Dear Americans,
When I opened my e-mail this morning I had about twenty forwards of the article written by Gordon Sinclair, the Canadian who so eloquently praised the United States. What most of you do not realize is that this commentary was written many years ago. Those of us in the Military Service have known about it for a long time. Now, Americans are flooding the net with it as if it were new. It is not. When it was written most Americans didn't read it, because most Americans did not care. The tragedy that befell all of us on September 11th shocked America.
America no longer feels safe. Many of you have said, "The government should have known! 30 Billion Dollars is spent on intelligence! What about the Military!?" Just a reminder America, you voted our government into office. For years you allowed some dishonest politicians and twisted television media personalities to shape your ideas about the defense of our nation. Why? Because most Americans were too lazy to look beyond the three minute sound-bites on the evening news. Here's a news flash not being broadcast much, "On September 11th, America had the exact level of protection, both militarily and intelligence, that it was willing to pay for".
Only yesterday the Congress and the Senate approved 40 BILLION dollars as a "Down Payment" to fight this War. A short time ago, our politicians said a 100 Million dollar increase for the Navy budget was substantial. In that same bill they ordered the Navy to conduct an 85 Million Dollar Study on...guess what America!? Missiles Defense?! No. Desperately needed parts for our fighter aircraft? Wrong again. Training for Navy Seals? Nah uh. They wanted Breast Cancer research. Yes, America, your elected officials decided that the US Navy needed more mammograms and less missiles. Was this an under the table sneaky move? No, it was right out in the open. The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Navy both opposed it. A New York Senatorial Candidate (Yes, she's the one) was enraged that the Military would be so sexist and irresponsible to the needs of civilians and wanted the Navy to give the money back immediately! But the media paid it little mind. So, America paid little attention.
Did any one ever watch CSPAN? Particularly when the Heads of our Armed Services essentially begged OUR representatives to give the Military more money to fight terrorism and maintain a strong defense? Did you see the debates by the Heads of the Intelligence Services that terrorism was the new threat? They told the committees of Congress that the CIA, the FBI, and the Service did not have the money to build the necessary intelligence networks in the areas where terrorists were being harbored. They warned again and again that there was clear and present danger within America's borders. America must have been watching one of the other 114 satellite channels.
The Military said: "We need more money to maintain military readiness and Combat Training."
America Answered: "What the Military needs is Sensitivity Training! You're all sexist homophobes! I saw it on 60 Minutes!" The Military said: "We need money to build ships, planes, tanks, and improve our technology. America still has credible threats throughout the world. Terrorism will come to America's doorstep." America Answered: "You're all part of a vast right-wing conspiracy. There is no more Soviet Threat! My Senator told me so! He/She says we do not need such a big military! You're dinosaurs trying to hold onto the Cold War! We need Social Programs!"
The Military said: "We need to recruit more Americans into the military. We need to increase our force."
America Answered: "You're not taking my kids! We're going to shut down the ROTC programs at our high schools and universities, because you discriminate against alternative lifestyles! ROTC teaches CHILDREN (under 21) how to shoot guns! You just want another Columbine! Rosie and Oprah say so!"
The Military said: "We can't keep interfering in the civil wars of small insignificant countries. It wastes our time, expends our resources, decreases training, and demoralizes our troops. The men and women of the United States are Warriors trying to defend OUR nation, we are not the third world's police force."
America Answered: "You heartless bastards! Can't you see the tear in the eye of that starving child!! There are flies on her face for Christ's Sake!? Get Moving! Jesse Jackson on CNN said that is what we pay you for!"
The Military Asked: "Why isn't America enraged over the terrorist attack on the USS COLE that killed seventeen AMERICAN Sailors? How about the Air Force barracks bombed in Saudi Arabia? The embassy staffs in Africa? The Soldiers mutilated and dragged through the streets in Somalia?"
America Answered: "We don't have time right now! We're busy defending Animal Rights! Our schools are handing out automatic weapons! The federal government is discriminating against cross-dressing Bolivian hermaphrodites!
The police are all members of the Ku Klux Klan! The lack of ozone is ruining my tan! If they cut deeper into Food Stamps those poor women will have to move down to Size 18/20 Channel dresses! AND THE WORST! Corporations are raising the prices of their products sooo high I might not be able to afford the multi-disc DVD Player for my 36'" digital ready TV! Besides, YOU GUYS ARE PAID TO DIE!
So, America, while you sit on your couch or around your office coffee pots and ask, "Why did those terrorists kill innocent civilians? Why didn't they go after the Military?"
Remember this America: They already had but America didn't care. These Terrorists realized that they needed to kill American Civilians, and lots of them, before they could have their desired reaction from the people of this country. Well, now they have it.
On 12 November, Ms Cindy Williams (from the Laverne and Shirley TV show) wrote a piece for the Washington Times denouncing the pay raise(s) coming service members' way this year - citing that the stated 13% wage gap was bogus. A young airman from Hill AFB responds to her article below. He ought to get a bonus for this!
Ms. Williams:
I just had the pleasure of reading your column of 12 Nov, "Our GIs earn enough" and I am a bit confused. Frankly, I'm wondering where this vaunted overpayment is going, because as far as I can tell, it disappears every month between DFAS (The Defense Finance and Accounting Service) and my bank account. Checking my latest leave and earnings statement (LES), I see that I make $1,117.80, before taxes. After taxes, I take home $874.20. When I run that through Windows' Calculator, I come up with an annual salary of $13,413.60 before taxes, and $10,490.40 after. I work in the Air Force Network Control Center (AFNCC), where I am part of the team responsible for the administration of a 5,000-host computer network. I am involved with infrastructure segments, specifically with Cisco Systems equipment. A quick check under jobs for Network Technicians in the Washington, D.C. a! rea reveals a position in my career field, requiring three years experience with my job. Amazingly, this job does ! NOT pay $13,413.60 a year, nor does it pay less than this. No, this job is being offered at $70,000 to $80,000 per annum. I'm sure you can draw the obvious conclusions.
Also, you tout increases to Basic Allowance for Housing and Basic Allowance for Subsistence (housing and food allowances, respectively) as being a further boon to an already overcompensated force. Again, I'm curious as to where this money has gone, as BAH and BAS were both slashed 15% in the Hill AFB area effective in January 00.
Given the tenor of your column, I would assume that you have NEVER had the pleasure of serving your country in her armed forces. Before you take it upon yourself to once more castigate congressional and DOD leadership for attempting to get the families in the military's lowest pay brackets off AFDC, WIC, and food stamps, I suggest that you join a group of deploying soldiers headed for AFGHANISTAN, I leave the choice of service branch up to you. Whatever choice you make, though, opt for the SIX month rotation: it will guarantee you the longest possible time away from your family and friends, thus giving you full "deployment experience". As your group prepares to board the plane, make sure to note the spouses and children who are saying good-bye to their loved ones. Also take care to note that several families are still unsure of how they'll be able to make ends meet! while the primary breadwinner is gone-obviously they've been squandering the vast piles of cash the DOD has been ! giving them. Try to deploy over a major holiday; Christmas and Thanksgiving are perennial favorites. And when you're actually over there, sitting in a DFP (Defensive Fire Position, the modern-day foxhole), shivering against the cold desert night, and the flight sergeant tells you that there aren't enough people on shift to relieve you for chow, remember this: trade whatever MRE (meal-ready-to-eat) you manage to get for the tuna noodle casserole or cheese tortellini, and add Tabasco to everything, This gives some flavor.
Talk to your loved ones as often as you are permitted; it won't nearly be long enough or often enough, but take what you can get and be thankful for it. You may have picked up on the fact that I disagree with most of the points you present in your op-ed piece. But, tomorrow from KABUL, I will defend to the death your right to say it.
You see, I am an American fighting man, a guarantor of your First Amendment rights and every other right you cherish. On a daily basis, my brother and sister soldiers worldwide ensure that you and people like you can thumb your collective nose at us, all on a salary that is nothing short of pitiful and under conditions that would make most people cringe.
We hemorrhage our best and brightest into the private sector because we can't offer the stability and pay of civilian companies. And you, Ms. Williams, have the gall to say that we make more than we deserve? Rubbish!
A1C Michael Bragg, Hill AFB AFNCC
This is a really cool patriotic/military site. Thought I would share it with everyone! Hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th.
http://www.wtv-zone.com/kjsb/kpp.html
You, you, & you: Panic. The rest of you, come with me.
A slipping gear could let your M203 grenade launcher fire when you least expect it. That would make you quite unpopular in what's left of your unit. - Army's Magazine of Preventive Maintenance.
Any ship can be a minesweeper ... once.
Bravery is being the only one who knows you're afraid.
Cluster bombing from B-52s is very, very accurate -- the bombs always hit the ground.
Combat will occur on the ground between two adjoining maps.
Don't draw fire; it irritates the people around you.
Don't ever be the first, don't ever be the last & don't ever volunteer to do anything.
Don't look conspicuous: it draws fire.
Five-second fuses only last three seconds.
Friendly fire -- isn't.
If God had meant for us to be in the Army, we would have been born with green, baggy skin.
If it's stupid but works, it isn't stupid.
If the enemy is in range, so are you.
If you can't remember, the Claymore is pointed towards you.
If your attack is going well, you have walked into an ambush.
Incoming fire has the right of way.
It is generally inadvisable to eject directly over the area you just bombed.
Make it too tough for the enemy to get in & you can't get out.
Mines are equal opportunity weapons.
Never share a fox hole with anyone braver than you.
Never tell the Platoon Sergeant you have nothing to do.
Never trust a private with a loaded weapon, or an officer with a map.
No combat ready unit has ever passed inspection.
Odd objects attract fire; never lurk behind one.
Push to test; release to detonate.
Sometimes I think war is God's way of teaching us geography. --Paul Rodriguez
Teamwork is essential; it gives the enemy someone else to shoot at.
The difficult we do immediately. The impossible takes a little longer. -- US Navy Sealees
The easy way is always mined.
The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war.
The side with the simplest uniforms wins.
There is no such thing as an atheist in a foxhole.
Those who beat their swords into plowshares will plow for those who don't.
Tracers work both ways.
Try to look unimportant, they may be low on ammo.
We are not retreating; we are advancing in another direction.
When in doubt, empty the magazine.
When the pin is pulled, Mr. Grenade is not our friend.
When you're short of everything but the enemy, you're in combat.
Who cares if a laser guided 500 lb bomb is accurate to within 9 feet?
Whoever said the pen is mightier than the sword obviously never encountered automatic weapons!
AT A RESTAURANT, my Army National Guard company commander noticed a couple of Marines going into the adjoining dining room. He called the waitress over and, with patriotic feeling, told her, "Buy those Marines in there a drink on me!"
The waitress left to take their order, and a loud cheer was heard. A whole platoon of Marines was in the next room. My company commander had a bar bill of $164 and 44 new friends.
--Contributed to Reader's Digest "Humor In Uniform " by Robert S. Tellman
I found this really cool patriotic/military site. Thought I would share it with everyone! Hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th. No fireworks for us here due to the fire danger with no rain in like 94 days, but I am going to see the Dodgers/Dbacks in Phx tomorrow, and that is better than any pyrotechnics display! Take care all. Julie
http://www.wtv-zone.com/kjsb/kpp.html
WHEN MY BROTHER, Bob, enlisted in the National Guard, he took the family by surprise. Several of us wondered how he would handle his new environment. "I can't believe he really joined," said one sibling. "I can't believe he's going to make it through basic," chortled another. But it was Mother who best illustrated the enormity of the situation: "I can't believe he's going to make his own bed every morning."
--Contributed to "Humor In Uniform" by Jean S. Mills Provided Courtesy of Reader's Digest.
On some air bases, the military is on one side of the field and civilian aircraft use the other side of the field, with the control tower in the middle.
One day, on just such a field, the tower received a call from an aircraft asking, "What time is it?"
The tower responded, "Who is calling?"
The aircraft replied, "What difference does it make?"
The tower replied, "It makes a lot of difference.
If you are a commercial airlines flight, it is 3 o'clock.
If you are an Air Force aircraft, it is 1500 hours.
If you are a Navy aircraft, it is 6 bells.
If you are an Army aircraft, the big hand is on the 12 and the little hand is on the 3.
If you are a Marine Corps aircraft, it's Thursday afternoon.
If you are in the National Guard, it's still a couple of hours until quitting time."
Sergeant Gary Mills was a bulldozer operator from North Pole, Alaska (really), serving Bravo Company, 299th Engineer Battalion as part of the 24th Infantry Division.
During Desert Storm, he was escorting a military dozer north into Iraq on a flatbed truck when soft sand caused the rig to go off the road. The flatbed ? dozer and all ? toppled over. Sergeant Mills wasn't hurt, but the convoy he was following moved on without him. Mills decided the best thing he could do is stay with the downed vehicle, guarding it until more U.S. Armed Forces came along, or his convoy missed him and sent someone back.
While he waited, a sandstorm began to blow and visibility became very poor. To get relief from the stinging, blowing sand and to get away from the dozer in case it got hit by traffic (or worse), Mills took shelter in a foxhole he found nearby. When at last the storm began to die down, Sergeant Mills could hear voices. They weren't speaking English.
He peeked out of the foxhole and saw seven Iraqi soldiers. They were armed. He ducked back into the hole. His position wasn't easy to spot and chances were good they would pass by without noticing it. Outnumbered seven to one, hiding seemed like a reasonable thing to do, but as he crouched in the foxhole, Sergeant Mills didn't feel good about it.
He almost let them walk by. But then he thought about their AK-47's. If someone gets hurt, he thought, it will be my fault. I won't be able to live with myself.
Gathering his courage, he popped up out of the foxhole and said the only Arabic word he knew, "Qif! (Stop!)" The seven stopped. Apparently, it didn't occur to them that there would be just one American soldier all alone in the middle of the desert. Surely, there must be at least a platoon. They put down their weapons and raised their hands.
The American was now faced with a tricky situation. It wouldn't take long for the Iraqis to figure out he was alone. In fact, the next minute, the leader of the group said something in Arabic and raised his thumb, as if to say, "There's just one of you?" The American kept his M-16 pointed at them and his finger on the trigger. Using his left hand, he raised his thumb, smiled, and nodded yes.
The dumbfounded look on the Iraqi's face was almost comical.
But Mills had no time to laugh. One soldier with seven prisoners is awkward, at best. In the movies, this would never happen. There would be a fight and all seven of the enemy would shoot at him, but miss. The American would gun down six of the soldiers, then fight the last guy (the leader) hand to hand. Right. But this was no movie.
Using gestures, Sergeant Mills had them move away from their weapons and ordered them to empty their pockets. He discovered that the Iraqis had pilfered his lunch and his water bottles from the overturned dozer. The seven looked frightened when he discovered the theft. The Iraqi Army had been thoroughly indoctrinated about the heartlessness and barbaric actions of the infidels from the West. The soldiers expected he would kill them.
What they had taken from the dozer didn't amount to much: a few partial MREs (meals ready to eat: the standard Army ration) and a couple of bottles of water. Not much of a feed for seven soldiers. As Sergeant Mills took a closer look at the men, he saw what a pitiful lot they were. Their uniforms didn't match and weren't complete. They didn't even have on helmets. Their gas masks were cheap and flimsy. They were thin and looked tired and hungry.
At gunpoint, Sergeant Mills marched them to his dozer, opened a locked compartment, and took out the rest of his MREs and water. These he gave to the prisoners.
One of the soldiers was so moved by this gesture, he slowly got up and walked over to Mills, who had his M-16 leveled and his finger on the trigger. Walking right up to the muzzle of the M-16, the Iraqi slowly reached out, took Gary Mills's face in his hands and kissed him on both cheeks.
It didn't take the convoy long to realize they were missing a vehicle. The radios were alive with talk about a guy who had been left behind, and help was sent back immediately. The sandstorm slowed things up, but soon an Airborne colonel leading an armed force arrived. They could only shake their heads in amazement that one guy, a dozer operator, had captured seven prisoners.
In the distance, some medical evacuation helicopters had landed and the Americans turned the captives over to them. Smiling and waving good-bye, the Iraqis climbed into the choppers to be flown to a prisoner-of-war camp. As Mills watched them board, one of them turned, put his hands together, gave a slight bow, and in heavily accented English, said, "Thank you."
No, it definitely hadn't gone like it would have in the movies ? and for that, Sergeant Mills was grateful and relieved.
Reprinted by permission of John D. Governale © 1995 from Chicken Soup for the Veteran's Soul by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor and Sidney R. Slagter. All rights reserved.
Dear Ma and Pa:
Am well. Hope you are. Tell Brother Walt and Brother Elmer the Army beats working for Old Man Minch a mile. Tell them to join up quick before maybe all the places are filled. I was restless at first because you got to stay in bed till nearly 6 a.m., but am getting so I like to sleep late. Tell Walt and Elmer all you do before breakfast is smooth your cot and shine some things -- no hogs to slop, feed to pitch, mash to mix, wood to split, fire to lay. Practically nothing. You got to shave, but it is not bad in warm water.
Breakfast is strong on trimmings like fruit juice, cereal, eggs, bacon, etc., but kind of weak on chops, potatoes, beef, ham steak, fried eggplant, pie and regular food. But tell Walt and Elmer you can always sit between two city boys that live on coffee. Their food plus yours holds you till noon, when you get fed.
It's no wonder these city boys can't walk much. We go on "route marches," which, the Sgt. says, are long walks to harden us. If he thinks so, it is not my place to tell him different. A "route march" is about as far as to our mailbox at home. Then the city guys all get sore feet and we ride back in trucks. The country is nice, but awful flat. The Sgt. is like a schoolteacher. He nags some. The Capt. is like the school board. Cols. and Gens. just ride around and frown. They don't bother you none.
This next will kill Walt and Elmer with laughing. I keep getting medals for shooting. I don't know why. The bull's-eye is near as big as a chipmunk and don't move. And it ain't shooting at you, like the Higsett boys at home. All you got to do is lie there all comfortable and hit it, you don't even load your own cartridges. They come in boxes.
Be sure to tell Walt and Elmer to hurry and join before other fellows get onto this setup and come stampeding in.
Your loving son, Zeb
P.S. Speaking of shooting, enclosed is $200 for the barn roof and ma's teeth. The city boys shoot craps, but not very good.