Friday, November 27, 2009

Military Divorces up

Divorces of military service members is up nearly 1 percentage point since 2001.

There were 27,312 among active duty service personnel in 2009, ending in September.

That puts the divorce rate at 3.6% Women in the military have a much higher percentage of divorce than their male counterparts. 7.7& for women, 3% for men.

What this shows is that military service puts a slight strain on marriages.

It puts more of a strain on womens' marriages than men. As much as people scream for equality in the service and women in combat, we must realize the strain this causes on the normalcy of human lives.

The old saying sued to go that the government didn't issue you a wife.

But because of recent benefits that were almost nonexistent years ago, young people join the service and think of marriage at the same time.

We have made it easy for people to think the military supports marriage. We give benefits for housing, medical, as well as other benefits for spouses and dependents.

This has created a false sense of security. Basically thinking the military is supporting marriage and families. The truth is, it's not.

The mission of the military is to kill people and break things, to put it bluntly. Your family comes second to your duty. Today, young people expect it to be reverse.

Before you join the service and get married, think long and hard about the strain it will put on any relationship you will have with your spouse and children. All will need to make some sort of sacrifice. If you are not able, willing, and ready to make sacrifices, a military marriage will not last.

Divorces for military members decreases morale and readiness. Get help.

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Wednesday, November 25, 2009

VA Veterans Home Loans- Take Advantage Now

If you are a veteran, one of your benefits is a VA Veterans Home Loan.

With home prices rising, if you are a veteran thinking of buying a home, don't wait. Interest rates are still low, but may go higher. Also, the $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit is only in effect for a few more months. If you wait too long, you may not qualify.

Here are some advantages to VA Veterans Home Loans:
Low closing costs.
No private mortgage insurance.
No money down.
You don't need a minimum credit score, just qualifying credit.

Learn more about VA Veterans Home Loans Here!
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Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Obama finally (?) decides on Afghanistan troop level...

Barack Obama is now ready to "finish the job" in Afghanistan.

We wonder what he has been waiting for. Supposedly he wants to make a well thought out decision. Not really. That's what he has military commanders to do. And they had already assessed the situation and made their recommendations. But Obama's delay is probably due more to political pressure on the left. He wants to at least appear to appease them.

We say "appear," because during the campaign, as well as just a few months ago, Obama promised to get the Afghanistan done and finished. It was the war we must win, in his own words.

Funny how health care does not get the same careful consideration. No, we must act now or the world will collapse. I would not trust senators to craft a health care bill, nor would I trust them to craft any Afghanistan strategy. They are neither doctors, nor military leaders.

It looks like the final tally for extra troops will be around 30,000. This is 15,000 short of the 45,000 Gen. McChrystal asked for.

With that in mind, how much heart does Obama have for actually, "finishing the job" ?

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Monday, November 23, 2009

Never-ending warnings for Iran

We have lost count of the warnings we have given to Iran.

It seems on a daily basis we give yet another warning.

We come up with idle threats like, "soon we will do something" or "they better watch out" or some other schoolyard nonsense.

It is beginning to sound silly. And Iran is loving the attention.

Iran could care less. They will just keep stalling for time until the next ice age.

How long will this banter go back and forth? Like two school kids going at it.

People have criticized George Bush for going into Iraq. But George Bush took action. He went through every channel, including the UN, and when Iraq said NO for one more time, he took action.

Our brave men and women in uniform did a fantastic job of shutting saddam down. Whether you agree or disagree, the threat from Iraq was taken out. Period.

We are not advocating military action at this time. Nor do we ever much encourage military action. But, there are things we can do now to get the ball rolling on Iran.

But we are just giving warnings and allowing them to stall with zero consequences.

Why would Iran play ball when they keep getting a pass, and realize the US is not serious at this time to do a thing.

We think this needs to change now.

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Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Trees for Troops

Get involved and contribute to a group called Trees for Troops.

Trees for Troops is a group that delivers trees to our military service personnel around the world. You can donate money, purchase a tree for troops, or buy your Christmas tree at a tree farm or retailer that supports the program.
Read more on Trees for Troops here.

Be sure and do all you can to show your support for our veterans and military personnel here and overseas during the Holiday Season. Our troops deserve to know that people at home care and support the job they are doing.

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Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Bill for Ft. Hood Victims as Combatants

U.S. Rep. John Carter, R-Round Rock, Texas, is introducing legislation for Ft. Hood victims. It would declare them victims of an act of war.

This would grant the same rights and privileges to those who are wounded or killed in combat. These include maximum life insurance payments, Purple Hearts, and more in disability payments. It would also award civilians the Secretary of Defense Medal for the Defense of Freedom.

Ft. Hood was an act of war. No two ways about it. Support this bill.

Anything extra we can do for our men, women, and civilians in military service should be supported. We cannot do enough. Even this will not be enough.

We also need to be more diligent in terror acts on American soil. There was and is no excuse for this act.

Hopefully, this bill will be supported by all and enacted quickly.

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Monday, November 16, 2009

Why trying Khalid Sheik Mohammed in New York is a very bad idea

Khalid Sheik Mohammed is coming to New York. This is actually what he said when he was captured, basically I'll see you in New York with my lawyer.

Here's a logical look as to why trying terrorist suspects arrested overseas is a bad idea.

First of all, these are war criminals. We did not try the Japanese in a civilian court over Pearl Harbor. Nobody would have even suggested it. Nor the Germans for war crimes in a civilian court.

Keeping these terrorists on a military base, means civilian facilities will not be attacked trying to free them, or for some other extreme reason.

Khalid Sheik Mohammed pleaded GUILTY in a military tribunal. These were deemed legal by the Supreme Court. But the Obama administration put them on hold. Canceled. In short, Khalid Sheik Mohammed would be awaiting execution instead of on his way to New York.

We seem to have the idea that war criminals have the right of United States citizens. They don't. That's where the problem comes from. People associating killing in an act of war, as just another "murder" on the street. It's not. And should not be treated as such.

Our priority is NOT to try these war criminals. Never has been. We hold them as a deterrent, and to get information. While Khalid Sheik Mohammed was being held, we got some pretty good information out of him that saved American lives.

All of this will change if Gitmo is closed, and the terrorists are brought here. Now they are on American soil and some will think that they have United States rights. And many will press for it. Bad idea.

Add these to the fact that city, county, and state facilities DO NOT have jurisdiction over federal prisoners. This could lead to a turn over of these prisoners from federal to state. Bad idea.

We should not be in the business of appeasing terrorists and those that support them.

Keeping this country safe is our utmost duty. A commander-in-chief has to do everything in his power to ensure this. Changing these terrorists to regular prisoners is a bad idea and will not make this country safer.

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75 percent "unfit" for military service

A recent report has come out citing obese statistics that show 75% of Americans between the ages of 17-24 would not qualify for military service under the current weight guidelines.

The military now, however, is meeting its recruitment goals. But some think this may spell trouble for the future.

Other reasons for not being eligible for military service are health related such as asthma, depression, and ADHD.

Young people also do not have good credit ratings, another factor.

In short, the military does not want people who they will have to treat and have members whose creditors will be a burden.

The issue of a high school diploma is also of concern. Many think a GED will work. But if you only have a GED, you need to score high enough on the entrance exam and get a waiver. Not many are getting this waiver.

The good news for now, is that because of the economy, the military can be more selective of its recruits. More young people are looking at military service as a quick, easy job. The pool of prospective service members is large at the moment.

But, that could change in the future. Military service and education leaders are looking at ways to improve health and education readiness for our future armies.

If you or a relative is interested in military service, make sure they are as fit as can be and graduate high school.

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Thursday, November 12, 2009

Top Military Friendly Employers

GI Jobs Magazine, just released their top 100 Military Family Friendly Employers.

These companies make a point to hire veterans and be friendly to military and their familes.

Here are the top 10.

1 Union Pacific Railroad Company
2 CSX Corporation
3 USAA
4 Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation
5 ManTech International Corporation
6 Johnson Controls, Inc.
7 Norfolk Southern Corporation
8 Cintas Corporation
9 Southern Company
10 ITT Corporation, Systems Division

You can read the complete list here.

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Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Army Reserve Partners to Create Jobs for Veterans

The Army Reserve is starting a program that will partner employers with Army Reservists. It will covert all 50 states, and get 750 businesses in partnership with veterans returning from the Army Reserve. They will guarantee at least a job interview, and offer this to both men and women who have served. Read more about the employer and Army Reserve partnership here.

Why stop with just Army Reservists? If you run a business or are in charge of hiring, we urge you to take a look at all returning veterans first who apply.

Military veterans, while not only having military skills offer the following:

A track record of working under adversity.
Being able to finish difficult tasks.
Following orders efficiently.
Have discipline.
Will be on time and reliable.
Trustworthy.

What more can you ask for in an employee?

They made the ultimate sacrifice. Let's return a small part of this.

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Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Muslims have no problem killing Muslims

The tragedy in Ft. Hood has brought to light Muslims serving in the military.

We would like to first say that Muslims can and do serve quite honorably in the United States military.

In fact, we would go as far as to say that Muslims in the United States military are doing a service to their faith. They are helping out in many parts of the world already plagued by Muslim on Muslim violence.

On a daily basis, from Iraq to Afghanistan, from Pakistan to even Iran, Muslims bomb, maim, and kill other Muslims. The United States is on the right side and trying to stop this.

Remember, more Muslims die each day in these conflicts, with violence generated by Muslims. Mosques, crowded streets, businesses, and restaurants are popular targets.

It is quite ridiculous for anyone to say that Muslims serving in the US military should quit because they should not be called on to kill other Muslims. In fact, as stated with the examples above, Muslims already kill Muslims on a daily basis. And they are not serving in the US military.

So we must say, that the Ft. Hood tragedy was terrorism. In fact, how could this crazy fool think he would not shoot any Muslims? They are serving in the military.

We dropped the ball. We cannot excuse anyone in the name of political correctness.

And we must reiterate. Muslims do serve quite honorably in the US military.

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Monday, November 9, 2009

Veterans can get a free meal (entree) from Applebee's on Veteran's Day

We have blogged about this before, but wish to announce it again.

Applebee's is offering a free entree to veterans and military service members on Veteran's Day. No, it's not a lot, but we salute businesses like Applebee's for making an effort. We wish more businesses would give free offers or discounts to veterans and military members. And yes we do realize that most of these offers are business ploys, but at least they are in the right direction. A couple of bucks off a dinner tab is a small token, but a Thank You nonetheless! Read more about Applbee's and the free dinner entree for veterans and military here.

Oh and don't forget to fly the flag on Veteran's Day!
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Sunday, November 8, 2009

Ft. Hood was Terrorism

Senator Joe Lieberman made the rounds on the Sunday talk shows today. He emphatically stated that the Ft. Hood shooting IS terrorism. We agree.

US armed forces do amazing things under stress around the world. On a daily basis. They don't shoot 40 people. They don't kill 12 of their own. Never. We need to repeat this. NEVER in the history of the United States has any act of this kind ever been done.

It is an act of terror and needs to be treated as such. It is NOT an excusable act, reasoned away by stress. This shooter did not know what stress was. If anyone, anywhere, tries to reason this away and make excuses, shame on them. This terrorist did not know what stress was. Never spent a day in the armed forces in combat. Or even close to combat. Calling this a "stress" related incident cheapens the work our brave men and women do each an everyday under extremely stressful situations.

Because this person shot military people, instead of civilians, the news media will make it out to be something that it's not. Why are they not referring this as domestic terror? Why is the US government refusing to call it domestic terror?

There is a pattern here. Like it or not, radical Muslims in the military will need to be watched. Just like others are watched. That's nothing new nor is it nefarious or bigoted. It called using common sense.

We need to be angry at this act. So angry that we change the way we do business. 9-11 changed the way we look at the world. This tragic incident in Ft. Hood Texas will also change the way we do things. The government needs to really start looking at what domestic terror really is. It's not Tea Parties. It's not rallies in Washington against a health care bill. It's what happened in Ft. Hood.

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Saturday, November 7, 2009

Names and Faces of Ft. Hood Victims


The AP has done a nice job of profiling the victims of the Ft. Hood tragedy.
Read about these brave men and women who were serving our country here.
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Monday, November 2, 2009

Navy Ship Made of 9-11 Steel Sails Into New York


The USS New York made it's way up the Hudson River this morning. Photo from NY Times.

Not too remarkable for a Navy ship. But this one is different. It was made with steel from the twin towers that were attacked on 9-11. 7.5 tons of steel to be exact. It must have been quite an emotional experience to be a sailor on this ship coming into New York harbor.

The USS New York will be berthed near the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum for a while, until it's commissioning ceremony on November 7, 2009.

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Sunday, November 1, 2009

Obama addresses Marines in Florida

President Obama was in Jacksonville, Florida, recently and spoke the the Marines.

Here is an excerpt from the speech he gave. We are highlighting this to show that words, on both sides of the political aisle, can indeed be used in correct ways.

"We're reminded of this again with today's helicopter crashes in Afghanistan. Fourteen Americans gave their lives. And our prayers are with these service members, their civilian colleagues and the families who loved them.

And while no words can ease the ache in their hearts today, may they find some comfort in knowing this: like all those who give their lives in service to America, they were doing their duty and they were doing this nation proud.

They were willing to risk their lives, in this case, to prevent Afghanistan from once again becoming a safe haven for Al Qaida and its extremist allies. And today, they gave their lives, that last full measure of devotion, to protect ours.

Now it is our duty, as a nation, to keep their memory alive in our hearts and to carry on their work. To take care of their families. To keep our country safe. To stand up for the values we hold dear and the freedom they defended. That's what they dedicated their lives to. And that is what we must do as well."

-President Obama, Oct 26, 2009

We are also reminding people of Veteran's Day coming up on November 11. One of the best and easiest things you can do is to fly a flag. The flag is quite a symbol. Also, go out of your way to thank a veteran, or even do something on a personal basis:

How to thank a veteran and military members.

How to fly the flag.

Create a free website to honor a veteran or service member.