Sheehan plans to return 'very soon'
'Camp Casey' supporters ponder new site near Bush ranch
08/19/05 05:44 PM, EDT
The California woman who has camped outside President Bush's ranch for nearly two weeks to protest the war in Iraq said Friday she plans to return "very soon" after leaving to tend to her ill mother.
FULL STORY - from CNN.com

Received the email below this morning. Mom is asking for some assistance, and as I told her in my reply, I'm not the one to answer. Please use the comments section if you're a military family member, or a service member.

My response to Mom was as follows:

Hi J---------
I have to say, I think that believing that the Air Force is "safe" in peacetime is a little misguided. The military can be a dangerous job, peace or war, and joining up believing you'll never be at risk would be misguided. I'll bet your son knows that there's always a risk.

As far as casualties go, please bear in mind that the "body count" is not the disaster the U.S. Media often makes it out to be. Not much comfort to the families, I know, but this is not a bloodbath.

For some hard numbers:
18 full-time Airmen have been killed in Iraq to date. 11 of those were non-hostile causes, including vehicle crashes, ordinance accidents, etc.

1 member of the U.S. Air National Guard has died in Iraq; the cause is listed as homicide.

Beyond that, I'm not the one to answer your question. But I'm posting it on the blog, to see if you can get some comments from families, current servicemembers, and others who are more informed about serving...

So now it's up to you all....

Only one rule I have to insist on:
Please DO NOT bash Mom. She's honestly asking for information, and she deserves honest, respectful answers. Any abusive comments will be deleted.

My son is being heavily recruited by the U.S. Airforce to join and possibly be deployed in Iraq. While I will support him in whatever he decides to do, I WANT MORE INFORMATION as to what he might be up against. We all know that Iraq is a dangerous place.

I feel strongly that he needs to weigh his options. I have the upmost respect for our military, but feel strongly that our Commander in Chief and his cronies have told some serious lies to the American people as to why he sent our men and women there to a begin with.

My son is floundering and in peacetime I would have no problem with it. The self discipline, respect, teamwork, self-reliance, opportunity and probably a whole lot more, would be extremely beneficial to him. But the possibility is there that he would come home seriously injured, possibly missing limbs, deaf, blind or even to come home in a pine box. I’m a single mother and he’s all I have.

So please don’t try blowing sunshine up my ass. What is the role of the Airforce in Iraq? What are the statistics for airmen coming home alive from that godforsaken place.

Your not my only source. I will find out absolutely as much as I can about this and try to present both sides to him. So please tell me the truth.

I’d be proud to have my son serve in the airforce. And mad as hornet if I lost him because of it.

Please respond! I need both sides of the story, especially from people who have been there.

Thank You

J.S.

AR RAMADI — U.S. Marines assigned to 2nd Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, search an Iraqi man’s car during a mission in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, Aug. 4, 2005. The Marines captured an insurgent while conducting random vehicle and personnel searches in the city during a mission to capture insurgents and seize weapons

Today's Moonbat award goes to a Republican.

This story from CNN:
Hagel: Iraq growing more like Vietnam
Republican Senator says Bush should meet with protesting mom

OK,

1. This is NOT Vietnam (which, as a point of correction, we actually pretty much had won - not that you were hearing that in the news. The North Vietnamese came to the table precisely because we were kicking their butts all over the peninsula. Defeat came at the hands of the U.S. media, and associated Moonbat Brigades.) Let's not insult those who served there (like my father-in-law), or those who serve in Iraq, by even implying that this is like anything else. Vietnam was Vietnam. Iraq is Iraq.

2. BUSH ALREADY DID MEET WITH CINDY SHEEHAN. At what point, grieving mother or no, does someone have the right to DEMAND to meet with a sitting U.S. President. Hell, the guy hasn't met with me - I'd love to have a sit-down with the Pres, too. A lot of mothers and fathers have lost their kids in Iraq. You don't see them demanding to meet with the President- twice, no less! And give me a break - she wants to meet with him so she can ask him why he killed her son? He didn't. Loser terrorists did. Done. Meeting with her again isn't going to satisfy her any more than the first meeting did. She's angry, she's grief-stricken, and she's not going to be satisfied by anything other than her son back, which ain't gonna happen. See yesterday's post for my less-ticked-off thoughts on Ms. Sheehan.

3. This sort of thing is nothing new from Hagel. No doubt, he deserves respect for prior military service (for which he was decorated). But that doesn't make him an authority on war strategizing (he rose to Sergeant), and a GOP membership doesn't make him correct. In 2004, Hagel said that believed the only answer in Iraq was "repackaging the entire enterprise as an international effort." (US News) Um....Senator Hagel....it IS an international effort (27 nations) . Repackaging....hmm...where have we heard that sort of thing before? The idea of "repackaging" is liberal speak for "hell, if they don't like that idea, just call it something else - they're bound to buy it then!" Remember John Kerry, "reinventing" himself? Hagel is seen as a bit of a wild card, comparisons often being drawn to John McCain. And yet, even McCain distances himself from Hagel's comments on Vietnam - "I completely disagree. There are signs of progress. Yes, it's tough, and it's hard, and we've made mistakes and we paid a heavy price for those mistakes. Unfortunately, in wars, serious mistakes are made -- And there is a legitimacy to the Iraqi government that, frankly, the government of South Vietnam never had." (from CNN's Larry King Live)

4. Maybe he's just hedging his bets. In August, 2004, according to Black Box Voting, Hagel said that he was considering running for President in 2008. He's apparently purchased a couple of relevant domain names: "hagel2008.com" and "ChuckHagel2008.com" - and had purchased Hagel2004.com, but for obvious reasons, that's still up for grabs if you're interested. A little conservatism here, a little liberal speak there....

And for some reason, the media likes him. Quite a bit. That alone makes me suspicious.

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Scott Natter (left) and Staff Sgt. Louguens Charles (right) work on an Afghan National Police motorcycle Aug. 2, 2005, during a "Team Village" medical outreach mission to assist Afghan villagers. In addition to providing medical assistance to villagers, the soldiers repaired police vehicles and distributed toys and school supplies to the children. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Jon Arguello


An Afghan National Police officer reads an Afghan National Army poster distributed by coalition forces conducting a medical outreach mission to assist Afghan villagers, July 30, 2005. The "Team Village" personnel also distributed posters during the mission, which concluded Aug. 8, 2005. The posters covered a variety of topics, including food safety tips and details on voting procedures. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Jon Arguello


Afghan men read a newspaper while waiting for medical treatment July 30, 2005, from "Team Village" personnel conducting a medical outreach mission to assist Afghan villagers. The mission included U.S. medical, veterinary and mechanical personnel; Romanian soldiers and a security element of American and Afghan National Army soldiers. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Jon Arguello


U.S. Army Sgt. Mathew Stanton (left), a "Team Village" medic, moves medical supplies with the help of other soldiers during a medical outreach mission to assist Afghan villagers, July 30, 2005. The mission included U.S. medical, veterinary and mechanical personnel; Romanian soldiers and a security element of American and Afghan National Army soldiers. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Jon Arguello


Afghan men wait in line to receive medical treatment from the "Team Village" medical team, July 30, 2005. The medical outreach mission to assist Afghan villagers included U.S. medical, veterinary and mechanical personnel; Romanian soldiers and a security element of American and Afghan National Army soldiers. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Jon Arguello


U.S. Army Pfc. Michael Yates hands out a volleyball to Afghan children during a "Team Village" medical outreach mission to assist Afghan villagers, Aug. 2, 2005. Personnel also distributed toys and school supplies during the mission, which concluded Aug. 8, 2005. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Jon Arguello


U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Kenneth Wolfe restrains a local man’s sheep as U.S. Army Capt. Stephanie Mueller treats the animal for worms during a "Team Village" medical outreach mission to assist Afghan villagers, Aug. 2, 2005. The mission included U.S. medical, veterinary and mechanical personnel; Romanian soldiers and a security element of American and Afghan National Army soldiers. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Jon Arguello


Romanian 1st Lt. Oana Abrudan, a dentist, prepares a young boy for a tooth extraction as her interpreter watches during a "Team Village" medical outreach mission to assist Afghan villagers, Aug. 2, 2005. The mission included U.S. medical, veterinary and mechanical personnel; Romanian soldiers and a security element of American and Afghan National Army soldiers. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Jon Arguello


U.S. Army Capt. (Dr.) Jaqueline Naylor (right) attempts to begin intravenous medication on a two-year old drowning victim, Aug. 2, 2005. Naylor, along with Sgt. Brittany Heintz (second from right) and Spc. Angelica Charo (second from left) treated the child for two hours to stabilize him. The soldiers were participating in a "Team Village" medical outreach mission to assist Afghan villagers. The mission included U.S. medical, veterinary and mechanical personnel; Romanian soldiers and a security element of American and Afghan National Army soldiers. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Jon Arguello


U.S. Army Spc. Angelica Charo performs chest percussion on a two-year old drowning victim, Aug. 2, 2005. Charo was participating in a "Team Village" medical outreach mission to assist Afghan villagers. The medical team treated the boy for two hours in order to stabilize him. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Jon Arguello


Afghan National Army soldiers carry medical supplies to the village medical outreach site during a "Team Village" medical outreach mission, Aug. 2, 2005. The mission included U.S. medical, veterinary and mechanical personnel; Romanian soldiers and a security element of American and Afghan National Army soldiers. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Jon Arguello


An Afghan man reads a poster promoting the Afghan National Army, Aug. 6, 2005. Posters were distributed by "Team Village" coalition personnel conducting a medical outreach mission to assist Afghan villagers. The posters covered a variety of topics, including food safety tips and details on voting procedures. The medical outreach mission concluded Aug. 8, 2005. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Jon Arguello


U.S. Army Cpl. Jessica Stephenson hands a volleyball to a young boy during a "Team Village" medical outreach mission, Aug. 6, 2005. Personnel also distributed toys and school supplies during the mission, which concluded Aug. 8, 2005. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Jon Arguello

Spc. David Haynes, from 70th Engineers, 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division, sweeps an entire farm with his metal detector in search of a weapons cache in Samarra, Iraq. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Russell Cooley IV.

News of Note
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Reporter's Notebook: Company of Heroes
Aziz refuses to testify against Saddam
Iraq lawmakers work on draft constitution
Annan laments Iraq bombing on anniversary
Iraq Constitution in 2 Days?
Combat Stress Unit Returns to Iraq

Fallen Heroes
Marines Salute Fallen Comrades

Able Danger
Senate Considers Hearing on Able Danger Findings
Video: Able Danger Briefing

Gaza Withdrawal
More Evacuations
Gaza settlements nearly empty
Video: Israeli Troops Storm Roof
Video: Synagogue Standoff
Photos: Settlers Resist Pullout
Video: Troops Storm Roof
Scenes from Israel's Gaza withdrawal
Gaza withdrawal brings back Yamit images
Coming steps in Israeli pullout process
Police praised for patience with settlers
Arabs look for next steps in Gaza
Palestinians relieved, bitter on pullout

Homeland Security / War on Terror
Missile Attacks Miss U.S. Vessel, Israeli Airport
German Court Convicts Suspect in 9/11 Hijackings
Calif. faces pressure to join border emergency call

Milbloggers in the News
Blogs Give New View From War

Fox News
Cindy Sheehan Leaves Camp After Mother's Stroke
Cypriot Crash Baffles Probers
Shuttle Grounded Until 2006
U.S. Customs Computer Virus Snarls Travel
VP: Honor Troops With War Win

Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Aceh rebels seek safety before disarming

Reuters: Top News
S.Lanka, rebels to discuss how to preserve truce
Roberts documents underscore conservative values

Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Britain says no timetable for Iraq pull-out
US bolsters Iraq prison security
Shiites Were Apparent Targets in Baghdad Blasts; Toll Rises to 43

Military.com
BRAC Struggles With Plan
"Ghost Riders" Demolition
Possibility of Third Iraq Tour
Brain Caps and Pentagon Pandas
Honoring WWII Heroes
Catching Drug Traffickers a New Priority
Video: Subtitles (spoof of British news report from Iraq)

CENTCOM: News Release
NO U.S. SAILORS OR MARINES INJURED IN AQABA, JORDAN ROCKET ATTACK

Department of Defense
Task Force Displays New Type of Warfare — Story
Iraqi Progress Continues on Many Fronts — Story
Rumsfeld, Paraguayan President Reaffirm Ties
Myers: Expectations Not Lowered in Iraq
Constitution Delay Will Not Affect Operations
Casey Predicts Success in Iraq Mission

ON THE GROUND
Iraqi Water Systems to Be Rehabilitated — Story
Coalition 'Team Village' Assists Afghans — Story Photos
Australian Commodore Turns Over Command — Story

FACE OF DEFENSE
Immigrant Heeds Father's Words, Joins U.S. Marines — Story

AMERICA SUPPORTS YOU
Tribute Ride Scheduled for 9/11 — Story
Sailors Meet Padres' Pitcher

TOP NEWS
Four Soldiers Killed in Samarra
Ad Diwaniyah Police Get New Cars
Iraq Reconstruction
Maps
Iraq Daily Update
Multinational Force Iraq
Iraq Progress Fact Sheet (pdf)
Weekly Progress Report (pdf)
'Eye on Iraq' (pdf)
'Boots on the Ground' Audio Archive
Fact Sheet: Helping Women in Iraq

IN AFGHANISTAN
Afghanistan Daily Update
Maps

WAR ON TERRORISM
Photos: Homeland Defense
UAV Use Expands in Terror War
Exercise Tests Attack Response
Waging and Winning the War on Terror
Terrorism Timeline
Terrorism Knowledge Base

MILITARY NEWS
DoD Recognizes Top Installations
Chairman on Tour to Visit Troops
National Guard, Reserve Update

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
1099 - Crusaders defeat the Saracens in the Battle of Ascalon.
1263 - King James I of Argon censors Hebrew writings.
1787 - W. Herschel discovers Saturn's moon Enceladus.
1812 - The USS Constitution ("Old Ironsides") defeats the British warship Guerriere.
1909 - The Indianapolis 500 Speedway holds its first race.
1934 - The Plebiscite in Germany approves sole executive power for Adolph Hitler.
1942 - 5,000 Canadian and 1,000 British soldiers raid Dieppe, France. 4,000 of them are killed, wounded, or captured by the Germans in a matter of hours.
1954 - Ralph J. Bunche is named undersecretary of the U.N.
1981 - Two U.S. Navy F-14 's shoot down two Soviet-built Libyan SU-22's.
1985 - Japan launches the Susei, its second probe of Halley's Comet.
1988 - At 11:00 p.m. EDT, Iran and Iraq begin a cease-fire after 8 years at war.
1989 - Tadeusz Mazowiecki is elected - the first non-communist president of Poland.
1991 - A coup in the U.S.S.R. deposes Mikhail Gorbachev.

Birthdays
1646 - John Flamsteed, first English astronomer royal
1785 - Seth Thomas, pioneer in the mass production of clocks
1870 - Bernard Baruch, financier/presidential adviser
1871 - Orville Wright, aviator
1878 - Manuel Quezon, first president of the Philippine Commonwealth (1935-42)
1907 - Thurston Morton (Sen-KY, 1957-1969)
1934 - David F. Durenberger, (Sen-MN)
1935 - F. Story Musgrave,M.D. / astronaut (STS 6, 51-F, 33, 44)
1946 - Charles F. Bolden, Jr., astronaut (STS 61C, 31, STS 45); Bill Clinton, 42nd US President.
1948 - Mary Elizabeth Aitcheson ("Tipper" Gore - wife of Al Gore, VP to President Clinton)

Passings
14 - Octavian (Augustus) Roman general, emperor
1493 - Emperor Frederick III of Germany (1440-1493)

Reported Missing in Action
1968
Collins, Theothis, USMC (NJ); KIA (explosive device), body not recovered

Hoffman, Terry Alan, USMC (IN); CH46D shot down (crewmember), remains returned/buried 1994

1969
Bohlig, James Richard, USMC (CA); F4B did not return from night mission (pilot, w/Morrissey), KIA, body not recovered

Flanigan, John N., USMC (FL); F4B shot down (radar intercept officer, w/Smith), remains returned 1989 - ID'd June, 1997

Morrissey, Richard Thomas, USMC (NY); F4B did not return from night mission (pilot, w/Bohlig)

Smith, Robert N., USMC (PA); F4B shot down (pilot, w/Flanigan)

1972
Behnfeldt, Roger Ernest, USAF (OH); RF4C shot down (pilot), remains returned September, 1987

Shingaki, Tamotsu, USAF (HI); RF4C shot down, released by DRV March, 1973 - retired as a Major - alive as of 1998