December 16, 2006
Hey! Whattaya want for Christmas?
This is a Denizen Post, so Denizens can put their answers in here, not just the comments. I think I'm going to leave it up top for a few days. Maybe even *through* to Christmas, just to give people who only check in once a week or so a chance.
Boquisucio sent this email to plant the seed:
Hello Boss,With 12 days 'til X-Mass, I wonder what the denizens out there would like for Christmas.
I for one would say: Oh Santa - for Christmas, I wanna' Sig Sauer .40 S&W
Two-Tone SP-2022 with SIGLITE® Night Sights, please-please-pleeeease!BOQ
This seems like an *excellent* idea! Come one, come all, and play! Readers and lurkers are encouraged to submit *their* wishes in the comments. You can be funny, you can serious. Just be nice. Naughty is okay, just be nice. If all ya got is Grinchy Scrooginess in you this holiday season, go take it out on someone else! To avoid the thing degenerating into argument - leave the politics at the door.
Okay. Me? I want one of these! A Vickers belt-filling machine. That would about complete the Vickers collection (not to mention just about double it's value...) Hey - I'll be happy to pay shipping!
If that's too pricey for you, this would be kewl, too.
What's on *your* list?
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What does gollum want for Xmas? He wants a lot.
10) A library of either the hard copy or saved to cd books necessary to make THE career change---you know, you have to cite stuff and can't just make chit up on a whim like Paul Krugman and the AP photo service.
9) The nice piece of sheepskin that would make people believe I know what I'm doing in new discipline (or the money to pursue it).
8) My Internet BB to spend 99% of the coming year happier and less grumpy than the last, 'ya grump.
7) Bill and Sanger to write more often. We miss you chuckleheads, and the wisdom you impart on us younglings that you don't even realize you are bestowing.
6) My committee to make up its mind whether to toss me or approve me so I can get on with my life---you heartless, soul-less wanks----or a lifetime supply of Coke so I can bash my head against a wall in perpetuity to make them happy.
5) The Wife to get passed her experimental road blocks so she can get finished on her PhD.
4) Un-insane in-laws. Not just the parents of The Wife, but the whole lot of them. They're almost all crazy.(You down with me on this one AFSis?)
3) A puppy. Happiness is a warm puppy. Schultz said so.
2) All the Boys and Girls wearing The Colors to come home in one piece, and of sound mind and spirit.
1) My buddy James to get home from Iraq in time for his daughter's second Christmas since he missed her first one. It'll take an act of Congress or someone in the Corps looking the other way for that to happen. But I'm still hoping.
ry
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H&I* Fires, 16 DEC 2006
Open post for those with something to share, updated through the day. New, complete posts come in below this one. Note: If trackbacking, please acknowledge this post in your post. That's only polite.
You're advertising here, we should get an ad at your place...
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My eldest nephew graduates from college today. WAY TO GO TIM!!!
The Master and Mistress of Argghhh! contributed to this Blogger Recipe book - and it contains the recipe for Artillery Punch (no doubts who provided *that* recipe...)
Speaking of graduations... someone else has moved along in life...
Second Lieutenant William Wales.
Prince William was commissioned as an officer in the British Army on Friday as his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, served as the reviewing officer."This is a milestone day... which will stay forever in your minds," the 80-year-old monarch, dressed in a red hat and coat, told the cadets.
"You must be courageous yet selfless, leaders yet carers, confident yet considerate. ... These are very special attributes, but those whom you will command and your country too will expect nothing less. My prayer for your success and safety will follow you wherever you happen to serve.''
I found this comment intriguing - and I hope it doesn't pan out this way:
He is now formally known as 2nd Lieutenant William Wales and will train to be a troop commander in an armoured reconnaissance unit. However, he will probably never see front line action."He'll go into a regiment for sure but he'll not go into danger... he's the heir to the throne," said McKercher.
All I can say is - if the Blues and Royals deploy, Lieutenant Wales should deploy with them. Otherwise, regardless of the effort put forth by Lieutenant Wales, it's all a sham. The Royal Family benefited when Prince Andrew went to the Falklands, I can't see how it would be any different should Prince William go to Iraq or Afghanistan. Noblesse Oblige. I hope that Dr. Brian McKercher, a history professor at Canada's Royal Military College, is wrong. 'Nuff said. H/t, CAPT H. -the Armorer
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The Weblog Awards are over. Looking at the categories I was tracking, it's interesting to see how things went. In our category, we came in 7th, continuing our slide from 4th, to 5th, now to 7th (and no longer making the cut as a milblog). Lots of votes in the category, with prominent lefty blogs showing their college student muscle!
In the Milblog category, Matt retains his deathgrip on first - but Lex did very well, coming in second. But this category only drew half the votes of the Top 250 category we were in - which reflects milblogs aren't read much by people who spend most of their time going to school...
The other two categories I was watching are interesting too. Bubblehead came in second in the 2501-3500 Ecosystem category, but with 1121 total votes, vice Matt's 1772 or Lex's 1249, and stomping our measly 662, shows a quirk in the nomination system - Bubblehead got more votes than most of the milblogs nominated, but didn't make the cut as a milblog (yes, I know, you can vote in multiple categories, so Bubblehead got votes in his category he might not have gotten in a milblog category - still. It's bemusing.
CDR Salamander made a good showing in the 3501-5000 Ecosystem scoring, coming in third, with 751 votes - again out-polling the Castle. Well done 'Phibian!
Now just what the heck am I supposed to infer from all this? Fark it. I'm just going to be me, and when it's down to me, Ry, and Googlers, I'll strike the tent. -the Armorer
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MaryAnn, the director of Soldiers' Angels operations in Germany is back in the U.S. due to her father's sudden illness. She needs prayers and best wishes, but in her update she shares a beautiful Christmas story.
And in on the subject of Christmas stories, this one is beaultiful but much more painful: Bringing Doc Home. It comes from the same reporter who brought us the heart-rending "Final Salute" (cross-posted at my place). UPDATE: Lex has the airline pilot's perspective on these journeys.
And while we're on the subject of hospitals, I recently was reminded how small a world it is when Valour-IT brought a name from the past back to my email inbox. - FbL
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16 December 1944
The Battle of the Bulge Begins.
You can read about the opening of the offensive here, from the official US Army history.
December 15, 2006
H&I* Fires, 15 DEC 2006
Open post for those with something to share, updated through the day. New, complete posts come in below this one. Note: If trackbacking, please acknowledge this post in your post. That's only polite.
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British soldiers continue to prove their individual value and skill, despite (or perhaps because of) a government and leadership class that throughout history has treated them shabbily. Which is still, on the balance, better than going the German way.
The outstanding bravery of British troops who fought some of the fiercest battles in the last 50 years was recognised with scores of medals for gallantry yesterday.Among the 134 personnel honoured was Pte Michelle Norris, 19, the first woman to receive the Military Cross, after she saved the life of a soldier while under sniper fire in Iraq.
The Parachute Regiment's 3 Bn also experienced one of its greatest days for awards after it was announced that the battalion had received a Victoria Cross, George Cross and 11 other medals for bravery.
Cpl Bryan Budd was the first posthumous recipient of the VC in 24 years after an act of "supreme courage" in which he saved the lives of his men by making a lone charge, while wounded, against a Taliban ambush.
Cpl Mark Wright became the first member of the Parachute Regiment to receive the George Cross in three decades after rescuing seven colleagues who had strayed into a minefield. He died of his wounds.
Read the rest here - H/t, CAPT H.
Follow-up on the Whatziss... Rick got it right early on, when he said 7.9x94, but he wasn't sure what kind of round, or whose it was. But he got the caliber right. Trias dropped in with his AP assertion, which was also correct. KC Steve weighed and promptly ran down a caliber rathole, and tried to have it both ways with AP or anti-aircraft. CAPT H jumped on Rick's bandwagon. I think MajMike was in the ballpark, though the Kurz confused me. Anyway - more info is available here, at Small Arms Review. You guys are getting better at this!
Then there's this - a discussion of Rules of Engagement over in Iraq - that includes soldiers in Iraq. Go visit Herschel Smith at The Captain's Journal for more. -the Armorer
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Through CAPT H via Damian Penny of Daimnation, we find that MacLean's (the TIME of Canada) has designated the Canadian Soldier as the "Newsmaker of the Year". -the Armorer
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Oh, did you know this place is... idiosyncratic? Really. Say's so here, where we got linked by The Oregonian. While we love the attention, -10 for spelling! H/t, Flag Gazer. -the Armorer
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You can help wounded Marines get Home for the Holidays.
The Marines have Hobbits?! Cassandra has the details. - FbL
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I figger if John can post about screwing, I can post some PANDA PRON! "it's the sounds of breeding that stimulates them", the researcher said. This new revelation, and the fact that Panda's are about the size and weight of a stick of butter when they're born just reaffirms my desire to be reincarned as a Panda in my next life. ~AFSister
Thanksgiving in the Wilderness
Heidi's Thanksgiving, 2006. Via Heidi's Mom.
Click the picture for a larger version.
Motivators.
Heh. Looks like we're gonna get we've been caught by All Things Beautiful in the Weblog Awards voting. She's been creeping up on us all week, with a strong surge last night.
Sigh. Cannon just don't sell like they used to...
It's all Bill's fault for not posting more often. Funny sells!
Secretary Rumsfeld says goodbye.
From email at work yesterday.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 14, 2006 - For these past six years, I have had the opportunity -- and, I should add, the privilege -- to serve with the greatest military the world has ever known.To all of the men and women in uniform, all across the globe, I wish it were possible for me to meet with each of you personally today so I could look you in the eyes, shake your hands and express my heartfelt gratitude for your service, and to give you some sense of what you have given me -- pride in our mission and an abiding confidence in our country and in those of you who volunteer to risk your lives to defend us all.
As I complete my second tour as secretary of defense, I leave knowing that the true strength of our military lies not in our weapons, but in the hearts of the men and women in uniform, in your patriotism, in your professionalism, and your determination to accomplish the mission.
President Abraham Lincoln once said, and I quote, "Determine that the thing can and shall be done, and then we shall find the way." That remains as true today as it did during President Lincoln's time. I have seen countless examples of this resolve when I have met with those of you serving in this long struggle against violent extremists.
I remember visiting a base near Fallujah, where Marines had been engaged in some of the most intense house-to-house fighting since World War II. It was two days before Christmas. A staff sergeant asked me why there wasn't a way he could extend his tour beyond his unit's service limit in Iraq.
And, I think back to a young man I met at Bethesda naval hospital. He was in the very early stages of his recovery from multiple wounds suffered in Iraq. He looked up at me with a tube in his nose, and he said with force: "If only the American people will give us the time we need, we can do it. We are getting it done."
And a soldier I met in Afghanistan not long ago who said, "I really can't believe we're allowed to do something this important." Well, I feel the same way. I can't believe I have had the chance to be involved in something so important to the safety of the American people and the future of our country.
What you are accomplishing is not simply important -- it is historic.
When the cause of human freedom required men and women to stand on the front lines in its defense, you stepped forward to liberate more than 50 million citizens in Afghanistan and Iraq.
You captured or killed tens of thousands of extremists -- taking the fight to where they live, rather than waiting for the extremists to attack us again where our families live; and you helped alleviate the conditions that foster extremism in places like the Horn of Africa, the Philippines and elsewhere so that your children and grandchildren will not have to face the challenges that we face today.
This month has two important anniversaries -- the free elections of the Iraqi national assembly and the seating of the very first democratically elected president in Afghanistan's long history. We all remember the images of Iraqis proudly raising their purple fingers in the air after voting in their first free elections and the images of the Afghan girls singing with joy as their new president took the oath of office. Those were historic chapters in the saga of human freedom, and you made them possible.
The long struggle we are in is complex; it's unfamiliar; and it's still little understood, leading some to believe that there is no need to go on.
The enemy is counting on us to falter and to fail. You are the ones who live the successes and who endure the setbacks of this struggle, who find your daily missions a personal test of will. And you are the ones who, above all, know that the cause of freedom is well worth the price.
In 10 or 20 years, when you are talking to your children or to your grandchildren, you will look back on your service and at what you have accomplished with a great sense of pride. You will know that you were part of a truly proud history. Indeed, you were the makers of that proud history and an inspiration to the generations that followed.
It has been the highest honor of my life to serve with you -- the men and women of the U.S. armed forces. You define the American spirit. You have helped millions triumph over tyranny, during this time of great consequence.
You have my eternal respect, and you will remain in my thoughts and prayers always. May God bless you and your families, and may God continue to bless our wonderful country.
Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense
Here's hoping you live long enough, Mr. Secretary, to see how it all turns out.
December 14, 2006
H&I* Fires, 14 DEC 2006
Open post for those with something to share, updated through the day. New, complete posts come in below this one. Note: If trackbacking, please acknowledge this post in your post. That's only polite.
You're advertising here, we should get an ad at your place...
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CAPT H sent along this lament: "I wanna screw like the old days..."
The same judge who ruled for Hamdan, just ruled against Hamdan. ArmyLawyer has more. Al-Jazeera's take. -the Armorer
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Happy Anniversary! When is the guy going to take the Long Drop? -the Armorer
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Today is the last day to vote for the 2006 Weblog Awards. Your favorite Milblogs appear in the following categories. It's your last chance to vote for them!
Best Military Blog
Best Indivdiual Blog: Blue Star Chronicles
Best New Blog: Blue Crab Boulevard and Jules Crittenden
Best of the top 250 blogs: The armorer suggests voting Stop the ACLU
Best of the top 251 to 500 blogs: There are a bunch of milblogs in this category
Best of the Top 1001-1750 Blogs: Soldiers' Angel Holly Aho and Mudoc Online:
Best of the top 1751-2500 blogs: From My Position and Parkway Rest Stop
- FbL
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Well, I figured it wouldn't be "man"... but bats!!?!? Oh, that's just not fair! Perhaps genetic altering isn't such a bad idea after all. ~WereKitten
I find this photo fascinating.
Anybody guess what I find so interesting in this photo?
To take away those first thoughts amongst the grognards - no, not the markings.
Specialist McGinnis update.
From my correspondent in the 1st Cav.
John,MOH recommendation moved up today for Division Commander’s signature. We had some bad weather in Taji, but the packet was eventually specially flown from his unit’s FOB. FYI his battalion is assigned to 2/1 ID, one of our 7 BCTs, but was task organized to 2nd Brigade, 2nd ID, another of our 7 BCTs, so a lot of units will get the privilege of honoring his heroism.
First Team.
C
As I alluded to in my post and Matthew Maynard points out in full - there are 141 precedents. And, as Matt has pointed out - the kid was a lion.
Motivators - Attitude!
A positive outlook is important.
Suitable for framing, here.
So, a little attitude! Go Vote!. The lefties are winning this category in a walk... though MVRWC and Stop the ACLU are giving 'em a run for the money. The Castle isn't going to catch anyone. So, go vote for Stop the ACLU, and maybe the Right can score second place... I'm throwing my votes to Lex for Best Military Blog - if only to keep Matt's head under control.
MOTHER, SON AND BROTHER-IN-LAW JOINING KANSAS NATIONAL GUARD TOGETHER
News of the Kansas Guard.
Serving one’s state and nation runs in Bill Knitig’s family. Knitig is a former Marine and member of the Kansas National Guard, retiring from Detachment 1, 170th Maintenance Company in Goodland in 2000. Picking up his mantle of service are three members of his family: his daughter, Patricia Langley; her son, Jack Mayfield and Knitig’s son-in-law, Damon Rickard, who made the decision to enlist in the Kansas National Guard together. The three are from Grainfield, east of Colby.All three will begin the process to become members of the Kansas National Guard on Friday, Dec. 15 at the Military Entrance Processing Station in Kansas City, Mo., 10316 NW Prairie View Road.
For Langley, the decision to join the Guard came because “It was time for a change in my life, plus I wanted to do something to serve my country.”
“I kind of toyed with the idea of joining back in 1990,” said Langley, but her life’s circumstances weren’t right for her at that time. “My daughter was just a year old, then. I did go to vo-tech at that time.”
Langley, who just turned 39, said that the education benefits offered by the Guard played a part in her decision to join, in addition to the extra income and the chance to learn a new skill. Langley will be joining the 170th Maintenance Company in Goodland. She said she’d like to go into vehicle maintenance.
“I thought about maybe learning refrigeration,” she said, “but now I think I’d like to go into electrical generator repair.”
Langley said she’s received a lot of support from family and friends regarding the decision to join. She hopes to make the Guard a new career. “I’d like to retire with it,” said Langley.
Good on 'em.
December 13, 2006
H&I* Fires, 13 DEC 2006
Open post for those with something to share, updated through the day. New, complete posts come in below this one. Note: If trackbacking, please acknowledge this post in your post. That's only polite.
You're advertising here, we should get an ad at your place...
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Two steps forward and one step back seems to be the fate of the F-35. Yesterday Canada signs on. Today Britain tosses a hissy fit over it and threatens to not buy.
ry
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Snerk. Speaking of throwing hissyfits - Ry does a pretty good one himself over at Alan's place, and gets a pat on the back for doing it. Too much potty mouth for *this* space, though. No wonder Ry gets all wordy over here, he's compensating for the PG-17c!
Jules *likes* the Holocaust Conference in Iran. If only because, by their words and their deeds shall you know them. He also notes the death of an AP photographer (and other journalists) who actually did their job, rather than flacked their politics.
Oops. The recruiters and their recruits Just Don't Get The Message! How is Mr. Rangel going to get his draft if people keep joining voluntarily? -the Armorer
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Heh.
Ney lawyers urge letter-writing By Jim Snyder Lawyers for Bob Ney last week urged his friends to write letters of support in advance of the former Ohio Republican representative’s sentencing on corruption charges in January.The attorneys hope to show the judge that the actions that led Ney to plead guilty to corruption charges in October were an aberration in a professional career otherwise dedicated to public service. Ney was a member of the House at the time of his guilty plea, but later resigned his seat.
“Letters of support are a very important part of the sentencing process, and, we hope, will give Judge Huvelle a clear picture of the kind of person Bob is, the contributions he has made, and the support that he continues to enjoy from his friends and others in the community,” wrote Ney attorneys Mark Tuohey and David Hawkins of Vinson & Elkins in a Dec. 6 letter obtained by The Hill.
Here's mine: Dear Judge Huvelle: A crooked and corrupt politician is a crooked and corrupt politician, who does much more damage to "trust and confidence" than is simply wrapped up in the dollar amounts of the graft. Please keep that in mind as you send him to the slammer for the maximum amount of time allowable, and hit him with the maximum restitution requirement. Let him *earn* his way back to polite society by his behavior in prison and performance in paying his debts. Anything else, for his ilk, comes off as a partial victory.
We shouldn't allow those who seek power to duck the responsibility for it's abuse, no matter how nice they are.
Cheers,
John of Argghhh!
BTW - the same thing applies to General Officers. Just sayin'.
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Today's Must-read: War Weary. Lex on "The Long War" with his usual...oh, I give up describing it. Just go and read it. It's good. - FbL
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I forgot: Vote for Us. The lefties are winning this category in a walk... though MVRWC and Stop the ACLU are giving 'em a run for the money. Oh, piffle. We can't catch anyone. Go vote for Stop the ACLU, and maybe the Right can score second place... Oh, and I'm throwing my votes to Lex for Best Military Blog - if only to keep Matt's head under control. -the Armorer
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