War On Terror News

Turkey Joins Counterpiracy Mission in the Gulf of Aden

Story by Lt. John Fage
Date: 02.27.2009

USS MONTEREY, At Sea - The Turkish frigate TCG Giresun joined Combined Task Force 151 Feb. 26, and began conducting counterpiracy operations in the Gulf of Aden alongside other coalition naval forces.

‘Reach Out and Read’ Expands Literacy Message on Military Bases

By Sharon Foster
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27, 2009 – “Reach Out and Read,” an early childhood literacy organization, has secured more than $1 million in Defense Department funding to expand its military initiative on military bases across the country.

The national, nonprofit program promotes early literacy during routine pediatric care by having volunteers read aloud in waiting rooms. Providers also offer tips to parents about the importance of reading aloud to children.

Iraq Combat News - February 28, 2009

In this edition

Commanding General's Letter to the Troops on Transition

President Obama: U.S. Combat Troops to Leave Iraq by August 2010

Iraq Drawdown Decision Process Included Commanders, Gates Says

Iraqi Army achieves milestone at Taji Location Command

First Iraqi-taught Waterborne Ops Course graduates 19

Basra regional courthouse ready to serve justice

Commanding General's Letter to the Troops on Transition

Friday, 27 February 2009

Iraq Daily News - February 28, 2009

In this edition

Marines Strengthen Ties with Iraqi Village

GoI Opening Classrooms, Opening Minds

Rule of Law Conference highlights progress in Ministry of Interior court system

IP receive tools for investigating crime scenes

Truck handover brings hope of clean future

Marines Strengthen Ties with Iraqi Village

Lance Cpl. Stephanie H. Rivera hands out blankets to villagers in Kem Esbani, Feb. 16. Photo by Lance Cpl. B.A. Curtis, 2nd Marine Logistic Group.

Feb. 24 airpower summary

An MQ-1 Predator Unmanned Aircraft prepares for take off in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The Predator provides integrated and synchronized close-air operations, to include intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Sabrina Johnson)

Feb. 24 airpower summary: Predator targets anti-Afghan forces

Servicemembers help improve healthcare at Hit General

HIT, Iraq-Hit General Hospital’s director, Dr. Yaseen Hammody Assaf (left) leads members of the hospital assessment team from RCT-8 and Multi-National Forces West on tour of the hospital. Although Hit General does not have all the tools and equipment its workers need, the hospital staff is still working hard to offer adequate care to its patients., Lance Cpl. Alan Addison, 2/17/2009 11:02 PM

New Pentagon Channel Podcast Brings Troops, Entertainers Together

Story by Samantha Quigley
Date: 02.27.2009

WASHINGTON - The Pentagon Channel is giving troops a chance to get to know their favorite entertainers a little better with a new video podcast called "Command Performance."

The podcast consists of an interactive session with popular entertainers, using questions submitted online by military members and their families.

Reporter's Notebook: Eastern Afghanistan Needs Roads, Chiropractors

Story by Fred Baker
Date: 02.27.2009

WASHINGTON - American Forces Press Service reporter Fred W. Baker III writes about his experiences in Afghanistan, where he is embeded with a provincial reconstruction team and an infantry unit.

To say that Paktia province needs better roads is a bone-rattling understatement.

I took a ride north of the forward operating base here this week to the district of Sayed Karem with the civil affairs section of the provincial reconstruction team for a meeting with the sub-governor, and to deliver some food, clothes, blankets and other winter supplies to needy families there.

It is about a 25-mile trip, but bumping along the narrow dirt road took nearly two hours. Back at home I commute about 45 miles one way to work, and I gripe when traffic is bad and the drive takes an hour. My 90-mile daily round trip here would take most of the day.

Pirate Attack Thwarted in the Gulf of Aden

USS MONTEREY, At Sea – The Danish flexible support ship HDMS Absalon successfully deterred an attempted pirate attack on the Chinese M/V Yandanghai at approximately 1:30 p.m, Feb. 26.

Absalon closed on the coordinates given by the Chinese ship following their distress call and spotted a skiff

Feb. 23 airpower summary

An A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft moves into position to receive fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker during a mission over Afghanistan. A-10s provide top cover and close-air support to coalition forces in Afghanistan and Iraq. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Andy Dunaway)

Feb. 23 airpower summary: A-10s provide air cover

Afghanistan Operations Not Vulnerable to Supply Line Dangers, General Says

Story by Staff Sgt. Michael J Carden
Date: 02.26.2009

WASHINGTON - Despite dangers U.S. convoys face in delivering supplies to coalition forces in Afghanistan by way of Pakistan, military operations there aren't susceptible to those threats, the Defense Department's top uniformed logistician said on Feb. 25.

Air Force Gen. Duncan J. McNabb, commander of U.S. Transportation Command, ensured members of the House Armed Services Joint Air and Land Forces and the Air Power and Expeditionary Forces subcommittees that troops get what they need, because his command doesn't rely on one option or system of resupply.

"My job that you've given to us is to make sure we get supplies through regardless of the attacks, because you don't want to make this a vulnerability," McNabb said. "And I, quite frankly, I don't think it is. With the tools you all have given us, we have lots of options to get the equipment [troops] need in."

About 75 percent of the U.S. supplies troops there receive are delivered via ground convoy hundreds of miles from the Pakistani port city of Karachi to Peshawar in northwestern Pakistan and then through the Khyber Pass into Afghanistan.

From a logistical perspective, Afghanistan isn't the ideal place for conflict because the

Broken Promises & Political Doublespeak: Obama On Iraq

It has been leaked that Obama will settle for a "19 Month Withdrawal" timeframe from Iraq, but when the doublespeak of politicians is accounted for, it is a 36 month withdrawal.  The AP reports that Obama will keep most Troops in Iraq through 2009 and into 2010 and about a third in Iraq up until the 2011 timeframe negotiated by the Bush Administration with the Iraqi Government.

This is in contradiction to the Obama Campaign promise but aside from the purposeful political marketing and doublespeak, not necessarily a bad decision.  The campaign promise was:

"I will begin to remove our troops from Iraq immediately.  I will remove one or two brigades a month and get all of our combat troops out of Iraq within 16 months.  The only troops I will keep in Iraq will perform the limited missions of protecting our diplomats and carrying out targeted strikes on Al-Qaeda." - Obama, 10/02/07, Chicago, see note 1 below.

Contrast that with the policy he is scheduled to announce at Camp LeJeune on Friday(delivered as expected as of this publishing):

"The administration now considers Aug. 31, 2010, the end date for Iraq war operations." ..."That pacing suggests that although Obama's promised withdrawal will start soon, it will be backloaded, with larger numbers of troops returning later in the 18-month time frame." ..."The last of the U.S. troops are to be out of Iraq no later than Dec. 31, 2011. That's the deadline set under an agreement the two countries sealed during George W. Bush's presidency."  ..."Even with the drawdown, a sizable U.S. force of 35,000 to 50,000 U.S. troops will stay in Iraq under a new mission of training, civilian protection and counterterrorism." See note 2 below. 

I applaud Obama for being more responsive to the situation on the ground.  2009 will be a momentous year in Iraq with multiple elections that need the stability afforded by the presence of Our Troops.  Our youngest democratic ally is still fragile.

I am not in the least surprised to see that Obama is both breaking his promises to withdraw nor that

Defense Schools Raise Age Requirements for Early Childhood Education

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27, 2009 – Young military children who thought the first day of school was imminent may not have to worry about reading, writing and arithmetic until next year because of a change in entrance age requirements.

The new rule, which goes into effect this fall with the start of the 2009-2010 school year, requires that students reach the pre-established age by

War In Afghanistan Combat News - February 27, 2009

In this edition

Civilian injured during escalation of force incident near Sangin bazaar

ANP, Coalition Forces maintain pressure in Kandahar and Khowst

Commandos disrupt militant activities in Kandahar

A-10 Unit Reaches 10,000 Hour Milestone

Civilian injured during escalation of force incident near Sangin bazaar

KABUL, Afghanistan - International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF) injured a local man during an escalation of force incident 22 February.

A combined Afghan National Army (ANA) and ISAF security patrol was moving through Sangin District Centre 22 February, and as the patrol passed under the Sangin Flyover it was attacked by a suicide bomber detonating his device directly in their path.

Afghanistan News - February 27, 2009

In this edition

Goodwill tournament held in Oruzgan

Goodwill tournament held in Oruzgan

February 27, 2009                                                                                          

 

KABUL, Afghanistan – The game is called Do-Rah. For some, it was the chance to see a familiar game played against other villagers from across Deh Rawod. For others, it was the opportunity of a lifetime to watch a sport rarely seen by foreigners. For everyone involved, it was the opportunity to bring communities together in a way only a sports tournament can.

Political Decisions: Compromise on The Photography of the Fallen Not well Thought Out

Earlier, we reported the decision of the Secretary of Defense in regards to the Media's insistence at being able to photograph the "human cost of war."  Robert Gates demonstrated that he is a politician in making his decision.  He chose to make a policy of compromise that sounds reasonable on the surface.  I agree that the families should be afforded final decision on the media's attempt to politicize their loss in a time of grief. 

“I have decided that the decision regarding media coverage of the dignified transfer process at Dover should be made by those most directly affected -- on an individual basis -- by the families of the fallen,” Gates said at a Pentagon news conference.

The new policy sounds like it affords the family that opportunity, but it has a negative embedded in it, one which Secretary Gates either did not realize or chose to ignore for the sake of political expediency.  Because I generally respect SecDef Gates, I'm going to assume he simply didn't think this through, but that's why WE pay him, to think his decisions through, before he commits to them.

What is the great flaw in the

Iraq Combat News - February 27, 2009

In this edition

Enemy IED in Al Karradah district kills one, injures three (Baghdad)

Iraqi Army Assumes Full Control of JSS

Airmen Teach Iraqis Aircraft Maintenance

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Sorenson addresses AFCEA meeting (Baghdad)

ISF, MND-B Soldiers detain suspected criminals (Baghdad)

Freedom Journal Iraq, Feb. 27

Enemy IED in Al Karradah district kills one, injures three (Baghdad)

BAGHDAD –One Iraqi Soldier was killed and three were wounded when an improvised explosive device detonated in the Al Karradah district of eastern Baghdad, Feb 26.

Iraq Daily News - February 27, 2009

In this edition

Basrah Forensic Lab Gets CSI Upgrade

Sanitation Trucks Keep Baghdad Clean

MNSTC-I hosts Resource Management and Budgeting Conference (Baghdad)

Iraqi Freedom Minute, Feb. 27

Basrah Forensic Lab Gets CSI Upgrade

Friday, 27 February 2009 By A. Al Bahrani
Gulf Region South District

BASRAH — Crime scene investigators here are now working in a modernized forensic laboratory thanks to a $263,000 renovation, completed Feb. 22.

“I’m very pleased with the new capabilities our renovated Basrah Criminal Evidence Department Laboratory offers,” said Iraqi Police Capt. Bassim. “This is the first time in ten years our facility has been upgraded.”

Soldier Becomes First Amputee Accepted to Warrant Officer School

Staff Sgt. Jonathan Holsey is the first amputee accepted into the U.S. Army Warrant Officer School. Holsey, who lost his leg following a roadside bomb explosion in Iraq, is to report to the school at Fort Rucker, Ala., in April 2009. Courtesy photo

By Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg
Special to American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26, 2009 – The U.S. Army Warrant Officer School soon will welcome a new accession of warrant officers this spring, and one will bring with him a new perspective to the Army officer corps.

Staff Sgt. Johnathan Holsey became the first amputee accepted by the Warrant Officer School in Fort Rucker, Ala., where he is to report in April. He is currently assigned to Human Resources Command in Alexandria, Va.

Along with other wounded warriors, he’s scheduled to be a guest on today's "Oprah Winfrey Show.”

Holsey was injured Nov. 11, 2004, in Iraq where he was assigned to the 1st Battalion of the 503rd

NETWARCOM Conducts Network Security Training Day

081203-N-2147L-390 NORFOLK, Va. (Dec. 3, 2008) Sailors on the watch-floor of the Navy Cyber Defense Operations Command monitor, analyze, detect and defensively respond to unauthorized activity within U.S. Navy information systems and computer networks. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class Corey Lewis/Released)

Where the Buffalo Roams - Bonecrusher Relentlessly Searches Out Improvised Explosive Devices

Sgt. John W. Springs stands atop a Buffalo Mine Protected Clearance Vehicle, called "Bonecrusher," at a forward operating base near the district of Delaram, Farah province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Jan. 19. Springs is a combat engineer with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion.

Defense Department to Allow Photographs of Caskets With Family’s Permission

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26, 2009 – The Defense Department will allow the news media to photograph the flag-draped caskets of fallen U.S. troops returning home if their families agree, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today.

The announcement authorizes family members to choose whether to allow media access to the homecomings at Dover Air Force Base, Del., reversing a long-standing policy barring the press.

Security, Development Intertwine in Afghanistan War

By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GARDEZ, Afghanistan - In a recent meeting in downtown Gardez City with local government officials, Army Lt. Col. Donald Cullison struck an unintentional pose that symbolizes coalition efforts in eastern Afghanistan.

In one hand he held a steaming cup of chai tea, a local gesture of hospitality and friendship. His other hand draped across the M-4 rifle resting in his lap.

What appears a dichotomy is the balance coalition forces must strike as they promise both security and development in a country ravaged by war and racked with poverty -- its people torn between supporting a deeply ingrained insurgency offering survival, or a shaky, upstart government that promises hope for the future.

And somewhere in that balance is where coalition forces hope to find victory on this battlefield that

Progress in Baghdad Continues on all Fronts, Commander Reports

Thursday, 26 February 2009

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON — Almost two months after the new status-of-forces and strategic framework agreements took effect in Iraq, a brigade commander in Baghdad Monday reported record-low violence as Iraqi Security Forces assume ever-increasing responsibilities.

All-Army photo contest needs your vote for 'Best of Show'

Feb 26 By Rob McIlvaine

The winners of the 2008 All Army Photography Contest have been announced, and now it's up to AKO users to choose the "best of show."

Out of 3,110 submitted world-wide by deployed Soldiers, Guard, Reserve Soldiers, Army civilians and their family members, 1,716 entries were forwarded from the Army garrisons to the Department of Army level for last year's competition.

A 12-hour day was needed for three judges to study and discuss the considerable talent, wide variety of styles and high quality of the images in order to present 76 photographers a total of 112 awards.

The winning entries may be viewed at the contest website at https://artscrafts.fmwrc.army.mil. Log in with your AKO user name and password and select "Gallery of Winners" under "Contest Winners" on

Iraq Combat News - February 26, 2009

In this edition

Combat Camera Troops Record History

U.S. Engineers Survey $7M Water System

Freedom Journal Iraq, Feb. 25

510th Human Resources Company Joint Military Mail Terminal-BIAP

A Crucial Player in the Theater Distribution Network

Duties As a Mission Commander in Iraq

46th Engineers Strengthen Prison, Mission

In this file photo, U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Adrienne Brammer documents a joint patrol between U.S. and Iraqi Army Soldiers in Muhandiseen, Oct. 30, 2008. Photo by Staff Sgt. JoAnn S. Makinano, U.S. Air Forces Central.

Combat Camera Troops Record History

SATHER AIR BASE — When thinking of the word combat, many have visions of fire fights, violent conflicts and warfare.  For a few Airmen and Soldiers, the word combat means being armed with a camera.

For these members of the Multi-National Corps - Iraq C39 Joint Combat Camera (ComCam) team, based out of Baghdad, taking still and motion imagery isn’t just a hobby … it is their mission.

“My job documents history in the making and shows folks at home what’s going on here,” said Staff Sgt. Joann Makinano, MNC-I combat photojournalist. “We are unfiltered and unbiased. What we see is what you get.”

Iraq Daily News - February 26, 2009

In this edition

Job Opportunities Abound for Sons of Iraq

Iraqi Freedom Minute, Feb. 26

Umm Qasr residents get new medical facility (Basra)

Soldier in Focus – Capt. Agustin Dominguez

Job Opportunities Abound for Sons of Iraq

Thursday, 26 February 2009

Multi-National Corps – Iraq Release

BAGHDAD — The Government of Iraq (GoI) and Coalition forces will complete the transfer of the Sons of Iraq (SoI) security volunteers to Iraqi control by April, and officials say they now are focused on transitioning the men into jobs and educational programs.

Fear of the unknown

2/25/2009  By Lance Cpl. Meloney R. Moses, Marine Corps Base Quantico 

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va — 

 

Before entering the Marine Corps it seemed like nothing fazed me. I grew up in a town where the community was plagued with everything from guns and drugs to drunk driving and robberies. I thought I had seen it all.

Standing on the yellow footprints on Parris Island, S.C., I discovered that I needed more than my tough persona.

Afghanistan News - February 26, 2009

In this edition

Coalition troops care for people of Oruzgan

Afghanistan International Bank Opens Doors, Economic Opportunities

Afghan women parliamentarians visit NATO

Coalition troops care for people of Oruzgan

February 26, 2009                                                                                          

 

KABUL, Afghanistan – The hope for a healthier life grows strong in Deh Rawod District, Oruzgan Province, thanks to troops from multiple nations dedicated to the medical well-being of the Afghan people.

 

War In Afghanistan Combat News - February 26, 2009

In this edition

Explosives awareness training

Afghan, Coalition Forces disrupt terrorist network in Eastern Afghanistan

Deadly explosives exposed

UPDATE: Civilian casualties in Sangin District

Security, Development Intertwine in Afghanistan War

Explosives awareness training

World War II MIAs recovered in Germany

World War II MIAs recovered in Germany

World War II MIAs recovered in Germany

World War II MIAs recovered in Germany

World War II MIAs recovered in Germany

World War II MIAs recovered in Germany

World War II MIAs recovered in Germany

World War II MIAs recovered in Germany

World War II MIAs recovered in Germany

World War II MIAs recovered in Germany

Col. Mark Horn places a rosette by 1st Lt. Raymond Pascuel's name signifying he is no longer missing in action Feb. 20 at the Henri-Chapelle Cemetery and Memorial in Belgium. Lieutenant Pascuel was a New York native and one of nine men with the McMurray Crew in the Army Air Corps, who flew a B-24 bomber during World War II. Colonel Horn is the U.S. national military representative to Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe. (U.S. Air Force photo/2nd Lt. Kathleen Polesnak)

AFRICOM February 13 - 25, 2009 In Review

In this edition

APS Nashville Begins Training in Ghana

West and Central African Trainees Graduate from APS Nashville Program

America Builds New African Partnerships to Tackle Piracy

Africa Partnership Station Nashville Arrives in Ghana

Coast Guard Contributes to Counter-piracy Mission

POLICY STATEMENT: Death of Eleven Burundian Soldiers in Mogadishu

U.S. CONGRESS: Pelosi Statement Following Meeting With Admiral Fitzgerald, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa

U.S. Africa Command, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Africa, Support Peacekeeping Center in Ghana

U.N. Peace Building Shows Progress in Sierra Leone

APS Brings Together Senegalese Special Forces and U.S. Marines

CJTF-HOA Reaches Out to Ethiopians During Medical Civic Action Project

Citizen Soldiers Support U.S. Army Africa

APS Running Mates Program Builds Long-Term Relationships

APS Departs Senegal for Ghana

Egress technicians keep Raptor pilots covered

Egress technicians keep raptor pilots covered

Egress technicians keep Raptors covered

Egress technicians keep Raptors covered

Egress technicians keep raptor pilots covered

Egress technicians keep raptor pilots covered

Egress technicians keep raptor pilots covered

Senior Airman Ryan Ott looks over an F-22 Raptor canopy before installation Feb. 18 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The Raptors are on a deployment from Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, to Andersen. The base has received 12 of the $140 million dollar aircraft, and more than 250 Airmen as the Pacific's theater security package. As part of the continuing force posture adjustments to address worldwide requirements, the United States continues to deploy additional forces like the F-22 throughout the Western Pacific. This is the latest example of the flexibility U.S. forces have to meet their ongoing commitments and security obligations throughout the Pacific region. Airman Ott is an egress technician deployed from Elmendorf AFB and assigned to 36th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Kevin J. Gruenwald)

Health Alert: Risk of Asbestos Exposure - Sailors, Troops

  

Military Veterans Need New Policies to Help Service-Related Asbestos Disease

Out of the millions of brave military veterans who have given service to their country, hundreds of thousands were exposed to asbestos. Used throughout the 20^th century in many industries, asbestos gained immense popularity because of its innate flame resistant, durable and versatile qualities. It made it an ideal choice for many military applications.  The value of asbestos was so high that did not get phased out until the 1970’s.

Asbestos use greatly impacted the Navy. Prior to World War II, many shipyards in the country constructed their vessels in hopes of creating the largest naval fleet in the world. While they succeeded in their goals, asbestos use was large and rapid. Shipyard workers, sailors and tradesman aboard these ships were wrongfully exposed aboard navigation rooms, sleeping quarters and mess halls.  These shipyards were vital in efforts to build and repair ships on the west and east coasts of the country. The military also used asbestos as insulation aircraft, vehicles and buildings.

Although asbestos exposure does not always lead to an illness, frequent and long term

Physical Disability Board of Review

Service members who have been medically separated since September 11, 2001 will have the opportunity to have their disability ratings reviewed to ensure fairness and accuracy.
 
The new Physical Disability Board of Review (PDBR) will examine each applicant’s medical separation, compare DoD and VA ratings, and make a recommendation to the respective Service Secretary (or designee.) A disability rating cannot be lowered and any change to the rating is effective on the date of final decision by the Service Secretary.
 
To be eligible for PDBR review, a service member must have been medically separated between September 11, 2001 and December 31, 2009 with a combined disability rating of 20 percent or less, and not found eligible for retirement.
 
There are significant differences between this new PDBR review and a Board for Correction of Military (or Naval) Record (BCMR/BCNR) review. These differences are outlined here and are also in the instructions accompanying the application (form DD-294). 

Source
 
While the Air Force is the lead for the PDBR process, case tracking and reporting, a joint service board will conduct the evaluation and review of each case. Applicants will not be able to appear in person, but may include any statements, briefs, medical records or other supporting documents with their application. After the document review is completed and a final decision is made, each applicant will be notified of the decision and any further information regarding a change of rating. 
 
A final version of the application (form DD-294) was approved on January 9, 2009 and is available at http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/infomgt/forms/formsprogram.htm (under "DoD Forms Inventory 0001-0499"). Applications are now being accepted.
 
Please refer to the FAQ document for more information about the Physical Disability Board of Review. 
 
You may contact the PDBR intake unit at the following address:
            SAF/MRBR
            550 C Street West
            Suite 41 
            Randolph AFB, Texas 78150-4743 
 
Please keep in mind that this office cannot discuss the merits of your application. You may wish to contact your local veterans’ service organization for advice or guidance.
 
The DoD Instruction on the PDBR process is available here: http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/604044p.pdf.

Army Ten Miler ups field to 30K

About 26,000 runners crossed the starting line of the Army Ten Miler last October at the Pentagon. Photo credit Army

Feb 23

By Carol E. Davis

WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Feb. 23, 2009) - To mark the 25th anniversary of the Army Ten Miler this fall, the field for the race will be increased to 30,000 runners.

Each year the race has incrementally increased the running field and has maintained a safe, competitive run, said Jim Vandak, director of the Army Ten Miler.

"Since the 2008 race sold out in a record 21 days, we looked at the logistics and felt that we could incrementally increase participation in this year's 25th anniversary race," Vandak said.

Navy Seabees improve quality of live for Special Operations Soldiers

090105-1234Z-N-032: A team of Navy Seabees pours concrete for the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan Memorial on Bagram Airfield. The Seabees are members of the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 7, Task Force Sierra, Detachment 4.

Leaders meet to generate plan for Wardak, Logar

KABUL, Afghanistan - Leaders from Afghan provinces Wardak and Logar met for a Commander’s Conference at Forward Operating Base Shank Feb. 9-11 to shape a 90-day joint plan for the provinces.

The conference was hosted by Army commanders of Task Force (TF) Spartan and included members of the Afghan National Army (ANA), Afghan National Police (ANP), Logar Czech Republic Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT), Wardak Turkish PRT, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). Provincial Governors Attiqullah Ludin of Logar and Mohammed Halim Fidai of Wardak arrived for the last day of the conference.

Iraq Daily News - February 25, 2009

In this edition

Wheelchairs Donated in Babil Province

Armor Soldiers Host Women's Craft Bazaar

Mardi Gras Spirit, Gifts Sent From Louisiana

New Modern School Provides Opportunities for Kurdish Children

Iraqi SWAT Deliver Medical Supplies, Cheer to Children’s Hospital

Two More School Buildings Refurbished

Wheelchairs Donated in Babil Province

A child is helped into the new wheelchair he received at the Babil Rehabilitation Center in Hillah, Iraq, Feb 19, 2009. U.S. Army photo by Capt. Stephen C. Short

WASHINGTON — Thousands of Iraqis have benefited from U.S. humanitarian missions, the latest effort being a donation of 2,000 wheelchairs in northern Iraq.

Iraq Combat News - February 25, 2009

In this edition

Iraqis Assume Full Control of FOB Iskan

Attack at IP station in Mosul kills two, injures four Update to: 20090224-05

ISF, MND-B Soldiers discover munitions, magnetic IED

Iraqi Interpreter killed in SAF attack

Iraqi M1A1 Tank Program Managers visit Besmaya Range Complex

Video Available: Troops Celebrate Black History Month

Accountability

Iraqis Assume Full Control of FOB Iskan

Wednesday, 25 February 2009 Multi-National Division – Center Release

FOB ISKAN — Coalition forces transferred authority of this Forward Operating Base (FOB) to the Iraqi Ministry of Electricity (MoE) during a ceremony here, Feb. 22.