Free Republic

Seizing the political opportunity created by the death of terror kingpin Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, President George W. Bush flew to Baghdad on Tuesday. Bush's trip surprised Iraqis, coalition troops and the international community. It even surprised members of his staff. Surprise has a tactical and operational virtue -- it enhances the president's security during a visit to a war zone. Surprise also provides drama, in this case media drama building on the drama of Zarqawi's demise. This is smart, strategic politics from an Administration that has all too often failed to use the power of the presidency's bully pulpit. When...

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (AFPN) -- Retired Maj. Wesley Schierman finally landed his last sortie with the 67th Fighter Squadron here Sept. 19 after a 40-year detour. Originally, he began his flight as a captain with the 67th Tactical Fighter Squadron during the Vietnam War flying an F-105 Thunderchief out of Korat Air Base, Thailand. But while leading a formation of four aircraft Aug. 25, 1965, on a mission to attack a military barracks near Hanoi, something happened. His gun jammed. He bailed out. He became a prisoner of war. "I was captured within an hour of ejecting from the...