Vets for Freedom: Honoring our Veterans

Dear Vets for Freedom Member:

Today, Americans across this great country join together to honor our military veterans. At town-squares, solemn ceremonies, and school assemblies across this county, we remember the beaches of Normandy, the jungles of Vietnam, the sands of Iraq, and everything before, after, and in between.

We remember that every liberty we enjoy--those we usually take for granted--was purchased and defended by warriors; those willing to stand their post, take the hill, or kick down doors in dangerous places so we can enjoy the American way of life.

Veterans Day is about one thing: honoring the service and sacrifice of America's veterans, and passing their collective story to the next generation. These stories, and the men and women who bear them, are the backbone of this American experiment and must never be forgotten.

As John Stuart Mill once said, "War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things; the decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks nothing worth a war, is worse." The moment we believe our freedoms inevitable, we cease to live in history and sour the soldier's sacrifice. Our freedoms--purchased on the battlefield--are indeed "worthy of war."

And today, with America still at war, it is fitting that we remember the troops currently serving in harms way. Because, as any veteran can attest, just one moment, one explosion, or one bullet separates Memorial Day from Veterans Day. Soldiers currently in Iraq and Afghanistan are fighting for our freedoms today, knowing it's possible they may never see tomorrow.

Vets for Freedom compels our membership to honor America's veterans this week. Whether at a ceremony, in a letter to the editor, or with a simple "thank you," find a way to ensure that every veteran -- young and old -- feels appreciated.

God bless America and her veterans.

Vets for Freedom

Email from Pete Hegseth and David Bellavia

Dear Vets for Freedom Members:

Today Vets for Freedom released two ads: Marines call on Mr. Murtha to "Stop the Smears", and Mr. Murphy "I Was There" the surge worked.

Representative Murtha and Murphy continue to use 2007 talking points provided by MoveOn.org, rather than the facts on the ground. In November 2005, Representative Murtha said in a television interview, 'The soldiers can't speak for themselves.' We are here to tell Rep. Murtha that, yes, we can, and we will speak out in defense of the truth.

Also, please sign our petition asking Mr. Murtha to stop the smears and support our troops. We are circulating this petition from now until Veterans Day when it will be presented to Congress.

Move out and draw fire,

Pete Hegseth
Chairman, Vets for Freedom

David Bellavia
Vice Chairman, Vets for Freedom

From VFF: This Weekend: See a Movie and Take a Survey

Dear fellow veterans,

Before the weekend sneaks up on us all, I wanted to pass along 2 important items:

Tonight, the movie "An American Carol" hits theatres across the country. It's a pro-troop movie featuring some of Vets for Freedom's top Hollywood supporters--including Jon Voight, who has appeared numerous times with VFF and with troops across the country. Regardless of your political persuasion, I encourage you to see the movie this weekend. CLICK HERE for information on the film and CLICK HERE for local theatres.

Attention OIF/OEF Veterans: CLICK HERE to take a quick survey for a great cause and VFF member. Major Jack Scharrett, VFF's Minnesota Deputy State Captain, is the President of a great group in Minnesota focused on researching veterans' issues and empowering veterans to achieve great things when they return from the battlefield.

Jack's organization, which kick's off next month, is called VICTRI (The Veterans' Initiatives Center & Research Insitute) and the poll is a quick set of questions intended to contribute to the conversation, nationally, on what effects deployments overseas are having on our warriors and, more importantly, on their family members after troops come home and reintegrate back into their homes and lives. The great thing about VICTRI is that they understand our troops are heroes, not victims, and should be treated as such.

The survey is completely anonymous and completely voluntary. Please take 15 minutes for this great effort, which I believe has the potential become a model for similar organizations across the country.

Again, take the poll HERE.

Thanks--and have a great weekend,

Pete Hegseth

Chairman, Vets for Freedom

Back From Iraq - VFF Combat Veterans are Home From Embed

Back From Iraq With Stories of Success!

Dear Vets for Freedom Member:

Last weekend Vets for Freedom welcomed eight Iraq War combat veterans home as we returned from serving as embedded correspondents with U.S. combat units. The seven combat vets and myself met with top commanders, the lieutenants and sergeants fighting on the ground, their Iraqi counterparts and ordinary Iraqi citizens.

We returned to Iraq as part of the Back--to--Iraq embed program sponsored by Vets for Freedom and National Review Online, The Weekly Standard and Blackfive. In doing so, each of us had the opportunity to assess the situation on the ground in cities like, Fallujah, Samarra and Baghdad. We posed tough questions to top commanders, scrutinized the implementation of General Petreaus' counterinsurgency plan and surveyed the impact that the Surge has had in Iraq.

Read Our Dispatches and Watch our Videos from the Frontlines Here


Pete Hegseth, VFF Chairman: Why Victory in Iraq Matters

David Bellavia, VFF Co-Founder: Diyala Surge

Ben Hayden, VFF Iowa State Captain: Interview with an Iraqi Translator

Two things were evident after having just returned from Iraq as an embedded correspondent: the surge is incontrovertibly working and in order to succeed in Iraq we have a limited window of opportunity in which to sustain the security gains that Americans and Iraqis have fought so hard for.

Immediately upon returning, Vets for Freedom co-founder and former Army Staff Sergeant David Bellavia and former Marine Corps Captain Erik Swabb participated in an Iraq Update Forum with one of Senator Barrack Obama's chief foreign policy advisors, Colin Kahl at the American Enterprise Institute. And, this morning David Bellavia was featured on C-SPAN's Washington Journal taking questions from viewers from around the nation.

Today, we urgently need your help in order to educate the American people about the importance of achieving victory in Iraq. Please sign up on the VFF website and let us know how you will help to inform your friends and neighbors about the phenomenal progress in Iraq and the need for victory on every front of the Global War on Terrorism!

Sign Up Today:
Let America Know We Want Our Troops to Win

With Confidence,

Joel Arends
Executive Director
Vets for Freedom

Update: Vets For Freedom Reporting From Iraq

From Pete Hegseth,

Last week, myself and 7 other Vets for Freedom members headed Back to Iraq. As we wrap up our trip in Baghdad today, we hope you'll take a minute to check out a few of our daily dispatches, video, and photos. It's been an honor to travel with such a great group, and once again experience the courage and honor of our warriors in harm's way. Check out the links below:

Pete Hegseth: Up and Over the Palm Tree
David Bellavia: Diyala Surge
Kate Norley: Back to Iraq Journal Entry # 4
Daniel Bell: Back to Iraq Journal Entry # 6
Erik Swabb: Back to Iraq Journal Entry # 3
Shawn Bryan: Dispatch from Kuwait
Ben Hayden: Back to Iraq Journal Entry # 3

From Diyala to Samarra we have witnessed the success of the surge, the improvements of the Iraqi Army and the Sons of Iraq, and the need for the United States to support the Iraqi government's efforts to regain control over their country. Success is evident and victory in Iraq is possible.

More dispatches will continue to roll in this week and next, so stay tuned for more.

We'd once again like to thank again the organizations that helped make this trip possible--National Review Online, The Weekly Standard, BlackFive.net, Under Armor, Wiley X, and North American Rescue.

Most importantly Vets for Freedom thanks those who donated--large and small--to make this trip, and hopefully future trips, possible. Per our mission statement, we will continue to share the 'ground truth' with the American people despite the critics and naysayers who mock our efforts and cheer for our demise. Please consider donating to fund future trips by clicking HERE. With your help we hope to travel to other battlefields and report the conditions--the good, the bad, the truth.

Move Out and Draw Fire!


Pete Hegseth
Chairman, Vets for Freedom

Vets For Freedom: "Four Months, For Victory"

HT to Spree at Wake Up America.

Vets for Freedom has launched our "Four Months, For Victory" media and grassroots campaign. The effort will last for the next four months, and will culminate on Veterans Day (November 11). The campaign is intended to inform the American public, and key lawmakers, about the undeniable success that our troops have achieved as a result of the surge, and the importance of ensuring victory in Iraq, Afghanistan and the overall Global War on Terrorism.

Below are the first two video's released July 06, 2008 and July 16, 2008 respectively.

VFF Making a Difference!

Support Victory in Iraq and Afghanistan
Volunteer Today

Vets for Freedom Launches "Four Months, For Victory"We Need You!

Dear Vets for Freedom members:

Yesterday, Vets for Freedom announced our "Four Months, For Victory" media and grassroots campaign. The effort will last for the next four months, and will culminate on Veterans Day (November 11). The campaign is intended to inform the American public, and key lawmakers, about the undeniable success that our troops have achieved as a result of the surge, and the importance of ensuring victory in Iraq, Afghanistan and the overall Global War on Terrorism.

Our efforts will focus on mobilizing our 25,000+ membership to volunteer across the country to proactively spread the word. Now more than ever, we need your help. Vets for Freedom needs our members to become active volunteers.

CLICK HERE TO BECOME A "VOLUNTEER" IN YOUR STATE

"Four Months, For Victory" will only succeed if our members are willing to volunteer their time. But isn't this the least we can do, with our fellow Soldiers, Marines, Airman, and Sailors still serving overseas? We need you to volunteer to write Letters to the Editor, attend events, make phone calls, call into local radio shows, and exploit targets of opportunity.

Vets for Freedom State Captains-motivated OIF/OEF veterans-are taking the lead in their states. Specifically, we have thoroughly trained our Captains in 12 target states, and they will also receive sizeable state budgets. If you are from one of the following states, we really need your help: MN, IA, WI, MI, PA, NV, NM, MO, CO, OH, FL, and VA. We will be running TV ads in most of these states as well to further spread the message.

IT'S SIMPLE: VOLUNTEER IN YOUR STATE TO SUPPORT VICTORY

During the next few weeks, your State Captain-especially from the 12 target states-will be in touch. VFF HQ will also be in touch with some of you, as we sharpen our grassroots our efforts. But we can't do anything without our members taking the next step to become volunteers. FYI: Our launch coincides with a multi-million dollar TV ads buy in target markets and on national cable. The first spot-"Finish the Job"-began airing yesterday and will run for two weeks. Additional ads will run throughout the coming four months.

Move out and draw fire!

Pete Hegseth
ChairmanVets for Freedom

P.S. This has been a great week for VFF. Our ad debut was covered by every major TV network (CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, CNN, MSNBC), most major newspapers (New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, etc..), and many local publications and programs from across the country.

"Build up to M-Day", LST Tribute

There is an old ship that helped in the victory of the U.S. in World War Two. You will recall the many post’s about the Vets For Freedom tour in Evansville, Indiana where this ship is now docked. Part 1 of the VFF tour here. And several more can be found here. here.

This particular ship was saved from the scrap yard in Greece by a group of dedicated sailors with the support of thousands of veterans and corporations.

Ok, so imagine a bunch of senior citizens, veterans of WWII, former sailors 60 years ago who went to Greece to pick up this old ship, make it sea worthy, sail it back to the United States and then travel around various places here to show it off. No problem for these fine men.

The ship had all the comforts of home, a kitchen, a place to sleep when you were off watch, old but dependable engines and generators that worked sort of even though these men didn’t have spare parts. To top it off the gyro was broken and Greece is a long way from home. Can you believe their dedication and commitment?

Believe it! Read on, visit their website, and give your support; LST-325 Memorial . Thank you for your service gentlemen! Welcome home.

LST’s are commonly referred to as the “work horses” of the U.S. Navy for good reason.

The tradition of hard work, long hours, hazardous duty and tough men continued in Vietnam with 61 LST’s serving in various capacities earning a total of 395 Battle Stars, 19 Presidential Unit Citations, 48 Navy Unit Citations, and 44 Meritorious Unit Citations; LST's in Vietnam

A number of LST’s served with the Mobile Riverine Forces in and around the Mekong Delta, and it was not uncommon for us to see LST’s in Danang Harbor, in fact, quite often the LST’s would offload material and supplies there which were then loaded aboard our LCU’s destined for the Marines in Hue, Phu Bai, and Dong Ha.

There were many LST’s that served with distinction and several of them received battle damage in various operations during the Vietnam war. Perhaps the best known of these was the U.S.S. Westchester County, LST-1167.

Here is her story. Additional information here.

There is more about the “River Ships” of the Brown Water Navy here.

Brown Water, Red Blood.

All of us who served on the waterways of Vietnam can remember these ships moving slowly up and down the rivers keeping us supplied with food, ammo, parts, medical support, and fuel. The LST’s of Vietnam were one of many components that served in-country under very harsh, and often boring conditions; though like most in-country Navy units, they received very little recognition for a job well done. Most people back home at that time didn’t even know the Navy served in-country Vietnam, much less on the rivers.

Even today when talking with people, if you mention that you served in the Navy in Vietnam, they ask what Carrier, or Cruiser. When you reply, "I served on the brown waters (on the rivers) in-country Vietnam or attached to one of the Naval Task Forces, or in direct support of the Army or Marine Corps, " they look at you and more then likely say, "I was unaware the Navy served in-country during the War."

To those of you that served aboard LST’s or on other ships and boats in all our wars, we will never forget you.

Welcome home.

“…fair winds and a following sea shipmates…”

Vets for Freedom Supports Revised G.I. Bill

Dear Vets for Freedom members:

I know you are as pleased as I am to see the continued progress being made in Iraq—most notably in Basra, where even the New York Times reported that "the city of Basra has been transformed by its own surge." After a slow start, Iraqi forces have taken control of the city away from Sadr’s militia and Iranian-backed militants. This is great news, even though many anti-war groups will never admit it. As always, we remain dedicated to spreading the "ground truth" about what is happening in Iraq. Check out our "Freedom Update" and "Troop Blog" to get regular updates.

And while we will always be committed to success in America’s fight against radical Islam around the globe, Vets for Freedom is gradually expanding its scope on issues that are important to members of our organization and all military personnel. This morning, we issued a statement in support of a revised GI Bill that both provides more educational benefits to veterans, but also addresses the retention needs of our all-volunteer force. We strongly feel that a compromise between competing GI Bills (Senator Webb’s Bill and Senators McCain and Graham’s Bill) will be of the most benefit to today’s veterans, active duty military members, reservists, and the future of our fighting force.

Below is the statement we released today:

Vets for Freedom Supports Revised GI Bill

STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2008 
Contact: Judy Mayka (202) 338-4070 

(Washington DC) Vets for Freedom urges Senate members to work together to pass a GI Bill that not only addresses the immediate need for increased financial and educational benefits, but that also takes into account the unique dynamics of today’s all-volunteer force. The US military is working hard to increase its ranks in order to meet strategic needs across the globe; and as a result, it is imperative that recruitment and retention are both addressed as part of any GI Bill.

The Webb Bill correctly recognizes the rising costs of secondary education, and the importance of pegging yearly benefit increases to educational inflation indices, rather than the Consumer Price Index, which would require Congress to revisit the issue in a few years. The Webb Bill also allows for the accrual of Active Duty benefits for Reservists and National Guardsmen, many of which have seen repeated deployments.

On the other hand, the McCain-Graham Bill substantially increases monthly educational benefits and could be implemented immediately; while the Webb Bill would take over a year to implement and would require a new layer of Pentagon bureaucracy. The McCain-Graham Bill also rewards troops who remain in the military, providing strong incentives for our best and brightest to continue their service and support a growing force. 

"Both the Webb and McCain-Graham bills have valuable aspects that address the needs of our military and our men and women in uniform." said Pete Hegseth, Executive Director of Vets for Freedom. "Vets for Freedom trusts that those involved will work toward a compromise to integrate the best aspects of both bills, and ensure its passage and implementation in a timely manner."

Vets for Freedom is a nonpartisan organization established by combat veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Its mission is to educate the American public about the importance of achieving success in these conflicts by applying our first-hand knowledge to issues of American military strategy. For more information, please visit www.vetsforfreedom.org.

Bellavia for Congress!

Dear Vets for Freedom members:

David Bellavia, Vets for Freedom co-founder, member of our Board of Advisors, and now a candidate for Congress in New York's 26th Congressional District, resigned from our Board of Advisors Monday due to his candidacy. David will continue to be a member of the organization.

David Bellavia is a great American, who served this country courageously on the battlefield in Iraq, receiving the Silver Star and a nomination for the Medal of Honor. But his service didn’t stop there. Here at home, David co-founded Vets for Freedom, as well as a local organization in his hometown of Buffalo, New York for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. 

Vets for Freedom wishes David luck in what will be a difficult battle for a contested seat, and we are grateful for the voice he continues to give veterans here at home and those serving abroad. Please make sure to visit www.Bellavia2008.com to find out more information. 

Give 'em Hell David, 

 
Pete Hegseth
Executive Director
Vets for Freedom

Also posted at Grizzly Groundswell.

Update on Previous Post

Below is the info with the links. The CNN video is not new, but Uncle Jimbo talked about it on when I interviewed him on Do The Right Thing Radio.

Known online as "Uncle Jimbo" from Black Five, he appeared with Snooper, Cyber Pastor, and 3 heroes in the GWOT on Do The Right Thing Radio this past Monday. Check out his video below, and his Do The Right Thing appearance here.

About Vets on the Hill: From Pete Hegseth

Dear Vets for Freedom members:

For the past three weeks, the National Heroes Tour took the message of the success in Iraq straight to the American people. From San Antonio to Saint Paul to South Carolina, we engaged crowds large and small, and spoke with over 200 media outlets, reaching over 20 million people through local television and radio. 

With just 3% of news coverage in the mainstream media committed to Iraq, we bypassed national media all together, and it worked. Local media outlets were very receptive to "ground truth," and our veterans were able to provide it. Any way you slice it, the National Heroes Tour has been an overwhelming success.

But it's not over yet. Tomorrow we bring our message to Congress, when over 400 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans descend on Capitol Hill for "Vets on the Hill." Our guys will enjoy breakfast with the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, General Richard Myers, before heading to Capitol Hill for a bi-partisan press conference with two-dozen members of Congress, including Senators John McCain, Joe Lieberman, and Lindsay Graham. After the press conference, Vets for Freedom will flood the halls of Congress with a sea of warriors, armed with first-hand experience, facts about the incredible progress in Iraq, and a passion for nothing short of victory, Their stories are "taking points" that no one can refute—and members of Congress, on both sides of the aisle, will hear from them.  Our message is simple: Let them win! and listen to General David Petraeus. He was right in September, and has the best pulse on events in Iraq. Congress would be wise to heed his advice. Commence Movement to Contact,    Pete Hegseth Executive Director Vets for Freedom

Snooper and Cyber Pastor Once Again with "Vets on the Hill"

Snooper and I will once again be joining with Vets for Freedom for the Vets on the Hill festivities on Tuesday.

Both Snooper and I will arrive in DC Monday morning, and plan on trying to line up some special guests for BTR shows on Monday evening.

Do The Right Thing Radio will broadcast at 6:00 pm (eastern) and will be followed by Sonlit Knight's regular Monday show for the Americans Truth Warriors of A Newt One at 7:00.

Tuesday is the main event for Vets on the Hill, and Snooper and I will provide a wrap up of the days events on BTR with the same schedule as Monday.

Talk to you from DC!

Cyber Pastor

Pictures From VFF in Evansville - Part Six

Pete Hegseth, Cyber Pastor, and Steve Russell with the LST325 in the background.

Cyber Pastor and the National Heroes Tour bus.

That is actually the road leading to the LST 325 that is under water. 

Video's from Uncle Jimbo

You can go to the Vets for Freedom web site by clicking this link to see videos from several of the stops on the National Heroes Tour. If you click the link and go to the website, you can pick and choose which clips you watch, or you can watch the entire production below.

The work done by Uncle Jimbo from the Black Five organization on these videos is first rate!

Pictures From VFF in Evansville - Part Five

A guest at the Prayer Service in Evansville had this message "If you don't stand BEHING our TROOPS, Please feel free to stand IN FRONT of THEM!!

Taps is played in honor and memory of those who gave their lives for our freedoms.

Cyber Pastor with VFF National Heroes Tour member Kate Norley.

Pictures From VFF in Evansville - Part Four

Tom Parks and Steve Russell exit the National Heroes Tour bus in Evansville, IN.

VFF Executive Director Pete Hegseth greets the Patriot Guard Riders who lined the entrance way with American flags. 

LST 325 Executive Director Mike Whicker makes the opening remarks at the VFF National Heroes Tour stop in Evansville.

Pictures From VFF in Evansville - Part Three

VFF National Heroes Tour bus arrives at the LST 325 in Evansville, IN.

This picture speaks for itself!

What a bus!!!!

Pictures From VFF in Evansville - Part Two

Cyber Pastor. left,  interviews Arne Pederson, VFF Indiana State Captain on Do The Right Thing Radio, prior to the arrival of the VFF tour bus.

Mike Whicker, Executive Director of LST 325 Memorial, answers questions from Cyber Pastor. 

Cyber Pastor was proud to have this picture taken with LST 325 original crew member Jack Green. Mr Green and LST 325 made 44 trips across the English Channel during the Normandy invasion of WW II.

Pictures From VFF in Evansville - Part One of Many

Stage with LST 325 in the background. 

LST 325 bugler, Millard Wilke, warms up prior to the arrival of the VFF bus.

Patriot Guard Riders wait in the rain for the VFF tour bus to arrive.