Wednesday Hero

This Post Was Suggested By Michael
 
SSgt. Hiroshi H. Miyamura 87 years old from Gallup, New Mexico Company H, 7th Infantry Regiment, 442nd Infantry Regiment From then Cpl. Miyamura's Medal Of Honor citation: Cpl. Miyamura, a member of Company H, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. On the night of 24 April, Company H was occupying a defensive position when the enemy fanatically attacked threatening to overrun the position. Cpl. Miyamura, a machinegun squad leader, aware of the imminent danger to his men unhesitatingly jumped from his shelter wielding his bayonet in close hand-to-hand combat killing approximately 10 of the enemy. Returning to his position, he administered first aid to the wounded and directed their evacuation. As another savage assault hit the line, he manned his machinegun and delivered withering fire until his ammunition was expended. He ordered the squad to withdraw while he stayed behind to render the gun inoperative. He then bayoneted his way through infiltrated enemy soldiers to a second gun emplacement and assisted in its operation. When the intensity of the attack necessitated the withdrawal of the company Cpl. Miyamura ordered his men to fall back while he remained to cover their movement. He killed more than 50 of the enemy before his ammunition was depleted and he was severely wounded. He maintained his magnificent stand despite his painful wounds, continuing to repel the attack until his position was overrun. When last seen he was fighting ferociously against an overwhelming number of enemy soldiers. Cpl. Miyamura's indomitable heroism and consummate devotion to duty reflect the utmost glory on himself and uphold the illustrious traditions on the military service. After his actions that day, Cpl. Miyamura was taken prisoner by the Chinese. You can read more on SSgt. Miyamura here and here These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero. Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

America: Vote today - Because they can't

Today is voting day in the USA and the world is watching.

It is no secret that I am not American, so in theory I have no say in the outcome - not my business. However, it is also no secret that I am an avid watcher of all things political with my neighbour to the south, and yes, my regular readers know I have very definite opinions.

I was going to write a long, detailed piece here about what is at stake as Americans go to the polls across the land, and talk about the issues that matter; issues that WILL be decided today.

Then I saw a Gold Star Mother write "Vote on Tuesday - because they can't."

Seeing that clarified for me what this election is about.  Yes, it is about the economy, for sure, and yes, it is about our Military, no question.  Voters today will determine the Supreme Court of the US for years to come.  What happens with America's energy policy is also on the line with every vote. Unless voters have been asleep, they have to know that their vote will determine the foreign policy of America, and America's place on the world stage....

Bottom line:  this election is about vision.   One of the things that has become crystal clear to me during this most recent frenzy that passes for a campaign is the difference between what the Democrats and the Republicans see as the future of America.

In the last couple of days I have heard the president say "your vote is your revenge....work for me...(yes, emphasis mine) etc etc..."  and heard the Republican contender tell Americans "vote for love of country..."

I could go issue by issue and discuss the glaring differences between each party's approach to solutions, but frankly?  If American voters still need that discussion today - they have no business voting, since they have chosen to remain woefully uninformed.

Fact is - when Americans cast their votes today, it will be a momentous decision.  As Ronald Reagan so rightly said long ago:  it really IS "A Time for Choosing.

Our Fallen Heroes chose to serve America by enlisting in the Military.  Their choices, their sacrifices,  were in support of the freedom so many Americans take for granted.  They shed their blood, gave their lives in countries for whom democracy was a new concept...

In Iraq, in Afghanistan, our Troops have bled - and sacrificed their lives - to ensure free and fair democratic elections in those countries.

Today is America's turn to choose the course of this great nation.

Our Fallen Heroes answered the question posed by JFK decades ago:

Ask not what your country can do for you.  Instead, ask what you can do for your country....

Today, every American has the opportunity to choose the shape of their democracy for tomorrow.

Our Fallen Heroes gave their tomorrows.  America owes them nothing less than our vote to ensure the survival of the vision that makes America great - the America our Fallen Heroes swore an oath to protect.

Published on Nov 2, 2012 by v4sa

Brave men and women have fought and died so that Americans have the right to vote. On November 6, 2012 go and vote - and when you do - remember those brave Americans like Navy SEAL Aaron Vaughn, and silently thank him and his comrades for defending this nation and our freedom.

 God Bless America as you vote today.   Because they can't.

Ft Hood: Lest We forget

Always remembered.


 Always honoured..

Canadian Veterans' fight continues - against their own government

Ten years on from the beginning of the current phase of the Global War on Terror, returning Veterans around the world are having to fight for the help/benefits they have earned in harsh combat zones.  In the US, the VA is broken and Veterans struggle to access what was promised to them, after they have honorably served their country.  In Britain, same thing.

Canada is no exception, and this last week, Canadian Veterans took another step in ensuring that the Canadian government step up and honour their part of a contract we as a country make with ALL our Military.

From Vancouver Province newspaper:

Afghan veterans launch class-action bid against feds over disability payments

  Port Moody’s Kevin Berry among group that says lump sum isn’t enough

 By Susan Lazaruk, The Province October 30, 2012

A B.C. soldier is among a group of Afghanistan war veterans who have filed a possible class-action lawsuit against the federal government, saying the new lump-sum disability payments aren’t enough to support them.

Kevin Berry, 29, of Port Moody, blew out both his knees while fighting in Afghanistan for seven months in late 2003 and early 2004.

He also suffered from the emotional effect of losing three fellow soldiers who were killed in action and witnessing the serious injuries of several others.

Berry suffered permanent damage to his knees after he continued serving and carrying heavy loads with braces on his knees, according to a statement of claim filed on his other soldiers’ behalf to force the government to compensate the injured veterans at the same level it did with vets of earlier wars....

Read the rest here.

Kevin Berry is one of the public faces of this national lawsuit that has been launched.  Read more on Kevin in this article.

Given the current missions, it should be no surprise to anyone that we have an increase in Veterans. As the last of WW1 Veterans has died, and the Veterans from WW2 continue to die, the face of Veterans has changed.  Jeff Rose-Martland writes:

 

The Myths We Believe About Canadian Veterans

Posted: 10/31/2012 

 

With all the veterans Canada has, you wouldn't think we need an awareness campaign. There are almost a million current and former members of the Canadian Forces and RCMP; one in 35 Canadians has served our national interests. Which means that few Canadians don't know someone who has served. So everyone should be knowledgeable about veterans and the issues they face.


Yet the number one comment I hear from the veteran's community is that civilians either don't know what is happening to them or, worse, don't care. 

 

 

Read the rest here. 

 

"Don't care"???????  How wrong is that? 

It may be true that the Canadian government thinks they can drag their heels, and deny the RIGHTS of our honoured Veterans.  However,  it is our responsibility as a nation - as citizens - to educate ourselves on the issues that face our Veterans and DEMAND that our government fulfil their part of the contract,  made on our behalf, with our Troops.

To do any less, is a disgrace.

 

 

[For more on the lawsuit,  go to Equitas.]

Education as a legacy in Afghanistan?

Education IS the key to the future for millions of future generations of Afghanistan children.


From The Kabul Cable:

Educating Against Taliban Influence

Posted: October 30, 2012

 I came across an interesting article at The EastWest Institute this week entitled “Battling the Taliban’s Influence in Schools” and thought it made a few good points.  It also missed a couple of key takeaways and since I’ve been reading up on Afghanistan’s Civil Society actors, transition and ISAF’s efforts to conduct outreach to the general population I thought it might be worth reviewing and commenting on. 

There is a serious battle going on for access to and influence over the population in Afghanistan and there are many entities on the field.  GIRoA is struggling to stand up and take over the primary responsibility for security but it is hampered by limited government capacity, corruption at the highest levels and an air of uncertainty regarding continued financial and military support in a post-ISAF Afghanistan.  ISAF is executing its drawdown and is focused shoring up nascent institutions and transitioning responsibility to the ANSF and GIRoA.  Meanwhile, across Afghanistan the general population is looking for indicators of just which way the wind will blow on 1 January 2015.  The Taliban continues to impose its will on the people wherever they can by employing IEDs and suicide bombers which result in high civilian casualties, further undermining civilian trust in their government.  The Taliban has also maintained a steady campaign of fear, violence and intimidation whenever they fail to persuade communities to follow their mandates.

“When U.S. Major Lee and Captain Gil entered Ganat Kahiyl High School in Zormat District, Paktia Province in Eastern Afghanistan, a local teacher slipped them a small note: “The Taliban have visited our school and forced their curriculum upon us. Can the government help?” If the teachers did not comply, they would have suffered the consequences. This was not an empty threat. Insurgents burned down Sahakh High School in the district a couple months earlier for teaching girls and the government’s curriculum.”

The opening paragraph of the EastWest article shows the strengths and weaknesses of almost all the actors in this drama.  When I read this, the first thing that jumped out at me was that the teacher passed the note to American troops who were part of a Civil Affairs/Provincial Reconstruction Team.  That the teacher had the courage to pass the note at all is a good sign, but the implication here is that the PRT—not GIRoA, the ANSF, village leaders or even district government—is seen as the legitimate and primary power broker in Paktia and for anybody keeping score that’s a problem.

I am not surprised that the Taliban is burning down schools and threatening teachers in Paktia but I struggle a bit with the notion that the their conduct should be referred to as “influence.”  While visiting a school and threatening to burn it down if it doesn’t teach approved Taliban curriculum is certainly one method of exerting your will over the population, it is temporary and contingent upon two things. ...

Much more of this insightful analysis from one of our own, on the ground.  Go read it all here.

Democracy and Freedom in America and the World

With days before the US election, many issues are being touted as the defining themes of this current administration. In my opinion, what happens on November 6 WILL define what democracy and freedom in America and the world will look like.

From War On Terror News comes these important thoughts:

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Democracy and Freedom in America and the World

 

Recent conversations with various people have reminded and re-inforced to me just how out of touch so many have become with the Foundations of the American Liberty, and the very principles of democracy and governance.  Publicly and privately, I have re-iterated that if those that love the Constitution cannot convince the American People of its value, with words, no degree of rebellion will do so.


These conversations have occurred with people of various ages from tweens to 90 year olds, from self-described Communists to Constitutionalists, from those who espouse an even greater expansion of government power and taxation, to those who believe the government has a conspiracy behind every event in the news.  It will never cease to amaze me that some will believe that all corporations are evil, and "the people" would be better served with complete government control, a monopoly, of the same services, rather than the personal choice between various companies that must compete for their purchases.


Nor will my astonishment cease that so many can not see the cause and effect of American jobs being moved to China because they, individually, along with so many others like them continue to purchase cheap Chinese products, rather than buying the few things still Made in America.  They justify their puchase of the cheap Chinese trinkets, with their claim that they can't afford and should not pay for quality products made by their neighbors.  Then they turn around and complain that "corporations" are shipping jobs overseas.  They want higher wages, but fail to recognize that they are unwilling to pay for the higher wages of their neighbors, preferring the cheap prices of goods made by asian kids and Chinese political prisoners.


Some have even suggested to me, that there is no "American culture," that it has been subsumed by consumerism, and that we as a people have become superficial.  In some respects, I am forced to admit their point, even as I observe some of the culture of the South sapped by the same forces, while many old traditions of the South are claimed by its opponents for consumeristic or altruistic reasons, and very different ideologies....

There is much more of this MUST READ here.  


WOTN ends with this:

If the American People wish to maintain their Liberties, and their Rights, and the capability to choose, then they must educate themselves on the people and ideologies of those they put in office, and not just support a letter behind a name.

 

When Americans go to the polls, it is my hope that they make informed choices.

Some Gave All: Lt Edward Drummond-Baxter and LCpl Siddhanta Kunwar

Lieutenant Edward Drummond-Baxter (left) and Lance Corporal Siddhanta Kunwar
[Pictures: via MOD]

Lieutenant Edward Drummond-Baxter and Lance Corporal Siddhanta Kunwar killed in Afghanistan

31 Oct 12

 

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Lieutenant Edward Drummond-Baxter and Lance Corporal Siddhanta Kunwar, both from 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles, were killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday 30 October 2012.

Lieutenant Drummond-Baxter and Lance Corporal Kunwar were based in Checkpoint Prrang in the southern area of the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province. Both men were attached to 40 Commando Royal Marines.


On 30 October they were participating in a shura (meeting) with members of the Afghan Uniform Police inside the checkpoint. 


On completion of the shura, they were shot and killed by a man wearing an Afghan police uniform who had been attending the meeting. 

Lieutenant Edward Drummond-Baxter
[Picture: via MOD]

Lieutenant Edward Drummond-Baxter

 
Lieutenant Edward Drummond-Baxter deployed to Afghanistan on 30 September 2012 as Platoon Command of 1 Platoon, A (Delhi) Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles (1 RGR), attached to 40 Commando Royal Marines as part of Transition Support Unit Nahr-e Saraj. He was based in Checkpoint Prrang in the southern part of Nahr-e Saraj District, Helmand province. He was on his first operational tour of Afghanistan.


Lieutenant Drummond-Baxter was born in Peterborough on 15 September 1983 and lived in County Durham with his parents. He studied at University College London and gained a BSc degree in Psychology. While at university he was an active member of his local Army Reserves regiment, The Honourable Artillery Company.


He subsequently spent two years working for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office including a posting to Japan before joining the British Army. He attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 2010 and commissioned into 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles in December 2010.


After Sandhurst, he completed the demanding training to qualify as an Infantry Platoon Commander and further cemented his ability as an outstanding field soldier by passing the arduous Jungle Warfare Course in Brunei to qualify as Jungle Operations Instructor.


Throughout 2011 and 2012 he expertly prepared and led his platoon through the detailed mission-specific training for Operation HERRICK 17 in Afghanistan and attended the three-month Nepali language course in Pokhara, Nepal. In August 2012, he volunteered to spend a further month in Nepal assisting with the Brigade of Gurkhas' selection course. 


Lieutenant Drummond-Baxter was an excellent Platoon Commander whose calm demeanour and ready sense of humour were widely respected by his soldiers and fellow officers. He quickly made his mark as a talented officer who possessed great potential and always put his soldiers first. 


He leaves behind his mother, Helen, father, David and sister, Emily. 


The family of Lieutenant Edward Drummond-Baxter said:

"Edward was fiercely loyal and totally sincere to his parents, sister and many friends who are mourning him today both in the UK and around the world. He loved the Gurkhas and died among friends doing the job that he wanted to do. Helen and David would appreciate being left to grieve in private."

 [...]

Lance Corporal Siddhanta Kunwar
[Picture: via MOD]

Lance Corporal Siddhanta Kunwar


Lance Corporal Siddhanta Kunwar deployed to Afghanistan on 3 October 2012 as a Sniper Section Commander in the acting rank of Lance Corporal. He was serving with A (Delhi) Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles, attached to 40 Commando Royal Marines as part of Transition Support Unit Nahr-e Saraj. He was based in Checkpoint Prrang in the southern part of Nahr-e Saraj District, Helmand province. He was on his third operational tour of Afghanistan.


Lance Corporal Siddhanta was born on 19 June 1984 in Pokhara, Nepal, where he lived with his mother and father. He passed the arduous selection for the Brigade of Gurkhas on 17 December 2004 and having completed his year-long infantry training joined 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles in October 2005.
Very soon after his arrival in 1 RGR he deployed with the Battalion to Bosnia-Herzegovina in 2005-2006 as part of the European Union Force in support of the Bosnian Government. Lance Corporal Siddhanta then moved with 1 RGR to Brunei where he conducted extensive jungle training and qualified as a sniper in 2007.
In late 2007 and into 2008 he deployed to Afghanistan on Operation Herrick 7 where he served in Garmsir in southern Helmand Province. In 2009 he successfully passed a Junior NCO selection course and in 2010 returned to Afghanistan with 1 RGR on Operation HERRICK 12 to the Nahr-e Saraj area of Helmand province. It was during this tour more than ever that his calm good humour, sharp mind and huge operational experience became a touchstone for his fellow soldiers.


LCpl Siddhanta Kunwar was an outstanding soldier and a true Gurkha. He displayed the calmness of mind, cheerfulness in adversity and loyalty throughout his many operational tours - qualities that the Brigade of Gurkhas hold dear. He served with many of the Companies within the Battalion and his loss will be deeply felt throughout 1 RGR.


He leaves behind his mother, Krishna Maya Kunwar, his father, Shyam Kumar Kunwar, stepmother Chhali Devi Kunwar, his four sisters; Shova, Shyandya, Smita and Sardha Kunwar and his elder brother Bhupendra Kunwar. 


The family of Lance Corporal Siddhanta Kunwar said:

"We are deeply shocked, disheartened and in disbelief that Siddhanta is no longer with us But we shall treasure all the good things he did. He enjoyed immensely of his profession and was fully committed towards it. He has made us proud. The whole family misses him dearly."...

Go here to learn more about the lives of these Fallen Warriors.


Always remembered.  Always honoured.