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Tuesday, July 05, 2005

Fantastic News Courtesy of Some USAF Heroes

Michael Crook's Forsake the Troops site is toast!

These folks took him down.

But go and see for yourself - it's worth it:
http://www.forsakethetroops.info/

Hat Tip to the Barking Moonbat Early Warning System

Gotta love Airmen (and women)!!!
U.S. raises estimate for terror attacks
With new definition, tracking site lists five times more incidents
07/05/05 09:52 PM, EDT
The U.S. government Tuesday increased its 2004 estimate of terrorist attacks worldwide to 3,192 from 651 after changing to a broader definition of terrorism.
FULL STORY

At Work in the US Air Force

Happy 4th of July
SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Pilots deployed fighting the war on terrorism take American flags on missions for friends and family. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt D. Myles Cullen)


Birds of a feather
OVER KRZESINY AIR BASE, Poland -- An F-16 Fighting Falcon flies in formation with a MiG-29 here during exercise Sentry White Falcon 2005. The F-16 is assigned to the Illinois Air National Guard's 183d Fighter Wing in Springfield. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Shaun Kerr)



Ready, aim, fire
OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM -- A van loaded with C-4 explodes during a firepower demonstration June 24 at a forward-deployed location. The demonstration involved the British Royal Marines, and U.S. Air Force security forces and explosive ordnance disposal Airmen deployed with the 40th Air Expeditionary Group. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jocelyn Rich)


Airmen donate time, supplies to Afghans
PARWAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan -- An Afghan boy holds up a teddy bear given to him by Airmen of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing at nearby Bagram Air Base during an adopt-a-village visit. The program allows Airmen to assist villages in Afghanistan with infrastructure, fresh water, school supplies and toys for children. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Mark D. Gibson)

Critics Call Radio Hosts' Trip Propaganda Mission

Be sure to read this article. Apparently, you're not a journalist unless you're trashing the troops....

from Move America Forward...

Critics Call Radio Hosts' Trip Propaganda Mission

A note on this article: I work with the good people of Move America Forward, and I have to tell you that criticism of the "Truth Tour - Live From Baghdad" really strikes me as odd. The reason being is that the idea for such a trip came about because countless Marines and soldiers were
writing back home - and to our organization - very upset that what they saw reported in certain media outlets did not reflect the reality of what they experienced each day on the ground in Iraq.
In fact, one of the founding board members of Move America Forward is a Gunnery Sergeant with the Civil Affairs Division who is currently serving in Iraq (after having served our country in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom). He was with a pair of Washington Post reporters just a couple of weeks ago who made it very clear that the daily accomplishments of
our troops mattered not... As this was not really "news" - when troops would do something to help a school or to help improve daily life or security for Iraqis.

Well, now the soldiers and Marines will have a chance to speak into a microphone and tell Americans what THEY see and experience each day, including the good things they accomplish that Washington Post reporters don't believe counts as 'real news.' There will be no Dan Rather or Newsweek GITMO bureau to interpret what they mean, we'll just have to take at face value the word of the men and women serving in our Armed Forces.

But what do they know about what's going on in Iraq anyways?

-- Joe Wierzbicki, Move America Forward
http://www.MoveAmericaForward.org

Oh, I get it....showing what the troops are really doing is propaganda....smearing them is news. Glad the lefties in the MSM could clear that up for me.

Atlanta Honors Troops

U.S. soldiers and Marines greet spectators during the annual Fourth of July parade in Atlanta, Ga., July 4, 2005. The parade’s theme this year was "Salute to America." U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Alex Licea


Atlanta Fourth of July Parade Salutes Troops
Thousands of Georgia natives and tourists gather to pay tribute to the nation and its servicemembers.
By U.S. Army Sgt. Alex Licea, 3rd U.S. Army Public Affairs

ATLANTA, July 5, 2005 — When U.S. Army Spc. Giancarlo Ramos left his home country of Peru in 1998, the then 19-year-old native of Lima had no idea what to expect. He left behind the only life he has ever known to travel to the United States, with the hoping for opportunities and searching for a new path in his life.

Seven years later, the 26-year-old Army infantryman has been all over the globe fighting for freedom in the deserts of the Middle East, and the mountainous terrain of the Korean peninsula. Now this father of one finds himself, along with dozens of his fellow service members, standing on a parade float and smiling back at a crowd of flag waiving Americans who are applauding him for his service to a nation in which he has only lived in for a third of his life.

Thousands of Georgia natives and tourists from across the country paid tribute to America and its servicemembers during the city’s annual Fourth of July parade. The parade began at the corner of Baker and Peachtree Streets in downtown Atlanta and ended at Centennial Olympic Park, July 4.

Ramos was joined by soldiers currently assigned with 3rd U.S. Army in nearby Fort McPherson, members of the Georgia National Guard and members of the U.S. Marine Corps.

“I’m so honored to be saluted during the parade,” said Ramos. “I joined the Army to serve a nation which took me in and has given my family a chance for a bright future.”

The day began with overcast skies, but as the mile and a half parade got underway, the clouds disappeared. This year’s festivities featured dozens of floats, marching bands from across the state and hundreds of performers celebrating the red, white and blue.

“It a nice day for this parade in honor of our nation’s birthday,” said spectator Mike Alaniz, a resident of Norcross, Ga. “This year’s theme is real special because we are recognizing individuals who serve our nation all over the world.”

Alaniz, who served in the Army for three years, was joined by his wife Grace, who admired her husband’s patriotism during the parade.

“He is just a fanatic about the Army and its members,” she said. “We both came out here to show our gratitude to the military and this great country.”

U.S. Army Spc. Rosalina Taylor, one of the soldiers honored during the Salute to America parade, has deployed to the Middle East three times in her eight years in the military. She said the atmosphere of the event was overwhelming, and she felt great pride representing America’s men and women in uniform.

“The spirit of today’s event is incredible,” said the mother of a four-year-old son. “It is truly a sight to see.”

Army National Guardsmen Spc. Damian Loback’s enthusiasm was visible as the service members were directed toward the “Salute America” float.

“This is so cool,” said the 20-year-old reservist. “The city’s atmosphere is incredible.”
As the parade came to a close, the announcer asked the audience to direct their attention to the middle of the plaza. Soldiers returning to duty in Iraq or Afghanistan, who watched the parade from the bleachers, were honored as they boarded buses for the trip back to the airport. Spectators waved flags, rendered salutes and cheered as the service members entered the buses.

For Valerie Donaldson, the touching tribute hit close to home.

“I appreciate and praise all these soldiers,” said a tearful Donaldson, a mother of two and wife of 1st Lt. Henry Donaldson, who is currently deployed to Iraq with the 48th Brigade Combat Team, Georgia National Guard. “It’s so hard for me sometimes to keep my composure.”
For these soldiers, the opportunity to be the main attraction at this year’s parade was a chance they may never have again.

“I am happy to take part in this event,” said Sgt. Vanessa Doyle, 3rd U.S. Army information specialist. “This is great for all of us because it is something bigger than ourselves. It’s about our country.”

More Pictures at: Atlanta Parade Supports the Troops




Way to go, Atlanta!!!

In Today's News - Tuesday, July 5, 2005

Quote of the Day
"Let us recollect that peace or war will not always be left to our option; that however moderate or unambitious we may be, we cannot count upon the moderation, or hope to extinguish the ambition of others."
-- Alexander Hamilton

News of Note
Operation Iraqi Freedom
U.S. troops in Iraq celebrate July Fourth
Explosions heard near Japan camp in Iraq
Suspected insurgents arrested in Iraq

Operation Enduring Freedom
Servicemember Rescued in Afghanistan

Homeland Security / War on Terror
Bin Laden may be in Afghan south, Pakistan says
Saudi forces kill top al-Qaida militant
Jordan king criticizes Muslim extremists

Fallen Heroes
Bodies of 2 Navy SEALs found in Afghanistan

They'll fit right in with newsies over here...
Al-Jazeera launching all-English channel

Foxnews: U.S. & World
Bahrain Diplomat Injured in Iraq Gun Attack
Militants Attack Temple in India
Chirac Sparks Cross-Channel Food Fight
Explosives Found at Srebrenica Memorial
Blast Kills One at Police Station in Dagestan
Police Continue Demolitions in Zimbabwe
Mexico May Have Caught Drug Kingpin
Revelry Fills Fourth of July Celebrations

Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Iraq insurgents target foreign diplomats
Iran military unit backs president-elect
Israel commits large force for pullout
Pakistani envoy leaving Iraq after attack
Iran president-elect dismisses allegations
Hamas won't join Abbas government
Egypt replaces chiefs of top newspapers
Syria says forces clash with militants
Britain, Germany: Iran talks will go on
Israeli youth take to the front lines
Iran: U.S., Israel waging smear campaign
Hezbollah guerrilla dies in Israel clashes
Baghdad faces brutal heat with less power

Reuters: Top News
Stocks open lower as crude prices weigh
With Supreme Court on mind, Bush heads for Europe
Baghdad gunmen attack Bahrain, Pakistan diplomats
Six attackers killed in raid on Indian holy site
Tone down rhetoric on Supreme Court choice -Bush
China says Rice to visit this weekend

Department of Defense
Troops Track Terrorists, Prevent Attacks — Story
Progress Continues; Officials Note Milestones — Story
Statement Expresses Regret for Casualties — Story
Doctor Who Aided Terrorists Captured — Story

ON THE GROUND
Iraqi Civilian Tip Leads to Weapons Cache — Story

IN IRAQ
Task Force Baghdad Delivers Tons of Food
Airmen Defend Inside the Wire

IN AFGHANISTAN
Airmen Donate Supplies to Afghans
Operation Diablo Reach Back Targets Militia

FACE OF DEFENSE
Airman Manages Warehouse — Story

Atlanta Parade Salutes Troops — Story
Parade Reunites Families

TOP NEWS
IN IRAQ
Iraqi Security Forces Make Progress
Troops Seize Weapons, Suspects
Suicide Bomber Kills 12 in Iraq
U.S. Forces Nab Suspects
Insurgents Changed Tactics
Iraq Reconstruction
Maps
Iraq Daily Update
Multinational Force Iraq
Weekly Progress Report (pdf)
'Eye on Iraq' (pdf)
'Boots on the Ground' Audio Archive
Fact Sheet: Helping Women in Iraq

IN AFGHANISTAN
Former Rebels Sign Pledges
Battles Near Kandahar Kill 3 Enemies
Afghanistan Daily Update
Maps
Afghan Reconstruction Group Recruiting

WAR ON TERRORISM
Officials Release Strategy
Religious Practices Respected
Detainees Treated Humanely
Waging and Winning the War on Terror
Terrorism Timeline
Terrorism Knowledge Base

MILITARY NEWS
President Calls for Support
Recruiters Reach Out
National Guard, Reserve Update

CASUALTIES
Officials Identify Army Casualty — Story

Weather
Iraq
Al Azamiyah Al Basrah Al Hillah Al Karkh Al Kazimiyah Al Kut
An Nasiriyah Baghdad Baqubah Mosul Najaf Nineveh Tall Kayf

Afghanistan
Bost/Laskar Ghurian Herat Kabul Qandahar

Gitmo

Today in History
1643 - Essex County, Massachusetts, sees the first recorded tornado in the U.S.
1687 - Isaac Newton's PRINCIPIA is published in England.
1808 - Battle of Buenos Aires.
1811 - Venezuela becomes the first South American country to gain independence from Spain.
1814 - American forces defeat the British and Canadians at Chippewa, Ontario.
1830 - France invades Algeria, beginning a forty-year conquest.
1859 - Captain N.C. Brooks discovers the Midway Islands.
1861 - Fighting at Carthage, Missouri.
1865 - William Booth founds the Salvation Army.
1935 - President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the National Labor Relations Act.
1940 - The British break off diplomatic relations with the Vichy government in France.
1944 - Harry Crosby takes the first rocket airplane, the MX-324, for its maiden flight.
1950 - The Law of Return is passed, guaranteeing all Jews the right to live in Israel.
1962 - Algeria gains its independence after 132 years of French rule.
1966 - The National Guard mobilizes in Omaha after a third night of riots; the Saturn I rocket launches at Cape Kennedy.
1970 - An Air Canada DC-8 crashes only seven miles from Toronto's airport, killing 109.
1978 - The Soyuz 30 spacecraft touches down in Soviet Kazakhstan.
1984 - The Supreme Court rules that evidence seized with defective warrants can now be used in criminal trials, weakening the 70-year-old "exclusionary rule

Birthdays
1794 - Sylvester Graham (inventor of the Graham Cracker)
1801 - David G. Farragut, naval hero
1810 - Phineas Taylor ("P.T.") Barnum, circus promoter (Barnum & Bailey)
1891 - John Northrop, American biochemist (crystallized enzymes), Nobel Prize winner
1902 - Henry Cabot Lodge, politician/ambassador/VP candidate
1904 - Don Goddard, news ancher (ABC Evening News)
1909 - Andrei Gromyko, Soviet President
1952 - Terence T. "Tom" Henricks, Lt. Colonel, USAF/astronaut (STS 44)

Passings
1950
- U.S. Army Pvt. Kenneth Shadrick of WV, the first American KIA in the Korean War.

Reported Missing in Action - July 4th
1967
Craig, Phillip C., USN (NY); A4C shot down, remains returned November, 1986

1969
Fallon, Patrick M., USAF (PA); A1H shot down over Laos

1970
Bookout, Charles F., US Army SF (OK); KIA during ambush

Reported Missing in Action - July 5th
1965
Eisenbraun, William F., US Army SF (CA); fourth tour of duty (1 Korea, 3 Vietnam) - DIC August, 1965

1966
Jackson, James E., Jr., US Army SF (NY); captured during an ambush, released in Cambodia November, 1967

1967
Dodge, Ward Kent, USAF (KS); F105G shot down, remains returned March, 1974.
Frederick, William V., USAF (OH); F105D shot down, remains returned January, 1990
Waddell, Dewey W., USAF (GA); F105D shot down, released by DRV March, 1973 - retired as a Colonel in 1987 - alive and well as of 1998

1968
Burns, Michael T., USAF (IN); F4D shot down, released by DRV in March, 1973 - alive as of 1998
Crumpler, Carl B., USAF (FL); F4D shot down, released by DRV March, 1973 - retired as a Colonel as of 1996 - alive and well as of 1998
Dewberry, Jerry D., USMC (OK); KIA while on patrol, body not recovered
Lawrence, Bruce E., USAF (NJ); F4C shot down, believed KIA, body not recovered (see Silver, Edward D.)
Silver, Edward D., USAF (OR); F4C shot down, POW reported seeing VC propaganda film showing body in flight suit with name of "Silver," believed KIA, body not recovered

1972
Elander, William J., Jr., USAF (NC); F4E shot down, released by DRV March, 1973 - retired as Lt. Colonel as of 1996 - alive as of 1998
Logan, Donald K., USAF (CA); F4E shot down, released by DRV March, 1973 - alive as of 1998
Spencer, William A., USAF (TX); F4E shot down, released by DRV March, 1973 - retired as a Lt. Colonel as of 1996 - alive and well as of 1998
Seek, Brian J., USAF (CA); F4E shot down, released by DRV March, 1973 - retired as a Colonel as in 1995 - alive and well as of 1998

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