NOTES from the BIG CHAIR

We're blogging at THE TANK

2007-04-25T16:38:00.000-04:00

.
UPDATE: Been to Iraq and back since last posting here.

For the latest, check out our regular updates at National Review Online's new military blog, THE TANK.

"The Marines have landed!"

2007-03-03T09:44:00.000-05:00

.
Today marks the 231st anniversary of the raid on British-held Nassau, Bahamas (March 3, 1776).
It was the first-ever amphibious landing of American Marines and sailors, and it was the first time American forces landed on foreign shores.
We talk about it at 'The Corner' (National Review Online).

The picture you see here is of Major Samuel Nicholas, the first commandant of the Marine Corps, and the officer who - as a captain - led the amphibious assault on Nassau.

Semper Fidelis,

WTSjr

[Visit W. Thomas Smith Jr.'s official website at uswriter.com]

The New York Giant who died on Iwo Jima

2007-02-27T08:28:00.000-05:00

.
Receiving lots of wonderful mail about our latest, The New York Giant who died on Iwo Jima (published yesterday at Townhall.com and today at Family Security Matters).

Thanks to the many bloggers and others who have since picked it up, including Michelle Malkin who often links to our stories.

Also, two unrelated posts on The Corner at National Review Online, here and here.

Oh, and the picture you see here is, yes, the New Giant who died on Iwo Jima - 1st Lieutenant Jack Lummus, a Marine infantry officer, a recipient of the Medal of Honor, and one of America's greatest heroes.

Semper Fi,
WTSjr

P.S. Will try to be better about posting. Have been neglecting this blog for months.

[Visit W. Thomas Smith Jr.'s official website at uswriter.com]

We're quoted in The Writer, again ...

2007-02-26T16:42:00.000-05:00

.
In her latest, Bring the beat to your community during National Poetry Month, Kay Day, a web columnist for The Writer magazine, writes:

For those who don't write poetry, there's certainly a place for verse amid the rigors of daily life. American journalist W. Thomas Smith Jr. says poetry definitely has a place in our lives. "Poetry is indeed relevant to the enrichment of our daily lives," he says. "Poetry, like art and music, is remembered. We recall paintings we saw as a child, as well as lyrics, tunes, and the strains of certain instruments we heard. It's the same with poetic lines and stanzas. In well-written prose we may remember the story, sometimes a perfect line or two. In well-written poetry, however, we always remember the actual words and how they were used." Smith is a South Carolina author of six books whose articles have appeared in publications like USA Today and U.S. News and World Report.

Read Kay's entire column here.

[Visit W. Thomas Smith Jr.'s official website at uswriter.com]

The Navy - Marine Corps relationship

2007-02-25T13:28:00.000-05:00

.
I've been asked over the years - more so recently - how much is the Marine Corps part of the Navy, or the Navy part of the Marines.
Of course, I could go into all of the bit about Navy Department organization, the history of our two Naval services, Naval tradition, etc. But the better answer I can give is to first look at this picture of the Marines raising the flag over Iwo Jima, and then remember, the second man from the right (in fact, the center man in the picture), is Navy Corpsman John "Doc" Bradley, a U.S. sailor.
They are us ... and we are them.

Semper Fi,
W. Thomas Smith Jr.
former Marine rifle squad leader

[Visit W. Thomas Smith Jr.'s official website at uswriter.com]

"The new phone books are here! The new phone books are here!"

2007-02-01T08:24:00.000-05:00

.
OK, I know I haven't posted anything for over two months - and there have been lots of post-worthy events happening, stories published, and media appearances - but I've just been insanely busy. That's my only excuse.
Anyway, Remember Steve Martin in The Jerk? "The new phone books are here! The new phone books are here!"
Well, I'm singing the same song these days, because a picture I took of the Gervais Street bridge spanning the Congaree River is featured on the cover of The Real Yellow Pages 2007 for Greater Columbia - Lexington, S.C .

Stay tuned for more fun.

Oh, and following are the comments given during the unveiling here in Columbia on January 18, 2007:

"This picture chosen by AT&T and the River Alliance for the 2007 Real Yellow Pages is special to me in ways almost impossible to articulate.

My dad, the late William Thomas 'Bill' Smith, is part of this. Let me tell you why.

In the last years of his life, Dad and I spent many a Saturday morning driving along the streets of downtown Columbia.

I would drive, while Dad – sitting on the passenger side – would reminisce about the days (decades earlier) when he was a young businessman strolling down Main Street in a dark suit, a white shirt and tie. Perhaps ducking into the Capital Newsstand for a copy of The Columbia Record, then sticking his head in the door of the Capital Café, speaking to old friends.

We would then turn off Main onto Gervais, and ride by The State House: There he'd remind me – as he had since I was a boy – of where ol' General Sherman's shells hit.

We'd drive down other streets – never the same route: Perhaps from the State House through the USC campus, then maybe north toward Elmwood Cemetery, then back over to the site of the old Lincoln Street Seaboard train station, across the old brick-paved road from where Dad once operated a tire dealership that at its zenith would for a brief time be the largest tire-dealership in the state.

But on the last leg of our Saturday morning jaunts, we would always drive over to the west bank of the Congaree – on the Cayce-West Columbia side – just south of the Gervais Street bridge.
There we would sit, long before the riverwalk had been built.

Dad would talk about all the rockfish in the river, and the great flood of 1908 that washed over the wooden slats of the old bridge that the current bridge replaced in the late 1920s (about the same time Dad was born), and that in 1791 George Washington himself crossed into the city at a point not far from where we were.

Dad and I had a special father-son relationship.

We both loved the past and our eternal connection to it, which was one of the reasons I believe he was so proud of my work as a writer.

Dad read everything I wrote as soon as he got his hands on it. He was thrilled when I interviewed Gen. Westmoreland for George magazine in 1998, and – in a special feature of that issue – shared a byline with publisher John Kennedy Jr.

Dad never lived to see any of my books published, or my columns and essays in some of the world's largest publications. He would have been so proud. But I can tell you – and every member of my family will attest – nothing would have made him more proud than to see my picture of the bridge and the river we shared on the cover of the directory of this great Southern city and the Midlands he so-loved.

And for that – and on behalf of my family – I thank AT&T and the River Alliance.

Thank you, all."

--- WTS (comments on January 18, 2007)

[Visit W. Thomas Smith Jr.'s official website at uswriter.com]

The assassination of Lebanon's Pierre Amine Gemayel

2006-11-21T16:08:00.000-05:00

The following unedited statement was just issued by my friend, Dr. Walid Phares, a senior fellow at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies (FDD) and a columnist at World Defense Review:

"The terrorist assassination of Minister Pierre Gemayel in Beirut is another war crime against the democratically elected Government and Parliament of Lebanon, and another strike in the Terror War waged by the Syrian regime and its allies against the Cedars Revolution and Lebanon 's democracy. Hence, the response should be at the hands of the international community, starting from the United Nations' Security Council to the various countries worldwide concerned with democracy and human rights.

"Pierre Amin Gemayel was elected a member of parliament in June 2005 after the withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon in April of that same year. He was one of the leaders of the Cedars Revolution and the minister of industry in the Seniora Government. Gemayel was an active advocate against the Syrian occupation of Lebanon , for the implementation of UNSCR 1559 and calling for the disarming of all militias, including Hezbollah. The young leader has been calling for the resignation of pro-Syrian President Emile Lahoud and for prosecuting the assassins of former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri. In short, Pierre A. Gemayel was one of the pillars of the political resistance to the Syrian and Iranian regimes in Lebanon . He and his colleagues were calling for the disarming of Hezbollah and the inclusion of moderate Shiite leaders in the political process.

"Hezbollah and the Syrian-Iranian axis have considered the last legislative elections in the US and the formation of the Baker Commission as a signal to wage terror campaigns to crumble the political process in Iraq and the cabinet in Lebanon . This week, secretary general of Hezbollah Hassan Nasrallah and his allies were preparing to wage an urban uprising against the Government. But the supporters of the Cedars Revolution said they will take the streets again.

"Hence, as we witnessed today in Beirut , the 'Terror arm' of the Syro-Iranian camp moved forward to strike the Government instead.

"1) Killing three ministers would paralyze the functioning of the cabinet per internal regulations. The assassination of Pierre Gemayel is a step in the campaign to "empty the cabinet" of its members.

"2) This assassination aims at intimidating civil society from mobilizing against the pro-Syrian campaign.

"In response, the international community should act swiftly in defense of Lebanon 's population under the UN chapter 7, by voting a new resolution to reinforce the UNIFIL in Lebanon and endow it with a deterrence and security mandate to protect civil society from violence as was the case in East Timor and Kosovo.

"The Cedars Revolution real and strategic response to the Terror War waged against Lebanon 's civil society should be to press for the removal of Emile Lahoud from the Presidency and disband his security operatives."

Tony Badran, a research fellow at FDD, says:

"A few days ago, another Lebanese leader warned that the Syrians might kill ministers in order to force the dissolving of the government after the resignation of the Shiite ministers.

"The Syrians have one overriding objective: the scuttling of the international tribunal into the assassination of Hariri in which Syria was implicated. The U.N. is meeting today to adopt it and send it back to the Lebanese gov. to be ratified.

"The noise and chatter about 'engaging' Syria has emboldened Syria to mount an offensive in Lebanon , interpreting what it sees as U.S. weakness as a license to kill and redominate Lebanon.

"The Syrians have told a recent British delegate that cooperation on Lebanon is out of the question. The Syrians are set to redominate Lebanon . "

Congaree River Bridge - Columbia, S.C.

2006-11-18T19:32:00.000-05:00

Also known as the Gervais Street Bridge
I don't know how many times - probably about a zillion - I've photographed this bridge over the years.

Did so again today before the 52-7 whippin' we (Carolina) gave Middle Tennessee State.

Best,
WTSjr

[Visit W. Thomas Smith Jr.'s official website at uswriter.com]

"The T"

2006-11-16T20:44:00.000-05:00

Who is this?
Think you know?
Be the first to contact me here with the correct answer, and we'll post your name and tell everybody what a smart guy or gal you are.

Sorry, no hints (or have I already given you one?). This is too easy.

UPDATE: Folks, no: This is NOT some Russian general. He is NOT a pirate captain. And he is NOT Alexander Hamilton.
This is too easy, and I've given you a hint.
OK, one more - "T" is for a particular battle maneuver.

Importance of a 5-Point Harness Carseat

2006-11-16T08:22:00.000-05:00

.
Here is a must see video posted at YouTube by a mom who lost her precious little three-year-old son, Kyle David Miller, in an accident because of a faulty seatbelt.
Absolutely hearbreaking. If you can get through this video without shedding a tear - or a bucket of them - you are a better person than me.
Here 'tis
PLEASE, if you have little ones, strap them in with a five-point harness carseat.
Best,
WTSjr

U.S. Marine to receive Medal of Honor

2006-11-16T04:24:00.000-05:00

"Where do we get such men?"
Corporal Jason Dunham will receive the Medal of Honor (posthumously) - the highest national award for battlefield heroism - for his actions in Iraq near the Syrian border on April 14, 2004.
Jason, a 22-year-old New York-native, was leading a patrol from his unit, Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, when he received a message that another Marine unit had been ambushed. Responding to the attack site, Jason's men encountered several cars full of insurgents trying to escape. When Jason approached one of the cars, an insurgent fighter jumped out and grabbed the young Marine by the throat.
According to this week's cover story in Marine Corps Times, written by Gidget Fuentes (with my friend, Beth Zimmerman, and John Hoellwarth contributing), "The corporal engaged the insurgent in hand-to-hand combat."
As he was struggling with the enemy, Jason shouted to his Marines, "No. No. No. Watch his hand."
As the fight continued between the two men, the guerrilla dropped a grenade. The pin had been pulled and the arming spoon released. Jason then jumped on the grenade, using his helmet and body to smother the blast. Shrapnel ripped through his skull.

Eight days later, Jason died at the Naval Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland.

His mom and dad were by his side.

God bless Cpl. Jason Dunham and his family.
Semper Fi,
WTSjr

[Visit W. Thomas Smith Jr.'s official website at uswriter.com]

Mountain Warfare Training

2006-11-12T16:28:00.000-05:00

.
This is a somewhat grainy snapshot of yours truly - as 1st squad leader of 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines - navigating somewhere deep in the High Sierras about 22-years-ago. We were just before shipping out to Okinawa.
The Marine Corps Birthday this past Friday (November 10, 2006) followed by Veterans Day on Saturday, spurred me to pull out some old pics.

Semper Fi,
WTSjr
P.S. Oh yeah, check out today's Accuracy in Media.

[Visit W. Thomas Smith Jr.'s official website at uswriter.com]

Happy Marine Corps Birthday and Happy Veterans Day!

2006-11-11T12:48:00.000-05:00

.
So my friend and part-time publicist, Marcia Goldman, just informed me that Blogger Paul Gebel, an all-around cool guy and an active-duty Naval officer currently serving on the ground in Iraq, says I don't "spend too much time" on my blog.
What can I say? He's right, and his comments spurred me to do a quick update.
Anyway, Happy Veterans Day everyone, especially to guys like Paul who are out there on the wire keeping the wolf away from the door (as we Marines like to say).
Speaking of Marines, we're getting tons of feedback on our Marine Corps Birthday (November 10, 1775) piece, published yesterday at Townhall.com. Thanks to all who've republished it (like my dear friends at Family Security Matters) and linked to it - including Michelle Malkin, who often so graciously links to our stories, also LaShawn Barber, Mary Katherine Ham (Now, TELL ME those three aren't only great writers, but great looking women to boot!), and Bill Ardolino over at INDC Journal - as well as those who have flooded my inbox with well wishes.
And speaking of Veterans Day, check out our latest at National Review Online, which was republished by CBS News and others.
Still receiving tons of mail on that.
Here's why: We talk about the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs launching a brand new initiative aimed at getting all veterans to wear their military decorations on Veterans Day as a way of expressing both national patriotism and loyalty to our currently serving soldiers and sailors. God bless them all.
Semper Fi,
WTSjr
P.S. The picture above is of Marines during a break in the fighting on Bougainville, 1944.

[Visit W. Thomas Smith Jr.'s official website at uswriter.com]

Col. Ripley on Oliver North's 'War Stories,' tomorrow night

2006-11-11T11:48:00.000-05:00

.
This Sunday night, Col. John W. Ripley (USMC, ret.) will be the focus of Oliver North's 'War Stories' at 8 pm (EST) on FOX News.
A little background: Col. Ripley, the legendary U.S. Marine combat commander (he also commanded British Royal Marine Commandos in combat) single-handedly blew up the Dong Ha bridge in Vietnam, thus blunting the largest North Vietnamese Army offensive (the 1972 Easter Offensive).
Yes, that's Col. Ripley inspecting the Marine guard detachment at Annapolis.
Here's more about him here, here, here, and here.
Before we hang up, let me point you to some other recent stories: One here at World Defense Review about a brand new Maritime Homeland Defense Force and a few here at Family Security Matters, including a piece about the hunting-miltary connection (Yes, including my just-turned-18 nephew Michael Paul Fowler, the proud owner of a brand-new Remington 870 12-gauge pump-action shotgun. It's just like his uncle's 12-g, who bought his when he was 16-years-old.) also here and here. And then we have a republished piece about 'smart soldiers' at Accuracy in Media.
Semper Fi,
WTSjr

[Visit W. Thomas Smith Jr.'s official website at uswriter.com]

Lugoff-Elgin High School - 9th Grade - Football 2006

2006-10-29T11:58:00.000-05:00

The Lugoff-Elgin Freshmen High School Football Team (yep, we called it B-squad in my era) has just finished a 5-3 season, which starting center and middle linebacker Max Fowler (my nephew and godson) attributes to everyone "just hitting it off really well, on and off the field."
Though only 14, Max speaks like a pro. Max's performance and leadership has earned him - and a handful of his equally talented and competitive teammates - the honor of dressing out with the varsity team this coming Friday.
As a tribute to this fine group of young men, I'm sharing with everyone some of the pictures I shot of them this season (scroll down over the last three posts to view them, or simply click here, here, and here).
Oh, and look for Max: He's # 52.
And STAY TUNED for some great LE High School wrestling action.
Best,
WTSjr

[Visit W. Thomas Smith Jr.'s official website at uswriter.com]

2006-10-29T11:48:00.000-05:00

2006-10-29T11:44:00.000-05:00

2006-10-29T11:42:00.000-05:00

Defending our 95,000-mile coastline

2006-10-28T20:42:00.000-04:00

We discuss the U.S. Maritime Homeland Defense Force (Forming) here at World Defense Review and NavySEALs.com in my recent conversation with Rear Admiral Tim Beard.
Semper Fi,
WTSjr

[Visit W. Thomas Smith Jr.'s official website at uswriter.com]

'WTSjr's Quarterly, maybe'

2006-10-25T20:48:00.000-04:00

OK, so perhaps I should change the name of this blog to 'WTSjr's Quarterly, maybe.'
Anyway, here are some pictures of my nephews (Michael is the deerhunter. Max is the football player.)

Pirates wins!

2006-10-25T20:24:00.000-04:00

Computer Times
EDITOR'S CHOICE

Understanding Intelligent Design

2006-10-25T15:24:00.000-04:00

So, the FedEx man just dropped off a hot-off-the-presses copy of my latest book, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Intelligent Design, co-authored with ID expert Christopher Carlisle.

Chris, among other things, is the Episcopal chaplain at the University of Massachusetts.

The book will be released in early December, in time for Christmas and Hanukkah, but you may pre-order copies now at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.

(Oh, and don't forget about Pirates, Aaargh!)

[Please visit W. Thomas Smith Jr. at uswriter.com]

"Gentleman Johnny"

2006-08-22T10:20:00.001-04:00

So I've been asked about the significance of the British soldier on my website. He's Major General John "Gentleman Johnny" Burgoyne, the victor of the battle at Fort Ticonderoga (during the Saratoga Campaign of 1777), but who ultimately surrendered at Saratoga. Yes, he was an enemy of my ancestors. But as a boy, this portrait of Burgoyne by Sir Joshua Reynolds had a profound influence on me and my perception of soldiers: The dramatic pose, the uniform, the lordly bearing, the hand resting on the sword hilt, the eyes, the dark foreboding storm clouds and the cavalry and infantry in the distance.
I remember looking at the portrait in my copy of The Golden Book of the American Revolution (which I still own) and - like all boys who fancy themselves as some heroic figure in history - wanting to be the man in the picture.

Semper Fi,
WTSjr

[Please visit W. Thomas Smith Jr. at uswriter.com]

Max Fowler (my nephew) at Football practice today

2006-08-18T20:48:00.000-04:00

I know: It's been nearly a month since last posting.
Sorry, but too busy writing for pay to blog for niente. Anyway, here are some pics of Max today at practice.

my flowers

2006-07-21T08:36:00.000-04:00

A very grainy image, but here are my flowers on the Fourth of July. The red and pink ones on the column are now nearly twice that size. The zinnias on the steps? Well, they're about the same.

More praise for pirates

2006-07-17T07:48:00.000-04:00

The latest review in The New Jersey Express Times and Pennsylvania's Morning Call.

Also, Newsweek and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

'Arrrrr!'

2006-07-09T07:48:00.000-04:00

Was recently interviewed by Rolling Stone writer Steve Knopper for a piece in this morning's edition of The Chicago Tribune.
We discuss pirates. See it here.

"Stars and Stripes Forever"

2006-07-01T11:24:00.000-04:00

The Fourth of July (July 4, 1776) is not only the 230th anniversary of our nation's declared independence. But the following year - July 4, 1777 - Captain John Paul Jones aboard RANGER unfurled the "Stars and Stripes."
It was the first time our flag was flown over an American Navy warship.

Semper Fi,
WTSjr

"Captain Ripley at the Dong Ha Bridge"

2006-06-30T12:48:00.000-04:00

ONE OF THE MANY THINGS I LOVE ABOUT THE MARINE CORPS is that the Marine community (active, Reserve, retired, and former Marines) is small and close-knit. Once you are grafted into the 230-year bloodline, you are part of a family.

This has enabled me, as an active and former Marine, to be in the company of some of the greatest giants of men who have ever walked the planet.

I joined the Corps nearly 25 years ago. I served only one four-year hitch. But I have communed with, learned from, and been life-seasoned by great warriors for a quarter century.
Let's take Col. John W. Ripley as an example.
Col. Ripley's reputation as a veritable combat superman was well-known back when I was a young rifle squad leader in the early to mid-1980's. Today, I count the colonel among my friends, and I've recently included him in several stories here, here, and here.
Which brings me to the point of this post (and the picture).
I've just now received a copy of "[then-Captain] Ripley at the Bridge [Dong Ha Bridge, Vietnam, 1972]," signed by the artist (also a legend in Marine circles), the Marine Corps' official artist-in-residence, Col. Charles Waterhouse.
The tiny, grainy picture you see here does no justice to the masterful work I am actually looking at in my office.
More later (in the meantime, read my and Col. Ripley's comments about what-is and is-not "combat" here).
Semper Fi,
WTSjr

[Please visit W. Thomas Smith Jr. at uswriter.com]

"Yo-ho-ho and a rocket-propelled grenade"

2006-06-27T08:28:00.000-04:00

Much goings on since last posted (which as usual explains the lack of posting). Anyway, here's a quick update:

A recent hour on The Jim Bohannon Show, as well as several other guest commentaries on various radio programs nationwide, discussing pirates, Iraq, the Global War on Terror.
A brief appearance on E! True Hollywood Story Investigates Deadly Waters.
A nice piece by Pat Berman in The State newspaper.
A nice piece by Molly McCarroll at Family Security Matters.
Our latest at NavySEALs.com, Yo-ho-ho and a rocket-propelled grenade.
Our latest at Townhall.com, Spinning Haditha (thanks also to BlackFive, Michelle Malkin, NRO's Media Blog with Stephen Spruiell, NewsBusters with Tim Graham, Sister Toldjah, Betsy Newmark at Betsy's Page, and so many others for getting the word out on this story - ABC's obvious agenda and John Murtha's continued betrayal to the Corps.)
Others deserving recent thanks for various and sundry things: Rebecca Pepin, Carol Taber, Paul Dinas, Gary Goldstein, Mark Divine, W. Scott Malone, Amelia Zimmern, and Chris Carlisle.

What else? Working, a little traveling, some friends and family time.
Enjoyed a cup of coffee Saturday morning at the beautiful Shandon (Columbia, S.C.) home of acclaimed South Carolina author John Hammond Moore. We discussed everything from his latest books to German POWs in S.C. during WWII to dueling in the old South. John is quite a fascinating person, and I am fortunate to know and count him among my friends.
Yesterday, my nephew Michael and I took-in the incredible Napoleon exhibit - a 'must see' - at the S.C. State Museum here in Columbia. The exhibit included original artwork, documents signed by the Emperor, maps, some of his personal military equipment, pieces of his uniform, his summer hat, and other items related to Napoleon, his women, his Marshalls, his wars and politics.

While I'm at it, let me throw in a plug for my buddy John Temple Ligon. His office just released the following:

PARIS
The second Friday in July is Bastille Day, when I stand in my balcony at the Crillon overlooking the parade in the Place de la Concorde, where heads rolled during the Reign of Terror. The next Friday, July 21, is our monthly lecture on urban design, this time on the history of the town plan of Paris.
WRIGHT
This fall, the Columbia Museum of Art is scheduled to exhibit residential work by architect Frank Lloyd Wright. On the second Friday of September and on the second Friday of October, there will be lectures at my place on Wright, and in November, at a time and date to be announced, I offer to be your docent for a guided gallery talk through the Wright exhibition.
JOHNS
Beginning Sunday, January 28, and running for three months is the exhibition at our National Gallery of Art, "Jasper Johns: An Allegory of Painting, 1955-1965." The exhibition's first Saturday morning, February 3, at 10 is set for my tour of the exhibition. I'll be your docent. The museum's guided gallery talks are typically scheduled to start between noon and 2, so feel free to hang around for the in-house offerings. But after my talk, some of us South Carolinians are headed for lunch at the Hay-Adams with a view of the White House. Everyone is invited, to include our South Carolina Congressional delegation and staffs.
Further reminders will be sent, but please try to make each of these occasions. What else are you going to do?
John Temple Ligon
#204 Senate Plaza
1520 Senate Street
803.261.1828

Also, catch Temple each Sunday morning on The Sunday Temple Times (9-11 am on WISW Radio 1320 AM) here in Columbia. Or catch him worldwide on streaming audio. The Sunday Temple Times is a fascinating program covering local politics, the arts, various newsmakers, etc. as well as what's hot nationally and internationally.

OK, more to come. Needing some coffee.
WTSjr

[Please visit W. Thomas Smith Jr. at uswriter.com]

Zarqawi is dead

2006-06-09T22:48:00.000-04:00

We write about it here at National Review Online.
Also, my analysis (and that of others) on the significance of Zarqawi's death at Family Security Matters.

Invasion of Normandy

2006-06-05T22:28:00.000-04:00

Sixty-two years ago (this very moment) the Invasion of Normandy was underway.
Airborne forces had already landed. Seaborne forces were just a few hours away from hitting the beach and breaking down the front door of Fortress Europe.
I wrote about it, two years ago, at National Review Online, on the 60th anniversary of the landings.
Read it here.
Semper Fi,
WTSjr

[Please visit W. Thomas Smith Jr. at uswriter.com]

Hell & Haditha

2006-06-05T15:44:00.000-04:00

Hi all,
Racing out the door for a little speedbag action at the Columbia [S.C.] YMCA.
In the meantime, take a moment to check out our latest, Hell & Haditha, at National Review Online. Then see CBS News' version of our story here.
Also, thanks to Rush Limbaugh, who (for the umpteen-zillionth time) included our story in his daily stack of stuff. And thanks to all the bloggers and radio talk-show hosts, including buddies Michael Graham in Boston and John Temple Ligon here in Columbia.
After you finish our story on Haditha, check out our latest at World Defense Review, with a lengthy discussion by Marine Col. John W. Ripley (yes, the Ripley who single-handedly blew up the Dong Ha bridge in Vietnam, 1972) about what-is and is-not "armed combat" - Sage words from a man who truly is a giant among men.
Stay tuned for more publishing updates.
Semper Fi,
WTSjr

[Please visit W. Thomas Smith Jr. at uswriter.com]

Never forget!

2006-05-28T15:02:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow is Memorial Day.
Semper Fidelis,
WTSjr

[Please visit W. Thomas Smith Jr. at uswriter.com]

"None but the brave deserve the fair"

2006-05-26T17:04:00.000-04:00

I cannot look at the girlfriends of my two nephews and not be reminded of poet John Dryden, who in Alexander's Feast (yes, Alexander the Great), said, "None but the brave deserve the fair."
Which brings me to today's picture.
Anyway, yesterday it was "all about Max."
Today, I want to tell you all about one of the finest young men I've ever known (And, over the years, I've worked with - or led - truly the best men in the world).
He's 17-year-old Michael Paul Fowler, my oldest nephew, godson, and eternal confidante.
As I mentioned yesterday, he's an honors student, master fisherman, woodlore-savvy outdoorsman, and former high school track athlete who has broken - and continues to hold - several "family" records for distance running (and I never thought Michael or Max could beat me).
Here's a pic of him and his beautiful and - as I'm told - incredibly intelligent and creative thinking girlfriend, Sarah Price (doesn't she remind you of some bewitching Irish lass you'd see in a movie like Braveheart? Wow!).
Semper Fi,
WTSjr

[Please visit W. Thomas Smith Jr. at uswriter.com]

Happy Max Fowler Day!

2006-05-25T15:26:00.000-04:00

IT'S ALL ABOUT MAX!

OK, so let's just say today is Max Fowler Day here in South Carolina.
As you all know, my nephew and godson Max Fowler is a TWICE-titled state wrestling champion (see previous entries for more info), but today at Lugoff-Elgin Middle School he took several brand-new honors including:

* Wrestling - MVP
* Football - Defensive lineman of the year
* Academics - highest math average for the year in the 8th grade

Now, I'm not even going to get into how proud my family and I are of this incredible, amazing, beyond-precious-to-us-all 14-year-old young man.
Instead, I'll just share these pics - Max is the boy wearing the reddish orange striped shirt. Others include his beautiful and equally bright-and-talented girlfriend, Rachel Haselden; his dad, Mike Fowler, my brother-in-law and the guy with the bar-none world's greatest laugh; and his mom (my sister), the lovely, talented, and sweet (if I'm unconscious) Annette Smith Fowler.
Like I always say, Max reminds us all so much of the boyhood performances of his Uncle Tom (say what?).
HAPPY MAX FOWLER DAY!
Not pictured is Max's equally fantastic older brother (also my godson), Michael, an honors student, master fisherman, woodlore-savvy outdoorsman, and former high school track athlete who has broken - and continues to hold - several "family" records for distance running (and I never thought either of these kids could beat me).
Semper Fi,
WTSjr

[Please visit W. Thomas Smith Jr. at uswriter.com]

Murtha should give up title

2006-05-25T08:48:00.000-04:00

Congressman Jack Murtha, a retired Marine colonel, should give up his title, Marine.
It actually pains me to say this, because there is a side of me who sees Murtha as someting of a "fatherly" or "grandfatherly" figure: It would be much easier for me, at 47, if he were in his 30's, 40's, even 50's.
But no matter his age or service, I could not deny the truth or not say what is right.
Anyway, see why I say so here at Townhall.com.
Also, check out the story of America's little-known Special Boat sailors at NavySEALs.com.
Semper Fi,
WTSjr

[Please visit W. Thomas Smith Jr. at uswriter.com]

Max Fowler, TWICE a state champion for South Carolina

2006-05-20T18:02:00.000-04:00

William Maxwell "Max" Fowler, my 14-year-old nephew (and godson, I might add), is now a TWO-TIME state wrestling champion.
We talked about how he won the state championship - wrestling on his middle school team - in late January.
This morning in another statewide match, Max - at 164-lbs. wrestling (freestyle) in the 171-lbs. division - pinned his opponent in less than 15 seconds.
Words cannot describe how proud I am of him.
Here he is with his beautiful girlfriend, Rachel (who incidentally just made the high school cheerleading squad).
Oh, and they are both straight "A" honor-roll students... just like his Uncle Tom was at that age (yeah right, in my dreams).
Semper Fi,
WTSjr

[Please visit W. Thomas Smith Jr. at uswriter.com]

CBS's George Crile dies (and a snippet from my George magazine interview with Gen. Westmoreland)

2006-05-20T08:42:00.000-04:00

CBS producer George Crile, died earlier this week.
See here.

As many of you may remember, he was the guy who produced a documentary about Vietnam that said General Westmoreland "under-reported" enemy troop strength around the time of the TET Offensive.

I drove down to Charleston to interview Westmoreland for George magazine in 1997. And John Kennedy, Jr. went to Vietnam to interview Westmoreland's counterpart Gen. Vo Nguyen Giap.
Kennedy's and my pieces were published together as a single point-counter-point project on the anniversary of TET (George, Nov. 1998).

Anyway, as I sat in Westmoreland's living room sipping iced tea, I asked him the following question (from the actual unedited transcript), which led to his comments about George Crile:

SMITH: General, as I understand it, you filed a $120 million suit against CBS after they aired a television documentary (The Uncounted Enemy: A Vietnam Deception) which made the allegation that you deliberately underestimated enemy strength in Vietnam in order to bolster your own claims of military success. Then the case was settled out of court?

WESTMORELAND: Well, I went against the entire network. The man that brought about that event was George Crile. He caused me to sue them. They put him on ice. He disappeared. But I think he’s still on the payroll. He was an SOB. He fabricated a story to make headlines and they got hurt. It was not a happy time. But I couldn’t have slept if I hadn’t taken them on. And they got what they deserved. They got their just desserts. They were the outstanding network at the time, but they haven’t been since.

"Stanton Smith pitches shutout"

2006-05-11T16:08:00.000-04:00

Last month, I shared the fantastic news that Stanton Smith - my friend Danny's oldest boy - was starting The Citadel in the fall.

Then, in this morning's edition of The Charlotte Observer, I see where not only did Stanton's high school, Hopewell, play in the MECA Conference Championship, last night, but according to one of the largest metropolitan dailies in the nation...

"Hopewell cruises to crown"

"Smith pitches shutout"

"Hopewell right-hander Stanton Smith (5-0) didn't need much support. He threw a three-hit shutout, struck out seven and walked one."

WOW!
Read it all here!
Best,
WTSjr

Kay Day's "Creative Writer US"

2006-05-11T07:28:00.000-04:00

Poet Kay Day interviews me for Creative Writer US.
A fun Q&A on writers and writing, plus a great little sidebar story by Kay. See here.
Also, in last week's Townhall.com column we discussed Israel on the 58th anniversary of that state's independence.

USA Today, Townhall, and Temple

2006-04-24T08:24:00.000-04:00

Lots of ground to cover this morning (The result of not posting regularly), though I doubt I'll get to all of it.
First, thanks to Judy Mandell, fellow ASJA-er and the author of one of my favorite books on writer-editor relationships, who interviewed me recently about male-female relationships for an article in USA Today. Judy's great article is in this morning's edition.
Also, our latest in Townhall.com tackles the question of just when do dissenters cross the line into sedition.
Lots of folks already talking about it. More later.
Speaking of "talking," my buddy John Temple Ligon is now hosting a brand new talk-radio show, The Sunday Temple Times, 10 o'clock each Sunday morning on WIS Radio 1320 AM, here in Columbia, S.C.
Much more to discuss. Stay tuned.

Easter

2006-04-16T12:24:00.000-04:00

Last year, I published a link to a piece by Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor in London's THE DAILY TELEGRAPH.
On this Easter Sunday, it is worth re-sharing.
A portion of it reads:
"Without the Resurrection, human society would not have known the one, singular, astonishing thing that underpins the best of our laws and our traditions: that God gave himself to the world in Jesus Christ, was rejected by the world, and became a victim. Without the Resurrection, Jesus would have remained an unknown victim - trampled on, and forgotten; and human society would be none the wiser. But God raised Jesus up, demonstrated His power over death, and gave those who witnessed it the knowledge that the bloodied victim abandoned on Golgotha was, after all, His beloved son."
Read the entire piece here.

Stanton Smith to The Citadel

2006-04-13T08:36:00.000-04:00

Much goings on related to our latest pieces: One was picked up by Kurdish Media; another by NewsBusters, a project of Media Research Center (yes, Brent Bozell's group). The NewsBusters version was also included in Rush Limbaugh's Daily Stack of Stuff. Also, Lucianne.com Michael Reagan's site, and countless blogs and other news outlets, which I'll get to later.
The most exciting news of the day, however, is Stanton Smith (yes, the good-looking pitcher in the picture) committing to The Citadel on a Vandiver athletic scholarship. He's currently a student at Hopewell High School in Charlotte, N.C.
Though we have the same last name, Stanton and I are of no blood-relation other than the fact that his dad, Danny, and I are life-long friends (and when we were in high school, we told people we were brothers).
Stanton's mom, Debbie is one of the finest, most beautiful - inside and out - women I know. Stanton's paternal granddad, Roland Smith, is a former U.S. Marine. His maternal granddad, Bill Foster, is a retired NCAA head basketball coach who once coached the Gamecocks.
Not surprisingly, Stanton is a superb young man on and off the mound, and I'm thrilled that he's going to be part of the Bulldog Baseball Team and a member of South Carolina's famous Corps of Cadets.
Best,
WTSjr
P.S. Scroll down for more happenings this week.

Dispelling myths

2006-04-12T09:08:00.000-04:00

Much goings on in terms of dispelling the myths about 21st-century American soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines. See here at Townhall.com.
And don't miss this story on the recent lecture by Qubad Talabani, son of Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, here in Columbia, South Carolina.
The story has since been picked up by a variety of blogs and news sources, including Iraqi Kurdistan's official site, the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, and Family Security Matters (FSM).
Speaking of FSM, I've been named to the board of advisors of this fantastic organization, which is dedicated to informing all Americans about the issues and solutions concerning national security.
Thrilled to be associated with FSM. More to come on that.
Also, I enjoyed some great barbeque and corporate tour of Fabrique Nationale, yesterday, hosted by my friends at the Columbia World Affairs Council. Yes, FN manufactures the vast majority of small arms for the U.S. military. Much more to come on that too.
Congratulations to Cadet Justin Self, an airborne/air-assault trained Ranger-hopeful who has been promoted to Company Commander for his upcoming year at South Carolina's storied military academy, The Citadel.
I'm particularly proud of this young warrior, because I taught him to hit the speed-bag at the Columbia YMCA, and his dad, Keith Self is a good friend (and probably the proudest dad I know).
And finally, "Bravo!" to my handsome, hyper-intelligent nephew, Michael Paul Fowler, who played the part of a knight in "Once upon a mattress," a wonderful play put on by the drama department at Lugoff Elgin High School, just up the road from Columbia.
Best,
WTSjr

E! and other things

2006-04-07T08:24:00.000-04:00

Our latest at Townhall.com, published Monday, is a piece about my good friend Dean DuBois who passed away last week. Lots of mail coming in on that.

Also Monday had a one-on-one breakfast with Charles Bierbauer, former CNN senior Washington correspondent who now serves as dean of the University of South Carolina's College of Mass Communications and Information Studies. We discussed everything from the finer points of reporting, interviewing, and being interviewed on camera to the Florida election craziness in 2000 to military public affairs. Fascinating to say the least.

Speaking of fascinating, attended a lecture by Qubad Talabani (son of Iraqi president Jalal Talabani) Monday evening at USC's Law School. Will be sharing more on that later.

And finally, speaking of cameras, was interviewed yesterday here at home by Christopher Hines with E! True Hollywood Story.

E! is producing a forthcoming television special, and they flew-in Chris and a camera crew to talk with me about piracy and terrorism. They basically turned my house into a television studio, but fortunately turned it back into a house before they left.
Stay tuned for updates on that.

Best,
WTSjr

Here's another picture of Max, 1,000 boxes of Cheerios ago

2006-04-02T10:28:00.000-04:00

Fun in Carolina

2006-04-02T09:48:00.000-04:00

The Carolina Cup, an old Palmetto State steeplechase tradition, was held yesterday at the world-famous Springdale horse track in Camden, S.C. ... just up the road from Columbia.
And here enjoying the day is a good-looking group of spectators: The boy on the far right is my nephew, state wrestling champion William Maxwell Fowler (with girlfriend Rachel).
Best,
WTSjr
P.S. Read more about Max here.

Latest stories and "some of your mail"

2006-04-01T10:28:00.000-05:00

Our latest stories at Townhall.com:
Altering perceptions of Iraq, on propaganda and disinformation related to the war in Iraq; and Our country, right or wrong, on the anniversary of the death of Naval hero Stephen Decatur (Yes, the picture is of Commodore Decatur.).

Then, syndicated columnist Jack Kelly again quotes us here. By the way, Jack is a former deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force (in the Reagan administration), as well as a former U.S. Marine and an Army Special Forces soldier.

Also - and this is too funny - Hamas is threatening to "obliterate" Rotary Clubs. I'm not kidding. I have to laugh (I think) at the utter lunacy of it. Check out Mona Charen's latest here.

Some of your mail:

* "I love this, thank you. So wonderful to learn of the great and honorable men that we owe everything to. I love my country.
I never learned American History during my public school education - but I am working on making up for that, and I intend to turn that family legacy around in my children.
So glad you're out there. Thanks again so much!"

* "Eichman had similar sentiments. Clooney should not be censured for being liberal or critiquing American behavior - The USA, far from being the envy of the world has now become the world's bully. And I differ with the current hypocrisy called an administration, not over a war but for subsequent events, like the erosion of civil liberties and wire tapping and cronyism and arrogance."

* "What a wonderfully written column. You are quickly becoming one of my favorite writers."

* "I agree with you sir. We live in a sad state when a nation that has nutured patriots such as Barron and Decatur in the past is infested with such as Clooney, Kennedy, Streisand, Kerry, Fonda, and Huffington. Your word "ilk" could not have been more appropriate."

* "BRAVO - now so what? For the end to all this, refer back to Vietnam."

* "Keep writing your great columns; the word has got to get out: "our country is at war for its very survival."

and a special note from Columbia's Joe Pinner (who always, to me, will be Mr. Knozit)

* "W. Thomas...again, so devastated at the news of Dean's passing...what a jewel of a man [He is referring to mutual friend, the late Brig. Gen. Dean C. DuBois Sr., who passed away on Monday, March 27.]. As far as 'freedom of speech' ...what a manipulated string of words...a shield held up by the most evil and filthiest of minds as they assault the senses and decent society with the vilest forms of what they term 'adult/mature entertainment,' thought-provoking dialogue, any writing or demonstration to advance their abhorrent agenda. Yes, I am one of those old coots who believes that our grantors of this 'amendment of freedom' did NOT mean for it to be used and abused as it is today by it's various interpretations. Hear the voice of those who cry out, 'Who are you to say what is decent?' Well, I think most people who are raised with an ounce of tender loving care and who have an ounce of compassion and love in their souls know 'what is decent,' as opposed to what is dark and foreboding and indecent. It doesn't take the proverbial rocket scientist to figure that out. What we as humans have to do as we journey through this life is try and make choices that enable us to enjoy the many joys a life can bring and cope with the sadnesses that are heir to us all...to make this 'world' a better place and try not to unjustly harm anyone along the way. We must seize from those who are 'prostituting' our first amendment and restore the value, the true essence of it's meaning and not allow it's misuse.
Case in point: demonstraters often say they have a right to assemble in any fashion to forward their 'cause,' overlooking the word 'peaceably,' to 'peaceably' assemble. And the oldie but goodie case in point: You don't yell 'fire' in a crowded theater! To the masses, I will NOT always defend to the death your right to say it...and that is my right. I know, enough already! I've violated your right to not be bombarded by my 'freedom of speech!.'
W. Thomas Smith, Jr., I, too, am a 'Jr.'. I am also an only child and you can probably realize why my parents decided to stop at one. I also appreciate your perspective on life as you see it. I feel comfortable with your words and your views. I ponder them, think and, thereby, feel enlightened and for that I thank you not only for them but for your friendship. Remember, don't postpone joy."
Joe Pinner aka Leon Joseph Pinner, Jr. aka Mr. Knozit - Columbia, S.C.

Best,
WTSjr

Temple goes to class

2006-03-31T09:18:00.000-05:00

Special thanks to my friend, John Temple Ligon (seen standing in front of one of his favorite buildings), who assisted me with several mock interviews for my magazine writing students at USC's J-School, yesterday. Interviewing Temple, the students learned the finer points of controlling an interview by regaining control after Temple took over. They learned a lot, and it was a lot of fun. Also, thanks to his extraordinarily attractive assistant, Gabriella.

Spinning Swarmer

2006-03-21T16:55:00.000-05:00

Our latest at Townhall.com on the MSM's spinning of Operation Swarmer. Lots of great letters coming in.
Thanks to all the bloggers linking to it, including Lucianne Goldberg who christened it a "must read."

Also, had a great time on The Michael Graham Show, yesterday. Michael is now on 96.9 FM in Boston

Best,
WTSjr

Comments from Lt.Gen. Peter Chiarelli

2006-03-18T12:48:00.000-05:00

As posted on The Corner at National Review Online:

NO CIVIL WAR IN IRAQ [W. Thomas Smith Jr.]
In a satellite-feed interview from Iraq, yesterday, Lt. Gen. Peter Chiarelli (commanding general, Multinational Corps Iraq) told Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman:

"There has been a lot of talk lately about the post-Samarra violence, and whether it means Iraq is descending into a civil war. Quite frankly, the talk of civil war is nothing new. I've heard people debate the topic for three years now.
"I don't want to downplay the tragedy of the violence that has occurred; however, it may be unfair to characterize every post-22nd February event as sectarian in nature.
"The possibility of civil war may be higher today than it has been in the last three years, yet I believe we are still far away from such an event. Where there are groups of individuals polarized at each end of the spectrum, there are a vast majority of Iraqis in the middle who don't see the divisions that are being highlighted. Many Iraqis are part of mixed marriages and lived in mixed neighborhoods and consider themselves Iraqis first.
"I can tell you that in the first few days following the bombing, we did indeed see an increase in sectarian violence. That has since tapered off, and what we are seeing now are the same types of attacks we were seeing before the mosque bombing, and actually at a slightly lower number, except now all events seem to be characterized as sectarian in nature. In some instances, it's perceived that way.
"Now, some of those events are sectarian, but far fewer than are being reported. Most of the events are a combination of the work of al Qaeda in Iraq, insurgent attacks designed to prevent progress in building the government and pure, unadulterated crime."

Much more here.

Best,
WTSjr

My great (seven-times) grandfather

2006-03-18T10:24:00.000-05:00

Here is a picture of my great (seven-times) grandfather, Captain Thomas Woodward of South Carolina. (artist unknown)

Born 1729, Woodward is best remembered as a "regulator" who pursued outlaws during the Colonial era in South Carolina. He also was a captain of mounted rangers during the American Revolution. The company he commanded was positioned on the extreme left flank of William Moultrie's position during the famous Battle of Sullivan's Island (Charleston, S.C.) in June of 1776.

Woodward was shot from his saddle and killed in 1779, while in pursuit of Tory horsemen.

His name has continued in my family: My great grandfather was named Thomas Woodward, and my Uncle Woody was named Frank Woodward.
Best,
WTSjr

"Shock and Swarm"

2006-03-17T20:24:00.000-05:00

Slate talks about us in an article, Shock and Swarm, by Melonyce McAfee.
Also, Happy St. Patrick's Day.
Best,
WTSjr

CENTCOM Posture Statement

2006-03-17T18:24:00.000-05:00

Blackfive is linking to the 2006 Posture Statement for the U.S. Central Command.
See here.

Thanks, Kathy Sena

2006-03-17T14:48:00.000-05:00

"Sun Devil" and fellow ASJA-er Kathy Sena spoke to my magazine writing students at the University of South Carolina's School of Journalism, yesterday, and she was FANTASTIC! Thank you, Kathy.

A "bombing raid" and an "air assault" are not the same

2006-03-16T12:48:00.000-05:00

Lots of mail coming in about Operation Swarmer in Iraq.
Here are my comments over at THE CORNER:

RE: OPERATION SWARMER [W. Thomas Smith Jr.]
I've received several emails this morning from people wondering why we've launched a "massive bombing campaign" in Iraq. And they're saying, "won't that kill a lot of innocent civilians?" But they are confused by the term, "air assault."
An "air assault" is actually a helicopter-borne infantry assault. In this case, large numbers of helicopters are ferrying airborne-infantry soldiers to enemy targets.
Posted at 12:24 PM

Best,
WTSjr

Recent fun!

2006-03-15T12:24:00.000-05:00

In the spirit of catching up after weeks of sporadic - perhaps nonexistent is a better word - posting, I would like to share a few important dates, comments, published pieces, etc. (also check out yesterday's post).
First, I recently had the honor of introducing Middle East expert Dr. Walid Phares at the Columbia World Affairs Council luncheon, here in Columbia, S.C. at the Capital City Club, February 21.

Here are my unedited introductory remarks:
"This is an honor for me personally – and it is in fact for all of us – because the Columbia World Affairs Council has – as it so often does – arranged to have a key participant in global affairs address the council and its guests: Today, Dr Walid Phares will specifically discuss our global war on terror and our ongoing struggle with the jihadists of the world.
Let me first tell you a bit about Dr. Phares, then I’ll share with you a couple of very brief personal thoughts.
"An expert in Middle Eastern affairs and global terrorism, Dr. Phares has been called on to review captured enemy documents from the former Iraqi regime, and he often assists in the translation of Al Qaeda messages. He has briefed the U.S. State Department, also the departments of Justice, Defense, and Homeland Security. He has testified before Congress and the United Nations Security Council. He has written seven books – including his latest, FUTURE JIHAD (which is available here today) - and his work has appeared in a variety of publications, including Global Affairs, The Washington Times, World Defense Review, The Denver Post, and many others. He also appears regularly as a guest commentator on CNN, FOX News, MSNBC, all of the major television networks, PBS, C-Span, and the BBC. And recently, he appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show.
"Dr. Phares holds degrees in law and political science from Saint Joseph University and the Lebanese University in Beirut. He also holds a Masters in international law from the Universite de Lyons in France, and a Ph.D. in international relations and strategic studies from the University of Miami. He is a senior fellow with the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies.
Dr. Phares’ lectures and his writings reflect the foundation’s goals of 'promoting pluralism, defending democratic values, and fighting the ideologies that drive terrorism.' His is a vision for a better world, much like the overall mission of the World Affairs Council, which embraces the global community and more specifically to those of us here today, builds relationships between South Carolina and the rest of the world.
"I’ve spoken with Dr. Phares numerous times, edited his stories for World Defense Review, which – by the way – never need editing, and I’ve chatted with him for my own stories in National Review Online and Townhall.com.
"In so doing, I’ve discovered something very special about him. That is: His life’s work is his calling to be sure, but it is because he not only loves his work. He loves people. He loves his students. He loves his readers. And he loves our global community.
"When I was interviewing him recently for a story in National Review Online, I asked him about the capabilities of the new Iraqi army and Iraqi soldiers, who – by the way - are now planning and conducting operations against the insurgents often independently of U.S. troops. But when I asked Dr. Phares about those Iraqi soldiers, he said – among other things - 'I've watched them, heard them, and spoken with some of them. These are among the most precious soldiers in the Arab Muslim world: because these are the soldiers who will fight in defense of democracy.'
And with that, I am proud to introduce the Columbia World Affairs Council’s distinguished speaker, Dr. Walid Phares."
____________________

Then there is the recent story about my nephew and his becoming a state wrestling champion, published in one of his community newspapers. Here 'tis as it appeared in 'The Kershaw County Current' (March 1, 2006).

Making “a few good men”
By W. Thomas Smith Jr.

January 28 will forever be a red-letter day for my family and me. Not because I was ‘chatting up’ my fifth book and discussing global terrorism with national anchor Julie Banderas on the FOX NEWS Channel: I was, to be sure, but then I’m always talking about something… somewhere.
As far as my family and I are concerned, however, the day belongs to my two nephews: Kershaw County’s own Maxwell Fowler, 14, and his brother Michael, 17.
That evening, in an overtime wrestling match producing a little blood, lots of sweat, and a gym full of tears, laughter, shouting, and the match-ending referee’s whistle; Max became a state champion (155-pound weight class).
Michael – in an equally emotionally charged act of manhood – was first out of the bleachers and at the mat, physically picking up his little brother (though Max actually outweighs him) as if the state laurels also belong to him. Therein lies the truth: They do.
Led by Coach Ted Monroe, Max and his team (the Lugoff-Elgin Middle School Leopards) walked away with two state champions – Max and Will Connell of the local Connell wrestling dynasty – and a legion of moms, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles, buddies, girlfriends, sisters and brothers, like Michael, all of whom have been encouraging and supporting their men on the mat since the beginning of the season.
“Deserving,” is how Coach Monroe describes his team and their fans.
I would add: Committed, courageous, and wholly inspirational.
Recently, it has been suggested that America is no longer producing the “right sort of men” who will be able to lead the nation into its dangerous, complex, and uncertain future. My answer for anyone hoping to be disabused of that belief: Drive northeast from Columbia on Highway 1. Stop when you hear the roar of the crowd.
— South Carolina native W. Thomas Smith Jr. is the author of five books, and his articles have appeared in USA Today, George, U.S. News & World Report, BusinessWeek, National Review Online, and the New York Post. He writes a weekly column for Washington, D.C.-based Townhall.com
____________________

Click here (then scroll to the bottom of the page) to see a picture of my family's state wrestling champ. He's the tall good-looking kid with braces.
____________________

Finally, a quick note about chatting over a cup of coffee with my dear friend and fellow writer - actually, an accomplished poet, author, and magazinist (Hah! how about that word?) - Kay Day.
She blogs about our coffee prior to her speaking at the South Carolina Book Festival; and, days later, speaking to my magazine writing class at the University of South Carolina.
Kay chatted with my students about the plums and pitfalls of her writing career. She was in fact warming up in the batter's box {Yikes! cliche} while friend and editor Gordon Witkin of U.S. News & World Report was sharing some of his own professional experiences.
(See Kay's comments here.).
More to come. Stay tuned.
Best,
WTSjr

OK, here's what's up...

2006-03-14T20:48:00.000-05:00

OK, here's what's up...
Been deep in my sixth book (details later), and the blog and other things have simply had to take a back seat. Still have lots of book work to do, but I may soon find time for more posting.
What's hot?
Was just this morning chatting with Brig. Gen. Dan Bolger in Iraq. His comments were later posted over at National Review Online's THE CORNER.
(On Sunday we CORNER-posted about former NFL lineman Jeremy Staat who is now serving as a PFC in Uncle Sam's Marine Corps... The toughest part of bootcamp for Staat? The screaming and yelling and climbing the rope, the latter which was a new experience for this friend of the late Pat Tillman).
Also, we've received tons of mail regarding our latest columns at Townhall.com: See here, here, here, and here. And we learned that Canada's Enter Stage Right published an article, 'Captured Iraqi intel confirms pre-war links between Saddam's regime and terrorists' by Sam Wells, that liberally quotes us throughout the piece.
Finally, thanks to Michelle Malkin and so many others for talking up our piece, "Responsible or irresponsible reporting."
Stay tuned.
Semper Fi,
WTSjr
P.S. I still plan to post some of your mail, but there's a lot I still have to go through.
Again, stay tuned. And keep those cards and letters coming (best way to do that is by clicking here.).

Jeff Quinton on AOL Radio

2006-03-08T16:24:00.000-05:00

So my friend and fellow South Carolinian, Jeff Quinton,
will be on AOL Radio, tomorrow, discussing college football.
Here's more from his website:

Poll: College Football's Most Hated
As part of Fanblogs' participation in AOL Radio's Sports Bloggers Live this Thursday, I am posting a poll regarding the most hated figures in college football. Click here to vote.
The show will focus on Most Hated Athletes in all sports and I will be on to discuss college football. We limited the choices to coaches and televsion analysts since college football is unique in the fact that players are only on the field for 4 years at most. Amid discussions with other college football fans, including another Fanblogs author, I decided there weren't really many choices for current college players. Had he not been dumped from the team, Marcus Vick would have definitely made the list. However, in general the object of hate in college football is directed at coaches since they most embody the program and all fans have their list of disliked talking heads on Saturday television.
The show will be available on demand around 5 p.m. EST Thursday at the show's website. Voting will continue through Thursday here.
--- Jeff Quinton

Also, some serious blogging catching up to do in the coming days.
Lots to report. Lots of GREAT mail. Stay tuned.
WTSjr

The Swamp Fox and other things

2006-02-14T16:24:00.000-05:00

OK, so a couple of important pieces (I think!) regarding national defense and military history:
First, our review of Frank J. Gaffney's War Footing over at Townhall.com.
Second, our piece about one of my boyhood heroes, Francis Marion, and Columbia man John McCabe who is committed to a Marion monument in D.C., also at Townhall.com.
Many thanks to all those chatting it up, including Michelle Malkin and the folks over at Blackfive, others.
Oh, and we'll be publishing some reader mail, later.
Then, thanks to friend, writer, and fellow ASJA-er Sandra Dark who interviews me for a piece in the March issue (available now) of Writer's Digest magazine.

Also, thanks to friend Dan Cook, the editor of Free Times, here in Columbia. Last week, Dan spoke to my students at the University of South Carolina's J-School. The students loved it.
OK, back to work.
WTSjr

Two fine young men

2006-02-08T20:48:00.000-05:00

My nephews, Maxwell and Michael Fowler, at the Mr. L-E contest where Michael was a contestant (see previous post).

Quick comments then back to work

2006-02-06T09:24:00.000-05:00

Saturday night, we enjoyed watching my 17-year-old nephew, Michael Fowler, participate in the Mr. L-E (Lugoff-Elgin High School) pageant. He didn't win, but to be up there was enough to qualify him as "a winner" in my book. Plus, he was clearly the best-looking, most articulate kid on the stage... takes after his Uncle Tom ;-)
Kidding. Kidding.
Seriously, the competition was keen, and the whistles and cheers for Michael when he swaggered out onto that stage in his tuxedo (pictures will be hopefully forthcoming) were, well, beyond exciting for my family and me.
Speaking of excitement, many thanks to my editor at National Review Online, Kathryn Jean Lopez, who took time to share editorial experiences with my magazine writing students at the University of South Carolina's J-School, last week.
Kathryn chatted with the class from National Review's offices in Manhattan via telephone speaker-phone. The students loved it.
Slated for later in the semester are Gordon Witkin, my editor at U.S. News & World Report, and Kathy Sena, who interviewed me recently for Woman's Day and who penned this week's My Turn column at Newsweek. Here 'tis.

What else? Oh yeah, check out our latest piece on a "prep-school" for Navy SEAL candidates at NavySEALs.com, and then part II of my interview with Brig. Gen. Dan Bolger, commanding general of the Coalition Military Assistance Training Team in Iraq, at Townhall.com.
OK, gotta scoot.
Best,
WTSjr

"Some of your mail"

2006-02-01T18:02:00.000-05:00

Hi all,
Been receiving so much mail over the past several months that I can't possibly respond to it all. But I do read every piece, and I enjoy it all - good and bad. So, as a weekly feature of wthomassmithjr.com, we will share with our readers "some of your mail," and we will specify which stories generate the featured feedback and from which publications.
Each featured piece will be unedited.
This week, I include a couple of letters from two recent Townhall.com columns. First is a 'lovely' missive from an obviously disgruntled American (and an all-around unhappy person), who claims to be a Navy veteran, but who apparently did not read my piece, Annapolis' Marines go to war, in its entirety.
Here we go:

I am a Navy veteran. My ex-husband was a retired Marine officer.
I personally witnessed something new being tried and becoming an instant tradition with the Corps, and was bored to tears by the manly welled-up eyes when The Halls of Montezuma was played. YAWN.
During WW II, my father served in the US Navy; now my son and daughter do. It's a family tradition, and has been for more generations than I care to count. But does it MATTER who guards the portals? No, it only matters that SOMEONE does.
Were I you, I would be far more concerned about the fact that the current Commander-in-Chief, George Bush, aka Mrs. Vincente Fox, (really, he is so far in bed with Fox that I am surprised he's not pregnant) is letting our border be overrun with illegal aliens (who now have more rights, apparently, than US citizens do) and has embroiled us in war we cannot win while rendering asunder just about every alliance we had in the world, excepting our pals in England. And don't think the English wouldn't drool at the chance to take back what George III squandered.
The Prince of Wales would LOVE to be King of the World (sorry, James Cameron).
Those issues are far more important than whether or not a couple of hoo-rah boys in dress blues are standing a post as ornaments, serving a tradition that never was. Get a grip.

OK, then we have this one responding to The Saddam-Al Qaeda Connection:

I don't know if you read an article in the Scotsman in the UK back in October or November about King Abdullah of Jordan telling the article writer about Saddam giving Al Zaqhiri, Al Queda number 2, $300,000 at the Pan Arab meeting in Baghdad in 1999. There were 22 countries there at this meeting.
I have been reading all I can on the web about the connections and have always belived that there were WMD and that Iraq was involved with Al Queda.
All I can say is it gives me the shivers after reading all that I have and my first impulse is to say pull everybody home and let the Middle East explode on its own, but I know that is not the way to go.
Thank you for reading my e-mail and I just thought you might not have seen that article in the Scotsman.com.

Look for more letters each week.
;-)
WTSjr

Please pray for Jill Carroll

2006-01-31T00:18:00.000-05:00

An email sent an hour or so ago:

Dear family, friends, and colleagues,
This is a very simple appeal, but one that many of you well-know has the potential for great power: It is the power of prayer. And it is needed very much right now for 28-year-old journalist Jill Carroll and her family.
Jill, of course, was abducted by gunmen in Iraq on January 7. She since has been threatened with death, and her captors have demanded that all female prisoners in Iraq be freed by the U.S., our coalition partners, and the Iraqi government before Jill is freed.
Today, a tape recently released by her captors was published, worldwide, showing a terribly frightened and weeping Jill.
This young woman has done nothing to deserve anything less than to be freed and soon.
(This is Jill)

Please, if you are a person of faith, pray for Jill and her family.
If you are not a person of faith, perhaps consider the fact that God also loves you, and He hears all of our prayers. Even when we are not sure of Him.
Sure, some might say, "Why Jill? Aren't others just as much in need of prayer?"
Of course, we should pray for all people. We should pray that God's Will be done in all things.
Let's also pray for Jill.
Sincerely,
W. Thomas Smith Jr.
journalist

P.S. Please forward this message to any-and-everyone.
There is always strength in numbers.

Comments from a 'fighting General' in Iraq

2006-01-30T20:22:00.000-05:00

Fascinating comments from Brigadier General Daniel P. Bolger, commander of the Coalition Military Assistance Training Team in Iraq, today at townhall.com.
Also, as I reported yesterday at National Review Online's THE CORNER, Hamas is calling for a new Palestinian Army into which its "martyr" (suicide) units would be folded. Oh yeah, that's a lovely thought, isn't it?
And finally, check out the new issue of Woman's Day, specifically a piece entitled 6 Everyday Ways to Say "I Love You" by Kathy Sena. In it, she talks about my taking "football cookies" to nephew Max's football game. Oh, speaking of Max, scroll down and check out yesterday's post.

Talking 'pirates' on FOX NEWS

2006-01-28T21:24:00.000-05:00

Yep, me on FOX NEWS' Big Story with Julie Banderas. We chatted about the recent incidents of piracy off Somlia, and the connections between pirates and terrorists, worldwide. Jeff Quinton and others talking it up. Thanks guys.

Meanwhile, my 14-year-old nephew, Max Fowler (the tall good-looking kid with braces in the picture below) became a middle school wrestling State Champion in an overtime match, tonight. My family and I are all so proud of him. More about this incredible young man and the things he is doing!
His older brother, Michael (not pictured), is also an amazing young man, and there's lots more to tell about him, too. Stay tuned!

U.S. Navy seizes pirate ship

2006-01-22T13:02:00.000-05:00

As I report today at National Review Online's THE CORNER:
U.S. NAVY SEIZES PIRATE SHIP [W. Thomas Smith Jr.]
The USS Winston S. Churchill, a U.S. Navy guided missile destroyer, has seized and boarded a pirate ship off the coast of Somalia. See here.

(Sailors from the USS Winston Churchill approach pirate ship.
- official U.S. Navy photo)

I also wrote about 21st-Century Pirates a week-and-a-half ago at townhall.com
Then, how could I mention pirates and piracy with showing you the cover of pirate expert Gail Selinger's and my new book on pirates, due to be released in April.
Aaaargh!

Latest gig

2006-01-20T10:04:00.000-05:00

New gig as technical consultant for The New Technology of War.
Here's more:

POPULAR MECHANICS: NEW TECHNOLOGY OF WAR
From the world's #1 science and technology authority, comes an explosive new television series presenting the near-total transformation of the 21st century military: exotic weapons, extreme science, and futuristic inventions….happening now!
Produced in association with Popular Mechanics Magazine, this spectacular documentary series (available early 2006) features never-seen footage, exclusive expert interviews and the latest updates. Complete with an informative and compelling narrative, the episodes highlight: Counter-Terrorism, Ground Combat, Airpower,
Seapower, and The Future of War.

The Saddam-Al Qaeda Connection

2006-01-17T13:24:00.000-05:00

My latest at Townhall.com, "The Saddam-Al Qaeda Connection," is generating quite a bit of feedback from both sides of the political divide... Naturally, much of it comes from opponents of the war who simply do not want the truth to see ink. I'd love to print what they're saying, but most of it simply too profane or incomprehensible for consideration.
Sorry guys.
Getting some good play though from author and nationally syndicated radio host Neal Boortz who labels it "required reading" and says, "One of the accusations of the leftist, anti-Bush crowd is that there was no link between Al-Qaeda and Saddam Hussein. Actually, there was: Townhall.com columnist W. Thomas Smith Jr. will bring you up to speed."
Also, New York-based economist and writer for The Weekly Standard (and other publications), Thomas Joscelyn, who says, "W. Thomas Smith, Jr. has an excellent piece on the issue of Saddam's terrorist training camps on TownHall.com . ... It is well worth the read."
Stay tuned.
WTSjr

New Townhall.com column

2006-01-11T18:28:00.000-05:00

Thrilled to be on the Townhall.com team. 
Here's my latest on 21st Century Pirates.

Semper Fi,
WTSjr

Marines, soldiers unearth huge weapons cache

2006-01-11T16:02:00.000-05:00

I get these updates all the time, but the number of weapons in this instance was worth posting
Anyway, I just got word from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit in Iraq, that Marines, attached U.S. soldiers, and Iraqi soldiers have uncovered a huge weapons cache near Hit (in the Al Anbar Province). Many of the weapons - including some 500 rockets, artillery, and mortar rounds, as well as 100 tank rounds and lots of of rocket propellant, fuses, and blasting caps (all of which may be used to construct IEDs) - were found buried in a cemetery (though not all). Assault rifles, ammo and at least two IEDs were also discovered.
"This was our biggest find to date," said 1st Lt. Antonio Agnone, a combat engineer platoon commander. "We’ve uncovered numerous, and significant caches the insurgents have hidden in Hit in places where they thought they would have easy access to them."
Agnone also said that what "amazed" many of his Marines, particularly the new Marines, was the lengths the insurgents would go to hide the weapons and ammo... like in the cemetery.

The Marlboro Man of Fallujah

2006-01-04T16:08:00.000-05:00

Talking about him over at THE CORNER.

THE MARLBORO MAN OF FALLUJAH [W. Thomas Smith Jr. ]
Remember the Marlboro Man of Fallujah? Editor & Publisher is reporting that, today, he's out of the Marines, but dealing with PTSD stemming from high intensity combat.
According to E&P, Lance Corporal Blake Miller told CBS, "For the most part, I mean, it was a big adjustment [when I got home] just trying to get in that mindset of being able to just roam, run around without fear of being shot at or where to look for danger. ... It's unexplainable. I mean, just to go from that mindset to being able to walk around freely and just enjoy it."
See here.
Posted at 02:39 PM

Deadly attacks prompt safer combat vehicles

2005-12-30T09:04:00.000-05:00

Our latest page-one story in The Washington Times, yesterday.

Could Force Protection's MUV-R replace the up-armored Humvee?

WTSjr

Man savagely beaten in downtown Columbia

2005-12-29T16:04:00.000-05:00

So, this morning I'm driving with my 17-year-old nephew in downtown Columbia when we pass through the intersection of Assembly and Hampton, and watch in horror as a tall, muscular, well-dressed man jumps out of his car and proceeds to savagely beat a much smaller, homeless man.
Of course, I slam on the brakes.
We (my nephew and I) jump out of my car. But just as we do, the attacker jumps in his car and races away.
The poor homeless man is lying in the street, covered in blood, pouring blood out of his mouth and nose... and he is crying like a baby.
I give him a sweatshirt from my car. Call 911. And stay there and talk to him. Some other people walk up. Some are expressing outrage. A few are crying. It is all so pitiful.
The police and the ambulance finally come. They put the homeless man on a stretcher and carry him away.
I give the police a description of the man, his car, and tag number.
I am so angry right now and at the same time hurt that I really don't know what to say.

WTSjr

Merry Christmas

2005-12-24T08:22:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas, everyone!
Don't forget that Christmas is far more than gifts and parties. The Rev. Billy Graham reminds us to keep Christ at the center.
Also, here are some thoughts and memories of Christmases past and present from those who make it possible for us to freely worship Christ and celebrate Christmas: My latest at NavySEALs.com.
And finally, Happy Hanukkah to all of my Jewish friends.
Holiday cheer, prayers for peace, good will, and best wishes to all!
WTSjr

A MUST READ from Fallujah

2005-12-22T17:04:00.000-05:00

This has to be one of the most eloquent, obviously heartfelt, emotionally moving emails I've received in a long time (FYI: National Review Online has just posted it on The Corner).
It is from one of our Marines in Iraq, Major Neil F. "Murph" Murphy Jr. with Multi-National Force West in Fallujah.
So, Murph says to me:

"When you are deployed you’ve got to have the right mindset and find little things to be happy for and celebrate the simple things, Like hot coffee with some cocoa in it or a treat in the mail and being around friends (old and new). All kinds of people back home have sent stockings and trinkets for us to hand up around the camp and their thoughts let us know we’re appreciated.
My family is lucky enough to be mixed faith – I was raised Catholic and my wife and children are Jewish. So, even though I’m not Jewish, I will still gather with my Jewish friends here and help light a Menorah and enjoy the holiday with old and new friends. It also makes me feel closer to my own family. (Little note: Two years ago, my son lit the White House Menorah and we all hung out with The President and Mrs. Bush – It was after I returned from my first tour in Iraq – little different this year.)
For Christmas, while we miss our own families and would rather be home, we know our jobs are here right now and we know that we have each other here – a “family” in its own right. Of course, we will call home and talk to our loved ones and we will share a nice meal together and celebrate in our own way together and enjoy this moment that we share. Someday, I know I’ll look back fondly on it just as I do Christmases past. There really is something special about knowing that you are missing Christmas with your own family for something bigger than yourself and being there for each other.
One odd thing that I plan to do is gather some fellow Marines and watch “A Christmas story” on a videotape that my sister sent to me – a classic! Good for a few laughs.
I hope you have a great Christmas and don’t worry about us – we’re good to go. Like the Red Sox use to say – There’s always next year.
Semper Fi, brother!"

God knows, I love these people.
Semper Fi,
WTSjr

Three days until Christmas!

2005-12-22T08:02:00.000-05:00

Just three more days. Wow! This season has rocketed past.
Great Christmas party last night at my Aunt Sandy and Bob Rollings' beautiful home in Irmo, S.C. (just up the road from me in Columbia). Lots of great food, drink, and fun with my favorite cousins, their kids, etc. Wish we all had more time to spend together... Oh well, perhaps in the new year.
Beyond that, Force Protection Inc., the manufacturer of two armored vehicles currently in service with U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, has published a press release about our article in yesterday's National Review Online.
They're a great company - committed to saving lives in the global war on terror.
Also, World Defense Review writers Abigail Esman and Dr. Walid Phares have new articles published this week at WDR:
See Abigail's piece here. See Walid's here.
Stay tuned.

A Humvee replacement in the works?

2005-12-21T12:04:00.000-05:00

I talk about it here at National Review Online.

The story is also included in Rush Limbaugh's daily "Stack of Stuff," and at NavySEALs.com.

It's in important story - if I may say so myself - because it addresses the question of why it is seemingly taking so long to replace the up-armored Humvee in Iraq and Afghanistan.
There is an answer, as you will see. And despite what the naysayers would have you believe, NEITHER the White House NOR the U.S. Defense Department are at fault.
Stay tuned for much more.

Highly ticked in South Carolina

2005-12-20T08:24:00.000-05:00

This New York City transit strike burns me up! Those birds are already overpaid, get guaranteed pay raises, a nice pension, you name it (things MOST Americans would be eternally grateful for)!
Now, they walk off the job and to hell with everyone else.
Ninety percent of the people I need to talk with today - and this week - can't get to work. Not to mention the fact that the strikers are literally endangering peoples lives by shutting down a huge transportation system that millions depend on. What about security issues caused by road traffic gridlock? I know, I know... there are certain streets the emergency vehicles can freely move on. But that's not enough.
I think the unions have outlived their frigging usefulness!
Yes, I'm pissed. They are potentially costing me money. It's for damn sure causing me to reschedule the rest of this week AND I LIVE OVER 700 MILES SOUTH OF THE CITY!
Highly ticked in South Carolina.

Hi everybody (how's that for an original subject heading?)

2005-12-19T22:04:00.000-05:00

It's my favorite time of year, but also beyond hectic. Fortunately, ALL of my Christmas shopping is done. I only have one or two more parties at which my attendance is somewhat mandatory, and I just have one more shift as a Salvation Army bell-ringer (though that's one of my favorite holiday traditions), before the big day... Oh, and you all should see my fantabulous Christmas lights!
OK, to business:
Big - strike that - HUGE election day in Iraq on Thursday. I write about it here at National Review Online.
I talked about with Michael Graham on Boston's WTKK. And it was discussed over at Michelle Malkin's, Rush Limbaugh's, Jeff Quinton's, Betsy's Place, Instapundit, and many, many others (those of you I've failed to mention, please drop me a line at wthomassmithjr - at - yahoo.com).
Also, check out our review of Peggy Noonan's new book at Townhall.com (great book by the way... Read the review and you'll see why I say so), and our latest on standing up the new Iraqi Army at World Defense Review.
Oh, almost forgot... posted the following at The Corner a few hours ago (Check out my weird title):
HISTORIC MOMENT IN AFGHANISTAN'S HISTORY [W. Thomas Smith Jr.]
Less than four days after successful national elections in Iraq, The International Herald Tribune reports:

"Afghanistan today inaugurated its first democratically-elected parliament in decades, in an emotional ceremony that reduced Hamid Karzai, the nation’s president, to tears.

Dick Cheney, the US Vice President, and his wife, Lynne, were among the guests as the assembly opened amid tight security. He said it was 'a privilege to be present' for the historic event."

C.S. Lewis, Michael Reagan, and Michael Fowler

2005-12-09T12:09:00.000-05:00

In light of all the recent ado over "The Chronicles of Narnia," I'd like to invite everyone to read C.S. Lewis' "Mere Christianity." It is, in my opinion, a literary pleasure, a treat for the intellectual senses, of which no one - believer, skeptic, or unbeliever - should be denied.
OK, moving right along...
Thanks to talk radio's Michael Reagan (son of the late great commander-in-chief) who recently touted my Pearl Harbor piece.
And, many thanks to my friends yesterday - sorry guys, don't want to show all my cards just yet - who arranged for me to take a test ride in the protoype vehicle that may well be the replacement vehicle for the up-armored Humvee in Iraq. I am the first journalist in the world to do so, and I even got to bring my nephew, Michael Fowler, along for the ride.
Details to follow in a few publications, so stay tuned.
Semper Fi,
WTSjr

Gov. Campbell has died

2005-12-07T11:38:00.000-05:00

Commenting on Gov. Campbell's passing earlier at
National Review Online's THE CORNER

RE: R.I.P. [W. Thomas Smith Jr.]
Just got off the phone with General Paul X. Kelley, former Commandant of the Marine Corps, who was a very good friend of Gov. Carroll Campbell. He told me: "Carroll and I had many long conversations about law enforcement, and I don't know that anyone ever, ever had the same grasp of law enforcement and how to implement it that he did. In South Carolina, he effectively brought all law enforcement agencies together for a common purpose. He was a consensus builder in the purest sense, and I don't know of too many other leaders who possessed those same skills in that regard."
Posted at 12:17 PM

Also, comments from friends Jeff Quinton here and Michael Graham here. Michael says Gov. Campbell is "almost single-handedly responsible" for his [Michael's] "entire career as a politician and pundit."

Semper Fi,
WTSjr

Pearl Harbor Day and other things

2005-12-07T07:34:00.000-05:00

Commenting last night at National Review Online's THE CORNER
BOB BECKEL IS FLAT WRONG [W. Thomas Smith Jr.]
Bob Beckel on Hannity & Colmes makes me want to pull my hair out!
He continues with the same tired, publicly manipulative argument about some American soldiers being sent to Iraq with less training than Iraqi soldiers... then he goes on with - and I paraphrase - "How long does it take to train a soldier? We've been training their soldiers for two years."
First, NO American soldier is being sent to Iraq with less training than an Iraqi soldier. Even if a soldier - in some isolated instance - was sent to Iraq straight out of boot camp, his boot camp experience would be nearly twice as long as the basic training an Iraqi soldier receives, in every instance. And Iraqis are often in combat during their basic training.
Second, IT IS NOT ABOUT TRAINING SOLDIERS at the individual level. That is only a part of the process.
It is about BUILDING AN ARMY, and THAT takes years.
Incidently, I zipped over to his website and found this lovely line: "Show me a Right Winger and I'll show you a gutless coward."
Posted at 10:00 PM

Also, let's not forget what happened 64-years-ago today. I talk about it here. And it's getting blogged all over the place, including over at Michelle Malkin's, BlackFive, and others.
Semper Fi,
WTSjr

"Precious soldiers"

2005-12-05T14:30:00.000-05:00

... - that's what author and terrorism expert, Dr. Walid Phares, calls the men who serve in the new Iraqi Army.
See all of his comments in my latest piece at National Review Online.

Also, today would have been my dad's 76th birthday. He passed away in 1999.
Dad,
If you can hear us from Heaven, we all love and miss you so much.

Semper Fi,
WTSjr

Michener's "ablest flyer"

2005-12-04T07:02:00.000-05:00

As I reported yesterday at
National Review Online's THE CORNER

JAMES MICHENER'S "ABLEST FLYER" HAS PASSED
[W. Thomas Smith Jr.]
Vice Admiral William Porter Lawrence, 75, passed away yesterday.
To say he was a great man seems not enough: It's almost fair to say he was beyond legendary.... so much so that in his book, Space, author James Michener wrote that “Bill Lawrence” was “perhaps the ablest flyer, all things considered, that Pax River was to produce.”
A 1951 “distinguished” Annapolis grad (where he played football), Lawrence flew 25 combat missions in Korea and 150 combat missions in Vietnam. Between wars, he graduated first in class at test pilot school and became the first aviator to fly twice the speed of sound in a Navy aircraft.
A heart murmur kept him from becoming one of America's first astronauts (His daughter Wendy would later become an astronaut).
In 1967, Lawrence was shot down over North Vietnam and held as a POW for six years. He was subsequently awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his inspirational leadership of his fellow prisoners.
While a POW, Lawrence also wrote what would become the official state poem of Tennessee, a portion of which reads:

Beauty and hospitality
are the hallmarks of Tennessee;
and o'er the world as I may roam
no place exceeds my boyhood home.
And oh how much I long to see
my native land, my Tennessee."

Admiral Lawrence retired from the Navy in 1986, then held the Chair of Naval Leadership at Annapolis until 1991.
He was planning to attend the Army-Navy game today.
Posted at 07:05 PM

10 Marines killed on patrol near Fallujah

2005-12-02T14:08:00.000-05:00

Reporting at National Review Online's THE CORNER

TEN MARINES KILLED, 11 WOUNDED [W. Thomas Smith Jr.]
10 Marines were killed today, another 11 wounded by an IED while on a foot patrol near Fallujah.
I must tell you such news literally, physically makes me sick, brokenhearted, etc., as it I know does all of us. But their lives – and those of others lost – have not been lost for nothing.
There are many positive things happening in Iraq, some of which I will be reporting on NRO next week. And to put some of it in perspective, a U.S. general on the ground near Baghdad told me in a sat-phone conversation a few days ago, “The [Iraqi] people are getting fed up with the attacks, not just on their own people, but on us.”
And they’re doing something about it, as you will see.
Posted at 01:15 PM

Also, check out our latest at World Defense Review.
Semper Fi,
WTSjr

Our latest at NavySEALs.com

2005-11-30T21:08:00.000-05:00

Where we when Pearl Harbor was attacked
Includes comments from former President George H.W. Bush, Senator Bob Dole, William F. Buckley Jr., and others.
See it here.
Semper Fi,
WTSjr

"Strength and Honor!"

2005-11-27T07:42:00.000-05:00

The salutation I just received at the conclusion of a note from a U.S. Army general on the ground in Iraq...
"Strength and Honor!"
God knows I love these guys.
Semper Fi,
WTSjr

THE ROCK is saving lives!

2005-11-25T17:20:00.000-05:00

Received some good news earlier today about one of our new armored vehicles, "The Rock," that survived an IED blast in Iraq. I talk about it at National Review Online's THE CORNER.
Semper Fi,
WTSjr

The first official day of the CHRISTMAS SEASON!

2005-11-25T07:48:00.000-05:00

Today officially launches the Christmas season!
In light of that, here's a little story published last year in South Carolina Homes & Gardens magazine about Dad and Christmas seasons long past...

DAD'S LITTLE STRETCH OF MAIN STREET
by W. Thomas Smith Jr.

DAD LOVED THAT LITTLE STRETCH OF MAIN STREET FROM GERVAIS TO LADY. It was his block, he claimed. But he gave it to me.
My fondest memories of Dad and Main Street are associated with the beginning of each Christmas season in the late 1960s; particularly those cold midweek evenings when Dad would come home from work, pack the family in the car, and take us to “look at the Christmas lights.”
My sister, Annette, and I would stand on the backseat floorboard, as Dad drove slowly from Laurel Street, south along Main, beneath a seemingly endless canopy of green garland extending from one side of Main to the other. Each festoon, ruffling in the night breeze, was afixed with swaying, red-plastic Christmas lanterns and lights of every imaginable color.
Mom was in the front holding my little brother, Jim, who, like the rest of us, was “oohing” and “aahing;” while on the radio, Johnny Mathis was crooning his unmatched rendition of White Christmas.
It was as if we were moving through a twinkling tunnel with the lights reflecting off of every storefront window and parked sedan, Annette’s face, and the perpetually waxed hood of Dad’s car.
“How ‘bout that,” he would say, as Annette and I squinted our eyes to create those blending color effects. “Aren’t these the prettiest lights you've ever seen?”
Block after block we drove deeper into that mystical winter wonderland – as Johnny continued, “… with eeevvvvrrrry Christmas card I write.”
Our journey ended at the Governor’s grand Christmas tree at the 1200 block of Main where it ends at Gervais and the State House: Of course, Dad’s favorite little stretch of downtown Columbia.
On the right of the street was the drab-looking Wade Hampton Hotel, a storied high-rise named for the state’s best-known Civil War general and the site of some of ol’ Strom’s alleged trysts with a few of the local ladies. To our left was the Capital Newstand and next-door the Capitol Restaurant - or as Dad would say, the CAP-a-dull KA-FAY.
The restaurant was another of our Christmas season haunts, where on Saturday mornings, Dad, unbeknownst to Mom, would let us drink fountain-Cokes for breakfast and eat packets of sugar before we had our grits and eggs. Dad, whose favorite foods included pork skins and “salty mackerel,” figured as long as Mom was feeding us well at home, we could eat what we wanted with him at the Capitol Cafe.
As I got a little older, Dad let me work with him during the holidays. He had a tire dealership on the corner of Gervais and Park, just two blocks west of his favorite little stretch. There I spent many a December afternoon, faced pressed against the cold windowpane, straining for a glimpse of the Statehouse tree, as I listened to Dad and a couple of his cigar-chompin' buddies discuss the time they had a “drink of licka” at a “Santee hot suppah” where “old man Jimmy Byrnes” said this-or-that.
Eventually, Dad would say, “Sport, you ready t’ go?” and I’d jump in the car.
On the way home, we’d stop by the Capitol Newsstand so Dad could pick up a pack of Winstons, a copy of The Columbia Record, and I could steal a quick look at the lights.
Dad was a striking figure walking down Main Street: He seemed so tall and straight-backed; always dressed in a dark suit, white shirt, and a tie; his wingtips shined like black glass. He would always stick his head in the door of the cafe or run into some old friend or business acquaintance on the street. “How you doin,’ pahdnuh?” he’d smile, shake hands, or pat on the back. “Now y’all have a good Christmas.”
Back in the car, as we the turned the corner toward home, Dad often pointed toward the Statehouse. “That's where ol’ Gen’ral Sherman's shells hit,” he’d say.
I remember once telling Dad how much I loved our section of downtown. His huge hand rubbed the back of my head and he smiled, “Well, sport, this is kinda like our own lil’ spot, idn’t it?”
Years later, in the winter of his life, Dad spent Wednesday afternoons, rain or shine, delivering weekly newspapers from one end of Columbia to the other. His favorite stops were, of course, along the 1200 block of Main. There he’d see old friends, and make new ones.
On Saturday mornings, Dad and I returned to downtown Columbia just as we had decades earlier. This time I was behind the wheel as we drove down traffic-less streets, always slowing along the 1200 block of Main as he reminisced about his days as a young man, the Christmas lights, the Capital Cafe, the newsstand, and old friends now gone.
Dad, too, is now gone, and I somehow feel I've inherited the little stretch.
Recently, my nephews and I were strolling back to the car after one of our periodic visits to the Statehouse. The oldest boy, Michael, looked down his Granddaddy’s favorite block.
“You know,” he remarked. “I love this little stretch of Main Street.”

© 2005 W. Thomas Smith Jr.

WTSjr

There's nothing like fan mail

2005-11-23T15:22:00.000-05:00

In fact, here's one from a reader who comments on a piece I wrote this week for National Review Online:

"Your almost endless dissertation on minor and meaningless "success stories" in Iraq illustrate, better than anything I could ever say, why most Americans want us out of Iraq as soon as possible. I mean honestly, what planet are you reporting from?
Also, I'm very sorry about the loss of your theocratic police state. It must be very frustrating to have come so close to overthrowing our great American democracy, only to have your plans foiled by most all of the pesky American people.
Remember, it's not that Americans don't understand your police state agenda; it's just that they reject it. I mean, my goodness, we're Americans, not Nazis.
Sincerely,
SearingTruth
Protecting our traditional American values of truth, justice, and freedom for all"

“Thank you” to Rush Limbaugh

2005-11-21T20:24:00.000-05:00

We have a piece today in National Review Online that addresses the fact that elminating the insurgency in Iraq is best left to those who know how to do it. See it here.
Thanks to Rush Limbaugh, who again included our piece in his "daily stack of stuff."
Also, just recieved a review copy of Peggy Noonan's new book, John Paul the Great, and discovered that a snippet from the review I wrote for When Character was King a few years back in The New York Post was included on the back cover... nice surprise.
My take on the new book soon.
Stay tuned.
WTSjr

Our latest at NavySEALs.com

2005-11-12T08:24:00.000-05:00

Our latest at NavySEALs.com is about Chris Berman, a SEAL Reservist and former Blackwater security officer, who turned the Fallujahan tragedy of March 31, 2004 into a remarkable business venture aimed at saving lives in urban combat.
See Chris' story here.
Also, pleased to announce that my Parisian friend Barbara Pasquet James has landed a piece about the Paris rioting in National Review Online. And Abigail Esman, one of our columnists at World Defense Review, has landed a forthcoming gig at The Nation.
Congrats Chris. Congrats ladies.

Semper Fi,
WTSjr

Happy Veterans Day!

2005-11-11T07:04:00.000-05:00

Happy Veteran's Day to every active-duty, Reserve, retired, and former members of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force (the old Army Air Forces, Air Corps, and Air Service), Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and all National (and State) Guard components.
And let's never forget any of those who have passed on from the aforementioned branches of service as well as the old State and Colonial militias; Union and Confederate Armies, Navies, and Marine Corps; as well as the Continental Army, Navy, and Marines, and all of the auxiliary military services.
Without you, them, us; this great experiment would be moot.
Semper Fidelis,
WTSjr

Happy Birthday, Marines!

2005-11-10T07:48:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday, Marines!
Today is the 230th birthday of the finest fighting force in the world.
I write about it, this morning, in The State.
Semper Fidelis,
WTSjr

Yep, this is me... many moons ago.

UPDATE: Getting lots of email feedback on the birthday piece, as well as some blogging.
My friend Jeff Quinton says... and then Kathryn Jean Lopez, my editor at National Review Online says...

Brig. Gen. Dave Grange on "strengthening the bond" ... and other things

2005-11-07T20:04:00.000-05:00

Lots to report. But only enough time this evening for the abridged version...
OK, our piece on recruits and recruiting made the front page of The Washington Times, this morning. Also, made it in Rush Limbaugh's "daily stack of stuff."
We've also landed a piece on "Defining what it means to be a Marine" in Marine Corps Times (online version will be live domani).
Then, there is Brig. Gen. David L. Grange's excellent piece, "Time to strengthen the bond between veteran and state," in World Defense Review.
Gen. Grange, a friend who wrote the forward to one of my books, is the former commanding general of the Army's famous 1st Infantry Division (The Big Red One). Retired after 30 years of service, he's currently the president and CEO of the McCormick Tribune Foundation and a CNN military analyst.

Semper Fi,
WTSjr

U.S. Army snipers kill eight guerrillas in Ramadi

2005-11-06T15:48:00.000-05:00

Just received the following from the 2nd Marine Division at Camp Blue Diamond in Ramadi...

Ar Ramadi, Iraq – Eight insurgents were killed by U.S. Army sniper teams attached to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team in separate incidents in Ar Ramadi today.
In the first incident, a sniper team observed an insurgent digging a hole along a street that historically contained a high number of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The sniper team engaged the insurgent with one round and was able to confirm one enemy killed in action.
Shortly afterwards, a taxi pulled up and stopped between the body of the insurgent and the sniper team. Three insurgents exited the vehicle and began firing sporadically in all directions with AK-47s. The sniper team engaged all the three individuals and was able to confirm three additional enemy killed in action. At this point, a fourth insurgent got out of the taxi and began firing at the sniper team. The insurgent was engaged as well, but was able to escape in the taxi after being injured.
In the second incident, a sniper team observed as a vehicle pulled up to a historical IED hole and two insurgents got out to inspect the hole. When the insurgents began pulling out ordnance from the trunk of their vehicle to place in the hole, the sniper team determined hostile intent and engaged both insurgents. The snipers were able to confirm two enemies killed in action.
In the two other incidents, sniper teams observed two masked men observing their positions at two separate times during the day. Both insurgents were engaged and confirmed killed.
There were no coalition casualties in any of today’s incidents.
-USMC-

WTSjr

WORLD DEFENSE REVIEW columnist to appear on "FOX and Friends"

2005-11-06T07:02:00.000-05:00

WORLD DEFENSE REVIEW columnist Walid Phares will be a guest on FOX News' "Fox and Friends," this morning at 8:20 am (EST).
Dr. Phares will address the question, "Is Washington an al Qaida target."

WTSjr

NOTES from the BIG CHAIR

We're blogging at THE TANK

"The Marines have landed!"

The New York Giant who died on Iwo Jima

We're quoted in The Writer, again ...

The Navy - Marine Corps relationship

"The new phone books are here! The new phone books are here!"

The assassination of Lebanon's Pierre Amine Gemayel

Congaree River Bridge - Columbia, S.C.

"The T"

Importance of a 5-Point Harness Carseat

U.S. Marine to receive Medal of Honor

Mountain Warfare Training

Happy Marine Corps Birthday and Happy Veterans Day!

Col. Ripley on Oliver North's 'War Stories,' tomorrow night

Lugoff-Elgin High School - 9th Grade - Football 2006

Defending our 95,000-mile coastline

'WTSjr's Quarterly, maybe'

Pirates wins!

Understanding Intelligent Design

"Gentleman Johnny"

Max Fowler (my nephew) at Football practice today

my flowers

More praise for pirates

More stories and some stellar reviews

'Arrrrr!'

"Stars and Stripes Forever"

"Captain Ripley at the Dong Ha Bridge"

"Yo-ho-ho and a rocket-propelled grenade"

Zarqawi is dead

Invasion of Normandy

Hell & Haditha

Never forget!

"None but the brave deserve the fair"

Happy Max Fowler Day!

Murtha should give up title

Max Fowler, TWICE a state champion for South Carolina

CBS's George Crile dies (and a snippet from my George magazine interview with Gen. Westmoreland)

"Stanton Smith pitches shutout"

Kay Day's "Creative Writer US"

USA Today, Townhall, and Temple

Easter

Stanton Smith to The Citadel

Dispelling myths

E! and other things

Here's another picture of Max, 1,000 boxes of Cheerios ago

Fun in Carolina

Latest stories and "some of your mail"

Temple goes to class

Spinning Swarmer

Comments from Lt.Gen. Peter Chiarelli

My great (seven-times) grandfather

"Shock and Swarm"

CENTCOM Posture Statement

Thanks, Kathy Sena

A "bombing raid" and an "air assault" are not the same

Recent fun!

OK, here's what's up...

Jeff Quinton on AOL Radio

The Swamp Fox and other things

Two fine young men

Quick comments then back to work

"Some of your mail"

Please pray for Jill Carroll

Comments from a 'fighting General' in Iraq

Talking 'pirates' on FOX NEWS

U.S. Navy seizes pirate ship

Latest gig

The Saddam-Al Qaeda Connection

New Townhall.com column

Marines, soldiers unearth huge weapons cache

The Marlboro Man of Fallujah

Deadly attacks prompt safer combat vehicles

Man savagely beaten in downtown Columbia

Merry Christmas

A MUST READ from Fallujah

Three days until Christmas!

A Humvee replacement in the works?

Highly ticked in South Carolina

Hi everybody (how's that for an original subject heading?)