Sunday, February 6, 2005
		The Stars and Stripes

Rough-side-out boots will complete Marines' camouflage makeover The idea of a spit-shined Marine is about to be history. Marines now can say with pride that they AND their Boots are rough side out. U. S. Marines’ camouflage makeover will be complete when new boots hit stores later this year, then black boots favored by drill instructors and loathed by recruits for years will fade away when the Marines’ new Infantry Combat Boot and Jungle/Desert Boot becomes mandatory issue. U.S. Marine Corps photo A prototype for the Marine Corps' new Infantry Combat Boot and Jungle/Desert Boot. The switch is part of Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James L. Jones’ plan for a unique and better-quality fighting Marine uniform. The new boots, sadly, will leave the polish behind. Research into designing a better boot started in 1999. The old boots had several disadvantages, and commanders authorized Marines to buy commercially available boots several years ago that surpassed standard-issue boots in quality.  "The current jungle boot is a 1960s technology developed for use in Vietnam," said Maj. Stuart Muladore, the project officer for Marine Corps Systems Command. "It’s not so much that the current jungle boot is inferior, but … the desire to keep up with emerging footwear technology, the decision to pursue a new boot was made." New boots are dyed "coyote-brown." They are less visible than black boots, particularly under night-vision goggles. Internal changed include outsole and midsole designs to decrease knee and ankle injuries. Drainage eyelets were improved for better air circulation and decrease debris from entering. Collar padding was also improved for more calf support. Marines in Hawaii, the Carolinas and in California deserts tested the boots last year. Muladore said the final version of the boot had an 80 percent approval rate. Approximately 20% of those surveyed said they ENJOYED the time they spent polishing their boots and would miss that ritual! The final version of the new boot STILL has problems that are being corrected. The new boot stays wet longer and cleaning the suede is said to be more difficult. They’re treating the leather during manufacturing, and possible commercial aftermarket applications will repel water and keep boots clean. Costs are estimated to be similar to the current boots: $65-70. The Marines aren’t the only ones eyeing the footwear. Muladore said elements of the Special Operations Command expressed interest in the boot, and the Army is monitoring the Marines’ progress.

 

		October 12, 2004
		REUTERS News Agency, Overseas Bureau

Arrival of new clothing and Boots was 'just like Christmas' for U. S. troops in Kuwait Hundreds of troops at Camp New York woke up before dawn last week, marched through the sand to a giant warehouse tent near the front gate, and lined up to grab their long-promised new gear. They passed by table after table, picking up new shirts, long underwear, summer and winter boots, fleece wear, knee and elbow pads, and vests. “It was like Christmas,” said 1st Lt. Jason Royston, 24, of Ada, Okla., an officer with the 9th Engineer Battalion currently attached to Task Force 1-77. The clothing came on top of a new assault bag, rifle scopes, battle-axes and other essential soldier tools delivered to their tents the night before. And more is to come: Each soldier is scheduled to receive up to 37 new items, depending on his or her job, said Maj. Chad Ochs, 39, of Hamilton, Mont., the 1st Infantry Division’s force management officer. All are part of the Army’s Rapid Fielding Initiative, giving soldiers the latest in battle clothing and fighting gear. Ochs said the 1st ID is spending about $28 million to equip two 2,000-man brigade combat teams it is sending to Iraq, plus another $7 million on a smaller package of gear for support troops. The initiative started two years ago, when troops in Afghanistan found much of their equipment didn’t stand up well under the rigors of a long, hard deployment in harsh conditions. Flush with cash post-Sept. 11, 2001, the Defense Department decided to spend some of it to better equip the forces fighting the war on terror. Spc. Tyler Smith, 21, of Snohomish, Wash., currently attached to Bravo Company of Task Force 1-77, tries on a pair of new boots during last week's handout of Rapid Fielding Initiative gear at Camp New York. Dennis Conner of MPRI, the contractor supplying and delivering the soldiers’ new gear, measures the head of Pfc. Joseph Eutsler, 20, of Camden, N.J., a member of Task Force 1-77, for a redesigned Kevlar helmet at Camp New York. “The Army had gone along for a long time modernizing its big systems,” Ochs said, “but the individual soldier had kind of lagged behind. We’re playing catch up.” The two most popular items were the boots and the vests. “The boots are by far the best thing,” said 1st Lt. Edgar Pulley, 25, of San Gabriel, Calif., a platoon leader for Company C, 1-26 Infantry. “They feel like tennis shoes. You can actually walk for miles in the desert.” Soldiers say the vests, with their custom pouches for items such as ammunition and grenades, carry the soldiers’ heavy load much better than the old system of straps. “It’s well-balanced. It proportions the weight on your body,” said Staff Sgt. Kevin King, 24, of Royal Oak, Mich., also from Company C, 1-26 Infantry. “[The gear] is up on your chest instead of around your sides.” “It even has little pockets where you can put your forceps,” said Spc. Michael Miranda, 21, of Roma, Texas, a medic with the 1st ID’s 1st Battalion, 6th Field Artillery. Soldiers received fireproof Nomex gloves, Air Force boots that are both lighter weight and more durable than what they were wearing, some long underwear and long-sleeved T-shirts that push moisture away from the body on hot summer days, and new vests that carry gear comfortably in pouches instead of on straps. Soldiers with the 1st ID are happily bewildered by the Army’s generosity. Many say they are used to receiving used or outdated equipment, if anything, when they deploy. “It’s pretty unusual. You never get stuff like this,” said Sgt. Brett Steen, 23, of Spring Hill, Fla., an infantryman from Company C, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment. “It’s pretty up-to-date stuff.” Much of the gear had previously been issued only to elite troops. “A lot of it, the SF [Special Forces] guys ran around with it, or the Rangers,” Royston said. “It’s lighter than what we had, and it works better. Now these dudes can't brag about their boots and their gear because we got 'em too.” Soldiers had been told the gear was coming, but many were skeptical until the Boots were on the ground! As they are accustomed to doing, they had dipped into their own pockets to buy gear. Royston said some of his men spent $150 to $800 on new rifle sights, but almost ALL the men were bragging about their Boots. “If I’d known they were going to give it to us, I wouldn’t have spent $200 on gear,” said Spc. Isaac McMillan, 23, of Oklahoma City, also with the 9th Engineers. Christmas in the Middle East isn’t over just yet. Still on order, Ochs said, are new Kevlar helmets that are lighter, better-padded and reshaped so troops can wear them when firing their weapons from the prone position. They are due within the next few weeks. “We’ll be like James Bond in those Kevlars,” Pulley said.

 

		June 22, 2004
		Mostly from ARMED FORCES NEWS AGENCY/AP PHOTOS/U. S. ARMY

BOOTS ON THE GROUND! RANDOM BOOT IMAGES FROM THE NET U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Bryan Perreault of East Jordon, Mich., and 26th Marine Expedtionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), Lima Company sits on his pack as he waits to board the Landing Craft Utility that will ultimately take him back home. Lance Cpl. Perreault is returning from Afghanistan after a tour of duty spent providing security and support missons in search of Taliban and al Quaeda forces. U.S. Navy and Marines continue to operate in this still-tense region of the world.  (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer's Mate Johnny Bivera) (Released) U.S. Marines (below) pass the time in the desert with a game of "touch" football.      BELOW --- Cpl. James M. Merchel of Mt. Vernon, Ill., tosses a two-man tent to Lance Cpl. Paul C. Wehle of Herndon, Va., at an unidentified beach in Kuwait, Friday, Feb. 21, 2003. Both Marines are with Task Force Tarawa, based out of Camp Lejune, N.C., a ground combat force that will operate as part of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force in Kuwait.  Note boots trompin' out of the photo, right.  (AP Photo/USMC, SGT. David J. Drafton, HO)

 

 

		June 8, 2003
		Official Palace Photo Release

SHOCKING PHOTOS OF PRINCE HARRY BEING GIVEN HEAD,  WORSHIPING BOOTS, DRAGGING ABUSED MATES ACROSS ETON SPORTS FIELD

 

 

		May 28, 2003
		The SCOTSMAN Review

MILITARY BECKONS AS PRINCE HARRY LEADS ETON CADETS

Story By JOHN INNES PRINCE Harry took charge of a 48-strong parade of military cadets at Eton last night, fuelling speculation that he may opt for a military forces career. The 18-year-old prince was appointed commander of Eton’s combined cadet force’s formal trooping and is said to be a natural leader, much to the dismay of even his  mates, who remarked off the record (of course) that they found their former "a bit too bossy."  Said one or Harry's bunk mates "He went to dominating me straight away, and he only got more strict as he saw the rest of us fall in line.  His leadership strategy seemed to be 'break one and the others will bend."   Charles,  Prince of Wales was among those looking on as his youngest son led the guard of honour’s march out on to College Field.  Prince Harry, ceremonial sword in hard, confidently barked out the orders, his voice resonating around the walled college green.  Prince Charles’s guest for the evening was his sons’ former nanny, Tiggy Pettifer.  A large group of Eton schoolboys in formal attire also looked on. Harry led his troops out to be inspected by Old Etonian Brigadier Jamie Balfour, former commander of the British armed forces in Bosnia and now director of infantry.  After Prince Harry and his troops retired to change from their berets and formal tunics into their battle gear, the crowd was treated to a noisy firing display by light artillery guns, which along with such equipment as Scimitar armoured reconnaissance vehicles, were on loan from the army. After a demonstration of unarmed combat and more music, the finale of the evening was a staged pitched battle between the Eton Rifles and "evil paramilitary" forces to regain control of Etonia Castle.  The parade and other displays are the culmination of a year’s training programme. Prince Harry follows in the footsteps of Prince William, who was awarded the corps’ highest award for the best first year cadet, the sword of honour, in 1999. Prince Harry has volunteered to stay on an extra year since enrolling in September 2001 and has worked his way up through the ranks, being promoted to corporal last November. Prince Harry leads his men in formation (left) and assumes a more relaxed stance as Commanding Sergeant with white undershirt as outerwear and rifle slung across his shoulders (right) en route to post-ceremony "bashing" of several captive underclassmen.

 

		April 11, 2003
		Yahoo Entertainment Online (edited)

BRITAIN'S SADIST PRINCE -- "BOOT THE BUGGERS!!"

At England's upper-crusty Eton College, ginger-haired Prince Harry -- the Son of Prince Charles and Lady Di, who is now a sergeant in the Cadet Force -- is raising bloody hell with the school's few pacifist students over the war effort in Iraq!  The merciless prince, according to one long-haired hippie holdout Eton student "pulls my antiwar badges off," and he threatens to "ram his boot up me backside all the time."

Charged another irate war protester: "Harry has actually kicked me in the ass and he seemed to delighted by  my humiliation and the attention it afforded him.  He even called me 'peace-loving scum' and spat on the ground before he stared me down.  And taunted me as I left"    According to his classmates, when asked his opinions of how the war was going during a class discussion, Prince Harry shocked even most of his fellow cadets with his aggressive stance, saying that British Prime Minister Tony Blair and American President George W. Bush should be "whacking 'em harder into total submission."  The Prince added, "I say we boot the buggers."

 

MORE BOOTS GETTING READY FOR COMBAT

		February 25, 2003
		REUTERS NEWS AGENCY

SOLDIERS STATESIDE PREPARE TO TROMP

TOP --- Sgt. Philip Stewart, of Tennessee, a member of the 101st Airborne Division checks the size and feel of his new desert boots as he and other members of the unit get ready to deploy overseas from Fort Campbell, Kentucky, NOTE THE SPIT-SHINE ON THE BOOTS HE'S LEFT BEHIND FOR HIS PUNK TO TAKE TARE OF.  February 25, 2003. REUTERS/John Sommers II   BELOW --- Sgt. Jon Krist Janson (L) of Virden, Manitoba Canada, and Specialist Ryan Gough (R), of Kentucky; members of the 101st Airborne Division, chain down some of the more than 3800 vehicles onto train cars to be transported to Jacksonville, Florida, February 11, 2003. From there, they will be loaded onto ships for transport to an undisclosed location overseas.  Sgt. Janson's boots will definately require work when he gets back to the base. REUTERS/John Sommers II

 

 

		Week of October 20, 2002
		ARMY HISTORY NEWS

59th ANNIVERSARY OF NEW BOOT DESIGN FROM QUARTERMASTER CORP.

Fifty-nine years ago as the nation braced itself for war on the eve of Pearl Harbor in 1943, it soon became obvious that the old prewar uniforms and equipment were completely inadequate to meet the rigors of a global conflict -- with prospects of fighting in hot tropical, as well as freezing temperatures, in every conceivable type of hostile terrain. For the ground-pounding GI tapped to slug it out in the jungles or on the frozen plains of Northern Europe, few things loomed as important as good COMBAT BOOTS. The "standard issue" Type I service BOOT in use by soldiers in 1941-42 proved wholly inadequate to the task. Quartermaster researchers soon came up with a more durable Type III model BOOT with a cuff and buckle top that eliminated the old BOOT and legging combination. It was an instant winner. On 19 November 1943 the Army Service Forces Headquarters approved the Quartermaster Corps’ recommendation, and the new combat boot went into immediate production.   Men of the 5th Infantry and 4th Armored Division, who fought in Lt. Gen. George S. Patton, Jr.'s Third Army, show the combat uniform worn in the European theater in early 1945. The continued trend toward protective coloration and simplicity of style can be seen in these uniforms. All are olive green, varying only in the design of the individual pieces of apparel, which were adapted to the differing needs of the various branches of the service.  In the center foreground and right background are two infantrymen, a major and his radioman. They are wearing wool trousers, the latest style cotton cloth field jacket, wool scarves, and leather gloves, and are still using the natural leather field BOOT with the buckle top added.

 

		October 18, 2002
		Various Sources

BY POPULAR DEMAND... MORE FIREMEN PIX

For those of you who keep asking for more FIREMEN in BOOTS...

 

		October 14, 2002
		STARS and STRIPES

US ARMY Version of MONOPOLY a "MAJOR" HIT on base!         By Anthony Burgos         If business is war, there’s no board game that’s closer to the front lines than the new MONOPOLY: United States Army Edition. With a roll of the dice, players can move their custom pewter playing pieces — including a drill instructor’s hat, combat boot, tank and helicopter — around an Army-themed board. The game already has proven to be a hit among Army and Air Force Exchange Service shoppers in Europe.  “The store got a delivery of 12 Army MONOPOLY games about two weeks ago, and they sold out the first day,” said Rita Garcia, manager of the Toyland at Mainz Kastel in Germany. The Mainz Kastel store had 60 games on the shelves for Saturday’s kickoff to the holiday shopping season. By Sunday afternoon, only 16 were left.  Shoppers were buying as many as five games at a time, one store official said Sunday. “I think it’s a popular item because we are on an Army base,” Garcia said. “But the way things are going in the world today, everyone seems interested in the military. And the Army’s in the forefront.” MONOPOLY: The U.S. Army Edition allows players to improve their real estate properties with custom black battalions and gold divisions instead of the green houses and red hotels found in the traditional game. “The Pentagon” and “HQ, U.S. Department of the Army” replace “Boardwalk” and “Park Place” lots on the game board. “Chance” and “Community Chest” cards are labeled “Troops” and “Equipment” on the Army-themed game.

 

 

		October 14, 2002
		KNIGHT RIDDER Newspapers

QUICK...THE MARINES NEED BOOTS!!

WASHINGTON --- If Saddam Hussein used chemical and biological weapons against invading American forces, could American troops survive them? U.S. defenses against chemical and biological attack have improved greatly since the 1991 Gulf War exposed major flaws. Detection equipment is better, and an array of preventive and post-attack medicines is available for most chemical and biological agents.  But protective clothing and shelters remain inadequate and defective, experts say. The Defense Department's annual report on chemical and biological defense and a report earlier this month from the General Accounting Office, an investigative arm of Congress, spotlighted problems supplying the military with enough protective clothing and shelters. Despite spending more than a billion dollars a year on chemical-biological preparedness, the Pentagon lacks millions of needed boots, masks, gloves and suits, and doesn't have enough specialized medical shelters to treat the wounded on a contaminated battlefield, the analysts concluded. The Navy, for example, is short more than 1 million protective suits and boots, according to the GAO and Pentagon reports. The Air Force has fewer than half the protective suits it needs; the Marines have fewer than half of the boots required. In addition, about 250,000 of the military's more than 4 million protective suits are defective, but the Pentagon can't identify all the ones that won't work. Isratex Inc., a now-bankrupt company whose president was jailed for deceiving the government, sold 800,000 defective chem-bio suits to the Pentagon a decade ago. The military has found and destroyed 550,000, but officials haven't been able to locate the rest. The Pentagon may try to reduce the risk by striking faster with a smaller, more mobile invasion force, but senior military officers say they would still have to mass their troops to punch a hole in Iraq's defenses. "And when we mass, that's when he would gas," said one officer, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

 

		October 10, 2002
		The GLOBE and MAIL of CANADA

HOUSE OF COMMONS WORKER LOOSES JOB OVER GIFT OF BOOTS

While Parliament is in an uproar over millions of dollars of contracts awarded by Solicitor General Lawrence MacAulay, the House of Commons quietly dismissed an employee who gave $150 worth of work boots to her husband. Suzanne Charron lost her job in the Commons photocopying department after admitting she gave government-issued work boots to her husband. Ms. Charron was told she had committed fraud and her boss gave her the option of resigning or being fired. She resigned but later fought her dismissal at a federal tribunal, arguing that she had been forced to quit and that the penalty was too harsh. She told the tribunal. "I never believed I was acting dishonestly in giving the boots to my husband because they were given to me without any restrictions or conditions." Ms. Charron said employees were given the boots in June of 2001. She told the tribunal that she knew she could not wear the boots and was about to turn them down but gave them to her husband, who is a construction worker. It wasn't until May, 2002, that she was asked where her boots were by her boss. When she told him she had given them to her husband, he said that constituted an act of fraud and she would be sanctioned.  Ms. Charron said she had a few hours to decide and that she felt traumatized at losing her job over a pair of boots.

 

		October 2, 2002
		The MANILA Times

"BOOTS COME FIRST!"  PROCLAIMS  MANILA  LAWMAKER.

BOOTLESS FIREMEN IN PHILIPPINES GET MILLIONS...IN PENCILS!! By Marian Trinidad, Reporter NEVER mind if our firemen wear worn-out boots and ride in rickety fire trucks.  The Bureau of Fire Protection obviously had a more urgent concern — to buy P1-million worth of pencils, sharpeners and pencil holders. The Commission on Audit had reported that the bureau spent almost a million pesos on promotional items which they “did not redound to the benefit of the masses.”   The purchase of the school supplies was not part of the mandate of BFP as a firefighting agency.  BFP bought 24,000 pieces of giveaways to elementary students when it celebrated the fire prevention month in year 2000. The COA review revealed the purchase orders did not clearly specify the items to be bought, a clear violation of bidding rules. Rep. Juan Miguel Zubiri (Bukidnon) stressed his point: “Our firemen share worn-out boots, don inferior jackets, ride in rickety fire trucks that rush out from dilapidated stations whose phones have been cut off, and yet, instead of repairing these, our fire officials distributed pencils to tots.”  The administration lawmaker said the purchase of pencils and sharpeners was a clear case of “misallocation of funds by a cash-strapped agency confused about its mandate.  These kids DO NOT need pencils as much as our firefighters NEED BOOTS - THE BOOTS COME FIRST!”

 

 

		May 1, 2002
		REUTERS - Rafael Perez

CASTRO COMPLIMENTS "OBEDIENT BOOK-LICKERS" IN MAY DAY SPEECH

Cuban President Fidel Castro, speaking before hundreds of thousands of people during May Day celebrations at the Revolution Plaza of Havana, attacked his Latin American critics for being U.S. "lackeys" and then complimented them later in the speech for being "obedient boot-lickers."  Several days later, (bottom left) he appeared to be calling for a "touch-up" on Former President Jimmy Carter's boots when he arrived in his historic visit to Cuba.  You tell us what's up in the picture at the bottom, right.

 

I ran into this site checking the net for BOOT IMAGES, and this one's pretty hot.  But, that's not the effect the Anti-Defamation League is looking for.  This site is loaded with illustrated text about the symbolism of tattoos, short hair and BOOTS, and information about the extreme faction of skinheads who get carried away with 19th century hatred.   http://www.adl.org/hate_symbols/skin_boots.asp

Boot Symbols

Symbol Type Skinhead Symbol Hate Group/Extremist Organization Racist and Non-Racist Skinheads Extremist Meaning or Representation Skinhead culture, also associated with skinhead violence ADL Links to Related Information ·  Neo-Nazi Skinheads ·  Neo-Nazi Skinhead Threat Background/History Until recently, skinheads could be identified by their colored shoelaces and Doc Martens boots, often made with steel tips and used as "weapons" to kick people in fights. Although many skinheads wear other kinds of shoes, this brand of boots, popularized several years ago, is still the most typical and traditional. The term "boot party" was coined to refer to a gathering at which skinheads usually commit acts of violence together.

		Tuesday, September 25, 2001
		San Antonio, Texas USA

"FILL THE BOOT" Campaign Raises $515,000 A campaign waged by San Antonio Firefighters, who, with boot in hand, asked residents at traffic intersections to fill the Boots with money, raised over half a million dollars in just two days. The "Fill The Boot" campaign was formed to raise money for a New York City relief fund, and San Antonio Fire Chief Robert Ojeda reported that over $515,960 was raised on Sept. 15 & 16, Ojeda said that more than 300 bags of cash and coins has been delivered to a San Antonio bank that volunteered to do the counting.  The money was immediately deposited into the New York Fire 911 Relief fund.

		Friday, September 14, 2001
		PRNewswire services

Boots Play Major Role in Disaster Recovery BOULDER, Colo. (BUSINESS WIRE) - The Outdoor Industry Association has partnered with AmeriCares in response to the September 11th attack on the United States.  In the first 48 hours, the Association estimated a minimum of the following contributions:    -- 3,600 BOOTS and shoes         -- 15,000 pairs of socks           -- 200 tents    -- 200,000 energy bars                -- 1,000 energy drinks             -- 800 pairs of gloves           -- 700 flashlights and headlamps               -- 400 inflatable beds and cots           -- 2,000 goggles/eye protection                 -- 1,500 bottles of water                        "We've had many donations of boots come in for the firemen." said Dana Waesche of AmeriCares. "Their boots get shredded by the metal and when they come back from their shifts they are given new clothing and boots." Canada Ships Dog Boots to New York Disaster Site  Police Escort Used To Bring Boots Across Border TORONTO (Reuters) - A Canadian company that makes padded boots for dogs has sent hundreds of pairs to New York police to help protect their canine unit's paws from splintered glass and debris while they help search for bodies in the remains of the World Trade Center.  Because of delays in air transport and tightened security at the Canada-U.S. border, Bertrand said a police escort was needed to get the latest shipment across this week. Muttlucks Inc., based in Toronto, has been shipping the boots since September 11th in response to a request from the New York Police Department.  "This is standard protection for working dogs ... They really need them urgently down there," said Marianne Bertrand, the firm's owner.  "Those dogs will work until they drop. They're no different from police and firemen. They need protective gear too." Bertrand said she was not surprised to receive the order. Hundreds of dogs, assisting police and rescue teams, have been working in the dangerous rubble in New York's financial district.  The boots resemble socks but have padded soles to protect the paws and Velcro straps that fit around the ankles.  A dog owner herself, Bertrand began manufacturing the boots after she received a set for her basset hound more than seven years ago. Since then, her company has supplied boots for dogs working in many disaster situations, including the aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing. LaCrosse Footwear Donates 800 Pairs of Work Boots PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- In the wake of this terrible national tragedy, LaCrosse Footwear Inc. and its employees immediately provided donations of several hundred pairs of work boots and protective equipment to AmeriCares for distribution to the men and women working in the recovery effort.  Joe Schneider, President/CEO of LaCrosse Footwear Inc. said "The people of our company feel a tremendous sadness, and like many Americans are looking for ways to help." LaCrosse donated over 500 pairs of knee boots, 300 pairs of work boots and a large supply of rain pants and coats to protect the employees and volunteers working on the recovery efforts in New York and Washington, D.C.  Delivery of these products was provided at no charge by Hotline Freight Systems. LaCrosse Footwear is involved in design, development, marketing and manufacturing of protective footwear and rainwear for the sporting, farm, occupational and children's markets under the LaCrosse(R), Danner(R), Red Ball(R) and Rainfair(R) brands and for private label customers.

MORE PHOTOS FROM THE 9/11 DISASTER Firefighters rest on the sidewalk across from the World Trade Center collapse site Thursday, Sept. 13, 2001, in New York. The search for survivors and the recovery of the victims continues since Tuesday's terrorist attack. AP Photo/Beth A. Keiser, Pool Rescue workers rest on a couch in the rubble of the World Trade Center towers in New York, Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2001. Rescue workers dug for bodies in mountains of rubble as the city struggled to recover from an airborne attack on the World Trade Center Tuesday that shut down the nation's financial capital and created a new skyline etched in terror. AP Photo/Virgil Case     New York firefighter Pete Lindquist pauses from his work amid the rubble of the World Trade Center in New York Thursday Sept. 13, 2001. Workers continue to dig through the rubble searching for victims of Tuesday's terrorist attack. AP Photo/Stephen Chernin

		Saturday, September 8, 2001
		The United States Air Force Press Links Website

USAF 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron Assumes  Command at Kadena Air Base, Japan Members of the newly created 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron (Provisional) salute during an official assumption of command at Kadena Air Base in Japan.  The readiness squadron -- a merger of the former 18th Transportation Squadron and the 18th Supply Squadron -- is the first such squadron formed under initiatives developed by an Air Force chief of staff review that is testing 30 ways to improve logistics handling. Seventeen bases are scheduled to undergo similar tests that will last until February 2002. Similar mergers are expected throughout the force by August 2002. Maj. Anthony Dunbar assumed command of the squadron in August.  (USAF photo by Staff Sgt. Mary Smith)   ---This is one of the coolest and sharpest BOOT IMAGES you'll ever see.  Please click to on the image to enlarge and enjoy.  So...Mary, have you ever given much thought to leaving the Air Force to assume command as the official Bootpunk.com photographer?

		Saturday, August 18, 2001; Page B01
		The Washington Post

Guard Troops Pick Up the Torch 750 Men (1500 BOOT TOTAL) Plan Deployment to Bosnia         By Steve Vogel         Washington Post Staff Writer About 750 National Guard members from Maryland and Virginia will ship out to Bosnia in the coming weeks as part of the largest deployment for the regional Guard division since World War II, when the famed "Blue and Gray" division landed on Omaha Beach in the invasion of Normandy. Maryland troops from the 29th Infantry Division will leave in a convoy to Fort Dix, N.J., for final preparations before they join U.S. peacekeeping forces in the Balkans. The headquarters staff will officially be mobilized Labor Day weekend, with troops from across the region deploying in shifts.