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Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Swim to Support Our Troops

Received by Soldiers' Angels:

Dear Mrs. Patti Patton-Bader,

First of all, please thank your son, Sgt. Brandon Varn, for his service in Iraq.

Secondly, thanks for your efforts in founding Soldiers' Angels. The organization has some great programs.

I wanted to let you know that Jon Judy and I will be swimming from Alcatraz to San Francisco on September 30 to raise awareness for Soldiers' Angels. Jon's son, Chris, is a Marine who is leaving for duty in Iraq this month. The attached flyer gives a full explanation. Please print, edit if needed, and distribute as appropriate.

We wanted to make sure you approve of this project. We will share the flyer with Scouts, Sunday School, neighbors, Masters Swimming, American Legion, a Euchre group, the West Point Society, etc. with the goal of getting people involved.

I am happy to say that I have adopted a soldier - [rank removed] Alan [last name removed]. I am actually doing something productive!

Best regards,

Russ Allen
West Point 1982

***********************************

From the event flyer:
Escape From Alcatraz Swim

for the benefit of

Soldiers’ Angels and Unmet Needs


We Can Do Better
As of September 2006, there are approximately 138,000 U.S. Troops in Iraq and another 18,000 in Afghanistan. They are the home team. They are the Americans.
Here I sit – a West Pointer and former U.S. Army Captain, supposedly a true-blue, red-blooded American, – doing nothing. Absolutely Nothing. I am ashamed.

There are 24.5 million veterans in America.
There you sit - a former officer or NCO, or soldier, taught to "look after your people" - doing nothing. Absolutely Nothing.

There are over 300 million Americans.
You, a “concerned” American citizen, sit there watching from your armchair - doing nothing. Absolutely Nothing.

In the first days following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, an unprecedented number of Americans contributed over $2.7 billion to assist the families of victims. The average award to each family of a deceased victim was $1,463,936.

Forget the Politics.
Sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, nephews and nieces, neighbors and coworkers; our countrymen are in harm’s way and need our support. They must be doing something right. Since 9/11, there have been over 5,745 deadly Islamic terrorist attacks in 30 countries worldwide - not a single one on U.S. soil.

It’s Time To Do Something
The “Fatman of Alcatraz”
I’m Russ Allen. In my forties and out of shape, I have decided to do something. I will be joined by John Judy, the father of a Marine serving in Iraq. We have decided to swim from Alcatraz to San Francisco in 59º water to promote participation in two programs that help soldiers and their families: Soldiers’ Angels and Unmet Needs. These 501(c)(3) charities are a call to personal action rather than simply solicitors of donations. To get involved. please refer he flipside of this flyer or visit www.soldiersangels.com and/or www.unmetneeds.com.


“Where are the people willing to devote themselves to causes larger than themselves?
. . . They are in uniform in Iraq, straddling the divide between insanity and order."


Soldiers’ Angels
Soldiers' Angels is an all-volunteer organization whose mission is to provide aid and comfort to U.S. Armed Forces and their families. We may not be able to fight on the front lines but we can make sure that neither our soldiers nor their families want for anything.

Join the Fray - Adopt a Soldier!
To adopt a soldier you must commit to sending a card or letter a week and at least 1 or 2 care packages a month. Care packages do not have to be expensive and you can put together your own. Duration of adoption is usually 6 to 8 months.

Soldiers’ Angels Projects for Your Involvement
> Provision of Kevlar blankets for our soldiers protection
> Handmade blankets for the wounded
> Small backpacks to carry the wounded’s necessaries
> Knitted items for Soldiers’ children
> Outreach and support for military spouses and families
> Phone cards for deployed soldiers
> Handmade sand scarves for soldiers
> Desert Boots for soldiers

To sign up or learn more, visit www.soldiersangels.com or call (615) 676-0239


Unmet Needs
When Americans go to war, more than soldiers fight...

Visit www.unmetneeds.com and donate online.

Make out checks to “Unmet Needs Program”.
Mail to:
The Academy Group
Peachtree City, GA, 30269.

Donate time and skills at www.unmetneeds.com.

Be sure to cite “Project Alcatraz” when donating.
Questions? Call 1-800-789-Need


Donate Money
The average military household makes less than $25,000 per year. The Unmet Needs Program, created to provide emergency financial support to families of military personnel, has received $1,140,858 in donations since its launch in June 2004. Funds are dispersed to meet the pressing needs of military families. Note that the nationwide total is less than the average award to the families of 9/11 victims! We can do better!

Since Vermont American (power tool accessories) has covered all administrative and promotional expenses for the next five years, 100% of your donation will go to a military family in need.

Donate Time
Everyone has a skill to share. If you're skilled in auto repair, carpentry, or simply babysitting or yard work, you can help a military family in need by donating your time and skills.

Please pass along electronic or hard copies of this flyer to encourage others to participate.




***********************************

Note from Pam:

For a copy of the color flyer, please
email me
HOOAH to Russ and everyone participating in this wonderful effort!
Andersen members return from USNS Mercy mission
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (AFPN) -- Members from the 36th Medical Group, 36th Wing and the U.S. Navy Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 returned home Sept. 10 following a 72-day humanitarian and civic assistance deployment on the USNS Mercy. More

Silver Lions bid farewell to friend

The memorial for Pfc. Nicholas A. Madaras, driver, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1-68 Combined Arms Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Task Force Lightning, stands as a final tribute Sunday at Forward Operating Base Warhorse near Baqubah, Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Paul J. Harris, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office Sept. 10, 2006)


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 11, 2006
SR# 091106-145

by Pfc. Paul J. Harris
3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

BAQUBAH, Iraq (Sept. 11, 2006) -- “Madaras had the answer, he had all the answers and he was only 19 years old,” said Sgt. Brendan McCullagh, battalion commander’s personal security detachment, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1-68 Combined Arms Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Task Force Lightning, at his friend’s memorial Sunday at Forward Operating Base Warhorse.

Pfc. Nicholas A. Madaras, driver, HHC, 1-68 CAB, was killed Sept. 3 from injuries suffered during combat.

Upon joining the company, Madaras’ intelligence and potential was immediately recognized by his platoon sergeant, Staff Sgt. Daniel Ritchie. Ritchie approached Capt. Sterling Packer, HHC commander, to discuss sending Madaras to the United States Military Academy at West Point.

“This prospect excited me as I have always wanted to send one of my Soldiers to West Point,” Packer said.

During some downtime at Logistical Support Area Anaconda, Packer asked Madaras why he did not attend some of the notable colleges he was accepted to out of high school and chose to join the Army instead.

“Everybody has an obligation, whether it is just three years or 27, to do their part for their country,” Madaras said to Packer. “I don’t see how one could sit around and do nothing while halfway across the world our brothers and sisters are dying on a daily basis!”

One of his military brothers, Pfc. Joshua Daily, driver, HHC, 1-68 CAB, spoke at the memorial about the influence Madaras had on his life.

“He could always make you laugh even when you didn’t want to,” Daily said. “He could always tell you a joke or say something funny and it would only be funny if he told it. I know a huge part of me is gone because he was such a big influence on me and made me want to be a better man. He was a great Soldier and outstanding person. I am proud to say I had the privilege of having him in my life.”

Some of Madaras’ awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge. He is survived by his parents William and Shalini Madaras, his sister Marie and brother Christopher.

“Nick Madaras chose to be a Soldier and do his solemn duty when our nation called,” said Lt. Col. Thomas Fisher, commander, 1-68 CAB. “He could have gone elsewhere, selected a different way of life, but he had the heart of courage and a warrior ethos that made him part of an uncommon league of extraordinary heroes who rise each morning and face great peril because of noble character. Private Madaras stands out among our bravest due to his dedication and selfless service.”


Maj. General Thomas Turner, commander, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), wipes his eyes during a memorial for Pfc. Nicholas A. Madaras, driver, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1-68 Combined Arms Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Task Force Lightning, Sunday at Forward Operating Base Warhorse near Baqubah, Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Paul J. Harris, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office Sept. 10, 2006)


During a memorial for Pfc. Nicholas A. Madaras, driver, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1-68 Combined Arms Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Task Force Lightning, Lt. Col. Thomas Fisher, commander, 1-68 CAB, pays his respects Sunday at Forward Operating Base Warhorse near Baqubah, Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Paul J. Harris, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office Sept. 10, 2006)


A picture of Pfc. Nicholas A. Madaras, driver, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1-68 Combined Arms Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Task Force Lightning, lies among the many mementos left by fellow Soldiers at a memorial Sunday at Forward Operating Base Warhorse near Baqubah, Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Paul J. Harris, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office Sept. 10, 2006)


Col. Brian Jones, left, commander, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Task Force Lightning, and Command Sgt. Maj. David List, command sergeant major, 3rd HBCT, salute the memorial for Pfc. Nicholas A. Madaras, driver, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1-68 Combined Arms Battalion, 3rd HBCT Sunday at Forward Operating Base Warhorse near Baqubah, Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Paul J. Harris, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office Sept. 10, 2006)


Maj. Gen. JD Thurman, commander, 4th Infantry Division, Task Force Lightning, grasps the identification tags of Pfc. Nicholas A. Madaras, driver, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1-68 Combined Arms Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, as Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald Riling, command sergeant major, 4th ID, looks on during Madaras’ memorial Sunday at Forward Operating Base Warhorse near Baqubah, Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Paul J. Harris, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office Sept. 10, 2006)
Atlantic Ocean (Sept. 11, 2006) - Lt. Kevin Shaeffer (Ret.), speaks to the crew aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) during a Patriot Day remembrance ceremony, five years following the terrorist attacks on New York, the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pa. Shaeffer was the sole survivor in the Navy’s Command Center, which was the point of impact when Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon, killing 29 of his command center shipmates. Shaeffer recounted his experiences that day and his challenging recovery months following. One hundred eighty-four lives were lost in the Pentagon attack that day. He thanked Eisenhower's crew for their service and contributions in the global war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Miguel Angel Contreras

Iraqi Soldiers learn to be better NCOs

Command Sgt. Major David List, native of West Warwick, R.I., command sergeant major, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, speaks to Iraqi noncommissioned officers from 3rd Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Iraqi Division on how to better themselves at the NCO Academy at Forward Operating Base Normandy near Muqdadiya, Iraq. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Ronald Montano, 3rd HBCT, 4th ID, Sept. 8, 2006)



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 11, 2006
SR# 091106-144


by Pfc. Paul J. Harris
3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

MUQDADIYA, Iraq (September 11, 2006) -- Noncommissioned officers furiously take notes on their booklets as these 3rd Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Iraqi Division Soldiers received a lesson from coalition forces on how to be better.

In dealing with the Iraqi Army on a consistent basis, Command Sgt. Major David List, command sergeant major, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, noticed the Iraqi NCOs were more of a go-between the officers and junior enlisted, instead of demonstrating a proactive authoritative position of their own.

As a result, List sat down with Col. Brian Jones’, commander, 3rd HBCT, interpreter over the course of two weeks and developed a nine-page manual in Arabic for Iraqi NCOs to reference during their training at the NCO Academy at Forward Operating Base Normandy.

“We did not want to make it a carbon copy of the American Army,” List said. “What I want to push forward to them is that they need to show that their officers can trust them with responsibility and leadership instead of taking charge of everything and going right around them.”

In his brief, List decided to hit upon three core fundamentals of NCO leadership.

“Duties, responsibilities and authority are three things a noncommissioned officer needs to know. Most of which was taking out of the NCO guide (Army Field Manual 22-7.7).”

At first the senior Iraqi NCOs were a bit resistant to the ideas List was suggesting. He said they would reply with the argument of, “We can’t do that because our weapons are not as good, we can’t do that because we have no medical supplies, we cannot do that because we cannot even wash our clothes.”

Coalition forces have been a supply link to the Iraqi Army while the centralized government was being established. Now that a government is in place the hard process of weaning the Iraqis off coalition support is starting to take place.

“One of the big issues with the Iraqi Army is that they have no confidence in their AK rifle,” List said. “They think the M-16 or the M-4 is the catch all to every single battle and that is not true. A guy trained well with an AK-47 can be as well trained with a guy with an M-4. They do not see that through leadership they see that through mechanics.”

Though the Iraqi Army has had its share of challenges, improvement has been seen since the Iron Brigade returned to Iraq in winter 2005. In the beginning the Iraqi Soldiers would wait to see what the coalition forces would do first before reacting, commented Sgt. 1st Class Ronald Montano, personal security detachment platoon sergeant and brigade master gunner, 3rd HBCT, 4th ID, who attended List’s brief.

He noticed just last week the NCOs are starting to maneuver and organize their Soldiers on their own. They had come into contact with a roadside bomb and the Iraqi Army spotted suspected insurgents fleeing from the site. Montano said they quickly organized themselves to enter the elephant grass to capture the insurgents with proper coverage of their gun truck and were able to assault the objective without coalition forces telling them to do so.

At the end of List’s briefing some of the Iraqi NCO’s approached him to say thank you. “We will do our very best to instill this into our Soldiers but if we cannot take care of our Soldiers then we cannot accomplish any mission,” an Iraqi Soldier said to List.

“For me, that was ‘they got it,’ they understand if the Soldier cannot take a shower when he comes off patrol, if he cannot clean his weapon, if cannot wash his clothes then they are not truly taking care of their Soldiers and that is the whole thing,” List said. “I am not trying to get them to sing Kumbayah but stick together.”




Command Sgt. Major David List, native of West Warwick, R.I., command sergeant major, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, listens to the concerns of Iraqi noncommissioned officers from 3rd Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Iraqi Division at the NCO Academy at Forward Operating Base Normandy near Muqdadiya, Iraq. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Ronald Montano, 3rd HBCT, 4th ID, Sept. 8, 2006)

ON THE ROAD — Lance Cpl. Jason P. Cogley, a native of Rocky Mount, N.C., peers into a Humvee windshield for a moment before returning to supply route observation, one of the many missions performed by the Military Police Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 15, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward). U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Geoffrey P. Ingersoll

In Today's News - Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Quote of the Day
"Hostility toward America is a religious duty,
and we hope to be rewarded for it by God....
I am confident that Muslims will be able to end
the legend of the so-called superpower that is America."

-- Osama Bin Laden, in Time Magazine

News of Note
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Saddam's Kurdish Genocide Trial Resumes
Soldier's Diary: Saying Goodbye (Fox News)

Operation Enduring Freedom
US, Afghan Troops Arrest Over 20 Suspected Militants
Afghan troops retake town from insurgents

Homeland Security / War on Terror
U.S. Marks Sept. 11 Attacks
Zawahiri Releases New Video - Video: 'You Should Worry'
Bush to bin Laden: "America will find you"
Text of President Bush's 9/11 address
Giuliani fears his health hurt on 9/11
World remembers 9/11 but many not crying
A mournful nation remembers Sept. 11
9/11 Showed Spirit of Pentagon
President, First Lady Lay Wreaths
Troops in Iraq Honor Victims of Sept. 11 Attacks
Terrorist Strike In Damascus
U.S. embassy attack boosts oil
Syrian security kills three
Family Found Guilty in '93 Mumbai Bombings

Mid-East Ceasefire
Hamas Militants Kill Israeli Soldier in Gaza
Hamas, Fatah to Form Coalition Government
Palestinian govt won't object to Abbas-Israel talks

Worldwide Wackos
Iraqi PM Visits Iran

Politics / Government
Sen. Chafee's race tops busy voting day
Bush assassination film set for U.S. release
Top races in Tuesday's primary elections
Gay ex-N.J. governor to talk to Oprah
Nine states to hold primaries

Mother Nature
Hurricane Florence Leaves Bermuda Without Power
Tropical Storm Gordon Forms
Suspected meteor rattles N.Zealand's South Island
Calif. wildfire could threaten park

Oddities
Truck Hits Tennessee House, Kills Man Dozing on Couch
73-Year-Old 'Chatty Kathy' on Trial for Pa. Hammer Slaying
Couple jailed over 'royal' wedding rip-off
Shoe size mix-up costs German clothes thief dear

Other News of Note
New Era of Oil Costs
Walking into History - Atlantis crew to amble in orbit

Fox News
Landis Attorney Seeks Dismissal of Doping Charges
Harvard University Ends Early Admission Program
Woman Reported Missing From Carnival Cruise Ship
eBay Sellers Cash In on 'Croc Hunter' Steve Irwin Tragedy

Reuters: Top News
At least 10 dead in Yemen stadium crush
U.S. top destination for foreign students
Hitler biographer Joachim Fest dies
Don't hurt rays after Irwin death, officials say
Canon says to recall copiers that can catch fire
TiVo starts sales of premium TV video recorder
NY's gay baths become sex clubs of last resort
Truckers helped by driver crunch, hurt by fuel
Some antidepressants raise violence risk: study
China says will make human organ donations easier
Russian Church urges Madonna to tone down her act
Nikkei hits one-month closing low
Charter profit up year to beat forecasts
ITV shares drop with ad outlook seen difficult
Cobham underlying pretax rises
Bracing for Best Buy
On the radar: Ceradyne
Many happy returns, by Linda Stern
AT&T to offer 20 TV channels for PC viewing
Oil rebounds after six-day slide
Global markets strong but risks rise: IMF report
TiVo starts sales of premium TV video recorder
Hiring outlook stable for rest of 2006: survey
Trading network Liquidnet to make splash in Asia

AP World News
Longoria says 'Housewives' her last show
Hewlett-Packard probe widens
L.T., Chargers shut out Raiders 27-0
Man charged in Phoenix Baseline case
Where you live linked to life expectancy
Vikings win debut under Childress, 19-16
Concerns raised over Web sex ad replies
Mayor vetoes Chicago 'living wage' bill
Patriots trade Deion Branch to Seahawks
Chiefs QB Green out indefinitely
Smith's son died during hospital visit
Obituaries in the news
Man, son's killer work to stop violence

Military.com
US Wants to Send Suspect to Iraq Court
Joint Common Missile Gets New Life

CENTCOM: News Releases
IRAQI SOLDIERS DETAIN 3 TERRORISTS

U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES OVER DEATHS OF AFGHAN CIVILIANS

USJFCOM
Urban Resolve 2015 continues with personnel-controlled experiments
Wireless for the Warfighter capability fills communication gaps for warfighter - podcast

Department of Defense
NEWS UPDATES
For Top News Visit DefenseLink

ON THE GROUND
Quality of Life Projects Continue to Find Success - Story
Technicians Ensure U-2 Airplanes Ready for Flight - Story

IN IRAQ
Officials Award Health-Care Clinic Contracts
Marines Work to Enhance Communications
U.S. Personnel Open Restored Water Well
Tameem Railway Station Receives Upgrades
Iraqis Disregard Threats to Repair Damaged Roads
New Iraqi Recruits Show Courage and Honor

IN AFGHANISTAN
Legacy of Fallen Citadel Graduate Lives On
Coalition Forces Deliver Cement to Afghan Village
Reconstruction Team Donates Prayer Rugs

IN DJIBOUTI
20 Servicemembers Become U.S. Citizens in Africa

BACKGROUND
IRAQ
Renewal In Iraq
Iraq: Security, Stability
Fact Sheet: Progress and Work Ahead
Report: Strategy for Victory in Iraq
Iraq Daily Update
This Week in Iraq
Multinational Force Iraq
State Dept. Weekly Iraq Report (PDF)
'Boots on the Ground' Audio Archive
Weekly Reconstruction Report (PDF)
Iraq Reconstruction
Maps

AFGHANISTAN
Afghanistan Update
Maps

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

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

Gitmo

Today in History
490 BC - The Athenians secure victory in the second Persian invasion of Greece at Marathon.
1609 - Henry Hudson discovers the Hudson River.
1649 - Drogheda, Ireland falls to Puritan troops; the inhabitants are massacred.
1758 - Charles Messier observes the Crab Nebula.
1776 - Nathan Hale leaves the Harlem Heights Camp (127th St) on an espionage mission.
1814 - Near Baltimore, the Battle of North Point is fought.
1857 - The Central America sinks off Cape Romain, SC, killing 423.
1901 - Arabs attack Gedara, Palestine.
1918 - U.S. forces launch an attack on German-occupied St. Mihiel, France.
1923 - Britain takes over Southern Rhodesia from the British South Africa Co.
1934 - Lithouania, Estonia, and Latvia sign the Baltic Pact.
1938 - Adolph Hitler demands self-determination for Sudeten Germans in Czechoslovakia
1941 - The USS Bear becomes the first American vessel to capture a German ship (the Busko) in WWII.
1949 - In New Jersey, the Hercules Co. power plant explodes, killing 51 and injuring 200 in the worst explosion since WWII.
1953 - Jacqueline Bouvier marries John F. Kennedy; Nikita Khrushchev becomes the first Secretary of the U.S.S.R's Communist Party.
1959 - "Bonanza" premiers; the U.S.S.R. launches Luna-2, the first spacecraft to impact on the Moon.
1961 - NASA civilian pilot Joseph A. Walker takes the X-15 to 34,840 m.
1965 - Hurricane Betsy strikes Florida and Louisiana, killing 75.
1966 - "The Monkees," premiers on NBC; Gemini XI is launched for a 71-hour flight.
1970 - The USSR launches Luna-16, which will return samples from the lunar Sea of Fertility.
1978 - "Taxi" premiers on ABC.
1980 - A military coup occurs in Turkey.
1983 - The U.S.S.R. vetoes a U.N. resolution deploring its shoot-down of a Korean civilian airliner.
1986 - In Beirut, U.S. professor Joseph Cicippio is kidnapped and held hostage.
1988 - Gilbert, the strongest hurricane ever (160 mph), devastates Jamaica.
1990 - The U.S., France, England, the U.S.S.R., East Germany, and West Germany sign an agreement allowing the two Germanys to merge.
1991 - The space shuttle STS-48 (Discovery 14) is launched.

Birthdays
1720
- Frederick Philipse III, land owner (Bronx, Westchester, Putnam)
1818 - Richard Jordan Gatling, inventor (hand-cranked machine gun)
1852 - H.H. Asquith, British PM (1908-16)
1871 - Prince Friedrich (Romania)
1888 - Maurice Chevalier, singer / actor ("Gigi" - "Thank Heaven for Little Girls")
1892 - Alfred A. Knopf, publisher (1966 Alexander Hamilton Medal)
1913 - Jesse Owens, track star (spoiled Hitler's 1936 Olympics by winning four gold medals)
1924 - Howard Curtis Nelson (Rep-UT)
1931 - George Jones, country singer (He Stopped Loving Her Today)
1940 - Stephen J. Solarz (Rep-NY)
1944 - Barry White (Love's Theme)

Passings
1972
- William Boyd, cowboy (Hopalong Cassidy)
1988 - Alan Bible (Sen-NV, 1954-74); Lauris Norstad, NATO commander/CEO Corning Fiberglass

Reported Missing in Action
1965
Green, Gerald, USN (CO); F8E shot down (pilot); KIA, body not recovered

1966
Sprague, Stanley G., USAF (SD);A1E shot down (pilot), remains returned September, 1990

Waggoner, Robert F., USAF (CO); F105D shot down (pilot), released by DRV March, 1973 - retired as a Colonel - alive and well as of 1998

1967
Hawthorne, Richard William, USMC (NY); RF4B shot down (pilot, w/Hawthorne), presumed KIA, body not recovered

Kane, Richard Raymond, USMC (NJ); RF4B shot down (aircrew, w/Hawthorne)

1968
Maxwell, Samuel C., USAF (NE); F105D shot down (pilot), remains returned June, 1989 - ID'd October, 1989

Shark, Earl E., US Army (CA); disappeared after being wounded in firefight - DIC September, 1968

1972
McMurray, Frederick C., USAF (ID); F4E shot down (navigator, w/Zuberbuhler), released by DRV March, 1973 - retired as a Lt. Colonel (decorations include Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star with V, Purple Heart, POW medal) - alive and well as of 1998

Zuberbuhler, Rudolph U., USAF (ID); F4E shot down (pilot, w/McMurray), released by DRV March, 1973 - retired as a Colonel - alive as of 1998

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