War On Terror News

IAI Recognized for Supporting Our Troops

Integrity Applications Incorporated, Chantilly, Va.

 

 

 

Integrity Applications Incorporated (IAI), located in Chantilly, Virginia, is an engineering services and software development company that primarily supports the intelligence community and other civil, defense and intelligence customers with a focus on government space and intelligence surveillance reconnaissance systems activities. Veteran-owned, the business actively seeks to hire veterans and current Guard and Reserve service members. Forty-four percent of the company’s employees are veterans, including four of the six members of the Board of Directors.

IAI offers flexible work schedules to help reserve component members meet their drilling and military schooling obligations. The company also provides support to families of deployed service members. In one instance, IAI provided assistance to an employee whose deployed spouse suffered a combat injury. Company employees also contribute to many organizations benefiting service members and their families, including the Fisher House, Operation Paperback, Toys for Tots and the Air Force Association. “IAI’s unique policies directly influenced my decision to delay my retirement from the Reserve, to remain until my mandatory retirement date,” said nominator Darryl W. Brayman, a Lieutenant Colonel. “As a member of the United States Air Force Reserve, I am proud to serve, and as an employee of IAI, I could not be more proud to be part of a team so respectful of the cause of freedom, and so dedicated to those who serve.”

Integrity Applications Incorporated (IAI) was honored with the 2011 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award during a ceremony at The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C on Sept. 22, 2011. The Freedom Award is the highest recognition given by the Department of Defense (DoD) to large, small, and public sector employers for their exceptional support of employees serving in the Guard and Reserve.

Soldiers From Legal Office Pay Out on Foreign Claims

           Army support units and soldiers log thousands of miles on missions that provide essential supplies to combat units throughout Iraq. Navigating through narrow streets in unfamiliar towns and villages is all part of the job. While doing this type of mission, there is always the potential for some damage to local streets and property. 

In situations like this, the U.S. Army is able to reimburse the affected citizens through funds from the Foreign Claims Act. 

Soldiers from the legal office of the 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, “Black Jack,” 1st Cavalry Division, U.S. Division-North, work with local Iraqis to pay out claims for accidental damages caused by the brigade’s soldiers. “This program helps promote and maintain friendly relations by the prompt settlement of meritorious claims,” explained Maj. David Dulaney, judge advocate general for the Black Jack Brigade. 

Dulaney, a Krum, Texas, native, says these claims are limited to damages caused by non-combat related accidents to the personal property of an individual. 

During one recent mission, a flock of sheep ran in front of a U.S. convoy and six sheep were killed. A report was filed on the scene, evidence was collected and contact information was taken. 

The legal office processed the claim and spoke with local experts to ascertain the value of the specific type of sheep and then paid out the cost of the sheep to their owner, explained Dulaney. 

“We process claims quickly when there is proof and evidence,” said the claims commissioner for the brigade, Capt. Jason Coffey, a Georgetown, Texas, native. “We want to make good if we did some to damage to their property.” 

“It shows that when we damage things, we are willing to make restitution,” he said. “We’re not out here just breaking things wantonly and then walking away from it…we are attempting to make to make it right to the owner of the property.”

Whether it’s a garden wall, a small car, herds of sheep or anything in between, Black Jack legal soldiers are prepared to pay out proven claims for accidental damages caused by their brigade’s soldiers.

 

US Forces- Iraq

ANSF, Coalition forces maintain pressure on insurgent networks

Multiple operations have dealt serious blows to insurgent networks, and have see a steady increase in Afghan and Coalition security force gains in eastern Afghanistan.          Five major combined RC-East operations over the last 60 days have focused on the volatile border provinces of Khost, Paktiya, Nuristan, Paktika and Wardak to the west of Kabul. These operations have proved vital in disrupting insurgent capabilities and preventing safe havens on the Afghan side of the border. Since mid-May, combined forces have killed more than 450 enemy fighters and detained close to 300 in operations in the east.

Caldwell: Afghan Troops, Police Make ‘Significant’ Progress

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2011 – Afghan security forces are moving forward and will be able to assume the lead for security in December 2014, said U.S. Army Lt. Gen. William B. Caldwell IV, commander of NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan.

Speaking to Pentagon reporters today, Caldwell said the Afghan army and national police have made “tremendous” progress.

“Today, I can say the return on the investment that we're starting to see is pretty significant from these efforts made over the last two years by the men and women of this international community,” he said.

War In Afghanistan News 27 September 2011

War in Afghanistan News reports provided by ISAF Joint Command. Operations are reported in the following provinces: Kunar, Jowzjan, Kandahar, Ghazni, Khost, Paktiya.

A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed two insurgents and confiscated multiple weapons during an operation in search of a Taliban leader in Nurgal district, Kunar province.

The leader plans attacks against Afghan forces in Nurgal and Khas Kunar districts.

The security force observed armed insurgents running from a building during the search. After assessing the threat and ensuring no women or children were in the area, the security force fired, killing two insurgents. During the operation the security force confiscated and destroyed an 82mm recoilless rifle, three 82mm mortars, 15 rocket-propelled grenades, 12 rocket-propelled grenade motors, roadside and pressure plate bomb making materials, and ammunition.

Also confiscated were several Afghan police uniforms, handcuffs and batons, as well as, multiple U.S. military uniforms. Multiple suspected insurgents were detained during the operation.

Tailor the way you get your War in Afghanistan News

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

RIP SPC Francisco J. Briseno-Alvarez Jr

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

            Spc. Francisco J. Briseno-Alvarez Jr., 27, of Oklahoma City, Okla., died Sept. 25 in Laghman province, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Brigade Combat Team, Stillwater, Okla.

 

"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.

 

 

Middle East News - 26 Sep 2011

Libyan Rebels attempt to secure Qaddafi's hometown while politicians wrangle with the reins of government. Italian Oil companies have resumed production in Benghazi.  Scotland is asking the rebels to turn over evidence and persons associated with the Lockerbie bombing.

Syria is now killing its own troops, as well as civilians, as 4 soldiers attempted to escape Monday.  Syria bloviated in front of the UN about how those civilians were the problem.

Israel has begun the process of putting the Dead Sea Scrolls online.

Islamists killed a Yemeni Commander and took 30 soldiers hostage, as President Saleh voiced his commitment to a democratic change of power in that country.

The EU has appointed a Belgian to head an inquiry into what to do with Iranian dissidents at a camp in Iraq.

Turkey has confirmed it will continue cooperation with Iran against Kurds in Iraq.

RIP SGT Tyler N Holtz

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

            Sgt. Tyler N. Holtz, 22, of Dana Point, Calif., died Sept. 24 in Wardak province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire.  He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

"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 Islamist Attacks Indonesian Church

VoA: Indonesian authorities suspect a suicide bomber who attacked a church on Sunday may have been involved in a previous bombing at a mosque in April.

Police Monday were awaiting the results of DNA testing on the remains of the bomber, who injured 27 people, many critically, at a church in Central Java province. But they say he may be Achmed Yosepa Hayat, who is wanted for his role in a suicide attack that wounded 30 people at a mosque in Cirebon.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono announced the suspicions during an address to the nation late Sunday.

He strongly condemned the attack and said Indonesia still is threatened by extremism.

Sunday's attack took place in Solo, the hometown of radical Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Bashir who is considered the spiritual leader behind the regional terror network Jemaah Islamiyah. It came as hundreds of worshippers were leaving a Protestant church at the end of Sunday services.

The April attack struck at a mosque attached to a police station in Cirebon, about 300 kilometers east of Jakarta. Two main suspects in that bombing were killed by police near Solo in May.

Afghan Employee Kills US Citizen in Embassy Annex

VoA: The U.S. Embassy in Kabul confirmed Monday that an American citizen was killed and another wounded in a shooting incident inside the embassy's annex in Kabul which is reportedly used by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency .

Embassy spokesman Gavin Sundwall said the incident took place Sunday night, after an Afghan employee of the U.S. government apparently opened fire on Americans before being killed himself. Officials did not give a motive for the shooting, and there has been no immediate claim of responsibility.

The incident comes less than two weeks after militants launched a coordinated assault on several high-profile targets in the capital, including the U.S. embassy and NATO headquarters. Nine Afghans were killed in a nearly day-long siege.

NATO also said a combined Afghan and coalition force killed several insurgents in northeastern Kunar province and confiscated weapons and Afghan police uniforms. In eastern Khost province, a joint force captured a Haqqani network leader and another suspected insurgent. NATO said the leader was involved in the planning and facilitation of roadside bomb attacks throughout the region.

Paki Army Commanders Assemble to Discuss Deterorating US Alliance

Pakistan army chief General Ashfaq Kayani chaired an emergency meeting with his top commanders Sunday as a war of words with the United States escalated.

Pakistani officials said corps commanders met at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi to review the prevailing security situation in the country.

The meeting followed scathing U.S. allegations that the Pakistani spy agency, the ISI, is assisting the al-Qaida-linked Haqqani network to attack U.S. targets in neighboring Afghanistan.

The outgoing chairman of the U.S. Joint Chief of Staffs, Admiral Mike Mullen, told a Senate hearing last week that the Haqqani network acts as a "veritable arm" of the ISI, and its fighters planned and conducted this month's assault on the U.S. embassy in Kabul and on NATO bases in Afghanistan.

3-4 Infantry Works Themselves Out of a Job

by Sgt. Christopher Klutts 170th Infantry

KABUL, Afghanistan – Nagbullah, 22, said he left his job as a mechanic to join the Afghan National Army. He wore a piece of cloth on his left shoulder which marked him as a leader of fellow recruits. The Taliban have threatened his family twice since he left home for training in August.

Life for Nagbullah, in the infancy of his military career, is like a U.S. Army recruit’s. He lives in an open bay. His sandals point toe-out under his bunk bed. He spends hours in formation. He jokes with his friends, all wearing the same uniform, void of patches and experience. He is taught how to shoot.

Pictured: Afghan National Army recruits train to clear a bunker at the Kabul Military Training Center Sept. 17, 2011. U.S. Army soldiers with 3rd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, 170th Infantry Brigade Combat Team advise Afghan National Army trainers throughout the country.

ADM Mullen Endorses Cuts in DoD, Veteran Benefits

On his way out the door, Admiral Mullen endorses cuts to Defense:

He mentions only the $450 Billion in cuts he endorsed in the 2011 Budget, not the $100 Billion endorsed in cuts in the 2010 Budget, nor the $230 Billion in cuts recommended by the POTUS in additional legislation, nor the "transparent" cuts made in 2009 by moving War funding from a separate budgetary item, without adding the actual money to the DoD Budget.

In "not breaking faith" with the Troops, he endorses cuts to Retirement benefits and pay.  Admiral Mullen has been acting like a politician for years now and is talking in double-speak again.

Gilbert, AZ Recognized for Support of Our Troops

 

The Town of Gilbert, in Maricopa County, Arizona, is just southeast of Phoenix within the metropolitan area. The Town of Gilbert was nominated by Sergeant First Class Leo Hess, U.S. Army Reserve. "I wanted to recognize the Town of Gilbert Fire Department for the constant support given to my family and me while I fulfill my military obligation. When I notified the Fire Department I was preparing to deploy for the third time, their first words were, ‘How can we help your family while you are away?’"

The Town of Gilbert provides service members with care packages and news from home, hosts annual events to honor veterans and maintains a spouse support group for families of deployed employees. Multiple service members provided input for Hess’ nomination. One of these deployed service members had a water pipe break and Fire Department employees responded quickly to fix it free of charge. The spouse of one deployed member said, “If it’s fixing a broken water pipe or offering to help with a broken washer, they’re there for me. I received phone calls just checking in to see if I needed anything.”

The Town of Gilbert has a history of strong military support initiatives, and currently partners with Employer Partnership of the Armed Forces to ensure they’re postured to recruit and hire service members.

War In Afghanistan News - 26 Sep 2011

At least 25 Taliban Thugs, including at least one leader were killed in recent operations.

Another 31 Talib Thugs were led into surrender, including another leader.

Additionally, no less than 7,622 lbs of drugs were captured, along with heavy weapons, explosives, AK-47's, PKM's, munitions and more.

The enemy in turn killed 3 Afghans & a German while 340 rockets have been fired from Pakistan in recent days.

Tailor the way you get your War in Afghanistan News
ISAF details follow:

Middle East News - 25 Sep 2011

Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah has granted women the right to vote and run for office in 2015 elections while it appears one woman won a seat in UAE's recent elections and more will be appointed soon. 

Yemen's President has offered a commitment to a democratic transfer of power to avoid the chaos of other Middle East countries

Islamists have attacked a passport office in Karbala, Iraq, killing ten.

It appears that the US Hikers used their Chavez connections to arrange for Iran to release them for $1.5 Million in ransom.

Tailor the way you get your War On Terror News

US Hikers Return to US With a Little Help from Chavez

VoA: Two American hikers released by Iran this past week have returned to the United States Sunday, after spending more than two years in an Iranian prison on spy charges.

Officials say a plane carrying hikers Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer landed at New York's John F. Kennedy airport at around 11:00 AM local time .

Iranian authorities released Fattal and Bauer Wednesday on a $1 million "bail" payment. They initially traveled to Oman, which played a role in their release and where they spent three days with relatives. Also there was Sarah Shourd, their fellow hiker who was freed on $500,000 "bail" last year and returned to the United States.

German Tourist Among 4 Murdered by Islamists in Afghanistan

Afghan police say a suicide bomber blew himself up Sunday outside a local police headquarter in eastern Afghanistan, killing two policemen and wounding two civilians.

The attack took place in Yahya Khel district in Paktika province near the Pakistani border.

A NATO statement also said combined Afghan and coalition forces killed 12 insurgents and captured at least 12 others during security operations across the country Sunday. The statement said that among the captured were several Taliban leaders responsible for conducting ambushes and roadside bomb attacks against Afghan forces.

In the country's central Ghor province, a German tourist and his Afghan companion were killed and two other Afghans were wounded by armed men on motorcycles. Saturday's attack came weeks after unknown assailants killed two German tourists hiking in the mountains near the capital, Kabul.

In a separate development, Afghan President Hamid Karzai has appointed a team to investigate the assassination of former President Burhanuddin Rabbani, who headed the nation's peace council and was leading efforts to find a political solution to the 10-year war with the Taliban. He was killed last week in a suicide attack at his home in Kabul.

Kenya Continues Pursuit of Kidnappers/Murderers of Brit Couple

VoA: Kenyan authorities have charged a second suspect in the murder of a British tourist and the kidnapping of his wife at an exclusive island resort near the Somali border.

Issa Sheikh Said has been charged with robbery with violence and kidnapping. The Kenyan suspect denied the allegations during a court hearing in the coastal town of Lamu on Wednesday.

Former resort worker Ali Babitu Kololo was brought into court on similar charges Monday. Kololo said then that an armed gang forced him to lead them to the couple's cottage.

Moments of Silence #MoS to #HonorTheFallen 19 Sep 2011 1PM-1:18 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: SGT #Bowe Bergdahl, Kidnapped by Taliban, Two Minutes until he comes home #MIA #SOT #MoS
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:02-1:03 EDT: SSG Michael W Hosey, Birmingham, AL 09/17/11 Uruzgan, AFG 3rd Bn 1st SFG(A)
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:03-1:04 EDT: SGT Garrick L Eppinger Jr, Appleton, WI 09/17/11 Parwan, AFG 395th EOD Co
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:04-1:05 EDT: SPC Chazray C Clark, Ecorse, MI 09/18/11 Kandahar AFG 4-4 Cav 1st ID
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:05-1:06 EDT: MRN David Fairbrother, UK 09/19/11 Khorgajat AFG K-42 Commando RM
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:06-1:07 EDT: SSG Estevan Altamirano, Edcouch, TX 09/18/11 Tikrit, Iraq 1-5 Cav 1st Cav Div
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:07-1:08 EDT: SPC Ryan J Cook, Ft Walton Beach, FL 09/18/11 Takhar, AFG 3-21 Inf 25th ID
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:08-1:09 EDT: SGT Timothy D Sayne, Tega Reno, NV 09/18/11 Kandahar AFG 5-1 Cav 25th ID
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:09-1:10 EDT: SPC Jakob J Roelli, Darlington, WI 09/21/11 Kandahar, AFG 2-34 Armor 1st ID
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:10-1:11 EDT: SPC Robert E Dyas, Nampa, ID 09/21/11 Kandahar, AFG 2-34 Armor 1st ID
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:11-1:12 EDT: LCpl Terry C Wright, Scio, OH 09/21/11 Helmand AFG 1-6 Marines 2nd MarDiv
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:12-1:13 EDT: SPC Andy C Morales, Longwood, FL 09/22/11 Baghdad, Iraq 143rd ESC
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:13-1:14 EDT: SGT Rafael E Bigai Baez, San Juan PR 09/23/11 Wardak AFG 2-4 Inf 10th MTN Div
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:14-1:15 EDT: PFC Carlos A Aparicio, San Bernadino CA 09/23/11 Wardak AFG 2-4 Inf 10th MTN Div 
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:15-1:16 EDT: Cpl Massimo DiLegge, Italy 09/23/11 Herat, AFG RLC, Italian Army
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:16-1:17 EDT: MCpl Mario Frasca, Italy 09/23/11 Herat, AFG Ground Force Commandos, Italy
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:17-1:18 EDT: Riccardo Bucci, Italy 09/23/11 Herat, AFG Sernissima RGT, Italy

 

Republication WITHOUT attribution of Moments of Silence is encouraged.  Tailoring quotes and tribute video is encouraged but not required, though 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.

RIP SGT Rafael E Bigai Baez, PFC Carlos A Aparicio

They died Sept. 23 in Wardak, province, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered when insurgents attacked their unit using an improvised explosive device. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Polk, La.

     Killed were:
Sgt. Rafael E. Bigai Baez, 28, of San Juan, Puerto Rico and
Pfc. Carlos A. Aparicio, 19, of San Bernadino, Calif.

"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 SGT Andy C Morales

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation New Dawn.

     Sgt. Andy C. Morales, 32, of Longwood, Fla., died Sept. 22 in Baghdad, Iraq. He was assigned to the 143rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), Orlando, Fla.

"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.

TF Spartan Battles Drug Fields w/Wheat

10th MTN Div: Aside from securing the population and fighting the insurgency in Zharay district, Soldiers in Combined Task Force Spartan’s 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment (Task Force Chosin), are working with Afghan National Security Forces and the Zharay and Maiwand district governors to transition farmers and landowners - who may be growing illegal drug crops - to grow wheat as a alternate profitable crop.

Afghanistan relies heavily on agriculture, and currently, many farmers in 1-32 Infantry’s area grow lucrative, but illegal drug crops to sell, such as marijuana and opium. These crops are detrimental to the area for numerous reasons, coalition forces said. Money raised by growing illegal crops is often used by insurgents to fund their operations, but Afghan and coalition forces are helping local farmers make the transition to the easier, yet gainful wheat seed.

War in Afghanistan News - 25 Sep 2011

At least 17 Talib thugs, including their leader have been removed from Earth in Eastern Afghanistan.

No less than 11 more preferred surrender.

Large caches of heavy munitions, explosives, and (3 1/2 tons) drugs have been removed from the enemy inventory.

Tailor the way you get your War in Afghanistan News
ISAF details follow:

340 Rockets from Pakistan Fired into Afghanistan

Afghan officials say more than 340 rockets have been fired into the country in recent days from Pakistan.

Authorities say the assault on Afghanistan's Kunar province has destroyed six houses, two mosques, and has displaced at least 50 families. They did not say who they believed was was responsible for the rocket fire, but urged Pakistani officials to prevent further incidents.

Cross-border shelling incidents frequently cause tension between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The border area between the two countries is seen as highly dangerous and a sanctuary for militants who launch attacks in Afghanistan.

Philippine's Marines Battle AQ Ally Abu Sayaf

VoA: Philippine authorities say 13 suspected Muslim militants and two marines were killed Sunday in the southern Philippines, when an islamist terrorist group attacked a military outpost on Jolo island.

A military spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Randolph Cabangbang, said about 50 gunmen attacked the garrison, triggering a two-hour battle near a village in Sulu province. He said 13 of the assailants' bodies were later recovered, and said five marines were wounded.

He tied the pre-dawn attack to a radical organization with ties to the al-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf militant group.

Abu Sayyaf, long active in the southern Philippines, first appeared in the 1990s and is considered a terrorist organization by Washington and Manila. It is accused of carrying out some of the worst terrorist attacks in recent Philippine history. The group, which uses kidnappings and extortion to raise money, claimed responsibility for the 2004 bombing of a ferry near Manila Bay that killed more than 100 people.

Islamists Kill 10 at Iraqi Passport Offices

VoA: Iraqi police say multiple bomb blasts have killed at least 10 people and wounded dozens more in the Iraqi holy city of Karbala, about 80 kilometers south of the capital, Baghdad.

Police say a bomb exploded Sunday outside the offices where passport and identity cards are issued.  Officials say other blasts went off when emergency responders arrived.

The attacks come as the United States moves ahead with plans to withdraw its troops from Iraq by the end of the year.  U.S. and Iraqi officials have expressed concern about Iraq's ability to cope with security after a U.S. withdrawal.

The Obama Administration has been campaigning the Iraqi government to extend the stay of Troops in Iraq for the last 6 months.

Orange County Sheriff Dept Recognized for Supporting Our Troops

Navy Cmdr. Arthur Castiglia, a reservist, nominated the Orange County, Calif., Sheriff’s Department for the award because the department not only supported him with care packages, but made sure he stayed connected with what was happening in the agency. “Not only did I receive numerous care packages from other deputies and co-workers during my two year deployment, I was also sent numerous department newsletters with each packet to ensure that I remain connected,” Castiglia said.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department began as an elected sheriff and small group of men enforcing the law on horseback, and today is a respected department employing more than 3,600 personnel serving the citizens of Orange County, California. Since 9/11, 118 Guard and reserve members employed by the OCSD have been called to active service and have received supplemental pay to maintain their county salary while serving with the Guard and Reserve.

The OCSD maintains a blog highlighting the dual careers of its Guard and Reserve Staff. Upon return from a deployment, Castiglia says the department allows service members to retain positions on highly competitive specialty details which are not always extended at other agencies. "I am on the SWAT team, and I know I have a place back on the team when I return. I'm fortunate that patriotism and support of its military personnel are part of the culture at OCSD," he said.

His nomination was one of four OCSD received this year, with the other nominations submitted by service members in the Army National Guard and U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.

Diplomacy of Doves Has Failed with Arrogance & Weakness

Politicians are often labeled Hawks or Doves, preferring calls for "negotiations" and/or diplomacy to resolve conflicts, or a strong National Defense and expressed willingness to use those forces to reduce threats to National Security, and deter misbehavors from acting on their desires.

The same parties known as Doves, focus on domestic spending programs, while the party of Hawks has traditionally protected the DoD budget from unacceptable cuts.  The Doves seem to envy the DoD budget, seeing it as money they could use instead to buy Chinese Solar Panels, Chinese made Black Berets, to build Turtle Tunnels, and Multi-Million dollar Monkey Pagodas so 7 monkeys can live in captivated style.  The Doves may claim to be "strong on Defense" but even "The One" who campaigned to place Afghanistan as his top priority, to put diplomacy ahead of the use of force, has done the opposite.

But does the party of diplomacy live up to its slogans?  Have Our Alliances been strengthened and Our Enemies weakened during the era of purported Diplomacy?  Is America more respected now than it was 4 years ago?  Are we safer?  Have our enemies fled the field of battle to negotiate peace and reconciliation?  Or are old allies turning to alliances and friendships with our old enemies?

Sailors Building Bridge in Musa Qalah, Helmand

by Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Snodgrass

MUSA QAL’AH, Afghanistan - Seabees with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4 began constructing a low water crossing in Musa Qal’ah district, Helmand province, Sept. 17, to decrease flooding and help Afghan locals transport their crops to the city.

The construction project, which is similar in appearance and function to a bridge, has been underway for over two weeks.

“The construction project is a solution to the flooding problem the farmers in the area have each rainy season,” said Senior Chief Petty Officer Edgar D. Walker, the assistant officer in charge of the bridge project and an Ocean Spring, Miss., native. “The flooding damages crops and prevents the farmers from getting to the markets in the city. The bridge and water tunnels we’re constructing should be a solution to most of these problems.”

Middle East News - 24 Sep 2011

Two American Hikers left Oman today and returned to the US, after being released by Iran, following the payment of $1 Million in ransom.

Turkey captured a Syrian flagged ship it accuses of carrying armaments to the neighboring country and promises to block all arms from reaching Syria.

Syria murdered 5 more of its subjects, while it organized supporters who threw eggs and stones at the French Ambassador to the country.

Yemen's President returned to the country after recovering from an islamist mortar attack on a mosque.

Bahrain held an election to fill the seats of Parliament abandoned by the Shi'ite politicians in February.

The unelected leaders of Egypt and Libya congratulated themselves for their 'democratic' rise to power at the UN.  Libya also announced an unelected government will be appointed next week, while rebel forces battle for control of two more strongholds of Qaddaffi.

  India noted that the world economy has gotten worse since the 2008 US Elections.  Israel welcomed the call for new peace talks, while the Palestinians rejected the idea, demanding the UN recognize them as a Nation instead.

Representative Allen West On Defense

It's important to have former Warriors in Congress.  They've lived through the results of decisions of politicians.

It's important for poiticians to listen to Warriors.  Warriors implement the policies of politicans.  They need Politicians to give them the tools to do so.

GEN Amos Visits 3/6 Marines in Helmand

  by Staff Sgt. Andrew Miller, 1st MarDiv

CAMP HANSON, Helmand province, Afghanistan – The Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. James Amos, and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. Michael Barrett, visited the Marines and sailors of 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment here, Sept. 22.

During the visit, part of a battlefield circulation of forward operating bases in southern Helmand, Amos took time to answer questions from those in attendance, award three medals of valor and record a small portion of his Marine Corps birthday message.

“I want to remind you of why you are here,” Amos said. “Eleven days ago we sat on a Sunday morning at 9:27[a.m.] at the Pentagon, which is precisely the time when that American Airlines flight hit that building. My office was destroyed that day. I never got back in it. I came out of that with a different perspective on this war than a lot of folks.”

ESGR: A Roadmap for Employer Support of Our Troops

Businesses don't always know the benefits or the means to actively Support Our Troops and Veterans.  ESGR provides many ideas for how they can, through the examples of other companies and through liasion with experienced leaders of the community.  If you're an Employer that wants quality employees, or wants to learn the best ways to assist your employees when they deploy, the ESGR can help.

 You can find assistance and information at ESGR.

On 9/11/11: 2 Afghan Thugs Met Explosive Demise w/Moped

Coalition forces kill two enemy insurgents, destroy 82mm recoilless rifle

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (Sept. 24, 2011) – An enemy insurgent team was killed, and their weapons destroyed, after coalition forces observed the team firing an 82mm recoilless rifle towards a coalition forces’ base near Ghariban on Sept. 11.

Coalition forces observed three suspicious persons near the village of Burmohammed carrying the recoilless rifle. One of the insurgents then fired a single 82mm round towards Strong Point Gariban, a nearby base occupied by Soldiers with Combined Task Force Spartan’s 4th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment. Aerial reconnaissance assets observed the team move back to a compound to the south, and then proceeded to head west on foot to meet up with another insurgent on a "motorcycle."

TF Spartan Assault Maiwand

KANDAHAR PROVINCE (Sept. 24, 2011) – Afghan National Security Forces partnered with coalition forces, conducted a two-day air assault operation, Sept. 12-14, to disrupt insurgent networks in the area, while being engaged multiple times by insurgent small-arms fire, then detaining one insurgent, and killing another.

 

Upon reaching the objective near the villages of Shele Kalay and Ghandekhel in far western Maiwand district, Soldiers conducted thorough searches of several suspicious compounds. While there, Afghan security forces detained a man suspected of aiding Taliban insurgents in the area. The joint element also received small-arms fire sporadically throughout the rest of the afternoon. To suppress the enemy fire, the Soldiers called in four rounds of artillery on the enemy location, killing one confirmed insurgent.

On the rapid operation, approximately 40 Soldiers with the 6th Kandak of the 3rd Brigade, 205th Afghan National Army Corps, partnered with 150 Soldiers with Combined Task Force Spartan’s 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor Regiment.

An air assault operation is a swift military insertion by helicopter, which denies the insurgents freedom of movement throughout Zharay and Maiwand districts of Kandahar province, while also finding and detaining their leaders and destroying supplies.

Pakistan Threatens to End US Alliance

Pakistani officials say the United States risks losing an ally if Washington continues accusing Islamabad of supporting al-Qaida linked militants who attack U.S. targets inside Afghanistan.

Several Pakistani leaders blasted the United States Friday for comments made by the top U.S. military commander, Admiral Mike Mullen.

The U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman told a Senate hearing Thursday the Haqqani network, acting with support from Pakistan's intelligence agency, or ISI, planned and conducted last week's assault on the U.S. Embassy in Kabul.

Obama-South Sudan President Kiir meet

VoA: President Barack Obama has pledged to remain committed to helping the people of South Sudan, but called on President Salva Kiir to work on resolving issues remaining with neighboring Sudan.

Obama met with the leader of the newly-independent South Sudan Wednesday on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly session.

The two leaders posed for photographs but did not address the public during their meeting in New York. However, U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes said President Obama called on President Kiir to work towards completing the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, including questions regarding the region's oil wealth.

BIO: Dr Ashton B Carter, Deputy Secretary of Defense

The Senate, Sept. 23, 2011, unanimously confirmed Ashton B. Carter as the next deputy secretary of defense.

Dr. Ashton B. Carter was sworn in as Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology & Logistics on April 27, 2009. 

 

Before assuming that position, Dr. Carter was chair of the International and Global Affairs faculty at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and Co-Director (with former Secretary of Defense William J. Perry) of the Preventive Defense Project, a research collaboration of Harvard and Stanford Universities. Dr. Carter was also Senior Partner at Global Technology Partners and a member of the Board of Trustees of the MITRE Corporation and the Advisory Boards of MIT’s Lincoln Laboratories and the Draper Laboratory. He was a consultant to Goldman, Sachs on international affairs and technology matters. He was a member of the Aspen Strategy Group, the Council on Foreign Relations, the American Physical Society, the International Institute of Strategic Studies, the Advisory Board of the Yale Journal of International Law, and the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations. Dr. Carter was also Co-Chair of the Review Panel on Future Directions for DTRA (Defense Threat Reduction Agency) Missions and Capabilities to Combat Weapons of Mass Destruction, Chair of the National Security Strategy and Policies Expert Working Group of the Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States, a member of the National Missile Defense White Team, and a member of the National Academy of Sciences Committee on International Security and Arms Control.

 

Ford Recognized For Troop Support

Navy Lt. j.g. Todd Brook, a reservist nominated the Ford Motor Co. for a Freedom Award because of the company’s support in word and deed for its Guard and reserve employees. Brook said Ford, based in Dearborn, Mich., supported him and his military mission by sending 30 boxes of coloring books and stuffed animals for the Iraqi children he met on patrols. These packages joined the 800 care packages, weighing over 11 tons that Ford has sent to its deployed employees, and sons and daughters of employees, since 2006.

More than 230 Ford employees have deployed 9/11, with many employees deploying multiple times. The Ford Veterans Network Group cares for service members’ families, inviting them to company events and offering any assistance they may need while their loved ones are away. Brooks says he nominated Ford because the company and its employees understand the necessity of the citizen soldier and the difficulties their loved ones face as a result of their commitment.