Memorial Day Honors

Memorial Day is reserved for honoring those men and women who have sacrificed all in service to our country. This day should be revered by all who live in this great nation and appreciate those freedoms gifted to us by the blood of our brothers in arms.

Partisan politics and your views on America’s military engagements in foreign lands should not be pursued on this date. All should remain neutral and reflect on what has been given to us.

Although sad, today should be a day of celebration in honor of our military service personnel. In return for their lives and sacrifices, they do not ask for much. A simple “thank you” and “we appreciate you” is all they need. For a warrior to continue on in the face of extreme and deadly adversity, a little appreciation is not to much to ask to stay them on their course.

For all those who gave their life as a sacrifice on the alter of freedom and for all those who walk dusty roads thinking of the family they left behind, let me say thank you. I love you and appreciate what you have done for my family. Without you, we would not know peace. May the Lord bless you and keep you safe.

The Enemy Within

I have been saying for a long time that the enemy is here, in the United States and poised to strike a blow into America's heartland. Well, the Islamic radicals here in America agree with my beliefs regarding them. A survey conducted by a reliable research group found some disturbing trends when it surveyed American Muslims.

Only 26% of Muslims believe the war on terrorism is aimed at actually reducing world-wide terrorism. This would lead one to conclude that the other 74% believe we are fighting terrorism for a reason motivated by something other than the un-provoked attack on America.

Only 12% believe we should be in Iraq and amazingly, only 35% believe we should be in Afghanistan. In case you didn't know, Afghanistan was the haven for the Taliban and was the origin of the 9/11 attacks. In addition, only 40% of Muslims believe that Arab men carried out the attacks.

32% support Al-Qaeda or are unsure of their opinions of them. These are the terrorists that planned and carried out the 9/11 attacks and have fought the Americans and Iraqis for more than 6 years. They have told us that they wish to kill us and have proven so by their malicious attacks on US troops.

26% of American Muslims believe that homicide bombings are an honorable tactic to use even if they destroy innocent lives.

So what conclusions can we draw? Well, it is simple but let me break it down for you anyway: A significant number of Muslims bedding down in the US consider themselves Muslim not American, they worship Islam and the culture of death instead of life, they support our enemies when in fact they are our enemies and the remaining balance of American Muslims will not stand up and defend America, their "homeland", against these hate and evil filled people.

Maybe its time we wage a war here at home.

US Navy Enters Straits Of Hormuz

The US Navy has sent 9 warships into the Gulf off the coast of Iran. The ships passed through the Straits of Hormuz in broad daylight on "training missions" intended to reassure governments that the US is dedicated to stability in the region. This is the largest Navy muster in the region since the beginning of the Iraq War in 2003.

The Straits of Hormuz is the most often used through-way for oil exports. If Iran attempted any military action including attempting to close the Straits it would greatly affect oil economies around the world.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad urged other governments in the region to rise up against foreign occupiers, most notably the United States, and evict us out of their lands. With Iran's grip on oil supplies, their intention to develop nuclear weapons, their support of insurgent operations in Iraq and their hostilities towards the United States and Israel are a clear and present danger and attention must be paid. If diplomacy fails then we must consider dealing with Ahmadinejad in a military manner.

War Gets A Facelift

Muhammed "Hamoody" Hussein was two years old when an Iraqi insurgent shotgun blast tore his face open. He was rendered blind and unable to breath through his nose. The damaged caused him to suffer from sleep apnea which could possible lead to brain damage in small children. This is a true tragedy of the insurgent battle in Iraq, but it gives loving hearts in the US a chance to shine.

The Everett chapter of the national nonprofit Healing the Children was able to bring Hamoody to the US for a much need surgery, which was donated by Children's Hospital & Regional Medical Center of Seattle.

After an intensive surgery with at least one more for Hamoody to undergo, he is alive and in great condition. Hamoody can breath now and his face was re-constructed using one of his ribs. His survival is a testament to the will of America. An American family took him into their home and loved him as a son and doctors worked diligently to give him a chance of a long healthy life.

Many protest America's involvement in the Middle East, but for Hamoody, life was given a new by God and loving Americans.

Lebanese Military Battles Terrorist Militants

Fighting continues to rage in Lebanon, where the Lebanese military steps up its tactics against militants who are conducting operations from refugee camps. Lebanese governments officials believe the Fatah Islamic militants are working on be-half of the Syrian Islamic Uprising. Others believe the militants are actually Al-Qaeda operatives conducting training before going to Iraq.

Killed in Sunday's fighting was a high ranking Fatah member, Saddam El-Hajdib. He was one of the suspected train bombers in Germany.

The leader of the Fatah militant group is Shaker Youssef al-Absi, a Palestinian who was sentenced to death by a Jordanian court for his role in the assassination of US diplomat Laurence Foley. The actual assassination was conducted by Al-Qaeda leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and his associates.

If this isn't proof positive that Islamic radicals are conducting large scale operations around the world I don't know what is. Factional fighting in Lebanon has now been linked to Al-Qaeda and is drawing in the US and Israel as its victims. I do not believe we should involve ourselves with this fight. For the time being, Israel can defend itself against these ridiculous rocket attacks and although we support the Lebanese government in its operations, they are not a traditional ally and we should not give them any military support.

The enemy is resourceful and is taking advantage of other militant groups to extend their philosophies. We must maintain our fortitude if we are to survive the attack.

The Lion Of Fallujah Sacrifices All

Major Douglas A. Zembiec, The Lion of Fallujah, sacrificed his life on May 11, 2007 during combat operations in Baghdad. Always the dependable, tough and ready Marine, the Lion became notable after he led his men during successful and heroic operations in the battle for Fallujah. After the battle of Fallujah he would be awarded a Purple Heart and the Bronze Star with V device for valor.

Douglas served in Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq. During an interview, he stated, "one of the most noble things you can do is kill the enemy". Friends stated, "He was the Lion of Fallujah. He was unstoppable". "And though people spoke of the fire in his eyes, Zembiec also was known for his wide smile and the unabashed tears he shed for his dead and wounded men, showing those who served under him that "you fight the good fight and you remember your fallen comrades". As a tribute to the man he was, another friend stated, "As fierce as he was in battle, that is how gentle he was with his family".

Douglas left behind his wife of two years and his one year old daughter.

Douglas led his men from the front against an evil enemy. He stood for all those pure and decent things that represent today's American Marine. He has the respect and gratitude of the nation and will forever sit by God's side.

Thank you Douglas for a job well done.

The Final Inspection

The Marine stood and faced God, Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shining, Just as brightly as his brass. "Step forward now, Marine,How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek? To My Church have you been true?"

The soldier squared his shoulders and said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't. Because those of us who carry guns, Can't always be a saint. I've had to work most Sundays, And at times my talk was tough. And sometimes I've been violent, Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny, That wasn't mine to keep... Though I worked a lot of overtime, When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help, Though at times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God, forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place, Among the people here. They never wanted me around, Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord, It needn't be so grand. I never expected or had too much, But if you don't, I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne, Where the saints had often trod. As the Marine waited quietly, For the judgment of his God. "Step forward now, you Marine, You've borne your burdens well. Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets, You've done your time in Hell." ~Author Unknown~