United States Department of Defense’s Post

Consider for a moment the metaphors that we are surrounded with… What might they tell us about our narratives? How might they influence the way we see our roles and those of others? Consider the church… Is it a club with members who pay dues, an army with soldiers, or a body with many parts? How about Young Life? What metaphor might you use to describe our eighty-three-year-old mission? https://lnkd.in/gKQxSmFN

Interesting perspectives

There’s a category of #military brats that are especially deserving of the nation’s recognition, gratitude, and serious study: the roughly 2 million Post-9/11 military children who experienced at least one if not multiple parental deployments—most often to theaters of #war—in the 20yr period after 2001. Already by 2011 (the formal end of the Iraq War), more than 4,300 of these children had had a parent killed in the Iraq & Afghanistan wars. As of 2015, that number had reached some 5,000. It’s difficult to know exactly how many American military kids are survivors or orphans of troops who were killed in the line of duty during the #GWOT, or who they are, let alone the total numbers of children survivors of all those who’ve served in the Post-9/11 era: There does not appear to be any type of database or central repository of information from which to find them. Surveying the past 35 years with the Lucas Group, however, the nonprofit Fallen Patriots has estimated that approximately 25,000 children have lost an active duty parent during that time (whether from accident, illness, hostilities, or suicide). The majority of these fatalities were their fathers. We owe a debt to these military children that goes far beyond media pronouncements and themed events once a year in April.

🌟 Making a Difference: Army Ranger Lead the Way Fund🌟 At Link Financial Advisory, we believe in more than just numbers. Our mission extends beyond balance sheets and investment portfolios. We want to help our clients achieve all their financial goals because we know that as they do better financially, they can better support the organizations they care most about. One such organization near and dear to my heart is The Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund whose mission is clear: to support disabled U.S. Army Rangers and their families. Here’s how they make a difference: 1. Assistance Programs: They go beyond what the government can offer. Through their programs, they address ongoing financial needs, ensuring that Rangers and their families receive the support they deserve. 2. Honoring Fallen Heroes: Their Memorial Wall stands as a tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. They remember, honor, and celebrate US Army Ranger's bravery. 3. Community Engagement: They invite people to participate, volunteer, and host events. As you prepare for your upcoming week, take a moment to remember that Freedom Is Not Free. Let's acknowledge this incredible organization which supports those who protect our freedom. You can find their website by visiting: https://lnkd.in/gaE9j9fw #LeadTheWay #ArmyRangers #MakeADifference #LinkFinancialAdvisory

Whatever the cause of Americans' current lack of confidence in the #military, we should keep our faith in the rank-and-file sailor, soldier, airman, marine, and coast guardsman. They are the very best that the U.S. has to offer. In my latest Op-Ed, I share a few examples from just this past month. https://lnkd.in/eZGfxHv7

Today marks the 80th anniversary of the historic D-Day landings on June 6, 1944. It was the largest amphibious invasion in military history, known as Operation OVERLORD, which initiated the final push to end WWII. The invasion unfolded in two primary phases: an airborne assault and amphibious landings. Shortly after midnight on June 6, over 18,000 Allied paratroopers were dropped into the invasion area to provide tactical support for infantry divisions on the beaches. Allied air forces flew over 14,000 sorties in support of the landings. Nearly 7,000 naval vessels, including battleships, destroyers, minesweepers, escorts, and assault craft, participated in Operation 'Neptune', the naval component of 'Overlord'. Naval forces were responsible for escorting and landing over 132,000 ground troops on the beaches. They also carried out bombardments on German coastal defenses before and during the landings and provided artillery support for the invading troops. Despite its success, approximately 4,000 Allied troops were killed by German soldiers defending the beaches. At the time, the D-Day invasion was the largest naval, air, and land operation in history, and within a few days about 326,000 troops, more than 50,000 vehicles, and some 100,000 tons of equipment had landed. By August 1944, all of northern France had been liberated, and by the spring of 1945, the Allies had defeated the Germans. Historians often refer to D-Day as the beginning of the end of World War II. As we commemorate this significant anniversary, let us pause and reflect on the bravery and sacrifice of perhaps the greatest generation, who were willing to sacrifice their today so that we could enjoy our freedom in the tomorrows to come. On the interior wall of the lower-level exit to the cemetery in Normandy the following inscription puts this day into perspective: "IF EVER PROOF WERE NEEDED THAT WE FOUGHT FOR A CAUSE AND NOT FOR CONQUEST, IT COULD BE FOUND IN THESE CEMETERIES. HERE WAS OUR ONLY CONQUEST: ALL WE ASKED … WAS ENOUGH … SOIL IN WHICH TO BURY OUR GALLANT DEAD." General Mark W. Clark Chairman, American Battle Monuments Commission, 1969-1984

Many people, including myself, would argue that the British soldier, sailor, aviator, and special forces operator are the finest in the world, full stop. Wo/man for wo/man, there is no finer servicemember on earth. Therefore, using this logic, UK defence secretary Grant Shapps could continue his current argument that 'the size of the British military does not equate to its ability to defend the country', and simply reduce the army to one (1) single soldier. No? If not, why not? What IS the magic number? And, vitally important, will they have beards? You may as well have your defence policy run by a newt, as it may be more coherent and effective than what the useless Tories can come up with. I am a 'small-c' conservative by disposition, although I am a bit of a leftie on some matters. Having said that I naturally 'lean right' on most things, but I have to say that the current UK government is a bloody shower. They are gleefully running the country into the ground. What in the actual fuck is going on? Has the drinking water at 10 Downing Street been poisoned by 'make people stupid' powder? I mean, sweet baby Jesus. If this goes on we, as British people, are absolutely lost. https://lnkd.in/g9iaD3gc #UnitedKingdom #fiasco #farce #incompetence #nincompoops #morons #ConservativeParty #10Downing #Whitehall #DunningKruger #WTF #imbeciles #BritishArmy #RoyalNavy #RoyalAirForce #RoyalMarines #UKSF #defencepolicy #clownworld #clownshoesforeveryone #thefishrotsfromthehead

The Difference Between Veterans Day and Memorial Day Veterans Day and Memorial Day each recognize and honor the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. But there are important distinctions between the two national holidays. LEARN MORE https://lnkd.in/gVpTH4FC