Free Republic

Our right to vote was secured by the courage and sacrifice of the brave men and women in our armed forces. Support Mississippi as we join other states in honoring our Veterans with a vote on Election Day. Show your gratitude and respect for a veteran who is special to you. * Click here to request a lapel sticker to wear to the polls in honor of a veteran. (Please indicate the quantity of stickers in the subject field of the email request form.) * I am a veteran and would like to share my story. * Click here to...

As Gov. Palin attempted to make a campaign speech, she was interrupted by a hippie, er protester.Click here to view the video. Palin stops her speech, looks directly at the heckler and says the following "Bless your heart sir, my son is in Iraq fighting for your right to protest"... Visit RUF for the video and the rest of the story!!!

Scenes from The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, located in Punchbowl Crater. The inscription below the statue of Lady Columbia, taken from Abraham Lincoln's letter to Mrs. Bixby, reads: THE SOLEMN PRIDE THAT MUST BE YOURS TO HAVE LAID SO COSTLY A SACRIFICE UPON THE ALTAR OF FREEDOM There is a small chapel within the memorial, which is also featured in this slideshow.

This memorial has been REDONE, to express the moment of that day and the memory of sacrifices made aboard the Naval carrier USS Forrestal - CVA-59 on July 29, 1967 in North Vietnam -- Gulf of Tonkin, South China Sea, at or about 10:50 AM. Once the fires were extinguished, the extent of the devastation was apparent. Most tragic was the loss to the crew, 134 had lost their lives, while an additional 64 were injured. This disaster remains the single worst loss of life on a Naval vessel since the USS Franklin (CV-13) was bombed in WWII while operating...

The Argonne Forest, France, 8 October 1918. After his platoon suffered heavy casualties, Alvin York assumed command. Fearlessly leading 7 men, he charged with great daring a machinegun nest which was pouring deadly and incessant fire upon his platoon. In this heroic feat the machinegun nest was taken, together with 4 German officers and 128 men and several guns.

Military members will get a 3.9 percent pay raise in January, but the fiscal 2009 defense authorization nearing final passage will not support a House-passed plan to set military pay raises through 2013 a half percentage point higher than private sector wage growth. The new defense bill will protect working-age military retirees from a final try by the Bush administration to raise Tricare fees, deductibles and drug co-payments. Instead, beneficiaries of every age will see new enticements to stay healthy through no-fee check-ups, age-appropriate disease screening, smoking cessation help and other “wellness” programs. And, for a fourth straight year, the...

A Marine who dropped off his German shepherd at PAWS when he was deployed in February has been reunited with his dog. Marine returns, reunites with pup September 14, 2008 BY DONNA VICKROY, Staff Writer Call it fate. Call it destiny. Call it, simply, a happy ending. On a cold day this past February, a young Marine said farewell to his best friend, knowing he might never see him again. Bound for a second tour of duty in Iraq, the Marine had no one to care for his German shepherd pup. His family was scattered across the country and...

Because I'm pointing you to the Army Times and they are on the list of "News Organs" that don't want any of their words post on FR I can only point you to the Army Times web site. You'll enjoy the words that the troops are giving to whoever made the decision (if you can call it that) to do away with the Class A Greens and go to a Junked Up Dress Blue uniform. Army Times

SIERRA VISTA — A Vietnam War hero whose father served with a black division during World War II will be honored at this year’s Southwest Association of Buffalo Soldiers gala and fundraiser. Retired Army Gen. Barry McCaffrey, known as the “Drug Czar” during the Clinton administration, also will be the guest speaker at the annual event on Sept. 27. The association is presenting McCaffrey its annual “Spirit of the Buffalo Soldier Award” to honor both his military career and that of his father, the late Lt. Gen. William J. McCaffrey who served as the chief of staff with 92nd Infantry...

The Marines and Incheon City yesterday celebrated the 58th anniversary of the Incheon landing, one of the most significant military operations during the Korean War. The Marine Headquarters and Incheon City co-hosted the celebrations held at Incheon's Freedom Park and Weolmido with an audience of over 1,000 war veterans, citizens and soldiers. The event started by laying flowers at the statue of Gen. Douglas MacArthur and in the waterfront of Weolmido, which was the main route for the landing operation more than half a century ago. The Incheon landing operation was carried out by United Nations forces on Sept. 15,...

For the past ten years or so I have been trying to compile a good list of military/veteran historical web sites and preferably written and maintained by those who have "been there, done that". Links are located at http://gimemories.com/gihistory.htm

Hey Iraqi Vets - My son has received the ARCOM. He isn't aware of it yet (command is holding back on all awards until they come home). I was wondering if they are giving them out like popcorn, or if it is indeed a significant award. I haven't seen the paperwork yet, so I don't know any specifics. Thanks for your feedback.

The Vietnam Memorial Wall of Texas arrived in Kaufman on Saturday escorted by a hundreds of motorcycle riders. The 4/5th replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. will eventually be permanently displayed in a new county park in Kaufman. It will be the largest replica wall in the United States and the only complete wall in the state of Texas.

USA Today writer Alan Gomez reported on former (do-nothing President) Jimmy Carter was irritated with McCain talking about his POW experience. Evidently in Jimmy's eyes McCain is "milking" the issue. "...he said the Arizona senator has been "milking every possible drop of advantage" from his time served as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. "

New Poll has McCain up by 9 in PA. What about scrappy Joe..??

I was also a neighbor to Samuel T. Derryberry. He was from Ramer, Tennessee some fifteen miles north of Corinth, Mississippi. He was a short man but he had a stout bore structure and frame. Like most all boys who came from the farms he was used to long hours of work. He liked to squirrel hunt as a boy. I will incorperate this in a moment. He joined the army before the war started. He told me that on their way over to the Phillipines the ship sailed with its lights off and kept a zigzag course. He always...

PITTSBURGH, August 18, 2008 - Military Spouse magazine (MSM) today announced that it is now accepting nominations for its 2009 Military Spouse of the Year (MSOY) award, sponsored by USAA. The MSOY honoree represents the millions of military spouses who are unsung heroes maintaining the homefront, giving back selflessly to their communities, and providing support to our nation's troops. Often, these spouses also have full-time jobs and raise families. In recognition of their countless contributions, MSM will honor one exemplary military spouse from each service branch and also select one overall winner. The 2009 MSOY will be announced and honored...

I saw an on line ad for this organization and wondered if it is legit or a political front to not really 'help' our service men and women.

MOOSUP — It was a celebration of service, a parade that drew thousands to this small village in northeast Connecticut as it has for 47 years running. The annual V-J Day parade, a tradition organized and maintained by American Legion Post 91, is not threatened by protest, though it is among the last organized events in the country to unabashedly celebrate the Aug. 14, 1945, surrender of Japan, which brought World War II to an end. Archie Lapierre, chairman of the parade committee, said he has heard only one voice of protest since he joined the committee in 1967, and...

In my new job I have just been handed the task of putting together a disaster readiness plan that addresses everything from building evacuation, first aid, logistics, and everything else. I got the job because for my sins, I am the only veteran in the company, and I was just a squid. If anyone else out there has experience in this sort of thing, I would appreciate some help. I have to have something on paper by 0900 tomorrow morning. The good news is I have (within reason) a blank check as to how to put it together and purchasing...

Where does the United States receive most of it's oil?

NET: we need advice and tips on how best to qualify for a NROTC 4-yr scholarship. Details: My 17 yr old son plans to apply to Auburn as a Freshman for acceptance for the 2009 academic year. (we live in Ga.) He plans to go NROTC/Marine track wherever he goes to college. He already has a full ride academic scholarship in Georgia [Hope Scholarsip] but would *really* like to go NROTC at Auburn. The only way that makes financial sense [$64K out of state v. free in-state/Ga] is if he pursues and is awarded a 4 year NROTC scholarship. I...

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that a U.S. serviceman, missing from the Vietnam War, has been identified. He is Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Manuel R. Denton, U.S. Navy, of Kerrville, Texas. He will be buried as part of a group on Thursday in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C. On Oct. 8, 1963, Denton was one of six men who crewed a UH-34D Choctaw helicopter that was on a search-and-rescue mission. While over Quang Nam Province, Vietnam, the helicopter came under intense enemy ground fire and crashed. There were no survivors. Over the next several...

We lost 2 more decorated American heroes from the World War II generation. Because we don't forget, here are their stories. I guess Michelle Obama wouldn't be proud of these Americans either.

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...