If you're on Facebook you may have seen a post linking to Soldiers' Angels Germany requesting assistance with items they are in great need of for the Wounded who pass through Landstuhl on their way from the battlefields to hospitals generally in the US.
From MaryAnn:
You may not be hearing about it on the news, but the fighting in Afghanistan has been very heavy, with many wounded moving through the military medical system. Our wounded heroes, their families, and the doctors and nurses who care for them desperately need our love and support. Please consider how you can help.
MaryAnn, head of Soldiers' Angels Germany, writes about the need:
All summer we have been experiencing a very large number of incoming medevacs, particularly from Afghanistan. Unfortunately, the past several weeks have been even worse. We are in urgent need of the following items. Please help if you can. Please also pray for our patients and staff during this very difficult time. Thank you.
Most Needed
2nd Most Needed
- Sweatpants and Zippered Hoodie Sweatjackets (M, L, XL - Gray, Black, Dark Blue)
- Blankets of Hope
- Lounge/sleep pants/pj bottoms (M, L, XL)
3rd Most Needed
- Undershirts and plain T-shirts (M, L, XL)
- Shorts, baggy basketball-type (M, L, XL)
- Men's Boxerbriefs (M, L, XL) 2nd choice boxers. Please do not send "tightie whities"
- Socks
For a complete list of items, see the Soldiers' Angels Germany blog. NOTE: Please do not send clothing sizes Small, 2X, or 3X. Also, please do not send books or magazines.
Friends of mine, Brooke and Brian, decided they wanted to do something to help out MaryAnn and her volunteers at Landstuhl. Brian is a former Seargant in the Army who separated after two tours in Afghanistan with the 173rd, 2-503. Brian's last tour was for 15 months during OEF VIII in the Korengal region of the HIndu Kush mountains.
At the top of their "most needed list" MaryAnn mentions sweat pants and hoodies. Brooke's father has a business that can buy top quality sweat pants and hoodies. He has offered to do so "at cost." For $20.00 a complete set can be purchased and shipped to the hospital in Germany.
If you are interested in joining us on this project please email Brooke at brswisher@eiu.edu for details on where to send you donation. Brooke will ask that you provide them with an email address so that she can send you a copy of the invoice showing that the items were purchased and how many.
Brooke and Brian are collecting donations through 22 October 2009. They plan to ship by 1 November 2009.
Let's join with Brooke and Brian to send MaryAnn and the volunteers a HUGE early Christmas present.
The last Sunday in September is designated as Gold Star Mother's Day. While it is not an "official" holiday in the United States it is a day we should all stop to remember the fallen from our wars and give support to the mothers (and other family members) of our Fallen Heroes.
From Army.mil
"Mothers of fallen service members began calling themselves “Gold Star Mothers” during the First World War, but the sorrowful bond they share reaches back to every woman who has lost a son or daughter in uniform since our nation’s revolution. The Army cherishes the mothers of its Soldiers as bedrocks of support and comfort, and honors the mothers of its fallen as resilient legacies of their children’s service. The United States began observing Gold Star Mothers Day on the last Sunday of September in 1936. This year, the Army joins the nation on September 27th in recognizing the sacrifice and strength of its Gold Star Mothers."
You can read a brief history of Gold Star Mothers here.
I encourage you to visit the link at Army.mil to listen to audio from the President of the Gold Star mothers, Ruth Stonesifer, whose son, Kris, was an Army Ranger who died in Afghanistan. There are additional stories at the site. And I also encourage you to read Mrs. Stonesifer's message at the Gold Star Mother's website.
We can never do enough or say enough to show our respect, appreciation and gratefulness to those who have given their lives for our nation in any war or to their families. Please take a minute today, and every day, to remember those who have given their lives so that we may continue to be free.
Proclaimation from the Army commemorating 2009 Gold Star Mother's Day
It seems impossible that it has been two years since SFC Matthew Blaskowski was killed by the enemy during a firefight. The emotion still runs so deep.
Last September 23rd (2008) I was walking across the US Army Post, Caserme Ederle, in Vicenza, Italy to the MP station to obtain my “permission slip” to be on post. I knew the significance of the date. I’d realized it from the moment I woke up – actually for many days prior – yet I was doing everything in could to distract myself. As I walked along I looked to my right and saw Terry and Cheryl Blaskowski at the Memorial for the Sky Soldiers who had been Killed in Action. I remember stopping in my tracks and watching them place a bouquet of red, white and blue flowers at the Memorial as Cheryl wiped tears from her eyes and Terry reach to touch the Memorial. Then they hugged.
I was finally able to move my feet again and continued on to the MP station so as not to be any more of an interloper than I already had been. My heart was physically aching and tears were streaming down my face. One year ago that day SFC Matthew Blaskowski was killed by a sniper’s bullet at Firebase Vegas, Afghanistan. Even though another year has passed it all still seems so fresh; so painful; so unbelievable that Matt is not on this earth with us.
In some ways it was “easier” last year. Cheryl and Terry were in Vicenza with Matt’s beloved widow, Daniela and all of his battle buddies. They spent time together every day and night. They were invited for dinners and lunches where they were continually regaled with stories about Matt from his fellow brothers in arms. Stories about his leadership, his actions under fire with the enemy, his integrity and fairness, his ability to party with the best and his never ending sense of humor and ability to pull off the best practical jokes. There was an abundance of laughter, tears and hugs. It often felt as if Matt was with them. And they remembered Matt with Daniela, the absolute love if his life, and her family.
This year it’s quieter. Terry and Cheryl find themselves in the house where Matt grew up. Every room full of memories of Matt. The quiet is deafening and painful. Even a walk out the back door is difficult because they see where, as a youngster, Matt played with his brother, cousins and friends. As he grew older Matt would set up targets to blow up with his dad’s guns, ride the 4 wheeler into the woods, sit around a fire with family and friends or be the life of the party at a cookout. The only connections with Daniela and Matt’s Battle Buddies this year are the phone and the internet. The weeks leading up to today for Terry and Cheryl and for Matt’s brother Stan and his wife Becky have not been easy. Parents aren’t supposed to bury their children.
Firebase Vegas high in the Hindu Kush Mountains in the Kunar Province of northeastern Afghanistan was a new firebase. It was actually still under construction. SFC Blaskowski had made many suggestions for the construction of the firebase and the Command was more than happy with his ideas. By all accounts the morning of 23 September 2007 began as any “normal” day at the firebase. Word came that COL Ostlund (then LTC Ostlund) was flying out to Vegas to promote then SSG Blaskowski to SFC. Battlefield promotions don’t happen every day. It was truly a special occasion. Everyone began to prepare for their Battalion Commander’s visit. Just after the helicopter landed LT Winn directed that a security sweep be conducted around the perimeter. SFC Blaskowski could have instructed any number of Soldiers in his Platoon to make that sweep but he did it himself.
A firefight broke out and within seconds the call for “MEDIC” rang through the air. SFC Blaskowski was down. He’d been hit by a sniper’s bullet. The Soldiers tried to get through the gun fire to SFC Blaskowski. When they did they attempted to give him CPR until the doctor who had accompanied COL Ostlund that day could attend to him. Nothing could be done to save Matt’s life. He was promoted to SFC posthumously.
At his memorial service in Afghanistan LT Brad Winn said, “It was hard to not get along with Sergeant Ski because his personality and humor were so infectious to so many people.” He went on to say, “He was the mentor and platoon sergeant that I had always dreamed of, leading from the front and being an everyday hero that all of the Soldiers, including myself, looked up to. Sergeant Ski was the epitome of a professional Soldier that will forever set the bar for Battle Company, Chosen Company and the whole Rock family.”
“Sergeant Ski passed away doing what he did best. Taking charge and being the great NCO that everyone knows him to be.”
SGT Brian Hissong shared these thoughts about SFC Blaskowski at the memorial, “He was always quick to greet you with a friendly insult and make you laugh. He would go out of his way to help Soldiers with any problem they might have, spending his entire day fixing someone else’s problem because that’s how much he cared about his Soldiers, He was the type of leader that elevated the Soldiers under him, and even the people around him to perform better. Not unlike a quarterback or great player in sports, he could help elevate his team to excellence. This was Sergeant Ski.”
SSG Jeremy Carey, one of Matt’s best friends and his grilling buddy added, ““He was the kind of man that would immediately light up a room with his presence and personality. He was never the center of attention, but it wasn’t the same without him around. He could bring something to a crowd that no one else could: a true, honest, take-me-as-I-am personality. Matt loved being a Soldier. His unmatched leadership and professionalism is what non-commissioned officers in the United States Army should strive to match. He was a Soldier’s Soldier. The magnitude of his life is a testament to the kind of man he was. He will be missed greatly.”
SFC Blaskowski enlisted as an infantryman Nov. 17, 1998. His first duty station was at Fort Drum, N.Y., with the 10th Mountain Division. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry, as a rifleman and a scout. He was later assigned as a team leader in 4th Bn., 31st Inf. in the same division.
After completing Airborne School in 2002, he reported to the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vicenza, Italy, where he was assigned to the 2-503rd (Airborne).
SFC Blaskowski served in multiple leadership positions in “The Rock.” Those positions included team leader in Battle Company, Battalion assistant operations sergeant in Headquarter and Headquarters Co., 2-503rd, and rifle and weapons squad leader in Chosen Co. during Operation Enduring Freedom VI where he earned a Silver Star. His final leadership position was as platoon sergeant for 1st Platoon in Battle Co. He had earned a college degree in Wildlife Forestry Management and aspired to teach at the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Former Army Paratrooper Matt Burden of Blackfive published a two part story about SFC Blaskowski in his “Someone You Should Know” series. In Part 1 he writes about the events of May 3, 2005 when SFC Blaskowski’s actions under fire saved the life of a Soldier. SFC Blaskowski's platoon was ambushed and spent 5 hours in a firefight. One of Matt’s Soldiers was wounded. Matt ran through the bullets to pull his man to safety. Matt was shot in the leg. His actions earned him the Silver Star, American’s third highest military valor award. SSGs Choay and Brannan also received Silver Stars that day for their actions in the same firefight. They were the first Soldiers from “The Rock” (173rd, 2-503) to receive Silver Stars since Vietnam.
Matt was medevaced to Landstuhl Army Medical Center in Germany. While there he was presented a Purple Heart. Matt gave this interview from his hospital bed while at Landstuhl.
Just as he said he would Matt was back with his Soldiers three months after being wounded and completed the deployment with them.
In April 2007, before deploying to Afghanistan for the second time, Matt and his bride Daniela traveled to Michigan to spend time with his family. A few days before they returned to Italy Matt, Daniela and Matt’s parents went to one of his favorite spots, Tacquamenon Falls, in Upper Michigan. This photo is one of Cheryl’s favorites of Matt.
Matt loved to ride motorcycles with his parents. This photo was taken just hours before he and Daniela boarded a plane back to Italy. It was his last ride with his parents. As Terry, Cheryl, Stan and Becky drove away from the airport after seeing Matt and Daniela off on their flight back to Italy Stan told his parents that something just “didn’t feel right this time.” It was foreboding to say the least.
After Matt's and Daniela's visit his parents decided to have the bike to the left custom painted for Matt. They were going to give it to him after the deployment.
Stan rides the bike in honor of his brother. Every time he rides he goes by to visit Matt.
In Part 2 of his "Someone You Should Know series about SFC Blaskowski, Matt Burden tells one hilariously funny story about Sergeant Ski bear hunting with his father and uncles, his marriage to Daniela and his time in Afghanistan prior to and including his death. You really have to go read about the bear hunt.
Matt Blaskowski was taken from us way too soon. He has left a void in the lives of so many that seems impossible to fill.
Matt’s Aunt Andrea compiled this video of the day he returned to Michigan for the last time. Tissue Warning!
Matt was welcomed home by hundreds of family members, friends and Patriots. The route was lined for miles.
Matt’s funeral service was held at the high school gymnasium where over 3,000 people attended to say their final farewells to a man they loved and respected.
I wrote the following in a post at Tanker Brothers blog on October 4, 2007, the day Matt was laid to rest
“Our prayers along with our deepest and most sincere condolences go out to Matt’s wife, parents, brother, extended family and friends and to his comrades left behind. There is no way to adequately express our thoughts at this time. If one takes the time to read about SFC Blaskowski on the internet one finds story after story about the man he was. He lived his 27 years as a shining example of what humanity should be. It is apparent that Matt touched the lives of anyone who met and knew him in any capacity. He was the best of the best. He lived a selfless life in many ways – one of which was his choice to serve this nation as a member of the United States Army – to defend our freedom and continue to ensure our safety and security. Matt gave his all for us. This nation owes more to SFC Matthew Blaskowski than we could ever give. May his family know that we grieve with them in this time of sadness and loss and that we are thankful for the man he was. May they find comfort in remembering all that Matt was, all that he did and all that he gave throughout his life.
Rest in peace Matt. Our prayers are with you. I know the gates of heaven were standing wide open when you passed through and the angels were there to meet you.”
I’ve never visited Matt’s gravesite to say my farewell. I guess I keep trying to convince myself that one day he’s going to pop out from somewhere in true Sergeant Ski style and say, “Gotcha” with that ear to ear smile. His mom, Cheryl, laughed when I told her that. She said it sound like something he would do. But the reality is that Matt is in heaven and everyone who knew him misses him like hell.
Say a prayer for Matt today. And say a prayer for his family. Most of all take a minute to remember Matt.
UPDATED with video thanks to Yankeemom
Video added - "I'm leaving you but I died doing what I most wanted to do."
Note about a statement in the video - SGT Garcia had served with the 82nd Airborne prior to being assigned to the 173rd Airborne with whom he was serving at the time of his death.
SGT Israel Garcia was posthumously awarded the Silver Star, our nation's third highest award for valor, on 29 August 2009 at 11:00 at the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base, California for "gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States." SGT Garcia was awarded the Silver Star for his heroic actions on 13 July 2008 at the Battle of Wanat, Afghanistan where he and eight of his Brothers in Arms were killed by the enemy.
A crowd of 200 including three of the men who served with SGT Garcia, SPC Kerns, SGT Deloria and Mike Santiago (rank unknown) were present for the ceremony despite the 100+ degree heat. The Patriot Guard Riders were present for the ceremony just as they had been for SGT Garcia's family when he returned home and for his funeral.
Myer also praised Garcia's widow, Lesly. "Her incredible strength in this process is humbling to me," he said.
Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, R-Huntington Beach/Long Beach, said Garcia gave his life as a hero. "I have three children," he said. "And they're all safe because of Sgt. Garcia."
Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster said the city is proud of its hero. "We're a grateful city," he said.
A Silver Star is the 3rd highest Military decoration that can be awarded to a soldier for his valor actions. It was established in 1918 as a citation Star.
For those of you that don't know why my husband is receiving a Silver Star today.... Let me explain it to you all briefly.
On July 8th, 2008, Chosen Company was sent to Wanat, Afghanistan. When they arrived they found themselves on a remote patrol base which they had to build from scratch. What little supplies they had they began to set up their perimeter with sandbags and c-wire. This base was build within feet of a village. Giving the Taliban's easy access to our soldiers.
On July 13th, 2008 at around 4:15am They were woken up by heavy fire coming from all directions. They had little time to prepare themselves for the attack that would eventually last 4 hours. About 30 minutes into the attack my husband's squad gets a radio call from the observation post stating multiple casualties and reinforcement needed. Israel along with 3 other soldiers without any hesitation ran up to the observation post where they assisted the injured soldiers to safety. While trying to get control of the post, 3 rocket propel grenades hit their location with one hitting my husband. By 5:30am, 9 American soldiers had been killed and 27 were wounded. This happen just 10 days before our soldiers were schedule to return home after a 14 month deployment. And this is why my husband is being honored with this Silver Star.
My Husband loved this country and devoted his life serving it. Israel was willing to not only reach across the aisle, but had this unique was to pull people together and get things done, with both substance and a great sense of humor. He was a compassionate, loving, hard-worker, unselfish, joyful, positive attitude, family man, caring ... And... I can stand here in front of you all and describe how great of a person he was, but we don't have all day. Israel will forever live in the hearts of his friends, family and mine.... thank you!
UPDATED with these incredible videos
And this video from CNN
SFC Jared C. Monti was born on September 20, 1975. He was a native of Massachusetts. SFC Monti enlisted in the United States Army in March 1993. He attended Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sill, OK, earning his Military Occupational Specialty of 11B (Forward Observer); he is a graduate of Joint Firepower Controller Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, Warrior Leader Course, Airborne, and Air Assault.. SFC Monti was assigned as a Targetting NCO in Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3d Squadron, 71st Cavalry, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry).
SFC Monti deployed to Afghanistan with Task Force Spartan in February 2006. He was an outstanding leader and well-respected NCO who constantly motivated his Soldiers and ensured that his unit was always ready to fight and win. His career culminated with Task Force Spartan while conducting combat operations in the mountains near Gowardesh, Afghanistan. His recon team occupied a surveillance position when they were attacked by a large enemy force on the afternoon of 21 June 2006. SFC Monti was killed in action by enemy fire in the subsequent engagement when—without hesitation or concern for himself—he rushed under heavy enemy fire to assist two of his wounded comrades who had become separated in the fight.
His awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal (4OLC), Army Achievement Medal (3OLC), Good Conduct Medal (2), National Defense Service Medal (2), Korean Defense Service Medal (2), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (2), Kosovo Campaign Medal (2), Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Afghan Campaign Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Parachutist Badge, and Air Assault Badge.
SFC Monti is survived by his Father, Paul Monti, his Mother, Janet Monti, his Sister Niccole Monti, his Brother, Timothy Monti, and his Niece, Carys Monti.
_________________________________________
CPT Joe Hanson wrote about SFC Monti on 6 July 2006:
I am a U.S. soldier serving in Northern Afghanistan.
SFC Jared Monti and I soldiered together these last few months here in these mountains.
SFC Monti fell in battle this last June repelling an enemy attack upon his position while simultaneously attempting to retrieve a wounded fellow soldier to a covered position.
The last time we spoke, we talked about things soldiers talk about. Sitting on the edge of our cots, elbows on our knees and heads hung while we spoke. We knew. We knew what we were. What we are. What we were doing here in Afghanistan. You were proud of your boys and I was proud with you Jared. Getting up, you grabbed your kit and headed out to lead another patrol.
“Take care of yourself, monti”, I said. Not knowing that I would never see you again.
You never do. I can see you still, grin and all. “See you on the high ground, sir”.
Monti, I say to you now what I could not then. That I hold you in awe, in awe of your nobility, your courage and your unfailing compassion for your men and these people of Afghanistan
It is men such as Jared Monti that we are who we are. Who we could be.
Sergeant Monti was a American Soldier, he was a leader of men and he was my brother.
He was that which makes us salute when we see our nations flag,.. and cry when we remember.
It is men such as this that shrouds us with our freedom at home and provides us our armor in battle.
It is men such as this that we pause and sigh in the half light of our lives and wish it were otherwise.
It is men such as Sergeant First Class Jared Monti that makes me proud to be an American Soldier.
It has been my greatest privilege and my honor to serve alongside you Monti.
“I’ll see you on the high ground.”
Captain Joe Hansen
TF Spartan
U.S. Army
___________________________________________
Fox News published a story today about the 10th Mtn 1-32 taking time this morning to remember SFC Monti and to re-dedicate an Outpost in Kunar Province, Afghanistan that is named for SFC Monti.
ASMAR DISTRICT, Afghanistan — Embattled U.S. troops in northeastern Afghanistan paid homage Thursday to Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. First Class Jared C. Monti by officially rededicating their isolated outpost in the Hindu Kush Mountains in his name.
The rededication, in a brief ceremony at Combat Operations Post Monti in Kunar province, took place just hours before President Obama was to present the medal to Monti’s family at the White House.
Monti's mother, Janet, in Washington for the Medal of Honor ceremony, said the award is a "tremendous honor," but she called Thursday's ceremony "bittersweet."
"We're very proud of him, but we're also very sad," she said.
Monti died in Afghanistan in 2006 while trying to save a young private who was wounded. His platoon — part of the 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment — was on an intelligence-gathering patrol when it was ambushed by a force of more than 60 insurgents. After calling in artillery support and directing his men’s return fire, Monti braved withering enemy fire to try to pull the comrade to safety from an exposed position. Monti, who was 31, was mortally wounded on the third attempt.
Janet Monti described her son's innate selflessness and desire to help others, saying he "would always stick up for the underdog." She recounted a story in which her son rescued a group of children who were being taunted by Albanian youths while he was stationed in Kosovo.
"He picked the children up in his Humvee and drove them to school," she said. "He had so much compassion."
Thursday’s ceremony in Afghanistan was attended by about 50 soldiers not on duty. It was preceded by artillery fire on nearby mountain ridges to ward off Taliban gunmen who mortar and rocket the post.
“Most of us didn’t know him personally and most of us will know him only by his citation,” Maj. Pete Granger, executive officer of the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, said before a large plaque was unveiled in Monti's honor.
But “We honor his memory by continuing to fight for the same things he believed in: his soldiers, his family, his friends and his country.”
Sgt. 1st Class Monti, from Raynham, Mass., was killed on June 21, 2006, while leading a 16-man platoon in the Gowardesh region of neighboring Nuristan province.
Nuristan, like Kunar province, earned a reputation as the “cradle of Jihad” in the 1980s’ mujahideen war against Soviet occupation forces. And the reputation sticks. Taliban insurgents use the rugged regions close to the Pakistan border as transit areas to and from central Afghanistan.
“He was a real hard-nosed NCO (non-commissioned officer),” Staff Sgt. Matthew Wolfanger, who was a member of Monti’s unit, told FOXNews.com. “He really demanded a lot out of his guys … but in the end we loved him for it because he took us from soldiers who were kinda just going through the motions doing our jobs to guys who were passionate about what we were doing.
“He brought the best out of us. We wanted to be the best because of him. He absolutely loved what he did, and he loved us, his soldiers.”
Wolfanger, 25, the keynote speaker at Thursday's ceremony, said he wasn’t tasked to go on Monti’s fatal mission, but he and others listened in on the radio traffic.
“I knew it was bad from what they were saying, but it didn’t really go through my mind that my friends were out there and could actually be hurt. But at the end of it, when they said they had wounded and a KIA (killed in action) … you know … and they gave the roster numbers (of casualties) ….”
Wolfanger never finished the sentence.
The Medal of Honor, he said in prepared remarks, is “final confirmation of something that he had been to his soldiers all along, a hero.”
________________________________________
Please take the time to go read this article in Stars and Stripes that tells about that fateful day. There is no doubt that SFC Monti is a Hero and more than deserving of the Medal of Honor.
________________________________________
SFC Monti's family and friends have established the "SFC Jared C. Monti Memorial Scholarship Fund" so that his memory may live on by helping others as he always did, even as a child. Please visit the website to learn more about SFC Monti and the scholarship fund.
________________________________________
Blackfive has a post about SFC Monti that includes a link with an interview with his father
Godspeed SFC Monti.
Although you are far away somewhere in the hot sands of Iraq I'm sending you tons of birthday good wishes and love! Be safe dear friend! We'll have the party when you get home.
I'm not always the smartest tack in the pack. Saturday morning I proved that. I spent Thursday and Friday nights out in Maryland with my dear friend GunnNutt. The "plan" for Saturday morning was that Concretebob would text me as to where he was parked then my friend would drop me off next to his vehicle so I could stash my luggage (2 bags) until the end of the day. *chuckling even as I typed that*
Concretebob sent me a text "14th and D". "Roger that" I replied. I'll leave out all of the remaining boring details and just admit that I pulled my luggage with me all day. Well, most of the day. Concretebob was a sport and pulled it some too. Yep - up and down Pennsylvania Ave. What an idiot I must have looked like.
I did run into ace blogger Jonn Lilyea of This Ain't Hell at the point where GunnNutt couldn't drive anymore and I hopped out of the vehicle with my luggage. Jonn and I parted ways soon after but ended up together again near Pennsylvania Ave and 3rd later in the day.
I've attended several events in DC over the past few years but I have NEVER seen crowds like the one on Saturday before. Not even close. I won't get into the numbers but it was not "tens of thousands" more like "hundreds of thousands." Here's the first photo I snapped a couple of blocks from Pennsylvania Avenue at around 10:30. The march wasn't set to kick off until 11:30.
Here's another at the corner of 13th and F (I think) looking southeast. Holy moly! These people were trying to get to Freedom Park and never made it there. Once we got to Pennsylvania the police has us moving east toward the Capitol because Freedom Park (to the west) was already over capacity and, apparently, had been.
Approaching the intersection of 13th and Pennsylvania
As I continued to approach Pennsylvania Ave I couldn't believe what I was seeing - no exaggeration. Then I turned from 13th Street east onto Pennsylvania Ave (1.3 miles west of the Capitol) and this is what I saw in front of me
I turned to look back to the west and this is what I saw
A couple of pics as we continued to walk east.
I stopped at the intersection of Pennsylvania and 9th to hop up on a wall in hopes of better pics
Something in the following picture stands out to me. There were all types of people in the crowd. Young and old, people in doctor's coats and business suits. There were teachers, farmers and Veterans. Asians, Hispanics, Afro Americans. There's no denying everyone was there to be heard. Look at the lady with the walker. She, like many, walked over a mile to ask Congress to listen to what they had to say and stop ignoring them.
I never saw anyone get unruly. And unlike other marches I have stood on the side and watched go by (MoveOn.org, ANSWER, etc) I didn't see one person spit at another, yell profanities or make physical threats. NOT ONE!
This was also one of the few times I've been in DC that I didn't see people stomping on the American flag on the ground or the American flag being flown upside down or defaced in any way. And I didn't see on Che or PLO flag. Thanks heavens!
The crowd was very decent and respectful to each other and to Washington, DC. MORE than refreshing. I'm told by those who were volunteer security that the DC and Park Police departments were "bored." Not a surprise when you have respectful, decent people to deal with. I don't doubt there were people yelling things that I wouldn't agree with - things a little over the edge. But I never heard anyone do that.
Here's a picture I took at 3rd and Pennsylvania. By this time the west lawn had been closed off because it was at capacity. Even though there was no permit for our group to be on the Mall there was no where else for people to go so they spilled out onto it as well. This photo and the one following were taken about 2 hours into the march
People still coming
Still coming
And a note about all those signs you see in the photos - probably note the note you are expecting because I'm not going to comment on the content (most of which was pretty darn basic) - I didn't see one sign tossed on the ground after the march. Not ONE. Why did that make an impression on me? Because in the past when I've been to DC to witness marches sponsored by organizations such as MoveOn and ANSWER the streets are littered for blocks and blocks with the signs that were provided to the marchers. I suppose there was a bit more respect from our crowd. Not surprising given that DC belongs to the people. So many things about this weekend made me so proud to be an American and gave me hope that we CAN and WILL get back on track.
The naysayers can continue with their dialogue but the heart of America is tired of being dismissed and taken for granted. It does anger me that the media and members of the left (mostly) continue to label those of us who were in DC this weekend as racists, terroristic, radicals and a plethora of other negative and not so kind labels. And if you've heard, read about or seen photos of people caring signs comparing President Obama to Hitler - those where the LaRouche people - a handful who showed up. PERIOD. You think that lady on the walker fits into any of those categories? Believe me, the "geriatric crowd" was WELL represented.
Of course it wouldn't be a trip to DC if I didn't get to hang with my Personal Security Detail
I love you guys!
Oh....and I swear to you when I say this - Uncle Jimbo was GIDDY all day. Yeah, if you know Uncle J that will speak volumns about how the day was.
Some other links with coverage of the amazing day
Jonn Lilyea at This Aint Hell has links here, here, here and here
I cannot close this post without this photo
My intent was to take a picture to show that even at 5:00 PM the Metro out in Virginia was still packed. Not a good picture but I kept it because just after I snapped it the woman asked the young man if he was in DC to visit Teddy Kennedy's grave. I laughed so hard. Then she went into her song and dance about what a wonderful man he was. I chose to zip my lip but wanted SO badly to ask her how she felt about his "from the gave" remorse about Mary Jo Kopchne. It has been such a good day I didn't want to go there.
After the cookout at the Mologne House we loaded in vehicles to go out to the Friday Night Freep at the front gates of WRAMC. For those of you who aren't aware of what the Friday Night Freep is or why it began you can read about that here (scroll down to "Beginning and a Brief History") and check out the many links.
I've had the privilege of attending several Freeps but this one felt different from the minute we rolled into the parking lot across from the main gate. The "regualars" where there but many in town for the event on 9/12 were already there as well. It just kept getting better all night long. It may have rained. And it may have been a bit cool but we didn't care. I regret that I didn't get pics of one of the buses that came FULL of great Patriots.
One of the first things I noticed as we exited WRAMC from the gate just to the south of the Main gate was this (I walked back after we parked to take the photos).
This is the area where Code Pink now stands each Friday night with their digusting signs and attitudes towards our troops. I was curious to read the signs on the orange cones. Upon closer inspection:
Boy did that make me happy! It seems that the new Garrison Commander has decided that the Pinkos can no longer prop their disgusting signs on WRAMC property nor can they stand on the property. They have been relegated to the sidewalk ONLY which is what their permit says anyway. HELL YEAH!
Unfortunately I didn't get many pictures during the night as I was assisting the hosts with snacks and other items. We were VERY busy. I did take a few minutes from time to time to walk from corner to corner to chat with people and hope to see a Wounded Warrior. The crowd was HUGE. Several of the Freepers agreed that between 700 and 800 people came to stand that night and said it was the biggest crowd ever. FANTASTIC! Everyone was in a great mood, vehicles passing by were honking, yelling out "thank you", waving - some even waved flags out of their windows. I was told that a Wounded Warrior who had been at the cookout earlier came out to the corner and when someone asked who he was and he told them he was surrounded by people and hugged and thanked over and over. They say he had a smile as big as ever. I hated to miss seeing that but was thrilled to hear about it.
Northwest corner early on:
Northwest Corner a little later:
Shot of the north end of those standing on the northeast corner. It's difficult to get a perspective on this but the actual intersection is at least 100 feet to the left of this shot and it was packed three and four deep.
Milling around the snack tent
A group from Athens, Tennessee drove two truck to DC for the 9/12 event. They were asking people to sign their billboards
Code Pink may have had 15 or so show up during the night.
The young man in the blue jacket and red hat in the above photo engaged several of us in conversation. I listened to him for awhile as he attempted to say he wasn't a Code Pink supporter - and maybe he wasn't even though he was standing WITH THEM. He said he knew nothing about their communist activities and donations to the terrorists in Fallujah. What really ticked me off with him was when he said he was there to protest that the wounded don't get decent health care. Oh really? So I asked him if he PERSONALLY knew anyone who had been wounded? His response, "Well, I know someone who knows someone...." I cut him off there but that's exactly what he said. So I told him that we KNOW Wounded Warriors and know about those who are treated for physical injuries, TBI...he stopped me there and asked what TBI was. As calmly as I could at the moment I admonished him to do a little more research before he decided to flap his gums.
When the first of two of the new state of the art ambulances came through from Andrews I happened to be standing with Yankeemom. We just grabbed each other and stood there and said a prayer of healthing for the Wounded and for strength for their families. Seeing those ambulances is the worst part but knowing they are going into a place with the best care in the world gives so much hope.
The crowd at the four corners grew thoughout the night until around 9:00 PM. By the time the bus returned with the Soldiers who had gone out for dinner the crowd has thinned. I hated that but....those who came and went from the hospital prior to 9:00 had one great night of support to behold. I'm so happy I was able to be there.
If you are ever in DC on a Friday night please go out and join the Freepers. They begin to gather aroung 6:30 PM and stay untl the bus returns. You won't be sorry you did it.
I am still in shock that some great Americans made it possible for me to be in DC this weekend. Twana, Peri, Tiana, Candy and Gene there will never be a way I can thank you enough.
I flew into Dulles and began an hours long odyssey on a shuttle van to what seemed to be nowhere until my dear friend Lynn rescued me at one of the shuttle stops. I was staying with Lynn anyway but trying to keep her from having to fight the rush hour traffic. It was definitely an experience.
Friday morning Lynn and I got up bright and early to get to WRAMC for the cookout. We stopped to pick up burgers, buns and other items Lynn has been assigned then off to the hospital. We pulled up to the Mologne House just as Concretebob (CB) was unloading his truck. CB was in charge of this event and had his truck loaded down with food and beverage. We got everythiing unloaded and CB took off for Reagan National Airport to pick up some Marines who were coming into town for the weekend from BMAC (Brooke Army Medical Center) in San Antonio.
We were more than thrilled when we walked through the breezeway and saw the two new tents that had been donated by the American Legion for the patio area. A huge HOOOOOOOOOOAH to the American Legion for that gift. Definitely needed for many reasons. On our cookout day they were an incredible help in keeping us out of the almost constant light drizzle. On sunny days they will allow the Wounded to relax out of the sun
Grills got fired up and volunteers took on the cookiing duties
Inside those foil packets are Italian sausages and grilled peppers. YUMMY!
Other volunteers were on the hamburger grill. While between the two grills Veterans, Wounded Warriors and volunteers were visiting.
Another Wounded Warrior chatting with several great supporters
Some of the Wounded enjoying the chow
More of our Wounded enjoying the chow and relaxing
Aren't the tents donated by the American Legion just great?
We were thrilled at the numbers of Wounded and family members who stopped by throughout the afternoon.
Three of my best buddies - Jonn Lilyea from this ain't hell, Uncle Jimbo from Blackfive and The Sniper. All Veterans and all three do so much to support our Wounded.
Our special friend, Veteran and medically retired paratrooper, Jedda, manning the sausage and squash grill. WE LOVE JEDDA!
More of the crowd
Many thanks to Concretebob, Lynn, Yankeemom (for the great pies) and all of the volunteers from Gathering of Eagles, Band of Mothers and various Veterans organizations who came to share this day with the Wounded and their families. Concretebob, Lynn and I all agreed it was the largest crowd ever at any cookout we have been a part of. We fed people from around 12:30 until close to 4:00.
There were so many laughs and a lot of new friendships made. Despite the drizzle and chilly winds it was an incredible afternoon and so very relaxing.
We cleaned up. loaded up and headed out to the front gates for the Friday night Freep which I will post about in DC Weekend Part II.
My dear friend and great troop supporter, Donna, was a volunteer for Operation Comfort's annual surf outing over the Labor Day weekend. She sent me the link to this video:
Donna has volunteered at these surfing outings before and always reports that they are incredibly well received and successful. Thanks, Donna, for giving of you time again. You're a great American - as are all of those around the nation who volunteer on behalf of our Wounded Warriors each day.
Operation Comfort has many outreach programs for the Wounded and their families at BAMC. Surfing, automotivation, hand cycling and bike riding, rafting, snow skiing, sled hockey, softball and their Soldier Family Assistance Program. I hope you will check out there site and give them some support.
HOOAH Operation Comfort. And THANK YOU to my friend Donna for being there over Labor Day and EVERY day.
