Recently in Hero Category

This is why we need gun control! Because guns take over people and try to slaughter...

What? The kid did not have a gun? Just a chainsaw, sword and pipe bombs? So, we need sword control?

Ban all cutting instruments! They are dangerous and need to be only used by licensed professionals. It is the failure of Bush and the Joos to protect our children that have allowed this to happen.

When are the teachers going to be sued for harming the self-esteem of this victim of the Right? This kid was just trying to show his displeasure of the way the Republicans have destroyed America. Pray to Obama that He will free this Victim and punish the Right wing Racist teachers who held him against his will.

Now that I got the insanity out of my system, I can praise the teachers for stopping this kook before he got too far. Praise the Lord for real Americans who refuse to wait for the police to rescue them.

These are Heroes! Good for them!

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,542481,00.html

A teen armed with a sword and chainsaw who had several pipe bombs strapped to his body was arrested Monday after two explosions rocked Hillsdale High School in San Mateo, Calif., KTVU reported.

Police called the foiled attack that forced the evacuation of more than 1,200 students and teachers a Columbine-style plot, according to the station.

San Mateo Police Chief Susan Manheimer told KTVU that the 17-year-old boy came onto campus with the chainsaw, a 2-foot-long sword and 10 homemade pipe bombs attached to a tactical vest he was wearing.

He detonated two of the pipe bombs in an empty hallway near the library, and the smoke activated a fire alarm, Manheimer said.

Authorities fielded several calls from Hillsdale High School beginning at 8:07 a.m. about a gunman on the grounds, the station said. Shortly thereafter, reports came in of an explosion inside the school.

Two teachers heard the explosions, ran into the hallway and confronted the teen, who then fled, Manheimer told KTVU. A third teacher caught up with the boy and tackled him, according to police Lt. Mike Brunicardi. Another arrived a minute later with school Principal Jeff Gilbert to help hold the suspect down.

Brunicardi called the actions by Gilbert and the teachers "simply heroic," according to KTVU.

"All the while that the teachers and principal are confronting this kid, holding him down and tackling him, he's got eight live pipe bombs attached to his person," Brunicardi said.

No one was hurt in the explosion and no gun was found, according to Manheimer.

Wow! This guy is a True Hero. Semper Fi.

You need to read the whole story. It is worth the time and a good warm feeling in your soul.

http://www.blackfive.net/main/2009/08/lance-corporal-richard-weinmaster-someone-you-should-know.html#more

"I didn't do anything special. Everyone on my left and right would have done the same thing. I was just in the right place at the right time.'' - Lance Corporal Richard Weinmaster

Lance Corporal Richard S. Weinmaster, an automatic rifleman with 3rd Platoon, Company E, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, was recognized for extraordinary heroism in combat in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

This is too important to ignore!

It is about time that another soldier got honored for bravery. This war is being fought by small units and when they get in trouble they drop a few bombs for so far over head that the plane is almost invisible.

Congratulations and condolences to the family of this true Hero.

http://www.blackfive.net/main/2009/07/sfc-jared-monti-medal-of-honor-afghanistan.html

SFC Jared Monti - Medal Of Honor (Afghanistan)
Posted By McQ

[Bumped up due to announcement in an update below]

Greyhawk brings us the news that SFC Jaren Monti of Raynham, MA has posthumously been awarded the Medal of Honor for conspicuous valor above and beyond the call of duty.

On 21 June 2006, SFC Monti, then a staff sergeant, was the assistant patrol leader for a 16-man patrol tasked to conduct surveillance in the Gowardesh region. The patrol was to provide up-to-date intelligence, interdict enemy movement and ensure early warning for the squadron's main effort as it inserted into the province. As nightfall approached, the patrol was attacked by a well organized enemy force of at least 60 personnel.

Outnumbered four-to-one, SFC Monti's patrol was in serious danger of being overrun. The enemy fighters had established two support-by-fire positions directly above the patrol in a densely wooded ridgeline. SFC Monti immediately returned fire and ordered the patrol to seek cover and return fire. He then reached for his radio headset and calmly initiated calls for indirect fire and close air support (CAS), both danger-close to the patrol's position. He did this while simultaneously directing the patrol's fires.

When SFC Monti realized that a member of the patrol, Private First Class (PFC) Brian J. Bradbury, was critically wounded and exposed 10 meters from cover, without regard for his personal safety, he advanced through enemy fire to within three feet of PFC Bradbury's position. But he was forced back by intense RPG fire.

He tried again to secure PFC Bradbury, but he was forced to stay in place again as the enemy intensified its fires. The remaining patrol members coordinated covering fires for SFC Monti, and he advanced a third time toward the wounded Soldier. But he only took a few steps this time before he was mortally wounded by an RPG.

About the same time, the indirect fires and CAS he called for began raining down on the enemy's position. The firepower broke the enemy attack, killing 22 enemy fighters. SFC Monti's actions prevented the patrol's position from being overrun, saved his team's lives and inspired his men to fight on against overwhelming odds.

Go on over to Mudville and read the whole thing.

You can go here to Pundit Review Radio (AM680 WRKO) and hear McQ talk about SFC Monti as Someone You Should Know. After McQ's tribute, they are joined by SFC Monti's father.

Update from Blackfive:

The White House just announced it. It's official (even if they botch his rank).

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary
_______________________________________________________________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 24, 2009

On September 17, President Barack Obama will award Staff Sergeant Jared C. Monti, U.S. Army, the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry. Staff Sergeant Monti will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his heroic actions in combat in Afghanistan. He displayed immeasurable courage and uncommon valor - eventually sacrificing his own life in an effort to save his comrade. Staff Seargent Monti's parents, Paul Monti and Janet Monti will join the President at the White House to commemorate their son's example of selfless service and sacrifice.

PERSONAL BACKGROUND:

Jared C. Monti was born on September 20, 1975. He was a native of Raynham, Massachusetts. He graduated from Bridgewater-Raynham High School. He enlisted in the United States Army in March 1993. He attended Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

His military decorations include: the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, five Army Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Medals, three Good Conduct Medals, three National Defense Service Medals, to name a few.

He is survived by his Father, Paul Monti, his Mother, Janet Monti, his Sister Niccole Monti, his Brother, Timothy Monti, and his Niece, Carys Monti.

He was posthumously promoted to Sergeant First Class.

http://www.military.com/news/article/marine-corps-news/marine-awarded-highest-navy-honor.html?ESRC=marine-a.nl

Marine Awarded Highest Navy Honor
Marine Awarded Highest Navy Honor
April 06, 2009
Marine Corps News

MARINE COPRS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER, TWENTYNINE PALMS, Ca. -- Lance Cpl. Brady Gustafson's parents describe him as "reserved, loyal, stubborn and determined."

This was proven in action July 21, 2008.

His loyalty to his fellow Marines, his stubborn nature when he refused medical treatment and his determination under enemy fire as a machine gunner with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment earned him the Navy Cross, and a place among the ranks of such Marine Corps legends as Lewis 'Chesty' Puller, Daniel 'Dan' Daly and John Basilone.

He received this medal, the highest awarded by the Navy, for his deployment to Afghanistan is support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The Navy Cross was pinned on his chest by Lt. Col. John M. Reed, the commanding officer of 2/7, and meritorious corporal chevrons to his collar by Maj. Gen. Thomas D. Waldhauser and Sgt. Maj. Randall Carter, the commanding general and sergeant major of 1st Marine Division, at a ceremony held March 27 at Lance Cpl. Torrey L. Grey Field. The ceremony included speeches from his former and current commanding officers.

Gustafson accepted his medal at a perfect position of attention, despite missing his right leg below the knee. His entire battalion was in attendance as well as Marines from across the nation, former service members, family and friends.

According to eyewitness accounts, Gustafson's actions that fateful day in July 2008 met and exceeded the requirements for a Navy Cross.

On July 21 Gustafson was manning the turret of the lead vehicle, a mine resistant ambush protected vehicle, or MRAP, during a four-vehicle mounted patrol riding through the streets of Shewan, Afghanistan.

That's when things got ugly.

The patrol came under heavy fire from machine guns as well as rocket-propelled grenades from hidden insurgent positions.

One of the RPGs hit Gustafson's MRAP, piercing its armor, rendering the driver unconscious and partially amputating Gustafson's right leg.

Despite his injuries, Gustafson remained vigilant on his M240B machine gun, locating and accurately firing on several insurgent positions, some as close as 20 meters from the vehicle.

He remained in the turret, reloading twice and firing over 600 rounds, while Lance Cpl. Cody Comstock, an Anderson, Ind. native, applied a tourniquet to his leg.

After regaining consciousness, the driver, Cpl. Geoffrey Kamp, an Indianapolis native, put the vehicle in reverse and pushed the disabled vehicle behind them out of the kill zone.

Not until both vehicles were safe from the heavy insurgent fire and all the Marines had evacuated the burning vehicle did he allow himself to be removed from the turret for medical treatment.

"I knew I was hit," he said. "I guess the adrenaline kept me going."

Gustafson humbly stressed that he was only doing his job, nothing more.

"Anyone I served with would have done the same," said the Eagan, IL native. "Heck, if it wasn't for everyone else out there, I wouldn't have made it."

After being treated by corpsmen at the scene, he was transported to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany and then to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

Upon regaining consciousness after surgery, Gustafson called his parents to tell them what happened, said the 21 year-old.

"We were worried about him," said his mother, Kim Gustafson. "But we knew everything would work out, God does have a plan after all."

During 2/7's deployment to Afghanistan, "the extraordinary became ordinary," said Lt. Col Richard Hall, 2/7's commanding officer during the deployment. "I underestimated my Marines and I'm in awe of what they accomplished."

Known as the hardest hit battalion in the Marine Corps during 2008, 2/7 lost over 20 Marines and sailors and sent over 80 home with serious injuries during their eight month deployment to Afghanistan.

Gustafson is now looking to the future and says he is looking forward to a bright future outside of the Marine Corps.

"I took a lot of photos in Afghanistan," said Gustafson. "I'm going to go to college in the fall and try and make a career out of it."

Cpl. Brady Gustafson never faltered during the ambush and his heroism helped save the lives of all the Marines involved.

The valor and courage displayed on the streets of Shewan that July day embodied the core values of the Marine Corps and sets an example for all to emulate and be proud of.

"I'm proud of all the Marines," said Kim. "There are so many heroes, I'm so lucky to count my son among one of them."

http://www.officer.com/web/online/Top-News-Stories/North-Carolina-Officer-Stopped-Rampage/1$46010

Authorities said Robert Stewart, 45, went on a terrifying rampage in the Pinelake Health and Rehab center on Sunday morning, killing seven residents and a nurse and wounding three other people.

He was stopped by a single shot to the chest fired by Justin Garner, a decorated police officer responding to a 911 call. Stewart wounded Garner three times in the leg as they traded gunfire in a hallway, McKenzie said.

"Whether he realizes it now, he will hopefully realize someday how many lives he has saved," McKenzie said, adding: "A lot more lives would have been lost, I honestly feel, had he not done what he did. For certain."

Here is the feel good story of the day! Enjoy it!

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,510463,00.html

BANGKOK -- A Thai firefighter dressed as Spiderman to rescue an autistic boy who climbed onto a third-floor balcony and dangled his legs over the side because he was nervous on his first day of school.

Firefighter Somchai Yoosabai was called in after the 11-year-old boy's teachers and mother failed to coax him off the ledge on Monday, he said in a telephone interview Wednesday.

"He was nervous about the first day at school, and he was asking for his mother," Somchai said. "He cried and refused to let any of us get close to him."

Overhearing a conversation between the boy's mother and his teachers about his love for comics and superheros, Somchai rushed back to the fire station to change into a Spiderman costume before swinging into action.

"I told him Spiderman is here to save you. No monster will hurt you now," Somchai said. "Then I told him to walk slowly toward me. I was very nervous that he might have slipped if he got too excited and ran."

Somchai, who keeps costume of Spiderman and a Japanese superhero Ultraman to liven up fire drills at schools, said the teary-eyed boy broke into a smile and started walking into his arms.

The fictional hero was created by comic-writer Stan Lee in the early 1960s.

Semper Fi! It would be great to have a living Medal Of Honor recipient to honor. It would be even better for that person to be a Marine. Just to spite the Army.

The Marines continue to be the best of the best while the army has the numbers to be almost as good by shear manpower. I pray the guy lives long enough to be honored.

http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2009/03/marine_conway_MoH_031109w/

CMC: Living MoH recipient may be coming

By Brendan McGarry - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Mar 12, 2009 14:01:20 EDT

The Marine Corps commandant said Wednesday that an investigator is reviewing a valor case that, if approved, would yield the first living recipient of the Medal of Honor in the war on terrorism.

"We have a case that I sent an investigating officer out to take a look at on the West Coast that, if proven, I think will prompt me to recommend the Medal of Honor for a living Marine," Gen. James T. Conway said.

If the Corps were to make a formal nomination, the case would go to the secretary of the Navy for approval, followed by the secretary of Defense and then the president.
VIDEO

Conway did not identify the Marine or the country in which the Marine served.

http://www.city-journal.org/2009/eon0130gs.html

The Iraqis call him King David. General David Petraeus earned the somewhat affectionate nickname in 2003 after taking Baghdad and then Mosul--a city whose governor he became, almost coincidentally. When all Iraqi institutions crumbled, a development that the Americans had not foreseen, one guard who had not fled explained to Petraeus that since he had conquered Iraq, it was also up to him to govern Iraq. Petraeus improvised, pursuing a military offensive and reconstruction at the same time. "We discovered that we were strangers in a strange country," Petraeus tells me.

He admits that the Army knew nothing about Arab civilization. But he drew the necessary conclusions. Later, back in the United States as head of the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Petraeus radically modified American military culture. "My generation was trained to destroy Soviet tanks with helicopters," he recalls, but such training was useless in the modern struggle with terrorism. For that matter, Petraeus refuses to use the term "War on Terror." Terrorism, he explains, is just one aspect of a global war by extremists against our values and our ways of life. On the basis of this definition of extremism and of his experience in Iraq, Petraeus rewrote the counterinsurgency manual, the Army's new Bible. In 2007, George W. Bush sent him back to Iraq to apply his ideas. And as Barack Obama said during his presidential campaign, under Petraeus, the surge "succeeded beyond our wildest dreams."

Did Petraeus win the war, or at least prevent the United States from losing it? "We must no longer think in terms of victory or defeat," he says. "The time is past for raising a flag on a hill." The war against extremism must be measured in terms of "dynamics" and "progress." In Iraq, Petraeus says, there has been remarkable progress, in collaboration with the new Iraqi army--"progress that is measurable, fragile, and reversible." But public opinion in the United States, the general observes, has already forgotten how things were one year ago. From 40 attacks a day in Baghdad in 2007, the country has moved to a crime rate comparable with that of certain Latin American countries.

Wow! I understand that the new President can NOT visit every ball, even one as Perfect as this one, but this is one that I know I would be HONORED to attend.

http://www.blackfive.net/main/2009/01/the-one-blows-o.html#more

Yep. Get used to it.

Our new CINC attended quite a few gatherings last night, but as This Ain't Hell reports, the Salute To Heroes Inaugural Ball was not one of them. For the first time in 56 years, a newly-inaugurated president has not attended the ball begun by President Eisenhower. 14 presidents later, a snub.

Go check it out over there- FORTY-EIGHT MoH recipients were in attendance. People- that's HALF of the recipients that are still alive, and darn well nearly all that are physically able to attend events.

It is about time he did this! Even this commutation is the barest minimum the President could do for these poor scapegoats. They should have been pardoned and given reprimands for not shooting the drug smuggler dead, then returned to their jobs and see how many more smugglers try the border.

Also, this was not really a debate about illegal immigrants, it was a debate about border security. This is a border for the country, not the border of a playground. If we have to fence off our playgrounds because of criminals and drug smugglers, why are the national borders not being closed to these scum? If prosecutors are allowing tons of drugs to be carried over the border, then what is going to stop tons of bombs? Even nuclear or biological weapons? That is what I am really worried about!

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D95QC5OO0&show_article=1

In his final acts of clemency, President George W. Bush on Monday commuted the prison sentences of two former U.S. Border Patrol agents whose convictions for shooting a Mexican drug dealer ignited fierce debate about illegal immigration.

Bush's decision to commute the sentences of Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean, who tried to cover up the shooting, was welcomed by both Republican and Democratic members of Congress. They had long argued that the agents were merely doing their jobs, defending the American border against criminals. They also maintained that the more than 10-year prison sentences the pair was given were too harsh.

Rancor over their convictions, sentencing and firings has simmered ever since the shooting occurred in 2005.

Ramos and Compean became a rallying point among conservatives and on talk shows where their supporters called them heroes. Nearly the entire bipartisan congressional delegation from Texas and other lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle pleaded with Bush to grant them clemency.

Bush didn't pardon the men for their crimes, but decided instead to commute their prison sentences because he believed they were excessive and that they had already suffered the loss of their jobs, freedom and reputations, a senior administration official said.

The action by the president, who believes the border agents received fair trials and that the verdicts were just, does not diminish the seriousness of their crimes, the official said.