War On Terror News

Giong by Larry Bramblett

Lawrence Craig, from Georgia, has a troubled past with the CIA leading up to his forced service (by the CIA) into the Army during the Vietnam War. From the very beginning, there is something odd or "Giong" about "Craig, just Craig" as he refers to himself.

Giong takes you along on Craig's' journey, starting in boot camp, then over to Vietnam where he befriends a Vietnamese reporter named An, falls in love with a Swedish nurse named Karen all the while trying to learn the Vietnamese language and gain a greater understanding of the local Vietnamese people and their customs. He befriends the men in the orange robes, the Buddhist monks and some local natives (Montagnard or Hmong). In a strange twist, Craig not only saves their lives, but when he is dying, they save him.

We know Craig was trained by the CIA but what we don't know is why they suddenly gave him the boot. Craig's past CIA training shows up when he is sent out on patrol, preventing others from walking into a trap. The men don't understand him, but hold him in high esteem, with the exception of First Sergeant Rattinger, who lives up to his name and is out to get Craig!

While the setting takes place in Vietnam, it is not just about the Vietnam War.  You will find yourself hard pressed to put this book down. Bramblett has developed each of the characters in the book so fully and intertwined short pieces about veterans who have returned from war and its effect on them that you can't stop reading. Giong is so well-written you feel as if you are getting a good dose of history. What happened in Craig's past with the CIA is a thread woven throughout the book, with bits and pieces appearing at unexpected places.

I would highly recommend this book. While it is nearly 600 pages in length, it was one of the easiest and most enjoyable books I have read.

 

Afghanistan News September 29 2013

Story by Sgt. 1st Class E. L. Craig

6th Kandak, 2nd Brigade, 201st Afghan National Army at Nangalam base pose for a photo, Sept. 11. This quick reaction force team was supporting 2nd Brigade’s mission to secure a specific route to the Chapa Dara District center. (Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class E. L. Craig)

KUNAR, Afghanistan – Under the darkness of night, three movement groups of 3rd Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, Team Kunar, Soldiers lined Forward Operating Base Wright’s helicopter landing zone.

Chemical lights and night vision goggles provided the only lamination, as they awaited air transportation that would bring them to, Nangalam, a small remote Afghan forward operating base, where they would stage for more than a week.

A World at War?

At first glance one might think the world IS at war!  A brief look at the headlines over at VOA News brings a wealth of terror and fighting.  Amazingly enough, while many people in this country feel we have our fingers in stirring the pot throughout the world........we don't!

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Suspected Boko Haram gunmen killed at least 40 students during an early morning attack on a post-secondary school dormitory in northeastern Nigeria.

Army spokesman Captain Eli Lazarus told VOA News that gunmen stormed the School of Agriculture in Yobe State early Sunday firing on students as they slept.

At least 18 students are being treated for injuries at a hospital in the state capital of Damataru. The school is located in Gubja, a rural area some 50 kilometers away.

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A Syrian rights group says a government air raid has struck a high school in a rebel-held northern town, killing at least 12 people, most of them students.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the death toll from Sunday's air strike on the school in Raqqa is likely to rise because some people were critically wounded.

Syrian government warplanes have repeatedly attacked Raqqa since rebels took control of the provincial capital in March.

The Observatory also said rebels killed at least 19 government fighters in an overnight assault on the Qalamoun area on the outskirts of Damascus.

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Several car bombs have exploded in northern Iraq's usually peaceful Kurdish autonomous region, triggering a deadly gun battle between security forces and militants.

Authorities said at least two car bombs were involved in Sunday's attack near the Interior Ministry of Iraqi Kurdistan in the provincial capital of Irbil. Provincial Governor Nawzad Hadi told VOA security forces shot and killed four assailants, while another person was killed in the incident.

It was the first major bomb attack in Iraqi Kurdistan in at least six years. Hadi said it had the "finger prints" of al-Qaida. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

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A massive car bomb explosion in Pakistan has killed at least 37 people, including women and children, and wounded at least 75 others.  This is the third deadly bombing in a week to occur in the northwestern city of Peshawar, killing a total of more than 140 people.     

Pakistani authorities say the bomb exploded Sunday during morning rush hours in Pesahawar’s oldest, Qissa Khawani, bazaar and the blast inflicted widespread destruction.

Witnesses reported that it also caused many shops and nearby vehicles to go up in flames.

RIP SSG Thomas A Baysore Jr

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

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

Staff Sgt. Thomas A. Baysore, Jr., 31, of Milton, Pa., died Sept. 26, in Paktya Province, Afghanistan, from wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with small arms fire during combat operations.

He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky.

 

"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.

Bicycle Theft Leaves Veteran Stranded in California

"All right all here is the story.  I road to the Dicks Sporting good in San Diego off of Sports Arena Blvd.  I put two locks on my bike both to a bike stand. I went in the store. In roughly three to five minutes I went to check on my bike (I had a bad feeling) and it was gone."

Matthew walked back out of Dick's Sporting Goods Store with the clothes on his back and his cellphone.  He not only lost his bike, but all his equipment and clothing that he had carried on his cross-country journey! 

To recap.....Matthew is an Iraq Veteran who decided (while serving in Iraq) to ride across the United States to raise awareness about veteran suicides.  He was in San Diego, California and had stopped at Dick's Sporting Goods Store, the one off Sports Arena Blvd.  He needed some gear.

After double-locking his bike to the bike stand he went inside.  After being in the store less than 5 minutes, he had a bad feeling, so he went outside to check on his bike only to find it was gone!!

Store personnel were less than helpful and the police department ambivalent.....they took the report and that was about it.

The idea for his biking adventure came back in 2003 when he was active duty in Iraq with the U.S. Army.  He never done any long-distance biking prior to this trip.

Veterans Franchise Giveaway - Unishippers Global Logistics

UnishippersGlobal Logistics Selects Top Five Semifinalists for Veterans Franchise Giveaway Contest

The Nation’s Largest Shipping Reseller Comes One Step Closer to Awarding a Military Veteran with a

National Franchise

Salt Lake City, UT – This past May, Unishippers Global Logistics, LLC – the first and one of the largest small package and freight shipping resellers in the U.S. – launched a Veterans Franchise Giveaway contest in collaboration with USA Cares toaward a deserving, qualified military veteran a free National Franchise.  The contest concluded on September 3, 2013 with over 50 entries. Through careful consideration, the Unishippers team has narrowed it down to the top five semifinalists.

 

To enter, veterans had to submit an entry explaining

From training to trauma: A testament of heroism

438th Air Expeditionary Wing

Story by Staff Sgt. Torri Ingalsbe SHINDAND, Afghanistan – It started as any other training day for
the crew of Jayhoon 11; however, events unfolded Sept. 7 which proved to be a true test of tactics, training and teamwork.

“Start up and taxi were uneventful,” said Tech. Sgt. Matty Garcia, 444th Air Expeditionary Advisory
Squadron Mi-17 evaluator aerial gunner. “Upon holding short of Jayhoon Pad, Shindand Tower informed us to hold position for an emergency in progress.”

Garcia is deployed from the 6th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla., and hails from Hinton, W.Va.

The emergency occurred moments earlier when U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Thomas “Andy” Miller and Afghan air force Lt. Massoud Islamkhil’s MD530 helicopter landed on an improvised
explosive device during a routine training mission.

DOD Identifies Units for Upcoming Afghanistan Rotation

The Department of Defense today identified six units to deploy as part of the upcoming rotation of forces operating in Afghanistan.

The scheduled rotation involves elements of two infantry brigade combat teams (IBCT) – one with roughly 1,830 personnel (4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division) and one with roughly 2,000 personnel (2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division); elements of one armored brigade combat team (ABCT) with roughly 1,160 personnel (3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division); elements of one combat aviation brigade with roughly 1,800
personnel (159th Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division); a division headquarters element with roughly 630 personnel (10th Mountain Division Headquarters) and a corps headquarters element with roughly 560 personnel (XVIII Airborne Corps Headquarters) to rotate in winter 2013-2014 in support of the combatant commander’s mission requirements. The deploying units include:

Brigade Combat Teams/Combat Aviation Brigades:

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky.

4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson,
Colo.

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, Texas.

159th Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell,
Ky.

Division Headquarters:

10th Mountain Division Headquarters, Fort Drum, N.Y.

Corps Headquarters:

XVIII Airborne Corps Headquarters, Fort Bragg, N.C.

DoD will continue to announce major deployments as they are approved. For information on the respective deployments, contact the following: 2nd BCT and 159th CAB, 101st Abn. Div., contact the 101st Abn. Div. public affairs office at 270-798-9965 or 270-798-9961; 4th IBCT, 4th Inf. Div. contact the 4th Inf. Div. public affairs office at 719-526-7525 or 719-526-4143; 3rd ABCT, 1st Armd. Div.,
contact the 1st Armd. Div. public affairs office at 915-744-8406; 10th Mtn. Div. Hq., contact the 10th Mtn. Div. public affairs office at 315-772-7634; XVIII Abn. Corps Hq., contact the XVIII Abn. Corps public affairs office at 910-907-5290.

RIP LCDR Landon L Jones, CWO Jonathan S Gibson

DoD Identifies Navy Casualties

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

They died Sept. 22, as a result of an MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter crash while operating in the central Red Sea. Both sailors were assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Six at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, Calif.

Killed were:

Lt. Cmdr. Landon L. Jones, 35, of Lompoc, Calif., and

Chief Warrant Officer Jonathan S. Gibson, 32, of Aurora, Ore.

 

CORRECTION: Chief Warrant Officer Gibson’s name.

 

"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 SSG Liam J Nevins, SSG Timothy R McGill, SPC Joshua J Strickland

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

They died Sept. 21, at Forward Operating Base Shank, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces
attacked their unit with small arms fire while conducting range training in Gardez, Paktia Province, Afghanistan.

Killed were:

Staff Sgt. Liam J. Nevins, 32, of Denver, Colo., assigned to 5th Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group, Watkins, Colo.

Staff Sgt. Timothy R. McGill, 30, of Ramsey, N.J., assigned to 2nd Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group, Middletown, R.I.

Spc. Joshua J. Strickland, 23, of Woodstock, Ga., assigned to Group Support Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

 

CORRECTION: Updated Spc. Strickland’s assigned unit.

 

"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.

Afghanistan News September 24 2013

 

Story by Staff Sgt. Richard Andrade KABUL, Afghanistan – An unveiling ceremony for the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan National Security Force memorial was held outside of ISAF Headquarters, Sept. 22, 2013.

Dignitaries of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, ANSF and ISAF service members
gathered outside of the Headquarters ISAF doorsteps to honor fallen warriors during the memorial ceremony.

International Security Assistance Force service members stand in formation as a bagpiper walks past them playing the traditional Piper’s Lament during the ISAF and Afghan national security forces memorial unveiling ceremony held outside of ISAF Headquarters in Kabul, Afghanistan, Sept. 22, 2013.

Afghanistan News September 23 2013

By Capt. Kris Gardiner TARIN KOT, Afghanistan - Afghan National Security Forces have disrupted insurgent actions in Uruzgan with a series of complex and short notice operations in the western part of the province.

Conducted between late August and mid-September, the operations involving 4th Brigade, 205th Corps, soldiers and Afghan National Police cut off insurgent resupply lines with Helmand province and drove outnumbered and outskilled fighters from around check points in Deh Rawud and Char Chineh districts.

It is the second time in recent months insurgents have failed to expel government forces from western Uruzgan.  Read more.

 

Story by Staff Sgt. Johnathan Hoover

Capt. Steve Scuba from Washington, the brigade nurse with Charlie Company, 15th "Gamblers" Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry
Division, Fort Hood, Texas, evaluates a simulated casualty for further injuries during "back wall" medic training in Kandahar Air Base, Afghanistan, Sept. 14, 2013. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Johnathan Hoover, 2nd BCT PAO, 1st Cav. Div.)

PARWAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan –From time to time, everyone likes to have a little help and the flight medics of Task Force Fighting Eagles are getting just that.

RIP SPC James T Wickliffchacin

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

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

Spc. James T. Wickliffchacin, 22, of Edmond, Okla., died Sept. 20 at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his dismounted patrol during combat operations in Pul-E-Alam, Afghanistan on Aug. 12.

He was assigned to the 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, Fort Stewart, Ga.

 

"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 William D Brown III

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

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

Sgt. William D. Brown III, 44, of Franklin, N.C., died Sept. 19, in Laghman Province, Afghanistan, from a non-combat incident. The soldier's death is under investigation.

Brown was assigned to the 94th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Polk, La.

 

"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.

Two KIA pilots honored despite funding restriction

Civilian pilots volunteer to beat sequester for Arlington flyover

Washington, D.C., Sept. 20 -- Eight civilian pilots will take to the skies Monday and fly over Arlington National Cemetery on their own dime to honor two fellow military members who were Killed in Action.

The remains of USAF Majors James Elmo Sizemore and Howard Andre, who were both killed in action in Laos, Southeast Asia in 1969, were recently discovered, and will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery Monday.

Flyovers are approved for Arlington funerals and interments when the military member fits the strict criteria for the aerial tribute.  But sequestration has stripped any current funding for this honor so a group of civilian aviators, let by the Warrior Flight Team, decided to cover the gap.

The flyover will consist of four tactical jet aircraft and five historical war bird aircraft including the type Majors Sizemore and Andre were shot down in.  All participating aircraft and their respective pilots -- most veterans themselves -- have been donated by their owners.

The flyover will took place over Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA on September 23, 2013 at approximately 12:00 pm. Interviews available with pilots at the Manasass Airport after the flyover at 2 p.m.

Majors Sizemore and Andre’s aircraft was shot down by enemy fire on 8 July 1969.  They were initially listed as Missing- in- Action and later reclassified as Killed-in-Action.  Their crash site was located and excavated in 2012 and their remains were recovered and positively identified in 2013.

Warrior Flight Team, along with their affiliate Warrior Aviation, a non-profit organization that provides scholarships in aviation related fields and job-related training to wounded serviceman from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, committed to the flyover at their own expense and had to gain waivers, flight plans and clearances from the Department of Homeland Security, Secret Service and Federal Aviation Administration. The USAF declined to support the flyover mission due to funding shortfalls as a result of the sequestration.

Rosehill - Save A Life Tonight

"Almost once an hour – every 65 minutes to be precise – a military veteran commits suicide." - Recent investigation by the Department of Veterans Affairs With this kind of statistic, it is imperative we come together to draw awareness to this crisis. We implore you to help us with the "Save A Life" Campaign. COUNTRY MUSIC DUO, ROSEHILL, LAUNCHES ‘SAVE A LIFE TONIGHT’ CAMPAIGN TO COINCIDE WITH SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH September 16, 2013 / Nashville, TN – Country music’s Rosehill has initiated the “Save A Life Tonight” suicide prevention campaign to coincide with September’s Suicide Prevention Month in hopes to shed light on and remove the stigma associated with depression and suicide. Blake Myers and Mitch McBain (Rosehill) lost their best friend and original drummer to suicide and recorded the song "The Bible and The Gun," for their current album Crooked Thoughts, which tackles the tragic issue head-on. The song reminds them of their sense of powerlessness when it came to helping their friend in his time of crisis.  Recently, the duo received a personal email from a fan who was contemplating suicide: “I've been on that bed. This song saved my life a few weeks back. Right when everything seemed hopeless, I heard this song. I heard it on the radio never before this and never since. Now it is in my playlist and I listen to it everyday! I'm sure you've heard this from people that want something from you, but I had to tell you and all I want is to say THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart! Can't wait to see you again in College Station!” Rosehill realized quickly that this song could be their way of helping many others. It is Rosehill’s desire to use the song “The Bible and The Gun” and corresponding music video as a means to reach out to those in crisis and guide them to organizations and people that can help them.  Rosehill will donate all profits from the sale of the single to organizations dedicated to suicide prevention.  To learn more on how to participate in the “Save A Life Tonight” campaign, please visit www.savealifetonight.com.  To watch the music video for “The Bible and The Gun,” click HERE. The most recent statistics, generated by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state that in 2010 (the most recent year for which data are available), "38,364 suicides were reported, making suicide the 10th leading cause of death for Americans. In that year, someone in the country died by suicide every 13.7 minutes." As Blake Myers put it, “We are absolutely committed to this effort.  We know what it feels like to have lost someone to suicide and we want to do everything we can to prevent future losses.”  Mitch McBain adds, “If this song and initiative saves one more life, it will have been worth the effort.” If you or someone you know needs help, you can call: 1-800-273-8255 – National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) – National Hopeline Network

 

Afghanistan News September 20 2013

Story by Staff Sgt. Osvaldo Equite

Afghan security forces overlook the surrounding area during a tour of a U.S. base in Nahr-e Saraj district, Helmand province, Afghanistan, on Sept.15, 2013.

Afghan security foces continue to take the lean in securing Afghan's future as U.S. forces transition the last remaining Village Stability Platform in the province to Afghan forces. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Juaquime Wright/Released)

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. forces transitioned their last remaining Village Stability Platform in Helmand to Afghan forces Sept.15 in Nahr-e Saraj district.

Soldiers of the 3rd Brigade, 215th Afghan National Army Corps established Patrol Base Rahim after District Gov. Mohammed Fahim requested the transfer less than a month ago, said 1st Lt. Abdul Nasir Rashiq, an ANA officer with the unit.

“Today marks the transition of the last VSP in the province to the control of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan,” said an Afghan National Army Special Forces team leader during the
transition.

U.S. forces built the platform to connect villagers to district leaders to improve local security, development, and governance in Afghanistan.

Afghan Special Forces soldiers guided more than 50 ANA soldiers to defensive positions in the compound and assisted with establishing security sectors after U.S. forces relocated closer to the district center.

Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/news/113909/afghan-security-forces-take-lead-helmand#ixzz2fOrlBfB1

 

 

Story by Staff Sgt. Opal Vaughn NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan- Afghan Commando from 1st Special Operation Kandak conducted a clearing operation Sept. 17 in Chaparhar district.

This operation supports the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan’s and Afghan National Security Forces’ priorities to secure Highway-7. It also sought to displace insurgents along the highway preventing attacks against ANSF.

For several weeks 1st SOK, conducted numerous dismounted patrols in the district to destroy insurgent IED networks. Beginning Sept. 3 they conducted another clearance due to the high threat of implanted IEDs along the highway. That operation concluded Sept. 5.

With GIRoA recent announcement of Tranche 5/ Milestone 2013, ANSF have irreversibly taken the lead for Afghanistan’s security. On this mission the Commandos were able to highlight their mobility and ground force assault capabilities.

“Our operations are successful because we are the sons of this country,” said 1st SOK commander Lt. Col. Massoud Stanakzai. “We love our country and would do anything for it.”

“The second reason is that we do our operations independently,” Stanakzai continued. “We conducted a successful operation with no civilian casualties. That will help bring security and peace for the people living in this district.”

Afghan National Army Commandos are an elite group who conducts high-risk operations in remote areas known to be enemy strongholds. These counterinsurgency missions assist national and local police in their efforts to increase security, governance, and development.

Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/news/113907/1st-sok-commandos-conducts-clearing-operation#ixzz2fOsNLAEE

20 SEP 2013 is POW/MIA Recognition Day

**This is a reprint of my article from 2008**

The third Friday of September is POW/MIA Remembrance Day.  In 2013, that is 20 September 2013.  Many admitted they had never heard of it before. I too admit it has only in recent years come to my attention that a day had officially been set aside for this.

Please Remember particularly PFC Bowe Bergdahl.

Threats don't stop Women in Helmand Province

Educating Afghan Women: DoWA director bests threats, promotes women’s rights in Helmand

 

A group of Afghan women use sewing machines to make clothing at the Department of Women's Affairs office in Lashkar Gah, Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 24. The women attend vocational schools held at the DoWA to learn skills that will help them earn an income and financially support their families. Photo by Sgt. Lia Adkins

Regional Command Southwest  Story by Sgt. Lia Adkins  LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan - In the early 1900s, King Amanullah encouraged Afghan women to be more westernized, shed their face-covering garments, get educated and work. But after Islamic fundamentalists came to power in the late 20th century, the Taliban fully denied women’s rights to participate in social, economic, cultural and political life.

Since U.S. military forces toppled the Taliban regime in 2001, women have fought to learn skills to
sustain their families. Some have lost their lives during the struggle, including 100 girls who were killed in a grenade attack during their first day of school. However, there are still women who are standing up against the oppression and working to build a better future for women in Afghanistan.

Welcome Home Air Force Pilots Maj James E Sizemore, Maj Howard V Andre JR RIP

Airmen From Vietnam War Identified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of Air Force pilots Maj. James E. Sizemore of Lawrenceville, Ill., and Maj. Howard V. Andre Jr., of Memphis, Tenn., have been identified and will be returned to their families for burial with full military honors on Sept. 23 at Arlington National Cemetery.

On July 8, 1969, Sizemore and Andre were on a night armed reconnaissance mission when their A-26A Invader aircraft crashed in Xiangkhoang Province, Laos. Both men died in the crash but their remains were unaccounted for until April 2013.

In 1993, a joint U.S./Lao People’s Democratic Republic team investigated an aircraft crash site in Laos. They recovered aircraft wreckage from an A-26. The team was not able to conduct a complete excavation of the site at that time.

Twice in 2010, joint U.S./Lao People’s Democratic Republic teams conducted excavations of the crash site recovering human remains, aircraft wreckage, personal effects and military equipment associated with Sizemore and Andre.

In the identification of the remains, scientists from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) used circumstantial evidence and forensic identification tools, such as dental comparison – which matched Sizemore’s
records.

There are more than 1,640 American service members that are still unaccounted-for from the Vietnam War.

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

 

"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.

Vietnam veteran walks across country for fallen

“While doing this, I met a Marine who had just got home from Afghanistan,” said Lewis. “He lost his legs at the hips, and nobody knew he was home until they called for an honor guard, and I folded the flag for his funeral when he died by suicide.”

 Story by Lance Cpl. Justin Rodriguez)-MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - The military suicide rate has increased dramatically over the last several years, and a Vietnam veteran is walking across country to raise awareness for suicide prevention.

According to a recent Department of Defense preliminary report, more than 349 service members across the four branches died by suicide during 2012, setting a record for the highest rate of military suicides ever. Since 2005, more active-duty service members were lost to suicide than combat.

Chuck Lewis, a former sergeant and now Walking for the Fallen founder, is walking from Everett, Wash., to the Vietnam Wall in Washington, D.C., to remember those who have fallen in combat and through suicide.

“Five years ago, my wife and I were sitting home on Christmas Eve,” said Lewis. “And I realized none of our six children will be home for the holiday, they were busy with schooling and jobs. I remembered what it was like being away during those holidays.”

Lewis later stood in uniform on the corner of an intersection of his hometown to show his dedication to the families who wouldn’t be together for the holiday.

Before starting the walk, Lewis stood in his hometown of Rowan, Mont., on Christmas Day with a sign
stating “Standing here today in respect of those away.” News channels and local media approached Lewis and interviewed him to learn about his journey.

Lewis was later invited to stand at military appreciation events and gun shows. He used Vietnam-era equipment to raise awareness, give knowledge about past wars and invite people to donate money for wounded and disabled veterans.

“While doing this, I met a Marine who had just got home from Afghanistan,” said Lewis. “He lost his legs at the hips, and nobody knew he was home until they called for an honor guard, and I folded the flag for his funeral when he died by suicide.”

Lewis still follows the Marine Corps leadership traits and leads by example, nearly 40 years after leaving the Corps.

“Lewis is doing an amazing thing,” said Bo Pennock, retired captain. “He’s a strong man, and he’s still serving our country in a special way.”

Walking for the Fallen is more than just a walk, it’s a cross country journey for those Marines, sailors, soldiers and airmen who have lost their lives to suicide and combat, said Lewis.

For more information or to track Lewis’ journey, visit www.walkingforthefallen.com.

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Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/camp.lejeune) Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/news/113842/vietnam-veteran-walks-across-country-fallen-comrades#ixzz2fJHIwFWC

Afghanistan News September 19 2013

              

At least one gunman on a motorcycle has killed the head of the Independent Election Commission in Afghanistan's northern Kunduz province just days after candidate nominations opened for April elections.  VOA News September 18, 2013

Amanullah Aman died in the hospital on Wednesday, shortly after the shooting in Kunduz city, according to local officials. The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack -- the first since the start of the campaign season.

Kunduz province has seen growing insurgent activity as the Taliban tries to reassert its power ahead of next year's exit of NATO-led forces.

Monday marked the start of the registration period for electoral candidates. The April 5 vote is seen as a key test of Afghanistan's government as Western troops finish their drawdown of forces next year.

 

International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs  KABUL, Afghanistan – Today, Georgian Minister of Defense Irakli Alasania completed a three-day visit to Afghanistan during which he met with International Security Assistance Force officials and visited Georgian troops in Helmand and Kabul.

“ISAF appreciates Georgia’s leadership and its commitment to support the development of Afghan forces,” ISAF Commander Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr. said praising Georgia’s contribution to the ISAF mission.

Georgia has been assisting in Afghanistan since 2004. Following a substantial increase in its deployed force in October 2012, Georgia has more than 1,500 troops in Afghanistan. This makes it the largest non-NATO contributor of forces to ISAF and the fifth largest contributor overall.

Georgia is currently providing two infantry battalions serving with U.S. forces in Helmand province, an infantry platoon serving with the U.S. contingent in Kabul, medical personnel to assist ISAF with the Lithuanian Provincial Reconstruction Team, and a number of staff officers serving at various locations.

In Helmand province in southern Afghanistan, Georgian soldiers partner with Afghan National
Security Forces to conduct patrols, clear roadside bombs and engage with the local community. By helping clear and secure one of Helmand’s key transportation routes, Georgian troops have enabled freedom of movement and fostering of the local and regional government.

After the completion of ISAF’s mission, Georgia is willing to continue supporting the development of the Afghan security forces in the post-2014 Resolute Support Mission to train, advise and assist the
Afghan forces.

Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/news/113835/georgian-defense-minister-meets-with-isaf-officials-visits-troops#ixzz2fJEmAIbv

 

Sharon Behn  VOA News September 18, 2013  ISLAMABAD — Women in Afghanistan are increasingly worried about a return to the repressive policies of the past as international combat forces leave the country. Following years of outspoken activism, women are retreating into public silence to avoid being targeted by extremists.

Even after defiantly dropping the all-covering burqa following the fall of the Taliban government a decade ago, many women in Afghanistan now are reluctant to speak their mind on camera. Many women fear a family backlash, or worse, punishment by extremists in a highly conservative society.

Until recently, women activists were noticeably different.

But as international forces start to leave Afghanistan and uncertainty hovers over the country’s political future, women’s rights activists, female politicians and women leaders are being targeted more often.

Those defending women's rights are receiving death threats, said Susanne Baberg, Afghanistan project manager for Medica Mondiale, a women's rights advocacy group that works closely with Afghan activists. And they are coming under increasing pressure from their families to stop working.

"Given the current circumstances, it is not very advisable or popular to give public interviews, to go into debates on television, on radio, or in other media," Baberg said. "They are really trying to keep a very low profile, particularly if you take into account the threats and the assassinations of popular, active women in society in the last two, three months."

Read more at:  http://www.voanews.com/content/afghan-women-silenced-by-fear/1752355.html

POW/MIA Recognition Day Honors Service Members

National POW/MIA Recognition Day is Friday, Sept. 20, 2013.  Each year the president issues a proclamation asking Americans to observe the day as a remembrance of the nation’s service members who were held prisoner or are still missing, and their families.

The day’s events include a Pentagon commemoration ceremony hosting former prisoners of war, family members, military service members and distinguished guests.  Traditionally held on the third Friday in September, the event will include formal military honors and remarks from a keynote speaker.

Observances of National POW/MIA Recognition Day are held across the country on military installations, at state capitols, in local communities, schools and at various veterans' facilities.  Many events observe the tradition of a “Missing Man Table,” which is a set dinner table that remains empty in honor of
the more than 83,000 missing service members from past conflicts. 

As a result of resolutions passed in Congress, the first official commemoration of POW/MIAs was in 1979, when the first national ceremony was held.  The observance is one of six days of the year that Congress has mandated the flying of the POW/MIA flag, created by the National League of Families, at major military installations, national cemeteries, all post offices, VA medical facilities, the World War II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the offices of the secretaries of state, defense and veterans affairs, the director of the selective service system and the White House.

The Department of Defense has more than 600 people dedicated to the worldwide mission of accounting for the more than 83,000 missing service members from conflicts as far back as World War II.

Securing Nawbahar

Col. Bill Ostlund, commander, Combined Task Force Duke, speaks at a men’s shura in the Nawbahar province, Sept. 15, 2013. Ostlund said the men present were responsible for protecting their land, women and wealth and only when they stand up and defend themselves will they be able to secure a better life for the present generation and the future. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Johanna Smoke, 3rd
Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division)

Story by Sgt. Kandi Huggins (3BCT, 1ID) NAWBAHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Col. Bill Ostlund, commander,
Combined Task Force Duke, and local government officials held a men’s shura in
Nawbahar province, Sept. 15, 2013.

Approximately 200 local men attended along with the district governor, members of CTF Duke, provincial officials, including the deputy provincial governor, directorate of women’s affairs, Afghan
National Security Forces and the Jordanian Cultural Adviser Team.

“I go to shuras and I listen and I have elders saying ‘If you don’t give me this and you don’t give me that, I’m going to join the Taliban,” said Ostlund. “And I ask them

First Rotational U.S. Army Unit to Deploy to South Korea

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18, 2013 - The Marines have a rotational element that deploys to Darwin, Australia, as part of the U.S. rebalance to the Asia-Pacific region. The Navy has started littoral combat ship rotations in Singapore.

Now an Army attack reconnaissance squadron is deploying to South Korea, where it will spend the next nine months as the first U.S. rotational land forces in the region.

Gateway Warrior Foundation

It's been awhile since we highlighted a group that is pro-troop. Gateway Warrior Foundation is making their debut in St. Louis, Missouri.  They are looking at raising funds starting with a Golf Benefit next month and are directing the proceeds to Fisher House, Mission Continues and Wounded Warrior Project.  Read below for more details.

Gateway Warrior Foundation Established in St. Louis

Non-Profit Organization Aims to Honor and Empower “Wounded Warriors” in Missouri

ST. LOUIS (Sept. 17, 2013):  A group of St. Louis executives has established the Gateway Warrior Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, whose sole purpose is to help men and women who have paid a tremendous price for defending the United States. 

The Gateway Warrior Foundation plans to raise funds that it will donate to other organizations that support wounded service men and women who live in Missouri.

The Gateway Warrior Foundation Golf Benefit, the organization’s fund-raiser, will take place Oct. 7 at the Country Club of St. Albans.  The event will feature a golf tournament and auction.  Proceeds will go to the St. Louis Fisher House (www.fisherhouseinstl.org), The Mission Continues (www.missioncontinues.org) and the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org).

The tournament will also feature several military demonstrations including marines repelling from a helicopter and a bugler who will play “Taps” prior to the golf tournament to honor the military men and women who have lost their lives defending their country.  The golf tournament is sold out, but donations can be made to Gateway Warrior Foundation by visiting www.gatewaywarriorfoundation.org.

RIP SSG Randall R Lane

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

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

Staff Sgt. Randall R. Lane, 43, of Indianapolis, Ind., died Sept. 13, in Kabul, Afghanistan, from a non-combat related illness.

He was assigned to the 190th Transportation Battalion, 38th Sustainment Brigade, Franklin, Ind.

 

"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.

Afghanistan News September 17 2013

Ayaz Gul VOA News September 17, 2013   ISLAMABAD — Election officials in Afghanistan have begun accepting the nominations of would-be candidates for presidential polls set for April 5, which could be the first peaceful transfer of power in the history of the war-torn country.

The Independent Election Commission, while formally opening the presidential race on Monday, gave candidates until October 6 to submit their nomination papers.

The winner of the election will replace incumbent President Hamid Karzai and will oversee the final phase of transferring security responsibilities to Afghan national forces when NATO ends its combat mission by the end of next year.

Some also believe that while the democratic practices will undermine the monopoly of the warlords, they will also make it difficult for an individual to win the next presidential election without being part of a major alliance.

Under the new election requirements, observers say the number of contenders is expected to be far less than in previous presidential ballots. A candidate is now required to deposit a substantial fee of around $18,000 [one million Afghanis] and submit the voter identification details of 100,000 supporters from at least 20 provinces.

September 17th is Constitution Day

September 17th is Constitution Day.    Public Law 108-447 establishes it as so, and that 17-23 September is Constitution Week, each year.  It requires that every Federal Agency provide educational and training materials on the Constitution on September 17th, and that every educational institution that receives federal funding hold an educational program on this day, each year.

The Constitution was written on 4 pages in plain English.  This is the document that solely authorizes what the Federal government is allowed to do, what authorities and responsibilities the individual entities of the Government have.  It is what Our Troops swear to defend and what our politicians and judges have sworn to uphold:

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Article. I. Section. 1.  All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.

Afghanistan News September 16 2013

Afghan commandos detained 20 suspected insurgents during a clearing operation Sept. 14 in Kunduz province’s Chahar Dara district.

Story by Staff Sgt. JaJuan Broadnax  CJSOTF-AFG KUNDUZ PROVINCE, Afghanistan-The 5th Special Operation Kandak’s 1st Company conducted a clearance operation after increased enemy activity in and around the district’s Nowabad village.

Two local residents were injured the previous day when their vehicle struck a roadside bomb intended for Afghan National Security Forces patrolling the area. Also, that day, Afghan Local
Police were attacked at a nearby checkpoint.

The detainees were turned over to the Chahar Darah Afghan National Police and National Directorate of Security. No shots were fired during the operation.

Live Blog: Deadly Shooting at Washington Navy Yard

FBI releases photos, asking for any information regarding Aaron Alexis:

 

RIP SSG Robert E Thomas Jr

DOD IDENTIFIES ARMY CASUALTY

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

Staff Sgt. Robert E. Thomas Jr., 24, of Fontana, Calif., died Sept. 13, at Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, of wounds suffered during a non-combat related incident on April 21, 2013, in Maiwand, Afghanistan.

He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, Fort Bliss, Texas.

 

"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.

Afghanistan News September 13 2013

US Forces-Afghanistan Adjusts its $9.1B Infrastructure Program to Meet Afghans' Near-Term Needs

KABUL, Afghanistan (September 10, 2013) - (USFOR-A Public Affairs) Over the course of a decade, the U.S. and its coalition partners initiated $9.1B in new construction projects intended to provide the Afghan National Security Forces adequate infrastructure and basing to protect the Afghan people. The U.S. Forces - Afghanistan (USFOR-A) maintains oversight of this investment by continually reviewing changes in coalition and Afghan operations.

Welcome Home Army Air Force 2Lt Valorie L Pollard, Sgt Dominick J Licari RIP

AIRMEN MISSING FROM WWII ACCOUNTED-FOR

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced today that two U.S. servicemen, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and are being returned to their families for burial with full military
honors.

Army Air Force 2nd Lt. Valorie L. Pollard of Monterey, Calif. and Sgt. Dominick J. Licari of Frankfort, N.Y. will be buried as a group in a single casket, on Sept. 19 at Arlington National Cemetery. The individually-identified
remains of Licari were buried on Aug. 6 in Frankfort, N.Y.On March 13, 1944, Pollard and Licari were crew members of an A-20G Havoc bomber that failed to return to base in a country now known as Papua New Guinea.
The aircraft crashed after attacking enemy targets on the island. In 2012, the A-20G crash site in the mountains of Papua New Guinea was excavated and the remains of Licari and Pollard were recovered.

There are more than 400,000 American service members that were killed during WWII, and the remains of more than 73,000 were never recovered or identified.

 

"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.

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

Get Your S**t Together...Please!!

One can only hold their tongue for so long.  After considerable head shaking I finally said, enough is enough and want to express my personal views here.

I cannot believe that it has been at least 8 years since Congress has done much of anything except bicker about how the other side of the aisle is being unreasonable and that "they" are the cause of the problem which has resulted in little effective legislation moving through Congress.

Heaven forbid that Congress should be called back into session early, have to stay late, miss a paid vacation day or forgoe a raise during these "tough times" that our country has been experiencing.

Afghanistan News September 12 2013

PARWAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan- (Story by Staff Sgt. Opal Vaughn Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan) Afghan commandos from the 1st Special Operation Kandak detained 32 suspected insurgents during a clearing operation Sept. 11 in Pacha Khak village to disrupt insurgent safe havens in Parwan province’s Koh-e-Safi district.

The detainees are suspected of managing staging areas throughout the district to traffic insurgents, weapons and other equipment, such as vehicles and communications radios. The suspects surrendered, and the operation ceased without a single shot fired.

At least 12 suspects were released after initial questioning on site, with the remaining individuals turned over to the district’s National Security Directorate.

U.S. Army Spc. Jerry N. Wallace, a gunner with the 850th Transportation Company, 77th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, prepares to climb into the
mine resistant ambush protected vehicle during preventive maintenance checks and services, Sept. 11, 2013 at Bagram Airfield, Parwan province, Afghanistan. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Sinthia Rosario/Released)

BAGRAM, Afghanistan - (Story by Sgt. Sinthia Rosario 101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (AA) Public Affairs) The mission is to execute the movement of sustainment and retrograde materiel up and down the most dangerous roads in the world; to support 1st Sustainment Command (Theater) mission in Afghanistan.

After lessons learned due to continued contact with the enemy on the Afghanistan roads, the 157th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion in support of Task Force Lifeliner, established a training course to share invaluable knowledge with incoming convoy escort team (CET) units.

“The CET Academy is a program that was derived from experience from other convoy escort teams that have been running the roads of Afghanistan,” said Sgt. 1st Class Juan J. Villalobos, a convoy commander with the 359th Inland Cargo Transfer Company, 157th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion. “It’s a program to give them (new soldiers) an overview of what to expect when they’re out on the roads.”

Villalobos stated, “What we do is we take specifics that have worked in the country of Afghanistan and that gives them a better understanding of what is going on here.” He added that they don’t really get this updated training when they’re back in the states because everything changes daily.

“The enemy is forever changing,” exclaimed Sgt. David A. Armstrong, a native of Memphis, Tenn., and a truck driver with the 850th Transportation Company, 157th CSSB. Armstrong, as a new Soldier in Afghanistan and taking the training he understands how vital this program can be to understanding their daily mission and the safety precautions that go with their task. He explained that the enemy
has the ability to learn their techniques and their positions during convoys. The way to success is this type of training where one can learn from soldiers who have actually experienced missions on the road and have dealt with the insurgents.

“Personally I have run over 33 missions and I’ll tell you that we did not have this training when we got here back in December,” Villalobos stated. “This program, it’s important, it’s vital and it’ll probably make their life and their job a little bit easier.”

Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/news/113431/passing-knowledge-through-experience#ixzz2egtRa0g1

 

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – (Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan  Story by Staff Sgt. Brandon McIntosh)Neighboring district elders and leaders met with provincial officials Sept. 7 in Kandahar province to share security ideas and solutions.

Representatives from Shah Wali Kot, Nesh, Mya Neshin, Arghandab, and Khakrez districts attended the shura.

Brig. Gen. Ahmed Habibi, 1st Brigade commander for the Afghan National Army’s 205th Corps,
cited recent security improvements in Arghandab district as an example for others. Arghandab, he said, has remained secure since this summer when NATO and coalition forces retrograded from the area. According to officials, it is more secure than the neighbouring districts.

“Everyone needs to cooperate with each other,” Habibi said. “Arghandab is not secure because it is close to Kandahar city. It is secure, because the people there stopped arguing and started working together.”

Provincial Peace Council Director Atta Mohammad lobbied for non-violent intervention to take away the Taliban’s “most vital resource.”


“Get your young people to the peace shuras,” Mohammad said. “If your sons are fighting for Taliban and other bad groups, get them and take them to the nearest peace shura.”

Volunteers such as Mohammad work extensively with troubled youths to prevent them from joining the Taliban or to influence their leaving the terrorist group. Peace Council shuras aim to increase one’s understanding of Islam, while denouncing Taliban’s skewed beliefs.

“If your son is making a jihad against the government of Afghanistan, and you tell me you cannot get him to stop and come home, then call me and give me his number. I will call him home, and together we can get him to leave the Taliban,” said Mohammad.

“It wasn’t a government or army that defeated the Soviet Union,” Mohammad added. “It was the people that worked together and supported each other that drove them out.”

Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/news/113433/kandahar-provincial-districts-leaders-talk-security#ixzz2egtpGOqp

Afghanistan News September 11 2013

HERAT PROVINCE, Afghanistan – (Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan Story by Staff Sgt. Richard LowerCommandos from the 9th Special Operations Kandak killed four insurgents Sept. 9 in Herat province’s Kushk district.

Three insurgents armed with machine guns, shoulder-fired grenades and mortars ambushed the commando patrol near Forward Operating Base Gilbert and Fazlo Lak village.

The commandos returned fire, killing one insurgent and wounding another. The third gunman fled.

The Afghan commandos continued their convoy and were ambushed again. This time the insurgent attack was initiated with a roadside bomb followed by small-arms fire. The commandos identified their attackers, returned fire and killed three more militant fighters.

“We proved that our commandos can conduct operations against our enemies anywhere and anytime we want to,” said Col. Mohammad Farid Ahmadi, commander of the Afghan National Army’s 2nd Special Operations Brigade.

The roadside bomb immobilized one vehicle and mortally wounded a commando, who died shortly after being medically evacuated to a nearby Afghan National Army hospital.

“Our fallen comrade’s memory will live on with us,” said Ahmadi. “Commandos know about the dangers and sacrifices that they may have to make one day. We will gladly sacrifice our lives for the stability and safety of our country.”

 

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - (Story by Staff Sgt. Brandon McIntosh  Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan) Afghan Local Police removed a roadside bomb near a heavily-traveled road Sept. 8 just outside of Panwai district’s Khogiani village.

ALP transferred the bomb to a nearby Afghan National Army special forces unit where expert bomb technicians rendered the explosives safe and destroyed it, ALP officials reported.

The bomb was made of a hollow 155 mm artillery round filled with ammonium nitrate aluminum, which is illegal in Afghanistan. It was also designed to explode in a particular direction – a technique regularly used by the Taliban to target unsuspecting civilians and police traveling by foot.

ALP and Afghan National Army special forces believe foreign fighters aided in making the bomb, because the explosive material is prohibited in Afghanistan.

There were no civilian casualties or damage to infrastructure reported in the
operation.

 

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan-307th Engineer Battalion (Combat) (Airborne)

 

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Capt. Brian M. Hutton of Spokane, Wash., was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for Valor Sept. 10, 2013. He is currently assigned as the officer in charge of an Embedded Engineer Training
Team, 307th Engineer Battalion, Task Force SAW, in Regional Command West, Afghanistan.

U.S. Army Capt. Brian Hutton, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 307th Engineer Battalion, Task Force SAW, receives the Army Commendation Medal with
Valor from the battalion commander, Lt. Col. Brett Sylvia, Sept. 10, 2013, for his actions while serving as the officer in charge of an embedded training team during a mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (Photo by U.S. Army 1st Lt. Alessandra Braun, TF SAW Public Affairs)

Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/news/113424/soldier-honored-valor-afghanistan#ixzz2ebTXLWCl

 

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Staff Sgt. Forester of
Tallahassee, Fla., was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for Valor, Sept. 10, 2013. He is currently assigned as a squad leader for the Embedded Training Team,
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 307th Engineer Battalion, Task Force SAW, in Regional Command West, Afghanistan.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Forester, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 307th Engineer Battalion, Task Force SAW, receives the Army Commendation Medal with Valor from the battalion commander, Lt. Col. Brett Sylvia, Sept. 10, 2013, for his actions while serving as a squad leader in an embedded training team during a mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (Photo by U.S. Army 1st Lt. Alessandra Braun, TF SAW Public Affairs)

Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/news/113425/soldier-honored-valor-afghanistan#ixzz2ebT2K1jl

 

 

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Sgt. Trent Pontes, of Whittier Calif., was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with Valor, Sept. 4, 2013.

He is currently assigned as a team leader for the battalion
commander’s personal security detachment, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 307th Engineer Battalion (Combat) (Airborne), Task Force SAW, in Regional
Command Southwest, Afghanistan.

U.S. Army Sgt. Trent Pontes, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 307th Engineer Battalion, Task Force SAW, poses with Lt. Col. Brett Sylvia following
the awards ceremony, Sept. 4, 2013, where he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with Valor by Lt. Col. Brett Sylvia for his actions while serving on his
personal security detachment during a mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (Photo by U.S. Army 1st Lt. Alessandra Braun, TF SAW Public Affairs)

Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/news/113365/soldier-honored-valor-afghanistan#ixzz2ebUshOfC

 

 

U.S. Army Pfc. Class Brendan Bartz, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 307th Engineer Battalion, Task Force SAW, poses with Lt. Col. Brett Sylvia following the awards ceremony, Sept. 4, 2013, where he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with Valor by Lt. Col. Brett Sylvia for his actions while serving on his personal security detachment during a mission in support of
Operation Enduring Freedom. (Photo by U.S. Army 1st Lt. Alessandra Braun, TF SAW Public Affairs)

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Pfc. Class Brendan Bartz of Miles City, Mont., was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for Valor, Sept. 4, 2013.
He is currently assigned as a driver for the battalion commander’s personal security detachment, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 307th Engineer Battalion (Combat) (Airborne), Task Force SAW, in Regional Command Southwest, Afghanistan.

 

Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/news/113367/soldier-honored-valor-afghanistan#ixzz2ebVUiZGI

 

 

BADAKHSHAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan- (Story by Staff Sgt. JaJuan Broadnax Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan) Afghan National Army special forces and commandos from the 5th Special Operations Kandak killed a Taliban sub-commander during Operation “Hindu Kush” Sept. 6 in Badakhshan province.

The body of Mullah Qasi was identified after an engagement that resulted in five insurgents killed, including Qasi, and two others wounded.

Taliban fighters attacked the combined force, which also included Afghan National Army 209th Corps soldiers, using small-arms and heavy-weapon fire in multiple engagements. Afghan security forces countered each attack, eventually overwhelming their aggressors.

The combined Afghan force secured several villages and destroyed an insurgent bunker used as a defensive-fighting position.

Afghan National Security Forces have irreversibly taken the lead for Afghanistan’s security, underscoring the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan’s Tranche 5, Milestone 2013 announcement this summer.

Since Operation “Hindu Kush” began Sept. 6, at least nine insurgents have been killed and three more wounded. Afghan forces cleared numerous villages in search for Taliban, including the home they believe belongs to Taliban shadow governor Qari Fasaihuddin.

There have been no reports so far of Afghan military or civilian casualties. Also, there are no reports of structural damages.

The operation is still ongoing. More information on the operation will be released as it becomes available.

 

ISLAMABAD —  (Ayaz Gul VOA News) An international aid agency has urged authorities in Afghanistan to increase the number of female personnel in the national police force to deter rising crime against women in Afghan society.

The aid agency said that Afghanistan had one of the highest rates of violence against women in the world.  It added that domestic violence, forced marriage, sexual assault and incidents of honor killings were shockingly common in the country where women are permitted to talk only to female police officers. 

In the report, Oxfam officials acknowledged a gradual rise in the number of policewomen, citing several initiatives the Afghan government has launched over the past decade to employ women in Afghan police units.

Deployed 105 SFS remembers Dominguez, serve during 9/11 anniversary

455th Air Expeditionary Wing

Story by Tech. Sgt. Rob Hazelett

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - Sept. 11 is never too far from the hearts and minds of the 105th Security Forces Squadron deployed here from Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, N.Y. Through each other and mementos, they remember one unit member who was killed during the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. During the writing of this article, the 105th SFS lost another security forces member, Staff Sgt. Todd ‘T.J.’ Lobraico during an outside the wire mission here Sept. 5, 2013. In keeping with their tradition, the 105th SFS will now carry a flag in his honor. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Rob Hazelett)

Patriot Day 2013

Much has happened in the lives of Americans since September 11, 2001, when we were attacked on our own soil.

There are many memorial sites and videos out there, each offering a fitting tribute to those people who died that day, to their families, to the survivors and to the brave men and women who turned towards the destruction to help, many of whom lost their lives also.  i.e. 911 digital archive and this special page from my good friend Steve aka "Snakecharmer .

I would ask that people take time to stop and reflect on where this country would be today if not for those who ran into the buildings, towards the flames, towards the airplane cockpits, who deployed overseas seeking those who attacked us. 

Remember also that we still have men and women who were there helping that day and for days afterwards that are still serving in our Armed Forces right this very minute.

The worst thing (in my mind) would be to forget those sacrifices that were made, those lives that were unexpectedly taken that day.

Please take a moment today to stop and honor those who gave their all, their families, members of our Armed Forces, our firefighters, EMT's, police officers and citizens who stepped up that day.  Whether you choose to spend a moment in silence, offer a pray, hoist a drink to them, it matters not, just REMEMBER!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 God Bless America!

God Bless Our Troops!

Marines Go Postal

Postal Marines break new ground in Afghanistan

By Cpl. Paul Peterson     |  2nd Marine Logistics Group  | September 07, 2013

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -- The postal Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 2, Regional Command (Southwest), took the lead in pioneering a new era of deployed postal technology here.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Mary Findlay (center left), a native of Milford, Penn., and Master Sgt. Mohammed Eyiowuawi (center right), a Chicago, Ill., native pose for a photo with their Marines at the post office aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Sept. 1, 2013. Postal Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 2, Regional Command (Southwest), support the camp's post office, which handles thousands of customers and can processes up to 200,000 items of mail a month. (Photo by Cpl. Paul Peterson)