The Stars and Stripes notes the inadvertent release of a draft announcement that Iraq had agreed to purchase 18 F-16s, something it has wanted for years. As it turns out, the Iraqi government has not yet approved the purchase, making the release premature.
F-16s aren’t the only things Iraq wants.
“They’d like F-16s and, you know, Polaris submarines and aircraft carriers and a whole bunch of other things,” then-Lt. Gen. David Petraeus told reporters in 2005.
As previously noted, Michael Weinstein’s MRFF seems to boast “insiders” at the US Air Force Academy.
The most recent is Barry Fagin, who writes a column at the Colorado Springs Gazette — and also serves on the faculty at the US Air Force Academy. Fagin is a member of the Rocky Mountain “Skeptics” and a recipient of the Michael Weinstein’s 2009 MRFF Thomas Jefferson “award.” He recently wrote an article defending Michael Weinstein from public criticisms over his lawsuit against the US Air Force Academy’s upcoming National Prayer Luncheon. (Weinstein described the article as “perfect.”) Fagin described Weinstein as “not anti-Christian,” and said
The vast majority of people who illegally cross the border separating church and state are Christians. So they are the majority of those caught and punished by the courts.
Of course, he failed to cite any factual cases of military Christians “caught and punished” by any court. Still, it appears he would like to see Christians court-martialed for expressing beliefs consistent with mainstream Christianity. In replying to the comments on his article, he said Read more
The X-47B (previously noted) executed a successful first flight at Edwards AFB, California last week.
The X-47 is a Navy/Northrop technology demonstrator intended to test (and demonstrate) the ability of an unmanned aircraft to land on an aircraft carrier. The aircraft somewhat resembles a miniature B-2, and is ultimately intended to portend the UCAV, or Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle — the ability to conduct autonomous deep strike missions.
The Navy Times has an article and a video of the flight.
According to an Air Force Academy press release, General Michael Gould, USAFA Superintendent, had this to say about the upcoming National Prayer Luncheon:
[Gould] took on what he called “the big elephant” surrounding the Air Force Academy in the media in recent weeks: the National Prayer Luncheon, scheduled to be held at the Falcon Club Feb. 10. The event will feature retired Marine Lt. Clebe McClary as keynote speaker in addition to readings from followers of Buddhist, Jewish, Protestant, Catholic and Islamic faiths.
“Let me just set something straight: this is Read more
Update: The nearly 2 hour Prayer Breakfast is available on C-SPAN video.
According to the Christian Post, President Obama will speak today at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington. He previously did the same last year; Admiral Mullen also attended last year.
Astronaut Mark Kelly, husband to wounded Arizona Representative Gabrielle Giffords, will reportedly deliver the closing prayer.
Obama is Commander in Chief of the US Armed Forces; Kelly is a US Navy Captain. Military members have routinely taken part in prayer functions every year on bases around the world, just as they will this year in places like Fort Jackson, SC.
The military’s defense of their religious freedom ensures their continued ability to do so, despite the unConstitutional demands of those who would take away the rights of the troops.
Being a Christian in the military sometimes creates challenges in situations civilians take for granted. For example, how do you find a church? The concept of a “home church” and steady lifelong attendance takes on a whole new meaning when you move every two to four years.
As a military Christian, the single most important thing you can do when you arrive at a new assignment is establish your spiritual support, and finding a church is crucial to that end. There are many options and no single correct answer. Some people prefer the locale and access of the military chapel; others, the non-military feel of community churches. Each option has its positives and negatives — the only ‘bad’ choice is to do nothing.
The Base Chapel
As a military Christian, when you arrive at a new assignment your Read more
The editorial page of the Colorado Springs Gazette, local to the US Air Force Academy, came down with both feet on Michael Weinstein’s MRFF, clearly saying Weinstein’s group “opposes the free exercise of religion in government.” The article, entitled “Anti-religion suit is based on a myth,” was written by editor Wayne Laugesen in response to Weinstein’s lawsuit precipitated by the invitation USMC Lt (Ret) Clebe McClary to the Academy National Prayer Luncheon. Laugesen said
The Military Religious Freedom Foundation, a group that opposes the free exercise of religion in government, is suing U.S. Air Force Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Michael Gould in an effort to forcefully censor an evangelical Christian from speaking at the National Prayer Luncheon — a private event scheduled for Feb. 10 at the academy. (emphasis added)
The paper also jabbed at Weinstein’s lawyer and Weinstein’s own demonstrated record in the American judicial system: Read more
US Navy CAPT Owen Honors, recently fired skipper of the USS Enterprise due to videos he produced and starred in several years ago, has indicated he will not retire from the Navy.
According to reports, Admiral John Harvey has recommended Honors be “discharged for cause.”
In terms of what lies ahead for Honors, [attorney Charles] Gittins said the two-year statute of limitations for a captain’s mast has passed, so the Navy’s only options for further formal punishment would be to take Honors to court-martial or to hold a board Read more