Very Cleverly Done

Did you see the movie "300"? Ok, it was pretty good. And below, here is a clever parody of the movie trailer.

Freedom of Expression

Blackfive asks the question, Would you let this in your neighborhood?

Yes.

Absolutely.

I encourage the Hammer's to do this. I don't want everyone to agree about the war. There are going to be disagreements. That's one part of what we are supposed to love about this country.

Great Action Heroes

This summer, there are quite a few action movies out, including another installment in the 20 year old "Die Hard" series (which I'm looking forward to seeing).

What you're not likely to hear about is an incredible tale of heroism coming out of Iraq.

These fine pilots are from a unit based out of Illeshiem, who just deployed to Iraq for their fifteen months.

They just got there.

From Blackfive:

Apache pilots evacuate critically-wounded Soldier, kill several extremists in Ramadi firefight
Staff Sgt. Lorin T. Smith
36th Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs Office

LSA ANACONDA, Iraq – Apache pilots from Company B, 1st Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment (Attack), 36th Combat Aviation Brigade and Company A, 2nd Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, engaged extremists and saved a critically-wounded Soldier’s life during a firefight in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, on June 30, 2007.

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.

The crew stayed on station with the Coalition Forces until fuel levels became low, and returned to the FARP to refuel. Due to battle damage sustained, the Apache team performed a battle handoff to the second attack weapons team and flew back to LSA Anaconda.

The second team entered the engagement area in Ramadi. Coalition Forces were still taking heavy enemy fire. The attack weapons team shot hundreds of cannon rounds and rockets, expending their ammunition. 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.


Chief Warrant Officer 2 Allen Crist and Chief Warrant Officer 4 Kevin Purtee, Company B, 1st Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment (Attack), 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, checks on the medical condition of Spc. Jeffrey Jamaleldine, Company C, 1st Battalion, 77th Armor, after an unusual Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC) in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, on June 30, 2007. (U.S. Army photos by Maj. Gregory T. O’Connor)

If We Don't Know Where We've Been, We Won't Recognize Where We're Going

William J. Bennett, author of such great books as America: The Last Best Hope (Vol. 1), America: The Last Best Hope (Vol. 2), and The Book of Virtues.

His books have proven to be an interesting romp, and I enjoy his writing. So, with the upcoming Independence Day holiday, please take a peek at his latest column.

Curses to Iran

Curses to Iran.

One of the most magnificent, beautiful, and downright sexy aircraft that has graced the skies is being forced to suffer an ignominious death. Why? Because there are only two countries in the world that flew it: the United States (yay, us!) and Islamic Republic of Iran (boooo).

Which aircraft? The F-14 Tomcat.

Most of you may know her from her starring role in Top Gun (Sorry, Mr. Cruise, but the Tomcat was the star. Ask Naval Recruiters from that era.)

Anyway... since the US has had an embargo on Iran ever since Iran invaded the United States in 1979, thus severely limiting the Iranian Air Force's ability to acquire spare parts for the F-14. Understandably, with the recent retirement of the F-1 by the United States, Iran has drooled over the prospect of acquiring parts from the F-14s being stripped for military use.

Congress acted, and declared that it must be ensured that no parts that could be useful to Iran be available.

And there's only one real way to do that.

Destroy the F-14s we have. Viciously. Savagely. Reduce them to tiny little bits.

So, the beautiful beast that once owned the skies the world over... is being reduced to rubble. She was once lovingly maintained by crews who showered her with affection, and now... a mechanical monster sinks its teeth into it like a lion pruning the weak gazelle from the herd.

If you can stomach it, watch here:



Link: sevenload.com

Thanks, Iran. May your birds meet the same fate one day.

Too Secure

At work, we (and by "we", I mean "I") often have a saying that we've secured ourselves into ineffectiveness. Meaning, our computers are locked down so tightly, we can hardly get anything accomplished. Downloading photos from the official camera can take 2-3 people, different computers, and utilization of a compact disc instead of the super-easy USB cord accompanying the camera.

And let's not explore the internet lockdown.

So, along the lines of making us "too secure", please take a moment and read this posting.

Press One for English

I was, of course, hoping to embed this video into the blog, but seems like the producers of the video don't want it embedded.

So.

Here's a link. Now, I like the song, if not the over-sung vocals... Towards the end, it sounds a bit like border-line screeching, but that's just oversinging the song.

But, enjoy the video.

(And, I claim NO responsibility for the lack of vocabulary demonstrated by some in the Comment section.

Click here.

Operation Arrowhead Ripper

From where I sit, I have no greater access to information than most of you reading this (and let's be honest, by the counters, there aren't that many coming to my corner of the world.)

Anyway, this shows great promise. It seems that the gloves are off and our Soldiers are being unleashed. Fewer restrictions.

In other words, our Soldiers are being allowed to fight as Soldiers.

Wish I could be there to help support the fight.

Let's continue to pray for our Soldiers, and that the enemy either has the brains to surrender OR at least die quick deaths. And civilians... please stay down or away.

Hooah!

Why Our Enemy LOVES Fighting US

Courtesy of Military Motivator.

Take a look.

The Surge Has Failed

Yes, it must be admitted. After about five months, we need to face facts.

The DNC had announced a surge of Democrats to Congress, with the stated mission of turning things around, and making progress that had not been achieved in the several years leading up to the decision.

It had been hoped by many that this "surge", rushing so many new Democrats into the troubled halls of Congress, would bring about peace and prosperity. Alas, it has not done so and many of the benchmarks that had been set to demonstrate "success".

Cries are getting louder over the incompetence of Generals Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi... their failures to achieve the goals are leading to calls for their replacement...

How many more bills must die in committee? When will there be a new plan to deal with the Republican "insurgency" that is proving such a challenge for them to overcome???

Just curious...

Ban This Chemical NOW!!!

This was sent to me... Penn & Teller, besides being great comedic magicians, often produce intriguing commentary videos.

Take a look at this one, for example...

Yes, it's an old joke that often makes it's way around the Net, but... these are real people.

Would you have signed (I hope not)? Do you know people who would (I'm sure)?

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A Creative Approach to Remind Whom We're Fighting

Michelle Malkin and her crew at Hot Air have put together an excellent video that captures eloquently the people we're fighting... and what they do and how they approach this war and our culture.

Take a look... watch the images and listen to the words... It's worth it. Here.

Celebrate Memorial Day

This has really begun to get under my skin. I'll be watching tv, and a commercial comes on asking us to help such-and-such a store to "Celebrate" Memorial Day.

What?


Just how do we "celebrate" Memorial Day? Memorial Day being the day where the country honors those who've died in service to the country's armed forces, what would be appropriate?

Perhaps we could throw a wild party?

Maybe drop a couple thousand dollars on the latest entertainment system?

What's a great way to celebrate?

I'm not quite sure how I am expected to revel in the deaths of fellow servicemen, past and present. Perhaps the sales managers could help explain it to me?


I know, let's ask the folks who've come up to me, no doubt meaning well, who have come up to me wishing me a "Happy Memorial Day!" I suppose we could go to the nearest cematary and blow party whistles and throw confetti?


If people today don't understand the concept of Memorial Day, then how are we to expect them to understand the concept of the sacrifices of our modern day Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coasties?

Just generally disgusted with where we've gone...

After the Goodbye

I was traveling this past weekend, and on my return, I came across a scene in the airport. It's a common scene that's played out in airports all around the country, and one that I'm painfully familiar with.

And sadly, it's likely one that the majority of people are (blissfully) unaware of.

I watched the whole scene, as it played out, from beginning to end. I recognized it, and was captivated, not so much by what was happening, but the surrounding action in the airport.

What was it?

I spotted a Soldier on his way back from his R&R. From reading his uniform, I could tell he's serving in Iraq. His wife was there, as they clung to every last second they could. Trying to avoid the inevitable.

She looked spectacular - having dressed well for this last time together. He was in his uniform. (Hint: Generally speaking, Soldiers travel in civilian clothes, so when you see one in uniform... odds are good they're enroute to/from the war zone. There are exceptions, but... odds are.)

Surrounding them was a boisterous crowd of folks going easily amongst their lives, unaware of the drama unfolding before them. Literally completely surrounding them, lives were going on, while theirs was coming back to a skidding halt. The two weeks of bliss in the midst of their (now) fifteen plus month hell having come down to the final minutes.

I recognized the emotions. They both were quiet, not saying much if anything at all. And then, the decision was made. It happens to all. Whether it's the urge to exert some control over something they have so little control over, or just the desire to stop putting off the inevitable, it's the same every time. Sometime before it's actually necessary to say goodbye, the couple suddenly stiffen up, share a last goodbye, a kiss, maybe a tight hug. And then, as this wife did, the spouse will exit. Quickly.

I watched her leave. She couldn't have walked any faster, any more deliberately, unless she'd broken out into a run.

And he... he went and sat down. I took the picture below. I was moved to take it as the contrast between the Soldier as his world has crashed down, and he's trying to transition his mind back to where he's going, and seal off the feelings from his R&R, and the crowd around him.

I admit, it's a poor quality picture. It was on my cell phone. But, if you look in the center, you'll see this Soldier.

This scene plays out very often, too often. I remember playing the part myself.

Just wanted to share something that happened in one corner of the world today.

What Sick !$@!

Did you see this in the news?

Probably not.

Some sick... there aren't even words to describe this person... poured sulfuric acid on the slide of a children's playground.

And when two year old Payton slid down the slide... through the acid... he of course began to cry uncontrollably. He suffered second- and third-degree burns to his body.

Shockingly, the police spokesman sounds like he's making excuses for the cretins who did this:

"We don't know that the suspects even knew what they were dealing with, whether they knew it was this caustic. They may have been burned themselves," said Cpl. Mike Hill.

Apparently, the stars of society wanted to kick in the door of the school's storage area. To their amazement, there was a gold mine of industrial strength chemicals there. Having been raised to respect property not their own, they decided to pour some of the liquid onto the slide to see if the plastic would burn. When there was no reaction, they left it there. And later, Payton slid through it.

Amazing.

Gun Control

From the AP:
Mayor Shot Dead

Apparently, in a mob hit, someone walked right up to the Mayor and shot him at point-blank range.

In Japan.

Where handguns are strictly banned.

(Caveat - yes, the murder rate with handguns is less there, but I attribute that to the culture difference.)

So, if we can just ban and confiscate all the handguns... there will be no more murders.

Right.


I post this as I saw on another blog someone commented that the idea of Gun Control is to ban all the guns, and then there will be no more deaths, like in Japan. Well, ironically, today... a Japanese Mayor was shot by a handgun.

Because CRIMINALS don't follow the laws ANYWAY!!!!

With Support Like This

It's now after 15 April. And the money is getting tight, as the military is awaiting the supplemental appropriations bill to pass through the government.

The Army is Delaying Maintenance in order to ensure that the operating forces in Iraq and Afghanistan (and elsewhere) receive the money they need to meet mission.

Last thing we need to do is ensure all of the equipment is repaired and in working order.

Think the Democrats in Congress would mind supporting us just a little less? Because at this rate, their Supporting the Troops (But Not the Mission) will get people killed.

I Mourn

Drug-Free Zones... aren't.

Smoke-Free Zones... aren't.

No-Wake Zones... nope.



Gun-Free Zones... sigh. Sadly, no.

In all cases, people violate the law. Laws have always been violated, thus the need for police.

The Massacre at Virginia Tech is a tragedy. It is a tragedy for the lives lost. I mourn for them. Young folks cut down in their prime. Dreams unfulfilled. The repercussions rippling throughout familes, friends, fellow students... the nation.

It is another tragedy. We have rendered ourselves meek. There are a few notable stories where people resisted.

I wonder what the story would have been like if one other person had had a gun. You know the headlines: "Hero Stops Mad Gunman." Part of our society cries out for gun control, yet when the example of an armed populace is demonstrated by a criminal being stopped... we all applaud.

Mr. Cho violated the Gun-Free Zone. He will not be punished, as he is dead. Those students who abided by the Gun-Free Zone were punished, with their deaths.

We remove from ourselves not just the ability, but the will to self-defend. That's the true insidious nature of such bans on guns. It's because, as a society, we are collectively giving over our defense, in toto, to someone else. We surrender before the first shot is fired.

And the ultimate fallacy is that a criminal will violate the law anyway, so the only ones affected by the bans are those who end up dead because they were disarmed.


And because we've removed our will to self-defend, we don't even try. Look around your office, your home... how many weapons do you see? (Those of you in the police or military, it's no fair counting your side-arms.) I count quite a few, without walking into the kitchen - which is a veritable bazaar of weapons - and I can imagine that if properly motivated, I could come up with a few more.

But we have removed the will to self-defend, and so we don't try so hard. A bullet in the back of Mr. Cho's skull would have done wonders. So would a fire extinguisher, lots of big heavy textbooks, desks, whatever. Not deriding those who died or were wounded... their loss is a tragedy.

I mourn. I mourn for all the loss. The senselessness of it all.

I mourn that there wasn't one more gun

1000 Words

Image from Sack over at the Star Tribune.

Conspiracies Abound

A while back, a friend shared a book with me. It was Silent America by Bill Whittle. You may, or more likely may not, recognize him from his blogging at Eject!Eject!Eject!.

His latest post (H/T - Michelle Malkin) is incredibly well written (as is often true) and puts into words what has often frustrated me about conspiracy theorists. That to believe the conspiracy, you have to believe the absolute worst about everything and everyone... the worst about the country, the worst about those who serve it, and the worst about your fellow neighbors.

And what it takes to reach that point in your mind... is hard to understand.

Please, take a look at what Bill has to say. And if you'd like to read more of his, click the link to Amazon at the beginning of the post.