FReeper Canteen ~ Hall of Heroes: GEN David H Petraeus Part 5 ~ December 1, 2008

Serving The Best Troops and Veterans In The World | StarCMC and Olive the Other Reindeer

[Kathy in Alaska]

Our Troops Rock!  Thank you for all you do!

For the freedom you enjoyed yesterday... Thank the Veterans who served in The United States Armed Forces.

Looking forward to tomorrow's freedom? Support The United States Armed Forces Today!

~ Hall of Heroes ~

GEN David H. Petraeus
Part 5 - Military Career 2008

Info from this website.

           

Multi-National Force - Iraq (Spring 2008)

On February 18, 2008, USA Today stated that "the U.S. effort has shown more success" and that, after the number of troops reached its peak in fall 2007, "U.S. deaths were at their lowest levels since the 2003 invasion, civilian casualties were down, and street life was resuming in Baghdad."[ In light of the significant reduction in violence and as the surge brigades began to redeploy without replacement, Petraeus characterized the progress as tenuous, fragile, and reversible and repeatedly reminded all involved that much work remains to be done. During an early February trip to Iraq, Defense Secretary Robert Gates endorsed the idea of a period of consolidation and evaluation upon completion of the withdrawal of surge brigades from Iraq.

Petraeus and Crocker continued these themes at their two full days of testimony before Congress on April 8th and 9th. During his opening statement, Petraeus stated that "there has been significant but uneven security progress in Iraq," while also noting that "the situation in certain areas is still unsatisfactory and that innumerable challenges remain" and that "the progress made since last spring is fragile and reversible." He also recommended a continuation of the drawdown of surge forces as well as a 45-day period of consolidation and evaluation after the final surge brigade has redeployed in late July. Analysts for USA Today and The New York Times stated that the hearings "lacked the suspense of last September's debate," but they did include sharp questioning as well as both skepticism and praise from various Congressional leaders.

In late May 2008, the Senate Armed Services Committee held nomination hearings for Petraeus and Lieutenant General Ray Odierno to lead United States Central Command and Multi-National Force-Iraq, respectively. During the hearings, Committee Chairman Carl Levin praised these two men, stating that "we owe Gen. Petraeus and Gen. Odierno a debt of gratitude for the commitment, determination and strength that they brought to their areas of responsibility. And regardless of how long the administration may choose to remain engaged in the strife in that country, our troops are better off with the leadership these two distinguished soldiers provide." During his opening statement, Petraeus discussed four principles that would guide his efforts if confirmed as CENTCOM Commander: seeking to strengthen international partnerships; taking a "whole of government" approach; pursuing comprehensive efforts and solutions; and, finally, both supporting efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan and ensuring readiness for possible contingency operations in the future. Petraeus also noted that during the week before his testimony, the number of security incidents in Iraq was the lowest in over four years. After Petraeus's returned to Baghdad, and despite the continued drawdown of surge forces as well as recent Iraqi-led operations in places like Basrah, Mosul, and Baghdad, the number of security incidents in Iraq remained at their lowest level in over four years.

Multi-National Force - Iraq (Summer and Fall 2008)

BBC News Controversy

In September 2008, Petraeus gave an interview to BBC News stating that he does not think using the term "victory" in describing the Iraq war is appropriate, saying "This is not the sort of struggle where you take a hill, plant the flag and go home to a victory parade... it's not war with a simple slogan." Anti-war liberal and libertarian bloggers seized on the interview to criticize Republicans who have used the term 'victory'. Conservative bloggers criticized the reaction for what they see as cherry picking and a distortion of Petraeus' words.

Petraeus had discussed the term 'victory' before in March 2008, saying to NPR News that "an Iraq that is at peace with itself, at peace with its neighbors, that has a government that is representative of — and responsive to — its citizenry and is a contributing member of the global community" could arguably be called 'victory'. On the eve of his change of command, in September 2008, Petraeus stated that "I don't use terms like victory or defeat... I'm a realist, not an optimist or a pessimist. And the reality is that there has been significant progress but there are still serious challenges."

Change of Command

On September 16, 2008, Petraeus formally gave over his command in Iraq to General Raymond T. Odierno in a government ceremony presided by Defense Secretary Robert Gates. During the ceremony, Gates stated that Petraeus "played a historic role" and created the "translation of a great strategy into a great success in very difficult circumstances". Gates also told Petraeus he believed "history will regard you as one of our nation's greatest battle captains." He presented Petraeus with the Defense Distinguished Service Medal. At the event, Petraeus mentioned the difficulty in getting the Sons of Iraq absorbed in the central Government of Iraq and warned about future consequences if the effort stalls. Indeed, when speaking of these and other challenges, Petraeus is the first to note that "the gains [achieved in Iraq] are tenuous and unlikely to survive without an American effort that outlasts his tenure." Even so, as Petraeus departed in Iraq, it was clear to all that he was leaving a much different Iraq than the one that existed when he took command in February 2007. As described by Dexter Filkins, "violence has plummeted from its apocalyptic peaks, Iraqi leaders are asserting themselves, and streets that once seemed dead are flourishing with life."

Please remember the Canteen is here to honor, support and entertain our troops and their families.  This is a politics-free zone!  Thanks for helping us in our mission!

[MS.BEHAVIN]

IN!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Please note: The author of the Hall of Heroes is StarCMC. Please thank her for today's thread.

GEN David H. Petraeus, Part 5

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[SandRat]

?

[HopeandGlory]

Good morning Troops, Veterans and Canteeners.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Our Flag Flying Proudly One Nation Under God

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Lord, Please Bless Our Troops, They're fighting for our Freedom.

Prayers going up.

[AZamericonnie]

Supporting our Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, and Coast Guardsmen
at more than 1,000 places across the U. S. and around the world.

~Tribute to Our Troops~

[Kathy in Alaska]

Honoring Our Heroes

AbnSarge USA
Allegra
3 sons (armymarinemom and amdad)
Brett USN (CindyDawg)
Brother and Son-in-Law (kalee)
Cannoneer No. 4
CAPT Future Snake Eater USA (RightOnline)
CAPT Jason Clendenin (friend of Frou)
Chris USA (amom)
Chuck USA (RightOnline)
COL Mike (gpapa)
CMS USA
David USAF (LUV W)
Defender2
Deven USA (Shimmer)
Ethan USMC (georgiabelle)
Fred (DocRock)
GulfWar1Vet USA
IS2 Brianne USN (My Hearts in London - Everett)
IS2 Heather USN (My Hearts in London - Everett)
Jade Falcon USN
JemiansTerror USA (Jemian)
Jet Jaguar USAF
Joel (NEMDF)
Jonathan USMC (AZbushgal)
Josh USN (doug from upland)
Karen USA (fatima's granddaughter)
KB4W USAF (arbee4bush)
Kenneth (Sweetbaby/LadyPilgrim)
Kevin USMC (skimask)
Kevin and David USA (vigilante2)
Laurita USA
LCPL Carter USMC
Lindsay (Sweetbaby/LadyPilgrim)
LT David (Coldwater Creek)
M1911A1 USMC (M0sby)
M1Tanker
Major joma89 USAF
MEG33's Navy Grandson
Michael USAR (RightOnline)
Mike1Sg USA (mystery-ak)
Milo828 USA (mystery-ak)
Nate USN (sneakers)
Old Sarge USA
OneLoyalAmerican USCG
PFC Dan USA (son of swmobuffalo)
PFC Jake USMC (son of Enough_Deceit)
Pvt Alex USA (son of Enough_Deceit)
Robert, Jeremy, Daynnis USA (SoldierDad)
Sat-Com Chris USA (son of KC Burke)
SGT Brian USA (repubmom)
SGT Dusty USA (MountainDad)
SGT Ev USA (Mozie)
SGT Sean Reed (preed)
SGT Spencer USA (grame)
Son USCG (GodBlessUSA)
SPC Mike USA (AbnSarge)
SSG Mitchel USA (tina07)
SSGT Don May Jr USMC (debm29palms)
SSGT John Linde USA (JFoxbear)
Terrence USN (Sweetbaby/LadyPilgrim)
The Sailor
tongue-tied USN/USA
Tonkin USN/USCG
txradioguy USA
Valerie USAF (Shimmer)
Victor and Tony D USMC (weldgophardline)
William USA (jackv)

 

[BIGLOOK]

Aloha Night Owl!

[SevenofNine]

OH LORDY look what I found on HULU LOL!

I remember this I even tell you what time I came on in late 1970s it was on KTLA Channel 5 you have this and godzilla movie back to back to back then Monster movie

http://www.hulu.com/watch/7258/johnny-sokko-and-his-flying-robot-transformed-humans

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thanks, Olive the Other Reindeer, for helping Star with today's Hall of Heroes: GEN David Petraeus Part 5.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Hello Veterans, wherever you are!!

[Kathy in Alaska]

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thanks, Families, for your service to our country.

Thanks, unique, for the perfect woohoo.

John Conlee ~ They Also Serve

[Old Sarge]

Boogedy-boogedy!

[Tanniker Smith]

Good evening, Kathy!

Good evening, all!

[Kathy in Alaska]

And in 1st....ms b grabs the gold!!

[Kathy in Alaska]

And snagging the silver....Sand is in 2nd!!

[The Mayor]

Freep mail me to be on or off the Daily Bread ping list

December 1, 2008

Waiting For Joy

ODB RADIO: Listen Now |  Download
READ: 2 Corinthians 4:8-18

Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. —Psalm 30:5

A large part of life centers around anticipation. How much we would lose if we were to wake up one day to the unexpected announcement: “Christmas in 10 minutes!” The enjoyment in many of life’s events is built on the fact that we have time to anticipate them.

Christmas, vacations, mission trips, sporting events. All grow in value because of the hours we spend looking forward to them—eagerly running through our minds the fun, challenges, and excitement they’ll bring.

I think about the value of anticipation and the thrill it can bring to the human heart when I read Psalm 30:5, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” The psalmist is declaring the comforting idea that our earthly sorrow lasts but a short time when compared with the anticipated joy that will begin in heaven and last forever. Paul pens a similar idea in 2 Corinthians 4:17, where we discover that our “light affliction” leads to a glory of eternal value.

For now, those of us who weep can dwell on hope instead of hopelessness and anticipation instead of sorrow. It may be nighttime in our hearts, but just ahead lies the dawn of eternity. And with it, God promises the endless joy of heavenly morning.

Tribulation, grief, and sorrow
Are but heaven’s steppingstones
To a bright and glad tomorrow
Where no heartache can be known. —Glass

We can endure this life’s trials because of the next life’s joys.

Bible in One Year: Joel 1–3; Proverbs 22:1-8

[Kathy in Alaska]

Aloha, Hawaii....did you have a nice weekend?

[Kathy in Alaska]

And bagging the bronze....Nana Hope rounds out the top 3!!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thanks, AZ, for the red, white, and blue tribute.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, Sarge....did you and The Boy have a Thanksgiving weekend project?

[Old Sarge]

Wii had a wonderful time. The Boy and I spent a great many hours enjoying things Wii like to do together.

Have I given you a good report of what Wii did?

[Kathy in Alaska]

United States Marine Corps Band~National Anthem

[MS.BEHAVIN]

Thank you, Ma!
*HUG*
Good evening everyone!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Just look at you, ms b...in first!

[MS.BEHAVIN]

AAAAAAHHHH!!!
LOL
(((((Old Sarge))))))))
Good evening Sir Knight!

[MS.BEHAVIN]

How about dat?
Dat hasn’t happened in a long time!

[MeekMom]

Dear Hunter,




Free Comments and Graphics

[MeekMom]

Free Comments and Graphics

[Kathy in Alaska]

THANKSGIVING FEAST - U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Nick Biggs, a C-130 Hercules copilot, enjoys a Thanksgiving dinner, Nov. 27, 2008, at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. A contracting company providing catering services to deployed coalition forces put extra effort into providing the time-honored feast to American servicemembers at Bagram. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse

THANKSGIVING DUTY - U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Joshua Toth, a heavy equipment operator in the 455th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, smoothes wet concrete on Thanksgiving, Nov. 27, 2008. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, TS...hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and a relaxing weekend.

[BIGLOOK]

Aloha again, Night Owl!

A rather surprising weekend. But that's a long story.

Thanks for the washable crayons idea....I like it! However the kids think permanent artwork may pay off in the end.

How enduring!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, Mayor....thanks for today’s sustenance for body and soul.

[PERKY2004]

IN!!!

[PERKY2004]

Wooo Hoooo! Counting down the days until vacation!!!! It's Sunday night here in California and we're packing, packing, packing! We leave Tuesday morning for 10 days in Hawaii!!! YAY!!!! We've been looking forward to this vacation for such a long time!

[Kathy in Alaska]

How about one of these for the budding artists? Then you could tear off the artwork and affix it to your walls, to be proudly displayed for all.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Kate Smith ~ God Bless America

[RockerMom2MyHero]

Great job, Gen. Petraeus! A picture tells a thousand words. Thanks for this wonderful thread about a true hero, Kathy.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thanks, Nana Hope, for today's Pledge. Thanks, AfghanMan and Penguin Girl, for your service to America.

[LUV W]

Thank you for reminding us of ALL our heroes, Kathy!

God bless them all and keep them safe!

[LUV W]

Purdy, (((MM)))

Greetings to you, too!

[LUV W]

MS. BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

((((((((((hugs)))))))))))

How ya!?? Hope you had a good Sunday...I did!

[Kathy in Alaska]

I accept the thanks on behalf of StarCMC...I just posted for her. She has done a wonderful series on GEN Petraeus. He sure is a true hero.

Hope you and your family had a great Thanksgiving.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, Seven....interesting find. LOL!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Yes, you have given a good report of what Wii do....I have a better understanding now. What a fun thing for Dad and son to do together.

[LUV W]

I thank the two of you, also, for this series! He is quite
the man, and quite the hero!

[MS.BEHAVIN]

*HUG*
I;m off to bed...
;0(
Gotta go to w*** in the morning..
See ya later?

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thanks, MM, for the birthday greetings for Hunter.

[LUV W]

EEUUWW...W***! I am happy to say that I am off tomorrow, and
will really enjoy that.

Next weekend we are going to see our kids...especially Piper!