USO Canteen FReeper Style ~ Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders USO Tour ~ December 17 2002

USO ^ | 68-69TonkinGulfYatchClub and FRiends of the Canteen

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

WASHINGTON – The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders will soon depart on their 50th USO tour to entertain troops stationed in Korea and Japan. In addition to performing their Broadway revue-style show, the Cheerleaders will tour duty stations at military installations, visit and dine with troops, and celebrate the holidays with those serving our country far from their homes and loved ones. The holiday tour, from Dec. 23 through Jan. 4, is sponsored by the USO and Armed Forces Entertainment.

Often referred to as “America’s Sweethearts,” the Cheerleaders first performed on a USO tour at the invitation of the Department of Defense in December 1979. Since then, the squad has performed on more USO tours than any other entertainment group at hundreds of locations -- from Albania to Afghanistan and from Fort Polk to the Philippines.

USO president and CEO Edward A. Powell will present a special award to the Cheerleaders at a pre-game ceremony in Dallas Dec. 21. “For many years, the Cheerleaders have volunteered their time and talents during the holiday season and perform on USO tours at least twice a year. They deserve special recognition for their dedication and for helping to boost the morale of our military personnel around the world. The USO is grateful for their years of commitment and for their association with us.”

In 1991, the Cheerleaders were presented with the USO’s 50th anniversary award, and in 1997 the USO recognized their decades of service with its most prestigious honor, the “Spirit of Hope” Award. Created in honor of Bob Hope, the award is presented to entertainers and other distinguished Americans who demonstrate a commitment to enhancing the quality of life of our armed forces and their families.

The tour is being made possible through the support of Anheuser-Busch, AT&T, BAE SYSTEMS, Clear Channel Worldwide, Coca-Cola, ESPN, PricewaterhouseCoopers, S&K Sales Company, USAA Foundation, VFW, Wal-Mart and The Walt Disney Company.

[Eastbound]

Good morning, Tonk and all. Did you get to see that Coast Guard special the other night? Look for a repeat. Great documentary.

[Soaring Feather]

GOD BLESS AND PROTECT OUR TROOPS

Right you are Johnny!

Good to see you!

LET'S ROLL

[Kathy in Alaska]

Nice to see you, Johnny. Will this help?

[Soaring Feather]

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany, Dec. 16, 2002

Fantastic picture Kathy!!

"This is a combat mission that has been going on for more than 11 years," said Brig. Gen. Robin Scott, Combined Task Force Operation Northern Watch commanding general. "This is the real thing. Coalition aircraft are under fire and threatened by Iraqi anti-aircraft systems nearly every time we fly."

Our Prayer of Protection is needed constantly!!

[Soaring Feather]

AIR POWER
F/A-18 "Hornet"

Hey Johnny!! WOW

Do we have planes or what!!!????

Love these pictures!! Thank you!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Radix, we missed you. My condolences for the Patriots last night. We finally got some snow December 10th. We have about 8" now. Not much, but at least the ground is white now and lightens up the long, dark hours.

Welcome home, Radix! Hope you had a good time away, even if you were cold. LOL!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thanks, aomagrat, for today's history of the USS Juneau. Flagship and 5 battle stars!

[dfwgator]

Can they play offensive line? Lord knows they couldn't be any worse than what the Cowboys are throwing out there.

[Kathy in Alaska]

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Timothy Berbach, 1st Battalion, 319th Field Artillery Regiment, home based at Fort Bragg, N.C., uncovers 105mm rounds on the back of HMMWV for future mission at a forward operating base in southeastern Afghanistan. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Reeba Critser

U.S. Army Sgt. David Rodriguez, 1st Battalion, 319th Field Artillery Regiment, Fort Bragg, N.C., enters data to the Fire Direction Center at a forward operating base in Southeastern Afghanistan. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Reeba Critser

Howitzer Battery 'On Call' for Fire

By Sgt. Reeba Critser / 28th Public Affairs Detachment

BAGRAM, Afghanistan - Although they’re the only field artillery howitzer battery in theater, the soldiers of Battery C, 1st Battalion, 319th Field Artillery Regiment are rarely used.

Home based at Fort Bragg, N.C., the battery's mission is to provide indirect and direct fire support with 105mm Howitzers for U.S. and coalition forces.

“Every time the infantry has mission, they take us along,” said Sgt. 1st Class Hector Rodriguez, platoon sergeant for the firing platoon. “We are ready to provide support by fire on call.” Occassionally, he said, the call comes in for illumination.

“Sometimes the infantry would like to see what’s out there, so we provide illumination,” Rodriguez said. “NVGs (night vision goggles) can only see so far. They’d (the infantry) rather have illumination support for targets far off.”

When these soldiers get the call, data is sent to the Fire Direction Center where it is calculated by a Battery Computer System, verified by radio and sent to the guns within 25 seconds

“Instead of getting data by phone, all data is received at one spot,” Rodriguez said.

At least one soldier is working ’round the clock.

“If something was to happen, we have at least one person ready to alert the rest,” said Staff Sgt. Olavo Amado, fire direction chief from Pawtucket, R.I. “If something was to happen, everyone knows what their position is. It would be like a bunch of ants running around, chaotic but organized.”

In addition to sending out fire, the battery has its own version of a quick reaction force - the Q-36 radar.

Staff Sgt. Thomás Benitez, radar section chief, said the base perimeter is sensored with an imaginary wall. If any rounds penetrate that wall, the shooters are fired upon within two minutes.

“The radar acquires every target location - mortar, artillery, rockets, up to 24,000 meters,” he said. “The radar tells us exactly where he’s (the enemy who fired at us) at plus or minus 10 meters. We fire back and destroy the target.”

In Afghanistan, however, the battery has rarely been used for tactical purposes. “As far as infantry operations goes, if everything goes good, they don’t need us,” said Pfc. Jason Snyder, assistant gunner from Rogersville, Tenn.

“Even if we don’t get a chance to fire at the enemy, we’re doing our part,” said Pfc. James Zala, cannoneer from Plantation, Fla. “That’s what counts.”

[Kathy in Alaska]

A rad reading

12/16/02 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo (AFPN) -- Senior Airman Pamela Wiggins from the 810th Medical Operations Squadron here tests a 21st Security Forces Squadron member for radiation contamination during a weapons-of-mass-destruction exercise Dec. 11. The 21st Space Wing inspector general and a team of experts from Texas A&M University put the wing's response abilities to the test with the exercise. The Texas A&M team is providing training and evaluation of federal installations' abilities to react to a WMD incident. Peterson is one of six bases to receive the training. (Photo by Joe Fischer)

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFPN) -- Staff Sgt. Jennifer Shuman, Senior Airman Abby Maldonado and Lt. Col. Mark Kraupheim, all from the 810th Medical Operations Squadron here, work to bandage a "victim" during an exercise scenario Dec. 11. The 21st Space Wing inspector general and a team of weapons-of-mass-destruction experts from Texas A&M University put the wing's response abilities to the test with the exercise. The Texas A&M team is providing training and evaluation of federal installations' abilities to react to a WMD incident. Peterson is one of six bases to receive the training. (Photo by Joe Fischer)

[Soaring Feather]

12/16/02 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo (AFPN) -- Senior Airman Pamela Wiggins from the 810th Medical Operations Squadron here tests a 21st Security Forces Squadron member for radiation contamination during a weapons-of-mass-destruction exercise Dec. 11.

(Photo by Joe Fischer)

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFPN) -- Staff Sgt. Jennifer Shuman, Senior Airman Abby Maldonado and Lt. Col. Mark Kraupheim, all from the 810th Medical Operations Squadron.

(Photo by Joe Fischer)

The Canteen Crew, sincerely wishes you Happy Holidays.

We hope, too, your families see you here.

[Soaring Feather]

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Timothy Berbach, 1st Battalion, 319th Field Artillery Regiment, home based at Fort Bragg, N.C.,

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Reeba Critser

U.S. Army Sgt. David Rodriguez, 1st Battalion, 319th Field Artillery Regiment, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Army photo by Sgt. Reeba Critser

Thank you for your service to The United States of America!

[tomkow6]

Ventura County, Calif. (Dec. 13, 2002) -- Seabees of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Forty (NMCB 40) load equipment onto an Air Mobility Command (AMC) C-5 “Galaxy” cargo plane. NMCB 40 is homported at Naval Base Ventura County and is headed for Guam in support of disaster relief efforts after Super Typhoon Pongsona passed over the island on Dec 8, 2002. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Lamel J. Hinton.

[Soaring Feather]

Hi Valin

Great thought for the day!

[tomkow6]

At sea aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) Dec. 10, 2002 -- Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) ship, JDS Chokai (DDF 176), comes along side Kitty Hawk to receive fuel during a replenishment at sea (RAS). Kitty Hawk had the opportunity to work with the JMSDF during several exercises at sea. Kitty Hawk is the U.S. Navy ‘s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier and operates out of Yokosuka, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Bo Flannigan.

[tomkow6]

Aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) -- Flight deck personnel prepare to launch an EA-6B “Prowler” from the “Zappers” of Electronic Warfare Squadron One Thirty (VAQ-130) from the flight deck. Truman and Carrier Airwing Three (CVW-3) are currently on a regularly scheduled six-month deployment conducting missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Ryan T. O'Connor.

[tomkow6]

At sea aboard USS Pioneer (MCM 9) Dec. 10, 2002 -- An AN/SLQ-48 Mine Neutralizer is hoisted over the side of Pioneer for a planned mine sweeping exercise off San Clemente Island. Pioneer is homeported in Ingleside, Texas and is currently conducting exercises near San Diego, Calif. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Ramon Preciado.

[tomkow6]

At sea aboard USS Pioneer (MCM 9) Dec. 10, 2002 -- An AN/SLQ-48 Mine Neutralizer is hoisted over the side of Pioneer for a planned mine sweeping exercise off San Clemente Island. Pioneer is homeported in Ingleside, Texas and is currently conducting exercises near San Diego, Calif. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Ramon Preciado.

[Soaring Feather]

Ventura County, Calif. (Dec. 13, 2002) -- Seabees of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Forty (NMCB 40) load equipment onto an Air Mobility Command (AMC) C-5 “Galaxy” cargo plane.

U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Lamel J. Hinton.

WOW WOW

I have never seen anything like this before now.
Massive, huge, etc.
Fabulous photography!!

Fabulous photography!!

[tomkow6]

Modernised Birth Of Jesus
(or "If Jesus were born this year")

And Joseph went up from Galilee to Bethlehem with
Mary, his espoused wife, who was great with child.
And she brought forth a son and wrapped him in
swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger because
there was no room for them in the inn. And the angel
of the Lord spoke to the shepherds and said, "I bring
you tidings of great joy. Unto you is born a Saviour,
which is Christ the Lord."

"There's a problem with the angel," said a Pharisee
who happened to be strolling by. As he explained to
Joseph, angels are widely regarded as religious
symbols, and the stable was on public property where
such symbols were not allowed to land or even hover.

"And I have to tell you, this whole thing looks to me
very much like a Nativity scene," he said sadly.
"That's a no-no, too." Joseph had a bright idea.
"What if I put a couple of reindeer over there near
the ox and ass?" he said, eager to avoid sectarian
strife.

"That would definitely help," said the Pharisee, who
knew as well as anyone that whenever a saviour appeared,
judges usually liked to be on the safe side and surround
it with deer or woodland creatures of some sort. "Just
to clinch it, throw in a candy cane and a couple of
elves and snowmen, too," he said. "No court can resist
that."

Mary asked, "What does my son's birth have to do with
snowmen?"
"Snowpersons," cried a young woman, changing the subject
before it veered dangerously toward religion. Off to the
side of the crowd, a Philistine was painting the Nativity
scene. Mary complained that she and Joseph looked too
tattered and worn in the picture. "Artistic license," he
said. "I've got to show the plight of the haggard
homeless in a greedy, uncaring society in winter," he
quipped. "We're not haggard or homeless. The inn was just
full," said Mary. "Whatever," said the painter.

Two women began to argue fiercely. One said she objected
to Jesus' birth "because it privileged motherhood." The
other scoffed at virgin births, but said that if they
encouraged more attention to diversity in family forms
and the rights of single mothers, well, then, she was
all for them. "I'm not a single mother," Mary started to
say, but she was cut off by a third woman who insisted
that swaddling clothes are a form of child abuse, since
they restrict the natural movement of babies.

With the arrival of 10 child advocates, all trained to
spot infant abuse and manger rash, Mary and Joseph were
pushed to the edge of the crowd, where arguments were
breaking out over how many reindeer (or what mix of
reindeer and seasonal sprites) had to be installed to
compensate for the infant's unfortunate religious character.

An older man bustled up, bowling over two merchants, who
had been busy debating whether an elf is the same as a
fairy and whether the elf/fairy should be shaking hands
with Jesus in the crib or merely standing to the side,
jumping around like a sports mascot.

"I'd hold off on the reindeer," the man said, explaining
that the use of asses and oxen as picturesque backdrops
for Nativity scenes carries the subliminal message of
human dominance. He passed out two leaflets, one
denouncing manger births as invasions of animal space,
the other arguing that stables are "penned environments"
where animals are incarcerated against their will. He had
no opinion about elves or candy canes.

Signs declaring "Free the Bethlehem 2" began to appear,
referring to the obviously exploited ass and ox. Someone
said the halo on Jesus' head was elitist. Mary was
exasperated. "And what about you, old mother?" she said
sharply to an elderly woman. "Are you here to attack the
shepherds as prison guards for excluded species, maybe to
complain that singing in Latin identifies us with our
Roman oppressors, or just to say that I should have skipped
patriarchal religiosity and joined some dumb new-age
goddess religion?"

"None of the above," said the woman, "I just wanted to tell
you that the Magi are here." Sure enough, the three wise
men rode up. The crowd gasped, "They're all male!" And
"Not very multicultural!" "Balthasar here is black," said
one of the Magi. "Yes, but how many of you are gay or
disabled?" someone shouted. A committee was quickly formed
to find an impoverished lesbian wise-person among the halt
and lame of Bethlehem.

A calm voice said, "Be of good cheer, Mary, you have done
well and your son will change the world." At last, a sane
person, Mary thought. She turned to see a radiant and
confident female face. The woman spoke again: "There is
one thing, though. Religious holidays are important, but
can't we learn to celebrate them in ways that unite, not
divide? For instance, instead of all this business about
'Gloria in excelsis Deo,' why not just 'Season's Greetings'?"

Mary said, "You mean my son has entered human history to
deliver the message, 'Hello, it's winter'?" "That's harsh,
Mary," said the woman.
"Remember, your son could make it big in midwinter festivals,
if he doesn't push the religion thing too far. Centuries from
now, in nations yet unborn, people will give each other pricey
gifts and have big office parties on his birthday. That's not
chopped liver."

"Let me get back to you," Mary said.