Osama and Obama

Ten years have gone by searching for the man responsible for many deaths and a hatred religion. As a Christian, I do not rejoice in deaths, but as Mark Twain said, "I've never wished a man dead, but I have read some obituaries with great pleasure." Last night, watching people outside Pennsylvania Avenue chanting U S A after hearing Obama say "Osama Bin Laden is Dead, was pretty emotionally moving.

The 24 navy seals who performed this operation, have now been upgraded to Navy White Sharks! :0 ) Thank you to the Military Intelligince Officers

Please do not forget the people still deployed and protecting our soil from any other terrorists. Also I would like to remember those that were murdered on September 11, 2001. God Bless Everyone.

Lifting the ban on women in combat

I would like to remind everyone that this blog is my own personal opinions and does not reflect the military or government in any capacity.

With that being said, how do you feel about women serving with our men in combat? It's not that I don't think that they cannot do the job, because I believe women can. (I am not a complete disappointment to the feminist movement). I think most soldiers who are in Special Forces, Seals, Recon or Delta might disagree with this. They are the ones who SHOULD know too! However, I am not the biggest supporter of the idea of women and men sharing close quarters a year at a time during deployments. Think about the bonds that are formed with brotherhood of the guys serving deployments together.  They are forever intertwined with what went on during that deployment. Families cannot possibly understand everything and they share it with their battle buddies. Most of the times during these deployments, there is little contact with our husbands. We cannot talk on the phone every night, skype or even gmail chat! We trust him and believe he is serving his country the best he can! Add some females into their FOB or COP or even a tent, and the dynamic for men and women are changed. Some men and women might try to impress the other sex. This would take away from their mission at hand. I am NOT doubting my husband's faithfulness, but it doesn't seem like the best situation to go through on top of the whole RISKING YOUR LIFE and being the loving wife back on post.  Maybe I am jumping to conclusions, but I am a little concerned. . .

Am I alone in this? Am I a bad women for feeling this way?

Mans Best Friend Finding IED's!

 Dogs are more then a companion. They save our country billions of dollars and not to mention our husbands and friends from harm. There have been bomb squad dogs for awhile, however, these dogs attend a 14 week course that costs the government 50 thousand dollars to train and hunt out IED's.

If you need help, Charlie can do it! Take a look at this video.

Christmas to our soldiers

This Christmas season, before you think about your wish list, think of a soldier. A soldier is someone who protects you so you and your family can have a safe Holiday together. He serves our country. If you are thinking of sending a gift to a soldier, a stocking filled with individually wrapped food items such as: Cookies, Candy, Gum, Granola Bars, Fruit Snacks, Crackers, Chips Games & Trinkets, or  Deck of cards, Hand held games, Holiday ornaments, Dice, Pens/Pencils, Stationary STAMPS! These are some suggestions. If you feel that this will be too expensive, remember, the post office generously offers discount on Flat Rate Priority Mail Boxes to APO and AP addresses. You do not have to worry about paying for an international stamp. The costs range from $4.90 - $14.

If you have the desire to give this holiday season, then please feel free to click on one of these links:

Operation Ensuring Christmas

Holiday Mail for Our Hero's Red Cross 
This one has to be done by December 10 and can only be cards.

Operation Gratitude

Operation Workship

Please take the time to write a letter to someone serving our country. No matter what service your husband serves our country in, this Operation Workship is a great cause. It takes two minutes. They send bibles to our friends serving overseas and this year at the home front. Since this year there were so many suicides related to military men and women returning home, maybe this operation will help. If they have Jesus and the bible to comfort them, there might be a change in their mental state. Please let me know what you think.

Staff Sergeant Sal Giunta Medal of Honor

What an honor to receive! Take a look at how humble this man is at the cnn website.

"Shake & Bake"

Army Times article, September 27, 2010 "Here's Why"page 4

Artillery officers created a lethal effect called, "shake and bake" when they arched different types of rounds at Fallujah, Iraq, in 2004. Why do artillery men use the term "shake and bake"? During the battle in Al Anbar province, batteries shot high explosive rounds to pummel Fallujah and "shake" insurgents out from cover, then fired white phosphorous incendiary rounds to burst in the air and "bake" them to death. In "Field Artillery", an Army journal, Capt. James Cobb said units also employed the "bake and shake" method.
When I asked my husband if he knew what this meant (trying to stump him) he replied, "white phosphorous". He is a pretty smart officer! :) I thought he was going to say something about the movie with Will Ferrel.  .  .

Fallen Soldier and Friend

Although death is a part of life, it's never easy. We hear about the tragic loss of too many soldiers everyday. When you knew the person personally, it changes things. I received the worse news about a fellow FA school gradate this weekend. 1LT Eric Yates was killed by an IED after insurgents attacked his unit in Afghanistan September 18, 2010. He was 26 years old. He was an ROTC graduate of Western Kentucky University. He was a quiet man, but served his country with pride. Please pray for his family and his soldiers with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Fort Campbell, KY.

It was the first time (and I pray the last) that I will have to tell my husband that news.

Rest in Peace Eric. "Just remember this, I'm in a better place, where soldiers live in peace
and angels sing amazing grace." Tim McGraw

Please keep in mind...

Please keep in mind of our troops in afghanistan and do not take part in the ridiculous burning of the koran on september 11. This will only undermine the NATO effort and put our troops at an even greater risk for attacks or large demonstrations. If you want to remember september 11, remember that not only one religion suffered... many did. Burning a sacred document is not only cruel, but is hypocritical. We would be upset if people burned the american flag.

Article from NYT

"judge dumps flag mutilation ban"
[A federal judge in Omaha overturned Nebraska's ban on flag mutilation, clearing the way for Kansas church protesters to continue trampling on the U.S. flag when they protest military funerals.
The ruling from U.S. District Judge Richard Kopf said the law can't be applied as long as Megan Phelps-Roper and fellow members of the Westboro Baptist Church "otherwise act peacefully while desecrating the American or Nebraska flag during their religiously motivated protests."
Members of the Topeka church protest at soldier funerals around the country because they say U.S. troop deaths are punishment for the nation's tolerance of homosexuality. ]

Here is another link:

http://newsfeed.time.com/2010/09/04/mutilating-the-american-flag-now-o-k-in-nebraska/

who really does this to families of soldiers? Do they not realize these soldiers are protecting them, everyday. They defend our freedom. Soldiers are giving these ignorant non Christian people the ability to overturn a law since 1977 when flags couldn't be mutilated or disgraced. Not that I agree with mutilating flags or protesting at a funeral, but FREEDOM, is something these soldiers defend for you!! What a disgrace!Wake up! No matter your feelings regarding homosexuality, there really should be some RESPECT!
This seriously makes my sick.

The Modern Day Wedding... on the Today Show?

If any of you watch The Today show, you would have seen the military couple won the wedding contest. I personally would like to congratulate this young couple! Good Luck! :)

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

19 Month Dwell time.... STARTS NOW!

Hallelujah! FINALLY! It seriously is about time. I read so many of you milspouses blogging about another year apart from your husband. It's hard for a year, but every other year? Household 6 Diva's husband has three children and because of his deployment schedule, only witnessed his third child's baby stages. The extra time at home will make a safer, happier and healthier soldier. He can rest his mind and spirit. I have heard it takes about two to three years to recuperate from a one year tour. I know these men are trained to prepare for battle, but are they really prepared to handle death? watching someone die? I think any human being would need some time....

 Their goal is for 2 years in 2012, but I will take the 19 months now. Even though there are 60,000 soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan (YAY!), there will be the Obama's Administration increase in the a-stan area this fall. Also, some of these soldiers who may have increased deployments are those high demand branches; special operations, explosive ordnance disposal, military police, and engineers. We need every soldier, but these areas take longer to develop the skill. However, the Army is trying to ease the tension for these soldiers. They are thinking of coming up with a rotational force; one at war or available to deploy, one in training and one in reset. This sounds a little more predictable and manageable. Don't you agree?


You may find more about this in the August 16, ARMY TIMES article "More Time at Home" by Michelle Tan, pg 16. New deployment model will boost dwell time - Army News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Army Times

Christmas Stockings

This Christmas season, before you think about your wish list, think of a soldier. A soldier is someone who protects you so you and your family can have a safe Holiday together. He serves our country. If you are thinking of sending a gift to a soldier, a stocking filled with individually wrapped food items such as: Cookies, Candy, Gum, Granola Bars, Fruit Snacks, Crackers, Chips Games & Trinkets, or  Deck of cards, Hand held games, Holiday ornaments, Dice, Pens/Pencils, Stationary STAMPS! These are some suggestions. If you feel that this will be too expensive, remember, the post office generously offers discount on Flat Rate Priority Mail Boxes to APO and AP addresses. You do not have to worry about paying for an international stamp. The costs range from $4.90 - $14.

If you have the desire to give this holiday season, then please feel free to click on one of these links:

Operation Ensuring Christmas

Holiday Mail for Our Hero's Red Cross 
This one has to be done by December 10 and can only be cards.

Operation Gratitude

Happy Memorial Day!

Today is the day to remember.... remember the past, present and future soldiers. Being a military family we are thankful for every sacrifice. Today isn't just a day off from work or school. This day is to honor those who fight for our country to be free and safe. I told Aaron Memorial Day began after the civil war. He couldn't believe it had been going on for that long. It wasn't always called that, but today most people associate it with a day off work or when the pool opens. Congress hoped to encourage Americans, especially the young, to take a sixty second moment of silence at 3pm on Memorial Day to remember all of those fallen soldiers. I also think it's important to remember how thankful we should be of living in this country. Please remember with us!

This poem below was found at a grave in Arlington Cemetery,

"In Arlington, a small white stone there,

a small white stone, three little pebbles,

an inscription, and a patch of green grass.

That's where he'll stay.

He should be home laughing with kids or still serving his country.

                                              But instead, he stays there."

http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/05/31/arlington.mementos/index.html?hpt=C1

Go Army Officers!

This video if you look carefully was filmed during LT's time at OCS. The man with the beret that has the OCS pins was in another platoon. Go Army!

Key Resolve/Foal Eagle

Below are 2 articles regarding what Aaron is doing for the next couple weeks.

1.)

North Korea says ready to 'blow up' South Korea, United States

Hyung-Jin Kim / Associated Press

SEOUL, South Korea -- North Korea's army said Monday it is ready to "blow up" South Korea and the U.S., hours after the allies kicked off annual military drills that Pyongyang has slammed as a rehearsal for attack.

South Korea and the U.S. -- which normally dismiss such threats as rhetoric -- began 11 days of drills across South Korea on Monday morning to rehearse how the U.S. would deploy in time of emergency on the Korean peninsula.

The U.S. and South Korea argue the drills -- which include live firing by U.S. Marines, aerial attack drills and urban warfare training -- are purely defensive. North Korea claims they amount to attack preparations and has demanded they be canceled.

The North's People's Army issued a statement later Monday, warning the drills created a tense situation and that its troops are "fully ready" to "blow up" the allies once the order is issued.

The North also put all its soldiers and reservists on high alert to "mercilessly crush the aggressors" should they encroach upon the North's territory even slightly, said the statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency.

The communist country has issued similar rhetoric in the days leading up the drills. On Sunday, it said it would bolster its nuclear capability and break off dialogue with the U.S. in response to the drills.

South Korea's military has been closely monitoring Pyongyang's maneuvers but hasn't seen any signs of suspicious activities by North Korean troops, Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff said earlier Monday.

"We see it as (North Korea's) stereotype denouncement," Defense Ministry spokesman Won Tae-jae told reporters.

About 18,000 American soldiers and an undisclosed number of South Korean troops are taking part in the drills, dubbed Key Resolve and Foal Eagle, according to U.S. and South Korean militaries.

The training comes as the U.S. and other regional powers are pushing for the North to rejoin international disarmament talks on ending its atomic weapons program in return for aid. The North quit the six-nation weapons talks and conducted its second nuclear test last year, drawing tighter U.N. sanctions.

The North has demanded a lifting of the sanctions and peace talks with the U.S. on formally ending the Korean War before it returns to the negotiations. The U.S. and South Korea have responded that the North must first return to the disarmament talks and make progress on denuclearization.

The U.S. stations about 28,500 troops in South Korea.

Thank you, The Detroit News: 

2.)

Eighth Army participates in Key Resolve/Foal Eagle

Mar 7, 2010

By Walter T. Ham IV, 8th U.S. Army Public Affairs

COMMAND POST OSCAR, South Korea -- Eighth (Field) Army Soldiers are participating from March 8 - 18 in Key Resolve/Foal Eagle 2010, the first of two annual peninsula-wide exercises in South Korea.

"KR/FE allows us to train together with our combined and joint partners," said Maj. Gen. Michael J. Schweiger, 8th (Field) Army Deputy Commanding General for Maneuver. "This training keeps us ready to fight tonight."

Schweiger said that 8th (Field) Army will play a prominent role during the exercise that will incorporate the full range of equipment, capabilities and personnel.

"We train like we fight here and KR/FE gives us the opportunity to strengthen our ability to defend the Republic of Korea," said Schweiger. "This exercise is another example of our commitment to this enduring alliance."

A routine exercise, Key Resolve/Foal Eagle takes place about the same time every year.

Article from Global Security.org

FOXNews.com - Gates Backs Repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'

FOXNews.com - Gates Backs Repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'

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Adopt a Soldier! Thank LT P

We all know LT has inspired us to be more patriotic in our day to day life. Whenever we see a man or woman in uniform, we are reminded of the great LT Peacock. We smile at these soldiers. We tell them we are thankful for them. We support them with bumper stickers and handshakes at the airport. These examples of patriotism are everywhere. This week, I was blown away by two of our own family members desire to help other soldiers as well. I am sure they were inspired by LT and his selfless act to serve the United States Army. It only makes me feel prouder to be his wife!

Calli-Ev (LT's sister) and her kids in Boston are writing letters and sending Care Packages to Korea. The 2nd ID (infantry division) will be blessed by this act later this month with many goodies!

Katherine Anne's college course at Hope College requires her to find a service that inspires her. She wants to start a pen-pal relationship with soldiers serving a deployment. She inquired with me about different organizations that would make this possible.

How amazing is this? If you too want to do something for soldiers, like LT, please do! There are so many organizations.

Soldier's Angels

Picture taken from http://soldiersangels.org

Thank you all so much!!! You definitely made me smile this week! :)

Kids good at handling deployment!

Here is an article from CNN that discuses kids are stronger then we give them credit for! Another bonus to the army/military.

CLICK ME TO READ!

Makes me smile!

A year since the Miracle on the Hudson and more great things come from this incident. What a happy story for such a scary event! Please read this article from CNN.com if you feel like smiling a little!




Click on me!