For the second month in a row, CNN reports that US and coalition deaths in Afghanistan have surpassed those in Iraq. Tonight we honor the memories of three soldiers, Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey M. Radamorales, Master Sgt. Shawn E. Simmons, and Sgt. James M. Treber, who died in a non-combat related vehicle accident in Afghanistan, and a marine, Staff Sgt. Edgar A. Heredia, who was killed while supporting combat operations in Farah Province in Afghanistan.

Please follow me below the fold to learn more about these four men who sacrificed their lives for this country.

I really wanted to host WYFP tonight because I wanted to be part of the first post-primary edition. Although our community and our party were fractured by the long and hard-fought primary season, I will do anything in my power to bring us all back together again. While I worked my tail off for Kerry four years ago, this seems like one of the most important elections in my lifetime. Perhaps I feel so strongly about this because I am a member of the Class of 1968. Follow me below the fold so I can explain why I think that this is one of the most important elections of our lifetime.

WYFP is our community's Saturday evening gathering to talk about our problems, empathize with one another, and share advice, pootie pictures, favorite adult beverages, and anything else that we think might help. Everyone and all sorts of troubles are welcome. May we find peace and healing here.
Won't you please share the joy of WYFP by recommending?

On Saturday the Department of Defense announced the following:

Sgt. 1st Class David Nunez, 27, of Los Angeles, Calif., died May 29 in Shewan, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when he encountered small arms fire while conducting combat operations.  He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Sgt Nunez was a Green Beret who was on his third tour of duty in the Middle East at the time of his death. Follow me below the fold to learn more about the life of this heaily-decorated soldier and about the family he leaves behind.

This has been a very difficult few weeks for our military men and women serving in Iraq. The AP reports that, as of Saturday, the death toll in Iraq was at least 4071 military members killed since the beginnings of the Iraq War in March of 2003. The names of three more casualties were annonced on Saturday, May 3rd.

This diary is dedicated to the memories of Staff Sgt. Chad A. Caldwell, Sgt. 1st Class Lawrence D. Ezell, and Sgt. Jerry L. DeLoach. Please follow me below the fold to learn more about the lives of these three brave soldiers.

Welcome to Frugal Fridays. I am your guest diarist, blue jersey mom, sitting in for sarahnity who is on vacation this week. I am going to address a topic that most of us will face sooner or later, the issue of eldercare. The traditional media are filled with images of happy, healthy, wealthy 65-year-olds spending their golden years at the beach or on the golf course. However, one of the fastest growing segments of the US population are the "old" old--those over 85. Many of these super-seniors suffer from chronic illnesses such as osteoporosis; others need help with the basic tasks of daily living such as bathing and dressing; still others suffer from Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia.

If you are caring for a parent, grandparent, or other loved one, you will need to make a lot of financial decisions. Many of the options for caring for an older relative are not cheap. Follow me below the fold as we consider some options for older family members who may not be capable of living on their own any more.

On Friday, the Department of Defense announced the deaths of seven American servicemembers. Four were diaried in last night's IGTNT, and tonight we will honor the other three. This diary is dedicated to the memories of Staff Sgt. Ronald C. Blystone, Staff Sgt. Shaun J. Whitehead, and Sgt. Guadalupe Cervantes Ramirez.

In 1914 Laurence Binchon wrote the following words:

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

Follow me below the fold as we pay tribute to three young fathers who will never grow old.

Good evening everyone. I am subbing for Pastor Dan tonight while he celebrates the 40th birthdays of his high school classmates. Ah, to be young again. My 40th high school reunion is coming up in July.

I am certainly not PD, and no one here could fill his shoes, but I want to tell you all how much I appreciate this community. I started lurking at DKos after the 2004 election. I was devastated by Kerry's loss, and I could not face another four years of Bush and his friends. I came for the politics, but I have stayed for the community. Although I have only met a few Kossaks from the NY region, I feel like I know many of you. I can certainly recognize all your cats and dogs, and I have shared many of life's ups and downs with you all.

I have finished preparing my taxes, and blue jersey dad and I are actually getting a small refund. I have a good job, and unlike the Republicans I don't mind paying for my fair share of the goverment services. However, it see red and smoke comes out of my ears when I realize that I am paying through the nose for Bush's mistakes. Follow me below the fold to see why Bush and his cronies are still my FP.

WYFP is our community's Saturday evening gathering to talk about our problems, empathize with one another, and share advice, pootie pictures, favorite adult beverages, and anything else that we think might help. Everyone and all sorts of troubles are welcome. May we find peace and healing here.
Won't you please share the joy of WYFP by recommending?

The fallen from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan include soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines from all 50 states and the US territories. Tonight we honor a soldier from Maine who gave his life in service to our country. On Saturday, the Department of Defense announced the following:

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. Nicholas A. Robertson, 27, of Old Town, Maine, died April 3 at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany, of wounds suffered April 2 while conducting dismounted combat operations in the Zahn Khan District, Afghanistan.

He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C.

Follow me below the fold to learn more about the life of Sgt. Robertson.

Today's papers all note that we have reached another milestone in the Iraq War; 4000 Americans have died since the war began five years ago. Each one of these numbers represents a real man or women who volunteered to serve our country. These soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines leave behind families and friends whose lives will never be the same. Follow me below the fold to learn more about one of the 4000, Army Sgt. Gregory D. Unruh.

It is profound sadness that I report that on Friday the Department of Defense announced the deaths of five soldiers in Iraq. All five men were young, and all left behind wives. Four of the men also left behind small children who will grow up without their dads. Please follow me below the fold as we remember and honor the lives of these five servicemembers.

Good morning, fellow birdbloggers. I am substituting for lineatus this morning. While lineatus is an expert on bird feathers, I know more about birds with their feathers (and skins and muscles) removed. Follow me below the fold for some information about how birds, both domesticated and wild, were used by ancient societies.

WYFP is our community's Saturday evening gathering to talk about our problems, empathize with one another, and share advice, pootie pictures, favorite adult beverages, and anything else that we think might help. Everyone and all sorts of troubles are welcome. May we find peace and healing here.
Won't you please share the joy of WYFP by recommending?

Please follow me below the fold to hear more about my two FPs tonight--failed punditry and jury duty.

I am happy to write that the Department of Defense reported no new caualties in December 22nd or 23rd. I look forward to the day when there will be no more IGTNT diaries and all our servicemembers are safely home. However, as we spend time with our families and friends today, please take a moment to remember the men and women who will never come home. Many families will always have an empty seat at the table during the holiday season. Take a minute to remember the children who will grow up without mom or dad, an aunt, an uncle, or a grandparent. Think of the parents have who received the terrible news that their son or dauther has died. This is the worst thing that can happen to a parent. Please hold these families in your thoughts and prayers. Their lives have been irrevocably changed.

The Vietnam War ended in 1975, but nearly 1800 Americans are still listed as unaccounted for. On Wednesday the number of MIAs decreased by one. The Department of Defense announced that the body of Air Force Captain Stephen A. Rusch had been identified from dental remains recovered in Laos. Follow me below the fold to learn more about the life and death of Stephen A. Rusch of Lambertville, NJ.

WYFP is our community's Saturday evening gathering to talk about our problems, empathize with one another, and share advice, pootie pictures, favorite adult beverages, and anything else that we think might help. Everyone and all sorts of troubles are welcome. May we find peace and healing here.
Won't you please share the joy of WYFP by recommending?

Please follow me below the fold to discover why its harder and harder to enjoy the holidays at Casa Blue Jersey.

Thanksgiving, the biggest family holiday of the year, is Thursday. Many of us here at dKos are probably spending the weekend before the holiday shopping for the big feast. Some of us may already be en route to Grandma's house. While you make your holiday preparations, please take a minute to honor those who have given their lives for this country and to remember their families who will mourn to loss of their loved ones during this holiday season.

Please follow me below tht fold to learn more about the lives of Spc. Ashley Sietsema, a medic who died in Kuwait, and Second Lt. Stuart F. Giles, a platoon commander, who died in Afghanistan.

Good Morning Kossacks. I am writing 15 feet below the goalposts in Giants' stadium along with Jimmy Hoffa. No seriously folks, I have spent most of my adult life in New Jersey, and I have heard all the Jersey jokes. Our primarly exports are toxic waste and corrupt politicians. Our drivers are crazy (this really is true.) And don't ask me "What exit?" I don't even live near the Turnpike.

This morning I want to show the part of the Garden State that you do not see as you gaze out at Exit 13. New Jersey was the second state to join the nation, and many of the important battles of the Revolutionary War took place in and around NJ. New Jersey remained an agricultural state until after WWII, and many of us are trying to preserve the farmland that remains. Follow me below the fold, and I will show you a few scenes from beautiful, historic central NJ.