Newest Articles...
October 18, 2008 By CJ
Posted in Life in the Military
These are such great stories and I can’t help back from sharing them:
An Army soldier deployed in Afghanistan is on a two-week leave to witness his wife give birth to quadruplets in Nevada.
Army Spec. Joe Shatswell, 22, has been reunited with his wife, Darah, in Reno, where she is in a hospital awaiting the birth in the next several days.
She will mark her 30th week of pregnancy Tuesday. Doctors hope the babies will weigh at least 3 pounds each.
“We’re kind of nervous and excited,” Darah Shatswell told Gardnerville’s Record-Courier newspaper. “You wait forever for something, then it is just around the corner. The faster, the better, but whatever is best for the babies.”
Joe Shatswell had not seen his wife since the couple found out they were having quadruplets.
The pregnancy was a surprise because the Shatswells decided to wait until after his deployment ends in July 2009 to expand their family. They have a 2-year-old daughter, Zowie.
Darah Shatswell, 24, said her husband would be able to stay in Nevada until the end of October before he returns to Afghanistan.
The Shatswells, stationed in Fort Hood, Texas, relocated to Gardnerville, about 45 miles south of Reno, over the summer after they discovered the quadruplets were on the way.
The couple have family there.
The community has rallied around the couple, donating everything from diapers and quilts to gift cards.
You think he’ll have a lot on his mind when he gets back? Here’s an earlier story prior to his return.
3 Comments »
If you're a You Served reader and you're looking to learn more about the VA Home Loan Program,
then you're one click away from the folks that make all this possible - VAMC.
Read more about VA Loans and VA Benefits programs on our main site. Thanks for reading!
October 17, 2008 By Troy
Posted in Life in the Military
Recently CJCS Mullen made the very accurate statement that the wrong direction was taken for the last two years in Afghanistan and now he and the military is trying to correct for it. I have to say I totally agree with him. I saw it first hand when I was there, especially when there were O-6 Colonels calling ETTs “non-combatant, combatants” and telling us that there was no reason for ETTs to get out of the truck or for us to go into a kulat (house). These same Colonels and Colonels like them were telling new inbound ETTs that they would never fire a round, that they would only pass out candy and pat kids on the head.
BTW, if anyone would care to tell me what the hell a non-combatant, combatant is I would love to know. I am sure all of the ETTs that died in 2006 and 2007 would love to know that means too. As stupid as that sounds, that is what we had in charge of many parts of the Task Force when I was there. As the “thank you on behalf of a desperate and grateful nation” tour has progressed, I can only imagine there are as many if not more leaders at all levels that are more worried about having a good evaluation report than taking the fight to the enemy.
This is a great video http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/video/2008/oct/13/afghanistan-taliban-us-army for many reasons. One is it gives the viewer a real inside view of what it is like to be downrange, clearing villages, talking with “innocent” villagers and the frustration of not finding bad guys. It also shows an act that at one time was considered taboo. See part of the reason that the wrong direction being followed for the last two years was that leaders were afraid to “fight” the enemy. My good bud Rog-O got called on the carpet one time in front of a One-Star General becuase he and his ETT partner knocked down a kulat door with their humvee, as seen in this video. Now you can see that the 101st has no problem in taking down doors, but back when we were there, it was almost a crime to do such a thing. When you are knocking on a door and you hear the distinctive sound of AK-47s being charged on he other side, taking out the door with a humvee is the right thing to do. Luckily for my man Rog-O, after he explained his side of the story all was forgiven and forgotten. The Task Force leadership saw the justification for doing such a thing and in fact Rog-O was used as an example of how to motivate the ANA.
I didn’t mean for this blog to be so long, but after watching this video I realized it was a good example of how the attitude has changed from the coddling, safety above all else attitude of 2006-2007 to the lets kick ass and finish the fight attitude that we have today.
2 Comments »
October 15, 2008 By CJ
Posted in Life in the Military
Eight years ago, on October 12, 2000, just before the presidential elections, the USS Cole was struck by suicide bombers outside the Adan port in Yemen. 17 American Sailors were killed and others injured. It was an event that literally changed my life.
Continue reading this post…
2 Comments »
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.
No Comments »
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.
5 Comments »
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…
2 Comments »
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.
No Comments »
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!!
1 Comment »
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.
No Comments »
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?
8) 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?
2 Comments »
