Service members DO foresee negative impacts of DADT repeal

Last month the results of a Pentagon study on attitudes of service members’ attitudes toward repeal of the controversial Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy were released. The liberal media plastered headlines like “Pentagon study backs end to ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’“. There’s little doubt such inferences went a long way to convincing a majority in Congress to vote this month to end the ban on homosexuals serving openly in the US military. But even a cursory look inside the study shows these claims to be badly biased liberal spin.

Though the Democrat led lame-duck Senate forced the final vote on the Saturday before Christmas, Harry Reid and others in the jackass party could not have hurdled a filibuster without a few Republican votes. “The Republicans who voted for repeal said the Pentagon study on gays and assurances from senior military leaders played a crucial role,” writes the Kansas City Star in its coverage of the historic vote. These Republicans apparently let the left-wing media read the study for them, because anyone with a secondary school reading level can see the previously mentioned headlines were nothing more than left-wing propaganda posing as news. Worse yet, three of the four Joint Chiefs of Staff opposed repeal. It’s quite apparent these mindless Republicans were perfectly willing to let liberal activists and Democrats in Congress do their thinking for them.

The working group conducting the study was also obviously stacked to finagle the findings so they could be twisted to end with the Democrats’ desired conclusion. The final report posted on the DOD website actually admits the following on page 49 of the online pdf:

“If the Working Group were to attempt to numerically divide the sentiments we heard expressed in IEFs, online inbox entries, focus groups, and confidential online communications between those who were for or against repeal of the current Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy, our sense is that the majority of views expressed were against repeal of the current policy. However, any such effort to divide the sentiments into one camp or another would not have any quantitative value, and would be highly misleading and flawed.”

*emphasis added

In other words, the data don’t support the conclusions we’re going to draw from this study! A look at some of the questions asked of respondents in the study makes obvious the need for the disclaimer above.

Question 68a: If Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is repealed and you are working with a Service member in your immediate unit who has said he or she is gay or lesbian, how would it affect how Service members in your immediate unit work together to get the job done?

Positively/Very Positively–18.4% Negatively/Very Negatively–29.6%

Question 68b: If Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is repealed and you are working with a Service member in your immediate unit who has said he or she is gay or lesbian, how would it affect how Service members in your immediate unit pull together to work as a team?

Positively/Very Positively–19.4% Negatively/Very Negatively–29.5%

Question 68c: If Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is repealed and you are working with a Service member in your immediate unit who has said he or she is gay or lesbian, how would it affect how Service members in your immediate unit trust each other?

Positively/Very Positively–18.1% Negatively/Very Negatively–33.1%

Question 68d: If Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is repealed and you are working with a Service member in your immediate unit who has said he or she is gay or lesbian, how would it affect how Service members in your immediate unit really care about each other?

Positively/Very Positively–18.1% Negatively/Very Negatively–30.0%

On average, the number of Service members who believe repeal would negatively or very negatively impact how members in their unit get along and how well they can accomplish the mission is more than 50% higher than those who think repeal would have a positive or very positive impact.

The most glaring omissions in the left-wing media’s pie-in-the-sky claims that all will be hunky-dory if DADT is repealed are the responses of those members serving in the combat arms. If you’re unaware, only a small percentage of Service members in any branch have a job that actually places them on the front lines of the battlefield. Those jobs who do are considered members of the “combat arms.” Let’s look at a few of their responses:

Question 71: If Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is repealed and you are working with a Service member in your immediate unit who has said he or she is gay or lesbian, how, if at all, would it affect your immediate unit’s effectiveness at completing its mission in a field environment or out at sea?

Positively/Very Positively–11.4% Negatively/Very Negatively–44.3%

Question 71: If Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is repealed and you are working with a Service member in your immediate unit who has said he or she is gay or lesbian, how, if at all, would it affect your immediate unit’s effectiveness at completing its mission when a crisis or negative event happens that affects your immediate unit?

Positively/Very Positively–12.5% Negatively/Very Negatively–29.4%

Question 71: If Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is repealed and you are working with a Service member in your immediate unit who has said he or she is gay or lesbian, how, if at all, would it affect your immediate unit’s effectiveness at completing its mission in an intense combat situation?

Positively/Very Positively–12.4% Negatively/Very Negatively–30.6%

NOTE: Question 71 was only asked of members who have been deployed into a combat environment since September 11, 2001.

Question 75b: If Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is repealed and you are working with a Service member in your immediate unit who has said he or she is gay or lesbian, how, if at all, would it affect your immediate unit’s immediate readiness?

Army Combat Arms

Positively/Very Positively–5.2% Negatively/Very Negatively–35.1%

Marine Combat Arms

Positively/Very Positively–3.5% Negatively/Very Negatively–43.5%

Question 68a: If Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is repealed and you are working with a Service member in your immediate unit who has said he or she is gay or lesbian, how, if at all, would it affect how Service members in your immediate unit work together to get the job done?

Army Combat Arms

Positively/Very Positively–13.2% Negatively/Very Negatively–47.5%

Marine Combat Arms

Positively/Very Positively–8.7% Negatively/Very Negatively–57.5%

Those left-wing nut-jobs who inferred from this study there would be no negative impact on our armed forces are either lying or they’re complete idiots! The men and women serving on the front lines, standing between us and those who want to destroy us made it clear in their responses REPEAL WILL HAVE A SIGNIFICANT NEGATIVE IMPACT.

I wonder if our worthless legislators even made any effort to read this study. I doubt it.

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Tags: Combat Arms, Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, DADT, Military, Gays, Combat, Marine Corps, Army, USMC, Democrat, Republican, War on Terror, DADT Working Group, DOD Study, DADT Study

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A veteran’s view on gays in military

This weekend may sound the death knell for the ban on gays serving openly in the US military. And if that death song is sung, it will be a detriment to the finest fighting force in the world.

Polling now shows a majority of Americans think it’s time to repeal the ban, but less than 10% of American citizens have ever served in the US armed forces. I served four years in the United States Marine Corps, in a unit that heralded itself as the “tip of the spear,” meaning we were the first to go in when Marines from our division were called. In two overseas deployments, our vehicles were always staged and ready to hit the beach when called. In my conversations with those who served before me, those who served with me, and those who served after me, I’ve come to know my views are not anomalous in the combat arms of the US military.

I’m not denying anyone, veteran or not, their right to an opinion on this matter, but I think the opinions of those of us who have served and are serving where the bullets fly and the blood splatters should carry a lot more weight than some protester on a corner at a college campus.

Those who want to repeal the ban often scream that an irrational fear or hatred of gays is the only reason anyone is against homosexuals serving openly. While I’m sure some of that exists, there are many other arguments to uphold the ban that any truly objective person can understand.

Let’s start with living quarters. Most people have never been in a position where they were forced to sleep or shower with someone they didn’t even know…unless they served in the military. In Marine Corps boot camp, everyone in a platoon showers together without stalls or privacy of any kind. The bathroom is one large room with toilets and urinals lining the walls, no stalls or privacy there. When I went through, Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT) wasn’t even policy. Homosexuals were banned from serving period. When we showered, it never crossed our minds that someone might be sexually stimulated because homosexuals were banned from serving.

In the field, we were assigned to sleep in the same tent with another Marine. We didn’t get to choose who we slept with, but we didn’t have to worry about the guy next to us being gay and coming on to us. On Navy ships, we slept inches apart in a room with 40 men. We dressed and changed without privacy, but we never had to worry about attracting the sexual attention of another man because gays were banned from serving. Our quarters on the airfield in Mogadishu, Somalia consisted of a plywood, one-room building. Forty men slept shoulder-to-shoulder on the floor.

For all of you who think because you have a gay person who works in your office and things work fine, you don’t live, sleep, and shower with them. So, if you would feel the least bit uncomfortable working with that person under the above described conditions, you’re a complete hypocrite if you still think gays in the military are a good idea.

The second big argument I’ll make deals with families. The military has become much more of a family friendly organization over the past couple of decades, but it’s still a job that comes with frequent long deployments. Time away is already hard enough on wives and children left at home, but at least they don’t have to worry about the guy daddy’s with being gay. Imagine the added stress this would put on a wife at home, wondering if her husband is relieving his sexual frustration with his gay foxhole-mate. Stress at home destroys morale for deployed servicemen, and morale is essential when serving in combat zones.

The last case I’ll discuss involves the mission. It’s understood that serving in a combat zone is an extremely dangerous situation ALL the time. Those who’ve never been there don’t understand what that really means. It means you have to be on your toes all the time, you have to be focused and attuned to what’s going on around you always. Danger lurks everywhere and letting down your guard for an instant can get you and your buddies killed. Any distractions are dangerous. But we’ve never had to worry about sexual attraction creating that distraction on the battlefield because gays can’t serve openly in the military. If two guys are getting it on instead of getting the job done, things are going to get really bad really quickly.

I can hear it already, supporters of repeal screaming that just because someone’s gay doesn’t mean they’re going to be coming on to everything around them. It doesn’t mean that people who aren’t gay will suddenly fall to the lure of sex with their gay buddy. Maybe not, but are you willing to bet our national security on it? Are you willing to bet the lives of servicemen who will die because of that distraction that you don’t think will materialize?

Though President Obama has managed to get political a Secretary of Defense and a Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to support repeal of DADT, top generals in both the Army and Marines both oppose repeal. These branches bear the brunt of combat operations and their leaders understand the risks better than Washington bureaucrats, and generals who worry more over their own political futures than the welfare of their troops.

“My suspicions are that the law will be repealed” eventually, Marine Corps Commandant James Amos told the Senate Armed Services Committee. “All I’m asking is the opportunity to do that at a time and choosing when my Marines are not singularly tightly focused on what they’re doing in a very deadly environment.”

Today “Taps” will likely sound for the ban on gays serving openly in the military. And if it does, the finest fighting force in the world–the combat arms units of the US military–will irreparably suffer. But our politicians, including some Republicans, are more concerned with their own reelection prospects than the lives of those brave young men who serve in the combat arms.

May the blood of every young warrior who dies because of this policy shift forever torment the politically correct legislators and low-life, politically motivated military officers who blind themselves to the realities of the battlefield and support this bill.

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Tags: Combat Arms, Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, DADT, Military, Gays, Combat, Marine Corps, Army, USMC, Democrat, Republican, War on Terror

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Happy Veterans’ Day!

Happy Veterans’ Day to all my brothers- and sisters-in-arms who have served or are serving in the US armed forces. May God bless and keep you and yours.

The following note is a reposted note I first saw on Veterans Court Facebook account.

Veterans Day 2010, What does it really mean?
by Veterans Courts on Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at 9:44pm

On Veterans Day, we pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the men and women who in defense of our freedom have bravely worn the uniform of the United States.

From the fields and forests of war-torn Europe to the jungles of Southeast Asia, from the deserts of Iraq to the mountains of Afghanistan, brave patriots have protected our Nation’s ideals, rescued millions from tyranny, and helped spread freedom around the globe. America’s veterans answered the call when asked to protect our Nation from some of the most brutal and ruthless tyrants, terrorists, and militaries the world has ever known.

Veterans Day finds us, once again, as a nation at war. The conflict began with a direct attack on the United States. After ten years, the war goes on, but never again has the battle returned to American soil. We are safer than we were on September 11th. And we remain today as we have been for 234 years: A free people, worthy of our freedom, and determined to protect this great nation founded under God.

There is no mystery behind the endurance and the success of American liberty. It is because in every generation, from the Revolutionary period to this very hour, brave Americans have stepped forward and served honorably in the Armed Forces of the United States. Every one of them deserves the thanks and the admiration of our entire country.

Military service demands a special kind of sacrifice. The places where you live and serve the risk you face the people you deal with every day — all of these are usually decided by someone else. For the time you spend in uniform, the interests of the nation must always come first. And those duties are shared by family members who make many sacrifices of their own, face separation during deployments and sometimes bear extreme and permanent loss.

Military service brings rewards as well. There is the pride of developing one’s character and becoming a leader, serving a cause far greater than any self-interest and knowing that our nation’s cause is the hope of the world. Every man and woman who wears America’s uniform is part of a long, unbroken line of achievement and honor. No single military power in history has done greater good, shown greater courage, liberated more people, or upheld higher standards of decency and valor than the Armed Forces of the United States of America.

That is a legacy to be proud of, and those who contributed to it must never be taken for granted. To honor our veterans, we must keep the promises we have made to them. We must care for those who have been injured in the service of our country. We must honor and remember those who have died. And we must remember those whose fate is still undetermined. We fly the POW flag on Veterans Day for a reason: This nation will not relent until we have accounted for every last one of our missing Americans.

They stood tall in the face of grave danger and enabled our Nation to become the greatest force for freedom in human history. Members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard have answered a high calling to serve and have helped secure America at every turn.

Our country is forever indebted to our veterans for their quiet courage and exemplary service. We also remember and honor those who laid down their lives in freedom’s defense. These brave men and women made the ultimate sacrifice for our benefit.

On Veterans Day, we remember these heroes for their valor, their loyalty, and their dedication. Their selfless sacrifices continue to inspire us today as we work to advance peace and extend freedom around the world.

What does Veterans Day mean to you? We welcome you to add your thoughts and comments about Veterans Day, about people who serve or have served in the U.S. Military.

President Woodrow Wilson said, To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nation.

In 1954, after having been through World War I, II and the Korean War, the 83rd U.S. Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting the word “Veterans.” With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

Veteran’s Day is a time when all of us who have served can wear our colors and be proud of what we were no matter where or when we were in or what our job were while we were serving. Each of us was a part of a whole and we were all very important to our Nation’s Mission. The best of all is that we are a part of a select group of people…we are veterans! Let’s be proud and tell our stories, there are people who really want to know. ‘

From one veteran to all, I salute you all!! We should honor ourselves’ for keeping our flag free and secure, we are the courageous men and women who fought and died for the idealism of liberty and freedom for all. I thank you my brothers/sisters-in-arms for not being selfish with your lives and believing in our nation’s freedom.

And, for those in the tomb of the unknowns, thank you for the historical significance you’ve made. We will celebrate and honor our unknown American veterans of all wars and for their patriotism, love of nation, and sacrifice you and your families have made for the common good of our nation.

May we laugh, cry and remember on this day, November 11th, our experiences and memories. It was the veteran, who saluted our flag, who served under our flag and who will be remembered under our nation’s flag.

Veterans Day to me is one of the most significant and memorable days of the year. It causes me to pause and reflect on my own service time, my buddies whom I miss all the time, my family’s collection of Veterans, and thanking all those who have ever served to protect this country. Veterans Day this year is even more significant when we have young men and women on the line fighting in Iraq, Afghanistan and other remote regions of the world.

An entire new generation of Veterans is coming up through the hard fought wages of war. Veterans Day to them will mean as much if not more than it does to us… for their world, their time, their wars are truly global in nature. God bless them all. God bless all who have served and shall serve in the future. ‘

They say the soldier did not think of himself a hero; he believed the heroes were of the soldiers who died in battle. Take a few minutes this Veteran’s Day to thank a Veteran and light a candle for those serving our country around the world and in harm’s way

Many of those heroes rest in places like Anzio and Arlington. Yet so many of them are still with us as friends, as neighbors and colleagues! They are America’s veterans, and they are still the pride of our nation. They have fought our wars, defended our shores and kept us free.

May God keep us ever grateful for their service!

We Will Never Forget! GOD Bless all of our Veterans and Troops all around the world.

Thank you,

Richard U.S. Army

Combat Veteran (Retired 22 Years)

Veterans Courts Nationwide

The Blinders – Jihad at Ft Hood

Old stream media has PC blinders on. Read the “Jihad at Fort Hood” series for non-Politically Correct insights into the background on the murder of “14” and wounding of 30 American military and civilians at Ft Hood, Texas.

Follows is an insightful cartoon by William Warren

Thank You…

…to all those who’ve worn the uniform of the US military services!

Today is veterans day. And although we should be thankful every day for those who serve so that we may be free, this is the day set aside to make certain ALL veterans–those who served four years or thirty plus, those who served in times of peace or times of war, those who came home and those we lost, all those who served in every branch–know they’re appreciated and their sacrifice isn’t forgotten.

Their reasons for serving are as varied as their backgrounds. They come from every corner of the country–from Los Angeles to New York, from Seattle to Miami, and from all points in between. From all walks of life, they step up to serve–sons and daughters of the poor, the rich, and every step in between. Many come from a long line of veterans and others are the first in their family to answer the call. Some join to get away from something, others join to be a part of something. They are sons, daughters, mothers, and fathers who leave behind everything they know to serve with complete strangers for the benefit of every citizen of these United States of America.

So I ask you this day to thank God for everything you have–your possessions, your family, and your freedom.

Then thank a veteran.

A hearty thank you from me to all my brethren-in-arms! May God bless you and keep you where ever you are.

Commander-in Chief AWOL – Obama “Fiddles Around” While American Troops Lose Heart

by Dr. Bill Smith: Before proceeding it is only right to say that as a 22 year veteran, I am by nature a “hawk” and support all efforts to stop the enemies of America. However, I already saw one war – the Vietnam War – mired down by bureaucracy and lack of direction. [For those who prefer using the term “Vietnam Conflict,” tell it to the American families, friends of the veterans who served and lost 58,159 comrades in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia plus all those who died from war related issues after that “conflict.”]

Most career military have served under Presidents with whom we did not politically agree. Some Presidents were more competent than others. Most Presidents and Defense Secretaries who had not served in the military have made decision or failed to make decisions that resulted in the wasting of military resources and lives. Although not always understood by the general population, military leaders clearly understand that the military is both a tool in defending America including America’s economic interests and a tool of diplomacy. However, when a president lacks declared interest or focus during a time of war – or major deployments with people at risk, military casualties increase and troop morale suffers and leads to more losses.

The Times Online is reporting a story about “American troops in Afghanistan losing heart.” It is like “deja view” – a scene from the past when leadership and adequate direction was not shown by prior Commander-in-Chiefs and Secretaries of Defense. A few excerpts from the article:

American soldiers serving in Afghanistan are depressed and deeply disillusioned, according to the chaplains of two US battalions that have spent nine months on the front line in the war against the Taleban [sic, Taliban]. Many feel that they are risking their lives — and that colleagues have died — for a futile mission and an Afghan population that does nothing to help them, . . . “They feel they are risking their lives for progress that’s hard to discern,” . . . “They are tired, strained, confused and just want to get through.” The soldiers are, by nature and training, upbeat, driven by a strong sense of duty, and they do their jobs as best they can . . . admitted that their morale had slumped.

“We’re lost — that’s how I feel. I’m not exactly sure why we’re here,” . . . “I need a clear-cut purpose if I’m going to get hurt out here or if I’m going to die.” . . . Asked if the mission was worthwhile, . . . “If I knew exactly what the mission was, probably so, but I don’t.” The only soldiers who thought it was going well “work in an office, not on the ground”. In his opinion “the whole country is going to s***”.

The battalion’s 1,500 soldiers are nine months in to a year-long deployment that has proved extraordinarily tough. Their goal was to secure the mountainous Wardak province and then to win the people’s allegiance through development and good governance. They have, instead, found themselves locked in an increasingly vicious battle with the Taleban [sic, Taliban].

They have been targeted by at least 300 roadside bombs, about 180 of which have exploded. Nineteen men have been killed in action, with another committing suicide. About a hundred have been flown home with amputations, severe burns and other injuries likely to cause permanent disability, and many of those have not been replaced. More than two dozen mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles (MRAPs) have been knocked out of action.

Living conditions are good — abundant food, air-conditioned tents, hot water, free internet – but most of the men are on their second, third or fourth tours of Afghanistan and Iraq, with barely a year between each. . . . The men are frustrated by the lack of obvious purpose or progress. “The soldiers’ biggest question is: what can we do to make this war stop. Catch one person? Assault one objective? Soldiers want definite answers, other than to stop the Taleban [sic, Taliban], because that almost seems impossible. It’s hard to catch someone you can’t see,” . . .

“It’s a very frustrating mission,” . . . “The average soldier sees a friend blown up and his instinct is to retaliate or believe it’s for something [worthwhile], but it’s not like other wars where your buddy died but they took the hill. There’s no tangible reward for the sacrifice. It’s hard to say Wardak is better than when we got here.” “We want to believe in a cause but we don’t know what that cause is.” . . . The soldiers complain that rules of engagement designed to minimize civilian casualties mean that they fight with one arm tied behind their backs. . . “You get shot at but can do nothing about it. You have to see the person with the weapon. It’s not enough to know which house the shooting’s coming from.” . . .

The constant deployments are, meanwhile, playing havoc with the soldiers’ private lives. “They’re killing families,”. . . “Divorces are skyrocketing. PTSD is off the scale. There have been hundreds of injuries that send soldiers home and affect families for the rest of their lives.” The chaplains said that many soldiers had lost their desire to help Afghanistan. “All they want to do is make it home alive and go back to their wives and children and visit the families who have lost husbands and fathers over here. It comes down to just surviving,” . . . “If we make it back with ten toes and ten fingers the mission is successful,” . . . “You carry on for the guys to your left or right,” . . .

Lieutenant-Colonel Kimo Gallahue, 2-87’s commanding officer, denied that his men were and insisted they had achieved a great deal over the past nine months. A triathlete and former rugby player, he admitted pushing his men hard, but argued that taking the fight to the enemy was the best form of defense. . . . Above all, Colonel Gallahue argued that counter-insurgency — winning the allegiance of the indigenous population through security, development and good governance — was a long and laborious process that could not be completed in a year. “These 12 months have been, for me, laying the groundwork for future success,” he said. . . .

These reported comments depict more than just complaints by G.I.s. They are a clear signs of bigger issues both at the DOD, in the force structure and support of today’s military, and with the direction of the war as defined by the President of the United States. As for the field commander on the record comments about his belief in the mission, this was expected but it is not a measurement of success. However, while failing morale and expressions like “you carry on for the guys to your left or right” are both true and admirable, they are also a definite indicator of failed purpose and direction.

As heads up, the following comments are directed to what appears to be an often AWOL (absent without leave) Commander-in-Chief: Mr. Obama, you choose to run for President of the United States. And, the American people elected you to be president. Most Americans know that a “chief” responsibility of the president is being Commander-in-chief of the military. It is not being the commander of the American people. While you have “fiddle around” tripping off to other countries expressing your regrets about the United States or to another location to promote or sign a bill that could have been done efficiently right in the Oval office; while you wasted time trying to recruit the Olympics or taking time for another sports event or White House party; while you expend a disproportionate amount of your time on agendas which have or will send the United States further into debt and on efforts to reshape the social fabric of America, you are not focused on your primary responsibility of being Commander-in-Chief.

American military are dying or at risk because of your lack of leadership. Members of the military understand sacrifice and giving their lives for a greater cause. However, they do not understand dying without purpose or a clear objective. Often they die for their comrades but they do not wish to die for absentee leadership or an undefined mission.

Mr. President, above all else, (except possibly for those who feel they must engender themselves to you for their jobs and their agendas or who happen to hate America) people on both sides of domestic issues expect you to complete your primary duties as president. The United States of America has men and women in harms-way risking America’s chief treasure – American blood. For “Pete’s sake” – Wake-up! You are the Commander-in-Chief! It cannot be delegated; nor should it continue to be ignored! It is a lonely sacred responsibility. Mr. President, no matter how important you believe your other agendas to be, you must focus on your primary responsibility as Commander-in-Chief!

A tribute to veterans of Operation Overlord

Today is the 64^th anniversary of the D-Day landings at Normandy. The progressive rock band, Contrarian, wrote the song, Operation Overlord, as a tribute to those veterans who fought and died in the Allied invasion.

This week, we buried my grandfather, Lt. Colonel Walter P. Rupert, III, who enlisted in the Army during WWII and volunteered to train as a pilot in the Army Air Corps (now the US Air Force).  Though he didn’t participate in Operation Overlord, his Air Force career spanned three wars.  After he retired from the Air Force, he worked 15 years in the Veterans’ Administration, helping other vets navigate the complex bureaucracy to receive the benefits they’d earned in serving our country.

To of all those who fought and died at Normandy, my grandfather, and all who wear or have worn the uniform to protect the US, her interests, and her values, I say thank you and may God bless you.

EMERGENCY ALERT!! RALLY TO SUPPORT THE TROOPS!!

Hat Tip: ARRA News Service

While most of the media, elected officials, and Commander-in-Chief Obama are ignoring the terrorist attack in our state, Secure Arkansas is planning on an emergency rally to support the troops:

Secure Arkansas is planning a huge rally to support our military. It will be held on Thursday, June 4th, at 4 p.m., in front of the Army-Navy Recruiting Station at Ashley Square, corner of Reservoir Road and Rodney Parham in Little Rock. This is an emergency rally to show respect for our troops and let them know we mourn the loss of soldier Pvt. William Long and the wounding of soldier Pvt. Quinton Ezeagwula.

We hope to see everyone there.

SecureArkansas.com

RSVP: SecureArkansas@gmail.com

For more on this story see The Silence is deafening! Where is Commander-in-Chief Obama?

NRCC Memorial Day Tribute

Thanks to all those who gave their lives so that we may be free.

Always Remember

To remind us all what Memorial Day is really all about.

It’s not about cookouts,

or a day off to play golf.

It’s not about a day at the beach.

It’s a day to fly the flag

and to thank those who sacrificed everything.

It’s also a day to teach

the next generation

that freedom isn’t free.

Never forget!

Read the history of Memorial Day