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Most of us know we're supposed to love others. Christians, who read the Bible and/or attend church, regularly encounter reminders regarding this. Still, the meaning of the term itself appears to remain unclear. Confusion comes because "love" can describe a feeling or it can describe an action. Complicating matters more, the feeling and the action which love seeks to describe need not be remotely connected to the same subject or event. For instance, my wife and I once saw an elderly woman pushing a shopping cart down a street near our home. The cart was obviously loaded with all her...

PRAGUE, Czech Republic, Oct. 23, 2007 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today welcomed news of the Czech Republic’s decision to send additional troops to Afghanistan as he prepares to pressure other NATO countries to live up to their troop commitments there. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates answers a reporter's question during a press conference with Prime Minister Mirek Topolanekat, right, and Defense Minister of the Czech Republic H.E. Mrs. Vlasta Parkanova, left, in Prague, Czech Republic, Oct. 23, 2007. Defense Dept. photo by Cherie A. Thurlby  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Speaking with reporters today after meetings...

WASHINGTON, Sept. 28, 2007 – Marine Gen. Peter Pace will leave behind a lasting legacy of professionalism and commitment to the troops when he retires Oct. 1, his senior enlisted advisor and self-described “battle buddy” told American Forces Press Service today. Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Command Sgt. Maj. William J. Gainey, his senior enlisted advisor, shake hands with Marines from the 6th Provisional Security Company at Camp Lemonier, Dijbouti, during an Aug. 14, 2007, visit. Gainey said Pace has always kept troops’ welfare at heart while serving as the top U.S....

WASHINGTON, Sept. 14, 2007 – The new Military Advanced Training Center at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here represents “an evolution in how we embrace, treat and honor,” wounded warriors, the Army vice chief of staff said at yesterday’s opening ceremony. (Video) Gen. Richard A. Cody said the new center demonstrates the military’s commitment to doing everything within its power to help wounded troops heal and go on to live productive lives. The 31,000-square-foot, $10 million center offers some of the most state-of-the-art care found anywhere in the world and makes good on the military’s promise to take care...

BAGHDAD — Staff Sgt. Shane Glowcheski is normally a man of few words. Out on patrol, the platoon sergeant with the 82nd Airborne Division is all business, dark sunglasses and an unreadable expression on his face. But on a recent afternoon, as he described the renovations his unit was helping to make on a girls’ school in the northern section of Baghdad’s Adhamiyah District, Glowcheski’s poker face suddenly lit up with enthusiasm.“We got marble floors. We got computers. We got artwork up on the walls. We’ve even got gardens. It’s Beverly Hills!” boasted the Rapid City, S.D., native.Glowcheski and...

LONG POND, Pa., Aug. 6, 2007 – NASCAR’s commitment to U.S. troops fired on all cylinders at the Pocono International Raceway here yesterday. Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, waves the green flag and starts the NASCAR Pennsylvania 500 auto race at the Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pa., Aug. 5, 2007. Defense Dept. photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. D. Myles Cullen   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. NASCAR is a corporate supporter of the Defense Department's America Supports You program, which connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their...

Local Iraq officials focus on recruiting police, creating peace. By Multi-National Corps – Iraq Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory TIKRIT, Iraq, May 17, 2007 — As coalition and Iraqi security forces continue to provide security and stability throughout Diyala Province, Iraq, many tribal leaders are also united in their efforts to bring peace and stand up against al-Qaida in Iraq. After a peace agreement was signed between the paramount sheiks of the Karki and Shimouri tribes, April 30, other tribal leaders gathered throughout the region to do the same – provide peace and protection for their people and their lands....

BAGHDAD — The United States Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates held a joint press conference with the Iraqi Minister of Defense Abdul Qadir al-Ubaidi about the military situation in Iraq at the Ministry of Defense building Friday. During the press conference, Secretary Gates stated that Iraq is an important ally and vital partner in the global war on terror, and Fardh Al-Qanoon. This commitment will be long term, said Gates. “It is a commitment to work with the Iraqis to ensure their sovereignty, train their legitimate security forces and provide support for security reform and modernization,” said Gates. Iraqis...

WASHINGTON, March 30, 2007 – It’s imperative – especially during wartime – that the Defense Department continues to provide viable family and troop morale programs for servicemembers and their families, a senior Defense Department official said here yesterday. “Our military families are the heart and soul of troops on the battlefield,” Leslye A. Arsht, deputy undersecretary of defense for military community and family policy, told the House Armed Services Committee’s subcommittee on military personnel at a Capitol Hill hearing. The Defense Department “has made family support a priority and redesigned and boosted family support in a number of ways...

WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2007 – Vice President Richard B. Cheney today in Australia reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to peace, progress and freedom in the Asia-Pacific region. “In this neighborhood of the globe,” Cheney said in an address to the Australian-American Leadership Dialogue in Sydney, “millions look to our countries to promote security, economic progress, and democratic ideals.” Cheney noted that President Bush had expressed the same sentiment in a speech before the Australian Parliament in October 2003. “As President Bush said when he spoke to your Parliament, America will continue a forward presence in Asia and continue our close...

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, Feb. 9, 2007 – The new commander and top enlisted soldier of Combined Joint Task Force 76 emphasized their commitment to success In Afghanistan at a news conference here yesterday. Army Maj. Gen. David Rodriguez (left) and Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Capel, Combined Joint Task Force 76, speak with local and international media Feb. 8 about the continued security and economic development of Regional Command East in Afghanistan. Photo by Sgt. Timothy Dinneen, USA   '(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Army Maj. Gen. David Rodriguez and Army Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Capel used the...

KABUL, Afghanistan, Jan. 21, 2007 – The outgoing commander of Combined Forces Command-Afghanistan said the United States is committed to NATO’s success in Afghanistan and will remain the single largest contributor of troops to the mission. Army Gen. John Abizaid, left, presents Lt. Gen. Karl Eikenberry with the Defense Distinguished Service Medal Jan. 21 in Kabul, Afghanistan, for his service as commander of Combined Forces Command-Afghanistan since May 2005. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Christopher DeWitt  '(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. “The U.S. is a member of NATO. NATO’s success is the U.S.’s success, which is...

I have this picture, on my wall, of a Bald Eagle whith an American flag, Not a Bush bot but he is the best thing this country has had in a while.

SARALAND, Ala. (BP)--The number of unmarried couples living together in America increased tenfold from 1960 to 2000. The U.S. Census estimates that about 10 million people are living with someone of the opposite sex. That totals about 8 percent of U.S. coupled households. Most unmarried partners who live together are between 25 and 34 years of age. It once was stigmatized as "living in sin" or "shacking up," but now cohabitation has replaced dating. It has become mainstream as a way to discover if a person is a suitable partner for life. While marriage as an ideal is not dead,...

WASHINGTON, Dec. 7, 2006 -- Victory in Iraq requires doing all that’s necessary to support the country’s newly elected government, ensuring its regional neighbors do the same, and promoting peace between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, President Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair said today. Bush and Blair addressed the White House press corps following a White House meeting that focused on Iraq and recommendations of the Iraq Study Group report, released yesterday. Bush said success in Iraq hasn’t come as quickly as he expected, and he acknowledged that the United States and Great Britain are facing “a...

WASHINGTON - American support for the fledgling Iraqi government is not unconditional, and Iraq should expect changes in the U.S. role, incoming House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said Saturday. "In the days ahead, the Iraqis must make the tough decisions and accept responsibility for their future," Hoyer, D-Md., said during the weekly Democratic radio address. "And the Iraqis must know: Our commitment, while great, is not unending." Hoyer's comments were taped Wednesday, before an escalation in sectarian violence in Iraq. At least 215 Shiites were killed in bomb and mortar attacks Thursday in Sadr City. Shiites retaliated Friday by burning...

The Prime Minister, John Howard, says he still supports Australia's controversial involvement in the Vietnam War. Mr Howard made the comment as he was leaving Ho Chi Minh City at the end of his first official visit to Vietnam. He told reporters he will not recant his support for Australia's military role in Vietnam in the 1960s and '70s. "I supported our involvement at the time and I don't intend to recant that," Mr Howard said. "I believe that in public life you are accountable for the decisions that you take. "I didn't hold any position of authority then, but...

For Americans, November is a month we give thanks for our blessings and express our appreciation for those we love. We pause this time of year to celebrate all that makes our lives fulfilling ? our families, our friends, our way of life in this, the richest, freest and most inspiring country the world has ever known. On Veterans Day and this Month of the Military Family, America thanks those who serve, defend, and support not just America's shores but her ideals, and deliver not just her might but her message of freedom. I have experienced service, commitment, and sacrifice...

WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2006 -- America stands committed to its military members, to the Iraqis and to victory in the war on terror, President Bush said today during a White House news conference following yesterday’s elections and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld’s resignation today. “Amid this time of change, I have a message for those on the front lines,” Bush said. “To our enemies, do not be joyful. Do not confuse the workings of our democracy with a lack of will,” he said. “Our nation is committed to bringing you to justice. Liberty and democracy are the source of America's...

by Fr. Jerome Magat Other Articles by Fr. Jerome Magat Marriage, in the Beginning 10/07/06 Of all the moral teachings that our Lord gave us during His time on earth, He was never more specific in His instruction than when He discussed marriage. The Pharisees tested Jesus on this particular teaching by referencing the law that permitted divorce which had been given to them through Moses. In order to fulfill the law, our blessed Lord both explains the rationale behind the concession that Moses made in regards to divorce and elevates our understanding of marriage by returning us to an original...