Barack Obama honored veterans on this solemn day. One of those veterans was Alwyne Cashe. He stood in Iraq, the burning tank smelled of fuel. He was wearing his helmet, boots, and body armor. The fire that ripped through their tank after it hit an IED had burned off all of his clothing. He realized his team members were still in the tank, so he went back in over and over. Afterward, he had second and third-degree burns over almost 75 percent of his body, The Military Times reported.
He was awarded the Silver Star, but his actions did not merit the Medal of Honor, because they had not been in active combat. An investigation discovered there had been gunfire at the time of his rescue efforts.
This fall, legislators passed legislation that waived the rules that the upgrade must happen within five years of his heroic actions. It now awaits Donald Trump’s signature.
The Marine Corps Times reported that the Corps turned 245-years-old Tuesday. They suspended regular celebrations with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It has grown to 186,000 members.
Obama tweeted out his gratitude and thanks reminding us of our duty “to serve our veterans as well as they have served us.” As we have learned in the past. year, especially, being a good citizen means action:
Today, we’re reminded of our solemn obligation: to serve our veterans as well as they have served us. To all of our veterans and service members, we’re forever grateful for your commitment to our country—and your willingness to put it all on the line for us. Thank you.
President-elect Joseph Biden has just announced his landing team for the Department of Defense (DoD), according to the Military Times:
‘The team is led by Kathleen Hicks, who served as both principal deputy undersecretary of defense for policy, as well as deputy undersecretary of defense for strategy, plans, and forces in the Obama administration. She is currently the director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies’ International Security Program.’
Director of the RAND International Security and Defense Policy Center, Christine Wormuth, is also on the team:
‘She held a number of roles in the Obama administration, culminating as undersecretary of defense for policy from 2014-2016.’
The Pentagon confirmed the resignation of top civilian officials for policy and intelligence resignation just one day after Trump forced out Defense Secretary Mark Esper, the Military Times wrote:
‘Anthony Tata, a retired Army brigadier general and Fox News guest who was placed in the Pentagon amid controversy, will lead the Pentagon’s policy shop for the remainder of the Trump administration following the exit of James Anderson as part of what appears to be a broad shakeup of Department of Defense leadership.’
WWII paratrooper veteran Jim “Pee Wee” Martin, 99-years-old, continues to jump:
Other civilians include:
‘Ezra Cohen-Watnick, who entered the Trump administration as an aide to National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, will replace undersecretary of defense for intelligence Joseph Kernan, a retired Navy vice admiral who was confirmed in November 2017. Kernan and Anderson both submitted their resignations today. Per the Pentagon, Kernan had planned for “several months” to retire.’
Twitter world caught fire with Obama’s patriotic tweet. Take a look at how Americans responded below:
Thank you for your message and #leadership @BarackObama ! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸#VeteransDay #VeteransDay2020 pic.twitter.com/PBlKlrFbeQ
— Harold Sinnott 📲 😷 (@HaroldSinnott) November 11, 2020
Thanks to my family members who have & are currently serving & to all service members.🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/JukCYM7ij8
— Nelcy (@Nelcy_NY) November 11, 2020
Featured image is a screenshot via Twitter.
The Mueller Report Adventures: In Bite-Sizes on this Facebook page. These quick, two-minute reads interpret the report in normal English for busy people. Mueller Bite-Sizes uncovers what is essentially a compelling spy mystery. Interestingly enough, Mueller Bite-Sizes can be read in any order.
