Military Terms, Abbreviations, Acronyms 1

The Final Letter 1,2,4 Fun Facts: Declaration of Independence 2, 3

Did You Know: Little-Known Facts (part 1) 2, 3

USO Helps Grieving Son 3

acronym referring to The Statue of Liberty 3 the Army Intelli- gence and Security Command, a This Day in Military History 4 direct reporting unit that con- ducts intelligence, security, and information operations for U.S. July the 14th, 1861 Sarah, my love for you is deathless, it Army commanders and national seems to bind me to you with mighty ca- Washington D.C. decision makers bles that nothing but Omnipotence could acronym referring to the My very dear Sarah: break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me International Criminal Police The indications are very strong that we irresistibly on with all these chains to the Organization shall move in a few days—perhaps to- battlefield. abbreviation referring to morrow. Lest I should not be able to the Intelligence and Threat Anal- write you again, I feel impelled to write The memories of the blissful moments I ysis Center used by INSCOM lines that may fall under your eye when have spent with you come creeping over I shall be no more. Major Sullivan Ballou me, and I feel most gratified to God and to you that I have enjoyed them so long. Our movement may be one of a few days’ And hard it is for me to give them up and burn to ashes duration and full of pleasure—and it may be one of the hopes of future years, when God willing, we might severe conflict and death to me. Not my will, but thine still have lived and loved together and seen our sons O God, be done. If it is necessary that I should fall on grow up to honorable manhood around us. I have, I the battlefield for my country, I am ready. I have no know, but few and small claims upon Divine Provi- misgivings about, or lack of confidence in, the cause in dence, but something whispers to me—perhaps it is the which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or wafted prayer of my little Edgar—that I shall return falter. I know how strongly American Civilization now to my loved ones unharmed. If I do not, my dear Sa- leans upon the triumph of the Government, and how rah, never forget how much I love you, and when my great a debt we owe to those who went before us through last breath escapes me on the battlefield, it will whisper the blood and suffering of the Revolution. And I am your name. willing—perfectly willing—to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this Government, and to pay Forgive my many faults, and the many pains I have that debt. caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have often been! How gladly would I wash out with my tears But, my dear wife, when I know that with my own every little spot upon your happiness, and struggle joys I lay down nearly all of yours, and replace them with all the misfortune of this world, to shield you and in this life with cares and sorrows—when, after having my children from harm? But I cannot. I must watch eaten for long years the bitter fruit of orphanage my- you from the spirit land and hover near you, while you self, I must offer it as their only sustenance to my dear buffet the storms with your precious little freight, and little children—is it weak or dishonorable, while the wait with sad patience till we meet to part no more. banner of my purpose floats calmly and proudly in Sarah, do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and the breeze, that my unbounded love for you, my darling wait for me, for we shall meet again. wife and children, should struggle in fierce, though useless, contest with my love of country. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Editor’s Note: In celebration of In- Independence Day Should Have from the northernmost state (New dependence Day, the following was Been July 2 Hampshire) to the southernmost adapted from an article posted on (Georgia). July 2, 1776 is the day that the military.com. Continental Congress actually vot- Who Signed Last? America's revolutionary Charter of ed for independence. John Adams, Freedom, the Declaration of Inde- in his writings, even noted that July It is believed Thomas McKean of pendence is a document upon 2 would be remembered in the Delaware was the last person to which our nation's founding princi- annals of American history and sign. When Congress authorized #1. Nearly 70 percent of all the printing of an official copy with Medals of Honor have been ples were established. The Declara- would be marked with fireworks tion of Independence set the and celebrations. The written Dec- the names attached in January awarded to soldiers. And 1,198 course for our nation on a journey laration of Independence was dat- 1777, McKean's name was not of the Army’s 2,403 Medals of of freedom, which also led this ed July 4 but wasn't actually signed included. He signed after that date, Honor were awarded for actions historic document on until August 2. Fifty-six or the printer made a mistake by in the Civil War. its own journey. For delegates eventually omitting him. #2. More than half of the men example, did you signed the document, On The Road Again although all were not elected President of the United know: present on that day in The Declaration of Independence States - 24 to be exact - have Who Authored the August. spent many years on the road. Af- worn the Army’s uniform. Declaration of Inde- ter the signing ceremony on August pendence? Who Signed and In 2, it was most likely filed in Phila- #3. George Washington chose What Order? Thomas Jefferson delphia. On December 12, threat- the colors of the present Army ened by the British, Congress ad- dress uniform. In 1778, the Con- wrote the first draft of John Hancock signed the Declaration of first, with a large hand journed and reconvened 8 days tinental Congress charged Gen- Independence, which right in the middle later in Baltimore, MD, where the eral Washington with deciding was then edited by because he was the document remained until its return on a service uniform for the John Adams and Ben- President of the Con- to Philadelphia in March of 1777. Continental Army. In October jamin Franklin. Jeffer- gress. The others In the years to follow, it traveled widely with the Continental Con- 1779, he directed soldiers to son took their edits signed by state delega- and incorporated them into what tion, beginning in the upper right in gress throughout the Northeast, wear “blue coats with differing then moving to Washington, DC in facings for the various state would become the version finally one column, and then proceeding adopted. in five other columns, arranged 1800. troops, artillery, artillery artifi- CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 cers and light dragoons.” Over then next two hundred years, the Army tried various colors— whites, tans, and greens—but in As for my little boys, they will grow during the Civil War and for a com- for. His steadfast resolve in the face 2010, again began issuing uni- as I have done, and never know a mander of troops, even more so of deadly threats to his life and to forms according to Washing- father's love and care. Little Willie is since leading from the front was the future well-being of his family the expectation of leadership. Sit- had already been weighed. He had ton’s color design. too young to remember me long, and ting in the darkness, most likely counted the cost and was willing to #4. Francis Marion - known as my blue-eyed Edgar will keep my around a campfire after duties had forfeit his life for his country if “The Swamp Fox” (pictured be- frolics with him among the dimmest ended for the day, the thoughts of called upon. low) - headed a group of Revolu- memories of his childhood. Sarah, I many would turn to home. Writing tionary War-era Army Rangers have unlimited confidence in your a letter to loved ones was the only known as Marion’s Partisans. maternal care and your development means of communication available He is also credited with creating of their characters. Tell my two to the soldier in the field. On this evening, Major Ballou considered modern guerrilla warfare, which mothers his and hers I call God's blessing upon them. O Sarah, I wait his responsibilities as a citizen, sol- was key to the American victory dier, husband and father and he for you there! Come to me, and lead against the British. reflected upon the sacrifice that he thither my children. and his family may make. Sullivan The letter also reflected Major Bal- Major Sullivan Ballou’s letter to his lou’s firm trust in the Divine Provi- dear wife Sarah (see image at right) dence of God – even praying for was one of the most poignant and God’s will to be done. He also re- moving letters in all of American flected his strong belief in our coun- history. It clearly showed the great try and in his responsibility in filling emotional struggle of his genera- the shoes of those who had fought tion reflecting the fear, uncertainty for freedom less than 100 years and sadness that men faced when prior. He fully realized that the sac- considering their own potential rifices may be high, but that the demise on the field of battle. Casu- cause was worth fighting and dying alty rates on both sides were high CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

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Losing a parent can be devastating. When he finally arrived at the airport “The USO is always there and they’re to go back to Rochester, New York, always the first people I go to when But losing a parent while on military he was exhausted. He'd been up all I’m traveling,” Hunsinger said. duty adds a new set of obstacles night speaking with his family. So he #5. The Army was the last that can overwhelm the Within a matter of minutes, a USO sat down in the air- branch to adopt an official song, most prepared sol- port, fell asleep and volunteer helped Hunsinger re-book dier. Army Spc. Aus- his flight to Rochester, getting him declaring “The Army Goes Roll- missed his flight. tin Hunsinger home just in time for his father’s ing Along” as its official tune in (pictured at right) When Hunsinger services the next day. 1956. knows this all too woke up and real- “That was a really hectic time for me #6. The as well. ized what had hap- pened, he knew he and [the USO] just relieved the we know it today was founded In December 2012, needed help stress at the right point,” Hunsinger June 14, 1775, when the First after learning his fast. He headed said. father suddenly Continental Congress approved straight to the Char- “[The USO had] perfect timing, for the enlistment of soldiers to passed way, Hun- lotte-Douglas Inter- singer – who was sta- them to be there and for them to serve the united American colo- national Airport USO. A help me get a flight and to provide tioned in Fort Bragg, North Carolina nies. little shaken up and worried he me with a place to rest my head – had to juggle an emergency leave wouldn’t be able to get another request, funeral arrangements and [was great].” #7. Pvt. James Buchanan was flight in time for the funeral, Hun- the only president who served in booking last-minute flights all in a singer explained what happened to the Army who didn’t become an matter of hours. the USO staff. officer. #8. June 14 is also Flag Day. Officially adopted in 1916, the first iteration of the American In New York Harbor stands a lady, And all who kneel there live forever flag was actually authorized by With a torch raised to the sky; As all the saved can testify. the Second Continental Congress And all who see her know she stands for I’m so glad to be called a Christian, on June 14, 1777. #9. The Army is marginally re- Liberty for you and me. To be named with the ransomed and whole: sponsible for inventing the micro- I’m so proud to be called an American, As the statue liberates the citizen, wave. A World War II engineer at To be named with the brave and the free; So the cross liberates the soul. Raytheon realized radiation from radar - which the Army was using I will honor our flag and our trust in God, Oh the cross is my Statue of Liberty, to scan for enemy missiles - And the Statue of Liberty. It was there that my soul was set free: could be used to heat products, too. On lonely Golgotha stood a cross, Unashamed I’ll proclaim that a rugged cross #10. Galusha Pennypacker With my Lord raised to the sky; Is my Statue of Liberty! (pictured below) is widely recog- nized as the youngest general in Army history, earning a promo- tion to brevet brigadier general In 1814, again threatened by war, it likely traveled by light wagon and by ration of Independence. John With- at the age of 20 during the Civil was moved to an unused gristmill in horseback with the Continental Con- erspoon is pictured in a Barry Faulk- War. Virginia for protection. On August gress it its early years. When it was ner Mural, entitled "The Declaration 24, as the British burned the White first brought to Washington, it trav- of Independence," which illustrates #11. The USO helps out modern House, it was moved to Leesburg, VA eled by boat, down the Delaware 28 delegates to the Continental soldiers in a host of ways beyond until September, when it returned to River and Bay, out into the ocean, Congress of 1776. This newly re- snacks and a place to snooze. the nation's capital. With the excep- into the Chesapeake Bay, and up the stored mural is hanging in the Ro- tion of a trip to Philadelphia for the Potomac to the new capital city. tunda of the National Archives. Centennial and to Fort Knox during During World War II, it was World War II, it has remained there moved by Pullman train to ever since. Louisville, KY and trans- ferred under armed guard If By Land or By Sea to Fort Knox for safety and The document has also experienced protection. many modes of travel. Initially, like Line of Descent other parchment documents of the time, the Declaration was probably Actress Reese Witherspoon stored in a rolled format. Each time is a direct descendant of the document was used, it would John Witherspoon, one of have been unrolled and re-rolled. It the 56 signers of the Decla-

CONTINUED NEXT MONTH

1 Jul 1946 - The United States 4 Jul 1832 - The song “America” 15 Jul 1950 - F-80s accounted exploded a 20-kiloton atomic was sung publicly for the first time for 85 percent of the enemy’s loss- 5510 Falls of Neuse Road bomb near Bikini Atoll in the Mar- at a Fourth of July celebration by es to air attack. Far East Air Forc- Raleigh, NC 27609 shall Islands in the Pacific Ocean. a group of children at Park Street es Commander, Lieutenant Gen- (919) 876-0585 The energy released by any one of Church in Boston. The words were eral George E. Stratemeyer, stated [email protected] the ten or so major earthquakes written on a scrap of paper in half that he wouldn’t trade the F-80 for www.fbcweb.net every year is about a thou- an hour by Dr. Samuel Francis all the F-47s and F-51s he could sand times as much Smith, a Baptist minister, and get. “It does a wonderful job in as the Bikini were set to the music of “God ground support and can take care atomic Save the King.” of the top-side job if enemy jets bomb. appear.” (919) 817-0706 [email protected]

Joe Perez ([email protected]) Major Sullivan Ballou (pictured with There are twenty-one letters in the ahead. Paul’s final testimony has Don King ([email protected]) his family below) was severely in- New Testament sent to early believ- provided encouragement to believ- jured, a week later, at the First Bat- ers that formed much of the Chris- ers through the centuries: “For I

tle of Bull Run on July 21, 1861, tian doctrine we know today. am now ready to be offered, and Heather Folz - 7 when a ball hit him and his About half of these letters were the time of my departure is at Brian Palmer - 11 horse as he was leading his troops penned by the Apostle Paul on his hand. I have fought a good fight, I Nathaniel Palmer - 23 into battle. Major Ballou died eight missionary journeys. These letters have finished my course, I have days later on July 29 from his were used not only to communi- kept the faith: Henceforth there is wounds, never having the oppor- cate personal and ministry infor- laid up for me a crown of righteous- Joe & Rose tunity to communicate with Sarah mation; but to also inform, instruct, ness, which the Lord the righteous Wilson - 27 prior to his death. Actually, his guide and encourage new believ- judge, shall give me at that day: letter was never mailed and was ers. It is hard to know whether any and not to me only, but unto all found a few months later when the of the writers had any idea of the them also that love his appearing.” trunk containing his personal ef- scope and importance of their let- How great it is seeing that Paul had fects was returned to Sarah. How ters, but they have been a source counted the cost. He knew the sac- sad the tragic loss of a man of his of encouragement to generations, rifice was high, but he had the character who loved God, loved his and many people will be in Heaven great assurance that it was going family, and as a result of to be worth it all when he stood loved his coun- the testimony before his Lord and Savior, Jesus try. This letter of these writers. Christ! has been a point of inspira- Finally, let’s We too can take comfort in these tion to not only consider Paul’s words knowing that our sacrifices, his descend- final letter to even to the point of death, are not ants, but to Timothy. He worthless. Continue to fight the many others realizes that good fight, finish the course before who have this will be his you, and keep the faith! It will be picked up the last letter to his worth it all when you see Jesus! banner of our young friend and he provides encouragement country in the years since. and instruction for the difficult days

Please continue to pray for Ashley Huskey Trump and his administration in your pray- as she is being treated for vasculitis. ers! Ask the Lord to give them wisdom to Please keep Phil Wagher in your prayers make the right decisions in regard to sever- for continued health and strength. al areas of concern around our world. Please continue to keep Brian and ~ Colonel Martin Ivey Palmer in your prayers as they Next Month: begin their transition to Fort Hood, Texas. This will be a big change  Little-Known Facts: US Army (part 2) for their family. Please continue  Meet the Military: John Tinsley, USAF to keep our President, Donald The Brian Palmer Family  Back to School Deals for Military Families

VOLUME 9, ISSUE 7