Wednesday's Hero

Spc. Ross A. McGinnis
19 years old from Knox, Pennsylvania
1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division
December 4, 2006


His mission was to patrol the streets of Adhamiyah in northeast Baghdad and find a place to put a 250-kilowatt generator that would provide electricity for more than 100 homes. But it's a mission he wasn't able to accomplish.

Shortly after Pfc. McGinnis's convoy left the compound, and less than a mile from FOB Apache, an insurgent standing on a nearby rooftop threw a grenade into the sixth, and last, Humvee. "Grenade!" yelled McGinnis, who was manning the vehicle's M2 .50-caliber machine gun. He tried to deflect the grenade but it fell into the Humvee and lodged between the radios.

"McGinnis turned and looked down and realized no one in the truck knew where the grenade was," said Capt. Michael Baka, his company commander. "He knew everyone had their doors combat-locked and they wouldn't be able to get out."

Instead of jumping out of the truck to save his own life, like he had been trained to do, McGinnis threw his back against the radio mount, smothering the explosive with his body. The grenade exploded just as Pfc. McGinnis covered it. The blast filled the vehicle with black smoke and debris and blew the driver's door and right passenger's door wide open and blew the machine gun off its mount. The explosion hit McGinnis on his sides and his lower back, under his vest. He was killed instantly.

The other four soldiers in the Humvee suffered relatively minor injuries.

On the morning of December 4, 2006, before his convoy had left, Cpt. Baka has signed a waver promoting Pfc. McGinnis to Specialist and he was posthumously promoted to E-4.

For his heroic actions on that day, McGinnis was awarded the Silver Star and was nominated for a Medal of Honor which he received on June 2, 2008.

All Information Was Found On And Copied From MilitaryCity.com

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Have You Seen This?

Have you seen this one? Maybe I was the only one left out, and it went around a billion times already, but I received this comic in an email fro ma relative. I loved it, and caught myself nodding my head in agreement. Enjoy!




I found it refreshing at the boldness the author took creating this comic. Most of the comics that are found in the daily paper are usually not of a political nature. I love it!

Wednesday's Hero

Sgt. Kelly Keck
34 years old from West Liberty, Kentucky


Secretary of the Army Pete Geren congratulates Sgt. Kelly Keck after presenting him the Purple Heart.

On September 13, 2008, Sgt. Kelly Keck, a combat medic serving in Afghanistan, was wounded while trying to aid his fellow soldiers who's truck had just been struck by an IED. "I stepped off the road to try to get to the side of the truck, and the next thing I know I hear a loud boom, and I'm laying on the ground," he said. Sgt. Kelly had stepped on a land mine. He was flown to a field hospital in Jalalabad where he ended up loosing three fingers on his left hand and his right leg below the knee. "It was quite an ordeal," the soft-spoken soldier said.


These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Wednesday's Hero

This Weeks Post Was Suggested And Written By Brat

Sgt. Patrick Tainsh
33 years old from Oceanside, California
Troop E, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment
February 11, 2004


Five years ago today, Sgt. Patrick Tainsh sacrificed all as the mounted unit he
was part of was hit by an IED in Baghdad. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze and Sliver Stars saving the lives of his commanding officer and other soldiers before succumbing to his own wounds. Also killed in the attack was Pfc. William C. Ramirez from Portland, Oregon.

On Veteran’s Day, 2007, Deborah Tainsh, Sgt. Tainsh's mother, attended a school in Columbia, Georgia, and shared a story she had written called "A Boy Named Patrick."

Here is part of the story :

…a little boy named Patrick who loved football, beaches, surfing, and
skateboarding, and especially reading. Patrick watched his dad be a Marine for
over twenty years. During this time Patrick kept reading not only surfing and
skateboarding magazines, but history books, too. One day when Patrick was a man, he told his dad and best friend, “I want to do something that will make a
difference in the world, I’m going to be a soldier.” And so he did. And in 1999
he went to Fort Knox, Kentucky for boot camp and then went to Fort Polk,
Louisiana where he worked and trained hard to become a United States Army
Cavalry Scout. Then in 2003 Patrick had to say good bye to his mom and dad
because he had to go fight a war in Iraq to protect his country, friends, and
family from terrorists and to help fight for the freedoms of the boys and girls
in that country where they and their families were treated very badly by their
country’s leader. Patrick once wrote a letter to his mom and dad telling them
that he cried for the children because they were hungry and he didn’t have food
to give them. He said he couldn’t understand how a country’s leader could treat
the people so badly and make them live in such dirty conditions with trash and
wild dogs everywhere. And so Patrick's mom and dad keep a photo in their living
room of Patrick surrounded by Iraqi children.

You can read the story in it's entirety here.

Sgt Tainsh came to the military later than some, but rose through the ranks fast. In his last letter to his parents, Sgt Tainsh shared his thoughts about his mission. And in 2006, Sgt. Tainsh's mother wrote a book called Heart Of A Hawk about her son's life and her and her husband's struggles since their son was killed.


These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Wednesday's Hero

Gunnery Sgt. Nick Popaditch


In 2003, Sgt. Popaditch, along with 1st Tank Battalion, rolled into Baghdad from Kuwait at the start of the Iraq War. They had just taken the city and the tank that Sgt. Popaditch was in had rolled up to a 40-ft statue of Saddam. I think we all remember that statue. Popaditch was given a cigar by a fellow Marine and as he smoked it an AP photographer snapped a picture of him.

Fast forward to April 7, 2004. Sgt. Popaditch's wife was vacationing with their son when she received a phone call informing her that her husband had been injured in an attack. The turret of his tank, that he was situated in, had taken two direct hits from RPG's. He fell through the hatch to the floor of the tank. As he struggled to his feet, he began to shout orders to his men but go no response. He then realized that the attack had caused him to go deaf in both ears. But that was only temporary. He then reached up and felt that his head was wet and knew it wasn't good.

In the aftermath of the attack, Gunnery Sgt. Nick Popaditch had lost his right eye. And because of that he now proudly wears a prosthetic eye with the Marine Corps. logo embossed on it. On November 10, 2005 Gunnery Sgt. Nick Popaditch was awarded the Silver Star, the nation's third-highest award for heroism in combat. He also has a book out titled Once A Marine.

You can read more about Gunnery Sgt. Nick Popaditch here and here.

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Just Plain Cool!

This story is just plain cool. I can't describe it in any other way that does it justice, not that just plain cool, does. This story is heart-warming, it is happy, it is good news, it made me cry with a smile on my face, and it is something I wish for all families that have members deployed over seas. A happy reunion, even if only a brief leave, that leaves all members with something great to remember, and a happy moment to treasure while their loved one is gone.

Here is the story:

DAYTON, Nev. (AP) - Gabriel Hurles' sixth birthday party wasn't
a surprise but his present sure was.

The kindergartner was so engrossed in the cupcakes his mother
brought to his class in Dayton Wednesday that he didn't notice the enormous wrapped box off to the side.

When a classmate finally pointed it out, Gabriel peeled back the wrapping paper to find the surprise of his young life - his father, an Army mechanic back in Nevada on leave from his second tour in Iraq.

23-year-old Casey Hurles says he hadn't seen his son since he left in June. When he learned his leave would coincide with his son's birthday, he hatched the plan to hide out in the 4-foot tall box.

After Hurles sat down and ate a cupcake with the birthday boy, teacher Dawn VanSickle presented him with a banner from the class
that read, "Welcome Home. Thank you for your service."

Stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, Hurles is about seven months into his second tour and expects to finish sometime this summer.

Gabriel says he looks forward to playing with his dad over the next two weeks but understands why he has to leave again. The young
boy said: "He works in the war."

Many thanks to the Hurles family for the sacrifices they endure while Mr. Hurles serves his country. Many thanks to Mr. Hurles for his service to the United States, and the sacrifices he has made in doing so. Many thanks to Dawn VanSickle for having her class honor one of America's brave soldiers. Many thanks to all of you that pray for our soldiers safe return upon the completion of their missions.

Moments like this are why I all pray for our soldiers and their loved ones. They have all given so much of themselves and deserve every minute like this that they can capture.

Crayons In The Courtroom?

This is the story.

RENO, NV - Security was tight as 53-year-old Bruce Birch entered the courtroom Wednesday afternoon. Thoughts of the fictitious character Hannibal Lecter came to mind. His face is covered with a screen so that if he decided to spit at his attorney, Bruce Lindsay, he will not hit his mark.

"My relationship with him isn't the best. But I'm here and I'm asking you please I want a fair trial and I think everyone of you wants a fair trial," Lindsay said.

Those were his remarks to the jury during opening arguments. His finger is clearly bandaged after witnesses say his client stabbed him with a pencil during court yesterday. Today, Birch is facing a possession of a stolen vehicle charge. Shackled, it was tough for him to communicate with his attorney. The court had assigned Birch a crayon and paper with which to write. Late this afternoon the judge was already discussing jury instructions with the prosecution and defense. Birch had no problem complaining about his attorney's performance in court today, and was ready to share his thoughts with Judge Patrick Flanagan.

"Mr. Lindsay doesn't know what the word object is. How much worse can it get than it already is," said Birch out of the presence of the jury.

Birch faces more than a dozen charges related to burglary and possession of stolen goods. But because of his confrontations with his attorney he also faces additional charges of unlawful acts related to human excrement and battery by a prisoner.

His burglary case could go to the jury as early as tomorrow.

A burglar now sits in full irons, and a Hannibal Lector style face mask, with only a crayon to write with, on charges of not only burglary, and battery, but of "unlawful acts related to human excrement".

Other people's children frighten me.

Wednesday's Hero

This Weeks Post Was Suggested And Written By Cynthia

Sgt James E. Craig
27 years old from Hollywood, South Carolina
1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division
January 28, 2008


James, 27, was killed on January 28, 2008, in Mosul, Iraq, along with four other soldiers when the unit encountered an IED, followed by an ambush from a nearby Mosque. It has been a year since James was killed. I miss him each day.

James was on his third deployment to Iraq. There are so many things about James that I admired. He was 'loud' and funny and articulate and sweet - even calling himself 'Sweet Soldier' - and brave and tough. He was a devout Christian and more comfortable with telling people he was than anyone I ever knew - he had a enviable, easy comfort with this faith. It would be so easy to write and write about James, but let me share some portions of his letters - his long and articulate letters.

"...I am very much looking forward to this war being over. However, I fully support everything that is going on over here ever since I saw first hand what the real situation was. Our media doesn't portray the truth of this operation or the necessity to the people here. They need freedom and desperately cry out for someone to help them. ... I know one thing, God wants me here."

"The war here is stating to come to an end. It will be a slow transition period where the responsibility of the battle space is handed over to the growing Iraqi Army. It all depends on the Iraqis if we are able to leave them with it safely."

"...it is a tale of my wonderful journey where I made memories I will never forget and stood up for something that I believe in...that sweet taste of freedom when the day is done and the knowledge that I have done something to ensure the positive future of my loved ones. And, you should know that it comforts me the most that what I do protects wonderful people like you."

To read more about Sgt James Craig, go here.

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Ask Captain Dramatic

E made the family a wonderful dinner of Lasagna and Green Beans with almond slivers. We all sat enjoying it in silence, as we were too busy eating to speak. All of the sudden:

CD: Oh Wow!
Me: What?
CD: There are little green things falling out of my green beans!
Me: You think that might be why they call them green beans?
CD: I didn't know that there were little things inside the green beans! That is too cool! (as he pulls the bean apart t o show more little green things)
Me: I don't know whether I should laugh or cry that this simple fact has escaped you for ten years son...

Of course, E had been laughing since "There are little green things falling out of my green beans!". I finally decided to follow his lead.

To learn how you can submit your questions to Captain Dramatic, click here. Don't be shy!

Fun Stuff About Music

Many who know me, are familiar with the fact that I love music! It is an integral part of my life. What I hadn't stopped long enough to realize was pointed out to me in two videos that my husband showed me tonight. They are great. See for yourself.

See more funny videos and TBT Videos at Today's Big Thing.

Obama Supporters

I truly had to share this with all of you after watching it. I couldn't help but laugh. Enjoy!


Obama Win Causes Obsessive Supporters To Realize How Empty Their Lives Are

Wednesday's Hero

This Weeks Post Was Suggested By Cindy

Petty Officer 2nd Class Mike A. Monsoor
29 years old from Garden Grove, California
September 29, 2006


In April 2008, Michael Monsoor (who had already been posthumously awarded the Silver Star for his actions in a May 9, 2006 incident, when he and another SEAL pulled a wounded team member to safety amidst gunfire) was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His funeral, attended, in the words of President Bush, by "nearly every SEAL on the West Coast," was held on October 12, 2006 at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego. During Monsoor's funeral service, as the casket was taken from the hearse to the gravesite, fellow SEALs lined up in two columns to slap and embed the gold Tridents (a pin awarded for successful completion of SEAL Qualification Training) from their uniforms onto the top of Monsoor's coffin.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Mike A. Monsoor's Summary Of Action.


"The procession went on nearly half an hour, and when it was all over, the simple wooden coffin had become a gold-plated memorial to a hero who will never be forgotten." - President George W. Bush

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Wednesday's Hero

This Weeks Post Was Suggested By Deb

Capt. Ed Freeman
Company A, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)


While reading the info on Cpt. Freeman, I found that I couldn't have put it better than this.

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Poor Baby

I wanted to share this story with all of you. It was so sickening to read it.

GRETNA, La. (AP) - A Louisiana baby sitter is charged with second-degree murder after prosecutors say she put a baby into a spinning clothes dryer for disturbing her television watching.

Nineteen-year-old Arielle Smith was indicted by a grand jury Thursday for the baby's September death in the New Orleans suburb of Harvey.

Authorities said 5-month-old Andre Jenkins died at the scene from skull fractures and burns suffered in the dryer.

Prosecutors said Smith was watching the baby and two older children at her home. She told police the children were being rambunctious and interfering with her television watching.

Investigators said Smith put the baby in the dryer and turned it on for 3 minutes while the two older children were put in another room.

Smith's attorney declined comment.

For obvious reasons, I have filed this under "Other People's Children". I typically think that other people's children suck. There are so many things wrong with this. Here are my thoughts when reading it.

What did this baby sitter's parents do to her, to make her think that this was an OK way to react?

More importantly, what did this baby sister's parents not do to her, or not teach her, to make her think that this was an OK way to react?

What about the other children in the house? Did they not know what was going on? If they did, did their parents not teach them to call 911? (This of course all depends on the children's ages.)

How did this baby sitter make it to age 19 being this stupid?

Why is TV so important to so many?

Some people should just be removed from the gene pool. They just should.

I feel for the Jenkins family. I truly do.

The Economy

As I am sure everyone knows, the economy is in horrible shape, but it is a vicious cycle. One, that consumers have more control over than they know. I think that politics can play a role in the economy, but that consumers play an even larger role. I detest people blaming the Federal Government for the whole thing, and although people have to take precautions, and need to be aware of what is going on around them, panic never solves anything.

It is a scary time, but to stop spending in a situation like this, only makes things worse. For example, you work packaging plastic zip ties. If you and several others who think like you, decide not to buy the car that you have been saving for 10 years to get, because the economy is bad, an auto manufacturer goes out of business. That auto manufacturer is not longer buying bolts and nuts and this forces the bolt and nut factory to go under.

Once the bolt and nut factory closes, they no longer need the cardboard boxes, and plastic bags that they packaged their nuts and bolts in, or the plastic zip ties to hold those plastic bags shut. You company and about three others have now gone out of business.

So all that panicking that you did, on the off chance you would become one of the statistics, just helped cause exactly what you were afraid of. The saddest part of the whole thing, is that so many will now say that their non-spending was probably justified.

Bottom line? People should always be cautious enough to have a savings account and rainy day fund. Enough should be saved to carry you and your family through three to six months. That way, there is no need to panic, as panicking is never good. It is a sure way to drown.

Just my thoughts. Not to say we are spending a lot in this household, but we haven't cut back.