Quote of the Week

Amanda White doesn't want anyone to feel sorry for her.

The 31-year-old Colton resident is proud of her husband, Washington National Guard Spc. Kyle White, and she doesn't appreciate being approached by people who oppose the war and are overly sympathetic about his upcoming deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"Don't feel sorry for me, or us," she said. "This is a career. We chose it. We're proud. I say, 'Our presence is still needed (in Iraq),' and remind them we could have a war on our land. That usually shuts them up.'"

- "Guard soldier tying up loose ends; Kyle White of Colton will bid wife, children farewell Monday to prepare for fall deployment to Iraq," Moscow-Pullman Daily News, August 16, 2008

So much for that whole "support the troops, oppose the war" argument....

"Pullman-area Guardsmen prepare for deployment; Local support group starting to ramp up efforts as well"

I again urge everyone to do all you can to support our Guardsmen and their families as they head into harm's way. We are already planning events for Christmas and gathering ideas on how best to support the loved ones left behind in Pullman.

From today's Moscow-Pullman Daily News:

Troops with the Washington National Guard 81st Heavy Brigade Combat Team are undergoing training in Yakima before their fall deployment to Iraq.

Dan Purcell, an administrative secretary with the Washington Military Department, said the troops arrived at the Yakima Training Center July 12 and will remain until Aug. 8. They are undergoing "soldier training," rehashing such skills as first aid and marksmanship.

The troops will be placed on federal active duty and travel to Fort McCoy, Wis., the week of Aug. 18 for further training. Purcell said when and where in Iraq the troops are going will not be released because of security concerns.

About 60 soldiers conduct their training out of the Pullman Armory as part of Detachment 2, Company B, 1-161st Infantry Battalion. The battalion is a part of the 81st combat team.

While the troops train, a group of Palouse residents are preparing to offer support during their deployment.

Pullman resident Rebecca Schwartz is organizing a troop support group that will periodically meet to write letters or box care packages for the soldiers in the 81st.

"I think we'll try to organize something for all people in the community, so we can all get together and pack packages or write letters and kind of make a party out of it," she said. "We need to let the troops know that even though they're gone, they're not absent from our minds. ... It's a way to show our appreciation and let them know we're thinking about them."

Schwartz is working in cooperation with Janne Liguori, the Pullman point of contact for the Family Readiness Group - a command-sponsored organization that provides a way for family members to seek mutual support, assistance and information while their loved one is deployed.

"We're all in the same boat that way," she said. "It's just a way of keeping in touch and handling things."

Liguori, whose husband, Doug, is preparing for deployment, said she doesn't expect there to be a big send-off for the troops, as there was a patriotic rally in June meant to show support to the soldiers.

"We set it up to do it back in June so we'd know they'd be there and it didn't take away from family time before they left," she said.

Liguori talks to her husband briefly nearly every day and said morale among the troops seems strong.

"He sounds happy when he calls," she said. "That's always a good sign."

The 81st comprises about 2,900 National Guard members from Washington state and 900 from California.

The soldiers were put on alert for possible mobilization and deployment in mid-October. They were informed in March that they would return to support Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The 81st previously served in Iraq from March 2004 to March 2005.

Area residents interested in troop support efforts can contact Rebecca and Heather Schwartz at rls@turbonet.com, or sunflowersinwa@yahoo.com.

Obama Flip Flops on Afghanistan and Iraq

Patrick Bell of the Washington State Republican Party sent along this exhaustive fact check of Rep. Adam Smith's (D-WA) statements about Obama's views on Afghanistan and Iraq from last Wednesday's Hannity & Colmes.

FACT CHECK: REP. ADAM SMITH ON HANNITY & COLMES

SMITH, OBAMA AND AFGHANISTAN

Obama Surrogate Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA) Claimed Obama Has Been To Many Hearings And Spoken To Many Commanders To Form His Views On Iraq And Afghanistan:

Smith Claimed Obama Had “Been To Many, Many Hearings” On Iraq And Afghanistan, And “Has Talked To Many Generals, To Many Of Our Troops About The Position There.” Smith: “Senator Obama has taken the position on Iraq and Afghanistan. He has been to many, many hearings on both issues. He has talked to many generals, to many of our troops about the position there. The idea that someone would run for president without having thought seriously, listened, and learned on the issue is ridiculous. You can point to one aspect of it and say well, he didn't do that. He has articulated a clear position on Iraq, on Afghanistan based on his belief, and that belief is very straightforward. Afghanistan and Pakistan are the central front in the war. That is where we need to be concerned. We have taken our eye off the ball and placed too much emphasis on Iraq.” (Fox News’ “Hannity & Colmes,” 7/23/08)

Obama Failed To Hold A Hearing As Chairman Of The U.S. Subcommittee Overseeing The NATO Mission In Afghanistan, And Missed 2 Of 3 Full Committee Policy Hearings On The U.S. Strategy In Afghanistan:

Obama Has Served As Chairman Of The Subcommittee On European Affairs From 2007 - 2008. (U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Website, www.senate.gov, Accessed 2/15/08)

The Subcommittee On European Affairs Has Jurisdiction Over The Countries Of Europe As Well As NATO Activities. “Jurisdiction: The subcommittee deals with all matters concerning U.S. relations with the countries on the continent of Europe ... and with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the European Union and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.” (U.S. Senate Committee On Foreign Relations Website, foreign. senate.gov, Accessed 2/27/08)

However, Obama Has Held Zero Hearings As Chairman Of The Subcommittee On European Affairs. “Doubts about Barack Obama’s presidential credentials have crystallized during the past two weeks over his stewardship of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s Subcommittee on European Affairs, which has convened no policy hearings since he took over as its chairman last January.” (Joe Conason, “Obama’s European Problem,” www.salon.com, 12/29/07)

Obama Could Have Held Hearings On The Role Of NATO In Afghanistan. “[A]mbassador John Ritch, who served for two decades as the Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s senior staffer on European affairs and East-West relations ... [P]oints out that as subcommittee chair, Obama could have examined a wide variety of urgent matters, from the role of NATO in Afghanistan and Iraq to European energy policy and European responses to climate change...” (Joe Conason, “Obama’s European Problem,” www.salon.com, 12/29/07)

In March, The Hill Reported Obama Missed Three Of Four Meetings On Afghanistan, Two Policy Hearings And A Nomination Hearing. “But since joining Foreign Relations, Obama has missed three meetings on a ‘new strategy’ in Afghanistan, a country he has never visited. Obama was absent from a January 31 meeting this year, and also was not present for a hearing on Sept. 21, 2006. He did attend a March 8, 2007 hearing on a new Afghanistan strategy. On Feb. 15, 2007, Obama also missed a committee hearing on U.S. ambassadors to Iraq and Afghanistan.” (Sam Youngman, “Obama Absent At Afghanistan Hearings,” The Hill, 3/1/08)

Obama’s Overseas Trip To Afghanistan Was His First Ever, After Skipping An Opportunity To Visit Afghanistan In 2006:

The Obama Campaign Pointed To His Trip To Iraq In Response To Criticism For Not Holding Any Oversight Hearings On Afghanistan.CNN’s Jessica Yellin: “Obama’s campaign points out the senator has visited Iraq...”(CNN’s “Lou Dobbs Tonight,” 2/27/08)

“Obama’s Second Trip Abroad As A U.S. Senator Starts In Qatar And, In Addition To Iraq, Will Include Stops In Kuwait,Jordan, Israel And The PalestinianTerritories, According To A Statement From His Washington Office.” (“Obama To Visit Middle East, Including Iraq,”The Associated Press, 1/4/06)

“[Sen. Evan Bayh (D-IN)] Is Traveling With U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., Sen. Christopher ‘Kit’ Bond, R-Mo., And Rep. Harold Ford, D-Tenn. Their Weeklong Trip Including A Stop In Israel For Meetings With Israeli And Palestinian Officials. Other Stops Included Kuwait, Qatar,Afghanistan And Pakistan.”(Rick Callahan, “Bayh: Next Six Months Crucial To Iraq’s Future,” The Associated Press, 1/7/06)

“After A Two-Day Iraq Tour, Obama Is To Travel To Jordan And Israel On His Own.” (Jeff Zeleny, “Obama Making 1st Visit To Iraq,” Chicago Tribune, 1/5/06)

Obama Voted Against Providing Funding For Operations In Afghanistan:

Obama Voted Against Providing $94.4 Billion In Critical Funding For The Troops In Iraq And Afghanistan. (H.R. 2206, CQ Vote #181: Passed 80-14: R 42-3; D 37-10; I 1-1, 5/24/07, Obama Voted Nay)

The Emergency Supplemental Provided The Following For U.S. Operations In Afghanistan:

$40 million for new power generation
$314 million for rural road rebuilding
$155 million for rural development
$19 million for agriculture
$174 million for Provincial Reconstruction Teams
$25 million for governance capacity building
$10 million for a Civilian Assistance Program
$79 million to support Diplomatic and Consular Programs
$16 million for Migration and Refugee Assistance
$16 million for International Disaster and Famine Assistance for Internally Displaced Persons Assistance
$47 million for International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement activities
(Stephen Daggett, Amy Belasco, Pat Towell, Susan B. Epstein, Connie Veillette, Curt Tarnoff, Rhoda Margesson, and Bart Elias, “FY2007 Supplemental Appropriations For Defense, Foreign Affairs, And Other Purposes,” Congressional Research Service, 7/2/07)

SMITH, OBAMA AND IRAQ

At A Hastily Arranged Press Conference, Obama Denied His Statement That He Would “Refine” His Policies Meant He Would Alter His 16 Month Timetable To Withdraw Troops. Question: “What did you mean when you said you might refine your Iraq policies? Does that mean no 16-month timetable?” Obama: “No that's not no, not refine the 16-month timetable, what I just referred to. For example, there's been a major debate in terms of how we should structure training for Iraqi military and police what kinds of troop presence will we need in order for that to occur. What kind of troop presences will we need in order for that to occur? What kind of troop presence do we need in order to provide a counterterrorism strike force in Iraq that assures that al Qaeda does not regain a foot hold there? Those are all issues that obviously need to be determined by facts on the ground.” (Sen. Barack Obama, Press Conference, 7/3/08)

Smith Claimed Obama Has Been Consistent In Calling For Withdrawal From Iraq:

Smith Claimed Obama Has Said “Clearly” That He Would Withdraw U.S. Troops, But Added “Now, Is That Going To Be 16 Months Or 18 Months Or 17 Months? He Supports Getting Us Out Of Iraq.” Fox News’ Sean Hannity: “He said 16 months. Then he said he'd listen to the generals. Then he said he'd refine his position, and then he went back.” Smith: “He's going to. He believes clearly.” Hannity: “And you say he never changed his position.” Smith: “He believes -- he believes clearly...” Hannity: “Clearly.” Smith: “... that we need to draw down our forces in Iraq. Now, is that going to be 16 months or 18 months or 17 months? He supports getting us out of Iraq. (Fox News’ “Hannity & Colmes,” 7/23/08)

But Obama Has Shifted Positions On The Pace Of His Withdrawal Plan And Whether He Would Listen To Commanders On The Ground:

In April, Obama Committed To Withdrawing Troops From Iraq In 16 Months, Agreeing It Was A “Rock-Hard Pledge” Regardless Of The Advice He Received From Commanders On The Ground. ABC’s Charles Gibson: “And, Senator Obama, your campaign manager, David Plouffe, said, ‘When he is’ -- this is talking about you – ‘When he is elected president, we will be out of Iraq in 16 months at the most. There should be no confusion about that.’ So you’d give the same rock-hard pledge, that no matter what the military commanders said, you would give the order to bring them home?” Obama: “Because the commander-in-chief sets the mission, Charlie. That’s not the role of the generals. And one of the things that’s been interesting about the president’s approach lately has been to say, ‘Well, I’m just taking cues from General Petraeus.’ Well, the president sets the mission. The general and our troops carry out that mission.” (Sen. Barack Obama, Democrat Presidential Candidate Debate, Philadelphia, PA, 4/16/08)

In July, Speaking To The Military Times, Obama Said He Would Withdraw Troops “At A Pace That Is Determined In Consultation With General Petraeus And The Other Commanders.” Obama: “If current trends continue and we’re in a position where we continue to see reductions in violence and stabilizations and continue to see some improvements on the part of the Iraqi army and Iraqi police, then you know my hope would be that we could draw down in a deliberate fashion in consultation with the Iraqi government, at a pace that is determined in consultation with General Petraeus and the other commanders on the ground and it strikes me that that’s something we can begin relatively soon after inauguration. If on the other hand you’ve got a deteriorating situation for some reason then that’s going to have to be taken into account.” (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks To The Military Times Editorial Board, 7/2/08)

The Next Day, Obama Said He Would “Refine” His Iraq Policy Based On Conditions On The Ground. Obama: "I've always said that I would listen to commanders on the ground. I've always said that the p ace of withdrawal would be dictated by the safety and security of our troops and the need to maintain stability. That assessment has not changed. And when I go to Iraq and have a chance to talk to some of the commanders on the ground, I'm sure I'll have more information and will continue to refine my policies." (Sen. Barack Obama, Press Conference, 7/3/08)

"Support of troops makes a difference; Opinions on the Iraq war vary from state to state, city to city, house to house and person to person"

We invite those of you who claim to "oppose the war but support the troops" to join in with us in supporting our local National Guardsmen when they deploy to Iraq later this year. It would have been nice to see some of you at the rally last Saturday...

From today's Moscow-Pullman Daily News:

Debating the merits of why we're there is one thing; supporting the soldiers who are fighting our country's battles is another.

That's what makes events like Saturday's rally for National Guard members in Pullman so refreshing to see.

About 80 members of the community gathered in Reaney Park to show their support for the 2,800-member 81st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, which will be headed back to Iraq sometime this fall. It will be the second tour of duty for several of the Guardsmen, who lead normal lives as our neighbors, friends and co-workers until they're called to duty.

We should take every opportunity to thank those who honor their oath to defend our country and put their lives on the line to protect the ideals we as a nation hold dear - before, during and after their deployment.

They'll leave behind their loving spouses and children, proud parents and grandparents - essentially everything they hold dear - to do Uncle Sam's bidding.

We can and should acknowledge their sacrifices, regardless of the circumstances that led to their deployment.

Matthew Holt, 28, recalled receiving letters from supporters in Pullman during his first stint in Iraq.

"It really meant a lot," said the Pullman resident. "Public support is really important."

Fortunately this generation of soldiers hasn't seen the vitriol aimed at returning soldiers from the Vietnam War, many of whom were drafted into the military and saw no reasonable choice but to answer the country's call.

The current war is no less controversial, but the public seems to better understand the plight of soldiers in our nation's armed forces.

You don't have to agree with the war to support those who are fighting it.

"Pullman Rallies behind troops"

As mentioned in the story, stay tuned to Palousitics for info on how you can get involved in supporting our local heroes as they deploy to Iraq.

From KLEW TV (look for the link to the video version of the story):

PULLMAN - The Palouse rallied to support our troops.

Organizer Rebecca Schwartz said the idea for a Flag Day rally came from a story she had heard about a Pullman-based soldiers upcoming deployment to Iraq.

"My sister and I started looking for ways to send letters and care packages to troops back in 2003," she said. "Pretty much back when the war in Iraq first started. We really have enjoyed supporting soldiers form all over the states, but if we ever go the chance to support local troops, that would be really neat."

Among those speaking at the event were a number of Pullman city officials, including Mayor Glenn Johnson. Schwartz said they're also trying to get residents to join the Schwartz sisters in their cause.

"We're looking at a local troop support group here," she said. "So those who want to send letters and care packages can leave their name and contact information once the troops deploy later this year we'll be in touch with them."

Schwartz said the upcoming deployment will feature many Palouse-area National Guard troops. Schwartz said it's nice to see their years of work spreading throughout the community.

"It's a relief," she said. "It's been really neat to see it all come together and it's nice to be here today."

Rebecca can be contacted at (509) 592-3702. She says additional information can be found at Tom Forbes' blog at www.palousitics.com.

"'Nothing but support'; Community members rally around National Guard members preparing for deployment to Iraq"

This is what it's all about:

Matthew Holt's father served in the Vietnam War and was mocked, yelled at and even spit on when he returned to the United States.

"It was enough to make your blood boil," said Holt, a 28-year-old Pullman resident and specialist in the Washington National Guard.

Holt admits he was a bit worried about enduring similar abuse when he suited up to fight in the current - and similarly controversial - war in Iraq.

He has been pleasantly surprised.

"It's not happening. There's none of that," said Holt, who served in Iraq from February 2004 to March 2005. "I get nothing but support."

From today's Moscow-Pullman Daily News:

Matthew Holt's father served in the Vietnam War and was mocked, yelled at and even spit on when he returned to the United States.

"It was enough to make your blood boil," said Holt, a 28-year-old Pullman resident and specialist in the Washington National Guard.

Holt admits he was a bit worried about enduring similar abuse when he suited up to fight in the current - and similarly controversial - war in Iraq.

He has been pleasantly surprised.

"It's not happening. There's none of that," said Holt, who served in Iraq from February 2004 to March 2005. "I get nothing but support."

Holt was one of several uniformed soldiers who attended a rally Saturday at Pullman's Reaney Park. The event was organized to support the men and women from communities throughout Washington and California that make up the 2,800-member 81st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, which is slated for deployment sometime this fall. The troops will begin training in Yakima next month.

About 80 community members attended the event, which featured cake, red, white and blue balloons and plenty of patriotic music. Event organizer Rebecca Schwartz of Pullman said she began to feel compassion for U.S. troops during the Persian Gulf War in the early 1990s. Despite having no immediate friends or family fighting overseas, Schwartz worked to connect with the troops through letters and care packages. She has continued her support throughout the current war effort.

"I just have a tremendous admiration of the men in uniform. They do so much, the least we can do is say, 'thank you,' " she said.

Schwartz also is working to coordinate letters and packages to be sent to the deployed soldiers, along with support and help for their families back home.

Holt said he remembers the letters sent to him during his first deployment, one of which was written on a Basilio's napkin.

"It really meant a lot," he said. "Public support is really important."

Sgt. Nathan Peabody, a 25-year-old Spokane resident, traveled to Pullman with his family for the Saturday rally.

"If people are going to come out and show support for us, we want to come show support for them, too," he said.

Peabody served in Iraq from 2004-2005. He said he feels a bit more prepared for his next deployment, but it will be different this time around because he'll have two young children at home to think about.

"It definitely makes it hit home more," he said.

Kyle White, 34, of Colton, said leaving his young children will be the hardest part during his first deployment to Iraq.

"The difficult part is leaving the family, but I've got a second family in the Army," he said.

White said the rally helped him prepare to leave, and let him know he's supported by people at home.

"This is really cool," he said. "And it's a beautiful day - finally."

Pullman Mayor Glenn Johnson spoke at the event, proclaiming his support for the men and women in uniform. He added that National Guard soldiers have been an essential part of the local community, "but they've had a higher calling to go to Iraq."

"You have our support not only now, but when you're there," he said. "You will be in our prayers."

For more information about providing support to troops or aiding their families in the Pullman area, contact Schwartz at rls@turbonet.com.

"Residents gather to support troops"

From today's Summer Evergreen:

A "We Support Our Troops" rally was held from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday at Reaney Park. Approximately 100 people attended, including four Army National Guardsmen and their families. Mayor Glenn Johnson and others came to speak and show support for the 81st Brigade that will deploy to Iraq this summer. "Roughly half (of the brigade) have been deployed before," National Guardsman Matthew Holt said.

National Guardsman Kyle White said he was excited about his first tour in Iraq. "We'll be there one year from mobilization," he said.

Rebecca Schwartz coordinated the rally with help from her sister Heather and father, Rod Schwartz, volunteers and local businesses. She chose to hold the rally on June 14 because it's also Flag Day.

"Today is the 231st anniversary of the stars and stripes – an especially appropriate day to show our support of the men and women who defend our nation and her flag," Schwartz said in her opening speech.

Nancy Grunewald of Pullman sang the national anthem and Rod Schwartz delivered the invocation.

Johnson was the first speaker at the rally. He thanked local National Guardsmen for their service and read the lyrics to "Ragged Old Flag," by Johnny Cash. Col. Douglas Salmon, a recently retired Air Force ROTC Commander at WSU and the University of Idaho, talked about his own experiences and the sacrifices military personnel make for their country. Volunteers organizing a local troop support group set up a stand for people to sign up to send care packages and letters to soldiers. There were also posters for people to write messages to the troops. The posters will be displayed in the National Guard Armory.

"Support Our Troops" bumper stickers and flags were free to the public. Dissmores' IGA donated refreshments for the rally.

"This has been a neat chance to support local troops," Schwartz said. "It's been very rewarding."

Photo Essay: We Support Our Troops Rally, June 14

Big thanks to Palousitics cub reporter Lauren:


The gazebo at Reaney Park. The American flag in the picture had been flown aboard an Army reconnaissance plane during an operation in Iraq last November.

Rally organizer Rebecca Schwartz. She deserves a tremendous amount of praise for putting this event together.

Pullman Mayor Glenn Johnson praised the Guard's service to Pullman and read the lyrics to the Johnny Cash song "Ragged Old Flag."

I related the valor of America's citizen-soldiers throughout our history and how we now have another "Greatest Generation" fighting the War on Terror.

Col. Doug Salmon, USAF (Ret.) spoke of the sacrifices troops make during a deployment and offered insights from his own military experience.

Keith Bloom's daughter Abagail read a poem she had written about how soldiers were her heroes.

Pullman City Councilman Keith Bloom told a great joke about Hillary Clinton and exhorted the crowd on how we could best support the troops, especially the family members left behind.

The cake, courtesy of Dissmores. Dissmores was gracious enough to provide all the refreshments.

Former Whitman County Commissioner Les Wigen (center) was part of the crowd of around 100 citizens (including Palousitics' own Russ and April Coggins and Michael Costello) and four National Guardsmen and their families in attendance at today's rally. There was also a substantial local media presence as well.

Congratulations to all who took part. It was a great event and I was deeply humbled to be part of it.

"WE SUPPORT OUR TROOPS" RALLY IN PULLMAN TODAY

This is a must-attend event, as our local sons and daughters head in harm's way in defense of our freedom.

UPDATE 6/14: Here is the new radio ad airing today.

UPDATE 6/13: Here is the new radio ad airing for Friday.

UPDATE: Here's a radio spot currently airing on KQQQ. I will have the honor of speaking at this event, along with Mayor Glenn Johnson and others.

Press Release for June 14th "We Support Our Troops" Rally in Pullman, Washington

Later this year, many Palouse-area National Guard troops will be deploying to Iraq. They’ll be spending long months away from their family and friends, doing difficult and dangerous work.

Before they leave, let's show our local servicemembers how much we appreciate them! Come to the Pullman Troop Support Rally at Reaney Park on Saturday, June 14th, from 10:00 to noon, to meet our local troops and wish them well.

If you'd like to write letters or send care packages to our soldiers while they're deployed, be sure to visit with the volunteers who are setting up a local troop support group. They’ll be at Reaney Park in Pullman from 10:00 to noon on Saturday, June 14th.

If you have any questions, please contact Rebecca Schwartz, one of the troop support coordinators, by email at rally@turbonet.com.

Let’s make this the best troop support rally ever . . . we’ll see you there!

"Rally in Pullman will honor troops preparing to deploy this summer"

From today's Lewiston Tribune (inexplicably the Moscow-Pullman Daily News chose to run stories on the opening of Reaney Pool and a Genesee basketball celebration tomorrow instead):

PULLMAN - A troop support rally for soldiers based at the Pullman National Guard Armory who will be deployed to Iraq later this summer is planned from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at Reaney Park here.

The soldiers are part of the 81st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 161st Infantry Battalion. They were notified in March that they will be deployed for a second time, with stateside training starting in August. Some are expected to attend the rally, said Rebecca Schwartz, a coordinator of the event.

The 81st, which is headquartered in Seattle, previously was in Iraq from March 2004 to March 2005. It includes about 2,900 soldiers from around the state, plus about 900 from the California Army National Guard.

The intent of Saturday's gathering is to show the soldiers how much they are appreciated, plus begin the formation of a support group that will keep in touch with them while they are overseas by sending letters and packages, Schwartz said.

Pullman Mayor Glenn Johnson and other civic leaders will speak, and Dissmore IGA is providing cake and other refreshments, she said.

A poster also will be available where people can write messages of support, thanks or appreciation. It will be hung at the Pullman Armory after the rally.

PALOUSITICS EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Rebecca Schwartz, Coordinator of Pullman "We Support Our Troops" Rally

I had a chance today to ask Rebecca Schwartz, coordinator of this Saturday's "We Support Our Troops" rally in Reaney Park, a few questions.

Rebecca is the daughter of one of the most well-known voices on the Palouse, KQQQ's Rod Schwartz.

TF: Tell me about your group.

Rebecca: I'm not involved with any particular troop support group, although for the past several years, my sister and I have been working with a number of troop support programs and websites (such as www.anysoldier.com, www.adoptaplatoon.org, www.soldiersangels.org, www.emailourmilitary.com, etc.). While we have enjoyed supporting deployed servicemen and women from all over the U.S., we always thought it would be great to have the opportunity to support troops from this area when they're called to active duty. When my sister read a news article about the Pullman-based National Guard unit's deployment to Iraq later this year, we decided to see if we could form a local troop support group, and the rally on Saturday is the first step toward achieving that goal. So far, we've been really impressed by the community's outpouring of support for this project; people have been very generous in donating their time and resources to make this event a success.

TF: Why did you get choose to get involved?

Rebecca: Well, I've always admired the courage and dedication of those serving in the military and feel that we can't tell them "thank you" too often for the job they do. My family and I wrote some "any soldier" letters during the first Gulf War, but this program was discontinued for security reasons after 9/11. So in 2003, when a lot of troops were being called up to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan, we were looking for a way to get thank-you letters and care packages to them. We searched online and found a website called Books for Soldiers (www.booksforsoldiers.com), and via their program, we were able to send books, letters, snacks, toiletries, and other items to servicemen in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere. As the months and years went on, we found a number of other websites offering various troop support programs. And after so many years of practice, we thought it wouldn't be too hard to establish a local troop support group if the opportunity arose.

TF: What do you hope to accomplish at the rally this Saturday?

Rebecca: I hope to accomplish two things with the troop support rally: First, I want our local soldiers and their families to see that the community is behind them 100% and that we genuinely appreciate their service and sacrifice. Second, I want to raise awareness in the community that soldiers from this area will be serving in Iraq and that we need to be there for them and their families, supporting them on the homefront.

TF: Why does it matter? Why should people attend the rally?

Rebecca: It matters because of all that our soldiers do for us. They're going to be spending long months away from home, away from their loved ones. They'll be doing difficult and often dangerous work in conditions that are unpleasant to say the least. Generally speaking, we in the States have no idea of how hard it can be for those who are serving over there. So in view of these soldiers' dedication and self-sacrifice, the least we can do is show them some appreciation. And it really does mean a lot to the troops and their families. I can't count the number of times I've had soldiers tell me that just knowing that people back home care about them and appreciate their efforts makes all the difference in getting through their deployments.

TF: What will happen on Saturday?

Rebecca: The rally will begin at 10:00 AM. We'll open with the playing of the national anthem and an invocation, then Mayor Glenn Johnson and other speakers will give short addresses. Afterwards, there will be cake and assorted refreshments -- generously donated by Dissmores IGA -- for everyone to enjoy, and people will have the opportunity to meet some of the National Guardsmen. There'll be posters where people can write messages of support to the troops, and if they wish, sign up to send letters and care packages to the soldiers while they're deployed.

TF: How can Palousitics readers help?

Rebecca: We'd like to see as many people as possible at the rally, so if your readers could spread the word to their family and friends, we would really appreciate it. And we'll look forward to seeing you all there on Saturday!

I'd like to thank Rebecca for taking time out of her extremely busy schedule to answer my questions. I strongly encourage everyone to come out and pack the park on Saturday to show your support for our heroes.

If you have questions, Rebecca can be contacted at rally@turbonet.com

Hometown Hero

Michael Baumgartner just ended a 13-month tour in Iraq as the deputy director of economics in the Office of Joint Strategic Planning and Assessment under U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker.

Michael's parents are Dee Baumgartner, a long time kindergarten teacher at Franklin Elementary, and Dave Baumgartner, a WSU Extension Service forester.

He visits a couple of times a year, especially to see the WSU Cougars play basketball.

There is a great column in the Boston Globe about Michael. This is my favorite quote from him:

Refighting the 2003 political battles does little to address the essential questions surrounding how we now get Iraq far enough down the path to stability so that we can withdraw. The 2003 issues are largely a distraction and have little to do with what our all-volunteer military and civilian force is doing to try and bring the Iraqi people peace.

Amen. Thanks for your service, Michael, and the truth.

Fallen Warrior

May 6, 2005 - US Army (USA) Specialist Fourth Class (SPC) Timothy Juneman, Charlie (C) Company (CO), 3rd Battalion (BN), 21st Infantry Regiment (INF REGT), 1st Brigade (BDE), 25th Infantry Division (ID) Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT), pulls security from an over watch position, providing cover with an MK48 Light Machine Gun in Mosul, Iraq, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.
Last Friday, I took Dr. Forbes over to Longview to represent WSU and the Speech and Hearing Sciences department at the funeral of one of her students since fall semester, Tim Juneman. She thought very highly of Tim, as did everyone who knew him. He was buried with full military honors.

The Daily Evergreen has a very nice write-up about Tim in today's issue.

Thank you, Tim, for your service to our country. Rest in peace.

Classmates remember honored veteran
WSU meant a lot to speech and hearing sciences major who died on March 5

Timothy Dean Juneman’s life goal was to help people. It was a goal he had already begun to achieve when Juneman died in his Pullman apartment March 5. He was 25. Juneman was known for being a lover of the outdoors, spending countless hours backpacking, hiking and camping. He was involved in Boy Scouts of America and earned the rank of Eagle Scout rank at 16. After he attended Lower Columbia College for a year, Juneman enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2002. He was stationed in South Korea for one year, and was deployed to Iraq in 2004 after training with the Stryker Brigade Combat Team. Juneman operated the MK48 light machine gun in support of his combat team for nearly a year in Iraq. While there, Juneman was injured and diagnosed with Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. After returning from the war, Juneman suffered from insomnia and extreme clinical depression, his mother, Jacqueline Hergert-Juneman, wrote in an e-mail to The Daily Evergreen.

Juneman finished his four-year enlistment at Fort Lewis. Among his many awards, Juneman earned an Army Commendation Medal, a National Defense Service Medal, an Iraq Campaign Medal and a Combat Infantryman Badge. Juneman later chose to join the National Guard and was granted a 2-year deferment from overseas deployment. He studied at Spokane Falls Community College, and worked until he was accepted into the speech pathology and audiology program at WSU in August 2007. “WSU has been a big part of Tim’s family for four generations,” Hergert-Juneman said. Juneman’s great-grandparents, father, aunt, uncle and several great aunts and uncles have graduated from WSU. Being accepted into the SHS Program at WSU meant a lot to Juneman, Hergert-Juneman said. He liked to work with people, and spoke a lot about the children he met in Iraq. “He loved to see the smiles on their faces when he gave them chocolate or trinkets,” she wrote. “He was so excited to be in the speech and hearing sciences program at WSU. He wanted to work in a career that would help people.” Juneman was well-known in the speech and hearing sciences department. His SHS adviser, Lauri Sue Torkelson, said he was not an intrusive presence, but he was always there and was very much involved in the department. As a transfer student, he was seeking a career in audiology and took many upper-level classes with juniors and seniors. “It’s so hard to describe him,” Torkelson said. “He was so very quiet, and polite, and very pleasant.” On the morning of his death, Professor Jeanne Johnson, who teaches SHS 478, a class Juneman was enrolled in, announced the news to her class. “Everyone was just stunned,” she said. “They needed time to process it. We canceled class that day and just sat and talked. Pretty soon everyone started talking about the personal memories they had with Tim. Of course there were tears.” That morning, even students who had just recently met Juneman described him as being sweet and good with people, Johnson said. “What really stood out to me was that he was so respectful,” she said. “He appreciated everything everybody had to say. He was quiet, but you could tell he had a good sense of humor.” When the department learned that Juneman had served overseas, they thanked him for his service. “We thanked him not just because of that, but because of who he was,” Torkelson said. “I hope everyone can realize how lucky we were to have him as a WSU student for that brief amount of time. He epitomized a WSU student.” Torkelson said she misses his face every day. At the students’ suggestion, the SHS department will plant a tree in Juneman’s honor outside Daggy Hall with a memorial plaque.

Beyond (Liberal) Borders

Note to Harry Reid: If you've lost Hollywood liberalati Angelina Jolie, you've lost the country.

Jolie, an ambassador for the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, had an op-ed published in today's Washington Post stating that the surge has worked and that U.S. troops must stay in Iraq to help the millions of displaced persons.