Archive for October, 2008
October 15, 2008 By Troy
Posted in Life in the Military, Military News
The following blog dispatch is from prior soldier, and embedded freelance journalist, Scott Kesterson.
Afghanistan from an American perspective cannot be discussed separately from the events of September 11, 2001. The images of passenger planes being steered into the Twin Towers, people looking on in awe while others jumped to their death out of desperation, as a nation was left speechless with each act of the macabre requiem, the curtain closing in a torrent of dust and debris. Our country had been attacked, our citizens killed, and our sense of safety and security forever changed. It was a moment when we all stood together, unified by the principles that we otherwise took for granted, looking inward instead of outward, finding new meaning in what it was to be American. Seven years later we are still fighting, as the memories of 9-11 fade and our reasons for being here in Afghanistan become less clear. Yet for some, that day in New York City will always be a pain felt in the depths of their souls.
To prepare for a three month embed, I took time to sketch out my story. I wanted to look at the region around Gardez, in eastern Afghanistan, that was of central importance to one of the major battles post 9-11. My interest was in comparing the stories of those that were there to the war we are fighting today. What do the soldiers see and feel? What is the war to them today? What was it then? Is it still connected to 9-11, or has it become just another deployment, another part of their job? And most importantly, what was the victory we sought during those early days of the war, and what are seeking today? Per Army Public Affairs doctrine, soldiers are their voice, and in my opinion, one of the best ways of establishing an understanding of our war in Afghanistan from those that live it first hand.
I was greeted at the entrance gate to Camp Phoenix in Kabul, Afghanistan by two soldiers of the New York National Guard. Within a few minutes the Public Affairs Officer greeted me and helped me with my bags as we walked to the “Welcome Center” near the center of the base. Arrangements were made for my room as we sat down to get to know each other over coffee and review my embed. As our conversation progressed, I realized I had overlooked a key element of this story, the individual soldiers of the New York National Guard. Not only was 101st Airborne deployed to Afghanistan, with members that were part of the early days of the war, New York National Guard soldiers that had been on duty during he first hours of 9-11 were also part of the current deployment. It was a story angle of unprecedented historical precedence, and one I had to move on quickly.
The story of the New York National Guard unit that responded to the events of 9-11 at ground zero is moving. They were all members of 1/69th Infantry, also known as the “Fighting Irish.” As I was to learn, that unit was never mobilized, but mobilized themselves in response to what was happening to their city. As one young “Fighting Irish” soldier later told me, “I saw the plane hit, I ran into my house and grabbed my uniform. I just knew that I needed to be there.” So it went for the rest of his unit, as they all assembled at ground zero to do what was needed. It is a response that only National Guard soldiers can make and appreciate, since they are bound to the needs of both their State and the country.
The two soldiers I interviewed that evening were returning home the next morning. They willingly spoke with me, as I listened to their stories of what they witnessed and felt, and what this war meant to them. The words of my mentor worked themselves through my thoughts as I tried to hold back tears, “there is calm behind the lens,” but those words were not strong enough this time to keep the tears back. As that young “fighting Irish” soldier began to finish, tears welling in his eyes, he said what most soldiers feel, “I just do my job. I put my pants on like everybody else. I just do a job that is a different than the rest.”
He and his unit returned home the next morning.
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October 14, 2008 By Troy
Posted in Spouse and Family, Veteran Benefits
Last night I was sitting in my hotel room, and switched over to HBO to see what was on. Little did I know that I was turning to the channel the moment that a new documentary was showcasing n HBO. It is called Section 60: Arlington National Cemetery. I didn’t even know this was coming on or that it was even made. Do yourself a favor and check it out at http://www.hbo.com/docs/programs/section60/index.html to see the schedule and read about it.
The documentary does a phenomenal job of showing many different families, many different perspectives, many different ways of mourning, many different walks of life….but all with one thing in common; pain, sadness, emptiness, anguish, patriotism, anger, and pride.
It is tough to watch, but I think it is a neccesity for all Americans to see. There are families, friends, loved ones, and many others effected by every loss in combat. They are more than numbers or empty names, they are the the true heroes of our time.
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October 11, 2008 By CJ
Posted in Military News
My first duty station was at Fort Irwin, CA. I remember being completely upset because I had orders to go to San Antonio, TX as my first assignment out of training. While I was out-processing I was told that I had been diverted to Fort Irwin. Everyone felt bad for me. I was angry. After all, I’m from San Antonio.
So, in 1996, I headed to the desert post with my wife and newborn baby. Fort Irwin is located literally 40 miles from the nearest anything. Once you leave that gate, there is nothing but desert for 40 miles. The nearest town is Barstow. Until we were able to get on post housing, we lived in a run down hotel in the bad part of town with crack dealers, homeless shelters, and hunchback guy. Emily was afraid to leave the room while I was at work. But, I digress.
The road into Ft. Irwin was a long, two-lane thing that seemed to never end. At 0530 in the morning without sunlight, you never knew where you were on the road. All you could see was a stream of red taillights from other cars heading to work. The road was impossibly dangerous because the shoulders were gravel and all the little humps in the road hid oncoming traffic. Without fail, you’d get the jackass who wanted to drive under the speed limit and impatient people would pass even with oncoming traffic obviously closing in. The entire length of the road is dotted with little white crosses and the names of those who had died on that road.
Continue reading this post…
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By CJ
Posted in Charities/Contests, Life in the Military
Not too long ago, I posted about Amy Galvez going to Boot Camp to raise money for the Injured Marines Semper Fi Fund. I also asked for your assistance in helping her meet her goal to raise $7,500 ($500 per team member). After posting that story, you helped raise an immediate $500 and I thankyou that. Here’s an update straight from Amy now that they’ve have completed the challenge.
We had the best time at the Marine Recruit Depot. Before we started, the Drill Instructors gave us directions on how to properly respond when spoken to by a Drill Instructor. While waiting for our group to begin the race General Salinas was speaking to the crowd then said, “I understand we have a Gold Star Mother and a Gold Star Sister running today.” I hadn’t told anyone about that so that really surprised me.
The General called us up and let me speak to the crowd for a minute about Adam. That was a very special moment for me. That DI who had been yelling at us a few minutes before gave me a big hug in front of everyone. The event was exhausting but fun. The DI’s yelled at us the whole way. There were certain things, like jumping off an eight foot wall, that I would have thought twice about, but with a DI yelling at you, you just jump. We all loved it and will do it again next year for sure.
In all 10 team members came from Utah and the other 3 were from California. I had a feeling of reverence in a way, being out there on that obstacle course, realizing that’s where it all starts for many of the young kids that become Marines, and of course knowing that is right where Adam had trained. I wonder what he would have thought seeing his mom out there, maybe it’s better he doesn’t know 
Our total donations so far for the Injured Marines Semper Fi Fund stands at $3,100. It is all the people who donated that have made this the success we wanted it to be. Thanks for posting the story, you have wonderful people out there with very big hearts.
YOU, the ones reading this, are directly responsible for helping Amy meet her goal. We military bloggers have some of the best readers in the entire blogging world and I’m proud to be associated with you. Thank you. If you’d like to see photos from the event, go HERE.
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October 10, 2008 By CJ
Posted in Life in the Military, Military News
Perhaps I’m not as dumb as my kids think I am. Back when our esteemed (*cough *hack) Congress was contemplating spending nearly a trillion dollars of your and my money, I had a conversation with one of my family members. One of the points I made was that with the economy getting so bad, military recruiting get much easier. Turns out I was right. Like I constantly remind my wife, I’m always right anyway! Or at least, she makes me believe it.
The Miami Herald reported today exactly what I had predicted weeks ago.
“We do benefit when things look less positive in civil society,” said David S.C. Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. “That is a situation where more are willing to give us a chance. I think that’s the big difference – people willing to listen to us.”
Economy aside, the fact that more people will look at the military as a secure way to earn an income and serve their country is a good thing. The military tends to have a bad rap among people who have no attachment to it because no family members serve. While unfortunate, a bad economy will bring in people who have never had any contact with the military and see exactly what we’re about. When pondering this, I can’t help but think about what Mr. Bill Murphy, author of “In A Time of War“, wrote recently for the Atlantic Journal:
Why does the military subculture sacrifice so much, and the rest of us so little? Seven years into the war on terror, what can “We the People” be doing to truly “support the troops”?
I love the way Mr. Chu said that he’s glad that people will “give us a chance.” That’s all we’ve ever asked for. The military is NOT for everyone. The economy will improve and many Soldiers will undoubtedly leave after their first term. That doesn’t bother me. Even if someone only serves 2-5 years, it’s still 2-5 more years than 99% of this country!! But, I strongly believe that a percentage of those who use the economy as an excuse to sign up will realize that the military isn’t what they’ve been told it is their whole lives. Some will stay on for a career and go on to do great things, even deploy and see that we aren’t “baby killers”. They will go back to their hometowns and hopefully tell all their friends and family that they were wrong about us.
Don’t get me wrong, though. We don’t NEED new recruits that bad. Every service met it’s Fiscal Year 08 recruiting goals. However, with more prospects to choose from, we won’t be so willing to approve waivers. Of course this could also be a bad thing. Many of those people who came in on waivers were given chances no one would give them. We took them in, gave them some meaningful training and experience, and they will leave much better people.
With the Army growing more than 65,000 Soldiers and the Marine Corps gaining about 30,000 Marines, the extra boost in recruitment can’t hurt!!
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October 9, 2008 By Troy
Posted in Life in the Military, Veteran Benefits
http://www.military.com/news/article/September-2008/va-quadruples-payment-to-vets-with-tbi.html
The above story came out a few weeks ago and I am really interested into how they came up with this, how this will shake out and what it means for me. I am one of those that stands to benefit from this since I have a low rating for TBI.
I sent my VA rep an email asking her, but have not heard back yet. Either way and regardless of how it turns out, I take this as VA’s admittance that they did not totally understand the long term effects from TBI and they are trying to do right by it now. I am glad that either they realize it or that the studies have proven what many of us suffering with TBI have known for years; that regardless of how severe it is, even the most minor of cases have a long-reaching and devastating effect on the quality of life.
Thank you VA, thank you.
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October 7, 2008 By CJ
Posted in Military News
The American Legion, Vets for Freedom, Military Families United and Foundation for Defense of Democracies have called on moderator Tom Brokaw to ask these tough questions to each candidate at Tuesday’s debate. In addition, these organizations are asking both Presidential campaigns to submit answers in writing.
The following is the text of the letter sent to each campaign and moderator, Tom Brokaw:
Dear Senator,
The American Legion, Vets for Freedom, Military Families United and Foundation for Defense of Democracies would like to congratulate you on winning your party’s nomination for President of the United States.
This Tuesday, you will participate in the second Presidential debate of the general election where the candidates will answer questions from real Americans in a town hall format. This letter contains 10 questions on national security and foreign policy – questions that should be answered by any candidate seeking the highest office in our land. Our organizations ask that you address and answer these questions in Tuesday’s debate and in a written response.
Many challenges lie ahead of the next Commander-in-Chief: wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, global radical Islamic terrorism, a destabilizing Pakistan, an aggressive Iranian regime intent on building nuclear weapons, a strained U.S. military and energy dependence on Middle Eastern oil.
Truly, there has never been a greater need for strong American leadership.
Our combined organizations represent over 3.5 million constituents, which is America’s largest collection of veterans, gold and blue star families and national security experts. We have joined forces because we recognize the stakes have never been higher – the costs never greater. Our next President must understand the grave challenges we face and be prepared to lead and defend our homeland.
Again, congratulations on your victory and we look forward to your prompt reply.
Sincerely,
Dave Rehbein
National Commander, The American Legion
Pete Hegseth
Chairman, Vets for Freedom
Brian Wise
Executive Director, Military Families United
Cliff May
President, Foundation for Defense of Democracies
10 Questions:
1) Under your administration, what would an American-Iraqi partnership look like? What is your vision for the future of Iraq? Can we win? Are we winning? Must we win?
2) Dexter Filkins of the New York Times recently reported on the overwhelming reduction in violence and local reconciliation among Sunnis and Shias in Baghdad. Do you agree that the “Surge” achieved its stated goals – militarily and politically – and is the reason for stabilization in Iraq? And, knowing what you know now, would you again support or oppose General Petraeus’ counterinsurgency strategy?
3) General Petraeus recently reiterated his belief that Iraq is still a “central front” for our enemies, and therefore our country. Do you believe Iraq is, has been, or ever could be “a” or “the” central front against radical Islamists?
4) Under your administration, will you consider winning in Afghanistan a necessity and will you propose more troops and/or a new strategy?
5) With a new civilian government in place, unilateral American action against suspected al-Qaeda and Taliban targets has been condemned as a right of sovereignty by Pakistan. Do you support certain military action in Pakistan, despite the government’s warnings of retaliation, if there is credible intelligence of high value terrorist targets?
6) Do you believe that we are engaged in a global war on terrorism? And do you believe that radical Islam is our generation’s transcendent challenge?
7) The American military is strained from fighting two wars; under your administration, what would you do to strengthen our fighting force? And what impact would victory or defeat on the battlefield have on our force?
Are you committed to a nuclear-free Iran? If so, what steps would your administration be willing to take to ensure Iran does not get a nuclear weapon?
9) Should America invest in a comprehensive missile defense system? Or is it safe to assume that our contemporary enemies can be deterred, as were the Soviets, by the prospect of “mutually assured destruction”?
10) America is sending over $700 billion overseas to buy foreign oil from countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran and Venezuela. Many of our petro-dollars make their way into the hands of terrorist organizations – we are funding both sides in the war on terror through our dependence on Middle Eastern oil. What steps will your administration take to make sure America starts on the path towards energy independence?
I’m anxious to hear some answers. You?
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October 6, 2008 By Troy
Posted in Life in the Military, Veteran Benefits
I saw this announcement today and knew I had to post it here. This is a great benefit for deployed service-members and their families. I am actually kind of surprised it has taken this long for this to be in place.
DoD Contracts for Free YMCA Membership for Deployed Guard and Reserve Families
The Department of Defense announced October 1 that families of deployed members of the National Guard and Reserve, active duty service members on independent duty and their families, and active duty service members and their families assigned to selected bases would be eligible for free family memberships at participating YMCAs in their local community.
The new program, which is effective immediately, was unveiled in a signing ceremony presided by Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness David S.C. Chu. Also signing the document was Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs Thomas F. Hall and the Executive Director of the Armed Services YMCA, retired Navy Rear Adm. Frank Gallo.
“We know these programs are key to personal health and well-being, help build strong families, and reduce stress and feelings of isolation,” Chu said. “I am extremely pleased to announce our new partnership.”
The free YMCA memberships for Guard and Reserve families will be available while the service member is deployed for a minimum of six months. The deploying service member will also be eligible for three months pre- and post-deployment membership to help promote family participation.
Active duty families assigned to independent duty stations, such as recruiting and ROTC assignments and not currently receiving support from the service component will also be eligible for free memberships at participating YMCAs. Single service members are eligible for fitness center memberships up to $50 a month.
Active duty families at selected bases will also be eligible for free YMCA memberships as part of a pilot program. Memberships will be issued on a first come, first served basis with 300 to 450 family memberships available per joint base location.
The selected bases are: Lackland Air Force Base/Randolph AFB/Ft. Sam Houston, Texas; Langley AFB, Va.; McCord Air Force Base/Ft. Lewis, Wash.; Ft. Carson, Colo.; Pearl Harbor/Hickam AFB, Hawaii; Naval Weapons Station, Charleston S.C.; McGuire AFB/Ft. Dix/ Lakehurst Naval Air Engineering Station, N.J.; Anacostia Naval Air Station /Bolling AFB, Washington, D.C.; Ft. Myer/Henderson Hall, Va.; Elmendorf AFB/Ft. Richardson, Alaska; and Andrews AFB/Naval Air Facility D.C., Md.
Additionally, 32 hours a month of free respite child care will be available for families of deployed National Guard and Reserve and geographically dispersed active duty service members in 10 states with YMCA child care programs preapproved by DoD.
Respite Child Care is currently available at participating YMCAs in the following ten states: Indiana, Maryland, Montana, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington. DoD is working with the Armed Services YMCA on ways to expand the number of YMCA child care programs eligible to offer respite care in order to meet this critical need.
Participating YMCAs have agreed to cap their monthly fees and waive all joining fees so there is no cost for service members and their families for membership. Some classes may have fees associated with them and if so, the service member will be responsible for those costs.
“Since the Civil War, the Armed Services YMCA has been committed to supporting our troops and improving their quality of life,” said Gallo. “This new initiative will go a long way to help America’s military families live healthy lives.”
Signing up for the program requires a YMCA/DoD eligibility form, a copy of deployment orders and military ID. The YMCA/DoD eligibility form is available at http://www.miltaryonesource.com/ . A completed eligibility form, a copy of deployment orders (where applicable) and the military ID are all that are needed for the local YMCA to process memberships.
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By You Served Editorial Staff
Posted in Military History
Spotlighting military history is something we like to do from time to time here on You Served.
August 7-9, 1942
Situated northeast of Australia, Guadalcanal is an island in the Solomon Island chain. Like most battle locations, the island, though jungle covered, was strategically a giant to both the Axis and the Allies. The Allies required control of the island to ensure their ability to protect Australia. This would allow for a buildup of Allied troops in Australia who would eventually embark on a major assault on the Japanese. The Axis, in particular the Japanese, hoped to gain control of the island in order to block the sea route between America and Australia.
Reconnaissance reports informed the Allies that the Japanese had begun building an airstrip on Guadalcanal at Lunga plantation. By the end of June 1942, it was estimated that 3000 Japanese soldiers occupied the island. The Allies needed to act.
In the early morning hours of August 7, 1942 a large attack force began to assemble between the islands of Guadalcanal and Tulagi. The invasion force included; thirteen large transports, six cargo ships and four small transports all carrying approximately 19,000 U.S. Marines. These were protected by eight cruisers (including three Australian cruisers), five minesweepers and fifteen destroyers. These were supported from sea by three aircraft carriers, a battleship, six cruisers, sixteen destroyers and five oilers.
At 6 AM on August 7, 1942, the cruiser Quincy began bombarding the Japanese position near Lunga plantation known to the military as Lunga Point. Soon after, Marines on nine of the transports along with those on the six cargo ships and most of the escorts attacked Guadalcanal at a spot a few miles east of Lunga Point. This seemed to progress almost effortlessly. By 9 AM Marines landed on the beach. Fighting only a few enemy combat troops, the Marines pushed westward. By the afternoon of August 8, the Allies seized the almost completed Japanese airfield at Lunga Point.
The Japanese began air attacks on the afternoon of August 7. The first wave sent from Rabaul was unsuccessful. As Allied troops began to unload supplies the Japanese succeed in making a nuisance of themselves. Allies were already over whelmed with the unloading of supplies. Piles of supplies on the beaches delayed the unloading of cargo ships. In the midst of this, Japanese bombings added to the confusion. The Japanese ultimately took only three ships out of service over the three day period. However, the bombings forced the big transport and cargo ships to leave the area without fully unloading. The short supplies would play apart in the continued battle over the next several months.
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By CJ
Posted in Video
People grieve in so many ways, but one family has found a way to honor the memory of their fallen hero and take him with them everywhere they go.
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