Wednesday's Heroes

Every Wednesday, we highlight the bravery and heroic actions of our men and women in uniform. These are people and stories that you will not hear on your nightly news or read in your papers. These are the stories that will inform our next generation what courage and sacrifice in the face of adversity means.

Camaraderie, Patriotism, Pride Spur On Troops in Combat

WASHINGTON, July 15, 2007 – Each day, as the nation’s volunteer military men and women perform their mission in Iraq and Afghanistan, they know the enemy they’re up against employs uncommon tactics and weapons. They know that a simple misstep could cause disfigurement or death.[snip]

On behalf of these wounded and fallen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Gen. Peter Pace honored four Purple Heart recipients, one from each service, at an evening parade at the historic Marine Barracks here.

Pace said Army Cpl. Mathew Murray, Marine Sgt. Nicholas Wahle, Navy Senior Chief David L. Hall and Air Force Senior Airman Michael Fletcher also represent those who serve around the world protecting America’s way of life.

“Another 2.4 million Americans just like them serve our nation tonight so we can … live the lives we want to live, enjoy our families, pray where we want to pray – or not pray – and just live our lives as Americans,” Pace said. “To each of you and all those you represent, thank you.” [snip]

Marine Sgt. Nicholas Wahle

In November 2005, during his third deployment in Iraq, Marine Sgt. Nicholas Wahle led his squad in combat in Ramadi. During an attack on an observation post by indirect rocket-propelled-grenade and small-arms fire, he was struck in the face by shrapnel. Despite his injury, Wahle exposed himself to enemy fire as he delivered vital ammunition to all posts.

In January 2006, Wahle observed enemy activity and, anticipating an assault, assembled the reaction force and forward air controller. During the attack, he coordinated his post’s response and told the forward air controller where to lay down fire. By foreseeing the attack, he enabled the post to gain fire superiority and defeat the attack.

Wahle, who received a Bronze Star Medal for the courage he demonstrated, said he was honored to represent the Marine Corps’ warriors. (read the rest of their stories)

Airman 1st Class Charity Trueblood: Bronze Star with V Device (valor in combat)

Trueblood, 22, earned a Bronze Star with “V” for her actions during that attack during a convoy mission outside Balad, Iraq, 18 months ago.

The airman first class was driving an up-armored Humvee near the middle of the 30-vehicle convoy when the lead vehicle spotted what looked like a roadside bomb.

Her unit had encountered snipers and bombs in the area in the past and anticipated a possible ambush. When shots rang out from the darkness as they slowed to examine the bomb, they reacted instantly.

“You just go,” she said. “As soon as the attack starts, you return fire and get out of their range. I moved the [Humvee] towards the side of fire to block the unarmored ones, but we all started moving.”

Two of the contractors’ trucks she was trying to shield were riddled with bullets as they sped away. Trueblood said the first had a tire blown out, sending sparks across the asphalt as the vehicle bounced down the highway on a rim.

The second truck caught on fire after being hit, and the troops forced it to a stop as soon as they got out of the shooters’ range. When they opened the truck door they found that the shooters had also hit the driver, contractor Robert Martin.

Her crew pulled him from the burning car, threw him on the hood of the tightly packed Humvee, and crept away from the growing fireball.

“He said I had a good Humvee-side manner,” said Trueblood, who was promoted to senior airman after her efforts that day.

(read the rest of Sr. Airman Trueblood's rescue of Rob Martin)

Arizona's "Triple Deuce" truckers happy to be alive

"We were scanning our sectors and everything," Buckley said. About two hours into the drive, he was sitting on the edge of his seat, looking out the window as the truck cruised at about 55 mph.

"Everything looked perfectly fine," he said. "Without warning, boom. Everything just went silent. My door was blown off. The front of the truck was on fire. All along my door, where the frame is, that was just burning. The tires were destroyed. The front axles were gone. The truck was facing to the left. We were seeing the side of the road while the trailer was still straight. My driver here, Sgt. May, kept it upright. I've never been in a jackknife before. I thought we were going to flip it. I scooted over towards him. I'm holding on. It was a crazy ride. It was like being on an old wooden rollercoaster."

Fumes stung Buckley's eyes and sinuses. "It was miserable," he said. "I smell something burning now and it makes me nauseous."

The Soldiers say the IED may have been made from a 155 mm artillery round laced with an accelerant, buried beneath the road surface and detonated remotely.

"Somebody out in the desert, just timing, hit the jackpot," May said. "Nothing personal."

"I heard a thud, and the next thing I know everything I saw was orange," he said. Knowing they would roll if he went off the road into a drainage ditch, May fought to control the truck. (read Triple Deuce)

Army Sgt. 1st Class Raymond E. Bittinger Hometown: Chicago, IL

It’s that feeling in the pit of your stomach – when you know something is wrong. For Staff Sgt. Bittinger, that feeling came on April 9, 2004, as his troops approached the small town of Behriz, Iraq. Military intel and a recent attack suggested insurgents were planning actions against U.S. forces in the area. And now Bittinger and his team found themselves in what appeared to be a ghost town: not an Iraqi in sight and no security visible.

Suddenly, the men spotted movement in the palm groves; insurgents unleashed a torrent of RPG and small-arms fire. During the battle, as enemies directed their fire toward specific targets, Bittinger weaved in and out of the line of fire, protecting his comrades by drawing gunfire to his own vehicle. As they fought, Bittinger’s gunner took a hit, and fell from his seat. Bittinger quickly removed his flak jacket, used it to pressure the wound, and then jumped behind the gun and kept firing. (read Bittenger)

Help Soldiers' Angels support our heroes. Donate or adopt a soldier, sailor, airman or marine and remind them that someone on the home front is thinking of them.




- May no soldier go unloved

Wednesday's Heroes

This Weeks Hero Was Suggested By Sunni Kay

Ryan Rahe has been active in the Special Olympics since he was in Middle School. The now 25-year-old has won quite a few medals over the years, but not all of his medals are at his Tennessee home. Some of them have been sent, by Ryan, to soldiers fighting the War On Terror for "good luck".

Jayne Rahe, Ryan's mother, said the idea of sending support to the soldiers in harm's way came about when she and Ryan were talking about news coverage of the war in Iraq. Jayne visited www.anysoldier.com and discovered how she and Ryan could let the men and women in Iraq know their efforts are appreciated.

Ryan, named 2006 Special Olympics Athlete of the Year for the Blount County Sports Hall of Fame, said he felt good when he received the box from the soldiers. He said if he could talk with them face to face, he would say, "Thank you."

The Rahes plan to continue sending care packages to soldiers, including the medals.

"Ryan is a pretty generous fellow," Jayne said. "He doesn't mind giving things to people."

In a letter that Ryan received, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Anthony W. Grillett wrote:
"I and the Battalion can never thank you enough for sending us your medals. They have brought us luck and good fortune, and now as we prepare to deploy home we send them back to you with our eternal gratitude.

That you would send us something so precious is a reflection of your character. As you called us heroes; to me you are the hero. For I believe it is not who you are, or what you are that makes you a hero, it is the ability to give all especially when it is never asked.

Your courage to face the challenges required earning those medals and then so freely send them to us here in Iraq will forever make you a hero to me. I will never be able to truly express in words how honored I was when I read the letter from your Mother. It truly humbles me and shows me that what I fight for in our country will always be worth the small sacrifices asked of me. Thank you again."

Sometimes a hero is one who sacrifices everything in their life to help others. And sometimes a hero is one who sacrifices nothing more than their time.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. To find out more about Wednesday Hero, you can go here.

Enemy sniper’s aim foiled by friendship

A friend will share the good times with you, but a great friend will share the good times and the bad.

Lance Cpl. Juan A. Valdez, a Boston native and mortarman with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, had what may be the greatest friend of his life at his side during one of his greatest times of need.

A Purple Heart Medal ceremony was held here June 8, to decorate Valdez for wounds he suffered during actions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

While on a security patrol through the streets of Al Karmah, Iraq, in 2006, Valdez was struck by a sniper round.

The incident took place close to the halfway point of the patrol 2,000 meters from an Iraqi police station the unit was based out of that day.

Sgt. Jesse E. Leach, the section leader for Mobile Assault Platoon 4, Weapons Co., was positioned near the rear of the patrol 10-15 meters from Valdez when the sniper shot rang out into the street. It came from a canal located across the street and hit his close friend, Lance Cpl. Valdez.

As soon as the shot was fired, the Marines reacted by securing the area while searching for lower ground to reduce the risk of being hit by any potential threats.

At first, Valdez didn’t realize what happened. He thought someone else had been shot.
“I didn’t even know I got hit,” Valdez said. “I thought that somebody else just got messed up, and then I realize I’m on the ground and my arm is (debilitated).”

Valdez rolled over to let others know he was hit, then tried to move before he was shot again.

Leach looked at Valdez and rushed over to his side. He pulled him across the street to cover. The unit did not have a corpsman readily available, so Leach started tending to his wounds.

“I was probably the closest thing he had to a corpsman or medical personnel,” Leach said.

Leach began ripping the gear and uniform off Valdez in search of an entry and exit wound. Valdez had been struck in the arm. The bullet passed all the way through the top of his shoulder into his ribcage. It punctured a lung and exited through his back.

It was getting hard for Valdez to breathe, and he couldn’t feel his hand. (continue reading story)

Marine Corporal Jason S. Clairday - Fallen But Never Forgotten

Bullets from insurgents’ AK47 rifles tore into his legs, but Cpl. Jason S. Clairday wasn’t about to be stopped.

Clairday, 21, had just leaped across a four-foot gap between rooftops three stories above the Fallujah street to reach a mortally wounded member of another platoon felled in an intense firefight that Dec. 12, 2004, morning. He reorganized first squad and pushed into the house again, throwing grenades and firing his rifle to lead his men against the insurgent fighters inside.

Enemy fire again struck him, and he was evacuated to a field surgical unit, where he died.

Through that battle, Marines say, Clairday never gave up. On Monday, the Marine Corps awarded the Navy Cross medal — the second-highest for valor in combat — to his widow during a Camp Pendleton ceremony as members of 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, looked on.

Clairday is the 17th Marine to receive the Navy Cross for his individual actions in combat in Iraq or Afghanistan, and he is the sixth member of 3/5 awarded the medal for Iraq — the most service crosses of any unit so far... (continue reading story/see video)

Army Amputee Pushes for Policy Change

FORT JACKSON, S.C. - The man who has become the public face of Soldiers injured in Iraq and Afghanistan has a message for the Army leadership: Change the policy to make it easier for amputees to remain on active duty and return to combat.

"I'm really focused on long-term policy changes, not short-term fixes, not amendments and exceptions to policy, but to fix the policy," said Maj. David Rozelle.

In June 2003, Maj. Rozelle was a cavalry troop commander with the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. He lost part of his right leg when a mine exploded under his High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle in Hit, Iraq.

"As I tried to free myself from the vehicle I pressed very hard on my right foot," he recalled. "As I pressed on what was left of it, it felt like it was in mud. It was really that my foot was gone, so I was shoving those raw bones into the dirt to free myself from the vehicle.

"As I fell into the arms of a very brave sergeant first class, and the first sergeant ran out to clear me of the minefield, I gave my last command in Iraq. That was, 'secure the area and evacuate the casualties.' It was probably the most difficult command I had given in my life because I was giving the order to evacuate myself out of the country. It was my last command."

One year later, after months of painful rehabilitation, and fitted with an artificial limb, Maj. Rozelle was once again a troop commander with 3rd Armd. Cav. Regt. Six months after that he was leading troops back into combat, in the same town where he lost part of his leg, making him the first amputee to return to combat in the same battlefield since the Civil War.[snip]

As the guest speaker for Saturday's Army Birthday Ball at the Fort Jackson NCO Club, the 35-year-old said competing in those competitions as an amputee wasn't just for him.

"I was able to prepare to return for war by doing marathons, triathlons, ironman competitions to prove to my scouts I could be just like them," Maj. Rozelle said. "I had to prove it to them again on the battlefield."

As he met with Basic Combat Training Soldiers throughout the day Saturday, Maj. Rozelle stressed the importance of the skills they are learning during their first few months in the Army.

"It's important for you to see a guy like me," he told Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 61st Infantry Regiment. "One of the things I found out when I got injured in war was that it doesn't stop there. Everything you are learning here is what allowed me to return to the battlefield."

Just as Maj. Rozelle has focused on resuming his life, his wife had the same advice for the spouses of those injured on the battlefield.

"Persevere and support your Soldier. Fight for everything you need," she said. "Get back to a normal life and you'll find your groove again once you discover what your new life is. Just take care of them and don't let them whine too much."(continue reading Rozelle's story)

Soldiers, Marines pour their hearts into helping local Iraqi boys

AL TAQADDUM, Iraq (July 1, 2007) -- In the United States things can be relatively simple. If someone is ill, he goes to the doctor. If a person is very ill, then they go to the hospital.

In Iraq, on the other hand, it is not always that simple. Medical care is very expensive and many times the wait to be treated can be weeks long.

While on patrol, soldiers from Company A, 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 136th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), stumbled upon two boys who were truly sick, took a stand,
and decided to help them.

One of them has a serious heart condition. (continue reading Iraqi Children)

Navy SEAL Honored with Hometown Statue Dedication

LITTLETON, Colo. (NNS) -- Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class (SEAL) Danny P. Dietz was honored July 4, by his hometown of Littleton, Colo., with the dedication of a larger-than-life bronze statue in a park near his childhood family home. Dietz was killed by enemy forces during a combat mission in Afghanistan on June 28, 2005, as part of Operation Red Wing.[snip]

"(Danny)…leaves behind a legacy that inspires us today and serves as a shining example of heroism and courage for future generations," said Secretary Winter during his remarks. "Years from now, people will look upon this statue and be reminded of the heroism of a son of Colorado whose country he was proud to serve."

"Petty Officer Dietz gave his life selflessly serving our Nation. On behalf of the United States Navy SEALs, we are proud to call him brother and will forever honor his warrior spirit and sacrifice." said Kernan. "This statue is more than a tribute to one man, it is a lasting reminder of the honor, courage and commitment Danny and all of his teammates embody."

Dietz was born on Jan 26 1980 in Aurora, Colo. He enlisted in the Navy in 1999, earned his SEAL trident in 2001 and was subsequently assigned to SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team Two. In April 2005, Dietz deployed with his Special Reconnaissance element to Afghanistan to support Naval Special Warfare Squadron TEN and the prosecution of the Global War on Terrorism.

In June 2005, deep behind enemy lines east of Asadabad in the Hindu Kush of Afghanistan, his four-man Navy SEAL team was conducting a reconnaissance mission at the unforgiving altitude of approximately 10,000 feet. These SEALs, LT Michael Murphy, Petty Officer Matthew Axelson, Petty Officer Marcus Luttrell and Dietz, had a vital task. Their mission objective was to capture or kill a key militia leader. The mission was compromised when they were spotted by anti-coalition sympathizers, who reported their presence and location to the Taliban. (continue reading Danny Dietz; Blackfive full story)

Maj. Megan M. McClung, USMC: First Woman Marine Officer Killed in Iraq

In her job, McClung "was an advocate of media coverage of military operations," and managed the embed program in which reporters hook up with military units, developing public affairs plans for operations, Salas wrote by e-mail from Iraq.

Her death also numbed a community of marathoners. McClung, Salas said, also found time to organize the Marine Corps Marathon in Al Asad Airbase in October. She finished second among women.

The Defense Department in disclosing McClung's death Monday said she was killed in Al Anbar province supporting combat operations. Media and other military sources say she was killed in downtown Ramadi by a roadside bomb while doing her job -- escorting reporters.

She was in her last month in her Iraq deployment.

McClung's family declined to be interviewed, directing inquiries to Marine Corps officials. Funeral arrangements are incomplete but are planned for Arlington National Cemetery, Salas said from Iraq.

McClung's name has filled Google pages on the Web since her death, including notes from numerous journalists who appreciated her work.

Many cited her energy and professionalism -- and remembered a personality as bright as her red hair.

The Washington Post on October 27, 2006, reported that McClung in May came up with the idea for a marathon race in Iraq to parallel the popular Marine Corps Marathon held in Washington, D.C., each fall.

The Iraq "shadow race" was dubbed the Marine Corps Marathon Forward. Participants were considered part of the U.S. marathon, their finishes added to the list of those who completed the race in the U.S. (read more about Maj. Megan McClung)

This report indicates that, as of December 2006, 60 women in the United States military have given their lives in defense of their country. It may be that we will see the highest ever rate of women warriors killed during war in United States History. I placed her here as a reminder that women also serve and that the term "front line" is really nothing more than a general area where the enemy and our armed forces meet. And, that can be on a street corner in a quiet country village.


Soldier Uses His Head in Fight Against Terrorist

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq — “I’m one of those guys who believe in leading from the front.”

His face is boyish and unassuming, and bears not a trace of the bullet that could’ve cost him his life. Staff Sgt. Kyle Keenan, a native of Newark, Ohio, and a scout section leader with the 1st Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) from Fort Drum, N.Y., is a lucky man. An Iraqi terrorist shot him at point-blank range with a pistol, and he shrugged it off and fired back. (continue reading "Kyle Keenan")

Airmen Bring Hospital to Wounded

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, June 8, 2007 — Some might say doctors don't make house calls anymore, but that's exactly what the airmen of the 455th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Flight at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, do on a daily basis. They bring the hospital to the wounded.

A typical aeromedical evacuation, or AE, crew turns whatever aircraft they are on into a flying hospital. A typical AE crew consists of a medical crew director and two highly trained in-flight medical technicians.
"Taking care of the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines is the most important thing we do. Giving these guys the comfort of knowing we'll get them home is the greatest feeling."
Capt. Jenna Jamison, critical-care air transport care nurse

When a severely injured or gravely ill servicemember must be moved, the AE crews often are augmented with a critical-care air transport team. When augmented with a CCAT team, the aircraft is turned from a flying hospital to a flying intensive care unit. (continue reading Airmen Bring Hospital to Wounded)

- May no soldier go unloved

Wednesday Heroes

Usually, this post is strictly to high-light our current military heroes, which we will continue to do below. But, since today is the 4th of July, I wanted to include a little history lesson and a hero from our founding as a nation.

Did you know that John Hancock was the first man of the 56 to sign the Declaration of Independence? Did you know that he was the only signer to put his name to the document actually ON the 4th of July? When he signed the Declaration, he wrote his name in large, grandiose script. He is alleged to have said that he did it so that King George III could read it without his spectacles. According to US History.Org, the actual quote evolved from this:

A decree had been delivered from England in early 1776 offering a large reward for the capture of several leading figures. Hancock was one of them. On signing the Declaration he commented, "The British ministry can read that name without spectacles; let them double their reward."

Hancock was then President of the Continental Congress and commissioned Gen. George Washington to have the Declaration read to the Continental Army. During the Revolutionary War, he personally financed or raised funds, both legitimate and through smuggling, to support the resistance in and around Boston.

Remember John Hancock: the first man to sign the Declaration of Independence ON the 4th of July.

Let us continue to commemorate those who continue to fight on the side of freedom.

Spc Clinton Warrick

MURPHYSBORO, Ill. - Even after having been thrown several meters, knocked unconscious, set aflame and buried under rubble all as a result of a suicide-vehicle-borne improvised explosive device, one deployed Fort Riley medic braved small-arms fire to save the lives of fellow Soldiers and Iraqi policemen alike last year. Cpl. Clinton Warrick, who was a medic with 2nd Platoon, 300th Military Police Company, received the Army's third highest award for valor [silver star] during a ceremony June 18 at Riverside Park for his actions during an insurgent attack Sept. 18, 2006, at the Al Huryia Iraqi Police Station. [snip]

The explosion came from what turned out to be a 200-pound aircraft bomb with an accelerant, according to reports from the unit. Warrick received third degree burns on his face, hand and legs from the blast. When he landed he was unconscious, his legs were on fire, and the roof
and an exterior wall had collapsed on him. When Jones found Warrick, he put out the fire, dragged him 20 meters to a vacant room and helped him fully regain consciousness.

One foot behind the other

Warrick said he talked himself through continuing with his mission and helping as many people as he could by telling himself to "put one foot behind the other," and pacing himself. Though Warrick's medical bag was still buried under the rubble, he made his way outside amidst small-arms fire to triage patients in the casualty-collection point Jones and his Soldiers had established moments earlier.

"All I remember is I had a job to do and I still needed to do it," Warrick said. "I was there for rendering medical aid. That's what needed to happen right then and there so I started in that frame of mind, and I continued until I was medevac'ed out." According to the unit's official report and award narrative, though he was injured severely, Warrick refused to sit down as he knew he would have immediately slipped into shock. He triaged several wounded Iraqi policemen, assessed others and conveyed the situation to the medical station at Forward Operating Base Ramadi to prepare them for the incoming patients.

Army Medic Saves Baby

KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – A U.S. Soldier potentially saved the life of an Afghan newborn June 24 in Kunar province.

Army Pfc. Theodore Batdorf, a platoon medic assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment (Airborne), was credited with saving the baby’s life after performing CPR on the child.

At about 10:30 a.m. near Tsunel, a small village in Ghaziabad District, the U.S. patrol came upon an ambulance stopped in the road. A woman in the ambulance had just given birth to a boy while en route to the hospital. The baby was not breathing, so the patrol leader on the scene ordered Batdorf to assist.

Batdorf quickly examined the child and realized the newborn was in critical condition. He assessed the child’s breathing was restricted due to fluid in his respiratory tract and that the child’s circulation was poor.

Batdorf informed the platoon leader the baby needed to be evacuated to Forward Operating Base Naray for medical treatment.

During the more than 40 minute drive over extremely rough roads, Batdorf stabilized the baby by administering CPR, maintaining an open airway, and stimulating circulation.

Cpl Jason D Soley

A Marine from L Company, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, with combat distinguishing device in a ceremony here June 20.

For Cpl. Jason D. Soley, the squad leader for 2nd squad, 3rd platoon, March 13 was just another day of combat operations during Operation Northern Forge. His squad was part of a company-level operation in the Albu Bali area to disrupt insurgent use of the region as a safe haven. They had been operating continuously since the operation began on March 8, patrolling all day and sleeping in a new house every night. This day promised to be no different.

“We were doing a local security patrol,” said Soley, 21, from , “We exited one house and were walking through the field going to our objective, which was another house. As we were walking through the field we came upon a five- or six-foot-deep canal.”

The squad’s point man, Lance Cpl. Angel Rosa, 21, from , walked into the canal searching for a safe crossing point. As he disappeared from view, a massive explosion shook the ground, turning the squad’s world upside down.

“I looked up and I didn’t see come out of the ditch,” said Soley.

That's when Cpl Soley went to work.

Soley instinctively assessed the situation and began directing his squad. He quickly sent his team leaders to a nearby house to provide suppressive fire against the enemy machine gun position. After his squad began suppressing the enemy threat, Soley turned his attention to the evacuation of his severely wounded point man. Ignoring the rounds snapping over his head, Soley ran to the canal to check on Rosa.[snip]

After calling in the report Soley, without hesitation and still under fire, sprinted across a 75 meter open field to his Marines that were providing suppression. He continued to direct the fires of those two teams until they achieved fire superiority and neutralized the enemy threat.

“I think I heard maybe two rounds go over my head,” added Soley. “I was so much in the zone that I (didn’t hear any). The squad kept saying that there was rounds going everywhere, the insurgents had to have shot at least 300 or 400 rounds at us. I just zoned all that out and did what I had to do.”

You will definitely want to read the rest of the story: Cpl Soley

Apache Pilots Rescue Wounded Soldier

Two attack weapons teams (with two AH-64 helicopters making up a team) flew to Ramadi in support of Coalition Forces in search of insurgents and weapons caches.

The teams reached Ramadi and received notice that Coalition Forces were taking heavy small arms fire. To maximize the helicopters’ time over a potential target, one team immediately went to the Ramadi forward arming and refueling point and the other attack weapons team flew into the fight.

They engaged extremists with 30 millimeter cannon fire neutralizing them. The team then supported other Coalition Forces engaging extremists using two tractor trailers as cover. The crew took small arms fire and multiple enemy rounds to their aircraft.

Despite the small arms fire, the attack weapons team destroyed the tractor trailers, causing secondary explosions, indicating to the crew that the trailers were possibly used as vehicle-born improvised explosive devices.[snip]

As the team returned to the FARP to rearm and refuel, the ground forces commander informed the crews that he was coordinating a medical evacuation of wounded Soldiers including one critically-wounded.

Approximately 40 minutes later, after rearming and refueling, the team went back to the area and learned that the MEDEVAC aircraft had not arrived. Due to the critically-wounded Soldier and despite continued enemy activity, the Company B aviators landed and extracted the critically-wounded casualty with the Apache helicopter. While the Company A crew provided overhead security, the Company B crew landed within two kilometers of the enemy position.

Upon landing, the co-pilot/gunner helped load the injured Soldier into the front seat without further injury. Despite the heavy small arms fire and surface-to-air fire events in the area, the co-pilot/gunner strapped himself onto the left side of the aircraft and hunkered down on the wing. The pilot flew to Camp Ar Ramadi medical pad, where emergency medical personnel provided treatment. The team went back to the fight and continued to provide support for Coalition Forces. Upon neutralizing the extremists, the crew returned to LSA Anaconda.

Due to the extent of the battle damage, one extremists was confirmed killed in action, but multiple extremists were killed in conjunction with ground forces. The wounded Soldier has been transferred to LSA Anaconda and is in stable condition.

More to the story here and a video of the dramatic rescue here

Our Canadian Allies in Afghanistan: Highest Awards Presented to Special Forces

OTTAWA – During a private ceremony today at Rideau Hall, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, presented some of Canada’s highest honours to members of the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM). The decorations included two Medals of Military Valour, two Meritorious Service Crosses and seven Meritorious Service Medals, presented in recognition of bravery and commitment to service by personnel serving within CANSOFCOM during recent deployments. For security and operational reasons, recipients' names and citations are not released.

The Medal of Military Valour is awarded for an act of valour or devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy. The Meritorious Service Decorations—in two levels, a Cross and a Medal— recognize military deeds or activities performed in a professional manner and according to a high standard that bring benefit or honour to the Canadian Forces.

“These are among the highest awards that Canada can bestow on our soldiers,” said General Rick Hillier, Chief of the Defence Staff. “The medals presented today reflect not only the brave and selfless actions of members of our special operations task forces but also represent the gratitude and recognition of our nation.”

One of those honored and not mentioned was a woman from Canada's Special Forces.


US Soldiers Aid Afghan Orphanage

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan— Backpacks jammed full with school supplies, soccer balls, teddy bears, toys, hygiene kits, sandals and shoes were delivered to an Afghan orphanage in Mahmud Raqi district by members of the Bagram Provincial Reconstruction Team June 27.

National Guard Soldiers with the 351st Civil Affairs Command from Mountain View, Calif., along with the 1175th Military Police Company, 205th MP Battalion from Mississippi geared up and armed themselves with humanitarian supplies.

Marine Leads with Experience

RUTBAH, Iraq (June 28, 2007) -- The rank of corporal has great meaning for a Marine. They proudly brandish the traditional blood stripe, and must take on the great responsibility that comes with the stripe to lead junior Marines.

For Marines from Company B, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Task Force Tarawa, one corporal is making quite an impression and showing what the true value of leadership is.

“I don’t see myself as a leader, but for some reason others seem to,” said Cpl. Travis J. Lambert, a designated marksman with the company. “I just do what I am told; no questions asked.”

Lambert provides a vital resource for the battalion by acting as a designated marksman.

“My job is similar to a sniper, but with less strenuous training,” says the Ocula, Fla., native. “I am there to provide over watch for the safety of the area, as well as acquire accurate targets, so there is less collateral damage.”

Lambert also goes beyond the call of duty, assisting on operations taking place, and often lending his experienced hand by leading patrols and missions in the area.

“It isn’t hard to lead Marines for patrols, you just have to make a mental checklist before you leave,” he said. “Checking for protective equipment, plenty of water and making sure they are in the mindset is a few of the things I remind myself to do.”

Lambert’s proactive attitude has caught the eye of many of his superiors, to which they praise highly.

That's what keeps men alive.

Our Heroes of the Marine 24th, Belton, MO, continue to impact the lives of Peruvians

ANCON, Peru (July 2, 2007) -- The realities of life in today's fast-paced Marine Corps often leave deployed Marines feeling cynical or world-weary, with little time or opportunity to enjoy the smaller joys in life, like doing something special for someone else or standing up to make an impact on the younger generation.

But when Marines of Special Purpose Marine Air- Ground Task Force 24 teamed up with Peruvian Marines of Batallon Infanteria de Marina 1 for a community relations project at the Almirante Miguel Grau public school here on the outskirts of Lima, there was all of that and more. The project turned out to be an event unlike any that has taken place throughout Partnership of the Americas 2007, an annual training exercise that aims to enhance regional stability and cooperation among nations of North and South America.

Two dozen Marines of SPMAGTF 24 headed to the school with great anticipation, but little knowledge of what exactly to expect. They knew that they would be painting the school, donating supplies and hopefully spending time with the students. But when they arrived, it became clear that the kids were more excited to see them than the Americans could have possibly imagined, surrounding the desert-patterned uniforms as soon as they could.

Mass Re-enlistment, Citizenship Ceremony Scheduled for July 4 in Iraq

WASHINGTON, July 3, 2007 – More than 600 troops are expected to re-enlist tomorrow, and more than 100 others will become U.S. citizens in an Independence Day ceremony at Camp Victory, Iraq.

Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of Multinational Force Iraq, made the announcement during an interview today on Bill Bennett’s nationally syndicated radio program.

Petraeus and his senior enlisted leader, Army Command Sgt. Maj. Marvin Hill, decided to hold this year’s ceremony after the success of a previous ceremony in 2003 for the 101st Airborne Division.

“On the Fourth of July back in 2003, we had a re-enlistment ceremony. The idea was we would try to get 101, given the unit designation, to raise their right hand. And I think we had something like 150 that did,” Petraeus said. “I think it’s going to be somewhere close to 600 soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who are going to raise their right hand on the Fourth of July here and sign up for another tour in the armed forces.”

On this day, let us remember those who have fought and continue to fight in defense of our nation and the ideas of freedom.



- May no soldier go unloved

Wednesday's Heroes

This Weeks Soldier Was Suggested By Jenn

Staff Sgt. Darrell R. Griffin Jr.
36 years old from Alhambra, California
2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division
March 21, 2007

"He was a really patriotic young man", said Darrell Griffin Sr. "He said that the people there really needed us and he felt it was the right place to be. He wished we didn’t have to have wars, but since that’s the way mankind is, he felt he was contributing an important part to his country".

SSgt. Griffin lost his life in Balad, Iraq when his unit came under fire as it was returning to base after conducting security operations in the Iraqi capital.

The eldest son of six children, SSgt. Griffin worked as an EMT before joining the California Army National Guard in 1999. He enlisted in the Army two years later, and in July 2001, was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, in Ft. Lewis, Washington. He served with that unit in Iraq from October 2004 to September 2005.

On his second tour of duty, SSgt. Griffin had been awarded the Bronze Star for valor in 2005 when he was credited with saving the lives of three U.S. and two Iraqi Army soldiers injured during battle in Tal Afar. He had also received the Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, Parachute Badge, and the Meritorious Unit Citation.

"Griff was the type of man you want to have by your side in a fight," Maj. Brent Clemmer, his former company commander, wrote from Iraq. "He was the type of squad leader every young soldier wants to have".

"Darrell was my husband, my Soldier, my gift from God who was also the love of my life and always will be." Said his wife, Diana. "He was also 'a Soldier's Soldier of Strength and Honor' whose commitment to duty, honor and loyalty will be forever remembered by all who know and love him. The news of his death saddens us deeply and we ask for your prayers in our time of grief. Please also continue to keep our Soldiers in your prayers.

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. To find out more about Wednesday Hero, you can go here.

GO MOM

Anyway, Terri wrote "the young soldiers/ marines get a kick and a laugh when they see how much we like to pamper them, they can't believe it. I tell our US patients that there is one really good thing about a Reserve Hospital and one bad thing. We have thousands of years of experience and we like to GO MOM on them. When i tell them that, they say they really appreciate it. "

Two Compassionate Soldiers Give Iraqi Child Hope

KIRKUK, Iraq — The nine-year old boy would most certainly lose his leg. Given the prohibitive cost of medical care and his family’s lack of resources, amputation and a life of pain and dependence seemed inevitable. The Iraqi boy’s father was resigned to that conclusion.

Then two soldiers got involved and hope arrived along with them.

Sgt. Donald R. Campbell and Capt. Geoffrey Dutton, both Georgia natives, brought coalition and Iraqi resources together to give an Iraqi boy hope after a chance encounter during a routine patrol in Kirkuk, Iraq.[snip]

“During the search of a house I noticed a little boy,” said Campbell. “His leg was all bent up and it looked like he had a pipe wrapped to it,” he continued. “My immediate instinct was to rewrap it and change the splint for him because it looked uncomfortable. When I removed the wrap, I noticed that the pipe was actually a metal bar that was screwed into the lower part of the boy’s leg below the knee. What concerned me most though was the obvious infection.”

Campbell learned that the family was at a wedding some months ago when at least two bullets from celebratory gunfire impacted the young boy’s leg below the knee and exited the bottom of his foot. For a variety of reasons, local doctors simply screwed an exterior metal brace into the young boy’s bone at four locations.

“I cleaned the leg the best I could, gave the family extra field dressings, iodine, alcohol and instructions on how to take care of the infection,” said Campbell who would meet with the family on more than two dozen future occasions to check on the boy’s status.

“The family appeared to be doing everything correctly, but the leg seemed more infected each time I saw him. I knew we had assets in the brigade that could provide more help,” he said.

Campbell went to brigade civil affairs.

Gotta click the link to read the rest.

American Indian Marine represents family, heritage in Corps

AL ASAD, Iraq (June 26, 2007) -- It is estimated that more than 12,000 Native Americans served in the United States military in World War I. There are more than 190,000 Native American military veterans; as the years continue to compile, so do the numbers of Native Americans in the military.

One of those Native Americans is Lance Cpl. Molly Sixkiller, an EA-6B Prowler electrician for Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 1.

“I’m proud to be who I am, I’m proud to be a Sixkiller,” said the Phoenix, Ariz., native. “My mother is from Arizona and is all Navaho. My father is from Chicago, (Ill.) and is Pima, Papka and Cherokee, so I am all mixed up.”

Sixkiller began her journey with the Marine Corps when she enrolled in the delayed entry program Sept. 29, 2005.

“I wanted to be one of the first in my immediate family to join one of the services,” said Sixkiller. “I picked the Marine Corps because I had to join the best.”

On a special note, Marines from Richard Gabauer 24th Marine are now in Peru. We welcomed one of the units back in April and another just departed a few weeks ago with the PGR giving them a send off.

Peru’s Marine Headquarters welcomes 24th Marines

ANCON, Peru (June 26, 2007) -- Standing in formation on a parade deck, Marines of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force 24 received a warm welcome from their hosts in Peru’s Infanteria de Marina, or Marine Corps, as they began training here this week.

A large formation of troops, vehicles and weapons across from the Comandancia, or Headquarters, marked the official start of training in Peru. Words of welcome were given by Rear Adm. Oscar Anderson, Contralmirante (Commandant) of the Infanteria de Marina, and Capitan de Navio (Col.) Carlos Tallo, Chief of Staff. Both Anderson and Tallo spoke to the Marines after the ceremonial formation as well, personally thanking them for making the trip to Peru to train with their Marines.

Wounded Soldier Heals, Rejoins Unit

The platoon sergeant with 1st Cavalry Division’s Troop B, 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, volunteered to rejoin his unit in Iraq after recovering from multiple gunshot wounds suffered in Buhriz, Iraq, March 6.

Salkanovic, 27, was leading a dismounted, eight-man reconnaissance team when 15 to 20 insurgents wielding grenades, sniper rifles and AK-47s started attacking from three different directions.

Pinned down on the roof of a building, Salkanovic and his squad returned fire. In a span of 15 minutes, Salkanovic was struck by three enemy bullets: one to his left index finger and shoulder and one apiece to his right shoulder and bicep. Two more enemy rounds nearly struck Salkanovic, but were stopped by his body armor – “the two that would have killed me,” he called them.

Salkanovic’s team managed to fend off the attack, eventually killing two insurgents. If not for the actions of one of his soldiers, Cpl. Cory Walter, Salkanovic is sure he would have died that day, he said.

“Corporal Walter is pretty much responsible for me being alive right now.”

Salkanovic, whose wounds caused him to lose two liters of blood, was evacuated to Germany and later moved to Fort Hood, Texas, to recover. After two months of healing and rehabilitation, he was ready to head back to Iraq. He rejoined his unit, which is based at Forward Operating Base Normandy, May 15.

The hardest fight

WASHINGTON -- Marine Sgt. David "D.J." Emery Jr.'s life snapped into focus one morning in April, two days after the birth of his daughter, when he studied the lower half of his hospital bed, turned to his mother and, still unable to speak, mouthed these words:

"What the f happened to my legs?"

For weeks, the young warrior's battle for survival had been waged by his mother, his young wife and the doctors who kept him clinging to this side of death.

Then Emery noticed the emptiness that day in the intensive care unit, and the fight became his.[snip]

Emery remembers little from that day in Iraq's Anbar province.

A checkpoint. Stopping to chat with other Marines, while Iraqi soldiers nearby searched anyone who didn't seem right.

He never saw the suspicious-looking man or the torso wrapped in explosives. The man spread his arms wide, like an eagle taking flight, to trigger the blast.

Emery doesn't recall much -- not the flight home, not the countless surgeries, not the amputations of first one leg, then another -- until April 23.

That's when Emery took up his own fight. He began to heal. Through good days and bad, he moved from the intensive care unit at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., to a regular hospital room, then two weeks ago to Ward 57, the amputees' home at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Over time, he's been visited by the Washington Redskins football team, by his local congressman, and by President Bush, who gave Emery his Purple Heart.

"I dunno; he's just another person, you know?" Emery recalled from his bed. "He invited me to the White House. Hopefully I can get some running legs and go running with him and smoke his ass."

The encounters that really matter are the ones with other veterans, such as the old man in the hallway who gets around better on two fake legs than most senior citizens do on real ones.

"When a doctor tells you that you'll walk one day, and he has two real legs, you're like, 'whatever,' " Emery said. "But when a guy comes in on two prosthetic legs, and they're standing there, it makes everything possible." hat tip: Soldiers Angels Germany

4 Hill Airmen receive Bronze Stars

6/25/2007 - HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah (AFPN) -- Four NCOs from the 775th Civil Engineer Squadron received Bronze Stars during a mid-June ceremony at Hill Air Force Base for their actions while deployed in support of the war on terrorism.

The four explosive ordnance disposal Airmen are Staff Sergeants Evan Knight, Bradley Kline, Steven Overstreet and William White.

Sergeant Knight's team was responsible for responding to the busiest area for improvised explosive devices, or IEDs, in Iraq. The team covered 500 square miles including Baghdad and the surrounding area. He and his team responded and safely cleared 68 EOD incidents.

Sergeant Kline led his team on a 120-hour mission to clear 45 kilometers of Iraqi roadways, during which they cleared seven IEDs. Also, while on a mission, his team and security element came under sniper fire. Sergeant Kline positioned his vehicle into a blocking position, giving the security unit time to position themselves to engage and subdue the threat.

Sergeant Overstreet participated in more than 134 combat missions under constant threat of insurgent attacks. During his time in Iraq, he and his team safely dealt with 30 IED incidents along critical supply routes. He also led missions that collected more than 3,000 pieces of ordnance.

Sergeant White's team was responsible for one-third of the multinational division north's workload, which ensured the safety of more than 41,000 individuals. On one instance a member of Sergeant White's team was knocked unconscious by an IED. Sergeant White quickly took control of the vehicle and then made sure his team member wasn't critically wounded.

Coast Guard Coordinates Rescue 345 Miles off Virginia Coast

PORTSMOUTH, Va. - Coast Guard watch standers at the Rescue Coordination Center Portsmouth coordinated the rescue of a sailor 345 miles east of Cape Henry, Va., today.

Douglas W. Eaton, captain of the 20-foot sailing vessel Tyche homeported in Key West, Fla., was rescued by the crew of the cruise ship Crown Princess after the Coast Guard received an Electronic Locater Transmitter (ELT) signal from Eaton this afternoon.

The Crown Princess, a 947-foot Bahamian-flagged cruise ship, is designated as an Automated Mutual Assistance Vessel Rescue (AMVER) vessel.

"We got a great response from the AMVER vessels in the area," said Coast Guard Lt. j.g. Scott Murphy, who said several AMVER vessels in the area also answered the Coast Guard's call for assistance.

Eaton will stay on board the Crown Princess until its next port of call in New York City.

Don't Mess With the Marines!

Bill Barnes says he was scratching off a losing $2 lottery ticket inside a gas station when he felt a hand slip into his front-left pants pocket, where he had $300 in cash.

He immediately grabbed the person's wrist with his left hand and started throwing punches with his right, landing six or seven blows before a store manager intervened.

"I guess he thought I was an easy mark," Barnes, 72, told The Grand Rapids Press for a story Tuesday.

He's anything but an easy mark: Barnes served in the Marines, was an accomplished Golden Gloves boxer and retired after 20 years as an iron worker.

Team closer to finding Iwo Jima Marine

IWO JIMA, Japan - The U.S. search team looking for the remains of a Marine killed after filming the iconic flag-raising on Iwo Jima has found two possible sites and will recommend a larger team excavate them, officials said Wednesday.[snip]

The U.S. officially took the tiny volcanic island on March 26, 1945, after 31-day battle that pitted some 100,000 U.S. troops against 21,200 Japanese. Some 6,821 Americans were killed; only 1,033 Japanese survived. Of 82 U.S. Medals of Honor won by Marines in World War II, 26 were won on Iwo Jima.

Genaust paid the ultimate price.

On March 4, 1945, Marines were securing the cave, and are believed to have asked Genaust to use his movie camera to light their way. He volunteered to shine the light in the cave and was killed by enemy fire. The cave was secured after a gunfight, and its entrance sealed.

As a combat photographer, Genaust was trained to use a firearm, and he and another Marine protected the AP photographer as they climbed 546-foot Mount Suribachi. Genaust did not need to use his weapon; under heavy attack, the Japanese did not fire on the three men.

Genaust's footage also helped prove that the raising — the second one that day — was not staged, as some later claimed. He got no credit for his footage, however, in accordance with Marine Corps policy.

In 1995, a bronze plaque was put atop Suribachi to honor Genaust, who before coming ashore on Iwo Jima fought and was wounded in the battle on the Pacific island of Saipan. An actor portraying him appears in the Clint Eastwood movie "Flags of Our Fathers," and the annual Sgt. William Genaust Award has been established to honor the best videotape of a Marine Corps related news event.

Help us honor all of our veterans, past, present and future. Join Soldiers' Angels today!


- May no soldier go unloved

Wednesday Heroes

Lance Cpl. Hatak Yuka Keyu M. Yearby
21 years old from Overbrook, Oklahoma
3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force
May 14, 2006

Hatak Yuka Keyu Martin Yearby was remembered in funeral services as a small town boy who balanced his Choctaw tribal heritage and his military life.

He did traditional American Indian dances with grace, compassion, discipline and free spirit — "the way he lived his life," the Rev. Timm Emmons said Monday.

"He had a desire to be in the military since he was a young boy. And he believed in what he was doing. He was a warrior, and he was a hero and he finished the course."

Yearby was killed by a roadside bomb, along with fellow Lance Cpl. Jose S. MarinDominguez Jr., in the Al Anbar province of Iraq, two months after he arrived in that country.

Friends and family, fellow American Indians, teachers and classmates filed past his open casket for an hour after the funeral while a U.S. Marine Corps honor guard stood at attention.

About 1,000 people attended a funeral service meant to celebrate the life of the 21-year-old newlywed from Overbrook in southern Oklahoma’s Love County.

Those who spoke in the packed Marietta High School auditorium talked of how he loved to hunt, but never came back with anything. He played tricks, won dancing awards at powwows and appeared on a recruiting magazine for Upward Bound because of a headdress he made from a T-shirt.

Nine of his friends stood on stage to remember Yearby. Jake Barber spoke for them, pausing several times to regain his composure.

"Many great words describe Hatak. The only real word you need to say is 'brother'. He will always be known to us as the ace of spades, the most important card in the deck. He touched us so dearly that words cannot explain,".

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. To find out more about Wednesday Hero, you can go here.

I think I mentioned these gentlemen before, but I wanted to point out that three of the four men who received Distinguished Flying Crosses for their actions in Iraq are from MISSOURI!

Honoring Marine Cpl Valdez

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (June 1, 2007) – (June 18, 2007) -- A 15-minute drive through Fallujah, Iraq, on June 23, 2005, turned into one of the worst days in history for female U.S. Marines. A suicide bomber drove his car into a convoy, causing a massive explosion that killed three women and three men and severely burnt seven other women.

Valdez was part of a group of women who had volunteered to man entry points to Fallujah in 2005 to search women and children in order to comply with Iraqi customs regarding the protection of women from unknown men. While there are often commentary that derides such attention to local customs during a war, their efforts were part of the program that allowed the marines to win over the people of Fallujah. These efforts have made Fallujah much more calm compared to the past and other areas around Baghdad. This even contributed to the larger efforts that eventually led to the Anbar Awakening that has largely pacified western Iraq.

Still, Cpl Valdez was much more personally responsible for the success of the marines in battling IEDs, the weapon most responsible for deaths and injuries of our troops in Iraq:

Valdez, a Purple Heart Medal recipient, was an invaluable member of the 2nd Marine Division Communication Operations Section during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Valdez’s most significant work was with Division’s Counter Improvised Explosive Device Working Group. The success of the tests conducted by CIEDWG was in a large part attributed to Valdez’s knowledge of single-channel radios.

The impact Valdez made in her field was a driving force behind the dedication of a top communications training facility.

The communication facility was dedicated with her mother Elida Valdez present. A plaque with her picture graces the wall.

“We have not traveled these long distances to honor a building,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. Keith A. Sylvain, the communications information systems chief for Marine Forces Reserve. “We pay tribute to not only Corporal Valdez but what she represents. She’s a perfect selection to not only represent the communications community but the (noncommissioned officer) corps.”

Before the ceremony concluded, the crowd witnessed the first Radio Operators Course class graduation from the newly-named Valdez Training Facility.

Reflections on service and sacrifice

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (June 18, 2007) -- Friends, families, fellow Marines and sailors gathered to honor the service, commitment and friendship of fallen brothers of 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, May 25, who were killed in action while conducting combat operations in Iraq.

The battalion suffered a loss of 11 Marines and one Navy corpsman while fighting the violent insurgency throughout Ramadi, Iraq, on an extended nine-month tour from 2006-2007.

“They are brothers in a way few can truly understand,” Jurney said. “The nature of our shared hardships creates a special bond between our Marines and sailors like no other. I know each of these men shared that special bond and brotherhood with all these men here today.”

The young men of the battalion entered the extremely dangerous city of Ramadi where there were 70-80 firefights a week, according to Jurney.

“Their courage, bravery, commitment and selfless acts were simply amazing,” Jurney said.

By the time they were leaving Ramadi, there was barely one firefight a month to account for. Families and businesses felt safer and were returning to the city because these service members were leaving it in a better state.

“These young men and all those that stand before you made a difference,” Jurney said. “What they did mattered.”

One of these Marines was Lance Cpl Michael Sanchez:

Lance Cpl. Michael A. Schwarz was remembered as a Marine that was not afraid to take the lead. “With all due respect Corporal, you’re married and you’re not going anywhere first,” was what Schwarz told another Marine in a time of danger. That’s the kind of Marine he was, a friend said.

"Fallen Angel!" - Pilot and Crew protect downed aircraft

Video included - US Army Blackhawk pilot, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jerry Sartin, and his flight crew engaged a hostile enemy after another aircraft was shot down. Chief Sartin received the Silver Star Award for his action on the battlefield. The video was produced by Sgt. Kelly Longbine.

Again, Where Do We Find These Guys...?

Matt Sanchez in Iraq says: There are no whiners here.

Michael Yon makes his final report from the British Area of Operations: Death Or Glory Part IV

Task Force Grizzly Year in Review

Operation Medusa

Without hesitation Williams declares his favorite mission was Operation Medusa, a 22-day operation for which his Soldiers had six hours notice to prepare – a mission to take an objective their coalition counterparts found they weren’t able to accomplish alone.

“NATO had just taken over operations in RC-South,” Williams recalled. “It was the first NATO fight as an operation force in theater. The Canadians tried to do it without U.S. support because they wanted to be able to say, ‘We can do this on our own.’” But they couldn’t, he said.

“They couldn’t cross the river; there were just too many Taliban in the area. So they came to us to develop our task force and to deploy out there and have a Canadian company, an Afghan battalion and our guys, and it was to fence the enemy in,” Williams said.

“With six hours notice we produced the order, rolled our task force out there. We had a convoy that was about 50 vehicles and we moved in there, secured Panjwayi and one side of the ridge, and were able to keep the Taliban fixed for a few days. Then we called in and said ‘Hey, we see a hole, we think we can cross.’ and they let us,” said Williams.

What came next was like a scene taken from any heroic wartime movie. “We crossed under fire, used smoke, CAS (Close Air Support), engaged in direct enemy fire, but we got the guys across, seized the area and the next day took an objective that nobody else could take. All summer, they couldn’t take it, so we did. We took it, under fire, fighting through trench lines and compounds,” Williams said. The success of Operation Medusa helped secure Panjway and Pashmul.

Speaking of heroes, our men are in a huge fight in both Afghanistan and Iraq, battling Al Qaida elements on both fronts.

Let us pray for them and keep them in our thoughts.

Finally, I there are some heroes who are in uniform here, who work hard to save lives and sometimes give them:

The Nine: They rescued two warehouse workers from the roof and then they gave their lives to finish putting out the fire.

- May no soldier go unloved

Wednesday Heroes: Inspiring and Death Defying

This Weeks Hero Was Suggested By Malinda

69-year-old Bert Brady has never stepped foot in Iraq or Afghanistan, yet many soldiers who have know who he is and appreciate what he's done for them. You see, for the past year Mr. Brady has made a trip to the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport nearly every morning to welcome home returning American troops. Bert Brady, along with fellow veterans, is a member of the Welcome Home a Hero program. They make sure that every soldier who steps off a plane in Dallas gets a special homecoming.

Brady shows up each day with the goal of making soldiers feel appreciated and proud of their service. He's often joined by veterans of the Vietnam and Korean wars who did not get a warm reception when they returned from battle.

"We are not going to forget them like a lot of Vietnam soldiers have been forgotten," Brady said. "We are not going to forget the soldiers of today."

To read more about Bert Brady, you can go to ABCnews.com

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. To find out more about Wednesday Hero, you can go here.

Tactical air controller receives Silver Star, for actions during firefight

For a special-forces team in the heat of battle, air cover can be the difference between life and death. Staff Sgt. Covel was assigned in Iraq to work with an elite team of 8 Army special-forces soldiers and 10 “peshmerga” – indigenous Kurdish guerilla fighters. In June 2004, part of the team headed from its safe house in the city center back to base to re-supply. While they were gone, they received a call that an attack on the safe house had begun. Based on previous engagements, however, the team assumed it would be a quick skirmish – even though some intelligence had warned of a massive offensive that was in the works. By the time the team returned to the house, they realized they were under an extremely fierce attack – an attack that would last 36 hours and involve an estimated 200 insurgents.

As the tactical air controller, Covel quickly made his way to his battle positions on the roof of an adjacent building so he could locate the enemy positions and direct air support. Insurgents were ready, and accurately fired on him as he crossed the short open space. As he described it later, “It felt for a moment like I was in some sort of movie, running as the dirt kicked up around me.”

Army Reservist volunteers to train Iraqi National Police

For many, it may be hard to believe that people volunteer specifically to go to Iraq , given the known dangers and hardship. For Maj. Bonaldo, it was a question of duty and service: “I volunteered to go in part because I had never deployed before . . . I felt that I needed to step up . . . [and] I felt I could make a difference.” For the fledgling Iraqi police force he helped, his contributions were invaluable.

Heroes and Angels of All Walks of Life

LeAnne Rimes Gives Wounded Iraq Vet Special Van

PALM BAY, Fla. - Iraq veteran Peter Reid has gotten a boost from LeAnn Rimes.

A 2004 mortar attack in Iraq's Anbar province left Reid, a Navy Seabee, partially paralyzed, blind in one eye and dependent on a motorized wheelchair. He also suffered a brain injury, and bits of shrapnel remain in his head and body.

Reid hadn't left his Palm Bay house for months because it took two people to lift him into and out of his van.

Now he's looking forward to shopping trips with his wife, Michele, because of a gift from Rimes.

Cincinnati Soldier Thwarts Bomber with 4 tons of Explosives in Dump Truck

Soldiers of a 10th Mountain Division battalion, deep in the heart of Iraq’s bloodiest region, are alive and well today because one young soldier from Norwood was on lookout Sunday afternoon.

Spc. Brandon Rork, a 24-year-old 2002 graduate of Norwood High School, was on guard atop Patrol Base Warrior Keep on Sunday, manning a 240 Bravo machine gun and keeping a lookout for danger.

What he found could have reduced Patrol Base Warrior Keep to rubble and left dozens, possibly hundreds, of his fellow soldiers in the 2-14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, dead on the ground.

Apache Troop Makes Friends with the Littlest

Soldiers' Angels Roger Godskesen

Geneva resident Roger Godskesen is an Angel, but he doesn’t have wings or dance on the head of a pin.

Godskesen, 57, is the tactical medical support director for Soldiers’ Angels, a nonprofit volunteer group helping members of the armed forces and their families.

Since it formed in 2003, the group has sent thousands of care packages and supply backpacks, helped people “adopt” soldiers, sent letters from home, and helped the families of the deployed.

“There are well over 100,000 members, and it’s all through the Internet,” said Godskesen, who served as a medic at Walter Reed military hospital during the Vietnam War.

For Godskesen, finding a way to help has taken on a larger life than he ever imagined.

Walter Reed Prosthetic Technician 'Pulls' for Troops

WASHINGTON, June 12, 2007 – For prosthetic technician Jared Scott McClure, it's all about the "pull."

Walter Reed Army Medical Center prosthetic technician Jared Scott McClure works to remove the test socket from the plaster cast of a patient's residual limb. How well he does his job determines the fit and function of the permanent socket, and, ultimately, how well the servicemember performs with their prosthetic. Defense Dept. photo by Fred W. Baker III
(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

He's referring to the process in which he pulls a hot sheet of plastic over the plaster mold of an amputee's residual limb to make a test socket for the patient's prosthetic leg.

"The pull is everything," he said, admiring his latest work, a test socket for a female patient who is an amputee at the ankle.

McClure said the goal is to get the plastic consistent, but heavier in specific pressure points. How well he does his job determines the fit and function of the permanent socket and, ultimately, how well servicemembers perform with their prostheses.

This is his second attempt at this test socket. The first was not good enough, he said.

A Navy veteran, McClure said he always wanted to work in the medical field but didn't care for hospitals. "I like to get my hands dirty. I like working with hammers and tools and stuff," he said.

As a prosthetic technician, his job is part science, part art, and a lot of muscle.

McClure said he was struggling in college after leaving the Navy, and wasn't sure what he wanted to do. He learned about the school from his Veterans Affairs counselor. McClure said he was hesitant at first, but was sold after talking to the staff there.

"Within five minutes of talking to the instructor, I knew. I was like 'Wow, this is it. Where do I sign up?' And here it is, three years later, I'm in D.C. working at Walter Reed fitting legs on guys who went to war," he said.

Alex Becker was injured in a Iraq town called Karma.

The 21-year-old, who was shot and wounded during a mission near Fallujah with the U.S. Marines on New Year’s Day, knows how surprising that is.

“It’s pretty weird,” he said. “I guess it happened for a reason.”

Becker, a lance corporal who was deployed to Iraq last July, served as a machine gunner for his convoy. When it was attacked, his fellow Marines automatically demonstrated their extensive training, he recalls.

“It didn’t register that I had been shot for 30 seconds, because I was focused on my job and making sure everyone was safe,” he said. “Everyone did their job very well. … Everything happened real fast. I stayed calm and did what I could.”

Becker was taken to an area hospital before being transported to a German hospital, and later, back to the United States.

Perhaps karma followed him as he astonished doctors with the rapid improvements to his left arm, wrist and hand, which were severely injured in the fighting.

What’s more is that after months of recovering in military hospitals and undergoing eight surgeries, Alex arrived in Aberdeen last week in time for two very important events.

On Friday, he was baptized at the Aberdeen First Presbyterian Church with his two 6-year-old brothers, Sam Becker and Dominic Becker-Brown. His mother, Stephanie, works as a secretary at the church.

Continuing story of Maj. David Rozelle who lost his right foot in Iraq (famous as seen jogging with President Bush)

WASHINGTON, June 8, 2007 – Army Maj. David Rozelle walked with difficultly up the steep dirt path that cuts through the grass and away from a concrete sidewalk running along the north side of Walter Reed Army Medical Center here.

He apologized for his awkwardness.

"I’m trying on a new foot today," he said. "I like it. But any time you get a new foot, you’ve got to get used to it."

As an armored cavalry troop commander, Rozelle lost his right foot to an anti-tank mine in Iraq in 2003.

Since then, he has been cutting new paths for amputees in the Army. Rozelle is an expert skier, a tri-athlete, and one of the first Iraq war amputees to be deemed fit to return to active duty. Only a little more than a year after losing his foot, Rozelle stepped back in front of an armored cavalry formation as commander and led his troops back to the same battlefield that claimed his foot, almost cost him his Army career, and nearly took his life.

And, as fate would have it, Rozelle later returned to the very medical center that gave him back his foot, his Army career and, for the most part, his life as he enjoyed it before his injury.

Heroic Pilots Land Helicopter After Being Shot

The story details are via Major Juanita Chang, as told by the pilots:

Two veteran pilots, Chief Warrant Officers Leif Neely and Jason Anderson, were sitting in a Command Post (CP) in Iraq one evening in May.

“We were in our command post when we heard that some local Iraqis were reporting that there was a [car bomb] attack. We found it was odd that there was no chatter on the radio, as there usually is when something like this is happening,” recounts Anderson.

The pilots immediately left the CP.

“So, we fly out to check things out and everything appears calm from our view,” Anderson continues. “Then our tactical command center radios us and tells us to go check out two other locations and we do that”

“Then we heard that there were reports that the Iraqi army and Iraqi police were being attacked,” Anderson says unfolding the events as he remembers them.

- May no soldier go unloved