What comes next?

Ya know, I haven't posted on here in a long time. And I have really tried to give President Obama some time to get settled in to see what he is going to do. But, I have really had enough. Here you have a guy that ran on balancing the budget, better health care, safer streets and America, and he is adding TRILLIONS of dollars to the debt, trying to take away health care rights, demoralizing our troops and giving amnesty to millions of illegal aliens. Is this how we fix America? By giving it away!!!

There hasn't been a day go by since he took office that he hasn't put put America down in one form or another. He has declared that we are no longer a Christian Nation, he has or is trying to give government the control over our health care rights, be has "bought" the automobile industry and they now control it, and they have wasted millions of our tax dollars to bail out Banks that have opened their vaults to fraud, bad mishandling of our money there, and loaned out millions of dollars to dead beat immigrants that are here illegally any way. Our military will be feeling the bite soon as the Democrats start their downsizing and disregard for our troops.

Why is the economy so bad...it ain't Bush! It is the new Dems in control of America. Watch out America, piece by piece we are going down the tubes and that is just what our enemies want to hear and see. It is easier that way.

CHARLEY 747

In Memory of Patriot Guard Rider of Oklahoma, Veteran, Husband, Father and Brother

Charles "Charley747" Reno

Ride On Angels Wings
.....
Gone now but not forgotten
Forever in our dreams
Everyday the Sun shines for you
Everyday the roads are dry
The straights go on forever
The bends are as you dream
There are no more pains
There are no more worries
You will be there at every party
You will take part in every race
You will stand there on the podium
You will race with the stars
you will ride upon Gods pillion
And if Angels ride on Harleys
Then you will surely travel far
On Earth You were My Brother
And now you are a Star
so glide on heavens highway
And lead the train up front
One day you will be waiting
And together we will ride
Once more again as Brothers
The white line side by side

~JON~

A MUST READ

An email sent to me contained this:

As I came out of the supermarket that sunny day, pushing my cart of groceries towards my car, I saw an old man with the hood of his car up and a lady sitting inside the car, with the door open.

The old man was looking at the engine. I put my groceries away in my car and continued to watch the old gentleman from about twenty five feet away.

I saw a young man in his early twenties with a grocery bag in his arm, walking towards the old man. The old gentleman saw him coming too, and took a few steps towards him. I saw the old gentleman point to his open hood and say something.

The young man put his grocery bag into what looked like a brand new Cadillac Escalade and then turn back to the old man and I heard him yell at the old gentleman saying, 'You shouldn't even be allowed to drive a car at your age.' And then with a wave of his hand, he got in his car and peeled rubber out of the parking lot.

I saw the old gentleman pull out his handkerchief and mop his brow as he went back to his car and again looked at the engine. He then went to his wife and spoke with her and appeared to tell her it would be okay. I had seen enough and I approached the old man. He saw me coming and stood straight and as I got near him I said, 'Looks like you're having a problem.'

He smiled sheepishly and quietly nodded his head. I looked under the hood myself and knew that whatever the problem was, it was beyond me. Looking around I saw a gas station up the road and told the old man that I would be right back. I drove to the station and went inside and saw three attendants working on cars. I approached one of them and related the problem the old man had with his car and offered to pay them if they could follow me back down and help him.

The old man had pushed the heavy car under the shade of a tree and appeared to be comforting his wife. When he saw us, he straightened up and thanked me for my help. As the mechanics diagnosed the problem (overheated engine) I spoke with the old gentleman.

When I shook hands with him earlier, he had noticed my Marine Corps ring and had commented about it, telling me that he had been a
Marine too. I nodded and asked the usual question, 'What outfit did you serve with?'

He had mentioned that he served with the first Marine Division at Tarawa, Saipan, Iwo Jima and Guadalcanal . He had hit all the big ones and retired from the Corps after the war was over. As we talked we heard the car engine come on and saw the mechanics lower the hood. They came over to us as the old man reached for his wallet, but was stopped by me and I told him I would just put the bill on my AAA card.

He still reached for the wallet and handed me a card that I assumed had his name and address on it and I stuck it in my pocket.. We all shook hands all around again and I said my goodbye's to his wife. I then told the two mechanics that I would follow them back up to the station. Once at the station I told them that they had interrupted their own jobs to come along with me and help the old man. I said I wanted to pay for the help, but they refused to charge me..

One of them pulled out a card from his pocket looking exactly like the card the old man had given to me. Both of the men told me then, that they were Marine Corps Reserves. Once again we shook hands all around and as I was leaving, one of them told me I should look at the card the old man had given to me. I said I would and drove off.

For some reason I had gone about two blocks when I pulled over and took the card out of my pocket and looked at it for a long, long time. The name of the old gentleman was on the card in golden leaf and under his name...... 'Congressional Medal of Honor Society.'

I sat there motionless looking at the card and reading it over and over. I looked up from the card and smiled to no one but myself and marveled that on this day, four Marines had all come together, because one of us needed help. He was an old man all right, but it felt good to have stood next to greatness and courage and an honor to have been in his presence. Remember, OLD men like him gave you FREEDOM for America . Thanks to those who served...& those who supported them. So, when you see an old man salute him as he probably fought for our freedom and if it were not for him and others like him we would be speaking German today!

America is not at war. The U.S. Military is at war. If you don't stand behind our troops, PLEASE feel free to stand in front of them!

Remember, Freedom isn't "Free" -- thousands have paid the price so you can enjoy what you have today.

SAD, BUT TRUE

This is TOO good!
In 2007,
5 million of our older Americans had
not signed up in the given time,
for their Medicare, Part D, drug plan
they are old and confused.
YET they were NOT
granted an extension.

However, the 12 million illegal aliens in our
country were allowed to stay, protest, procreate, receive support monies, attend schools,
avoid paying income taxes,
have our teachers take
300 hours of Spanish as a Second Language
and training at our expense, etc.

THE GOVERNMENT MUST REALLY DISLIKE
OUR OLDER AMERICAN CITIZENS.

OR THEY MUST REALLY LOVE TACOS!!!

Let us see how the government will
handle the program for the 2008
year for our senior citizens.

If it ticks you off, pass it on!!

OH! Don't forget to pay your taxes.
12 million illegal aliens
are depending on you! !!

Thank You

Thank you Stillwater

I can not put into words my amazement at the kindness and generosity that the Hagerty and Drake families have experienced following the death of my husband, Major Scott Hagerty. The 100s of people who came to honor him by attending his funeral or lining the streets during the procession.

The food, cards, flowers, quilts and donations made in his name or to our children have been overwhelming, in a goodway. I have received phone calls and cards from across the entire nation. I have been especially blessed by the communities of Stillwater and Perkins and I have never been more proud to be an Oklahoman. To all the friends and family who ran errands, cared for my young children, and fielded phone calls when Scott’s family and I were overcome with grief, I can never thank you enough.

I know Scott is honored and amazed to know how his life and death affected people and brought out the best in them. My faith in humankind has been completely restored because I know that the worst in humanity that the media focuses on, is not how the large majority of people behave.

I have never been closer to my Lord and Savior — his strength, blessings and mercies have been bountiful and unending.

My special thanks to: All of the servicemen (and women) who continue to protect and defend the United States of America, Casualty Affairs Office (Ft. Sill), First Church of the Nazarene, First United Methodist Church (Stillwater), Honor Guard (Ft. Sill), BancFirst, Patriot Guard Riders, Stillwater Police Department, Stillwater Fire Department, Strode’s Funeral Home, Sunset Memorial Gardens, Ron King, Lou and Wes Watkins, Kenny and Vickie Howerton, Anthony and Holly Hart and Patty Armbruster.

Thank you all


www.sponsorthetroops. org.

Daphne, Jonathan, and Samuel Hagerty
Don and Shirley Hagerty
Mark and Kathy Hagerty
Bruce and Lynne (Hagerty) Farmer
Garry and Nina Drake

A True Honoring of A Hero-Major Scott Hagerty

It has been just one week ago today that Major Scott Hagerty was finally laid to rest. The flowers are all but gone from the funeral, the ground where he is resting has started to return to its normal shape. The Honor Guard is gone, each returning to their respective posts. The Generals and Colonels and others have returned to their duty stations to continue what they do best. The flags have all been taken down and put away, awaiting the next event for which they may be used. The rains finally came and the sun has shown once or twice since that day. There have been many accounts of the proceedings that day, from onlookers, newspapers, and even a few TV stations. But I feel urged to tell the story from a personal perspective. It has taken me this long to gather my thoughts and emotions and try to make sense of what has taken place.

The day that Daphne found out that Scott had been killed in Afghanistan brought the world to a complete stop for her. The plans and dreams that they had made just months before, were now forever on hold. Daphne was at our house that evening when she received the call from the National Guard requesting that they be able to come by and talk to her. The tears ran down her face before the phone call was even compete. I tried to console her, I told her that maybe he was just hurt bad and they needed to tell her, knowing all along that this probably was not the case. You see having grown up in a military family and having been in the military myself, I knew that when that call comes it means only one thing, someone has died. Thirty minutes later, the two officers arrived at our house. A Major and a Captain, their names we can't remember. As my daughter was not in the room at the time, I asked if it was what I thought it was. A deafening silence engulfed the room and the only thing they could do was look down. No more of an answer was necessary.

When Daphne returned to the living room, she sat down on the couch, the Major started slow and very low..."Mrs. Hagerty, it is my duty to inform you ..." This was all any of us could hear. All of us broke down. The Major continued to deliver his message, but none of us really heard anything beyond that. The Captain, a Chaplin came and knelt down on the floor next to Daphne and tried to console her, but the most important words he could tell her were to please go ahead and cry, let it out. After about thirty minutes, the Major advised us that they still had to tell Scott's parents, and asked that if possible, could we lead them to their house. I responded by telling them that I would drive Daphne there and they could follow us.

The drive to Stillwater usually is a very short drive, maybe 20 minutes or so, but that night it seemed to last forever. When we finally reached the house of Scott's parents, the car with the officers pulled up behind us and we got out. I told Daphne that I would wait outside for now, this was a time for her and Scott's parents. As they went inside and the door closed behind them my heart fell to my feet and I began to cry almost uncontrollably. It seemed like forever, but about ten minutes later the officers emerged from the house and I met them to thank them for their help, and told them that I did not envy either one of them the job that the had to do. After they left, Daphne took me inside to wait for their preacher. I will not go into the details of what happened in the house or what was said. Instead I will jump to the next day. From here on out things are really in a blur. The Army sent the CAO (Casualty Assistance Officer) from Ft Sill to meet with Daphne and Scott's parents to help them through the days to come with the paperwork and return of Scott's body.

Most of this time was spent at Scott's parents and I am not at liberty to discuss any details that took place. All I can say is that Major Wuensche deserves a medal for bravery and compassion for the things that he did for my daughter and Scott's parents. We now fast forward to Scott's body returning to Oklahoma for one last time. The day after we found out Scott was killed, I contacted, via email, the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) of Oklahoma. I didn't expect any trouble from outside groups protesting what Scott stood for, but I knew that this organization was there more to pay their respect and provide Scott with the dignity in burial that he deserved. The plane landed from Dover, Delaware around 10:05 am on the Wednesday morning, June 11. The sun was bright and a strong south wind was blowing. The PGR took their positions on the tarmac presenting a flag line for the plane, Scott, the Honor Guard and family. As the plane landed and came to a halt, we were escorted out to where they were preparing to unload Scott. After the casket was lowered and placed on a stand, Daphne and the two boys approached it. The silence was deafening. It seemed like every noise in the world stopped at that moment except for the flags rustling in the wind, and you could have heard a pin drop from downtown Stillwater. As Daphne and the boys moved aside, Scott's parents and siblings drew close to the casket to greet him home one more time. From here the casket was moved by the Honor Guard to the hearse, and from there it would take a journey to the funeral home south of the airport.

As we all loaded back up into the vehicles provided by the funeral home, I looked to our front and one of the most spectacular sites fell before my eyes. There, taking the lead in the procession to the funeral home were some 40 bikers with flags on their bikes as they split with some taking up the rear of the procession. This was the Patriot Guard Riders that I had heard about. As we headed south toward the funeral home, cars would pull over to the side of the road as usual for a funeral procession. However, something I had not seen or ever expected took place. People were getting out of their cars and placing their hands over their hearts as the hearse went by. The only way that they could have possibly known this was for a military person was by the flags on the motorcycles. It was indeed an eye watering experience. Over the next two days hundreds and hundreds of phone calls, emails and cards came wishing to offer their prayers for the families and provide whatever comfort they possibly could. Then the day of the funeral had arrived. A day that many felt would cause the pain of the first night to return for Daphne and Scott's parents.

The services were held at the Methodist Church in Stillwater, the family was brought in with transportation provided for by the funeral home. As we neared the church, another flag line had been presented by the PGR, as well as some of the people of the community. After turning around the block to position the cars for after the funeral services, we exited the vehicles and entered the church. It was one of the most breath taking moments I personally had ever seen. On the right side of the church, it was a sea of green. This section of the church had been reserved for the military, and it was completely packed. The left side was reserved for the family and it to filled up completely. I was told that there were about 1000 people that attended the services, and more that waited outside because they ran out of room. The services lasted for about an hour or so with a final tribute to Scott prepared by one of his close friends. Daphne was presented with Scott's Bronze Star and Purple Heart, along with ones for Scott's parents. Shortly thereafter, Scott started the journey to his final resting place.

As we exited the church, my eyes were fixed on Daphne and Scott's casket. It was not until I looked up did I see something that just completely knocked me to my knees. As I looked to the east, the direction by which the procession would travel, I saw an ocean of flags on the back of these beautiful bikes. Then we heard the roar of the engines from around 100 or so Patriot Guard Riders. Once everyone was placed into their respective vehicles, the procession started to move. As we headed east on 7th St, I noticed a group of construction workers standing along side the road, and a group of four or so were standing on top of a trailer holding a large flag. As the heasre went by they removed their hard hats and placed them above their hearts. Many saluted as the hearse and family car went by. The street became more and more congested along the sidewalks with more people holding flags and homemade signs. As we made the turn onto Main St heading south, a sight fell upon me that I thought would cause an accident. For as far as the eyes could see was nothing but an ocean of flags and people. Hundreds of them, and more flags than you could possibly count. They were lined up on both sides of the street, shoulder to shoulder, and four deep in some spots. Some held up flags, others waved there hand made signs, and those in any kind of uniform, and some not in uniform, presented one of the biggest and longest hand salutes I had ever seen.

The trip to the cemetery was a little over five miles, but there were people everywhere along he route. There were Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, businesses, cars that had been stopped by the funeral, and the people got out to salute the passing of the hearse and family. People were standing beside the road with tears falling down their faces, hands placed over the heart, flags being held sometimes by one, sometimes by two people at a time. As we entered the cemetery, a flag line had been formed by one of the local churches around the drive of the cemetery, as you could see the hearts in hand from each that held the flag tight in their hands. Soon we came to a stop, and exited the car to make our way to the graveside. It was a simple but fitting service. By now the Patriot Guard Riders had formed a semi-circle around the tent area, and the throngs of people made their way to the tent trying to get as close as possible.

After a military Chaplin spoke, the sound of "ATTENSHUN" rang forward from outside the tent. Ready...Fire! the double click of rifles reloading, then another... Ready, Fire...another double click of the rifles reloading, ... Ready, Fire. Order Arms. As two members of the honor guard approached the casket, they positioned themselves at each end. Slowly and delicately they lifted the flag from it and side stepped until they were clear of the casket. At this point the rest of the flag detail approached the others to assume their position. With deliberateness and honor, the flag was folded in half once, then again, and one more time. As the folding of the triangle began, each fold was creased and smoothed all the way to the end of the blue field covered with stars. As the final fold was made, the soldier holding the flag executed an about face to present the flag to the senior NCO of the detail for inspection. Each corner, every fold had to be exact before it could be presented to the next person. Finally, the flag was presented to the two star general who had been patiently standing by. With sharp and distinct movements the General made his way to Daphne and presented her the flag stating the following words, "On behalf of the president of the United States..." Daphne looked straight ahead. A second flag was also presented to Scott's mother and father.

After the graveside service was over, Daphne was approached by an individual in a vest. He looked like one of those bikers you would see on TV. Rough, stout, and weathered. The he presented her with a plaque. After the flag exchange to Daphne and Scott's parents, I immediately approached two individuals dressed in vests, bikers vests to be exact. I knew one of them was one of the individuals that I had contacted from the PGR, who went by the name of Polecat 11, alias "Roy Wells" , the other I found out was Capt'n Crunch alias "Jerry Lakey", the State Captain of the PGR. We exchanged pleasantries and talked for a few minutes. From their mouths echoed the words "it was our honor", "he gave so much", respect and dignity. This was all for Scott and Daphne. These ladies and gentlemen came from all over the state and some from outside Oklahoma to pay tribute to Scott. I was speechless. As I excused myself and returned to the tent area, I thanked them one more time for what they were doing.

As I made my way back over to where Daphne was I noticed the throngs of men in their dress greens waiting in line to offer their condolences to Scott's parents and to Daphne. It took about thirty minutes or so before the line started to dwindle down. Toward the very end of the line stood a young female soldier. What made this soldier stand out from the others is that she was in the desert camouflage BDU's used in Iraq and Afghanistan. My daughter had left her position under the tent and decided to go down the diminishing line to greet those still there. When she came to the young lady in the camo's, she found out that she had been with Scott as part of his team in Afghanistan. She had returned to the states earlier and found out about Scott while at home. She immediately caught the next plane to Oklahoma so she could attend the funeral of her former team leader. Daphne, immediately hugged the young lady and they remained this way for quite some time, crying on each others shoulders.

The next people that Daphne greeted where a man and a woman. Both dressed in bikers vests. They exchanged their pleasantries and presented Daphne with a small pin. It was from the riders of the PGR, it was a "Mission Complete" pin. Daphne stood there speechless for a second then told them, as she glanced to the heavens, that Scott would have been so proud to be honored by them and that she was deeply grateful for their appearance at his funeral, it really meant a lot to her and Scott. It wasn't long after that that the line broke up completely and we all loaded back into our vehicles and left the cemetery.

After having a wonderful lunch prepared by the people of the church that Scott and Daphne attended, my wife and I left to return to Perkins. On our way back home, we decided to stop by the cemetery one more time. As we were pulling in, we noticed a vehicle pulling out. It was Major Wuensche. We did not stop, but he waved to us as we passed. I know if we had, he would have said that he just came back by to make sure everything was in order at the cemetery. Personally, I like to think that he wanted to pay his last respects to Scott, alone and in a personal soldier to soldier fashion. As I said at the beginning, a few days have past since Scott was laid to rest. But the cards and well wishes continue to flood in. On behalf of my daughter and respectfully for Scott's parents, I want to thank everyone for their support during this last three weeks. From the scouts to Mr. Wes Watkins. From Strode Funeral Home to the brave soldiers that carried Scott to his final resting place. But in particular, I want to thank the PGR for what they do to honor our fallen hero's, and the hundreds of people that lined the streets of Stillwater. No greater show of love, respect and honor could be possible in my minds eye.

Major Scott Hagerty Funeral Video

Courtesy of News9 Oklahoma City, the only one that covered the ceremony with video.

Final Inspection

Final Inspection

The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now,soldier.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"
The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep....
Though I worked a lot of overtime.
When the bills just got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here, Lord.
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don’t, I’ll understand.
There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now,soldier
you’ve borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven’s streets;
you’ve done your time in Hell."

- Author Unknown -

Personal Tribute to All the Troops

It is with great pleasure and an honor to Proudly Display Major Scott Hagerty's Medals and Service Ribbons

Scott had a proud and honorable military career as can be seen by his vast list of ribbons and medals:

Scott’s awards and decorations are listed left to right for each row starting at the top left corner, with the definition of what each medal is and how it is achieved.

STAND TALL AMERICA, AN OFFICER AND A HERO IS PASSING IN REVIEW!!

1. Bronze Star Medal. The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the military of the United States after 6 December 1941, distinguished himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

2. Purple Heart. The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to any member of an Armed Force who, while serving with the U.S. Armed Services after 5 April 1917, has been wounded or killed, or who has died or may hereafter die after being wounded. The original Purple Heart, designated as the Badge of Military Merit, was established by General George Washington by order from his headquarters at Newburgh, New York, August 7, 1782.

3. Meritorious Service Medal. Awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who distinguished themselves by outstanding non-combat meritorious achievement or service to the United States subsequent to 16 January 1969. Normally, the acts or services rendered must be comparable to that required for the Legion of Merit but in a duty of lesser though considerable responsibility.

4. Joint Service Commendation Medal. Authorized by the Secretary of Defense, June 25, 1963. The JSCM is awarded only to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, after January 1, 1963, distinguished themselves by meritorious achievement or service.

5. Army Commendation Medal. The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States other than General Officers who, while serving in any capacity with the Army after 6 December 1941, distinguished himself/herself by heroism, meritorious achievement or meritorious service. Award may be made to a member of the Armed Forces of a friendly foreign nation who, after 1 June 1962, distinguishes himself/herself by an act of heroism, extraordinary achievement, or meritorious service which has been of mutual benefit to a friendly nation and the United States.

6. Army Achievement Medal. The Army Achievement Medal is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States, or to any member of the Armed Forces of a friendly foreign nation, who while serving in any capacity with the Army in a non-combat area on or after 1 August 1981, distinguished himself/ herself by meritorious service or achievement of a lesser degree than required for award of the Army Commendation Medal.

7. Army Good Conduct Medal. The Good Conduct Medal is awarded for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity in active Federal Military service. It is awarded on a selective basis to each soldier who distinguishes himself/herself from among his/her fellow soldiers by their exemplary conduct, efficiency, and fidelity throughout a specified period of continuous enlisted active Federal military service. Qualifying periods of service include each three years completed after 27 August 1940 or, for first award only, upon completion of at least one year upon termination of service if separated prior to three years. Also for the first award only, for those individuals who died before completing one year of active Federal military service if the death occurred in the line of duty. The immediate commander must approve the award and the award must be announced in permanent orders.

8. Reserve Components Achievement Medal. The Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal is awarded for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity while serving as a member of an Army National Guard or Army Reserve Troop Program Unit or as an individual mobilization augmentee for each four year period since 3 March 1972. Effective 28 March 1995, the period of qualifying service for the award was reduced from four years to three years; however, this change was not retroactive. Service must have been consecutive and service performed in the Reserve Component of the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard may not be credited for award of this medal. The member must have exhibited honest and faithful service in accordance with the standards of conduct, courage and duty required by law and customs of the service of a member of the same grade as the individual to whom the standard is being applied. A member must be recommended for the award by his/her unit commander.

9. National Defense Service Medal. The National Defense Service Medal was awarded for honorable active service for any period between 27 June 1950 and 27 July 1954; between 1 January 1961 and 14 August 1974; between 2 August 1990 and 30 November 1995 and between 11 September 2001 and a closing date to be determined.

10. Afghanistan Campaign Medal. Authorized to be awarded to soldiers who deploy to Afghanistan in direct support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) on or after 11 September 2001 to a date to be determined or the cessation of OEF.

11. Iraq Campaign Medal. Authorized to be awarded to soldiers who deploy to Iraq in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) on or after 19 March 2003 to a date to be determined or the cessation of OIF. The area of eligibility encompasses all land area of the country of Iraq and the contiguous water area out to 12 nautical miles, and all air spaces above the land area of Iraq and above the contiguous water area out to 12 nautical miles.

12. Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. Authorized to be awarded to soldiers who deploy abroad for service in the Global War on Terrorism Operations on or after 11 September 2001 to a date to be determined. The complete listing of areas of eligibility (AOE) are: Algeria, Bahrain, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria (Bourgas), Chad, Columbia, Crete, Cyprus, Diego Garcia, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Georgia, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Hungary, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo (only specified GWOT operations not associated with operations qualifying for the Kosovo Campaign Medal), Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Romania (Constanta), Saudia Arabia, Somalia, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen, that portion of the Arabian Sea north of 10 degrees north latitude and west of 68 degrees longitude, Bab El Mandeb, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Aqaba, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Suez, that portion of the Mediterranean Sea east of 28 degrees east longitude (“boarding and searching” vessel operations), Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Strait of Hormuz and Suez Canal.

13. Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Authorized to be awarded to soldiers who have participated in or served in support of Global War on Terrorism Operations outside the designated areas of eligibility (AOE) for the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, on or after 11 September 2001 to a date to be determined. Initial award of the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal (GWOTSM) will be limited to airport security operations (from 27 September 2001 through 31 May 2002) and soldiers who supported Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

14. Korean Defense Service Medal. The Korea Defense Service Medal (KDSM) is authorized to members of the Armed Forces who have served on active duty in support of the defense of the Republic of Korea from 28 July 1954 to a date to be determined. The area of eligibility encompasses all land area of the Republic of Korea, and the contiguous water out to 12 nautical miles, and all air spaces above the land and water areas.

15. Armed Forces Reserve Medal. Awarded for honorable and satisfactory service as a member of one or more of the Reserve Components of the Armed Forces of the United States for a period of 10 years within a 12-year period. Upon completion of the fourth 10-year period, a gold hourglass followed by a bronze hourglass shall be awarded. Also awarded for mobilization on or after 1 August 1990, to members called to active duty and served under Title 10, United States Code (USC) (Defense Department) or Title 14 USC (Coast Guard) or the member volunteered and served on active duty in support of US Military operations or contingencies designated by the Secretary of Defense. The “M” device is worn to indicate mobilization. Subsequent mobilizations are denoted by the wear of a number to indicate the number of times mobilized.

16. Army Service Ribbon. The Army Service Ribbon is awarded to members of the Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard for successful completion of initial-entry training.

17. Overseas Service Ribbon. The Overseas Service Ribbon (OSR) is awarded to members of the U.S. Army for successful completion of overseas tours.

18. NATO Medal. Authorized by the Secretary General of NATO for specific NATO operations. In accordance with Executive Order 11446, the Secretary of Defense, with the concurrence of the Secretary of State, may approve acceptance for operations and authorize the wear by US Service members who meet the criteria specified by the Secretary General of NATO. The acceptance of the NATO Medal has been approved for US Military personnel who serve under NATO Command or operational control in direct support of NATO operations in the former Republic of Yugoslavia, or as designated by Supreme Allied Commander, Europe (SACEUR), from 1 July 1992 through a future date to be determined.