War On Terror News

‘Team Mullen’ Highlights Troops’ Service, Sacrifices

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 29, 2011 – As “Team Mullen,” Navy Adm. Mike Mullen and his wife, Deborah, have championed the needs of service members and their families during the admiral’s four years as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and his wife, Deborah, speak with Fort Bliss enlisted spouses in El Paso, Texas, March 10, 2011. Mullen will retire as the 17th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Sept. 30, 2011. DOD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley 

The chairman is the principal military advisor to the president, vice president, secretary of state and secretary of defense. Mullen turns over the chairmanship to Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey tomorrow.

The Mullens have worked as a team to tell senior U.S. government officials, members of Congress, and influential business and civic leaders around the country about the efforts and sacrifices made by U.S. service members and their families, and how the public can connect with them. They also worked to improve military family programs, to improve care for wounded warriors, and, especially, to reach out to the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

RIP 1LT Ivan D. Lechowich, SPC Steven E. Gutowski, PFC David A. Drake

The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

            They died Sep 28, in Ghazni province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their unit with an improvised explosive device.  They were assigned to the 5th Engineer Battalion, 4th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.

            Killed were:

            1st Lt. Ivan D. Lechowich, 27, of Valrico, Fla.,

            Spc. Steven E. Gutowski, 24, of Plymouth, Mass., and

            Pfc. David A. Drake, 21, of Lumberton, Texas

 

"He which hath no stomach to this fight let him depart. But we in it shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother.” (W.Shakespeare)  Rest in peace my Brothers, you have not been forgotten.

RIP 1LT Andres Zermeno

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

            1st. Lt. Andres Zermeno, 26, of San Antonio, Texas, died Sep. 25 in Wardak province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with a rocket propelled grenade.  He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort. Polk, La.

 

"He which hath no stomach to this fight let him depart. But we in it shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother.” (W.Shakespeare)  Rest in peace my Brothers, you have not been forgotten.

RIP LCpl John R. Wimpey Cagle

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. 

                Lance Cpl. John R. Wimpey Cagle, 19, of Tucker, Ga., died Sept. 28 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.  This incident is under investigation.

 

"He which hath no stomach to this fight let him depart. But we in it shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother.” (W.Shakespeare)  Rest in peace my Brothers, you have not been forgotten.

Paktika PRT Soldier earns U.S. citizenship

Written by By U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Ryan DeCamp Paktika Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs Friday, 30 September 2011

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, AFGHANISTAN - Private 1st Class Cardon Edwards says the oath of renunciation and allegiance during a naturalisation ceremony Sept. 28. Edwards is an infantryman and is currently deployed as part of the Paktika Provincial Reconstruction Team. He is assigned to the 2nd Battalion 113th Infantry Regiment, New Jersey Army National Guard. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Makenzie Lang, Paktika Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs)

 

 

 

 

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - When Cardon Edwards came to the United States with his mother from Jamaica, the 13-year-old couldn’t imagine he would fight for the country he was heading to.

Seven years later, the now 20-year-old is doing much more than that. Not only is he a private first class in the U.S. Army, he now has a much greater title – American.

RIP 1LT Ryan K. Iannelli

  The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. 

                1st Lt. Ryan K. Iannelli, 27, of Clarksboro, N.J., died Sept. 28 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269, Marine Air Group 29, 2nd Marine Air Wing, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C.  This incident is under investigation.

 

"He which hath no stomach to this fight let him depart. But we in it shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother.” (W.Shakespeare)  Rest in peace my Brothers, you have not been forgotten.

Veteran Health Care Costs Increase in October

Military retirees enrolling in the TRICARE Prime health plan after Oct. 1 will begin paying higher annual fees, Pentagon officials announced yesterday.

The fee change for fiscal 2012 means the plan will cost $260 per year for members and $520 per year for members and family, plus other fee increases.

Annual fees for retirees enrolled in TRICARE Prime prior to the Oct. 1 2011 will see their fees increase in October 2012. Retirees in Tricare PRIME have a catastrophic cap of $3,000, and TRICARE Prime co-pays are not changing, they added. 

Widows and Widowers of Troops killed on Active Duty, and Veterans medically retired due to war injuries who enroll or that renew their enrollment in the program, after October 1, 2011 will be charged the new fee.  

"This annual fee increase allows us to responsibly manage our costs in line with other secretary of defense initiatives announced earlier this year," by the Obama Administration said Dr. Jonathan Woodson, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs.

BIO: Dr Jonathan Woodson - DoD Health Insurance

Dr. Jonathan Woodson is the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs and Director, TRICARE Management Activity.  In this role, he administers the more than $50 billion Military Health System (MHS) budget and serves as principal advisor to the Secretary of Defense for health issues. The MHS comprises over 133,000 military and civilian doctors, nurses, medical educators, researchers, healthcare providers, allied health professionals, and health administration personnel worldwide, providing our nation with healthcare delivery, expeditionary medical, educational, and research capability.

Dr. Woodson ensures the effective execution of the Department of Defense (DoD) medical mission. He oversees the development of medical policies, analyses, and recommendations to the Secretary of Defense and the Undersecretary for Personnel and Readiness, and issues guidance to DoD components on medical matters. He also serves as the principal advisor to the Undersecretary for Personnel and Readiness on matters of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) medical defense programs and deployment matters pertaining to force health.

Yemen says American al-Qaida Leader Killed

VOA News September 30 2011

Yemen's Defense Ministry says radical U.S.-born cleric Anwar al-Awlaki has been killed.

Awlaki, who is linked to al-Qaida forces in the country, was killed along with several other suspected militants, ministry officials said.

NO additional information on the circumstances of his death was released.

But tribal sources and security officials say the U.S.-born cleric was killed early Friday in an air strike targeting an al-Qaida convoy in the east.

It is not clear who carried out the raid.

RAF and USMC co-ordinate air campaign over Afghanistan

September 27, 2011 by ukforcesafghanistan

In the south and south west of Afghanistan, a team from the RAF is working with the US Marine Corps (USMC) on the daunting task of co-ordinating the use of some of the world’s busiest airspace.

Members of the RAF’s Aerospace Battle Management Team and the USMC Air Wing are colocated in a dusty, quiet and benign corner of sprawling Camp Leatherneck, a home from home for the US Marines serving in Helmand province.

Aerospace Battle Managers Corporal Bobby Howard, US Marine Corps, and Corporal Paddy Bonner, Royal Air Force, working together at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, southern Afghanistan. Picture: Sergeant Ross Tilly RAF, Crown Copyright/MOD 2011

The detachment is parented by the RAF’s 903 Expeditionary Air Wing, only a short drive into adjoining Camp Bastion; however, all of the UK’s Air Surveillance and Control System (ASACS) personnel live, work and socialise with their US Marine colleagues at Leatherneck, further enhancing their operational experience.

Constitution Sailors Support Caps for Kids during New England Navy Week

9/28/2011 From USS Constitution Public Affairs

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (NNS) -- USS Constitution Sailors gave Navy ballcaps to children during a Caps for Kids visit at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Mass. Sept. 27.

Interior Communications Electrician 1st Class (SW) John Campbell, Aviation Electrician's Mate 2nd Class (AW) Anthony Barnardo and Seaman Deidre Foster participated in the event as part of New England Navy Week, Sept. 25-Oct. 2.

"We all need support from time to time, and it was touching to support kids battling various illnesses," said Foster. "The kids really appreciated us visiting, and in return we appreciated their strength."

Airman Improves Dust Storm Predictability

By Air Force Senior Airman Scott Saldukas
47th Flying Training Wing

LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas, Sept. 28, 2011 – Air Force Staff Sgt. Thomas Jenkins refused to accept during his deployment in Iraq that the region’s dangerous dust storms could not be better predicted. As his squadron’s weather flight noncommissioned officer in charge, he took it upon himself to change that.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Thomas Jenkins monitors the weather at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Sept. 16, 2011. Jenkins recently developed a formula to increase dust storm forecast accuracy from about 10 percent to 80 percent. Air Force officials recognized the achievement and are scheduled to begin training personnel and implementing the method. Jenkins is the 47th Operations Support Squadron Weather Flight noncommissioned officer in charge of weather systems. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Scott Saldukas 

Jenkins, with the 47th Operations Support Squadron here, recently was deployed to Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq, when he decided to give himself a research project before devising a plan to improve dust storm forecasts.

War In Afghanistan News 30 September 2011

War in Afghanistan News reports provided by ISAF Joint Command. Operations are reported in the following provinces: Kandahar, Balkh, Logar.

A combined Afghan and coalition security force detained two Taliban leaders during a security operation in Ghorak district, Kandahar province, Wednesday.

One captured leader provided guidance in attack planning and coordinated roadside bomb attacks with area leaders, as well as, reported to senior Taliban leadership following organized attacks against Afghan forces. The second insurgent leader operated as a Taliban appointed judge in Ghorak district.

The combined force seized multiple weapons and destroyed 400 pounds (181 kgs) of heroin during the operation.

Additionally, multiple suspected insurgents were also detained during the operation.

Tailor the way you get your War in Afghanistan News

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

Middle East News 29 September 2011

Fighting continues between tribal forces and government forces escalates in Yemen.

AS US lawmakers visit Libya's NTC, fighting continues in Sirte. Interpol also issued a "red notice" at the request of provisional authorities in Libya, where a warrant has been issued for Saadi Gadhafi's arrest.

In Egypt, interim leader Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi took a walk in downtown Cairo this week, which gave rise to a firestorm of speculation in the media.  Meanwhile, security forces raid al Jazeera office.

Hillary Clinton condemned what she termed an “inexcusable assault” on the U.S. ambassador to Syria by a pro-regime crowd as he met an opposition figure Thursday in Damascus.

A security court in Bahrain has convicted doctors and nurses who treated demonstrators during earlier 'unrest.'

Yemen's Saleh says he won't resign until his rivals are gone.

Details after the break.

Israeli and Palestinian docs meet for first ever Ophthalmology Conference

Sep 27, 2011

Last week, one hundred Israeli and Palestinian doctors met at the Peres Peace Center in Jaffa for an ophthalmology convention, the first ever joint medical conference on such a scale.

The event, organised by Lirot (the Israeli Research Association for Eye Health and Blindness Prevention) aimed to develop research opportunities and nurture Israeli and Palestinian relations between medical professionals. The conference was facilitated by the Civil Administration, and Dalia Bassa, the Head of the Civil Administration Health Department, was invited to participate. Dalia Bassa: "Health cooperation and coordination between the two sides is extremely important...Health professionals need this sort of forum to keep abreast on new discoveries and ideas".

Army chaplain speaks of life on the front line

A People In Defence news article

29 Sep 11

Army chaplain Stephen Hancock describes how life for a padre on operations can be tough but very rewarding.

Army chaplain Padre Stephen Hancock
[Picture: Corporal Andy Reddy RLC, Crown Copyright/MOD 2011]

From carrying a 35-kilo Bergen in sweltering temperatures in Afghanistan to baptising an infant in a UK village church, Padre Hancock has done it all.

Dressed in green like the regular soldiers, military padres blend in with the crowd, but it is being able to develop a particular 'visibility' that Padre Hancock believes is the secret to success:

"I really believe in visibility, that a chaplain should be seen walking around talking to anybody and everybody," he said. "By doing that you build relationships and soldiers and officers will trust you. If you're invisible you have no chance of achieving a great deal with them."

Bringing them home

September 26, 2011

By Staff Sgt. Megan Garcia

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del., Sept. 26, 2011 -- Every time Capt. Justin Anderson receives the call, he wonders if this time he's bringing one of his own friends home to rest.

As a member of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), Anderson, executive officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, is among a brotherhood of Soldiers who participate in the dignified transfer of remains of service members who die overseas in combat.

Bringing them home

3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Soldiers carry the remains of Sgt. 1st Class Daniel R. Adams during a dignified transfer, Sept. 15, 2011, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. Adams, 35, of Portland, Ore., died Sept. 13 in the Wardak province.

"The first thing that comes to mind is do I know this person," said Anderson. "I have quite a few friends who are deployed to combat zones."

Sometimes carry teams may or may not receive names, but knowing who he's escorting home never matters to Anderson as his thoughts are always with them.

RIP SPC Garrett A. Fant

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

            Spc. Garrett A. Fant, 21, of American Canyon, Calif., died Sept. 26 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 4th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

 

"He which hath no stomach to this fight let him depart. But we in it shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother.” (W.Shakespeare)  Rest in peace my Brothers, you have not been forgotten.

Cyber Command Builds ‘Cyber Warrior’ Capabilities

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

FORT MEADE, Md., Sept. 27, 2011 – Recognizing there’s no cookie-cutter formula for a “cyber warrior,” the outgoing chief of staff at U.S. Cyber Command said the strong, diverse capabilities already in place will provide the foundation for the military’s professional cyber corps.

After his pivotal role in standing up U.S. Cyber Command and helping to mold its initial cyber force, Air Force Maj. Gen. David N. Senty noted the array of skill sets it brings to the mission of defending vital military networks.

The cyber force includes experts not only in information technology, but also in signals intelligence, communications and military operations. Combat-arms forces among their ranks bring an operational mindset and military judgment to the equation, Senty said.

Same base, different deployments

332nd Air Expeditionary Wing  Senior Airman Amber Kelly-Herard

09.27.2011

SALAH AD DIN, Iraq - With security forces being the largest career field in the Air Force and the many locations to be deployed, what are the odds of deploying to the same base twice?

While there is no actual statistic, there is at least one 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces sergeant who has been to Joint Base Balad, Iraq, twice.

Photo by jeffrey schultze

Tech. Sgt. Nicole Wrisley, 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces area supervisor, stands in front of a Humvee tactical vehicle at Joint Base Balad. Wrisley is deployed from Beale Air Force Base, Calif., and is on her second deployment to JBB since 2009 and has witnessed the changes the base has undergone since that time.

Tech. Sgt. Nicole Wrisley, 332nd ESFS area supervisor, arrived at JBB in August for the second time.

"When I found out I was going to JBB again, I was excited because I knew the base and I had never been part of closing a base," said Wrisley, who is deployed from Beale Air Force Base, Calif. "I also started some programs the last time I was here so I wanted to see how they evolved."

In 2009, Wrisley was deployed to JBB with what was then called the 532nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron to maintain quality assurance for the Iraqi and Ugandan security contracts.

Drug find is largest in partnership's history

KABUL, Afghanistan (Sept. 27, 2011) – Combined Afghan and coalition security forces conducted a major narcotics seizure in Baghran district, Helmand province, Monday.

 

The narcotics seizure is reportedly the largest ever made by combined forces in Afghanistan.

The combined force, acting on intelligence, targeted an area believed to be manufacturing drugs used to finance lethal aid for use in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.  The security force discovered three narcotics laboratories containing drugs with an estimated street value in excess of $350 million (USD).

Fun Day at the Runway promotes safety for Pendleton riders

9/28/2011  By Lance Cpl. Michelle S. Mattei  , Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton 

 

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.  — The cool chill of morning mist, the sounds of racing engines and the smell of burnt rubber filled the air at Camp Pendleton’s Marine Corps Air Station during the second “Fun Day on the Runway,” Sept. 24.

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.-A motorcyclist races down the runway during the second “Fun Day on the Runway,” at Camp Pendleton’s Marine Corps Air Station, Sept. 24. The motorcycle track day, training and safety event hosted by Semper Ride, featured classes and clinics on bike safety, ramp and street freestyle demonstrations, a bike show competition and vendors to educate Marines, sailors and their family members about motorcycle safety., Photo by Lance Cpl. Michelle S. Mattei, 9/24/2011

War In Afghanistan News 29 September 2011

War in Afghanistan News reports provided by ISAF Joint Command. Operations are reported in the following provinces: Nangarhar, Kandahar, Helmand, Kunar.

A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed numerous insurgents during a security operation in search of a senior Taliban facilitator in Achin district, Nangarhar province, Tuesday.

The senior leader is responsible for orchestrating multiple direct fire, roadside and suicide bomb attacks against Afghan forces.

During the operation, the security force observed multiple insurgents armed with rocket-propelled grenade launchers and AK-47 assault rifles maneuvering to attack. The security force engaged the threat, killing the insurgents. 

Numerous additional suspected insurgents were also detained by the security force during the operation.

Tailor the way you get your War in Afghanistan News

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

Middle East News 28 September 2011

King Abdullah has overturned a court verdict that sentenced a Saudi woman to 10 lashes for challenging the conservative Muslim kingdom's ban on women driving.

Yemen's President Ali Abdullah Saleh is still  hanging on to power despite a popular uprising, regional pressure, military defections and an assassination attempt.

Where's Gadhafi? The military believes former Libya leader Moammar Gadhafi could be hiding in the western town of Ghadamis near the Algerian border.  Fighting continues in Sirte.

Bahrain has upheld life sentences for eight Shi'ite opposition activists convicted of plotting to overthrow the minority Sunni-led government during anti-government protests earlier this year.

Another day and more UNSC debate on Syria.

Israelis are observing Rosh Hashanah, the beginning of the High Holy Days and a time of reflection and prayer in the midst of turbulent times.

Details after the break.

OMC refers charges against Al Nashiri for USS Cole

DOD Announces Charges Referred Against Detainee Al Nashiri

 

            The Department of Defense announced today that the Convening Authority, Office of Military Commissions referred charges to a military commission in the case of United States v. Abd Al Rahim Hussayn Muhammad Al Nashiri. The referred charges allege, among other things, that Al Nashiri was in charge of the planning and preparation for the attack on USS Cole (DDG 67) in the Port of Aden, Yemen, on Oct. 12, 2000. That attack killed 17 sailors, wounded 37 sailors, and severely damaged the ship.

            The Convening Authority referred the charges to a capital military commission, meaning that, if convicted, Al Nashiri could be sentenced to death. Pursuant to the reforms in the Military Commissions Act of 2009, Al Nashiri has been provided with additional counsel, learned in the applicable law relating to capital cases, to assist in his defense.

Iraq Makes First Payment for 18 F-16 Fighters

By Cheryl Pellerin
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 28, 2011 – The Iraqi government has transferred its first payment for 18 F-16C fighter aircraft, bringing Iraq closer to independently securing its airspace, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said yesterday.

“These aircraft will help provide air sovereignty for Iraq to protect its own territory, and deter or counter regional threats,” Little said.

Changes to the GI Bill - some effective October 1 2011

Upcoming Changes to The Post-9/11 GI-Bill

The Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Improvements Act of 2010 was recently signed into law. This page lists changes to the GI Bill made by this law.

Effective August 1, 2009, but not payable until October 1, 2011

• Expands the Post-9/11 GI Bill to include Active Service performed by National Guard members under title 32 U.S.C. for the purpose of organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or training the National Guard; or under section 502(f) for the purpose of responding to a national emergency.

Effective March 5, 2011

• Limits active duty members to the net cost for tuition and fees prorated based on the eligibility tiers (40%-100%) previously established for Veterans.
  • Same limitations apply to transferee spouses of active duty servicemembers

Gurkha SGT builds strong relationships with AP

A People In Defence news article

27 Sep 11

A sergeant from 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles (2 RGR) has described his fourth tour in Afghanistan as the most rewarding yet after building strong relationships with Afghan colleagues.

Sergeant Basanta Rai with a member of the Afghan Uniform Police
[Picture: Steve Dock, Crown Copyright/MOD 2011]

When Sergeant Basanta Rai deployed to Afghanistan in April he thought his fourth tour of the country would be much like the previous deployments. However, he found himself proved wrong.

For the last six months, Sgt Rai, or 'Baz' as he known, has been working side-by-side with the Afghan Uniform Police (AUP). Sgt Rai and his Afghan colleagues have forged strong relationships through patrolling together during the day and eating and relaxing together in the evenings. As a result, Sgt Rai says this has been his most rewarding and enjoyable experience of Afghanistan.

UNSC sends Palestinian bid for formal review

VOA News 28 September 2011

The U.N. Security Council has taken its first formal step in considering a Palestinian bid for full membership in the world body by referring the matter to a committee.

The council turned over the Palestinians' request to the committee on new admissions, which includes all 15 member states on the council. The step is a procedural one and is part of a process of U.N. rules on a statehood bid The committee will hold its first session on Friday. A decision is not likely for weeks — but analysts say the bid is bound to fail because the United States has threatened to use Washington's veto power on the Security Council to block it.

Blue Angels wrap up at NAS Oceana Air Show

9/26/2011 By Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman Lenea Johnson, Naval Air Station Oceana Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Members of the Navy's Flight Demonstration Team, the Blue Angels, spoke to local media Sept. 23 before the start of the 2011 Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana Air Show, which ran through Sept. 25.

Both pilots and enlisted crew members answered questions about what it's like to be part of the Blue Angels and offered advice for those who would like to join the prestigious team.

For Marine Maj. Brent Stevens, who flies left wing, being part of the Navy's Flight Demonstration Team is much more than just taking to the skies at shows such as the annual Oceana Air Show, which this year celebrates the Centennial of Naval Aviation.

While the Blue Angels' talent in the air is witnessed by millions every year, Stevens believes the most rewarding part of being a Blue Angel takes place on the ground.