No rest for the weary...

Well I finally got a few moments to put a post up and have plenty to report. I spent the month of October at the Primary leadership Development course and began the long path towards professional development. It was a little boring-a lot of classwork studying army forms and publications-but worthwhile. I have been in the process of moving for the last month and I am now back stateside.
I am Once again stationed at FT Lee, VA. Home of the Quartermaster Corps and the 49th Quartermaster Group. It has already been quite an adjustment as I am no longer in a combat arms unit, but I am still in a combat arms mentality. Things are done a little differently so please pray that I don't lose my mind.
I do have some good and bad news-mom sorry I didn't tell you first-Iraq is slated for September, so I will once again be on my way back to the sand box. However, I will be afforded the opportunity to provide aid to the needy in the world. My unit has been selected to provide full scale support with the relief efforts already underway in Pakistan, and I will be joining them in those efforts. The world traveler will once again be on his way:)
I have work to do so I will post more later....
AJ

Ephesians 2:14 - For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

September 11th, 2001

Address to a Joint Session of Congress and the American People United States CapitolWashington, D.C.




9:00 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President Pro Tempore, members of Congress, and fellow Americans:
In the normal course of events, Presidents come to this chamber to report on the state of the Union. Tonight, no such report is needed. It has already been delivered by the American people.
We have seen it in the courage of passengers, who rushed terrorists to save others on the ground -- passengers like an exceptional man named Todd Beamer. And would you please help me to welcome his wife, Lisa Beamer, here tonight. (Applause.)
We have seen the state of our Union in the endurance of rescuers, working past exhaustion. We have seen the unfurling of flags, the lighting of candles, the giving of blood, the saying of prayers -- in English, Hebrew, and Arabic. We have seen the decency of a loving and giving people who have made the grief of strangers their own.
My fellow citizens, for the last nine days, the entire world has seen for itself the state of our Union -- and it is strong. (Applause.)
Tonight we are a country awakened to danger and called to defend freedom. Our grief has turned to anger, and anger to resolution. Whether we bring our enemies to justice, or bring justice to our enemies, justice will be done. (Applause.)
I thank the Congress for its leadership at such an important time. All of America was touched on the evening of the tragedy to see Republicans and Democrats joined together on the steps of this Capitol, singing "God Bless America." And you did more than sing; you acted, by delivering $40 billion to rebuild our communities and meet the needs of our military.
Speaker Hastert, Minority Leader Gephardt, Majority Leader Daschle and Senator Lott, I thank you for your friendship, for your leadership and for your service to our country. (Applause.)
And on behalf of the American people, I thank the world for its outpouring of support. America will never forget the sounds of our National Anthem playing at Buckingham Palace, on the streets of Paris, and at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate.
We will not forget South Korean children gathering to pray outside our embassy in Seoul, or the prayers of sympathy offered at a mosque in Cairo. We will not forget moments of silence and days of mourning in Australia and Africa and Latin America.
Nor will we forget the citizens of 80 other nations who died with our own: dozens of Pakistanis; more than 130 Israelis; more than 250 citizens of India; men and women from El Salvador, Iran, Mexico and Japan; and hundreds of British citizens. America has no truer friend than Great Britain. (Applause.) Once again, we are joined together in a great cause -- so honored the British Prime Minister has crossed an ocean to show his unity of purpose with America. Thank you for coming, friend. (Applause.)
On September the 11th, enemies of freedom committed an act of war against our country. Americans have known wars -- but for the past 136 years, they have been wars on foreign soil, except for one Sunday in 1941. Americans have known the casualties of war -- but not at the center of a great city on a peaceful morning. Americans have known surprise attacks -- but never before on thousands of civilians. All of this was brought upon us in a single day -- and night fell on a different world, a world where freedom itself is under attack.
Americans have many questions tonight. Americans are asking: Who attacked our country? The evidence we have gathered all points to a collection of loosely affiliated terrorist organizations known as al Qaeda. They are the same murderers indicted for bombing American embassies in Tanzania and Kenya, and responsible for bombing the USS Cole.
Al Qaeda is to terror what the mafia is to crime. But its goal is not making money; its goal is remaking the world -- and imposing its radical beliefs on people everywhere.
The terrorists practice a fringe form of Islamic extremism that has been rejected by Muslim scholars and the vast majority of Muslim clerics -- a fringe movement that perverts the peaceful teachings of Islam. The terrorists' directive commands them to kill Christians and Jews, to kill all Americans, and make no distinction among military and civilians, including women and children.
This group and its leader -- a person named Osama bin Laden -- are linked to many other organizations in different countries, including the Egyptian Islamic Jihad and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan. There are thousands of these terrorists in more than 60 countries. They are recruited from their own nations and neighborhoods and brought to camps in places like Afghanistan, where they are trained in the tactics of terror. They are sent back to their homes or sent to hide in countries around the world to plot evil and destruction.
The leadership of al Qaeda has great influence in Afghanistan and supports the Taliban regime in controlling most of that country. In Afghanistan, we see al Qaeda's vision for the world.
Afghanistan's people have been brutalized -- many are starving and many have fled. Women are not allowed to attend school. You can be jailed for owning a television. Religion can be practiced only as their leaders dictate. A man can be jailed in Afghanistan if his beard is not long enough.
The United States respects the people of Afghanistan -- after all, we are currently its largest source of humanitarian aid -- but we condemn the Taliban regime. (Applause.) It is not only repressing its own people, it is threatening people everywhere by sponsoring and sheltering and supplying terrorists. By aiding and abetting murder, the Taliban regime is committing murder.
And tonight, the United States of America makes the following demands on the Taliban: Deliver to United States authorities all the leaders of al Qaeda who hide in your land. (Applause.) Release all foreign nationals, including American citizens, you have unjustly imprisoned. Protect foreign journalists, diplomats and aid workers in your country. Close immediately and permanently every terrorist training camp in Afghanistan, and hand over every terrorist, and every person in their support structure, to appropriate authorities. (Applause.) Give the United States full access to terrorist training camps, so we can make sure they are no longer operating.
These demands are not open to negotiation or discussion. (Applause.) The Taliban must act, and act immediately. They will hand over the terrorists, or they will share in their fate.
I also want to speak tonight directly to Muslims throughout the world. We respect your faith. It's practiced freely by many millions of Americans, and by millions more in countries that America counts as friends. Its teachings are good and peaceful, and those who commit evil in the name of Allah blaspheme the name of Allah. (Applause.) The terrorists are traitors to their own faith, trying, in effect, to hijack Islam itself. The enemy of America is not our many Muslim friends; it is not our many Arab friends. Our enemy is a radical network of terrorists, and every government that supports them. (Applause.)
Our war on terror begins with al Qaeda, but it does not end there. It will not end until every terrorist group of global reach has been found, stopped and defeated. (Applause.)
Americans are asking, why do they hate us? They hate what we see right here in this chamber -- a democratically elected government. Their leaders are self-appointed. They hate our freedoms -- our freedom of religion, our freedom of speech, our freedom to vote and assemble and disagree with each other.
They want to overthrow existing governments in many Muslim countries, such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. They want to drive Israel out of the Middle East. They want to drive Christians and Jews out of vast regions of Asia and Africa.
These terrorists kill not merely to end lives, but to disrupt and end a way of life. With every atrocity, they hope that America grows fearful, retreating from the world and forsaking our friends. They stand against us, because we stand in their way.
We are not deceived by their pretenses to piety. We have seen their kind before. They are the heirs of all the murderous ideologies of the 20th century. By sacrificing human life to serve their radical visions -- by abandoning every value except the will to power -- they follow in the path of fascism, and Nazism, and totalitarianism. And they will follow that path all the way, to where it ends: in history's unmarked grave of discarded lies. (Applause.)
Americans are asking: How will we fight and win this war? We will direct every resource at our command -- every means of diplomacy, every tool of intelligence, every instrument of law enforcement, every financial influence, and every necessary weapon of war -- to the disruption and to the defeat of the global terror network.
This war will not be like the war against Iraq a decade ago, with a decisive liberation of territory and a swift conclusion. It will not look like the air war above Kosovo two years ago, where no ground troops were used and not a single American was lost in combat.
Our response involves far more than instant retaliation and isolated strikes. Americans should not expect one battle, but a lengthy campaign, unlike any other we have ever seen. It may include dramatic strikes, visible on TV, and covert operations, secret even in success. We will starve terrorists of funding, turn them one against another, drive them from place to place, until there is no refuge or no rest. And we will pursue nations that provide aid or safe haven to terrorism. Every nation, in every region, now has a decision to make. Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists. (Applause.) From this day forward, any nation that continues to harbor or support terrorism will be regarded by the United States as a hostile regime.
Our nation has been put on notice: We are not immune from attack. We will take defensive measures against terrorism to protect Americans. Today, dozens of federal departments and agencies, as well as state and local governments, have responsibilities affecting homeland security. These efforts must be coordinated at the highest level. So tonight I announce the creation of a Cabinet-level position reporting directly to me -- the Office of Homeland Security.
And tonight I also announce a distinguished American to lead this effort, to strengthen American security: a military veteran, an effective governor, a true patriot, a trusted friend -- Pennsylvania's Tom Ridge. (Applause.) He will lead, oversee and coordinate a comprehensive national strategy to safeguard our country against terrorism, and respond to any attacks that may come.
These measures are essential. But the only way to defeat terrorism as a threat to our way of life is to stop it, eliminate it, and destroy it where it grows. (Applause.)
Many will be involved in this effort, from FBI agents to intelligence operatives to the reservists we have called to active duty. All deserve our thanks, and all have our prayers. And tonight, a few miles from the damaged Pentagon, I have a message for our military: Be ready. I've called the Armed Forces to alert, and there is a reason. The hour is coming when America will act, and you will make us proud. (Applause.)
This is not, however, just America's fight. And what is at stake is not just America's freedom. This is the world's fight. This is civilization's fight. This is the fight of all who believe in progress and pluralism, tolerance and freedom.
We ask every nation to join us. We will ask, and we will need, the help of police forces, intelligence services, and banking systems around the world. The United States is grateful that many nations and many international organizations have already responded -- with sympathy and with support. Nations from Latin America, to Asia, to Africa, to Europe, to the Islamic world. Perhaps the NATO Charter reflects best the attitude of the world: An attack on one is an attack on all.
The civilized world is rallying to America's side. They understand that if this terror goes unpunished, their own cities, their own citizens may be next. Terror, unanswered, can not only bring down buildings, it can threaten the stability of legitimate governments. And you know what -- we're not going to allow it. (Applause.)
Americans are asking: What is expected of us? I ask you to live your lives, and hug your children. I know many citizens have fears tonight, and I ask you to be calm and resolute, even in the face of a continuing threat.
I ask you to uphold the values of America, and remember why so many have come here. We are in a fight for our principles, and our first responsibility is to live by them. No one should be singled out for unfair treatment or unkind words because of their ethnic background or religious faith. (Applause.)
I ask you to continue to support the victims of this tragedy with your contributions. Those who want to give can go to a central source of information, libertyunites.org, to find the names of groups providing direct help in New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
The thousands of FBI agents who are now at work in this investigation may need your cooperation, and I ask you to give it.
I ask for your patience, with the delays and inconveniences that may accompany tighter security; and for your patience in what will be a long struggle.
I ask your continued participation and confidence in the American economy. Terrorists attacked a symbol of American prosperity. They did not touch its source. America is successful because of the hard work, and creativity, and enterprise of our people. These were the true strengths of our economy before September 11th, and they are our strengths today. (Applause.)
And, finally, please continue praying for the victims of terror and their families, for those in uniform, and for our great country. Prayer has comforted us in sorrow, and will help strengthen us for the journey ahead.
Tonight I thank my fellow Americans for what you have already done and for what you will do. And ladies and gentlemen of the Congress, I thank you, their representatives, for what you have already done and for what we will do together.
Tonight, we face new and sudden national challenges. We will come together to improve air safety, to dramatically expand the number of air marshals on domestic flights, and take new measures to prevent hijacking. We will come together to promote stability and keep our airlines flying, with direct assistance during this emergency. (Applause.)
We will come together to give law enforcement the additional tools it needs to track down terror here at home. (Applause.) We will come together to strengthen our intelligence capabilities to know the plans of terrorists before they act, and find them before they strike. (Applause.)
We will come together to take active steps that strengthen America's economy, and put our people back to work.
Tonight we welcome two leaders who embody the extraordinary spirit of all New Yorkers: Governor George Pataki, and Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. (Applause.) As a symbol of America's resolve, my administration will work with Congress, and these two leaders, to show the world that we will rebuild New York City. (Applause.)
After all that has just passed -- all the lives taken, and all the possibilities and hopes that died with them -- it is natural to wonder if America's future is one of fear. Some speak of an age of terror. I know there are struggles ahead, and dangers to face. But this country will define our times, not be defined by them. As long as the United States of America is determined and strong, this will not be an age of terror; this will be an age of liberty, here and across the world. (Applause.)
Great harm has been done to us. We have suffered great loss. And in our grief and anger we have found our mission and our moment. Freedom and fear are at war. The advance of human freedom -- the great achievement of our time, and the great hope of every time -- now depends on us. Our nation -- this generation -- will lift a dark threat of violence from our people and our future. We will rally the world to this cause by our efforts, by our courage. We will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail. (Applause.)
It is my hope that in the months and years ahead, life will return almost to normal. We'll go back to our lives and routines, and that is good. Even grief recedes with time and grace. But our resolve must not pass. Each of us will remember what happened that day, and to whom it happened. We'll remember the moment the news came -- where we were and what we were doing. Some will remember an image of a fire, or a story of rescue. Some will carry memories of a face and a voice gone forever.
And I will carry this: It is the police shield of a man named George Howard, who died at the World Trade Center trying to save others. It was given to me by his mom, Arlene, as a proud memorial to her son. This is my reminder of lives that ended, and a task that does not end. (Applause.)
I will not forget this wound to our country or those who inflicted it. I will not yield; I will not rest; I will not relent in waging this struggle for freedom and security for the American people.
The course of this conflict is not known, yet its outcome is certain. Freedom and fear, justice and cruelty, have always been at war, and we know that God is not neutral between them. (Applause.)
Fellow citizens, we'll meet violence with patient justice -- assured of the rightness of our cause, and confident of the victories to come. In all that lies before us, may God grant us wisdom, and may He watch over the United States of America.
Thank you. (Applause.)

The New Chairman Of The Joint Chiefs of Staff

So we all know that the President has a lot of trouble with Big Names...I know that its a little harsh but watch the video and if you don't want to watch the whole thing, skip to 4:33 (four minutes and thirty-three seconds).
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/04/20050422.html

click on the video link and have a good laugh with the pres...what he was laughing too :)
AJ

The American Thinker-do they have these in the Mainstream Media?

I continue to get that taste in my mouth like i just threw up in my mouth and had to swallow it. The Mainstream media disgusts me-Mom I think you should stop watching Meet The Press-maybe you can find some other sunday morning activity. Who are these A-holes that get jobs with the press. NBC, ABC, CBS are worthless outlets of Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. Tim Russert is a Piece of Shit man! who can we rely on for good news-

here are a couple of articles from the American Thinker-Enjoy!
http://www.americanthinker.com/articles.php?article_id=4797
http://www.americanthinker.com/articles.php?article_id=4784

Crime and Punishment

I promise that this post will not be like the Leo Tolstoy novel. However, there are some thoughts bouncing around in my head. Hurricaine Katrina has been quite a tradgedy, and not just in human life. It has been, to my disgust, quite appearent that Americans have become rich, lazy, and addicted to violence.
I have been over here in Germany and watching the news. It amazes me that we, members of the free world, citizens of the United States, can be reduced to such animal states when the presense of law is absent-even if just for a moment. It seems as though a thin veneer of civilization has been spread across our nation. When we are at our worst our citizens should be at their best, but this is not the case. We are greedy, selfish, and prone to violence. The LA Riots, Hurricaine Katrina-these are just the most televised, are perfect examples of why we as a nation are on a downhill slide.
we commit hundreds of thousands of murders a day-although some of these murders are written off as "Birth Control"-we grow increasingly violent with each generation, our children start using drugs at earlier ages, and we are left to wonder what our government is doing.

DON'T GET IT TWISTED-
The government has nothing to do with it. The lawlessness of the people of New Orleans can only be blamed on the people of New Orleans. Have we learned nothing from nations of the past? have we learned nothing of history? Have we learned nothing from GOD? He is a Jealous God. He will have nothing before him. If we, as a nation, do not learn from the examples that have been furnished to us, we will end up just as the Romans, Babylonians, and Isrealites before us did. We shall Lie in Ruin-no stone left standing on each other. The Cup will pass from our hands-yes greive for those lost in this horrible tradgedy, and give to help, but do not look at this as an isolated event of lawlessness.
Pray for our nation-pray for those lost-but most of all, pray for revival-pray for Change of heart-

Good night and God bless-
AJ

If i could be like that...

sometimes i find that i am living my life by the expectations of others-those that want me to be someone that they want me to be. Am i incapable of living for myself? Am i incapable of living my life for God? or am i doomed to live life catering to the expectations and realities of those that i choose to surround myself with?
1 Kings 2:2, "be strong and show yourself a man." What is Strength?

strength ( P ) Pronunciation Key (strngkth, strngth, strnth)n.
The state, property, or quality of being strong.
The power to resist attack; impregnability.
The power to resist strain or stress; durability.
The ability to maintain a moral or intellectual position firmly.

holding the moral high-ground is the battle of a lifetime, meaning that it lasts a lifetime. Americans typically do not understand a long war-everything that we have been involved in has been fairly short. Take for example one of the most famous European wars-The Hundred Years war. It is summed up in its title. due to the lifespan of the average European at the time, this war lasted several GENERATIONS. not years, lifetimes. The same goes for the battle between good and evil. it has been going on for Several Milenia. Thousands of years. it takes intestinal fortitude of which no human is capable-what is our solution then. We are up against an enemy that out numbers us, out guns us, and is a great tactician. It is the battle of David and Goliath on a Cosmic perspective. Without help, we are doomed-resistance is futile. BUT, we do have help. We have each other, we have the word of God, we have Salvation, Victory is ours. One thing that is still a "thorn in the flesh" for me is having authority over me. why can i not be the one in charge? Why do I have to do what someone else tells me? Especially if that someone is not physically present. How can i accept leadership over me? Does anyone have any advise-any strategies of acceptance?

"Away From The Sun"
It's down to this I've got to make this life make sense Can anyone tell what I've done I miss the life I miss the colours of the world Can anyone tell where I am 'Cause now again I've found myself So far down, away from the sun That shines into the darkest place I'm so far down, away from the sun again Away from the sun again I'm over this I'm tired of living in the dark Can anyone see me down here The feeling's gone There's nothing left to lift me up Back into the world I knowAnd now again I've found myself So far down, away from the sun That shines into the darkest place I'm so far down, away from the sun That shines to light the way for me To find my way back into the arms That care about the ones like me I'm so far down, away from the sun again It's down to this I've got to make this life make sense And now I can't tell what I've done And now again I've found myself So far down, away from the sun That shines to light the way for me'Cause now again I've found myself So far down, away from the sun That shines into the darkest place I'm so far down, away from the sun That shines to light the way for meTo find my way back into the arms That care about the ones like me I'm so far down, away from the sun again

"Be Like That"
He spends his nights in California, Watching the stars on the big screen, Then he lies awake and he wonders, Why can’t that be meCause in his life he is filledWith all these good intentionsHe’s left a lot of things He’d rather not mention right nowBut just before he says goodnight, He looks up with a little smile at me,And he says,If I could be like that,I would give anythingJust to live one day, in those shoesIf I could be like that,what would I do,What would I doNow and dreams we runShe spends her days up in the north park,Watching the people as they passAnd all she wants is justA little piece of this dream, Is that too much to askWith a safe home, and a warm bed, On a quiet little streetAll she wants is just that something toHold onto, that’s all she needsYeah!If I could be like that,I would give anythingJust to live one day, in those shoesIf I could be like that, what would I do,What would I doI’m falling into this, dreams,We run awayIf I could be like that,I would give anythingJust to live one day, in those shoesIf I could be like that, what would I do,What would I doIf I could be like that,I would give anythingJust to live one day, in those shoesIf I could be like that, what would I do,What would I doIf I could be like that,I would give anythingJust to live one day, in those shoesIf I could be like that, what would I do,What would I doFalling inI feel I am falling in, to this again.

3 Doors Down

the filth on the web...

well, the more and more time i spend on the internet the more and more filth i find. i recently found one of the most disgusting websites in the entire web-www.dictionary.com. it was appauling to see how easy it is for young children to have such free access the to perverse nature of the english language-and that was before i learned that there were definitions to slang words included.
I know i am such a nerd, but, hey, do one thing and do it well...
the betrayal word was actually one that i came accross while doing some research on history-i have a little too much time on my hands if i am continuing school work without credit:).
i actually recieved quite a few emails-none of you are to blame, its the webmasters at dictionary.com...but after i saw the definitions it got me thinking-how often do I betray those around me? how often do they betray me? so i posted the definition and looked for some feedback.
the following post was about stress management, and i would still like some ideas or feedback. i am starting to notice that i have been suppressing some ongoing problems resulting from combat stress, and i have begun a rigorous counselling program. No cause for concern, just wanted some ideas...
Something that is cause for concern recently occurred in California. The family minus recently made their way out to the Golden State for the wedding of the year. Martha Stewart was unable to attend, as she is still under house arrest, but all in all i heard that things went marvelously-The bride was beautiful, the groom was handsome, and the family was well behaved (thank you LAPD riot police for being on-call). From what i understand, a good time was had by all...
The traveling soldier was unable to make the trip with too much going on here in Germany-and my own move just 93 days away. it is nearing crunch time, and i am not sure what to do with myself.
anyways-i just got off of a 24 hour guard shift and have not slept yet. i will post some more later, after ample sleep.
may providence guide and keep you-godspeed.
Andrew

stress-
1. A mentally or emotionally disruptive or upsetting condition occurring in response to adverse external influences and capable of affecting physical health, usually characterized by increased heart rate, a rise in blood pressure, muscular tension, irritability, and depression.
2. A stimulus or circumstance causing such a condition.
3. A state of extreme difficulty, pressure, or strain: “He presided over the economy during the period of its greatest stress and danger” (Robert J. Samuelson).

Management-
1. The act, manner, or practice of managing; handling, supervision, or control

anyone have any advice?

Trust and betrayal...

be·tray ( P ) (b-tr)tr.v. be·trayed, be·tray·ing, be·trays
1. To give aid or information to an enemy of; commit treason against: betray one's country.
2. To deliver into the hands of an enemy in violation of a trust or allegiance: betrayed Christ to the Romans.
3. To be false or disloyal to: betrayed their cause; betray one's better nature.
4. To divulge in a breach of confidence: betray a secret.
5. To make known unintentionally: Her hollow laugh betrayed her contempt for the idea.
6. To reveal against one's desire or will.
7. To lead astray; deceive.

If you say that you are a persons friend, why is it so hard to keep private matters in confidence? I mean friendship always comes with a certain amount of TRUST. I have friends that have willingly placed their lives on the line for me, and i for them.

who can really be trusted???

Can you? i mean really
Can I?

Something to ponder...

you think that i would post more often

Well, it has been some time since i last posted. there has not been a lot that has been happening. we have been doing a lot of spring cleaning here on Camp Vilseck. we are preparing the base for the arrival of the stryker brigade out of Ft Lewis WA. it has been a really interesting experience to return all of the equipment that we have been using, and clean out everything. there has been a lot of dirty work and busy work around here lately, but that beats sitting around and doing nothing.
I have found out that i will be going to the 49th Corps at Ft Lee. That will mean that i may be going back to Iraq shortly after i arrive. there are rumors that four companies will be deploying to Iraq and another two will be going to kuwait. although, until i get to the unit i will not know whether i am going. I will be sure to keep you posted.
The events in London lately have given the european community quite a shake. I morn the loss of the brits in the bombing campaigns, and i stand along side tony blair in any decision that he makes for the safety of his country. it is truly heartbreaking to see how many enemies to freedom that there are in the world. I hope that Blair remains a steadfast ally in the War on Terror. I would be a considerable blow to the coalition to loose such a faithful contributor to our efforts throughout the world,
I look forward to being stateside and look forward to spending more time with my friends and family. I will post some more later. good luck and god speed.

AJ

update 2.0

as many of you may know, and still others may not, my Papa passed away this last weekend. It was quite sudden, and took a lot of us by suprise. i was unable to get time off to return stateside for the funeral, but my parents were able to make the trip.
I miss him already. he was truly a servant, and a righteous man of God. An example for us all to follow. It is hard to understand or begin to contemplate how life will be now that his is no longer with us. I do know one thing for certain. He is walking with God, and he is much better off than he was here on earth. I am sad that he is gone, but i do not mourn like those who have no hope. I will see him again. Thank you for you patience, i will try to post some more about what is going on in my neck of the woods at a later date.
Matt it was good to chat with you and thank you for your prayers. Chris and Tom-thank you for being friends to me when i need it most-it means a lot.
Please continue to pray for Nana, and my father-
More to come
Andrew
1319

Another reason to get fired up...

This moron thinks that freedom is free. just take a look, but beware you may get angry.

http://www.filecabi.net/v/file/MichaelCrook/wmv

Trying to Adjust...

got some bad news over the weekend, and i am trying to get a grip. i will post more later.

Thank you chris for ruining my breakfast-Hey at least jack isn't this ugly... 

This was the Bomb ass hotel that we stayed at in Berlin-really nice, and quite affordable. and it was walking distance from Charlottenburg. 

Ich Bin Ein Berliner-I am a jelly doughnut...JFK

Yet another weekend has passed with the opportunity of travel well taken advantage of. I went to Berlin this weekend with a couple of my friends from basic training. Our intention was to take in the sights, but this time I was playing the role of tour guide. I had already been, so I was somewhat familiar with the city. We were fortunate to arrive on the 2nd of July, and we were able to catch some of the live eight concert. I was not too interested, but it was fun to catch it in passing. The Reichstag building, location of the last battle between the soviets and the Nazi’s, still impresses me, with its seamless transition between the modern architecture and the neo classic shell. The transparency of all of the German government buildings is an interesting design feature.. it is a sort of non-verbal communication to the citizens that the government is not holding any secrets from the people. Every time that I walk through the city, I see the inlaid bricks that show where the wall once stood, shows me the power of freedom. The wall was more than just a lot of concrete, but contained many items, all produced in Germany, that made it a barrier to peace. It was a hinterland wall, electric fencing, observation towers, expanded metal fence, arc lamps, dog runs, bunkers, hank barriers, barbed metal tatting, and the border wall, which the guards called Mauer feindwaerts, or the wall facing the enemy.
It is truly amazing to me that such an obstruction to justice and freedom was allowed to stand as long as it did, but it is even more amazing that, without resorting to war, subversion and civil disobedience, and the ray of hope known as freedom, was able to bring the wall down. On August 15, 1961, 2 days after the wall was put up the first border guard defected from the east, and he was the beginning of a movement that spawned great development by private citizens in the art of escape. One should never have to flee his own homeland because of the desire for freedom.
Enough history for now, I will add a few more posts about other sites later. While I was in Berlin, I went to a bar, to celebrate the 230th birthday of the United States. While I was at the bar I met some charming, and humorous American College students on holiday. We had many adventures to include barhopping through Charlottenburg, and walking barefoot through Berlin in the wee hours of the morning. It was great to have someone to hang out with that understood, and appreciated, the 4th of july as much as I do. I now have their blog address, and intend to keep in touch with them as long as possible.
Well, enough for this post, I will add more in a day or two. Much love to the Patriots of Freedom, and the Warriors against terror, here and around the World-

And Joy is Everywhere;

It is in the Earth's green covering of grass;

In the blue serenity of the Sky;

In the reckless exuberance of Spring;

In the severe abstinence of gray Winter;

In the Living flesh that animates our bodily frame;

In the perfect poise of the Human figure, noble and upright;

In Living;

In the exercise of all our powers;

In the acquisition of Knowledge;

In fighting evils...

Joy is there Everywhere.

Rabindranath Tagore

The Doctor is in...free psychiatric evaluations today!

I’m sorry about the last few entries in the blog being so morbid. I don’t want you all to think that I’m going crazy here in Germany. I sometimes feel down, and I sometimes feel wasted. I’m doing ok. I would say that I’m fine, but Marla Higginbotham always said, “Fine means freaked out, insecure, neurotic, and emotional…” So I say that I am ok. I’ve been better, I’ve been worse, and I’ve been in worse shape. However, my back is finally feeling great (I’ve been in physical therapy, and getting treatment from doctors for almost eighteen months) and that is a load off of my whole attitude.
You are right Tom-it is great when you have a support structure that you can depend on. A family that holds you up, but, as you said, its even better when you can hand it off to the Lord. I’ve noticed a lot more people are leaving comments, and I enjoy reading them. Its good to know that someone out there is listening and still loves me.
I am a little sad that I do not get to go to my cousins wedding in California, but I had an opportunity to meet her husband to be, and I am confident that she is in good hands. My family, however, is going to need some help. So all of you out in California, remember to tell them that if they don’t behave there are plenty of group hugs waiting (it’ll scare the crap out of them-and make them behave!).
I have to close for now-but I will return in a few days to add some more.

Love and Prayers-
AJ

Someone once said that anything worth being said was already said by someone else, and they did a better job of it. I'm not too sure of the latter, but i guess i can agree with the former. most of what i have learned, i learned from the wisdom of others-i would like to thank my grandparents, parents, and (grudgingly) my sisters. I have already learned so much, and I know that i have much to learn. So-to quote the fab four, as they already said it better-

When I find myself in times of trouble
Mother mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
And in my hour of darkness
She is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.

Let it be, let it be.
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.
And when the broken hearted people
Living in the world agree,
There will be an answer, let it be.

For though they may be parted there is
Still a chance that they will see
There will be an answer, let it be.
Let it be, let it be. yeah
There will be an answer, let it be.

And when the night is cloudy,
There is still a light that shines on me,
Shine on until tomorrow, let it be.
I wake up to the sound of music
Mother mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.

Let it be, let it be. oh, let it be, yeah, let it be.
There will be an answer, Let it be.
let it be.Let it be, let it be,Let it be.
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.

Yesterday, September 11. 2001...

"Yesterday, December 7, 1941 -- a date which will live in infamy -- the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by the naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan. The United States was at peace with that Nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its Government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific." Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Why is it a date that will live in Infamy? Was it because of the actions of the Japanese? The betrayal? Or was it the actions of the average, everyday American?
"No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory. I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us." FDR
The greatest fear of Admiral Yamamoto was that all he did was awake a sleeping giant. Indeed, we did see complete victory in the pacific, but also against the threat of the Nazi forces in Europe. Why? Superior technology? No...Superior resolve. The American people, the young men and women of the greatest generation, rose to the challenge of fighting a war on two fronts. Victory gardens were planted, steel was rationed, GM and Ford turned their assembly lines around in historic speed to produce, not automobiles, military vehicles with great speed. Rosie the riveter joined the working force, and produced the vehicles and munitions greatly needed by the soldiers in the Pacific and Europe. The economic powerhouse of America, disabled and disgraced by the Great Depression, once again reared its massive head and began working to victory. News organizations began to bring the stories of success and failure back to the people. However, their focus was not on the failure, which there were many to report, but on the success of the soldiers. Has our news organizations failed us? I don’t think failure is the right word, disappointed is more accurate. I have been in the cradle of civilization. I have been to Baghdad. Fox news-you disappoint me. Fair and balanced…Not from what I have seen. I expect more.

The Spirit of September 11, 2001, was that of teamwork, brotherhood, bipartisan cooperation. We drew together as a nation. One band, One sound. Then something happened. Casualties. The awful cost of war started to arrive in flag draped caskets. American blood was spilt on American soil, and the American ego demanded justice. Justice was delivered in the form of bombs. Afghanistan was pummeled by the USAF and the Taliban were displaced. Eyes turned south. Saddam Hussain is a criminal. Never should it be forgotten that he used chemical and biological weapons against the Iranians, and HIS OWN PEOPLE.
However, Americans continue to defend this animal. Regardless of whether he continues to posses WMD’s, he has used them. He must be brought to justice. He is a terrorist.

Never-Never forget what has happened. The Nazi’s MURDERED 6 million Jews. Stalin MURDERED 10 million Russians in the bloodiest coup in history.

MURDER IS NEVER OK. And as long as I have breath in my body I will bring criminals of terrorism to justice. The victims of September 11, 2001, and the soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for this country, in the war on terror and in other wars, deserve my sacrifice. SEAN PENN, DANNY GLOVER, BARBARA STREISAND you are traitors to America. In my opinion you should be shot. Soldiers have lost their lives so that you could piss on the flag. I hope I never run into you. I don’t know if I could contain my disgust. There were true patriots in the twin towers. There were true patriots aboard AA11. There were true patriots aboard UA175. There were true patriots that answered the call of their nation and joined the armed forces of the United States. Ironically, I have been unable to find a single true patriot in Hollywood. There are few patriots serving in our media. I walk through airports and I see people that I don’t know. They thank me for my sacrifice, but where is theirs? What have they done to serve? The military is not for everyone. But do you still fly your flag? Do you support the efforts of soldiers all over the world, serving to make America safe to walk the streets. Never forget what happened on September 11, 2001. America was changed forever. I hope you are willing to change with her.

Never forget the sacrifice of patriots.
Never forget the tragedy.
Never Forget.

Life in the fast lane

Just to calm some of the worries of those reading these posts-the Autobahn is designed for high speeds. It is more dangerous to travel slowly than it is to go fast. The lanes are wider, and the traffic is all experienced drivers. I posted some pictures on the blog, sorry that they are so old, I will get some recent ones on the web and get them posted.
life continues to move at an ever increasing pace, and I find myself wishing that I was a little kid again. Life was simple back then...All that I knew was Lego's and the confines of Camelia Ct. I didn't have to worry about the terror alert, the euro-dollar exchange rate, or what dictator in Korea was threatening the world with WMD's. Sometimes it makes me sad to see how corrupt our world has become. Then I ask myself, is it any different than when is was little?
-"the only thing necessary for evil to triumph is that good men do nothing," sir Edmund Burke-
I could pawn off the problems today on the next generation-Hussein, Kim jog IL, china, Syria-the list of horrible leaders goes on and I wonder if our country is any better off...Is bush the right president? Is the war on terror worth the cost? Will there be any benefit to the bloodshed?
I look around me and I see an immense chasm being forged in America-WWII was different-that was the greatest generation..."Never has so much been owed, by so many, to so few," Churchill. Where are the patriots? Where is the love of country? How has the power of the Constitution of the United States been perverted? Was it my fault?
My friends, and complete strangers, look at me differently. I wear the Uniform of our armed forces, I have fought for freedom, and it is a steep cost. I have watched the spirit of liberty leave the body of a fallen comrade-an image that has been burned into my memory, so that I can never forget what the cost of freedom really is...FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.
When did Americans forget the Kennedy calling-
"We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution. Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans--born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage--and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world.
Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.
This much we pledge--and more.
To those new states whom we welcome to the ranks of the free, we pledge our word that one form of colonial control shall not have passed away merely to be replaced by a far more iron tyranny. We shall not always expect to find them supporting our view. But we shall always hope to find them strongly supporting their own freedom--and to remember that, in the past, those who foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger ended up inside.
Can we forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance, North and South, East and West, that can assure a more fruitful life for all mankind? Will you join in that historic effort?
In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility--I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it--and the glow from that fire can truly light the world.
And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country."

just a few thoughts that have been running through my head.
think about it-do you want to be remembered as the generation that let the fruit of liberty go bad, or the one that pruned the tree of liberty and brought forth more fruit than any generation before...

The Fueler himself 

Roadside chat 

German pools taste like salt water...

So, today i Got off of CQ (charge of quarters) and my buddy woke me up early(CQ is a 24 hour shift, and you get off at 9am). He asked me if I wanted to go to the waterpark, and I said why not! we got into the car and joined the convoy at the quikie mart. 14 or so of us hopped on the Autobahn and sped up to Nurnburg. The average speed was 108 mph all the way-hey, we all have late model cars, otherwise we would have gone faster. we got to the waterpark without any trouble, suprisingly because none of us really new how to get there. Unfortunately, most of the waterpark was closed for construction-kids under 15 got in free, and the place was overcrowded with a bunch of ankle biters. No matter-they had beer at the concessions stand! we had ourselves a few drinks and went down the waterslides-time and time again, about 8 at a time.
Needless to say, we spent about 5 hours at the waterpark avoiding getting kicked out. It was a blast! Anyway-not much else has happened this weekend. I will write more later-AJ

The drawbacks to drawdown...

My unit has recieved its drawdown orders, meaning the 3rd brigade combat team is no longer. this means that simple soldiers like me have been displaced, forced to move on to a new location, meet new friends, and find a new home for all of the really crappy equipment that our brigade has a nack for collecting.
That is the problem with my life right now. it is almost like we are gettting ready to deploy again to iraq, meaning the level of attention that is being paid to equipment. These trucks have been in Germany since the Berlin wall was being constructed. GET RID OF THEM. but no the army doesnt know how to throw something away.
November cannot come soon enough-Virginia will be an excellent break from the horrible reality that is my life...

the internet is the devil!

since i have recently linked up a broadband connection I have begun to realize how much time can be spent on the internet. its nice to be able to talk to all of my friends in the states, it makes the distance seem a lot smaller. I was online this morning before work talking to Tom and Chris through im. It was really good to actually hear their voices. it has motivated me enough to go get a webcam and microphone so that I can talk to them as well.
Things around here are pretty much the same. we had a change of command ceremony this morning for our company. I was the Guidon bearer. so I was upfront for the whole thing. The army needs to fight wars, otherwise we are lost in the midst of Ceremony after ceremony. the "tinsel and glare" gets a little old. I just dont know if i can stand one more ceremony.
The days keep passing and very soon I will be back in the United States. Back where gas is cheap and the dollar is worth a dollar. The exchange rate today (for those considering a trip to Europe) the euro is 80 cents to the dollar. the best that it has been in a while. time to go out and get some of that high quality German beer.
More later

Same old soldier, new location

I got my orders and I will be moving to Ft Lee, VA before the year is out. it is kind of exciting to be moving yet again. with all of the excitement from a year in Iraq it is a little boring here in the real world. I had some friends over last night and we watched a few movies, and some Will and Grace. it was a really fun time. Its funny how the simple things can be so much more enjoyable.
One of my friends from Basic training is here on my base for some training. I am hoping to run into her, or at least have lunch and catch each other up. it seems like so long ago that I was in Basic training. I have been through a lot since then.
More later...

Germany Sucks...

This is my first entry on this whole blog thing, but everyone who knows me has asked me to put down some of my thoughts into a blog. So here it is, I just returned to my duty station in Germany after a year in Iraq. Iraq was probably the worst experience of my life, but it is over and I'm getting over it. Being here in Germany just accents how much I enjoy being out of the third world.
Germans on the other hand...They are an interesting group of people. They come off really rude. I just don't really understand what is so difficult about being polite, a little excuse me maybe???

My parents, my sister, and her husband were just out here to Germany. We traveled a little bit. Their journey began in Munich. They went to Dachau and saw the concentration camp that was in that city. I joined them the evening after their trip. It was an interesting trip from the beginning. Until we finally stopped eating traditional German foods, the trip was a little difficult for the visitors to enjoy. German is really hard to guess...Pink Bologna ;) sorry, a little inside humor.
The trip didn't get really fun until we arrived in Berlin. We took a couple of guided tours. We saw the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, the Reichstag, the pergamum museum, and a whole lot of other "tourist" sites.
The city of Berlin was a trip!! That city has such an interesting dynamic because of he wall. The City is divided into quarters and is still very divided.

That is all for now....