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I will always place the mission first. I will never accept defeat. I will never quit.I will never leave a fallen comrade.Warrior EthosAfter I returned from Iraq in late 2004, I was patrolling the streets as a cop in Central Florida. One afternoon, along with other officers, I was dispatched to a shooting. As we arrived at the apartment complex, a man met us and said his room-mate had shot himself.Not exactly sure what awaited us, another officer and I entered the apartment – handguns at the ready – to search the rooms one-by-one. As we reached one bedroom door, there was a note taped above the door handle. With the other officer covering me, I pushed open the door.The young man was lying on his back in bed and blood was splattered across the wall behind his head. One hand was on his chest, but the other was out to his side. Next to that hand was a forty-five automatic handgun. The bullet had entered below his chin and traveled through his head until it exited the top of his skull.Not knowing yet whether we were dealing with a homicide or a suicide, we secured the scene and waited for the detectives to arrive. While we waited, I made a quick visual survey of the apartment and what I found made my heart begin to tighten with sadness. The note on the door was a suicide note from the ex-soldier and that note was also displayed on the computer screen in the man’s room. He was only 24 years old.On the bedroom dresser were several souvenirs from Iraq: old Iraqi money with pictures of Saddam Hussein, photographs of his fellow soldiers in the desert, his Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal and other special things that only an American G.I. would bring home. On the fireplace mantle in the living room, the young veteran’s helmet sat quietly in its desert-camouflage cover.I have experienced many scenes of death as a police officer, from natural ones to gruesome homicides. Some of these people died because it was simply their time, such as the elderly woman who died at her kitchen table as she clutched her asthma medication.Suicides are among the saddest deaths because the victims managed to fool their co-workers, their friends, the professional counselors and even their families. Many who knew them saw the sadness, the frustration or the despair, but those closest to them never really believed these seemingly-strong family members or acquaintances could really take their own lives.As a war veteran who has seen his share of death and who has lost friends and comrades to whatever enemy we faced at the time, I am saddened that fellow soldiers could hurt themselves without at least trying to talk to one of us. Among all people, we are the ones who most understand the reasons for their pain. They are our comrades and they are part of us. Why won’t they let us help them?This young man was only 24, but he had so much he could have given the world. He experienced the very worst of mankind, but he also saw that even good can come from the tragedy of war – the gift of liberty to those who were oppressed and hope for the pursuit of happiness among those who knew so little joy. Had he found the courage to live, he could have taught others what he learned at war and one day his own children would have witnessed the depth of his experience. His act of pure selfishness robbed his family of his presence, but the world will never learn the lessons that are now buried forever in the depths of his anguished soul.The following article appeared in the El Paso Times today and it tells the story of another young veteran who gave much to the world, but whose life ended because of post-traumatic stress disorder that led to a drug overdose. A heroic photo of Specialist Joseph Dwyer appears above and our sympathies go out to his family:* * * *Overdose kills ex-Fort Bliss soldierBy Stephanie Sanchez / El Paso TimesArticle Launched: 07/07/2008 12:00:00 AM MDTFormer Fort Bliss Army Spc. Joseph Dwyer, whose photograph depicting him carrying a wounded boy to safety during the first days of the ground war in Iraq became a symbol of the U.S. Army, died late last month of an overdose at home in North Carolina, Army officials and police said Sunday.Officials with the Pinehurst Police Department in North Carolina said no one would be available to talk about the ex-soldier's death until today, but Jean Offutt, a Fort Bliss spokesperson, said Fort Bliss officials were aware of the former soldier's death. The Army Times reported the day Dwyer died that he had apparently taken pills and inhaled the fumes from an aerosol can."He was certainly a hero. ... He did have some difficulty dealing with it," Offutt said. She added that Dwyer was treated at Beaumont Army Medical Center. "It is certainly a tragedy."In 2003, Dwyer returned to Fort Bliss after serving four months in Iraq with the 3rd Squadron of the 7th Cavalry Regiment. A native of Mount Sinai, N.Y., he had joined the Army as a medic two days after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, according to El Paso Times archives.During his tour in Iraq, an Army Times photographer captured Dwyer as he helped a young boy to safety after his family was caught in the crossfire of a battle near Faysaliyah, Iraq. The photo ran in newspapers nationwide, including the El Paso Times.In October 2005, Dwyer's friends told the El Paso Times he had returned from the war a different person. At first he was a religious man, but then problems including drinking, sniffing inhalants and nightmares started occurring, his friends said. Dwyer suffered from post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, they said.Dwyer was involved an incident in early 2005 in which he crashed his car and said he saw a box he thought was a bomb in the middle of the street, his friends told the El Paso Times. In October 2005, he was arrested for shooting up his East El Paso apartment in which the police SWAT team negotiated with him for more than three hours. No one was hurt.Offutt said Dwyer's death should make people aware of PTSD symptoms. Details of Dwyer's mental-health history and treatment at Beaumont Army Medical Center were not available Sunday."He served his country," Offutt said. "It is unfortunate that these things sometimes happen to soldiers when they return. Our thoughts are with his family, spouse and children."Valerie Miller Topp, a friend of Dwyer's, said she met him when Dwyer's wife, Matina, was pregnant with their daughter in 2005."When I first met him he was heavily medicated. ... He didn't really talk much," she said. "As the pregnancy progressed he began to open up and talk more. They were just a really nice couple."Miller Topp said Dwyer said the couple moved to North Carolina from El Paso in 2006."He (Dwyer) said, 'I just want to go fishing. I don't want anything to do with violence, guns or war. I just want to meet my daughter and go fishing,'" she said.Stephanie Sanchez may reached at ssanchez@elpasotimes.com; 546-6137.* * * *I would ask that war veterans of any era never give up, never quit and that they seek help to deal with the memories that seem too painful to endure.Remember my fellow veterans, when you wore that uniform you were one of the finest citizens and warriors of your generation. You were taught to be strong in the face of adversity, to endure any hardship and to solve whatever problem rose to face you. You may no longer serve in the active military, but the essence of the warrior is still within you. Never forget your warrior training, your mental strength, that steely resolve and the natural courage that led you to fight alongside your comrades, your buddies and those who were the best friends you will ever have.You would never quit on your fellow soldiers in combat; do not quit on yourself now. If you need help, please ask for it, but giving up must never be an option...Charles M. Gristwww.AmericanRanger.blogspot.com

Upgrade for U.S. Facilities in Southern Iraq U.S. presence expanding Southward in Iraq.Iran Vows No Halt in Nuclear ProgramIts full steam ahead for Iran.Iran Continues to Supply Weapons into IraqAnd SECDEF Gates continues to press this issue.Defense Think Tank Ties to TerrorPajamas Media exclusive: how your tax dollars fund terror.American Teacher Executed by TalibanSouthwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Graduate executed in Afghanistan.Afghan Winter Takes its TollNearly 1000 dead from harshest Afghan winter in 30 years.Attacks in Baghdad FallAttacks in Baghdad down 80% according to Iraqi Army.W. Thomas Smith, Jr: Defense Spending CrisisLack of appropriate defense spending a grave situation.Israel: Iran Seeking Nuclear WeaponOlmert claims Iran still on target to construct nuclear weapon.Odierno Back to PentagonPromoted to Army Vice Chief of Staff. Well deserved.‘Lawyerizing’ the WarMust read on Israeli Army shame and lawyer happiness with war against Hezbollah.Libyans Joining Jihad in IraqLibyans joining jihad in increasing numbers.Maliki’s Opportunity to Rebuild IraqHow relevant will Maliki be to Iraq's future?Gains in Anbar PermanentMaj. Gen. Gaskin: "The positive trends are permanent."General Abizaid on MalikiAbizaid questions whether Maliki can bring unity to Iraq.More on Operation Lion PounceFrom the Multinational Force, more on Operation Lion Pounce.The U.S. Loses an AllyAn important ally in Iraq has been assassinated.IDF to Show U.S. Nuclear Data on IranIsrael to show Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff nuclear intelligence on Iran.Iraqi Cabinet Extends Mandate for U.S. ForcesCabinet approves proposed agreement with U.S.The Case Against Women in CombatProf. Kingsley Browne on his new book.Iraq at Culminating PointMajor General Robert Scales: "Outcome is irreversible"U.S. Military Needs Larger Slice of GNPMullen says military needs larger slice of GNP to modernize.Anbaris Demand PaymentFor siding with the U.S. against al Qaeda.Terrorist BrideTerrorist poses as bride. Ugh!De-Ba’athification Headed for the RocksLegislation in trouble.Al Qaeda Rolodex FoundAl Qaeda documents discovered near Syrian border.Shame in BritainShameful people jeer disabled veterans in swimming pool.Saudi Jihadist in Iraq Tells His StorySaudi jihadist in Iraq tells his personal story.Shi’ite Tribal Leader: Evicting Iranian Regime Only Solution for IraqConcerning Iranian meddling and Quds.Happy Thanksgiving Baqubah Update from Michael YonMichael Yon breaks bread with General Petraeus.Iraq: What Went Right?Ralph Peters on the advancements in Iraq.Al Qaeda Probing Hezbollah in LebanonWar between al Qaeda and Hezbollah.Thousands of TBI Cases Off-the-recordTraumatic brain injury not recognized.Army Gets New Precision Anti-Armor WeaponBallistic Sensor Fused Munition.U.S. Electronic Surveillance Monitored Israeli Attack on SyriaHigh intensity electronic warfare.Operation Lion Pounce Nets Iranian WeaponsIranian weapons are a sign of continued Iranian meddling in Iraq.U.S. Deploys New Night VisionU.S. forces in Iraq are using a high-resolution, thermal/infrared sensor system.Al Qaeda in MesopotamiaWashington Post profiles AQI (al Qaeda in Iraq, or al Qaeda in Mesopotamia).U.S. Vulnerable to China’s ArsenalTaiwan may not be as secure as we would like to think.Extremists Fuel Anti-Women Violence in BasraBe thankful your daughter isn't be raised in Basra.Be Thankful Our Soldiers are Fighting a ‘Just War’Pastor discusses rules of engagement and sacrificial U.S. deaths.Reduction in Violence Surprises Even U.S. CommandersIn counterinsurgency (COIN), patience is a virtue. But violence has decreased so fast in…

He is returning home. His remains found, let us now hope that those who murdered him are found as well. You can read more about him here and here. May his family know peace from having him home, and may the light shine on them all the days to come. May his enemies never know peace again.

For over a year, the radical group Code Pink has been protesting in front of the Marine Corps recruiting office in Berkeley. Today, April 19, a group of Marine Corps veterans turned the tables and protested in front of Code Pink’s recruiting center just a few miles away in the adjacent town of Albany.

Washington, DC — On March 10, 2008, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Steve Buyer (R-Ind.), introduced a bill to include mortgages guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in the economic stimulus package signed into law by the President on February 13, 2008.

Winter Soldier II and Accountability IVAW & their March 2008 plan - A New Winter Soldier II. Their goal - to smear our military and government, those serving with honor and those who served with honor. Their Schedule for Winter Soldier II Winter Soldier: Iraq & Afghanistan: Washington, DC March 13 - 16, 2008 Iraq Veterans Against the War will assemble history's largest gathering of US veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as Iraqi and Afghan survivors. They will provide first hand accounts of their experiences and reveal the reality of occupation. Truth, honesty and integrity are essential components to a functioning democracy. Concerned veterans are taking it upon themselves to make their available to everyone who cares about the direction of our country. Soldiers and Marines are not to blame for the suffering of the people of Iraq and Afghanistan, these veterans stories will indicate that responsibility belongs to those in the seat of power and the problem goes much deeper than the atrocities of Abu Ghraib and Haditha. This public investigation will be called the Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan. Winter Soldiers, according to founding father Thomas Paine, are the people who stand up for the soul of their country, even in its darkest hours. The lives of millions of people depend on American's having informed opinions and acting in accordance to their principles. The lives of thousand service members and civilians depend on you being a Winter Soldier.Pay CLOSE Attention to the Kerry Video also below, that goes back & forth between Kerry and Wannabe Macbeth. You will note that, as Kerry pointed out, the winter soldiers were deserters in time of need and left their brothers in arms so that they could avoid the ramifications that any war produces and save their pathetic rear ends. Thank GOD our forefathers were not all of that ilk or the Tea Party would never have come down and we'd be bowing to the "Queen & or King of England" Please view this short film on one of IVAW's members and below the film you will find, the same things folks found after Kerry and his band of wannabe's, ( as many who testified during Winter Soldier One were found to be wannabe's ), the REAL story about our "Hero" (NOT) in the film. We do not oppose any constitutional protected activity. IVAW who are going to DC for Winter Soldier II are exercising their right, but we want to make sure, before testimony is given to Senate or Congress that each person be they Iraq Veterans Against The War or not, who plans to give any type of testimony be compelled to do it under oath. If they claim service, they be required to sign an SF180 which is basically a release of their military records if any exists. Our goal is to mass write and call Congress and Senate and demand they all be required to testify under oath if they decide a replay of history and any one claiming service be required to submit a signed SF180 to any committee who may take the time to investigate. Most of the information you will soon find here will show you how to accomplish the stated goal.Here's the Movie made by Wannabe MacBeth: "As its dominant tactic in their battle against the war, the antiwar movement successfully demonized Vietnam veterans by calling a series of "tribunals" or hearings into war crimes. But... they were packed with pretenders and liars." -- B.G. BurkettHere Is The TruthMan who lied about actions in Iraq admits faking forms By David Bowermaster Seattle Times staff reporter Jesse MacBeth stoked opposition to the Iraq war in 2006 when he spoke out about atrocities he committed as a U.S. Army Ranger serving as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. MacBeth, 23, of Tacoma, claimed to have killed more than 200 people, many at close range, some as they prayed in a mosque. He spoke at an anti-war rally in Tacoma and appeared in a 20-minute anti-war video that circulated widely on the Internet. Trouble is, none of MacBeth's claims was true. He made it through only six weeks of Army basic training, was never a Ranger and never set foot in Iraq. Conservative bloggers exposed MacBeth's lies in May 2006, destroying his credibility and embarrassing the Seattle company that produced the video about his exploits. MacBeth's comeuppance continued Thursday, when he pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Seattle to one count of making false statements to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Before becoming a public figure, MacBeth admitted, he filed a bogus claim for VA benefits in 2005 that included a fraudulent military-discharge form. MacBeth said on the forms that he had been in the Army for more than three years and had achieved the rank of corporal. He also claimed he had been awarded a Purple Heart and that he was discharged because he suffered from post-traumatic-stress disorder. None of those assertions was true, MacBeth acknowledged in a plea agreement. MacBeth spent 44 days as a private at Fort Benning, Ga., in 2003 but was released "for issues related to entry-level performance and conduct," according to court papers. PepperSpray Productions in Seattle produced the video titled "Jesse MacBeth: An Iraq Veteran Speaks Out." In the film, MacBeth told nuanced tales of brutal killings he carried out at the behest of his commanding officers. "They would actually feel the hot muzzle of my rifle on their forehead," he reportedly said on the video, which is no longer in circulation. The production company, which describes itself as a "video activist collective" of volunteers formed after the World Trade Organization protests in Seattle in 1999, has a link to a "Jesse MacBeth Retraction" on its home page. The statement reads, in part: "Jesse Macbeth misrepresented to PepperSpray Productions and others his military service and was never deployed in Iraq. When we learned that Macbeth's service records were fraudulent, we immediately pulled the video and are no longer distributing it." MacBeth, a skinny 23-year-old with close-cropped hair and a goatee, said little as he entered his guilty plea before Magistrate Judge James Donohue. U.S. District Court Judge Robert Lasnik will sentence him Sept. 21. The maximum penalty for making false statements to the government is five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. David Bowermaster: 206-464-2724 or dbowermaster@seattletimes.comOur Disclaimer((((( Place Holder for Kerry Video ))))) We must reserve the right not to tolerate the intolerant tolerant. Joe Oliver, Houston, TX USA News & Views Eagles Nest II neither supports nor endorses submissions to Eagles Nest II nor individual positions or opinions, we do attempt provide somewhat of an OPEN forum, presenting, "within limits", various interesting viewpoints. Submissions of all positions are encouraged but there is no guarentee your item will stay published. Views expressed are neither recommended nor endorsed by Eagles Nest II as a whole or by an individual member. Personal attacks or disparaging personal remarks "are" at times permitted when dealing with "wannabe's, Jane Fonda, Michael Moore, John Kerry or Hillary Clinton, Pelosi, Murtha, Shiite Sheehan -- and this list could really grow long here thus an et al. None of the information provided in Eagles Nest II should be regarded as legal advice. If you need legal advice, you should consult an attorney. Persons who need a lawyer or legal advice should contact their local bar association, legal services program, or legal aid society. If you use any links from Eagles Nest II to external web sites NOTE: Linked sites are not under the control of Eagles Nest II nor is Eagles Nest II responsible for the contents of any linked site or any link contained in a linked site. Also NOTE: In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107, any copyrighted material herein is distributed without profit or payment to those who have expressed a prior interest by accessing Eagles Nest II of receiving this information for non-profit research and educational purposes only. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtmlHarry Riley on Eagles Muster for March 2008 Friends, Eagles Up activity in Washington, DC on March 15, 2008 has been named "EAGLES MUSTER". Visit www.eaglesup.us As you know, we are a no non-sense movement, we do not encourage or condone violence...we are about sending a firm, deliberate message to America and to those that would tear down our nation, dishonor our troops, and disgrace our fallen, missing and their families, that 40 years of distortion, deception, fabrications, and lies about our nation and troops will no longer be tolerated without challenge and truth. The anti-war/anti-America elements were shocked to learn in 2007 that they no longer own the streets, no longer have free reign to roam, vandalize, desecrate, spew vile betrayal messages and dishonor America's warriors, memorials, historic buildings, and sacred landmarks. Eagles by the thousands challenged the destroyers of American honor throughout the United States in 2007...if we know where they are, their message of surrender will be challenged with a message of victory and truth. The "anti-everything America" cancer that has been eating and growing in America for decades was given several arresting chemo treatments in 2007. The chemo will be administered in ever increasing doses in 2008, and beyond, until the cancer is put in remission. How can anyone not recognize the perilous slippery slope America is sliding down? Only our freedom and the foundation principles given us by our founding fathers is at risk....are we willing to roll the dice that things will improve for our grandchildren, great-grandchildren? Or will we stand up now and be the "chemo" treatment our nation needs? Think about it...as for many of us, the threat is too great to standby and watch America go down...we are all needed to renew our resolve and stand up for America, our troops, and those gone before us, again... Our preliminary planning calls for smaller gathering in opposition to Iraq Veterans Against War (IVAW) Winter Soldiers II Testimony messages on 13 and 14 March followed by a huge march on March 15th, a route in DC to be determined.....tens of thousands of Eagles are expected to meet this "Muster". Many Eagles are arriving on March 12, 2008 to participate in related activities leading up to the main March 15 gigantic march activity. We are expecting you and significant numbers to help out and participate in smaller groups on March 13 and March 14, locations to be determined, which will be truth focused to offset IVAW Winters Soldiers II Testimony of distortion fabrications, and untruths. The Winter Soldiers Testimony of lies, distortions, fabrications organized by John Kerry in 1971 against our nations policy and troops in being attempted again by the IVAW during their Winter Soldiers II Testimony of 2008...no one stood up for us in 1971 but we'll be there for our current generation of warriors in 2008. We are working on necessary permits to include the National Park Service for our events. As information becomes available it will be posted at www.eaglesup.us at the "DC March 2008" tab on the left of the Eagles Up home page. The important action now is for everyone to make plans to be in DC on March 15 or before...the detailed event information will be available well in advance of your arrival in DC. Visit Eagles Up e-store http://eaglesup.us/index.php?option=com_jcafe&Itemid=234 for Eagle related gear......also lodging information at http://eaglesup.us/index.php?option=com_weblinks&catid=26&Itemid=79 is provided. Jerry Bell is organizing train transportation which may be just what you need....contact Jerry at act1fla(at)comcast.net Phone: 954-885-5562 Eagles Up hotel headquarters will be The Comfort Inn Ballston (1211 N Glebe Rd, Arlington VA 703-247-3399) $99/night 3/14 to 3/16 . A number of rooms are blocked under "Eagles Up". Call and get your reservations early at any of the hotels listed at the cite above ...if all blocked rooms are taken at any of the hotels/motels, contact William Page wpage1@cox.net for assistance. Please take a look at Eagles Up Organization at http://eaglesup.us/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=213 and get in touch with your State or Regional Coordinator and offer support. If your State has no "coordinator", please consider volunteering to fill the need...we need nation-wide coverage and we have nation-wide Eagles as part of our team.....lend a hand, we need you to help bolster our nation, our troops, and honoring those gone before us. The elements that would tear down America under the guise of hateful, distorted and fabricated "free speech" are a very, very small minority of America...but they are vocal, organized to some degree, and funded by deep pockets. They are committed to the destruction of America and must be challenged. Eagles can reverse the "surrender" cry of the minority by American majority that believe in the fundamental good embodied in our Constitution and moral foundation of our forefathers. Our numbers can totally diminish the money, distortion, fabrication of the leftist, but we can't do it as individuals...there are times when a squad can accomplish the mission and there are times when an Army is required...Washington, DC on March 15 is an Army mission. We must put "boots on the ground" in our local areas at the appropriate time, and at the national scene, making ourselves evident to the Washington politicians, the surrender crowd, and make America in general aware of the "hope uprising"...we can give hope but not by barricading ourselves in our homes...we must step out and speak out. Many, for physical or monetary reasons can't come to DC, but tens of thousands of others can, if you will? I repeat, Only our freedom and the foundation principles given us by our founding fathers is at risk....are we willing to roll the dice that things will improve for our grandchildren, great-grandchildren? Not me, the consequences of doing nothing is too great. Harry Riley, COL, USA, Ret www.eaglesup.us Created on 02/04/2003 10:24 AM by admin Updated on 01/24/2008 04:26 PM by admin

My mission is to herald the truth and sometimes entertain readers as a free service. I don't offer to write articles for payment i.e. pay for post and etc like some bloggers.

Don Feder July 23, 2007 It's been a month since the Senate amnesty bill went down in glorious (red, white and blue) flames, but its outraged and bitter proponents are still engaged in character assassination -- calling those of us who opposed the monumental fraud bigots and racists. (Read more)

So you've arrived at this Simple Machines Forum (SMF)! Perhaps you've been looking at the board index or a screen telling you that you need to register before you can read it and you're wondering what to do next? Well, some forums permit guests to read and post, some permit guests to read only and some are restricted to registered members. We'd recommend registering at any forum that you see yourself using regularly because many of the most useful features will only become available to you when you do so. Since SMF, however, is such a flexible system that few forums are likely to be identical, we will start by describing four key areas that we'd normally expect to be there for you:

The attempt by David Horowitz and his allies to launch "Islamofascism Awareness Week" on American campuses has been met with a variety of responses. One of these is a challenge to the validity of the term itself.

"In an ambitious push to extend President Hugo Chávez's revolutionary ideology, the Venezuelan government's draft 2008 budget includes more than $250 million to finance pro-Chávez groups and ''anti-imperialist'' movements in the United States, Central and South America and Mexico." ...For the complete article by Casto Ocando published in the Miami Herald , please click the following link: http://www.miamiherald.com/top_stories/story/318824.html

As the official history program of the United States Navy, the Naval Historical Center manages the Navy Department Library, twelve Navy museums, art collections, archives, and an underwater archaeology program. The Center prepares and publishes reference, documentary, analytical, and narrative works on the history of the United States Navy. The NHC Website allows you to research any number of naval history topics online and check out new public and educational programs and exhibits offered at Navy museums all over the country.