tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-330474402011-07-07T23:31:18.293-05:00Random thoughts on God, life, work, family, country and the world. <br> Meanwhile, take time to let a soldier know he's not forgotten. <br> Visit <a href="http://www.anysoldier.com">Any Soldier</a> to find out how.Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.comBlogger5301100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-58209590684617255672010-09-29T12:20:00.002-05:002010-09-29T12:20:58.069-05:00

(still catching up...this one was to be posted on 06/09/2010) Pvt. Carlton W. Barrett 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division For The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private Carlton William Barrett, United States Army, for gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-78986865733115773792010-09-12T14:52:00.003-05:002010-09-12T14:53:16.281-05:00

(this was to have originally been posted on May, 23, 2010) Capt. Kyle Comfort 27 years old from Jacksonville, Alabama Fire Support Officer Company D, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment May 8, 2010 Kyle Comfort had just recently been promoted to Captain and been assigned to a Ranger Regiment in the Army. His accomplishments as a Soldier, in such a short time, were a testament to the fact that

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-8476357204705216922010-09-10T00:35:00.002-05:002010-09-10T00:35:41.646-05:00

I am still playing catch up from my stroke back in April. this should have been posted on Wednesday, May 19, 2010. L/Cpl. Joshua M. Davis 19 years old from Perry, Iowa 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force May 7, 2010 Lance Cpl. Joshua M. Davis of Perry, Iowa, was a 2009 Perry High School graduate. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in March

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-39170915745862697212010-08-29T09:40:00.001-05:002010-08-29T09:40:47.128-05:00

I am still recovering from a mild stroke suffered in April.  But, I am beginning to catch up on these posts.  This one would have been posted on May 12, 2010.     Sgt. Kristopher J. Battles         Sgt. Kristopher J. Battles, the combat artist with the National Museum of the Marine Corps, stands in front of his paintings, May 5, 2010, at the John F. Kennedy School of Government for Harvard

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-87036110399607235942010-08-26T13:49:00.001-05:002010-08-29T09:41:05.925-05:00

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Keith Dewayne Andrews, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action during the ground assault of Operation DESERT STORM. Sergeant Andrews showed extraordinary courage once he observed

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-13805108252638675332010-04-29T18:13:00.002-05:002010-04-29T18:13:28.585-05:00

This Post Was Suggested By Mark Bell Capt. Ed W. Freeman November 20, 1927 - August 20, 2008 For The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Captain Ed W. Freeman, United States Army, for numerous acts of conspicuous gallantry and extraordinary intrepidity on 14 November 1965 while serving with Company A, 229th

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-4202652913645957832010-04-21T09:30:00.000-05:002010-04-21T09:30:00.591-05:00

This Weeks Post Was Suggested By Cindy John "Jack" Agnew (Right) 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division John "Jack" Agnew, one of the original members of an Army unit that operated behind enemy lines in World War II and is often credited with having loosely inspired the movie "The Dirty Dozen", has died at age 88. Agnew belonged to the Filthy Thirteen, an unofficial unit

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-62372455527517368172010-04-14T12:54:00.000-05:002010-04-14T12:54:17.220-05:00

Sgt. Maj. James E. Booker Second Battalion, Fourth Marine Regiment, FIRST Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Major James E. Booker, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Sergeant Major, Second Battalion,

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-91993198698613120282010-04-07T11:27:00.000-05:002010-04-07T11:27:26.222-05:00

Airman Sasha Sales and Sgt. Richard Montes Aviation Support Equipment Technician Airman Sasha Sales, from Gulf Shore, Ala., looks away as Sgt. Richard Montes, from San Antonio, Texas, draws blood samples during a blood drive at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. Photo Courtesy United States Navy taken by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nardelito Gervacio These brave men and women

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-25646411997691051442010-03-24T14:38:00.002-05:002010-03-24T14:38:51.896-05:00

This Weeks Post Was Suggested & Written By Debbie In Honor Of Her Great Uncle. Sgt. William Robert Cain August 1, 1922 - July 4, 1944 William Robert Cain (August 1, 1922 - July 4, 1944) was a husband to Genevieve (Anderson) and the only son of Cleveland and Margaret Cain. He was the baby brother to three sisters, Lena Mae, Anna Phyllis (who died in 1932) and Lora Genevieve. He was born in the

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-61642422681888845152010-03-17T12:31:00.000-05:002010-03-17T12:31:12.164-05:00

Cpl. Charles Aldieri(Ret.) & 1st Lt. Jack Jewell(Ret.) Lt. Col. David Hurley, commander of Schweinfurt, Germany's 15th Engineer Battalion, presents unit coins to two 9th Infantry Division World War II veterans -- Charles Aldieri, a former corporal with the 746th Tank Battalion (shaking hands) and Jack Jewell, a former first lieutenant with Company B, 39th Infantry -- during a March 8 ceremony

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-43211610519606895992010-03-16T11:38:00.002-05:002010-03-16T11:38:23.719-05:00

(NOTE:  This has apparently been floating around on the Internet for a while...and I love a good laugh.  Someone emailed this to my wife, who shared it with me...and I can't breath.  Enjoy!) A guy who purchased his lovely wife a pocket Tazer for their anniversary submitted this: Last weekend I saw something at Larry's Pistol & Pawn Shop that sparked my interest. The occasion was our 15th

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-3427185422321210152010-03-10T12:20:00.000-06:002010-03-10T12:20:48.803-06:00

Cpl. Jason L. Dunham 22 years old from Scio, New York Rifle Squad Leader, 4th Platoon, Company K, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines (Reinforced), Regimental Combat Team 7, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced) April 22, 2004 For The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Corporal Jason L. Dunham, United

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-38702362565688619722010-03-08T00:11:00.000-06:002010-03-08T00:11:56.480-06:00

This Weeks Post Was Actually Written By Sgt. McGowen A Year Before He Passed Away.  He Was Suggested By His Granddaughter, Leigh, To Honor Him. Sgt. Charlie McGowen August 22, 1921 - December 5, 2009 1940-1945In 1942 he was drafted into the Army Air Corps. He was sent to England. His trip there took him through Warrior, Alabama, Ft. McClellan, Ft. McPherson, Gulf Port, Mississippi, Chanute, Salt

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-71709512627940038732010-02-24T09:29:00.002-06:002010-02-24T09:29:52.634-06:00

Lance Cpl. Andrew Koenig It is hard to know whether Monday was a very bad day or a very good day for Lance Cpl. Andrew Koenig. On the one hand, he was shot in the head. On the other, the bullet bounced off him. In one of those rare battlefield miracles, an insurgent sniper hit Lance Cpl. Koenig dead on in the front of his helmet, and he walked away from it with a smile on his face. "I don't

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-90138184390869264412010-02-10T06:20:00.004-06:002010-02-10T06:22:53.985-06:00

This Week's Post Was Written By Mark In Honor Of His Wife's Grandfather Marvin Glenn & His Wife, Christina Marvin Glenn was born in Oklahoma, joined the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1939, and married his wife of over 60 years. Marvin enlisted in the Navy in 1944, becoming a member of the Greatest Generation. He chose to serve, despite being exempt due to a heart murmur. He went on to serve on

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-83646984775671341002010-02-03T14:28:00.002-06:002010-02-03T14:28:30.913-06:00

Airmen from the Kentucky National Guard's 123rd Contingency Response Group help to offload wounded Haitian refugees and medics from Puerto Rico National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters at the air hub Jan. 25, 2010, in Barahona, Dominican Republic. Photo Courtesy U.S Air Force Taken By Tech. Sgt. Dennis Flora These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-79974280490763129772010-01-27T19:47:00.002-06:002010-01-27T19:47:52.066-06:00

This Weeks Post Was Suggested By PetSpecialist Brandon K. Steffy 23 years old from Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan 178th Military Police Detachment, 89th Military Police Brigade, III Corps October 29, 2009 He came into to this world a rather large baby, so big the doctor thought that he’d just walk home with his mother. Brandon was well mannered, polite, and tough with a contagious laugh that lit

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-50093120201744428242010-01-20T16:59:00.002-06:002010-01-20T16:59:52.064-06:00

This Weeks Post Was Suggested By Toni Stephen Cochran 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force Stephen Cochran had it all in front of him. Collage, a fiancée and an offer for a professional recording contract. But life had other plans for him. The day was September 11, 2001. "It was just so horrific," Cochran said. "It's like I'd been called. I'd never been

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-55272829079390933592010-01-13T10:14:00.000-06:002010-01-13T10:14:05.962-06:00

Culinary Specialist 1st Class Tremayne Brown Culinary Specialist 1st Class Tremayne Brown, from Tulsa, Okla., receives stores for the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56). John S. McCain is one of seven ships assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 and is permanently forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan. Photo By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Mike

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-64016201315556515792010-01-06T09:09:00.000-06:002010-01-06T09:09:09.030-06:00

Cpl. Carlos E. Gil Orozco 23 years old from San Jose, California 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force September 10, 2007 Carlos Gil Orozco wasn’t a great student, but one goal pushed him to hit the books: becoming a Marine. "He was kind of a troublemaker, you know, he got bad grades and wouldn't do his homework," said his sister, Myriam Johanna

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-82629410424434817312010-01-05T15:46:00.000-06:002010-01-05T15:46:42.508-06:00

Using the usual tactics of fear and intimidation, Palestinians stop Israeli officials from travelling. It matters not that the so-called government of the Palestinians is run by groups who are perpetrating violence against a sovereign nation and innocent civilians. The fact that Palestinians have died makes Israel guilty of "evil." When will the Palestinians hold their own government and the

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-28063535192208263832010-01-04T09:25:00.000-06:002010-01-04T09:25:40.705-06:00

Obama never left Washington? How gentle and consoling of the Fourth Estate. So...how come the media never wrote like this about Bush...or other Republicans, for that matter? Couldn't be anything like an inherent left wing bias in the media...or a hidden agenda...could it?

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-34984140684778598492009-12-30T10:29:00.000-06:002009-12-30T10:29:11.767-06:00

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Olga Elliott Chief Warrant Officer 2 Olga Elliott, a Multi-National Corps-Iraq human resources technician, poses with MNC-I Command Sgt. Maj. Frank Grippe after finishing the Bobby Crim 10-Miler Aug. 22, at Camp Victory in Baghdad. Elliott, a San Diego native, finished the race in 1 hour, 9 minutes, 57 seconds, earning her top female honors. Photo Courtesy United States

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-14489549796787709342009-12-28T18:32:00.002-06:002009-12-28T18:32:44.690-06:00

(I found this in my email box...it's a bit after the holidays...but still worth the read...) 'Twas the Night Before Christmas' as written by a technical writer for a firm that does Gov't contracting... 'Twas the nocturnal segment of the diurnal period preceding the annual Yuletide celebration, and throughout our place of residence, kinetic activity was not in evidence among the possessors of

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-80913560501783811812009-12-23T11:29:00.002-06:002009-12-23T11:29:56.513-06:00

With only two days until Christmas, I want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and to remind you to keep our men and women that are not able to be with their friends and families this time of year in your thoughts a prayers. They do so much without ever asking for anything in return.These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-71792693925084507022009-12-16T11:32:00.000-06:002009-12-16T11:32:16.707-06:00

This Weeks Post Was Suggested & Written By Greta This week's Wednesday Hero is both an individual, and a group. The group we honor are the milblogs: the military blogs, spouse blogs, and support blogs who bring you the news and information you can get nowhere else. The information and news that matter to you. The individual we honor today is C. J. Grisham.Army Master Sgt. C. J. Grisham has

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-42315274377298847042009-12-06T09:08:00.000-06:002009-12-06T09:08:00.873-06:00

Genesis 1:26 Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." If God gave mankind the responsibility to rule, that is manage, the Earth, why aren't we leading the charge for environmentalism? Why are we not demanding

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-86194374123753328742009-12-02T08:17:00.002-06:002009-12-02T08:17:50.659-06:00

Spc. Michael P. Garton & Spc. Rolando R. Flores Spc. Michael P. Garton, a gunner with the Personal Security Detachment, with the 36th Sustainment Brigade out of Temple, Texas, and a Texarkana, Texas, native, relaxes on a Humvee and shares a laugh with Spc. Rolando R. Flores, a gunner with the PSD and a San Antonio native, during a break in preparations for a mission Nov. 23 in the maintenance

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-62088018098366066762009-11-26T11:50:00.002-06:002009-11-26T11:50:49.832-06:00

On this Thanksgiving, as a man of Faith I would like to share a profound thought. Are we living in times of darkness or Glory? The choice truly is up to us. Yes, things are going bad to worse. The rule of man is continually and increasing degree replacing the rule of God. And, I do mean the rule of God. The Church was not meant to rule, but to influence. But, I digress. Yes, all manner of

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-7913087413527094302009-11-25T10:49:00.002-06:002009-11-25T10:49:34.570-06:00

Rear Adm. Ned Deets Rear Adm. Ned Deets speaks with Frank Chebatar, president of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, at the conclusion of the base consolidation ceremony. The two bases consolidated to form Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, Fort Story. These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-19749743422505210652009-11-22T17:40:00.002-06:002009-11-22T17:40:39.626-06:00

Staff Sgt. Dennisur Thompson Staff Sgt. Dennisur Thompson, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, overcompensates a left turn while on a driving simulator as a part of the Save a Life Tour in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Photo Courtesy of U.S. Army These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-13606352400100612602009-10-29T10:39:00.000-05:002009-10-29T10:39:48.224-05:00

Obama has been bragging about wrong stimulus job numbers. And, they have admitted it. Now, they are working to correct the reporting. And, as the article clearly shows, the media thinks that's ok since the administration is working to correct it. It was wonderful that the same treatment was given to Republicans and non-liberals. It's always wonderful to see that there really is no favortism

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-42054925637005232352009-10-28T14:11:00.002-05:002009-10-28T14:11:50.909-05:00

Spc. Justin Slagle Spc. Justin Slagle returns to Forward Operating Base Lane in a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter after an air assault mission in the Zabul province of Afghanistan, Oct. 15, 2009. Even as leaders in Washington struggle with the next steps in Afghanistan, troops there are moving to better protect the Afghan people by separating them from Taliban influence and intimidation. Photo

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-54050174257137184462009-10-21T15:16:00.002-05:002009-10-21T15:16:57.385-05:00

Sailors & Marines Playing Volleyball With Local School ChildrenSailors and Marines assigned to the amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46) play volleyball with students from Sangley Point National High School during a lunch break at a community service project. Tortuga, the amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) are

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-7203207894983109212009-10-14T17:50:00.002-05:002009-10-14T17:50:41.287-05:00

This Week's Post Was Suggested By Beth Cpl. Benjamin S. Kopp 21 years old from Rosemont, Minnesota 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment July 18, 2009 Ben Kopp has been a fighter since the day he was born. When he was born his mother was given morphine to stop her labor so the doctors could deliver her via a cesarean section. But it caused his heart rate to slow and when he was born he wasn't

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-44566785038106631812009-10-13T07:59:00.000-05:002009-10-13T07:59:32.894-05:00

For those who want to know how complex some of the labor and retirement laws are, check this out: Participants and Advisors Are Hurt By High 401K Fees. Apparently the retirement plans have high fees the advisors never get any part of, and may not be aware of. But, that's not the kicker. To find out what those fees are, you have to file a US Department of Labor form. In other words, we are

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-37975890717982278542009-10-07T12:21:00.003-05:002009-10-07T12:26:38.731-05:00

Sgt. Michael Egan36 years old from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania104th Cavalry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania Army National GuardSeptember 19, 2005News of Egan’s death came to Pennsauken shortly after 6 a.m. Tuesday, Krista Egan, Sgt. Egan's sister-in-law, said. His mother, Irene, was on the telephone when an Army sergeant walked up to the door. "My mother-in-law was talking on the

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-54248733932384752702009-10-06T09:39:00.000-05:002009-10-06T09:39:07.880-05:00

In the latest salvo by global warming alarmists, it is being claimed that the economic downturn is an opportunity to build a low carbon future. China and others are angry that western nations are trying to keep the emission targets from being legally binding. But, those same nations come uder no real threat from the plans, which has frustrated industrialized nations such as the US. Developed

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-26816048007250438802009-09-30T08:35:00.002-05:002009-09-30T08:35:39.493-05:00

This Week's Post Was Suggested By Cindy 1st Sgt. Jose San Nicolas Crisostomo 59 years old from Spanaway, Washington August 18, 2009 Sorry for the presentation of this post, but haven't been feeling well and don't feel much like typing. You can read Sgt. Crisostomo's story here and here. These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-64974420235620838892009-09-28T13:09:00.000-05:002009-09-28T13:09:06.730-05:00

There was an AP news reports yesterday declaring that Social Security will pay out more in benefits than it collects in taxes the next two years. The AP also reported that regulators shut down the 95th U.S. bank to fail this year as loan defaults rise in the worst financial climate in decades. Meanwhile, the New York Times reported that job seekers exceed job openings 6-1. All of which leaves

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-78677701271564407572009-09-23T07:29:00.000-05:002009-09-23T07:29:23.254-05:00

Lt. John Madea Lt. John Madea holds his daughter as she is baptized with holy water from the ship's bell of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46). This is the fourth person baptized aboard Tortuga since the ship's christening in 1988, and her name will be inscribed inside the bell as a tradition of the U.S. Navy. Photo Courtesy U.S. Navy Taken By Mass Communication Specialist

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-24887753338718625052009-09-22T14:22:00.000-05:002009-09-22T14:22:48.074-05:00

Citezens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), a left-leaning watchdog group, has released its annual report on the most corrupt members of Congress. And, strangely enough, most of the top-ten are Democrats. On the subject of ethics issues and government officials, And according to Liveleak.com, Obama spent $20.3M to bring Hamas "refugees" to America. Well, it was part of H.R

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-78559561007978245052009-09-21T20:20:00.001-05:002009-09-21T20:21:05.569-05:00

I had a really interesting…and frightening…thought today. But, have you ever considered how government is becoming like a god? Let’s think about this for a minute. When things went wrong, people used to cry out to their deity of choice for relief. Who do we cry out to now? The government! Most religions have some clause where you give some percentage of your income to them to placate the

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-47536033473348162632009-09-15T23:30:00.002-05:002009-09-15T23:30:33.262-05:00

This Week's Post Is Via Gazing At The Flag PFC Thomas Lowell Tucker 24 years old from Madras, Oregon B Company, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division June 16, 2006 Flag Gazer has a great post up on the dedication of the PFC Thomas Tucker memorial. These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-72653563606197518422009-09-14T13:41:00.000-05:002009-09-14T13:41:25.980-05:00

In world news, Germany faces energy decisions that are changing power lines (pun intended). Due to be phased out by 2022 after the Greens passed legislation in 2000, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is trying to revamp and start construction again. Despite the expense of building nuclear plants, they are cheap to run. And, with oil prices still around $70 a barrel, and solar plants still

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-36687953330013299442009-09-11T05:31:00.004-05:002009-09-11T05:42:05.621-05:00

Today is mostly a day of remembrance. When i first started this blog, I wrote something on 9-11. Those thoughts apply today, just as much as they did in 2006. So, before going on to current events, I ask you once again: Where Were you?There was a pretty good article by Robert Tracinski yesterday about what President Obama is saying, and has said, regarding healthcare legislation. I would

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-65818192385621970522009-09-10T08:30:00.001-05:002009-09-10T08:32:00.909-05:00

Did anyone see the latest ideas from Congress on limits to healthcare? Yep. This makes good stuff available to those UNDER 25, but not over.The measure -- offered by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont. -- would impose new fees on some healthcare industry segments to help offset the estimated $880 billion in initial costs over 10 years, The New York Times reported Tuesday. The

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-629515087491730172009-09-09T12:16:00.003-05:002009-09-09T12:37:16.554-05:00

This would have been with last weeks post, but Kathi, who's done these for the past three years without even being asked to do so, was super busy and wasn't able to get to it. So after you view it, head over to her site and thank her.These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-64696824312413279472009-09-08T10:50:00.001-05:002009-09-08T10:51:53.217-05:00

Here's an odd thought...considering my sual bent here.We live in a rather frightening environment these days. People make choices, and then blame God for not stopping or correcting their choices when they go bad or have a negative affect on others. Why is God responsible for your choices, or mine, for that matter? He chooses to respect us enough to let us make our own choices, and let's us

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-39548907795544927892009-09-04T06:51:00.000-05:002009-09-04T06:54:33.561-05:00

Go ahead and post your comments on the White House’s publicly accessible sites. Just be prepared. The government is hiring vendors to market and store your information. The National Legal and Policy Center, or NLPC, revealed the White House New Media team is seeking to hire a technology vendor to collect data such as comments, tag lines, e-mail, audio and video from any place where the White

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-67500017848023733692009-09-03T10:06:00.001-05:002009-09-03T10:09:40.239-05:00

About 10 months ago, hyper liberal Maxine Waters, Democratic representative from California, announced that the agenda was to socialize big oil, and by extension business in general. The so-called ”Democratic Underground” promptly labeled it as a smear campaign by Fox News, in spite of the fact that Waters clearly stated what she believed should happen. Then back in May, at a regional

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-25981540889755476462009-09-02T07:04:00.000-05:002009-09-02T07:05:10.509-05:00

Today marks the third anniversary of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. Not the actual Wednesday Hero posts. Those posts were started in 2005. This marks the third year of when these posts went public for anyone to post them. And it's taken off like gangbusters. People have signed up and wanted to take part in honoring those who do what they do in the name of freedom. At one point reaching over

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-7704161111045565732009-08-26T11:23:00.001-05:002009-08-26T11:23:57.495-05:00

Sgt. 1st Class Donald JohnsonSgt. 1st Class Donald Johnson, the electronic warfare officer of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Multi-National Division-Baghdad, talks with local Iraqi kids while on a patrol.Photo courtesy of United States ArmyTaken by Pfc. Evan LoydThese brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-55831771413831183982009-08-25T11:55:00.002-05:002009-08-25T12:08:51.098-05:00

The AP article headline reads White House, Congress projects record deficits. Honestly, does this surprise anyone?Both the White House Office of Management and Budget and the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office predicted the budget deficit this year would swell to nearly $1.6 trillion, a record, and far above the then-record 2008 budget deficit of $455 billion.Most of that increase is from

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-66581219925938981542009-08-19T11:33:00.000-05:002009-08-19T11:34:17.843-05:00

Pfc. Tavonte JohnsonPfc. Tavonte Johnson, a field radio operator with Headquarters Company, 7th Marine Regiment, provides security after a simulated attack by a suicide bomber on Aug. 8, as part of 7th Marine Regiment’s pre-deployment training exercise.Photo courtesy of United States Marine CorpsThese brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-15496827158093872009-08-12T10:41:00.001-05:002009-08-12T10:41:50.744-05:00

Yeoman 1st Class Timothy GilbertYeoman 1st Class Timothy Gilbert, assigned to Headquarters Company of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB 74), donates blood during a blood drive for his six-year-old daughter at the Naval Construction Battalion Center base chapel. Gilbert's daughter has been diagnosed with atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor and is receiving chemotherapy at Tulane Childrens

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-28382185263919367232009-08-06T08:50:00.000-05:002009-08-06T08:51:51.036-05:00

Lance Cpl. Jeremy P. Tamburello19 years old from Denver, Colorado1st Light Armor Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary ForceNovember 8, 2005His parents didn't want him to enlist, but it was his passion for helping people that led L/Cpl. Jeremy Tamburello to the military. "He was a very noble, very compassionate, very brave man" said L/Cpl. Tamburello's father,

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-69352951956451193792009-07-29T09:26:00.001-05:002009-07-29T09:26:45.464-05:00

This Week's Hero Was Suggested By DebSSgt. Darrell "Shifty" Power86 years old from Dickerson County, VirginiaE Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne DivisionJune 17, 2009The world lost one of it's true heroes a couple of weeks ago. Darrell "Shifty" Powers passed away on June 17 of cancer. "Shifty" was part of the famed E Co/2/506 of the 101st Airborne Division. Easy

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-40419490663627845782009-07-22T13:32:00.000-05:002009-07-22T13:33:12.736-05:00

Assoluta Tranquillita did a post a few days ago and after last week's Wednesday Hero felt it would be good to profile Sgt. 1st Class Gabe of the 178th Military Police Detachment, 20th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade. Is it wrong to be jealous of a dog? Be sure to read the Defend America article linked to in the post.These brave men and women, and dogs, sacrifice so much

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-72983529228397268732009-07-15T04:33:00.000-05:002009-07-15T04:34:20.037-05:00

Sgt. 1st Class Gregory A. Rodriguez & Jacko35 years old from Weidman, MichiganK-9 unit of the 527th Military Police Company, 709th Military Police Battalion, 18th MP BrigadeSeptember 2, 2008"I asked Greg if anything ever happened to him where he'd prefer to be buried," Sgt. Rodriguez's wife, Laura, told the Morning Sun of Mount Pleasant, "and he told me Arlington, as he wanted to be among the

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-8540229027015045362009-07-13T04:18:00.003-05:002009-07-13T04:24:56.529-05:00

For those who wonder just how leftist the media and the country are going, take a look at this CNBC discussion of the second round of AIG bonuses. Kindly notice that Leslie Marshall (from national Radio) and Tanya Acker (from the Huffington Post) are in favor of throwing legal obligations to the wind based on the income or situation of the average American. In other words, what is right by law

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-56635484614703953702009-07-09T11:42:00.003-05:002009-07-09T11:45:24.092-05:00

I find it fascinating that people believe the American Civil Liberties Union (ALCU) has a high minded goal of seeing equal liberty for all. This is simply not the case. Have you ever heard of them taking a case to defend Christian rights? No. There are reasons for this. At its heart, the organization is Communist. Communist regimes have the state as God, since religion is merely a tool to

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-23412330666569802422009-07-08T10:58:00.001-05:002009-07-08T10:58:49.795-05:00

Cpl. Reynold Armand21 years old from Rochester, New York2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary ForceAugust 7, 2007Reynold Armand didn’t want to wait until he turned 18 to join the Marines. He persuaded his adoptive mother to sign papers allowing him to sign up a year early."I'm very proud of him," said his father, Carl Armand. "When he was home, he gave no

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-53152518656065043962009-06-25T10:45:00.000-05:002009-06-25T10:46:18.422-05:00

Band Of BrothersSomething a little different this week. Instead of profiling a service member, Wednesday Hero will be profiling a movie. Band Of Brothers. It was a miniseries tha aired on HBO in 2001. It follows Maj. Richard Winters, Cpt. Lewis Nixon and the men of the 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment assigned to the 101st Airborne Division, aka E-Company or Easy Company on

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-63764597518029155302009-06-18T21:24:00.000-05:002009-06-18T21:26:26.757-05:00

Isn’t it interesting that since the Youtube video where Democrats announced they were out to eliminate the private insurance industry, the Democrats and the media are going to great lengths to make Americans believe otherwise? In their latest move, Democrats are faulting CBO calculations that government healthcare would eliminate private coverage for 23 million Americans. Always quick to cite

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-30222437013567176672009-06-17T10:24:00.000-05:002009-06-17T10:25:02.556-05:00

Pvt. William Long23 years old from Conway, ArkansasD Company, 2nd Battalion, 58th InfantryJune 1, 2009"My brother taught me valuable lessons and made me the man I am today," said Pfc. Triston Long, brother of Pvt. William Long. "My commander said, 'Make your brother one of us.' I will miss my brother with all that I am, and I serve in honor of him."Pvt. William Long had just completed basic

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-57811093822283052962009-06-10T03:18:00.001-05:002009-06-10T03:19:33.177-05:00

Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class (SEAL) Marc A. Lee28 years old from Hood River, OregonNavy SEALAugust 2, 2006"Marc was amazing. He was my best friend, my love," his widow, Maya, said. Petty Officer Marc A. Lee joined the Navy in 2001 and became an AO after completing Naval Air Technical Training. Later that year he attempted to complete the grueling BUD/S program but caught pneumonia and had to

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-75467139566242127522009-06-03T14:19:00.001-05:002009-06-03T14:19:58.218-05:00

Sgt. Pablo A. Calderon26 years old from Brooklyn, New York1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry DivisionNovember 30, 2004"He wanted to fight for his country," said his heartbroken younger sister, Lilliana Calderone. "He always wanted to be there."Pablo Calderon joined the Army in 1997, right out of High School. "He went straight to the army from high school," said his sister. "He

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-45550817150412985892009-05-27T01:27:00.001-05:002009-05-27T01:31:42.721-05:00

The frightening part of our current world is not suicide bombers and Islamic extremists. The frightening part is that, simply due to population growth, Muslims will take over and become the dominant culture of the world sometime in the next 30-40 years. That’s what the numbers say. Check it out.Now, admittedly, this comes across as something of a scare tactic. But, the scarier part is that

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-8594479029023516872009-05-25T07:53:00.001-05:002009-05-25T07:55:39.604-05:00

Did you know that Arab states are trying to create a unified currency? They still have a long way to go, of course, but the discussions have been going on for a while now. Similar economic structures, as well as currencies already pegged to the same standard (usually the dollar) will make that easier. But, as usual, the inter-state bickering is causing negotiations to falter. One important

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-72396861949784653402009-05-23T07:39:00.001-05:002009-05-23T07:40:43.389-05:00

First, it was western banks and financial institutions. Now, Chinese banks are accused of taking excessive risks. Chinese banks' surge in lending to support the government's stimulus package is leading to excessive risk taking, said the Fitch ratings agency.The Fitch agency’s main point is the focus is on short term profits, instead of long term stability. Isn’t that what got the West in so

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-24644559479391167302009-05-20T07:43:00.000-05:002009-05-20T07:44:15.928-05:00

Sgt. Christian E. Bueno-Galdos25 years old from Paterson, New Jersey3rd Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 172nd Infantry BrigadeMay 11, 2009On Mother’s Day, Eugenia Gardos made a tabletop shrine to her recently deceased mother — surrounding her photograph with silk roses, a small white rosary cross, two votive candles and a prayer card of Senor de los Milagros, the patron saint of Peru.The next day

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-79322276289647886332009-05-15T17:56:00.002-05:002009-05-15T17:58:56.580-05:00

For those who think the United States is alone in it’s immigration troubles, you should check out Italy’s immigration situation. Kind of reminds me of how the US deals with Cuban refugees. If they are fond at sea they are returned to Cuba, if found on land, they are on arrested. Meanwhile, the Obama administration is in it’s own kettle of hot water over that. Recent reports indicate no change

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-43849670583472751252009-05-13T10:04:00.000-05:002009-05-13T10:05:17.590-05:00

Spc. Robert HamiltonSpc. Robert Hamilton, from Corpus Christi, Texas, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, prepares to bandage the thumb of an Iraqi boy in Ula Market in Sadr City, April 19. The boy cut his thumb while preparing meat at a local butcher shop.These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-8330700382067843502009-05-10T10:20:00.001-05:002009-05-10T10:22:41.369-05:00

Reports on Friday and Saturday indicated that the Taliban is using civilians as human shields. This article seems to imply that this is a surprise. I fail to understand why it should be. This has been a tactic of intimidation used by every terrorist guerilla warfare group, at least in recent history--Hamas, the Taliban, all the way to Vietnam, Moa, Che Guevara, and even farther back in time.

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-54319777107921535272009-05-08T05:20:00.001-05:002009-05-08T05:21:44.172-05:00

Despite Ben Bernake’s news of increased consumer spending, things are not what they appear. According to The Economist, consumption will remain in a depressed state for years. Why?Since the early 1980s, spending by households on goods, services and homes has grown faster than GDP, making it the locomotive of American—and global—expansion. By 2006 it accounted for 76% of nominal GDP, the highest

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-48256649156322539542009-05-07T09:21:00.001-05:002009-05-07T09:24:42.622-05:00

There was a very interesting discussion of ”What Is Rich”. President Obama, and most Liberal politicians, intend to raise taxes on those making $250,000 or more. Unfortunately, that is a very arbitrary standard. An income of $250,000 is a lot richer in Abilene, Texas, than in New York's Nassau County, where it takes $430,000 to enjoy a similar quality of life, according to bankrate.com. So

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-89975542422390766742009-05-06T10:06:00.000-05:002009-05-06T10:07:04.067-05:00

1st Lt. Michael A. Cerrone24 years old from Clarksville, Tennessee2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne DivisionNovember 12, 2006Cerrone's men said in written statements of remembrance that he put their safety and welfare first. He lead from the front and all of the paratroopers would "unquestionably" follow him into battle.His platoon sergeant,

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-20274287586111845972009-05-02T08:32:00.002-05:002009-05-02T08:37:21.367-05:00

So much for President Obama’s “tax credit for all” package. The way it was written, it is actually creating tax liabilities for the poor. And, more importantly, nothing is being done to let people know.At-risk taxpayers include a broad swath of the public: married couples in which both spouses work; workers with more than one job; retirees who have federal income taxes withheld from their

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-38282705955765910372009-05-01T06:42:00.004-05:002009-05-01T06:50:25.986-05:00

It seems that the Huffington Post is pulling out more stops (…I doubt all of them are pulled, by the way…) in their hate speech and denigration of Conservatives. A recent article paints Republican Party as a dying tyrant, mad with syphilis, ironically like that very Stalin they would accuse their enemies of associating with. Isn’t it interesting that using similar hate filled speech against

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-1944957571611062222009-04-30T11:59:00.000-05:002009-04-30T12:01:58.604-05:00

What has the media focused on since Obama has come to office? Well, first of all, they seem obessessed with how it has affected racial issues. Does anyone really believe that 100 days is enough time for any change to really take effect on a national level? Let’s be serious. Local change can occur at that pace. National change, that is real change, merely by the design of government, takes

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-29495181275770998092009-04-29T06:51:00.000-05:002009-04-29T06:52:30.902-05:00

This Week's Post Was Suggested & Written By Mary AnnSgt. Kenneth G. Ross24 years old from Tucson, Arizona7th Battalion, 159th Aviation RegimentSeptember 25, 2005"He believed in serving his country," said Ross' father, David C. Ross. Gary Anderson, Ross' best friend and an Army infantry veteran who served nine months in Afghanistan and 11 months in Iraq during his active duty stint, was a

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-12520353609159931182009-04-22T00:25:00.000-05:002009-04-22T00:26:14.645-05:00

Operations Specialist 3rd Class Leonel YanezOperations Specialist 3rd Class Leonel Yanez (Right), from Huntington Park, Calif., monitors a radar screen in the Combat Direction Center aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis is on a scheduled six-month deployment to the western Pacific Ocean.These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-60294172718182793262009-04-17T04:55:00.002-05:002009-04-17T05:19:03.256-05:00

I have been off line for a week. For those regular readers, I apologize. We got a dog—well, actually a puppy. We’ve been promising the kids that once we bought a house, we would get a dog. Well, having bought said house last fall, you can imagine what the kids have been asking for. Up until last week, though, they could not agree on what kind of dog. My wife and kids went to a local pet

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-41571134417430072452009-04-16T08:03:00.000-05:002009-04-16T08:04:00.779-05:00

Pfc. Alan R. Blohm21 years old from Kenai, Alaska425th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry DivisionDecember 31, 2006Alan R. Blohm enlisted in the Army in 2004 because "He wanted to serve the country," his brother Jeremy said. "His grandfather had been in the Army, and it's just something he wanted to do."Blohm graduated in 2004 from Bay City Western

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-9253858120004753452009-04-01T02:03:00.000-05:002009-04-01T02:04:32.949-05:00

Spc. Jeffrey Scantlin, Sgt. 1st Class Erich Phillips, Sgt. John Hayes, 1st Lt. Aaron Thurman, Sgt. Hector Chavez and Spc. Tyler Hanson2nd Platoon, Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry RegimentIn the early morning hours of July 13, 2008, Soldiers from Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment were not thinking about medals as they fought off roughly 200 insurgents attacking

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-48419416913761836952009-03-31T08:57:00.002-05:002009-03-31T09:02:15.485-05:00

There has been a lot of media hype lately about the financial crisis. And, of course, the crisis has EVERYONE’S attention. But, what isn’t covered, or dealt with openly is the seething anger below the surface. This was best revealed on the Tonight show when President Obama was a guest. Jay Leno described the immense dollar amounts of executive bonuses, and said "I know what would make me feel

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-50915115951136408482009-03-30T08:11:00.001-05:002009-03-30T08:13:46.910-05:00

Did you know that many Taliban fighters are afraid to defect from cause? Much as Iraq has changed since former fighters began to fight for the country, it could also be true in Afghanistan. But, a stronger, more secure government is needed to pul it off."Ninety-five percent of the Taliban want to reconcile with the government if they can be assured security," Mullah Abdul Salam, a former

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-68050681964532219092009-03-27T07:10:00.002-05:002009-03-27T19:40:53.413-05:00

After the report on medical information safety by the BBC, the NYT reports that many doctors question whether the cost of implementing digital records may not be worth it. Two articles, to be published on Thursday in the New England Journal of Medicine, point to the formidable obstacles to achieving the policy goal of not only installing electronic health records, but also using them to improve

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-35886401217560768172009-03-24T22:06:00.000-05:002009-03-24T22:07:33.525-05:00

This Weeks Post Was Suggested By ElenaChief Master Sergeant Paul Wesley Airey"Chief Airey was an Airman’s Airman and one of the true pioneers for our service," said Gen. Norton Schwartz, Air Force Chief of Staff. "He was a warrior, an innovator… and a leader with vision well ahead of his time. His legacy lives today in the truly professional enlisted force we have serving our nation… and for that

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-85022713442668468552009-03-24T07:34:00.001-05:002009-03-24T07:46:06.371-05:00

Sunday’s announcement that former insurgents were under Iraqi control was fantastic news. It defied all the gloomy predictions since the plan was announced. Of course, independent journalists, like Michael Yon have been telling the real story of these former al-Qaeda members for a long time. While only about 10-15% of those fighters will actually have positions in the Iraqi security forces or

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-85263880129660126042009-03-21T07:53:00.003-05:002009-03-21T08:02:51.815-05:00

Debt is scourge on the American people. According to America’s Total Debt Report, 2008 debt was $186,740 per man, woman and child - - 6.4 times higher per capita than in 1957. The report also shows that higher debt reduces the level of real national income while adding little to the economy. In fact, according to the report, every dollar of economic growth requires more debt per dollar than

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-67869806295350995022009-03-20T06:40:00.001-05:002009-03-20T06:44:45.503-05:00

A new tape from bin Laden is calling for the ousting of Somalia President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed. The tape claims Sharif has sold out to the infidels. Sharif has already called for, and received cabinet backing, for implementation of Shari Law. But, for those who think appeasement will be enough:But the hard line Islamists rejected the move, saying it would not be a strict enough version

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-45116256028627028192009-03-19T07:00:00.002-05:002009-03-19T22:43:20.683-05:00

Obama has already begun to cut defense spending. The article, ostensibly about the proposed missile shield in Poland, went on to give some specific numbers. The most specific point is there will be no additional funding. Obama’s proposed budget only funds ongoing operations, with a supplement for Afghanistan and Iraq. The expanding military requirements, coupled with lower financing, does not

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-59341418281955736472009-03-18T00:15:00.000-05:002009-03-18T00:16:07.222-05:00

The U.S. demonized Ahmadinejad? That’s what the new U.N. U.N. General Assembly president says. I can see his point to a degree. Part of his argument is that the U.S. vilifies one leader while supporting the likes of Pinochet and Marcos. But, then the U.N. president stated that Ahmadinejad didn’t really deny the Holocaust. D'Escoto said he did not support Ahmadinejad's comments on Israel but

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-14217193503166231972009-03-14T18:24:00.001-05:002009-03-14T18:27:02.212-05:00

Washington needs to be very cautious making deals with Afghan insurgents? Really? Do you think the Obama administration will listen? The International Crisis Group said previous deals had broken down within months and strengthened the militants. Instead, it said Afghans needed a stronger state and the rule of law. In its report, the Brussels-based ICG warned that previous truce deals with

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-58553480743666036302009-03-13T06:29:00.003-05:002009-03-13T06:32:30.451-05:00

Well…no surprise…but another Obama nominee appears to be in legal trouble.Obama appointee Vivek Kundra is on leave from his White House post following the arrest Thursday of one of his former colleagues on suspicion of bribery and money laundering.Now, to be fair, Kundra is not actually named as a party in any of the FBI actions. But, it once again raises the question of who Obama associates

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-88972387763523986082009-03-08T07:39:00.001-05:002009-03-08T07:41:43.674-05:00

Think Sharia Law will not come to the states? Think again.University Bank now has an entire subsidiary devoted to financial products that comply with Muslim religious law, or Shariah. It has done nearly $80 million in Islamically approvable “mortgage-alternative” financing for residential and commercial real estate in 15 states.For the past decade, Dow Jones has computed a stock index for

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33047440.post-36544791884659023442009-03-05T08:55:00.001-06:002009-03-05T08:57:13.173-06:00

So much for change “Change We Can Believe In” in Washington. Democrats fight to keep earmarks. I seem to recall some campaign promises by a bunch of Democrats, including the President, to end the earmark process. Senate Democrats on Wednesday preserved pet projects sought by a lobbying firm under federal investigation and tried to nail down support for big domestic spending increases in hopes

Coach Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259042854861381920noreply@blogger.com0