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 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.
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.
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.
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
Little is known about Fred Dulevitz’s life.
It is unclear when his family moved to the United States from Russia, how long he lived in Massachusetts, or whether he graduated from high school.
More is known about his death, however.
Military records show that US Army Private Dulevitz was just 19 years old and had already earned the French Croix de Guerre award for bravery when he died during one of the deadliest battles of World War I, at Verdun in northeast France.
He volunteered for what was surely a suicidal mission: going through the German trenches to get a message to an American battalion commander.
He also earned a Purple Heart and, after his death on Oct. 28, 1918, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. Those accolades were recognized on a new tombstone dedicated yesterday at the unmarked grave in Glenwood cemetery where he has lain for decades.
Dulevitz’s bravery is no longer buried in obscurity.
The honors he received came to light because of the efforts of Ernie Sullivan, a retired Chelsea High School teacher who has made tracking down local veterans a personal crusade. He made sure that Dulevitz received the headstone that recognized his service.
"I think they justly deserve to be recognized," he said. "These gentlemen gave their lives."
Read the full story about Fred Dulevitz here in the Boston Globe
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!
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:
Gen. Tom Webb, a former mayor of Flower Mound, is helping organize a celebration of life for Marine Lance Cpl. Jacob Lugo, the first military serviceman killed in action from Flower Mound.
The event will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday at Jake’s Hilltop Park in Flower Mound. The park was renamed in his honor following his death Aug. 24, 2004 in Iraq.
Webb said former soldiers from the Korean War and Vietnam War, as well as Desert Storm will be on hand to pay their respects. He said ROTC members from local high schools will also be on hand.
“This is a celebration of Jacob Lugo, his life and his dedication to this country,” Webb said.
Webb hopes donations made at the event will raise money for two causes: a statue Lugo’s family is planning to erect of him at the park, and the Denton County Fallen Soldiers Memorial Wall.
The wall travels around Denton County and features the names and pictures of fallen soldiers from the county. The wall is about 7 feet high and 5 feet wide.
“They want to upgrade it,” Webb said. “It’s great, but they need more money.”
In addition to tributes to the individual fallen soldiers, plaques at the bottom of the wall also pay tribute to those who were killed in action during Desert Storm and Desert Shield in the 1990s.
Also scheduled to attend the event is Denton County Commissioner Bobbie Mitchell, who will give the invocation, and Flower Mound Mayor Jody Smith, who is scheduled to give a speech. Webb said U.S. Congressman Michael Burgess’ office will also be represented.
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
As you go to bed tonight, remember this shot. . .
A short lull, a little shade and a picture of loved ones in their helmets.
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.
People who know of anyone who attended Pearl River County Agricultural High School, Pearl River Junior College or Pearl River Community College and died serving his or her country should contact chairman Ronn Hague. The college’s Web site also has a form that can be completed on the Centennial page.
The committee needs the name and rank of the individual who was killed or missing in action, branch of service, date of death and the year(s) he attended Pearl River. Hague can be contacted by phone at (601) 403-1316 or e-mailed at rhague@prcc.edu.
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.
The authors claim the public is disenchanted with our results in both locations. They don’t see Osama Bin Laden captured and facing justice. They do see our troops in Afghanistan chasing terrorists we can’t see. They see us in Iraq, close to oil, but nothing else, obviously forgetting that we caught Saddam Hussein.
They claim people are getting tired of coverage on two war fronts with no obvious victory in either theatre in the near future. The authors claim the general public is worried about the credit crunch, skyrocketing prices, especially oil related products. They are worried about losing their jobs. They are worried about the upcoming elections. They fear that with the two current choices they may have no more rosy future after the elections than they do now.
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…
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?
Have you ever watched newsreels of the Nazi Holocaust furnaces? Have you shivered as survivors likened the airborne ashes falling to the ground like dirty snow? Have you ever thought long and hard about the blood and bones and flesh and hearts and souls that were inside those clouds of dust boiling towards Heaven then collapsing to earth? Covering the streets and buildings and survivors with ashen dust? …and the tears? The tears may never stop.
I have watched. I have listened. I am human. I am guilty as charged. I wept as openly as anyone for days following 9/11. It finally happened "…on our own shores. In our own home! The unspeakable has happened at last."
Now fast forward to 2008. My company is closing our operation in about a year or so. I am nearly 61 and will begin looking for a new job. Frightening. I have watched this year as the "Credit Crisis" has eaten a big, uncomfortable hole in my retirement savings. I will probably have to work now until the day I die. My house is worth maybe half of what it was one year ago.
There are dozens of elected politicians scrambling to borrow money from our social security so they can pay benefits and subsidies and entitlements to…and provide food and shelter and education and health care for…about twenty million ILLEGAL ALIENS. We live in the greatest country on earth with a great immigration program, not always the most efficient, but it does work. Most of the people living in this country today are descendents of immigrants or immigrants themselves. This is America. We are a melting pot. That is what makes us unique. Our common language, our oneness of spirit and courage. A unique and specially blended heritage. We stand as one nation under GOD!…and we ALWAYS will! But it takes organization and rules and enforcement and discipline. These people made the choice to ignore our rules…our laws…our programs…our entire system. When laws are broken…people are punished. When rules are broken…people are penalized.
In a lot of the countries these twenty million illegals came from,…if they intruded over their own borders they would be put into prison camps, maybe even tortured and shot. But not in America. We are civilized. This is the land of plenty…the land of opportunity…the land of freedom! So, as a result, these twenty million illegals will probably end up being allowed to stay here and ultimately be given citizenship and that is the American way. Hopefully most of them will begin paying taxes on their incomes like the rest of us do and this will all disappear into the night of history. That is the way freedom and liberty work. We may not like it…we may not agree with it…but all humans have rights…and the right to freedom from oppression is one of those basic rights of human life.
But, and this is the most painful truth associated with freedom, "…Someone has to pay for it". One person wants to give all our money to the United Nations to fight global poverty! Very noble indeed. Others want to give freedom to the oppressed countries of the world. Some want to save the animals. Some want to save the environment. Some want world peace. Some want free lunches. Some want one currency, one military force, one bank, one government, one world ruling body, joy, love, peace. As I said, there is always a price to be paid. In the case of the United Nations Millenium Declaration, all of those one this and one that generally come at the cost of one thing: our liberty and freedom.
Such is the case in Afghanistan and Iraq. You don’t have to agree with the wars or their outcomes. You don’t have to agree with anything I say, or anyone else for that matter. But this is the mind numbing, bone chilling truth as proven beyond all shadow of a doubt: 9/11 was our wakeup call! The terrorists caught us napping…off guard…on our own shores. If you do not want 9/11…if you do not want daily bombings…if you do not want daily artillery shells exploding in your neighborhood…if you do not want bombs blowing up in your subway stations or hospitals or schools or churches, then you have to go onto their shores to carry on the battle.
We are dealing with an terrorist enemy whom we cannot threaten. They do not fear death…they welcome it. They do not fear oppression…they thrive upon it. They do not fear anything. They speak openly of wanting to kill all the infidels who dishonor their soil and their way of life.
Now I remind you of a little history; this very same Osama bin Laden was smiling with gratitude when we came to his aid in Afghanistan and trained him and his people and helped them become free from their oppressors. But at the same time he was thinking…as soon as this is over, I am going to eliminate the entire American people for stepping on my soil. That is the reason our young men and women are serving so proudly in all arenas…to keep it out of our homes and off of our shores. Do you hear me?
I worry about losing my job while they face losing their lives. I get upset with my neighbor for spreading fertilizer on his fields while they worry about being sprayed with deadly chemicals. I complain about a lumpy mattress while they sleep on the ground, often in a foxhole for protection. I complain about rush hour traffic on the interstate while they worry about landmines in the roadway and ambushes. I worry about a missed episode of a TV show while they miss their families. I complain if I have to get up a few minutes early, they work days on end with little or no sleep. We complain about everything they do in combat while they do everything they do in combat to protect our freedom to complain.
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.
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