The 44th President of The United States and new Commander-in-Chief, President Barack Husain Obama

The 44th President of the United States, Barack Husain Obama was sworn in today marking a historic event.  President Obama became the first African-American President.  

Mr. President, I salute you sir!  May God bless you and your family.

Thomas A. Mengesha

Captain, USAR

Disney’s Armed Forces Salute

At Disneyland Resort in Southern California:
Through June 12, 2009, each active or retired member of the U.S. military can receive one complimentary three-day “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” ticket valid for admission to both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure parks. During the offer period, active or retired U.S. military personnel also may make a one-time purchase of an adult or child three-day “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion” ticket for up to five family members (including spouse) or friends for the price of an adult 1-Day Park Hopper ticket.

Disneyland Resort hotels are also offering special room rates for active or retired military personnel. For example, at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, active or retired members of the military and their families may find hotel rooms starting at $119 per night during value season, with great savings during other times of the offer period. This offer is available through June 12, 2009, and the number of rooms available at these special rates is limited.
For information regarding “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” at the Disneyland Resort, or to make reservations, military personnel may call 714/956-6424.

At the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida:

From January 4 to December 23, 2009, each active or retired member of the U.S. military may obtain one complimentary five-day "Disney's Armed Forces Salute" ticket with Park Hopper and Water Park Fun & More options. This ticket is valid for five days of admission into the four Walt Disney World theme parks, plus a total of five visits to a choice of a Disney water park, DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive Theme Park or certain other attractions. During this offer period, active or retired U.S. military personnel may also make a one-time purchase of up to a maximum of five, five-Day "Disney's Armed Forces Salute Companion" tickets for $99 per ticket, plus tax, for family members (including spouse) or friends. Although this ticket for family members and friends does not include either the Park Hopper or Water Park Fun & More options, this ticket can be upgraded to add either such option, or both, for an additional $25, plus tax, per option. All tickets and options are non-transferable and must be used by Dec. 23, 2009.

Sandstorms in the Middle East

Living in a deployed environment service members are faced with all sorts of dangers. Service members should not only be concerned with roadside bombs or enemy fighters.  They must also be concerned with the elements.

Sandstorms in the middle east can be very dangerous as well as unhealthy.  The best way to protect against these nuisances is to ensure you wear face protection such as a "gator" that completely covers your face  You also want to ensure that you are covered from head to toe to prevent sand from getting next to your skin.  Eye protection is a must!

You also want to ensure that you clean and disinfect your living area after a sandstorm.  There are many microbes that are in sand and dust and you want to ensure that you do not contract any diseases as a result of a sandstorm.

Polka Dot Banner

I am proud to announce that my new book, The Service Member's Guide to Deployment; What every Soldier, Sailor, Airmen and Marine should know prior to being deployed is being featured on the website Polka Dot Banner.

I am honored that the folks there thought highly enough of my book and what it will do for our service members around the world to have it listed. Thanks to the staff at"Polka Dot Banner"!

God Bless,
Tom "The Adjutant" Mengesha

President-Elect Obama will hold an inaugural ball for military only

HONOLULU (AP) — President-elect Barack Obama will have a Commander in Chief's Ball during his inauguration with military personnel, their spouses and those wounded fighting in the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as guests.

In announcing this Thursday, officials said that tickets for the Jan. 20 military-only ball will be free to guests. The formal event will be at the National Building Museum in Washington.
"It is a privilege to honor our men and women in uniform during our inaugural festivities by continuing the tradition of the Commander in Chief's Ball. Our troops represent the best America has to offer, and without their dedication and sacrifice we would not be able to enjoy the freedoms that we are coming together to celebrate on Jan. 20," Obama said in a statement released while he vacationed here in his native Hawaii.

"They deserve our thanks and our gratitude. Michelle and I look forward to attending the Commander in Chief's Ball and sharing this special evening with representatives of our armed forces," his statement said.

Aides said most of the guests will be enlisted personnel and junior officers. Others will be active duty military members, active duty National Guard and National Guard Reserve members. The guest list also will feature those injured in military actions, families of those killed in combat and spouses of those deployed.

Obama and wife, Michelle, are scheduled to attend 10 official inaugural balls. Scores of other events are planned for the celebration and crowds variously estimated as high as in the millions are expected to descend on Washington.

Officials have not yet determined how tickets will be distributed.