"We Will Rebuild, We Will Recover"

Now that you've seen the speech, I want to hear your thoughts on President Obama's first "State of The Union" address.

1. What specific plans and promises did Obama set forth for the economy, energy policy, the environment, education, foreign policy, and health care?

2. If you had to grade Obama's performance and leadership, what would you give him and why? A? B? C? D? F?



Once you've answered these two questions, you can mull over tomorrow morning's debate topics:

"Is Obama promising too much? Can he possibly deliver? Do the Republicans have a point?"

CBA Powerpoint LInk

Fight the Google! Stop Wikipedia Abuse! Embrace Rigor!

IF YOU WANT TO GO TO MEXICO!

EVERYBODY!

Today I got a message about how much my tour to Mexico would cost. It's a little up there but defiantly doable. This is just about seeing who wants to go and what each of you think you could contribute to the trip minus the fundraising. I am going to step up and be strict about this. IF YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO DO FUNDRAISING YOU ARE NOT GOING AT ALL! yes i can understand that you might need to miss ONE OR TWO. but if you want to be a part of this you will have to work for it. please help me see who wants to really go!

thank you

when you reply i will give you a rough out line of the trip

please also put your name with your comment because i do not know all your usernames : (

Inside The Meltdown

Now that you all have a clear understanding about the root causes and evolution of our current financial crisis, I would like you to complete the following two tasks in response to this post:

1. You have been asked to explain the financial crisis, the major banks involved, and the government's response to a group of aliens. In clear, concise, and simple English please compose a paragraph
that accomplishes this.

2. After watching the Frontline documentary, who - in your opinion - emerges as the biggest villain in this
story? Don't just post a name, but logically defend your answer.

-Ned-

Need name for Octopus

Please I would like for everyone to suggest one or two names for the octopus....comprende?

Weekly Update

Week# 25: Partners

The alarm goes off at 0300. I roll out of bed and with a LOT of cold water, I start my day. But as I step outside and begin to breathe in the frigid air, I come to the realization that I must be out of my mind! What could possibly be the source of my willingness to endure this completely unnecessary endeavor? Well, it was Superbowl Monday of course! (8 hours ahead of EST) And with the help of our automation professionals, they were able to connect the Armed Forces Network (AFN) cable to our conference room 75-inch retractable screen. Watching the big game on AFN did have some drawbacks; no commercials. Many do not realize that AFN is a non-profit cable organization, specifically with the purpose of providing USA broadcasting for our deployed forces worldwide. Therefore, we had no option of watching any elaborate, usually hysterical, costly commercials. However, seeing the final game was only half the reason for enduring the early morning; coming together and being part of the camaraderie was the other half. So, despite the lack of the traditional munchies and thirst-quenching refreshments, we had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed the nail-biting last quarter.

Another first this past week was getting used to being addressed as Lieutenant Colonel. Multiple times I would find myself answering the phone as Major Miceli or saying Sir to my new peers. Needless to say, it made for a fair share of awkward moments. The weather has been magnificent. After some warming trends and periodic rains, there is no snow in our vast valley. I swear on a clear day you can see the farthest mountain range with almost every trail in detail. Who knows, maybe someday Afghanistan can sport the most ultimate in extreme skiing and snowboarding! Maybe we should consider investing in the Taliban Reality Inc. for those winter timeshares and chalets before the prices go up.

Our presence here is growing like wild-fire and one could say the same for some of our coalition partners. Interestingly, I always hear from various media outlets about the comparisons of how other nations contribution of troops are found to be minuscule aside their US counterparts. Of course, arguments can be made that certain nations commit just enough to show allegiance without provoking riots in their country and resulting in political suicide. However, there are nations that do so much more and give more than expected. We live in a new world; where the lines between East and West have dissolved and where both emerging democracies and terrorist states are finding themselves the center of attention. My recent experiences with some of the Polish Brigades have been eye-opening. Ive found their soldiers to extremely well-disciplined, eager to learn, and committed to total teamwork. Particularly, my observations were keenly centered on the quality of their equipment and the utilization of emerging technologies. It is true, one can never fully appreciate what they have until its either gone or you see someone with less.

Throughout this deployment, I have had the opportunity to see how some of our international partners are equipped, and I must say that it is no wonder why we are the envy of so many. So much credit and accolades should be given to our countrys infinite number of research laboratories and commercial corporations that are constantly pushing the boundaries of emerging technologies and inventive solutions. Furthermore, it goes without saying that most people overlook those soldiers, sailors, and airmen who are doctors, researchers, scientists, biologists, engineers and acquisitions. Merge these entities between the military and corporate America and the result is the absolute finest in equipment for our nations defense and offense. Many nations simply do not have the resources we do, and yet its no wonder they desire our Mine-Resistant Ambush Protective vehicles, various weapon systems and our logistics/sustainment capabilities. Yet, at the end of the day, regardless of nation, and no matter what we drive or carry, we have all committed our loyalties, offered our discipline and skills to the mission, and some have made the ultimate sacrifice to the protection of the local populace and each other.

Robert

9/11, Liberty, The NSA, and You

Do you think the NSA knows about this blog? Do you think they read all of your posts? Does it even matter?

Well, how about this question: What personal liberties, if any, would you be willing to sacrifice in order to maintain national security?

the middle east has not changed much. Special Edition.

Week# 24: SPECIAL EDITION; Promotion

Effective, 1 February 2009, the President of the United States has reposed special trust and confidence in the patriotism, valor, fidelity, and abilities of Robert Joseph Miceli. In view of these qualities and his demonstrated potential for increased responsibility, he is therefore promoted in the United States Army to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

For those of you not familiar with military protocol, these words are written on the actual promotion order. The words are succinct, direct and powerful. Therefore, in light of this special occasion, I find myself diverting from my usual weekly reminisce. Instead, I wanted to take the time to say, Thank You. And although I cannot think of a better place but here on the battlefield to receive such an honor, please know that if I were with you on this day, you would hear these words

First, I would be remiss if I did not give both praise and overwhelming gratitude for the multiple blessings I have received from above. The Lord has truly graced me with opportunity, and while never leaving my side, His presence and my faith have only grown stronger over the years.

To say I would not be where I am today, if not for my parents, is an understatement. I inherited my mothers attention to detail, coupled with her competitive and decisive nature, not to mention my short-fused Italian temper. My father, being the consummate professional and retired Non-Commissioned Officer in the United States Air Force, for years challenged both my problem analysis and critical thinking abilities; not to mention teaching me when to get my hands dirty. He taught me to never tell someone to do something unless you were willing to do it yourself and set the standard with both honor and integrity.

For seventeen years, I have had the absolute best of the US Armys Non-Commissioned Officer Corps working alongside me. Without their wisdom and guidance, many of our great missions would not have been so successful. To my fellow officers, senior officers and commanders; like many, I have learned what not to do and what right looks like. But it would only be most appropriate to give a special thanks to those senior officers who took the risk and time to give me those opportunities in which to excel; it is their trust and confidence I will always value. It is because of these great men and women, I strongly believe in the coach, mentor and teach philosophy with others.

Thank you to all those Government Civilians who have supported me in my military endeavors and in many cases held perspectives that were often invaluable insights which resulted in tremendous contributions. And to those contractors, that regardless of employer, I could never dispute their patriotism, loyalties and unwavering devotion in supporting the warfighter, both on and off the battlefield.

To my bedrock, my fountain of youth, my source of love and purpose in this precious life; my family! For my children, who have always given love unconditionally and have given me the sense of completeness to this life; daddy wants to thank you. And to my wife, who without hesitation, agreed to join me on this unpredictable journey, never knowing where the road would led or end. She has been both my motivation and encouragement, without her love, I would have been lost 13 years ago!

This promotion would not have been possible if not for all these things mentioned. Individually, I am eternally grateful; collectively I stand here today a better man and a better officer.

And finally, to my fellow Knights of Columbus This deployment, like many others, has reinforced my unwavering stance that together, we can remove the darkness of this world and make a difference for the better, both in our own lives and the lives of others. And as we gather others to join our ranks and purpose, never cast doubt, but know that our unity and our light, grows stronger as the darkness grows weary and fades. The Lord has placed me here and now, for His plans, not mine. I trust He will keep me safe and yet whatever lies ahead, like a soldier in the Army who follows orders, we all must know when, as soldiers in the faith, to accept the path He has set before us and finish the mission.

In Service to One. In Service to All.

Robert J. Miceli

Lieutenant Colonel, US Army

He was a Major.