Gung Ho!

Main Entry: gung ho Pronunciation: 'g&[ng]-'hOFunction: adjective Etymology: Gung ho!, motto (interpreted as meaning "work together") adopted by certain U.S. marines, from Chinese (Beijing) gOnghé, short for ZhOngguó GOngyè Hézuò Shè Chinese Industrial Cooperative Society: extremely or overly zealous or enthusiastic

Gung Ho!
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Gung Ho!
And The Cost of War!


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Gung Ho!
And The Cost of War In Lives!


Friday, September 09, 2005

Most Louisiana guards returning from Iraq opting out of hurricane work (AFP)

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Nearly two thirds of a Louisiana national guard brigade returning from Iraq have indicated they will opt out of serving in hurricane relief efforts and return to private life, their commander said.

Brigadier General John Basilica said he had surveyed the 256th brigade's 2,500 guardsmen and about 1,500 said they planned to return to private life. Only about 800 said they would stay and serve in their storm devastated state.




Semper Fi


La. Guardsmen Depart Iraq to Find Families (AP)

CAMP VICTORY, Kuwait - A plane carrying 100 Louisiana National Guardsmen left this U.S. base in the desert late Thursday, most returning to damaged homes and families-turned-refugees by Hurricane Katrina.

The troops ended their Iraq duty a little more than a week before they were scheduled to return to the United States on regular rotation.

"We were ecstatic because we were going home," said Sgt. Jackie Gantt, 39, of St. Rose, La., just outside New Orleans.

But after the ravages of the hurricane, New Orleans is no longer home.

"It's like Armageddon hit the city," said Gantt, who was a medic at a military prison for Iraqi insurgents. "We were scared to death. We don't know what our houses are going to be like. We don't know what our situation is. Some guys have nothing."


AP Photo: Louisiana National Guards of the 256th Brigade Combat team follow a briefing prior their departure...

Semper Fi


Staff Sgt. Jude R. Jonaus
Sgt. Franklin R. Vilorio

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died on Sept. 6, 2005, in Baghdad, Iraq, where an improvised explosive device detonated near their HMMWV causing it to rollover. Both soldiers were assigned to the Brigade Troops Battalion, Division Support Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Killed were:

Staff Sgt. Jude R. Jonaus, 27, of Miami, Fla.

Sgt. Franklin R. Vilorio, 26, of Miami, Fla.


Semper Fi


Spc. Jeffrey A. Williams

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Jeffrey A. Williams, 20, of Warrenville, Ill., died on Sept. 5, 2005, in Tal Afar, Iraq, where an improvised explosive device detonated near his combat patrol. Williams was assigned to the Support Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colo




Semper Fi


Thursday, September 08, 2005

Sgt. Matthew C. Bohling

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Matthew C. Bohling, 22, of Eagle River, Alaska, died on Sept. 5, 2005, in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, where an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV during combat operations. Bohling was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.


Semper Fi


Hospitalman Robert N. Martens

DoD Identifies Navy Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Hospitalman Robert N. Martens, 20, of Queen Creek, Ariz., died Sept. 6, from injuries sustained as a passenger when his HMMWV rolled over in Al Qaim, Iraq. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, Martens was assigned to II Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, N.C


Semper Fi


Wednesday, September 07, 2005

WNY Marine Hurt In Iraq Improving

Posted by: Robyn Young, Reporter

There is a long road ahead, but the family of Lance Corporal Mark Beyers is just happy to have him home on U.S. soil.

"If you can imagine being a child and having all of the Christmases that you loved thrown into one, that's it. It's the best thing I ever felt in my life, is to touch that child," said Tricia Beyers, Lance Corporal Beyers' mom.

Beyers was wounded in an explosion while on patrol in Iraq August 26. His family and his Buffalo-based Marine unit, India Company, confirm he lost his right arm and part of his right leg. He was listed in critical condition, in a
drug-induced coma, while hospitalized in Germany.

While Tricia Beyers was not sure what his current condition is, she said her son is out of the coma and has been able to talk to family members with him in Bethesda.

"He's doing as well as anyone can expect him to do. He's kind of in and out of it," Beyers said, adding that her son is still undergoing procedures to remove schrapnel from his wounds.

Six Marines from Beyers' unit were injured in the explosion, though he was injured the most seriously.


Semper Fi


Army amputee wants to pick up where he left off

By William Cole
Advertiser Military Writer

Snip

Spc. Brandon Wooldridge bears another distinction from combat: His left leg ends six inches below the knee. From there down, it's carbon fiber and titanium that's sheathed in his black combat boot.

Despite that, Wooldridge's movements and appearance are pretty much indistinguishable from other soldiers, and that's how he wants it to stay.

Ten months after the 24-year-old's calf was blown off in a firefight and doctors amputated his lower leg, the Schofield Barracks soldier is back with his unit, and his goal is to stay infantry.

"I'm supposed to be able to do that. That's what I'm pushing for," he said. "My medical board's in November. Hopefully, they'll let me stay."


Semper Fi


Seargent Chris Cartwright
Seargent Leon Brimm
Specialist Jamie Smith

Some soldiers with the 278th Regimental Combat Team from Bristol, Tennessee are recovering from injuries after an explosion in Iraq.
Seargent Chris Cartwright and Seargent Leon Brimm were hurt when a car bomb blew up next to their vehicle just outside of Baghdad early Monday morning.
Both men received minor injuries.
278th soldier Specialist Jamie Smith from Church Hill was also injured and is being transferred to a hospital in Germany.
The soldiers are expected to return home in early November.


Semper Fi


Lance Cpl. Ryan J. Nass

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Lance Cpl. Ryan J. Nass, 21, of Franklin, Wis., died Sept. 3 from a non-hostile gunshot wound at Camp Blessing, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.


Semper Fi


Spc. Luke C. Williams

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Luke C. Williams, 35, of Knoxville, Tenn., died on Sept. 5, 2005 in Baghdad, Iraq, when the HMMWV he was riding in accidentally rolled over into a ditch. Williams was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.


Semper Fi


Four Americans killed in southern Iraq bombing (AFP)

BASRA, Iraq (AFP) - Four American security guards were killed when a bomb targeted a US diplomatic convoy in the southern Iraqi town of Basra.

There were "no diplomats" among the casualties, a British diplomat told AFP.

"The four Americans who have been killed were all in the front car" leading the convoy, he said Wednesday.

Pictures taken at the scene in northern Basra showed a silver-coloured four-wheel drive vehicle on its roof with two bodies, wearing bullet-proof jackets, nearby.


Semper Fi


Tuesday, September 06, 2005

CentCom-TASK FORCE FREEDOM SOLDIER KILLED IN IED ATTACK

TAL AFAR, Iraq – A Task Force Freedom Soldier died when the vehicle he was in was struck by an improvised explosive device in Tal Afar Sept. 5.

The name of the Soldier is being withheld pending next of kin notification.


Semper Fi


CenCom-2 TASK FORCE BAGHDAD SOLDIERS KILLED

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Two Task Force Baghdad Soldiers were killed when their vehicle rolled over after striking an improvised explosive device around 10 a.m. Sept. 6 in central Baghdad.

Two other Soldiers were wounded in the terrorist attack.

The names of the Soldiers are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.


Semper Fi


U.S. Marine Jets Bomb Two Bridges in Iraq (AP)

BAGHDAD, Iraq - U.S. Marine jets Tuesday attacked two bridges across the Euphrates River near the Syrian border to prevent insurgents from using them to move foreign fighters and munitions into major cities, the U.S. command said.

A Marine statement said U.S. and Iraqi forces also destroyed a "foreign fighter safe house," killed two foreigners and arrested three others during a raid Tuesday in the same area as the bridge attack.

The fighting occurred a day after U.N. chief
Kofi Annan said
Iraq had become an even greater terrorist center than the former Taliban-ruled
Afghanistan. Attacks attributed to al-Qaida's wing in Iraq have increased in the Baghdad area and western Iraq.

A Marine statement said F/A-18 jets dropped bombs shortly after midnight on two light bridges near Karabilah, about 185 miles west of Baghdad.

"The purpose of the strike was to prevent al-Qaida in Iraq terrorists from using the structures," the U.S. statement said. "The munitions used in the strike were designed to crater the bridges, rendering them inoperable but not destroying them."


Semper Fi


Monday, September 05, 2005

Medic receives Bronze Star Medal for Valor



CAMP TAJI, Iraq — A Soldier assigned to the Division Support Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, received a Bronze Star Medal with “V” device Aug. 11 at the DSB ministry center.

Sgt. Eric G. Sullivan, a combat medic with the 550th Area Support Medical Company, Brigade Troops Battalion (BTB), DSB, was awarded the medal by Brig. Gen. Mark E. O'Neill, assistant division commander for support for the 3rd Inf. Div.


Semper Fi


Sgt. 1st Class Lonnie J. Parson

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. 1st Class Lonnie J. Parson, 39, of Norcross, Ga., died on Sept. 2, 2005, in Baghdad, Iraq, when his M3A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle was struck by an enemy explosive device. Parson was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.


Semper Fi


Sgt. George R. Draughn Jr.
Staff Sgt. Robert L. Hollar Jr.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died on Sept. 1, 2005, in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their HMMWV during patrol operations. Both soldiers were assigned to the Army National Guard's 108th Cavalry Regiment, 48th Infantry Brigade, Griffin, Ga.

Killed were:

Sgt. George R. Draughn Jr., 29, of Decatur, Ga.

Staff Sgt. Robert L. Hollar Jr., 35, of Griffin, Ga.


Semper Fi


Gunmen mount dawn raid on Iraq ministry (Reuters)

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Up to 30 gunmen in 10 cars fired on
Iraq's interior ministry at dawn on Monday, killing two police and wounding five, ministry sources said, in what appeared a carefully coordinated attack on a sensitive target.

The attack came as campaigning was getting under way for a referendum due by October 15 on a contentious new constitution for the post-
Saddam Hussein era, and of the trial of Saddam himself, now confirmed for October 19.

"Two policemen were killed and five wounded," an Interior Ministry source told Reuters, adding that the gunmen, in 10 cars, had used rocket-propelled grenades, mortars and automatic rifles in the attack at 6:15 a.m. (0215 GMT).


Semper Fi


13 Suspected Taliban Killed in Afghanistan (AP)

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - Thirteen suspected Taliban fighters have been killed in fighting with U.S. and Afghan forces in a southern province, and more than 40 other suspected militants were arrested, a senior Afghan official said Monday.

Some 200 Afghan police, supported by the U.S.-led coalition, fought the militants in the mountains of Ghorak district in Kandahar province on Sunday night, said Kandahar Gov. Asadullah Khalid.

"We have the dead bodies," Khalid said, adding that assault rifles and some ammunition was confiscated from the fighters. He said 44 other suspects were arrested and that the Afghan and coalition forces had suffered no casualties.


Semper Fi


Heretik: MAKE IT MARDI GRAS AT LEFTY'S LOUNGE

Go read!

Semper Fi


Donkey O. D.: The buck stops with the Federal Government.

Go read!

Semper Fi


Night Bird's Fountain: SUNDAY MORNING POLEMICS AND POTEMKINS

Go read!
Semper Fi


Bu$hmerika: The Arrogant Strutter

Go read!

Semper Fi


Sunday, September 04, 2005

KRT: Soldier recovers after losing leg in Iraq blast

By Lauren Markoe

Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON - In Baghdad, his heart stopped twice.

Despite arriving in Washington unconscious, hooked up to a respirator, paralyzed on his left side and with his right leg amputated, he walks today.

It is a hesitant walk - only a few unsteady steps at a time - but Spc. Ramon Guitard, 22, knows that in time it will be a confident walk.

He also knows that it is no longer preposterous to plan for the day he leaves Walter Reed Army Medical Center, his home for the past 10 months.

Guitard will move to Columbia, where he and his wife want to raise their two daughters close to his family in Andrews and hers in Salters.

He can see himself at the University of South Carolina, getting his credentials and teaching middle school. He also wants to counsel soldiers. He has a message to share about seizing the future when someone has tried his best to take it away from you.

His discharge, he hopes, will come in the first few months of next year.


Semper Fi


CentCom Newsletter

Marines Provide Security for Upcoming Elections

By SGT Robert M. Storm

Asadabad, Afghanistan- With an eye towards the future, Marines and sailors from 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Marine Corps Base Hawaii conducted security operations with the Afghan National Army in the Korengal Valley Aug. 10 - 20.

Marines and ANA soldiers, part of Task Force Koa, conducted Operation Whalers to take away enemy safe havens in the Kunar Province and Korengal Valley and to ensure next month’s elections will be secure for Afghans to vote.


By SGT Cooper I. Evans – United States Marines Corp Marines with First Platoon, Fox Company, Second Battalion, Third Marines, provide indirect fire with an 81mm mortar, after their sister platoon was attacked during operation Whalers in Chawkay valley in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, on August 13, 2005.

Semper Fi


AP: Barrow man wounded in Iraq

ATLANTA - Two soldiers from a Griffin-based Georgia Army National Guard united were killed Thursday when their Humvee hit a roadside bomb. Two others were wounded, including a Barrow County man.

Staff Sgt. Robert ``Bobby'' Hollar, of Thomaston and Sgt. George R. Draughn of Decatur died in the attack.

``They were both great guys who gave 100 percent,'' said Maj. Larry Deaton of the Echo Troop, 108th Armor Regiment.

Two wounded are Spc. Buddy Mays, of Thomaston, who suffered fractures and a concussion. He will be transported to a hospital in Germy, said Linda Sperry,chairwoman of the Griffin Family Readiness Group.

Sgt. Wyatt New of Bethlehem suffered facial burns but was treated and released, Sperry said.

The 108th operates from three forward operating bases near Mahmudiyah, a rural area in the ``Sunni Triangle'' south of Baghdad.


Semper Fi


AzStarNet: Brain injury means he'll 'never be the same'

By Carol Ann Alaimo
ARIZONA DAILY STAR

RIO RICO - There's a sound Maria Castillo can't get out of her mind since her son was nearly killed in Iraq.

It's the awful sound of mothers weeping for their maimed sons and daughters in the corridors of Walter Reed Army Hospital .

"The nurses tell you not to cry in front of the patients, so the mothers go out in the hall," said Castillo, a reservations agent at American Airlines in Tucson.

Thirteen months have passed since her son, Army Spc. Erik Castillo, was hit by mortar fire while on convoy duty in Baghdad, leaving a grapefruit-size hole in his skull that likely would have killed him had it happened in a different era.


Chris Richards / Arizona Daily Star
Erik Castillo studies a plastic reproduction of his skull at his mother's Rio Rico home, showing the extent of the wound he suffered in Iraq.

Semper Fi


AP: Clashes continue in Tal Afar

TAL AFAR, Iraq Fighting continues in Tal Afar, where U-S and Iraqi forces are readying what could be a major assault.
Tal Afar sits near Iraq's border with Syria and has become an enemy stronghold. U-S forces crushed insurgents there last year before largely pulling out and turning it over to Iraqi soldiers. They weren't able to hold it, setting the stage for the current offensive.

Civilians are being told to leave Tal Afar.

Americans and Iraqis are said to be carrying out house-to-house searches for suspects and weapons. U-S F-16 fighter jets have been providing close air support.


Semper Fi


Soldier killed by small-arms fire near Iskandariyah (MNF-I)

CAMP FALLUJAH , Iraq -- A Soldier assigned to 155th Brigade Combat Team, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), died from small arms fire Aug. 31st.

The incident occurred during combat operations near Iskandariyah , Iraq .

The name of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin and release by the Department of Defense.



Semper Fi


Two Task Force Baghdad Soldiers killed (MNF-I)

BAGHDAD , Iraq – Two Task Force Baghdad Soldiers died after their patrol struck an improvised explosive device at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 1.

The names of the Soldiers are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.


Semper Fi


1st Lt. Derek S. Hines

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

1st Lt. Derek S. Hines, 25, of Newburyport, Mass., died on Sept. 1, 2005, in Baylough, Afghanistan, when his unit was conducting security operations and came under attack by enemy forces using small arms fire. Hines was assigned to the 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, Vicenza, Italy.


Semper Fi


Sgt. Monta S. Ruth

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Monta S. Ruth, 26, of Winston-Salem, N.C., died on Aug. 31, 2005, in Samarra, Iraq, where an improvised explosive device detonated near his military vehicle during security patrol operations. Ruth was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.


Semper Fi


Spc. Jason E. Ames

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Jason E. Ames, 21, of Cerulean, Ky., died on Aug. 31, 2005, in Mosul, Iraq, from non-combat related injuries. Ames was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.



Semper Fi


Capt. Lowell T. Miller

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Capt. Lowell T. Miller, II, 35, of Flint, Mich., died on Aug. 31, 2005, in Iskandariyah, Iraq, when his military training team was conducting operations with the Iraqi Army and they came under attack by enemy forces using small arms fire. Miller was assigned to the Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 155th Infantry Regiment, McComb, Miss.


Semper Fi