Showing posts with label Kansas City. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kansas City. Show all posts

Sunday, July 01, 2007

Terrorism Continues in UK

Another attack occurred Saturday at Glasgow Airport in Scotland.

My prayers are with the Brits.

Rule Brittania!!!

In other news, some idiot here in Kansas City decided to set off a rather large firework(?) strapped to a remote control car in the parking garage at the Ranch Mart Mall. The question mark is because they are not sure exactly what the explosive was. In the midst of attacks in Europe, this was either the most stupid, "I just want to see how loud the explosion will sound in a parking garage." Or, this was someone wanting to add a little to the terror after these attacks and this was the best tools he had available.

Unless the guy's finger prints are in a database somewhere, we may never know.

But, stupid people have started wars. Worse, stupid people may start something here that they can't finish.

Waiting for one of the local news organizations to post up a link.

Monday, June 18, 2007

Soldiers' Angels Day at the K- Military Appreciation Day

Saturday, June 16, 2007 was "Military Appreciation Day" at Kauffman Stadium, home of the Kansas City Royals. Soldiers' Angels, the Patriot Guard and the American Legion Riders were on hand to show how we support the troops!



It was hot and muggy. We started off meeting at the American Legion Post 370 in Overland Park, Kansas. We went to a secondary staging area at the old Bannister Mall where we re-grouped and everyone had a few minutes to admire the motorcycles. The ride captain for the Patriot Guards gave everyone last minute instructions. In particular, STAY OFF THE GRASS!



Everyone jumped on the bikes and into their cars. Then our caravan was on the way. I took the opportunity to shoot some video (of course). We had close to 40 bikes and appx 8-10 cars. A welcome home mission was happening that morning and many joined us later at the K.


We made quite a spectacle going down the highway with all the flags flying. We were stationed in parking lot K behind the stadium in order to access the entrance for the opening event. Soldiers' Angels walked through the parking lots throughout the stadium, handing out cards and showing appreciation to our military men and women in attendance. It was fantastic fun and great comradeship among our organizations and troop supporters.



















A naval reserve component was tasked with walking on to the field with the flags of all fifty states. They organized near our area and came over to admire the bikes before sorting out the order of marching. As noted, it was extremely hot and muggy. After formation was sorted out, we offered water to some of the reserve folks who looked very warm in their uniforms. Soon, in the spirit of Soldiers' Angels around the world, the word spread that we had water and we were handing it out faster than we could get it in the cooler to every enlisted or officer that we could find. Eventually, we were down to nothing but ice and some plastic cups. We gave that away, too!

Many of those who came by for water offered to pay for it. Of course, we told them, "No Way! We're Soldiers' Angels and WE SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!" We did give them our website and told them that they should log on, sign up or, if they felt really pressed to thank us for the water, donate directly to the Angels so that we can continue supporting their deployed brethern.



We then had another briefing before lining up to go into the stadium. Angels walked on carrying American flags, followed closely by the Patriot Guard Riders who made the stadium ROCK! when they opened their throttles in the tunnel to the outfield. The crowd went crazy!















While we were waiting for the Young Marines from Belton, Missouri to bring out the giant flag, some Florida Marlins came out of the bullpen to admire the bikes. The Young Marines had the flag in place and the announcer presented the field to the audience. Over 24,000 people heard about Soldiers' Angels and the Patriot Guards, applause for the troops could be heard for miles. We stood proud for the Angels and for our troops!














An Army Reserve band from Lawrence, Kansas played the National Anthem. As the band played, "O'er the land of the free...", the Patriot Guard Riders opened up their throttles again, the roar of the pipes echoed through the stadium. As the band played, "And the home of the brave" the roaring bikes merged with the thunder of Marine jets as they hit the afterburners and passed overhead. And the crowd went wild again!



It was an awesome event. If you enjoyed the pictures, watch the video at the bottom of this post.

If you are a Kansas City area Angel and would like to participate in these events, watch out for announcements at this site or read our monthly newsletter. You can also email Kansas City Soldiers' Angels at kcsoldiersangelsmo1@gmail.com for information on upcoming events or if you would like to organize a local event.

If you're not a part of Soldiers' Angels yet, what are you waiting for?! Join Soldiers' Angels and let our men and women know that WE SUPPORT THE TROOPS!




- May no soldier go unloved

Saturday, June 02, 2007

Operation Aces High: Poker Run for the Troops




Find out more information here: Operation Aces High: Poker Run for the Troops

Thursday, May 10, 2007

Updates on Events and Meetings

Soldiers' Angels in the Kansas City/Leavenworth area, the Patriot Guard are confirming a mission Monday, May 14th in Leavenworth for Col. Harrison, late of Ft. Leavenworth, killed Sunday in Afghanistan.

Current information can be found here along with special messages.

Those Missouri Angels near Ft. Leanard Wood, a special ceremonial roll call is being held in Waynesville, MO Friday, May 11th. Click here for info and updates.

Saturday, May 12th, Kansas City Soldiers' Angels will be meeting at American Legion Post 370 for our monthly meeting and to discuss final details for our June 3rd Poker run for the troops: Operation Aces High. We need volunteers so please make sure you join us. When we participate, we show the metro area that this organization is legitimate, dedicated and values our men and women in uniform.

Don't forget, Mother's Day is almost here. How can you support the troops and give your mother a gift worthy of her trials and tribulations with you? You can Drop and Give Her $20.

If you're not a member of Soldiers' Angels, you are always welcome. The more Angels the better we are able to support the troops. And don't forget, if you're not a member of Soldiers' Angels, you are always welcome. The more Angels the better we are able to support the troops. Over 35,000 more troops are being called up for Iraq and 4500 in Afghanistan. We need to pull together. We need the help of all of our citizens who believe that serving your nation is an honor and serving those who serve deserves our support.



Soldier Down - Kick Stands Up: PGR Missions Confirmed

John at Castle Arrggh! linked to the story of two soldiers who were killed in Afghanistan on Sunday by a loan gunman in uniform. Reports indicate the Afghani was dressed as an Afghan Soldier, but a message in Angel forums from a soldier in the unit indicates that he might have been dressed as a Afghan police officer.

Thanks Tammy,
I love poems like those, they always bring a little Tear to my eyes.

Its been a little tough here the past couple days, we lost A couple guys from here Sunday. We had a memorial service for Them on Tuesday, I knew one of them, not close but still, when You walk up to their picture and salute them, its heart breaking..
It was a senseless shooting, two guys killed two wounded, some frigging clown dressed up as a police officer.

Well we go on, and deal with it,


The Patriot Guard Riders are confirming the mission for Monday, May 14th in Leavenworth for Col. Harrison. Additional information will be updated here when it is received. Stand-by for details.

A special message was posted in the PGR Forums for the family and in rememberance of Col. Harrison:

To the family of COL James W. Harrison Jr. We have mourned the loss of this great leader who has served his country with honor and was well respected amongst his fellow soldiers. COL Harrison - I have been honored to serve as your Executive officer of the 5th Military Police Battalion CID for a year and half from 1999-2000 in Kasierslautern, Germany. Your superb leadership was well respected by the entire Battalion as well as the 202d Military Police Group CID. Thanks for your continued frienship over the past eight years. As my mentor, I thank you for all that you and your family have done for my family and myself. You were loved and well respected by the Hunt family and we have been honored to again serve with you here at Fort Leavenworth. Our families were close friends and we enjoyed the dinners at your house. When we heard the news our family was shocked and we immedately went to your house to comfort your family. My kids (all 8) made cards for your wife and boys and we sent over some pictures of my promotion ceremony that you participated in last fall. It has been very difficult for all of us who knew you well and were close to you. Our country has lost a great leader who was well loved and repected by his troops. I understand how hard it was to pull your retirement paper work and take this job in Afghanistan. You have sacrificed your life for our great nation. You will not be forgotten and you will always be remembered. I have your picture with myself and my wife at my promotion ceremony in my office at work. I was honored to have you participate in my promotion ceremony (Pictures enclosed). It will hang in my office always, where ever the Army takes me. You will be missed - my mentor, my friend. Our thoughts and prayers will always be with the Harrison family who have supported thier husband and father throughout his military career. May God bless you with his eternal peace always!

Hans F. Hunt
Lieutenant Colonel, Military Police
(Patriot Guard Member)


All Angels, military, PGR and troop supporters stand by.

MSgt Will Sabulu

There will be a Memorial Service/Military Roll Call for Master Sgt. Wilberto Sabalu Friday May, 11th at 11am at Soldiers Chapel on Fort Leonard Wood.

The PGR has been invited and we, will provide a flag line for this service. Also MSG Sabalu is scheduled to arrive at Ft Wood sometime on Saturday. So final arrangements have not been set. Keep reading this thread, I will update it as information is available..

Joe Smith
Sen Mo Ride Capt


Update on the Ride Mission for his funeral has not been provided. Stand-by for details.

Special messages in the forums:

Wil was a friend of mine and was a member of our Family, Freedom Of Road Riders. He was loved by all that knew him, with his positive outlook on everything and his enduring smile. Wil volunteered to go over to Afghanistan, because he felt as a soldier, that he needed to serve in this conflict against terrorism. He was due to come home to us in three weeks.

Wil, I thank you for your service, for your ultimate sacrifice to preserve my freedoms, and I weep at your loss, our Chilly Willy


From Keith at Post 1

To the members of the PGR,
I would like to thank everybody for their heartfelt wishes and condolences for MSG Sabalu. I have known Wil for several years now as his supervisor, fellow NCO and friend and I can honestly say that he was one of the most honest, hardworking and trustworthy men I have known. He was not only well liked by his soldiers and peers but also his supervisors. He was the NCO that people knew that they could count on to not only get the job done but get it done properly. Amy, I know that the upcoming times are going to be extremely rough but if there is anything that I can do please let me know. I have spoken to several members from the DB and they have all expressed their sorrow at losing Wil. The 31E's will not be the same for having lost such a great person.

SFC Collier, Keith (RET)


Monday, May 07, 2007

Soldiers' Angels Kansas City and Talking With Heroes

I have the video of our event up at Soldiers' Angels Kansas City. I was able to interview some wonderful people from the support groups and, even more important, some of our great troops.

Please check out what these folks had to say.

Monday, April 30, 2007

Off the Cuff in Kansas City

I thought I would try to restart something I tried last year, "Off the Cuff in Kansas City" where I'll address whatever topics have been generally eating at me, but I don't have time to make full posts, research or really care to do either.

First up:

Avast Ye Vast Majority

Just who in hades is this "vast majority"? First they support the war, then, according to some these days, they don't support it. They want to win in Iraq, but they want to bring our troops home.

Excuse me if I think that the "vast majority" is full of fat heads. Let's be realistic, the "vast majority" is a lame label for the idiots who spend their time taking online polls. Of which, the "vast majority" has to know that it's fixed. How many times do the same people take the poll in order to rig a number one way or the other? Plenty. I just participated in an online vote to elect someone "Dr. Mc Dreamy". Whether he really was "Dr. McDreamy" didn't matter. We wanted him to win so we flooded the polling by alerting everybody on our list. He is currently in the lead. I guess that makes me an idiot since I took the poll. It was for a good cause.

Every time I see some politician, journalist or, even bloggers, say or write the words "vast majority" I immediate weigh their reporting/opinion with a ton of salt. Mainly because I know that this "vast majority" didn't even vote in the last elections. The polls said so.

If I want to know what the "vast majority" believes, I'll walk up and down my street and ask my neighbors. I'll probably get just about as accurate an opinion as any.

I think the term "vast majority" should start being treated like the word "Nazi". Any time anyone uses the term, right or left of the aisle, I will invoke "Godwin's Law" and start scrolling by.

Out in a Blaze of Glory

What is it with messed up people deciding that they have to take everyone out with them in order to make a statement? What happened to simply killing yourself and leaving all those around you wondering why? Now, some idiot gets a bug up his arse, has a fight with his wife, or thinks the boss is a jackass and they have to start shooting everybody.

They couldn't hang themselves quietly in their garage?

I know, that is unsympathetic and lacking empathy. Shoot me. If the poor soul had actually done that, I could whip up my sympathy to an appropriate degree since I have experience with and comprehend the damage that mental illness can do to the person and their family. I have a problem giving sympathy to anyone that goes to the local school, mall or post office and starts whacking everyone in site no matter how cracked up everyone starts saying they were.

Admitting Mistakes

Pardon me if I don't feel like adding some obligatory "mistakes were made" comment to any post, comment or spoken word regarding the war. I don't comprehend it at all. Particularly in a time of war. All those who claim to know what "mistakes were made" probably don't know crap about what they are talking about, including the president.

Time for review is here and now, but not in a public setting. If the war is so important, appoint new generals and figure it out. Mistakes are always made in war either because we're an idiot or the enemy is smarter. It doesn't mean that we announce them to the enemy so he knows what to do next time. That is my chief complaint about this whole thing. It is not about what I believe or what I don't believe. It is about what the enemy believes or does not believe.

Today, Al Qaeda and its affiliates must believe that Allah has reached down and blessed them with the holy sword.

You do not fight a war by announcing your stupidity. Your enemy already knows. That's why men are dead and land is lost. The question is, will he continue to believe you're an idiot and how do you use that to your advantage?

These days, Osama must think we are such big idiots that he can come out of his cave and sunbathe in a two piece without getting blown to smithereens. Hopefully, he will believe it so well that he does just that and we do blow him to smithereens. As much as things get said about "mistakes" and "losing" this war, you could almost believe that it WAS a disinformation campaign.

Until then, loose lips sink ships.

I think this is all some messed up bit of pop psychology that thinks we should all admit our sins, get forgiveness and move on. Nice theory if you are visiting the priest and you are not the president of a nation at war. This whole "confession" and "absolution" thing has gone too far.