Wednesday, 11 October 2006
 

When Was the Last Time You Beat Your Wife?
Contributed by Karl Bossi

On October 11 as I watched the jackals dressed in suits and skirts circling in the Rose Garden during the press conference, I waited for one of the reporters to ask, "Mr. President, when was the last time you beat your wife?" As he deftly parries the loaded questions from the media, President Bush has the patience of Job and endures almost cruel and unusual punishment. In the Bible Job said, "How long will you torment me, and break me in pieces with words? These ten times you have cast reproach upon me; are you not ashamed to wrong me? And even if it is true that I have erred, my error remains with me."

Indeed, our President is under constant attack from most of the media, a majority of Democrats and some from his own party. As I reflect on the way press conferences were conducted when William Jefferson Clinton held court I can't recall any hostility in the air. Who in the media held Clinton's feet to the fire? And in recent years when world events turned against us, Democrats in Congress and their ankle-biting pundits on television became 'Monday Morning Quarterbacks'.

We are bombarded with mantras from every quarter, such as: "Why not engage North Korea alone at the table." Selective amnesia has reached an epidemic stage among these same people. Masters of the shell game and the hidden pea that always pops up under the wrong shell, these same people have become experts of the age-old question, "What If?"

When Mary Jana Korbelova aka Madeline Albright, Clinton's fearless Secretary of State, made googoo eyes at Kim Jong-Il, he smiled back and said, "We want to wak wid you." And she and Clinton believed the leader of North Korea and promised to send him everything he needed. When Madeline left town, Kim Jong-Il turned to his generals and whispered, "Dese Ameri-cans are so gurrible. Dey berieved me....Hah!!!"

Iran is watching with bated breath to see how events play out in North Korea. Will the community of nations stand firm and act decisively? If so, will North Korea and Iran get the message? The end-of-game clock has only minutes left.   

Contributed by Karl Bossi on October 11, 2006 at 12:54 PM in Karl Bossi, Politics | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Monday, 09 October 2006
 

The David and Goliath Syndrome
Contributed by Karl Bossi

Isn't it ironic that fifty years after defeating tyranny in Europe and in Asia America today is viewed as a Goliath by many countries? In spite of everything America has done since then to reduce suffering in the world she is vilified by some of those same countries. Many of the countries that once flocked to her defense often remain silent or actively impede her efforts when America is under siege. Fair-weather countries that fear the backlash of their citizens who no longer hold America in high esteem.

And so, America has become a Goliath in their eyes, worthy of being taken down by a golden stone between the eyes. A golden atomic stone is what some countries seek to gain the respect of the world community and intimidate the Goliath that America represents to them. Kim Jong-Il, the man who dresses like your neighborhood auto-mechanic, is the leader of a vast, dysfunctional and truly dangerous regime. A man that behaves like an angry schoolchild on the playground leads North Korea. When he says, "So you won't play with me? I'll show you." In seeking the golden atomic stone, North Korea and their client, Iran, hope to gird themselves against any perceived threats from the American Goliath.

Both North Korea and Iran need to come to grips with the long-range consequences of their burning quest to join the nuclear club and build a nuclear arsenal. Weapons that can only destabilize the delicate stability of Asia and the Middle East. Weapons available to terrorists in a deadly Stop and Shop store exported for hard currency to those seeking to devastate America. In addition, the inherent cost of membership in the nuclear club is exorbitant and employs critical resources sorely needed by their impoverished citizens. What made a man like Muammar Abu Minyar al-Gaddafi forsake the Libyan program to develop Weapons of Mass Destruction? In a dream did he hear the American Goliath whisper, "We have a deal you can't refuse."? What will it take to bring North Korea and Iran to their senses and get serious about meaningful negotiations? What will it take for them to get over their Rodney Dangerfield mentality, "I don't get no respect."?

Until an overpowering alliance of the world community gets serious about putting a moratorium on the expanding membership in the nuclear club the American Goliath will be at great risk for an atomic stone between the eyes. 

Contributed by Karl Bossi on October 9, 2006 at 09:20 AM in Iraq, Karl Bossi, NoKo | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Wednesday, 04 October 2006
 

From a Hesitant Hawk to a Determined Dove (Bumped)
Contributed by Karl Bossi

Webmaster's Note: I've quit doing the "Best of Old War Dogs/Featured Post" thing but this is good enough, and was posted late enough in the day yesterday, that I want to give it a little more exposure than it would get in it's "natural" position on the blog. Originally posted 2006.10.03.19:53.

Thirty years ago in Ankara, Turkey, as an Air Force advisor to the Turkish Air Force, I worked alongside a professional aircraft maintenance officer who happens to be the father of the infamous Scott Ritter. Scott's caring parents took great pains to raise him well. I met Scott when he was a lad of about 14 years old and I was impressed with his outspoken patriotism and conservate beliefs.

His date with destiny began when Scott Ritter worked as a U.N. senior weapons inspector in Iraq between 1991and 1998. Prior to that job he served for eight years as an intelligence officer in the US Marine Corps. Along the way he married a woman from Georgia in the Soviet Union that he had met while serving there. During the 1991 Gulf War, Ritter advised General Schwarzkopf on Iraq's SCUD missile threat. Later, his efforts initially turned toward writing books. Ritter is the author of several books and the forthcoming "Target Iran."

In the lead-up to the last Gulf War, Ritter strongly opposed military operations in Iraq. As an outspoken critic of the current Bush administration, Ritter developed a high profile in the media. In recent months Ritter virtually vanished from the mainstream media and television appearances dried-up. Tonight he surfaced on the Catherine Crier Live television show to discuss current events in Iran and what he considers to be the misguided belligerent efforts of the Bush administration. Ritter spoke about his recent trip to Iran where he met with key players of the regime. 

As an anti-war activist, Ritter has aligned himself with various peace groups and people like muckraker journalist, Seymour Hersh of the NY Times, and Cindy Sheehan, a pitiful anti-Iraq War activist. He has decried the peace movement as being fragmented and lacking focus. In 2005, Ritter was widely quoted in the press as stating that George W. Bush had "signed off" on plans to bomb Iran. If so, the operation was cancelled.         

In 2005, Scott Ritter spoke at a fundraiser for Traprock Peace Center in Deerfield, Massachusetts.

He said the U.S. has defiled its reputation by engaging in the same tactics in Iraq and Iran as the terrorists it chases. "We declared a war on terror and those who practice terror," said Ritter. "Are we going to declare war on ourselves?"

These are troubling remarks, I say.

Ritter said the United States has been conducting secret reconnaissance missions inside Iran since last summer. He said people would be stunned to know that the U.S. is at war with Iran. "There hasn't been a national debate and the president hasn't declared war."

He said it all sounds very familiar. "The war in Iraq began in September of 2002, not March of 2003 like most would think," said Ritter. "And the Bush administration fabricated intelligence to back up its decision to go to war. Later, it manipulated the results of Iraq's elections."

"We're being told a lot of lies and the media is following blindly and parroting information," said Ritter.

"The Bush administration's goal for Iran is the destruction of the country's alleged program to develop nuclear weapons. Ritter said he believes the goal is to attack the oil-rich nation with the hopes of leading to a regime change as in Iraq."

Ritter said Iran has a nuclear energy program, not a nuclear weapons program as the administration would like Americans to believe.

"They just want to live like we do," said Ritter. "In order to survive, Iran needs an alternative energy supply. Who are we to say they can't have that?"

Ritter said the president and his administration know it's an energy program.

His thoughts on Iran's nuclear program are hard to swallow for even the most naive observer.

As an interested observer, I have watched with dismay the metamorphosis of Scott Ritter from a hesitant hawk to a determined dove, a vociferous, rabid critic of the current Bush administration. And I wonder what drove him over the edge. Although others have written extensively about Ritter's transformation, the reason why remains obscured. I think we all will be seeing a lot more of Scott Ritter in the days to come as he hones his message to attack the motives and strategy of the Bush administration and incite dissension in the nation. A new career in politics for Ritter may be on the horizon.       

Contributed by Karl Bossi on October 4, 2006 at 01:16 AM in Karl Bossi | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Friday, 29 September 2006
 

The Fingers are a Pointin'
Contributed by Karl Bossi

As the election season approaches, the media senses blood in the water. More sharks than the usual suspects are circling. Anybody with special inside Washington DC access, like Bob Woodward, can point fingers at the administration and claim to know the "inside story."

The past and ongoing failings of Iraq and Afghanistan as told to him by disgruntled still-serving and retired bureaucrats. Woodward has made a career of yellow journalism, dating back to Watergate and the demise of President Nixon. The timing of his latest missive, a book entitled: "State of Denial," to be released in the days leading up to the Congressional elections, makes me wonder about his true intentions. Woodward has done a remarkable job of ingratiating himself into the halls of power. His "good old boy" demeanor is quite smooth and gives him a leg-up as a darling of the media. The liberal media salivates whenever he speaks and rarely questions his conclusions. 

It's troubling to watch the latest feeding frenzy on television as the right-wing and left-wing media batlle each other for ratings. And Woodward keeps on selling more books to the gullible observers who take everything he writes as gospel. If it were possible to capture all the energy expended in criticizing how past events were handled, the war on Islamic Fundamentalists would already be over.

Be prepared for an onslaught of spin, a deafening crescendo in the liberal media that the Democrats will soon be in control of Congress. The thought makes me personally ill. Any incumbent Republican who told a fib in grade school is at risk of losing their seat. The issue is simple. Will the majority of voters be able to understand how important are the stakes involved? I pray that they do.

Contributed by Karl Bossi on September 29, 2006 at 07:34 PM in Current Affairs, Dem Dumbness, Karl Bossi, Peacenik Stupidity, Politics | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Thursday, 21 September 2006
 

Is Partition of Iraq the Answer?
Contributed by Karl Bossi

Is it time to bite the bullet and seriously consider the partition of Iraq? A country whose borders the British originally defined without considering ethnic and religious consequences. Much of the ongoing civil unrest derives from internal strife and violence between the once-ruling Sunni in the north and the Shia in the south. Isn't it time that the administration came to grips with the reality on the ground and seriously move toward partition of the country?

The Kurds in the north who support the U.S. and the Shia in the south who relate strongly with Iran make up 80% of the population. They are most likely to support partition. As for the Kurds, Turkey would vehemently object to partition, since their own Kurdish population seeks autonomy, and an autonomous Kurdish state on their border would fuel the fire. This issue is best left to the specialists.

The common heritage of Iran and the Iraqi Shia supports any proposal for partition. The Shia of Iran and Iraq could embrace one another at last. However, pundits report that the majority of Sunnis who are centered around Baghdad oppose partition. A major fear is the loss of riches from the black gold buried deep in the Iraqi sand. But if the Sunni receive real guarantees for a fair share of the oil wealth located in the Kurdish and Shia regions, they would be more likely to go along. The specter that all three factions abhor equally is a despotic, central government capable of calling all the shots, like Saddam did. 

There is little evidence to date that the fledgling central government of Iraq will ever be capable of achieving a lasting peace between such a large, diverse population. Violence and chaos will continues to escalate. Every day Sunni and Shia alike are streaming into government offices to change their names, or they carry multiple forged identification cards to pass through militia-controlled checkpoints in order to evade torture and assassination.

The American administration should seriously consider such a radical shift in policy and should work closely with its coalition partners and all the Iraqi parties involved to partition the country. I believe a new bold plan would significantly enhance America's image on the Arab streets. What the Muslim world had heretofore called " the occupiers" would be perceived as a nation that not only diluted an all-out civil war but enhanced peace in a troubled region. Once partition of Iraq was in full swing and civil strife placed under control, our military forces could disengage in a measured manner with their heads held high.

After World War II, America, with the help of its allies, forged the Marshall Plan to successfully reconstruct Europe. Why not do the same for Iraq, in conjunction with partition of the country, and call it the Iraq Recovery Program? All the countries that turned their backs on America should be invited to participate. If an equitable partition of Iraq and a realistic economic recovery plan were implemented, it would be a win-win for America, Iraq, and President Bush. And it may help to defuse some of the continuing strife and violence promulgated by Islamic fundamentalism.             

Contributed by Karl Bossi on September 21, 2006 at 12:36 AM in Iraq, Karl Bossi | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Friday, 15 September 2006
 

Kudos for the Pope
Contributed by Karl Bossi

How is it possible to drive the radical Muslim world into a white-hot frenzy? The answer is for someone in a position of authority to quote from an ancient converstion that is not favorable to Islam.

More people who represent all the religions of the world need to speak out about radical Islam. There should be more serious dialogue and debate about what Islam is all about and what the religion truly represents. 

Islamic leaders have demanded an apology from the Pope, over remarks in which he quoted a 14th century conversation between a Byzantine Christian emperor and an educated Persian, on the truths of Christianity and Islam.

"The emperor comes to speak about the issue of jihad, holy war," Pope Benedict said.

"He said, I quote, 'Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached," Benedict quoted the emperor as saying.

Many people who follow Islam that are not paranoid and insecure can accept the Pope's right to quote from a long ago conversation. Instead of taking to the streets and demanding an apology, Islamic zealots should try to prove that it is incorrect. But, they have been brain-washed to the point that any criticism of Islam can't be tolerated. And, therefore, they clearly validate what was said about Islam so long ago.

Debate and discourse about Islam are sadly lacking in the media. Whenever people are intimidated and afraid to express themselves, tyranny rules. Radical Islamists can only demonstrate and threaten everyone who disagree with their goals. In this country freedom of religion is granted to everyone by law. Try passing out Christian or Jewish bibles in Saudi Arabia.

It's important that the Pope, other religious leaders, and politicians around the world continue to speak out about radical Islam. I need to visit a bookstore soon and pick up a title on the subject. A book like "Islam for Dummies" could go a long way in helping non-Muslims understand. 

*** 2006.09.15.:19:02

Bill Faith adds: Excelent, Karl. See also Michelle Malkin: I support the Pope

Contributed by Karl Bossi on September 15, 2006 at 06:10 PM in Bill Faith, Current Affairs, Islamism Delenda Est, Karl Bossi, Religion | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack

Tuesday, 12 September 2006
 

An Impossible Dream?
Contributed by Karl Bossi

Once upon a time I can remember when members of Congress from both sides of the aisle were able to solve problems together. It sometimes took a determined President to twist the arms of holdouts to make a difference. Members of Congress used to consistently rise above petty party in-fighting and the influence of special interest groups to agree on the greater good. Today, our august elected officials in Washington DC are more embroiled in vitriolic attacks upon the other party's motives and actions than in seeking solutions to serious national security issues.

Never before in our history have lobbyists who represent a myriad of special interests exerted such undo influence over the legislative process. When Timothy McVeigh, an anti-government extremist, obliterated a federal building in Oklahoma City using ammonium nitrate, a common agricultural fertilizer, and motor racing fuel, everyone was appalled. Eleven years later, anyone with enough cash and a truck can easily purchase enough ammonium nitrate to fashion a deadly bomb. To date, Congressional efforts designed to control the sale of  ammonium nitrate have been foiled. Congress rolled-over due to the objections of special interests. Will it take someone with evil intentions to duplicate the tragic event in Oklahoma City before Congress acts? 

There are many potential solutions to ongoing security threats that are being thwarted because of special interest objections. All the while, bureaucracies designed to protect the homeland and fight Islamic terrorism grow at a brisk rate. In spite of all the progress that has been made in recent years, serious gaps remain in our terrorist shield. These significant threats need to be identified and prioritized. Then a series of measures to reduce potential hazards need to be implemented on an expedited basis.

In recent months, the perils of illegal immigration took center stage in the hallowed halls of Congress. After numerous demonstrations in major cities, it appears that the powers in Washington DC decided to table any effective legislation and move on to less complex issues. In our form of government, there's no easy way to hold the feet of our elected officals to the fire, and without term limits, politicians easily evade any realistic acccountability.            

When Texas billionaire, H. Ross Perot, stood up and criticized the status quo in Washington DC, people listened. He stirred the pot and energized a stagnant political process that needed to be jump-started. The dialogue that arose from his energy and passion gave hope to the masses. Unfortunately, the hope for a better way of doing business didn't last.

It's time for new political Messiahs to lead us through the perilous wilderness and find the common good. Where are the leaders with courage and vision who can act decisively and craft consensus among disparate political groups and bring the nation together? Or is this just an impossible dream?

Contributed by Karl Bossi on September 12, 2006 at 04:09 PM in Karl Bossi, Politics | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Thursday, 07 September 2006
 

How Long Do We Wait?
Contributed by Karl Bossi

September 7, 2006 -- WASHINGTON - A furious Bill Clinton is warning ABC that its mini-series "The Path to 9/11" grossly misrepresents his pursuit of Osama bin Laden - and he is demanding the network "pull the drama" if changes aren't made. Clinton pointedly refuted several fictionalized scenes that he claims insinuate he was too distracted by the Monica Lewinsky sex scandal to care about bin Laden and that a top adviser pulled the plug on CIA operatives who were just moments away from bagging the terror master, according to a letter to ABC boss Bob Iger obtained by The Post.

Well, well. Isn't that special? There was never a consensus among Bill Clinton's advisors to support decisive action against Osama bin Laden. And since Clinton made most decisions after taking a poll of public opinion, he doesn't want the American public to know the truth. Long before 9/11 happened, Osama bin Laden declared a jihad on America but the Clinton Administration never took his words seriously. Now evil genies, the likes of the presidents of Iran and Venezuela, are out of the bottle. They feel free to stoke the flames of hatred aginst America and Israel and have a forum in the U.N. to spew their despicable propaganda. The U.N. is an organization best suited for humanitarian aid programs, not one which can resolve critical issues involving weapons of mass destruction and the fate of nations.

There's no doubt in my mind that the Iranian government is bent on developing nuclear weapons. They have already had sufficient time and the necessary resources to build a crude device. It's beyond my comprehension that a majority of other governments who treasure their national interests haven't recognized Iran's intent to hold the Middle-East hostage. China and Russia continue to thwart the efforts of America and its allies. Many of our so-called allies prefer to hide their heads in the sand rather than actively support us over Iran.

With a country awash in pacifism during the rise of Hitler and Tojo, it took an attack on Pearl Harbor to galvanize the nation and defeat fascism. Today, the stakes are a lot higher. Do we wait for Iran to declare that they have the 'bomb' or ones that they provided to terrorists are detonated near the capital in Washington DC or on Wall Street in New York City? Or do we continue to engage in an endless, fruitless debate within an organization like the UN that long ago proved it was impotent.

I am beginning to agree with retired Air Force General Tom McInerney's plan for massive airstrikes on Iran's nuclear infrastructure if a suitable diplomatic solution continues to elude us. Airstrikes combined with clandestine support of an internal Iranian insurrection to overthrow this oppressive regime would go a long way toward keeping America safe.In a 1903 speech, Teddy Roosevelt said, "Speak softly but carry a big stick." The time to take out the big stick and use it wisely is closer at hand than we think.

Contributed by Karl Bossi on September 7, 2006 at 02:41 PM in Best of Old War Dogs, Iran, Islamism Delenda Est, Karl Bossi | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Wednesday, 23 August 2006
 

Islam Is Not What You Think
Contributed by Karl Bossi

A "Best of Old War Dogs" featured post. The webmaster is backdating this post to keep it near the top of the blog for a while. Please scroll down for newer posts.

This item was originally posted 2006.08.21.18:01.

An early morning fog drifts slowly across the Hudson River, near the place once called the Battery, where early European immigrants once embarked from sailing ships to a land of freedom. As the heat from the rising sun slowly dissolves the moisture in the air, a huge golden dome and four tall minarets can be seen on the old site of the twin towers of the World Trade Center. The year is 2101, the hundred year anniversary of 9/11, the horrific day Muslim terrorists destroyed a proud symbol of American strength. In Washington DC, a major renovation had converted the capitol building into an imposing mosque. All across the 50 states where Christian cathedrals and Jewish temples once dotted the landscape, wailing calls to prayers resound from mosques. The faithful arrive in droves and remove their shoes and bow to the East towards Mecca. Years before anyone who failed to convert to Islam was cruelly executed in public. Not by a firing squad, but as dictated by the Koran. Each of them had a hand and their opposite foot cut off. They bled to death on the cold concrete sidewalks in the country once known as the United States of America.

The scenes described above are not a figment of a runaway imagination. Ideas are more powerful than any modern weapons, including the nuclear variety. During the American Revolution, Thomas Paine understood the power of ideas. Ideas, like his, resulted in a new nation where freedom of religion existed. And whenever religious fanaticism is involved, how can the free world defeat an enemy bent on destroying Western ideals? Radicals whose ultimate goal is to fulfill the prophecy in the Koran, a world where only Islam rules?

The media and national governments across the globe have yet to confront the perilous teachings of Islam. Voices of those who try to sound alarms about the truth of Islam are stifled. Yet, even a cursory review of the life of Mohammed and the Koran, the book of Islam, reveals a troubling picture. Unlike Jesus, Mohammed gained notoriety through death and destruction of his opponents and their way of life. He is depicted in the Koran as a brutal warrior. Un-believers and those who had turned against their faith were hunted down and killed. Muslims believe that the Koran is based upon the direct word of God or Allah, through the angel, Gabriel. Sunnis and Shiites generally take the same approach against un-believers. Interestingly, the Koran also instructs the faithful to practice deceit, to lull un-believers into thinking that Islam is a religion of peace and it poses no threat from radicals. Today, Iran continues to deny an existence of a nuclear weapons program, a living example of this philosophy.

Jews are described in the Koran as apes and pigs and the mortal enemy of Islam, a description radical mullahs use to dehumanize them. Children from an early age are taught to memorize the Koran word-for-word and an increasing number grow up seeking martyrdom. Not long ago in Holland, a film producer who made a documentary about the plight of women in the Muslim world died on the streets. An Islamic fanatic shot him several times, then cut his throat as the producer pleaded for his life. Few Muslims have the courage to step forward and decry despicable acts for fear of retribution.

The festering malaise of the Palestinian and Israeli problem certainly has to be resolved in conjunction with defusing the ambitions of Iran to turn the entire Islamic world against us. The Iranian leader acts in a way reminiscent of Adolph Hitler and enthralls many of the Muslim faithful across the globe into believing that Israel, America, and Great Britain are a plague against humanity. And yet, even though the Koran is compared in some quarters to Hitler's book, "Mein Kampf," a blueprint for 'the struggle,' the media and Western governments continue to turn a blind eye to the threat radical Islam poses. Like a potent acid, the hateful ideas spread by radical Islam are slowly eating its way throughout the hearts and minds of the faithful. Islamic fascists have confronted the free, secular world. Are we to sit idly by and wait until it's too late or do we compel our leaders to dispel the myth?

BF: Adding a link to the latest Beltway Traffic Jam.

Contributed by Karl Bossi on August 23, 2006 at 12:01 PM in Best of Old War Dogs, Islamism Delenda Est, Karl Bossi | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack

Wednesday, 16 August 2006
 

Karl Bossi: What Would Our Forefathers Do?
Contributed by Bill Faith

A "Best of Old War Dogs" featured post. The webmaster is backdating this post to keep it near the top of the blog for a while. Please scroll down for newer posts.

This item was originally posted 2006.08.13.17:40.

Karl's at Lake Tahoe doing his blogging and emailing from a coffee shop with a WiFi hotspot, which limits our troubleshooting on any technical problems he runs into. For some reason, possibly just a temporary hiccup (I'm hoping), TypePad wouldn't let him post this himself.

What Would Our Forefathers Do?

Throughout the chaotic days of the American Revolution, an early blogger, Thomas Paine, a Quaker and a pacifist, distributed a pamphlet entitled Common Sense that stirred the hearts of his countrymen and the roots of the rebellion took hold. Most Americans of recent generations never read about this brilliant thinker and firebrand whose eloquent writings helped overthrow a suppressive government. And fewer people today know how close the insurrection of 1776 came to being thwarted. A few bad turns of the weather, including the lack of favorable winds for British sailing ships, British strategic and tactical missteps, and simple bad decisions on the fields of battle, pure luck, and Acts of Providence allowed a rag-tag rabble of undisciplined colonists defeat one of the most modern and proven military machines in the world, the British Army. George Washington lobbied hard for the job of commander of the colonial army but soon came to lament the day his wish was granted. But, Washington didn’t quit when the situation appeared bleak and elect to ride home to his Virginia estate and the promise of sleeping in a warm bed beside his wife, Martha. Fortunately for us, a grateful nation, he stayed the course and chose to take the advice of his staff. A staff made up of average citizens that shared his limited field experience leading large military forces.

Today, America faces a myriad of critical and dangerous national security issues, including porous borders that have allowed in thousands of illegal immigrants. The solutions to these issues have to be real and effective, not driven by politics. The new U.N. agreement to bridle Hezbollah in Lebanon is flawed; it is very doubtful it can lead to lasting security for Israel. Many believe that Lebanese and U.N. military forces do not have the will or capability to neutralize the Hezbollah threat, a seasoned force nurtured and supplied by Iran. Some authorities feel that the government of Iran unleashed Hezbollah to draw the world’s attention away from their nuclear weapons program. Not before the governments of Iran and their logistic facilitator, Syria, appreciate that negotiations are preferable to hostilities can a lasting peace in the Middle East begin to take hold. 

The threat of Islamic terrorism has been with us for decades. But, when a group of Iranian students held Americans hostage in their embassy in Tehran, our government appeared impotent. It set the stage for the Greek tragedy currently unfolding before our eyes. President Jimmy Carter’s inability to take immediate, resolute action emboldened the militant Iranians and led to the rise of the radical Muslims currently in power in Tehran. Whenever weakness is detected in a system or a government, evil entities try to take advantage. Islamic terrorism directed at the West is a separate and personal issue since America is the prime target. Trying to instill democratic principles into radical Muslim societies is counter-productive. Those involved hate all libertine Western societies and what they represent. The inherent and ongoing potential to create chaos in our midst is more serious than average citizens realize. Our leaders must be proactive before radical Muslims launch a potentially crippling blow against our economy or the seat of national power. Should measures require the loss of some personal freedoms, so be it. Most Americans who love their country understand that the war on terrorism is perhaps the greatest challenge that this nation has ever faced. For those amongst us who wish to turn away and not face this realty, I have no sympathy.

It is doubtful that the hostage debacle in Tehran would have occurred if President Ronald Reagan had been on watch in the White House during those dark days. Just ask Khadafy of Libya. Libya felt Reagan’s wrath after a terrorist bomb in Germany killed Americans. Many years ago I served under a grizzled colonel, the Director of Logistics of the 401st Tactical Fighter Wing. The words of one of his favorite expressions still ring true. “An army of rabbits led by a lion is stronger that an army of lions led by a rabbit.” We need lions not rabbits to lead us in the days to come and take decisive action. What would Thomas Paine, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, George Washington or Thomas Jefferson do if they were here?

Don't miss the ad for Karl's book on our sidebar.

***

Linking to the latest Beltway Traffic Jam

Contributed by Bill Faith on August 16, 2006 at 12:01 PM in Best of Old War Dogs, Bill Faith, Current Affairs, Islamism Delenda Est, Karl Bossi, Remember the Alamo | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack

Tuesday, 15 August 2006
 

Just call the new Dog Moose
Contributed by Bill Faith

Not really a "Best of Old War Dogs" post in the normal sense but the piece I excerpt and link would certainly qualify if it had been written for this site. I'm sure it won't be long till you see Karl's name here again. Please join me in welcoming him to the pack.

The webmaster is backdating this post to keep it near the top of the blog for a while. Please scroll down for newer posts. This item was originally posted 2006.08.13.03:25.

Just Call Me Moose!
Growing Up Italian in Boston
By Karl R. Bossi

The kid growing up on the slick gray cobblestone streets in the Dorchester section of Boston never savored those days until decades later. My determined grandfathers, one a carpenter, the other a bricklayer, came from northern Italy and Switzerland to work alongside other immigrant tradesmen to shape Boston. Their brains and brawn helped make the city of my birth a unique place. Many books and speeches have celebrated the early entrepreneurs, cultured intellectuals, and powerful politicians; their legacies are etched in stone. Yet, the ordinary, blue-collar working people received little praise as they toiled quietly to make a difference. Self-reliance, perseverance, industry, frugality, and good sense ensured success. My quest to save their story told me so.

[Read on.]

It is my pleasure to announce Karl Bossi, LTC USAF (Ret) as the newest member of the Old War Dogs pack. Watch for Karl's first post any day now.

Contributed by Bill Faith on August 15, 2006 at 01:30 PM in Bill Faith, Karl Bossi, Site Notes | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Wednesday, 28 June 2006
 

Who Are We?
Contributed by Bill Faith

It all started with an email from Russ Vaughn, which I posted here. That set off a flurry of emails which led to the creation of this site. I'll let Russ explain more:

Through the magic of the blogosphere it is becoming increasingly evident that there are a lot of old dogs out there mastering the new tricks of this 21st Century phenomenon. While some are technically skilled enough to create their own sites, like your host Bill Faith, far more fall into my category: those who tenaciously hunt and peck out their opinions on war, society and life in general, and have only the basic computer skills requisite to sending those opinions into the ether of this wonderful thing called the Internet.

Old War Dogs is a site designed for these old dogs to practice their new tricks without having to compete with the fluid skills of younger, more technically savvy bloggers. While we may be too old to carry a gun in the ranks, we can still pound these keys. Mao’s dictum that political power flows from the barrel of a gun, while true, predates the blogosphere; and this old dog bets the Chairman would be truly stunned at the power that flows from the keyboard.

Blog on you old mutts!

	Ron is entitled to wear stars and numerals indicating multiple awards of several of the ribbons shown. The webmaster has so far been unable to obtain suitable artwork. Sgt (E-5) Winter, Ronald United States Marine Corps 1966 - 1970
	See all of Ron's Old War Dog posts in one place here.

Ronald Winter is an author, public relations executive, college professor and award winning journalist. He regularly writes and speaks on matters of public interest including the military, politics and the Vietnam War particularly as it relates to the ongoing War on Terror in Afghanistan and Iraq. Ron is author of the book Masters of the Art, A Fighting Marine’s Memoir of Vietnam published by Random House, and regularly posts commentary on war and politics in his column Winter's Soldier Story at his website www.RonaldWinterbooks.com. He grew up in the farming country of upstate New York near Albany where he gave up an academic scholarship at the State University there in 1966 to join the Marines and fight in Vietnam. Ron was a helicopter crewman and machine gunner, flying 300 combat missions. After Vietnam he returned to his studies earning undergraduate degrees in Electrical Engineering and English Literature. In a two-decade journalism career that included stints as investigative reporter, supervising editor and columnist, Ron was the recipient of several awards and a Pulitzer nomination.  He owns Spectre Communications where he specializes in marketing, media relations and political communications. He also is the Eastern Representative for Michael J. London & Associates public relations firm. Ron is an adjunct professor of communication at the University of Hartford.

	SP/4 Mellinger, George M. U. S. Army 1969-1970 Viet Nam October 1969-October 1970 39 Engineer Bn, 18 Engineer Brigade Texas Army National Guard 1971-1972
	See all of George's Old War Dogs posts in one place here.

George Mellinger received a BA in Psychology in 1968 and began graduate school, but enlisted in the Army in 1969 as the one acceptable way to avoid the draft. His primary MOS was 12B20 Combat Engineer, but in Vietnam he served as battalion Kit Carson Scout handler and then as a line squad member, before being REMFed back to the company motor pool. After ETS, he worked for the Veterans Administration for seven years before returning to school to study history. He also volunteered for a year in the Texas Army National Guard. As a history student he specialized in Russian History, in which he is ABD, and also studied Early Islamic History; all his degrees are from the University of Minnesota. He has taught at university level, and is the editor/author of two academic volumes on the Soviet armed forces and the author of four (and counting) commercial books on Soviet Aviation history.  He continues to follow military matters, particularly Russian/ex-Soviet, and hopes to die “on duty” at his keyboard. He is also hated on the web under the screen name Rurik. Rurik has been a frequent contributor to Small Town Veteran, where he introduced himself to STV readers with this post. Click here to see the entire STV Rurik collection. George has resigned from Old War Dogs effective 2007.01.21 and now posts at Veteran-American Voices.

	SGT (E-5) Krupienski, Robert U.S Army 1961-1964, 1964-1967
	See all of Bob's Old War Dogs posts in one place here.

Bob spent 6 years on active duty with the Army starting in February of 1961, taking his basic at Ft Leonard Wood, Missouri. They had wooden barracks and coal burning furnaces for heat and hot water back then. From there he went to a Nike Missile base northwest of Cincinnati (D Btry, 5th Msl Bn, 56th Arty, Oxford, Ohio). That was his duty station for his first enlistment, which ended in February of 1964. After Bob was discharged he bummed around the country for a while with no real plans for the future, then re-enlisted in late 1964. Upon re-enlistment Bob was assigned to Brooke Medical Center for Med Records training. During his training he learned that his father was terminally ill so he requested a compassionate assignment to the Chicago area. The request was taking forever. Finally, his brother got hold of a powerful Chicago Alderman and within days Bob was at his duty assignment at the 5th Army HQ in Chicago, at 51st and Hyde Park near the Museum of Science and Industry. He was there about a year. From there Bob went to Korat, Thailand and was assigned to the 31st Field Hospital which was part of the 9th Logistics Command. As the end of he assignment came near I requested and got a 6 month extension . That put him back in the states with less than 3 months to go so he got an early out. Bob is currently working for a engineering firm in downtown Chicago. He has been with them for 30 years and spent 25 of those years at job sites during construction. They are in the power industry. Bob tells me: I am sure I am not the only one who, as we reach our twilight years, has found the need to re-connect with people from out military days. The need became stronger for me beginning March of 2007. I, and around 30,000 other vets and supporters went to DC to keep Hanoi Jane and her followers away from the Vietnam War Memorial. I met a lot of vets there but none from my old units. That was also the time I decided to join the Patriot Guard Riders. Yep, even at my age I ride a motorcycle.

	SSGT King, Lloyd A. U.S Army 1967-1973, 1986-1992 1st Squad, 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division Airmobile Republic of South Vietnam, 1968 - 1969
	See all of Lloyd's Old War Dogs posts in one place here.

Lloyd A. King, Jr. was born in the rural town of Batavia in western New York State.  Lloyd graduated high school in Sweetwater, Texas and attended college at Philadelphia College of Art in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania majoring in Industrial Design with a minor in Fine Arts. Lloyd's many aspirations were put on hold in 1967 during the Vietnam War when he was drafted into the U.S. Army.  Lloyd served as a non-commissioned officer in the infantry with the 101st Airborne Division-Airmobile during 1968 and 1969, the two worst years of the war. Following Vietnam, Lloyd worked in the Oil and Gas Industry for twenty-eight years retiring as a Director of Safety and Training.  In conjunction with his notable career, he lived in nine states and traveled to numerous foreign countries.  He and his wife live in Lafayette, Louisiana, which he refers to as his adoptive Cajun hometown.  Lloyd began delving into the world of creative writing as a combat infantry soldier in 1968.  He penned his emotions, experiences, and the sights and sounds of war in the form of poetic vignettes while in the jungles of South Vietnam.  He described the things he couldn’t tell his family back home. Thirty years after surviving Vietnam, Lloyd decided to tell his family about his experiences, but he couldn’t verbalize events that still haunt him today like the rage of a fierce thunderstorm.  On July 28, 1998, he began a literary mission to tell others what the war was like…hoping that his family and friends would understand the war and better understand Lloyd as well. Lloyd considers himself very blessed to be alive.  Wounded twice, he experienced many of life’s terrible adversities firsthand…and somehow survived.  Through seeing death, fear, killing, and atrocity, he learned about his own mental and physical capabilities and limitations. (Click here to read more.) Lloyd has resigned from the Old War Dogs pack effective 2008.02.28

	Gene is entitled to wear 2 Oak Leaf Clusters on his Presidential Unit Citation and two stars on his Europe/Africa/ Middle East Campaign Ribbon. The webmaster has so far been unable to locate suitable artwork.  Sgt. Harrison, Gene Hq 1st Bn 254 Inf 63 Div United States Army "Death before Defeat"
	See all of Gene's Old War Dogs posts in one place here.

"Gene Harrison" is the nom de guerre of a WW II veteran who served in Europe with Hq 1st Bn, 254th Inf, 63rd Infantry Division from Aug 1943 to June 1945, and then with SHAEF until April 1946. His regiment was attached to the First French Army for the Colmar campaign.  He and his battalion were awarded the Croix de Guerre by General Charles de Gaulle. The 63rd made the first break in the Siegfried Line near Ensheim Germany, where Sgt Harrison received a Bronze Star for gallantry in action on March 19, 1945. When the war in Europe ended, a chance meeting of an old friend resulted in his transfer to SHAEF Signal Corps, where he served with General George S. Patton, Jr., until Patton’s death in December 1945. On his return to Com Z he used the GI bill to train up through the PhD. That degree opened various faculty appointments in several Ivy League universities. His CV boasts more than 100 publications, including original work in peer-reviewed journals and several widely quoted books. He is, without question, a blot on the “liberal,” academic landscape.

	GMG3 Gardner, Steven M. U. S. Navy Feb. 1965 to Feb. 1971 Vietnam Service: 1966-1967 Cam Ranh Bay, 1968 – 1969 An Toi , Cat Lo, Vung Tau    "Other than 3months in GMG A school and 4 months aboard the USS Nereus AS-17 the rest of my time was spent in the Republic of Vietnam aboard  Three different divisions of Coastal Squadron 1."
	See all of Steve's Old War Dog posts in one place here.

Steve Gardner, known in some circles as "the tenth brother," served in the U. S. Navy from 1965 to 1971, spending almost the entire time patrolling the rivers and canals of Viet Nam as a swift boat crewman, including 2.5 months as John Kerry's gunner on PCF 44. He came home to raise 3 loving children and 4 loving grandchildren, whom he visits as often as he can get to Cincinnati. He worked and ran boat dealerships in three different states prior to the Kerry wars, after which he spent two years out of work; the company he's now with hired him knowing all about his background and he now covers three states and loves what he's doing.

	SSgt (E-5) Faith, Billy D. USAF 1970 - 1974, USAFR 1974-1975 Viet Nam, 1971-1972 (14th, 8th Aerial Port SQs, PACAF)
	See all of Bill's Old War Dogs posts in one place here.

In the spring of '70, with American troops in Cambodia, National Guardsmen at Kent State and hundreds of long haired smelly people running around with "If you aren't part of the solution you're part of the problem" signs Bill Faith decided college just didn't seem "relevant" any more and enlisted in the Air Force. After training and a few months at Kelly AFB to practice what he'd been taught, Bill arrived at Cam Ranh Bay Air Base in November of '71 for six months of shuffling papers around trying to look busy. When the air base was shut down as a result of Congressionally mandated troop cuts right in the middle of the NVA's spring offensive, Bill was reassigned to Ton Son Nhut Air Base in Saigon for 90 days Delay Enroute on the way home. Tired of shuffling papers, he volunteered at that point for the 8th Aerial Port Squadron's Mobility (Bare Base) Team and got an opportunity to do some site-seeing in such beautiful exotic places as Cam Ranh Bay (where the Mob team was the only Air Force presence; the base was shut down, remember?), Qui Nhon (likewise) and Kontum (where there'd never been a real air base to begin with). The highlight of Bill's Viet Nam experience was not dying at Kontum. After Viet Nam, Bill spent several boring months looking busy at Bergstrom AFB waiting for his ETS date. When he returned to civilian life the GI Bill made it possible for Bill to spend two years at the University of Texas, earning a BSEE with Highest Honors degree in 1976, and later an MEEE degree from UT Arlington. After stints with Motorola in Fort Worth, Emerson Electric in St. Louis, and Rockwell International in Cedar Rapids, Bill was given an opportunity to "explore his interests in other areas" when Defense Secretary Cheney told Congress it would be OK to cut the defense budget a little and Congress overreacted. After a few months of odd jobs and freelance computer programming Bill settled into a technical support role, first spending 8 months answering a Microsoft telephone and later at an "outsourcing" contractor which provided technical support for several major PC and peripheral manufacturers. When Bill's health problems became worse about the same time someone realized Indians can answer email and some Canadians sound American enough to answer the phone, Bill entered early retirement. The VA considers Bill "Totally and Permanently Disabled" (non-Service Connected) and sends him just barely enough money to survive on every month. To the extent his health permits, between occasional trips to Ft. Worth to visit his daughter and grandson he spends the bulk of his time surfing the web and blogging. Prior to becoming webmaster for Old War Dogs, Bill blogged at Small Town Veteran, and before that at In Bill's World. *** Update: Bill is also now blogging at an OWD satellite site, Bill's Bites.

	Sgt Dog, Gray USAF 1970 – 1974, USAFR 1974 – 1976 5008th Tactical Support Squadron, Elmendorf AFB, AK 3902nd Air Base Wing, SAC HQ, Offutt AFB, NE
	See all of The Gray Dog's Old War Dogs posts in one place here.

The Gray Dog was born in West Virginia but grew up in the Detroit area.  After graduating high school in 1969 with a student deferment in hand, he entered Wayne State University as a Music Major.  After a sudden illness in his second semester forced him to withdraw from classes, the Selective Service saw fit to reclassify him 1A.  With a low lottery number and a new draft status, Mike decided to be proactive and enlist in the Air Force in July 1970.  His hopes of becoming an Air Traffic Controller were dashed when he didn’t pass the vision test, thus the Air Force armed him computer training and shipped him off to Alaska. At Elmendorf AFB all newly arrived airmen were assigned to a Security Police Augmentee Team. So when he wasn’t defending the country from behind a computer console, The Gray Dog was issued an M16 and walked guard duty during the long Alaskan nights.  Two years later he was reassigned to SAC HQ at Offutt AFB, NE.  There, he was an Operations Supervisor assigned to the 3902 Air Base Wing. After leaving the Air Force, The Gray Dog remained in the computer industry as a mainframe software developer which he still does today, making him a dinosaur in the industry. In 2004, with the maniacal rants Michael Moore and John Kerry proliferating through the air waves, The Gray Dog decided to add his voice to the conservative blogs that were springing up throughout the country by starting his web site and assisting and contributing to his son’s site, IHateJohnKerry.net.  He  also was a contributor at Reject Liberalism and it was also during this time that he began regular correspondence with Old War Dog Jim Bartimus.    The Gray Dog and Jim became fast electronic pen-pals and contributed frequently at each others site.  The Gray Dog has recently resurrected his own fine site, The Gray Dog

	Del is entitled to wear a V for Valor device on his Navy Commendation Ribbon. The webmaster has so far been unable to locate suitable artwork. Cpl. Del Vecchio, R. J. U.S. Marine Corps 1966 - 1968
	See all of Del's Old War Dogs posts in one place here.

When R. J. Del Vecchio entered the Marines in 1966 the Marine Corps decided to make use of his BS and MS in chemistry and assigned him to a Photography MOS. He spent from Dec '67 to Nov '68 in Viet Nam, working as a Combat Photographer for the 1st Marine Division, based in Da Nang, and traveled over most of I Corps, from An Hoa in the southern tip to Hue most of the way north. Many of his photographs are in the National Archives, College Park, MD. After his service in Vietnam, Del continued working in the field of chemistry and became a pro-veteran activist using his experience and knowledge of the conflict in SE Asia. His book, Whitewash/Blackwash: Myths of the Viet Nam War, co-authored with Mr. Bill Laurie, explodes many of the major myths of the Vietnam War. Now active in veteran circles, also Director of a charity for disabled ARVN vets suffering still in Viet Nam, been back there twice in the last 15 months to find and help them. He is also a regular lecturer in high schools and colleges on the history of the war. Learn more about Whitewash/Blackwash, including ordering information, here. Learn more about The Vietnam Healing Foundation, which Del directs, here. Click here and here while you're at it.

	MSgt (E-7) Craig, Bobbie USANG 1973-1976, 1982-2004 Desert Shield, Desert Storm 1990-1991 Various periods of Active Duty 1973-2004
	See all of Bobbie's Old War Dogs posts in one place here.

("Bobbie Craig" is the nom de blog of a retired Air National Guard NCO who prefers to keep her real identity secret for reasons the webmaster knows and considers perfectly valid.) As the daughter of a career Army man, it was a family joke that whatever "Bobbie" grew up to be, it would be in the Army. Years later, Bobbie was expecting to pursue a career in federal law enforcement and found that the competition usually included military police experience. In order to keep up, in spite of the fact that we were in the midst of a serious conflict in a little place called Viet Nam, Bobbie tried to enlist, but insisted that it would be for military police training. The Air National Guard finally called and said that they could guarantee her a slot in that career field. So, it was off to Lackland for basic and SP training in 1973. That was the beginning of a very satisfying career with the ANG, to include interesting trips to some fascinating places in a wide variety of assignments. Special memories for Bobbie include being one of the first 4 women to graduate from USAF Law Enforcement technical training (back in the day when women were not issued combat boots. Ever done the low crawl in regular shoes, guys?); packing C-130's for deployment all over the world in support of every imaginable contingency; riding those hulking birds all over the world, wearing out 5 laptops doing load plans during Desert Storm, printing the final ones to get the units home with no screen; and getting to drive to DC on 9-12-01 to support operations there. After retirement in the spring of 2004 it was Bobbie's honor to stand with other veterans who opposed the lunacy of Kerry running for the presidency. That group continues operations in opposition to the Idiots for Peace as they work to undermine all the sacrifices we have made.

	CPT Briscoe, Shane U.S. Army, 1971-1976 2/34 Armor, Ft. Carson 4th Infantry Division Headquarters, Ft. Carson 1/77 Armor, Ft. Carson 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Nuremberg
	See all of Shane's Old War Dogs posts in one place here.

Shane Briscoe is the pseudonym (for purely business reasons) for a West Point graduate (Class of ’71) and former Army Captain who, though he signed up at the height of Vietnam, ended up missing combat altogether. The son of an Army officer (we call them “Brats”), Shane grew up on Army Posts around the world, from Germany to Hawaii and in between.  He sought nomination to West Point with the goal in mind of a military career, but such was not to be. “Vietnam changed the Army, and not for the better,” Shane says.  “Fighting a war with one hand tied behind your back and no strategy for clear victory will do that to any army.  Having said that, I thank my West Point classmates and everyone else who stayed in and fixed things so that we have the professional, dedicated, lethally effective force we have today.” Commissioned an Armor officer, Shane served as a Platoon Leader and Executive Officer in two Fort Carson tank units and later at 4th Infantry Division Headquarters as a Public Affairs and Information Officer (“I was setting myself up for civilian employment”) before being posted to Germany in 1974.  “My Dad always told me volunteering was bad luck, but I wanted a short tour so I could be in the United States to find a civilian job when my commitment expired in 1976; I volunteered for Vietnam first, and then Korea.  They told me, ‘Lieutenant, you’re on orders for Germany,’ and that was that.” Shane was assigned to the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, the oldest regiment on continuous active service in the U.S. Army.  Its mission at the time:  Patrol the southern sector of the East German Border, along with the Czech Border as the very frontline NATO force.  "In other words, we were the tripwire tasked with delaying the Warsaw Pact until our heavy divisions could organize.  Gen. Tommy Franks of Iraq War fame was a fellow regimental staff officer." Leaving the military in June 1976, Shane went into corporate public affairs, serving first as speechwriter for the chairman of a major utility company before finding his true calling in the oil business in 1980.  He now works as a senior executive with an international oil and gas company headquartered in Houston. “There is nothing more important than fighting and winning the War on Terror,” Shane believes.  “This is World War III and the stakes are every bit as high as in World War II, the American Civil War and our Revolution.  The rest of the world is too decadent and too socialist (same thing) to recognize it, but this war is also a fundamental clash of civilizations—the modern, Judeo-Christian, human-justice forces of Western Civilization against barbarians, pseudo-religious zealots stuck in the Middle Ages with no morals and, more important, no restrictions on their behavior.  Winning this war, and winning it decisively, is the only option.  It is the challenge of our age and a life or death struggle for our way of life.” Shane also has his own blog at AyesRight.

	Karl is entitled to wear an Oak Leaf Cluster on his Air Force Commendation Medal, 3 bronze stars (instead of the one shown) on his Vietnam Service Medal, and 4 Oak Leaf Clusters on his Air Force Service Longevity Medal. The webmaster has so far been unable to locate suitable artwork.  LTC (Ret.) Bossi, Karl R. Enlisted, U.S. Air Force Reserve 1959 – 1962 (94th Troop Carrier Wing - Hanscom AFB, Bedford, MA) Officer, U.S. Air Force 1962 – 1982 (Japan, Vietnam, Spain, Turkey, U.S.)
	See all of Karl's Old War Dogs posts in one place here.

The youngest of three brothers, Karl Bossi was born and raised in Boston in the predominantly Irish section of Dorchester, a few years prior to the start of World War II. His brothers served in the USAF but Bossi chose to make the military a career. He could never know that the C-119 flying boxcars he supported as an airman would one day fly combat missions as AC-119 Gunships from his base in Vietnam. As a nuclear weapons/conventional weapons maintenance officer and later an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) officer, Bossi worked in various squadron-level and staff assignments. He managed nuclear and conventional weapons operations, performed operational testing of new weapons, led a munitions squadron in Spain, advised the Turkish Air Force, and directed nuclear weapons stockpile activities. In 1968 after graduating from the Navy EOD School in Indian Head, MD, Bossi volunteered for Vietnam and was assigned to the 14th Special Operations Wing at Nha Trang Air Base. As the officer in charge of the EOD Team he gained first-hand knowledge of Viet Cong bombs, bullets, and booby traps. In 1982 Bossi retired at Kirtland AFB, Albuquerque, New Mexico as the Chief, Maintenance and Quality Assurance Division, Field Command Defense Nuclear Agency. He landed a position there as an aerospace logistic engineer at Sperry Flight Systems, later Honeywell Defense Avionics Systems Division. Over the next 15 years Bossi contributed to many key defense avionics programs involving the B-1B bomber, OH-58D helicopter, F-117 stealth fighter and C-17 transport aircraft. Bossi holds graduate degrees in counseling and guidance and procurement management and is a published writer and author of a 5-star memoir, entitled Just Call Me Moose. Bossi's articles with photos have appeared in the Albuquerque Journal, Albuquerque Tribune, Albuquerque Business Journal, New Mexico Magazine and the nationally syndicated Country Woman Magazine. Learning conservative principles started early for him. Fifty years ago as the Editor of the Yearbook at Boston Technical High School, Bossi ended the prologue with these words: “May God grant us strength to surmount the obstacles which lie ahead in a world made difficult by conflicting philosophies and aggressive governments.” Today every American must fully grasp the consequences of failing to win the war on terrorism. The Old War Dogs who launched this website understand. Karl has announced his resignation from the Old War Dogs site effective 2006.10.22.

	SP/4 Bartimus, James R. U.S. Army 1970-1973 Vietnam June 71-March 72 102nd Engr Co. 815th Engr Bn Camp Dillard Co E, 1st Engr Bn, 1st Inf Div Ft. Riley, Ks.
	See all of Jim's Old War Dogs posts in one place here.

Jim Bartimus was born and raised on a farm in the hills of Illinois. He enlisted in the Army during his junior year in high school. He was trained as a crawler tractor operator (62E20) with the combat engineers at Ft Leonard Wood. From there he went to NCO schooling for senior operators and was deployed to Viet Nam in 1971 as a SP/5 with the 102nd Engineers CS at Camp Dillard in the central highlands near Da Lat. The mission at hand was to build QL-20, a main corridor to the southern part of the country. This was a full circle operation with rock crushers, asphalt plant and an off compound rock quarry. The sergeant running the drilling and blast crew in the quarry rotated out and Jim replaced him after learning the tricks of the trade. He received his hard stripe E-5 ranking with an MOS for quarrymen (62G30) and also did the EOD work when required. Using time delay caps on 200 shot patterns with between 2000 and 3000 lb of TNT you can pretty much pile the rock anywhere you want it, and we were good at it. Those three steps are still in the side of that hill and will be forever. The 102nd was slated to stand down in 72 and some of the upper echelon changes didn’t seem to agree with those that were working off compound in the real war zone. (long story).  JB got demoted to SP/4 and was replaced with an E-6 and continued with his work in the quarry. The day he held that badly wounded mans (Sgt Roher’s) head in his lap shielding his eyes from the sun will never be forgotten. He ran a track drill over a booby-trapped 81mm mortar round that was meant for me. We also lost the life of an old papasan that day that was very dear to me. I will never forget the Vietnamese friends that I had over there and the compassion we had for them. They weren't all the enemy. Jim rotated back to Ft. Riley Kansas in March of 72 after the 102nd stood down and was assigned to Co E 1st Engr Bn 1st Inf Div, which was a floating bridge unit. After leaving the military Jim returned to Illinois and married a nice Irish girl, and worked as a mechanic in the automotive and the trucking industry. He accepted a position in Texas doing engine (irrigation) rebuilds & machine work and spent 12 years working there and raising their son in a good environment. JB is back in Illinois now and works for one of the largest independent oil field operators working the Illinois basin. His current job is process management and control stuff and taking care of the onsite 3 Megawatt power generation facilities and doing computer work and web authoring after hours for entertainment. Jim is also the proprietor of the fine Fractured Fairy Tales site.

	Capt. (O-6) Bailey, Larry U.S. Navy 1962-1990
	See all of Larry's Old War Dogs posts in one place here.

A native of East Texas, where he graduated from Marshall High School and Stephen F. Austin State College, Larry Bailey was raised on a dairy farm, where he milked an estimated 300,000 Holsteins and Jerseys. Upon graduation from college, he went to Navy Officer Candidate School and was commissioned an ensign in 1962.  After a less-than-stellar eight months as a destroyer sailor, he volunteered for Underwater Demolition Training at Little Creek, Virginia, and graduated therefrom in January 1964.  After spending a year at UDT-22, he transferred to SEAL Team TWO, where he spent the next three years.  Among his deployments at that command were combat tours to the Dominican Republic and Viet Nam. Larry's 27-year Navy career saw him stationed in Panama, Bolivia, Scotland, the Philippines, and Viet Nam, in addition to various stateside postings, which included Little Creek, VA; Coronado, CA; and Ft. Bragg, NC.  He commanded Naval Special Warfare Unit TWO in Machrihanish, Scotland, and Naval Special Warfare Center in Coronado.  He retired from the US Special Operations Command in 1990. Since retirement, Larry has worked as a consultant, speechwriter, fundraiser, and general gad-about.  His most notable activities included presiding over Vietnam Vets for the Truth, which campaigned against John Kerry in 2004, and over Vets for the Truth, which unsuccessfully tried to deny John Murtha a 17th term in Congress. Larry and his wife Judy are the parents of two adult children: Tucker and Hallie.

	Arch is entitled to wear an Oak Leaf Cluster on his Distinguished Flying Cross and 10 Oak Leaf Clusters on his Air Medal. The webmaster has so far been unable to locate suitable artwork. Major Arthur, Arch U.S. Air Force 1967-1987
	See all of Arch's Old War Dogs posts in one place here.

Arch Arthur was born in Birmingham, Alabama – the son of an infantry lieutenant who was wounded in Normandy, and again on the first day of the Battle of the Bulge, then gave his life for his country in April 1945. Two years later, Arch's mother married a career naval officer who spent WWII island-hopping the Pacific as a Seabee. His family moved from Gulfport to Guam, Washington DC, Boston, New York and Norfolk. Arch attended public schools and two military academies, graduating from high school in Newport RI. He earned a BA in Asian Studies at the University of Oklahoma and married Judith Kennedy – the daughter of a retired artillery officer. In 1967, 2LT Arthur graduated USAF officer training school. He attended undergraduate navigator training and the F4 aircrew training course before volunteering for South East Asia. He was assigned to Homestead AFB, FL. In 1971 while TDY to Phu Cat, he got orders to the 366 Tactical Fighter Wing at DaNang AB, RVN. During his tour, he flew 164 ½ combat missions. During the 1972 Eastertide Offensive Arch flew Linebacker and strike missions. As a Stormy Forward Air Controller, he and Cisco, his aircraft commander, made 7 passes on a SA-2 site the North Vietnamese set up just south of the DMZ. A site across the border fired five missiles; they saw three. The fourth detonated just below their aircraft. Both engines caught fire and stuck in full afterburner. Flight controls failed crossing the beach and the nose pitched up. As the aircraft slowed to 450 knots, they both ejected and parasailed about 1 Km feet wet. NVA artillery shot at their rafts for half an hour until HH-53s from the 33 ARRS rescued them. After recuperating for 10 days, he returned to Stormy. After Vietnam, he was assigned to 58 TTW at Luke AFB, teaching aircrews to operate the F4C. In 1975, he moved to Clark AB, Philippines in an operational test and evaluation unit – the 1st Test Squadron. In 1978 he served in the 4th TFW at Seymour-Johnson AFB, NC. After 13 years in the cockpit, he accepted an overseas assignment as a US military-political affairs officer in Central America. Returning to CONUS in 1981 with three overseas tours, he finished his career as a staff officer in Air Defense Weapons Center at Tyndall AFB, FL. From concept to operational status, Arthur was responsible for three major range improvement programs – formation drone control, vector scoring and telemetry relay. Before retiring in 1987, Major Arthur had earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and another for extraordinary achievement, the Purple Heart, the Air Medal with 11 oak leaf clusters and other citations. He held aeronautical rating of Master Navigator and a Top Secret SBI clearance. After retiring from the Air Force, Mr. Arthur accepted an executive position with LTV Aerospace and Defense – Missiles and Electronics Group/Sierra Research Division in Buffalo, NY. At Sierra, he was program manager and product line manager of avionics with full profit-loss, orders, sales and performance responsibility for $100 M in active US DoD, foreign military and commercial contracts. In 1999, he was promoted to director of business development, marketing wideband time space position information technology. In 2004, Arch accepted early retirement and founded his own defense electronics firm. In December 2006, he moved from Buffalo to a rural town south of Birmingham.

(Unit patches pending)	OST-6 "Antimedia" U.S. Navy 1968-1974
	See all of Antimedia's Old War Dogs posts in one place here.

Antimedia served in SOSUS, which was secret but has now been declassified.  His entire service was shore-based - one year and three months in training, two years and nine months in Cape Hatteras, NC and two years in Newfoundland, Canada. Antimedia also has a great blog of his own, Media Lies.

	Sgt. Andrew, Martin Royal Australian Air Force, 1977-2005 International Military Liaison Darwin October 1999 – July 2000 RMAF Base Butterworth July 1982 – November 1984
	See all of Martin's Old War Dogs posts in one place here.

Martin Andrew is an Aussie ring in.  Best known for his GI Zhou Newsletter and his contributions to the Jamestown Foundation's China Brief he spent 28 years in the Royal Australian Air force rising to the rank of Sergeant.   A dedicated REMF or Pogue, postings during his career included Malaysia where he received an Australian Service Medal for liver abuse and getting married, and eleven and half years in the Northern Territory. The highlight of his career was being an International Military Liaison Officer from October 1999 to July 2000 in Darwin, during Australia's involvement in East Timor the first time.  He worked as a liaison officer with elements from various forces including the Jordanian Special Forces, South Korean Rangers, Irish Rangers, Canadian Defence Force and the Fijian Defence Force. Martin holds a Masters Degree in Asian Studies and has been to Harvard University as a Research Affiliate on North Asia.  His contributions will be in the area of North Asia, modern weaponry notably infantry weapons ,and modern warfare.  He was trained in many small arms during soujourns to Fabrique Nationale and Heckler and Koch in the 1980s and travelled extensivelly around East Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei from 1991 to 2003 collecting much information about the region for his university research.  He looks forward to contributing to the Old War Dogs but acknowledges he is a pup - he owns a half Staffordshire Terrier/half Australian Red Heeler who is his best friend and companion. Martin Andrew has resigned from the Old War Dogs site effective 23 Nov 2006.

	Gary is entitled to wear 3 Oak Leaf Clusters on his Air Medal, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze OLC on his Air Force Good Conduct Medal, 2 OLCs on his Army Good Conduct Medal, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze OLC on his Air Force Longevity Medal and 3 OLCs on his Outstanding Unit Award ribbon. The webmaster has so far been unable to locate suitable artwork. SMSGT Adams, Gary ("Boomer") U.S. Air Force 1956-1986
	See all of Boomer's Old War Dogs posts in one place here.

Gary was born and raised in Ashland, Wisconsin, on the shore of Lake Superior (some call it Gitcheegumee). He enlisted on June 12, 1956 upon graduation from high school.  Basic training was at Parks AFB, Pleasanton, CA and was one of the very last classes before the base was closed and all basic training moved to Lackland AFB, TX.  Gary's first assignment was to be Itazuke AB, Japan.  He departed Oakland by ship (MSTS M.M. Patrick) and spent 17 days, three days in a typhoon, enroute to Yokohama, Japan.  At Tachikawa his assignment was changed to Kadena AB, Okinawa where he spent the next four years (Dec 56 - Dec 60).  While there he met his Miss Okinawa in 1958 in the Airman's Club. Gary comments: "It took three months of trying to get her attention before she finally spoke to me and three more to get her to go on a movie date". They were married on March 16, 1959 and have one son (48), one daughter (46), eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter who lives with them. Other assignments:  Fairchild AFB, Spokane, WA (Dec 60 - Sep 64), Pease AFB, Portsmouth, NH (Sep 64 - May 66), Ching Chuan Kang AB, Taichung, Taiwan (May 66 - Jun 67), Travis AFB, Fairfield, CA (Jun 67 - Dec 70), Grissom AFB, Peru, IN 9 (Dec 70 - May 72), a second tour at Kadena AB, Okinawa (May 72 - May 80) and finally Andersen AFB, Guam in May 1980 where SMSGT Adams assumed the position of his career as Chief Boomer, Pacific Tanker Task Force.  He retired on March 1, 1986. Gary logged 212 combat support missions (800+ hours) in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam conflict.  Notable historical events he participated in:  Frequent Wind (the withdrawal from Vietnam) - flew 12 hour communication relay sorties on the last two days, 29 and 30 April 1975. He also participated in 8 of the 11 days in December 1972 during Linebacker II when the B-52's conducted an intensive 11 day bombing of North Vietnam.  An unforgettable 11 days it was. After Gary retired he was hired by Pacific Stars & Stripes as the Guam Area Manager.  He held that position until he resigned in December 1989.  Gary is now 100% retired and stays home to take care of his many canine friends and play with his great-granddaughter who will someday be a pilot and take him for a space ride (she already loves airplanes).

Webmaster's note: This post may change as time goes on without being re-dated. I'm still looking for better pictures of some of the ribbons and badges, and the post will grow as we recruit more Old War Dogs.

Contributed by Bill Faith on June 28, 2006 at 07:25 AM in Anthony Pahl, Arch Arthur, Bill Faith, Bobbie Craig, Gene Harrison, George Mellinger, J D Pendry, Jim Bartimus, John "72nd TCS" Werntz, Karl Bossi, Larry Bailey, Lloyd A. King, Martin Andrew, Russ Vaughn, Shane Briscoe, Site Notes, Steve Gardner, The Gray Dog, TorqueJaw, William "1stCav" Page, Zero Ponsdorf | Permalink | Comments (31) | TrackBack