April 4, 1917, US Senate Approves Declaration of War With Germany

When President Woodrow Wilson appeared before Congress on April 2, 1917 asking them to declare war on Germany, it wasn’t a snap or rash decision. Rather it was something Wilson wished to avoid at all costs. When the first World War broke out in 1914, much of Europe rejoiced, like they were en route to […]

Remembrance Day: History of the poppy

If you visit Great Britain or any Commonwealth country this time of year, you’ll notice one thing: an ocean of red poppies. From soccer players to schoolboys to business people, you’ll see everyone proudly sporting them. Remembrance Day draws near, known as Veterans Day in the Commonwealth countries.  This Saturday, the 11th day of the […]

In a show of friendship, Americans will lead Bastille Day parade in Paris

200 American military members will march at the head of the military parade in Paris on Bastille Day to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the United States’ entry into World War I. The gesture of friendship coincides with President Donald Trump’s first visit to Paris since he assumed the presidency. Trump will be received by […]

U.S. Army developing new equipment for future subterranean combat

The United States Army’s Rapid Equipping Force (REF) is developing weapons and equipment that will help soldiers in conducting future subterranean operations. The REF received a request from the 2nd Infantry Division stationed in South Korea in 2012 for equipment that could handle and support combat operations within the complex tunnel environment U.S. soldier would encounter […]

Classic bolt action rifles: The M1903 Springfield Rifle

Growing up in the 2000s, there was no shortage of World War II shooter style video games. There were plenty of awesome weapons that I gained a passing familiarity for, but my favorite digital weapon of choice was the 1903 Springfield. Time has passed and I have gained a lot of real life trigger time, […]

Watch: Video of Last Airworthy WWI Bristol Scout

Video courtesy Royal Air Force via YouTube Today marks the 100th anniversary of one of the bloodiest World War I battles.  The Battle of the Somme was fought in northern France with the British suffering almost 60,000 casualties on the first day alone. Somme was fought between 1 July and 18 November 1916, with over a […]

Escadrille To Eaglejet: One Family’s Legacy…

During the recent FighterSweep trip to the Land of No Slack, “Stitch” was instrumental in arranging for a 142nd Fighter Wing jet to take part in our Oregon Air National Guard 75th Anniversary photo shoot. The “Redhawks” are a unit loaded with incredibly talented and experienced Eagle Drivers, and Stitch can trace his family’s proud […]

Mata Hari, the Original Honey Pot or Queen of Coincidence?

Born in 1876 in the Netherlands, Margaretha Geertruida Zelle married an affluent Dutch Colonial Army captain at the age of 18. In 1897, she moved with him to the island of Java, where they had two children. Her husband was an abusive and resentful alcoholic. To distract herself from the unhappiness of her marriage, Zelle […]