Memorial Day 2013

Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations, that we have forgotten, as a people, the cost of a free and undivided Republic

~ John A. Logan

31 US Troops Die in Afghanistan

So sad.

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — A military helicopter crashed in eastern Afghanistan, killing 31 U.S. special operation troops and seven Afghan commandos, the country’s president said Saturday. An American official said it was apparently shot down, in the deadliest single incident for American forces in the decade-long war.

Balancing National Security vs Economic Recovery

The United State Air Force is in the market for an armed reconnaissance aircraft. Two companies have been tapped as potential manufacturers of this aircraft,  American manufacturer Hawker Beechcraft and Brazilian manufacturer Embraer.

I’m all for competition in the marketplace, yet should we let crucial parts of our national defense be outsourced? What about the wonderful campaign slogan of preserving or creating American jobs?

Speaking of jobs, Stephen DeMaura breaks down the numbers of  US jobs created by each contract.

Hawker Beechcraft currently estimates that its proposal will create over 1,400 U.S. jobs in 18 states while Embraer’s proposal will create only 50 U.S. jobs.

Why outsource these well paying jobs? With a country facing 9 % unemployment and underemployment hovering at 19.3% , the choice seems quite obvious – look for the Made in America label.

Former President Bush Statement on the Death of Usama Bin Laden

Via American Spectator:

“Earlier this evening, President Obama called to inform me that American forces killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of the al Qaeda network that attacked America on September 11, 2001. I congratulated him and the men and women of our military and intelligence communities who devoted their lives to this mission. They have our everlasting gratitude.

“This momentous achievement marks a victory for America, for people who seek peace around the world, and for all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001. The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done,” Bush said.

THANK YOU GOD – THANK YOU Navy SEAL *Team 6*

When can we tick off the demise of leftist murderous rage? Anytime soon?

Can we now call Norah O’Donnell incompetent? Should this Tweet be considered an example of her emotional connection to Obama that she is unable to articulate?

Heroes Need Not Apply @ Columbia University

This is ugly, but it reminds us that hatred of the military is alive and well at Columbia University.

Email or write to Columbia University President to express your outrage:

Office of the President – Lee C. Bollinger
202 Low Library
535 West 116th Street, Mail Code 4309
New York, NY 10027

General Inquiries or To Contact the President
Phone: (212) 854-9970
Fax: (212) 854-9973
Email: officeofthepresident@columbia.edu

Thank You SSgt. Anthony Maschek for your service to our nation.

Called Home – Major Richard Winters

H/T: Support Your Local Gunfighter

We lost another member of the ‘Greatest Generation’ – Major Richard Winters passed away at 92 this week. His actions as the commanding officer of Easy Company during WW2 were immortalized by the motion picture “Band of Brothers”.

Farewell and Godspeed, Captain Courageous.

Commander Owen Honors Relieved of Command

A recently re-released years old video has gotten the commander of the USS Enterprise in hot water. Critics decried the foul language, sexual slurs and anti-gay commentary lacing the videos. The Navy brass quickly acquiesced and removed Owen Honors of command.

As I viewed the entire video, I was unable to find any truly offending material. What I saw was crass behavior mixed with the sheer stupidity of the material. It was a completely off color video in poor taste. One has to ask, If stupidity were an actionable offense, why are people like Kathleen Parker and Camille Paglia still pulling paychecks?

Sister Toldjah gives a great in depth review of this triumph of PC over commonsense.

Yes, I know that what was in the videos was supposedly much more controversial than my civilian examples, but my point on a more general level is that “harassment” and “offense” are not the same thing. There’s also something to be said for “poor taste.” If the videos are how others described them, perhaps Commander Owens should have been reprimanded.

My good blogging buddy, Jonn Lilyea, wisely observes that there are different rules for civilians:

Wasn’t it the Agriculture Department who, a few years, found large numbers of their agency employees downloading porn on their government computers? They wouldn’t release the names of the employees and they all eventually returned to work. I guess that civilians are held to a different standard than military members.

DrewM over at Ace of Spades wants you to “Like” the Support Captain Honors Facebook Page.

The video in question is available below the cut.

DADT Repeal Reactions

I’ve stayed clear of this fray as this is a non-civil rights issue for me.  However, since this the topic du jour,  I’ve found a few blogs that have made some interesting points on this (non) issue.

Jonn Lilea, my blogging buddy, from This Ain’t Hell asks: Can we talk about something else now? Something important? Something like killing large numbers of our enemies who won’t tolerate gays either?

The ever charming Dan Riehl wants to know what is the end game is with DADT:

Not being much of a culture warrior, I haven’t paid much attention to this issue. But then, I don’t pay much attention to people’s sexual preference in the first place, unless it concerns me, somehow! ; )To the extent progressivism has some end game vision, it is utopian – and DADT repeal is the product of political progressivism in America, no matter how you feel about the particular issue. Unfortunately, life is not, has never been, and never will be utopian. So, what comes next?

Legal Insurrection dissects the hype surrounding this repeal.

Now that DADT repeal has been achieved, how long will GOProud hang out with conservatives?

Team Travis 2010 MCM and 10K

“If not me, then who?” – Travis Manion

In memory of Travis and all those who gave their lives so that we can enjoy peace and freedom of this great nation, I’ve registered to run the 2010 MCM 10K , raising funds and awareness for the Travis Manion Foundation.

Who is Travis Manion and why does his legacy continue to inspire others to do great things. It is well worth your time to get to know this remarkable soldier.

Why am I participating? Quite frankly, his life inspired me. My goal in this endeavor is to bring attention to this incredible foundation making a difference in the lives of so many people. Although I’ve gained a passion for running, I’m certainly not the fastest runner and this will be my first 10K run. If I’m running this event, I would like this to be about something larger than my own concerns.   As Travis once said ‘If not me..then who?’ – those words ring true for me everyday.

Please take some time to look over the foundation website and sponsor me in support of this worthy foundation.

If you are in the DC area on Halloween, why not spend a few hours cheering on the runners.  I’m going to need all the support I can get  🙂

My blogging buddy, Jonn Lilyea, wrote a great post on Travis Manion and his best friend , Lt. Brendan Looney. This is a must read, folks!

Wounded Warrior Project

Wounded Warrior Project

Wounded Warrior Project mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors.

Veterans Day is a time to remember and honor the sacrifice of our returning heroes, more than 30,000 of whom have been wounded — many severely — in recent conflicts. We provide services and programs that ease the burdens of the most seriously wounded and their families, aid in the recovery process and smooth their transition back to civilian life.

What better way to honor those who have served our Nation.