Yellow Ribbon America

President Donald J. Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper, and Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, render honors as TAPS is played by a U.S. Marine Corps Band “The President’s Own” bugler during the annual 9/11 Observance Ceremony in Washington D.C., Sept. 11, 2019. (DoD Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. James K. McCann)

Sept. 11, 2019 | BY  David Vergun

President Donald J. Trump on Wednesday remembered the nearly 3,000 people who died in the 9/11 attacks and issued a warning to anyone who may consider launching a similar attack.

Speaking at a ceremony at Washington’s 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, Trump named some of the service members, veterans and first responders who aided in the 9/11 rescue, as well as service members who have died fighting terrorists — and he recognized the thousands of service members who are currently deployed.

“American freedom survives only because there are patriots willing to sacrifice everything in its defense,” Trump said. “No tribute is sufficient to convey the infinite depth of our nation’s gratitude.”

As a warning to anyone thinking about attacking America, Trump promised a strong response. “We do not seek conflict. But if anyone dares to strike our land, we will respond with the full measure of American power and the iron will of the American spirit — and that spirit is unbreakable,” he said.

Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper said the terrorists stole the lives of those killed in the attacks in New York and Washington and the failed attack that led to the crash of United Airlines Flight 93 in Pennsylvania. 

“Fearful of American values, ideas, and freedoms, our nation’s enemies sought to dim the beacon of hope that America has long shone throughout the world,” Esper said. But the American people responded with even greater bravery and determination. “Under the very worst of conditions, we saw the very best of America,” he said.

Service members in the audience render honors as the National Anthem is played during the annual 9/11 Observance Ceremony in Washington D.C., Sept. 11, 2019. (DoD Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. James K. McCann)

Esper said it is important to remember first responders and others who worked to save lives, as well as the service members — some who paid the ultimate sacrifice — who brought justice to those responsible.

“While 9/11 may have transformed our great nation, it also reaffirmed America’s commitment to defend our people and our way of life — a commitment that remains unchanged since the founding of our republic 243 years ago,” he concluded.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford said the terrorist attacks were intended to challenge our way of life and they sought to break the nation’s spirit. “But their purpose was never realized. That day made us stronger, more determined and more resolved to protect our nation and that for which it stands,” he said.

YELLOW RIBBON AMERICA NEWS DESK:

Though Stressed, United States Air Combat Command Provides Capabilities

Aug. 21, 2019 | BY Jim Garamone

The United States Air Force’s Air Combat Command is stressed, but is still able to provide Military Capabilities Combatant Commanders need, ACC’s Commander said.

“Are we stressed? Yes,” Air Force Gen. James M. “Mike” Holmes told the Defense Writers Group yesterday in Washington. “But are we able to meet the things our Country is asking us to do? Yes.”

ACC is the largest command in the service, operating around 1,000 aircraft in 35 wings at 300 locations worldwide. The command has 159,000 Military and Civilian Personnel, and its Headquarters is at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.

The Command is responsible for organizing, training, equipping and maintaining Combat-Ready Air, Space, Cyber and Intelligence Forces. 

The U.S. Air Force was hit hard by budget problems of the past decade. The effects of the Budget Control Act, sequestration, continuing resolutions and government shutdowns hit readiness hard. Maintenance was deferred, spare parts were short, and flying hours were limited. 

Exacerbating the situation were manpower woes — especially a shortage of Pilots.

ACC was still able to provide trained and Combat-Ready Forces to Combatant Commanders Worldwide, but it was a difficult time, Holmes said.

The Command has climbed back from the depths of the readiness trough, Holmes said, but it continues to face challenges. “As we go forward, we have taken efforts over the last couple of years to try to balance the tempo with the time it takes to build readiness and to have a place where our Airmen and their families can thrive, and not just survive,” he said. 

ACC Officials worked with the Joint Staff using the Global Force Management Process to address the limits and amount of Force the Command provides, the General said. “We’ve worked with our Units when they are home to provide more ‘white space’ on their calendars,” he added.

The Command is working to get to a 1-to-5 ratio or time spent on Deployments and Temporary Duty to time spent at Home Station. This allows airmen to reconnect with their families and also allows the Service to ensure Airmen get the training they need to move up the skill ladder.

“There are areas that I am concerned about; there are areas that are under more stress than others,” Holmes said. “A lot of those fall into the places where, because of the tempo, we’re required to do most of our training in Operational Missions.”

Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance and the Rescue Enterprise are particularly concerning, the general said, and the stress really comes into play when unexpected operations such as the efforts in the Persian Gulf arise, he added.

Description of First American Flag Above:

The Franklin & Adams United States Flags – October 9, 1778

The Genesis of the Early American Flag is something of a great mystery. Things were happening and all kinds of ‘Rebel’ Flags went a flying. It’s interesting to note Benjamin Franklin and John Adams’ description of the US Flag to a foreign dignitary. The letter describes the “Flag of the United States of America” and is dated to October 9, 1778.

(Dear King of the Two Sicilies)

“It  is with pleasure that we acquaint Your Excellency that the flag of the United States of America consists of 13 Stripes, alternately Red, White, and Blue; a Small Square in the upper angle, next to the Flag staff, is a Blue Field, with 13 White Stars, denoting a New Constellation. Some of the States have Vessels of War distinct from those of the United States…but the Flag of the United States, ordained by Congress, is the 13 Stripes and 13 Stars above described.”

(Signed) “B. Franklin” “John Adams”

Historical References and Credits

1. Fort Stanwyk, August 1777
2. Fort Mifflin, October 1777
3. Captured HMS Serapis September 23,, 1779.
5. Surrender at Yorktown 1781 by John Trumbull (painted 1787)

-Maddish, The Voice of Vexillology, Flags & Heraldry. Flag Day 2012 – The original Red, White and Blue. The Franklin & Adams Flag. – October 9, 1778. Second Picture, -Mort Kunstler’s, General George Washington, accepting British surrender at Yorktown.

Description of 2^nd American Flag below:

This is the flag used on board the captured British ship “Serapis” on September 23, 1779, Captain John Paul Jones. This ship was captured following the famous sea battle between the “Serapis” and the “Bonhomme Richard” in which the latter’s flag staff was blown away; the British Captain asked if Jones had struck his colors; and Jones replied “Struck, Sir? I Have Not Yet Begun To Fight!” The “Bonhomme Richard” was so badly damaged that it sank with its colors flying. After putting into the Dutch port of Texel for refitting, the British authorities in the Netherlands demanded Jones be arrested as a pirate since he flew no known flag. The Dutch replied that they would consult their archives. Sometime between then and a few days later when they replied to the British that they had evidence in their files that the flag used on the “Serapis” was a recognized flag and that Jones would be allowed to refit, a painting of this flag (and that of the Alliance) was made. Besides the unconventional use of blue stripes as well as white and red, if you examine the painting closely you will see there are 12 eight pointed stars and one seven pointed star on the flag. It is also nearly square.
-Dave Martucci, 6 December 1997

Franklin, Adams and the Serapis Flag

In a letter dated October 9, 1778, Benjamin Franklin and John Adams described this flag to the Ambassador of the King of the Two Sicilies. It is the flag later known as the “Serapis” flag. While Benjamin Franklin was the U.S. ambassador to Paris in 1777, John Paul Jones was creating so much havoc on the high seas with his raids on the British Merchant Marine and coastal villages that the Admiralty issued orders to have him hung as a pirate if he could be captured. The reason given for the order was a legalistic one — he did not fly the flag of any recognized nation. While Ambassador Franklin pondered possible solutions to this problem, the Dutch Ambassador, acting for his government, asked for a description of the United States Flag. As far as Mr. Franklin knew, no national flag existed. Nevertheless, he gave his visitor a description of what we now call the “Franklin or Serapis Flag.” This description was sent to the Dutch Fleet, along with the orders that it be recognized on the high seas. Shortly afterwards, the Ambassador of the two Sicily’s came to call, making the same request. He also received a description of the flag, and forwarded similar orders to his country’s fleet. Mr. Franklin, then apparently, had the flag made and sent to Jones so that it could be flown at his ships’ masthead. By doing this, he could avoid being treated as a pirate by other countries. Thus the United States, through its Navy, was first given official recognition by foreign countries. Meanwhile a ship from the United States was on its way to Paris with a notice that a “Resolve” of Congress of June 14, 1777, had adopted the now familiar “Stars and Stripes.” No one knows who designed or made this flag for Mr. Franklin. The “Franklin Flag” that was given for foreign recognition before the first national flag was adopted was similar to the one we know today. Its colors are red, white and blue, and it had thirteen stripes and thirteen white eight-pointed stars on a blue background.
-Blas Delgado Ortiz, 27 July 2001

Serapis Flag (U.S.), Historical. By Rick Wyatt, January 1-21-2006, https://www.crwflags.com/FOTW/FLAGS/us-serap.html

North Pole South / FOB Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos, CA: – On December 7, 2018 Santa’s Elves, with “Operation Christmas For Our Troops & Their Families” had the wonderful opportunity to spend some time with the Soldiers and families of Company A, 5/19th Special Forces Group (A), California Army National Guard.

What a blessing it was to enjoy the day with them and their families! It was so great to hear some of their stories and enjoy their great sense of humor! They were great hosts to us and were very humble about what they do. We were also able to hand deliver to the Soldiers Christmas Cards that were sent to us from a Girl Scout Troop in Michigan to give to our Troops this Christmas. One 5/19th SFG Soldier said it was the first Christmas Card that he ever received as a Soldier. We had a lot fun with them, we were there to serve and honor them but instead they served and honored us… It was surprising to learn through their great sense of combat humor that a lot of them have been wounded multiple times. Both they and their families have sacrificed so much for all of us American’s… What great and humble real Heroes they and their families are. A special time we will never forget!

Because of Christmas support from people like you we were able to help them with funds for their food and beverage costs for their Unit’s Inaugural Christmas Holiday Parachute Jump for their Soldiers, families and friends. We look forward in helping Our Nation’s Heroes Foundation again in supporting them and many other of our Military Unit’s across America this 2019 year with their Military family days and their 2019 Unit Christmas Parties with their families!

It’s had been a long time sense we had the honor to help support the 5/19th Special Forces Group (A) and long over do! We first learned a little about them because of one of their wounded Soldiers and currant Long Beach Police Training Officer who we were very blessed to meet with his future wife back in December of 2004 our very first Christmas Drive. Through a friend we were asked to help Welcome Home SFC Chris Martin (Ret) by his future wife Deanna. She was going to greet him at 10:00pm at the John Wayne Airport in Orange County California and wanted to do something special for him.

We were able to meet her at the Airport and bring her Starbuck’s coffee and give to her a special Angels Baseball signed by the Team of the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim, California, “Thank You” Tim Salmon’s Foundation and Vladimir Guerrero! Because he was wounded in 2002 by an IED in Afghanistan 4+ months into his deployment, SFC Chris Martin (Ret) was medically evacuated to first Germany than to Walter Reed U.S. Army Hospital here in the United States so he never had a “Welcome Home” with his Unit. He spent over 2 years undergoing multiple surgeries and recovering from his wounds.

But sense that time till today he and his family are doing ok. Over the years he has been a great volunteer public speaker on many occasions, encouraging all Americans to support to our Military Unit’s and their families and serves on the Board of the Long Beach Police Officers Association, Our Nation’s Heroes Foundation and other Military associations. And his Son went on to become a United States Marine! SFC Chris Martin (Ret) was one of the first American Soldiers from California to be wounded in Afghanistan in 2002.

Picture 3: SFC Lyons (Ret) who was wounded with Chris in Afghanistan in 2002 is on the left, SFC Martin (Ret) is on the right. At Ground Zero, World Trade Center, New Your City, New York. 2003. On a Department of Defense Public Relations Tour.

Picture 4: SFC Martin (Ret) is on the left and SFC Lyons (Ret) is on the right at Ground Zero, World Trade Center, New Your City, New York. 2003. On a Department of Defense Public Relations Tour.

You too can be ones of Santa’s Christmas Elves and Report for Duty for America’s 1# Christmas Drive “Operation Christmas For Our Troops & Their Families”! Help bring local community based support for America’s Best and their Families this 2019 Christmas Season!

Contact Santa’s Elves at Info@YellowRibbonAmerica.org to learn how YOU can Help Support Your Local Military Units and their families this Christmas!

“Operation Christmas For Our Troops & Their Families” is a community outreach project of Our Nation’s Heroes Foundation and proudly supported by the Yellow Ribbon America News & Campaign for America’s Military members and their families. Our Nation’s Heroes Foundation is a California public benefit nonprofit corporation, with tax-exempt status under Sections 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, EIN: 46-4762128.

Merry Christmas!

On this Day in American History 2003: The War in Iraq begins

History.com

On this day in 2003, the United States, along with coalition forces primarily from the United Kingdom, initiates war on Iraq. Just after explosions began to rock Baghdad, Iraq’s capital, U.S. President George W. Bush announced in a televised address, “At this hour, American and coalition forces are in the early stages of military operations to disarm Iraq, to free its people and to defend the world from grave danger.” President Bush and his advisors built much of their case for war on the idea that Iraq, under dictator Saddam Hussein, possessed or was in the process of building weapons of mass destruction.

Hostilities began about 90 minutes after the U.S.-imposed deadline for Saddam Hussein to leave Iraq or face war passed. The first targets, which Bush said were “of military importance,” were hit with Tomahawk cruise missiles from U.S. fighter-bombers and warships stationed in the Persian Gulf. In response to the attacks, Republic of Iraq radio in Baghdad announced, “the evil ones, the enemies of God, the homeland and humanity, have committed the stupidity of aggression against our homeland and people.”

Though Saddam Hussein had declared in early March 2003 that, “it is without doubt that the faithful will be victorious against aggression,” he went into hiding soon after the American invasion, speaking to his people only through an occasional audiotape. Coalition forces were able to topple his regime and capture Iraq’s major cities in just three weeks, sustaining few casualties. President Bush declared the end of major combat operations on May 1, 2003. Despite the defeat of conventional military forces in Iraq, an insurgency has continued an intense guerrilla war in the nation in the years since military victory was announced, resulting in thousands of coalition military, insurgent and civilian deaths.

After an intense manhunt, U.S. soldiers found Saddam Hussein hiding in a six-to-eight-foot deep hole, nine miles outside his hometown of Tikrit. He did not resist and was uninjured during the arrest. A soldier at the scene described him as “a man resigned to his fate.” Hussein was arrested and began trial for crimes against his people, including mass killings, in October 2005.

In June 2004, the provisional government in place since soon after Saddam’s ouster transferred power to the Iraqi Interim Government. In January 2005, the Iraqi people elected a 275-member Iraqi National Assembly. A new constitution for the country was ratified that October. On November 6, 2006, Saddam Hussein was found guilty of crimes against humanity and sentenced to death by hanging. After an unsuccessful appeal, he was executed on December 30, 2006.