yankeemom’s Neighborhood

Congressional Candidate Lieutenant Colonel Allen West

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Congressional candidate Lieutenant Colonel West speaking at the American Freedom tour in Fort Lauderdale Florida at the Revolution Nightclub.
For more information about the West for Congress campaign or to become involved please follow this link http://allenwestforcongress.com/.

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LtCol Chessani's BOI Begins - Marine Veterans Watch in Dismay

LtCol Chessani’s Board of Inquiry Begins ─ Battle-Hardened Marine Veterans View Proceedings With Dismay

December 04, 2009

Chessani Case - Jeff and Alissa

ANN ARBOR, MI – On Wednesday, December 2nd, in a military courtroom at Camp Pendleton, California, the government began its case against an American warrior. They know this is their last chance to disgrace and destroy the 22 - year career of Marine LtCol Jeffrey Chessani, and it’s evident they are pulling out all the stops.

Many of the spectators in the small courtroom were battle-hardened Marine veterans of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Some were veterans of the Korean Chosin Reservoir battle, considered the most violent small unit fighting in the history of American warfare. All the veterans looked on in disbelief as government lawyers ridiculed a loyal combat officer. The consensus among these battle-hardened veterans ─ they never would have won their battles had their officers been subjected to the same kind of treatment as LtCol Chessani.

LtCol Chessani had served 3 tours of duty in Iraq and was considered one of America’s most effective combat commanders. Chessani, a deeply religious man who read his Bible every morning and evening while in Iraq, stoically listened to the government lawyer’s demeaning remarks, while his wife, pregnant with their seventh child, sat behind him reading her Bible.

Richard Thompson, President of the Thomas More Law Center commented: “What has happened to LtCol Chessani is a good argument to get rid of lawyers in the combat arms. Combat troops don’t need pencil pushers second guessing commanders and troops in the field, long after an event, in their air-condition offices. The fact that this hearing is even taking place does a grave injustice, not only to Chessani and his family, but to America. LtCol Chessani should be leading his troops, not defending himself in a courtroom.”

LtCol Paul Atterbury, the government prosecutor (called “Recorders” at a Board of Inquiry) presented the opening statement for the government, claiming there was no firefight. He claimed that the Marines faced a phantom menace, and LtCol Chessani did not properly investigate and report the overreaction of his Marines.

LtCol Jon Shelburne, one of Chessani’s defense lawyers, countered that Marines were ambushed in this daylong battle and were engaged in a protracted pitched fight against well-armed insurgents. LtCol Shelburne further stated that LtCol Chessani reported all he knew of the battle, as he knew it, up the chain of command.

The differences between the Board of Inquiry and the previous court martial quickly became evident. Col Kurt Brubaker, USMC, the legal advisor to the Board of Inquiry, is tasked with ruling on all objections. Even though photographs of dead Iraqis would not have been allowed into evidence at the previous criminal trial because they were unduly prejudicial and had little relevance, particularly since LtCol Chessani never saw them, the legal advisor will allow the government to show them to the hearing panel because the rules of evidence to not apply.

Moreover, defense attempts to disqualify Brig. Gen. Lewis Craparotta, the President and senior member of the Board, who during pre-hearing questioning expressed a personal view that investigating every civilian death is the right approach because “that’s the way to protect Marines, ” also failed. Defense attorney LtCol Shelburne had challenged the fact that he was sitting on the Board of Inquiry with a pre-existing opinion of what to do in a similar situation as LtCol Chessani. The Board’s legal advisor rehabilitated Craparotta by personally questioning him to show he could set aside his opinion, and then ruled he could stay on the panel.

The legal advisor, however, did prevent the introduction of the former Article 32 hearing report on the grounds that its conclusions went to the ultimate issue that the board members were required to decide independently.

A Board of Inquiry is an administrative board where the rules of evidence do not apply. Evidence that would likely be thrown out in a criminal proceeding may be considered by the Board. The government’s burden of proof is lessened. Rather than having to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt, the government only has to prove “misconduct” by a preponderance of evidence.

If the Board finds “misconduct, ” then they will further determine whether LtCol Chessani should be forced to retire or not. If the Board determines LtCol Chessani should retire, then the Board must then make a recommendation to the Secretary of the Navy as to whether he should retire as a Lieutenant Colonel, or as a Major—a decision that could cost this Marine and his family over four hundred thousand dollars in pay and benefits according to an expert retained by the defense.

The Thomas More Law Center, a national public interest law firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, has been defending LtCol Chessani at no charge. The Law Center’s attorneys, Robert Muise and Brian Rooney, both former Marine officers, have teamed up with the detailed military attorneys, LtCol Jon Shelburne, USMC, and Capt Jeffrey King, USMC.

The dismissed criminal charges against LtCol Chessani were triggered by a heart-pounding house-to-house, room-by-room combat action taken by four Marines in his battalion after being ambushed by insurgents in Haditha, Iraq on November 19, 2005. Along with several insurgents, 15 civilians also died in this day long fight. The civilian casualties were tragic, but not uncommon in Iraq where insurgents would use them as shields.

The “misconduct” allegations against LtCol Chessani are based on the following: failing to properly report and investigate the November 19, 2005 incident. However, the indisputable evidence shows that LtCol Chessani immediately reported the deaths of the 15 civilian Iraqis to his superiors.

Not one of his Marine superiors hearing of the civilian deaths ─ including top generals ─ considered it unusual. Not one ordered a further investigation. Instead, they commended him for a job well done. In fact, LtCol Chessani’s immediate superior told him that no investigation was needed because it was a bona fide combat action—which was consistent with the orders in effect at the time: no investigation of civilian deaths related to combat action. That order was changed in April, 2006, well after the Haditha incident.

LtCol Chessani’s commanding general, Major General Huck, reported up the chain of command, “I support our account and do not see the necessity for further investigation.” This same commanding General was allowed to retire without going to a Board of Inquiry, and he was allowed to retire as a Major General.

Consequently, not one of LtCol Chessani’s superiors faced, nor will they ever face, a court-martial or a Board of Inquiry for their actions in relation to November 19, 2005.
Of the eight Marines initially charged in the incident, six Marines, including Chessani, had criminal charges dismissed and one was acquitted. Only one Marine still faces criminal charges.

Live testimony at the Board of Inquiry will begin on December 7, 2009.

The Thomas More Law Center defends and promotes America’s Christian heritage and moral values, including the religious freedom of Christians, time-honored family values, and the sanctity of human life. It supports a strong national defense and an independent and sovereign United States of America. The Law Center accomplishes its mission through litigation, education, and related activities. It does not charge for its services. The Law Center is supported by contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations, and is recognized by the IRS as a section 501(c)(3) organization. You may reach the Thomas More Law Center at (734) 827-2001 or visit our website at www.thomasmore.org.

Link to Board of Inquiry Order
http://www.thomasmore.org/downloads/sb_thomasmore/ChessaniBOIAugust2009.pdf

3-61 CAV FRG Says "Thank You" To Those Who Helped Their Soldiers After The Battle at COP Keating

Those of you who, either through Bob Connolly or me, so quickly and generously stepped up to help resupply the survivors of COP Keating have probably received the following "thank you" from the 3-61 B Troop FRG. If you have not received a thank you from them but have seen one that someone else has received or are reading this that would be MY FAULT. I tried to keep a spreadsheet of who donated, what was donated and an email or mailing address. My intent was to share the information with the unit to let them know everyone who joined in our efforts. For three days in a row I received over 1,000 emails each day and I imagine a few probably slipped through the cracks. If you haven't received a "thank you" please email me so that I can rectify that and let the unit know who you are

Dear Black Knight Troop Supporters,

On behalf of the Black Knight FRG, 3-61 Cavalry, we want to thank you for your generous donation. Your support provides great strength for our soldiers in Afghanistan and the families back home.

October 3, 2009 is a day that we will never forget. The attack on Combat Outpost (COP) Keating and Observation Post (OP) Fritsche was a hard-fought battle and has changed the lives of so many of our soldiers and their families. We will always remember the lives of SGT Joshua Kirk, SGT Justin Gallegos, SGT Joshua Hardt, SPC Michael Scusa, SPC Christopher Griffin, SPC Stephan Mace, PFC Kevin Thomson, and SGT Vernon Martin. Their service to our country and their sacrifices will never be forgotten.

Each soldier in Black Knight troop is a true American hero. As the soldiers were focused on surviving during more than 12 hours of intense combat, more than 70% of their buildings caught fire. As you know, many lost everything they had. Please know that your donations and quick response helped our soldiers get back on their feet quickly. They are strong soldiers who have become closer through this very challenging time.

Your support has given all the families back home peace of mind that their soldiers are being very well taken care of. We appreciate your kindness and generosity. Thank you for your patriotism and support to Black Knight Troop, 3-61 CAV.

Sincerely,
Black Knight FRG

Black Knights B Troop pose for "Thank You" Photo at Camp Blessing

Our Troops Singing "God Bless America"

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LtCol Jeffrey Chessani Board of Inquiry Starts Tomorrow

LtCol Jeffrey Chessani Board of Inquiry Starts Tomorrow

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Chessani Case - Chessani 3

ANN ARBOR, MI – Four years after the so-called “Haditha Massacre, ” a massacre the government now knows never happened, the final chapter in the tragic persecution of LtCol Jeffrey Chessani, USMC, will begin when he faces a Board of Inquiry (BOI) starting on Wednesday, December 2, 2009 at 9 AM in a military courtroom located at the Marine base at Camp Pendleton, California.

LtCol Chessani served his nation for over 20 years, including three combat tours in Iraq as well as duty in the first Persian Gulf war. He is one of America’s finest combat commanders. His official fitness report, which covered the date of the Haditha incident, characterized him as a superb leader who demonstrated moral courage with unlimited potential and value to the Marine Corps.

You can still make a special tax-deductible year-end donation to help with LtCol Chessani’s defense.

The three-person Board of Inquiry consists of a one-star general and two colonels, all of whom were selected by the Convening Authority, Marine LtGen George Flynn. The three officers will determine whether LtCol Chessani engaged in any “misconduct” related to the Haditha incident.

The misconduct charges against LtCol Chessani stem from a fierce house-to-house, room-by-room combat action taken by four Marines in his battalion after being ambushed by insurgents in Haditha, Iraq on November 19, 2005. Along with several insurgents, 15 civilians also died.

LtCol Chessani is the highest ranking officer targeted by the investigation of the Haditha incident that was conducted by over 65 NCIS agents (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) ─ the largest investigation in that agency’s history ─ with the expenditure of millions of taxpayer dollars.

Nonetheless, government prosecutors lost at every stage of the criminal process. Even though the government decided give up on a criminal prosecution of LtCol Chessani, as the last chance to punish him, it ordered a Board of Inquiry to determine whether he was guilty of misconduct.

Lawyers from the Thomas More Law Center, a national public interest law firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, teamed up with detailed military defense attorneys LtCol Jon Shelburne, USMC, and Capt Jeffrey King, USMC to defend LtCol Chessani throughout the criminal process. The Law Center attorneys assigned to the case are Robert Muise and Brian Rooney, both former Marine officers.

Because a Board of Inquiry is an administrative hearing, the normal rules of evidence do not apply. The Board can consider material without the benefit of a cross examination; they can consider the tainted record of the Article 32 Hearing over the objections of LtCol Chessani’s defense team; LtCol Chessani cannot subpoena witnesses—he can only request them; and the government need only prove misconduct by a preponderance of the evidence (50.1%) rather than beyond a reasonable doubt as required in a criminal proceeding.

On December 2, 2009, both sides will make opening statements and provide Board members with documentary material they want the Board to review. It is anticipated the Board will receive thousands of pages of material. In order to have an opportunity to review all the submitted material, the Board will adjourn until December 7th.

Beginning on December 7th, the government, and then LtCol Chessani, through their respective attorneys, will present live witness testimony. There could be as many as 40 witnesses called to testify. This portion of the BOI should last through the entire week and perhaps longer. After all evidence and testimony have been presented, both sides will make closing arguments.

The Board members will then deliberate and render their decision as to whether or not they find misconduct. If the board finds no misconduct, the case will finally be closed.

However, if the board finds misconduct they will then make a recommendation as to whether LtCol Chessani should be allowed to retire at his present rank or reduced to major. This is only a recommendation. The final decision as to retirement grade rests with the Secretary of the Navy.

Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Thomas More Law Center, commented, “I’m outraged at the obvious double standard the government used as it gave Army Major Nidal Hasson every benefit of the doubt because of political correctness. Yet, it they had no problem in persecuting this loyal Marine officer because he refused to throw his men under the bus to appease an anti-war politician and the Iraqi government. Any finding of misconduct handed down by the Board of inquiry would be a miscarriage of justice because LtCol Chessani did nothing wrong.”

The Thomas More Law Center defends and promotes America’s Christian heritage and moral values, including the religious freedom of Christians, time-honored family values, and the sanctity of human life. It supports a strong national defense and an independent and sovereign United States of America. The Law Center accomplishes its mission through litigation, education, and related activities. It does not charge for its services. The Law Center is supported by contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations, and is recognized by the IRS as a section 501(c)(3) organization. You may reach the Thomas More Law Center at (734) 827-2001 or visit our website at www.thomasmore.org.

173rd ABCT Advance Team Arrives in Afghanistan for OEF IX Deployment

From Yahoo News

And so it begins again. Third Afghanistan deployment for 173rd ABCT as units from 10th Mtn redeploy from their third deployment there.

173rd ABCT arrives at FOB Shank 21 Nov 09

U.S. soldiers belonging to the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team arrive at the Forward Operating Base Shank in Logar province, Afghanistan, Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009. The 173rd will be replacing the 10th Mountain Division which is due to end it's deployment in Afghanistan by the end of the year.(AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills)

Remembering those who faithfully serve us with honor and valor, our United States Military

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Unconditional Love

Tankerbabelc
Nov 25, 2009
14 comments

Today is my birthday; my 51^st birthday actually. But that’s not what this post is about. Parts of this post have been a long time coming as far as me putting some thoughts and feelings into words. An incredible act of love and kindness precipitated this post.

Our lives are defined by our families, friends and all of the people with whom we surround ourselves. Our lives are also defined by decisions we make and our actions. Is there a prescription for a “good” life? I wish.

I had a good childhood; a nice home, never hungry, a great education and safety. I was taught to love God and country. I always knew my father loved me although he wasn’t openly demonstrative until late in his life. My brothers love me and I them. Yet I realize now that in the past 2 years or so I’ve finally come to understand what unconditional love truly is. Actually I’ve learned what it feels like to love someone so much you can physically feel it in your heart. I’m not talking about love between a man and woman who are dating or married. I’m talking about love between humans.

Interestingly enough I learned about unconditional love from a group of men who can be hard core in ways I don’t even want to think about but who, no matter what one may think, have the biggest hearts on this planet, spirits that soar to heights I cannot fathom and souls of incomparable depth. Men who can be as fun loving, kind and giving as they can be Warriors.

Yesterday I found the following message in my Facebook inbox. No, I didn’t wait until the gift arrived. That would have been impossible.

DO NOT READ THIS UNTIL YOUR GIFT ARRIVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

November 24 at 2:53pm

sorry its late. (the gift)

*this is not plagiarized, believe it or not

its a bunchberry dogwood (Cornus Canadensis). i thought about flowers, but i picked this instead. the flowers on a bunchberry hold the record for the fastest plant in the world. when the flower opens, it does at 2400 times the force of gravity, and it launches its pollen at 10 feet per second. this means that the flower shoots its pollen in an area 100 times larger than the flower itself.

to me, there is no better flower for you. you spread so much love to so many people, all over the world. you definitely hold the record (in my eyes, at least) for the most generous, selfless, giving person in the world.

i hope you like it~

When I got to the second paragraph I wept for a long time. I marked it “unread” and closed it but have returned to it many times as I continue to question why I would be so honored with words, thoughtfulness and love of that magnitude. My heart physically felt the love from the words he wrote. More than that I reflected on what an honor and privilege it has been for so many of our military personnel and their families to allow me into their lives as they have. The Gold Star families; Blue Star families and the Silver Star families. I hope they all know how grateful I am to each of them. I hope they know.

The man who sent me that message is a Soldier; a Paratrooper; an Army Ranger. He is currently deployed, for the second time, to one of the most dangerous regions on this earth. Many have deemed it THE most dangerous region on earth – Kunar Province, Afghanistan. It is his second deployment to that region. Only a couple of months ago he was shot while on a mission that wasn’t even covered in the news; an intense three week mission. He never left his men despite his wounds. Granted it wasn’t a life threatening wound but a wound none-the-less.

Yesterday he made his way to a computer with a connection so slow dial up would seem like high speed. According to his mother, with whom I spoke but couldn’t read the message to because of my emotion, he searched at length to find this gift. A gift with more meaning than I can find words to express. A gift that, once it arrives, I will plant in my yard and enjoy as a reminder of this birthday for the rest of my life. A gift that will remind me of those who taught me what real love of mankind is.

But the greatest gifts in my life, aside from my brothers, sisters in law, nieces and nephews and other family members who love me, are the Soldiers and their families who taught me how to feel love – to physically feel love.

I imagine if you are a parent you know that love. And perhaps there are others of you reading this who discovered that kind of love much earlier in your life than I did. But for those of you who haven’t found it you cannot imagine what you are missing. It will change your life in indescribable ways – positive ways; happy ways; meaningful ways.

As we prepare for Thanksgiving tomorrow I am thankful for many people, opportunities and things. Most of all I am thankful for the Blaskowskis and the Brennans and for kev, Mike, Ryan, Remmie, Brian, Stephan, Dylan, Jedda, Jesse, Jay, Hank, B5, Jimbo, Bob, Jonn, Mark, Scott, Roy and for so many others. And to Cristin, Mandy, Angela, Stephanie, Karin and so many military wives, too.

I love you all unconditionally. Thank you for teaching me how and for allowing me to love you.

Troops in Afghanistan ask us to pray for them, for them to get what they need to win this war.

The letter below has been sent to all of Susan's legislators. If you would like to use this letter as a template, please do so.

While I'm eating my Thanksgiving dinner with my family this year, I'm going to have a hard time enjoying it knowing that our President is willingly allowing our men and women in Afghanistan to die while waiting for him to make up his mind whether or not to give them the resources they need for survival.

I was heartsick while reading a chat room that is sometimes visited by soldiers currently serving in Afghanistan, ask us to please pray for their safety because each day things get worse, and they don't know when they are going to get the help they need. Pastor Ed Boston, Of Hope Wesleyan Church in Hope, IN works with deployed soldiers and veterans through an on-line ministry called Do The Right Thing. He has confirmed the stories and the concerns of those currently serving.

These brave men and women went where they were told to go and are doing their very best, so how deranged is it to send them there as sitting ducks while the elite politicians play golf in between paying off their friends for political favors.

There is something so seriously wrong with our government allowing the Secretary of the Treasury to get away with funneling obscene amounts of money to his friends in the auto unions, not to mention the developing corruption story coming out of the Goldman Sachs relationship. Simultaneously, this administration is obsessed with taking over 1/6 of our economy through socialized healthcare! All the while, as if they are invisible, the President is completely ignoring our brightest and best who are literally dying in Afghanistan.

These same politicians campaigned on how Afghanistan was the war we "should" be in, and most Americans agreed with them, and yet they have absolutely no conscience at allowing these men to be slaughtered when it is within their power to protect them. It is beyond me how they sleep at night.

So we'll eat our Turkey and be grateful that we live in the greatest country on earth, but first I'll call and write to all of my legislators and plead with them not to sit down to their dinner until they have gotten our military the support they need, and stop sending our children to slaughter like the bird they are about to consume.

Susan K

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WE THE PEOPLE

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"We The People" is a song I (Ava Aston) wrote over the weekend of the 9/12 March. My desire is to inspire Americans who are frustrated and feel discouraged to become invigorated & to stand up and take back our Republic.

The upcoming elections in November 2010, as well as the next Presidential election will determine what America will become. I hope and pray with every fiber of my being that we citizens Democrat, Republican, Independent, or whatever... will unite and fight to keep our Republic the way it was intended. Liberty, Justice and Freedom for every citizen, and for us to be governed For the People and By the People as our Constitution instructs. Video produced and created by Erimac Entertainment.

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