Free Republic

A Black Hawk helicopter pilot had a surprise visit four days before Christmas, receiving an Army Commendation Medal, Air Medal and promotion to major. Maj. Ladda “Tammy” Duckworth, of the Illinois National Guard’s 1-106th Aviation, is recuperating from injuries at Walter Reed Army Medical Center after a rocket-propelled grenade hit the helicopter she was piloting in Iraq Nov. 12. “I hope this is the worst thing that happens to anyone in the 106th during this deployment,” said Duckworth. “This is not so bad, there is always somebody worse off than you are. I’m just glad it was me and not...

It wasn't much of an acceptance speech. "I want to thank Huntsville for its support," Spc. Brian Scott told the Huntsville City Council quietly. "I see a lot of support 'round Huntsville. Thank you." It was actions, not words, that brought the room to its feet Thursday night as the council gave Scott a standing ovation. An Army combat medic, Scott is serving a tour of duty with the 401st Transportation Company in Iraq. On July 5, Scott's unit was attacked as it traveled through the northern city of Mosul. Spc. Greg Davis, a gunner on top of a truck...