Free Republic

On the morning of August 8, 2008 Russian forces invaded the tiny Republic of Georgia in what Russia cynically characterized as an act of "preemptive defense". Thus once again this volatile region explodes in violence and increases the already escalating tensions between Moscow and Washington. According to the bleak assessment of one of our Fox News commentators, "with our military already stretched thin", we are now confronted with the possibility of "being dragged into yet another war, which we cannot afford". Indeed, we seem threatened on all sides, the martial rattling of our enemies' sabers grows louder and more...

WASHINGTON, Aug. 4, 2008 – Two videos produced by Army Medical Command and the American Academy of Pediatrics to help children and adolescents cope during a parent’s deployment are gaining in popularity. “Military Youth Coping with Separation: When Family Members Deploy” addresses a variety of deployment-related concerns for teens, and “Mr. Poe and Friends Discuss Reunion After Deployment” was made for elementary-school-age children. “We hope these videos will support the healthy emotional development of military children and adolescents during potentially difficult times in their lives,” Army Maj. (Dr.) Keith Lemmon of the pediatrics department at Madigan Army Medical Center at...

Here's an act of compassion for our soldiers that needs re-doing today! "Hollywood Canteen" Plot Summary: Two soldiers on sick leave spend three nights at the Hollywood Canteen before going back to active duty. With a little friendly help from John Garfield, Slim gets to kiss Joan Leslie, who he has been dreaming about while in the Pacific. He meets her later at the Farmer's Market. On the third night, Slim is the millionth man into the Canteen, earning him a date with Joan. Slim thinks he's been duped when she doesn't show up at his train. Slim's buddy...

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, July 16, 2008 – Modern-rock band Sevendust put on a performance like no other for servicemembers here July 12 at the final stop on their first United Service Organizations tour. Soldiers at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, pose with members of the band Sevendust after a July 12, 2008, performance by the band. The performance completed Sevendust’s first USO tour. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Scott Davis, Combined Joint Task Force 101  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Although the band is not known for playing acoustic sets, they still managed to put out a diverse sound that...

Almost half of UK military personnel are ready to leave the forces, a Ministry of Defence survey suggests. Some 47% of Army and Royal Navy respondents and 44% of those in the RAF said they regularly felt like quitting. Among the concerns raised by the 9,000 servicemen and women surveyed were the frequency of tours, levels of pay and the quality of equipment and housing. The Ministry of Defence said the survey revealed "areas of concern" but that conditions were being improved. Sense of overstretch The first survey to assess attitudes across the Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines and the...

WASHINGTON, July 8, 2008 – Movies and games have always been popular among deployed troops, providing a break from the intense daily realities of their duties and a way to fill downtime while away from their loved ones. With that in mind, Blockbuster stores nationwide, in partnership with United Service Organizations, are making it easy for Americans to donate video games and DVDs to deployed forces. “The DVD and game drive is a way for Blockbuster stores and the American public to make life a little better for U.S. servicemen and women when they’re so far away from home,”...

6/26/2008 - BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan (AFPN) -- The U.S. Air Forces Central band "Falcon" showcased its musical talents for audiences June 20 to 22 at Bagram Air Base. The band entertained attendees of the 455th Expeditionary Operations Group change-of-command ceremony with a variety of pop music before and after the ceremony. During the formal procedure, the band played "Ruffles and Flourishes," the "General's March," the national anthem and the Air Force song. Later in the afternoon, the band gathered their acoustical gear and set out to reach the Airmen assigned to the aircraft maintenance squadrons remotely located on the...

CAMP KOREAN VILLAGE, Iraq — Unexpected visitors greeted an infantry battalion of Marines, sailors and other residents here June 6. The service members gathered around the Morale Welfare and Recreation Center aboard Camp Korean Village, Iraq, to see what the fuss was about. Little did they know that five Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders had just come to visit them. “We came out here to say thank you for all the amazing things you have done out here,” said Laura Jenkins, a cheerleader with the Philadelphia Eagles cheerleading squad to the crowd of service members. “It was mentioned that there was going...

Losing Our Voice by: Ben Giles, June 09, 2008 Dr. Victor Hanson thinks enough is enough. Throw political correctness out the door and speak your mind. It is, after all, our basic Constitutional right. “Right now, at this time, there is a collective mood in the West that is self-censoring, is not self-reflective, and it has had a deleterious effect on free expression,” said Hanson. “And while we have a history of state coercion of the individual, the problem right now is not in the stars, so to speak—it is within ourselves. And we have to ask why this is...

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq, May 27, 2008 – For a Multinational Division Baghdad soldier who plans on working out for and hour or two at the Camp Liberty gym, spending that time standing around and waiting for a working machine can be frustrating. Army Sgt. Jared Bargas (right), a Houston native who serves as the training noncommissioned officer in charge with the 4th Infantry Division Band, receives the Army Achievement Medal on May 17, 2008, from Chief Warrant Officer 5 Robert Nixon, a native of Lebanon, Ohio, bandmaster with the 4th Infantry Division Band. Bargas was recognized for the hard...

SCHWEINFURT, Germany, May 22, 2008 – Army officials in Europe are working to develop a standard model to ensure all redeploying soldiers and their families receive the same programs and services regardless of their location. Planning for this summer's redeployment of 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team from Afghanistan, representatives from Installation Management Command Europe and U.S. Army garrisons Vicenza, Italy; and Schweinfurt and Bamberg, Germany, met early this month. "In addition to fixing and replacing and upgrading our equipment and training for future missions, we also have to revitalize our soldiers and families by providing them the time and opportunity...

BAGHDAD, May 21, 2008 – To cope with the stress of deployments, soldiers try to find different ways to entertain themselves and their comrades. Some play video games, watch movies or use their computers and the Internet. But things like that are usually done while “inside the wire” at a forward operating base or combat outpost. Army Spc. Jackie Moore, a Fox, Ore., native, prepares for a mission at Camp Taji, Iraq, before hitting the road in northern Baghdad. Moore is a vehicle gunner serving with Company B, 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division,...

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, May 20, 2008 – Historically speaking, Vikings and Afghanistan don’t have much in common, but all that changed yesterday when five cheerleaders from the National Football League’s Minnesota Vikings pumped up a standing-room-only crowd of servicemembers here. New Zealand army Cpl. Murray Kinnell holds up the “No. 1” sign as Minnesota Vikings cheerleaders Amanda and Sarah cheer him on. Kinnell competed, and was unanimously voted best, in a “touchdown dance” competition during the cheerleaders’ performance at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, May 19, 2008. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace, Combined Joint Task...

WIESBADEN, Germany, May 20, 2008 – Hundreds of troops deployed from Europe will be able to see their children’s high school graduation ceremonies via live webcasts, Department of Defense Dependents Schools Europe officials announced. DoDDS Europe, U.S. Army Europe and U.S. Army 5th Signal Command have combined assets, talents and technologies to enable the live webcasts. The effort will allow at least 18 graduation ceremonies to be viewed by an estimated 211 deployed parents in Iraq, Afghanistan and other locations around the world. The first graduation ceremony will be webcast June 5; 10 graduation ceremonies will take place simultaneously on...

FORT BLISS, Texas, May 2, 2008 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates paid tribute here last night to what he called “the power behind the power” -- the families and community members who stand behind the troops engaged in the war on terror. Speaking to local and military family group leaders at the Officers Club, Gates praised Fort Bliss soldiers who, along with their comrades throughout the military, have been “giving their all” in the fight against extremism. That’s been possible, he said, because of the support troops receive from their families, as well as the support they and...

PLANO, Texas, May 1, 2008 – Servicemembers, veterans and military families across the country will have the chance to gain insight into life after combat through a series of seminars and appreciation dinners thanks to a Texas-based troop-support organization. United We Serve is teaming with football legend Herschel Walker and therapist Jerry Mungadze to offer “Managing Life After Combat.” The seminar will take place May 25 in Killeen, Texas, and registration with United We Serve is required. The goal is to offer support to military members and veterans with valuable information about combat stress and its symptoms, along with...

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SHARANA, Afghanistan, April 22, 2008 – Soldiers of Task Force Pacemaker, deployed from Fort Lewis, Wash., celebrated spring earlier this month with an organizational day. Soldiers bear the stains of taking part in a pie-eating contest during the “Spring Break 2008” festival at Forward Operating Base Sharana, Afghanistan. U.S. Army photo  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Dubbed “Spring Break 2008!,” the event gave soldiers a break from the rigors of their deployment and allowed them a chance to relax, hear live music, eat barbeque and even take part in a pie-eating contest. Soldiers enjoyed live...

WASHINGTON, April 21, 2008 – More than 200 volunteers took the opportunity to support the troops here April 19 during the Jack Daniel’s-United Services Organizations’ “Toast to the Troops” care package stuffing party. Volunteers help pack boxes during the Jack Daniel's-United Service Organizations’ "Toast to the Troops" stuffing party at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., on April 19, 2008. The event resulted in more than 10,000 care packages for the USO Care Package Program. Defense Dept. photo by Samantha L. Quigley  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Jack Daniel’s Distillery hosted the event in conjunction with the USO, which...

WASHINGTON, April 17, 2008 – Military Resale and Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs are working to support members of the military community regardless of their proximity to installations, a defense official told the House Armed Services Committee today. “Our Resale and MWR programs are more effectively reaching out to our active-duty, Guard and reserve families, our retirees, the digital generation of our members, and our military spouses who work,” said Leslye A. Arsht, deputy undersecretary of defense for military community and family policy. Part of that MWR outreach will benefit what Arsht described as “far-flung military members and families.”...

WASHINGTON, April 15, 2008 – Military spouses and United Service Organizations volunteers will have a chance to join the Jack Daniel’s Distillery in offering a “Toast to the Troops” and enjoy a performance by country music star Craig Morgan at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., April 19. The event will be the third year Jack Daniel’s and the USO have conducted the "Toast to the Troops" campaign. The goal this year is to assemble 10,000 USO Care Packages for troops serving overseas. But the day won’t be all work for those participating. They’ll also enjoy a special barbecue and...

4/9/2008 - TAMPA, Fla. (AFPN) -- The deputy director of the Joint Staff's Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate at the Pentagon went on a mission April 7 to raise the morale of patients at the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital in Tampa and brought along cheerleaders from the 2008 Women's Final Four teams and an Air Force Band. Brig. Gen. Michelle D. Johnson led the band members and cheerleaders through the halls of the hospital to lift the spirits of wounded American servicemembers. General Johnson is the most decorated female athlete in U.S. Air Force Academy history. She was selected...

HIT, Iraq, April 7, 2008 – Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kevin M. Natt knows a large chunk of his battalion’s morale rests on his shoulders, and he says he doesn’t mind at all. Natt, 22, a mail clerk from Mangham, La., is responsible for ensuring that Marines and sailors with 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5, receive their mail as soon as possible. “I’m responsible for getting mail from postal in al Asad, Iraq, to our battalion and detachments,” Natt said. “I also keep the mail secure. I make sure nothing is lost or stolen.” It’s work...

WASHINGTON, April 4, 2008 – It was all a big joke for servicemembers and their families at Walter Reed Army Medical Center’s Fisher House yesterday when comedian Kathy Griffin came to visit. Comedian Kathy Griffin, star of “My Life on the D List,” greets Susan Badia at Walter Reed Army Medical Center's Fisher House III on April 3, 2008. Badia, her daughter, Kylee Ray, and her husband, Army Sgt. Jace Badia, currently are living next door at Fisher House II. Sergeant Badia is recuperating from wounds he suffered in Iraq when he was hit by a homemade bomb. Griffin...

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait, April 1, 2008 – Troops passing through Camp Buehring on the way to deployment in Iraq can find a little piece of home at the camp’s recreation center, “The Oasis.” Violet Kelly, a recreation lead with Morale, Welfare and Recreation on Camp Buehring, Kuwait, talks with some civilians in Camp Buehring's recreation center March 10, 2008. Kelly is best known as "Big Momma" to the troops who pass through the camp, as well as to her colleagues. Photo by Samantha L. Quigley  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. The comfortable feeling certainly is not a result...

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait, March 10, 2008 – Save for the crowd and the celebrity at its core, it could have been a day like any other for a soldier strumming his guitar in the recreation center here yesterday. Army Spc. Richard Baxter began playing the acoustic guitar just a few years ago, but yesterday he spent nearly 30 minutes jamming with Richard Patrick, guitar player and lead singer for the industrial rock band, Filter. “It was the opportunity of a lifetime,” said Baxter, a member of 352nd Military Police Company, a reserve unit out of Maryland. “It still hasn’t...

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait, March 10, 2008 – Like devoted fans, about 100 servicemembers anxiously awaited Clyde’s arrival here on March 7. And, like a true celebrity, Clyde was fashionably late. Army Sgt. Dale Carson with the 76th Brigade out of Indianapolis, Ind., gets a wild ride from Clyde the camel March 7, 2008, on Camp Buehring, Kuwait. Clyde comes to the base once a month as part of the Morale, Welfare and Recreation office’s efforts to give the troops a break from their day-to-day routines. Defense Dept. photo by Samantha L. Quigley  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. “I...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Two Northland residents came up with a unique way to boost the morale of U.S. troops serving overseas. Cheryl Herrington and Larry Mills are two clowns who have sent thousands of red foam noses to cheer up soldiers at war.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 1, 2008 – People in uniform who go out of their way to boost the morale of fellow troops could be rewarded for their positive attitude and hard work, thanks to a group dedicated to keeping members of the armed forces connected and entertained. “The SemperComm Award is designed to recognize and honor those servicemembers who are making personal contributions to boost the morale of their fellow men and women,” organization officials said in a recent news release. Up to three awardees will be chosen from all nominations received by Feb. 29. Any servicemember, including those serving...

French morale hits a new low By Henry Samuel in Paris Last Updated: 3:36am GMT 31/01/2008 French morale is at its lowest ebb in two decades, according to new research. Quality of life in France is envied the world over but government figures show the "morale of French households" is at its gloomiest - minus 34 points - since the study began in 1987. Mr Sarkozy has asked two Nobel Prize winning economists to draw up new ways of measuring success and well-being French people's belief that their living standards will improve has declined steadily since President Nicolas Sarkozy took...

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, Jan. 28, 2008 – When the “Legends of Wrestling” tour rolled in here Jan. 26, servicemembers and civilians gathered at the Morale, Welfare and Recreation clamshell to take part in the festivities. Army Pfc. Michael Grandi Jr., Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, holds the WCW Championship belt with wrestling greats (from left to right) Greg "The Hammer" Valentine, "The Mouth of the South" Jimmy Hart, Diamond Dallas Page, and Nicholai Volkoff during the "Legends of Wrestling" tour that came to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, Jan. 26, 2008. Photo by Spc. George Welcome,...

FIREBASE NAWA, Afghanistan, Jan. 25, 2008 – Soldiers on the front lines are used to meals, ready to eat -- high-energy, high-calorie packaged meals with little emphasis on taste. Army Spc. Dairo Orozco, cook for the 82nd Airborne Division’s Company F, 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, cleans dishes from breakfast Jan. 13, 2008, at Firebase Nawa, Afghanistan. Photo by Spc. Nathan W. Hutchison, USA  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Army Spc. Dairo Orozco, of the 82nd Airborne Division’s Company F, 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, is the cook...

Scarlett Johansson smiles after being pinned with gunnery sergeant rank during a meet and greet Jan. 20 in the United Service Organizations building at Camp Buehring, Kuwait. The 23-year-old bombshell met with nearly 600 service members at Camp Buehring, Kuwait Jan. 20 during her five-day United Service Organizations (USO) tour to the Gulf region Scarlett Johansson poses for a photo with Marines of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit Jan. 20 in the United Service Organizations building at Camp Buehring, Kuwait. The 23-year-old bombshell met with nearly 600 service members at Camp Buehring, Kuwait Jan. 20 during her five-day United...

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq, Jan. 14, 2008 – As the Army’s 4th Infantry Division settles into its recently assumed control of Multinational Division Baghdad, the Ironhorse credo -- “Mission, Soldier, Family, Team” -- remains a strong influence in the unit’s everyday flow. Army Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Rende, a network controller with the 4th Infantry Division’s Company C, Special Troops Battalion, uses his laptop in his trailer at Camp Liberty, Iraq, to talk with his family via the Internet, Jan. 10, 2008. Rende spends most of his free time staying in touch with his family and friends. Photo by Pfc....

One of the great concerns of those who are responsible for our military is morale -- how to keep it high. The most effective way to ensure high morale is efficiency and competence. That is, if soldiers know what's expected of them, have the support of their superiors, and are allowed to do their job effectively, their morale is usually good. In war, winning is a guaranteed morale builder. But these days, unlike WWII, "winning" often has a definition different from simply beating the enemy -- which our troops are doing pretty effectively in Afghanistan. Support of the government for...

FORWARD OPERATING BASE FORTRESS, Afghanistan, Dec. 17, 2007 – “The Rock believes highly that food service support improves morale,” said Army Sgt. Joseph Smith, from Jackson, Mich. Army Sgt. Joseph Smith, dining facility manager at Forward Operating Base Fortress, Afghanistan, cooks quesadillas for soldiers Dec. 6, 2007. Smith took orders and custom-cooked quesadillas. Photo by Sgt. Brandon Aird, USA  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Smith is the dining facility manager at Forward Operating Base Fortress and a member of 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), which is known as “The Rock.” Paratroopers in the battalion’s Company D and...

Pinups for Vets Supporting the Troops: Part 1 By Daniel Muniz Gina Elise wanted to show her appreciation to the people who has served their country in our armed forces and especially to our troops deployed overseas and to all of our injured vets in VA hospitals. So she decided to create the "Pin-Ups For Vets" project which consists of calendars and posters featuring herself as the model for all of the photographs. Gina Elise chose the pin-up art that was popular back in the forties as the central theme of all her modeling. Since the pin-up girls of that...

WASHINGTON, Oct. 17, 2007 – From stocking hats to shower shoes, a West Virginia-based group is actively filling requests from U.S. troops serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait, sending them about 50 boxfuls of care packages each week. The West Virginia National Guard's 150th Aviation Regiment is working with American Supports You supporter Boatsie's Boxes so the group can have a large space to fill, pack and ship holiday care packages as part of Operation Christmas Stocking. Courtesy photo   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. “‘Boatsie’s Boxes’ began when my son, Patrick, a master sergeant in the United...

WASHINGTON, Oct. 11, 2007 – In California, a modern-day Mrs. Claus is rallying her helpers once again to fill care packages with goodies for troops serving far from home during the upcoming holiday season. Though Operation Gratitude’s “Holiday Drive 2007” doesn’t officially kick off until the first “packing party” scheduled for Veterans Day weekend, the group’s volunteers already are hard at work, founder Carolyn Blashek said. “Our volunteers have already started the prep process (of) soliciting for products, collecting troop names, and sorting, inspecting … and folding products,” she said. Additional packing weekends are scheduled for Nov. 23-24, Dec....

WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2007 – Audiences from fire bases in Afghanistan to five-star hotels find themselves in the same situation when they hear Marine Gen. Peter Pace speak. Listeners get so caught up in what the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is saying that they barely move. I’ve had the privilege of traveling the world with the chairman over the past two years. I’ve seen him with heads of state and new recruits, and he treats each with the same respect and consideration. The general is probably most comfortable talking with troops. Every time he travels, he...

If you’re depressed, dance your way out of the dumps. That’s what is working in a Philippine prison. Byron Garcia, Security Consultant for the Cebu provincial government, tapped into a unique anger-management strategy and he’s dealing with some severely bummed out, violent thugs. He has almost all 1600 inmates at the Cebu provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center dancing to old hits like “YMCA” and “In the Navy” by the Village People. Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” also blasts from prison yard speakers while detainees hoof it in unison. “Inmates say to me, ‘You have put my mind off revenge, foolishness, or thinking...

If you’re depressed, dance your way out of the dumps. That’s what is working in a Philippine prison. Byron Garcia, Security Consultant for the Cebu provincial government, tapped into a unique anger-management strategy and he’s dealing with some severely bummed out, violent thugs. He has almost all 1600 inmates at the Cebu provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center dancing to old hits like “YMCA” and “In the Navy” by the Village People. Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” also blasts from prison yard speakers while detainees hoof it in unison. “Inmates say to me, ‘You have put my mind off revenge, foolishness, or thinking...

WASHINGTON, Aug. 24, 2007 – With traditional “American Spirit” at the heart of its mission, one California group is working to make a difference in the lives of wounded servicemembers and their families. Operation American Spirit, established through the nonprofit Fitness Challenge Foundation, provides for military members and their families who have suffered injuries as a result of combat. “Our mission is to help make a difference in the lives of soldiers and their families by providing support and funding in ways that teach them self-sufficiency including scholarships, job (placement) assistance, home modification and improved morale,” John Wordin, the...

TIKRIT, Iraq — "It never even hits the radar screen. For the troops on the front lines and the colonels in the rear—and just about everyone in between—the big news in Iraq every day is that they’re still alive and healthy. When it comes to Senate votes on the U.S. presence in Iraq, Sunday talk shows thrashing out length of deployment and stateside pundits talking to themselves, nearly every grunt, airman, sailor, soldier and Marine I speak with just doesn’t care." "I asked several military officers of different ages and ranks about their thoughts on a potential pullout. Nearly every...

"May No Soldier Go Unloved: Book 1," by Jeff Bader (330 pages) $19.95, presale at www.angelsstore.org), chronicles the incredible journey of one woman's desire to help troops deployed around the world and how that has drawn over 120,000 volunteers and millions of dollars to her cause. In the past four years, Soldiers' Angels has grown to become the country's largest military support non-profit organization. Patti Patton Bader has the heart of Mother Teresa, the motivational mastership of Vince Lombardi, and the mobilization skills of Genghis Khan. She was raised an army brat; the great niece of the famous World War...

A day off. Sitting on my cot in a sandstorm writing yesterday's blog. The tent seems likely to leave the ground at any time. Up at my usual 5.30 a.m. I can only hope to shake this habit when I get back home. The thing I like most about this time of day is the light that flattens the hills and mountains to two dimensions. I had been eyeing the highest lookout point and its background of mountains as a sketch for a while, but I have been unable to find a good vantage point. My daily morning wandering took...

WASHINGTON, June 11, 2007 – Until every servicemember comes home, one dedicated group of volunteers will make sure they know they’re remembered. Students, teachers and their mascot show their support for America Supports You home-front group, Letters From Home. Letters From Home sends cards to servicemembers. Courtesy photo  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. “Our main effort is collecting cards of support for the troops,” Christine Jovenitti, founder of “Letters From Home,” said. “As they tell us, it’s like holding the hand of the person that wrote it.” To date, Letters From Home and its volunteers have “held the...

WASHINGTON, June 6, 2007 – For three years, an Illinois group has made sure troops serving overseas have something to look forward to during the holidays. “Last year we shipped over 10,000 homemade Christmas stockings filled with goodies to our deployed troops,” Patti Smith, a founder of “Central Illinois Proud Families of Marines” and mother of two Marines, said. “Our goal is to do many more (this year), as the need is great due to the recent troop surge.” This year’s drive is already under way and will conclude Nov. 1. The group is hoping for donations of comfort,...

Despite the public's waning support for the war, Marines' morale remains high.UNDER A sweltering Iraqi sky, the general asked for questions from his troops. Many were reluctant, but one stepped forward. Marine Lance Cpl. Jack Kessel, 19, of Raleigh, N.C., asked about something that had been gnawing at him as he and his buddies go about the dangerous business of winning hearts and minds in Al Anbar province. "How are we supposed to fight a war when people back home say we've already lost?" he asked.

When President Bush ordered troops to Iraq, he probably never imagined that he would be ultimately be responsible for what very well could be the very first D&D convention/game day ever held in a war zone. Ziggurat Con, being held June 9 from 1200 to 2100 hours at Camp Adder/Tallil Airbase, is open to all allied military personnel and civilian contractors in Iraq. "Here in Iraq, we do many things on the different Forward Operating Bases to help keep our spirits up," said SPC David Amberson, the Con's organizer. "Here at Camp Adder/Tallil Airbase, we have lots of sports activities...