June 16th, 2010
Verified Accurate Through Snopes.com
I BET YOU DIDN’T SEE THIS
IN THE NEWSPAPER OR ON THE 6 O’CLOCK NEWS”
The Sailor Pictured Below Is, Navy Petty Officer, PO2
(Petty Officer, Second Class) EOD2
(Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Second Class)
“MIKE MONSOOR”
April 5th, 1981 ~ September 29th, 2009
Mike Monsoor,
Was Awarded “The Congressional Medal Of Honor” ,
For Giving His Life In Iraq , As He Jumped On, And Covered With His Body, A Live Hand Grenade, Saving The Lives Of A Large Group Of Navy Seals That Was Passing By!
During Mike Monsoor’s Funeral, At Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery , In San Diego , California ..
The Six Pallbearers Removed The Rosewood Casket From The Hearse,
And Lined Up On Each Side Of Mike Monsoor’s Casket,
Were His Family Members, Friends, Fellow Sailors, And Well-wishers.
The Column Of People Continued From The Hearse, All The Way To The Grave Site. What The Group Didn’t Know At The Time Was, Every Navy Seal (45 To Be Exact) That Mike Monsoor Saved That Day Was Scattered Through-Out The Column!
As The Pallbearers Carried The Rosewood Casket Down The Column Of People To The Grave Side.
The Column Would Collapse..
Which Formed A Group Of People That Followed Behind.
Every Time The Rosewood Casket Passed A Navy Seal, He Would Remove His Gold Trident Pin From His Uniform, And Slap It Down Hard, Causing The Gold Trident Pin To Embed Itself Into The Top Of The Wooden Casket!
Then The Navy Seal Would Step Back From The Column, And Salute!
Now For Those, Who Don’t Know What A Trident Pin Is, Here Is The Definition!
After One Completes The Basic Navy Seals Program Which Lasts For Three Weeks,
And Is Followed By Seal Qualification Training, Which Is 15 More Weeks Of Training,
Necessary To Continue Improving Basic Skills And To Learn New Tactics And Techniques, Required For An Assignment To A Navy Seal Platoon.
After a successful completion, Trainees Are Given Their Naval Enlisted Code,
And Are Awarded The Navy Seal Trident Pin. With This Gold Pin They Are Now Officially Navy Seals!
It Was Said, That You Could Hear Each Of The 45 Slaps From Across The Cemetery!
By The Time The Rosewood Casket Reached The Grave Site, It Looked As Though It Had A Gold Inlay From The 45 Trident Pins That Lined The Top!
This Was A Fitting End To An Eternal Send-Off For A Warrior Hero!
This Should Be Front-Page News!
Instead Of The Garbage We Listen To And See Every Day.
Here’s A Good Idea!
Since The Main Stream Media Won’t Make This News.
Then We Choose To Make It News By Posting It On Our Blog.
I Am Proud Of All The Branches Of Our Military!!
Tags: Casket, Congressional Medal of Honor, Funeral, Mike Monsoor, Navy, Navy Seal, Trident
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June 10th, 2010
http://pinnaclesecurity.com/newsletter/june2010_full.html?utm_source=Employees+-+March+8%2C+2010&utm_campaign=87e56a2a98-Newsletter_Test_June_20106_7_2010&utm_medium=email#SummerVacation
During the summer months, millions of folks will travel by car, plane and train across the country in search of fun and good times.
Unfortunately, thieves and thugs will use your hard-earned vacations as an opportunity for their nasty crimes. Here are some ideas, suggested by some security and law enforcement professionals, to help make your vacation and travel more secure.
• Remember to fully arm your home alarm system when you are away. You can also do a quick status update from your main panel in order to find out if any batteries are running low and need to be replaced before you leave.
• Check that all areas of possible entry are locked and secured, including all doors and windows. And make sure your home security yard sign is prominently displayed outside your home.
• Before you leave on your vacation, tell a trusted neighbor of your travel plans, and give them a telephone number where you can be reached in case of an emergency.
• See if your neighbor or friend can pick-up your daily mail and newspaper deliveries, as well as any advertising flyers and circulars that you may receive while you are gone. *If possible, perhaps this trusted neighbor can also park a vehicle in your driveway.
• In general, only reveal your vacation plans to those who really need to know and who you trust. Beware announcing travel details online on blogs or social networks.
• It is also an excellent idea to use the proper automatic timers to turn on and off your lights and radio (turn your radio to a talk show rather than a music station) at varying times while you are gone.
• Carry traveler’s checks or credit cards — not large amounts of cash. Also, leave all your jewelry, airline tickets and other valuables in a secure room safe or the hotel’s safety deposit box. Be sure to have a written record of your traveler’s checks and credit card numbers — and keep them in a safe place — in case the traveler’s checks or credit cards are lost or stolen.
• Never put your “common sense” on vacation. While enjoying you vacation travel, you can never be too aware, too prepared or too careful. Sound and prudent judgment is often your best tool in making your vacation and travel as enjoyable and secure as possible. You can relax that home alarm company will be protecting your home 24/7 while you are away, enjoy this peace of mind and have a fun – and safe – summer vacation.
Tags: credit cards, Home alarm system, safety, security, summer, travelers checks, vacation
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June 9th, 2010
(Newark, NJ) – A comprehensive study of five years of statistics by researchers at the Rutgers University School of Criminal Justice (SCJ) in Newark found that residential burglar alarm systems decrease crime. While other studies have concluded that most burglars avoid alarms systems, this is the first study to focus on alarm systems while scientifically ruling out other factors that could have impacted the crime rate.
Researchers concentrated on analyzing crime data provided by the Newark Police Department. “Data showed that a steady decrease in burglaries in Newark between 2001 and 2005 coincided with an increase in the number of registered home burglar alarms,” said study author Dr. Seungmug (a.k.a. Zech) Lee, who received his doctoral degree from SCJ in 2008 and presently teaches at Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio. “The study credits the alarms with the decrease in burglaries and the city’s overall crime rate.”
In short, the study found that an installed burglar alarm makes a dwelling less attractive to the would-be and active intruders and protects the home without displacing burglaries to nearby homes.
The study also concluded that the deterrent effect of alarms is felt in the community at large. “Neighborhoods in which burglar alarms were densely installed have fewer incidents of residential burglaries than the neighborhoods with fewer burglar alarms,” the study noted.
The study was conducted with the cooperation of the Newark Police Department and reviewed five years of police data. The more than 300-page study was conducted over a two-year period and funded by the non-profit Alarm Industry Research and Educational Foundation (AIREF). SCJ Professors George L. Kelling, Marcus Felson and Ronald V. Clarke and Professor Robert D. McCrie of John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York were members of the study’s Faculty Advisory Committee. Dr. Clarke served as committee chair.
“This type of study assists police departments to effectively deploy their limited resources,” said Newark Police Director Garry McCarthy. “The School of Criminal Justice provides valuable insight into the positive impact alarm systems can have in preventing residential burglaries.”
“This is the most comprehensive study of its kind that has ever been conducted,” said Dr. Lee. “By using sophisticated in-depth research techniques, we were able to eliminate the variables that impact crime rates and focus directly on the impact alarm systems have on residential burglaries.”
The study noted that “technology innovations” have increased the availability of home security systems to middle-class homeowners and that technology has made the systems more dependable. “Computers, printed circuits, digital communicators, and microprocessors have refined monitoring and signaling technology, and modern electronic sensors now include ultrasonic, infrared and microwave devices which were formerly available only in more sophisticated commercial and industrial applications,” said Dr. Lee.
Researchers also pointed to an earlier study based on interviews with burglars (“Burglars on the Job 1994,” Northeastern University Press) to support their conclusions. That study concluded, “Most offenders, though, wanted to avoid alarms altogether and, upon encountering such devices abandoned all thought of attacking the dwelling.”
Tags: Criminal Justice, Home alarm system, Rutgers University, School, study
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May 21st, 2010
The military men and women of this country provide some of the biggest sacrifices one can think of. It is hard to imagine how we can repay them. However, many companies and businesses have decided to give discounts to military members as a token of appreciation. There are actually quite a variety of discounts and benefits for veterans and military members to enjoy and take advantage of. Here are just a few of the most popular and helpful.
Some of the more fun savings for military families are the discounts they can get on vacations. “Military Discount Vacations” is a good term to Google search, because hundreds of codes and sites come up with discounts on theme parks, car and hotel rentals, airfare, cruises, and etc. On select days theme parks such as Disneyland, Sea World, and LegoLand have fee or cheaper admission. During all of Veteran’s month (Nov. 1-26) Knott’s Berry Farm gives free admission. Just prove membership to the military! This is great for people with little amount of time to spend with their families.
Military members can also get discounts through certain cell phone companies. T-Mobile gives 15 % off of select plans, free phones, free standard shipping within the United States, and does not charge an initial activation fee to service members. They also give discounts on equipment. AT&T offers plans that can save military members 20 % on all calls due to their new rates on global pre-paid calls. Other companies may have plans if you call in to check with the specific provider as well.
On Veteran’s Day specifically many restaurants and chains provide free meals and discounts to veterans and active duty military men and women. For example, Applebee’s, Golden Corral, Outback, Krispee Crème Doughnuts, Domino’s Pizza, and McCormick & Schmick’s are all establishments that offer free meals on Veteran’s Day. In Texas many local eateries offer discounts daily to service men and women. Many other states and cities do this as well. You would have to look into this based on where you lived.
Another way to save is on your car insurance! One of the best known insurance companies for this is USAA. They offer discounts and other benefits for veterans and active military personnel.
Are you looking for the perfect diamond engagement ring? Or maybe just a beautiful gift…well Blue Nile fine jewelry offers discounts on all of their jewelry to military members! So whatever you are looking for you are sure to find a great deal. There are many other jewelry dealers that offer these same kinds of deals online as well.
A great website to find all kinds of deals for retired and active duty members is www.facebook.com/lowvarates Take advantage today and let us repay you in some way for all of the service to our country!
Kristin Davis
Flagship Financial
I am currently working back at Flagship Financial in the VA Streamline Dept. Let me know how I can assist you!
Tags: military discounts, military savings, va streamline
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May 17th, 2010
It takes a special kind of person to serve in the Military. One who is strong, hardworking, daring, and aggressive. But most of all, it takes a person who is completely selfless. Our troops put their lives on the line each and every day so that we can live a life of comfort and freedom. It’s hard to know what to say or how to thank someone who performs such a great service to you, your family, and your country.
We currently have troops fighting in the ‘Overseas Contingency Operation’ in Afghanistan and Iraq which is anything but a safe and pleasant mission. If most of us were aware of the typical soldier’s living conditions, we’d shutter at the thought of having to go through that ourselves. For example, soldiers with the 173rd Airborne Brigade in the remote mountains of Afghanistan are surviving cold and miserable winter weather conditions. With the extreme elevations in this country, these soldiers are supplied by airdrop and need to hand carry supplies to their camps from the drop zone. Some of these troops are at such remote firebases that they are living in mud huts and often go several weeks without bathing. They wear their socks until they must throw them away. One reporter described the area as almost uninhabitable and said that this is an ‘in the trenches’ front line unit that is actively engaged in battle on our behalf in terrible conditions. It is amazing to me that we have men and women who make these kinds of sacrifices and risk their lives every day for people they don’t even know and never complain about it. What amazing people these soldiers are to go through all they do to protect the country they love.
I’d like to also thank the soldiers who are serving in places other than Iraq and Afghanistan. They too put their lives on the line and go through less than ideal situations to help others. One mission that I recently read about was soldiers who are fighting floods and drugs in central South America. We have about 500 individuals there currently supporting the mission Joint Task Force-Bravo. The task force conducts joint operations in the region, enhancing both security and the development of democracy. On top of that, they also support humanitarian efforts in the USSOUTHCOM area of responsibility and participate in counter-narcotics operations there. One example of this is in November 2008, flooding occurred in both Costa Rica and Panama. Our soldiers were there to provide assistance to the victims of that natural disaster. They also provided airlift of 300,000 pounds of supplies in the affected region and helped rescue civilians stranded by floodwaters as well. I feel so privileged to have these men and women provide such wonderful acts and be willing to leave the friends and family for a period of time to do so.
I will forever be grateful for our country’s military troops! We are so privileged to have these men and women give everything they have to the country we love. THANK YOU to each and every one of you! We owe our life, liberty, and freedom to you brave soldiers!
This post was written by Emily Green, VA Loan Processor at Flagship Financial Group.
Tags: grateful for troops, why I am proud of our military
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May 10th, 2010
The VA loan is an excellent option for a veteran looking to buy a home. There are quite a few benefits involved, making it a much more convenient choice compared to many other types of loans. They tend to have more flexibility, are more easily attainable because more lenders offer them, and it is easier for a veteran to qualify.
The VA loan is specific to US Armed Service Veterans, who have served for at least 90 days and were not “dishonorably discharged”. As long as this requirement is fulfilled, the program offers a guarantee that protects the lender if the borrower defaults, through the Veteran’s Administration. This replaces the guarantee that is normally provided by the down payment. This provides financing to veterans where private financing may not be available.
Generally, Utah VA loans allow the veteran to qualify for a larger loan amount than a conventional loan, have lower rates, and do not call for any money down. In Utah, the maximum VA loan amount with zero money down on the loan for most lenders is $417,000, with the exception of Salt Lake, Toole, and Summit Counties at $516,250. However specific lenders will allow higher loan amounts to fund, up to a maximum of $1,000.000. Rates follow the market and may lower if the veteran does choose to make the optional down payment.
The government limits the amount that can be charged in closing costs, origination fees, and appraisal fees on a VA loan. There are no mortgage insurance premiums required. In fact, lenders are actually prohibited from requiring one. This is because of the guarantee that is put on the loan. Also, if the veteran has any kind of service disability, they have the ability to get their funding fees waived. Credit regulations on a VA loan are much less strict. The VA looks for a clear 12 month credit history; however the credit score does not affect your rate.
If you are a veteran and can qualify for this option, the VA loan is definitely one to take into consideration when buying a home! Utah has many great opportunities for this and the loan amounts available are well within the pricing of homes for sale in the state, so there are many lenders out there ready to fund your loan. Don’t miss out on all of the advantages offered by this program!
Tags: loans for veterans moving to utah, utah va loan, utah veteran loans
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March 15th, 2010
Throughout the years televisions has been able to capture our favorite moments, make us laugh, and even teach us a thing or two. Military themed shows are no different. There have been sitcoms that make us laugh out loud about fanatical military generals who trick the “bad guys” and win their battles, to the drama of an army wife who goes through everything and more for their husband fighting in a war, to the legality of a lawyer demanding justice for a war crime. Whatever it is, here is a synopsis of some of the best shows that have captured the moment of a military service member.
One of the most popular military themed televisions of all time would have to be M*A*S*H*. Inspired by a novel and the movie, this sitcom follows a team of doctors and its staff based at the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital in Uijeongbu, South Korea. It takes place during the Korean War and covered a three year span of the war’s conflict. The series started in 1972 and lasted for 11 seasons, with its finale being the most watched television episode in the U.S. Much of the show took its liberties, but many of the underlying storylines were true stories of real-life MASH surgeons.
Hogan’s Heroes was another military based sitcom, which was set in a fictional German prisoner of war camp during World War II. However, in this show, the prisoners of war used this camp as a base and ran their operations from it. Using this tactic they could work against the Nazis with all of the espionage they could gather and sabotage them. Colonel Hogan routinely ticked the camp commandant and manipulated him into actually helping out the POWs, therefore the humor in the program. The award winning show ran from 1965-1971.
McHale’s Navy ran aired from 1962 to 1966, in black and white. The location for this series was the Pacific theater of World War II and the crew of torpedo boat, PT-73. Originally a one hour drama called Seven against the Sea, Lieutenant Commander Quinton McHale and his crew gained a series of their escapades. After the island they were stationed on, Taratupa, was heavily bombed by the Japanese, the base was destroyed. Only 18 men remained to take refuge on the island and go into hiding. They befriend the natives, and McHale must keep them under control. While still being watching and under attack, McHale faces these problems, among others.
JAG is a more recent drama, airing from 1995 to 2005. It is the only television show to be endorsed by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Navy. The U.S. Department of Defense actually thought the show to be a positive influence on the nation and gave producers access to military installations and equipment in order to film correctly. Many episodes feature scenes aboard real U.S. Navy ships. The show is a legal-action drama that depicts the real military life, along with the application of the Uniform Code of Military Justice and international law. It incorporates real military storylines, such as the events of September 11. 2001.
Army Wives is a very popular show that follows the lives of four army wives, their families, and their husband who is in the army. Based on the non-fiction book, Under the Sabers, the series shows the difficulties the people left behind go through when their husband is in the army. They face things such as deployments, adultery, rumors, a hostage situation, a pregnancy alone, a husband’s anger management issues developed in the war, and much more. Lifetime premiered the show in 2007, with the network’s largest premiere in 23 years. The fourth season has just been announced.
This article was written by Eric Kandell, owner of LowVARates.com and proud supporter of ProtectOurTroops, which helps make home security a reality for as many military families as possible.
Posted in General Info | 3 Comments »
February 22nd, 2010
There are two main types of home security systems, (DIY) do-it-yourself systems and professional systems (installed by a professional), which are installed by a company and usually provide monitored home security. DIY security systems are wireless systems that are often a lot cheaper quality and will not have customer support and know how like a professional system.
DIY systems can be purchased from most local hardware or home improvement stores, and can provide a great level of basic alarm functionality. They are much cheaper than they used to be, with many more choices and features available. Wireless systems start at as little as $200, and usually include a couple of door and window sensors and maybe one PIR motion detector, but do not include monitored security. With a DIY security system, you will have to expect that quality and effectiveness will not be anywhere near a system that is professionally installed.
Wireless security systems are becoming extremely popular due to their flexibility, ease of installation and cost. Like a professionally installed alarm, a variety of sensors can be added to the system such as door/window sensors, PIR movement detection sensors, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
Tags: alarms for military home owners, DIY alarm system, self installed home security alarm
Posted in Home Security Alarms | 1 Comment »
February 15th, 2010
Crime in the United States has fluctuated quite a bit throughout the years; the crime rate escalated throughout the 1980s, and reached its peak in 1993 and then began to decrease throughout the 1990s and 2000s. In 1999, the United States had a crime index rate of 4,267 reported offenses per 100,000 population representing an 8 percent decrease since previous year. In 2008, The United States violent and property crime rates were at the lowest levels recorded since1973.
There are many things that could have contributed to the falling crime rates, but it is impossible to know the exact cause. Some of the things that may have contributed are police strategies, current programs for offenders in prison and efforts to assist offenders when they are released, and incarceration for major crimes.
Recent statistics show that the crime rate could be starting to increase again. The year 2005 was overall the safest year that the U.S. has had in the last thirty years. The recent overall decrease in crime has reflected all major types of crime, with both violent and property crimes decreasing, the U.S. has reached an all-time low. The homicide rate alone has decreased over 42% since its last record high point in 1991 and was continually decreasing until the year 2005, where it has since remained level.
On the other hand, property and violent crimes overall have continued to decrease. They are not decreasing as much as they were throughout the 1990s, but unlike homicide rates they are still declining. Overall, the crime rate in the U.S. was the same in 2004 as it was in 1969, with the homicide rate being about the same as in 1966. Violent crime overall, however, is still at about the same level as in 1974, even though it has greatly decreased since 1991.
Tags: crime rates in the United States
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February 11th, 2010
Whether you are a military home owner or veteran that lives in your own home or renting a condo or apartment, having it protected and safe should be a top concern. One of the main reasons, or course, is because it provides security and privacy to you, those you love, and all of the valuables you own.
It is frightening to think of someone breaking in your home when you are gone, but even more so, having a burglar waltz through your front door when you or a loved one is home! Especially since statistics show that more than 1 million burglaries and attempted burglaries happen each year. One of the best ways to prevent this is to have a security alarm installed in your home.
When security systems first started being used, the percent of break-ins have gone down—at least with the homes that have security alarms. This proves one thing for sure: not only can alarms help catch thieves, but when they see your home has one, they will think twice about trying to enter. They have two choices: get caught or move on. Having an alarm installed is so important—it pays for itself over and over. It’s important to have a reliable one where every entrance is protected and will alert the police if it goes off.
You need to think again if you believe you are safe enough just by living in a great neighborhood with exceptional police officers. If you think you are safe because your home doesn’t have a lot of value, nor do your possessions, keep in mind if thieves have an easy way to get it, they can be tempted by less valuable items. There are many expert thieves in any given city/town, and when one breaks in, they can be hard for the police to track down.
Having a security alarm in your home is vital to making it a safer haven. The presence of one alone acts as a deterrent to thieves! It gives you peace of mind, leaving you with less stress for you and your family to worry about
Posted in Home Security Alarms, VA Loans | 10 Comments »
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