Sigonella, Sicily (Jan. 2, 2006) - Aviation Electrician's Mate Airman Thaddeus Greene assigned to the "Tridents" of Patrol Squadron Two Six (VP-26) works to repair an auxiliary power unit (APU). VP-26 is currently on a six-month deployment to Sigonella, Sicily in support of maritime patrol operations and the global war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Jonathan Roark

1296 - Earl Floris V signs accord with French king
1317 - Phillips V, the Tall, crowned king of France
1349 - 700 Jews of Basel Switzerland, burned alive in their houses
1464 - 1st meeting of States-General of Netherlands
1493 - 1st sight of manatees (by Christopher Columbus)
1558 - Geneva becomes independent from Berne canton, Switzerland
1570 - Tsar Ivan the terrible kills 1000-2000 residents of Novgorod
1718 - France declares war on Spain
1760 - Afghans defeat Marathas in battle of Barari Ghat
1788 - Connecticut becomes 5th state
1792 - Russia & Turkey sign Peace of Jassy
1793 - Jean Pierre Blanchard makes 1st balloon flight in North America (Philadelphia)
1799 - Income Tax introduced in UK
1812 - Swedish Pomerania (Germany) seized by Napoleon
1834 - HMS Beagle/Charles Darwin arrives in Port San Julian, Patagonia
1839 - Daguerrotype photo process announced at French Academy of Science; Thomas Henderson measures 1st stellar parallax (Alpha Centauri)
1848 - People's uprising in Palermo Sicily
1854 - Astor Library opens in New York City NY
1855 - Clipper Guiding Star disappears in Atlantic, taking 480 with her
1857 - 7.9 earthquake shakes Fort Tejon CA
1861 - 1st hostile act of Civil War; Star of the West fired on, Sumter SC; Mississippi becomes 2nd state to secede
1863 -Jan 11th] Battle of Arkansas Post AR (Fort Hindman)
1879 - Cheyenne prisoners led by Dull Knife revolt at Fort Robinson; Kirland Warbler discovered on Andros Island in Bahamas
1880 - 6' (1.8 meters) of snow falls in Seattle in 5 days
1894 - "Edison Kinetoscopic Record of a Sneeze" released in movie theaters
1905 - Bloody Sunday-demonstrators fired on by tsarist troops
1908 - Frans Schollaert succeeds De Trooz as premier of Belgium
1909 - Ernest Shackleton reaches 88º23' south
1912 - US Marines invade Honduras
1923 - Juan de la Cierva makes 1st autogiro (helicopter) flight, Spain
1925 - German Postal Minister A Höfle resigns due to corruption
1936 - Semi-automatic rifles adopted by US army
1937 - Italian regime bans marriages between Italians & Abyssinians
1940 - 2 German officers make emergency landing in Belgium
1941 - Maiden flight by Canada's Avro Lancaster military plane; 6,000 Jews exterminated in pogrom in Bucharest Romania
1942 - US Joint Chiefs of Staff created
1943 - Japanese government in Java limits sale & use of motorcars
1945 - US soldiers led by General Douglas MacArthur invade Philippines
1952 - Belgian Pholien government resigns; Marines give notice that they will recall Ted Williams to active duty
1953 - Korean ferryboat "Chang Tyong-Ho" sank off Pusan killing 249
1956 - Abigail Van Buren's "Dear Abby" column 1st appears in newspapers; Samir el-Rifai forms government in Jordan
1957 - Checheno-Ingush ASSR reformed in RSFSR; Karachayevo-Cherkess Autonomous Region reestablished in RSFSR; British premier Anthony Eden resigns; Dutch Newspaper Society expels communist daily paper "Truth"
1959 - Dam across Tera River collapses after heavy winter rains, 135 die
1960 - Building of Aswan dam in Egypt, begins
1964 - Anti-US rioting breaks out in the Panamá Canal Zone
1968 - Surveyor 7 space probe soft lands on the Moon
1969 - Concorde jetliner's 1st test flight (Bristol England)
1970 - Constitution of Singapore enacted
1972 - Passenger ship Queen Elizabeth destroyed by fire
1973 - Luna 21 launched, to Moon
1978 - Commonwealth of Northern Marianas established
1979 - High-school player Daryl Moreau makes 126th consecutive free throwsj; Supreme Court strikes down (6-3) PA law requiring doctors performing an abortion to try to preserve lives of potentially viable fetuses
1980 - 63 beheaded in Mecca, Saudi Arabia
1981 - Francisco Balsamao elected President of Portugal
1982 - 5.9 earthquake in New England & Canada; 1st since 1855
1983 - British PM Margaret Thatcher visits the Falkland Islands
1987 - New Nicaraguan constitution takes effect; Chinese/Vietnamese border fights, 1500 killed
1989 - Johnny Bench & Carl Yastrzemski elected to Baseball Hall of Fame
1990 - 64th US manned space mission STS 32 (Columbia 10) launches into orbit; Supreme Court strikes down Dallas' ordinance imposing strict zoning on sexually oriented businesses; Jim Palmer & Joe Morgan elected to Baseball Hall of Fame
1991 - Baker & Aziz meet in Geneva; talks fail to defuse the Persian Gulf crisis; Baseball officially bans Pete Rose from being elected to Hall of Fame; Dean Smith of North Carolina is 6th to win 700 career coaching basketball games
1995 - Ecuador & Peru involved in boundary fight; Worker accidentally cuts electrical wires at Newark Airport
1998 - Anatoly Solovyov & Pavel Vinogradov spacewalk record 3 hours 8 minutes; Decapitated head of Danish Little Mermaid is returned

Birthdays
1554 - Gregory XV (Alessandro Ludovisi), Roman Catholic pope (1621-23)
1803 - Christopher Gustavus Memminger, Confederate Secretary Treasurer
1816 - John Palmer Usher, Union Secretary of the Interior
1822 - John Porter Hatch, Union Brevet Major General
1832 - Esquire Maurits A de Savornin Lohman, Dutch Governor of Suriname
1859 - Carrie Lane Chapman, Catt women's rights leader/founder (League of Women Voters)
1913 - Richard Milhouse Nixon Yorba Linda CA, (R) 37th US President (1969-74); Peter John Norton naval diplomat/artist
1922 - Ahmed Sékou Touré, President of Guinea (1957-84); Har G. Khorana India/Canada bio-chemist (Nobel 1968)
1928 - Fernand J. St Germain (Representative-RI)
1933 - Robert Garcia (Representative-NY)
1935 - Dick Enberg, sportscaster
1938 - Aad Kosto, Dutch theologist/actor/assistant Secretary of Justice
1952 - Eveline L. Herfkens Dutch MP

Passings
1324 - Marco Polo, Italian explorer
1499 - Johan Cicero, elector of (Brandenburg, 1486-99), dies at 43
1798 - Pedro Pablo Abarca d Bolea, Earl of Aranda Spanish officer, dies at 79
1843 - Caroline Herschel, "1st lady of astronomy", dies at 98 in Germany
1878 - Victor Emmanuel II, King of Sardinia (1849-61)/Italy (1861-78), dies at 57
1879 - Don Joaquin B.F. Espartero, field marshall/viceroy of Navarra, dies at 86
1941 - Ko Boezeman, Dutch resistance fighter, dies
1995 - Souphanouvong (Red Prince), President of Laos (1975-87), dies at 85
1997 - Edward Osobka-Morawski, Prime Minister of Poland (1945-47), dies

Reported Missing in Action
1966
Schimberg, James P., US Army (IA); OV1C shot down (w/Williams), remains returned December, 1998

Williams, Thaddeus E., US Army (AL); OV1C shot down (w/Schimberg), remains returned December, 1998

1968
Daly, James A., Jr., US Army (NY); disappeared during ground action, released by PRG March, 1973 - deceased

Green, Norman M., USAF (DC); F4D shot down (w/Irsch)

Irsch, Wayne C., USAF (OK); F4D shot down (w/Green)

Newton, Warren E., US Army (OR); UH1C shot down

Phipps, James L., US Army (IL); UH1C shot down

Ramos, Rainier S., US Army (WA); UH1C shot down

Rehe, Richard R., US Army (CA); disappeared during ground action - DIC January, 1968 according to Daly

Sykes, Derri, US Army (IL); disappeared during ground action - DIC October, 1968 according to Daly

Watkins, Willie A., US Army (NC); released November, 1969

1969
Byrd, Hugh M., Jr., US Army (KY); O1G shot down (pilot, w/O'Brien)

O'Brien, Kevin, US Army (NY); O1G shot down (observer, w/Byrd)

by Sgt. Matthew Acosta
January 6, 2006
A U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter externally loads humanitarian relief supplies in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan, Jan. 4, 2006.

The following was forwarded by Jill, a Soldiers' Angel, military spouse, and avid troop supporter. She received this message from a Hero she is in contact with through AnySoldier.com.

Because of you we are able to take showers with body wash, use shampoo and have deodorant and enjoy the basic necessities of life. Because of you we are able to have late night snacks and plenty of coffee to keep us alert and to help us wake up. Because of you, we enjoy current publications and magazines and continue to educate ourselves with current books. We are able to slip away for a few seconds to listen to a CD, DVD or write a letter. Because of you we have made acquaintances, pen pals, supporters and most importantly, friends. We were shown how our country supports us through thick and thin, how selfless actions of mothers, fathers single moms and churches send care packages easily worth$50-$60 and then pay another $40 for shipping. Because of you we have "junkies" asking us what doyou need and although we don't ask for much we receive what we ask for without hesitation with extras thrown in.

Because of you [a Marine Lance Corporal] does his 50th patrol but does it with hand warmers in his pockets and is able to concentrate on the enemy instead of the cold. We have something to add to the water in the 130 degree temperatures so that we actually drink water instead of getting dehydrated. Because of you we have the 7 ton truck driver who although is advised by his mother not to dip had his Copenhagen dip and although he is on a crappie road in a crappie place is at least happy for a little while. Because of you many many Marines have enjoyed a nice cigar and wound down built cohesion in a time that others may have fell apart. Because of you, we have the simple words of "Thank you", "Stay Tuff" and "We support you" sent to us. So few words however words that carry a big punch.

Because of you we won't let some terrorist come to our country and tell our children what to do or threaten their way of life. Because of you WE will protect life liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Every single one of you who have supported a service member and sent them a letter or package while they were in the fight against terrorism either in Afghanistan or in Iraq have made a difference. Your Marines continue to take the fight to the insurgents. Young Marines, women Marines, continue to excel beyond the expectations of their leaders and stand tall against terrorism and simply say "NO" your not doing that while we are here. Because of you we can do that. Thank you all for making a difference to your service members.

Simply put, because of you, we are winning!

Semper Fidelis and remember its all because of you!

Capt B

Jill, thanks for sending this. Capt. B - because of you, we have all the freedoms you all work and sacrifice to protect. Thank you for everything that you do. Keep your helmet on - take care, and stay safe.

graphic courtesy of Sue's Design

ON TARGET —U.S. Navy Seaman John Christofferson, assigned with Navy EOD Mobile Unit 11, Woodby Island, Wash., shoots the 50-caliber sniper rifle at range ASP4 in Ad Diwaniyah, Iraq, Jan. 5, 2006. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Timothy J. Villareal

News of Note
Operation Iraqi Freedom
12 Dead in U.S. Helicopter Crash in Iraq

Operation Enduring Freedom
Afghan President Invites Taliban Chief to Peace Talks

Homeland Security / War on Terror
Specter asks Gonzales to testify on wiretaps

Moonbat Watch
Belafonte: Bush Is 'Greatest Terrorist in the World'

Politics
Cheney taken to hospital
House GOP Looks for Leader
Specter asks Gonzales to testify on wiretaps

Supreme Court
Alito Prepares for Hearings
SCOTUS nominee sits for confirmation
Democrats to target Alito memos at hearings
Alito's writings offer clues to views on various issues

Oddities
Mouse burns house with a fiery re-entry
Heat gun wins silly label prize
Cops: Plumbing was flush with cash
GPS device dropped in duffel bag leads police to bank's stolen loot
Escaped cow does everything but jump over moon

Other News of Note
Report: Would-Be Pope John Paul II Assassin to Be Freed

Fox News
Military Jet Crashes in Iran
Chopper Crash In Iraq Kills 12
On His Way Back
Doctors Begin To Bring Sharon Out of Coma
Video: Health Woes Examined
Video: Signs of Improvement
Sharon's Doctor: Survival Prospects Good, Brain Damage Definite
Upcoming Israeli Elections to Test Acting PM Ehud Olmert
Rice Cancels Trip Amid Uncertainty
Video: Coma Until Monday
Sharon's Condition - Stable But Critical
Photo Essay: Ariel Sharon: War and Peace
Five More Cases of Bird Flu
Funerals for Miners Begin- Doctors: Survivor Improving
Two Nabbed in Va. Family Slay
Survey: Gas Prices Rise $.09
Steelers Beat Bengals 31-17
Panthers Trounce Giants 23-0
Stocks to Watch: Alcoa Inc.
SPORTS NEWS AND SCORES

Reuters: Top News
Tyco looks closely at possible breakup: WSJ
Global equities to rise in 2006 but lag 2005: Mercer
AstraZeneca heart drug patent seen in jeopardy
Earnings take focus as 2006 starts strong
Seoul shares hit record high on tech, won a concern
Taliban leader vows more attacks in Afghanistan
Suicide bombers kill 14 at Iraqi ministry: police
Downed US helicopter in Iraq hit bad weather
Iran ready to remove UN seals at nuclear sites Video
Israel lets some Palestinians campaign in E. Jerusalem
S.Korea science fraud leaves sponsors in limbo
World's top polluters to fight climate change
Breast cancer survivors found to suffer from fatigue
Selective abortion blamed for India's missing girls
Rembrandt, Rubens paintings stolen from Serb museum

AP World News
13 Killed in Iranian Plane Crash
More Than 2 Million Muslims Ready for Hajj
Top U.N. Official Vows Order in Haiti
Land-Grab Fears Dominate Quake Survivors
Iran Says U.N. to Remove Nuclear Seals
South Africa's Ruling Party Opens Campaign
Powerful Quake Rattles Greece and Beyond

The Seattle Times
Lenient sentence for pilot of ferry?
A cave-in on mine safety?
Ethiopia joins search for next "idol"
Schwarzenegger, son hurt on motorcycle

Chicago Sun-Times
Phony railroads were their ticket
Church finds 'joy in midst of catastrophe'
Heartache for town that lost 3 miners
Reagan riding high in Dixon
Western residents to get NASA light show
Princely regimen: Cadet Wales reporting for duty
Cops: King's nephew set fire to own apartment
Shooting trial in small Minn. town will focus on race
Bill pushes warm beer to cool drunken driving
Is skull Mozart's? Researchers confess on TV they don't know
Hiker recalls moment rocks started to slide

Boston Globe: World
China commits $3 billion for river

Military.com
U.S. Probes Deadly Copter Crash
Trial to Begin for Alleged Iraqi Agent
Mom Buys Body Armor for Son
U.S. Troops Build Schools in Africa
China Cuts Military by 200,000 Troops
CIA Steps up Efforts to Plug Leaks
Military Academies See Less Harassment
Iraqis Receive Training in Iran
Baby Noor Set for Surgery
82nd Undergoes Transformation
Depleted Uranium Found at Schofield
Commander: Landscape in W. Iraq Improved
Navy Sees Spike in Fatal Vehicle Wrecks in FY 2006

CENTCOM: News Releases
DETAINEE DIES AT ABU GHRAIB
HELICOPTER CRASHES IN NORTHERN IRAQ

Department of Defense
Helicopter Crash in Iraq Claims 12 - Story
Iraqi Police Find Bomb; Suspects Detained - Story

IN IRAQ
U.S., Iraqi Crews Share Airspace, Mission

IN AFGHANISTAN
Engineers Complete Eastern Afghan Road
U.S. Paratroopers Complete Operation Pizmah

FACE OF DEFENSE
Helmet Protects Soldier from Sniper Fire - Story

TOP NEWS
IRAQ
Five U.S. Marines Killed in Iraq
General Cites Strides in Anbar
Report: Strategy for Victory in Iraq
Iraq Daily Update
This Week in Iraq (pdf)
Multinational Force Iraq
Eye on Iraq Update (pdf)
State Dept. Weekly Iraq Report (pdf)
'Boots on the Ground' Audio Archive
Iraq Reconstruction
Maps

AFGHANISTAN
Afghanistan Update
Maps

WAR ON TERRORISM
Fact Sheet: War on Terror
Fact Sheet: Terror Plots Disrupted
Waging and Winning the War on Terror
Terrorism Timeline
Terrorism Knowledge Base

MILITARY NEWS
MotoMail Links Deployed Marines
JFCOM Provides Force Sourcing
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" to be posted later