War On Terror News

Red Cross Closes Doors at Joint Base Balad, Iraq

Red Cross says farewell to JBB

332nd Air Expeditionary Wing

Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Davalos, 332nd Expeditionary Force Support Squadron chief enlisted manager, participates in the last corn hole tournament hosted by the American Red Cross in Iraq, at the ARC farewell barbecue held Aug. 1, 2011. Davalos is deployed from Joint Base Charleston, S.C., and is originally from San Francisco, Calif.  Photo by Jeffrey Schultze

Story by Senior Airman Amber Kelly-Herard SALAH AD DIN, Iraq - On Aug. 1, the last American Red Cross team in Iraq, which was located at Joint Base Balad, closed its doors after opening June 2003.

Happy Birthday US Chaplain Corps!

Chaplain Corps turns 236 with new strength

July 28, 2011 By Gary Sheftick

WASHINGTON (Army News Service, July 28, 2011) -- The Army Chaplain Corps is marking its 236th anniversary July 29 with a new chief, peak numbers and unprecedented diversity.

Maj. Gen. Donald P. Rutherford became chief of chaplains last week, taking the helm of more than 2,900 chaplains from 130 different faith groups -- including about 1,200 chaplains in the Army Reserve and National Guard.

Maj . Gen. Donald P. Rutherford takes the oath as chief of Army chaplains July 22, 2011.

Recently, the Army signed the Chaplain Corps' first Hindu chaplain and now has two Buddhist chaplains. Since 2001, six Muslim chaplains have joined the force. There are also six Orthodox chaplains and 10 Jewish chaplains on active duty. In addition, 66 female chaplains minister to Soldiers, as well as 147 African-American chaplains.

"As our country and our Army has become more diverse, so has the Chaplain Corps," said Chaplain Lt. Col. Carleton Birch, strategic communications director for the chief of chaplains.

Since the start of the War on Terror, Birch said, the Chaplain Corps has grown significantly in force structure.

"After 9/11, leadership from all over the Army realized the importance that chaplains play," Birch said.

Mullen: Troops, Families Must Remain ‘Front and Center’

[...] the No. 1 priority for me are people and our families,” the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told the service members. “No matter where we go or what we buy, in the end, the heart of what we are is you.”..

By Elaine Sanchez
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 14, 2011 – Although the military is in a time of unprecedented change, from budget constraints to the drawdowns in Iraq and Afghanistan, caring for troops and their families must remain a constant, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said today during an all-hands call on U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan in Seoul, South Korea.

Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, greets service members during an all-hands call at U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan in Seoul, South Korea, July 14, 2011. DOD photo by Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley 

“We can buy a lot of neat stuff and go operate in a lot of places, [but] the No. 1 priority for me are people and our families,” the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told the service members. “No matter where we go or what we buy, in the end, the heart of what we are is you.”

Change is happening at a pace he’s never seen before, the chairman noted. “We’ve moved beyond any kind of steady state … across the board, whether you’re talking about education or promotion or operation or equipment.”

DOD Sets Rules for Schools Receiving Tuition Assistance

By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 12, 2011 - All schools participating in Title 10 tuition assistance will have to have a signed memorandum of understanding with the Defense Department under a new policy that will take effect Jan. 1.

Carolyn Baker, chief of voluntary education for DOD's military community family and policy office, explained to American Forces Press Service what the agreement covers.

"The MOU articulates the commitments and agreements between an educational institution and DOD prior to an institution accepting funds via the tuition assistance program," she said, adding that some schools already have begun the process of signing the memorandum.

DOD's tuition assistance program helps active-duty service members pay for college courses. The program covers undergraduate and most graduate courses delivered through on-line distance learning or traditional classroom instruction.

Marine in Afghanistan asks Mila Kunis to the 3/2 Marine Corps Ball

Statement from Sgt. Scott Moore

2nd Marine Division

“The idea behind my YouTube invitation to Mila Kunis came about after some Marines from 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines, and I were hanging out talking. One of the Marines bet that I wouldn’t make the video and post it. Of course, a bet between Marines must be honored, so I took the chance. You can't make shots that you don't take, so I took the best shot I could. The Marines of 3/2, my family and friends back home in Grove City, Pa. have been so supportive, and did a great job of getting the video a lot of attention. I'm very excited about the opportunity to share the experience with Ms. Kunis and would like thank her for accepting my offer."  [Video is below the break]

Daily Grind: Read how our troops get their daily cup of joe

Talisman Sabre 2011

07.10.2011 Story by Mark Doran ROCKHAMPTON, Queensland, Australia - FIRING the main gun of an M1 Abrams was an exciting highlight of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011 for Pvt. Jodie Gilmour from the 8th Personnel Services Team.

The 8th Personnel Services Company which has been operating for nearly six years is an amalgamation of 1 Div Cash Office, the Joint Amenities Unit and the Townsville AFPO.

Morale and welfare service provided to the deployed troops include cash and canteen facilities, postal services and extra amenities such as a field-deployable surround-sound cinema and barista operated coffee machine.

Pvt. Jodie Gilmour, Australian Army Catering Corps, works the coffee machine at Camp Rocky during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011.  Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011, will see personnel and assets from the Australian and U.S. Navy, Army and Air Force as well as the U.S. Marines training in six defense training areas in Central and Northern Queensland and the Northern Territory, with maritime forces exercising in the Coral, Timor and Arafura Seas.  Photo by Janine Fabre

When Gilmour visited 1 Armd. Regt. at SWBTA her coffee machine and barista style made such an impact she was invited to fire the gun. This made her one of the few females in the Australian army to do so.

Deployed Soldiers stay in touch with children

Written by Sgt. Justin Naylor, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade Public Affairs, 1st Cavalry Division, U.S. Division-North

Saturday, July 09, 2011 CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE WARHORSE, Iraq – Staying in touch with loved ones can be one the biggest challenges for service members deployed around the world.

For Soldiers at Contingency Operating Base Warhorse, Iraq, connecting with Families has gotten a little bit easier thanks to a program that allows Soldiers to record videos of themselves reading books and sending the recordings to their children.

The program began earlier this month and will continue as long the unit has the capability to record and send videos, explained Staff Sgt. Gabriel Garcia, Sr., a native of Houston, and a chaplain’s assistant with 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, U.S. Division – North. 

$50 Million Big Ones and Going Strong!!

 “After recently celebrating its 7th anniversary, the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund (http://semperfifund.org/) is proud to announce that it has surpassed the $50 million mark in the financial assistance it has given to injured and critically ill servicemembers and their families. This historic achievement in the life of the Semper Fi Fund represents over 31,000 grants issued to more than 6,000 Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen, Coast Guardsmen and their families. Our assistance helps with immediate financial needs that arise during hospitalization and recovery, as well as perpetuating needs such as home modifications, customized transportation and specialized equipment.”

The Semper Fi Fund (SFF) (http://www.semperfifund.org) is a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance and quality of life solutions for Marines and Sailors, as well as members of the Army, Air Force and Coast Guard who serve in support of Marine forces, when they become injured in post 9-11 combat or training operations, or they face life threatening illness or injury

I think the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund is a pretty remarkable organization.  Why?  Take a look at this pie chart.  See for yourself where the 50 Million dollars went.

Golfers support injured heroes

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni

Ryan Chilson, golf-a-thon fundraiser participant, looks down range as he prepares to tee-off during the golf-a-thon fundraiser held at the Torii Pines Golf Course here, June 10, in support of injured and fallen military members. The money earned went toward the Sgt. Elliott fund and the Wounded Warrior Project. Photo by Lance Cpl. Cayce Nevers

06.22.2011 Story by Lance Cpl. Cayce Nevers IWAKUNI, Japan - Eight Marines and sailors participated in the golf-a-thon fundraiser at the Torii Pines Golf Course here, June 10, in support of fallen and injured military members.

The Marines and sailors who participated in the all-day golf fundraiser were Louis Starnes, Robert Pippin, Troy Ruby, Jerry Woods, Keith Applegate, Travis Eno, Geno Johnston and Ryan Chilson.

The fundraiser was put together by these same Marines and sailors with hopes to raise money for Sgt. Joshua Elliott, a Marine whose legs and half of his left hand were blown off by an improvised explosive device while deployed to Afghanistan, as well as the Wounded Warrior Project.

Different take on EOD Bomb Suit 5k

EOD runs a 5k in their bomb suits....

Diaper Changing Relays on Father's Day at Kandahar Airfield

US Navy medical personnel celebrate Father’s Day on Kandahar Airfield

16th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
 

 Medical personnel assigned to Role 3, Multi-National Medical Center, a trauma treatment facility on Kandahar Airfield, participate in a blind-folded diaper changing relay race during a Father’s Day barbecue at KAF June 19.  Photo by Sgt. Richard Andrade

06.20.2011Story by Sgt. Richard Andrade KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – The smell of barbecue filled the air as fathers were given the royal treatment during a Father’s Day celebration for U.S. Navy personnel assigned to Role 3 Multi-National Medical Unit on Kandahar Airfield June 19.

More than 100 U.S. and coalition service members attended the Father’s Day party and enjoyed games, prizes and free cigars.

FOR THOSE WHO CAN'T

Good evening and Happy Father's Day to those that are Dads.  I wanted to catch up with you all and let you know that the group I have been training and running race after race with are ramping up for another successful year to support those that supported us by sacrificing themselves in combat so that we can keep our country safe and free for our children and grand children to come.  

Hopefully you will feel compelled to assist our group raise the funds to continue taking care of every Hero that needs us.  It's really very easy on your part, all we need is your money ;))  Each penny you pay is accounted for and used as a direct support mechanism for someone that "NEEDS" it.  Imagine your dream home when you realize you can't reach the counter tops because you lost your legs from an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) explosion.  Someone has to pay to make your dream house accessible to you (i.e. wheelchair ramps, wheelchair friendly doors, prosthetic limb, utility bill, etc...)  IMSFF is doing just that.  We ARE making a difference.  Many would be in big trouble if it weren't for the IMSFF.  

I don't want you to go broke, but I could use your support.  If you want to put a collection jar at your Church or store.  Hit up your boss and get your co-workers to get involved.  To give you an idea just how much it costs to lose a leg and want to have a chance of mobility without a wheelchair,

Veteran Says Counseling Group Saved Her Life

By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, June 14, 2011 - A combat veteran who suffers from post-traumatic stress told an audience here today that without the help offered by one nonprofit organization, she wouldn't be alive.

Jennifer Crane, a 28-year-old Army veteran who deployed to Afghanistan in 2003, said Give an Hour, founded by clinical psychologist Barbara Van Dahlen, offered the free counseling she needed to get her life back.

Give an Hour was among several organizations that participated in a press conference and panel discussion focusing on support for veterans. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, gave the keynote address.

In describing her challenges, Crane said she got more than she bargained for after deciding to join the Army at 17.

"My first day of basic training was Sept. 11, 2001," she said. "I was sitting with a platoon of strangers as the towers fell that day, and my drill sergeants said we were all going to war. They were absolutely right."

A moment in time captured forever

Kansas Adjutant General's Department

06.13.2011 Story by Sgt. Jessica Barnett TOPEKA, Kan. - Deployments are a very emotional time for service members and their families. Many are so overwhelmed that taking pictures of these cherished milestones can be forgotten as they reach for their child’s first hug, or feel relief when their son is home again.

Caroline Dittamo, daughter, and Col. Michael Dittamo, commander of the Kansas Agribusiness Development Team 3, embraced each other after he dismissed the soldiers from a yearlong deployment to Forward Operating Base Mehtar Lam, Afghanistan, Nov. 23. (Photo by Jennifer White of Jennifer White Portraits) Photo by Sgt. Jessica Barnett

A former military spouse created a foundation of photographers to help military families capture these unforgettable images. Operation: Love ReUnited offers free photography sessions to service members and their families during a deployment. Each family gets two free sessions per deployment that can be used before, during, or after the deployment. The photographers agree to ship a 4x6 album (one per deployment) to the service member’s deployment location. This is done in hopes of boosting morale while away from loved ones. For a homecoming photo session families will receive a compact disc of the images.

Founder of Operation: Love ReUnited, Tonee Lawrence of Denver,

Operation H.O.T. brings 'A taste of home'

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

By Sgt. 1st Class Pete Mayes
101st Sustainment Brigade

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – A little home cooking went a long way for service members stationed at Bagram Air Field recently as they were treated to the taste of down-home Cajun cuisine and live entertainment.

Chef Rick Moonen shows off his culinary skills during “Operation H.O.T.” at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan. The event, which stands for “Honoring Our Troops," was intended to provide service members with home-cooked Cajun meals and entertainment. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Peter Mayes

A team of chefs and entertainers from Houston teamed up for “Operation H.O.T.” (Honoring Our Troops), serving spicy cuisine from the Texas-Louisiana border to feed and entertain the service members stationed at BAF.

Technology Enables Deployed Parents to See Graduations

By Elaine Sanchez
American Forces Press Service

Prince Owusu, a senior at Baumholder Middle-High School, Germany, displays his Male Athlete of the Year award. Owusu's father, Army Staff Sgt. Hayford Owusu, is among the 60 deployed military parents from bases across Europe who will be able to watch their teenager graduate from high school via live webcast. Courtesy photo (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

WASHINGTON, June 9, 2011 - When Army Staff Sgt. Hayford Owusu deployed to Afghanistan in April, he knew he'd be gone for a major milestone -- his son's high school graduation. So he offered his son, Prince, two options: he would take leave to attend the graduation ceremony, or he would travel with his son to their birthplace of Ghana upon his return.

Although Prince chose the latter, he later found out he had scored the best of both worlds. He'll get his trip to Ghana, but when he walks across the stage to accept his diploma tomorrow, his father will be watching.

Owusu is among the deployed military parents from bases across Europe and the Pacific who will be able to watch their teenagers graduate from high school via live webcast.

"I know he can't make it, so being able to watch it online is a fantastic idea," said Prince, a senior and soon-to-be honor graduate from Baumholder Middle-High School in Germany. "It means a lot to me. I'm glad he can see me graduate."

Panjshir school children learn about rule of law

Combined Joint Task Force 1 - Afghanistan

06.07.2011 PANJSHIR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team members and representatives from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, Task Force Red Bulls, distributed 20,000 rule of law books and more than 10 boxes of donated school supplies and games to schools in Anaba and Shotol Districts, Afghanistan, May 24.

U.S. Army Maj. Bill Kelly, Task Force Red Bulls Brigade Judge Advocate, and Norwalk, Iowa, resident, passes out donated school supplies after distributing rule of law books to schoolchildren at the Koraba Secondary School in Shotol District, Afghanistan, May 24. (Photo by U.S. Army 1st Lt. James Ostman, Task Force Red Bulls)

The supplies were incorporated into a TF Red Bulls’ mission during which the task force and Panjshir Provincial Director of the Department of Education Abdul Muqeem distributed books from a USAID rule of law program that focuses on civics, the Afghan judicial system, constitution and formal law structures.

“The books are to teach the youth about the constitution, government and importance of following the rule of law,” said U.S. Army Capt. Matthew Kuehl, TF Red Bulls RoL coordinator, and Lake Geneva, Wis., native.

Cpl Clancy Cheek Picks Up His Motorcycle from Operation Gratitude

Marine Corporal receives Victory Motorcycle; Volunteers, Dignitaries send support to Ronald Reagan Strike Group

June 7, 2011 -- The mood at the Van Nuys National Guard Armory was both celebratory and respectful on June 5 as hundreds of Operation Gratitude volunteers and special guests gathered to assemble care packages for Sailors and Marines assigned to Ronald Reagan Strike Group, and to witness a young Marine Corporal, recently returned from Afghanistan, receive a Victory Vegas 8-Ball Motorcycle promised to him on Christmas Day, 2010. Cpl. Cheek, his wife Chelsea (on left), and Santa Claus flanked by hundreds of Volunteers  Operation Gratitude Volunteer Coordinator, Penny Alfonso summed up the day simply, "It was a day of laughter, tears, and patriotism."  Cpl. Clancy Colt Cheek gratefully took ownership of the special gift presented to him by Robert Pandya, External Relations Manager of Victory Motorcycles. Cheek, the recipient of Operation Gratitude's 600,000th care package, is a member of the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment and returned to Camp Pendleton earlier this spring after a deployment in Sangin, Afghanistan. During the deployment, the 3/5, also known as the "Darkhorse" Battalion, endured heavy combat and losses, including the death of Cheek's best friend, 19-year-old Lance Cpl. Alec Catherwood, of Byron, Illinois.

Green coffee perks up troops

An Equipment and Logistics news article

6 Jun 11 A new contract was signed last week (ahead of yesterday's World Environment Day) providing Armed Forces on operations with sustainably-sourced, instant coffee from Cornish charity Cool Earth.

Coffee cherries growing in Itupeva, Sao Paulo, Brazil (stock image)
[Picture: Fernando Stankuns 2008]

For each tin sold, the charity will protect five trees in the Amazon which would otherwise have fallen victim to loggers. This means that under the £375k contract around 300,000 trees covering an area four times the size of Hyde Park will be saved.

It is also estimated that, thanks to the purchase of the 100 per cent Rainforest Alliance-certified Brazilian coffee beans, around 410,526 tonnes of carbon dioxide will be offset.

Operation Flip-Flop: the legacy shall live on at JBB

109th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

All of the more than 200 Iraqi Children that attended Iraqi Kids Day May 28 received a new pair of flip flops from Operation Flip Flop, on Joint Base Balad, Iraq.  Photo by Spc. Matthew Keeler

Story By: Spc. Matthew Keeler JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – With a smile, Spc. John Romansky, the creator of Operation Flip-Flop, handed out perhaps his last pair of flip-flops to Iraqi children in the crowded Morale, Welfare, and Recreation building. More than 200 Iraqi children took part in Iraqi Kids Day, a day where local children are invited onto Joint Base Balad, Iraq, to plays games and interact with service members.

“Operation Flip-Flop was started back in September when my company was out at a bridge site and we noticed a lot of children walking around with no shoes on,” said Romansky, a combat engineer with the 299th Multi-Role Bridge Company, 20th Engineer Brigade, and a Rochester, N.Y., native. “So, after the mission, I got back home and Skyped my mother who is a teacher at Northwood Elementary and told her about children that we had seen."

Cpt Ragan's Inspirations

Chaplain Spreads Good Will

By Marine Corps Cpl. Rashaun X. James, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan, June 3, 2011 - A young James C. Ragain found himself face to face with tragedy in his seventh-grade year. His father, a Navy dentist, had moved his family to Parris Island, S.C., where his first contact with military chaplains would forever change his life.

Navy Lt. (Chaplain) James C. Ragain is the chaplain for Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 40, deployed to Camp Bastion, Afghanistan. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Rashaun X. James

"One afternoon, a couple buddies and I went to a local swimming pool and one of my friends drowned," Ragain said. "The whole neighborhood came out to console the family. I remember the chaplains being out there to support the boy's family. That was enough to really make a lasting impact on a young boy like me."

Is a Soldier's Death More Important?

Each year, in the United States, approximately 40,000 people are killed on American roads.  Over the last few years, approximately 40,000 people have been killed in Drug Cartel crimes in Mexico.  Recent Tornado's killed approximately 140 in the American South.  The final count on deaths from Tsunamis in Japan and previously Thailand will never be known for certain, but thousands and more than a 100,000 are conservative estimates.  Thousands of Afghan civilians and Thousands of Iraqi civilians are killed by terrorists every year.

Yet, the MSM doesn't publish the daily body counts in the Mexican Drug War, those of Iraqi based terrorists, Palestinian based terrorists, Afghanistan based terrorists, Pakistan based terrorists, civilian suicides, or those killed on American roadways, not even those killed by drug-crazed or drunken drivers.  They do give the daily body count of any American Servicemember remotely connected to Afghanistan (and used to do so on those remotely connected to Iraq).  Conversely, they'll use hours of broadcast time to tell the life stories of journalists that are killed in a combat zone, even if due to their own decisions to be in places of known extreme risk, as if the journalist were a saint.

War On Terror News does not report Fallen Soldiers as mere numbers, but by name.  Conversely, we also don't report on numbers or names of civilians killed by cars, or suicide.  This bears the question: Is a Soldier's Death  more important than a Civilian's?

No, it is not more important, but the way a man or woman lives is different.  No one can or should rejoice that someone has died.  No one is immune from bereavement when a loved one dies.  If a loved one is killed in a car accident, a tsunami, old age, or  war, it leaves a hole in the lives of all that truly knew them.  The families of the fallen are not immune from that, and neither is the grandson of a 90 year old woman.  But it is easier for our minds to justify the loss of someone to old age than for a mother to adjust to the loss of a child.

Continue reading "Is a Soldier's Death More Important Than Others?" »

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 UPDATE: Response from Hallmark:

Tennessee Woman Sends Handmade Quilts to Cover the Wounded

Handmade quilts cloak wounded warriors in love
by Tech. Sgt. Stacia Zachary USAF-C

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan – Service members categorized as critical care aeromedical transport team patients all leave the contingency aeromedical staging facility with a very special package: a handmade quilt stitched with love.

Shortly after the January arrival of the current CASF team, quilts began appearing at the clinic. Wanting to provide something special for the wounded warriors and hoping to provide a touch of home, Jill Shaver, from Murfreesboro, Tenn., began fashioning homemade quilts.

“We’ve found that there are so many people who just want to help but don’t know how,” said Lt. Col. Barbara Persons, 451st Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron Detachment 1 CASF commander. “These quilts are a testament to how much people care.”

Soldiers Describe Life in Paktika Province

By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

FORWARD OPERATING BASE TILLMAN, Afghanistan, May 23, 2011 - Where and how you live as a soldier deployed to Afghanistan depends on the mission of the unit to which you're assigned.

Soldiers at Forward Operating Base Tillman in Afghanistan's Paktika province sort through mail, their main means of receiving personal items. DOD photo by Karen Parrish (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

Large bases housing strategic-level headquarters offer wireless Internet, post, coffee and souvenir shops, barber shops and beauty salons.

But here and on Combat Outpost Munoz, where most of the soldiers live who are assigned to the 101st Airborne Division's 4th "Currahee" Brigade Combat Team, 'Dog" Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, there's not a shop to be found.

Army Sgt. Justin Payne, a team leader for 1st Platoon, said soldiers receive many of their needs through the mail, sent from family and friends at home. "Tobacco is a big thing," he said. "Snacks, candy, ... stuff like that. Magazines."

Lieutenant gets Facetime with newborn son

321st Air Expeditionary Wing

First Lt. Arthur Litchfield, Iraq Training and Advisory Mission-Air officer in charge of the foreign excess personal property program.  Photo by Staff Sgt. Levi Riendeau

05.23.2011 Story by Staff Sgt. Levi Riendeau SATHER AIR BASE, Iraq - First Lt. Arthur Litchfield just stared at the screen as glowing pixels formed the shape of his wife in a hospital bed. Her screams of pain and effort reverberated through his laptop's tiny speakers. Through the feed he could see the hospital team helping his wife. He checked outside his room when he heard raindrops. "The internet usually goes out with rain," he thought to himself. "I really want to see my baby born."

Country music artist once again adds Union III to his extensive travel log

Country music artist once again adds Union III to his extensive travel log

05.18.2011 Story by Spc. Breeanna DuBuke BAGHDAD – In 2005, country music singer and song-writer Michael Peterson was asked to tour Iraq on a United Service Organizations tour with the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff as part of his Annual Holiday Tour.

When the tour was done, Peterson expressed interest to USO officials in continuing to support deployed troops.

Country music singer and song-writer Michael Peterson writes a special thanks you to the Forward Operating Base Union III’s International Zone Support Element team for their hard work, serving other deployed service members after a concert in the MWR facility here May 15.  Photo by Spc. Breeanna DuBuke

“It kept ringing in my mind that there must be places that don’t get to always see the ‘big show,’” Peterson said.

Since then, Peterson has toured Afghanistan twice and Iraq six times with the USO, prior to this Morale, Welfare and Recreation tour.

PFC Johnson Thanks Grateful Kids Personally

Deployed soldier gives back to supporters in US
by: Staff Sgt. Joshua Quick, USD-N

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – Smiles crossed the faces of students at Kingman Academy in Kingman, Ariz., as their anticipation and excitement finally ended and they put a face to the name. As the door to the auditorium opened, the students watched as a man in an Army uniform entered—a man they did not know by name, but who they thought of as an American Hero.

Pfc. Kenneth Johnson, a native of Las Vegas, spent an afternoon with students of Kingman Academy earlier this year discussing the U.S. Army’s mission in Iraq during Operation New Dawn.

 

Supporting Military Families Year Round

By Deborah Mullen WASHINGTON, May 3, 2011 - Deborah Mullen, a Navy wife and mom and a military family advocate, has been married to Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, for 40 years.

During the Month of the Military Child in April, there were picnics and parades, fairs and festivals in communities across the country -- all to recognize and honor military children for their special contributions to our nation.

There is no issue nearer or dearer to my heart than reinforcing to our military children that they are, indeed, a key part of the military community and how equally important it is to recognize the sacrifices they make every day.

It's one thing to be a military child during peacetime, quite another during a time of war. Every day, these young ones shoulder worry, stress and responsibility far beyond their years while mom or dad is deployed. It's not just the missed birthdays and soccer games or helping mom with extra chores that dad would normally do. It's the fear that their world can crumble at a moment's notice.

When their parent comes home, the stress and challenges don't necessarily disappear. It's a safe bet dad didn't return quite the same guy he was when he left. He, too, may have emotional and even physical challenges to face. And he, too, may be afraid ... and perhaps even afraid to admit it.

Many of these kids have known only war ... only worry.

Deployed Soldier gives back to supporters in U.S.

Smiles crossed the faces of students at Kingman Academy in Kingman, Ariz., as their anticipation and excitement finally ended and they put a face to the name. As the door to the auditorium opened, the students watched as a man in an Army uniform entered—a man they did not know by name, but who they thought of as an American Hero.

Pfc. Kenneth Johnson, a native of Las Vegas, spent an afternoon with students of Kingman Academy earlier this year discussing the U.S. Army’s mission in Iraq during Operation New Dawn.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – Lt. Col. Joseph Holland, commander, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Divison, presents Pfc. Kenneth Johnson with an Army Achievement Medal during an awards ceremony at Contingency Operating Site Warrior in April. While home on environmental morale leave earlier this year, Johnson visited Kingman Academy students in Kingman, Ariz., to present tokens of appreciation for care packages and support the students sent to his unit. “They took the time to put together care packages and write letters to the Soldiers of the battalion, so I wanted to give them something back to let them know their efforts were appreciated,” said Johnson. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. John McNamara, 1st AATF, 1st Inf. Div., USD-N)

Video: Toby Keith on Why He Tours Iraq/Afghanistan

Toby Keith on why he does what he does:

Toby Keith Sings for Troops in Baghdad

Country music’s ‘Big Dog’ lights up the IZ
by Wayne Hall USF-I

BAGHDAD – Country music star Toby Keith lit up the International Zone here during a brief stop on his United Service Organizations-sponsored “Locked And Loaded” tour.

This tour marks Keith’s ninth tour on behalf of the USO, and includes visits to the U.S. Navy’s aircraft carrier USS Enterprise in the Persian Gulf; Bahrain; and Baghdad.

Pictured: Photo by Spc. Breeanna DuBuke Country music artist Toby Keith rocks out with members of “MEC” (“Minimum Essential Chords”) – a band that’s made a name for itself here by turning their love for music into a way to relieve deployment stress – as they perform “Takin’ care of Business,” as U.S. Air Force Capt. Carlos Jayme plays the keyboard. Keith spent a few hours with the deputy commanding general for advising and training staff here during his United Service Organizations-sponsored “Locked And Loaded” tour.

 

Toby Keith rocks COB Speicher

U.S. Division-North

Toby Keith's "Locked and Loaded" Tour is his 9th tour for our troops with the USO.

 CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq -- Country music star Toby Keith performed for U.S. Division-North service members and contractors deployed in support of Operation New Dawn, April 27, 2011, at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq. Hundreds of fans packed the soccer stadium during Keith's ninth USO tour overseas. Keith said one of his favorite parts of playing the tours for Soldiers is meeting and building relationships with the troops.

Military Family Issues under Conference Spotlight

By Elaine Sanchez
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 26, 2011 – Nearly 2,000 helping professionals from around the world are gathering in Chicago this week to share the latest family-related information and research and to hear from some of the nation’s most renowned military family experts.

The 2011 Family Resilience Conference offers participants access to more than 200 workshops, computer labs and roundtables on everything from psychological health and well-being to education and spouse employment.

Steak Team Mission........mmmmmm!!!!

Steak Team Mission, a privately funded, non-profit organization from Dallas, Texas traveled to Camp Leatherneck Afghanistan and beyond to serve Marines and Sailors of 2nd Marine Division (Forward) a steak dinner!

 “We want to go to the dirtiest, nastiest and ugliest places,” said Booth. “(We want) to get to the guys whose boots are in the dirt and who are really taking the fight to the (enemy). That’s who needs us, and that is where we want to be. We just want to bring them a little piece of home.”

Boerne, Texas, native Lance Cpl. Wayne Snelling (left), looks on as Lance Cpl. Taylor Slay, a Baton Rouge, La., native, shares a piece of his steak with Mac, a military working dog with 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion. Steak Team Mission, a privately funded, nonprofit organization from Dallas, served the Marines and sailors of 2nd Marine Division (Forward) steak dinners in seven separate locations within a five-day period.

Photo By Sgt Earnest J. Barnes

[Editor's note:  Now that's what I call Troop Support!!]

Complete story follows below the videos.

Big 'E' Hosts Country Music Star Toby Keith

Country music superstar Toby Keith visited thousands of Sailors and Marines aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65), April 23.

Two-time Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year, Toby Keith, performs for Sailors aboard USS Austin (LPH 4) who were in Guantanamo Bay for a port visit. Keith began his multi-country USO tour in Cuba before continuing on to shows in Germany, Belgium, and the Persian Gulf. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class Brandan W. Schulze (RELEASED)

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Michael Croft, USS Enterprise Public Affairs USS ENTERPRISE, At sea (NNS)

Keith has long been associated with his public support of the U.S. military and has participated in many USO tours and performances for deployed troops.

The trip to Enterprise is Keith's first time touring a deployed U.S. Navy ship.

Before performing for the crew in the ship's hangar bay, Keith and his band members had a chance to tour the ship, to meet the crew and see exactly what it is they do on board the "city-at-sea" called USS Enterprise.

"Spending time with our troops around the world is something I've always regarded as a privilege and honor," said Keith. "I won't forget for a second who's really doing the heavy lifting to keep this country safe. And that's why I'll keep going back and spending time with those good folks every chance I get."

Easter Sunday at FOB Salerno

FOB Salerno hosts Easter basketball tournament

3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division

04.24.2011 Story by Staff Sgt. John Zumer KHOWST PROVINCE, Afghanistan – It might not have been the NBA Playoffs, but the basketball tournament held at Forward Operating Base Salerno, Afghanistan, April 24, certainly had its share of intensity and athletic moves.

More importantly, participants said, it was a chance for both soldiers and civilians stationed there to break up the daily grind of a combat deployment while enjoying some good times and friendly competition on a hot and sunny Easter Sunday.

Sgt. 1st Class Robert Parker, with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Task Force Duke and a native of New Orleans, La., shoots a basketball during round two of a basketball tournament at Forward Operating Base Salerno, Afghanistan on April 24. Photo by Spc. Tobey White

Eight teams of seven players participated in the three-round competition.

The games of the first two rounds were played to 15, but for the championship game they had to score 21 points to win, said one of the event’s organizers, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Dennis Carter, a supply sergeant with Company E, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Task Force Tigershark, and native of Coral Springs, Fla.

Carter is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Forward Operating Base Salerno, Omega Military Lodge No. 196, which helped sponsor the event.

Football Great, Supermodel Visit VIP Marines in Helmand

Bob Griese, Mayra Veronica visit FOB Hanson
by Lance Cpl. Bryan Nygaard RC-SW

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Bob Griese drops back to pass. He sees his target is wide open, and with a quick release he delivers the football to his receiver’s hands.

Except this time Griese was not playing in Joe Robbie Stadium and he was not throwing to his favorite receiver, Paul Warfield. The NFL Hall of Fame quarterback was at Forward Operating Base Hanson, Helmand province, Afghanistan, throwing to Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Carlo Carbonell, a hospitalman with Headquarters and Support Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment.

Pictured: NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Bob Griese and supermodel Mayra Veronica pose with Cpl. Matthew Gilchrist, a rifleman with Headquarters and Support Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, on Forward Operating Base Hanson, Helmand province, Afghanistan, April 20. Griese and Veronica visited Marines and sailors as part of a USO tour.

Video Peak: GI Film Festival 2011

 

From 9-15 May 2011, in Washington DC, the GI Film Festival would put Troops on the Big Screen.  While most of these movies will not be shown in theaters, it is a place where they can be seen.  To see a sneak peak at some of the movies:

Have families of fallen troops earned the right to bury their loved ones in peace?

U.S. Senator Olympia Snowe and 13 other Democratic and Republican Senators feel they do!

The Republican Senator from Maine introduced a bill last Wednesday "Sanctity of Eternal Rest for Veterans Act of 2011" often referred to as the "SERVE Act of 2011", whose intent is to keep protesting people/groups from getting up close to these funerals.  Also, the act will seek to increase the penalties if groups choose to not keep their distance.

Spurred on by a campaign that a Maine High School student started involving attempts to ban such disruptions at military funerals and the recent Supreme Court decision regarding the Westboro Baptist Church protests at military funerals, Senator Snowe had this to say about the "SERVE Act of 2011."