July 2, 2007
The release below will speak for itself. It does not get any more clear than this nor could it be articulated any better. I
say to you that this is "where its at"! And this is where our fine troops display herculean efforts to destroy wickedness
in Iraq.
I spent 3 weeks with these same men and the 285th, both of the 82nd Airborne. The 319th in Adhamiyah and 285th
in the Sadr City area -- both fully dedicated to their mission. I can not speak enough accolades to say of them. These
again are examples of the finest that America has to offer.
STAND WITH OUR TROOPS and demand that Congress does also.
Michael Payne
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_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070702-10
July 2, 2007
Adhamiyah Project: Paratroopers prove unshakeable in the face of adversity Spc. L.B. Edgar, 7th Mobile Public
Affairs Detachment Multi-National Division - Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD - Only one man knew what was coming. From afar he completed the circuit and braced for the blast's
impact. None of the Iraqis going about their daily life were ready and the sound cut through the hustle and bustle of
daily life on the streets of the eastern Raabi neighborhood in the Iraqi capital's Adhamiyah District.
The following day, paratroopers of Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade
Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, nonchalantly passed the twisted metal once a vehicle June 29.
The day's mission was not to dwell on yesterday's vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attack, which claimed
the life of one Iraqi policeman, wounded two others and injured another two passersby. Rather, the paratroopers
gauged the attitude of locals and randomly searched vehicles for weapons, kidnapping victims or illegal identification
cards, said 1st Lt. Jeremy Tillman, the leader of the battery's 1st Platoon.
Tillman, a native of Walnut Ridge, Ark., estimated that questions would be answered within 48 to 72 hours.
"We're still milling over the 'who and why' and how to prevent it from happening again," the 25-year old Tillman said.
"It was an array of eight to ten mortars in the backseat of a vehicle. The vehicle was in that position for 30 to 45
minutes before it was detonated. It was remote-control detonated, so the trigger man had to have line of sight.
No trigger man was caught or found."
The attack did not come as a surprise to the paratroopers, who have come to expect the unexpected, he said.
"We all know it's just a matter of time before these things happen in our sector," Tillman said. "An insurgency (wages)
guerrilla-type warfare to disrupt a good thing; a drop of oil in water that spreads."
While the vast majority of people in Raabi, a neighborhood with a mixture of Sunni and Shia, are supportive of
paratroopers' efforts to improve their lot in life, there is a minority intent on wreaking havoc, Tillman said. "You've got
small factions here and there who are power hungry and greedy religious zealots," he said.
While one or more of those zealots lashed out with a cold and calculated attempt at destabilizing Raabi, the
paratroopers of 1st Platoon are still right where residents can find them - every day with the people.
Grounded paratroopers
The genesis of Operation Fardh Al Qanoon brought the paratroopers of the Battalion to Adhamiyah, a volatile district
of Iraq's capital. The paratroopers entered Raabi, a neighborhood in Adhamiyah, with a heavy-handed approach in
keeping with the operation's focus of clearing neighborhoods. They captured many terrorists and insurgents before
moving onto the second phase of the Baghdad Security Plan, engaging the local populace, Tillman said.
"We dismounted out of the gate. We started patrolling immediately and started getting to know the local people.
We're now to a point where we know their names, we know their faces and we know their families. They trust us. We
trust them," said1st Lt. Larry Pitts, the 2nd Platoon leader. "With the correct mentality, we can make a difference in
this sector."
Though the paratroopers of 2-319th are field artillerymen, they are performing an infantryman's job and utilize the
dismounted approach to securing civilians, said Pitts, who hails from Fayetteville, N.C. "We're with the people every
day; 98 percent of our patrols are dismount patrols," Tillman said. "We're dismounted every day. We're good to good
people; we're bad to bad people."
Project progress: essential services
While security remains a priority, improving essential services such as adequate sewage, readily available clean
water and regular trash pick-up is also an important mission for the paratroopers, said Capt.
Josh Richardson, Battery B commander.
The battalion is using a two-pronged attack to improve essential services. Its leadership is working with the upper
echelons of the Iraqi government to create long-term solutions.
The Battalion subcontracted a company to place trash cans and regularly pick them up, Tillman said. Plans are in the
works for two gas stations to open up in the community, he added.
"We hope to get the people ... essential services, such as electricity. They want essential services," Tillman said. "All
the essential services that make your hometown back in America clean, this area needs."
Besides improving the quality of life, local projects to provide essential services also create jobs, thereby pumping
money into the local economy, Tillman said.
Help on the way
The success of 319th's paratroopers was put on display for the U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, Ryan Crocker, when he
visited Coalition Outpost War Eagle, the Battalion's home June 27. Subsequently, 2nd Platoon took Crocker on a
tour of Raabi's "Fish Market."
"We took him to some of our previous trouble spots. We were able to show him the change that we've created over
the last four or five months during the surge and some of the projects we're working on. With his influence, we'll be
able to show the Iraqis' progress," said Pitts, who led the tour. "It shows the surge plan working. It's safe enough
where we can get the ambassador to come down, walk our streets, even have chai (Iraqi tea) with several of the
locals."
Crocker's visit was an opportunity for the battalion to showcase its successful dismounted approach to engaging
Raabi residents.
"It's important to have somebody with that level of importance in our area, so that we can demonstrate to them that
we think we have a foothold for transition. We got to show him some good things and some things that needed
improvement," he said. "Transition is the ultimate goal for us and he saw a population and a Coalition Force that are
working pretty well together. We definitely have a ways to go but the people know because we're out there a lot
walking the streets that we care about the future of this area."
________________________________________________
April 15, 2007
Blessings in the name of the LIBERATOR
As I left COB War Eagle, manned by those of the 2-319- 82nd Airborne, it seemed to be another patrol out into a
village on another day with another platoon for the same old story. The destination was downtown Adhamiyah
proper, which is part of Adhamiyah province, not to be confused with mamma mia along the winding Tigris. This
COB is bordered on the west by a flowing river, actually rather beautiful in this place of turmoil. The bridge over the
Tigris just up the river in full sight, more important than ever since the VBIED bombing of the lower bridge a week ago.
Before being assigned to this mission I am questioned: do I like to walk and will I have a problem with being out of
the vehicle exposed. These boys are the 82nd Airborne and they like to walk.
We arrive downtown Adhamiyah in a few minutes. The streets are narrow and bustling. Our convoy pulls into the
town circle and the Bravo Bulls CO dismounts in front of a bakery along the main street. This area is close to the fish
market. We start going shop-front to shop-front randomly asking what the US Army can do to help and what have
they seen that would help bring more security to the area. I am taking a few pictures and greeting the locals who are
starting to line the busy street with a smile and "salom".
The children start to gather. They walk up in front of you and say, "Mista, Mista!" They raise their arms and make
a motion as if holding a camera and clicking the shutter, posing and smiling. The mob of children starting to grow as
they gleefully yell and compete for my attention, especially wanting their picture taken with a soldier smiling beside
them. Is this really the land where the survey said 80% of the Iraqis do not want us here and hate the Americans?
We move along the market area through the bakeries, kebab-vendors and the small grocery stands, for there are
no food store chains. The platoon of Bravo company dismounted and stretched out along both sides of the street,
providing security at the ready with their M-4s and M-249 saws. Dressed lamb and chickens hang from poles on a
string out in the open air. Sometimes just the bone of the hindquarter of the lamb, fresh from the butcher's boning
knife, or not so fresh whichever the case, awaits the stew pot.
We meander down through the people, greeting them as we go, shaking hands. Most of them respond with a
broad smile. The children swamp us with their craving for attention from the "Ameeereeki". They cluster closely and
are so gleeful at touching the soldiers that it becomes a hazard for all if there were to be an enemy attack. The
terrorists actually prefer to attack in the midst of this type of friendly melee' as it provides cover for them from return
fire because the soldiers hesitate -- for fear of killing innocent bystanders. The terrorists prefer collateral deaths.
We continue down the streets into a neighborhood of small houses, the streets of dirt, narrow and lined with
mothers holding their children to have their pictures taken. This is extremely unusual. In most areas the women,
though not wearing burkas or the traditional face covering, scurry along not showing any attention to the men from
"Ameeerika". The atmosphere here is safer, more relaxed and actually outgoing and appreciative toward the US
presence.
Survey sheets are handed out asking what the ordinary Iraqi would desire to be fixed or provided as a basic infra-
structure need. They speak openly with us through the interpreters that accompany us. The elders lobbying for their
people and the families expressing that they feel safe when the US soldiers are in the area. The security forces -- be
it the Iraqi Army or the Iraqi National Police -- place a priority on: what can we do to make it safer for the people
here? This is a question I heard repeated many times.
The US advisors acknowledge that there is a ways to go but are also very encouraged that the Iraqi people are
stepping up to the plate. The advisors -- with boots on the ground -- also eager to train them knowing that the
sooner these Iraqis are capable of doing the job the sooner they get back to their families.
Is this the same Baghdad we hear about on the national biased news of "Ameeerika" or is this the result of boots
on the ground, dismounted soldiers and a new policy in Iraq. The Surge is working in spite of the surge of negativity
from those in our nation of America who do not want victory in Iraq; for it would lessen the political chances of victory
in the White House in 2008 for the Democratic party.
The stakes are this to the Democrats, lose Iraq, win the White House; win the war in Iraq, lose the White House.
Pelosi and party or victory in Iraq, which way do you choose? Choose this day where you will stand, our troops in
Iraq or the anti-war agenda, where will it be?
As we were patrolling back toward our gun trucks to leave there was a car which stopped in the middle of the road
as we walked by. There was a adorable 3-4 yr old little girl standing with her head out the sunroof of the car,
waving. I walked by waving asking her how she was, she innocently said to myself and the soldiers, I luv you!
LORD we lift up YOUR name. We ask YOU oh LORD to strengthen our troops and direct their steps, be it from
the highest command down to the grunt on the ground oh LORD. Give them patience oh LORD and fill their
hearts full of love and compassion for the downtrodden of Iraq. Soften everyone's heart oh LORD that the
mission of mercy would be completed oh LORD in timely order that our troops can return home in victory and
the Iraqi and Afghan can live in peace. LORD we bind up this wickedness and confound it in YOUR name
LORD JESUS. LORD cause the wicked to either repent or be destroyed. LORD that they will not continue to
destroy LORD but fall into their own snares. LORD we pray that YOU will bring this Congress into repentance
LORD that if they will not repent they will be brought to their knees in shame and be ushered out of our
government as they would deserve. LORD we pray for peace and strength in the soldiers lives both for the
soldier and for their families. These things we pray in JESUS name.
GOD BLESS
Michael Payne
TASMM
P.O. 1721
Winchester, Virginia 22604
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April 11, 2007
The Commander of Bravo Co 2-325AIR 82nd Airborne says that they will SP [start patrol] at 0200hrs. The re-
supply Humvees pull out promptly heading for a rendezvous point with a platoon which has been out since 2000hrs
the night before. Their purpose is to walk the streets of the neighboring sector to Sadr City, making their presence
known and be among the local populace made up of Sunni, Shiite, Kurd and Christian.
The idea is that the locals will come to trust the Americans through the means of close contact, smiles and hand
shakes. The platoon leader occasionally stops and converses with local families. He asks through an interpreter
(terp) what their concerns are and how the US Army can help make things safer. The children stand as the troops
pass by, smiling and waving at the soldiers. Just yesterday a child -- just old enough to run -- was running in the
middle of the patrol as the 12 or so members of the platoon moved through a back street, his parents and family
laughing and saying to him, "come back, you are not a soldier".
I joined Bravo company's patrol at 0230hrs, being dropped off by the resupply vehicles, and headed out as the
platoon moved from their present OP to find another. As the platoon scouted for another OP, it wound up and down
side streets looking for any activity prohibited by the curfew. (Part of the new Baghdad strategy is to be dismounted,
on the streets, not just driving through on patrols, but bringing it to the terrorists who used to have control of the
area.) Now the terrorists have to worry about a squad of the 82nd walking around the corner on foot, not having
been alerted by the noise of Humvees or armored vehicles. When I asked the soldiers how they liked it, they reply, "I
like it Sir. This is what we do. We are infantry -- dismounted, that's the way we like it. It is hard to do our job in the
vehicles."
When the platoon stops, through the terp, I have heard many Iraqi locals say that they thanked GOD for the
Americans being there. They felt safer when the troops were around. I have been offered chai tea several times,
many smiles and handshakes, and the locals continuously saying, "salom" -- their greeting of hello and peace with
their hand going across their heart. These neighborhoods are heavily mixed, with Sunni, Shiite and Kurds mingling in
the evening over tea along the sidewalks.
The point of this is that the US Forces are patrolling into Sadr City and surrounding neighborhoods, not afraid to go
into these areas and, through this interaction with the locals, they take back the streets. The vast majority of the
people that I saw as we patrolled dismounted, up and down the streets of what has been termed "off limits" by the
main stream press back home, were exceptionally cordial. They are starting to trust the presence of these soldiers,
knowing that they are here to help them, not to occupy them.
The bombings have dropped off 70% from the period prior to the "troop surge", which has also reduced civilian
deaths by the same dramatic number. Vendetta killings and torturing has dropped even more dramatically, from a
high of 200 or so a week, to between 10-19 a week now. The on-the-street dismounted presence is working better
than expected, say the troops. The IED's, VBIED's, and civilian casualties are all down dramatically. The Iraqi security
forces are starting to jell, and the Iraqi people are starting to trust not only the US Forces, but their own Iraqi forces.
This "troop surge" is working and all of the commanders that I have spoken with agree that the war can be won and
the objective of a stable Iraq can be achieved.
Again we must "stay the course", not showing any signs of wavering.
GOD BLESS
Michael Payne
TASMM
P.O.1721
Winchester, Virginia 22604
703-819-7492
_____________________________________________________________________________________
April 11, 2007
Blessings in the name of THE ONE who is TRUTH!
It is a privilege to send you a release which will reflect what is truly going on in Iraq and in the hearts of the vast
majority of the committed men and women who serve this United States, the Iraqi people, and the world, with such
honor, dedication and integrity. They serve us and are doing a magnificent job in the face of extremely adverse
circumstances. They also serve the lying media, the backstabbing, power mongering Congress and a small minority
of selfish, spoiled and unappreciative US citizens, whose nose gets in a bind when their latte' is not quite right!
GOD BLESS America, those who serve us so valiantly in uniform, and their families who sacrifice so much as their
loved ones are so far away.
Our prayers are with you.
See attached below.
Michael Payne
TASMM
P.O. 1721
Winchester, Va. 22604
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Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070410-09
April 10, 2007
1st "Ironhorse" Brigade Combat Team Marks 450th Reenlistment By Staff Sgt. Jon Cupp 1st BCT, 1st Cav. Div. Public
Affairs Multi-National Division - Baghdad PAO
CAMP TAJI, Iraq -- The 1st "Ironhorse" Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division marked its 450th re-enlistment
during this deployment here April 9 with the reenlistment of Pfc. Andrew Dubay, an infantryman from Headquarters
and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment.
Dubay, a native of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., who is temporarily attached to the Headquarters and Headquarters
Troop, 1st BCT, serving on the unit's personal security detachment, joined the Army in 2005 and went to advanced
individual training at Fort Benning, Ga., for infantry school. His latest reenlistment was for six years and he received a
$13,000 cash bonus. In addition to the bonus, he received the incentives of his station of choice - which is Fort
Campbell, Ky. - and taking the air assault school option.
"The Army has leadership traits and discipline that you just can't find in the civilian world," said Dubay, who explained
the reasons for his deciding to raise his right hand for a second time. "I love the Army. I wanted to reenlist for the
entire 20 years but they wouldn't give me that option.
"I'm privileged to be able to serve in the military, rather than in a civilian job," he added. "I like it for the military
history-serving is something everyone is honored to do, and it's nice to be a part of something where people tend to
look up to us because of who we are (as Soldiers) and what we do."
With two years active duty under his belt, Dubay will be leaving his current home station of Fort Hood, Texas for Fort
Campbell sometime in early 2008. After completing air assault school there, Dubay hopes to eventually become an
Army Ranger and from there move on to the Army's Special Forces where he hopes to retire as a chief warrant officer.
While serving on his first deployment to Iraq, Dubay spends much of his time pulling security outside the wire
throughout the 1st BCT area of operations in villages such as Sab Al Bor, Tarmiyah, Mushada and many others.
But, Dubay said, although he and his fellow Soldiers often face danger in their fight against insurgents, he wouldn't
change a thing about his job.
"It's a great job and sometimes people ask me, "aren't you afraid to die," but even if I were to die, I would feel great
about it-knowing that I'm serving my country," Dubay said.
Capt. Francisco Casanova, commander, HHT, 1st BCT, praised Dubay's decision to reenlist and his performance for
the past five months while attached to his unit for the current deployment.
"I love this because it means we're reenlisting one more good Soldier who wants to stay in the Army. It's not
something I'm just saying. I really believe that," said Casanova. "He's a good performer who is always enthusiastic
and mission ready."
When he returns home from this deployment, Dubay plans on taking his girlfriend and her child on a cruise to the
Bahamas. For his long-term goals, Dubay said after he retires from military service, he hopes to get a job with a major
security firm or find work with the Secret Service or on a SWAT team.
As of Dubay's reenlistment, the Ironhorse Brigade has handed out $4, 448, 058 million in cash bonuses to reenlisting
troopers.
Sgt. 1st Class Humberto Flores, the brigade's senior career counselor and a native of Laredo, Texas, explained what
the milestone of having reached 450 reenlistments means to the Ironhorse Brigade and why
the brigade has been successful when it comes to retention.
"This is a great achievement for the brigade and it speaks volumes about the Soldiers who are out here making
sacrifices for their country. It's good to know that these Soldiers are willing to stand up, defend their nation and pay
the cost for freedom," said Flores. "It's all about the leadership who are out here taking care of the Soldiers everyday
and Soldiers trusting in their leadership in everything they do and believing in them."
_________________________________________________________________________________________
April 9, 2007
Blessings in the name of HE who is RISEN and brings HOPE!
Hope in the BIBLE is as Adrian Rogers said, "...rock solid faith that is so!" I arose with several hundred soldiers
Easter morning after a grueling but rewarding previous 36hrs. I had nothing in particular scheduled for the day. It
was the day to celebrate the resurrection of KING JESUS who died upon the cross for the sins of the world. The
specific celebration commemorating HIS resurrection that gives all the world HOPE to be resurrected; without that
truth our faith is futile.
Went to the Upper Room Chapel, COB Callahan. It was a blessed service through Chaplain Carson. I left there and
began to write my last release about MedCAP. Unexpectedly, as the LORD would have it, I was invited to go along to
a meeting with the 8th Brigade Commander of the Iraqi National Police. What an opportunity to speak with a man who
I would see has "what it takes" to accomplish the job here in Iraq!
The Commander of 3-41 NPTT, LtCol Sistare, filled me in on the background of the 8th INP Brigade. NPTT stands for
National Police Transition Team assigned to train and to transition security responsibilities from the US Forces to
their Iraqi counterparts. This is where the "rubber meets the road".
Last fall their old Brigade Commander and a Battalion Commander were relieved of their respective commands when
it was found that they were using the 8th as their own corrupt, mafia style organization; complete with extortion,
kidnappings and murders. The area of operations [AO] for the 8th is the mean streets of Sadr City. The 8th was
pulled off line and sent back to the National Police Training Center for "re-bluing", and successfully I might add, for
they are now a crack (INP) Brigade.
General Ali was brought in as replacement commander of the 8th Brigade, at the same approximate time as the
arrival of the 82nd in theater. LtCol Sistare has verified several times, when asked of the true commitment of Gen Ali,
that his stand and actions have been consistently straight forward and honest since they met 6 months ago. Gen Ali
takes good care of his men and demands good things from them. He is responsive to their needs as policemen and
people. He demands that they be honest, trustworthy and dedicated to the people of Iraq. They love him and honor
his authority. After the official business between the NPTT and Gen Ali was finished, I had the privilege of speaking
with the General. I asked him:
1] What will it take to win this war against terrorists and establish the new Iraq?
General Ali: "The borders between Syria and Iran must be sealed off at the checkpoints by our Border
Police shutting down traffic between these countries who foment and feed the terrorism in Iraq. You must
close the frontier borders by using Apache helicopters and AC-130s and deal out enforcement with
force. When evidence such as new weapons stamped "made in Iran" or otherwise are found in Iraq,
there must be firm and strong consequences to this deed.
2] In America the national media tells us that all Sunni hate all Shiites and vice versa, and all of these hate the
Kurds. Are any of these cooperating with the new authorities?
General Ali smiled and said: "The most cooperative of the Sadr City area are the neighborhoods mixed
with all of these and Christians. They are the easiest to monitor, the least violent and produce the most
tips about terrorist cells and implanted IED's. The most uncooperative are the totally segregated
neighborhoods, be they Sunni or Shiite. There are many neighborhoods of this mixture in this area,
more so than what is represented by the media. Most of the Iraqi people, Sunni, Shiite and Kurd live
together and get along. It is the mafioso style gangsters on the fringes that create this violence -- with
the aid of Iran and Syria."
3] Why do Syria [Sunni] and Iran [Shiite] cooperate with each other in this terrorist killing and violence?
General Ali: "Because dictators of these rogue countries fear the US Coalition Forces and desire to
keep them busy in Iraq. If Iraq succeeds then the tyrants in these 2 countries will lose face and lose their
power and influence in the region."
4] What do you need from the US ? What do you want to tell the American people?
General Ali: "Tell them that we send our best wishes and thanks to the US people for their help and
sacrifices for Iraq. The progress has been slow and some mistakes have been made. The task is huge
and very difficult. We need for the US to stand in support of the Coalition Forces who stand with us. The
US Coalition forces are doing a great job. We need America to stand with President Bush, who stands
with Iraq to bring security to our streets, so that we can take our families for a walk and not worry about
being tortured and killed. We need a leader in Iraq who is not beholden to or the puppet of any political
party or sect, but whose only interest is in the new Iraq, not in his own self promotion. We are soon to be
able to take more and more control from the US Coalition so that we can bring peace to our nation.
Thank you for all of your help to us!"
General Ali is committed to the rebuilding of Iraq for all peoples of Iraq. When asked if he is Sunni or Shiite, he
responds, "I am Iraqi"!
This is the way nations of justice and security are built, through the blood and devotion of men like this who love their
nation, love their fellow people and are willing to die for that freedom. His family is separated in another area, as are
many families whose husbands fight for freedom here. They live secretive lives, for if discovered, they will be tortured
and murdered. General Ali's life is always in danger.
Two weeks ago his vehicle was attacked in Sadr City with machine gun fire and RPGs, but his life was spared. Bullet
holes were found in the seat next to where he sat, the windows shattered and the rubber blown off of the tires. His life
was spared to fight another day. He is a "modern day Braveheart".
Just as William Wallace said:
"Run and you will live, fight and you may die! But years from now when you lay old and dying in your bed would
you not give it all to be here this day fighting as a free man!"
For free men we are when we stand against wickedness and evil, taking the fight to that wickedness. Slaves we
are when we cower in fear and intimidation from whatever the source. Being slaves to fear of death is in itself a
slow death full of daily agony. Do you stand as a free man or do you live as a slave? As for me, I will no longer
live as a slave, cowered by fear, but stand as a "free man"! And a free man I am!
The release below is of 2-8 Cav. the unit that I just left. This fine 2-8 is commanded by LtCol Efflandt.
What a regiment of Warriors, the Cav always arrives "in the nick of time".
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070408-06
April 8, 2007
Soldiers help save life of Iraqi infant
1st BCT, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs
Multi-National Division - Baghdad PAO
CAMP TAJI, Iraq - Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldiers came to the aid of an ailing Iraqi infant April 5 in
the village of Sheik Hammed, Iraq.
While on a patrol through the village, Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment were approached
by a villager carrying his sick 6-month-old son in his arms.
Medics on the patrol determined the child had a high fever and would die without further treatment. Within
minutes, they had the child medically evacuated from the area.
The father and son were first brought to Camp Taji for the baby's initial treatment and then flown to the 28th
Combat Support Hospital in Baghdad for further treatment.
As of April 7, the child was listed in stable condition and is expected to be released soon.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Check out the weblink below. The story is about SGM DaPonte attached to the 3-41 NPTT under the 2-82nd
Airborne. They are tough men and women in battle with tender hearts for the downtrodden, slinging death to the
wicked, compassion and hope to the hopeless of Iraq.
http://www.blackanthem.
com/News/U_S_Military_19/Battle_Buddies_Sergeant_Major_police_commander_s_son_share_special_bond4979.
shtml
To say that there is "nothing positive" in Iraq is uninformed, oblivious and naive. There are hundreds of new schools
for hundreds of thousands of children, new medical clinics, water treatment plants for fresh water, improved electrical
grids, new roads, new sewer systems being built, grants to start small businesses, a budding local level economy --
but most of all are the "seeds of freedom" being sown in the fertile soil of "Bravehearts".
I haven't run into the Pope or Nancy Pelosi down here in the streets of Sadr City staring into the hungry eyes of those
little children who stare at these soldiers and by the smile in their eyes say, "If you didn't do it, no one else would!"
If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be
warmed and filled" but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?
Thus also faith by itself if it does not have works is dead!" James 2:15-17
Therefore to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin! James 4:17
GOD BLESS
Michael Payne
Take A Stand Media Ministries
P.O. 1721
Winchester, Virginia
TASMM is a non-profit organization. We covet your prayers and we need your financial support to bring the GOSPEL
to those around us and the truth of Iraq to the US. If you are moved to support us, be assured that all monies go to
the expenses of this ministry and none goes to salaries. Bless you this day in JESUS name.
____________________________________________________________________________________
April 8, 2007
Blessings in the name of the GREAT PHYSICIAN
Today we rose early preparing to convoy into the edge of Sadr City, Baghdad, with the Medical staff here at COB
Callahan. The medical staff was going to extend a hand of mercy and set up a medical clinic for the day for the
poorest of the poor. We left at 0800hrs, 2 hrs later than first scheduled to allow Charlie Co. 2nd Battalion, 3-25 AIR --
their nickname is "The White Falcons" -- to get at least a couple hours sleep. They had gotten in from patrol and
raids in Sadr City at 0300hrs this morning and were now going to run security for this "mission of mercy" throughout
the whole day of Saturday.
This mission, called Med-CAP, is an outreach to the local communities. Today it was being set up in a local school
building, an area that though open and in one sense clear to protect, is also a point of easy identification for mortars
and attack for the enemy.
The Charlie Co. soldiers stood behind the local Iraqi Police to assist, if necessary, but were there mostly to give
advice and leadership if needed -- OJT in action.
During the course of the day the crowd stayed steady with an average of 100 or so waiting their turn to be screened
first with a wand, then moved closer into the courtyard of the school to be searched for any weapons or bombs,
deemed in slang, "Israeli vests". This association is not disrespecting the Israelis but recognizes the primary use of
the bomb vests worn by PA terrorists to kill Israelis.
Everyone was searched and wanded -- men, women and children.
(In a northern "mission of mercy" an Iraqi woman came with a baby to a Med-CAP wearing a bomb vest and
blew up herself, her baby and several Iraqis. This is the despicable wickedness with which our soldiers deal.
There is an evil group of murdering terrorists that will, without hesitation, sacrifice and murder women and
babes to achieve the goals of their demonic beliefs. This is of satan!)
Back to the honorable thing of the day.
I would estimate at least 400-500 filed through the temporary med-clinic that day. They received examinations,
available medications (such as amoxicillin, tylenol 500) diapers, creams, toothbrushes, etc. They also gave out t-
shirts proclaiming reconciliation of all of the Iraqi people into the new Iraq, soccer balls for the kids, pencils and Iraqi
national flags. The children and the adults expressing their thanks with smiles and spoken "thank-yous" to the
soldiers who dispensed the items as they left. The children smiling broadly as they clutched their mementos of the
day. The cherished soccer balls were the biggest hit.
At 1600hrs a tip came in that we were about to be targeted for a mortar attack. The last 50 people were denied
opportunity for treatment -- again by the wickedness of satan and his followers, Al Quaeda. We packed up the
medications and medical equipment. In 20 minutes the whole column, consisting of over 70, departed the school
compound and headed back to COB Callahan. A job well done by America's Finest -- dedicated medical corps
doctors and medics, and a weary Charlie Co. Though they were stretched to the limit on never-ending day and
nighttime patrols, they provided security for an extra-curricular mission without a grumble or a groan. I cannot
commend them enough for their dedication. They complete their gestures of compassion to the locals under
extremely adverse circumstances.
This is again the hand of GOD moving through our military to bring some relief to these oppressed and tortured
peoples. HE extends HIS hand of compassion through all of those who serve in the US Armed Forces.
Our Military doctors, medics and soldiers go again and again out into the kill zone. Out to a stationary place which is
less secure than the COB to bring medical relief to the parents and the children of Sadr City; even though they are
deemed, by most of the national media in the US, to hate Americans.
Truthfully I did not see hate today.
I saw hundreds of people thankful and grateful, in their own way, thanking heavily armed soldiers for risking their lives
to help the locals.
Now that is the "Frontline" truth of the matter.
GOD BLESS
Michael Payne
Take A Stand Media Ministries
________________________________________________________________________________________
April 6, 2007
Blessings in the name of the ONE who Rides the Clouds!
There is no one like the GOD of Jeshurun (note: Israel) who rides the heavens to help you,
and in HIS excellency on the clouds. The eternal GOD is your refuge, and underneath are the
everlasting arms: HE will thrust out the enemy from before you, Saying, "Destroy them!"
Deuteronomy 33:26-27
Thursday started out in a disappointing way. The mission I was scheduled for was canceled. I was kind of wondering
what would happen to fill or fulfill the day. I was sitting in the PAO office waiting for my handler to come back, drinking
a cup of "stout" coffee with a packet of cocoa to tame it a little. An officer comes striding through, does a double-take
and says "where do I know you from?". Turns out he was Chaplin here at COB Callahan when we met in Baghdad 2
years ago at chapel service. Later in the day he invited me to witness about GOD's protection over us at JSS during
the VBIED explosion where no one was injured or killed in a massive explosion that damaged the barrier walls and
building.
I attended the Bible study last night giving witness to the hand of GOD on us and the powerful anointing of Psalm 91.
Those who came to the Bible study -- a hand full in the way of Gideon's Army -- were eager to draw closer to the
LORD and HIS power.
Immediately after the time of witnessing, I rushed downstairs to link up with a Stryker task force headed out to do a
traffic check and then to hit a warehouse of Muqtada Sadr to look for guns and RPG's.
We left the COB and as always I prayed out loud with the 9 soldiers inside getting the benefit of GOD's WORD
whether they believed or not. Calling down HIS hand of protection on us. We rolled out at 2000hrs missing a turn a
few miles from base camp and turning down one of the many streets in the Sadr City area lined by brick shacks and
ditches filled with raw sewage. We got a little too close and the Stryker slid into the ditch requiring another Stryker to
come and wench us out. This also happened to one of the others of our 4 truck team. Finally after 2 hrs of wenching
and maneuvering the 30 ton fortress was freed and we were on our way to the objective.
Just 5 minutes later a soldier inside yells, "RPGs" as 2 whish above the convoy lifting skyward instead of honing in on
us. GOD's hand of protection sweeping them away as you would wave off mosquitoes. Machine gun fire erupts from
across the block as several snipers fire in harassment before ducking away knowing the 50 Cals were now going to
bark a return greeting, dat..dat..dat..dat! The ramp drops and 4 squads roll out the back of the Strykers. Everyone
is looking to bag those who fired. None quivering of these young men. The non-coms in control and moving,
directing their men.
We rolled into the house from which the small arms fire originated. The family inside, frightened as the husband
denies any responsibility, but tests show gunpowder residue on his hands. His cell phone rings and the interpreter
answers, acting to be the man of the house. The voice boasts that though they missed, there was an EFP waiting for
us. He was further interrogated as the soldiers moved up the street to the next house.
The next house has a family which includes 2 men. Items found: multiple copiers and literature of Khomeini. He is
being led to an area to be interrogated. The wife unnecessarily flys into a overly dramatic panic as fear takes her
over. She is hysterical, 8 months pregnant and goes into hyper-ventilation. The US soldiers struck by terrorists are
now in an unexpected and unnecessary situation. Their lives having been threatened and now when searching for
weapons are confronted with a woman hyper-ventilating and threatening to go into premature labor. Our medic is well
trained in battlefield wounds but not well versed in the hysteria gripping this woman. Again -- I stress the soldiers did
not do anything to instigate this, they acted totally professionally.
Then the LORD said
"step forward and lay hands on this woman and cast out the spirit of strife and hysteria".
I called down peace on the situation and blessed HIS name as the husband, the medic and the soldiers
frantically discussed what they should do as the woman struggled.
I stepped up to her as 3 of her small children clung to her also crying. They looked up as I laid my hand on the
woman's head and prayed as the SPIRIT led, the devil telling me this is not going to help.
GOD came into the scene and calmed her down in 30 seconds, Glory to the MOST HIGH GOD. HIS hand is at
work everywhere we go. Changing a tragic situation into a place of peace for HIS GLORY. HIS name, JESUS,
being prayed as those small children looked up into my face
I continuously called out the name of the SOVEREIGN of the UNIVERSE. HIS name making those spirits flee
from a woman and a house where English was not understood. But the devil understands. He understands
and has to obey the name of JESUS.
YESHUA, LORD MOST HIGH!!! AMEN and AMEN.
Those children didn't understand. But the LORD even calmed their faces as they gazed into mine and heard
JESUS coming forth to bring peace upon their mother and into them.
HALLELUIAHHHHHHHHHHH to the LAMB of GOD!
And lest anyone think I boast of myself, I "only boast of the ONE who died on the cross that this wretch would
be forgiven".
When I stepped back I knew I was there for a purpose not "just along for the ride"!
Praise YOU LORD for dying on the cross! That we who confess YOU with our lips and believe in our hearts that YOU
rose from the grave in the flesh are saved, AMEN!
GOD BLESS
Michael Payne
Please pray for these soldiers who are the finest of America and risk their lives that we may live free.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
April 4, 2007
Blessings to all in JESUS name
Yesterday I awoke after an awful nights sleep from tossing on a short cot and noise all through the night. I stumbled
through the darkness, found my clothes and went into the area with a sink, no mirror and managed to shave and
brush my teeth. It seemed as if everything was a chore to achieve. No coffee anywhere to be found. I wrote
yesterday's release as the internet service was closing and barely got it off.
Confusion dominated the entire way as I tried to muddle through. I was not able to find my protective ballistic eye
wear when I got to the Humvee, so I held them up while I went back for it. I returned to the Humvee only to find that I
had left my Kevlar helmet in the building, so again, I held them up as we were heading out to the mission.
Finally I was back in the Humvee heading toward JSS [Joint Security Station]. We arrived at JSS about 30 minutes
later. The NPTT team of US Army advisors left me there as they went on in, and I sat in a hall with a couple of
soldiers standing guard in a JSS of the 82nd Airborne and Iraqi National Police. Time dragged on but I was being
reminded by the LORD that "I am where HE wants me, so quit squirming and relax into it".
A Sgt1 comes out of the "Teams Room" and says I can go in there if I want to. After 10 I go in. There is some small
talk but the conversation is not getting off the ground as they are writing letters, reading a book, etc., themselves
waiting through the time until their next mission. I decide to go out into the compound, stretch my legs and walk the
time away. They tell me no problem, but that I need to wear my body armor and helmet.
I was just lolling around as I walk out of the building that is teeming with Iraqi Police and young 82nd Airborne. I walk
out into the compound and there is a soldier sitting in a Humvee looking at the front entrance to the compound. We
talk awhile and I decide to go back into the building to go up to the Observation Posts on the roof. I go up to the 2nd
floor, ask them if it is alright to go up, and receive an affirmative. As I turn to go I decide I will go to the latrine, I tell a
soldier at the table to wait for me, I will be right back. The latrine was full so I went back out to go up to the roof,
telling the soldier "okay lets go". We head up the flight of steps but are stopped in our tracks by a huge explosion
which rattles the windows that are already missing several panels, just in front of us. The air immediately was filled
with a fine dust that made it impossible to see 20 ft, as shouts rang out "where did it hit?"
The only focus was "where did the round hit". These young men, hardened by repeated bombings, mortar and RPG
attacks, responded by grabbing their gear and hitting their defensive positions. They did not cower in terror or in a
sense of overreaction, they quickly did their jobs, while checking for wounded. I headed up to the roof to observe,
and found the entire roof covered with chunks of concrete and shrapnel from the blast.
After the huge fog of dust cleared enough to ascertain the location of the damage, it was discovered that a large
VBIED [vehicle born improvised explosive device] had been detonated along the front concrete barriers that
surround the compound. This explosive charge obliterated the vehicle, leaving nothing to identify it. No fenders, no
frame -- blown to pieces -- leaving a twisted front wheel drive shaft and small twisted pieces of metal.
The blast pulverized 3 - 10 ft tall concrete barriers and turned a 4th sideways. These barriers weigh 7 tons each.
There were 4 Humvees lined up, with the assigned platoon sitting in them, 75 ft inside the barriers. They were
peppered with chunks of flying concrete and debris that blew out 2 tires and scarred the bullet-proof side glasses and
gunner shields. Two mortar rounds had gone off about 5 minutes before the main explosion, this had caused the
platoon to close their Humvee doors in precaution. Praise GOD for that, for if they had been sitting with those doors
open, they would have been severely injured or killed. It is believed that the mortar rounds were fired by the enemy
to draw the soldiers to the roof to investigate so that the exploding bomb would cause more damage and kill more
troops.
There were 2 more rings of 10ft barriers inside the exterior ring, which took the brunt of the blast, and still the
explosion took out all of the windows on that side of the building -- though they were safety glass. It rattled the
building blowing the dry wall plaster out of the seams between the sheet boards on the walls. There was only one
slight injury, Praise GOD. Two pieces of glass went 2 inches into the shoulder of a young marine in the room where I
had been sitting.
The LORD is so good! The LORD is our SHIELD and our BUCKLER.
It was not 30 minutes before this that I was telling a "not so captive group" of how GOD protects me and that how HE
is my armor. I had just quoted to them:
He who dwells in the secret place of the MOST HIGH GOD, shall abide in the shadow of the ALMIGHTY I shall
say of the LORD HE is my REFUGE my FORTRESS My GOD in HIM will I trust. Surely HE shall deliver me
from the snare of the fowler and the perilous pestilence. HE shall cover us with HIS feathers and give refuge
under HIS wings.
Psalms 91:1-
And now as I write this, the LORD just reminded me that I had been sitting in that room in my boredom, reciting the
first several verses of Psalm 91 quietly over and over to bring it to memory.
HE answered my prayers and HE answered yours.
I say praise GOD and praise GOD for HE is the RIGHTEOUS KING who delivers those who look to HIM in faith.
HE spared everyone's life there yesterday.
HE is faithful to HIS word never ending.
HE is the KING of GLORY to whom I give all the glory and all the honor and all the praise, AMEN!!
As I walked through that JSS building afterwards praising JESUS, you could see a lot of young men "mulling it over" as
we might say, realizing that GOD's hand had definitely intervened. HE diverted me for a moment so that I was not
standing on that roof-top peering out in that direction when the hail of concrete missiles landed on the roof.
Praise JESUS 'for my DELIVERER is near!' as the song goes by Rich Mullins.
Now back towards Sadr City today, that is the location of FOB JSS.
GOD BLESS
Michael Payne
P.S. A black SFC from South Carolina looked at me afterward and said. "You know, I never paid much attention to
GOD before I got here, but now I know that HE is real. GOD sent you here didn't HE!" And then I prayed over he and
the Major that was in the room. Glory be to JESUS for HE is the SOVEREIGN GOD of every piece of shrapnel and
every bullet.
________________________________________________________________________________________
April 3, 2007
Blessings in the name of the MOST HIGH GOD
Where to start would be the question and how to get it all into the next 25 minutes of typing. I am in what is called
COB [Combat Operations Base] Callahan. I had known that I would be going to Sadr City and Haifa Street area this
time, but as always, GOD does it when HE wants and how. I had spoken this to my PAO and just afterwards the PAO
82nd Airborne comes walking in.
The LORD answers and opens doors, AMEN! It was put in my spirit, spoken and GOD opened the door.
The last full week I spent in Patrol Base North in Tarmiyah we had mortar attacks, small arms and RPG fire for 3 days
out of 6. I am continually impressed with the resiliency of our young fighting men and women. They act more like
they are on a camping trip than in the line of fire continuously. They carry on with their daily patrols, night watches,
fortifying the FOB, laughing and joking all the time. They live in rather horrid conditions in these FOBs. No showers,
no hot food, only MREs [Meals rejected by Ethiopians] and let us not forget the constant disturbance of their sleep
schedule. They come in off of 3 hours guard duty up on the roof by themselves into a sandbagged little cubicle, grab
a couple hours sleep and then are rousted to go out on 5-6 hour patrols.
Ya can't help but love 'em!
Left there Sunday morning 4/1, arrived back at Taji at 1400 hrs. Showered for the first time in a week, ate lunch,
sought to grab a 1 hour nap and woke up 7 hours later. I needed the sleep. Walked into PAO office at 1300hrs,
where I was told to report to 82nd PAO at 1600hr. Walked in, was advised as to my possible schedule and was
interviewed by XO. I was told to report for mission that night at 1800hrs. I have 1 hour to get to my room get my gear
and get back on foot.
I arrive at the designated location to observe 80 soldiers, young men and women -- again some looking as if they
were sophomores in High School -- eating their evening meal out of the back of a 5 ton truck, washing it down with
bottled Gatorade. They were laughing, but were about to embark on a dangerous mission down into hostile territory
along the perimeter of Baghdad to emplace barriers for traffic control. They were so loose and eager to get on the
road. They do not want to be in the Camp, they want to get out there and do their job.
Impressed I was and impressed I am.
Got home at 0200 hrs, worn out. I was grabbed out of my bunk at almost 0630 hrs, rushed to the helo-pad and was
thrown on a chopper to COB Callahan.
I arrived down in the heart of a war zone. Old bombed out building with tarps hanging everywhere to designate and
separate sleeping spaces (cots) for the different platoons serving the area. It is all 82nd Airborne.
I have been placed with a NPTT Team, consisting of a platoon of US Advisors whose responsibility it is to train, help
supply and transition to Iraqi Police.
It has been a rush. I have got to go now!
Michael Payne
Take A Stand Ministries
______________________________________________________________________________________
March 30,2007
Blessings in the name of JESUS
The BIBLE speaks of these things as being a sign that the LORD stands at the door.
Mathew 24:5-9
"For many will come in MY name, saying, I am the CHRIST, and will deceive many.
And you will hear of wars and rumors of war. See that you are not troubled.
For all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
And there will be famines, pestilence and earthquakes in various places.
All of these things are the beginning of sorrows.
Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you,
and you will be hated by all nations for MY name's sake...."
This is what the LORD has shown me. When I saw this in the news from the Jerusalem Newswire, the LORD said that
war was going to break out in Israel by June.
The below is taken from the Jerusalem Newswire:
"...Last year they tried, but were prevented from holding a massive march in Jerusalem to parade and promote their
deviant lifestyles in the face of all who care about the sanctity of this city. Now the so-called Open House homosexual
and lesbian organization is trying again; this time working to pull the wool over the eyes of their opponents.
According to reports in the Israeli press Monday, permission to hold a march in June has been lodged with the police,
who are considering the request. What the Open House plans to do this year is sell the event as primarily "a human
rights" parade, and invite Israelis from all walks of life who "care about human rights" to join in.
"This is the main human rights demonstration which will be held in Jerusalem this year and it is planned for every
citizen," Open House chairperson Ayelet Shnur said. Holding the march was essential to "the preservation of the rule
of law in Israel in general, and in Jerusalem in particular." Jews, Christians and Muslims have strongly objected to
such perversion parades in Jerusalem on the grounds that they trample upon the spiritual sensibilities of billions of
people...."
As we watch, the world forces of wickedness rattle sabers around the borders of Israel, demanding that they give up
land to the PA, and allow those who would call themselves refugees to return to supposed "ancestral homes" within
Israel where they may well -- with the large size of Arab families -- drive the Israelis out of power in their own
government in Israel.
Webmaster's note of additional information: Allowing the Arab refugees to return would result in their raising
huge families to dilute the voter pool and thus weaken the Israeli government. You have to be a citizen of Israel
to vote, and it ain't easy for a Palestinian or any Arab -- even one living in Israel, or married to an Arab living in
Israel -- to qualify. There is actually an Israeli government policy to address the potential of "the demographic
threat" posed by Arab families, and to ensure maintenance of a Jewish majority in the state of Israel. But it is a
hotly debated issue in Israel and the world.
The wicked forces of Iran, Syria, Hamas, Fatah and Hezbollah are re-supplying, rearming, retrenching, and fortifying
the Lebanese border under the negligent and protective eye of the U.N. Israel is under tremendous "arm-twisting"
pressure from the US, behind the scenes, as President Bush, Condoleezza Rice and most of the rest of our
Government -- and the rest of the world -- demand that Israel continue to make concessions to a lying, deceiving
force that has absolutely no honor or integrity.
The muslims have absolutely no intention to honor this or any other agreement -- save only to use it as a roadmap to
advance the wickedness of Islam to a superior fighting position.
I cannot believe that George Bush and the rest of those who propose this are so absolutely naive and ignorant as to
believe there is any good thing about the 'roadmap to hell' that they force upon Israel.
The LORD had shown me that all things are being put into place for the assault on Israel. Iran is trying to build -- or
rather, complete -- their nuclear weapons capability. Syria masses on the border of the Golan Heights. Hezbollah
retrenches, rearms and increases training. Hamas and Fatah are being subsidized by the world powers -- including
the US -- ignorant in some blind way to the treachery of satan by providing billions of dollars of aid meant -- it is said
-- for the betterment of the Palestinian people but being used to buy weapons. The West Bank Palestinians are
being armed and trained by Iranian advisors.
As I read the plans of the sodomites to parade through the streets of Jerusalem June 5, 2007, the LORD spoke to me
and said, "When the time comes before June, there will not be a parade of sodomy through MY city for I am going to
unleash those who hate Israel upon them again." The government will not stand against this abomination in Israel, so
at this time JEHOVAH will once again rain down hail and sulfur upon Israel. It will be in the form of weapons of man.
Israel will not be destroyed, but they are about to be chastised again. They were warned last summer as the LORD
showed me that "If no one else would stand, JEHOVAH stands!" GOD is going to use these mighty forces of the world
against Israel again as a "hammer" just like last July, to chastise and bring Israel to their knees crying out to HIM as
GOD ALMIGHTY, YESHUA the SON of the MOST HIGH.
This war will happen by the start of June.
The message to us as CHRISTIANS is not to fear, for the word of GOD says not to fear the one who can kill the body,
but to fear the ONE who can not only kill the body but cast our souls into eternal hell.
This message is a "trumpet sounding" for the extreme urgency to witness the name of JESUS to all of the earth, every
one, for the end comes in the next few years and anyone who does not bow his knee to the name of the LORD JESUS
voluntarily in repentance, his knee will be forced to the ground by the power of the ALMIGHTY ONE of Israel, as he is
judged for eternity.
This is our assignment.
Mark 16:15-16
"...To go into all of the world and to preach the GOSPEL to all of GOD's creation.
He who believes and is baptized will be saved, but he who does believe will be condemned...."
GOD BLESS
Michael Payne
Take A Stand Media Ministries
TASMM asks that you will pray for us and this ministry as we work through the next month.
We ask that you would consider contributing to the work of this ministry as we would spread the WORD of GOD.
________________________________________________________________________________________
March 27, 2007
Our DELIVERER is near!
As I greet you from Tarmiyah an IED just exploded just off the camp.
Much is being accomplished here as these young soldiers, led by seasoned men, sweep the area, changing tactics,
and eliminating the enemy, catching some in the act of laying IED's.
The rules of engagement have changed, with curfew, and the fact that no one other than police and Iraqi Army are
allowed to carry weapons out in public. The clarity of difference between friend vs foe is being honed. At least a
dozen terrorists have been eliminated in the act this past 10 days -- that would be 12-0 for the good guys. That much
closer to the goal here in Tarmiyah.
You can feel the tension in the streets as we go downtown and dismount in the market area. There is a need for
medical clinics (as one councilman expresses) and many other services -- but all comes in time. The MN-Forces are
getting the word out slowly that these benefits will come when the terrorists are driven back and cleared from the area.
The ordinary Iraqi citizen is caught between those who would destroy this country through torture and murder, and
the Coalition forces intent on bringing a new Iraq, which would bring this nation forward into the 21st Century. As we
sat in the market place this morning, children walked through with school bags slung over their shoulders. That is
something brand new to the area.
As you will note below, the LORD is working in our soldier's lives and the hand of the LORD is protecting those who
give HIM praise. Continue to pray Psalm 91 over our nation, our soldiers and their families.
GOD BLESS
Michael Payne
Take A Stand Media Ministries
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070327-02
March 27, 2007
Selfless Service: Wounded Soldier reenlists from hospital bed downrange
By Staff Sgt. Gary A. Witte
Anaconda Times Staff Writer
13th SC(E), LSA ANACONDA PAO
BALAD, Iraq - To hear Staff Sgt. Andrew S. McMann tell it, being sent to the Air Force Theater Hospital here, simply
gave him the free time he needed to re-enlist. He didn't bring up that the reason he was in the hospital is that he
survived an improvised explosive device just 48 hours previously.
McMann, a squad leader with Company B, 321st Engineer Battalion, was leading 1st Platoon on a route clearance
mission in the Adolous District of Ramadi on March 23 when the IED went off directly under his vehicle.
"Everyone walked away and I only ended up with a broken foot," he said, crediting his crew's survival to God.
"He was looking out for us that day."
One of his first actions after waking up in the hospital was to have officials contact the Army Reserve retention office.
While waiting at the 332nd Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility before being sent to Germany for further
treatment, McMann signed up for another three years of service. "The Army's been good to me," the 27-year-old
said. "It's given me a chance to be (part of) something bigger than myself." His company commander, Maj. Michael
Trofinoff, pointed out that prior to McMann being wounded in action, a different vehicle was hit by an explosive device
during the same convoy. McMann supervised the evacuation of a wounded Soldier and the recovery of the vehicle,
he said. "He's an outstanding Soldier," Trofinoff said. "He's selfless - always thinking of others before himself."
McMann, who is from Kennewick, WA, first enlisted in the Army in 2002. His father had served in the Army as a
helicopter crew chief in Vietnam and the younger McMann had already considered signing up. Then Sept. 11
occurred. "As soon as those attacks happened, I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of," he said. "I wanted
to serve."
A recent newlywed at the time, McMann said his wife understood the risks. "She's been supportive ever since," he
said. In his civilian life, McMann is a member of the special response team that protects nuclear facilities for the
Department of Energy. His Army unit arrived in Iraq in October and he became eligible to re-enlist just two days
before he was wounded. He said he had already planned to sign up again, but had been on missions constantly
since returning from leave. "This break in the hospital is the first time I've had to sign my contract," McMann said.
He praised the work of his fellow Soldiers, whose mission involves hunting explosive devices and clearing the routes
for Coalition Forces in western Iraq. "Most of the time we're a lot more successful than what it appears
here," McMann said, gesturing to his bandaged feet. "They do a heck of a job out there." Trofinoff, who is from Mine
Hill, NJ, said this isn't the first time McMann has placed the mission first. In December, he was riding in the
lead vehicle and suffered a concussion when it was hit by an IED. Five minutes later, another IED hit the convoy's
Buffalo armored vehicle and he dismounted to supervise its recovery. The company commander said McMann was
acting as platoon sergeant for 1st Platoon, which has uncovered 79 IED's since starting their mission - the second
highest in the company. The unit is based out of Hayden Lake, Idaho.
Trofinoff said knowing McMann, he was not surprised he would re-enlist after being wounded, but it was an impressive
act. "That is definitely an indication of his selfless service and his commitment to the team," he said.
Staff Sgt. Dwight Henderson of Columbus, Ohio, who was the Army Reserve career counselor who prepared the
paperwork for McMann's re-enlistment, said someone signing back up after being wounded is unusual.
"I'm just impressed with him," Henderson said. "If you wanted to put a picture on Army values, it would probably be
that guy."
McMann said his wife will understand about his signing on again, because she knows this is something he likes to do.
He is glad he won't ever have to look back and wish he had served. In fact, he said he was hoping to get his feet
fixed and get back to the fight "as soon as I can." "I'm doing my best to leave this place better than when I got here,"
he said.
________________________________________________________________________________
March 27, 2007
HIS blessed name rules the universe!
I arrived Monday morning in the pitch dark before sunrise. We unloaded the Humvee's and I was shown my billet area.
Company D commenced to unload and settle in as they started their shift by relieving the other platoon after 9 days
at this outpost. These men press forward with the basic tasks of the day, some alternating with immediate guard duty
while some of us grab a nap. The standard procedures of the day began -- life in an FOB.
This FOB and billet has no electricity except generators for the TOC and a couple other necessary areas. Dust
permeates everything, ground into a fine talc by the constant traffic of Abrams', Bradleys' and Humvee's in and out of
the gates from patrol and recon of the area. Basic hygiene is a challenge. During the course of the day the soldiers
grabbed canned or wrapped packets of shelf stable foods to substitute for the MRE's which they have grown tired of.
Their diets are anything but nutritionally adequate long-range, but at least they fill the void.
At 1430hrs, I arise from my nap and discover that a platoon with psy-ops is going down into the market place of the
city, planning to dismount from the Humvee's and drop Iraqi newspapers printed with information about how other
areas of Iraq which have started to embrace the new government and are receiving aid to start businesses, new
schools for their children, medical facilities to treat the sick, municipal services and protection from the terrorists. This
news is being distributed throughout Tarmiyah to illustrate to the citizens here that the terrorists are destroying their
chance for progress and a better life for their families. Al Quaeda openly targets any projects to improve the lives of
the locals which would swing public sympathy to the new Iraq. They target anyone who would help the new
government with violence and death. What a great way to spread the WORD that will defeat that evil -- so where else
would I want to be.
We arrived back at Control Base North at around 1700hrs having mingled with the people in downtown Tarmiyah. It
had been a quiet trip with no altercations. At 1830hrs, as we sat around the TOC and ate whatever would be dinner, 2
RPG's whooshed across the top of the compound and 3 mortars exploded, 1 mortar exploding 75' from the room
serving as the TOC where we sat. The men scrambled into battle mode and then sought out the launch sites.
Just another day for these men. Two days earlier a mortar hit the roof area of the room adjacent to this one. Today
realignment of the roof-top guard posts will start.
I go to my sleeping bag at about 2100hrs, and fall asleep quickly. The whole building is dark except the TOC. At
0030hrs, as a patrol returned from a drop off, an IED went off right next to the Humvee of the platoon sergeant, doing
a little damage to the vehicle but no injuries of any kind. There have been 3 attacks in 2 days with no injuries.
This is the LORD's hand of protection, HIS shield of protection all around us. Psalm 91
LORD we thank YOU for YOUR shield of protection upon not only us but all of these LORD who are standing in
YOUR word and YOUR promises. We thank YOU LORD for the fervent prayers of the righteous who are lifting
up, in faith, prayers for protection of all who serve our nation and fight to free Iraq of wickedness. We curse the
wickedness directed at these men and women in uniform in the name of JESUS and we thank YOU LORD that
the wicked who will not repent and turn from their ways of evil will be destroyed in their own snares in the name
of JESUS. AMEN and AMEN
GOD has saved our lives again this day from the devices of evil that would kill, steal and destroy. These who serve us
so resiliently, are dedicated and resolved to hold the course.
GOD BLESS
Michael Payne
Take A Stand Media Ministries
____________________________________________________________________________________
March 26, 2007
Blessings in the name of the DELIVERER!
Sunday after attending chapel service and bringing the message forth of Psalm 91, I was left in a state of uncertainty.
I decided early in the afternoon I would take a nap, not so much as I thought I needed it, but as to escape this
wandering in my spirit. It turns out that the LORD was leading me to rest for the next move which commenced at
0130hrs this morning.
I arose to prepare to move out of Taji to Control Base North in the city of Tarmiyah 25k north and then east on
Highway Coyotes.
Tarmiyah was the location of a 3-4 hour firefight that took place on February 19 which claimed the lives of 2
US soldiers, wounding 26 and yielding up 40-60 terrorist dead. Didn't hear that part in the "main stream slanted
media" did you? That might make it seem as though we are actually making headway and not just blundering through
this war.
The rising of the sun and the 0700hr that started February 19 for D Company, 2-8 Cav brought light that showed the
roof-top guards a truck racing down the road toward the fire base. This was followed by a force of surrounding
terrorists unleashing withering machine gun fire, firing RPG's and throwing hand grenades over the walls. The truck
then smashed through the front gate and was detonated by the suicide driver of the VBIED (estimated to be at
1000lbs of military grade explosives) completely demolishing one building. The roof guards had rushed down to
awaken the troops in the barracks room in the building, saving all but 2 of our soldiers.
Our soldiers fought valiantly for the next 3-4 hours, driving back the efforts of what is estimated to have been 100
terrorists -- who probably assumed that after the VBIED exploded our young soldiers would be stunned and easy to
overwhelm. Again they -- as many enemies of the US have done before -- underestimated the resiliency and resolve
of America's finest. Our soldiers regained their composure, collected and treated the wounded, while those able to
fight took up defensive positions, repelling and cutting down the enemy as they would rush across the adjoining
streets to hurl hand grenades over the walls of the compound. They fought on until other elements of the 'Cavalry
charged to the rescue.'
Mid-way into the fight, 6-8 Apache Longbows -- part of the "Crazy Horse" Air Group of the esteemed 1st Air Cavalry
Brigade whose motto "When Apaches fly, soldiers don't die!" says all that needs be said of their commitment and
valor-- arrived, chewing up enemy machine gun nests with withering 30mm chain guns and air- to-ground rockets,
strafing the palm grove from which a hail of small arms fire was coming. Two Abrams tanks and 4 Bradleys joined in,
with the Abrams obliterating a concealed machine gun nest with their cannon fire. Not to forget the many Humvee's
with soldiers who responded to the attack.
So the day was taken and the Cavalry again lived up to its long and well deserved reputation. Brave, one and all. I
am so impressed as I sit among these young men a moth later. Some of our soldiers look as if they should be
running to Algebra 101 instead of packing weapons of death in a far off land. They sacrifice their blood not only to
protect us in the United States but to help people of Iraq -- who they do not know -- to some day have a safe
environment in which to raise their families.
Along with the physical battle, the spiritual forces of evil attacked, revealed by the increase of PTSD symptoms in our
finest. As I arrived this morning to mount up for the trip to Tarmiyah, I started into a conversation with a young
sergeant. He began to relate a little of the story of having been in Tarmiyah during the fire fight. The LORD spoke to
me that I was to pray for him at some point. I then heard him say he was going on leave that day for 2 weeks. I knew it
had to be then. I walked up to him and said I would like to pray for him and he immediately agreed. I started praying
for him and as I prayed the LORD said to break off the spirit of survivor guilt and suicide. Finishing, he looked at me,
eyes fighting back tears and said, "I do fight with survivor guilt!" He walked off quickly, telling his buddies as he
walked by them that he needed to go pack.
The HOLY SPIRIT had just touched this one as I assured him the LORD had his hand on him. He had also just
spoken 20 minutes at the prompting of a fellow soldier, how he has been delivered through 6 previous IED explosions.
His comment was a negative, "just counting down to the one that gets me." I boldly told him that in JESUS name the
LORD was his protector and that he could count on GOD to keep him, AMEN and AMEN! All glory to JESUS our
SAVIOR and LORD, AMEN and AMEN again and again, HALLELUIAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
We left Taji at 0345hrs, arriving at Tarmiyah just before sunrise. As I was being led through the dark concrete building
to the dank room where I am bunked, my guide, a young sergeant, says to me,"you prayed for me and my friend out
in Taji last winter as we stood on the sidewalk. Thank you sir!" Another man walks up to me an hour later and says,
"thanks for what you said about Psalms 91 in Chapel yesterday, I receive it and I believe it!"
As a platoon prepared to leave on IED road clearing patrol this morning, the lieutenant in charge came back in to the
Command Post as I sat at this computer and asked me to pray for them. I said let's do it right now -- and we got busy
in JESUS' name in front of 5-6 other soldiers. These men had been through one of the toughest fire fights in recent
months. They are at a remote fire base in a Sunni city of around 60,000. There is much uncertainty as the spirit of
fear tries to establish ground, but in the name of JESUS we are not going to stand for that are we!
"...We bind up fear and the spirit of doom and gloom commanding you to be gone in the name of JESUS...."
These men are of the 1st Cavalry, troopers all in the finest sense of the word. They are an example of the true
compassion and the resolve of those who have donned the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. The hearts of
kids "down the street" turned overnight into warriors of justice for the downtrodden, who selflessly give their time and
their blood for faces unknown to them and unseen.
Now they are betrayed and stabbed in the back by Democrat politicians greedy for power and self-promotion,
interested not in the welfare of the United States but only in the capture of Congress in 2006 and the White House in
2008, along with a few collaborating Republicans with no testicular fortitude to stand and take the fight to the enemy
of the world -- an enemy who is determined to bring all under the Anti-christ rule of Islam.
Pelosi, Reid, Kennedy, Biden, Boxer, Warner, Murtha, Hagel, et al. have the blood of American soldiers on their
heads. Political ambition and lack of will have controlled their determination to undercut the Commander-in-Chief and
so to incite and encourage the terrorists of the world to accelerate their attempts to kill more of our soldiers. They
have no regard for the destruction and demoralization of our Armed Forces, for they are blinded in their drive for
power, holding the welfare of our soldiers in no regard.
LORD I lift up our soldiers to YOU this day LORD. We lift them and ask oh LORD that YOU would place YOUR
hedge around them. We break off every wicked curse spoken against them by the wicked of Islam calling their
curses null and void. We also break off every wicked curse spoken by those in our Congress who desire the
defeat of our troops for political gain and call victory forth for our brave soldiers in JESUS name that they not
be victim of the nay saying and the word cursing of the Pelosi's, the Murtha's, the Warner's, the Hagel's but that
our fine men and women who serve us in uniform will break forth in supernatural victory LORD in the name of
JESUS.
Oh LORD GOD to WHOM vengeance belongs.
Oh LORD GOD to whom vengeance belongs, shine forth!
Rise up, O JUDGE of the earth,
Render punishment to the proud.
LORD how long will the wicked, how long will the wicked triumph?
They utter speech, and speak insolent things, All the workers of iniquity boast in themselves.
They break in pieces YOUR people, O LORD, and afflict YOUR heritage.
They slay the widow and the stranger and murder the fatherless.
Yet they say, "The LORD does not see."
Nor does the GOD of Jacob understand. Psalms 94:1-8
Oh LORD we pray that YOU deliver victory to our troops as we bind up and command to come loose the word
cursings of the wicked as they crave defeat for our soldiers to garner victory in White House.
We call them to their knees in repentance for their wicked schemes and Oh LORD if they will not repent we ask
LORD bring them to shame and disgrace as their actions deserve in the name of JESUS, AMEN!
GOD BLESS
Michael Payne
Take A Stand Media Ministries
PO. 1721
Winchester, Virginia 22604
www.takeastandministries.org
We are a non profit group. If you are interested in contributing to our ministry you may send your check to the above
address.
We do ask that you would pray for guidance, protection and deliverance from those that would come against us in the
spirit realm, for we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers and against rulers of
darkness in this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places in the name of JESUS. AMEN!
________________________________________________________________________________
March 25
Blessings to all in the name of JESUS
These last couple of days have seemed forever in passing, and there has been a spirit of confusion and doubt
pressing down to discourage me. It has been a battle, in that there seemed to be no direction and no purpose at the
moment, even though I was seeing the LORD move and hearing GOD speak through prayer between myself and
others.
The LORD had laid it on my heart to send those cases of donated books about Psalm 91 - GOD's Shield of
Protection - to Chaplin Schlichter. As I fly toward Kuwait reading this book, I feel the LORD's presence and anointing
on the book and in the plane. The LORD spoke the promise that if they will but read and believe HIS WORD - Psalm
91- every day, and stand in that WORD, for their fellow soldiers, that not one more in their units would be lost.
The Chaplin generously allowed me a moment in front of the congregation -- which numbered 200-250 this morning. I
spoke of the leadings of the LORD, of Psalm 91 during the last 2 weeks, and the power of the LORD that saved my
life at least 6 times that I know of in the last 4 trips over here. This moment was preceded by the congregation reading
Psalm 91 -- the LORD's work, not by chance -- together from a prayer card printed and passed out to all. Several
came up afterward and said "Praise GOD Brother, I receive that!"
All glory to GOD as HE would touch the hearts of those who would need HIS touch, just as we all so need. I know that
the LORD has brought Psalm 91 fully alive in my spirit again, and has shown me that I must believe and cling to it in
these next days. Fear is not of the HOLY SPIRIT, it is of the devil.
I know that the LORD is moving through HIS WORD. HE has sent Psalm 91 in front of me way too many times with
significant results; and so I understand that it is hugely significant this time as well.
Last night there was another bombing at a girl's school north of here. There were no injuries even though a soldier
was the target of the explosion.
I claim that as an answer to the prayers trusting in Psalm 91 and the intercession through prayer of the righteous of
GOD, AMEN!
This is the same area where there was a massive terrorist attack on a fire base a couple of weeks ago when a 1000
lb bomb exploded killing 8 Iraqi police and 3 US soldiers.
When I heard it, the LORD immediately spoke to me of having saved that soldier's life. Your prayers ARE working and
they ARE being heard by the MOST HIGH GOD.
He who dwells in the secret place of the MOST HIGH GOD will abide in the shadow of the ALMIGHTY. I will say of
the LORD HE is my refuge and my fortress, My GOD, in HIM will I trust!
HE shall deliver you from the snares of the fowler and spare you from the perilous pestilence.
Pray for us as we travel north to this same fire base. I will be gone for 3 days or so, off-line and embedded with those
who are the finest of America during that time. We will be 'outside the wire' on foot patrol but we will not be harmed for
the LORD will protect us from the terror that comes by night and the arrows that fly by the day, AMEN and AMEN for
we call out HIS name and we love HIM in all of our ways, AMEN!!
As an aside, my spirit has been in turmoil and I have been moved to anger about the unreasoned drive of Congress
in passing anti-war legislation. What a backstabbing betrayal to these fine men and women who serve us on a daily
basis to bring freedom to the underprivileged of Iraq. What a wicked group: Pelosi, Murtha, Kennedy, Dodd, Biden,
John Warner, John Rockefeller. And let us not forget about Chuck Hagel. They have exalted their own political
careers over the best interests of our nation, its military, and the helpless people of Iraq -- who only want to survive
the lawlessness of a few.
That bill just passed by the Democrats gives aid and comfort to the murderous Islamists and is a strong
encouragement to their recruiting of more terrorists. It emboldens Iran to further spread their hate. The Pelosi-Murtha
faction is driving to take control of the White House on the backs and by the blood of our troops. This drive to
become Commander-in-Chief comes at the price of the sacrifice of the very ones that they would command. What a
traitorous disgrace these politicians are. Instead of standing steadfast against evil, and opposing these murderous
wicked men of the anti-christ - allah, they are attempting to engage them in an intellectual debate. By judging their
fruit, it becomes obvious that their father is the father of lies, and is the same as the father of those who set the IED's
to kill our soldiers.
I go out in 5 hrs and I go in the protection of the LORD MOST HIGH, the GOD of the UNIVERSE who will bring the
wicked down and who will call into account all of those who have served their own ambitions at the expense of the
blood of our soldiers.
GOD BLESS
Michael Payne
Take A Stand Media Ministries
P.O.1721
Winchester, Virginia 22604
________________________________________________________________________________
March 23,2007
Blessings to all in JESUS name.
This is a burden on my heart. That the people of God would stand with this Brother and his congregation in Israel.
Please read email string below.
Also: I have had opportunity to witness to a Command Sergeant Major who was feeling a little discouraged, even the
first hour in Taji. GOD's divine appointments are always coming if we but be obedient, and I believe this was one.
AMEN and AMEN
Please pray as I am seeing part of my assignment unfold immediately.
GOD BLESS
Michael Payne
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
From: "Mae Bochau" <RuthInternational@msn.com>
To: ruthinternational@msn.com
Subject: Fw: We need you to stand with us
Date: Thu, 22 Mar 2007 13:31:15 -0400
Brother Joseph, thank you so much for including us in your update. I will indeed be in prayer for the needs of your
people. I will also forward this to our prayer partners and let you know if there is anything more we can do.
I can understand your feelings after being in your worship center with it's very strategic location. There is a line in
"The Sound Of Music" which says, "God never closes a door unless He opens a window". It will be exciting to see just
what window of opportunity God opens for you. May He rain all of heaven's blessings upon you. Sincerely, Mae
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
----- Original Message -----
From: Joseph Haddad<mailto:joehadad@zahav.net.il>
To: Mae Bochau<mailto:RuthInternational@msn.com>
Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2007 2:59 AM
Subject: We need you to stand with us
Shalom Mae.
Thank you for your encouraging email. We need your fervent prayers for our flock in Nahariya.
We had to give over the keys to the land lady at the end of Feb', she asked us to evacuate the place since she was
planning to turn it into her own private business.
We had enjoyed 5 years of God's blessings in this place, we had brought up a new generation of young Lebanese
who fear and love God, we reached out with the good news to many Jews who were passing by and swung over as
they heard us praising and worshipping Yeshua, it was very hard for me to give the keys back to the land lady.
We are meeting now in home settings twice a week, each time we come together we feel the sweet presence of the
Holy Spirit in our midst.
We have been looking for another place for over a month, it is indeed a spiritual battle, we had found 2 appropriate
places already but both land lords refused to sign the lease as they came to know that the place will serve a Christian
worship and prayer place.
Nahariya is a Jewish town and the Orthodox Jews have a lot of influence on the community there.
Please do pray also for the parents who are out of work and who have to provide for their little ones, the Lebanese
people are the last option to be hired by employers since they are considered strangers and refugees in the land of
Israel.
We need you to stand with us at this trial.
Blessings
Pastor Joseph Haddad
The Lebanese Cong. in Nahariya
P.O.BOX 9511
Haifa Israel
____________________________________________________________________________________
March 15, 2007
Blessings to all in JESUS name!!
Blessings again. I am attaching a letter written by a dear Brother and soldier in the KINGDOM! He is also a high
ranking commissioned officer in the U.S. Armed Forces. I will send this forth as testimony to the fruit of my 4--soon to
be 5 trips into Iraq.
GOD BLESS
Michael Payne
Take A Stand Ministries
The below is a copy of a letter from my dear Brother and Friend in JESUS name.
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Hi folks.
Today I had lunch with a good friend - a radically-saved brother in Christ named Michael Payne. I have known
Michael since 2004. He's one of the most interesting journalists I have ever met. That's because he didn't start his
professional life as a journalist, but instead moved into broadcast journalism when he was about 50, after Jesus made
a huge difference in his life. Michael has been in Christian radio here in the Washington, DC, and will be back in
Christian radio at some point, but for now the Lord has another mission for him: He is a spokesman for our men and
women in uniform. You can read about it at the web site for his organization,
Take A Stand Media <http://www.takeastandministries.org/index.html> Ministries
(http://www.takeastandministries.org/index.html).
Since 2004, Michael has been to Iraq four times as a journalist embedded with the 1st Cavalry Division. He has also
been to Afghanistan with the 10th Mountain Division, and twice last year went to Israel - once as an
embedded journalist with the Israeli Defense Forces, and then again last summer during the war with Hizballah.
Michael's purpose in all this is to cover the real story of these conflicts from the soldier's viewpoint. He
understands that the Lord has given him a mission to combat the misinformation about the war in Iraq that has
become the standard fare for much of the secular media. That's why he posts email updates on what he has
seen and experienced, and why he speaks out on radio and in person and (one day soon!) on television to tell
America what their warriors are really doing. You can see on the Take A Stand web site the radio programs
where Michael has appeared over the past year. There are some interesting names on the list, including Air America
with Thom Hartman.
Since his return from Afghanistan on December 20, 2006, Michael has made 70 guest appearances on radio - mostly
on secular programs with a liberal leaning. He speaks what he has seen: that our troops are America's
finest, that their morale is high, that they want to succeed by bringing peace and security to the peoples of Iraq and
Afghanistan, and that they are accomplishing their mission. That's a much different story than we normally
hear from a media that seems only to report the latest body count and the current opposition to anything the Bush
Administration proposes.
That ought to be enough to entice you to check out Michael Payne, but there's something more important I would like
you to know. As an uncompromising follow of Jesus and one who has experienced His power for
salvation, healing, and deliverance (read his testimony!), Michael uses his position to speak the praises of our God,
and to minister to and pray for those in need. That's why he has been able to proclaim the gospel of
Jesus Christ in some very strange places - everywhere from secular talk radio programs to Israeli buses to Army
convoys patrolling the streets of Iraq. Michael has also been able to reach out to and help a group of people who are
especially dear to him: Vietnam Veterans. He is a Vietnam era Veteran himself and knows from personal experience
the suffering that many of them have endured. Thanks to what Jesus has done in his life, Michael is able to make a
difference for good in the lives of old soldiers who still carry the sting of combat in their hearts, and in the lives of
young soldiers even now in the storm.
The reason I write all this to you is so that you can join me in helping Michael accomplish this mission of helping our
country by helping our troops. Booking appearances on nationally-syndicated radio programs costs money, so
maybe you could contribute something to Take A Stand. Let the Lord lead you on that. Let Him also lead you as you
to check out Michael's work. Pray for Michael and pass on the word of what he is doing. Listen for him on the radio,
and watch for him on TV. If you sign up for his email updates, he'll let you know where and when he'll be appearing.
He'll also help you sign up for email alerts directly from the military Public Affairs Offices in Iraq and Afghanistan. That
way you can find out directly from the source what is really going on. I think you'll be surprised; there's a lot of good
news out there.
Thanks for reading this. The reason I send it is because I believe Michael Payne can say what all the rest of us wish
we could say, and he can say it in places we wish we could speak.
Blessings,
Al [last name deleted]
____________________________________________________________________________________
March 15, 2007
Blessings to all in JESUS name,
As I prepare to move into Baghdad this next week to embed with the U.S. 1st Cavalry, I have a couple of obstacles to
overcome in the name of JESUS. My dear friend, Jerry McGlothlin of Special Guests whose group[see www.
specialguests.com] has done an outstanding job of booking me to spread the truth of our troops in Iraq and most
importantly opened many opportunities to witness TRUTH of the name of JESUS on these same secular stations with
secular listeners. He has worked with me in faith as I have gone forward in faith to commit to him. Jerry has been more
than enthusiastic and supportive and needs to receive the monies owed to him. He has been overly gracious as we
have been doing the LORD's assignment of spreading the GOSPEL to all of creation and refuting, rebuking, and
chastising those who would criticize our troops for their sacrifices. The antiwar/anti-moral congressional majority in
their lying deceiving drive to gain Congress and now the White House at the expense of our soldier's blood and the
lives of countless innocent and helpless Iraqi people do not want a victory in Iraq.
I pray that you will consider sowing into this ministry, Take A Stand Media Ministries, and help us satisfy an
obligation/ministry expense. The expense is for bookings on radio programs where I speak the truth of what I have
observed in Iraq and Afghanistan. These interviews have born much fruit and I again go into Iraq to observe the truth
of the fine work of our troops and the progress of the 'surge' to obtain stability and peace for the nation of Iraq. This
trip I will be spending time down on Haifa Street and Sadr City as our forces clear and take the ground.
The plane fare to Iraq has been taken care of by the LORD's blessed Saints. We still need to satisfy the account with
Jerry so that I can continue to speak across the nation about the lies of the deceivers against democracy and
morality. You may go to the website www.takeastandministries.org/archives.html to see the many radio interviews of
just the past 2 months. AMEN and AMEN!!
Take A Stand is a non-profit organization totally deductible-[509[a]1, no salaries of any nature are paid from your gifts
only legitimate expenses of this ministry.
I leave for Iraq on March 19 returning home on April 25. Please help us continue to spread the TRUTH of the
GOSPEL and the truth of the great works of our troops in this end time fight against wicked forces.
GOD BLESS each of you and GOD BLESS our troops!!!!!
Michael Payne
I have copied Jerry's memos to me to show you the urgency of the matter for all involved.
The last news article will show the advances because of the surge, we must forge forward.
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Michael,
As much as I hate to have to do this, I just had Lynne memo the bookers to let them know that you’re taking some
time off the bookings.
Please read the way it is phrased below. I think this keeps the door open to our being able to resume booking you at
any time without red flagging anything.
I really need some payment on the account. Please do what you can do. Hopefully, if you tell your donor that you’re
on hold temporarily, he might pay to get things going again, especially since you are shipping off again and you will
probably want publicity again via the satellite phone.
Thanks for your understanding and help with this matter. I enjoy working with you and want to resume soon.
Jerry
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From: Lynne Campbell
Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2007 1:01 PM
To: 'Shauna Whitlock'; 'Christy Wade'
Subject: Michael Payne
Bookers,
Please hold all new interview requests you receive for Michael Payne. He has reached his budget limit for 1st Qtr. We
will let you know when you can resume pitching & booking Michael.
Have a great day,
Lynne M. Campbell
Administrative Assistant
Special Guests
Michael,
Here’s some positive breaking news. Please send this to you perspective donors with a fund raising appeal saying it is
important for you to get out positive news like this since if the country thinks we cannot win in Iraq and Afghanistan
that we likely will withdraw prematurely and lose many of our gains.
Thanks.
Jerry
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Taken from The DrudgeReport.com page on 3/14/07:
Baghdad security crackdown seriously curbs killings of US soldiers
MIL-IRAQ-US SOLDIERS
Baghdad security crackdown seriously curbs killings of US soldiers
BAGHDAD, March 14 (KUNA) -- The rate of killings of US troops in Iraq has been on the decline, down by 60 percent,
since the launch of the new security measures in Baghdad, according to statistics revealed by the Multi-National
Force -Iraq Combined Press Information Centre.
Only 17 members of the US military in Iraq have been killed since February 14 till March 13, compared to 42 from
January 13 to February 13; the rate was on the decline during the first month of the security crackdown, compared to
a month before.
Two of the 17 soldiers died at US Baghdad camps of non-combat causes.
The remarkable decrease in killings among the US troops came at a time when more of these troops were deployed in
the Iraqi capital, especially in districts previously regarded as extremely hazardous for them such as Al-Sadr City, Al-
Azamiyah, and Al-Doura.
Meanwhile, US attacks on insurgent strongholds north of Baghdad curbed attacks against helicopters. Before the new
security plan, many such craft were downed leaving 20 soldiers dead.
The US army in Iraq had earlier said that sectarian fighting and violence in Baghdad had dropped sharply, by about
80 percent, since the launch of the plan.
The statistics excluded US troops killed in other governorates such as Al-Anbar, Diyala, and Salahiddin.
As to the latest human losses, the US army announced Wednesday that two American soldiers had been killed, one in
southern Baghdad and the other northeast of the capital.(end)
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March 6, 2007
Blessings to all in the name of YESHUA
I have known for 6 weeks that the LORD was sending me back to Iraq. The first affirmation came when I received a
forwarded e-mail about the spiritual battles and assaults of the devil against one of the finest in the 1st Cavalry, the 2-
8 Cav. They have taken several KIA's in the last 2 months as the devil tries to break them. The important thing is they
are but an example of the finest of the U.S. Armed Forces and they are typical of the dedication, honor and courage
of those who steadfastly serve us.
I was not tuned in to when I was to go until I received a second forwarded e-mail not long ago as to how the weight of
their losses was heavy.
The LORD immediately said to me "you are to leave March 19!' A friend in JESUS called me
and said that the Chaplain was taking it hard. The LORD said I am sending you to pray with My
servant.
I have just booked the ticket leaving March 19-April 25.
The LORD is so good and HE is always faithful. This time will be a higher step in faith for me and at the same time a
humbling mission in that I am first to go to Camp Taji, pray with, stand with them in the spirit and encourage and
exhort.
I will then be going into Baghdad with those assigned to clear Haifa Street and Sadr City. I will be praying with our
finest and standing with them that the LORD would come into their lives in the faith of Psalm 91. The LORD hooked
me up with a case of books [76] by the name of "Psalm 91-HIS Shield of Protection" written by Peggy Joyce Ruth.
Today I spoke with Chaplain Carey Cash author of the book- "A Table in HIS Presence".
This is the scripture the LORD gave me today.
2 Thess 3:1-4 NKJV
Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified,
just as it is with you, and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men;
for not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from
the evil one. And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and
will do the things we command you.
I receive in faith the above and I encourage and exhort you to pray for me and this mission as I'm going downtown this
time. The LORD has placed me in a fast and when HE does that I know a trial is on the way. These trials are always a
bit above the level familiar to me and they are always in one way, a stretching, but in another way, a blessing.
As Charles Stanley said the other day. "When the presence of the LORD is with you,
you have provision, protection and power in the name of JESUS and for HIS glory."
I have been on 110 radio interviews since I returned from Iraq/Afghanistan December 20, 2007. The majority of them
have been on secular stations with secular themes, questions about Iraq and the constantly changing topics related
to this righteous stand against wickedness. The LORD has opened a door to witness the name of JESUS and HIS
grace and mercy toward anyone who would but confess his sins and turn his life toward JESUS on most of these.
Today for instance as I was introduced the host said, 'tell us a little bit about yourself Michael."
There is only one way to go about doing that.
"Well, I am a 57 year old Veteran of the USAF[1970-75],did not serve in Vietnam. I am now
involved in Christian radio as a reporter which started 7 years ago on a night when I was
sitting in a lonely farmhouse in the country, playing with my 9mm pistol, depressed, distraught,
rejected, not having any hope that things would ever again get any better and not believing
that I would ever truly laugh again. As I put that pistol in and out of my mouth cocking it and
un-cocking it, too afraid to pull the trigger, too afraid not to pull it, the devil saying in one ear,
"go on show them, pull the trigger, end it all" -- the LORD beckoning me and saying,"come to
ME, MY yoke is easy and MY burden is light, I love you." I gave my life to JESUS CHRIST
right there and HE has brought joy into my life as I never knew before. I am not depressed,
suicidal, an alcoholic, a drugger, a adulterer anymore, I am forgiven of HIM and filled with joy
and peace everlasting. I am not a recovering alcoholic or drug addict I am SET FREE of drugs,
alcohol, and all the rest in the name of JESUS!!"
I had the awesome blessing to tell that to a radio audience just today but I have had many of those opportunities in
the last 2 months even over the left wing Air America. A caller called in to say that Allah and JEHOVAH were the
same GOD but I was able to tell all over the air:
"not so, for the BIBLE says any GOSPEL that does not profess that 'JESUS was conceived
of the HOLY SPIRIT through the virgin Mary, that JESUS walked this earth as GOD in the flesh
that He went to the cross and died for our sins that we would be saved, rose 3 days later in the
'flesh' and 40 days later ascended to heaven in the flesh is a different gospel than the GOSPEL
of JESUS." Any gospel which says there are many ways to heaven is false for JESUS says,
"I AM the only way to the FATHER!" AMEN and AMEN.
I know that without exaggeration I have been heard by 500,000 people and probably closer to a million or several
million. There is no way to know, all I know is that the LORD has ordained this work and I need your help. The booking
fees for these radio interviews have mounted up, my ticket and expenses to Iraq will soon be due and I appeal to you
for your help.
I must raise $20,000 to repay the owner of the booking agency who has been so generous in extending himself while
paying out of his own pocket those who worked for him that the LORD's work be done and the GOSPEL preached to
the downtrodden and lost.
On my last trip to Iraq a young soldier looked at me speaking of those who oppose the war in this nation and said
"How can you say that you support me but you don't support what I do."
The LORD brought that young soldier back into my mind a couple days ago and said,
"You need to say that same thing about your work for ME."
GOD BLESS
Michael Payne
beginning of Frontline Updates