R/R Cairns Australia- 1st Stop

Cairns , Australia
Christmas 2010

Cairns is a regional city in Far North Queensland, Australia. The city was named after William Wellington Cairns (then Governor of Queensland). It was formed to serve miners heading for the Hodgkinson River goldfield, but experienced a decline when an easier route was discovered from Port Douglas. It later developed into a railhead and major port for exporting sugar cane, gold and other metals, minerals and agricultural products from surrounding coastal areas and the Atherton Tableland region.
Cairns is located on the east coast of Cape York Peninsula on a coastal strip between the Coral Sea and the Great Dividing Range. The northern part of the city is located on Trinity Bay and the city centre is located on Trinity Inlet. Some of the city's suburbs are located on flood plains. The Mulgrave River and Barron River flow within the city's boundary but not through the city itself. The city centre's foreshore is located on a mud flat

During World War II, Cairns was used by the Allied Forces as a staging base for operations in the Pacific, with US Army Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force operational bases (now the airport), as well as a major military seaplane base in Trinity Inlet, and US Navy and Royal Australian Navy bases near the current wharf. Combat missions were flown out of Cairns in support of the Battle of the Coral Sea in 1942. Edmonton and White Rock south of Cairns were major military supply areas and US Paratroopers trained at Gordonvale and the Goldsborough Valley.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cairns,_Queensland
(source)

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given."—Isaiah 9:6.

Best Friends

A Christmas Question
http://www.spurgeon.org/sermons/0291.htm

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given."—Isaiah 9:6.

"I will just repeat the four different proofs again. If unto me a child is born then I have been born again; and, moreover, I am now in consequence of that new birth, a child. If, again, a Son has been given to me, then I am a son; and again I am given to that Son who is given to me. I have tried to put these tests in the way that the text would suggest them. I pray you carry them home with you. ....., "Unto me this Son is given." . God help you, that you may be blessed in him, and may sing sweetly "Unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given."

"Ah, Christians, ring the bells of your hearts, tire the salute of your most joyous songs, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given." Dance, O my heart, and ring out peals of gladness! Ye drops of blood within my veins dance every one of you! Oh! all my nerves become harp strings, and let gratitude touch you with angelic fingers! And thou, my tongue, shout—shout to his praise who hath said to thee—"Unto thee a child is born, unto thee a Son is given." Wipe that tear away! Come, stop that sighing! Hush yon murmuring. What matters your poverty? "Unto you a child is born." What matters your sickness? "Unto you a Son is given." What matters your sin? For this child shall take the sin away, and this Son shall wash and make you fit for heaven. I say, if it be so,


"Lift up the heart, lift up the voice,
Rejoice aloud! ye saints rejoice!"
( Charles H Spurgeon Sermon excerpt 291)

Merry Christmas from Australia

Peace -Christmas Eve 2010



DOD Graphic by Souheil Mechlawi



 John 14: 27

"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. "

2010 Holiday Message

Message by Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, Washington, DC, Wednesday, November 24, 2010

During this upcoming season of joy, thanksgiving, and celebration, I want to extend my warmest greetings, deep thanks, and best wishes, to the brave men and women of the United States military, and to their families.
I know the holiday season is especially difficult for those service members who are unable to spend it with their loved ones. These troops sacrifice their holidays, so that fellow Americans can safely enjoy theirs. In doing so, they are part of a tradition that dates back to our nation’s founding.
On Christmas Night, December 25, 1776, General George Washington and his band of 2,400 men crossed the icy Delaware River, won victories against British and German troops, and stirred new hope into the struggle for freedom and liberty.
Nearly one year after that famed crossing, the Continental Congress celebrated the hard-fought victory of our troops at Saratoga, New York, by proclaiming the first ever national day of Thanksgiving.
Today, more than two hundred years later, thanks to the efforts and toughness of the men and women of the U.S. military, the cause of freedom and liberty endures. And though nothing can extinguish the pain of being away from family during this time, our troops can find comfort in knowing that the American people are forever indebted to them and grateful for their selflessness and commitment to America’s security.
To the troops who watch over our nation: I thank you for your service, and I pray for your safe return home. To the families who share their loved ones to defend our great nation: I thank you for your sacrifices and support.
May God forever protect and bless you, your families, and our nation.


’Twas a Night in December
By Jian DeLeon, Ian Graham and Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg
Emerging Media, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 2010 – Servicemembers stationed from Antarctica to Afghanistan lent their talents and time to craft a video for a poem titled “’Twas a Night in December,” based on Clement Clarke Moore’s “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” but rewritten with a military twist.

More than 40 commands around the world, representing every branch of the military service, participated.
Along with the military people who contributed to this creative effort, country music star Toby Keith introduced the video, reinforcing his long-term support for military and their families stationed around the world.
Some of the servicemembers involved in this holiday greeting were located in the most remote regions in the world. For example, Air Force Capt. Graydon Muller of 6th Special Operations Squadron and Air Force Capt. Rob Marshall of the 8th Special Operations Squadron departed Nov. 24 to climb Vinson Massif, the highest mountain in Antarctica. Muller and Massif took time away from their climb to speak a few lines for the video.
Other servicemembers from Afghanistan, Germany, Iraq, Italy, Pakistan and throughout the United States participated in making the video. In fact, people on six out of the world's seven continents took part. The video was produced by Defense Media Activity’s emerging media directorate.

’Twas a Night in December
’Twas a night in December and all over the world,
At bases and stations where our flag flies unfurled,
The Holiday season had long since commenced,
And spread its spirit of cheer through the Department of Defense
Combat boots sat at ease by the fence line with care,
In hopes that a return date soon would be there.

At home, loved ones slept sound in their beds,
With visions of troops coming home in their heads.
As Moms perform night patrols, and Dads conduct checks,
A long winter’s nap is the last thing they expect.
When out on the tarmac arose such a clatter,
Soldiers and sailors sprang up to see what was the matter.

Away to the deck, they hustled, they dashed,
Some ran through a passageway, one opened a hatch.

In Antarctica, moonlight shimmered on the snow,
A sliver of light shown on the objects below.
And what to our wondering eyes should appear,
But letters and packages bundled with care.
Yet it wasn’t just there that we saw these things land,
We received them as well, here in Afghanistan!
They were packaged so well that they could withstand,
The harsh desert winds full of Iraqi sand.
Onto Nicaragua with volcanoes and lakes,
Padded so carefully that nothing would break
Addressed from our family and friends we hold dear,
With Holiday greetings and a “Wish You Were Here!”
We lined up and claimed them, with smiles ear-to-ear,
Every person overcome with Holiday cheer.

Your support and your thoughts are the best possible gift,
We send you our thanks for giving our spirits such a lift.
Thanks from the National Guard
Thanks from the Army,
Thanks from the Navy,
Thanks from the Marines,
Thanks from the Air Force,
Thanks from the Coast Guard,
We want you to know how much this gift means.
In our eyes you’re super, and we mean A-OK.
We will do our duty and keep defending our freedom,
And wish you and yours the very best this Holiday season!

Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1j_icz3ZEHw

"You hem me in, behind and before.."

Recalling the mercy of 12/18/2002

Psalm 139:5 "You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me."
 (look behind me and you're there, then up ahead and you're there, too-- your reassuring presence, coming and going.- The Message )

Holly Berries and Cactus Bloom in Winter.. all things work for good...

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

by Thomas Chisholm

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father

There is no shadow of turning with Thee
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
© 1951 Hope Publishing Co

Along life's road- "The Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you." Deu 31:8

 You Will Never Walk Alone Words and Music by Lowell Alexander

Along life's road
There will be sunshine and rain
Roses and thorns, laughter and pain
And 'cross the miles
You will face mountains so steep
Deserts so long and valleys so deep
Sometimes the Journey's gentle
Sometimes the cold winds blow
But I want you to remember
I want you to know

(Chorus)
You will never walk alone
 "He is your solid rock of faith"
Jesus will be right beside you all the way
And you may feel you're far from home
But home is where He is
And He'll be there down every road
You will never walk alone
never, no never

The path will wind
And you will find wonders and fears
Labors of love and a few falling tears
Across the years
There will be some twists and turns
Mistakes to make and lessons to learn
Sometimes the journey's gentle
Sometimes the cold winds blow
But I want you to remember wherever you may go

(Repeat Chorus)
Jesus knows your joy, Jesus knows your need
"He has gone the distance" with you faithfully
(Repeat Chorus)

".. do not fear nor be dismayed" Deu 31:8

"And wonders, wonders, of His love." - Emily "18"



emily and friends window art



"and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. ¹⁰ When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy" Matt 2:9-10

Sighting in back yard



10th Mtn Climb to Glory



Freedom

Joy to the World , the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the World, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.

emily 18 yrs

Carol of the Bells
August Burns Red
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xml9j0mnKYE

"As Americans we've endured and we've grown stronger, and we remain the Land of the Free only because we are also Home of the Brave."

Obama’s Remarks at Bagram Air Force Base
Published: December 3, 2010
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/04/us/politics/04prexy-text.html?pagewanted=1&pagewant
Following is an excerpt  transcript of President Obama's remarks to troops at Bagram Air Force Base on Friday, as released by the White House:

I want to thank General Petraeus ..for General Petraeus's lifetime of service. This is somebody who has helped change the way we fight wars and win wars in the 21st century. And I am very grateful that he agreed to take command of our efforts here in Afghanistan. He has been an extraordinary warrior on behalf of the American people. Thank you, David Petraeus.
"Millions of Americans give thanks this holiday season just as generations have before when they think about our armed services. You're part of an unbroken line of Americans who have given up your comfort, your ease, your convenience for America's security.

It was on another cold December more than 200 years ago that a band of patriots helped to found our nation, defeat an empire -- from that icy river to the fields of Europe, from the islands in the Pacific to the hills of Korea, from the jungles of Vietnam to the deserts of Iraq, those who went before you, they also found themselves in this season of peace serving in war. They did it for the same reason that all of you do -- because the freedom and the liberty that we treasure, that's not simply a birthright. It has to be earned by the sacrifices of generations -- generations of patriots, men and women who step forward and say, send me. I know somebody has got to do it, and I'm willing to serve. Men and women who are willing to risk all and some who gave all to keep us safe, to keep us free.

In our time, in this 21st century, when so many other institutions seem to be shirking their responsibilities, you've embraced your responsibilities. You've shown why the United States military remains the most trusted institution in America.
That's the legacy that your generation has forged during this decade of trial in Iraq and here in Afghanistan. That's the legacy that you're carrying forward. "
Everybody -- everybody is behind you. Everybody back home is behind you. Everybody, from north to south to east to west, from sea to shining sea, the American people are united in support of you and your families.

Your generation, the generation of Afghanistan and Iraq, has met every mission that you've been given. You've served tour after tour. You've earned not just our admiration; you've earned your place in American history alongside those greatest generations.
And he's right. Each of you has your own story. Each of you is writing your own chapter in the story of America and the story of American armed forces. Each of you have some losses. Each of you have made sacrifices. You come from every conceivable background -- from big cities and small towns, from every race and faith and station. You've come together to serve a greater cause, one that matters to the citizens of your country back home and to strangers who live a world away.


So make no mistake, through your service, you demonstrate the content of the American character.  -- every single one of you is a hero.

Some people ask whether America's best days lie ahead or whether our greatness stretches back behind us in the stories of those who've gone before. And when I look out at all of you, I know the answer to that. You give me hope. You give me inspiration. Your resolve shows that Americans will never succumb to fear. Your selfless service shows who we are, who we always will be -- united as one people and united as one nation -- for you embody and stand up for the values that make us what we are as a people.
America is not defined by our borders. We are defined by a common creed. In this holiday season, it's worth remembering that "we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that we are endowed by our Creator by certain inalienable rights, that among these are the right to life and liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
And that's what you're fighting for here in Afghanistan, and that's what you're protecting back home. And that belief is more powerful than any adversary.
So we may face a tough enemy in Afghanistan, and we're in a period of tough challenges back home, but we did not become the nation that we are because we do what's easy. As Americans we've endured and we've grown stronger, and we remain the Land of the Free only because we are also Home of the Brave.
And because of you, I know that once more, we will prevail. So thank you. God bless you, and God bless the United States of America. (Hooah!)
Thank you, everybody, and Happy New Year. Thank you, everybody. God bless you.

"So many of you have stood before the solemn battle cross, display of boots, a rifle, a helmet, and said good-bye to a fallen comrade.
This year alone nearly 100 members of 101st have given their last full measure of devotion. There are few days when I don't sign a letter to a military family expressing our nation's gratitude and grief at their profound sacrifice. And this holiday season our thoughts and prayers are with those who've lost a loved one -- the father and mother, the son or daughter, the brother or sister or friend who's not coming home. And we know that their memories will never be forgotten and that their life has added to the life of our nation."
*******************
We are Thankful 101st, 10th Mtn Division, and all armed forces serving. Appreciate your devotion and sacrifice. We will remember and not forget- Joe and Jayne.

I Will Offer Up My Life
lyrics by Matt Redman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWXWHdgapjI

I will offer up my life
In spirit and truth,
Pouring out the oil of love
As my worship to You
In surrender I must give my every part;
Lord, receive the sacrifice
Of a broken heart

CHORUS:
Jesus, what can I give, what can I bring
To so faithful a friend, to so loving a King?
Savior, what can be said, what can be sung
As a praise of Your name
For the things You have done?
Oh my words could not tell, not even in part
Of the debt of love that is owed
By this thankful heart

You deserve my every breath
For You've paid the great cost;
Giving up Your life to death,
Even death on a cross
You took all my shame away,
There defeated my sin
Opened up the gates of heaven
And have beckoned me in

10th Mountain Division takes command of RC(S)

(Photo credit SrA John D. Strong II )

10th Mountain Division (LI) commander Maj. Gen. James L. Terry and 10th Mountain Division (LI) Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Greca unfurl the division colors during a transfer of authority ceremony on Kandahar Airfield Tuesday. Terry and Greca are taking over as the command team for Regional Command South.

10th Mountain Division (LI) takes command of RC(S) during TOA

STOWE- Dedicates new 10TH Mountain Division Memorial 11/27/10

Great Day at Spruce Peak at Stowe Vermont
10th Mountain Memorial
11/27/10
http://www.stowe.com/mountain/photo_gallery.php

Thankgiving

Had some Turkey raised by Luke and Andrea!
GW prayed for the family and for matt and cyndi- we missed you
Jon and Abby were at her mom and dads.
The Sisters had free reign.

Psalm 16
5 LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup;
you make my lot secure.
6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance.
7 I will praise the LORD, who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
8 I keep my eyes always on the LORD.
With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Getting the Christmas tree

Missed you Matt and Cyndi but we did try to enjoy getting the tree.

Happy Thanksgiving- Pentagon Interview- PAO

Thanks for the excellent Interview Col Burleson.
Thanks Cpt Cynthia Holuta, PAO

Listen to 5:08 minute
http://www.dvidshub.net/video/101239/col-willard-burleson-part-4

http://www.defense.gov/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=4725


CAPT. JAMES: Bill, that ends our question period. And I'll turn it back over to you for any final comments that you want to make.

COL. BURLESON: Well, first of all, again, happy Thanksgiving. I appreciate all of you taking the time today to listen to me from here in northern Afghanistan.
It's incredibly important that you tell the story of what America's sons and daughters are doing over here. You know, I'm amazed every day by their commitment and sacrifices that they do, mostly for their buddies, but also for their families and for their country. And it makes me incredibly proud to see everything that they do. And all of you at home and those that are your listeners, your readers, your audience, ought to be tremendously proud.

And I -- and I'd like to thank everybody back in the States for their support. You know, there's community leaders, there's friends, there's clergy, there's teachers, there's coaches, and they're our military rear attachments back there. I mean, every day, all that all of them do back there makes it easier for us to focus on our job here. I think the commitment is deep. I mean, we know what happened to our country on 9/11, and it resonates very strongly with these young men over here who are giving it everything they've got every day.

So thank you to all the supporters back in the States. And thanks to all of you for taking time out of your day today to talk with me.

CAPT. JAMES: Well, thanks for participating, and happy Thanksgiving to you and your troops.

COL. BURLESON: Okay. Take care.

                        Cynthia (center)

See you soon! Happy Thanksgiving. Thanks for serving!

Psalm 103:1
Bless the Lord, O my soul,and all that is within me,bless his holy name! 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,and forget not all his benefits,3 who forgives all your iniquity,who heals all your diseases,4 who redeems your life from the pit,who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,5 who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Matt and Cyndi,
You are truly a blessing to us.
We never want to forget that you are a gift to us by God.
We also want you to know that our soul is refreshed when we think of you and spend our cherished times together.
So be encouraged this day and know, new and afresh, the new mercies and protection of our Lord.

“In order to our return of praises to God, there must be a grateful remembrance of the mercies we have received from him: Forget not all his benefits. If we do not give thanks for them, we do forget them; and that is unjust as well as unkind, since in all God’s favours there is so much that is memorable.”
(Matthew Henry Commentary)

We give thanks this day for you!

Love
Jayne, Joe, Jon , Abby, Rachel, and Emily Ann

Army Achievement Medal - Excellent job!

CPT Holuta, SPC Rocha, and SPC Whitmire

receive AAMs for treating an injured American on the battlefield .

 

VETERANS DAY 2010- 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month

 

"On Veterans Day, we come together to pay tribute to the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. Americans across this land commemorate the patriots who have risked their lives to preserve the liberty of our Nation, the families who support them, and the heroes no longer with us.

It is not our weapons or our technology that make us the most advanced military in the world; it is the unparalleled spirit, skill, and devotion of our troops. As we honor our veterans with ceremonies on this day, let our actions strengthen the bond between a Nation and her warriors.
In an unbroken line of valor stretching across more than two centuries, our veterans have charged into harm's way, sometimes making the ultimate sacrifice, to protect the freedoms that have blessed America. Whether Active Duty, Reserve, or National Guard, they are our Nation's finest citizens, and they have shown the heights to which Americans can rise when asked and inspired to do so.

Our courageous troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the globe have earned their place alongside previous generations of great Americans, serving selflessly, tour after tour, in conflicts spanning nearly a decade."
(Pres. Obama Veterans Day 2010)

History Channel
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymCa1eB_qLA&feature=player_embedded

An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day." Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
Later that same year, on October 8th, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first "Veterans Day Proclamation" which stated: "In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans' organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible."
Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day:
A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.


"when the fighting has finished, and our nation has endured; when today’s servicemen and women are veterans, and their children have grown — it will be said of this generation that they believed under the most trying of tests; that they persevered not just when it was easy, but when it was hard; and that they paid the price and bore the burden to secure this nation, and stood up for the values that live in the hearts of all free peoples." (Pres. Obama 2009)

John Piper- Thankful They Embraced the Risk
http://desiringgod.org/blog/posts/thankful-they-embraced-the-risk

The Magnitude of Grace

"My grace is sufficient for thee; for My strength is made perfect in weakness"

 (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Our weakness should be prized as making room for divine strength. We might never have known the power of grace if we had not felt the weakness of nature. Blessed be the LORD for the thorn in the flesh, and the messenger of Satan, when they drive us to the strength of God. This is a precious word from our LORD's own lip. It has made the writer laugh for joy. God's grace enough for me! I should think it is. Is not the sky enough for the bird and the ocean enough for the fish? The All-Sufficient is sufficient for my largest want. He who is sufficient for earth and heaven is certainly able to meet the case of one poor worm like me. Let us, then, fall back upon our God and His grace. If He does not remove our grief, He will enable us to bear it. His strength shall be poured into us till the worm shall thresh the mountains, and a nothing shall be victor over all the high and mighty ones. It is better for us to have God's strength than our own; for if we were a thousand times as strong as we are, it would amount to nothing in the face of the enemy; and if we could be weaker than we are, which is scarcely possible, yet we could do all things through Christ. (Faith's Checkbook- Nov 8- CHS)