War On Terror News

01 JUL 2008 - War In Iraq Daily News

IA, U.S. Soldiers Work Together to Search for Weapons

Monday, 30 June 2008

CAMP TAJI — Clearing the area of weapons caches is a vital mission for Iraqi Army and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers.

In fact, it is so important they combine their efforts as they scour the streets in an attempt to safeguard the Iraqi people from the devastation caused by extremist weapons and munitions.

So it was with this in mind that Soldiers from 1st Platoon, Company B, 52nd Infantry Regiment, attached to 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, worked side-by-side with their Iraqi Army partners as they conducted a cache clearance mission in Al Awad, northwest of Baghdad, June 25.

Cache searches are not uncommon missions for the Soldiers, who conduct searches up to four times a week in their area of operations. In the past, they have found numerous weapons, to include air missiles, rocket-propelled grenades, improvised-explosive devises, mortars and machine guns, said Sgt 1st Class Ernest Oberst, native of Gladstone, Mich., and platoon sergeant, 1st Platoon, Co. B, 52nd Inf. Regt.

“These missions keep us occupied and very busy but getting boots on the ground is the only way we are going to secure the area,” he said.

Although nothing was found in Al Awad that day, Oberst said the mission was a success.

“We have systematically cleared this area from the west to the east and have found at least 25 caches in the past,” said Oberst. “This was another step to make sure that area is clear. Later we will check again to see if anything has been replanted.”

In conjunction with looking for caches, the IA soldiers and MND-B Soldiers make it a priority to speak to the local community. The missions allow the Soldiers to get out in the communities and speak to the people.

“Telling the locals what we were doing and why we are here makes sure the relationship with the people is enhanced instead of taken away by our presence,” said Staff Sgt. Donald Fabian, native of Miami, a team sergeant attached to 1st Bn. 27th Inf. Regt.

It is also necessary for the Iraqi army to learn how to conduct cache searches and be involved in the communities they patrol.

“These weapons are always going to be here and so will the Iraqi army.” Oberst said. “They are starting to get to know the people. This is important because they need to know who their enemies are.”

Feature Stories

‘Team Metallica’ Helps Rebuild Rusafa

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY — Although, they are not who most people would call average war fighters, their mission is just as vital for survival. They conduct patrols, but their primary mission is not combat related. “Team Metallica” is charged with assisting local governance to provide for the welfare of Iraqi citizens throughout the Rusafa security district of eastern Baghdad.

Al-Qaeda’s Propaganda Network Thwarted

BAGHDAD — Coalition forces battered the terrorist propaganda network in Baghdad Saturday and Sunday, killing two terrorists and detaining 15 suspects while targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq associates around the country. Coalition forces surrounded a location in Baghdad Saturday targeting a leader of an al-Qaeda in Iraq propaganda cell. Coalition forces engaged and killed one man who drew a weapon when they entered the target building. They engaged and killed another suspected terrorist when they perceived hostile intent from his failure to follow Coalition forces’ instructions.

Task Force Gold Brings Golden Opportunity

BAGHDAD — Task Force Gold, considered a turning point for Operation Iraqi Freedom, focuses its efforts to revitalize the war torn and impoverished neighborhoods of the Sadr City District in northern Baghdad. Beginning in May, the mission of Task Force Gold is to bring peace to the Sadr City District and improve the quality of life for its residents.

Interactive Iraq :: Press Briefings
Operational Update: Dr. al-Sheikhly, June 29 Dr. Tahseen al-Sheikhly, Iraqi civilian spokesman for Operation Fardh al-Qanoon, provides an Operational Update. Transcript (PDF), Read More

Interactive Iraq :: Video News
Iraqi Freedom Minute, June 29 • This edition features servicemembers preserving protected historic Iraqi sites. Watch Now

.
Freedom Journal Iraq, June 29 • This edition features Iraqis securing their neighborhoods and the U.S. Army refurbishing Iraqi hospitals. Watch Now

 

Back to Back

Sunday, 29 June 2008	National Police seize nearly 200 weapons (New Baghdad)
Sunday, 29 June 2008	Iraqi forces detain AQI member, prevent attacks (Udaim)
Sunday, 29 June 2008	British, Iraqi Army Soldiers build camaraderie through soccer (Basra)

Talk it Out

Sunday, 29 June 2008	USF-I CG visits, recognizes outstanding warfighters in MND-N
Sunday, 29 June 2008	NPs, SoI, MND-B Soldiers seize weapons, munitions in Baghdad
Sunday, 29 June 2008	Coalition forces destroy Al-Qaeda in Iraq safe haven, financing

Mount the Stallion

Sunday, 29 June 2008	Al-Qaeda’s propaganda network thwarted (Baghdad)
Sunday, 29 June 2008	Aegis Security teams are goodwill ambassadors (Kirkuk)
Sunday, 29 June 2008	ISF arrest seven suspected IED bombers (Baghdad)

Hose Team Hoods

Main Stream Media Reports:

Police: 3 judges targeted by bombs in Iraq AP - Mon Jun 30, 5:31 AM ET

BAGHDAD - A police officer says three Iraqi judges have been targeted by bombs in different areas of Baghdad, resulting in injuries but no deaths.

Internet Sites of interest!

If you are very familiar with our site, you will recognize many of these names and their sites already. You will find quite a few of them on the right side of our pages.

We have a tendency to overlook those things that are right before our eyes each and every day, therefore, I am bringing these back to your attention, plus I have added a few of my own to the list here.

Take your time, browse around each site, get a feel for the information and the writing style each of these people bring to their site. This page will stay in our Support Our Veterans area, so you can refer back to it whenever you wish.

Citizens That Support Our Troops

Ana - A Proud Infidel - CA
Ana is a long term online contact who has a demonstrated Patriotism and Unwaivering Support for Our Troops, Veterans & Law Enforcement, i.e. the Sheepdogs.

Assoluta Tranquillita
This blog is written by another member of Soldiers’ Angel’s, who hails from north of our border. She never wavers in her support of the military, no matter which country they hail from.

Conservative Cowboy - OH
Christopher's Wednesday Heroes is a Wonderful Display of Honoring our Troops!

Other Veterans Speaking Out

American Ranger - FL
Florida Veteran: Excellent Commentary and Analysis along with some war stories by a Ranger truly experienced in Warfare. His countdown to retirement is too close but most assuredably deserved.

Afghanistan Blog 1SG Troy - NY
New York Veteran: Some Families just give back to their Nation more than others and 1SG Troy's is one of them. His son serves in the theater Top left a year ago. His wife is featured in a recent local newspaper's report on Military Spouse Day.

CSM Vanguard - TN
Tennessee Veteran: A True Leader of Warriors. He has the distinction of being the Command Sergeant Major who led both a Hero and a Zero. The Hero, SFC Paul Smith, was the first recipient of the Medal of Honor in over a decade and The Zero was a Medic that joined with the IVAW to slander our Troops and our Military. The CSM tells these stories and more. He truly embodies the "Never Quit" attitude of our Troops and is a symbol of Strength and Endurance. He has EARNED my respect and it was a pleasure for me to have met him.

Views of a Veteran - Arkansas
Arkansas Soldier, Jacob is a Member of the VFF. He has afforded the Arkansas Congressional Delegation an opportunity to hear from Soldiers that have "been there, done that." Keep up the good work Jacob.

A Soldier's Perspective
I don't know too much about the author of this one yet, but the first look looks good.

American Angle
Tony may not advertise his Veteran Status but he is and he presents us with some of the wider issues surrounding our Nation. He makes no bones about putting the Nation first, above the interests of our enemies.

Eagles Up
Three (or more) Veterans that are Speaking Out. They're new to me but another ally in the Battle!

Veteran American Voices
Interesting Blog from WWII & Viet Nam Veterans. I truly enjoyed the analysis of the Winter Soldiers "hearings."

Sites for help with Veterans’ Issues

These sites are maintained by people I know in several other groups. They strive to keep updated as much as possible. If you have a question concerning the VA, filing a claim, needing information about PTSD, Gulf War Syndrome or other veteran related issues, check them out. If you don’t find what you are looking for, then get in touch with the owner, and they will do their best to help you out.

Veterans Information

Wildgun

World of Veterans

Copyright 2008 MsMarti. All rights reserved.

Lowe’s and Home Depot offer Discounts thru the 4th of July weekend

Home Depot offers discount for July 4th holiday weekend!

There is a lot of misinformation out there regarding Home Depot no longer giving our veterans a discount. Since I couldn’t find a current update regarding that, I emailed Home Depot and asked them if they still offered a discount to the military year-round and especially regarding the July 4th Weekend. Here is the response I received back!

Dear Ms. Marti, Thank you for contacting The Home Depot Customer Care. Although no continuous special discounts are offered for our Active Duty Military, we sponsor several Military related discount promotions throughout the year, usually during Fourth of July, Memorial Day and Veterans Day weekends. The Home Depot is also proud to have been a part of Project Homefront. We applaud the efforts of the many volunteers who assisted more than 1,400 military family members and performed safety, security and maintenance repairs while their loved ones were bravely serving our country. Thank you again for your inquiry. Sincerely,

Customer Care

So regarding a discount for members of our military on the upcoming Fourth of July weekend, bring along your ID and ask! The discount might start a day or so ahead of the weekend, so it wouldn’t hurt to call first and find out the exact days it applies to this year.

LOWE’S OFFERS MILITARY DISCOUNT FOR JULY 4TH – INDEPENDENCE DAY

10% Discount on purchases up to $5,000 for Active, Reserve, Honorably Discharged, and Retired Military Personnel and Their Families

MOORESVILLE, N.C. – Lowe’s Companies, Inc. announced today it will offer all active, reserve, honorably discharged, and retired military personnel and their immediate family members a 10 percent discount on in-store purchases made during the July 4th – Independence Day holiday. The discount is available June 26 - July 7.

The discount is available on in-stock and special order purchases up to $5,000. To qualify, individuals must present a valid military ID or other proof of service. Excluded from the discount are sales via Lowes.com, previous sales, and purchases of services or gift cards. The offer is not redeemable for cash and is nontransferable.

In addition to offering military discounts throughout the year, Lowe’s has extended benefits for its employees serving in the military and offers employment opportunities to military personnel after their military service has ended.

Copyright 2008 MsMarti. All rights reserved.

Outward Bound Wilderness offers free programs to military!!

America Supports You: Veterans Get Chance to Push Physical, Mental Limits
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, June 12, 2008 – An offshoot of a nonprofit educational program founded in England during World War II to prepare young sailors to endure adversity at sea during wartime is helping U.S. war veterans today.

“‘Outward Bound’ expeditions specifically designed for veterans and supported by the Sierra Club are an extension of this effort,” said Meg Ryan, project manager for the Colorado-based program’s Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom expedition division.

For more than 20 years, the military program, now fully funded by the Sierra Club, includes travel to course destinations and an opportunity for physical and mental challenges in beautiful wilderness locations across the country, Ryan said.

“All costs, including travel to the expedition, are fully supported by the Military Family Outdoor Initiative Project,” she said.

War veterans have two choices when participating in an Outward Bound veteran expedition. An open enrollment allows them to sign up for a pre-scheduled course and attend as individuals. Customized expeditions also are available to pre-existing groups and can be tailored to fit specific needs.

“During these transformational wilderness adventures, … veterans and servicemembers have hands-on opportunities to challenge themselves both physically and mentally while building on strengths and reinforcing the positive aspects of military training,” Ryan said. “They work to regain personal independence, build camaraderie, and improve self-confidence to help create a smoother reintegration into civilian life.”

Outward Bound is a new supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and overseas.

“Outward Bound needs assistance in getting out the word to veterans service organizations, military installations, … and all those in contact with military servicemembers about the opportunity available to them free of charge,” Ryan said.

Source: http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=50190

Enrollment Opportunities still available to Veterans!!!

“Through generous funding by the Military Family Outdoor Initiative Project, a joint partnership of The Sierra Club and The Sierra Club Foundation, we are offering a tremendous opportunity for adventure and self-discovery to our veterans of combat operations in Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom) and Southwest Asia (Operation Iraqi Freedom). We have over 20 years serving our nation’s combat veterans through a long partnership with the Disabled American Veterans organization, where we have offered enriching wilderness expeditions specifically designed for war veterans at no cost to the participants.

We have scheduled numerous wilderness adventures exclusively for our war veterans and we will fully fund these courses for all participants, to include their roundtrip travel costs between home and the excursion site. Our goals include helping participating veterans build a supportive community with other war veterans; facilitating discussions on readjustment and transition challenges; and re-energizing and reinvigorating our veterans’ spirits with adventures and challenges in the beautiful outdoors.

Expedition Overview: Offered year-round, our Outward Bound Expeditions take war veterans to amazing wilderness areas in Maine, Minnesota, Colorado, Texas, and California. Depending on the expedition, activities could include backpacking, mountaineering, rock climbing, canoeing, ropes courses, and dog sledding. Expeditions are 5 days in length and are staffed with experienced outdoor educators.

Who is Eligible: Under this program, all Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) veterans, including current and former members of the Active and Reserve Components of the United States military. It doesn’t matter what your current military status is (active, inactive, discharged, retired) as long as you deployed in support of OEF or OIF combat operations while in the military.

Enrollment Options: There are two types of courses available, each offering wilderness expeditions year-round.

Open Enrollment Courses: Outward Bound has scheduled expeditions where individual war veterans sign up for the course of their choosing, attend on an individual basis, and meet other war veterans from around the nation. Each course will have 8 to 12 participants. See schedule below for 2008 courses; 2009 and 2010 courses will be announced soon.

Custom Courses: We will schedule customized expeditions upon request for groups of war veterans; these customized expeditions can be tailored to specific needs. These courses are for organizationally established groups of veterans along with their counselor or therapist (mental health worker, outreach specialist). In order to run a custom course with Outward Bound, a minimum of 9 participants is needed. These courses can be scheduled at any time of year and at nearly any location where Outward Bound operates. The course activities can be customized to a variety of ability levels.

Cost: Free-of-charge. All costs, including round-trip travel between home and expedition location; lodging en route; and food, lodging, equipment, and instruction while on the course, are fully paid by the Military Family Outdoor Initiative Project.

Application Details for Individual Veterans Applying for Open Enrollment Courses: All interested candidates will be asked to complete an Application Form and then an Enrollment Packet will be sent to you upon completion and return of the Application. Contact our Veterans Program Course Advisor, Doug Hayward, at [email protected], or call 866-669-2362 ext. 8387, for more information and to get an Application forwarded to you.

Application Details for Custom Group Courses: If you are a counselor or therapist who wants to schedule a Custom Course, please contact our Veterans Program Course Advisor, Doug Hayward, at [email protected], or call 866-669-2362 ext. 8387. He will refer you to the account executive who services your geographic region.

CURRENT OPEN ENROLLMENT COURSES FOR 2008
OUTWARD BOUND OEF/OIF WAR VETERANS EXPEDITIONS

Leadville, Colorado: Backpacking and rock climbing in the Colorado Rockies
September 3-7, 2008
October 4-8, 2008

Newry, Maine: Backpacking and canoeing
October 7-11, 2008
October 19-23, 2008

Big Bend, Texas: Back packing and cayoneering
November 2-6, 2008
November 15-19, 2008

Joshua Tree National Monument, California: Backpacking and rock climbing
December 3-7, 2008
December 14-18, 2008

Ely, Minnesota: Dog sledding
February 3-7, 2009

About Outward Bound: Founded on the vision of renowned youth educator, Kurt Hahn, in 1941, Outward Bound has expanded into a nation-wide network of hands-on experiential learning courses for both young and old. Today the organization serves 70,000 students and teachers annually in the U.S. and has over 500,000 alumni from its wilderness adventure programs. For more information visit www.outwardbound.org.
Source : http://www.outwardboundwilderness.org/veterans.html ”

Copyright 2008 MsMarti. All rights reserved.

28 JUN 2008 War In Iraq Daily News

Feature Stories

Infantry Soldiers Share Bond With Iraqi Brothers in Arms

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY — Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers and Iraqi National Policemen share the stresses and successes of providing security and stability in Iraq as they work side-by-side every day to protect the people of Baghdad. Soldiers assigned to Company D, 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, work with the policemen in a number of capacities.

 

Largest Public Works Substation Opens in Baghdad

BAGHDAD — Iraqi Security Forces, civic leaders, local townspeople and Coalition forces gathered in the Ameriyah community in Baghdad's Mansour district June 25 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to acknowledge the opening of the biggest public works substation in the Iraqi capital. Public works substations provide essential services to local communities, such as trash pickup, street cleaning and other services necessary for proper community maintenance.

 

Operation Restore Peace Continues to Reconcile Former Fighters

HAWIJAH — The Government of Iraq and Coalition forces continue to reconcile former fighters as the Operation Restore Peace program in the Hawijah District of the Kirkuk province held its seventh meeting recently. “The Government of Iraq is giving you an opportunity to reconcile. Take it,” Lt. Col. Christopher Vanek, 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division said to those attending. “If you aren’t here to reconcile – I’ll see you again, on the battlefield.”

 

Friday, 27 June 2008	DoD Identifies Marine Casualties (Al Anbar province)
Friday, 27 June 2008	IA, MND-B Soldiers seize munitions in Baghdad
Friday, 27 June 2008	MND-B Soldiers detain 7 suspected criminals, discover 2 munitions caches

Friday, 27 June 2008	DoD Identifies Army Casualties (Mosul)
Friday, 27 June 2008	DoD Identifies Army Casualty (Baghdad)
Friday, 27 June 2008	DoD Identifies Army Casualty (Baghdad)

Friday, 27 June 2008	Al-Qaeda in Iraq networks suffer losses
Friday, 27 June 2008	MND-B Soldiers detain known Special Groups criminal in Rashid
Friday, 27 June 2008	Iraqi Army finds weapons cache near Al Latif

Friday, 27 June 2008	IA, MND-B Soldiers seize munitions north, west of Baghdad
Friday, 27 June 2008	Mahawil Emergency Response Unit detain 5 during air assault

Marine Parents.com

Marine Parents.com is a 501(c)(3) public charity that is all about supporting the families of Marines and providing education and a place to connect up with other parents and stay informed. Their website has a place where you can stay in touch with people around the world, across the country or in your own town.

They stress support for the Marine Corps as well as community awareness programs offering support for Marines and the Marine Corps. They offer support for the Wounded In Action (WIA) with a list of Marines that you can send a support letter to, and it will be forwarded on to that Marine in the hospital or wherever they might be at the time.

Are you a new parent or wife of a Marine? Perhaps you are confused about bootcamp and what comes next. There are categories to find out about Combat Recovery, Travel, Deployment and Homecoming, Online Store, Chat and Message Boards for staying contact or making contact, Purple Heart Family Support, Gold Star Family Support and much, much more!! There appears to be something for everyone who is or is involved with the Marine Corps. Straight from bootcamp all the way thru to what happens beyond life in the Corps.

I suggest you take your time and look over the site. There is more material there than I can adequately cover here!

Copyright 2008 MsMarti. All rights reserved.

The Muppets are coming soon to a base near you!

SESAME STREET PARTNERS WITH THE USO BRINGING
THE MUPPETS TO MILITARY FAMILIES
ACROSS THE COUNTRY

Washington, D.C. June 26, 2008 – Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization behind Sesame Street, and the USO (United Service Organizations) today announced The Sesame Street Experience for Military Families: a free traveling tour to military installations across the country. The tour, produced by VEE Corporation, is part of Sesame Workshop’s Talk, Listen, Connect initiative, a military outreach program which launched in 2006. The initiative provides support and offers significant resources for military families with young children experiencing the effects of deployment, multiple deployments or when a parent returns home changed due to a combat related injury. Military families who attend the experience will see a live character performance and receive giveaways and outreach materials from Talk, Listen, Connect and other partners. The tour officially kicks off on July 8 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center 29 Palms in California and will visit 43 installations across the country. The announcement was made by Gary E. Knell, President and CEO of Sesame Workshop, Edward A. Powell, President and CEO of USO World Headquarters, Leslye A. Arsht, Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy and Sesame Street’s Elmo, Rosita and Grover at the Reserve Officers Association (RSO). For up-to-date tour information and schedule, please visit www.sesamestreet.org/tlc.

“The Sesame Street Experience for Military Families brings the Talk, Listen, Connect DVD and materials to life, and directly to the families who face the challenges of military life each day,” said Gary E. Knell, President and CEO, Sesame Workshop. “Our partnership with the USO further extends this initiative, visiting installations across the nation, to help these families bond through emotionally difficult times, by providing an educational and entertaining show and other outreach activities they can share.”

“This is a terrific, ground-breaking new program for military families,” said Edward A. Powell, President and CEO of USO World Headquarters. “Our partnership with Sesame Workshop on Talk, Listen, Connect has been a great success and The Sesame Street Experience is a creative new way to deliver even more morale-boosting services and programs to our troops and their families.”

TOUR SCHEDULE:
Base City, State Date(s)
MCAGCC 29 Palms Twentynine Palms, CA Jul 8
Davis-Monthan AFB Tucson, AZ Jul 10
MCB Camp Pendleton Oceanside, CA Jul 13
MCAS Miramar San Diego, CA Jul 14-15
NS San Diego San Diego, CA Jul 18
NB Ventura County Ventura, CA Jul 19
Beale AFB Yuba City, CA Jul 22
McChord AFB Tacoma, WA Jul 24-25
NAS Whidbey Island Oak Harbor ,WA July 26
NB Kitsap Oak Harbor, WA July 27
Mountain Home AFB Mountain Home, ID July 30
Hill AFB Ogden, UT Aug 1
Ft Carson Colorado Springs, CO Aug 3-4
Ft Bliss El Paso, TX Aug 7-8
Ft Sam Houston San Antonio, TX Aug 10-11
Ft Hood Killeen, TX Aug 13-14
Ft Sill Lawton, OK Aug 16-17
Ft Riley Junction City, KS Aug 20-21
Offutt AFB Bellevue, NE Aug 23-24
Ft Leonard Wood Fort Leonard Wood, MO Aug 27-28
Ft Campbell Oak Grove, KY Aug 30-31
Keesler AFB Biloxi, MS Sept 3-4
NAS Whiting Field Milton, FL Sept 6-7
NAS Pensacola Pensacola, FL Sept 9
Hurlburt Field & Eglin AFB Fort Walton Beach, FL Sep 10-11
MacDill AFB Tampa, FL Sep 13
NS Mayport Jacksonville, FL Sep 17-18
NAS Jacksonville Jacksonville, FL Sep 19-20
Charleston AFB Charleston, SC Sep 25
MCB Camp Lejeune Jacksonville, NC Sep 27
Ft Bragg Fayetteville, NC Oct 1-2
NS Norfolk Norfolk, VA Oct 4
NAS Oceana Norfolk, VA Oct 5
Ft Eustis Beechmont, VA Oct 7
Ft Stewart Hinesville, GA Oct 10-11
Ft Belvoir Alexandria, VA Oct 14-15
Andrews AFB Camp Springs, MD Oct 16-17
Ft Dix Fort Dix, NJ Oct 18
Wright-Patterson AFB Dayton, OH Oct 23-24
Pittsburgh JARS Pittsburgh, PA Oct 26
Ft Drum Watertown, NY Oct 28-29
Camp Ripley Little Falls, MN Nov 2

Tour dates subject to change. Please visit www.sesamestreet.org/tlc for the most up-to-date tour information.

Outreach materials for The Sesame Street Experience for Military Families are being provided by: Sesame Workshop, the USO, Military OneSource, TriWest Healthcare Alliance, Military Child Education Coalition and the National Military Family Association. Additionally, Worlds of Discovery (SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Sesame Place) and Beaches Luxury Included® Family Resorts will be offering special discounts for promotional rates for military families.

Talk, Listen, Connect: Deployments, Homecomings, Changes, is a bilingual (English/Spanish) multimedia outreach kit that features the Muppets from Sesame Street and consists of DVDs and print materials for children, parents and caregivers; and American Greetings postcards for families to stay connected. Sesame Workshop has produced and is distributing 500,000 kits at no cost to individual families, schools, child care programs, family support programs, hospitals, rehabilitation centers and other organizations serving the needs of military families. The kits are being distributed with the help of Military OneSource, the New York State Office of Mental Health (NYSOMH), the USO, the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) and other partners. Special emphasis of distribution is on reaching families of the National Guard and Reserves. The kit materials are available online at www.sesamestreet.org/tlc, where streaming video is being provided by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy, allowing families everywhere to view the videos and download the information.

About Sesame Workshop:
Sesame Workshop is the nonprofit educational organization that changed television forever with the legendary Sesame Street. As a nonprofit, product proceeds and philanthropic donations support Sesame Workshop’s educational research and creative content for children around the world. Learn more at www.sesameworkshop.org.

About the USO
The USO (United Service Organizations) provides morale, welfare and recreational services to U.S. military personnel and their families. For more information, please visit our Web site at www.uso.org.

###

Contacts:
Pam Hacker
Sesame Workshop
212.875.6225
[email protected]

Karen Hart
Sesame Workshop
202-492-6492
[email protected]

Copyright 2008 MsMarti. All rights reserved.

America Supports You: ‘Angels’ Deliver Music to Wounded Troops

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, June 25, 2008 – Some troops recovering from injuries at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio and their families will receive the gift of music July 5, when they are presented with Gibson guitars.
“Soldiers’ Angels,” a group that supports troops in various ways such sending as care packages, has partnered with the famous guitar manufacturer to provide guitars for wounded musicians, said Jeff Bader, husband of the organization’s founder, Patti Patton-Bader.

“We will be presenting a minimum of 20 donated guitars to wounded, guitar-playing soldiers, and one to each of the seven local Fisher Houses for anyone to play,” he said.

Fisher Houses, run by the Fisher House Foundation, provide free or low-cost lodging to veterans and military families receiving treatment at military medical centers.

Both Soldiers' Angels the the Fisher House Foundation are supporters of America Supports You, a Defense Department program that connects citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.

Bader said the group hopes to also present guitars to wounded troops at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., and at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here at some later point.

Bader, a musician, said the guitars can bring more than the joy of music.

“Being a guitar player makes this new program and the gifts to our soldiers something very special,” he said. “Music truly has a healing power, and guitar-playing soldiers who have suffered from traumatic brain injury have improved their short-term memory capabilities by remembering songs they used to play.”

He recalled a conversation with a military wife whose husband had suffered just such an injury, which caused severe short-term memory loss.

“The guitar I gave him helped him, because he remembered an entire song, and that gave him the confidence that he could get better,” he said.

Soldiers’ Angels and Fisher House volunteers, as well as representatives and instructors from Gibson, will attend the July 5 event at Brooke Army Medical Center, which will culminate in a barbecue for about 1,200 wounded servicemembers and their families at the Fisher Houses’ “quad” area.

“The band Angels and Airwaves has donated [its] time to play an acoustic show for everyone,” Bader said. “We will additionally have games, coloring books, prizes, clowns and balloon sculptures [and other activities] for the kids.

“Afterward, we are transporting any soldiers and their family members who would like to attend the Vans Warped Tour at the Verizon Center in San Antonio,” he added. The Warped Tour, sponsored by BMX and skateboard shoe manufacturer Vans, is a music and extreme sports festival.

Servicemembers and their families arriving from the BAMC event will be admitted at no charge and will watch the show from a specially built viewing area near the stage, Bader said.

Source

Marines NEEDED YOUR HELP. Lima 3/6

One Month after the Call for Support went out, the Marines of Lima 3/6 are being bombarded with Support (Military Mail is slow).  They have officially expressed their gratitude for YOUR Support in a Press Release: http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2008/07/l36-marines-exp.html

While they are attempting to send Individual letters of gratitude, they recognize that they will likely miss some that responded in their time of need.  Thank You.  They are making good use of all Support.  That which exceeds what the can use themselves, they are handing over to their fellow Marines.

Mission Accomplished!  The Marines of 2nd Marine Division, Lima 3/6 have been re-supplied due to the efforts of MANY members of the Online Support Community.  Please read on, with that in mind.

MAJ Gilmore is a confirmed member of the USMC, and he has requested  we cease the Fire Relief Effort at this time. As you'll see, the support these Marines has received has been "overwhelming."  The Marine Press Release about the event is reposted here: http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2008/07/fire-support.html

I would liketo say the sincerest "Thank you" to all that have contributed: This is a partial list:

http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2008/07/thank-you-those.html

Where did the financial contributions go:

http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2008/07/force-multiplie.html

But before we declare a total victory, please remember that there are still many needs for our veterans, as well as current servicemen and women, that have not been met. If anyone who wanted to contribute to the Fire Relief Effort missed the chance, rest assured you can still provide critically needed support to other military causes and organizations. If you are holding on to the generous thoughts of support as requested in a prior update, please consider donating to one of the other projects mentioned below:

The Semper Fi Fund, which supports injured Marines and their families.  Although the Major from the fire-effected Marine group below cannot make specific recommendations, I'm sure he'd appreciate other support for his fellow Marines. More info about this fund can be found on the page "Overcoming Adversity." http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/overcoming-adversity-msgt.html

Additionally the Fisher House is a very worthy cause building houses near VA hospitals to provide free housing to family members of troops who have been hospitalized due to injuries or surgery. They also house veterans who hae to drive long distances to seek medical attention. They desperately need funds to continue to build more of these homes. For more info, please go to http://www.fisherhouse.org/. (My pet project is the Middle Tennesse Fisher House Project - Murfreesboro).

Soldiers' Angels have helped tremendously in this effort and many others, so I have to issue a special "thank you" to them. This organization sends care packages and letters of support to troops in the field. Please see http://soldiersangels.org/ if you'd like to help.

The USO has been helping the Military for decades, and they do alot more than just send celebrities to entertain the troops. If you'd like to see what other types of support they provide and get involved, please go to http://www.uso.org/.

The Wounded Warriors Project fills a hole the military cannot. They support wounded troops in all branches of the military with rehailitation and other critical needs while they are hospitalized and after. You can read about the great work they are doing at https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/content/blogcategory/101/988/.

This list is by no means all inclusive. For more ideas of how to help Support Our Troops, see the list in the Letter of Gratitude for all that helped in this endeavor, as well as the link on this site to Support Our Troops - Actively: http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/support_our_troops_actively/index.html.

And don't forget these fine organizations:

www.anysoldier.com/WhereToSend

marines.togetherweserved.com/usmc

anymarine.com/WhereToSend

soldiersangelsforum.com/index.php

http://www.christianmilitarywives.com

http://lubbockmarineparents.blogspot.com

More to come soon!  If by chance we find out that the Marines who lost possessions in the fire have not had all needs fulfilled, I will update that information on here.  Response to those may determine whether we can transfer to the new article or that we must continue to update this one.

Specific Needs (Most recent and to be updated): (Last List Update: 30 JUN 2008) (+ 0930 01 July 2008 Thank you link added at the bottom)

Pillows

Running Shoes (Sizes 9-12) with the most common size being 10 1/2

High End Value Losses that cannot be replaced by the Military:

Ipods

Laptops

Flashdrives

Cameras

Memory Cards

Flash Drives

Diversion Activities including reading material (there is generally an abundance of romance novels gathering dust and a shortage of manly books, including those listed to the right side of this page).

If you can send an IPod preloaded with music, that is even better!

IF You are a member of a group that can accumulate cash to buy the above as a group, these items are likely to NOT have been addressed.

Needs Not addressed:

Shower Shoes (aka flip-flops)

Zip Lock Bags

Fulfilled NEEDS as per pledges:

Toothbrushes

Toothpaste

Soap

Shampoo

Washclothes

Combs/Brushes

Bandaids

Probably Fulfilled Needs (but not pledged):

Socks

Wetwipes

Basic Toiletries

Chapstick

Sun Block

Additionally, I have received $345.00 in donations through the button on the upper right of this page.  These aren't tax deductible.  They will all be applied to this effort as I must presume that was the cause for the donations.  I still have to figure out the methods of paypal as I hadn't addressed that previously.  These funds will be applied to the best use of this effort that is least applied that I can find.  The FSG cannot accept the cash as later explained.

I promised an updated list by 11:59Pm tonight (29Jun2008) and cannot yet deliver.  Please be patient, as the Marines that will make this list are very busy with the recovery from the Fire.

Many Organizations & Individuals have come together in this effort and I would like to thank each of you who has already sent relief to these Marines in their time of adversity.  To those of you who still want to help but who have not yet given money, sent a package, or made a pledge, I ask that you exhibit both patience and perserverance in this matter.  Yes, we want to get them the help they need NOW, but we still have to figure out what they need and what is already on the way.  We need to slow our roll enough to realize that we have probably solved the toothbrush issue but are a long way from the IPods and Laptops lost. I will update this list as often as I receive new information about the needs still remaining. Please check back on this site often for such updates.

Additionally, there is the issue of cash donations.  For regulatory reasons, the Family Support Group cannot accept cash, including the monies already donated here.  I am NOT a non-profit, so I can accept cash. Yet I need to reiterate that cash donations made here are NOT tax deductible.  I pledge to convert all cash donated (currently $295) to this effort to purchase those items not covered in pledges and received needs once we have a firm grip on what IS en route.  This is NOT a plea for donations. Yet for those of you who still wish to donate money, you can do that here, assured that it will be used to help these Marines.

Just to be clear, the $295 does not include purchases from the advertisers on this site, as that has already been pledged (100%+) to the Semper Fi Fund, as stated on the page "Overcoming Adversity." http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/overcoming-adversity-msgt.html  Anyone interested in the Semper Fi Fund can find more information on that page.  However, ALL donations made through the "Donations Appreciated" link in the top right hand corner of this page will be used for the Marines affected by the fire.

So to all of those who still want to help: Hold that generous thought. Let's make sure we are getting the right things to those that need them, but let's pause for just a moment so we can take stock of all the items already en route.  We'll have a new list of needs for you soon.

Just got off the phone with a friend who's son is in this unit.  The letter is from a member of the support group for these Marines. The letter and pictures speak for themselves. Please my friends, anything you can do would be great. Please, repost this anywhere you can. Get the word out. Let's help these Jarheads out.

Post from 3/6 Support Group:

Ok Dear Family and Friends,

Hope this finds everyone doing good. I am writing to you all on behave of Lima company. They had a fire yesterday and it burned the whole camp down they lost everything they owned. Ryan has emailed me asking me to contact everyone to get you guys to help out.

They really need ASAP: socks, pt short, green t-shirts (military) disposable razors,. Most of these Marines only have now the cloths on their backs. I reallyl need to get the basics sent now, they are working on their personal stuff which was lost. Computers, IPODS, pictures etc. Ryan was very fortunate not to lose a thing. Half of Ryan's platoon lost everything.

These are the counts so far, but clean up is still underway. A total of 50 Marines lost everything and about 30 Marines lost half of their stuff. These men need us more now then ever. If you could please help. I can't do this alone. He did say that half these guys have no family support. He couldn't give me names said to send it all to him and he will get them out. Please if you can help please do. The pt shorts and green tshirts can be bought at Camp Lejeune PX military shop so if you would to help with those, you can send me the money and I will buy them and ship them. the shorts cost 10.00 a pair and a pack of 3 t-shirts are 12.00 not cheap i know, but anything can and will help. thank you so much
for this...

Coordinating Efforts to direct to the needs of the Unit to follow.  Please pledge type of items to be sent for this purpose, either in comments or by email.

I am currently in contact with the Family Support Group and their designated POC for this effort.

Intermediate email [email protected] for more information as it becomes available.

Send Care Packages to:

"Fire Relief Effort"

3rd Battalion, 6th Marines
2MARDIV PSC BOX 20100
Camp Lejeune, NC 28542

It was asked earlier if there was a paypal account available for donations.  To date, the answer was no.  I have just received confirmation that the "Donations Accepted" button is in fact working correctly (Thank you Jan).  Any donations made through that will be transferred to an appropriate method to help out these Marines.  Be advised, that is not a tax-deductible method as I am not a non-profit.  If it can the organization through which these monies are transferred can provide a receipt making it tax deductible, that will be provided to you but I cannot guarantee it.

http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2008/06/marines-need-yo.html

http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/

MarineTillDeath©2007-2008, MTD, all rights reserved.  Advance Permission granted to republish this article in its entirety.  Please get this out far and wide to all that can and will assist these Marines in their time of need as they help secure Our Nation as well as the freedoms and democracy of Iraq.

The following groups have provided support and there will be a formal article thanking all at a later time. This is a partial list:

http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2008/07/thank-you-those.html

http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2008/07/thank-you-those.html

Fisher House at the Alvin C. York Center

Breaking News:  More details to follow on this one as my source fills me in.

It seems that the Veterans of Tennessee are stepping up to the plate on an important project:  A New Fisher House that will help Veterans of All Wars and from across the Nation. 

The Daily News Journal explains how it came to be: Fisher House - Murfreesboro Beginnings

 

 

To give directly to the Fisher House in Middle Tennessee (Murfreesboro), select that option under Program Area here.  While the Mission is what’s important, you can tell them in comments that you found the method to get there on our page!

 

 

More information to come on how this project is progressing.

 

Here's what I know so far:

 

In order to get this project off the ground, $2.1 Million must be donated.

 

The Chairman of the Board to raise this money has done a phenomenal job so far in raising money, particularly since our Corporations have failed to demonstrate support.  My source tells me that nearly all donations so far have come from Individuals and near exclusively Veterans. 

 

Veterans continue to take care of their own because others just won't.

 

Evidently support for this Fisher House was brought up at the VFW State Convention last weekend (19-21 June 2008), endorsed by the State Leadership and there will be a strong push from all posts in the State.  It's less known to me the push within the American Legion Leadership but my source tells me it also exists there.

 

While this effort is being strongly supported by Middle Tennessee VFW and American Legion Posts, this new Fisher House will be of much greater benefit to the Veterans of Alabama, East Tennessee, West Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana and even California.

 

Why would it benefit those further away rather than locally?  Well, it seems that the VA Hospital in Nashville is inside the Vanderbilt Medical Center, for better or worse.  The upside to this is that Our Veterans are often cared for by some of the top Medical Professionals in the Nation and that the Nashville VA Hospital has become THE place for heart patients.  Evidently Our Veterans travel from across the Nation to be treated there and this new Fisher House will be the place that they can stay during that treatment.

 

More details to be posted as they become available but if you can find a way to donate to this cause, please select this Fisher House, the Middle Tennessee Fisher House at the Alvin C York Medical Center to donate.  Again:

 

To give directly to the Fisher House in Middle Tennessee (Murfreesboro), select that option under Program Area here.  While the

Mission

is what’s important, you can tell them in comments that you found the method to get there on our page!

 

 

 

More information to come on how this project is progressing.

 

 http://www.tennesseefisherhouse.org/donate/

Related articles

Fisher House to Expand Travel Program for Families

Fisher House opens at JB Elmendorf

What the VFW Does and How It Benefits Veterans, the Community and the Country

26 JUN 2008 - War In Iraq Daily News

Further Success for Iraqi, UK Basra Security Operation

Thursday, 26 June 2008

BASRA — Operation Charge of the Knights, a joint operation involving UK Soldiers and the Iraqi Army, which aims to restore order and improve security in Basra, is making further progress.

The Iraqi Army continues to demonstrate its commitment to improving the security situation in the city, carrying out a number of vehicle check points in recent days. Inspections were carried out on a number of vehicles which were going in and out of the city.

In addition, numerous house searches were carried out, leading to multiple arrests of suspected militants. 140 rounds of 150mm High Explosive shells were also found in one area of Basra.

Operation Charge of the Knights, which began in March, is now into its 14th phase. The operation has been one of the key drivers in bringing peace and stability to the streets of Basra in recent months. Elements of the Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police Service, with their US and UK Military Transition Teams (MiTTs), can now be seen working in the city.

The MiTTs are working closely with the Iraqi Security Forces and local contractors as pavements are replaced, sewers cleared and rubbish removed from the streets.

In addition elements of the 26th of 7th Division and the 50th, 51st, and 52nd Brigades from the 14th Division Iraqi Army have conducted a number of arms finds and arrests, with teams planning the operations without UK assistance.

"Once again this operation was fully planned and executed by the Iraqi Army," said Maj. Tom Holloway, spokesman for the Multi-National Division - South East. "These operations demonstrate their capability, professionalism and commitment to the residents of Al Basrah Province. It is enormously encouraging to see the progress made by the Iraqi Army in maintaining the security of the city and its residents.

"Iraqi confidence and capabilities are improving by the day with our help," he continued. "The overall feeling here is upbeat and cautiously optimistic. We will continue to push for security of Basra by helping the Iraqi Army."

The 50th, 51st, and 52nd Brigades continue to be mentored by their respective UK MiTT. The MiTTs are embedded with their Iraqi counterparts offering advice and guidance on request. MiTT responsibilities are currently undertaken by the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, 2 Royal Anglian, 9th and 12th Royal Lancers and 4th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland. All are part of 7th Armoured Brigade on Op Telic 12.

Feature Stories

Faux Scenarios, Efficient Techniques to Assist Tal Afar Police

TAL AFAR — In late May, a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated near the palace grounds in Tal Afar in Northern Iraq. A handful of local civilians died and scores more were injured from the blast. Chaos ran rampant over the scene as Iraqi police attempted to cordon the area over the wailing sirens of police cars and fire engines and the screams of mourning relatives.

Signal Soldiers Wire Forward Operating Base

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELTA — "Running cable isn't that interesting unless you stop and play with the puppy," said Army Spc. Jennifer Dimitroff, a Lancaster, Calif., native assigned to Company B, 44th Expeditionary Signal Battalion here. The puppy Dimitroff mentioned was adopted by contractors living near one of the many manholes Company B's soldiers are working to refurbish.

Attacks in Iraq Down 80 Percent Since June 2007, General Says

WASHINGTON — The number of weekly attacks in Iraq has dropped from about 1,200 a week in June 2007 to about 200 a week now, the commander of the tactical unit responsible for command and control of operations in Iraq said June 23. Mirroring this reduction in violence has been a 70 percent decrease in roadside-bomb attacks and an 85 percent spike in the number of weapons caches Coalition forces have found over the past year, Army Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, commander of Multi-National Corps - Iraq, told reporters via satellite from Baghdad at a Pentagon news conference.

Interactive Iraq :: Press Briefings
Operational Update: Maj. Gen. Askari, June 25 Maj. Gen. Mohammed al-Askari, Spokesman for the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, provides an Operational Update.

Interactive Iraq :: Pentagon Press Briefings
DoD News Briefing: Lt. Gen. Lloyd Austin, June 23 DoD News Briefing with Lt. Gen. Lloyd Austin III, commander, Multi-National Corps – Iraq.

Interactive Iraq :: Video News
Iraqi Freedom Minute, June 24  • This edition features the primary Iraqi Nursing Course, which trains Iraqis to be able to provide medical care.

.
Freedom Journal Iraq, June 24  • This edition features the Iraqi Air Force adding rockets to its arsenal, Iraq's plans to curtail celebratory gunfire and the progress of Iraq 's National Police. Wednesday, 25 June 2008 DoD Identifies Army Casualty (Baghdad) Wednesday, 25 June 2008 MND-B Soldier attacked by EFP (Baghdad) Wednesday, 25 June 2008 Coalition forces kill al-Qaeda terrorist (Tikrit)

A Time to Sow

Wednesday, 25 June 2008	Coalition forces target al-Qaeda in Iraq bombing, financing and propaganda networks
Wednesday, 25 June 2008	INPs, MND-B Soldiers seize 2 caches in New Baghdad
Wednesday, 25 June 2008	Qudas electricity means life to Iraqis

Part of the Family

Wednesday, 25 June 2008	MND-B Soldiers wound four criminals, detain 2, NPs find weapons (FOB Falcon)
Wednesday, 25 June 2008	MND-B Soldiers kill 3 criminals following attack on convoy
Wednesday, 25 June 2008	VIDEO AVAILABLE: HMLA 367 Close Air Support (Baghdad)
Wednesday, 25 June 2008	110th Navy Corpsman Birthday

Just Like Mine

Wednesday, 25 June 2008	2 militants injure selves in rocket attack (Baghdad)
Wednesday, 25 June 2008	Bombing cells disrupted in Mosul, Taji
Wednesday, 25 June 2008	MND-B Soldiers kill four criminals, detain 2, NPs find weapons (Baghdad, Rashid District)
Wednesday, 25 June 2008	ISF capture five suspected Special Groups criminals in separate operations

Flying High Again

Wednesday, 25 June 2008	Iraqi Special Operations Forces capture suspected Special Groups criminal (Baghdad)
Wednesday, 25 June 2008	‘Nightmares’ help capture IED emplacers (Tikrit)
Wednesday, 25 June 2008	MND-N Soldiers attacked by IED (Ninewah Province)

Prayer Angels for the Military

When you hear of Prayer Angels for the Military you should think of not only prayers but handmade cards, letters from home and more! What started out in 2003 as a way to support their own deployed children and spouses has grown into a full fledged 501(c)3 non-profit charity organization. Starting with a handful of women, in less than 2 years they quickly grew to a group of 25.

Word quickly came back home to them, that more needed their prayers, care packages and letters from home. This is a small group of women, men, sisters, family, neighbors and friends. They meet twice a month for prayers, card making, letter writing, planning and scheduling their next care package get together, homecomings, concerns of the troops and more.

Each package contains a laminated Psalm 91/Prayer of Protection card. They send snacks, soups, socks, foot powder, and more to our deployed soldiers. To the hospitals such as Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. and Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany they send lounge pants, sweatshorts, sweatpants, flip flops, t-shirts, blanket throws and more.

They send letters from Girl Scout Troops, church groups, Boy Scout Troops and neighbors to our men and women overseas AND to the hospitals where our wounded are recuperating. There is nothing better than getting mail from a stranger, and to find they are supporting you, wherever you might be!

Prayer Angels for the Military will gladly send a care package out in your name to one of the military members on their mailing list. Although they don’t guarantee an answer back from the recipient, you should know it will be greatly appreciated! You can also choose to send letters, goodies and articles of food or clothing found on their Donation List. If you are deployed and would like to register yourself, your group or you would like to register someone else, place go here to do so.

Copyright 2008 MsMarti. All rights reserved.

Operation GRIM - Update

It seems that Lindsay has made it to made it to the pages of Maxim.  Somehow I seem to have missed that, but she's now up for "Hometown Hottie" and needs your support.

Please throw your support behind Lindsay and vote every day this week!

I hope MsMarti can forgive me for my efforts to help this Air Force Veteran in her bid to attain National Acclaim:

Maximize Close [x] Ranger Up Girl Lindsay is running for Maxim Hometown Hottie!!! I want to thank everyone that voted for Lindsay - SHE MADE IT TO THE FINAL ROUND!!! PLEASE VOTE EVERY DAY UNTIL JUNE 30th!!! Click Here to Vote For Linday!!! From a list of literally thousands of wannabes, Lindsay is now in the top ten to become Maxim's Hometown Hottie. You have to vote again for her just one more time!!! If being unbelievably hot, extremely sweet and sharp isn't enough, Lindsay also owns an arsenal of assault weapons! What else do you need people?! As a thank you for your vote, Lindsay has sent you some of the pics that never made it to Maxim. We have one comment: Air Force chicks are hot. The picture annotated with Maxim's website is the copyright of Maxim Magazine and is on our site only for the purposes of promoting Maxim's Hometown Hotties!

25 JUN 2008 - War In Iraq Daily News

Iraqi Police Lead the Way in Fallujah’s Khadairy District

Tuesday, 24 June 2008

By Cpl. Chris Lyttle USF-W

Company K, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines assist Iraqi Police in searching a house in a rural area of Fallujah, June 17. The company recently detached from a joint service station in the Khadairy district to make way for the transition of security to Iraqi Police. Coalition forces continue to provide an overwatch role for Iraqi missions. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Chris Lyttle.

FALLUJAH — The Joint Security Station (JSS) in the Khadairy District of Fallujah is now home solely to Iraqi Police, as Company K, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, detached from the station in a step toward transitioning security to IPs.

IPs will continue their daily tasks here on their own as part of the transition of security from Coalition forces.

“We really didn’t ‘de-militarize’ it, we more or less unpartnered,” said 1st Lt. Cory Colistra, platoon commander, 3rd Platoon. “We left the station intact. It’s an IP station now instead of a joint security station. We continue to work with them every day. The mission is to transition provincial Iraqi control, and this is a physical example of us being one step closer to mission accomplishment. The idea is that the Iraqis are taking over and we’re there as a backstop to support their operations. Doing that allows the IPs to directly provide security and stability while the Marines indirectly influence that end state.”

The purpose of JSS Khadairy, which was in operation for more than a year, was for Coalition forces to transition security to Iraqi Police-led counterinsurgency operations while maintaining the security of the precinct. As the IPs have stepped up to conduct missions on their own, Colistra said the only change to daily tasks are the Marines’ responsibilities.

“The mission and operations don’t change, but our method has transitioned to more of a support role,” Colistra said. “The Marines will advise the IPs on certain tactical issues, but it is the IPs who are running their own show. We will be in that overwatch position and step up when needed. This builds confidence for both the [Iraqi Security Forces] and the local nationals, and that’s all they need. We’re slowly taking a step back, allowing the ISF to step up and they’re gaining control of their city one day at a time.”

Accomplishments at the JSS came through partnered operations that built the IPs’ skill capacity. The IPs learned to properly guard their compound, patrol the streets and perform operations in their district, resulting in decreased insurgent activity. In turn, IPs positively influenced their local population.

Colistra described how this transition is similar to how a Marine unit relinquishes command to another unit.

“I would compare it to turning my battle position over to another Marine platoon, but (in this case) we’re turning it over to the IPs,” Colistra said. “They are in control of their precinct – it is their [area of operations]. Now if we want to go into their AO, we will conduct cross-boundary coordination with them. It is as if we were to go into an adjacent platoon’s AO. We would coordinate with them, let them know where we’re going and see if they can support us in any way. So I would do basically the same thing with the IPs, except our role is to support them.”

The IPs must work in their district without the constant presence of their Marine counterparts and be ready to operate on their own.

Colistra said there is no better time than now. With the local government’s support, IPs are building on their successes and Marines’ assistance is needed less with time.

“The IPs at Khadairy are very capable,” Colistra said. “With their government’s support and the Marines as a backstop, they will have all the tools needed to be successful in taking control of their city. Once they become confident that they can do the job successfully and maintain security on their own, it’ll be the kick start for complete control.”

Interactive Iraq :: Video News
Iraqi Freedom Minute, June 24 • This edition features the primary Iraqi Nursing Course, which trains Iraqis to be able to provide medical care. Watch Now

.
Freedom Journal Iraq, June 24 • This edition features the Iraqi Air Force adding rockets to its arsenal, Iraq's plans to curtail celebratory gunfire and the progress of Iraq 's National Police. Watch Now

Feature Stories

Faux Scenarios, Efficient Techniques to Assist Tal Afar Police

TAL AFAR — In late May, a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated near the palace grounds in Tal Afar in Northern Iraq. A handful of local civilians died and scores more were injured from the blast. Chaos ran rampant over the scene as Iraqi police attempted to cordon the area over the wailing sirens of police cars and fire engines and the screams of mourning relatives.

Signal Soldiers Wire Forward Operating Base

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELTA — "Running cable isn't that interesting unless you stop and play with the puppy," said Army Spc. Jennifer Dimitroff, a Lancaster, Calif., native assigned to Company B, 44th Expeditionary Signal Battalion here. The puppy Dimitroff mentioned was adopted by contractors living near one of the many manholes Company B's soldiers are working to refurbish.

Attacks in Iraq Down 80 Percent Since June 2007, General Says

WASHINGTON — The number of weekly attacks in Iraq has dropped from about 1,200 a week in June 2007 to about 200 a week now, the commander of the tactical unit responsible for command and control of operations in Iraq said June 23. Mirroring this reduction in violence has been a 70 percent decrease in roadside-bomb attacks and an 85 percent spike in the number of weapons caches Coalition forces have found over the past year, Army Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, commander of Multi-National Corps - Iraq, told reporters via satellite from Baghdad at a Pentagon news conference.

 

Watchful Eyes

Tuesday, 24 June 2008	90 civilians wounded in Mosul blast
Tuesday, 24 June 2008	MND-B Soldiers detain suspected criminal (Rashid)

A Little Conversation

Tuesday, 24 June 2008	DoD Identifies Army Casualty (Baqubah)
Tuesday, 24 June 2008	Iraq Army detains 44, seizes cache (Hillah)

Rashid Security

Tuesday, 24 June 2008	IA, INP, MND-B Soldiers seize munitions in Baghdad
Tuesday, 24 June 2008	Al-Qaeda leader killed in Mosul
Tuesday, 24 June 2008	Two Soldiers, 2 civilians killed in Sadr City explosion

Easy Riders

Angels of Mercy

Angels of Mercy was founded in 2003. Marian Chirichella and Jay Edwards became American Red Cross volunteers in support of the Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) wounded who were at Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC).

When they arrived at WRAMC, they realized that there was a great deal of excellent medical care going on, but very little support available. After realizing what was needed, Marian and Jay drew upon their years of professional project management experience, and approached the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 270 in McLean, Virginia.

The Angels of Mercy program quickly took off and today they are to be found at not only WRAMC, but also overseas at Combat Support Hospitals (CSH) in Iraq and Afghanistan, Forward Operating Bases (FOB) such as Q-West, Camp Korean Village, the R&R facility in Qatar, as well as many Fisher Houses across the United States.

Just exactly what type of support will you find Angels of Mercy providing? They provide clothing and comfort items to WRAMC, CSH’s and FOB’s, overseas. They even have interacted with the families of the wounded at the Walter Reed Fisher House by cooking meals for them, and doing the grocery shopping that was needed. From the smallest need and details to the largest, they provide support for the wounded and their families.

They now sponsor events such as holiday gift giving, Super Bowl parties, baby showers, gift wrapping parties to provide holiday gifts for the wounded and their families, and many more events. Special off-campus trips are set up and they provide escorts for those.

For more information on Angels of Mercy, check out their website for photos of events they have supported.

Copyright 2008 MsMarti. All rights reserved.

Americafest 2008 July 4th Celebration

For the past 82 years, ever since 1926, the Rose Bowl in Pasadena has been celebrating our nation’s independence on July 4th in a big way. As has become a tradition in this country, there are fireworks, families gathered together to picnic, play games, enjoying their freedoms.

This year there will be fireworks, food, precision music and field shows, with 5 of the countries best Drum and Bugle Corps to be performing! At the Americafest Family Fun Zone, the grounds open mid-afternoon where families will find barbeque, treats, drinks, exhibits, inflatable rides for the kids and more.

General admission rates are $13 for adults, and children age 7 and under are admitted free. Parking is $15 per car. Members of our military and their families are treated to a special discount.

“As our community comes together to celebrate the American Spirit of Freedom the Rose Bowl will honor all the men and women who have served and are actively serving in the Armed Forces, at home and around the world. Local members of the active military and their families will be admitted free by showing their current military identification at the Rose Bowl box office the day of the event.” http://www.rosebowlstadium.com/RoseBowl_Americafest.htm

Not only is Americafest 2008 serving up a great Fourth of July celebration, they are honoring our military and their families. For more information and specific details on the days events, check out their website. For more information by phone (626) 577-3101.

Copyright 2008 MsMarti. All rights reserved.

24 JUN 2008 War In Iraq Daily News

Tearing Down Old Barriers, Building New Relationships for Future

Monday, 23 June 2008

BAGHDAD — Time had little effect on the strands of razor-sharp concertina wire that spanned hundreds of meters and split Ali’s farmland except to dull its original purpose - security. Located on the outer wall of Camp Slayer on the Victory Base Complex in Baghdad, the fence was originally constructed sometime during the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom more than five years ago. But until early June, it served no purpose but to divide.

In the small community of Radwaniyah, west of Baghdad International airport, an Iraqi farmer simply wanted to be able to access his fields without the seemingly unnecessary long walk-a-rounds resulting from the wire. He had wanted to take the fence down himself; however, he was afraid the coalition forces overlooking his farm from the towers might shoot him.

“I happy to do work taking poles out of ground, but don’t want someone to shoot me because I was stealing,” said Ali, who speaks relatively good English. “I talked to captain (Cesaro) when he drove by and I asked him if I could move it. I thank him very much. Good man.”

Although a handshake was enough to seal the deal for the young Army captain, he provided Ali with a business card explaining he had permission to take the fence down and Coalition forces would assist in the effort. Ali now proudly keeps the card in his wallet and proudly boasts about the friend he has made in Capt. Vincent Cesaro, 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 101st Airborne Division.

Previously, the wire was designed to keep the Iraqi army out. Yet, in an ironic twist, the division provided by the fence would now serve as an opportunity to bring three forces together again—Iraqi army, coalition forces and Iraqi citizens—which is the focus for the Coalition. Ultimately, the coalition forces strive to turn Iraq to Iraqi control.

“I think it says a lot about the Iraqi Army that they were willing to come out and join us for this mission,” said Cesaro. “Every week we’re looking for opportunity for IA and Coalition forces to work together, and in this case, these guys had just gotten in from patrols at three in the morning, yet, they still came out here.”

With temperatures in Baghdad reaching more than 100 degrees, the Soldiers joined forces with these local farmers and began dismantling the fence. Constructed of 300 plus rolls of concertina wire and six-foot tall metal posts dug deep into the hardened earth, the two-day mission was very challenging at times. Weeds had grown around the wire which oftentimes required the strength of a vehicle to pull it free.

In between work periods, these Soldiers were able to learn more about one another - with the benefit of two interpreters - and, yet again, continuing to build on their relationship.

“Soldiers are Soldiers, and the IA guys are really interested in talking with our guys; building camaraderie, and most important, we’re getting the job done and building a better Iraq,” said Cesaro. “For me, it’s just real neat to see the progress.”

Feature Stories

Iraqi, U.S Soldiers Light Up Neighborhood

BAGHDAD — At first glance it doesn’t look like much: a construction site with a large wooden box strapped to a forklift, a crane, approximately 15 Iraqi Army and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers, and a small pile of equipment.

Iraqi Forces Conduct Operations to Pacify Amarah

BAGHDAD — After successful efforts to restore order in the Sadr City section of Baghdad, as well as Basra and Mosul, Iraqi Security Forces now are focused on conducting anti-insurgent operations in the southeastern city of Amarah, a senior U.S. military officer said June 22. Navy Rear Adm. Patrick Driscoll told reports during a Baghdad news conference that Iraq’s Soldiers and police are doing “their job to make sure the citizens of this country are no longer intimidated by terrorists and extremist militias and their work is being followed by other areas of government.”

Iraqi-Based Industrial Zone Service Center Opens at Balad

BALAD — Joint Base Balad marked the beginning of a new program to spur progress in Iraq in the provinces surrounding the installation. A ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, Adjutant General of the Indiana National Guard, Brig. Gen. Gregory E. Couch, commander of the 316th Expeditionary Sustainment Command and Sheik Shihab Ahmed Saleh Al-Tamimi commemorated the opening of the Iraqi-Based Industrial Zone (I-BIZ) Service Center, Basateen Al-Dejayl General Training and Contracting Company, ltd., at Joint Based Balad. The initiative is being spearheaded by the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Indiana Army National Guard.

Interactive Iraq :: Video News
Iraqi Freedom Minute, June 22 • This edition features a Public Works Station that is providing basic facilities including water and sewage for the Iraqi people. Watch Now

.
Freedom Journal Iraq, June 22 • This edition features an operational update with Maj. Gen. Bergner, Iraqi military readiness, and Coalition forces providing medical training. Watch Now

 

Nice to Meet You

Monday, 23 June 2008

Coalition forces capture four SG criminals, destroy VBIED (Baghdad)

Landing Zone

Monday, 23 June 2008

MND-C Soldiers attacked by small arms fire

Paladin Illumination

Monday, 23 June 2008

Civilian contractor convicted at a court-martial (Baghdad)

Up in Arms

Stamps For The Wounded

I came across the website link, Stamps For The Wounded (SFTW), when cleaning out my favorites list on my computer.

Collecting the stamps off of your own personal mail, asking your neighbors to save the stamps off their mail, perhaps even a church group or scout group, will help thousands upon thousands of our men and women veterans who are in VA hospitals and convalescent centers across America.

How will my sending stamps help them you might ask? Simple, they take the stamps, soak them free of the paper on which they are stuck, and then put them into albums or use them to decorate cards, boxes, etc.

The reason this is so important, is you are helping these men and women to set aside boredom, to get involved in an activity rather than just sitting around day after day.

The Lions Club started this program many, many years ago!

“SFTW, now a service of the Lions International Stamp Club. SFTW is 100% volunteer organization. Founded early in 1942 in response to an appeal from the Armed Services Hospitals, it was extended to nationwide scope in 1944 with the aid of the country's leading stamp societies. Its members are philatelists who voluntarily collect for and distribute to hospitalized servicemen and servicewoman the tools they need to engage in this vital therapy. None of them has ever been paid a single penny for his/her services.” http://35dlions.org/stamps.html

If you do decide to help out with the SFTW, please go to their websites and follow their directions carefully. They do NOT want you to remove the stamps; in fact, they only ask that you follow a few simple basic steps in removing the stamped area from the envelope. They are quite simple.

This is the site I am familiar with. However, if you search online using these words “Stamps For The Wounded+Lions Club”, you will find at least a half-dozen Lions Club sites. You also might look in your phone book for the Lions Club in your town and give them a call.

What a great way to recycle a bit of paper and some stamps, and along with that, you will be contributing to the well-being of veterans across the country. Remember, these are the same men and women who were protecting our country! So let’s help them out.

Copyright 2008 MsMarti. All rights reserved.

National Military Family Association Operation Purple & Operation Purple Healing

The National Military Family Association (NMFA) http://www.nmfa.org/site/PageServer , a charitable organization, has two programs, Operation Purple and Operation Purple Healing designed specifically for the children of our military and for the wounded of our military.

The goals of NMFA are….

“To educate military families concerning their rights, benefits and services available to them and to inform them regarding the issues that affect their lives and...”

“To promote and protect the interests of military families by influencing the development and implementation of legislation and policies affecting them.” http://www.nmfa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=home_aboutnmfa

One of the ways NMFA carries out their goals is to provide two different types of summer camping experiences. Operation Purple is for the children of parents in the military and Operation Purple Healing is for wounded military members and their families.

Operation Purple, is a summer camp program for children of parents who have been, are currently or will be deployed soon. It is a free one week camp. Although most of the slots for this summer have already been filled, you can check here to see what is still available. There are a few camps with extended registration in ID, KY and OR.

In 2008, Operation Purple will send children to camp in 37 different states and territories, for a total of 100 weeks of camp at 62 different locations at no cost to the child’s family. They have been offering these camping opportunities since 2004.

“These free, week-long, overnight camps are open to all military children. The program aims to help military kids experience carefree fun while also learning coping skills to deal with war-related stress and fostering relationships with others who know what they are going through.” http://www.nmfa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=op_default

In order to provide for more children to attend camp for a week, NMFA does not reimburse or pay for travel expenses back and forth between home and the camp.

Operation Purple Healing Adventure Camp has just gotten started here in 2008 as a pilot project based off of Operation Purple. The program is designed to meet the needs of our wounded military and their families in a week long camping experience. The camp offers couples centered, as well as individual activities throughout the week. Some of the recreational activities that the whole family is encouraged to participate in include, but are not limited to swimming, horseback riding and high ropes to name a few. Many of these same activities are offered in the Operation Purple camping experience.

The retreat this year will be held from August 18th – 22nd and I do not know if all the spaces have been filled at this time. For more information regarding who is eligible and how to apply, follow this link. Transportation assistance is available for this program.

When applying online, please be sure to read all the information that is required before hand. They suggest that you write out your essays prior to beginning the application process, so that your information is not lost, if the program times out from inactivity.

For more information on either of the Operation Purple camping programs you may contact them at [email protected].

Copyright 2008 MsMarti. All rights reserved.

PFC Christopher S. Adlesperger, A Quiet, Caring, Religious Hero

Bravery is a Corps Value

On my second trip to combat,

Afghanistan

, I explained to my comrades that their preconceptions of who would excel and who would slack would be turned on its head when the bullets began flying.  Some of the biggest slackers in the rear become the greatest Warriors on the battlefield.  Nice guys often demonstrate great prowess. 

Such was the case with PFC Christopher Adlesperger, a

Albuquerque

,

NM

High School athlete turned Marine.  His family never thought of him as a future Warrior nominated for the Medal of Honor.  They noted his kindness.  They remembered him as kind to animals.  He was religious and loved poetry and art.

But looking back now, with his heroism known, they can see in him a determination to never lose and to never let his friends down.  His Uncle Dennis can put it all together.

He carried an M16 with an M203 grenade launcher and on

10 November 2004

, when he entered Fallujah, an Al-Qaeda stronghold, and faced the drugged up terrorists that had been trying to kill his fellow Marines.  Braving enemy fire, he carried wounded Marines to a rooftop for medevac, saving their life while risking his own.

Though his best friend, LCpl Erick Hodges, was killed in the battle, he fought on, harder, braver and smarter.  Wounded from the fragmentation of a grenade but knowing his Platoon was pinned down by machine gun fire, he moved into the fray, exposing himself to heavy enemy fire, attacking that machine gun from a series of positions.  His determined fighting forced the enemy to weaker positions where other Marines could also engage them.

Despite his wounds, he was the first man in when an armored vehicle breached the wall into that final machine gun position destroying the last enemy strongpoint in the Jolan District of Fallujah.  For his actions that day he earned the Navy Cross and lived to fight another day.  It earned him one of the finest things a Marine Officer can say of a Marine: “He was one tough bastard.”

COL

Patrick Malay, Bn Commander

His actions on another day taking on more terrorists in another stronghold earned his mother a Presidential Certificate, a US Flag, and the eternal gratitude of the Nation to her for raising a Man of Honor and sharing him with us.

The Citation to his Navy Cross: PFC Christopher S. Adlesperger, USMC, Alburquerqe, NM, Navy Cross, Iraq

The Story Told Another Way: http://marinetilldeath.multiply.com/journal/item/170/Its_always_the_quiet_ones

War on Terror News©2007-2008, ARM, all rights reserved. http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/

PFC Christopher S. Adlesperger, USMC, Alburquerqe, NM, Navy Cross, Iraq

The President of the United States
Takes Pride in Presenting
The Navy Cross (Posthumously)
To
Christopher S. Adlesperger
Private First Class, United States Marine Corps

For Services as Set Forth in the Following

Citation:
For extraordinary heroism while serving as a Rifleman, Company K, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, Regimental Combat Team 1, FIRST Marine Division in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 10 November 2004.

As Private First Class Adlesperger made entry into a house in the Jolan District of A1 Fallujah, during Operation AL FAJR, his squad received a heavy volume of enemy machinegun fire from a well-prepared entrenched machine gun position. These fires instantly killed the point man, and injured another Marine and the platoon corpsman.

Exposed to heavy enemy machine gun fire and grenades, Private First Class Adlesperger immediately attacked the enemy with rifle fire. While doing so, he suffered a fragmentation wound from enemy grenades. With the majority of his platoon pinned down by insurgent positions, Private First Class Adlesperger single--handedly cleared stairs and a roof top to move the injured to a rooftop where they could receive medical attention.

On his own initiative, while deliberately exposing himself to heavy enemy fire, he established a series of firing positions and attacked the enemy, forcing them to be destroyed in place or to move into an area where adjacent forces could engage them. Disregarding his own wounds and physical exhaustion, Private First Class Adlesperger rejoined his platoon and demanded to take the point for a final assault on the same machine gun position.

Once an Assault Amphibian Vehicle created a breach in the wall adjacent to the enemy's position, Private First Class Adlesperger was the first Marine to re-enter the courtyard where he eliminated a remaining insurgent at close range.

When the fighting finally ceased, a significant number of insurgents from fortified positions had been eradicated. Through his actions, Private First Class Adlesperger destroyed the last strongpoint in the Jolan District of A1 Fallujah, and saved the lives of his fellow Marines. By his outstanding display of decisive leadership, unlimited courage in the face of heavy enemy fire, and utmost devotion to duty, Private First Class Adlesperger reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
     Home Town:   Albuquerque, NM

Courtesy of www.HomeOfHeroes.com

23 JUN 2008 War In Afghanistan - Weekly

Regional Command Capital finds
100^th weapons cache

23 Jun. - KABUL, Afghanistan — Troops of Regional Command Capital (RC-C) found their 100th weapons cache in the Kabul area yesterday.

ISAF regional commander reports Arghandab, Kandahar as safe, secure

19 Jun. - Operations in Kandahar city and Arghandab district continue to progress well as Afghan forces and ISAF work together to maintain security for the people of Afghanistan.

Two Afghans slightly injured in an escalation of force incident in Kandahar City

22 Jun. - Two Afghans have been slightly injured in an escalation of force incident today in Kandahar City.

Regional commander comments on ANA success in Arghandab

21 Jun. - Three days ago, Afghan National Army and ISAF troops launched an operation to push Taliban insurgents out of Arghandab district and secure the streets of Kandahar city.

ISAF attacked by cross-border artillery fire

21 Jun. - An ISAF forward operating base and an Afghan National Army compound in north-eastern Paktika Province were attacked with indirect fire from across the Afghanistan-Pakistan border today.

More stories

22 Jun. - Four Afghan civilians killed by rocket attacks in Khowst 21 Jun. - One ISAF soldier dies, four are wounded in Paktika 19 Jun. - Commander gave an appreciation of the operations in Arghandab district and the life in Kandahar City 19 Jun. - Citizens may return to Arghandab 19 Jun. - ISAF doctors complete skin transplantation 18 Jun. - ISAF bolster ANSF in Kandahar City 18 Jun. - ISAF troops to boost education in Afghanistan 19 June 2008 PR # 2008-270 Commander gave an appreciation of the operations in Arghandab district and the life in Kandahar City 18 June 2008 PR # 2008-269 Two ISAF soldiers die, 10 receive wounds in Paktika 18 June 2008 PR # 2008-268 Joint Combined Operation patrols western side of Arghandab River 18 June 2008 PR # 2008-267 Spanish Crown Prince visits Regional Command West 18 June 2008 PR # 2008-266 ISAF medical teams treat more than 400 local nationals in Ghor province 18 June 2008 PR # 2008-265 4 ISAF soldiers die, 2 receive wounds in southern Afghanistan 18 June 2008 PR # 2008-264 Team teaches farming techniques in Zabul 11 June 2008 PR # 2008-263 Kandahar city remains firmly under the control of the Afghan government and its people 18 June 2008 PR # 2008-262 ISAF bolster ANSF in Kandahar City 18 June 2008 PR # 2008-261 ISAF forces respond to small-arms fire near Afghanistan-Pakistan border 16 June 2008 ISAF Afghan and ISAF doctors share experience 16 June 2008 PR # 2008-260 ISAF Troops inaugurate a library in Surobi 16 June 2008 PR # 2008-259 ISAF Commander visits Regional Command West 15 June 2008 ISAF Fallen PRT Gardez members honoured at memorial service 15 June 2008 PR # 2008-258 Afghan National Army Air Corps now integrated in ISAF’s Intra-Theatre Air Support System 15 June 2008 PR # 2008-256 Little steps result in big gains 15 June 2008 PR # 2008-256 ISAF troops established successful presence into Gizab

23 JUN 2008 - War In Iraq News Daily

Fallujah Security Continues to Improve

Sunday, 22 June 2008

FALLUJAH — Marines geared for war walk in tactical columns through the once mean streets of Fallujah, ready for what may lay around the next corner. “Mister, mister shokalata! Shokalata!”shout exuberant children from a crowded neighborhood as Marines and Iraqi police pass out candy.

Marines with Company B, Police Transition Team 8, Regimental Combat Team 1, have been working diligently over the past few months to help train Iraqi police to take over their respective areas and become self-supportive in day-to-day operations in the city.

Recent increases in the number of Iraqi police have drastically subdued the violence in the city.

According to the Fallujah headquarters Chief of Police Col. Faisal, the number of Iraqi policemen has increased this year by more than 1,000 officers, and that is why security is better than it has been in four years.

“These guys are going out on a daily basis by themselves and coming back with suspect arrests,” said Lance Cpl. Andrew L. Walker, a 20-year-old police transition team member from Crane Hill, Ala. “For the most part, they are doing a really good job with many of the issues going on here.”

Marines with the transition team spend time mentoring Iraqi police and work with them to control the Mauallimeen area. Joint patrols in the city work to strengthen relationships with the IPs and Marines, and offer Marines a chance to evaluate how the police operate in various situations.

Team members work with the IPs and teach them specific weapons skills and how to handle their issued pistols and AK-47 assault rifles safely. Lessons are given on a weekly basis inside classrooms at police headquarters, which teach IPs fundamentals of marksmanship and how to function together as a team.

“The IPs are well trained in individual actions and capable of planning and conducting their own operations,” said Sgt. Stan C. Theisen, a 28-year-old platoon sergeant from Warren, Mich. “When we go on patrol, the IPs function the same a way a Marine Corps rifleman would.”

Iraqi Police are now fully functional 24-hours a day and remain alert for any situation that could arise in the city. The communication between local citizens and the IPs have allowed the IPs to regain control of many neighborhoods in the Fallujah area.

Many areas have bulletins posted on buildings and street corners that have the contact numbers for IP stations. Phones at Fallujah stations remain busy, as locals report suspicious activities to officials.

“We have made significant progress over the past few years, but there is still a lot of room for improvement to be made,” said Theisen. “The IPs still need work on learning that they have a chain of command and how to use small unit leadership.”

Police facilities at headquarters district now have commodities such as air-conditioning and electricity, as well as newly-built structural amendments that have given IPs a safer place to work.

Police use their own vehicles to patrol streets and check for unusual activities reported by civilians on a nearly daily basis. This month, 23 more vehicles have been put into operations to help strengthen security on the streets.

“We hope to one day see the Iraqis training themselves, instead of them relying on us for their training,” said Maj. Eric P. Dominijanni, police transition team leader, 35, and native to Forest Hills, N.Y.

Every day, new steps are being taken towards progress in the city. With the coalition forces’ guidance, the Iraq police are ensuring the safety of its community, and in hopes of one day becoming stand-alone, bringing Fallujah back to a state of normalcy.

Operational Update: Rear Adm. Driscoll, Maj. Gen. Atta, June 22

Rear Adm. Patrick Driscoll, USF-I spokesman, and Maj. Gen. Qassim Atta, Iraqi spokesman, provide an Operational Update. Transcript Watch Now

Feature Stories

Ramadi Citizens Continue to Sign Up to Defend Their City

CAMP RAMADI — Over the last two years, Ramadi has seen a dramatic in the number of policemen as the city progressively moves toward the final steps in becoming fully independent. In 2006, there were very few police in Ramadi when violence engulfed the city, the citizens lived in fear, and al-Qaida had a firm grip on the region. In the first two weeks of 2007, the city experienced an unexpected surge of applicants seeking to join the force. During that two-week span, more than 1,000 applicants sought law enforcement jobs in Ramadi.

Five Suspects Detained in Amarah

COB ADDER — Five suspected criminal extremists were detained by Iraqi security forces in Amarah June 20. This brings the total number of detainees in “Operation Sign of Peace” to 17. “Operation Sign of Peace” is an Iraqi led, planned and executed operation in Amarah to enforce the rule of law, reduce criminal safe havens and disrupt weapons smuggling. Coalition forces are providing technical assistance, advice and support to this operation upon request from the GoI.

Iraqi Police, U.S. Soldiers Provide School Supplies, Goods to Locals

HAWAS — When a child thinks of school supplies, one thing comes to mind: the end of summer. No more going to the pool on hot summer afternoons. No more trips to the lake; just another year of sitting in a small classroom with columns of desks lined-up in front of a white board and a school teacher, every single day. In Iraq, on the other hand, a Marine gunner passing out pens and pencils to children from his turret or Marines delivering school supplies can always bring a smile to a their face.

 

Watering Hole

Sunday, 22 June 2008	IPs help clean up Basra
Sunday, 22 June 2008	ISF seize weapon caches, detain 2 (Amarah)
Sunday, 22 June 2008	7 IPs, 8 citizens killed, 45 more injured during blast (Baqubah)

Patriotism

Sunday, 22 June 2008	ISF detain 5 suspected criminals in Amarah
Sunday, 22 June 2008	ISF confiscate weapons caches in Baghdad
Sunday, 22 June 2008	IA, MND-B Soldiers light up Baghdad neighborhood

Harness the Power

Sunday, 22 June 2008	IPs, SOI, MND-B Soldiers seize weapons (Adhamiyah)
Sunday, 22 June 2008	Iraqi National Police graduate Carabinieri training (Camp Dublin, Baghdad)
Sunday, 22 June 2008	Mosul engineers reinforce the fight

Business Boy

Sunday, 22 June 2008	MND-B Soldiers prevent Special Group criminals from emplacing IEDs, kill six (Baghdad)
Sunday, 22 June 2008	Coalition forces continue to put pressure on AQI networks (Baghdad)
Sunday, 22 June 2008	MND-B Soldiers detain suspected Special Groups criminal

TSgt John Chapman, USAF, Gardez, Afghanistan - Air Force Cross

The President of the United States
Takes Pride in Presenting
The Air Force Cross (Posthumously)
To
John Chapman
T/Sergeant, U.S. Air Force

For Services as Set Forth in the Following

Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, U.S.C., awards the Air Force Cross to TSgt John Chapman for extraordinary heroism in military operation against an armed enemy of the United States as a 24th Special Tactics Squadron, Combat Controller in the vicinity of Gardez, in the eastern highlands of Afghanistan, on 4 March 2002.

On this date, during his helicopter insertion for a reconnaissance and time sensitive targeting close air support mission, Sergeant Chapman's aircraft came under heavy machine gun fire and received a direct hit from a rocket propelled grenade which caused a United States Navy sea-air-land team member to fall from the aircraft. Though heavily damaged, the aircraft egressed the area and made an emergency landing seven kilometers away.

Once on the ground Sergeant Chapman established communication with an AC-130 gunship to insure the area was secure while providing close air support coverage for the entire team. He then directed the gunship to begin the search for the missing team member. He requested, coordinated, and controlled the helicopter that extracted the stranded team and aircrew members. These actions limited the exposure of the aircrew and team to hostile fire.

Without regard for his own life Sergeant Chapman volunteered to rescue his missing team member from an enemy strong hold. Shortly after insertion, the team made contact with the enemy. Sergeant Chapman engaged and killed two enemy personnel. He continued to advance reaching the enemy position then engaged a second enemy position, a dug-in machine gun nest. At this time the rescue team came under effective enemy fire from three directions.

From close range he exchanged fire with the enemy from minimum personal cover until he succumbed to multiple wounds. His engagement and destruction of the first enemy position and advancement on the second position enabled his team to move to cover and break enemy contact. In his own words, his Navy sea-air-land team leader credits Sergeant Chapman unequivocally with saving the lives of the entire rescue team.

Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, and the dedication to the service of his country, Sergeant Chapman reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Courtesy of www.HomeOfHeroes.com

Letters From Home

Letters From Home started as one mom sending her son news from home when he was in boot camp. She collected letters and cards from family and friends to enclose in a large envelope, and that is how Letters From Home started.

Today, they ship out boxes, 3 or 4 times a year, which are filled with letters and cards collected from all across the nation. They also include donated drink mixes, phone cards, beef jerky, nuts, candy, gum, tuna in foil packs, and many other items.

Volunteers arrive on packing day from all across the area….from Girl Scouts to senior citizens. Large envelopes are stuffed with letters and cards, and put in boxes and sent out with goodies. They shipped over 23,000 cards in the April 2008 campaign. That is an awesome amount of support for our military.

You can sign up a deployed service member to receive a care package from Letters From Home, send letters in yourself, or make a donation to help offset the mailing costs.

Be sure to check out their site for pictures and more details.

Copyright 2008 MsMarti. All rights reserved.

22 JUN 2008 - War in Iraq News Daily

Feature Stories

Civil Affairs Teams, U.S. Marines Improve Fallujah Infrastructure

FALLUJAH — 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines, augmented by Civil Affairs teams, are continuously working with Fallujah City Council members, local tribal leaders and local citizens to carry out projects in an effort to improve the city’s infrastructure. Civil Affairs and Army Corps of Engineers leaders met with the city council’s director generals recently, to talk about projects that will provide key services throughout the city, such as improving the water distribution systems.

 

Coalition, Iraqi Forces Kill Four, Detain Dozens in Recent Operations

WASHINGTON — Coalition and Iraq security forces killed four enemy fighters and detained dozens more during several operations over the past few days, military officials said. Coalition forces killed four terrorists and detained 18 suspected terrorists Thursday and Friday during operations around Baghdad targeting al-Qaida in Iraq (AQI) bombing networks.

 

Water Healthy Again in South Baghdad

FOB KALSU — At a water purification station in Sekreechet, two Iraqi Army Soldiers keep an around-the-clock vigil. One of the rooms in the small structure nearby serves as a bedroom. A few meters away, another Soldier stands near a sandbag bunker, guarding a concrete-lined canal. Highway 8, one of the most heavily guarded roads in Iraq, runs in the near distance. The guards watch this location because the canal and pump station are part of the most important infrastructure system in Iraq.

Operational Update: Rear Adm. Driscoll, Maj. Gen. Atta, June 22

Rear Adm. Patrick Driscoll, USF-I spokesman, and Maj. Gen. Qassim Atta, Iraqi spokesman, provide an Operational Update.

 

Watering Hole

Saturday, 21 June 2008	Engineers pass knowledge on to Iraqi counterparts (Tikrit)
Saturday, 21 June 2008	Civilian contractor court martial date set (Baghdad)
Saturday, 21 June 2008	Iraqi Army, MND-B Soldiers seize munitions in, around

Patriotism

Saturday, 21 June 2008	MND-B Soldiers discover weapons, detain suspected criminal (Baghdad)
Saturday, 21 June 2008	Iraqi Army maintains security on streets of Basra

Harness the Power

Saturday, 21 June 2008	Salah ad Din province leaders, Coalition forces discuss reconciliation plan
Saturday, 21 June 2008	Engineers detain criminals (Tikrit)
Saturday, 21 June 2008	Operations target Baghdad bombing networks

Business Boy

Q&A: Does the Small Amount of WMD found in Iraq make the invasion Unjustifiable?

" "Regardless of (how much material in the weapon is actually chemical agent), any remaining agent is toxic," he said. "Anything above zero (percent agent) would prove to be toxic, and if you were exposed to it long enough, lethal." Though about 500 chemical weapons - the exact number has not been released publicly - have been found, Maples said he doesn't believe Iraq is a "WMD-free zone."

Replying to:

          "HE had 500 Sarin munitions left over from 1991.  Great.  What a huge "threat" he is..."

"Tell us, WOTN, since you are a military guy with some knowledge, are those decade old Sarin munitions a particularly effective weapon for someone like Saddam who has NO AIR FORCE?"

"Isn't that why Saddam did not use them, lest he risk a convoy containing such munitions being hit by our air superiority?"

"Those munitions with no air force to allow them safely to be moved into position for firing constituted a zero threat against the US.  The WMD threat from Saddam Hussein was

ABSOLUTE ZERO."  TO, on a regional newspaper forum

Let's look at this in an analogy:

....If the Local Sheriff went to the DA (analogous here to Congress) to get him to go to the Judge (we'll call that the UN) for a warrant (military action) and presented evidence that someone was a murderer, drug dealer, and thief.  And the evidence included demonstration that the criminal had murdered his kids (chemical attacks on the Kurds) by Heroin injection, was buying and/or attempting to buy drug lab equipment and materials to make meth (British Intel report which has never been disputed demonstrating an attempt to buy fissile material and purchases of mobile labs), pictures of cocaine labs (those labs moving across Iraq) and the prior conviction of murder and thievery (invasion of Kuwait).

When the Judge (UN) issued that warrant (UN Resolutions) that the DA (Congress) requested and the warrant was executed (Invasion), if the Sheriff (Military) found only small amounts of cocaine (Sarin gas) and marijuana (mustard gas) drug labs without residue (mobile biological labs) as well as the bodies of multiple victims (mass graves) and illegal weapons (medium range missiles), do you think the powers that be would say "oops, we shouldn't have issued that warrant since we didn't find the heroin and meth?"

Yet, that is the analogical response by TO and other partisans here on this forum and in the Halls of Congress.

This is an analogy and while I know they will respond with "we aren't the world's cop" it illustrates in a way much more akin to news reports we see in our own newspapers the ludricracy of saying that because we ONLY found part of the evidence we expected to find that Saddam should have been left alone to continue his home base tyranny as well as his international support of terrorism and harassment of his neighbors, including our allies, particularly Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

And if one were to accept that all of that was a errant warrant, the analogy would continue with the new tenants of that property, upstanding citizens attempting to make good on promises of prosperity and freedoms under attack from gangs (Al-Qaeda and Iranian backed Special Groups).  In this analogy, the left would be calling for abandonment of those upstanding citizens and the allowance of those two gangs to fight it out for control of the upstanding citizens and the properties once owned by a murderer to those gangs because "we lost a couple of deputies" in fighting the gangs that desire to terrorize the citizens living there.

War on Terror News©2007-2008, ARM, all rights reserved.  http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=15918

Tennessee Honors Its Heroes - 3

Honoring Heroes

There are many ways to honor our heroes properly. There is no honor to great for our fallen, but often we, as a people, fail to give them even the minimal honor they deserve. In today’s world, it would seem more likely for them to be ignored than honored. But the fact is that many are stepping up and doing the right thing.

Recently, I told you of a planned dedication of a bridge west of Nashville to a fallen Marine. Previous to that I told you of the concerted efforts of towns, counties, and several organizations to provide bronze busts in honor of a fallen Marine from Marshalltown, TN, dedicated on Memorial Day and placed in one of their parks. Two more are in the work for fallen Soldiers for next year.

First, let me give you an update on the LCpl Richard A Buerstetta bridge in Fairview, TN. He was a graduate of Franklin High School and played Rugby and Football there.

He had volunteered to go back to Iraq with another Marine Reserve Unit from Michigan. The dedication ceremony was attended by two other Marines that were in that HumVee in Anbar Province when they were hit with an IED.

Both George Henry and Eric Frazier who attended the ceremony on the 19^{th of June 2008 had been declared dead at the scene in October 2006. They were revived by Medics on that day. News coverage can be found here:}

http://www.newschannel5.com/global/story.asp?s=8529816

http://www.newschannel5.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?ClipID1=2423517&h1=Soldiers%27%20Pets%20Abandoned%20At%20Shelter&vt1=v&at1=News&d1=125534&LaunchPageAdTag=News&activePane=info&rnd=99276600

Legislation (HB3832) for naming th LCpl Buerstetta Bridge was sponsored by State Representative Phillip Johnson on 30 Jan 2008 and approved unanimously by both Houses of the Tennessee Legislature on the 24th (93-0) and 26th (32-0) of March. The Governor signed the bill on 10 April 2008 with the same as its effective date. The bridge was chosen for it’s proximity to his family. http://www.statesurge.com/bills/34110

LCpl Tyler Overstreet Bridge over Station Camp Creek on State Route 174 in Gallatin, Sumner County, TN was a bridge he crossed often with his grandfather, Bill Lillard, as they went to play golf. It was dedicated to him on the 29th of August 2007. He was killed at the same time as LCpl Buerstetta.

These teammates, brothers in arms, now each have a Nashville Bridge named for them.

The General Assembly passed House Bill 900, which named the bridge for the fallen Marine sponsored by Rep Debra Young Maggart. She attended along with State Senator Diane Black, members of the VFW, Rolling Thunder and the American Legion.

HB 900 was introduced on 8 Feb 2007.

Coming Soon: The Tennessee Interstate dedicated to the National Guard and the Bridges dedicated to the fallen Heroes of the Tennessee National Guard.

   

Freedom Alliance

This group was started in 1990 by LtCol Oliver L. North, yes the same Oliver North I mentioned in another article, Of Fathers and Flags. They are an educational and charitable 501(c)3 foundation. Their mission statement is:

“The Mission of Freedom Alliance is to advance the American heritage of freedom by honoring and encouraging military service, defending the sovereignty of the United States and promoting a strong national defense.” Freedom Alliance

There is a scholarship fund set up for the children of our servicemen and women who were wounded or killed, to aid them when it becomes time for them to go to on to college. They donated substantial funds to USS Cole Memorial Fund, to the children of the 21 soldiers and 33 sailors killed in the Pentagon attack, along with scholarships each year since then. Be sure to check out the guidelines to apply to these scholarships.

Freedom Alliance is involved in Troop Appreciation dinners, Gifts from Home (care packages, phone cards, gift cards to restaurants and more) at Christmas time, GameTime! events occurring monthly where our wounded enjoy time away from the hospital.

They have set up Military Leadership Academy Classes each year where they teach the foundations of leadership skills, provide military leader role models and encourage each teenager to believe in themselves and their own potential. They are helping these teenagers to lay a foundation on which they can become successful adults and provide a positive influence in their own communities. In short, they are providing the means to help them grow into productive members of society!

There is a page where you can send an email message to our troops overseas or to one who is wounded and in a hospital.

There are many ways that this foundation helps and supports our military, both deployed, those back home and those in the hospitals. Be sure to check it out for yourself at their website.

Copyright 2008 MsMarti. All rights reserved.

Operation Love ReUnited offers free photo album to our deployed military!

I can’t think of a single person that at some time in their life they have not said, Ohhh I wish I had my camera! Or too bad someone wasn’t able to get a picture of that.

When it comes time for your husband, wife, brother, sister, son or daughter to walk thru that doorway or up the stairs after a months long deployment, somebody needs a camera handy. Not only that, they need to be willing to remember to take the pictures! Lots of them!

Unfortunately for most of us, we are too caught up in the moment to think about taking a picture. Precious moments in our lives left to be remembered only in our minds. Thankfully there are professional photographers willing to help out.

This is where Operation Love ReUnited comes into play. I used the email given on the site to ask about their program, to give me a rundown on exactly what they have to offer. Here is their reply…..

“About our program:

Clients are able to participate 2 times in the program per year or per deployment. We suggest a pre-deployment session, and the homecoming session if possible.
Photographers volunteer to waive their session fees and then agree to send the deployed person a 4x6 album once the images are complete, overseas to the deployed military member, or if a homecoming session, the album is given directly to the soldier because he/she is home. Photographers are not required to travel, or to offer anything outside of the session waivers. They are also not obligated to "promise" to be available for both sessions, however they do their very best to try and accommodate as many sessions as they can. Many of them choose to offer other services, discounts, products, etc., but that is solely left up to them, and some photographers may only participate in one type of session. So please talk to your photographer before any assumptions are made.

We try to keep the session with a patriotic edge, flags, boots, helmets, uniforms, but we still want them to be fun and special for the families. Once your loved one is scheduled to come home, a photographer will go with you (upon availability) to the airport, hangar, pier side, etc to capture those first very special moments when you all are reunited as a family.

All OpLove sessions are completely based and scheduled on the photographer’s time. Please search the "Locate" portion of the website to find a photographer in your area. If one is not in your area, please be patient, new photographers are added regularly.

Thank you!
OpLove Admin”

Take your time looking over their site. There are testimonials and photos that showcase the type of work that is being done. They are a non-profit organization.

This sounds like a wonderful opportunity to allow these photographers to support our military and provide your deployed family member with some memories to look at again and again while they are deployed.

Copyright 2008 MsMarti. All rights reserved.

21 JUN 20008 - War In Iraq News Daily

Romanian Infantry Soldiers Attend Combat Logistical Patrol Academy

Saturday, 21 June 2008

CONTINGENCY OPERATIONS BASE ADDER — Soldiers from the Romanian 151st Infantry Battalion, 15th Mechanized Brigade went through the 7th Special Troops Battalion’s Combat Logistical Patrol (CLP) Academy on Contingency Operations Base Adder, May 19 through June 11.

The Romanians attended the CLP Academy as part of an overall Humvee familiarization process. The training included master driver’s training and Humvee Egress Assistance training.

The U.S. Army is loaning 40 Humvees to the Romanians for use during their deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“The basic object of their training is final preparation prior to their Soldiers actually going out on the road (in their newly acquired Humvees),” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Ryan J. Dowling, CLP Academy officer-in-charge. “We let them rehearse their tactical training procedures, last-minute train and give them up-to-date improvised explosive device training, which is relevant to the areas they are responsible for.”

The “Black Wolves” had two interwoven objectives: to become familiar with their new Humvees and become familiar with improvised explosive devices (IED) and their capabilities. They conducted a CLP lane with simulated IED in myriad forms. The goal was to recognize the IED and execute their tactical training procedures.

“So far they did better than anybody that we’ve ever had go through the CLP lanes,” said Master Sgt. Harvey P. Thomas, CLP non-commissioned officer-in-charge. “This training went very well in spite of the language barrier. It made it a little more complicated, being that you couldn’t get instant feedback because you would have to speak through the interpreter.”

“This is routine. It is basically the same thing we have been doing since we got into Iraq,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Constantine Lonel, command sergeant major of the 151st Inf. Bn.

The “Black Wolves” left a positive impression on the staff at the CLP Academy.

“These guys are going to be successful because they understand how IED are built,” said Thomas. “They also quickly grasp emplacement.”

Lonel further explained that he was not surprised at the performance of his Soldiers. He said the majority of them were combat veterans, many with multiple tours in places such as Angola, Bosnia, Albania and Afghanistan.

(Story by Spc. RJ Gilbert, 7th Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs Office)

Feature Stories

Civil Affairs Teams, U.S. Marines Improve Fallujah Infrastructure

FALLUJAH — 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines, augmented by Civil Affairs teams, are continuously working with Fallujah City Council members, local tribal leaders and local citizens to carry out projects in an effort to improve the city’s infrastructure. Civil Affairs and Army Corps of Engineers leaders met with the city council’s director generals recently, to talk about projects that will provide key services throughout the city, such as improving the water distribution systems.

Coalition, Iraqi Forces Kill Four, Detain Dozens in Recent Operations

WASHINGTON — Coalition and Iraq security forces killed four enemy fighters and detained dozens more during several operations over the past few days, military officials said. Coalition forces killed four terrorists and detained 18 suspected terrorists Thursday and Friday during operations around Baghdad targeting al-Qaida in Iraq (AQI) bombing networks.

Water Healthy Again in South Baghdad

FOB KALSU — At a water purification station in Sekreechet, two Iraqi Army Soldiers keep an around-the-clock vigil. One of the rooms in the small structure nearby serves as a bedroom. A few meters away, another Soldier stands near a sandbag bunker, guarding a concrete-lined canal. Highway 8, one of the most heavily guarded roads in Iraq, runs in the near distance. The guards watch this location because the canal and pump station are part of the most important infrastructure system in Iraq.

Friday, 20 June 2008	Iraqi Army soldiers discover multiple weapons caches in Sadr City
Friday, 20 June 2008	ISF seizes three major caches in Amarah operation

Stay Hydrated

Friday, 20 June 2008	Special Groups criminals around Iraq disrupted
Friday, 20 June 2008	DoD Identifies Army Casualty (Hillah)
Friday, 20 June 2008	ISF, MND-B Soldiers detain two suspected criminals, find weapons

Wheelie Impressive

Friday, 20 June 2008	INPs, MND-B Soldiers seize several weapons
Friday, 20 June 2008	New facility to accommodate orphans, elderly

Friday, 20 June 2008

Iraqi Army consolidating spare parts logistics (Taji)

Up and Over

Friday, 20 June 2008	Al-Qaeda networks disrupted (Baghdad)
Friday, 20 June 2008	ISF clear insurgents out of Amarah
Friday, 20 June 2008	Al-Qaeda network in Mosul disabled (Baghdad)

Brick in the Wall

Friday, 20 June 2008	Helping move Basrah forward (Basrah)
Friday, 20 June 2008	Iraqi Navy meets with Coalition forces to discuss future (Umm Qasr)
Friday, 20 June 2008	Coalition Force Soldiers attacked in Diyala

Q&A: How to Deal with Iran and How Obama/McCain will do so.

Replying to:

I do not see what the excitement is about.    The words of a foreign prime minister of a government that is in power because of the invasion and that relies for its sustinance on the American forces.  They have a direct interest in McCain winning.  Obama has always said he would withdraw from Iraq as fast as the military agrees.  So what is new?  What scares me personally from McCain still remains as valid as ever.  He only understands the strength of the US as military power.  He cannot comprehend the other aspects of what makes a great nation: a strong economy and education system.  I do not put it past McCain to turn next to Iran continuing his quest of military domination and rejecting all the signs of deterioration on the internal front.
Posted by MAR on a Regional Newspaper Forum

The subject of how to deal with Iran certainly is worthy of discussion, but I doubt it will be any clearer in November than it is now.

One thing is clear:  Opening discussion with Ahdiminijihadist with no preconditions is the wrong strategy.

Another thing is clear:  The desire to speak with an enemy without condition while refusing to speak with the General Obama voted to put in charge of Iraq is wrong.  One cannot attain a clear understanding of what is needed and what is working in Iraq without sitting down outside of the media spotlight and talking with the men that are leading the effort to make the mission successful.

While McCain has experienced war, Obama has not even experienced a uniform.  While McCain has sat down and listened to the Generals and the Veterans and Troops, Obama has refused.

Yes, the left side of the aisle has continued to spread the fear that McCain desires to start a new war, but there is no evidence of that.  The fact is that McCain has experienced war from many different aspects: as the son of a sailor at war, as a fighter pilot being shot at, as a POW being tortured, as a returning Veteran to an ungrateful Nation, as a Senator having to decide whether or not to send the Nation to war, and as a Father of a Marine fighting in a war.

As such, he understands the negatives as well as the necessities of war.  As such, he is less likely to use military force unnecessarily.

Any discussion of how to deal with Iran must include the realization that Iran is the primary state sponsor of terrorism, as per it's constitution.  Any discussion of how to deal with Iran must include the realization of where our military currently is, who they are fighting and what strains have been placed on them.  Any discussion of how to deal with Iran must include what has and has not worked in the past in dealing with both Iran specifically as well as other tyranical dictatorships and what is currently the situation inside Iran and with our intelligence collection agencies in dealing with Iran.

It must take into account how to overcome past mistakes as well as attain past successes.

War on Terror News©2007-2008, ARM, all rights reserved.  http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/

Free Military Handbooks

Here is a company that has decided to gather together a series of books that cover many areas that are of concern to our military, such as benefits, pay, retirement issues, and educational benefits.

Not only have they put together these books, but they are providing them to you free of charge! How can they do this? They have set the books up in an electronic format (PDF) that is easy to read and understand. By doing it this way, there are no printing costs and no shipping charges to be paid.

Why are they doing this?

"Because we believe in Military Service. It's that simple. We believe in what you do. And we believe that you have a right - a fundamental right - to know what your benefits are. And we don't think you should have to pay for that information. And that's why we launched Military Handbooks.” http://www.militaryhandbooks.com/

Just exactly what do these handbooks cover ? Here are the titles to some of the books. Base Installation Directory, U.S. Military Retired Handbook, Getting Uncle Sam to Pay for Your College Degree, Benefit’s For Veterans & Dependents, Children’s Scholarship Handbook, and many more.

Since these are free, the only thing you have to lose by ordering them is the time it takes to download onto your computer! You never know what you might have missed out on, so take a look and see what you might be missing! These books are all updated versions!

Source: http://www.militaryhandbooks.com/

Copyright 2008 MsMarti. All rights reserved.

Homes For Our Troops

This non-profit organization started in 2004. Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) provides assistance to the most severely wounded troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, at no cost to the veteran.

What do they provide? HFOT raises money and donations of building materials, professional labor and coordinates the building of a new home or in some cases, adapts an existing home to the needs of the service member. HFOT coordinates the building of this home from start to finish, at no cost to the service member or their family. Quite often they are multiple amputees or have spinal cord injuries. There are special requirements in a house to accommodate these injuries and their ease of movement within the house.

To see where homes have been completed, or are in the process of being built, follow this link.

One man, John Gonsalves, the founder and owner of HFOT, decided that he wanted to do more with his work, after seeing a news story on the TV of a wounded vet who had returned home.

“He wanted to use his construction experience to help in some way. After the war began, he was watching the news when he witnessed a wounded soldier and thought, "What now? What will happen to this soldier?" He began searching for an organization in his field of construction and home building where he could volunteer his services. When his search came up empty he decided to create his own organization, and within months he founded Homes For Our Troops.”

If you are interested in donating your skills in home construction, or related skills, or would be interested in a financial donation, check out their website.

Copyright 2008 MsMarti. All rights reserved.

LT Tyler Jensen, Silver Star, Afghanistan, Provo, Utah National Guard

"LT Tyler Jensen repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to save a fellow soldier who was wounded. His courage, superlative combat skills and tactical leadership under overwhelming direct enemy fire were instrumental in preventing the enemy from overrunning his patrol."

On 27 JAN 2007, LT Jensen was on a patrol, embedded with a few Americans and 30+ Afghan National Army soldiers. His mission was to train the ANA but on this day the Taliban had repeatedly ambushed them and the good guys had survived. Trial by fire.

But the Taliban was persistent and attacked again, this time with more than 120 insurgents, hitting another US Soldier in the leg. The young LT from Provo, Utah noted bullets hitting all around his fellow soldier and knew it would be a matter of time before the enemy got lucky. He rushed into the hail of bullets pulling the American to safety.

But the ANA troops he was "training" were cut off from their American allies. The ANA Commander’s flight instinct kicked in and the LT’s interpreter had frozen into an instinctive fetal position. Unless the ANA could maneuver around, it would be untenable for reinforcements to get in to help.

The LT’s own training kicked in. He used the hand and arm signals his NCO’s had been teaching the Afghanis to lead troops in the battle for their lives. Language barriers become moot when a leader of men has taught the troops well. They performed well, killing dozens of Taliban insurgents and EARNING the LT a Silver Star, the first for a Utah Resident in 20 years goes to a Utah National Guard Lieutenant awarded 19 June 2008.

War on Terror News©2007-2008, ARM, all rights reserved. http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/

19 JUN 2008 - War In Iraq News Daily

Iraqi Army, Police Conduct First All-ISF Search Mission

Thursday, 19 June 2008

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY — For Iraqi national police officers and Iraqi army soldiers, conducting cordon and search missions is nothing new. When it comes to planning, coordinating and conducting such an operation without U.S. Soldiers leading the way however, it is history in the making.

And so it was June 10, when 10 companies of national policemen and Iraqi army soldiers conducted a combined search for militants and their weapons in the Beladiyat area of eastern Baghdad. Policemen from 1st and 2nd National Police Divisions and soldiers from 9th Iraqi army division confiscated scores of weapons and detained several suspects. Additionally, Iraqi police officers performed vehicle inspections and tag verifications to support the operation in Muhalla 740.

“This was the first Iraqi security forces-led joint operation in 9 Nissan that was fully planned and executed by the national police,” explained Maj. Chris Desasso, a Springfield, Mass. Native, who serves as team chief of 8th Brigade, 2nd Division National Police Transition Team. “Brig. Gen. Ali requested the task organization (units and troop strengths) and Maj. Gen. Abud approved it. (For us), this is tactical over watch in action.”

The operation netted 62 AK-47 rifles, six Simonov rifles, four pistols and two artillery rounds rigged to become improvised explosive devices. National Policemen detained 23 suspects, one of whom is a militant the Government of Iraq wanted for “crimes against the Iraqi people,” to include emplacing roadside bombs, murdering innocent Iraqis and conducting rocket and mortar attacks, explained Sgt. 1st Class John Kell, a Montgomery, Texas, native.

“This was (conducted) all on their own. No coalition forces found these items or did any searches,” emphasized Kell, the operations non-commissioned officer for 8th Bde., 2nd Div., NPTT, who claims Lima, Ohio, as home. “It was all Iraqi security forces, (and) it was very impressive.”

Kell explained the operation was “from beginning to end, absolutely” an all Iraqi security forces mission with no directions or directives from the Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment or 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light), Multi-National Division – Baghdad. Individual national police battalions have entered muhallas to conduct limited searches before the history making operation but never for a joint operation without U.S. forces leading the way, he said.

The cordon and search mission was based solely on intelligence Iraqi security forces officials collected, said Capt. Bryce Halverson, an intelligence trainer from Hartselle, Ala. assigned to the 8th Bde., 2nd Div. NPTT. The national police developed a list of targets they wanted to detain, and they successfully completed that mission. Two of the targeted and captured militants were responsible for attacks on an Iraqi Army checkpoint resulting in five IA soldier deaths during a recent uprising.

“When they are able to put together their own target packets and their own target lists and go out and successfully capture these individuals, which in turn leads to more individuals, I think success breeds success,” commented Halverson. “They will continue to work together.

“I think it went very well. It’s the first time (Iraqi national police) have gone on their own and put together a joint mission with the Iraqi army.”

Iraqi security forces are definitely on the right path for continued success, said Kell. He cited recent successful missions in Basra, Sadr City and numerous on going missions in 9 Nissan.

“For this one to be a totally independent mission, without any help from us whatsoever, is pretty impressive. I think if they keep going on this patch, there will be less need for coalition forces to back them up,” commented Kell. “It’s going to boost the confidence in the people and the Iraqi government.

“This is the endstate (end result), which we are here (to accomplish) as transition teams (and) trainers: … to train them to be able to do what they have to do so they can do it all on their own.”

Halverson said he also feels Iraqi citizens have increased confidence in Iraqi security forces when they see the forces taking the lead or conducting operations on their own.

“When we go out with the national police and they conduct business like this, the people see Iraqi security forces out conducting these missions, in the lead, protecting them, taking the criminal elements off the streets, getting the weapons and improvised explosive devices off the street,” said Halverson. It does nothing but boost the confidence of the local people in their own security forces.

“Sure, there are small elements of American transition teams out there, but they are there to advise their counterparts. They are not conducting searches or detentions. They are almost in a tactical over watch advising.”

Both Halverson and Kell were deployed in Iraq during 2003 and 2004. The Iraqi national policemen and Iraqi army soldiers have a greater sense of pride now than they did then, said Kell. Seeing INPs continue to do their jobs even though their families have been threatened, or even killed in some cases, greatly impresses him.

“These guys, with very little pay, very little benefits, are still out there doing their job – and I’m pretty proud of that,” said Kell. “To see it now, it gives me hope that some day, we can possibly all go home, and Iraq can defend itself and take care of its own people."

Interactive Iraq :: Press Briefings
Maj. Gen. Bergner, Maj. Gen. (Sel) Bash, June 18 Maj. Gen. Kevin Bergner, USF-I, and Maj. Gen. (Sel.) Brooks Bash, Coalition Air Force Training Team, provide an operational update and discuss the building of Iraq’s Air Force. Transcript, Slides Watch Now

Feature Stories

U.S., Iraqi Soldiers Perform Air Assaults

CAMP STRIKER — A long tradition of air assaults and a fledgling Army are coming together to secure Iraq. The 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division continues to use air assaults to execute their mission in southwest Baghdad proivnce, while the Iraqi army draws on the expertise of the Rakkasans during these combined air assaults.

Iraqi Border Patrol Detains Suspected Terrorist, Recovers Weapons Caches

BALAD — The Iraqi Border Patrol detained a suspected terrorist and recovered two weapons caches in Butha, Iraq, approximately 80 kilometers west of Tal Afar June 16. IBP officers were conducting an operation to search for weapons caches when they discovered a house in an apparently abandoned village containing 100 pounds of ammonium nitrate, one box of 90 mm ammunition and nine unidentified explosive containers. After searching the village, officers discovered a family and the suspected terrorist living in one of the houses.

Committee Builds Relations in Tarmiyah

CAMP TAJI — As an elected official, it is important to support all of the people who live and work within the political boundaries of responsibility. Hussein al-Tahan, governor of Baghdad, proved his dedication to the areas of Mushada and Tarmiyah, northwest of Baghdad, June 13, with visits in the area and attendance to the first Joint Rural Planning Committee at Bukhari Hall in Tarmiyah. The meeting brought together leaders from the Tarmiyah Qada, members of the Provincial Council and a special visit from al-Tahan. It served as a forum for local leaders in the area to discuss specific issues and get feedback directly from the decision makers in Baghdad.

Freedom Journal Iraq, June 17

• This Edition features supplying the Iraqi Government with Military Equipment, securing the Streets of Iraq and restoring a Public Works Station. Watch Now

 

Give Me a Shake

Wednesday, 18 June 2008	ISF, NP, MND-B Soldiers seize weapons caches throughout Baghdad
Wednesday, 18 June 2008	Tip leads Soldiers to militants with ties to cache, explosives

Low Five

Wednesday, 18 June 2008	ISOF capture suspected Special Groups criminal leader in Baghdad
Wednesday, 18 June 2008	Iraqi Border Patrol detains suspected terrorist, recovers weapons caches (Balad)

Big Boom

Wednesday, 18 June 2008	Al-Qaeda foreign network disabled (Bi'aj)
Wednesday, 18 June 2008	ISF, MND-B Soldiers seize weapons, munitions (Baghdad)
Wednesday, 18 June 2008	Car bomb wounds 14 in Mosul

Airman Under

Run For The Fallen....Relay to honor those who gave all in OIF!

On Flag Day, June 14th 2008 a relay of runners began a cross country relay run. They will spend 72 days, cross 13 states and along the way, at every mile they will plant a US flag, photo and card to honor the memory of a service member who gave their all in OIF. That amounts to 4,113 miles of flags and memories honoring those who have died in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).

What began as a jog on a rainy day, turned into a 4,113 relay by Jon Bellona, roommate and friend to Mike Cleary of Dallas, PA. Mike and Jon sat and watched the events of Sept. 11 unfold before them. Mike decided to join the military, and delayed his entry at the urging of his father to finish his college degree first.

1stLt. Michael J. Cleary was killed in an ambush on December 20, 2005 in Iraq. He was not the first, nor will he be the last, but his friend Jon Bellona will make sure he is not forgotten. What started as an idea turned into a major project with the aid of his fianacee and Cleary’s sister, who will also run. Soon, help started coming in from nearly 2 dozen middle and high schools located across the country, as they volunteered to make the cards that will be there with each flag.

He is no stranger to organizing a coast to coast trek. Four years ago, Bellona made another cross country trip, that time by bicycle, to raise money for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. As a senior at Hamilton, he produced a 6 hour long sound memorial to the soldiers of Vietnam.

On August 24th, there will be a 10K ceremonial race with 150 runners which will end within Arlington. Only a small number of runners will actually enter Arlington where a final flag will be planted as a bugler plays taps. This 10K is to honor those who have been killed in OEF (Operation Enduring Freedom) which is ongoing in Afghanistan.

Jon began his journey at Ft. Irwin, California on June 14th and will finish at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, on August 24th.

Be sure to check out their website where you can see why they are running (in their own words), who is running, a day by day breakdown of the miles, start and stop points for that day, which soldiers are honored that day, and more. Plan to spend some time here, as the site has a lot of information on it

Copyright 2008 MsMarti. All rights reserved.

Chantix……Public Health advisories

If you are taking Chantix (varenicline tartrate) to stop smoking you need to be aware that the FDA issued several Public Health advisories associated with this drug.

I am providing you with links to the Health Advisories from the FDA and a statement from the VA regarding this matter. This information may be found on the Food and Drug Administrations (FDA) site and the Veterans Affairs (VA) site simply by searching under the term “Chantix.”

The information I have provided in no way constitutes a medical opinion on the drug, Chantix, its side effects and uses. This article is not placing blame, but is here to provide you with the opportunity to seek more information should you wish to.

November 20, 2007
FDA first informed the public about the possibility of severe changes in mood and behavior in the November 20, 2007 FDA Early Communication About an Ongoing Safety Review.

Source http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/advisory/varenicline.htm

FDA ALERT 2/1/2008
FDA is issuing this Alert to highlight important revisions to the WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS sections of the full prescribing information for Chantix regarding serious neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Source http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/varenicline/default.htm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 1, 2008
FDA Issues Public Health Advisory on Chantix
Agency requests that manufacturer add new safety warnings for smoking cessation drug

Source http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01788.html

June 17, 2008-06-18
Statement by the Department Of Veterans Affairs On Smoking Cessation Research Program

Source http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1518

Copyright 2008 MsMarti. All rights reserved.

Q&A: Children Killed in War

posted at 6/18/2008 11:27 AM CDT on a regional newspaper forum:

EJ	So no children have been killed by US munitions in the war in Afghanmistan? Do you really expect me to believe that? Really? Do YOU really believe that?

No, it would be preposterous to attempt such a claim.  In Africa, children were not only killed but pressed into rebel groups and forced to kill their own parents.  In WWII, thousands of children were killed by bombing campaigns on the major cities of London and Berlin as well as many other major cities.  In Iraq, AQ has tortured and killed children for even talking to American Soldiers.  In Afghanistan, the Taliban, HIG and Al-Qaeda have purposely initiated battles with children in their positions in order to make the precise claims you've posted here.

So, the question is not whether or not children have been killed in war, nor even if US Munitions have in fact killed children.  I have posted (about a year ago) a story of a US Troop that killed a child.  It bothered him, but he was given a choice: kill the teenager or allow his fellow Troops to be killed by it.  The kid was raising an AK-47 to kill him.

The question is whether the US Military is careless and callous about the killing of unarmed civilians and the answer is NO.  The US Military has continued to update its weapon systems which significantly decreases the chance of collateral damage (unarmed civilians and their possessions) from being targeted.

During WWII, we had carpet bombing because we were lucky to hit a city with the bombs dropped.  Today we have smart weapons which *normally* can hit a window in a specific building.  Occassionally the wrong target is specified and occassionally the smart technology malfunctions.  Such was the case in Mazar-E-Sharif in 2001, when a GPS guided bomb hit precisely the coordinates targeted, which unfortunately was the coordinates given by the Tactical Aerial Controller, but were his own rather than that of the AQ/Taliban insurrection inside the prison.

The US Military has Rules of Engagement which specify under which conditions a person or location can be targeted.  The US Military trains its troops to protect civilians, target combatants and quickly recognize the difference, even in the heat of battle.

When an errant bullet or missile kills the wrong person, or even almost does, the US Military investigates the incident to find out what went wrong and how to prevent it in the future.

We are fighting an enemy that purposely targets civilians, hides amongst civilians, attacks from amidst civilians and hence civilians will be killed, though primarily by the enemy.  The answer to these tactics is not to stop fighting those that prey on unarmed civilians because on rare occasion a civilian is killed by a US munition, but to gather renewed resolve to overcome that enemy that purposely kills civilians.

To quit the fight is to tell tyrants and terrorists that they are free to kill far more civilians in a day than ALL of our errant munitions kill in a year.  You have previously said that the 3,000 lost on 9/11 and the hundreds if not thousands killed prior to that by terrorists were not worth combatting terrorists.  A possible ratio of this issue is that 1 civilian is inadvertantly killed by US Munitions while protecting them compared to 1,000 purposely killed by terrorists. 

At what point does it become "worth it" to you to protect unarmed civilians while putting at risk Members of the Military?  We are not asking YOU to risk YOUR life to protect others, but don't make it impossible for those of us willing to risk OUR lives to protect others, including you.

18 JUN 2008 - War In Iraq News Daily

Security, Funding Sends Southern Baghdad Students Back to School

Tuesday, 17 June 2008

By Army Sgt. David Turner American Forces Press Service FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU — For school children in the southern Baghdad area, getting an education has become a difficult and even dangerous prospect in recent years. In some cases, supplies were short and facilities were in disrepair. Sometimes the teachers weren't there. In a few cases, the schools themselves were all but gone. The area where the 3rd Infantry Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team arrived in June 2007 had long been an insurgent stronghold, with many villages controlled by al-Qaida terrorists who kept children, especially girls, from attending school. With no coalition or Iraqi security forces presence, local schools suffered the same fate as many farms and businesses in the area. They were looted and damaged, and even became battlegrounds. "About two years ago, the Ministry of Education ordered all of the teachers out of the rural areas because the security situation was so bad," said Army Capt. Trista Mustaine, education advisor to the Baghdad 7 embedded provincial reconstruction team, which works with 2nd BCT soldiers to rebuild the local infrastructure and economy. The area is now more secure than it has been in years, with Iraqi soldiers and police establishing a presence and preparing to hold gains made by 2nd BCT, which is scheduled to redeploy in July. In addition to repairing critical infrastructure and breathing new life into the damaged economy, the 2nd BCT and Baghdad 7 embedded PRT have spent millions to keep schools open and make it possible for children to pursue an education. With the school year now over for children in the area, it's a chance for workers to complete renovations and building projects throughout the 2nd BCT's area of operation. Although reconstruction costs largely have been provided by coalition forces up to now, the Iraqi government is taking up the task and helping get local schools repaired and reopened before the next school year begins. As he and his soldiers near redeployment in July, Army Capt. Richard Aaron, commander of Battery B, 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery, feels good about the work they have done. "We've made a huge impact on the community with the school, and with other projects we've done," he said. Now that the area is safe again and schools are getting the attention they need, the Iraqi government is ready to re-invest in a more significant way. "As of about a month ago, the Ministry of Education has ordered the teachers to return to their rural schools," Mustaine said. Thanks to gains made by 2nd Brigade Combat Team, she said, government officials can work freely in the area to make sure their schools have what they need to teach the children. "Our goal is to provide accessible education for everyone. We have started the ball rolling, and the [Iraqi government] will keep it going in the future," she said.   Students of the Menahay Primary School in southern Baghdad pose for a photo at their makeshift school. When al-Qaida operatives destroyed their school, students took classes in a nearby five-room private home until their school could be rebuilt. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Luis Delgadillo.

Feature Stories

Operation New Town Molds Trust in Shakriyah

CAMP STRIKER — Iraqi Army Soldiers and Coalition forces conducted an air assault census mission, named “Operation New Town,” June 10 in Shakriyah. The 4th Company, 3rd Battalion, 22nd Brigade, 6th IA Division company commander also participated in the air assault mission to get a first-hand perspective on what his Soldiers will be doing in the near future.  “I was very impressed,” said Maj. Ahmed Hassan, 4th Co., 3/22/6 IA commander.

Troops in Iraq Detain 20, Discover Multiple Weapons Caches

BAGHDAD — Forces in Iraq detained 20 suspects and have found several weapons caches during operations over the last three days, military officials said. Coalition forces in Mosul captured two wanted men and detained nine other al-Qaida in Iraq suspects during operations June 16. One of the wanted men, an alleged bombing cell leader, was captured along with five suspected associates. The wanted man also is believed to manufacture bombs and target Iraqi and coalition forces.

Baghdad Al Jadida Residents Receive Refurbished Pool in Time for Summer

FORWARD OPERATING BASE RUSTAMIYAH — Citizens of Baghdad al Jadida in eastern Baghdad received a newly renovated swimming pool last week. Opening just in time for the hot months of summer, the Baghdad al Jadida pool is the first of three to be opened in the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light), operating environment.

Freedom Journal Iraq, June 17

• This Edition features supplying the Iraqi Government with Military Equipment, securing the Streets of Iraq and restoring a Public Works Station. Watch Now Tuesday, 17 June 2008 MND-B Soldiers detain four suspected criminals Tuesday, 17 June 2008 Criminals kill 27 Iraqis, injure 40 in unknown explosion Tuesday, 17 June 2008 IA, NP, MND-B Soldiers uncover multiple caches in Sadr

Give Me a Shake

Tuesday, 17 June 2008	Emergency Response Unit captures suspected AQI cell (Balad)
Tuesday, 17 June 2008	9 IP, 9 civilians wounded by VBIED (Tikrit)
Tuesday, 17 June 2008	Coalition forces capture three Special Groups criminals in Kut

Low Five

Tuesday, 17 June 2008	Army aircrews receive medals for heroism (Tikrit)
Tuesday, 17 June 2008	Bombing and foreign terrorist networks disrupted (Mosul)
Tuesday, 17 June 2008	IA, MND-B Soldiers find weapons in Baghdad

Big Boom

Tuesday, 17 June 2008	DoD Identifies Army Casualty
Tuesday, 17 June 2008	DoD Identifies Army Casualty
Tuesday, 17 June 2008	Iraqi Army captures ISI cell leader in Mosul

Airman Under