http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/troops/ en-us Sat, 2 Jan 2010 16:33:55 GMT Focus Forum 15 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2419537/posts People in Wootton Bassett, the town famous for honouring dead British soldiers returning from Afghanistan, reacted defiantly on Saturday to news that a controversial Islamic group is to march through its streets. Islam4UK – which calls itself a "platform" for extremist movement al-Muhajiroun – plans to parade through the Wiltshire town in the coming weeks. The group's website says the event is being held "not in memory of the occupying and merciless British military" but of the Muslims its says have been "murdered in the name of democracy and freedom". The town that shows respect for fallen Servicemen should be... Telegraph http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2419537/posts#comment Sat, 2 Jan 2010 16:33:55 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2420791/posts Fury over British Muslim cleric's anti-war march threat London, England (CNN) -- A controversial British Muslim cleric is threatening to stage a march through the town that receives the bodies of British war dead as a protest against the war in Afghanistan, drawing fury and outrage. CNN http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2420791/posts#comment Mon, 4 Jan 2010 20:07:55 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2420588/posts by You I can run through a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall. As for God, His way is perfect! The word of the Lord is tested and tried; He is a shield to all those who take refuge and put their trust in Him. For who is God except the Lord? Or who is the Rock save our God, The God who girds me with strength and makes my way perfect? He makes my feet like hinds' feet [able to stand firmly or make progress on the dangerous heights of testing and trouble];... http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2420588/posts#comment Mon, 4 Jan 2010 15:44:03 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2419915/posts Eight years after the war began, 2009 was the deadliest year for U.S. service members fighting in Afghanistan and the first time American casualties there exceeded the number in Iraq, Pentagon records show. Share At least 8 Americans died in a suicide bombing at Army base. More than 312 American soldiers died in Afghanistan last year -- nearly twice as many as in 2008. In Iraq, only 150 Americans lost their lives, half as many as the year before. http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2419915/posts#comment Sun, 3 Jan 2010 12:53:50 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2418403/posts “For I know the thoughts that I think towards you,says the LORD,thoughts of peace and not of evil,to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me,and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me,when you search for Me with all your heart." ~Jeremiah 29:11-13 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2418403/posts#comment Thu, 31 Dec 2009 16:34:30 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2418367/posts The US has released the leader of an Iranian-backed Shia terror group behind the kidnapping and murder of five US soldiers in Karbala in January 2007.Qais Qazali, the leader of the Asaib al Haq or the League of the Righteous, was set free by the US military and transferred to Iraqi custody in exchange for the release of British hostage Peter Moore, US military officers and intelligence officials told The Long War Journal. The US military directly implicated Qais in the kidnapping and murder of five US soldiers in Karbala in January 2007. “We let a very dangerous man go,... Live War Journal http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2418367/posts#comment Thu, 31 Dec 2009 15:43:06 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2418157/posts American-led troops were accused yesterday of dragging innocent children from their beds and shooting them during a night raid that left ten people dead. Afghan government investigators said that eight schoolchildren were killed, all but one of them from the same family. Locals said that some victims were handcuffed before being killed. Western military sources said that the dead were all part of an Afghan terrorist cell responsible for manufacturing improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which have claimed the lives of countless soldiers and civilians. Times on line http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2418157/posts#comment Thu, 31 Dec 2009 04:59:29 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2417749/posts The Lord lives! Blessed be my Rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted, The God Who avenges me and subdues peoples under me, Who delivers me from my enemies; yes, You lift me up above those who rise up against me; You deliver me from the man of violence. Therefore will I give thanks and extol You, O Lord, among the nations, and sing praises to Your name. Great deliverances and triumphs gives He to His king; and He shows mercy and steadfast love to His anointed, to David and his offspring forever.) Ps. 18:46-50 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2417749/posts#comment Wed, 30 Dec 2009 17:31:27 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2416856/posts "The night also is thine." - Psalm 74:16 DEAR LORD, WE THANK YOU FOR THIS DAY, THIS HOUR AND THIS SECOND. LORD, WE THANK YOU FOR THIS TIME YOUR SAINTS CAN GATHER BEFORE YOUR THRONE OF GRACE WITH PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION. LORD, WE PRAY FOR ALL OF YOUR SAINTS NO MATTER WHERE THEY MAY BE OR WHATEVER THEIR NEED. LORD, WE PRAY ESPECIALLY FOR OUR TROOPS AND PATRIOTS WHO FAITHFULLY PLACE THERE PRAYERS FOR OUR HEROES AT THE FOOT OF THE THRONE,AND TO ALL MEMBERS OF GOVERNMENT WHO HOLD YOUR TRUTHS CLOSE TO THEIR HEARTS. LORD, WE PRAY FOR... http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2416856/posts#comment Tue, 29 Dec 2009 13:06:40 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2416391/posts 1 Chron. 16:35 Save us, O God of our Salvation, And Gather us Together, And Deliver us from the heathen, That we May Give Thanks to Thy Holy Name, And Glory in Thy Praise. http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2416391/posts#comment Mon, 28 Dec 2009 18:13:35 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2415905/posts Jude 1:24,25 All Glory to Him Who Alone is God, Who Saves us through Jesus Christ our Lord. Yes, Splendor and Majesty, All Power and Authority Are His from the Beginning; His they are and His they Evermore shall be. http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2415905/posts#comment Sun, 27 Dec 2009 21:33:04 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2414965/posts Now thanks be to God for His Gift, [precious] beyond telling [His indescribable, inexpressible, free Gift]! 2 Cor. 9:15. http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2414965/posts#comment Fri, 25 Dec 2009 15:44:12 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2414757/posts "Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you:... http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2414757/posts#comment Fri, 25 Dec 2009 00:36:31 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2414728/posts CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq, Dec. 24, 2009 – Mention “Sweet Martha’s Cookie Jar” around a native Minnesotan in Iraq, and you’re almost guaranteed a glazed-eyed expression and rambling murmurs of longing. Volunteers in Minnesota show off a bucket of cookies over Skype to Army Spc. LaFena Washington Dec. 19, 2009, at Contingency Operating Base Basra, Iraq. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Benjamin R. Kibbey   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Say “10,000 cookies” right after, and you might need to find them a chair. Yet, that’s the number of cookies volunteers from several charitable and patriotic organizations –... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2414728/posts#comment Thu, 24 Dec 2009 23:10:51 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2414638/posts WASHINGTON, Dec. 24, 2009 – Servicemembers and their families continue to enjoy tremendous support from American civilians, but at no time of the year is that support greater than during the holidays. “We learn of citizens’ efforts to support our troops every year, but this year there seems to be a real outpouring of support from not only citizens and nonprofit organizations, but also businesses,” said Adrien Starks, chief of the community relations civic outreach team for the office of the assistant secretary of defense for public affairs. “I don’t think people have any idea about the amount of support... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2414638/posts#comment Thu, 24 Dec 2009 19:58:02 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2414637/posts BALTIMORE, Dec. 24, 2009 – As the rest of Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport bustled with holiday travelers yesterday, its USO Lounge offered military travelers -- many returning home from overseas deployments -- a welcome sanctuary of solace. The USO Lounge at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport offers military travelers a respite from crowded airport terminals, particularly during the holiday season. DoD photo by Donna Miles  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. The lounge is conveniently positioned near the international departure gates on the airport’s lower level. Yet, to the dozens of servicemembers who took refuge here yesterday afternoon, it... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2414637/posts#comment Thu, 24 Dec 2009 19:55:05 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2414120/posts Dave Attell, a stand-up comedian, gets a crowd of service members laughing during a United Service Organization holiday show aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Dec. 19. Attell and other celebrities showed their support and appreciation for service members deployed throughout Iraq on their USO tour. Photo by Cpl. Triah Pendracki, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Fwd). AL ASAD AIR BASE — The United Service Organization brought some Christmas spirit to the troops here, Dec. 19, as well-known celebrities took to the stage to show support. "To see the smiles and reaction of the troops is truly a precious gift," said... Multi-National Force-Iraq http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2414120/posts#comment Wed, 23 Dec 2009 23:51:26 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2414114/posts BALTIMORE, Dec. 23, 2009 – Two days before Christmas, the longest line today at the airport here wasn’t at a ticket counter, or at security checkpoints. It was at the international terminal, where hundreds of well-wishers lined up to welcome about 150 troops home from combat deployments. Troops returning from deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan get a hearty holiday homecoming as they arrive at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. DoD photo by Donna Miles  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Families, veterans, beauty queens, students enjoying the first day of their holiday vacations and even Santa Claus began descending on... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2414114/posts#comment Wed, 23 Dec 2009 23:40:58 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2413810/posts Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? (Matthew 6:25-27) http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2413810/posts#comment Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:45:51 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2413448/posts WASHINGTON, Dec. 22, 2009 – Defense Department officials today identified 6,000 servicemembers to deploy in 2010 as part of President Barack Obama’s order to increase the U.S. footprint in Afghanistan. About 3,400 soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team are headed to Afghanistan in early summer, according to a statement released by the Pentagon. The soldiers are based out of Fort Campbell, Ky. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates also approved deployment orders for about 2,600 support forces who will begin deploying to various locations at staggered times in the spring. The president announced Dec. 1 that the... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2413448/posts#comment Wed, 23 Dec 2009 01:43:19 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2413181/posts "Thou, O God, hast prepared of thy goodness for the poor." - Psalm 68:10 The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light, I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight. My wife was asleep, her head on my chest, My daughter beside me, angelic in rest. Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white, Transforming the yard to a winter delight. The sparkling lights in the tree I believe, Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve. My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep, Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep. In perfect contentment, or... http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2413181/posts#comment Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:16:34 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2412354/posts Psalm 86:11,12 Teach me Your Way, O Lord, that I May Walk and Live in Your Truth; Direct and Unite my Heart {Solely, Reverently} to Fear and Honor Your Name. I will Confess and Praise You, O Lord my God, with my Whole (United) Heart; And I will Glorify Your Name Forevermore. http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2412354/posts#comment Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:07:02 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2410857/posts Fort Mill, SC (WBTV) – In this season of giving, retail giant Lowe's Home Improvement donated $25,000 to help bring 200 soldiers home for the holidays. The company's generosity is making it possible for Pierson Young's husband to be there for their baby girl, Addison's first Christmas. "We're very excited," said Young. "When he left last time, she wasn't holding her head up on her own and now she can almost sit by herself," she said. "And all these new things we get to share with Daddy. Milestones that I was afraid he was going to miss--but is now going... WBTV http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2410857/posts#comment Sat, 19 Dec 2009 01:06:26 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2410466/posts Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, The LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates! Lift up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah (Ps. 24:7-10) http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2410466/posts#comment Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:24:57 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2409856/posts UZBEEN VALLEY, Afghanistan (AFP) – More than 1,100 soldiers, including 800 French legionnaires as well as US and Afghan commandos, launched a major operation Thursday east of the Afghan capital, military officials said. Military officials said five US special forces were wounded in the fighting in the Uzbeen Valley, a Taliban stronghold where 10 French soldiers were killed in an ambush in August 2008. AFP on Yahoo http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2409856/posts#comment Thu, 17 Dec 2009 20:46:22 GMT