The BerlinBrigade.com Blog

Vaclav Havel (1936 - 2011)

2011-12-18T10:26:00.005-06:00

Just weeks after the Berlin Wall falls the Czechoslovakian Communist leadership steps down and Vaclav Havel becomes President without a shot ever being fired. That was, for the most part, the scene across Eastern Europe throughout the very, very late 1980s and very, very early 1990s.

Want to take a moment and say: Rest In Peace Vaclav Havel! Thank you for your commitment, dedication, and doing what had to be done. We thank you for being one of the countless many that helped take the world out of the darkness that was Communism and into a new change, a new age, a new light.

For good or bad today, we live in a world no longer darkened by a sinister shadow that hangs over Europe. It is because of men like those that served in Berlin throughout the Cold War as did those that saw that our commitment and dedication to that beacon of freedom was to emulated throughout Eastern Europe did events such as the Velvet Revolution bring about change.

Change is above all how we become better people.

We Change Thus We Change The World!

Thank You and Rest in Peace, Vaclav Havel

KEYWORDS: • Cold War • Berlin • Berlin Brigade • West Berlin • Berlin Wall • NATO • Warsaw Pact • Vaclav Havel • Communism • Czechoslovakia • Eastern Europe • Velvet Revolution

Episode 33 is now online

2011-09-26T12:00:00.002-05:00

Folks, just to let you know that Episode 33 of the BerlinBrigade.com Podcast is now online.

I invite you to take about 42 minutes to listen to a speech given by the, then, Ambassador to the United States from the Federal Republic of Germany, Dr. Klaus Scharioth on the occasion of the 20th Anniversary of the Day of German Unity on October 1, 2010. Then we are joined by Bundeswehr Lieutenant Colonel D. Eric Offermann, Deputy Army Attaché assigned to the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany. We have a great conversation running the gamut of topics from the growing pains of a unified Germany, US Forces in Germany, Operations in Afghanistan, and of course we talk about Berlin.

You can hear the entire conversation at http://www.berlinbrigade.com/podcast/33/index.html

50th Anniversary of the Construction of the Berlin Wall

2011-08-13T06:00:00.008-05:00

This August 13th marks the 50th Anniversary of the construction of the Berlin Wall. It marks that day in 1961 when the world was changed this time by putting a physical scar on what used to be, up to that point, purely a virtual mark on a map. On the morning of Sunday, August 13, 1961, the citizens of Berlin, Germany woke up to the sounds of construction crews quickly erecting a barrier that snaked through the middle of the city. Up to this day, the only formal notice of division within the city of Berlin were signs declaring the impending departure of the Soviet, US, British, and French Sectors into the other sectors, throughout the entire city. Now a formal demarcation line was being put in place. At first, it was just some barbed wire and some guards, then the construction of the concrete wall that the world came to know and despise was subsequently built.

Over the years, individuals successfully and in some cases, unsuccessfully, attempted to escape from the Communist nation of the Deutsches Demokratische Republik (DDR). Then 28 years later, on November 9, 1989 the gates were opened and the wall ceased being the notorious symbol of division of one German people. Then, just as quickly as the wall came down, on October 1, 1990 the two German nations were unified as one, again. Thus the Federal Republic of Germany was born. Now, 50 years after the construction of the most horrific man-made symbol of division of people, countries, and way of life, we take time to remember the boundaries that were imposed on that Sunday morning in 1961 and we rejoice in the the limitless boundaries that are left to be discovered since that November Thursday evening in 1989.

You can visit our commemorative page at http://www.BerlinBrigade.com/50

image of Berlin Wall is a copyrighted image of David G. Guerra, All Rights Reserved.

Memorial Day 2011

2011-05-29T22:01:00.001-05:00

Want to take a moment of your time to ask you to take a moment tomorrow and remember what is the reason for Memorial Day.

From the US Memorial Day dot org website (http://www.usmemorialday.org)
"Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service...Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery."

Take a moment and remember all those that have paid the ultimate price as well as those that go in harm's way now. It is their sacrifice that allows us to enjoy the freedoms we have now.

Don't forget to fly the US Flag & Enjoy Your Day!
-Dave

About the German Reunification Monument

2011-04-19T07:01:00.011-05:00

I was reading an article on the REUTERS website regarding a planned German Reunification Monument. If you have not seen the concept drawings or the scale model, it is a very interesting and unique design. It looks like a cross between a long serving bowl and a seesaw. Apparently, the "bowl" is designed to "teeter-totter" just like an actual child's seesaw as people climb in. This design makes so much sense.

A new, young nation (it is only 21 years old, after all) and the struggles continue between the eastern and western parts of the country. Assimilation while on paper has taken place the reality is that there will be long difficulties for many years to come, more realistically like for generations to come. I firmly believe that the German nation will continue to grow, move past its former histories and continue to be a world leader. However, on the inside just like any and every nation on the planet, there will be troubles.

Then again, isn't that what freedom is all about? The ability to publicly disagree and show that one side is no better than the other and that ALL people are valued and respected. That they can protest and agree to disagree without fear of being sent to some far off forgotten gulag or being imprisoned because some friend or family member turned their name in to the Internal Security Police.

There it is a child's seesaw that teeters and totters, gives and takes, goes forward and backward. Thus the giving and the taking, the ups and downs of a re-unified nation, a new country is exactly represented in this monument to the new spirit of a 21st century Germany. It should also be noted that this is a great testament to the commitment and determination of the ALLIES that helped rebuild a post-war Germany, with plenty of difficulties, ups and downs, giving and a lot of taking. In the end, they all knew the day would come when both East and West Germany would be one nation again.

Of course, there are those that say, "we don't need another monument," "we must not spend the money it takes to build it," and so on. So not taking a political stand on whether it is politically right or wrong, I do say, if and when it comes into being the understanding and realization of what the monument is to the German Re-unification will be crystal clear.

-David

image of monument model used without permission from AP.

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here are some technorati tags:
Berlin German Reunification Germany East Germany West Germany Cold War USA Berlin Brigade American Sector British Sector French Sector Soviet Sector Reichstag German Reunification Monument The Berlin Wall Die Berlin Mauer

The April 15 2011 Update

2011-04-15T12:00:00.002-05:00

Here we are again and I just wanted to post a quick update as to what's happening around here are the BerlinBrigade.com World Headquarters.

Registry: 100% up-to-date (as of 04/15/11)

Registry Development Projects: Be on the lookout for changes regarding how you can view the registry. First change is by YEAR (of arrival). Let's say you arrived in 1985, soon you will be able to click on the 1985 in the Registry and you will see all those that arrived in Berlin the same year you did. A BerlinBrigade.com Community Member first brought this idea to me. Thus, if you have an idea or suggestion please drop me a note and if it is feasible we'll get it done.

Website: No Issues
Website Development Project: We got VIDEO coming REAL SOON!!!

Podcast: Episode 30 (waiting for the Interviewee to clear the interview for publication)
Podcast Development Projects: No Plan to have a Video Blog go live anytime soon, but that may change (at any time).

Commerce: No Issues
Commerce Development Projects: Be on the lookout for a new Unit to come online with their own gear. I say within in the next week or so. Again, this unit is coming online because a BerlinBrigade.com Community Member sent in a suggestion.

BerlinBrigade.com RealTime Meetups: None Planned for APRIL 2011. However, if you find yourself in the South Texas area please drop me a note. Once plans are finalized for Summer 2011 and Fall 2011 I will pass along info.

That's about it in a Nutshell.

Thank you for ALL your support.
-Dave

Earthquake & Tsunami: The Aftermath

2011-03-14T11:17:00.004-05:00

While the story continues to unfold in Japan there is something to remember: the humanitarian efforts underway. At last count, resources from all over the planet are on their way to help on all aspects of recovery in the wake of last Friday's Tsunami and Earthquake. Working together the world can help Japan get out from under the rubble and rebuild. That means all of us have to lend a hand or two. How does one do this and WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Right now you can:
• Donate Money to the RED CROSS at http://redcross.org and click on the DONATE FUNDS button.

• Donate your unique service or skill to the RED CROSS at http://redcross.org and click on the VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME link.

• Give Blood. Donate your blood and help save lives at http://redcross.org and click on the GIVE BLOOD link.

• Get TRAINED. Get training and become certified in CPR and/or FIRST AID http://redcross.org and click on the TAKE A CLASS link.

Do this, the sooner the better. Please don't wait until it is too late.

An Update

2011-03-08T07:22:00.002-06:00

How is everyone doing? Every once in a while I will post on how things are going here are at the BerlinBrigade.com Command Headquarters and today is one of those times. This in no way replaces the podcast but is more of a behind the scene look at how things are here and now.

I do hope everyone has been in good health. Since my last update, things around here have been pretty steady. Seems like the weather all over has started to stabilize and that's a very good thing.

Here are the Command Headquarters I am working hard to bring you the constant variety of life at Berlin Brigade and with that comes interviews from all sides of the 4th of July Platz (from the parade field to the review stand to the bleachers). Thus, I am issuing another call for those interested to be interviewed on the podcast. By now, I am certain you know the interview format (if not, I invite you to check out the latest episode #29 at http://www.berlinbrigade.com/podcast/29/index.html)

Next, some changes on the horizon to the layout of the website. If you have been following BerlinBrigade.com over the past years, you know that I am always messing with the layout. Again, this is for the site visitors to say "Hey, this wasn't here the last time." Something to remember, the changes are minor and nothing that will impact the load time or functionality of the website will ever be implemented (maybe tested but not implemented). So be on the look out for that in the coming weeks/months.

This goes out to everyone that is having or planning a reunion please drop me a note so that we can have you or a representative join us on the podcast to help spread the word and help make your reunion more of a success.

Other than that, (knocking on wood) things are on the positive side. So that means you need to Stay Positive, Stay Safe and Stay Ünique.

Later.

Ronald Reagan Strasse or Ronald Reagan Platz?

2011-02-17T17:54:00.020-06:00

This past February 6, 2011 the world celebrated what would have been former US President Ronald Reagan's 100th Birthday a debate was taking place in the German capital city of Berlin. The debate was that of whether or not to name a street or square in honor of US President Ronald Reagan for his role in the bringing the Cold War to the end.

Of course, President Reagan did not end the Cold War by himself but when a leader of a Nation takes the lead to make something happen certainly the commitment and determination of those that support and follow such leaders will do what they can to make it happen. Such leadership against the Cold War, the Soviet Union, and Communism lead to its inevitable conclusion: The Fall of the Berlin Wall, the eventual break up of the Warsaw Pact and finally, the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Thus the Cold War came to an end.

Now the question: Why not, at least, a street or square in honor of the man who went to the Berlin and stood near the Berlin Wall close to the base of the Brandenburg Gate and called out to General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev on June 12, 1987 when he said, "..if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization, come here to this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!"?

Since the end of World War II until the Fall of the Berlin Wall other men and women have gone to Berlin, some were Presidents, some were Diplomats, some were even Soldiers. All were there to ensure that Freedom was Defended and that the Right of Access to West Berlin was maintained. When all was said and done, the wall did fall and it was not until everyone was certain that the mission was accomplished that the Soldiers of the Berlin Brigade and other Allied Forces departed the city they came to Know, Live in, and Love.

So, to answer the question of whether or not to name a Berlin street or square after US President Ronald Reagan this US Army Veteran, who proudly served in Berlin, is a Most Definite: YES, Please and Thank You!!!

US President Ronald Reagan, Berlin Brigade, Cold War, West Berlin, Berlin Wall, Tear Down This Wall, Ronald Reagan Strasse or Ronald Reagan Platz

Egypt's "Fall of the Berlin Wall" moment?

2011-02-12T07:38:00.005-06:00

Another (semi-) Peaceful Revolution has change the landscape of the world forever. Over the past few days the citizens of this planet were witnesses to another dramatic change in the history of Earth.

Much like the events of 1989 that lead to the eventual fall of the Berlin Wall, the events of the 2011 are based pretty much on the same needs of people to have their voices heard, to demand that their governments be transparent, to be a government of the people and above all a government FOR THE PEOPLE.

What happens in Egypt after all the dust settles is truly up to the people and those still in power as to how they want to shape the future of Egypt, the Middle East, and the World.

For so long there was an uneasy fight for leadership in the Middle East between Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Both countries though very close geographically but are thousands of miles part when it came to politics. One was very much a close knit Royal Family that ran the show while the other well it we all saw what it was. These two countries became the de facto leaders of the region in that whenever a crisis arose one or the other was right in the middle of it or dragged into it. One thing was certain neither were satisfied being bystanders. At times many smaller Middle East nations took their cue from Egypt. They would wait and see how Egypt acted to an action or threat before reacting. I don't think that is going to change and in fact it may lead to more revolution.

Much like the very Late 80s and very Early 90s when revolution was sweeping across Eastern Europe, the "winds of change" taking place in numerous countries in the Middle East are moving so fast that I would not be surprised that once all is said and done this change becomes known as the "Sandstorm Revolution"

No matter what it is eventually called, one thing is certain: At this moment in time we are witnesses to Egypt's "Fall of the Berlin Wall" and that is a very good thing.

Happy New Year!!!

2011-01-08T14:22:00.006-06:00

Greetings,

The first full week of 2011 has come to an end and now we have no choice but to go forward. I trust that everyone had a great first week. If not, then you have only one place to go and that is up from here. If you were fortunate enough to have a great week then keep it up. No matter what happens from here please pace yourself as there are still 51 weeks to go.

As for here at BerlinBrigade.com, there are many projects that are lined up through 2011 and well into the future. So be on the lookout for things to happen and happen fast. It will be nice working with others from the BerlinBrigade.com Community on the upcoming events and projects.

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Grüße,

Die erste volle Woche von 2011 ist zu einem Ende gekommen und jetzt haben wir keine Wahl aber, vorwärts zu gehen. Ich vertraue, dass jeder eine große erste Woche hatte. Wenn nicht, dann haben Sie nur einen Platz, zum zu gehen und der ist oben von hier. Wenn Sie genug glücklich waren, eine große Woche zu haben dann sie aufrechtzuerhalten. Egal was von hier gefallen geschieht, schreiten Sie sich, da es noch 51 Wochen gibt, zum zu gehen.

Was hier anbetrifft bei BerlinBrigade.com, gibt es viele Projekte, die durch 2011 und gut in die Zukunft ausgerichtet. Seien Sie so auf dem Ausblick, damit Sachen schnell geschehen und geschehen. Es ist nette Funktion mit anderen von der BerlinBrigade.com-Gemeinschaft auf den bevorstehenden Ereignissen und den Projekten.

Have a Prosperous, Healthy, and Wonderful 2011!!!
Haben Sie wohlhabendes, gesundes und wundervolles 2011!!!

All my best,
David Guerra
BerlinBrigade.com

Using Creative Commons Credit: The image New Years Eve from 7th floor at Theodor-Heuss-Platz, Berlin, Germany courtesy of Benno Hansen at http://www.flickr.com/photos/bennohansen/5321698626/

Vielen Dank / Thank You Very Much!

2010-10-04T20:43:00.013-05:00

Hello, How are you doing? It certainly has been a while since I last wrote something here and I have no excuse for the wide gap between postings. However, after the events of this past weekend I really need to do a posting before it gets too late.

If you have been following the BerlinBrigade.com fan page on Facebook or the Twitter page, you may have read on a posting that I was looking for people in the Washington, D.C. area that were up for an impromptu BerlinBrigade.com meet-up. The reason as to why I was going to be in Washington, D.C. was kept on the down low until everything was set.

I was invited to the Residence of the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the United States to celebrate the Day of German Unity on the evening of Friday, October 1st. The Ambassador, Dr. Klaus Scharioth, and his wife were most gracious hosts and it was most wonderful of them to open their home to all that were present on Friday evening to share in the celebration of 20th Anniversary of German Unity.

Of course, we all know that it takes more than one person to say "Hey, let's have a party" and make the party happen. It takes a support staff to pull it off. Therefore, aside from a great big BERLIN BRIGADE(dot)com THANKS to His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Klaus Scharioth, I want to extend that same Big Thanks to Tanya Jones, an Editor at the German Embassy's Press Department and the countless other Embassy staff members, Security Personnel, Contractors, Caterers, and the Bundeswehr Musikkorps Band and a couple of others that will be named later.

It certainly was a thrill and I am so glad to have been able to attend. Vielen Dank!

A Cold War of Spies and Swaps and Berlin...

2010-07-10T14:58:00.005-05:00

Yesterday, a friend asked me what I thought about the recent spy swap that took place between the United States and Russia. I told him that it was no big deal as spy swaps have been occurring for as long as there have been spies that have been caught and it obviously continues after the fall of the Berlin wall. Swapping Spies will continue long into the future.

This time the question should be why did the exchange take place in Vienna and not in Berlin?

First a little history: since the end of World War II there have been numerous spy swaps that took place between in what was formerly known as East Germany and West Berlin. The swaps to place at a bridge connecting West Berlin to East Germany, the bridge was called (and still is) Glienicke Bridge otherwise known as the Freedom Bridge. The most famous of the Glienicke Bridge spy swaps was that of U2 pilot Francis Gary Powers and Rudolf Ivanovich Abel on February 10, 1962. Then over the years many other exchanges took place on that bridge. The last known official spy swap took place on February 11, 1986 when Soviet Jewish dissident Anatoly Shcharansky was exchanged for nine other alleged and convicted spies.

Now to answer the question of why not Berlin? The answer is quite simple. There is no more West Berlin; there is no more army of occupation. From 1945 to about 1991 the British, French, and U.S. Armed forces occupied the city of West Berlin and the Soviet Forces occupied East Berlin. That meant that the respective occupying governments governed both sides of the Berlin wall. It also meant they controlled how information processed and disseminated within the city of West Berlin. Therefore, when an exchange took place it took place out in the open but under tightly controlled conditions. That meant the media circus was kept to a few official military photographers and videographers that would release images to the top media exchanges of the day such as the Associated Press (AP), United Press International (UPI), and Reuters.

To even attempt the type of exchange that took place in Austria on the tarmac of the city's Vienna International Airport in the city Berlin would only be feasible if it took place on one of the city's currently operating two airports (Tegel Airport or the soon to be Berlin Brandenburg International Airport (BBI)). In this the modern, 24/7 always on world there are very few locations that are still under government control where access control is highly maintained. This makes airports such suitable facilities, for several security reasons there are areas that will never be photographed up close and there are certainly several areas, on the airport grounds, where aircraft can sit uninterrupted for extended periods of time where such exchanges can take place. This is especially important when the anonymity of the participants is not only needed but also expected.

The answer to the question of when can the next Spy Swap take place in Berlin? So long as the next spy swap happens after Berlin Brandenburg International Airport officially opens in 2012, Berlin can be next. Currently, Berlin Schönefeld Airport (Flughafen Berlin Schönefeld) is undergoing an expansion that will accommodate the air traffic generated with the closure of Tempelhof Airport in 2008 and Tegel Airport in 2012 when Berlin Schönefeld, which will be renamed to Berlin-Brandenburg International, will be ready for operations. At this time, BBI is full of construction equipment and personnel throughout the airport and the city of Berlin’s growth around Tegel Airport makes both sites not conducive to executing such spy swaps. However, in 2012 Berlin can then reclaim it's standing as the premier "Spy Swap" location on the planet.

In the meantime, back in the Gulf of Mexico...

Technorati Tags:
• Cold War • Berlin • West Berlin • Berlin Brigade • US Army • British Forces • French Forces • Soviet Forces • Spies • Spy Swap • Glienicke Bridge • Freedom Bridge • Tegel Airport • Tempelhof Airport • Berlin Brandenburg International Airport • Flughafen Berlin Schönefeld

Memorial Day 2010

2010-05-31T12:31:00.001-05:00

Memorial Day Greetings To All

I want to take a few seconds of your time to pass along this Memorial Day message to everyone.

Memorial Day is the one day that we as a nation take time to pause and pay homage to those soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines that paid the ultimate price while in service to this great nation, the United States of America.

If you haven’t done so please take a moment to remember all that have died in the name of keeping this nation free and allowing its citizens to continue living as one nation that has remained free for over 233 years.

If you have not done so that is OK because today Monday, May 31, 2010

At 3 PM EASTERN 2PM CENTRAL 1PM MOUNTAIN 12PM PACIFIC you are asked to observe the National Moment of Remembrance

As established by Congress you are asked to stop whatever you are doing and observe a minute's silence.

I agree 100% with the White House Commission on Remembrance when they said that the time was chosen because it is when most Americans are enjoying their freedoms on this national holiday.

I want to further add to the National Moment of Remembrance during that minute please include in your moment of remembrance those that served and are still serving.

Thank you.

You can hear this message on the BerlinBrigade.com Cinchcast at http://www.cinchcast.com/berlinbrigade/63255

Spring Forward

2010-03-14T20:29:00.004-05:00

How is your Spring Break going? Also I hope you made it through the spring forward of Daylight Saving Time or as I like to call it the "Long Night of 1 less hour of sleep."

Either way here we are and the latest episode of the BerlinBrigade.com Podcast is online. Right now, we are letting the episode propagate through the iTunes network before putting it on the front page (which should be later tonight (Sunday)).

If you didn't get a chance to listen to John Bolden, Jackie Dunn, Ray Williams, Michael Broadway talk about the escape from East Berlin to the West in episodes 17 & 18 don't worry those episodes can still be found on the PODCAST archives page, along with all the other podcasts.

Hope you are following us on the BerlinBrigade.com Fan Page on Facebook. We are having a lot of fun, sharing plenty of images, having a great conversation, and having a great time.

I will post a follow up message once the podcast is fully online.

Thanks for your time,
Dave

March Madness Already?

2010-03-04T22:07:00.006-06:00

Greetings again everyone,
Hope things are going good with you and yours. Can you believe it's March already? Talk about time flying. Just wanted to take a few minutes to bring you up to date with what's been going on around here at BerlinBrigade.com.

1. I do hope you liked the past two podcast episodes. It was certainly a treat having John Bolden, Ray Williams, Michael Broadway, and Jackie Dunn share their unique story. However, editing has begun on a new episode of the BerlinBrigade.com podcast and another exciting interview is on tap for you.

2. I will also mix in the quick interview that I had a couple of weekends ago with Tom Hartney of the Berlin U.S. Military Veterans Association regarding their upcoming reunion to Berlin in August.

3. I will talk about something very special that I received from one of our Allies.

4. Plus, I will answer some email and give a few shout outs, as well.

In the meantime, this evening I updated the Registry Database and added the Blog page to the website. So check them out. I do hope you are liking that new registry display page that shows the latest additions or changes to the registry.

Before, I sign out for the evening be sure to follow us on Twitter and on Facebook, the links are on the home page. I invite you to come join the conversation with all of us.

Thank you for your time,
Dave Guerra

Presidents Day 2010 and a word or two about holidays.

2010-02-15T12:29:00.000-06:00

Made it through the holiday season. Whether you were at home right here in the United States, at home in Berlin, or deployed forward at some FOB I do hope that everyone had a wonderful time. Today is Presidents Day here in the United States pretty much that's it for holidays until Memorial Day.

Of course, we have Easter, St. Patrick's Day, and Earth Day between now and then. In the meantime you can't forget Sunday March 14th that's when Daylight Saving Time starts (Spring Forward...which means that those on CQ get one less hour of duty but if you are up late it means one less hour of sleep, as well).

Better not forget Sunday May 9th is Mothers Day. Of course, the start of parade season begins with Armed Forces Day and this year Monday May 31st is Memorial Day.

While there might not be any more Federal (day off) holidays between now and the end of May there is still plenty to celebrate. Heckm if you need an excuse celebrate then pick any day and celebrate or wait until International Polar Bear Day on February 27 or April 29 as it is National Shrimp Scampi Day.

Enjoy this Presidents Day and remember Spring begins on Saturday, March 20th.

January 10, 2010

2010-01-10T18:43:00.001-06:00

Just want to pass along that REGISTRY has been updated. All submissions for addition, deletion, and change between late November 2009 and January 10, 2010 have been made and are now online.

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2009-12-01T22:49:00.001-06:00

This is a Technorati Claim test
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Is it 20+ years already?

2009-11-04T18:07:00.000-06:00

By now, I hope you have had a chance to check out the new BerlinBrigade.com re-design. I also hope you like it. If you had not had a chance to see the new look please stop by.

Right now, I find myself with my family in a hotel room in Houston, Texas getting ready for our flight to Berlin to be in town for the 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Fall of the Berlin Wall.

The last time I was in the city was 22 years ago, two years before the wall fell. Though I was there when President Ronald Reagan gave his famous "Tear Down This Wall" speech, I never thought that I would see the wall fall anytime soon. However, there was that crazy night in November 1989 that the world changed and it changed forever.

I was in Houston (coincidence???) when I saw the late Peter Jennings reporting that unexpected things were happening in Berlin. The first thing I thought was that it was feint and the Warsaw Pact was making an unprovoked first strike. Once the news really started to flow, I knew that it was not an invasion of armed forces but an invasion of the people those forces were in place to keep behind the Iron Curtain.

It was also at that moment that I, along with all others that ever served in Berlin, realized that we did it. We won the Cold War, we accomplished the mission, we did it. Everyone that ever served in the city of Berlin; British, French, and US forces along with everyone that ever served during the years of 1945 to 1989. We did it. We did it together.

That being said and if you are in Berlin on Monday November 9, 2009, I invite you to stop by the Allied Museum (Outpost Theater) on Clayallee just north of Clay Compound for a special presentation that afternoon.

A few last words about the website. Next to my family, the love and passion that I have for BerlinBrigade.com cannot be rivaled. You could say that the website has grown into another member of the family. Therefore, as families grow they also change and you can rest assured that look of BerlinBrigade.com will change again. However, it won't be anytime soon.

Out Here.

Registry Update

2009-08-08T21:22:00.000-05:00

Greetings. Hope everyone is having a great weekend. Just wanted to pass along that the registry is up-to-date. All entries from May 24 to August 8 (12:00pm) are now online. Hope you find an old buddy with this latest update.

More changes to the site coming soon.

Thanks for your continued support,
Dave

June 21, 2009 Update

2009-06-21T10:01:00.000-05:00

Happy Father's Day!!!! Hope all the Dads out there have a wonderful day.

Also, a new podcast is now online. Enjoy!

Dave

Registry Update

2009-05-23T23:35:00.000-05:00

Hope your Memorial Day Weekend is going great. Just wanted to let you know that ALL entries between April 1 and May 23 appear on the registry database.

A new podcast coming this week.

Thanks
Dave

April 21, 2009 Update

2009-04-22T22:37:00.000-05:00

Just a quick note to let you know that the REGISTRY has been updated with the Changes, Additions, and Deletions that have been requested from 03/17/09 to 04/01/09.

More Changes and Adds coming this weekend.

Thanks
Dave

March 18, 2009 Update

2009-03-18T10:45:00.000-05:00

Good Day All,
Just a quick note to let you know that the REGISTRY has been updated with the Changes, Additions, and Deletions that have been requested from 02/22/09 to 03/17/09.

Thanks
Dave

March 15, 2009 Update

2009-03-15T13:08:00.000-05:00

Greetings everyone. Hope these recent winter storms are not keeping you from doing what you need to do, but if they are then here is a little something to pass the time. The latest episode of the BerlinBrigade.com podcast is now online. I invite you to set aside about 45 minutes and have a listen.

Thanks,
David

Sunday March 8, 2009 Update

2009-03-08T13:29:00.000-05:00

Folks,
I have a really important podcast interview to post. However, I have not received the approval to post it. Typically, when an interview is recorded I tell the interviewee that I will not post the interview until I get their approval. In order to do this I format the interview into a cohesive format and post it online for their review and approval. If the approval is given I proceed with posting it in the form of a new podcast.

Right now, we are on hold until the approval is given. So if you and I recently talked please check your email as there may be a message waiting for you.

Also, for everyone else please do not be discouraged by the process, I do this to ensure that the interviewee does not get surprised by what is being posted online.

Lastly, I do continue to invite everyone to drop me an email so that we can get you on the podcast. I know you have something to say, we all have something to say, so come on say it.

Thanks
Dave

Registry Update (02/21/09)

2009-02-21T23:11:00.000-06:00

Registry has been updated for add, removal, and change submissions from 1/29/09 to 2/21/09.

Thanks

Podcast #11 Now Online

2009-01-26T00:02:00.000-06:00

Seems that I had my days mixed up. However, better a day late than none at all. Podcast #11 is now online please enjoy.

Talk to you soon, Dave

January 23, 2009

2009-01-24T20:58:00.000-06:00

Registry updated for all entries submitted between 12/24/2008 - 01/23/2009.

New Podcast Scheduled to be online on 01/24/2009.

Thanks for your patience
David Guerra

Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T20:15:00.001-06:00

From Me to You and Your Family: MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!

12/14/08: Registry Update

2008-12-14T16:00:00.000-06:00

Happy Holidays All,
I found myself with some free time this Late Fall/Early Winter Sunday. I am pleased to announced that as of 3:00PM Central Time on Sunday, December 14, 2008 the registry submissions are caught up.

Next to work on will be the Podcast and Part 2 of Rob Pellington's interview, some new images will be online and to ring in the new year a very special surprise for everyone.

Season's Greetings to All
Dave

11/09/08 Update

2008-11-09T21:46:00.000-06:00

Today commemorates the 19th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. As well, Podcast #9 has been uploaded. Check it out.

11/02/08 Update

2008-11-02T08:50:00.000-06:00

As per BERLIN BRIGADE Directive 08-1101: You are hereby ordered to assemble at your closest place of polling/vote between the hours of 0700 and 1900 local time on 4 NOVEMBER 2008. Once assembled you are hereby directed to VOTE for candidate(s) of your own personal choice.

Once you have completed that task you are dismissed for the day.

If anyone tells you different you tell them that this is as per BERLIN BRIGADE Directive 08-1101.

Seriously, VOTE!!!

Also, the Unit Registry has been updated with the entries submitted between SEPTEMBER 16 and OCTOBER 15.

Talk to you soon,
Dave

Registry Update (10/11/08)

2008-10-12T12:13:00.000-05:00

The Registry has been updated with entries from 09/01/08 to 09/15/08.

October 4 Updates

2008-10-04T11:21:00.000-05:00

Here we are again. Just a quick note letting you know that the registry has been updated for submissions submitted between August 18 to August 31.

Further entry submissions will be uploaded throughout the weekend.
Thanks
Dave

Post Hurricane Ike

2008-09-17T20:38:00.000-05:00

Greetings all,
Just wanted to take this time to give ya'll a quick update. We should have updated registry entries online this weekend.

Part two of the Rob Pellington Interview is forthcoming. We had a slight administrative hold but now that things have started settling down we are getting back on track.

On a side note, just want to let those that are in the Houston/Galveston area know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Keep fighting the good fight.

Everyone else, please consider making a donation to the American Red Cross to help their efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike.

Thanks
Dave

Alert Notice: 09/05/2008

2008-09-05T21:18:00.000-05:00

Attention All Personnel...

Just wanted to express to all that our thoughts and prayers are with those in the Carolinas and the entire Eastern Seaboard as you prepare to feel the effects of Tropical Storm Hanna. Stay Safe.

BERLIN BRIGADE ALERT NOTICE

2008-08-30T08:13:00.000-05:00

ATTENTION ALL PERSONNEL.....ESPECIALLY IN THE U.S. GULF COAST REGION.

You are hereby directed to Stay Safe, Be Careful, Protect yourself, Protect Your Loved Ones.

Our prayers and wishes for your safety as Hurricane Gustav makes his approach into the Gulf of Mexico and anticipated landfall are with you.

If anyone needs anything please drop us an email and we post it online for all members BerlinBrigade.com to see and act on.

Until the all clear has been given, please know we are thinking about you.

Take Great Care,
Dave & BerlinBrigade.com

-----nothing follows

August 16, 2008 Update

2008-08-16T18:46:00.000-05:00

Greetings all...the registry has been updated and a new podcast is now online. Please enjoy.

Thanks for your patience,
Dave

About the Podcast

2008-08-09T08:38:00.001-05:00

I will be putting up another podcast up. There have been a few personal and technical glitches that have been slowing me down. Not to fear the Episode #8 is coming soon.

Thanks
Dave

August 6, 2008 Registry Update

2008-08-06T23:08:00.000-05:00

With the storms behind us now, things are getting back to normal. With that being said, the Registry has been updated. All registry entries from mid July to August 6, 2008 have been added to the database and are now online for your review.

Thanks
Dave

Back online (07/29)

2008-07-29T10:30:00.000-05:00

Greetings all, by now you have heard that Hurricane Dolly made a little mess in deep south Texas. Being that the BerlinBrigade.com World Headquarters is located in deep, south Texas and at one point was less than 15 miles from the eye of the hurricane we were without power and Internet for a while. The good people that provide us with electricity and Internet access have brought us back into the 21st Century.

We still have some cleaning up to do, but for the most part things should be back to normal by the weekend. In the meantime, I thank you for your continued support and please pardon the delay in getting things online.

Thanks,
Dave

July 6, 2008

2008-07-06T21:20:00.000-05:00

Greetings all,
First off, I do hope everyone had a Safe and Wonderful Independence Day Holiday and Weekend.

So let's me make this a quick note to let you know that the Registry Datadase has been updated with all entries submitted from June 15, 2008 to mid-day July 6, 2008.

Episode 8 of the BerlinBrigade.com Podcast is in post production, be on the lookout for it.

As always I Thank You for your continued support,
Dave

Father's Day 2008

2008-06-15T17:24:00.001-05:00

To All The Fathers Out There....BerlinBrigade.com wishes you A Very Happy Father's Day.
The Registry Database has been updated. A new podcast is scheduled to be online this coming weekend (06/20-06/21) New Guest, New Insights, New Stuff...
Thanks for stopping by,
Dave

Armed Forces Day / May 17, 2008

2008-05-17T11:15:00.000-05:00

Website Update & Part two of John Parmenter's interview on the BerlinBrigade.com podcast is now online.

The REGISTRY ONLINE FORM is now OPERATIONAL. It had been offline since APRIL 12. I got the problem fixed early this morning and it is back.

If you submitted any changes, adds, or deletions between APRIL 12 and MAY 17 please resubmit your information.

I do apologize for taking longer than expected to get back online. The computer crash in late April had be scrambling to recover data.

Thanks for your understand and patience during this time. Now have a great weekend!!!!

Podcast, Registry & Website Updated

2008-04-13T12:07:00.000-05:00

A three for one this week.

The registry has been updated with changes and additions for submissions dated up to Saturday April 12, 2008.

Podcast Episode #5 is now online. Please enjoy.

Commerce Page has been updated with 6th Infantry gear and links.

Enjoy,
Dave

BerlinBrigade.com Site Update & New PodCast

2008-03-26T12:47:00.000-05:00

The registry has been updated with entries up to Monday, March, 24, 2008.

Podcast Episode #4 is now online. Part 2 of our interview with Inga Nye.

Next episode in approximately 2 weeks. Thanks

Registry Update & Podcast Online

2008-03-09T16:43:00.000-05:00

The Registry has been update with names and change of addresses. Thanks.

Episode 3 of the BerlinBrigade.com Podcast is now online. You might need to refresh your PC. Enjoy

Dave

PODCAST EPISODE #2 NOW ONLINE

2008-02-24T19:03:00.000-06:00

That's right the second BerlinBrigade.com Podcast is now online. You might have to refresh the BERLINBRIGADE.com homepage to see the change. Please enjoy.

Updates (02/18/08)

2008-02-18T07:56:00.000-06:00

The registry has been updated and is online. New Podcast will be online within the next couple of days.

Thanks
David

Registry Updated (02/10/08)

2008-02-10T12:06:00.001-06:00

The registry has been updated with entries and corrections from January 26, 2008 to February 10, 2008 (1200hrs CST). Thanks, Dave

REGISTRY Updated

2008-01-26T13:28:00.000-06:00

The BerlinBrigade.com Registry has been updated with all entries from December 1 to January 26, 2008 (1300hrs CST). Thanks -Dave

More to come soon.

And We're Back

2008-01-21T07:59:00.000-06:00

The move is now complete and the data is all in place. The rest of today (01/21) will be spent doing live testing. So if you find a link or image missing please drop me a note.

Thanks

WE ARE MOVING

2008-01-15T18:23:00.000-06:00

IT LOOKS LIKE WE HAVE FINALLY SOLVED ALL THE HOSTING PROBLEMS AND BERLINBRIGADE.com WILL BE MOVING TO ITS OWN SERVER.

STARTING WEDNESDAY JANUARY 15, 2008 THE MIGRATION WILL BEGIN,

I ANTICIPATE THE COMPLETE CONVERSION DONE BY THE END OF THIS THREE-DAY WEEKEND.

I THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE AND SUPPORT.

SO IF WE ARE OFFLINE, IT'S BECAUSE WE ARE MOVING. WE WILL SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE.

DAVE

Happy New Year

2008-01-01T09:54:00.000-06:00

Greetings all,
It is now 2008. With 2007 in the rear view mirror, I wish everyone a Happy, Safe, and Prosperous 2008.

Now let's get down to some serious business.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

2007-12-22T06:12:00.000-06:00

Due to spending some serious holiday time with the family, I will not be sending out the traditional Christmas email to all 2,963 of you. However, I will post my note here on the blog. I know that it is not the same as getting a big old email still the sentiment is the same.

Another Holiday season is upon us and I hope it finds you and your loved ones in Good Health and all the wealth of the world be yours, not just at this time of the year but for all the days to come.

This coming year marks the beginning of the second decade of BerlinBrigade.com being online. It truly has been a blessing being able to provide the service I do to all of you, in helping keep the traditions, memories, and (above all) friendships strong and alive. 2008 marks the 14th year since the colors of the Berlin Brigade were cased and the unit deactivated. Yet, 14 years seems like nothing considering that people are still making connections with old friends and finding new ones.

I also want to take the time to thank everyone that purchased Berlin Brigade gear over at CafePress. This coming year there will be more designs and gear online to so that you can show your UNIQUE pride of the Berlin Brigade. A lot of cool stuff is yet to come.

Also, I want to give a thanks to those on the internet that have also contributed to help keep the Berlin Brigade memories alive and well. Reinhard von Bronewski: Vielen Danke, Doug Bottalico and everyone over at Berlin Brigade Wall Watchers: Thank You For Keeping the Conversation Going.

Let us also take the time to remember those that are no longer with us. Though they will be missed and we are sad, we also must rejoice that they were part of our lives and at one point we even called them BROTHERS. Now they are at peace and we must continue to remember them, not in sadness but in joy, that way they will always live on in our hearts and minds.

Take the time and THANK an Active Duty Soldier, Sailor, Airman, and Marine. Tell them you appreciate what they are doing, because you once walked the path they now take and know how they feel this holiday season or anytime they are away from home.

Thank a Veteran, as well. It was all of us that blazed the trail for those that have come after us.

Thank You, Have a wonderful holiday season and I leave you with these parting words

Stay safe.
Don't Eat Too Much (OK, eat as much as you like but there will be a P.T. test just after the first of year)
Don't Drink and Drive
Swim with a buddy
HAVE A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Dave

P.S. Last Registry update for 2007 will be online just after Christmas.

Registry Update (December 1, 2007)

2007-12-01T22:40:00.000-06:00

The registry has been updated with the submissions from November 23, 2007 to December 1, 2007. Thanks and enjoy. Dave

Registry Update

2007-11-24T11:16:00.000-06:00

Greetings All,
I hope you are having a great Thanksgiving Weekend. The registry is up to date with the submissions from October 2, 2007 up to November 23, 2007. Thanks and enjoy. Dave

Happy Thanksgiving 2007

2007-11-22T23:12:00.001-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving from me. I hope you have a wonderful holiday and an even better Black Friday, if you are not too sure what Black Friday is, well check out this Black Friday Ads website.

Now if today is not a holiday in your part of the world, then there is nothing wrong with giving thanks without the need of a formally declared day, so please give thanks your way.

Website update this weekend.

Berlin Brigade Registry Updated 09/29/2007

2007-09-29T20:30:00.000-05:00

The Berlin Brigade(dot)com Registry has been updated. This covers all the registry additions, changes, and removals for the Month of September 2007.

I know I said that new PICs were going to be online soon, and as time has been slipping by this month I did not finish that update. However, I am working on the last gallery addition now, I do not expect it to be much longer. Please keep an eye out for these cool pics.

Thanks
David

Berlin Brigade Registry Update 08/31/07

2007-08-31T19:20:00.001-05:00

Greetings everyone,
In keeping with the site updates and changes this long weekend the last registry database update for August 2007 has been uploaded. This update was made effective on Friday August 31, 2007 at approximately 4:00pm CST.

Also this blog entry is now viewable on the home page of the Berlin Brigade website.

Tags: Berlin Brigade, Berlin, registry, update, more to come

Berlin Brigade Labor Day Weekend Briefing

2007-08-30T23:19:00.001-05:00

Attention All Personnel.
You are hereby directed to have one each regulation type Labor Day Weekend. In Accordance With BerlinBrigade.com Policy 07-009 you will observer the Labor Day Weekend with the following conditions:

1. Do not drink and drive
    A. If you drink you will call a taxi or
    B. you will have a designated driver
2. If you go swimming
    A. You will swim with a buddy or
    B. Where a lifeguard is present
3. If you get picked up by the MPs for any reason you will
    A. NOT call the First Sergeant as he will not answer the phone all weekend
    B. be on time for Tuesday Morning Formation (NO EXCUSES)

Additionally, there will be Registry Additions and Layout Changes made to the BerlinBrigade.com website during the weekend. So until then you are

DIS-MISSED!!!

Tags: Berlin Brigade, Berlin, Labor Day, MPs, 1st Sergeant

Powered by Qumana

Berlin Brigade Database Back Under Control

2007-08-27T18:57:00.001-05:00

Not too sure what happened but the database is working fine at this time. Let's see how long it will last.

This weekend, the first Registry update for September will be online.
New individual pictures for the gallery
Plus a few goodies.

Thanks
Dave Guerra

Tags: Berlin Brigade, database, registry, gallery

Website Update

2007-08-24T21:51:00.000-05:00

There appears to be some problems with the BerlinBrigade.com registry database.

I will be working on it over the weekend and hopefully have the problem resolved.

I do apologize for the inconvenience,
David Guerra

Berlin Brigade (dot) com August 10, 2007 Update

2007-08-11T11:17:00.000-05:00

Attention All Personnel:

IAW BerlinBrigade.com policies and procedures, this serves as notice that Registry has been updated with latest additions and changes to individual entries.

Additionally, we continue with the recognition of the August 13, 1961 building of the Berlin Wall, by bringing down the prices on the Divided City merchandise. All the items at the Berlin: The Divided City CAFEPRESS.com page have been discounted for the next 30 days.

Remember, a portion of the sales continues goes to a Military based charitable organization.

That is all...nothing follows

Berlin Brigade (dot) com July 29, 2007 Site Update

2007-07-29T12:17:00.000-05:00

Here we are again. This week we have more adds and changes to the registry database. There were two links removed from the LINKS page. As always, if you have a link that you would like posted on the LINKS page of BerlinBrigade.com then send us an email telling us about the link and the web address at info@berlinbrigade.com.

In recognition of the August 13, 1961 building of the Berlin Wall, we are bringing down the proces on the Divided City merchandise. All the items at the Berlin: The Divided City CAFEPRESS.com page have been discounted for the next 30 days. You can click here to access the Berlin: The Divided City CafePress page at http://www.cafepress.com/berlindivided

So until next time: Stand At, Ease!
Dave

CFL (Call For Links)

2007-07-27T12:47:00.001-05:00

Attention All Personnel

This weekend BerlinBrigade.com will be updating its LINKS section. ALL outdated links will be removed. Additionally, if you have a link that you would like added please send an email with that link to info@berlinbrigade.com

------nothing follows

July 22 Update

2007-07-22T12:10:00.001-05:00

Greetings all,
Here we are again for another site update. This week there were 14 additions or changes to the registry.

As you may have noticed on the front page of the website there is a new logo image and link. It is to Hire-A-Hero (dot) org.

Hire A Hero is a non-profit program that helps the military community network before, during and after their transition back into civilian life. Volunteers help to power this online community. They dedicate their time and energy at hometowns across America to help these men and women network into good jobs. If you too would like to help in this cause or if you are in need of assistance back into your civilian life, visit www.hireahero.org Everyone has a role.

So, as you have a moment or two head on over to their website and check out what they have to offer. There is something there for everyone.

So until next time have a great week.
Dave

Registry Update / July 13, 2007

2007-07-13T22:36:00.000-05:00

That's right we're back with another update.

I hope everyone made it back, safe, and sound to last Monday Morning's First Formation of the day especially after the 4th of July and the weekend immediately thereafter.

Here at the Brigade, not much has been going on other than the registry database interface was successful and we are going on two weeks. There have been a few minor issues, but all are background and you still see all the info without reservation.

There are still a few days left to get your BerlinBrigade.com Gear at a reduced rate. Remember as of today there are ONLY 165 days till Christmas, so its not too late to start shopping. If you don't get your gear now, there will be a special access page for those readers of this blog. So keep checking back for more information.

Before I forget, be sure to check out the registry, the latest additions and changes have been uploaded. Folks, I do ask one thing of everyone; if you are wanting to change your email address in the registry then please use the online Registry form and in the comments section write "CHANGE OF EMAIL ADDRESS". Thank you.

So until next time, DISMISSED!

07-07-07 Update

2007-07-07T12:44:00.000-05:00

Greetings Fellow Berliners!!!
I hope everyone had a safe and Happy Independence Day! It is 07/07/07 and it's definitely a Lucky day. It seems that the database interface for the website started working, thus the new look on the registry pages. The updates are loaded and ready for your viewing pleasure.

Until Next Time, Enjoy
Dave

NEWSFLASH: DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE SIGNED

2007-07-04T09:02:00.000-05:00

IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

The 56 signatures on the Declaration appear in the positions indicated:

Column 1
Georgia:
Button Gwinnett
Lyman Hall
George Walton

Column 2
North Carolina:
William Hooper
Joseph Hewes
John Penn
South Carolina:
Edward Rutledge
Thomas Heyward, Jr.
Thomas Lynch, Jr.
Arthur Middleton

Column 3
Massachusetts:
John Hancock
Maryland:
Samuel Chase
William Paca
Thomas Stone
Charles Carroll of Carrollton
Virginia:
George Wythe
Richard Henry Lee
Thomas Jefferson
Benjamin Harrison
Thomas Nelson, Jr.
Francis Lightfoot Lee
Carter Braxton

Column 4
Pennsylvania:
Robert Morris
Benjamin Rush
Benjamin Franklin
John Morton
George Clymer
James Smith
George Taylor
James Wilson
George Ross
Delaware:
Caesar Rodney
George Read
Thomas McKean

Column 5
New York:
William Floyd
Philip Livingston
Francis Lewis
Lewis Morris
New Jersey:
Richard Stockton
John Witherspoon
Francis Hopkinson
John Hart
Abraham Clark

Column 6
New Hampshire:
Josiah Bartlett
William Whipple
Massachusetts:
Samuel Adams
John Adams
Robert Treat Paine
Elbridge Gerry
Rhode Island:
Stephen Hopkins
William Ellery
Connecticut:
Roger Sherman
Samuel Huntington
William Williams
Oliver Wolcott
New Hampshire:
Matthew Thornton

=====
courtesy: http://www.archives.gov/national-archives-experience/charters/declaration_transcript.html

June 23 Registry Update

2007-06-23T11:21:00.000-05:00

Greetings All,
Well, I just completed another update to the Registry this morning and got to thinking. This will probably be the last Registry update until after the 4th of July. As everyone remembers the 4th of July typically signified the end of Parade Season. Then focus would started up on Spandau Guard (when it was still occupied), BB Guard, ARTEPS, and of course VOLKSFEST.

This year the Deutsch-Amerikanisches Volksfest will run from July 27 to August 19 and its spotlight city is Los Angeles. So if you get a chance head on down to the corner of Clayallee and Argentinische Allee. Remember, its just across the street from Oskar-Helene Heim U-Bahnhof. Who knows who you might just see?

This week there are changes and additions to the following Unit Pages.
592nd Signal • 4/502nd Infantry • 40th Armor • 3/6th Infantry • 279 Station Hospital • 287 MP Co • Detachment A • MEDDAC • Field Station Berlin • 5/502nd Infantry • 6/502nd Infantry • 42 Engineer • HHC Berlin Brigade

A new Link was added to the LINKS page: The Cold War Museum's Berlin Chapter

As your special gift for making it down this far in the blog I have something for you. All the items at the original BerlinBrigade CAFEPRESS.com page have been discounted for the next 30 days. You can click here to access the BerlinBrigade CafePress page at http://www.cafepress.com/berlinbrigade

So until next time, Have a Safe and Wonderful Independence Day.
Dave

Oh and before I forget "PASS IN REVIEW!!!!"

June 10th Registry Update

2007-06-10T10:50:00.000-05:00

That's right, another update so soon. What's going on, you ask? Well I have found myself with a little bit of free time. So I make the updates and we all win.

So here are this week's Registry updates

42nd Engineer
592 Signal
Service Co.
4/18 Infantry
287 MP Co.
6/502 Infantry
4/6 Infantry
3/6 Infantry
4/502 Infantry
USCOB

Registry Update (05/26/2007)

2007-05-26T09:51:00.001-05:00

Another Registry Update has been made. This week there are 11 names added and some changes.

Units affected to this week's change:

3rd Battalion 6th Infantry Regiment
Field Station Berlin
MEDDAC
6th Battalion 502nd Infantry Regiment
4th Battalion 18th Infantry Regiment
5th Battalion 502nd Infantry Regiment
USASAFS
32oth Field Artillery
Combat Support Battalion
Helmstedt Support Detachment
592nd Signal Support

New Images added to the gallery this weekend.

Registry Updated (5/19/07)

2007-05-19T10:23:00.000-05:00

There BerlinBrigade.com Registry has been updated (and there was much rejoicing). The following units were updated:

298th Band (1 entry)
5/502nd (1 entry)
6941st Guards (1 entry)
Allied Staff (1 entry)
Misc Unit (1 entry)
USCOB (1 entry)
4/18 (2 entries)
42 Eng (2 entries)
592 Signal (2 entries)
94 FA (2 entries)
HHC BBDE (2 entries)
FSB (2 entries)
MEDDAC (2 entries)
Signal Support (2 entries)
4/502 (3 entries)
40 Armor (3 entries)
Helmstedt (3 entries)
4/6 (4 entries)
287 MPs (6 entries)
2/6 (7 entries)
3/6 (9 entries)
6/502 (9 entries)

Test Message

2007-04-20T22:04:00.001-05:00

Tonight, I am testing a new submission platform. It should help make posting to the blog a little easier. Hopefully, that ease means more posts.

BerlinBrigade.com update for the week starting 04/08/07

2007-04-08T12:33:00.000-05:00

For the week starting April 08, 2007 here is the plan:

Update registry (there are over 35 entries to be added)
Launch new promotional campaign with History Channel to promote their new show Sherman's March premiering on April 22, 2007 at 9pm/8c.
Update: Server move has been postponed to the next 3-day weekend (Memorial Day weekend). More information coming on that situation.
Thank you to all.

March 2007 Update

2007-03-04T15:54:00.000-06:00

Registry update was made for units: 2/6 INF, 3/6INF, 4/6INF, HHC BBDE, 298 Band, 2nd Battle Group/6th INF, 3rd Battle Group/6th INF, 4/502INF, 5/502INF, 6/502INF, 42Eng, FSB, USASAFS, 592nd SSC, 6947 Gd Bn, BBDE Drill Team, and MEDDAC

Winner of BerlinBrigade.com Swag Pack for March 2006 is a member of 287MP Co.

Past Winners:
Feb. 2007 member of 6th Battalion 502nd Infantry Regiment.
January 2007 member of 4th Battalion 6th Infantry Regiment.

The Swag Packs are on the way. Slight Production error caused the delay.

Remember everyone that requests to receive BerlinBrigade.com electronic newsletters is eligible. Previous winners are not eligible to win again as part of the 10th Anniversary Giveaway.

BerlinBrigade.com Swag Pack Winner for January 2007

2007-01-16T12:27:00.000-06:00

In keeping with the email that was sent out on 12/24/06, to those that have opted to received emails as part of submitting their registry, the first of 12 winners in 2007 of the BerlinBrigade.com Swag Pack has been selected.

The January 2007 BerlinBrigade.com Swag Pack Winner is from 4th Battalion 6th Infantry Regiment. Congratulations!

Next Random selection will be done in February 2007.

Thanks,
David

Einen Guten Rutsch Ins Neue Jahr! / Happy New Year

2007-01-01T14:03:00.000-06:00

I want to wish everyone a very Happy and Prosperous 2007. We have come a long way from those days of our youth in a city that we would eventually grow to love and miss so much. Now we are in a world that is moving faster and faster everyday, yet we continue to be bound by what our time in Berlin taught us.

Each one of us are bound to each other by that honor and privilege to have served in the most unique city this small planet of ours has ever known. Our common history unites us, though we might have been in Berlin at different times, yet we all shared the same experiences.

To citizens of Berlin, we wish you a Wonderful and Prosperous 2007. Through your continued support of our time in Berlin, we were able to cut through the language and cultural barriers and in the process we found ourselves citizens of Berlin, as well.

Thank you,
David
================================
Entschuldigen Sie mein Deutsches, bitte.

Ich möchte jeder ein sehr glückliches und erfolgreiches 2007 wünschen. Wir sind weit von jenen Tagen unserer Jugend in einer Stadt gekommen, daß wir würden schließlich uns zu Liebe entwickeln und vermissen soviel. Jetzt sind wir in einer Welt, die schnelleres und schnelleres tägliches verschiebt, dennoch fahren wir fort, gesprungen zu werden durch, was unsere Zeit in Berlin uns beibrachte.

Jedes von uns werden miteinander durch diese Ehre gesprungen und Privileg in der einzigartigsten Stadt gedient haben, die dieser kleine Planet von unseren überhaupt gekannt hat. Unsere allgemeine Geschichte vereinigt uns, obwohl wir in Berlin zu den unterschiedlichen Zeiten gewesen sein konnten, dennoch wir ganz die gleichen Erfahrungen teilten.

Zu den Bürgern von Berlin, wünschen wir Ihnen wundervolles und erfolgreiches 2007. Durch Ihre anhaltende Unterstützung unserer Zeit in Berlin, waren wir in der Lage, die Sprache und die kulturellen Sperren durchzuschneiden und im Prozeß fanden uns wir Bürger von Berlin, außerdem.

Danke,
David

Merry Christmas Website Update

2006-12-22T17:29:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that the website has had the registry updated with all site submissions. Over the weekend, the email changes that were submitted via other methods than the online registry form will be added.

Thanks and Merry Christmas
Dave

P.S. The following unit pages were updated: 2/6 Inf, 279 Hosp, 287 MP, 298 Band, 3/6, 320 FA, 4/18, 4/502, 4/6, 40 Arm, 42 Eng, 5/502, 592 Signal, 6/502, 6941st Gd Bn, 94 FA, AFN-Berlin, Aviation Detachment ,HHC BBDE, CSB, Det A, Drill Team, FSB, HSD, Misc, Signal Support, Svc Co, and USMLM

Website Update

2006-10-15T23:10:00.000-05:00

The Commerce Page has been updated with some new designs that you can get over at CafePress.com

There are a few more designs coming online just in time before the Holiday Season kicks off.

The October Registry update will be in before the end of the month.

As always we thank you for your continued support.

09262006 Registry Update Complete

2006-09-26T22:51:00.000-05:00

The following unit registry pages have been updated:

2/6 - 287 MP - 298 Army Band - 2BTG/6 - 3/6 - 4/18 - 4/502 - 4/6 - 40 Armor - 42 Engineer
5/502 - 592 SSC - 6/502 - 7350 Support - 94 FA - AFN Berlin - Aviation Detachment - Drill Team - FSB - HSD - Svc Co - Unk - USCOB

Thank you for your patience,
David

July 29 Website Updated

2006-07-29T18:53:00.000-05:00

All the inbound Registry additions and email change requests for the last month have been added to the REGISTRY database.

COMMERCE page has been update with UNIT GUIDON FLAGS for all 4th Battalion, 502nd Infantry Companies A, B, C, CSC, and HHC. UNIT GUIDON FLAGS for all 5th Battalion, 502nd Infantry Companies A, B, C, CSC, and HHC added as well.

More stuff coming soon.

Additionally, a NEW SHAMELESS SELF-PROMOTION page will be coming online in the coming weeks. The purpose of this section will be for those former members of the Brigade to promote their goods or services to other former members of the Berlin Brigade. So if you have a business, service, or goods that you want to promote, start getting your information together.

DO NOT SEND anything in until, we ask for it as the section is undergoing testing right now and NOT ready to accept live data.

The live audio history program is still in development and should be coming online sometime in the fall.

That's all the news that's fit. Thanks
David

Registry Update July 1, 2006

2006-06-27T20:25:00.000-05:00

The Registry will be updated Saturday July 1, 2006.

Thanks again for your continued support,
David

D-Day +62 years

2006-06-06T00:31:00.000-05:00

Today, BerlinBrigade.com stops and remembers the sacrifices of everyone who participated in the greatest invasion in the history of this small planet. It was early in the morning of Tuesday, June 6, 1944 that "Operation Overlord" was launched.

Thank them for accomplishing their mission, so we could accomplish our.

Take a moment a say a prayer for those that did not make it off that beach alive, say a prayer for those that did but did not make it home, and especially say a prayer for those that made it off the beach, made it home, but never can forget the memories of that day of days.

-Dave

Memorial Day 2006

2006-05-28T23:24:00.000-05:00

Memorial Day, according to MemorialDay.org, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. One day to honor those that have paid the ultimate price, I don't think so. We should remember them every single day we live in this nation. Just like we wake up every morning and give Thanks to God for giving us this day, we should also Thank God for giving us those brave individuals who answered the call and paid the ultimate price.

As a veteran, I have nothing but the highest respect and honor for my fellow veterans and active duty military men and women. When it comes to those Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines that have died in the line of performing their duty something greater comes over me. A sense that I owe them an honor that I can never begin to offer properly. So I do what I can. I will raise the flag with Pride and Honor that I was part of a great organization that made men of such caliber and grateful to be born in a nation that has had such men living among us.

Enjoy Your Memorial Day.

ALL REGISTRY UNITS ARE ONLINE

2006-05-24T22:11:00.000-05:00

Good news. Just in time for the Memorial Day Weekend. All units represented in the REGISTRY are now online.

Additionally, the gallery has its images restored.

Now we can begin regular updates. Thank you for your patience.

Registry Update

2006-04-23T18:22:00.000-05:00

As of 6:15pm Central Time, we currently have the registry pages online for

1st Battalion 6th Infantry (1/6 Infantry)
2nd Battalion 6th Infantry (2/6 Infantry)
287th Military Police Co.
2nd Battle Group 6th Infantry (2BTG/6 Infantry)
279th Station Hospital
298th Army Band

The rest will be coming online throughout the course of the upcoming week. I thank you for your patience and, above all, continued support. Dave.

Up and Running....well sort of

2006-04-18T22:08:00.000-05:00

We are up and running but not at 100%. The registry database is not fully functional. We should have it all under control by the weekend.

Thanks
David

Pardon The Interruption

2006-04-17T17:28:00.000-05:00

Please pardon the interruption in service. It seems that the Webhost provider has migrated to a new server so it may be a couple of hours before we have full access to the website. In the meantime, rest assured BerlinBrigade.com has NOT gone off the air.

Thanks
David Guerra
BerlinBrigade.com

04/16/06 Update

2006-04-16T18:23:00.000-05:00

The Unit Registry has been updated. What's going on? Twice in one month????

04/02/06: Registry Update

2006-04-02T23:02:00.000-05:00

FINALLY!!! The unit registry has been updated. More updates coming.

3/4/06: Just Checking In

2006-03-04T08:02:00.000-06:00

Greetings All. I am checking in after an unexpected hiatus. There were some family issues that came up, things are back to normal. Unresolved issues will be addressed within the next few work days. Additionally, the Registry Database will be updated throughout the weekend.

Thanks for your continued support.
Dave

HAPPY 2006

2006-01-25T12:58:00.000-06:00

A very heartfelt New Year wish goes out to everyone. May 2006 be better than 2005.

Website Update
1. Greetings to Ms.J's American History Class at Millard South High School. We hope you enjoy your visit to BerlinBrigade.com. If you have any questions about West Berlin, the Berlin Brigade, or the soldiers who served there do not hesitate to ask. There are plenty of resources here.

2. The Commerce page has been updated to include all the Cafepress Stores for all your BerlinBrigade.com gear.

3. Registry Update will be done this weekend (1/28-1/29)

Thanks
Dave

MERRY CHRISTMAS - HAPPY HANUKKAH - HAPPY KWANZAA

2005-12-24T21:41:00.000-06:00

HERE IS WISHING EACH AND EVERYONE

A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON

A WONDERFUL 2007

AND MOST OF ALL A WONDERFUL LIFE!!!

Thanks
Dave Guerra
BerlinBrigade.com

SFC Jonathan Tessar (Berlin Vet)

2005-12-06T18:16:00.000-06:00

Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan Tessar, 36, most recently stationed at Fort Campbell, Ky., was killed in action in Iraq, Monday, Oct. 31, 2005, by an improvised explosive device while serving while serving his country with the U.S. Army.

Jonathan was raised in Simi Valley and from the time he was a little boy, he dreamed of joining the Army and becoming, as he said it, "a Special Forces ranger with tattoos." He had a flat-top when flat-tops weren't fashionable. In almost 19 years of service to his county, he fulfilled his dreams. He was with the 101st Airborne Division and served in the Berlin Brigade and Desert Storm before joining the Special Forces. He served with the 10th Special Forces Group in Germany and Bosnia, the 96th Civil Affairs and at the JFK Special Warfare School as an instructor. In July 2004, he rejoined the Infantry that he loved. He looked forward to personally training soldiers and knew that they would be well-trained when he fought beside them in war. He had been serving as the first sergeant of Alpha Company "Gators," 2-502 Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Divison, and was well-respected by his soldiers and peers.

He was very brave and ready and willing to do anything for his country. He died with honor alongside his men.

He was a very dedicated and proud father to his three children, Jonathan Jr., Shanna and Mackenzie, and a supportive and loving husband to his wife, Nancy. Anyone who knew him knew how important his family was to him and he talked about them all the time. Jon was a very selfless person and would do anything to help anyone who needed it. He was known for his love of NASCAR and politics, and was always ready for a good debate with anyone who would oblige him.

Jonathan was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Marcia Tessar.

In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by his brother and sister-in-law William and Carla and their children, Brando, Kennedy and Dallas; brother and sister-in-law Steve and Marty Gallegos and their children, Joey and Nicole; aunt and uncle Tais and Arthur Chleborowitz; and uncle and aunt Joseph and Marian Tessar.

A service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 11, at St. Peters Claver Church, at Cochran and Stow streets in Simi Valley. A final service and burial will be held at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 14, at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Tessar Children College Fund, 2535 Townsgate Road, Suite 305, Westlake Village, CA 91362, attn: American Financial Network -- Keith Ellen.

The family was assisted by Reardon Simi Valley Funeral Home, 2636 Sycamore Drive, Simi Valley; www.caringfuneralservice.com.
Published in the Ventura County Star from 11/10/2005 - 11/13/2005.
ONLINE @ http://www.legacy.com/VenturaCountyStar/LegacySubPage2.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=15656389

Brigade Unit Gear (More Stuff)

2005-12-01T23:09:00.000-06:00

That's right there is more unit gear online now. Check out the 4th BN 502nd INF, 5th BN 502nd INF, and 6th BN 502nd INF gear as well as Berlin Brigade gear:

Berlin Brigade gear at: http://www.cafepress.com/berlinbrigade
4/502 Inf gear at: http://www.cafepress.com/4th502nd
5/502 Inf gear at: http://www.cafepress.com/5th502nd
6/502 Inf gear at: http://www.cafepress.com/6th502nd

More units coming online over the next few days.

Berlin Brigade Gear

2005-11-26T13:14:00.000-06:00

Just in time for the holidays...Berlin Brigade gear is now available. Get your Shirts, Clocks, BBQ Aprons, and License Plate frames. Through our new partnership with Cafepress, we can now bring you BerlinBrigade.com gear straight to you. Click on the link below to check out the entire line of gear.

Our product line will be updated constantly so if you don't see something you like, either drop us a note at info@berlinbrigade.com or keep checking back. Thanks and Happy Holidays.