Written by Lieutenant Colonel Allen B West (US Army, Ret)

This past Thursday 13 American Soldiers were killed and another 30 wounded at a horrific mass shooting at US Army installation, Ft Hood Texas. As I watched in horror and then anger I recalled my two years of final service in the Army as a Battalion Commander at Ft Hood, 2002-2004.

My wife and two daughters were stunned at the incident having lived on the post in family housing.

A military installation, whether it is Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, or Coast Guard, is supposed to be a safe sanctuary for our Warriors and their families. It is intended to provide a home whereby our “Band of Brothers and Sisters” can find solace and bond beyond just the foxhole but as family units.

A military installation is supposed to be a place where our Warriors train for war, to serve and protect our Nation.

On Thursday, 5 November 2009 Ft Hood became a part of the battlefield CONTINUED »

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Sgt. Charles I. Cartwright of Union Bridge, MD:

"Maria and I are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sergeant Charles Cartwright. Charles was a brave and courageous Marine, who worked daily to safeguard the ideals our country was built upon. We are forever indebted to his service and join all Californians in honoring his sacrifice. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Charles' family, friends and fellow Marines during this difficult time."

Cartwright, 26, died on November 7 while supporting combat operations in Farah province, Afghanistan. Cartwright was assigned to 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Pendleton, CA.

In honor of Sgt. Cartwright, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Imagine Americans openly praising Hitler in New York in 1943. But in today's politically correct age, everyone's free speech is under threat except that of these guys.

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the deaths of Maj. Samuel Leigh, 1st Lt. Thomas Claiborne, Lt. Cmdr. Che J. Barnes, Lt. Adam W. Bryant, Chief Petty Officer John F. Seidman, Petty Officer 2nd Class Carl P. Grigonis, Petty Officer 2nd Class Monica L. Beacham, Petty Officer 2nd Class Jason S. Moletzsky and Petty Officer 3rd Class Danny R. Kreder:

"These brave men and women dedicated their lives to ensuring our safety and today we are tragically reminded of the dangers they face while protecting our state and nation. Maria and I join all Californians in expressing our respect and gratitude for their service and sadness over their deaths. Together we send our thoughts and prayers to their families and friends. Our hearts are with them during this difficult time."

Leigh, 35; Claiborne, 26; Barnes, 35; Bryant, 28; Seidman, 43; Grigonis, 35; Beacham, 29; Moletzsky, 26; and Kreder, 22, were presumed killed on October 29 after a Coast Guard C-130 plane and a Marine AH-1 Cobra helicopter collided off the coast of Southern California. The Marine pilots were conducting routine training about 15 miles off San Clemente Island when they collided with the U.S. Coast Guard plane, which was based out of the Coast Guard Air Station in Sacramento, CA.

In honor of the victims, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the deaths of Cpl. Gregory M.W. Fleury of Anchorage, AK, Capt. Eric A. Jones of Westchester, NY, Capt. David S. Mitchell of Loveland, OH and Capt. Kyle R. Van De Giesen of North Attleboro, MA:

"Corporal Gregory Fleury, Captain Eric Jones, Captain David Mitchell and Captain Kyle Van De Giesen were brave Marines who proudly and selflessly served our nation. On behalf of all Californians, Maria and I express our admiration for their courage, gratitude for their service and sadness over their deaths. Our hearts are with their family, friends and fellow Marines during this difficult time."

Fleury, 23, Jones, 29 and Van De Giesen, 29, were assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force. Mitchell, 30, was assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force.

All four Marines died on October 26 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. They were based out of Camp Pendleton, CA.

In honor of Cpl. Fleury, Capt. Jones, Capt. Mitchell and Capt. Van De Giesen, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Specialist Michael A. Dahl, Jr. of Moreno Valley:

“Specialist Michael Dahl was a proud and courageous soldier who selflessly worked to defend our nation. Maria and I join all Californians in remembering Michael’s service and honoring his sacrifice. Our hearts are with his family and friends.”

Dahl, 23, died Oct. 17 in Argahndab, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. Dahl was assigned to 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, U.S. Army, Fort Lewis, WA.

In honor of Spc. Dahl, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Spc. Jesus O. Flores of La Mirada:

“Specialist Jesus Flores will be forever remembered for his courage and strength while protecting our country’s freedom. Jesus’ bravery is an example of the commitment and passion of our troops and we are forever indebted to his service. Maria and I send our prayers and condolences to Jesus’ family, friends, and fellow soldiers.”

Flores, 28, died October 15 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. Flores was assigned to the 569th Mobility Augmentation Company, 4th Engineer Battalion, U.S. Army, Fort Carson, CO.

In honor of Spc. Flores, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

You’re invited to the 4th Annual “Honoring Women Veterans” luncheon, Saturday, October 24th, 11AM to 3PM, at the VA Sepulveda Campus Building 23 (gymnasium), parking in Lot ‘X’,. For further information, please contact Julie Stranges, Voluntary Service Office, 818-895-9325. Delicious food, fabulous guests, tons of fun! Sponsored by Daughter of the American Revolution.

Each year Operation Homefront holds several events in order to meet the needs of military families during the holiday season. We cannot provide food and gifts without your help and it’s not too early to start planning now. Below are several ways that you can bring a smile to a child this holiday season and support our military, including adopting a family!

ADOPT A FAMILY: You can give a most precious gift of adopting a military family this holiday season. If you would like to sponsor a family, please contact naomi.rosen@operationhomefront.net. Or call (866) 424- 5210. Details are on our web site.

OUR GIFT TO YOU: Gift bags laden with the makings of a holiday dinner are given to over 1000 families in December. A donation of $35 allows donors to sponsor one bag of food complete with all of the trimmings.

FOOD DRIVE: You may donate non-perishable food to Operation Homefront families to help stock our warehouse throughout the year and provide assistance for families during the holiday season.

TOY DRIVE: You may donate toys for military children for Our Gift ToYou event and the Wounded Warrior Christmas Party. Toys for girls and boys ages 2 to 14 are needed.

SEND DONATIONS TO: Operation Homefront, PO Box 26747, San Diego, CA 92196. www.operationhomefront.net/socal

Operation Homefront is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit organizations dedicated to assisting U.S. services members and wounded warriors returning home, as well as their families. San Diego is the oldest and largest of 30 chapters nationwide and has helped over 12,000 military families since it’s inception in February 2002 with emergency aid such as food, baby care items, vehicle donation and repair, computer donations, financial assistance during times of personal crisis, and social support during especially difficult deployments and holiday seasons.

In process of being verified by Snopes - undetermined

The prelude to the "response" below, from Colonel Bud Day, Medal of Honor recipient - prisoner of war survivor - reads "I didn't expect to be reminded of my treatment some 36 years ago on this holiday weekend but our politicians find it worthy to ignore what some have tried to recount to them, who have actually been there."

**************************************************************
I got shot down over N Vietnam in 1967... a squadron commander.

After I returned in 1973. I published 2 books that dealt a lot with "real torture" in Hanoi. Our make believe president is branding our country as a bunch of torturers when he has no idea what torture is.

As for me, put thru a mock execution, because I would not respond... pistol whipped on the head...same event.. Couple of days later...hung by my feet all day. I escaped and got recaptured a couple of weeks
later. I got shot and recaptured. Shot was OK.what happened after was not.

They marched me to Vinh.. put me in the rope CONTINUED »

US AIR FORCE
Airman Kailey Andrews
Airman First Class Bryana Casas
Senior Airman Michael Chavez
Airman First Class Jacob Collins
Kevin Freeman
Second Lieutenant Chris Gurrola
Airman First Class Ryan Hackney
Senior Master Sergeant Michelle Hart
Staff Sergeant Pedro Rivera-Aparicio

US MARINE CORPS
Lance Corporal Andrew Lochelt
Anthony Magallanes
1st Lieutenant Marcos A. Ruvalcaba
Corporal Steven Zanotti
Private Tabetha Solorio

US NAVY
MA3 Matthew R. Cobos
IT2 Phillip Diaz
EM1 William Foster
Petty Officer Second Class Branden D. Hadley
Chief Petty Officer Garrett Kendrick
Edward Martinez
Petty Officer First Class Joshua A. Mendez
STG2 Richard Schnitz
Frank Solorzano
Yeoman Petty Officer 2nd Class Claudia Toledo, USN Active Reserves

US ARMY - RESERVE
Staff Sergeant Rudy Alcantar, US Army Active Reserve
PFC Juanita Altamirano, US Army Reserve
Sergeant Christopher Telli, US Army Active Reserve

US ARMY
Private First Class Shawn Burson
Private First Class Josh Campos
Private First Class Nick Casas
Jonathan de la Rosa
Major William R. Edmonds
Sergeant Kevin Edwards
Specialist Michael Edwards
Private First Class Joanathan “Jon” Gerlach
Staff Sgt. Alfredo Hurtado Jr.
Corporal Jesus T. Lomeli
Specialist Eleazar Lopez
(WO1) David Warnock-Ortiz
Private First Class George T. Poppic III
Private First Class Joseph Ponce
Lieutenant Colonel Gordon Richardson
Sergeant JT Stone
Private Jeremy Taylor
Sergeant Mark Thompson
Staff Sergeant Kevin Vest
Sergeant First Class Gilbert Zavala
Sergeant Christopher Telli, US Army Active Reserve

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Capt. Joshua S. Meadows, of Bastrop, TX:

“Maria and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Captain Joshua Meadows. He fought with courage and pride and we join all Californians in remembering his great commitment and service to our country. Our thoughts and prayers are with Joshua’s friends, family and fellow Marines as we mourn this terrible loss.”

Meadows, 30, died September 5 while supporting combat operations in Farah province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, U.S. Marine Corps, Camp Pendleton, CA.

In honor of Captain Meadows, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Spc. Jonathan D. Welch of Yorba Linda:

“Maria and I are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Specialist Jonathan Welch. He fought courageously, putting himself in harm’s way as he served our country. We join all Californians in remembering his commitment and sacrifice. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jonathan’s family, friends and fellow soldiers during this difficult time.”

Welch, 19, died August 31 in Shuyene Sufia, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. Welch was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, U.S. Army, Fort Lewis, WA.

In honor of Spc. Welch, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued a statement regarding the death of Lance Cpl. Donald J. Hogan of San Clemente:

“Lance Corporal Donald J. Hogan served our country with bravery and determination while courageously putting himself in harm’s way. Maria and I join all Californians in remembering Donald’s service and we will never forget his sacrifice. Our hearts go out to Donald’s family, friends and fellow Marines as they mourn this terrible loss.”

Hogan, 20, died August 26 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. Hogan was assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps, Camp Pendleton, CA.

In honor of Lance Cpl. Hogan, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Pfc. Brian M. Wolverton of Oak Park:

“Maria and I were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Private First Class Brian Wolverton, a courageous soldier who selflessly sacrificed his life while fighting to protect the freedoms that we hold dear. We join all Californians in remembering his service and we send our thoughts and prayers to Brian’s family and friends as they mourn this tremendous loss.”

Wolverton, 21, died August 20 in Kunar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with indirect fire. Wolverton was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), U.S. Army, Fort Drum, NY.

In honor of Pfc. Wolverton, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Lance Cpl. Javier Olvera of Palmdale:

“Lance Corporal Javier Olvera was a brave Marine who selflessly gave his life in service to our country. Along with all Californians, Maria and I will forever be grateful for Javier’s incredible sacrifice and his courage will not be forgotten. We send our thoughts and prayers to Javier’s family, friends and fellow Marines during this difficult time.”

Olvera, 20, died Aug. 8 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

In honor of Lance Cpl. Olvera, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.