Project Gunrunner aka Fast & Furious

Posted on 06/16/2011 by Roger Young

Updated: 15 January 2013

Background: Project Gunrunner by Michelle Malkin

May 3, 2011 – Rep. Darrell Issa questions Eric Holder on Project Gunrunner

Oversight Is Delivering Answers on the Administration’s Deadly Project Gunrunner – 14 Jun 11

Why Did Govt Let Drug Smugglers Get Guns, Kill US Border Agent? – CBS News 15 Jun 11

House Panel Slams ‘Fast and Furious’ Gun Operation Tied to Border Agent’s Death – FoxNews – 15 Jun 11

Newsletter comment: 16 Jun 11 – What the House committee is finding difficult to establish is who authorized this Phoenix operation to allow the weapons to ‘walk’? The DOJ and BATF, to date, have failed to disclose that information!

 
Head of ATF Is Likely to Go – FoxNews – 18 Jun 11
  
 
 
 
C-Span2 Video on March 24, 2009:
 
Newsletter comment: Clearly the video above from C-Span2 indicates that Holder and the President were aware of this operation prior to Holder’s testimony before the House and Committee Chair, Issa ! 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Audio Tapes Reveal More Details in ‘Fast and Furious’ Gunrunner Scandal – FoxNews – 21 Sep 11

Republicans Step Up Pressure on Holder as More Details Surface on ‘Fast and Furious’ – FoxNews – 23 Sep 11

U.S. Government Bought and Sold Weapons During ‘Fast and Furious,’ Documents Show – FoxNews – 26 Sep 11

Letter From Issa and Grassley to Holder – FoxNews – Posted 29 Sep 11

Smoking gun?: Documents Suggest Holder Knew About ‘Fast and Furious’ Earlier Than He Claimed – FoxNews – 3 Oct 11

House Republicans Request Special Counsel to Probe Holder on ‘Fast and Furious’ – FoxNews – 4 Oct 11

Text of Letter Requesting Special Counsel for Holder – Courtesy of FoxNews

Justice Department Accuses GOP of Playing ‘Gotcha’ With Fast and Furious Memos – FoxNews – 6 Oct 11

Holder Challenges ‘Fast and Furious’ Allegations in Scathing Letter to Congress – FoxNews – 7 Oct 11

Holder Letter to Congress on ‘Fast and Furious’ – Courtesy of FoxNews

Issa Responds to Holder Letter With Matching Gusto – FoxNews – 10 Oct 11

Issa Letter to Holder dated 9 Oct 2011 – Courtesy of FoxNews

Issa Issues Subpoena to Holder in Fast and Furious Investigation – FoxNews – 12 Oct 11

Holder Agrees to Testify on Operation Fast and Furious – FoxNews – 28 Oct 11

Justice Official Regrets Not Speaking Up About Federal Anti-Gunrunning Operation – FoxNews – 1 Nov 11

Memo Shows Early ATF Concern on Fast and Furious Probe Despite Claims – FoxNews – 2 Dec 11

Justice Department Explains How It Got Fast and Furious Statements Wrong – FoxNews – 2 Dec 11

Grassley Calls for Top Justice Official’s Resignation Over Gunrunning Operations – FoxNews – 7 Dec 11

Documents: ATF used “Fast and Furious” to make the case for gun regulations – CBS News – 7 Dec 11

Federal official in Arizona to plead the fifth and not answer questions on ‘furious’ – FoxNews – 20 Jan 12

In new ‘Fast and Furious’ report, Democrats clear Justice appointees of wrongdoing – FoxNews – 31 Jan 12

Issa threatens contempt proceeding against Holder if Justice fails to comply with Fast and Furious subpoenas – FoxNews – 31 Jan 12

New report released by GOP lawmakers suggests top Justice officials had extensive knowledge of Operation Fast and Furious – FoxNews – 2 Feb 12

Holder: No cover-up in ‘Fast and Furious,’ no effort to hide details of the operation – FoxNews – 2 Feb 12

Former DEA chief says 3 other federal agencies knew about Operation Fast and Furious – FoxNews – 10 Feb 12

Newsletter comment: It would appear everyone knew about the operation except for Holder & Obama if we are to believe the spin from DOJ?

Issa, Chaffetz confirm contempt plans for Holder over Fast and Furious – FoxNews – 27 Apr 12

Issa sends out draft contempt order against Holder, says ‘Furious’ response ‘cannot stand’ – FoxNews – 3 May 12

Fast & Furious amnesia hits Attorney General Eric Holder during House testimony – FoxNews – 7 Jun 12

Newsletter comment: As I stated long ago, I believe such hearings seldom ever uncover the truth. It appears to me this “investigation” has run its course – Roger Young

Opinion: Attorney General Eric Holder should resign by Sen. John Cornyn – 12 Jun 12

Republicans open door to negotiating with Holder over contempt push – FoxNews – 13 Jun 12

Obama grants Holder request on ‘Furious’ documents as contempt vote looms – FoxNews – 20 Jun 12

Opinion: President Obama, Attorney General Holder and executive privilege by Judge Andrew P. Napolitano

House panel approves Holder contempt resolution – FoxNews – 20 Jun 12

Newsletter comment: Executive Privilege might well indicate that the President was fully aware of Fast & Furious. Or he’s just attempting to protect AG Holder which does not justify such privilege. Personally, I would like to see impeachment proceedings initiated immediately by the House. 

Almost every week as we near the November election we’re witnessing matters of national security “leaked” to the press which endangers future intelligence gathering efforts. But we can not get answers on Fast & Furious on who was responsible and certainly none have been held accountable. I believe that would be a “cover-up” in my opinion. – Roger

Commentary: Fast and Furious and OCDETF – Whom is executive privilege protecting? by Andrew C. McCarthy – 23 Jun 12

22 Jun 12: [Posted 25 Jun 12]

httpvh://youtu.be/Vgil5gKBwWE

26 Jun 2012: Video from the Don Smith Show

httpvh://youtu.be/RqgR_1XRbJU

Holder in peril as Dems break ranks on contempt resolution – FoxNews – 27 Jun 12

A primer on the “Fast and Furious” scandal – CBS News – Posted 29 Jun 12

House votes to hold Attorney General Holder in contempt of Congress – FoxNews – 29 Jun 12

Justice Department shields Holder from prosecution after contempt vote – FoxNews – 29 Jun 12

Justice unseals indictment charging 5 in Brian Terry’s death, offers $1M reward for leads on fugitives – FoxNews – 9 Jul 12

Congressional report blames five ATF employees for Fast and Furious debacle – FoxNews – 31 Jul 12

Long-awaited ‘Furious’ report places blame on ATF, Justice – FoxNews – 11 Sep 12

‘Furious’ guns tied to 2010 Juarez massacre, other murders in Mexico – FoxNews – 1 Oct 12

Report: ATF review board recommends firings over Fast & Furious – FoxNews – 5 Dec 12

Gun buyer connected to Fast & Furious, Brian Terry’s death gets 57 months in prison by William La Jeunesse – 12 Dec 12

Fast and Furious whistleblower cleared by ATF – FoxNews – 15 Jan 13     

 

Posted in ALERT!, Guns Laws | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Lone Marine at Rolling Thunder

Posted on 06/15/2011 by Roger Young

Another great video courtesy of YouTube:

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A Tribute to those who ride for the Fallen

Posted on 06/14/2011 by Roger Young

I found this tribute on YouTube.  The annotation reads:

“This is a Tribute Video of the American Legion Riders and Patriot Guard Riders who Ride for our Fallen Brothers and Sister here in Nebraska. May these heroes rest in peace.”

 

Posted in Videos | 1 Comment

President Obama on Death of Osama bin Laden

Posted on 05/02/2011 by Roger Young

Bin Laden’s Hideout Raises Concerns About Pakistani Cooperation – FoxNews – 2 May 11

Mission helo was secret stealth Black Hawk – ArmyTimes – 4 May 11

Detailed intel led U.S. to bin Laden compound – ArmyTimes – 2 May 11

DoD Special Report: The Demise of Osama Bin Laden

Posted in ALERT! | 3 Comments

Prager University: How the Vietnam War Was Won and Lost

Posted on 04/29/2011 by Roger Young

Prager University: How the Vietnam War Was Won and Lost – Silver Spur blog – 29 Apr 11

Vietnam Legacy Shapes Today’s Military Leaders – DoD – 29 Apr 11

The Saddest Day: 30 April 1975 (The Fall of Saigon) – Silver Spur blog – 30 Apr 11

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Two Airmen Killed at Frankfurt

Posted on 03/04/2011 by Roger Young

Two US Airmen Killed in Frankfurt Airport Shooting – AOL – 2 Mar 11

Frankfurt Attack Draws White House Reaction – DoD – 2 Mar 11

Official: Suspect Confesses to Targeting U.S. Airmen at German Airport – FoxNews – 3 Mar 11

DOD Identifies Air Force Casualty– DoD – 3 Mar 11

Newsletter comment: I see the administration & DoD are going through another debate – just like the Ft. Hood killings – if this is terrorism. 

What would YOU call it?  What is it with this administration that can’t seem to utter the word?  Meanwhile they are lobbying the cable companies to include Al Jazeera! 

Obama administration official urges cable companies to carry Al-Jazeeraby Ed Lasky – Posted 4 Mar 11

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Next Stop, Libya?

Posted on 03/04/2011 by Roger Young

Opinion: From Baghdad to Benghazi By Charles Krauthammer – 4 Mar 11

“Voices around the world, from Europe to America to Libya, are calling for U.S. intervention to help bring down Moammar Gaddafi. Yet for bringing down Saddam Hussein, the United States has been denounced variously for aggression, deception, arrogance and imperialism…”

Newsletter comment: It does seem strange to me that while many have been screaming about getting our troops out of Iraq & Afghanistan, they now seemingly can’t wait to send our stretched forces into Africa.  Guess it depends on what your cause is?  Even Sen. McCain is pushing to establish a no-fly zone in Libya.

Whatever the decision it will be our brave troops that will pay the price if they get the green light. Remember the folly in Somalia? Best intentions but with no resolve from the Clinton White House when things turned ugly.  – Roger Young, editor

U.S. Military Aircraft to Deliver Libya-related Aid – DoD – 4 Mar 11

Clinton: No-Fly Zone Over Libya Cannot be U.S.-Led Effort – FoxNews 9 Mar 11

U.S. readying plans to enforce Libya no-fly zone – ArmyTimes – 17 Mar 11

Obama Warns Qaddafi to Stop Attacks or Face Consequences – FoxNews – 18 Mar 11

Obama: No ground invasion in Libya – ArmyTimes – 23 Mar 11

2,200 Marines Go To Libya, ‘What Happened to No Boots on the Ground’? – CanadaFreePress – 23 Mar 11

Opinion: The Speech Obama Hasn’t Given What are we doing in Libya? Americans deserve an explanation. By Peggy Noonan – 25 Mar 11

President’s address – 28 Mar 11

Gates, Mullen downplay nature of Libya mission – ArmyTimes – 31 Mar 11

NATO Warns Rebels Against Attacking Civilians – New York Times – 31 Mar 11

U.S. ending its air combat role in Libya – ArmyTimes – 1 Apr 11

U.S. General: We May Consider Sending Troops Into Libya – FoxNews – 7 Apr 11

At NATO summit, U.S. resists calls for greater engagement in Libya – The Washington Post – 14 Apr 11

Opinion: Qaddafi May Be Crazy Like a Fox, But He Has Also Emulated the Success of Rommel, the Famous ‘Desert Fox’ From 70 Years Ago by Martin Sieff – 20 Apr 11

Obama Approves Use of Predator Drones in Libya – FoxNews – 21 Apr 11

“The U.S. is not at war with Libya and has not taken sides, but President Obama nevertheless has signed off on the use of armed predator drones in the North African nation that has been torn by a weeks-old bloody conflict, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Thursday…”

Newsletter comment:  Not a war, not taking sides, and where is the Congressional Resolution authorizing this action? – Roger Young, editor

House puts off vote on Libya resolution – ArmyTimes – 1 Jun 11

House Chides Obama Over Libya – FoxNews – 3 Jun 11

Gates Cautions Against Ending U.S. Support in Libya – DoD – 3 Jun 11

Divisions delay Senate work on Libya resolution – ArmyTimes – 7 Jun 11

Boehner Blasts Obama on Libya – FoxNews – 14 Jun 11

President Obama’s Letter to Congress on the War Powers Resolution and the U.S. Mission in Libya – FoxNews – 15 Jun 11

Obama Reportedly Sided Against 2 Top Administration Lawyers in Libya War Debate – FoxNews – 18 Jun 11

NATO: Airstrike Mistakenly Hit Libyan Rebels – FoxNews – 18 Jun 11

Gates Defends Libya Action Minus Congressional OK – FoxNews – 19 Jun 11

House Rebukes Obama on Libya, Stops Short of Funding Cutoff – FoxNews – 24 Jun 11

Euphoric rebels control much of Libyan capital – ArmyTimes – 22 Aug 11

Muammar Qaddafi Killed, Libya’s Prime Minister Confirms – FoxNews – 20 Oct 11

Posted in Guest Op-Eds, Libya | 6 Comments

Tough Times for Returning Vets

Posted on 02/04/2011 by Roger Young

With today’s sluggish economy, returning vets are facing some tough times finding jobs, keeping their homes, etc.

Unemployment for young vets jumps to 15 percent – ArmyTimes – 4 Feb 11

“…For Iraq and Afghanistan-era veterans, the unemployment rate for January was 15.2 percent. This is a sharp increase from 9.4 percent in November and 11.7 percent in December, a clear trend of a worsening job market for younger veterans, many of them combat veterans…”

20,000 servicemembers, vets lost homes in 2010 – ArmyTimes – 3 Feb 11

“More than 20,000 veterans, active-duty troops and reservists who took out special government-backed mortgages lost their homes last year — the highest number since 2003.

“The rate of foreclosure filings in 2010 among 163 zip codes located near military bases rose 32 percent over 2008, according to RealtyTrac, a foreclosure research firm. This compares with a 2010 increase in foreclosures filings nationally of 23 percent over 2008…”

Military veterans more likely to be homeless – ArmyTimes – 9 Feb 11

“Military veterans are much more likely to be homeless than other Americans, according to the government’s first in-depth study of homelessness among former servicemembers.

“About 16 percent of homeless adults in a one-night survey in January 2009 were veterans, though vets make up only 10 percent of the adult population.

“More than 75,000 veterans were living on the streets or in a temporary shelter that night. In that year, 136,334 veterans spent at least one night in a homeless shelter — a count that did not include homeless veterans living on the streets.

“The urgency of the problem is growing as more people return from service in Iraq and Afghanistan. The study found 11,300 younger veterans, 18 to 30, were in shelters at some point during 2009. Virtually all served in Iraq or Afghanistan, said Mark Johnston, deputy assistant secretary for special needs at the Department of Housing and Urban Development…”

Senator Murray’s Statement on VA-HUD Assessment of Veteran Homelessness – 10 Feb 11

Part 1:  Weight of War: Gear that protects troops also injures them – Seattle Times Special Report – 12 Feb 11

Part 2: Military struggles to lighten soldiers’ load – Seattle Times Special Report – 13 Feb 11

Army: War affected soldier killed by Utah police – Seattle Times – 12 Feb 11

“The unemployment rate last year for young Iraq and Afghanistan veterans hit 21.1 percent, the Labor Department said Friday, reflecting a tough obstacle combat veterans face as they make the transition home from war.

“The number was well above the 16.6 percent jobless rate for non-veterans of the same ages, 18 to 24…”

Mullen Urges Communities to Assist Returning Troops – DoD – 8 Mar 11

“WASHINGTON, March 8, 2011 – As the men and women who serve in today’s military leave active duty, communities around the country should tap their potential as employees for the benefit of the nation, the top U.S. military officer said yesterday…”

Report: More younger veterans land federal jobs – ArmyTimes – 11 Mar 11

100,000 Jobs for Vets – AOL – 14 Mar 11

“Eleven major U.S. firms have joined together in a pledge to hire 100,000 veterans and military personnel after they’ve finished serving the country over the next several years. Huge corporations such as JPMorgan Chase, AT&T, Verizon and Cisco are among those participating…”

New veteran group: Veterans of Modern Warfare

“Veterans of Modern Warfare is the Newest National Wartime Veterans Service Organization, focused on mutual assistance to Veterans with military service from 1990 – the time of the Persian Gulf War which ushered in a new era of modern warfare – through the present, including the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.”
 
 
 

Newsletter comment: As the wars are starting to wind down – at least in the minds of many civilians and the MSM – the same “Rambo syndrome” is setting in for our younger vets that many Vietnam vets experienced after coming home; that some employers are reluctant to hire military veterans for fear of you “going postal” for lack of a better term.

Because of that false perception, many military veterans would not include their military service during Vietnam on their resumes. And I submit, such attitudes by employers and the media only added to a false sense of shame and only made PTSD even worse!

They can pass all the laws they want, but nothing can force an employer to hire a veteran. Sadly history is repeating itself! – Roger “Bear” Young

May jobs report shows market worsening for vets – ArmyTimes – 3 Jun 11

 Military.com Veteran Job Search Board

Posted in ALERT! | 1 Comment

Marines In Tough Fight!

Posted on 01/25/2011 by Roger Young

Marines pay a price trying to secure an Afghan hot spot – LA Times – 22 Jan 11

HUNTER: Let Marines be Marines – Washington Times – 25 Jan 11

Tagged | 1 Comment

Change of Command In Afghanistan

Posted on 07/06/2010 by Roger Young

Obama Accepts McChrystal’s Resignation, Nominates Petraeus – DoD – 23 Jun 10

Statement by the President in the Rose Garden – White House – 23 Jun 10

Gates Issues Statement on McChrystal Profile – DoD – 22 Jun 10

McChrystal ousted, Petraeus takes over – ArmyTimes – 23 Jun 10

The Runaway General – Rolling Stone

The General and the Community Organizer by Paul Hollrah – 28 Jun 10

McChrystal says he’ll retire – ArmyTimes – 29 Jun 10

Petraeus says he will review Afghanistan rules of engagement – The Washington Times – 29 Jun 10

Senate unanimously confirms Petraeus – ArmyTimes – 30 Jun 10

Gen Petraeus’ Letter to the Troops [Unclassified] – DoD – 4 Jul 10

Gates Issues Memo to Leaders on Media Engagement – DoD – 6 Jul 10

Soldiers ‘handcuffed’: Afghan war rules under review – Seattle Times – 9 Jul 10

Britain’s top general in Afghanistan admits ‘courageous restraint’ must change – Telegraph – 11 Jul 10

General sees IED drop by year’s end – ArmyTimes – 12 Jul 10

 

Tagged | 2 Comments

Arizona’s Immigration Law

Posted on 05/21/2010 by Roger Young

Updated 28 July 2010:

PDF: Arizona’s Immigration Law – Courtesy of FoxNews – Posted 20 May 10

Newsletter comment:  Why is it that others, including high level officials in the Obama administration, wish to condemn Arizona for attempting to enforce Federal immigration laws?

=================

White House, Democrats Applaud Mexican President Slamming Arizona Law – FoxNews – 20 May 2010

Top Official Says Feds May Not Process Illegals Referred From Arizona – FoxNews – 21 May 10

1,200 guardsmen headed for Mexico border – ArmyTimes – 25 May 10

Obama Pushes for National Standard on Immigration, Urges GOP to Back Overhaul – FoxNews – 1 Jul 10

Justice Department Files Suit Against Arizona Immigration Law – FoxNews – 6 Jul 10

“Accusing Arizona of trying to ‘second guess’ the federal government, the Justice Department on Tuesday filed a lawsuit challenging the state’s immigration policy — claiming the ‘invalid’ law interferes with federal immigration responsibilities and ‘must be struck down’…” 

Federal Judge Blocks Portions of Arizona Illegal Immigration Law – FoxNews – 28 Jul 10

Posted in Immigration Laws | 3 Comments

Looking to help Seattle area Veterans

Posted on 05/11/2010 by Roger Young

Good morning Roger and Pam,

I am a veteran who works at a nonprofit organization who does free home repairs for low income housing, seniors, people with disabilities and veterans. Rebuilding Together Seattle started the Veterans Program in 2009. And that there is a Rebuilding Together National Initiative (http://www.rebuildingtogether.org/section/initiatives/veteran_housing)

You can read more about our Veterans Program here… http://www.rtseattle.org/veteransprogram.php.

I came across your newsletter/website when I was at the Seattle Veterans Museum. I am looking for ways to get our program out to veterans to help more in need. We have been able to help over ten veterans this year, but I want to increase that number. I need more veterans applicants who are in need of some free home repairs. If you want to read about our organization you can click here – Rebuilding Together Seattle

Please let me know if this opportunity is available or you know any other resources I can reach out to help fellow vets.

Thank you,

Jason Cummings
Program & Outreach Coordinator, Rebuilding Together Seattle
811 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109
P: 206-682-1231/ F: 206-682-8962

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Opinion: Military leaders are AWOL on Warrior Transition Units By Amee Gilbert

Posted on 05/05/2010 by Roger Young

Opinion: Military leaders are AWOL on Warrior Transition Units By Amee Gilbert – Seattle Times – 4 May 10

“Military leaders are not facing facts about soldiers who are being ‘warehoused’ in Army’s Warrior Transition Units, writes guest columnist Amee Gilbert. She has had to intervene several times in her soldier son’s care…”

Posted in ALERT!, Health News | Tagged | 2 Comments

Marine’s father ordered to pay Westboro’s court costs

Posted on 03/30/2010 by Roger Young

Marine’s father ordered to pay Westboro’s court costs – The Baltimore Sun – 29 Mar 10


How we can help: www.matthewsnyder.org

Updates:

Talking Points by Bill O’Reilly – FoxNews – March 31, 2010

“…In another insane situation, the Westboro Baptist Church, which hates gay people and believes God is punishing America, won a victory in court. These disturbed souls from Westboro disrupt military funerals, so Albert Snyder of York, Pennsylvania, the father of a Marine killed in Iraq, sued the church for intentional infliction of emotional distress and invasion of privacy. Mr. Snyder won in the beginning and then lost on appeal, and incredibly, the court has ordered him to pay more than $16,000 in court costs to the Westboro people.

“That is an outrage, and I will pay Mr. Snyder’s obligation. I am not going to let this injustice stand…”

Outpouring of support for Marine’s dad suing funeral protesters – Seattle Times – 1 Apr 10

Westboro Funeral Pickets Are Protected Speech, High Court Rules – FoxNews – 2 Mar 11

Posted in ALERT! | 1 Comment

Health Care Bill & Veterans

Posted on 03/27/2010 by Roger Young

VFW: National Healthcare Bill Betrays Veterans – 21 Mar 10

Senate Refuses to Exempt Veterans from Health Bill’s New Tax on Prosthetics and Other Medical Devices; Also Refuses to Exempt the Disabled and Children – CNSNews – 25 Mar 10

Posted in Healthcare "Reform"?, Obama Cares About Military Vets? | 2 Comments

Operation Moshtarak – Afghanistan

Posted on 02/12/2010 by Roger Young

Updated 12 Mar 10:

U.S., Afghan and NATO Forces Begin Offensive Against Taliban – FoxNews – 12 Feb 10

“…The objective of Operation Moshtarak, which means ‘together’ in Dari, is to secure the region from narcoterrism and establish basic services under supervision of the Afghan government, a senior defense official told Fox. To do that, Afghan and NATO forces need to defeat the remaining insurgents and drastically reduce the number of heroin producing crops that fund the Taliban. U.S. commanders are confident they’ll win the fight, but removing the poppy will prove harder than the battle…”

Clearing Operations Begin in Central Helmand – DoD – 13 Feb 10

U.S., Afghan and NATO Forces Begin Offensive Against Taliban – FoxNews – 13 Feb 10

Slide show: U.S., Afghan Forces Storm Taliban Stronghold – FoxNews – 13 Feb 10

Taliban Sniper Teams Attack U.S., Afghan Troops – FoxNews – 15 Feb 10

Army Aviation Plays Key ‘Moshtarak’ Role – DoD – 17 Feb 10

Forces adjust to unusual Taliban tactics – ArmyTimes – 17 Feb 10

Op-Ed: Empty Skies Over Afghanistan – New York Times – 18 Feb 10

McChrystal Apologizes to Afghans for Civilian Deaths – FoxNews – 23 Feb 10

Marja Operations Move Toward ‘Holding’ Phase – DoD – 25 Feb 10

Marja Clearing Phase Nears Completion – DoD – 2 Mar 10

After Marja, ‘Kandahar Will be Next,’ Mullen Says – DoD – 4 Mar 10

EDITORIAL: Ready, aim, hold your fire – The Washington Times – 6 Mar 10

McChrystal Details Lessons of Marja Offensive – DoD – 8 Mar 10

Marjah Battle Yields Lessons for Future – Military.com – 12 Mar 10

Tagged | 3 Comments

Op-Ed: What kind of future are we leaving our children?

Posted on 02/05/2010 by Roger Young

5 Feb 2010:

As a grandpa I often wonder, what kind of future are we leaving for our children and grandchildren?

With the alarming rise of our national debt, the lack of heavy industry in our country, and the raiding of our social security by countless administrations, I am very concerned.

Today, politicians look at fiscal policy only looking towards the next election cycle. They are not concerned how their spending binges today will impact our nation’s future, and I’m convinced they could care less.  Remember they sold us on international trade and trade agreements like NAFTA, and what do we have to show for it?  Cheaper electronics and fewer good paying jobs with good benefits as major industry fled the U.S. for cheaper labor markets. We were promised this was a good thing for one and all. It never made any sense!

Another personal observation is that government workers not only have the excellent perks, they now have salaries that are well above the private sector.  There was a time only a generation back when my father entered civil service for the good retirement benefits and job security at a lower wage.  It was a good trade off.  Government workers still have all the benefits plus what has become excessive salaries which we, as a nation, will not be able to sustain as our government continues to grow.

Today we have a very professional military that is engaged in a protracted war on terrorism.  As the budget crisis grows there will be cries to slash the defense and intelligence budgets, two of our nation’s largest expenditures, which will gut our nation’s defenses.  I see no other option as a coming day of financial reckoning looms in the not-too-distant future. 

Perhaps that is the grand plan?  To destroy our very defenses from within? To tax the middle class into extinction? To be the first generation to leave a worse future for our children and grandchildren?  Isn’t that a wonderful legacy! That’s what I foresee if the American people won’t start holding their elected officials accountable for their irresponsible actions!

Roger Young – The Northwest Veterans Newsletter

 

Related article:

Federal Workers Paid More Than Private Employees For Similar Work – FoxNews – 5 Mar 2010

 

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Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell

Posted on 02/03/2010 by Roger Young

Updated 20 Sep 2011:

Gates, Mullen to discuss ‘don’t ask’ policy – ArmyTimes – 2 Feb 10

Top uniformed officer: Gay ban should be lifted – Seattle Times – 2 Feb 10

Mullen’s Blog: My View on ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ – DoD – 3 Feb 10

“…With Afghanistan, Iraq, and significant security commitments around the globe, our plate is very full. While I believe this is an important issue, I also believe we need to be mindful as we move forward of other pressing needs in the military. What our young men and women and their families want, what they deserve, is that we listen to them and act in their best interests…”

Veteran groups resist ‘don’t ask’ repeal – The Washington Times – 4 Feb 10

“…We support ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ and the position is, now, since we are still fighting two wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, now is not the time to extend ourselves with a new social-engineering project,’ Legion spokesman Joe March said. ‘We expect the Pentagon will very carefully examine the implications before changing any policies to maintain that highest state of readiness…”

‘Don’t ask’ survey published – ArmyTimes – 8 Feb 10

‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Repeal Demands Study, Gates Says – DoD – 10 Feb 10

Military chiefs’ views crucial in gay ban row – The Washington Times – 16 Feb 10

“…Their testimony is expected to be crucial because the service chiefs have wide influence on Capitol Hill. They are the ones required by law to recruit, train and equip the armed forces to ensure they are ready to fight. The current law, on which the policy of ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ is based, states that homosexuality is an ‘unacceptable risk’ to good order and discipline…”

DOD Announces Recruiting and Retention Numbers for January 2010 – DoD – 19 Feb 10

Study argues for quick repeal of gay policy – ArmyTimes – 23 Feb 10

Chiefs warn against lifting gay ban too quickly – Townhall.com – 23 Feb 10

“Top Army and Air Force officers said Tuesday they would be reluctant to overturn a 17-year policy that prohibits gays from serving openly in the military without more time to ascertain it won’t hurt the services…”

Marines Join Chorus Urging Caution on Gay Ban – Military.com – 24 Feb 10

Gates Issues Terms for ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Review – DoD – 2 Mar 10

Pentagon Changes ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Enforcement – DoD – 25 Mar 10

Pentagon rebukes general for opposing repeal of ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ law – Stars and Stripes – 25 Mar 10

3-star not reprimanded for gay ban letter – ArmyTimes – 31 Mar 10

Pentagon Chief Warns Congress Against Changing Military’s Gay Ban for Now – FoxNews – 30 Apr 10

Gates Can Accept ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Amendment – DoD – 25 May 10

House votes to end ban on gays in military – ArmyTimes – 28 May 10

Repeal of gay ban falters in Senate – ArmyTimes – 21 Sep 10

Judge orders end of ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ – Washington Times – 12 Oct 10

Pentagon shuts down enforcement of gay ban – ArmyTimes – 15 Oct 10

Federal Appeals Court Says Military’s Gay Ban Should Stay in Place for Now – FoxNews – 20 Oct 10

Secretaries must now OK DADT separations – ArmyTimes – 22 Oct 10

Pentagon study dismisses risk of gay troops – ArmyTimes – 30 Nov 10

PDF: DADT Report – DoD – 30 Nov 10

Front-line fighters wary of repealing ‘don’t ask’ – Washington Times – 30 Nov 10

Mullen: Troops Who Balk at Change in Gay Service Policy Can Find Other Work – FoxNews – 2 Dec 10

Service chiefs: Repeal DADT, but not now – ArmyTimes – 3 Dec 10

DADT repeal again hits roadblock in Senate – ArmyTimes – 10 Dec 10

Gates frustrated as gay ban repeal delayed – ArmyTimes – 10 Dec 10

House Votes to Overturn Military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Policy – FoxNews – 15 Dec 10

Congress Overturns Military Ban of Gays Serving Openly, Sends Bill to Obama’s Desk – FoxNews – 18 Dec 10

Obama Administration Drops Defense of Anti-Gay Marriage Law – FoxNews – 23 Feb 11

Military indoctrinated on gays kissing, behavior – The Washington Times – 23 Mar 11

Marines get trained on accepting gay recruits – Miami Herald – 28 Apr 11

Navy Halts Move to Allow Gay Marriages by Chaplains After Complaints From Lawmakers – FoxNews – 11 May 11

Navy Chaplains to Officiate Gay Marriages – FoxNews – 9 May 11

Panel seeks service chiefs’ say on DADT repeal – ArmyTimes – 12 May 11

Court Orders Immediate Halt to Gay Military Ban – FoxNews – 6 Jul 11

Court: ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Will Temporarily Stay in Place – FoxNews – 16 Jul 11

Panetta, Mullen expected to certify DADT repeal – ArmyTimes – 22 Jul 11

Military ban on gays formally repealed – ArmyTimes – 22 Jul 11

Repeal of Ban on Gay Military Service Becomes Official – FoxNews – 20 Sep 11

U.S. Military Chaplains May Perform Same-Sex Unions – FoxNews – 30 Sep 11

Newsletter comment: It appears that our military has become the focus for complete social reform. Meanwhile the Generals sit on their hands and say nothing. I have to wonder how much support for our military will be lost in the process? – Roger Young

Posted in Don't Ask, Don't Tell | Tagged | 5 Comments

White House Considers Moving 9/11 Trial

Posted on 01/29/2010 by Roger Young

White House Considers Moving 9/11 Trial Out of New York City – FoxNews – 29 Jan 10

Newsletter comment: What was wrong with GITMO by a military tribunal?

2 Dems Support Bill to Axe Funding of Civilian Terrorist Trials – FoxNews – 1 Feb 10

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Messages for the 3-17th Cav

Posted on 01/20/2010 by Roger Young

Updated: 20 Dec 10

The 3-17th Cav is currently deployed in Afghanistan.  [They returned in late November 2010].  Fellow 3/17th Air Cav veterans (some of “God’s Own Lunatics“), families and close associates can leave messages here for the unit in our comment section.

We have much more posted on our 3-17th Cav Support page.  We are updating that page as details/articles become available.  I’m extremely proud of the 3-17th Cav serving our nation today!

Here are a few intial updates from Lighthorse 6: [Requires Adobe Reader]

PDF: Lighthorse FRG Newsletter #1

PDF: Lighthorse FRG Newsletter #2

PDF: Lighthorse FRG Newsletter #3

PDF: Falcon Flyer – Jan 2010 edition [Similar to our old “Hawk” newsletters]

PDF: Falcon Flyer – Feb 2010 edition

Lighthorse Inn on Facebook

Flying in the shadow of the ‘valley of death’: Task Force Falcon airlift U.S. Soldiers from Korengal Valley – Courtesy of Lighthorse 6

Tip of the Spear – MSNBC Special Report

We Will Never Leave A Fallen Comrade – The February 8th Lighthorse MEDEVAC Mission  – [2003 Microsoft Office document file] courtesy of LTC Tom von Eschenbach, Lighthorse 6.

Roger “Bear” Young – Spur (Vietnam) webmaster

Uncasing the Colors courtesy of LTC Tom von Eschenbach, Lighthorse 6, Dec 2009

3-17th Squadron Colors

Kiowa Warrior flying up the Konar Valley – Courtesy of Lighthorse 6

3-17th Patch

  
 
 

 

Lighthorse 6 pinning on combat patches

Afghan helicopters coming in for fuel at our FARP

 

Snapshot from the countryside as the SS flew a mission in the Konar Valley

Kunar Valley

LTC Tom von Eschenbach & CW2 Vanduynhoven

CSM flying 3-17th battle flag in the back of a Chinook

3-17th deployments during war on terrorism:  

Apache Troop, 3-17th – Afghanistan 2004     

3-17th Lighthorse Squadron – Iraq 2004     

3-17th Lighthorse Squadron – Iraq 2007-2008     

3-17th Lighthorse Squadron – Afghanistan 2009-2010     

Official 3-17th Lighthorse Squadron site      

Official 3-17th Cavalry History & Current Composition     

Video: How the USAF Brings Our Wounded Home – San Francisco Chronicle     

News from the front lines:     

10 Feb 2010

Wanted to pass on a story to you and the guys about Lighthorse in
Afghanistan.

Without getting into too much details in a story that would take an hour
to tell, on Monday February 8th we sent aircraft in terrible weather
into one of the highest threat areas in Afghanistan and picked up a
wounded Soldier and flew him to Bagram Airfield.  My most memorable
moment of event was standing in the TOC looking at the faces of the
aircrews and leaders as they were looking at me for a decision to go.
We had already launched and turned around once but they wanted to try
again.  This time we were going to try with only an Apache and one
MEDEVAC.  I called the ground force to see how long a ground evac would
take and was told 2 hours to get it going.  The roads were bad and the
Soldier was on a breathing apparatus and the bumping ride would make it
very difficult to keep him stable.  One of the pilots says to me, “Sir,
we can do it.  Let us try”.  The look of confidence on this face said it
all.  I still had to call the Brigade Commander for permission but told
them.  “OK, get to your aircraft, I’ll tell COL Galli we are going.”  I
called Falcon 6, who was aware of the previous attempt, and instead of
asking told him that we were trying again.  He approved and the rest is
history.  The Soldier is awake and responsive in the CSH at Bagram.
Fate had it hands in many things that day.  Below is the email my
Command Sergeant Major sent out to the leaders that night.  Pretty
awesome stuff that will bring tears to your eyes.

“Today was one of the most humbling days of my 21 year adventure with
the Army.  Today we saved a life.  The family of the Soldier that was
snatched from the hands of death in the Pech Valley will never know.
Rightfully so, it is not within our character to boast.  They will never
know that, we too, value their Son as if we were Family and so much
more.  We are him.  We will never leave a fallen comrade.  Thanking the
enormous team involved in saving this Soldier would take a novel, so I
will attempt to do it with brevity. 

From Colonel to Private……. 

The amount of blood, sweat, tears, and energy put into today’s extremely
high risk MEDEVAC mission would not fit into any earthly container.  The
heart of an American Soldier is the only thing big enough.  I am honored
to be part of the whole, for the whole will risk all for the part.  We
have come a long way from beginning of the formation of Task Force
Lighthorse at Fort Bliss, TX. 

From the Commanders who deliberately agreed to trust their Troopers to
the aircrews that wouldn’t quit.  From the NCO that busts his knuckles
daily making sure our horses are fixed, fueled, and armed to the
countless others that make sure the mission comes first, all the way
down to the private on the radio. 

7 for 1.  Seven went into harm’s way for one. 

Nerve, guts, bravery, courage, gallantry, valor.  Parts of the whole.” 

LTC Tom von Eschenbach
Commander, TF Lighthorse

We Will Never Leave A Fallen Comrade – The February 8th Lighthorse MEDEVAC Mission  – [2003 Microsoft Office document file] courtesy of LTC Tom von Eschenbach, Lighthorse 6.

U.S. flies Afghan troops to retake district – ArmyTimes – 1 Jun 10 – [According to sources, the 3-17th was involved with the insertion]

US hunts wanted Taliban and al Qaeda commander in Kunar – Posted 21 Jul 10

21 Aug 2010

Article in the upcoming issue of Men’s Journal about Kiowa Warrior pilots. Pretty good read on what we do here. The units in this article is stationed south near Kandahar and are commanded by a good friend of mine that I went to flight school with, LTC Hank Taylor. They are out of Fort Campbell.

LTC Tom von Eschenbach
Commander, TF Lighthorse
FOB Fenty

PDF: America’s New Cavalry by Michael Hastings

3-17th Kiowa Warrior flying U.S. Flag – courtesy of CSM Lemke

 
 
 

 

3-17th Cav Rides Again! – Courtesy of CSM Lemke

 

  

Pictures from Vietnam, A Troop, 3/17th Silver Spurs.  Speech by Joe Galloway originally given at the Wall for VHPA in 2000.

24 Nov 2010 – Return of the Silver Spurs::

A buddy of mine from my first tour has a daughter married to a commander based at Hunter Army Airfield. Today my buddy attended a welcome home ceremony/party there for the 3rd Squadron 17th Cavalry, including our A Troop. They are back home, with no losses. He said they wore Cav hats and spurs in the formation.

Chuck Oualline, Spur 3 – Vietnam

20 Dec 10:

For homecoming pictures, additional links to news articles from the 3-17th Cav, please see:

http://northwestvets.com/spurs/support.htm#updates

I want to thank all of you who posted messages of support for the 3-17th Cav while they were deployed!

Roger “Bear” Young – Vietnam Spur Scout Crew Chief & webmaster

Posted in 3-17th Light Horse Cavalry | Tagged , | 26 Comments