I've been meditating on the word "resolved" and permutations thereof (resolution, resolute, solve, salve, resound, etc....)

I started to scribble a list of resolutions: improve time management, stop staying up all night, love myself, cook more & take out less, draft & stick to a budget, take the dog for longer walks, drink more water, read a few pages for pleasure every day, get to the bottom of some pesky health problems, eat breakfast, set boundaries with work, identify my next move, exercise more often, keep in better touch with far away friends, be less of a perfectionist, follow-through on the promises I make to myself... ... ...

... But when I started to go onto the 2nd page, I realized that I was setting myself up to fail. I stared at my list for a while, looking to make a forest out of the trees. After squinting and sighing, it hit me, all I really need to do is be mindful. I've got to be clear about what I want & make sure that my actions are bringing me closer to -- not further from -- my desires.

Why am I telling you all this? Well, as a part of being mindful, I suspect that my Flickr habits will (or, at least, ought to) change. I'll still be commenting & posting most every day. And I will still look forward to being inspired by you all the time. But I anticipate logging in fewer times a day. Keeping the addiction in check will make me more mindful about how I spend my time, more efficient at work, & more balanced. So, if I don't comment on your photos right away, please don't think I've forgotten about you -- it just may take me a few hours/days to make the rounds. But I'll be well hydrated and on budget. ;)

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www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MwhxdGAnic&feature=related

M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicles conduct an area reconnaissance during a situational training exercise lane as a part of Combined Resolve VI at Hohenfels, Germany May 15. Combined Resolve VI is a squadron-level decisive action rotation at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center May 5-25 that is training 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment on cavalry and reconnaissance tasks. (Photo courtesy of Ralph Zwilling)

Georgian soldiers conduct building clearing operations during exercise Combined Resolve II at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, May 29, 2014. Combined Resolve II is a U.S. Army Europe-directed multinational exercise at the Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels Training Areas, including more than 4,000 participants from 15 allied and partner countries. The exercise features the European Rotational Force, a combined arms battalion of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, the U.S. Army’s Regionally-Aligned rotational brigade combat team, that supports the U.S. European Command for training and contingency missions.

(U.S. Army photo by Visual Information Specialist Markus Rauchenberger/released)

U.S. Army M3 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles of Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division set up a security perimeter during exercise Combined Resolve III at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, Oct. 25, 2014. Combined Resolve III is a multinational exercise, which includes more than 4,000 participants from NATO and partner nations, and is designed to provide a complex training scenario that focuses on multinational unified land operations and reinforces the U.S. commitment to NATO and Europe. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Tyler Kingsbury)

From May 6 to 8, 2023, members of 5 CMBG and other participants were preparing for the start of Ex MAPLE RESOLVE 2023.

This involved getting everyone in position at the main camp and ensuring that all troops and equipment were good to go.

Du 6 au 8 mai 2023, les membres du 5e GBMC et d'autres participants se sont préparés pour le début de l'Ex MAPLE RESOLVE 2023.

Il s'agissait de mettre tout le monde en position au camp principal et de s'assurer que toutes les troupes et tous les équipements étaient prêts à partir.

Photo: Bdr Maxime Côté

Members of Task Force Tomahawk from 2 Combat Engineer Regiment, and the 1st and 3rd Battalions of The Royal Canadian Regiment respond to a simulation of a CH-147F Chinook helicopter crash during Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE in Wainwright, Alberta, on 19 May, 2017.

Des membres de la Force Opérationnelle TOMAHAWK du « 2 Combat Engineer Regiment » et des 1er et 3e bataillons du « Royal Canadian Regiment » réagissent à un écrasement simulé de « CH-147F Chinook » lors d’exercice MAPLE RESOLVE à Wainwright, en Alberta, le 19 mai 2017.

Photo: Cpl Andrew Wesley

Master Corporal Martin Gélinas, Flight Engineer from 438 Tactical Helicopter Squadron observes the landing zone during a training flight in preparation of Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE on May 12, 2017.

Photo: Sgt JF Lauzé, Garrison Imaging Petawawa

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Le caporal chef Martin Gélinas, mécanicien de bord du 438e Escadron tactique d’hélicoptères, observe la zone d’atterrissage lors d’un vol d’entraînement en préparation à l’exercice MAPLE RESOLVE, le 12 mai 2017.

Photo : Sgt JF Lauzé, Imagerie de la garnison Petawawa

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Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment perform an assault on a fictional village during Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE on May 19, 2017.

Photo by Sgt JF Lauzé Garrison Imaging Petawawa

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Royal Canadian Air Force CH-146 Griffon helicopters in the field supporting Canadian Army operations during Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE 21.

From May 1 to 11, 2021, about 2500 Canadian Armed Forces members are participating in Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE 21 in Wainwright, Alberta. As the premier annual Canadian Army field training event, Ex MAPLE RESOLVE tests soldier skills and abilities within a realistic, complex, and challenging combat environment.

Les hélicoptères CH-146 Griffon de l’Aviation royale canadienne sur le terrain pour soutenir les opérations de l'Armée canadienne au cours de l'exercice MAPLE RESOLVE 21.

Entre 1 à 11 mai 2021, environ 2500 militaires participeront à l’exercice MAPLE RESOLVE à Wainwright, en Alberta. En tant que principale activité d’entraînement en campagne annuelle de l’Armée canadienne, l’exercice MAPLE RESOLVE valide les compétences dans un milieu de combat réaliste, complexe et stimulant.

Photo: Cpl Connie Valin

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While driving through Wells, Nevada, in search of a restroom, I stopped to admire this lovely motel scene. What caught my eye was the sensitive landscaping in the courtyard. If I had not been planning to spend the night in Wendover, I might have tried to get a room here. Click on the image to see a larger version.

Sadly, I cannot name this business because all traces of its identity had been removed, perhaps as part of a re-branding process. The window of the office had an odd look---it reminded me of plywood.

The presence of the entry roof appealed to me; I cannot count the number of instances in which I have arrived at a desert-area motel in the pouring rain, getting soaked to the bone while walking from my car to the motel office.

The restroom matter was resolved in a satisfactory manner.

I think I lied about something, but a non-disclosure agreement forbids me from revealing more.

I think I lied again.

PANEVEZYS, Lithuania â Private 1st Class Benjamin Grasso, Able Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat (Airborne), scans his sectors of fire Oct. 22 during Exercise Strong Shield. The exercise, which ran through Oct. 23, is a Lithuanian hosted 96-hour continues exercise designed to test the nationâs ability to work with different internal and external agencies to marshal their capabilities and defend their position. Paratroopers from Able Company are in Lithuania training with their Lithuanian partners as part of Atlantic Resolve. Atlantic Resolve is a U.S. led effort being conducted in Eastern Europe to demonstrate U.S. commitment to the collective security of NATO and dedication to enduring peace and stability in the region.

www.dvidshub.net

Royal Canadian Air Force CF-188 Hornets are refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron on October 30, 2014, over Iraq during the first combat mission in the area of operations, supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.

U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Perry Aston

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Des aéronefs CF188 Hornet de l’Aviation royale canadienne sont ravitaillés en vol au dessus de l’Irak par un appareil KC135 Stratotanker assigné au 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, le 30 octobre 2014, au cours de la première mission de combat dans la zone d’opérations, à l’appui de l’opération Inherent Resolve.

Photo de la Force aérienne des États Unis prise par le sergent d’état major Perry Aston

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Royal Canadian Air Force CF-188 Hornets are refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron on October 30, 2014, over Iraq during the first combat mission in the area of operations, supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.

U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Perry Aston

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Des aéronefs CF188 Hornet de l’Aviation royale canadienne sont ravitaillés en vol au dessus de l’Irak par un appareil KC135 Stratotanker assigné au 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, le 30 octobre 2014, au cours de la première mission de combat dans la zone d’opérations, à l’appui de l’opération Inherent Resolve.

Photo de la Force aérienne des États Unis prise par le sergent d’état major Perry Aston

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Soldiers from the United States Army conduct dry land training with the Royal Canadian Air Force at Airfield 21 at 3 Canadian Division Support Group Wainwright, AB prior to the launch of Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE 15 on April 29, 2015.

Photo: Sgt Dan Shouinard

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Des soldats de l'Armée américaine conduisent un entrainement avec les soldats du 3e Bataillon du R22eR, au Groupe de soutien de la 3e Division du Canada, à l'aérodrome 21, à Wainwright, en Alberta, avant le lancement de l'Exercice Maple Resolve, le 29 avril 2015.

Photo : Sgt Dan Shouinard

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Nearly 20 enactors portraying Canadian nationals from the fictitious nation of “West Isle” prepare to be evacuated by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD) with the help of Canadian soldiers and U.S. aviation forces at Garrison Wainright in Alberta May 17. This joint Non-combatant Evacuation Operation training is a sub-exercise of Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE 14 and will ensure the readiness of the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry Soldiers who are tasked to support DFATD during any non-combatant evacuation operation that may be required from 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015. Photo Credit: SFC Julio A. Nieves, 326th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, U.S. Army

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Quelque 20 acteurs représentant des ressortissants canadiens de la nation fictive Isle occidentale, se préparent à être évacués par le ministère des Affaires étrangères, du Commerce et du Développement (MAECD) avec l’aide de soldats canadiens et de forces aériennes des É. U., à la Garnison Wainright, en Alberta, le 17 mai. L’opération interarmées d’évacuation de non combattants constitue un sous exercice de l’exercice MAPLE RESOLVE 14 et veillera à l’état de préparation des soldats du 3e Bataillon, Patricia Canadian Light Infantry, qui doivent soutenir le MAECD lors d’opérations d’évacuation de non combattants qui pourraient avoir lieu du 1er juillet 2014 au 30 juin 2015. Photo : Sgt 1re Julio A. Nieves, 326e Détachement mobile d’affaires publiques, armée américaine

Soldiers drives a Light Armoured Vehicle as part of a convoy during Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE at Wainwright, Alberta on June 1, 2016.

Photo: Master Corporal Precious Carandang, 4th Canadian Division Public Affairs

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Some early morning and evening stills taken from 4K DCI video shot on the Panasonic S1 and color graded in Davinci Resolve using the ACES color pipeline. Zeiss Milvus lenses.

A soldier with Vanguard Company, 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry (3 PPCLI), verifies the identification of Canadian Entitled Personnel against a roster during a joint Non-combatant Evacuation Operation training exercise at Garrison Wainright in Alberta May 17. This training is a sub-exercise of Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE 14 and will ensure the readiness of the 3 PPCLI soldiers who are tasked to support the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development during any non-combatant evacuation operation that may be required from 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015. Photo Credit: SFC Julio A. Nieves, 326th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, U.S. Army

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Un soldat de la Compagnie Vanguard, 3e Bataillon, Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry (3 PPCLI), vérifie l’identification du personnel canadien admissible sur une liste du personnel durant un exercice d’une opération interarmées d’évacuation de non combattants à la Garnison Wainright en Alberta, le 17 mai. Il s’agit d’un sous exercice de l’exercice MAPLE RESOLVE 14 qui veillera à l’état de préparation des soldats du 3e Bataillon, Patricia Canadian Light Infantry, qui doivent soutenir le ministère des Affaires étrangères, du Commerce et du Développement lors d’opérations d’évacuation de non combattants qui pourraient avoir lieu du 1er juillet 2014 au 30 juin 2015. Photo : Sgt 1re Julio A. Nieves, 326e Détachement mobile d’affaires publiques, armée américaine

U.S. Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment scan their sector of fire within a M133 Armored Personnel Carrier while conducting a defensive operation during exercise Combined Resolve VI at the U.S. Army’s Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, May 20, 2016 Exercise Combined Resolve VI is designed to exercise the U.S. Army’s regionally allocated force to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility with multinational training at all echelons. Approximately 570 participants from 5 NATO and European partner nations will participate. The exercise involves around 500 U.S. troops and 70 NATO and European partner nations. Combined Resolve VI is a preplanned exercise that does not fall under Operation Atlantic Resolve. This exercise will train participants to function together in a joint, multinational and integrated environment and train U.S. rotational forces to be more flexible, agile and to better operate alongside our NATO Allies. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Alexandra Hulett/Released)

A simple resolution on this big day (India completed 60 years as a republic today).

Help the old.

A very Happy Republic Day to all my fellow countrymen.

United States Airforce Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawks sit at Airfield 21, near CFB Wainwright for Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE on April 28, 2021.

Please credit: Corporal Connie Valin, Canadian Armed Forces photo

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Des hélicoptères Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk de la Force aérienne des États Unis sont stationnés sur le terrain d’aviation 21, près de la BFC Wainwright, dans le cadre de l’exercice MAPLE RESOLVE, le 28 avril 2021.

Photo : Caporal Connie Valin, Forces armées canadiennes

Soldiers of 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division scan their sector of fire during Exercise Combined Resolve IX at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Aug. 23 2017. Exercise Combine Resolve IX is designed to train the Army’s Regionally Allocated Forces to the U.S. European Command. The goal of the exercise is to prepare forces in Europe to operate together to promote stability and security in the region. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Matthew Hulett)

I resolve to try and look beyond the rain even when things are looking a little fuzzy in the distance. I used my new Sony HX30 point and shoot for this week's photo. I'm really liking it and plan to keep it in my purse all the time

I resolve to lose "another" 15 lbs.

A Romanian TR-85 tank on a training ground in Romania. US troops are currently on deployment in Romania as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, supporting security and stability in Europe. Members of the US 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team are working with the Romanian 282nd Mechanized Brigade.

An American Blackhawk helicopter from the Wisconsin National Guard rehearses a medical evacuation in preparation for Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE in Wainwright, Alberta on April 29, 2021.

Please credit: Cpl Rachael Allen, Canadian Forces Combat Camera, Canadian Armed Forces photo

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Un hélicoptère Blackhawk américain de la Garde nationale du Wisconsin s’exerce à des évacuations médicales en préparation à l’exercice MAPLE RESOLVE, à Wainwright, en Alberta, le 29 avril 2021.

Photo : Cpl Rachael Allen, Caméra de combat des Forces canadiennes, Forces armées canadiennes

General Walter Natynczyk (retired), Chief of the Defence Staff climbs out of a Leopard 2A6M tank with the Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) during his visit to Exercise Maple Resolve in Wainwright, Alberta on October 19, 2012.

Le général Walter Natynczyk (retraité), Chef d’état-major de la Défense, sort d’un char de combat Leopard 2A6M en compagnie de membres du Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) lors de sa visite à Wainwright (Alberta), dans le cadre de l’exercice Maple Resolve, le 19 octobre 2012.

Photo : Cpl Tina Gillies

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U.S. Soldiers of Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division prepare to dry fire an M109A6 Paladin howitzer during exercise Combined Resolve II at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, May 20, 2014. Combined Resolve II is a multinational decisive action training environment exercise occurring at the Joint Multinational Training Command’s Hohenfels and Grafenwoehr Training Areas that involves more than 4,000 participants from 15 partner nations. The intent of the exercise is to train and prepare a U.S. led multinational brigade to interoperate with multiple partner nations and execute unified land operations against a complex threat while improving the combat readiness of all participants. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Brian Chaney)

Canadian Forces soldiers from 5th Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (5CMBG) in light armoured vehicles (LAV III) and Leopard tanks participate in an attack scenario during Exercise Maple Resolve on October 24, 2012 in Wainwright, Alberta.

Des membres du 5e Groupe-brigade mécanisé du Canada (5 GBMC) à bord de véhicules blindés légers (VBL III) et de chars de combat Leopard participent à une attaque simulée lors de l’exercice Maple Resolve, à Wainwright (Alberta), le 24 octobre 2012.

Photo : Cpl Tina Gillies

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U.S. Soldiers of Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division prepare to dry fire an M109A6 Paladin howitzer during exercise Combined Resolve II at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, May 20, 2014. Combined Resolve II is a multinational decisive action training environment exercise occurring at the Joint Multinational Training Command’s Hohenfels and Grafenwoehr Training Areas that involves more than 4,000 participants from 15 partner nations. The intent of the exercise is to train and prepare a U.S. led multinational brigade to interoperate with multiple partner nations and execute unified land operations against a complex threat while improving the combat readiness of all participants. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Brian Chaney

Canadian Army troops board a Royal Canadian Air Force CH-147F Chinook helicopter during Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE 21.

From May 1 to 11, 2021, about 2500 Canadian Armed Forces members are participating in Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE 21 in Wainwright, Alberta. As the premier annual Canadian Army field training event, Ex MAPLE RESOLVE tests soldier skills and abilities within a realistic, complex, and challenging combat environment.

Des troupes de l'Armée canadienne montent à bord d'un hélicoptère CH-147F Chinook de l'Aviation royale canadienne au cours de l'exercice MAPLE RESOLVE 21.

Entre 1 à 11 mai 2021, environ 2500 militaires participeront à l’exercice MAPLE RESOLVE à Wainwright, en Alberta. En tant que principale activité d’entraînement en campagne annuelle de l’Armée canadienne, l’exercice MAPLE RESOLVE valide les compétences dans un milieu de combat réaliste, complexe et stimulant.

Photo: Cpl Connie Valin,

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with all the advancements in dental ceramics, porcelain and PFMs, i still chose the unparalleled precision, function and durability that only solid noble metals can provide. if i were 20 years older, i'd've gone solid porcelain (core bonded to crown = not really solid...), but on this side of 30, i need something that'll last longer than i will.

M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicles road march back to their tactical assemble area after a situational training exercise lane as a part of Combined Resolve VI at Hohenfels, Germany May 16. Combined Resolve VI is a squadron-level decisive action rotation at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center May 5-25 that is training 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment on cavalry and reconnaissance tasks. (Photo courtesy of Ralph Zwilling)

1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Soldiers review the attack plan with Moldovan Soldiers before a situational training exercise at the Hohenfels Training Area, as part of exercise Combined Resolve III, Oct. 26, 2014. Combined Resolve III is a U.S Army Europe-directed multinational exercise at the Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels Training Areas, including more than 4,000 participants from NATO and partner nations. Combined Resolve III is designed to provide a complex training scenario that focuses on multinational unified land operations and reinforces the U.S commitment to NATO and Europe. The exercises features the U.S. Army’s Regionally Aligned Force for Europe-the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division-which supports the U.S. European Command during Operation Atlantic Resolve. For more photos, videos, and stories from Combined Resolve III, go to www.eur.army.mil/jmtc/CombinedResolveIII.html.

(U.S. Army photo by Sarah Tate, JMTC PAO )

Captain Andrew Jakubaitis, McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) CF-18 Hornet (official military designation CF-188) pilot from Air Task Force-Romania, flies over the Transylvanian Alps during a mission in Romania during Exercise Resilient Resolve on April 1, 2016.

The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence is given a tour of the urban training area by a member of the United States Army Special Forces Group at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, during Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE on May 12, 2022.

Please credit: Master Sailor Dan Bard, Canadian Forces Combat Camera, Canadian Armed Forces photo

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Un membre du groupe des forces spéciales de l’armée américaine fait visiter le secteur d’entraînement en zone urbaine à l’honorable Anita Anand, ministre de la Défense nationale, à la Base des Forces canadiennes Wainwright, au cours de l’exercice MAPLE RESOLVE, le 12 mai 2022.

Photo : Matelot chef Dan Bard, Caméra de combat des Forces canadiennes, Forces armées canadiennes

Corporal Brian Hurley from the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, based out of Garrison Petawawa, sets up a highly visible target for an airdrop in the Garrison Wainwright training area on 24 May 2014, during Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE 14..

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Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE is the Canadian Army’s largest annual military exercise, the pinnacle of the Army’s Road to High Readiness Training. Drawn primarily from units of 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group from CFB Petawawa, Ontario, approximately 4 500 Canadian Armed Forces members are taking part in the exercise at Garrison Wainwright, Alberta from May 5 to June 1, 2014. .

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Also participating in the exercise are units from the United States Army, United States Marine Corps, and a British Infantry Company, bringing the total number of troops to nearly 5 000 and making this year’s exercise the largest Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE ever held. .

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Photo by Cpl D. Salisbury.

Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, Alberta.

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Infantrymen from the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry board a CH-147F Chinook helicopter at Airfield 21, Wainwright, Alberta during Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE 16 on May 29, 2016.

Photo: Master Corporal Jonathan Barrette, CF Combat Camera

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Des soldats d’infanterie du 3e Bataillon, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, montent à bord d’un hélicoptère CH-147F Chinook sur le terrain d’aviation 21 à Wainwright, en Alberta, au cours de l’exercice MAPLE RESOLVE 16, le 29 mai 2016.

Photo : Caporal chef Jonathan Barrette, Caméra de combat des FC

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Blaues Band der Spree latin competition 2016

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Joel Haarstad, left, wardmaster, 28th Combat Support Hospital, and Command Sgt. Maj. Benjamin Jones, command sergeant major of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve, listen to a brief inside an operating room about the surgical capabilities in-theater at the 28th CSH near Baghdad, Iraq, Oct. 25, 2016. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Erick E. Thronson)

Representatives of striking independent truck drivers meet with Vice President Walter Mondale (seated, center) June 29, 1979 at the White House in an attempt to reach an agreement to end the work stoppage.

Mondale aide Jack Watson is standing immediately behind Mondale.

Truckers had been on strike since early June in what began as scattered halts to trucking over rising fuel prices and other independent trucker grievances.

The following day Watson released a plan that he called a “final offer” that included an Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) rule permitting truckers to “pass through” rising fuel costs to businesses.

Other aspects of plan included support by the Carter administration for federal legislation ending a six-state refusal to increase the minimum weights of truck loads to the federal 80,000 lbs. that caused loads of some truckers to be lightened or partially off-loaded.

Other provisions included a federal promise for equal fuel distribution across the country, a coordinated federal program to ensure safety for truckers and a federal working party to find solutions to other problems of independent truckers.

The proposal fell short of the independent trucker representatives demands, but the strike was already crumbling with an increasing number of trucks on the road and blockades of oil terminals and food distribution centers dismantled.

By July 7th, a group representing 21 independent trucker associations voted to return to work. “We lost our bargaining power because so many truckers went back to work,” said Bill Hill of the Independent Truckers Unity Coalition to the Washington Post.

“Economically, we’re in bad condition to continue the strike right now,” he continued. Hill estimated fewer than 20 percent of the truckers were still on strike at that time.

The Independent Truckers Association that had initially publicized the strike nationwide and attempted to continue, but the back-to-work horse was already out of the barn. The ITA was initially formed in 1962 by Overdrive magazine editor Mike Pankhurst.

The strike had been spurred by a fuel crisis spurred by the revolution in Iran that led to prices increasing dramatically.

A previous nationwide strike by independents occurred during the 1973-74 gas crisis.

At the time, independent truck drivers’ rates were still subject to federal regulation and many earned a good living, but that would soon be challenged not by gas prices, but by deregulation.

Business Insider reported October 21, 2019:

“In the mid-20th century, truck drivers had to buy specific routes to move a certain type of product from one location to the other. But goods exempt from regulation moved at rates 20% to 40% below similar products that were regulated, according to Thomas Gale Moore, then a senior fellow at Stanford University's conservative public policy think tank Hoover Institution.

“Ultimately, that meant consumers were paying more because trucking was an industry with little competition and high barriers to entry. But it also meant truck drivers were better paid.

“The Motor Carrier Act of 1980 removed many of the cumbersome regulations that the previous law, passed in 1935, had put in place. Most notably, it allowed new trucking companies to open with relative ease and removed many of the route regulations. Companies also had more control over changing their rates.

“The law was passed by President Jimmy Carter, who declared that the MCA would save consumers as much as $8 billion ($25 billion in 2018 dollars) each year.

“Following the passing of the MCA, truck drivers' salaries tumbled. From 1977 to 1987, mean truck driver earnings declined 24%, according to research by Wayne State University economics professor Michael Belzer. And from 1980 to the present day, a Business Insider analysis found that median trucking wages have sunk as much as 35.8% in some metropolitan areas.

"’To be able to be a truck driver used to be quite a good blue-collar, middle-class job, but over the past 40 years, it has kind of dwindled away,’ Gordon Klemp, principal of the National Transportation Institute, previously told Business Insider.

“Unions also lost much of their power. Membership in Teamsters, which was once one of the most powerful unions around, has declined dramatically. In 1974, Belzer wrote that there were 2,019,300 truckers in Teamsters. Now, there are 75,000.

“When truck drivers were largely in Teamsters, work stoppages were common — and sometimes quite dramatic. In 1970, a nationwide trucker strike went on for more than a month, dealing a serious economic blow in cities like Chicago and St. Louis.

“In Cleveland, Ohio, the impacts even became one of domestic security as rock-throwing protesters drew 3,000 National Guardsmen to the city. "Helmeted troops, armed with M‐1 rifles, were stationed in pairs on some overpasses, while other guardsmen rumbled along on patrol in quarter‐ton trucks," reported The New York Times on May 1, 1970.

“The strike led to a pay increase of nearly 30% for all Teamsters truckers. The average nationwide hourly pay of $4 got a $1.10/hour bump, the Times reported.

The issue of the “barrier states” was not resolved until Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 established the needed federal minimum for truck weight limits. This Act standardized truck size and weight limits across the country for traffic on the Interstate Highway System.

De-regulated and de-unionized, four out of five truckers are now independent owner-operators. Many more work for small non-union trucking companies. The two groups mostly eke out a living from what was once was a good blue-collar job.

For more information and related images, see flic.kr/s/aHsmQJFzet

The photographer is unknown. The image is an Associated Press photograph housed in the D.C. Library Washington Star Collection.

U.S. Soldiers of 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division on an M3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle provide security while conducting cordon and search training during exercise Combined Resolve VI at the U.S. Army’s Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, May 22, 2016. Exercise Combined Resolve VI is designed to exercise the U.S. Army’s regionally allocated force to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility with multinational training at all echelons. Approximately 570 participants from 5 NATO and European partner nations will participate. The exercise involves around 500 U.S. troops and 70 NATO and European partner nations. Combined Resolve VI is a preplanned exercise that does not fall under Operation Atlantic Resolve. This exercise will train participants to function together in a joint, multinational and integrated environment and train U.S. rotational forces to be more flexible, agile and to better operate alongside our NATO Allies. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Lloyd Villanueva/Released)

U.S. Soldiers of Alpha Company, 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment provide security from a M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle while conducting defense operations during exercise Combined Resolve VI at the U.S. Army’s Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, May 21, 2016. Exercise Combined Resolve VI is designed to exercise the U.S. Army’s regionally allocated force to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility with multinational training at all echelons. Approximately 570 participants from 5 NATO and European partner nations will participate. The exercise involves around 500 U.S. troops and 70 NATO and European partner nations. Combined Resolve VI is a preplanned exercise that does not fall under Operation Atlantic Resolve. This exercise will train participants to function together in a joint, multinational and integrated environment and train U.S. rotational forces to be more flexible, agile and to better operate alongside our NATO Allies. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Malik Gibson/ Released)

Soldiers of the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, Mike Company from Garrison Petawawa engage in a fire-fight against 'enemy' soldiers in the Garrison Wainwright training area on 31 May 2014, during Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE 14..

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Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE is the Canadian Army’s largest annual military exercise, the pinnacle of the Army’s Road to High Readiness Training. Drawn primarily from units of 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group from CFB Petawawa, Ontario, approximately 4 500 Canadian Armed Forces members are taking part in the exercise at Garrison Wainwright, Alberta from May 5 to June 1, 2014. .

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Also participating in the exercise are units from the United States Army, United States Marine Corps, and a British Infantry Company, bringing the total number of troops to nearly 5 000 and making this year’s exercise the largest Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE ever held. .

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Photo by Cpl D. Salisbury.

Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, Alberta.

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Des soldats de la Compagnie Mike du 3e Bataillon, The Royal Canadian Regiment, Garnison Petawawa, s’agenouillent en ligne défensive au secteur d’entraînement de la Garnison Wainwright le 31 mai 2014, durant l’exercice MAPLE RESOLVE 14.

Photo par le Cpl D. Salisbury

Base des Forces canadiennes Wainwright, Alberta

U.S. Soldiers of Charlie Company, 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division scan their sector of fire within a M3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle while conducting a defensive operation during exercise Combined Resolve VI at the U.S. Army’s Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, May 20, 2016 Exercise Combined Resolve VI is designed to exercise the U.S. Army’s regionally allocated force to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility with multinational training at all echelons. Approximately 570 participants from 5 NATO and European partner nations will participate. The exercise involves around 500 U.S. troops and 70 NATO and European partner nations. Combined Resolve VI is a preplanned exercise that does not fall under Operation Atlantic Resolve. This exercise will train participants to function together in a joint, multinational and integrated environment and train U.S. rotational forces to be more flexible, agile and to better operate alongside our NATO Allies. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Alexandra Hulett/Released)

Sapper Anton Fugger watches his arcs in a defensive position during Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE, the largest and most comprehensive Canadian Army training event of the year held in Wainwright, Alberta on May 14, 2017.

Photo: Cpl Andrew Wesley, Directorate of Army Public Affairs

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Le sapeur Anton Fugger surveille ses arcs de tir en position défensive au cours de l’exercice MAPLE RESOLVE, l’exercice de l’Armée canadienne le plus complet et le plus important de l’année, qui se déroule à Wainwright, en Alberta, le 14 mai 2017.

Photo : Cpl Andrew Wesley, Direction des Affaires publiques de l’Armée

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Royal Canadian Air Force CF-188 Hornets are refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron on October 30, 2014, over Iraq during the first combat mission in the area of operations, supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.

U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Perry Aston

Des aéronefs CF188 Hornet de l’Aviation royale canadienne sont ravitaillés en vol au dessus de l’Irak par un appareil KC135 Stratotanker assigné au 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, le 30 octobre 2014, au cours de la première mission de combat dans la zone d’opérations, à l’appui de l’opération Inherent Resolve.

Photo de la Force aérienne des États Unis prise par le sergent d’état major Perry Aston

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Private Drew Babineau from 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment looks through the night vision system of a Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV 6.0) during Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE on May 24, 2017 in Wainwright, Alberta.

Photo by Sgt JF Lauzé Garrison Imaging Petawawa

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Staff Sgt. Edwin Thompson, Flight Engineer with the 2-135th Bn. Colorado Army National Guard, based in Denver, looks out of the rear ramp door of a CH-147 Chinook during a joint Non-combatant Evacuation Operation training exercise at Garrison Wainright in Alberta May 17. This training is a sub-exercise of Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE 14 and will ensure the readiness of the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry soldiers who are tasked to support the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development during any non-combatant evacuation operation that may be required from 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015. Photo Credit: SFC Julio A. Nieves, 326th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, U.S. Army

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Le sergent-chef Edwin Thompson, mécanicien de bord au 2 Bon-135 Régt de la Garde nationale de l’Armée du Colorado, affecté à Denver, regarde par la porte de la rampe arrière d’un Chinook CH147 durant un exercice d’une opération interarmées d’évacuation de non combattants à la Garnison Wainright en Alberta, le 17 mai. Il s’agit d’un sous exercice de l’exercice MAPLE RESOLVE 14 qui veillera à l’état de préparation des soldats du 3e Bataillon, Patricia Canadian Light Infantry, qui doivent soutenir le ministère des Affaires étrangères, du Commerce et du Développement lors d’opérations d’évacuation de non combattants qui pourraient avoir lieu du 1er juillet 2014 au 30 juin 2015. Photo : Sgt 1re Julio A. Nieves, 326e Détachement mobile d’affaires publiques, armée américaine