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	<title>Arizona Politics for Conservatives: Sonoran Alliance&#187; Military</title>
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	<description>Arizona Politics, News, Commentary and Information with a Blatantly Conservative Worldview Presented by an Alliance of Writers, Activists, Consultants and Government Insiders.</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Sat, 26 May 2012 00:05:50 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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		<title>CD-1 Doug Wade: Our Military Members and Families Deserve Better</title>
		<link>http://sonoranalliance.com/2012/05/10/cd-1-doug-wade-our-military-members-and-families-deserve-better/</link>
		<comments>http://sonoranalliance.com/2012/05/10/cd-1-doug-wade-our-military-members-and-families-deserve-better/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 11 May 2012 04:56:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Press Release</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Campaigns & Elections]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Military]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Press Release]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AZ01]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CD-1]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Doug Wade]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://sonoranalliance.com/?p=28213</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[While President Obama is politicizing the anniversary of the killing of al-Qaida terror leader bin Laden, Arizona Congressional District 1 candidate Doug Wade takes issue with the Obama’s defense budget cuts to military end strength. The following statement is made by Doug Wade as an entire quote: According to the National Institute of Mental Health [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://sonoranalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/DougWade.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-28214 aligncenter" style="border-image: initial; border-width: 1px; border-color: black; border-style: solid;" title="Doug Wade" src="http://sonoranalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/DougWade.jpg" alt="" width="458" height="104" /></a></p>
<p>While President Obama is politicizing the anniversary of the killing of al-Qaida terror leader bin Laden, Arizona Congressional District 1 candidate Doug Wade takes issue with the Obama’s defense budget cuts to military end strength. The following statement is made by Doug Wade as an entire quote:</p>
<p>According to the National Institute of Mental Health in its publication, “NIH Medline Plus,” America’s war veterans are at a high risk of suicide. The risk is so high, that the suicide rate among our serving military members now surpasses that of the general population.</p>
<p>Reserve and National Guard members are at a high risk. Between 2008 and 2009, there was a 36% increase in suicides among Army Reserve soldiers not on active duty.</p>
<p>Thinning our military forces during a time of war contributes to the combat stress that military members, including those in the National Guard and Reserve, bring home with them. This is increased in great part because we demand more multiple back to back combat deployments.</p>
<p>As Congress begins its consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of Fiscal Year 2013 (FY13), it is imperative that Members and Senators take into account ‘strategy’ over budget driven decisions by the Department of Defense (DOD) in determining appropriate end strength requirements. As a country at war, now is not the time to start thinning our national security force.</p>
<p>Our service members are already being asked to sacrifice precious time with their families, serving multiple (in some cases four or five) tours of duty in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). The Obama Administration is cutting the military force in the FY13 Budget Request. We are not only reducing our strength, but increasing the time we ask our service members to spend away from their loved ones.</p>
<p>In these tough economic times, it is important we have close inspection of how our money is spent. In doing so, we will undoubtedly find areas in which we can run more efficient and effectively. Trying to cut corners to our national defense, we create more problems for both our service members and our way of life.</p>
<p>Information that is distributed by leaders in the United Arizona Veterans council and other citations tell us that 1 in every 5 military members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan have PTSD and that overall more than 300,000 service members, or 20 percent of the military members that have deployed in the past six years have PTSD.</p>
<p>At the highest risk are the members of the National Guard and Reserve. All branches of the military, including the Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, have deployed members to the ground wars in both Iraq and Afghanistan to make up for shortages or provide support for soldiers and Marines – it is truly an unconventional use of military forces due to a continual down-sizing of the military.</p>
<p>Unlike active duty members, Reserve and National Guard members are together for only 40 some days a year outside of a deployment cycle. They rely on private medical care and don’t have as many trained, watchful eyes on them when they go home. We also know that the effects of PTSD don’t immediately surface – it starts sometime after 90 days of being back home.</p>
<p>Not only must we provide excellent mental health and other services to both our active duty and reserve forces, we need to keep our military personnel numbers up as long as we are at war, not decrease them. The decreases are causing more back to back deployments and stresses that those who serve will carry with them for a lifetime.</p>
<p>As a Veteran, as someone who is running for Congress, I am standing up for these military members and their families to make sure we take the steps that keeps them from an early grave.</p>
<p><strong>About Doug Wade</strong><br />
Doug Wade is a Republican Candidate for U.S. Representative in Arizona Congressional District 1. He has lived in the District more than 25 years. He is the father of two grown daughters. He and his wife, Grazina, operate a construction firm based in Sedona, Arizona. He has been active in the Yavapai County Republican Party. To learn more about Doug Wade, visit <a href="http://www.wadeforcongress2012.com" target="_blank">www.wadeforcongress2012.com</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">- 30 -</p>
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		<title>The Arizona Project PAC with co-sponsors Jim &amp; Adriana Gruber and Dr. Glenna McCollum honor: Maricopa County Treasurer &#8216;Hos&#8217; Hoskins &#8230;and candidates for Maricopa County Supervisor:</title>
		<link>http://sonoranalliance.com/2012/05/09/the-arizona-project-pac-with-co-sponsors-jim-adriana-gruber-and-dr-glenna-mccollum-honor-maricopa-county-treasurer-hos-hoskins-and-candidates-for-maricopa-county-supervisor/</link>
		<comments>http://sonoranalliance.com/2012/05/09/the-arizona-project-pac-with-co-sponsors-jim-adriana-gruber-and-dr-glenna-mccollum-honor-maricopa-county-treasurer-hos-hoskins-and-candidates-for-maricopa-county-supervisor/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 10 May 2012 00:22:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>American Post Gazette</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Arizona Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Campaigns & Elections]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Elected Officials]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Government]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Military]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Special Event]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://sonoranalliance.com/?p=28202</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://sonoranalliance.com/2012/05/09/the-arizona-project-pac-with-co-sponsors-jim-adriana-gruber-and-dr-glenna-mccollum-honor-maricopa-county-treasurer-hos-hoskins-and-candidates-for-maricopa-county-supervisor/hos-may-17/" rel="attachment wp-att-28203"><img class="alignnone  wp-image-28203" src="http://sonoranalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Hos-May-17-386x500.jpg" alt="" width="628" height="710" /></a></p>
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		<title>John McCain calls for air strikes on Syrian government forces</title>
		<link>http://sonoranalliance.com/2012/03/05/john-mccain-calls-for-air-strikes-on-syrian-government-forces/</link>
		<comments>http://sonoranalliance.com/2012/03/05/john-mccain-calls-for-air-strikes-on-syrian-government-forces/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 06 Mar 2012 00:05:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Press Release</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Elected Officials]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Foreign Policy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Media]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Military]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[John McCain]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://sonoranalliance.com/?p=26848</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[U.S. Senator John McCain appeared on CNN&#8217;s John King on Monday calling for air strikes on Syria&#8217;s government forces. Here is video of that appearance:]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>U.S. Senator John McCain appeared on CNN&#8217;s John King on Monday calling for air strikes on Syria&#8217;s government forces. Here is video of that appearance:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><p><a href="http://sonoranalliance.com/2012/03/05/john-mccain-calls-for-air-strikes-on-syrian-government-forces/"><em>Click here to view the embedded video.</em></a></p></p>
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		<title>Wendy Rogers: Arizona Needs &amp; Supports the F-35</title>
		<link>http://sonoranalliance.com/2012/01/19/wendy-rogers-arizona-needs-supports-the-f-35/</link>
		<comments>http://sonoranalliance.com/2012/01/19/wendy-rogers-arizona-needs-supports-the-f-35/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 07:05:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Guest Opinion</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Guest Opinion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Military]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[National Security]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[State Economy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[F-35]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wendy Rogers]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://sonoranalliance.com/?p=25753</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Back in November, the East Valley Tribune and Ahwatukee Foothill News published an op-ed that I wrote in support of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. In that op-ed, I noted the critical importance the F-35 program plays to the national security of the United States. After meeting with Arizonians who are involved in the F-35’s [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://sonoranalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/WendyRogers.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-16630 alignleft" style="border-image: initial; border-width: 1px; border-color: black; border-style: solid; margin: 8px;" title="Wendy Rogers" src="http://sonoranalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/WendyRogers.jpg" alt="Wendy Rogers" width="187" height="216" /></a>Back in November, the East Valley Tribune and Ahwatukee Foothill News published an op-ed that I wrote in support of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. In that op-ed, I noted the critical importance the F-35 program plays to the national security of the United States. After meeting with Arizonians who are involved in the F-35’s development, I learned of their concern over program cuts and the unforeseen consequences that may result from debate over program reductions. For the sake of our national and economic security, these conversations need to stop.</p>
<p>The F-35 is America’s next fifth-generation, multi-role fighter that our military leaders have designated to replace our military’s current arsenal of ageing F-16 and F-18 fighters. The F-35 is a pragmatic approach to modernizing America’s air superiority by using the same platform to serve the Air Force, Navy, and Marines. The highly advanced capabilities of the F-35 will provide out troops in the air, sea and land with the technology and situational awareness to get the job done and safely return home.</p>
<p>A recent program update proves that 2011 was a banner year for the program. Of the 872 test flights and 6,622 test points the F-35 was to endure in 2011, the program surpassed those goals by flying 972 test flights and completing 7,823 test points. These flights and test points ensure that the plane is strong and reliable through hundreds of challenging scenarios. The results prove that the F-35 program is maturing faster than anticipated – which is a good problem to have when working with advanced military technology.</p>
<p><a href="http://sonoranalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/F-35.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-25755 alignright" style="border-image: initial; margin-top: 4px; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-left: 8px; margin-right: 8px; border-width: 1px; border-color: black; border-style: solid;" title="F-35" src="http://sonoranalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/F-35.jpg" alt="" width="336" height="223" /></a>Despite these overachievements, we have seen a lot of change in America’s political landscape. Most significantly, the deficit reducing “supercommittee” failed, forcing $600 billion in mandatory cuts from Department of Defense programs. During negotiations leading up to the supercommittee, there was a groundswell of support for full program funding and members of the committee were prepared to defend the F-35 because they recognized it’s importance to America.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, because the committee failed, the program is once again under debate. As evidence, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta recently confirmed that he aims to cut Defense Department spending on next generation weapons programs which could include the F-35. While no one believes that the F-35 will be cancelled, small businesses right here in Arizona are watching closely to see if the Pentagon will uphold their commitment to program funding, since the small business community has capitalized their production lines in anticipation of program growth.</p>
<p>The bottom-line is that we cannot allow political expedience to dampen the progress of the F-35. The program is deeply connected to our economy and cuts would send ripple effects across a nation. The programs suppliers, consisting of 1,300 independent companies across the United States and supporting 127,000 jobs, have the most to lose. If those parts are no longer needed in the quantities that were originally requested, then those suppliers will be unable to meet payroll and the rising jobless claim rates in the United States will see a significant uptick.</p>
<p>The security of our nation and the protection of our troops are important to all of us. It is our job to ensure that the men and women in the armed services are armed with globally superior technology and protection. America’s ingenuity and industrial infrastructure can deliver that superiority, and we Americans can make sure that the program and our troops are fully supported. The F-35 is not just a budget line item. It is a line item that represents real people and business, and we need to let our elected officials in Washington know that we support the F-35.</p>
<p><em>Lt. Col. Wendy Rogers, USAF (retired) was one of the first 100 women pilots in today&#8217;s Air Force. In 2010, she ran and narrowly lost a bid for the Arizona State Senate in Democrat-leaning Legislative District 17. She owns and operates a Tempe-based office complex as well as a home inspection business with 10 fulltime employees operating in four counties. Lt Col Rogers and her retired Air Force husband have two adult ASU-grad children and live in Arizona&#8217;s brand new Congressional District 9.</em></p>
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		<slash:comments>15</slash:comments>
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		<title>It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like … A Change for the Worse: ESI vs. Walgreens</title>
		<link>http://sonoranalliance.com/2011/12/21/its-beginning-to-look-a-lot-like-a-change-for-the-worse-esi-vs-walgreens/</link>
		<comments>http://sonoranalliance.com/2011/12/21/its-beginning-to-look-a-lot-like-a-change-for-the-worse-esi-vs-walgreens/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 21 Dec 2011 21:06:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Guest Opinion</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Federal Government]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Guest Opinion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health Care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Military]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Veterans]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://sonoranalliance.com/?p=25148</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Submitted by US Navy Veteran If you like the quality of pharmacy service and choices that TRICARE provides to veterans, don’t get too comfortable with it. It’s beginning to look like that will all change at the start of the year – and not for the better. Through the end of 2011, Walgreens will provide [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>Submitted by US Navy Veteran</em></p>
<p>If you like the quality of pharmacy service and choices that TRICARE provides to veterans, don’t get too comfortable with it. It’s beginning to look like that will all change at the start of the year – and not for the better.</p>
<p>Through the end of 2011, Walgreens will provide pharmacy services as part of DOD’s TRICARE pharmacy program. But come January 1st, that will disappear because Express Scripts, Inc. (ESI), the company that manages the service, has a contract dispute with Walgreens and will not negotiate a settlement.</p>
<p>Actually, they will negotiate: my-way-or-the-highway is basically their position.</p>
<p>Walgreens is the largest pharmacy chain in the country. They serve 40 million consumers every week through nearly 8,000 stores nationwide. They have more stores that are open 24 – 7 than any other pharmacy network. And 70% of the U.S. population lives within five miles of a Walgreens.</p>
<p>However, after the first of the year, we won’t have access to that network or services.</p>
<p>Because ESI manages the Defense Department’s TRICARE pharmacy benefit, Walgreens offered a separate contract guaranteeing its prices would match or beat the average costs per prescription with all other retail pharmacies. The company has also committed to keeping the cost per Medicare prescription flat for the next four years. Such cost containment measures could be a real boon to the Federal government, as well as control the prices consumers pay.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, not only has ESI ignored or rejected these proposals, but it has also demanded unacceptable rates and terms from Walgreens. For example, they have demanded rates that are below the average industry cost to fill prescriptions. They also want to dictate which drugs are generic and which are not.</p>
<p>ESI has claimed Walgreens wants to increase prescription reimbursement costs by 20 percent. That is pure malarkey. Walgreens has offered ESI a number of cost-savings that would, in effect, hold the average prescription reimbursement cost increases to less than two percent annually over the course of the three year contract.</p>
<p>In an open letter to vets and active duty military, Walgreens’ CEO said, “We do not wish for military beneficiaries to be ‘in the middle’ of this issue.” Well, we are. Meanwhile, Express Scripts has rejected all efforts to reach an agreement that would keep Walgreens in the TRICARE network of pharmacies.</p>
<p>What can we do about this? Make noise. Register an opinion. Let DOD and Express Scripts know how you feel. Here’s a link to a page where you can sign a petition to do just that:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ichoosewalgreens.com/tricare-plans/" target="_blank">http://www.ichoosewalgreens.com/tricare-plans/</a></p>
<p>You can also send a letter to your Senator and Member of Congress, letting them know you value the convenience of having a Walgreens nearby. Another point to make is that Walgreens is working to keep prices as low as possible. With Walgreens gone, Express Scripts will be much freer to set prices that benefit them, not us.</p>
<p>Walgreens is doing all it can to keep serving us as customers. It only seems right that we return the favor.</p>
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		<title>Prayers for our Troops</title>
		<link>http://sonoranalliance.com/2011/08/06/prayers-for-our-troops/</link>
		<comments>http://sonoranalliance.com/2011/08/06/prayers-for-our-troops/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 06 Aug 2011 19:00:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shane</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Memorial]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Military]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://sonoranalliance.com/?p=21222</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[By now you&#8217;ve heard that the United States military lost 31 hero warrior patriots overnight. I am in shock and deeply saddened. At times like these, I want to respond with tremendous anger, blame and vengeance but I realize I have to reserve those emotions for later. Instead, I know this is a time for [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="size-full wp-image-21223 alignleft" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 8px; margin-bottom: 8px; border-width: 1px; border-color: black; border-style: solid;" title="SEAL Team 6" src="http://sonoranalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/team-6.jpg" alt="" width="247" height="248" />By now <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/08/06/afghan-president-31-americans-killed-in-helicopter-crash/" target="_blank">you&#8217;ve heard</a> that the United States military lost 31 hero warrior patriots overnight.</p>
<p>I am in shock and deeply saddened.</p>
<p>At times like these, I want to respond with tremendous anger, blame and vengeance but I realize I have to reserve those emotions for later.</p>
<p>Instead, I know this is a time for prayer and mourning.</p>
<p>As the author of Ecclesiates so beautifully wrote in the 3rd Chapter:</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><em>To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:</em></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><em>A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted</em></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><em>A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up</em></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><em>A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance</em></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><em>A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing</em></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><em>A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away</em></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><em>A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak</em></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><em>A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.</em></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><em>What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?</em></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><em>I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.</em></p>
<p>Anger will surely follow but now is the time to pray for our military family and the families of our hero warrior patriots.</p>
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		<title>F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Great For Arizona Economy</title>
		<link>http://sonoranalliance.com/2011/07/29/f-35-joint-strike-fighter-great-for-arizona-economy/</link>
		<comments>http://sonoranalliance.com/2011/07/29/f-35-joint-strike-fighter-great-for-arizona-economy/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 29 Jul 2011 22:20:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sound Advice</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Jobs/Labor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Military]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[State Economy]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://sonoranalliance.com/?p=20993</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This week’s debt ceiling debate, not surprisingly, has us all focused on policing government spending.  And one suggestion that’s been circulated is to slow production of certain defense projects, such as the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.  That conversation takes place at a time when Arizonans anticipate Luke Air Force Base will be the training home [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_20995" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://sonoranalliance.com/2011/07/29/f-35-joint-strike-fighter-great-for-arizona-economy/f-35-joint-strike-fighter/" rel="attachment wp-att-20995"><img class="size-medium wp-image-20995" src="http://sonoranalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/f-35-joint-strike-fighter-500x375.jpg" alt="F-35 Joint Strike Fighter" width="500" height="375" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">F-35 Joint Strike Fighter</p></div>
<p>This week’s debt ceiling debate, not surprisingly, has us all focused on policing government spending.  And one suggestion that’s been circulated is to slow production of certain defense projects, such as the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.  That conversation takes place at a time when Arizonans anticipate Luke Air Force Base will be the training home for the aircraft. There are already suppliers and experts in our state working on it, and we need the jobs and economic development that a large squadron multi-role stealth aircraft would bring.<br />
Arizona’s congressional delegation must stand for high-rate production of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The aging F-16 squadron at Luke already shrunk from 185 fighters six years ago to now 138 &#8211; with the base’s population slipping down to 7,400 personnel from the original 8,000. That’s fewer jobs, meaning diminished wages and decreased revenue for the state.<br />
We can’t turn this around with more F-16s. They’re outdated and, frankly, enemy technology is fast catching up with them.  We need next-generation technology to keep our men and women safe.<br />
The F-35 project brings nearly $90 million in economic impact from the work of 19 suppliers based here in the state.  So, full production would bring more jobs at Luke, and more jobs throughout Arizona.  And that’s just the tip of it.<br />
Several years ago, an independent study discovered that Luke AFB alone was bringing in $2.2 billion annual revenue for Arizona.  There’s nothing chump about that kind of change. Included is an economic engine from nearly 100,000 retired military personnel living around the base and the many businesses, schools and community institutions in surrounding metropolitan areas that depend on that income for its existence.<br />
So, supporting the F-35 is, in reality, supporting the state and growing jobs. Projections estimate that the initial base construction phase for the F-35s would generate $125 million by itself.  Again: more jobs.<br />
We could talk all day about the F-35 as the most advanced multi-role stealth combat aircraft in the world.  And it doesn’t hurt to mention how much we need it to maintain our global air superiority (would you believe that some of our aircraft are nearly 30 years old??).<br />
But, we really need our representatives in Washington to hear this loud and clear. Simply put, this is all beneficial for Arizona―with the extra-added bonus of protecting our country and people in uniform. We need to get the F-35 here, benefit from the job growth, train the pilots and get this aircraft in full flight.  That’s a no-brainer Arizonans can’t afford to take chances on.</p>
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		<title>Congressman Flake: U.S. Mission in Libya is Unclear</title>
		<link>http://sonoranalliance.com/2011/06/24/congressman-flake-u-s-mission-in-libya-is-unclear/</link>
		<comments>http://sonoranalliance.com/2011/06/24/congressman-flake-u-s-mission-in-libya-is-unclear/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2011 18:08:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Press Release</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Elected Officials]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Federal Budget]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Federal Government]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Foreign Policy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Legislation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Military]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[National Security]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Press Release]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CD-6]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jeff Flake]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://sonoranalliance.com/?p=20199</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 24, 2011 CONTACT: Genevieve Frye Rozansky National Security Objectives Must be Defined Washington, D.C. – Republican Congressman Jeff Flake, who represents Arizona’s Sixth District, today voted against two legislative measures regarding U.S. military involvement in Libya. The first (H.J. Res. 68) would authorize the limited use of the United States Armed [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://sonoranalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/JeffFlake.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-18679" style="margin-top: 4px; margin-bottom: 4px; border: 1px solid black;" title="Congressman Jeff Flake" src="http://sonoranalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/JeffFlake.jpg" alt="" width="545" height="120" /></a></p>
<p><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong>: June 24, 2011<br />
<strong>CONTACT</strong>: Genevieve Frye Rozansky</p>
<p><em>National Security Objectives Must be Defined</em></p>
<p><strong>Washington, D.C.</strong> – Republican Congressman Jeff Flake, who represents Arizona’s Sixth District, today voted against two legislative measures regarding U.S. military involvement in Libya.  The first (H.J. Res. 68) would authorize the limited use of the United States Armed Forces in support of the NATO mission in Libya.  The second (H.R. 2278) would limit the use of funds appropriated to the Department of Defense for United States Armed Forces in support of NATO Operation Unified Protector with respect to Libya.</p>
<p><strong>“The President still has not made clear what national security objectives are being met by U.S. participation in the NATO mission or how we can justify spending hundreds of millions of dollars to fund our efforts there,&#8221; said Flake.  &#8220;The time for debate over whether to authorize U.S. armed forces to engage in Libya was months ago, before the U.S. entered into the NATO operation.&#8221; </strong></p>
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		<title>Representative Schweikert Statement on Obama&#8217;s Afghanistan Speech</title>
		<link>http://sonoranalliance.com/2011/06/22/representative-schweikert-statement-on-obamas-afghanistan-speech/</link>
		<comments>http://sonoranalliance.com/2011/06/22/representative-schweikert-statement-on-obamas-afghanistan-speech/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 23 Jun 2011 00:15:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Press Release</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Elected Officials]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Military]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[National Security]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Press Release]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Afghanistan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CD-5]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[David Schweikert]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://sonoranalliance.com/?p=20128</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 22, 2011 CONTACT:  Rachel Semmel Washington, D.C. – Congressman David Schweikert (R-AZ) released the following statement after President Obama’s speech calling for the withdrawal of more troops from Afghanistan: “I am an unabashed supporter of our troops and our military leaders who fight for freedom every day. I support our military [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://sonoranalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/DavidSchweikert1.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-18636 alignnone" style="margin: 4px; border: 1px solid black;" title="David Schweikert" src="http://sonoranalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/DavidSchweikert1.jpg" alt="" width="566" height="98" /></a></p>
<p><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong>: June 22, 2011<br />
<strong>CONTACT</strong>:  Rachel Semmel</p>
<p><strong>Washington, D.C.</strong> – Congressman David Schweikert (R-AZ) released the following statement after President Obama’s speech calling for the withdrawal of more troops from Afghanistan:</p>
<p><em><strong>“I am an unabashed supporter of our troops and our military leaders who fight for freedom every day.  I support our military leaders and generals on the ground and defer to their expertise regarding our troop levels. </strong></em></p>
<p><em><strong>“While the time to withdrawal our troops might be fast approaching, it is not wise for us to hand our enemy our battle plans years in advance. Our gains in Afghanistan have not come without a price. While we remember our troops in harm’s way tonight, I remain adamant that whatever strategy is implemented for stabilization and withdrawal, it must not put any of our men and women in uniform even further at risk.” </strong></em></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>PCSO Participates in Multi Agency Tactical Detail</title>
		<link>http://sonoranalliance.com/2011/05/25/pcso-participates-in-multi-agency-tactical-detail/</link>
		<comments>http://sonoranalliance.com/2011/05/25/pcso-participates-in-multi-agency-tactical-detail/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 25 May 2011 12:46:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Press Release</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[County Government]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Crime and Punishment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Drugs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Illegal Aliens]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Illegal Immigration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Military]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[National Security]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Press Release]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Paul Babeu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PCSO]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://sonoranalliance.com/?p=19546</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 25, 2011 CONTACT:  Tim Gaffney Florence, AZ - The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Team attached with U.S. Border Patrol’s “BORTAC Team 5” has completed another operation to deny, degrade, disrupt and dismantle drug and human trafficking operations in Pinal County. The latest detail ran from May 11th – 13th and 18th – 20th. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://sonoranalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/PinalCountySheriff.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-17708" style="margin: 4px; border: 1px solid black;" title="Pinal County Sheriff" src="http://sonoranalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/PinalCountySheriff.jpg" alt="" width="618" height="107" /></a></p>
<p><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 25, 2011</strong><br />
<strong>CONTACT:  Tim Gaffney</strong></p>
<p><strong>Florence, AZ </strong>- The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Team attached with U.S. Border Patrol’s “BORTAC Team 5” has completed another operation to deny, degrade, disrupt and dismantle drug and human trafficking operations in Pinal County.  The latest detail ran from May 11th – 13th and 18th – 20th. The operation was focused in the Vekol Valley area.</p>
<p>Participating in the detail were law enforcement members from the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, Yuma County Sheriff’s Office, Arizona Department of Public Safety, U.S. Border Patrol Tucson and Yuma Sectors, Bureau of Land Management, Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations, CBP Office of Air and Marine, Tohono O’odham Police Department, Gila River Police Department, Eloy Police Department, U.S. Attorney’s Office District of Arizona and the Arizona National Guard.</p>
<p><strong>During the six day operation agencies combined arrested 60 suspects, the seizure of 5,433 pounds of marijuana, $115,630 in cash, and 4 firearms.  In addition, 5 stolen vehicles were recovered, 7 suspects were prosecuted federally and 38 suspects were prosecuted at the state level.  Below are some examples of the cases we were involved with.</strong></p>
<p><span style="color: #ff0000;">May 11th at 1:40 a.m.</span> a group of 12 people were spotted carrying backpacks believed to be containing Marijuana just south of Interstate 8.  The group was followed to a location approximately 30 yards south of Interstate 8 where they stopped underneath some brush.</p>
<p>Pinal County SWAT and BORTAC Team 5 moved in and engaged the group. Part of the group was taken into custody under trees at that location along with 10 backpacks of marijuana. Several of the suspects fled south from that location and were captured with the assistance of air support. A total of 10 suspects were apprehended, along with a total of 10 marijuana backpacks (492 lbs), along with a solar charger and other electronic items used for counter surveillance. The suspects and marijuana were turned over to GIITEM for investigation and prosecution.</p>
<p><a href="http://sonoranalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Dope-with-charger.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-19553" style="margin: 3px; border: 1px solid black;" title="Dope with charger" src="http://sonoranalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Dope-with-charger.jpg" alt="" width="221" height="166" /></a><a href="http://sonoranalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Dope.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-19554" style="margin: 3px; border: 1px solid black;" title="Dope" src="http://sonoranalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Dope.jpg" alt="" width="221" height="166" /></a></p>
<p><span style="color: #ff0000;">May 11th at 3:00 a.m. </span>a passenger truck with a flatbed trailer was seen stopped on the south shoulder near milepost 154 on Interstate 8. The driver was observed acting suspiciously, and was observed taking an item from a parked semi trailer at that location and loading it onto his trailer. The truck with the trailer then got back on Interstate 8 and began to travel eastbound. A traffic stop was conducted on the truck on Interstate 8 east of Montgomery Road by AZDPS, Pinal SWAT and Bortac Team 5. The driver was later identified as Hector Armando Quiroz (age 49 of Bonita, California).  He was questioned, and subsequently admitted stealing a large crate from the parked semi trailer.</p>
<p>The owner of the semi trailer arrived back at his trailer while this was taking place, and contact was made with him by AZDPS. The semi trailer owner advised that the crate taken contained a turbine worth approximately $100,000. AZDPS then escorted the semi driver to the location of the stop. The semi trailer owner recovered the turbine at the scene of the stop. Quiroz was turned over to PCSO Patrol, and they took the theft case and prosecution on the Quiroz.</p>
<p><a href="http://sonoranalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Stolen-Turbine-Truck.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-19557" style="margin: 3px; border: 1px solid black;" title="Stolen Turbine Truck" src="http://sonoranalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Stolen-Turbine-Truck.jpg" alt="" width="221" height="166" /></a><a href="http://sonoranalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/3380594.001.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-19558" style="margin: 3px; border: 1px solid black;" title="3380594.001" src="http://sonoranalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/3380594.001.jpg" alt="" width="138" height="172" /></a><a href="http://sonoranalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Stolen-turbine.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-19559" style="margin: 3px; border: 1px solid black;" title="Stolen turbine" src="http://sonoranalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Stolen-turbine.jpg" alt="" width="221" height="166" /></a></p>
<p><span style="color: #ff0000;">May 12th at 11:00 p.m.</span> a group of 8 individuals was observed walking north approximately 3 miles south of Interstate 8 . These 8 individuals walked to I-8, and crossed over the interstate. Pinal SWAT, BORTAC Team 5, and Pinal K-9 moved in to apprehend these individuals, with air assistance. The subjects all fled northwest from that location.</p>
<p>At 2:30 a.m., one of the 8 individuals was apprehended and turned over to Border Patrol. The remainder of the individuals was unable to be located.</p>
<p><span style="color: #ff0000;">May 13th at 8:53 p.m.</span> AZ DPS was involved in a pursuit with a vehicle which was reported stolen out of Glendale. The pursuit ended near Arizona City, and the driver fled on foot. The driver was apprehended by PCSO after a short fight with the deputies. The driver was turned over to AZ DPS for charging.</p>
<p><span style="color: #ff0000;">May 13th at 11:13 p.m.</span> a truck was observed traveling &#8220;blacked out&#8221; south of Interstate 8. The vehicle was tracked to a location, where it was parked and a driver and passenger were seen &#8220;brushing up&#8221; the vehicle and leaving it. The driver and passenger were then seen &#8220;bedding down&#8221; approximately 100 yards from the vehicle.</p>
<p>With the assistance of air, Border Patrol Agents moved in on the driver and passenger, and one of these subjects was taken into custody. Pinal SWAT with BORTAC Team 5 moved in on the vehicle, a 1999 Ford F250, and secured it. The subject in custody was turned over to GIITEM for prosecution. The registration on the vehicle came back to a false address, and the vehicle was seized. The vehicle was a &#8220;supply&#8221; vehicle used to re-supply scout locations with food, etc.</p>
<p><a href="http://sonoranalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/re-supply-513-1.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-19561 alignnone" style="margin: 3px; border: 1px solid black;" title="re-supply 5~13 1" src="http://sonoranalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/re-supply-513-1.jpg" alt="" width="230" height="173" /></a></p>
<p><span style="color: #ff0000;">May 18th at 10:35 p.m.</span> units spotted bodies loading into a car on I-8 east bound. The vehicle then proceeded eastbound on I-8. Pinal SWAT members set up ahead of the vehicle to deploy spikes if needed, and AZDPS initiated a traffic stop. Gila River PD and Pinal SWAT/Bortac Team 5 backed up the DPS unit. The vehicle contained 4 Hispanic males believed to be &#8220;scouts&#8221;. These subjects were turned over to AZDPS GIITEM and Border Patrol for prosecution.</p>
<p><span style="color: #ff0000;">May 19th at 8:40 p.m.</span> ICE Detention saw multiple subject loading &#8220;packs&#8221; into a large truck that was also accompanied by two small sedans. These vehicles traveled east on I-8 from that location. With the assistance of ICE and Air, units were able to catch up to the vehicles. A high risk traffic stop was conducted by Gila River PD, BORTAC Team 5 / PCSO SWAT, ICE Agents and AZDPS GIITEM on all three vehicles at approximately milepost 158 on I-8. The passenger of the truck fled, and was quickly apprehended by BORTAC Team 5 K-9. All occupants (total of 8 bodies) were taken into custody, and it was discovered that the cab of the truck had 8 bundles of marijuana weighing approximately 174 lbs.</p>
<p><a href="http://sonoranalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/DSC02648.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-19562" style="margin: 3px; border: 1px solid black;" title="DSC02648" src="http://sonoranalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/DSC02648.jpg" alt="" width="179" height="134" /></a><a href="http://sonoranalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_1477.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-19563" style="margin: 3px; border: 1px solid black;" title="IMG_1477" src="http://sonoranalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_1477.jpg" alt="" width="169" height="127" /><a href="http://sonoranalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/more-dope.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-19565" style="margin: 3px; border: 1px solid black;" title="more dope" src="http://sonoranalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/more-dope.jpg" alt="" width="171" height="128" /></a></a></p>
<p><span style="color: #ff0000;">May 19th at 9:45 p.m.</span> the air unit advised that it had located bodies south of I-8 between Russell Rd and Murphy Rd.. Pinal SWAT and BORTAC Team 5 moved into the location with the assistance of air. No bodies were discovered, and it is believed that the heat signatures were residual from bodies that had been in that location, but made it out before ground units could move in.</p>
<p><span style="color: #ff0000;">May 19th at 10:32 p.m.</span> Pinal SWAT and BORTAC Team 5 had a &#8220;blacked out&#8221; Ford truck pass one of our elements near Stanfield Road. After passing our personnel, the vehicle immediately fled at a high rate of speed west of Stanfield Rd., and into the desert area. Ground units were unable to maintain a visual on the truck as it traveled further south west into the desert area. Pinal/Bortac attempted to track the vehicle, but eventually lost sign as it traveled toward the gas pipeline road.</p>
<p><em>Sheriff Paul Babeu stated, “These multi agency details have a much greater impact than just in Pinal County.  Pinal County is the number one pass through county in America for drug and human trafficking because of the roadways and terrain.  The cartels of Mexico have between 75 to 100 lookout posts through this known drug and human smuggling corridor.  They use these high vantage points to ensure their loads, whether they are humans or drugs, make it through.  Some of these loads stop in Phoenix but many of them are sent throughout the United States.  I appreciate the assistance provided by all of these law enforcement agencies to disrupt the cartels activities.  We need this continuous law enforcement presence to help protect America until the border is truly secured.”</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">-30-</p>
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		<title>Rep Schweikert Statement on Osama Bin Laden</title>
		<link>http://sonoranalliance.com/2011/05/02/rep-schweikert-statement-on-osama-bin-laden/</link>
		<comments>http://sonoranalliance.com/2011/05/02/rep-schweikert-statement-on-osama-bin-laden/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 02 May 2011 13:33:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Press Release</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Elected Officials]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Military]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[National Security]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Press Release]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Terrorism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CD-5]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[David Schweikert]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://sonoranalliance.com/?p=18999</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 2, 2011 CONTACT: Rachel Semmel Washington, D.C. – Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ) issued the following statement today regarding the killing of Osama bin Laden: “God bless our brave men and women in uniform who have sacrificed so much to catch Osama bin Laden. Thanks to the persistence and bravery of our [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://schweikert.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=238840"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-18628" style="margin: 5px; border: 1px solid black;" title="David Schweikert" src="http://sonoranalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/DavidSchweikert.jpg" alt="" width="594" height="104" /></a></p>
<p>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 2, 2011<br />
CONTACT: Rachel Semmel</p>
<p><strong>Washington, D.C.</strong> – Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ) issued the following statement today regarding the killing of Osama bin Laden:</p>
<p><strong>“God bless our brave men and women in uniform who have sacrificed so much to catch Osama bin Laden. Thanks to the persistence and bravery of our intelligence community and our troops on the ground, this is truly a great moment for our country. Though we cannot bring back the lives of those we lost, we can have peace that justice has been served. We will never forgot those who lost their lives on attacks on our country and those who died defending it.”</strong></p>
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		<title>Rep. Quayle Statement on the Death of Osama Bin Laden</title>
		<link>http://sonoranalliance.com/2011/05/01/rep-quayle-statement-on-the-death-of-osama-bin-laden/</link>
		<comments>http://sonoranalliance.com/2011/05/01/rep-quayle-statement-on-the-death-of-osama-bin-laden/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 02 May 2011 04:11:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Press Release</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Elected Officials]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Military]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[National Security]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Press Release]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Terrorism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ben Quayle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CD-3]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Osama Bin Laden]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://sonoranalliance.com/?p=18996</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 2, 2011 CONTACT: Richard Cullen WASHINGTON (D.C.) Congressman Ben Quayle (R-AZ) released the following statement regarding the death of Osama Bin Laden: &#8220;Nearly ten years after the horrors of September 11th, the man most responsible for the attacks has been brought to justice. This development is a monumental achievement made possible [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://quayle.house.gov/"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-17989" style="margin: 5px; border: 1px solid black;" title="Congressman Ben Quayle" src="http://sonoranalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/CongBenQuayle.jpg" alt="" width="594" height="128" /></a></p>
<p>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 2, 2011<br />
CONTACT: Richard Cullen</p>
<p>WASHINGTON (D.C.) Congressman Ben Quayle (R-AZ) released the following statement regarding the death of Osama Bin Laden:</p>
<p>&#8220;Nearly ten years after the horrors of September 11th, the man most responsible for the attacks has been brought to justice. This development is a monumental achievement made possible by continuous operations of American intelligence officials and members of the United States Armed forces, many of whom were inspired to serve their country following the attacks in New York and Washington. While Bin Laden’s death is indeed significant, the threat of terrorism around the world will not dissipate. For the thousands of Americans who lost loved ones on 9/11 and in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, justice has been served tonight.&#8221;</p>
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		<title>Great Support our Troops video</title>
		<link>http://sonoranalliance.com/2011/04/23/great-support-our-troops-video/</link>
		<comments>http://sonoranalliance.com/2011/04/23/great-support-our-troops-video/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 23 Apr 2011 16:43:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Fredo</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Military]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Veterans]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://sonoranalliance.com/?p=18843</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A U.S. Marine serving in Afghanistan thanked her mom, Gabriela Saucedo Mercer, for sending lots of great care packages and mentioned that some Marines were not receiving any packages from home. A bunch of patriots from the Tucson area stepped forward and adopted her unit serving in Afghanistan and sent lots of packages to the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A U.S. Marine serving in Afghanistan thanked her mom, Gabriela Saucedo Mercer, for sending lots of great care packages and mentioned that some Marines were not receiving any packages from home. A bunch of patriots from the Tucson area stepped forward and adopted her unit serving in Afghanistan and sent lots of packages to the troops fighting overseas. Here is video of the Tucson homecoming for Gabriela&#8217;s daughter and another fellow Marine as they arrive in the Tucson Airport.</p>
<p>Thank you to all of our brave Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines for your service to this nation and to the cause of freedom.</p>
<p><a href="http://sonoranalliance.com/2011/04/23/great-support-our-troops-video/"><em>Click here to view the embedded video.</em></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Video about the Christmas Packages for the Troops.<br />
<p><a href="http://sonoranalliance.com/2011/04/23/great-support-our-troops-video/"><em>Click here to view the embedded video.</em></a></p></p>
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		<title>Fundraiser in Support of Wounded Phoenix Warrior Joshua Bullis</title>
		<link>http://sonoranalliance.com/2011/04/11/fundraiser-in-support-of-wounded-phoenix-warrior-joshua-bullis/</link>
		<comments>http://sonoranalliance.com/2011/04/11/fundraiser-in-support-of-wounded-phoenix-warrior-joshua-bullis/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 11 Apr 2011 16:17:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sonoran Alliance</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Military]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Press Release]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Special Event]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Joshua Bullis]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://sonoranalliance.com/?p=18617</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Fraternal Order of Police to Hold April 15th Event (PHOENIX, Ariz.) – In September 2010 Army Private First Class Joshua Bullis, a graduate of Goldwater High School in Phoenix, lost both legs above the knees and one arm above the elbow after he was struck by an Improvised Explosive Device while serving his country in [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Joshua-Bullis-wounded-warrior-fundraiser-April-15th/151951561535942"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-18618" style="margin: 7px; border: 1px solid black;" title="Joshua Bullis" src="http://sonoranalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/JoshuaBullis.jpg" alt="" width="233" height="350" /></a>Fraternal Order of Police to Hold April 15th Event</strong></p>
<p>(PHOENIX, Ariz.) –  In September 2010 Army Private First Class Joshua Bullis, a graduate of Goldwater High School in Phoenix, lost both legs above the knees and one arm above the elbow after he was struck by an Improvised Explosive Device while serving his country in Afghanistan.</p>
<p>Josh’s family is keenly aware of service and sacrifice. His parents, “Bub” Bullis and Karen Freund-Bullis are both Phoenix Police Officers. The Bullis family is getting support from their extended family in law enforcement and they could use your help.</p>
<p>The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #2 is holding a fundraiser for this wounded warrior, including an all-you-can eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with raffle prizes and music on April 15th from 6am to 9pm at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge at 12851 North 19th Avenue (between Cactus and Thunderbird).</p>
<p>Breakfast ($5.00) includes eggs, bacon, sausage, and potatoes<br />
Lunch ($10.00) includes burgers, hotdogs and grilled chicken<br />
Dinner ($15.00) includes spaghetti and homemade meat sauce</p>
<p>All of the proceeds will benefit Private Bullis whose lifetime of a road to recovery is just beginning.  Josh is at a military hospital in San Diego; however he plans to be in Phoenix to attend this special event.</p>
<p>Josh’s parents are Officers Karen and Bub Bullis, “Six months ago we received a phone call that would change all of our lives forever. We learned that our son, Josh, who was in the Army in Afghanistan, was now a triple amputee. We worried that losing two legs and an arm might be more than he could handle.  Little did we realize just how far he would progress in six, short months. He is mastering the art of walking on prosthetic legs and using a prosthetic arm, in addition to learning to drive again. He has been an inspiration to multitudes of people and harbors no ill will towards the Army, the war, or his injuries. He knew this was a possibility when he joined the Army and he has no regrets. We would all like to thank everyone for their prayers, kind thoughts, and ongoing support in Josh&#8217; journey to becoming independent and self-sufficient. “</p>
<p>For more information on the fundraiser visit the event’s <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Joshua-Bullis-wounded-warrior-fundraiser-April-15th/151951561535942" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a>.</p>
<p>For those who cannot make it to the fundraiser, donations are being accepted. Checks can be made payable to FOP2 Foundation Inc. with Joshua Bullis in memo section and mailed to the attention of Officer Dave Hopkins at:</p>
<p>The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #2<br />
12851 N 19 Ave<br />
Phoenix, Arizona 85029<br />
(<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&amp;q=12851+N+19+Ave+Phoenix,+Arizona+85029&amp;fb=1&amp;gl=us&amp;hnear=Mesa,+AZ&amp;cid=0,0,8402973057903992936&amp;z=16&amp;iwloc=A" target="_blank">Map</a>)</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">-30-</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Franks Votes to Fund Troops, Cut Spending, Keep Government Running</title>
		<link>http://sonoranalliance.com/2011/04/07/franks-votes-to-fund-troops-cut-spending-keep-government-running/</link>
		<comments>http://sonoranalliance.com/2011/04/07/franks-votes-to-fund-troops-cut-spending-keep-government-running/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 07 Apr 2011 22:26:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Press Release</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Federal Budget]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Military]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Press Release]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spending]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CD-2]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trent Franks]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://sonoranalliance.com/?p=18587</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 7, 2011 CONTACT: Ben Carnes April 7, 2011 &#8211; Following his vote in favor of a one-week Continuing Resolution that would keep the government from shutting down at midnight tonight, would ensure the troops continue to receive funding, and would cut $12 billion in spending, Congressman Trent Franks (AZ-02) today released [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://sonoranalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/TrentFranks.png"><img class="size-full wp-image-18492 alignnone" style="margin: 5px; border: 1px solid black;" title="Trent Franks" src="http://sonoranalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/TrentFranks.png" alt="" width="546" height="144" /></a></p>
<p>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 7, 2011<br />
CONTACT: Ben Carnes</p>
<p>April 7, 2011 &#8211; Following his vote in favor of a one-week Continuing Resolution that would keep the government from shutting down at midnight tonight, would ensure the troops continue to receive funding, and would cut $12 billion in spending, Congressman Trent Franks (AZ-02) today released the following statement:</p>
<p><strong>&#8220;Quite simply, Democrats today have done precisely what pushed Americans to throw them out of office en masse in the last election.</strong></p>
<p><strong>&#8220;Last year, while Democrats were still in control of the House, they failed to accomplish one of their most fundamental responsibilities &#8212; to pass a budget. Since that time, Democrats have also refused to support any Republican budget proposal, including the plan offered today to ensure our troops continue to be paid and our government doesn&#8217;t shutdown.</strong></p>
<p><strong>&#8220;Instead, Democrats overwhelmingly demonstrated today that they would rather allow our military to go unpaid and our government to stop operating than to budge even an inch on their big spending liberal dogma.</strong></p>
<p><strong>&#8220;My vote on today&#8217;s troop-funding bill was a vote to continue paying our men and women in uniform, to cut $12 billion in excess spending, and to keep our government functioning.&#8221;</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">###</p>
<p><em>Congressman Franks is serving his fifth term in the U.S. House of Representatives and is a member of the Judiciary Committee, where he serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Constitution and a member of the Subcommittee on Courts, Commercial and Administrative Law. He is also a member of the Armed Services Committee, where he serves on the Strategic Forces Subcommittee and the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities.</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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