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The Pilot Who Should Have Been Flying on 9-11 This is about a Christian who was supposed to be the pilot of American Airlines Flight 11. which was the first airliner hijacked and flown into the World Trade Center on 9/11. The pilot’s personal story is riveting and unlike anything I have seen, read or heard about 9/11, and one that needs to be shared.
Submarine Stealth Coating – Whistleblower America’s largest military shipbuilding company has been accused of falsifying tests and certifications on stealth coatings of its submarines “that put American lives at risk,” according to a complaint filed in federal court last month. Huntington Ingalls Industries, a Northrop Grumman subsidiary, “knowingly and/or recklessly” filed falsified records with the Navy claiming it had correctly applied a coating, called a Special Hull Treatment, to Virginia-class attack submarines which would allow the vessels to elude enemy sonar, the Sept. 26 complaint alleges. Instead, the complaint said, Huntington Ingalls’ Newport News Shipbuilding facility in Virginia took shortcuts that allegedly “plagued” the class of submarines with problems, and then retaliated against the employee who spoke up about the issues. Huntington Ingalls, and its parent company Northrop Grumman, are being sued for damages in excess of $100 million for allegedly misleading the federal government on a defense contract to apply the sound-dampening coating to the submarines. The Navy’s Virginia-class attack submarines are manufactured as part of a joint effort by General Dynamics’ Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls. The complaint alleges that Northrop Grumman and Huntington Ingalls Industries violated the federal government’s False Claims Act when they “falsified testing and certifications on multi-billion-dollar submarine contracts.” The complaint goes on to note that the companies “induced the government to pay the defendants in-full for submarines with dangerous defects that put American lives at risk.”
I like this poem It is the Soldier, not the minister Who has given us freedom of religion. It is the Soldier, not the reporter Who has given us freedom of the press. It is the Soldier, not the poet Who has given us freedom of speech. It is the Soldier, not the campus organizer Who has given us freedom to protest. It is the Soldier, not the lawyer Who has given us the right to a fair trial. It is the Soldier, not the politician Who has given us the right to vote. It is the Soldier who salutes the flag, Who serves beneath the flag, And whose coffin is draped by the flag, Who allows the protester to burn the flag. Charles M. Province, U.S. Army
Features
The Star Spangled Banner and Sports Why do we play our National Anthem at sports games? Here’s the story.
Arlington National Cemetery In an effort to save dwindling space, the Army is proposing new rules to limit who can be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Under the current rules, the cemetery would run out of space by the mid-2050s, the Army says. The proposed restrictions would preserve the cemetery’s lifespan for another 150 years. “Arlington National Cemetery is a national shrine for all Americans, but especially those who have served our great nation,” Acting Secretary of the Army Ryan McCarthy said in a statement. “We must ensure it can honor those we have lost for many years to come.” Under the proposals, veterans who retired from active duty and were eligible for retirement pay would no longer be automatically eligible for in-ground burial. They would be eligible, though, for above-ground “inurnment” of cremated remains. Those who were killed in action or received awards such as the Purple Heart or Silver Star could still receive an in-ground burial. US presidents and vice presidents also would retain eligibility.
Medal of Honor Museum Arlington, Texas, has been selected to become the new home of the $150 million National Medal of Honor Museum. Joe Daniels, president of the museum’s foundation, announced the decision, calling Arlington “the optimal location to build America’s next treasure.” The museum is currently aboard the USS Yorktown in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, but the foundation wanted to move it onto land. A planning board last year rejected a design proposal for the museum along the waterfront in Mount Pleasant. New York City, San Diego and Washington, DC, were among the finalists before the foundation narrowed it in July to Denver and Arlington, which is between Dallas and Fort Worth in North Texas. The museum honors more than 3,500 recipients of the nation’s highest award for valor.
Army Camous—A Change It blended in well with grandma’s couch but had its drawbacks in the combat zone. After an extended wear-out period, the Army’s pixelated Universal Camouflage Pattern uniform, or UCP, is officially a thing of the past. As of Oct. 1, all soldiers are required to possess and wear the green-and-brown Operational Camouflage Pattern uniform, or OCP. The UCP uniform, introduced in 2004, long faced criticism for its failure to blend in where it counted. “Standard-issue uniforms come instead in a pixelated marble of gray and khaki, as if they were made to blend into a gravel pit or a slice of Valdeon cheese,” a Slate article commented in 2012. With its trendy pattern, the UCP uniform cost a widely reported $5 billion to develop and make, and quickly developed a reputation as a boondoggle. As early as 2010, the Army was sending soldiers to Afghanistan in a different camouflage uniform, MultiCam, from Crye Precision. And the hunt was already on to find a long-term UCP replacement. After five years of testing and evaluation, the service selected the OCP to be the UCP’s permanent successor in 2015.
California and Homelessness California has asked the federal government to help them fund their many homeless people. Here is the response. It addresses, among other things, veterans and illegal aliens. It’s a very educational and appropriate letter.
North Korea & Sub-Launched Missiles North Korea test-fired a type of ballistic missile intended to be launched from a submarine, South Korean and US officials have said. It appeared to be the first test of a North Korean missile capable of being fired from underwater in three years, and it came just a couple days before the expected resumption of nuclear talks with the United States. A US official told CBS News senior national defense correspondent David Martin that the North had conducted a land-based test of a mid-range, submarine launched ballistic missile — so it was not actually launched from a submarine. The missile flew about 280 miles at a maximum altitude of 565 miles after liftoff from an unspecified place near the North’s eastern coastal town of Wonsan, Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement. The South Korean military said it was working with US intelligence authorities to analyze the details of the launch.
West Point Cadet’s Death Results in Charges A staff sergeant is facing charges in a rollover accident that killed a US Military Academy cadet during training exercises this summer, Army officials confirmed.
Tattoos and Our Coast Guard For the second time in two years, the Coast Guard is relaxing its policy on tattoos in what officials say is an effort to widen the pool of eligible service recruits. According to a new policy document, Coast Guard recruits and current service members may now sport chest tattoos as long as they are not visible above the collar of the Coast Guard operational dress uniform’s crew-neck T-shirt. The new policy also allows a wider range of finger tattoos. One finger tattoo per hand is now authorized, although the location of the tattoo is still restricted. It must appear between the first and second knuckle. And ring tattoos, which were the only kind of finger tattoo previously authorized, will be counted as a hand’s finger tattoo, according to the new guidance. Thumb tattoos are still off-limits. Finally, in a change from previous guidance, hand tattoos are also allowed. While palm tattoos remain out of bounds, Coasties and recruits can sport a tattoo on the back of the hand as long as it is no more than one inch in any dimension. One finger and one hand tattoo are allowed on each hand, according to the new policy. Read More HERE Here are 19 of WWII’s best museums and historical sites.
B-17 Crash A restored WWII-era B-17 “Flying Fortress” crashed in flames while attempting an emergency landing at Bradley International Airport in Connecticut, resulting in what authorities described as multiple fatalities. The crash at the airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, was the latest in a number of fatal accidents involving vintage aircraft. The aircraft participate in touring displays and air shows, sometimes offering rides to the public. At a news conference, Connecticut authorities said there were fatalities among the crew of three and 10 passengers aboard the B-17, but did not say how many. The Hartford Courant, citing sources, said at least five people were killed and nine injured when the B-17 skidded while attempting to land. The plane crashed into an airport building shortly before 10 a.m., sending up a fireball and pillars of smoke. At least one person on the ground was reported to be injured, state public safety Commissioner James Rovella told the paper.
WWII Vet receives Honor from France A 94-year-old WWII veteran from Indiana has received France’s highest military honor for his wartime service. France Consul General Guillaume Lacroix bestowed the Legion of Honor medal on Jimmie H. Royer. Napoleon Bonaparte established the honor in 1802. Hundreds of people gathered at an American Legion post in Terre Haute to watch the award ceremony. Lacroix said he was excited to honor “a son of America’s greatest generation.” “It is a generation that changed a lot of America for the better,” Lacroix said. “But is also a generation that changed everything in Europe. Without the bravery, the dedication, without the courage and the heroism and the sacrifice of Mr. Royer’s generation, the French flag would be history.” The Terre Haute man served as a gunner in the 106th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, taking part in campaigns in Rhineland, Germany, and Normandy, Northern France, in 1944. He was wounded on Oct. 27, 1944, on the Lorraine front and honorably discharged in August 1945. For 75 years, Royer said that he has cherished his memories of the French people and their gratitude after liberation. “When we would go and liberate a town, the people would have a joy in their eyes and a happiness,” he said. “They were so happy. When I went over there I wondered, ‘What am I doing here?’ I found out, but I remember the laughter and them passing the bottle around.” Along with the Legion of Honor, Terre Haute Mayor Duke Bennett declared Sunday as “Jimmie H. Royer Day,” in the city. Read More HERE In October, 26 years ago, US Forces from Task Force Ranger set out for the Somali city of Mogadishu to capture the Somali warlord Mohammed Farah Aideed. That day would be remembered years later for the downing of two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and the intense urban fighting that followed, coined “Battle of Mogadishu,” which inspired the events of the film “Black Hawk Down.” In remembrance of the battle’s 26th anniversary, the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) shared footage from the downing of the US helicopters in a Facebook post. Read More HERE We’ve been told that Global Warming (or,it’s new name, Climate Change) is the biggest threat to our nation—including to our military. When drug companies are caught faking clinical trial data, no one is surprised anymore. When vaccine manufacturers spike their human trial samples with animal antibodies to make sure their vaccines appear to work, we all just figure that’s how they do business: lying, cheating, deceiving and violating the law.
Duty, Courage, and the Soul A combat veteran who now teaches at Hillsdale College. He is the kind of person we need teaching our college students. When picking a college, I encourage you to look for professors like Peter Jennings. Sitting in his office, you get an immediate feel for the institution that has most impacted Dr. Peter Jennings’ life: the Marine Corps. An old recruitment poster hangs next to the door, and the screensaver on his desktop rotates between pictures of his family and his time in Iraq and Kuwait. A new professor in the business department, Dr. Jennings is a tall, broad-shouldered man, and his boots, brimmed hat, and beard add to the rugged look provided by the multitude of books and memorabilia tucked into the corners of the office. Before he came to Hillsdale, he had earned a MBA, a Ph.D. from Arizona State, and worked at IBM in the hard disk drive division. Before that, he was commissioned into the Marines.
How to Flirt These US Navy training videos about how to flirt are old and, well, hilariously bad.
Florida Funeral for Vet with No Kin Most of the 2,000-plus people who gathered in the Florida heat didn’t know Edward Pearson. They knew little, if anything, about the life of the 80-year-old Army veteran. But they knew of his death, and that was reason enough to attend his funeral. They came on rumbling Harley Davidsons and in sleek Mercedes. They walked into the service with the aid of canes and service dogs. Women clasped bouquets of white flowers. Men gripped American flags large and small. Pearson, a resident of Naples, Florida, died Aug. 31. His obituary went viral when the funeral director included this sentence in the service announcement: This veteran has no immediate family, and all are welcome to attend. News of the ceremony at an open-air pavilion area at the Sarasota National Cemetery spread fast and wide in veterans’ forums and on social media networks. CNN host Jake Tapper and US Sen. Marco Rubio tweeted the information. For many in the region — a place with thousands of retirees and veterans — it was impossible to think they wouldn’t attend. “You know what? There’s no way I’m going to let him do this alone,” said Willie Bowman, 62, a Purple Heart recipient and career Army veteran. “I’ve never met the man. But he’s a veteran and he’s a brother of mine.”
The US Constitution When members of our Armed Forces are sworn in, we all take an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the US against all enemies, foreign and domestic. The entire document, including all amendments, takes slightly less than 7600 words. We veterans and, indeed, all patriots, should read this document over and over again. It’s not complicated. The Tenth Amendment says that all powers not specifically granted in the Constitution to the Congress—and not prohibited to the states—remain with the states and the people. I think this amendment was abandoned by our Congress generations ago. We need it back. There are two national organizations that are focused on making our nation aware of, and practicing, the Constitution—and I’m active in both of them. First is Concerned Veterans for America (cv4a.org). Then, there’s Combat Veterans for Congress (CVC.org).
Protector Summit U.S. & Israeli Military Vets Share Building a Protector’s Lifestyle As a Soldier and Civilian. We Discuss Protecting Yourself, Your Family & Community in this FREE On-Line Summit!
Wise Words Retired Navy CAPT Joe John has done many things in his life; I’ve asked him to share a few words of wisdom with us:
Civil War History Here are some questions on the Civil War; we’ll post the answers in the next newsletter.
Here are the answers to the last issue’s questions: 1.Who was the only woman commissioned in the Confederate States Army? Sally Louisa Tompkins. Commissioned Captain Cavalry. She opened the private Robertson Hospital in Richmond. Because of its proven success rate relative to other private and government hospitals, it remained open when other hospitals closed. However, it had to be led by military personnel; thus, the commissioning. 2.Who was the superintendent of the Federal military rail system? Herman Haupt. He turned down a general officer appointment. Here are the new questions: 1.What was the “The Burning?” 2.What gesture did MG Sheridan make to assist those affected by The Burning?
Military Music The march The Thunderer by John Phillip Sousa
Frontlines of Freedom Gear If you’d like to have a Frontlines of Freedom shirt or hat or whatever, we do have it for you. Check our store at http://fof.logoshop.com/
Two quotes to consider. As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no one because I am the most evil man in the valley. General George Patton Yeah, Patton had a lot of cool things to say in combat. But nothing tops this one-liner. Patton was a religious man, growing up in California, he was a regular at his local church, which helps the street cred for this sentence. What also helps is that Patton didn’t care if the enemy thought he was evil or not – he was coming, and he knew the enemy was afraid.
If you had not committed great sins, God would not have sent a punishment like me upon you. Genghis Khan The Great Khan was ruthless in his efficiency, brave in his execution, and fearsome until the very end. Khan accumulated an empire that would be the largest on Earth until the British Empire reached its apogee.
Programming: You’ll want to tune into the show (live or by podcast). 28 Sep-4 Oct: Congressman and former Navy SEAL Dan Crenshaw will discuss the challenges facing our nation. Then we’ll discuss the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves. Of course, we’ll discuss the previous week’s service academy football games. 5-11 Oct: Marine vet and VA whistleblower Brando Coleman will bring us up to date on the challenges facing the VA. AF vet Jeff Wilson will discuss his new book. Calvin Stockdale will share about allthe ways Hillsdale College hels veterans, and, of course, we’ll discuss the previous week’s service academy football games.
Advertising on Frontlines of Freedom’s Website and Newsletter: We encourage you to patronize our advertisers; they are keeping Frontlines of Freedom alive and well. You can advertise on-air (as a show sponsor) or only on our website and in this newsletter. If you or someone you know would like to advertise on Frontlines of Freedom please contact me at denny@frontlinesoffreedom.com.
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Humor A retired artillery officer has assured me that this is how Adam got Eve:
Adam was hanging around the garden of Eden feeling very lonely. So, God asked him, “What’s wrong with you?” Adam said he didn’t have anyone to talk to. God said that He was going to make Adam a companion and that it would be a woman. He said, “This pretty lady will gather food for you, she will cook for you, and when you discover clothing, she will wash it for you. “She will always agree with every decision you make, and she will not nag you, and will always be the first to admit she was wrong when you’ve had a disagreement. “She will praise you! “She will bear your children, and never ask you to get up in the middle of the night to take care of them. “She will NEVER have a headache and will freely give you love and passion whenever you need it.” Adam asked God, “What will a woman like this cost?” God replied, “An arm and a leg.” Then Adam asked, “What can I get for just a rib?” Of course, the rest is history!!!!
A Couple Interesting Photos – and A Funny One Too An accessibility mat on the beach for strollers and wheelchairs.
This pill bottle lid tells you when it was last opened.
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