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While bringing you the latest news on the War On Terror we are supporting a Marine in his quest to help his brothers in arms.  Read how and Where it all began: A Senior Marine NCO that Refused Orders  War On Terror News is supporting MGySgt White and his fundraising efforts for the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund.

Books War On Terror News Recommends

Kabul Advisory

The U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan received the following information concerning threats to U.S. citizens living in Afghanistan:

 

As of early December 2014, insurgents were preparing an imminent attack using a Vehicle Borne Explosive Device (VBIED) against the Qasimi Guest House, also known as the Kabul Q Hotel, in Police District 4, Kabul City, Afghanistan. There were no further details regarding the targets, timing, or method of attack.

Mobile AeroFest 2015

If you like Fight Night, if you Support Our Veterans, and if you want to support an organization that is doing something that truly reduces Veteran suicide, this is an event that you'll want to follow:

The "A Hero Foundation" was founded by a Marine Captain, who understands that Veteran camaraderie, outdoors activities, and teaming up those that have experience on a path, with those that are just embarking on it, will have greater success than talking to
100 shrinks or swallowing 5 pills a day. And, he is committed to financial efficiency, in applying the hard earned dollars of donors to the mission they entrusted him to complete.

Titan Fight Club brings national exposure, through CBS Sports to the table, in order to bring attention, not only to the challenge and the solution, but also to Honor Warriors, wounded on the battlefield.

And, then, there is the 3rd partner in the AeroFest triad; Brookley Aeroplex, established pre-WWII as the Brookley Army Air Field, dismantled by LB Johnson, which suffered the neglect that so many former military bases have, until a Veteran of Afghanistan was put in charge. In his short time
at the helm, he has directed a complete turn around, and is venturing into uncharted territory with a focus on Veterans, and community, but as a cornerstone on Doing the Right Things for the Right Reason, including economic success of the area, beginning with the revitalization of the base itself.

Together, AeroFest will be a success, because they are doing it for all the Right Reasons, and with a degree of transparency unseen in such events.

US State Department: Iraq worse than anytime since 2007

The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against all but essential travel to Iraq. Travel within Iraq remains dangerous given the security situation. This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning dated March 6, 2014, to update information on security incidents and to remind U.S. citizens of ongoing security concerns in Iraq, including kidnapping and terrorist violence.  The ability of the Embassy to respond to situations in which U.S. citizens face difficulty, including arrests, is extremely limited.

U.S. citizens in Iraq remain at high risk for kidnapping and terrorist violence.  Methods of attack have included roadside improvised explosive devices (IEDs), including explosively formed penetrators (EFPs); magnetic IEDs placed on vehicles; human and vehicle-borne IEDs; mines placed on or concealed near roads; mortars and rockets; and shootings using various direct fire weapons.  These and other attacks frequently occur in public gathering places, such as cafes, markets and other public venues.  Numerous insurgent groups, including the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), previously known as al-Qa¿ida in Iraq, remain active and terrorist activity and violence persist in many areas of the country at levels unseen since 2007.  Iraqi forces are conducting military operations in Ninewah and Anbar Provinces against insurgent and terrorist organizations that have occupied territory and cities within those provinces. Fighting has been especially intense in the Northern Iraq city of Mosul with ISIL reportedly taking control of sections of Mosul including government facilities.  Baghdad International Airport has been struck by mortar rounds and rockets, and the Mosul International Airport has been the target of militant assault.  Due to the potential of political protests and demonstrations to become violent, U.S. citizens in Iraq are strongly urged to avoid protests and large gatherings.

The U.S. government considers the potential threat to U.S. government personnel in Iraq to be serious enough to require them to live and work under strict security guidelines.  All U.S. government employees under the authority of the U.S. Chief of Mission must follow strict safety and security procedures when traveling outside the Embassy.  State Department guidance to U.S. businesses in Iraq advises the use of protective security details.  Detailed security information is available at the U.S. Embassy website.

The U.S. Embassy is located in the International Zone (IZ) in Baghdad.  The IZ is a restricted access area.  Iraqi authorities are responsible for control of the IZ.  Travelers to the IZ should be aware that Iraqi authorities may require special identification to enter the IZ or may issue IZ-specific access badges.  Individuals residing and traveling within the IZ should continue to exercise good personal safety precautions.

Increasingly, many U.S. and third-country business people travel throughout much of Iraq; however, they do so under restricted movement conditions and often with security advisors and protective security teams.

Some regions within Iraq have experienced fewer violent incidents than others in recent years, in particular the Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR).  The security situation in the IKR, which includes the provinces of Sulaymaniyah, Erbil and Dohuk, has been more stable relative to the rest of Iraq in recent years, but threats remain.  U.S. government personnel in northern Iraq are required to be accompanied by a protective security escort when traveling outside secure facilities.

The Government of Iraq strictly enforces requirements regarding visas and stamps for entry and exit, vehicle registration, authorizations for weapons, and movements through checkpoints.  The Embassy highly recommends that all U.S. citizens in Iraq carefully review the status of their travel documents and any necessary licenses and government authorizations to ensure that they are current and valid.  U.S. citizens are urged to immediately correct any deficiencies in their travel documents.  U.S. citizens are strongly advised against traveling throughout the country with deficient or invalid documents.  For more information about entry/exit requirements for U.S. citizens, please see our Country Specific Information page for Iraq.

U.S. citizens should avoid areas near the Syrian, Turkish, or Iranian borders, which are especially dangerous and not always clearly defined.  The Governments of Turkey and Iran continue to carry out military operations against insurgent groups in the mountain regions bordering Iraq.  These operations have included troop movements and both aerial and artillery bombardments.  Extensive unmarked minefields also remain along these borders.  Border skirmishes with smugglers have become commonplace.  Unrest in Syria has resulted in large numbers of people seeking refuge in the area. Iranian authorities previously detained, for an extended period, U.S. citizens who were hiking in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR) in the vicinity of the Iranian border.  The resources available to the U.S. Embassy to assist U.S. citizens who venture close to or cross the border with Iran are extremely limited. The Department of State discourages travel in close proximity to the Iranian border.

The ability of the U.S. Embassy to provide consular services to U.S. citizens throughout Iraq, including Baghdad, is particularly limited given the security environment.  The U.S. Consulates in Basrah and Kirkuk cannot provide routine services such as passport applications, extra visa pages, and Consular Reports of Birth Abroad.  U.S. citizens in need of these services in Erbil must make an appointment with the Consulate on-line, either through the Embassy¿s website or the website for the Consulate in Erbil.  The Embassy's website includes consular information and the most recent messages to U.S. citizens in Iraq.  U.S. citizens in Iraq who need emergency assistance should call 0770-443-1286 or 0770-030-4888.

Book Review: The Rat-boys of Karalabad by Zulfiqar Rashid

The Rat-boys of Karalabad follows the life of one young man as he comes to terms with his life situation.  Having been kidnapped as a very young boy, Omar has been groomed for his entire life for a role he never dreamed of fulfilling.  When Omar is told the truth about his kidnapping, he wishes to return home and see his parents.  This sets off a whole chain of events that makes Omar feel trapped and he struggles with the role he sees himself being groomed for.

The reader briefly steps into a different world, one so corrupt and inhumane you scarcely think it could possibly exist, yet it does.  The life of child beggars is brought to light in this book along with the industry they support.  Children are kidnapped at a very young age and then have their head and limbs tightly bound, leaving them disfigured and brain-damaged – rat-like in appearance.  Even though the story itself is fiction, it is based on the children of Southeast Asia who are intentionally disfigured in order that people will feel sorry for them and give them money.

 

“Rat-boys are real – it’s a particularly cruel form of child exploitation. They do not live long lives,” says Rashid, who grew up in both Pakistan and France and continues to travel regularly to his native country. “Religion can be used as a tool for manipulation and personal gain, and it happens all over the world. In rural areas of Southeast Asia, the people are illiterate and religion is very important to them. Feudal landlords use that to control them.”  

Omar, who is being groomed to be the heir to the ancient shrine of Karalabad, suddenly discovers he no longer wishes to become "Pir Sahib" and all that it entails.  The question is, Can Omar change his destiny? 

The Rat-boys of Karalabad has more twists and turns then a rollercoaster leaving you hard pressed to put this book down.  I definitely recommend you read this book.

 

--MsMarti

American Fallen Hero Gunnery Sgt Aaron Michael Kenefick, USMC, Ganjgal Ambush‏

My son, Gunnery Sgt Aaron Michael Kenfick, USMC,  KIA  September 8 2009, Afghanistan, Ganjgal Valley, Kunar Province.

Aaron was the son of Susan Price and  Donald Kenefick.  He was a brother to Jacquelyn and Jade, father to  Landon Hope, Grandson, Nephew, Friend, Brother in Arms to so many from  every arena of service.

Aaron was a “Noble Warrior,” yet first  and foremost, Aaron was a child of God, and a light to the world.   He  knew at a young age that he wanted to serve his country, so he enlisted  into the Marine delayed entry program at the beginning of his senior  year of high school in 1996.  In 1997, after graduation, he attended  boot camp in Paris Island, S.C. where he would prepare for his adult  career serving for over twelve years.  It was to be his entire adult  life’s career path, training and mentoring our American Legacy, making a difference professionally as well as spiritually in the hearts and  minds of men and woman who crossed his path, hoping for the best, yet  preparing for the worst during the security and protection of our  country.

His name Aaron Michael, meaning “Rod of  Truth,”  and “Warrior Angel,”  carried the vibrations of a more symbolic measure as he grew into himself as a protector for America, tragically, ending as an American Hero at the age of thirty and a half years old.

From a family member’s point of view the above information describes such a scant of detail about Aaron, yet  through the eyes of the United States Marine Corps and brother in arms,  Aaron would have the following information added to his profile:   Provided security detail to three President’s,  Marine of the year  1999, Distinguished Honor Graduate of Fort Benning U.S. Airborne School, NCO-IC Training and Airborne Operations (Special Operations Command  Europe) throughout Africa, Operation Shining Express, U.S Central  Command enlisted Aide to Deputy director of Strategic Plans and Policy  and the SNCO IC for J-5 Directorate, hand selected as the personal  attendee for George W. Bush at the Republican National Convention, SNCO  IC of Operation Support Branch J-2X Division, Marine of the Year 2007,   and yet that would still not describe in detail such a simple, yet  complex American Hero....Aaron's tragedy is tied to two living Medal of  Honor Recipients, Marine Sgt Dakota Meyer and Army Captain Will Swenson.

      

Name of Award Bronze Star Medal

Devices Gold Letter V Awarded for distinguished actions in combat (valor)

Year Awarded 2010

Details behind Award: For heroic  achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy as  Staff Non-Commissioned Officer Advisor-Mentor, 1st Kandak, 2d Brigade,  201st Corps, Afghan National Army, Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM on 8 September  2009. Gunnery Sergeant Kenefick was a member of a combined Marine and  Afghan patrol that led the way into Ganjgal village to visit with  village elders. As the patrol entered the village it was ambushed.  Gunnery Sergeant Kenefick took cover near a retaining wall and  returned fire. When the team leader directed his Marines and the Afghan  soldiers to attack and seize the house from which they were receiving  fire, Gunnery Sergeant Kenefick boldly led the Afghan soldiers forward  under fire and cleared the house. The enemy then attempted to encircle  the teams position while subjecting the team to a hail of machine gun  and rocket fire. Despite being pinned down, Gunnery Sergeant Kenefick  returned fire and called in supporting artillery and mortar fire before  falling mortally wounded. Gunnery Sergeant Kenefick fought with bravery and determination while demonstrating unwavering courage in the face of the enemy. By his extraordinary guidance, zealous initiative,  and total dedication to duty, Gunnery Sergeant Kenefick reflected great  credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine  Corps and the United States Naval Service. Summary of Action: Gunnery Sergeant Aaron M. Kenefick, United States Marine Corps, distinguished  himself by extraordinary heroic wartime service in support of Operation  ENDURING FREEDOM on 8 September 2009 as a Staff Noncommissioned Officer  Advisor Mentor to 1st Kandak, 2nd Brigade, 201st Corps, Afghanistan  National Army, Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan. At  approximately 0500L, Embedded Training Team (ETT) 2-8 and 1st Kandak ,  2nd Brigade, 201st Corps, Afghanistan National Army , together with  Afghan Border Patrol and Coalition Forces moved through the Ganjgal  Valley on a patrol to conduct a key leader engagement with village  elders after sweeping the village of Ganjgal for weapons and suspected  Anti-Afghan Forces (AAF). Gunnery Sergeant Kenefick was with the lead element of the patrol with Afghan soldiers and his team of advisors as  it moved to the village. At 0530L, Gunnery Sergeant Kenefick and the  lead security element of the patrol came under a well prepared,  complex ambush just outside the village by an enemy force estimated to  consist of more than 80 insurgents. The enemy poured down effective fire from the top of a multi tiered agricultural terrace at a range of  three hundred meters. Immediately, Gunnery Sergeant Kenefick took cover  near a retaining wall and returned fire with his M4 carbine. After  taking the enemy positions under fire, another enemy force, fighting  from a house on their flank, opened fire with automatic weapons from a  distance of less than one hundred meters. The team leader directed  the Marines and Afghan soldiers to attack across the fire swept ground  in a desperate attempt to gain some cover in the house from which they  were receiving fire. As Gunnery Sergeant Johnson suppressed the  house, Gunnery Sergeant Kenefick led the Afghan soldiers forward in an  effort to take the building. After they gained entry and cleared the  house, the group took fire from other nearby houses, this time with a  combination of heavy PK machine gun (PKM) and sustained rocket propelled grenade (RPG) fire. Meanwhile, the enemy began to move around their  flanks in an attempt to cut them off from the rest of the patrol. After  the team leader made the decision to fight their way out of the enemy  encirclement, Gunnery Sergeant Kenefick laid down a base of fire from the house to allow the others bound back toward the friendly forces on  the west side of the town. The combined security element fought their  way across one hundred and fifty meters of terrain while under intense  enemy fire from three directions until taking cover in a small ditch. It was there that the team leader was mortally wounded after establishing a hasty defense. Without hesitation, Gunnery Sergeant Kenefick  established radio communication and calmly began to request artillery  and mortar fire while returning fire until he was mortally wounded by  enemy machinegun fire. His actions allowed several Afghan soldiers to  escape the fire fight, regain contact with the rest of the patrol, and  to continue fighting through the rest of the engagement.

Editor's Note: This piece was submitted by Susan Price, GySgt Aaron Kenefick's mother. Please don't forget our heroes! You honor their deeds by remembering them. MsMarti

GITMO: Justice drags on

Remember GITMO?  The holiday camp, where the accused in the 9/11 atrocity have EVERY whim satisfied? 

While KSM et al continue to 'suffer' such horrible conditions,   the President of the United States continues to release residents.  The pre-trial motions are crawling along, and this week, the Military Commission is in session as the actual trial date seems so far away:

U.S. v. Khalid Shaikh Mohammad, et al., Motions Hearing

Start Date/Time:	Monday, December 16, 2013 9:00 AM (UTC -05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
End Date/Time:	Friday, December 20, 2013 5:30 PM (UTC -05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)

On 15th December Chief Prosecutor Mark Martins made a public statement.  An excerpt:

America is broken: Who will fix it?

This is the document that clearly authorizes what the Federal government is allowed to do, what authorities and responsibilities the separate entities of the Government have.  It is what Our Troops swear to defend and what our politicians and judges have sworn to uphold:


We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

 

Those words in the first paragraph above are the beginning of an article written on War On Terror News back on Constitution Day 2011.

As is pointed out within that article, the US Constitution is but four (4!!!)  pages of simple language setting out what America is/will be, and what it is NOT.  The foundations upon which a great nation was based seem to have been shaken to the core in recent years, as the current crop of politicians seem determined to over-reach the very clear limits placed upon them within that framework.  Today, from where I sit, America is under attack by those very 'servants' of the people who - as noted above - swore to uphold the Constitution. 

 America is broken: Who will fix it? 

Red Shirt Friday Video: Boone Cutler discussing American WarFighters

 'Support the Troops' is what Red Shirt Friday is all about.  The concept is not just restricted to Canada; it reaches across America too.  One American Veteran who is speaking out,  reaching out  on issues facing our Troops - our WarFighters - is Boone Cutler.  Take a look and really LISTEN!

 

Host of Tipping Point, Boone Cutler, discussing American Warfighters from John Foss on Vimeo.

 

Boone Cutler has become a very public face for WarFighters - Veterans - everywhere.

Christmas Mailing Dates 2013

For the US:
  

2013 Holiday Mailing Dates

 November 02, 2013

The United States Postal System (USPS) has announced the recommended mailing dates for packages and envelopes going to APO/FPO/DPO addresses.  Unlike years past, there are really only two sets of dates.

For almost all APO/FPO/DPO addresses:

Priority Mail Express Military Service:  December 17th
First Class mail:  December 10th

 

Priority mail:  December 10th
PAL mail:  December 3rd
SAM mail:  November 26th
Standard Post:  November 12th

For APO/FPO/DPO addresses that begin with 093:

Priority Mail Express Military Service:  not available
First Class mail:  December 3rd
Priority mail:  December 3rd
PAL mail:  December 3rd
SAM mail:  November 26th
Standard Post:  November 12th
Please keep in mind that these are recommendations and not guarantees.  Earlier is always going to be cheaper and more likely to arrive on time.
I can’t believe we’re dealing with Christmas already.

 

 Armylive has a spiffy graphic chart with all the dates on it.  Check it out.

Charlie Daniels: Let 'em Win, or Bring 'em Home

Charlie is always in the corner with Troops and Veterans.

 

The discussion has been going on for a long time.  The current rulers in Washington DC won't even use the words Victory or Win.  They're more likely to call American political activists "enemy" or "terrorists" than they are to call the Islamists Our Troops fight on a daily basis.  They demean Our Troops by calling the attack at Fort Hood "workplace violence," rather than the terrorist attack that it was.  I thought the American Electorate would awaken by the time of the 2012 elections.

There is but one goal in war: to win.  Everything else is just a strategy, tactic, or the means of achieving Victory.  There is but one means of winning: to destroy the enemy's will to fight.  Everything else is just a strategy or tactic to that goal. 

To send Our Troops into harm's way without a commitment to win is downright criminal.

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US Women in Faizabad, Afghanistan

"There is a potentially credible threat against female U.S. citizens working for nongovernmental organizations (NGO) in Faizabad, Afghanistan.   The U.S. Embassy advises all U.S. citizens in the area to exercise extreme caution, remain aware of your surroundings and take precautionary protectionary measures."   US Department of State

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Dept of State: Worldwide Caution for U. S. Citizens anywhere

Joe Carr: a new choice for Tennessee Senator

For decades, there has been one man in Tennessee politics that was so powerful, so well financed, that no one dared to challenge him.  Sure, there were some sacrificial lambs that were put on the ballot, but not the kind that put up a fight or had a real chance.  The former presidential candidate, former governor, and current Senator, Lamar Alexander, has long lost touch with the people of Tennessee.

When Veterans of Tennessee went to Washington in 2008, Alexander couldn't be bothered.  They asked for an appointment with him.  They stopped by his office.  He just wasn't available for Veterans.  Alexander has voted with the current Administration more than he has voted with the people of Tennessee.

In 2014, there is finally a choice.  There is finally a real challenger to Alexander.  There is finally a Tennessean unafraid of the massive war chests Alexander has accumulated.  Joe Carr knows that it will take a lot to defeat the incumbent.  It costs money to get the message out.  The incumbent has won by 2-1 margins for decades, but that was when the voter had no other real choices.

It costs money to run a campaign, but money doesn't cast a vote.  Regardless of what's in the campaign coffers, voters can get the message out, with tweets, FB comments, and letters to the editors.  YouTube videos are a great way to reach voters turned off by TV attack ads.  Keep it clean Joe!  The people of Tennesse are more tired of the incumbent than the politicians realize.

Words may be cheap, but we know that Alexander's actions are not in support of Veterans.  Joe Carr's position on Veterans stand in contrast to the actions of Alexander:

"Our veterans sacrifice so much for our country, and we must provide them the best healthcare and support we can possibly give them. We will never be able to repay them for their sacrifices, but that reality must not stop us from doing our best to care for them and their families." Joe Carr for Tennessee 2014

Joe Carr will not be a rubber stamp for Obama, Reid, and McConnell.  He understands the need to reduce the deficit.  He has helped keep Tennessee's budget balanced.

It is time that Alexander retire.  It is time that we replace those politicians that have been in Washington for too long.

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Op/Ed: Barack Obama? DAMN YOU!!!

 

I am sorry, but let me be clear:  What you have done to our precious Fallen Heroes (and their families) of our Military, has crossed MY 'red line'.  For your betrayal of that most sacred trust we all must hold with them, YOU are not fit to hold the highest office in the land I know and love as America.  You are also not remotely qualified - or worthy - to have the privilege of being Commander In Chief of one of the world's most dedicated armed forces:  the United States Military. 

 

Not only are you unqualified to be the President of the United States, you are also an out and out liar, and our Military and their families now are left in no doubt how hollow your words are.

 

 In March 2009 you said, as part of another of your never-ending empty rhetoric diatribes:

 

"For their service and sacrifice, warm words of thanks from a grateful nation are more than warranted, but they aren't nearly enough. We also owe our veterans the care they were promised and the benefits that they have earned. We have a sacred trust with those who wear the uniform of the United States of America. It's a commitment that begins at enlistment, and it must never end. But we know that for too long, we've fallen short of meeting that commitment. Too many wounded warriors go without the care that they need. Too many veterans don't receive the support that they've earned. Too many who once wore our nation's uniform now sleep in our nation's streets."

-President Barack Obama, March 19, 2009

Yes, I got that from *your own* White House site, where you then go on to post "Guiding Principles.   This under a huge sign that says, in what must be irony,  'Due to Congress’s failure to pass legislation to fund the government, the information on this web site may not be up to date.  

I suggest that your website is most certainly NOT up to date, as your actions, and those of your administration prove, time and again, that your flowery oratory has been more than outpaced by your actions.

Not only have you consistently showed America how unfit you are to be CinC, because all the photo-ops and speechifying contradict what you have DONE, but the rest of the world also has watched as Emperor Obama has been shown for the empty suit you really are.

 

Veterans to March on Washington 9AM ET, October 13th

Why? "The World War II memorial … the Vietnam Veterans Memorial … the Korean War Veterans Memorial – Obama has shut them all down to force his will" - See more at: http://vetmarch.com/#sthash.TgQJTg7q.dpuf http://vetmarch.com/

And, if you can't make it to Washington DC, there are other rallies at other locations: https://vetmarch.com/donate/rally-locations

Since the shutdown started, the Executive Branch of government, i.e. the President, has ordered the closure of anything that might be painful to the public.  Included in that was the erection of barricades to the War Memorials on the Mall, including the cemetary at Normandy, the Viet Nam Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, and the World War II Memorial.  It has prevented the payments to the families of the Fallen.  It is threatening to end payments to Veterans, for injuries incurred during their service to the Nation.

Last week, the first group of World War II Veterans encountered the original erection of barriers to their monument.  The monument built with private donations, spearheaded by Senator Bob Dole, a decorated hero of WWII, who was injured during that war.  Honor Flight and some members of Congress had called the White House, to ensure that these 80 and 90 year olds would be allowed to view their monument.  The White House did not just say "no," but kept the barriers up.  The 90 year old WWII Veterans "stormed" the barricades and accomplished their mission, anyway, with the escort of a few members of Congress.

A few days later, the barricades had been put back up, and this time wired together.  Another group of Veterans was en route.  This time, a group of bikers arrived ahead of the Veterans and disassembled the barricades.

While, it appears that the White House may have backed down from keeping WWII Veterans out of their memorial, it has re-doubled efforts at the Viet Nam memorial.  Viet Nam Veterans are being forcibly removed from viewing their memorial.

Keep in mind, it costs more money to barricade these monuments, than to allow them to be open.  There is no gate to man during normal operations.  The Park Rangers that are being used as the implement will still be paid, whether they simply roam the grounds, or they are massed to assemble barricades.  As far as I can determine, this is an unprecedented move, during ANY shutdown of the government.  I find no record of Clinton, Bush, or Reagan ordering the expenditure of more money to close "The Mall" than to just allow it to continue without service.  And to re-inforce the culpability of the Executive Branch (along with his enforcer, Harry Reid), the House has specifically passed legislation to keep "The Mall" and monuments open.

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Tennessee Veterans to visit their Memorial

Today, 12 Oct 2013, an Honor Flight has departed Nashville Airport en route to Washington DC.  The World War II Veterans of Tennessee will visit their World War II memorial on the Mall.  When asked if they were concerned if the barricades of the Obama shutdown would keep them out, they expressed confidence that they would fulfill their mission, as Tennessee Representatives Marsha Blackburn, Dianne Black, and Scott Desjarlais have promised to assist in escorting the Veterans.

The Tennessee Representatives of the 5th, 6th, and 7th Districts have indicated that they will help remove barricades as needed, to any of the Monuments the group of aging Veterans wish to visit. 

Honor Flights from Tennessee are scheduled twice a year.