Always on duty

Nice. Time to work on the awards citation.

Steven Zegrean, 51, reportedly an out-of-work painter who is estranged from his family, opened fire in the casino, wounding four people, authorities said. He was reloading his 9-millimeter semiautomatic handgun when he was tackled by off-duty law enforcement officers, two military men and casino security officers, said Koenig, a former public safety officer from Ballwin, Mo.

Las Vegas police spokesman Bill Cassell said Zegrean was taken down with the assistance of National Guardsman Justin Lampert of Crosby, N.D.; Navy reservist David James of Jacksonville, Fla.; and brothers Robert and Paul Ura, special agents of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, among others.

In praise of Irena Sendlerowa

Don't know her? You should.

A Polish woman who helped save the lives of 2,500 Jewish children during World War II is due to be honoured by Poland's parliament.

Irena Sendlerowa, a former social worker whttp://www2.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifho is now 97, organised the rescue from the Warsaw ghetto with the help of the Polish underground army.

She lives quietly in a Warsaw nursing home. As a young social worker, she was allowed to enter Warsaw's Jewish ghetto.

When the Nazis began the deportations of the ghetto's Jews to the death camps, she organised a team to rescue the children. Some were smuggled out in workmen's toolbags. Others left by the sewers or secret passageways.

At least 2,500 children were placed with Polish families and Catholic convents.

Poland's 3.5 million-strong Jewish community was almost completely wiped out by the Nazi Holocaust.

Want your daughter to have a historical figure to use as an example of courage? She will do; in spades.

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UPDATE: Via Bookie, a great tribute via Webloggin. He has a quote of hers that tells you a lot about her.

In conclusion let me stress most emphatically that we who were rescuing children are not some kind of heroes. Indeed, that term irritates me greatly.

The opposite is true - I continue to have qualms of conscience that I did so little.

Well, I describe her as one to my daughters. And knowing how many did so little; I think she is - I would hope she would let me get away with that - if not "hero" then perhaps (imperfect as we all are) an exceptionally loving, Christian, righteous gentile.

One of Arkin's Mercs

Most of you are familiar with the accident on the USS Cable. The best coverage has been with Bubblehead and FbL. FbL has an important post that you should read. Go over to her place to see the whole letter, but here is a lead-in;

First, let me say thank you to all of you in Soldiers' Angels. Your Group are really wonderful and great.
...
We have 2 kids [ages 14 and 12]. My husband and I are both from the Philippines and migrated here in the states some 20 years ago.

My husband was station in USS Frank Cable in Guam just a couple of months when the unfortunate accident happen in the ship. Him and other sailors (7) were involved in a steam burn due to one of the boiler exploded. They said he was a hero for he stayed to shut down the boiler before it can cause more life in the ship. That is why until now he is still in ICU burn unit here in Brooks Army Medical Center, Texas. They were transported here from Guam last December 1,2006 and till now he is still fighting to survived due to 75% bodily burn and extensive steam inhalation lung burn. He had about four skin graft surgery which I almost lost him and still more to come.
...
To all the members of Soldiers Angels that sent my husband well wishes and prayers I am very thankful and appreciate you all.

For all the goodies I receive and for the [Valour-IT] laptop that my husband got thank you.

And if ever I have forgotten to say thank you with others, I say thank you now.

Remember, it isn't just in direct contact with the enemy that people give their all for their nation. Also remember, through the programs above, you can help - it is just a click away.

The letter also reminded me of one of the truths little known outside the Navy. As anyone who has ever been on a LDO/CWO board can tell you - Americans who were born in the Philippines have greatly contributed and continue to contribute to the US Navy. Great Sailors, Shipmates, and patriots.