Geek Habitat

It seems fitting to write this entry today, September 11, 2008, seven years after the Twin Towers fell and America’s “War on Terror” began. So much about our nation and world has changed since then, but one thing has not – We salute all who serve our country, especially first responders and those in the U.S. Armed Forces–Thank you! Without you, our lives would be immensely different.

Each serviceman and servicewoman, indeed every American citizen, has the right, the honor and the privilege of having his/her own unique views and voice in our political process. As such, the young Iraq War veteran appearing in the following video has every right in the world to support the candidate he chooses and to say what he clearly believes –
“Dear Mr. Obama“

This is not a political message, but rather a human one.

Five years ago today, the U.S. began its shock and awe campaign–Operation Iraqi Freedom–in Iraq. Almost 4,000 American soldiers have perished since March 19, 2003, and our allies have taken casualties as well. At least 29,395 U.S. troops have been wounded in action, returning home with deeply scarring wounds, physical as well as psychological.

My thoughts and hopes go out to all whose lives have been affected by this war–servicemen and women, their families and the peaceful citizens of Iraq and Afghanistan that find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time.

This arrived in my inbox and almost got deleted as spam, but I’m actually keen on the idea behind this and the presentation:

For all who selflessly serve –
http://www.gratitudecampaign.org/fullmovie.php

The City of Berkeley–recently in the news for attempting to ban USMC recruiters from its city limit’s–ought to take a lesson from this video.

From the talk page of Lisa Nowak’s Wikipedia entry, which is quite active in light of recent news/events:

My response? (reposted from Wikipedia, with minor edits for clarity) –

The state of the art new Center for the Intrepid rehabilitation facility, and two more Fisher House living centers for injured soldiers’ families, opened yesterday at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) here in San Antonio, Texas. The facilities serve the burn and amputee populations returning from Iraq and Afghanistan (more).

Cross-posted from WildTexas.com, because I can only be eloquent once a day.

Justin and I want to wish each of you, and your families and friends, a safe and very Merry Christmas and happy holiday season. We know this last week before Christmas can be quite harried, but we hope you have an opportunity to take stock of all the good things and wonderful people in your lives and celebrate!