Posted on 08/18/2005 1:57:39 AM PDT by Jim Robinson
Edited on 08/18/2005 3:43:02 PM PDT by Jim Robinson. [history]
Move America Forward will be conducting the “You Don’t Speak for Me, Cindy” caravan beginning next week. It will feature military family members who have loved ones serving in the war against terrorism in Iraq or Afghanistan. The delegation will be led by Deborah Johns of Marine Moms. (Her son has served in Operation Iraqi Freedom).
Main caravan leaves from San Francisco, California on Monday, August 22nd. Other caravans will depart from around the country. If you want to be part of a caravan, email us with your name and location you will depart from and we will include in our caravan coverage so people in your area can depart with you.
Everyone arrives in Crawford, Texas for a giant “We Support Our Troops AND Their Mission” Rally on Saturday, August 27, 2005.
If you have a loved one serving in Iraq or Afghanistan and would like to join the caravan please contact Move America Forward’s Robert Dixon: Robert@MoveAmericaForward.org
I also want to see some numbers. I am going to Dallas Friday night to meet up with the Caravan.
Besides how many are actually traveling in the caravan, how many people are showing up to support them? We need to come up with some big numbers. I hope to be in the biggest traffic jam Texas has ever seen Saturday. I am getting the impression that Dallas and Waco are going to really pump up the volume on this thing.
I hope everybody recognizes how serious this really is. Please go to Crawford if at all possible. At least go to Waco, the last leg before Crawford, and show your support. Heck, I hope the traffic jam backs up to Waco.
If we don't get our voices heard RIGHT NOW, I am afraid of which way the political winds will start blowing. GO TO CRAWFORD!
Amen!!
I wish I could join you.
I could not get away at this time, but we did meet the caravan in Fresno and joined them for about 25 miles.
You've got me itching to go, BIG TIME with your post.
I sure wish I could be there, and will be in spirit.
Here's a big thanks to all who are going to support our troops!
JA, when and where will the FR picnic be? Thanks!
Can't wait to see where the paper takes that.
My projected return time is before the beginning of the school year in 2007...gotta see how things go first on many fronts.
Bumpin' the thread!
I don't see any documentation of your position. - Translation: what makes you such an expert? Although I do not agree with what you say I will woefully respect your right to say it. It is just this sort of statement that can demoralize our troops and weaken our position. Some would even call it treason. But let's not mince words...
Thank you! I'm taking a visor, lots of water, umbrella, bug spray, sun screen, and VERY light clothing.
I'm really a Yankee transplanted in TX and I loathe TX summers. It's bad enough just north of Houston, but at least we have lots of trees here. But I couldn't let this opportunity pass. Pray that we get THOUSANDS out there so we can effectively shut that crazy woman down!
Casey Sheehan would puke if he knew what his mother was doing to dishonor his serivce. This blog is written by the men in battle who knew him. Casey choose his career path, re enlisted and voluneered to go on a mission to save other soldiers who were trapped per soldiers who knew CASEY..
www.blackfive.net
Posted by Blackfive | August 22, 2005 in | Military | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
Army Specialist Casey Sheehan - Someone You Should (Have) Know(n)
Casey Sheehan grew up in a devout Catholic home. He served as an altar boy and then as a key member of his church's youth group for years.
When he was old enough, Casey joined the Boy Scouts, becoming the very second Eagle Scout out of his troop.
He enlisted in the Army when he was twenty years old. He decided to be a mechanic. He would undergo Combat Lifesaver training - a class on how to give IVs and treat trauma only second in intense learning to combat medic training. He was also certified to assist with giving communion to soldiers while in the field.
Specialist Sheehan re-enlisted in the Army in 2004 knowing full well that he could be sent into a combat zone.
Casey Sheehan was a Humvee mechanic with the 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment.
On April 3rd, 2004, forces loyal to Shi'ite cleric Muqtada al'Sadr stormed police stations and government offices in Sadr City (a city of over 2 million). They knew the Americans would come, and they wanted a fight. Muqtada Sadr was working them up into a religious frenzy. And he had his thugs murder anyone who he thought might stand in his way - even other Shi'ite clerics. His forces were known as the Mahdi Army.
American forces quickly surrounded Muqtada al'Sadr's quarters.
On April 4th, 2004, al'Sadr's Mahdi forces blocked roadways and bridges with burning tires, vehicles and trash. Visibility was less than 300 meters anywhere in the city. They began to attack American vehicles on patrol throughout Sadr City - some were protecting Shia worshipers (Holy Arbayeen) while others were escorting city government vehicles.
A battle raged across Sadr City. Insurgents assaulted American troops while looters and mobs formed and stormed through the streets. Word spread quickly across the American FOBs that there was trouble.
Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment were ambushed with RPGs and pinned down and dying. While fighting off an attack himself, the Commander of the 2/5th, LTC Volesky, called for help. A Quick Reaction Force (QRF) was formed of volunteers - their mission was to go out and rescue the American troops.
Casey Sheehan's Sergeant asked for volunteers. Sheehan had just returned from Mass. After Sheehan volunteered once, the Sergeant asked Sheehan again if he wanted to go on the mission. According to many reports (and according to his own mother), Casey responded, "Where my Chief goes, I go."
The QRF was launched. Not long after entering the Mahdi area, the QRF was channeled onto a dead-end street where the roofs were lined with snipers, RPGs, and even some militia throwing burning tires onto the vehicles. The Mahdi blocked the exit and let loose with everything they had.
Sheehan's vehicle was hit with multiple RPGs and automatic-weapons fire.
Specialist Casey Sheehan and Corporal Forest J. Jostes were killed.
A second QRF was formed - all volunteers - to go rescue the first. Specialist Ahmed Cason was hit in the second QRF - but kept fighting until he bled to death.
Seven men died with Casey Sheehan on Sunday, April 4th, 2004.
They were Spc. Robert R. Arsiaga, Spc. Ahmed Cason, Sgt. Yihjyh L. "Eddie" Chen, Spc. Stephen D. Hiller, Spc. Israel Garza, Cpl. Forest J. Jostes, and Sgt. Michael W. Mitchell.
It was Palm Sunday.
Palm Sunday commemorates the day that Jesus entered Jerusalem. Back then, the palm frond was a symbol of victory - laid beneath the feet of those of the highest honor and triumph. Some believe it was this honor fit for a king that forced Jesus's enemies to act and crucify him.
In recognition of Casey, the Catholic Chapel at Fort Hood, Texas (where Sheehan was stationed) named the Knights of Columbus chapter the "Casey Austin Sheehan Council".
Casey also received the Bronze Star for his Valor that day.
Palm fronds for the most honored.
[Click here for the Someone You Should Know index.]
Posted on 08/25/2005 9:05:16 PM CDT by CHICAGOFARMER (Conceal Carry
Thoughts on a visit to Crawford: I live about 30 miles from Crawford, so my wife and I drove up there a week ago Sunday to add our support to the pro-President Bush crowd, and to see the freak show on the other side. We joined a family of a Hero Marine killed in Faluja. Many for the other side were actually well-behaved and even friendly...offering water on a hot Texas afternoon. Some, however, were downright mean and abusive to the family of the Fallen Hero. We were outnumbered 20 to 150. Of course, most folks who support the Troops and the President actually have jobs and cannot take time to go to Crawford. The Drama Queen was surrounded by a phallanx of glassy-eyed drones (and the MSM)- when she was there and not "resting" at the "Crawford Peace House." The saddest thing was the lack of objectivity, comprehension and real compassion by the other side. They are driven by hatred of the President (after all, he's the reason for war, poverty and dandruff), and have reduced complex issued to bumper sticker slogans. Sad! WE need as many folks as possible to meet in Crawford on Saturday. Get there early.
Spread the word to all of Central Texas. We need a huge showing from Bell, Lampassas, and surrounding counties!
I'm on my way! With my little black mongrel wearing a tall hat and an American scarf!
Thanks for standing proudly last week for all of us across the country. I have a feeling you'll have much more company tomorrow. :-)
Welcome to the forum, Dave. Thanks for supporting those defending our freedom.
We are coming to the gathering - driving up TX Hwy 6 to Waco. Is it better to drive on to Crawford or is there still plans on a gathering in Waco for the final push?
I'm in Virginia, rooting you folks on from afar. :-) Hopefully someone else will have some good advice for you. Thanks for going!
Thanks Coop - I shoulda checked your location....I just presumed that you were in the neighborhood...
Here's an idea for the folks on the east coast. Organize protests across from the headquarters of ABC, CBS, NBC & CNN. Tell them Sheehan's 15 minutes is up and maybe everyone else can go home.
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