Happy Thanksgiving

I hope all reading this (and everyone else who is not) have a happy "turkey-day" wherever you are, especially those overseas. Don't eat too much, have fun watching some great football games (including Friday and the weekend), enjoy time together with family and friends, and most of all give thanks for what you have. Times may be tough economically and otherwise, but we American's are about as resilient as a nation can be. It's been proven time and again. More next week, I'm taking some time off from blogging until our leftover turkey has been eaten.

DOD photo altered by DOD

The Associated Press (AP) has removed from its service a digitally altered image of Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody, the military’s first female four-star general. This was the second time in two months that AP has suspended the use of DOD provided images. I looked at the two images of GEN Dunwoody (you can see it here) and there clearly was a difference…the most notable being the placement of an American flag in the background, and the retouching of her face and uniform. It did not seem to be a big deal to me, retouching, since I often do the same type thing when I get a less than desired quality photo to use, usually one that’s not of high enough resolution. When that happens, I have to retouch the image to remove the digital artifacts, etc.. However I NEVER add anything to an image that would change it’s portrayal, such as the addition of the flag by someone in the DOD. Bad judgement on their part, and not good journalism. Main point being, given the fact the Dunwoody is the first female four-star, one would have thought that DOD would have made sure a top notch photo was provided for their press release.

Cyberwarfare

I read today, "The Defense Department has imposed an immediate ban on the use of thumb drives and other easily portable devices that offer digital memory storage, with some sort of viral intrusion into the military’s worldwide computer networks apparently spurring the move." DOD is apparently very concerned that virus programs may be spreading as a result of people using external media storage such as flash drives (thumb drives), SD and CF camera cards and others storage devices. Lots of restrictions to keep track of. A sign of the times these days when "cyber-war" is a distinct reality.

Sometimes I wonder…

I am amazed at times just how long it takes for senior leaders in the military to say publicly what those much more junior (e.g. those doing all the heavy lifting) have been saying for years. Example: Today I read, "Stress on U.S. troops from repeated combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan is “extraordinary” and may be worsening even as fighting eases in Iraq, the military’s top officer says." That top officer is the Chairman of the JCS. I don't think I need another example of my point.

Training deaths

There have been several news reports recently about three Soldiers who died while undergoing basic training at Fort Jackson, SC. Other training installations have had similar multiple instances in the past. In my view tragic and unfortunate events such as this are typically natural occurrences to be expected when dealing with such large and diverse populations. Unfortunately, some media reporters jump to the conclusion, or indirectly imply, that a "Drill Sergeant" did not do what they should have done to prevent the death in the first place. That's a disservice to all those who work very hard day in and day out to build young Americans into Soldiers.

NASCAR 3-pete

I'm wearing my Jimmie Johnson No. 48 Lowes hat today in recognition of his third-in-a-row NASCAR Cup (Sprint) championship. When I wear that hat at Martinsville Speedway where most of the 65,000 plus rabid fans have on Earnhardt, Jr. gear, I feel a bit out of place. But, there's a lot of Lowes gear around as well, so I do have company. Anyway, time to take a few months break from racin before getting back to the chase in 2009.

Is this THE mark on the wall?

According to CNN online: "The Iraqi Cabinet on Sunday approved a security pact that sets the terms for U.S. troops in Iraq. The agreement sets June 30, 2009, as the deadline for U.S. troops to withdraw from all Iraqi cities and towns, Iraqi government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said. The date for all troops to leave Iraq will be December 31, 2011, he said. These dates are "set and fixed" and are "not subject to the circumstances on the ground," he said. Twenty-seven of the 40 Cabinet members in attendance voted in favor of the agreement, said Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari. One minister abstained."

Some Flickr photos

If you are interested, I invite you to look at a few of my recently taken photographs. Old Salem North Carolina last summer and Upper Michigan last month. The one above was taken in Munising, Michigan…before the snow started to fall. Both trips were filled with lots of photo fun. Click here to explore.

Inspiration? Maybe so, maybe not

There is no way for me to determine just how many folks read this blog and how often they do so. Still, I figure I need to keep it up to date for those who do read it, and to post as many items during the week that I can. My target is one a day, except for weekends. Some days, I have zero inspiration…others, like today, I have a bit more. Some may wonder what sources of information I use when I post “news or info” type blogs. Mostly I go to the DoD DVIDS site, or to the Army’s website, or even Army Times. If I see something that gets my interest, so I might be able to provide some unofficial opinion, I'll give it a shot. When I can’t find anything that “newsy”, then I try to offer an opinion about something else, usually about things non-military. Since I love photography, I’ll sometimes just post a photo I took and say something about it. And lastly, if I see an interesting web-link or two that I figure you’d be interested in seeing, I’ll point you in that direction. My overall intent is to get you to return to the blog on a regular basis. If you do, then my efforts are worthwhile. If not, then I'll keep doing it for my personal satisfaction anyway. Cheers!

Troop Tube

I didn't know that troops deployed overseas can't use You Tube to look at videos, etc. Bad stuff I guess. OK to "You Tube" back home, just bad if you're overseas. Not sure why, but it's not important…really. Anyway, it is OK for them to go to Troop Tube. Looks kinda sanitary to me, but then I'm not deployed, nor am I still in the Army. I suppose it does fill a need. Be interested to see how it all works out over time.

Big changes in Iraq

About a year or so ago the situation in Iraq was dangerously close to civil war. Then came the “surge” which focused on placing more troops in the middle of major population centers to help curb the violence. That strategy appears to have worked. Now, we learn that we are reversing direction and pulling troops away from cities, and concentrating them at large bases away from population centers, with a target of having the moves completed by June 2009. At that time, and perhaps earlier, we’ll see just how prepared the Iraqi government is to defend itself. In my view, it’s time we make this move. They have to eventually stand on their own; and if they have problems, we’ll still have troops nearby to help.

Those who served

Today, Veteran's Day, we ought to remember those in the military who gave their all in defense of freedom. Other Veterans and their families should also be remembered for their sacrifices while in uniform. We owe them a great deal.

Now here's a good deal for 2009

The AEA Board of Directors recently announced a NEW membership incentive program as appreciation to those who have a current AEA membership as of June 16 (the annual birthday of the Army Corps of Engineers). Fifty AEA member names will be randomly drawn by a third party from the association's member data base on that date. Prizes include complimentary airline tickets good for any roundtrip destination in the continental U.S, as well as $300 VISA gift cards. All you have to do in order to be eligible is to be a current member as of June 16th next year. Sounds like a good deal to me. For more, click here.

Veterans to be honored at Applebee's

According to the Applebee's website: "Select Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants (164 participating restaurants nationwide) are testing a promotion that invites all active duty and veterans to pull up a chair for a delicious meal and heartfelt thanks this Veterans Day. With gratitude for their service and sacrifice, active duty and veterans will eat free at participating locations on Veterans Day (November 11, 2008) during regular business hours. Veterans and active duty with proof of United States military service will be able to go to one of the participating Applebee's and select one complimentary entrée from a selection of delicious favorites: a savory House Sirloin, hearty Riblet Basket, zesty Fiesta Lime Chicken®, a juicy Quesadilla Burger or fresh Oriental Chicken Salad. All the traditional sides are included." A list of participating restaurants is here. Sounds like a good idea to me, and a special THANKS to Applebee's!

AEA Member Data Base

After months of hard work, the AEA recently unveiled its new and vastly improved online member data base. Current members can LOGIN through the portal and securely access their records to make changes or to renew membership terms. New members can sign up quickly and efficiently. Those entering the portal may also search for names of other members. Lastly, prospective attendees at AEA sponsored conferences and seminars may register online, and prospective donors to the annual AEA Guardians of the Castle Fund Drive can make their donation. Other "member only" modules are planned. Check it out if you have not already done so.

Proud living in Rural America

Our family moved about once every two years during the 28 we spent on active duty in the Army. We lived in many regions of the U.S. (urban and rural), and spent several years overseas. I grew up in the south, my wife in the north. So, it's fair to say we've seen a lot of what the country has to offer. Having lived where we do now in a rural region of Southern Virginia, I have to say it's by far our favorite location. I'm sure many others like me have equally favorite places…rural and urban. What connects us all is the fact we're Americans. And today, I'm pretty darn proud to be one.

Voted?

Yes, I did. FINALLY!!!

Corps Lakes

Have you ever been to a Corps of Engineers recreational area, established around hundreds of lakes in the country…most related to flood control projects built over the years? If not, you should. You can locate where they are here. In my part of the country, we have one of the best at Philpott Lake near Bassett, Virginia. The photo here is the main entrance area to their modern and well operated visitor's center. This blog commercial was sponsored by me, and I'm not running for political office.

Ride the BEST train

Back in time