Argghhh! The Home Of Two Of Jonah's Military Guys..: Project Valour-IT Archives

March 31, 2008

Patti and the Angels Receive More Kudos

Patti Bader, leader, motivator and facilitator of literally hundreds of thousands of "troop support" volunteers has again received national attention. Her husband writes:

For founding Soldiers Angels and other exemplary work that she does to make the world a better place, Patti has just been notified that she is the recipient of the VFW 2008 James E. Van Zandt Citizenship Award.

From the VFW web site: James E. "Jimmy" Van Zandt was Commander-in-Chief of the VFW three times, and a veteran of three wars (World War I, World War II, and the Korean War). He served as an enlisted man in World War I and retired as an admiral following the Korean War. Descended from a pioneer family in Blair County, Pennsylvania, Jimmy worked his way from newsboy to United States Congressman. Recipients of the award named in Van Zandt's honor exemplify his dedication to public service, citizenship, and other admirable qualities.

Press release here.

[Denizens know, but newer visitors may not: besides sending hundred of thousands of care packages, ministering to the wounded, comforting families of the fallen, sewing blankets for hospitalized veterans, and caring for those on the front lines and their families on the homefront in myriad other ways, Soldiers' Angels is the organization that facilitates a program especially near and dear to the hearts of Castle Denizens--Project Valour-IT.]

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

I think she's done GREAT work. I do, however, believe she could make better use of the money by not mailing out all the crap thaht she does. Of late, I've just taken the free stamp and thrown the other stuff away. As a rule, I don't give money to charities thaht ask for it. I pretty much know who I want to support and why. I'll continue to support VALOUR-IT, because I see the immediate result AND trust the blog sponsors who're pushing it. Truly, my best wishes to Patti - but I'm tired of the mail. Just sayin'. ML

by MikeL on March 31, 2008 11:20 AM

I hear you, Mike--I'm not crazy about it, either. It apparently brings in a lot of money, though. If you want to support one of the great things Soldiers' Angels is doing, my suggestion is that you choose a project that you can donate to directly, and do it through either a Paypal button specifically for the project (on the project/team page on the their website), or with a check (and a note saying it goes to a particular project) to one of the addresses on their donation page.

That way your money will go only to what you want it to.

by FbL on March 31, 2008 11:57 AM

Mike is a pretty constant PV-IT giver, Fuzzy.

by John of Argghhh! on March 31, 2008 12:00 PM

I'd like to point out what Fuzzy was trying to say but didn't explicitly - if you give money to Project Valour-IT for example, or any other specific project, that money goes to the project and not into the funds that SA uses for overhead, mailings, etc.

You give to PV-IT, it gets spent on PV-IT.

by John of Argghhh! on March 31, 2008 12:13 PM

100% SPOT ON, MIKE.
V-IT is as far as I will go with SA anymore. It's unique, and it works, but I'm sick and tired of being hounded for money that I just don't have. It makes me more likely to *NOT* donate. And I'm sick and tired of hearing about how Patti's the most wonderful mother in the world for starting SA- she's not. I know plenty of other mothers (and fathers) who are just as deserving of that title who will never receive even a fraction of the attention she gets.

My .02.
Let the Sis-Bashing begin.

by AFSister on March 31, 2008 12:29 PM

Sorry about that Mike (and John). I thought I had a sentence at the end of that comment that thank him for continuing to support Valour-IT.

AFSis, I remember our conversation on the subject, and I hope you remember my reaction. :) Regarding "wonderful mother, I agree that there are many unsung parental heroes out there (I'd put my own mother near the top of the list, and there are many I know who would join her there). I was contacted by someone outside Soldiers' Angels regarding the "America's Favorite Mom" contest, and was asked to go behind her back to ask her son to nominate her (which I successfully did) with the idea that it would boost the visibility of Soldiers' Angels. As far as I understand things, that's exactly what SA hopes to do with Patti's participation.

by FbL on March 31, 2008 12:50 PM

Fuzzy... that's EXACTLY the kind of thing I'm talking about. I've received countless requests to "go vote for Patti! The most wonderful mother in the world!!" And I've done so exactly ZERO times.
If you read the stories of the other mothers, you'll see that they were nominated for far less glamorous reasons than the national accolades Patti has received.

This whole "promote Patti to promote SA" is getting REALLY out of hand. The soldiers aren't the ones getting the attention; she is. And isn't the whole idea behind SA is to focus on the SOLDIERS???

(and yes, I do remember our conversation)

by AFSister on March 31, 2008 1:17 PM

I won't speak to the appropriateness of the current overall level of promotion of Patti, but since I did encourage this latest escapade, I feel the need to speak in my defense. Here's why I thought the attention was a good thing for the troops (and you know, I'm ALL about supporting our servicemembers in word and deed): attention to Patti means attention to SA, which means attention to the reasons for SA's existence--the troops and their families--and an opportunity to encourage people to join/donate/create, resulting in greater capacity to meet the needs of troops and their families.

Maybe I'm being too idealistic, but that's my take on things.

by FbL on March 31, 2008 4:14 PM

This is not an attack on you, nor is it an attack on Patti.
I just want the focus to get back to the soldiers and away from the self-promotion.

by AFSister on March 31, 2008 9:53 PM

� Dismissed, Soldier!

by Denizens on Mar 31, 2008 | TrackBack (0)

March 2, 2008

Calling all Denizens, lurkers, readers, or anyone you can beg, borrow, or steal from.

Get out ‘yer checkbooks, damnit.

Seriously.

For crying out loud, for me to get a mailer from the organization begging me for cash is a deplorable state of affairs because I have so little and many have given so little. I’m a grad student. Jess and I live on $14000/year. We live in a dinky one bedroom apartment in central Indiana, have a 15 year old car we only drive to the grocery store while using public transit to get every where else (which I absolutely hate doing), and eat pretty low on the hog(Cricket would never eat like this: ramen, instant oatmeal, TV dinners for a treat, 2 hotdogs cut up into instant mac n’ cheese once or twice a week, and brown label vitamins to cover micronutrient deficiencies.). And, tack on the money I’ve been spending since my friend Yujiro died to take care of his widow, Emiko? Paying two rent checks summing to 1200 bucks each month and immigration attorneys is not cheap and definitely not easy on our monthly income. Yet, I’m still able to kick in some when asked.

I’ll be honest. It isn’t much. What I’m able to give probably only paid for postage to about 20 bigger givers. But it is something.

So what about you, pilgrim? Are you feeling good about how charitable you’re being right now? Gawd knows I’m not. I’m feelin’ pretty guilty I don’t have more to give. That I was stupid and bought a playstation last Christmas, using up quite a bit of our discretionary funds, makes me angry right now because there is something bigger and more important than The Wife having a new shiny toy to play with while I sleep on the weekends. So, if you feel like you’ve done all you can you should put that checkbook away. If you don’t feel like you have then it’s time to start. Make with the pen motions (or clicking on the links on the right border) already.

You want a reward? Fine. If we get $5000 by next this coming Wed to flow in from this website or otherwise confirmed to either Soldiers’ Angels or the subsidiary, and FbL’s baby, VALOUR IT I’ll do one of two things: option a is get John to take a picture of him leaning his knee on my neck while he holds one of the Castle’s working(but unloaded) firearms to my head to post here and option b is to make a shooting range target in gollum’s likeness to be posted here. You guys get to choose in the comments what you want. Oh, option C is to post one of the most embarrassing pictures in existence of me as a kid. We can do that one too. Put the confirmation number you receive via email in the comments section or email John(his email is on the right sidebar with “ry’s challenge” as the subject and he can forward all of that to me for totaling).

But either way, make with throwing money SA’s way. It is the right thing to do.
ry

aHEM. *koff* *koff* Izzis thing on? [taptaptap] Good.

There is no "Option A" or "Option B."

While the Armorer commends Ry's enthusiasm and heartily endorses his effort - the Armorer does *not* regret to inform the readership that he will *not* be photographed pointing a weapon at anyone, loaded or unloaded, he does not fully intend to shoot should circumstances warrant, however much he might currently find the idea of kneeling on Ry's neck appealing...

The Armorer *also* does not approve of making photo-targets of people he does not fully intend to shoot, should the circumstances warrant. Ergo, the Armorer can comfortably shoot at photo- targets of Osama bin Laden for example, or of metaphoric cultural targets like a certain Purple Dinosaur (but will not shoot at anthropomorphic targets when young children are present), or the usual "shoot/don't shoot" targets in competitive/training shoots. The Armorer does not approve of shooting at targets of culturally unpopular people or of Denizens, popular or unpopular. The Armorer feels this to be in bad taste. Plus, when you post things like that on the Internet, you just make it easier for the anti's to use that sort of imagery against law-abiding gun owners while we engage in an important cultural fight on the issues of arms and society.

This isn't to say the Armorer doesn't have a sense of humor or doesn't like to have fun. But just because the Internet exists, doesn't mean everything has to be posted on it.

I just made a bet with myself. Heh.

Readers are free to suggest other forms of penance we can put Ry to. The Castle pond might need some de-mucking this summer... oh, say, August, for example. -the Armorer

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

check your email, I have a proposal

by kat-missouri on March 2, 2008 6:02 PM

Oh Ry you could have predicted that.

I dunno Ry guilt isn't the way. To give freely of your own will because you want to help one is not the same as giving to make yourself feel better about yourself. So then are you giving for them or for yourself?

by Trias on March 2, 2008 6:45 PM

How about as pennance Ry could write "I will not use that technique again to get people to donate money" a thousand times in cursive, using a mouse and a DOS drawing program...

Ry, I donate a fair bit of stuff to all sorts of causes every year (enough to make it well worth itemizing), but my policy is to never donate a farthing to any person or organization because of being 'guilted' into it. For example, I've never donated to Disabled American Vets, because everything they've ever sent me has been insultingly laced with every kind of guilt-string pulling nonsense they can dream up. It's worse than the guys on the corner holding up the "Vietnam Vet, Will Work for Food" signs.

Bottom line: I was raised by a Jewish Mother and the only difference between her and a vulture is that a vulture would wait until I'm dead to eat my heart out. Guilt? Ha! I am immune to the stuff ladled out by others.

On the other had, the cause you're promoting is a worthy one that I believe needs nothing more than advertising. Those who know, understand. Those who don't just need to be shown. The value of it speaks for itself.

Z'at make sense?

by SangerM on March 2, 2008 8:07 PM

I'm proposing a re-package of Ry's suggestion to be an auction of Ry's person doing something to lighten the mood. Like shave his head and write "Valour IT" on his bald head with a black marker. He has yet to answer back and consent, so hold your thoughts until we have confirmation.

by kat-missouri on March 2, 2008 10:00 PM

As to the donation bleg itself, I match up with Sanger (minus the Jewish mother guilt, however). So guilting don't work. In fact, the SA folks are sending me regular mailings now, to my irritation, not to mention waste of postage. I have regular withdrawals from my paycheck to ensure that my most prized charities are paid regularly, for instance. So don't waste postage asking me to give more ... every month. (Sorry, pet peeve)

I think that Kat's suggestion has merit, as a means of generating the marketing. We'll hang in for Ry's response.

by Barb on March 2, 2008 10:53 PM

� Dismissed, Soldier!

by Ryan on Mar 02, 2008

November 12, 2007

Project Valour-IT, last day.

Update: These two auction items featuring a lady lovely in body and spirit didn't quite reach their reserve bids. Reserve has been lowered, and they are up for a 24-hour auction (ending c. 0915 Tuesday). Reach the auction by clicking a picture. - FbL [The rest of this post is by John.]

Well, we clearly had eyes bigger than your collective wallets this year... you do realize that means we'll just be coming back at you quicker than we would have otherwise, right?

But we'll leave you alone until after Christmas, and your recovery from that. Probably in time for... tax day. Hmmm, yeah, send us your refunds!

But right now, after apparently hunting down and mugging some rich former Marine, the Marines are ahead in the fundraising competition. Oh yeah, did they mug a rich one. A $10K single donation. To insure a Marine win. Okay - so, where's my rich Army brother who will stand up? Heh, if PVIT is lucky... maybe that will cause the Marine's SugarDaddy to pony up more - yeah, that's it - get two money-hippos in a bidding war!

The AF and Navy are out of contention (unless they, too, mug someone rich) so why don't you all just reach deep and pony up just a little more for the Army team? And what is it with you Flyboys? All that flight pay, and the Air Force has never been a serious contender in the competition. Selfish selfish!

As Project Valour-IT Founder Major Chuck Ziegenfuss, the wounded blogger who gave up a finger, most of the use of both thumbs, and literally gave his left *** to the cause says, "I can't wait to give that feeling to another wounded soldier." Not the left ***, the ability to reconnect to their lives in ways you and I take for granted. Please help him do that. In case you missed it on Saturday - here's a post where the very real positive impacts of Project Valour-IT are laid out.

So, please, donate here.

Oh, and since *someone* fibbed about the size of a donation - which caused my match to be 50 times oversized... I'm going to make-up that shortfall and then double it today. Besides, I need the tax deduction this year. I just checked with my CPA. So I'm putting my money where my mouth is, to a four-figure tune. How 'bout you, if you can afford it?

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by Denizens on Nov 12, 2007

November 11, 2007

Make the Connection: 11 Dollars on the 11th Day of the 11th Month

[Denizen Commentary - Kat]

"Thank you!" to all our veterans, past and present. They are the rock on which we stand. They were the hammer and the anvil, the sword and the shield. They were the lightening when we needed to strike and the shelter in raging storms. God grant that we should continue to have such men and women in the future should the times require it. They have shining examples in all those who have served before.

Last night, I went to a showing at the Nelson Atkins Museum in Kansas City. They have an exhibit of photographs from the Civil War period. Some I had seen many times in history books. Others I had not seen before. There were many that look like our photos today: soldiers going about the daily business of preparation, cooking, sewing and relaxing with their comrades.

Somethings never change.

Afterwards, at a restaurant on the Plaza, I drank coffee and chatted with a fellow Angel. A man in dress army blues and a woman in a cocktail dress came out on the patio. He was a sergeant and he had only three ribbons on his jacket, though I know he could probably wear many more. They were his GWOT, Iraq Campaign and a Bronze Star along with an expert marksmen badge and his CIB.

I always have an Angel Coin or two tucked in the purse with some "thank you" cards. So, after they were seated, I got some items together and prepared to go over. I was a bit hesitant at first because the couple seemed to be having a romantic evening out. They kept holding hands and talking to each other quietly. Fortunately, her cell phone rang so I decided to take the opportunity to hand over the challenge coin and card.

I palmed the coin, held out my hand and introduced myself as I handed him the "Thank You For Your Service" card with my other hand. When he shook my hand and felt the cold metal touch his palm, he hesitated for a moment. I gripped his hand tighter around the coin.

As it warmed between our palms, I said, "Thank you for your service, Sgt..." I couldn't see his name tag in the dark. He gripped my hand tighter and said, "Wayne...just 'Wayne' and this is my wife Kim." I would have shook her hand, too, but now he wouldn't let go of my hand.

I continued, "We support our deployed troops. If you go back or have friends that are still there, please contact us." He gripped my hand again and said, "Thank you." I told them to have a nice evening together. The way they were leaning in close to each other the whole time, I figure he'd just came back and I should make myself scarce.

I was putting my coat on a few minutes later, preparing to leave when three young women walked up to the sergeant's table. On noting his uniform, one asked, "Were you at the Marine Corps Ball?" I could hear the humor in his voice when he replied, "No. This is Army dress...I'm in the Army."

The young woman, about 21 I'd say, was a little chagrined and apologized for her mistake. Then she said, "Still, thats great that you're serving our country."

Serving OUR country. OUR country. It's still "OURS" after everything and our veterans are "OURS". While the coin and thank you card might have made the sergeant's night a little nicer, hearing that young woman say "our country" made mine. That's the way it's supposed to be.

We're still connected, even after all the complaints, the angst and the general feeling that we're somehow separated, from each other and from those who serve.

We're still connected.

We're still trying to raise the funds necessary to honor our wounded veterans by giving them the means to reconnect and stay connected to their friends, family and the outside world while they are locked in the long process of recovery at facilities around the country. In many ways, these facilities are some of the toughest postings for our injured troops. Even on a base in the middle of nowhere Iraq or Afghanistan, they are still with people they consider friends and family; sharing risks, sharing dreams and the one desire that all men and women posted so far away always hold: the day they come home.

Even when they are extended, they still know a set time that they will return. They know the expected outcome. They know a general date. They can share that time and expectations with those they went to war with and those they will return to. They have something to look forward to and a dream to reconnect to.

In a hospital, with severe injuries to arms, hands, fingers and the brain, our wounded veterans.don't know the outcome. They don't know when they'll be home. Though surrounded by caregivers, sometimes a family member and other wounded, they are still isolated in their pain and struggle to return to some semblance of normalcy; to return to something close to "whole" both physically and mentally. They are isolated from us and many more that would give them support literally and in real time if they could reach them. But we can't physically reach them all.

They are trying to set goals when they don't know when it will end or how. When they went into the hospital they were still part of a great big family of the military. When they leave, many know that they will again be separated and isolated from that previous life.

Sometimes, that isolation and unknowing can be a hindrance to recovery. It destroys morale. It is a burden they cannot put down for the remainder of their stay, for their time in recovery and sometimes long after.

We can lighten that burden, even if we are far away. We can reconnect them to the outside world. We can reconnect them to their friends and family. We can give them something to look forward to. We can help bring them "all the way home".

Everyone has put up their challenges this week and pointed out some great auction items for bidding to support this project. I don't have anything to auction, but I do have a lot of pictures that show what it means to be "connected" from the past year of providing support for our troops. No one asked me to give that support. It was simply the right thing to do.

On the 11th hour of the 11th Day of the 11th month in 1918, an armistice was signed to end the "Great War". Millions of young men returned home to parades and thanks giving for their service to the nation. We don't have many parades anymore and many a young man and woman comes home to nothing more than a few family members and a strange feeling that they do not belong.

Today, I believe it is appropriate to offer the 11, 11, 11 challenge. Today, every person that reads this blog is challenged to donate $11 dollars (or a higher amount in increments of $11 or ending in "11"). Even if you've given before for the project or several times, on this day, in remembrance of all those who have and still serve, please consider giving this small dedication to that sacrifice and all those that came after.

Send your $11 to Project Valour IT and help us remind our wounded that they do belong, they are not alone. It's "our" country and they are and always will be "ours".

Now for some pictures and video in flash traffic to remind you what that support really means.

Flash Traffic (extended entry) Follows �

by Denizens on Nov 11, 2007

November 10, 2007

Valour-IT Saves Lives?!

[FbL here. Title shamelessly stolen from Noah Shachtman. Imitation and sincerity and all that...]

That's what Chuck Z says, and he would know. As Noah Shachtman of Wired puts it,

Suddenly, he [Chuck] was able to connect to the outside world. He was able to take up his blog again, too. And from that, he was able to muster the self-esteem and internal strength to begin his recovery.

From the reports of family and friends of a triple amputee:

The laptop was the first step to the road to recovery. It proved that he was going to be able to do all the things that he did before.

From the CO of a wounded soldier:

He expressed to me today in an email how much that [laptop] helped him. So thank you. Very much. For taking care of my Soldiers when I no longer could.

From a laptop recipient:

I can't begin to tell how much [the laptop] has changed my stay at WRAMC; I am able to correspond with my Soldiers, and my family. My Soldiers are still down range in Iraq. They are coming home soon, and I look forward to being back at my post to receive them. Again, thank you so much.

From the mother of a wounded soldier:

Buzz reports having the laptop has made staying at the hospital more tolerable. It turns out that the laptop is also becoming an important factor in his treatment because besides using it to stay in contact with friends and loved ones while he's hospitalized, he and his wife are using it to gather information on the latest research about spinal cord injuries.

From Chuck Z himself:

It was the first time I felt whole since I’d woken up wounded in Landstuhl.

As Veterans Day approaches, you can "support the troops" in a powerful and life-changing way. As Chuck says, "I can't wait to give that feeling to another wounded soldier." Please help him do that. Donate here.

by Denizens on Nov 10, 2007

Project Valour-IT update.

Fuzzybear Lioness put on her comms helmet and flogged us all again.

Okay, the Marines are doing okay - heh, which is amazing, considering who their ~~enticer~~ enforcer is.

Team Navy? Last year's winners? Well they showed up anyway. All the people they mugged in the alleys of San Diego musta caught wind of the fund-raiser and skipped town to not get caught up in the press gangs.

Then there's team Air Force, down the hill in the ville spending the flight pay and claiming crew rest... but fulla snark. Lotta snark for the people in last place...

But whatta ya expect - Mrs. Greyhawk got all tarted up to get a rise outta the Zoomies... well, I think the results speak for themselves...

Hosting provided by FotoTime

Mrs. G - don't point a gun at the Amorer's brothers-in-arms...

Cuz' the Armorer will give it back to you looking like this.

Now, the rest of you - hit the Auctions, and click the button below.

C'mon, gimme the money you were gonna spend on a sixpack of beer. It all helps, and you'll look less like Alfred Hitchcock (or me) in profile... Donate via the Army Team.

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by John on Nov 10, 2007

November 9, 2007

Valour-IT: New Auctions

Most-importantly, the Pinups for Vets items are now up (click to bid):

There have also been a number of new items added, and older items that might catch your eye. For example, the chance to blog on Drunken Wisdom, handmade glass-bead necklaces, an out-of-print book about the B-17, a high-quality model of an F/A-18, and an offer to design and host your website. There are also a number of autographed books spread throughout the auction pages. And I did some Googling and couldn't find a GEN Pace Challenge Coin for sale outside the Valour-IT auction.

I've included pics of more new (and old) items in "Flash Traffic" below, to spare the Luddites among us [click photos to bid].

Flash Traffic (extended entry) Follows �

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by Denizens on Nov 09, 2007

November 8, 2007

Valour-IT Today

The best news of all is that Valour-IT has received over $30,000 in donations unaffiliated with a particular fundraising team! That means that our current total is around $85,000, not including donations mailed in.

But we have quite a ways to go, and so Soldiers' Angels is offering a beautiful donation incentive beginning today.

Due to constant bugs, the Valour-IT auction site had to be rebuilt. Participant accounts, bids, and items all transferred. If you activated your account for the old version, you should've received an automatic email telling you to click a link to activate in the new system (same name/password). If not, please email Holly (Soldiers' Angels webmistress).

And on the subject of auctions, there are some extraordinary items up for bid:

Pentagon Challenge Coin from General Peter Pace
Autographed Chris Muir print
"Gone, But Not Forgotten" quilt
Autographed custom caricature by John Cox
A number of autographed/rare books

And there's a whole lot more. Check it out!

And please, keep spreading the word about Valour-IT to your friends and family. We have just a handful of days left!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
And you don't have to get caught up in a bidding war for these. Just be one of the top two of the donors who drop their receipts on John. And, since the entire known world *doesn't* bother to stop here (or follow all of the links), your chances are purty durn good... --Bill

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by Denizens on Nov 08, 2007

November 6, 2007

The Windup -- A-A-A-A-nd the Pitch!

Ah, the mystique of the flight suit!

When one of us steely-eyed, lantern-jawed stalwarts clad in a sage green one-piece (with 27-inch zipper) appears on-scene, male groundlings cringe in jealous awe, females of the feminine persuasion *swoon* from the onrush of multiple heady fantasies, children glow with instant hero-worship and junkyard dogs become fawning sycophants.

Ummmmm, that's the way it's *supposed* to work, anyway.

The reality is that the guys turn and start muttering imprecations about deity-condemned aviators into their beers, the gurlz walk up and ask if velcro holds up under repeated washings (nope), kids want you to give them the official US Gummint pen stuck in your shoulder pocket and household pets view you as a large, self-propelled squeaky toy.

But eventually, all conversations *do* zero in on that 27-inch zipper.

And *you* can find out First Hand -- as long as you can fit into a Coveralls, Flyers, Men, Summer, Fire-Resistant 27/P, Size 40R. Otherwise, you'll just have to put it on display.

Yup. A gen-you-wine Cold War relic worn by a Cold War relic flying Cold War relic aircraft during the Cold War, complete with CW4 sew-on insignia and a gen-you-wine NJARNG Aviation Safety patch -- which makes it a real one-of-a-kind, because I designed the patch in 1978 and the design changed in 1998.

And it's up for bids. The usual deal -- send proof of your Valour-IT donation(s) to John (*not* to me -- sorry, but KtLW has the annoying habit of screaming in my remaining ear if I'm online for any reason other than downloading recipes from FoodTV).

Runner-up gets a Vietnam-era poncho, only worn during the '71-'72 monsoon season at Fort Dix.

Certificates of authenticity included (as soon as I can ~~think of something suitably off the wall~~ recall the proper verbage).

And just to keep John from going all grumbly about handling the extra correspondence -- if any -- I'll throw ~~him a bone~~ in a knick-nack for the Castle Bar...

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by CW4BillT on Nov 06, 2007

November 5, 2007

Valour-IT - so, some liberals have stepped up.

Heh. It was a hard-won $250 that I wrested from Cliff at OneUtah (and Cliff, gimme something rather less political than VoteVets and I'll still match your donation to Valour-IT - in addition to the one I sent to PVIT matching yours - and no military connection is required.)

Nonetheless, we've an ambitious goal for Team Army, $60K, and, well, frankly, we're lagging. Oh sure, we're ahead of the slackers in the other services (at least when I hit post) but we're lagging from the pace.

Accordingly, I'm going to have to resort to some, well, tough love.

So - if you don't click on the link below and pony up some dough, I'm going to send around these guys around to visit your blog and sit on your visitors. They're all former Sailors down on their luck, willing to do anything for a buck. Sailors are like that.

So, click here and donate....

...or get a visit from these guys.

Group of former sailors acting as PVIT collection agents.

Your choice. Choose wisely.

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by John on Nov 05, 2007

Valour-IT: Liberals Step Up

[FbL here]

UPDATE II: I've debated whether to include One Utah, since putting up a button in comments on one's own blog doesn't seem to quite meet the standards of actually blogging it. However, I sent the link in my latest email to Malkin and we'll see what she does with it. Btw, she says she will wait until the afternoon/evening then put up an new post/update of all the lib blogs we've found so far. The commenters at her site are now offering the following for each liberal blogger who signs up and posts, in addition to MM's $50 challenge (thanks to stevegg for kindly creating the compilation at my request):

F15mech - $50 to Team Air Force
trinitytim - $25 to Team Army
swj719AWG - $5 to each team ($20 total per left-wing blog)
SirKnob - $5 to Team Navy/USCG
steveegg - $5 (divided as equally as possible among the teams)

UPDATE: We have another one--Lawyers, Guns, and Money--which isn't going to appeal to most of the readership as much as one might think. ;) And I haven't heard from Malkin yet, but her readers are ponying up. Three cheers for following through; let's hope we end up emptying their wallets for Valour-IT!

I had some time to do some snooping in our blogger team lists this morning (scroll down), and am very happy to report my findings: at least four liberal bloggers have stepped up to Michelle Malkin's challenge to blog Valour-IT.**

Greg from the Left
Online Lunchpail (see sidebar)
Springbored's Springboard

And last, but certainly not least, our very own Trias at Insanity Blog.

Thanks to all of you who responded to Malkin in a polite and rational manner and threw the gauntlet right back down at her feet. Her commenters have issued their own challenges, and Valour-IT is looking forward to the donations your blogging will inspire.

Way to go, friends across the aisle! Let's keep lightening those wallets for Valour-IT!

**As mentioned before, the challenge is to just blog in support of Valour-IT, as we know that people on both left and right have generously donated to Valour-IT from the very beginning.

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by Denizens on Nov 05, 2007

Gollum’s Three Friends Challenge.

Well, since people are so big on challenges and what not I think I’d like to jump in with one too. Does anyone remember the old commercial that ended with ‘and they told three friends, and they told three friends’ and the exponential progression on screen (3 photos becomes nine becomes 27 become 81 become 243...)? Well, that’s what I’m challenging to do. Get three friends to donate to VALOR-IT and charge them with getting three more. We want exponential growth here people! (Or is that technically geometric progression? I forgets me maths definitions.)

Look, I got my father-in-law to donate, and regular readers know that I(ry/Gollum) do not get along with the man well at all. Matter of fact, I’m certain he’d shoot me dead if he wasn’t a staunch Brady bill kinda-guy who can’t abide the thought of someone having a firearm. If I can do that you can guilt trip, badger, heckle, sing Henry the 8th I am I am, or whatever until they break down and donate too. It isn't about the war. It isn't about you and your political views (or ours for that matter). It's about the people and their lives. Period.

And if the fact that men and women who put their lives on the line and deserve this isn’t incentive enough, well, if you don’t do this I’ll be forced to ankle bite John. If you do, well, I’m sure we might be able to come up with a pic of John standing on my head or giving me the treatment with the Big Boot or with the Hairy Eyeball or something in the near future for your viewing pleasure
--ry

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by Ryan on Nov 05, 2007

November 4, 2007

Valour-IT: A Message to Our Lefty Blogging Friends

UPDATE: Liberals Step Up!

Though very pro-military by definition, Valour-IT prides itself in being non-partisan at a time when the military is being pulled in partisan directions. If you think "we shouldn't be in Iraq or Afghanistan, it's Bush's fault they're wounded, and besides, the government should be taking care of the wounded (that's what taxes are for)," we won't argue with you. We might even cheer that third point.

We simply have a question: What are you going to do about it? They are wounded today, and nothing we do is going to change that reality. But we can support them as they make the first step in recovery, by helping them reclaim their connection to the rest of us, by giving them a laptop.

Sure, the government should be doing it and it's important to take the issue to Congress. But that takes years, and we're talking about someone in a hospital bed today. Hell, it took a year for the DoD to catch up with Valour-IT and realize their CAP program should be providing the voice software instead of us--which they now do (we provide the laptop to the wounded warfighter).

Now, Michelle Malkin has accused liberal bloggers of not truly caring about the troops, and she's put her money where her mouth is. She's already given a donation, but for every liberal blog that signs up with and blogs in support of Valour-IT, she's going to donate an extra $50 (up to 10 blogs).

She's now pointing out that she hasn't had to pony up a dime on this challenge. Prove her wrong, fellow bloggers. Not only do you get to donate your time/money to a great (tax-deductible) cause and support the troops in an immediate and direct manner, but you can "put MM in her place," too. ;)

--FbL

[Update: I am compelled to note that the closest thing to a resident lefty here at the Castle is Alan of GenX@40 - who has given several generous donations over the years, and that in our first year, at least, we had several stealth donations from second tier lefty bloggers - who still wish to remain nameless. One of them is still a well-known lefty blogger, who still wishes to remain anonymous - I checked. Which, sadly, is a reflection on the state of how the puritans of either side treat their own (I know, I work with a Dem politician, believe me, I know the perils of apostasy) who openly stray from the orthodoxy. Michelle can contribute another $50 if she'd like (but it will have to be on the basis of my word - and I'd like her to give it to the AF Team) - the lefty blogger did their donation via my good offices - which means they won't get to take the tax deduction, either. BTW - if Michelle gives another $50, that's only *half* the donation we got from the lefty blogger. -the Armorer.

FbL sez: Well said, John. Our resident lefties were definitely on my mind when I wrote that, and I know they have donated to Valour-IT in the past. My intention was not to slight them in any way or particularly call on them for donations. Rather, my hope was to draw them out to actually blogging for Valour-IT. Good (sad) point about reasons for wishing to remain anonymous... I'll check, but I think the stipulation was that they blog Valour-IT.]

[Heh. Princess Crabby dropped in on Cliff and left a challenge - which Cliff responded to in comments here, which I will edit to bring into compliance with the Rulez regarding personal attacks. I've issued a counter-challenge to Cliff - I'll match his *donation* - he doesn't have to blog a thing - up to $500, and I won't take the tax deduction, making it revenue-neutral, which should please a progressive blogger... I would note, though, that Cliff points out at least one lefty blogger who has blogged Valour-IT, if not perhaps in the way we intended. And he did leave Princess Crabby's comment up, with the Army donate button. - the Armorer]

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

Gee John,

Where's your nifty friend Cliff from OneUtah? He'd fit the bill.

(I had to type *nifty* cause the Armorer won't let me say *asshat*)

by Maggie on November 4, 2007 10:25 AM

Ooooh. Excellent point! You should drop on his site and challenge him!

by John of Argghhh! on November 4, 2007 10:35 AM

Hey Guys! Thanks for thinking of me. I happen upon your trackback on [deleted - insert "Malkin's" -the Armorer] site. Only one of three so far, which is pretty pitiful frankly.

Maybe thats because the [elided] doesn't give us any transparent way of knowing how many e-mails she is actually getting.

She also conveniently forgot to provide us an e-mail address to send such an e-mail.

Lastly, I couldn't find a way to register on her blog so I can post my pledge and bona fides as a comment.

Lets be honest. For all you know, Michelle [elided] has received hundreds of e-mails from liberal bloggers.

Frankly, the whole thing is nothing more than more Malkin shrill sh&t.

She could easily provide a transparent forum to back up her bogus claims, but she won't because she can't let you self-anointed hurray heroes see the truth.

Get me a login for her site, and get back to me. Send it to cdl'at'oneutah.org

Thanks ladies.

by Cliff on November 4, 2007 11:49 AM

Cliff, that was just rude, and sadly plays to stereotypes. You don't help your cause laying things like this around here.

But then, I rather suspect you aren't really trying to help your cause, eh?

Sigh.

How about *I'll* match your donation. Up to $500.

And I won't take the tax deduction, so it will be revenue-neutral.

by John of Argghhh! on November 4, 2007 12:39 PM

Hey John,

What say we each split $500 donations between VoteVets and Valour IT?

If we can end this war, our troops will stop losing so many limbs.

Deal?

by cliff on November 4, 2007 1:26 PM

*double sigh*

Contact info for Malkin (the tab is right there at the top of her page).

As to commenting, I had to do some digging. Apparently it's impossible to register to comment at this time (frustrating for me because that's the quickest way to get her attention about her challenge and I've never commented there). I know that she used to not allow comments at all because of the racist bile that was heaped on her.

by FbL on November 4, 2007 1:27 PM

Cliff - I'm not saying no, but I'm not saying yes - yet. I would ask you consider finding a cause less directly political than VoteVets if you can. PVIT isn't for or against the war, it's about the wounded. The war is a separate issue about which we can all argue 'til we're blue in the face... the wounded just want to get connected again - and the question of the war is moot in that aspect.

Is there a similar organization (and it doesn't have to be military-themed) that you can offer up?

I can see a point to a quid pro quo, I'm looking for something a little more politically neutral (leave aside the politics of those who support PVIT, focusing instead on the intent of PVIT).

Just as pick something more neutral and I can ignore your politics on specific issues to unite on a common thread or theme.

by John of Argghhh! on November 4, 2007 1:39 PM

One more thing about whether or not "liberals" are blogging Valour-IT...

[again, the challenge was to BLOG it, not necessarily donate to it]

If she's getting "hundreds" of emails about liberal bloggers touting Valour-IT, it's not hard to prove it. Just do some creative Googling and go find them. Please. I'm absolutely serious, because it would mean at least another $500 for Valour-IT (not to mention the people in the comments who are issuing their own financial challenges).

by FbL on November 4, 2007 1:44 PM

I am between assignments so giving is pretty much out of the question. However, in the spirit of the Little Drummer Boy of Christmas fame I have a song:

The author of I Wanna Go Home, Karridine, has authorized me to give away 1,000 free copies of the song to our men and women in the military for personal use only. However, recipients of a free copy can let anybody listen to it if they want. Members of the military can put it on their i-pod, use it on their computer, or make one CD.

You can find out how to get a free copy at 1,000 Free Copies.

If you want a copy for review e-mail me. My e-mail address is on the sidebar.

by M. Simon on November 4, 2007 1:48 PM

How about:
FAMILY SUPPORT CELL
Family Support Cell
Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians)
Steele Barracks
PO Box 10500, Station Forces
Edmonton, AB T5J 4J5

Monday-Friday 0800-1630
Phone: (780) 973-4011, Extension 3040/3102/3106
E-Mail: familysupport@strathconas.ca

Cheers

by J.M. Heinrichs on November 4, 2007 1:50 PM

John - are you challenging me, offering an idea to Cliff... what?

by John of Argghhh! on November 4, 2007 2:02 PM

Pure hypocrisy John, "I would ask you consider finding a cause less directly political"

When does being a citizen in a democracy relieve you of your responsibility as one?

“The hottest place in hell is reserved for those who in the a period of moral crises, maintain their neutrality” - Martin Luther King

Are you neutral one the war? Based upon your fine blog, I would say no. This blog is as politically right-wing as they come. Lets call a spade a spade, shall we?

by cliff on November 4, 2007 2:05 PM

Payment Details
# Name: Clifford Lyon
# Item: Soldiers' Angels Project Valour-IT - Army Team
# Amount: 250.00
Dear Clifford, On behalf of Soldiers' Angels, I would like to thank you for your generous donation of 250.00. Your continued support is greatly appreciated for our Soldiers, Sailors, Airment, and Marines who are in harms way as they serve our country.

The goal of Soldiers' Angels is to continually bring care and comfort to our Heroes in uniform who sacrifice so much for our freedom. Contributions such as yours are a critical part of our success.

The above information should serve as a receipt in accordance with Internal Revenue Service regulations regarding charitable contributions, and should be kept with your income tax records.

No goods or services were received for this donation.

Thank you again for your wonderful support!

With warmest regards,

Patti Patton-Bader
Founder
Soldiers' Angels

Soldiers' Angels, 1792 E. Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104
Soldiers' Angels is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) Organization
Website: www.soldiersangels.org
Voice Phone: 615-676-0239
Email: soldiersangels@gmail.com
Tax Identification Number 20-0583415

by Cliff on November 4, 2007 2:17 PM

We've had this discussion before, Cliff. We didn't agree then, we're not going to now.

I didn't support invading. However, we broke it, we owe it in my mind to try fixing it. There is plenty of room for argument over what that means.

Just as the Iraqis owe it to themselves to step up to the plate and do what has to be done to make it work.

That's not hypocrisy. Just as it's not hypocritical to obey a law you didn't support when it was passed. That is in the nature of the social compact represented by the Constitution. Just as it's not hypocritical to try to change that law once passed.

I'm all for leaving Iraq. You and I differ on the conditions for that departure.

I'm nowhere near as right-wing as you infer. Trust me, I get savaged from the right for my apostasy and my working relationship with Representative Nancy Boyda, D-KS2.

I don't think my request is unreasonable - name something where the purpose is not so overtly political, and I'll match your donation to that organization.

And I'll match your donation to Soldier's Angels as well, right now.

Thank you for your donation!
Payment Details

Name: John Donovan
Item: Soldiers' Angels Project Valour-IT - Army Team
Amount: 250.00 Dear John, On behalf of Soldiers' Angels, I would like to thank you for your generous donation of 250.00. Your continued support is greatly appreciated for our Soldiers, Sailors, Airment, and Marines who are in harms way as they serve our country.
The goal of Soldiers' Angels is to continually bring care and comfort to our Heroes in uniform who sacrifice so much for our freedom. Contributions such as yours are a critical part of our success.

The above information should serve as a receipt in accordance with Internal Revenue Service regulations regarding charitable contributions, and should be kept with your income tax records.

No goods or services were received for this donation.

Thank you again for your wonderful support!

With warmest regards,

Patti Patton-Bader
Founder
Soldiers' Angels

by John of Argghhh! on November 4, 2007 2:35 PM

Feh. Arguing with lefties is expensive.

Thanks a lot, Princess Crabby!

Though it did widen the gap between us and the Marines.

by John of Argghhh! on November 4, 2007 2:40 PM

John - I wouldn't have thrown in the tax deduction thing. After all I don't know any lefties that don't claim back all they can get, but you’re an Officer and a Gentleman I'm just a crusty old MSgt, so I'm sure that was a good point to make...
Besides, I don't know enough lefties to establish a statistical trend. (LOL)

by Oldloadr on November 4, 2007 3:39 PM

*Princess Crabby sweeps in to the Jungle Room, looks around at the disarray.*

*Calls over her shoulder to John on the way to the bar*
"Is that your empty wallet on the table?"

*She laces her fingers over her head and MMMMM long stretch*
"Ahhh, I just got in from yoga class and I feel great. Did I tell you about my new body scrub? It smells like vanilla buttercream frosting. Do you think Sailors like that smell?"

*Looks behind the bar*
"Who's bartending? Who's going to clean this up? Don't you have creatures in the Dungeon for just this sort of thing?"

by Princess Crabby on November 4, 2007 3:47 PM

John,

Thank you for your donation which helps offset the the administration's refusal to support the troops.

I'm sorry you "get savaged from the right for [your] apostasy." At least you won't go straight to hell with the rest of that church.

But all in all, this blog is very right-wing, and very offensive to anyone who has respect for other nations and peoples.

For example, right here on the sidebar, you quote Sgt. Reginald Abram says about an Iraq who picks up an AK-47, "maybe he's just a dick".

If a foreign army were occupying MY country, I'd say anyone who DOESN'T pick up an AK is a dick.

As well informed as you are, you must know that our occupation of Iraq has never produced any benefit to the Iraqis. It didn't HAVE to be that way, but Rummy, Cheney, Bush, Blackwater and insufficiently trained (for occupation) troops and others MADE it that way.

You are right when you say, "we broke it, we owe it in my mind to try fixing it." But if the store owner says just get out, you should just get out.

You can't possibly be so naive as to think this administration is trying to do anything other than cover Bush's ass. There is NOTHING happening in Iraq today designed to help the Iraqis first and foremost.

If building a school makes Bush look good, then they get a school.

One last thing. I don't know how much you know about Iraqi politics, but if you did, you would know that the Iraqi politicos in the Green Zone are history the second we pull out. They are completely illegitimate and they know it, thats why they want us to stay.

Our media has managed to portray Iraqis as idiot rubes when in fact they are not a never were. The idea that they need our help at this point is pure arrogance.

by Cliff on November 4, 2007 4:10 PM

Oh, Cliff (*sigh*) – I have to ask you: How much time have you spent in Iraq? How many average Iraqis have you talked to? If you have been paying attention to this blog, you know why I ask this question and why I feel I may ask this question. If you respond and are interested in meaningful dialogue instead of swapping left/right talking points, I’ll tell you what I know from personal experience…

by Oldloadr on November 4, 2007 4:21 PM

Cliff, you take Sergeant Abram out of context. He actually allows for a lot of reasons.

All of which are true.

And part of my working with Representative Boyda is working to make the Administration support the troops. But don't lay this solely at the feet of the Bush Administration.

I'm from a family of myrmidons, going back to WWI on my father's side, and the French and Indian War on my mother's side.

We have a looooooooooooong history of know just how virtually no administration follows through on VA-style rhetoric, with the exception of the post-WWII GI Bill, which was as much about giving demobbed soldiers something to do to keep them from causing mischief while the economy shifted back to a peacetime footing as it did doing something for the vets themselves.

I'm *doing* something, Cliff. Working within and without the system to effect change.

Like I said - find me a charity not as overtly political as VoteVets and I'll drop $250 on it.

by John of Argghhh! on November 4, 2007 4:23 PM

F&*K Iraq?

by Cliff on November 4, 2007 4:23 PM

Cliff - So I take it you are not interested in meaningful dialogue...

That's a shame, but pretty much what I expected.

Can I ask you another question? Would it bother you if the USA became an Ismalim republic?

by Oldloadr on November 4, 2007 4:28 PM

Oh, there you go, Cliff! You found the smoking gun that obviates everything!

I surrender. That one video clearly represents the sole authentic voice and behavior of the American Soldier.

AMERICA OUT OF IRAQ NOW!

I drink your Kool-Aid, Cliff. Thanks for saving me.

by John of Argghhh! on November 4, 2007 4:29 PM

Oh for pity's sake, Cliff! That's your point? That's what you're going to hang your hat on?

Don't give money to Valor-IT because two immature young men with a video camera did something their mothers would be ashamed of?

This wasn't about Iraq. This wasn't about Bush. What in heaven's name is wrong with you?

I wouldn't blame John for banishing me to the moat for causing this.

FbL - Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa. YOU WERE RIGHT. COMPLETELY AND ABSOLUTELY RIGHT.

by Maggie on November 4, 2007 4:46 PM

John - I have to admire your tact and self-control (plus your perfect use of sarcasm).

by Oldloadr on November 4, 2007 5:24 PM

Oldloadr *sigh*,

How can I respond to you? Your premise that somehow an American being in Iraq talking to Iraqis is the only way one can have an opinion on the subject?

Do you speak Arabic?

Who does one speak to in Iraq. Iraqis in the Green Zone? in the war zone?

What makes you think you are not hearing what they want you to hear?

Am I missing something, or is it not true Iraqis can get shot for talking to you?

I'm still seeing interpreters and Iraqi police hiding their faces.

What an "Ismalim republic"?

by Cliff on November 4, 2007 6:05 PM

I pledge never to say "Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice" again.

If I had a heart........I'd cross it.

by Maggie on November 4, 2007 6:26 PM

Cliff – I will answer your questions in reverse order:
1. Sorry I didn’t run spell check, but sometimes we get into the subject and care more about a timely response; so I typed an m instead of c; I guess that makes me one of the unwashed masses that you lefties are out to save.
2. Your idea that Iraqis can get shot talking to us kind of proves my point since they still talked to me and worked on the project I was working on. I was a mere contractor working to blow up stockpiles of potential IED material so they took their lives in their hands to work with us, but still they did. These weren’t the “movers & shakers” and not all of them were the bottom of the food chain. I dealt with day laborers and heavy equipment contactors; basically, lower to middle class. They all were glad we were there since they weren’t too fond of the previous regime and enjoyed life too much to want an Islamic (see, I spelled it right this time) republic.
3. I only passed though the Green Zone once or twice while convoying to one of our sites so I don’t know what the Iraqis in the Green Zone think. I talked to Iraqis who had to go home to who knows what every night.
4. No, I don’t speak Arabic, except for about a dozen words that would make people open up and talk in English. Most middle class Iraqis can speak English. We had a mix of translators (Iraqi, Jordanian, Egyptian, etc) so I don’t think I got a sugar-coated translation. The Iraqis are not dumb, so the working class picked up English very quickly so I had one-on-one conversations with them by the time I left.
5. I believe that every American has the right to their opinion; however, our society has always valued the opinion of an eye-witness of one who only knows hear-say.
Does that answer all of your questions?
(This entry was spell checked…)

by Oldloadr on November 4, 2007 6:30 PM

I believe that every American has the right to their opinion; however, our society has always valued the opinion of an eye-witness of one who only knows hear-say.

meant to say "over" instead of "of"...

by Oldloadr on November 4, 2007 6:42 PM

BTW - Cliff - One of the Iraqis I talked to a lot was the foreman of our camp maintenance crew. He spent 7 years in Sadaam,s prison system for speaking his mind, but I guess that doesn't matter...

by Oldloadr on November 4, 2007 6:48 PM

If a foreign army were occupying MY country, I'd say anyone who DOESN'T pick up an AK is a dick.

Would you include foreign occupiers not part of a uniformed service -- oh, say, like all the Saudis, Jordanians, Syrians, etc. -- who are camping out while they assemble VBIEDs to blow up Iraqi civilians in bazaars, or just members of the foreign army?

by BillT on November 4, 2007 7:50 PM

If a foreign army were occupying MY country, I'd say anyone who DOESN'T pick up an AK is a dick.

So what would you have us do when foreigners declare war on the US, and attack us by flying planes into our buildings, killing thousands? I'd say that we picked up our M-16's and went to war, since we don't carry AK's. [Deleted]

by AFSister on November 4, 2007 9:08 PM

I see Cliff hasn't come back for a while. Hmmmm. [Deleted - see comment below]

by Oldloadr on November 4, 2007 9:11 PM

Yellow flag, Rulez Warning.

Message. Not Messenger.

by John of Argghhh! on November 4, 2007 9:17 PM

I was wondering if you'd let that stand.
Oldloadr- I used a one-word sentence to complete my comment, which went along with the string. But, a well-placed punctuation changes context of things sometimes.

that being said... I'll take the yellow flag, but I'm not apologizing.

by AFSister on November 4, 2007 9:54 PM

OK John, I hear you, and I support your rulez (since I posed it as a maybe; I didn't think I was in violation). I just get tired of lefties throwing verbal bombs, but never staying around to answer the hard questions or accept that they may have assumed something that is incorrect...
Verstehen?

by Oldloadr on November 4, 2007 9:59 PM

Ja, ich versteht.

But Rulez only enforced by exception... aren't Rulez.

We have enough of that, bi-partisan, in our politics.

I've already been called a hypocrite once today, after all.

I still lurves you both.

AFSis was a clear violation, yours perhaps a lesser, but the trend was Not Good.

When your passion pushes you to the edge... well, it's time to step back and take a sip of your lemonade.

by John of Argghhh! on November 4, 2007 10:03 PM

OK, well lemonade is still better than "The Coolade"
Although the Sangria is better than both...

by Oldloadr on November 4, 2007 10:12 PM

AFSis - since we have both been duly chastised for our passion (albeit with the lack of the decorum that the Castle requires) we must both find more subtle ways to call a spade a spade and not an agricultural instrument...

by Oldloadr on November 4, 2007 10:19 PM

No, you simply need to discuss spade employment, design, and cost, etc.

Not just mock it for not being a shovel.

☺

by John of Argghhh! on November 4, 2007 10:37 PM

Depends on what the shovel is shoveling, John.

by AFSister on November 4, 2007 10:41 PM

*That* would be the message then, wouldn't it?

by John of Argghhh! on November 4, 2007 10:45 PM

*That* would be the message then, wouldn't it?

"...For all the good they do, they might as well be-e-e-e
Shovelling..."

If you've been there, you've sung that.

Although, I'll admit it's kinda hard to get places like Gillygillyhassenpfefferkatzenellenbogen-By-The-Sea to scan properly...

by BillT on November 4, 2007 11:20 PM

My! Look at all those words laced with negativity. Did you know Cliff, Oldloadr and others that you can't convince anyone to your point of view that way.

Well ValourIT gets $550, no matter how ugly out of it assuming Malkin makes good on her promise. That's one whole laptop and a bit i think.

If i throw a few slogans on my page can I get $50 out of her too?

by Trias on November 4, 2007 11:23 PM

Good morning, Trias! We did at least generate some commentary and heat today.

by John of Argghhh! on November 4, 2007 11:26 PM

But Trias, the money went to the Army team.....and I'm on the Navy team. Do you feel my pain?

by Maggie on November 5, 2007 12:03 AM

Terrible washout Maggie feel feel just awful about it :-|

by Trias on November 5, 2007 12:21 AM

Careful, Trias - Maggie likes feel-feel. She might be tempted to corrupt your innner nature.

As for me, smug self-satisfaction is the order of the day. Duped Navy!

by John of Argghhh! on November 5, 2007 12:29 AM

If i throw a few slogans on my page can I get $50 out of her too?

Let's try, Trias. But based on what you've got on your blog, I'm not sure we'll be able to convince her you're a liberal and not a moderate. ;)

by FbL on November 5, 2007 7:10 AM

Oldloader,

You said, "They all were glad we were there since they weren’t too fond of the previous regime"

I would suggest they were glad to be there because its a job.

I may be wrong, but I don't see the connection to Saddam being gone. That was years ago and THAT honeymoon is over.

But all in all, it sounds like your contact with Iraqis was very narrow.

You say, “The Iraqis are not dumb, so the working class picked up English very quickly so I had one-on-one conversations with them by the time I left.”

I happen to be a linguist and as such, must inject a little reality here. Arabic is a Semitic language and English is Indo European.

It takes a good ten years at LEAST for an American to learn Arabic or visa versa. So to say they “picked up English very quickly” is simply impossible. You can appreciate this by looking at the reverse situation. Just think about any American you might know who has been in theatre for years. Does anyone “pick up” Arabic “very quickly?” No, of course not.

Then of course you have the cultural issue. As anyone who has lived abroad knows, it takes years before a foreign national will “let you in” so to say, or speak with you frankly, and only then, in THEIR language, not yours.

I’ve noticed from the videos that Americans speak to Iraqi at full speed in full vernacular and seem to assume they understand. They don’t, and you know it.

So this idea I hear a lot that because you were there, in some narrow capacity, living, eating, breathing with Americans in a very unequal capacity with foreign nationals desperate for a paying job, you are somehow better qualified to assess the situation, is just a fraud.

A complete fraud, and anyone who is honest with themselves knows it. So you should stop letting yourself believe that and start to look toward what experts are saying. Both Iraqi nationals and exiles, as well as non-Iraqi historians, analysts, and foreign service professionals are far better in tuned to how the Iraqis feel and think.

You belong to a small (and getting smaller) group will use any shred of evidence however erroneous to validate your opinion instead of looking objectively at all the evidence.

Christ, just look at the polls of Iraqi citizens. They want us out now. Even John Donovan knows this.

You can call me names all you want, but it won’t change reality. Not only was the invasion a huge mistake, the occupation is an even bigger mistake, and as ALL the experts say, there is no way for us to fix it. We lost that chance.

So you can call it what you want – defeat, surrender, or bowing out with our hats in our hands – we blew it in Iraq. Bush and the Republicans blew it, and only the Iraqis can fix it AFTER we leave.

Will they get help from Iran and Syria? Yes, and we must live with that.

Sorry for the reality check. John would tell you them same, but he chooses not to deal with the repercussions from his good friends.

by cliff on November 5, 2007 8:57 AM

"Don't you have creatures in the Dungeon for just this sort of thing?"

Yeah, he does. But we're on strike. We want fresher cheetos.

by ry on November 5, 2007 9:07 AM

We know we got a problem when the last holdouts are playing dungeons and dragons and you gotta pay recruits $20k just to sign up for Knave training.

by cliff on November 5, 2007 9:24 AM

Not I get the "Argghh." My sentiments too.

More than six in 10 called the war not worth fighting,

...And thats without most of the country knowing half of whats really going on.

Wait until they find out about the massive corruption, failed re-construction, wasted money, contractor fraud and that the current Iraqi government is a puppet regime.

Nothing like a bad president to set our military back for another 10 years.

by cliff on November 5, 2007 9:55 AM

Here is the clavicle-snapped wish,
the aorta's opened valves, the leap

thought makes at the synaptic gap.

Here is the adrenaline rush you crave,

that inexorable flight, that insane puncture

into heat and blood. And I dare you to finish

what you've started...because here, Bullet,

here is where the world ends, every time.

Brian Turner -infantry team leader with the 2nd Infantry Division,

by cliff on November 5, 2007 9:58 AM

I'm not here to argue the politics (I'll leave that to others).

But...

"John would tell you them same, but he chooses not to deal with the repercussions from his good friends."

Nice, Cliff. You're not playing by the rulez at all. Question your host's honor and integrity. Well done. As his "good friends" know, John has a history of telling people (both personally and professionally) what he thinks when it matters, even when it costs him (and it has).

As to the poem, be very careful. You just showed again that you have no idea what you're talking about.

by FbL on November 5, 2007 10:08 AM

Here's the source and entire poem that Cliff quotes above.

by FbL on November 5, 2007 10:17 AM

Cliff - First off, I’m sorry to hear about your learning disability, since you think it takes ten years for people to learn to communicate in a second language on a conversational level. BTW, you came to the wrong place to make that erroneous assertion since just about everybody at this blog has at least a functioning in public knowledge of at least one language other than English and none of us took ten years to get to where we could carry on a conversation. Incidentally, your example of Americans talking to Arabs at a normal speed and assuming they understood is irreverent since my point was about me understanding them. I don’t need a linguistic expert to tell me what a person really means when they come up to you with tears in their eyes and say, “Thank you.” What do you think that means, Cliff? On your cultural issue, I have worked in the ME off and on since the Iranian hostage crisis, so I maybe I won’t be writing any dissertations on Arab culture, but I get by just fine. Anyway, you said that only the Iraqi gov’t wants us to stay and I told you that I met dozens of Iraqis who had nothing to do with the gov’t that wanted the US to stay. You can call me a liar if you want, but you can’t change what I heard with my ears and saw with my eyes. Speaking of which, don’t you think it’s a little hypocritical to take umbrage with me for calling you a name after your diatribe against Michelle Malkin above?
2. It amazes me how lefties are so good at assuming things that fit their paradigm; e.g. the “narrow capacity I worked in.” What would be a broad enough capacity for you? Do I need to be an “expert” like you to know what somebody is saying to me? I dealt with Iraqis from Mosul to Basra. I know that the insurgents weren’t lining up to work for the US Army, but still, you said all Iraqis except the gov’t want us out and I know that that is not true, period. My point isn’t the majority of Iraqis want us to stay, only that you had made an absolute statement that was totally wrong. That of course makes everything else you say suspect (I know it doesn’t to the Left ala Bill & Monica) but it does to the rest of us.
3. Now your rant about President Bush has nothing to do with the points in discussion so I don’t see a need to answer them, especially since you never answered any of the questions I asked you.
4. What I see from you, Cliff is the typical leftie mind set; i.e. if the facts don’t fit my ideology, I’ll ignore the facts. If the facts won’t go way, I’ll just stick my fingers in my ears and yell, “Liar, liar pants on fire!” over and over until everyone quits listening to the messenger bringing the hated facts.
5. One final point, most Iraqis are required to take English in school. Did you know that, Mr. Linguist?

by Oldloadr on November 5, 2007 11:40 AM

Loader,

I said it takes ten years to learn, "on a conversational level" a language that crosses one of the three language families.

"everybody at this blog has at least a functioning in public knowledge of at least one language other than English"

Thats wonderful. Spanish, French, German, Russian etc are all easy.

Our military personal in Iraq are completely dependent on translators with the few exceptions of people for whom Arabic is their first language.

I would suggest you get real honest with yourself and admit that there is not one American soldier over there or here who has speaks Arabic on a conversational level who didn't start learning Arabic long before the war.

You know it, I know it and its a serious problem.

So since you admit that a majority of Iraqis want us out, ("My point isn’t the majority of Iraqis want us to stay,") why does it matter that a few people came to you with tears in their eyes.

Is that a good enough reason to continue the disaster that is our occupation of Iraq?

Or should we stay, against all public opinion here and there, because a minority of troops and contractors want to stay?

I thought our fellas were fighting for American principles like democracy. Any argument for staying violates that principle period.

That congressman got it right, Bush is sending our boys to get their heads blown off for personal and political reasons. Any other argument is one for imperialism for oil.

Please understand Mr. Oldloadr, while I respect your personal opinion, I'm not interested in it. What you think doesn't matter, and unfortunately, what a few tearful Iraqis think doesn't matter either (I'm sorry Bush and his supporters screwed them).

Even IF we are all wrong, the things that matter are what the majority of the American people, the International community, and the Iraqi people want.

If ya'll feel real bad about what we did to the Iraqis, you, and Bush and his rich contractor buddies can all go back and spend as much of your personal money as you want to help the Iraqis (which you/they won't), but as far as the American taxpayers, and the International community goes, its over and done. No more support, and no more money (as soon as we dump a few more democrats.)

...GET OUT NOW!
Can you understand that?

by cliff on November 5, 2007 1:12 PM

Cliff – 1. I understand your ideology and your obvious hatred for the current president. However, you claim to be a linguist but you are not making much sense, in that your answers don't match what I said. Plus you still won't admit that you exaggerated on your initial statement that all Iraqis (outside the gov’t) want us out. Instead you go on a tangent about the ones who don't want us out are irrelevant.
2. I never said that any Americans I worked with knew more than a smattering of Arabic. I said that most Iraqis I met (not all, but most) had a conversational knowledge of English. Once again, you read what you wanted to see instead of what was there.
3. So basically, Cliff, first you called me a liar and then, when I wouldn’t back down and drink your cool-aid you said my position was irrelevant. Why wasn’t it irrelevant when you were calling me a liar. I mean, if you think someone’s position doesn’t matter why insult them over it.
BTW, I never said what my views were on the war; either the beginning or the current situation; I merely challenged your assertions. Anyway, you still never answered any of my questions even though I have answered yours… another symptom of liberalism.

by Oldloadr on November 5, 2007 2:27 PM

� Dismissed, Soldier!

by Denizens on Nov 04, 2007

November 3, 2007

More than Just a Laptop

Giving laptops to wounded soldiers. Sounds very nice, huh? Gives you the warm-fuzzies just because it's a nice thing to do.

But you're giving them so much more than just a laptop.

I want to thank everyone involved in the program that provides Soldiers with laptops; Soldier's Angels brought me one, and I can't begin to tell how much it has changed my stay at WRAMC; I am able to correpond with my Soldiers, and my family. My Soldiers are still down range in Iraq. they are coming home soon, and I look forward to being back at my post to receive them. again, thank you so much. Quick6

There's a scientific basis for the power of Valour-IT.

While it's touching to think of wounded warriors being able to chat online with their loved ones or email guys still in the fight right from their hospital beds, access to a computer can even affect the healing process.

Flash Traffic (extended entry) Follows �

Anyone (civilian or military) who suffers a traumatic injury or experience is going to have significant emotional issues to deal with, issues that will affect his or her ability to do what is needed to recover. In the short term:

Real and symbolic damage in the form of injury, separation or death of significant others, loss of property, destruction of social networks etc., result in feelings of loss and damage to esteem and identity.

In the long term, if these "feelings of loss and damage to esteem and identity" are not addressed and mitigated, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop.

Now, stop and think about how many of the traumas, described in the quote above, an injured warfighter lying in a hospital stateside may have experienced:

Injury: from moderate (i.e. burns, broken bones) to severe (i.e. loss of a body part or its function).
Separation or death of significant others: including survivor's guilt, concerns about having reacted correctly in the fight, etc.
Destruction of social networks: before the injury, almost every aspect of life was centered around the warfighter's military unit; the bonds were probably unlike anything he'd ever experienced, but now he is stateside and his unit is still "over there."

Talk about a double (triple) whammy! The article goes on to discuss how these traumas can be coped with successfully:

Coping styles vary from action prone to reflective and analytical, from emotionally expressive to reticent. Clinically, response style is not as ultimately important as the degree to which coping efforts are successful as defined by the survivor's ability to:
--Continue task-oriented activity
--Regulate emotion
--Sustain positive self value
--Maintain and enjoy rewarding interpersonal contacts

Look carefully at that list above. If you are a survivor of a multi-traumatic event (severe injuries, battle, death/injury of fellow warfighters, separation from your brothers, etc.), lying in a hospital bed or stuck on-site in med hold, how could a computer help you cope successfully?

With access to a computer, you could:

Continue task-oriented activity. This could be anything from maintaining a blog (as MAJ Z does), to making sure your bills are paid, to planning that awesome vacation you're gonna have to celebrate your recovery.
Regulate emotion. Of course, a great deal of that is personality-related. But being able to find things to amuse and encourage yourself when you are upset or discouraged is much harder to do when you are confined to bed. But with a laptop you could lose yourself in a down-loadable book, laugh yourself silly on the South Park website, or reach out to the friend who always lifts your spirits.
Sustain positive self value. This is where the words like "independence" and "freedom" pop up. When you can do the kinds of things described in numbers 1 and 2 above, you are reclaiming a bit of the independence your injury tried to steal. You are taking care of yourself and your business. You have a least one corner of your life where you are in charge. That's huge.
Maintain and enjoy rewarding interpersonal contacts . This is the other huge one. Ask anyone who's been through terrible trauma; they'll invariably mention at least one person who "made all the difference." But what happens if that person (the buddy who saved your life or the sweetheart who can't afford to drop everything and come to you) is on the other side of the world? That's where the email, IM, and even voice chat come into play. It's your lifeline.

Giving a wounded soldier a laptop has a tremendous impact on his recovery. But wait! What if your wounds prevent you from typing or operating a mouse? The door slams shut.

Then someone places a voice-controlled laptop in front of you and turns it on. Your entire world shifts. You have a powerful tool for your emotional and physical recovery now open to you.

Valour-IT: It's a whole lot more than just the "warm fuzzies."

I'll leave you with Rachel, an Australian paraplegic who knows what Valour-IT can do:

This project will make a massive difference to the lives of wounded soldiers. Giving them access to the outside world, as well as the independence that voice-activated computers will bring, is such an honourable way to thank them for the sacrifices they have made for our well-being. [bolding added]

Click here to donate. Done it once already? Do it again. You're giving so much more than "just a laptop."

[adapted from this post - FbL]

� Secure this line!

by Denizens on Nov 03, 2007

November 2, 2007

Valour-IT Auctions

Auctions for the Valour-IT fundraiser are heating up. Here's the list of items as of this morning (more are on the way):

Team Air Force is taking the lead here, with a Chris Muir original, a John Cox caricature, three autographed books by Richard S. Lowry, a very special book not yet available to the public--Small Unit Actions, several items of Thunderbird memorabilia. They also have a Perfect Pushups workout kit and a prize-winning baby blanket.

Team Marine Corps is offering an out-of-print book about the B-17.

Team Navy-USCG has a high-quality, rare model of an F/A-18C aircraft.

Team Army offers a Napoleon Bonaparte letter opener.

And there is one very special item that I want to highlight: an extraordinary quilt [click to enlarge].

This quilt was designed and sewn by a former member of the Air Force, now a National Guard spouse. Echoing a missing man formation (the "missing" member is actually quilted in a ghostly gray), it is entitled "Gone But Not Forgotten."

She writes:

Gone, But Not Forgotten is a 54"x59" wall hanging/lap quilt. I have had several requests to script the title on the quilt as shown along with names of a few fallen members and will honor this request for the winner if they so choose. Although not strictly a missing man formation, it is meant to show the missing are not forgotten and although the quilting is not easy to see in the picture, there is a Bald Eagle quilted in the missing spot along with contrails from all the Bald Eagles.

You can bid on this beautiful quilt here.

And if you have an item of your own you'd like to put up for auction to benefit Valour-IT, you can click here and sign up.

by Denizens on Nov 02, 2007

November 1, 2007

Project Valour-IT.

Okay, so, like I've been challenged by the Navy. If they win, I have to do a month of posts about Navy stuff. If they win, they'll *graciously* post about all the Navy ships named after Army guys. Heh. They tell me what they'll post, and they'll tell me what I get to post. Hmmmm.

S'okay, we're all about Joint and Combined at the Castle. So I took 'em up on their bet. Mind you, the current fundraising totals didn't hurt - but I'm sure those guys have some deep-pocketed retired aviators who own an airline or something in reserve.

But I won't won't give up the ship nor will I let them tread on me.

If you'd like to make a donation to the Army Team (and you *know* you do) just click the sinking ship in the pic and the Internet will work its magic as we painlessly take your money and turn it into an adaptive laptop for wounded soldiers.

It's the right thing to do. Push on that scow, and send her to the bottom.

Of course, you wouldn't want to donate to the Navy. Nope. Nor the Marines. Uh-uh. And the Air Force? Fuhgedabouddit! You want to push on that rust-bucket up there and do your bit to clean up the oceans.

If you'd like to check the status of the competition - click here.

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by John on Nov 01, 2007

October 31, 2007

Valour-IT (and FbL!) on the Radio Today--A.M & P.M.

Valour-IT and the fundraiser are going to be the subject of two different radio shows tomorrow today (Wednesday):

Patti Bader will be talking about it live on Blog Talk Radio at 0930 Eastern.

Air Force Team Leader Mrs. Greyhawk and FbL will be talking about it on the Andrea Shea-King radio show at 2100 Eastern. Mrs. Greyhawk will also be talking about her recent meeting with the President. [click show links to listen online].

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by Denizens on Oct 31, 2007

Flyers for 2007 Valour-IT Fundraiser

We have new flyers available for distribution: Flyer 1 and Flyer 2. [Note: please do not use flyers that are downloaded from anywhere other than these two flyers hosted at Soldiers' Angels. The older flyers contain significant inaccuracies.]

They may not print too well on cheaper printers, so I suggest using a laser printer. If you don't have access to one, try something like Staples.com to get good prints. You can email the file to Staples and they'll make laser-printer copies for you for a very reasonable fee.

Suggested uses for the flyers can be found here (don't forget to ask permission).

by Denizens on Oct 31, 2007

Project Valour-IT

Long time readers of this space remember back in the good old days before we got all respectable, we had some pretty roaring comment parties.

The Chandelier and Jungle Room have been quiet of late, but JTG and Gollum (Ry) still hang out down in the Dungeon of Argghhh!

And the security cameras just caught a pic of Gollum (er, Ry) down in near the garderobe, wearing his silly hat and eating stale chee-tos.

But looky what else he was doing - donating to Project Valour-IT. Gollum, (er, Ry) may not have much money, but there he is, making a credit card dona... waitaminnit! THAT'S MY CREDIT CARD!

ARGGHHH!!! Okay, do me a favor. Move your cursor over Gollum (er, Ry) and punch him in the nose with your mouse button. If that *happens* to bring you to the Army donation page... well, while you're there, you oughta donate, right?

Of course, you wouldn't want to donate to the Navy. Nope. Nor the Marines. Uh-uh. And the Air Force? Fuhgedabouddit!

H/t to Lona for the assist on the graphic!

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by John on Oct 31, 2007

For What It's Worth...

...you've seen me give hat-tip credit for the atrocious puns and oddball jokes with which V29 and Doc E bombard me (thereby reinforcing my rep as a real stand-up, albeit strait-laced, individual) and you've "met" V29 via his semifrequent comments and the TINS Times Two we tag-teamed on a while back.

So, I figger it's time to introduce Doc E.

Second Platoon: Act Sillyyyy -- ACT!

He's the guy on the left who forgot his sunblock. And, yes, he really *is* a doctor (even though he's never played one on TV), or, more precisely, he's now a *retired* doctor. But he prefers playing with his 'puter to playing with golf sticks -- he's a hi-tech hobbyist who's translated some of his pix from the Ol' Days into some YouTube vids, and I think you'll find his most recent effort a bit thought-provoking.

I'll link it after this caveat: although the pix and music are work-safe, there's a picture at the 6:35 mark you might want to view alone, or forego viewing altogether.

It's a shot of one of our cockpits after a typical day suddenly became a really bad one. The pilot was from my platoon.

It's a reminder that there's a price tag on freedom.

And so long as we would have freedom, there will be a price upon it, and so long as there is a price, there must be those willing to give what is asked, or we will no longer have freedom. Now transfer the image of that Huey cockpit to the interior of a Hummer or a sandbag checkpoint...

We're a fortunate people to have among us those who have given what was asked. We have the freedom for which they have paid -- and continue to pay.

It's only fair that we return them something in the way of repayment, isn't it?

Valour-IT: for what it's worth...

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by CW4BillT on Oct 31, 2007

October 30, 2007

Need another reason to donate to Project Valour-IT?

Simple.

Lookit the President of the Imperial Armorer's Fan Club. You gonna turn her down?

Now, click here, and do your duty. (Backstory here - I'm killed for time right now)

Oh - and don't think we don't know payday is coming up. Donations today are made from October dollars... which means this weekend, we start looking for November dollars. Just pretend it's a mini-fiscal year thang... 8^ D

Update: I mean, like, good golly. Look at how low Team Navy has stooped. Slatterns! The lot of them. It's not like we'd use feminine pulchritude as a lure. Nope. Not us.

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by John on Oct 30, 2007

Note to Valour-IT Bloggers

Due to the problems we had with updating team totals in the ChipIn Widgets for the Valour-IT Fundraising Competition, we've had to scrap them.

If you installed one of the ChipIn widgets in your blog, please delete it and go back to the main competition page and get the new code (unfortunately it has a tendency to flip out when used in a regular post, but works lovely in sidebars).

All the old donations have been transfered over to the new totals, but any donations made through the old "ChipIn" widgets are going to have to be moved by hand. So, please get the new code ASAP.

So sorry for all the hassle this has been, but this should fix everything. Thank you for your patience and perseverence.
by Denizens on Oct 30, 2007

October 29, 2007

2007 Valour-IT Fundraising Competition

[FbL here. The Armorer is winging his way across the country, so I have fearlessly stepped in. I'll let you know if I survive the Evil Eye for doing so. Update: The donation totals in the widgets are not tracking correctly, but donations are still being received and credited in PayPal. We hope to have the bug fixed soon.(Bumping this back up top where it belongs.--ry)] [Bumping it back down to where it was, cuz I did something new - the Armorer]

It's that time again.

What time?

Time for ruthless competition, endless inter-service snarkage, and constant meter-watching. Oh, and we raise some money for a good cause, too!

It's the 2007 Valour-IT Veterans Day Fundraising Competition, the yearly slugfest where milbloggers and friends compete to see who can get to the fundraising goal first. Last year our merry band raised over $230,000 dollars. This year, need among the wounded hasn't changed, with as many as 100 laptops going out each month. But every year, the amazing bloggers who participated have exceeded Valour-IT's wildest hopes. Let's do it again!

Here's the who, what, where, when, why and how of the competition:

Who: Bloggers of any and all stripes who support the U.S. Military
What: Raising $240,000 ($60,000/team) for Project Valour-IT, the non-profit Soldiers' Angels program that helps supply voice-controlled and other adapted laptops to severely-wounded troops.
Where: Starting on the blogs, then spreading through your community and into major media
When: Monday, 29 October through Saturday, 11 November (Veterans Day)
Why: Because reconnecting the wounded with the world is a vital part of their recovery
How: Signing up, blogging, auctioning, emailing, and just generally spreading the news

For more info, see the important competition websites listed below.

Team Leaders: Blackfive - Army, Chaotic Synaptic Activity - Navy/Coast Guard, Mudville Gazette - Air Force, SA Holly Aho - Marine Corps

Official Website: history and background on Valour-IT, official donation info
Bulletin Board: general competition info, tech help, team planning, announcements, etc.
Auction Site: donated items for sale
Project Blog: background, interesting links, daily donation tracking, public relations

Let's make this happen! There are wounded men and women who need us, and to whom we owe so much.

So, what're ya waitin' for?! Need inspiration? Check "Selected Valour-IT Posts" in my sidebar or click on the "Valour-IT" category below that and at the bottom of this post.

Though I myself am on the Marine Corps team, I'm guessing the Armorer would prefer I post the following (besides, you doggies have some catching up to do! *grin*):

UPDATE: The widget that was here earlier has been giving as fits, so we changed over to a new one. Unfortunately, the new one only works in the sidebar and I don't have permission to change the sidebar. But you can go here to donate to the team of your choice.
Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

I'm game as usual. Let me know what you need and the goals etc

I'll be slow but I'm in!
by BloodSpite on October 29, 2007 10:41 AM

Thanks, FuzzyB, I know yer pullin' for the sailors. but thanks for stepping in here. I'm back on the ground, and about to go into work... but I've got some stuff up my sleeve for this one, too.
by John of Argghhh! on October 29, 2007 10:59 AM

You're welcome, John. Things up your sleeves? Good! Knowing how busy you are and with your restricted/frustrating Internet access, I hadn't bee expecting much. So glad you're going to be able to contribute...

'Cause Team Army is gonna NEED it!

*scurrying quickly away* :D
by FbL on October 29, 2007 1:01 PM

A note to those disturbed by the totals above:

For some reason the widgets are not updating. Data is being collected, but not being forwarded. We're working on it, but the company is based in Hawaii, so they're three hours behind us. As soon as things get un-knotted, all the previous donations should show up in the totals.
by FbL on October 29, 2007 1:02 PM

They are in Hawaii? Gimme the address and I'll go roust them up. hee hee Glad to help!
by HomefrontSix on October 29, 2007 1:23 PM

I will get on it.
by Ledger on October 29, 2007 7:26 PM

� Dismissed, Soldier!

by Denizens on Oct 29, 2007

October 8, 2007

Prepping for Valour-IT Fundraising Competition

We are in the early planning stages of the 2007 Project Valour-IT Veterans Day Fundraiser. Begun in 2005, this has become a yearly event in support of Valour-IT, a Soldiers' Angels project that helps supply voice-controlled laptops to severely-wounded troops. Here are the outlines for this year:

Duration: Monday, October 28 through Veterans’ Day, November 13

Method: Bloggers team up by service branch, have friendly competition to reach the fundraising goal first, and spread the word offline through community contacts, etc.

Goal: $240,000 (total of $5,000 more than last year's event)

Planning sites: Valour-IT project blog and a new bulletin board (thanks, Xformed!)

How you can help:

~~Be a Team Leader~~ ~~for Air Force~~ [Thanks, Mrs. G!]

Design a flier (two SA logo and the smiling laptop logo found here, text supplied; email me)

Find items to auction—check with authors, stars, etc., or offer your own service or product. Items can be mil-related or of general interest.

Plan people/businesses/organizations to contact. For example: community clubs, professional organizations, veterans' groups, pro-military businesses, churches, etc.

Check for employer matching donations (or prep for a corporate donation during the fundraiser)

Give a heads up to your press/political connections by offering links to Valour-IT sites and telling them about Valour-IT's history

Share your ideas on the bulletin board, or in comments below
IMPORTANT NOTE: Valour-IT is an IRS-certified non-profit (donations are tax-deductible) and is non-political. Regardless of ideas about how/why war is being waged, the fact is that people are wounded and need our help. Valour-IT is about supplying that help, not about endorsing or opposing the reasons why it's needed.

[cross-posted at Fuzzilicious Thinking, The Flight Deck and Valour-IT Project Blog]
Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

The Mudville Gazette will be happy to be the Team Leader for Air Force again.
by Mrs G on October 8, 2007 2:20 PM

Thank you so much, Mrs. G. I was hoping you would offer, but I didn't want to pressure you and so was waiting to see if someone else would step up.

I'm so glad you're going to do it again!
by FbL on October 8, 2007 3:14 PM

Mrs G: As soon as I see you log in at the BB, I'll set you up for AF team access!
by xformed on October 8, 2007 3:55 PM

� Dismissed, Soldier!

by Denizens on Oct 08, 2007

September 17, 2007

An Update on J.R. Salzman

Recovery has its highs and lows, but athlete and former National Guardsman J.R. Salzman is back in school and trying to adjust to "regular" life. In a local newspaper article, he talks about what happened the day he got wounded, his plans for the future, and why he has no regrets:
To cope with his injuries, Salzman, who was medically discharged earlier this month and is considered 90 percent disabled, said he breaks it down and accepts it.

"Stuff happens," he said. "I don't regret going into the military and getting deployed. I am really proud of what I've done. I'd do it all over again."

Combat soldiers understand that injuries happen, Salzman said.

He is emphatic the U.S. needed to take responsibility in Iraq and fight insurgents.

"I would rather fight over there than on our own soil," he said, noting the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks proved insurgents will fight Americans anywhere.
It's a great (mostly-unbiased) look at yet another wounded soldier who is an example of patriotism, determination and sheer grit to us all.

And this is a good time to point out that it isn't just J.R. himself who has been through a long recovery process and continues to fight his way back to "normalcy." At twenty years old, his devoted bride Josie has faced her own trial at his side.

[For background on J.R, one of Valour-IT's 1200+ laptop recipients, see Blackfive, or go here and do a search for "Salzman."] - FbL

[cross-posted at the Fuzzilicious Thinking]
Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

Good stuff, Fuzzy - thanks for putting it up!
by John of Argghhh! on September 17, 2007 3:34 PM

� Dismissed, Soldier!

by Denizens on Sep 17, 2007

September 9, 2007

Alive Day Memories (updated)

Denizenne FbL here...

"Alive Day" is a label many wounded apply to the day they were hit--the day they could've died but lived instead. HBO has taken that label for a new documentary by James Gandolfini of Sopranos fame that seems to be worth checking out.

As many of you may know, the well-being and treatment of the wounded is a subject that is very close to my heart. So, when I hear of a documentary being done about the experiences of some of them, I start to get nervous. I worry that it will be exploitative or condescending, or in some way pitying--anyone who works with the wounded knows that in most cases, offers of pity are generally not well-received.

Somehow I ended up on the publicity list for HBO's Alive Day Memories: Home from Iraq (being broadcast today) awhile ago, but I knew I had to take the time to explore it before I could endorse it. Upon getting around to reading what people who had already seen it had to say, I found most of them seemed to be viewing it through an anti-war cognitive lens that made it hard to identify the film's actual message. But simply on the basis of the following, this sounds promising. It seems Gandolfini lets interviewees speak for themselves [click on the video and see the sidebar for more excerpts and media coverage]:
The first interviewee is Bryan Anderson, whom I've written about before, and there are others in the video who have also received the help of Soldiers' Angels and Valour-IT. This sounds like worthwhile viewing, if only for the chance to see the kinds of people that need our physical and emotional support as they continue to recover from devastating wounds.

There is one concern, however: the documentary includes insurgent video of successful attacks, including those that injured the veterans featured in the film. From the tone of the preview, it seems those videos are treated as archival footage relevant to the story being told, and not as something to gasp and gawk over. Still, I'm not entirely comfortable with the idea...

Alive Day Memories is being broadcast today, and will be repeated a number of times in the coming month [click and search for "alive day"]. I don't have Cable, so I would appreciate the report of anyone who is willing and able to watch. I hope Alive Day Memories is as worthwhile as the trailer seems to promise.

Update: Wounded veteran JR Salzman gives it his full endorsement. And if you miss it today, you can also stream it on on HBO.com from 11:30PM EST Sunday September 9th until Sunday September 16th.

[cross-posted at Fuzzilicious Thinking; h/t to Blackfive for the Salzman link and streaming info]

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

Good thing I looked before I put my post on this subject!

Yours is better anyway.
by John of Argghhh! on September 9, 2007 10:14 AM

I find that hard to believe, but thanks for the compliment, John.
by FbL on September 9, 2007 10:24 AM

I think this will be very interesting. I kind of like James Gandolfini as an actor. I'll see what I think about him as an interviewer.
by kat-missouri on September 9, 2007 12:21 PM

Keith posted about it yesterday too, and then watched the show last night with lots of compliments. He said it wasn't anti-war at all, and of the dozen amputees featured, only 1 said that if he had it to do all over again, he never would have gone. All of the rest said that they'd go back in a heartbeat, nor do they regret going.
HOOAH!
by AFSister on September 10, 2007 8:16 AM

� Dismissed, Soldier!

by Denizens on Sep 09, 2007

January 16, 2007

Snerk - a new popularity contest that we're getting spanked in!

...that, as usual, we didn't know anything about. Mind you, it's mostly a marketing ploy by the contest holder.

Whoever nominated us didn't even tell us. We have all of... seven votes, so it seems a bit late to shill for support.

That said - we throw our endorsement to Matt of Blackfive, who has pledged the $3000 prize to Project Valour-IT. Not that we don't like the current leader, A Soldier's Perspective, but he's pledged his winnings to something else, so fooey on him.

Don't waste a vote on us, go vote for Matt.

And people, please don't nominate us for things like this anymore. It just grieves me to watch my standing drop as a milblogger and our influence so obviously waning when I see no changes in my blogging style that's gonna change anything anytime soon. I prefer to keep my head in the sand. /whine. And I'll quit whining, too, if you quit nominating us. 8^)
Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

Dang, Sir, if it gets down to just you and me and Beth and the furry folks, hey, you may cry upon my shoulder if you'll extend me the same courtesy. I *think* my kitties sympathize.
by Justthisguy on January 17, 2007 1:08 PM

� Dismissed, Soldier!

by John on Jan 16, 2007

November 14, 2006

Valour-IT and Soldiers' Angels News

UPDATE: If you live in Texas and the video at the bottom of this post inspired you, you can get involved with this year's Holiday for Heroes.

Great news in the preliminary totals from the Valour-IT fundraiser at the project blog (checks still being counted). Hint: it's not $184,000.

And Valour-IT is getting some more media attention.

If you're a blogger, Soldiers' Angel Holly Aho has a contest for you.

And last--but certainly not least--what the rest of the Angels are doing these days.

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

Priceless. I missed this over at the Tube. thanks for the post, and theheads up.
by Coach Mark on November 14, 2006 10:35 AM

I know that this has been a year full of tests and difficulties, FUZZ. In our own troubles, it is easy to not to be aware of how deeply we affect the lives of others. If I can say so, I for one, am very proud of that Healing Angel that you helped bring to life; and of its important labor that it carries forth.

By its fruits, we get to know the quality of a tree – Lioness.
by Boquisucio on November 14, 2006 10:59 AM

Thank you for the update info on Valor IT. I will post it on my blog and I also forwarded it to Michael Cruise at WDAF radio with a note of thank you for the community announcement that they ran.
by jim b on November 14, 2006 11:08 AM

Thanks for the link! I hope everyone enjoys the video. I created it to show at a fundraiser I did for the backpacks for the wounded project with the Patriot Guard Riders in my area.
by Laurie on November 15, 2006 9:44 AM

� Dismissed, Soldier!

by Denizens on Nov 14, 2006

November 12, 2006

Project Valour-IT - thank you!

Mission Accomplished. Jointly.

We did it! And man, the Sea Services outdid themselves this round!

Well done all, especially Cassandra and her Marines, and Curt's generosity in turning the firehose to the laggards once he'd established who was really the Big Dog this time. The Army and Air Force played the supporting role in the campaign!

For you book buyers - we have to get the books to Mr. Weisskopf for signature, then we'll get them to you. For you Cluebat winners, half of 'em will get sent out on Monday, the others will have to be made, so will probably go out the end of the week.

For the Gnome Home buyers - those are making their way up here from New Zealand, and will get sent to you when they arrive!

Well done, everybody! That's 280 or so laptops for wounded warriors.

By the way - if you'd still like to give - use the button below and help our Air Force bretheren reach their goal. Might as well pay it forward!

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

I love it! I'll link tomorrow morning when I recover from watching the E-girls try to twist my man Clinton Portis' head off and then break his hand.
by Cassandra on November 12, 2006 6:19 PM

Heh! About 1993 or so, we taped two TOW missile tubes (empty) to a couple of minigun mounts on a OH-6 for the 4th of July parade, then stuck it on a low-boy ("underslung flatbed" for the non-uniformed folks, "*mmmuhh* traaayyy-lurrr" for the Marines). I went along to make sure the telephone / 'lectric wires didn't snag on the rotor hub (I had a wooden T-pole and wore rubber boots -- just in case).

Comments from the crowd ranged from, "Wow! An Apache!" to "It's that bomber-helicopter they used in the Gulf War!"

Coulda used Cricket to provide the hip-pocket ordnance classes -- "No, dear, it's just the pilots being silly"...
by cw4(ret)billt on November 13, 2006 6:43 AM

� Dismissed, Soldier!

by John on Nov 12, 2006

November 11, 2006

Valour-IT and Sheep-shearing???

Haven't given to Valour-IT yet? Here's some inspiration...
Flag Gazer tells us how sheap-shearing and Valour-IT are connected:
When she got here, we were talking about our troop support activities - something she always asks about. When we finished shearing, and I was getting ready to pay her, she said, "I have a proposition for you....
Read the rest here.

by Denizens on Nov 11, 2006

Project Valour-IT Last Day

Ah, those were the days. Bloodspite offers incentive!

That's just for me.

From She Who Will Not Be Swayed:

It's the last day of the Valour-IT Competition (Yay, we can rest tomorrow!).
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

Online team donations as of Friday night: over $155,000
Online non-team donations as of Friday morning: over $15,500
Online total: over $170,00.
Donations via check: Unknown at this time.

Therefore: Goal of $180,000 is most definitely within reach.

Looking at the team totals is very deceiving! We have received over $15,500 online in NON-TEAM donations as of Friday morning, so our online total is actually well over $170,000. And that doesn't include checks (I haven't got numbers on the checks yet).

SO.... $180,000 is eminently reachable. :D

Fuzzybear Lioness also notes this:

Valour-IT and Blood Brothers Valour-IT auction has something new and very special: Two copies of Blood Brothers: Among the Soldiers of Ward 57. I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy and wrote:
This one's a must-read. Go get it. And it wouldn't hurt to thank Mr. Weisskopf for the service it's going to do to wounded warfighters and those of us who love them, either. John Donovan and I have been in personal contact with Mr. Weisskopf, and for all his journalistic "objectivity," his response upon hearing of Valour-IT tells us where his heart was in writing this book: "I wrote Blood Brothers for the very people your organization helps."

Now,we offer two signed-to-order copies of this book that explains better than anything else what faces the wounded warriors Valour-IT helps. Go and bid. They're worth every penny.

They are, and you can get them by clicking here, opening up the Army auctions... and bidding.You *do* now that if you have gnomes and have been treating them well, they deploy with you, right? Doing their little gnomish bit? C'mon, how many of you out there don't remember all those little things that usually went wrong, or missing, but sometimes went right or showed up? Gnomes.

Well, just as sometimes we warriors never get past our vocation and deployments, so to it is with your Gnomes. So, sure, before you deployed (or your neighbor did) their gnome may have lived in something that looked like this:

But you know your gnome would looooove one of these:

Custom-built pre-manufactured homes (with window, not shown) hand-crafted (literally, Murray pours the aluminum and hand-paints 'em all himself) in New Zealand by a Kiwi who donates one dollar from each normal sale to Soldier's Angels for Project Valour-IT and has offered up these custom Gnome Homes to Castle Argghhh!!! for this fundraiser. Comes complete with instructions!

First four receipts for $50 scores a Military Gnome Home!

C'mon, you know you want one. Or one of these...

But that's not the worst thing. Good golly no. I checked the Project Valour-IT totals to find the Marines *and* the Navy ahead - but worse, they met their goals, and, well, we Army guys are just punks. And not just by a nose, but by a few amphibious carrier lengths... to the tune of better than $10,000 ahead. Eeeep! We aren't likely to catch 'em, but geez, this is embarassing. Give people!

So, spend some of your hard-earned dollars helping wounded soldiers... and take some of that off the amount that the Social Engineers and Pork Barrellers are going to want from you next April!

The Cluebats of Argghhh! are back on the table too. If you missed out last time - send me a receipt for a $100 (or more!) donation, dated between 8-11 November, and I've got 20 bats available! And since the work is all done, these will ship quicker than the last ones, I promise! BTW - there's two of you from last time who never sent an address... it's hard to mail 'em without one! And don't feel compelled to donate electronically if you aren't comfortable with that. Even if the 20 bats go to Paypal donees, if you send me a snail mail receipt, I'll send you a bat.

And don't forget the Gnome Homes!

It's a tax-deductible donation and eligible for matching funds from companies who do that sort of thing (see: http://soldiersangels.org/valour/irsinfo.html for proof for the cautious).

The snail mail address for those who'd rather donate that way (be sure to put ARMY in big letters on the check):

Soldiers' Angels

1150 N Loop 1604 W, Suite 108-493
San Antonio, TX 78248
Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

Great post, John. Thanks for getting out that out there!

And people, don't you dare let those books go un-bid-on. Weisskopf has been pushing Valour-IT throughout his recent book tour and it would be downright embarassing if we couldn't auction of a couple signed copies of his book after all he's done for us.

And yes, I'd be first in line to bid if I wasn't truly broke.

by FbL on November 11, 2006 8:14 AM

� Dismissed, Soldier!

by John on Nov 11, 2006

November 10, 2006

Project Valour-IT

Today marks the observance of Veteran's Day. Me, being the stick-in-the-mud traditionalist that I am, will observe it tomorrow, because 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month just has significance far greater than a sale at Sears.

It's the Marine's birthday today.

And we're still shilling for cash for Project Valour-IT.

Project Valour-IT, a program which has provided over 650 voice-activated laptops to wounded warriors so they can reconnect with family, friends, and the Internet, needs your help! The campaign in Iraq is a war of IEDs, which results in many traumatic amputations and blindness among the wounded. And the generation of warriors fighting this war are wired. Taking away hands and eyes takes them away from a whole swath of the world that is integral to them. You are reading this post. Without something like Project Valour-IT - they can't. Isn't that worth a few bucks?

So, with that in mind. Give, so that we can help blinded Marines like Corporal Michael Jernigan.

Give so that we can help people like Staff Sergeant Mike Graunke...

Skip lunch, and donate that money, so that guys with a sense of humor like this Marine:

...can stay connected to the world, should his sign not work out. That's not asking too much, is it?

The Cluebats of Argghhh! are back on the table too. If you missed out last time - send me a receipt for a $100 (or more!) donation, dated between 8-11 November, and I've got 20 bats available! And since the work is all done, these will ship quicker than the last ones, I promise! BTW - there's two of you from last time who never sent an address... it's hard to mail 'em without one! And don't feel compelled to donate electronically if you aren't comfortable with that. Even if the 20 bats go to Paypal donees, if you send me a snail mail receipt, I'll send you a bat.

It's a tax-deductible donation and eligible for matching funds from companies who do that sort of thing (see: http://soldiersangels.org/valour/irsinfo.html for proof for the cautious).

The snail mail address for those who'd rather donate that way (be sure to put ARMY in big letters on the check):

Soldiers' Angels

1150 N Loop 1604 W, Suite 108-493
San Antonio, TX 78248

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

That sign is even funnier than the guys who headbutted a goat in their MICH, and the guys who charged the porta-potty.
by OD on November 10, 2006 10:24 AM

Hmmmm, where's *your* receipt, Owen?
by John of Argghhh! on November 10, 2006 10:26 AM

That has got to be photo of the day John
by Cassandra on November 10, 2006 11:18 AM

I give up--where does one send a pdf of the PayPal receipt for a donation to ValourIT?

:-)
Thanks!
by CM on November 10, 2006 3:48 PM

� Dismissed, Soldier!

by John on Nov 10, 2006
� La Shawn Barber's Corner links with: U.S. Marine Corps Celebrates Birthday; Veterans Day

November 9, 2006

Project Valour-IT

First off - thank all of you who have participated so far - we've raised almost enough for 200 laptops, by my rough calculation. If that seems like a lot - we've given out over 600 to date. The need continues, and will until the last IED explodes.

Team Air Farce seems to be having a bit of a marketing problem, but since they're a renegade element of the Army, I've decided to offer them some assistance.

So - if you're a Thunderbirds fan, and would like a shot at getting some Thunderbirds memorabilia - and at the same time contribute to Project Valour-IT, go visit Laurie at Soldier's Angels, New York and she'll hook you up! Or, if one more blog will just make your head explode - go direct to eBay, here.

C'mon, a signed team poster and other good swag!

Moving back to more important things, i.e., Army Team stuff - ya can't forget your Gnomes! You *do* now that if you have gnomes and have been treating them well, they deploy with you, right? Doing their little gnomish bit? C'mon, how many of you out there don't remember all those little things that usually went wrong, or missing, but sometimes went right or showed up? Gnomes.

Well, just as sometimes we warriors never get past our vocation and deployments, so to it is with your Gnomes. So, sure, before you deployed (or your neighbor did) their gnome may have lived in something that looked like this:

But you know your gnome would looooove one of these:

Custom-built pre-manufactured homes (with window, not shown) hand-crafted (literally, Murray pours the aluminum and hand-paints 'em all himself) in New Zealand by a Kiwi who donates one dollar from each normal sale to Soldier's Angels for Project Valour-IT and has offered up these custom Gnome Homes to Castle Argghhh!!! for this fundraiser. Comes complete with instructions!

First four receipts for $75 scores a Military Gnome Home!

C'mon, you know you want one. Or one of these...

The Cluebats of Argghhh! are back on the table too. If you missed out last time - send me a receipt for a $100 (or more!) donation, dated between 8-11 November, and I've got 20 bats available! And since the work is all done, these will ship quicker than the last ones, I promise! BTW - there's two of you from last time who never sent an address... it's hard to mail 'em without one! And don't feel compelled to donate electronically if you aren't comfortable with that. Even if the 20 bats go to Paypal donees, if you send me a snail mail receipt, I'll send you a bat.

It's a tax-deductible donation and eligible for matching funds from companies who do that sort of thing (see: http://soldiersangels.org/valour/irsinfo.html for proof for the cautious).

The snail mail address for those who'd rather donate that way (be sure to put ARMY in big letters on the check):

Soldiers' Angels

1150 N Loop 1604 W, Suite 108-493
San Antonio, TX 78248

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

Heh. I think Unpartisan.com's web-bot is either confused... or is a closet supporter of PV-IT!
by John of Argghhh! on November 9, 2006 8:36 AM

How 'bout those who gave $75 last week?
by AFSister on November 9, 2006 9:22 AM

� Dismissed, Soldier!

by John on Nov 09, 2006
� Unpartisan.com Political News and Blog Aggregator links with: Man in NYC jailed over actress' death
� Sgt Hook - This We'll Defend links with: Army Strong…Navy Song

November 8, 2006

Project Valour-IT

Heh. I wonder why I bothered to get up this morning...?

The national election sucked.

Regionally, I batted about 50%.

But that's not the worst thing. Good golly no. I checked the Project Valour-IT totals to find The Navy ahead. And not just by a nose, but by a few aircraft carrier lengths... to the tune of better than $10,000 ahead. Eeeep! Matty and Jimbo better bring their A-game to this thing, this is looking to be a *really* carpy week around here!

No matter! We will prevail!

Did you know there were Project Valour-IT auctions? For those of you who wanna *get* something for your donation to the cause?

You can see them right here. All the services are represented. The Air Farce here. The (hock, ptui!) Squids here. And the Jarheads are too busy, so they left it for the distaff side...

Of course, you'll want to check out the *koff* Army offerings first! Two *Autographed* copies of "Blood Brothers" the iconic book for Project Valour-IT. You can read more about the book here.

So, spend some of your hard-earned dollars helping wounded soldiers... and take some of that off the amount that the Social Engineers and Pork Barrellers are going to want from you next April!

The Cluebats of Argghhh! are back on the table too. If you missed out last time - send me a receipt for a $100 (or more!) donation, dated between 8-11 November, and I've got 20 bats available! And since the work is all done, these will ship quicker than the last ones, I promise! BTW - there's two of you from last time who never sent an address... it's hard to mail 'em without one! And don't feel compelled to donate electronically if you aren't comfortable with that. Even if the 20 bats go to Paypal donees, if you send me a snail mail receipt, I'll send you a bat.

It's a tax-deductible donation and eligible for matching funds from companies who do that sort of thing (see: http://soldiersangels.org/valour/irsinfo.html for proof for the cautious).

The snail mail address for those who'd rather donate that way (be sure to put ARMY in big letters on the check):

Soldiers' Angels

1150 N Loop 1604 W, Suite 108-493
San Antonio, TX 78248
Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

Double down people. Not only did the national elections suck, but you know who is in control of the house and potentially the senate now.

It's up to us to band together and support our troops.

It's true we have been throught tougher times. I sure remember Carter. But let's learn our lessons and work to support the troops, and unscrew this thing in 2008.
by jim b on November 8, 2006 8:41 AM

You have my support Jim

Right after I get done watching the first episode of "Impeachment 2007"
by BloodSpite on November 8, 2006 9:29 AM

Maybe this doesn't belong here, but the 2/137 infantry of the Kansas National guard is having it's Welcome Home Ceremonies 11/09/06 at 2:00PM in Topeka, Ks. at the Expo Center.

Welcome Home and Good Job, guys.
by Bobbie on November 9, 2006 1:16 AM

Maybe this doesn't belong here, but the 2/137 infantry of the Kansas National guard is having it's Welcome Home Ceremonies 11/09/06 at 2:00PM in Topeka, Ks. at the Expo Center.

Welcome Home and Good Job, guys.
by Bobbie on November 9, 2006 1:16 AM

Can I send a receipt to you guys, oh wait I donated to the NAVY!!!! Well at least the Marines are putting up a fight now!!! No worries, it is all in good fun now. Least ALL the money is going to a good cause.
by Daniel on November 10, 2006 10:31 PM

Daniel. Heh. Crappy winds and a sea in yer face, dude!
by John of Argghhh! on November 10, 2006 10:35 PM

hmmm for some reason the phrase "A day late and a dollar short" comes to mind when thinking about the Army team this year...
by Daniel on November 11, 2006 9:06 PM

� Dismissed, Soldier!

by John on Nov 08, 2006
� CDR Salamander links with: One way to pick yourself up after the election

November 6, 2006

Attack on the Fortress of Snarkitude!

Project Valour-IT, a program which has provided over 650 voice-activated laptops to wounded warriors so they can reconnect with family, friends, and the Internet, needs your help! The campaign in Iraq is a war of IEDs, which results in many traumatic amputations and blindness among the wounded. And the generation of warriors fighting this war are wired. Taking away hands and eyes takes them away from a whole swath of the world that is integral to them. You are reading this post. Without something like Project Valour-IT - they can't. Isn't that worth a few bucks?

Oh, sure, I could take the easy route. I could tug heart strings like I just did up there. But that's not me. This is *also* a blogwar, and since a lot of people think POWs should get Penthouses instead of pens, I'll just skip the prisoner-taking part.

I could snark the Navy for their dismal performance to date... but like the poster says...

Sure, I can whack on Noonan, Boss of Team Air Farce again... so, I will! Mebbe it'll cause him to get on the ball...

But I'm saving the big guns for Team Villainous - the Jarheads. They jumped ahead with a *huge* donation this weekend. And now, well, see for yourself...

Now we know where it came from. Sigh. Cassie, I know you'll do almost anything for the cause... but, dang, woman, that took large organs of reproduction!

SGT Hook is providing supporting fires, though the Captain of Team Army is taking the high road...

Now, to help remove the stain on Cassies honor, you should just click the button below and donate via Team Army. That's what your mother wants you to do. She told me. I've got the email.

It's a tax-deductible donation and eligible for matching funds from companies who do that sort of thing (see: http://soldiersangels.org/valour/irsinfo.html for proof for the cautious).

The snail mail address for those who'd rather donate that way (be sure to put ARMY in big letters on the check):

Soldiers' Angels

1150 N Loop 1604 W, Suite 108-493
San Antonio, TX 78248

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

Snark away! :) Don't forget the Navy has submarines!! GO NAVY!!!
by seawitch on November 6, 2006 7:44 AM

So....dead! I'm in mid-post now, but will respond!
by Cassandra on November 6, 2006 7:57 AM

Yeah, y'all have submarines...

Hence the 'what happens at sea STAYS at sea poster!' :D

And Donovan, we had *several* nice-sized donations this weekend. I am grateful beyond words to our big-hearted Marine team and especially several very special people in Texas, NC, and Michigan. I may be missing a few since I don't have the list memorized and I only have access to the online donation data.

PLEASE keep up the good work - as the smallest service we are the underdog. The Marine team has never been ahead and this is something of a miracle.

It would be a real tribute to the men and women we've lost and the ones who've been wounded, if we could take this year's competition in their honor. But no matter what, it's all going to the same place.
by Cassandra on November 6, 2006 11:09 AM

What part of you brain farted?

Never pick a battle with one of them there girlies!

It always ends in tears.
by TC@LeatherPenguin on November 6, 2006 12:50 PM

Sometimes, you just have to make those "soaking off" attacks in order for the Main Effort to succeed.

Of course, it sucks if you're the lead private. But it always sucks if you're the lead private.

For the jarheads, "lead" is prounounced "leed" in this case.
by John of Argghhh! on November 6, 2006 1:00 PM

Ya big bully.

You just couldn't stand looking at my pretty little derriere, could you? And I was so excited!

*pout*
by Cassandra on November 6, 2006 3:05 PM

Heh. I hadda think about that for a minnit - my mind went elsewhere before I realized you meant being ahead in the standings...
by John of Argghhh! on November 6, 2006 3:12 PM

John, there are just some crowds that are too tough. We can win in Iraq, but a Pelosi/Sheehan makeover? Can't be done.
by Cricket on November 7, 2006 8:28 AM

� Dismissed, Soldier!

by John on Nov 06, 2006
� Blue Crab Boulevard links with: This Means War
� Blue Crab Boulevard links with: This Means War
� Blue Crab Boulevard links with: This Means War
� MY Vast Right Wing Conspiracy links with: Talk your trash, we’ll take the cash
� Villainous Company links with: For All Your Interservice Snark Needs....
� Villainous Company links with: For All Your Interservice Snark Needs....
� Thoughts by Seawitch links with: Mules! Heh!
� Villainous Company links with: For All Your Interservice Snark Needs....

Wahabism Delenda Est!

If cease fires in the name of peace actually produced peace the Middle East would be the most peaceful place on earth by now.
.
Mebbe it's just Clobbering Time.
.
Just sayin'
.
"The Iraqis don't want Saddam back - they want the stability. But they want the stability without being fed into industrial chippers."
. -The Armorer, on Hugh Hewitt, 27 December 2006.

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Recent Entries
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Snerk - a new popularity contest that we're getting spanked in!
Valour-IT and Soldiers' Angels News
Project Valour-IT - thank you!
Valour-IT and Sheep-shearing???
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Project Valour-IT - Providing voice-activated laptops to wounded soldiers - 1,600 and counting! Click the graphic above for more information and to donate!

Every deployed military service member and veteran has one final, over arching mission: to come home as physically and mentally fit as possible. While we are quick to recognize that physical wounds occur in combat, we aren't always willing to look at our mental or emotional health, but it is imperative for completing the mission. By working together, we can make "coming home" a successful mission. Please review the following mission information: PTSD: Facts and Information NCPTSD Fact Sheet: The Impact of Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq Returning From a Warzone: Guide for Military Personnel for Transitioning Home Families are part of the final mission and can assist in transition by being prepared with information: Returning From a Warzone: Guide for Families on Transitioning Home Where To Get Help Crisis Intervention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)

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John, the Armorer and Master of Castle Argghhh!!!

Gunner! Flechette! Goblins on the Left! Fire!

Dusty, the Instapilot

Dispensing Depleted Uranium for Truth, Justice and the American Way!

Bill, the Rotorhead

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Welcome to Castle Argghhh!
This site is in no way affiliated with the Department of Defense, Department of the Army, the Department of the Air Force, or the National Guard Bureau and nothing said herein should be considered to have any official sanction by those (or any other) agencies. We're just retired warriors, fellas, and all opinions expressed herein are mine or Dusty's or Bill's (and the odd guest-poster like Cassandra and the Wicca Pundit) unless quoted from other sources. This site does *not* have the ~~Rumsfeld~~ Gates Seal of Approval and we doubt he knows (or cares) it exists! Though we *have* seen the Official Army Blog Training Brief, and we know that the *Counter-Intel* people know it exists... [Waving vigorously] "Hi fellas! How are ya?" However, we *do* know the blog is read at the White House. Because we got invited there. Kewl, huh?

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Notable Quotes
"It's not difficult to understand why somebody might pick up an AK-47 against us. Maybe we killed his father in the first Gulf War, maybe in this Gulf War, maybe he's just a dick.
~Sgt. Reginald Abram
Third Armored Cavalry Regiment in western Iraq.

Quoted in the Asia Times, Oct. 24"

Ex-Sgt Shep - a Canadian commenting on the deserters:
Time for these so-called "resisters" to go home and face the music. I don't want my tax dollars going to support these bozos who volunteered and then decided they didn't want to play by the rules they agreed to. I'd have a lot more time for them if they decided to make their stand without turning tail and without abandoning their oaths and their comrades (although I suspect their comrades are better off without them.) We'll drive 'em to the border. You guys pick them up.

President Bush on terrorists in Iraq:
"They can't whip our militaries. What they can do is get on your TV screens and stand in front of your TV cameras and cut somebody's head off, in order to try to cause us to cringe and retreat. That's their strongest weapon." . . .

Joe Honan, Castle Afghan Correspondent Sez
Two things that were going through my mind were: Uncle Joe never went through this to bring his Luger back from the ETO, and what use was it voting for Republicans all my life if I can’t just mail a gun back from a war zone? Where are we, Canada?

Carrie Sez:
" Perhaps we should have another category of conservatives besides paleocons and neocons. "Narcissocons" with the motto "We are always on our minds". If you happen to be one, you are not allowed to have or spend the older quarters because there's a MEXICAN EAGLE on the back. Oh the horror." . . .

Marc Danziger (Armed Liberal)
"As most of you know, I'm a liberal Democrat (pro-gay marriage, pro-choice, pro-progressive taxation, pro-equal rights, pro-environmental regulation, pro-public schools) who supported and supports the war in Iraq. As I tell my liberal friends, "Did I miss the part where it was progressive not to fight medieval religious fascists?"

Princess Crabby on Iraq:
" Maggie said: "If you believed an incident such as this could change your mind then you really weren't supporting OIF/OEF for the right reasons." " . . .

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