Reflections on the Death of bin Laden

Osama bin Laden is dead. After 10 years of war, I had given up hope that we would hear those words. However, tonight those words were spoken to the American people, our allies across the world, and most importantly - our enemies.

September 11, 2001 changed my life forever. If not for that dark event on a bright September day I would have never joined the United States Marine Corps in December 2001. My entire adult life has been in the service of my country because of one man's plan to destroy my country and my way of life.

I sat this evening watching Fox News. The talking heads spouted off the facts of the last 10 years' search. The ticker repeated the same information for over an hour and a half. We all waited for the confirmation of the leaks and reports. And then the words were spoken. "Good evening. Tonight I can report to the American people and the world that the United States has conducted an operation that has killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of Al-Qaeda and a terrorist who's responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent men, women, and children."

My reaction at the words was a solid fist pump into the air. It wasn't just a rumor as we'd heard so many times over so many years. We have DNA confirmation. We have the body. He is dead.

The question for many of us now is, "What do we do now?" The man ultimately responsible for the deaths of over three thousand Americans is dead, but terror is not. There will be those that work towards the same goals as Osama bin Laden. Men will step forward to become the new leader of Al-Qaeda and make every effort to extract revenge upon the United States of America for the death of Osama bin Laden. I have but one warning to give. No matter how long it takes, no matter where you hide, you will meet the same fate.

Marcus is a blogger at You Served, producer of You Served radio, and active duty Marine stationed in South Carolina.

Vote for Words For Warriors!

Much gratitude is extended to those of you who nominated Words For Warriors for a Milbloggie for Best U.S. Military Supporter. Words for Warriors made it to the final round and voting is taking place as of Monday, April 25 until Thursday, April 28th 4pm PST and 7 pm EST.  I encourage everyone to take the time to vote for their favorite blog in each category.  It only takes a minute and no registration is necessary.
Please visit http://milblogconference.milblogging.com/2011-milbloggies/vote-now/ to cast your vote!

Apologizes for the lack of posts, Mr. Murphy and his Laws have been busy causing havoc in my world. He will not keep Words For Warriors down though, we are excited to report that Words For Warriors will be attending the Milblog Conference where the Milbloggies will be awarded.  After the conference we'll be visiting our Wounded Warriors at Walter Reed as well as discovering the the nations monuments in Washington D.C and surrounding areas. We hope to post updates during the trip of our many adventures.  If you know of a must see in this area please share!

The 2011 Milibloggies are here!

The Milbloggies are an annual contest for readers to be heard nominating their favorite military blogs to be honored at the Milblog Conference. This year it has been made extra easy, just post a comment with the url of your favorite blog under the appropriate category.  All the information is on the Milblog Conference web site, and it's simple. Take a moment to check it out and nominate someone in every category!

Nominations are being held from Wednesday, April 13 to Sunday April 17th. USAA will be awarding $250 to the winners at the 2011 Milblog Conference. Attendance at the conference is NOT required to nominate, vote, or acceptance of an award.

http://milblogconference.milblogging.com/category/nominations

A Call To Action For Our Wounded

Below is a letter I have distributed to all the local schools in my area, then it occurred to me I should post this letter so others could be involved. I am traveling for the first time to Washington D.C. to attend the Milblog conference, after I will visit and see as much as I can in the area, including Walter Reed. I am asking for your help to show support to those who need it, to those who deserve to be thanked for their service, so they may know American's are grateful.  

Please share, email, facebook, tweet to help get Words to Our Warriors of love, support, and encouragement. 

Words For Warriors whose mission statement is to encourage and fortify relationships between military service members, veterans, their families, their friends, and their Country; to nurture the path of communication for everyone, ensuring that no one is alone or left behind; and proving that we have not, are not, and will never forget the nobility of their sacrifices is going to visit the wounded in Washington D.C. the first week of May.

            Why am I contacting you? Because the healing words, drawings, and poems from children is some of the most therapeutic, giving hope to those who are struggling.  Words For Warriors is asking for teachers to take the time to have their classes make Get Well or Thank You cards, pictures, letters, or poems to be personally handed to the wounded at Walter Reed.  The deadline for me to receive material to hand out is Monday, April 26^th, 2011.

            It is critical to remember American’s valiant volunteer force, which has sworn to protect our great nation year round. 

.

 Sincerely,

Kristina Divine 

Founder/President

 PO. Box 734

Janesville, Ca. 96114

wordsforwarriors@gmail.com

http://wordsforwarriors.blogspot.com

A Dutch Officer Helps a Paraplegic Afghan Child

Dutch officer works to improve disabled Afghan's quality of life
By Tech. Sgt. April Lapetoda, NTM-A

KABUL - NATO troops walking in the Green Zone-area of Kabul between Camp Eggers and International Security Assistance Force Headquarters have become accustomed to speaking with and waving to locals in the area.

Many of the local children are eager to speak English, which they learn in school. While others also volunteer to escort troops between the compounds and walk side-by-side with their NATO friends.

Pictured: With the assistance of Netherlands Army Maj. Edwin Kok, Hamed Ghafoor uses his new hand bicycle chair for the first time, April 2. Kok is assigned to NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan as a strategic planner and has worked for the past three months to help Hamed receive a new chair. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. April Lapetoda)

One young man who stands out to many walking between the camps is Hamed Ghafoor.

Hamed is disabled and doesn't have use of his legs. He lays on a small, three-wheel cart, which sits about six inches off the ground with his legs folded under his chest and pushes himself around using his hands.

One Dutch officer saw this and looked to himself and his home country to see how he could make a change.

"Kabul is not a city where it's easy to get about, especially the way Hamed has been doing with his little cart," said Netherlands Army Maj. Edwin Kok, who is assigned to NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan as a strategic planner. "I felt sorry for him moving around on his little cart. Using his hand with a shoe on it to propel his body cannot be good for his body."

Read the rest of the article at War On Terror News. 

Honoring SPC Rudolph R Hizon- Project Honor

Rudolph R Hizon joined the Army in January 2009 and deployed to Afghanistan in October 2010.

U.S. Army SPC Rudolph R. Hizon was assigned to Task Force Patriot soldiers from 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division.  Hizon, a 22-year-old Los Angeles native assigned to Company B, 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment’s Task Force Storm out of Fort Polk, LA

U.S. Army Spc. Kevin Jones of Aurora, Ill., assigned to Company B’s TF Storm, said he will always remember Hizon’s smile.

“I will always have you in my thoughts for the rest of my days,” said Jones of Hizon. “I love you man!”

Hizon was a good friend to everyone he knew, said U.S. Army Spc. Joshua Gonzales of Olath, Kan.

“I will always think of him as the happy and cheerful person he was… and I’m going to miss him dearly,” said Gonzales. “I love you, fool.”

U.S. Army Pfc. Clayton Contrall of Piedmont, Ala., also with Company B, said Hizon always had a “huge smile” on his face – the kind of smile that made everyone around him smile, too.

“You’re a warrior and will always be in my heart,” said Contrall. “Love you fool!”

“Fool” is a term of endearment used among some of the soldiers.

Hizon’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghan Campaign Medal with star device, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge.

If you knew Rudolph personally and have stories to tell of His Honor, His Valor, of his life, please contact us so we can updatehis story.

This article originates at War On Terror News- Project Honor, however if you contact me through comments or email at wordsforwarriors@gmail.com with stories of Rudolph I will be happy to pass them to the Editor so he may update his article. 

Baking For The Troops- Success

Last Wednesday, March 9th was the first gathering of Baking For The Troops. Nicole S. (whose husband is a Veteran) was nice enough to welcome us into her home.  There were a few challenges, like a power surge braking Nicole's electric oven.  It took more than one batch of cookies for us to realize it was baking at three times the required heat.  Then the oven wouldn't turn off, until unplugged from the wall.

We would not be stopped. In true Military style we adapted and over came. I took all of the cookie dough to my house to bake and package the cookies.  There are chocolate oatmeal, and good old fashioned chocolate chip cookies which are wrapped two to a package. There are approximately 100 packages or 200 cookies being mailed to some hungry military personal.

The cookies are being accompanied by letters written by Janesville Union Students, as if homemade cookies weren't enough. Here are a few pictures of the cookies being cooked. Enjoy!

Honoring Corporal Stephen McKee

Thank you Project Honor from War On Terror News for this posting. 

Lance Corporal Stephen McKee

Lance Corporal McKee, aged 27, came from Banbridge in County Down, Northern Ireland. In 2003 he joined 3rd Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment as a part-time soldier. When the Home Service were disbanded he decided to transfer to 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment and he joined them at Tern Hill, Shropshire, in April 2007.

Lance Corporal McKee was posted to B Company, where he served with distinction for 3 years before moving to the Machine Gun Platoon in D Company in 2010. He first deployed on Op HERRICK 8 in March 2008 and was quickly recognised as a fine soldier, trustworthy and courageous.

Lance Corporal McKee always had time for everyone. He was a family-man and showed enormous strength, particularly during a very difficult time last year when his two-day-old daughter passed away. Lance Corporal McKee had strong family connections with the regiment, with two brothers, a cousin and his father-in-law all serving in the First Battalion, and with another brother serving in the Second Battalion.

Lance Corporal McKee's loss is profound. It has affected this Battalion and the wider Regimental family most deeply. He leaves behind his wife Carley, his parents Heather and Bobby, his brothers Michael, Gareth and Robert, and his sisters Kelly and Rebecca, our thoughts are with them all at this sad time.

The wife of Lance Corporal McKee, Carley McKee, said:

"You will always be my hero and every step I take in life, I will have my two angels looking after me. You truly are the best husband, father, son and brother anyone could ask for. Till we meet again. Love you always."

Lieutenant Colonel Colin Weir, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment, said:

"The death of Lance Corporal Stephen McKee has sent a wave of shock and sadness through this Battlegroup. Everyone knows the McKees. Everyone respects the McKees. The McKees are in the First Battalion and the McKees are in the Second Battalion.

"It is families like the McKees that make this Regiment what it is; they are the fibre that runs through us and what gives us our fighting spirit. It is because of families like the McKees that we are the winners in this fight.

"Stephen McKee was the finest of men; he was irrepressible, he was utterly reliable and he was a fearsome warrior. As part of the Operations Company he fought the long battle to drive the enemy out of the Nad-e'Ali Canal zone and into the desert.

"And it was into the desert that Stephen and his comrades followed, in pursuit of the enemy. When he died, he was attacking the insurgent in his bases there, harassing him, capturing his weapons and destroying his explosives.

"Not only was he the finest of Irish soldiers, he was a man with great depths of resilience. I had the privilege of spending a little while with him and his wife Carley after their baby daughter passed away unexpectedly last year.

"His parents and his brothers and sisters had closed around the grieving couple. Their strength and the unshakeable of bonds of this wonderful family were truly humbling. Please God be with them all now. Faugh A Ballagh."

Major Gregory Murphy, Officer Commanding D Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment, said:

"The death of Lance Corporal Stephen McKee comes as a most profound loss. Rarely would you find someone as conscientious, generous, hard working and as professional as Stephen. I remember my first meeting with him on Salisbury Plain when he was commanding the opposing force on my Company exercise.

"The first thing that struck me was his disarming smile, the second that unflaggingly positive character of his. Regardless of his own discomfort or the adverse conditions crippling those around him, there would be Stephen with that bloody grin of his. He was a popular and endeared leader within the Company and whilst he was easy to like, he was a man that was even easier to respect.

"Lance Corporal McKee joined Machine Gun Platoon in early 2010 but has always been closely linked with the Regimental Bugles, Pipes and Drums. He was destined for greater things and had just completed his Machine Gun Section Commanders Course before deploying to Afghanistan at the end of January 2011.

"After rejoining the Company he pushed himself immediately to the front and that is where he continued to lead from. He was employed as a Patrol second-in-command and had already taken part in numerous air assault operations. On the day of his death he was taking part in a cordon and search of a small Kalay (village).

"He was determined to do the best he could, to stand shoulder to shoulder with his mates and to serve his country proudly. And this he did.

"Stephen gave his life doing the job he loved. He was a committed, brave and selfless leader that thought nought of himself and everything of those around him. He was a loving husband to Carley and a totemic man of the Regiment. The tragedy has deeply hit the men, not just of D Company, but across the Battalion. That grin of his will be hard to replace."

"Brave, selfless, stoic and good craic with it – these are just some of the accolades lauded on Lance Corporal Stephen McKee by his fellow soldiers. They are the mainstay of every Irish soldier and he was their very embodiment."

Captain Quinton Lenegan Royal Marines

Captain Quinton Lenegan Royal Marines, Machine Gun Platoon Commander, D Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment, said:

"Stephen's death is a terrible and heart-felt loss. In my time with 1 R IRISH he certainly had an impact on me. From the moment he joined my Platoon I realised that Stevie was special and I was truly inspired by the motivation he displayed in all aspects of his job.

"He was a selflessly committed work and family man who faced every challenge head on and never faltered. His friendly ‘happy go lucky' attitude made him extremely popular and he was embraced by the Platoon.

"Lance Corporal McKee was a man who was destined to excel; Stephen had just passed his Machine Gun Section Commanders course and was due to play a key role in the forging of a new Fire Support Platoon.

"The excitement that he displayed when we discussed the prospects of forming a new Platoon was truly inspiring and is testament to the utter professional that he was. His commitment to the Battalion and loyalty to his brothers in arms was humbling. Stephen was not willing to rest on his laurels after his Machine Gun course but instead deployed on Op HERRICK 13 and joined his Platoon.

"Stephen joined the men he loved and has paid the ultimate sacrifice for us, his Battalion and his country. Stephen will live on in my memories and his wife Carley and his family will be in my thoughts during this turbulent time. Rest in Peace Steve."

Captain Benjamin Cox, 11 Platoon Commander, D Company, 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment, said:

"Brave, selfless, stoic and good craic with it – these are just some of the accolades lauded on Lance Corporal Stephen McKee by his fellow soldiers. They are the mainstay of every Irish soldier and he was their very embodiment. He comes from a strong line of Royal Irish stock and it showed. He consistently exceeded what was asked of him and did so in good mirth. He was truly inspiring.

"Lance Corporal McKee came to Ops Company and 11 Platoon at the end of January. He had completed his course in Brecon and was chomping at the bit to command and join his fellow Rangers on operations.

"He joined an experienced Ops Company with many an Air Assault operations to its name and settled into the pace without missing a step. From the off he added value, and that he continued to do so throughout all of this is testament to his fine character.

"The Platoon's thoughts and prayers are with Carley, Stephen's wife, and with his brothers and cousin in the Battalion: Gareth, Michael and Richie. He will be sorely missed by one and all in this close knit Battalion and his memory will live on."

"I could start by saying he was a rough-cut diamond and everyone would know what this means, but not with Stephen. He was not a rough-cut diamond or a bit of a rogue – he was genuinely a nice guy and a doting husband and as such I feel privileged to have known him."

Warrant Officer Class 2 John Brennan

Warrant Officer Class 2 John Brennan, Company Sergeant Major, D Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment, said:

"I could start by saying he was a rough-cut diamond and everyone would know what this means, but not with Stephen. He was not a rough-cut diamond or a bit of a rogue – he was genuinely a nice guy and a doting husband and as such I feel privileged to have known him.

"In work he was always enthusiastic; a happy go lucky soldier with a budding career ahead of him, having just passed a Machine Gun Section Commander's course. Lance Corporal McKee will be truly missed, not just by me – he has left a huge hole within the Machine Gun Platoon and even more so throughout the whole Company, but it does not stop there – If you did not know Lance Corporal McKee you would have most certainly heard of the McKee name within the Battalion.

"It is not the first time I have served with one of the McKee family, and I feel extremely fortunate to have done so; this is a sentiment that is shared throughout the Company and the Battalion.

"I would like to mention his brothers Lance Corporal Michael McKee and Ranger Gareth McKee, of whom I had the pleasure of serving alongside on the last Operation in 2008, and his cousin Corporal Richie McKee whom I have yet to serve with.

"I feel honoured to have met Lance Corporal McKee's parents and I can see why the McKee family, through their parents, have earned themselves the reputation of being such genuine people.

"Lance Corporal McKee has made the ultimate sacrifice, however, in our memories he will live on. Our thoughts at this most difficult time are with his wife, Carley, whom he has left behind. I also extend them to his parents, Heather and Bobby and the wider McKee family. These words will bring little solace but we as a family Regiment are feeling his loss most keenly."

Lance Corporal Jason Orr, Machine Gun Platoon, D Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment, said:

"I first met Stephen through his brother Michael. It didn't take me long to realise what a warm hearted and true all round good lad Stephen was. When he asked me to be part of the guard of honour at his marriage to Carley, I was delighted and proud to do it. Although, I did tell him that I was worried about whether I would fit into my Number 2 Uniform in time for the occasion.

"At the beginning of 2010 Stephen and I both moved to Machine Gun Platoon. He was the type of guy who was always there to lend a hand and the first to volunteer to help out. He never complained with his lot.

"He just knuckled down and got on with the job, but always kept an eye out for others. It was his nature that he would never see you stuck and would be right by your side when you needed him.

"Professionally he was brilliant. He loved his soldiering and was keen to continue his career. He enjoyed the challenge of the machine gun section commander's course and couldn't wait to join his mates on the front line. He hated the idea of not being able to help his mates.

"My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Carley, his parents Heather and Bobby and his brothers and sisters Michael, Gareth, Robert, Rebecca & Kelly. I know Stephen was a big family man and loved them all dearly.

"I've lost a true friend but I know he's looking down on us now with that big loveable smile of his."

"Stevie was a true friend. I'll remember him as the quiet man but when he spoke he had me on my knees in laughter, he was an utter gentleman and I'll miss him always."

Lance Corporal Glen Crooks

Corporal William Haighton, Javelin Platoon, D Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment, said:

"My thoughts are with you Carley, Richie, Michael, Gareth and the rest of the McKee family. You were a true hero and a loyal friend - reunited with your daughter, RIP mate; gone too soon!"

Lance Corporal Glen Crooks, Javelin Platoon, D Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment, said:

"Stevie was a true friend. I'll remember him as the quiet man but when he spoke he had me on my knees in laughter, he was an utter gentleman and I'll miss him always. My thoughts go out to the McKee family especially Carley, and the McKee brothers."

Lance Corporal David Pepper, D Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment, said:

"My thoughts are with all the McKee family through this hard time. Stevie was a good friend and we had many good times while we were in B Company together. He will be sadly missed by everyone in the Company."

Ranger Wayne McCreery, Machine Gun Platoon, D Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment, said:

"My thoughts are with the McKee family at this sad time in their lives. I had the privilege of being with Stephen on the whole of his last day with us. He was a true gentleman who made our time here a lot easier and when you worked with Stephen you always knew the job was being done right.

"We had many laughs together and our last few weeks here won't be the same without him. Stephen is and always will be a credit to the McKee family and we will sorely miss him. Rest in peace mate. You were a good friend and you won't be forgotten."

Secretary of State for Defence, Dr Liam Fox, said:

"I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Lance Corporal Stephen McKee. The tributes of those he served alongside describe an exemplary soldier who was committed to his duty and his friends within The Royal Irish. I send my deepest condolences to his family and to those with whom he served so ably."

An Interview With Words For Warriors

Words For Warriors has been selected by the BlogRadioTalk (BTR) show Support Our Troops- In Word And Deed to be interviewed on Monday, March 14th at 7pm EST or 4pm PST. We invite  everyone to come check it out!

We will be discussing different ways to bridge the gap between the community, military personnel and their family.  We will also be discussing different ways to support the military and their caregivers.  There is a forum for questions during the show, and if you miss it you can always download the episode at a later date.

I hope to see you there!

A List of 10 Misconceptions about PTSD

While reading through my favorite blogs, I came across this article that Wife [Widow] of a Wounded Marine linked to 10 Common Misconceptions about PTSD. I find it interesting an x-ray technician school would post such an article, perhaps it shows the importance PTSD is gaining?

I found the link beneficial and am sharing it here.  On a personal note, I have been diagnosed with PTSD due to trauma I experienced.  My PTSD has zero to do with the military, which is why I have not mentioned it before now.  The reason I bring this up is because of number #3 on the Misconception List, "PTSD sufferers aren't victims." I take issue with the word victim. In my personal definition a victim; is a person who has died due to a traumatic or tragic situation. A survivor; is a person who has survived a traumatic or tragic situation.  I realize some view this distinction as semantics, but it is important to me.  I also haven't met a person who has worn the uniform and freely dons the title of victim. Of course there are those who disagree with me, like I said the above is my personal definition.

I encourage you to view the list, and share the list about the 10 Common Misconceptions about PTSD.