FReeper Canteen ~ Road Trip: Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona ~ 4 SEPT 2012

Serving The Best Troops and Veterans In The World !! | laurenmarlowe

[Kathy in Alaska]

 

 

~The FReeper Canteen Presents~

Road Trip: Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona

The U.S. Army's Yuma Proving Ground is one of the largest military installations in the world. Situated in southwestern La Paz County and western Yuma County in southwestern Arizona, U.S., approximately 30 miles north-east of the city of Yuma. The proving ground is used for testing military equipment and encompasses 1,307.8 square miles in the Sonora Desert.

In a typical year, over 500,000 artillery, mortar and missile rounds are fired, 36,000 parachute drops take place, 200,000 grueling road miles are driven on military vehicles, and over 4000 air sorties are flown from the proving ground’s Laguna Army Airfield.

A huge variety of weapon systems and munitions are tested. These include: long range artillery; missile firing aircraft; cargo and personnel parachutes; direct fire weapons; unmanned aerial systems; technologies to defeat roadside bombs; and a great many more.

Yuma Proving Ground test experts have worked on a seven-days-per-week, round-the-clock basis, to test eight variants of the Stryker armored vehicle since April 2002. Focusing on the vehicle's durability and performance, proving ground testers put 175,000 grueling road miles on the Stryker over gravel roads, pavement, cross-country, and all sorts of rough terrain.

This road testing took place to evaluate the engine, transmission, universal joints, and various other mechanical components. The Stryker variants fired well over 120,000 rounds from weapons mounted on the vehicles, including nearly 50,000 120mm projectiles from the Stryker Mortar Carrier.

Nearly all the primary ground weapon systems deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Enduring Freedom underwent extensive testing at the proving ground. As the Army's desert environment tester, the proving ground remains an extremely busy place. Yuma Proving Ground conducts weapon system and munitions testing for all U.S. military services, despite being an Army installation.

A small but significant number of tests are conducted each year for friendly foreign nations, such as Britain, Germany, Sweden, Canada, Singapore, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Italy, France, Israel, and others. The proving ground's long overland firing range (55 miles) and artillery and mortar testing expertise are a particular attraction. Private firms and law enforcement agencies (such as the U.S. Border Patrol and various police departments) have also tested weapons, munitions and other items at the proving ground.

Learn More About Yuma Proving Grounds Here!

 In 1959, 13 men joined together to form the Strategic Army Corps Sport Parachute Team, to compete in the then communist dominated sport of skydiving. The team performed so well that on June 1, 1961 the Army officially recognized, designated and activated the team as the U.S. Army Parachute Team. The "Golden Knights" are stationed at Fort Bragg, but participate in their Winter Training at Yuma Proving Ground.

Learn More About The Golden Knights Here!

FR CANTEEN MISSION STATEMENT~Showing support and boosting the morale of our military and our allies military and the family members of the above. Honoring those who have served before. 

Please remember: The Canteen is a place to honor and entertain our troops. The Canteen is family friendly. Let's have fun!

We pray for your continued strength, to be strong in the face of adversity.

We pray for your safety, that you will return to your families and friends soon.

We pray that your hope, courage, and dignity remain unbroken, so that you may show others the way.

God Bless You All ~ Today, Tomorrow and Always

 

 

[Kathy in Alaska]

And rounding out the top three....Stonewall bags the bronze!!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thanks, Mac, for our National Anthem....the Irish Tenors do a great job.

[luvie]

Ooo...that sounds yummy!

I just texted my hubby to bring pizza when he comes home from
his bible class. I love cell phones. LOL!

[ConorMacNessa]

THE SOLDIER’S CODE

---

Gen Dwight D. Eisenhower addresses troops of the 101st Airborne Division 5Jun1944 prior to D-Day Normandy

The Soldier’s Code

1) I am an American fighting man. I serve in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.

2) I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command, I will never surrender my men while they still have the means to resist.

3) If I am captured, I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy.

4) If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners. I will give no information or take part in any action which might be harmful to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me, and will back them up in every way.

5) When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I am bound to give only name, rank, service number, and date of birth. I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability. I will make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies, or harmful to their cause.

6) I will never forget that I am an American fighting man, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower, August, 1955.

Genuflectimus non ad principem sed ad Principem Pacis!

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, Mac...*HUGS*...hope you and your fibula have had a restful day.
Did your chef BBQ or otherwise provide a sumptuous repast?

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good afternoon and Aloha, Hawaii...((HUGS))...did the sun come out today?

Not here...rain overnight and a bit this morning....just overcast this afternoon. That’s good for the last day of the fair.

[ConorMacNessa]

A restful day, thanks! We did a stir-fry on the wok. John-man was at work until 8:00 - the last day of the season. Now I'm indulging in a nice Chardonnay - all is well!



Genuflectimus non ad principem sed ad Principem Pacis!

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, Stonewall and a Happy Labor Day to you as well. ((HUGS)

Did you have a nice, restful day?

[marktwain]

Thank you Kathy. Worked there for 23 years. Retired this year. My team supported nearly all the tests that you mention. I live in Yuma.

[ConorMacNessa]

ENJOY YOUR FREEDOM?



THANK YOUR VETS . . .



. . . AND YOUR SERVING MILITARY!!

THEY HAVE OUR SIX!!!!

Genuflectimus non ad principem sed ad Principem Pacis!

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

[left that other site]

Hi Everybody!
)((((···HUGS))))))

[Kathy in Alaska]

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

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, ML...((HUGS))...did you and Linda enjoy your Labor Day holiday? Did you have enough sun for a ride?

[Puckster]

There is a substantial number of OCONUS contractors that train at YPG’s.

BTW, I was on the USCG Sedge (when it was station there) in Cordova, 1970-72, and I’ve been from Adak to near the Pribilof Islands through the inland passage to BC.

I also spent 2 years in Hawaii serving.

If someone held a gun to my head and told me I had only 2 choices in life, move to Hawaii or to Alaska, I’d have to respond Alaska definitely.

The list of places I’ve been in Alaska along it’s southern coast is too numerous to post.....loved all of it.

[Stonewall Jackson]

I did. I had to work all weekend, getting ready for the holiday, a pair of massive resets, and a store wide inventory, so I was looking forward to having today and tomorrow off.

I spent part of the day reading Ronald Reagan's Speaking My Mind, which I picked up at the Reagan Presidential Library and Museum a few months ago. I highly recommend both the book and the museum.

How was your day?

[Old Sarge]

GREETINGS to all my Canteen, VK, Undead, and FRiends across the fruited plain!

I'd like to take the opportunity to announce that as of today, The Bride has joined us on Free Republic!

Her new screen name is, naturally, Bride Of Old Sarge!

Take a moment to welcome our newest FReeper and FRiend to the forum, as only we can!

[ConorMacNessa]

The Grey-Haired Brigade



They like to refer to us as senior citizens, old fogies, geezers, and in some cases dinosaurs. Some of us are "Baby Boomers" getting ready to retire. Others have been retired for some time. We walk a little slower these days and our eyes and hearing are not what they once were. We have worked hard, raised our children, worshiped our God and grown old together. Yes, we are the ones some refer to as being over the hill, and that is probably true. But before writing us off completely, there are a few things that need to be taken into consideration.

In school we studied English, history, math, and science which enabled us to lead America into the technological age. Most of us remember what outhouses were, many of us with firsthand experience. We remember the days of telephone party-lines, 25 cent gasoline, and milk and ice being delivered to our homes. For those of you who don't know what an icebox is, today they are electric and referred to as refrigerators. A few even remember when cars were started with a crank. Yes, we lived those days.

We are probably considered old fashioned and out-dated by many. But there are a few things you need to remember before completely writing us off. We won World War II, fought in Korea and Viet Nam . We can quote The Pledge of Allegiance, and know where to place our hand while doing so. We wore the uniform of our country with pride and lost many friends on the battlefield. We didn't fight for the Socialist States of America , we fought for the "Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave." We wore different uniforms but carried the same flag. We know the words to the Star Spangled Banner, America, and America the Beautiful by heart, and you may even see some tears running down our cheeks as we sing. We have lived what many of you have only read about in history books and we feel no obligation to apologize to anyone for America.

Yes, we are old and slow these days but rest assured, we have at least one good fight left in us. We have loved this country, fought for it, and died for it, and now we are going to save it. It is our country and nobody is going to take it away from us. We took oaths to defend America against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and that is an oath we plan to keep. There are those who want to destroy this land we love but, like our founders, there is no way we are going to remain silent.

It was mostly the young people of this nation who elected Obama and the Democratic Congress. You fell for the "Hope and Change" which in reality was nothing but "Hype and Lies." You have tasted socialism and seen evil face to face, and have found you don't like it after all. You make a lot of noise, but most are all too interested in their careers or "Climbing the Social Ladder" to be involved in such mundane things as patriotism and voting. Many of those who fell for the "Great Lie" in 2008 are now having buyer's remorse. With all the education we gave you, you didn't have sense enough to see through the lies and instead drank the 'Kool-Aid.' Now you're paying the price and complaining about it. No jobs, lost mortgages, higher taxes, and less freedom. This is what you voted for and this is what you got. We entrusted you with the Torch of Liberty and you traded it for a paycheck and a fancy house.

Well, don't worry youngsters, the Grey-Haired Brigade is here, and in 2012 we are going to take back our nation. We may drive a little slower than you would like but we get where we're going, and in 2012 we're going to the polls by the millions. This land does not belong to the man in the White House nor to the likes of Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid. It belongs to "We the People" and "We the People" plan to reclaim our land and our freedom. We hope this time you will do a better job of preserving it and passing it along to our grandchildren. So the next time you have the chance to say the Pledge of Allegiance, Stand up, put your hand over your heart, honor our country, and thank God for the old geezers of the "Grey-Haired Brigade."

Author, Anon. Grey-Haired Brigade Member

Footnote:

This is spot on. I am another Grey-Haired Geezer signing on. I will circulate this to other Grey-Haired Geezers all over this once great county. Can you feel the ground shaking??? It's not an earthquake, it is a STAMPEDE.

"In God We Trust"



Happy Moments, Praise God.
Difficult Moments, Seek God.
Quiet Moments, Worship God.
Painful Moments, Trust God.
Every Moment, Thank God.

Genuflectimus non ad principem sed ad Principem Pacis!

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

[luvie]

From West Texas
...Bride Of Old Sarge!!
Welcome to our world!
Hope you have a lovely time here! :)

[Bride Of Old Sarge]

Thank you! Glad to be here.

[M Kehoe]

Bttt.

5.56mm