Memorial Day 2010- OEF RC-N

God  Bless Our Home Sweet Home- Miss you

10TH Mountain- We remember the fallen and pray for the families.

http://www.drum.army.mil/sites/installation/pao/casualties/default.asp?local=all

In honor of Memorial Day, the POW/MIA table is carefully set near the entrance of the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade Dining Facility. The POW/MIA table symbolizes missing service members. Each item serves as a reminder: the table set for one is small to symbolize the frailty of one prisoner against his oppressors; the white tablecloth symbolizes the purity of their intentions to respond to their country's call to arms; the single rose displayed in a vase represents loved ones of comrades who keep faith awaiting their return; the red ribbon tied on the vase is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn on the lapel and breasts of thousands who bear witness to their unyielding determination to demand a proper accounting for our missing; a slice of lemon on the bread plate symbolizes their bitter fate; the salt upon the bread plate is the family's tears as they wait; the glass is inverted, as they cannot toast their comrades; the chair is empty – they are not here. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class JR Williams

Honor The Fallen
http://www.militarytimes.com/valor/

 General Order No. 11

Headquarters, Grand Army of the Republic Washington, D.C.,

May 5, 1868
Decoration Day I. The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form or ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.

We are organized, comrades, as our regulations tell us, for the purpose, among other things, "of preserving and strengthening those kind and fraternal feelings which have bound together the soldiers, sailors, and marines who united to suppress the late rebellion." What can aid more to assure this result than by cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead, who made their breasts a barricade between our country and its foe? Their soldier lives were the reveille of freedom to a race in chains, and their death a tattoo of rebellious tyranny in arms. We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the Nation can add to their adornment and security is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders. Let no wanton foot tread rudely on such hallowed grounds. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and found mourners. Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten, as a people, the cost of free and undivided republic.
If other eyes grow dull and other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain in us.

Let us, then, at the time appointed, gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from dishonor; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us as sacred charges upon the Nation's gratitude,--the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan.
II. It is the purpose of the Commander-in-Chief to inaugurate this observance with the hope it will be kept up from year to year, while a survivor of the war remains to honor the memory of his departed comrades. He earnestly desires the public press to call attention to this Order, and lend its friendly aid in bringing it to the notice of comrades in all parts of the country in time for simultaneous compliance therewith.
III. Department commanders will use every effort to make this order effective.

By command of:
JOHN A. LOGAN,
Commander-in-Chief.

N. P. CHIPMAN,
Adjutant-General
Source:
http://www.aiipowmia.com/histories/histmemday.html

DAY by DAY Northern Afghanistan- American forces spearheading the surge 10th BSB

German gun truck of some kind and a great comparison photo, the Afghan Army and police drive the ford rangers we drive the M-ATV

10th BSB Soldiers receive combat patches

By First Lt. Robert Baker

Contributing Writer

CAMP MIKE SPANN, Afghanistan – Soldiers of 1st Brigade Combat Team's 10th Brigade Support Battalion recently gathered for a special occasion – receiving their 10th Mountain Division former wartime service patches.

The ceremony, led by Lt. Col. James Phillips and Command Sgt. Maj. Corey Watson, command team for 10th BSB, marks a special day for many Soldiers because it will forever change the way they are looked upon in the Army.

More commonly known as a combat patch, it is a tradition dating back to the Revolutionary War. It is a significant change to a Soldier's uniform. They wear the Army Combat Patch for the rest of their career on the right sleeve of their uniform, which sets them apart from other Soldiers.

The combat patch signifies a Soldier has been deployed in a combat area. It so also signifies their association into brotherhood and sisterhood inside the Armed Forces, and even in 10th Mountain Division (LI) itself.

"This was a prideful moment to receive my combat patch; this shows that we went all out for our country," said Spec. Eileen Samoza, a first-time deployer with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 10th BSB.

Even those who have deployed with other units in the past have feelings of pride receiving the 10th Mountain Division combat patch for the first time.

"The ceremony symbolized a new chapter for the Afghanistan people and the American forces spearheading the surge, trying to win the hearts and minds," said Staff Sgt. Jessica Walla, who deployed with the 82nd Airborne Division in 2006. “The patch went to all of us in the 10th Mountain through shared commitment, valor and hardship."

Soldiers who have deployed with 10th BSB in Afghanistan are transformed forever. Whether they stay in the Army and become careerists or strike out in the civilian world, they will always feel the weight of the combat patch on their right shoulder.

http://www.drum.army.mil/sites/postnews/mountaineer/mountaineer_online/hnews.asp?id=2

Lt. Col. James R. Phillips and Command Sgt. Maj. Corey Watson, command team of 10th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, switch each other's combat patches during a ceremony at Camp Mike Spann, Afghanistan. Their new 10th Mountain Division patches worn on the right shoulder symbolizes the current deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Photo by First Lt. Robert Baker.

Today's Mercies for Today's Troubles (Excerpt from John Piper )

http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Sermons/ByDate/1994/867_Todays_Mercies_for_Todays_Troubles/

Matthew 6:34
Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Lamentations 3:22-23, "The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness."

"that there is fresh mercy from God for each day's appointed pain. Today's mercies are not designed to carry tomorrow's burdens. There will be mercies tomorrow for that. Today's mercies are for today's burdens.


It's the phrase "they are new every morning" that gives me this great confidence that each day's mercies—each day's kindnesses—are given specifically for that day. Ponder that with me. Let it sink in. "His mercies . . . are new every morning."

Why are they new every morning? Why does God do it that way? It's not because yesterday's mercies were bad or weak. It's because they were yesterday's. Yesterday's mercies were for yesterday's burdens. Today's mercies are for today's burdens. They are new every morning. They are like the manna in the wilderness: you can't keep it overnight. Enough comes for each day. You live on God day by day, or you don't live on God."

The Swedish hymn gets it right again.

Day By Day

Day by day, and with each passing moment,

Strength I find, to meet my trials here;

Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment,

I've no cause for worry or for fear.

He Whose heart is kind beyond all measure

Gives unto each day what He deems best-

Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,

Mingling toil with peace and rest.


Every day, the Lord Himself is near me

With a special mercy for each hour;

All my cares He fain would bear, and cheer me,

He Whose Name is Counselor and Power;

The protection of His child and treasure

Is a charge that on Himself He laid;

"As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,"

This the pledge to me He made.


Help me then in every tribulation

So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,

That I lose not faith's sweet consolation

Offered me within Thy holy Word.

Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,

Ever to take, as from a father's hand,

One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,

Till I reach the promised land.

Seek these things first-

"You can see the sadness in their eyes and also a  hope for a future" Press on for this reason and for His Glory!

Seek first the kingdom of God. Let your care for your souls and another world take the place of all other cares: and let all the concerns of this life be made subordinate to those of the life to come: we must seek the things of Christ more than our own things; and if every they come in competition, we must remember to which we are to give the preference. "Seek these things first; first in thy days: let the morning of thy youth be dedicated to God.

"Seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you."
Matthew 6. 33.

The morrow shall take thought for the things of itself: sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof, v. 34. We must not perplex ourselves inordinately about future events, because every day brings along with it its own burthen of cares and grievances, as, if we look about us, and suffer not our fears to betray the succours which grace and reason offer, it brings along with it its own strength and supply too. (MHC)

U.S., Afghan forces work to place joint combat outpost

By Spec. Cynthia S. Teears Van Cleve 1st Brigade Combat Team Journalist
 

BALKH PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Soldiers of A Company, 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion have been working with the Afghanistan National Border Police to find a good setting for a proposed joint combat outpost.
Capt. Bradley Smith, company commander, and his Soldiers have been assessing sites and getting to know the ANBP personnel who keep the area secure.
One of the proposed sites was once a forward operating base used by the Soviets back in the late ’70s and early ’80s.
“We looked at the old Russian FOB, but we want to look at a couple of other places also,” said Maj. Cloyd Smith, operations officer with the battalion headquarters. “I want to build up the city and install the ANBP commander and Capt. Smith here. We want to be set up and prepared before anything happens.”
The process of building a combat outpost does not happen overnight, and there are many provisions that must be in place before building can begin.
“We were told if we provide electricity, we might be able to move into the customs building temporarily, for the three to four months that it will take to build the joint combat outpost,” Smith said.
In the past, the military has worked directly for governors and built up and improved areas, he said.
The JCOP will house members of the U.S. Army and the ANBP together. ANBP soldiers will be from their quick response force company.
Maj. Ismatula, commander of the QRF company from the ANBP’s 3rd Kandak, or battalion, was the commander who came here and freed people in this area from the Taliban a few years ago, Smith said.
“My men have been impressed with his men and with the commander himself,” Smith explained.
Ismatula has been a military commander in Afghanistan for nearly 16 years.
Many topics were discussed and agreements were made during the meeting; however, they are still in the beginning stages of getting the mission completed.
“Now is the time I should use your ideas and you help us with the technology,” Ismatula said. “Since you are our guests, we want to protect you.”
The mayor of the city also plays a key role in helping to acquire buildings and land for the placement of the JCOP.
“This is a very important place here, very important to Afghanistan,” said Kasinajibullah, mayor of Heyratan, a city near the proposed JCOP. “Many security forces are living here and working for us. I’m working very hard to keep the railroad secure.”
The kandak here is professional and good at their job, according to Kasinajibullah. They responded to threats and problems from accidents to rocket-propelled grenade attacks.
“My intelligence and security forces are working very well and doing a good job,” Kasinajibullah said. “Within a few days, we discovered the people responsible for a recent RPG (attack).”
Kasinajibullah expressed appreciation to U.S. forces for building up the Afghanistan Security Forces.
“Without you helping us, we would not have the security forces,” he said. “Any place you (choose), I will be of service and I will help.”
The mayor believes Afghanistan has hope for a good future.
“If at least each company of the U.S. forces works with each Afghan company, Afghanistan will be a good country,” Kasinajibullah said. “We appreciate you. You left your home and families to help us. We appreciate it.”

Armed Forces Day

1st BCT uncases colors in Afghanistan

By Sgt. 1st Class John Queen

1st Brigade Combat Team PAO NCOIC

CAMP MIKE SPANN, Afghanistan – The 10th Mountain Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team uncased its colors May 5 during a brief ceremony held on Camp Mike Spann in northern Afghanistan.

The ceremony marks the brigade’s official assumption of duties and responsibilities in the region.

During this deployment, Soldiers of the “Warrior Brigade” will serve under a German command. They are tasked with the NATO mission of training and supporting the Afghan National Army, Afghan National Police and Afghan Border Police.

Soldiers from the brigade began deploying to Afghanistan in early January, with the departure of nearly 130 infantrymen from C Company, 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment. The remainder of the more than 3,000 Soldiers of the brigade followed in late March, with the final troops arriving in late April after a two-week delay because of political tensions in Kyrgyzstan and the Eyjafjallajokull volcano eruption in Iceland.

This deployment will be the brigade’s fifth in support of the global war on terrorism. The 1st BCT has deployed twice to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Armed Forces Day was created in 1949 to honor Americans serving in the five branches of the United States military, the Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard. My husband is a disabled veteran so I will be doing something special for him today.
Harry S. Truman lead the effort to establish Armed Forces Day to bring citizens together to thank military members for their service. On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson made Armed Forces Day official. It replaced separate days celebrating each branch of the service based on their unification under the Department of Defense.
On Saturday, May 20, 1950, the first Armed Forces Day was celebrated. The theme was “Teamed for Defense” to show the unification of the military branches under a single government department. During many Armed Forces Day celebrations, military members showed off their latest equipment to Americans.
President Harry S. Truman led the effort to establish a single holiday for citizens to come together and thank our military members for their patriotic service in support of our country.

"...Word to the Nation: Guard zealously your right to serve in the Armed Forces, for without them, there will be no other rights to guard." -President John F. Kennedy, 1962

"At home and abroad, military men and women are showing purpose and dedication in defending American ideas. They are performing in our country's best traditions under circumstances both difficult and complex. Thanks to their determined spirit of patriotism and professionalism, our country has a powerful and unified defense team, employing its forces in the constant quest for peace and freedom." --The Honorable Melvin Laird, 1972 ,Former Secretary of Defense

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Happy Mother's Day from Afghanistan