Military: Two U.S. congressmen take the lead in proclaiming the obvious — that those who attack this country should be punished and not those who risk their lives to defend it.

The Navy SEALs are a special breed of patriot and warrior. This highly trained and select group — the best of the best — is a daily participant in the long twilight struggle against the enemies of freedom that President Kennedy warned us about.

Kennedy formally created the SEAL... http://www.investors.com/NewsAndAnalysis/Article.aspx?id=525657

Many people in Fillmore do not know that any veteran’s name can be added to the wall at the Memorial Building. If you are interested in having a deceased family member or friend added, get a permission letter from the family, attach a check for $125 to cover the cost of the name plate, and deliver both to Annette Cardona at the
City Hall. Since these name plates are cast in bronze, it takes several months. This is a fitting memorial for
anyone who has served in the military. Our WW2 veterans are passing away quickly now and often we forget there is a place for their name to be included on the Memorial wall.

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Lance Cpl. Carlos A. Aragon of Orem, UT:

"On behalf of all Californians, Maria and I extend our thoughts and prayers to the loved ones of Lance Corporal Carlos Aragon as they mourn the loss of this courageous Marine. The loyalty and dedication he displayed while defending our nation's freedoms are an inspiration to us all and his service to our country will not be forgotten."

Aragon, 19, died March 1 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, based out of Camp Pendleton, CA.

In honor of Lance Cpl. Aragon, 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 Lance Cpl. Joshua H. Birchfield of Westville, IN:

"Maria and I join all Californians in mourning the tremendous loss of Lance Corporal Joshua Birchfield. Joshua was a courageous Marine and will be honored forever for his commitment and willingness to answer the call of duty to defend our freedoms. We send our prayers and sincere condolences to his loved ones and fellow Marines during this difficult time."

Birchfield, 24, died February 19 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps, Twentynine Palms, CA.

In honor of Lance Cpl. Birchfield, 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 Lance Cpl. Alejandro J. Yazzie of Rock Point, AZ:

"Lance Corporal Alejandro Yazzie was a valiant member of our nation's armed forces and Maria and I were saddened to learn of his death. We will be forever grateful for Alejandro's selfless service to our country and send our thoughts and prayers to his family, friends and fellow Marines during this difficult time."

Yazzie, 23, died February 16 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps, Camp Pendleton, California.

In honor of Lance Cpl. Yazzie, 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
Sgt. David J. Smith of Frederick, MD:

"Sergeant David Smith was a committed Marine who fought courageously to preserve the freedom of our country. Maria and I join all Californians in expressing our sadness over his death and honoring his bravery and selflessness. Our thoughts and prayers go out to David's family and fellow Marines during this difficult time."

Smith, 25, died January 26 from wounds received January 23 while supporting combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Smith was assigned to 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, based out of Camp Pendleton, CA.

In honor of Sgt. Smith, 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 Staff Sgt. Anton R. Phillips of Inglewood:

"Maria and I are deeply saddened by the death of Staff Sergeant Anton Phillips, a courageous soldier who committed his life to protecting the ideals our country was built upon. We join all Californians in expressing our admiration and respect for Anton's service and together we honor his sacrifice. We send our deepest condolences to Anton's family, friends and fellow soldiers during this difficult time."

Phillips, 31, died December 31, at Forward Operating Base Methar Lam, Afghanistan. He was assigned to G Forward Support Company, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Battalion, Task Force Wildhorse, U.S. Army, Forward Operating Base Methar Lam, Afghanistan.

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

Ventura County, CA. - On Wednesday, January 27, the Department of the Navy, Clark Realty Capital, and Lincoln Military Housing will celebrate the grand opening of Catalina Heights, a family housing community featuring 32 single family homes and 273 townhomes constructed as part of the Navy's largest public/private venture to date. The Partners for Excellence event will highlight the innovative partnership and celebrate the redevelopment of the neighborhood at Catalina Heights.

Remarks will be made by Captain James J. McHugh, Commanding Officer, Naval Base Ventura County, Mr. Kevin Kildee, Mayor of Camarillo, California, and Mr. Morgan Rogers, Development Executive, Clark Realty Capital. Following the ceremony, the partnership will host an open house reception for guests to tour two model homes and the Catalina Heights Community Center.

WHO: Residents and Military Officials of Naval Base Ventura County and Navy Region Southwest, California Government Officials, Clark Realty Capital, and Lincoln Military Housing

WHAT: Catalina Heights Grand-Opening Ceremony and Reception

WHEN: Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.

WHERE: Catalina Heights Community Center
1104 Calle El Halcon
Camarillo, CA 93010

About Clark Realty Capital
Clark Realty Capital (CRC) is a fully integrated national real estate company offering a broad base of services including capital markets, development, construction, property management, and investment management. The Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines are leveraging the ingenuity and assured performance of CRC at 12 military installations throughout the United States. Upon completion of current military projects, CRC will have built or renovated over 34,000 homes with a development value in excess of $4.9 billion. For more information, visit www.clarkrealtycapital.com.

About Clark Builders Group
As the fourth largest multifamily builder in the nation, Clark Builders Group (CBG) is one of the nation's premier builders of luxury apartments, military family housing, and mixed-use communities. CBG has constructed more than 50,000 homes since its founding in 1992 and boasts an extensive portfolio of nationally acclaimed, award-winning communities on both coasts. CBG is an affiliate of the Clark Construction Group, one of the nation's oldest and largest private general contractors. For more information, visit www.clarkbuildersgroup.com.

About Lincoln Military Housing
Since 1965, Lincoln Property Company has distinguished itself as an innovator in real estate development and management. This includes residential, retail, commercial, office, industrial and mixed-use developments with a presence in more than 200 markets worldwide. In 2001, Lincoln developed a new approach to military housing. Named Lincoln Military Housing, it is an affiliate of Lincoln Property Company created to focus exclusively on meeting the needs of the Armed Services and their constituents. Today, Lincoln has developed and managed more than 30,000 military family homes at 26 Installations across the nation. With over four decades of experience, Lincoln Property Company residential and commercial developments have become the industry standard for attractive architecture, attention to detail, superior management, and community enhancement. For more information about Lincoln Property Company, please visit www.lincolnproperties.com.

According to media reports, it now looks like Ahmed Hashim Abed will get his revenge in a military court.

Abed was the mastermind of the 2004 ambush and slaughter of four American security contractors whose charred bodies were later hung from a bridge in Fallujah. Three Navy SEALs—Special Warfare Operators 2nd Class Matthew McCabe and Jonathan Keefe, and SO1 Julio Huertas—are each facing court martial and prison time for allegedly “roughing up” Abed when they captured him in a daring raid last September.

In one of the most ironic twists to the story, they will be tried in a...http://newsrealblog.com/2010/01/04/ridiculous-trial-of-navy-seals-to-proceed/

John Gebhardt's wife, Mindy, said that this little girl's entire family was executed. The insurgents intended to execute the little girl also, and shot her in the head...but they failed to kill her. She was cared for in John's hospital and is healing up, but continues to cry and moan. The nurses said John is the only one who seems to calm her down, so John has spent the last four nights holding her while they both slept in that chair. The girl is coming along with her healing.

He is a real Star of the war, and represents what America is trying to do.

This, my friends, is worth sharing. Go for it!! You'll never see things like this in the news. Please keep this going. Nothing will happen if you don't, but the American public needs to see pictures like this and needs to realize that what we're doing over there is making a difference.. Even if it is just one little girl at a time.

James Gates U. S. Navy

http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123031670

Gov. Schwarzenegger Celebrates Grand Opening of Ventura Veterans HomeContinuing his commitment to California’s veterans, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today joined California Department of Veterans Affairs (CDVA) Secretary Roger Brautigan and commanding officer of the Naval Base Ventura County Captain James McHugh to celebrate the grand opening of California Veterans Home, Ventura (CVH-Ventura), the newest state veterans home which will provide housing and long-term care for many of California’s veterans.

“Our veterans are the reason we live in freedom and liberty and I am proud to stand at this grand opening and see the direct results of our state’s investment in veterans homes. Today we are delivering on the promises that we have made to our veterans by making these essential services available to them and their families,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “Their commitment to our country never waivers and I am honored to unveil California’s commitment to those who served.”

CVH-Ventura will provide 60 long-term care beds for aged and disabled veterans who served honorably in the military. Following a period of review and licensing, veterans will be able to move into the new home in early January 2010.

“Today’s grand opening demonstrates California’s tremendous CONTINUED »

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Pfc. Marcus A. Tynes, of Moreno Valley:

"Maria and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Private First Class Marcus Tynes. The men and women in our armed forces are heroes and Marcus will forever be remembered for his courageous service to our country. We send our thoughts and prayers to all of Marcus' loved ones as they deal with this tragic loss."

Tynes, 19, died November 22 in Zabul province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. Tynes was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, U.S. Army, Fort Bragg, N.C.

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

I am a doctor specializing in the Emergency Departments of the only two military Level One-Trauma Centers, both in San Antonio, TX and they care for civilian Emergencies as well as military personnel. San Antonio has the largest military retiree population in the world living here. As a military doctor, I work long hours and the pay is less than glamorous. One tends to become jaded by the long hours, lack of sleep, food, family contact and the endless parade of human suffering passing before you. The arrival of another ambulance does not mean more pay, only more work.

Most often, it is a victim from a motor vehicle crash. Often it is a person of dubious character who...

http://www.emmitsburg.net/archive_list/articles/thoughtful/fft/soon_to_b...