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Welcome to the Dawn Patrol, our daily roundup of information on the War on Terror and other topics - from the MilBlogs and various 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. Hat Tips to the Dawn Patrol are greatly appreciated.Refresh for updates.
Update: Explosion in Kabul -- [ISAF]
Afghan National Police (ANP) responded to this morning's insurgent attacks in downtown Kabul. ISAF Joint Command is working closely with our Afghan partners to aggressively contain the situation during which several small explosions were reported near the Feroshgah e Afghan Shopping Center and the Serena Hotel. Insurgents also used small arms fire in these attacks.
Kabul down, Kabul down -- [Rejuvenation of an Afghan Soul - in Afghanistan]
Morning started off the usual. While at work, one of the Canadian girls said there was a bomb attack. Strange! We hadn't heard anything! Hubby Skyped me a few minutes later saying there was a suicide bomb attack just outside the Millie Bank. The Millie Bank is only a few buildings away from the Serena Hotel. But clearly, the target was Millie Bank. The same place my brother in law, F, works.
The Taliban stormed the bank, commando style, firing. News reports say that the Taliban stole armored vehicles, one of which was filled with explosives and detonated this morning. Soon after, the Taliban stormed the compound. Thankfully my brother in law was on the other side of the bank at the time.
The Afghan National Army arrived and managed to secure the bank staff in the basement while they fired back at the Taliban. Gunshots were also heard from Serena
Busy Morning in the 'Bul -- [OPFOR - Lt Col P - in Afghanistan]
Never a dull moment here:
I was in the MoD when it happened, and therefore fairly close. A pretty active firefight went on for quite a long time, and that plume of smoke drifted far over the city.
Fruits of the drizzle -- [This Ain't Hell...]
Remember back in August when General McCrystal asked the Obama administration for some more resources to fight the war in Afghanistan and we were told by the administration and the talking heads that there was no reason to rush a decision because winters were calm and the Taliban didn't fight in the winter.
Well, tell me what this is...
Afghan president says security restored in capital -- [SignOnSanDiego/AP]
Afghan President Hamid Karzai says security has been restored to Kabul after a Taliban attack targeting government buildings that prompted fierce gunbattles and left five dead.
Officials have said at least five people, including a child, were killed and nearly 40 wounded in Monday's attack.
UK plans 'trust fund' to woo Taliban fighters -- [The Guardian]
Taliban fighters who lay down their arms will be offered money from an international trust fund under a plan being drawn up by British government officials, it emerged today.
Karzai Closing In on Taliban Reconciliation Plan -- [NY Times]
The Afghan government will soon unveil a major new plan offering jobs, security, education and other social benefits to Taliban followers who defect, according to the spokesman for President Hamid Karzai.
White Information -- [Free Range International - in Afghanistan]
Friday started with a disturbing report - a fuel tanker attack on the Jalalabad side of the Duranta Dam tunnel. Ambush teams operating less than a mile from the Taj! Not good news, so after the incident scene cleared out we went for a look-see.
Life in the Big City -- [Knights of Afghanistan - in Afghanistan]
approximately twenty Taliban stormed several buildings in downtown Kabul near the Ministries of Finance and Justice. At least one of the buildings was a popular shopping center. The apparent intent was to disrupt the swearing in ceremony for the new members of Karzai's cabinet, which was taking place at the Presidential Palace down the street.
So I got to start the day standing on my balcony with a cup of coffee, being serenaded by the sound of not-so-distant automatic weapons fire and the occasional explosion of a rocket. This time, they really came to play for keeps. Kalashnikovs, PK machineguns, RPGs, they brought the works with them today. And at least one car bomb, perhaps two. More significantly, some of my guys who were ...
Fear and Loathing in Loya Paktia -- [Captain Cat's Diaries - in Afghanistan]
While we're on the subject of Special Forces operations, I must just recount a meeting I had a couple of days ago with some elders from one of the Mangal sub-tribes in Jani Khel district, Northern Paktia.
[Briefly, lest I accidentally find myself thrown into the back of a humvee and bundled off to Bagram myself, I should really caveat everything with 'there are two sides to every story'. Sure there are, I realize that. I will share this particular side, as for now it's all I have.]
Before I go on with the story, the tribal elders I've been meeting these past few months have been informing us that they are beginning to reinstate their local arbakai (tribal policing mechanism) as they can't rely on the Afghan National Security forces for security. Based on these and other discussions with them, I am inferring that levels of frustration against the International Military Forces are reaching their peak and people are so desperate to be rid of the American forces from their areas, they are determined to try secure their own communities in order to avoid any need for the IM.
Trip to Eye Doctor and Traffic Snarl -- [Afghanistan My Last Tour - in Afghanistan]
...The AF Captain gave the mission briefing and highlighted some of the most recent happenings. As reported by the local media, thieves or insurgents stole 6 bullet-proof armored vehicles from the Ministry of Defense storage. A rocket landed near the embassies and the Serena Hotel was attacked again by the insurgents. So we had to be attentive and put on our game faces. Despite the massive amount of security in the capital, I know from researching http://www.icasualties.org/ web site that since the beginning of OEF, 104 coalition forces have died in the Kabul province. So this emerging city of 3 million people is still a very dangerous place and coalition forces are a viable target.
Royal Welsh target Taliban in their biggest air assault yet -- [Helmand Blog]
More than 300 helicopter-borne soldiers have targeted a Taliban stronghold in one of their biggest operations since arriving in Helmand over a month ago.
Haitian soldier wants to leave Afghanistan to help
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan--Haitian-American Lt. Ramses Brunache was supposed to be the one in danger in Afghanistan. Now his sister is dead, his homeland is broken and he's trying to return to help save Haiti.
Brunache found out about Tuesday's earthquake in a 3 a.m. phone call from his wife at the base where he's stationed in dusty Kandahar province, the Taliban's southern heartland. He's been here since July as a communications officer with the 97th Military Police Battalion out of Fort Riley, Kansas.
"She told me something happened in Haiti and my sister is not going to make it," he said.
Spitting Cobra -- [Michael Yon]
Artillery is called "The King of Battle." When it comes to the delivery of force, probably nothing outside of nuclear weapons can outmatch the sustained delivery of extreme brutality. Cannons also can deliver small atomic weapons.
3 Bombs, Buddies, and British Boobs -- [Sgt Danger - in Afghanistan]
They had me brief the rules of engagement again. I do it almost every time. Kind of getting tired of it, but I always try to do it well because I believe it's really important. The way we interact with people on the streets goes a long way to demonstrate that we're here to help, not to conquer. That's a tough message to send from behind a machine gun on top of 30,000 pounds of armor moving at 60mph. But a huge first step is to avoid hurting innocent people. I particularly enjoy working with the Afghan National Army on the road.
Afghan food -- [Doc H's International Adventure - in Afghanistan]
I am still here at Bagram. Thankfully my L&L(Languishing and Loitering) here will be over in only a few short days. Then on to the next stop along the trip home.
As indicated in a previous post, today I will go over my experiences with Afghan foods.
pashtunwali -- [The Alley: Josh's blog - in Afghanistan]
I have had the privilege of getting to know more about my hosts here in Khost, Afghanistan. The Pashtun tribes are one of the oldest people-groups on earth, having lived in these mountains, the Hindu Kush, for about 6,000 years. I have undertaken (call me crazy) to learn to speak Pashto (also called Pashtu or Pakhto). Pashto is a pretty simple language, full of words for things like home, relatives, livestock, work, land, and seasons. On the other hand, almost all words for things mechanical and modern are borrowed, from English, Farsi, or Arabic.
Marines exit Iraq in first wave of US forces out -- [Washington Post/AP]
Among the first troops to invade in March 2003, and the first to help turn enemy insurgents into allies, the Marines will be the first major wave of American forces to go as the U.S. military begins a withdrawal to be completed by the end of next year. For them, as for the rest of the U.S. military, this has been the longest war since Vietnam.
At their peak in October 2008, an estimated 25,000 Marines were in Iraq, mostly in the country's western Anbar province. Now only about 4,000 remain.
Talabani, Biden discuss relations over phone -- [Aswat al-Iraq]
Iraqi President Jalal Talabani discussed over the phone with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden bilateral relations between the two sides and means of boosting them, as well as the march of the political process in Iraq, according to a presidential release on Sunday.
"President Talabani received a phone call from U.S. Vice President Biden and tackled with him ways to further ties to serve the common interests of the two countries," read the release as received by Aswat al-Iraq news agency.
"Biden called on Talabani to intensify efforts in Baghdad these days to address the problems in the Iraqi arena," it added.
Candidate Bans Worsen Iraq's Political Turmoil -- [NY Times]
Iraqi officials have done little to clarify who, exactly, has been disqualified from running for Parliament in March because of ties to Saddam Hussein's Baath Party. They did, however, make clear on Sunday that, contrary to Iraqi television news, the government's own spokesman was not among those declared a Baathist and therefore unfit for office.
The puzzling disqualifications -- [Iraqi Mojo]
"The disqualification of Iraq's defense minister, Abdul-Kader Jassem al-Obeidi, appeared most puzzling of all. He has run the ministry since 2006, by most accounts capably, and is running as a candidate on Mr. Maliki's coalition. A spokesman for the ministry, Brig. Gen. Ali Salih, declined to comment on Sunday, but said a response was expected Monday
'Chemical Ali' to be hanged within days -- [The Guardian]
Ali Hassan al-Majid sentenced to death by Iraq's high criminal court for ordering slaughter of Kurds in 1988
One of Saddam Hussein's most loathed henchman, Ali Hassan al-Majid, otherwise known as Chemical Ali, will be hanged within days, a senior official said tonight, setting the scene for Iraq's highest profile execution since Saddam himself was put to death more than three years ago.
Building Up Iraq From a Local Level -- [Stryker Brigade News]
Entrepreneurship is on the rise, especially for new business owners receiving the first installment of their micro-grant payment.
2nd Lt. Tyrell W. Denton, a fire support officer with 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, spoke with and handed out 23 micro grants to business oriented citizens at the Dali Abbos town hall.
Extreme makeovers in Iraq -- [News Tribune]
Lt. Col. Chuck Hodges has a plan. His Fort Lewis soldiers have spent weeks renovating a crumbling school, and the students will see it for the first time a few weeks from now.
Hodges envisions Iraqi kids giddy with anticipation, smiling and fidgety. They're standing behind a Stryker and an Iraqi army vehicle.
Building a Bridge With the Iraqi People -- [DVIDS]
...This is also a sign of the great progress being made in the area.
"We are building confidence between our forces and the people in the area to build one team," said Lt. Col. Haban Khalil Hassan, commander of the emergency response force, 10th Battalion Iraqi Army. "This shows that everything is going well while we are working hard every day to keep the city secure."
Building this bridge can help the community move into other projects as well.
Put the Pentagon in Charge -- [Newsweek]
Why the U.S. military is the only organization that can effectively manage the chaos in Haiti. And other hard truths about the disaster.
Haiti Relief -- [USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - in Haiti]
Our Sailors continue to work around-the-clock keeping the helicopters flying, treating the injured, moving supplies, and coordinating relief and rescue efforts ashore. If you haven't heard from your Sailor, it's simply because they're so engaged in the relief efforts and using their limited downtime to catch a few hours of sleep before getting back to the mission.
Already making a difference with duct tape -- [Badger Jake - in Haiti]
Under cover of darkness, Team Rubicon Doctors Griswell and Dolhun, along with former Army SF medic Mark Hayward, treat a 14 year-old girl with a mid-shaft fracture fibula and tibia. Five days ago a concrete wall collapsed on her leg during a massive 7.0 earthquake.
Comprehensive Update -- [Badger Jake - in Haiti]
We left the Dominican Republic this morning and arrived safely at our staging area in Pot-au-Prince, Haiti, this evening. As follows:
After packing and cross-loading our medical gear, and doing quick training on combat med kits with Jake, Will, Jeff, Craig, and Jim, we got a few hours sleep and got ready to go into Haiti. We were met this morning by Eduardo and David (respectively, a family practitioner and an ER physician), who joined the team the same way I did: by wandering into the right place at the right time. Initially the plan was to take the Terra-Bus from SD through the Jimani crossing to PAP, have the Jesuits meet us at the bus stop, and have them drive us to the novitiate. However, we spent a considerable amount of time this morning developing our en-route security plan, as the news reports indicated that the route was plagued by bandits. While planning, we also made contact with several locals who were willing to take us by minivan from SD to the border, and then transfer into pickup trucks for the ride from Jimani to PAP.
Embrace The Suck: Haiti... -- [Embrace the Suck]
So we got alerted last night....
Wait, we got called and asked to volunteer for a mission in Haiti.
Of course I volunteered. Didn't consult anyone, didn't really think about it. The internal conversation that went into this decision went like this....
22nd MEU to deploy to Haiti -- [Lejeune Deployed]
Marines and sailors from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit may be embarking on a humanitarian mission to Haiti as soon as Friday, Capt. Clark Carpenter, a spokesman for the 22nd MEU, said in a press conference Thursday afternoon.
We Missed the Moment -- [The Daily Beast]
In the rush to help Haiti, there was too much planning and too little action. Clive Irving on the critical logistical failures of the largest triage since the plague.
Too Early for Haiti Monday Morning Quarterbacks -- [Armed and Curious]
My conclusion from it is that the writer doesn't have a clue what he is talking about and the Daily Beast will print any idiot who pens something for them.
Irving's expertise in this area it seems is based on having edited a book on the Oklahoma City bombing. I won't dwell on the silliness of comparing the bombing of a building in a major US city to an earthquake in a sovereign island nation some 700 miles from our
territory because its just too stupid to believe.
What got me writing is that he laments in the piece that "You have to wonder whether two
wars have depleted and weakened our ability to provide humanitarian
relief with the same resources and energy devoted to the
battlefields."
US to Pakistan: Stop complaining about the Predator strikes you support -- Threat Matrix]
Senator Carl Levin is the first senior US figure to publicly rebuke the Pakistani government for its double game of criticizing the US air campaign against the Taliban and al Qaeda while secretly providing support and approval.
Napolitano grants Haitians refuge -- STATEMENT FROM HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY JANET NAPOLITANO -- [Politico]
"As part of the department's ongoing efforts to assist Haiti following Tuesday's devastating earthquake, I am announcing the designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
US accused of annexing airport -- [The Guardian]
Priority landing for Americans forces flights carrying emergency supplies to divert to Dominican Republic -- The US military's takeover of emergency operations in Haiti has triggered a diplomatic row with countries and aid agencies furious at having flights redirected.
Roundtables: Haiti Operations -- [BlackFive - Grim]
There have been a number of roundtables over the last few days to inform us of Haiti-related operations. What is being done is amazing, especially when you consider that it is an open-ended commitment to a bottomless need at a time when our military is already handling deployments and logistics for two wars on the other side of the world.
Korea Increases Haiti Earthquake Aid By $10 Million Dollars -- [ROK Korea]
Korea was initially criticized for only offering up $1 million dollars in aid, but the government has now increased their aid package further:
Pak, Afghanistan and Iran Unite to Fight Terrorism -- [Outlook India]
Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran today unveiled a roadmap to jointly confront the challenges of extremism and terrorism in the region, including trilateral intelligence sharing and greater cooperation in tackling the trafficking of weapons and drugs.
Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and his Iranian and Afghan counterparts, Manouchehr Mottaki and Rangin Dadfar Spanta, signed a joint declaration envisaging the roadmap after a meeting here.
Qureshi told a joint news conference at the Foreign Office that the three countries will hold a series of meetings to deepen cooperation and coordination for countering extremism and terrorism.
Yemen confirms al Qaeda's military commander killed in strike -- [LWJ - Bill Roggio]
The government confirmed that Abu Hurayrah Qasim al Raymi and five other al Qaeda leaders, including an Egyptian, were killed in the Jan. 15 airstrike.
Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula Denies Suffering Losses During Raids, Threatens Response "On Land, Sea, and Air" -- [Counterterrorism Blog]
Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) has issued a new communique -- the first since acknowledging its role in the failed airline bomb plot executed by Nigerian national Umar Abdulmutallab.
In its statement, AQAP strongly denied "false claims... that [the Yemeni government] has killed six of us in the provinces of al-Jawf and Saa'da in the al-Ashajer region, and we assure our Muslim Nation that none of the mujahideen were [actually] killed in that insidious unjust attack,
Review of Jet Bomb Plot Shows More Missed Clues -- [NY Times]
Worried about possible terrorist attacks over the Christmas holiday, President Obama met on Dec. 22 with top officials of the C.I.A., F.B.I. and Department of Homeland Security, who ticked off a list of possible plots
Save The Navy Seals -- [Jawa Report]
I normally don't post any "sign the petition" stuff but this is important. Seals Matthew McCabe, Jonathon Keefe & Julio Huertas don't deserve this treatment.
Shout Out Pt V -- [Riding Shotgun with Team Zombiekiller - in Afghanistan]
...For reasons I cannot mention here, I just wanted to tell you that your packages mean a lot more than just the occasional morale boost. When I get home I hope to have to opportunity to tell some of you just what these gifts have done for us and how very helpful they really are. These things mean a whole lot more than just an expression of goodwill--they are truly important and for that I thank you all for what you've done.
Warrior Games II -- [FlightLines]
Wounded warriors who want to compete in the inaugural Warrior Games May 10-14 in Colorado Springs, Colo., now have more time to apply.
The Air Force has extended the deadline for applications to Feb. 15, one whole month later than its original deadline of Jan. 15.
About 200 wounded active duty troops and veterans will compete in the games, Defense Department officials announced Jan. 7. Hosted by the U.S. Olympic Committee, the games will include events such as shooting, swimming, archery, track, cycling, sitting volleyball and wheelchair basketball.
SA's "Cooking with the Wounded" launches fundraising for 2010 events -- [Soldiers' Angels Germany]
Following on successful events last year at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and here at Landstuhl, Blake Powers, creator of "Cooking with the Wounded", has geared up fundraising efforts for 2010 activities.
CSI milbloggers -- [Mrs Greyhawk]
"Tomorrow at 8:30 AM I will be on the phone with the FBI in Houston." Well, that didn't take long.
Meet General Ballduster McSoulpatch -- [This Ain't Hell...]
1STCavRVN11B sent me this photo from our friends at POW Net. I immediately fired it off to a bunch of other MilBlogs to see if we can ID this numbnuts. The picture was taken at Democrat Annise Parker's victory party last month in Houston. How this doofus thought it was a good idea to dress up as a two star general is beyond me. Aside from that he's wearing infantry brass and an infantry officer's blue lapel (Generals aren't affiliated with any branch), those totally unauthorized ball dusters on his chin, and the fact that he looks about ten years too young to be general, let's look at a close up of his chest;
Wanted for Stolen Valor -- [A Soldier's Perspective - Marcus]
Image credit: Mrs. G - Do you know the man pictured above? If so, I'm sure the FBI would love to know so they can have a chat with him, not to mention the veterans and supporters I've spoke with over email this weekend.
...So why are we wanting to find General DM? There is no way in hell he is who he claims to be.
Pitchfork Brigade, Stolen Valor Imposter Wanted -- [Bouhammer]
The milbloggers across the country are uniting today to put out a question to all who read out blogs if anyone knows who this idiot is. The guy you see in the pic above and the ones below was spotted at George R. Brown Convention at the Annise Parker for Houston Mayor Victory Party on 12/12/2009.
This guy is such a fraud, it is not even funny. Let me start with
Poseur Alert- Do you know this wanker? -- [BlackFive - Uncle Jimbo]
The guy in the picture below is wearing a one star General's mess dress uniform w/ so many medals and badges it is hard to know where to start. Either he is the youngest one star John Wayne/Audie Murphy combo, who decided to set a new trend by sporting a soul patch and an earring. or he is a punk ass poseur. He was at the Election party for the new Houston Mayor this December. If you know anyone in that area please send them a link or the pic and let's find this chump and show him what we think about stealing valor. The reward is good karma.
Launch the ready pitchfork -- [CDR Salamander]
If that guy is a General Officer, then I just relieved Admiral Harvey as Commander Fleet Forces Command .... and Skippy-san is my Chief of Staff, MTH my Aide, Maggie my Flag Sec, AW1 my Flag Writer, LBG the Staff JAG, E40 my J2, Sid my J3, Byron my J4, Lee my J5, and I don't know who my J6 is because I just fired all the contractors and geeks make me twitchy.
Stolen Valor Scum - wanted! -- [Hooah Wife]
...the milblog community is asking for your help in identifying this a-hole so he can be brought to justice under the Stolen Valor Act (a Federal Crime). Please contact me gretaperry at g mail.com if you recognize him.
Stolen Valor Scum - Wanted -- [Kiss My Gumbo]
...the milblog community is asking for your help in identifying this a-hole so he can be brought to justice under the Stolen Valor Act (a Federal Crime).
Stolen Valor- Not even slick about it edition -- [Bring the heat, Bring the Stupid]
Most of the pitiful creatures that claim honors they didn't earn at least TRY to stay within the bounds of plausibility. How anyone at the victory party for new Houston mayor Annise Parker could believe this... thing... might be an Army officer, much less a general officer, is beyond me.
Can you Identify this poseur? -- [From my position... On the way!]
The following *alleged poseur* whom I'll simply refer to as DM** was spotted at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston during the Annise Parker for Houston Mayor Victory Party on 12/12/2009, 2030 hrs (8:30 PM in Air Force time.)
...CAN ANYONE IDENTIFY THIS (alleged) DOUCHE-NOZZLE?
What he is going is a completely disrespectful to all of those who has served or are serving in uniform, ...
Do you Recognize This Man? -- [Boston Maggie]
There are many, many problems with the uniform, the medals, etc. People who are far more knowledgable than I are throwing a flag on this one.
If you recognize him, please drop me a line.
MilBlogs' APB... -- [Little Drops..... Into the pool of life]
Anyone over the age of two knows that the acronym APB means... ALL POINTS BULLETIN.
Today the Mil-Blog community have posted one that will leave you shaking your head and thinking "how could this guy have been so stoopid?!?"
Do you know this Brigadier? (Updated) -- [Castle Argghhh!!!]
If you do, I'd love to know his name.Why am I asking? Well... I'm kinda sorta suspicious that perhaps he's not who he's dressed to be.This picture was taken 12 December at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, as the Victory Party for now-Mayor Annise ParkerLeave aside I can't think of anyone with *two* Distinguished Service Crosses (the second highest valor award) and British SAS wings, and who wears a *CIA* liver badge (as we call those things that aren't on the lapel... and
Just When You Thought Monday Couldn't Get Any Crazier... -- [The Sniper]
Apparently General McChinpubes is not only a three time Combat Infantryman and Knight of the British Empire and Personal body guard to Colin Powell and DLI trained German linguist and Special Forces black ops specialist and Psychiatrist, he's also one of the guys from REM's "Losing My Religion" video.
Where did we get this guy? Well, he showed up at Democrat Annise Parker's victory party last month in Houston. "Why did he show up in a General's uniform" you might ask? Perhaps he was pushing for a repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"?
Picture of the Day: Anyone Know Who This Fraud Is? UPDATE -- [ROK Drop]
UPDATE: Fraudster Identified as Michael Patrick McManus ... This guy was photographed at Democrat Annise Parker's victory party last month ...
Do You Know This Asshat?... -- [Exile in Portales]
at the Annise Parker for Houston Mayor Victory Party on 12/12/2009. ... This asshat... more than likely one Michael Patrick MacManus... hasn't stolen
Pitchfork Brigade, Stolen Valor Imposter Wanted -- [Veteran's Political Arena]
The milbloggers across the country are uniting today to put out a question to all who read out blogs if anyone knows who this idiot is.
Stolen Valor -- [Household6]
Many milbloggers are posting about this guy today and I'm joining the rest of the MilBlog Mafia because quite frankly it pisses me off !
Brigadier General -- [Brandodojo]
Oh, even though this is can no longer be considered a milblog; you know damn right that I'm going to join in mocking this turd.
Stolen Valor Alert -- [Ace of Spades - LauraW.]
Do you know this man?
It's worth a click to compare his goofy face to the uniform and decorations. Hilarious.
General Chinpube is awfully young and geeky to be such a powerhouse of military manhood, n'est-ce pas?
Living in America -- [In Iraq Now (at 56) - home from Iraq]
So what's it like to come back to America after being gone for most of a year? Part of it remains to be seen. I have not left the Fort Dix/McGuire Air Force Base complex yet, so I still have more to see and get used to. I suppose it is better to return slowly.
Green Bay's Company B, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry unit returns from Iraq -- [Green Bay Press Gazette]
Moments before they reunited, Robert held up a handmade wooden sign saying "Welcome home Brian." He held it upside down and began yelling "Brian! Brian!
National Guard unit honored on return from Iraq -- [Press of Atlantic City]
16, 2009. members of his 1-150th Assault helicopter Battalion out of Maguire/Dix participated in a welcome home ceremony.
W.Va. National Guard unit heads home -- [Daily Press]
... Oak Hill, Welch and Williamson. Lawrence said the 150ths Family Readiness Group is already making signs to welcome the troops home next week.
What's leadership got to do with it? -- [Army Live]
We spend a lot of time in the social media world talking about the importance of leadership or "senior leader buy-in." That's why today is of particular importance to all of us in Army Public Affairs, as Chief of Public Affairs Maj. Gen. Kevin Bergner is retiring.
...Few may realize it, but Maj. Gen. Bergner's real "coming out" as Chief of Public Affairs actually took place at the MilBlog Conference - where he agreed to step in and do a live blogger's roundtable with participants, answering questions as varied as "what's the deal with the Army's new uniform?" to "when in the heck is the Army going to release a policy on blogging and social media?"
Military Blog Posts from "The Sandbox" Add Powerful Commentary to David Levinthal's War Photography Exhibition, Book -- [Milblogging.com]
We're pleased to announce that ADM Harvey will be a featured speaker at the 2010 MilBlog Conference. ADM Harvey will join contemporaries from other branches to address the use of social media by senior military leadership.
ArtDaily, an online fine art newspaper, has a story about a war photography exhibition being held at the Stellam Holm Gallery in New York. The works being showcased, have also been published in a book called I.E.D.: War in Afghanistan and Iraq and it includes military blogger stories from Doonesbury's Sandbox. It's another testimony to military blogs - as the article states.
After Obama Rally, Dems Pin Blame On Bush -- [Hotline on Call]
As audience members streamed out of Pres. Obama's rally on behalf of AG Martha Coakley (D) here tonight, the consensus was that the fault for Coakley's now-floundering MA SEN bid lies with one person -- George W. Bush.
The Blue Mass -- [Greyhawk]
Did Scott Brown commit a thought crime? The folks at Blue Mass Group PAC say yes, (BMG Exclusive: Scott Brown thought maybe Obama was born out of wedlock) and they've got video evidence:..
...And what does that have to do with his Guard service?
Former Weapons Inspector Scott Ritter Arrested For Child Endangerment -- [Right Pundits]
Former U.N. Chief Weapons Inspector Scott Ritter arrested once again for child endangerment and being quite frankly an alleged pervert. Ritter allegedly contacted a 15 year old girl named "Emily" who just happened to be an undercover cop. Police say that Ritter engaged in how should we say, self gratification, online for his 15 year old audience. Too bad for him she turned out to be a Barrett Township Police officer.
Ex-UN inspector Scott Ritter accused in Web sex case -- [CNN]
Scott Ritter, the former top UN weapons inspector in Iraq, was arrested in November, months after police said he sent sexual messages to a police officer
Matt Burden for State Representative -- [Blackfive]
Heading into the home stretch with about two weeks to go before the election! We've picked up momentum, are gathering more volunteers, and have run a fiscally conservative campaign.
(Need more? Dawn Patrol Archives are here.)
