War On Terror News

Waad Ramadan Alwan and Mohanad Shareef Hammadi Charged in Terror Plot

Two Iraqis in US Charged in Terror Plot 31 May 2011 VOA News Two Iraqi men living in the United States have been indicted on federal terrorism charges for their alleged support of insurgents in Iraq.

U.S. prosecutors Tuesday announced the 23-count indictment against Waad Ramadan Alwan and Mohanad Shareef Hammadi. The charges were unsealed after the men made their initial appearance in federal court in Louisville, Kentucky.

Authorities say the two were arrested last week in Kentucky following intensive surveillance.

The U.S. Justice Department alleges that Alwan is a former insurgent who took part in roadside bomb attacks against U.S. military personnel in Iraq, before coming to the U.S. in 2009. It says he and Hammadi conspired to provide material support to al-Qaida in Iraq and tried to smuggle Stinger missiles to Iraq.

The two men face possible life sentences. Neither is charged with plotting to carry out attacks in the U.S.

Egyptian General Admits Troops Carried Out "Virginity Checks"

Activists in Egypt Press for Investigation into ‘Virginity Check’ Allegations

31 May 2011 VOA News Activists and rights groups are calling on Egypt's military rulers to investigate accusations that soldiers subjected detained female protesters to “virginity checks.”

CNN reported on Tuesday that one senior general admitted security forces performed the acts on some women detained during continued rallies weeks after the demonstrations that ousted former President Hosni Mubarak.

CNN quotes an anonymous Egyptian general saying that the virginity tests were carried out so that women would not claim that soldiers raped them in detention.

One 20-year-old detained woman said

RIP LT Marcus Sean Case

It is with deep regret the Australian Defence Force announces the death of Lieutenant Marcus Sean Case during operations in Afghanistan on 30 May 2011.

Lieutenant Marcus Case was killed on 30 May while serving on Operations in Afghanistan.  Lieutenant Case was from the Sydney based 6th Aviation Regiment and had deployed to Afghanistan as a Heron Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operator.

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

A Chinook Crash and Afghan National Army Soldier take the lives of 2 Australian Soldiers

Two Australian soldiers killed in Afghanistan

Two Australian soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan in two separate incidents.

[Editor's Note:  The Australian Defence has since released the names of these two men.  See notifications before and after this announcement.]

In the first incident, which occurred yesterday afternoon Australian time, a member of the Mentoring Task Force was shot by an Afghan National Army soldier.

 

RIP LCPL Andrew Gordon Jones

It is with deep regret the Australian Defence Force announces the death of Lance Corporal Andrew Gordon Jones during operations in Afghanistan on 30 May 2011. 

Lance Corporal Andrew Jones was killed on 30 May while serving on Operations in Afghanistan.  Lance Corporal Jones was from the 9^th Force Support Battalion and was serving with the Force Support Unit (4).  

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

Malta Offers NO Help to Immigrants Fleeing Africa

Italy Feels Alone in African Immigrant Crisis

31 May 2011 VOA News Sabina Castelfranco | Rome

There is no end in sight to the constant flow of desperate people making the crossing from North Africa to Italy.  The latest fishing vessel to be rescued by Italian officials was carrying more than 900 immigrants from sub-Saharan Africa. 

The Italian Finance Police and Coast Guard boats rescued more than 900 Africans on a fishing vessel during the night off the southern coast of Sicily.  The passengers, many of whom were women and children from Libya and sub-Saharan Africa, had left the Libyan coastline three days earlier.

The commander of the Port Authority in Pozzallo, Sicily is Ennio Garro. He says it is not immediately clear how many people were on board the vessel.  The majority, he said, were inside the vessel.  Five of them were in complicated health conditions, with one woman about to give birth.

Missing Pakistani Journalist, Syed Saleem Shahzad, Found Dead

31 May 2011 VOA News A Pakistani journalist who wrote about possible links between Pakistan's military and al-Qaida has been found dead after being reported missing two days ago.

Syed Saleem Shahzad reported for the Hong Kong-based Asia Times Online and the Italian news agency Adnkronos International. His relatives say his body was found Tuesday more than 200 kilometers from Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, in the Mandi Bahauddin district of Punjab province.

The 40-year old father of three was last seen leaving his home in Islamabad on Sunday to participate in a television interview.

Nations Apart, Warriors Together

Black Sea Rotational Force

05.30.2011 Story by Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda BABADAG TRAINING AREA, Romania – Romanian marines and soldiers and U.S. Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force 11 recently trained together here in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations, improving their skills, sharing their military experiences, and preparing for the many situations that might arise in both countries’ support of the Overseas Contingency Operation in Afghanistan.

Lance Cpl. Adrian Delafuente, a rifleman with Black Sea Rotational Force 11, poses for a picture with two Romanian marines during a “warriors dinner” to celebrate the end of a successful cycle in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations. As the U.S. Marines and Romanian marines and soldiers trained together, lived, relaxed, and ate together at BTA, they oftentimes learned that they were not so different, despite their different backgrounds.

Black Sea Rotational Force

05.30.2011 Story by Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda BABADAG TRAINING AREA, Romania – Romanian marines and soldiers and U.S. Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force 11 recently trained together here in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations, improving their skills, sharing their military experiences, and preparing for the many situations that might arise in both countries’ support of the Overseas Contingency Operation in Afghanistan.

Lance Cpl. Adrian Delafuente, a rifleman with Black Sea Rotational Force 11, poses for a picture with two Romanian marines during a “warriors dinner” to celebrate the end of a successful cycle in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations. As the U.S. Marines and Romanian marines and soldiers trained together, lived, relaxed, and ate together at BTA, they oftentimes learned that they were not so different, despite their different backgrounds.

A message to the Lifeliners family:

101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (AA) Public Affairs

05.30.2011 Story by: Col. Michael P. Peterman BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - Greetings to our family and friends back home!

It’s hard to believe that we are now halfway through our deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Time has really flown by, and while there is still much work to be done, our soldiers of the 101st Sustainment Brigade continue to get after it, day in and day out.

There have been many postings on various Facebook pages about this Memorial Day holiday. I was particularly taken by one that goes something like this:

Vanguard Bn. Soldiers compete for slots in Ranger School

29th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

05.30.2011 Story by Sgt. 1st Class Jon Soucy BAGHDAD – There were 22 who showed up for the competition, but only 10 who would go on to the next level. For some, this was the difficult part, for others, it was something they could do in their sleep. But for all, it was something they had trained long and hard for.

Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, United States Division-Center, make their way along the course of a 12-mile ruck march as part of a unit competition at Camp Taji, Iraq, May 27, 2011, for the opportunity to attend Ranger School.  Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jon Soucy

The 22 soldiers taking part—all from the 1st “Vanguard” Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, United States Division – Center—were competing to earn one of the battalion’s 10 slots for Ranger School.

Held recently at Camp Taji, Iraq, the competition featured a Ranger physical training test—which included

Navy chaplain spreads good word, good will to deployed troops

2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward)

Navy Lt. James C. Ragain is the chaplain for Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 40, currently deployed to Camp Bastion, Afghanistan. He has served as a Chaplain with 2nd Marine Aircraft since 2009 and is serving is first deployment in Afghanistan. Photo by Cpl. Rashaun X. James

05.30.2011 Story by Cpl. Rashaun X. James CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan - A young James C. Ragain found himself face to face with tragedy in his seventh-grade year. His father, a Navy dentist, had moved his family to Parris Island, S.C. where Ragain recalled his first contact with military chaplains that would forever change his life.

24 hours, 24 miles: Shadow run contributes to Wounded Warriors

Written by Spc. Paul Holston, USF-I Public Affairs

Sunday, May 29, 2011 BAGHDAD - Twenty-three U.S. service members and civilians participated in a “24 hours in Baghdad” run on Camp Victory, Iraq, May 21.

The run, sponsored by Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Miner, a personal security detail team leader with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team, raised money for a CrossFit team he is a part of in Boise, Idaho, as well as the Wounded Warrior Project.

The Wounded Warrior Project is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors. WWP serves to raise awareness, enlist the public’s aid for the needs of severely injured service members, and provides unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs.

“We started at 7 a.m. and every hour on the hour we did a

Afghan Police blow up insurgent explosives

A Military Operations news article

27 May 11 Afghan Uniformed Police (AUP), with the help of British units, have destroyed more than 800 kilos of explosives which have been seized in recent operations in the Lashkar Gah area of Helmand province.

A member of the Counter-IED Task Force gives the signal that the explosives are almost ready to be destroyed whilst Captain Khan Muhammed of the Afghan Uniformed Police makes final adjustments to the fuse
[Picture: Captain Charlie Walsh, Crown Copyright/MOD 2011]

The homemade explosives (HME)

Italian Provincial Reconstruction Team repel insurgent attack in Herat

ISAF Joint Command- Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan (May 30, 2011) – Afghan and coalition forces repelled an attack on the provincial reconstruction team headquarters in Herat district, Herat province today.

Several insurgents attacked the PRT headquarters with a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device and small arms fire in an attempt to enter the compound.

Afghan and coalition forces positively identified the insurgent positions and returned fire killing several insurgents.

Fighting Breaks Out in Yemeni Capital

31 May 2011 VOA News Fighting has broken out in the Yemeni capital, Sana'a, signaling the breakdown of a truce between tribal groups and forces loyal to President Ali Abdullah Saleh.

Clashes are reported to have erupted Tuesday morning.

Yemeni forces mounted dual assaults on country's south Monday, killing more than 20 opposition demonstrators in the city of Taiz, while government warplanes launched airstrikes on another southern town seized by Islamist militants.

In Taiz, Republican Guard troops and plainclothes gunmen backed by tanks moved in before dawn,

Uglier than War

"...War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things: the decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks nothing worth a war, is worse. " John Stuart Mill

Our Nation, or rather Our Military, has been at war for nearly a decade.  In reality, we have been fighting for nearly a decade, though we have been at war for far longer.  For decades, we ignored the attacks of the enemy, we ignored the declarations of war of the enemy.  They were far off and easily forgotten, by all but the families of the affected.  We ignored the senseless murder of far off civilians oppressed by the same enemy.

Those that desire to oppress, to expand their own power and ideology, are not of the same mind, but often their greed brings them to ally themselves of fellow oppressors, even of diabolically opposing ideologies.  The ideologies of similarity often finds itself in opposition to would be allies, as did the national Socialism of the Nazi Empire to the Communistic Socialism of the Soviet Empire.  Democratically elected politicians find value in distorting the realities of "allies" and "enemies" to rally the people to a cause or away from an action.

"When a people are used as mere human instruments for firing cannon or thrusting bayonets, in the service and for the selfish purposes of a master, such war degrades a people. A war to protect other human beings against tyrannical injustice; a war to give victory to their own ideas of right and good, and which is their own war, carried on for an honest purpose by their free choice--is often the means of their regeneration." John Stuart Mill

Continue reading "Uglier Than War" »

War In Afghanistan News 31 May 2011

War in Afghanistan News reports provided by ISAF Joint Command. Operations are reported in the following provinces:  Khost, Balkh, Kunduz, Helmand, Uruzgan, Paktika, Paktiya, Nangarhar and Wardak.

Coalition forces rounded up insurgents from Taliban and Haqqani groups all across Afghanistan.  In addition to lowering the numbers of insurgents drugs were found in Helmand and Uruzgan province.  Opium was found in Helmand while a large cache of opium, hashish and ammonium nitrate was found in Uruzgan.  Weapons also were found and destroyed.

Tailor the way you get your War in Afghanistan News

In other International Security Assistance Force Joint (ISAF) Command Operational News throughout Afghanistan:

Islamist Explosions Kill at Least 10 in Nigeria

Police Probe Deadly Nigeria Blasts

VoA News: Police in northern Nigeria are investigating bomb blasts that ripped through a bar at a military barracks late Sunday, killing at least 10 people.

No one has claimed responsibility for the three explosions, which went off in the city of Bauchi a few hours after the inauguration of President Goodluck Jonathan in the capital, Abuja.

Police on Sunday put the death toll at 10 but other officials say the number is likely higher. At least 25 people were wounded in the blasts.

Zimbabwe Continues Eradication of White Farmers

End Near for Zimbabwe's Last White Farmers

Peta Thornycroft VoA News Harare: Zimbabwe's Supreme Court heard a case on behalf of three farmers who claimed the constitution excluded confiscation of their land because they bought their properties after the colonial era ended with independence in 1980.

The Supreme Court did not agree and quickly dismissed their application.

One of the farmers, Colin Cloete, a former president of the Commercial Farmers’ Union at the height of often violent land invasions seven years ago, was one of the applicants.

He, like many of his colleagues, has been arrested, harassed and appeared in court many times, to try to stay on his farm.

Art Imitates Life; Update: Hallmark's 'Apology'

 Hallmark's Maxine has reiterated and re-inforced the problem in America.  People see Memorial Day as just a day off.  It's just a commercialized day of sales and bar-b-q's wrapped in the flag that covers Our Fallen. 

C.J. Grisham As a Soldier, I fought for their right to be stupid. However, there are also consequences that come with using those rights. If I oppose an editorial opinion like this, I am free to spend my money elsewhere. Freedom of speech isn't freedom from consequences."

Should the 1% of America's Veterans boycott Hallmark?  Should you write an angry letter?  Should you let Hallmark know your thoughts?

CJ is right: The US Constitution affords Americans the right not only be stupid, but to demonstrate to the world just how stupid you are.  And he is also correct: That stupidity has consequences and the US Constitution does not protect from those consequences.

Hallmark generates significant income from sales to the Troops, and from Supporters of the Troops.  In order to be a good corporate citizen, they should not re-inforce the bad behavior of customers.  They should instead re-inforce the reason for Memorial Day.  It isn't asking much for Americans to remember one day a year, those that have given their lives for Freedom.

Whether this was pure thoughtlessness, or just art imitating life, the loyal customers of Hallmark should write a letter expressing their displeasure to Hallmark over its message.  I've never been big on cards, but I have women in my life, so I know loyal customers of Hallmark.  I don't generally give customer feedback to companies I don't like.  I just don't do business with them.  So if you like Hallmark, give them your opinion on this, as respectfully as you can muster.

Hallmarks contact info: http://hallmark.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1718 and Maxine's FB page:  https://www.facebook.com/maxine That's Hallmark's official Maxine page, where the comic was posted today.

 UPDATE: Response from Hallmark:

Egyptians Exhibit Buyer's Remorse Over US Backed Military Coup

Egyptian Activist Summoned for Criticizing Military

VoA News: A prominent Egyptian blogger and democracy activist has been summoned for questioning by the country's military rulers after he publicly accused an army official of instigating abuses against civilians.

Hossam el-Hamalawy said he was ordered to appear before military prosecutors Tuesday after he charged in a televised interview that the head of the country's military police was responsible for torturing activists. Hamalawy added that he has testimonies, videos and other evidence to back up his claims.

Outgoing on Nominations for Military Leadership

Statement by Adm. Mike Mullen on CJCS, VCJCS, and Chief of Staff for the Army

            "I fully support the President's decision to nominate Gen. Marty Dempsey and Adm. Sandy Winnefeld for the positions of Chairman and Vice Chairman, respectively, of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

            "Both men are extraordinary leaders, who will provide the Secretary of Defense and the President not only their best military advice, but also the great benefit of their decades of military experience and their command in combat operations.
 
            "I know, too, that they will represent faithfully and stridently the 2.2 million men and women in uniform, as well as their families.
 
            "In that same vein, I applaud the selection of Gen. Ray Odierno to succeed Gen. Dempsey as Army Chief of Staff. Like Marty, Ray is a combat-proven officer who made a real difference in Iraq, and who will lead the Army with strength and with passion as we complete our mission there and begin to transition in Afghanistan."

Statement by Defense Secretary Robert Gates on CJCS, VCJCS, and Chief of Staff for the Army

            "I enthusiastically support President Obama's choices to fill these key military leadership positions.

7th Field Arty Offers Insight to Iraqis

'First Lightning' Battalion senior non-commissioned officers meet-and-greet with new 1st Iraqi Federal Police Division leadership
By 2nd Lt. Donald Gillilan, 1st ID

BAGHDAD — Senior non-commissioned officers with the 1st “First Lightning” Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, United States Division–Center opened their doors for a meet-and-greet with their 1st Iraqi Federal Police Division partners May 12 at Joint Security Station Loyalty, Iraq.

The event marked a historic moment for the 1st IFP Division, as they recently conducted a change in enlisted leadership.

Senior non-commissioned officers with 1st “First Lightning” Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, United States Division – Center discuss their partnership with senior NCOs with the 1st Iraqi Federal Police Division May 12, at Joint Security Station Loyalty, Iraq. The event marked a historic moment for the 1st IFP Div., as they recently conducted a change in enlisted leadership. (Photo by Capt. Christopher Miles)

1st Cavalry Rides Into Afghanistan

1st Air Cav soldiers begin journey to Afghanistan
by Staff Sgt. Joe Armas 1st CavDiv

CAMP MARMAL, Afghanistan – As the sun sets on one Army aviation unit’s time in Afghanistan, a new dawn is on the horizon for another.

The first wave of soldiers from the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade began streaming into northern Afghanistan this month, setting the stage for the pending transfer of authority of U.S. aviation operations in Regional Commands North and West from the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade to the 1st ACB.

Some Gave All

Remembering!  Never forgetting the sacrifices made for us, for those who stood to their left and their right, by our military.

This seems very fitting to me for Memorial Day.

Thank you for your service!

    MsMarti

RIP LT Oliver R Augustin, Marine Samuel GW Alexander

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Lieutenant Oliver Richard Augustin and Marine Samuel Giles William Alexander MC, both from Juliet Company 42 Commando Royal Marines, were killed in Afghanistan on Friday 27 May 2011.

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

RIP CPT Markus Matthes

Hauptmann Markus Matthes, 33, of Stadtallendorf, Hesse, Germany, died May 25 in Char Darah, Kunar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire.  He was assigned to the Stabskompanie Division Spezielle Operation (Staff of Special Forces Division), German Armee

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

Suicidal Terrorists Murder 4 Muslims in Herat

Suicide Attacks in Normally Peaceful Herat Kill 4

VoA News: Authorities in western Afghanistan say twin suicide attacks in the city of Herat have killed four people and wounded at least 33 others.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the bomb attacks, which struck an Italian military base and a separate area in the downtown part of the city.

Local officials say the four killed were Afghans, as were most of those injured.

30 May 2011 #MoS Moments of Silence #HonorTheFallen 1PM-1:25 ET

"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.  1PM Eastern is Kabul 22:30/10:30PM, Baghdad 20:00/8PM, London 18:00/6PM, San Diego 10AM.  This time accommodates those in London, Baghdad & Kabul as well as Congress and across the United States.

• #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: SGT Brett Wood, Australia, 23 May 2011, Tarin Kowt AFG, 2nd Commando, SOT-G
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:03-1:04 EDT: Sgt. 1st Class Clifford E. Beattie, 37, Medical Lake, WA, 05/22/11 Baghdad Iraq, 1-63rd AR 1st ID
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:04-1:05 EDT: Pfc. Ramon Mora Jr., Ontario, Calif 05/22/11 Baghdad, Iraq 1-63rd AR 1st ID
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:05-1:06 EDT: CSjt Kevin C Fortuna, Cheltenham, UK 05/23/11 Helmand, AFG, A/1st The Rifles, UK
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:06-1:07 EDT: SSG Kristofferson B Lorenzo, Chula Vista, CA 05/23/11 Kunar, AFG 2-27 Inf Rgt, 25th ID
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:07-1:08 EDT: PFC William S Blevins, Sardina, OH 05/23/11 Kunar, AFG 2-27 Inf Rgt, 25th ID
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:08-1:09 EDT: PFC Andrew M Krippner, Garland, TX 05/23/11 Kunar, AFG 2-27 Inf Rgt, 25th ID
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:09-1:10 EDT: PVT Thomas C Allers, Plainwell, MI 05/23/11 Kunar, AFG 2-27 Inf Rgt, 25th ID
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:10-1:11 EDT: CWO Christopher R Thibodeau, Chesterland, OH 05/26/11 Paktika, AFG 1-4 CAB
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:11-1:12 EDT: SSgt Joseph J Hamski, Ottumwa, IA 05/26/11 Kandahar, AFG 52nd Civil Eng Sqdn
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:12-1:13 EDT: TSgt Kristoffer M Solesbee, Citrus Hghts, CA Kandahar, AFG 775th Civil Eng Sqdn
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:13-1:14 EDT: 1LT Majid Amir Abu Qdairi, Jordan, 05/22/11 Jordanian Army
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:14-1:15 EDT: JSgt Lavrosi Ivaniadze, Georgia, 05/24/11 Helmand, AFG 33rd Bn, Georgian Army
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:15-1:16 EDT: 2LT Lopez Molina, Zaragoza, Spain 05/27/11 Herat, AFG 31st HQ Spanish Army
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:16-1:17 EDT: 1LT John M Runkle, West Salem, OH 05/26/11 Kandahar, AFG 4-101 Rgt, 159th CAB, 101st AA Div
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:17-1:18 EDT: SSG Edward D Mills Jr., New Castle, PA 05/26/11 Kandahar, AFG 4-101 Rgt, 159th CAB, 101st AA Div
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:18-1:19 EDT: SSG Ergin V Osman, Jacksonville, NC 05/26/11 Kandahar, AFG 4-101 Rgt, 159th CAB, 101st AA Div
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:19-1:20 EDT: SGT Thomas A Bohall, Bel Aire, KS 05/26/11 Kandahar, AFG 4-101 Rgt, 159th CAB, 101st AA Div
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:20-1:21 EDT: SGT Louie A Ramos Velazquez, Camuy, PR 05/26/11 Kandahar, AFG 4-101 Rgt, 159th CAB, 101st AA Div
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:21-1:22 EDT: SPC Adam J Patton, Port Orchard, WA 05/26/11 Kandahar, AFG 4-101 Rgt, 159th CAB, 101st AA Div
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:22-1:23 EDT: BBdr Karl Manning, Quebec, CA 05/27/11 Kandahar, AFG 1st of Royal 22nd RGB
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:23-1:24 EDT: PFC John C Johnson, Phoenix, AZ 05/27/11 Kandahar, AFG 1-32 Inf Rgt, 10th Mtn Div
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:24-1:25 EDT: SPC Adam S Hamilton, Kent, OH 05/28/11 Haji Ruf, AFG 4-4 Cav Rgt 1st ID

Republication WITHOUT attribution of Moments of Silence is encouraged.  Tailoring quotes and tribute video is encouraged but not required, while it is requested that the times and names be maintained intact.  Each moment is tailored to meet twitter norms and to be tweeted at that time, Each Monday, based on order of notification.

Syria Continues Slaughter of Citizens, 14 since Sunday

Activists: Syrian Crackdown in Central Towns Kills 14 Civilians

VoA News: Syrian rights activists say a military crackdown on opposition protesters in central Syria has killed at least 14 civilians since Sunday.

The activists say Syrian security forces backed by tanks killed three civilians Monday in the town of Talbiseh. Residents also found the bodies of two people thought to have been killed by Syrian troops in Homs, Syria's third-largest city.

Rights groups say another nine people were killed Sunday as Syrian tanks fired on the towns of Talbiseh, Rastan and other central communities where residents have staged anti-government protests in recent days.

Air Force Goes Extra Mile to Get Wounded Care

Phoenix 8 rises to challenge
by Tech. Sgt. Stacia Zachary USAF-C

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan – The transfer of patients from one location to the next requires planning. Similar to a coach’s playbook, the Phoenix coordinator here plans his assets around patient movement. As with different plays executed on the field, changes have ripple effects the Phoenix 8 must rise above and accommodate in order achieve mission success.

“The medical coordinator is the central figure who holds all the moving pieces of a [patient transfer] mission together,” said Lt. Col. Barbara Persons, 451st Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron Detachment 1 Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility commander.

Photo by Master Sgt. Adrian Cadiz Members of the 451st Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron Detachment 1 Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility gather together for a post-mission brief in order to critique their latest mission at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan. The CASF members are responsible for taking care of and transporting patients from the staging facility to aircraft that will transport the patients to a more stable environment.

BIO: GEN Raymond T Odierno

General Raymond T. Odierno, United States Army, commands United States Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM). Headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, USJFCOM provides mission-ready joint-capable forces and supports the development and integration of joint, interagency, and multinational capabilities to meet the present and future operational needs of the joint force.

General Odierno most recently served as Commanding General, Multi- National Force - Iraq and subsequently United States Forces - Iraq, from September 2008 until September 2010. He oversaw the transition from the Surge to Stability Operations and directed the largest redeployment of forces and equipment in the last 40 years. General Odierno returned to Baghdad to assume command of Multi-National Force - Iraq fewer than 7 months after completing a 15-month deployment with III Corps from December 2006 to February 2008, during which he served as the Commanding General, Multi-National Corps - Iraq.

BIO: GEN Martin E Dempsey, Army CoS

General Martin E. Dempsey serves as the 18th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In this capacity, he serves as the principal military adviser to the President, the Secretary of Defense and the National Security Council. By law, he is the nation’s highest-ranking military officer. Prior to becoming Chairman, the general served as the Army’s 37th Chief of Staff. Past assignments have taken him and his family across the globe during both peace and war from Platoon Leader to Combatant Commander. He is a 1974 graduate of the United States Military Academy and a career armor officer. As a company grade officer, he served with the 2nd Cavalry in United States Army Europe and with the 10th Cavalry at Fort Carson. Following troop command he earned his Masters of Arts in English from Duke University and was assigned to the English Department at West Point.

In 1991, GEN Dempsey deployed with the Third Armored Division in support of OPERATION DESERT STORM. Following DESERT STORM, he commanded 4th Battalion 67th Armor (Bandits) in Germany for two years and then departed to become Armor Branch Chief in US Army Personnel Command. From 1996-1998 he served as the 67th Colonel of the Third Armored Cavalry Regiment. Following this assignment as the Army’s “senior scout” he served on the Joint Staff as an Assistant Deputy Director in J-5 and as Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

BIO: ADM James A Winnefeld Jr.

Admiral James A. Winnefeld, Jr., is the Commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command, headquartered at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado.

Admiral Winnefeld graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology and received his commission from the Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps program. He subsequently served with three fighter squadrons flying the F-14 Tomcat and as an instructor at the Navy Fighter Weapons School.

Admiral Winnefeld’s unit commands at sea include Fighter Squadron 211, USS Cleveland (LPD 7), and USS Enterprise (CVN 65). He led “Big E” through her 18th deployment, which included combat operations in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom immediately after the terrorist acts of Sept. 11, 2001. As Commander, Carrier Strike Group TWO/Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group, he led Task Forces 50, 152, and 58 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and maritime interception operations in the Arabian Gulf. His most recent command tour was as Commander, United States SIXTH Fleet, Commander NATO Allied Joint Command Lisbon, and Commander Striking and Support Forces NATO.

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates Memorial Day Message

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Gates Stresses Reflection in Memorial Day Message

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 25, 2011 - In his final Memorial Day message as his June 30 retirement nears, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates called on service members to reflect on their comrades who have died in service to the nation.

Here is the text of the secretary's video message:

For many Americans, Memorial Day is a respite from work. But it should be foremost an occasion to reflect, to remember and to honor all those who have fought and died in defense of our nation. It is also a day to remember family members, who in recent years have borne the brunt of repeated deployments.

Memorial Day must not be the only day in which we keep our troops -- men and women like you -- in our thoughts. We must always recognize that that this generation, like so many before, is keeping watch and serving in faraway lands.

It has been my greatest honor to serve and to lead you as secretary of defense. Virtually every day since taking this post, I have written condolence letters to the families of the fallen. I will always keep all of you in my heart and in my prayers as long as I live -- as should all Americans. Thanks for listening.

 

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Video Memorial Day Message

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The military has continuously seeks to employ the latest technology to counteract this hazard with creations such as specialized vehicles including mine resistant ambush protected vehicles and innovations such as electronic countermeasures.

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New Estonian units started their service in Helmand

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Airmen from the 438th Air Expeditionary Wing and firefighters in Parkton, N.C., teamed up to deliver 80 Nomex hoods needed to further protect the AAF firemen when called on to respond to base emergencies. Nomex hoods are also used by race car drivers but most commonly by firefighters. First responders place the hoods on the head above the firefighter's mask in order to protect exposed portions of the head not covered by the firefighter's helmet or mask. The donated hoods will be used by AAF firefighters assigned to the Afghan air force compound in Kabul.

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