The War Profiteering Continues In Afghanistan

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Ow754mDrX9qmGYukzKgYJ2DS5juqq_GSzdg-093pZ5GKXtkDCB5g76K0H2iqqWdDF-P2HN0WDiJRHgAEQVuC7e0iOCcjSwDmD-9mTj9W4XPXreb1e2H4zYJiFA6wBmReFEw_7hubygVW/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Ow754mDrX9qmGYukzKgYJ2DS5juqq_GSzdg-093pZ5GKXtkDCB5g76K0H2iqqWdDF-P2HN0WDiJRHgAEQVuC7e0iOCcjSwDmD-9mTj9W4XPXreb1e2H4zYJiFA6wBmReFEw_7hubygVW/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>'Windfalls Of War': Companies With Spotty Records Making Billions Off Afghanistan -- FOX News</b></span></div><br />The United States government has paid a company based in Switzerland more than $5 billion to feed the troops in Afghanistan, and thanks to a succession of no-bid contract extensions, the company, Supreme Foodservice, overcharged American taxpayers as much as $757 million, officials say.<br /><br />The U.S. has appropriated more than $100 billion for Afghan reconstruction, which includes not only building and development, but training and arming the Afghan security forces -- and the dispute over the massive payments to this single company is just one example of how, more than 12 years into the war, America is struggling to account for how its money has been spent. <br /><br />So who's getting rich off the war? <br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/02/20/windfalls-war-contractors-with-spotty-records-made-billions-off-afghanistan/?intcmp=latestnews">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> Stories like this one always makes my blood boil. One more reason to get out of Afghanistan.

Afghanistan The War Profiteering Continues In Afghanistan

'Windfalls Of War': Companies With Spotty Records Making Billions Off Afghanistan -- FOX News The United States government has paid ...

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Army Ranger Josh Hargis' 'salute seen around the world' ... this is what a hero looks like

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48NyVnV8CC0u0LzITc8LqOBdfYngQr5W9rKkjAW4NDp5pZ27DglXGDRLmlAMpG1aTCcZq3pOT2Ie3tpySQ3UE-bnbWPL_W_4osWXh14YLZlcgBHKWcL-9rZ-T6VM9YCdJELM_I1yX6ztB/s1600/Army+Ranger+Josh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48NyVnV8CC0u0LzITc8LqOBdfYngQr5W9rKkjAW4NDp5pZ27DglXGDRLmlAMpG1aTCcZq3pOT2Ie3tpySQ3UE-bnbWPL_W_4osWXh14YLZlcgBHKWcL-9rZ-T6VM9YCdJELM_I1yX6ztB/s400/Army+Ranger+Josh.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>This is a photo taken by Josh Hargis' wife, originally published in the <a href="http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20131015/NEWS/310150099/Cincinnati-soldier-delivers-salute-seen-around-world-?nclick_check=1">Cincinnati Enquirer</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Army Ranger Josh Hargis was severely wounded by multiple IUDs during a mission in Afghanistan. During the ceremony to award him the Purple Heart prior to his medevac to Germany, though medical staff said he was unconscious, Ranger Hargis rendered honors to his Commander as the citation was read. A GENUINE AMERICAN HERO.<br /><blockquote>... as the Purple Heart presentation began, Josh Hargis struggled to move his right hand and lift it into a saluting position. Military protocol calls for a soldier to salute when he receives the Purple Heart.</blockquote>Freedom is not free....<br /><br />USA Today: <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/10/15/salute-seen-around-world/2988755/">Soldier delivers 'salute seen around the world'</a><br /><br /><i>H/T to Bill Janis </i>

Afghanistan American heroes Army Ranger freedom isn't free Operation Enduring Freedom support our troops U.S. Army Army Ranger Josh Hargis' 'salute seen around the world' ... this is what a hero looks like

  This is a photo taken by Josh Hargis' wife, originally published in the Cincinnati Enquirer Army Ranger Josh Hargis was severely wound...

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Gov. Bob McDonnell visits American troops in Afghanistan

<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignleft" height="170" src="http://www.governor.virginia.gov/utility/media/DSC_1493.JPG" width="257" /> <img alt="" class="alignleft" height="170" src="http://www.governor.virginia.gov/utility/media/DSC_1601.JPG" width="257" /></div><br />Virginia's Governor Bob McDonnell is a 21-year <a href="http://vapolitics.us/2013/07/the-mcdonnell-affair-context-and-perspective/">U.S. Army veteran</a> who retired in 1997 as a Lieutenant Colonel. This week he is part of a U.S. State Department trip to Kuwait and Afghanistan to visit with American troops.<br /><br />On Tuesday the Governor wrote about his mission:<br /><blockquote>As you read this email I'm currently visiting with our troops in Afghanistan.<br /><br />This trip began at the start of the week, but due to security requirements we weren't able to make it public until today.<br /><br />On Monday I joined Montana Governor Steve Bullock for a briefing at the Pentagon, followed by a very moving experience meeting with wounded warriors at Walter Reed National Medical Center. I cannot say enough about the bravery and the courage shown by these great American patriots who have given so much so that we may be free.<br /><br />Yesterday we arrived at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait and traveled to Udairi Army Air Field where I got to hold a town hall with Virginians serving there. The first thing I did was thank them, on behalf of all Virginians, for their service. After breakfast this morning with the troops we were back in the air, arriving here in Kabul a while ago.<br /><br />We will remain in Afghanistan today and tomorrow, and continue meeting with Virginia soldiers and military leaders. Friday we will travel to Germany and visit a military medical facility to again meet with men and women who have been wounded in the service of our country. Part of that visit will be a little bit of a homecoming for me. I served in the Army in Germany in the late 70's as a platoon leader with the 2nd Armored Division, including running a medical clinic for our post. It will be nice to be back. <br /><br />As Virginians, we have a close and historic relationship with the American military. This great Commonwealth can rightly be called the "home of America's Armed Services." From the Pentagon to Langley to Fort Lee to Naval Station Norfolk, the military defines our communities, employs our loved ones, and is an integral part of the fabric of life in this great state. I know that like myself, our daughter Jeanine who served in the Army in Iraq, and both my father and my father-in-law, so many of you have served our nation with honor and valor. Thank you for your service. And I also know that many of you who are reading this have loved ones in harm's way at this very moment. Our prayers and our deep appreciation are with you and your family.<br /><br />This is a trip I've looked forward to for a long time. Freedom is not free. Everyday we wake up safe and secure because our neighbors, co-workers, family members and friends have volunteered to leave the peace of home for the danger and uncertainty of our world's most volatile locations. On this trip, I'm telling them, on behalf of all of us, thank you. The people of Virginia will never forget their service, their courage, their sacrifice.<br /><br />God Bless Our Troops.</blockquote>

Afghanistan American troops Bob McDonnell Kuwait Gov. Bob McDonnell visits American troops in Afghanistan

Virginia's Governor Bob McDonnell is a 21-year U.S. Army veteran who retired in 1997 as a Lieutenant Colonel. This week he is part of ...

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Richmond area soldier, 2 others killed in Afghanistan over weekend

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzkL197k50W14qgu63du-aGkvK1UrmVbmm5fBYroMjWAFCZELx5CMcvE7FD6_dnDJgnlwGzG3QC8XjfC8FGyYU_peSxzeg1uL4rUKGZDkxUUcZgs0MJ-frML3OPkNK2VhIXmEvxlbuwF6a/s1600/American+flag+half+staff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzkL197k50W14qgu63du-aGkvK1UrmVbmm5fBYroMjWAFCZELx5CMcvE7FD6_dnDJgnlwGzG3QC8XjfC8FGyYU_peSxzeg1uL4rUKGZDkxUUcZgs0MJ-frML3OPkNK2VhIXmEvxlbuwF6a/s1600/American+flag+half+staff.jpg" /></a></div><br />This morning comes sad news that three U.S. soldiers, including one from the Richmond area, killed over the weekend in <a href="http://www.armytimes.com/article/20130603/NEWS08/306030011/DoD-identifies-3-soldiers-killed-Afghanistan">Operation Enduring Freedom</a>.<br /><br />Spc. Kyle P. Stoeckli, 21, of Moseley, Virginia, was killed in Maiwand, Afghanistan, on Saturday, June 1, from an improvised explosive device (IED). He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, based out of Fort Bliss, Texas.<br /><br />Spc. Ray A. Ramirez, 20, of Sacramento, Calif., died Saturday in Wardak Province when his unit was attacked by an IED. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, out of Fort Stewart, Ga.<br /><br />Pfc. Mariano M. Raymundo, 21, of Houston, Texas, died Saturday in Sharan. The Department of Defense said the incident is under investigation. Raymundo was assigned to the 210th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, based out of Fort Drum, N.Y.<br /><br />The deadly weekend for our Armed Forces is a reminder that our military men and women are still at war far away from home. These young men made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Our prayers go out to their families and friends. Freedom is not free.

Afghanistan freedom isn't free Kyle Stoeckli Mariano Raymundo Operation Enduring Freedom Ray Ramirez support the troops U.S. Army war casualties Richmond area soldier, 2 others killed in Afghanistan over weekend

This morning comes sad news that three U.S. soldiers, including one from the Richmond area, killed over the weekend in Operation Enduring Fr...

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