Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Wednesday Hero

Maj. William Edward
Adams
 
Maj. William Edward Adams 31 years old from Kansas City, MO A/227 Assault Helicopter Company, 52nd Aviation Battalion, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division June 16, 1939 - May 25, 1971 
U.S. Army The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Major William Edward Adams, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with A/227 Assault Helicopter Company, 52d Aviation Battalion, 17th Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 25 May 1971. 
 
 
On that date, Major Adams volunteered to fly a lightly armed helicopter in an attempt to evacuate three seriously wounded soldiers from a small fire base which was under attack by a large enemy force. He made the decision with full knowledge that numerous anti-aircraft weapons were positioned around the base and that the clear weather would afford the enemy gunners unobstructed view of all routes into the base. 
 
 
As he approached the base, the enemy gunners opened fire with heavy machineguns, rocket-propelled grenades and small arms. Undaunted by the fusillade, he continued his approach determined to accomplish the mission. Displaying tremendous courage under fire, he calmly directed the attacks of supporting gunships while maintaining absolute control of the helicopter he was flying. He landed the aircraft at the fire base despite the ever-increasing enemy fire and calmly waited until the wounded soldiers were placed on board.
 
 
As his aircraft departed from the fire base, it was struck and seriously damaged by enemy anti-aircraft fire and began descending. Flying with exceptional skill, he immediately regained control of the crippled aircraft and attempted a controlled landing. Despite his valiant efforts, the helicopter exploded, overturned, and plummeted to earth amid the hail of enemy fire. Major Adams' conspicuous gallantry, intrepidity, and humanitarian regard for his fellow man were in keeping with the most cherished traditions of the military service and reflected utmost credit on him and the United States 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.

 
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Monday, July 29, 2013

Alberta Soldiers have to take second jobs to survive



From CBC:


Cold Lake soldiers working second jobs to make ends meet

Cost of living sky-high in oil-and-gas region in northeast Alberta 

Posted: Jul 10, 2013 

 

Junior members of the military at the air base in Cold Lake, Alta., have to take second jobs to make ends meet, says a new report from the military ombudsman.

The cost of living at Cold Lake has soared in recent years, driven by growth in the local oil-and-gas industry. 

The cost of living at Cold Lake has soared in recent years, driven by growth in the local oil-and-gas industry. (CBC)


Pierre Daigle investigated the sky-high cost of living in the resource-rich region of Alberta after complaints from people posted to 4 Wing, a major jet-fighter base.


"I was surprised," Daigle said in an interview Tuesday.


Some families are struggling to pay bills by selling off possessions, and go to great lengths to keep their children in extracurricular activities.


The mostly non-commissioned members aren't trying to get ahead — they need the extra income to survive, said Daigle.


"They are just trying to keep what they have, and what they have built up over their lifetimes," he said....



SO much wrong with this, but no, so not surprised.  Read the rest of this here..

Friday, July 26, 2013

Happy Valley: Forgotten Battle of 'The Forgotten War'

BritishForcesNews


Jul 24, 2013

The Battle of Happy Valley is known as the forgotten battle of the forgotten war.


It saw the Royal Ulster Rifles defending the city of Seoul on the night of the 3rd January 1951 from Chinese attack. It allowed thousands of residents to flee the city before it fell to the Chinese the next day.



One hundred and fifty seven members of the Ulsters were killed that night. In the second of our special reports in the build up to the 60th anniversary on Saturday, we report on a group of veterans who went back to Korea to revisit the battlefield.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Obama, DoJ -v- George Zimmerman: The FACTS


 
I have been following the injustices heaped upon George Zimmerman since the night he encountered the 'child' Trayvon Martin.  As anybody knows who has been paying even a smidgen of attention, a jury recently acquitted George Zimmerman:  found him INNOCENT of the charges leveled against him by a politically motivated prosecution. Much 'ink' has been spent - and airwaves filled - as the MIC and his minions continue to lead the chorus to find Zimmerman guilty of SOMEthing, anything.  The reactions, aided and abetted by the usual race-baiters Sharpton, Jackson et al, based on proven lies, understate the very UNcivil, paid, demonstrations and calls for "Kill Zimmerman" dutifully reported by the msm; all wrapped in the cries of 'what about Trayvon's civil rights?' all the while conveniently ignoring the FACTS, of course.

Bill Whittle put together a video based on the FACTS, which  more than a few people sent to me. Whittle is far more articulate than I could hope to be.   Of course, for all those screaming for 'Justice for  Trayvon' - led by Barack "Trayvon could have been me" Obama, facts are irrelevant if they don't further their own agenda.  However, the facts IS the facts.

Watch:


NYPD to keep 'stop and frisk'

From Homeland Security News Wire:

Bloomberg vetoes bills aiming to curb NYPD’s stop-and-frisk

 24 July 2013

New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg vetoed two bills aiming to limit the NYPD’s stop and frisk policy. The policy has been criticized by civil rights advocates, and has also been highlighted by those opposing Police Commissioner Ray Kelly’s candidacy to replace Janet Napolitano as DHS secretary.


New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg vetoed two bills aiming to limit the NYPD’s stop and frisk policy. The policy has been criticized by civil rights advocates, and has also been highlighted by those opposing Police Commissioner Ray Kelly’s candidacy to replace Janet Napolitano as DHS secretary....


There is more here, but as usual, all is not as it appears. Educate yourselves before you do the usual knee-jerk reaction to the biased msm headlines...

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Wednesday Hero

SSgt. Erich R.
Phillips
SSgt. Erich R. Phillips Company C, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Parachute Infantry Regiment, 
 
 
173d Airborne Brigade Combat Team U.S. Army The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Staff Sergeant Erich R. Phillips, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving as Mortar Platoon Sergeant with Company C, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Parachute Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade Combat Team, in action at Ranch House in Nuristan Province, Afghanistan, on 22 August 2007. 
 
 
Staff Sergeant Phillips' gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD: On 22 August 2007, at 0455L, the Ranch House Outpost at Aranas, Afghanistan, was attacked from all sides by a company-sized insurgent force, simultaneously engaging every post in the perimeter by multiple RPGs and small arms fire. Staff Sergeant Phillips was serving as the Mortar Platoon Sergeant with Company C, 2d Battalion, 503d Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173d Airborne Brigade Combat Team. 
 
 
On that morning he woke up to the sound of intense small arms fire and RPG explosions. When he moved outside of his quarters he came under effective small arms fire and saw Afghan National Army (ANA) and Afghan Security Guard (ASG) forces fleeing from their post, which had swiftly been overrun by the insurgents. Staff Sergeant Phillips expertly positioned five soldiers, Private First Class White, Specialist Baldwin, Specialist Chavez, Sergeant Dirkinitis, and Special Schilling to defend the TOC, Aid Station, Mortar Pit and ASP, and led the way by returning fire on a quickly advancing enemy force from the vicinity of the ANA and ASG post while under intense RPG and small arms fire.
 
 
He moved quickly to the TOC and reported directly to his Platoon Leader, First Lieutenant Ferrara, who told him that there was no communication with Post 3 and Post 4. Staff Sergeant Phillips returned to the mortar firing point to employ the 60-mm. mortars while staying in contact with Post 1, whose element continued to engage the overwhelming enemy assault with hand grenades and direct fire. With the insurgents within 15 meters of his position Staff Sergeant Phillips directed fires and hand grenades to suppress the enemy and protect the Platoon Leader, First Lieutenant Ferrara, who was talking to the company from his Platoon Command Post after the TOC had suffered several direct hits with RPGs rendering the antennas inoperable.
 
 
 Staff Sergeant Phillips' actions were essential in securing First Lieutenant Ferrara's position allowing the platoon leader to control indirect fire and CAS to thwart the enemy attack. When he learned that there were casualties at Post 2, Staff Sergeant Phillips took Sergeant Dirkinitis, the Platoon Medic, and assaulted upwards, 30 meters towards Post 2. Recognizing that Post 2 risked being isolated from the rest of the U.S. element he directed his team to give covering fire as he moved up the hill. As they moved Staff Sergeant Phillips and Sergeant Dirkinitis were pinned down by insurgents firing from the high ground near Post 3 and from behind the Class 1 shed 15 meters away. Soldiers at Post 2 told Staff Sergeant Phillips that there were multiple enemy personnel behind the Class 1 shed which was about 10 meters behind him.
 
 
 While under intense enemy fire he ran to a position from which he could throw multiple hand grenades to deter an enemy advance and continued to fire upon enemy positions. His decision to move toward Post 2 spread out the friendly line and was instrumental in preventing the enemy from overrunning the mortar pit and the Platoon Command Post as well as Post 2. As Staff Sergeant Phillips and Sergeant Dirkinitis continued to fight, Sergeant Dirkinitis was struck in the shoulder by a bullet. Staff Sergeant Phillips pulled him to cover while firing on the enemy. He recognized that he had to move to another position to save the wounded medic. He told Post 2 to provide covering fire while he dragged Sergeant Dirkinitis 15 meters back down the hill to a defilade position so he could be treated. Staff Sergeant Phillips then moved back to the mortar pit and directed Specialist Chavez to treat the casualty. At this point, First Lieutenant Ferrara had called in A-10s to strafe the enemy occupied ASG and ANA posts. As the insurgents' fire became sporadic, Staff Sergeant Phillips assembled a team to clear the Ranch House perimeter and recover Private First Class Deloria who had been isolated at Post 3. He lead the team up the hill and pulled Private First Class Deloria from beneath the rubble of the shattered Post 3. Staff Sergeant Phillips continued to organize the MEDEVAC of the casualties from Post 3 (Private First Class Deloria) and Post 2 (Sergeant Gonzalez, Sergeant Relph, Specialist Bell, and Private First Class Langevin) and moved them down the hill to the LZ to be evacuated. 
 
 
Through his quick thinking and total disregard for his own safety, Staff Sergeant Phillips prevented the Ranch House Outpost from being overrun by an enemy force three times larger and with superior fire power. His quick reaction in employing all available soldiers protected the Platoon CP from being overrun allowing external assets to be employed to defeat the enemy. He quickly assaulted toward Post 2 spreading out the friendly lines and directed lethal blows against the enemy halting their advance 10 meters short of the U.S. line. Absent this assault the enemy would have been able to maneuver in between the U.S. forces, isolating Post 2 from the mortar pit and breaking up the U.S. line of fire. 
 
 
Finally, he assembled an ad hoc force to clear the perimeter and recover the severely wounded Private First Class Deloria, who had been cut off for over 2 hours. His actions at Ranch House yielded invaluable intelligence with the death of MVT Hazrat Omar including enemy video tapes of attack plans, pictures of insurgents, and payroll documents utilized by ACM commanders. During the fierce three-hour battle at the Ranch House eleven U.S. soldiers, half of the U.S. garrison, were wounded. One ANA and one ASG Soldier were killed and one ASG Soldier was wounded. Eight insurgents were killed and a dozen more were wounded. A year later, SSGT. Phillips was awarded the Silver Star. Staff Sergeant Erich R. Phillips, United States Army, was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, in Afghanistan, on 13 July 2008, while serving with Company C, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Parachute Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade Combat Team.
 
 
 Staff Sergeant Phillips' valor and competence under intense fire were instrumental in repelling an overwhelming attack by an enemy force at least four times greater than his own. He saved his fellow paratroopers from an unstable missile and then led a relief force to save a beleaguered outpost. Staff Sergeant Phillips repeatedly risked his own life to save the lives of others.
 
 
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.

 
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Tuesday, July 23, 2013

British Forces worldwide celebrate Prince of Cambridge birth

From the MoD:

Armed Forces celebrate royal birth with gunfire and cheers

 

The Armed Forces are celebrating the birth of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's first child in fine style across the world today.



As is customary with the birth of a British prince, royal salutes will be fired across the capital. In Green Park, members of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery will fire a 41-gun salute from their 13-pounder quick-fire guns, which were all used in action in the First World War. The guns will be pulled into action by teams of 6 horses.


And, over at the Tower of London, the Honourable Artillery Company, an Army Reserves unit, and the oldest in the British Army, will fire 62 rounds over the River Thames to mark the happy occasion.




The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery fire a 41-gun royal salute
The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery fire a 41-gun royal salute in Green Park (library image) [Picture: Sergeant Adrian Harlen, Crown copyright]
 
 
Major Mark Edward, Commanding Officer of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, said:


The opportunity to mark the birth of the child of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge by firing a 41-gun royal salute comes as a huge honour for the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery.


Celebrations are not confined to London however, as all of Her Majesty’s Ships – in home or international waters – are flying the Royal Navy Ensign from their main mast to mark the birth of the prince.


Ensigns were proudly flown by HMS Kent, on operations in the Middle East, and by HMS Lancaster, currently deployed on Atlantic Patrol Task (North) in the Caribbean. The 2 ships’ companies added their own special congratulatory message to the Duke and Duchess by forming up to spell the word ‘BOY’ on the ships’ decks.


Members of HMS Kent's ship's company celebrate the royal birth
Members of HMS Kent's ship's company celebrate the royal birth on deck in the Middle East [Picture: Leading Airman (Photographer) Joel Rouse, Crown copyright]

 

More here.

Sunday, July 21, 2013

1969: 'one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.'

The first footprints on the Moon will be there for a million years. There is no wind to blow them away. (Much more from NASA here)


Portrait of the prime crew of the Apollo 11 lunar landing mission. Left to right are Neil A. Armstrong, commander; Michael Collins, command module pilot; and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr., lunar module pilot. (May 1, 1969)
Picture courtesy of NASA.






The sign the astronauts left on the moon says, "Here men from the planet Earth first set foot upon the moon July 1969, A.D. We came in peace for all mankind." Image Credit: NASA



1969: Man takes first steps on the Moon
American Neil Armstrong has become the first man to walk on the Moon. The astronaut stepped onto the Moon's surface, in the Sea of Tranquility, at 0256 GMT, nearly 20 minutes after first opening the hatch on the Eagle landing craft.
Armstrong had earlier reported the lunar module's safe landing at 2017 GMT with the words: "Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed."
As he put his left foot down first Armstrong declared: "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."
He described the surface as being like powdered charcoal and the landing craft left a crater about a foot deep.
'We came in peace'

Much more from the BBC here.



(source)

The Eagle still flies!

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Wednesday Hero

Sgt. Richard W.
O'Neill
Sgt. Richard W. O'Neill 82 years old from New York, New York Company D, 165th Infantry, 42d 
 
 
Division August 28, 1898 - April 09, 1982 U.S. Army 
 
 
 The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Sergeant Richard William O'Neill, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 30 July 1918, while serving with Company D, 165th Infantry, 42d Division, in action at Ourcq River, France. 
 
 
In advance of an assaulting line, Sergeant O'Neill attacked a detachment of about 25 of the enemy. In the ensuing hand-to-hand encounter he sustained pistol wounds, but heroically continued in the advance, during which he received additional wounds; but, with great physical effort, he remained in active command of his detachment. Being again wounded, he was forced by weakness and loss of blood to be evacuated, but insisted upon being taken first to the battalion commander in order to transmit to him valuable information relative to enemy positions and the disposition of our men.
 
 
 
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.

 
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Tuesday, July 16, 2013

UK blocks Islamic free school

From Homeland Security News Wire:


U.K. blocks flagship Islamic free school over links to terrorism

15 July 2013

 

The U.K. education secretary pulled the plug on the Muslim-inspired Northern Lights primary school in Halifax, Yorkshire, a flagship free school, following a three-month investigation. The government ordered the inquiry after complaints that a local Islamic center had circulated a leaflet suggesting that Muslim parents who failed to support the free school would be condemned. Free schools are state-funded but operate independently of town halls and Northern Lights, which was to be run with a Muslim ethos, was due to open in September.


Source: U.K. blocks flagship Islamic free school following links to terrorism

 

Friday, July 12, 2013

RIP Fusilier Lee Rigby




From MailOnline:


'My daddy, my hero': Two-year-old son of murdered soldier Lee Rigby arrives at funeral service wearing T-shirt tribute to his father 






The son of Fusilier Lee Rigby arrived at his father's funeral today wearing a t-shirt that said: 'My Daddy, My Hero'.


Jack, Rigby two, arrived at the funeral wearing a blue t shirt with 'My Daddy's A Fusilier. Lee Rigby' printed on the front.  


He was joined by hundreds of mourners at the service for the 25-year-old, who was hacked to death outside Woolwich barracks in east London on May 22.



 
Around 1,000 people lined the streets to pay their respects to the soldier brutally killed in broad daylight. 


Members of the public applauded Fusilier Rigby's comrades and forces veterans as they arrived for the funeral service at Bury Parish Church, where comrades had maintained a guard of honour overnight.


Applause also greeted the father's heartbroken loved ones, who joined about 800 mourners inside for the private service just a couple of miles from his home town of Middleton, Greater Manchester.


Members of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers held a two-minute silence to honour the soldier, whose death shocked the nation...

More here.





Lee Rigby: Family say soldier 'has become a hero'

Fusilier Lee Rigby's family have said the soldier "has become a hero" since he was killed in London in May.


The 25-year-old from Middleton, Greater Manchester, was killed as he returned to Woolwich barracks from the Tower of London on 22 May.


His wife Rebecca said: "We have had an awful lot of support from across the world. It has been overwhelming."


Mother Lyn said they had "thousands of cards with kind words" that had "given us the strength to get through".


She said her "fun-loving" son had "fulfilled his dreams" by serving in the Army...


More here.

 

 

Lee Rigby funeral: Drum parade for murdered soldier

The body of Fusilier Lee Rigby has arrived at his regiment's garrison church for an overnight vigil on the eve of his funeral.


The soldier, from the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, was killed in Woolwich, south-east London in May.


Drummers escorted the cortege to Bury Parish Church, with onlookers applauding as it passed.

A service then took place for the family ahead of a full military funeral and private committal on Friday.


The father of one had served in Afghanistan and was a drummer for the regiment....


More here.

 

 Always remembered.  Always honoured.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Wednesday Hero

Lance Cpl. Sean J.
McSweeney
Lance Cpl. Sean J. McSweeney Company G., Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit U.S. Marines Lance Cpl. Sean J. McSweeney, an amphibious assault vehicle crewman with Company G., Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and native of Palmyra, N.J., cleans the barrel of a .50 caliber machine gun inside an AAV here, June 29.
 
 The Marines and Sailors of the 31st MEU are constantly engaged in training, education and gear maintenance while embarked aboard the ship, taking advantage of their time at sea. The 31st MEU is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU and is the Marine Corps’ force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region. 
 
 
Photo courtesy U.S. Marine Corps taken by Sgt. Jonathan Wrigh 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.

 
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Monday, July 8, 2013

Video: Real life in Israel

Voices from the Home Front: How Israelis Live Under Fire: 

idfnadesk

Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip have fired more than 12,000 rockets into Israel in the past 12 years. Listen to a few of the Israelis who have been living with this reality for too long.

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Happy Independence Day, America!








(transcript source)





Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed - else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die.
-Dwight D. Eisenhower



Sometimes people call me an idealist. Well, that is the way I know I am an American. America is the only idealistic nation in the world.
-Woodrow Wilson



Where liberty dwells, there is my country.
Benjamin Franklin


"...And I gladly stand up
. . next to you and defend her still today
Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land
God bless the USA
"