"My Last War" Wins 2009 DIY Book Festival

I am proud to announce that my book, "My Last War: A Vietnam Veteran's Tour in Iraq," has won the 2009 DIY Book Festival.

The Book Festival news release follows:

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2009 DIY BOOK FESTIVAL NAMES WINNERS
2/4/2010

LOS ANGELES (February 4, 2010) The story of an Army veteran who served in Vietnam and Iraq is the winner of the 2009 DIY Book Festival, which honors independent and self-published books.

“My Last War: A Vietnam Veteran’s Tour In Iraq," (published by iUniverse), is the story of Charles M. Grist, one of the few Vietnam veterans to have served as an enlisted soldier in the Iraq war. His daily journal captures his team’s wartime experiences, taking the reader into a life filled with mortar and rocket attacks and the constant threat of ambush.

But Grist’s clear-eyed sense of duty and his compassion for all in the chaos of war is the real focus of the book, which serves as a great reminder of the human side of combat, no matter where a reader stands on the issues.

The competition's award for Best Design went to the Photography/Art category winner, “Contemporary Hawai’i Woodworkers,” by Tiffany DeEtte Shafto and Lynda McDaniel.

Grist and other competition authors and publishers will be honored at a dinner in Los Angeles on February 25 as part of the tenth annual DIY Convention: Do It Yourself in Film, Music & Books.

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Thanks to everyone who has supported my writing efforts - especially those who have bought the book!

Charles M. Grist
www.MyLastWar.com

Mr. Brown Goes to Washington

Well, he did it. Scott Brown defied the odds in Massachusetts and became a United States Senator.

Now comes the hardest part for him. He has to go to Washington, meet all the insiders, and face the harsh reality of a city that is a tangled web filled with back room deals and corruption.

Mr. Brown must carefully watch his back. The liberals/socialists/progressives and their underground network of thugs, informants, and shady characters will do what they can to ruin him.

Thankfully, he appears to have the one trait that may save him - his personal honor. Those who want to destroy you can take your money, your job, and even your freedom. The one thing they can't take from you is your personal honor. To lose that, you must give it away.

Scott Brown's victory is proof that real America doesn't exist in an ultra-liberal or an ultra-conservative world. Dogmatics on either side don't speak for that vast ocean of average Americans who, in reality, have both conservative and liberal views on a lot of subjects.

The independent voters of Massachusetts gave Scott Brown his Senate seat. The same independent Americans in the rest of the country must do the same in their own backyards to return America to the country envisioned by our founding fathers.

Although I have been a Republican all my life, I am equally disenchanted with that party too. I have considered registering as an independent or even joining/creating another party.

I have become convinced that the way to re-take America from the left-wingers is not to create a third party right now. That will only split the vote between the Republicans and that new party.

What we must do is to use the power of those independent numbers to elect the best candidate we can among Republicans. It is up to the Republican Party to find more Scott Browns in every location where a Congressional seat becomes available this year.

Mr. Brown goes to Washington today. Let's hope his election is the first step in returning to the America of Thomas Jefferson.

Charles M. Grist
www.MyLastWar.com

2010: Obama's Decline Begins - Congressional Elections Must End His Socialist Revolution

The taking back of America must begin now. The election in Massachusetts may mark the beginning of the end of the Democratic socialist revolution; hopefully the young Republican contender Scott Brown will win his Senate seat. Regardless, the Congressional elections in the fall must absolutely begin the end of one-party rule by the Democrats.

When one party runs it all - making all the decisions, all the laws, and all the rules, then all you have is a dictatorship by one select group - much like the communist party ran the old Soviet Union.

The elections of 2010 must return control of America to a political balance that will protect our American heritage. That will only happen if all of us vote, encourage our friends to vote, and bring others into the fight to save America. We must also vote out the Reids, the Pelosis, and all the other left wing, socialist-leaning, "progressive" members of Congress, replacing them with those who share the values of our founding fathers.

If we don't take back America this year, we will only see a further decline in our liberties and our standard of living. Whether we have another chance in another year to save our country will only depend on how far we sink into the socialist abyss.

As usual, Charles Krauthammer offers a unique insight into what ought to be the end of the great socialist experiment and the beginning of the end of the brief "reign" of "the great one"...

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One Year Out: President Obama's Fall

By Charles Krauthammer
Friday, January 15, 2010; A25

What went wrong? A year ago, he was king of the world. Now President Obama's approval rating, according to CBS, has dropped to 46 percent -- and his disapproval rating is the highest ever recorded by Gallup at the beginning of an (elected) president's second year.

A year ago, he was leader of a liberal ascendancy that would last 40 years (James Carville). A year ago, conservatism was dead (Sam Tanenhaus). Now the race to fill Ted Kennedy's Senate seat in bluest of blue Massachusetts is surprisingly close, with a virtually unknown state senator bursting on the scene by turning the election into a mini-referendum on Obama and his agenda, most particularly health-care reform.

A year ago, Obama was the most charismatic politician on Earth. Today the thrill is gone, the doubts growing -- even among erstwhile believers.

Liberals try to attribute Obama's political decline to matters of style. He's too cool, detached, uninvolved. He's not tough, angry or aggressive enough with opponents. He's contracted out too much of his agenda to Congress.

These stylistic and tactical complaints may be true, but they miss the major point: The reason for today's vast discontent, presaged by spontaneous national Tea Party opposition, is not that Obama is too cool or compliant but that he's too left.

It's not about style; it's about substance. About which Obama has been admirably candid. This out-of-nowhere, least-known of presidents dropped the veil most dramatically in the single most important political event of 2009, his Feb. 24 first address to Congress. With remarkable political honesty and courage, Obama unveiled the most radical (in American terms) ideological agenda since the New Deal: the fundamental restructuring of three pillars of American society -- health care, education and energy.

Then began the descent -- when, more amazingly still, Obama devoted himself to turning these statist visions into legislative reality. First energy, with cap-and-trade, an unprecedented federal intrusion into American industry and commerce. It got through the House, with its Democratic majority and Supreme Soviet-style rules. But it will never get out of the Senate.

Then, the keystone: a health-care revolution in which the federal government will regulate in crushing detail one-sixth of the U.S. economy. By essentially abolishing medical underwriting (actuarially based risk assessment) and replacing it with government fiat, Obamacare turns the health insurance companies into utilities, their every significant move dictated by government regulators. The public option was a sideshow. As many on the right have long been arguing, and as the more astute on the left (such as The New Yorker's James Surowiecki) understand, Obamacare is government health care by proxy, single-payer through a facade of nominally "private" insurers.

At first, health-care reform was sustained politically by Obama's own popularity. But then gravity took hold, and Obamacare's profound unpopularity dragged him down with it. After 29 speeches and a fortune in squandered political capital, it still will not sell.

The health-care drive is the most important reason Obama has sunk to 46 percent. But this reflects something larger. In the end, what matters is not the persona but the agenda. In a country where politics is fought between the 40-yard lines, Obama has insisted on pushing hard for the 30. And the American people -- disorganized and unled but nonetheless agitated and mobilized -- have put up a stout defense somewhere just left of midfield.

Ideas matter. Legislative proposals matter. Slick campaigns and dazzling speeches can work for a while, but the magic always wears off.

It's inherently risky for any charismatic politician to legislate. To act is to choose and to choose is to disappoint the expectations of many who had poured their hopes into the empty vessel -- of which candidate Obama was the greatest representative in recent American political history.

Obama did not just act, however. He acted ideologically. To his credit, Obama didn't just come to Washington to be someone. Like Reagan, he came to Washington to do something -- to introduce a powerful social democratic stream into America's deeply and historically individualist polity.

Perhaps Obama thought he'd been sent to the White House to do just that. If so, he vastly over-read his mandate. His own electoral success -- twinned with handy victories and large majorities in both houses of Congress -- was a referendum on his predecessor's governance and the post-Lehman financial collapse. It was not an endorsement of European-style social democracy.

Hence the resistance. Hence the fall. The system may not always work, but it does take its revenge.

letters@charleskrauthammer.com

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Thanks, Mr. Krauthammer for the words of hope...

Charles M. Grist
www.MyLastWar.com

A Legendary Special Forces Warrior Dies - Medal of Honor Recipient Col. Robert Howard

COLONEL (RET.) ROBERT L. HOWARD
Died December 23, 2009

FROM THE U.S. ARMY SPECIAL FORCES COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE
FORT BRAGG, NC 28310

Colonel Robert L. Howard was born on July 11, 1939 in Opelika, Ala. He entered military service on July 20, 1956 in Montgomery, Ala., following in the footsteps of his father and four uncles who had served with airborne units in World War II. He was medically retired on Sept. 30, 1992. He lived his last few years in San Antonio, Texas. While serving with 5th Special Forces Group, he received a direct appointment from master sergeant to first lieutenant in December 1969. His 36 years of military service included more than 33 years on airborne status.

He participated in two movies concerning airborne and special operations missions, both featuring John Wayne. He made a parachute jump on the filming of The Longest Day and as an airborne instructor in The Green Berets.

Military assignments include duty with the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions; 2nd Ranger Battalion; 3rd, 5th, and 6th Special Forces Group; 5th Infantry Division; 7th Corps, XVIII Airborne Corps. He served in the Eighth United States Army and Combined Forces Command. Service in Vietnam included serving with 1st Bn., 327th Airborne Infantry, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division and Special Forces. He was the post commander of Kelly Barracks, Stuttgart, Germany, executive officer of the 2nd Ranger Battalion, and the Mountain Ranger Camp. Howard served a total of five tours in Vietnam. As an NCO, Howard served as a demolitions sergeant. While with Special Forces, he served the majority of his time with Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group, based out of Kontum. During his 58 months of combat, he was wounded fourteen times. Between 1968 and 1969, he was put in for three Medals of Honor. The first nomination was downgraded to Distinguished Service Cross and third to a Silver Star.

President Nixon presented the Medal of Honor to him on March 2, 1971.

Colonel Howard was a distinguished honor graduate of the Ranger Course, Pathfinder Course, and Parachute Rigger School. He received the Outstanding Infantryman's Trophy as Outstanding Infantry Officer of Class 1979-1980 at the Command and General Staff College. He graduated from the National War College, Class 1987-1988.

His military service also contributed to exceptional civilian recognition for service to his nation. He received the Outstanding Youngman of America award 1970; nominated as one of ten Outstanding Youngmen in America in 1971 and 1972; inducted into the Military Hall of Fame, Hoover Institute, Stanford University in 1980; inducted into the Military Hall of Fame, Veterans of Foreign Wars, State of Alabama in 1973; and was promoted to Colonel for Life in 1976 by Alabama State Governor George Wallace and the Alabama State Militia.

His awards and decorations include the Medal of Honor; Distinguished Service Cross; Silver Star; Defense Superior Service Medal; Legion of Merit (three awards); Bronze Star for Valor (three awards); Purple Heart (eight awards); Meritorious Service Medal (two awards); Air Medal for Valor (two awards); Joint Service Commendation Medal; Army Commendation Medal for Valor (three awards); Joint Service Achievement Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal (four awards); National Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal; NCO Professional Development Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Gold, Silver and Bronze Stars; and the Vietnam Wound Medal.

He was also authorized to wear the Army Presidential Unit Citation; Navy Valorous Unit Citation; Army Meritorious Unit Citation; Vietnamese Gallantry Unit Citation with Palm; Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal (two awards); Vietnam Civil Action Medal (two awards); Republic of Korea Order of National Security Merit (Samil Medal); Combat Infantryman’s Badge; Expert Infantryman’s Badge; Army Aircrew Badge; Master Parachutist Badge; Pathfinder Badge; Air Assault Badge; Vietnamese Ranger Badge; Special Forces Tab and Army Ranger Tab.

After retirement from military service in 1992, Colonel Bob Howard was employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. He retired in January 2006 after 52 years of government service.

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Our condolences to Colonel Howard's family, friends, and fellow warriors.

Charles M. Grist
www.MyLastWar.com

Mr. and Mrs. American Ranger - Together for 36 Years!

She was a shy young thing - only 18 - when she first caught my eye. I was a young Vietnam veteran who stubbornly asked her out three separate times. Then, at the last moment, she would cancel the date. On what I figured would be my last try, she accepted again, but this time she decided to take a chance. Boy, am I glad she did...

A year later, Debbie became my wife, and she has stood by me every step of the way. Four children and four grandchildren later, she is still my special angel, the love of my life, and the reason for all that I do. She has been the center of our family and the glowing heart of all we have been.

It has not always been easy. Like all couples, we have had our challenges, our successes, and our failures. We have endured pain and shared happiness, and, yes, there were those times when circumstances could have sent us our separate ways. Still, we stuck together, we refused to give up, and we made it because we're a team. I am blessed as few men can be.

Happy Anniversary, sweetheart...What say we do another 36 years?

The Luckiest Man in the World
www.AmericanRanger.blogspot.com

Remembering Our Troops at Christmas

I remember my Christmas in Vietnam in 1970:

Watching the Bob Hope Christmas show in Bien Hoa, playing cards on the firebase, drinking a lot of beer, looking at the stars and thinking about past Christmases, missing my family back home, recalling how hard my mom worked in the kitchen making cookies or a turkey dinner, listening to the far-off sound of artillery. I even watched a firefight in the darkness of the valley below - the good guys' tracers were red, the bad guys' tracers were green - the Christmas colors...

In Iraq, Afghanistan, and on lesser known battlefields throughout the world, our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines are fighting the good fight so that we may enjoy our Christmas in peace. Take time to think of them, and ask God to protect them. To my military friends who are at war or serving stateside, thank you for your service on our behalf.

Thanks also to everyone who has supported America's warriors. I extend my best wishes for a Merry Christmas to all of the readers of "American Ranger" and to each of your families. May God continue to bless America.

Charles M. Grist
www.MyLastWar.com

A Holiday Party With Political Correctness Gone Wild

This hilarious email was sent to me by a retired soldier. Here is an example of political correctness in America's corporate world today:

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FROM: P.L., Human Resources Director

TO: All Employees

DATE: October 1

RE: Gala Christmas Party

I'm happy to inform you that the company Christmas Party will take place on December 23rd, starting at noon in the private function room at the Grill House. There will be a cash bar and plenty of drinks! We'll have a small band playing traditional carols...feel free to sing along. And don't be surprised if our CEO shows up dressed as Santa Claus! A Christmas tree will be lit at 1:00 PM. Exchanges of gifts among employees can be done at that time; however, no gift should be over $10.00 to make the giving of gifts easy for everyone's pockets. This gathering is only for employees!

Our CEO will make a special announcement at that time!

Merry Christmas to you and your family.

P.L.
Company memo

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FROM: P.L., Human Resources Director

TO: All Employees

DATE: October 2

RE: Gala Holiday Party

In no way was yesterday's memo intended to exclude our Jewish employees. We recogize that Hanukkah is an important holiday, which often coincides with Christmas, though unfortunately not this year. However, from now on, we're calling it our "Holiday Party." The same policy applies to any other employees who are not Christians and to those still celebrating Reconciliation Day. There will be no Christmas tree and no Christmas carols will be sung. We will have other types of music for your enjoyment.

Happy now?

Happy Holidays to you and your family.

P.L.
Company Memo

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FROM: P.L., Human Resources Director

TO: All Employees

DATE: October 3

RE: Holiday Party

Regarding the note I received from a member of Alcoholics Anonymous requesting a non-drinking table, you didn't sign your name. I'm happy to accommodate this request, but if I put a sign on a table that reads, "AA Only", you wouldn't be anonymous anymore. How am I supposed to handle this?

Somebody?

And sorry, but forget about the gift exchange, no gifts are allowed since the union members feel that $10.00 is too much money and the executives believe $10.00 is a little chintzy.

REMEMBER: NO GIFTS EXCHANGE WILL BE ALLOWED.

P.L
Company memo

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FROM: P.L., Human Resources Director

TO: All Employees

DATE: October 4

RE: Generic Holiday Party

What a diverse group we are! I had no idea that December 20th begins the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which forbids eating and drinking during daylight hours. There goes the party! Seriously, we can appreciate how a luncheon at this time of year does not accommodate our Muslim employees' beliefs. Perhaps the Grill House can hold off on serving your meal until the end of the party or else package everything for you to take it home in a little foil doggy baggy. Will that work?

Meanwhile, I've arranged for members of Weight Watchers to sit farthest from the dessert buffet, and pregnant women will get the table closest to the restrooms.

Gays are allowed to sit with each other. Lesbians do not have to sit with Gay men, each group will have their own table.

Yes, there will be flower arrangement for the Gay men's table.

To the person asking permission to cross dress, the Grill House asks that no cross-dressing be allowed, apparently because of concerns about confusion in the restrooms. Sorry.

We will have booster seats for short people.

Low-fat food will be available for those on a diet.

I am sorry to report that we cannot control the amount of salt used in the food. The Grill House suggests that people with high blood pressure taste a bite first.

There will be fresh "low sugar" fruits as dessert for diabetics, but the restaurant cannot supply "no sugar" desserts. Sorry!

Did I miss anything?!?!?

P.L.
Company Memo

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FROM: P.L., Human Resources Director

TO: All F------ Employees

DATE: October 5

RE: The F------ Holiday Party

I've had it with you vegetarian pricks!!! We're going to keep this party at the Grill House whether you like it or not, so you can sit quietly at the table furthest from the "grill of death," as you so quaintly put it, and you'll get you f------ salad bar, including organic tomatoes. But you know, tomatoes have feelings, too. They scream when you slice them. I've heard them scream. I'm hearing them scream right NOW!

The rest of you f------ wierdos can kiss my a--. I hope you all have a rotten holiday!

Drive drunk and die.

The Bitch from Hell!!!
Company Memo

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FROM: J.B., Acting Human Resources Director

TO: All Employees

DATE: October 6

RE: P.L. and Holiday Party

I'm sure I speak for all of us in wishing P.L. a speedy recovery and I'll continue to forward your cards to her.

In the meantime, management has decided to cancel our Holiday Party and give everyone the afternoon of the 23rd off with full pay.

Happy Holidays!

J.B.
Company Memo

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Sound familiar to anyone out there? There must be scores of you with similar stories...

Charles M. Grist
www.MyLastWar.com