An Iraq Army Veteran sent me this email:

I hope you have a great holiday weekend. My friend sent this video to me… I am not ashamed to admit that I cried like a baby when its all said and done. There is a slide of a soldier praying with an Army issued Bible in his hands…That is a friend of mine. Sgt. Jerry Bailey from KY. He was in the National Guard.   My friend did not know that I knew a soldier in this video, when she sent it to me. If she did, she probably never would have sent it. Mostly b/c Bailey was KIA on May 15, 2008 in Iraq. Bailey and I went through Basic, AIT and more together. He was a true friend and I will never forget him.
Anyway, please share this with your Sheepdogs…let them know why they REALLY need to be out there, letting these leftists know how wrong they are.

Melissa

Here’s the video  where she saw Sgt Jerry Bailey holding his Bible, her good buddy and fellow soldier - get a tissue.

Also, a couple Sheepdogs (Kass and Carl) sent some letters to the troops, describing how we are supporting them with our Pro-Troop rallies every week in West Chester.  Here’s a nice reply they received from a soldier named Erin.

I just wanted to write a quick thank you for your letter.  The article you enclosed was extremely motivating.

It is nice to know that there are people who still think about us with respect and good wishes.  My mother always taught me that people show their strength when they stand for what they truely believe to be right, especially when that choice is not popular one.  So thank you for your strength. 
Cpl Erin K.

I was able to attend a tremendous Hero’s Welcome yesterday afternoon for 8-year Army Sgt. Jeremy Detwiler.  Sgt. Detwiler served initially in Korea working on Patriot missiles, but in July 2007 changed his focus to intelligence and was stationed in Balad, Iraq.  Sgt. Detwiler, a 1998 graduate of Boyertown High School, was escorted by a dozen motorcycles (courtesy of Warrior’s Watch) and the local police for his heart-warming reception in Gilbertsville.

As with all of the other Hero’s Welcomes that I’ve done, Sgt. Detwiler described the homecoming to the local news covering the event:

“There are so many people doing great things over there - I almost feel like I don’t deserve all this.”

You deserve it, Sgt. Detwiler.  Just like every single one of you do.

The rest of my pictures from the day can be found here.  If you haven’t ever attended a Hero’s Welcome, they are uplifting and inspiring.  Visit www.aheros-welcome.org and sign up for their mailing list.

Check out our new banner!

SHEEPDOGS LOVE GITMO!

According to a FoxNews.com story, Amnesty International is touring America with a replica of an actual detainee cell from the U.S. Navy Base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The replica, currently on display at the National Mall in Washington, DC, is void of many of the ACTUAL amenities that the detainees currently enjoy.

Here is an excerpt from the article:

But Charles “Cully” Stimson, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Detainee Affairs, lashed out against Amnesty’s campaign, calling it a “complete fraud in misrepresenting the condition of detention at Gitmo today.”

“They are just perpetuating a tired, old lie,” Stimson told FOXNews.com. He said that Amnesty’s description of conditions at the prison differs significantly from other accounts detailing the treatment of detainees over the last six years.

Once again the left is presenting half-truths and downright lies in order to aid and abet a known enemy. What’s next? A roving replica of bin Laden’s cave?

In a May 1, 2008 story FoxNews.com previously reported that “The U.S. military says it goes to great lengths to respect the religion of detainees, issuing them Qurans, enforcing quiet among guard staff during prayer calls throughout the day. All cells in Guantanamo have an arrow that points toward the holy city of Mecca.”

And in a June 29, 2005 article the United States Department of Defense reported,“Members of Joint Task Force Guantanamo, Cuba, go to great lengths to respect the religious practices and beliefs of an estimated 520 enemy combatants being detained there, senior task force leaders told Congress today. Officials described a sweeping program that ranges from educating service members about Muslim beliefs and sensitivities to incorporating those religious practices into nearly every aspect of camp life.

The procedures are so strict, one member of the House Armed Services Committee quipped during today’s hearing that “Guantanamo may be the only place in Cuba where religious freedom is allowed.”

Army Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony Mendez from the task force’s Joint Detention Group explained to committee members the procedures in place to respect Islam practices.

A loudspeaker at the camp signals the Muslim “call to prayer” five times a day - generally at 5:30 in the morning, 1 and 2:30 in the afternoon, and 7:30 and 9:30 at night, Mendez said.

Once the prayer call sounds, detainees get 20 minutes of uninterrupted time to practice their faith, he said. Those who choose to can take advantage of the prayer caps, beads and oil given to them as part of their basic-issue items and pray toward the Muslim holy city of Mecca, in the direction designated by arrows painted in each detainee cell and all common areas. Detainees who display good behavior and abide by camp rules receive traditional Islam prayer rugs as well, Mendez said.”

Sounds like the detainees enjoy more religious freedom than many Westerners do in Arab lands. Go figure.

I received a Sheepdog notice that today, July 1st, the Freedom Calls Foundation has teamed up with a service provider (TANDBERG) to provide FREE video calls to soldiers in Iraq.  In addition to the sites listed in the press release, they have added a Pennsylvania site as well.  If you have loved ones in Iraq, this might be a great chance to see and hear them.
The press release is here.

The Pennsylvania site is:

Doylestown, PA
KBZ Communications Inc.
2003 South Easton Road
Suite 308
Doylestown, PA 18901

VICTORY!

Make your voice for victory heard by signing this online petition to ensure that our troops come home VICTORIOUS and not a moment before. Our troops are fighting terror where it lives to protect Americans where they live and to prevent tragedies like September 11 from ever happening again. By signing this petition you can show your support for victory in the Middle East and also demonstrate to the left that Americans don’t cut and run. We stay until the job is finished and the Iraqi people are secure.

The left seeks to embolden the enemy by supporting an immediate withdrawal of our troops regardless of how this strategy would impact the safety of America and her allies.

For the troops, for victory, and for America.

If Army Captain Ivan Castro isn’t an inspiration to stand on the corner of High and Market every Saturday to oppose leftist anti-American sentiment, I don’t know what is! His story is amazing and will make you proud to be an American.

“When Capt. Ivan Castro joined the Army, he set goals: to jump out of planes, kick in doors and lead soldiers into combat. He achieved them all. Then the mortar round landed five feet away, blasting away his sight.

“Once you’re blind, you have to set new goals,” Castro said. He set them higher.

Not content with just staying in the Army, he is the only blind officer serving in the Special Forces — the small, elite units famed for dropping behind enemy lines on combat missions.”

Read Captain Castro’s inspirational story here.

To contact Captain Castro to thank him for his courageous service click here. Go Army!

Berwyn Honors Future Servicemen

By Brad Vasoli, The Bulletin

Berwyn - Five Conestoga High School Students were honored at the Berwyn Veteran’s Memorial yesterday by area residents and the nonprofit A Hero’s Welcome for choosing military service.

Peggy Layden, of Berwyn, organized the event to honor Mark Moeller, a Conestoga All-School Scholar who will attend the U.S. Naval Academy; twins Joshua and Jonathan Marziale, founders of the Conestoga “Support the Troops” club, who will go to the Naval Academy Prep School; Freddie Heitjan who will head to West Point and Joe Savo who will attend a Naval Academy preparatory program.

“That shows in my mind a demonstration of service to this country,” said two-star Navy admiral Steve Kantrowitz, a candidate for the State Senate in the 19th District who helped put on the event. “At this point, when these young people are leaving their families within the next few days, we all want to get together and let them know how we feel about it.”

Ms. Layden was moved to hold an event for the students after reading about their opting for service in the Conestoga Highs School student newspaper The Scope. “They were willing to go into the service when that’s probably not the most popular route these days,” she said. “People in this community really admire what they’re doing and want to tell them so.”

The leftists were holding another anti-american rally on the courthouse corner today, Sunday June 29.  I noticed these belligerent occupants around 4:30PM while doing my laundry.  They were alone, and the motto - “Not this war, Not these Troops, Not this Time” went through my head, so I grabbed a flag and 3 signs and went out there.

As I approached the corner, there was about 20 of them, holding signs and defaced American flags meant to demoralize our troops will and embolden the enemy.  I couldn’t wait to get there and set up.  As I was walking towards the corner I saw them pointing and laughing at me.

In one hand I had my flag and a “Our Troops Are Heroes” sign.  My other hand held “Proud of Our Troops and their Mission” sign and my foot held the “Peace Protestors Prolong War and Cause More Americans To Die” sign.   I actually wasn’t alone, I had my “ATLAS SHRUGS” t-shirt on…  I looked like 20 people…

In addition, the leftist occupiers took a long march around the block, past all the restaurants and outdoor cafes to interupt the Sunday dinners of decent people and families with their in-your-face divisive political messages.

I took some time to do what we always do, the National Anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a Prayer for our Troops protection and success.   A lot of people were outside and saw me walking home, many said, “Good Job”, one guy came over to shake my hand.   The leftists are hurting our troops and undermining their mission - they think they are funny…..  they don’t know the heart of a Sheepdog.   All it takes is one.

Thanks to all the Sheepdogs who came out on a beautiful Saturday to show public support for our troops and their mission.  Your smiling faces and enthusiasm is a welcome sight to the majority of Americans who want our troops to be victorious.  Special welcome to newcomer Mike Walker - another great American (he’s holding the “God Bless Our Troops” sign and US Flag).

Photos taken by NeoCon, click here to see more from the rally.