Armed Forces Day

Today is Armed Forces Day. Most Americans do not even realize that Armed Forces Day is a legitimate holiday! More and more I find a great apathy for our county among it's citizens and the 'me' generation. It is disappointing. This country was created on unity and a strong belief for a country that is based on freedom. Especially in the world today, freedom must be guarded by those who will keep vigil, the men and women in the military who swear their oath to serve and protect the Constitution and the nation.

So here's a history lesson for those that are interested.


Armed Forces Day was established to be celebrated on the third Saturday in May. It started during Harry Truman’s administration when he led an effort to consolidate the various holidays supporting each separate branch of the military into a simple unified holiday to honor the four branches together. The actual initiation of this day occurred on August 31, 1949.


In 1950, the new Department of Defense explained that Armed Forces Day was intended to help the people better understand the function and role of the military in American society, but the essential intent was to enable public recognition and appreciation of the military, and to provide a means for the public to thank men and women in uniform for their service to their country. Ironically, in June of 1950, the American military would be mustered for action as North Korean Communists attacked South Korea.

I've said it a lot...when you see someone wearing a uniform, or something that signifies they're a Veteran, or you find out through a conversation...please thank them for their service.

Sergeant Major Patrick Corcoran

Here'a a picture of one of my newest hero's Pat Corcoran. He helped me out with an amazing interview for an article I'm writing for the Civil Society Partnership Program of the Eurasia Foundation.

The least we can do is offer our genuine gratitude toward the men an women who put their lives on the line, despite politics...it's their job.

                     

Happy Mother's Day

Being Mare Contrare I generally think of things backward. For instance, I feel that Mother's should give their children gifts on Mother's Day because the child made the Mother and that on birthdays the child should give the Mom gifts because after all, the Mom grew the child in her belly for nine months and then gave birth.

Either way, Mother's Day is a joyous occasion celebrating the birth of a child and the Mom...unless the child you gave life to gave their life for our country. Then today is a day of remembrance. Remembrance of what was and what could have been.

Here is a list of the casualties in Afghanistan for the month of May, 2013 alone. May our thoughts and prayers be with their Mothers today. I urge you to click on the link associated with the photograph. These warriors will not be forgotten...especially by their Mothers.

  Army Spc. Kevin Cardoza


  Marine Staff Sgt. Eric D. Christian


  Army 1st Lt. Brandon J. Landrum


  Army Spc. Thomas P. Murach


  Army Staff Sgt. Francis G. Phillips IV

  Army Spc. Brandon J. Prescott


  Marine Cpl. David M. Sonka

Afghanistan update:

Acting Deputy Spokesperson, Patrick Ventrell for Secretary of State meet with press yesterday and spoke about Karzi's statement regarding a request from the U.S. for nine bases after 2014.

According to President Obama, the U.S. does not seek permanent military bases in Afghanistan. We envision that the bilateral security agreement will address access to and use of Afghan facilities by U.S. forces. The bilateral security agreement is still being negotiated. 

In 2014 Afghanistan will be under a full Afghan lead. The U.S. is working through and negotiating the civilian and development assistance.

V (Victory) Corps Being Deactivated

As part of ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) Joint Command Headquarters in Afghanistan, V Corps out of Wiesbaden, Germany has served as the "framework nation" for the operational command. Working alongside NATO and Afghan partners since 2009, V Corps has contributed to the stability and security to Afghanistan.

Although V Corps has maintained its presence in Germany since 1051, the DOD (Department Of Defense) made the decision to inactivate theV Corps headquarters in Wiesbaden, Germany, the summer of 2013.

Upon it's return for Afghanistan, the V Corps will case its colors indefinitely. Once redeployed, the approximately 750 Soldiers of the V Corps will move on to other assignments around the globe.

GIRoA (the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan) has assumed the lead for the majority of security operation in their country.

Soldiers of V Corps march out of the Wiesbaden Army Airfield fitness center following a casing of the colors ceremony for the corps on Thursday. The corps is headed for an Afghanistan deployment and is leaving Germany for good after more than 60 years.

MICHAEL ABRAMS/STARS AND STRIPES

Boston Bombers - Kyrgyzstan

How do the Boston bombers relate to Afghanistan you ask...

The brothers Tsamaeva (Tsarnaev) were born in Kyrgyzstan. Anyone who's fought in Afghanistan with the US military knows that Manas is the transit center. We (you and me US taxpayers) built the International Airport, near Bishkek and it's runway to the tune of 8 billion dollars and lease what we built annually for $60 million. While we have poured money into Kyrgyztan to make these amazing improvements and helped to improve the local medical facilities and loaned physicians to help set up clinics, our time allotment was temporary. It seems our lease is just about up and will not be extended after its expiration in July 2014. This is a few months before the completion of the drawdown!

Interesting that Kyrgyzstan has become a cell for Islamic extremism. However the rebel movement, specifically Vilyat Dagestan, denies any links to the deadly bombing. The mujahideen from the Caucasus are not at war with the US but Russia for their heinous crimes against Muslims. They seem to think the Russian Special Services have some connection to the bombings.

Could these two young men be part of a plot thicker than any Hollywood thriller masterpiece.

I am still at a loss for why someone plants a bomb and then runs. While I don't like to use my blog to make personal judgement, I cannot help but wonder. If you're going to commit a terrorist attack step forward and take responsibility! COWARDS.