One of President Obama's first executive orders was to close the Guantanamo Bay Detention Center within the next year and to ban "torture". This can be a great step for the United States because it shows that we are standing up for human rights. It goes without saying that one would want to "do unto others as you would have others do unto to you."

But what will happen with all the detainees that are currently there? Is a year a realistic goal?

Standing up for human rights is something I believe in, but the United States needs to make sure we are also coming across as a force to be reckoned with and finding that balance can be difficult.

What are your opinions? Vote and let us know!

NERA Merchandise

Just in time for Valentine's Day!

Follow the link to get your NERA hats, shirts and more. A percentage of the sales will support NERA's efforts to promote the rights of enlisted reservists in the Navy, Marines and Coast Guard.

If you do not find the item you are looking for, send me a note and we will look into adding it to our store.

As always, you can purchase coins, decals and memberships directly on the NERA website, www.nera.org.

Happy shopping!

College Scholarship Program

I am sure there are many families wondering how they will pay for their children's college education. The NERA 2009 College Scholarship Program, funded largley by a grant from USAA Insurance, can help in these tough times. The program is eligible to NERA members and their families. Not a member of NERA? It only costs $30 for a year's membership. A small cost to pay.

There will be two scholarships given to regular NERA members at $3,000 a piece and four more scholarships of $2,500 given to family members and/or NERA associate members.

To apply, join NERA or just find out more information, go to our website, www.nera.org.

Winter Mariner

The 2008/09 Mariner is now online. Click on the title of the post and it will take you directly to the Mariner where you can read articles on the Wounded Warrior Project, Homeless Veterans, a report from the Orlando conference in October 2008 and more!

President Obama's Inauguration

Today, I realized there is just a little over a week left until President Obama's inauguration. Less than that for the beginning of the festivities. By the end of the week, the Washington, DC area will have swarms of citizens coming in from all around the country, wanting to take part in this historic event.

What will you be doing this weekend? Will you watch everything from the comfort of your own home? Will you brave the crowds in DC to get a glimpse of our future President and his family? Will you host a party? Or will you not even acknowledge this event? Yes, there are many people out there who voted for McCain and wish they could be rejoicing in the upcoming events. But as a country, we all need to come together now and realize that no matter who we voted for in this past election it's time to work together. I am not saying that you should throw away your political beliefs but we all need to be more open minded to other viewpoints whether it's democratic, republican or any other party.

Please take part in our most recent poll and I look forward to hearing your comments!

NERA Store

You can now buy your NERA merchandise at http://www.soldiercity.com/nera-embroidered-clothing/c/1320. Get hats, shirts, and sweatshirts embroidered with the NERA logo!

Happy New Year

Happy New Year to all! I hope everyone has either renewed their NERA membership or has joined because as of today, annual dues has increased to $30 per year. Still a bargain and a great investment for the future of enlisted reservists.