According to an Air Force press release, the Air Force has removed the restriction that Air Liaison Officers (ALOs) must be rated aircrew. ALOs are the Air Force members who deploy on the ground with the Army to coordinate with Air Force assets during airstrikes, among other purposes.
This was presented as an “opportunity” for non-aviators: Read more
It was disturbing this weekend to see the attempted assassination of US House Rep Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) — in which a 9 year old girl lost her life — devolve into a game of political gotcha within minutes.
Because Giffords was a pro-abortion Democrat who defeated a “Tea Party” candidate just a few weeks ago, some pointed at right-wing “AM radio-listening” pro-life extremists. When the alleged shooter’s internet ramblings started to become public — in which he appears to be a confused socialist and ambiguously anti-religion — the speculation went from “conservative fundamentalist” to “lunatic.” Apparently because to Read more
As previously discussed, US Army SGT Justin Griffith is trying to organize a counter-event to “Rock the Fort.” His “Rock Beyond Belief” event was part of a divorce from the atheistic Fort Bragg Freedom Festival. Based on public information, his event seems to be outdoing his former partners in spades. In order to get MWR “official” Army support and access to the parade field, they need projected attendance of 2500+ people. Based on the publicly available information, Griffith may be on his way to that number, though its difficult to say.
Importantly, Griffith knows his event needs to remain non-offensive to his fellow Soldiers to obtain the official support of the military he so strongly desires. It is highly unlikely the Army would provide support to an event demeaning to others, regardless Read more
Operation Rest and Relax has been organizing all-expenses paid vacations for servicemembers and their families when they return from their deployments.
“I had never dreamed that this would be as large as it’s become,” Dr. Grant Evans said, the founder of Operation R&R. “We have upwards of 400 owners now that have donated a free week of ocean front homes and condos. We have 60 restaurant owners; we have 35 business owners that offer 50% up to 100% discounts. And we have close to 200 greeter couples which are couples we assign to a family.”
Currently, the operation is strictly local, helping out only servicemembers specifically assigned to Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Bases, and the Beaufort Marine Air Base. Servicemembers eligible must also be married, and only immediate family can accompany them.
You can learn more from their website.
During the Christmas season it is not unusual to hear the controversy over whether “Merry Christmas” is being intentionally censored or avoided. Regardless of your political or religious persuasion, there are some ridiculous examples of scornful “Merry Christmas” retorts to what may be sincere well wishes expressed in the “wrong” words of “Happy Holidays.” Some have rightly said that some Merry Christmas-ers are just looking for something to get twisted over.
Likewise, atheists now have their own manufactured cause célèbre.
The Global Assessment Tool (GAT) Soldier Fitness Tracker (SFT) is part of the Army’s Comprehensive Soldier Fitness initiative. It is designed to help Soldiers self-assess their Emotional, Social, Family, and Spiritual resiliency. Atheists have taken umbrage at the “Spiritual” section, Read more
A local news channel interviewed interviewed US Army Chaplain (Col) Lance Kittleson as he described his role as a spiritual support for Soldiers:
As a chaplain in the army, [Kittleson is] the senior pastor and administrator of a military congregation of more than 5,000 soldiers at bases all over Iraq.
“My job is to make sure the commander is informed on religious implications of his mission as well as provide direct support to our soldiers: Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, whatever they may be,” Col. Kittleson said.
He says faith is very important during a time of war. Read more
The WorldNetDaily is a right-leaning website that is most often hyperbolic and sensationalist. It has a few bright spots, but even they can be clouded over by the overhyped presentation.
If one can look past the adjectives, however, they may be accurately reporting the request for relief of an Army Lieutenant Colonel over the recent repeal of the combined policy/law known as Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.
The text of the commander’s letter to his superiors asking that he be relieved of command is included on the site. It says in part Read more
As noted earlier this year, Rabbi Menachem Stern has been trying for some time to become a US military Chaplain, but has faced resistance over his orthodox appearance. He has apparently been unable to obtain a waiver for his beard.
He is now reportedly suing the Army for “denying him a commission” because of his religious tenets. His lawsuit specifically cites the recent waivers given to Sikhs — men who were not Chaplains — and a bearded Muslim intern Read more