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When you get to OUTLAW PLATOON, plan time to complete it in one or two sittings, because it is difficult to put it down. I recommend planning time soon. It was the same way with HORSE SOLDIERS, HOUSE TO HOUSE, AND LONE SURVIVOR.
Which is unusual for me --- I usually skip back and forth between 2 or 3 books.
Ray Porter, who also narrated HOUSE to HOUSE does a fantastic job with the narration of OUTLAW PLATOON for audible.com. Yeah, I love those unabridged audible books. I still purchase the hard copy or kindle editions, as I am the queen of marking and flagging passages.
A Wave of Veteran Books?
Over at the Burn Pit, Mothax lists out his top five current combat memoires from the recent bit of unpleasantness...I agree with most but also looking forward to reading Outlaw Platoon. House to House was by the most awesome. Check it out here.
70% plus voter turnout in Tunisia. Historic day.
Middle East News - 23 Oct 2011
Tunisian voter turnout was high and expected to give an Islamist party the greatest say in drafting the new Constitution there. Turkey experienced a 7.2 earthquake that killed hundreds in the Kurdish area near the Iranian border. Three European aid workers were kidnapped in Al-Qaeda wracked Wes...
Could this become the "one straw too many?"
Who will retaliate against Iran, first --- Saudi or Israel?
Iranian Quds Force Operative At Large on American Soil
The Federal Bureau of Investigation foiled a plot to assassinate the Saudi Ambassador. There is evidence that the backed by factions of the Iranian government. ...At a news conference, Attorney General Eric Holder said two Iranians have been charged with conspiracy to murder a foreign official ...
Jordan: re What happened? Did he sneak in . . ."
he's been living, and being arrested twice in Corpus Christi, and Round Rock TEXAS (8 miles from my house, about 1/2 mile from I-35, otherwise known as drug delivery alley). Son has been arrested at least once for some drug related something or other.
Iran has been known as ALWAYS using go separate "thugs" and paying them to do their international dirty work. IRAN Quds were attempting to set up contact with Mexico drug cartels to become their "thugs" of choice for now. Iranian Quds are not stupid. Who else has more experience and proven ability to hit anyone they want in the US than the Mexican cartels. Southern border situation is not just a political allusion.
Iranian Quds Force Operative At Large on American Soil
The Federal Bureau of Investigation foiled a plot to assassinate the Saudi Ambassador. There is evidence that the backed by factions of the Iranian government. ...At a news conference, Attorney General Eric Holder said two Iranians have been charged with conspiracy to murder a foreign official ...
Go NAVY ! ! !
Escort
Sailors from the Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron 2, Boat Detachment Charlie, conduct a patrol in an 800-series Sea Ark while escorting the USS Carney in the Gulf of Tadjoura, Djibouti, recently. The squadron provides a maritime security force in support of Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, wi...
Saw the video, somewhere. Loved the visual. Ahhhhhhh ! ! ! !
Essex Landing
An AV-8B Harrier assigned to Marine Attack Squadron 214 lands aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex. Essex is part of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group and is conducting operations in the western Pacific region. Photo by Petty Officer Third Class Eva Marie Ramsaran.
Jorge, thank you for sharing your story. This is what it takes to make sure those of us that can only read about the Cuban legacy get the real stories. --- Rejenia
Cuando Sali de Cuba - Jorge's Story
Marta here: Welcome to my ongoing celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month: Cuban-Style with a series of stories about Cuban American families and how they ended up here in the U.S.:Cuando Sali de Cuba, stories of courage and hope. Today I want to introduce you to my friend, Jorge Carmona. He is o...
The only easy day was yesterday.
OH GOD NO!!! Takur Ghar, Sawtalo Sar, and many un-named TICs.
Fair Winds and Following SEAs ...
A Helicopter in Afghanistan
By now you have seen this story from eastern Afghanistan. No one in this audience needs to be told what it means to have lost so many of our finest. We forget how dangerous these operations are, because the extraordinary professionalism of the 160th SOAR and the other special operators allows ...
Please get your facts correct.
You tried to sound factual to the wrong two ladies.
First there are no "Afghani" THEY are Afghans. I won't even get into tribes, probably over your head. The Taliban were overthrown, because they refused international requests to expel AQ and bin Laden. (Yeah,FCPTK, Blackfive, and I know all about Pashtunwali.) Not enough space here to list the civil war battles, yes backed by US that overthrew TB. When "foreign fighters" are killed as they attack, do you believe these "foreign fighters" are closet TB? NO, they are AQ, and coming to Afghanistan, setting up camps, and sending out "hit squads" as AQ has trained them.
Have you seen the tapes they send out showing their "new camps" in the rubble (sometimes not very messed up) of the buildings our troops left for the villager goat herders to use? We're not the ones making war on "the goat herders."
The TB have not separated from AQ !
Back on July 11,ISAF was beginning to define the enemy in Afghanistan. At that time, ISAF stated that it was hunting a Taliban commander involved in facilitating the movement of Lashkar-e-Taiba fighters into Nangarhar province in eastern Afghanistan. Since then, in 11 press releases, ISAF has mentioned the presence of al Qaeda, the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, Arabs, Chechens, Pakistanis, and 'foreign fighters' in the provinces of Kunduz, Paktia, Zabul, Khost, Farah, Kunar, Nangarhar, and Ghazni. According to several US military officials, the term 'foreign fighter' is a catchall phrase used to describe al Qaeda.
One of the first press releases stated that "Arab, Chechen and Pakistani fighters" were killed during a raid and battle in Paktia province. The second press release said that "an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan sub-commander" who led attacks on police stations and facilitated weapons in Kunduz province was among those targeted (it is unclear if he was killed, an inquiry with ISAF is pending).
The mention of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan sub-commander is interesting, as this is just the third time ISAF has mentioned the al Qaeda-linked Central Asian terror group in its press materials [previous mentions were in August 2009 and in September 2009]. Based on the ISAF press releases alone, it appears that the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan has a presence in Kunduz and Takhar provinces.
Are you talking about the Goat Herders from June 28, 2005?
Americans go back into the Pech Valley
Over at the Stars & Stripes, Martin Kuz describes the latest attempt to enter and hold part of the valley. ...The intensity of their resistance provoked questions among U.S. soldiers about whether the 2-35th will have the resources to prevail in the Pech. One high-ranking officer, talking on co...
President Obama is in good company. Sunday morning, on CNN's State of the Union with Candy Crowley, Nancy Pelosi said something about "now that we have apprehended Osama bin Laden". so much for those security briefings.
President Obama's Terrible Mistake
From a Blackfive reader "T": The President addressing the 10th Mountain Division today at Fort Drum: "First time I saw 10th Mountain Division, you guys were in southern Iraq. When I went back to visit Afghanistan, you guys were the first ones there. I had the great honor of seeing some of ...
I know it may seem a small thing, but have you heard very much on the radio handouts, and up tick in radio stations out in the Pech Valley areas, and down South?
Roundtable: Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, on Afghanistan
We spoke with Admiral James G. Stavridis, CDRUSEUCOM, and -- as Supreme Allied Commander, Europe -- commander of NATO forces. The transcript of the discussion is here. There were a number of interesting questions about the way forward in Afghanistan, from training the ANA to balancing civilian ...
I've been gritting my teeth all day over this AGAIN ! ! !
Tora Bora- Revenge of the pundits
One of the favorite tropes of the hater left and the smarty pants crowd is how W and Rummy screwed the pooch and failed to capture bin Laden when he was sitting ripe for the taking in the easily accessible Tora Bora resort. I have been knocking this argument down for more than 5 years now with t...
Dither # (Oh, I've lot count) "We need to make sure we have a viable partner in Afghanistan".
Hmmmm Let's review. Biden doubled back to partner with Karzai into abiding by the commission's findings and hold a run off election. CHECK Mark in the viable partnering category.
Abdullah partners by pulling out, and attempting to make more waves for US administration. Okay, does not sound like a viable partner, so ---- voila ! ! ! We have a viable partner --- Karzai NOW WHAT ?!?!?!?!
Do not confuse this in any shape and form as an endorsement of the Karzai govt., just trying to "figure" out loud.
Now What?
Following the politics of this decision making process concerning the "new" strategy in Afghanistan by the Obama administration has been maddening to say the least. It hasn't at all been comforting, to me at least, that the general on the ground seems to have a very minor role in the process. ...
Bob, CSM Robert Wilson of 3-61 CAV, 4-4 ID, is not on the base that was attacked, but at the headquarters FOB for 6-4 CAV. Last deployment we called it Raiderland. They are in the same Korengal/Pech Valley region. A Command Sergeant Major is THE MAN to make sure his men are well cared for. Plus, we have his assurances, and he has been more than a man of his word thus far. You can send things to CSM Wilson with all confidence.
Kamdeysh: Wounded Warriors Stay To Fight
I'm sure, like me, most of you have been reading and watching all you can on the deadly battle near Kamdeysh in Nuristan province, A'stan. As Uncle J pointed out, it appears very similar to that which occurred near Wanat. There's no question the Taliban is doing a better job of planning, massi...
They can't get enough helicopters to bring in supplies ! ! !
Supporting Barge Matal took a toll on the back up support in July.
SEND more helicopters, and send enough troops to cover the operations we've got going.
Wanat- Looking back and forward
There is a renewed focus on the Battle of Wanat which happened last July. One thing is certain, it was a tragedy and 9 good men died. What is not certain is what blame the leadership of the unit bears for those deaths. Commanders are ultimately responsible for their men, especially when decision...
http://www.oaoa.com/video/?videoId=40406515001&lineupId=1184431737
this is the link for a video of parts of the Cpt Meadows funeral services from the Odessa news service.
Cpt Meadows grew up in the Bastrop/Elgin, TEXAS area, near Austin. Flags and all commercial signs in the area carried condolences, in Elgin and Bastrop.
I know Marines from all over the area convened on the Midland/Odessa area---sharing motel rooms, and vehicles. They sat with Capt Meadows 24/7, until the services. The services were held in the Confederate AF Hanger at the Midland/Odessa Regional Airport. Reports numbered the attendance at over 1000. Capt Meadows was laid to rest in Greenwood, a small but tight community south of the Midland/Odessa area.
The same week Staff Sgt. Michael Chance Murphrey of the Abilene/Snyder/Clyde, Texas area was also killed in Afghanistan. SSgt Murphrey was laid to rest in the Abilene area.
I live in the Austin area, and grew up in West Texas. These areas are both close knit areas and communities. The Big Country of Abilene and the High Skies of West Texas were all dimmed a bit this week. RIP Cpt Meadows and SSgt Murphrey.
Godspeed Captain Joshua Meadows
Blue Star Dad, David Borg, sends this note about his son's friend and former co-pilot, Captain Joshua Meadows who was killed in Afghanistan. I have not been able to find any details released yet. Sunday I received a sad call from our son, Captain Mark Borg, USMC pilot. Mark's Huey co-pilot fr...
Jim, your review is right on the mark. It took several attempts to finish the preview copy of Jeremiah's book. I do not know him as well as you do, but just being with him the few short hours made it difficult to bear witness to his pain. No one but another VET could have written the review as you have. I'm still working on more ways for Jeremiah to be able to reach out to others. They deserve to hear his whole story, and he deserves all the accolades for his continuing battles. God bless all of you, as you continue to bless each other.
Shadow of the Sword- Book Review
Jeremiah Workman's book Shadow of the Sword is officially out today. I got a review copy a few weeks back and plowed through it non-stop over a weekend. It is an odd feeling to read a book when you have heard all the stories in it first hand, but it held my attention and took me along for his ...
Haole_Wahine is now following Gryph
Sep 4, 2009
Say hello for me. I was privileged to read an advance proof copy of our friend's book, and be around for a small bit of the bonding with other VETs. (Keep 'em comfortable in the back of a great big bus, and you can literally take them places they'd never go on their own. LOL)
Ditto on Gryp's comments concerning getting Marines attention with the book. Only a Vet can get the attention of another Vet, and a Marine can get the attention of another Marine. So, for my TX Marines, I've got the hard cover pre-ordered. After I whop em up the side of the head with the book(and run), it'll still be in readable shape.
These warriors are national treasures, and Americans don't give up on our heroes.
Where in the world is Uncle J?
OK two definitive hints on this one. My Saturday will be: Reliving some dangerous days with a band that amazingly all survived the 90s too. With this guy who somehow survived Fallujah and America (Lamborghinis anyone?). Buy the book, I've read the manuscript and will have a review soon. Dr. Feel...
Warrior Legacy Foundation has used #shiftypowers, and it has caught on Sooooo those on twitter, use the following
TIME FOR REMEMBRANCE: Shifty Powers, of Band of Brothers fame, died last month. Make MONDAY Shifty's memorial day #shiftypowers SPREAD IT!
Keep posting it, Rt (Retweet all those that use #shiftypowers) link tweets to blogs mentioning Shifty Power's death, and some history of the 101st Band of Brothers, and use #shiftypowers.
We may not be able to by pass Walter Cronkite, or Harry Potter on the Trending Topics, but surely we can surpass MJ. SPREAD IT ! ! !
Airborne Icon and Hero Passes On - Godspeed, Darrell "Shifty" Powers
Update July 20th, 2009: Today we're doing a Virtual Memorial for Shifty Powers. Please blog, FaceBook and Twitter about Shifty. For Twitterers, at the WLF Twitter (@warriororg), we're using #shiftypowers to raise awareness. "I could hear bullets and shrapnel hitting the plane. As I jumped out t...
#BOBMemDay it is then, I put out one tweet. I'll really get on it tonight with emails, etc. We've got some good tweeps already in your comments. I still plan on linking my tweets, FB hits, and emails to THIS POST.
In case I'm too obtuse --- it's #BOBMemDay on Twitter for Band of Brothers Memorial Day.
Airborne Icon and Hero Passes On - Godspeed, Darrell "Shifty" Powers
Update July 20th, 2009: Today we're doing a Virtual Memorial for Shifty Powers. Please blog, FaceBook and Twitter about Shifty. For Twitterers, at the WLF Twitter (@warriororg), we're using #shiftypowers to raise awareness. "I could hear bullets and shrapnel hitting the plane. As I jumped out t...
I propose we set aside this Monday, July 20, as our own Shifty Powers Memorial Day on Twitter, Facebook, and emails. Through RT, FB sharing, and spreading the news with email, we will be honor a warrior who continued serving till his last days. By honoring Shifty Powers, we will honor all his Band of Brothers.
Your post is a great place to start. Connect to this post, and let's put #BOBMemDay on the World's web radar.
Airborne Icon and Hero Passes On - Godspeed, Darrell "Shifty" Powers
Update July 20th, 2009: Today we're doing a Virtual Memorial for Shifty Powers. Please blog, FaceBook and Twitter about Shifty. For Twitterers, at the WLF Twitter (@warriororg), we're using #shiftypowers to raise awareness. "I could hear bullets and shrapnel hitting the plane. As I jumped out t...
Haole_Wahine is now following Deebow
Jul 14, 2009
Keeping our service members in prayers even more than usual.
All with our gratitude and prayers.
Marine Corps took some wounded
Marine Corps took some wounded today.Keep ur servicembrs in ur prayers.
The story of the Haqqani network is a story of US’s failed strategies, and misunderstanding of Afghanistan. The Haqqani are a powerful Pashtun family network. Jalaluddin Haqqani, a powerful warlord, was one of the major rebel leaders, and a major mujahideen leader. As with most warlords, his allegiance cannot be bought, but can be rented. He had worked with the CIA at one point, against the Russians. After the civil war, he allied the Haqqani alternately with the Taliban, and is said to have very close ties with al Qaeda. It has been said he was holding talks to move away from the Taliban and Osama bin Laden, and ally with the CIA and the central government. BUT, at the insistence of an opponent the US military (working separately from the CIA) arrested his brother, Ibrahim. He immediately cut off talks and hardened his place as an enemy of America. They are an exceptionally well organized and brutal family. It is said that Jalaluddin Haqqani’s three sons have taken over command of the military operations of the family militia. They now are one of the largest influential networks along both sides of the Pakistan border. It has been rumored that Jalaluddin may have died. He is believed to be over 70. His oldest son, Sirajuddin, is believed to be the defacto leader of the network, now. The younger generation has become more brutal, and more sophisticated in their attacks. They run training camps for local and foreigners, and have aligned themselves even more closely with the Afghan/Pak Taliban, and al Qaeda. Jalaluddin was one of the warlords mentioned that the Karzai government believed could be brought into the central government. The same thing is not said of his son Sirajuddin. The network has been responsible for many of the criminal activities in the border areas (both south and east) and their network seems to be spreading farther into central Afghanistan provinces. Several of the plots for bombings in Europe and the plots against airlines coming from London were cooked up in the Haggani training camps. The Haqqani are experienced and growing.
That's a broad quick answer to your question. Who are the Haqqani? The whole story has as many twists and turns as a switchback goat trail in the Kush Hindu's.
Captured Soldier - Some Good News
I understand that's a relative term, but here it is - he's alive and it looks like our guys have a pretty good idea of who has him and where he might be. CNN reports: An American soldier captured in southeastern Afghanistan is being held by a notorious militant clan, a senior U.S. military of...
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