We need the truth, from all points of view

Do you like to read news stories or fairy tales?

Embedded journalists must agree that they won't release secure information or anything that could harm our soldiers or their efforts. So are journalists in war zones free to tell us the stories that are happening all around them?

A reporter from Stars and Stripes was barred from embedding with the 1st Cavalry Division’s 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team. Not because he didn’t tell the truth, or divulged sensitive information, or broke rules.

According to reports, Heath Druzin “refused to highlight” good news.

From a story by Stars and Stripes’ Leo Shane III:

“If they put these kind of conditions on it, then I’d say the whole program will collapse,” said Kelly McBride, Ethics Group Leader at the Poynter Institute, a media training facility and think-tank in St. Petersburg, Fla. “It’s not meant to be a public relations program for the military.”

Exactly.

The DOD puts out a huge amount of news and photographs, of which I am grateful for and make use of in this blog every day. They provide wonderful features, links, blogs, and now have branched out to make use of social media like Twitter and Facebook.

But you can’t get all your news from one source and expect to get the whole picture. If I only listened to my father’s views on our country’s economy, I would hide my pennies in my mattress.

As military families, we might not like to read every story coming from Iraq and Afghanistan. They could be critical, negative or frightening.

But I can read them if I want to. Then I can more intelligently form my own opinions.

Read Leo Shane’s commentary — you decide.

--Tiffany

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Congratulations, Air Force grad

Ross E. LaPointe

Air Force Airman Ross E. LaPointe graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. He is the son of Ross LaPointe of 229th St. E., Bradenton, Fla., and brother of Nicole Allocco of Spring Hill, Tenn. LaPointe is a 2002 graduate of Narrow Way Academy, Sarasota, Fla.

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Welcome to the military family, Andreanna Craig!

Andrew and his father, Andy, admire the newest Craig:

Proud mom, Andrea with baby:


Proud grandmother, Linda, with little Andreanna:

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Welcome Home LCpl Justin Carmen!

Thanks to Terry Longpre for the great photos of the Patriot Guard mission to welcome home another hero who served! Below are photos of the mission and a poster which features LCpl Carmen:

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Around the military:

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Nadia Katana bottle-feeds a kitten that was cut out of a wall on Hurlburt Field, Fla., June 22, 2009. Members of the 505th Command and Control Wing cared for the litter of four until they were turned over to a wildlife refuge until they can be adopted. U.S. Air Force photo by Keith Keel

A lone Thunderbird performs maneuvers to close the 2009 air show on Dover Air Force Base, Del., June 21, 2009. U.S. Air Force photo by Tom Randle

Flight deck personnel give a thumbs-up as an F/A 18 from the Checkerboards of Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 312 launches from the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Harry S. Truman is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting a Composite Training Unit Exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua A. Moore/Released)

Mom bling carries awesome message

I could hear loud music, but not much else as my husband, Eric, called from Virginia, the site of his family’s yearly reunion. He stepped out of the room to tell me that his father’s band, “55 in Overdrive,” was deep into rehearsal for their upcoming gig at The United States Marine Corps Museum.

Saturday, Eric’s father and his band mates will pack up their drums and all their gear and head up to the museum to belt out “From the Halls of Montezuma” and other military faves.

Pretty cool!

Home from Virginia, Eric was telling me more about the trip and paused to hand me a small bag. “I brought home some goodies!”

There’s no sweeter words from a husband who has returned from a trip.

I opened the paper bag and poured out EGA earrings, a necklace, and a Marine Corps pin. Bling for Marine moms! Awesome!

As I perused my goodies, Eric told me about a booth at the museum where visitors can stand on famed yellow footprints and hear drill instructors scream in both ears while surrounded by photos of terrified recruits.

I was jealous.

Looking over my mom bling, I noticed some tiny lettering on the necklace and pulled out my magnifying glass to read it.

“Proud Marine Mom, God Bless our Children.”

Absolutely, that’s what it’s about.

--Tiffany

55 in Overdrive: (James Condie on trumpet)

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Around the military:

Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. celebrates the Army's 234th Birthday with children of Fort Detrick's Forest Glen Annex Child Development Center in Maryland.Army photo by D. Myles Cullen

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Zach Gartner from the 57th Air Maintenance Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., recovers an F-15 Eagle fighter aircraft during exercise Northern Edge 2009 at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, on June 18, 2009. Northern Edge 2009 is Alaska's largest military training exercise. It prepares joint forces to respond to crises throughout the Asia-Pacific region. DoD photo by Tech. Sgt. Dennis J. Henry Jr., U.S. Air Force. (Released)


Soldiers from the U.S. Army and Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army run to the finish line during an expert infantry badge test on Camp Casey in Dongducheon, Korea, June 19, 2009. U.S. Army courtesy photo

War redefines a father's selfless love

Today, fathers everywhere are enjoying breakfast in bed, gratefully receiving gifts of macaroni necklaces, reading hand-lettered cards and admiring lovingly chosen ties.

Unless they are far from home in the service of their country.

Selflessness is what makes a father’s love special. For the father who extends that love to encompass the children of our country and others in the quest for freedom and safety— well, that’s a whole other level of special.

Kate Williams sent me a note recently to introduce a new book by Lt. Col. Oliver North, “American Heroes: In the Fight Against Radical Islam.”

Kate wrote:

"North covers numerous topics in his book from the insurrection in Baghdad to the new democratic government's struggle to retain power over terrorist militants.

The most moving chapter in the book highlights the emotional journey American heroes' families endure while they are overseas serving this great nation. Below I've included an excerpt from the book of one Marine father who says he would return to Iraq in a heartbeat, if it meant that the Iraqi children could experience the same freedom his own two young daughters."

The story below illustrates the enormous love of a soldier for his children, his country, and for the children of Iraq. Even after an explosion severely wounds him, the soldier’s love remains strong.

On this Father’s Day, be sure to thank not only your own father, but also the fathers who serve our country; we are grateful for their love and daily sacrifice.

--Tiffany


"Nothing Replaces a Daddy"
Lt. Col. Oliver North

The following story is an excerpt from Lt. Col. Oliver North's new release, American Heroes: In the Fight Against Radical Islam.

"The explosion of a carefully planted IED mangled Sgt Edwards below his body armor. The first person to him was U.S. Navy medical Corpsman Christopher Anderson. The man they called "Doc" Anderson immediately applied tourniquets to Edwards' shattered limbs and started an IV to ward off shock.

As they raced for the LZZ to meet an inbound casualty-evacuation helicopter, Edwards looked up at the man who was checking his pulse and said, 'take care of my babies, Doc.' Anderson shouted back, 'You're going to take care of your babies. You're going to be OK!'

Marine Sgt Gregory Edwards was on his third deployment to Iraq when new wounds sent him back to Walter Reed. In 2003 he had been part of the initial assault on Baghdad and saw the statue of Saddam Hussein toppled. He'd been wounded on his second deployment and spent time recovering at Bethesda and Walter Reed.

When 1st Bn, 6th Marines, was slated for a third deployment, he insisted on going along. This time, however Gregory Edwards' road to recovery would never end.

Though the doctors operated on him more than thirty times, they couldn't save his shattered legs. When all the surgery was done, he had one stump above the knee, a stump below the other knee, and only one functioning hand.

'I lost my legs for the people of Iraq, so their children will be able to run around, just like mine. If time was turned back, I'd do it all over again," said Sgt Edwards, father of two."

This excerpt, taken from American Heroes, is dedicated to the hundreds of thousands of fathers who are standing on the front lines of war while their families anxiously await their return home.
"These 'heroes on the home front' are essential for the strength of our military as a whole and for the defense of this nation," said Lt. Col. North.

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Visit

MANATEE'S OPERATION TROOP SUPPORT

to see how you can help your local troops.

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Around the military:

A sea of U.S. Army soldiers salute during the 1st Armored Division's 2nd Brigade uncasing ceremony held on Baumholder's Minick Field, Germany, June 5, 2009. The soldiers are assigned to the 2nd Brigade.
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Brandon Moreno

The sun sets on a day of at-sea operations aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan, Adriatic Sea, June 10, 2009. The USS Bataan is on a scheduled deployment performing maritime security operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operation.
U.S. Navy photo by Chief Petty Officer Tony Sisti


U.S. Navy Seaman Fortaleza, left, and Seaman John Sexton pressure wash the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington, under way in the Pacific Ocean, June 13, 2009. U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Adam K. Thomas

Keeping connected via Hometown News

Military news comes to me through several channels -- usually by accosting strangers on the street or pestering folks for photos and updates.

Sometimes it falls from the sky like a fancy gift, wrapped and ready for consumption.

That’s the case when I get things from Hometown News, a news service run by the military that sends me snippets relating to local folks.

A couple of days ago, I received a story and beautiful photos from the 65th commemoration of D-Day at Normandy, and the reaction of one of our local soldiers to the ceremony.

Bayshore grad Phillip Boardman was on hand for the historic occasion. We can share his feelings as he reacts to standing on the spot where Americans fought in 1944.

Thanks to Hometown News for keeping us connected!

--Tiffany

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Via Hometown News:

By Rich Lamance
NORMANDY, France

Senior leaders often call the son of a Bradenton couple, and those who serve with him, a part of the next "greatest generation." Army Pfc. Phillip M. Boardman, son of Brent R. and Molly A. Boardman, recently traveled to now silenced battlefields with names like Omaha and Utah Beaches to observe the 65th Commemoration of D-Day. They were there to honor those who were a part of that "greatest generation" who served in one of the bloodiest and most decisive battles in world history.

Boardman, a military policeman, and more than 1,000 service members from posts and bases throughout Europe and the U.S., converged on the historic Normandy area to honor those who served, and in many cases made the ultimate sacrifice, on June 6, 1944.

Weeklong ceremonies took place throughout the region in such historic places as St. Mere Iglise, Omaha and Utah Beaches and small villages in the area that were vital to the success of the allies push into Europe against Nazi Germany.

President Obama met with leaders from Great Britain, France and Canada at a special ceremony at the American Cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach.

Celebrations at small towns throughout Normandy were capped by a parachute demonstration from airborne paratroopers representing many of the units involved with the D-Day operations.

"While I'm assigned here, my duties are to provide force protection for the American service members here and to help support the many ceremonies we have throughout the week leading up to D-Day," explained Boardman, a 2007 graduate of Bayshore High School, Bradenton.

For Boardman, it was hard to imagine that the tranquil farming villages and pristine beaches were once the scene of carnage and destruction that took the lives of more than 4,000 Americans in just one day.

"Visiting Pointe Du Hoc, where the Rangers scaled the cliffs on D-Day, had the biggest impact on me," said Boardman. "Just seeing the beach and the terrain that our brothers had to assault - words can't describe the respect and honor I have for those soldiers."

Today, the 360 miles of coastline that makes up Normandy is mostly lush farmland, bustling market towns and historic landmarks that commemorate important battles that took place more than six decades ago. The residents of the area have never forgotten the sacrifices of the Americans who fought here and embrace today's soldiers just as heartily as those who liberated them.

"Normandy is beautiful. The beaches are breathtaking and, along with the endless green fields, it's really something to behold. The people here are really nice and they love taking pictures with us. Being an American soldier here in uniform is like being a celebrity."

Boardman is normally stationed with the 529th Military Police Company in Heidelberg, Germany. "I patrol our base performing the normal duties of a police officer," said Boardman. He has been in the Army for almost a year.

Christian Verdeaux, a French citizen dressed in period American World War II dress uniform, kneels in front of the grave of an American soldier killed during the D-Day liberation of France on June 6, 1944. Photo by AF Master Sgt. Cecilio Ricardo U.S. soldiers begin a 21-gun salute during ceremonies at the American Cemetery at Omaha Beach in Normandy, France. The celebration honored serv ice members who fought during what has been described as one of the most decisive battles of World War II.Photo by AF Master Sgt. Cecilio Ricardo

Army Pfc. Phillip M. Boardman, a Bradenton native, was involved with the recent 65th Commemoration of D-Day in Normandy, France. Boardman was one of the more than 1,000 service members from bases throughout Europe and the US who helped support the weeklong celebrations. Photo by AF Master Sgt. Cecilio Ricardo

President Barack Obama shakes the hand of Ben Franklin as Prince Charles from Great Britain looks on during ceremonies commemorating the 65th Anniversary of D-Day. Franklin was one of the soldiers who stormed Omaha Beach during the early morning hours of June 6, 1944. Photo by AF Master Sgt. Cecilio Ricardo

Soldiers representing the US, Canada, Great Britain and France form a flag presentation prior to the start of a ceremony commemorating the 65th anniversary of D-Day at the American ceretery at Omaha Beach in Normandy, France. Photo by AF Master Sgt. Cecilio Ricardo

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Notice from Jim Walton of Manatee Operation Troop Support:

"I am letting all our volunteers know that I am going to have our tent set up at the Suncoast Offshore Grand Prix Festival. The hours are from 10 to 6 on Friday July 3rd and Saturday the 4th. It will be at Centennial Park in Sarasota.

Info and directions are at www.suncoastoffshore.org to volunteer, call Jim Walton at 941-914-6655.

Guest blogger reaches out to other Moms

Introducing Roni Carrington; mother of U.S. Marine Lance, and hostess of the monthly Marine Moms meetings:


June 14, 2009, Flag Day, marks the fifth anniversary of the Manatee Marine Moms. Over the past five years, our membership has grown to about 27 active members who meet monthly to motivate and support each other, as well as our Marines. Throughout each year some of the group activities we look forward to include:

• Our Marines’ Homecomings
• Moms’ annual Beach Weekend Getaway
• Marine Corps Birthday Ball
• December Tour of Homes
• Christmas Party (where we include the “Devil Dog Dads”)
• Occasional fish fry/karaoke nights at the Marine Corps League Bunker
• The Desoto Heritage Parade, where we proudly represent our Marines

But most importantly: regular monthly meetings. It is here that we find comfort from other Moms just like us, who can relate to our emotions and concerns -- others who just “get it”. We share news of promotions, deployments, re-enlistments, relocations, homecomings, joys and sorrows depending on what is happening in the lives of our “Marines” at the time. We sing, we pray, we laugh and we cry as we give each other emotional support.

This is where we form our proud Marine Mom bond and truly become a “band of mothers,” just as our sons are a “Band of Brothers”. Through this common bond, many strong and lasting friendships have been born.

My son volunteered to serve our great country and I was drafted into the role of Marine Mom. Even though I come from a family of Marines, I could not survive this emotional journey without the love and support of my family and my dear “sisters” in our Marine Mom group.

If you are the mother of an active duty Marine and would like to attend a meeting of the Manatee Marine Moms, you may contact me at prll4@aol.com for more information.

Roni Carrington ~ Proud Mother of Cpl. Lance Carrington, USMC
We are Marine Moms.
“Always Faithful”
God Bless our Marines and the families who stand behind them.

Roni and her son, Lance:

2004 Marine Moms at Katie Powers'

2005 Marine Moms

2008 at Roni's home:

2009 Heritage Parade:

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Around the military:

U.S. Navy Electrician's Mate 2nd Class Timothy Vonfriesen shares his last few moments in San Diego with his wife, Pamela, before departing aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) May 28, 2009. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David Brandenburg/Released)

Senior Chief Explosive Ordnance technician Aaron Ryan and his bride, Barbara Borowy, pose for photographers in Times Square following their wedding ceremony on the famed Military Island. They joined four other military couples pledging their love and commitment for each other as well as the country in a ceremony covered widely by the New York media. A small number of family and friends were on hand to witness the ceremony coordinated by WE tv and the USO of Metropolitan New York. (U.S. Air Force photo by Cpt. Angela Webb/Released)


Military freefall instructors from Special Boat Team (SBT) 20 demonstrate body positions during freefall training at the Matos Military Freefall Training Facility at Fort Bragg, N.C. SBT-20 is conducting this training for junior personnel as a precursor for military freefall school. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Gary L. Johnson III/Released)

My blog will welcome guest blogger

It’s not easy being the hostess with the mostest -- and I’m not talking about myself.

Marine Mom Roni Carrington has been wiping up our wine spills and sweeping up our crumbs for about three years.

A wooden Marine salutes arrivals at her door, and the theme is in full swing in her living room with tablecloths, flags and decorations.

A bell on each table awaits the whoops and laughs, tears and gasps as it is rung for each mother’s declaration of deployments, marriages, smiles and tears.

Before Roni, Katie Powers welcomed the moms around her kitchen table until the group couldn’t squeeze one more; that’s when Roni stepped up to the task.

June 14 marks the fifth anniversary of the Manatee Marine Moms. As a special treat, Roni will be writing a guest blog for us.

After years of my being a guest in her home, it’s time for her to be one here.

Thanks, Roni, for all you do. The Moms are all so grateful.

--Tiffany

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Stephen Colbert goes Commando!

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Obama Orders Stephen's Haircut - Ray Odierno
colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor Stephen Colbert in Iraq

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WELCOME HOME, SPC NKOSI BELL, US ARMY!

Spc. Nkosi Bell was welcomed home by his mother, wife, and members of Manatee's Operation Troop Support.

We thank you for your service

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Around the military:

The bugler with the U.S. Marine Corps Band plays taps during the first sunset parade of the season at the Marine Corps War Memorial, Arlington, Va., on June 2, 2009. DoD photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Richard A. Bliss, U.S. Navy. (Released)

Air Force Thunderbirds perform a calypso maneuver during the 2009 Dakota Thunder open house and airshow in Rapid City on Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., May 30, 2009. The Thunderbirds are scheduled to perform in more than 70 shows in the United States, Puerto Rico and the Far East this year.
U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Anthony Sanchelli


U.S. Soldiers with Echo Company, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 172nd Infantry Brigade prepare to clear a staircase during a combined training exercise with Iraqi soldiers near Bahbahani, Iraq, June 6, 2009. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kim Smith/Released)

Deployment fills heart with dread, pride

Three months: the countdown begins.

The only thing worse than not knowing when a son or daughter will be deployed is knowing -- then the mental clock starts ticking.

Though I am more prepared than I was for Daniel’s first deployment, I still have to resign myself to the knowledge that it’s not any fun at all.

A recent note from a worried mother flicked the “worry” switch on in my heart:

“I am scared to death over him leaving even though I am VERY proud. I am extremely patriotic but struggling over the current situation around the world. I don't let him know that of course...”

The mothers’ endless internal struggle -— pride and worry -— is draining and fortifying at the same time, the ultimate ambivalence.

My key to surviving the deployment mentally intact is to follow a schedule of gathering odds and ends for care packages; regularly checking on my daughter-in-law; fighting insomnia; and, most of all, relying on my fellow Marine Moms for support and understanding.

I pray that the mother who wrote to me soon finds her own survival formula, and that her son returns home safe and well.

We will pray for them.

--Tiffany

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D-Day links:

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Around the military:

A U.S. Air Force Guardian Angel team from the 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron provides security during a joint mass casualty exercise near Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, on May 20, 2009. The tactical recovery team worked alongside U.S. Marines from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit to recover simulated personnel in an austere environment. DoD photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jesse B. Awalt, U.S. Navy. (Released)

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead inspects members of the Navy and Marine Corps ceremonial guard during the Battle of Midway Commemoration Ceremony at the Navy Memorial in Washington. D.C., June 4, 2009. Each year, the Navy remembers the he courage and sacrifice of the sailors who fought in the Battle of Midway, a turning point in the Pacific during World War II. U. S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Tiffini Jones Vanderwyst


U.S. Army paratroopers reassemble weapons from parts using only a tactical light as part of the regiment’s spur ride, a rite-of-passage tradition of excellence that dates back to horse-mounted cavalrymen, on Fort Bragg, N.C., June 4, 2009. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Michael J. MacLeod

A birthday wish for my mom

Mom, if you could see them now.

Daniel has muscles on his muscles, and Erin is a lovely young lady.

Daniel doesn’t jump on the coffee table anymore, nor does he climb the doorways like Spiderman. Erin looks you in the eye and listens. Really!

Daniel is married to a sweet girl, and nobody is good enough for Erin. I know, Mom, she IS picky, still.

But Mom, you would be so proud — Daniel works hard at his job in the Marines, and Erin works just as hard as a traffic clerk. They pay their own way and are respectful young people who contribute to their communities.

Mom, if you could see them now. You would be so proud.

--Tiffany

June 3rd is my mother’s birthday; she died of lung cancer a few years ago, and we miss her very much.

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Check out:

OPERATION DENALI
Man vs. Mountain

4 Wounded Warriors take on Alaska's Denali

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Military photographers of the year, courtesy of Great Americans:

DINFOS - Military Photographers of the Year 2009 - watch more videos

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Around the military:

U.S. Air Force basic trainees, equipped with combat gear, march in two columns from a mock air base where they practiced a defensive scenario during basic military training on Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, May 27, 2009. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Cecilio Ricardo

U.S. Marines carry a simulated casualty towards a CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter during a joint mass casualty training exercise near Camp Lemonier in Grand Bara, Djibouti, May 20, 2009. The Marines, assigned to the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, trained with the 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron during the day-long exercise. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jesse B. Awalt

Judy Tarter, a 73-year-old Navy veteran walks through the registration line for the 23rd Annual National Veterans Golden Age Games June 1, 2009, in Birmingham, Ala. Nearly 700 senior veterans ages 55 and older registered to participate in the athletic competitions here. DoD photo by Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carde