Dawn Patrol

Welcome to the Dawn Patrol, our daily roundup of information on the War on Terror and other topics - from the MilBlogs and other sources around the world. If you're a blogger, you can join the conversation. If you link to any of these stories, add a link to the Dawn Patrol too and your trackback will be added to the list.

IRAQ

Happy Father's Day from Iraq -- [YouTube Videos - Soldiersmediccenter]

Patrol -- [Far From Perfect - in Iraq]
...I think to myself,“Is today the day? Are we gonna hit another IED or be ambushed?” You never really know. Its been quiet around our parts lately, but that doesn’t mean that the enemy doesn’t have something planned. Just last night a huge bomb was found next to the road in the direction we are heading. We make a right and continue up the road, a good piece from the FOB and headed further out into the sandblasted hills.
...We pass through the village. All the little children run out to the road. They are all smiling and waving, screaming Gimmie! Gimmie!” as we pass by. We pull into a circle around some sheik’s house and set up security. Supposedly this guy has information on terrorists in the area. Then again he could be one himself. You just don’t know. Most likely he is playing both sides for the profit. The meeting lasts a while. Meetings finally over. Everyone radios that they are ready to leave and we pull back out onto a dirt stretch of road.
...What the...!? “IED, IED, IED” the radio blares and I see the hot coals and smoke in front of me. My driver screeches to a halt dumbstruck. Everyone is momentarily stunned. The humvee in front of us has shifted across the road, hot embers still rolling underneath it. There is smoke coming from the front, and I can see even from here that the tires are flat and the axles shattered. The first thought that crosses my mind as it clears is “Shit! They’re dead. Gotta get up there and tow that truck out of here before we get ambushed!” The truck behind me is already racing past to cover our front.
...Its been a long day. No one as hurt this time and I thank God again for seeing me through another day.

Wednesday, June 13, 2007 -- [Jakes Life - in Iraq]
...The insurgents only messed with us once this past week, which was a welcome change of pace. I think they had maybe planned on bothering us a little more, but when they rolled up on our patrol base and fired their AK’s at us, and we returned with a 30 round automatic burst from a MK-19 grenade launcher, they lost their nerve a little. LCPL Wherry was the guy that returned fire, which has only added to his growing legend as "Machine Gun" Wherry, aka "Ma Deuce", aka "Johnny On the Spot With Automatic Machine Gun Fire". You see, Wherry has been behind the heavy guns in just about every major engagement we’ve been in as a platoon. When Windsor was hit, it was Wherry behind the .50 cal, dismantling buildings brick by brick to get us out. Two weeks ago when we were ambushed by the market, it was Wherry that got behind the 240 and put rounds down on the house from about 1,000 meters away. The thing is, he isn’t even a machine gunner, but he’s the envy of the platoon.

Death or Glory Part IV -- [Michael Yon]
"Take the Bedouin. Suddenly, what they think of us is important. Even very important. Arbitrary borders of Iran and Iraq mean nothing to many of these people. But rest assured that collectively, in their wanderings, they know everything that goes on here."
Rugged and independent, often compared to the cowboy of the American southwest, the Bedouin could be important allies, especially along the critical border with Iran:
"There is no way for our people to just “melt into the desert” unnoticed. The battle here, as General Petraeus keeps saying, is for the people. Whoever wins the people will hold the greater influence Iraq, and therefore the region. Soldiers, be they from Scotland or Scottsdale, come out here and battle for the sentiments or business sense of the people. Soldiers, who only months ago were perhaps drinking beers in London pubs, and who speak only English, who’ve been taught to shoot straight and to blow things up, now are learning to win battles without firing shots."
...The Bedouin said he didn’t need anything. He said he had never met British or Americans before, but that he heard the British were good to the people. I sensed he was telling the truth.
...And that was how my final mission with the British ended. An excellent and professional group of soldiers, doing their best under bad circumstances. They were every bit as good as I had heard.
As these words go to print, I am entering into major combat along with U.S. forces against Al Qaeda.

12th Flight -- [Me Over There - in Iraq]
Had my 12th flight this morning, a Marine with injuries from and IED. Flight was smooth, rode in a CH-46, which was unusual since most night flights are done in the Blackhawks. Nice to have the extra room.
...2 Marines that were injured by an IED arrived, one with severe (as severe as you can get) leg injuries, and the other with general shrapnel wounds. Both made it through surgery and will make it.

MEDEVAC -- [My Desert Adventure - in Iraq]
For part of my trip to Qatar, I tagged along with a MEDEVAC (medical evacuation) flight. After leaving my base, the helo went to the large military hospital nearby and picked up some more passengers. A kid took the seat next to me. His right hand was gone and he had a huge bandage in its place. Across his chest was a piece of tape that had his name, serial number and “Right hand amputation” written on it with a magic marker. He was on his way to Germany for more medical care.
We landed at a nearby base to be processed before we left the country. I saw the same kid sitting on a bench. He was looking at the X-ray of his stump...

Al Taqaddum -- [The Gunner's World - in Iraq]
...I have attached two pictures to this posting one is of a CH-46 casualty evacuation helo, this is the war time ambulance in the sky, you get shot or hit an IED and there is a good chance the Marines of HMM-161 the "Greyhawks" could be the difference between living and dieing. I spoke at length with a young combat corpsman who in civilian terms would be a paramedic in the squadron who told me horrific stories. Tales of evacuating Marines and Soldiers and having to make decisions of who has the best chance of surviving and making the decision to move on leaving a Marine or Solider to god and working on those with the best chance for survival. This young man was maybe 24 years old. He is here making decisions on life and death....daily

Help our Soldiers help Iraqi children - Shoes Needed -- [Soldiers' Angels Germany]
From SA contact LtCol Eric in Mosul:
I am writing to you today because of the sad and destitute situation that the children of Mosul, Iraq find themselves in on a daily basis. After seeing these unfortunate children in the urban battlefield everyday for six months, I can assure you that their difficulties are very real and beyond the power of their parents to fix. These children, in many cases, lack some of the most basic necessities that you and I take for granted and that we would never let our own children go without.
...As I am sure you know, this war is not a war of battles won, regiments destroyed, and cities captured. Rather, this is a war fought on the "human terrain" of the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people; a war for the very soul of a nation where single gestures and one time events can be as profound and far reaching as a hundred Gettysburgs or D-Days. If we can just provide shoes for these children we stand poised to win a major victory indeed.

Universal Care for Health? -- [Matt Sanchez - in Iraq]
The 5th Marines, 10th Battalion from Camp Lejeune set out to provide the local population, just outside of Fallujah, with basic health care. These knuckle jarheads risk their lives and limbs to bring eye drops and aspirin to people who often have no indoor plumbing, but share a feed to international satellite television with the neighbors. Iraq is a place of surrealistic contrasts, of power games that are counter-intuitive and images that can be as clear as the piercing blue sky or as grainy as the sugar powdered dirt. Between car bombs and cough syrup, many inhabitants of al Anbar have decided to just say no to violence both imported and domestic.

Two Sunni Doctoral Students Express Differences in Opinion
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgSk1u2ONyI

I'm lookin out for a hero.... -- [Segredo Family Blog - in Iraq]
...This was drawn on the concrete wall near my trailer. It was done by a 20-year-old kid (I must be old, calling 20 years a kid). He was preparing to go home and wanted to leave his living area a better place. I asked him why this particular topic. He said it was to be a daily reminder to all those still here that we are heroes. Maybe without the fancy suits (though the uniforms are a little crazy) and without the superpowers (what, didn't Marvel or DC comics have a hero with "blogging" powers) but we are heroes nonetheless. To our families and friends and to the American people yes, but also to those silent majority who live in fear of the common villainy they see every day. To those who wish for a peaceful life and see only one group of people willing to fight for them, us.

Sig Christenson: 'Rebuilding a house on fire' -- [MY SA blog - Military City]
...Conviction is a mighty important thing when you are asking someone to die in a gun battle or knife fight on behalf of his or her country. But Iraqi identity is rooted in tribe and religion. It's not necessarily this artificial creation of western colonial powers almost a century ago, when Great Britain and France sought a stable oil pipeline to fuel their empires and called it "Iraq."
Long manipulated by outsiders, Iraqis have terrible suspicions about our motivations in their country and, as a result, harbor doubts about the regime that is calling the shots in Baghdad. Worse still, the Sunnis displaced from power after Saddam's fall have good reason to distrust their new Shia rulers. They've been targeted by Shia death squads since the 2003 invasion and have been fighting their religious rivals for 14 centuries. North of Baghdad, the Kurds have all but carved out a new country, complete with their own flag.
As if those divisions aren't enough, there are many others. Our troops are concerned about Iraqis joining the army and police for the money, rather than preserving their country.

Freedom Journal Iraq

EA-6B Takes on al Qaeda -- [Strategy Page]
June 17, 2007: The U.S. Navy has been stationing some of its EA-6B electronic warfare aircraft in Iraq, in order to use the extensive jamming and signal monitoring gear on these planes, to track enemy activity, and help defeat roadside bombs. Depending on how many carriers are in the area, there can be up to half dozen EA-6Bs in the air over Iraq at one time.

Iraq Report: "Offensive Operations" now underway -- [The Fourth Rail]
Four days after the destruction of the twin minarets of the al-Askaria mosque in Samarra, the situation in Iraq has been relatively calm, considering the nature of al Qaeda's attack. The Iraqi government has extended the curfew in Baghdad through Monday, and there have been no reports of sectarian violence or major street battles. Saturday say the destruction of a Sunni mosque in the southern Shia dominated city of Basra, the second mosque destroyed in two days. The expected explosion of sectarian violence has yet to materialize as it did afte rthe dome of the al-Askaria mosque was destroyed last year.

Fox Gen. Petraeus on Iraq

Gates Says Iraq Troop Surge Only Starting To Bite -- [Defense News]
U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Saturday that a troop surge in Iraq is only starting to have its full impact and that it is too soon to tell whether conditions will be ripe by September for decisions on U.S. force levels.
The U.S. commander in Iraq, Army Gen. David Petraeus, said that the latest troop reinforcements to arrive in theater had enabled the military to begin major operations against al-Qaida rear bases outside the capital.

Sectarian Murders Down in Baghdad, Petraeus Says -- [Global Security]
WASHINGTON, June 17, 2007 – Sectarian murders and executions in Baghdad are declining, the commander of U.S. forces in Iraq said today on the “Fox News Sunday” television program.
Army Gen. David H. Petraeus told host Chris Wallace via satellite link from Baghdad that the U.S. troop surge has helped reduce sectarian murders and executions in Baghdad by one-third between January and April. And despite an uptick in violence in May, the levels of violence are again going down.

Marine fights fog of war, saves life of comrade -- [Marine Corps News] HT BlackFiveFALLUJAH, Iraq (June 13, 2007) -- No one really knows how they will react under extreme stress until they are thrust into a situation in which they have no options but to do so. Some may collapse under the weight; others, however, rise up and meet the challenges set before them.
One Marine was confronted with a literal do-or-die situation when a roadside bomb rocked his amphibious assault vehicle north of Fallujah during combat operations, June 7.

Saudi Arabia calls on Iran not to interfere in Iraq's internal affairs -- [Iraq Updats]
Saudi Interior Minister Prince Nayef Bin Abdul-Aziz called on Iran not to interfere in Iraq's internal affairs on a doctrinal basis, adding interference should be to the interest of all Iraqis.

For That Which We Are About To Receive,...... -- [All Quiet on the Southwest Asian Front - in Iraq]
The Golden Mosque of Samarra, which holds held the tombs of the 10th and 11th Imams, was one of the holiest shrines of Shi'a Islam. The start of the largest wave of sectarian violence was when it was bombed in Feb 06, destroying the dome of the mosque. It was attacked again two days ago, bringing down most of what survived, including the minarets.
Muqtada al-Sadr, Shi'a leader of the Mahdi Army, immediately declared the attack an 'American-Israeli conspiracy' and ordered his fighters to redouble their attacks against 'the occupiers'.
Us.
Our sector, in the heart of Baghdad, is heavily Shi'a. We're just a few kilometers from Sadr city itself, and al-Sadr is very, very popular in the muhallahs (neighborhoods)around us.

Coalition Forces disrupt Secret Cell terrorist network -- [MNF-I]
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed at least 20 terrorists, wounded six suspected terrorists and detained one suspected terrorist during operations targeting Secret Cells operating in Amarah and Majjar al-Kabir.
The individuals detained during the raid is believed to be members of the secret cell terrorist network known for facilitating the transport of weapons and explosively formed penetrators, or EFPs, from Iran to Iraq, as well as bringing militants from Iraq to Iran for terrorist training.

US Col. discusses weapons cache found in Baghdad on 6/11/07

Remarkable restraint -- [Calvery In Iraq - in Iraq]
It appears the Iraqi people have shown remarkable restraint in the aftermath of the bombing of the minarets of the Golden Mosque in Samarra. When the mosque was bombed in February 2006, al Sadr's Jaysh al Mahdi thugs went on a tear and killed Sunnis in reprisal. While some rogue elements of Jaysh al Mahdi have attacked some Sunnis mosques, overall the response has been quite muted.
al Sadr himself called for restraint, although it is quite possible he is merely biding his time. And ridiculously, he blamed the bombing on America and Israel, rather than on the obvious al Qaeda-affiliated suspects. (The bombing fits al Qaeda's typical pattern to a "T").

War, red tape haunt civilian workers -- [A Soldier's Perspective - in Iraq]
Many times I have written about contractors and the fight some of them have AFTER the return home from Iraq or Afghanistan. I have talked about how many have been broken either in mind or body, and been abandoned by their companies. The LA Times has done another article addressing this issue.

Iraqi Editorial Cartoons -- [Those Wacky Iraqis - in Kuwait/Iraq]
...Right now we are in the middle of yet another cycle of incoming and outgoing units. I feel like I have seen every unit patch in the Army now. I'm actually getting pretty good at identifying even the 1001 National Guard units that cycle through.
...I guess that all I could say today is summed up in these two cartoons. A spook type friend of mine sent these to me. Its a sad, sad comment on the state of affairs up North. When we first got here in 2003 we were so full of hope and just knew that the shooting would be over in a couple of months.
OK, I'll admit it. We were wrong. We misjudged the enemy. We misidentified the enemy. We should have shot the journalists. Had we done so and then just kept them ALL out this would have been over. Like a lot of other conflicts we have won every fight and battle but lost the media war the day we rolled into the country.
I detest the media. I loath them. My brothers and sisters are still dying because they all want "The Story."
hey stand on a balcony in the Green Zone with their backs to Baghdad and speak as if they have actually been out on the street.

Losses in Iraq -- [Americas North Shore Journal]
Information in these graphs is available in detail from the Terrorist Death Watch site and the Iraq Coalition Casualty Count site.
The use of the word terrorist and the word terrorism is consistent with the definitions provided by the United Nations at this link.
IED Deaths in Iraq January 1 2006 through May 31 2007
As one commentator points out, there appear to be three peaks. When it comes to IED design, we are seeing an increasing level of sophistication. There are a great many smart, inventive people in Iraq, Iran and Syria developing better bombs and better bomb triggers. A successful innovation will increase our losses until we adapt. We locate and disarm somewhere between 50-80% of IED’s but it only takes one to hurt. IED losses, because they target vehicles full of troops or groups of people cause more casualties than combat, three and four at a time rather than one at a time.

A nice Sunday drive -- [Foreign and Domestic - in Iraq]
Despite having driven near Fallujah a dozen or so times in the last year, until a road construction project recently sent us on an alternate route, we had never been through the scenic downtown area. Out here in the western deserts, I tend to forget how green Iraq is around the rivers.
As for downtown Fallujah, well I guess even I had bought into the media story that Fallujah was still a sniper filled wild west. As we drove through, I couldn't help but feel a little silly for having gotten all worked up over it. To be sure, Fallujah looks like Berlin at the end of WWII, with bombed out buildings and military checkpoints all over. But I found it interesting to see kids playing in the street, and adults patiently waiting to cross the street once our convoy had passed.

The Mad Max War -- [Air Force EWO - in Iraq]
Remember those cool Mad Max movies? Remember all those neat made from scratch vehicles all those post apocalyptic warriors road around in? Well, life here in Baghdad has been reminding me quite a bit of those movies. I sometimes feel that I'm inside a Mad Max movie. Due to the insugent situation over here and the danger of the IEDs out on the road we have had to modify our existing vehicles and develop many new types of vehicles to help protect us from those threats. So many of these vehicles, or modifications to vehicles, really remind me of those movies for some reason. Take a look for yourself and see what you think.

You know it's hot when.... -- [Assad Baghdad - in Iraq]
...the dogs are wearing shoes because the pavement is sizzling!
I love this pup. There are a LOT of working dogs here in Iraq -- for all the obvious reasons. Most are pretty tough looking woofers that you really wouldn't want to mess with.
...Last week we had some relief from the early summer heat. I think the high was 112. It looks like we're headed for another week consistently in the 115-117 range.
...And my Iraqi friends keep telling me it's not hot yet...

Father's Day 20071 hour ago Post a comment -- [Fightin' 6th Marines! - in Iraq]
Rolling around in the desert 24/7 with an insane patrol schedule that doesn't have any scheduled breaks makes for a hectic life. Cpl. Joel Abshier talks about how one of the companies in his battalion, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 6, took a "day off" for a little relaxation in observance of Father's Day:

Father's Day 2007 -- [Foreign and Domestic - in Iraq]
Father's Day in Iraq, again. Today actually wasn't bad. Due to a scheduling quirk, I got the day off from mission even though most of my guys went out. So I had a few precious hours of peace and quiet. And we even got a Father's Day dinner, provided by the Outback Steakhouse company. I never heard if they had some sort of promotion going back home, or if Outback has a lot of guys serving in the military. But they took over the chow hall last night and served good steaks, baked potatoes, and even their famous blooming onions. A very nice surprise indeed.
But today makes me 0 for 6 in being home on Father's Day. Since my son was born,...

Eat the Bugs -- [Jack Army - in Iraq]
I got dressed, ready to head out and face the FOB, put on my hat and picked up my green notebook. I felt something on my head, like there was something hanging from the ceiling or something. Then I realized something was in my hat. A lizard. Freaking out on my head.

Reintegration Tip #2 Messed Up Beyond All Repair -- [The Online Chaplain - in Iraq]
There is an army acronym that chaplain’s aren’t ever suppose to say, so I will just allude to it. It means messed up beyond all repair. If you have been around army folk for more than about a day, I am sure you have heard it. On the phone a couple of days ago my wife said to me, "You aren’t coming home that way are you?"
I laughed at her and asked her if she had been watching too much news again. We get the news here. I know the general population is hearing in a variety of ways that soldiers are coming home from Iraq screwed up, messed up and generally changed in a negative way. I know the vast majority of people evaluate hardship by the standard of depreciation. I got it. What did it cost me? How have I changed? What are the negative impacts on my life? What Line of Duty injuries did I suffer? This being the primary metaphor for thinking about loss leads us to only one conclusion….that of diminishing returns.
If you are in a military family, waiting at home for your soldier, or a soldier about to return home, let me give you some advice.

The Waiting Game -- [The Desert Excursion - in Iraq]
Inevitably, almost all discussions with my fellow soldiers at this point leads to talking about home. They chat excitably about what their plans are, where they are going to school, who they are coming home to, their jobs, their kids, and their spouses. Then they proceed with caution and nervous voices as they talk about what all those things actually mean. What am I doing when I get home? Who will be there when I get home? Will life be the same as it was before?
So, with only a few weeks left the tension is building and our patience is running thin. It's almost like punishment when you don't have any work to do because then your mind is relegated to thinking about home and the anxiety sets in again. I can only go to the gym so much and the rest of the time off I sit and stare at the ceiling.

Mail Call -- [The Zeke - in Iraq]
Attention all you wonderfull package and letter senders. We have been told to ask senders of mail to stop sending any items after the 15th of June. I would say you will probably be good up until the 20th. At this point in the deployment, we are pretty well stocked up on good stuff from home. If there are any last minute letters you have been meaning to get out to your soldier in my unit, now is the time to do it. Thank you all for your prayers and support. I'll try to get an updated post with something to say in the near future.
Looking forward to getting out of here, but it's not over yet.

No More Boxes! -- [Letters from the Desert - in Iraq]
Since November I have received over 2,000 boxes valued at over $100,000 to share with the Soldiers here. You have inundated us with beef jerky, twizzlers, shampoo, dvd's and a host of other items. On behalf of all the guys and gals here, THANK YOU!
However, my time here is short. We are told to cut off mail 30 days out, and I am near that magic number, Lord willing. So, my time now will be spent packing up, shipping things home, and preparing things for the Chaplain who will follow me. If you want to send more boxes, email me at jim.higgins@us.army.mil and I will give you the name and mailing address for a chaplain who can receive your items after 1 SEP.

AFGHANISTAN

U.S.-led air raid kills seven Afghan children -- [Reuters]
KABUL (Reuters) - At least seven children were killed in a U.S.-led coalition air strike on a religious school in Afghanistan, the coalition said on Monday, amid rising anger over civilian deaths from foreign military operations.
A U.S. military spokesman said some children who survived Sunday's raid said insurgents had forced pupils to stay inside the madrasa.
"We are truly sorry for the innocent lives lost in this attack," said Army Major Chris Belcher, a coalition spokesman, in a statement. "We had surveillance on the compound all day and saw no indications there were children inside the building."

Freedom Watch Afghanistan

Forgiving those who sin against us... -- [Army Sailor - in Afghanistan]
I give a lot of thought to the suicide bomber who detonated himself less than 30 feet in front of my truck. I see it all over again in dreams. I imagine it instantly when I hear any loud bang. When I tell people about the incident I feel strange, because it seems so alien. People must think I am telling a tall tale. I wish I were.

Week 21--Winning the War -- [Richards Deplyment - in Afghanistan]
Well, we have our youngest patient yet. I don't think they get much younger. This little boy's mother was shot in the abdomen. We saved the mom and delivered the baby, who suffered a minor wound from the bullet. Mom and baby are doing fine, and my staff is enjoying caring for a newborn baby.
I don't know why anyone would think we are losing this war. From my foxhole, it looks like we are winning the war in Afghanistan. I know that's not what the news reports, but I have found that there is a disconnect between what the news reports and the reality I see on the ground in Afghanistan.

Strings Attached in Afghanistan -- [Strategy Page]
June 18, 2007: The United States was forced to keep twenty CH-47 cargo helicopters in Afghanistan for another six months, because NATO countries could not come up with sufficient helicopter lift for their own troops. It was not that other NATO nations don't have the helicopters to send to Afghanistan, they do. The problems are largely political. Many European nations are split on contributing to military operations in Afghanistan.

News of Afghanistan - The Return II -- [Miserable Donuts]
It's getting hot down South - for the bad guys.
More bravery and noble resistance from the Taliban. C'mon, drive by shooting at a girl's school. There is your "resurgent" Taliban for ya.
Oh boy, the resolution of this is going to be something to see. I should have known that patronage would be lurking in the background of this one.

Happy Father's Day (for REAL!) for a 3ID Soldier -- [Some Soldier's Mom]
The following is a "dialog" from a private support site for 3rd Infantry Division families. "Donna" is the Gramma-to-be -- Saturday to Father's Day...
...Hallelujah! 7 lbs 14 oz. 21 inches... and her husband was on the phone for the delivery... from Iraq.... now I can cry.

Happy Father's Day -- [ETT PA-C - in Afghanistan]
This is an official notice: Happy Father's Day to you all. Wish I could be there to celebrate with each and every one of you, specifically those of you that are father figures to me: dad, Ralph (godfather) and Lamar(father-in-law). Thanks to my dad, Tom, for being a wonderful man. A man who loves God, his family and his country as much as any man could. He and my mother have been married for almost 40 years!!! (Holy smokes) He has selflessy devoted his life to my mother, as well as my brother, myself and our families. He was a pilot in the Air Force for 21/22 years and continues to train pilots that serve and protect our country. Dad, I'm proud to be your son and carry on your name. I love you and appreciate your true example of Fatherhood.
To my wife and daughter: I love you and miss you both so much. I wish I could be with you but I keep hope in how sweet Father's Day will be next year. Thanks for your sacrifices. I know this isn't easy on you and yet you still carry on.

Happy Father's Day, Afghan Dads -- [Miserable Donuts]
A protective father in Shaka, Parwan Province - Fall 2004 [Photo]
Father in Deh-e-Hazara, Parwan, Spring 2005 [Photo]

U.S. AND OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD

The United Kingdom honors its heroes -- [TigerHawk]
Today is the 25th anniversary of the United Kingdom's victory over Argentina in defense of the Falkland Islands. I am delighted to report that during my walkabout London this afternoon I stumbled across the dignified celebration of that triumph and can provide you, our loyal readers, with exclusive coverage (mainstream media coverage here and here).
...Anyway, I had walked west from my hotel (the Renaissance Chancery Court on High Holborn Street, if you must know) to Hyde Park, stopped at Speaker's Corner to listen to Muslim and Christian preachers hector each other, crossed the park, briefly toyed with buying a shirt at Harrod's, and then strolled east past Wellington Arch to Buckingham Palace. There I came upon an assembled crowd, and quickly learned that I was about 20 minutes early for the celebration of the victory in the Falklands War. The parade was to come down The Mall from Admiralty Arch and past the reviewing stand on the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of the palace. My perch was to the left and rear of the Memorial:

Sex, Drugs and Nuclear Weapons -- [Strategy Page]
June 18, 2007: The government is blaming unrest on the United States. Most people know better, but reading about American spy rings, and U.S. financed rebel groups makes for entertaining reading. There's not much other entertainment allowed in Iran

WAR ON TERROR /TERRORISM

Jamestown Foundation: Al-Qaeda's American Recruit Releases Something Entirely New -- [ON Point]
By Michael Scheuer: As the 19th anniversary of al-Qaeda's founding nears later in 2007, Western analysts have accumulated an enormous body of primary-source material upon which to base judgments, assessments and predictions. While it is a truism to say that al-Qaeda is a "learning organization"—in the sense that it studies failed operations and adapts—it is not often enough remembered that al-Qaeda is also an organization that devotes large amounts of time and resources to teaching, informing and warning. Needless to say, much of this latter activity is directed to the Muslim world, but not since the United States confronted Ho Chi Minh and General Giap during the Vietnam conflict have they had a foe as eager as al-Qaeda to educate them about its motivations, war aims and intentions. Indeed, al-Qaeda has taken the passion of the North Vietnamese to inform and warn a step further by recruiting a U.S. citizen to serve as an English-speaking, Islamist mentor for the American audience.

Baseless Excuses for Terrorism -- [MEMRI]
In an article titled "How the Arabs Explain the Terror Phenomenon" in the Qatari daily Al-Raya, Al-Ansari criticized the ways in which the Arab world denies and ignores the phenomenon of terrorism, and refuted the political and socio-economic arguments justifying it:
"...I don't understand the personality split in some people; they depict the terrorist in Iraq as a martyr and a resistance fighter…How can we term someone a martyr when he blows up schools and hospitals, does not respect the sanctity of religious sites, and, worse, blows himself up in restaurants and bus stations full of workers?!...
"Why has the terrorist violence increased? And why has it reached a level of such madness and barbarism? Why aren't we managing to deal with it and handle it? Why is there a rise in terror operations targeting innocents?!
"In my view, the [answer] lies in our inability to explain the phenomenon of terrorism,

"Guest Worker Amnesty Program" Would Not Protect America -- [Counterterrorism Blog- Michael Cutler]
Here is an article that appears in today's edition of the Washington Times, reporting about the desire of members of Congress to spend about one billion dollars to help protect our nation against the specter of a terrorist attack. This is certainly a worthwhile endeavor, but either the politicians don't understand what is truly needed to protect us, or they have an agenda more about creating an illusion of security than actually providing the security to which we are entitled.

SUPPORTING THE TROOPS...OR NOT

Finding Their Way

Fisher House Update, On the Way! -- [Half a World Away - in Iraq]
Quick update on the pledge drive in support of Fisher House. Thanks to David, the Duty Officer over at The Sandbox, who put my original post up on his site a day or so ago, I'm now at 140% of my goal. Outstanding! I think I need to set a new goal, but I'm not sure what a good number would be. If you have any suggestions leave a comment. I'm simply amazed at the power of community and all of the many, many supporters of me and my fellow soldiers there are. You guys are the best.

GO MOM - When lady medics take care of our guys -- [Soldier's Angels - Medical Support]
I just got an email from Major Terri O, at the 399th CSH. They are are a reserve unit, and have been over there for about a year now. One thing I've picked up from talking to lots of medical people is that a lot of reservists have been doing this for a long time, and have lots and lots ofexperience. One Doc I talk to is a Vietnam Vet and my age. Jeeps, it would kill me to be trudging around those rocks and sand and all, and I don't know how he does it.

Excitations and Soldiers' Angels Honor L.A. Area Hero for Father's Day -- [Soldiers' Angels]
WASHINGTON, D.C., (June 11, 2007) - Excitations, a company offering "gifts of experience" in the Los Angeles area, has partnered with Soldiers' Angels to give a thrilling experience to Los Angeles area dad Army Sgt. Michael Wotring for Father's Day. Excitations and Soldiers' Angels are honoring Wotring for his devotion to his country and being a role model to others in the military.

Two Inches -- [Grim- BlackFive]
Several of you have emailed to ask for an update on the RCT-6 Email Project. Sgt. Deboard sends this photo:
So far, the count is about a thousand. The weekend will slow it somewhat, but if we have a new push starting tomorrow, I don't doubt that we'll hit our goal of six thousand.
If you haven't emailed, this is the address. Ask friends, companions, anyone you know who ought to be supporting our Marines.

Day at the K - Soldiers' Angels, Patriot Guards Support the Troops -- [Soldiers' Angels Kansas City]
Kansas City Soldiers' Angels and the Patriot Guard were at Royals Stadium (the K) in Kansas City, June 16 for Military Appreciation Day. We participated in the opening events and enjoyed a great day of meeting many of our troops, comradeship among troop supporters and showing Kansas City that we support our troops. Over 24k people attended the ballgame, saluted our troops and heard about Soldiers' Angels and the Patriot Guard.
If you are a Kansas City Area Angel and didn't make it to the event, we missed you, but we have other events coming up. Check at the blog:
Military Appreciation Day at the K - Support our Troops! -- [kehenry1]

US Papers Monday: "Give Me My Sanity" -- [Iraq Slogger]
Devastating Look at PTSD in Walter Reed; UNMOVIC's Idle Inspectors
Iraq-datelined reporting is dwarfed again by the Post’s continuing series on Walter Reed Hospital, the most recent installments of which have featured veterans struggling with post-combat mental health disorders, and the inadequate US system for treating their needs. Today’s filing looks at the grievous story of a young man facing PTSD after a year in Iraq, and recounting the different ways the system has failed him.

Support for British & Aussie Soldiers -- [Soldiers' Angels Europe]
We have a British from Manchester and Aussie Soldier from Melbourne who are requesting Support for their Team.
They are working with a small coalition jointly working to defeat (some) of the IED threat to all of our forces as well as the Iraqi and Afghani people.

IN MEMORY OF...

Robert Stokely on Father's Day - 22 Months After. -- [Thunder Run]
Since the moment of the news coming to my door of Mike's death 8/16/05 I have tried to put it in perspective of Romans 8:28, well, actually, let me say it more correctly: I have claimed the promise of Romans 8:28.
There is a song playing on country music radio and on Christian radio by country music star, Faith Hill. I can't even tell you the name of it (not unusual, I listen, but name of songs aren't important to me, just what the music and words say). But this one simple verse says it all, and I don't know if Faith Hill intended to do so, but I think it ties very well to the promise of Romans 8:28. "God is great, but sometimes life isn't so good..."

Someone You Should Know: Sgt. 1st Class Jared C. Monti -- [Pundit Review]
Tonight was a special Father’s Day edition of Someone You Should Know. Bruce McQuain from QandO, a Vietnam veteran with 28-years experience in the U.S. Army, does a wonderful job with this series because he knows of what he speaks and he is an incredible writer and narrator.
This week, Bruce told us about Raynham, Mass. native Jared C. Monti. He did so not through media accounts, but from the comments of Jared’s fellow soldiers. It is an amazing testimonial.

Robin Olds Passes On -- [Pinch Paisley - BlackFive]
Brigadier General Robin Olds, 1922-2007
Brigadier General Robin Olds, United States Air Force, retired, passed away peacefully, Thursday evening, June 14th, 2007 from congestive heart failure, one month short of his 85th birthday. He was born in Honolulu on July 14, 1922, the son of Major General Robert and Eloise Olds.

MILITARY

General Pace Refused Voluntarily Retire -- [A Soldier's Perspective - in Iraq]
More information is coming out how Gen Pace was tossed aside as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs.
...I applaud General Pace for refusing to walk out on us troops. He had more to say.

Massive mail backlog found at Walter Reed -- [Military Times]
Army officials scrambled to deliver thousands of undelivered letters and packages – some with postal dates from May 2006 – addressed to soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
Though the backlog was discovered in the hospital’s brigade combat center last week, Army leadership did not announce its efforts to correct the situation until issuing a press release at almost 6 p.m. EST Friday. The release was titled, “Army takes immediate action to deliver backlogged mail.”

POLITICS

Military Records of 14 Presidential Hopefuls -- [VA You Served]
Click here for the military service records of 14 leading Democratic and Republican candidates for the 2008 Presidential bid. Share this post: email it! | bookmark it!

Unbelievable -- [Popping Smoke]
Unbelievable. Sinply unbelievable. Really. I try to remain neutral in national politics.
I don't know if Harry Reid's comments calling the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff "incompetent" is politically motivated or if his career in politics has made him numb to the effects making comments like that has on Soldiers.
General Peter Pace is the highest ranking military officer in the United States Military. He is the uniformed figurehead of all of the military. He came to Iraq when I was there (probably several times) and I saw him speak. Very motivational and influential. He is not the commander in charge of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. That is someone else.
The point is: we look up to him. As an officer, he is the pinnacle; he has served in the Marine Corps since 1968. I looked at Harry Reid's Biography and General Pace's biography and see that there is one striking similarity in the two men.

Coffee Snorters: Xtreme CompetenceTM Edition -- [Villianous Comapany]
Last week Senator Harry Reid followed a decisive victory over the administration by graciously observing outgoing JCS Chairman Pete Pace is "incompetent" and he's "happy" Pace is leaving. With this simple but effective gesture, Reid once again demonstrated the depth of party's oft-stated commitment to heal the bitter partisan divisions that have plagued Capitol Hill for so long.

THE MEDIA

Frustrated Soldier Speaks His Mind About Media -- [A Soldier's Mind]
This soldier, on the front lines, tells it like he sees it, about the media’s reporting of the war. To say that he’s frustrated is to put it mildly. He talks about the frustration of knowing that they’re making progress and killing enemies, only to turn on the news and not see that reported, but instead seeing coverage of nothing but things, that in his mind and the mind of the majority of the Troops, does nothing but embolden the enemy. I can understand his frustration and that’s why here at ASM, we strive to bring you information about the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, that you don’t see reported in the mainstream media. The emphasis in the article below is mine, points which I feel people should pay attention to. The majority of our readers know the frustration this Soldier speaks of and agree. Some of you don’t and that’s your right, but this Soldier has earned the right to speak his mind and he will be heard here.

Latest Haditha Prosecution Implosion -- [The Tank - Steve Schippert]
Bruce Kesler has the latest on how the prosecution's case is falling apart against the Marines charged with murder after a Haditha roadside bomb and ensuing small-arms attack. He quotes from local San Diego media reporting, which includes in part the following:
...So busy were they furthering the words of local Iraqis the Marines swore were lying, there was little apparent interest in "leaks" that may have supported the Marines' claims in self-defense (at least as perceived within military and veteran circles). Now that the slow-moving case is finally falling apart, the Times is dutifully all over it. Unbelievable.

Haditha and the Media -- [Euphoric Reality]
“I will be putting up some insider information later today about the ongoing Article 32 for one of the Marines in the Haditha case. The NCIS testimony was, in short, a joke. What a bunch of incompetent fools. At any rate, I’ll be bringing you some of that later today. In the meantime, take a moment to read this article by Phil Brennan from Newsmax. ‘When it comes to the November 2005 Haditha incident, which the media has characterized as a wanton massacre of 24 innocent civilians, it seems it is the truth that has been massacred — by the news media.

NYTimes: Still Hasn't Apologized and Corrected the Record -- [NewsBusters]
On may 29th, the AP reported that Vice President Dick Cheney told the Secret Service to eliminate the records of visitors to the Vice President's mansion on the grounds of the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington D.C. fitting with the MSM's claims that the VP is "too secretive." Cheney’s office countered with the fact that he had written orders to save those records. Naturally the New York Times jumped on the bandwagon with a June 3rd piece that went wild-eyed and frothing, veering straight for the "Haliburton" canard that the left has tried to hang on Cheney since his first days in office instead of staying on the topic of the visitor records.
From 2001 to 2005, Mr. Cheney received "deferred salary payments" from Halliburton that far exceeded what taxpayers gave him. Mr. Cheney still holds hundreds of thousands of stock options that have ballooned by millions of dollars as Halliburton profited handsomely from the war in Iraq.
As they are wont to do, the Times again tried to link Cheney with Haliburton payouts despite the fact that the VP has not benefited from any such income since being elected to office.

HUMOR / SATIRE

72 Virgins [HT: Jawa Report]

Day By Day

(Need more? The previous Dawn Patrol is here.)