Free Republic

RAMADI — For most individuals, Spring Break is a time to take a break from studying or work, head out to the beach and get a bronze tan while enjoying the sun and sandy beach. However, for the Marines with 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 1, Spring Break 2008 was a time to search for insurgents in the gleaming sun, hold security and perimeter watch during a gusty sandstorm, and concentrate on the mission at hand. The battalion recently wrapped up a four-day joint operation near Lake Tharthar in al-Anbar province dubbed Operation Spring Break. The operation, similar...

RAMADI, IRAQ (April 29, 2008) – It was a typical quiet morning on April 22, with the temperature intensifying as a bright orange sun emerged high from the horizon. Lance Cpl. Jordan Haerter, a rifleman with 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, and Cpl. Jonathan T. Yale, a rifleman with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, RCT-1, were standing post, just as they’ve done numerous times before. During a standard length watch in a small checkpoint protected by concrete barriers where they overlooked the small gravel road, lined with palm trees leading to their entry control point.

OXFORD, Miss. -- A mental evaluation was ordered Thursday for Michael Pruitt, who is accused of kidnapping and shooting a 6-year-old Marshall County girl. During the hearing in Lafayette County Circuit Court, defense attorney John L. Dolan asked that the issue of bond be taken up at a later date. Dolan also requested a mental evaluation for Pruitt and Asst. Dist. Atty. Lelani Hill agreed to the request. Pruitt will remain in jail until the mental evaluation can be scheduled, officials said. "Due to the nature of the charges, the state does not have any objections," Hill told Circuit Judge...

The rapidly disappearing cohort of Americans that endured the Great Depression and then fought World War II is receiving quite a send-off from the leading lights of the so-called 60s generation. Tom Brokaw has published two oral histories of “The Greatest Generation” that feature ordinary people doing their duty and suggest that such conduct was historically unique. Chris Matthews of “Hardball” is fond of writing columns praising the Navy service of his father while castigating his own baby boomer generation for its alleged softness and lack of struggle. William Bennett gave a startling condescending speech at the Naval Academy a...

June 15, 2004 Dear _______________________: Thank you for expressing your opinion about my April 28th speech on the Senate floor. I appreciate your concerns about the political tensions triggered by America’s mission in Iraq and this year’s Presidential campaign. Regarding your letter, I feel it is important to clarify the circumstances surrounding my speech. Nothing concerns me more than the well-being of American troops. As a veteran of World War II who served in the European theatre, I have first-hand knowledge of the rigors and chaos of war. My experiences in Europe left me with a lasting commitment to provide...