May 31, 2007
The First Of The Sixth
Well, it will soon be June 1st. As always, please visit Podcast Alley and give this podcast a vote. I am eternally in your debt.
May 30, 2007
90 And Humid And All That Comes With It
There's a great scene at the end of the book 'Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?' in which Eddie Ryan, our protaganist, is driving down the highway in his air-conditioned sled when he spies a old, beat up car in the slow lane with all the windows rolled down. As he passes the junker, he sees four teenagers inside, having a blast on a hot summer day. For a minute, Eddie Ryan is jealous, for his youth is now far away.
I rolled down the windows of my car and turned off the air conditioning as I drove home today. I do this a lot now, especially when it's as hot and humid as it was today. It reminds me of a time when things were sharper for me. I can't really explain what that sharpness looks or feels like, but you've felt it: the feeling that anything can happen because life hasn't put you on a path yet.
The hot air takes me back more than a decade, to my time in Texas in the mid-1990's. The GMC cube van had an air conditioner, but it only worked sporadically. Most of the time, I was privileged to experience the hair dryer air of northeast Texas in all its 110 degree glory. The days were long, but there was much to do: deliver, deliver, deliver. The Dallas-Fort Worth area is something like 10,000 square miles in area, so much driving was required. And it was crazy driving, not the stuff your local FedEx or UPS driver does every day. No, this was seat-of-your-pants, hurry-your-ass-up-because-you-still-have-to-go-to-Lancaster-and-McKinney driving. The truck was overloaded every day by about 150%, so the idea was to get as much crap offloaded as soon as possible so your life became a little easier.
I was broke, had no stable love life (or any that bears mentioning here) and was constantly on edge. Every weekend meant the club and all the sortedness that live inside it. Every night, every phone call, every pager buzz held the promise of something unexpected. When you get together with friends, chances are that no one is going to end up a) in a trunk b) pulling a gun on someone or c) in Mexico. While things like this did not happen every weekend, they were never off the table. When you hear the President say that "all options are on the table", you know he's talking about nuclear weapons. Our sweaty little fingers were always hovering over the button while the battleshort switch was engaged. It was a helluva way to live.
I don't want to go back there. I am married to the person I was meant to love for the rest of my life. I have a nice house, a great job and stability. My friends from those days are married and have children. I would not trade this present for that past. But when the warm air hits my face, the memories come flooding back. My Texas family and I laugh about it now but, God, on days like this I do miss it so.
May 28, 2007
May 27, 2007
Always Remember
My friend Hash always posts the famous poem "In Flanders Field" on his blog over the Memorial Day weekend. Put simply, it does a better job of describing the loss and drive of war than any poem ever written. Since imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, I now post "In Flanders Field" here. Remember.
In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army
IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
May 25, 2007
May 24, 2007
Honoring The Fallen
Army Pfc. Jonathan V. Hamm, 20, of Baltimore; assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.; died May 17 in Baghdad, of wounds sustained when his forward operating base received indirect enemy fire.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Jesse B. Albrecht, 31, of Hager City, Wis.; assigned to the 725th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska; died May 17 in Iskandariya, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Also killed were Pfc. Victor M. Fontanilla and Spc. Coty J. Phelps.
Army Pfc. Victor M. Fontanilla, 23, of Stockton, Calif.; assigned to the 725th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska; died May 17 in Iskandariya, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Also killed were Sgt. 1st Class Jesse B. Albrecht and Spc. Coty J. Phelps.
Army Spc. Coty J. Phelps, 20, of Kingman, Ariz.; assigned to the 725th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska; died May 17 in Iskandariya, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Also killed were Pfc. Victor M. Fontanilla and Sgt. 1st Class Jesse B. Albrecht.
Army Sgt. Steven M. Packer, 23, of Clovis, Calif.; assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.; died May 17 in Rushdi Mullah, Iraq, of wounds sustained when his dismounted patrol encountered an improvised explosive device.
Army Pfc. Aaron D. Gautier, 19, of Hampton, Va.; assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.; died May 17 in Baghdad of wounds sustained when his mounted patrol came in contact with enemy forces using small-arms fire and an improvised explosive device.
Army Spc. Joshua G. Romero, 19, of Crowley, Texas; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; died May 18 in Tahrir, Iraq, of wounds sustained when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using an improvised explosive device. Also killed were Sgt. Anselmo Martinez III and Spc. Casey W. Nash.
Army Sgt. Anselmo Martinez III, 26, of Robstown, Texas; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; died May 18 in Tahrir, Iraq, of wounds sustained when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using an improvised explosive device. Also killed were Spc. Casey W. Nash and Spc. Joshua G. Romero.
Army Spc. Casey W. Nash, 22, of Baltimore; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; died May 18 in Tahrir, Iraq, of wounds sustained when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using an improvised explosive device. Also killed were Sgt. Anselmo Martinez III and Spc. Joshua G. Romero.
Army Spc. Marquis J. McCants, 23, of San Antonio; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.; died May 18 in Baghdad of wounds sustained when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using an improvised explosive device and small-arms fire. Also killed was Sgt 1st Class Scott J. Brown.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Scott J. Brown, 33, of Windsor, Colo.; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.; died May 18 in Baghdad of wounds sustained when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using an improvised explosive device and small-arms fire. Also killed was Spc. Marquis J. McCants.
Army Sgt. Ryan J. Baum, 27, of Aurora, Colo.; assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska; died May 18 in Karmah, Iraq, of wounds sustained when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small-arms fire.
Army Sgt. Justin D. Wisniewski, 22, of Standish, Mich.; assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.; died May 19 in Lutfiyah, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit.
Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Moore, 28, of Alpaugh, Calif.; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; died May 19 in Baghdad of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Also killed were Sgt. Jean P. Medlin, Spc. David W. Behrle, Spc. Joseph A. Gilmore, Pfc. Travis F. Haslip and Pfc. Alexander R. Varela.
Army Sgt. Jean P. Medlin, 27, of Pelham, Ala.; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; died May 19 in Baghdad of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Also killed were Staff Sgt. Christopher Moore, Spc. David W. Behrle, Spc. Joseph A. Gilmore, Pfc. Travis F. Haslip and Pfc. Alexander R. Varela.
Army Spc. David W. Behrle, 20, of Tipton, Iowa; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; died May 19 in Baghdad of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Also killed were Staff Sgt. Christopher Moore, Sgt. Jean P. Medlin, Spc. Joseph A. Gilmore, Pfc. Travis F. Haslip and Pfc. Alexander R. Varela.
Army Spc. Joseph A. Gilmore, 26, of Webster, Fla.; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; died May 19 in Baghdad of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Also killed were Staff Sgt. Christopher Moore, Sgt. Jean P. Medlin, Spc. David W. Behrle, Pfc. Travis F. Haslip and Pfc. Alexander R. Varela.
Army Pfc. Travis F. Haslip, 20, of Ooltewah, Tenn.; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; died May 19 in Baghdad of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Also killed were Staff Sgt. Christopher Moore, Sgt. Jean P. Medlin, Spc. David W. Behrle, Spc. Joseph A. Gilmore and Pfc. Alexander R. Varela.
Army Pfc. Alexander R. Varela, 19, of Fernley, Nev.; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; died May 19 in Baghdad of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Also killed were Staff Sgt. Christopher Moore, Sgt. Jean P. Medlin, Spc. David W. Behrle, Spc. Joseph A. Gilmore and Pfc. Travis F. Haslip.
Army Sgt. Jason A. Schumann, 23, of Hawley, Minn.; assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Polk, La.; died May 19 in Diwaniyah, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.
Army Cpl. Ryan D. Collins, 20, of Vernon, Texas; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska; died May 19, in Hamiyah, Iraq, of wounds sustained when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small-arms fire.
Army Staff Sgt. Shannon V. Weaver, 28, Urich, Mo.; assigned to the 425th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska; died May 21 in Baghdad of wounds sustained when multiple improvised explosive devices detonated near their vehicle. Also killed were Sgt. Brian D. Ardron and Spc. Michael W. Davis.
Army Sgt. Brian D. Ardron, 32, of Acworth, Ga.; assigned to the 425th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska; died May 21 in Baghdad of wounds sustained when multiple improvised explosive devices detonated near their vehicle. Also killed were Staff Sgt. Shannon V. Weaver and Spc. Michael W. Davis.
Army Spc. Michael W. Davis, 22, of San Marcos, Texas; assigned to the 425th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska; died May 21 in Baghdad of wounds sustained when multiple improvised explosive devices detonated near their vehicle. Also killed were Staff Sgt. Shannon V. Weaver and Sgt. Brian D. Ardron.
Marine Lance Cpl. Benjamin D. Desilets, 21, of Elmwood, Ill.; assigned to 3rd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died May 22 while conducting combat operations in the Anbar province. Also killed was Cpl. Julian M. Woodall.
Marine Cpl. Julian M. Woodall, 21, of Tallahassee, Fla.; assigned to 3rd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died May 22 while conducting combat operations in the Anbar province. Also killed was Lance Cpl. Benjamin D. Desilets.
Army Sgt. Robert J. Montgomery Jr., 29, of Scottsburg, Ind.; assigned to the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska; died May 22 in Jabour, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit.
Army Pvt. Oscar Sauceda Jr., 21, of Del Rio, Texas; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.; died May 22 in Baghdad of wounds sustained when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small-arms fire.
I always look at the hometowns; some I know, some I don't. Scottsburg, IN is about 20 miles north of here.
May 23, 2007
The Jobs Paradox
I like Steve Jobs. I like him because I don't work for him. From a distance, however, he's the angry genius who belittles employees and suffers fools not at all. Had he not returned to the company in 1997, Apple would probably be a memory. While I know that there are some hip design firms working for the folks in Cupertino, I firmly believe that there is a bit of Steve in every product Apple makes. For example, I read a story in 'Wired' magazine about the birth of the iPod. Jobs was unhappy with the maximum volume of the device because he is hard of hearing. In short, your iPod's maximum volume was tailored to compensate for one man's hearing loss.
As much as I admire The Steve, I think he needs to stick to tech and animation and steer clear of making Presidential recommendations. That's right: not only does Algore sit on Apple's board, but Jobs thinks he'd make a great President. Doctor Ozone, who has made a career out of global warming, has not announced his candidacy. Will he run? I say yes.
I believe Algore sees himself as the Christ figure of the Democrat party. He has sacrificed himself on the altar of greenhouse gases, high-emission SUVs and rising sea levels so that you and I will not have to move to another planet. Now, before the eyes of world, he is going to rise from political death.
The Democratic race for the nomination is going to be bloody, but it will essentially come down to only two people: Senators Clinton and Obama. Both of them have spent and are going to spend enormous amounts of money trying to discredit each other. Keep in mind that this is the first Presidential election in over 50 years that there is no incumbent or Vice President in the pool. Strange things can happen, and they most assuredly will.
Here's my call: right before the first state primaries (let's say January, 2008), Algore will give a speech somewhere saying that he is hurt, deeply hurt I tell you, about the divisions he sees in his party. Thus, his conscience is forcing him to run for President. He will not have to spend as much money for commercials, ads, etc, as his opponents because of his late entry. Or, he might wait until AFTER the primaries to announce. After all, the nomination does not have to be a guaranteed thing by the time of the convention in Summer, 2008. While we haven't had a convention fight in either party for a long time, delegate defections are not illegal.
If I'm right, next year is going to be the most interesting political year this nation has experienced in a long, long time.
May 21, 2007
May 20, 2007
The Worst Kind Of Phony
This guy deserves a worse punishment than he will receive. Who would have the nerve to make such a claim?
Billy Beer, Anyone?
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - Former President Carter says President Bush's administration is "the worst in history" in international relations, taking aim at the White House's policy of pre-emptive war and its Middle East diplomacy.
I'm still recovering from shock. Does it surprise me that President Carter would make statements such as the ones he did? No; after all, he's been spouting off like somebody's crazy uncle for almost 25 years now. What I find shocking is that Jimmy Carter would characterize Bush 43 as the worst President in history in terms of foreign affairs. Did he include himself in that analysis?
Let's take a look at President Carter's one term in office. In 1979, the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan. Carter's response? Boycott the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow. Wow...I bet Stalin shuddered in his grave.
Also in 1979, the communist Sandinistas grabbed power in Nicarauga. Carter's response? There wasn't one.
And, finally, in 1979 as well, 52 Americans were taken hostage by Iran. Carter's response? A rescue mission that ended in disaster, despite the fact that senior officers in the Pentagon were ready to pull off a much larger offensive operation that would have had a much greater chance of success.
President Carter did not believe in the idea of containment with regard to the Soviet Union, a policy that had been in effect since the Berlin Airlift 30 years before. As a result, the Soviets made gains in Asia, Central and South America and Africa. The only thing that stopped this advance was the election of Ronald Reagan.
I can promise you that leftist historians are now busy re-imagining the Carter presidency. Thankfully, there are millions of Americans who remember well what an embarrassment Jimm Carter was.
Some things never change.
May 19, 2007
Honoring The Fallen
Army Sgt. Thomas G. Wright, 38, of Holly, Mich., died May 14 en route to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Landstuhl, Germany, from a non-combat-related illness while serving at Balad, Iraq. Wright was assigned to the 46th Military Police Company, 210th Military Police Battalion, Kingsford, Mich.
Army Sgt. Allen J. Dunckley, 25, of Yardley, Pa.; assigned to 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.; killed May 14 in Salman Pak, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using an improvised explosive device and small-arms fire. Also killed was Army Sgt. Christopher N. Gonzalez.
Army Sgt. Christopher N. Gonzalez, 25, of Winslow, Ariz.; assigned to 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.; killed May 14 in Salman Pak, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using an improvised explosive device and small-arms fire. Also killed was Army Sgt. Allen J. Dunckley.
Army Staff Sgt. Joshua R. Whitaker, 23, of Long Beach, Calif.; assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.; died May 15 in Qalat, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered from enemy small-arms fire.
The Value Of All That You Are
I listened to an interview with Rabbi Shmuley Boteach earlier today on NPR. You may have heard of Rabbi Boteach through his show "Shalom in the Home" on TLC. I've never watched (or even heard of) the show, so this was my first experience with the Rabbi. I liked him instantly, for the same reason I respect so many traditional Jews: even though it sounds stereotypical, they have their shit together. Prove me wrong.
One point that Rabbi Boteach made struck me as something that I had written about here a few years ago. He was discussing teens and sex and how so many teenagers have sex before they even know anything about themselves. He said an Oxford University study found that more than 85% of teenaged girls 14-18 who are sexually active did not really enjoy the act and only did it because of pressure from a boyfriend or because their friends were doing it. As Abraham Lincoln said, "We are all born God's originals, but most of us die as copies of man."
I think back now on my years in high school and how much hurt was floating around. Every guy knew every girl that was having sex and while I assume all of the guys wished they could hook up with one of them, none of us respected them. Books have been written about the Madonna/whore complex, so I won't delve into it here except to say that I'm sure those hurts continue to shape our adult thinking on relationships.
I think about all the people with whom Kelli and I attended school. Many of them are divorced, and I'm sure dozens more are in loveless marriages. Kelli and I were not married until we were in our late 20's, and it was probably the best thing we ever did. We grew out of that game-playing phase so many people go through in their college years and we both knew what we didn't want in a relationship. Unfortunately, some people never grow out of that phase, and so marriage becomes something that is a compromise, not a fulfillment. When they are apart from their spouse for whatever reason, they tend to "explode", as if freedom is normally denied them. I believe this explains our cultural phenomenon of the guys weekend or the girls' night out. When my wife and I have free time (which isn't very often these days), we like to spend it together. I am at my best with her and I enjoy her company. Would I have married her if I considered her a burden?
I believe that most people are missing the point when they make sweeping moral arguments about gay marriage. Instead of worrying about who can or should be allowed to marry whom, why don't we spend more time working on the institution itself, starting with teaching our children to value themselves? I witness first-hand so many parents to whom their children (or, more often, their one child) are a necessary accessory, something that they need to complete their lives along with owning a house in a certain neighborhood and belonging to this country club and having these types of friends. I believe this creates a society without love in the end, a world in where sex is a sport among youth that is not so easily abandoned with the onset of adulthood. Thus the divorce rate.
May 16, 2007
Calling The End
WASHINGTON (AP) - Anti-war Democrats in the Senate failed in an attempt to cut off funds for the Iraq war on Wednesday, a lopsided bipartisan vote that masked growing impatience within both political parties over President Bush's handling of the four-year conflict.
You have to love the opening paragraph above. A lopsided vote "masked growing impatience"? Is that biased reporting, or am I missing something? Oh, nevermind; that's not what I'm here to talk about.
The Democrats have finally come out and done something honest by trying to "end the war" by cutting funding. At last, anyone who is willing to look can see that their concern is not centered on those fighting the war, but with gaining and holding political power. They are not concerned with the real implications of their cuts, and why should they be? Once the last American leaves Iraq, the media will no longer care what happens. How many American or British reporters will stay in Baghdad once the Green Zone is turned back over to the Iraqis?
Making our armed forces leave Iraq will not end the war there. First, the "war" is not just in Iraq---it's in Afganistan and a dozen other places that never get mentioned on the evening news and CNNMSNBCFOX. The war can be anywhere, and cutting funding in Iraq will not change that. The threat that terrorists pose to this country will not abate.
Is anyone on the Left foolish enough to believe that an American exit from Iraq will bring an end to the fighting? Did it bring an end to the fighting in Vietnam? The Party of Reid, Pelosi and Kennedy is fond of comparing the fighting in Iraq to the war in Vietnam. How apt: after the US pulled out of Vietnam in 1973 and the South Vietnamese government fell two years later, over a million people were either killed or sent to "re-education" (concentration) camps where they died of malnutrition and/or abuse. What a noble end that was.
As I've said before, it does not now matter why we went to Iraq. We are there and the nature of the mission has changed. If this nation is forced to pull out next year, Iraq will quickly dissolve into chaos. Over time, the nation will become either a feudal state run by a despot or a radical theocracy. Once again, we will see the fighting end in the best traditions of American liberalism: cut and run, and damn what we leave behind.
Another noble victory for "progressives".
Honoring The Fallen
Army Pvt. Anthony J. Sausto, 22, of Lake Havasu City, Ariz.; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.; died May 10 in Baghdad of wounds suffered from enemy small-arms fire.
Army Pfc. William A. Farrar Jr., 20, of Redlands, Calif.; assigned to the 127th Military Police Company, 709th Military Police Battalion, 18th Military Police Brigade, Darmstadt, Germany; died May 11 in Al Iskandariyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.
Marine Maj. Douglas A. Zembiec, 34, of Albuquerque, N.M.; assigned to Headquarters Battalion, Marine Corps National Capital Region, Henderson Hall, Arlington, Va.; died May 11 while conducting combat operations in Baghdad.
Army Sgt. 1st Class James D. Connell Jr., 40, of Lake City, Tenn.; assigned to the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.; died May 12 in Al Taqa, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his patrol was attacked by enemy forces using automatic fire and explosives. Also killed were Pfc. Daniel W. Courneya and Pfc. Christopher E. Murphy.
Army Pfc. Daniel W. Courneya, 19, of Nashville, Mich.; assigned to the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.; died May 12 in Al Taqa, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his patrol was attacked by enemy forces using automatic fire and explosives. Also killed were Sgt. 1st Class James D. Connell Jr. and Pfc. Christopher E. Murphy.
Army Pfc. Christopher E. Murphy, 21, of Lynchburg, Va.; assigned to the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.; died May 12 in Al Taqa, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his patrol was attacked by enemy forces using automatic fire and explosives. Also killed were Sgt. 1st Class James D. Connell Jr. and Pfc. Daniel W. Courneya.
Army Spc. Rhys W. Klasno, 20, of Riverside, Calif.; assigned to the 1114th Transportation Company, California National Guard, Bakersfield, Calif.; died May 13 in Haditha, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.
Army 1st Lt. Andrew J. Bacevich, 27, of Walpole, Mass.; assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; died May 13 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit during combat patrol operations in Salah Ad Din Province, Iraq.
Air Force Staff Sgt. John T. Self, 29, of Pontotoc, Miss.; assigned to the 314th Security Forces Squadron, Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark.; died May 14 as result of enemy action near Baghdad.
Army Pfc. Nicholas S. Hartge, 20, of Rome City, Ind.; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany; died May 14 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using grenades and an improvised explosive device.
May 15, 2007
May 14, 2007
Honoring The Fallen
Army Staff Sgt. Virgil C. Martinez, 33, of West Valley, Utah; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany; died May 6 in Kadhimiyah, Iraq, of wounds sustained when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using an improvised explosive device and small-arms fire in Baghdad.
Army Spc. Robert J. Dixon, 27, of Minneapolis; assigned to the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.; died May 6 in Baghdad of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.
Army Sgt. Sameer A.M. Rateb, 22, of Absecon, N.J.; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.; died May 6 at Forward Operating Base Summerall in Bayji, Iraq, from injuries sustained froma non-combat-related incident. His death is under investigation.
Army Staff Sgt. Vincenzo Romeo, 23, of Lodi, N.J.; assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.; died May 6 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations. Also killed were Sgt. Jason R. Harkins, Sgt. Joel W. Lewis, Cpl. Matthew L. Alexander, Cpl. Anthony M. Bradshaw and Cpl. Michael A. Pursel.
Army Sgt. Joel W. Lewis, 28, of Sandia Park, N.M.; assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.; died May 6 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations. Also killed were Staff Sgt. Vincenzo Romeo, Sgt. Jason R. Harkins, Cpl. Matthew L. Alexander, Cpl. Anthony M. Bradshaw and Cpl. Michael A. Pursel.
Army Sgt. Jason R. Harkins, 25, of Clarkesville, Ga.; assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.; died May 6 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations. Also killed were Staff Sgt. Vincenzo Romeo, Sgt. Joel W. Lewis, Cpl. Matthew L. Alexander, Cpl. Anthony M. Bradshaw and Cpl. Michael A. Pursel.
Army Cpl. Matthew L. Alexander, 21, of Gretna, Neb.; assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.; died May 6 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations. Also killed were Staff Sgt. Vincenzo Romeo, Sgt. Jason R. Harkins, Sgt. Joel W. Lewis, Cpl. Anthony M. Bradshaw and Cpl. Michael A. Pursel.
Army Cpl. Anthony M. Bradshaw, 21, of San Antonio; assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.; died May 6 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations. Also killed were Staff Sgt. Vincenzo Romeo, Sgt. Jason R. Harkins, Sgt. Joel W. Lewis, Cpl. Matthew L. Alexander and Cpl. Michael A. Pursel.
Army Cpl. Michael A. Pursel, 19, of Clinton, Utah; assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.; died May 6 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations. Also killed were Staff Sgt. Vincenzo Romeo, Sgt. Jason R. Harkins, Sgt. Joel W. Lewis, Cpl. Matthew L. Alexander and Cpl. Anthony M. Bradshaw.
Army Sgt. Timothy P. Padgett, 28, of Defuniak Springs, Fla.; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.; died May 8 in Tarin Kwot, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when his unit was attacked by enemy forces during combat patrol operations.
Army Spc. Dan H. Nguyen, 24, of Sugar Land, Texas; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; died May 8 in Tahrir, Iraq, when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small-arms fire.
Army Sgt. Blake C. Stephens, 25, of Pocatello, Idaho; assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.; died May 8 in Salman Pak, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Also killed was Spc. Kyle A. Little.
Army Spc. Kyle A. Little, 20, of West Boylston, Mass.; assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.; died May 8 in Salman Pak, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Also killed was Sgt. Blake C. Stephens.
Army Sgt. Maj. Bradly D. Conner, 41, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group, Fort Lewis, Wash.; died May 9 near Al-Hillah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improved explosive device detonated near his vehicle.
Marine Lance Cpl. Walter K. O’Haire, 20, of Lynn, Mass.; assigned to 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died May 9 from wounds sustained while conducting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq.
Army Spc. Michael K. Frank, 36, of Great Falls, Mont.; assigned to the 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.; died May 10 of injuries sustained in Baghdad, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee during combat operations.
Army Sgt. Jason W. Vaughn, 29, of Iuka, Miss.; assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.; died May 10 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.
Army Pfc. Roy L. Jones III, 21, of Houston; assigned to the 984th Military Police Company, 759th Military Police Battalion, Fort Carson, Colo.; died May 10 in Diwaniyah, Iraq, of wounds sustained from small-arms fire.
May 13, 2007
How Now Mao?
It says something about a nation when its government officially reveres a long-dead, genocidal, womanizing despot. But, hey, there's market opportunities in them there Chinese cities...so close your eyes, hold your nose and dive on in!
May 08, 2007
Soccergirl's Abortion
I rarely mention abortion here because it is a very divisive issue in American society. There are other issues that divide us----Iraq, gun control, immigration---but nothing seems to evoke the same emotional response as abortion.
So when I heard about the latest episode of Soccergirl's podcast, I was less than enthusiastic about listening to it. Until today, I had never listened to a full episode of her show. Some clarification before I go any further: Soccergirl is signed with Podshow, the same company with whom I signed back in February. The difference is that her show is very popular and I don't post topless photos of myself on my website (I wouldn't want to scare anyone). But sex sells, she's willing to be "expressive" and life goes on. It didn't take long for podcasting to appeal to our most base instincts. We get the media we deserve.
You should go listen to this episode of her show, if for no other reason than to see how one woman justifies her abortion. It is not enough, it would seem, to simply have the procedure (or in this case, take the pills) and then move on; the abortion must be cast as a sort of victory against those who would take away that "right" and replace it with something sinister, like a sense of responsibility for one's actions. Abortion is a sacrament of womenhood, a sort of "F*&^ You" writ large in the sky and aimed squarely at The Man. To outlaw abortion would be to take women back to the days when they were all sex slaves and unpaid laborers.
I received an e-mail today telling me that my friend, Christy, and her husband are now the proud parents of a set of twins. What a juxtaposition this is: the new, happy mother and the sad woman who must make sure that everything she does is OK. Christy's e-mail made me think of November, 2005 and the birth of our twin nephews, Nathan and Noah. They were very premature and incredibly small. I had never seen premature babies before and the sight of them was shocking. There were those tiny feet and those little hands and two heaving chests fighting to carry on. They were so helpless, so innocent.
Millions of Nathans and Noahs are aborted every year. They are killed in the name of convenience, most of them---their mothers simply couldn't be bothered to carry a baby to term and then give it up for adoption. Yes, it's hard and yes, it's heartbreaking to give up a child you have carried for 40 weeks and yes, I'm a man and I don't know. But I do know this: every woman I know who has had an abortion and has told me about it regrets it. She may not say it, but there is always something that shows me the pain is till there, even if it's flippancy. I could write a book about flippancy and women, but I digress.
Some of you will think I am too judgmental; you are entitled to your opinion. I do not hate Soccergirl because of her actions. Instead, I pity her. Even though she doesn't know it yet, her life will never be the same. And she will never admit it, instead probably preferring to throw out the fact that she has had an abortion as if it were an act of bravery.
Honoring The Fallen
Army Staff Sgt. Christopher S. Kiernan
37, of Virginia Beach, Va.; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; died May 6 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire during combat patrol operations.
Army Pfc. Larry I. Guyton
22, of Brenham, Texas; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; died May 5 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations May 4 in Baghdad.
Marine Cpl. Charles O. Palmer II
36, of Manteca, Calif.; assigned to 8th Communication Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, II MEF, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died May 5 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
Marine Master Sgt. Kenneth N. Mack
42, of Fort Worth, Texas; assigned to II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, II MEF, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died May 5 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
Army Staff Sgt. Christopher N. Hamlin
24, of London, Ky.; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; died May 4 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations.
Army Pfc. Jerome J. Potter
24, of Tacoma, Wash.; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; died May 3 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.
May 07, 2007
Preview?
As I write this, socialists and other ne'er-do-wells are rioting in France over the election of Nicolas Sarkozy to the Presidency. It is interesting to note that those who are most anti-war in France are the first to riot when things don't go their way at the ballot box.
Laugh at me if you must, but remember that I said this: if a Republican wins in 2008, we will see similar violence here. Liberals and their ignorant camp followers believe that they are owed the White House; by their way of thinking, a loss will be indicative of foul play. Wait and see.
May 06, 2007
"You Can Count On France As A Friend"
I never thought I would type the above words. That line was part of Nicolas Sarkozy's victory speech today after he won the national election for the Presidency of France. Turnout was over 85%, would should make Americans think. Sarkozy is a conservative, even by our standards, which while not a stunning change in French politics, at least means that socialism lost some ground.
Understand that Sarkozy is not in love with US foreign policy. He opposes the war in Iraq and he will have a battle on his hands every time he makes a pro-American remark. Furthermore, I do not believe this election result means that France has become a conservative nation. Part of Sarkozy's charm is perhaps the fact that he faced such an unqualified opponent. Segolene Royal was supposedly an early favorite to win the race, but her Dean-like qualities and divisions in her own party pulled her down. Is there a silent majority in France who love their nationalism? We'll see.
The true test for Sarkozy will be how he responds to Iran. If he joins the US and UK in maintaining a hard line, then he will indeed be a true friend. If he stands with the Russians, whose interests in the area are at odds with our own, then we will see that nothing has changed in Paris. But for today, let us be happy that maybe a glimmer of the France our grandparents knew still survives.
Honoring The Fallen
I have not dropped the ball on updating the biographies of those who have died in service to this country during this war. However, my source for these biographies has not updated for May yet. As soon as this occurs, I will continue the list. Thanks to those of you who have sent kind words; it means the world to me.
May 04, 2007
May 03, 2007
Top 10 Reasons Why It Doesn't Pay To Be The Computer Guy
I found this list on Digg (the original site was suspended, I guess due to bandwidth restrictions). I completely identify with #10 and #2:
Reason #10 - Most Of Your Accomplishments Are Invisible
The computer guy never hears anyone tell him, “I just want to let you know … everything is working fine!”
The reality is that people call the computer guy when something is wrong.
As a computer guy, if you work really hard to make everything work the way that it should, and things work fine, then people believe you don’t do anything. Everything you manage to get working correctly or do perfectly will forever remain unnoticed by computer users. They’ll only ever notice that you do anything when something isn’t working correctly, and you are called upon to fix it.
Reason #9 - Every Conversation You Have Is Roughly The Same
When the computer guy dares to mention what he does for a living, the typical response is, “I have a question about my home computer…”
Or when the computer guy first hears about a widespread problem within the computer network he’s responsible for, he can barely begin to assess the problem before a dozen other people call to report the same problem.
Or when the computer guy explains a certain process on a computer to a user who is incapable of retaining the process, he will inevitably need to reinstruct the user of this same process — indefinitely.
Reason #8 - You’re An Expert Of Bleeding-Edge Technology Products, Aren’t You?
The computer guy often finds himself in situations where someone is asking him for advice on a pending investment of the technological variety.
“I heard about (some hardware or software product) that can do (something desirable) for me. I brought you these (advertisements/reviews/printouts) because I wanted your recommendation. Which would you buy?”
Although the inquiring person sincerely trusts the computer guy’s judgment over their own, in almost every instance the real objective of these meetings is to ensure their own immunity from making a risky purchase.
If it turns out to be a bad investment, and they cannot get (the hardware or software product) to do (anything desirable), then you will be their personal scapegoat — “But honey, the computer guy said I should buy it!”
Reason #7 - Your Talents Are Forcibly Undervalued
Thanks to the constantly declining price of new computers, the computer guy cannot charge labor sums without a dispute. If he asks to be paid what he is worth, he will likely be met with the “why not buy new?” argument.
That is, desktop computers are always getting smaller, faster, and cheaper. It’s possible to purchase a new desktop computer for under $400. If the computer guy spends five hours fixing a computer and wants $100/hour for his time, his customer will be outraged, exclaiming “I didn’t even spend this much to BUY the computer, why should I pay this much just to FIX it?”
Reason #6 - You’re Never Allowed A Moment’s Peace
The computer guy is so prone to interruption that he rarely finds an opportunity to work on his own problems. This is because:
1. Computers never sleep.
2. Computer problems aren’t scheduled.
3. Every problem takes time to diagnose.
4. The computer guy can only give one problem his full attention.
5. Each user believes their problem deserves attention now.
Consequently, the computer guy has a 24/7 obligation to keep critical computer systems running, while simultaneously juggling everyone’s problems. He’ll often need to forfeit any opportunities to tend to his own needs for the sake of others — because at any moment, of any day, he can be interrupted by someone who wants to make their problem his problem.
Reason #5 - People Ask You To Perform Miracles
The computer guy is often mistaken for someone who possesses the combined skills of an old priest and a young priest. I’ll sum this up easily by example:
“No, I really can’t recover any files from your thumb drive, even if you did find it after it passed through your dog.”
Reason #4 - Your Assumed “All-Knowing” Status Sets You Up To Let People Down
There is no common understanding that there are smaller divisions within the computer industry, and that the computer guy cannot be an expert in all areas. What makes things worse, is when the computer guy attempts to explain this to someone asking for help, the person will often believe that the computer guy is withholding the desired knowledge to avoid having to help.
This is somewhat related to the next reason:
Reason #3 - You Possess Unlimited Responsibility
The computer guy is expected to solve problems. It is difficult to determine the boundaries of that expectation.
Some of the oddest things that I’ve been asked to do include:
1. Use pirated software to undelete important company files.
2. Create an Intranet, after explaining I didn’t know how to.
3. Teach someone how to hide their pornography collection.
Solving problems can range from replacing batteries in a wireless keyboard to investigating why the entire building loses power at the same time every morning. Resolutions can necessitate weaving a 50-foot cable through a drop ceiling, or wriggling under a house on your belly to add an electrical outlet.
Reasons #4 and #3 boil down to this: no matter how often you want to play the role of a hero, there will always be circumstances that test the limits of your ability to be one. It’s difficult to judge when helping someone means doing something immoral, and it’s even harder to admit you are unable to solve someone’s problem — and chances are, that someone will view you as incompetent because you were unable to help them.
Reason #2 - A Life Of Alienation
People only talk to the computer guy when they need him to fix something. Also, when the computer guy approaches a user, they’ll hop up out of their chair under the presumption that he’s there to fix something — as if it would never be expected that he only wants to strike up a conversation.
The fact that the computer guy never gets a moment’s peace can also practically force him to withdraw into solitude. His co-workers don’t understand that he doesn’t want to hear about their computer problems during his lunch hour — he does that every other hour of the day. That’s why the computer guy eats lunch alone with his door closed, or goes out to eat every day — not because he’s unfriendly, but because he needs to escape the incessant interruptions.
Reason #1 - You Have No Identity
It’s an awful experience when the computer guy shows up at a neighbor’s doorstep with a plate of Christmas cookies, only to have the child who answered the door call out, “Mom, the computer guy is here!” He begs for an identity that is not directly associated with computers, but “the computer guy” label walks ahead of him — it simply cannot be avoided. I was given a name and I’d love to be addressed by it.
May 01, 2007
Marine Lance Cpl. Adam E. Loggins
27, of Athens, Ala.; assigned to 3rd Battalion, 6th Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died April 26 from wounds sustained while conducting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq.
Marine Cpl. Christopher Degiovine
25, of Lone Tree, Colo.; assigned to 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died April 26 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq.
Marine Sgt. Peter Woodall
25, of Sarasota, Fla.; assigned to 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died April 27 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq.
Army Pfc. Nicholas E. Riehl
21, of Shiocton, Wis.; assigned to the 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.; died April 27 in Fallujah, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit during combat patrol.
Army Staff Sgt. Michael D. Thomas
34, of Seffner, Fla.; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.; died April 27 in Herat province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms fire.
Army Spc. Daniel F. Mehringer
20, of Morgantown, W.Va.; assigned to Division Special Troops Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.; died April 27 in Bagram, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained in a non-combat-related incident. His death is under investigation.
Marine Sgt. William J. Callahan
28, of South Easton, Mass.; assigned to 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died April 27 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq.
Army Pfc. David A. Kirkpatrick
20, of Upland, Ind.; assigned to the 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.; died April 27 in Fallujah, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations. Also killed was Army Spc. Eddie D. Tamez.
Army Spc. Eddie D. Tamez
21, of Galveston, Texas; assigned to the 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.; died April 27 in Fallujah, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations. Also killed was Army Pfc. David A. Kirkpatrick.
Army Cpl. Jeremy R. Greene
24, of Springfield, Ohio; assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.; died April 28 at Forward Operating Base Tillman, Afghanistan, due to injuries sustained in a non-combat-related incident. His death is under investigation.
Army Sgt. Michael R. Hullender
29, of Little Falls, N.J.; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Airborne Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska; died April 28 in Iskandariyah, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit during combat patrol operations.
Army Staff Sgt. Jay E. Martin
29, of Baltimore; assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.; died April 29 in Baghdad of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit during combat operations. Also killed were Army Sgt. Alexander J. Funcheon and Army Pfc. Brian A. Botello.
Army Pfc. Brian A. Botello
19, of Alta, Iowa; assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.; died April 29 in Baghdad of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit during combat operations. Also killed were Army Staff Sgt. Jay E. Martin and Army Sgt. Alexander J. Funcheon.
Marine 1st Lt. Travis L. Manion
26, of Doylestown, Pa.; assigned to 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.; died April 29 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq.
Army Sgt. Alexander J. Funcheon
21, of Bel Aire, Kan.; assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.; died April 29 in Baghdad of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit during combat operations. Also killed were Army Pfc. Brian A. Botello and Army Staff Sgt. Jay E. Martin.
Army Sgt. Norman L. Tollett
30, of Columbus, Ohio; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.; died April 28, in Baghdad of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire during combat patrol operations.
As I read these names, I can't help but wonder what "position" each man filled in his unit. I'm not talking about his professional role (MOS or rate), but his informal position. Experience has shown me that every unit seems to have the same roles available, and they are almost always filled by the right people. It just works out that way.
There is the Informal Leader. He's not the guy in charge with regard to rank, but he is the man most respected in the unit. Sometimes the informal leader and the formal leader are the same man. THAT makes for good leadership. The informal leader is often, but not always, a little older than his peers. He probably has street smarts and is calm under pressure. He may piss a guy off with his honesty, but everyone knows that he's usually correct.
There's the Slacker. He's the guy who joined the military because a) he flunked out of college b) his parents cut him off because he quit going to class c) he didn't want to go to college but didn't want to flip burgers or d) he just wanted to get out of town, but was broke. He's incredibly smart, but doesn't like to break a sweat.
There's the Genius. This is the guy who's not just technically literate, but can also discuss every esoteric topic imaginable. He's sooo intelligent and well-read that everyone wonders why he's not an officer or running a Silicon Valley startup.
There's the Dig-It-Lifer. This is the guy who will stay in the military until he's forced to retire. His grandfather, father, mother and siblings were/are all in the military. When you mention a city you have visited, he'll tell you the nearest base and what base housing is like. He's the guy who knows the reason behind every little nit-picky non-sensical thing a person in the military must do. Remember "Saving Private Ryan?" Well, this is the guy who knew how to make a sticky bomb even before Captain Miller brought it up.
There's the Farm Boy. This is the kid who hadn't traveled more than fifty miles from his home before he joined. Now he's halfway across the world in the dark and it's putting the zap on his head. He doesn't have to be from the country. He's everyone's little brother, and everyone looks out for him because he's a little too naive. If you leave him alone for too long, he will fall in love with a stripper and give her all his money.
There's New York. This man is actually from New York/New Jersey or Boston. He may hold other titles (such as Informal Leader). There is no situation he didn't face by the time he was 13 "back home". He can hot wire a nuclear reactor and talk about it the entire time. He really has a cousin named Vinny. He would also carry you across his back for 50 miles if it meant saving your life.
There's Old Guy. This man joined the military after the age of 30. He has a wife and maybe several children. He stays in on Saturday nights and reads or cleans out the supply closet just because it needs to be done. He rarely gets spun up over things because he considers it a waste of energy. He is the unit's Job---he keeps moving on regardless of circumstances.
There are others, but these are the ones I remember most vividly. I do not mention these titles to in any way belittle those who have and do serve, but rather to make everyone realize that people in the military are as diverse as the general population. So few people know anyone in the military today that I think it's easy to forget the humanness under the helmets.
The Continuing Dance of Monkey Boy
I have never understood Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and his hatred for Apple. He constantly brings up the fact of Apple's small market share, as if having 90%+ of the desktop OS market is an automatic indicator of a fantastic product. His latest interview concerns the iPhone, Apple's soon-to-be-introduced PDA/phone/iPod that, while it will probably never outsell offerings from Motorola, Nokia, etc., is innovative in ways a Microsoft product never could be. In my opinion, Ballmer would sound a lot less like a loser if he would say, "Apple comes up with some cool, innovative products. I wish them well." That's it...come off as a nice guy. Making snide remarks about their products makes him sound as if he feels threatened.
Which, of course, he does.
