War On Terror News

Registry Tracks Effects of Embedded Metal Fragments

Defense Department Registry to Track Effects of Embedded Metal Fragments

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 2008 – A Defense Department registry is helping officials gather data to be sure the long-accepted practice of leaving embedded metal fragments in wounded warriors’ bodies as long as vital organs aren’t threatened is valid.

The Armed Forces Institute of Pathology created the Embedded Metal Fragments Registry in December.

“In general, we’ve [always] felt that metal fragments in a body, if they’re smaller than a certain size … and they’re not in a vital area of the body, it’s OK to leave them in,” said Dr. Michael Kilpatrick, DoD’s deputy director for force health protection and readiness. “That’s been that way for, actually, centuries, [but] we want to be able to validate that with actual data.”

To date, the registry deals only with wounded servicemembers from Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

The military’s interest in the effects of embedded metal fragments began in the early 1990s after Gulf War veterans reported health concerns, Kilpatrick said. During the Gulf War, servicemembers used munitions made with depleted uranium. The military had studied the effects of firing munitions made from depleted uranium, but not the effects of being hit with them.

Several servicemembers were hit with these munitions in combat accidents, and looked to the depleted uranium as a possible cause of illnesses Gulf War veterans were reporting. But research that began in the mid-1990s hasn’t revealed any cause for concern that depleted uranium fragments were causing harm to those harboring them.

“We’ve had some 70 people followed at the Baltimore [Veterans Affairs Medical Center] that were hit with depleted uranium,” Kilpatrick said. “We’ve not seen any health effects in them yet.”

The new registry’s aim is to look at the effects of embedded metal fragments over the long term. To date, the registry has looked at 400 to 500 fragments to determine their makeup.

Those who have had fragments removed and sent to the registry but still live with unrecoverable fragments will become part of a database, Kilpatrick said. Administrators will use medical records created when servicemembers were injured in blasts and subsequent medical records to add to that database, Kilpatrick said.

This information will be shared with the Veterans Affairs health care system, because the intention of the registry is to follow the veterans for the rest of their lives, he said.

“We’re really on the very ground floor of building this registry,” Kilpatrick said. “As we’re working with the services we’re saying, ‘Let’s make sure that we’re covering the people who are in the electronic records that are really pretty valid from about 2005 forward.’”

Earlier records, including those from the very start of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, aren’t in electronic format and therefore are more difficult to use for the registry, he said.

The registry holds promise on many fronts, Kilpatrick said. It has the potential to help the military spot trends and track down potential causes of illnesses, and it could lead to new tests that would determine the type of metal and its concentration in an individual.

It also will help the military keep tabs on the enemy.

“We never know what the enemy may be shooting at us,” Kilpatrick said. “We don’t really know what the enemy’s going to be putting in some of these roadside devices. The question is always ‘What’s on the world market?’”

So far, Kilpatrick said, the catalogued metal fragments don’t show anything unusual.

“The good news is that we’ve not seen anything in those fragments that is a dangerous-type metal,” he said. “These are all the usual types of metals -- iron being the most prevalent one, followed by aluminum or copper or brass. Things you’d expect to see.”

The whole aim of the program, he said, is to be able to care for servicemembers properly and give them some peace of mind that the fragments they carry shouldn’t cause any problems.

Related Sites:
Embedded Metal Fragment Registry

War in Afghanistan Daily News - September 30, 2008

U.S. Soldiers Assist in Turbine Movement By Army Staff Sgt. Adora Medina Special to American Forces Press Service BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, Sept. 29, 2008 – People in the smaller villages of southern Afghanistan have limited or no electricity. Though rows of power lines stretch for miles across the desolate sands of the region, only residents of major cities have electrical power. Army 1st Sgt. Mark Kane helps direct a British and Canadian convoy transporting turbine materials into Afghanistan. He is assigned to the 1st Infantry Division’s 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team. The battalion’s soldiers cleared the way and secured the area during the Aug. 28 mission. U.S. Army photo  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. U.S. forces joined with Afghan forces and NATO’s International Security Assistance Force last month in an operation officials expect will lead to the eventual establishment of power for the smaller communities. The combined forces transported a new turbine more than 100 miles across southern Afghanistan to the Kajaki dam in Helmand province. On Aug. 28, soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, escorted the turbine as it passed through their area of operations. The light infantry unit cleared a path and secured about a 20-mile vicinity, enabling safe travel. The vast open area presented a challenge for the light infantrymen, who began operations in the district just months ago. “We’re still not sure what villages are pro-ISAF or pro-Taliban, or where some of the areas along the route are worse than the others,” Army Capt. Trevor Voelkel, commander of the battalion’s Company C, said. To familiarize themselves with the area, the soldiers in Voelkel’s company went out to perform reconnaissance just a couple of days prior to the operation. When they reached a certain portion of the district, Voelkel said, they were attacked by rockets twice within an hour. To alleviate unnecessary risks on the day of the operation, Kiowa and Apache helicopters circled the district, providing air support to the combined convoy. Soldiers from the 1st Infantry Division shadowed the convoy for about 10 hours, encountering only one incoming rocket round, which landed north of their perimeter. As the convoy departed from the district, soldiers transferred responsibility to Task Force Helmand, which led the convoy the rest of the way. Despite Taliban attempts to deter the operation, the turbine safely arrived to the Kajaki Dam on Sept. 2. There, engineers would begin the construction process to provide electricity for the remote areas of Afghanistan. (Army Staff Sgt. Adora Medina serves with Combined Joint Task Force 101.)

Related Sites: Combined Joint Task Force 101 NATO International Security Assistance Force

Army Staff Sgt. Lester Medina scans a blocked-off road for enemy activity in the Maywand district of Afghanistan’s Helmand province, Aug 28, 2008. He is assigned to the 1st Infantry Division’s 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team. The unit provided security for a British and Canadian convoy transporting turbine materials to bring electricity to the region. U.S. Army photo  Download screen-resolution    Download high-resolution

Troops Kill Insurgents in Southern Afghanistan American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 29, 2008 – Coalition and Afghan forces killed several insurgents during weekend patrols in southern Afghanistan, military officials reported. Insurgents have fired on coalition and Afghan troops in the past three days of patrols through Helmand, Kandahar and Zabol provinces, officials said. No coalition or Afghan casualties were reported from the engagements. The troops killed an undetermined number of insurgents yesterday after being fired upon while searching a remote compound in Kandahar province’s Maywand district where insurgent activities were suspected, officials said. During the search, soldiers saw a group of insurgents placing a homemade bomb alongside a road. The troops fired on the insurgents, killing two. Coalition and Afghan forces then received small-arms fire from a nearby fighting position. They returned fire on the enemy position, killing one attacker, officials said. A cache of more than 1,000 small-arms rounds was confiscated during the search. On Sept. 27, Afghan and coalition forces killed several insurgents during a security patrol in Helmand province’s Nahr Surkh district. Insurgents engaged the patrol with small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades. Coalition and Afghan troops fired back with small arms and heavy weapons, killing several insurgents. During a Sept. 26 security patrol in Zabul province’s Arghandab district, coalition and Afghan forces responded to insurgent small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades with small arms and heavy weapons, killing two insurgents. (Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 101 news releases.)

COMISAF visits RC-West

30 Sep. - General David D. McKiernan, ISAF Commander, recently visited Regional Command West. He was greeted by Brig. Gen. Francesco Arena, RC-West Commander and Colonel Pedro Rolan, Provincial Reconstruction Team commander.

During his visit, the COMISAF received briefings on upcoming projects being developed by the Spanish-led PRT for the Badghis province, as well as other projects in the region.

Also during his trip to RC-West, COMISAF met with the Shura of Bala Morghab and to further discuss key projects being developed for the district, to promote and ensure the future and stability for the people of Afghanistan.

ISAF shoots civilian who failed to stop when warned

29 Sep. - ISAF shot a civilian who approached too close to a patrol and failed to stop when directed in Sangin district, Helmand, September 29. The individual subsequently died of their wounds.

When the patrol noticed a man approaching, soldiers signalled to warn him to stop as he drew closer. When he failed to stop and continued to approach, a soldier issued a verbal warning then fired two shots further warning him to back away. He failed to react to either and, fearing a suicide bomber, the soldier then fired one aimed shot that killed the man.

The loss of innocent lives is a tragedy and ISAF seeks at all times to avoid civilian casualties.

ISAF acknowledges that this was an unfortunate incident and offers condolences to the family of the person killed. ISAF wishes to remind everyone not to approach convoys or patrols, especially rapidly, when signalled to stop. Failing to stop may be considered a hostile advance on the convoy or patrol.

ANA, ISAF forces capture senior Taliban leader

29 Sep. - Afghan and ISAF forces captured a senior Taliban leader in Uruzgan on September 22.

Prior to his capture, Ahmad Shah was a Taliban leader involved in the planning and execution of attacks against Afghan National Army and ISAF soldiers. In addition, he commanded about 50 fighters who operated in civilian-populated rural areas of the province.

“Ahmad Shah’s capture will significantly disrupt Taliban extremist efforts to conduct actions in Uruzgan. This is particularly positive because Shah was a lynchpin in operations that have killed civilians in the past,” said Brigadier General Richard Blanchette, ISAF spokesperson.

No civilians, ANA soldiers or ISAF soldiers were wounded in the operation.

With the assistance of the ANA, ISAF conducted the operation at the request of the Afghan government.

“ISAF is proud to help make Afghanistan a safer place for the Afghan people,” Brigadier General Blanchette added.

IED strike, altercation lead to two deaths

29 Sep. - The Afghan National Police and ISAF were conducting a joint patrol when they suffered an IED strike in Paktia September 28 during which no one was injured.

The patrol was engaged with small arms fire, and seven civilians were apprehended for questioning after testing positive for explosive residue. The detained civilians were then transferred to the ANP station at the Jaji District Centre.

While at the district centre, there was an altercation during which an ANP officer and one ISAF soldier were killed.

The death of the ISAF soldier was first released September 28 as “ISAF soldier killed in eastern Afghanistan”.

No Longer MIA: Welcome Home COL Zook, RIP, West Liberty, OH

Pilot Missing In Action From The Vietnam War Is Identified

            The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

            He is Col. David H. Zook, Jr., U.S. Air Force, of West Liberty, Ohio. He will be buried Oct. 4 in West Liberty.

            On Oct. 4, 1967, Zook was on a psychological warfare operation over Song Be Province, South Vietnam, when his U-10B Super Courier aircraft collided in mid-air with a C-7A Caribou. The C-7 pilot said he saw the other aircraft hit the ground and explode. Several search and rescue attempts failed to locate Zook’s remains.

            In 1992, a joint U.S./Socialist Republic of Vietnam (S.R.V.) team, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), investigated the incident in Song Be Province. The team interviewed Vietnamese citizens who witnessed the crash and saw remains amid the wreckage. The team surveyed the site and found evidence consistent with Zook’s crash. While later examining the evidence recovered from the site, a small fragment of bone was found.

            In 1993, another joint team excavated the crash site and recovered a bone fragment and non-biological material including small pieces of military clothing. In March 2008, a final excavation was conducted and more human remains were recovered.

            Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and also used dental comparisons in the identification of Zook’s remains.

            For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1169.

War in Iraq Daily News - September 30, 2008

IA Delivers School Supplies, Hygiene Items to Children

Tuesday, 30 September 2008 By Staff Sgt. Kyle J. Richardson 11th Public Affairs Detachment

YARMINJAH — Kids, kids, please! No pushing, shoving or fighting. Stand one behind the other, exclaimed an interpreter with 3rd Battalion, 5th Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army Division.

Ordinarily, this is a phrase young children would hear while in school. However, the children of Yarminjah, a village located in the southeastern region of Mosul, Iraq had a reason to gather with anticipation and excitement.

As Ramadan continues to wind down and a new school year quickly approaches, the 3-5-2 IA delivered school supplies and hygiene items to the children of Yarminjah, Sept. 27, 2008.

“The kids are getting ready to go back to school, said Capt. Ken Cook, operations officer, 3-5-2 Military Transition Team. “What better way to send these guys back to school than with clothing, school supplies and personal hygiene stuff.”

“This is actually an important mission for us," said Maj. John Ruckauf, intelligence advisor for the 3-5-2 Military Transition Team. “It is the month of Ramadan. It is the month of giving and prayer. This is an opportunity for the Iraqi Army to engage the local population, continue to gain their trust and support Ramadan.”

The 3-5-2 IA distributed more than 200 boxes of goods. The majority of the boxes were donated by the Church of Latter-day Saints. The 3-5-2 MiTT assisted the IA in collecting the boxes. Also the MiTT provided security to allow the IA to fully concentrate on passing out goods to the growing crowd.

Although coalition force Soldiers play vital roles in security when it comes to some of the IA lead mission, one Soldier’s family took interest in helping the villagers.
“My son sent me a pair of his shoes, actually the whole kindergarten class got together and sent shoes out,” said Staff Sgt. David Wenger, combat medic for 3-5-2 MiTT. He wanted me to get a picture of his favorite pair of sandals, which he had for several years.”

The 3-5-2 MiTT usually fills a supervisory role and provides extra security for the 3-5-2 IA, however, sometimes some operations mean a little more.

“It’s a great feeling, it’s about compassion and love here at this point,” said Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Benford, non-commissioned officer in charge as well as fires and effects sergeant for 3-5-2 MiTT.

As the last box is overturned and the last packaged is given to the last child, the IA and MiTT can leave Yarminjah in a better state and a little more prepared for school.

Feature Stories

Iraqi Air Force Training Schools Graduate 291 New Airmen

TAJI — The Iraqi Air Force training school held a combined Warrant Officer graduation ceremony on Sept. 29, 2008. 291 Airmen completed courses in Basic Military Training and Basic Technical Training at the Air Force Training School, and Communications Training from the Iraqi Army signal school.

Haditha Dam Pier Saves Time, Money, Water

HADITHA DAM — It may not look like much, but a recent construction project has saved the occupants of Haditha Dam from drought and back-breaking labor. In June, the Marines of Haditha Dam’s Forward Logistics Element created a small pier to combat the constant rise and fall of the water levels in the dam’s reservoir.

Coalition Detainee Operations Release More Than 14,000

BAGHDAD — Task Force 134 Detainee Operations, in its continuous effort to fairly release rehabilitated detainees from the population, has released over 14,150 detainees so far this year. A significant number of the total released for the year happened during the holy month of Ramadan. As of the end of the fourth week of Ramadan, 2,404 detainees have been returned to their families and communities in recognition that they no longer pose a threat to Iraqis. Monday, 29 September 2008 ISF captures criminal, AQI in separate northern Iraq operations

Monday, 29 September 2008	NP find explosives in Baghdad’s Rashid district
Monday, 29 September 2008	MND-B doctors, leaders visit Medical City (Baghdad)

On the Level

Monday, 29 September 2008	Iraqi Army takes full control of ammo depot
Monday, 29 September 2008	MND-B Soldier dies of wounds from SAF attack

Monday, 29 September 2008	Ramadan Detainee Releases Update – Week Four
Monday, 29 September 2008	Coalition Detainee Operations release more than 14,000, dropping population to around 17,900

Over the Top

Monday, 29 September 2008	NP, MND-B Soldiers capture 2 SG criminals in New Baghdad
Monday, 29 September 2008	Hillah SWAT confiscates illegal weapons and munitions
Monday, 29 September 2008	Al Mustafa Expedient Local Police Station opens

Monday, 29 September 2008

Coalition forces target bomb networks, foreign terrorist facilitators (Baghdad)

New Employer

Monday, 29 September 2008	MND-B Soldiers detain one in connection with weapons cache (Baghdad)
Monday, 29 September 2008	Prominent community leader shares iftar dinner with MND-B Soldiers
Monday, 29 September 2008	Village of Hope training center graduates final class (Hawr Rajab)

Applause

Monday, 29 September 2008	MND-B Soldiers renovate Rashid schools
Monday, 29 September 2008	MND-C Soldiers help NGO provide assistance to Iraqis (Amarah)
Monday, 29 September 2008	Reunion highlights CF reconciliation efforts during Ramadan (Kirkuk
Monday, 29 September 2008	NP find explosives in Baghdad’s Rashid district

            Pfc. Jamel A. Bryant, 22, of Belleville, Ill., died Sept. 27 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries sustained in a vehicle accident while on patrol in Wahida, Iraq. He was assigned to the 40th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Baumholder, Germany.   

            Sgt. William E. Hasenflu, 38, of Bradenton, Fla., died Sept. 28 in the Jaji District, Afghanistan, from wounds suffered when his unit was ambushed by enemy forces using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

Disruption For Peace - Part 6 Fighting Back

The list for Code Pink’s protest shenanigans go on and on here as well as wild stories of crazy things protesters do. As much as I would like to go on here and talk of these groups, there needs to be light shed on other groups, such as, Military Support groups. These groups are the backbone of our Military personnel and their family’s alike.

      One such group is Move America Forward. Move America Forward is a nonpartisan, nonprofit charitable organization committed to supporting

America

’s efforts to defeat terrorism. Smith of California (2008) When the City Council of Berkeley decided to discriminate against the Marine Recruit station telling them they were “unwanted and unwelcome”, and Code Pink showed up in support of this; let’s just say that this caused a firestorm of reaction. Representatives from Move America Forward came instantly to the front to fight for our Marines. Some brave politicians, stood along with Move America Forward, and proposed the legislation to strip

Berkeley

of federal funds and earmarks. As word spread via Move America Forward, patriots from across the country descended on

Berkeley

to stand up for the Marines. I wonder this; when

Berkeley

is in trouble, do you think they will call for the National Guard, or the Marines they have so diligently attacked; since they do not welcome Americas Troops that protect their citizens and their freedoms?

Part 7: Anti-Americanism?, tomorrow, here

©2008, Hooah.T, all rights reserved

America Supports You: City Employers Recognized for Military Support

America Supports You: City Employers Recognized for Military Support 

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2008 – The oldest and largest group representing American cities has thrown its support behind an effort to recognize employers’ support of military members.

The National League of Cities signed an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Statement of Support on Sept. 17. ESGR, a Defense Department group, works to promote understanding between employers and their military employees. It provides volunteers who offer mediation and education services to employers, Guard and reserve members and their families.

“What we were trying to do is acknowledge that the members of the Guard and reserve are … individuals who have critical jobs in municipalities in terms of running day-to-day operations,” Don Borut, National League of Cities’ executive director, said at the signing. “At the same time, their military jobs are important in terms of the security of the nation.”

The National League of Cities represents the interests of more than 18,000 cities, towns, and villages. It also provides information and support for those who are in leadership in municipal government.

Frequent deployments make it challenging for municipalities to maintain the same level of public safety, Borut said. At the same time, municipalities recognize the importance of having highly-trained professionals in the military.

“There is a balance,” he said. “For us, it’s valuable and important to be able to affirm the importance of this role and for municipalities to [be able to support] their employees who go off in their military duty.

“One of the things we feel is that the public sector needs to be a model of what we expect from other employers.”

Military employment law – the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-employment Rights Act -- spells out what the government requires an employer to do. The league thinks public sector employers take it a step further and go out of their way to make sure families of deployed troops are supported as well, Borut said.

Jim Rebholz, ESGR national chairman, held the National League of Cities up for praise.

“Their members are in the forefront of mobilizations for war as well as natural disasters because a goodly portion of their members’ employees are first responders in their communities,” Rebholz said.

“I think what it does is it sends a signal that the greater good of the country overshadows the temporary inconvenience employers have [when they] mobilize their Guard and reserve employees,” he said.

The strain that mobilizing employees for military duty places on municipalities becomes especially apparent this time of year when mobilizations are on short notice because of natural disasters.

“We are right in the height of a natural disaster season, it seems, [but] they are sacrificing by [working] overtime and adding staff to accommodate the Guard and reserve men and women who are leaving,” Rebholz said.

“Their example should be a model for everybody across the country,” he continued.

When an employer or an organization, such as the National League of Cities, signs an ESGR Statement of Support, it’s a pledge to:

-- Fully recognize, honor and enforce military employment law;

-- Provide managers and supervisors with tools to manage employees who serve in the National Guard and reserves; and

-- Continually recognize and support the country’s servicemembers and their families in peace, in crises and in war.

ESGR is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.

Related Sites:
America Supports You
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

War in Iraq Daily News - September 29, 2008

School Renovations Provide Children New Opportunities in Rashid District

Monday, 29 September 2008

Iraqi children applaud the opening of their newly remodeled school, Sept. 25, 2008, during a ribbon cutting ceremony signifying the start of a new school year in the central Radwaniyah community of the Rashid District in southern Baghdad. Photo by Capt. Mark Miller, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs.

BAGHDAD — At the beginning of their school year, the kids of the Halwan school in Jari Village and Malaly school in Radwaniyah are not returning to the same schoolhouse they left before the summer break in southern Baghdad’s Rashid District.

Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers, partnered with Civil Affairs Soldiers and local Iraqi community leaders, worked to complete required renovations in time to re-open the schools as scheduled, Sept. 25.

“The whole project had to be completed in less than six weeks,” explained Sgt. 1st Class Eric McCoy, non-commissioned officer in charge of the Civil Affairs team, assigned to the 404th Civil Affairs Bn., out of Fort Dix, N.J.

“The buildings have been re-faced, all of the electrical wires re-ran; a new generator has been installed, and the bathrooms were completely renovated as well,” added McCoy, who hails from Middletown, N.J.

At the first ribbon-cutting ceremony in Jari Village, a neighborhood in the Radwaniyah community, eager students and their satisfied teachers found newly renovated buildings with fresh paint, new desks, new roofing and three additional classrooms.

“The community now has better resources thanks to the hard work of the Coalition forces and Iraqi contractors,” said Sheik Ayad, a local leader of the Radwaniyah District.

Less than one hour later, a re-opening ceremony began for the Malaly school in the Radwaniyah community of Rashid.

Capt. Christopher Johnson, a native of Topsfield, Mass., and is the executive officer for HHC, 4th Bn., 64th Armor Regt., spoke to the crowd of students, teachers, and local leaders.

“This is the future of Iraq; it begins here with the children,” Johnson said as he reflected on his memories of the school when he first saw it only months ago.

“We all remember when the roof here was falling in, and it was a dangerous environment for the kids,” he said. “This is a better environment for the students and teachers to focus on education now.”

(By Capt. Mark Miller, 4th Infantry Division)

 

Coalition Detainee Operations Release More Than 14,000

BAGHDAD — Task Force 134 Detainee Operations, in its continuous effort to fairly release rehabilitated detainees from the population, has released over 14,150 detainees so far this year.   

A significant number of the total released for the year happened during the holy month of Ramadan. As of the end of the fourth week of Ramadan, 2,404 detainees have been returned to their families and communities in recognition that they no longer pose a threat to Iraqis.

 

Three Significant Water Projects Ongoing in Erbil Province

ERBIL — "Approximately 40,000 people will go from two hours of water every three days, to three or four hours of water every day," said Younnis Talib, project engineer in the Erbil resident office.   

A short distance from the Iraq/Iran border, the Sakran natural spring water flows into a recently constructed catchment, where a 5.5 mile pipeline carries it to a 450 cubic meter holding tank.

 

Village of Hope Training Center Graduates Final Class

PATROL BASE STONE — Sixty students graduated from the fourth and final Village of Hope training center rotation during a ceremony at Patrol Base Stone Sept. 25.

“The Village of Hope was part of a civil service corps program that took Sons of Iraq (SoI) members from checkpoints and taught them useable trades that they can make a living with,” said Capt. Michael Askegren, 557th Expeditionary Red Horse Squadron officer-in-charge of Village of Hope.

 

Interactive Iraq :: Video News

Iraqi Freedom Minute, Sept. 28

• This edition features a story on the integration of women into the Iraqi Police force.

Watch Now

Sunday, 28 September 2008 MND-B Soldiers, ISF seize weapons, arrest Iranian backed SG criminals throughout Baghdad’s Rashid di

Sunday, 28 September 2008	UPDATE: 6 Iraqis killed, 26 injured in West Rashid blast
Sunday, 28 September 2008	Double explosions, small-arms fire injure civilians, police in Rusafa

Sunday, 28 September 2008 IA, MND-B Soldiers seize weapons caches throughout Baghdad

Sunday, 28 September 2008	Kazakhstani Sappers share EOD smarts with IA
Sunday, 28 September 2008	Three significant water projects ongoing in Erbil Province

Sunday, 28 September 2008	Al-Qaeda bombing, financial networks degraded (Baghdad)
Sunday, 28 September 2008	Coalition forces catch three Iranian backed Kata’ib Hezbollah suspects (Baghdad)

Spouse forums, GI Mail alternatives still available online

Spouse forums, GI Mail alternatives still available online

by  Maj. Beth Kelley Horine
Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs

9/26/2008 - RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) -- With the transition to the new Air Force Community Web site, www.afcommunity.af.mil, on Oct. 1, alternatives to the GI Mail service and Air Force Spouse forums and discussion boards previously available on the former "Air Force Crossroads" Web site are available on the Air Force Portal and Department of Defense family support resource sites www.militaryHOMEFRONT.dod.mil and www.militaryonesource.com.

The AF Community site phases out the Air Force Crossroads.com-hosted site.

"New Web security requirements, reduced funding, and the push to eliminate redundancy on military Web sites drove the move to the .mil-hosted Air Force Community site," said Eliza Nesmith, chief of Airman and Family Services at the Pentagon.

"We understand the change to a new site can take some getting used to--the Crossroads site took many years to build up its user base--but I hope our spouses and Airmen who used Crossroads test drive the Air Force Community site to see how it meets their needs," said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley.

The new site offers similar services and information as on Air Force Crossroads, except for hosting GI Mail email accounts. However, comparable services exist and are available to all interested users.

For GI Mail users who do not have access to non-.mil computers to create a separate, personal email account through a commercial host, two communication options are available:

The first option, through the Air Force Portal, allows Airmen to communicate with friends and family through the Instant Messenger tool. All Airmen can sponsor friends and family member accounts on the portal. Simply have the sponsor click on the "Sponsor friends and family" link on the front page of the portal, www.my.af.mil, to request an account. The Air Force Portal is accessible from any computer anywhere in the world once an account is established.

The second option for GI Mail users is through the DoD's Military Homefront site's "Homefront Connections" link. Similar to popular social networking sites, anyone registered on the site can send private messages to other registered site members. To register, simply go to https://homefrontconnections.mhf.dod.mil and create an account. Once the account is established, select "Private messages" under the "Your Stuff" heading. Anyone can create an account, and the site is accessible from any computer, world-wide.

For spouses who regularly used the AF Crossroads spouse discussion boards, the new location for the discussion boards is on the Military Homefront site as well. Go to https://homefrontconnections.mhf.dod.mil and click on "Air Force Spouse Network" on left-hand side under the "Communities" tab. You must have registered for an account to view.

Also, the Military One source site offers over twenty different discussion boards for Total Force Airmen and families. Topics include everything from deployments, moving and education, to new military spouses, spouse employment and military shopping tips. Simply go to www.militaryonesource.com and under the "News and Community" tab on the left-hand side, click the Discussion Board link.

Some newly-registered users on the Military Homefront site may receive what looks like an error message when linking to the Homefront Connections log-in page. Simply click on the middle option "Continue to this site," and the Homefront Connections home page will appear. Maintainers for the Military Homefront site are currently working to resolve this issue.

"For those who regularly used the AF Crossroads site, we understand that this change is difficult. And for the spouses who regularly used the AF Crossroads spouse discussion boards, we realize that sense of community you've had will have to be rebuilt," said Ms. Nesmith. "We're open to your feedback and look forward to hearing your constructive ideas and suggestions."

To provide suggestions and ideas about the new AF Community site, www.afcommunity.af.mil, click "Contact Us" at the bottom of the home page to send feedback.

War in Afghanistan Daily News - September 29, 2008

Coalition Targets Bomb Networks in Eastern Afghanistan

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 28, 2008 – Coalition forces killed six militants and detained eight others in operations in Afghanistan’s Regional Command – East over the past two days.

U.S. forces launched multiple operations to disrupt terrorist networks and deny them sanctuary.

In Andar District, coalition forces targeted a Taliban commander who funded, coordinated and directed roadside bomb attacks against civilians, Afghan and coalition forces. Officials believe the man facilitates the flow of foreign fighters into the Khowst region of Afghanistan. The force detained one suspected militant during the operation.

Coalition forces also targeted a Hakkani sub-commander responsible for planning and conducting roadside bomb attacks. As coalition forces entered the targeted compound, many militants fired on the troops. Coalition forces returned fire, killing one.

The other militants ran out of the compound and began firing on the force, again. The troops engaged them with small-arms fire, killing two. A third militant was killed after engaging coalition forces from a firing position in an open field. Two civilians injured during the battle received treatment by coalition forces.

A search of the buildings revealed a number of AK-47 assault rifles, other automatic weapons, dynamite, hand grenades and military style clothing. The items were destroyed to prevent future use. Seven suspected militants were detained during the operation.

In Ghazni province, coalition forces killed two militants while targeting a Taliban commander known to facilitate the movement of foreign fighters into Afghanistan. A search yielded multiple grenades, blasting caps, rocket-propelled grenades and military style clothing.

In Konar province, coalition forces came under heavy fire while searching a compound. Coalition forces called for close air support and returned fire killing two of the militants.

Initial reports show no civilian or coalition casualties.

(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 101 news releases.)

USAFCENT commander visits 455th AEW

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan -- Lt. Gen. Gary North, U.S. Air Forces Central commander, speaks to Airmen here Sept. 25, 2008. General North visited the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing to learn about new projects and how the Airmen are fighting the war on terror in Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse/Released)

Coalition forces target IED networks in eastern Afghanistan

from  Combined Joint Task Force - 101
Combined Press Information Center

9/28/2008 - BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan -- Coalition forces killed six armed militants and detained eight suspected militants during multiple operations in eastern Afghanistan to disrupt terrorist networks and deny them sanctuary, Saturday.

In Andar District, Coalition forces targeted a Taliban commander known to resource, coordinate and direct IED attacks against civilians, the Government of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and Coalition forces. He is also believed to facilitate the movement of foreign militant fighters into the Khowst region. The force detained one suspected militant during the operation.

Coalition forces also targeted a Haqqani sub commander in Sabari District responsible for planning and conducting IED attacks. As Coalition forces entered the targeted compound, they were engaged by multiple armed militants. Coalition forces returned fire, killing one. The other militants exited the compound and began firing on the force, again. The force pursued the militants and engaged them with small-arms fire, killing two. A third militant was killed after engaging Coalition forces from a firing position in an open field. Two civilians injured during the battle received treatment by Coalition forces.

More...

Sept. 27 airpower summary: A-10s deter insurgent activities

An A-10A Thunderbolt II aircraft flys a mission during Operation Desert Storm. The aircraft is armed with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, AGM-65 Maverick missiles, and Mark 82 500-pound bombs. The A-10 continues to support valuable joint operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Download HiRes

9/28/2008 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 27, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs performed shows of force to deter insurgent activities in the vicinity of Bagram and near Asmar. The missions were reported a success by the JTACs.

In the vicinity of Sangin, a Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet performed shows of force to provide armed aerial surveillance and to deter insurgent activities. The mission was declared a success by the JTACs.

In the vicinity of Mazar E Sharif, Air Force A-10s performed shows of force to deter insurgent activities and fighting positions engaging coalition forces with small arms and indirect fire. The missions were reported a success by the JTACs.

Coalition aircraft performed shows of force to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Gereshk. A JTAC confirmed the missions successful.

In total, 69 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.     More...

Combined Joint Task Force-101
Operation Enduring Freedom

Secretary of the Army Geren visits Ghazni, Texas ADT

Monday, 29 September 2008

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (Sept. 20, 2008) — Secretary of the Army Peter Geren visited an Agricultural Development Team at Forward Operating Base Ghazni last week during a visit to Afghanistan. The ADT which is comprised of elements from the Texas National Guard and attached to 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Reg...

Full Story

News From NATO

ISAF soldier killed in eastern Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan - An ISAF soldier was   killed in eastern Afghanistan September 28 in an insurgent   attack.

         

VOICE OF THE VET VETERANS WRITING PROJECT

Are you a veteran living in the Chicago area?  If so, then you should check out this writer’s workshop. It is offered FREE of charge. Much has been said about the therapy associated with getting your feelings out of your head and onto paper.  Perhaps you have always wanted to try your hand at writing but were unsure just how to get started.  It seems easy to say, "Well just pick up a pen and start writing."  Trust me, it isn’t that easy! I have spent many a moment trying to get the right impression or emotion down on paper.  I contacted Kathleen Nesbitt, the facilitator, to find out a bit more about her workshops.  She was kind enough to give me some more details on what to expect.

“We will be exploring all different forms of writing, prose, poetry, essay, and experimental styles so that each participant can explore ways to find his/her own voice. Each week we will write on a topic or theme with examples from published works. The themes and topics will range from our common experiences of war and the military, the war at home and coping, living with P.T.S.D., transition, change, who we were, who we are, who we want to become.

We will also look at themes that are universal as we learn about ourselves, the human condition, what we love and cherish. Each person is free to go where ever the topic/theme leads them to express themselves. I will also be introducing different kinds of writing practices so that each participant can find a comfortable model to sustain their personal writing practice and start, if they want, crafting a project.

As the facilitator of the workshops my goal is to meet each individual where they are with their writing and/or writing practice - meaning all levels are welcome - even those who have always wanted to try. On a completely voluntary basis we will share what we have written in the workshops for supportive feedback towards strengths and what moves people about the writing.”

The announcement below will give you all the details about who, what, where, when and then some!

 

Veterans, Soldiers, Warriors and Service Men and Women are invited to participate in Free Weekly Writing Workshops with Kathleen Nesbitt, a published writer and transformative language artist, at the National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum in Chicago.

Beginning Saturday, October 18th 2008
Thru Saturday, January 31st 2009
2:30pm – 5:00pm

With an emphasis on helping veterans process and cope with their experiences of war and the military through personal writing, these workshops will promote community building in a welcoming environment. Here the writers can give voice and bear witness to their common experiences as they work toward fostering personal peace, healing and renewal, and social reintegration. The workshops will explore the basics of the craft of writing, introduce the spiritually nourishing aspects of expressive writing, and provide tools to create a sustainable writing practice.

• Veterans will have the opportunity to engage in workshops with published authors (TBA) once a month during the series.

• Families of veterans will have the opportunity to participate in workshops once a month during the series: Nov. 15th, Dec. 20th, Jan. 17th.

• Veterans will have the opportunity to be partnered with student artists from Columbia College's Media Production class to create media works that tell/interpret the veteran's stories and writing.

• Veterans across the Nation can participate in the companion on-line writing program via VoiceoftheVet.org/blog

• This fifteen-week series of workshops is intended as a pilot program to develop a model for interested veterans to be trained in and to utilize with peer veterans worldwide.

Contact: Kathleen Nesbitt 773-316-5800

[email protected]

 

Kathleen Nesbitt MFA, MA-TLA, CAPF, AWAI is a published writer working on a novel that depicts the manifestations of silence and PTSD within the family. In addition to her MFA in writing she holds an MA in Transformative Language Arts: Social and Personal Transformation through the power of the written, spoken or sung word.  She has facilitated writing workshops for healing and renewal with the homeless, domestic abuse victims, persons in recovery, and the incarcerated, among others. "I give voice.”

 

Copyright 2008 MsMarti. All rights reserved.

Advisors Help With Post-Deployment Transition to Civilian Life

Advisors Help Troops Transition to Civilian Life

By Army Sgt. S. Patrick McCollum
Special to American Forces Press Service

Arlington, Va., Sept. 26, 2008 – How do I file a Veterans Affairs claim? How do I get enrolled in the V.A. system and get an appointment? What’s the difference between the TRICARE Reserve Select and TRICARE Prime health plans?

Retired Air Force Master Sgt. Jeff Unger, left, a Wisconsin National Guard transition assistance advisor. counsels Capt. Dan Hanson, his wife Jen, and their children Mitch, Jake, and Liz, at his office in Madison, April 4, 2007. Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs photo by Larry Sommers.  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

These are just some of the questions asked by National Guard troops returning to civilian life from deployment. Retired Air Force Master Sgt. Jeffrey Unger, of the Wisconsin National Guard, is among those known as transition assistance advisors who help get them the answers.

“If they go through the process, if they hit barriers or they incur challenges they don’t know how to address, they contact their TAA,” Unger said.

Started in May 2005, the TAA program provides a professional in each of the 54 states and territories to serve as the statewide point of contact to assist troops in accessing Veterans Affairs benefits and healthcare services. Most advisors are like Unger: retired servicemembers or disabled veterans who have been through the benefits process and know what works and what doesn’t.

Guard spouses also make up transition assistance ranks, said Alex Baird, the deputy surgeon for the bureau’s Warrior Support program, which manages the TAAs. All of them know the process so that Guard members can get the benefits they’re entitled, he said.

The process starts with understanding what benefits can be received. TAAs help Guard members receive disability compensation, healthcare through TRICARE, Veterans Benefits Administration enrollment, education benefits and other entitlements.

“You would be absolutely astounded as to how many veterans and their families do not understand what their benefits are or how to get access to them,” Baird said.

Unger assisted the transition of Army Spc. Demond Love, a cannon crew member with Wisconsin’s 1st Brigade, 121st Field Artillery. Love’s vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb during an Iraq deployment. Back home, he was broadsided by questions.

“I would have come back and I wouldn’t have known where to start,” Love said. “I was completely dumbfounded. I didn’t know what benefits I was eligible for. I didn’t know where to start anything. I just would have been left in the wind.”

He was not. Thanks to the efforts of Unger and others, Love found a job and applied for V.A. benefits he wouldn’t have known about.

“I would just call Jeff and he would tell me, ‘you’re also eligible for this, and ‘you might want to look into that,’ and all different kinds of stuff,” Love said. “He set me up with different groups like the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) that I didn’t know anything about.”

The transition assistance didn’t stop there. Having been around the military for a while, the TAAs have knowledge and contacts that can help young citizen soldiers and airmen manage their careers.

When Love wanted to transfer units, Unger made it happen with one phone call, Love said.

TAA help is not limited to Guard members. Unger worked with an 84-year-old World War II veteran who faced large medical bills from multiple surgeries. He had injured himself falling out of a plane in 1944. Unger learned that the vet had never filed a service-connected disability claim with the VA, which would have entitled him to additional benefits.

“I got him connected with his local veterans’ service officer,” Unger said. “We got a claim filed with the Veterans’ Benefits Association. About four months later, he received notification that he was now 100 percent totally and permanently-disabled as a result of his service. And we literally changed his standard of living that day.”

TAAs hone their skills through constant training.

“The benefits change, the benefits become more complex,” Baird said. “We do ongoing training, monthly. We do annual training where the VA comes in with us.”

The monthly training is in the form of a conference call where the TAAs bring up problems to the group to be solved by others with the same experience or, in some cases, the VA representative.

“Our monthly teleconferences are almost like a walking library,” said Unger. “Say [the problem] is home loans or life insurance or it’s the GI Bill or it’s a disability claim.

“Whatever it may be, we get the experts on the line with us and we get an opportunity to go one-on-one with [them].”

For Unger, helping returning veterans is a fulfilling way to spend his retirement.

“To know that when you hang up that phone, or that when they walk out of that office, or when you leave an event, you know in your heart that you did a veteran well,” Unger said. “There is no better feeling than to know you’ve helped somebody like that.”

(Sgt. S. Patrick McCollum works at the National Guard Bureau).

Related Sites:
National Guard Bureau

Awarding the Purple Heart

Awarding the Purple Heart

The original Purple Heart, designated as the Badge of Military Merit, was established by Gen. George Washington by order from his headquarters at Newburgh, N. Y., Aug. 7, 1782. Records indicate that the Purple Heart was awarded only three times during the Revolutionary War and was not awarded again until it was revived on Washington's 200th birthday, Feb. 22, 1932. Use of the Purple Heart for meritorious service was discontinued on Dec. 3, 1942 when the Legion of Merit was created.

Commentary by Col. Charles E. Potter
Deputy Commander - Craig Joint Theater Hospital

8/8/2008 - BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan -- There is a flurry of activity around the bed side. The Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine is being cleaned up and covered the best they can be. Several of their comrades are present, along with their medical care givers and the ever-present chaplain. The commanding general walks in with a small group of Soldiers, the command sergeant major and aides.

A conversation begins, if possible, between the commanding general and the wounded U.S. service member. Many times there is no two-way conversation because the patient has just come out of surgery or has a tube down his throat and is sedated because of the pain or the injury. Even if they are unconscious, he talks to them anyway, because sometimes even in that state they can remember hearing his voice. If he is able to, the wounded warrior tells his story - improvised explosive device blast, rocket propelled grenade attack, small arms fire, rooting out the bad guys in a building or cave, or shooting it out on a street or roadside. The general listens intently, comments on the action and tells the wounded warrior how the big picture turned out that day.

Depending on the injury, the general asks about the wounded warrior's family. He makes small talk about their unit, or where they are from in the states, all the time trying to gage the emotional state of the wounded warrior. The command sergeant major tells them how they are going to get better and wonders when they will be able to lead their unit run or physical training. But what they both mostly see are broken bones with what looks like an erector set holding them together, tubes and bandages, shrapnel wounds, with signs of blood oozing through. They might see an amputated limb or multiple traumas from the head to the feet. These are heroes who have paid the price of being wounded while serving their country.

The general finishes up the small talk and then tells the wounded service member he knows they woke up this morning with no intentions of earning this medal today - he then tells them the story behind the Purple Heart, explaining why Gen. George Washington's likeness is on the medal. The general orders the citation to be read - everyone in the room and those listening outside snap to attention as the order is read. It is a time honored tradition for those who serve in uniform.

He bends down and pins the Purple Heart on whatever clothing or piece of material he can find. He hands them the Combat Action Badge if they have not earned one as of yet. If they have a hand he can shake he hands them a coin. He tells them to hurry up and get better so they can get back in the fight.

The ceremony is over now. He leaves them with hope and, if they are going to be aerovac to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, reassurance of what good care they are going to receive there as well. Sometimes it's hard to walk away. He knows what's in store for them now - a journey of recovery and hopefully a return to duty in their respective services. He starts to leave. The Purple Heart recipient always thanks him. He stops, turns and says, "No, don't thank me. I thank you for your service to your country. Get well soon."

Note: From May 1, 2008 to Aug 8, 2008, there have been more than 100 Purple Hearts awarded at Task Force Med by the leadership of the 101st.

War in Afghanistan Daily News - September 28, 2008

Coalition Forces target al-Qaeda in Konar

from  Combined Joint Task Force - 101
Combined Press Information Center

9/28/2008 - BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistsan -- In Asmar District, Coalition Forces targeted an al-Qaeda IED and suicide bomber network responsible for numerous attacks in the Konar region.

Coalition forces searched the first compound without incident. As the force moved to a second compound, they were met by a barrage of automatic weapons and small-arms fire. Coalition forces called for close air support and returned fire killing two of the militants.

Initial reports show no civilian or Coalition casualties.

The incident is still under investigation.

Classes on new M14 take precision marksmanship to new levels

Sep 22, 2008
BY Pfc. Christina Sinders

Soldiers from units within Task Force Currahee fire at iron targets over 500 meters away during a range day portion of a training class on the newly-issued M14EBRMTT, at forward operating base Salerno, Khost province, September 8. Photo by Pfc. Christina Sinders

Task Force Currahee hosted a set of training classes on the newly-issued M14EBRMTT rifle at forward operating base Salerno, Khost province during August and September of 2008.

The third of four classes began Sept. 8 ending just shy of one week. Eight Soldiers from different units across five provinces within Task Force Currahee.
The 101st Airborne Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team is the first unit in Afghanistan to begin issuing these weapons. One hundred and eighteen are currently in use within the task force, and more are expected to be issued before the end of the deployment.      More...

New battle gear improves capabilities for combat Airmen
 

A battlefield Airmen stands guard wearing the new airman battle system-ground ensemble. The ABS-G provides battlefield Airmen with fire resistance and tactical integration with body armor. Distribution will begin in February 2009, and it will most likely be in testing phase for 18 to 24 months. (Courtesy photo)

by  Staff Sgt. Andrea Thacker
Air Forces Central Public Affairs - Combined Air and Space Operations Center

9/26/2008 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Battlefield Airmen will soon receive a new equipment item that will improve their ability to execute their combat duties.

The new airman battle system-ground is a tactical ensemble, or equipment item, for Airmen who perform their mission outside the wire in close coordination with ground forces.

"It will provide Airmen with the right level of safety combined with a fully functional, tactically proficient ensemble, thereby, increasing their confidence and ability to perform their mission," said Chief Master Sgt. Scott Dearduff, the 9th Air Force and Air Forces Central command chief.

Airmen are operating outside the wire in an increasing number of ground-centric traditional and nontraditional Air Force missions. The ABS-G was created to fulfill an urgent operational need to enable Airmen to function effectively in ground combat operations.

"The safety and confidence provided to our ground combat Airmen from the development of the ABS-G is a key "outside-the-wire" priority," said Lt. Gen. Gary L. North, the Air Forces Central commander.

"Today, more than ever, we have Airmen conducting operations in the ground battle space, " General North said. "Our effort to provide them with our airman ground combat ensemble provides them with the highest level of utility, comfort and protection. This is key to our ability to work outside the wire in an ensemble that is optimized for the environment our Airmen are facing."      More...

The roar of dawn

Ready to go

Taxiing out

Setting up the cockpit

It's not as hard as it looks

Load 'er up

The roar of dawn

Ready to go

Taxiing out

Setting up the cockpit

It's not as hard as it looks

Load 'er up

C-17 Globemaster III

C-130J Hercules

Ready and waiting

Ready for takeoff

Unloading

Marshaling in the beast

F-15E Strike Eagle

Home safe

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan -- The roar of 50,000lbs of thrust greets the new day here August 27, 2008. The dawn patrol flew above the painted mountains, protecting coalition forces in their ever-vigilant close-air support mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse/Released)  Download Full Image | E-mail a friend

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan -- An F-15E Strike Eagle stands ready for takeoff here August 27, 2008. Pilot Col. James Beissner and weapons systems officer Capt. Vanessa Mahan get ready to close the canopy and finish their preflight checks. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse/Released)  Download Full Image | E-mail a friend

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan -- A crew chief with the 455th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron marshals an F-15E Strike Eagle of the "dawn patrol" here August 27, 2008. The two F-15Es that made up the "dawn patrol" taxied out just as first light began to break over the picturesque mountains of Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse/Released)  Download Full Image | E-mail a friend

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan -- Col. James Beissner, 455th Expeditionary Operations Group deputy commander and F-15E Strike Eagle pilot, sets up his cockpit here August 27, 2008. With no available light and no light coming from the powered-down instrument lights, he uses his flashlight to see. Colonel Beissner is deployed from RAF Lakenheath, England, and hails from Alexandria, Va. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse/Released)  Download Full Image | E-mail a friend

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan -- A loadmaster guides a fully-loaded aircraft pallet onto a C-130J Hercules here on August 28, 2008. The C-130 fleet provides crucial airlift missions transporting supplies to locations ranging from fully-established bases to dirt drop zones in the wilderness of Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse/Released)  Download Full Image | E-mail a friend

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan -- A loadmaster guides a Tunner 60K loader towards a C-130J Hercules here on August 28, 2008. The loader has motorized wheels and rollers to allow loadmasters to rapidly transfer cargo into the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse/Released)  Download Full Image | E-mail a friend

Pave Hawks

vital in medical evacuations An Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk takes off for a medical evacuation mission as the sun sets over Bagram Air Field, Afhanistan, Aug. 16. Although primarily used for combat search and rescue, the Pave Hawk supplements the Army’s UH-60 Black Hawks in medical evacuations during night and marginal weather conditions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse/Released)  Download Full Image

Mahmood Raqi

Mahmood Raqi

Mahmood Raqi

Laghman Province

Mehtar Lam

Laghman Province

Laghman Province

Laghman Province

Kalagush

Laghman Province

Gave proof through the night...

Flags raised high

Mountains painted with light

Sunbeams

What a view

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan -- Two local Afghans walk across a river valley in Mahmood Raqi District, Kapisa Province, Afghanistan, September 16, 2008. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse/Released)  Download Full Image | E-mail a friend

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan -- Two local Afghans walk across a river valley in Mahmood Raqi District, Kapisa Province, Afghanistan, September 16, 2008. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse/Released)  Download Full Image | E-mail a friend

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan -- The sun sets over the mountains in Mahmood Raqi District, Kapisa Province, Afghanistan, September 16, 2008. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse/Released)  Download Full Image | E-mail a friend

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan -- Lush greenery stands in stark contrast to the surrounding desert in Laghman Province, Afghanistan September 7, 2008. In the harsh climate of Afghanistan, towns are often huddled around local waterways. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse/Released)  Download Full Image

AFCENT Commander visits Airmen in Afghanistan

AFCENT Commander visits Airmen in Afghanistan

Speaking to Airmen

Air Force Marathon 5K Run

Air Force Marathon 5K Run

Air Force Marathon 5K Run

Air Force Marathon 5K Run

Paying respects to POW/MIA

A moment of reflection

Lowering of the flags

Secretary of Defense visits Bagram

Secretary of Defense visits Bagram

Secretary of Defense visits Bagram

Secretary of Defense visits Bagram

Secretary of Defense visits Bagram

Lt. Gen. Gary North, U.S. Air Forces Central commander, shares a laugh with 1st Lt. Kierra Kaaoush, 209th Afghan Regional Security Integration Command - North liaison officer, at Camp Spann in the Balakh Province, Afghanistan, Sept. 26. Lieutenant Kaaoush's mother, a retired chief master sergeant, had asked the general to check on her daughter during his visit. While at Camp Spann, General North held an Airman's Call and recognized outstanding performers.  Download Full Image

 

War in Iraq Daily News - September 28, 2008

Continued Progress: Security Allows Opening of West Baqubah Road

Sunday, 28 September 2008

The mayor of Baqubah cuts the ribbon to re-open a road that has been closed to through traffic for more than a year. Photo by Pvt. Alisha Nye, 14th Public Affairs Detachment.

BAQUBAH — A ribbon cutting ceremony recently took place in a western Baqubah neighborhood to reopen a road that had been closed to the locals in the area for more than a year.

"This was in the workings since early May," said Capt. Kevin P. Ryan, the officer behind coordinating the opening. "My idea is to transition this area of operations (AO) back to the Iraqi people and to open the roads up, to give something back to the people."

To do that, though, he had to work with Iraqi security forces (ISF) to set up some conditions, which were to set up a series of checkpoints, Ryan said. There were three set up.

"The three of them lead into the west side of the AO," Ryan said. "From here, Iraqi security forces with their Sons of Iraq brothers can search the vehicles and allow the vehicles to come in. Traffic has not been allowed inside the western part of this AO in over a year, so today was a big day giving something back to the people."

Traffic had not been allowed in for so long due to security reasons, Ryan said.

"This was the foothold of al-Qaida in Iraq," Ryan said. "So, they banned all traffic due to clearing operations and never allowed traffic to come back in because the situation didn't allow it."

Transition of control of the AO from Coalition forces to Iraqi security forces is also being achieved.

"The biggest thing is that Western Baqubah is almost retained," Ryan said. "A few more things need to happen and we'll be fully in the retained phase."

Ryan said this means that ISF is definitely in the lead.

"For the most part, right now, ISF is in the lead and U.S. forces have been over-watching," Ryan said. "The Iraqi dependency on the U.S. is decreasing. That's the way we need to keep going. Today was one of the steps in the right direction…a big step."

(By Pfc. Alisha Nye, 14th Public Affairs Detachment)

 

Marines Help Those Most in Need through ‘Operation Widow’

CAMP KOREAN VILLAGE — Reserve U.S. Marines delivered food supplies for economically disadvantaged families in Rutbah, a town of about 17,000 residents in western al-Anbar province, Sept. 24. 

According to Navy chaplain Lt. Ray Rivers, these Marines created “Operation Widow” in June to provide non-perishable food items, fresh fruit, milk and juice to widows and their families in Rutbah.

 

Rehabilitated Insurgent Forgiven, Released During Holy Month of Ramadan

KIRKUK — In the spirit of reconciliation and during the observance of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, Sheik Abdullah Sami Al Asi Obeydi, a Kirkuk Sunni Arab Provincial Council member and tribal leader, was reunited with his cousin, Shakn Abdullah Mushed Al-Rahma Obeydi, after a ten-month separation, here at Forward Operating Base Warrior, Sept. 27.

Abdullah Mushed was detained by the Coalition in November for supporting insurgent activity in the province of Kirkuk. The release was facilitated by the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division.

Kazakhstani Soldiers Share EOD Smarts with Iraqi Army

FOB DELTA — Kazakhstani Soldiers conducted a three-day course here in basic explosives handling and safe demolition techniques for 10 Iraqi Army Soldiers, Sept. 22 - 25.

“It’s a good chance for us to share our experience with them,” said Azat Mukhamadiev, liaison officer for the Kazakhstani contingent. “Our officers are graduates of military academies and have extensive experience in practical exercises and training our troops.”

 

Saturday, 27 September 2008	IA captures suspected AQI member (Baghdad)
Saturday, 27 September 2008	Soldiers, IA share Iftar dinner (Baghdad)

 

Border Patrol          

 

Saturday, 27 September 2008	MND-C Soldier dies in vehicle rollover accident
Saturday, 27 September 2008	Sulaymaniyah City is ‘growing children’

 

Green Knee          

 

Saturday, 27 September 2008	Kirkuk is between big projects and huge ambitions
Saturday, 27 September 2008	Coalition forces detain 12 suspected terrorists (Baghdad)

 

Sign Language          

 

Saturday, 27 September 2008	IP, IA, MND-B Soldiers seize weapons caches in Baghdad
Saturday, 27 September 2008	Coalition forces catch five Kata’ib Hezbollah suspects in New Baghdad

 

A Little Hand          

 

Saturday, 27 September 2008	MND-B Soldiers commemorate closing of Rashid Olympics with championship match (Baghdad)
Saturday, 27 September 2008	Coalition forces detain 12 suspected terrorists (Baghdad)

Where Heroes Go - Sergeant Major Justin LeHew

1st Reconnaissance Battalion Sergeant Major

SgtMaj Justin D. Lehew

Sergeant Major Justin D. LeHew was born January 2, 1970 in Lima, Ohio and enlisted in the Marine Corps July 11, 1988. After graduating recruit training at Parris Island, SC PFC LeHew reported to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, CA for training as an Assault Amphibian Crewman.

Upon completion of school in January 1989, PFC LeHew received orders to report to Company A, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion at Marine Corps Base Camp LeJeune, NC and deployed with Company A in the spring of 1989 to Okinawa before moving to H&S Company in the fall of the same year to deploy with UNITAS 31 to South America.

Upon returning from South America, LCpl LeHew immediately deployed to Southwest Asia with the battalion in January 1991 and participated in Operation DESERT STORM.

Gold Star Mother's Day

Sunday, September 28, 2008 is Gold Star Mother's Day.  The day Congress has set aside for our nation to honor those Mothers who have lost a son or daughter in service to our nation.

"The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 115 of June 23, 1936 (49 Stat. 1895 as amended), has designated the last Sunday in September as "Gold Star Mother's Day" and has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in its observance."

President Bush on September 24, 2008 issued a proclamation regarding this years Gold Star Mother's Day.  He had this to say in his proclamation.

"Throughout our history, the men and women of the Armed Forces have put our Nation's security before their own, doing their duty in the face of grave danger.  On Gold Star Mother's Day, we pay solemn tribute to the mothers of the patriots lost serving this great Nation.

Gold Star Mothers inspire our Nation with their deep devotion to family and country.  These extraordinary women serve their communities, dedicate their time to helping members of our Armed Forces and veterans, and bring comfort and hope to families whose loved ones laid down their lives in the defense of our liberty.  Nothing can compensate for their sacrifice and loss, yet Gold Star Mothers demonstrate tremendous courage and resolve while working to preserve the memory and legacy of all our fallen heroes.

On this day, we honor our country's Gold Star Mothers and remember their sons' and daughters' noble service and great sacrifice.  We offer them our deepest gratitude and our most profound respect, and we ask for God's blessings to be upon them and their families."

-The White House-

I went to the American Gold Star Mothers website and found the following picture of a statue, in honor of Gold Star Mothers everywhere.  On July 2, 2006 in Kent, NY Peter Allegretta, along with the Putnam County Joint Veterans Council, dedicated a memorial statue to all of the Gold Star Mothers.  There is a very interesting story about how this particular statue came to be. 

                                                                                    Finished Statue

                                                                              

When you see a Gold Star Servic Flag hung in a window of a home, know that it is in honor of a veteran who gave their life in service to their country.

 

                                                                            

 

The organization was started by Grace Darling Seibold back in 1928. Her son, George Vaughn Seibold volunteered at the age of 23 when we entered World War I, in 1917.  He requested an assignment in aviation, went to Canada to train and was assigned to the British Royal Flying Corps, 148th Aero Squadron.  He was sent to France, where he was killed in aerial combat on August 26, 1918.  His body was never recovered.  Before the death of her son, while he was serving overseas, Grace volunteered her time to go and care for the wounded soldiers in the government hospital.

  Grace Darling Seibold

After the death of her son, Grace realized that keeping her grief to herself was not healthy.  She again began visiting the wounded in the hospitals as a volunteer, and in addition she began reaching out to other mothers who had lost a son in service to our country.  She organized a group, drawing together these special mothers so that they might find and give comfort to each other and also to care for our wounded soldiers.  They cared for the wounded soldiers lying in government hospitals.

After much planning, on June 4, 1928, Grace Seibold met in Washington D.C. with other mothers who had lost a son, to establish the American Gold Star Mothers.  On January 5, 1929 the American Gold Star Mothers was incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbus.

Today, the American Gold Star Mothers carry on this tradition of offering comfort to other mothers who have lost a son or daughter in service, as well as volunteering in many different areas.

Next time you see a banner hung with a Gold Star, you will understand the meaning and what it stands for.

I urge you to go check out the American Gold Star Mothers.  Look at their site, see the pictures they have and read about the activities that they are involved in.  Rather than give in to their grief over the loss of their child, these mothers are "perpetuating the noble principles for which they fought and died."

Sources:
American Gold Star Mothers
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

Copyright 2008 MsMarti. All rights reserved.

Helping Our Homeless Veterans - Operation Standdown

16^th Annual Operation Stand Down Event

            The 16^th Annual Operation Stand Down Event has been scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 17, 18 and 19, 2008 at a location to be determined. 

Disruption For Peace - Part 5 Code Pink

While there are thousands of Anti-War protest groups out there, some tend to make the headlines more often than others. One of the most infamous groups of today is Code Pink who claims to be “a women-initiated grassroots peace and social justice movement working to end the war in

Iraq

.” They also claim to base themselves on compassion, with self-proclamations such as a “feisty call for women and men to wage peace.” Code Pink website (2008) This group was founded by a woman named Medea Benjamin along with many others, whom (some may remember) on

November 17, 2002

, began a four-month vigil in front of the White House.

     Another place Code Pink has been notoriously protesting is Berkeley, the famously liberal college town in

California

, where they took aim at Marine recruiters, telling them, they were not welcome. CNN News, Drash (2008) That battle erupted after Berkeley City Council approved a measure urging the Marine recruiters to leave their downtown office stating that if the recruiters chose to stay, they were doing so as “uninvited and unwelcome” intruders. During all this, outside the recruiting station, a handful of protesters along with Code Pink camped out, strumming guitars as they sang anti-war songs and held signs against the Iraq war. CNN News, Drash (2008) Another slap in the face for the recruiters was that Berkeley City Government actually encouraged Code Pink by providing them a free parking space to hold their not so peaceful demonstrations.

     That protest was not considered bad at all until one finds out about some of the latest protests to date. It has been reported from several news sources that recently (on May 9, 2008) some members of Code Pink wrote graffiti, put red handprints all over the window to represent blood, blocked the doors to the station, along with placing a cauldron of flowers outside of the Marine Corps Recruiting Center in Berkeley, to use witchcraft to rally against the Iraq war. (Yes, I said witchcraft). They decided that they were going to cast anti-war spells in front of the Marine recruitment center. They also went on with such antics as using young people on skateboards to run purposely into supporters, Veterans and even senior Citizens. WOTN (2008) A good friend of mine in California who happens to live near where this is all happening, said to me one day; “the best thing coming out of all of this nonsense is that the Marines say they are recruiting an average of 10 officer candidates a week; much, much higher than they were before Code Pink started all of this.”

Code Pink dressed as witches protesting at The Marine Recruiting Center in Berkley CA. Move America Forward (2008)

      

     The list for Code Pink’s protest shenanigans go on and on here as well as wild stories of crazy things protesters do. As much as I would like to go on here and talk of these groups, there needs to be light shed on other groups, such as, Military Support groups. These groups are the backbone of our Military personnel and their family’s alike.

Part 6: Fighting Back, tomorrow, here

©2008, Hooah.T, all rights reserved

Cost of freedom: Eternal vigilance

I missed this one earlier, but it really is too good not to post!    -MsMarti

Cost of freedom: Eternal vigilance

Commentary by Col. Jon Sutterfield
455 Expeditionary Maintenance Group commander

7/4/2008 - BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan -- Most of us grew up in America or as American citizens and enjoying the benefits of being an American, to include pursuing the American Dream--life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. But we took it all for granted...until September 11, 2001.

On September 11th our homeland and people were attacked. This was simply the start of something bigger that Osama Bin Laden and his evil mates had planned for us. Their intent was and remains to put an end to the American Dream. Thomas Jefferson once said and it continues to hold true today, "The price of freedom is eternal vigilance."

We here at Bagram are doing our part to maintain the eternal vigilance necessary to protect our freedom so our families, children and their descendants can have life and liberty while pursuing or achieving happiness.

So why are we here in Afghanistan and not at home defending America from within?

The simple answer is if we don't take the fight to the enemy and their accommodating associates like the Taliban on their home turf, we'll end up fighting them in the parking lot of our local Wal-Mart. No Americans I know, whether for or against the war, want to fight the enemy in America.

The more complex answer is we are not only making Afghanistan safe for democracy but providing the initial security to ensure democracy survives while taking the fight to the Taliban, Al Qaeda and other insurgents. If we can bring political stability and ensure the rule of law and respect for human rights here until the state is able to perform those matters itself, we won't have to worry about Afghanistan supporting terrorists training here to wreak havoc in America and the rest of the free world.

Freedom isn't free and the cost of maintaining it is eternal vigilance. As members of the U.S. military stationed in Afghanistan, we execute our combat skills, honed over the years at our home units, here in support of the Global War on Terrorism protecting the American Dream. We are doing our part to ensure America is eternally vigilant. Have no doubt the sacrifice and service each of us is contributing makes a positive difference toward achieving the goals of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and ultimately protects America and preserves the American Dream for future generations. We are the protectors of the American Dream.

Ronald Reagan restated Thomas Jefferson's idea into slightly different words toward the end of the Cold War saying, "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free."

Let's celebrate our freedom this Fourth of July by rededicating ourselves to proudly protecting the American Dream, for ourselves and future generations, and then taking the fight to the enemy until the job is done!

Mullen Urges Calm as U.S. Deals with Pakistani Allies

Mullen Urges Calm as U.S. Deals with Pakistani Allies

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2008 – While things are tense and dangerous in Pakistan, “that doesn't mean the sky is falling,” the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today.

Navy Adm. Mike Mullen offered the reassurance during a Pentagon news conference. He said the cross-border fire incident yesterday into Afghanistan does not mean America should over-react.

A Pakistani military border checkpoint fired on two U.S. Kiowa helicopters flying inside Afghan airspace, NATO and U.S. officials said. A ground-based American patrol then exchanged fire with the checkpoint, they said.

The chairman urged calm during the tense situation. “It's time to recognize that we all – Pakistani, Afghan, American and others in the region – share a stake in a safe and secure Pakistan,” he said.

Mullen said he believes all concerned can work out the problems.

The Pakistanis face a growing and increasingly lethal insurgency on the border and inside their country, the chairman said. The Taliban and al-Qaida groups threaten the security of Pakistan’s newly elected government, and the leaders are aware of this threat, he said.

“They are dealing with extremist safe havens in the (Federally Administered Tribal Area), many of which are sheltered by local tribesmen,” Mullen said. “And like so many other nations around the world, they confront economic woes that undercut their efforts to improve living conditions for their citizens.”

Mullen has visited his Pakistani counterpart, Army Gen. Parvez Kayani, half a dozen times this year.

“Despite the violence of the last few days, it's why I remain convinced that Pakistan's military leaders understand the nature of the threat and are working hard to eliminate it,” he said.

But this will take time, Mullen said.

“We've learned ourselves you don't take an Army that was built to fight a conventional war and turn it into an effective counterinsurgency force overnight,” he said. “And you don't defeat extremists or their ideologies solely with military power.”

The Joint Staff is working with other agencies on a review of U.S. military strategy for the entire border region, “not simply to identify problems, but to find multilateral solutions,” Mullen said.

The chairman was encouraged by Afghan Defense Minister Wardak’s suggestion for a joint Afghan-Pakistani force to patrol the border.

“Though much would need to be flushed out, it is precisely that sort of cooperation we need,” he said. “Quite frankly, I believe some of the best solutions we may find are those not tied to military power but rather to economic aid and assistance and other whole-of-government approaches.”

All sides realize that no one gains from misunderstandings, harsh rhetoric or open conflict, Mullen said.

NATO, Afghanistan and Pakistan cooperate in the Tripartite Meetings at the highest levels all the way to liaison between company level officers, Mullen said. The Afghans, Pakistanis and NATO are establishing five border cooperation centers to help eliminate the confusion. One is operating in Nangahar province, Afghanistan, and four more are scheduled for other spots on the border.

Mullen and Kayani have discussed the continuing commitment to reduce conflicts.

Biographies:
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen

Related Sites:
Combined Joint Task Force 101
NATO
NATO International Security Assistance Force

War in Afghanistan Daily News - September 27, 2008

Poppy-Free Nangarhar Province Shows Afghanistan Improvements

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2008 – Things are looking up in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province, a region that has been declared poppy-free and experiences little insurgent-generated violence, senior U.S. officials posted in Afghanistan told Pentagon reporters today.

The report was in contrast to a Pentagon briefing earlier in the day in which Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, discussed increased tensions along Afghanistan’s border with Pakistan. Nangahar borders Pakistan, just east of Afghanistan’s capital city, Kabul.

Shawn Waddoups and Army Lt. Col. Gregory Allison, the U.S. State Department and military leaders, respectively, of Provincial Reconstruction Team Jalalabad that operates in Nangarhar, briefed President Bush and Afghan President Hamid Karzai via video teleconference earlier today. Karzai is in Washington for meetings with Bush and other senior U.S. officials.

The 26 provincial reconstruction teams in Afghanistan comprise “a central part of the counterinsurgency strategy, which combines economic development, education, and infrastructure with security, all aiming to help this young democracy not only survive, but to thrive, so that it never becomes a safe haven for those who would do us harm,” Bush said after the teleconference.

Karzai said “life was better” in his country, and he thanked Bush and the United States “for all that you have done for Afghanistan.”          More...

Militants Detained in Khowst, Ghazni Provinces

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2008 – Coalition forces detained two suspected militants during operations targeting a Haqqani terrorist network in Afghanistan’s Khowst province yesterday, military officials reported.

The operation targeted a suspected Haqqani militant in Sabari district, near the Pakistan border, who is suspected to be in direct contact with Haqqani commanders.

The targeted militant also is suspected to be an active participant in the intertwined financial, bomb-making and foreign terrorist network.

Elsewhere, coalition forces detained two suspected militants during an operation in Ghazni province Sept. 23. The two militants were detained for their suspected ties to a Taliban terrorist network and foreign fighter facilitation in Andar district.

(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 101 news releases.)

Radio Telephone Operators, answering the Soldiers’ call

by  Capt. J. Elaine Hunnicutt
Nangarhar PRT Public Affairs, 3rd BCT, 1st ID

Senior Airman Manuel, RTO

Senior Airman Manuel, RTO

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan -- Senior Airmen Blake Manuel, Nangahar Provincial Reconstruction Team radio telephone operator, poses for a photo August 2008. (Courtesy Photo/Released)

9/22/2008 - BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan -- As the team is returning from a long mission, the gunner of the first vehicle in the four-vehicle convoy spots a suspected vehicle-borne improvised explosive device. The team halts.

This is a tense moment, because they know their lives and the lives of civilians around them are potentially at risk as they take the steps necessary to inspect the vehicle and set up a perimeter.

During this critical time, the most important call that they make is to their base for support. The person that answers the call is the Radio Telephone Operator. He is their life-line for reinforcements, for air support and for medical evacuations.

Senior Airmen Blake Manuel from Louisiana and Antuoine Clowers from Charlotte, N.C. are the RTOs for the Nangarhar Provincial Reconstruction Team in Jalalabad, Afghanistan.

They are responsible for monitoring communications with all convoys in their battle space, for calling in air support and medical evacuation and for dispatching Quick Reactionary Forces and Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams for Unexploded Ordnances and Improvised Explosive Devices. They keep tabs on where people are when outside the wire.      More...



U.S. troops help build Afghan air corps

by  Navy Seaman William Selby
Special to American Forces Press Service

9/26/2008 - WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- A team of 170 U.S. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines have been tasked with recruiting, training and equipping the Afghan National Army Air Corps.

"Our goal is to develop this Air Corps to be fully independent and fully operational, capable to meet (the) security requirements of Afghanistan," Air Force Maj. Gen. Jay H. Lindell told bloggers during a teleconference yesterday from Afghanistan. General Lindell is commander of Combined Air Transition Force, Combined Security Transition Command.

The air transition force is is developing mobility missions including presidential airlift, medical evacuation, casualty evacuation, and a general battlefield and logistical support capability, General Lindell said.

The force is insisting on qualified recruits to populate the air corps, and only the top 20 percent that come through the Kabul Military Training Center are selected, he said.

New recruits tapped to be airmen or technicians must be literate, with at least an eighth grade education, he said.

While most of the Afghan airmen lack additional formal education, they are motivated and eager to learn, General Lindell said.

"Their motivation and their willingness and desire to learn, and desire to be part of this National Army Air Corps, makes up for maybe their lack of education," he said.

Even among those selected for the overall Air Corps, pilot selection requires another layer of filtering. Out of the 105 pilot candidates, General Lindell said only the 48 most qualified will attend training in the United States next year.

"All have university degrees, and all are recommended by commanders, and all have passed an initial medical screening exam," he said.

Further tests will include a flight aptitude exam and a board selection process to see who is the most qualified.

The transition force also has helped supply newer aircraft, which was an area of concern for the Afghans.
"Currently, we have 27 total aircraft with the National Army Air Corps, and we do have a campaign plan that builds this Air Corps over the next eight years," General Lindell said. "We will build it to roughly 125 aircraft throughout our campaign plan."

The number of aircraft already has tripled since September 2007, with planes coming from the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic, the United Arab Emirates, and Ukraine, Lindell said. The aircraft from the Slovak Republic, Czech Republic and Ukraine were refurbished and financed through the Afghan Security Forces Fund, while the others were donated by the United Arab Emirates, he said.

 
Surgical technician helps save lives at Salerno

by  Staff Sgt. Rachel Martinez
455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

9/12/2008 - BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan -- As a surgical technician at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, Senior Airman Ricky Hopper had very little experience with trauma cases, but that changed his first day deployed to the hospital at Forward Operating Base Salerno in Afghanistan.

"My first day here we got a (mass casualty). We had patients come in that got hit by an (improvised explosive device)," said the 25-year-old Shawnee, Okla., native. "Very fast-paced. I wasn't really ready I think at first."

With the help of experienced techs from the prior deployment rotation, the work quickly became natural for Hopper.

"I teamed up with one of them and they showed me exactly what I needed to do," he said. "It worked out great."

Despite having to amputate legs, the surgery was a success according to Hopper because the patients lived.           More...

Prepping for surgery

Assisting doctors in surgery

Senior Airman Ricky Hopper, a surgical technician deployed from Andrews Air Force Base, Md., preps for a surgery in the operating room at Forward Operating Base Salerno, Afghanistan, Aug. 29. As a surgical technician, Airman Hopper is responsible for setting up instruments for surgery and assisting the doctor. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Rachel Martinez/Released)

'Virtual Iraq' Combats Horrors of War for Troops with PTSD

'Virtual Iraq' Combats Horrors of War for Troops

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 25, 2008 – The aroma of roasted lamb rubbed with saffron wafts from a bazaar that begins to empty as the sun sinks between a pair of minarets. A soldier walks past a veiled woman, her eyes peering through a thin slit in an ink-black headscarf. The call to prayer beckons from a lone mosque in the parched, desert town.

Army Col. Michael J. Roy, who oversees the "Virtual Iraq" exposure therapy at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, conducts a demonstration of a life-like simulator that represents a new form of PTSD treatment with Army Sgt. Lenearo Ashford, Technical Services Branch, Uniformed Services University, on Sept. 16, 2008, in Washington, D.C. Defense Dept. photo by John J. Kruzel  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

Graffiti on a nearby wall catches the soldier's eye and he moves closer, recognizing the mustached face of Saddam Hussein. The iconic image is what remains after a cardboard stencil was dusted with a cloud of red spray paint and peeled off the sandstone.

Just then the undulating notes of the prayer call are shattered by far-off shouting: "Get out of my country you imperialist American!" The soldier cranes his neck and traces the gruff voice to a rooftop. He finds the silhouette of a man shouldering a rocket-propelled grenade launcher and senses the weapon's crosshairs on his camouflaged body.

Thousands of miles from Iraq, this war scene unfolds in a windowless room in the psychiatric wing of Walter Reed Army Medical Center. In the corner sit three computers, one with cords linking it to a pair of goggles, a set of stereo headphones, and machines that generate motion and scent. Using this equipment, doctors are morphing the hellish memories of troops afflicted with post-traumatic stress disorder into an interactive experience called "Virtual Iraq."

A study released in April found that nearly 20 percent of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans report PTSD symptoms, which cover a range of emotional and behavioral changes aimed at blunting the effects of trauma. Now some medical experts believe troops can learn to release the grip of their demons by confronting them face-to-face through this cutting-edge form of exposure therapy.

"You feel like you're going to die: Your heart's beating out of your chest, your blood pressure's going up and you want to just get away from it all," Army Col. Michael J. Roy, a medical internist and director of Military Internal Medicine who oversees Virtual Iraq, said of the treatment. "But you can make it through it. And you realize you're going to be OK."

The traditional form of PTSD treatment is known as "imaginal" therapy. In an average session, patients may be asked to close their eyes and provide a first-person account of their traumatic recollection as thoroughly as memory allows: what they saw, smelled, and heard. But instincts often bar subjects from willingly revisiting these terrifying moments in vivid detail.

"It works well for those who can do that, but one of the cardinal features of PTSD is avoiding the trauma," Roy said. "So you're asking somebody who wants to avoid any reminder, 'Tell me everything you can about what happened.'

"If you can do that, great -- there's a good chance you're going to be cured. But are you going to be able to do it? Are you going to put up with it and keep coming back? A lot of people don't."

Though it’s still in the early test phases, Roy and a team of therapists at Walter Reed hope to show the medical community that virtual reality exposure therapy can be more effective than its classic counterpart.

So what is the starkest contrast between the methodologies of imaginal therapy and Virtual Iraq?

"We're deliberately creating some anxiety," Roy said. “To once again witness a battle buddy getting shot, or smell the residue of a roadside bomb dredges up memories more quickly and in greater detail than merely talking.

"You really do need to create some degree of stress or anxiety for this approach to work," Roy said. "It basically helps to remind the subject of what they felt, and then they remember all kinds of elements that were either suppressed or hard for them to describe."

Virtual Iraq works somewhat like a backhoe, pulling buried memories to the surface by their roots. But the therapy is far from an instrument of penetrating force. On the contrary, one of the computers acts as a physiological feedback loop, safeguarding against experiences that are too emotionally high-charged.

From the back of this machine runs cables that stick to the patient, monitoring blood pressure, heart rate, and levels of perspiration and respiration. The virtual landscape builds piecemeal, and the therapist keeps watch of the physiological readouts as new cues, like gunshots and mortar explosions, are added incrementally.

Meanwhile, a specialist intermittently asks the patient to gauge his levels of distress. The philosophy is that each experience should progress as quickly or slowly as is medically sound, striking a balance between comfort and anxiety.

Perhaps no piece of Virtual Iraq hardware symbolizes this paradox as well as the replica M-16 control device.

"Some troops said, 'Hey, I'm walking through here but I don't have a gun in my hand. When I'm on patrol, I've got a gun in my hand,’" said Roy, explaining why troops have the choice of a handheld joystick or lifelike assault rifle with built-in controls -- a kind of semi-automatic security blanket.

The vulnerability that lies at the heart of PTSD demands that therapists tread carefully while administering treatment. The disorder occurs in the wake of life-threatening events, from surviving an ambush or car crash, to witnessing a fatal accident. While it's normal for a person affected by trauma to have nightmares or flashbacks of the event, PTSD is defined by symptoms that persist longer than one month.

In addition to avoidance, hallmark characteristics of the disorder fall under two categories: hypervigilance and, somewhat paradoxically, numbing.

Michael Bradley, a former Army staff sergeant with the Army's 4th Infantry Division, was diagnosed with PTSD after narrowly surviving a roadside bombing and mortar attack in Baqouba, Iraq, last year. His escalated feeling of vigilance became manifest while vacationing at an amusement park after returning home.

"I went to Disneyland, and the cannons starting firing off the ship," Bradley recalled in an interview. "And here I am low-crawling across the ground, knowing full well that I'm in Disneyland, but my body's reacting.

"My mind is saying, 'Get up, you fool!’ But my body's saying, 'No. I'm not going to do it.'"

Experts believe the parts of the brain affected by PTSD are the amygdale and anterior cingulate gyrus, sections that regulate aggression and fear, and avoidance and numbing, respectively. Though the understanding of its neural pathways has evolved greatly, records of PTSD trace their roots as far back as Homer's ancient Greek epic poem the Iliad, when the protagonist Achilles hears about the death of his closest companion, Patroclus.

Despite its various names -- shell shock, battle fatigue -- and the prospect of even better treatment in the future, it seems PTSD is likely to remain part and parcel of human conflict, Roy said.

"No matter how well we prepare our troops, war is not a pleasant thing; it doesn't come naturally to human beings to be faced with killing other human beings," he said. "We're just not wired that way."

But in the meantime, the secret to what could be the next best treatment of PTSD might be inside the last computer in this room. Known around the psychiatric ward as "The Wizard of Oz," this processor controls everything from the sandstorm pelting the soldier's helmet to the body odor he smells.

Roy fires up the machine and places his subject in the driver's seat of an armored vehicle ripping down a pitch-black desert highway. Through the troop's night-vision goggles, the landscape glows electric green. With the omnipresence of a deity, this machine transports a soldier through time and space, back into the far recesses of his mind, where memories steeped in translucent neon fog remain tucked away.

Whistles of AK-47 assault rifle rounds sing past the vehicle. One connects with the front of the car and web-like cracks spread across the windshield. A panicked call cracks over the radio as mortars begin erupting along the unlit ground like landmines. A scream cuts through the interior noise, and the troop swivels his helmeted-head to see the slain body of the soldier in his passenger seat.

Though it's counterintuitive that reliving a moment like this could somehow lead to a breakthrough, evidence culled from soldiers in this stuffy room suggests it does.

"We've had guys who were avoiding going out in public, not using the Metro, not going shopping, not going to sporting events and the movies," Roy said. "Then they go through this, and suddenly they're able to do those things."

Related Sites: Walter Reed Army Medical Center Special Report: Warrior Care Related Articles: New Report on Vets' Mental Health 'Very Consistent' with Military Findings Afflicted Soldier Exemplifies 'America's Heroes at Work'

Army Sgt. Lenearo Ashford, Technical Services Branch, Uniformed Services University, undergoes a demonstration of "Virtual Iraq," a life-like simulator that represents a new form of PTSD exposure therapy at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 16, 2008. Defense Dept. photo by John J. Kruzel  Dr. Michael J. Roy, who oversees the "Virtual Iraq" PTSD exposure therapy at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., conducts a demonstration of the virtual reality treatment on Sept. 16, 2008. Defense Dept. photo by John J. Kruzel

War in Iraq Daily News - September 27, 2008

Iraqis Learn, Overcome Challenges of Helicopter Operations

Saturday, 27 September 2008

Iraqi Air Force Maj. Rahman Abd Alkarem, pilot with the Iraqi Air Force Squadron 2, takes a last look outside of a helicopter before closing the door at Al Taji Air Base, Sept. 12, 2008. Photo by Staff Sgt. Paul Villanueva II, U.S. Air Forces Central.

TAJI AIR BASE — Iraqi helicopter aircrews are increasingly in demand as Iraqi security forces assume responsibility of their nation's security from their American counterparts.

Four Iraqi Air Force squadrons train to conduct helicopter operations here, using UH-1 Hueys and Mi-17 Hips. The Iraqi Air Force's 15th Squadron trains its pilots for special operations, including night operations.

The Iraqi Army controlled helicopter operations before 2003 and used the Mi-17s for launching flares, dropping bombs against enemy forces and carrying Soldiers into ground assault missions. 

The Iraqi Air Force heeds the advice of the U.S. Air Force advisers but doesn't always choose to operate the same way. One example is the Iraqi Airmen's work schedule -- they work through mornings and evenings and rest during the sweltering afternoons. The 770th AEAS' Airmen saw the benefits of staying out of the heat and quickly adopted the same hours.

In other cases, the Iraqi Airmen change the way they do business.

"After we finish our briefings, we talk about one aircraft system and one emergency procedure just among ourselves," said an Mi-17 pilot adviser who is deployed from the 36th Rescue Flight at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. "It keeps our brains alert and primed for the mission."

The assembled airmen went on to discuss the Mi-17's hydraulic systems and the two-challenge rule. 

"One pilot may get fixated on one thing," the pilot adviser said. "If you give the student pilot a command twice, and he doesn't do it on the second try, you take over the controls. The two-challenge rule is always important, but for a young pilot, it's even more important."

The pilots who make up today's Iraqi Air Force gave up well-paying jobs to serve their country. 

"We want people to feel they are safe," a student pilot said. "We want them to feel like someone is looking after their safety. When people see the Iraqi Air Force flying, they will know they are protected."

(Story by Staff Sgt. Don Branum)

Interactive Iraq :: Press Briefings

Operational Update: Brig. Gen. Perkins, Maj. Gen. Atta, Sept. 24

Brig. Gen. David G. Perkins, USF-I spokesman, and Maj. Gen. Qassim Atta, Iraqi spokesman, provide an operational update.  

Transcript  Watch Now

 

Interactive Iraq :: Video News

Iraqi Freedom Minute, Sept. 25

• This edition features a story on members of the Sons of Iraq transferring into the Iraqi Army and how that helps their country.

Watch Now

Freedom Journal Iraq, Sept. 25

• This edition features stories on the importance of Sons of Iraq becoming a part of the Iraqi Army, Soldiers being recognized for the accomplishments in country and how drip irrigation is helping Iraqi farmers.

Watch Now

 

Iraq Funds Upgrades to Medical Assist Clinic in Duluyiah

DULUYIAH — In an effort to assist the health needs of the people of Duluyiah, the Iraqi government has provided financial assistance for upgrades at the local clinic in the form of grants totaling $34,000.

This is part of a program of Iraqi emergency relief funds allocated for key infrastructure intended to address shortfalls in necessary services previously neglected due to violence since the war began in 2003.

 

Rashid Olympics Closes Summer with Championship Soccer Match

BAGHDAD — The Rashid Olympics in southern Baghdad came to as end as more than 330 teams from 14 neighborhoods competed in friendly soccer games spanning the course of the summer. The Rashid District Sports and Youth Committee hosted the championship soccer match and closing ceremony Sept. 9, at the Jaza’ir Oil Refinery soccer field to pit the champions of the East and West Rashid beladiyats against each other in the contest to crown a winner and relish the success of the district’s first sports program since the war began.

U.S. Engineers Educate 6th Iraqi Army Soldiers in Route Clearance

CAMP LIBERTY — Every day, Soldiers of the 688th Mobilization Augmentation Company wake up to patrol and clear the streets of Baghdad. At times, the job seems full of endless missions, but the Iraqi Army is preparing to take on their own missions.

Recently, the 688th MAC, a component of the 890th Engineering Battalion, 926th Engineer Brigade, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, was tasked to train 12 of the 6th Iraqi Army Division’s Soldiers in route clearance to missions.

 

Friday, 26 September 2008	Coalition forces capture four wanted men, 12 more suspected terrorists
Friday, 26 September 2008	IA Soldiers discover foreign fighter, cache in Ninawa

 

Waiting her Turn          

 

Friday, 26 September 2008	IA detains 2 suspected criminals in Niewah, uncovers weapons cache in Diyala
Friday, 26 September 2008	Detainees return to society equipped with skills, education

 

On the Horizon          

 

Friday, 26 September 2008	MND-C Soldiers secure weapons cache near Al Ma’mara
Friday, 26 September 2008	IED explosion targets Iraqi children in Rashid (Baghdad)

 

Powered Down          

Friday, 26 September 2008              MND-B Soldiers find IED thanks to Iraqi citizen tip (Baghdad)

Say Ahhh

Friday, 26 September 2008	IA, MND-B Soldiers seize weapons caches in greater Baghdad area
Friday, 26 September 2008	Local citizen leads IA to large weapons cache (Balad, al Kut)

Disruption For Peace - Part 4 Alerting the Military

     In March 2008, a warning was issued to all military personnel across the country to be on alert against possible threats and violence by anti-war and anti-recruiter protesters gearing up for demonstrations on the fifth anniversary of the war in Iraq. Gathering of Eagles, Lang (2008) How upsetting this was to hear that our military often have to face attacks like this here on their very own homeland soil from the very people who’s rights they are fighting to protect? As the 5th anniversary of the

Iraq

war fast approached, protest groups were increasing activity; some of them included direct threats to Recruiters, other Soldiers, others with DoD (Department of Defense) decals, and even their families. Gathering of Eagles, Lang (2008)

     Things truly started to hit home and made me think when I found out some of these violent events had taken place just a short drive from my home-town in

Wisconsin

. On

March 19, 2008

, the fifth anniversary of the

US

invasion of

Iraq

, I was listening to WTMJ (a

Milwaukee

radio station) when they reported that an Army Recruiting station was attacked by vandals.  I could not believe my ears! These vandals broke out every window of that station, and wrote graffiti that read “War is Offensive” on the side of the building.  WTMJ’s Jay Sorgi (2008) also stated that this recruiting station “is no stranger to this kind of vandalism.” WTMJ Radio Jay Sorgi (2008) He also reported; “one year ago to date, police arrested 21 people who reportedly attacked the facility with smoke bombs while throwing paint.”  It can be upsetting to Military Families when our Soldiers defend the rights of ALL Americans to “peacefully” express their point of view, so these types of things just tear me up inside when their actions are anything but. 

.

Part 5: Code Pink, tomorrow, here

©2008, Hooah.T, all rights reserved

MLB Players Find Silver Lining in Strikeouts

MLB Players Turn Strikeouts into Home Runs

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 25, 2008 – The 132 strikeouts Major League pitchers threw during baseball games played on Patriot Day were bittersweet.

Generally, strikeouts are a pitcher’s goal. But for those who participate in the Strikeouts for Troops program, the words, “you’re out” equal cold, hard cash to support wounded warriors.

San Francisco Giants pitcher Barry Zito founded the nonprofit in April 2005 to benefit wounded troops recovering at military hospitals nationwide. Players from several sports have volunteered to make contributions based on their on-field performances. The athletes racked up a donation of $66,000 for the troops; and USAA, a financial services company for military members, added $100,000.

“The men and women of the military continually go above and beyond for our country so USAA is pleased to contribute $100,000 to Strikeouts For Troops,” said Barbara Gentry, USAA’s senior vice president of community affairs. “We are extremely proud of the work Barry Zito is doing and our association with Strikeouts For Troops.

“USAA and Strikeouts For Troops both want our men and women – both those in uniform and the families that support them – to know their selflessness is appreciated and does not go unnoticed.”

USAA presented its donation to Strikeouts For Troops players Jake Peavy of the San Diego Padres and Matt Cain of the Giants on Sept. 14, as part of the Padres “Salute to Veterans” game.

Zito, who started in that game, could only watch the presentation as he warmed up. The 30 servicemembers he’d invited from Balboa Naval Medical Center kept him in good company.

This marks the second year the USAA and Strikeouts For Troops have joined forces on Patriot Day.

Strikeouts For Troops is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad. USAA is a corporate supporter of the America Supports You program.

Related Sites:
Strikeouts For Troops
America Supports You

War in Afghanistan Daily News - September 26, 2008

Pakistani Troops Fire on U.S. Helicopters
In Afghan Airspace During NATO Mission

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 25, 2008 – Pakistani soldiers manning a border checkpoint fired on U.S. helicopters flying in Afghan airspace today, Defense Department officials said.

The aircraft were on a mission as part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force. The OH-58 Kiowas never intruded on Pakistani airspace, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said.

The Pakistani fire did not hit the choppers and the American aircraft did not return fire, Whitman said. “U.S. forces always maintain the right of self-defense,” he said. “In this particular case, my understanding is they just broke off and didn’t return fire.”

The incident occurred near the Pakistan border in the Afghan province of Khowst, NATO officials in Kabul said. NATO officials are speaking with Pakistani military officials to get to the bottom of the situation.

“Over the past several weeks and months, we’ve been doing things to enhance this coordination along the border,” Whitman said.

NATO, Afghanistan and Pakistan are working together to establish coordination centers along the border. One already is operational in Nangarhar province at Camp Torkham. The centers will work to prevent misunderstanding among the three entities, officials said.

“I think it’s encouraging that at the time this incident occurred, we were immediately able to contact Pakistani authorities and determine the origin of the fire,” Whitman said. “We’ll have to work through how we prevent incidents like this in the future.”

Al-Qaida and Taliban insurgents seek to exploit the border area where the terrain is difficult and it is easy to make mistakes, NATO officials said. However, the Taliban do not have helicopters, so it is unclear what message Pakistani troops believed they were sending, officials said. This is the first time Pakistani soldiers have fired on coalition aircraft, they said.

The Pakistani embassy had no immediate comment, Whitman said. Pakistan remains an ally and a good partner in the global war on terrorism, he said.

Related Sites:
NATO International Security Assistance Force
NATO

Combined Joint Task Force-101
Operation Enduring Freedom



Soldiers give the gift of blood in Afghanistan

Written by Sgt. Paul David Ondik
Friday, 26 September 2008

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (Sept. 25, 2008) – Soldiers from the 440th Blood Supply Detachment held a blood-screening Sept. 25 in the Combined Joint Task Force-101 Joint Operations Center at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, drawing almost double the donors as during an average day.

This particular screening is in addition to a regular screening which takes place Wednesdays at Craig Joint Theatre Hospital at Bagram.  These screenings will aid in identifying and filling matching blood types in case of a mass-casualty event.

And the troops seemed happy to have the opportunity to make this small sacrifice—small, but one that may save a life.

“I’ve sat in meetings that have been a lot more painful than this,” said Brig. Gen. Jim McConville, deputy commanding general-support for Combined Joint Task Force-101.                More...

U.S. troops assist in turbine movement

Written by Staff Sgt. Adora Medina

Friday, 26 September 2008

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (Sept. 22, 2008) – Those who reside in the smaller villages of southern Afghanistan have limited or no electricity. Even though rows of power lines stretch for miles across the desolate sands of the region, major cities are the only ones to actually benefit from these sources. U.S. forces joined with Afghan National Security Forces and the International Security Assistance Force late last month to participate in an operation that would lead to the eventual establishment of power for the smaller communities. The combined forces transported a new turbine 180 km across southern Afghanistan to the Kajaki dam, located in Helmand province.     More...

Press Releases

Face-to-face visits for detainees

Friday, 26 September 2008

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (Sept. 23, 2008) – The United States military now provides routine face-to-face visits between detainees held at the Bagram Theater...
+ Full Story

Haqqani network militants detained in Khowst province

Friday, 26 September 2008

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (Sept. 26, 2008) – Coalition forces detained two suspected militants during operations targeting a Haqqani terrorist network in Khowst...
+ Full Story

Haqqani commanders detained in Khowst province

Friday, 26 September 2008

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (Sept. 24, 2008) – Coalition forces detained three suspected militants, including two commanders, during operations targeting a Haqqani...
+ Full Story

Coalition forces detain two in Ghazni province

Friday, 26 September 2008

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (Sept. 25, 2008) – Coalition forces detained two suspected militants during an operation in Ghazni province, Wednesday.  The two...
+ Full Story

News From NATO



British soldier provides security for a convoy of fuel trucks at an over watch position on an International Security Assistance Force mission on July 20, 2008. The RAF routinely patrols the area surrounding Kandahar Air Field to prevent rocket attacks to the base.

Credit: ISAF - photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class John Collins, U.S. Navy

VA Announces Changes to the Disability Rating Schedule for Traumatic Brain Injuries and Burn Scars

September 23, 2008

 

Increased Compensation Possible for Some Veterans

– The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced changes in the way VA will evaluate traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and burn scars for purposes of determining the appropriate level of compensation veterans receive for these injuries.

“These important regulatory changes will allow VA decision makers to better assess the consequences of these injuries and ensure veterans are properly compensated for their residual effects,” stated Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake.

VA has revised the Disability Rating Schedule in light of current scientific and medical knowledge in order to provide VA employees with more detailed and up-to-date criteria for evaluating and compensating veterans with these injuries.

Two groups of veterans may be affected by these changes.  The first group includes veterans who will be awarded disability compensation for TBI and burn injuries in the future.  The second group includes veterans already receiving compensation for these injuries whose disabilities are reevaluated under the new criteria.

The effects of blast injuries resulting from roadside explosions of improvised explosive devices have been common sources of injury in the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan  and appear to be somewhat different from the effects of trauma seen from other sources of injury.

As of September 2008, there are more than 22,000 veterans being compensated for TBI, of whom more than 5,800 are veterans of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Traumatic brain injuries result in immediate effects such as loss or alteration of consciousness, amnesia and sometimes neurological impairments.  These abnormalities may all be transient, but more prolonged or even permanent problems with a wide range of impairment in such areas as physical, mental, and emotional/behavioral functioning may occur.

More than 90 percent of combat-related TBIs are closed head injuries, with most servicemembers sustaining a mild TBI or concussion.  Difficulties after TBI may include headache, sleep difficulties, decreased memory and attention, slower thinking, irritability, and depression.

To view the entire regulation published today in the Federal Register, go to: www.federalregister.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2008-22083_PI.pdf. For more information about VA disability compensation, go to www.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000.

#   #   #

Source:  http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1582

VA Secretary Establishes ALS as a Presumptive Compensable Illness

September 23, 2008

 

Cites Association between Military Service and Later Development of ALS

WASHINGTON

– Veterans with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may receive badly-needed support for themselves and their families after the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today that ALS will become a presumptively compensable illness for all veterans with 90 days or more of continuously active service in the military.

“Veterans are developing ALS in rates higher than the general population, and it was appropriate to take action,” Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake said.

Secretary Peake based his decision primarily on a November 2006 report by the National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Medicine (IOM) on the association between active-duty service and ALS. 

“We are extremely grateful to Secretary Peake, Congressman Henry Brown and Senator Lindsey Graham for standing on the side of veterans with ALS across the country,” said Gary Leo, president and CEO of The ALS Association. “Thanks to their leadership, veterans with ALS will receive the benefits and care they need, when they need them.  Thanks to their efforts, no veteran with ALS will ever be left behind.” 

The report, titled Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in Veterans: Review of the Scientific Literature, analyzed numerous previous studies on the issue and concluded that “there is limited and suggestive evidence of an association between military service and later development of ALS.” 

“ALS is a disease that progresses rapidly, once it is diagnosed,” the Secretary explained.  “There simply isn’t time to develop the evidence needed to support compensation claims before many veterans become seriously ill.  My decision will make those claims much easier to process, and for them and their families to receive the compensation they have earned through their service to our nation.”

ALS, also called Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a neuromuscular disease that affects about 20,000 to 30,000 people of all races and ethnicities in the United States, is often relentlessly progressive, and is almost always fatal. 

ALS causes degeneration of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that leads to muscle weakness, muscle atrophy, and spontaneous muscle activity.  Currently, the cause of ALS is unknown, and there is no effective treatment.

The new interim final regulation applies to all applications for benefits received by VA on or after September 23, 2008, or that are pending before VA, the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, or the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on that date.

VA will work to identify and contact veterans with ALS, including those whose claims for ALS were previously denied, through direct mailings and other outreach programs. 

To view the entire regulation published in the Federal Register today, go to: www.federalregister.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2008-21998_PI.pdf.  For more information on VA’s disability compensation program, go to www.va.gov or contact 1-800-827-1000.

                                                                               #  #  #

Source:  http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1583

War in Iraq Daily News - September 26, 2008

Iraqi Police Continue Soccer Outreach

Friday, 26 September 2008

Players from the Immigration team and Dawa party team fight for the ball during a qualifying match of an Iraqi police sponsored soccer tournament in al Kut, Iraq, Sept. 18, 2008. Photo by Sgt. Daniel West, Multi-National Division-Central.

FOB DELTA — Immigration defeated the Dawa party 2-0 in the qualifying match of a soccer tournament sponsored by al Kut Iraqi Police (IP) at their headquarters, Sept. 18.

The tournament featured 32 teams from the area. Matches took place throughout the month of September and will culminate in a championship in early October. The winner will face the Iraqi security force’s top team.

The tournament’s goal is to broaden the success of a tournament held the previous month, designed as a community outreach program for the IPs.

“We want to show them we are human too, and hopefully, after the hospitality we show them, they will go back and tell others not to attack us because we have been so good to them,” said one IP.

After the first tournament, which sponsored teams from previously hostile neighborhoods around al Kut, the police were approached by groups and neighborhoods who hadn’t participated.

“The Dawa party… came after the first tournament and asked if we were against them because we hadn’t invited them to join us,” the IP said. “We said that wasn’t the case, and invited them to join this tournament.”

The tournaments have served to bring the people together, he said.

“Look at these teams,” he said. “The Dawa party used to fight us, now we play soccer together. Some of the people on the Immigration team are Sunnis, playing alongside Shi’as peacefully. Soccer brought them together.”

(By Sgt. Daniel T. West, 41st Fires Brigade Public Affairs Office)

 

Interactive Iraq :: Pentagon Press Briefings

DoD News Briefing: Lt. Gen. Lloyd Austin III, Sept. 22

DoD News Briefing from Iraq with Lt. Gen. Lloyd Austin III, commander, Multi-National Corps - Iraq.

Transcript     Watch Now         

Interactive Iraq :: Video News

Iraqi Freedom Minute, Sept. 24

• This edition features a story on a joint dismounted patrols through a popular market in Baghdad.

Watch Now

 

Detainees Return to Society Armed With Skills, Education

 

Friday, 26 September 2008

CAMP  VICTORY — Coalition forces have returned nearly 13,000 Iraqi detainees to their families this year in the hopes that they will benefit a society they once helped fill with violence. The Coalition’s Joint Task Force 134 is working to reinstate between 30 and 45 detainees per day, and arming them with job skills and education before they are returned home.

Iraq Assumes Bulk of Security Mission Northwest of Baghdad

Friday, 26 September 2008

WASHINGTON — Iraqi Soldiers and ‘Sons of Iraq’ civilian security members are now performing the bulk of security duties northwest of Baghdad, a senior U.S. military officer in Iraq said today. “All in all, security in the area is vastly improved as the result of the great work of our Soldiers and their increasingly confident and capable partners, the Iraqi security forces,” Army Col. Todd McCaffrey, commander of the U.S. 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, told Pentagon reporters during a satellite-carried news conference.

 

‘Sons of Iraq’ Meet With Iraqi Leaders to Clarify Changeover

Friday, 26 September 2008

FOB LOYALTY — Sons of Iraq (SoI) and Iraqi security force (ISF) leaders met at 1st National Police Division headquarters in eastern Baghdad Sept. 20, to discuss transitioning the SoI to government of Iraq (GoI) control. The SoI is an organization of volunteers, formerly known as concerned local citizens, who provide security in their neighborhoods to protect people from criminals, militants and other anti-Iraqi forces. Subsequently, Coalition forces paid SoI members for their hard work and dedication in securing their neighborhoods. And now, the GoI has incorporated SoI into the ISF and government service.

Thursday, 25 September 2008	MND-C Soldier killed by roadside bomb near Iskandariyah
Thursday, 25 September 2008	USF-W Marines discover munitions stockpile
Thursday, 25 September 2008	Video Available: Basra Regional Courthouse Ribbon Cutting

 

New School          

 

Thursday, 25 September 2008	Combined operation nets 22 in Siniyah
Thursday, 25 September 2008	Tip leads IA, MND-B Soldiers to weapons cache
Thursday, 25 September 2008	Corps of Engineers hands over regional courthouse (Basra)

 

Diaper Depot          

 

Thursday, 25 September 2008	IPs receive hands-on training from CF (FOB Iskan)
Thursday, 25 September 2008	Humanitarian aid delivered to displaced families (Najaf)
Thursday, 25 September 2008	Ongoing Projects Increase security in Ninewa Province

In The Bag

Thursday, 25 September 2008	Making Iraq a safer place one enemy weapon at a time (MNSTC-I)
Thursday, 25 September 2008	MND-N Soldier attacked by SVEST (Baqubah)
Thursday, 25 September 2008	MND-C Soldiers deliver water filters to Jelawiya locals

Truckers          

 

Thursday, 25 September 2008	Coalition forces capture seven suspected terrorists (Baghdad)
Thursday, 25 September 2008	ePRT assesses farms in Jurf as Sahkr
Thursday, 25 September 2008	Kut IPs continue soccer outreach

 

26th Marine's Annual Reunion - October 3, 4 & 5th in Atlanta

 

This information was forwarded to me and after reading this announcement I felt it was an opportunity that others should be made aware of.  What caught my eye in particular is the keynote speaker, Howard Chappel.

How many chances do you get to listen to a Marine speak, who was there on the beaches of Iwo Jima back in 1945.  What a wonderful opportunity to hear about history from one who was actually there.  The members of the 26th Marines have opened up their reunion to non-military persons so others may come and listen to Howard Chappel speak.  Please check out their website for complete registration information and all the details, at WWII ~ 26th Marines Association ~ Vietnam  after reading the announcement below. -MsMarti

Fellow 26'ers and others (military or non military)… This year's 26^th Marine's annual reunion will be at Atlanta Georgia and is drawing near (see www.26thMarines.com ) for additional details.

This year we have a special treat… one of our newest members, Howard Chappel, a 26'er (2/26), stormed the beaches of Iwo Jima in 1945, was wounded and received the Purple Heart in that historic action.
 

Howard will be our keynote speaker at this year's banquet.

 

Therefore, this year the registration and banquet is open to all 26'ers, as well as any friends and relatives, to listen to our newest member who again, was with the 26^th Marines and stormed the beaches of Iwo Jima… was wounded and received the Purple Heart on Iwo Jima, will be our keynote speaker at this year's banquet in Atlanta Georgia.

You should consider coming along with the entire family (again, or anyone you know who may be interested).  You/they can come as a guest (in other words don't have to be a member or need to join) and can attend the banquet or the entire event if desired, and all you would have to pay is the registration fee and banquet fee, again see www.26thMarines.com  to participate in this little nugget of history.

Having Harry talk about his experience is something you normally only see on television's History Channel.  We will have the real deal there; live, in person, sharing his Iwo Jima experience with us… quite a treat!!!  This indeed will be something special.

Any interested person should contact G. H. "Sonny" Hollub, Jr. at [email protected] or 512-312-4168 to make reservations or to acquire additional details.

We need to have a final attendance count before October 1, 2008.

Harvey Lang, Executive Director [email protected]
P. O. Box 364Lordsburg, N. M. 88045
Phone – 505-542-8085

G. H. "Sonny" Hollub, Jr., Secretary / Treasurer [email protected]
340 Humphrey Dr. Buda, Texas 78610
Phone - 512-312-4168

Richard Soto, Public Relations Officer [email protected]
1833 Amelia Ave. San Pedro, CA  90731-1106
Phone - 310-547-4509 

 

Disruption For Peace - Part 3 Attacking the Press

      In

West Chester

,

PA

, a protester made the news on

March 24, 2008

during an Anti War rally.  “A Chester County Peace Movement protester arrested after slapping a woman journalist twice while she was trying to videotape the exchange between two opposing groups. Alan Gray, News Blaze (2008). After police were shown who the attacker was, the man was told to come forward by an officer. But he became “uncooperative and belligerent”, refusing to go with the officer”. Gray, News Blaze (2008) He then pushed the officer who was talking with him, so the officer's partner took him down to be handcuffed where he continued resisting.

     During this scuffle, other protesters began surrounding the officers. Some of them getting as close as a foot away from the arresting officers. The startled journalist who was slapped by the man said; "I pride myself in my professional conduct at this rally and to be struck twice by a "peace" protester, who has been present since the time I began covering this rally, is truly disturbing."

Part 4: Alerting The Military, tomorrow, here

©2008, Hooah.T, all rights reserved

War in Afghanistan Daily News - September 25, 2008

WASHINGTON , Sept. 24, 2008 – The Defense Department is examining its operations and strategy in Afghanistan as part of a broader U.S. governmental review, a senior Pentagon spokesman told reporters today. The completed Pentagon report and reviews by other U.S. agencies will be presented to the White House’s National Security Council, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said. “Various departments within this government have been tasked to take a look at our Afghan strategy and are in the midst of doing that,” Morrell said. The Defense Department’s policy shop and the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff are working on ideas to present to Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, Morrell said. The secretary, he said, will be briefed regularly on the report’s progress. The Pentagon likely will examine things like Afghanistan force levels, civilian support, tactics and strategy, Morrell said. The Defense Department’s work on the report began just within the past few days, Morrell said. “There is still much work to be done,” he said. Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, the former commander of Multinational Forces Iraq, is conducting a separate review of operations in Afghanistan , Morrell said. Petraeus takes responsibility for U.S. military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq when he becomes U.S. Central Command’s chief in late October. The review is being conducted on a priority basis, Morrell said. “We are running out of time in this administration, and so I expect, probably you’ll see products sooner than later,” he said. In other Afghanistan-related issues, Morrell refuted unofficial reports out of Pakistan that claim U.S. helicopters had been fired on by Pakistani forces and that a U.S. military drone aircraft was downed in Pakistan. “As far as we know, no American helicopters have been fired on by Pakistani forces,” (see ISAF story below) he said. “And, as far as we know, none of our unmanned aerial vehicles has been downed by Pakistani forces.” However, an American Predator UAV was reported through U.S. military channels as having crashed in Afghanistan in the last week or so, Morrell said. The aircraft crashed because of mechanical problems and “certainly wasn’t shot down,” he said. U.S. Troops Help Build Afghan Air Corps By Navy Seaman William Selby Special to American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Sept. 24, 2008 – A team of 170 U.S. soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines have been tasked with recruiting, training and equipping the Afghan National Army Air Corps. “Our goal is to develop this Air Corps to be fully independent and fully operational, capable to meet (the) security requirements of Afghanistan,” Air Force Maj. Gen. Jay H. Lindell told bloggers during a teleconference yesterday from Afghanistan. Lindell is commander of Combined Air Transition Force, Combined Security Transition Command. The air transition force is is developing mobility missions including presidential airlift, medical evacuation, casualty evacuation, and a general battlefield and logistical support capability, Lindell said. The force is insisting on qualified recruits to populate the Air Corps, and only the top 20 percent that come through the Kabul Military Training Center are selected, he said. New recruits tapped to be airmen or technicians must be literate, with at least an eighth grade education, he said. While most of the Afghan airmen lack additional formal education, they are motivated and eager to learn, Lindell said. “Their motivation and their willingness and desire to learn, and desire to be part of this National Army Air Corps, makes up for maybe their lack of education,” he said. Even among those selected for the overall Air Corps, pilot selection requires another layer of filtering. Out of the 105 pilot candidates, Lindell said only the 48 most qualified will attend training in the United States next year. “All have university degrees, and all are recommended by commanders, and all have passed an initial medical screening exam,” he said. Further tests will include a flight aptitude exam and a board selection process to see who is the most qualified. The transition force also has helped supply newer aircraft, which was an area of concern for the Afghans. “Currently, we have 27 total aircraft with the National Army Air Corps, and we do have a campaign plan that builds this Air Corps over the next eight years,” Lindell said. “We will build it to roughly 125 aircraft throughout our campaign plan.” The number of aircraft already has tripled since September 2007, with planes coming from the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic, the United Arab Emirates, and Ukraine, Lindell said. The aircraft from the Slovak Republic, Czech Republic and Ukraine were refurbished and financed through the Afghan Security Forces Fund, while the others were donated by the United Arab Emirates, he said. (Navy Seaman William Selby works for the New Media directorate of the Defense Media Activity.) Pakistan military fires on ISAF forces KABUL, Afghanistan - ISAF helicopters received small-arms fire from a Pakistan military check-point along the border near Tanai district, Khowst September 25 while conducting routine operations in Afghanistan. At no time did ISAF helicopters cross into Pakistani airspace. ISAF forces and the Pakistani military are working together to resolve the matter. There are no reports of any damages to the helicopters or any casualties. More information with be provided as it becomes available. Contact Information ISAF Public Affairs Office Tel: +93 (0)79 51 1155 - Mobile: 0093 (0) 799 55 8291 [email protected] - www.nato.int/isaf/ (It seems a helicopter (Not US) was fired on by Pakistani forces NEAR but not over the border.  The border of course is disputed and poorly marked.) Multimedia ISAF Canadian troops are patrolling Kandahar, on the way to deliver donated school supplies to a local school ISAF Dutch forces from Task Force Uruzgan conduct foot patrols ISAF soldiers from 2nd Platoon, 3rd Battalion (Para), Royal Australian Regiment set up security during a foot patrol of the town of Tarin Kowt, Uruzgan province

09/23/2008:

DoD Identifies Casualties

           Capt. Bruno G. Desolenni, 32, of Crescent City, Calif., died Sept. 20 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the Joint Forces Headquarters, Element Training Team, Oregon Army National Guard.

            Petty Officer Third Class Matthew J. O’Bryant, 22, of Duluth, Ga., died September 20 in the bombing of the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad, Pakistan. O'Bryant was assigned to the Navy Information Operations Command Maryland, Fort Meade, Md.

No Longer MIA: Welcome Home PVT Tucker(WWII), RIP

Missing WWII Soldier Is Identified

             The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

            He is Pvt. James W. Turner, U.S. Army, of Altus, Okla. He will be buried on Sept. 11 in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.

Representatives from the Army met with Turner’s next-of-kin to explain the recovery and identification process and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the Secretary of the Army.

In November 1944, the 112^th Infantry Regiment, 28^th Infantry Division was attacking east through the Hürtgen Forest in an attempt to capture the German towns of Vossenack and Schmidt. On Nov. 4, the Germans counterattacked in what would become one of the longest running battles in U.S. history. Turner, a member of G Company, 112^th Infantry Regiment, was reported missing in action near Vossenack on Nov. 9.

In 2005, a German citizen who was searching for wartime relics in the Hürtgen Forest, near Vossenack, found human remains and other items, including Turner’s military identification tag. The remains and items were turned over to the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) for further analysis.

             Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC also used dental comparisons in the identification of Turner’s remains.

             For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO web site at www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1169.

Strong Recruiting & Retention in FY08 and August 2008

On September 10, 2008, the Department of Defense released the Recruiting results for August 2008.

WOTN is happy to report that recruiting is strong:  All Services met recruiting goals for August and are on track for meeting goals for FY 2008 which ends at the end of the month.  Both the USMC (by 18%!) and Active Army exceeded August goals and only the Army Reserve fell short by a small percentage outweighed by the Active Army overage.

Those entering the Ground Forces (Army/USMC) demonstrated a greater propensity for Active duty while those entering the Air Force/Navy flocked more towards part-time positions.

http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=12197

No Longer MIA: Welcome Home CPT Cross & CPT Reese, RIP

Air Force Pilots Missing From The Vietnam War Are Identified

            

            The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of two U.S. servicemen, missing from the Vietnam War, have been identified and will be returned to their families for burial with full military honors.

            They are Capt. James E. Cross, of Warren, Ohio; and Capt. Gomer D. Reese III, of Scarsdale, N.Y., both U.S. Air Force. Cross will be buried on Oct. 10 in Warren, and Reese will be buried in the spring in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington D.C.

            On April 24, 1970, these men were flying a U-17B light aircraft on an orientation flight over Xiangkhoang Province, Laos. Their aircraft was struck by enemy ground fire, crashed and burned. Other U.S. aircraft in the area flew over the crash site and did not see any movement or receive any beeper signals or radio transmissions from the two men.

            Between 1994 and 1998, joint U.S./Lao People’s Democratic Republic (L.P.D.R.) teams, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), conducted several investigations of the incident in Xiangkhoang Province and surveyed the crash site. Teams interviewed Laotian citizens who claimed to witness the crash, and the citizens turned over human remains they said were associated with this incident. The remains were consistent with human bone, but were too small to yield meaningful biological characteristics.

In 2004, another joint team re-surveyed the crash site and recovered life-support equipment, including a seat belt buckle consistent with those found in a U-17 aircraft.

In 2007, another joint team excavated the crash site and recovered human remains and crew-related items. In the spring of 2008, a team completed the excavation and recovered more human remains and non-biological material.

             Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC also used dental comparisons in the identification of the remains.

            For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo

or call (703) 699-1169.

No Longer MIA: Welcome Home SGT Jacobsen, RIP

Soldier Missing From The Vietnam War Is Identified

            The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing from the Vietnam War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

            He is Sgt. Timothy J. Jacobsen, U.S. Army, of Oakland, Calif. He will be buried on Oct. 4 in Ferndale, Calif.

Representatives from the Army met with Jacobsen’s next-of-kin to explain the recovery and identification process, and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the Secretary of the Army.

            On May 16, 1971, Jacobsen was one of four U.S. soldiers and an unknown number of Republic of Vietnam (R.V.N.) Marines who were aboard a UH-1H Iroquois helicopter. The crew was on a combat assault mission near Hue, South Vietnam when they came under heavy enemy ground fire as their aircraft touched down at the landing zone. The pilot tried to lift off, but the damaged aircraft struck a tree line and exploded. A few days later, a search and rescue team recovered the remains of some of the Vietnamese Marines, but there were remains still trapped under the helicopter wreckage. No remains for the U.S. soldiers were recovered.

            In 1994, a joint U.S./Socialist Republic of Vietnam (S.R.V.) team, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), investigated the incident. The team surveyed the crash site and found wreckage consistent with a UH-1. The next year, another joint team excavated the site and recovered human remains, but they were not those of the U.S. soldiers.

            In 2002, a joint team traveled to Hue and interviewed two Vietnamese citizens who showed the team two re-burial sites associated with this incident. In 2006, another team excavated the two sites and recovered human remains from one of them.

            Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC also used dental comparisons in the identification of Jacobsen’s remains, which were recovered in 2006. The other U.S. soldiers associated with this incident are still unaccounted-for.

            For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1169.

War in Iraq Daily News - September 25, 2008

Kirkuk Police Force Grows by 3,000

Thursday, 25 September 2008

KIRKUK — More than 3,000 Iraqis, including 58 women, joined the ranks of the Kirkuk province’s police force during a graduation ceremony held Tuesday at the Kirkuk Police Academy.

Referring to the unprecedented number of graduates, Maj. Gen. Jamal Thaker Baker, the Kirkuk provincial police chief, hailed the moment as “an historic event for the people of the Kirkuk province.”

“This is the direct result of the combined efforts of our Coalition friends and the Ministry of the Interior,” Baker said.

Baker pointed out the number of high-ranking Multi-National Division - North leaders in the audience, including U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Mark P. Hertling, commanding general, MND-North; Brig. Gen. James C. Boozer Sr., deputy commanding general-operations MND-North; Brig. Gen. Tony Thomas, assistant division commander-support MND-North; and Col. David Paschal, commander, 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division.

Baker said he considers these men to be among a unique brotherhood. He credited the recent gains in security throughout the province to this brotherhood, whose main concern is for the people of the Kirkuk province and providing “security and stability in this region for them.”

During the ceremony, Police Academy instructors carried a wreath in remembrance of members of the police force who died in the line of duty.

In his remarks, Iraqi Brig. Gen. Kawa Garib Abdul-Rahman, commandant of the Police Academy, said the sacrifices of the police force’s martyrs would never be forgotten and that their dedication to maintaining peace and providing security to the people of the Kirkuk province would be continued in the efforts of the newest members of the police force.

(By Staff Sgt. Margaret C. Nelson, 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division)

Interactive Iraq :: Press Briefings
New USF-I Commander Gen. Ray Odierno, Sept. 16 New Multi-National Force - Iraq Commander Gen. Ray Odierno discusses the direction of USF-I under his command and the continuation of successes his predecessor was able to achieve. Transcript Newscast

Feature Stories

Strong Iraqi, U.S. Partnership Provides Path to Productive Future

WASHINGTON — The partnership between the Coalition and the Iraqi government has been enormously productive and is continuing to pay dividends, Brig. Gen. David Perkins, a Coalition spokesman in Baghdad, said. Perkins and Iraqi Army Maj. Gen. Qasim Atta spoke about a range of subjects during a news conference yesterday.

Humanitarian Aid Delivered to Hundreds of Displaced Families

FOB KALSU — Members of the Iraqi security forces delivered humanitarian aid supplies to an Iraqi displaced persons camp south of Najaf, with the help of Coalition forces and the Najaf mayor, Sept. 23. Iraqi Soldiers belonging to the 3rd Battalion, 30th Brigade delivered the supplies from the newly-opened Najaf InternationalAirport with the help of the Najaf Provincial Reconstruction Team and the 30th Military Transition Team.

Bush Applauds Iraqi Leadership at United Nations General Assembly

WASHINGTON — President Bush Tuesday applauded the leadership of Iraq as he met with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani and other leaders of the Iraqi Coalition at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Bush attributed successes in democratizing the country to the sacrifices of both the Iraqi people and those countries that have contributed to the multi-national efforts there.

Interactive Iraq :: Video News
Iraqi Freedom Minute, Sept. 23 •This edition features stories on an integration of women graduates into the Iraqi Police force. Watch Now

.
Freedom Journal Iraq, Sept. 24 • This edition features a stories on Operation Omens of Prosperity, females graduating from Iraqi Police training and the Big Noize concert. Watch Now

Wednesday, 24 September 2008	ISOF, ISWAT captured three suspected criminals in separate operations
Wednesday, 24 September 2008	Iraqis Soldiers and airmen deliver humanitarian relief

Wednesday, 24 September 2008	ISF disrupt terrorist and insurgent activities, uncover weapons cache BALAD, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces captured two suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorists, five 1920 Revolutionary Brigade cell members, and a Jaysh al Islami member and uncovered a weapons cache in separate operations in Iraq, Sept. 19-21.
Wednesday, 24 September 2008	Engineers partner with infantry Soldiers to clear caches (Taji)

 

Wednesday, 24 September 2008	NPs, MND-B Soldiers clear Baghdad streets of concertina wire
Wednesday, 24 September 2008	Sunni, Shiite meet with Iraqi Army to resettle in Hurriyah (Baghdad)

Wednesday, 24 September 2008

Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda foreign terrorist, leadership networks BAGHDAD – Coalition forces detained one wanted man and four additional suspects during operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq’s foreign terrorist facilitator and leadership networks Tuesday. Forces working alongside the Iraqi army in Kirkuk captured a wanted man during an operation targeting AQI’s foreign terrorist facilitation network. Intelligence reporting suggests the man has connections to senior facilitators in neighboring countries. Two suspects were apprehended in a town west of Mosul during an operation targeting a foreign terrorist facilitator. In an operation near Shu Ayrat, about 46 km south of Mosul, Coalition forces detained two more suspects while targeting AQI senior leadership nodes, including a wanted man believed  to have multiple associations with the organization’s leadership within the region. Coalition forces also found weapons and body armor at the location.

Wednesday, 24 September 2008

MND-C Soldiers secure weapons cache near Salman Pak

Wednesday, 24 September 2008	DoD Identifies Army Casualty (Salman Pak) 1st Lt. Thomas J. Brown, 26, of Burke, Va., died Sept. 23 in Salman Park, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his patrol came under small arms fire during dismounted operations. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Baumholder, Germany.
Wednesday, 24 September 2008	Iftar meal brings faiths together in spirit of reconciliation during Ramadan

Tuesday, 23 September 2008

DoD Identifies Army Casualty Chaplain (Col.) Sidney J. Marceaux Jr., 69, of Beaumont, Texas, died Sept 14 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C., from a non-combat related illness. Following evacuation from Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, he was assigned to the Warrior Transition Brigade, Walter Reed Army Medical Center

Disruption For Peace - Part 2 Examples of Enthusiasm

On

March 30, 2008

in

Minneapolis

 

MN

, 16 students were arrested at a National Guard Recruiting Center in a protest arranged by SDS (Students for a Democratic Society). This was the largest and most influential radical student organization of the 1960s. Minnesota Daily (2008) these protesters were disrupting recruitment functions, and refused to leave when asked. Around 10 student protesters at

Macalester

 

College

, used bike locks and PVC pipe to chain themselves to the doors of Army and Navy recruiting offices, and would not talk to anyone from the police or reporters.

     University and Minneapolis police were assisting with crowd control, on bicycles and horseback when over 200 people joined together for the rally and march around Macalester’s campus that day, meant to mark the five-year anniversary of the war in Iraq. “It seems like the numbers of protesters are dwindling down as compared to prior years” according to University police officer Chief Greg Hestness. Previous anniversary protests attracted many more students. Two years ago, police had to arrest six students after they threw red paint all over the Army recruiting office during protests, and last year, police made no arrests.

Part 3: Attacking The Press, tomorrow, here

©2008, Hooah.T, all rights reserved

Couldn't have said it better myself

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Well said and thanks for pointing out that it was your own work rather than paid for by someone else.

National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic-Sept. 28 thru Oct. 3

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has long been recognized as a leader in adaptive and therapeutic sports programs. From the first Wheelchair Games in 1981, to the opening of the Winter Sports Clinic in 1987, VA has been committed to nearly 30 years of innovative rehabilitative sports programs for veterans of all ages who have served in the armed forces in any capacity and who have physical or cognitive disabilities. The demand for additional physical outlets for this special population is great, and because the other rehabilitation events have proven so successful, VA is initiating the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic. The first event will take place in September 2008.

Veterans who are recently injured from amputations, traumatic brain injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder and other neurological disorders, as well as those wounded from burns, will benefit from the therapeutic environment offered at the Clinic. Water sports, such as kayaking, canoeing, surfing, waterskiing, deep sea fishing and sailing, as well as other sports such as golf, cycling, tennis, track and field, all provide excellent avenues for improving the health and fitness of veterans. Each year, the events offered will vary, allowing greater exposure to new adaptive sports and recreational activities. 

Today, the five national rehabilitation special events will provide roughly 1,800 veterans each year with a venue to showcase their athletic abilities and creative talents, as well as a setting in which to share a very special camaraderie and fellowship.

What:
The National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic Pilot Program (NVSSC) promotes rehabilitation of body and spirit by teaching summer sporting activities to veterans with significant physical or psychological impairments.

Who:
Participation is open to U.S. military service veterans with orthopedic amputations, traumatic brain injuries, burn injuries, psychological trauma, certain neurological conditions, visual impairment, spinal cord injuries and other recently incurred disabilities. 

When:
September 28 - October 3

Events &     Surfing – La Jolla Shores
Venues               Sailing – San Diego Harbor
                           Cycling – South Park on Embarcadero across from Marriott Hotel
                           Kayaking – Mission Bay Yacht Club
                           Track & Field – Olympic Training Center, Chula Vista
                           (Javelin, Discus, Shot-put, & Track events)

Why:                  
VA is committed to improving the quality of life for veterans with disabilities, and at this Clinic, those who are recently injured. Participants will develop sports skills and take part in a variety of adaptive sports workshops.  Participation at the Clinic demonstrates that having a physical or visual disability is not an obstacle to an active rewarding life.

Host:                
VA San Diego Healthcare System

Sponsor:
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

Founding Sponsors:
Help Hospitalized Veterans
Veterans Canteen Service

Information:
Sandy Trombetta, 2008 NVSSC Operations Coordinator (970) 244-1314
Teresa Parks, 2008 NVSSC Administrative Coordinator (970) 263-5040

Media Contacts:
Richard Olague, National NVSSC Public Affairs Coordinator
(202) 461-7541; or (202) 746-8552 (cell)
Cindy Butler, Public Affairs Officer, VA San Diego Healthcare System
(858) 552-4373

For more information, visit www.summersportsclinic.va.gov

There is a video available for viewing located here.

*** Require Windows Media Player to view.