Sgt B has a Way with Words

He may class himself as a grunt, but I love it when blog-brother Sgt B of The Gun Line settles in and writes. Read his take on Grunts and the Press ... it's a treasure! Also, you may have read about the construction of the USS New York over at Blackfive yesterday. But you have to read the comments to get the best part! I can see it now... Two shipfitters walking back to the timeclock at the end of the day: "You know, it's amazing," says one, "I've been slapping these ladies together for fifteen years, and I've never had a ship come together like this. I mean, the metal almost welds itself, the nuts and bolts go on smoothly every time, and I'd swear that I saw one of the bulkheads kinda move to let a guy get into a confined space to touch up some tack welds..." "Yeah..." the other man said, "She's not gonna let all that 'waitaminute' stuff get in the way of getting out there. But, ya know, I swear that she wants to get out of here and into the fight." "Yeah?" "Yeah." "How so?" The man tipped his hardhat back and looked fondly at the huge grey hull, "I was talking with Joe, we wuz x-rayin' some of the hull plate welds - you know Joe, his kid's in the Corps, over in Iraq-" "Yeah, I know him." "Yeah, well, he pulled out a letter he got from his kid, I guess they got into it a while back." "Yeah, and..?" "I swear to God, man, as soon as Joe finished readin..." "Yeah?" "She growled..." "Who growled?" The man reached a hand up to caress the part of the hull he could reach. "SHE did..." Posted by: Sgt. B. | Aug 17, 2005 2:50:03 PM

A caricature of grief

The stand-off in Texas continues, with Cindy Sheehan demanding that President Bush talk with her again. When I first heard of this story, I was sad to see how the loss or her son had affected the grieving mother. But now, as this continues to drag on, and the statements get sillier and more bizarre, all I see is a cartoon figure. Cindy Sheehan has tried to hold herself up as a symbol for all grieving mothers who have lost a son or daughter in the war. Instead, she has created a caricature of grief, and no longer resembles reality. Her Sheehanigans (to borrow Bloodspite's phrase) include founding a group that wants to impeach President Bush. Not just for the war in Iraq, but for the Afghanistan war as well! But wait ... it isn't all bad. There are benefits to her passing over to the dark side where reality doesn't visit. We don't have to take her seriously any more. Which makes ridicule much more fun. Such as Cindy in stocks, from Andrea at Least Loved Bedtime Stories v. 2.0. Or the wonder of finding an image in your grilled cheese sandwich ... sheer genius from Robb at Sharp as a Marble. I wonder if Cindy will be like the old Star Trek (original show) episode, where the floating light entity fed off of the fighting between the Enterprise crew and the Klingons, until Kirk convinced them all to laugh ... and drove the evil spirit away? We can hope, can't we? UPDATE Go check out Adventures with Cindy at This Blog is Full of Crap, much more fun to be had. H/T to James at The Partamian Report. And further thanks to Andrea for pointing out Ace of Spades' list of Top Ten Questions Cindy Sheehan has for President Bush!

Freedom lost ... and restored

We are blessed in this country with great freedoms ... we can speak our minds, move about from city to city, work where we can find jobs, and generally do what we like within the bounds of law and public acceptance. We can do thing big and little, and sometimes it is the little things that irk the most when we can't do them. Small things like writing a note, researching an interesting news story on the web, looking at pictures of family far and wide. If I could not type or operate a mouse, these things would be hard, maybe impossible. So many of our service men and women are dealing with these encumbrances day-to-day. Project Valour IT is all about freedom. It will fund laptops with voice-control and dictation software, and provide them to military hospitals, so that those with limiting injuries can more easily accomplish these simple tasks. April Shah of Randomosity thought about how this might have been needed to help her sister. Michelle was injured in Iraq a few months ago, and her best friend and fellow soldier, Gavin Colburn, was killed. Go visit April, and check out her thoughts on this Good Cause, and especially read the comment that Michelle left from Iraq. THE GOAL We want to raise $600,000 to fully fund the laptops and software for the project, and every small donation helps. You are free ... and your dollars can help them to be free as well. Please look at the project, and donate if you can. For other news of the project, including open needs to volunteer help, check at the Project Valour IT Blog. Also, feel free to scan down the blog roll of the project in the sidebar, and check out what some of the other Fusileers have to offer.

Something for the Soul

I've added a new link in the Eye Candy section of the sidebar, so that you can explore the photographic art of Jordan for yourself.

Another Al-Zarqawi cohort killed

This is almost becoming commonplace. In fact, I will be interested to see how many of the MSM heavy hitters will even mention it. Wanted Al Qaeda Member Killed American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Aug. 14, 2005 Terrorist Abu Zubair, also known as Mohammed Salah Sultan, was killed Aug. 12 by Iraqi security forces in an ambush in the northern city of Mosul, officials said today. Zubair was a known member of al Qaeda in Iraq and a lieutenant in the operations of terrorist leader Abu Musab Zarqawi in Mosul. ... Any time that I see that another of Zarqawi's cohorts has been captured or killed, I am pleased. The more terrorist organizers removed from the scene in Iraq, the better. I am also happy to see that more and more of these raids and ambushes are being run by the Iraqi forces, as they become confident and take over the security of their country. I found this very interesting : When Zubair was killed, he was wearing a suicide device consisting of an explosive pack across his stomach armed with pellets, officials noted. One possible reason for this would be that the trusted leaders are rigged to die if captured, which would make sense. Any who are captured will certainly be interrogated for their knowledge of the organization and other terrorist plans, weapons, and safe houses. I'm curious ... I don't recall reading before about suicide bombs being found on the leaders - if any one knows stats on this, I would be interested. It makes me wonder if he was actually preparing for a specific suicide attack on the ISF or some other target when the ambush occurred. That would indicate a new level of desperation to me, if leaders are now prepared to use themselves rather than dupe some low-level bomb fodder into blowing himself up for the cause. I could be very wrong - and Abu Zubair may have been relatively small potatoes in the scheme of things. But the fact remains that the Iraqi forces are growing in skills every day, and more are being trained constantly. There are many terrorists left, and our forces and the Iraqis are still meeting up in deadly encounters. But every bit on the scale helps tip it in the right direction.

Denizens Alert!

Today is another Natal Day celebration for the Admiral of the Castle Argghhh! Moat Fleet. Happy Birthday, Boquisucio!!!! ...and many happy returns! After my past recently on the attitudes of some schools regarding the Junior ROTC programs for high school students, Boq provided some interesting commentary on his own experiences in the program as a youth. As a way to mark his Natal celebration, I offer you these remembrances ... As I stated before, I'm glad to have been a JROTC Cadet. It served me well in gaining self respect, discipline, and leadership traits, which I have carried forward all of this years in the civilian world. For the most part, my high school was just like any other, except that every night I had to shine my brass, and shoes, and prep my uniform for the morning's inspection. Every morning would start with Raising of the Colors / Morning Formation and Inspection. This lasted for half an hour; after which we would fall-out for classes. At noon we would fall-in formation once more and march in units to the Mess Hall... 'nuther 20 minutes formation. For the most part, that was the extent of Martial Activities for the day. There were few exceptions, as we had Leadership Development Classes once every week. This hour a week, was spent studying military history, citizenship, marching and drilling with Demiled Springfield '03's. Those Springfield 03´s were a beaut. They had the barrel plugged, and the bolt-face soldered-in. Other than that, all mechanisms were operational. We had an armory in the basement, next to the indoor range. One of my jobs was to clean and lube them prior to our annual inspections. Did a good job, for our school always got the coveted Yellow Star. What I loved the most was qualifying twice as Expert with Small Bore Rifles at the Indoor Range. Ah, the smell of single based propellant going off in the indoor range. Finally, we had two pass-in-reviews per year, at the Parade Grounds/Soccer Field. For the grand majority of students that was the extent of Toy Soldiering. However I quickly figured out that standing in attention for 50 minutes a day under the Caribbean Sun was no fun at all. For the ambitious amongst us was HQ Company. There, those musically inclined could join The Band. The True Gung-ho could join either the Rangers or the Black Jacks. They would meet every week-end and recreate The Vietnam War at the local jungles and forests. I first tried out for the Drill Team, but flinging at each other 12-lbs. worth of Ashwood and Steel in the form of WWI rifles was not my cup of tea. But then I found out that the Color Guards would always be on the move; a great plus when the rest of the battalion was forced to stand in rigid attention during the semi-annual parades. The kicker was, that The Color Guard would also be amongst the most called upon to cut classes, as every month there would be a civic activity somewhere in the region requiring the flags to be present. Be it the Rotarians cutting a ribbon downtown, or the Governor of the island giving a speech somewhere. Of course, we would Raise up, and then Retreat the Colors at the traffic circle every morning and afternoon. More movement and cutting of classes. When I joined at 9th Grade, I first started by escorting the colors either with a sabre, or rifle, then moved up to carrying the school, then the commonwealth flags, and finally the Old Glory itself. During my senior year, I made it to SFC, being in-charge of my little gang of Color Bearers. BOQ Arise, Castle Denizens! Leave Natal Day for Boq greetings here, or at the Castle. I am off to enjoy visiting friends and lovely weather - good cheer to all!! OOPS - Almost forgot the Present!! Boq - Given your love of language, and mastery of Italian and Latin, I offer a pass to the Vatican Library exhibit. Cheers! UPDATE Note that Fusileer6 posted an update on Project Valour IT today, including a link to the new blog for the Project, hosted by Sgt B. Please bookmark it, link it - and spread the word to keep the project rolling!

Friday Fun!

This week's Carnival of the Recipes is beautifully hosted by ALa at Restaurant Sage today. Check out the menu ... the presentation is glorious! ALa also adds her voice to the Fighting Fusileers for Freedom in support of Project Valour IT. Katy will have another installment of Self Portrait Friday at The Grass Isn't Greener today ... sometime ... go ahead and pester her - she likes that ... *grin* ! The theme today is Relaxing, maybe she's just slackin'?! Erik already has his SPF picture posted -- from the sandbox, no less! I love to read his tidbits, too ... go read and drop him a note. Over at the Castle, John is extending his previous rant, for an astral projection, he projects quite well! And MSG Keith is back from his wanderings with a review on what it means to be an American. He gets to meet his new girlfriend this weekend for the first time. Granddaughter Eleanor is two weeks old now, and has been waiting for Granpa Sarge to show up for the pinky fitting ... Kat at The Middle Ground is on a tear -- just start at the top and read down to read her further musings/rants on Over There, keeping tabs on the media, and the latest PC stupidity. And if you haven't read the compelling prose from Sgt B, go now... In other places, AFSister is still on vacation, Punctilious has returned from hers, SWWBO has returned to blogging after a quick hiatus - and reminds us of the definition of Guardian. BCR talks about Project Valour IT, Jack at Random Fate has some follow up on Last Words (or not), and Cass offers Conserva Babe blogging at Villainous Company!

Project Valour IT update

The big news this week is the fantastic new project from the Soldiers' Angels organization, called Project Valour IT, the brainchild of Fusileer Captain Fuzzybear Lioness. Take a laptop, add software that lets you talk while it types, and give it to the men and women at Bethesda and other military hospitals. Let those who don't have (and may never regain) the use of their hands and arms write emails to their friends and family, give voice commands to browse the web and keep in touch with their loved ones. This is the promise and potential of Project Valour IT. Take a few minutes to go to the Gun Line and and absorb Sgt B's description of just how important this project is for the wounded troops. The warrior has the soul of a poet, and knows how to pluck the heartstrings... Also, go see what John's astral projection has to say on this, as well as Jack, Kat, Bad Cat Robot, and of course, BillT and Fusileer6 at the Castle. Others who are covering this include Blackfive, in his Caring for the Defenders series, Neptunus Lex, Bloodspite of Techography, and Teresa of Technicalities.

Fusileers : Project Valour IT needs YOU

[This post is going to stay on top for a few days. Please scroll down for new posts.] The Fusileers have been standing by since receiving Orders from Castle Argghhh! in the Tuesday dispatches. The Fighting Fusileers are being recalled to duty, to spread the word of a new way to help out the wounded troops. Thanks to the inspiration of CPT Chuck Ziegenfuss, and the drive and hard work of Denizenne Fuzzybear Lioness, and Soldiers' Angels like Holly Aho and the amazing Patti Bader, there is a new segment of the Soldiers' Angels organization. Announcing Project Valour IT Voice-Activated Laptops for OUR Injured Troops In memory of SFC William V. Ziegenfuss Every cent raised for Project Valour IT goes directly to the purchase and shipment of laptops, software and equipment for the wounded servicemembers. Currently we are forming "libraries" of laptops equipped with the voice-controlled software for wounded Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines at each major military medical center to check-out for a few hours at a time. In the next stage, a fully-equipped laptop will be provided to each servicemember for use throughout in-hospital recovery. Finally, copies of the voice-controlled software for use on home computers will be supplied to servicemembers who still need it as they leave the medical center. There's much more at the Project Valour IT site, about the project and the need, and especially about the history behind the project. Please go there, read about the project, and help in any way you can. These guys and gals deserve our help!

Swordfish with Orange Sauce

The best part of this recipe is the Orange Sauce. It has a touch of tang to it, to counter the sweet ... yummy! The sauce does well on other things also - we've tried it on other fish, and it's terrific on baked ham. What you'll need : Orange Sauce 2/3 cup orange marmalade 1/3 cup pineapple juice 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon coriander Dash hot sauce Swordfish 4 (6 oz.) swordfish steaks 3 tablespoons lime juice 2 tablespoons melted butter Preparation : Orange Sauce Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Cook over low heat for 5 minutes. Set aside and keep warm. Swordfish Place swordfish steaks on lightly greased grid of broiler pan. Combine lime juice and butter. Brush over steaks. Broil at Lo Broil setting about 4 inches from heat for 10-15 minutes. Turn fish over and continue broiling 10-15 minutes or until done. Brush occasionally with lime-butter mixture. Serve with Orange Sauce. This one is so easy, even *I* can make it. Not that the Hubster actually lets me do anything except cut up veggies and such. You can vary the tang in the sauce a bit with the amount of horseradish, and potentially by using various hot sauces - although we are simple folks, and just use Tabasco. For the record ... I like my spice on the light side - and this sauce fits me to a 'T'. Try it this way first, then moosh it around to suit your fancy!

More on the loser Phelps

Fred "the dipstick" Phelps is once again planning to disrupt the funeral service of a fallen warrior. This word came via Go Jack Army, where the news was received and relayed, and members of the SF community in the Arlington / Washington DC area were encouraged to help Counterprotest. The fallen soldier is Sgt. Jason T. Palmerton, who was assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group this February, and was killed July 23rd in Afghanistan. Phelps and his so-called church group are hate-mongers of the worst stripe. They have sunk so low as to protest at the services of fallen warriors - because they know that this garners them publicity. Opelika-Auburn News, Aug. 7th : "... The Rev. Phelps, who was not present at the protest, said during a phone interview Friday the WBC uses the funerals of soldiers from the war in Iraq for its demonstration to garner extra public attention." This guy just gives the title 'Reverend' a bad name.

Combining Rifles and Billiards?

Well, not really - it just looks like the targets are billiard balls : This fun little target is to be used for an e-Postal Rifle Match. I found this over at Random Nuclear Strikes, including the rules for this e-competition -- titled Killiards ... No time limit - take as long as needed. Ten points per ball for a total possible score of 150 points. One hit per billiard ball. Two hits on any ball counts as a miss. Only 15 holes are allowed in any one target. 100 Yards minimum distance for centerfire rifle calibers (50 yds for rimfire and pistol caliber) The Analog Kid has his target posted, and a lot more details on how to take part, if you are so inclined. E-mail the resulting score for your target to The Analog Kid by August 22nd to take part. Note also that you can strive for longer distances, as these will be considered separate categories. 100 Yards is plenty long enough for me, though, thanks. I haven't had a good reason to take the rifles out for much too long - this sounds like fun. Guess I'd better get the long guns out and clean 'em up!