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Cannot post due to copyright issues: http://www.usatoday.com/money/smallbusiness/2008-03-03-veterans-franchises_N.htm

Ok. I think I must apologize Have I been too busy? "Upon hearing my young friend's complaint, I had to sigh. In the back of my mind I recalled hearing of how my sister Pinkies and our friends at Veterans for Peace had been pelted by objects hurled at them by (you guessed it) the “Freepers” while visiting our wounded troops at Walter Reed."

I just had a student who's a conservative ask me this on another blog: "we will visit Washington, D.C. in the fall and meet with executive agencies, special interest groups, and congressmen. Our issue is Veteran's Affairs. Any thoughts on the way our government is treating our veterans? Any people you would recommend we meet with?" Please post your suggestions and I'll pass this on to my friend, alexander h. Thanks in advance!

I am a VHCM member, I spent 12 months in Vietnam (147th CH47-CE) as most of us did. I am also a disabled veteran; I have been a wheelchair user for 35 years now. A few months ago I went to listen to Barack Obama at a local college. When he was done with his speech I got in line to ask him a question. When my time came, my question was: ' Senator Obama ; I work with disabled veterans throughout the VA Hospital system, what is your plan for our veterans, especially our disabled veterans who use the...

This is a comment on the sacrifices our troops make every day.

Dear Friends, Family and fellow Americans, On this Fourth of July, as we celebrate our Country’s freedoms, I want you all to know about a great American. His story so powerful, Susan and I felt compelled to share it with you on this day in the spirit of those who have also served so honorably, that we may all enjoy the blessings of freedom. His name is Lt Col Allen West and he is running for US Congress. Upon detailed inquiry my wife Susan and I have chosen to support Col. West and we could not be more proud of...

I saw this man interviewed on Fox this morning. Great idea. Celebrate a job well done with the surge. Send some pizza. Apparently it's deep dish Chicago-style.

John Aravosis of Americablog has decided that since Barry Obambi doesn't have the service record or experience that McCain does....the clear attack should be to call John McCain a war criminal and incompetent for having been captured by enemy forces and spending several years as a POW during his service in the Vietnam War. Aravosis writes: "Getting shot down, tortured ...is not command experience". Does anyone else wanna slap this guy? I believe the American people are well aware of the McCain's service record and many consider him an American hero for enduring and sustaining all that he did. For...

I really have a great amount of pity for those millions of poor souls who have such undying faith in the promises made by any politician, particularly those who hold nationaloffices. Those who swallow this “Alice in Wonderland” rhetoric will suffer the deepest cuts of all when they step back through the looking glass and view reality for the first time. Perhaps the best available example of the “Promises Made-Promises Kept” lie can be found when viewing the health care provided for career military retirees. Those who enlisted in the armed forces from World War II through the Korean War...

Hello, I'm a senior high school student from Maryland and am looking to join the military. I figured the vetscor would be a good place for advice. I have been leaning toward the army and looking to go to possibly the academy, VMI, or Citadel. But is army the best choice; I am currently a member of army JROTC and I know most about it. Any opinions on which direction I should go would help a lot.

US Army reservist Matthis Chiroux has made liberals across America quiver with excitment as he publicly refused to report to active duty. Chiroux, a former sergeant in the US Army, has decided that since he does not agree with the Iraqi "occupation" that he is no longer obligated to follow orders. After serving 5 years in the Army, Chiroux was honorably discharged and placed in the Individual Ready Reserves (IRR) which essentially serves as a resource of former soldiers who can, at any time, be reactivated during war time or during a national emergency...very similar to the standard military Reserve...

http://pl.youtube.com/watch?v=KBwwFsKTJGs

This is an animated video revealing a magnificent moment of a hummingbird amidst a flowerily scene and has been redone to appear more realistic and peaceful.

I don't usually forward emails, but I work with Soldiers Angels by adopting soldiers and sending them letters, emails and care packages. I got an email request from a member of the group who is in Northern CA and trying to help a Navy vet. Please take a minute to read it and if you can help out a little, that would be great. --------------------------- I need your help. I am in Northern California and have been trying to help one of our vets, Chris and his fiancé Rhonda get back on the their feet. They are new arrivals to...

PESHAWAR, Pakistan (Reuters) - A pilotless U.S. drone was suspected to have fired a missile into a Pakistani area on the Afghan border on Tuesday, but there was no word on the target or casualties, a government official said.

A number of veteran events are coming up in the Sierra Vista area. “The one-year clock is ticking and the name of the game is fundraising,” said Joe Larson, administrator of the Southern Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery. He was speaking about next May’s reburial of remains of soldiers from the late 1800s from a Tucson cemetery to the Sierra Vista site. Larson spoke at the monthly meeting of the Grater Sierra Vista Area United Veterans Council meeting on Saturday. The Historic Soldiers Relocation Project will involve the reburial of 70 sets of remains, of which 53 are known, in an...

(English-language translation) WASHINGTON - The Department of State cleared the way yesterday for the United States to provide military education and training to the Guatemala Air Force, Navy, and Corps of Engineers. An announcement published in the Federal Register reports that these institutions respect human rights and cooperate with civil judicial investigations of military personnel who "have been the object of credible accusations of having committed human-rights violations." This "certification" was a requirement towards activating half a million dollars the United States will dedicate to those ends, according to the so-called Foreign Operations Law of 2008. The [Guatemala] Army is...

Since 2005, the Louisiana Senate has taken time during the Regular Legislative Session "to recognize Louisiana's fallen heroes and the enormous sacrifice made by their families for this state and the nation." This year, the following service members are saluted: Sergeant Joseph A. Richard, III - Grand Prairie, United States Army Staff Sergeant Timothy Cole, Jr. - Alexandria, United States Army Staff Sergeant Jarred S. Fontenot - Port Barre, United States Army Corporal Chris LeBleu - Lake Charles, United States Marine Corps Seargeant First Class John Hennen - Vinton, United States Army National Guard Specialist Marisol Heredia - Baton Rouge,...

The United States is considering moving the 8th Army headquarters to Hawaii by 2012, when wartime operational control is handed over to South Korea, military sources here said yesterday. Fighting units under the Yongsan-based headquarters, such as the 2nd Infantry Division and the 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, are to remain on the Korean Peninsula, they said. The relocation of the 8th Army headquarters to Hawaii, where the U.S. Pacific Command has its headquarters, is intended to revamp the military command structure here, according to the sources. Some critics are concerned that moving the headquarters outside the Korean Peninsula may...

The Silver Star Families of America was organized to remember, honor and assist the wounded of our Armed Forces in any way we can.

US Defense Secretary Robert Gates states that the low casualty rates are a sign of "real progress" in Iraq. Additionally, and equally as important, the number of Iraqi casualties has dropped significantly during the month of May as well. The drop in casualties on both sides is largely accredited to the heightened security measures taken in and around the country. The increase of 30,000 troops as requested by President Bush as well as the resistance al-Qaeda faced by Sunni tribal leaders are among the reasons for the low casualty rates. My question is why is the bloody-thirsty liberal media not...

Today is Memorial Day, May 30, 2008 and this video in my heart of hearts had to be “REDONE”, to express the moment of that day and the memory of sacrifices made aboard the Naval carrier USS Farrestal - CVA-59 on July 29, 1967 in North Vietnam – Gulf of Tonkin, South China Sea, at or about 10:50 AM. The results of the disaster were, fatalities 134 and as many as 70 or more men wounded. The song in this video is sung by the Five Blind Boys of Alabama, “I’m on the Battle Field’ and color pictures are contributed...

I ran across an article in the Army Times regarding the issuing of giving Purple Hearts to individuals suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) sustained during combat. This appears to be the origin of much debate… It seems to be that many members of the military want to continue distributing the award based on "singularly meritorious act of fidelity service" and that "a wound which necessitates treatment by a medical officer and which is received in action with an enemy, may, in the judgment of the commander authorized to make the award, be construed as resulting from a singularly...

A Letter from Iraq - Chaplain Garland Mason: Subject: Chaplain Mason’s brother, Cpl Chris Mason KIA 28 Nov 2006, and our men and women who have Fallen in battle. Date: 24 May 2008.The following letter was read at a "Memorial Wreath Laying" in memory of Cpl Chris Mason 24 May 2008. It was later read aloud by Senator Jeff Sessions (R) Alabama, during the Memorial Day service at the National Cemetery in Mobile 26 May 2008. The Senator felt the letter reflects the type of men and women who fight for our freedom.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I would first like to thank all...

My father-in-law is looking for Military cadences to exercise by. He is retired Navy and would love some cadences. Is there a site we can download some from? He misses the language in the navy

My parents recently purchased a home in Northwest San Antonio. My dad, a Vietnam Veteran, used his VA Home Loan to purchase the house they always wanted and rightfully deserved. After settling in my dad put up his flag pole---the same one we’ve had in every house I’ve ever lived in. We fly the American flag on a regular basis and a POW-MIA flag during appropriate holidays. My dad was approached by a member of the mandatory Home Owners Association (HOA) and said that some concerns were raised at the last HOA meeting with regards to “that damn Mexican’s” flag...

Lord, Keep our Troops forever in Your care Give them victory over the enemy... Grant them a safe and swift return... Bless those who mourn the lost. Amen. . FReepers from the Foxhole join in prayer for all those serving their country at this time. ...................................................................................... ........................................... U.S. Military History, Current Events and Veterans Issues Where Duty, Honor and Countryare acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated. Our Mission: The FReeper Foxhole is dedicated to Veterans of our Nation's military forces and to others who are affected in their relationships with Veterans. In the FReeper Foxhole, Veterans or their family members should...

Hi, I'm writing looking for information. A family member's recent obituary contains the reference "honorably served his country in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. He was a Marooned Mud Marine & received a Purple Heart. " None of knows what a 'marooned Mud Marine' was and we're hoping someone here will know. One guess is Guadalcanal. Thanks so much.

This video is in memory of sacrifices made aboard the Naval carrier USS Farrestal, CVA-59 on July 29, 1967 in North Vietnam – Gulf of Tonkin, South China Sea, at or about 10:50 AM. The results of the disaster were, fatalities 134 and as many as 70 or more men wounded. The song in this video is sung by the Five Blind Boys of Alabama, “Down by the Riverside’ and color pictures are contributed by Bill Mason, PH2-US Navy. In the video is the actual voice of Captain John Beling, recorded during the beginning of the fires and disaster.

It is with sad regrets to report that Capt. John K. Nevin USAAC has passed away at the age of 87. Capt. Nevin was commisioned in Jan. 1942. Stationed Kumming China July 1942. Returned Stateside 1944. Received Bronze Star, 3 DFC's, 4 Air Medals, 2 Presidential Citations. Flew "the Hump" keeping the Chinese supplied. Prayers are requested for his family.

Just after sunrise Monday, 16,000 soldiers in gray Armt T-shirts and black shorts lined up in a parking lot on Fort Bragg

Vetertans for Constitutional Restoration (VetsCoR) is re-organizing to further our purpose and goals. We are firm in our cause and now require professional writers to express our position. VetCoR is looking for volunteers who can articulate our goals and inform Joe-six-pack & Soccor Mom and all Americans about the loss of rights they continue to lose. If you are interested and have the writing skills, please reply on this thread or privately to my screen name or ping Neil E. Wright. We need professional writers to make our point. Thank you for any assistance.

I am so livid right now. I ran across this article this morning from a guy who thinks that troops and vets don't deserve the pay and benefits they get... http://www.michaelcrook.net/military-pay I come from a military family, so this guy better hope my boot doesn't meet his arse!

I hope this is ok to post here. I am trying to find some information for my husband on something we got when his father passed away a couple of years ago. It is clearly a blood chit from pictures I've seen online, but it doesn't really look just like the ones I can find online. It has only an American flag on it, with characters (beats me if they are Chinese or Korean, he flew over both during his career as a marine pilot). I would love to be able to translate it, as we plan to frame it...

OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea — The Air Force chaplain whose unflagging efforts saved nearly 1,000 orphans during the Korean War was memorialized Thursday in a ceremony at Gwangju. Col. Russell L. Blaisdell is credited with getting nearly 1,000 children out of Seoul at a time when a communist ground offensive was expected to soon overtake the city. The rescue became the much-publicized Operation Kiddy Car in late 1950. The ceremony in Gwangju city’s social welfare hall occurred exactly one year after Blaisdell died at 96. Among those attending were members of the South Korean national assembly; a representative of...

Last year 44 states, the District of Columbia and cities across the nation joined with the Silver Star Families of America to remember and honor our wounded and ill on May 1st. This year the organization is hoping all 50 states will join with them but they are taking a more grass root approach to this May 1st to kick off Military Appreciation Month.

Each time Noel Addy flew his World War II glider over Europe, commanders predicted he'd live only 18 more seconds. Towed behind a transport plane, Addy's armorless and gunless glider floated between German flak and machine-gun fire en route to landings behind enemy lines. On some missions, fewer than half of the gliders landed safely.

Lord, Keep our Troops forever in Your care Give them victory over the enemy... Grant them a safe and swift return... Bless those who mourn the lost. . FReepers from the Foxhole join in prayer for all those serving their country at this time. ...................................................................................... ........................................... U.S. Military History, Current Events and Veterans Issues Where Duty, Honor and Countryare acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated. Our Mission: The FReeper Foxhole is dedicated to Veterans of our Nation's military forces and to others who are affected in their relationships with Veterans. In the FReeper Foxhole, Veterans or their family members should feel...

An announcement for the upcoming event honoring our veterans on Sunday, May 25, 2008 at the Veterans Memorial Museum, 2425 Fresno St., Fresno, CA, 3:00 pm. Entitled the "The Footsteps of our Fathers", this will be an exciting fund-raising event to recognize and honor our vets living in the Fresno/Clovis area, and will raise money for the renovation and upkeep as well as bringing attention to the Veterans Memorial Museum so people can continue to visit this "Best Kept Secret". There will be a BBQ, door prizes, tours, and special guest appearances. For information and tickets visit the website.

My wife knows, that as a nurse you can't get too emotionally involved when it comes to the people your caring for, but with this one she broke the rules. Mr. Sampson was her buddy. Mr. Sampson was the oldest living WW2 Marine in West TX. He was a Marine’s, Marine. A true hero! Richard Wood Sampson, known affectionately as “Serenity Sam,” to his AA friends and as Dick in the construction industry, went to the “Big Meeting” on Sunday, March 30, 2008. He was a carpenter and a veteran. He graduated from Clifton Forge High School in Clifton Forge,...

My Nephew has been missing in the Roseburg area since Monday morning his vehicle was found over a embakement in the Glide area. He was the owner of Gotta hava Java, in Roseburg. Any Freepers in that area that can help in anyway would be appreciated. The article is on line at News Review info.

As bullets clawed the air around us and screams echoed down the rubble-strewn tarmac, I felt almost peaceful. It was a simple mission, they had told me - get in, shake a few hands and mouth a few platitudes, get out. Simple. Yeah. Things had started going wrong while we were still in the air and only gotten worse from there. So here we were, pinned down, choking on the acrid tang of cordite and the heady scent of human blood. The mission was even simpler now: survive. Whatever the cost, survive. There was a grunt and a clatter of...

3/21/2008 - HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii (AFPN) -- After waiting for more than a year and a half from the christening of the seventh C-17 Globemaster III added to Hickam Air Force Base's fleet of eight, the men for whom it was named finally got their ride March 13 here. A group of 40 surviving veterans from the famed 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the 100th Infantry Battalion shuffled onboard to the "Spirit of Go For Broke" and took to the sky for a 45-minute tour around some of the Hawaiian Islands. Not only was the flight a historic...

HELP BUILD CT’S VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL Includes an all day picnic & blessing of the bikes SAVE THE DATE JOIN US FOR A FUNDRAISING PICNIC SATURDAY APRIL 5TH 2008 (rain date Sun 6th) TIME: 12:00 noon to 6:00 pm PLACE: DEVITT’S FIELD, DEEP RIVER, CT. 06417 Exit 5 off RT 9, FOLLOW SIGNS ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT: CT VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL DONATION: ADULTS $20.00 Under 10 free w/paid adult CONTACT: JOE DIPIETRO 1-860-983-5021 or 526-1948 TO BECOME A SPONSOR WWW.CT612MEMORIAL.ORG Dedication May 17th 2008 in Coventry, CT

Aircraft number 61-2664 was built in 1961 at Boeing's sprawling Seattle works in Washington state. A variant of the commerical 707 airliner, the aircraft was first fitted out to perform the tasks of weather reconnaissance for Military Airlift Command. She performed these tasks for almost a decade. In 1972, WC-135 number 61-2664 was refitted to serve as a strategic reconnaissance platform. Dozens of other C-135s had been converted to comically long-nosed RC-135s over the decades, but 61-2664 was to join a specially small fraternity: Cobra Ball. Two RC-135 S-models were produced, both stationed at Eielson AFB, Alaska. Their highly...

I am SFC Robert Squirrel Sprouse son and trying to find any of his old buddies, or anyone that may had knew him.

Two California Highway Patrol Officers were conducting speeding enforcement on I-15, just north of the Marine Corps Air Station at Miramar . One of the officers was using a hand held radar device to check speeding vehicles approaching the crest of a hill. The officers were suddenly surprised when the radar gun began reading 300 miles per hour. The officer tempted to reset the radar gun, but it would not reset and then turned off. Just then a deafening roar over the tree tops revealed that the radar had in fact locked on to a USMC F/A-18 Hornet which was...

A pilots story about the SR-71 the Black Bird In April 1986, following an attack on American soldiers in a Berlin disco, President Reagan ordered the bombing of Muammar Qaddafi's terrorist camps in Libya. My duty was to fly over Libya and take photos recording the damage our F-111's had inflicted. Qaddafi had established a "line of death," a territorial marking across the Gulf of Sidra , swearing to shoot down any intruder that crossed the boundary. On the morning of April 15, I rocketed past the line at 2,125 mph. I was piloting the SR-71 spy plane, the world's...

Havildar Bhanbhagta Gurung, VC Gurkha who was decorated for his courage and skill in capturing a Japanese position in fierce hand-to-hand fighting Havildar Bhanbhagta Gurung, VC Bhanbhagta Gurung won his Victoria Cross in Burma in 1945. His action was the culmination of a series of extraordinarily gallant actions by this soldier of quite exceptional courage, yet it occurred while he was in disgrace, albeit unjustly. Born in the hill village of Phalbu in western Nepal, he was recruited into the old Indian Army soon after the outbreak of the Second World War, and joined 3rd Battalion 2nd King Edward VII’s...

Lord, Keep our Troops forever in Your care Give them victory over the enemy... Grant them a safe and swift return... Bless those who mourn the lost. Amen. . FReepers from the Foxhole join in prayer for all those serving their country at this time. ...................................................................................... ........................................... U.S. Military History, Current Events and Veterans Issues Where Duty, Honor and Countryare acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated. Our Mission: The FReeper Foxhole is dedicated to Veterans of our Nation's military forces and to others who are affected in their relationships with Veterans. In the FReeper Foxhole, Veterans or their family members should...