Forgive me as this post is all over the place... but this is a significantly infuriating, at the same time heartbreaking, topic... "I've contended for years that our moral argument against the Taliban is that they murder children; we (and the forces that stand for freedom in this world) instead work to make places safe for children to learn, grow, and be free. U.S. and Coalition forces have done such outstanding work for so many years in partnership with Afghans as they rebuild...read more

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"The definition of success--To laugh much; to win respect of intelligent persons and the affections of children; to earn the approbation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give one's self; to leave the world a little better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm, and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed...read more

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Ms. Rogers, If the system does not work, then we should work to a solution that does. If you mean to imply that TA is not something I have earned and is not mine to use at an accredited university of my choice, then please clarify that to me in no uncertain terms. The Post 9/11 GI Bill, which was dreamed up, drafted, fought for and passed by my colleagues and supported by the majority of the Members of Congress, was not meant to be used in LIEU of Tuition Assistance....read more

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The other day, I received an email from a lesbian I served with several years ago. I first met her when we both joined the Army. She was unaccustomed to Army life and not used to having to hide who she was. Having grown up in the military, I knew she was going to have a difficult time adjusting. As she was several years younger than me, I pulled her aside one day and spoke with her about her openness in being a lesbian. I told her that not everyone was going to accept...read more

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I remember in Afghanistan in 2006, two of my senior officers were sending me back and forth to the other's office carrying on a debate that was far above my pay grade. I was exasperated at having to deliver those messages because GUESS WHO was getting yelled at on both sides? To this day, I can't remember what they were bickering like two old ladies about, but I do remember thinking (and please excuse the crassness of this next statement), "Why don't you two boys...read more

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A couple of months ago, I did an interview on You Served - Blog Talk Radio about blogging on Army Strong Stories. I didn't really know what we were going to talk about but I had an idea that the hosts, Troy Steward and CJ Grisham, long-time Milbloggers (Military Bloggers) would be skeptical about a blog hosted by the Army. I understand their concerns because many people wonder how open a blogger could actually be while blogging for their boss. I think that it's easy...read more

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"I, Genevieve Chase, do solemnly affirm that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice." And with those words, I signed up for another six years of service to my...read more

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Life has been quite hectic, which is just the way I like it.  I'm finding time to get back in the gym and as of most recently, was looking for a new Reserve unit to transfer to.  I currently reside in Washington DC and to stay in my Reserve unit in Arizona, I have to either find a local unit to drill with or fly back at my own expense, for drills.  I do this for one reason... my unit is one of the best in the Army Reserve at taking care of soldiers.   The biggest news of all?  I'm...read more

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The final days of the All American Bowl were quite exciting.  We had some down time before the Awards Dinner with the Rotary Club to get all dressed up in our Class A's and Blues.  We took quite a few pictures, mostly us ladies.  The longer you're in the military, the more you come to appreciate having friends that are women!   After the mini photo shoot, we headed to the banquet hall where the tables were spread out so far that it looked like the room was the size of a football field.  The...read more

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This morning we had breakfast with VIPs from around the country that are part of the Army's Centers of Influence. Before meeting up with them, we were able to do a short tour of the Army Strong Zone, located just outside of the stadium. This area was set up with booths and demos, not to mention a bunch of free swag. My mom and sister did their own tour and reported back to me what the coolest stops were. I was able to catch a picture of them, upside down in the Apache Flight Simulator....read more

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