Tuesday, July 25, 2006

WMD-Civil Support Teams

The Department of Defense notified Congress yesterday that Weapons of Mass Destruction-Civil Support Teams (WMD-CST) have been certified for four states.

These teams are fully ready to assist civil authorities in responding to a domestic weapon of mass destruction incident and possess the requisite skills, training, and equipment to be proficient in all mission requirements.

Congress has authorized a total of 55 WMD-CSTs, enough to field at least one team in every state, territory and the District of Columbia.

To learn more, click here.

Monday, July 24, 2006

Shoutout to the Redbulls!



Have a few photos to share of various 1-133rd soldiers courtesy of Redbull Web. I wanted to share them with everyone - and while you're browsing the pics of these fine men and women who are serving our military, take a moment out of your day and send them a note of support or say a prayer for their well being. They deserve that from all of us.





Also while you are out web surfing - have you checked out the site of Justice Soldier?

FREEDOM ISN'T FREE! SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!

Sunday, July 23, 2006

Hmmm...

Found this online courtesy of a friend..

.

Friday, July 14, 2006

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!


Happy birthday to my favorite MP! (That's her on the right!)
Let's hear it for my niece Capt. Wilson!

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

Why We Fight

*This post is courtesy of Sid Fredrickson

Click here to send comments of support to
the people of India in its time of need.

Why is this important?

It is important because this is why all the people who
served and is serving in Iraq and Afghanstan believe
so strongly in what they are doing there

They fight against terror over there so we don't have
happen here what happened in India today.

It's why they Fight. It is why we should fight for
them and support them in every possible way.

Thank you.

Saturday, July 08, 2006

ROLLING VICTORY FAST!!!!!!!!!!!!


THIS IS IMPORTANT! If you read nothing else on my blog - read this post!

Join me, along with the Tanker Brothers and Semper Gratus, Right Truth, and many others in our efforts to show a solid stand of support for our troops -- as we mock Cindy Sheehan's "Rolling Fast" -- you know where they just fast for ONE DAY and 'pass the fast' around Hollywood and the Code Pink gestapo... We are banding together to show that we do not agree with Cindy Sheehan's political rants!
YOU CAN HELP TOO! Pledge to fast for one day. Just one single day to show your support for those of us who would stand in Cindy's way.

Let's do this!
BACK OFF CINDY!
WE SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!

Thursday, July 06, 2006

Soldier Ride National Tour 2006

While other people were enjoying their Fourth of July with barbecues, picnics, fireworks, concerts, and other celebrations, several cyclists, most of them wounded in the war on terrorism, took part in something absolutely commendable. They were taking part in Soldier Ride 2006, a cross-country cycling event to raise money and awareness for wounded servicemembers.
The theme of the 2006 cross-country ride is “America Still Remembers.” The ride is multi-funtional, serving to aid in the rehabilitation of veterans who return home with injuries incurred in the current military conflicts abroad. To quote the Soldier Ride website: "Participation in our cycling events provides these wounded warriors a foundation for the development of a positive self-image and outlook on life, which speeds the rehabilitation and recovery process...As the wounded service members participating in our ride cycle from city to city, we aim to show them that the country is still behind those who have sacrificed life or limb in support of our freedom. "
What an AWESOME event! The 2006 Soldier Ride will stop in over 70 cities across America -- it began on May 6th in Montauk, NY and will end on July 29th in San Diego, CA.
I applaud these people for their dedication to our wounded veterans.

Take a moment and check out their website!

Make a donation to Soldier Ride!

Post a message of support to the riders!

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

Redbulls Make a Difference!


2-136 BearCat Soldier on patrol in Iraq, photo courtesy of Redbull Web.

The following info is courtesy of the BearCat Bugle, a newsletter of the 2nd of the 136 Combined Arms Battalion, 1/34th BCT

Check out some of the ways that the presence of our troops is making a difference in Iraq!

• They have discovered and destroyed 10 weapons caches.

• They have captured over 30 insurgents and sent a majority of them to the Regional Detainment Facility.

• They have broken up two insurgent cells operating in their AO

• They have broken up a kidnapping ring.

• They have ambushed 3 IED teams as they attempted to place their cowardly weapons against their task force.

• They have logged over 450 combat patrols in their sector.

• They have virtually shut down all IDF coming into their camp.

• They have kept Rte Long Island clear of IEDs for one solid Month.

• They have started two school projects.

• They have started two community clean-up projects.

• Their mechanics have serviced or repaired over 600 vehicles.

• They have cleared through our ECPs over 27,000 vehicles with no incidents!

• Their Docs have treated more than 1,500 patients at the BAS.

• Their towers have successfully defended against indirect and direct fire attacks.

• They have gone the past two months with zero vehicle accidents.

• They have provided intelligence that has resulted in missions in other sectors against high-ranking insurgents.

As you can see by the list above—they are making a positive difference. We often hear about all of the bad things happening in Iraq - but there are good things happening as well, and our men and women are getting some great things accomplished. They need to be recognized for the good things that they are doing.

HOOAH!

Tuesday, July 04, 2006

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!



And Happy Birthday to ME too! (Yep - firecracker baby here!)

Sunday, July 02, 2006

Bush Urges Troop Support

Bush Urges Troop Support Through 'America Supports You'
By John D. Banusiewicz, American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 2, 2006 – President Bush yesterday urged Americans to find ways to support the nation's servicemembers through the Defense Department's "America Supports You" program.
In his weekly radio address, the president noted sacrifices made for freedom throughout the nation's history, and suggested that during this Independence Day weekend, Americans turn to America Supports You to find a way to thank the men and women - and their families - who are making those sacrifices now.
"Today, a new generation of American patriots is defending our freedom against determined and ruthless enemies," Bush said. "At this hour, the men and women of our armed forces are facing danger in distant places, carrying out their missions with all the skill and honor we expect of them. And their families are enduring long separations from their loved ones with great courage and dignity.
"Our troops and our military families deserve all our support and gratitude," he continued, "and on this Fourth of July weekend, I ask every American to find a way to thank those who defend our freedom. To find out about efforts in your community, please visit the Web site AmericaSupportsYou.mil."

To read the rest of this story or to learn more about how you can volunteer for 'America Supports You', click on the following links:
Finish reading the story or Learn how to help the efforts at 'America Supports You'

The Cost of Freedom



Please join me in recognizing the loss of another Redbull Soldier.
SPC Kyle Miller, a member of the Minnesota National Guard, 682nd Engineer Battalion, within the 134 BSB, died resulting from injuries sustained while on a convoy in Iraq this past week. Kyle was 19 years old and I am sure his family and friends and fellow soldiers could all use some prayers and support right now.

Kyle was among the 2,600 Minnesotans who were part of 4,000 National Guard and Army Reserve troops deployed in March, back when I began this blog to show my support for my Redbull friends and all other military men and women.

To read more about SPC Kyle Miller please click here.

Holiday Happenings - Happy 4th of July!


USS Intrepid Celebrates All Things American for the Fourth, New York City
The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in New York City is celebrating the Fourth of July with its third annual Red, White and Blue Festival. To read more, click here.

America's 2006 Independence Day Parade, Washington D.C.
The Fourth of July celebrations in Washington, DC begin with the National Independence Day Parade. This flag waving traditional parade features invited bands, military and specialty units, floats, giant balloons, equestrian participants, drill teams, celebrities and more. To learn more, click here.

Coal Creek Fourth of July Celebration and Mountain Run, Boulder
Start the morning off with a bang at the Scar Top Mountain Run and Spruce Canyon 5K, starting at 8 am. The run, which donates 100 percent of its profits to the community, climbs 1,000 feet with an equal amount of descent over the 7.4-mile dirt road course; the Spruce Canyon 5K is a gentler version of the 12K race. The Coal Creek Fourth of July Celebration includes a full morning of family fun, including a parade, pancake breakfast, booths and music. To learn more, click here.

The 25th Annual Lisle Eyes to the Skies Festival, Chicago
Eyes to the Skies includes hot air balloon launches, nationally known musical entertainment, a special children's area, an arts and crafts fair, a variety of food vendors, a large carnival and an assortment of daily events. Click here to learn more.

Family Fourth of July Celebration, Minneapolis
In the Minneapolis Riverfront DistrictThe Minneapolis Riverfront District's 4th of July fireworks can be viewed from Main Street in front of St. Anthony Main, the Stone Arch bridge & along West River Parkway. Click here to learn more.

July 1st & 4th Fair St. Louis Celebration & LIVE on the Levee, St. Louis
Last summer, Celebrate St. Louis - a collaboration of downtown civic organizations produced LIVE on the Levee, a free concert and fireworks event under the Arch on the St. Louis Riverfront. This summer, the new combined entity will produce a free summer concert series on the Riverfront beginning with Fair St. Louis on July 1st & July 4th and continuing with LIVE on the Levee. To get details, click here.

Chevy's Freedom Over Texas, Houston
Houston's Official July 4th Celebration, will celebrate America's Birthday with a live concert featuring a concert with rock 'n' roll Grammy winners Los Lonely Boys., and one of the largest fireworks displays in the state of Texas! This is a one-of-kind family event that will have the eyes of Texas upon Houston for the 4th of July! For details, click here.

Red White and Fleet, San Francisco
SEE THE SPECTACULAR FIREWORKS FROM THE MIDDLE OF THE BAY! The Red and White Fleet will again offer an exceptional opportunity for the public to view the spectacular San Francisco Fireworks displays on July 4th from the middle of the Bay. Click here to learn more.

These and many more 4th of July celebrations are taking place throughout the 4th of July Holiday. It's great to have picnics and barbecues and fireworks - but please remember what this holiday is really all about. Independence Day is truly a time for reflecting upon the foundations of America and what makes this country different from others. It is about true leaders, who dared to dream and who strove for freedom. We owe such a debt to our men and women in the military today who continue to serve America in order to keep her safe and who embody the spirit of patriotism every day.

Take some time this weekend to send your support to our soldiers by clicking on any of the following links:

America Supports You

Email Our Military

Operation Dear Abby

A Million Thanks

Saturday, July 01, 2006

Site of the Week

Considering that this is the weekend that most people will be celebrating Independence Day, I wanted to share some things that seemed relevant. This site I found while websurfing is one of them I deemed worthwhile.
The Site of the Week is none other than
http://www.holidays.net/independence/

Remember while enjoying your holiday that we are only able to celebrate it because of our military and their commitment to this great United States of America. Why not do something this weekend to give back -- donate your time as a volunteer at a military hospital or Veteran's home, honor the fallen and their families by joining up with the Patriot Guard Riders on a mission near you, send cards and letters to our troops overseas to show your support, donate to worthy causes such as the Wounded Warrior Project, the Semper Fi Fund, or Soldiers Angels... Let's not forget the original heroes who founded this country and provided us with the foundation for a free America, and let's not forget those who continue to fight today to keep America secure.
Have a safe and fun weekend!