WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2010 – President Barack Obama today announced the official end to combat operations in Iraq during a prime-time Oval Office address, declaring “a new beginning” for the Iraqi people.

“Operation Iraqi Freedom is over,” Obama said, speaking just hours after the launch of Operation New Dawn in Iraq. “The Iraqi people now have the lead responsibility for the security of their country.”

Obama offered high praise for the men and women in uniform whose service and sacrifice led to this “historic moment” in time. (continue reading…)

Today I want to talk about safety equipment. I know that is a little off subject for this blog but here is my reasoning. Like many of you, I have relatives who not only served in the armed forces of the United States but they currently serve in civilian law enforcement. Many of our National Guard troops also serve as police and sheriffs officers, so it is important to properly equip them.

Just like the equipment our soldiers and marines wear in the battlefield, our stateside civilian law enforcement officers also wear law enforcement equipment. The proper equipment is essential in order to keep the officers safe, as well as help them protect those who are in need of assistance. So it is imperative that they have the proper gear to allow them to do their job efficiently and effectively without jeopardizing their safety. (continue reading…)

Did You Know – Fun facts about the National Guard

Did you know Sergeant Leigh Ann Hester, a Guard soldier with the 617^th Military Police Company, Kentucky National Guard, became the first woman in the US Military since World War II to earn a silver Star Medal?

The Story:

Sgt. Hester’s squad was following a supply convoy on March 20, 2005, in Iraq when insurgents ambushed the convoy. Her squad quickly moved into position, cutting off the enemy’s escape route. Hester led her team directly into the line of fire into a flanking position, and then began an assault on a trench line. She and her squad leader cleared two trenches. When the attack was over, 27 insurgents were dead, six were wounded, and one was captured. In June 2005, Hester was the first woman soldier since World War II to be awarded the Silver Star Medal.

Here is a link to the full story from the Washington Post, Friday, June 17, 2005