Kathy, a Soldiers' Angel, recently received this email from a Hero:

Kathy,
Thought I would share some of the good words and praised I received from
the blankets and coffee mugs that you have provided. You truly helped us a lot. I can never, never thank you enough. You are one great Lady and I thank your late husband Wayne for this great honor.

V/R
Z-----

Said Hero had received this email from a LTC:

SFC R--------
Thank you for all of your hard work as a member of the Christmas Party planning committee. Your creativity and ability to make connection with sponsors like [Kathy and family, Soldier's Angels] to provide nice things for the Soldiers is overwhelming. I love the blanket -- it's so soft and perfect to keep warm without overheating. I was able to take a nap yesterday afternoon - and it was great to have such a soft blanket (reminds me of the blankets I use at home). The mug will also come in handy for cocoa or coffee. Thank you for your thoughtfulness I can't imagine what this deployment would be like without you. Thank you again for all that you do. May God bless you with good health, happiness, and all the good things you deserve in the coming New Year. You are a very special person

Aloha, LTC J---

And she got this picture, too (click for larger version):



Now how cool is THAT?? - HOOAH, Kathy and Soldiers' Angels!

Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl Pays Tribute to Servicemembers
Photo by Annette Crawford
December 28, 2006

Linda Dennis of America Supports You member Connect and Join shows one of several scrapbooks she has compiled from contributions from children nationwide. Connect and Join is a secure online communications and activities site that connects families around the world who are separated by deployment and serve in the military, or have family members living away from home due to job-related responsibilities. Dennis presented the scrapbooks to Air Force Maj. Gen. Allen R. Dehnert, assistant adjutant general and commander, Texas Air National Guard, at the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth, Texas, Dec. 23. The Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl is an event in partnership with America Supports You, a Defense Department program that showcases and facilitates American support for members of the armed forces.

Related:
Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl Pays Tribute to Servicemembers

You, all our service people, are in my prayer list every day.

When I see coverage of the war in Iraq the messages are confusing and conflicting. It would be hard to know what to believe except that occasionally there are clips from people who are there or were there. Those people I do believe.

I am thankful that you have it in your heart to stand and serve, to keep us safe.

In case you get media messages about the people here, back home, that are confusing and conflicting, judge those messages by the source. A lot of us are just the way you remember us.

I spent Christmas with my neighbors and some of their extended family. We cooked piles of food, visited, sang some Christmas Carols (with guitar accompaniment), prayed, ate and opened the gifts. Then we pulled out the card table and a puzzle.

It may not be as worldly and exciting as some people like, but it's a way of life I appreciate you preserving.

God bless you and keep you.

Stay safe and well.

Marlene Farlin

Rumsfeld remembers Ford as patriot
WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- Former Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld remembered Gerald R. Ford as a patriot who led the United States through difficult days and helped restore confidence in its government."President Ford was a man of great decency and towering integrity," Rumsfeld said in a written statement released Dec. 27. President Ford died Dec. 26 in Rancho Mirage, Calif., at age 93. Mr. Rumsfeld served in President Ford's cabinet, as chief of staff from 1974 to 1975, then as the youngest U.S. defense secretary from 1975 to 1977.

Manama, Bahrain (Dec. 27, 2006) - Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Mullen addresses Sailors and Marines on board Naval Support Activity Bahrain during a holiday tour of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command area of operations (AOO). During their stop in Bahrain, the CNO and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Joe R. Campa Jr. addressed Sailors' issues and expressed gratitude for the Sailors' service during an all hands call. U.S. Navy Photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Julian Carroll

Plea From Saddam's Lawyer:Somebody Save My Client

27 Iraqis Killed; Kidnapped Americans Believed Alive

Bush, Advisers Crafting New Iraq Policy

Coalition forces kill senior Taliban leader
Photo by Department of the Army

December 26, 2006
Soldiers in southeastern Afghanistan check their coordinates during a combat patrol.

Related:
Coalition forces kill senior Taliban leader

News of Note
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Saddam Letter: Don't Hate Iraq Invaders
Top Aide to Cleric Muqtada al-Sadr Killed in Iraq
Roadside bombs kill 3 U.S. soldiers in Iraq
Ford disagreed with Bush over Iraq invasion: WPost
Facing gallows, Saddam offers "sacrifice" for Iraq - Video

Homeland Security / War on Terror / Hamas-Hezbollah Happenings
Israel to Renew Attacks Against Palestinians
UK regularly scrambles jets to check planes: report
Somalia government advances on capital

Other Military News
U.S. Army Reservist, Upset About Deployment to Iraq, Killed by Police in Standoff
Pentagon says to send 3,500 troops to Kuwait
Airman shot by SoCal deputy files suit

Religion of Peace??
U.S. signals support for Ethiopia in Somalia - Video

Worldwide Wackos
Iran Votes to Revise Ties to Nuke Agency
Iran MPs oblige government to revise IAEA cooperation
North Korea sold gold to Thailand before sanctions

Politics / Government
Outpouring of Respect
Former President Gerald Ford dies at 93
TRANSCRIPT: President Bush's Remarks on Ford's Death
Schedule of Funeral Plans for President Ford
Ford's state funeral to begin Friday
Gerald Ford Remembered for His 'Calm and Steady' Hand
30 years later, Chevy Chase calls Ford "terrific guy"
Ford assassination attempts recalled
Ford: the accidental president
Mich. hometown mourns for Gerald Ford
Tributes Pour in for Gerald Ford
Campaign Scoops Self: Edwards Running
Edwards to launch White House bid in New Orleans

In the Courts / Crime and Punishment
Pol Demands Probe Into Duke Rape Case
Murder Rates Up in Many Major U.S. Cities
Court can't force gay marriage vote

Immigration / Border Control
Guard Slowing Illegal Immigration

U.N. News
U.N. upbeat on Darfur force but Sudan has conditions

Science / Nature
Colorado Under the Gun, Again
Mourners Remember Mt. Hood Climber
Head-banging snakes may predict China quakes
U.S. weighs listing polar bear as threatened species
Aid moves to thousands displaced by Indonesia floods
Body of missing climber found in China
Perched NYC hawk sees bald eagle soar by

Fox News
Who's Juiced? Feds Will Find Out
Click here to read the court's opinion (FindLaw.com PDF)
Stocks to Watch: Threshold Pharmaceuticals
Iowa Mom Busted for Injecting Ill Daughter's Feeding Tube
Home, Auto Stocks Drive Markets Up; Dow Closes Above 12,500
Michael Jackson: Investing With Brunei Prince In Vegas?
Airline Blames Poor Lighting for Jet Mishap Involving British PM Blair
Britney Spears Parties With Paris Hilton, Leaves Underwear at Home

Reuters: Top News
Check-mate for Indian chess player after phone ploy
Hospitals cut medicine tube infections in study
Urban exits rehab for Sydney date with Kidman
Nikkei ends flat, steel stocks up but recent gainers dip
Yen creeps higher on BOJ rate caution
Oil steady ahead of U.S. data as mild weather lingers
Dow at record over 12,500 - Video
Gold stays bullish on weak dollar, Iran tension - Video
GM's Lutz: Not business as usual
Bidders jostle for India's Hutchison Essar
Ford shares rise on hope Toyota could help on costs
New homes sales unexpectedly strong
U.S. says Virgin America can't fly as structured
China c.bank says likely Fed easing to boost yuan
Investors too complacent on world economy: IMF

AP World News
Brown's body en route to Apollo Theater
Online shoppers overwhelm iTunes store
Knicks beat Pistons 151-145 in triple OT
Pair buying Laci Peterson home for $350K
Spike Lee to direct James Brown biopic
Thailand tree apes use song as warning
LA police kill man after brief car chase

Military.com
Gates Sends More Troops to Kuwait
Guard Slowing Illegal Immigration
No PS3? No Worries!
MilBlogs: Frontline Christmas Reports
What's Your Pay Next Year?
Web's Best Military Equipment Guide
Flu Fighting Foods
Sgt. Shaft: Retroactive Pay

CENTCOM: News Releases
MND-B TROOPS DISCOVER WEAPONS CACHE IN RIVER VILLAGE

MND-B TROOPS DISCOVER WEAPONS CACHE IN RIVER VILLAGE

IRAQI POLICE TREAT AND EVACUATE IED VICTIM

IA CONDUCTS OPERATIONS TO CAPTURE IED FACILITATOR

3RD BRIGADE SOLDIERS RESCUE KIDNAP VICTIM

COALITION FORCES DISCOVER SIZEABLE CACHES SOUTH OF SAMARRA

MULITPLE CAR BOMBS DETONATE IN BAYAA

USJFCOM
USJFCOM gets approval to connect U.S., Australian networks - podcast
USJFCOM’s new super computer to enhance joint experimentation, training - podcast

Department of Defense
NEWS UPDATES
Gates Approves 82nd Airborne Division Deployment to Kuwait - Story
Stability & Security in Iraq Report (pdf)
For Top News Visit DefenseLink

ON THE GROUND
Cell Leader Killed in Iraq, Weapons Cache Found - Story
Five Iranians Detained in Recent Baghdad Raids - Story
Soldiers Take Pride in Transferring Supplies - Story
Airmen Celebrate the Holidays in Afghanistan - Story
Chief of Naval Operations Visits USS Boxer - Story
Trainers Tell Gates They're Pleased With Progress - Story

IN IRAQ
Residents Take Pride in Market Renovations
Soldiers, Mayor Discuss Progress of City Cleanup
Iraqi Police, Coalition Forces Deliver Supplies
Najaf Teaching Hospital Nears Completion
Soldiers Work 24/7 to Keep Supplies Flowing

IN AFGHANISTAN
Afghan Officials, U.S. Troops Open Runway
Chief of Chaplains Brings Support to Region
Buccaneers Return from Afghanistan Tour

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

CASUALTIES
Officials Identify Casualties - Story

Weather
Afghanistan
Bost/Laskar Ghurian Herat Kabul Qandahar

Germany
Ansbach Aschaffenburg Berlin Berlin-Tempelhof Berlin/Schonefeld Bremerhaven
Darmstadt Frankfurt Frankfurt/Main Freiburg/Breisgau Garmisch
Garmisch-Partenkirchen Geilenkirchen Gelnhausen Giessen Kitzingen Hanau Am Main Heidelberg Mainz Mannheim Nurnberg Stuttgart Trier Wiesbaden Wurzburg

Gitmo

Guam
Agana Agana Heights Agat Andersen AFB Asan Barrigada

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

Japan
Kadena Air Base Okinawa Tokyo Yokohama

Philippines
Baler Radar Site Catanduanes Radar Site Manila

South Korea
Cheju Upper/Radar Chonju Chunchon Inch'on Kunsan Masan Mokp'o
Osan Pusan Seoul Suwon Taegu Taejon Tonghae Radar Site Ulsan Yosu

** If you're deployed, and want to see your location's weather listed here, please email me! **
Today in History
0418 - St Boniface I begins his reign as Catholic Pope
0801 - Louis the Vrome occupies Barcelona
1065 - Westminister Abbey opens in London
1732 - 1st known ad for "Poor Richard's Almanack" (Pennsylvania Gazette)
1816 - American Colonization Society organizes
1828 - 6.8 earthquake strikes Echigo Japan, 30,000 killed
1832 - John Calhoun becomes 1st Vice-President to resign (differences w/ President Jackson)
1836 - Spain recognizes independence of México
1846 - Iowa becomes the 29th US state
1849 - M. Jolly-Bellin discovers dry-cleaning; he accidentally upsets lamp containing turpentine & oil on his clothing, & sees cleaning effect
1850 - Rangoon, Burma destroyed by fire
1864 - Battle of Egypt Station, MS
1869 - William Finley Semple of Mount Vernon, OH, patents chewing gum
1877 - John Stevens of Wisconsin applies for a patent on his flour rolling mill
1879 - North British Railway's train falls as Firth bridge collapses (Scotland)
1893 - French lieutenant Boiteux annexes Tumbuktu
1895 - World's 1st movie theater opens in Paris
1902 - 1st indoor pro football game, Syracuse beats Philadelphia 6-0 (Madison Square Garden, NYC); Trans-Pacific cable links Hawaii to US
1903 - Electric lamp sets fire to Iroquois theater in Chicago; 602 die
1904 - 1st daily wireless weather forecasts published (London)
1906 - Ecuador adopts its constitution
1908 - Messina, Italy struck by an earthquake (nearly 80,000 died)
1915 - San Francisco City Hall dedicated by Mayor James Rolph
1926 - Imperial Airways begins England-India mail & passenger service
1931 - Lin-Sen succeeds Chiang Kai-shek as President of Nanjing-China
1937 - Fascist Octavian Goga becomes PM of Romania/begins spread of Judaism
1941 - State of siege goes into effect in Bohemia/Moravia
1942 - Robert Sullivan becomes 1st pilot to fly the Atlantic 100 times; Oberkommando Wehrmacht orders strategist flight out of Kaukasus
1943 - All inhabitants of Kalmukkie deported, about 70,000 killed
1944 - Eisenhower & Montgomery meet in Hasselt Belgium
1948 - The IDF crosses the Egyptian border
1950 - Chinese troops cross 38th Parallel, into South Korea
1958 - What might be called greatest NFL game, Colts beat Giants 23-17
1962 - UN troops occupy Elizabethstad Katanga
1966 - 13 die in a train crash in Everett MA
1968 - Israeli assault on Beirut Airport
1970 - Yemen Arab Republic (North Yemen) adopts constitution
1972 - Kim Il-song, becomes President of North Korea; Martin Bormann's skeleton found in Berlin (Hitlers deputy)
1973 - Alexander Solzhenitsyn publishes "Gulag Archipelag"
1974 - 6.3 earthquake strikes Pakistan: 5200 killed
1976 - Winnie Mandela banished in South Africa
1980 - México terminated fishing agreements with US
1983 - US says they will leave UNESCO on Dec 31, 1984
1984 - Rajiv Gandhi's Congress party wins election in India
1985 - Warring Lebanese Muslim & Christian leaders sign peace agreement
1989 - Alexander Dubcek elected parliament chairman of Czechoslovakia; Earthquake at Newcastle Australia, 11 die
1991 - Ted Turner is named Time Magazine Man of the Year
1993 - Dutch Antilles government of Yandi Paula forms

Birthdays
1801 - James Barnes, Union Brevet Major General
1822 - William Booth Taliaferro, Confederate Brigadier-General
1823 - Thomas Alexander Scott, Assistant US Secretary of War
1827 - Robert Latimer McCook, Union Brigadier-General
1833 - Charles Miller Shelley, Confederate Brigadier-General
1849 - Herbert von Bismarck, German politician/son of Otto of Bismarck
1856 - [Thomas] Woodrow Wilson, 28th US President (1913-21, Nobel 1919)
1859 - John W. Fortescue, military historian
1884 - Joseph Pholien, Belgian premier (1950-52)/communist hunter
1894 - André de Meulemeester, Belgian WWI pilot (Eagle of Flanders)
1895 - Auguste Lumiere and Louis Lumiere, twin brothers who opened 1st commercial cinema
1902 - Mortimer J. Adler, author (Encyclopedia Brittanica)
1917 - Ellis Clarke, President of Trinidad & Tobago (1976-87)
1922 - Stan Lee, comics artist/creator (Spiderman, Incredible Hulk)
1924 - Rod Serling, writer/host (Twilight Zone, Night Gallery)
1925 - Bill [William] Westwood, British bishop of Peterborough
1927 - Anne Legendre Armstrong, ambassador (to UK)
1929 - Maarten Schmidt, Netherlands/US astronomer (quasars)
1931 - Georg "Org" Marais, South African economist/underminister of Finance
1932 - Roy Hattersley, British journalist/Labour-parliament leader
1933 - Jack Perkins, newscaster (Prime Time Sunday, NBC Magazine)
1942 - Paul Horowitz, physicist, META project (Sloan Award 1971-3)
1943 - David Peterson, premier of Ontario Canada
1943 - Oscar D. Dhlomo, South African Secretary-General of Inkatha (1978-90)
1945 - Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Deva, King of Nepal
1945 - Max Hastings, British editor-in-chief (Daily Telegraph)
1953 - Robert Pittman, TV executive/developer (MTV)
1981 - Elizabeth Jordan Carr, 1st American test tube baby

Passings
1446 - Clemens VIII [Aegyd Muñoz], Spanish anti-pope (1423-29)
1622 - François de Sales, French bishop of Genèva/writer/saint, dies at 55
1673 - Joan Blaeu, Dutch cartographer/publisher (Atlas Major), dies at 77
1694 - Queen Mary II of England, dies after 5 years of rule at 32
1772 - Ernst J. Earl van/of Biron Russian, duke of Courland, dies at 82
1775 - Peter A. van de Parra, Governor-General of (Netherlands Indies), dies at 61
1793 - Louis Earl of Bylandt Dutch admiral, dies at about 75
1947 - Victor Emmanuel III, King of Italy (1900-46)/Ethiopia, dies at 78
1948 - Mahmud Nokrashy Pasha, PM of Egypt, assassinated
1961 - Edith Bolling Galt, Wilson's First Lady (1915-21), dies at 89
1970 - L. Mendel Rivers (Representative-SC), dies at 65
1987 - Charles Malik, Lebanon's 1st delegate to the UN, dies at 81

Reported Missing in Action
1965
The following US Army SF personnel reported missing when their UH1D disappeared on a 10-15 minute flight - all presumed Killed, body not recovered:
Grella, Donald C. (NE); crewchief

Phelps, Jesse D. (ID); pilot

Rice, Thomas, Jr. (SC); door gunner

Stancil, Kenneth, L. (TN); co-pilot

1972
The following USAF personnel reported MIA when their B52D was shot down:
Condon, James C. (OH); radar navigator, released by DRV March, 1973 - retired as a Lt. Colonel - alive and well as of 1998

Cusimano, Samuel B. (AL); co-pilot, released by DRV March, 1973 - alive and well as of 1998

Fryer, Ben L. (CA); navigator, remains returned by SRV September, 1977

Gough, James W. (CA); gunner, released by DRV March, 1973 - retired as a Chief Master Sergeant - alive and well as of 1998

Johnson, Allen L. (AL); EWO, remains returned December, 1985

Lewis, Frank D. (IN); pilot/aircraft commander, released by DRV March, 1973 - retired as a Lt. Colonel - alive as of 1998

Also reported MIA in 1972:
Agnew, Alfred H., USN (SC); RA5C shot down (pilot, w/Haifley), released by DRV March, 1973 - retired as a Commander - alive and well as of 1998

Haifley, Michael Firestone, USN (OH); RA5C shot down (backseater, w/Agnew) - remains returned August, 1985