Easton High Grad Appointed to West Point

U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright has announced that Easton Area High School graduate Matthew Horace has been accepted to the United States Military Academy Preparatory School at West Point.

Matthew is the son of Matthew and Dawn Horace. While attending Easton Area High, Matthew held leadership roles on his high school and club lacrosse teams and participated in the Spanish Honor Society and the Eastern PA Conference Student Athlete Character and Sportsmanship Council. He was also a volunteer for community activities hosted by the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Officers (NOBLE) and 100 Black Men of Northern Jersey.

“Nominating students for the Unites States Academies is among the most gratifying responsibilities for a Member of Congress,” said Rep. Cartwright. “These students exhibit commendable academic achievement and perseverance to earn these nominations. Matthew is a talented and qualified young man; I commend him for his dedication and perseverance, and congratulate him on his acceptance into the Military Academy Prep School.”  

In order to attend one of the military academies, students must receive a nomination from their Member of Congress. Students may apply to the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), the Air Force Academy, the Naval Academy, and the Merchant Marine Academy. If the incoming freshman class has been filled, students demonstrating significant promise and ability will be admitted to a prep school for additional military and academic training prior to consideration for admission to the academy the following year. Prep school students will receive a full scholarship as well as a stipend as active members of the military.
 
Rep. Cartwright added, “Throughout our nation’s history, U.S. Service Academies have played an important role in preparing young people for service to our country. As a Pennsylvanian, I am proud of our patriotic young men and women who are willing to step forward and answer the call of duty. It is an honor to play a role in preparing our next generation of leaders.”

Would You Like a Free POW License Plate?

My story about the Wounded Warrior parking sign in Hanover Township has been quite a hit, both here and on Facebook. But it reminds me of a story concerning my Dad, who was wounded during WWII and was also a POW.

One day, my father received a visit from a fellow who was involved in one or another veterans' group. I was with him when the guy came. He wanted my Dad to sign up for a POW license plate. He'd never have to pay to register his car again.

My Dad declined.

"Why not?"

"I don't want the entire world to know I was stupid enough to get caught."

Hanover Tp To Celebrate Armed Forces Day This Saturday

Hanover Township, Northampton County is hosting their Armed Forces Day event on Saturday, May 20 at 10 AM at Armed Services Park (Hanoverville Road and Route 512). LTC Timothy A. Brooks of the PA National Guard will provide remarks for the occasion. I encourage all to attend and join in honoring those who have served and continue to serve our great nation.

Hey Donald, This is How a Grown-Up Talks

While The Donald is busily claiming that Hillary Clinton is "the devil," Congressman Charlie Dent released a statement on Facebook yesterday concerning U.S. Army Captain Humayun Khan.

U.S. Army Captain Humayun Khan is a hero by every possible definition – a soldier who put his troops first and who died while trying to protect them. His courage, bravery and willingness to sacrifice his life to protect not just his fellow soldiers but to defend the freedoms we all enjoy here at home is the very definition of what it means to be American.

Any attempt to diminish or minimize the sacrifice that Captain Khan, or his family, have made for our Nation should be strongly condemned. We can never repay Captain Khan’s family for their loss or thank Captain Khan enough for his valor.

Dent's detractors want him to slam Trump while he's at it, but Dent chose to handle the matter like an adult.

I had to laugh when reading Jeff Cooper claim, "I guaranty you, Trump is only a day or two from declaring that Captain Khan died on purpose to hide the fact that his father started ISIS."

Incidentally, I always thought I was the devil.

Did We Just Swap 5 Jihadists For a Deserter?

That's what CNN is saying. Just when I think the Obama administration can't possibly be more idiotic, it proves me wrong.

Cartwright: Support Our Military Families

From Congressman Cartwright's Offices: Yesterday, LV Congressman Matt Cartwright introduced the bipartisan Military Family Leave Act with 25 original co-sponsors. The bill would allow parents, children and spouses of military service members to spend time with a loved one who has received notification of impending active duty deployment. The legislation would give certain immediate family members two weeks unpaid leave from work.

Cartwright said, “This bill simply creates two work-weeks of unpaid family leave for immediate family members of active duty service members who are exempted from getting such leave under existing law. Given the sacrifices all our troops and their families make in the name of national security, the legislation is the least we can do to ensure that the needs of all military families are met, regardless of their employment situation.” Cartwright added, “My bill also respects the challenges faced by small businesses.”

Under provisions added to Family and Medical Leave Act by the Fiscal Year 2008 National Defense Authorization Act, parents, children, and spouses of military personnel are allowed 12 weeks of leave if a family member is notified of impending active duty. However, as is the case with all Family and Medical Leave Act scenarios, the law excludes Americans who work part-time or who are employed by companies with fewer than 50 employees. This Military Family Leave Act would create two work-weeks of the same unpaid military family leave for employees of all stripes.

“The parents, children, and spouses of military personnel are deeply affected by the deployment of a family member. After getting news of impending active duty, time with a loved one is short and precious,” Cartwright said. “This legislation closes gaps in current law to provide family support to all service members called to active duty. And we know that this support is invaluable to soldiers,” said Cartwright.

Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) President, Retired Naval Vice Admiral Norbert Ryan Jr. commented, “The MOAA applauds Rep. Cartwright for championing this important benefit for the families of our active duty service personnel and pledges our strong support to secure enactment of the Military Family Leave Act.”

Congressman Cartwright was sworn in as a Member of the House of Representatives on January 3.

Dent Hosts Send-Off For Service Academy Appointees

When I covered Freedom High School's graduation last week, I feared it would be one of those dreary, boring affairs. Kinda' like my own. I was dead wrong.

They were wonderful kids, looking forward to facing the world. Dana Grubb, who photographed the event, later told me, "They always restore my faith in our youth."

Among the night's many highlights was the special recognition given to Seth Watlington, who learned that night of his appointment to the Naval academy. He walked onto the stage with an Oxford cap, but left with a NAVY baseball cap, as Stabler Arena thundered with applause.

Lehigh Valley Congressman Charlie Dent, in what must be one of his most pleasant duties, yesterday hosted a send-off for the seventeen students from his District who will attend one of the nation's five service academies.

“Nominating hard-working local students for admission to one of our nation’s prestigious service academies is one of my most rewarding responsibilities as a Member of Congress,” said Dent. “These 17 students are some of the brightest and most dedicated young people in our area. I applaud their decision to serve our nation while continuing their education, and wish them the best of luck as they begin their studies this fall.”

Let me list these young men and women:

U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD:

·         Venus Molony, Moravian Academy

·         Mark Schnable, Allentown Central Catholic High School

·         Seth Watlington, Freedom High School

·         John Zawarski, Mercersburg Academy

Naval Academy Preparatory School, Newport, RI:

·         Jonathan Daus, Bangor Area High School

U.S. Military Academy, West Point, NY:

·         Meaghan Ellison, Easton Area High School

·         Eric Johnson, Nazareth Area High School

·         Ian Myers, Notre Dame High School

·         Aimee Ortner, Northern Lehigh High School

·         Zachary Panto, Catasauqua Area High School

·         Peter Stanley, Easton Area High School

U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School, West Point, NY:

·         Matthew Scot Bryant, U.S. Army Reserve

·         Bridgette Dougherty, Southern Lehigh High School

·         Christopher Monge, Valley Forge Military Academy

U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO:

·         Evan Allman, Liberty High School

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY:

·         Scott Dennin, Boyertown Area High School

·         Nicole Mautino, Saucon Valley High School

Armed Forces Day: All Gave Some, Some Gave All

Future Admiral Alex Kish, age 1

Armed Forces Day, the third Saturday in May, honors Americans serving in its five military branches. But fewer and fewer municipalities celebrate this day. That's a trend that Township Manager Jay Finnigan hopes to reverse, at least in Hanover Township. In a brief May 19 ceremony at its newly dedicated Armed Services Park, members of all military branches were remembered and honored.

WWII veteran Wendall Phillips summed it up best. "All gave some, some gave all."

In addition to Hanover's Board of Supervisors,the ceremony was attended by U.S. Congressman Charlie Dent, Northampton County Judge Edward Smith, State Rep. Marcia Hahn and Ellen Kern, State Senator Pat Browne's Chief of Staff.  The 4th Marine Logistics Group, located in Allentown, supplied a Color Guard. The Pennsylvania Army National Guard's 28th Infantry Division, located in Easton, supplied an Honor Guard and fired a 21-gun salute.

Finnigan, speaking about all the military personnel who helped organize the event, remarked,  "Never have I been called 'Sir' so many times in two hours. I actually felt important."

"He'll get over it," wisecracked a Township employee.

State Rep. Marcia Hahn and Judge Edward Smith

In addition to his role as a County judge, Judge Smith is also a Captain in the United States Naval Reserve, with 27 years of service to his country in posts as far away as Iraq. He described how each branch contributes to the nation's defense in what he proudly called "the greatest military in the world." Not surprisingly, he claimed, "The Navy is the best!"

He left Hanover's ceremony for a physical before his next tour - Japan.

Andrew Kish, age 1, agrees with Judge Smith. Andrew's dad, Hanover Township Treasurer Ryan Kish,  clams Andrew told him he intends to be an Admiral.

Charlie Dent and Taryn Gilbert

Congressman Dent reminded the forty people at Saturday's celebration that the Lehigh Valley sent 12 high school seniors to the service academies last year. But he cautioned that the nation;s growing debt is our greatest security threat.

Sing for America, which has raised $30,000 for local military families, entertained the crowd with an Armed Forces Medley for each branch of service. But the ceremony ended on a mournful note, as WWII vet played "Taps" in honor of fallen and departed service members.


Enjoy the slideshow below.

Bury My Heart at the Wounded Warrior 5K

Heartless bastard confirmed!

Actually, that's the one thing the paramedic from Cetronia Ambulance was unable to find. I have no heart, which explains why I'm a blogger. But even a heartless bastard like me was unable to resist a 5k to benefit our local veterans and their loved ones.

Keystone Wounded Warriors, an organization that honors the sacrifices made by our men and women in the military, hosted today's first-ever Wounded Warrior 5k in Upper Macungie's Lone Lane Park. Over 300 people participated and were rewarded with water, bananas and ... hot dogs.

Race coordinator Sam Johnson, who runs Allentown's Marine Corps Reserve Center, was "ecstatic" about the turnout. Race proceeds will help Pennsylvania's returning vets make the transition into civilian life.  

Alvin the tool dog

Alvin the tool dog, a 3 year-old Golden Retriever therapy dog, ran the race. He's famous for fetching different tools. I caught him in the third mile, where I shouted, "Go get the screwdriver!." Alvin dragged owner Steve Hujsa off the course and I slipped by them both.

All's fair in love and 5ks.

But one runner I was unable to catch was Breinigsville's 10 year old Drew Kloss. In his first ever race, he finished in 26:28, about 30 seconds ahead of me.

"How did you do it?" I asked.

"Probably my mom," Drew responded, as he and his sister chowed down on very healthy hot dogs and potato chips.

You could tell this was a military 5k. The flat course was clearly marked about every three inches, and the volunteers all called me "Sir," which caused me to turn around a lot.  

You don't have to run these 5ks. You can walk, and most of you will probably beat me.

A Great (and Free) College Education!

From Congressman Dent:  – U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent (PA-15) and U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (PA) will host U.S. Service Academy Information Day April 28 at Parkland High School. The event is open to all school students, but is geared toward high school juniors interested in learning more about attending a U.S. Service Academy.  The program will include an explanation of the nomination and admission process, as well as an open session for students to speak directly with representatives from the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Navy, and Merchant Marines. 

  

WHO:            U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent (PA-15)

                        U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (PA)

                        Representatives from the U.S. Service Academies:

·         U.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs, CO)

·         U.S. Coast Guard Academy (New London, CT)

·         U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point, NY)

·         U.S. Military Academy (West Point, NY)

·         U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis, MD)

WHAT:            U.S. Service Academy Information Day

WHERE:          Parkland High School

2700 North Cedar Crest Boulevard

Allentown, PA

WHEN:            Saturday, April 28, 2012

                        10:00 AM

NOTES:           Event flyer available here.

Dent: Let's Remember Our Veterans

WWII Combat Vet Jack Leh

Veterans Day is a time for all Americans to pay tribute to the many courageous men and women who risked their lives defending our nation as members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Since officially recognized as a national holiday in 1938, Veterans Day has presented a unique opportunity for our entire nation to come together and display our thanks for the dedication and sacrifice of those who served.

As I have stated in the past, I firmly believe one of my greatest responsibilities as Representative of the 15th District of Pennsylvania is to ensure veterans and their families have access to the resources and care they need and have earned. With my support, funding for veterans’ health programs has increased by more than 60% in recent years.

At the beginning of the 112th Congress, I was selected to serve on the House Committee on Appropriations, which is responsible for determining annual funding levels for the federal government’s many departments and agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This year, my colleagues on the Committee and I developed legislation (H.R. 2055, the Fiscal Year 2012 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act) that provides $127.8 billion for the VA to fully fund veterans’ compensation and benefits, education benefits, vocational rehabilitation, and housing loan programs. The bill also included $45.8 million in funding for the Arlington National Cemetery to address years of mismanagement that led to hundreds of cases of misidentified or misplaced remains.

Recognizing the importance and value of educating veterans returning from conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, Congress passed the Post-9/11 GI Bill in 2008 with my strong support. This new educational opportunity is currently helping countless veterans begin civilian careers with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. Unfortunately, today’s challenging economy has made the transition to civilian life for many veterans more difficult than Congress anticipated when passing the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

To further support veterans in our area looking to enhance their careers, I will be hosting a Veterans Career Resource Day at Northampton Community College (NCC) on Friday, December 16, 2011. This important event will connect veterans of all ages with resources designed to ensure their success in today’s job market. I have invited employers from across our region to participate, and representatives from the VA’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and CareerLink® Lehigh Valley will be conducting helpful workshops for attendees. To learn more, please visit my website.

This Veterans Day, I encourage all Americans to join me in thanking our veterans and current members of the Armed Forces for their service to our nation.

Some Things Are Worth Dying For

About 100 people stayed away from the usual Sunday football games on November 6 to salute our veterans in a ceremony at Ebeneezer Bible Fellowship Church, that included a color guard, bagpipes and of course, speeches.

Jack Leh, a corporal in the 82d Airborne during WWII, claimed his experience was worth a million dollars. "But you couldn't pay me a million to do it again," he said. Another WWII vet, who are dying at the rate of 1,000 per day, spoke of a group that he and other vets formed to educate students. But it was Judge Edward G. Smith, a Navy Captain who served in Iraq, who summed up everyone's message the best. "Some things are just worth dying for," he said.

In addition to these speeches, there were musical interludes by Bethlehem's MORA club and a rendition of WWII-era songs.

Bagpipers Kimberlee and Travis Leidich closed out the ceremony with "Amazing Grace."

Vote For Allentown's 1SGT Michael “Rich” Buckles in Chevy Competition

Chevrolet is running a contest among six Pa. servicemen called "Chevrolet Military Salute Pa." The winner gets a "one week-long vehicle loan, hometown celebration in the serviceman/woman’s honor and other surprises." It's not exactly Powerball, but it's still a very kind gesture and I'm sure the generosity will be appreciated. I'm posting about this because Chevy will let us stiff the ballot, and I'd love to see a local serviceman win.

I met the Marine Corp's 1SGT Michael “Rich” Buckles, when he ran in the Ashly 5k, which raised money for the Blue Star Mothers and a scholarship in honor of Ashly Moyer, a soldier from Emmaus who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Not only did Buckles beat me, but so did his wife.

In spite of this insult, I'm asking you to vote for him, and you can do it here. Currently, some bastard from Philly is in the lead, and we can't have that anymore.

Here's what Chevy has to say about Top Sarge Buckles:

A native of Allentown, 1st Sgt. Buckles has honorably served his country for 17 years. He has been deployed five separate times in support of the Global War on Terrorism, and currently serves as the Inspector-Instructor 1st Sgt. in his hometown, ensuring the health, welfare and professional development of 126 Marines and sailors. According to his commanding officer, he also handles one of the most solemn duties of the United States Armed Forces; he exercises genuine care and sincere devotion that is synonymous with caring for our fallen servicemen and women and their families during the conduct of condolence and casualty assistance calls. Taking time out of his personal life, Buckles developed the Marine-n-Me summer camp program in West Reading. His peers describe him as “an exemplary citizen-soldier who is truly respected, admired and a model to be emulated.”

Beaten, But Unbowed, in Ashly 5K

Trash talkin' Joe Owens

The trash talking started late last night, when highly-conditioned, well-trained athletes like me are trying to sleep. My not-so-smart phone started beeping with incoming messages like "I'm going to skewer you in the 5k" and "You suck." The troll harassing me? None other than Express Times Editor-in-Chief Joe Owens.

Charlie Dent wins footraces, too!

Joe is one of the people who accepted my challenge in Ashly's 5k Race for Freedom. Before I bash him, I have to thank Joe for participating. He's a busy guy and could be doing lots of things besides running a footrace against a bottom-feeding blogger. But this is a different kind of race. It honors Emmaus High School grad Ashly Moyer, who had just made Sergeant when her life was cut short by an IED in Iraq. In fact, it  honors all of our men and women in uniform, who put their lives on the line for us every day.

Like most races, there was all kinds of music to get everyone pumped up before the starting gun fired. But unlike most races, there was a moving speech by Ashly's sister, who bravely beat back the tears as she talked. After that, a very somber Marine color guard started a slow march through the crowd, reminding us all why we were there.

When they saw me, they called for this

Part of the money raised today goes to the Ashly Moyer Scholarship Fund. The rest goes to the Blue Star Mothers, which sends care packages to our soldiers in harm's way, and also helps military families here at home.

For every person who accepted my challenge and beat me, I agreed to pay $1 to Blue Star Mothers. Joe  was there for a good cause, but I was still determined to beat his ass. I've been training for this day since early June, while he's been guzzling milkshakes and popping twinkies. He was wearing a forty-year old Phillies T-shirt that had already turned green with mold. And the "D" on his baseball cap obviously means "Deranged."

Dent with Doug Reichley and his children

Before things got under way, I told him the race started actually about 1/2 mile away, but he refused to take the bait. In fact, despite all the advice he received telling him to start off slowly, he moved up to the front with the elite runners. He did fall for the power food I offered him - a slim jim. He swallowed it in one gulp.

When the race started, Owens immediately tripped up a few of the real runners in the front, guys from Kenya and Ireland, destroying their hopes for a personal best and sending a few to the hospital.

My strategy was to let him go and reel him in later.

After about a mile, I caught him by surprise. The second he saw me, he took off. And that's what happened for a long 3.1 miles. Every time I got close to Owens, he took off. Now, I won't say he cheated, but I did see Express Times reporter Sarah Cassi up ahead in a golf cart.

I never did reel him in. When the race was over, Joe had beaten me by about a minute ... or two. I have not seen his blog bragging about his victory yet, but he got me.

Mike Schware and his cute little girl

There were others involved in this challenge, too. Before the race, NorCo Exec John Stoffa gave me $20 for the Blue Star Mothers. Sam Royer, who recently ran for District Judge in Hanover Township, finished the race before Joe and I were across the starting line.

LV Congressman Charlie Dent beat both of us by a good ten minutes or more. So did State Rep. Doug Reichley. He ran the race with his daughter, a beautiful cheerleader, and handsome son. They were ahead of us, too. We were also clobbered by Allentown CPA Mike Schware, who ran the race with his cute little daughter holding his hand.

So far, I've listed the Republicans who beat us. What about the Democrats? Pat Slattery, a former state house  candidate from Lower Macungie, nailed both of us, but he's 18' tall and his race was over after he took 3 steps.

Did I beat anybody?  I'm pretty sure I clocked a seven year-old girl, and when she crossed the finish line, I began taunting her until her mother told me she was one of the walkers.

Most of them beat me too.

I did beat one person. Fellow blogger Jonathan Geeting had accepted my challenge, but never showed up. He must be too busy writing about the LV from Manhattan or Brooklyn or wherever he is these days. Had he gone, he could have learned that Congressman Dent has already conducted twenty town halls this year.

So that finishes this year's race. I'm a little poorer, but will continue training.

Wait 'till next year.

Updated 6:35 PM. The Joe Owens Fictional Account is here. - Actually, I'm surprised by how close my story is to his. I have to lie more. I cracked up at this sentence. "If it appears as if I'm trying not to get too close to O'Hare, well, his initials aren't B.O. for nothing."

Think You Can Beat My Fat Ass in a 5K?

I told you before that I'm running (and mostly walking) in a foot race this Saturday, called the 5k for Freedom. It takes place at the Lehigh Parkway at 9 AM sharp. Most of the race proceeds will go to the Lehigh Valley Blue Star Mothers, who really have made a difference helping our troops and military families here at home. The rest of the money will go to a scholarship in memory of Ashly Moyer, a LV soldier who was killed by an IED in Iraq. You can read about the race or register here.

I'll repeat my challenge. If you think you can beat me, challenge me in the comments below. On race day, write "I challenge Fat Ass O'Hare" on your bib, or maybe you could wear a little sign. For every person who beats me, I'll pay $1 to Blue Star Mothers. But if I beat you, and I will, you have to pay $5 to Blue Star Mothers.

According to emails forwarded to me, Tricia Mezzacappa hopes my "fat ass keels over." And another fan tells her, "Hopefully he'll drop dead soon."

I plan to disappoint them both.

Only the good die young. Bottom-feeding bloggers live forever.

Blue Star Mothers' Golf Tournament on September 17

Wells Fargo Excessive ATM Fees to GIs in Combat Zones

Most banks are now open on Sundays. At mine, I can even have a cup of free coffee from some fancy percolator. The teller gushes and calls me "Bernie" when she deposits my $6 every week, as though we're long lost buddies. The armed guard I regularly see is often smiling, too. Happy face or not, I'm pretty sure his bullet will pierce my skull just as effectively if I accidentally walk of with one of their lousy ball point pens. But that would be pretty hard to do because they're always chained down. If I screw up and write a bad check on funds that have not yet cleared, banks will hit me with all kinds of $30 service charges for every transaction on my account that day. But they'll still smile.

It's pretty clear that greedy banks, and not Democrats or Republicans, are one of the primary causes of the Great Recession. Sure, they're a necessary evil. Most of us would be unable to afford a home, or even a car, without them. But they're not your friends. They're paying attention to their bottom line, not you.

Greater Pennsylvania Abstract title agent Tom Castellano, like many other title agents, can tell you story after story if banks who don't even get around to sending lending documents, including the mortgage, until hours after a real estate settlement. The money is always wored late, too.

That's your friendly bank.

But that's not the story Tom Castellano shared with me last week. His nephew, a Marine, was recently deployed to Kuwait. From there, it's on to Afghanistan. Lucky him. Anyway, he was at a food concession in Kuwait, where there are some American restaurants like McDonalds, and I guess he must have wanted a happy meal but had no cash.

A friendly bank, Wells Fargo, just happened to have an ATM machine at the ready. Tom's nephew was charged $5, just to use the machine. In addition, a 3% surcharge was imposed on his withdrawal of his own money. When his wife called Wells Fargo to complain about charging a ridiculous fee to an American soldier in a designated combat zone, a smiling customer service rep told her, "Well, he shouldn’t be spending money in a combat zone.”

According to Wells Fargo's web page, they will charge $5 ATM fees for use outside the U.S., as well as 3% of the amount of the withdrawal. But at their "worldwide military bank," they claim that "It's an honor to serve those who serve our country."

And take their money.

Wells Fargo, the nation's fourth largest bank, is under investigation by the DOJ for preying upon unsophisticated borrowers during the housing bubble, most of them black, and steering them into high-cost sub-prime loans.

Smile.

Dent Honors Victims of Military Helicopter Attack

LV Congressman Charlie Dent has issued the following statement on the death of 30 Americans and 8 Afghans in a military helicopter attack Saturday in Afghanistan:

“My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of those who perished in this weekend’s helicopter attack in Afghanistan. Twenty-two of the Americans lost in this tragic event were members of one of our nation’s most elite fighting units, Navy SEAL Team 6, which recently carried out the killing of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan. Eight Americans serving in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army also lost their lives in what was the deadliest attack on American forces in the Afghan war. These 30 brave Americans will be remembered for their incredible courage and service in defense of our country. Similarly, I am hopeful the people of Afghanistan will remember the 8 Afghan soldiers lost in this terrible event for their dedication to providing freedom and security to a nation that once had neither."

Who Thinks They Can Beat Me in a 5K?

UGI is busily replacing pipes all throughout Nazareth. Many Borough residents have been reporting tremors since early June. Here's why. I've begun walking again, and even have added some limited running to my regimen. They'll probably have to repave the streets before Summer's done.

Why am I doing it? I can give you all kinds of reasons, but it's basically because I like it. When I was a little boy, I walked with my Grandfather everywhere. I spent a lot of time with him. He walked to work every day, and from time to time, took me with him. I even accompanied him on his evening constitutionals in downtown Shenandoah. You might be surprised, but he was still a sick man. We'd be walking, and suddenly he'd tell me he was feeling ill and needed to see the doctor for a shot.

That happened at nearly every corner. At the end of our evening walks, he'd be feeling pretty good.

I'm ineligible for the shots, but still like to walk and even run.

And I'll bet I'm faster than you.

Now this might surprise you as much as my grandfather's mysterious illness, but here it is. Some of you hate me. In my years as a bottom-feeding blogger, I've received death threats, pictures of dead Nazis and strange homosexual letters with my picture superimposed on gay porn stars. On top of that, some of you like to take shots at me in comments on this very blog.

I have no idea what prompts this malevolence because I'm so nice, but there it is.

So I'm going to give you a chance to get me. On the Saturday before Labor Day, September 3, there's gonna' be a footrace at the Lehigh Parkway in Allentown. Not only am I going to run this race, but I'll give each of you a chance to beat me. I might even let you get ahead of me for a mile or two, before I close in and kick your ass. I'm 60 years old and I'm fat, but you'll still be eating my dust because I'm very fast and you're not.

This race is for a very good cause.

It's in honor of Ashly Moyer, a LV native who sacrificed her life for you and me in 2007 when an IED exploded under her armored vehicle in Baghdad. She had just been promoted to sergeant. Proceeds of the race proceeds will go to a scholarship fund set up in her name at Emmaus High School. The rest will go to Blue Star Mothers, which supports our soldiers here at home and abroad. You can read about it and register at the 5K Race for Freedom site.

The race costs $25, and I'll register on Friday, when I get some dough.

And here's my challenge. If you think you can beat me, challenge me in the comments below. On race day, write "I challenge Fat Ass O'Hare" on your bib, or maybe you could wear a little sign. For every person who beats me, I'll pay $1 to Blue Star Mothers. It's not much, but bottom-feeding bloggers don't make much money.

Here's the twist. If I beat you, and I will, you have to pay $5 to Blue Star Mothers.

Jon Geeting is probably too much of a coward to race me. Lord knows he can't match me mentally. I doubt he can do it physically, either. Molovinsky is even older than me, and uglier, too. He'll probably be in the hospital that day, anyway. Lehigh Valley With Love will probably still be hung over.

Local pols can try to take me out if they dare. Ann McHale, I'd love to see you waddle along in the Parkway. And Lamont McClure, you better get a "wide load" sign. Barron von Footinmouth? You can run in your kilt, you know.

News people like Joe Owens or Bill White would probably make the "It's unethical" argument. But both of them traipse all over the Lehigh Valley, stuffing pizza and cheese steks down their gullets. Do they have what it takes to silence me for once? I think not.

Gracedale Goons? Here's your chance. I'll even let you use your damn battery-powered wheelchairs, but I might accidentally knock them over.

And you anonymous trolls. Why not take me on like real men instead of the little weasels we all know you are. Don't you get tired of writing threats at 3 AM? Here's your chance, George Maniatty, Henry Schaadt, James Schlener, Walt Garvin, Joe Long, etc., etc., etc. (It's a long list).

Don't hate me because you can't be me. I'm fat. I'm old. And I'll kick your ass ... for a good cause.

Dent to Host Veterans Resource Expo This Saturday

LV Congressman Charlie Dent will host a Veterans Resource Expo this Saturday for local veterans and their families at Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC). The event will educate veterans, especially those recently returning from service in Iraq or Afghanistan, about the benefits -- education, disability, compensation, and other applicable entitlements -- available through government agencies. Representatives from county, state, and federal veterans’ affairs departments will be on hand to explain their agency’s role in the benefit process and describe the various services they provide veterans and their families. Additionally, representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be available to discuss the Patriot Express Loan program. A Mobile Vet Center from the Veterans Administration’s Wilkes-Barre Medical Center will also be on site.

This Expo will take place between 9 AM and 1 PM at the Community Services Center, Rooms 201a, 201b and 203, 4525 Education Park Drive, Schnecksville, PA.