Gold Star mom Debbie Lee remembers Navy son on the anniversary of his death in Iraq

I had the privilege of meeting Debbie Lee a few years ago. She was personable, friendly, and outgoing. I met her, however, knowing the weight she carried, and I thanked her for her sacrifice. Today is the anniversary of her son's death in 2006 in Iraq, and here is her remembrance.

Today is August 2nd. This day will never be the same for me. For most people it's just another sunny summer day filled with normal routines, but for me it will always be "that day." Aug 2nd, 2006 is a day that forever changed my life.

It was another sunny day in Arizona 7 years ago, but across the world in Ramadi, Iraq it was a different story. I couldn't even tell you what I did that day but that evening I was at my small group and we were celebrating my birthday which had been the week before.

Within 30 minutes life would change from cake, ice cream and receiving a gift of a Willow Tree Angel named "Courage" to using that courage to survive the most devastating moments of my life.

I arrived home to find my son Kristofer waiting on the sidewalk to inform me the Navy was there. I glanced at the two Navy Officers in their dress whites on my porch and fell into Kristofer's arms and cried "Noooooooooooo!" I knew why they were there.

We entered the house and they tried to prepare me for what they were about to tell me. They had been in my home for about 30 minutes while Kris tried to find me.

"We can tell by being in your home you are a woman of faith and you are going to need to rely on your faith for what we are about to tell you. Your son Marc Alan Lee has been killed in Action." I couldn't breathe; I felt a pain in the core of my being that no parent should ever have to feel. I began to cry my river.

It's hard to believe it has been 7 years since that young man sacrificed his life defending his teammates, and our freedoms.

I still can't comprehend how you can fight in an intense fire fight for two hours, in extreme temperatures of 120 degrees, carrying 150-180 lbs. and still have the mental focus and strength to make the decision to do the right thing and risk your life for others.  Courage like Marc displayed doesn't just happen. It is engrained in you by your creator, it is the choice to follow the Biblical morals and values taught to you, it is the opportunity to practice in other difficult circumstances that life brings you or your BUD's instructors produce. Marc displayed physical and moral courage often witnessed on the battlefield, but courage need not be displayed only in the battlefields of combat as we fight and defend America and the freedoms we have been blessed with.

Our American History is rich in examples of patriots who displayed courage in numerous circumstances, willing to give everything if need be for what they believed in, to provide liberty and a better life to those they left behind.
 
There is a huge hole that is left from his absence. I will never share the dinner table with him, or feel his arms hug me in the way only a Mother and Son can hug, or see his smirky grin, beautiful brown eyes, dark curly locks, or experience his playful antics or hear his encouraging words. I won't get that dance at his wedding, or hold his children and watch them grow, or have him hold me or care for me when I get old.

Yet, there are so many blessings in the midst of this deep loss. Marc's sacrifice and his last letter home have inspired millions of people around the world. That young man is perhaps more alive in his spirit, that is still here, than he was in life.

I had no choice in the news the was delivered to me on Aug 2nd, but I did have a choice how I responded. God made it very clear to me that night as I read Psalms 27 that He was right there with me, He was my rock and my strength. "I would have lost hope if I had not believed I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. What on the Lord, be of good courage and he will strengthen your heart; wait I say on the Lord." Psalms 27:15 & 16
 
I had seen God do amazing things in my life and I had confidence in Him that He would carry me through and be my strength. I chose to proceed through the grieving process and encourage and help others with the hope God gives me daily.

Accepting Marc's last challenge in his glory letter, and
by God's strength I have dedicated my life to supporting
and honoring our troops and the families they left behind.

Marc's name means Mighty Warrior and today I remember him and as I do every day honor his courage and sacrifice. He left behind his weapon, his armor and his boots and laid down his baton which I picked up and carry on. To everyone who served and sacrificed for my freedoms and yours, I say "THANK YOU."

Marc's final gift to me was his teammates and I am blessed to have so many "adopted boys" and share their families and their love. God multiplied my family exponentially and I am a blessed woman.

So as you enjoy your sunny Aug 2nd and live your normal life and watch your children and grandchildren play today give them an extra hug, count your blessings, and remember our fallen warriors who sacrificed all of their tomorrows and hope for a future so you could enjoy today.

Remembering my son, my hero, my mighty warrior!


Debbie Lee
Gold Star Mother of Marc Alan Lee
Spokesperson and Military Liason
Move America Forward

It's over

All American troops will be out of Iraq by the end of the year after Iraq refused to give immunity to any American soldiers left behind. Operation Iraqi Freedom will officially be over....

Bob Goodlatte's visit to Iraq

Imagine my surprise when I opened the Waynesboro News-Virginian this morning and saw the headline:

Rep. Goodlatte visits Iraq

On his third trip to visit with the American military who continue to bring peace to that nation, Bob Goodlatte is encouraged with what has been accomplished. A strong supporter of President Bush and the war, he was able to see first-hand the stability of Iraq when he talked about terrorist and homicide attacks that had decreased from 150 to about 30 a day:

"The number of attacks is the lowest in several years," he said.

Since his arrival on Sunday, the Congressman has visited with soldiers and military leaders in Baghdad.

Rep. Goodlatte will leave Iraq and arrive back in Virginia in time to celebrate July 4th and America's independence after witnessing firsthand the Iraqi's celebrating it every day. He will be in the Staunton 4th of July parade in Gypsy Hill Park at 10:00 Friday morning. We wish him safe travels.

Other coverage is available here and here.

Kilo alerts that another Haditha Marine has been acquitted

Carl Kilo alerts us that a court martial on Wednesday acquitted yet another Marine in the Haditha, Iraq, debacle from 2005. Of the eight originally charged with murder and covering up the facts, six have been exonerated. Semper Fi.

Team Spirit

Today's Richmond Times-Dispatch offers thoughts about Democrat House majority whip James Clyburn's recent comments concerning the war in Iraq. Team spirit?

Several days ago James Clyburn, the Democratic majority whip in the House, told The Washington Post that if Gen. David Petraeus presents a positive report about progress in Iraq to Congress next month, it could be "a real big problem for us, no question about that."
While conceding "none of us wants to see a bad result in Iraq," Clyburn lamented that good news from the war front might lead some Democrats to want to "stay the course." And that would be bad for Democratic unity.

Bad news from Iraq, then, would be good news for Democrats.

The TD goes on to say that, while bloggers were all over Clyburn's comments, they were practically ignored by the mainstream media, and ends by saying:

It's a no-no to impugn anyone's patriotism, of course. Mustn't do that. But we will say Clyburn seems to be a little short on, um, team spirit.

Indeed.

Fox News visits Muslim compound south of Lynchburg

Greg at Black Velvet Bruce Li passes along alarming information about an apparent Muslim enclave southeast of Lynchburg in Red House, Virginia. As reported by Greg:

Ever heard of Jamaat ul-Fuqra? Neither did I, until BVBL reader “Patriot” brought them up in one of the comment threads. Apparently, in the sleepy little town of Red House, Virginia there’s a little Muslim compound which was recently visited by Fox News. Fox was drawn to this little enclave of rural ethnic diversity because of persistent rumors that this organization had terrorist ties.

The blog Gates Of Vienna has been following this story since 2005 and reports:

The compound in Red House is about 44 acres, 22 trailer homes, with about 100 people living there at any given time. Two men on the compound told Fox that there are Muslims from all over the US as well as Mexico, Puerto Rico and Europe. They say their spiritual leader, or imam, lives in Lahore, Pakistan. They identify him as Sheikh Mubarak Gilani. The sheikh received a lot of attention back in 2002 when Wall Street Journal Reporter Daniel Pearl was abducted.

This is a developing story that should be written about and followed.

Iraq Wins in Soccer!

Josh Levy at Win the War (fabulous photos) and Chris at Mason Conservative both have great stories about Iraq's astounding championship win in soccer for the Asian Cup. How absolutely wonderful for the citizens of that formerly oppressed country!

Back in 2002 and 2003 when the U.S. was contemplating going into Iraq, I did research on the country, the evil dictator Saddam Hussein, and his two equally-evil sons, Uday and Qusay. Uday was in charge of the soccer team. The stories about his sadistic treatment of the soccer team members were appalling ... flogging players until their backs were bloody, humiliation, jailings, caning players' feet, and other forms of torture.

This celebration must be especially sweet for Team Iraq.

More photos from "Win the War" counter-rally to Cindy Sheehan in Charlottesville Friday....

The media mixed in with crowd.

The Downtown Mall has many sidewalk restaurants. The one nearest the rally site wasn't doing much business Friday evening....

Charlottesville has a "writing wall" at one end of the Downtown Mall. Sidewalk chalk is provided for those who would like to print a message, draw artwork, or whatever moves them. This was the message I left on the wall Friday.
SWAC Girl's message on the Charlottesville Writing Wall: SUPPORT THE TROOPS!



A number of children were there to support the troops.


This little "Win the War" support's sign says, "Al-Qaida thanks you."

Barb with her American flag.

Pre-rally getting ready.

Update: Read more from John Maxfield who was at the rally and provides wrap-up.
Update: Read the post from Flora McDonald of United Conservatives of Virginia who was also at the rally and gives the reader a different perspective.
Update: Gathering of Eagles has linked to this post. Check out comment # 83 under the write-up about Cindy Sheehan's appearance (or lack there of) in Charlotte.
Update: Red State has a follow-up post about the rally and a link to SWAC Girl.
Update: Josh Levy at Win-the-War blog has photos and write-up about the rally with a link to SWAC Girl.
Update: NBC-29 coverage of the rally.
Photos by SWAC Girl

Thinking of Nate ... and reflecting on Cindy Sheehan's protest of the war

Nate and my kids are friends. Nate, otherwise known as Lance Cpl. Nate Salatin, USMC, was at my house today when I returned from Richmond's State Central meeting. As I pulled in the driveway I saw his Ninja bike parked beside my son's car and smiled.

They were in the living room, their laptops side-by-side on the coffee table, as my son trouble-shooted some problem Nate was having with his computer. A war movie was on the TV and they were commenting from time to time. I said hello, chatted a few minutes, and left them to their computer worries.

I walked out onto the deck and lounged in one of the chairs as a cool breeze blew ... I was unwinding after a long political day ... and I couldn't help but think about yesterday's Sheehan rally, all the misguided youth at that rally ... and Nate sitting in my living room.

Nate ... who just returned from Iraq in May. Nate ... who got one year in at Virginia Military Institute before being activated to go to war. Nate ... who is an older 21-year-old after clearing IEDs in a desert half-a-world away.

We grilled out and Nate joined us for dinner. As we all sat around the table on the deck ... my husband, two kids, and Nate ... I couldn't help but be thankful for the young people who are willing to serve their country for my freedom. I looked around at the lush green trees and plants and thought about how barren and beige-colored Iraq's desert must have been.

Cindy Sheehan yesterday picked on a "Win the War" participant in the crowd, shouting that he was less than 42 years old so he was eligible to go to war.

What I would have liked to hear her say was ... thank you.

Thank you to the troops and their families who make the sacrifices so she can be safe from terrorism to stand on the steps on the Charlottesville Downtown Mall and mock someone in the crowd, shout profanities to the group that included a number of children, and call for the impeachment of a president who has led this country without a terrorism attack since September 11, 2001.

Nate will talk about the war if you ask him. What he went through over there was incredible.

He is incredible.

All our troops are incredible.

So tomorrow the kids are planning to go hiking in Shenandoah National Park. Nate is packing life with all the things he missed while away at war. We are grateful to have him here to do that.

Nate. He doesn't think he's a hero ... but we do.

Background posts about Nate are here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.

Update: Read the post from Flora McDonald of United Conservatives of Virginia who was also at the rally and gives the reader a different perspective.
Update: Gathering of Eagles has linked to this post. Check out comment # 83 under the write-up about Cindy Sheehan's appearance (or lack there of) in Charlotte.
Update: Red State has a follow-up post about the rally and a link to SWAC Girl.
Update: Josh Levy at Win-the-War blog has photos and write-up about the rally with a link to SWAC Girl.
Update: NBC-29 coverage of the rally.

Success in Iraq ... not mentioned in MSM

In today's Washington Post there's an op-ed piece by Charles Krauthammer telling about our military successes in Iraq even in the wake of those rats/deserters who are jumping from the U.S.S. George W. Bush:

[A] year ago, a confidential Marine intelligence report declared Anbar province (which comprises about a third of Iraq's territory) lost to al-Qaeda. Now, in what the Times's John Burns calls an "astonishing success," the tribal sheiks have joined our side and committed large numbers of fighters that, in concert with American and Iraqi forces, have largely driven out al-Qaeda and turned its former stronghold of Ramadi into one of most secure cities in Iraq. ...

[W]hat cannot be said -- although it is now heard daily in Washington -- is that the surge, which is shorthand for Gen. David Petraeus's new counterinsurgency strategy, has failed. ...

[W]hat is not understandable is the vote of no confidence they are passing on Petraeus. These are the same senators who sent him back to Iraq by an 81 to 0 vote to institute his new counterinsurgency strategy.

A month ago, Petraeus was asked whether we could still win in Iraq. The general, who had recently attended two memorial services for soldiers lost under his command, replied that if he thought he could not succeed he would not be risking the life of a single soldier.

Just this week, Petraeus said that the one thing he needs more than anything else is time. To cut off Petraeus's plan just as it is beginning -- the last surge troops arrived only last month -- on the assumption that we cannot succeed is to declare Petraeus either deluded or dishonorable. ...

[R]ight now we have the chance to continue to isolate al-Qaeda and, province by province, deny it the Sunni sea in which it swims. A year ago, it appeared that the only way to win back the Sunnis and neutralize the extremists was with great national compacts about oil and power sharing. But Anbar has unexpectedly shown that ... the insurgency can be neutralized and al-Qaeda defeated at the local and provincial levels with a new and robust counterinsurgency strategy. ...

In the long run, agreements on oil, federalism and de-Baathification are crucial for stabilizing Iraq. But their absence at this moment is not a reason to give up in despair, now that we finally have a counterinsurgency strategy in place that is showing success against the one enemy -- al-Qaeda -- that both critics and supporters of the war maintain must be fought everywhere and at all cost.

Read the rest of the article here.

Iraq and Iran ... proof al Qaeda in both countries

DJ at Right-Wing Liberal, one of our resident experts on Middle Eastern people, posts a chilling revelation: "Al Qaeda-in-Iraq's liaison to Iran is caught."

He calls on those who have insisted that Iraq is in a civil war and says:

Coalition Forces captured a suspected liaison to al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders, who assists in the movement of information and documents from al-Qaeda in Iraq leadership in Baghdad to al-Qaeda senior leaders in Iran.

Let me restate the last part: al-Qaeda senior leaders in Iran.

DJ has been instrumental in educating us about the various sects and cultures in that part of the world ... and he continues with this latest information.

Memorial Day ... Vets for Freedom

For those who have fought for it
Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know.

From Vets for Freedom.com

This Memorial Day weekend, Americans across this great country will join together in remembering those soldiers who gave their lives in defense of freedom. From the blood-soaked beaches of France to the bombed-out back-alleys of Fallujah, the American G.I. has fought - and died - opposing that which is evil and oppressive, and defending all things decent and free.

Memorial Day is not about partisan politics or divergent ideologies; it's about remembering the fallen on the battlefield and passing their collective story to the next generation. These stories, and the men that bear them, are the backbone of this American experiment and must never be forgotten.

The minute, excuse me - the second - we believe our freedoms "inevitable and immutable," we have ceased to live in history, and have soured the soldier's sacrifice. He died in the mud, so we could enjoy this holiday.

Today, and every day, only a deep appreciation for our freedom - purchased on the battlefield - will suffice. It is with abiding reverence for America's fallen heroes - and belief in our mission ahead - that I assume the position of Executive Director of Vets for Freedom.

We hope to honor the fallen in Iraq and Afghanistan by redoubling our efforts in pursuit of the mission they died for. Led by Al Qaeda, radical Islamists - waging a global insurgency - have declared war on America and now seem poised to declare victory in Iraq. We cannot allow this to happen!

Thankfully, we have a new General in Baghdad, with more troops and a new strategy, and reports are promising. But General Petraeus and our soldiers must be given the time necessary to implement the new strategy.

That is where Vets for Freedom comes in. Under the excellent leadership of Wade Zirkle, Vets for Freedom has been a strong and consistent voice for veterans who believe in the need for success in Iraq and Afghanistan. With Wade still on board, I hope to build on this foundation and amplify the Vets for Freedom message.

To this end, we have adopted a succinct mission statement: mobilizing veterans to communicate America's strategic objectives in Iraq and Afghanistan. The "is the surge working?" debate is coming in September, and Vets for Freedom intends to ensure the pro-mission, pro-surge message is included. Through television, radio, print, and a major yet-to-be-announced event, Vets for Freedom will ensure the voice of the vast "silent majority" of pro-mission troops is heard.

However, one thing stands in our way: money. Running an organization takes substantial resources, and Vets for Freedom needs your help. Please, before you head out for the weekend, consider a generous donation. We need it!

I'm eager to get started and look forward to the challenges ahead. But more importantly, today - and every day - I'm proud to have known men that we remember this weekend. Men who, without their sacrifice at the altar of freedom, would have shared this day with us, but instead, live forever as heroes.

God bless this great country,

Pete Hegseth
Iraq War veteran

Read more about Pete at VetsforFreedom.org/about

Torture? Terrorists kill American soldiers

Don't even begin to complain to me about America "torturing" prisoners of war when we continue to find our American soldiers tortured and killed by terrorists in Iraq.

The body of Pfc. Joseph Anzack Jr, 20, was found yesterday floating in the Euphrates River near Baghdad. He was one of three soldiers kidnapped in an ambush by terrorist insurgents on May 12.

Pfc. Anzack's body had head wounds and whip marks on his back.

How does that compare with underwear on someone's head? Or waterboarding?

We don't kill prisoners of war. Our enemy does.

Could the MSM run headlines about this please? Where's the Staunton News Leader? Tell Americans how their soldiers were tortured by the enemy -- make it as prominent as they did Abu Graib and Guantanamo when they accused American soldiers of "torturing" Iraqi prisoners of war.

They're still missing....

Three American soldiers are still missing in Iraq, feared kidnapped by insurgent terrorists. This is a time for America to pull together and hold these families close....

In the same attack four were killed including 21-year-old Pfc. Christopher E. Murphy of Lynchburg. He was part of Company D, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment which is part of the 10th Mountain Division from Fort Drum, NY.

A quiet young man, Chris was described as cheerful, someone who could make family and friends smile. High school teachers remember him as a hard worker, someone who followed an assignment to the "t." He played football and was part of William Campbell High School's 2002 championship team. Home on leave a few months ago, he was considering making the military a career. His family is setting up an educational scholarship in his name.

Chris and three others are gone ... the others are still missing. America bows her head in prayer for these soldiers and their families....

Staunton Armory's 116th prepares for Iraq....

There's a great article about the 116th Infantry Brigade of the Virginia National Guard based out of the Staunton Armory and their training for the upcoming Iraq deployment in today's Waynesboro News-Virginian written by Alicia Petska.

These are our neighbors, friends, family members in the SWAC area. These are the men and women who sacrifice so we may go about our lives in freedom.

Major Alan Carter, 37, of Waynesboro is typical of the many who have signed up to the service of this country. His reaction upon receiving news of deployment was "ecstatic." Even though he will be leaving his wife and four-month-old daughter behind, he said:

“I’m actually looking forward to it,” the 37-year-old Waynesboro man said cheerfully. “… This is one [mission] I finally get to go on.”

As a full-time personnel manager for the Staunton-based 116th Infantry Brigade, Maj. Carter has already helped send six battalions to Iraq and Afghanistan over the last four years. But, the 18-year National Guard member has never been called himself - this will be his first overseas assignment.

“It’s kind of hard sitting back, watching everyone else go, not being needed,” he reflected Saturday. His wife, he added, was supportive when his marching orders arrived. A former Guard member herself - the two met while serving in the 116th - she understood the call of duty all to well.

“She’s just praying for our safe return,” said Carter.

Among those training and preparing are husband-and-wife team Spcs. Christina and Landon Phillips who will be leaving their one- and two-year-old daughters behind with family members. It will be Landon's second deployment and Christina's first. They are examples of the many citizen soldiers who are willing to do their duty to preserve our freedoms and safety here on the homefront.

Thank you, 116th, for your service and dedication and love of country. We salute you and will keep you in our prayers.

Check out the rest of the article here.

Easter in Iraq ... thoughts of Nate

Lance Cpl. Nate Salatin, USMC

It's Easter weekend ... Lance Cpl. Nate Salatin of Augusta County is nearing the end of his deployment to Iraq. On this holiest of Christian holidays my thoughts turn to him more often, praying for his safety ... wondering how he's spending his time while on patrol ... wondering about his thoughts on this Easter weekend so far from home.

As the son of missionaries, he has spent many Easters in church with his family ... worshiping and remembering the sacrifices that Christ made not far from where Nate patrols for terrorist bombs....

May God keep him safely in His hands. Semper Fi.