Blogging Greyling, Part Two
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPcksWSJle4]
The second blackhawk ride…
Add comment June 28th, 2007
Posts filed under 'War'
Blogging Greyling, Part One
A few weeks ago I gave you a heads up that I’d be spending a day with the National Guard in Michigan. The trip was great, I’ll get right to the super-awesome-blowing-stuff-up parts. The day started with a debriefing here in Columbus at the Rickenbacker Air National Guard base. We were treated to a retired general giving us the history of the Guard, the new challenges faced in a post 9/11 wartime environment, and their outlook for the future. We loaded up into an Air Force troop transport plane and had a nice hour and a half flight to Michigan. After we landed at the airstrip, we were led in teams of 4-5 to our awaiting Blackhawks. F-ing A.
The UH-60′s flew us to Camp Greyling proper, where we were greeted by citizen soldiers waiting to take us to the first firing range. What did we fire, you ask? The Mk 19 grenade launcher, natch (these are the launchers usually mounted on top of Hummers in Iraq). A very quick briefing and we were trudging up a hill and getting set to fire. I ran off about 20 automatic rounds at a parked APC downrange, and had a 100% hit rate. Did I mention I didn’t have to aim? I thought so. The APC’s lit up from the phosphorus rounds, and I was prepped for destruction.
Another Blackhawk ride, this time with the doors open. I was strapped into a 4 point harness, teetering on the egde of the chopper. I’ll get around to posting the whole set of pictues I took, but here’s one I’m proud of:
I’ve got to run, but I’ll continue with part two in a few days.
Add comment June 27th, 2007
Prepping For Grayling
Tomorrow I’ll be heading to Crawford County, Michigan for a day at Camp Grayling with the National Guard. One of my employees was kind enough to sign me up for an employer appreciation day or “boss lift”. I’ll be flying on military planes and Blackhawk choppers, spend time with the Guardsmen and women, firing off a few rounds from a variety of automatic weapons, and eating with the soldiers and officers. I fall into the “Love my country, proud of our military, hate this war” camp, so I really do appreciate this opportunity. I’m waiting to hear back from the SFC who will be assisting me to see if I can bring a camera, but expect a blog post one way or the other.
Add comment June 13th, 2007
Pop a Cork
See, I told you Jesus loves Democrats.
Rummy’s gone.
I can’t find a news story online, as this just happened. But Rumsfeld is sooooo out.
Here’s a link from the AP.
Add comment November 8th, 2006
A Reminder To Vote
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wm2OXQh3duI]
2 comments November 7th, 2006
Torture Roundup
So, it’s official. The United States government is moving towards unitary executive power. We now officially condone torturing individuals who have been held in custody because habeas corpus is going out the window. Well, actually we banned torture. But we let W decide what constitutes it. I’ve been watching the intertube lighting up with personal statements of rejection against what our fair country is doing, and yes, I’d like to add my own.
My family and I do not believe that our nations president has supreme powers. He was not placed in office by a higher authority. Americans do not want to torture people, and we are Americans. Democrats aren’t spineless, they’re powerless. This will change very soon.
That said, here’s what the tubes gave me today.
Add comment September 28th, 2006
Forever Young
Neil, that is. We checked out CSN&Y @ Germain Amphitheater on Tuesday. I was secretly going to see Neil, but the whole show was great. The “Freedom of Speech” tour is pushing Neil’s new album of protest songs, “Living With War”. They played a half a dozen songs from it, as well as a bunch of CSNY stuff. Stephen & Neil did a few together, Graham & David did a few too. Although I was surrounded by 50-60 year old rockers, I felt really old. In a good way. We had seats, but the highlight of the evening was snuggling on a picnic blanket spread out on the lawn. No beer, no partying. It was relaxing and mature. Not to mention a great show. Post-aneurysm Neil is still rockin’ hard. Old Black was stringless after a feedback romp at the end of “Keep On Rockin’ in the Free World”.
The review by the Dispatch has some interesting comments after the story. I for one, am pretty bewildered that Neil had to stand up and say
“Soo…no ones gonna write anything about the war, huh? Vedder, did I hear you pipe up? No? Pink, you don’t count. Well, I guess I’m off to the ranch then. I’ll see you in a week. I’ll need a drummer, and let’s see….a trumpet player. Yeah, that sounds right. Be right back, youth of America”.
And thus was born “Living With War”. Makes me feel more than a little ashamed.
1 comment August 31st, 2006
