A beautiful Saturday and another great turnout and show of support for our Troops as the perform the noblest of causes.  Protecting and defending us 24/7.  Special thanks to Paula for taking these pictures.

Thanks to everyone for coming out.  Thank You Troops!  Thank You Military Families!  See you next Saturday.

Here’s more photos from Fleet Week 2009 in New York City.  These are the USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7) Amphibious Assault Carrier, carries Marines to shores, called a “Gator Freighter” because it takes Marines from sea to land like an alligator.

Here’s below deck of the Iwo Jima, including the troops, displays, berthing area, crew’s mess, Navy Corpsmen (most beloved by Marines), troops donating blood, and a WWII sailor who said he wanted to reenlist.

Next are photos of the USS Roosevelt (DDG-80 ) a destroyer, posing in front of the ship is a female recruiter, and the USS Rossevelt SOY (Sailor of the Year).

Following are more displays from the Naval Research Laboratory which invents amazing high-tech equipment, including drone aircraft, and the “Swordfish” an underwater drone that takes pictures of problems under the ship.  Posing with the drones are the sailors that operate them.  Also some new technology from NRL including welding that doesn’t need gas or heat.  Plus some ballistic missiles, like the one used to for the satelite intercept in Feb 2008.  The USO was there too.

Next are photos from the Coast Guard ship USCGC Spencer, a Coast Guard ship.  The Spencer has been extremely busy.  Homeported in Boston, they have been fighting druggies, rescuing ships from other countries, and intercepting migrants up and down the east coast.  A Coast Guard Petty Officer told us of a 35-foot vessel that had over 300 Haitians on it that they rescued, took onboard, fed, medical exams, and returned to safety.

Next are pictures as I headed downtown, including this first one showing a female MP with a Special Agent at the pier, followed by photos of troops downtown.

In an Irish pub with sailors JB and Rick.  We met a Swiss Army soldier who had just returned from 8 months in Afghanistan.  He and his fiance partied with us for a good while.

Here’s a soldier wearing a beret.   I asked him what service he was in and he said “I’m a British Royal Marine” and I said, “Are you an officer?” and he said, “No, I’m a Marine”.

Later I got to spend some time with Pamela Geller (Atlas Shrugs).  She’s a very good friend of the Sheepdogs and our Victory Movement and told me to tell everyone “You are all doing a great job supporting our troops in West Chester.”

Finally, is a photo of Jean and her Marine husband Jerry.  Jerry is the CO of Bridge Company B which is getting ready to deploy to Iraq.  They had a barbeque at their home in New Jersey.  We will be thinking of Jerry and all his Marines as they prepare to go into harm’s way to keep us safe at home.

I wish everyone could experience Fleet Week.  It really makes you appreciate all the skill, training, courage, and patriotism that our troops have.  They truly are America’s heroes and deserve all our thanks and praise.

Memorial Day is a day of remembrance. A day to remember all those who have died in our nation’s service. It is also a day for all of us to give thanks and offer prayers for all of the brave men and women who have recognized that “Service is Self.” The men and women of our military are the very best our country has to offer. Their selfless service to the United States and to it’s people is a shining beacon for each of us.

Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together as a nation to honor those who gave their all. It is a day to reflect on the sacrifices made by so many brave Americans – Americans like Michael Monsoor, A Navy Seal, who was awarded the Medal of Honor. Michael Monsoor died on September 29, 2006, while serving in Iraq. Michael was providing cover to an Army unit when a grenade hit him in the chest. He dived on it, saving the lives of two others. As President Bush said in awarding Michael’s parents his Medal of Honor, “He had a clear chance to escape, but in his mind, it was not a choice at all.” Michael understood that Service to one’s Country is the highest calling. As we remember all of those who have died in service to America, let us also say a prayer for those still in harm’s way.

I often think, as we come together to remember, reflect and honor those who have given their all in service to their country, of the famous poem, “In Flanders Field”.

“Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.”

Let us pledge on this sacred day to never break faith with those who have died.

Fleet Week is a great time when US Navy ships come to New York City.  It’s an opportunity to tour the ships and personally thank the sailors and Marines for protecting and defending America.  These young troops are so proud of what they do.  Over and over they repeat, “if not me then who?”   They know exactly what they are doing, they are special and they understand that this country is worth defending.  They take their vow, to protect the country against all enemies foreign and domestic, seriously.  They deserve our eternal thanks and praise.  This is my scrapbook of pictures as I toured the USS Iwo Jima, the USS Roosevelt, and the USCGC Spencer.  Most of these troops have recently returned from deployments in harm’s way.  You will see the face of America’s true heroes. 

USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7) is an Amphibious Assault Carrier. It has a crew of about 1000. It's as big as an Aircraft Carrier, but it's mission is to carry about 2500 Marines and all their vehicles and equipment to hostile shores. Inside are Landing Crafts that tranport the Marines to the beach.

From the flight deck of the USS Iwo Jima.

Among the many tourists was this Vietnam Veteran -"Welcome Home!"

A pilot stands next to his aircraft.

Another pilot next to his helicopter.

 

Flight crew and maintenance pose with their helo. The Osprey - takes off like a helocopter, then the propellers tilt forward and flies like a plane. Flight crew member in his Osprey. Pilot

Osprey Pilot

Pilot

New York City's finest were onboard too. A Marine Gunny prepares to lead the Marines for a marching demonstration. Marines march on the flight deck of the USS Iwo Jima. A Marine Gunny prepares to lead the Marines for a marching demonstration. Marines march on the flight deck of the USS Iwo Jima.

WWII POW and his son tour the USS Iwo Jima.

 

Inside USS Iwo Jima, Marines displayed their various weapons, tanks, and vehicles.

Sailors stand next to a Humvee below deck.

Once again, regular Americans came out for an hour in West Chester to show support for the troops and their families.  At the end we sang the National Anthem, recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, and said a prayer for our troops’ protection and success. 

Paula passed our “Salute The Troops” coin to John, who is always joined by his wife and two children, congrats John.  We had several newcomers including a Vietnam Army Vet named Mike, and another Mike, a Marine and childhood friend of Joe Crescenz, plus Don and Terry.  It’s always great to see the military family members who attend.  Thanks to everyone for coming and we’ll see you next week!

The EAA (Employee Activity Association) is sponsoring a Support Our Troops campaign.

Paula’s company is doing a drive for the troops.  Any donations can be contributed to Paula at the American Sheepdog’s rally.  All donations need to be given to Paula no later than the 13th of May.

Here’s a list of preferred items to donate.

CANDY
Candy (hard candy/heat resistant)
Gum
Throat Drops
Twizzlers

CORRESPONDENCE
Journals
Padded Envelopes
Pens/Pencils
Writing Paper and Envelopes

DRINK
Coffee (instant)
Coffee Creamer
Gatorade
Hot Cocoa
Kool-Aid bursts- to freeze
Powdered Drink Mixes
Tea Mixes (sweet)

ELECTRONIC
CD Fanny Packs
CDs (music, books on CD)
DVDs (comedy, American travel)
Hand held electronic games
MP3 Players
Tapes

FOOD (including dry goods, snacks)
Beef Jerky
Canned Food (cheese, meats, etc)
Canned Fruit (pop top cans)
Cereal (in small boxes)
Chips
Cookies (including Girl Scout)
Crackers
Energy Bars (Cliff or Balance)
Granola Bars
Oatmeal (instant)
Pistachios and other nuts
Pop-Tarts
Popcorn
Ramen Noodles/Cup of Soup
Ravioli (pop top cans)
Salsa & Bean Dip
Snack Mix & Fruit Roll ups
Sugar packets
Sunflower & Pumpkin seeds
Tuna Kits

GAMES
Board Games
Checkers (travel size)
Chess (travel size)
Crossword Puzzles
Drawing pads/art pencils
Playing Cards
Sudoku books

PRINTED MATERIALS
Books (novels, short stories, history)
Comic Strips/Joke Books
Magazines
Newspapers (local)
Post Cards from Home

SPORTING EQUIPMENT
Baseballs/Gloves/Bats
Dart Board
Footballs
Golf Balls
Hacky Sacks
Soccer Balls

TOILETRIES/HYGIENE
Baby/Wet Wipes
Callous Removers
Dental Floss
Deodorant (gel or solid)
Eye Drops
Eyeglass Wipes
Facial Scrub
Femine Hygiene Products (for female soldiers)
Foot Powder
Hairbrushes
Hand Sanitizers (waterless)
Lip Balm with SPF 15+
Lotion (hand/body/face)
Mouthwash
Nail Clippers
Nose spray
Powder (Gold Bond)
Q-Tips
Razors (disposable)
Shampoo/Conditioner
Shower Shoes
Sunscreen
Tissues (heavy duty – i.e. Puffs)
Toilet Paper (name brand)
Toothpaste/Toothbrushes
Travel size body wash
Tweezers
Tylenol/Motrin (individual packets)

OTHER
American Flags (small)
Baggies (with zip lock)
Batteries (AAA, AA, C, D, 9V)
BBQ cooking supplies/tools
Boot laces (brown/tan)
Bowls (large for Ramen noodles/popcorn)
Bug Spray (must be packaged in zip-lock bag)
Cameras (digital, disposable, Polaroid)
Camping Items/Equipment
Chair (folding camping chair)
Duct Tape (olive green)
Dust pan (for sand)
Fans (battery powered – small – with extra batteries)
Flashlights (mini/mag lite, extra bulbs, lots of batteries)
Fly Strips & Swatters
Fly/Ant/Mouse Traps
Foot Massager
Gloves (Nomex Aviator’s)
Hand and Foot Warmers
Hometown stuff
Instant Ice-Packs
Letters from veterans & citizens
Neck Scarf/Gator
Patch Kit
Phone Cards (pre-paid, AAFES)
Photo Albums
Pinch Lights
Plastic spoons
Shoe Insole Cushions
Socks (cushioned white calf high)
Socks (moisture-wicking boot socks)
Spray Bottle (for water)

Let Paula (pjstiles@verizon.net) know if you have any questions.

Thank you for your support!

American patriots turned out on a rainy day to show their thanks and praise for the job our troops are doing to keep us free.

The best was at the end when we all sang the “Star Spangled Banner”, recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and said a prayer for our troops’ protection and success.

Special welcome to Barb and Bruce.  Carl passed our “Salute The Troops” coin to Quentin Cody.  Thanks to all who came out.  We’ll see you again next week.

Courage, Sacrifice, Love

My prized possession, surprisingly, is just a picture. It’s not an ordinary picture though. It’s a picture of Lt. Michael Murphy, a Navy SEAL who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect his fellow SEALs and our nation. Just thinking of his picture makes me emotional. I admire his courage, strength, and love of country and friends. Receiving the picture started with me writing an essay in 5th grade recommending Michael Murphy for “Person of the Year”. I chose him for “Person of the Year” because he was willing to die to save his fellow SEALs.

Four Navy SEALs were assigned a difficult task in the mountainous border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. They had to sneak up and find a terrorist group so the U.S. military could defeat them. The four Navy SEALs were spotted by three goat herders. The SEALs decided to let them go; however, the goat herders didn’t return the favor. The goat herders informed the Taliban of the SEALs position resulting in a quickly launched attack against the SEAL team. Even though the SEALs were outnumbered one hundred to four, they fought valiantly for two hours and managed to kill about thirty-five Taliban. All four Navy SEALs had multiple gunshot wounds yet kept fighting. Lt. Michael Murphy stood out as the ultimate hero by walking out into the open during the middle of the battle so he could use a satellite phone to call in for backup. He knew he would be shot but did it anyway. He was shot through the back but managed to keep talking to headquarters. After the call he was shot again and died. That call eventually led to the rescue of his teammate Marcus Luttrell, who told this story in the book “Lone Survivor”. Due to Lt. Michael Murphy’s selfless and heroic actions, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by President Bush.

My father sent a copy of my essay along with his condolences to Michael Murphy’s parents. A few weeks later I received a thank-you letter from Mrs. Murphy and her son’s naval portrait. When I look at this picture, I become emotional. I think of his courage displayed when he stepped into the shooting zone to save his fellow SEALs. I also think of his powerful love for his friends and country when he sacrificed his own life. In order to describe what his picture means to me, I would need more than a thousand words.