Amazing Military Tribute

This is an amazing Military Tribute to the men and women soldiers serving in Iraq. The video starts with a firefight in Iraq and goes on to show soldiers, airmen, and others serving, and having fun doing it, all around the world. Turn off the music and listen up!

American Valor Military Tribute in Connecticut

American Valor noticed this story recently in the Connecticut Post online. I believe it is so typical of a growing sentiment of our “great silent majority” that we so often speak of here. These proud folks talk and act in support of building a permanent military tribute to their loved ones, their sons and daughters and friends serving overseas. They speak of them proudly”They dodged bullets, survived bombings, provided security in war zones and treacherous terrain, and helped the rebuilding efforts in strife-torn Afghanistan and Iraq.

To recognize Monroe residents’ service in the wars, two local mothers of servicemen are organizing plans to set up an “honor board” listing the names of the men and women from town who have served in America’s military forces deployed in the conflicts. Meg Krasko and Miriam Zalenski hope the plaque can be in place at Town Hall in time for the Nov. 11 observance of Veteran’s Day. The project is receiving support from soldiers who have returned from the war zones, as well as families whose relatives are now in harm’s way.

“Personally, I’m not a glory fiend, but I’ll try to help out,” Nathan Starr, a sergeant in the National Guard who lives in Monroe, said about the plaque. “I went to Afghanistan in January 2006 and served 15 months. I’ll be going back in 2010 or sooner.”

Starr said he takes pride in how his battalion provided security for construction projects including a hospital, a school, a police station and a road while deployed in Afghanistan.

“We worked well together. We connected like a family,” Starr said. “We didn’t have to fire a round in self defense.”

He remembered in particular helping to protect a crew that was building a school and, after it was complete, watching children attend their first classes.

“I absolutely will support the plaque. It will give the soldiers recognition,” said Cal Crouch, whose son Ian, an Army sergeant, served a 14-month hitch in Iraq and has been in Afghanistan since February, “It will be good for the town to know what its sons and daughters have been doing.”

“My son is coming home on leave for three weeks at the end of this month. We’ve have a Thanksgiving dinner for him in early November before he goes back,” he said.

Crouch said that not long ago he had his son’s name inscribed on a brick used for the war memorial in front of Town Hall.

George King’s son David, an Air Force captain and meteorologist, served tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan where his responsibilities included weather briefings for helicopter squadrons.

“The plaque is a good idea,” the senior King said. “My son is a very low-key guy, but I’d be happy to have his name on it.”

Two sons of Henry and Martha Booth are serving in Iraq — Shawn, a specialist fourth class in the Army, and Michael, in a Navy construction unit.

And for the rest of the story by JOEL C. THOMPSON…

Soldiers going off to war or returning home should not have to pay a baggage fee of any kind, ever.

Now it seems that since our last post, based on an August Washington Post article, American Airlines is changing their tune.  Pat, one of our readers and a military mom AND an American Airlines agent advised us that this is no longer the case.  According to the Conners Report on the KMOV TV Channel 4 web log out of St Louis, MO:

“…So, now, there is some good news … at least from American Airlines.  In the face of all the publicity and outcry … American Airlines is doing what should have been done in the beginning.  American Airlines will no longer charge our troops for a third bag. “

Thank you Pat, thank you KMOV TV 4, and thank you to all the people who raised the dickens about this absurd practice and got it changed.

Soldiers pay bag fee on travel to war

VFW seeks airline waiver, not reimbursement form

Sometime back this article appeared in the Washington Times Online Newspaper.  I don’t know about you but this really irks Dad.  It sounds to me like the real problem here may be with American Airlines.  You would think a company with such a notable name would lead the pack in helping our military personnel both going to and coming home from war.  Does it always have to be about the almighty dollar?  Come on American, live up to your name.”American Airlines is charging troops for their extra baggage, a practice that forces soldiers heading for a war zone in Iraq to try to get reimbursement from the military. One of the country’s largest veterans groups is asking the aviation industry to drop the practice immediately.

American, which recently charged two soldiers from Texas $100 and $300 for their extra duffel bags, said it gives the military a break on the cost for excess luggage and that the soldiers who incur the fees are reimbursed.

“Because the soldiers don’t pay a dime, our waiver of the fees amounts to a discount to the military, not a discount to soldiers,” said Tim Wagner, spokesman for American Airlines. “Soldiers should not have to pay a penny of it.”

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) spokesman Joseph Davis said service members destined for Iraq should not have to spend the money out of pocket and should not have to worry about filing expense forms in a war zone.

“That’s a lot to ask when the service member has much more important things on their minds, such as staying alive and keeping those around them alive,” he said.

The VFW is asking the Air Transport Association (ATA) to urge member airlines to exempt military personnel traveling on official orders from all excess-baggage fees. “This should not be a very difficult decision to make,” Mr. Davis said.

In a written statement to The Washington Times, James C. May, president and chief executive officer of the ATA, said it is individual airlines that must determine fare rates.

“Air Transport Association member airlines have always been committed to supporting our nation’s military,” he said.

“Airlines routinely offer special fares for military personnel and families, attempt when possible to accommodate unplanned schedule changes and generally seek to do what they can to show their appreciation,” Mr. May said.

Most major U.S. carriers waive baggage fees for up to two bags for military members traveling under orders, Mr. Lisicki said. However, a $100 fee for checking a third bag appears to be the industry norm, except for first-class passengers or elite frequent fliers.

US Airways allows military personnel with identification free luggage up to 100 pounds, and Delta allows two bags up to 70 pounds in the cargo hold, as does Northwest.”

Granted, this story dates back to mid-August but I have seen no followup as yet.  Is American Airlines still gouging American military members goiing to and from war or have they modified their policy.  If anyone has additional information please let me know and we will clarify this gross injustice to our soldiers.

Read the full story here…  

Military Honor

Military honor is something that is hard won and well deserved.  Many countless Americans have given their all, made the ultimate sacrifice to protect and defend the United States and our freedom.  This video is simply a "Thank You for a Job Well Done"

All our love and thanks to those who serve and a moment of remembrance to those who have gone before us!

                                                                                                                 
…Dad

A Soldier’s Courage

Little is known about Fred Dulevitz’s life.

I Am Your Flag

Can your hear what these children are saying to us?  Listen closely and with an open heart.  These are some of the most powerful words ever spoken and they come from the mouths of children. 

These words inscribe the very foundation of our country upon our hearts.

Never again wonder why our sons and daughters are serving our country.  Never again question why we are at war with terrorists.  Never again speak with disdain about those who have died in defense of Our Flag.  Remember them with pride and honor and respect and love!

Celebration of life scheduled

American Valor salutes the families of Flower Mound, Texas for their military tribute. Chris Roark, staff writer for the Star Community Newspapers’ Flower Mound Leader, wrote the following article about the fine citizens of Flower Mound the their intentions to build a tribute to honor the fallen.
Roark writes:

We just received this write up from John C. yesterday.  Thanks for sharing this with us about our young soldiers who are "Half Man and Half Boy"

The average age of the military man is 19 years.  He is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances is considered by society as half man, half boy. Not yet dry behind the ears, not old enough to buy a beer, but old enough to die for his country.  He never really cared much for work and he would rather wax his own car than wash his father’s, but he has never collected unemployment either. 



He’s a recent High School graduate; he was probably an average student, pursued some form of sport activities, drives a ten year old jalopy, and has a steady girlfriend that either broke up with him when he left, or swears to be waiting when he returns from half a world away.  He listens to rock and roll or hip-hop or rap or jazz or swing and a 155mm howitzer. 

He is 10 or 15 pounds lighter now than when he was at home because he is working or fighting from before dawn to well after dusk.  He has trouble spelling, thus letter writing is a pain for him, but he can field strip a rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less time in the dark.  He can recite to you the nomenclature of a machine gun or grenade launcher and use either one effectively if he must.. 

He digs foxholes and latrines and can apply first aid like a professional. 

He can march until he is told to stop, or stop until he is told to march. 

He obeys orders instantly and without hesitation, but he is not without spirit or individual dignity.  He is self-sufficient. 

He has two sets of fatigues: he washes one and wears the other. He keeps his canteens full and his feet dry. 

He sometimes forgets to brush his teeth, but never to clean his rifle. He can cook his own meals, mend his own clothes, and fix his own hurts. 

If you’re thirsty, he’ll share his water with you; if you are hungry, his food. He’ll even split his ammunition with you in the midst of battle when you run low. 

He has learned to use his hands like weapons and weapons like they were his hands. 

He can save your life – or take it, because that is his job. 

He will often do twice the work of a civilian, draw half the pay, and still find ironic humor in it all. 

He has seen more suffering and death than he should have in his short lifetime. 



He has wept in public and in private, for friends who have fallen in combat and is unashamed. 

He feels every note of the National Anthem vibrate through his body while at rigid attention, while tempering the burning desire to ’square-away ‘ those around him who haven’t bothered to stand, remove their hat, or even
stop talking. 

In an odd twist, day in and day out, far from home, he defends their right to be disrespectful. 

Just as did his Father, Grandfather, and Great-grandfather, he is paying the price for our freedom.  Beardless or not, he is not a boy.  He is the American Fighting Man that has kept this country free for over 200 years. 


He has asked nothing in return, except our friendship and understanding. Remember him, always, for he has earned our respect and admiration with his blood. 

And now we even have women over there in danger, doing their part in this tradition of going  style="font-family: Arial">to War when our nation calls us to do so. 

As you go to bed tonight, remember this shot. . . 

A short lull, a little shade and a picture of loved ones in their helmets. 

PRCC to Hold Military Tribute

This is the kind of public sentiment I like to see in the media.  This was just recently posted in the www.HattiesburgAmerican.com online newspaper.  Stories like this sholud be seen by all.  My heartfelt thanks go out to the Pearl River Community College for this military tribute.  It is truly in the spirit of American Valor.

Poplarville – Pearl River Community College will pay homage to those who served in the military at its November Centennial Celebration event.

Organizers of the military tribute are seeking the names of alumni who were killed or listed as missing in action during one of the six wars fought by the United States since PRCC’s founding in 1909.

To provide the information on-line, go to www.prcc.edu/centennial/.

By all means, if you know anyone who may be able to provide information, please ask them to contact these folks.

American Valor Salutes Our Military

Reading the news recently, I came across a couple articles that heralded the general public’s growing disinterest in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. They cite the public’s growing war fatigue and frustration.

OK! I promised you in the beginning that I would do this:

THE FOLLOWING COMMENTS ARE STRICTLY AN OPINION OF ‘DAD’.

Now remember, Dad is a tired old veteran and a card carrying member of the Great Silent Majority. Most of all Dad is full of his own opinions and now they are coming out like a cannon ball and it is long-overdue. So here goes…

REMEMBER 9/11. That should be enough to stop the complaining.

Do you remember the crashes?…the smoke?…the screams? …the bodies falling through the air?…the flames?…the tremble in the ground?…the burning stench?…the monumental clouds of dust?…the nearly 3,000 human beings of all creeds and colors and shapes and sizes and beliefs who were violently crushed and cremated?

So complain all you want. You are free to complain all you want and you are free to do it as often as you want. Someone bought and paid for your right to do that. That someone is the US Military with all its men and women serving so proudly. They paid the price for you. Many paid with their lives. Many paid with permanent disabilities and disfigurements and unrelenting pain. Some paid with the suffering of life-lasting mental anguish at all they had seen and done. Some paid the price by coming home to find their families gone. They couldn’t suffer the wait any more.

What price are you willing to pay for freedom? Isn’t it about time we stopped complaining and started constructing? Start constructing a grateful home and a grateful nation to welcome all our heroes home from war. Open our hearts and arms wide open to welcome them back and thank them generously for paying for our freedom!

I cannot begin to stress how great our loss is in this war.  Even the loss of one young man or woman is tragic.  Listen to the music as you watch this video,  Open your heart to God and let His truth flow through your veins.  Then and only then will the tears of sadness flow through your eyes as you think and pray for each and every soul that is lost in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Pray that God will see fit to bring the rest home soon.

Pray that He will comfort and provide for the survivors of these brave men and women who gave their all for us.