Pfc. David Boucher

U.S. Army Pfc. David Boucher from Lawrence, Mass., and a member of Alpha Company, 3rd Platoon, 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, provides overwatch, Sept. 24, Chak District, Wardak province, Afghanistan.
(U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Donald Watkins)

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I do not know this soldier.
I've never heard his name before.
What I do know, is that he is now serving in Afghanistan.
What I do know, is that he needs our prayers for protection.

Almighty God please protect Pfc. Boucher and every single soldier serving our nation.
Each of our warriors have a name and a face. They have families who are missing them and love them so. We remain prayer warriors for our soldiers...

Wednesday Hero 09/29/2010

This Weeks Post Was Suggested By Lt. Schneider

Cpl. Brian Downard


Brian Downard was 23 years old, a father, a country music fan, and a corporal of Marines. He joined the Marine Corps in July of 2005, and would do two deployments to two different scenic locales. The first was to Iraq, where he served from November of ’06 to April of the following year. While in Iraq, Brian suffered a concussion from an IED strike while patrolling. Undeterred, Brian stayed in the Marines and deployed to Burma in 2008 when Marines and sailors with the Essex Amphibious Readiness Group provided humanitarian assistance operations to aid the cyclone-stricken country. He would eventually leave the service just last July, after four honorable years of service.

One month after separation, he discovered that he had testicular cancer, and a very aggressive strain at that. The cancer spread quickly to his muscles and fatty tissues, and Brian suffered so greatly with the pain that they put him on morphine. He was released from the VA to enjoy his last days with the love from his mom and his 7-year-old son Jesse.

You can read the rest of Cpl. Downard's story here.

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.


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Thank you Christopher Lee, for your constant dedication to our heroes!

AirmanMom is NOT Happy!

My Uncle John was on this Ship...
Please take a few moments and read the entire story HERE.

May Almighty God continue to Bless these brave Sailors and may God bring comfort to their families...

As for the thieves............

Talking Tuesday

This morning I read an article on Stars & Stripes website...a soldier is being held in the slaying of 2 soldiers in Fallujah. Please read the entire article HERE.

What is going on??????

Your turn......................

Gold Star Mother's Sunday-September 26, 2010

Gold Star Mothers Sunday -- September 26, 2010

With loving thoughts and heart felt prayers for our Gold Star Mothers, our country stops to honor and remember sacrifices made, hearts broken, lives given. The last Sunday in the month of September is set aside in our nation to pay tribute to the brave and loving mothers of our country's fallen military heroes.

May we pray together today for hope to fill each Gold Star Mother's heart, comfort to fill her days, and peace to fill her soul. May she rest in knowing that the pride she has for her hero shines out to others through her life.

Remembering our Gold Star Mothers on their day of honor,
With Prayers and Love,

Rev. Lin McGee
National Chaplain
Blue Star Mothers of America

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I received this e-mail today and had to share.
Please take a moment and lift a silent prayer for Gold Star Mothers. Moms who have buried their child; a fallen warrior.
We must never forget those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedoms.
We must never forget the Mothers who gave life to these heroes, who loved these soldiers and who walk this earth with a broken heart.

Reach Out to a Gold Star Family

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors is an outstanding resource for grieving families. Please pass this link along to friends and family of a fallen Soldier.

Unsung Hero

(Please pause playlist on right sidebar)

Vietnam War airman is posthumously awarded Medal of Honor

WASHINGTON – More than four decades after he saved three airmen but lost his life, Chief Master Sgt. Richard L. Etchberger was awarded the Medal of Honor in a ceremony at the White House on Tuesday.

“Even though it has been 42 years, it’s never too late to do the right thing, and it’s never too late to pay tribute to our Vietnam veterans and their families,” President Barack Obama said.

In March 1968, Etchberger was one of 19 airmen on a secret mission in Laos calling in airstrikes on the Ho Chi Minh trail when the North Vietnamese overran their base, trapping Etchberger and other airmen on the ledge of a steep cliff.

“As a technician, he had no formal combat training,” Obama said. “In fact, he had only recently been issued a rifle, but Dick Etchberger was the very definition of an NCO — a leader determined to take care of his men.”

Etchberger fought off the enemy and later loaded wounded men into a helicopter. When the fighting was over, only seven airmen survived, three of whom owed their lives to Etchberger.

One of those airmen was John Daniel. He and Etchberger were with three other airmen perched on the ledge of the cliff that dropped off about 3,000 feet.

The enemy was firing and dropping grenades on them from above.

As the shooting progressed, Daniel was hit twice in the legs and two airmen were killed. Another was hit, lost consciousness and was presumed dead. At one point, Daniel used the body of a fallen comrade to absorb a grenade blast.

AdvertisementFrom a hole nearby, Etchberger told Daniel to call in airstrikes on their position.

“We told them to keep all their ordnance on top of the hill, anything that moved was theirs. Nobody alive but me and Dick,” Daniel said. “Come to find out we were wrong, but at the time we didn’t know it.”

Shortly after daybreak, a helicopter from CIA-operated “Air America” saw the airmen on the side of the cliff. Etchberger broke cover and ran to Daniel to fit him into a sling that allowed him to be pulled into the helicopter.

“‘Thank you, Dick, thank you. God bless,’” Daniel told him.

It was the last time Daniel talked to him.

By this time, the last airman in their group had regained consciousness and Etchberger loaded him into the sling. Etchberger was ready to go up next when an airman from another group came running over. The two men locked arms and were pulled up together.

As the helicopter pulled away, an enemy soldier below unloaded his AK-47 into the aircraft’s belly. Etchberger was hit and bled to death before the helicopter landed.

Daniel blacked out from the pain during the flight, so he didn’t know Etchberger was dead until he was transferred to an airplane

“It was terrible,” Daniel said. “I said, ‘Hell, he hasn’t been injured, he hasn’t been shot. How is he dead?’ [Someone] said, ‘One round got him after you lifted off.’”

Daniel has no doubt he would have been killed if Etchberger had not gotten him on the helicopter. The enemy would have just shot him rather than have to take care of a wounded prisoner.

When asked how he feels that Etchberger is now receiving the Medal of Honor, Daniel’s voice drops. His friendly drawl becomes a growl.

“Forty-two-plus years too goddamn late,” Daniel said bluntly. “It should have happened 42 years-plus ago, and he should have gotten a damn 55-gallon drum full of them if he wanted them.”

By Jeff Schogol
Stars and Stripes
Published: September 21, 2010

Happy, Heavy Heart

Happy Birthday to me!

I wore an easy smile all day yesterday...my co-workers sang Happy Birthday to me, and there were two cakes! One a cupcake-cake, the other a La Leche from the Chicago Bakery. Rube was off work yesterday, yet drove to the bakery and brought it into work. The GM of our shop showed up for the party, along with a former worker! I even had a visit at work, from a cutie-pie college girl who works with us during the summer! When I got home last night, Hubster and I shared a piece of cake then took off to run a few errands...we ended the evening with a Guiseppe's Pizza! (not too bad for Maryland Pizza) Truly, I woke this morning with a happy heart, ready to enjoy my birthday! Hubster and I are going to take a drive along Skyline Drive in the Blue Ridge Mountains, stopping for a hike here and there! It's a picture-perfect Autumn day, so it should be lots of fun!

...and then I turned on the news.

Nine die when their helicopter crashes

Kabul, Afghanistan (CNN) -- Nine American service members died in a helicopter crash Tuesday in southern Afghanistan, where an international coalition has stepped up efforts against the Taliban, according to a Western defense source.

The source spoke on condition of anonymity when revealing the nationalities of the nine, who've added to the grim toll for Operation Enduring Freedom.

According to a CNN tally last updated Monday, 517 coalition troops had been killed in Afghanistan this year, including 341 Americans.

Even without the inclusion of the latest numbers, the figures make 2010 the deadliest year for Operation Enduring Freedom since it began nine years ago.

The International Security Assistance Force, as the coalition is known, did not release the nationalities of Tuesday's crash victims.

Two other service members, along with an Afghan National Army soldier and an American civilian, sustained injuries in the crash. They were taken to a NATO medical facility.

ISAF has ruled out enemy involvement in the crash, said Jan Rasuli, spokesman for Zabul Province's governor, Mohammad Jan Rasuli.

Earlier, the force had said that there were no reports of enemy fire in the area.

ISAF was formed under a U.N. mandate to bolster a secure environment and support the reconstruction of Afghanistan.

NATO took command in 2003.

The force comprises about troops from more than 40 countries, according to the organization.

U.S. President Barack Obama ordered the deployment of 30,000 extra U.S. forces to Afghanistan this year, increasing the total American troop commitment to almost 100,000, while at least 25 other countries pledged an additional 7,000 troops.

Unpopularity with the war in Afghanistan reached an all-time high in CNN polling in August, with 62 percent saying they oppose it. Moreover, confidence in the Afghan government is low. Seven in 10 Americans are not confident that Hamid Karzai's government can handle the situation there.

The Obama administration says it will begin withdrawing troops from Afghanistan in August 2011, depending on conditions on the ground.

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May Almighty God Bless these brave Soldiers. May Almighty God comfort the families, who have aching hearts. May Almighty God protect each and every Airman, Soldier, Sailor and Marine.

A Good Read...

Every once in a while, I happen upon a new blog which captures my attention. Please take a few moments and visit RedBullSixBravo. A young soldier, with a wife, an almost 4-year old little guy and a brand new baby! This 24 year old soldier is from Iowa, serving in the National Guard, and preparing for deployment to Afghanistan.

Please drop by to offer a few words of encouragement to him and his family.

Tight...

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (Sept. 11, 2010) The U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, perform a low-level pass in tight formation at the Airpower Over the Midwest air show during St. Louis Navy Week. St. Louis Navy Week, which runs from Sept. 2 through Sept. 12, is one of 19 Navy Weeks planned across America in 2010. Navy Weeks show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence. (U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Susan Hammond)

Happy Birthday, United States Air Force

According to the National Security Act of 1947 (61 Stat. 502), which created the USAF:


In general the United States Air Force shall include aviation forces both combat and service not otherwise assigned. It shall be organized, trained, and equipped primarily for prompt and sustained offensive and defensive air operations. The Air Force shall be responsible for the preparation of the air forces necessary for the effective prosecution of war except as otherwise assigned and, in accordance with integrated joint mobilization plans, for the expansion of the peacetime components of the Air Force to meet the needs of war.


Sixty-Three Years ago, our United States Air Force became a separate military service. Prior to 1947, the responsibility for military aviation was shared between the Army (for land-based operations), the Navy (for sea-based operations from aircraft carriers and amphibious aircraft), and the Marine Corps (for close air support of infantry operations).


Our nation will remain a force to be dealt with, because of our Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marines. The men and women who serve our country are be far the strongest and the bravest. We owe our freedoms to those who served yesterday, who serve today and who will serve tomorrow.

Happy Birthday, United States Air Force!

His Star Has Turned From Blue to Gold

Soldier from Hampton dies in insurgent bomb blast


Tony Wilson knew Todd W. Weaver for about five years.

Weaver and his wife, Emma, would dine about twice a week at the Green Leafe Cafe in Williamsburg, where Wilson is the general manager. The couple would order a few appetizers, eat, laugh and enjoy each other's company, Wilson remembered Friday.

"They'd spend an hour there, then off they would go. Where ver he was, Emma was."

Now, all friends and family have of Weaver are the memories. Weaver, a first lieutenant in the Army and a native of Hampton, died Thursday in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds he suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.

Weaver, 26, was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Ky. He leaves behind a wife and daughter.

Weaver graduated from Bruton High School in York County and attended the College of William and Mary, where he was a cadet in ROTC. He joined the Army National Guard, then served a 10-month deployment in Iraq in 2004, according to a news article on the college's website.

In 2008, Weaver received his bachelor's degree in government and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. He was commissioned into the U.S. Army through William and Mary's ROTC program.

"Todd was an exceptional person," William and Mary spokesman Brian Whitson said in a statement. "While a student, he was a star as a cadet in the ROTC and very well-known by many on campus."

Friends said that Weaver had a fun side to him - k araoke, for example. "It was good," Tony Wilson said. "We got him to sing and everything."

But still, Wilson said, the good times and memories don't stop the pain of losing a friend whom he described as focused, outstanding and fair-minded.

"I think he had the most incredibly pure spirit. He was the embodiment of truth, courage and leadership."

By Jennifer Jiggetts
The Virginian-Pilot

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May Almighty God Bless this brave Warrior and may God comfort his family.

Happy 1st Birthday, Belle

"That you may understand how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love really is. May you experience it, though it is so great you will never fully understand it." (Ephesians 3:18-19)

Sweet Belle, our littlest of girls...
your smile, your wonder, your trusting heart...
you have blessed our lives so richly, in this first year of your life.

Love you so....

Wednesday Hero 09/15/2010

Pvt. Daren A. Smith
19 years old from Helena, Montana
3rd Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry)
December 13, 2007


Pvt. Daren A. Smith was born in Butte, Montana and lived there until he reached middle school, when he moved to Helena. He graduated from Helena High School in 2006 and completed a semester at the University of Montana-Helena College of Technology. He joined the United States Army in March of 2007 and was deployed to Iraq on November of that year.

Pvt. Daren A. Smith died on December 13, 2007 of non-combat related injuries. His funeral was held on a cold 20-degree Winter's day but that didn't stop hundreds of mourners from his hometown lining the streets to honor him.

"He was the kind of guy who would do anything for you," said a friend of Pvt. Smith. "He was just a great guy."

All Information Was Found On And Copied From MilitaryCity.com

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Talking Tuesday

As I reflect on this past weekend, once again revisiting the horrific events nine years ago on the 11th of September...I thought of a few years ago when Hubster and I were in New York City. We visited 'Ground Zero'. I remember standing there on that dreary November day, feeling as though I was standing near Hallowed Ground. Every time I visit The Wall (Vietnam Memorial) I have the same feeling. Ground which must be walked upon gently, with silence and reverence. Ground which some may consider just another parcel of land, yet others get chills just by stepping foot on it. Years ago, when Hubster and I visited Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery...I walked with a lump in my throat and a heavy heart. And then there is the Cemetery where my Dad is resting...it's been five years, yet when I visit my Dad the tears still roll.

One of my favorite hymns is titled "We Are Standing on Holy Ground"
We are standing on holy ground
For I know that there are angels all around

What do you consider to be Hallowed Ground?

Your turn............

A Young Marine's Deployment...again

In November, 2008 I shared the news of a young marine deploying to Afghanistan (you can read my postHERE). Zach and my son, John have been friends since they were little guys. They both were Cub Scouts and remained friends through High School. These two young men went their separate ways during the summer of 2007...Zach enlisted in the United States Marines and John enlisted in the United States Air Force.

Zach has once again deployed. Please join me as a Prayer Warrior, praying for Zach's protection. If you are interested in mailing a letter of encouragement or a box of goodies...please e-mail me for Zach's address. Above all...let's keep Zach along with each and every Airman, Soldier, Sailor and Marine in our constant prayers.

Silent Killer...

More focus needed to end suicides, Mullens say

9/10/2010 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- A silent killer is rapidly infiltrating the military, claiming lives at an alarming rate each year.

It does not discriminate, taking aim at the young and old, male and female -- from the battle-hardened Soldier to the new recruit.

"It's an area that can't get enough focus right now," said Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. "When we're losing as many lives as we are, it is a crisis we have to continue to address."

In an interview with the Pentagon Channel and American Forces Press Service, Admiral Mullen and his wife, Deborah, talked about what it will take to stop servicemembers and families from taking their own lives.

"It's a very difficult, vexing, complex problem, and one that leadership has to spend an awful lot of time on to try to figure out," Admiral Mullen said. "It's one that in the country is not well understood; therefore, (it's) one in the military that isn't understood."

While top leaders are struggling to find answers, military suicides have reached a critical point, the Admiral said.

Last year, suicide claimed 309 servicemembers, and in 2008, 267 servicemembers committed suicide, according to a Defense Department task force.

From 2005 to 2009, more than 1,100 servicemembers took their own lives, an average of one suicide every 36 hours, the task force said.

Some reports attribute the spike to multiple deployments and long family separations.

The majority of suicides do take place among servicemembers who have deployed, Admiral Mullen said.

Still, a considerable number occur among those who haven't deployed, he added.

Complicating the issue is a delay in symptoms for those who have served in combat, Admiral Mullen said. In many cases, post-traumatic stress symptoms don't reveal themselves until months or years later, and a servicemember may be discharged by that time and back in a civilian community without the same level of support.

The military needs to find ways to track those servicemembers so they receive the support they need, he said.

"A significant amount of work needs to be done on the prevention aspect of (suicide) so we don't get to the point where men and women would consider doing this," he said.

Leaders also must gain an understanding of the problem's scope, including the signs, symptoms and vulnerable population, he said.

"More than anything else, I think, military leaders have to lead," Admiral Mullen said.

Many leaders have had challenges themselves, he noted, and the way they address those challenges, seeking help when needed, can set the example for others.

Military members also must work to end the stigma that's preventing people from seeking help early on, including family members afraid to raise a red flag, Admiral Mullen said.

Spouses often are the first to notice a problem, but are fearful of the career repercussions for their servicemember if they speak up, Mrs. Mullen said.

"We know that servicemembers tell their spouses not to mention any sort of symptoms the servicemember might be experiencing, for fear that, as one spouse said, 'that will mean the end of their career,'" she said. "That stigma is so ingrained and embedded in not just the military, but in our country, and breaking through that is going to be key ... to solving this problem."

This internal barrier to seeking help can have a far-ranging effect, also causing spouses to stop short of seeking much-needed help for themselves, Mrs. Mullen said.

Spouses, she said, may be suffering from stress, anxiety, frustration and anger, but are afraid of the fallout from asking for care.

When family members have the courage to ask for help, the military must step up care, Mrs. Mullen said.

She said she spoke with a military spouse with suicidal thoughts who sought help from a military physician. She was given medication, but not a follow up.

If someone is brave enough to come forward, the military must offer ongoing support, including mental-health follow-ups, she said.

Mrs. Mullen called for training within families to help them recognize issues in their servicemember and in themselves, and to know what to do about them without fear of repercussion.

Fortunately, families have more avenues of help now than ever before, including ones that offer anonymity, she said.

People who are uncomfortable speaking with someone at a military clinic can instead receive 12 free counseling appointments through Military OneSource or contact Tricare for online counseling at home. Other resources include the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255), the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors at 800-959-TAPS (8277) or a military family life consultant.

Support is particularly vital after a suicide, when a family is at its most vulnerable, Mrs. Mullen said, stressing the importance of what she calls "post-vention," or after care.

"It's important to make sure that the people at risk after the suicide are reached and that they have the opportunity to express privately maybe their own concerns, their own thoughts," she said. "I think if we provide for them the appropriate post-vention care, that we will restore the hope for those families that this may not occur in their family again."

The Mullens both stressed the importance of hope, both in prevention efforts and in the aftermath of a tragedy.

A suicide, they said, means all hope was lost.

"(There's) help out there that would allow an individual to move through this," the chairman said. "Keep the hope, as difficult as that may seem in these circumstances."

"No matter how hard, how long, no matter what it takes, however many people need to get involved in this, this is something that the military is going to pursue and try to eliminate totally," Mrs. Mullen added.

To watch this interview with Admiral and Mrs. Mullen, tune in to the Pentagon Channel's "This Week in the Pentagon" Sept. 10 and Sept. 17. The interview will run as part of the channel's special, "Restoring Hope: Stories of Survival."

by Elaine Wilson
American Forces Press Service

September 11th

We must never forget...

Happy Birthday, S-I-L

There is nothing in this world a mother desires more for her daughter, than to marry her Prince Charming. My daughter has truly found her Prince and our family is so blessed to call him one of our own. I could have searched the world over, and not have chosen a better man for my daughter!(because that is what we moms want to do)

On this day, I wish this extraordinary man, a Happy Birthday. May this new year of his life be filled with all that he gives to so many...love, smiles, and warmth.

Thirty-Six Things I Love About You...

1. How deeply, truly, unconditionally you love my daughter.
2. Precious
3. Bright-Eyed Beauty
4. Belle
5. A strong, Christian husband and father.
6. Orioles Fan
7. Enjoys Led Zeppelin music
8. Has an addicting smile
9. Brilliant
10. Works hard to provide for his family
11. Accepts our family
12. Offers me a glass of water, when I am almost completely dehydrated
13. Is an excellent listener
14. Willing to learn how to do any and all handyman chores
15. A loving son to his mom
16. Outstanding role model for the children in his Church
17. Witty
18. Has learned how to cook
19. Can play ParachuteMan like the best (Pa)
20. Patient
21. Has only kind words for others
22. Plays with a Bright Pink Etch-A-Sketch and doesn't mind a photo taken of him doing so
23. Owns a nice collection of MatchBox cars
24. Gentle
25. Outstanding Sports Editor
26. Has no worries about showing his 'goofy' side
27. My daughter's Rock
28. Will play Candyland for hours
29. Warms a room, just by entering
30. Has a book deal-yay!
31. Faithful to the Lord, his wife and his daughters
32. Optimist
33. Comforts my daughter, when she needs it
34. Has a brain packed full of baseball knowledge
35. Is willing to defend that band called the Beatles, knowing his M-I-L believes the Rolling Stones are the finest of all bands-EVER! (this debate will go on for ever)
36. He calls me Momma

Just Another Thursday...

US army soldiers with the 101st Airborne Division Alpha Battery 1-320th leave on a patrol from Combat Outpost Nolen in the village of Jellawar in The Arghandab Valley on September 5, 2010. The war in Afghanistan is nearing the end of its ninth year, with international troops at almost full strength of 150,000, from the United States and NATO.
-militaryphotos.net

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May Almighty God Bless and Protect every Airman, Soldier, Sailor and Marine.

Wednesday Hero 09/08/2010

This Weeks Post Was Suggested By Mike

Pvt. Barney F. Hajiro
93 years old from Waipahu, Hawaii
442nd Regimental Combat Team


On September 16 Mr. Hajiro will turn 94 years old. His family immigrated from Japan during WWI and he had to drop out of school and work to help support his family. After Pearl Harbor was attacked he was drafted in the United States Army. In March 1943, he volunteered to join the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, composed of Nisei (second-generation Japanese Americans) like himself. He was shipped to Europe in 1944 first to Italy then to France where, over ten days in October, Pvt. Hajiro repeatedly distinguished himself in battle by exposing himself to enemy fire while assisting an allied attack. On October 29, 1944 Pvt. Hajiro single-handedly destroyed two German machine gun emplacements before being shot in the shoulder and wrist partially paralyzing his left arm. For his actions he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. In 1948 he was awarded the Military Medal by the British government, in 2000 was was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Bill Clinton and in 2004 he was awarded the Légion d'honneur by France. Barney F. Hajiro is the oldest living Medal Of Honor recipient.

From his Medal Of Honor Citation:

For The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private Barney F. Hajiro, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 19, 22, and 29 October 1944, in the vicinity of Bruyeres and Biffontaine, eastern France. Private Hajiro, while acting as a sentry on top of an embankment on 19 October 1944, in the vicinity of Bruyeres, France, rendered assistance to allied troops attacking a house 200 yards away by exposing himself to enemy fire and directing fire at an enemy strong point. He assisted the unit on his right by firing his automatic rifle and killing or wounding two enemy snipers. On 22 October 1944, he and one comrade took up an outpost security position about 50 yards to the right front of their platoon, concealed themselves, and ambushed an 18-man, heavily armed, enemy patrol, killing two, wounding one, and taking the remainder as prisoners. On 29 October 1944, in a wooded area in the vicinity of Biffontaine, France, Private Hajiro initiated an attack up the slope of a hill referred to as "Suicide Hill" by running forward approximately 100 yards under fire. He then advanced ahead of his comrades about ten yards, drawing fire and spotting camouflaged machine gun nests. He fearlessly met fire with fire and single-handedly destroyed two machine gun nests and killed two enemy snipers. As a result of Private Hajiro's heroic actions, the attack was successful. Private Hajiro's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon him, his unit, and the United States Army.

All Information Was Found On And Copied From MilitaryCity.com

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

National Suicide Prevention Week

September 5th through the 11th marks the 36th Annual National Suicide Prevention Week. You can read more about it HERE.

Our nation is facing desperate times, which simply are not healing. Between the unemployment rates, the housing situation (except the fact interest rates are down!), disgruntled employees taking offices hostage... stress, stress, stress-piled on by sadness and frustration. A stick of dynamite with a short fuse!

And then of course... our Soldiers. Coming home with mangled bodies and minds. Dear God in Heaven...

I'm only AirmanMom with small hands and a small voice. I urge each of you to take an hour this week, to contact a Soldier. Reach out to a family member who appears to be fighting demons. Smile gently to the person standing in line at the grocery store. Say 'Thank You' to the waitress who serves you a meal. Leave cookies in your mailbox for the Postman. Shake the hand of a man or woman wearing our Military Uniform.

We don't know how deeply someone may be hurting and you may make a difference in their lives with a small touch of kindness. Everybody Hurts Sometimes.

Wednesday Hero 09/01/2010 (4 Year Anniversary)

Thank you Kathi. For the fourth year now you've been kind enough to put together this look back at the past year of posts for us. xoxoxox

Wednesday Hero - 2009/2010

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.


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My warmest thanks to Christopher Lee for his outstanding efforts to make certain our Heroes are never forgotten. Every single Fallen Warrior has a face, a name, a family. We must never forget... we are the land of the free, because of our bravest!