Three New Navy Ships =)

Three New Navy Ships : USS REAGAN Seeing it next to the Arizona Memorial really puts its size into perspective… ENORMOUS! When the Bridge pipes ‘Man the Rail’ there is a lot of rail to man on this monster: shoulder to shoulder, around 4.5 acres. Her displacement is about 100,000 tons with full complement. Capability Top speed exceeds 30 knots, powered by two nuclear reactors that can operate for more tha n 20 years without refueling 1. Expected to operate in the fleet for about 50 years 2. Carries over 80 combat aircraft 3. Three arresting cables can stop a 28-ton aircraft going 150 miles per hour in less than 400 feet Size 1. Towers 20 stories above the waterline 2. 1092 feet long; nearly as long as the Empire State Building is tall 3. Flight deck covers 4.5 acres 4. 4 bronze propellers, each 21 feet across, weighing 66,200 pounds 5. 2 rudders, each 29 by 22 feet and weighing 50 tons 6. 4 high speed aircraft elevators, each over 4,000 square feet Capacity 1. Home to about 6,000 Navy personnel 2. Carries enough food and supplies to operate for 90 days 3. 18,15 0 meals served daily 4. Distillation plants provide 400,000 gallons of fresh water from sea water daily, enough for 2,000 homes 5. Nearly 30,000 light fixtures and 1,325 miles of cable and wiring 1,400 telephones 6.. 14,000 pillowcases and 28,000 sheets 7. Costs the Navy approximately $250,000 per day for pier side operation 8. Costs the Navy approximately $25 million per day for underway operations (Sailor’s salaries included). USS BILL CLI NTON The USS William Jefferson Clinton (CVS1) set sail today from its home port of Vancouver , BC . The ship is the first of its kind in the Navy and is a standing legacy to President Bill Clinton ‘for his foresight in military budget cuts’ and his conduct while holding the (formerly dignified) office of President. The ship is constructed nearly entirely from recycled aluminum and is completely solar powered with a top speed of 5 knots. It boasts an arsenal comprised of one (unarmed) F14 Tomcat or one (unarmed) F18 Hornet aircra ft which, although they cannot be launched on the 100 foot flight deck, form a very menacing presence. As a standing order there are no firearms allowed on board. This crew, like the crew aboard the USS Jimmy Carter, is specially trained to avoid conflicts and appease any and all enemies of the United States at all costs. An onboard Type One DNC Universal Translator can send out messages of apology in any language to anyone who may find America offensive. The number of apologies are limitless and though some may seem hollow and disingenuous, the Navy advises all apologies &n bsp;will sound very sincere. In times of conflict, the USS Clinton has orders to seek refuge in Canada .. USS BARACK OBAMA Don‘t ask. This is not going to be pretty.

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Happy Birthday America

http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration.html

http://www.archives.gov/legislative/features/gw-inauguration/

http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/John_Adams%27_Inaugural_Address

http://www.bartleby.com/124/pres16.html

SOLDIERS’ ANGELS SUMMER FUNDRAISER AT THE BEACH HUT

SOLDIERS’ ANGELS
SUMMER FUNDRAISER
AT THE BEACH HUT
850 Venetian Blvd, Lindenhurst
AUGUST 9, 5PM-9PM
LIVE MUSIC, RAFFLES, FOOD,FUN
BRING YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY!

6/30/09 Iraq Sovereignty Day

Well worth a stamp

Dear Friends,

I would imagine most have heard/read/watched  U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer show her contempt/disrespect of Brigadier General Michael Walsh-with his addressing her as:  “ma’am”.  …….  yet another day/incident of the disconnect-disrespect-clueless-vindictive-spiteful-contempt….treatment/slight of politicians directed toward military…

As a mom of a service man..with another son just about to enlist…and as an American citizen who understands that as a representative democracy–this Senator is supposed to be an extension/representative of me/us as American citizens…  I can just “eat it”/do nothing/shake my head in disgust at the chronic/entrenched mistreatment/disrespect of our servicemen/women — or— I can spend a minute— inform and remind the Senator– that I (as a US citizen)  find her behavior unprofessional and unbecoming a representative of the citizentry of America.

Black Five has an article on their blog-from a retired army officer-that explains the protocol of titles… (link at the bottom of my rant =)
Their article includes information from a Gold Star dad (Gold star–is given when a son/daughter dies in the line of duty..) who has an address to the Senator to connect her back with “We the People”…..

Eleanor Roosevelt said:  “Justice cannot be for one side alone, but must be for both.”

I’m sending mine-as I conclude this letter to you. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Proud Navy Mom/grateful American Citizen

Here is her address/contact:

United State Senator Barbara Boxer
112 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
(202) 224-3553
(202) 224-0454 fax

Some links:

http://www.blackfive.net/
http://www.defenselink.mil/specials/insignias/officers.html
http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Eleanor_Roosevelt

“deeply sadened” 2 days later– America where is your voice?? America where is your heart???

“I am deeply saddened by this senseless act of violence against two brave young soldiers who were doing their part to strengthen our armed forces and keep our country safe. I would like to wish Quinton Ezeagwula a speedy recovery, and to offer my condolences and prayers to William Long’s family as they mourn the loss of their son.”

Above is the entire quote from President Barrack Obama–2 days after the murder/assasination of 23-year-old Pvt. William Long on American soil in front of a Recruiter Station.

It took our president 2 days-to come up with that?

Where is the condemnation???of such a pre-meditated act of violence/murder to a member of the armed forces–a person who has taken an oath-as our president to protect and defend against  all enemies both foreign and domestic.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gQACNshVFYt6M9CDykHq6DKqPhiwD98JDJ100

Where is the public outrage??? from fellow Americans at the murder of one of our sons on American soil?  Targeted because he wore the uniform of service.  Recruiter stations have been targeted before–remember???

http://www.foxnews.com/video/index.html?playerId=011008&streamingFormat=FLASH&referralObject=5684496&referralPlaylistId=playlist

	Please consider sending out a condolence card to Pvt. William Long’s parents. Pvt William Long 23, was gun downed/murdered/assassinated while wearing his uniform outside a Little Rock, AR recruiting station.http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,524833,00.html I found out via Michelle Malkin’s site–the funeral home–so send this on to all you know–to get condolences cards out to his mom/dad: Griffin Leggett – Conway Funeral Home 1751 Dave Ward Drive Conway, AR 72034 Phone: (501) 327-5000 http://www.griffinleggettconway.com http://www.griffinleggettconway.com/obituaries/tribute.html?url=http://stei-23673.tributes.com/show/William-Long-86049063 By clicking the link above–you can send on-line condolences to Pvt. William Long’s parents/family. The Patriot Guard site/link has the address to the church if you’d rather send the cards there. Patriot Guard is on duty: http://patriotguard.org/Forums/tabid/61/postid/1166858/view/topic/Default.aspx http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2009/06/the_death_of_private_william_l.html

Colonel Bud Day, Medal of Honor recipient – prisoner of war survivor

The below is from a man who knows, Medal of Honor Recipient Col. Bud Day.

I am glad Col. Day has finally spoken out on this important issue the left is still clamoring over.

The last couple of paragraphs are interesting.

Sarge

(C.L. thanks for sending this on—Colonel Bud Day endured 5 1/2 YEARS of horrific brutal torture.)

Admiral James Stockale survived 7 years as a prisoner of war–think about that—

four years in solitary confinement,

two years confined to leg irons……

“Unity above Self” — a motto/creed that sustained these men and inspired those around them…

http://www.usna.edu/Ethics/stockdalelbio.htm )

“You must never confuse faith that you will prevail in the end — which you can never afford to lose — with the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be.”

http://www.admiralstockdale.com/

.

.     The prelude to the “response” below, from Colonel Bud Day, Medal of Honor recipient – prisoner of war survivor – reads “I didn’t expect to be reminded of my treatment some 36 years ago on this holiday weekend but our politicians find it worthy to ignore what some have tried to recount to them, who have actually been there.”
****************************************************************************
I got shot down over N Vietnam in 1967…a sq commander.

After I returned in 1973…  I published 2 books that dealt a lot with “real torture” in Hanoi.  Our president is branding our country as a bunch of torturers when he has no idea what torture is.

As for me…put thru a mock execution because I would not respond…pistol whipped on the head…same event…  Couple of days later…hung by my feet all day. I escaped and got recaptured a couple of weeks later…  I got shot and recaptured.  Shot was OK…what happened after was not.

They marched me to Vinh…  put me in the rope trick, trick…almost pulled my arms out of the sockets. Beat me on the head with a little wooden rod until my eyes were swelled shut, and my unshot, unbroken hand a pulp.

Next day hung me by the arms…rebroke my right wrist…wiped out the nerves in my arms that control the hands…rolled my fingers up into a ball.  Only left the slightest movement of my L forefinger.  So I started answering with some incredible lies.

Sent me to Hanoi strapped to a barrel of gas in the back of a truck.

Hanoi…on my knees…rope trick again.  Beaten by a big fool.

Into leg irons on a bed in Heartbreak Hotel.

Much kneeling–hands up at Zoo.

Really bad beating for refusing to condemn Lyndon Johnson.

Several more kneeling events.  I could see my knee bone thru kneeling holes.

There was an escape from the annex to the Zoo.  I was the Senior Officer of a large building because of escape…they started a mass torture of all commanders.

I think it was July 7, 1969…they started beating me with a car fan belt.  In first 2 days I took over 300 strokes…then stopped counting because I never thought I would live thru it.

They continued day-night torture to get me to confess to a non-existent part in the escape.  This went on for at least 3 days.  On my knees…fan belting…  cut open my scrotum with fan belt stroke.  Opened up both knee holes again.  My fanny looked like hamburger…I could not lie on my back.

They tortured me into admitting that I was in on the escape…and that my 2 room-mates knew about it.

The next day I denied the lie.

They commenced torturing me again with 3- 6- or 9 strokes of the fan belt every day from about July 11 or 12rh…to 14 October 1969.  I continued to refuse to lie about my roommates again.

Now, the point of this is that our president has declared to the world that we (U.S.) are a bunch of torturers…  Thus it will be OK to torture us next time when they catch us….because that is what the U.S.  does.

Our president is a know nothing who thinks that pouring a little water on some one’s face, or hanging a pair of woman’s pants over an Arabs head is TORTURE.

I just talked to MOH holder Leo Thorsness http://www.pbs.org/weta/americanvalor/stories/thorsness.html who was also in my sq in jail…. as was John McCain … and we agree that McCain does not speak for the POW group when he claims that Al Gharib was torture… or that “water boarding” is torture.

Point out the stupidity of the claims that water boarding …which has no after effect… is torture.  If it got the Arab to cough up the story about how he planned the attack on the twin towers in NYC … hurrah for the guy who poured the water.

BUD DAY, MOH

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Below:  a link to an excellent/detailed article about Colonel Bud Day–more graphic torture then what is mentioned above…

The article mentions/documents too, how in 1990 he fought again for all the Veterans and servicemen/women when the government denied health care for Veterans and stated that those who served did so at their own risk….  John McCain is in the article-and documents how he was instrumental in getting TRICARE going.

(I posted/shared this-not aiming to tarnish or detract anything from John McCain or any other Veteran–who can really/rightly judge anyone unless they’ve really have walked in their shoes?– Colonel Bud Day being a P.O.W. has the moral authority to raise/answer questions about the what/how/meaning of torture-as do any of the other surviving P.O.W. who survived the years of brutality and torture.

For one who survived-the repeated life threatening marathons of tortures and the memories of  their brothers who did not—from their perspective—trying to equate water boarding of only three terrorist to a regime of years of disabling/disfiguring/life threating torture of many  gives clarity and insight to an issue that has been used politically to divide our country rather than unite it in strength…..  Colonel Bud Day MOH, once again deserves our respect/thanks in his dedicated service to our country.

http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Sections/TVNews/Nightly%20News/photos/bud%20Day%20Article.pdf

http://www.historynet.com/bud-day-vietnam-war-pow-hero.htm/5

http://www.military.com/NewContent/0,13190,MoH_George_Day,00.html

Timid men prefer the calm of despotism to the tempestuous sea of liberty.

Thomas Jefferson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rih6YOetrw

Memorial Day-”honor the dead by taking care of the living”-VFW motto

Are we arrogant??? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7Y3UdtObJo

In alphabetical order. Just Europe…

1. The American Cemetery at Aisne-Marne, France. A total of 2289 of our military dead. http://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries/cemeteries/am.php

2. The American Cemetery at Ardennes, Belgium. A total of 5329 of our dead. http://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries/cemeteries/ar.php

3. The American Cemetery at Brittany, France. A total of 4410 of our military dead. http://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries/cemeteries/br.php

4. Brookwood, England American Cemetery. A total of 468 of our dead. http://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries/cemeteries/bk.php

5. Cambridge, England. 3812 of our military dead. http://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries/cemeteries/ca.php

7. Flanders Field, Belgium. A total of 368 of our military. http://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries/cemeteries/ff.php

8. Florence, Italy. A total of 4402 of our military dead. http://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries/cemeteries/fl.php

9. Henri-Chapels, Belgium. A total of 7992 of our military dead. http://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries/cemeteries/hc.php

10. Lorraine, France. A total of 10,489 of our military dead.  http://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries/cemeteries/lo.php

11. Luxembourg, Luxembourg. A total of 5076 of our military dead. http://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries/cemeteries/lx.php

12. Meuse-Argonne. A total of 14246 of our military dead. http://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries/cemeteries/ma.php

13. Netherlands, Netherlands. A total of 8301 of our military dead. http://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries/cemeteries/ne.php

14. Normandy, France. A total of 9387 of our military dead. http://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries/cemeteries/no.php

15. Oise-Aisne, France. A total of 6012 of our military dead. http://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries/cemeteries/oa.php

16. Rhone, France. A total of 861 of our military dead. http://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries/cemeteries/rh.php

17. Sicily, Italy. A total of 7861 of our military dead. http://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries/cemeteries/sr.php

18. Somme, France. A total of 1844 of our military dead http://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries/cemeteries/so.php

19. St. Mihiel, France. A total of 4153 of our military dead. http://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries/cemeteries/sm.php

20. Suresnes, France. A total of 1541 of our military dead. http://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries/cemeteries/su.php

Apologize to no one.

IF I ADDED CORRECTLY THE COUNT IS 104,366, Note the thousands of service men missing (M.I.A.).

(Above post from my Uncle who served.  Thanks Uncle J. Cartoons from Donna-army and Pat- Marine moms of service men-my friends/sisters.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94sKpxsVJw0&NR=1

MEMORIAL DAY

National Day of Prayer 5/7/09

The verse for this year’s “National Day of Prayer”:  Psalm 33:22 http://bible.cc/psalms/33-22.htm

“Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.”

Here are some links for prayer/reflection:

National Day of Prayer Task Force: http://www.ndptf.org/military/index.cfm

E-Water: http://www.e-water.net/index.php

Dayspring E-cards: http://www.dayspring.com/ecards/allcat.asp?category=43

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”  2 Chronicles 7:14

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2OB2rsD-CM&feature=related

http://www.azlyrics.com/19/3doors.html
“Citizen / Soldier”

Beyond the boundaries of your city’s lights,
Stand the heroes waiting for your cries.
So many times you did not bring this on yourself,
When that moment finally comes,
I’ll be there to help.

On that day when you need your brothers and sisters to care,
I’ll be right here.
Citizen soldiers holding the light for the ones that we guide from the dark of despair.
Standing on guard for the ones that we sheltered,
We’ll always be ready because we will always be there.

When there are people crying in the streets,
When they’re starving for a meal to eat,
When they simply need a place to make their beds,
Right here underneath my wing,
You can rest your head.

On that day when you need your brothers and sisters to care,
I’ll be right here!
Citizen soldiers holding the light for the ones that we guide from the dark of despair.
Standing on guard for the ones that we sheltered,
We’ll always be ready because we will always be there…

There… there… there…

Hope and pray that you’ll never need me,
But rest assured I will not let you down.
I’ll walk beside you but you may not see me,
The strongest among you may not wear a crown.

On that day when you need your brothers and sisters to care,
I’ll be right here!
On that day when you don’t have the strength for the burden you bear,
I’ll be right here!
Citizen soldiers holding the light for the ones that we guide from the dark of despair.
(Citizen soldiers)
Standing on guard for the ones that we sheltered,
We’ll always be ready because we will always be there.

Group:  3 Doors Down (2008)

In reading today, (Black Five, Long Island Girl) have a tribute/membrance/celebration/honor of  M.O.H. Lt. Michael Patrick Murphy’s birthday.  She has a link to a tribute book at Legacy.com for his family.

http://longislandgirl.vox.com/library/post/happy-birthday-murph-in-loving-memory.html#comments

Please continue to remember/lift his family and all the families of those men and women who have given all in service to our country up in prayer/support.

Pray for our returning men/women as they reconnect back home.  Pray for our Veterans.  Pray for our homeless men/women who have served (as well as all.)

Pray for all our men/women who serve  to protect/defend.   May they all feel the love, support, pride/respect/awe from us and may God continue to hold them, guide them, give them grace, strength, wisdom, discernment, stamina, health and protection in all they do, everywhere they go.

I saw this Vince Gill song a while back–connected me immediately to all the warriors who have died in the line of duty–”Go Rest High on that Mountain”.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRyKg5xMaXA

Lyrics link: http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/gill-vince/go-rest-high-on-that-mountain-6191.html

Welcome Home Cpl Chris Levi, U.S. Army

Please come out, line the streets with American flags and pride to welcome home Cpl. Chris Levi.

Saturday, May 16th, 2009

12:30 Islip Airport (eta)

Line streets from Veterans Highway/Broadway Ave. (north) to Mollie Blvd. Holbrook, NY 11741

Cpl Christopher Levi will be coming home on “Armed Forces Day” / May 16th.  This is a very poignant/fitting day as it was designated by then President Harry S. Truman (”the buck stops here”) for citizens to come together and express gratitude/patriotic pride to our men/women/neighbors who have chosen to protect and defend us, our Constitution/written law of government and country  in service in the military.  This year’s motto/focus/theme of Armed Forces Day:  “UNITED IN STRENGTH”. http://www.defense.gov/afd/

Come out and unite in strength to welcome home this brave young man and his family.

Youtube video on Cpl Christopher Levi: “Long Walk Home”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjhE0YDmiC8

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The 2 links/youtube videos are from:  IAVA  (Iraq, Afghanistan Veterans of America)

“Alone”     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDbqLul97Fg

“Signs”       http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDL5AKfMMZY

IAVA has a site called:  “Support Your Vet” http://supportyourvet.org/

Support Your Vet web site has tips on welcoming home our Veterans, tips for conversation-when not exactly sure what to say… transition information, information on invisible injuries… and in their own words.

Really helpful/good site: http://supportyourvet.org/

WELCOME HOME     AND       THANK YOU