The 12/24/21 dispatch.

Happy Friday! And Merry Christmas!!

First, we begin with a Christmas miracle…

From the article:

I figure if Trump and Biden can get along, even if for just a few moments in time, then we can all do a better job of being kind to our fellow Americans on Twitter, Facebook, etc.

Also, while we’re on the subject of Christmas… Take a look at his!

Chris @mama_c6

Someone in my county set up a tree by her wildlife camera and caught these. Guess what I’m doing tomorrow?

And also, one final thing while we’re on the subject… Never forget:

James Clark @JamesWClark

Santa has seen some shit. Santa at War: A visual history of Jolly Old St. Nick in the unlikeliest of places | @TaskandPurpose taskandpurpose.com/mandatory-fun/…

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Moving along, and today will be super brief because it’s Christmas Eve, after all.

Almost nothing has changed in Ukraine regarding the situation in Russia. Things remain really tense.

And Ukraine is preparing for an attack by the Russians. (See below.)

Nolan Peterson @nolanwpeterson

My latest video dispatch from Kyiv: Ukrainian officials are now taking concrete, public steps to prepare the country for a wider war — specifically, a Russian air campaign.

youtu.beDISPATCH: Ukrainians Prepare for Russian BombingWith Russian forces massed on the border raising concerns of a major offensive this winter, Ukrainian officials are now taking concrete, public steps to prep...

Also, this:

Status-6 🎄 @Archer83Able

Ukraine's Border Guard informed about measures to strengthen the state border in 'endangered areas' and published video of its equipment digging up anti-tank ditches in the Sumy Oblast bordering Russia. dpsu.gov.ua/ua/news/%20VID…

Putin continues to blame the West.

Stan R. Mitchell, author @StanRMitchell

Amid fears Russia will invade Ukraine, Putin points finger at U.S. and NATO in marathon news conference

washingtonpost.comAmid fears Russia will invade Ukraine, Putin points finger at U.S. and NATO in marathon news conferenceFacing a television audience domestic and international, Russia’s leader said the West was to blame for tensions on the Ukraine border and fears of war.

Two quotes from the article:

"Though Putin was given two opportunities to say definitively that Russia would not invade Ukraine, he instead reiterated his demand for a promise in writing that NATO would not expand eastward."

...

“Not Russia but the West should give guarantees — and immediately, now, rather than bury it for decades, and under the soft talk about the need for security for all to do what they planned,” Putin said. “Are we threatening anyone?”

I’m going to answer that question…

Putin massed 100,000-plus troops on the border. And Putin already invaded Ukraine twice, from two different directions. (Crimea & Donbas.)

Putin also tried to prop up former pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych, during Euromaidan and the 2014 Ukrainian revolution.

All of this is easily fact-checked by anyone who has even just a moment or two. So, yes, I'd say Putin is threatening someone.

Don’t let the propaganda from Russia fool you.

As a reminder, the travel advisory from the U.S. State Department remains in effect.

And you can read lots of information about the situation in my last newsletter, in case you missed it: The 12/21/21 dispatch.

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Before we get to a little motivation and wisdom at the end, I wanted to share this story before we all run off to our own Christmas festivities.

Mark Hertling @MarkHertling

This is a great story, in a great thread. If you’ve even been to St Vith or Bastogne in the winter (I have, twice, but not under fire!) it is even more poignant and powerful. Remember, though, they were waiting for tanks! Thanks @18airbornecorps

XVIII Airborne Corps @18airbornecorps

1 of 9: One of the most-quoted stories from the Battle of the Bulge is a tale that's wrapped in legend. While the myth built around a famous quote is a good one, the TRUE story at the heart of this oft-told tale speaks to the ethos of the American Soldier. Here's that story. https://t.co/0jLOZ8rN47

Here is the link that Mark is referring to:

XVIII Airborne Corps @18airbornecorps

1 of 9: One of the most-quoted stories from the Battle of the Bulge is a tale that's wrapped in legend. While the myth built around a famous quote is a good one, the TRUE story at the heart of this oft-told tale speaks to the ethos of the American Soldier. Here's that story.

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And finally, here are some closing positive thoughts. (As I said above, today is a brief edition.)

Task & Purpose @TaskandPurpose

Forget Santa, this enlisted airman just gifted 1,300 pairs of shoes to Honduran kids in need (By @DavidSRoza)

taskandpurpose.comForget Santa, this enlisted airman just gifted 1,300 pairs of shoes to Honduran kids in needSenior Airman Britney Donnelly donated 1,368 pairs of shoes for kids in need during her deployment to Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras.

Inspired Motivation Quotes @IMQuotes_Videos

Intelligence, Beauty, Love. #Quotes

Leigh Anne Tuohy @LeighAnneTuohy

Everything we do and everything we don’t do makes a difference so be a good person with a good heart! Be the person that offers hope, love and happiness. Use your smile, your words and your actions to be a difference maker! Be the reason someone believes in the goodness of God❤️

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That’s it for this edition. And as a reminder, please be kind and endeavor to love and support your fellow Americans. The vast majority of Americans are decent, loving, great people.

Please don’t name-call the other side. They are mothers and fathers and folks not much different than you.

As always, please share this post if you enjoyed it, as well as comment below.

And also, please consider signing up for email notifications if you’re just a visitor dropping by. Here’s why you should.

Semper Fidelis,

Stan R. Mitchell

P.S. Don’t forget to check out my books. I write fast-paced military and mystery thrillers. You can find all ten books here: amazon.com.