It is the VETERAN,
not the preacher,
who has given us freedom of religion.
It is the VETERAN,
not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the VETERAN,
not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the VETERAN,
not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to assemble.
It is the VETERAN,
not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the VETERAN,
not the politician,
Who has given us the right to vote.
It is the VETERAN
who salutes the Flag.
It is the VETERAN
who serves
under the Flag,
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
A Veteran's Definition
A Veteran
Whether active duty, retired, National Guard, or Reserve
A Veteran is someone who, at one point in his or her life,
wrote a blank check made payable to
'The United States of America ',
for an amount of
up to and including my life.'
That is Honor, and there are way too many people
in this country who no longer understand it.
Anonymous
Whether active duty, retired, National Guard, or Reserve
A Veteran is someone who, at one point in his or her life,
wrote a blank check made payable to
'The United States of America ',
for an amount of
up to and including my life.'
That is Honor, and there are way too many people
in this country who no longer understand it.
Anonymous
Friday, February 8, 2008
Gold Star Mom to Berkeley, CA
February 3, 2008
Mr. Tom Bates,
I was appalled at the decisions that your City Council made at your last meeting, telling the Marines they were not welcome in your city and then granting Code Pink a parking place in front of the Recruiting office free for six months along with a free noise permit. I called and left a message last week for you to call me, a Gold Star Mother whose son gave the ultimate sacrifice. It doesn't surprise me that you didn't return that phone call. Trust me I won't just go away!
My son Marc Alan Lee laid down his life 8-2-06 for American's to have all of the freedoms that we enjoy. He voluntarily went to his recruiter to find out what opportunities would be provided to him and what would be required for him to be a Navy SEAL. He was treated professionally and never once regretted his decision to become a Navy SEAL. He was honored to serve his country. He was stationed in California along with half of the SEAL community. I'm sure you've heard of the elite of the elite, as President Bush calls them.
Marc's was very pleased with his recruiter, and he was never lied to, tricked or deceived. His recruiter played the role of counselor or coach to Marc and helped him get the right schools, to be fit and prepared, and to understand what was ahead. Marc pursued his recruiter. Marc had a dream and a goal and he pursued the recruiter who showed him how to make his dream a reality!
My oldest son Kristofer went to a Marine recruiter's office in July 2000 and signed to be one of "The few, the Proud, The Marines." He also never regretted his choice and was also treated professionally and was proud to serve his country for 5 years. My son-in-law Christopher also visited an Army recruiter and proudly served his country for 3 years.
I wish that you served as a Mayor with the same pride and love for this country and those men and women who would defend you unconditionally! Our military defends your freedoms and has written a blank check to you and your city and every American and they have told you to fill in the cost of that freedom up to and including the cost of their lives and you are telling these people they are not welcome in your city? How dare you!
I'm sure you continue to enjoy those freedoms that every man or woman who has served in our military has fought for you. Who do you think would defend you if the terrorists attacked your city? Who do you think would come if an earthquake devastated your city? Who do you think would come if there were riots in your city? How dare you try to legislate and change the laws of the land. I am demanding that you publicly apologize to the Marines and to our troops, and to their families and that you resend the legislation that you passed last week giving special rights to Code Pink.
Demanding Respect for our Troops,
Debbie Lee
Proud Mother of Marc Alan Lee
First Navy SEAL killed in Iraq 8-2-06
Mr. Tom Bates,
I was appalled at the decisions that your City Council made at your last meeting, telling the Marines they were not welcome in your city and then granting Code Pink a parking place in front of the Recruiting office free for six months along with a free noise permit. I called and left a message last week for you to call me, a Gold Star Mother whose son gave the ultimate sacrifice. It doesn't surprise me that you didn't return that phone call. Trust me I won't just go away!
My son Marc Alan Lee laid down his life 8-2-06 for American's to have all of the freedoms that we enjoy. He voluntarily went to his recruiter to find out what opportunities would be provided to him and what would be required for him to be a Navy SEAL. He was treated professionally and never once regretted his decision to become a Navy SEAL. He was honored to serve his country. He was stationed in California along with half of the SEAL community. I'm sure you've heard of the elite of the elite, as President Bush calls them.
Marc's was very pleased with his recruiter, and he was never lied to, tricked or deceived. His recruiter played the role of counselor or coach to Marc and helped him get the right schools, to be fit and prepared, and to understand what was ahead. Marc pursued his recruiter. Marc had a dream and a goal and he pursued the recruiter who showed him how to make his dream a reality!
My oldest son Kristofer went to a Marine recruiter's office in July 2000 and signed to be one of "The few, the Proud, The Marines." He also never regretted his choice and was also treated professionally and was proud to serve his country for 5 years. My son-in-law Christopher also visited an Army recruiter and proudly served his country for 3 years.
I wish that you served as a Mayor with the same pride and love for this country and those men and women who would defend you unconditionally! Our military defends your freedoms and has written a blank check to you and your city and every American and they have told you to fill in the cost of that freedom up to and including the cost of their lives and you are telling these people they are not welcome in your city? How dare you!
I'm sure you continue to enjoy those freedoms that every man or woman who has served in our military has fought for you. Who do you think would defend you if the terrorists attacked your city? Who do you think would come if an earthquake devastated your city? Who do you think would come if there were riots in your city? How dare you try to legislate and change the laws of the land. I am demanding that you publicly apologize to the Marines and to our troops, and to their families and that you resend the legislation that you passed last week giving special rights to Code Pink.
Demanding Respect for our Troops,
Debbie Lee
Proud Mother of Marc Alan Lee
First Navy SEAL killed in Iraq 8-2-06
Berkeley, CA
as you may have heard, there's been a little excitement re our gallant Marines in Berkeley, CA. if i lived closer, i'd be paying this guy a little visit. but it sounds like someone is delivering the punches bigger and better.
Now check this out, here is a letter a businessman wrote to the Mayor of
Berkeley .
Is this a great country or what?
Dear Mayor Bates,
In that you and your city have chosen to gravely insult the brave men
and women, who have indeed bought you that right with their blood, I am
informing you that my company will no longer do business with any of our
current suppliers located in the Berkeley , California metro area.
In that my company is in international resort real estate development,
and do business with and am associated with, developers and investors
worldwide, I am informing all of my contacts, associates and patrons
that we will no longer do any business of any sort with anyone living in
the Berkeley area.
In that we/MDG Resorts are currently building a state of the art
mega-yacht marina, all of the suppliers of Marina equipment, all owners
of Yachts , all suppliers of Yacht ma teri als & supplies, all yacht
brokers and all tangential yacht business purveyors will likewise be
informed that we will not do any business whatsoever with anyone from
the Berkeley area.
Likewise all suppliers of building ma teri als, both in teri or and
ex teri or, currently associated with any of our several resort
developments (Brisamar 300+ villas and 200+ condos: Porto Hussong,
www.portohussong. com
slip mega-yacht marina) both of which I might add have international
recognition by virtue of glowing reports in Robb Report, Wall Street
Journal, Yacht World, Forbes.
I will likewise inform all of our investors, most of whom are very
wealthy yacht owners, casino owners, high net worth international
businessmen, of our decision to essentially boycott all products and
providers located in, or associated with in any way whatsoever, Berkeley ,
Ca.
Trust me when I say that having been in the real estate development
business for over 35 years, our list of contacts and associates is long
and very, very impressive. We, and I personally, are going to recomend
that they ALL along with us boycott your city, its purveyors, suppliers,
and businesses and CHARITIES of every kind.
You have every right to choose to take the obnoxious anti-military
stance you have taken, and as stated, that right was bought for you with
the blood of better men than you.
I too have every right to do all that I can to insure that your city
suffers consequences arising from that obnoxious, sickening stance.
Cordially,
Brian G Dennard
Principal Director
Meridian Development Group, LLC
619 807 2444
www.mdgresorts. com
www.portohussong. com
Now check this out, here is a letter a businessman wrote to the Mayor of
Berkeley .
Is this a great country or what?
Dear Mayor Bates,
In that you and your city have chosen to gravely insult the brave men
and women, who have indeed bought you that right with their blood, I am
informing you that my company will no longer do business with any of our
current suppliers located in the Berkeley , California metro area.
In that my company is in international resort real estate development,
and do business with and am associated with, developers and investors
worldwide, I am informing all of my contacts, associates and patrons
that we will no longer do any business of any sort with anyone living in
the Berkeley area.
In that we/MDG Resorts are currently building a state of the art
mega-yacht marina, all of the suppliers of Marina equipment, all owners
of Yachts , all suppliers of Yacht ma teri als & supplies, all yacht
brokers and all tangential yacht business purveyors will likewise be
informed that we will not do any business whatsoever with anyone from
the Berkeley area.
Likewise all suppliers of building ma teri als, both in teri or and
ex teri or, currently associated with any of our several resort
developments (Brisamar 300+ villas and 200+ condos: Porto Hussong,
www.portohussong. com
slip mega-yacht marina) both of which I might add have international
recognition by virtue of glowing reports in Robb Report, Wall Street
Journal, Yacht World, Forbes.
I will likewise inform all of our investors, most of whom are very
wealthy yacht owners, casino owners, high net worth international
businessmen, of our decision to essentially boycott all products and
providers located in, or associated with in any way whatsoever, Berkeley ,
Ca.
Trust me when I say that having been in the real estate development
business for over 35 years, our list of contacts and associates is long
and very, very impressive. We, and I personally, are going to recomend
that they ALL along with us boycott your city, its purveyors, suppliers,
and businesses and CHARITIES of every kind.
You have every right to choose to take the obnoxious anti-military
stance you have taken, and as stated, that right was bought for you with
the blood of better men than you.
I too have every right to do all that I can to insure that your city
suffers consequences arising from that obnoxious, sickening stance.
Cordially,
Brian G Dennard
Principal Director
Meridian Development Group, LLC
619 807 2444
www.mdgresorts. com
www.portohussong. com
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Company "C" Update/Major David Haney
Hello Friends of Peoria’s Marine Corps Combat Engineer Company “C”,
And greetings from cool and wet Iraq. Although we are certainly not dealing with the Illinois bitter cold and snow drifts, we have seen a marked change in the weather in the first month of this New Year. Rest assured, mission accomplishment continues despite wind, sand, rain and mud.
As always, the Peoria Marine Engineers continue to get a lot done and impress the supported units here with the quality of their hard work. One of the latest Camp Al-Taqaddum project completions has been the new Chapel at Engineer Village, here on board the base. The Battalion Chaplain is a very proud curator of that new structure and is most pleased with the diligent work that many of the Peoria Marines invested in its construction.
The Engineer Support Company Peoria Marines who are here aboard Camp Al-Taqaddum are also working very hard with more road repair tasking and heavy equipment operation both on and off the base. During this rainy part of the year, our Support Marines are tasked with a good deal of work aligned with drainage projects which includes road grading and the transport and spreading of gravel.
Our leadership in Camp Fallujah, just to the East of us between here and Baghdad, tell me that our Engineers working there are also doing well and are highly engaged with many projects that they are executing. They remain on-track to return about one month after we Camp Al-Taqaddum Marines.
We are all very happy to see the long month of January in our “rear view mirror” and are eagerly moving forward through February toward our long-anticipated return. As has been the case since August, your continued support makes all of the difference. Please be aware that the cut-off for incoming mail to arrive in TQ is 1 March, but please keep your support coming until then. Camp Fallujah Marines will be able to receive mail for a few weeks beyond that.
Finally, take note that the outgoing email and phone call capability (from TQ and Fallujah) has been temporarily reduced as of 31 January due to an undersea cable cut in the Mediterranean Sea. We are hoping for that to be repaired in mid-February--until then we are able to get very few emails or phone calls out, but can still receive email and of course snail mail.
Hang in there; the light at the end of the tunnel is swinging into view. Until next time--
Semper Fidelis,
Major David Haney Company Commander Engineer Company “C”
And greetings from cool and wet Iraq. Although we are certainly not dealing with the Illinois bitter cold and snow drifts, we have seen a marked change in the weather in the first month of this New Year. Rest assured, mission accomplishment continues despite wind, sand, rain and mud.
As always, the Peoria Marine Engineers continue to get a lot done and impress the supported units here with the quality of their hard work. One of the latest Camp Al-Taqaddum project completions has been the new Chapel at Engineer Village, here on board the base. The Battalion Chaplain is a very proud curator of that new structure and is most pleased with the diligent work that many of the Peoria Marines invested in its construction.
The Engineer Support Company Peoria Marines who are here aboard Camp Al-Taqaddum are also working very hard with more road repair tasking and heavy equipment operation both on and off the base. During this rainy part of the year, our Support Marines are tasked with a good deal of work aligned with drainage projects which includes road grading and the transport and spreading of gravel.
Our leadership in Camp Fallujah, just to the East of us between here and Baghdad, tell me that our Engineers working there are also doing well and are highly engaged with many projects that they are executing. They remain on-track to return about one month after we Camp Al-Taqaddum Marines.
We are all very happy to see the long month of January in our “rear view mirror” and are eagerly moving forward through February toward our long-anticipated return. As has been the case since August, your continued support makes all of the difference. Please be aware that the cut-off for incoming mail to arrive in TQ is 1 March, but please keep your support coming until then. Camp Fallujah Marines will be able to receive mail for a few weeks beyond that.
Finally, take note that the outgoing email and phone call capability (from TQ and Fallujah) has been temporarily reduced as of 31 January due to an undersea cable cut in the Mediterranean Sea. We are hoping for that to be repaired in mid-February--until then we are able to get very few emails or phone calls out, but can still receive email and of course snail mail.
Hang in there; the light at the end of the tunnel is swinging into view. Until next time--
Semper Fidelis,
Major David Haney Company Commander Engineer Company “C”
Extreme Makeover Home Edition 2.10.2008
This promises to be a great show! tune in this sunday night and spread the word.
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition - Extreme Makeover Home Edition - Projects - ABC.com#t=0# t=0 ,
Just click on "next episodes" and see what they are doing next weekend, airs on Sunday evening .
Gilyeat family
Sun Feb 10 8/7c
Ty and the crew salute a Marine hero who served two tours in Iraq and lost his leg in combat. "Hannah Montana's" Miley Cyrus makes a surprise meeting and performs.
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition - Extreme Makeover Home Edition - Projects - ABC.com#t=0# t=0 ,
Just click on "next episodes" and see what they are doing next weekend, airs on Sunday evening .
Gilyeat family
Sun Feb 10 8/7c
Ty and the crew salute a Marine hero who served two tours in Iraq and lost his leg in combat. "Hannah Montana's" Miley Cyrus makes a surprise meeting and performs.
Engineer Company C Update
Capt Miller & CWO Baker,
Please keep me in mind for any Engineer Company C homecoming planning & preparations. Be reminded that there are numerous former Marines and local Friends of the Marine Corps here in the tri-county area that are very proud of all the Marines out on Plank Road and would be more then willing to step up to the plate and provide assistance of all kind to the Marines and their families. All that these folks need are to be told what you plan on doing and what you need them to go out and get. I ask that you set a date for a noon meeting in the next week or so and invite several of us to come and hear what you have planned and let us know what we can do to support the homecoming events. I'd be more then happy to attend a quick session during your next drill weekend if necessary.
-- Forwarded by Mike P. Mccarthy/0A/Caterpillar on 02/06/2008 08:42 AM
"Haney Maj David (TQ 2ND SUPPLY BN H&S CO PROCESS IMPROVEMENT CONSULTANT)" 02/06/2008 01:27 AM
Subject
Engineer Company C Update for Feb 2008
Caterpillar: Confidential Green Retain Until: 03/07/2008
Greetings Caterpillar, Here is Engineer Company C’s February update. I would attach some pictures, but the cable cut under the Mediterranean is slowing things down here in more ways than one—and I feel fortunate for now just to be able to transmit this. Overall, we are hanging in there and looking forward to our return in about 6 weeks. The “United States Appreciation Program” continues to be an effective course of instruction. Best regards to you all.
David Major David Haney 3424-018 david.haney@tq.mnf-wiraq.usmc.mil
[America] sleeps safe in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those that would do us harm. - George Orwell
Please keep me in mind for any Engineer Company C homecoming planning & preparations. Be reminded that there are numerous former Marines and local Friends of the Marine Corps here in the tri-county area that are very proud of all the Marines out on Plank Road and would be more then willing to step up to the plate and provide assistance of all kind to the Marines and their families. All that these folks need are to be told what you plan on doing and what you need them to go out and get. I ask that you set a date for a noon meeting in the next week or so and invite several of us to come and hear what you have planned and let us know what we can do to support the homecoming events. I'd be more then happy to attend a quick session during your next drill weekend if necessary.
-- Forwarded by Mike P. Mccarthy/0A/Caterpillar on 02/06/2008 08:42 AM
"Haney Maj David (TQ 2ND SUPPLY BN H&S CO PROCESS IMPROVEMENT CONSULTANT)"
Subject
Engineer Company C Update for Feb 2008
Caterpillar: Confidential Green Retain Until: 03/07/2008
Greetings Caterpillar, Here is Engineer Company C’s February update. I would attach some pictures, but the cable cut under the Mediterranean is slowing things down here in more ways than one—and I feel fortunate for now just to be able to transmit this. Overall, we are hanging in there and looking forward to our return in about 6 weeks. The “United States Appreciation Program” continues to be an effective course of instruction. Best regards to you all.
David Major David Haney 3424-018 david.haney@tq.mnf-wiraq.usmc.mil
[America] sleeps safe in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those that would do us harm. - George Orwell
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Monday, January 21, 2008
The Marine Corps League Mission Statement
From the National Marine Corps League Web Page
Members of the Marine Corps League join together in camaraderie and fellowship for the purpose of preserving the traditions and promoting the interests of the United States Marine Corps, banding together those who are now serving in the United States Marine Corps and those who have been honorably discharged from that service that they may effectively promote the ideals of American freedom and democracy, voluntarily aiding and rendering assistance to all Marines and former Marines and to their widows and orphans; and to perpetuate the history of the United States Marine Corps and by fitting acts to observe the anniversaries of historical occasions of particular interest to Marines.
History
The Marine Corps League perpetuates the traditions and spirit of ALL Marines and Navy FMF Corpsmen, who proudly wear or who have worn the eagle, globe and anchor of the Corps. It takes great pride in crediting its founding in 1923 to World War I hero, then Major General Commandant John A. Lejeune. It takes equal pride in its Federal Charter, approved by An Act of the Seventy-Fifth Congress of the United States of America and signed and approved by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on August 4, 1937. The League is the only Federally Chartered Marine Corps related veterans organization in the country. Since its earliest days, the Marine Corps League has enjoyed the support and encouragement of the active duty and Reserve establishments of the U. S. Marine Corps. Today, the League boasts a membership of nearly 61,000 men and women, officer and enlisted, active duty, Reserve Marines, honorably discharged Marine Veterans and qualified Navy FMF Corpsmen and is one of the few Veterans Organizations that experiences increases in its membership each year.
The Marine Corps League is headed by an elected National Commandant, with 14 elected National Staff Officers who serve as trustees. The National Board of Trustees coordinates the efforts of 48 department, or state, entities and the activities of over 900 community-based detachments located throughout the United States and overseas. The day-to-day operations of the League are under the control of the National Executive Director with the responsibility for the management and direction of all programs, activities, and affairs of the Marine Corps League as well as supervising the National Headquarters staff.
The prime authority of the League is derived from its Congressional charter and from its annual National Convention held each August in different major U.S. cities throughout the nation. It is a not-for-profit organization within the provisions of the Internal Revenue Service Code 501(c) (4), with a special group exemption letter which allows for contributions to the Marine Corps League, its Auxiliary and subsidiary units, to be tax deductible by the donor.
PROGRAMS OF THE MARINE CORPS LEAGUE
MARINES HELPING MARINES - WOUNDED MARINES PROGRAM
The program was created to support injured Marine Corps personnel located at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC, Brooke Army hospital in San Antonio, as well as the Naval Hospitals at Balboa, Camp Pendleton and elsewhere. The scope of support encompasses; financial, visits from Marine Corps League members, off site day trips to include family outings, dinners, short trips in support of the individual Marines’ needs and professional sporting events as tickets and opportunities present themselves.
YOUNG MARINES OF THE MARINE CORPS LEAGUE
A youth program emphasizing honesty, courage, respect, industry, loyalty, dependability, and a sense of devotion to God, country, community and family. The Young Marines program receives funding from Congress and the United States Marine Corps primarily because of their drug interdiction focus on drug education and prevention.
U. S. MARINES YOUTH PHYSICAL FITNESS PROGRAM
The League developed and administers a program that provides a physical fitness regimen that promotes a healthy, drug free life style for elementary and high school students.
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
The Marine Corps League has long regarded the program of the Boy Scouts of America as in support of the Preamble of the Constitution of the League. The League supports the Boy Scouts of America as they promote traditional family values to America’s youth. The Marine Corps League participates in Scouting through assistance with units, districts, and councils, in community projects, merit badge programs, and special recognition of Eagle Scouts.
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Members of the Marine Corps League fund scholarships through donations from individual members and subordinate units of the Marine Corps League and Auxiliary. Children and former Marines are eligible for academic scholarships for attendance at accredited colleges and universities.
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
The Marine Corps League is a member of The Military Coalition and participates in National and State legislative issues that affect military readiness, benefits and entitlements of active duty personnel as well as Veterans Benefits programs effecting former and retired Marines.
VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER PROGRAM
The National Headquarters retains a full-time staff member who assists veterans in adjudicating claims against the government as a result of active duty service. Claims are processed through the Department of Veterans Affairs or other appropriate agencies of the federal government.
VETERANS AFFAIRS VOLUNTARY SERVICE PROGRAM (VAVS)
Marine Corps League members contribute thousands of man-hours each year supplementing staffs at VA Hospitals and facilities in providing morale, comfort and assistance to institutionalized veterans.
MARINE CORPS LEAGUE AUXILIARY
The Marine Corps League Auxiliary was chartered on September 4, 1937 as a subsidiary organization of the Marine Corps League. On August 25, 1950, the Auxiliary was incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia as an affiliate of the Marine Corps League. The Auxiliary was formed for the purposes of promoting the interests of the U. S. Marine Corps, the Marine Corps League and to protect and advance the welfare of Marines and their dependents. Auxiliary members participate in a wide variety of programs that benefit and preserve the fundamental rights and freedoms of every person of this Nation, young and old.
MILITARY ORDER OF DEVIL DOGS
The fun and honor society of the Marine Corps League.
TOYS-FOR-TOTS
Marine Corps League Detachments in nearly every community take part annually in the United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys-For-Tots campaign to raise funds and collect and distribute toys to needy children. In communities where there is an existing Marine Corps Reserve Unit, the League works hand in hand supporting their campaign. In other communities, the Marine Corps League takes the lead, ensuring a successful campaign.
MARINE-4-LIFE/INJURED MARINE SUPPORT PROGRAM
The League works very closely with the Marine Corps’ M-4-L program, providing mentors nationwide. In areas of the country where there is no Marine Corps “point of contact”, the League works directly with M-4-L Headquarters to provide services to transitioning Marines.
ANNUAL CONVENTIONS
Members find the State and National Conventions of the League ideal vacation venues for themselves and family members. Held in a different city each year, many families attend year after year and particularly enjoy the many planned activities and tours related to these get-togethers.
The Marine Corps League is a charter member of The Military Coalition, The National Marine Corps Council, AdHoc Committee, Navy and Marine Corps Council, the National Veterans Day Committee, and is represented on countless committees and programs serving the military and veteran community.
The League participates in patriotic functions such as the National Memorial Day Parade and the National 4th of July Parade in Washington as well as countless statewide and community parades around the country. We provide representation to the U.S. Congress in legislative matters affecting the United States Marine Corps, national security and veteran’s benefits through our National Legislative Committee. Most importantly, Marine Corps League Detachments are actively involved in Community based programs throughout the country.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
3200 Marines to deploy to Afghanistan
Some of you may find this interesting. I like the undersecretary's comment that this is a 'one time only' deployment. 24 MEU and the Grunts from 2/7 based at 29 Palms are going.
http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2008/01/ap_marinesafghanistan_070114/
Mike P. Mccarthy
http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2008/01/ap_marinesafghanistan_070114/
Mike P. Mccarthy
The Pledge of Allegiance
John McCain's remarks about the Pledge of Allegiance
In light of the recent appeals court ruling in California, with respect to the Pledge of Allegiance, the following recollection from Senator John McCain is very appropriate:
'The Pledge of Allegiance' - by Senator John McCain
"As you may know, I spent five and one half years as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War. In the early years of our imprisonment, the NVA kept us in solitary confinement or two or three to a cell. In 1971 the NVA moved us from these conditions of isolation into large rooms with as many as 30 to 40 men to a room.
This was, as you can imagine, a wonderful change and was a direct result of the efforts of millions of Americans on behalf of a few hundred POWs 10,000 miles from home.
One of the men who moved into my room was a young man named Mike Christian.
Mike came from a small town near Selma , Alabama He didn't wear a pair of shoes until he was 13 years old. At 17, he enlisted in the US Navy. He later earned a commission by going to Officer Training School Then he became a Naval Flight Officer and was shot down and captured in 1967. Mike had a keen and deep appreciation of the opportunities this country and our military provide for people who want to work and want to succeed.
As part of the change in treatment, the Vietnamese allowed some prisoners to receive packages from home. In some of these packages were handkerchiefs, scarves and other items of clothing.
Mike got himself a bamboo needle. Over a period of a couple of months, he created an American flag and sewed it on the inside of his shirt.
Every afternoon, before we had a bowl of soup, we would hang Mike's shirt on the wall of the cell and say the Pledge of Allegiance.
I know the Pledge of Allegiance may not seem the most important part of our day now, but I can assure you that in that stark cell it was indeed the most important and meaningful event.
One day the Vietnamese searched our cell, as they did periodically, and discovered Mike's shirt with the flag sewn inside, and removed it.
That evening they returned, opened the door of the cell, and for the benefit of all of us, beat Mike Christian severely for the next couple of hours. Then, they opened the door of the cell and threw him in. We cleaned him up as well as we could.
The cell in which we lived had a concrete slab in the middle on which we slept. Four naked light bulbs hung in each corner of the room.
As I said, we tried to clean up Mike as well as we could. After the excitement died down, I looked in the corner of the room, and sitting there beneath that dim light bulb with a piece of red cloth, another shirt and his bamboo needle, was my friend, Mike Christian. He was sitting there with his eyes almost shut from the beating he had received, making another American flag. He was not making the flag because it made Mike Christian feel better. He was making that flag because he knew how important it was to us to be able to Pledge our allegiance to our flag and country.
So the next time you say the Pledge of Allegiance, you must never forget the sacrifice and courage that thousands of Americans have made to build our nation and promote freedom around the world. You must remember our duty, our honor, and our country."
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
In light of the recent appeals court ruling in California, with respect to the Pledge of Allegiance, the following recollection from Senator John McCain is very appropriate:
'The Pledge of Allegiance' - by Senator John McCain
"As you may know, I spent five and one half years as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War. In the early years of our imprisonment, the NVA kept us in solitary confinement or two or three to a cell. In 1971 the NVA moved us from these conditions of isolation into large rooms with as many as 30 to 40 men to a room.
This was, as you can imagine, a wonderful change and was a direct result of the efforts of millions of Americans on behalf of a few hundred POWs 10,000 miles from home.
One of the men who moved into my room was a young man named Mike Christian.
Mike came from a small town near Selma , Alabama He didn't wear a pair of shoes until he was 13 years old. At 17, he enlisted in the US Navy. He later earned a commission by going to Officer Training School Then he became a Naval Flight Officer and was shot down and captured in 1967. Mike had a keen and deep appreciation of the opportunities this country and our military provide for people who want to work and want to succeed.
As part of the change in treatment, the Vietnamese allowed some prisoners to receive packages from home. In some of these packages were handkerchiefs, scarves and other items of clothing.
Mike got himself a bamboo needle. Over a period of a couple of months, he created an American flag and sewed it on the inside of his shirt.
Every afternoon, before we had a bowl of soup, we would hang Mike's shirt on the wall of the cell and say the Pledge of Allegiance.
I know the Pledge of Allegiance may not seem the most important part of our day now, but I can assure you that in that stark cell it was indeed the most important and meaningful event.
One day the Vietnamese searched our cell, as they did periodically, and discovered Mike's shirt with the flag sewn inside, and removed it.
That evening they returned, opened the door of the cell, and for the benefit of all of us, beat Mike Christian severely for the next couple of hours. Then, they opened the door of the cell and threw him in. We cleaned him up as well as we could.
The cell in which we lived had a concrete slab in the middle on which we slept. Four naked light bulbs hung in each corner of the room.
As I said, we tried to clean up Mike as well as we could. After the excitement died down, I looked in the corner of the room, and sitting there beneath that dim light bulb with a piece of red cloth, another shirt and his bamboo needle, was my friend, Mike Christian. He was sitting there with his eyes almost shut from the beating he had received, making another American flag. He was not making the flag because it made Mike Christian feel better. He was making that flag because he knew how important it was to us to be able to Pledge our allegiance to our flag and country.
So the next time you say the Pledge of Allegiance, you must never forget the sacrifice and courage that thousands of Americans have made to build our nation and promote freedom around the world. You must remember our duty, our honor, and our country."
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
Monday, January 14, 2008
Peoria Times Observer
An excellent article was recently published on the front page of the Peoria Times Observer featuring our Marine Corps League.
This paper is delivered free and serves north Peoria. Extra copies can be purchased for $1.00.
A copy of the article will be available at the next meeting for those who did not see it.
This paper is delivered free and serves north Peoria. Extra copies can be purchased for $1.00.
A copy of the article will be available at the next meeting for those who did not see it.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Valentine's for Troops
PEORIA - The UPS Store will provide free first-class postage for Valentine's Day greetings to U.S. troops and veterans.
Beginning Monday, Operation: Sealed With a Kiss will provide free first-class postage for one-ounce letters addressed to military personnel stationed overseas or to veterans in hospitals.
Mail must be addressed to a specific U.S. serviceman or woman at an assigned APO/FPO address or to a specific veteran in a VA hospital. Eligible letters must also have a valid return address.
Loeb recommends sending greetings by Jan. 31 for international delivery by Valentine's Day, but mail will be accepted through Feb. 14.
Greetings may be dropped off at the Peoria UPS Store, 4408 North Rockwood Road, or the Pekin UPS Store, 3420 Veterans Drive.
Beginning Monday, Operation: Sealed With a Kiss will provide free first-class postage for one-ounce letters addressed to military personnel stationed overseas or to veterans in hospitals.
Mail must be addressed to a specific U.S. serviceman or woman at an assigned APO/FPO address or to a specific veteran in a VA hospital. Eligible letters must also have a valid return address.
Loeb recommends sending greetings by Jan. 31 for international delivery by Valentine's Day, but mail will be accepted through Feb. 14.
Greetings may be dropped off at the Peoria UPS Store, 4408 North Rockwood Road, or the Pekin UPS Store, 3420 Veterans Drive.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Marine Corps League of Peoria # 081
This page is the official page of the Marine Corps League of Peoria # 081. Our Navy and Marine Corps Club is located at 1310 E. Seiberling Ave Peoria Heights, IL 61616 (309) 682-8100.Any Marine with an honorable discharge is welcome to join our League. We meet at 1930 (7:30 pm for you Marines who have really taken off your pack) on the first Wednesday of each month.
We support veteran's organizations, The Illinois Veteran's Home in LaSalle, Company "C" (our Marines), Toys for Tots, Wounded Warrior's, as well as provide camaraderie for local Marines. Once a Marine, Always a Marine.
National Marine Corps League Web Page http://www.mcleague.org/
Marine Corps League Auxiliary Web Page http://www.nationalmcla.org/
Marine Corps League Illinois http://www.theillinoismarine.com/
United States Marine Corps http://www.marines.com/
Peoria Leathernecks at http://www.mcleague.com/mdp/userpages/PEORIA_LEATHERNECKS-186.php
Once a Marine, Always a Marine. Semper Fi!!!
Charlie Company, 6th Engineer Support Battalion
The History of Peoria's own Charlie Company, 6th Engineer Support Battalion.Our thanks to this fine unit.
Semper Fi
New Illinois Laws
here a couple of new Illinois laws relevant to Military community.
Gold Star license plate - HB167/PA95-0034 - Makes available specially designated "Gold Star" license plates to certain Illinois residents whose loved ones died while serving in the U.S. military.
Military scholarships - HB486/PA95-0064 - Adds Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom to the list of military conflicts for which each Illinois county receives one annual, honorary scholarship to the University of Illinois. The scholarships are awarded to children of veterans.
Gold Star license plate - HB167/PA95-0034 - Makes available specially designated "Gold Star" license plates to certain Illinois residents whose loved ones died while serving in the U.S. military.
Military scholarships - HB486/PA95-0064 - Adds Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom to the list of military conflicts for which each Illinois county receives one annual, honorary scholarship to the University of Illinois. The scholarships are awarded to children of veterans.
Freedom
" For those who fight for it, Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know!"
Found written on a c-ration box after the seige of Khe Sanh
Found written on a c-ration box after the seige of Khe Sanh
Next Meeting
The next Marine Corps League meeting will be held Wed. February 6, 730p.m. @ Navy, Marine Club, Seiberling, Peoria Heights.
See you there!!
See you there!!
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