Friday, October 28, 2011

Backup power supply with a generator

It's Fall and Winter is knocking at the door.

Are you prepared?

If you live in an area that is prone to bad weather, from rain, snow, hurricanes, floods and more, you really should look into having a backup power supply.

You don't need to spend thousands of dollars. A small portable on will power a few lights and your refrigerator just fine. of course safety comes first.

And your portable generator will come in handy over the year in many ways. From outdoor picnics and tailgate parties, to hand power tools and camping trips.

You will wonder how you got along without one!

This Winter, don't be caught off guard. With cities and counties doing budget cuts, it could be days before your power is restored. Wouldn't you like some peace of mind?

Of course you can do whole-house backup generators that automatically kick in if you just happen to live in an area that gets Winter blackouts frequently.

Click here for more information about backup power supplies with generators.

>>Stay warm with electric heated socks!

Friday, September 23, 2011

Why actors should not be making speeches

At the Liberty Medal Awards ceremony for former defense secretary Robert Gates.

Army Wives actor, Kim Delaney, was going to give a speech. Reportedly her teleprompter broke and she was left to wing it. Well, she's an actor. She needs lines.

So what does she do? She just rattles off a bunch of nonsense. Totally lost for words. Come on. Can't she say anything intelligent? Did she know nothing about Robert Gates or the ceremony? Apparently not.

"I'm not an Army wife, but I play one on TV."

Kim did manage to say some things. Like how she was in the military. How she saw wounded soldiers returning...

Unfortunately, they were all lies. Well, let's be kind. it was "Make Believe."

La-La Land needs to seriously get a grip on reality and stop treating stars as if they are experts on current events. They're not. They don't have anything special just because they are celebrities.

Eventually they pulled her rambling self offstage. Maybe they should think twice before putting people like her onstage in the first place.

Watch the painful episode below.


>>Backup power in an emergency-Power Generators.

>>VA Veterans Home Loans.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Lincoln's "Bixby Letter," Civil War, 9-11

President Lincoln during the Civil War on November 21, 1864, wrote a letter to a mother who had lost five sons. Here's a transcript of that letter to Mrs. Bixby, of Boston.

"Dear Madam,
I have been shown in the files of the War Department a statement of the Adjutant General of Massachusetts that you are the mother of five sons who have died gloriously on the field of battle. I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of a republic they died to save. I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom."

On the tenth anniversary of 9-11, former President George Bush recited it.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Obama gets no applause from military officers until prompted.

Just found this clip recently. It happened August 5, 2011. In fact, many outlets are just now getting this footage.

It shows President Obama coming into a group of Naval Officers to give a speech. When Obama was introduced, no applause was forthcoming from the officers.

Having none of this, the admiral by Obama's side, decides to tell the officers they can cheer. At which they did, but it looks really weird.

The same thing happened to President Bush in June 2005, and the news media was all over the story. Trying to paint the military as disrespectful and not willing to honor Bush. Of course that would be their take.

But why not now? Why not make the same stink about President Obama?

Military officers should not be cajoled into cheering for a president. It's phony, and way out of military character.



>>Become a chef with a culinary degree - Top Culinary Schools

>>VA Veterans Home Loans

>>Fun facts about the United States


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Tuesday, August 30, 2011

White House issues disrespectful guidelines on 9-11

The White House, in its ever growing nanny-state, has taken this a step too far.

Coming out with guidelines on how to observe the attacking of America on 9-11.

They want this to be a global observance. To show that this attack was not just about America, but on the world. That somehow we must not focus on America and the heroes of 9-11. We can't talk about al queda, because bin laden is gone.

The whole thing about issuing any guidelines for this attack is just plain disrespectful.

This attack was about America. It was an attack on America. Of course other nationalities died. But that was not the focus. They just happened to be there doing a job. The attacks were planned and focused on America and our way of life. Period.

They did not fly places into London, Hong Kong, or anywhere else. They targeted Americans.

What makes this even harder to swallow, is that we forget the attack on the Pentagon on the same day. Pure terrorism attacking Americans and our freedoms.

There is no need for the White House to somehow want to cower away from what 9-11 is. Obviously they want to not offend anyone. They don't want us to observe the real thing. We need to understand, to get other countries to feel good about us.

The whole thing is completely disrespectful.

This was an attack on the United States, our citizens, our freedoms, our way of life.

And we need to observe that and never forget the true meaning of what 9-11 was. We cannot let a White House bent on apologizing all over the world for our way of life, change the true meaning of 9-11.

We urge you to write the White House and your congressmen to let them know your displeasure in any such disrespectful guidelines about observing 9-11.

Americans are FREE to decide how they should observe such an attack, no matter how the White House tries to spin it.

Completely disrespectful and very shameful.

>>How to fly the flag.

>>Backup power in an emergency with a generator.

Friday, August 5, 2011

Preparing for an electrical blackout

Veterans and military personnel are trained to always be ready. But sometimes the forget the homefront. Whether you are overseas or at your home base, your family needs to be ready for things like electrical blackouts. They happen in any season due to rains, wind, hail, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, or just a good old fashioned thunder storm. It takes just a little planning to "weather" this annoying event.

First, let's talk about what this article is about. Short, temporary electrical blackouts lasting less than a day or maybe a little longer. If you know the electricity will be out longer, you will probably need to do some other planning as to where to live temporarily.

For some reason, blackouts happen at night. Maybe they don't, but it sure seems like it. Suddenly you are left in the dark. Having easy access to a light source that works is the first thing to ready. Having a flashlight next to every bed in your house is a great idea. But, you should also have a flashlight very handy in the family gathering area of the kitchen.

These flashlights will allow you to make the best of your situation. The flashlights will guide you to things you can also get for light. Candles are the option everyone seems to go for. So have a few candles handy that can be safely lit and burned. Along with a supply of matches or lighter.

Here are two other great light sources when the power goes out. A camping lantern. Camping lanterns burn very, very bright. Have this handy in the garage. Another source that is never thought of is solar lights in the garden and around your house. If it is safe to go outside, you can easily pluck these out of the ground for another light source. These two light sources do not have the danger of lighting a fire.

Your cellphone can also be used as a quick flashlight.

After light, the main thing about electrical blackouts is your refrigerator. For blackouts less than 24 hours, it should be no problem. Your freezer should keep most things frozen. But, if your meat thaws, it is best to cook it as soon as possible and not refreeze it. As far as the refrigerator part, this can be solved with a little planning. Your refrigerator is well insulated like a super ice chest. You can use it as such. Buy a few large blue ice blocks that you also use for ice chests and camping. Keep these in your freezer. When the power goes out, you can take one or two and put it in your refrigerator to keep everything cold. Safety first. If something that can spoil looks or smells bad, toss it out. But for less than 24 hours, using the above advice, it should be no problem. You can always keep a thermometer in your fridge to check the temperature.

If the roads are safe and stores are open nearby, you can get ice cubes and use your ice chest for stuff that really needs to be kept very cold.

Your telephone does not run on the electrical line, so most of the time your phone still works.

As far as cooking goes, you can always use your outdoor barbecue.

If your stove top is gas, you should be able to light it with a match or lighter. Be safe. Know how to do it right.

Keep a radio with batteries handy for news and entertainment. You can also get a wind up radio.

With light and food, most people can make it through a temporary electrical blackout.

Be safe at all times.

If your area is prone to electrical blackouts lasting longer than 24 hours, you really should check out: Information on backup power generators.

>>Money tips for military families.

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Obama proposes help for unemployed veterans

Today President Obama will introduce his new package to help veterans who are unemployed. It is focused on those vets who returned from Iraq and Afghanistan and are unemployed. The whole deal will cost $120 million, but paid for out of existing funds. It may not sound like much at first, but it is a start. Because the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are winding down, the country will have an increase in the number of veterans.

For veterans, the unemployment rate is well over 13% with one million seeking work.

This new program is called, Returning Heroes Tax Credit. Here's the way it is supposed to work. Each business that hires a veteran that has been unemployed for up to six months, they get a $2,400 tax credit. If they hire a veteran who has been unemployed more than six months, the credit increases to $4,800. The Wounded Warrior Tax Credit would still be intact, but double to $9,600 for hiring a wounded veteran who has been unemployed for over six months.

President Obama also announced that he will be pushing the Pentagon and Veterans Affairs to increase cooperation between veterans and businesses.

>>Military Car Insurance Discounts.

>>Backup Emergency Power with a Power Generator.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Preparing for a natural disaster

You want to protect your family in all situations. Do you ever think about natural disasters? You should.

No matter what part of the country you live in, natural disasters are a possibility. From floods to earthquakes, and hurricanes to tornadoes. Not to mention the blackouts that happen in thunderstorms and high winds.

Remember, these disasters happen anytime of the year.

Fires can happen anywhere, anytime.

There are some things you can do to be prepared. One, is to have a family plan. If you are a veteran or a member of the military, you know how important it is to be prepared. You need to be prepared on the home front as well.

Your family disaster plan can be something simple that you and your family members go over and know. You need a meeting place. Phone numbers of relatives to call. Simple things that can make getting in contact easy. Know what parts of the house are safe in what types of disasters. Have exit routes from every room.

Keep in mind that these are upbeat plans. Don't be alarming to your family. Keep it matter of fact and low key. You want your family prepared, not worried.

Have relatives for kids to be picked up by in case they cannot get home from school. You will probably have to sign something for the school as permission.

As far as items to have on hand at home, think surviving without running water, gas, and electricity for a few days. Hey, it happens.

Because of this, canned food is a must. And manual can openers. This does not even have to be anything extra. Just keep canned goods on hand with a variety of foods. To rotate them, eat from the supply from time to time. Speaking of cooking, you may need to use the barbecue outside. Just keep it outside and use it safely.

Having cash money on hand is a good idea as well. If the electricity is off, ATMs and electronic ways of buying will be down. Put $50 hidden in a jar just in case.

Candles are okay, but flash lights are better. Camping lights are good too. Just keep the batteries fresh.

Have a ready supply of extra blankets. Make them easy to get.

A first aid kit is a must.

Always have at least two weeks of maintenance medications on hand as well.

Keep a radio handy, especially one that can be charged by cranking.

Be sure kids know not to play outside unless it is safe.

Have a pair of gloves on hand to remove debris.

You can see that this list is not long, as contains items most people would have on hand at some time. Make it a point to have them all on hand at the same time.

Above all, go over safety rules about living in a house in a disaster area.

Last but not least, water. You will need to calculate how much water your family may need for a week. Buy gallon jugs, rotate them once a year or so.

Check your homeowners insurance policy to see what is covered. Do a complete insurance check.

Nobody can fully be prepared for a sudden disaster. But even a little planning will help things.

Many families choose to have backup generators as electrical power. These can be a life saver. Keep in mind that they are not designed to run the whole house, but can do a refrigerator and lights just fine. Since you can use a generator on camping trips and outings, having a generator is not that peculiar.

>>Choosing a backup power generator.

>>Emergency survival kit tips.


>>More tips on preparing for a disaster.

Be sure and check out Military-Tributes.com
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Thursday, June 30, 2011

Obama gaffe of dead soldier

Speaking at Fort Drum in early June, President Obama was crowing about how he was so happy to be able to give the Medal of Honor award to a living person. And he said it over and over. It sounded like he was bragging. The soldier was in fact, dead.

“First time I saw the 10th Mountain Division, you guys were in southern Iraq. When I went back to visit Afghanistan, you guys were the first ones there. I had the great honor of seeing some of you because a comrade of yours, Jared Monti, was the first person who I was able to award the Medal of Honor to who actually came back and wasn’t receiving it posthumously,” said President Obama.

Jared Monti had been killed in action in Afghanistan in June, 2006. Obama did award him the Medal of Honor, posthumously however.

With all the speech writers and fact checkers at Obama's disposal, how could he have made such a grave mistake? It makes no sense and is unforgivable. Later, Obama had to apologize the the family. Pity. Obama should just have check his facts.

We wonder why all the fuss is over Sarah Palin, asking people to skim through her emails. Michelle Bachmann getting so much flack for minor insignificant flubs. But the media as a whole, ignore President Obama's lack of facts.

Just yesterday at a news conference he could not even remember the correct age of his oldest daughter. How much media play did that get? If Palin had saaid something like that, it would be front page news.

The news media needs to stop the witch hunt of Palin and Bachmann, and start concentrating on a president that needs his facts checked.



>>Military car insurance discounts.

>>Military Scholarships.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

USS Carl Vinson returns to San Diego after "burying" bin laden

The USS Carl Vinson returns to San Diego. This was the ship that had bin laden's body airlifted to after being taken out in Pakistan. They did a quick DNA sample, and sent him overboard. He got a better burial than the thousands killed by his terrorism. Sinking to the bottom of the sea and being fish food seems a fitting "burial."

Our military does a fantastic job. If this video does not make you proud, you must not have a heart beat.







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>>VA Veterans Home Loans.



Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Navy SEAL Team Six

**Update on story, 05/26/2011:
Disney has decided to withdraw its trademark filing for SEAL team 6. After pressure from the military and realizing it was a stupid idea, Disney did the only thing it could.

Previous post:
Never let an opportunity go buy to capitalize on something.

The Walt Disney Company is taking this to the extreme.

Disney is planning on trademarking the term "seal team 6."

Are we kidding? If this is allowed to go through, what's next? Any military or government run organization? The whole idea is ludicrous and is completely disrespectful to our men and women in uniform. That somehow a company can make millions of dollars off of a military outfit's name.

This is completely different than making movies or selling clothes resembling the military. This will be the first time in memory where a United States military name was allowed to be trademarked.

Shame on Disney for even thinking about doing such a thing. All they have is dollars signs in their eyes, thinking nothing of the pain and sacrifice that the real SEAL Team 6 has gone through.

We hope this money-hungry grab at a name and current event by Disney is denied.

We urge you to write your congress representative to oppose such a willful disregard for the United States military!

>>Save money on electricity.

>>Teachers home loans.


>>30 easy college money saving tips.

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Sunday, May 8, 2011

Veterans and Home Buying: VA loans are one of the best benefits!

Veterans have many benefits that try and do a little to repay their sacrifice. Obviously the sacrifice can never be fully repaid, but VA veterans home loans are one of the best. If you are a veteran, in the market for a home loan, take full advantage of your va loan benefit. You will get a stable, low interest rate, and not have to put a dime down. That's a benefit most others cannot get.

However, when buying a home, new or used, veterans need to take into account a few things before buying. Location is everything in real estate. Because veterans are a good risk from having the VA loan benefit, you still need to be cautious. You should make a list of the locations you want and the amenities. Most people who are home buying do that. But did you know you need to make a list of things that you don't want as well? Many people forget this and come to regret where they bought their home.

Here are some home buying tips for you to look for things about your prospective home that you do not want. Remember, it's all about location. Location can make or break your home investment. Your home is an investment as well as a place to live. If you end up being unhappy about where you live, you want to make it easy to sell your home for a profit, or at least break even. If not, it can affect you financially and personally.

Closed or abandoned businesses or schools. Do not buy a home near businesses that have closed and left many vacant buildings. It's a sign that things are going downhill. Homes their may be cheaper, but not worth it. Stay away from neighborhoods that have closed schools. It's a sign that families are moving away. Don't just concentrate on the individual house. You must check out the surroundings as well.

Landfills, dumps, sewer stations, water treatment, power plants, and other such enterprises are another home buying killer. They come with noise, smells, and maybe traffic. A lovely house is only as good looking at the surrounding area. How can you relax in your backyard while seeing or smelling smoke? Airports are another noise problem. You need to think about what type of eyesores and smells that you can tolerate. Don't be fooled into a great house when the outside is unlivable.

Do some research on how many homes nearby have been foreclosed on. This will be a sign of neighbor distress. Home values will plummet, and living next to abandoned homes is not prudent. Not only will it drag your value down, it may attract crime. Plus, abandoned homes can be eye sores.

Even if homes in the neighborhood are not foreclosed on, some of your prospective neighbors may not be that great at keeping up their property. Check out the homes around the one you want. Look at how the landscaping and upkeep of the homes is. Don't buy in a neighborhood where homes are unkempt. A home owners association is an extra expense, but they do have some power to force people to keep up their homes. Also, look for abandoned vehicles, junk piles, etc. This will give you an idea of how your neighbors will treat their homes. They will be a drag on your home investment.

Most times home buyers are attracted to the home and neglect to check out the area. Don't make this mistake. You don't buy a home planning to move soon, but things happen. If you choose the wrong home in the wrong area, you will lose money. Protect your home. It is an investment!

>>Information on VA Veterans Home Loans.

>>Military scholarships.

Friday, May 6, 2011

Spike the ball, Mr. President!

It is cause for celebration. So go ahead and spike the ball, Mr. President!

Our country deserves to gloat. We deserve a victory dance in the end zone. No reason to not spike the football after this one.

Our country will never be same after 9-11. The mayhem, destruction, and terror that osama bin laden put on this country is unforgivable. It changed this country like nothing ever before. Not since WW II. Maybe even more so.

Our brave young men and women volunteered for service after 9-11. Most just to fight back. Fight the evil of terrorists. Keep this country safe. And all across this great nation we put up flags and stood up tall on the legs of new-found patriotism.

So let's spike the ball. Let's put it in their face. That's what terrorists deserve.

The SEALS were the ultimate carriers of justice. They had no reason to ask questions or be cautious. They had no reason to take anyone alive. Their mission is to not take notes but carry out the mission. Even though one SEAL team carried out final justice, with all the professionalism they could, they were led by men and women before them.

George Bush, who made no apologies about keeping this country safe by any means.

The entire military who fought terror on all fronts and many countries. They kept the fires burning.

The citizens of the United States who refused to cower in fear.

That SEAL team did how that America still has the greatest fighting forces of any nation. Ever. And they nailed home the point that terrorists will be hunted and killed.

That's how you fight the war on terror.

Spike the ball, Obama! America deserves it!

>>Military Scholarships.

>>Graduation gift ideas.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Military members in Afghanistan lip-sync to Britney Spears!

We thought some of you might get a kick out of this video.



Apparently Britney Spears loves it. It it gives our Marines in Afghanistan a little fun, why not?

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Streamlined citizenship process in military boot camps.

Serving in the military has been one way for men and women to get United States citizenship. But now the military is going to allow recruits to expedite the process while in boot camp.

Army and Navy recruits in boot camp will be allowed to meet with federal immigration officials. The change was needed, officials say, because military personnel are stationed around the world and many times far away from places like American embassies.

This option is not available to all military recruits seeking citizenship. They must be legal residents and immigrants already. In return for citizenship, these military members must agree to 5 years of service honorably. If they fail to live up to that agreement, their citizenship can be taken back.

This is not really totally new. It is a tweaking of what happened after September 11, 201. Back then George Bush signed a directive shortening the time military members needed to start the citizenship process. But the problem has always been the fact that military life is not really conducive to filling out all the forms and starting the process. Since 9-11, almost 70,000 military members have gotten their citizenship.

You can imagine how hard it must be to apply for citizenship and go through the red tape while fighting in places like Iraq and Afghanistan.

One of the reasons immigration officials have been allowed to deal with recruits is really about manpower. The military can use all the good men and women they can get. Some special jobs and clearances would only be available to US citizens. Particularly soldiers who have some knowledge of the language and culture of the Middle East. It is in the military's best interest to have soldiers, US citizens, and familiar with these parts of the world.

You can read more on military service and citizenship here.

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Sunday, March 20, 2011

Why "Shores of Tripoli" are in the Marine hymn





Marines and non Marines alike know the words to the Marine Hymn, including the line, "To the shores of Tripoli."

With Libya the latest place we are involved with militarily, many are wondering how Tripoli, part of modern Libya, is a part of Marine history. That will take a little doing to explain it.

The shores of Tripoli refer to the First Barbary War. A war that few people know or care about.

In the 1700's, the north shore of Africa was called the Barbary States. It was an independently controlled section of Africa, but still part of the Ottoman Empire. This Barbary Coast was very much controlled by people who were, well, pirates. British and French navies were largely responsible for the policing of this area, and both countries were getting fed up with piracy. By 1783, America was its own country and had to protect its own interests now. This included also protecting their trading ships from pirates.

Problem was, the United States had little or no navy by which to do this. So instead, in 1784 congress set up kind of a slush fund for paying off pirates. Yes, you read right. Paying off pirates.

It did not take long before before some money was demanded. In 1785, Algiers took two American ships and asked for $60,000 ransom. Our ambassador to France at the time, Thomas Jefferson, did not wish to pay this. He stated that it would only lead to more captures and more ransoms.

Believe it or not, the United States did just the opposite of what Jefferson had advised. Get this: Over the next fifteen years the U.S. paid millions of dollars for just such ransoms or threats. That's not something you read about in history books, is it? These payments amounted to one fifth of all revenues for the U.S. government even.

Thomas Jefferson kept up the fight. In 1794, America once again had its Navy. More leaders of the United States also opposed the payments. Momentum was building to stop them. The tide turned in 1801 when Thomas Jefferson became president.

Jefferson refused to pay $220,000 demanded by the pasha of Tripoli. He instead send a group of frigates to the region.

At first, the American Navy was successful. This group of ships included the USS Constitution, USS Constellation, the USS Intrepid, as well as others. These ships were under the command of Commodore Edward Preble who blockaded many Barbary ports and succeeded in attacks and raids on pirate strongholds.

In 1803, Tripoli was able to capture the USS Philadelphia and hold all men as hostages. You may be familiar with next part. Lieutenant Stephen Decatur, Jr. disguised a ship as the Intrepid, invaded Tripoli, and burned the Philadelphia so it could not be used against the United States. Decatur became a hero.

On July 14, 1804, the United States attacked Tripoli. The USS Intrepid was to be loaded with explosives and blown up in the harbor destroying the fleet of Tripoli with it. It exploded before it got there. The U.S. carried out more raids. Now we get to the Marines.

A land force made up of Marines, Arabs, and other mercenaries attacked the Tripolitan city of Derna. This became the Battle of Derna. It gave the Americans a huge advantage now. Tripoli, having grown weary of the raids and a successful blockade, signed a treaty on June 10, 1805.

That's the story of the shores of Tripoli. We must note, however, that the name of this war was the "First" Barbary War. That's because this war did little to stop the piracy on the Barbary Coast. That would be dealt with in the Second Barbary War some years later. We will let you research that. We don't have to mention that Tripoli is now in modern day Libya, right?


Monday, February 28, 2011

Last WWI Vet dies at 110

The last WWI veteran, Frank W. Buckles died on Sunday at the age of 110. He was one of 5 million Americans that had served in World War I between 1917 and 1918. Apparently his death was of natural causes. Mr. Buckles died at his West Virginia farm.

World War I veterans had received little notoriety until there were only a handful left. Then the nation took notice of the last remaining veterans of this first Great War.

Frank Buckles lied about his age and enlisted in the Army when he was 16 on August 14, 1917. He was sent to France. Back then, service members had serial numbers. His was No. 15577. Frank was assigned as a rear-echelon ambulance driver and saw the horrors of war first hand.

Believe it or not, he eventually was caught up in World War II. After his enlistment, he worked on commercial ships around the world. Unfortunately, he was on a ship in Manila in 1941. That's when the Japanese invaded. He was a prisoner until the military raided and freed him.

In 1953, he bought a cattle farm in West Virginia.



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Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Army asked to end sponsorship of NASCAR

UPDATE: The bill referred to below has been voted down.

The military has had a ten year sponsor relationship with NASCAR. Right now, the Army is the only one that spends money as a sponsor. A total of $7 million a year.

In this day of budget cuts and deficits, anything like this will get scrutiny. That $7 million is taxpayer money. It's also part of the Army's budget.

Rep. Betty McCollum, D-Minn., wants to pull the plug on this venture. She and other Democrats wish to defund any military sponsorship of motorsports. The Army spent about $5 million more in 2009 than they do now on NASCAR. They also spent $5 million on drag racing sponsorships.

But look carefully at this. This is money that was budgeted for advertising. If it's still in the budget, it will be spent on various other ads. Like in magazines and television shows, like sports. Is it okay for the Pentagon to fund a television show? Or a football broadcast? There's not much difference. All that's different, is deciding which one is more effective advertising.

NASCAR seems like a good fit for the Army. The area of the country it fits with is probably more congenial with military service. So, why not go where more potential young men (and woman) are?

Let's not forget being a goodwill ambassador as well. Showing up to family events and seeing an Army sponsorship certainly fits well. Remember, this is advertising money.

It seems as if people living in certain parts of the country are willing to keep the military out. Many universities have banned ROTC programs. Okay, let's trade. No NASCAR sponsorship in return all colleges and universities get ROTC programs.

Military service is a just and decent occupation with the ultimate service. Why should we not be encouraging people to join our military? Why should our military not be included in events that seem a good fit?

Remember, if the $7 million is in the ad budget, it will get spent sponsoring something elsewhere. Nothing wrong with NASCAR.




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Monday, February 7, 2011

Super Bowl Anthem Flub Commentary

Christina Aguilera flubbed the lines of the National Anthem. So, what's the big deal? She's human, right? The song is difficult to sing, so we've heard. And nobody really cares, right? She did her best, so leave her alone.

Here's the problem. Christina Aguilera is 30 years old. She's not a nervous child. This is the same singer who thinks nothing of singing provocatively. And she most certainly is a professional. There is no excuse for her to flub the lines. There's this little thing called, "practice." Did she not practice? Did she not really care about singing the song correctly? That's what it sounds like. That her and her fans just shrug their shoulders and say, "So what?"

What makes this even more glaring, is the fact that this Super Bowl in Dallas did it utmost to be super-patriotic. Even reading the Declaration of Independence. Even honoring U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta, the newest Medal of Honor winner.

Whether you think the song stinks or is the greatest, no matter. Our national anthem deserves respect. We can have the freedom to play a game like football, and call the players heroes. When in reality, our military members are the heroes. They deserve respect. Our flag and song, both deserve respect for what they stand for. And that should be the final word.

Our national anthem deserves to be sung, correctly. Many have done it before, no problem.

Monday, January 17, 2011

Martin Luther King, Jr. and Military Service


Probably a lot of people have decided that Martin Luther King, Jr. was a pacifist. Someone who was against military service. One could certainly conclude that he was a pacifist, but there are some interesting quotes from him about military service.

Martin Luther King, Jr. made a speech in 1967 about the Vietnam War. Many have cited this. Before he makes any references to military service, he gives quite a history of the conflict in Vietnam, starting with shortly after World War II, up to present day 1967. In fact, Martin Luther King, Jr. was well versed in this conflict and showed that he knew quite a bit. Quite a bit more than most Americans.

In this speech, Martin Luther King, Jr. did tell people to become conscientious objectors. But the truth is, he actually only pointed out one group that should do this as a whole. Ministers. What he says about young men in general is interesting:

"As we counsel young men concerning military service we must clarify for them our nation's role in Vietnam and challenge them with the alternative of conscientious objection."



Notice the words counsel and clarify? There is no absolute calling for all young men to not join the military. Ministers are asked to counsel young men and present them with the alternative of conscientious objection.

Martin Luther King, Jr. would probably not call for a 100% young Black man doing this. Why? One has to research other writings of Martin Luther King, Jr., and remember what mission he was trying to accomplish. He was trying to accomplish equality and opportunities for Black people. Especially economic.

Martin Luther King, Jr. has noted many times, that military service is a Black mans way out of ghettos. It is a way for a Black man to a good job and job skills. It is a way for a Black man to have a respected position. It is a way for a Black man to show the world they are capable of doing anything a white man can do.

Martin Luther King, Jr. knew and wrote about past wars where Black men joined, fought admirably, but then came home to still face Jim Crow laws in the south. To still be subjected to discrimination, from World War I, II, and Korea.

And now Vietnam. And that was his main point. To tell young Black men that during this politically unpopular war was now a good time to take a stand. That if Black men are going to serve, then why are they not treated the same, during the war and coming home, as a white man? Remember, World War II the services were still segregated until the end.

Martin Luther King, Jr. made the point over and over that military service was one of the only ways a young Black man could succeed. But he also knew that now was a good time to take a stand. Both against the war and the segregation and discrimination that Black GI's still faced at home.

Let us take at a quote from 1967, from Why I Oppose the War in Vietnam.

"I see this war (Vietnam) as an unjust, evil and futile war. But if I had confronted the call to military service in a war against Hitler, I believe that I would have temporarily sacrificed my pacifism because Hitler was such an evil force in history...I would willingly have fought against the Nazi menace of the 1940s."

We also cannot forget that Martin Luther King, Jr. lived in a time when African countries (and others) that had been colonized were revolting and said, "The shirtless and barefoot people of the world are rising up as never before. …We in the West must support these revolutions." This was also in his Beyond Vietnam speech.

We must also realize that when Rev. Martin Luther King was protesting the war, he did it non-violently. It must also be noted that he DID NOT want to be caught up in just the rest of the mindless popular protests of the day.

"There is something seductively tempting about stopping there and sending us all off on what in some circles has become a popular crusade against the war in Vietnam."

No. He wanted people to protest it using creative ways and have knowledge behind their protests. Do it in the right manner.

We must salute Rev. Martin Luther King, as a man who lived and died for the oppression and justice of others. And did this all in a non-violent way.

What was MLK Jr.'s original name?  Find out here: Fun U.S. Facts and Trivia!

You can read one speech at: http://www.hartford-hwp.com/archives/45a/058.html

You can read more MLK war quotes at: http://www.manuampim.com/NonviolentTradition.htm
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Monday, January 10, 2011

The military is changing

Military life on the job can be raunchy. Any veteran or service member knows that. But times have changed. We are now more politically correct. This is more true for men and women in authority positions. So we understand why a Naval Captain makes some rather funny, but raunchy videos to liven things up and make a point. But, we cannot fathom why anyone in today's Navy would do such a thing. Many of us would just call it normal. But even so, we would have to full admit that coming from a respected captain does seem rather odd. And not needed. We just hope as the military makes more changes, like don't ask, don't tell, that it does not endanger morale, and most important, the mission of the military. We do not need a European style military. Which is a very unmilitary military. Our military has a long history of doing things better than any military in history. We need to keep that up.

Goodbye steam catapults! The Navy is testing using electromagnets to launch planes of of aircraft carriers. The Navy needs new launchers to be able to launch faster and heavier planes. The U.S.S. Gerald R. Ford should be the first carrier to have this new technology.

Veterans receiving cash benefits by check on a monthly basis: Take note. On March 1, 2013, you MUST have direct deposit for your monthly checks. This is safer and faster anyway, and you should switch over now if you have not done so. Most banks will give free accounts if you have direct deposit. If you are a new veteran applying for benefits, and you apply after May 1, you will have to have direct deposit anyway. They will no longer be mailed checks for anyone applying after May 1. There is one exception. Veterans over 90 will still be able to get a check. This rule is not just for veterans, but all government benefits like social security.

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>>VA Home Loan Information

>>Best Veteran Benefits books.