Afghan: One mission at a time and a new dam

Cross-posted at Rosemary's Thoughts.

I know many people think the only thing Marines, Army persons, Navy personnel, the National Guard, the Air Force crew and the such are only capable of killing. Trash things and kill people. That's all there is to it, right? Hold on! Not so fast here. Here are two articles that could at least pierce your hearts, if only you would read them.

The first article is aboout changing the lives of these destitute people, one mission at a time.

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - The C-130 is one of many different types of aircraft stationed here, but could easily be called one of the most versatile.

The members of the 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron put that versatility to the test every day. The three primary missions of the C-130s here are airdrop, air-land and aeromedical evacuation.

"Our airdrop missions can be anything from dropping pamphlets to the locals to humanitarian drops such as water, blankets, food and firewood in the winter, ammunition and troop re-supplies," said Senior Airman Patrick Keefe, 774th EAS loadmaster. "Air-land missions consist of troop movements or hauling cargo." [Continue reading.]

They are being modest. They also provide food to people who are so idolated that they cannot feed themselves. These people are just trying to stay alive after years and years of war.

The next article is about the necessity of water and the huge impact dams and irrigation will have not only on their crops but also on their economy. Just take one paragraph:

In a country held back by more than 30 years of war, ineffective water use has made life even more difficult in this already-barren country. Managing water is life or death for farmers like Haji Mazdigar Gul, 56, who explained that without a diversion dam, flooding often causes him to lose his fields, jeopardizing his family’s survival. His village of Koza Bokhana is one of 30 that will benefit from dams, which will redirect water from rivers to the fields of more than 80,000 farmers and families. [Continue reading.]

This is a very good thing they are doing, and they are not doing it alone. The Afghan people are actually working side-by-side with them. They are all great and while we empower them, we also are helping ourselves here at home. Read and find out why. I am very proud of you guys and gals! :)

Operation Thanks for Freedom!

Help collect cards, e-mails, etc, to send to the troops for the Fourth of July. Details at DoD Daily News-2. This will remain up until June 9, 2007. Have a blessed day.

'Tis good to give

I just got done packing some more 'stuff' for my Hero in Afghanistan. I know it isn't much, but I can't get him to answer me as to what else he needs. Maybe he has too much carry? I'm trying to keep it light. Trying doesn't always work, though. lol.

I feel so much better that I can give someone who is risking his life for our country and me something in return. I know it won't ever pay him back for what he is doing, but he is gracious enough to accept it. Giving truly is a blessing.

If you would like to be a part of those of us who don't care who runs the White House (not entirely true, but for this purpose it doesn't matter) and would like to particate in helping a Soldier, a Marine, an Air Force person, a Navy person, or a National Guardsmen, please contact this website. They have a system already worked out to answer any questions you may have, and you will truly be blessed. Thank you, and may God bless you.

Memorial Day 26 May 2007

Today my heart is filled with sadness. I know it is not supposed to be, but I have never lied to you before. I am not about to start now. I have decided to share with you some prior Memorial Day posts. I hope you enjoy them.

Tomorrow is Memorial Day. At 3 pm, the nation will take one minute out of the year for a moment of silence to reflect on all the sacrifices made to preserve our freedoms. I think we should do this more often, but I hope you join me tomorrow at 3 pm, wherever you are.

Blackfive has a very moving and somber article about tomorrow. Please take the time to read it. They took the time for us.

To all the Viet Nam Vets: Welcome home.

La di da La di da La di da. La di da Da di da Da di da da. Da da di Da da di da. Da di di Da di da da di da da. Didada dadidada.

Well, you get the idea. (Sorry about that. I just looked at it, and it does NOT make sense. And I'm the one who wrote it! lol)

That is (was supposed to be) my parade for you. I know it is simple and probably off tune, but I wanted to at least do something.

Thank you to all of you who have risked it all to keep us free. I appreciate all your sacrifices. That includes you, too, family members and other loved ones. Thank you so very much.

Update: Greyhawk has a moving post today. You will surely be blessed by reading it. You may even find peace. After all, isn't that what we all want?

Update: Smash has a wonderful coverage of some heroes you would be proud to have met. If you want to know what is going on in the hearts of our vets this day, read this article. You will understand why they love each other so much.

Yes, they are proud to serve the greatest country in the world. Yes, they miss their families. Yes, they have their own points of view. Yet, they all come together when the time is necessary to protect you and me. These are remarkable men and women.

Be proud that they live amongst us, and be honored they chose to protect us. Be grateful they sacrificed for us, and do not forget their loved ones they have left behind.

This is a day of mixed emotions for them. They are grateful their loved one(s) is being remembered, while at the same time would much rather have them here to celebrate this day. This may be healing or too painful. Only God knows, and only time can help, if at all. Pay your respects. Please.

Update: You should see the pictures over at Willisms. He also has some precious words for this remarkable day. Sometimes the shorter the words, the more they say. Go over and check it out.

This one was written May 29, 2005. This next one was written the next day of the same year.

I pray your Memorial Day was a happy and healthy one. I also pray for our men and women who were unable to join us either because they are on duty risking their lives, shuffling paper (that is important, too), or they just happen to be with the Father. Whatever the case, I remember you.

I thank you for all you have risked for me. I understand the struggle of the ones you leave behind...well, not really. How could I? I pray for the Peace that the world does not understand be upon them. Thank you all.

I feel so honored and humbled to live in a country where people would do this for me. Who am I? I am no one. I am everyone. What a great society in which we live. Where an idea is worth more than gold, a friend is true to the end, and we are free to believe in whomever we choose and how.

I believe in Jesus Christ. He has never failed me, while I cannot say the same for myself. I thank You, Lord, for this day. Please keep the USA's Military, their family's and other loved ones, and our coalition partners protected from harm and evil. Grant them coolness in the heat, heat in the cold, food that doesn't taste awful, grace, mercy, understanding, knowledge, wisdom, guidence, strength, and complete and total Victory over the enemy. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

I would like to link some other posts that are very special about today:
Michelle Malkin.
Roger L. Simon.

There were actually more links, but they either are no longer accessible or they are included above.

It is my pray that our men and women in uniform are hidden underneath God's wings, that their families are provided for and well, and that each American remembers this day with the reverence it so richly deserves. Thank you for your service, God bless you, and welcome home.

What a beautiful world in which we live!

It is so good to be alive in these trying times. Am I insane for believing this? I do not think so. What better time to be alive than that when you can actually contribute of yourself, even if no one shall ever know you existed. Yes, I do declare, this is noble.

Are there terrorists in my country? Yes, and we hunting them down. Are you keeping your eyes open? Are you helping in anyway? Then you are doing a fine job for your fellow man.

Are there gangs? Yes. Are you going to your Church, Synogogue, or Mosque, to offer our youth a better path? Are you spending time just being there for your own children? Then you are doing a fine job for them and your fellow man.

Are there diseases and disasters? Yes, but there always has been. Today we are finding the cures that God Almighty has created for us to find, and we are finding them. Take good care of your health by having early and regular check-ups. By doing this, you will be helping yourself and your fellow man.

Please do not forget that even--or espicially--through adversity is the time when we grow. We are living in historic times. How many people were aware that their mere existence would alter the course of history for the entire world? Now we must decide. Are we going for TOTALLY VICTORY or are we going to cut and run?

I know what my decision is to be. I am willing to fight for my country and the world. I shall be in prayer until this world war is over (even after), and I shall do what is required of me. How about you?

In the meanwhile, I shall be at peace with God and myself, I shall stop and smell the roses along the way, I shall be grateful for life itself, I shall talk to anyone about God--just as long as they wish to talk, I will serve our men and women through words of encouragement and other means, and I shall enjoy each and every day of my life.

THAT is what it takes to be an American, IMHO. Have a blessed day.

PS: I would like to share a site with you of a man who has recently gone to Afghanistan to fight for our very existence. He is moving from where he was to where he is going to be for a while. He is an excellent writer, and I really enjoy his honesty. I think you will, too. Please send him some of your very own encouraging words. The title of his site is "Bill and Bob's Excellent Afghan Adventure." Thank you.

Let's get moving on those cards for Vets!

When you came to this site (if you came by way of homepage), you noticed a post that will remain up there until June 9, 2007. It is there to call your attention to a campaign we are running to gather over 5,000 cards (we only have 50 so far) to send to our troops who are risking their lives so as we may be free. Is a little card too much to ask? Make one! You don't have to buy one if you really don't have the money. It really IS the thought that counts. Let them know you are still thinking about and praying for them! Thank you. (You will find instructions for Operation Thanks for Freedom is here.)

Did I happen to mention that these cards are for the Fourth of July, otherwise known as Independence Day, for which we are all extremely grateful? Nudge, nudge...

A Love Song to US

Whether you are for or against this war, this is a song you should hear. I could not put it on here because it is not on YouTube, so here is the link: If I Die Before You Wake. Please listen to the other song as well: One Voice.

Thank you so very much for your service to the USA and me. I pray you do not die. I pray you are home soon were you belong. Godspeed.

Cross-posted: DoD Daily News.

Memorial Day Prayer

I pray your Memorial Day was a happy and healthy one. I also pray for our men and women who were unable to join us either because they are on duty risking their lives, shuffling paper (that is important, too), or they just happen to be with the Father. Whatever the case, I remember you.

I thank you for all you have risked for me. I understand the struggle of the ones you leave behind...well, not really. How could I? I pray for the Peace that the world does not understand be upon them. Thank you all.

I feel so honored and humbled to live in a country where people would do this for me. Who am I? I am no one. I am everyone. What a great society in which we live. Where an idea is worth more than gold, a friend is true to the end, and we are free to believe in whomever we choose and how.

I believe in Jesus Christ. He has never failed me, while I cannot say the same for myself. I thank You, Lord, for this day. Please keep the USA's Military, their family's and other loved ones, and our coalition partners protected from harm and evil. Grant them coolness in the heat, heat in the cold, food that doesn't taste awful, grace, mercy, understanding, knowledge, wisdom, guidence, strength, and complete and total Victory over the enemy. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

I would like to link some other posts that are very special about today:
Blackfive. (Matt)
Greyhawk. (Mudville Gazette)
Michelle Malkin
Roger L. Simon.
Smash, (Indepundit)
Willisms.

Memorial Day-Thank you, and welcome home

Tomorrow is Memorial Day. At 3 pm, the nation will take one minute out of the year for a moment of silence to reflect on all the sacrifices made to preserve our freedoms. I think we should do this more often, but I hope you join me tomorrow at 3 pm, wherever you are.

Blackfive has a very moving and somber article about tomorrow. Please take the time to read it. They took the time for us.

To all the Viet Nam Vets: Welcome home.

La di da La di da La di da. La di da Da di da Da di da da. Da da di Da da di da. Da di di Da di da da di da da. Didada dadidada.

Well, you get the idea. That is my parade for you. I know it is simple and probably off tune, but I wanted to at least do something.

Thank you to all of you who have risked it all to keep us free. I appreciate all your sacrifices. That includes you, too, family members and other loved ones. Thank you so very much.

Update:Greyhawk has a moving post today. You will surely be blessed by reading it. You may even find peace. After all, isn't that what we all want?

Update: Smash has a wonderful coverage of some heroes you would be proud to have met. If you want to know what is going on in the hearts of our vets this day, read this article. You will understand why they love each other so much.

Yes, they are proud to serve the greatest country in the world. Yes, they miss their families. Yes, they have their own points of view. Yet, they all come together when the time is necessary to protect you and me. These are remarkable men and women.

Be proud that they live amongst us, and be honored they chose to protect us. Be grateful they sacrificed for us, and do not forget their loved ones they have left behind.

This is a day of mixed emotions for them. They are grateful their loved one(s) is being remembered, while at the same time would much rather have them here to celebrate this day. This may be healing or too painful. Only God knows, and only time can help, if at all. Pay your respects. Please.

Update: This blog is no longer active.
Update: As I was feeling a little blue on this day of remembrance of all those who have gone before us, I stopped over at one of my favorite sites. He has written a fine dedication and devotional that we can all embrace. Please check out DOUBLE TOOTHPICKS to be lifted up. Today is also his one year blogiversary! Stop by and encourage him. Happy Blogiversity, Steve. Thank you.

Update: You should see the pictures over at Willisms. He also has some precious words for this remarkable day. Sometimes the shorter the words, the more they say. Go over and check it out.