Freedom isn't FREE!

Our first President George Washington once said, "If we desire peace it must be known at all times that we are ready for war." Since 1776 no generation of Americans has been spared the responsibility of defending freedom through armed conflict with the forces of tyranny and oppression. More than 40 million men and women have put on the uniform of a United States soldier, sailor, Marine, Coast Guardsman, or pilot. Of these, more than ONE MILLION paid the price of freedom with their lives.

"LAND OF THE FREE....

....HOME OF THE BRAVE"

The Mighty Oak Ridge Boys~National Anthem

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39Y3-XqdWHQ&feature=player_detailpage

Soldiers Home After Year In Afghanistan

A hero's welcome greeted more than 100 soldiers Saturday.

Members of the 377th's Military Police Company returned to Cincinnati after spending the past year in Afghanistan.
A lot happens in a year. Some of the soldiers became fathers, others missed their children's birthdays. Some soldiers left behind spouses and fiances.
Those moments were forgotten, replaced by the love found in those very first hugs at the Woodrow High School homecoming ceremony.
"He's coming home and I can't wait," said Debbie Pegoli who was waiting for her son.
Byron Wilber's birthday present arrived early. His wife asked him what he wanted as a present and he said his son.
"My birthday's Monday. He's going to be home," he said.
Families and friends gathered with posters, flags and cameras waiting.
Together, those left behind waited for their loved ones to return. One by one the soldiers stepped onto Cincinnati soil. One last time they stood as a unit, walked as a unit, listened to their commanders as a unit. Then, "377th, dismissed."
For the first time in months, families hugged, fathers kissed their babies and spouses embraced.
"It feels awesome to be back home," said one soldier, "Just to feel the love coming off, honestly, you can't put it into words."
Many soldiers looked forward to the simple things - relaxing, eating dinner with their families and returning to their homes.
The 377th MP Company is with the Army Reserves.

Wecome Home Soldiers !

Frank Buckles, the last American veteran of World War I

Buckles died at his home in Charles Town, West Virginia, about 300 miles northeast of Charleston, on Feb. 27. He was 110.

Rest In Peace~Soldier

'Band of Brothers' Commander Richard 'Dick' Winters Dies

Richard "Dick" Winters, the Easy Company commander whose World War II exploits were made famous by the book and television miniseries "Band of Brothers," died last week in central Pennsylvania. He was 92.

An intensely private and humble man, Winters had asked that news of his death be withheld until after his funeral, Jackson said. Winters lived in Hershey, Pa., but died in suburban Palmyra.

The men Winters led expressed their admiration for their company commander after learning of his death.
William Guarnere, 88, said what he remembers about Winters was "great leadership."
When people asked whether he was a hero, he echoed the words of his World War II buddy, Mike Ranney: "No, but I served in a company of heroes."

Rest in Peace~Soldier

Medal of Honor recipient Salvatore Giunta

US Army Staff Sergeant Salvatore Giunta is the first living Medal of Honor recipient for service in Iraq and Afghanistan

Well Done Soldier !

Holocaust program Tuesday at Rockwern



Stories of men and women who saved Jewish lives during the Holocaust will be shared at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Rockwern Academy, 8401 Montgomery Road, Sycamore Township.

The program:  "Challenges of the Rescuers and the Rescued," is presented by the Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education. Stanlee Stahl, executive vice president of the New York City-based Jewish Foundation for the Righteous, will speak about the people who risked their lives and the lives of their families by aiding, hiding and saving Jewish lives during the Holocaust.
The event will also recognize Geneva, Ind., resident Anne-Willem Meijer. As an 11-year-old boy in Holland, Meijer delivered ration books for resistance leader Corrie ten Boom to aid Jews in hiding during the Holocaust. The Meijer family also hid Jews inside their own home.
The program is free and open to the public, but reservations are suggested. To make reservations, contact Frances Donohue at 513-487-3055 or

Thanks to all currently serving and all our Vets

It is the VETERAN/SOLDIER, not the preacher, who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the VETERAN/SOLDIER, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the VETERAN/SOLDIER, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the VETERAN/SOLDIER, not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to assemble.
It is the VETERAN/SOLDIER, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the VETERAN/SOLDIER, not the politician, who has given us the right to vote.

Thank Our Vets and Those Currently Serving

The Greatest Generation

Honor Our Vets

We have many Hero's who protect our safety and freedom.

When was the last time you told one, "THANKS"?

Veterans

Soldiers

Sailors

Airmen

Marines

National Guard

Coast Guard

Reservist

Police Officers

Firemen

Correction Officers

Border Patrol

First Living Soldier Since Vietnam Awarded Military's Highest Honor
On Oct. 25, 2007, 22 year-old Army Spc. Salvatore Giunta raced head-on into an enemy ambush to save the lives of two American soldiers during a deadly fire fight in one of the most inhospitable regions of eastern Afghanistan.

Giunta saved the life of one soldier and prevented Sgt. Josh Brennan, who later died of his wounds, from being carried away by Taliban fighters.
Giunta, who has since been promoted to sergeant, got a call two years later from President Obama -- he was to be the first living soldier since the Vietnam War to receive the Medal of Honor.
Giunta says he doesn't feel like a hero. "No more than every single service member in the United States military today,"
But he'll be the first living recipient to receive the award from either Iraq or Afghanistan, and a hero's treatment is what he's likely to receive.
Army Sgt. Salvatore Giunta is the first living soldier to be awarded the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War. 
"Sgt. Giunta distinguished himself by acts of gallantry at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty
Brennan's father, Mike Brennan, told news sources that if it wasn't for Giunta's actions, "we may never have gotten my son back."

Giunta, born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is now the eighth service member to receive the award since the start of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. All those before him received the award posthumously.

Well Done Sgt. Giunta !  You are a true American Hero.

September 11th.

Please fly your flag today in Honor and Respect for all who lost their lives on 9/11 and all who are currently serving and for those who have lost their lives defending our freedom

Today marks the end of America's combat mission in Iraq. We salute all our brave servicemen and women for all that they have done and all that they continue to do. Now let's bring them home safe!