War On Terror News

Governor, ISAF Develop Priorities for Afghan Women in Farah

ISAF Joint Command
By U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Christine Darius

05.30.2010  KABUL, Afghanistan - Farah Provincial Governor Rahool Amin and the Female Engagement Team assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah met to develop a priority agenda for the women of province, May 25.

The engagement team is composed of a U.S. Agency for International Development representative and four female military servicemembers assigned to PRT Farah. The team meets with Afghan women from all over the province and provides them an opportunity to address the concerns and issues of the women of Farah. After the FET gathers their assessments, they work closely with Afghan cooperatives on solutions to the women's problems.

"Even before getting to Afghanistan people would tell me it would be difficult to work with the women here because of cultural customs," said Marsha Michel, USAID field officer and FET coordinator for PRT Farah. "After only a few months of being here I realized that women here just need a little direction, and an opportunity to showcase their skills."

Soldiers Run Half-marathon in Iraq in Observance of Memorial Day

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division Public Affairs

Story by Maj. Timothy Hyde

05.30.2010  BAGHDAD – With temperatures reaching over 100 degrees before 9 a.m., May 30, Soldiers at Contingency Operating Station Hammer, east of Baghdad, kicked off their Memorial Day observance with a half-marathon run.

Capt. Scott Bostic, of Atlanta, Ga., the medical operations officer for 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, coordinated and planned the event as a "shadow run" with the Great Midwest Marathon and Endurance Festival held in Elkhart Lake, Wis., this weekend.

"[I wanted] to find a meaningful event for us to do during Memorial Day weekend and partner with an organization that was also doing a Memorial Day event back in the States," said Bostic.

IJC Operational Update, May 30

ISAF Joint Command

05.30.2010  KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-international security force detained several individuals suspected of insurgent activity in Helmand province this morning.

The suspected insurgents were detained during a search of a compound in Bar Nowzad-e Gharbi, Now Zad district, after intelligence information indicated insurgent activity.

Another Afghan-international security force

POW Issues at Forefront of Rolling Thunder Biker Rally in DC

VOA  Suzanne Presto | Washington, DC 31 May 2010

Memorial Day [May 31] is a U.S. national holiday that pays tribute to Americans killed in military service. Each year during the three-day holiday weekend around Memorial Day, the veterans group known as Rolling Thunder rumbles into Washington, D.C. in a massive motorcycle caravan.  The organization, with its roots in the Vietnam War of the 1960s and 1970s, focuses attention on those who were held as prisoners of war and who are still listed as missing in action.

Photo: VOA - S. Presto

Visitor reading the names on the memorial wall

Thousands of motorcyclists ride from the U.S. Department of Defense, across Memorial Bridge with the Army-administered Arlington National Cemetery in the background, past a military officer who salutes them, past a crowd that shouts and applauds.

Army Team Assesses Ramadi Schools

1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs

Story by Sgt. Mike MacLeod

05.29.2010  CAMP RAMADI, Iraq – U.S. forces evaluated several schools in Ramadi, Iraq, for potential refurbishment May 27.

A platoon of paratroopers with Company D, 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Advise and Assist Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, toured Warrar Elementary and Warrar Middle School in northern Ramadi to assess whether they were good candidates to recommend for capital improvements.

"We will take the information we've gathered and funnel it to [Al Anbar Provincial Reconstruction Team] representatives to see if they can help the people out there," said 1st Lt. Thomas Dyer, civil affairs officer for the company.

"[Because we are redeploying soon], our funds as a battalion are

Contract Helicopter Makes Hard Landing in Eastern Afghanistan

ISAF Joint Command

05.30.2010  KABUL, Afghanistan - An MI-8 contract helicopter made a hard landing in the Jaji district of Paktiya province May 30.

A civilian on the ground was killed when he was struck by debris, and three crew members received minor injuries.

International Security Assistance Forces responded to the incident and secured the site.

There were no reports of insurgent involvement, and the incident is currently under investigation.

A Message from FOB Echo, Iraq

Lets Celebrate but always remember the true reason for the day

 

Courtesy of

Scott Dunlap
TF 1-15, F Co, HQ PSG
FOB Echo

NATO Airstrikes Kill Top Taliban Commander

VOA News 31 May 2010

NATO forces in Afghanistan launched airstrikes Monday against Taliban militants who forced Afghan troops to abandon the Barg-e Matal district in Nuristan, an eastern province on the border with Pakistan.

NATO says Afghan forces requested military assistance.

Afghanistan's Engineer Shortage

Capt. Tamara Gonzales, USA
NTM-A

Wednesday, 26 May 2010  The Afghan National Army (ANA) Infrastructure Management Department’s director’s goal is to bring together ANA soldiers from across Afghanistan dedicating time to learn and develop engineering skills.

“For skilled workers, we need to provide these schools,” said Brig. Gen. “Engineer” Habibullah. “When workers are skilled and learn their work they will come towards government, by working with their hands they will have pure living and prevent corruption.”

Left, Brig. Gen. “Engineer” Habibullah, Afghan National Army Infrastructure Management Department director, discusses future plans for an Afghan engineer school with ANA and NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan U.S. servicemembers, May 16. Afghans from across the country will come together at this school learning valuable skills and how to maintain their own facilities.

Without having trained Afghan facility engineers and Department of Public Work employees, the Afghans will not be able to

Facebook Access Restored in Pakistan

VOA News 31 May 2010

A Pakistani court has lifted a ban on the popular social networking site Facebook, two weeks after the site was blocked for soliciting images of the Prophet Muhammad.

Most Muslims consider any image of the Prophet to be blasphemous, and Facebook's "Everybody Draw Muhammad Day" page triggered protests throughout Pakistan.

The Lahore High Court on Monday ordered the government to restore access to Facebook, but said

The Price Paid

72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (36th Infantry Div)

By Col. Mark N. Campsey

05.29.2010  BAGHDAD -- Col. Mark N. Campsey, commander of the 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, based in Houston, Texas, delivered the following Memorial Day address.

"Today I hope we all take time to remember the human sacrifice it has taken to establish and maintain the freedoms that our great Nation enjoys.

Throughout the day, let's recognize those Soldiers who have died, remembering their sacrifices and those of their families, loved ones and friends.

If we forget them, then we

New Riverine Squadron Gets Feet Wet in Basra

1st Infantry Division Headquarters

Story by Staff Sgt. Nathaniel Smith

05.29.2010  BASRA, Iraq – The river delta of southern Iraq is the livelihood for many Iraqis in the area, providing important waterways for commerce and an all-important source of irrigation for farmers.

Recognizing the importance of these river highways, Riverine Squadron 1 began their six-month deployment from Little Creek, Va., in early May with their main focus on securing these routes.

U.S. Navy Lt. Gregory Roberts, officer-in-charge of Detachment 2, RIVRON 1, from Houston, said his Sailors' mission is more mutli-faceted than simply patrolling the water.

"We have several missions," Roberts said "One of them is

Insurgents Targeted With Precision Airstrikes in Barg-e Matal (Afg)

ISAF Joint Command

05.30.2010  KABUL, Afghanistan - ISAF supported Afghan National Security Force operations in Nuristan province by delivering precision-guided airstrikes on known insurgent locations near Barg-e Matal early Monday.

The airstrikes were requested by local officials and ANSF commanders. Extreme care was given to validating the targets, which were under surveillance for an extended period of time.

The operation was launched in response to significant insurgent activity in the area during the previous week. The precision strikes were designed to degrade enemy positions, command and control, and staging/caches sites in the area.

China Seeks Reduced Tension Between Koreas

VOA  Kurt Achin | Seoul 30 May 2010

China has wrapped up a three way summit with neighboring South Korea and Japan by calling for calm amid escalating tensions.  South Korea and its partners have yet to win China's firm support of an investigation blaming North Korea for the deadly sinking of a South Korean naval ship.

The leaders of South Korea, Japan and China wrapped up their two day meeting on the South Korean resort island of Jeju vowing to work together on vital issues of regional security, including a response to the March sinking of a South Korean patrol ship, the Cheonan.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao says it is urgent to

In Memoriam To The Sacrifice For Freedom

More highly guarded against than any other enemy, when tears overwhelm Our Troops, no power can stem the emotions.

Please Remember My Fallen Brothers.  Please give your Gratitude to Gold Star Families this weekend.

H/T to Michael (and Jabber)

Israeli Forces Intercept Gaza-Bound Aid Ships, 10 Killed

Forces board ship from helicopter, clash with activists

VOA News  31 May 2010

Israel's military says navy forces have intercepted an aid convoy carrying pro-Palestinian activists to the Gaza Strip, killing more than 10 of the activists.

Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla of six ships early Monday, opening fire on at least one of the vessels. Some reports put the death toll as high as 16. Activists say at least 30 people were wounded.

Turkey's NTV aired images of Israeli forces boarding a ship from helicopters and clashing with those on board.  The Israeli military says activists attacked the Israeli commandos with knives, rocks and metal pipes.  The military says the fighting escalated after protesters seized a weapon from one of the commandos.  Several activists were shown bleeding after the confrontation, and the military says at least four soldiers were wounded.

U.S. Official: North Korea May Attack Again

VOA News 30 May 2010

The chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff says he is worried North Korea may follow up the deadly attack on a South Korean warship with a second provocative act.

Admiral Michael Mullen said in a U.S. television interview Sunday that North Korean leader Kim Jong Il tends not to stop after a single move.

The North Korea issue is expected to be on the agenda of further talks between Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, who will meet in Tokyo on Monday.

On Saturday,

Padres Appreciate Lima Marines, Military

Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego

Story by Cpl. Paul M. Brown

05.28.2010  The Marines of Company L left the their mini-grinders and uniform maintenance to enjoy the San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Dodgers game at Petco Park, May 16.

"San Diego has traditionally been a military town and probably wouldn't be what it is today without the large Navy and Marine Corps presence we have had here," said Jack Ensch, director of military marketing for the Padres. "We like to show our appreciation towards the service of our servicemen and women by doing things like this and offering discounts throughout the year."

Besides simply attending, drill instructors and honor men took to the player positions prior to the game and got to meet the Padres as they took the field.

This was followed closely by the first pitch which was thrown by World War II veteran and former Army infantryman Orlow "Buzz" Garrett who has been awarded two Bronze Stars and two Purple Hearts.

Although the new Marines had an afternoon free of drill,

Marine Mentors Afghan Soldiers

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North

Story by Master Sgt. Christopher Dewitt

05.29.2010  MAZAR-E-SHARIF, Afghanistan -- No driver's license, no driver's education courses, no time behind the wheel of a vehicle ever … no problem for one Marine mentor responsible for teaching Afghan National Army soldiers how to drive.

Sgt. Nathan Brewer, Driver's Training Course lead team mentor, stationed out of Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., heads a team of five at ANA Camp Shaheen with the challenging task of training basic driving skills.

Not only is the team in charge of teaching Afghan soldiers how to drive, they are also tasked with ensuring the future of driver's training for ANA 209th Corps, which conducts missions in Afghanistan's northern provinces.

"Our mission is to set up a foundation for the ANA to complete driver's training and then to develop instructors from those students that can teach it to themselves," said Brewer, Marine Air Control Squadron 1 licensing non-commissioned officer in charge. "Basically, we are here to train ourselves out of a job – and to an extent I feel we've done that."

In Honor of Fleet Week in New York City

The 23rd Annual Fleet Week is being hosted by the city of New York.

"More than 3,000 members of the Maritime Services are participating in the yearly event hosted by the city. The event includes military demonstrations, sporting events, ship tours, Staten Island Music Festival, parades and a chance to meet the men and women of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard," wrote Petty Officer 1st Class Kenneth Robinson.

31 May 2010 #MoS Moments of Silence on #MilitaryMon #HonorTheFallen 1PM EDT - 1:16PM EDT

1 PM Eastern is Kabul 22:30/10:30PM, Baghdad 20:00/8PM, London 18:00/6PM, San Diego 10AM

"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 beginning 1:00 PM, Eastern Time.  REQUEST that each Moment of Silence be dedicated each Monday to my Fallen Brothers in order of notification since prior Monday.

• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1PM to 1:02 EDT: PFC #Bowe Bergdahl, Kidnapped by Taliban, Two Minutes until he comes home #MIA #SOT #MoS
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:02-1:03 EDT: LCpl Philip P. Clark, Gainesville FL 05/18/10 Helmand AFG 1/6 2D MarDiv II MEF
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:03-1:04 EDT: SPC Stanley J. Sokolowski III, Ocean NJ 05/20/10 Kirkuk Iraq Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:04-1:05 EDT: SSG Amilcar H. Gonzalez, Miami FL 05/21/10 Ash Shura Iraq 64th Armor Regiment
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:05-1:06 EDT: Cpl Stephen Walker, Lisburn Northern Ireland 05/21/10 Helmand AFG 40 Commando Royal Marines
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:06-1:07 EDT: PFC Jason D. Fingar, Columbia MO 05/22/10 Durai AFG 23rd Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:07-1:08 EDT: Capitaine Christophe Barek-Deligny, France 05/22/10 Wardak AFG 3e régiment du genie, French Army
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:08-1:09 EDT: Korporaal der eerste klasse Luc Janzen, Echt Limburg 05/22/10 Wardak AFG Royal Dutch Army
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:09-1:10 EDT: Trooper Larry Rudd, Brantford ON 05/24/10 SW of Kandahar City AFG Royal Canadian Dragoons
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:10-1:11 EDT: MAJ Ronald W. Culver Jr., Shreveport LA 05/24/10 Numaniyah Iraq 2nd Squadron, 108th Cavalry Regiment
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:11-1:12 EDT: PFC Christopher R. Barton, Concord NC 05/24/10 Khowst AFG 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:12-1:13 EDT: SGT Edwin Rivera, Waterford CN 05/25/10 Bethesda MD (COP Xio Haq, AFG) 1st Battalion, 102nd Infantry
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:13-1:14 EDT: Gunner Zak Cusack, Stoke on Trent 05/26/10 AFG 4th Regiment Royal Artillery
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:14-1:15 EDT: Corporal Stephen Paul Curley, Exeter 05/26/10 AFG 40 Commando Royal Marines, Combined Force Sangin
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:15-1:16 EDT: Cpl Jacob C. Leicht, College Station TX 05/27/10 Helmand AFG 1 LAR, 1MarDiv

1 PM Eastern is Kabul 22:30/10:30PM, Baghdad 20:00/8PM, London 18:00/6PM, San Diego 10AM.  This time  accomodates those in London, Baghdad & Kabul, as well as Congress.

Please Remember, the Moments of Silence are in Honor of Our Fallen.  It is a collaborative effort in recognition of their sacrifice and the families effected by it.  It is encouraged to tweet only the above during their INDIVIDUAL moments.

A special thanks to @US_Fallen of www.USFallen.org who puts together the video in honor of those that have sacrificed all in defense of Freedom each week in an Honorable, Dignified manner without political or financial gain as motivation.

Iraqi, US Students Build on Relationship

3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

By Sgt. Ben Hutto

05.29.2010  COS KALSU, Iraq – Students from the Brookstone school in Columbus, Ga., held a video teleconference May 5 with Iraqi students a hemisphere away in Babil province.

Students from the Hillah High School for Girls and the Waeli High School for Boys traveled to Contingency Operating Site Kalsu to participate in the event, which was made possible by the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.

This was the second teleconference event between the U.S. and Iraqi students, allowing the students a chance to discuss topics with their counterparts half a world away.

The students asked each other about school life, preparing for college, music, sports and what they do in their spare time.

The Iraqi students,

A Simple Challenge, Are You Up for It?

I have decided to put out a simple challenge.  It is quite easy but one that I believe most Americans will shy away from.

No, it isn't about fundraising....come on, you know that is most likely the first thing that popped into your mind.  I have complete confidence that you are up to my challenge!  The question is will you accept my challenge?!

My challenge to you is this:

Bird Doctors

101st Combat Aviation Brigade

Story by Spc. Tracy Weeden

FORWARD OPERATING BASE TARIN KOWT, Afghanistan -- When helicopters are needed within a moment's notice, it is the mechanics of these fine birds who are responsible for their readiness, just as our flight surgeon is responsible for us.

The aircraft maintainers of Task Force No Mercy, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, work tirelessly around the clock to make sure aircraft are available for upcoming missions.

Helicopter maintenance is a 24-hour operation.

Maintaining helicopters in Afghanistan requires additional maintenance and care compared to Fort Campbell, Ky.

The Un-Viet Nam War in Afghanistan

Afghanistan was "the next Viet Nam" before and after Iraq was the "next Viet Nam," and a decade after Desert Storm, Bosnia, Kosovo, and Somalia was each "the next Viet Nam."  At least that's what the pundits, protesters, and publishers will tell you.  On the eve of the Memorial Day Weekend, USA Today again tried to sell us this line.  To drive the point home, they went to Kentucky and found someone who lived in the same town that Mike Spann grew up to say it was time to retreat.

Mike Spann was the first to give his life in defense of Freedom, in Afghanistan, in this war.  He may very well have been killed by an American.  His task was to interrogate John Walker Lindh and his death marked the onset of a prison riot turned battle between captured terrorists murdering (as per the Geneva Conventions) lawful combatants.  (Under the Geneva Convention, captured combatands are considered non-combatants and acts of violence by them is considered murder, not lawful combat.)

Gannet (Owner: USA Today, The Tennessean, Army Times, Military times, & many other newspapers) sent their minions over to Bardstown, KY to compare Afghanistan to Viet Nam and contrast its effects on the town.  Bardstown lost seven of its sons in two weeks in 1969 and the scars still overshadow the present.  A Veteran of the battle that cost those lives notes: a "lot of apathy" about Afghanistan.

But the politically correct world of the press which tells us body counts have no place in reporting the news, does all they can to stretch the body count of Our Own. 

Trade Show Touts Iraq's Business Potential

1st Infantry Division Headquarters

Story by 1st Sgt. David Bennett

05.29.2010  BASRA, Iraq – Just like the promise tied to the sea of oil that resides below Iraq's surface, the potential for building new industries in the country is great, yet remains untapped.

That potential is not lost on the vendors from 73 companies that attended the Basra Iraq Trade Expo, a four-day international trade exhibition held at the Basra International Airport May 24-27. And while oil didn't overshadow conversations, there is no question that petroleum-related industries will drive Iraq's economy going forward.

One exhibitor, Gemak Food Industry Machinery & Trading Co., based in Ankara, Turkey, produces stainless steel tanks that are used by dairy farms, chemical plants and petroleum truck companies. It is in Iraq's fledging oil industry that Gemak hopes to generate future sales.

Welder by Trade, Guard by Night!

101st Combat Aviation Brigade

Story by Spc. Tracy Weeden

05.29.2010  FORWARD OPERATING BASE TARIN KOWT, Afghanistan -- When approaching the American entry control point of Camp Cole, Forward Operating Base Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan by foot, the large concrete barriers confining the pedestrian walkway may give you a wary feeling while local vehicles are being searched.

Of course this is done for the Soldiers' protection, but it acts as a reminder of the dangers they face.

When given the go ahead to approach the ECP, you are greeted with the smile and enthusiasm of Pfc. Angel Altamirano, welder by trade, ECP guard by night! His attitude gives service members confidence and relieves any apprehensions.

Altamirano has the responsibility of securing the camp where Soldiers live during an eight hour shift every day.

Before deploying to Afghanistan with Task Force No Mercy, Altamirano was diagnosed with a 45 percent loss of hearing.

Goal-oriented Commander Inspires Success

1st Infantry Division HeadquartersStory by: Spc. Maurice Galloway

05.29.2010  COB BASRA, Iraq – The U.S. military has a long-standing reputation of excelling at reaching its goals, and many service members join the military to give themselves a sense of direction.

Twenty years ago, one Soldier embarked on a journey that would contribute to not only his success, but the successes of those he commands as well.

Lt. Col. Michael Phillips, commander, 308th Brigade Support Battalion and native of Monaca, Pa., recalls the beginning steps of his goal to run 10,000 miles.

"I can remember my first Army run vividly," Phillips said. "I was in the University of Dequesne ROTC program. The downpour of rain and the icy wind made for the worst possible conditions imaginable. As I thought to myself how much I hated the cold, hated the rain and especially hated running, I will never forget the words that broke my train of thought."

AFG Lima Company, Snipers Scope Out Washir

Regimental Combat Team-2, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs

Story by: Lance Cpl. Eugenio Montanez

05.29.2010  WASHIR, Afghanistan – Clearing out compounds and winning the trust and confidence of the local population, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2 conducted a 14-day operation in Washir, to rid the area of insurgent presence.

During the two-week operation, Marines resumed normal security patrols and spoke with villagers to familiarize themselves with the local area.

"Some of these locals are really good people and help as much as they can," said Lance Cpl. Allen Murphy, a radio operator with Sniper Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Bn., 7th Marines.

While conducting patrols throughout Washir, a suburb lying outside Now Zad, the Marines found

Iraq ISF, US Forces Cooperate to Recover Downed Aircraft

1st Infantry Division Headquarters

Story by: Sgt. 1st Class Christopher DeHart

05.29.2010  COB ADDER, Iraq – With the increase in partnership missions and training between United States Forces – Iraq and the various elements of the Iraqi Security Forces, a recent event showed just how well the ISF have developed their capabilities and how far they have progressed.

A disabled UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter with Company B, 2nd Battalion, 285th Aviation Regiment, Task Force 12, was recovered Monday by a joint team of Iraqi Police from the 6th Emergency Response Unit and U.S. forces, including a Downed Aircraft Recovery Team with 412th Aviation Support Battalion, TF 12.

IJC Operational Update, May 29

ISAF Joint Command

05.29.2010  KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-international security force used precision air strikes to kill the Taliban shadow governor of Baghlan province and several of his fighters last night.

Aircraft were called to a rural area in Baghlan-e Jadid district after human intelligence sources confirmed two vehicles were transporting insurgents and weapons through the area.

SF War Stories

Excerpt from Real Combat Life's most recent story:

"Here I was a Master Sergeant deep in enemy territory with my small team of kick ass troopers and our indigenous allies. I was wearing my University of Iowa baseball cap and hadn’t shaved in about a month. My team had more ammunition and fire power on us than a platoon of infantry. We went where we wanted and when we wanted within the scope of our orders."

"This Major had his Kevlar on, chin strap tight, and was all dress right dress. It was obvious he didn’t like talking to a lowly E8. But the point was he needed the information we had and it was good to kick a little dirt on his regular Army boots so to speak. ...."

"...Once we got organized I reported to the Company SGM for a debrief and some further instructions. I will be quite candid here, I had no respect for our Company SGM the man was a Douchebag. When I reported to him it was the first time he had seen me in weeks he told me to have my guys shave and take the Kurdish scarves we were all wearing off. No “Hey Mike how’s it going?” or “You guys have been doing an outstanding job!”

Be sure to stop in and read the rest of the story and the Special Forces Team Sergeant's war stories from the Invasion of Iraq, the Sinai, and other locales.

Iraq's Maliki Firm on PM Post

VOA News 29 May 2010

Iraq's prime minister says his party will not compromise on its choice of who will run the next government.

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said Saturday his State of Law coalition insists that he should lead the government and his party would not agree to another head in negotiations to form a new government.

Iraq held parliamentary elections nearly three months ago, but none of the political groups won enough seats for a clear majority.

Mr. Maliki's coalition came in

Aid Flotilla Heads to Gaza to Break Israel's Blockade

Activists will be brought to an Israeli detention center on shore and given a choice of deportation or jail

VOA  Robert Berger | Jerusalem 30 May 2010

A confrontation is looming between the Israeli navy and international activists on the high seas near the Palestinian-ruled Gaza Strip.  

A flotilla of six ships, carrying more than 600 international activists and 10,000 tons of supplies, is heading toward Gaza. Organizer Greta Berlin of the Free Gaza Movement says the aim is to break Israel's crippling blockade.

"We view the Israeli blockade of Gaza as

'White Knights' Ride With Their Trusty 'steed' One Last Time

15th Marine Expeditionary Unit Public Affairs

Story by Cpl. Gabriel Velasquez

05.29.2010  Goodbyes are always hard, especially when it involves a working relationship 40 years in the making.

Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 165 (Reinforced) set sail this week on their last deployment with the infamous CH-46E Sea Knight, lovingly referred to as the "battle phrog."

The CH-46E Sea Knight, a Boeing manufactured tandem rotor helicopter, has been used by the White Knights since the Vietnam War in a wide variety of missions.

"The CH-46E is an especially capable aircraft," explained Captain William J. Moran, CH-46E pilot, HMM-165 (REIN). "It's been used to transport food, medical supplies, troops, and essential cargo all over the world in its long career with the Marine Corps."

Of all missions the phrogs' of HMM-165 have flown, the most famous is often regarded as the extraction of the

President John F. Kennedy Wreath Ceremony at the Eternal Flame

3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment “The Old Guard” 

05.29.2010  A wreath laying ceremony took place at President John F. Kennedy's gravesite at the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., May 29. The ceremony was held to pay honors to the late President during the Memorial Day weekend.

Kennedy made his first formal visit to Arlington National Cemetery on

U.S. Accuses Iran of Helping Taliban in Afghanistan

VOA News 30 May 2010

The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan says there is clear evidence that Iran is providing weapons and training to Taliban fighters in the war-torn nation.

General Stanley McChrystal told reporters in Kabul Sunday that Iran has a natural interest in Afghanistan because they are neighbors.  He said many interactions between the two countries are

Kenya Security Officials Probe al-Shabab Attack Motives

VOA  Alisha Ryu | Nairobi 28 May 2010

Security officials in Kenya are investigating possible motives behind Thursday's attack by Somalia's al-Shabab militants on a village on the Kenyan side of the border.  The attack is the fourth such incursion by al-Shabab on Kenyan soil in three years.  

The commissioner of Kenya's Northeastern Province, James ole Serian, tells VOA that suspected members of al-Shabab in two pickup trucks crossed the border early Thursday and attacked residents of a remote village near Kenya's border town of Liboi.    

The gunmen wounded seven people, two of them seriously, before escaping back into Somalia.  Ole Serian says it is not clear why the villagers were targeted.    

"We have received some allegations that

Taliban Fighters Seize District in Eastern Afghanistan

VOA News 29 May 2010

Afghan officials say Taliban militants have overtaken a remote district in eastern Afghanistan after days of heavy fighting with police.

Provincial officials say the insurgents took control of Barg-e-Matal district on Saturday after

New Yorkers Divided Over Planned Mosque Near Ground Zero

VOA  Cecily Hilleary | Washington 31 May 2010

Last week, a community board in New York City's Manhattan borough held a symbolic vote on one of the more contentious issues the city has faced in recent years - that is, plans to build a mosque near Ground Zero, the site of the 9/11 Twin Tower terror attacks. Emotions on both sides of the controversy are running high, bringing out the worst and the best in New Yorkers.

You can tell what side of the issue New Yorkers are on by what they're calling it