Archive for the ‘Veterans and Defense’ Category

How Will You Remember?

Saturday, September 11th, 2010
Today marks the 9th anniversary of one of the darkest days in our history.  We will all remember where we were when we heard about a plane striking the first tower and we will never shake the sense of terror and uncertainty when we realized it was a terror attack and not a horrible accident.
In the nine years since, our country has struggled to recover from the emotional blow and the economic demand of having to fight an enemy that is too cowardly to meet on a battlefield and too clever to be cornered.
Without exception, the Americans that died that day were non-combatants and were simply living their lives when they were so brutally murdered by terrorists that wanted nothing more than to shake the foundations of this great nation.  While I am convinced that our best days are yet to come, I also know that there are people that want us to suffer for our freedom and will continue to test our resolve and challenge our way of life.
As we pause today to remember those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, please join me in thanking the brave men and women who continue to fight the war on terror.  From the eighteen year old Marine in Afghanistan to the TSA worker at T.F. Green airport, we are all safer for their vigilance and grateful for their dedication.

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What we can learn from an 8 year old

Sunday, June 20th, 2010

By now you’ve probably heard of Daniel Morales, the 2nd grader from Tiogue School in Coventry whose patriotic cap — with a flag and toy soldiers glued to it — was found in violation of the school’s no weapons policy because the toy soliders held teeny weapons.  He was told that he could wear the hat only if the soldiers with weapons were removed from his hat.  Kudos to Lt. Gen. Reginald Centracchio for pointing out that “the American soldier is armed. That’s why they’re called the armed forces.  If you’re going to portray it any other way, you miss the point.”While the Coventry School Department has since reversed its decision in the face of widespread criticism, the truth is that this is symptomatic of a growing disrespect for the military and its veterans.

While we ask more and more of our men and women in uniform, we do less and less to support them.  We’re sending our ARMED forces to fight two wars and yet school administrators recoil at a child’s expression of patriotism.  Although it was months ago, it still burns me that President Obama barely gave mention to these wars in his State of the Union address and more recently skipped Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery.  We can’t allow the “fish to rot from the head down.”

We need to honor our veterans and thank our men and women in uniform every chance we get.  Thank you Daniel for showing us how.

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On the anniversary of D-Day, a very special endorsement

Sunday, June 6th, 2010

Today marks the 66th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Europe, code named Operation Overlord. the Allied invasion of northern France.

At 6:30 a.m., American troops came ashore at Utah and Omaha beaches. At Omaha, the U.S. First Division battled high seas, mist, mines, burning vehicles and German coastal batteries, including an elite infantry division, which spewed heavy fire.

Many wounded Americans ultimately drowned in the high tide. The United States and Britain each lost about 1,000 men, and Canada 355. Before the day was over, 155,000 Allied troops would be in Normandy.

As we remember the bravery of these service men, let’s not forget that we still have Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Sailors in harm’s way across two major fronts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

It is with this in mind, that I am humbled and honored to receive the endorsement of Colonel Bud Day, USAF.

George Everette “Bud” Day  is a retired U.S.  Air Force Colonel and Command Pilot who served during the Vietnam War.   He was shot down, captured and tortured by the North Vietnamese and was held as a POW for more than 5 years.  For part of that time he shared a cell with now-Senator John McCain.  He is often cited as being the most decorated U.S. service member since General Douglas MacArthur, having received some seventy decorations, a majority for actions in combat. Day is a recipient of  the Medal of Honor.

He recently sent me a campaign contribution and an endorsement letter.  Here is an excerpt from his endorsement message:

“I fully endorse Lt. Col. John J. Loughlin II USAR (Ret.) for election to Congress in the year 2010. He is a veteran who is determined to take our country back and to restore some common sense and spending sense to a Congress with few Veterans, and fewer heroes. Please support this candidate. He will not be signing any legislation that he has not read.”

Thank you Colonel Day and thank you the veterans of the D-Day invasion.  I ask that we all give thanks for the men and women who proudly wear the uniform today for their sacrifice and service to this great land.

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Obama snubs veterans – again

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010

I am appalled that President Obama has planned to skip Memorial Day ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery this year.  It’s just one more way that this administration has snubbed our men and women in uniform and shows its lack of gratitude for those who have paid so dearly for our freedom.

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