I didn't forget 'em so much as overlooked them. Busy times right now at Castle Argghhh!
I did spend time yesterday planning the repair to the Castle flagpole. Although installed to manufacturer's spec, all the rain we've had this last month, combined with the flag on the pole in 50mph winds, has caused one of the poles to take a lean. Yes, yes, I dug the hole to spec, installed the ground tube, framed it plumb and cemented it in. The clay is just...wet and slick. I'm going to see if I can't straighten her, or am I just gonna hafta rip it out and redo it. Frankly, I don't wanna dig again, if I can avoid it!
U.S. Army Sgt. David Williams, assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 502nd Infantry Regiment, dances with Iraqi children in Shula, Iraq, June 8, 2008. Williams and his unit were in the area to install barriers throughout the city. DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Manuel J. Martinez, U.S. Air Force. (Released)
The Army leadership sent out their birthday message, which we'll reproduce below:
2008 Army Birthday Message
Since June 14, 1775, the magnificent Soldiers, Families, and Civilians of America’s Army have sacrificed personal comfort and safety so that others can live in freedom. Our sacrifices have preserved our way of life, built a better future for others, and led our Nation to victory over our enemies.In this, our 233rd year, we find our Nation at war. For six years. our Army has been a leader in this war liberating over 50 million people from tyranny and oppression and giving them hope for the future. Inspired by these efforts, almost 300,000 men and women enlisted or reenlisted just last year in America’s Army — Active, National Guard and Reserve. This type of dedication is what makes our Army the Strength of the Nation.
Not everyone recognizes it day..to-day, but we are at war against a global extremist terrorist network seeking to attack and destroy our way of life. This is not a foe that will give up easily. They must be defeated.
Faced with such a long and difficult struggle, and with so much at stake, it is important to remind ourselves that our military exists to field forces for victory just as we did in 1775. Our Warrior Ethos has it right;
•I will always place the mission first.
•I wilt never accept defeat.
•I will never quit.
•I will never leave a fallen comrade.Our Army is a hugely resilient, professional. and battle~hardened force. We are the best in the world at what we do. and we are that way because of our values, our ethos, and our people — especially our people.
On this Army Birthday, we have much to celebrate and be proud of. God bless each and every one of you and your Families, and God bless America.
Kenneth 0. Preston, Sergeant Major of the Army
George Casey, Jr., General. United States Army Chief of Staff
Pete Geren, Secretary of the Army
Bent, but not broken. In need of some spot-painting, but still C1 mission-capable. But it would be okay if you didn't toss anything *more* onto the table for a while...
U.S. Soldiers from the Indiana Army National Guard fill sandbags for flood control efforts at the Indiana Department of Transportation office in Vincennes, Ind., June 10, 2008. The Soldiers and U.S. Marines and Sailors assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit are helping state and local authorities raise the White River levee in an attempt to prevent further flooding in the area. DoD photo by Senior Master Sgt. John S. Chapman, U.S. Air Force. (Released)
We're busy enough at the moment, thanks.
An Army Reserve CH-47D helicopter assigned to the 159th Aviation Regiment in Fort Eustis, Va., lifts an 11-meter rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) out of the Pearl River in Mississippi Feb. 14, 2008, as special warfare combatant-craft crewmembers use a ladder to board the aircraft during a maritime external air transportation system training exercise. CH-47D Chinook helicopters are capable of lifting and transporting vessels over long distances of land and water. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Robyn Gerstenslager) (www.army.mil)
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