FIRST HOMECOMING OF 2008

We participated in our first homecoming of the year. This soldier returned from a 15-month tour in Iraq. He didn't get home for Christmas but it will be celebrated by this family even if it is a little bit late.

The Patriot Guard Riders were all set to go...



The Spc arrives to a warm welcome by all....


An interview for the Hero...

One Happy Family...

Getting ready to roll...long escort home...

Operation: SAM presents medal...

Byan Weldan of Lafayette Flag Brigade presents flag..

Friends, Family & Supporters...

Proud Mom...

With some of Livermore's finest...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEVE

Today is Steve's 57th Birthday! We went to Pasta Pomodoro for dinner .....one of his favorite places to eat...



And for dessert.....

A MARINE'S MIRACLES

I speak of my dear friend Diane often here so I thought it would be good to share this wonderful article by Melanie Morgan. She did a telephone interview with Diane at 6:10 am PST this morning which awesome.

Posted: January 4, 2008 by Melanie Morgan
1:00 a.m. Eastern

Even in death, Lance Cpl. Travis Layfield is reaching back to his family.

The Fremont, Calif., Marine was just 19 when he laid down his life in Iraq, one of 20,000 Camp Pendleton Marines fighting off murderous Islamic radicals around Fallujah and Ramadi on April 6, 2004.

Ten others died that day for freedom.

Although Layfield's life ended in a blood-red frozen moment of gunfire, the family left behind to mourn his death continues to receive words of love and support.

There's an almost supernatural connection as well that continues to provide a bond to their fallen hero.

During the funeral services at the Golden Gate Cemetery in San Bruno honoring Cpl Travis and his Lakota Sioux roots on his father's side, a hint of his continuing spirit came when a gust of wind knocked over the photograph of the young Marine. His family stood in wonderment, interpreting the moment as a sign from Travis that he loved all of them from above.

Last fall, a DNA test confirmed that Travis Layfield left more behind than his loving spirit. Diane Layfield, Travis' mother, found out that he left a young son.
(read more)
--------------------------

Here is the link to listen to Diane's interview from this morning get out the kleenex! Great job Diane! Pass this along please.
Check off the Friday dot and click onto whatever mediaplayer you want to use, I use Windows Media. Then select 6am hours and click go, she went on the air at around 6:15 am

A BIG WIND

We had the first major storm of the year overnight. I peeked out my bedroom window in the morning to see that our back fence had fallen AND see that our backyard neighbors have chickens that are now in my yard....we aren't zoned for chickens here!!




Wish this fence could have made it thru another winter....

Heading back to the Army

Well we headed to the airport to see "The Communicator" and the soon to be ex (he was already telling me he was gonna do this). As we couldn't get both in the truck someone else drove them to SFO for a very emotional send-off. She was from Tennessee so she had a different, earlier flight. They said their goodbyes & we headed to his gate.



We were able to go all the way thru security & go with him until he boarded.


Got a photo taken with him....


And one with his Dad...

A final family picture for this trip...

Here is his plane....

I will never get used to these good-byes.....ever!

Our 2007 Holiday Picture

Even tho "The Communicator" was on leave for two weeks we barely saw him as he decided to go on a road trip to Washington State (my first Christmas without my son here) with friends & a new girlfriend (is anyone keeping count on these?). We did get to pin him down the night he had to fly back...of course we couldn't get him in a uniform at all...for a Family Photo in front of the tree. This is it...

Remember them all year long........

Toby Keith I'm an American Soldier



Keep them in your thoughts & prayers all year long as if it's Christmas 24/7. They are there for you always.

Christmas Cards for the Wounded

From Fox News -

http://www.foxnews.com/americaspulse/


Operation Holiday Thanks

Show your appreciation and share your season's greetings with a recovering service member. Simply send your holiday cards to:

Operation Holiday Thanks
c/o E.D. Hill
FOX News Channel
1211 6th Ave.
17th floor
New York, NY 10036

WE MUST NEVER FORGET

MySpace Comments: Chromaluna.com

Mike is heard from again....

I let Mike know that he should be getting a package anytime as I had heard from someone that they were arriving in Balad & this is what he sent me tonite......
-------------------------------------------

Debbi

And the packages are arriving in Baghdad as well....WOW - they made it here quickly. Thanks so much for the Christmas box and the contents! I'm overwhelmed - serious. I really appreciate you and your organization - y'all are doing tremendous work.

I'm heading back to Fort xxxxx during the second week of FEB 08. By then, I'll be about two weeks shy of 15 months over here. They've told us to stop all incoming mail by JAN.

When I return, I'd like to assist y'all. My family and I are moving in June, but when we get settled, we'd like to hop into the card production line.

Again, thanks so much for all you have sent to me. I really am overwhelmed by your generosity.

Mike

One Happy Soldier!

This is what it is all about!!! I received this photo with email this morning after he received some cards I sent him. Next mailing will be Valentine's Cards on January 15, 2008 so will need to me about a week before please.

Dear Debbi,

Thank you very much for the cards that you sent. I appreciate the efforts of you and all that assist in making the cards - they are fantastic and my wife and daughter will really enjoy them.

I've attached a couple of pictures of me w/ the cards - please feel free to share them. Again, thanks for the cards. Its great to know that there are so many who remember us over here.

With Compliments,
Mike

Pro-Troop Tour to Hit 40 Cities During Holidays

From Move America Forward:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Kristen SchrempCell: 703.928.5527Email: Kristen@kaspublicity.com, media@MoveAmericaForward.org
“Honoring Heroes for the Holidays” 40-City Tour Pledges to Raise Morale and 100,000 Holiday Cards for Troops in Iraq, Afghanistan
“After spending 15 holidays away from family while serving, I know firsthand that that it can be lonely. When the holidays come, the distance between our soldiers and the nation becomes much more profound and difficult.” -Lt. Col. Buzz PattersonNational Pro-Troop Holiday Tour to Begin November 25
(SACRAMENTO) – As the nation prepares for the holiday season, soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan will sit thousands of miles away as their children open Christmas presents around the tree or get excited as the menorah continues to burn in their homes. During the holidays it is increasingly important that soldiers know their sacrifices away from family and friends have not gone unnoticed. This holiday season, Move America Forward (MAF) is determined to raise troop morale by showing the nation’s support and appreciation for their service.
Beginning November 26, Move America Forward, the nation’s largest pro-troop organization, will launch its most extensive cross-country effort to date. In the span of less of than three weeks, MAF will be holding rallies in 40 cities across the nation, sending more than 100,000 holiday cards to troops in Afghanistan and Iraq and holding a holiday concert in our nation’s capitol to honor wounded warriors and support U.S. troops fighting overseas.
Debbie Lee, mother of the first Navy Seal killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom, is traveling with the MAF caravan and knows all too well the sacrifices made by our men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. She says, “As a way of honoring my son’s service, I am pledging to let soldiers serving overseas know that we support them and recognize their sacrifices. I hope Americans will put aside their political differences and stand united in their support.”
MAF invites members of the public to bring holiday cards for the troops to the rallies (city dates and times can be found on the website – www.MoveAmericaForward.org) which will be sent from local post offices along the tour route to help MAF reach its goal of sending more than 100,000 holiday cards to Iraq and Afghanistan. Over 10,000 holiday cards have already flooded into MAF’s headquarters! The rallies will also have card-making stations, live music, speeches, and much more.
The tour delegation will include singer/songwriter Diana Nagy, who will perform her patriotic smash “Where Freedom Flies” at the events along with a collection of patriotic and holiday songs; Gold Star Mom Debbie Lee – mother of first Navy Seal killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Blue Star Mom Deborah Johns – mother of a U.S. Marine who has served 3 tours of duty in Iraq, will talk about the importance of supporting our troops; and Lt. Colonel Buzz Patterson (USAF) will speak about his 20 years service in the U.S. Air Force.
Nearing the conclusion of the tour, MAF will hold “A Song for Their Service” pro-troop holiday concert at 8:00 pm on December 14th at the Lincoln Theatre in DC. Performers include chart-topping country music star Mark Wills, American Idol Finalist Jessica Sierra, Christian singer Russ Lee, singer/songwriter Melanie Dekker, singer/songwriter Christy Ann, inspirational vocalist Lloyd Marcus and singer Diana Nagy. Special guests will include America’s wounded warriors from Walter Reed Medical Center and Bethesda Naval Hospital.
Once the tour concludes in New York City on December 16th, a delegation from MAF will travel to Iraq to personally deliver the remaining cards to our troops. This will mark the 3rd trip to Iraq that MAF has made.
To schedule an interview with MAF Vice-Chairman Buzz Patterson, MAF Chairman Melanie Morgan, Gold Star Mom Debbie Lee, Blue Star Mom Deborah Johns or Singer/songwriter Diana Nagy, please contact Kristen Schremp at Kristen@kaspublicity.com, media@moveamericaforward.org, or 703.928.5527

Christmas Trees for the Troops

This program will send a 2 foot tree to soldiers in Iraq & Afghanistan for about $20.00 to include tax. I believe it is decorated also. They have a goal which is to send 5000 trees this Christmas season. If you are interested to know more the web is listed below.

Here is the site: http://www.operationchristmastree.com/

Yes you can donate for a specific soldier. When you donate just put the soldier's name & APO/FPO address in the message section of Paypal and the tree will get sent to him or her.

Ain't this the truth!

Good news hard to swallow

You've got to read this article please.......to read online go HERE

"The day nobody was killed in Iraq" read the headline from the Australian newspaper, and it was an understatement to say the least.
The news coming out of Iraq is shockingly upbeat as Gen. David Petraeus' surge strategy is showing fantastic signs of success.
The report from the Australian newspaper documented an array of success stories that Iraq war skeptics had not long ago insisted could never occur:
"… U.S. troop deaths declined for the fifth successive month to 39, the lowest such total this year and the seventh lowest in 56 months of war."
"… [C]ivilian casualties in the city [Baghdad] have declined significantly recently. … That represents a drop of more than 50 percent from August. …"
"Since the surge in operations started in June of this year, the number of car bombs has fallen by 65 percent, and casualties from roadside bombs by 80 percent."
Iraq war blogger Michael Yon had even more eye-popping news when he relayed the declaration by the Iraq Islamic Party that "al-Qaida in Iraq is defeated."
Stop and think about that: In Iraq, a group called the Islamic Party is declaring victory over al-Qaida, who it identifies as the enemy of the Iraqi people.
I kept searching the dead-tree news services for that headline last week, and all I got was a lousy ink stain on my fingers.
The mission of U.S. troops isn't over, not by a long shot, but certainly an above-the-fold story would be merited by the same news organizations who were boldly declaring defeat in Iraq not more than a few months ago.
Even across the pond, the Times of London found it worthy enough to report in an editorial last week: "Serious success in Iraq is not being recognized as it should be."
Is no news good news or bad news? In Iraq, it seems good news is deemed no news. There has been striking success in the past few months in the attempt to improve security, defeat al-Qaida sympathizers and create the political conditions in which a settlement between the Shia and the Sunni communities can be reached. This has not been an accident but the consequence of a strategy overseen by Gen. David Petraeus in the past several months.
To the news media, reports concerning accomplishments of our troops in Iraq are about as welcome as a visit by Bill Clinton to a shelter for abused women.
Democrat House Speaker Nancy Pelosi seems allergic to any reports of progress from Iraq. The Baltimore Sun reported that Pelosi's response to the success of the surge has been to call for an immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq (Baltimore Sun, Nov. 8, 2007, "Pelosi: Ready for another vote to bring troops home").
Funny, that was the exact same response Pelosi had when the media was filled with negative reports on Iraq. This kind of behavior is what should be expected when you let armchair generals in Congress like Nancy Pelosi attempt to micromanage a war they despise.
The chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. David Obey, said that U.S. troops do not deserve credit for the progress being made in Iraq. He explained that the drop in casualties among U.S. troops and Iraqis was because there wasn't anything left to shoot at in Iraq: "They've killed so many in so many areas, that there are fewer opportunity targets, if you want to put it that way, for each side."
Do I even need to tell you that Obey is a Democrat?
It's not just the left-wing anti-war activists who are rooting for failure, either. It's been rather apparent to anyone with an IQ above room temperature (which excludes half the people on stage at the Democratic presidential debates) that most of the people who work in the news media are hoping for the U.S. to fail in Iraq.
Somehow, vindication of their "George Bush is evil and this war is a disaster" viewpoint is more important to these journalists than seeing America's military men and women achieve victory on the battlefields of the war on terror.
One can contemplate the possibility of a nuclear winter if Pakistan succumbs to the rising movement of Islamic jihadists, demonstrating just how serious the war on terror is and why success in the war effort is so vital to American security.
We must defeat the threat of Islamic jihadists, and for the past few years those jihadists have made Iraq the frontlines of their effort to kill Americans and bring harm to our nation.
Our troops are clearly winning the war against the jihadists in Iraq, but it appears too much to ask for the TV networks and newspapers to tell this story of success to the American people – and equally impossible for Democrat congressional leaders to celebrate this success as Americans and put their political agendas aside even for a moment.
With Thanksgiving just two weeks away, and 200,000 men and women serving in uniform half a world away, it's time for all of us to come together as Americans and salute the success of our troops.
It's time to say "thank you" and "good job" to those who risk so much, so that we may all be safe and free.
As they glance up at the giant screens that fill the mess halls of forward operating bases across Iraq, it would be a great gift to our troops from Katie, Brian and Charlie to feature a news scroll creeping across the nightly news TV screens that reads: "Surge is a Success … Details in a Moment."

Christmas Cards to Walter Reed....Rumor Alert!

eRumor Alert

There is a widely circulated email right now suggesting that you send a card, letter, or package to wounded veteran at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington , D.C.
This is a false eRumor.
It suggests sending mail addressed to "A Recovering American Soldier" or addressing it to "Any Wounded Soldier."
The U.S. Postal Service will not process any mail addressed that way and the Walter Reed Army Medical Center will not deliver it.
Since 2001 the Armed Forces have prohibited receiving mail that is not addressed to a particular soldier by name.
It's a security issue.
They do not want letters, cards, or packages being sent into military facilities unless they know who they are from and to whom they are addressed.
So don't forward this email and if someone sends it to you, refer them to TruthOrFiction. com where they can use the SEARCH function at the top of any page to find the story by using some of the key words such as WALTER REED SOLDIER.

Freedom Calls Foundation

Video Conference Lets Soldier in Iraq Witness Birth of First Child in Oklahoma
Thursday , November 08, 2007
OKLAHOMA CITY —
U.S. Marine Sgt. Chad Mortenson of Yukon is currently stationed in Iraq, but that didn't stop him from witnessing the birth of his daughter in Oklahoma City on Wednesday.
Through a video conference link set up by a New Jersey-based charity, Freedom Calls Foundation, the 25-year-old watched his wife, Denae Mortenson, deliver the couple's first child at Integris Southwest Medical Center .
"It was wonderful. The whole time he was talking to me," said Denae Mortenson, 20. "He could see me and I could hear him. It was like he was there, but he was just on a screen."
Jayden Faith Mortenson weighed 6 pounds, 13 ounces and was delivered via cesarean section at 8:11 a.m.
"She's doing great -- 100 percent healthy," Denae Mortenson said.
In the last few days, the Freedom Calls Foundation has linked three Oklahoma soldiers with loved ones at home in Oklahoma , said the charity's founder and executive director, John Harlow.
Soldiers from Shawnee and Lawton also were able to see their newborn babies for the first time through satellite video links provided at local hospitals and the foundation.
An attorney and venture capitalist, Harlow said he initially founded the charity to provide phone calls for soldiers after learning of a soldier who rang up a $7,000 cell phone bill talking to his family from Iraq .
"I just didn't think it was right to have these families commercially exploited when they're making sacrifices on behalf of this country," Harlow said.
With limited funding, mostly through donations, the group is able to conduct about 2,000 video conferences a month, allowing soldiers to visit with dying relatives, watch their children graduate from high school and even "attend" funerals and memorial services.
"I had a first birthday where the guy came up on the screen and sang happy birthday to his daughter over the computer," Harlow said. "After he sang the song, she ran across the room saying, 'dada,' and kissed the screen. It was very touching."
Harlow said he's hoping to get additional funding and possibly corporate sponsorships so the program can be expanded.
"We're only serving 25 percent of the soldiers over there," Harlow said. "For every woman who calls me and asks me for help, and I tell them I can do it and she cries for joy, there are three others that are crying tears of disappointment because we just don't have the resources to do it."

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

We are just watching TV tonite & sorting cards for the packing. I have a sign on the Door that says

"We are sending

all our candy

to the troops

in Iraq & Afghanistan!

YOU SHOULD TOO!!"

Hope you have a great Halloween no matter how you celebrate it.

SPAGHETTI FEED IS TONITE!!

Well the day has arrived....Operation: MOM's big Christmas for the Troops Fundraiser. Will be held at the Moose Lodge, 20835 Rutledge Rd Castro Valley, CA from 6:00 PM to 10:oo PM. Tickets are $10. for adults & $5.00 for children. We will have a raffle with some awesome prizes along with a silent auction. 2 Grand Prizes will be 1)1 night @ Rancho Caymus in Rutherford, Wine Train w/Dinner for 2 plus dufflebag & wine, 2) 1 nite @ Harvey's or Harrah's Tahoe w/dinner & show for 2 plus overnite bag & wine. Soda, water & coffee included. Other drinks available at the bar. Bring an unbreakable ornament for a free raffle ticket. Items for the Holiday Packing will be collected also along with CHRISTMAS & WINTER HOLIDAY CARDS.

Hope to see you there!!

CHRISTMAS CARDS NEEDED!

This will be a real quick post as I am off to the airport to welcome home some service members from Iraq which is something we love to do.

I am in need of more Christmas/Winter cards to put in our packages for the troops to send home to their loved ones. If you are interested in helping out please email me at pfcrensmom-cardsfortroops@yahoo.com for more information. These can be store bought cards or you can make a donation at the box on the right column & specify Cards for the Troops. Thank you so much!

Marine who pulled comrades to safety is honored

Marine 2nd Lt. Chad Cassady, 33, shows his Silver Star to his wife, Summer, and to his mother and father after he received the medal at Camp Pendleton on Wednesday.

Now a 2nd lieutenant, Chad Cassady is awarded the Silver Star for his bravery in Iraq . Wounded himself, he dragged two others away from insurgent gunfire.

By Tony Perry, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

October 18, 2007

CAMP PENDLETON -- As a sniper, Sgt. Chad Cassady, a quiet Texan with a master's degree in political science, helped protect his fellow Marines during the battle in Fallouja, Iraq, in late 2004.

But when insurgent mortars fell behind and in front of the Marines -- a tactic called "bracketing" -- Cassady and other Marines were forced to run across a rubble-strewn street. When another mortar landed in their midst, two Marines were knocked to the ground and Cassady was thrown into the courtyard of a home.

The explosion collapsed his right lung, lacerated his liver and kidneys, and peppered his knee and leg with shrapnel. Although he was bleeding and dazed, he immediately went back into the street to drag two wounded Marines to safety as insurgent gunfire rained down.

On Wednesday, Cassady, now 33 and a 2nd lieutenant, was awarded the Silver Star, the nation's third-highest medal for combat bravery. The ceremony had to wait until his return a week ago from yet another deployment to Iraq, his third.

Cassady did not speak at the ceremony. In a brief interview he was cordial but declined to suggest he had done anything special. "It was one of those days when Marines were doing what had to be done," he said.

Cassady enlisted in early 2001 after receiving a bachelor's degree in political science from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, and a master's from Southwest Texas State University. He could have become an officer but preferred to join the infantry in the enlisted ranks."

He wanted the full Marine Corps experience," said his father, Joe Cassady. "He's an action figure.

"When he called his family from a military hospital after being wounded, the Marine downplayed the severity of his injuries."He said, 'Compared to the guys laying next to me, I'm in great shape,' " his father recalled.

For the assault on Baghdad in 2003 and then the battle in Fallouja in 2004, Cassady was attached to the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment. After his injuries healed and he graduated from officer candidates school, he joined the 2nd Battalion, 5th Regiment, which just completed a seven-month deployment.

Like other new officers, he was a platoon leader. Marines who served in his Two-Five platoon were at the award ceremony on the parade deck of the 5th Marine Regiment.

"He's one of those quiet ones but very tactical," said Cpl. Dwight Bibbins.

Sgt. Aaron Beckett agreed. "He's definitely a lead-from-the-front type," he said -- which in the infantry is a compliment second to none.

tony.perry@latimes.com

U.S. soldiers help get needed surgery for boy

U.S. soldiers help get needed surgery for boy
By Katarina Kratovac, Associated PressArticle Last Updated:10/22/2007 02:37:39 AM PDT

BAGHDAD — An Iraqi boy born with a rare congenital defect captured the hearts of a group of U.S. soldiers who stumbled upon him in a farming village southeast of Baghdad.
The 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment decided to help. Six months and two intricate surgeries later, Ihaab Najim Mohammed, 5, has a chance at a full, healthy life.
Born with an obstructed bowel condition, Ihaab was taken to a Baghdad pediatric hospital when he was three days old. At the time, surgeons created an opening, a stoma, on the abdomen, so Ihaab could pass stool.
But as he grew, the stoma could not keep up. Ihaab's health worsened and he increasingly faced severe infections.
Unemployed and with seven children to care for, Ihaab's father, Najim Mohammed, 40, could not afford the $3,200 reconstructive surgeries he was told his son needed.
Ihaab languished at the family's home in the tiny farming village of Hollandiyah, named for Dutch engineers who constructed the area's canal system some 12 miles southeast of the Iraqi capital.
He was plagued by anemia, stunted growth and the discomfort of having a bag attached to his abdomen to hold his intestines.
"No one knew exactly what, but we had to do something," said squadron commander, Capt. Jimmy Hathaway, of Fort Benning, Ga.
The U.S. soldiers got in touch with a hospital in the Shiite holy city of Najaf, 100 miles south of Baghdad, where a team of Iraqi doctors agreed to perform the surgeries on Ihaab at no charge.
The next hurdle was to get Ihaab to Najaf. Driving was impossible; the roads through the volatile area south of the Iraqi capital were too dangerous.
Hathaway's soldiers appealed to the top U.S. commander in Iraq, Gen. David Petraeus, who offered to lend them his own aircraft. The Iraqi Ministry of Health also helped with the hospital logistics.
By early June, two Black Hawks, two Apaches and a Medevac team were ready.
But Ihaab wasn't. He was crying, afraid to leave his mother, Badriya, behind.
"He was scared at first," Hathaway said, describing how Ihaab sat in his father's lap in the helicopter. "We had to stop and refuel, and he seemed to relax after that. He seemed to be having a good time near the end."
The first surgery, on June 17, went well, Hathaway said, but Ihaab still had to carry the colostomy bag. He returned to Najaf for a second surgery that completed the reconstruction, and on Oct. 8, the stoma was permanently closed.
Ihaab has been recovering in Najaf and is expected to come home soon.
First Lt. Christopher Sweitzer, who flew with Ihaab to Najaf, said the journey was extraordinary. Sweitzer's 489th Civil Af fairs battalion is attached to 3rd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, which is in charge of the area south of Baghdad.
"But only when I see Ihaab running with other children ... When I see this, then I will know that our team took part in something special and allowed a child to have a full life that will endure for long after we are gone from here," said Sweitzer, 34, of Maryville, Tenn.

MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT

As I get ready to head out I would like to share the video of a report that was on The Today Show this morning. A True American Hero!! Do something to honor him today.


A New York solider becomes a hero

And here is the NBC News story about him.......

Newest Medal of Honor recipient

October 17th: Day to Support U.S. Military

HOORAY!!!
On Wed. October 17th We Stand Up to
the Anti-Military Attacks in the SF Bay Area!

by: Joe Wierzbicki

You've no doubt read about the recent anti-military actions taking place in the San Francisco Bay Area.

These aren't just actions by left-wing, anti-military activists, but also by officials in local government as well! There was the attempt to keep the Blue Angels from performing for the public. They banned Jr. ROTC from high schools and slammed the door on those kids' futures. There was the banning of the U.S. Marines from filming a 9/11 video in the streets of San Francisco. Then there was the incident just the other day where, as the Oakland Tribune reports, airport officials admitted to "prohibiting a planeload of U.S. troops, just back from Iraq, from entering the passenger terminal during a layover Thursday."

But it gets even worse, folks! Now we at Move America Forward, the nation's largest pro-troop organization, have learned that anti-military activists associated with Code Pink have staked out the Berkeley, California, Marine Recruiting Center, vandalized and defaced the building, harassed the staff, and are now orchestrating a campaign to intimidate their landlord to evict them from the building where their office is located.

Enough is Enough!

On Wednesday, October 17, 2007 - at 12:00 Noon Pacific Time - we will hold a large patriotic, pro-troop, pro-veteran rally in front of the Berkely, CA., Marine Recruiting Center (located at 64 Shattuck Square, Berkeley, CA. 94704). We're going to respond with a positive, pro-military, patriotic rally and we need you to be there! We're inviting the media to come out and cover this pushback so we need a really great crowd to be on hand!!

Here's what a reader of Michelle Malkin's blog reported about their conversation with one official at the Marine Recruiting Center:

"I called the USMC Officer Recruiting Office at Berkeley and expressed my support to one of the recruiters. He asked how I knew about the situation, and I told him your blog was my source. He said the Pinkos vowed they would be back on the weekends and during the week, every week, until the office is shut down…

The recruiter hoped that more support would come in and that the word would be spread."

East Bay Code Pink Protestors at a recent Anti-Military Rally

Did you read that? "The recruiter hoped that more support would come in and that the word would be spread" -- that's our call to action, friends, we must turn out a huge, patriotic, pro-troop, pro-veteran crowd waving American flags next Wednesday, Oct. 17th at Noon at the Berkeley U.S. Marine Recruiting Center.

Let's overwhelm the Marine Recruiting Center with a giant crowd of grateful Americans who will stand in solidarity with the men and women of the United States Military. It is the men and women in uniform who have served this nation that give those Code Pink protestors the rights they have to assemble and speak freely. They do not even realize that they are attacking that which gives them freedom, security and liberty.

So please help spread the word, and do your part to join us on this day. Bring your American flags. Bring pro-troop signs. Most importantly, bring your appreciation and respect for those who serve this nation and make sacrifices, sometimes the ultimate sacrifice, so that we may all be free and safe.

COMPLETE DETAILS ONLINE: http://www.moveamericaforward.org/

And listen in to Move America Forward Chairman, Melanie Morgan, on KSFO 560 AM - San Francisco each morning between 5:00 AM - 9:00 AM Pacific, as she'll provide daily updates leading up to the big pro-troop rally on Wednesday, October 17th in front of the United States Marine Corps RecruitingCenter, 64 Shattuck Square, Berkeley, CA 94704. Located at Shattuck Square (Intersection of University Avenue and Shattuck)Berkeley, California - MAP HERE

BOYS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN!

Here's another side of our troops that you should see.....just having a little fun.


Rock down to Iraq

Concert Photo's Here!

Concert was absolutely amazing.....it poured all day & we left early to get there as the traffic reports showed everything was a mess. As we got almost to Concord it stopped raining tho we hoped that the patch of blue we saw in the sky was gonna be right over the Pavilion.......IT WAS NOT. But it was fair & we were able to park up close so we were the first to get in & were able to get front & center on the lawn. We had brought a large tarp to lay down so we had an area big enough for our group to sit comfortably with no one able to stand/sit in front of our view.

Jason Michael Carroll was the opening act.....I didn't know much about him but he was really good but only did about 45 min. He went off making me wish he was on longer. Next was Brooks & Dunn!!! If you have never seen Kix & Ronnie live all I can say is "WHY THE HECK NOT???". They are so awesome (how many 'Entertainer of the Year' awards have they won?)tho this show didn't' have the usual blow-up's that they have nor the confetti at the end. We heard that Alan Jackson had said he would not tour with them if they did it. BORING! At the encore they had 4 Marines come on each carrying one item apiece.....boots, rifle, helmet & dog tags......a Final Respects Tribute. Everyone in the arena was on their feet & screaming. They are the best. After another short intermission Alan Jackson came on. Tho I do enjoy listening to his music he just can't follow Kix & Ronnie ....just my opinion & I know that everyone will agree with that. He is just mellower than they are & after getting all worked up it was hard to settle down. Anyway........if you'd like to see our photo's here they are.

Brooks & Dunn_Alan Jackson Concert_Oct 2007

Brooks & Dunn and Alan Jackson Concert tonite

And it's been raining since last nite.......this is outdoor concert & we are gonna be on the lawn. We have been in a near drought for months & it picks today to open up. Will post soggy photo's later......Have a great weekend everyone!!

Texas Roadhouse for dinner

Had to do some running around on Tuesday evening to look for something we could use for our table decorations so we stopped to have dinner at Texas Roadhouse....one of my favorite places to eat for sure. They have a promo called the Two-fer......2 can order from a special menu for $16.99 between 4 to 6PM!! We were even lucky to two-fer servers.......one was a trainee. They were great for sure. If you are in the area give this spot a try.

Hi Gals!!

Vote for a Purple Heart Marine!

Twenty-one year old former Marine Neil Schalk is much more than a "hot bachelor" and the subject of attention for many young women. He is a Purple Heart hero from Muscoda , Wisconsin . He and his family are very involved with Team Marine Parents and Purple Heart Family Support. Neil's sister Natalee, has nominated him as Cosmopolitan' s Bachelor of the Year, 2007.

Hurry! Voting ends at midnight eastern time October 11. VOTE HERE (Choose Wisconsin).

AN OPEN LETTER TO CODE PINK

This is a response to Code Pink by CPT Richard Lund as printed in the Berkeley Daily Planet regarding the ongoing protests being held at the Marines Recruitment Office in Berkeley.


Commentary: An Open Letter to Code Pink By Richard Lund (10-02-07)

While the protest that you staged in front of my office on Wednesday, Sept. 26th, was an exercise of your constitutional rights, the messages that you left behind were insulting, untrue, and ultimately misdirected. Additionally, from the comments quoted in the Berkeley Daily Planet article, it is clear that you have no idea what it is that I do here. Given that I was unaware of your planned protest, I was unable to contest your claims in person, so I will therefore address them here.

First, a little bit about who I am: I am a Marine captain with over eight years of service as a commissioned officer. I flew transport helicopters for most of my time in the Marine Corps before requesting orders to come here. Currently, I am the officer selection officer for the northern Bay Area. My job is to recruit, interview, screen, and evaluate college students and college graduates that show an interest in becoming officers in the Marine Corps. Once they’ve committed to pursuing this program, I help them apply, and if selected, I help them prepare for the rigors of Officer Candidate School and for the challenges of life as a Marine officer. To be eligible for my programs, you have to be either a full-time college student or a college graduate. I don’t pull anyone out of school, and high school students are not eligible.

I moved my office to Berkeley in December of last year. Previously, it was located in an old federal building in Alameda. That building was due to be torn down and I had to find a new location. I choose our new site because of its proximity to UC Berkeley and to the BART station. Most of the candidates in my program either go to Cal or to one of the schools in San Francisco, the East Bay, or the North Bay. Logistically, the Shattuck Square location was the most convenient for them.

Next, you claim that I lie. I have never, and will never, lie to any individual that shows an interest in my programs. I am upfront with everything that is involved at every step of the way and I go out of my way to ensure that they know what to expect when they apply. I tell them that this is not an easy path. I tell them that leading Marines requires a great deal of self-sacrifice. I tell them that, should they succeed in their quest to become a Marine officer, they will almost certainly go to Iraq. In the future, if you plan to attack my integrity, please have the courtesy to explain to me specifically the instances in which you think that I lied.

Next, scrawled across the doorway to my office, you wrote, “Recruiters are Traitors.” Please explain this one. How exactly am I a traitor? Was I a traitor when I joined the Marine Corps all those years ago? Is every Marine, therefore, a traitor? Was I a traitor during my two stints in Iraq? Was I a traitor when I was delivering humanitarian aid to the victims of the tsunami in Sumatra? Or do you only consider me a traitor while I am on this job? The fact is, recruitment is and always has been a part of maintaining any military organization. In fact, recruitment is a necessity of any large organization. Large corporations have employees that recruit full-time. Even you, I’m sure, must expend some effort to recruit for Code Pink. So what, exactly, is it that makes me a traitor?

The fact is this: any independent nation must maintain a military (or be allied with those who do) to ensure the safety and security of its citizens. Regardless of what your opinions are of the current administration or the current conflict in Iraq, the U.S. military will be needed again in the future. If your counter-recruitment efforts are ultimately successful, who will defend us if we are directly attacked again as we were at Pearl Harbor? Who would respond if a future terrorist attack targets the Golden Gate Bridge, the BART system, or the UC Berkeley clock tower? And, to address the most hypocritical stance that your organization takes on its website, where would the peace keeping force come from that you advocate sending to Darfur?

Finally, I believe that your efforts in protesting my office are misdirected. I agree that your stated goals of peace and social justice are worthy ones. War is a terrible thing that should only be undertaken in the most dire, extreme, and necessary of circumstances. However, war is made by politicians. The conflict in Iraq was ordered by the president and authorized by Congress. They are the ones who have the power to change the policy in Iraq, not members of the military. We execute policy to the best of our ability and to the best of our human capacity. Protesting in front of my office may be an easy way to get your organization in the headlines of local papers, but it doesn’t further any of your stated goals.

To conclude, I don’t consider myself a “recruiter.” I am a Marine who happens to be on recruiting duty. As such, I conduct myself in accordance with our core values of honor, courage, and commitment. I will never sacrifice my honor by lying to anyone that walks into my office. I will never forsake the courage that it takes to restrain myself in the face of insulting and libelous labels like liar and traitor. And, most importantly, I will never waver from my commitment to helping individuals who desire to serve their country as officers in the Marine Corps.

Captain Richard Lund is the United States Marine Corps’ officer selection officer for the northern Bay Area.

FLEET WEEK-DAY 5 (FINAL DAY FOR US)

Today was our final trip over the Bay for Fleet Week. Not as many service members walking around as the prior days but we still shook alot of hands. No show in the air this day.......all the action was on the water. They had tours of some of the ships & the lines were long.....this was the warmest day we have had too, absolutely gorgeous weather. We choose the Canadian Mine Sweepers to tour as this was the first time that has been available.....we even saw a couple of the guys who work on the USS Hornet visiting these ships too. It was very interesting & the crew was great. I hope they come back next year.

After we finished the tour we had lunch at Fog City Diner which is all chrome outside & so kewl looking.....I have gone by it so many times in the past & have always wanted to go inside. I recommend it for a nice lunch. From then on we just played tourists & walked all over. The one place you must check out is Forbes Island which is on the other side of the Sea Lions from Pier 39. It is a floating island restaurant. I have soooooo many photo's of this little lighthouse & never knew it was a restaurant. It is definitely on my list of places to go in SF now.....make sure you check out their website. From the end of that pier we snapped some pictures of the fog starting to come thru the Golden Gate.....awesome.

Then we wandered down to Fisherman's Wharf......more pictures of course......and then back to Pier 39 for a farewell cocktail & then back home........to reality. It's gonna be a long year waiting for Fleet Week again. If you can you will be there too!!

If you are interested in seeing our PHOTO's of DAY 5......

Also keep

HELP NEEDED FOR A WOUNDED WARRIOR

Overflow crowd jams Braley benefit
Staff reports of the
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin

It was a gathering fit for a hero.

Congressman Jerry McNerney was present. So was state Assemblyman Greg Aghazarian. They were part of an overflow crowd that arrived at Friday's benefit dinner for wounded sailor Christopher Braley at the Manteca Golf Course clubhouse passing 50 American flags placed along Union Road by the Manteca Chamber of Commerce.

Braley, a sailor corpsman attached to a Marine unit, was wounded by an improvised explosive devise while on patrol in Fallujah in Iraq. Earlier Friday, Braley went into surgery again at the Navy hospital in Bethesda, Maryland - this time to deal with bleeding from his eye and other parts of his head.

The sold-out crowd was there for one purpose only - to support Braley and his family as he faces the daunting task of numerous surgeries and months of recovery before returning to his native Manteca.

Proceeds from the $30 tickets will allow his mother to stay with him beyond the month the military pays for family to stay near their wounded sons and daughters. It is considered crucial given the number of surgeries that await him plus the trauma of dealing with the aftermath of having his cheek bones crushed, his nose broken, his right eye gone, and a part of his scalp still open due to shrapnel hitting his head from an improvised explosive device.

Among those present were Gold Star dads Chuck Palmer and Michael Anderson.

Palmer is the father of Marine Cpl. Charles Palmer, the first Manteca soldier to lose his life in Operation Freedom.

Anderson knows all too well the dangers of Fallujah. He lost his son Cpl. Michael Anderson Jr. there on Dec. 14, 2004 during the fierce "Battle for Fallujah." Anderson resides in Modesto and works at Manteca Auto Plaza.

Braley, 23, is a Sierra High graduate.

Those who wish to make a donation may do so by writing a check to
Larry Braley, Jr., c/o The Christopher Braley Fund, acct. #1250009527 at the Bank of Stockton is located at 660 North Main St., 249-2200.

If you'd like to send him mail, you can do so by writing:
HM Christopher Braley
National Naval Medical Center; Building 9 - ICU
8901 Wisconsin Avenue
Bethesda, Maryland 20889


HIME ROMERO/The Bulletin
Bill Scaces, who is a childhood friend of
Christopher Braley, stands next to a
tribute honoring the Navy corpsman.


HIME ROMERO/The Bulletin
Gold Star dads Chuck Palmer, left,
and Michael Anderson who have
both lost sons in the Iraq war.

Getting the word out......

Today we took a break from Fleet Week to get the word out about Operation: MOM & meet some wonderful people. We set up at WalMart on Albrae Street in Fremont & handed out flyers about the Organization plus the Spaghetti Feed & wish lists for our upcoming Holiday Packing. We had such a wonderful response that we stayed an hour plus longer than planned. We will be back next month on November 4th if you are in the area. In case you would like to help with items for the packing here is the Troops Holiday Wish List.

Steve, Debbi & Leslie

Tom

Our Information Table

Fleet Week-Day 3

Total Exhaustion here I tell ya........but what a wonderful experience this has been. Steve & I spent the ENTIRE day at Pier 39 today. We met the most amazing people & shook so many hands of young men & women who are serving this wonderful country. So humble when you thank them........fabulous. We met several people who were visiting. John from NY....he told us about 9/11 from his experience. He saw that 2nd plane hit the tower & was there to help afterwards. He also went to MS after Katrina. A great person. A new Army Mom & Army Wive from Oakland plus a Navy Mom from Concord....hope to see them all again. We met a gentleman who was a POW in WWII....talked to him for quite awhile....he lives up by Sacramento & was here for the show. A lovely couple was here from England.....on the way to Hawaii....Fleet Week was a pleasant surprise for them. Many many more.....Hi to all who stop by to see my blog.

Here are my photo's from today......we will have more later as Steve took 4 rolls of films. YUP!!

Fleet Week_Day 3 (Debbi's Photo's)

Fleet Week-Day 3 (Diane's)

Fleet Week Day 3_Steve's pix

Day 2.....Marines Memorial Club in SF

Diane, Bev & I spent the day at the Marines Memorial Club in SF. We had lunch up in the Leatherneck Steakhouse which is up on the 12th floor of the building with hopes to get a better view of the Blue Angels as we had heard they fly right by the windows. We didn't have that kind of luck but did get a pretty good show......no cold or wind either. We also got to see that new Airbus which flew by on the way to film a commercial with the Golden Gate as a backdrop.

That evening we had the pleasure of attending the The 1st Marine Division Band Concert which was held in the Theatre there. They are great......please try to see them if you ever get the chance. Wonderful group of young men & women with lots of talent. After the concert we headed back up to the 12th floor to watch some of the fireworks & got the opportunity to meet some of the young men in the band. After a very long day we headed back across the bridge & home. More tomorrow.......

Pictures of DAY 2 are HERE!

Fleet Week 2007_Day2

I've been MIA!

Sorry I've been lax in posting but another really busy week. The stamp show was great....I met alot of neat people & hopefully will have more cardmakers from this area too. Came home with a big box of cards.......someone put in 2 shoeboxes full of cards.

It is now Fleet Week.......Diane & I were in SF all day yesterday. My first time seeing the Blue Angels & let me tell you........A M A Z I N G ! ! !

Here are our photo's from DAY 1!!

Fleet Week Day 1