Bismarck Tribune - Bismarck News - Retired colonel urges support for war

Retired colonel urges support for war

Mar 30, 2003 - 23:05:47 CST

By MIKE ALBRECHT, Bismarck Tribune

As U.S. warplanes continue to bomb Baghdad, churches of all denominations in Bismarck and Mandan are offering guidance to assist congregations in dealing with the escalating conflict. The advice given by a guest speaker to the more than 50 in attendance at the Bismarck Baptist Church on Sunday was to "let your lives be human shields of prayer."

Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Jeff O'Leary, a Fox News consultant on war from Washington D.C., came to North Dakota to speak at Child Evangelism Fellowship annual banquets in Dickinson and Bismarck. When Bismarck Baptist Church Pastor Dan Burnett heard O'Leary was in town, he invited him to speak during the Sunday morning services.

"The road to freedom has always been through killing zones and the currency has always been blood," O'Leary told the congregation on Sunday.

Avoiding war and keeping peace at all cost isn't viable, O'Leary said. He berated those opposing war and the president including actors, actresses and musicians. Among those he mentioned were Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks, who said to a London audience that she was ashamed that the president of the United States was from Texas, and Jessica Lange, who spoke out against Bush in Madrid, Spain.

"I'm here because soldiers are sacrificing their lives, not Sheryl Crow or the Dixie Chicks," O'Leary said. "Without the brave there would be no land of the free."

O'Leary said the Dixie Chicks told their fans that the worst thing that could happen is war, but he believes that it would be worse to let the Iraqi people live under a regime where 5,000 children a month are dying from malnutrition and preventable diseases. The Iraqi people who have escaped are not opposed to the war and nor would those who lived under Joseph Stalin or Nero, he said.

"Who is going to buy freedom for people in chains? People like you and me who are willing to sacrifice," O'Leary said.

During his 22-year career in the Air Force, O'Leary faced terrorism while serving as a peacekeeper in Israel during the Gulf War and survived a Iraqi missile barrage and a cafe bombing while evacuating civilians. His experiences in the Middle East and expertise led to his work as a military analyst for FOX News on terrorism and Middle East politics and culture.

O'Leary is the author of "Taking the High Ground: Military Moments with God" and plans to release a new book "Brave Hearts under Red Skies: Stories of Faith under Fire." O'Leary also helped start several orphanages and churches in India.

O'Leary will speak again at 6:30 p.m. today at the Ramkota Hotel in Bismarck for the Child Evangelism Fellowship annual banquet.

(Reach reporter Mike Albrecht at 250-8261 or cops@ndonline.com.)

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Comments

Lynn wrote on Jun 13, 2008 2:01 PM:

" I keep scanning the media for some information to find out if Troy has fulfilled his court order of 400 hours of community service in which 200 were to be spent at high schools and colleges telling his story. Does anyone know? "

Robyn Pepion wrote on Nov 28, 2007 11:37 AM:

" LOL No these comments do not seem to match up with the story. Mine will. I took a break from school to focus on my own development. I have utilized my Injury Prevention degree by working for a battered women's shelter in Great Falls, Montana. In January of 2008 I will enroll in MSU-Bozeman and major in English. I then will finish law school in Missoula following in Nathan St.Goddard and Bonnie Heavy Runner's footsteps. (Both of whom are Blackfeet) I am going to try to make it as a walk on for the women's basketball team. I now know through adversity we find strength and that I have made it off the Blackfeet Reservation and take the best of both worlds. I survived and hope to leave a legacy that through adversity we find strength but nobody can do it for us. We grow and today I can honestly forgive my abusers and thank them for teaching me that I am the strongest Blackfeet woman I know. Thank you, Aho, Robyn Pepion Blackfeet Tribal member Injury Prevention Specialist Mother of 4 sons "

Rebecca Dorval wrote on Jun 2, 2007 7:52 PM:

" Every year there should be somethng new and something fun for everybody in Bismarck. That way everyone can enjoy it. Even little kids, teenagers, and even parents. I think there should be some kind of event out there in Bismarck where its free and something fun and new every single time. Bismarck gets boring if you don;t have anything fun to do. "

Illinois Guy wrote on Feb 7, 2007 10:25 AM:

" That driver is very lucky he only got 2 1/2 years for he had done. And of course I think he got off easy. Yeah sure he might be paying for it by thinking about it while serving his time, but he's alive. He can see his family again...the two victims can't. Hecetu Yelo "

kevin wrote on Jan 25, 2007 3:33 AM:

" Good material for a tv movie! "

Online Editor wrote on Dec 19, 2006 9:01 PM:

" To what's up with the comments: You're right, these comments are meant to be with another story. I'll contact the folks that manage the commenting software ... again. Sorry about the inconvenience. "

what's up with the comments wrote on Dec 19, 2006 6:09 PM:

" is it just me or do most of these comments have nothing to do with the story???? "

Elizabeth wrote on Dec 19, 2006 12:14 PM:

" I want to ask Della if she is Native American. If so from where? Can you please email me at lunderman_2005@yahoo.com "

Carmens Classmate wrote on Dec 19, 2006 8:39 AM:

" I want to tell Della and the girls that I truly am sorry for you. I hope this helps you to find closure and grieve. She is truly missed by all of us. Her crazy laugh...Your daughter is a beautiful shining star. "

Arlene wrote on Oct 10, 2006 9:26 AM:

" Its nice to know that there's still people that will help others in their time of need. "

waren e.z.o wrote on Oct 3, 2006 1:30 AM:

" the making of bismarck is unbeliveable "

yo wrote on Jul 29, 2006 4:24 PM:

" Do any of these comments relate to the story? "

Kent wrote on Jul 29, 2006 2:26 PM:

" To Terry Riley, I'm sorry that you have had to endure this tragedy. I admire you for trying to start this MADD chapter in Bismarck. I hope this makes people aware that DUI is no joking matter. Innocent victims and families pay with their lives. "

Rebecca Dorval wrote on Jun 9, 2006 11:04 AM:

" Last year the carnival was fun.I hope this year it would be something new and fun. I think it will. Thanks for making this carnival happened. Exspecially in Bismarck. They say that there are geting more people in Bismarck. As you can see there are more people here for the big carnival. "

Debbie wrote on May 11, 2006 9:36 AM:

" I think all a person has to do is pray and god will be right there to listen to you. And if he feels you really believe in him, he'll be there to answer your prayers. Daniel keep praying and you could life to it's fullest. Enjoy "

Jordan DeLong wrote on Apr 21, 2006 12:24 PM:

" when will they let any further notice about luis alberto garcia? "

MARIA MONTOYA wrote on Apr 16, 2006 2:49 PM:

" I REALLY DO THINK THIS IS A GOOD IDEA BECAUSE THIS IS GOING TO PREVENT THE SEXUAL OFFENDERS FROM COMMITTING THE SAME CRIME TWICE OR EVEN MORE TIMES. "

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