...so with the insurgents gone, death is down, but whiskey drinking is up...somehow we need to find a group of insurgents that don't kill people, but still keep them from drinking their faces off--this would be the ultimate combo.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Why things are good in Iraq...
I just got off the phone with a friend in the Iraqi Army. He called me from Mosul during his vacation to let me know he was drinking whiskey and chasing women. Apparently, the insurgents are all gone...I heard a similar story from my terp buddies who now live in Baghdad.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Keep track of your golf game
Yuan H., my PhD golfing buddy, hooked me up with a great site. If you're a golfer this is a great way to keep track of your stats and keep in touch with your golfing buddies.
Here's the site
Monday, May 25, 2009
New Book Review
Kepler's Military History Book Reviews:
"The book is a good read and would be a valuable addition to all community libraries."
"It gives a realistic insight into what the USA is still confronting."
"1st Lt. Gray's stories range form hilarious to tear inducing."
http://kepgeek.blogspot.com/2009/05/embedded-marine-corps-adviser-inside.html
"The book is a good read and would be a valuable addition to all community libraries."
"It gives a realistic insight into what the USA is still confronting."
"1st Lt. Gray's stories range form hilarious to tear inducing."
http://kepgeek.blogspot.com/2009/05/embedded-marine-corps-adviser-inside.html
Memorial Day Tribute for Trevor Yurista
This is a repost from over a year ago...
Jeff Brewer, one of my best buds in the USMC, sent a tribute this morning to a close friend of his that recently died in Afghanistan. Being away from the Marines, the reality of war seems foreign to me at times, but episodes like this are a great reminder.
As you hit the voting booth today, think about how you can contribute to making the country a better place.
Jeff Brewer's tribute is below.
To All,
I'd like to take a few moments of your time today to tell you about my friend Trevor Yurista. Trevor was killed in Afghanistan 27 October when an IED struck the vehicle he was traveling in. Trevor and fellow Marines with 2nd Battalion 7th Marine Regiment (stationed at 29 Palms, CA) were operating against Taliban in Helmand Province when the attack occurred. This was Trevor's third deployment since the summer of 2006, and his first to Afghanistan following two successive tours in Iraq. Trevor was scheduled to either leave the Corps in February 2009 or re-up for another tour, and regardless of the short time left on his contract, he had volunteered to head to Afghanistan in late August to serve as a combat replacement for 2/7; this battalion had so many casualties during the first half of its tour in Afghanistan, that 1st Marine Division had asked for augments to shore up the battalion numbers. Trevor said he would go to combat, again.
I met Trevor in Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Quantico, VA back in January of 2005. We were in the same candidate platoon, and we spent 10 grueling weeks together that winter, battling freezing weather and U.S. Marine drill instructors. We got our commissions in late March and headed across I-95 to attend The Basic School (TBS), located on another part of the USMC base there in Northern VA. We landed the same ground intelligence officer MOS and ended up as roommates and in the same squad for Infantry Officer Course (IOC) and then spent three months together at intel school in Dam Neck, VA in early 2006. We had good times in Dam Neck, which is just south of Virginia Beach. Lindsie and I lived in a hotel on the boardwalk, as did Trevor, and besides carpooling with Trevor every morning into work, we had him over for dinner a couple times that winter/spring of 2006. We graduated intel school in April 2006 and he headed immediately to Iraq to serve with 5th Marine Regiment (the same regiment famous for the Marines that fought on Guadalcanal, Okinawa and later in Korea at Inchon) in and around Fallujah. Following his return in January of 2007, Trevor went again to Iraq a few months later to serve as a military training team advisor assisting the Iraqis in standing up their own security forces. His latest foray into war on Islamic terrorism had another couple months before redeployment to the states. Over the last couple years, we'd kept in touch via email and had intended to get together and rehash our adventures over a few beers. I had last emailed with Trevor in early October.
Trevor was a good friend, a man's man, a true patriot and great Marine. His sacrifice must not be forgotten. Granted, this is an important day for our country and we have our minds on elections and the future of our economy, etc. But please stop and consider the sacrifice of Trevor Yurista and thousands of other warriors who have paid the ultimate price in Iraq and Afghanistan. Hopefully it makes us all be a little less selfish, and a little more willing to give up our comforts if it will help others.
Trevor leaves a great legacy--exemplary service for three combat tours before giving his life for our country; his many medals and commendations attest to his fine service. Lindsie and I will remember Trevor as a friend and fellow Marine. Hopefully, because of what you've read here, you too can remember his sacrifice for our country.
Remember especially this day Ronald C. Yurista, Trevor's father, who buried his son yesterday in a town in upstate New York called Marlboro.
Godspeed to all,
Jeff Brewer
The attached picture, taken back in November 2005 at the USMC Birthball Ball in Richmond, VA, is of Trevor, myself and another great Marine, Jason Kemp.
Jeff Brewer, one of my best buds in the USMC, sent a tribute this morning to a close friend of his that recently died in Afghanistan. Being away from the Marines, the reality of war seems foreign to me at times, but episodes like this are a great reminder.
As you hit the voting booth today, think about how you can contribute to making the country a better place.
Jeff Brewer's tribute is below.
To All,
I'd like to take a few moments of your time today to tell you about my friend Trevor Yurista. Trevor was killed in Afghanistan 27 October when an IED struck the vehicle he was traveling in. Trevor and fellow Marines with 2nd Battalion 7th Marine Regiment (stationed at 29 Palms, CA) were operating against Taliban in Helmand Province when the attack occurred. This was Trevor's third deployment since the summer of 2006, and his first to Afghanistan following two successive tours in Iraq. Trevor was scheduled to either leave the Corps in February 2009 or re-up for another tour, and regardless of the short time left on his contract, he had volunteered to head to Afghanistan in late August to serve as a combat replacement for 2/7; this battalion had so many casualties during the first half of its tour in Afghanistan, that 1st Marine Division had asked for augments to shore up the battalion numbers. Trevor said he would go to combat, again.
I met Trevor in Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Quantico, VA back in January of 2005. We were in the same candidate platoon, and we spent 10 grueling weeks together that winter, battling freezing weather and U.S. Marine drill instructors. We got our commissions in late March and headed across I-95 to attend The Basic School (TBS), located on another part of the USMC base there in Northern VA. We landed the same ground intelligence officer MOS and ended up as roommates and in the same squad for Infantry Officer Course (IOC) and then spent three months together at intel school in Dam Neck, VA in early 2006. We had good times in Dam Neck, which is just south of Virginia Beach. Lindsie and I lived in a hotel on the boardwalk, as did Trevor, and besides carpooling with Trevor every morning into work, we had him over for dinner a couple times that winter/spring of 2006. We graduated intel school in April 2006 and he headed immediately to Iraq to serve with 5th Marine Regiment (the same regiment famous for the Marines that fought on Guadalcanal, Okinawa and later in Korea at Inchon) in and around Fallujah. Following his return in January of 2007, Trevor went again to Iraq a few months later to serve as a military training team advisor assisting the Iraqis in standing up their own security forces. His latest foray into war on Islamic terrorism had another couple months before redeployment to the states. Over the last couple years, we'd kept in touch via email and had intended to get together and rehash our adventures over a few beers. I had last emailed with Trevor in early October.
Trevor was a good friend, a man's man, a true patriot and great Marine. His sacrifice must not be forgotten. Granted, this is an important day for our country and we have our minds on elections and the future of our economy, etc. But please stop and consider the sacrifice of Trevor Yurista and thousands of other warriors who have paid the ultimate price in Iraq and Afghanistan. Hopefully it makes us all be a little less selfish, and a little more willing to give up our comforts if it will help others.
Trevor leaves a great legacy--exemplary service for three combat tours before giving his life for our country; his many medals and commendations attest to his fine service. Lindsie and I will remember Trevor as a friend and fellow Marine. Hopefully, because of what you've read here, you too can remember his sacrifice for our country.
Remember especially this day Ronald C. Yurista, Trevor's father, who buried his son yesterday in a town in upstate New York called Marlboro.
Godspeed to all,
Jeff Brewer
The attached picture, taken back in November 2005 at the USMC Birthball Ball in Richmond, VA, is of Trevor, myself and another great Marine, Jason Kemp.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Ty Gray is UC Davis Med Super Model???
My brother somehow became the poster boy for UC Davis' medical website.
http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/welcome/index.html
It also appears that he won some award...
http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/welcome/features/20090520_AR_lighter_load/index.html
http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/welcome/index.html
It also appears that he won some award...
http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/welcome/features/20090520_AR_lighter_load/index.html
Audit the Fed? Why not...
Everyone else who manages money has to get audited, why not the guys managing taxpayer money?
Sign up:
http://action.firedoglake.com/page/s/Fed1207
Sign up:
http://action.firedoglake.com/page/s/Fed1207
Paid vacation for everyone!
Yipee!
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0509/22794.html
Wish I would have thought of this idea. Let's just force businesses to give employees paid vacations. It will work like a charm. Heck, lets just make businesses give everyone 2x their current paycheck and give them 6 months vacation. And let's bail out everyone so everyone is happpyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy. Obamanomics to the rescue.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0509/22794.html
Wish I would have thought of this idea. Let's just force businesses to give employees paid vacations. It will work like a charm. Heck, lets just make businesses give everyone 2x their current paycheck and give them 6 months vacation. And let's bail out everyone so everyone is happpyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy. Obamanomics to the rescue.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Small Wars Journal Review
Another review for EMBEDDED: A Marine Adviser Insider the Iraqi Army
http://smallwarsjournal.com/mag/2009/05/book-review-embedded.php
http://smallwarsjournal.com/mag/2009/05/book-review-embedded.php
Monday, May 18, 2009
Charleston Gazette Book Review
http://www.wvgazettemail.com/Opinion/OpEdCommentaries/200905160308
Here is a review of my book by Paul Nyden. Enjoy.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
My soon-to-be daughter is a Democrat
Katie recently asked me how I knew our overdue soon-to-be born Alice would be a Democrat, my response:
1. she loves free housing
2. she loves free food
3. she doesn't want to perform any "labor" (hat tip Andy K.)
4. she loves living off the system
5. she is waiting in the womb until Obama passes his national health care plan so she can get free medical care
...the list goes on...woe is me...
1. she loves free housing
2. she loves free food
3. she doesn't want to perform any "labor" (hat tip Andy K.)
4. she loves living off the system
5. she is waiting in the womb until Obama passes his national health care plan so she can get free medical care
...the list goes on...woe is me...
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Where is Alice Mae!!!!!!!!!!!!
I never actually talk to my wife, but we do communicate through our blogs--ha!
Apparently, our baby daughter was supposed to be born today...what's the deal????
Who knows, maybe this will induce labor?
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Cheney prefers Limbaugh over Powell?
Update: Becker/Posner have a discussion on the 'lost' conservative movement that many of us would like to see return. The new form of 'conservatism' represented by morons like Sarah Palin aren't cutting it.
http://www.becker-posner-blog.com/archives/2009/05/the_serious_con.html
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601070&sid=aUXi5cHxSSGw&refer=home
Despite his inflammatory remarks, Rush Limbaugh actually does have many interesting things to say and some really good ideas, but I'm not sure I want him as a statesman! Colin Powell also has his flaws, as do all of us, but I think he stands for a lot of great things that would attract folks to the Republican party: honor, sacrifice, and humility.
For me it really comes down to one observation:
Powell: statesman, 4-star general, combat-vet
Rush: Dodged Vietnam due to an "anal cyst" http://www.snopes.com/military/limbaugh.asp. Hell, I know Marines who have lost limbs and then send in special requests to serve with a prosthetic...
...I'm not saying military service is an end all be-all or necessary for a party representative, but for a party that prides itself on strong national defense, gun laws, and supporting the military it would make sense that the Republicans tilt more towards a guy who's actually done that stuff than a guy who specifically dodged it...not sure what Cheney is thinking...
Why can't the Republicans just focus on limited government, pro-business/pro-competition policies and be done with it?
VS
http://www.becker-posner-blog.com/archives/2009/05/the_serious_con.html
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601070&sid=aUXi5cHxSSGw&refer=home
Despite his inflammatory remarks, Rush Limbaugh actually does have many interesting things to say and some really good ideas, but I'm not sure I want him as a statesman! Colin Powell also has his flaws, as do all of us, but I think he stands for a lot of great things that would attract folks to the Republican party: honor, sacrifice, and humility.
For me it really comes down to one observation:
Powell: statesman, 4-star general, combat-vet
Rush: Dodged Vietnam due to an "anal cyst" http://www.snopes.com/military/limbaugh.asp. Hell, I know Marines who have lost limbs and then send in special requests to serve with a prosthetic...
...I'm not saying military service is an end all be-all or necessary for a party representative, but for a party that prides itself on strong national defense, gun laws, and supporting the military it would make sense that the Republicans tilt more towards a guy who's actually done that stuff than a guy who specifically dodged it...not sure what Cheney is thinking...
Why can't the Republicans just focus on limited government, pro-business/pro-competition policies and be done with it?
VS
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Hometown newspaper article
http://www.andersonvalleypost.com/news/2009/may/05/author-cottonwood-roots-led-to-success/
The Valley Post did an article on my time in the Marines.
The Valley Post did an article on my time in the Marines.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
How to deliver a baby via internet advice
Yes, its true, the internet can teach you anything. Hopefully, Katie, Alice, and I will make it to the hospital in time, but if not, youtube here we come!
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23684595-details/YouTube+helped+father+deliver+baby/article.do
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23684595-details/YouTube+helped+father+deliver+baby/article.do
Friday, May 1, 2009
Discrete age intervals are awesome!
Growing older is a wonderful thing. What I love best about these few days before my bday is that Katie is the same age as I am. We are both 28...tis a wonderful thing to be the same age as your wife.
Scale matters
Dean Baker at CEPR is always harping on the press to make numbers more tangible to Americans. This video really captures the essence of why it is important. For whatever reason, its difficult for people to understand the scale of very large numbers.
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