Choze Powell

Congresswoman McClain Leads Letter to Biden on Afghanistan Crisis

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Lisa McClain (R-MI), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, penned a letter to President Biden, alongside Reps. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) and Michael Waltz (R-FL) requesting the United States maintain a military presence in Afghanistan until every American citizen is safely evacuated from the country.

“It is imperative the Biden Administration ensures every single American citizen is able to safely evacuate Afghanistan before the military leaves the country,” said Rep. McClain. “The Taliban is becoming increasingly dangerous as the August 31st deadline gets closer. Americans and our allies are in grave danger if they’re not evacuated by the end of the month.”

“We are the United States of America and we leave no one behind – no matter how perilous the situation,” said Rep. Waltz. “We cannot succumb to conditions dictated by terrorists like the Taliban and allow them to tell us who can and cannot leave. We made a commitment to both our citizens and allies to get them out safely and this administration must utilize every option available for extraction.”

“President Biden’s failed withdrawal from Afghanistan has needlessly endangered countless lives,” Stefanik said. “I am proud to stand with Congresswoman McClain to hold Biden accountable for his disastrous actions on the world stage and to demand the protection of our citizens, allies, and the Afghan people. Lives are at stake.”

For a copy of the letter, click here.

The full text of the letter is below.

August 25, 2021
The Honorable Joseph R. Biden
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue N
Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear President Biden,

As we write to you, the situation in Afghanistan becomes ever more perilous. There are thousands of Americans and our allies trapped in a country that has fallen into the hands of the Taliban.

We as members of Congress have demanded from you, and your administration, for months your detailed plan for the American withdrawal from Afghanistan. Our requests have been either ignored or answered with vague platitudes and assurances that you were prepared for every contingency. On August 15th, the world was shown that your administration was in over its head. Now our own citizens and partners in Afghanistan are under the threat of torture and death from a barbaric, terrorist regime.

We are demanding that you take any and all necessary steps to protect our citizens, allies and the civilian population in the capitol city. We suggest you give careful consideration to either increasing the number of combat forces in the country, change the rules of engagement in Afghanistan to allow our forces to engage Taliban threats, or might we suggest you consult with Allyson Reneau on how best to navigate around the Taliban. Ms. Reneau, a 60-year-old Harvard graduate from Oklahoma, was able to fly into the region earlier this month and rescued 10 members of the all-girls robotics team in Afghanistan.

We are also requesting that you maintain a significant U.S. military presence in the country until every single American citizen is safely evacuated from Afghanistan.

This crisis was created by your failed leadership. You campaigned on being a competent operator in the arena of global affairs. Now prove it to this Congress, the American people, and the rest of the world.

Submitted by Congresswoman Lisa McClain’s Office

Blue Water Woman Magazine

Blue Water Woman Celebrates 10 Years

When Patti Samar started Blue Water Woman Magazine, she thought it would last for maybe five years. However, with the support of her husband, advertisers, and the community, she just celebrated the publication’s 10th Anniversary.

Blue Water Woman is a free quarterly magazine available at various businesses in the community. Samar just published the Fall 2021 edition which features Korissa Wilkins’ story. Wilkins was also on the cover of the first Blue Water Woman issue in 2011.

In 2011, Samar was convinced that “Korissa was the quintessential Blue Water Woman” who “represented the future”. In the last 10 years, Wilkins has worked her way up to partner and leading associate of Kramer Commercial Realty.

Samar said of Wilkins, “On the day I decided Korissa was the “future” of the Blue Water Area, I should have bought a lottery ticket. Her impact on the community is immeasurable and long lasting in both personal and professional ways.”

At the 10th Anniversary Celebration Wednesday night, Samar was emotional when she thanked her supporters for their dedication to her and the magazine.

She also celebrated the life of her dear friend, Carrie Kerbrat, who passed away in 2020. Kerbrat worked for the nonprofit organization Community Enterprises, and she was also a passionate athlete.

Kerbrat’s family started a new nonprofit called ShineOn dedicated to serving children by providing access to sports and Christmas gifts. Funds were raised at the Blue Water Woman 10th Anniversary event to contribute to ShineOn.

Learn more about Blue Water Woman <HERE>.

Learn more about ShineOn <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Maple Leafs Win Best Mascot - Red Wings, Most Obnoxious

Maple Leafs Win Best Mascot – Red Wings, Most Obnoxious

Play Canada decided to have a little fun by surveying more than 2,000 NHL fans from the U.S. and Canada to get their opinions on NHL team mascots. The Toronto Maple Leafs’ Carlton the Bear took 1st place for the Best Mascot, and the Detroit Red Wings’ Al the Octopus took 2nd place in the Most Obnoxious category.

The octopus began its association with Detroit hockey in 1952 during the championship series. Back then, it only took two best-of-seven matches to secure the cup, therefore, 8 games to win.

Detroit ended up sweeping its series against the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens, winning the Stanley Cup in a mere 8 games. During that series,  an octopus was thrown onto the ice by Pete and Jerry Cusimano, and the creature began its long history of being synonymous with Detroit hockey.

Al the Octopus is named after Al Sobotka, the octopi-whirling Zamboni driver whose job was rounding up the critters that fans chucked onto the ice during games. Al placed 14th in Play Canada’s survey for best mascot, but his behavior during games ranked him #2 on the Most Obnoxious list.

Carlton the Bear has been the official mascot of the Maple Leafs since 1995 and is best known for spreading Maple Leaf Spirit and his rivalry with the Ottawa Senators’ mascot, Spartacat who placed 28th in the Play Canada survey.

For the complete results of Play Canada’s survey, visit their website <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

 

Whitmer on FDA Approval of Pfizer Vaccine

Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Dr. Joneigh Khaldun issued the following statements after the FDA granted full approval to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. To date, over 5.4 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine have been administered in Michigan and 65% of Michiganders have gotten at least their first dose of one of the three safe, effective vaccines. From January to July of 2021, unvaccinated Michiganders accounted for a staggering 98% of COVID cases, 95% of hospitalizations, and 96% of deaths.

“Today, the FDA granted full approval to Pfizer’s safe, effective COVID-19 vaccine, manufactured right here in Michigan,” said Governor Whitmer. “The FDA-approved Pfizer vaccine has already saved countless lives in Michigan and around the world, so if you have already gotten your shots, thank you for doing your part to keep yourself, your family, and your community safe. If you still have not, I hope today’s announcement encourages you to get your FDA-approved vaccine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you have more questions and get your free shot soon. The FDA-approved Pfizer vaccine can protect you against COVID-19 and keep you out of the hospital if you get sick. If we all do our part to protect ourselves and the people we love from COVID, we can continue our economic jumpstart and usher in a new era of prosperity for our great state.”

“The FDA’s approval of this vaccine is an exciting milestone as we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. Michiganders can be very confident that this vaccine meets the high standards for safety and effectiveness as required of approved products by the FDA,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “While more than 5.2 million Michigan residents 16 and older have already received their first dose, we recognize that for some the FDA approval of a vaccine may now instill additional confidence to get vaccinated. We urge all eligible Michiganders to get vaccinated as soon as they are able. Visit VaccineFinder.org to find a vaccine.”

Submitted by Governor Whitmer’s office

Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Unveiled Saturday

The Tuskegee Airmen Memorial located at the International Flag Plaza near the Blue Water Bridge will be unveiled this weekend in a dedication ceremony. The ceremony on Saturday, August 28th at 10:30 AM is open to the public and does not require registration.

The Tuskegee Airmen of WWII were initially trained at the Tuskegee Army Airfield in Alabama, and the 332nd Fighter Group also received Combat Crew Training at Selfridge and Oscoda Army Airfields. This special group of African American airmen fought for their beliefs in a segregated army, and their dedication and example paved the way for the integration of the military.

The group Diving With a Purpose discovered wreckage in Lake Huron and the St. Clair River of accidents involving Tuskegee Airmen. Five airmen perished in accidents in the Port Huron Area, and the new memorial commemorates the men and celebrates their military careers.

Exhibits will be on display throughout the weekend at the Port Huron Museum Carnegie Center, and the memorial will serve as a lasting reminder of these brave airmen.

Learn more about the Memorial Dedication events <HERE>.

 

 

Crosstown Showdown October 8th

Fall is just around the corner, and preparations are being made for this year’s Crosstown Showdown between the Port Huron High and Port Huron Northern football teams.

The event was cancelled last year, so organizers are looking forward to this fundraiser for the Port Huron Schools Endowment Fund. Funds are raised through sponsorships and ticket sales for a catered end zone tailgate reception held during the game.

Members of the Endowment Fund Committee hope to increase the fund from its current balance of $404,859.31 to $1 million dollars.

PHS Endowment Fund Advisory Chairperson Kim  Dooley said, “The annual principal of the fund stays invested, while the interest supports Pre-K through 12th grade related classroom grants and college access initiatives for Port Huron teachers and students.”

Each year, a group is honored at the pregame celebration, and this year, the focus will be on Port Huron Schools Food & Nutrition Department and their staff and volunteers who have served over 1.8 million meals to the community since March of 2020.

Sponsorships and tickets for the Crosstown Showdown can be purchased <HERE> or in person at football games at Memorial Stadium, the PHS Administrative Building, or by contacting Sue Schmid at the St. Clair County Community Foundation at (810) 984-4761 or by email to sschmid@stclairfoundation.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand