Gazing At The Flag - AllMilitary.com's Military Blog

30 Years Since Iran Takeover of US Embassy

November 4th, 2009, by Flag_Gazer

…and, once again, it was celebrated by burning the American flag.

Repeating the post I did several years ago….

November 4, 1979 - The Iran Hostage Crisis

“…in the aftermath of 9/11, we said, “My God, it began with us.”

Bruce Laingan

Charge d’affaires of the US Embassy and Hostage

Iranian students take over the United States Embassy in Tehran, Iran

United States Embassy Hostages

On November 4, 1979, thousands of Iranian students, overran the US Embassy and took about 90 people captive. The non-Americans were freed. Later, some were freed, including the women (except for two) and blacks (except for one), on the grounds that they were unlikely to be spies and had suffered enough with the oppression of the Americans. Another hostage was released in July 1980 due to illness. 52 hostages were held for 444 days. Six others had escaped and taken refuge at other embassies. On January 28, 1980, Canadian diplomats helped these six to flee Iran. The Canadian Embassy was then closed.

Thousands of other protesters pressed around the embassy compound, responding to the call by the country’s new leader, Ayatollah Khomeini, to attack US and Israeli interests. They demanded the return of the shah, Muhammad Reza Pahlevi, for trail and execution.

President Carter eventually halted oil imports from Iran, imposed a complete economic embargo, froze Iranian assets in the US and began diplomatic efforts to free the remaining hostages.

The hostages were finally released on January 20, 1981, moments after President Reagan was inagurated.

Today, the US Embassy in Iran serves as a museum to the revolution. It was opened in 2001. Outside the door are two bronze statues: the Statue of Liberty and a portrayal of one of the hostages. It is still the stage for angry demonstrations to chant anti-US and anti-Israeli slogans and to burn flags and effigies.

*********************************

Twenty seven years ago, the country gasped in horror as the symbol of America and our freedom was taken over in Iran. We stayed up to watch the news, to hope and pray for their release. Nightline with Ted Koppel was born for the purpose of covering the event. It was the first strike in our continuing war with radical Islam.

*********************************

The Hostages:

6 Evading Diplomats

Robert Anders, 34 - Consular Officer

Mark J. Lijek, 29 - Consular Officer

Cora A. Lijek, 25 - Consular Assistant

Henry L. Schatz, 31 - Agriculture Attaché

Joseph D. Stafford, 29 - Consular Officer

Kathleen F. Stafford, 28 - Consular Assistant

13 Women and African-American Personnel were captured, held hosage and released on 19-20 November, 1979

Kathy Gross, 22 - Secretary

Sgt. James Hughes, 30 - USAF Administrative Manager

Lillian Johnson, 32 - Secretary

Sgt. Ladell Maples, 23 - USMC Embassy Guard

Elizabeth Montagne, 42 - Secretary

Sgt. William Quarles, 23 - USMC Embassy Guard

Lloyd Rollins, 40 - Administrative Officer

Capt. Neal (Terry) Robinson, 30 - Administrative Officer

Terri Tedford, 24 - Secretary Sgt.

Joseph Vincent, 42 - USAF Administrative Manager

Sgt. David Walker, 25 - USMC Embassy Guard

Joan Walsh, 33 - Secretary

Cpl. Wesley Williams, 24 - USMC Embassy Guard

1 hostage captured, held and released on 11 July 1980 because of Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis

Richard I. Queen, 28 - Vice Consul 52

Remaining Hostages, held captive until 20 January, 1980

Thomas L. Ahern, Jr., -Narcotics Control Officer

Clair Cortland Barnes, 35 - Communications Specialist

William E. Belk, 44 - Communications and Records Officer

Robert O. Blucker, 54 - Economics Officer Specializing in Oil

Donald J. Cooke, 26 - Vice Consul

William J. Daugherty, 33 - 3rd Secretary of U.S. Mission

Lt. Cmdr. Robert Englemann, 34 - USN Attaché

Sgt. William Gallegos, 22 - USMC Guard

Bruce W. German, 44 - Budget Officer

Duane L. Gillette, 24 - USN Communications and Intelligence Specialist

Alan B. Golancinksi, 30 - Security Officer

John E. Graves, 53 - Public Affairs Officer

Joseph M. Hall, 32 - CWO Military Attaché

Sgt. Kevin J. Hermening, 21 - USMC Guard

Sgt. 1st Class Donald R. Hohman, 38 - USA Medic

Col. Leland J. Holland, 53 - Military Attaché

Michael Howland, 34 - Security Aide, held at Iranian Foreign Ministry Office

Charles A. Jones, Jr., 40 - Communications Specialist and Teletype Operator. Only African-American hostage not released in November 1979.

Malcolm Kalp, 42 - Affiliation Unknown

Moorhead C. Kennedy Jr., 50 - Economic and Commercial Officer

William F. Keough, Jr., 50 - Superintendent of American School in Islamabad, Pakistan, visiting Tehran at time of embassy seizure

Cpl. Steven W. Kirtley - USMC Guard

Kathryn L. Koob, 42 - Embassy Cultural Officer; one of two female hostages

Frederick Lee Kupke, 34 - Communications Officer and Electronics Specialist

L. Bruce Laingen, 58 - Chargé d’Affaires, held at Iranian Foreign Ministry Office

Steven Lauterbach, 29 - Administrative Officer

Gary E. Lee, 37 - Administrative Officer

Sgt. Paul Edward Lewis, 23 - USMC Guard

John W. Limbert, Jr., 37 - Political Officer

Sgt. James M. Lopez, 22 - USMC Guard

Sgt. John D. McKeel, Jr., 27 - USMC Guard

Michael J. Metrinko, 34 - Political Officer

Jerry J. Miele, 42 - Communications Officer

Staff Sgt. Michael E. Moeller, 31 - Head of USMC Guard Unit at Embassy

Bert C. Moore, 45 - Counselor for Administration

Richard H. Morefield, 51 - U.S. Consul General in Tehran

Capt. Paul M. Needham, Jr., 30 - USAF Logistcs Staff Officer

Robert C. Ode, 65 - Retired Foreign Service Officer on Temporary Duty in Tehran

Sgt. Gregory A. Persinger, 23 - USMC Guard

Jerry Plotkin, 45 - Civilian Businessman visiting Tehran

MSgt. Regis Ragan, 38 - USA NCO assigned to Defense Attaché’s Office

Lt. Col. David M. Roeder, 41 - Deputy USAF Attaché

Barry M. Rosen, 36 - Press Attaché

William B. Royer, Jr., 49 - Assistant Director of Iran-American Society

Col. Thomas E. Schaefer, 50 - USAF Attaché

Col. Charles W. Scott, 48 - USA Officer, Military Attaché

Cmdr. Donald A. Sharer, 40 - USN Air Attaché

Sgt. Rodney V. (Rocky) Sickmann, 22 - USMC Guard

Staff Sgt. Joseph Subic, Jr., 23 - Military Police, USA, Defense Attaché’s Staff

Elizabeth Ann Swift, 40 - Chief of Embassy’s Political Section; 1 of 2 female hostages

Victor L. Tomseth, 39 - Senior Political Officer, held at Iranian Foreign Ministry Office

Phillip R. Ward, 40 - Administrative Officer

Constructed from Free At Last by Doyle McManus

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Posted in Gazing at the Flag | Comments Off

John McHugh, Secretary of the Army

November 4th, 2009, by Flag_Gazer

Army Secretary John McHugh reviews the troops during a welcoming ceremony for him hosted by Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. and presided over by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates on Fort Myer, Arlington, Va., Nov. 2, 2009. McHugh was sworn in as the 21st Army Secretary on Sept. 21, 2009.
DoD photo by Cherie Cullen

To see the entire ceremony in pictures:
http://www.defenselink.mil/photoessays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=1472

We wish you well Secretary McHugh - Lead the Army well!

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Golden Corral Says Thank You to the Military

October 28th, 2009, by Flag_Gazer

Golden Corral
Military Appreciation Day

Monday, November 16, 2009
Active Duty Military and Veterans Eat for FREE

For hours and more information, go here:
http://www.goldencorral.com/military/

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Applebee’s Says Thank You to the Military

October 28th, 2009, by Flag_Gazer

Applebee’s

On Veteran’s Day, November 11,
all active duty military and veterans can eat for free
as a Thank You for your service to our country.

Details can be found here:
http://www.applebees.com/vetsDay/default.aspx

Take you ID or proof of service with you.
There is also a restaurant finder on the site.

Bon Apetit!

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United States Marine Corps Band

October 21st, 2009, by Flag_Gazer

United States Marine Corps Band
“The President’s Own”

Colonel Michael J Coburn, Director

Friday night, we had the great pleasure to attend the performance of the United States Marine Corps Band. We live in a rather isolated area, but the past several years, we have been fortunate to have our local newspaper, The Bend Bulletin, sponsor the touring military bands when they tour the west. We have seen the Army and the Air Force in past years. This year, we were given the honor of seeing “The President’s Own” Marine Corps Band! The Bulletin gives out free tickets to the concerts, which is a very nice thing to do!

The venue was a little difficult - a high school gymnasium - and it became clear that they had given out more tickets than they had seating. But, we all managed and enjoyed a wonderful concert. There were several JROTC Marines in uniform at the concert. People kept commenting that they looked too young to be in college (high school kids have a tendency to be too young and look to young.)

When we left our house, we waited for three Oregon National Guard Youth Challenge buses to pass before we could pull onto the highway. We assumed they were getting a night out and wondered if they were going to the concert — and, indeed they were.

One group of girls and two groups of boys came in in their uniforms. Standing in formation and marching in formation, they had tongues wagging - and most of the people there had no idea who they were. They precision marched to their seats and sat at the same time. They were disciplined and proud. When it became evident that their were not enough seats for everyone, the cadets moved — again in precision — and sat on the floor for the concert. Several of us applauded them loudly and the band narrator thanked them.

If you don’t know about the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe - you really should. Some of the readers might be interested in becoming mentors. This is that chance that so many at risk kids need and the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe gives it to them. They made me proud to see them grabbing a hold of that chance and showing the pride they had in themselves.

The Marine Band was outstanding, but seeing these kids moving forward with their lives was an honor it is hard to describe!

Most states have a Youth ChalleNGe and now there is the Patriot Academy for high school dropouts ages 18-24 who want to join the military.

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U S Army Soldier Inspires African Teens

October 14th, 2009, by Flag_Gazer

U.S. Army Soldier inspires African teens in Uganda

By Lt. Col. David Konop

KITGUM, Uganda – When Staff Sgt. John Okumu joined the U.S. Army nearly five years ago, he never dreamed he would one day deploy to Africa, the continent he once called home.

Okumu, who hails originally from Kenya, is among the first U.S. Soldiers setting up operations for Natural Fire 10, a multi-national partnership exercise held this month in Uganda.

During a recent visit to Kitgum High school, Okumu, a logistics NCO, found himself surrounded by curious teens eager to learn more about the American sergeant who spoke their language.

Okumu,35, welcomed such an ambush, responding to a barrage of questions from the uniformed high school students. Within minutes, a small circle of a dozen students grew into a crowd of 60 or more.

“How can I go to the United States and become a soldier like you,” one teen asked.

What began as an impromptu discussion grew into a huddle of dozens, hanging on Okumu’s every word. He told them how important it was for them to do well in school and reach for their goals.

“Education in the key,” Okumu said. “Everyone has a talent. You just need to find out what yours is.”

The students paid close attention and asked many questions. At one point, they broke into laughter after one student asked a question the others thought was silly. Okumu was quick to jump in, telling the students never to be afraid to learn by asking.

“There’s no such thing as a stupid question, except to the question that’s never asked,” Okumu said.

The conversation went on in English, which the teens learn in their classes. But they were initially drawn to Okumu when they heard him speak Luo - the language spoken in northern Uganda which is what Okumu learned as a child in Kenya. He moved to Missouri in 2000.

Okumu is assigned to a group of 21st Theater Sustainment Command Soldiers tasked with constructing a base camp in Kitgum and providing logistical support for Natural Fire 10. In the coming days, hundreds of

Soldiers from Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda will join U.S. troops for the 10-day exercise, which has been held in East Africa every two years for the past decade.

This year, Natural Fire 10 offers an opportunity for East African Community (EAC) Partner Nations and the U.S. military to work together on a humanitarian assistance mission. The exercise takes place in three locations; Entebbe, Kampala and Kitgum.

In Kampala and Entebbe, military and civilian leaders from the U.S. and five Africa partner nations will take part in a table top exercise that simulates a mock natural disaster requiring international support and coordination. In Kitgum, U.S. Army Africa and partner nations will undertake a field training exercise geared toward enhancing their abilities to work together and increase capacity on tasks that support disaster relief and humanitarian assistance.

Together, they will practice tasks such as convoy operations, crowd control, weapons handling and vehicle checkpoints.

Also in Kitgum, U.S. troops and East African partners will provide medical, dental and engineering support to local communities. Engineer projects will be conducted at the Kitgum High School, Mucwini Primary School and Kitgum Government Hospital – where students anxiously anticipate more interaction with Okumu and his fellow Americans.

And Okumu looks forward to seeing them again soon. During their recent chat, Okumu made sure they understood the importance of education to their future success.

“Good grades and test scores may qualify you for scholarships to the U.S.,” Okumu said. “Do your best.”

Cleared for public release.

Photo by Lt. Col. David Konop, U.S. Army Africa

To learn more about U.S. Army Africa visit our official website at www.usaraf.army.mil

It is easy to forget that we have a great many troops in Africa. And, they are doing good things.

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My Last War ~ Charles M Grist

October 7th, 2009, by Flag_Gazer

My Last War:
A Vietnam Veteran’s Tour in Iraq

Charles M Grist

The long awaited book by Charles M Grist, my blogger friend, has been released!

I’ve been reading his blog for several years, and the man can write!!!
This book is about his Iraq tour with the C.O.B.R.A. team.
Knowing what an accomplished writer he is, I know this is going to be a great read.
My copy is on order (hurry up, please!)

To read his blog - American Ranger - please visit here: http://www.americanranger.blogspot.com/

To visit his book web site - My Last War - please visit here:
http://www.mylastwar.com/

To visit the C.O.B.R.A. Team site - please visit here:
http://www.thecobrateam.com/

The book is available at
Barnes and Noble
(where he has been listed in the Rising Star Special Collection - no easy feat for a war book)
and Amazon.

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Afghanistan Through the Eyes of Michael Ramirez

October 7th, 2009, by Flag_Gazer

I don’t often post on politics, but the current politics are adversely affecting out troops - people I know and care about.

It’s time for the President to lead - something he doesn’t seem to know how to do - but, when you have troops in the field and the generals ask for reinforcements, you provide them or you go home.

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FAce of Freedom ~ Chaplin Rememers 9/11 at the Pentagon

September 16th, 2009, by Flag_Gazer

Face of Defense: Chaplain Recalls 9/11 Attack on Pentagon

By Susanne Kappler Special to American Forces Press Service

FORT JACKSON, S.C., Sept. 11, 2009 - Eight years ago, Army Lt. Col. Henry Haynes, Pentagon chaplain, had just come out of a meeting and was on his way back to his office when he heard the news: A plane had hit one of the World Trade Center towers in New York.

At first, he did not pay close attention to the events, said Haynes, now a colonel and the installation chaplain here. But when a second plane struck the other tower, people around the Pentagon started to realize the magnitude of what was happening. “One man said, ‘I bet we’re going to be next,’” he remembered. “I guess it was about a few minutes after that when all the sirens started going off in the building — because we were next.”

On Sept. 11, 2001, at 9:37 a.m., American Airlines Flight 77 struck the west wall of the Pentagon, killing 64 people aboard the plane and 125 people in the building. “When the alarms went off, everybody ran out of the building, and smoke was pouring out of the western side of the building,” Haynes said. “There was total chaos and confusion, because nobody really knew what was going on.”

Haynes and his fellow chaplains didn’t have time to let what happened sink in. They set up an operations center outside the building to attend to victims, rescue workers and others in need.

“It was just a long, long day of trying to minister to and … take care of people who were hurting,” Haynes said.

In the days that followed, Haynes helped survivors and conducted prayer services. He also traveled across the country to attend memorial services for the victims — many of whom he had known personally.

“There was one fellow — we parked side by side every morning when we drove in to the Pentagon. And the reason I remember him so well was because he always read his Bible,” Haynes said. “I would get in at about 6 a.m. each morning … and he would be sitting there reading his Bible every morning. It really just sort of impressed me. “The fact that he was killed — it was just really emotional because I knew he was a very good person and very spiritual,” he continued. “But it was good to be able — when the parents asked me, ‘Did you know my son?’ — to say, ‘Yes, I knew your son. We frequently spoke.’ I told them that he read his Bible every morning and they liked that.”

About six months after the attack, Haynes was organizing the Pentagon’s National Prayer Breakfast and found himself in a tight spot when his keynote speaker canceled on short notice. “And a voice, like God, said, ‘Ask Brian,’” Haynes said. Brian Birdwell, now a retired lieutenant colonel, had just been released from the hospital two days earlier. He had been wounded in the attack, suffering severe burns, which covered more than 60 percent of his body and required more than 30 operations. To Haynes’ surprise, Birdwell agreed to speak at the event.

“And then [Birdwell] asked, ‘Should I wear my uniform?’ I asked, ‘Brian, can you get into your uniform?’ He asked, ‘Do you want me in dress blues?’ I said, ‘Brian, we’ll all be in dress blues. Come in your dress blues,’” Haynes recalled. “And so he came. He still had all the pressure bandages on and the grafts were on his body. He couldn’t stand on his own; his wife had to help him. But he came. And when Brian told his story, there was not a dry eye in the place.”

Despite all the evil that happened during 9/11, Haynes said, one of the positive results was the good it brought out in people. “It was just an outpouring of love from the American people,” he said. “Everybody was just supportive of one another. I’ve never seen anything quite like that before.”

Haynes said he feels privileged to have been in the Pentagon during 9/11 and serve those in need of spiritual support. Although it was a trying and tiring time, he said, his faith helped him meet the demands.

“I believe that God gives you strength. And I believe in the power of prayer. There was a lot of prayer going on,” he said. “A lot of people just wanted to hear some positive words. I felt like that was my duty. I had to do that. I had to be strong for my fellow comrades and employees in the building. “I believe that God prepares us for stuff, and I believe that God had me there for a reason.”

(Susanne Kappler works in the Fort Jackson, S.C., public affairs office.)

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911 Pentagon Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery

September 9th, 2009, by Flag_Gazer

An honor guard stands beside the casket containing the cremated remains
of unidentified victims from the attack on the Pentagon during a group funeral
at the Arlington National Cemetery September 12, 2002.

184 people perished in the attacks at the Pentagon
64 are buried in Section 64 at Arlington - an area that looks at the Pentagon
A group burial of the unidetified remains took place
on September 12, 2002 in the same location
The marker for the remains is a five sided marker with each name

I have visited this section of Arlington. The Memorial is a gathering place for mementos, pictures, letters, painted rocks. It is a very powerful place.