Bunny In The Foxhole
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
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Yeoman 3rd Class Margret Ueberlauer hands out toys to HIV infected children during a community relations project at the Camillian Center in Pattaya, Thailand. The USS Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.
These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived
This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
21 years old from Forks, Washington
3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force
July 29, 2006
L/Cpl. Jason Hanson died when a gasoline truck near a building he was in exploded, causing the building to collapse in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Three other Marines were also killed in the blast. Lance Cpl. Anthony E. Butterfield, 19 yrs. old, of Clovis, California; Cpl. Phillip E. Baucus, 28 yrs. old, of Wolf Creek, Montana; Sgt. Christian B. Williams, 27 yrs. old, of Winter Haven, Florida.
Hanson graduated in 2003 and joined the Marines in 2005. He married his wife just before shipping out.
These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived
This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Staff Sgt. Andy Pena performs in-flight calibrations on a HH-60 Pave Low while flying Sept. 3 over Ellington Field, Texas. He and members of the 55th Rescue Squadron deployed from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., to Ellington Field in response to Hurricane Gustav with less than 24 hours after notification. Sergeant Pena is an aerial gunner.
These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Have Every Right To Dream Heroic Dreams. Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look
This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.
Update on UK Soldier refused hotel service-I am glad to see them own up to their screw up.Original link included.Contact info also listed.NOTE-This company is NOT American owned,despite the name
BBC News Link
OWNER INFO-
American Amusements Ltd
American Amusements Ltd, 1 Crown Square, Woking, Surrey, GU21 6HR.
Amusement arcades, bowling, pool and more all under one roof.
Contact Information:
Telephone 01483 727100
Hotel apology for soldier refusal
A hotel has apologised after a soldier was refused a room while he was on leave visiting an injured colleague.
Corporal Tomos Stringer, 23, from Gwynedd, was visiting a wounded friend in Woking, Surrey when he was turned away. He spent the night in his car.
Cpl Stringer, who himself has a broken wrist, was on leave from Afghanistan.
The Metro had experienced problems with soldiers staying there and staff had been asked to be "cautious". But it admitted a "mistake" in this case.
The Armed Forces Minister Bob Ainsworth has written a letter, calling for an explanation.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "We are very surprised that any company would adopt a policy to exclude members of the armed forces who generally enjoy great respect and gratitude for their professionalism, courage and bravery.
"Our service men and women make great sacrifices on behalf of us all, and they deserve our wholehearted support."
Military ID
Corp Stringer, of 13 Air Assault Regiment RLC, was refused a room at the hotel under its "no military personnel" policy.
He was visiting a wounded colleague in the area in June and was home from Afghanistan on recovery leave after breaking his wrist jumping out of a wagon.
He has since returned to Afghanistan but his mother, Gaynor Stringer, said he was still angry at his treatment.
The hotel receptionist asked to see his identification and when he showed his military ID card, she told him military personnel were not welcome.
Mrs Stringer, who lives at Pentrefelin, near Criccieth, said: "That was at 10 o'clock on a Sunday night. He slept in the car that night. He just couldn't believe what had happened.
She added: "I can't believe this has happened to one of our soldiers in his own country. He just didn't know how to react.
"We've been to America and their military get treated like heroes over there.
"I think it's terrible they [UK service personnel] can't even wear their uniform with pride."
Defence Minister Derek Twigg said: "This case is especially egregious given that the individual concerned was on injury leave from Afghanistan and visiting an injured colleague.
Corporal Tomos Stringer
The 23-year-old had broken his wrist jumping from his army wagon
"The government and, it is fair to say, the vast majority of people in this country, hold the professionalism, courage and contribution made by all those who serve, and have served in the armed forces in very high regard.
"I am delighted that the armed forces generally enjoy immense respect and gratitude on the part of the nation and that contrary sentiments are rare, though evidently they exist."
Caernarfon MP Hywel Williams said he also wanted to take the matter further.
He said: "I was astonished when I heard the story from Mrs Stringer. I can't see why any hotel would want to refuse accommodation to a serving member of the armed forces anyway.
"Tomos was not in his uniform, he was a traveller like anyone else."
The Metro Hotel said it "sincerely apologises for any upset caused towards Cpl Stringer and his family following the incident at the hotel.
A spokesman said: "The hotel management has always had an open door policy to all its visitors and guests, including members of the military and armed forces, and will continue to do so."
He added: "On this particular occasion there was a mistake made by a duty receptionist and the hotel management sincerely apologises for that mistake."
The matter had been raised by Plaid Cymru MP Mr Williams, who received a letter back from the hotel complex manager last week saying it regretted the way the matter was dealt with.
A manager in the letter said the hotel had in recent months "experienced some rather serious incidents" resulting from the stay of personnel from a local barracks and staff had been requested to be "cautious" in taking future bookings from the armed forces.
Managers were asked to assess cases.
"In almost every case the booking is accepted. This process does not appear to have happened in this case, for which I sincerely apologise. We also fully recognise and appreciate the tremendous courage and sacrifices made by member of our armed services".
Meanwhile, police were called to the hotel on Thursday lunchtime after the hotel claimed it had been threatened by "abusive" phone calls.
A spokesman for Surrey police said: "Officers were called to the scene because of claims of abusive, offensive and threatening phone calls towards the Metro Hotel.
"The calls were in relation to the soldier being refused entry."
The spokesman added: "We will monitor the calls to see if an offence has occurred, if it has then we can trace the calls and further action will be taken."
BBC News Link
OWNER INFO-
American Amusements Ltd
American Amusements Ltd, 1 Crown Square, Woking, Surrey, GU21 6HR.
Amusement arcades, bowling, pool and more all under one roof.
Contact Information:
Telephone 01483 727100
Hotel apology for soldier refusal
A hotel has apologised after a soldier was refused a room while he was on leave visiting an injured colleague.
Corporal Tomos Stringer, 23, from Gwynedd, was visiting a wounded friend in Woking, Surrey when he was turned away. He spent the night in his car.
Cpl Stringer, who himself has a broken wrist, was on leave from Afghanistan.
The Metro had experienced problems with soldiers staying there and staff had been asked to be "cautious". But it admitted a "mistake" in this case.
The Armed Forces Minister Bob Ainsworth has written a letter, calling for an explanation.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "We are very surprised that any company would adopt a policy to exclude members of the armed forces who generally enjoy great respect and gratitude for their professionalism, courage and bravery.
"Our service men and women make great sacrifices on behalf of us all, and they deserve our wholehearted support."
Military ID
Corp Stringer, of 13 Air Assault Regiment RLC, was refused a room at the hotel under its "no military personnel" policy.
He was visiting a wounded colleague in the area in June and was home from Afghanistan on recovery leave after breaking his wrist jumping out of a wagon.
He has since returned to Afghanistan but his mother, Gaynor Stringer, said he was still angry at his treatment.
The hotel receptionist asked to see his identification and when he showed his military ID card, she told him military personnel were not welcome.
Mrs Stringer, who lives at Pentrefelin, near Criccieth, said: "That was at 10 o'clock on a Sunday night. He slept in the car that night. He just couldn't believe what had happened.
She added: "I can't believe this has happened to one of our soldiers in his own country. He just didn't know how to react.
"We've been to America and their military get treated like heroes over there.
"I think it's terrible they [UK service personnel] can't even wear their uniform with pride."
Defence Minister Derek Twigg said: "This case is especially egregious given that the individual concerned was on injury leave from Afghanistan and visiting an injured colleague.
Corporal Tomos Stringer
The 23-year-old had broken his wrist jumping from his army wagon
"The government and, it is fair to say, the vast majority of people in this country, hold the professionalism, courage and contribution made by all those who serve, and have served in the armed forces in very high regard.
"I am delighted that the armed forces generally enjoy immense respect and gratitude on the part of the nation and that contrary sentiments are rare, though evidently they exist."
Caernarfon MP Hywel Williams said he also wanted to take the matter further.
He said: "I was astonished when I heard the story from Mrs Stringer. I can't see why any hotel would want to refuse accommodation to a serving member of the armed forces anyway.
"Tomos was not in his uniform, he was a traveller like anyone else."
The Metro Hotel said it "sincerely apologises for any upset caused towards Cpl Stringer and his family following the incident at the hotel.
A spokesman said: "The hotel management has always had an open door policy to all its visitors and guests, including members of the military and armed forces, and will continue to do so."
He added: "On this particular occasion there was a mistake made by a duty receptionist and the hotel management sincerely apologises for that mistake."
The matter had been raised by Plaid Cymru MP Mr Williams, who received a letter back from the hotel complex manager last week saying it regretted the way the matter was dealt with.
A manager in the letter said the hotel had in recent months "experienced some rather serious incidents" resulting from the stay of personnel from a local barracks and staff had been requested to be "cautious" in taking future bookings from the armed forces.
Managers were asked to assess cases.
"In almost every case the booking is accepted. This process does not appear to have happened in this case, for which I sincerely apologise. We also fully recognise and appreciate the tremendous courage and sacrifices made by member of our armed services".
Meanwhile, police were called to the hotel on Thursday lunchtime after the hotel claimed it had been threatened by "abusive" phone calls.
A spokesman for Surrey police said: "Officers were called to the scene because of claims of abusive, offensive and threatening phone calls towards the Metro Hotel.
"The calls were in relation to the soldier being refused entry."
The spokesman added: "We will monitor the calls to see if an offence has occurred, if it has then we can trace the calls and further action will be taken."
Thursday, September 04, 2008
What I am about to post comes out of the UK.It really sickens me to see any honorable soldier treated this way,whether he's American,Brit or Aussie,or any of our allies actually.I've also included the original link,and some comments,no names of course,from a forum I found this on.Others said it,and I wonder too,if it wasnt a muslim run hotel.
EDIT-Some generous soul from above said forum found out the owners of the hotel,will add that link too once its confirmed they are indeed the owners.
Refused hotel room because he was a soldier
Sep 4 2008 by Sam Lister, Daily Post
DEFENCE Minister Derek Twigg yesterday branded as “deplorable” the treatment of an injured North Wales soldier who was refused entry to a hotel.
Corporal Tomos Stringer from Criccieth had to sleep in his car overnight after staff in Surrey refused to rent him a room – because their hotel does not accept military personnel as guests.
Cpl Stringer, 24, injured his wrist falling out if a truck while under fire in Afghanistan.
While home on sick leave he travelled to Woking to help out with preparations for the funeral of a friend killed in action.
He tried to rent a room at the Metro Hotel, in Chertsey Road, after spending longer than expected in the town. He was asked for ID and showed them his military pass.
But staff told him it was company policy to turn away members of the Armed Forces.
It was so late that Corporal Stringer, who joined up when he was just 16 and now serves with the 1st Air Assault, was forced to spend the night in his car.
The soldier’s mother, Gaynor Stringer, was so upset over the way he was treated by the hotel she wrote to MP Hywel Williams.
Yesterday she told the Daily Post: “It’s a disgrace. He is in Afghanistan for the third time and has been in Iraq twice and this is the way he is treated.
“All he has ever wanted to do is be in the Army. He was in the cadets and then signed up when he was 16. He told me he would die for his Queen and country and he just wants to make a difference.
“He was back from Afghanistan after breaking his wrist when he fell out of his truck when they were under fire.
“Just before he went back he wanted to go down to Surrey to help with the preparations for a friend's funeral.
“When he went to check in everything was fine until they asked him for ID and he produced his military pass. That’s when they refused to give him a room.
“Soldiers don’t get treated like this in America. There they are treated like heroes but here they are being treated like scum. It is heartbreaking.”
Mr Williams wrote to the government about the case and Defence Minister Derek Twigg responded branding it “deplorable”.
Mr Twigg’s letter states: “Although I do not know the precise circumstances, I think it is deplorable for the management of a hotel to have a policy not to accept military personnel and that this case is especially egregious given that the individual concerned was on injury leave from Afghanistan”
Mr Williams, Plaid MP for Caernarfon, said: “It is unacceptable and outrageous that anyone is discriminated against in this way. What aggravates this situation and makes it much worse is that he was back on injury leave.
“I have written to the hotel but have heard nothing from them.”
Staff at the Metro Hotel declined to comment last night.
Daily Post Article
"Apparently the hotel staff had to call in the police this afternoon as they've been inundated with abusive phone calls. Lucky people haven't turned up and done it in person, I guess. Police said if the recorded calls are bad enough, they'll trace and take action. Couldn't believe the guy had to spend the night in his car instead - did I hear that correctly? Wonder why he didn't find somewhere else and NOT flash his ID card?"-Glad to see people standing up for this soldier!
"Anyway, somebodys got some gay bestial porn in their inbox."-Gross,but what they did deserved no less.I dunno if I woulda went quite that far though..hehe.
EDIT-Some generous soul from above said forum found out the owners of the hotel,will add that link too once its confirmed they are indeed the owners.
Refused hotel room because he was a soldier
Sep 4 2008 by Sam Lister, Daily Post
DEFENCE Minister Derek Twigg yesterday branded as “deplorable” the treatment of an injured North Wales soldier who was refused entry to a hotel.
Corporal Tomos Stringer from Criccieth had to sleep in his car overnight after staff in Surrey refused to rent him a room – because their hotel does not accept military personnel as guests.
Cpl Stringer, 24, injured his wrist falling out if a truck while under fire in Afghanistan.
While home on sick leave he travelled to Woking to help out with preparations for the funeral of a friend killed in action.
He tried to rent a room at the Metro Hotel, in Chertsey Road, after spending longer than expected in the town. He was asked for ID and showed them his military pass.
But staff told him it was company policy to turn away members of the Armed Forces.
It was so late that Corporal Stringer, who joined up when he was just 16 and now serves with the 1st Air Assault, was forced to spend the night in his car.
The soldier’s mother, Gaynor Stringer, was so upset over the way he was treated by the hotel she wrote to MP Hywel Williams.
Yesterday she told the Daily Post: “It’s a disgrace. He is in Afghanistan for the third time and has been in Iraq twice and this is the way he is treated.
“All he has ever wanted to do is be in the Army. He was in the cadets and then signed up when he was 16. He told me he would die for his Queen and country and he just wants to make a difference.
“He was back from Afghanistan after breaking his wrist when he fell out of his truck when they were under fire.
“Just before he went back he wanted to go down to Surrey to help with the preparations for a friend's funeral.
“When he went to check in everything was fine until they asked him for ID and he produced his military pass. That’s when they refused to give him a room.
“Soldiers don’t get treated like this in America. There they are treated like heroes but here they are being treated like scum. It is heartbreaking.”
Mr Williams wrote to the government about the case and Defence Minister Derek Twigg responded branding it “deplorable”.
Mr Twigg’s letter states: “Although I do not know the precise circumstances, I think it is deplorable for the management of a hotel to have a policy not to accept military personnel and that this case is especially egregious given that the individual concerned was on injury leave from Afghanistan”
Mr Williams, Plaid MP for Caernarfon, said: “It is unacceptable and outrageous that anyone is discriminated against in this way. What aggravates this situation and makes it much worse is that he was back on injury leave.
“I have written to the hotel but have heard nothing from them.”
Staff at the Metro Hotel declined to comment last night.
Daily Post Article
"Apparently the hotel staff had to call in the police this afternoon as they've been inundated with abusive phone calls. Lucky people haven't turned up and done it in person, I guess. Police said if the recorded calls are bad enough, they'll trace and take action. Couldn't believe the guy had to spend the night in his car instead - did I hear that correctly? Wonder why he didn't find somewhere else and NOT flash his ID card?"-Glad to see people standing up for this soldier!
"Anyway, somebodys got some gay bestial porn in their inbox."-Gross,but what they did deserved no less.I dunno if I woulda went quite that far though..hehe.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
19 years old from Manchester, New Hampshire
1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force
November 7, 2006
"I just can't believe it," said Nicole Cote, mother of L/Cpl. McCoughn. "It's not supposed to happen this way. Your kids aren't supposed to leave you." McCoughn joined the USMC during his Senior year of High School. "He said he needed to do this. He said if he could keep one dad from going to Iraq and he could take his place instead, then he'll feel like he's accomplished something."
Lance Cpl. Ryan T. McCaughn was killed on November 7, 2006 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq. He leaves behind his mother, father, step-father and two brothers.
These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived
This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.
