The mission: To preserve their legacy and pay tribute to their families

Operation Never Forget was created to memorialize the over 3,300 soldiers of the United States Armed Services who have put lives on hold and their life on the line for America.  They fought a good fight, and unfortunately their lives were cut  short while fighting the war on terror in Afghanistan and Iraq, with individual “life like, life size” bronze bust statues of these brave men and women, assuring that they and their families will BY NO MEANS be forgotten for their sacrifice.

The Goal:

Operation Never Forget main goal is to help many families across America who has lost their sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, and husbands and wives in the war on terror.  Operation Never Forget will provide a source of healing to the families by giving back to them and their communities a small piece of what was lost. 

How we honored our brave soldiers who have sacrifice their lives ensuring the freedom of the American people. 

The Tribute:

Friday June 27, thru Sunday June 29, 2008, families of eight US Army 160th SOAR Airborne, based from Ft. Campbell Kentucky; and families of 12 US Navy SEALs were brought to San Diego for two ceremonies.

The ceremonies:

• One was aboard the USS MIDWAY, and later that evening at PETCO Park, home of the San Diego Padres.
• FAM brought more than one-hundred family members from around the country to receive honors prior to the MLB game between the San Diego Padres vs. Seattle Mariners.
• On Friday June 27, the California Highway Patrol in a twenty-vehicle motorcade escorted twenty families from the downtown Gaslamp Marriot Hotel to Naval Special Warfare Command at 2000 Trident Way to meet with RDML Garry J Bonelli.  The families toured NSW facilities including the headquarters, BUD/S training and Special Boat Team Twelve. Highlights included the viewing of the memorial plaque and the high-speed MkV boat rides.
• Afterwards, the families were escorted to the Seals bar McP’s restaurant for a social and BBQ dinner that included an overflow crowd of an estimated four-hundred patrons.

“Lone Survivor”, Marcus Luttrell, Navy Cross recipient, best selling author and the only survivor of the heroic firefight was present along with his parents and younger brother Scott.  The parents and widows of the other men included:

• Medal of Honor recipient LT. Michael P. Murphy, US Navy SEAL (awarded posthumously)
• Navy Cross recipient Matthew Axelson, US Navy SEAL (awarded posthumously)
• Navy Cross recipient Danny Dietz, US Navy SEAL (awarded posthumously)
• Sixteen Medals for Valor to the remaining 16 soldiers and sailors who were aboard the MH-47 helicopter (all posthumously).

Operation REDWING was the largest loss of Special Operations personnel in a single incident in the history of the United States dating back to World War II.  This project gave these families the opportunity to unit together as one.

On June 28, there was a ceremony aboard the USS MIDWAY where the families of these nineteen fallen heroes, and the one survivor, US Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell, were honored and recognized for their sacrifices. The event was capped by a moving speech about sacrifice, courage and tribute delivered by Academy Award winning actor, Jon Voight.

The event was followed by a pre-game tribute paid to the fallen heroes and the families in front of 35,000 fans. The San Diego Padres and US Navy contributed to dignify the events. 

Other notables:

• Tom O’Gara provided five Bentley’s for families transportation.
• CHP provided honors motorcade motors escort.
• Rawlings/Louiville Slugger provided etched bats/balls.
• Major League Baseball star Dave Stewart and FAM director Lonnie Murray presented a Mike Faketty custom paddle to the USS Midway.
• Marcus Luttrell threw out first pitch to MLB legend Dave Stewart.
• 4 Navy F-18 fighter jets performed a fly-by
• The Navy ‘Leap Frogs’ performed the demonstration jump.
• Leland Grant performed the National Anthem live!

Operation Never Forget will continue to honor more of their heroes as time progresses.  But before I go let us keep in mind; there is nothing nobler than to protect the right of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, especially in the non-selfish way of protecting America and other who are foreign to our own country. That is what our heroes are doing – insuring that the same freedoms we enjoy here in the United States are available to all who want them. That is what America is all about – freedom, life, and the pursuit of happiness.   This is why we need to honor the soldiers that sacrificed their lives so others can have a life that’s worth living.

Some of our combat soldiers do manage to befriend animals displaced by the ravages of war.  The soldier comforts the scared animal, feeds it and loves it.  The animal follows its new owner and provides comfort in return.  Soon, the two become one as they share experiences of combat and the peace that comes from being together.  They are the only two that know about their experiences of war.

The end of the tour of duty will come soon for the soldier and home looms ahead.  How will this soul mate get home?  Military rules deal with situations of this sort by referencing document GO-1A that prohibits soldiers from keeping pets.

GO-1A claims that a pet somehow compromises troop character and morale.  They somehow “distract” the soldier from performing duties with integrity. Worse, pets cannot accompany the soldier home.  Upon departure of the troops, these pets again become victims of war. They are euthanized which only serves to complicate the mental health of the soldier.

Our soldier knows the reality of combat and is already depressed, stressed and traumatized. Now, they need to go through the process of grieving over the loss of their pet, friend and soul mate.  Simply put, it appears that the military would rather incur the steep costs of mental health treatment even when the cost to bring a “therapy” pet home is negligible in comparison.

Therapy pets give an indescribable and immeasurable amount of comfort to the elderly, handicapped and disabled.  They lift spirits, helping the over-wrought to re-focus for a bit and even forget.

Research over the years shows the intrinsic value when therapy pets visit the nursing homes, climb into the lap of a disabled person and slurping a big kiss on the face of this lucky person.  People note their feelings of comfort and happiness when an enthusiastic four-footed canine greets its returning family.  There is a bond between a pet and its family.

PTSD among our returning troops does not go away – for them or their pets.  It might lie latent for periods, but these latent episodes will emerge when least expected.  A pet cannot stop this from happening, but it will be a shorter episode when shared with a reassuring canine or feline buddy.  A loyal pet gives free, immediate comfort, warmth and security.  In the bigger scheme of war, it costs the military much less to provide vaccination and passage for a pet than paying when the veteran must reach for the speed dial to a psychiatrist’s office.

The troops should not suffer any longer.  Neither should the pets.  It is time that the Veterans Administration and the military acknowledge that these pets serve an important role in the mental health and general safety of our combat troops. A spirit of cooperation with organizations willing to help bring the adopted pets home would be a great benefit for troop morale as well as individual mental and emotional well-being.

The only other “person” that knows the horrific experiences of war is the pet that is adopted by our combat soldier.  At this time, it is important for the Department of Defense to consider the benefits of ditching this unfair policy in favor of the mental health of our returning troops.  These pets serve as a lifeline to reality when battle renders our soldier mentally wounded.  In this capacity, these animals honorably serve our country and deserve rewards for their faithful service.

It has been a long and draining time for our soldiers in Iraq.  Our brave soldiers have fought long and hard for our country, now they are ready for a positive change, the face of Obama is growing in popularity as a majority of our soldiers is favoring Obama 6 to one over McClain. 

Our brave soldiers are yearning to see their family and loved ones. When they come home, they want to make sure that they will come home to a country that will provide them with the “American Dream.”

Our soldiers want to come to a country that will provide them with good jobs, warm homes and the fundamentals to provide them with a life of stability.

Many of our soldiers are coming home to a country that now is in recession, jobs are scarce, homes are expensive, and prices are the highest they have ever been.

Our brave soldiers want to come home to a country that will ensure their hopes instead of their fears.  They want a president that can provide them with the American Dream.  A country that can provide them with opportunities and prosperity. 

Recently, an analysis was done by the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics to find out where deployed U.S. Troops were sending their campaign contributions.

Contributions from U.S. Troops Deployed Abroad
Recipient	Total	Number
Obama, Barack	$60,642	134
Paul, Ron	$45,512	99
McCain, John	$10,665	26
Huckabee, Mike	$7,950	10
Thompson, Fred	$6,350	7
Romney, Mitt	$5,550	10
Clinton, Hillary	$3,240	6

Democrat Barack Obama has received almost six times as much money from troops stationed overseas at the time of their contributions than Republican John McCain, and Ron Paul, who is anti-war.  Even though Ron Paul ended his campaign for the Republican nomination months ago, he has received more than four times more than McCain.

McCain tries to send out an image to the American people that he is a dedicated veteran.  He has been trying to relate to the American people through his past efforts to protect the American people in Vietnam War.  Even though, he still is not winning over the military soldier’s votes and contributions.  Our American soldiers are still favoring Obama over McCain.  Whether they are stationed overseas or at home, they still want to see Obama as their future president. 

Although 59 percent of federal contributions by military personnel have gone to Republicans this 2008, most of the money from the military to the presumed presidential nominees, 57 percent has gone to support Obama campaign as our future leader for America.

Individuals in the Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps have all favored toward the Republican this phase of the campaign, but the only branch in which that ideology has carried over to the presidential race is the Marine Corps, where McCain leads Obama by about $4,000. In each of the other branches — including the Navy, in which McCain served when he was taken prisoner during the Vietnam War — Obama still leads by hefty margins.

Obama, who opposed the war in Iraq but was not in the Senate when it was authorized, has said that as president, he would withdraw most troops from Iraq within a period of 16 months.

McCain, the ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee and who wants to stop the Iraq war, has resisted to set-up a timeline for withdrawal. 

In my opinion, if he is elected as president he is going to continue Bush’s ridiculous warpath even though he says differently. 

CRP’s totals based on employer are limited to donors contributing more than $200, since information is not provided to the Federal Election Commission for smaller contributions.

These figures are likely to excessively represent the mood of officers, who have more disposable income to spend on politics than do the lower ranks soldiers. However, because this generation seems to be more liberal than the older generations, the total donations could lean even more in Obama’s support.

Soldiers quoted:

Army Specialist Jay Navas contributed $250 while deployed in Iraq, but it was not over the Internet. “It took some effort to get that check. I had my mom send me my checkbook and I walked to the post office in Camp Liberty in Baghdad with an envelope addressed to Barack Obama in Chicago, Illinois,” he said. “He was right on Iraq long when others were jumping into the sea like lemmings, and that’s hard to do. We’re soldiers and we respect courage.”

Only the Coast Guard prefers Democrats across the board, with 78 percent of employees’ total federal contributions going to members of that party, and Obama beating McCain $7,795 to $250. Navas anecdotally confirmed that soldiers are often conservative but that many are making an exception in the presidential race. “Most of my friends are conservative Republicans and they say, ‘I’m voting for Barack.’ McCain does not have a lock on the military vote, that’s for sure,” he said. “We’ll complete our duty — I’m deploying next year — because it’s a commitment I made to the nation, not to a president. But we all know that Iraq was a big mistake.”

What happens politically in America affects us immediately.   Finding the right president that is going to go any length to help the American people is a decision that we should not take lightly. 

As we can see in the past eight years our country’s financial status and reputation has declined because decisions made by our leader.   In my opinion, I feel like the president has control issues that he needs to get some therapy for because he is way to pro-war for me.

The Bushes are known for their pro-views on wars.   Yet both Presidents and Bush’s Brother Jeb have never fought in war.  If they are, so for war then why didn’t they ever enlist to help protect this country? 

I think they need to get their priorities straight and realize that war benefits no one.  It hurts the brave soldiers mentally and physically and destroys the country at the same time.  I honor our brave men and women for their courage and strength and yes we do need our military to protect us, but then there’s a time when we have to say enough is enough, now its time to come home.

All the money they invested in this war could have gone to help the American people in our country who need the help.  Look at New Orleans, Look at the poor, the people who have little or no health insurance, and the sick and deprived. 

Wake up and smell the coffee!  Our boys need to come home.  You Go Obama you are right on track!

 Obama has been visiting countries, veteran’s hospitals, talking to friends and families of military soldiers.  He has also been viewing the financial destruction that this war has put on our country. 

 Our country is in serious debt because of the outrageous cost of the war, prices have gone up, people are buying less, and people are losing jobs left and right.

 There are no winners in this war.  Our soldiers are coming home to a country in a serious recession.  How are they going to get a good job when they leave the military if people are losing jobs left and right?  How are they going to support themselves and their families?

Obama realizes all these serious issues and this is why he has been a fierce critic of the war in Iraq.  Obama has not changed his view since he began campaigning.  His views have remained the same.  He believes this war has done nothing good for the country.   He believes our soldiers need to come home and this war has to end.

The majority of the country agrees and supports Obama view on war.  Almost everyone agrees that this war has not only brought pain and despair to the soldiers and their families, but it has hurt the entire nation.  The nations capital needs to wake up and do something immediately because are nation is going down hill.  We are borrowing money from other countries to support this war

 Obama had said in one of his speeches, ”Let me be clear: I will let no one question my love of this country.” He loves our country; he just does not love what this war is doing to the country and to our soldiers.  No one is winning this war.  This country is not benefiting from this war in any way, shape or form.

 Statistics show that veterans favor McCain over Obama 56 to 34 percent, according to a nationwide Gallup poll.  Therefore, Obama had been trying to explain his deep love for our country and the brave soldiers who risk their lives each day to protect this country.  He is trying to make Veterans see the war from the whole picture.   

 In an effort to bridge the gap and make veterans understand and agree with his view, he has been trying to explain the importance of unity. The country needs to bond together and make the appropriate decisions that will improve and help the country as a whole not just to benefit a few.

 Obama has also been quoted saying, ”You all served together, fought together, and bled together under the same proud flag. You did not serve a red America or a blue America — you served the United States of America.”

 Our country needs to work together to make the right decision that will help this country rise above all once again.

 Obama’s also has quoted, ”I have never suggested or never will that Sen. McCain picks his positions on national security based on politics or personal ambition,” Obama said. “I have not suggested it because I believe that he genuinely wants to serve America‘s national interest. Now, it is time for him to acknowledge that I want to do the same.”

 The GOP criticized Obama, a member of the veteran’s services committee, for voting against $120 billion for the war last year and for exaggerating his role in extending health benefits for wounded veterans.

Mike Musgrove, a 58-year-old Vietnam War veteran from Nevada, praised Obama for promising to make sure veterans receive adequate health care.

”He hasn’t been a senator all that long so he doesn’t have a long track record on veterans issues, we need to give him a chance.

 As a former naval aviator and longtime VFW member, McCain had a natural affinity with the audience. Most of the seniors at the convention were closer in age to McCain, who will turn 72 later this month, than to Obama, who just turned 47.

 Obama has said, the Iraqis to take responsibility for their political future and for the U.S. to ”finish” the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan and Pakistan. He blamed the Bush administration for failing to head off the military conflict between Russia and Georgia.

Obama has many good ideas to help this country.  If we give him a chance to become leader of this nation, you will see that he will help this country function well, and the strength, reputation and financial wealth will rise above all.

However, this is not so, because studies find a high percentage of Iraq veterans are returning home with mental problems and they are showing up at homeless shelters around the country.  

Recently, the government concluded that there are about 200,000 homeless vets in the United States. About 10 percent are either from the 1991 Gulf War, Iraq or Afghanistan. 

Our soldiers need serious help.  We cannot let them reside in homeless shelters.  These heroic men and women risked their lives to protect and ensure well-being and safety of America.  They are putting their personal lives (family, friends, social lives and relationships) on hold to help America.  Now America has to give back and ensure the soldiers that they have their own house to come home too.  The government has to step in and providing funding for this important cause.  If Americans can donate money to help other countries build homes then they can certainly donate money to help build living quarters for our soldiers.  The welfare of our soldiers should come first.

Nearly 1,300 U.S. soldiers were killed since the war began. Many thousands more have been wounded. Last week the New England Journal of Medicine reported that the US is facing a “severe shortage of surgeons in Iraq” to treat wounded soldiers. It is estimated that more soldiers have been injured in Iraq than during the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, or the first five years of the Vietnam War.

Organizations around the country that help soldiers and veterans found that homeless shelters around the country are reporting they are already seeing some recently returned Iraq veterans showing up in need of shelter. The Homeless Veterans coalition estimates that nearly 500,000 veterans are homeless at some point in a given year.

The medical community believes that many of these soldiers are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

The army reported in the New England journal of medicine that 17% of all of the soldiers who are just stepping off the military plane would screen positive for posttraumatic stress disorder. This problem pops up weeks or months after serving in combat.

The Department of Veterans Affairs concluded that 30,000 soldiers from Iraq had shown up at Department of Veterans Affairs health care facilities. In addition, out of these 30,000 one out of every five has been diagnosed with some sort of a mental problem.

So if a majority of our soldiers is suffering from mental disorders how are they going to survive in the civilian world?  Prices are rising dramatically.  Even people that make a decent salary are suffering.

How are soldiers going to be able to get a good job, work long hours, pay their bills, and afford housing to top it off if they are not functioning 100 percent.  A mental disorder is a serious issue. How are they going to afford houses and living expenses if they are battling everyday with a mental disorder that interferes with their lives and their ability to live a happy healthy and productive lifestyle?

The government is telling us that these soldiers are homeless, but what are they doing about it?  That is great they can tell us the figures, the real question is what are they doing to put a stop to all this.

The government says the reason why they are homeless is because many suffer from residual stress from daily crucifying attacks and roadside bombs makes it tough to adjust to civilian life; some can’t navigate government assistance programs; others simply can’t afford a house or apartment.

Again, I ask what are the government and the people of America going to do.  The government has to have a well-developed program ready so when they evaluate them, they diagnose with a mental disorder they have to have assistance, and facilities ready for them.  This includes housing provided by the government for these men and women.

They are finding soldiers living in towns and cities big and small, from Washington State to California and Florida. Some of the hardest hit are in New York City, where housing costs is extremely expensive.  Studio apartments in New York usually cost more than $1,000 a month. 

Many soldiers come home and have trouble finding a job.  The economy is at its worst right now jobs are not easy to find.  Many cannot support their families for this reason and without enough money to rent an apartment, they turn to the housing programs for vets, but some soldiers are overbooked and for this reason, they become homeless.

One man from New York told a newspaper this, “I ended up in a Bronxshelter “with people who were just out of prison, and with roaches.” “I’m a young black man from the ghetto, but this was culture shock. This is not what I fought for, what I almost died for. This is not what I was supposed to come home to.”

About 350 nonprofit service organizations are working with the Department of Veterans Affairs to help veterans. It is not acceptable to let soldiers come home after risking their lives to help our country and have nowhere to go.

However, more has to be done to help this problem.

What is shocking is that almost half of America‘s 2.7 million disabled veterans receive $337 or less a month in benefits.  This is unacceptable.  How are our soldiers going to survive?  They cannot survive on this income.

Something needs to be done and it needs to be done now.  After reading this, please contact veteran organizations and find out how you can help.  Something has to change.  And we are the only ones that can do it.  The government will not do anything unless we put pressure on them and demand that something needs to be done.