Dog Soldiers Saving Lives in War in Afghanistan

My son Ryan asked me if we could train our Labrador to sniff out bombs in Iraq and to protect her daddy similar to dog soldiers protecting US soldiers in Afghanistan. So I explained to him that these dogs start training when they are puppies. "But your dog is here to protect you". Then he asked if we could add the title "Colonel" to our dog's name just like dog soldiers in Iraq ie. Colonel Brooks is the true name of one dog. Hmm "Colonel Logan" has a strong ring to it! Don't you think?

Man's best friend is also a soldier's best friend and defense in war. Below is an article about these dog soldiers and heroes that protect our US soldiers in foreign lands filled with bombs, and other hidden explosives. Indeed these are amazing creatures!

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by Jason Gutierrez

SOUTHEAST OF MARJAH, Afghanistan (AFP) – For the US Marines patrolling the dusty footpaths of southern Afghanistan, a bomb-sniffing black Labrador can mean the difference between life and death.

These "dogs of war" have saved countless lives and their record for finding hidden explosives has won them a loyal following.

"They are 98 percent accurate. We trust these dogs more than metal detectors and mine sweepers," says handler Corporal Andrew Guzman.

Trained to detect five kinds of threat, from military grade C-4 plastic explosive to common chemicals used by the Taliban to make improvised explosive devices (IEDs), the dogs play a vital role alongside their human comrades.

Bomb expert Sergeant Crush is all concentration as he leads a foot patrol by two squads of US Marines deployed to Afghanistan as part of Washington's fresh surge to end an eight-year insurgency by the Taliban.

His job along with Corporal Goodwin is to lead the men to safety through dusty footpaths and compounds where Taliban militants plant deadly bombs that have left many troops dead in recent months.

They are from a group of four Labradors, who are on average four years old and have all seen action in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"These dogs are great. They keep our Marines alive," says First Lieutenant Aaron MacLean, 2nd Platoon commander of the Marines 1st Battalion, 6th Regiment Charlie Company, to which the dog team is attached.

Crush suddenly goes on a swift bound, sniffing out a corner of a compound in the outskirts of a Taliban stronghold in Helmand province.

There is a quick change in his demeanour, his muscles tense up, he freezes, sticks out his tail and then lies down with his paws extended up front.

The area turned out to have been a former storage place for ammonium nitrate, a fertiliser compound recently banned by the government that the Taliban commonly use in making powerful homemade bombs.

"It's better safe than sorry," Guzman says.
Just days earlier two squads of Marines were ambushed and trapped in a compound. Two Marines died after stepping on the pressure plates of IEDs, just minutes before the dogs were to have cleared the area.

The force of the explosion threw the handlers and the dogs to the ground, but they quickly got up and resumed their jobs.

The dogs also provide an emotional crutch for young Marines facing death every day. They crowd around the dogs and play with them inside the camp. There are frequent questions about adopting them after the Labradors end their tour.

Lance Corporal George Grimm, the handler of Corporal Brooks, says most Marines feel safer with his bomb team leading the way.

Brooks, a three year-old Labrador with tan fur, has been deployed three times in Iraq and Afghanistan and has helped with the recovery of approximately 14 bombs and saved many lives.
One sniffer named Ringo gained a legendary reputation for having found as many as 30 daisy-chain landmines in Iraq, he says.

"Our life is in this boy's hands pretty much," says Grimm, a 19-year-old who has been Brooks' handler since late last year. Grimm grabs a rubber toy called a "konk" and lets Brooks nibble on it.

"They don't ask for much except to be taken care of," he says.
Handlers say the US government spends huge amounts of money to train the dogs in a civilian-led programme contracted out by the defence department.
They begin training when they are puppies, and by the time they reach two and half years old, are ready to be deployed.

The bomb squad in Afghanistan prefer using pure-bred Labradors over sentry dogs such as German Shepherds because they are easier to train. Labradors are also hunting dogs who can pick up a scent as far as 500 metres (yards) away.

With the Taliban increasingly relying on IEDs to cripple the US advance, officials say up to 70 dogs are now on operation in southern Afghanistan alone, where the insurgency is festering.
More are expected to be deployed in the coming months, officials say.

Help Connect Soldiers with Loved Ones

The USO is an organization that bridges American people with our brave men and women in combat. They do all the work for providing those celebrity tours to war torn countries so our soldiers can enjoy a break for some laughter and cheer. USO provides calling cards and counseling and so much more. They are a private organization totally funded by donations and is not part of the US government.

This holiday season, and there's still plenty of time, any donation you make will help lift the spirits of our fighting military. CLICK HERE to show your support.

God bless,

Easy Way to Send Thank You Holiday Card to Troops

Thanks to XEROX, together we can ensure a soldier received a holiday card.

Please visit web site, http://www.letssaythanks.com/ , select a thank you card and Xerox will print it and send it to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq.

While you can not select a specific recipient soldier, it will go to a member of the armed services. How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one!!! It is FREE and it only takes a second. Wouldn't it be wonderful if every soldier received one? Whether you are for or against the war, our soldiers over there need to know we are behind them. This takes just 10 seconds and it's a wonderful way to say thank you. Please take the time and also take the time to pass it on for others to do. We can never say "Thank You" enough!

Thanks for taking time to support our military!

Church Services for Pets and Owners

Has an idea struck you that you were confident would benefit you and many others but in the end you forfeit its possibilities assuming the masses will consider you crazy or the idea is taboo?

Well I had one such thought and I was shocked that in California, it's coming true! Church service for pets and owners! In Los Angeles, Reverend Tom Eggebeen at Covenant Persyterian Church conceived the idea as a way to attract parishioners to his mostly empty pews. So he turned God's house into a doghouse by offering a 30-minute service complete with individual doggie beds, canine prayers and an offering of dog treats! Recognizing that many Americans love their dogs as much as humans, like true family members, Rev. Eggebeen opened the church to these God-created creatures.

Which type of dogs are welcome? All are. From pit bulls to miniature Daschunds to bichon frises. All dogs are welcome. I would imagine the dogs have to demonstrate obedience and correct social behavior.

While the pooches showed up on Sunday, they didn't seem interested in dogma. But it attracted many new faces and parishioners.

A 30- minute service with dogs? This also would help with the attention span of small children. My kids are asking me to go to our pastor and propose the idea. Minnesota is not quite as progressive as California. This will take some dogged efforts.

Share your thoughts and comments!

Should Cell Phone Interrupters Be Escorted Off Property?

As technology aids us in everyday work and chores, it also is increasingly intrusive in our lives and the cause of eroding manners.

There's always the person who forgets to turn off or silence their cell phone ringer in a movie theater, in church, at a dinner or special event with guests, etc.

At my church, the reverend will stop in mid sentence and stare down the section or person with such unGodly contempt you're frightened that person's soul will go straight to hell. But his laser stare followed by lecture on respect and manners leaves you sweating out of embarassment for the culprit and serves as painful reminder to turn off the cell phone at the next service. Later the reverend apologizes to the congregation explaining he's deep in thought when sharing the sermon and the cell phones interrupts his train of thought and pierces the post gospel message and momentum. I don't blame him.

This past September, Hugh Jackman was performing on Broadway, A Steady Rain, and at the height of his dramatic performance a cell phone rings in the audience. Jackman breaks character to tell the owner of the ringing cell phone, "You want to get that?" as the audience erupts in cheers. As the ringing persists, Jackman pleads: "Come on, just turn it off." He then paces the stage of the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, waits about a minute for the ringing to stop and the play resumes.

The interruption occurred during an intense moment in the play, when Jackman's character, a Chicago policeman, reveals haunting memories.

A customary loudspeaker announcement reminds theatergoers to turn off their phones. Since the incident, ushers who seat patrons and pass out playbills at Schoenfeld are also instructing patrons to silence their phones.

Should cell phone offenders be asked to leave the theater or church? Maybe that's taking it too far and the harsh glares from those sitting around the culprit is punishment enough. What do you think?

Share your thoughts by clicking on "Comment" below.

Should Child Rapist Go Free?

My dear readers,

Here is a sensitive issue that has me inflamed that I turned to my blog to unburden my shock and share my horror and hope you will respond inkind.

As you may have heard, Oscar- winning film director, Roman Polanski, plead guilty to having sex with 13 year-old girl in 1977. When he knew the judge was going to pronounce his long-term sentence, he fled to France. The French do not extradite their citizens and now they are pressuring the Swiss, where Polanski is currently being held for extradition, not to release him to the U.S.

There is a movement to pressure US officials to drop the charges. The backers range from France and Poland (where he holds dual citizenship) to other famous celebrities. Why? Because he's a brilliant film maker and celebrity?

In general, do you think a child rapist should go free? If it were your child, would you want him to never spend a day in prison if the man produced your favorite film? Perhaps he has reflected and repented but he has never served his term for violating a child. Does his award credits outweigh a child's innocence?

Does a 20 year run and a status of brilliance in film making grant immunization for such heinous crimes? An average person would never be granted clemency.

Am I being unreasonable? Please weigh in by clicking on COMMENTS below and share your opinion. I wonder how many "average people" like me, a mother like me, feel the same disgust that a culture around the world can easily disregard the act of raping a 13 year old child because he has already won favor and the hearts of the art world.

For the complete story, CLICK HERE.

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Willy Wonka Chocolate Theme Park to Open

You have to give credit to the Chinese. They know what markets are ripe for growth in this dour economy and how to "Present" to grab the world's attention a la Olympic style, "beyond imagination" according to the general manager of this upcoming project.

I always wondered what countries did to maximize on the vast terrain cratered by an Olympic site. The Chinese are brilliant.

China plans to cater to the country's rising number of chocoholics with the opening next year of a Willy Wonka-style theme park in Beijing, complete with a replica Great Wall.

The 'world chocolate dream park', reminiscent of Roald Dahl's beloved book Charlie and the Choc-olate Factory, will feature a life-size edible Terracotta Army, Great Wall and versions of famous paintings, the China Daily said.

The park, due to open in January 2010, will be located in the Olympic Green, which also includes the iconic Bird's Nest stadium and the Water Cube aquatics centre used during the Beijing Summer Games last year.

The site will include five pavilions and two outdoor sites where chocolate-made objects, such as the replica Great Wall, will be on display, the report said.

Chocolate is not as popular in China as it is in Western countries, but the sweet treat is increasingly popular with the nation's younger generation.

A number of prestigious chocolate makers from Europe, including Belgium and Switzerland, want to participate in the project, but Tina Chenge, general manager would not reveal their names in a recent interview.

"There is the potential for a huge market in China with regards to chocolate consumption," she said, according to the report.

"That's why many overseas chocolate producers are vying to join our project."