War On Terror News

MIS-X: Secrets From WWII

Decoding the Facts

During World War II, American Prisoners of War (POWs) at Stalag Luft III utilized a variety of tactics for escape, from encoding messages to creating elaborate tunnel systems. Department X of the U.S. Military Intelligence Service (MIS-X) devised a secret code to communicate with the POWs and send supplies as needed. Until recently, the entire scheme had remained one the most guarded secrets of the war.

Read more: National Geographic

Great Escape: Final Secrets. National Geographic Sunday 2Aug 02100

Be In Queensrÿche's New Video

"American Soldier" was released on March 29, 2009 by Queensrÿche.  The album is focused on the perspective of military men from World War II to those presently serving.  One of the songs on the album, "Home Again" is based on letters exchanged between a soldier and his daughter, as told to singer Geoff Tate by that soldier.  "Home Again" speaks to the heartache a soldier and his family feel when seperated as he goes off to war.  The song features a duet between Geoff Tate and Emily, his 11 year old daughter.  Tate struggles himself with being seperated from his family while touring with his band. 

“This song is inspired by a series of letters between a soldier and his young daughter back at home. He was laughing about how he thought it was really cute to him that in the letters, they were both saying the same things and even using the same terminology,” says Tate.

“There is a lot of emotion attached to this song. The whole idea of separation between loved ones is one of my favorite topics, perhaps because I live and breathe it being away from my kids and my wife while touring. You miss them so much, and it’s like you live two separate lives. When you’re a soldier and you’re away, it’s very difficult to bridge those two worlds.”

Now, Queensrÿche is asking the military or their families to submit photos of themselves and their families.  Why?  They are going to be making a video, and everyone who submits a photo will be eligible

A Special Retirement Cake For 40 Years of Service

Every retirement party should have a special cake and after 40 years of service to our country Henry A. Moak, Jr had an extremely special one. He celebrated his retirement with a c-ration pound cake from a drab olive can he received as a Marine helicopter pilot off the Vietnamese coast in 1973. He vowed to hang on to it until the day he retired and he did just that.

After daring anybody "gutsy" enough to share the pound cake with him, he had one taker, retired Lt. Gen. Paul T. Mikolashek took an even bigger piece. The cake was declared to be "good" and "the same as it always was".

Congratulation Col. Moak... and thank you for 40 years of service to this Nation.

 

Full Story Here

 

 

Copyright: http://www.knottiesniche.blogspot.com/ Published with permission.

Civil Affairs Prime Pumps of Good Relations

Airport Canals Flow Fresh Water Again

By Staff Sgt. Luke Koladish, 114th Public Affairs Detachment

 

Chief Petty Officer Edward M. Lubas examines the drive shaft of a canal pump along with Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority engineers outside Baghdad International Airport, July 23. Photo by Staff Sgt. Luke Koladish, 114th Public Affairs Detachment.

BAGHDAD — A team from the 364th Civil Affairs Brigade (CAB) stood, July 23, at the edge of an empty canal that disappeared into the horizon.  They listened as the diesel back-up generator was fired up, popped, sputtered and then died.

After a few adjustments were made by Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority mechanics, the pumps were primed. Water progressed from a muddy trickle to a steady flow, bringing a satisfying end to a project that started back in April.

"It's good to see they were able to pull everything together and get it working," said Sgt. Thomas Jeffrey Phillips, 364 CAB. "To see all that water barreling out and filling the canal was a pretty good feeling."

More than two months ago, Director General of ICAA, Sabeeh Al Shebany, said the increasing water

AFG: Cementing Construction Challenges

U.S. Development Team Assesses Afghan Cement Plant By Army 1st Lt. Lory Stevens - Special to American Forces Press Service BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, July 28, 2009 – Accompanied by members of Task Force Warrior and Task Force Gladius, a U.S. government business and stability operations team visited the Jabal Saraj Cement Plant in Afghanistan’s Parwan province July 25 as part of a fact-finding mission. Islamuddin Ahmadi, general manager of a cement plant in the Jabal Saraj district of Afghanistan’s Parwan province, points out deposits of limestone, clay and gypsum, the key raw materials needed to produce cement, to visiting U.S. development experts, July 25, 2009. U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Lory Stevens   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Deputy Undersecretary of Defense Paul Brinkley, director of a business and stability task force, and his team of development experts have worked in Iraq for the past three years building the private business sector, and now are travelling across Afghanistan to determine if the United States can assist Afghans with more employment opportunities. Islamuddin Ahmadi, the plant’s general manager, met with the group and gave a brief tour of the cement plant that employs about 200 workers. The Afghan-Soviet war in the 1980s resulted in damage to the plant’s structure, said Ahmadi, who has worked at the plant for the last 30 years. “The Taliban later forced plant workers at gunpoint to turn on machines in the absence of adequate power, causing other structural problems and damage to equipment,” he added. Due to limited electricity, the plant operates for only one hour per day, but it produces cement and has limited sales. “We did not expect to see this in Afghanistan,” the development experts said, referring to the relatively good working order of the plant and the level of expertise in management. After the fact-finding mission, Brinkley will report the team’s findings to U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Karl W. Eikenberry and to Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of U.S. Central Command, who requested the mission in an effort to foster economic growth in Afghanistan. (Army 1st Lt. Lory Stevens serves in the Task Force Warrior public affairs office.)

Biographies: Paul A. Brinkley Related Sites: U.S. Forces Afghanistan

NATO Agrees to Train Iraqis

NATO, Iraq Sign Agreement to Train Iraq Security Forces

 
BAGHDAD -- The Minister of Defence of the Republic of Iraq, Abdul Qader Mohammad Jassim Al-Mafrji, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Iraq, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Deputy Secretary General, Ambassador Claudio Bisogniero, on behalf of NATO, signed an agreement Sunday between the Government of the Republic of Iraq and NATO regarding the training of Iraqi Security Forces.

This agreement represents a milestone in the cooperation between the Republic of Iraq and NATO and demonstrates the alliance’s strong commitment to work in partnership with the sovereign government of Iraq as it focuses on rebuilding and strengthening of governance structures.

The agreement will provide the legal basis for NATO to continue with its mission to assist the Government of the Republic of Iraq in developing further the capabilities of the Iraqi Security Forces.

AFG: Enemy Attacks Mosque

Militants attack mosque, ANSF, ISAF assist injured

NATO-ISAF: KABUL, Afghanistan - Insurgents attacked a mosque at a combat outpost in the Kamdesh District, injuring two Afghan National Army soldiers, who were awaiting evening prayer on July 26.

The outpost was attacked with small arms fire, mortars, and a rocket-propelled grenade. The rounds impacted the outpost’s mosque.

Afghan National Security Force (ANSF) and International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) service members treated the soldiers for shrapnel wounds, and medically evacuated those who needed further treatment.

“These brave soldiers fight for the people of Afghanistan every day, and their sacrifices show that they truly care for the people,” said Captain Jay Ireland, the outpost commander. “These insurgents have shown they do not care about the people of Afghanistan, nor do they respect these soldiers’ right to practice their religion."   

ISAF is a key component of the international community’s engagement in Afghanistan, assisting the Afghan authorities in providing security and stability and creating the conditions for reconstruction and development.

SPC Christopher Merchant, Bronze Star

• Home State: Vermont
• Awarded: Bronze Star

• Merchant arrived in Iraq in October 2005, after volunteering to help Task Force Saber with its mission in the Middle East. On March 1, 2006, Spc. Merchant was in an observation post near an Iraqi police headquarters in Ramadi, Iraq, when a group of insurgents attacked. The enemies attacked with RPGs, small-arms fire, and two vehicle-borne IEDs. Two of the RPGs hit the up-armored Humvee that Merchant was in, killing him instantly.

  Merchant was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, and other service medals on March 1, 2006.

Command Recognition by GEN Odierno

Odierno Visits 3rd Sustainment Command

By Spc. Michael Behlin, 3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)

 

Multi-National Force-Iraq commander, Gen. Ray Odierno, is briefed by 3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) commanding general, Brig. Gen. Michael J. Lally, during his visit the 3rd ESC headquarters at Joint Base Balad, July 21. Photo by Spc. Michael Behlin, 3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary).

JOINT BASE BALAD — Gen. Ray Odierno, Mult-National Force – Iraq commanding general, visited the 3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) here, July 21.

Escorted by Brig. Gen. Michael J. Lally, 3rd ESC commanding general, Odierno received a tour of the 3rd ESC headquarters, where he recognized several Soldiers in the process.

During the visit, Odierno was briefed on operations run by the 3rd ESC's Joint Operations Center as well as the Support Operations Fusion Cell.

Odierno thanked the 3rd ESC Soldiers for their hard work during their 15-month deployment and assured

AFG: Tools to "Stay in the Fight"

Center Gives Troops Tools to Combat Stress While Deployed

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden, American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 27, 2009 – An innovative restoration program in Afghanistan is giving troops the tools they need to “stay in the fight” by helping them overcome the stresses and challenges of being deployed, the director of the Freedom Restoration Center at Bagram Airfield there said.

Army Capt. Donald Hawkins and his five-man staff have been reaching out to U.S. military units and servicemembers throughout the country since the center’s doors opened in February. The program offers a variety of classes to keep troops resilient and give them the confidence and competence to return to duty, he said.

“The whole goal of the restoration program is to allow soldiers to

Baghdad: Iraqis Capture 2 Terrorists

Iraqis Capture Two Suspected Terrorists

Multi-National Corps – Iraq Release - BAGHDAD — The Iraqi Emergency Response Brigade, along with U.S. force advisors, arrested two suspected terrorists during an intelligence-driven mission outside of Baghdad, July 22. The elite police force was operating under the authority of a warrant issued by the Criminal Investigative Court of Karkh.

Court documents indicate that the constables arrested the suspected insurgents in accordance with the Republic of Iraq’s terrorism law. The suspects are allegedly affiliated with insurgent groups and wanted for conducting improvised explosive device and rocket attacks targeting Iraqi Security Forces operating in the area.

According to ground forces, the apprehension of these suspected terrorists will promote the rule of law and the legitimacy of the Iraqi Government.

Iraq: Inspecting Ingestible Imports

Public Health Team Reviews Inspection Process for Products Entering Iraq

 

Veterinarians and public health experts with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Army tour a market in the city of Zakho, near the entry point where these agricultural goods are imported and carried across the Turkish-Iraqi border. Photo by Spc. Richard Frost, Multi-National Corps – Iraq.

HABUR GATE — A team of veterinary officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Army and Iraq's Ministry of Agriculture recently visited this port city in the Kurdish region, at the request of the Iraqi government.

"The purpose of the mission was to get a good look at the inspection process for plant and animal products coming in to northern Iraq so that we can have a better understanding of any kind of road blocks that might be present," said Army Col. Stan Wood, chief of public health, 364th Civil Affairs Brigade.

Inspection processes here can cause significant delays, said an Iraqi official. So as a result,

Iraqi Airmen Best Their Trainers

US and Iraqi Airmen Square Off in Weapons Load Competition

July 27, 2009 - KIRKUK REGIONAL AIR BASE, Iraq – Earlier this month, Iraqi and U.S. Air Force personnel squared off here in the first weapons-load competition.

The contest pitted the newly certified lead-weapons crew from Iraqi Air Force Squadron 3 against advisors from the U.S. Air Force’s 521st Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron.

The Iraqis won a coin toss to determine which crew would load first and were determined to show their advisors just how much they’ve learned. Seventeen minutes and fifteen seconds later the Iraqis finished – 2 Hellfire missiles hung on the wings of an AC-208B Caravan with no discrepancies.

Next were the advisors, consisting of the U.S. Air Force’s Tech. Sgt. Shawn Mullins, Staff Sgt. Eric Hunt and Staff Sgt. Phillip Ball. They

US Army Partners with Non-Profits for Iraqi Women

U.S. Forces Load Humanitarian Aid for Iraq's FUTURE

FORWARD OPERATING BASE UNION III, Iraq – In the sweltering Baghdad morning heat here July 23, a group of U.S. Soldiers, Airmen, and U.S. civilian volunteers gathered to load four trucks with boxes of supplies for needy Iraqis.

Some of these volunteers work for Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq, which has a presence at FOB Union III. Their participation in this humanitarian supply mission supports the U.S.-Iraq Security Agreement that calls for strategic partnerships in various fields, including culture and health.

“There are all sorts of things in these boxes,” said Fareed Betros, president of Families United Toward

Bainbridge Sailors Recieve Medals for Anti-Piracy Rescue Role

Petraeus Visits Sailors, Awards Maersk Rescuers

By Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Nathan Schaeffer, Special to American Forces Press Service

MANAMA, Bahrain, July 27, 2009 – The head of U.S. Central Command visited the guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge while in port here today to thank sailors for their work while deployed to U.S. 5th Fleet, as well as for their role in the rescue of Richard Phillips, the Maersk Alabama cargo ship captain held captive by Somali pirates.

Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of U.S. Central Command, addresses sailors aboard USS Bainbridge while the ship was in port in Manama, Bahrain, July 27, 2009. Petraeus thanked sailors for their hard work while deployed to U.S. 5th Fleet as well as their role in the successful rescue of Richard Phillips, the Maersk Alabama captain held captive by Somali pirates for five days in April. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Nathan Schaeffer   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

Army Gen. David H. Petraeus held an all-hands call with Bainbridge's sailors and presented awards to three sailors for rescuing Phillips after he was held by pirates for five days in April.

"The eyes of the world were upon you that Easter weekend," Petraeus said. "You played important roles and should be proud of what you did. In moments of danger and decision during the rescue of Captain Phillips, you did what you were trained to do. You remembered your skills. You did your duty. You stood your watch. And you brought Captain Phillips home alive."

Petraeus presented Senior Chief Joel Steinbach with the Meritorious Service Medal, and Petty Officers 2nd Class Matthew Olin and Joshua Waters with the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for their exemplary service during the rescue.

Steinbach served as the chief negotiator and liaison between the FBI's Critical Incident Response Group/Crisis Negotiation Unit and the pirates holding Phillips.

"I am honored to be recognized with this award and to receive it from General Petraeus," Steinbach

SecDef Gates: Iran Diplomacy in Israel

Gates Discusses Iran, Other Issues With Israeli Leaders

By Jim Garamone, American Forces Press Service

JERUSALEM, July 27, 2009 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates discussed the Iranian nuclear problem and other defense issues with Israeli leaders here today.

Gates met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak during a quick trip to Israel.

During a news conference with Barak at the historic King David Hotel, Gates received firsthand the Israeli feeling on Iran’s nuclear weapons program. “This is a central issue in our minds here,” Barak said. “We do welcome a coordinated international effort to try to block this nuclear military problem.”

The Israelis told Gates that

Afghanistan: Haqqani Network Loses

Troops Seize Enemy Fighters in Eastern Afghanistan American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, July 27, 2009 – Coalition and Afghan forces seized dozens of suspected enemy fighters during recent operations in eastern Afghanistan, U.S. military officials said. In an operation yesterday, a joint Afghan and coalition force searched a compound in

Milestone Reached for Iraqi Republic

 NATO, Iraq Sign Agreement to Train Iraq Security Forces
 
BAGHDAD -- The Minister of Defence of the Republic of Iraq, Abdul Qader Mohammad Jassim Al-Mafrji, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Iraq, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Deputy Secretary General, Ambassador Claudio Bisogniero, on behalf of NATO, signed an agreement Sunday between the Government of the Republic of Iraq and NATO regarding the training of Iraqi Security Forces.

This agreement represents a milestone in the cooperation between the Republic of Iraq and NATO and demonstrates the alliance’s strong commitment to work in partnership with the sovereign government of Iraq as it focuses on rebuilding and strengthening of governance structures.

The agreement will provide the legal basis for NATO to continue with its mission to assist the Government of the Republic of Iraq in developing further the capabilities of the Iraqi Security Forces.

RIP SPC Justin Coleman

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

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

 

                Spc. Justin D. Coleman, 21, of Spring Hill, Fla., died July 24 in Nuristan Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit using small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fires.  He was assigned to the 1^st Battalion, 32^nd Infantry Regiment, 3^rd Brigade Combat Team, 10^th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

 

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

 

REQUEST that all afford my Brothers a Moment of Silence each on Monday 3 AUG 2009 6:02-6:03 PM, Central Time.  REQUEST that each Moment of Silence be dedicated each Monday to my Fallen Brothers in order of noticification since prior Monday.  This is the 1st report of this period this week.

 

6:00 PM to 6:02 Central are TWO Minutes of Silence (#MoS) dedicated to SPC Bowe Bergdahl, currently held hostage by the Taliban Terrorists, and will remain Until his return home #Bowe

Fixing #MilitaryMon #SOT Timelines

I'll update this if I learn the reasons why someone might be excluded from hashtag timelines such as #SOT Support Our Troops, #MilitaryMon A concentrated effort beginning at the stroke of Midnight Monday in Kabul (3:31 PM Eastern), #Mil Military, #Army, #Navy, #USMC #AF Air Force, or #MoS Moment of Silence to #HonorTheFallen

If you find out that you aren't getting counted in the timeline, the first and fastest fix is to follow and send a concise, clear message to @delbius such as "My tweets aren't showing in the hashtag timeline" This solution was found by @Zion13!

Other points: If you keep tweeting the same thing, you'll get removed.  If you tweet all of your messages from multiple accounts, you'll get removed.  Review the TOS and be a good tweeter!

Mosul, Iraq Police Learn HumVee Ops

Mosul Police get Familiar with Humvees

By Capt. Linda North,1st Cavalry Division

 

An Iraqi Policeman receives Humvee familiarization training from U.S. Army Sgt. James Ryan, a master driver with Alpha Company, 215th Brigade Support Battalion, at Forward Operating Base Diamondback, Mosul, July 20. Photo courtesy of 1st Cavalry Division.

MOSUL — U.S. Soldiers recently opened a Humvee Driver's Training Academy for Iraqi Police (IP) here, upon discovering the nearest Academy was in Taji, approximately 200 miles away.

The training academy's intent is to provide confident and competent drivers in preparation for future fielding of Humvees for the Ninewah province IP.

"This is a very successful way for us to take this course," said Iraqi Staff Sgt. Ummar Khalid Taha, Ninewah Police director of training. "It saves us travel expenses and keeps us close to our families."

The Humvees will give the IP better response time and more visible credibility within the province.

"With Humvees it's going to be more of a deterrent," said Capt. Brant Leyden, logistics advisor for the

RIP SPC Justin Coleman

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

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

 

                Spc. Justin D. Coleman, 21, of Spring Hill, Fla., died July 24 in Nuristan Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit using small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fires.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

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

RIP PFC Donald Vincent

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

 

 

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

 

                Pfc. Donald W. Vincent, 26, of Gainesville, Fla., died July 25 of wounds sustained while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

 

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

LCpl Justin McLeese, Bronze Star

Hometown: Covington, LA

• Awarded: Bronze Star

Throughout 2004, U.S. forces in Iraq battled an increasingly lethal enemy. The Marine Corps maintained a large presence and engaged itself in hotspots throughout central Iraq. Numerous acts of heroism emerged from the conflict, such as the actions of Lance Corporal Justin McLeese. During the fall of that year, McLeese distinguished himself on duty and in battle, and earned the Bronze Star for his gallantry.

On September 16, McLeese rode in a convoy traveling to an Iraqi compound, when his vehicle flipped off the road after passing over rough, gravel terrain. Thrown 20 feet from the humvee, McLeese ignored his own pain and tended to those still trapped in the vehicle. After pulling his platoon sergeant from wreckage, McLeese rescued another Marine trapped beneath a large amount of gear. McLeese, with help from his platoon, then lifted the humvee off the ground to save a third Marine stuck under the vehicle and pinned underneath a Kevlar ballistic plate.

High-intensity urban combat engulfed Fallujah in November. McLeese and his fellow Marines cleared numerous buildings in the middle of the city. On November 11, his team entered one of the compounds and killed four enemy combatants. An insurgent, after faking his death, tried to engage the Marines from a nearby room. McLeese recognized the impending attack and eliminated the threat with a shotgun blast. Two days later, McLeese entered another building in Fallujah, where enemy fire struck him. Despite multiple gunshot wounds, McLeese fought until the end, before an IED explosion fatally wounded him.

For his dedication to his comrades and courage under fire, McLeese posthumously received the Bronze Star Medal.

US Medics Prevent to Avoid Treatment

Preventive Medicine Team Protects Troops, Monitors Bugs, Animals, Food

 By Pfc. Bethany Little
172nd Infantry Brigade

 

Contracted vector controllers in Iraq trap a variety of animals such as dogs and cats to prevent diseases on military bases. Photo by Pfc. Bethany Little, 172nd Infantry Brigade.

FOB KALSU — A small Preventive Medicine Team (PMT) here does big things in an effort to protect servicemembers from disease-borne food, water, bugs and animals.

Insects are not preventive medicine's only concern here. The team also works with vector control to manage the animal and vermin population. Animals found on the base include cats, dogs, porcupines, hedgehogs, snakes, jungle cats, foxes and rabbits.

"We do a lot of different things here and other locations," said Army Spc. Matthew B. Hintermaier, a preventive medicine technician with Company C, 172nd Support Battalion.  The team conducts a variety of tests and studies, including monitoring insect populations and water sampling, to detect pathogens.

The team maintains a log as it checks water for E. coli and other bacteria and mineral levels,

Building Canals in Ancient City of Ninevah, Iraq

Civil Service Corps Offers Trade Skills, Jobs

Multi-National Division – North Release - MOSUL — Local shaykhs, Iraqi military leaders and U.S. personnel attended a Civil Service Corps (CSC) graduation ceremony for 185 students in the Nimrud sub-district of the Ninewa province, July 20.

The CSC program is funded by the United States Agency for International Development and provides on-the-job training to young men approximately 40 kilometers southeast of Mosul.

The CSC started a road and canal construction project, Jan. 4, and hired students from the local area to become skilled journeymen.

They built 20 kilometers of paved roads, which provide better access to and from small villages, and

1800-1815 #MilitaryMon #SOT Moments of Silence

I've been very clear that Casualty Reports are one of the most difficult challenges I face. Anyone that finds it easy to identify the best policy of Honoring Our Fallen needs to put more thought into it. They are not political fodder.  They did not risk their lives for a politician nor against a politician.  They did not sacrifice all so that someone could make a buck or raise a buck for a "Non-Profit."  They didn't go to war so that I could get a hit on my site off their deaths.

They took an Oath to Defend the US Constitution and to obey the orders of those appointed over them, all the way up to the Commander In Chief, elected by the

RIP LCpl Jeremy Lasher, CPL Nicholas Xiarhos

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties

            The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

 

            Lance Cpl. Jeremy S. Lasher, 27, of Oneida, N.Y., and Cpl. Nicholas G. Xiarhos, 21, of Yarmouth Port, Mass., died July 23 of wounds suffered while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

 

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

 

REQUEST that all afford my Brothers a Moment of Silence each on Monday 27 July  2009 6:09-6:11 PM, Central Time.  REQUEST that each Moment of Silence be dedicated each Monday to my Fallen Brothers in order of noticification since prior Monday.  These are the 10th & 11th reports of this period this week.

Clean Water in Ancient Ninevah, Iraq

Clean Water Flows to Ninewa Homes

 

The Tall Ashier water station manager inspects the flow of clean water from his station. Ribbon cutting ceremonies were held for two water stations built in the Qayyarah sub-district of Ninewa province, south of Mosul, July 23. Photo courtesy of 1st Cavalry Division.

MOSUL — Ribbon cutting ceremonies were held for two water stations built in the Qayyarah sub-district of Ninewa province, south of Mosul, July 23.

These projects will dramatically increase the amount of homes that receive water and are a part of an ongoing campaign to provide the people of Iraq with essential goods and services.

The first ribbon cutting ceremony was at the renovated water station in Imam Sharqi. The project helped employ 30 local citizens for 60 days of work.

Prior to the renovations the local residents had to alternate which villages would receive water from day to day. Now all five villages can get water at the same time.

The ceremony was attended by Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment "Chargers" and local Iraqi government leaders.

The ceremony began with Mayor Saleh of Qayyarah cutting the ribbon. Saleh followed-up with

US-Iraq Partners Defuse Explosive Situation

U.S. troops, Iraqis defuse bombs, take fire on quick-reaction mission

Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO - MAHMUDIYAH, Iraq – Iraqi Soldiers learned of an explosion that destroyed an electrical transmission tower south of Baghdad and called for U.S. support, July 25.

In a combined effort, Soldiers of Company B, 120th Combined Arms Battalion, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team; Airmen of the 447th Explosive Ordinance Disposal Detachment; and Iraq Army soldiers of 25th Brigade, 17th Iraqi Army Division, defeated the explosives planted by terrorists. 

The Soldiers of Company B, on duty as the base quick reaction force, and the EOD team rolled out of Forward Operating Base Mahmudiyah in armored mine resistant vehicles soon after the Iraqis requested assistance in the early morning.

The explosion destroyed more than 100 feet of power transmission lines supplying electricity to the region.  Iraqi Soldiers investigated and confirmed that more explosives threatened a second tower in the rural farming area.

“The Iraqi information was dead on,” said Staff Sgt. George Smith, a squad leader with Company B.  ”Intelligence is the key to any successful mission.” 

Smith’s Soldiers and the Iraqi troops fanned out from the site, keeping those living on nearby farms

Khowst, AFG: 7 Haqqani Captured

Afghan-International Security Force Captures Haqqani IED Facilitator in Khost

 
US Forces-Afghanistan: KABUL, Afghanistan (July 27) - A joint Afghan and international security force searched a compound last night in Khost Province known to be frequented by a Haqqani improvised explosive device facilitator responsible for attacks against Afghan and international security forces in the region.

The joint force searched the compound near the village of Majles, north of the city of Khost, after intelligence indicated militant activity. A search was conducted of the compound without incident and seven suspected militants were detained, one of which was the IED facilitator.

The Haqqani network is a criminal organization which conducts operations in conjunction with other

Iraq: Security Narrowed

U.S. Army helps improve traffic flow around Diyala Governance Center

 

 Multi-National Division – North PAO - DIYALA, Iraq – As a sign of Iraq’s growing self-confidence and sovereignty, the walls around the Diyala Governance Center are being moved closer to the building and out of the street, July 25.

To reduce the “bunker” appearance of the Diyala GC, engineers of the 887th Engineer Support Company, 37th Engineer Battalion, used two large cranes and shear manpower to move the more than 30 one-ton, concrete barriers and guard towers closer to the buildings of the Governance Center and out of the street, allowing traffic to flow more freely.

The work is being done at the request of Diyala’s Governor, Abdul Nasser al-Mahdawi, to reduce the “fortress-like” appearance of the Governance Center and reduce the footprint of the area without

SecDef Gates: Afghanistan to Remain Tough

Tough Fight Will Continue in Afghanistan, Mullen Says

By Samantha L. Quigley, American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 27, 2009 – Though troop morale is high in Afghanistan, the Taliban is a tough organization and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said he doesn’t expect conditions to change soon.

“As everyone knows, we’ve lost a large number of people here very recently,” Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said during a Pentagon Channel podcast interview today. “It’s going to be a tough fight in Afghanistan for the foreseeable future, and we’re doing everything we can to certainly eliminate any losses.

“But the Taliban are a tough, tough organization, and it’s going to be that way for a while.”

Despite seeing a long road ahead, Mullen, who recently visited Afghanistan, said he was pleased with what he saw. That includes the Marine Corps' integration with the British military, which he called

Troops in Iraq Honored for Valor

10th Combat Aviation Brigade Pathfinders earn medals for valorous action

Multi-National Division – North PAO - COMBINED OPERATING BASE SPIECHER, Iraq – Five Pathfinders of Company F, 2nd Battalion, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, were recognized for their efforts during Operation Wolf Pursuit II, which occurred from 17 March to 30 April 2009. 

Maj. Gen. Robert Caslen, commanding general of Multi-National Division-North, awarded Bronze Stars with ‘V’ device to Staff Sgt. Lazaro Perez and Staff Sgt. Bryce Venem.  Caslen also presented Army Commendation Medals with ‘V’ device to Capt. Michael Keasler, Spec. Joshua Campbell and Private Juan Alvarez. 

The medals were a result of combining the unique capabilities of the Pathfinders with the expert skills of their Aviation Brigade; the match helped to successfully neutralize insurgent activity in the South Balad Ruz area of Northern Iraq. 

“Ground elements were uncomfortable convoying into this area due to the significant number and size

RIP SPC Herberth Berrios-Campos Update1

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

  

  

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

                Spc. Herberth A. Berrios-Campos, 21, of Bealeton, Va., died July 24 in Salman Pak, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

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

UPDATE1:

According to the news release from the division:

"Spc. Berrios-Campos was a fine Paratrooper and a valued member to his platoon. We are grateful for his service to our unit and are proud of his service to the Nation. His loss will be felt by many," said Lt. Col. Dave Bair, commander, 1st Bn., 505th PIR, 3rd BCT, 82nd Abn. Div.

Berrios-Campos is survived by his mother, Armida Carballos of Manassas, Va. and his father, Jose Campos, of Centreville, Va., according to the news release.

SGT Aubrey McDade, Navy Cross

• Hometown: Houston, TX
• Awarded: Navy Cross
• External Links:
  • Savannah's WTOC 11

When Sgt. McDade and his platoon set out on an insurgent-clearing operation on Nov. 11, 2004, they knew that danger lurked around every corner. This was the battle of Fallujah, and this was urban combat. As they entered a narrow alley, the platoon came face to face with one of the most dangerous scenarios for a ground patrol: an ambush. Gunshots echoed in the alley--and three Marines were hit during the first salvo. The platoon was pinned down as heavy gunfire erupted around them. It was nearly impossible to reach the injured Marines--until Sgt. McDade ordered a machine-gun team into the alley to lay down cover fire. He then dashed into the alley multiple times and single-handedly pulled the three Marines out of the line of fire. One of the injured had been killed instantly, but, thanks to McDade’s quick response, the other two received immediate medical attention and survived. For his actions, McDade received the Navy Cross on Jan. 19, 2007.

MSG Anthony Pryor 1st Silver Star in GWOT

• Hometown: Toledo, OR
• Awarded: Silver Star

Master Sgt. Pryor and his team were on a combat mission in Afghanistan on Jan. 23, 2002, searching for suspected terrorists. As Pryor and his team began moving through the area, enemy fighters began firing upon the group. The team got separated, leaving Pryor and another soldier clearing room by room. The other soldier was distracted by an enemy fighter and stayed outside to return fire. Pryor continued forward and as an enemy fighter came charging out of a room, Pryor assisted in killing him. He pushed ahead and found himself alone with three insurgents. As he was engaged with the two who had guns, an insurgent crept up behind Pryor and began attacking, breaking a clavicle and dislocating his shoulder. Pryor wrestled with the assailants, engaging in a hand-to-hand struggle and eventually eliminating him. The two gunmen Pryor had shot revived during the fight, and attempted to kill him, but Pryor quickly began shooting at them again, this time killing them. He then rejoined the fight outside the building. When the battle ended, 21 enemy fighters had been killed. For his actions, Pryor received the Silver Star on June 12, 2003.

Paktia, AFG: 7 Haqqani Captured

Afghan-International Security Forces Search Haqqani Compound in Paktya

 
KABUL, Afghanistan (July 26) - A joint Afghan and international security force searched a suspected militant compound in Paktya Province on July 24 in an effort to disrupt Haqqani financial and logistical support lines extending from the Khowst-Gardez Pass and into the country.

The joint force searched the compound near the remote village of Qader Kowt, about 25 kilometers southeast of the city of Gardez, after intelligence indicated militant activity. A search of the compound was conducted and seven suspected militants were detained.

The Haqqani network conducts operations in conjunction with other Islamic militant groups with similar goals and interests. The network focuses operations against the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and Afghan National Security Forces, and seeks to expel international security forces from Afghanistan to maintain its influence in eastern provinces.

There were no Afghan, international security forces or civilian casualties during the incident.

Paktyka, AFG: 5 Haqqani Captured

Afghan-International Security Forces Detain Haqqani Militants in Paktika

 
KABUL, Afghanistan (July 26) - A joint Afghan and international security force searched a compound last night in the remote reaches of Paktika Province in an effort to disrupt Haqqani command and control, communications, and supply lines in the region.

The joint team searched the compound in the Deela district of Paktika, about 160 kilometers southwest of the city of Gardez, after intelligence indicated militant activity. A search was conducted without incident and five suspected militants were detained.

The Haqqani network conducts operations in conjunction with other Islamic militant groups with similar goals and interests. The network focuses operations against the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and Afghan National Security Forces, and seeks to expel international security forces from Afghanistan to maintain its influence in eastern provinces.

There were no Afghan, international security forces or civilian casualties during the incident.

Blowing up Enemy Bombs in Iraq

U.S. forces use aerial strike on bunker to destroy weapons cache

Multi-National Division – North - FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARHORSE, DIYALA, Iraq – In cooperation with Iraqi security forces, the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division coordinated an aerial strike on a bunker in southern Diyala province, July 25.

The bunker was discovered to contain an active weapons cache during a combined patrol in the area. 

The cache had been booby-trapped with homemade explosives and the patrol assessed it to be unsafe