Wednesday Hero

Capt. Eddie S. Ray 57 years old from Seattle, Washington Company B, 1st Light Armored Infantry Battalion, Task Force Shepherd, 1st Marine Division  The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Eddie S. Ray, United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as Commanding Officer, Company B, First Light Armored Infantry Battalion, Task Force Shepherd, FIRST Marine Division, in the Emirate of Kuwait on 25 February 1991. During the early morning hours of G+1 of Operation Desert Storm, an Iraqi mechanized division counter-attacked elements of the FIRST Marine Division in the vicinity west of the flame and smoke engulfed Burgan Oil Fields in Southeastern Kuwait. As dense black smoke shrouded the battlefield, an Iraqi mechanized brigade engaged the FIRST Marine Division Forward Command Post security forces. During the ensuing intense ten hour battle, Captain Ray repeatedly maneuvered his Light Armored Vehicle Company in harm's way, skillfully integrating his Light Armored Infantry weapons, reinforcing TOW's, and AH-1W Attack Helicopters to decisively defeat main Iraqi counter-attacks. Leading from the front and constantly exposed to large volumes of enemy fire, Captain Ray led swift, violent attacks directly into the face of the vastly larger enemy force. These attacks shocked the enemy, destroyed 50 enemy Armored Personnel Carriers, and resulted in the capture of over 250 Iraqi soldiers. Operating perilously close to the attacking enemy, Captain Ray's courage, composure under fire, and aggressive war fighting spirit were instrumental in the defeat of a major enemy effort and the successful defense of the Division Forward Command Post. By his outstanding display of decisive leadership, unlimited courage in the face of heavy enemy fire, and utmost devotion to duty, Captain Ray reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.   These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.

Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look

This post is part of Wednesday Hero. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.
  

Somebody's Son

(linking to Airman Mom's Friday post  Somebody's Son )

INDIAN OCEAN (Jan. 10, 2012) Aviation Electrician's Mate Airman Michael Johnson, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 81, carries tie-down chains to an F/A-18E Super Hornet aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James R. Evans/Released)

 

source: militaryphotos.net

 

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Friday posts are random photos of our Soldiers.
We must remember each and every Airman, Soldier, Sailor and Marine have a face.
Our brave Heroes have family and friends who love them so.

Stars & Stripes Valentine Messages

From Stars & Stripes:

We are thrilled to offer you the opportunity to publish a love note in the pages of Stars and Stripes to your  sweetheart stationed overseas! Your messages will be  published in the European, Pacific, or Mideast edition of Stars and Stripes on Valentine's Day, February 14,  and will also appear online at the Valentine's Day Messages website. Best of all, it's free to  participate.


Wherever  your sweetheart is stationed or deployed, don't miss the opportunity to share your love - Upload  your FREE message today!
Happy Valentine's Day!

Note: Messages must be received by January 24, 2012 to be published in the print version of Stars and Stripes.  Any messages received after that date (or messages sent to U.S.-based recipients) will appear online and  not in print.


Go HERE  to send your message !

Wednesday Hero

Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey M. Day Col. Jessie O. Farrington (Left), U.S. Army Aviation Center for Excellence deputy commander, presents Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey M. Day (Right), of the Directorate of Evaluation and Standardization, with the Air Medal with Valor for exceptionally meritorious achievement in valor.  Photo Courtesy U.S. Army Taken By Nathan Pfau

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.

Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

  

Farewell to a Marine..

Was saddened to see the news today of the passing yesterday of 'Seamus' Garrahy

via World TEAM Sports The Passing of the Guard: World TEAM Sports honors Corporal Seamus Garrahy

from Marcus at YouServed  In Memoriam: Jim 'Seamus' Garrahy

I'm not even sure I ever had more than a 'hello' with Mr. Garrahy....but every year that my daughter and I volunteered with World TEAM sports Face of America bike ride  when we would head towards "Seamus' house" (as everyone referred to it) in Gettysburg to set up for the end of the ride, when you'd see his house on the hill

it always felt to me like 'coming home', because he and his family were always so warm and welcoming, and it just seemed like a fitting place to cheer the riders in, and then relax with them all as they partook of the food and fellowship at the end of the ride.

I never realized until I read some of these other tributes in how many other ways besides the bike ride Seamus was involved in the support of his brother Marines. Farewell, to a truly good and honorable man, and Marine. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.


In 2009 at the end of the Face of America bike ride, my daughter was taking a video and there was a guy who just showed up with his bagpipes and said he wanted to 'pipe the riders in'.....in honor of Seamus, I leave you with that video....Godspeed and God bless,Sir.

Thoughts and Prayers with Greta and her Family

My friend Greta is the 'head honcho' at the group milblog Hooah Wife and friends  (where I cross-post at times) and also she has been blogging at Kiss My Gumbo the journey she and her family have taken while giving care to her father as he neared the end of his life with Alzheimer's disease.

Her father has passed on now, as she relates in a beautiful post here
 Memories Linger on Forever

My deepest sympathy to Greta and her family...keeping them in my thoughts and prayers, and sending much love to you,Greta.

US Army All-American Bowl

The U.S. Army All-American Bowl is a year-long engagement with the U.S. Army and the American people and is the nations largest high school football all-star game. The 90 players and 125 marching band musicians that are selected across the country in the fall, march into San Antonio on January 1st to begin a week-long series of practices and events. Throughout the week players and musicians will interact with one another in addition to Army Strong Soldiers. Each player will be paired with an Army Soldier Hero (Bronze Star with V-device, Silver Star and/or Purple Heart recipient) who will guide them through activities.

The 2012 U.S. Army All-American Bowl will be played on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012, at 1:00pm EST, from the San Antonio Alamodome, and will be broadcast live on NBC.

The website is  HERE

Somebody's Son

(linking to Airman Mom's Friday post  Somebody's Son  )

SANGIN, Afghanistan (Dec. 27, 2011) Hospitalman Victor Castro, assigned to India Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 8, hands out candy to an Afghan child during a security patrol in Sangin, Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Marines conducted the patrol to help maintain security in the surrounding areas. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Armando Mendoza/Released) source: militaryphotos.net
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Friday posts are random photos of our Soldiers.
We must remember each and every Airman, Soldier, Sailor and Marine have a face.
Our brave Heroes have family and friends who love them so.

 

Paul Franklin: Guy travels the world and shoots one second of foo...

Paul Franklin: Guy travels the world and shoots one second of foo...

cool,I like this :)

Happy Birthday to my Husband!

Happy 49th Birthday,Tony!!

Vote for the U S Coast Guard video of the year for 2011

Voting runs through Jan. 13,2012 and all you need to do is 'like' one of the top 10 Coast Guard videos from 2011 either on their YouTube playlist  or you can also check out the videos and click 'like' for your choice on their Facebook page

 

Wednesday Hero

1st Lt. Loren Douglas Hagen 25 years old from Fargo, North Dakota U.S. Army Training Advisory Group February 25, 1946 - August 7, 1971   The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Loren Douglas Hagen, United States Army (Reserve), for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as the team leader of a small reconnaissance team with the U.S. Army Training Advisory Group, in action against enemy aggressor forces while operating deep within enemy-held territory in the Republic of Vietnam, on 7 August 1971. At approximately 0630 hours on the morning of 7 August 1971 the small team came under a fierce assault by a superior-sized enemy force using heavy small arms, automatic weapons, mortar, and rocket fire. First Lieutenant Hagen immediately began returning small-arms fire upon the attackers and successfully led this team in repelling the first enemy onslaught. He then quickly deployed his men into more strategic defense locations before the enemy struck again in an attempt to overrun and annihilate the beleaguered team's members. First Lieutenant Hagen repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire directed at him as he constantly moved about the team's perimeter, directing fire, rallying the members, and resupplying the team with ammunition, while courageously returning small arms and hand grenade fire in a valorous attempt to repel the advancing enemy force. The courageous actions and expert leadership abilities of First Lieutenant Hagen were a great source of inspiration and instilled confidence in the team members. After observing an enemy rocket make a direct hit on and destroy one of the team's bunkers, First Lieutenant Hagen moved toward the wrecked bunker in search for team members despite the fact that the enemy force now controlled the bunker area. With total disregard for his own personal safety, he crawled through the enemy fire while returning small-arms fire upon the enemy force. Undaunted by the enemy rockets and grenades impacting all around him, First Lieutenant Hagen desperately advanced upon the destroyed bunker until he was fatally wounded by enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire. With complete disregard for his personal safety, First Lieutenant Hagen's courageous gallantry, extraordinary heroism, and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty, at the cost of his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon him and the United States Army.  These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.

Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.
  

Happy New Year!

To all my readers...wishing you the best in the coming year of 2012.

I like to post a New Year's poem the past few years, the one I found this year seems to be from
 'Author Unknown', presented here for your enjoyment.

At the sound of the tolling midnight bell
a brand new year will begin.
Let’s raise our hopes in a confidant toast,
to the promise it ushers in.

May your battles be few, your pleasure many,
your wishes and dreams fulfilled.
May your confidence stand in the face of loss
and give you the strength to rebuild.

May peace of heart fill all your days
may serenity grace your soul.
May tranquil moments bless your life
and keep your spirit whole.

~ Author Unknown ~

Comments by ZingerBug.com

Surfing the Web..

Time for the last 'web surf' of 2011, wherein I pass on links I hope others might find of interest.

It's a short list to post here at year's end, but as we head out of a year that saw the ending of our presence in Iraq while our troops continue to fight on in Afghanistan...these seemed like important posts/stories to make you aware of, and for us all to reflect upon.

First, Rajiv Srinivason posts  For Anne

Paul Franklin passes on  The eyes that reveal the trauma of war

from MassLive.com  comes
War photographer Anja Niedringhaus' journey to locate injured Marine she comforted in Afghanistan

and lastly, from the Army/Live blog  'He was just a baby'

That's the surf!

Looking forward to passing on more in the coming year. Thank you, for reading these links I pass along.

God bless our Troops!
and may His Comfort and Peace surround the loved ones of those whom we have lost,and those who continue to recover from injuries received in service to our country.

Find the Data

I was recently made aware of these two websites, part of findthedata.org

the first is LocateGrave.org  you can search for graves of veterans across the U.S.

and the second is a database of Medal of Honor recipients   http://medal-of-honor.findthedata.org/

the feature I like most is the 'comparison' feature, that seemed really interesting.

Passing these on for you to check out further!

To All My Readers..

Wishing you all a

Comments by ZingerBug.com

Christian Glitter by www.christianglitter.com

Send a Holiday Message to Wounded Warriors~by Dec. 18

Off the Base passes on that the Wounded Warrior Project is asking that you send an email message to be used on a special WWP message board that is shared with America's wounded heroes...and the deadline is Dec. 18th to send your message...go Here for the story and link...and then spread the word, will you please?

Wednesday Hero

Marguerite Gene Arenesen (left) a member of the Coast Guard in World War II, George Warren (standing), a Canadian-born immigrant who became a naturalized American citizen at age 17 and joined the Army Air Corps shortly after the Dec. 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor and Thomas M. Sugg, a Navy veteran, share a moment in front of a Christmas tree at the Veterans Home in Barstow, California.  Photo Courtesy United States Marine Corps Taken By Keith Hayes

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.

Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Arlington Wreath Laying 2011

kasee102's photostream on Flickr.


We went to  Arlington National Cemetery  yesterday , to participate in the
Wreaths Across America  20th annual wreath laying .

Unfortunately, after a change in the schedule that we hadn't seen, we arrived after most of the wreaths had been laid. We managed to find just a few of the last wreaths, and place them, and then we proceeded to take some pictures ...which I still don't think do justice to how breathtaking it is to look out across the cemetery and see the wreaths laid in row upon row of headstones, as far as the eye can see. 

And then I went to Section 60 and found a grave that I've been meaning to visit for a long time, to pay my respects...ever since I sent the widow of this fallen soldier a condolence card, she has always sent me a beautiful Christmas card every year, with a  moving remembrance of her husband, and so I wished to take time to pause at his gravesite and say a small prayer.

While our participation this year didn't go quite as we had planned? it was still a privilege to be a part of this once again at Arlington..
.and Thank You, to Morrill Worcester and the Worcester Wreath Company  for beginning this tradition!

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Soldiers Angels Germany has a nice post up also about Wreath-laying at Arlington

Wednesday Hero

This Weeks Post Was Suggested By Mrs Xoke
Sgt. 1st Class Bryan E. Hall 32 years old from Elk Grove, California 1st Battalion, 67th Armored Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division April 10, 2009 Bryan Hall received three Army commendation medals, as well as good Army achievement, good conduct and war on terrorism medals. But his family didn't learn about them until after his death. "He was such a humble man," said his mother, Betty. "He was a special person, he never boasted about his accomplishments or was arrogant and pompous, he did his job," his sister, Kristi, said. "When he was done with his job, he came home and he was a father, a husband, a son and a brother. He embodied what I think every soldier would want to be." Sgt. 1st Class Hall was a junior in High School when he signed up for an Army early entry program. After he graduated he attended one year of college before enlisting. Bryan Hall, and five other soldiers, was killed on April 10, 2009 when a suicide bomber detonated a truck packed with explosives at a police station in Mosul, Iraq. Betty Hall said an Army commander told her that by ordering his soldiers to fire on the suicide bomber's truck, her son probably saved many lives by preventing the attacker from entering the police compound.  You can read more about Sgt. 1st Class Bryan Hall  here.


These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.

Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

December 7, 1941

(This Post Was Written By Cindy  Thank you, Cindy, for sharing this with others to post!)

Pearl Harbor was originally a shallow embankment called Wai Momi (Pearl Water) or Pu'rloa (long Hill). It was considered the home of the shark goddess, Ka'ahupahua, and her brother, Kahiuka. Tradition says that Keaunui, the legendary chief of the Ewa chiefs is the one w ho created a navigable channel near the present day Pu'uloa saltworks. The estuary known as "Pearl River" was then accessible to shipping. It was never used for large shipping because of the shallow entrance. As whaling and trading began to use the islands as a half-way point in the Pacific, by 1820 the US was looking for a major harbor. It was not until the turn of the century that Pearl Harbor began to be refitted for larger naval vessels.The naval base we know today was formally opened when the dry dock was open to flooding on August 21, 1919.

As early as February 1, 1933, the Navy staged a mock attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese. The exercise was a disaster. Even in 1933 it was known that Pearl Harbor's defenses were considered, after the mock attack by Japan, a failure. It makes the events of December 7, 1941 even more heart-wrenching. The War Department knew the attack was coming. They did not know when. They did not realize that Pearl Harbor, which was basically a sitting duck, was to be the location of the attack. It was assumed the attack would come in the Philippines.


Photo taken by a Japanese plane shows Battleship Row at the beginning of the attack, along with the strike on the USS Oklahoma

Under the command of Admiral Chuichi Nagumo, the attack was devastating in loss of life and damage to the U.S. fleet. At 06:05 on December 7, the six Japanese carriers launched a first wave of 183 aircraft composed mainly of dive bombers, horizontal bombers and fighters. The Japanese hit American ships and military installations at 07:51. The first wave attacked military airfields of Ford Island. At 08:30, a second wave of 170 Japanese aircraft, mostly torpedo bombers, attacked the fleet anchored in Pearl Harbor. The battleship Arizona was hit with an armor-piercing bomb which penetrated the forward ammunition compartment, blowing the ship apart and sinking it within seconds. Overall, nine ships of the U.S. fleet were sunk and 21 ships were severely damaged. Three of the 21 would be irreparable. The overall death toll reached 2,403, including 68 civilians, and 1,178 injured. Of the military personnel lost at Pearl Harbor, 1,177 were from the Arizona. The first shots fired were from the destroyer Ward on a midget submarine that surfaced outside of Pearl Harbor; Ward sank the midget sub at approximately 06:55, about an hour before the attack on Pearl Harbor. Japan would lose 29 out of the 350 aircraft they attacked with...."

USS Arizona   The attack on Pearl Harbor, called Hawaii Operation or Operation Al by the Japanese Imperial General Headquarters was designed to prevent the US Pacific Fleet from interfering with their military actions in Southeast Asia, against overseas territories of the United Kingdom, Netherlands, and the US. The Japanese attack was so thorough that only 29 aircraft and five midget submarines were lost. The US death toll was 2,403. Only 65 Japanese servicemen were killed or wounded. One Japanese sailor was captured.  Arizona Memorial  Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam WWII In The Pacific