I’d like to wish all of my gentle readers and their families a healthy, happy, and secure New Year.

New Year’s Eve 1944 outside Bastogne, Belgium

And with the help of some dedicated men and women in uniform, that wish will certainly come to fruition, at least in part. Sgt Hook out.

Photo Courtesy U.S. Army.

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This post is filed under: Americana

Like a Rock.

Click on the link. ‘Nuff said. Sgt Hook out.

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This post is filed under: Americana

I’m throwing my hat into the Knowledge is Power ring and am asking for your vote. Please head over and vote for SondraK and the gang, polls close tomorrow. Thank you. Sgt Hook out.

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This post is filed under: All Things Blog

CAUTION

Usama Bin Laden is wanted in connection with the August 7, 1998, bombings of the United States Embassies in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and Nairobi, Kenya. These attacks killed over 200 people. In addition, Bin Laden is a suspect in other terrorist attacks throughout the world.

REWARD

The Rewards For Justice Program, United States Department of State, is offering a reward of up to $25 million for information leading directly to the apprehension or conviction of Usama Bin Laden. An additional $2 million is being offered through a program developed and funded by the Airline Pilots Association and the Air Transport Association.

SHOULD BE CONSIDERED ARMED AND DANGEROUS

IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS PERSON, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL FBI OFFICE OR THE NEAREST AMERICAN EMBASSY OR CONSULATE.

This has been a public service announcement provided by Sgt Hook and Joe Friday, lest we forget that we’re at war with an enemy who has sworn to kill us. That is all. Sgt Hook out.

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This post is filed under: Americana & GWOT

Just as good news coming out of Iraq and Afghanistan goes unreported, so does the fact we have soldiers on duty in the Balkans. We don’t hear much about it because peace seems to have broken out in the former Yugoslav Republic. Here’s how some spent their Christmas holiday away from home.

CAMP BONDSTEEL, KOSOVO (Army News Service, Dec. 28, 2005) – Soldiers from KFOR 6B convoyed to a hilltop church overlooking the small town of Letnice/Letnica, Kosovo, Dec. 25 to deliver hand-made fleece blankets to residents there.

“It’s important for me to celebrate Christmas here,” said 1st Lt. Melanie Meyer, liaison officer, Task Force Falcon. “This is my first Christmas away from my family in the states. I wanted to come out here today so I can still feel the same joy of giving during Christmas. Watching the faces of the kids getting really excited is great.”

Several children dressed in ski hats and winter coats smiled from ear to ear as they received their blankets from Meyer. The blankets were donated by a class of school children from the United States.

“Thank you for this, for the people,” said Don Krisht Gjergji, parish priest. “Thank you very much.”

Your soldiers never cease to do me proud. I’m honored to be associated with this outfit, your Army. Sgt Hook out.

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This post is filed under: Army Times & The Soldier

Looks like we can expect more indictments from the special prosecutor in the CIA leak case.

“My daddy’s famous, my mommy’s a secret spy,” declared the 5-year-old of his parents, former diplomat Joe Wilson and retired CIA operative Valerie Plame.

Move over Scooter. Sgt Hook out.

Hotel Tango SondraK.

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This post is filed under: Now That's Funny

Echo9er posts an email from an Air Force Load Master that you must read.

Halfway down the road to hell,
In a shady meadow green,
Are the souls of all dead troopers camped
Near a good old-time canteen.
And this eternal resting place
Is known as Fiddler’s Green.
-Author Unknown

I’ll see you on Fiddler’s Green Sgt Reali. This We’ll Defend. Sgt Hook out.

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This post is filed under: Fiddler's Green & Heroes & The Soldier

Great article by Kevin Anderson of the BBC.

The war in Vietnam is often referred to as the first war on television, and the wars in Afghanistan and now in Iraq will be known as the first wars to be blogged.

Read the rest. Sgt Hook out.

Posted by Hook @ 1528 zulu | Comments & Trackbacks (2) | Permalink
This post is filed under: All Things Blog

Marine Corps Mom Kristine Mason sends…

I am a Marine mom of a fallen hero - LCpl. John Lucente, who died on Nov.16, 2005 in Operation Steel Curtain. This has been extremely difficult for us and I know many will follow in this pain. How can I be a support to others in the same way the marine moms have been for me. I have a small but strong voice and I would very much like to share it.

I am so very proud of what our Marines are doing and will stand up against any person who says we are over there in vain. JT’s story is attached if you have a few moments. Again I am very proud of MY LOVE, MY SON, MY MARINE and now MY HERO,

Sincerely, Kristine Mason - Marine mom forever

IN LOVING MEMORY OF MY SON LCPL JOHN LUCENTE

Halfway down the road to hell,
In a shady meadow green,
Are the souls of all dead troopers camped
Near a good old-time canteen.
And this eternal resting place
Is known as Fiddler’s Green.
-Author Unknown

I highly recommend that you find “a few moments” to read about this Gold Star Mom’s brave son, hero, your Marine. I’ll see you on Fiddler’s Green Lance Corporal Lucente. Semper Fi. Sgt Hook out.

Posted by Hook @ 0543 zulu | Comments & Trackbacks (13) | Permalink
This post is filed under: Americana & Heroes

A blogger writer with true grit. Sgt Hook out.

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This post is filed under: All Things Blog & Americana