War On Terror News

"In The Fight"

“In The Fight” is an award winning monthly half-hour program.  Footage is captured by active and deployed service members.  These brave men and women share their missions, training, battles, victories and loss from their perspective as they continue to fight and serve in the United States Military.  These often untold stories bring new light to the frontlines of war.

Here is one such episode.  Footage is captured by the active duty and deployed service members.  Enjoy this episode then read below for more information on how to locate and watch more episodes of "In The Fight." 

For a peak at a remote Marine Outpost be sure to watch closely starting at 12:47 minutes into the clip.

 

This edition features stories on Marines in the Helmand province pushing out the
Taliban, NATO forces adapting to inventive attacks from their enemies, one unit
of Marines ending their tour in Afghanistan, celebrities entertaining the troops
as part of the USO tour, and a husband and wife who both serve as Apache
helicopter pilots. Presented in anamorphic 16:9 format.

Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/video/78084/fight-episode-35#ixzz2bmIvxtsr

You can start back as far as the surge in Baghdad during Operation Iraqi Freedom or jump ahead to Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

There are 77 episodes currently found here at DVIDS.

DVIDS’ program “In The Fight” is now available on the free, ad-supported Hulu and Hulu Plus subscription service.

Currently, 17 episodes of “In The Fight” can be found under the ‘Recently Added/ Shows’ section on Hulu and Hulu Plus.  In the future, the program can easily be found by searching for “In The Fight” in the search field.  New content will be updated monthly and interested Hulu Plus subscribers can set the show as a ‘favorite’ to automatically capture new releases.

 

Links:

http://www.hulu.com/in-the-fight

www.twitter.com/DVIDSInTheFight

www.facebook.com/InTheFight

New film spotlights violence of Communist Khmer Rouge

A groundbreaking Cambodian film depicting the life of a woman who lost most of her family four decades ago in the genocidal reign of the Khmer Rouge is touring the United States and stirring profound reflection and grief in Khmer-speaking audiences.

“Lost Loves,” co-written by Chhay Bora and his actress wife Kauv Sotheary, is the first feature film on the genocide by an all-Cambodian cast and crew in more than two decades.  Based on the life of Chhay Bora's mother-in-law, the film focuses on the repeated loss of her loved ones, as some two million people perish under Khmer Rouge rule between 1975 and 1979.

Chhay Bora, speaking last week after a presentation in Philadelphia, described the film to VOA as a labor of love and suffering.

“All this pain and suffering, we can not keep them inside and carry the burdens with us to the ground,”  he said.  “I had to make this movie to recount our bitter memories and to share the suffering and history with the next generation.”

Shot in the Cambodian countryside, “Lost Loves” is described by critics as a collision of striking beauty and ghastly acts of brutality under Khmer Rouge rule.  In its aftermath, Cambodians at home and abroad have by most accounts been slow to come to grips with the genocide.

The $150,000 film was screened at Philadelphia's Horace Howard Furness High School as part of a 12-city American tour that ends this week in California.  School principal Daniel Peou describes the film's value to families scarred by the horrors of the genocide.

“I've seen some Cambodian children and parents who don't talk at all,” he said.  The kids say their parents don't understand them.  They don't know what their parents have gone through.  If they see this movie, they'll know how much suffering their parents went through and what their parents had to sacrifice for them.”

The movie, which opened at a four-day film festival in Phnom Penh in late 2010, has been uniformly praised by American audiences at university screenings. At the University of Connecticut, a reviewer wrote last month that the film left spectators “speechless.”

In Long Beach, California, Cambodian performer PraCh Ly, who helped sponsor the film in the Los Angeles area, called the film “groundbreaking.”

The Cambodian Oscar Selection Committee voted unanimously last month to submit “Lost Loves” to the Academy Awards for best foreign-language film.

Royal Marines from 30 Commando hit the Big Screen and Afghanistan

Intelligence unit deployed to Afghanistan as movie about WWII predecessor hits the screens

A Military Operations news article

20 May 11 A new film about a World War Two mission by Royal Marines from 30 Commando to capture Nazi secrets is released in UK cinemas today as 30 Commando embark on their first operational tour since then.

Members of 30 Commando Support Squadron engaged in an operation in Helmand province, Afghanistan
[Picture: PO(Phot) Burke, Crown Copyright/MOD 2011]

In 1943, 30 Commando, an offensive naval intelligence unit, ventured into Norway to capture vital Nazi technology that helped the Allies win the Second World War.

'Age of Heroes', the new movie based on this true story and starring Sean Bean and Danny Dyer, is released in UK cinemas today, Friday 20 May 2011.

Last Films by Persecuted Iranian Directors to Get Their Day

Cannes to Screen Films by Convicted Iranian Directors

VoA News: New films by two convicted Iranian directors, Jafar Panahi and Mohammad Rasoulof, will be shown at this month's Cannes film festival in France.

Festival organizers said Saturday that Panahi's In Film Nist will be screened on May 20.

Rasoulof's Be Omid-e Didar will be shown on May 14.

An Iranian court in December sentenced both filmmakers to six years in prison on charges that included making propaganda against Iran's Islamic regime. Both were banned from making movies for 20 years. They are free on bail pending an appeal, but forbidden to travel abroad.

Cannes officials did not say how they received the films, only that they had arrived in recent days.  They described the films as having been made in “semi-clandestine conditions.”  The festival on the French Riviera runs May 11-22.

Movie "Of Gods and Men"

Movie Highlights Terror at Algerian Monastery

28 March 2011 Lisa Bryant | Tibhirine, Algeria VOA News A movie about the lives - and gruesome deaths - of French Cistercian Trappist monks in Algeria has become an unexpected box-office hit in France and has now been released worldwide. "Of Gods and Men" is set during Algeria's horrific 1990's civil war. The Tibhirine monastery where the monks live, serves as a reminder of the country's unresolved past.

Photo From Wikipedia

The French Cistercian monastery sits on a small hill overlooking the Algerian village, Tibhirine, a two-hour drive from the capital. It is a large, rambling stone building surrounded by high walls and fields. The view from here is magnificent - the valley and distant hills spread below.

‘Battle: LA’ star visits VMM-166

3/8/2011  By Lance Cpl. Lisa M. Tourtelot,

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif.  — Aaron Eckhart, star of “Battle: Los Angeles” paid a visit to the Marines of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 166 March 4 at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.

Eckhart, a USO supporter who has visited Kandahar and Kuwait, signed autographs and posed for pictures while touring the hangar and learning about Marine aviation.

The actor may have just wrapped a major Hollywood action flick, but Eckhart made hardly a mention of the film or his work while he peppered the Marines with questions about their jobs, service overseas and how aircraft like the MV-22 “Osprey” work.

Aaron Eckhart, star of "Battle: Los Angeles," asks about a new MV-22 "Osprey" at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., March 3. Lance Cpl. Lisa M. Tourtelot

The Marines of VMM-166 reflected Eckhart’s excitement.

How to Remove a Dictator

8 March 2011 VOA News Deborah Block Popular social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, were instrumental in organizing the non-violent protests that led to the resignation last month of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.   Some people in Egypt and other parts of the world have also been using other media for ideas on how to remove a dictator.  This includes watching TV documentaries on civil disobedience created by a private video company in Washington.  The company has also produced video games on ways to use non-violent tactics to enact change.  

The York-Zimmerman TV and film company in Washington has produced several documentaries on civil disobedience.  Filmmaker Steve York says they have been shown around the world and translated into a number of languages, including Arabic.

"People were using these films as training devices in their own non-violent movements, in their struggles against dictators, or authoritarian or oppressive regimes," he said.

York says one of the most popular films is one called

Documentary 'Restrepo' Shows War Through Eyes of American Soldiers

Mike O'Sullivan | Los Angeles VOA News The documentary Restrepo shows the reality of war through the experience of one American platoon in Afghanistan.  Our correspondent spoke with producers Sebastian Junger and Tim Hetherington about the film and the soldiers it depicts.

Violence was a daily part of life for this 15-man platoon on their deployment in the Korengal Valley of eastern Afghanistan in 2007 and 2008.  

The film opens with the blast of an IED,

Showcasing Peaceful Efforts to End Mideast Conflict

09 November 2010 Mohamed Elshinnawi | Washington, DC  VOA News  Violent clashes between Palestinians and Israelis receive media attention worldwide, but peace builders and nonviolent movements on both sides are frequently invisible.

That's why Ronit Avni, a Jewish American, founded Just Vision in 2003. The non-profit group based in Washington D.C., showcases these efforts through its award-winning films.   

"We use media essentially by creating films and multi-media resources highlighting the stories that you do not ordinarily hear about: courageous individuals on both sides of the conflict who are working without arms to end occupation and to work towards peace."

Online Film Contest Focuses on Muslim Women

04 November 2010 Julie Taboh | Washington, DC VOA News Filmmakers are invited to submit films for the first ever Muslim Women's Film Festival.

Photo: Philip UrechFilmmaker Vandana Sood believes the mainstream media tends to typecast Muslim women. 'Ideally, this film festival will break some of those stereotypes,' she says.

An online competition is now open for what's being called the first-ever international showcase of short films about Islam and women.

The films focus on women of all faiths and backgrounds who are living in Muslim-majority countries, as well as Muslim women living as minorities around the world.

The festival's lineup

With "Black Tulip" Afghan Woman Revives Film Industry

Film Industry Returns to Afghanistan

Ira Mellman | Washington VoA News: Afghanistan’s capital city of Kabul was the scene Thursday of something that hasn’t happened there in quite some time.

It was the premiere of a motion picture about Afghanistan, filmed in Afghanistan

Just a few months ago the busy street outside of Kabul’s Ariana Cinema was the scene of a pitched battle when suicide bombers blew themselves up in a coordinated attack on the center of the Afghani capital.

‘Inception’ can’t find its way out of its own maze

By Staff Sgt. Randall P. Carey

Expeditionary Times Staff

This review is 1111 characters long. I contemplated making it 1111 question marks. Christopher Nolan’s “Inception” posed several philosophical questions about reality, belief and perception. And, since I was left with 1111 questions after watching the movie, I thought that would be an appropriate response. I’ll try to offer a little more substance though.

Don’t get me wrong, the movie isn’t bad, and it’s not impossible to follow either. But if you’re not looking for a Matrix-style theoretical journey, this film is not for you.

The movie begins with Cobb (Leodnado DiCaprio, “Body of Lies”) slipping in and out of consciousness on a beach with water washing over him. A man with a gun finds Cobb and the gun hidden on his waist. He is taken to an old man who tells him he has only the gun and a brass top with him, but that he has seen the top before.

 

 

RESTREPO: Real Love, Real Sacrifice, in Real Time Reviewed by Jeff Courter

Greater love hath no man than this – that he lay down his life for his friends.

John 15:13

I was fortunate to see a preview of “Restrepo” last weekend in Chicago, on the crest of the documentary’s rolling-thunder nationwide release. It’s an intense window on the Afghan War – expertly developed by two fearless, skilled storytellers – Sebastian Junger (New York Times best-selling author & journalist) and Tim Hetherington (prize-winning Vanity Fair photographer).

The film focuses on a single platoon of 15 Soldiers (Battle Company 2/503) during their 15-month tour at a remote observation post in Afghanistan’s notorious Korengal Valley. Junger and Hetherington embedded on three rotations from 2007-2008 – capturing up-close and personal the harsh, relentless realities of combat life on what was arguably one of the most dangerous assignments in the world.

Both the outpost and the documentary are named for PFC Juan Restrepo – a combat medic

Service Dogs Help War Wounded

New film highlights unique relationship, PTSD, mental illness

VOA David Byrd | Washington, DC 18 May 2010

The U.S. military uses dogs to help troops on sentry duty and bomb-sniffing patrols. But dogs are also proving their worth off the field of battle by helping wounded soldiers recover.

A new documentary focuses on one of these service dogs and the many lives he has touched.

Emmy-award winning actress Glenn Close produced the piece. She's best known for her many roles in film and on television - from the obsessive lover in "Fatal Attraction," to her latest role as high stake litigator Patty Hewes in the FX television series "Damages."

But now Close has taken on the new role of activist. She's focused on removing the stigma of mental illness. The 22-minute documentary, "Pax," is part of her efforts. 

VOA - D. Byrd

Bill Campbell, an Iraq war veteran, says Pax helps him cope with symptoms of PTSD.

Making a difference

Bill Campbell, an Iraq war veteran with a 100 percent disability due to concussive brain injury, received a beautiful yellow Labrador called Pax.

Filmmakers in Indonesia Share Women's Stories About Life Under Islamic Law

VOA  Sara Schonhardt | Jakarta 10 May 2010

Islamic law has been raising questions in Indonesia, a Muslim-majority nation where some provinces are adopting regulations based on Sharia, or Islamic, principles. Human rights groups, however, warn that the laws often are enforced unfairly, particularly for women. Filmmakers in Indonesia have recently released documentaries to show the effects Islamic law has on women.

The film opens with shots of a market, where mannequins in tight-fitting T-shirts contrast with girls in long skirts and headscarves. The sight is common in Aceh Province, which gained the right to implement Sharia law as a part of a peace accord with the Indonesian government.

To show the role Sharia plays in the life of Muslim women, organizers of a recent female film festival in Jakarta highlighted five documentaries on the subject.

Movie: The Blind Side

10 Nov 2009: Rarely do I visit the cinema, but I was afforded an advanced screening to this one and frankly this is a great movie that can renew faith in the potential for humans to do the right thing for the right reason.  Some will say it's a movie of black and white.  It is a movie of contrasts, but black and white takes a back seat to right and wrong.

I recall the NFL draft of Michael Oher last spring and I stated then, "there's an interesting story there," Evidently so too did Hollywood producers.  But I entered the the theater not realizing this was his true story.

"Everyman's War" movie review

As reviewed from a civilian military supporters' point of view.

I liked the plot, and I found it interesting how they followed people from very different walks of life as they came together on the transport ship on the way to war.  We started in the present day time frame, then went back to 1943-1945.  They did a good job of melding the present with the past, it wasn't disjointed.
 
From a chance meeting in town, to a missed Sadie Hawkins dance, love began but the war pulled them apart.  We watch as both  SSG Don Smith and the girl he fell for begin to write letters to each other.

We see the importance of a letter from home, a picture of the family or girlfriend and the impact they have on the soldiers.  You hear it in their voices when the talk turns to back home.  I couldn't stop thinking about those letters.  Hope was there, an anchor when all

A Simple Challenge. A Great Movie (free)

180 Films has joined with War On Terror News to promote the Honor and Health of Veterans through Film and Non-Profit.  They produced a great WWII film, based on a real Soldier, the director's father, which I had the honor of reviewing recently.  You can buy the DVD and it'll be worth every penny, OR, you can potentially get a free copy while supporting a great Non-Profit and great Marine NCO.

There are a limited number of DVD's available.

The challenge:

Everyman's War, the movie: A Veterans View

As observed by Veteran reactions to "The Hurt Locker," combat Veterans have a love it or hate it reaction to war movies.

Everyman's War may open with War Memories and battle scenes, but it gets to the heart of some of the hardest parts of life for a Warrior, the last conversations with friends and families before shipping out, including promises everyone knows cannot be promised.  And just as in real life, it doesn't last long before our young Troops find themselves in the thick of the fight.

I couldn't tell you how accurate the uniforms are, but the conversations between Soldiers, the variety of personalities, the fact that it's not action packed is very realistic.  It captures the randomness of death and survival on the battlefield.

Of course, this screenplay, this movie, and the book they're based on have an unfair advantage over many war movies.  It was written and directed by people that had a reason to get it right.  The main character, SSG Smith(Cole Carson), is the Director's Thad Smith's father.  He does a great job of capturing the realities of war.

The combat Veteran will recognize the timeless aspects of their experiences.  The apolitical will appreciate that there is no underlying political slant.  The warrior will appreciate that this movie recognizes the honor of the profession without the villification of the soldiers sent by the opposing regime.

Because of the authenticity of characters, events, and life in combat, this movie need not and does not rely on the crutches of expensive effects.  The explosions are not oversized.  The action punctuates the ways a Soldier kills boredom, without ever allowing the viewer to be bored.

With any luck, Mr Thad Smith will work on a movie or two based on the current conflicts.

The Green Zone: More Than a Movie

 

Joint Area Support Group-Central Story by 1st Lt. Darryl Frost

03.11.2010  BAGHDAD, Iraq - The "Green Zone" movie is out in theaters. The movie is inspired by the book "Imperial Life in the Emerald City" by journalist Rajiv Chandrasekaran, the Washington Post's bureau chief in Baghdad during and leading up to the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq.

The book is popular with many of our officers in Baghdad. It's great historic background on our area of operations set during Operation Iraqi Freedom's start.

However, according to several Internet sources, "Green Zone," the film version of the story, is a fictionalized drama on the occupation and governance of the heart of Baghdad by the Coalition Provisional Authority. The plot deals heavily with the U.S. search for weapons of mass destruction.

Movie: Severe Clear

I reviewed Severe Clear tonight, and don't know whether I'd make a good reviewer or not, but I have mixed emotions, which I will share with whomever cares to.  I'm a U.S. Marine and have been in the Corps for a short 22+ years.

 

I'm enlisted and have served in the Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan.  Beginning up to the assault- (Excellent depiction of the life of a Marine.  Cusses like a sailor?  Where do you think they (sailors) learned it from?  Acting tough is one of the ways we prepare ourselves mentally for what lies ahead.) I am taken back to the days of "hurry up and wait" while preparing to deploy and while being on ship.

Iraq War Drama 'The Hurt Locker' Earns Best Picture, Director

VOA  Mike O'Sullivan | Los Angeles 08 March 2010

The Iraq war drama The Hurt Locker dominated the Oscars Sunday evening.  The film about a bomb disposal unit earned six Academy Awards, including for best picture.  The Hurt Locker also brought the first Oscar for directing for a woman, filmmaker Kathryn Bigelow.

The singer and actress Barbra Streisand announced the Oscar for best director.

"And the winner is … Well, the time has come - Kathryn Bigelow," Streisand announced.

Accepting the Oscar, Bigelow called it the moment of a lifetime.  She thanked the cast and crew, and dedicated the award to the members of the military serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

'Snake Man' Staley Known for Humor, Volunteerism

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO Story by Spc. Spencer Case Date: 02.22.2010

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SALERNO, Afghanistan—U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Steven C. Staley, an information network analyst for the 580th Signal Company, is known for his selfless volunteerism and his sense of humor. Most of all, he is known by the Afghan vendors of the local bazaar as "Snake Man" for a beautifully executed prank he pulled at the beginning of his deployment in August.

Each time he visited the bazaar, Staley would ask the vendors if they could catch a cobra for him. He told them he wanted to take a picture of one with

'Avatar' Cast Visits Troops

 

Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Tyler Wilson

02.01.2010  CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti – Troops stationed here were treated to a visit by cast and crew of the Hollywood hit movie, "Avatar," Jan 31.

Actors Sigourney Weaver, Michelle Rodriguez, and Stephen Lang with producer Jon Landau toured Camp Lemonnier, signed autographs and took photos with troops during their visit.

"We know that what we do in Hollywood is only possible because of the sacrifices you troops do overseas," said Landau.

'Last Dance' Movie Short Speaks of Love Eternal

By Maj. Laura Kenney, 100th Missile Defense Brigade

01.05.2010  The exotically beautiful brunette danced in the arms of the handsome Soldier, her long wispy green gown flowing, gliding against the legs of his dress blues as they waltzed.

Lost in each other's eyes, the coffin and lilies in the background and weeping mourners clad in black don't attract their attention until the end of the song. The lyrics, sung in Polish to a hauntingly sad tune, say in part, "No, no, you cannot go from me, you are taking the last drop of water from me. The emptiness is like a fire in my heart. No, you cannot go away from me, the leaves are still fresh and green, it is not time for them to fall ..."

The above scene is taken from a movie short called "Last Dance," and its star, the exquisite brunette, is Margaret Lambos, wife of Capt. George Lambos, who commands

'BRATS' tell their story

by Airman Matthew Varga
82nd Training Wing Public Affairs

10/30/2009 - SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS)  -- It's often said that when someone joins the military, they aren't the only ones serving. Husbands and wives offer support, but recently another group gained recognition when an organization produced a film telling the story of military children.

Operation Military BRAT presented the movie "BRATS: Our Journey Home" Oct. 19 at Hirschi High School in Wichita Falls, Texas. It is the first film to document growing up in the military. The free screening of the film is part of a 50-city national outreach tour.

"'BRATS: Our Journey Home' is the first nonfiction film about this little-known American subculture," said Timothy Wurtz, co-producer of the film. "It is based on seven years of research that is now the largest qualitative database on the long-term effects of growing up in the military."

Brat, which is a time honored reference to military children based on the acronym

Chavez Warmly Received by Oliver Stone, Film Festival Days After Citizens Worldwide Protest Him

Chavez Welcomed at Venice Film Festival
By Sabina Castelfranco  VoA News Rome 07 September 2009

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez received a movie star welcome in Venice on Monday as he arrived to attend the 66th Venice Film Festival.  Mr. Chavez was accompanied by U.S. film director Oliver Stone for the premiere of his documentary titled South of the Border.  

Hundreds of fans clapped and chanted as Hugo Chavez walked the red carpet at the film festival.  Some fans held up a banner that read "Bienvenido Presidente".

Security was tight and a large group of bodyguards escorted the Venezuelan President, who said, "I have Italy in my heart."
 
Mr. Chavez said he loves Italian cinema and that he remembers actresses like Gina Lollobrigida, Sophia Loren and Claudia Cardinale.  He said he has been in love with all of them since he was a young boy.

Alongside Mr. Chavez was American filmmaker Oliver Stone.  The Venezuelan president called the director "a great worker, a great teller of true stories."

Addressing the media, Stone called the Venezuelan president "a big phenomenon" and said his 75-minute documentary shows very clearly the level of "stupidity" in the broad statements that are made about Mr. Chavez.  Stone said his film is meant to show the changes that are taking place in South America.

For his movie, Stone also interviewed the leaders of Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Bolivia, Cuba and Paraguay, whom he said "are on the same page" as Mr. Chavez.

Stone's documentary South of the Border is showing out of competition at the Venice Film Festival.  Twenty-four films from 32 countries are competing for the Golden Lion Award, which will be announced on Saturday - the final day of the film festival. 

Soldiers Bring Life to 'GI Joe'

Face of Defense: Soldiers Bring Life to 'GI Joe'

Story by Gary Sheftick  Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs

08.11.2009  WASHINGTON - One of the soldiers in the opening scene of "GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra," wasn't able to see the film's debut last week.

Army Chief Warrant Officer John "Buzz" Covington was with the 21st Cavalry Brigade when he helped to film an Apache attack helicopter scene at Fort Hood, Texas. But he's now in Iraq with the 4227th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, and is scheduled to be there until May.

"I unfortunately won't be able to see the movie for some time," Covington said, but added that his wife, Army Maj. Darcy Saint-Amant, was excited about going to the film's Aug. 7 opening.

Covington, an AH-64D Apache pilot, actually appears on screen with

EOD Soldiers view 'The Hurt Locker'

Staff Sgt. William James narrowly escapes after a bomb is detonated in a scene from The Hurt Locker.  Photo credit Courtesy of Summitt Entertainment

By Grafton Pritchartt (Defense Media Activity)

WASHINGTON (Army News Service, July 6, 2009) -- Fast-paced, heart-stopping, explosive action fill the new movie "The Hurt Locker," even though Soldiers say many of the scenes are inaccurate.

Military unites with Hollywood on 'Transformers'

by Joe Davidson
Special to American Forces Press Service

6/23/2009 - LOS ANGELES (AFNS) -- "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" hits theaters nationwide June 24 as the culmination of more than a year of Defense Department support, ranging from script and uniform notes to C-17 Globemaster III aerial maneuvers and jumps from the Army's Golden Knights parachute demonstration team.

GI Film Festival kicks off

Photo credit courtesy of GI Film Festival

Documentary Opening Today Depicts Commitment, Sacrifice of Soldiers, Families

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 13, 2009 – On location in the Middle of Nowhere, Iraq, filmmaker Jake Rademacher focuses his lens on a unit of young reconnaissance troops with whom he’s embedded.

Run4Chance- "Team Semper Fi" runs in a charity race to support a fallen brother

Airmen, Marines highlight missions in HBO movie

 

Taking Chance

Airmen wait for a C-17 Globemaster III to open at McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., as part of a scene for HBO's "Taking Chance" movie, which airs Feb. 21. The Airmen are portraying the transfer party who would escort a fallen servicemember to the Dover Port Mortuary at Dover AFB, Del. Every fallen servicemember travels to Dover AFB for processing. More than 25 Airmen and 50 Marines from various locations served as extras and subject matter experts for the filming. The movie is based on the true story of retired Marine Lt. Col. Michael Strobl escorting a fallen lance corporal from Dover AFB to the Marine's hometown and final resting place in Dubois, Wyo. (HBO courtesy photo/James Bridges) 

Movie premiere hits close to home for service members

WASHINGTON-Retired Lt. Col. Michael R. Strobl stands next to actor Kevin Bacon during a premier showing of HBO's made-for-TV movie 'Taking Chance.' Bacon plays the role of Strobl in the movie as a uniformed military escort bringing home the body of Lance Cpl. Chance Phelps who was killed in action April 9, 2004. The movie is based off of the journal Strobl kept during the escorting of Phelps from Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Del., to Phelps hometown in Dubois, Wyo., Lance Cpl. Bryan G. Carfrey, 2/9/2009 2:15 PM

R. Lee Ermey Visits 26th MEU

I couldn't decide which story I liked best on the Gunny, so I posted both of them!  The second story immediately follows this one.   MsMarti

USS Iwo Jima, Arabian Gulf-Actor and Marine Corps icon Gunnery Sgt. R. Lee Ermey speaks to Marines and sailors aboard the USS Iwo Jima in the Arabian Gulf, Dec. 8, 2008.
Ermey visited the USS Iwo Jima as a Moral, Welfare and Recreation event for deployed troops during the holiday season. The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Iwo Jima Strike Group are currently deployed to the 5th fleet area of operation.
Cpl. Patrick M. Johnson-Campbell, 12/7/2008 10:05 PM

R. Lee Ermey Visits 26th MEU

12/8/2008  By Cpl. Jason D. Mills  , 26th MEU 

USS IWO JIMA, Arabian Gulf  — 

“I at Gunnery Sergeant Ermey, I am your senior drill instructor,” announces the actor and Marine Corps icon. “From now on you will speak only when spoken to. The first and last words out of your filthy sewers will be ‘Sir!’ Do you maggots understand that?”

The Marines and sailors aboard the USS Iwo Jima respond immediately and with fervor, “Sir, yes Sir!”

“Bull--! I can’t hear you; sound off like …” responds the former Marine Corps drill instructor, repeating lines he immortalized on the silver screen.

This time even louder, the Marines and sailors answer, “SIR, YES SIR!” 

“If you ladies leave my island, if you survive recruit training, you will be a weapon; you will be a minister of death, praying for war. But until that day, you are pukes, you are scumbags, you are the lowest form of life on earth, you are not even human beings. You are nothing but a lot of little, unorganized, grab--, pieces of amphibian --! Oorah!”

Repeating these lines to most people would scare and offend them. But nothing could motivate the Marines and sailors of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit more.

R. Lee Ermey, most famous for his role as Gunnery Sgt. Hartman in the movie Full Metal Jacket, paid a visit to the Marines and sailors aboard the USS Iwo Jima, Dec. 8, 2008. On his entrance to the Iwo Jima hanger bay, where hundreds of Marines and sailors awaited his arrival, Ermey greeted them with this rendition one of his most memorable on-screen moments. The Marines and sailors responded with resounding cheers.

Ermey’s visit was part of a Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) event for deployed troops during the holiday season.

“I’ve worked it out with MWR where we’ll make this a traditional thing,” he said. “They’ll bring me over every year for a couple of weeks and we can do this. And you know, maybe I’m not a great entertainer, maybe I’m not that much of a novelty to some, but you guys are stuck out here in the middle of nowhere, so I know you will laugh at my corny jokes … right? And that’s the important thing to me.”

Going on, “There’s nothing like … getting the troops to laugh at my corny jokes. Because it makes me feel good, it breaks the monotony for them, so it works both ways. It’s good for everybody.”

During his visit Ermey gave away thousands of tee shirts, dozens of hats, took hundreds of photos with Marines and sailors, handed out mail, and toured the ship - greeting every Marine or sailor he saw along the way.

He also presented flags to ten Marines who helped reinforce levees during the June flooding of Elnora, Ind. The flags, donated to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit by citizens from Elnora, represented the town’s gratitude to all of the Marines and sailors who participated. 

Ermey was grateful toward every Marine and sailor he saw throughout his visit.

“As far as I’m concerned, you’re over here doing the hard work, the heavy lifting and the least I can do is come over and say hello to you, give you a little pat on the back and maybe a word of encouragement,” he said. “For me it’s a privilege to be able to come over here and just hang out with you guys for a little bit.”

However, the privilege was not all his. Having been at sea for nearly four months, some of the Marines and sailors aboard the Iwo Jima were glad to have something break up the monotony of everyday work.

“It's a definite motivation boost when we heard Gunny was coming aboard," said Cpl. Trevor Blackburn with Golf Co., Battalion Landing Team 2/6. “For me it's like meeting a living legend … It's just a great motivation boost for all of us. We've been out here for a few months, it's starting to get tedious, and for him to show up and break the monotony, it's just great. The motivation just went through the roof with him showing up.”

Corporal Cory Beverick with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron-264 (Rein) said he was happy to have someone come aboard who understood what he was going through.

“Gunny Ermey's a pretty well-known character throughout the Marine Corps,” he said. “It just lets us know that everyone's still thinking about us, and we're on everyone's minds. It's always good to have someone like [him] come out and put a smile on your face and make you laugh, ease the transition."

“He knows what it's like to be away from your family,” he said. "He can just relate to everything we're going through right now. So it's always nice to talk to someone like that.”

Despite the obvious following Ermey has aboard the ship, he made sure the Marines and sailors knew this visit was not about him, rather it was for those who choose to serve.

“It’s a pleasure to be out here with you. I consider this an absolute honor to be able to come out here and socialize with you folks, ‘cause you are the people that I admire,” Ermey said. “You guys are my heroes.”

The 26th MEU is currently forward deployed aboard the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group in the Arabian Gulf in support of Maritime Security operations.

Ermey congratulates Elnora Marines

Ermey congratulates Elnora Marines

12/8/2008  By Gunnery Sgt. Bryce Piper  , 26th MEU 

USS IWO JIMA, Arabian Gulf  — 

Full Metal Jacket star R. Lee Ermey congratulated 10 Marines today aboard USS Iwo Jima in the Arabian Gulf for helping save Elnora, Ind., from flooding June 8, 2008.

            Ermey presented each Marine with a miniature American flag, gifts from Elnora resident Heather Davis, Indiana radio disc jockey Diane House and the American Legion. The group sent 150 flags as a gesture of thanks to the more than 140 Marines and sailors of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit based in Camp Lejeune, N.C., who participated at Elnora. Ten flags were forwarded to the ship and presented to Marines representing MEU units who helped in the town's rescue.

            "We wanted to send a little token of our appreciation to those who came and helped save my hometown," said Davis in a letter to the Marines. "(We) wanted to send a little thank you to all who came and helped us out."

            "This is just something Diane and I do to send to the members of our military to let them know we are thinking of them, and for them to have a little piece of home, no matter where they are," she said.

            Ermey was aboard for a morale-boosting troop visit through the Middle East. When presented with the opportunity to recognize the hard work of the Marines, the Marine Corps icon, most famous for his role as hard-nosed Drill Instructor Gunnery Sgt. Hartman in Full Metal Jacket, leapt at the opportunity.

            The 26th MEU went to Camp Atterbury, Ind., in June to conduct Realistic Urban Training. Plans quickly adjusted when torrential rains flooded much of Central and Western Indiana. MEU leaders provided assistance to state and local officials when it became clear many residents were in danger. Elnora and state leaders took advantage of the Marines’ dedication and sheer muscle, requesting aid to shore up a nearby levee expected to break.

            Flying in by CH-46E Sea Knight and CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters more than 90 miles from the training site, MEU Marines worked furiously through the night and following day filling sandbags and reinforcing a mile of levee protecting Elnora. They were joined by soldiers from the Indiana National Guard, Amish and Mennonite farmers, local residents and even a contingent of prisoners from a nearby jail in an incredible demonstration of teamwork in the face of impending disaster.

            Later that evening, the rescue effort was called off and the workers and residents evacuated when experts determined the rising waters would overcome the levee and wash both town and people away. To the surprise and excitement of all, the levee held.

            "It was important to show that no matter where we're at, we're going to help," said Cpl. Trevor J. Blackburn, who received a flag from Elnora via Ermey. "No matter if it's in our own country or outside the country, you know that's what we do. Our foremost job is to help out the people who care for us."

            "We'd be glad to do it again if you called upon us and you needed our help, we'd be there," Blackburn continued. "Knowing that they were so grateful for what we did – and it seems like we didn't do much, but in all actuality we probably saved the town – but it didn't mean that to us, it just meant we got to get out there and help somebody."

            The remaining 140 flags are with the MEU's family readiness officer at Camp Lejeune and will be given to the other Elnora Marines when the MEU returns from its current deployment early in 2009. The 10 Marines receiving flags today were hand-picked by MEU leaders to represent their units. Four Marines represented Battalion Landing Team 2/6, three represented Combat Logistics Battalion-26, two represented the helicopter air crews of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron-264 (Rein) and one Marine stood for the Command Element. All the Marines given flags today directly contributed to the Elnora effort.

            "That entire day was an emotional roller coaster for all of us," said Lt. Col. John Giltz of the mission to Elnora. Giltz commands CLB-26 and was officer in charge of the Elnora mission. "It was so inspiring to see Marines, sailors, Indiana National Guardsmen, townspeople, the Amish community and yes, even the prisoners, working side by side to save the town.  Leaving town during the evacuation, without an expectation that it would survive, was a cruel blow to our morale.  We had formed a bond with the townspeople, and felt that even with our collective effort, we had ultimately failed.  Then, the next day when word reached us that the town had survived, a cheer went up throughout the unit--high fives, smiles and lot's of celebrating.  So, while we received many accolades for our efforts, the town was saved because the people of Elnora simply refused to lose their town.  We simply were inspired by their motivation."

USS Iwo Jima, Arabian Gulf-USS IWO JIMA, Arabian Gulf (Dec. 8, 2008) – Corporal Terry B. Wyatt receives a miniature American flag and letter from actor and Marine Corps icon R. Lee Ermey aboard USS Iwo Jima, Dec. 8, 2008. Wyatt and nine other 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit Marines received the flags as gifts from the residents of Elnora, Ind., for helping rescue the town from an impending flood in June. Elnora resident Heather Davis, Indiana DJ Diane House and the American Legion sent 150 flags as a token of thanks to the nearly 150 Marines who participated in the mission. Ten flags were forwarded to the ship, currently in the Arabian Gulf for the MEU and Iwo Jima Strike Group's deployment. Ten Marines were hand-picked to represent the subordinate units of the MEU. All Marines receiving flags today directly contributed to the Elnora effort. The remaining 140 flags will be distributed to Elnora mission participants when the MEU returns the Camp Lejeune in early 2009. Ermey is best known for his portrayal of hard-nosed Drill Instructor Gunnery Sgt. Hartman in Full Metal Jacket. (Official USMC photo by Cpl. Patrick M. Johnson-Campbell) (Released) , Cpl Johnson-Campbell, 12/7/2008 10:24 PM

USS Iwo Jima, Arabian Gulf-USS IWO JIMA, Arabian Gulf (Dec. 8, 2008) -- Corporal Trevor J. Blackburn receives a miniature American flag and letter from actor and Marine Corps icon R. Lee Ermey aboard USS Iwo Jima, Dec. 8, 2008. Wyatt and nine other 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit Marines received the flags as gifts from the residents of Elnora, Ind., for helping rescue the town from an impending flood in June. Elnora resident Heather Davis, Indiana DJ Diane House and the American Legion sent 150 flags as a token of thanks to the nearly 150 Marines who participated in the mission. Ten flags were forwarded to the ship, currently in the Arabian Gulf for the MEU and Iwo Jima Strike Group's deployment. Ten Marines were hand-picked to represent the subordinate units of the MEU. All Marines receiving flags today directly contributed to the Elnora effort. The remaining 140 flags will be distributed to Elnora mission participants when the MEU returns the Camp Lejeune in early 2009. Ermey is best known for his portrayal of hard-nosed Drill Instructor Gunnery Sgt. Hartman in Full Metal Jacket. (Official USMC photo by Cpl. Patrick M. Johnson-Campbell) (Released), Cpl. Patrick M. Johnson-Campbell, 12/7/2008 10:25 PM

Military Photographers

Do you ever wonder about just who it is taking these pictures you see here at our site?  Are they just photographers or something more.  In answer to that question, I bring you..........

Military Photographers on the Frontlines

“The assignment... simple. The objective... illusive. The cost... immeasurable. We are the men and women who go through great risks to get the shot. We extraordinary videographers and photojournalists train with the best, operate in the worst and get noticed the least. Our mission is to be there when history happens. Ever notice that photo or video clip in the news, book, or documentary? Well, someone had to be there. Someone had to get the shot. Someone had to tell the story. We are that someone.” Courtesy of U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Aaron Ansarov

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jon Soucy

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden

U.S. Army Spc. Micah Emmanuel Clare

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Robert “Bobby” Richard McRill

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Larson

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Andrew Dunaway

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Russell Lee Klika

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad McNeeley

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Arlo Abrahamson

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Aaron Ansarov

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Cherie A. Thurlby

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Brien Aho

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Bret Irwin Videographer of the Year

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Stacy Pearsall Photographer of the Year

Follow the links to read a short bio on each photographer.  There also are pictures there for you to view that this person has taken, with descriptions of who, what, where and when.  You might even recognize some of the photos.  They are quite interesting.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.  MsMarti

Copyright 2008 MsMarti. All rights reserved.