IN MEMORIAM

Now this is why I began this blog.

June 1, 2007 - Afghanistan - A dear friend of mine was lost. Killed in Action by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). To me, and Charlie's family, he was a hero... gone long before his time here was up.

Charlie had served Active Duty in the U.S. Army prior to joining the Army National Guard on his return to Tucson from Active Duty. So, he was no stranger to the risks.

I recieved word from our mutual friend Doug of Charlie's passing. It hit me like a ton of bricks. I have lost friends. Two in the line of duty. But never before was it someone I considered to be my best friend.

I attended a Military College right after High School... Charlie knew that... and appreciated my support for the Military as a result of that schooling. To this day, I believe what we are doing overseas is the right thing to do. Charlie fought and died for those principles, and it would be a disgrace to his memory for us to go on squabbleing like a bunch of little children over war issues.

I remember when Charlie and I first met - back in early 2005. He and I talked about his National Guard (NG) commitment, and I remember his first words to me: "Nobody knows what selfless means anymore." For Charlie, it was putting the mission, and the needs of his men before his needs. Charlie stepped on an IED while exiting his Humvee. He was exiting to go and assist another element that had been pinned down by Talliban forces. The only thing Charlie was concerned with, was saving the lives of those men that were pinned down.

I will miss Charlie - but I will never forget him. If you ask me - he's an American Hero of the highest order!

God Bless you Charlie Browning! You will remain in the hearts of my family and yours!

THIS IS FREAKING AWESOME!!!!

This is freaking awesome....

Patriot Day

The only thing neccecary for evil to triumph, is for good men to do nothing -Edmund Burke

Today, six years after the worst terrorist attack in U.S. History, we are still fighting an invisible enemy. Thanks to the efforts of good men and women who refused to do nothing, our invisible enemy is now a little bit more tangible, and a little less invisible.

MSNBC is running footage from six years ago. It seems so long ago when I look back on it. So much has changed as a result of 9/11. We have altered our perceptions of people we see every day, we have changed the way in which we do business both domestically and abroad, and even the Law Enforcement community has changed - adding Anti-Terrorism operations to their ever growing toolbox.

My generation has changed too... In 1995, when I graduated from High School - NOBODY - had ever thought we would be at war, or even in a state of perpetual rediness to fight an enemy at any time, date or location. Most of us have even lost someone we care about while they fought the War On Terror.

Change is inevitable. Lord knows that is true... So, on this 6th Anniversary, we fight on; We live on; and we will not be terrorized any longer. I don't care what you think about the war in Iraq, or even Afghanistan. I don't care what conspiracies you think there were surrounding 9/11. Reality is that NONE OF IT MATTERS! What matters is the here-and-now. Love your family - PROTECT them and understand that America is the GREATEST country in the whole world. We will not give up our way of life because it is offensive to others. In closing - put Political Correctness to bed - it will be our only downfall!

CLEAR THINKING

At last at last - Fred Thompson is running for President!!

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,295899,00.html

BadAss Marine

GOD BLESS AMERICA!! This is what makes America great!!

An open letter to the liberal left:

To Whom It May Concern:

It has recently come to my attention that some within your group are actively trying to undermine the war in Iraq. This would be ill-advised.

Troops overseas fight for our freedoms - and that would include their service in Iraq. Any time someone from the left whines about "If you support the troops - you support the war." it incenses me... I get fired up, because more than likely - the individual has never spent one second around a member of our military. They have no clue what is involved in becoming a member of the military - nor do the know that it is 100% VOLUNTEER!

Men and women for almost 20+ years have been volunteering to stand between us and harm. A dear friend of mine once said "Americans have no idea what SELFLESSNESS is anymore. I serve selflessy to protect my home and all who dwell within it. I do it without thanks, appreciation or adequate pay." Charlie Brwoning was killed June 1, 2007 in Afghanistan preserving the freedom we all enjoy and protecting us from any subsequent Terror attacks. He believed that sometimes war is neccecary to understand the benefits of freedom.

Without war, there can be no peace. You liberals are destroying a country I dearly love. Every time you suggest surrender, or pullouts - you slap the face of every Soldier, Sailor, Aiman or Marine who has gone and come back; and you piss on the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for you.

In closing, I hope you sleep well tonight. Rest assured, a member of our military is somewhere far from home, and without the comforts you enjoy - to keep your ungrateful ass safe here at home!

Sincerely,

An American Citizen