunman started shooting. Toner accosted the man and bought time for another service member to seek help.

After Brooke accepted her husband’s posthumous Silver Star from Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, she told American Forces Press Service how she felt about the event, and how her life has changed since that knock on the door in 2009.

Surrounded by hundreds of friends, family, and ‘Frankie’ Toner’s fellow sailors, she said, “I’m just so proud of my husband. It’s as simple as that. I’m just proud that he’s a man who lived the way he did, who loved

That knock brought the news every military spouse dreads: for Brooke, it meant her husband of less than three years was never coming home.

“It was the worst day of my life,” she told the capacity crowd gathered at the Navy Memorial here yesterday for the award ceremony honoring her husband, Navy Lt. j.g. Francis L. Toner IV.

Toner died in Afghanistan while defending fellow service members from an enemy who had infiltrated the Afghan National Army. The Americans were unarmed and on a physical training run when the gunman started shooting. Toner accosted the man and bought time for another service member to seek help.

After Brooke accepted her husband’s posthumous Silver Star from Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, she told American Forces Press Service how she felt about the event, and how her life has changed since that knock on the door in 2009.

Surrounded by hundreds of friends, family, and ‘Frankie’ Toner’s fellow sailors, she said, “I’m just so proud of my husband. It’s as simple as that. I’m just proud that he’s a man who lived the way he did, who loved

That knock brought the news every military spouse dreads: for Brooke, it meant her husband of less than three years was never coming home.

“It was the worst day of my life,” she told the capacity crowd gathered at the Navy Memorial here yesterday for the award ceremony honoring her husband, Navy Lt. j.g. Francis L. Toner IV.

Toner died in Afghanistan while defending fellow service members from an enemy who had infiltrated the Afghan National Army. The Americans were unarmed and on a physical training run when the gunman started shooting. Toner accosted the man and bought time for another service member to seek help.

After Brooke accepted her husband’s posthumous Silver Star from Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, she told American Forces Press Service how she felt about the event, and how her life has changed since that knock on the door in 2009.

Surrounded by hundreds of friends, family, and ‘Frankie’ Toner’s fellow sailors, she said, “I’m just so proud of my husband. It’s as simple as that. I’m just proud that he’s a man who lived the way he did, who loved me the way that he did, just who he was as a person.”

Toner was a great friend, brother, support system to others and a Navy officer, she said.

“He was just so incredible,” she added.

Their first date was six years to the day before he was killed March 27, 2009, she said.

“I knew him for seven months before that; we started dating in 2003, and we were married in 2006,” she said. “We were married for two years, seven months, eight days.”..


Go read more about this incredible woman here.

Wednesday Hero

Thanks to Greta Perry 

Second Lt. Perla Kimes

Second Lt. Perla Kimes
U.S. Army

Second Lt. Perla Kimes has her bars of gold pinned on during a commissioning ceremony this summer at the Leader Development and Assessment Course on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.


Photo Courtesy U.S. Army

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.
Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.
Wednesday Hero Logo

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

IDF to soldiers: Don't give the enemy information

This may be from Israel, but the principles - rules - apply across all international boundaries, and to ALL militarys:


From Israel National News:

Video: Soldiers, Don't Give the Enemy Information

The IDF’s information security department releases a new video which provides guidelines for safe behavior online.


9/27/2011 By Elad Benari & Yoni Kempinski



The IDF’s information security department has released a new training video to soldiers which provides guidelines for safe behavior online so as not to reveal military information to the enemy.


The video is part of a campaign the IDF has been conducting in the Israeli media to warn soldiers of the dangers of not being careful when surfing the internet.

The IDF is concerned that Israel’s enemies are using the internet to gather information about Israel and its military.


Intelligence sources have noted that Hizbullah terrorists are becoming increasingly computer savvy, using Facebook to learn more about IDF soldiers, potential targets for kidnappings.


The IDF is also concerned that soldiers may unwittingly give the enemy information through social networking sites or even arrange to meet an internet companion who is in fact a terrorist. The army recently published strict guidelines regarding the use by IDF officers and soldiers of social networks such as Facebook....


There is more, plus the video (which is less than one minute long, but I can't seem to download) here.

Fact: In these dangerous days of instant information on the internet, OPSEC/PERSEC is as important as ever for the safety of our troops.

Loose lips do, indeed, sink ships.

AAR added - Mr Cheney: Welcome to Canada - Protests promised

AAR again from the CBC:

Dick Cheney's Vancouver visit sparks protest

Vancouver protesters call Cheney a 'war criminal'

Last Updated: Sep 27, 2011 3:13 AM PT

Protesters clashed with police Monday night outside a private club in downtown Vancouver where former U.S. vice-president Dick Cheney was promoting his new book.

As a crowd of about 150 chanted, "Shame. Shame on you" at guests entering the Vancouver Club, a line of police pushed back protesters who tried to surge against the club's front door.

Some police officers later donned riot gear, including body armour, masked helmets and Plexiglas shields, but by that time, guests had already entered the venue....


Read the rest here, if you must, and look at the pics.





Earlier story from the CBC:

Dick Cheney talk to spur Vancouver protest

Posted: Sep 26, 2011


Protesters are vowing to gather outside a private club in downtown Vancouver this evening when former U.S. vice president Dick Cheney arrives to promote his new book.

Cheney is slated to speak at the sold-out $500 per seat event as part of a promotion of his book In My Time: A Personal and Political Memoir.

The protest organizers with Stopwar.ca are demanding Canada arrest Cheney for war crimes because of his controversial support for the use of waterboarding, sleep deprivation and other methods to interrogate prisoners in the U.S.'s war against terrorism.

But Leah Costello, who heads up the Bon Mot Book Club that's organized the event, said it's disappointing anybody would want to prevent Cheney from speaking.

Vancouver protesters are vowing to gather outside a private club in Vancouver Monday night where former U.S. vice president Dick Cheney is slated to speak about his memoir: In My Time: A Personal and Political Memoir, which covers his 40-year career in American politics.

Vancouver protesters are vowing to gather outside a private club in Vancouver Monday night where former U.S. vice president Dick Cheney is slated to speak about his memoir: In My Time: A Personal and Political Memoir, which covers his 40-year career in American politics.
Simon & Schuster


"What is important is that he is able to speak and free to speak and people are free to hear him," said Costello.

"The most important thing in our club is that we're not endorsing or not endorsing the speakers we bring in. We bring them in for the point of debate and discussion," she said....


[...]"What is important is that he is able to speak and free to speak and people are free to hear him,..."[...]


Silly woman! Doesn't she know that these people only want to allow free speech for themselves? Sheeeeeeesh! Read the rest of this nonsense here.

WELCOME TO Canada, Mr Cheney!

Detecting IED's from a distance

From Homeland Security News Wire

Researchers develop IED detecting laser

Published 26 September 2011

Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) have proven to be the deadliest threat to allied troops fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq, but researchers have developed a laser beam that could help neutralize these dangerous weapons


A team from Michigan State University has createda laser beam that can “sense” where bombs are by making molecules vibrate. The researchers say that each molecule vibrates with a unique frequency, so when the laser hits an IED it could determine if it is an explosive based on its frequency.

Dr. Marcos Dantus, the lead developer of the laser detector, explained that detecting IEDs has proven to be particularly challenging due to the chemical compounds present in the environment that mask the bomb’s molecular makeup.

Having molecular structure sensitivity is critical for identifying explosives and avoiding unnecessary evacuation of buildings and closing roads due to false alarms,” he said.

With the laser, troops can use it to analyze the chemical composition of an object from a safe distance. The beam combines short pulses that “kick” the molecules to make them vibrate with longer pulses...


A very interesting article.


Go read the rest of it here.

Libya update from the British Forces













Royal Navy's 'eye in the sky' home from Libya mission

A Military Operations news article

26 Sep 11

Royal Navy personnel, who by using Sea King Airborne Surveillance and Control helicopters helped Army Air Corps (AAC) Apache helicopter launch strikes against Gaddafi's forces in Libya, have returned home from operations.

A Sea King from 857 NAS on the deck of HMS Ocean

A Sea King from 857 Naval Air Squadron on the deck of HMS Ocean during Op ELLAMY
[Picture: Leading Airman (Photographer) Guy Pool, Crown Copyright/MOD 2011]



Nearly 50 members of 857 Naval Air Squadron touched down at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose in Cornwall on Friday, 23 September 2011, after four months away, flying over Libya in support of NATO operations enforcing United Nation Security Council Resolution 1973.

Using two Mark 7 Sea King Airborne Surveillance and Control helicopters, crews flew almost 100 operational sorties over Libya - all at night and usually lasting around three hours. In one month alone, the helicopters were airborne for nearly 150 hours.

The squadron only returned from Afghanistan in December 2010, where it proved its utility in large drugs busts and surveillance missions.... (more here)



And from the RAF:


RAF Typhoons return from Libya operations

A Military Operations news article

26 Sep 11

After six months and one day supporting the UK mission over Libya as part of Operation ELLAMY, RAF Typhoons have left Gioia del Colle in Italy and returned to the UK.

Royal Air Force FGR4 Typhoons

The last four Royal Air Force FGR4 Typhoons left the Italian '36 Stormo' air base at Gioia del Colle in Southern Italy after completing a successful deployment
[Picture: Cpl Pete Devine, Crown Copyright/MOD 2011]



The return of the aircraft is part of the strategy to optimise the air contribution to the current and future campaign which the RAF continues to fully support with 16 Tornado GR4s.

Typhoon missions over Libya have taken place 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week, in all weathers, since the operation began in March 2011 and the Typhoon Squadrons have clocked up over 3,000 flying hours.

Officer Commanding 906 Expeditionary Air Wing, Group Captain Squires, commented on the Typhoon's vital contribution to the operation:

"The Typhoon's contribution to enforcing the UN Resolution to protect the Libyan civilians has been immense....(more here)


Both stories from the MoD, of course.

Well done, lads! Thank you.

Monday, September 26, 2011

A Tribute to the Heroes of 9/11: GM's First responder Truck

From GM:

September 12, 2011



Part 2 of GM's Tribute to the Heroes of 9/11 on YouTube is here. Go watch!


A Tribute to the Heroes of 9/11

The date 9/11 is seared forever in the memory of most Americans. On that date in 2001, hijacked airliners crashed into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and a field in Shanksville, Pa., killing nearly 3,000 people. In the midst of that tragedy, many heroes emerged. Perhaps the most courageous were the first responders – fire, police and EMS technicians – who raced to the scenes to try to rescue as many people as possible.

As we approached the 10th anniversary of 9/11, GM commissioned the next vehicle in a series honoring American heroes. World-renowned airbrush artist Mickey Harris and a crew of specialists took on the task of commemorating those first responders who gave their lives while trying to save others.

Maurice Rogers, Greg Fodness and Mickey Harris (l-to-r) alongside the First Responder Tribute Chevrolet Silverado at Ground Zero in New York


The First Responder Chevrolet is the result of more than four months of work by Mickey and his support team. They created a vehicle that tells the story of what happened that day and pays tribute to the brave men and women who paid the ultimate price for their dedication to duty...



Go read the rest at GM here.

(H/T Diane)

Moments of Silence 25 September 2011

Moments of Silence #MoS to #HonorTheFallen 25 Sep 2011 1PM-1:18 ET


At War on Terror News here.

Always remembered. Always honoured.

Michael Yon IS an Amoral Parasite: The meltdown continues

The Michael Yon meltdown continues. Back in 2009 I wrote a column called Amoral Parasites, recording the leeches over at ASSociated Press who insisted on photographing the heroism of a Marine Corporal, and capturing his dying moments on the battlefields, which they then insisted on sharing with the whole world. This despite pleas from his family NOT to, and despite top government officials making personal pleas to the publisher not to share their absolute disrespect with the voyeuristic public. You can read that column here. Please, GO READ IT!

In that column I give the OED definition of Amoral Parasite:

OED definition of amoral:

having no moral sense; unconcerned with right or wrong


OED definition of
parasite:

an organism which lives in or on another organism and benefits at the other’s expense. 2
derogatory a person who lives off or exploits others.


Yon fits that definition precisely, as he has long followed the tradition of unethical behaviour of the msm as he wraps himself in his self-proclaimed "I support the troops - hit the PayPal."

He apparently makes a hell of a good living off the backs of our troops, albeit unattached to an major msm, but merely as an 'independent/photographer/faux journalist/not a blogger/personal advisor to high ranking US military.'

Back in June 2010 I wrote a short history of war reporting through the ages, calling it Getting the Story Right: A Cautionary Tale.

In that column I talk again about Yon's need to be first and exclusive with his 'reportage,' of in the sandbox/in your face breathless prose while demonstrating his less than zero caring for what effects his actions have on the wellbeing of our deployed troops. (But hit that PayPal, pal!)

As today's column by WOTN - posted below - proves - Yon IS an Amoral Parasite who stops at nothing to pad his own bank account, and stroke his own ego on the backs of our troops. As he is pursuing his personal vendetta to negatively impact (I am being restrained here!) an individual decorated deployed soldier's career and wellbeing, he is proving yet again, that HE has no shame, and NO HONOUR!.

In February 2011 I wrote this:

Friday, February 11, 2011

Michael has NO shame. NONE.

Yon is not only a disgrace to the human race, he IS a menace to our troops. On a day when I choose to honour a very special fallen hero, Sgt Patrick Tainsh; on a day when I choose to share the great things our troops do every.single.day, what does Yon do? He posts war porn. To be exact, he posts a LiveLeak video of a soldier as that soldier is wounded. I will NOT watch it, but I gather there is graphic audio and all.

WTF? As my regular readers know, War on Terror News has been researching and publishing a series of columns examining the ethics (or actually the glaring lack of same) and modus operandi of Yon. Scroll down my sidebar and you'll find them here. If you have been reading along, you will have found the FACTS - the truth - about Yon, which still many of his FaceBook fans refuse to recognise. I was not going to write about Yon until WOTN had finished their series. Yes, WOTN has more to come, but today I am so outraged, I could hold off no longer.

In the past, I have written about media "personalities" who have stepped over the line of decency, and printed pictures of Marines dying, and who basically use our troops to boost their own egos(and public accolades.) In Yon's case, he struts - and stomps - on the backs our troops to finance his escapades (foot massages in Thailand, anyone?) All the while, his mindless sycophants send him $, and ' oooh' and 'aaaahh' at his supposed insightfulness (oh yeah, and integrity)as he 'supports the troops.' They slobber all over him in gratitude because he DARES to share what others will not....



Read the rest here.

In the last few days, Yon has decided to share 'what others will not.' Yon took it upon himself to share graphic details of the mortal wounds of a dying soldier; details which NO grieving family needs to read on the internet.; details which Yon has NO right, no business, sharing with the whole world. Based on just this latest incident, he surely qualifies an an Amoral Parasite.

As my regular readers will know, Yon has a loooooong and sordid history of stomping on our troops (and violating OPSEC) whenever he runs low on funds, or needs his delicate ego stroked: 'Pay attention to meeeeeeeee. I am so important.' As always, our troops and veterans call him to task, as did Major Chuck here:


Tuesday, June 29, 2010

To Michael Yon: "Money talks, Bulls*** walks."

To hear Michael Yon tell it, he is the only credible source on the GWOT. To read him, you would think he is the only one who has the ear of General Petraeus et al. HE has 'sources.' MY's fans are constantly reminded that he has 'been there, done that, (donate now),' and that any and all of the 'milkooks' - as he calls them - should be ignored. These 'milkooks' are predominantly actual veterans and career soldiers, but according to MY, they have zero credibility.

Today, one of those 'milkooks' has a message for MY, and it is your must read of today...



Yep, another MUST READ here.

Today, in light of Yon's latest blatant, transparent attempts to destroy a career of another honourable soldier MSGT CJ Grisham - and on the heels of his publishing of war porn details of another fallen hero's grievous wounds (hit the PayPal!) - CJ Grisham gives a valuable perspective, which Yon, and ALL his slathering sycophants would do well to read:

A Little Perspective Is In Order

September 26, 2011

[...]

PTSD is not limited to military personnel. People that survive horrible car crashes can suffer from PTSD. The survivors from the 9/11 terrorist attacks probably suffer from it. Someone that is robbed at gunpoint or raped is prone to it. I have no doubt that there is an element of it present at mortuaries where people are constantly subjected to bodies that suffered grizzly and inhumane deaths or are in various stages of decay. In other words, it’s a common reaction by people to a particular stressor in life and people react to it in different ways.

[...]

I recently read a story where a supposed “writer” was talking about the death of a Soldier. The unit the “writer” is embedded with has suffered many casualties during their deployment, which ends soon. I have friends in that unit that have expressed disgust with how this “writer” has completely disrespected their last two memorial ceremonies by getting in everyone’s faces and taking photos. While people were talking or grieving, he’d walk around taking photos, the audible “click, click, click” of his camera disrupting the services.

In this piece I read, the “writer” explained in dramatic and gory detail exactly how this Soldier had died – lying face down in the dirt, missing his arms and legs. When asked if he was okay, the Soldier responded affirmatively – either recognizing that he was about to die and didn’t want to worry his fellow troops or not realizing the gravity of his situation due to shock.

I took great disgust in this hit piece on the integrity and honor of this Soldier’s sacrifice being laid out in such gory detail for the world to see. But, it’s not the casual reader I care about. What bothers me is that this young Soldier has a family. He has a mother and father that one day will read this account and realize that their son died a painful and horrible death, face down in the dirt! It’s unconscionable that a responsible “writer” with a supposed military background would publish such details....


There is much more here, and it IS a MUST READ as CJ covers a myriad of topics which - in my opinion - clearly, and objectively, demonstrate what a menace Yon is to our troops.

CJ's column also has some timely - and timeless - legal advice for all the Yonbots, who are part of the Yon braying chorus of jackasses who comment/opine on issues and men they have no clue about.

Ignorance may be bliss, but it can also be very costly, in many, many ways.

Go read NOW!

I repeat: Yon should NOT BE ALLOWED ANYWHERE near our troops!