The Battle of Iwo Jima is a war between United States and Empire of Japan in the island of Iwo Jima during the World War II. It is a battle between 70,000 US Marines over 22,000 Japanese soldiers in a 36 day battle. There were six American soldiers behind the depicted picture of Iwo Jima Battle. The three were Franklin Sousley, Harlon Block and Michael Strank. They were killed during the battle. However, the other three survives and they were John Bradley, Rene Gagnon and Ira Hayes. Photo captured six men who were tired, helmeted Marines, fresh from a long, terrifying and bloody battle who worked together to raise the American Flag on Mt. Suribachi in Iwo Jima. The picture was taken by Joe Rosenthal who was an American Photographer, who became famous because of his Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima.

The war started on February 19,1945. America has an island-hopping strategy in defeating Japan. The first plan of the United States was to invade Philippines, It was called Battle of Manila or also known as Liberation of Manila. It was a one-month battle ending the Japanese Military Occupation in the Philippines that lasted for almost three years. United States defeated the Japanese invasion in the Philippines longer than expected prior to the invasion of Okinawa. Instead of invading Okinawa, United States planned a different strategy, they planned on invading Iwo Jima which is located half-way between Japan and Mariana Islands. American Soldiers deprived the Japanese early warning system and used it as an emergency landing to save many American lives.

Iwo Jima battle entails the most famous moment in American military history. When the photograph was published in the Newspaper, it touched the hearts of millions of Americans.  It had captured the glory, the triumph, the heartbreak, and the legacy of the six men who fought for their country and raised the flag at Iwo Jima.

Above photo shows an Iwo Jima Desk Nameplate that is made from solid Mahogany wood that is hand carved and hand painted by our experienced craftsmen. The Desk nameplate is amazingly detailed and durable. Get this awesome Desk Nameplate only at www.militaryplaques.com today!

Starting from the American Revolutionary War to the current Global War on Terrorism, women have served a vital function in the U.S. Army. From the moment Mary Ludwig Hays McCauley replaced her husband when he collapsed beside his cannon, women have continually defied the narrow stereotype, proving that limiting their choice of occupation is entirely wrong.

As decades goes by, women successfully expanded into different roles in the U.S. Army. Indeed, the heart of a warrior was not limited to gender.

It all started during the American Revolutionary War. Women first served the army in traditional occupations such as nurses, seamstresses and cooks for troops in army camps. In the 18^th and 19^th centuries, a lot of women found employment with officer’s families or as cooks but a few courageous ladies fought alongside their husbands, sometimes disguised as men as it was highly forbidden for women to participate in combats.

One of the most celebrated events in the history of women in the army was in 1778. Mary Ludwig Hays McCauley, also known as “Molly Pitcher”. She used to carry water to men on the battlefield in Monmouth, N.J. until came an instance when his wounded husband collapsed on his cannon. Mary replaced his husband and fought alongside thousands of men on that day. Congress authorized a pension for her in 1779.

Women also served as spies during the Revolutionary War. They carried messages and transported as contraband. Ann Simpson Davis, an accomplished horsewoman, was handpicked by Gen. George Washington to relay messages to his comrades. Davis successfully slipped through enemy’s areas unnoticed. She received commendation from Gen. Washington for her remarkable services in the Army.

During the World War I, when the need for a massive military troop impacted women, more than 35, 000 American women served in the military. The branches to first solicit women were the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. They occupied a wide variety of non combat positions like radio electricians, draftsmen, secretaries, accountants, telephone operators and more.

In 1980s, the first 120 women are admitted to the US Military Academy Class of 1980. During the Persian Gulf War in the 1990s, approximately 24 000 women served in the army. At present, women continue to serve in the Army in areas of conflict around the world.

Above photo shows an army desk name plate in full color made from solid mahogany wood and finished with quality enamel paint. Perfect as a gift for women in the Army who deserves recognition. All MilitaryPlaques.Com are hand carved and kiln dried at our own workshop ensuring no warping will occur. We also customize according to customer specifications. Free shipping in standard U.S. and APO address — express shipping also available. See our wide variety of products at http://www.militaryplaques.com/. 

For someone who has served decades in the military, there is no better gift than something that will honor his or her professional life.

Retirement gifts for military personnel are usually presented during retirement ceremonies but are also suitable for parties or just a simple, intimate family gathering. Today, you can purchase variety of retirement gifts in stores near you or more conveniently – online. A mound of choices could be dizzying. To help you sort out the best gifts, a short list provided below is a good start for your hunt.

• Shadow Box

Putting it in a nutshell, a shadow box usually contains small mementos like medals, ribbons, photographs, rank badges, patches and pins. It is like a display case of your favorite military items you have acquired over the years. Shadowboxes are popular because they can create a visual timeline of an eventful military life. Make sure that the shadow box is made from quality wood like mahogany and with real glass cover for better protection.

• Military Plaques

Military plaques are one of the most popular and most sought after retirement gifts because they are very easy to find, highly-customizable and can be bought in bargain prices. Like shadow boxes, military plaques can be made from your specification. It comes in different shapes and sizes. It usually features a unit logo or insignia with date of service or names of troop members.

• Military Desk Nameplates

Although considered as an office fix, a desk nameplate is still one of the best choices for a great military gift. The great thing about nameplates is that it’s highly customizable. You can dictate the shape, color and details of the plaque. It could be made from wood, plastic or glass.

• Tail Flash Plaques

If plaques and nameplates sound boredom to you, a tail flash plaque might be the solution. For Air Force men, a tail flash is a great gift to remind them of the aircraft they have maneuvered during their service. It can come in any design, any shape, any size and any color. Tail flashes vary from Air tail flash, presentation tail plaque, squadron aircraft tail flash, F-16 Tail Flash to U2 Tail Flash.

• Military Patch and Badge Plaques

Today, badges and patches are now being recreated to wooden plaques. You can also specify the size and alter the design but it will be cool if you retain the design and just enhance the color.

For more designs and gift ideas, go to www.militaryplaques.com. We customize our products according to your specifications. Choose your preferred size, shape, color and materials! Our items are made from solid mahogany wood and finished with quality enamel paint. 

Time to celebrate…

When it’s time to retire from the military, it is also a time to celebrate a career. Today, increasing military member s are serving 25 years or even more, depending on rank or the branch of service they are employed. Military members who have spent long years, mostly away from their families, to defend the nation in combats or in other form of military service, deserve recognition.

Time to express gratitude…

Many soldiers die right in front of the combat line. Many survived and at times, continue to elope death to protect people they don’t know while leaving their own families at home praying that they will soon come home. Military men who served until their twilight age are the ones who have successfully withstood the dangers and challenges of being a soldier. Now that they have chosen to retire, it is time to express thankfulness.

Time to give gifts…

One of the most common gifts for military retirees is a military plaque. Military plaques are great gifts, especially from a group. Opt for a custom-made plaque for you can include a picture of the retiree or the insignia of the unit they served in. Usually, the retiree’s name, rank and dates of service should be included. A slogan or a meaningful saying familiar to the unit will make a good addition to the plaque detail too.

Military plaques will surely make an impact and undoubtedly occupy a place of honor in the retiree’s home or office, as well as serve as a special piece of memorabilia in his or her family’s heirlooms. To make the military plaque extra special, it normally requires a bit of thinking making sure the gift fits the retiree well.

Personalizing military plaques will immortalize their career. A solid and durable make will pose as a visual reminder of bravery and heroism. A great retirement plaque truly showcases the service of the retiree. Tell them that they will be missed no matter how long they have been in service. For serving the military is synonymous to sacrifice and dedication.

MilitaryPlaques.Com salutes retirees for helping protect the nation and keeping its people safe. We offer a wide variety of retirement plaques and gifts that comes in different shapes, sizes and colors. Our customizable products are made from solid mahogany wood and finished with high quality enamel paint. Get the best retirement plaques only at www.militaryplaques.com!

Made from real glass with quality nickel clasps and cushioned velvet cloth, this US Air Force E7 Shadow Box allows you to pin medals and other precious items inside the box.

Wall shadow boxes are a great addition to any home or office décor style. These fantastic display cases have grown more popular over the years for showing off your keepsakes and souvenirs from trips, and family memorabilia. A shadow box is also one of the best choices in keeping your most priced items secured.

One of the best perks of owning a shadow box is that you can tell the story of your life. Keeping one filled with mementos from different events and places allows you to have a visual timeline of your past – places you’ve been to, people you have met and other unforgettable events that can be remembered through small items.

Shadow boxes come in varying shapes and sizes. Above photo shows a US Air Force E7 Shadow Box made from real glass, solid mahogany wood and cushioned velvet cloth, adorned with intricate designs and painted with high-quality enamel following customer color specification. A recessed hook pinned at the back allows you to hang it anywhere at home.

Military Plaques offers a wide range of shadow boxes in various shapes and colors. All shadow boxes are carved by experienced craftsmen and made from quality materials. Get this beautiful shadow box  only at www.militaryplaques.com today!

After almost 9 years of invasion that ousted Saddam Hussein, US Defense Secretary Panetta finally packs up military flag on December 12, 2011. Operation New Dawn wrapped up their troops that include the last 4, 000 American troops completely withdrawn on December 18, 2011, leaving Iraq still tackling a destabilized but stubborn insurgency, sectarian tensions and political instability. Only 150 US soldiers are left in Iraq attached to the US Embassy located near the Tigris River.

Operation New Dawn is the latest Iraq war name designated by the Obama administration. The name given reflects the reduced role U.S. troops plays in securing the country this year as troop levels fall, according to a memo from Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates. Replacing Operation Iraqi Freedom, the new name took effect in September 2011, when U.S. troop levels are supposed to drop about 50, 000 in number.

The name change symbolized U.S. Military’s combat role in Iraq is rapidly drawing to a close. Base on the memo released in Feb 17 by Gates sent to Gen. David H. Petraeus, regional top commander, the name seeks to “recognize our evolving relationship with the Government of Iraq.”

On their official website, the troop defined themselves as “dedicated professional working with Iraqis to establish and enduring strategic partnership.” Their main purpose is to demonstrate through their actions the nation’s commitment to the Iraqi people and set the conditions for an enduring partnership with a sovereign, stable, self-reliant, and unified Iraq.

To exercise their sole purpose, Operation New Dawn helps BUILD Iraq’s civil capacity by abiding four main values which are: Build, Partner, Strengthen and Pressure. They helped build Iraq’s civil capacity by providing a secure environment for political, economic and institutional initiatives to succeed. Partner with the US Embassy Baghdad to enable a successful transition using a whole-of-government approach. Strengthen the Iraqi Security Forces by advising, training, assisting and equipping the force. Lastly, Pressure extremist networks through partnered counterterrorism operations.

Above photo shows the Operation New Dawn deployment plaque in full color. Made from mahogany wood and carved by experience craftsmen, the plaque is amazingly detailed and durable. Simply perfect as a gift or wall decoration. Get this awesome deployment plaque only at www.militaryplaques.com today!

“Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity.”

The FBI is an intelligence-driven, threat-focused national security and law enforcement organization—the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Justice and a full member of the U.S. Intelligence Community. It has the authority and responsibility to investigate specific crimes assigned to it and to provide other law enforcement agencies with cooperative services, such as fingerprint identification, laboratory examinations, and training. The FBI also gathers, shares, and analyzes intelligence—both to support its own investigations and those of its partners and to better understand and combat the security threats facing the United States.

FBI Science and Technology Branch establishes biometric and identity management partnering with other agencies incorporating other biometric systems. FBI Science and Technology Branch mission is to facilitate scientific, engineering, and technical solutions in support of intelligence and investigate requirements.

The FBI Science and Technology Branch vision is to discover, develop, and deliver world-class science and technology capabilities that enable and enhance intelligence, law enforcement, and national interests.

Source: http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/faqs

Hand carved and hand painted mahogany wood plaque. Perfect as a wall plaque or podium plaque. Fantastic additions to any memorabilia collection. Recessed hook enables the plaque to hang flush against any wall. 

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Mission:

In a national emergency, the 122nd Fighter Wing may be ordered to active duty by the President of the United States. The primary federal mission of the 122FW is to achieve and maintain the level of operational readiness that will provide trained and equipped combat-ready tactical units, capable of global deployment, ready for immediate integration into the active Air Force to assure air offense, air defense, or joint action with ground forces.

The 122nd Fighter Wing is available on orders from the Governor of Indiana to assist local authorities in the event of a disaster, disturbance or other emergency. The units of the 122nd Fighter Wing are capable of supporting rescue and relief operations, aiding in recovery from natural disaster, along with protecting the citizens of Indiana and their property.

History:

The 122nd Fighter Wing traces its heritage back to the 358th Fighter Group that was activated in January, 1943, at Richmond Army Air Base, VA. Flying P-47D “Thunderbolts,” the 358th flew interdiction and bomber escort missions from England until D-Day. As the Allies advanced, they took on the role of ground support, including “tank busting.”
Following the surrender of Germany, the group redeployed to the United States in July 1945, and were officially inactivated the following November. In May 1946, the group was redesignated as the 122nd Fighter Group (later to become Fighter Wing) and assigned with all honors and colors to the Indiana Air National Guard. During the war the 358th, known as the “Orange Tails” for their distinctive bright orange aircraft markings, was awarded three Distinguished Unit Citations, and the Croix de Guerre.

source: http://www.122fw.ang.af.mil/

This shows the picture of the USS 122 Fighter Wing Plaque that was recently made by the MilitaryPlaques.Com. It was hand painted in full color and hand carved in 3D relief approximately 1/4″ to 1/2″ in depth.

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“Clubs and Spades”

Created for the immediate requirements of the Naval Construction Force, the Naval Mobile Construction Batallion Two-Five mission is to provide and maintain a trained, ready, and immediately available organized reserve capable of quick response.

NMCB-Two Five was commissioned in September 1942 (then called the 25th Naval Construction Battalion), at Camp Bradford, VA, the same year in which the Seabees were established. The first Seabees in this battalion underwent training at Camp Allen, VA. Shortly after its commissioning and initial training, the battalion moved to Port Hueneme, CA and again to Camp Elliott, San Diego, CA where it attached to the 3rd Battalion, Nineteenth Marines, 3rd Marine Division, and Fleet Marine Force.

The battalion served under the command of U.S. Army General Douglas MacArthur, during the World War II. Several major contributions include building a hospital at Samoa, building and airfield at Guadalcanal, building roads and bridges at Bouganvillein and helped recapture the island of Guam from Japanese invasion. NMCB-25 is the only unit with the distinction of serving under the Army, Navy and Marine Corps.

The battalion moved back to the United States in June 1945. Falling under the control of the 27^th Naval Construction Regiment of the 5^th Naval Construction Brigade, it was detached from the Marine Corps. Having followed the preceding events, the battalion was deactivated the following November.

Though the battalion remained inactive in quite a few years, it was reborn in Daisville in October, 1961 and is now part of the twelve Naval Mobile Construction Battalions in the Naval Reserve.

Throughout the years, NMCB- Two Five bagged various awards and distinctions. The battalion was selected as the Pacific’s Fleet’s Best of Type Reserve Nval Construction Battalion for fiscal years 1996 and 1998. It was also presented the Admiral Perry Award in FY 96 for being chosen as the best Seabee Construction Battalion of both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets.

Source: (www.history.navy.mil)

Picture above shows a mahogany Naval Construction Battalion 25 wall plaque in full color. Like all militaryplaques.com products, the plaque is made of mahogany wood, hand carved by expert craftsmen and hand painted using quality materials. For more details, visit www.militaryplaques.com today.

“Bat Out of Hell”

The 15^th Naval Construction Battalion, also called as NMCB – 15, was commissioned on July 20, 1942 at Camp Allen, Virginia. The group was part of the island-hopping campaign of American forces in the Pacific during WWII.

NMCB-15’s primary mission is to provide rapid contingency construction support for operational forces during regional contingencies, large or small. During World War II, the battalion served with distinction and honors, building advance base camps and airfields throughout the Pacific Theater of Operations. They cleared bleachers, built air strips, and established logistical installations on several significant islands.

Today, major tasks include support disaster recovery and humanitarian operations, foreign or domestic, when directed.

NMCB-15 is one of the 20 Naval Mobile Construction Battalions located throughout the NINTH Naval Construction Regiment in Ft. Worth, TX, to the FIRST Naval Construction Division, Little Creek. Personnel from ten detachments in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota make up NMCB-15.

Legend has it that a Marine commander in the Pacific praised the battalion’s hard work by observing that the Seabees were “going like a bat out of hell.” The remark soon became NMCB-15’s motto. The bat logo, on the other hand, is believed that the child of a unit member drew the first prototype. Some said it was developed after war.

Picture shown above shows The 15^th Naval Construction Battalion logo in full color. All MilitaryPlaques.com products are hand carved and hand painted mahogany wood plaque. Click here to see our wide-range of products.