Tag: navy

Trump Announces $1,776 Christmas Bonus For American Troops

Trump Announces $1,776 Christmas Bonus For American Troops

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I believe that every nation has to reward its armed forces in return for the extensive services they rendered for the citizens and the government throughout the year. Just today, I learned via a Newsmax news report that US President Donald Trump announced that every active-duty member of the United States Armed Forces will receive a Christmas bonus worth $1,776 – called the Warrior Dividend – and already the checks are on their way to them (1.45 million service members).

Before proceeding with the news and details, let me remind you all that Christmas is all about Lord Jesus, and never about the character called Santa Claus. Lord Jesus is our Savior and the Hope of ALL nations! Wherever you are, celebrate Christmas with your family remembering Lord Jesus and living on with His peace. All the praise, honor and thanks to the Lord!

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of Newsmax. Some parts in boldface…

President Donald Trump announced Wednesday night that every active-duty member of the U.S. armed forces will receive a $1,776 Christmas bonus, unveiling what he called the “Warrior Dividend” during a nationally televised prime-time address from the White House.

Trump said the one-time payment would go to roughly 1.45 million service members and is already being distributed, with checks scheduled to arrive before Christmas. The amount, Trump said, was deliberately chosen to honor America’s founding in 1776. That’s just ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary,  to be celebrate (throughout) the coming year.

“I am also proud to announce that 1,450,000 military service members will receive a special — we call Warrior Dividend — before Christmas, a Warrior Dividend in honor of our nation’s founding in 1776,” Trump said during the address, which was carried live by Newsmax from the White House Diplomatic Room.

“We are sending every soldier $1,776. The checks are already on the way,” Trump said. “Nobody deserves it more than our military. And I say congratulations to everybody.”

The Warrior Dividend emerged as a highlight of Trump’s year-end prime-time address, which the White House framed as a review of economic gains and fiscal changes achieved during his second term and promised gains in the (coming) years of the president’s second term. The speech focused heavily on revenue growth, job creation, and what Trump described as a reshaping of federal finances.

Trump tied the military bonus directly to increased government revenue generated through tariffs and recent legislation, arguing that stronger trade enforcement and changes in economic policy produced results that exceeded projections.

“We made a lot more money than anybody thought because of tariffs, and the bill helped us along,” Trump said.

The president cast the dividend as both a tangible reward and a symbolic gesture, presenting it as recognition of service members’ sacrifices while reinforcing claims of economic revival. Trump said the payment reflects an administration that prioritizes military families and uses economic strength to deliver direct benefits rather than expanding federal debt.

The prime-time address marked Trump’s final nationally televised speech of the year and served as a capstone to a broader messaging effort focused on economic performance. Trump used the speech to highlight tariff revenue, domestic manufacturing investment, and wage growth, arguing that those factors allowed the administration to deliver what he described as meaningful, immediate relief.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you find the Warrior Dividend a nice bonus for the active members of the United States Armed Forces? Are you looking forward to the 250th Independence Day of the America? What are your current feelings or opinions about the US Armed Forces right now?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

What to watch on YouTube right now – Part 53

What to watch on YouTube right now – Part 53

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Welcome back my readers, YouTube viewers and all others who followed this series of articles focused on YouTube videos worth watching. Have you been searching for something fun or interesting to watch on YouTube? Do you feel bored right now and you crave for something to see on the world’s most popular online video destination?

I recommend you check out the following topics and the related videos I found.

Popcorn in Bed reacts to An Officer and a Gentleman – Released in 1982, An Officer and a Gentleman is a romantic drama film with a militaristic flavor showing a young Richard Gere and Louise Gosset, Jr., in a very memorable role. Some parts of the movie were filmed on location here in my native Philippines. While I am not exactly a fan of the movie, I can say that it still has some shining moments as well as some memorable dramatic scenes. Recently, YouTuber Popcorn in Bed posted its reaction video of the movie, and I can say it is worth watching.

When hackers made ATMs release so much money – Recently, YouTuber fern published a new video explaining a certain financial crime that resulted in physical activities that was hard to imagine – automatic teller machines (ATMs) shooting out multiple bills of cash for thieves to collect. What happened, what can financial institutions do to prevent their system from getting hacked, and how the events turned out are explained in detail by fern.

Criterion Collection shows how to restore and remaster very old films – The Criterion Collection (AKA Criterion) is a company that specializes on licensing, restoring and releasing selected films that movie buffs, fans and new film enthusiasts could enjoy. I myself own the Criterion Blu-ray discs of The Blob (1958) and Gojira, and I can say that the company did a great job restoring the said films while adding stuff for collectors and fans to enjoy. When it comes to restoring decades-old films and making them presentable with quality in mind, Criterion really works hard and you can learn a lot from them by watching the videos below.

VKunia reacts to Man of Steel – Do you movie fans enjoy watching Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel? The 2013 Superman movie remains divisive among fans and superhero movie enthusiasts to this day. I’ve seen the movie many times from the local cinemas to my Blu-ray copy, and I can say it truly is a mixed bag when it comes to providing viewers fun and defining Superman in the 21st century. Still, there is a chance that the Man of Steel reaction video by YouTuber VKunia could spark your interest in the film as well as in Zack Snyder’s visceral vision of DC Comics superheroes. I encourage you to watch her reaction video below.

Commie Kamala Harris proves herself pathetic yet again during California wildfire briefing – By the time you are reading this, Donald Trump has officially returned as United States President. That being said, even during times of disaster, the defeated Commie Kamala Harris proved to be pathetic and worthless during the recent briefing about the wildfire in California. She is so pathetic and worthless, Harris proved she is not trustworthy. Imagine all the amounts of American taxpayers’ money that got wasted by Harris during her 4 years as US Vice President.

Battlezone revisited – Released by Atari in 1980, Battlezone was a groundbreaking game both visually and with game design. It gave gamers an immersive experience of driving a tank with 3D graphics, fun gameplay and a first-person view. If you wish to learn about the history of Battlezone, who the creators were and how were they able to produce the game, watch the video of gaming history expert PatmanQC.

Minty Comedic Arts and the 1980s – I really enjoy watching the videos of Minty Comedic Arts. His series of “10 things you didn’t know about…” videos on pop culture (mostly movies) is fun to watch and he often entertains with his delivery of trivia information. In recent times, he posted trivia videos about certain films from the 1980s – each one being memorable in their own ways – namely Fast Times at Ridgemont High, The Breakfast Club, The Blue Brothers, Beverly Hills Cop and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Watch Minty’s videos now!

The failure of Segway remembered – Remember decades ago when the Segway was first launched and heavily featured through the media? Invented by Dean Kamen, the Segway was a 2-wheeled personal transporter which was released looking fantastic but ended up as a failure. The Segway also ended up looking very bad in media reports about accidents with it. To find out what led to the Segway’s debut and how it failed, watch the video below.

GoodBadFlicks examines five major flops – When it comes to movies that failed miserably, were those really terrible to watch or were they actually decent productions that failed to attract enough moviegoers? There are factors as to why movies fail. There are films that generated so much negative press, the moviegoers were convinced to avoid them. There are movies that were really badly made and there are others that got promoted or distributed very poorly. GoodBadFlicks recently post a video examining five major flops and it might convince you to watch The 13th Warrior, Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within, Titan A.E., The Chronicles of Riddick and Cutthroat Island.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

I Love Israel: Two more Israeli-made missile boats received by the Philippines

I Love Israel: Two more Israeli-made missile boats received by the Philippines

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As some of you are already aware, I fully stand with Israel which is very connected with my uncompromising faith in the Lord. I keep on praying to Him for Israel to overwhelm its enemies, rescue the hostages and recover from the effects of the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks committed by the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas which is sponsored by terrorist state Iran. I can assure all of you that nobody from the evil Islamo-Leftist mob, nobody from the pro-Palestine radicals and nobody from any evil society would stop me from supporting and loving Israel.

Now, on with the news…

Recently it was announced that two Israeli-produced Fast Attack Interdiction Crafts (FAICs) were received by the Philippines which raises the current number of Philippine Navy (PN) FAICs to eight, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) new article.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

The Philippine Fleet (PF) on Monday announced that two more fast attack interdiction craft (FAIC), also known as the Acero-class patrol vessels, were delivered to the country.

In a message to reporters, PF spokesperson Lt. Giovanni Badidles said the two FAICs were delivered at the Pier 15 of the Manila South Harbor on Sept. 17.

“These two FAICs, to be designated with bow numbers PG-908 and PG-909, will be the seventh and the eighth fast boats under the Acero-class patrol vessels,” PF spokesperson Lt. Giovanni Badidles said in a message to reporters.

Once commissioned into service, the number of FAICs in the Philippine Navy (PN) will rise to eight, leaving only one to be delivered by contractor Israeli Shipyards Ltd.

“Similar with their predecessors, the newly delivered platforms are designed for high-speed operations, featuring advanced missile systems and sophisticated onboard technology, which enhances the PN’s capability to conduct rapid and effective maritime interdiction operations,” Badidles said.

He also said the arrival of these vessels underscores the continued modernization of the PN and represents a crucial step toward bolstering Manila’s Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) program.

On May 22 this year, the PN formally commissioned into service the fifth and sixth FAICs and named them BRP Herminigildo Yurong (PG-906) and BRP Laurence Narag (PG-907). These two FAICs are equipped with the Spike NLOS (non-line of sight) missile systems.

The PN received the two gunboats from Israel Shipyards Ltd. on Nov. 18, 2023.

The vessels were named after two Medal of Valor awardees, the late Marine Staff Sgt. Herminigildo Yurong and Marine Cpl. Laurence Narag, who perished in the line of duty during the Philippine government’s campaign against Moro rebels in Mindanao in 2000.

This latest development shows the continuing growth of Israel-Philippines ties through defense and military technology. The Philippine Navy needs the best technology they could get to help them in their operations as well as securing the nation.

To my fellow Filipinos reading this, I encourage you to accept the truth that Israel is the land God designated specifically for the Jewish people (read Genesis 35:10-12) and His command must be followed without hesitation. If you want to be blessed further by the Lord, do so by loving and blessing the Jewish people (Genesis 12:1-3). I did my part when I was in Israel. Also, let me remind you all that the ties between the Jews and Christians are truly biblical!

We live in a very divided world. Around the world, Leftist forces have been supporting evil forces like the current regime of Iran which is known for supplying and arming the Palestinian terrorists, Hezbollah and other terrorist groups around the Middle East. The Leftists and terrorists always go together and their anti-Semitism is clearly obvious. Overseas, Israel recently intensified its fight against the Iran-sponsored terrorist group Hezbollah. Israel made it clear that they are at war with Hezbollah, not the people of Lebanon.

With all that said, I encourage you all to pray to the Lord God in support of Israel and believe that He will guide the Israeli forces to another victory which means finishing off Hamas, crushing Hezbollah and forcing Iran and its terror proxies to fall down. Read Joshua 11:1-20 in the Holy Bible for relevance and truth. Pray to the Lord to support Israel, its government officials, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the citizens and other stakeholders.

If you truly believe in Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit and God the Heavenly Father wholeheartedly and you continue to be faithful, you should be aware that Christians are meant to stand united with Israel and love the Jewish people no matter what. You can do your part supporting Israel by donating to Christians United for Israel (CUFI). Do not forget to read the Holy Bible, then pray in tongues to the Lord in the privacy of your room with the door shut.

Always be the fearless and aggressive church of Lord Jesus! Always stand in support of Israel and pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Chinese vessels spotted near Balikatan training area off Palawan

Chinese vessels spotted near Balikatan training area off Palawan

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Since it formally started on April 22, Balikatan 2024 resulted in several military exercises and activities involving armed elements of the Philippines, the United States and France. This of course caught the attention of China and according to a recent Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article, several Chinese vessels were spotted near a training area off Palawan.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

Naval participants in the just concluded multilateral maritime exercise were undaunted by the presence of Chinese vessels near the training area off Palawan province, Balikatan 2024 executive agent Col. Michael Logico said Tuesday.

Around four of China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted at different times monitoring the flotilla during the training period.

“We went there for the purpose of conducting interoperability exercises, that was our mission and we were able to finish it, they were not able to disturb us in any way nor (were we) intimidated in any way by their presence,” he said during a press briefing.

Logico said the presence of PLAN ships did not disturb the exercise.

Balikatan’s first multilateral maritime exercise was in Palawan waters from April 25 to 29.

Participants include the Philippine Navy’s offshore patrol vessel BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16) and landing dock BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602), the US Navy’s landing ship dock USS Harpers Ferry (LSD-49), and the French Navy’s FS Vendemiaire (FFH-734), a Floreal-class frigate.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that China’s navy might someday disrupt the naval activities of Balikatan 2024? Do you think there could be a lot of spies among the Chinese nationals living here in the Philippines?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco