JUNE 08 UPDATE FROM MAJ DENNIS MCCOOL:
Saturday, June 28, 2008 at 12:07 PM
by BlogMasters
I wanted to give everyone an update on what is going on with me. Many of you know that I have been talking to Army Personnel since returning from Iraq, about going back on active duty after the Resolve to Win March was completed. On 15 June I returned to active duty, assigned to US ARCEN (formerly 3rd ARMY HQ). ARCENT is the Army Headquarters responsible for the Middle East Theater of Operation, falling directly under CENTCOM which is the Joint Service Command for Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines.
Being assigned to ARCENT, I expected a future deployment to the Middle East since most of the organization is deployed down-range. When I arrived at ARCENT I was notified that I would be immediately deployed to Kuwait for 6 months. After the initial shock wore off, I decided that the job they have me assigned to (Director of Installation Services, Camp Arifjan) is a very good job, as Army jobs go in the Middle East. It should be a great job with a lot to do and very important for all the troops passing through Camp Arifjan. So the time should move along and I expect to have a high level of job satisfaction. I have had the last six months to recharge my batteries so now is just as good as later. It would have been nice to have known in advance so that I could have visited more family and I would not have bought a new car last month, but it is what it is.
I have spent the past two weeks frantically processing into Ft McPherson and ARCENT HQ and simultaneously processing out on Temporary Change of Station orders for Kuwait. Even though I just returned from Iraq last December, most for the preparatory training for deployment has to be re-certified very 12 months, so I am doing it all again. I am currently home for a few days getting my affairs in order for deployment, since I was not prepared for an immediate deployment when I returned to active duty.
I expect to be in Kuwait by mid July. It should only be about 125 degrees, since mid August is really the HOT time of year. J
I hope you will all follow the Resolve to Win site as I hope to provide weekly BLOGS after I am settled in at Camp Arifjan.
Also, I hope that you stay in touch. My AKO address is dennis.l.mccool@us.army.mil , but remember that you can NOT send any FORWARDED EMAILS to a NIPR AKO address. I will still be able to access my civilian email at dmccool@cfl.rr.com .
Best regards to all of you,
Dennis McCool
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How did we get into this WAR in the first place??
Wednesday, April 2, 2008 at 11:14 AM
by BlogMasters
The Resolve to Win Campaign is NOT a Political campaign, but it is useful to re-visit the Political climate which got our Military in this war in Iraq.
There is so much Political pandering going on we all need to remain focused on HOW we got where we are in IRAQ.
Just “FOR THE RECORD”, here are "our" Politician’s views, IN THERE OWN WORDS. You definitely won’t see this video on main stream media.
The next time you hear the expression "Bush's war" remember this video. Our Troops and Military Leadership did not Lobby for this War, they were directed by Our Government, now we need to let them finish the job.
Please watch this video and pass it along to educate / remind others.
http://www.bercasio.com/movies/dems-wmd-before-iraq.wmv
http://freedomagenda.com/iraq/wmd_quotes.html
God Bless Our Troops and God Bless America,
Very Best Regards,
Dennis McCool
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Aida’s Experience on The March to Washington!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at 07:42 PM
by BlogMasters
As a proud American and a non-military person I’ve always desired to show my patriotism in some way. I am so thankful for the freedoms, opportunities and liberties that we have in this Country, and I feel that we, as Americans deserve the right to hear how and what our military and our soldiers are doing in our name. I know personally that the media covers only selective efforts that are being created in Iraq and it’s infrastructure. Very little is said about the huge sacrifices that our soldiers make when they leave their homes and families. And yet, when these soldiers are asked if they would return to another tour, their answer is “yes”, despite many physical losses and handicaps. What courageous soldiers….we should be proud of them and most thankful. That is the reason I feel that Resolve To Win needs our attention and every non-military American’s awareness. Every soldier needs to be applauded, and they all need our thanks, support and the right to come home proud and holding their chins up high.
So…God sent Dennis into my life when I least expected it and before he deployed to Iraq. Because of our daily contact I immediately felt compelled to help during his duty in Baghdad, and then he surprised me with his “hair-brained” idea of marching 800 miles to Washington. Thank the Lord some reality hit him, and he shortened it to 400 miles instead. Little did I know that I had “volunteered” to help in a challenge that was far beyond my comprehension, but those that know me understand that I will do whatever it takes to get a job done. Boy, I should eat those words now!
Driving the silver pace car about 8 ft behind the marchers at an average of 3 mph for 392 miles, taking pictures, writing notes, waving to supporters, giving out water bottles and flags, grabbing jackets through the window, and a few other duties with 6 hours or less of sleep can certainly make it quite a feat. Middle of the day duties included nursing the soldiers’ feet and anticipating any and everything that was needed to help them through their excruciating day/pain, helping Donnie (a Godsend, the RV chief/guide/cook, we couldn’t do without) serve lunch and sell t-shirts/hats. Evenings included checking in hotels, shopping for food or medicinal needs, uploading pictures, deciphering my notes for the daily blog, charging all the electronic communication paraphernalia, then preparing for the next day for a total of 16 consecutive days. There just weren’t enough hours in the day…time was a rare commodity. I learned the true meaning of “multi-tasking”!
But all this labor was overcome by the wonderful moments and memories that I am so blessed to have experienced, including the fantastic people I met along the way. The most exhilarating moments were seeing the supporters waiting to salute the soldiers / marchers, the people waving out of their businesses, meeting the families of those serving in Iraq or any branch of the military, the people honking from their cars/trucks, the children waving their flags, the patriotic police escorts from every county who so diligently steered us away from traffic danger. We had families of soldiers tell us how wonderful it was to see someone remembering their loves ones, whether still alive or deceased, many who waited hours to see us arrive. And they couldn’t thank us enough for trying to bring awareness to their soldier’s plight.
Day 1 started at Dillon with a sunny day and a prayer to guide us on our mission. Our first supporters who joined Dennis, Carl and Gerry (Dennis’ son who served in Afghanistan) were Dean Strong (one of our Godsend), Ross & Dan (our expert IT guys who I thank for their patience in giving me some relief with the picture taking/uploading and who maintain our website), Bubba (showing up in the most unexpected places and moments shooting more pictures), and Bill (the Patriot Guard rider) for helping us cross over I-95 that day. Speaking of traffic, I can thank those who complained to the police that we were impeding traffic, which turned out to be a blessing since we were then escorted by every town police department all through DC. Very importantly, Dennis’ brothers, Kenny and Larry completed the first day’s walk after bringing the RV to us for the entire mission. We couldn’t have done it without the RV (and Donnie!).
The next day Marc (the 3rd retired soldier) arrived from California. That day we will always remember the young boy who rushed to give Carl his three quarters as a donation. Needless to say, it was one of those heart-touching moments. By Day 4 rain and wind came upon the marchers, and it created a huge challenge both physically and mentally. Day 5 brought Larry Hoffa and his wife, Lori, who marched and asked constantly how they could help us. Day 6 brought Carl Smith and his wife Joan. Carl, being a Vietnam Vet, felt a calling to join us till the last day and was a tremendous help in leading the marchers and doing whatever we asked him to do. We celebrated Carl Herrup’s 52nd birthday at the RV with pizza, beer and German chocolate cake. It was the 2nd year in a row that Carl celebrated a birthday without his family, since last year he was in Iraq.
On Day 7 we were greeted that evening by a big group of supporters from the Halifax School Board with cards and posters. Thank you, Pearl and mom Betty, for the delicious pecan pie, and the generous donation from VFW Post 3770, in Missouri. That evening we were hosted to a delicious dinner at Ralph’s BBQ, and wonderful supporters and patriotic friends from American Legion Post 28, especially the Joyners, Noah and Jane, his beautiful wife of 65 years, and their son, Michael. Day 8 started with more awesome supporters and marchers, like Noah Joyner, “Concrete” Bob, and Eric Cooper who marched on and off throughout. That day, as we were crossing the border of North Carolina into Virginia, we were saluted by Dwayne and Ann Ellis with their two little children, Ravin and Gavin proudly waving a 173rd Airborne flag where their older brothers were presently serving in Iraq. They had waited hours on the shoulder of the road just to see us, thank us and make a donation.
Day 9 started out sunny after two days of rain. We marched through Stony Creek where we met David McDole and HT Burgess from Rolling Thunder and American Legion Riders Post 2, Petersburg VA. They hosted our dinner and hotel rooms for the night. It looks like Donnie is planning to join these guys at a pig pickling and have some biking fun in the very near future. Day 10 found us in Colonial Heights where Dennis and I were so graciously welcomed into the home of Rick and Sue Oertel for dinner and a night’s stay. Carl H and Carl S were also hosted by Tony and April Morgan and Jeff and Ellen Constantine, members of America Legion Post 284. Day 11 started with breakfast by George at the Legion Hall in Colonial Heights. One funny incident that afternoon was when I overheard two old men wave and salute the flag carried by the marchers, and one guy says to the other “hey, what holiday is it today?” The other guy responded “I don’t know”. It wasn’t a holiday, but it was the Resolve to Win caravan of marchers and cars displaying flags and people waving and honking!
It seemed like Dennis and Carl were keeping a steady stride despite the aches, pains and blisters, until they encountered the beautiful hills of Glen Allen, VA. That’s when knee pain and shin splits surfaced for more hurtful days. Many new faces joined us like Andy Robertson, Jim Koch, Larry and Lori Hoffa, and David and Alma Gaddis. On our last day David and Alma returned and presented Dennis and Carl H with a nice picture album of the days when they marched together, and they also gave monetary donations in honor of their cousin who died in the military. Even though it was another excruciating painful day for the marchers, the evening was enjoyed with a delicious spaghetti dinner and great company at the Ladysmith Fire and Rescue Squad.
As I read my hieroglyphic notes, I had made a smiley face on Day 13. We were beginning to see more wonderful and familiar faces. Don Blosser joined the marchers, and more riders came to rumble. Lori Hoffa joined the walkers, and Col. Riley and his son Brad walked with a webcam, providing live coverage to our website. At lunchtime, we were greeted at Massaponax HS with many more supporters, especially Bob Sussan (another blessing and Godsend) and Dean Strong of Fairfax American Legion Post 177, two of the most generous and giving supporters of Resolve to Win since the recon visit with Dennis and Donnie. On this great day, we also met John and Louise Dodd whose son-in-law Capt. Lou Gomez is stationed in The Green Zone in Baghdad. The IZ/Green Zone is where Carl H and Dennis were also stationed. Lou had heard about Revolve to Win in Baghdad and told his in-laws that they had to meet the marching soldiers somewhere along the Route. We enjoyed having The Dodd’s stay with us for the next few days and through to the end. Dennis and Carl were thrilled to know that the troops in Iraq had heard about our mission and Resolve To Win March. That evening our last stop ended at the Spotsylvania American Legion Post 320 with beer, pictures and donations. We finally got to see Karen Weakly walk with Dennis. From the first recon visit with Dennis and Donnie, Karen made a plea to her manager and was instrumental in getting many of our hotels discounted with her ‘family and friends’ employee account. Dinner that night was hosted by the Golden Corral Manager in Fredericksburg, Roy Richardson, and accompanied by Don Blosser and Randy Schrader.
Day 14 began with a shuffled visit to Wal-Mart by Dennis and me. We needed to find a walking stick that would help Dennis walk, after feeling crippled by his shin splints and aching knee. We found hiking poles that became his “crutches”. To Dennis’ surprise, he was accompanied by Cornelius Christopher, aged 72, who helped carry the guidon. Ted Worley, another supporter from the beginning joined us. By now, we have been blessed abundantly by American Legion Post 177 who provided us with wonderful accommodations at The Hampton Inn in Fairfax and dinners at the Post for the last three nights. Hooah! No more packing and unpacking each night!
Day 15, Saturday, brought us hometown supporters like Mark Huling and his children Holly and Chad, who flew up from Florida to join us. We were also re-joined by Marc Breslow and his wife, Alice from California, and by Carl Herrups’ wife, Annie from Phoenix, Arizona. Needless to say, we finally got a smile from Carl H. after 14 days of marching (thank you Annie). Dennis’ family came back to walk with him on the final two days including Tina his daughter, Brother Kenny and wife Patti, and Brother Larry and wife Jean. I finally had female companionship. That evening we were invited to join Post 177’s St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Dance. It was also the American Legion’s anniversary, and a wonderful way to celebrate with them. And yes, Dennis danced a few despite all his pain. I think by now he was just numb. I had the pleasure to meet Bob Sussan’s special someone, Marilyn, and Dean Strong’s special wife, Suzanne. A warm and special thanks to Bob and Dean for their unwavering efforts and unending support for our mission, which they will not allow to end here
Ahhh….Finally Day 16! Rain drizzled at the start of the day which began at American Legion Post 177 in Fairfax, but God cleared the skies for a beautiful sunny day. Again, Post 177 hosted us with breakfast and more members/supporters. We were joined by John and Louise Dodd who accompanied us since Day 13. Also joining the march was Chris Hill, Larry Bailey, Eric “Coop” Cooper, Ted Worley, Mark Woods, Ron Kirby, Carrie McLeroy and many others. This day will always hold a special place in my heart with the beautiful memory of seeing the magnificent and historical Lincoln Memorial almost a mile away and experiencing that exhilarating feeling of a mission accomplished. It will be a day to remember! We left our final destination with a feeling of accomplishment and headed towards Post 177 who greeted us with high cheers and strong high fives! Once again, they hosted us with a “happy hour” and dinner. Can’t thank you enough, Post 177!
Monday morning we met with Bob Sussan and Dean Strong who will help us continue spreading awareness with their approval on the next mission….Roll on Washington in September! Keep checking the website for updated information.
It would be impossible to thank each and everyone that touched my life in some way. I cannot forget to thank Dennis for putting up with some of my “tiring moments”. Thanks to Donnie for being my soundboard… RRRR, a great friend, and a wonderful cook. I salute Dennis and Carl for enduring 392 miles in 16 days with such physical pain and mental exhaustion, not to mention severe foot blisters. Dennis and Carl carried the American flag and the Resolve to Win guidon with such pride and determination.
Most importantly, I thank God for giving us the opportunity and strength to accomplish this most worthy mission with mostly beautiful weather, no illnesses, accidents or mishaps. It was truly a challenge and a rewarding experience that was perfectly carried out with such precision, ending with such a high climax, and one that will not end here. HOOAH!!!
God Bless America.
Aida Caridi
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Ken McCool's perspective on Resolve to Win March
Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 07:39 PM
by BlogMasters
I only marched approximately 45 miles. I have a great deal of respect for Denny and Carl for doing the entire 390 miles (plus or minus). Marc also has my admiration for his many, many miles. The march was a highlight of my life. I have never participated in anything that had a greater importance. Our service men and women deserve or support and the time it takes to complete the task they were assigned to do. My dad fought in WW2, Korea and Viet Nam and I can tell you he, like the vast majority of all veterans would want to stay the course until the objective is met. I do not have a military background myself but, I do and always will support the military as best I can. My youngest son is currently at NAS Great Lakes preparing for what I hope will be a long military career. I am very proud of him and all our young warriors. I cannot describe properly the feeling I got marching those miles. When you think your feet cannot take another step, a motorist will honk encouragement, a young child will wave at you from his yard, a senior citizen will wave his/her flag from their porch. You learn very quickly to feed off the support. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the support I received from some really great people from American Legion Post #177 in Fairfax, Va. and the guys at the post in Lorton, Va. I was honored to meet so many vets and share a meal . Please if you can't do anything else for our men and women in harms way, at least fly the flag from your front porch. In closing remember this, we have already won the WAR (if that is what you want to call it), we have not fulfilled our obligation to our service men and women, the Iraqi people or our country. Ask yourself this question:
DO I WANT OUR TROOPS FIGHTING AND RISKING THEIR LIVES IN IRAQ TO COME HOME THE WAY WW2 VETERANS CAME HOME (AS HEROES), OR DO YOU WANT THEM TO COME HOME LIKE THE VIET NAM VET ( I really don't need to write anything here because you know what I mean). ???????
God Bless you, God Bless America, God Bless our troops and ALL OUR VETERANS
Ken McCool
Georgetown, De. & Pensacola, Fl.
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Carl Heerup’s Observations—Mission Complete
Monday, March 17, 2008 at 06:45 AM
by BlogMasters
Well, we made it: marching 391 miles in 16 days, culminating on the steps in front of the Lincoln Memorial.
The past 3 days, we were feted by Post 177 of the American Legion. They are a wonderful bunch of folks, so kind & generous, and so passionate about the welfare of America’s troops and veterans! They, and the other organizations who’ve helped us, including Troop Aid, Gathering of Eagles, VFW, Soldier’s Angels, and Eagles Up, have earned my respect and admiration for their efforts and passion in the service of the troops & veterans.
The last 2 days we were joined by family & friends, including my wonderful wife Antonietta. Of course, this cheered us greatly. On Sunday, Channel 7/8 chose Annie Heerup as the spokeswoman for ResolveToWin. I complemented her performance, and she credited Toastmasters and stated, “You should try it.”
What did we accomplish? Obviously, we did the physical thing, completing the walk. We did not garner the national attention that we sought. We did get some local attention, and spread the word that way. We focused some of the folks who already believed in our cause on the need to spread the word. We spread the word among our various circles of acquaintance. We learned that those who truly believe in the welfare of the troops and veterans feel strongly that we need to complete the mission in Iraq. We inspired a number of people to continue the effort. Finally, we helped some Vietnam veterans “Exorcise their Vietnam demons.”
The question of “What next?” comes to mind. Since we didn’t get the national attention on our views, we can either hope for the best or continue the fight. Since I put it that way, it’s apparent that I believe we should continue, but how? First, and easiest, we should continue to try to publicize the march, perhaps by continued ad expanded web coverage, and letters to the editors of our various local papers. This may not get national attention, but it should get wider attention.
A follow-on march has been proposed by Gathering of Eagles, Pentagon-to-Ground Zero (or vice-versa) to coincide with September 11. This sounds like an excellent idea, particularly if combined with the increased publication of the last walk. Maybe this time, with more widespread participation, we can get the national attention we missed this time.
For me, personally, a broader participation in one (or more) of the servicemembers’ and veteran’s service organizations is needed. Perhaps the same post in which my son is a member.
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