 |
|||||||
Is Climate-Change (Global Warming) a Global Threat? You decide. If it’s a real threat, then our military must be building this into our plans. This is written as an opinion piece, but the writer is knowledgeable and make a lot of sense. If you have followed the great Climate Debates that told us to expect an ice age and then scared the world thanks to Al Gore’s “Global Warming” theory that masqueraded as settled science and then morphed into “Global Climate Change” (well, uhhhh, duh, the climate indeed changes and always has). But the article gives you a foundation to question the difference between claimed “science” and real science. Key point; there is no such thing as “settled science.” Real scientists are always examining things and picking things apart—that’s what science is. National Police Week President John Kennedy initiated Police Week in 1962 as a time to honor the men and women who had fallen in the line of duty, and to celebrate those who continued to serve and the families who remained behind. Here’s what Michigan is doing. Check for events in your state. With the atrocious onslaught of our Law Enforcement in America over the last few years, Michigan citizens are stepping up to change the conversation: Police Week Michigan was launched in February 2019. “It is our ambition to help encourage and inspire citizens to speak up, stand up, and show up in support of Michigan Law Enforcement,” Citizen Chair Amy Hawkins noted. “As a grateful civilian I am so humbled by the self-less service the men and women behind the badge do for me every day. I believe that a majority of American citizens appreciate Law enforcement but they have not known how to show their support.” While Police Week Michigan aims to draw attention to President Kennedy’s designated week every year, it is their goal to change the overall narrative. Law Enforcement need to know every week is Police Week to us – the grateful citizens. We appreciate them more than they know every single day. And now is the time when courageous citizens must publicly back those who wear the badge. Be part of this movement and find out how you can do more to let the men and women behind the badge know – the majority of citizens have their back.
|
|||||||
|
Features
The Civilian-Military Divide Members of the Senate Armed Services Committee expressed almost unanimous acclaim for Army Gen. James McConville as he testified before them to become that service branch’s top officer, lauding a career so eminent that the committee chairman, Sen. Jim Inhofe, began the hearing by saying, “I can’t imagine there’s any opposition.” McConville’s tenure was exemplified in stacks of badges and ribbons adorning his crisp service dress, but it wasn’t that particular uniform that caught the attention of the Oklahoma Republican and others on the dais. “Who can vote against a guy, a distinguished general, who has two sons, a daughter – all three captains in the US Army? I say, no one,” Inhofe said. Indeed McConville, a Massachusetts native and West Point graduate, sat before a phalanx of Army uniforms worn by his three children and son-in-law, a sergeant. Among them, they have multiple combat and overseas tours, and tenures at graduate schools and elite military training facilities. Next to them was his wife Maria, who, though wearing a dress, had previously served as an Army captain as well. But the McConville family’s presence also represented what some suggest is a growing and troubling trend in the military regarding the demographics of those who choose to serve. Since transitioning to an “all volunteer force” in the aftermath of the Vietnam War draft, Americans now serving in our military comprise less than 1% of the population. The number of US military veterans continues to plummet from almost half the population in 1970 to 16% as of 2014.
Freedom vs Liberty This excellent article clarifying the distinction of Freedom and Liberty. The author contrasts the differences that arose during the French and American Revolutions, which occurred a mere dozen years apart. Unlike the French which executed thousands of its citizens under Robespierre’s rule, America prospered upon the individual Freedoms and Responsibilities championed by our Founders and General/President Washington. The author also explores deeply the reasons that Latin America has been eternally condemned to Mediocrity. With Venezuela in turmoil and Russia, Cuba and China seeking to exploit the turmoil.
North Korea North Korea fired several unidentified short-range projectiles into the sea off its eastern coast, the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said, a likely sign of Pyongyang’s growing frustration at stalled diplomatic talks with Washington meant to provide coveted sanctions relief in return for nuclear disarmament. South Korea’s military has bolstered its surveillance in case there are additional weapons launches, and South Korean and US authorities are analyzing the details. If it’s confirmed that the North fired banned ballistic missiles, it would be the first such launch since the North’s November 2017 test of an intercontinental ballistic missile. That year saw a string of increasingly powerful weapons tests from the North and a belligerent response from President Trump that had many in the region fearing war.
Stolen Valor Lawsuit A Flathead District Court jury in Montana awarded $1.7 million in damages to Donald Kaltschmidt Jr. after finding Laron Shannon of Kalispell liable for fraud and negligent misrepresentation in a case involving an oilfield services company in which Kaltschmidt was a silent investor. Kaltschmidt, who served in the US Marin Corps, sued Shannon, Elizabeth Shannon and Oilfield Warriors, LLC, in 2014, alleging Laron Shannon had misrepresented himself as an active US Marine when he never actively served in our Marine Corps or in any other military service branch, according to the lawsuit complaint. “This lawsuit was really about stolen valor,” said Kaltschmidt, a longtime Whitefish businessman who owns the Don K car dealership. “I was really proud of the jury in our case. They weren’t going to tolerate this kind of thing. This issue was he lied about who he was. “More than likely I won’t see a penny, but what I hope the jury decision says to people is you can’t do this in Flathead County,” Kaltschmidt told the Daily Inter Lake. Kaltschmidt said he was alerted to Shannon’s misrepresentation of military service by his Marine “brothers.” No service record could be found for Shannon, according to court records. “We asked him for a DD214 form; anyone who has served in the military for any length of time would have this,” Kaltschmidt said. “We’ve been asking him to produce documents for five years. He had nothing.” Shannon has been “masquerading as a Marine” for many years, as recently as the Conservative Political Action Conference March 1 at Liberty University, Kaltschmidt pointed out. Shannon was quoted in an article written by the Liberty Champion, in which he was identified as a Marine veteran.
Our Navy and UFOs A recent uptick in sightings of unidentified flying objects – or as the military calls them, “unexplained aerial phenomena” – prompted the US Navy to draft formal procedures for pilots to document encounters, a corrective measure that former officials say is long overdue.
Air America If you enjoyed the interview about the role of the CIA’s Air America during the Vietnam Era, you’ll likely really enjoy their virtual museum.
Ocasio-Cortez and the VA Rep. Aexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-NY, claimed during a recent town hall event that the Department of Veterans Affairs “isn’t broken” and is actually providing “some of the highest quality” care to veterans. “All I can think of is that classic refrain that my parents always taught me growing up, is that: ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,’” she said. The lady has no idea what she’s talking about, but anyone who listeners to her knows that. New NATO Commander US Air Force General Tod Wolters has been sworn in as the top military officer of the 29-nation NATO military alliance. The former pilot, who has served in Afghanistan and Iraq, became Supreme Allied Commander Europe at a ceremony at NATO’s military headquarters in Mons, southern Belgium. Wolters, who replaces US Army General Curtis Scaparrotti for a term likely to run two to three years, will also be commander of US forces in Europe. The NATO post of SACEUR is always held by an American military officer. NATO’s top civilian official, Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, says the command is “one of the most challenging and most important military positions in the world.” Wolters will oversee NATO’s biggest reinforcement of its collective defenses in Eastern Europe since the Cold War. 8 Country Music Tearjerkers about Troops It’s 7:12 pm. You’ve got a soggy McDonalds cup sweating sweet tea in your cup holder. You’re driving home after a long day, and the sun is dropping golden light on the horizon. Your sore right foot is pinning down the gas pedal. The fuzzy country FM radio station sharpens a bit, and you hear the beginning chords of a song you know every single syllable of. Maybe it reminds you of your brother overseas. Maybe it reminds you of your spouse’s deployment. Maybe they’re with you listening to it. Maybe they’re not. Chances are, if you have any ties to military service, you’ve had one of these still car ride moments, and been caught off-guard by misty eyes and a head full of thoughts about our nation’s heroes, while a solemn guitar and Southern twang underscore your drive home. At Church All Day A combat-disabled West Point grad, a Medal of Honor recipient from Vietnam, and a few others spent a day visiting and talking to students—and felt it was an amazing day. Sandhurst Competition Hosted by West Point since 1967, the competition encompasses 49 teams representing 13 international military academies, 16 Reserve Officers’ Training Corps programs, and four U.S. service academies that compete in a rigorous 27-mile course to test individual and squad mastery of military skills. “The Sandhurst competition teaches cadets the mental and physical toughness, the relentlessness and the discipline that’s necessary to work as a team to accomplish the mission,” said Lt. Gen. Darryl Williams, US Military Academy Superintendent. “It also strengthens relationships with our allies and partners to foster multi-national cohesion and interoperability while showcasing the tenacity and grit of future military leaders from across the world.” The Civil War to WWII This is a collection of old pictures. Wait until you see the aircraft carrier USS Ranger loaded with bi-planes.
What Most Vets Don’t Know about VA Loans A good number of eligible veterans don’t use the VA loan when buying a home. There are lots of reasons why they should at least consider the VA loan. Here’s a good discussion on that topic. 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 First Amendment only restricts the US Congress; it begins with the words “Congress shall make no law…” 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). Unintentionally Funny Our military loves slapping an acronym on anything that moves. Actually, things that don’t move are equally likely to be described with a jumble of letters when words would do the trick just fine. Sometimes it’s obvious that the acronym-izer should’ve put more thought into the process, and we get some unintentionally hilarious descriptors. 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: Joe chairs the group, Combat Veterans For Congress. Here’s the list of nominees for the board plus his comments. Please Participate On Veterans Day we began a new program—and I still need your help—I’m quickly running out of stories. On each show we honor a deceased military person—not the super stars, but the average soldier, sailor, marine, airman or coastie. They don’t have to have served in combat—but must have served honorably, on active duty or in the guard or reserves. Send me about 250 words summarizing his or her service—that I’ll read on the show. Sent the info to me at denny@FrontlinesOfFreedom.com. Military Music You’re in the Army Now 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. Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity. General George S. Patton The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things. Ronald Reagan, 40th President of the US, and former Captain in the Army Reserves Programming: You’ll want to tune into the show (live or by podcast). 11-17 May: This show will be dedicated to honoring America’s Law Enforcement community, as it kicks off National Police Week. Police officers are not our brothers-and-sisters-in-arms, but they are our first-cousins-in-valor. 18-24 May: American Legion National Commander Brett Reistad will discuss the 100th anniversary of the Legion, Armed Forces Day, and the upcoming Memorial Day. Then retired Col Clifford Worthy, West Point class of 1953, will discuss his book, The Black Knight; serving as an African American officer in the days when our military had just desegregated. And we’ll discuss the thousands of poppies that USAA will have blooming in Washington to honor Memorial Day.
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.
Steenstra’s Windmill Cookies by Cookies Unique The best almond windmill cookies you’ll ever eat! Plus, Cookies Unique also bakes cookies with a company logo on the cookie and a company message on the box. A delicious promotional item, and a good value. cookiesunique.net Culver CPA Group, CPAs and Business Advisors. We go beyond the numbers. Two locations to serve you. Grand Rapids: 616-456-6464. Wyoming: 616-257-01009. CulverCPAGroup.com
Humor The three most common military aviation expressions (or famous last words) are: ‘Did you feel that?’ ‘What’s that noise?’ and ‘Oh Shit!’ However, a lot of life’s problems can be explained by the applications of the common sense from theserecently declassified Military Secrets
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Listen to Frontlines of Freedom every week on these great American radio stations:
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Please visit our website athttp://www.
It is our mission to get to know the people that are supporting us, so please be sure to add a picture with your message. Please encourage other like-minded folks to do the same–especially those presently serving in our nation’s military. If you know someone who would like to start receiving this e-newsletter, they can sign up on the homepage of our website. Sincerely, Lt. Col. Denny Gillem (Ret.) denny@frontlinesoffreedom.com |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
