The Groundtruth from a combat veteran, backed up by independent research and historical study. Information beneficial to the Troops. And a touch of objective politics, as it relates to the subjects at hand.
This site is unabashedly Pro-American and Pro-Military however none of the views expressed here are to be considered as endorsed, proposed, or supported by the Department of Defense or any other Agency, government, public, or private. http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/
SSgt Workman is featured in the Hall of Heroes and a book review on this from Marine Till Death that read it as it was written: http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2008/12/shadow-of-the-sword-by-jeremiah-workman-w-john-bruning.html
http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2008/12/ssgt-jeremiah-workman-navy-cross-usmc-iraq-marion-oh.html and links to prior articles.
KABUL, Afghanistan (Dec. 31, 2012) – Afghan and coalition security forces confirmed today the arrest of a top Taliban leader in Andar district during a security operation in Andar district, Ghazni province, Tuesday.
As one of the most senior Taliban leaders in the district, the insurgent executed tactical planning, kidnapping operations, detainee operations and strategic planning to support the Taliban insurgency. He was directly involved in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and in contact with local Taliban leadership.
During the operation, the security force also detained two suspected insurgents.
In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:
South
An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader and detained one suspected insurgent in Nad ‘Ali district, Helmand province, Monday. The leader commanded a direct action cell operating in the district. He also planned and coordinated multiple improvised explosive device and ambush attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.
EAST: Afghan and coalition forces detained five insurgents, located one weapons cache and cleared one improvised explosive device during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Dec. 30.
Logar Province Afghan National found and safely cleared one IED in Pul-E-Alam District.
Afghan National Army soldiers discovered a weapons cache in Kherwar District. The cache contained small arms ammunition and grenades.
Afghan National Security Forces detained two insurgents during an engagement in Muhammad Aghah District. The detained suspects were transferred to a base for questioning.
Nangarhar Province Afghan Uniformed detained three insurgents during an engagement in Khugyani District. The detained suspects were transferred to a base for questioning.
KABUL, Afghanistan (Dec. 30, 2012) – An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Haqqani facilitator and detained one suspected insurgent, during an operation in Pul-e ‘Alam district, Logar province, Sunday.
The facilitator supplied weapons and improvised explosive device materials to insurgents operating in Pul-e ‘Alam district. He was involved in numerous rocket, IED and direct fire attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.
During the operation, the combined force also seized a number of Afghan National Army uniforms.
In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:
South
An Afghan and coalition security force arrested two local Taliban leaders and detained one suspected insurgent during an operation in Spin Boldak district, Kandahar province, Saturday. The leaders provided improvised explosive device material to insurgents and conducted attacks in the district.
A Taliban leader in Now Zad district, Helmand province, was arrested Wednesday by an Afghan and coalition security force. The leader coordinated and conducted multiple direct fire and improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also was involved in the kidnapping and execution of Afghan National Army soldiers. During the operation, the security force detained one suspected insurgent.
During an operation on Thursday, in Panjwa’i district, Kandahar province, an Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader who coordinated attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and provided weapons and ammunition to insurgents. At the time of his arrest, he was planning an improvised explosive device attack. The security force also detained one suspected insurgent as a result of the operation.
East: BAGRAM, Afghanistan (Dec. 30, 2012) - Afghan and coalition forces killed one insurgent, detained one, located one weapons caches and cleared two improvised explosive devices during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Dec. 29.
Khowst Province Afghan National Army soldiers and coalition forces found and safely cleared one IED in Nadir Shah Kot District.
Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces detained one insurgent during an engagement in Nadir Shah Kot District. The detained suspect was transferred to a base for questioning.
Laghman Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared one IED in Mehtar Lam District.
Logar Province Afghan National Army soldiers killed one insurgent during an engagement in Kharwar District.
Parwan Province Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces discovered a weapons cache in Bagram District. The cache contained multiple rockets and grenades.
TARIN KOT, Afghanistan (Dec. 27, 2012) - Over 2,500 international security force members from Australia, Singapore, Slovakia and America united under Combined Team Uruzgan to celebrate Christmas at Multi National Base Tarin Kot, Afghanistan, Dec. 24-26, 2012.
The three days; Christmas Eve, Christmas day, and Australian Boxing Day combined traditions from around the world to give everyone a little taste of home this holiday season.
At Multi National Base Tarin Kot, Afghanistan, Dec. 25, 2012. (U.S. Army Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Theresa Gualdarama)
On Christmas Eve, competitors raised over $2000 for the Smith Family Charity during the Candy Cane five kilometer Fun Run.
Over 100 soldiers and civilians dressed in physical fitness uniforms and holiday costumes participated in the race.
“It was good to get the exercise and finish the race, I just wish I hadn’t been beaten by a snowman,” said Capt. Bromolyn Thomas, Logistics Officer of 7th Battalion Royal Austrian Regiment Task Group.
Shortly after the fun run Christmas hymns could be heard from the MNBTK chapel.
“I miss going to church with my wife kids, but I’ve also learned to cherish my family here,” said Capt. Matthew Weathers, Chaplain, CTU, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.
On Christmas Day, while hundreds of care packages and secret Santa gifts were opened across MNBTK; Australian Col. Simon Stuart, Commander of CTU visited Forward Operating Bases Hadrian and Mirwais handed out gifts and wished soldiers Merry Christmas.
“It gave me an opportunity to tell the soldiers out here that while they aren’t celebrating the holidays with their families, they are with their military family today,” Stuart said.
Australian Lt. Col. Malcolm Wells, Commanding Officer of the 7th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment Task Group said Christmas in Uruzgan was a very special day.
“It was a chance for all of us to reflect on the significant service that we are undertaking here away from our family, friends and loved ones,” Wells said.
The officers, warrant officers and senior non commissioned officers observed the Christmas military tradition by serving food to the soldiers in the dining hall. The buffet included 28 Australian, European, and American delicacies including turkey, pork, prawn, lobster, salmon and mince pies.
“The mince pie is what really made me feel like I was at home for Christmas,” said 1st Lt. Patrick Gurski, Security Forces Advisory Team, Texas Army National Guard, 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
The three days of festivities ended with an Australian tradition of watching and playing cricket on “Boxing Day.”
"I had been watching cricket since I arrived. But today is the first time I have ever played the game and I had a lot of fun," said Maj. Billy Meredith, CTU Operations Officer, 2nd ABCT, 3rd ID.
During the 3-days of festivities, everyone was thankful for the small reminders of home while remaining focused on the mission.
“We’ve all been overwhelmed by the support, thoughts and well-wishes from family and friends back home,” Stuart said.
Pakistan authorities say 21 tribal paramilitaries kidnapped by militants Thursday near the city of Peshawar have been found shot dead.
Regional government spokesman Naveed Akbar Khan said officials found the bodies early Sunday in the Jabai area of of the Frontier Region near Peshawar.
They were among 23 paramilitaries who went missing early Thursday when heavily armed militants attacked two checkpoints in Khyber Paktunkhwa province.
The province borders Pakistan's tribal agencies, a known hub for Taliban and al-Qaida-linked militants. VoA.
BAGRAM, Afghanistan (Dec. 29, 2012) - Afghan and coalition forces detained three insurgents during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Dec. 28.
Khowst Province Afghan Border Police and coalition forces detained three insurgents during an engagement in Khowst District. The detained suspects were transferred to a base for questioning.
The U.S. Senate has overwhelmingly approved a five-year extension of a law allowing the government to conduct wiretapping on foreign citizens without a warrant.
The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, passed by the House of Representatives earlier this year, cleared the Senate Friday by a 73-23 margin with broad bipartisan support. The legislation now goes to President Barack Obama for his signature.
The law, first passed after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, also allows intelligence gathering on Americans when they communicate abroad with foreigners designated by security agencies as potential terrorist suspects [with approval of a FISA court].
The legislation covers telephone calls, emails and other types of electronic communications.
Critics, including privacy advocates, argue the law allows for government abuse because investigators do not need [open] judicial approval to conduct surveillance.
Ahead of Friday's vote, lawmakers rejected proposed amendments, including one that would have compelled the National Security Agency to estimate how many U.S. citizens have been monitored under the law. VoA.
France's highest court has overturned the Socialist government's 75-percent income tax rate for the wealthy.
The Constitutional Council ruled Saturday that the upper tax rate on incomes above $1.32 million, set to go into effect next year, is unconstitutional because it represents a “breech of equality of taxes.”+
The decision is a huge blow to President Francois Hollande, who had made the 75 percent rate his flagship tax measure. However, the top tax rate would have been largely symbolic, affecting an estimated 1,500 people, and would have done little to reduce the budget deficit.
Earlier this month, renowned French actor Gerard Depardieu announced he would move to Belgium to seek tax exile status. The move confirmed opposition fears that the higher tax rate would trigger a mass exodus of the wealthy to other countries. VoA.
BAGRAM, Afghanistan (Dec. 28, 2012) - Afghan and coalition forces killed two insurgents, detained two and cleared three improvised explosive devices during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Dec. 27.
Ghazni Province Afghan National Security Forces detained one insurgent during an engagement in Andar District. The detained suspect was transferred to a base for questioning.
Khowst Province Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces found and safely cleared one IED in Khowst District.
Afghan National Army soldiers and coalition forces found and safely cleared two IEDs in Bak District.
Nuristan Province Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces killed two insurgents and detained one during an engagement in Kamdesh District. The detained insurgent was transferred to a base for questioning.
The United States has temporarily shut down its embassy in the Central African Republic and evacuated the staff, because of a rebel threat to topple the government.
A State Department spokesman Thursday said Washington is urging all parties to begin peace talks to offer a new vision of security for the country. He said U.S. diplomatic relations with the C.A.R. are not affected.
The United Nations already has evacuated non-essential staff from the country because of the threat of violence.
Rebel fighters are about 300 kilometers from the capital, Bangui. They have said they have no plans to seize the city, but say they will not wait around if government forces make any moves against them.
The rebel coalition called Seleka has captured 10 towns since launching its offensive two weeks ago. It has threatened to overthrow President Francois Bozize, accusing him of failing to implement a 2007 peace accord that ended an earlier rebellion.
The C.A.R. gained independence from France in 1960. About 250 French troops are in the country as part of a peacekeeping mission. Some in the C.A.R. want France to do more to counter the rebel threat.
French President Francois Hollande says France is in the C.A.R. to protect its interests and nationals, not to intervene in the country's business. VoA.
Retired Army General Norman Schwarzkopf, born 22 AUG 1934, who commanded the U.S.-led international coalition that drove Iraqi forces out of Kuwait in 1991, has died. He was 78.
Schwarzkopf died Thursday, 27 DEC 2012, from complications from pneumonia in Tampa, Florida.
"The truth of the matter is that you always know the right thing to do. The hard part is doing it." General H. Norman Scwarzkopf
Schwarzkopf lived in Tehran, while his father Major General Schwarzkopf was stationed there, when he was a teenager.
A highly-decorated combat soldier in Vietnam, Schwarzkopf was known popularly as “Stormin' Norman.'' In 1990-91, he led Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, which protected Saudi Arabia from invasion and then liberated Kuwait from Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein's forces.
"As far as Saddam Hussein being a great military strategist, he is neither a strategist, nor is he schooled in the operational arts, nor is he a tactician, nor is he a general, nor is he a soldier. Other than that, he's a great military man, I want you to know that." General H. Norman Schwarzkopf
General Schwarzkopf had a reputation for fiercely fighting for his men, and taking risks to ensure their survival.
Schwarzkopf lived in Tampa, where he served in his last military assignment as commander-in-chief of the U.S. Central Command, the headquarters responsible for U.S. military and security concerns in nearly 20 countries from the eastern Mediterranean and Africa to Pakistan.
Schwarzkopf retired from active service in late 1991. Following Desert Storm, many pressed the General to run for political office, but he preferred to stay out of the limelight.
The White House said of Schwarzkopf's passing that the general's “legacy will endure in a nation that is more secure because of his patriotic service.”
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan (Dec. 21, 2012) – Key coalition leaders arrived at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, for the first commander’s conference under Regimental Combat Team 7, Dec. 19, to discuss the future of Helmand province.
With RCT-7 overseeing an integral part in the drawdown of coalition forces in Afghanistan, Col. Austin Renforth, commanding officer, RCT-7, brought leaders from 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment; 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment; the Georgian Army, and U.S. and United Kingdom advisor teams, among others to discuss the future of the regiment’s area of operations.
“We brought everyone here today to understand where we are right now and where we are going,” said Maj. Gen. David H. Berger, commanding general, Task Force Leatherneck.
During the conference, the leadership discussed their focus on advising, developing and supporting the Afghan forces, supporting the advancement of the provincial and local governments, and evolving with the progress to enable a sustainable security and stability for the future of Afghanistan.
“Enabling (the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan) governance and development,” said Renforth. “At the end of the day, that is what we want and is our intent. How we do it is all these things right here.”
One of the things Renforth was referring to were the advisor teams. The advisor teams work closely with Afghan National Security Forces and the Afghan government. They embed at all levels, from the district police to the provincial government and each Afghan National Army Brigade with the 215th Corps.
“The number one priority for the RCT is support for the (Security Force Advisor Team),” said Renforth.
The SFATs will continue to play a key role as the ANSF assume more responsibility while coalition forces drawdown.
“(SFATs) are the connecting file between our force and the force we are developing,” said Maj. Gen. Berger. “We should be trying to do everything we can to support the connecting file in whatever jobs we are in.”
The conference also gave a chance to set up coalition forces for success during the transition to Afghan forces. Every section had time to discuss their objectives, update the other units on progress and field any questions.
“We are talking about the next three months,” said Renforth “This is really where we set the conditions for the fighting season.”
The meeting covered everything from past operations, future operations as forces prepare for the summer fighting season and years into the future of Afghanistan.
This will not be the last commander’s conference. With more responsibility being transferred from coalition forces to ANSF, meetings like this will help leave the Afghan people in control of their own destiny.
Pakistani government officials say Islamists have killed two paramilitary troops and kidnapped at least 22 others in an attack on posts in the country's northwest.
Authorities say dozens of heavily-armed Islamists stormed at least two paramilitary checkpoints near Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, early Thursday.
Local administration official Naveed Akbar told news agencies that at least 22 paramilitary soldiers were reported missing after the attack.
There is no immediate claim of responsibility but the province borders Pakistan's tribal agencies, a known hub for Taliban and al-Qaida-linked terrorists. VoA.
BAGRAM, Afghanistan (Dec. 27, 2012) - Afghan and coalition forces killed five insurgents, detained seven, located one weapons cache and cleared nine improvised explosive devices during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Dec. 26.
Ghazni Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared two IEDs in Dehyak District.
Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces discovered a weapons cache in Dehyak District. The cache contained grenades and multiple artillery rounds.
Khowst Province Afghan Border Police and coalition forces detained three insurgents during an engagement in Terezayi District. The detained suspects were transferred to a base for questioning.
Afghan Uniformed Police and coalition forces found and safely cleared one IED in Khowst District.
Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces found and safely cleared two IEDs in Sabari District.
Nangarhar Province Afghan Uniformed Police and coalition forces killed five insurgents during an engagement in Heserak District.
Afghan National Security Forcess and coalition forces detained one insurgent during an engagement in Lal Pur District. The detained suspect was transferred to a base for questioning.
Paktika Province Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces detained an insurgent while investigating three IEDs in Bermal District. The IEDs were safely cleared and the detained suspect was transferred to a base for questioning.
Afghan National Army soldiers and coalition forces detained two insurgents while investigating an IED in Dzadran District. The IED was safely cleared and the detained suspect was transferred to a base for questioning.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Sgt. Enrique Mondragon, 23, of The Colony, Texas, died Dec. 24, in Baraki Barak, Afghanistan, from injuries sustained when his unit was attacked by small arms fire while on dismounted patrol. He was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 173rd Special Troops Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Bamberg, Germany.
"He which hath no stomach to this fight let him depart. But we in it shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother.” (W.Shakespeare) Rest in peace my Brothers, you have not been forgotten.
A suicide car bomber has detonated explosives near a U.S.-run military base in eastern Afghanistan.
Afghan officials say the attack occurred on Wednesday near a military facility and airport in Khost, a volatile city near the Pakistani border.
The Taliban claimed responsibility for the bombing, which also left several people wounded.
The attack comes two days after a female Afghan police officer shot and killed an American adviser in Kabul, an incident that once gain raised concerns about the ability of Afghan authorities to manage security after most foreign troops pull out in 2014.
Afghan authorities said the female shooter is an Iranian national. VoA.
Coalition and Afghan security measures evidently failed to identify her forged documents, despite reports that she 'did not act normal' by Afghan or Egyptian standards.
Egypt's upper house of parliament has convened for its first session since President Mohamed Morsi signed a decree putting the controversial new Islamist constitution into effect.
The Shura Council met on Wednesday to swear in 90 new members appointed by Mr. Morsi. The council is also expected to begin setting the framework for elections in the lower of house of parliament within the next two months.
Mr. Morsi signed the decree late Tuesday, after the election commission said almost 64 percent of voters had backed the constitution in this month's polling.
Liberal and secularist-led opposition groups have vowed to continue protests against the measure.
They note their interests were not represented when the draft constitution was formulated. They point out the document ignores the rights of women. VoA.
The Islamist constitution makes Egyptian law subservient to Sharia Law.
BAGRAM, Afghanistan (Dec. 26, 2012) - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader and detained one suspected insurgent during an operation in Now Zad district, Helmand province, Wednesday.
The arrested leader coordinated and executed multiple direct fire and improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in the province.
South:
In Panjwa’i district, Kandahar province, Tuesday, an Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader who acquired and coordinated the distribution of weapons, ammunition and explosives for use in attacks targeting Afghan and coalition forces. The security force also detained one suspected insurgent as a result of the operation.
An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader and detained one suspected insurgent in Nahr-e Saraj district, Helmand province, Tuesday. The arrested leader coordinated direct fire and improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan government officials as well as Afghan and coalition forces.
EAST: Afghan and coalition forces detained three insurgents, located one weapons caches and cleared one improvised explosive device during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Dec. 25.
Khowst Province Afghan Uniformed Police and coalition forces detained three insurgents during an engagement in Terezayi District. The detained suspects were transferred to a base for questioning.
Logar Province Afghan National Army soldiers and coalition forces found and safely cleared one 500 pound IED in Baraki Barak District.
Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces also discovered a weapons cache in Baraki Barak District. The cache contained 1,300 pounds of homemade explosives.
Operations in RC-East are ongoing.
North:
An Afghan and coalition security force killed the Taliban leader, Qadir, and three other insurgents, during an operation in Baghlan-e Jadid district, Baghlan province, yesterday.
Qadir led a small group of insurgents who conducted improvised explosive device attacks in the district. He was also responsible for the movement of weapons, ammunition and bomb-making materials for insurgents in the province.
Capital
The Kabul Crisis Response Unit discovered a weapons and explosives cache during a coalition-supported operation in Surobi district, Kabul province, Saturday. This was the first mission planned and led by the CRU. The cache included 350 kilograms (772 pounds) of homemade explosives, a number of weapons and ammunition.
Gunmen in northeastern Nigeria killed at least six people early Tuesday when they opened fire at a church during a Christmas Eve service.
Officials and residents say the attack happened shortly after midnight in a village outside the city of Potiskum in Yobe state.
Yobe is next to Borno state, the home of Islamist group Boko Haram. Rights groups say the terrorists have killed well over 1,000 people in the past four years.
Boko Haram attacked churches at Christmas in both 2010 and 2011. Last year's attacks killed more than 40 people.
The group is fighting to impose Sharia law in northern Nigeria, where Muslims are the majority.
In his traditional Christmas message on Tuesday, Pope Benedict prayed for peace in Nigeria, where he said savage acts of terrorism continue to reap victims, particularly among Christians. VoA.
BAGRAM, Afghanistan (Dec. 25, 2012) - Afghan and coalition forces killed one insurgent and cleared six improvised explosive devices during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Dec. 24.
Ghazni Province Afghan National Police and coalition forces found and safely cleared one IED in Ghazni District.
Kunar Province Afghan Uniformed Police and coalition forces found and safely cleared one IED in Khas Kunar District.
Laghman Province Afghan National Army soldiers killed one insurgent during an engagement in Mehtar Lam District.
Logar Province Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces found and safely cleared two IEDs in Pul-e Alam District.
Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces found and safely cleared one IED in Charkh District.
Nuristan Province Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces found and safely cleared one IED in Nurguram District.
BAGRAM, Afghanistan - During an operation in Sherzad district, Nangarhar province, Sunday, an Afghan and coalition security force killed Obaidullah, one of the top Taliban leaders in the district.
Obaidullah, also known as Saifullah, directed the Oct. 12 indirect fire attack at Forward Operating Base Fenty. He was responsible for laundering money to fund Taliban attacks against Afghan and coalition security forces and facilitated the movement of weapons, ammunition and bomb-making materials throughout Nangarhar province.
In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:
North
An Afghan and coalition security force detained a Taliban leader in Khanabad district, Kunduz province, Sunday. The leader was directly involved in the planning of improvised explosive device attacks on Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan officials, as well as Afghan and coalition security forces. He was also a financial facilitator who coordinated funding to support the insurgency.
South
A Taliban leader was detained by an Afghan and coalition security force in Nad ‘Ali district, Helmand province, today. The leader commanded a Taliban direct action cell within Nad ‘Ali district. He coordinated the execution of multiple improvised explosive device and direct action attacks against Afghan and coalition security forces. During the operation, the security force also detained two suspected insurgents.
EAST: Afghan and coalition forces detained two insurgents and cleared three improvised explosive devices during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Dec. 23.
Khowst Province Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces found and safely cleared one IED in Bak District.
Afghan Border Police and coalition forces detained two insurgents during an engagement in Khowst District. The detained suspects were transferred to a base for questioning.
Kunar Province Afghan Uniformed Police found and safely cleared one IED in Chapah Darah District.
Paktya Province Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces found and safely cleared one IED in Zormat District.
Afghan and NATO officials say a female Afghan police officer has killed an American civilian adviser in the capital.
Authorities say the policewoman killed the U.S. Adviser Monday inside Kabul's heavily guarded police headquarters. Officials say she was arrested by Afghan forces after the incident.
Media reports say the suspect is a policewoman named Nargis who works in the Legal and Gender Equality Department at the Interior Ministry.
Officials say the shooting is another “insider attack” in which Afghan forces turn their weapons on a member of the Western coalition working with Afghan units. The suspect would be the first woman to carry out such an attack.
The shooting in the capital was one of several in Afghanistan Monday. NATO says another attack occurred in eastern Afghanistan. In northern Afghanistan, officials said an Afghan police officer shot five of his colleagues at a checkpoint in Jawzjan province. A Taliban spokesman told the BBC that the police officer had been a Taliban infiltrator for some time. VoA.
Islamist terrorists are tearing down more ancient mausoleums in the northern Malian city of Timbuktu.
Witnesses and tourism officials say rebels from the Ansar Dine group began destroying the mausoleums Sunday with pickaxes.
The militants destroyed several mausoleums in the city in July, after the U.N. cultural agency, UNESCO, put Timbuktu on its list of sites that are in danger.
UNESCO has listed Timbuktu as a World Heritage site for its ancient mosques and shrines, some of which date back to the 15th century.
The sites are revered by many Muslims but Ansar Dine considers them sacrilegious.
Ansar Dine is one of three terrorist groups that seized control of northern Mali earlier this year, after renegade soldiers overthrew the government.
The groups are trying to enforce a strict form of Islamic law across the territory. The U.N. and human rights groups have condemned the militants for abuses that include amputations and floggings of alleged criminals.
On Thursday, the United Nations Security Council authorized the deployment of foreign troops to Mali.
The Economic Community of West African States is has been making plans to send a force of between 3,000 and 4,000 soldiers to retrain the Malian army for several months and help retake the north. VoA.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
Cdr. Job W. Price, 42, of Pottstown, Pa., died Dec. 22 of a non-combat related injury while supporting stability operations in Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan. Price was assigned to an East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare unit in Virginia Beach, Va.
This incident is currently under investigation.
"He which hath no stomach to this fight let him depart. But we in it shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother.” (W.Shakespeare) Rest in peace my Brothers, you have not been forgotten.
Egypt's Islamist Muslim Brotherhood says voters have approved the country's new controversial constitution.
The Brotherhood said about 64 percent of the voters cast a “yes” ballot for the charter over two days of voting. The first round was held on December 15 and a second round took place Saturday. Voter turnout was reported to be only about 32 percent.
If the preliminary outcome is confirmed in the coming days, a parliamentary election is to take place in two months.
The Muslim Brotherhood, the party of Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, supports the new constitution. However, members of Egypt's liberal, secular and Christian opposition note it will erode civil liberties, because it is based in Sharia law and has no mention of women's rights.
A largely Islamist committee approved the draft constitution last month after ignoring liberal and Christian members.
Late Saturday, Mr. Morsi is reported to have announced the names of 90 new members he has appointed to the upper house of parliament. The list is claimed to include liberals and other non-Islamists as a means to continue dialogue among the factions.
Violent protests and clashes led up the to referendum vote. Several people were killed and many others wounded in Cairo earlier this month.
BAGRAM, Afghanistan (Dec. 23, 2012) - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a local Taliban leader during an operation in Nad ‘Ali district, Helmand province, today.
The leader was in direct contact with senior members of the Taliban in the province and coordinated and conducted numerous direct fire and improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.
During the operation, the security force discovered a weapons cache and seized a number of weapons and ammunition.
In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:
North
In Khanabad district, Kunduz province, today, an Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader who planned and executed improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. Additionally, he acquired IEDs and explosives that he then distributed to insurgents in Khanabad and Kunduz districts. During the operation, the security force also detained several suspected insurgents.
South
Afghan and coalition officials confirmed today that a Taliban leader was arrested during a security operation in Tarnek wa Jaldak district, Zabul province, Friday. The leader transported and delivered weapons and ammunition to Taliban insurgents operating in Tarnek wa Jaldak and Qalat districts.
EAST:
Afghan and coalition forces detained 15 insurgents, and located one weapons caches during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Dec. 22.
Logar Province Afghan National Security and coalition forces detained one insurgent during an engagement in Pul-e Alam District. The detained suspect was transferred to a base for questioning.
Paktya Province Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces discovered a weapons cache in Dzadran District. The cache contained small arms ammunition, rockets, and heavy machine gun ammunition.
Afghan Uniformed Police and coalition forces detained 14 insurgents during an engagement in Gardez District. The detained suspects were transferred to a base for questioning.
In the practice of special counter-drug patrols, cars and semi-trucks are pulled over on excuses of small infractions. The targets have out of state license plates. They are then "asked" if they will allow a search of their vehicle. (Just say NO!) The police are looking for cash. The cash is then seized on the suspicion that it is drug profits. The driver is pushed to deny ownership to make the legal proceedings simpler. The cash is then kept by the law enforcement agencies involved in seizing it. If the Citizen wants his money back, the prosecutor's office requires them to fight for it, with lawyers, sometimes for years, at considerable cost.
While it was Tennessee's journalists that uncovered it here, these shakedowns are not just happening here. News Channel 5, WSMV, Nashville has been investigating the illegal seizures of property for two years, since the Institute for Justice came out with their report. What they found was an abuse of power, greed, and corruption. It is clear from the words of those in power, those stealing from The People, that it is a breach of the Constitution. The people of Tennessee are outraged over it, even though the police are targeting guests of our great state.
The Institute of Justice points out that this practice is happening elsewhere. It includes Michigan, Texas, and Georgia in its reports as being worse than Tennessee, and more than half the Nation gets graded at least as bad. It found that in 2008, more than $1 Billion had been seized from individual Citizens and was being held by the Department of Justice's Assets Forfeiture Fund.
Download Inst for Justice - Policing for Profit
I encourage you to watch the video series. The defense of the practice by prosecutors and police officers should enrage you. When a police officer says "he didn't prove it wasn't drug money," it demonstrates a practice of "guilty until proven innocent."
"It is illegal to have proceeds." [of criminal activity], District Attorney General Kim Helper. The "fact that no one ever claimed the money proves it was illegal."
"The doctrine of in rem forfeiture arose from Medieval ideas, rooted in the ancient law of “deodand.”Kings, for instance, could seize an instrument that caused the death of another in order to finance the deceased’s funeral mass.The idea arose from a superstitious belief that objects acted independently to cause death." Policing for Profit, Institute of Justice
There is nothing illegal about using and/or having cash. I understand that in today's world few people use cash, but short of gold and silver, paper currency is still the closest thing to real money.
Constitutionally, it is the burden of the prosecutor and police to prove guilt in a crime, not the accused to prove innocence. This fundamental premise must be upheld in law, in legislation, and in practice.
Constitutionally, you and your property cannot be searched without proof of cause. It cannot be seized without Warrant.
"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures shall NOT be violated.." 4th Amendment, Bill of Rights, US Constitution
".. nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation." 5th Amendment, Bill of Rights, US Constitution
If you are pulled over and asked to forfeit your Rights, i.e., "Can we look in your vehicle?" Just say NO! It may be the practice, but it is un-Constitutional, for the government to presume you are guilty because you retain your rights.
What should happen now? The Governor and Legislature of Tennessee should act to remove the excuse for unlawful search and seizure. The Judges should clamp down on the practice and protect the Constitution they swore to uphold. And beginning with the DAG Kim Helper, and including every official uncovered in Channel 5's investigation, demonstrating the corrupt and un-Constitutional "justification" for these roadside shakedowns should be fired, and stripped of any chance of ever being in a position of authority again. Ms. Helper should be disbarred.
And Citizens of other States should press for their governments to do the same. I'm all for seizing the finances of criminal organizations, but that money is not guilty of anything. The owner of the money must be proven to have gained it through criminal activity, before it can be seized.
South: In Tarnek wa Jaldak district, Zabul province, Thursday, an Afghan and coalition security force arrested two local Taliban leaders who planned attacks against Afghan government leaders and Afghan and coalition security forces in the district. They also coordinated the transfer, shipment and delivery of weapons and improvised explosive devices to Taliban insurgents operating in the province.
An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban facilitator and detained one suspected insurgent in Arghandab district, Kandahar province, today. The facilitator procured and transported weapons, homemade explosives and improvised explosive devices for use in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.
An Afghan and coalition force detained three suspected insurgents during an operation in search of a Taliban leader in Tarnek wa Jaldak district, Zabul province, yesterday. The Taliban leader is responsible for planning and conducting improvised explosive device and indirect fire attacks against Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan leaders as well as Afghan and coalition forces throughout Tarnek wa Jaldak and Qalat districts.
East: Afghan and coalition forces located two weapons caches and cleared six improvised explosive devices during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Dec. 21.
Ghazni Province Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces found and safely cleared one IED in Gelan District.
Kapisa Province Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces found and safely cleared three IEDs in Tagab District.
Khowst Province Afghan Border Police and coalition forces discovered a weapons cache in Bak District. The cache contained homemade explosives and IED making materials.
Nangarhar Province Afghan Uniformed Police and coalition forces found and safely cleared one IED in Shinwar District.
Paktya Province Afghan National Army soldiers and coalition forces found and safely cleared one IED in Dzadran District.
Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces also discovered a weapons cache in Dzadran District. The cache contained rockets and IED making materials.
The Department of Defense (DoD) today released key findings from the Academic Program Year (APY) 2011-2012 "Annual Report on Sexual Harassment and Violence at the United States Military Service Academies." As part of this year's review, the superintendents of the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Air Force Academy assessed their academy's policies, training, and procedures for effectiveness of prevention and response to sexual harassment and violence. The report also contains the results from the "2012 Service Academy Gender Relations Survey."
Consistent with department-wide efforts to increase victim reporting, the academies saw an overall increase in the number of sexual assault reports made to authorities in APY 2011-2012. During the evaluation period, a total of 80 reports of sexual assault involved cadets and midshipmen compared to a total of 65 reports in the prior APY. Thirteen of the reports made this year were for sexual assaults that occurred prior to the cadets and midshipmen entering military service, as compared to five such reports made in the previous year. All who reported a sexual assault were provided with access to support services through their sexual assault response coordinators.
"We recognize there is more work to do on sexual assault prevention across the Department of Defense as well as at the military academies," said Maj. Gen. Gary S. Patton, director, DoD Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office.
Anonymous survey results showed the overall rate of unwanted sexual contact at the service academies has not changed since 2010. The Service Academy Gender Relations Survey found a slight increase in the prevalence rate of unwanted sexual contact among female cadets at the United States Military Academy. There was no statistical change in the prevalence of unwanted sexual contact among male cadets and midshipmen.
Survey results also showed a significant decrease in the prevalence of sexual harassment experienced by women at the U.S. Air Force Academy and men at the U.S. Naval Academy. There were no other statistically significant changes in prevalence rates of sexual harassment at the academies.
Citing the need for greater progress, the secretary has directed the services to review and enhance their academy programs: http://www.defense.gov/news/ServiceAcademiesSecDefMemo.pdf . The service secretaries are to report back to him in 90 days with plans to advance a climate of dignity and respect and to more completely integrate sexual assault and harassment prevention into the full spectrum of academy life and learning.
"My staff and I plan to work with each academy and service in the months ahead to find new ways to incorporate prevention of sexual assault and harassment into academy culture," said Patton.
North Korea says it has arrested a U.S. Citizen for committing "crimes against the state" after he entered the reclusive communist country as a tourist.
The official Korean Central News Agency said Friday the man, identified as Bae Jun Ho, has confessed to unspecified crimes that it said were “proven through evidence.”
It said legal actions are being taken against Bae “in line with criminal procedure law,” suggesting he will be tried in court. Under North Korean law, the punishment for hostile action against the state is five to 10 years of hard labor.
The report said Bae was detained on November 3 as he entered the northeastern port city of Rason, which lies in a special economic zone near the border with Russia and China.
KCNA says officials from the Swedish Embassy met with Bae on Friday. Sweden often acts on the U.S. behalf, since Washington does not have diplomatic ties with Pyongyang.
North Korea has detained several Americans in recent years, mostly journalists or Christians accused of proselytizing.
In 2009, two television journalists were detained and sentenced to 12 years of hard labor after crossing into the North from China. Bill Clinton later flew to North Korea to pick up the two women after their release.
In 2010, a U.S. national Aijalon Mahli Gomes, was released after being sentenced to eight years of hard labor.
The latest arrest was first reported by South Korean media. The reports described the detainee as a 44-year-old Korean-American tour operator Kenneth Bae, and said he was arrested for carrying a computer that contained sensitive or controversial information.
The arrest comes amid increased tension between the U.S. and North Korea after Pyongyang successfully launched a satellite into space earlier this month. The U.N. Security Council condemned the launch as a disguised long-range missile test barred under U.N. sanctions. VoA.
Police have fired tear gas at clashing protesters in Egypt's northern city of Alexandria on the eve of a second day of polling on a controversial constitutional referendum.
Anti-constitution protesters and Islamists threw stones at one another on Friday, prompting riot police to fire tear gas to separate them. There was no immediate word on possible injuries.
Thousands of Egyptians poured onto streets in Alexandria earlier in the day, waving flags and chanting as they marched through the city. Islamists had called for mass rallies before Saturday's second leg of voting on the proposed constitution.
The measure has the support of President Mohamed Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood and Salafist groups. However, members of the liberal, secular and Christian opposition note it will erode civil liberties because it increases the role of Islamist Sharia law and does not include women's rights.
The proposal was approved by an Islamist committee last month as liberal and Christian members walked out, due to their positions being ignored.
Last Friday, a well-known ultraconservative Salifi cleric was trapped inside of an Alexandria mosque for hours while supporters and opponents of the constitution clashed outside. The cleric had angered some worshippers when he voiced support for the referendum.
The remaining provinces vote will on the referendum on Saturday, a week after voters in Cairo, Alexandria and a group of other provinces cast ballots.
Unofficial results from the first day of polling "show almost 57-percent of voters 'approved' the measure." VoA.
Authorities in Kenya say at least 39 people — 30 villagers and nine attackers — have been killed in fresh clashes between two rival ethnic groups in the southeastern Tana River region.
A local police official says a group of ethnic Pokomo, armed with spears and firearms, raided a village belonging to the Orma people in the pre-dawn hours of Friday.
The Kenya Red Cross says 13 children and six women were among those killed in the attack on Kipao village. It says at least 45 houses were set on fire.
Police say they have identified where the attackers came from and are pursuing them.
The two groups have waged a series of deadly attacks and counter-attacks as part of an ongoing dispute over land and water.
In August and September, more than 100 people were killed during clashes between the Pokomo, which is largely a farming community, and the Orma, which consists of mainly herders.
The United Nations says some of the killings may be related to increased tensions surrounding next year's general elections.
More than 1,100 people were killed in post-election violence after Kenya's 2007 polls. VoA.
BAGRAM, Afghanistan (Dec. 21, 2012) - Afghan and coalition forces killed three insurgents, detained one, located one weapons cache and cleared three improvised explosive devices during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Dec. 20.
Laghman Province Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces found and safely cleared two IEDs in Mehtar Lam District.
Afghan National Army soldiers and coalition forces killed two insurgents during an engagement in Mehtar Lam District.
Afghan National Army killed one insurgent during an engagement in Alingar District.
Logar Province Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces found and safely cleared one IED in Baraki Barak District.
Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces detained an insurgent while investigating a weapons cache in Muhammad Aghah District. The cache contained small arms and ammunition and multiple artillery and tank rounds being used to make IEDs. The detained suspect was transferred to a base for questioning.
BAGRAM, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces detained two insurgents, located one weapons caches and cleared five improvised explosive devices during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Dec. 19.
Khowst Province Afghan Uniformed Police and coalition forces discovered a weapons cache in Sabari District. The cache contained small arms and ammunition, grenades and one IED.
Afghan Uniformed Police and coalition forces found and safely cleared one IED in Bak District.
Afghan Border Police and coalition forces detained one insurgent during an engagement in Gurbuz District. The detained suspect was transferred to a base for questioning.
Laghman Province Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces found and safely cleared two IEDs in Qarghah'I District.
Logar Province Afghan National Army soldiers and coalition forces detained one insurgent during an engagement in Muhammad Aghah District. The detained suspect was transferred to a base for questioning.
Wardak Province Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces found and safely cleared one IED in Jalrez District.
BAGRAM, Afghanistan (Dec. 19, 2012) - Afghan and coalition forces cleared three improvised explosive devices during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Dec. 18.
Ghazni Province Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces found and safely cleared one IED in Andar District.
Logar Province Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces found and safely cleared two IEDs in Muhammad Aghah District.
Pakistani officials say unidentified gunmen have opened fire on polio vaccination workers, killing at least five people.
Police say at least three people were killed in a series of attacks in the port city of Karachi Tuesday and a fourth person died in a similar incident in the northwestern city of Peshawar. Several health workers were wounded.
Authorities say a fifth polio worker was shot and killed in Karachi Monday. Investigators say most of the attacks appear to have been carried out by gunmen on motorbikes.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but the attacks have taken place during a three-day nationwide anti-polio drive.
The Taliban has condemned previous polio campaigns as cover for spying.
The terrorist group began voicing opposition to the health program after a Pakistani doctor was imprisoned for helping U.S. intelligence agents run a fake hepatitis vaccination program aimed at locating then-fugitive al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden. Some terrorists also blame the vaccine itself for causing harm.
In July, armed men killed a Pakistani doctor working for the World Health Organization on a national immunization campaign.
The health minister of Sindhi province stopped the anti-polio drive in the Karachi region, on Tuesday, as a result of the shootings.
Meanwhile, officials say the death toll from a marketplace explosion in northwest Pakistan on Monday has risen to 21.
The car bombing attack occurred near government offices in the town of Jamrud, part of the Khyber tribal district. More than 40 people were wounded.
Khyber is home to various Islamist terrorist groups, including the Pakistani Taliban, which have waged a bloody insurgency against the government for several years. VoA.
The Islamist attacks on Polio health workers began after the White House leaked information on the role of a Pakistani Doctor in verifying the location of Osama bin Laden. The Doctor involved has since been convicted by Pakistan for that role, and sentenced to decades in prison. Numerous health officials have since been assassinated or targeted and hundreds of thousands of Pakistani children have been denied polio vaccinations, as a result of the Obama Administration leak.
Communist Chinese authorities have fired six officials for their “improper handling” of last week's knife attack at an elementary school in a central province that left 23 students injured.
The official Xinhua news agency said Tuesday two school principals, two police officers, a local safety official, and a county education director were removed from their posts.
Twenty-three students and an elderly villager were injured Friday when a 36-year-old man armed with a kitchen knife burst into the school in Henan province. The man was quickly arrested.
The report did not give a reason for the dismissal of the officials, but noted it followed a public outcry over the “local authority's perceived irresponsible and indifferent attitude toward the tragedy.”
Many Chinese citizens had criticized a local newspaper, the state-run Xinyang Daily, for lauding the city's “great achievements” in education in a report issued just two days after the attack. On Tuesday, the paper posted a front-page apology for insulting the injured students and their families.
Others on China's popular microblogs criticized authorities for not revealing enough details about the attack. Even state news reporters were turned away by authorities when trying to interview school officials or injured children.
Though authorities say they have not determined a specific motive, police say the suspect, Min Yongun, "may have been influenced by ancient Mayan prophesies" predicting the end of the world.
State media said Monday an initial investigation found Min “had been strongly psychologically affected by rumors of the upcoming end of the world by ancient prophecy.” His specific motives are not known.
Some say the ancient Mayan calendar predicts the world will end on Friday, December 21.
Security at Chinese schools has been increased in recent years following a series of violent attacks on students, mostly involving mentally unstable young men.
Some say the attacks, which began in 2010, highlight the weaknesses of China's healthcare system, which has struggled to identify and treat those with mental illnesses.
Most of the attackers have used knives, hammers, or meat cleavers. China has some of the toughest gun laws in the world.
Friday's incident came just hours before U.S. gunman Adam Lanza burst into an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut, with a stolen rifle and two stolen handguns, in an attack that left 20 children and six adults dead. It was the second-worst school shooting in U.S. history. VoA.
Iraqi President Jalal Talabani is reported to be in “critical but stable condition” after having been hospitalized for a stroke.
Mr. Talabani's office said he was taken to a Baghdad hospital late Monday and that the 79-year-old president remained under intensive medical supervision after treatment for blocked arteries.
The Iraqi president has dealt with several health problems in recent years. In 2008, he underwent heart surgery in the United States. He made a 2007 visit to a U.S. clinic for weight loss treatment, and the same year spent more than two weeks in Jordan receiving treatment for exhaustion and dehydration.
The president's role in Iraq is largely ceremonial, but Mr. Talabani, an ethnic Kurd, has used his position to mediate disputes among the country's various ethnic and religious groups. VoA.
The Iraqi Presidency does not have equivalent powers to a US President. In Iraq, the Prime Minister holds primary executive powers, similiar to the United Kingdom or Germany.
BAGRAM, Afghanistan (Dec. 18, 2012) - Afghan and coalition forces detained two insurgents and cleared one improvised explosive device during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Dec. 17.
Khowst Province Afghan Border Police and coalition forces found and safely cleared one IED in Terezayi District.
Kunar Province Afghan Local detained two insurgents during an engagement in Tsowkey District. The detained suspects were transferred to a base for questioning.
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr., AFPS, BAGRAM, Afghanistan, Dec. 17, 2012 - Country music star Kellie Pickler is among the celebrity entertainers taking part in Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey's annual USO holiday show tour, which entertained Afghanistan-deployed U.S. troops posted here and at Kandahar Airfield.
On this trip, the USO troupe also has entertained service members aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis and at the Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan.
Kellie Pickler, a country singer addresses the audience before she begins her USO holiday tour show performance at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Dec. 16, 2012. DOD photo
Pickler, an Albemarle, N.C., native, is traveling on her sixth USO tour and she's keenly aware of the difficulties troops and their families endure during the holiday season.
"It's always different coming here this time of the year," she said. "[During] the holidays -- Thanksgiving has already passed -- everyone wants to be home with their families and loved ones.
"Then, Christmas is right around the corner," Pickler continued. "It's a hard time for all of you."
The country music singer said she enjoys touring with the USO and has done so for quite some time.
"I love it," Pickler said. "My very first trip was in [2007] ... and it's by far the most life-changing thing I've ever been a part of."
Pickler performed with her husband, Kyle Jacobs, and with David Michael Baker, who provided the musical backdrop for her vocal performances.
"We look forward to doing shows, but I think that the small intimate moments -- just having breakfast together, lunch together, dinner together ... [are] where we can just sit, talk and listen to one another," Pickler said.
The singer, who said she comes from a military family, "gets" how hard it is for troops being away from their loved ones.
"I know it's just as hard for your families back home, so they're making a sacrifice as well," Pickler said.
Pickler said she always looks forward to USO trips.
"I always take a little something from each place when we go to each base," she said. "I always have a little special memory that I cherish and I never forget about it."
She said the USO tour's visit to a hospital was one example of those special moments.
"We were able to go to the hospital and try to take a little piece of home in there," she said. "[And] that's our goal coming out here. We just want to bring a little piece of home to you all."
Pickler was accompanied on the tour by Washington Nationals Major League Baseball players Ross Detwiler and Craig Stammen; Matt Hendricks from the National Hockey League's Washington Capitals; comedian Iliza Schlesinger, winner of NBC's Last Comic Standing.
Sloan D. Gibson, president of the USO, and Shane Hudella, of "Defending the Blue Line," an organization that donates hockey equipment to military families, also joined the celebrities.
Pickler praised U.S. troops and their families for their sacrifices, and wished them all happy holidays as she joined Dempsey in serenading the troops with Bing Crosby's "A White Christmas."
"I just want to say thanks so much for all that you do," she said. "Thank you to your families -- we know that they make a huge sacrifice."
"This time of the year is really hard so I hope that you know that we love you," Picker said. "The USO, all of us, we are praying for a safe return home for you all. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."
For a few bucks more you can get a signed copy from the author himself! http://www.deltabravosierra.us/2011/02/10/a-word-about-the-new-book/comment-page-1/#comment-3383
Get your copy of this legendary cartoon now (or wait a few days for the signed copy!)
Go to War against the Nazis with SSG Smith of the 94th Infantry Division. Review: http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2010/04/everymans-war-vet.html.html
Ace Of Spades: Why Language Matters In this article, Ace of Spades demonstrates how the writing style of "journalists" and other writers is purposely used to influence the electorate. He explains this far better than I have been able to do, but this is the foundation of why I could no longer be silent.
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