American Forces Press Service
Jan. 11, 2007 – Operation First Response, dedicated to supporting the nation's wounded servicemembers and their families, is flying high after receiving a generous Christmas gift with far-reaching benefits. Operation First Response is a member of America Support You, a Defense Department program showcasing the ways Americans are supporting the nation's servicemembers.
Part of the group's mission is to facilitate flights for wounded servicemembers and their families. A generous donation of 1.5 million frequent flyer miles this Christmas helped Operation First Response make the season a little brighter for 27 servicemembers who were able to get home for the holidays.
James M. Cashman, president of Cashman Companies in Dorchester Center, Mass., donated the frequent flyer miles to help make that possible, requesting that Operation First Response send as many wounded heroes home for Christmas as possible. Cashman is the third generation of his family working in the marine construction business.
"Mr. Cashman gave 27 wounded heroes and their families a special memory and new meaning to the phrase 'I'll Be Home for Christmas,'" Peggy Baker said. "In most cases (Operation First Response) is involved with a family during a very traumatic time. This donation enabled us to share a special gift with them and their families."
Using donated frequent flyer miles, when they're available, to purchase flights leaves general funds available to help Operation First Response assist families with financial needs.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice leadership; and, police and military writers who have become authors of books.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Bush to Increase Army, Marine Corps, Praises Troop Accomplishments
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 10, 2007 – President Bush tonight announced plans to increase the size of the Army and Marine Corps so they're better postured to confront 21st-century threats and praised troops serving today for their service and sacrifice. Bush, who unveiled his new plan for Iraq during a televised White House address, praised the men and women carrying out the global war on terror.
"In these dangerous times, the United States is blessed to have extraordinary and selfless men and women willing to step forward and defend us," the president said. "These young Americans understand that our cause in Iraq is noble and necessary and that the advance of freedom is the calling of our time."
Bush said the strategy for Iraq needed to be changed, but said it had nothing to do with anything the troops serving there. "Our troops in Iraq have fought bravely," he said. "They have done everything asked of them. Where mistakes have been made, the responsibility rests with me."
The president acknowledged the hardships these troops and their loved ones have endured during their deployments into harm's way. "They serve far from their families, who make the quiet sacrifices of lonely holidays and empty chairs at the dinner table," he said. "They have watched their comrades give their lives to ensure our liberty."
Bush recognized the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who have died serving the country. "We mourn the loss of every fallen American, and we owe it to them to build a future worthy of their sacrifice," he said.
The president said his new plan for Iraq will help ensure the sacrifices U.S. troops and their families have made won't be without cause and that Iraq's new government will succeed.
But Bush warned that the plan won't immediately stop violence and that more sacrifice will need to be made as it is put into place. "Let me be clear," he said. "The terrorists and insurgents in Iraq are without conscience, and they will make the year ahead bloody and violent," he said. "Even if our new strategy works exactly as planned, deadly acts of violence will continue -- and we must expect more Iraqi and American casualties. The question is whether our new strategy will bring us closer to success. I believe that it will."
Bush steeled the nation for what is to come. "The year ahead will demand more patience, sacrifice and resolve," he said. "It can be tempting to think that America can put aside the burdens of freedom. Yet times of testing reveal the character of a nation, and throughout our history, Americans have always defied the pessimists and seen our faith in freedom redeemed.
"Now America is engaged in a new struggle that will set the course for a new century," Bush said. "We can and we will prevail."
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice leadership; and, police and military writers who have become authors of books.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 10, 2007 – President Bush tonight announced plans to increase the size of the Army and Marine Corps so they're better postured to confront 21st-century threats and praised troops serving today for their service and sacrifice. Bush, who unveiled his new plan for Iraq during a televised White House address, praised the men and women carrying out the global war on terror.
"In these dangerous times, the United States is blessed to have extraordinary and selfless men and women willing to step forward and defend us," the president said. "These young Americans understand that our cause in Iraq is noble and necessary and that the advance of freedom is the calling of our time."
Bush said the strategy for Iraq needed to be changed, but said it had nothing to do with anything the troops serving there. "Our troops in Iraq have fought bravely," he said. "They have done everything asked of them. Where mistakes have been made, the responsibility rests with me."
The president acknowledged the hardships these troops and their loved ones have endured during their deployments into harm's way. "They serve far from their families, who make the quiet sacrifices of lonely holidays and empty chairs at the dinner table," he said. "They have watched their comrades give their lives to ensure our liberty."
Bush recognized the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who have died serving the country. "We mourn the loss of every fallen American, and we owe it to them to build a future worthy of their sacrifice," he said.
The president said his new plan for Iraq will help ensure the sacrifices U.S. troops and their families have made won't be without cause and that Iraq's new government will succeed.
But Bush warned that the plan won't immediately stop violence and that more sacrifice will need to be made as it is put into place. "Let me be clear," he said. "The terrorists and insurgents in Iraq are without conscience, and they will make the year ahead bloody and violent," he said. "Even if our new strategy works exactly as planned, deadly acts of violence will continue -- and we must expect more Iraqi and American casualties. The question is whether our new strategy will bring us closer to success. I believe that it will."
Bush steeled the nation for what is to come. "The year ahead will demand more patience, sacrifice and resolve," he said. "It can be tempting to think that America can put aside the burdens of freedom. Yet times of testing reveal the character of a nation, and throughout our history, Americans have always defied the pessimists and seen our faith in freedom redeemed.
"Now America is engaged in a new struggle that will set the course for a new century," Bush said. "We can and we will prevail."
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice leadership; and, police and military writers who have become authors of books.
Secretary Gates Recommends End Strength Increases
Today the Secretary of Defense announced he has recommended to the President a permanent increase to the end strength of the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps. His proposal is for an increase of 92,000 personnel over the next five years: 65,000 soldiers and 27,000 Marines.
The proposal would make permanent the temporary increase of 30,000 soldiers and 5,000 Marines. Furthermore, it recommends an annual increase of 7,000 soldiers and 5,000 Marines until the Army reaches a level of 547,000 and the Marine Corps reaches a level of 202,000.
This increased combat capability will provide the necessary forces for success in the long war on terror.
The proposal would make permanent the temporary increase of 30,000 soldiers and 5,000 Marines. Furthermore, it recommends an annual increase of 7,000 soldiers and 5,000 Marines until the Army reaches a level of 547,000 and the Marine Corps reaches a level of 202,000.
This increased combat capability will provide the necessary forces for success in the long war on terror.
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