New warrior song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTs6a0ORdQU

Many, many emails from first timers

I have received over a dozen emails from folks that has either a friend, Son or Daughter and even one from a young lady that is really not sure of her status with her warrior other than they are friends and maybe a little more who knows, but it was that email that has inspired me to post tonight. As our warriors get deeper into their operations the more I will be posting here as most of you know. , this particular email really opened my eyes as I know that the unit moved out with a few new guys.

This post is for all the new families and friends of the Herd.

I have received emails asking what to say and what to send to our new warriors. So for as to what to say here are the rules I employ when speaking to my warrior.

Rule 1. Always ask how they are so you you can gauge the up coming conversation.

2. Show them what you have learned about their unit and how prestigious it is. You can do this by educating yourself here.

www.173abnbde.setaf.army.mil/history.htm

3. Make them proud to be with a unit so respected throughout the Military community.

4. Make sure they know how proud of them.

5. Make sure you tell them how much you love them.

6. Never tell them of the trips to exotic places you are about to go on. (Lesson I just learned not long ago)

8. What they need downrange.

9. Ask who their Battle buddies are. Drop them a letter when you can as well.

10. Don't show your emotions in a negative manner as our job is to help build moral while they are deployed. This way we coach the ultimate warrior to perform at their best, thus getting home safe.

If you need support contact me at larryarnone@gmail.com and I will do my best to help you. These guys are good and I think the unit are going to be hitting some more major Grand slams this time around. Right MSG!

This is Larry Arnone
AKA Bluestardad (and I want to keep it that way

Out

National Medal of Honor Day

Hi all,

A fellow blogger recently sent me her blog update and I am in agreement with her. This is just a copy and paste of her blog site. You can find her site at www.tankerbabelc985.vox.com the following is from her blog.

A couple of days ago when I posted this story about Sgt Walter Singleton, MOH Recipient I had no idea that National Medal of Honor Day was this week.

My friend, Major Pain at One Marine's View posted this story recently about a flight attendant who asked the passengers to ring their call button if they could name one of the Medal of Honor recipients from the current Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Only one man rang his call button and was able to do so. The flight attendant then asked if any of the passengers could name an American Idol winner. The call buttons went off like crazy. I don't know about you all but when I read the story it made me sad, angry, disgusted and bewildered at the state of our nation.

Defenselink has a great site honoring Army SFC Paul R Smith, Marine Corporal Jason L Dunham, Navy Lt Michael P Murphy, Army Specialist Ross A McGinnis and Navy Petty Officer Second Class Michael A Monsoor. Medal of Honor Recipients from Iraq and Afghanistan engagements.

The Congressional Medal of Honor Society site is probably one of the most comprehensive sites I've found with information about all recipients. Did you know there have been 19 Double Recipients of the Medal of Honor? I had no idea until I spent time at the site.

I doubt any of the major media outlets will make a big deal - daresay even mention it at all - about Wednesday being National Medal of Honor Day. But I'll sure take a few minutes to revist the sites about and to say a prayer of thanks for these great American Heroes.

Just sharing another friends work,

Larry Arnone

San Francisco

AKA Bluestardad (and I want to keep it that way)

Donations could help make memorial race a memorable event

This just in from Longislandgirl who also Blogs on our soldiers. She asked me to help get the word out.

The NY National Guard at Camp Phoenix is trying to raise money for a 5k run there on 9-11-08-please pass this on; Also, the end of the article has a link to a video of the 173rd Airborne.

Memorial Run

by Dave Tobin

Monday August 11, 2008, 12:46 AM

NY Army National Guard soldiers began their war on terror service immediately after 9/11, when they were sent to guard the bridges, tunnels and area around the World Trade Center in New York City.

That service seven years ago leads to their current mission.

September 11 will hold special significance for many soldiers in Afghanistan. A few are planning a 5-kilometer run on that day, and looking for help.

1st Lt. Michael Chappell, of Jamesville, writes:

"I am currently serving in Afghanistan with the Delta Company, 2-108th Infantry, NY Army National Guard out of Ithaca, NY.

I and other New Yorkers are trying to organize an international 5K race in Kabul for the American Forces other Coalition and Afghan forces, in memorial of September 11th, 2001.

This race will remind us why we as Coalition and Afghan forces are serving here in Afghanistan; it will help reinforce the fact that we are still here together, and that it is through teamwork we achieve our goals.

We are trying to raise $1,500 - $2,000 to help cover the costs of T-shirts and awards. Any donation that your club or organization can make would be greatly appreciated.

For donations of $250 or more received by August 20th, I will incorporate your club or organization's logo into the T-shirt design. Send donations, by money order only, with a note stating that it is for the "9/11 International Freedom 5K run."

Camp Phoenix MWR
c/o 1LT Michael Chappell
D Co, SECFOR
CAMP PHOENIX
APO AE 09320

We're almost at the halfway point for this deployment of some 1,700 New York Army National Guard soldiers in Afghanistan.

For families of soldiers, what's changed for you since your soldier first left? (Are you glued to each episode of "Army Wives"? Do you watch it with anyone?)

What's been hardest? What's been your brightest moment? What have you discovered about yourself?

Lost in translation

Shelled by rockets, soldiers of the 173rd Airborne's Charlie Company visit an Afghan village from where the rockets have been fired, looking for the enemy, looking for answers. Tension is high. Soldiers try to speak to a Pashtun elder, relying on their "terp" (interpreter), for everything they learn or don't. A terp can easily misguide them. In an insurgent war where few if any U.S. solders speak the native language, what drives decisions?

An excellent video by Guardian Films shows this challenge. It's linked from the Following Orion site.(www.syracuse.com/following-orion/)

Thanks to the military blogger Bouhammer for bringing this video to our attention.

Shoot me an email: dtobin@syracuse.com

P.T.S.D. and how it can be treated.

I have written about this topic before but feel that you can never make Parents, Loved One and Friends more aware about this. Some soldiers are afraid to ask for help from the Government fearing it could affect their status amongst their Commanders, Battle Buddies and the Government itself. We can eliminate those fears today by simply observing our soldiers when they return from Afghanistan and identifying certain symptoms. You the loved ones will spot them after spending some time with them when they return home. A person who I have become to know through the Blogspheres ( Joanne ) aka http://longislandgirl.vox.com/ has made me aware previously of an organization that helps returning soldiers and families that help them at no charge are are kept completely confidential. If your soldier is in denial or feel they will not accept your observations and advice then contact the organization yourself so they can help you help your soldier understand they may need help. Go to this website to learn how you can help your loved one or friend www.thesoldiersproject.org, . It is always best to catch ANY disorder early on. Don't be afraid or embarrassed as they nor you have control on the onset of this disorder. The war did it to them and it is up to us to reach out and help them with loving hearts.

I beg you, please pass the word about this as it is the least we can do for these returning hero's. This disorder can be worse than being wounded in battle. Last but not least, when your Soldier does return home to you and you greet them at the airport, smile, show them how much you are happy they are home but let them approach you for that hug. They are already a bit freaked out being around thousands of people in an uncontrolled environment.

Enjoy your time with them while they are home, you both deserve it as it has been a difficult deployment for us all. As our soldiers would say "Sky Soldiers"!

.Another fine trooper and "Wheels up"

We have all been under incredible duress these last few day's wondering if our soldiers of the 173rd ABCT were involved in the latest tragedy this past weekend. It is now clear who has and to those of you that had loved ones or friends involved my heart goes out to each and everyone of you. I personally am pretty sure that my soldier is O.K. but I do still remain in a state of being on pins and needles until my soldier messages me "Wheels Down" on returning to Italy. A message very much like a mother received last year "wheels up" from her son on deploying to Afghanistan. I will get to that quote in a moment. I was able to speak to another fine soldier from Destined Co. that is currently at Walter Reed having surgery for injury sustained during military operations in the Kunar Province not long ago. SPC Matt Sexton is such a fine soldier and good friend of my own. He was surprised when I called but happy as well. You see, I want to know all those soldiers that my son has called friends. It brings great pleasure in hearing all the missions they were on or even the nights out in Italy. I feel even more closer to my son at a time we are separated while he does something he believes in. In any case, Matt! I hope your recovery is swift and you are able to return to your battle brothers soon.

O.K. on the wheels up part of the posting (deep breathing here) as I sit here typing I find myself so fortunate that my son has only received minor injuries sustained during combat operations where many others have sustained much more serious wounds and unfortunately so many have made the ultimate sacrifice. Lt. Ben Hall notified his family that his aircraft was wheels up on deploying to Afghanistan as a young officer with Destined Co. of the 173rd ABCT. I am speaking of LT. Ben Hall who hailed from a distinguished Military back ground. His sister contacted me today after stumbling across my Blog. It was such great pleasure hearing from her. We are approaching the anniversary of Ben Halls death while serving with his men in the Kunar Province of Afghanistan. His family is so kind which reflects exactly Ben's personality and leadership. Since my son did look up to this Officer and formed a friendship in that they had some awesome conversations on many subjects and has help Alex map out his destiny I ask that all my readers please take two minutes on the 31st of this month and pray for Ben and his family. Can we make this happen people?

Longing for the return of my Son,

Larry Arnone
San Francisco, Ca

AKA A Bluestardad (and I want to keep it that way)

SGT. Ryan Connelly, Afganistan, and the ultimate sacrifice

I want to take this time to apologize to those that I may have offended on my last posting however, my views are still the same. You see I truly believe that if a country has a Battalion (roughly 400 to a 600) troops you have a Brigade (3,500) that the Battalion is attached to. Why not send the whole unit? We spend hundreds of billions of dollars as Americans for products like Mercedes Benz's, Toyota's, Honda's and lets not forget Ferrari's just to name a few. Wait, what about the Billion or so we send to country like Columbia as economic aid, where are their troops? Hey, what about Mexico where millions of Americans travel too for vacations and the Billions spent there, is Mexico in Afghanistan? Hmmmm

Yes I am frustrated here with so many American families making the ultimate sacrifice for America. I suppose a part of it is my own personal struggle with deciding whether or not I will attend a funeral for a very young Airborne Soldier tomorrow. I believe I should because my soldier would want me too. I have attended 3 already and it is hard and very emotional. I also have attended because I am truly in dept to these men and women who serve because they allow me to write this Blog and present my thoughts to you my readers. If it were not for them I may have been locked up and in a cell. I know that is a bit of an extreme comment but it could be true were it not for our troops.

I also want to take this time to thank our British and Canadian friends. Thanks for pulling some of the weight. I know both countries have had significant losses and my heart goes out to those families as well.

So, I have decided to attend SGT. Ryan Connelly service to thank his family for their ultimate sacrifice to our country. If anyone would like to pay respects but is to far away to attend then you can do so by making a donation. Donations can be made to the Ryan Connolly Trust Fund, c/o Washington Mutual Bank, 835 Fourth St., Santa Rosa 95404.

Hey, I am just a Dad dealing with the same frustrations you are dealing with but want to be truthful.

Larry Arnone
San Francisco
AKA
A Blue Star DadPublish Post
( I want to keep it that way )

Our Brave Soldiers

Awards demonstrate valor of ‘The Rock’

By Kent Harris, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Sunday, June 29, 2008

Silver Stars awarded to six of unit’s soldiers Six soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment have received Silver Stars during the unit’s tour in Afghanistan. A brief look at their actions, according to the narratives submitted for the awards: Staff Sgt. Robert J. Smith and Sgt. Mattew D. Coulter earned their medals on July 5, 2007, during an air assault by soldiers from Company A into the village of Tsangar. Smith, acting as a platoon sergeant for the mission, organized the defense of his unit and an Afghan National Army contingent that came under attack away from the main company element. After evacuating wounded soldiers, Smith’s squad came under attack again. He directed the perimeter defense "without regard to the hail of enemy fire and RPG strikes only feet from his position." Coulter called in strikes by French Mirage fighter jets in the initial contact and later directed artillery strikes to suppress enemy fire and "exposed himself to intense enemy fire in order to maintain observation of direct fire and ensure his fellow Paratroopers received the most accurate and timely fires." First Lt. Matthew Ferrara and Spc. Jason Baldwin of Company C were honored for their efforts during an attack by insurgents on Aug. 22 on the Ranch House outpost. A numerically superior enemy force almost overran the compound before the attackers were repelled. Ferrara maintained communications with his headquarters even after an rocket-propelled grenade took out his antenna. He then directed A-10 fire against posts on base that enemy forces had overrun and directed an offensive against insurgents once reinforcements arrived. Baldwin protected Ferrara and the command center by firing his 60 mm mortar at the advancing enemy and tossing hand grenades at enemy forces that had advanced to within 10 meters of his position. "He acted without regard for his own life, but with incredible courage and quick thinking that destroyed a quickly advancing enemy force…," according to the narrative. Ferrara was later killed in an ambush. First Lt. Gregory Ambrosia, executive officer of Company A, led a platoon-size element during a night assault into the upper Watapur Valley on Sept. 25. The platoon’s position was attacked in the morning and Ambrosia lobbed several hand grenades at enemy positions before ordering five smoke grenades to mark U.S. positions. He then directed repeated artillery fire and Apache helicopter attacks "while receiving intense enemy fire directed at his command post." Staff Sgt. Erick Gallardo’s platoon from Company B was providing support for other elements when it was ambushed on Oct. 25. Two of his soldiers were immediately hit. Gallardo led his team to the wounded soldiers and was struck in the helmet by an AK-47 round. He directed suppressing fire and continued to move toward the enemy and his fallen soldiers, tossing hand grenades. He then treated one wounded soldier while two other soldiers fought off insurgents trying to carry away another wounded soldier. Gallardo then treated that soldier and coordinated the platoon’s defense and evacuation of five wounded soldiers.

CAMP BLESSING, Afghanistan — Command Sgt. Major Bradley Meyers doesn’t seem surprised by his battalion’s performance in Kunar Province over the last 14 months.

"I think that soldiers will meet expectations," the top enlisted soldier in the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment said. "If you train them properly, they’ll do just fine."

"Just fine," in this case, might be an understatement.

Soldiers from "The Rock" have been awarded six Silver Stars. Forty-eight have earned Bronze Stars with valor. More than 140 Army Commendation Medals with valor have been approved. Ninety-eight Purple Hearts have been awarded. More than 150 other awards for valor have been submitted for approval — including two for the Medal of Honor, three of for the Distinguished Service Cross and three more for Silver Stars.

The numbers are a testament to the fierce fighting the battalion has seen in Afghanistan, where insurgent attacks have become both more numerous and more brazen over the past year.

The battalion has been involved in about 950 engagements with the enemy during its stint in Afghanistan. Fifteen soldiers from the unit and two Marines working in the province have died during the rotation. About two dozen members of the Afghan National Army, Afghan National Police and Afghan Border Police have also been killed in the line of duty.

Meyers, who joined the battalion during its last tour in Afghanistan, said 2-503 has aggressively interacted with the local population during both of its stints in country.

"Get out in the battle space, hook up with the local population and maintain relations with the locals," he said. "When you do that, you’re going to end up running into the enemy."

"We’re both fighting for the human terrain," Lt. Col. Bill Ostlund, the battalion commander, said. "We go about it in different ways and for much different reasons. But we and the enemy both need the support of the local population."

The unit operates in the low hills and mountains near this outpost in the Pech River Valley in eastern Afghanistan. The rugged border with Pakistan has long been a hideout and transit route for Taliban and other fighters in Afghanistan.

And while the fight has intensified in southern Afghanistan, the combat has been steady and thick here.

Staff Sgt. Brandon Thomas, a member of Company A, has received three Purple Hearts during the rotation. He’s been wounded in the shin, head and inner thigh. He received the Army Commendation Medal with valor recently, but said he wasn’t any different from any other soldier in the battalion.

"In my opinion, a valor award is just an act of stupidity viewed by others as heroism," he said with a half-smile. "I guess I never learned to find cover in basic training."

A group of soldiers standing around him when he said that all laughed and shook their heads. Several of them had also earned medals with valor during the tour.

"Unfortunately, we don’t get the respect and attention that soldiers fighting in Iraq do," Thomas said, turning more serious. "But we’ve been fighting every day."

"We have a pretty humble group of guys," Ostlund said. "They don’t talk about themselves much. Some of them have seen as much combat as anyone in the Army."

Everyone please pray to your higher power for this family

Hi Folks,

I am sorry it has been awhile since I have posted but I have been tempted to share some information that is exciting but at the same time I must honor a request from Rock 6 and remember OPSEC how ever there is something I want to share with everyone that everyone needs to know about so that we can support one of our own Sky Soldiers. The following is a cut and paste of a mothers Blog and can use our support. Here is her link to her Blog http://www.lesliekamm.blogspot.com/

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Day 22 - June 22, 2008

My mom and my nephew, Anthony, came today for the week. I am so glad. Much needed because the doctor's visit didn't turn out to be a good one like we had hoped.

So apparently Kev has meningitis. I asked Breezy and neither one of us had heard that word spoken before, so I guess when the technical name was given - it went right over our heads.

Unfortunately, the docs have tried all the antibiotics they have for it, and so far nothing has worked. Kevin is on the last one possible and tomorrow they are planning to do a spinal tap to get a sample of the fluid to see if it is working. We will know if it's not within 24 hours and if it is in 3 days (I think I got that right). Now the downside to this is that this antibiotic is so incredibly strong, it is causing some degree of kidney failure (docs exact words). This is really scaring me. The doc says it's one or the other as they are both as serious as it gets - meningitis or kidney failure. Gonna stick my head in the sand on this one, at least for the night.

Kev also started coughing up orange stuff this afternoon. We know that as of this morning it was the right white/brownish color. The docs are running tests to see what could be the problem.

As for the grafts? Kev needs only 5% of his body grafted yet. Assuming all goes well with the antibiotics, that may be done later this week. I hope so. The sooner it gets done, the sooner we go to Tampa to the brain trauma hospital.

I'm a little worried about Breezy too. She is starting to crack a little. She has so much going on. Her boyfriend, Alan, is leaving for Iraq next month. Tim is here. She misses her friends. She misses her job. She is scared financially. She just misses her life (as I do and I can damn well say that Kev does). All of this - and the terrifying reality of Kevin's situation also. It's just too much for anyone to handle and I can only hold her as she cries, just as she does for me. Keep her in your thoughts, please. She needs strength vibes sent her way.

So I think I am going to wrap this up for the night. I am just tired and want to go to bed early.

Posted by Leslie Kamm at 11:09 PM

July 27, 2007 not to be forgotten

A fellow blogger shared this PBS special with me. This is a total tear jerker so (as she wrote) keep the Kleenex tissue handy. You WILL need it as this is the most heart felt story. Chris is a true American Hero. He served with our sons of the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team. PFC Christopher Pfeifer, your mission has been completed, rest in peace Paratrooper.
You need to cut and paste to your browser.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_tAge6pEVE

Humbly,

Larry Arnone
San Francisco

AKA Bluestardad (and I want to keep it that way)

If you read this, you WILL forward it on. You just won't be able to stop yourself.

This was sent to me by a Mother of a Trooper serving our great Nation with the 173rd Airborne. I just had to post it.

The average age of the military man is 19 years. He is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances is considered by society as half man, half boy. Not yet dry behind the ears, not old enough to buy a beer, but old enough to die for his country. He never really cared much for work and he would rather wax his own car than wash his father's, but he has never collected unemployment either.

He's a recent High School graduate; he was probably an average student, pursued some form of sport activities, drives a ten year old jalopy, and has a steady girlfriend that either broke up with him when he left, or swears to be waiting when he returns from half a world away He listens to rock and roll or hip-hop or rap or jazz or swing and a 155mm howitzer.

He is 10 or 15 pounds lighter now than when he was at home because he is working or fighting from before dawn to well after dusk. He has trouble spelling, thus letter writing is a pain for him, but he can field strip a rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less time in the dark. He can recite to you the nomenclature of a machine gun or grenade launcher and use either one effectively if he must.

He digs foxholes and latrines and can apply first aid like a professional.

He can march until he is told to stop, or stop until he is told to march.

He obeys orders instantly and without hesitation, but he is not without spirit or individual dignity. He is self-sufficient.

He has two sets of fatigues: he washes one and wears the other. He keeps his canteens full and his feet dry.

He sometimes forgets to brush his teeth, but never to clean his rifle. He can cook his own meals, mend his own clothes, and fix his own hurts.

If you're thirsty, he'll share his water with you; if you are hungry, his food. He'll even split his ammunition with you in the midst of battle when you run low.

He has learned to use his hands like weapons and weapons like they were his hands.

He can save your life - or take it, because that is his job.

He will often do twice the work of a civilian, draw half the pay, and still find ironic humor in it all.

He has seen more suffering and death than he should have in his short lifetime.

He has wept in public and in private, for friends who have fallen in combat and is unashamed.

He feels every note of the National Anthem vibrate through his body while at rigid attention, while tempering the burning desire to 'square-away ' those around him who haven't bothered to stand, remove their hat, or even stop talking.

In an odd twist, day in and day out, far from home, he defends their right to be disrespectful.

Just as did his Father, Grandfather, and Great- grandfather, he is paying the price for our freedom. Beardless or not, he is not a boy. He is the American Fighting Man that has kept this country free for over 200 years.

He has asked nothing in return, except our friendship and understanding.

Remember him, always, for he has earned our respect and admiration with his blood.

And now we even have women over there in danger, doing their part in this tradition of going to War when our nation calls us to do so.

As you go to bed tonight, remember this shot. . .

A short lull, a little shade and a picture of loved ones in their helmets.

Prayer wheel for our military... Please don't break it Please send this on after a short prayer.

Prayer Wheel

'Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands.

Protect them as they protect us.

Bless them and their families for the selfless acts

They perform for us in our time of need. Amen.'

When you receive this, please stop for a moment

And say a prayer for our ground troops in Afghanistan, sailors on ships, and airmen in the air, and for those in Iraq.

There is nothing attached...

This can be very powerful...

Of all the gifts you could give a US Soldier, Sailor, Coast guardsman, Marine,

Or Airman, prayer is the very best one.

Larry Arnone

San Francisco

(AKA A Blue star Dad and I want to keep that way)