December 2009 - BlackFive - The Network of Care

Iraqi Counterterror Sheepdog Killed

One of Iraq's most effective dead tango makers, got taken out by the bad guys. BAGHDAD (AP) - He compared al-Qaida in Iraq to wolves, urging that the terrorist group be crushed since he believed its members would never reject violence. But the wolves...

Published Mon, Dec 07 2009 12:24 PM by BLACKFIVE

Care from a Corpsman

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Daniel Elsey, right, dresses the face wound of a 5-year-old boy from the Nawa district while a linguist translates at a medical aid station on Patrol Base Jaker, Afghanistan, Dec. 3, 2009. Elsey is assigned to the 1st...

Published Mon, Dec 07 2009 5:37 AM by BLACKFIVE

Filed under: Picture of the Week

Knight Center Social Media

The seminar Grim and I attended focused on Foreign Policy, but it also had an excellent Social Media track. The topics discussed and speakers were very knowledgeable about a brand new industry and one I am deeply involved in. I don't want to cheat...

Published Mon, Dec 07 2009 5:18 AM by BLACKFIVE

Pearl Harbor remembrance

Today is a date that shall live in infamy. It is a day we remember the deaths of all those who were killed Dec. 7, 1941. It was a horrible day and a reminder that death can come from the clear blue sky. We avenged them, but that is a sad justice for all...

Published Mon, Dec 07 2009 2:37 AM by BLACKFIVE

Knight Center Foreign Policy seminar part I

Grim and I attended a Foreign Policy seminar as Fellows of the Knight Center for Specialized Journalism at the University of Maryland. We had the privilege to hear from many luminaries on a number of vital issues facing all of us. This is the second fellowship...

Published Sun, Dec 06 2009 9:08 AM by BLACKFIVE

Rally against civilian trial for KSM

Grim and I finished up our journalism gig and took the train up to NYC for a rally protesting Attorney General Holder's decision to try KSM and 4 others in Federal Court in NYC rather than in tribunals at Gitmo. I was supposed to speak but it was...

Published Sun, Dec 06 2009 4:39 AM by BLACKFIVE

Obama's team walks back his deadline

Obama's National Security Adviser and his Sec Def have been working very hard to convince the world that the deadline announced in the President's speech wasn't a deadline. Bottom Line....for all who matter, Deadline.

Published Sun, Dec 06 2009 4:13 AM by BLACKFIVE

NATO Promises Additional 7,000 Troops For A'Stan

Except it really doesn't. In fact, among those 7,000 "additional" troops promised are 1,500 which are already in country and the 500 the British had already promised. So it's 5,000 additional troops in reality. Nothing to sneeze at but...

Published Fri, Dec 04 2009 4:14 AM by BLACKFIVE

Filed under: Current Affairs

Since I Am Retired Now....

I am going to have a great deal more to say about what is going on.... Like this.... Oh, and start wrapping your head in some Tape, Pressure Sensitive, Type I.... (h/t NRO) Because they are right,Somebody at Fort Hood Should Be Walking the Plank It's...

Published Fri, Dec 04 2009 1:26 AM by BLACKFIVE

Jalal Talabani on Kurds & Iraq

Hey B5 folks, what are you all up to? Grim and I are really enjoying the Foreign Policy Journalism Fellowship. Great session on Iranian nukes yesterday which we will both write about over the weekend. Right now Qubad Talabani is speaking, he is the son...

Published Fri, Dec 04 2009 12:05 AM by BLACKFIVE

Help a Soldier in Need

My friend and fellow MARNE soldier,CJ Grisham, needs some assistance. He is an enlisted soldier and combat veteran. And he's done more for the troops by his words and actions than just about anyone I know. Please read this and help CJ if you can....

Published Fri, Dec 04 2009 12:04 AM by BLACKFIVE

Filed under: Caring For The Defenders

173rd back to Afghanistan- Award from last tour

Some of the forces heading to Afghanistan include the 173rd Airborne who have distinguished themselves on every deployment. Here is an excellent example. VICENZA, Italy - Hundreds of maroon-bereted Soldiers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team...

Published Thu, Dec 03 2009 11:29 PM by BLACKFIVE

Rally in NYC & more

Hey B5 folks, what are you all up to? Grim and I are really enjoying the Foreign Policy Journalism Fellowship. Great session on Iranian nukes yesterday which we will both write about over the weekend. Right now Qubad Talabani is speaking, he is the son...

Published Thu, Dec 03 2009 10:35 PM by BLACKFIVE

Rumble With A Cause

Oshkosh Defense is hold a raffle to benefit the Armed Forces Foundation. The raffles are two completely badass Harleys, one Marine-style and one Army-style. Army Harley Marine Harley The bikes will be at Lambeau Field for viewing at the Packers game on...

Published Thu, Dec 03 2009 2:21 AM by BLACKFIVE

Filed under: Caring For The Defenders

...Meanwhile, during the President's speech at West Point...

A U.S. Army cadet reads a book entitled "Kill Bin Laden" as he waits with other cadets for U.S. President Barack Obama to deliver an address on U.S. policy and the war in Afghanistan at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York December...

Published Thu, Dec 03 2009 1:55 AM by BLACKFIVE