Obama to Bestow Medal of Honor on Soldier Killed in Afghanistan

President Barack Obama will posthumously award Army Sgt. 1st Class Jared C. Monti the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry in Afghanistan, White House officials announced Friday.

The ceremony, scheduled for Sept. 17 at the White House, will mark the first time Obama confers the highest military honor, making Monti the sixth servicemember to receive the Medal of Honor for service in Afghanistan or Iraq since Sept. 11, 2001, all of which have been awarded posthumously.

Then a staff sergeant, Monti, 30, was killed June 21, 2006, while deployed to Afghanistan with the 10th Mountain Division. He was posthumously promoted to sergeant first class.

"He displayed immeasurable courage and uncommon valor – eventually sacrificing his own life in an effort to save his comrade," according to the White House news release announcing the upcoming ceremony.

The fallen soldier's parents, Paul and Janet Monti, are scheduled to attend the White House ceremony. Monti also is survived by his sister, Niccole; his brother, Timothy; and his niece, Carys.

During his Army career, Monti earned several military decorations, including a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, five Army Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Medals, three Good Conduct Medals, and three National Defense Service Medals.

A native of Raynham, Mass., and a graduate of Bridgewater-Raynham High School, Monti enlisted in the Army in March 1993 and attended basic training at Fort Sill, Okla. His first assignment was as a forward observer in the 10th Mountain Division's Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment.

The nonprofit Jared C. Monti Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established to provide a scholarship annually to an eligible student.

The Medal of Honor has been conferred on 3,447 men and one woman since President Abraham Lincoln signed it into law on Dec. 21, 1861. It is reserved for those who are distinguished "by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States."

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
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Ambassador Praises Task Force for Contributions in Iraq

The U.S. ambassador to Iraq met with soldiers and leaders of Task Force Pathfinder here [Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq] July 12 to thank them for their contributions and to discuss military support of provincial reconstruction teams in Iraq.

"What we're seeing is a crucial year, and it's good to see the military working with the [provincial reconstruction teams]," Christopher R. Hill said.

The ambassador met with Army Lt. Col. Michael Eastman, commander of Task Force Pathfinder, 2nd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment. The battalion provides support to reconstruction teams in Iraq's Dhi Qar, Maysan and Muthanna provinces.

"We try to meet the central needs of each area, and every day we're making progress," said Eastman, also the deputy commander for civil capacity for 1st Armored Division's 4th Brigade.

The ambassador also met with task force soldiers and discussed the battalion's activities.

Hill acknowledged the challenges of leading the way in efforts to advise and assist. "Not only are you working with the State Department, there are about 10 other civilian agencies working out there," he said. "Coming together can be tough; it's a bit like herding cats."

Communication is key, said Army Sgt. 1st Class Robert J. Smith Jr., a cavalry scout working with a military movement team in support of the Muthanna Provincial Reconstruction Team. "We have to communicate constantly to make sure we're not in each other's way."

Hill was told about the many roles the task force soldiers take on in support of the reconstruction teams. "Soldiers are stronger and smarter than any time in the Army's 233-year history," he said. "Intelligence and adaptability are exactly what's required on today's battlefield."

The Commander's Emergency Response Program has been particularly effective, Hill noted. Program funds are applied to water, agriculture, electricity, rule of law, governance and other essential service projects requested by the Iraqi government.

"I expect to see a [program] surge," he said.

Building Iraq's economic power and helping the population become self-sustaining will win out in the end over traditional military actions, Hill said.

New infrastructure -- with an educated and entrepreneurial population -- is needed to create an environment that is peaceful and free of terrorism, he said.

"There's a cycle. We've been at this for almost seven years and people are ready to see an end [to violence]," Hill said. "I appreciate what you're doing. You're a real credit to those who want to see a secure, economically stable Iraq."

(author Army Sgt. Mark Miranda serves in the 1st Armored Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team.)
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Military Veterans Roll Into Spokane for the 29th National Veterans Wheelchair Games

/PRNewswire/ -- More than 500 U.S. military veterans, all wheelchair athletes competing in the 29th National Veterans Wheelchair Games are rolling into Spokane, Washington, starting today to show the nation what it takes to be the best of the best.

The event, running through Saturday July 18, is the largest annual wheelchair sports event in the world, with athletes competing from 42 states, Puerto Rico and Great Britain. It is a visual demonstration of competition at its best, the courage it takes to compete, and the camaraderie inspired by all who attend.

Paralyzed Veterans of America and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs co-present this comprehensive sports and rehabilitation event each year, designed for paralyzed and other disabled military veterans who use wheelchairs for sports competition. These athletes receive care at VA medical facilities or military treatment centers for conditions that include spinal cord injuries, amputations, certain neurological conditions, traumatic brain injuries and other mobility impairments. The Northwest Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans and the SpokaneVA Medical Center are hosting this week's event.

"Get ready for hundreds of smiles in wheelchairs," said Randy L. Pleva, Sr., national president, Paralyzed Veterans of America. "The Wheelchair Games are a unique combination of competition, continuing courage and camaraderie. You will be inspired."

One of today's events is the Games Kickoff, which introduces the Wheelchair Games to the Spokane community. The Kickoff takes place at 11:30 a.m. in the Spokane Convention Center Breezeway and features a wheelchair basketball demonstration that pits some of the experienced athletes against local media representatives and community officials, giving them a true taste of wheelchair sports.

The Opening Ceremonies are this evening, beginning at 6 p.m. in the Veterans Memorial Arena, near the SpokaneConvention Center. In Olympic-style fashion, the athletes will parade into the arena carrying their state flags, to begin the festivities. Local news reporter, Jade Jordan, will serve as mistress of ceremonies, and nationally acclaimed country and western singer, Amy Clawson, will sing the National Anthem; followed by welcoming remarks from city and Games' officials. To cap off the evening, the 2009 Games torch will be lit as the hosts proclaim, "Let the Games Begin," marking the official start of the 29th National Veterans Wheelchair Games.

Veterans with disabilities will compete in 17 events throughout the week, which include air guns, archery, basketball, bowling, field, handcycling, nineball, a motorized wheelchair rally, power soccer, quad rugby, softball, swimming, table tennis, track, trapshooting, weightlifting and wheelchair slalom. For the third year, stand-up events will be offered to veterans who prefer to use prosthesis to compete and will include archery and table tennis. A golf clinic will also be held as this year's exhibition sport.

Another special highlight for the Games is Kid's Day, taking place July 17 at Spokane Falls Community College. This is a very special event where athletes, serving as mentors, meet local children with disabilities and teach them about wheelchair sports. This year the children will be introduced to slalom, T-ball and basketball.

The Closing Ceremonies, beginning at 7 p.m. on July 18 at the Spokane Convention Center in Halls B and C, will wrap up the week's festivities by celebratevent, the coveted Spirit of the Games winner for the 2009 Games will be awarded, and the torch will be passed to the local organizing committee in Denver, Colorado, which will host the event in 2010.

The National Veterans Wheelchair Games is made possible in part through the generous support of the following lead sponsors: National Host: Invacare Corporation; Local Host: Veterans Canteen Service; Sustaining Host: UPS Foundation; National: The Budin Family, The DeGasperis Family Foundation, Health Net Federal Services, Inc., HP, Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems, Inc., Spokane Transit Authority, Sprint, The ROHO Group, TriWest Healthcare Alliance and Xerox Foundation.

For more information about the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, please visit the Games Web site at: www.wheelchairgames.va.gov. To contact the Games media center during the week of the event, call: (509) 434-7458, or (509) 434-7459.

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Soldiers are True Heroes

We received the following as a letter to the Editor. It is powerful. I know July 4th has passed but we thought you'd appreciate the sentiment. We opted not to change a single word. We're going to add this to our Patriotic Potpourri blog also. - GFP

Too often this year we've all had to make cut backs, make sacrifices. This economy forces sacrifice. But what about the greatest sacrifice of all, life? Perhaps you've heard or will hear, but many cities across the country are canceling 4th of July celebrations due to the economy.

Now, this is the part where you get to understand my bias.

My brother Cpl. Tony Mihalo, was killed 8/14/08, serving his third tour in Afghanistan. This is the part where you would say, 'I'm sorry for your loss', and I would say 'thank you.'

Save it. Let's focus on the issue at hand.

Since the death of my brother, I've been to countless military events over the last 12 months. This event has given me a new perspective on what it means to be an American. Quite overwhelming are our soldier's stories. They can't say enough times how greatful they are for our support. Support being as simple as a reminder of home including letters, energy bars, and magzines shipped by the families of those on the front lines. However, in getting to know these brave men and women, I know the support is not enough.

Read this closely, I'm not one who angers easily, but an anger grows inside me. An anger because of the support, lack of support by Americans. In this celebrity obsessed, got to have it now culture, Americans take what they have for granted. That angers me.

Perhaps its ignorance on their part, but they don't know what a military family knows. And I can only imagine how a returning soldier copes once their service contract has expired.

Have you supported a returning soldier? What have you done besides watch a parade, or the 4th of July fireworks? What have you done for our soldiers?

This country, for all the celebrities we obsess over, or need to feed our sports addiction, we should treat our soldiers like celebrities, like sports heroes. They are the heroes. They are the reason we can go to a ballpark or, watch the E! channel whenever we want without fear of death at our door.

Support our soldiers, even after they've returned. Be that person to remind them why they signed up in the first place.

Our rights came from those who gave their lives and we created a national day to celebrate. For all the billions upon trillions of dollars we spend, stop canceling 4th of July! If anything, more should be done.

July 4th should be celebrated with as much intensity as New Year's Eve. Do you remember the hope you had? What about all that love you had before the clock struck midnight? Or, were you too focused on drinking, or what celebrity was at which party? The night of New Years Eve. That amount of focus, dedication, and anticipation needs to be shifted to the 4th of July.

Forget the economy, it wouldn't be the first time.

4th of July should be the new New Year's Eve. This 4th of July, keep this thought in your head: There's a reason you can watch this year's fireworks. Because the real fireworks are on the other side of the word.

Support our soldiers.

Mike Mihalo
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Paralyzed Veterans Get 'Ready to Roll' at the National Veterans Wheelchair Games

/PRNewswire / -- More than 600 veterans with disabilities have signed-up to compete in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, taking place July 13-18, 2009, in Spokane, WA. Now in its 29th year, the event has grown to become the largest annual wheelchair sports event in the world. This year's competitors come from 42 states, Puerto Rico and Great Britain.

"The National Veterans Wheelchair Games are sports and rehabilitation at their best for our brave heroes," said Randy L. Pleva, Sr., national president of Paralyzed Veterans of America. "From quad rugby to handcycling, power soccer to wheelchair slalom, the Games are an exciting combination of competition, camaraderie and courage."

The Wheelchair Games, co-presented each year by Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), are open to all U.S. military veterans who use wheelchairs for sports competition due to spinal cord injuries, certain neurological conditions, amputations, traumatic brain injuries or other mobility impairments and who receive care at VA medical facilities or military treatment centers. The Northwest Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans and the Spokane VA Medical Center are hosting the 2009 Games.

Sports are an important aspect of the therapy programs used to treat many disabilities. For many injured veterans, the National Veterans Wheelchair Games provide their first exposure to wheelchair athletics. At the Games, veterans will compete in 17 different sports: air guns, archery, basketball, bowling, field, handcycling, nine ball, a motorized wheelchair relay, power soccer, quad rugby, softball, swimming, table tennis, track, trapshooting, weightlifting and wheelchair slalom. For the third year, stand-up events will be held in archery and table tennis for athletes who have amputations and choose to compete using prosthetic devices instead of their wheelchairs. A golf clinic will also be held as an exhibition sport this year.

The 29th National Veterans Wheelchair Games begin July 13 with a wheelchair basketball demonstration outside the Spokane Convention Center, as well as the 2009 Disabled Sports, Recreation and Fitness Expo. Kids Day at the Games takes place July 17 at Spokane Falls Community College, where local children with disabilities will meet the athletes and learn about wheelchair sports. Track and field events, softball and archery will also take place at the college.

This year's opening ceremonies will be held at Veterans Memorial Arena in Spokane, while closing ceremonies are at the Spokane Convention Center, where many of the week's competitive events will take place. A special block party for the athletes and their guests will be held on July 15 at C.I. Shenanigans on the Spokane river front.

Other events will be held at Lilac Lanes, North Bowl, Esmeralda Golf Course, Whitworth University, the Spokane Gun Club and other area venues. Admission is free to the public, and the community is encouraged to attend.

The National Veterans Wheelchair Games is made possible in part through the generous support of the following lead sponsors: National Host: Invacare Corporation; Local Host: Veterans Canteen Service; Sustaining Host: UPS Foundation; National: The Budin Family, The DeGasperis Family Foundation, Health Net Federal Services, Inc., HP, Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems, Inc., Spokane Transit Authority, Sprint, The ROHO Group, TriWest Healthcare Alliance and Xerox Foundation.

The theme for this year's event is "Rollin' on the River," and the veterans attending the Games in Spokane are ready to do just that. For more information about the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, or to follow event results as they happen, visit the Games Web site at: http://www.wheelchairgames.va.gov/.

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