3rd Batallion, 5th Marines – Dark Horse

A lot of you may have seen the recent facebook posts asking to pray for and support the “Darkhorse Marine Batallion”, and you may not be quite sure who they are. Here is some information regarding our fine Marines.

These Marines are currently deployed in Sangin district, Afghanistan and recently suffered heavy losses, including the loss of 4 Marines from a single bomb attack on their ATV; however, as with all Marines they fight on and according to their CO, they are fulfilling their mission and morale is high. Even so, the VCA extends its’ prayers and wishes for their safe return. Please support our Marines and all our troops in whatever way you can.

Here is the Dark Horse official web site, where you’ll find a current letter from their CO, and ways of supporting them. Here is a link providing a little more detail on the “facebook request“, and for the WikiPedia entry on Dark Horse please go here.

Semper Fidelis

Wikileaks – again

by cbaquerizo History Military News New York Patriots VCA

The following post is the opinion of the poster, and is not approved, directed or otherwise endorsed by the Veteran Corps of Artillery of the State of New York.

Wikileaks is back in the headlines this week after the release of more classified information, including the text of State Department cables. Among other things, the cables reveal the sometimes unflattering descriptions on heads of states and diplomats that the U.S. deals with. The State Department will of course try to contain the damage as much as possible, and is hoping to capitalize on any relationships they may have built to minimize negative results. SecState Hilary Clinton says, “I am confident that the partnerships that the Obama Administration has worked so hard to build will withstand this challenge. The President and I have made these partnerships a priority – and we are proud of the progress that they have helped achieve – and they will remain at the center of our efforts.”

Some may claim that the release of information is vital in order to uncover government waste, inaction and in some cases unconstitutional behavior. I agree, but I believe that in the United States we have something called the “Freedom of Information Act“, that allows citizens and the media to review and reveal important data in a legal manner. More importantly, it allows the release of information in a controlled manner that minimizes the risk (dare I say it) to “National Security“. As with any law, the Act is subject to debate, discrepancies, and flaws, but at least it promotes these debates.

In my opinion, the uncontrolled release of information (especially during wartime) to the public is not only illegal, but downright dangerous to the ongoing efforts of diplomacy and military operations, and a direct threat to field operatives. As far as I’m concerned, anyone responsible for the release should be charged with treason, or espionage or both.

What are your thoughts?

Happy 220th Birthday VCA!

by vcasny Military News

But first…The VCA wishes all of you a Very Happy Thanksgiving. We extend a special holiday wish to our serving troops of all branches at home and abroad. May you stay safe, stand tall, and come home soon to your loved ones.

To all past and present troops of the Veteran Corps of Artillery…Happy Birthday!!!. Today marks the 220th Anniversary of the founding of the Veteran Corps of Artillery of the State of New York.

You are part of an organization with a long and rich history of service and patriotism. From its’ early days to the present, in peacetime and in war, the VCA and its’ members have volunteered for military service whenever the call the came. While the unit today is primarily ceremonial, the VCA still volunteers for service when required. Whether the call is to honor Veterans who have passed, provide comfort to serving troops, or to march in a military or civic parade or ceremony, today’s members are willing and ready to uphold the spirit of honor, tradition and patriotism that the VCA was founded on. Charge the Cannons, Raise the Glass, and make a Toast. Happy 220th Birthday VCA!!!!

HOOOAAHH!!

The VCASNY wiki page states, “The VCASNY is the oldest military organization in New York State. It was formed in Manhattan on Evacuation Day (New York), November 25, 1790, by Veterans of Washington’s Continental Army Corps of Artillery. The founders met at the City Arms Tavern located off Broadway near Trinity Church, to establish an independent artillery company of exempts in the event of a return invasion by the British. Exempts were males beyond serving military age and thereby exempt from regular militia service. They are currently headquartered at Manhattan’s 7th Regiment Armory in the City of New York. Under federal law, they are part of the Organized Militia of the State of New York, and under state law it is an Independent Military Organization and an Historic Military Command.”

Centennial Legion – Elected Officer and Veterans

by vcasny American Revolution Artillery Military News New York Press Release VCA Veteran

As many of you know by now, the new commander of the Centennial Legion is COL. Houstin Spencer. As always, the VCA wishes the COL. their best and much success in the coming year.

Today we write about one the VCA’s very own! At the Annual Director’s meeting, the VCASNY’s own Initiatives Officer, LTC Herman N. Cohen was elected 2nd Vice Commander of the Centennial Legion. He follows in the footsteps of another VCASNY member who served as CLHMC Commander, the VCA’s current Adjutant, COL Matthew G. Cusack, Jr. who served from 1996 -1997.

Best wishes to one of our own!

At the meeting, LTC Cohen, who in civilian life works for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, DC, distributed copies of a DVD he produced, called “Homes for Heroes”. The video is about grants available for severely disabled veterans to adapt their homes for wheelchair accessibility. You can view the video at the VA site here. He is currently working on a new video on assistance to Veterans having financial difficulties called “Alternatives to Foreclosure“. In addition, LTC Cohen’s monthly streaming Internet video broadcasts to Mortgage Lenders, National Service Organizations and Veterans on GI Home Loans and Grants can also be viewed at VA site here. Just go near the bottom of the page to the section labeled “Previous Broadcasts”.

If you are a Veteran, please go to these sites for information on receiving the benefits you’ve earned.

Centennial Legion – Boston and Plymouth

by vcasny American Revolution Artillery History Military News Military Photos New York Patriots Press Release VCA Veteran

It was a busy weekend for the VCA and its’ Centennial Legion sister organizations, and most participants only had time to go from event to event, while catching a little rest in between. The weekend began at a leisurely pace with a private tour of the Old North Church, and was followed by a nice complimentary reception at the Union Oyster House. The Oyster House is the “oldest restaurant in continuous service” in the U.S. Our thanks to BG Milano, Proprietor.

The VCA’s first event was the participation in the Change of Command Ceremony aboard the USS Constitution. It was a grand event hosted by the United States Navy aboard the oldest warship in the U.S. The mantle was passed from CAPT. Ed Hebert to COL. Houstin Spencer in grand style and ceremony. The VCA wishes COL Houstin their best as he takes on his new responsibilities.

In addition to dignitaries of the Centennial Legion, the key note speaker was MG Bray, Commander of the Rhode Island National Guard and Militia. The ceremony was followed by yet another complimentary reception at Warren Tavern. Warren Tavern had been visited by the likes of George Washington and Paul Revere. It was also the site of the first formal Masonic lodge in Boston. The libation was flowing and the food was fresh.

Saturday began with a drive up to Plymouth, MA for the VCA’s participation in the Plymouth Thanksgiving Day Parade. If you weren’t there, the best way to experience it is with photos. Please visit our Flickr Photostream to see many photos, and videos from this event and the weekend.

Stay tuned tomorrow for other Centennial Legion news from the 75th Annual Meeting regarding one of the VCA’s own officers.

Troops out of Afghanistan by 2014

by CPT Stephen Hefler Military News

On Friday, November 19th, heads of State of NATO member countries gathered for a two day summit in Lisbon, Portugal. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss such topics as Afghanistan and missile defense.

For the first time on Saturday, President Barack Obama said he would like to have U.S. troops out of major combat in Afghanistan by the end of 2014. At a closing news conference Obama said, “My goal is to make sure that by 2014 we have transitioned, Afghans are in the lead and it is a goal to make sure that we are not still engaged in combat operations of the sort we’re involved in now.” If Obama’s expectation about ending the U.S. combat mission in 2014 holds, it would mark a turning point in a war that has been going on for 10 years.

In 2009 when Obama entered office, he pledged to end the Iraq war, in order to shift forces, resources, and attention to Afghanistan. Obama calls the fight with Afghanistan a fight the U.S. cannot afford to lose.

The U.S. has about 100,000 troops in Afghanistan; other countries allied to the U.S. have about 40,000.

For full detail, go to Military.com.

The 75th Annual Convention of the Centennial Legion

by vcasny American Revolution Artillery History Patriots VCA

The 75th Annual Convention begins in Boston today at 1200 hours. Members of the VCA, as well as other historical units will participate in many activities including a Change of Command Ceremony aboard the USS Constitution, The Plymouth’s Thanksgiving Day parade, and a couple of tours in historic Boston.

Also know as “Old Ironsides”, the USS Constitution web site states that it is the “world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat, promotes the United States Navy and America’s naval heritage through educational outreach, public access and historic demonstrations, in port and underway” .

For more information on the event, please go to the Centennial Legion web site. Stay tuned for photos and reporting of the event over the next couple of days.

Veterans Reflections

by vcasny History Military News Military Photos Veteran

Veterans Reflections is a collections of stories from men and women that served from WWII to the present. They are stories based on experiences of service and their effect on the veteran. The stories will be published on www.defense.gov throughout the month of November in honor of Veterans Day. Here is the latest story on Michael Tripp, who actually became one of the more famous faces from the Vietnam War.

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Unites States and the Pacific Region

by CPT Stephen Hefler Military News

Australia and the United States have been allies since World War I, and became even closer allies during World War II. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen says, “They fought in every war with us for a long time.” They have “contributed troops and treasure to Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan and worked side by side with American service members in trouble spots from Africa to Kosovo to East Timor.”

With the hopes of improving military-to-military relations with China, Mullen, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, recently visited Australia, to discuss how this can happen with Mullen’s Australian counterpart, someone who has had success in that area. Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd, Defense Minister Steven Smith and Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, were at the discussions to represent Australia.

Also discussed were Australia’s part in military operations in Afghanistan, maintaining security in cyberspace, and India. Mullen says, “India is a rising power and a global economic power.”

For more detail, go to Defense.gov.

More Sophisticated Drones

by CPT Stephen Hefler Military News Military Photos

With the Pentagon aware of the fact that there is a possibility that the next war can begin against an “enemy with a well-equipped Air Force and sophisticated military instead of terrorists armed with guns and roadside bombs,” there is pressure on the Air Force and the rest of the U.S. Military to develop more sophisticated drones and surveillance aircraft.

They worry that with the growing terrorist activities, the aircraft and drones there are in use now will not do good enough job. They’re goal is to make an upgrade so that aircraft are stronger and less visible to radar, and to improve intelligence and surveillance for the U.S. ground troops.

Air Force Lt. Gen. Philip Breedlove says, “By January, the Air Force’s drones will have logged a million hours of combat air patrols over war zones. Starting with only a few drones on 24 hours patrol, the goal is to have 50 on 24-hour air patrols operating by the end of Sept. 2011, and 65 by the same month in 2013.”

For more information, go to Military.com.

VCASNY

Official website of the 9th Field Artillery Regiment

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