A Major's Perspective: July 2010

Friday, July 30, 2010

Quote of the Day 30 July

"Of the four wars in my lifetime, none came about because the US was too strong"

-- President Ronald Reagan

God Bless America

Bryan

AMP Morning Stand-To 30 July

From Afghanistan:

Chairmen of Joint Chiefs Comments: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/news/chairman-of-joint-chiefs-discusses-afghan-development-security.html

GEN Petraeus Meets Village Elders In Herat: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/news/gen.-petraus-meets-village-elders-in-herat-province.html

ISAF Spokesman Comments: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/news/isaf-spokesman-highlights-ansf-led-efforts.html

GEN Petraeus Meets With Village Elders in Musa Qaleh: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/news/isaf-commander-meets-with-afghan-leaders-in-musa-quleh.html

Operations: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/afghan-and-combined-force-recover-weapons-cache-in-eastern-afghanistan.html

God Bless America

Bryan
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Saturday, July 24, 2010

Quote of the Day 25 July

"Don't be afraid to see what you see"

-- President Ronald Reagan

God Bless America

Bryan

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AMP Morning Stand-To 25 July

From Afghanistan:

Five Casualties and 2 Missing Service Members: (From LA Times): http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-afghanistan-ied-20100725,0,3033159.story

Search For Missing Soldiers: (From Voice of America): http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/Four-US-Soldiers-Killed-in-Afghan-Attack-99164884.html

Missing Service Members: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/two-isaf-servicemembers-reported-missing.html

Operations: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/afghan-and-coalition-force-detains-several-suspected-insurgents-kills-two-in-khost.html

Operations: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/afghan-and-combined-force-recover-weapons-cache-in-kabul.html

Thoughts and Prayers are with our two missing Service Members and their Families.

God Bless America

Bryan

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Quote of the Day 24 July

"I know in my heart that man is good, that what is right will always eventually triumph,and there is purpose and worth to each and every life"

-- President Ronald Reagan

God Bless America

Bryan

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AMP Morning Stand-To 24 July

From Afghanistan:

Lions of Marjah: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/caat-anaysis-news/newly-appointed-marjah-governor-visits-lions-of-marjah-police-recruits.html

Statement by LTG David Rodriguez: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/statement-by-u.s.-army-lt.-gen.-david-m.-rodriguez-isaf-joint-command-commander.html

Operations: (From ISAF/ IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/afghan-u.s.-forces-locate-destroy-14-ieds-in-badghis.html

Chai Ops At The Friendship Bridge: (From ISAF/IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/chai-ops-at-the-friendship-bridge-in-northern-afghanistan.html

US Soldiers Killed In Blast: (From Al Jazeera): http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia/2010/07/201072455224344145.html

US Soldiers Killed In Blast: (From LA Times): http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/wire/sns-soldiers-killed,0,4819188.story

From Korea:

Current Situation: (From CNN): http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/07/23/north.korea.threat/?hpt=T1

North Korea's Latest Tantrum: (From NY Times Blog): http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/24/opinion/24sat1.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

God Bless America

Bryan

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Thursday, July 22, 2010

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free"

-- President Ronald Reagan

God Bless America

Bryan

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AMP Morning Stand-To 23 July

From Afghanistan:

Lithuanian PRT: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/lithuanian-led-prt-continues-to-support-local-authorities-in-destroying-unexploded-ordnances.html

Regional Command West: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/isaf-regional-command-west-commits-to-security-and-development-in-kushk-e-kohnah.html

Villagers Lead Commandos To Weapons: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/villagers-lead-commando-and-coalition-troops-to-weapons-cache.html

Village Stabillity: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/village-stability-leads-to-security-gains-and-development-in-adirah.html

God Bless America

Bryan

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Quote of the Day 22 July

"Duty, Honor, Country"

-- General MacArthur

God Bless America

Bryan

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AMP Morning Stand-To 22 July

From Afghanistan:

Hundreds of Afghans Medically Treated: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/hundreds-of-afghans-medically-treated-by-giroa-public-health-officials.html

Western Afghanistan sees reduction in Civilian Casualties: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/western-afghanistan-sees-reduction-in-civilian-casualties.html

Pashtun Man Punished By Tribal Elders: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/pashtun-man-punished-by-tribal-elders-for-collaborating-with-insurgents.html

Statement by British Major General Carter: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/caat-anaysis-news/statement-by-british-maj.-gen.-carter-from-afghanistan.html

God Bless America

Bryan

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A Must Read

This is a must read blog entry, please follow the hyper-link:

http://thomaspdaly.com/blog/2010/07/22/to-go-beyond/

I could probably go find the numbers from Veteran's Affairs or the Department of Defense on how many Service Members (when I say Service Members I refer to those on active duty, reserve, national guard, ETS'd, and retired) are suffering with PTSD. I'm not going to though. I don't think that is the important message today.

The message is: If you are suffering you are not alone. There is a world of help out there. Do not go it alone. Talk to a squad mate, talk to your leadership, talk to the Chaplain, talk to someone. But do not go it alone.

If you know someone suffering with PTSD -- don't let them go it alone. Help them to get help.

This is not just a request for fellow Service Members, but for anyone out there. Many of our brave young men and women leave active duty or are demobilized back to the civilian world. Or they retire or ETS from the Military. If you have a friend, or a family member that needs help, this applies just as much to you.

Do not let them find their own Yellowstone.

God Bless And Rest In Peace Brother

God Bless America

Bryan

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Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Kabul Conference

A lot of news stories out there right now about the Kabul Conference that took place today, and rightfully so. (I wonder how much we really need to hear about Lohan going to jail -- I really dont care -- but I kinda expected that).

But I digress. Lot of great news stories out there, but there is something you didnt see in the news today, and it was a good thing. With all of the important people that were here in Kabul today, I dont remember seeing one news story about an attack or enemy action. I may have missed something, but I dont think so.

Why is this important? Because it was all the Afghans. Afghan led, and Afghan executed. For all the Taliban hot wind that was talked, the Afghan National Security Forces did a superb job in securing the conference.

Great job! And my hat is truly off to all of you! Just another sign of the great progress that is being made here.

God Bless America

Bryan

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Further Update to AMP Morning Stand To 20 July

From Afghanistan:

Kabul Conference: (From VOA): http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/Karzai-Outlines-Goals-for-Security-Transfer-at-Donor-Conferenc-98809424.html

Kabul Conference: (From The Guardian): http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jul/20/afghanistan-troops-no-quick-exit

Kabul Conference: (From AFP): http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gWYhew6gHPp5BJp53_TZs_byErHA

Kabul Conference: (From Al Jazeera): http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia/2010/07/20107201405850413.html

God Bless America

Bryan

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Monday, July 19, 2010

AMP Morning Stand-To 20 July

Afghan Training Center Visit: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/news/nato-secretary-general-isaf-commander-visit-ana-regional-training-center.html

Visit To ANA Base: (From ISAF/ IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/news/generals-visit-shorab-ana-base-in-helmand.html

Worlds Fastest Helicopter: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/news/worlds-fastest-helicopter-boosts-battle-against-insurgents.html

Taliban Message: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/isaf-spokesman-discusses-taliban-message.html

Medical Care: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/marines-sailors-provide-medical-care-to-afghan-women-children-throughout-northern-marjah.html

God Bless America

Bryan

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Saturday, July 17, 2010

Quote of the Day 18 July

"What we do in life, echos in eternity"

-- General Maximus (Russel Crowe) Gladiator

God Bless America

Bryan

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AMP Morning Stand-To 18 July

From Afghanistan:

NATO Foils Afghan Conference Plot: (From Al Jazeera): http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia/2010/07/201071823137256406.html

NY Times Report on Afghanistan: (From NY Times): http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/18/world/asia/18afghan.html

Afghan National Police Graduate: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/afghan-national-police-graduate-in-logar-province.html

Afghan National Army NCO Candidates Sworn In: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/400-afghan-national-army-nco-candidates-sworn-in.html

Female Marine Bring Diversity To Afghanistan: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/caat-anaysis-news/female-marine-brings-diversity-to-the-women-of-afghanistan.html

ISAF Outreach Program Lends Helping Hand to Refugee Camp: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/news/isaf-outreach-program-lends-helping-hand-to-afghan-refugee-camp.html

Operations: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/coalition-forces-determine-use-of-2.4-billion-dollar-construction-budget.html

Operations: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/osprey-takes-on-brown-out-in-afghanistan.html

Casualties: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/isaf-casualty-276.html

God Bless America

Bryan

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Friday, July 16, 2010

Weather

I receive questions all the time about the weather here. What's it like, how hot is it, etc etc.

So for tonight, since I actually have some decent email access I thought I would elaborate for everyone's benefit.

Its hot here right now...but not a hot like you would think...unless you live in the high desert. Here in Kabul the tempetures range from 85-100 in the day time and somewhere in the low to mid 70's at night. Occasionally it will hit the triple digits but not often. Usually we hover around the 95-98 mark.

The wind is something to describe though. Starting in late spring it starts to pickup and everyday around 230PM until Midnight it blows. All of the sand / dust gets picked up by it turning into a swirling maelstorm of junk and dirt.

For the guys in Kandahar and the eastern portions of the country it is different. Kandahar is hot, very hot, reminds me of Iraq hot. The east of the country is hot but also mixed with humidity.

This time of night, the wind is blowing, their is dust in the air everywhere, but as you look up you can see the stars. The tempetures aren't that bad.... and you know what....the stars look an awful lot like they do back in the States.

God Bless America

Bryan Sphere: Related Content

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

And Now For Your Daily Dose Of Humor

Just follow the link and look for the story from ISAF about the Taliban training Monkeys to be Snipers.....yes you read right ......

http://www.facebook.com/ISAF

God Bless America

Bryan

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Quote of the Day 14 July

"We Will Not Tire, We Will Not Falter, And We Will Not Fail!"

-- President George W Bush

God Bless America

Bryan

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AMP Morning Stand-To 14 July

From Afghanistan:

Enhancing The Future For Women In Afghanistan: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/giroa-and-prt-female-engagement-team-enhancing-the-future-for-women-in-afghanistan.html

COMISAF Speaks At COIN Academy: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/news/comisaf-speaks-at-coin-academy.html

Media Roundtable: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/isaf-spokesman-hosts-media-roundtable.html

Casualties: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/three-isaf-servicemembers-killed-as-afghan-and-international-forces-successfully-repel-insurgent-att.html

Operations: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/ijc-operational-update-july-14.html

God Bless America

Bryan

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Tuesday, July 13, 2010

HUGE GOOD NEWS STORY

This is a huge good news story!!! Great job Afghan Border Police!!!

From IJC Media: http://www.isaf.nato.int/

"KABUL, Afghanistan (July 13) – Afghan Border Police seized more than 100,000 pounds of ammonium nitrate yesterday in the Dand-Patan district of Paktiya province after stopping a 12-truck convoy that was carrying fertilizer.

The convoy was stopped at an Afghan Border Police (ABP) checkpoint where the fertilizer was tested by ISAF forces. Ten of the trucks carried legal fertilizer, but two contained ammonium nitrate. A third truck, also containing ammonium nitrate, was stopped a short time later. More than 900 bags of illegal fertilizer were found in the three trucks. The vehicle drivers were detained for questioning.

"The vigilant work of the border police, with support from our ISAF partners, has taken dangerous bombs out of the hands of criminals who are increasingly harming Afghan citizens," said Gen. Bismillah Khan Mohammadi, the Minister of Interior of Afghanistan.

Ammonium nitrate is the basic ingredient in 80 percent of the improvised explosive devices (IED) used by insurgents in Afghanistan according to a recent report by the Afghan Ministry of Defense.

ISAF experts say that the seized ammonium nitrate could have been used to make over 2,100 IEDs.

In December of 2009, the government of Afghanistan banned the use, import and production of ammonium nitrate fertilizers.

Afghan authorities, with the assistance of ISAF, recently established a Counter Improvised Explosive Device (CIED) school to train Afghan soldiers and policemen on the detection and removal of IEDs as part of capacity-building efforts to help Afghans take control of their own security."

God Bless America

Bryan

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Quote of the Day 13 July

"America is too great for small dreams"

-- President Ronald Reagan

God Bless America

Bryan

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AMP Morning Stand-To 13 July

Operations: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/afghan-u.s.-special-forces-destroy-insurgent-munitions-4.html

Assisting Local farmers: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/isaf-agriculture-experts-help-afghans-after-taliban-driven-from-village.html

Operations: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/international-security-assistance-force-congratulates-afghan-national-police-unit-for-foiling-insurg.html

ISAF Casualties: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/isaf-casualties-114.html

Operations: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/afghan-isaf-conducts-joint-investigation-into-attack-in-southern-afghanistan.html

God Bless America

Bryan

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Sunday, July 11, 2010

Quote of the Day 12 July

"There is no spoon....."

-- From The Movie: The Matrix

God Bless America

Bryan

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AMP Morning Stand-To 12 July

From Afghanistan:

ISAF Comments on ROE: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/news/isaf-scr-address-military-roe-and-tactical-directives.html

Insurgent Gunfire Injures Women in Market: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/insurgent-gunfire-injures-afghan-woman-in-helmand.html

Operations: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/july-11-isaf-operations-in-ghazni-kandahar-provinces.html

Operations: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/taliban-commander-killed-in-zabul-province.html

God Bless America

Bryan

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Quote of the Day 11 July

"Strength and Honor"

-- Russel Crowe as General Maximus in Gladiator

God Bless America

Bryan

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AMP Morning Stand-To 11 July

From Afghanistan:

Rakkasans Team Up With Macedonian Rangers: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/rakkasans-team-up-with-macedonian-rangers.html

GEN Petraeus Visits Kandahar: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/news/gen.-petraeus-visits-troops-in-kandahar.html

ISAF Newspapers Find New Use As Textbooks: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/news/isaf-newspapers-find-new-use-as-school-books.html

Counter IED Efforts: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/news/counter-ied-efforts-try-to-get-left-of-the-boom-in-afghanistan.html

Operations: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/news/marines-proud-of-dropping-critical-supplies.html

Operations: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/july-10-afghan-isaf-operations-in.html

Note: Internet connectivity has been spotty and intermittent at best. Hoping that it will get better.

God Bless America

Bryan

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Thursday, July 8, 2010

Thoughts

I was starting to write my thoughts on my second hundred days here -- and not planning to publish until next week when I hit that milestone -- so I thought I would fire out a few thoughts quickly right now.

I'm not going to discuss the great loss of General McChrystal -- but I will say the positive and dedicated energy here with the arrival of General Petraeus is comprehendable and feel-able where-ever you go. It is deffinitely a good thing. In all honesty its very much a great honor to be under his command.

Progress continues to be made. The Afghan Security Forces continue taking the fight to the enemy and winning.

The coalition is strong and making great progress everyday.

It's hot and dusty, and you can almost time your watch by when the winds start blowing in the late afternoon -- lol -- but than again it's summer time so that is not surprising!

Morale is high -- and it is a complete honor to be here right now at this critical time to make such a critical difference in the Afghan People's lives.

God Bless America

Bryan

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AMP Morning Stand-To 8 July

From Afghanistan:

Southern Afghanistan: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/afghan-isaf-forces-build-a-future-in-southern-afghanistan.html

COMISAF Commander's Conference: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/caat-anaysis-news/comisaf-commanders-conference.html

Security Progress in Southern Afghanistan: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/news/progress-in-establishing-security-in-south.html

COMISAF visits Afghan Officials: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/news/comisaf-visits-afghan-government-officials.html

Operations: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/july-8-afghan-isaf-operations-in-khost-province.html

Kabul Art Students Paint Pictures of Hope: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/kabul-art-students-paint-picture-of-hope-change-in-afghanistan.html

God Bless America

Bryan

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Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Quote of the Day 6 July

"Those who look for the bad in people will surely find it"

-- President Abraham Lincoln

God Bless America

Bryan

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AMP Morning Stand-To 6 July

From Afghanistan:

COMISAF Visits Shahdarak Market: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/news/comisaf-visits-shahdarak-market.html

Operations: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/july-5.html

Operations: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/july-6-afghan-isaf-operations-in-ghazni-helmand-logar.html

God Bless America

Bryan

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Monday, July 5, 2010

AMP Morning Stand-To 5 July

From Afghanistan:

Letter To The Troops: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/news/a-word-from-the-commander.html

Regional Command South-West: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/regional-command-southwest-ceremony-marks-standup.html

GEN Petraeus Assumes Command: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/news/gen.-petraeus-assumes-command-of-isaf.html

Reenlistment Ceremony in Kabul: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/news/a-look-across-afghanistan-reenlistment-ceremony-in-kabul.html

Operations:(From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/july-5.html

Insurgent Attacks: (From ISAF / IJC): http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/statement-on-recent-insurgent-attacks.html

God Bless America

Bryan

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Saturday, July 3, 2010

Happy 4th Of July

Today is the 4th of July. It means many things -- but above all, it is a symbol of Freedom. Both to ourselves and to others.

Today -- on this 4th of July let us remember that their are many around the world who still yearn for those same cool waters of Freedom. Today we have tens of thousands of our Sons, Daughters, Husbands, Wives, and Friends deployed around the world helping those people achieve that Freedom also.

Let us remember that Freedom is not free, and it comes with a price, and let us remember and honor all of those who have gone before us and paid for that Freedom with their lives. From the earliest Patriots at the Boston Tea Party to our brave young men and women deployed around the world.

Happy 4th of July!

God Bless America

Bryan

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